The Keeping Days

The Keeping Days offers a charming and introspective journey into the past, chronicling the life of 14-year-old Tish and her family in Yonkers, New York, during 1900. Presented as Tish's personal journal, the narrative unfolds over seven months, detailing the family's problems, joys, and everyday experiences. While the book data provided an age range of 4-11, the protagonist's age (14) and the chapter book format (233 pages) strongly suggest a more appropriate target audience of 10-14, making it suitable for late elementary to middle school readers capable of independent reading. The book handles sensitive topics, such as family problems, with a gentle, realistic touch, focusing on the emotional impact and the family's resilience rather than explicit detail. The emotional arc is generally poignant and contemplative, starting with the everyday realities of the family and moving through their experiences with a sense of quiet observation and eventual understanding. This book is specifically for children who enjoy historical fiction, family dramas, or stories told through a diary format. A parent might reach for this when their child expresses an interest in 'what life was like long ago,' or when they are looking for a story that explores family dynamics and personal growth in a historical context. Parents should be prepared to discuss the historical context and any family challenges that arise, as the book provides an excellent springboard for conversations about history, empathy, and resilience. Younger readers (10-11) might focus more on the historical details and Tish's daily life, while older readers (12-14) will likely connect more deeply with Tish's internal struggles, her identity formation, and the nuances of family relationships. What sets this book apart is its immersive, first-person chronicle style, which makes the historical setting feel immediate and personal, offering a unique window into the past through a relatable teenage voice.