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Darlene Beck Jacobson has loved writing since she was a girl. She wrote letters to everyone she knew and made up stories in her head. Although she never wrote to a president, she sent many letters to pop stars of the day asking for photos and autographs. She loves bringing the past to life in stories such as “Wheels of Change,” her debut novel.
Darlene’s stories have appeared in Cicada, Cricket and other magazines. When not writing, Darlene enjoys baking, sewing and tea parties. She also likes hanging around forges watching the blacksmith work magic. She’s never ridden in a carriage like the one in the story, but hopes to one day.
Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite
Wheels of Change by Darlene Beck Jacobson is the heartwarming story of twelve-year-old Emily who is the daughter of a carriage maker in Washington, DC, in the early 1900s. Emily's mother takes care of the family. Emily likes to help her father in his carriage barn more than staying at home and helping her mother in the kitchen. The story is set during a time of transformation with many changes taking place in Washington, DC. There is also a transition in Emily's life, from that of a young girl to a prim and proper young lady. Set against a period backdrop, the story takes readers through a time when racial mixing was still considered taboo, and also takes them back in time to the history of that era.
I found the story fascinating. The author has developed the plot around a twelve-year-old girl, but has woven in a few mature themes like family, changing times and racism. Emily's struggle from that of being a young girl who is slowly growing up, adjusting to racial intolerance prevalent around her, her ambition and her anger against the existing injustices have been described well by the author. The story is an exciting read and since it has many layers to the plot, readers would not find it boring at all. The story is real and the father-daughter/mother-daughter relationships have been captured very well. Though the plot is simple, there is a depth to the story as it evolves and progresses.
