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 A Swift Pure Cry (David Fickling Books) by Siobihan Dowd Reading Level: YA Set in southern Ireland in 1984, A Swift Pure Cry is a story of poverty, innocence, compassion, and acceptance. Fifteen-year-old Shell and her younger sister and brother have a hard life with their widowed alcoholic father. On their own, they deal with the delivery of Shell’s stillborn baby girl and survive the wrath of their small community. The book is very well written, but superb characterization is what makes it truly outstanding. The plot is fairly predictable, with interesting twists and turns. The theme of children dealing with problems in an adult world reminds me of Belle Teal, although this book is for older girls who can deal with the intense and haunting emotion of being Shell.— Carole Schoneman, Member SCBWI
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