Dear Hank Williams

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired school librarian, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 11, 2016

Review

This unique approach to historical fiction is set in rural Louisiana in 1948. Tate's class is assigned to write a pen pal over the course of a school year. Eleven year old Tate decides to pick Hank Williams who is not quite famous yet. She and her great-aunt and great-uncle listen to his music on the radio every Saturday night. The book consists of all her letters to Hank Williams. Much is revealed about Tate's life through these letters which read like a diary. There is so much depth to this delightful, yet sorrowful book. The characters are well developed and believable. The unexpected twists and turns keep the story moving quickly. The author's notes and acknowledgements add interesting background to the book. I highly recommend this charming and powerful novel for readers grades 4-6.

Overall Book Score: excellent