MY RATING: 4 of 5 stars
The Orphan Band of Springdale is a middle-grade fiction novel that was narrated through the lead protagonist, Augusta “Gusta” Neubronner, an eleven-year-old from New York who was sent by her parents to her grandmother in Elm Street, Springdale, Maine. Her father was supposed to accompany her on the journey, but he suddenly vanished when they were on a bus in Portland. Gusta’s father is a labor organizer, thus the authorities were trying to capture him. Aside from this, his father is from a German descent and the story was set in the year 1941 when the Second World War was happening at that time.
While Gusta’s father was trying to avoid being arrested, her mother was left in New York because of work. Hence, there was no choice for her parents but to send Gusta to her grandmother who has an orphanage in Maine. While in town, she got acquainted with her mother’s siblings Aunt Marion and Uncle Charlie Goodman, and his daughter Bess. She also became friends with Josie, the first orphan who arrived in the orphanage. Her friendship with Josie and Bess has led for the coming up with the idea of forming a band because they want to join the county fair contest for Blue-Ribbon Band that summer.
Aside from Gusta’s fun experiences while she’s in her grandmother’s hometown, she also got herself into distressing situations. She and Bess also accidentally discovered their family’s secret while trying to resolve their problem with Bess’ father, Uncle Charlie. Her nationality was also being questioned due to her surname, and because of who is the father is.
The novel is intended for middle graders; however, I reckon that it will be more appealing to young adults and even older readers. The Orphan Band of Springdale is a really captivating fiction that will be appreciated by anyone; so if you have time to check out this book, don’t miss the chance to read it and you will not be disappointed.
