Edith Herself

As in Howard's recent Gillyflower, the protagonist here is a young girl who thinks she alone is responsible for her problem. In the earlier book, it was sexual abuse; in this one, epilepsy. And because Edith lives in the 1890s, her ""fits'' are especially frightening to her and to those who witness them. When her mother dies, Edith goes to live with a married sister. She tries to cure her fits by putting away beloved possessions, fearing that coveting them is the cause for her blackouts. Forced by her brother-in-law to attend school, Edith worries that she'll have an attack in front of classmates. When it happens, Edith learns that those who don't understand her illness can still be compassionate and that her bravery earns respect. Howard's writing here doesn't have as much emotional impact as the heart-wrenching Gillyflower, but since epilepsy remains a somewhat fearful subject, this book could inspire important discussion. Ages 8-12. (March)