The Truth of Me - by Patricia MacLachlan

About the Book

When Robbie spends the summer at his grandmother Maddy's house, he revels in his grandmother's easy, relaxed ways. Robbie has always felt as if somehting is missing in his life -- his parents didn't always act like they love him. Maddy helps him understand that an experience his mother had long ago is at the heart of the problem in his family. With this knowledge, Robbie finds the courage to make things right.

Book Synopsis

Patricia MacLachlan, Newbery Medal-winning author of Sarah, Plain and Tall, weaves a poignant story that celebrates how our unique "small truths" make each of us magical and brave in our own ways.

When Robbie spends the summer at his grandmother Maddy's house, he revels in his grandmother's easy, relaxed ways. Robbie has always felt as if something is missing in his life--his parents don't always act like they love him. Maddy helps him understand that an experience his mother had long ago is at the heart of the problem in his family. With this knowledge, Robbie finds the courage to try to make things right.

Publishers Weekly Best Children's Book
ALA Booklist Notable Children's Books Nominee
New York Public Library's 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing

From the Back Cover

When Robbie spends the summer at his grandmother Maddy's house, he revels in his grandmother's easy, relaxed ways. Robbie has always felt as if something is missing in his life--his parents don't always act like they love him. Maddy helps him understand that an experience his mother had long ago is at the heart of the problem in his family. With this knowledge, Robbie finds the courage to try to make things right.

This poignant story from beloved author Patricia MacLachlan celebrates how our unique "small truths" make each of us magical and brave in our own ways.

Review Quotes

Praise for Kindred Souls: "MacLachlan handles a familiar theme with grace, providing a lens into an uncanny intergenerational bond, as well as the kindness and generosity of love." - Publishers Weekly (starred review)
Praise for Kindred Souls: "These are time-sculpted themes-the bond between a child and a grandparent, a child's first experience of death, the comfort of continuity and connection to the natural world--and MacLachlan gives them her particular stamp of plain speaking and poetry." - The Horn Book
Praise for Kindred Souls: "The quiet rhythms of the story and the gentle banter of the dialogue make this an ideal group read aloud, but plenty of young readers will simply find it the perfect book to curl up with on their own." - Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
"Brief but emotionally intense...MacLachlan demonstrates her mastery of elegantly unfolding a tale and gently plucking at readers' heartstrings without taking a maudlin tone." - Publishers Weekly (starred review)
"A spare, poetically composed tale written in short chapters perfect for beginning read-it-alone readers, this should resonate with young and old alike--and makes for a great intergenerational story to share." - ALA Booklist
"An elegant exploration of love and familial relationships...This story is well paced and rhythmic in its dialogue, lending itself well to a group read-aloud. This is a sweet, easy chapter book that teaches children about coming to terms with their own feelings as well as accepting and appreciating others for their own "small truths." - School Library Journal
"An elegant exploration of love and familial relationships...This story is well paced and rhythmic in its dialogue, lending itself well to a group read-aloud." - School Library Journal