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On Snowden Mountain

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On Snowden Mountain
By Jeri Watts
Somerville, Massachusetts : Candlewick Press, 2019. Historical Fiction.

As Ellen's mother's depression gets worse after her father leaves for war, she is forced to reach out to her aunt for help. Her aunt moves them both to the countryside to live in a cabin at the base of Snowden Mountain. Life is very different for Ellen there. At first she misses her old life and struggles to adjust to her new circumstances. Ellen begins to make some friends and discover more about herself as she spends time on Snowden Mountain. Although she worries that she too may struggle with depression some day, she learns that no matter what our circumstances may be growing up, we can decide who we will become.

A powerful story filled with symbolism, On Snowden Mountain explores mental health and other real issues in a way that brings hope. This book gives us a glimpse of how families were impacted by the separations that were caused by war. It shows how family and friends can come together to offer support in trying times and how gratitude can lift your spirits.

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