4.5 STARS...wish it was longer but that's my own wish, not a necessity to enjoy this book!

A great story of the author's family history- part fiction based on truth ... this is a book written for adults but would be a great read for anyone from junior high on up.

Jessie Pearl was teenager (14) living with her family on farmland during the early part of the 1900's. A cohesive, loving family struck with more than their share of tragedy. And Jessie, already with responsibilities on her young shoulders, takes on even more after the deaths of her mum.. her married sister.. and then the debilitating illness of her one remaining sister. BUT this is not a depressing story whatsoever. You do get a feel for the raw emotions, the need to mature earlier in those days and the hard-working daily life on a farm.

A short book, and that's fine, it fits. I just read the last page and felt like a friend moved away ...i wanted more!

Jessie Pearl wants to be a teacher but other things keep getting in the way. Her mother dies and then her sister comes down with TB and Jessie has to nurse her as well as taking care of the household chores on their family farm. When her sister dies, Jessie then has to take care of her baby nephew. Then her relationship with her boyfriend starts to get serious and marriage is talked of. Jessie has to decide what is most important.
Set in 1922, this book is based on a true story and is an engaging read. Jessie is a believable and sympathetic character and her story rings true. ( )

THE BALLAD OF JESSIE PEARL is a wonderful book of historical fiction. Jessie is a very relatable character as she agonizes over juggling her family responsibilities with her own hopes and dreams. How can Jessie leave the farm to pursue a career when her family needs her? Her sister has tuberculosis, and Jessie must care for her newborn nephew. Then there is Liza who seems to have her eyes on Jessie’s boyfriend. The adversarial relationship between Jessie and Liza brings the story into modern times. I couldn’t help but root for Jessie when Liza pulled a despicable stunt. The book moves at a perfect pace, the use of present tense is very effective, and I enjoyed the dialogue immensely. I highly recommend it for readers of all ages. ( )