Books with author John McDonough

The spirit of tenacious ancestors lives in those of Irish descent. This is a tale of love sorrow sadness despair brutality and renewal of the Irish who survived the Great Irish Famine of the 1840s and beyond. The story mirrors that of many Irish families of the time and is relevant to many with Irish ancestors in Australia. It's been a journey of sympathy and empathy for life experienced by the Irish in those tragic times past. Telling their story has made me realise just how fortunate we are to live in more happier and favourable times. More importantly, though the victims of the famine inspire resilience in the face of adversity. Everyone should be aware of this historic tragedy, and it will be captivating for those who identify as being of Irish ethnicity.

With Poppy and Ereth, Newbery Award winner Avi brings his Boston Globe-Horn Book Award-winning Poppy series to a heartwarming conclusion. When a wintry blast buries the forest in snow and Poppy’s husband suddenly dies, the deer mouse refuses to see anyone—including Ereth. The sad porcupine thinks he’s lost his best friend forever. But when Poppy ventures forth again—longing for a springtime adventure—something swoops down from the sky and carries her far, far away. Convinced Poppy is dead, Ereth decides to give his dear departed friend a memorial service fit for a queen.