I can't stop the song loop in my head while reading this book. You know the one, the children's diddly, "Down By the Bay."
In spite of the earworm associated with the title, this book, "Where the Watermelons Grow," written by debut author Cindy Baldwin, is a solid middle grade read. Della is someone kids can associate with, because of her worries, her faults, and her actions. She wants to fix her mama, who has schizophrenia. She tries everything in her 11-year-old kid powers to help, which make no impact whatsoever.
This story tugs at the heartstrings, and makes you feel the heat of summer in the south. And reminds you of the powerlessness of youth, in spite of how hard you try. In the end, Della learns what she can do, and how to cope with a family that doesn't look as perfect as those around her. The author does a beautiful job tying up loose ends and giving a satisfactory ending.
