Review By: Anonymous
Published: 2021
Genre(s): Middle Grade Nonfiction, Autobiography
Audience: Grades 4–8
Content Warnings: Family dynamics, death and loss, emotional vulnerability
Reviewer’s Note: “I read and loved the first book and wanted to read the next.”
Goodreads Link: Marshfield Memories: More Stories About Growing Up in Marshfield
Summary:
In this companion to Marshfield Dreams, Ralph Fletcher returns with more heartfelt reflections on his childhood in Marshfield, Massachusetts. As the oldest of nine children, he captures the “in-between” years of adolescence—balancing responsibility, curiosity, and the chaos of growing up in a large family during the 1950s and 60s. Through quick, humorous, and emotional vignettes, Fletcher invites readers to relive timeless moments of family, friendship, and change.
Review:
Marshfield Memories is a warm and nostalgic memoir that captures the universal feelings of growing up, family bonds, and the bittersweet passage of time. Fletcher’s storytelling shines through his honesty and humor, making each short chapter engaging and relatable. The included photos and details from his real life add authenticity and connection for readers. Teachers will find endless classroom applications, from using it as a mentor text for memoir writing to exploring themes of change, responsibility, and family traditions. Readers will laugh, reflect, and perhaps revisit their own cherished memories of childhood.
