“Both fable and mystery, Way Down Deep is simply irresistible, as plucky orphan Ruby June searches for the secret of her past, deeply entwined with an entire community worthy of Dickens. Funny, sweet, and filled with the heart’s own truths, this is the best book yet from the queen of Appalachian storytelling.” —Lee Smith, author of On Agate Hill and Fair and Tender Ladies
“A tale of magical beginnings and the everyday magic of an ordinary place populated by a colorful cast of characters worthy of Dickens. A story to love.”—Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review
“At the heart of the story are profound questions that readers will enjoy puzzling out.”—Booklist, Starred Review
“Captivating and thoughtful on many levels, White’s novel offers humor, mystery, and a feel-good ending that a multitude of readers will find satisfying ‘way down deep.’ ”—School Library Journal
“Has its own memorable charm.”—The Horn Book
“White’s humor is wise and gentle. . . . Goats, children, readers, disappointed old men, and crotchety old women—all find a warm welcome in Way Down Deep.”—The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
“Ruth White . . . narrates in a voice that is not condescending by wryly knowing, as if she’s Flannery O’Connor for the younger set.”—Chicago Tribune
“Peopled with delightfully quirky characters, this short novel caputres the authentic cadences of Appalachia.”—VOYA
“You easily fall in love with the little town of Way Down Deep.”—A YALSA YA Galley Teen Reader
“This book has a great plot. I love the small hometown-feeling of the story and all of the characters. . . . this book was great!”—A YALSA YA Galley Teen Reader
“This is one of my favorite books—I felt like I was really in Way Down Deep.”—A YALSA YA Galley Teen Reader
