My Louisiana Sky

My Louisiana Sky

Author: Kimberly Willis Holt

Publisher: Random House (1998)

ISBN: 0440415705

4 (out of 5) STARS

Summary: Tiger Ann lives with her grandmother and her mentally slow parents. When Tiger's grandmother unexpectedly dies, she is faced with difficult decisions about her future.

Review: Tiger Ann Parker was born to a mentally disabled mother and a “slow” father who cannot read or write. She lives with her parents in her grandmother’s home in Louisiana. After Tiger’s grandmother passes away, she is invited to live with her aunt in Baton Rogue. At first, Tiger is excited to escape her small town of taunting peers, but as she learns more about her family’s past she is reluctant to leave her parents.

This book uses wonderful, descriptive language. “As I looked to the tall pines reaching toward my Louisiana sky, I reckoned that maybe that’s the way life is supposed to be. Some days are like Saitter Creek-smooth and calm, letting you stay a child a little longer, and others are like Hurricane Audrey taking hold of you and spinning you above the pines, making you grow up a little quicker” (pg. 200). Tiger grows up in this book and finds she is able to handle more responsibility. Tiger also grows to understand the meaning of unconditional love and learns to give of herself as well.