I am questioning the author's motive in writing this book as fictional. Is this book fiction or in state of "a ton of facts, diary entries, and word of mouth"? There was no real plot..I wished the author would of created more of a plot. Mental Illness was a major theme of this book..it seemed contagious. The characters were dropping like flies into mental delusive states. Target audience would be someone interested in the Booth family members who endured the embarrassment of being related to John Wilkes Booth, the man who assassinated Abraham Lincoln.

Citation
Wemmlinger, Raymond. Booth's Daughter. Honesdale, PA: Calkins Creek, 2007.

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Abstract and Mini-Review
This coming-of-age tale describes the life of Edwina Booth. Daughter of the famous Edwin Booth, and niece of the infamous John Wilkes Booth. Growing up under such looming shadows at first seems not quite the struggle that it could have been for Edwina. Edwina knows exactly what to say when her infamous uncle is mentioned--she has no memory, after all she was just three when he died. She seems to relish in her father's fame and her highest hope is to marry an artist such as him. We slowly see how this all may just be a façade, an attempt for Edwina to deal with the madness she is surrounded with. She finds her artist, but his descent into madness causes her pause. Perhaps an artist's life is not her true desire. She is ready to face this truth, but is her father?

Recommendation Justification
Although this book is certainly accessible to a younger audience as indicated by the reading level, younger readers may pick it up and finish it. However, the book begins when the protagonist is 18 and continues until she is 23. The thoughts on madness vs. mental illness may also be a little beyond the comprehension of middle-schoolers as well.

Uses in the Library/Classroom
This could be a book to recommend to the girls who have grown up with the American Girls and are now in high school and seeking additional historical fiction.

Appropriateness of Artwork
Jacket Design: Helen Robinson

The dark shadow behind a stage curtain was simply brilliant. At one point, Edwina's step-mother hides behind the stage curtain, unable to deal with another actress' success. Near the end of the novel, Joseph booth explains that part of John Wilkes darkness was a feeling of being overshadowed by his brother Edwin--both in life and in the theater.