Dear Hank Williams

I found this book while I was at our local library with my children. I was browsing, as I almost always do, the new children's and young adult section. Because my husband loves old country music, the title caught my attention. I recognized the author's name and so I picked it up and read the synopsis. I checked it out and it waited on my bedside table for a few weeks. I finally read it! This story is the story of Tate P. Ellerbee, a girl living in Rippling Creek, Louisiana with her great aunt and uncle. It is 1948 and Tate's teacher has given her class the assignment of finding and communicating with a pen pal. Tate chooses to write letters to Hank Williams, who she listens to on the radio with her aunt and uncle.  She writes to Hank Williams about school, her family, her fears, what happens during her day and what she hopes for most in this life. The book is written entirely in letters and we see the world in 1948 Louisiana through Tate's eyes. What I loved most about this book was the voice of Tate shining through these pages. There are unexpected twists, interesting characters and a lovable dog.