When I Was Young in the Mountains
Sale price
$858
Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 1982 · Est. 4 min read-aloud

When I Was Young in the Mountains

By Cynthia Rylant, Diane Goode (Illustrator)

Experience the cherished simplicity of mountain life through a child's eyes.

4.3/5 Goodreads · 7,528 ratings
32 pages· 429 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
$8.99Save 5%

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Bookroo's summary

In the mountains, a child's world is filled with simple joys and family warmth. Grandfather returns from the coal mine, his dusty face a testament to hard work, while Grandmother's kitchen offers the comfort of hot cornbread. Days are spent at the swimming hole and visiting Crawford’s store, each moment a cherished memory. This gentle tale, enriched with vivid illustrations, captures the essence of a life deeply connected to family and place. What makes these mountain memories so unforgettable?

From the publisher

When I was young in the mountains, Grandfather came home in the evening covered with the black dust of a coal mine. Only his lips were clean, and he used them to kiss the top of my head. Growing up in the mountains was special. Grandmother made hot corn bread and fried okra. There were trips to the swimming hole and Crawford’s store. Each pleasure was one to share - and remember. And each is part of a gentle story, illuminated with perceptively happy paintings, that evokes the love of a way of life, of a family, and most of all, of a place.

Awards

Caldecott Honor (1983)
At a glance
Format
Pages
32
Words
429
Reading age
5–8
Audience
Picture
Lexile
AD780L
Themes & topics
Books about cultureBooks about familyBooks about multigenerationalBooks about mountainsBooks about nature
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The fine print

Book details

Reading levels
ATOS
3.6
F&P level
~S
AR points
0.5
AR interest level
LG
AR quiz
5498
Publication
Published
January 1, 1993
First published
March 30, 1982
Publisher
Puffin Books
Edition
Language
English
Type
Picture Book
Identifiers
ISBN
9780140548754

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