

Grandma Dowdel
2 books
The Grandma Dowdel series by Richard Peck has 2 books. Start with A Long Way from Chicago (1998), then read the rest in the order below.
Grandma Dowdel reading order

A Long Way from Chicago
Richard Peck
Every summer, siblings Joey and Mary Alice are sent to rural Illinois to stay with their larger-than-life Grandma Dowdel. What begins as a reluctant obligation quickly transforms into a series of hilarious and often outlandish adventures. From outsmarting gangsters to navigating the complexities of small-town life, Grandma Dowdel proves to be an unforgettable, if unconventional, guide. This heartwarming and humorous novel explores themes of family, independence, and the enduring spirit of the American heartland.

A Year Down Yonder
Richard Peck
Fifteen-year-old Mary Alice faces an entire school year in the eccentric company of her formidable Grandma Dowdel, a woman whose reputation for stirring up her small Illinois town precedes her. As Mary Alice navigates adolescence and the unpredictable dynamics of rural life, she discovers that life with Grandma is a constant source of surprise and adventure. This heartwarming and humorous sequel to *A Long Way from Chicago* explores themes of family, community, and the unexpected joys found in everyday life, all told with Richard Peck's signature wit and keen observation.