Bowers and Shady by Margaret Dardess is an entertaining and thought-provoking historical adventure. In the aftermath of the Civil War, times are hard for everyone. Thirteen-year-old Bowers Jamison embarks on a trip from Iowa to Colorado to track down his uncle, who stole his father’s magical pocket watch. The watch is believed to bring good luck to the owner unless it falls into the wrong hands, and Bowers’ family has had nothing but bad luck since it was stolen. As he begins his journey, Bowers meets ten-year-old Shady O’Toole, an orphan from Ireland surviving as a pickpocket for her cruel master, Old Scratch. Shady accompanies Bowers on his journey. Neither knows what adventures await them.
REVIEW
Bowers and Shady is told from Bowers’ point of view, and the author does a good job of foreshadowing while still keeping the reader in suspense. The opening sentence draws the reader into the story:
“I promised Ma I’d stay clear of trouble on my way out West, but I learned soon enough that trouble had a way of finding me.”
I enjoyed both Bowers and Shady’s characters. Bowers has a strong moral conscience, and readers can learn a lot from him. For example, when Shady breaks her promise to him, Bowers is angry, but he decides to honor his promise to her anyway. Earlier in the story, Bowers states that he has been taught that pickpocketing is wrong and can’t imagine himself resorting to thievery. Yet as the story progresses, Bowers admits that he has never gone hungry and does not know how he would respond in that situation. He wrestles with what he knows is right and the reality of everyone’s circumstances, and I found his struggles to be very relatable.
Shady’s character also develops greatly over the journey. She realizes the importance of helping others and of friends and family. By the end of the story, both characters are much wiser than they were at the onset of their journey.
I recommend Bowers and Shady to middle grade readers ages ten and up and think readers will learn from the story’s example of true friendship.
Bowers and Shady is releasing in September from Cushing Publishing. Leave a comment by March 12 and I’ll pick a winner now and you will receive the book later. U.S. addreses only.
About The Reviewer
Kathryn Dover lives in South Carolina with her family including five cats, a dog, three fish, and many house plants. She recently graduated from Presbyterian College with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and was a valedictorian of the Class of 2024. She’s not sure what she wants to do as a career, only that she wants to write, but is trusting that God has a plan for her life to use her in a powerful way. In her free time, she enjoys reading, photography, playing with her pets, and growing plants.
Sounds like a story of two great characters in an interesting setting/period. I can’t but be intrigued by Shady (being Irish myself!). Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for commenting Valinora!
Congrats to Kathryn! I love historicals and this one has a fascinating premise, and I love how you described Bower. He sounds like someone I’d love to read about. Wishing Kathryn all the best as she figures her next steps after graduating!
Thank you, Jenni. Your name starts the giveaway list!
Thanks for the great review, Kathryn. You got my interest right away when you mentioned the magical watch. And I like the post Civil War time period of the story.
Thanks, Natalie. Your name goes in the hat!
What a nice review. Such an interesting time period and that cover is just gorgeous. Happy MMGM
Thanks, Brenda. I thought the cover was great too. You’re in the running!
Interesting plot and characters!
Thanks, Kathy. You’re in!
The characters and story line sound fantastic. I also like the time period as few books are set in the post Civil War era. Thanks for featuring Kathryn’s review on this week’s MMGM. I have added this book to my future read list, but let someone else win who could get to it this year.
I like the sound of this one, and I’m very fond of historical fiction–and that time period. I like that it sounds like there’s some real character growth in there.
Thank you, Rebecca. Your name goes in the hat! I’m partial to historical fiction too!
I do love historical fiction, and this sounds like a good one. Thanks for the review. I will pass on the drawing. I’m buried in books right now.
Thanks, Rosi. I know the feeling!
Historical fiction with a sprinkle of magic? I can’t wait to read this one. Thank you, Kathryn, for an insightful review.
Thank you Ramona. Your name goes on the giveaway list!!
As a former homeschooling mom, I love that this book provides teachable lessons, including appropriate historical details and vocabulary to enrich learning.
It also contains action and adventure, which are crucial elements to keep young readers interested.
Thank you, Sharon, for your comment. I agree!
I don’t think I’ve read any MG historical fiction from this time period. Sounds like the characters are really well-developed. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you, Nicole. I hope you check out this book! Unfortunately, the giveaway is over. Thanks for stopping by.
I will look forward to reading this book. I grew up in the Missouri Ozarks where caves were all around me. I enjoyed exploring them, so I enjoyed the cover art!
Thanks,Ronald. I hope you enjoy it. Sorry but the giveaway is over. COme back again for more giveaways! Carol