THE SECRET OF HONEYCAKE is set in Maine during the 1930’s depression era. Hurricane (pictured on the cover) is an 11-year-old living with her older sister (Bronte) in a tall house on the coast. Dad died in World War I and then mom passed away after contracting tuberculosis.

The bad news gets even worse when Bronte is also diagnosed with tuberculosis. Hurricane is taken away to live with Aunt Claire, leaving behind her beloved dog, Brody-Bear with neighbors. This turn of events is upsetting to Hurricane. but she is externally a very quiet girl and can never seem to get the words out as to how she feels.

The very judgemental Aunt Claire is not helping, always pointing out things Hurricane is doing wrong. Fortunately there is the kind man who serves as the aunt’s cook and chauffeur by the name of Mr. Keats. His attitude is very encouraging and it helps bring change for both Hurricane and Aunt Claire.

There are 123 chapters ranging from less than a half page to 3 pages. They are more like separate scenes as Hurricane narrates her strong desire to get back home and run through the sand with her big cuddly dog. A stray cat and Theo, a new friend help Hurricane stay optimistic about what the future holds. For Aunt Claire that is dealing with a depleted financial state and trying to remember the Honeycake recipe she grew up loving.

THE SECRET OF HONEYCAKE is a journey filled with emotion that will leave readers with a warm feeling. You will also learn about the Great Depression’s impact. The quiet ending will leave you satisfied to have spent time with this memorable story.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: January 21, 2025 PAGE COUNT: 368

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: THE SECRET OF HONEYCAKE by Kimberly Newton Fusco

1. The change in all the characters by the last page is heartwarming. It’s all positive with Hurricane and Aunt Claire leading the way.
2. Theo who sells his grandfather’s fish, does so by pushing a cart through the streets. He’s the friend everyone should have, always focused on the positive and becoming a vet so he can care for animals. What a great character!
3. The depiction of this era is obviously well researched by the author. From M. Keats suffering from the aftereffects of WWI to the additional suffering for those who lived during this time.
4. You’ll be wanting to try some of your own Honeycake. This recipe might get you started; https://www.recipetineats.com/honey-cake/
5. Hurricane had a terrible teacher, but not everyone teaches in such a forceful way. Hurricane is given hope for better days ahead with a new teacher who seems more open to helping.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kimberly Newton Fusco is the author of five novels for young readers, all published by Knopf Books for Young Readers/Penguin Random House.

Her books have received multiple awards, including the American Library Association’s Schneider Family Book Award, the Parents’ Choice Silver Medal, the ALA Best Book for Young Adults, the New York Public Library Best Books for Teens, the International Reading Association’s Notable Book list, and Bank Street College’s Best Books of the Year list. Her books were twice named Rhode Island Book of the Year by The Alliance for the Study and Teaching of Adolescent Literature at Rhode Island College – ASTAL, and she was a finalist for the Julia Ward Howe Young Readers Award by the Boston Authors Club.

She was a national award-winning education writer for the Worcester (MA) Telegram before becoming a novelist.  She is a graduate of the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.

Raised in Massachusetts, she now lives with her family in Rhode Island, the Ocean State. (Visit Kimberly’s author web page)

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