I received the following press release from Sari Bodi regarding her book, which is set for publication in May. Since there is a genealogical tie, I’m filing this in our Book and Movie Club and am looking forward to reading a copy with my daughter. I think the contemporary setting and historical aspects will capture her interest, and I’m always looking for ways to sneak in a history lesson. 😉 

A Mayflower Passenger is Catapulted into the 21st Century and Allie’s World

The Ghost in Allie’s Pool
A Young Adult Novel by Sari Bodi

“Just wait until you meet Allie and her mysterious friend in this imaginative, satisfying story. Heart stopping and unusual, I couldn’t put it down. You won’t be able to either.”

-Patricia Reilly Giff, Newbery Honor Book author of Lily’s Crossing and Pictures of Hollis Woods

The Ghost in Allie’s Pool expertly weaves Allie’s struggles in navigating eighth-grade social life, with the true story of Dorothy May Bradford, who in 1620 sailed on the Mayflower with her husband, William, future governor of the Plymouth colony. The themes of family history, friendship, and an exploration of the harrowing Mayflower voyage, as seen from a teen’s point of view, add extra layers to this young adult novel for readers 10 and up.

At first, eighth grade is running smoothly for Allie—until her best friend dumps her for the popular crowd. In a moment of frustration, Allie flings her friendship necklace into her pool, and to her astonishment, the ghost of Dorothy May—the Pilgrim ancestor she’s been researching for English class—appears. It seems Dorothy May is as depressed as Allie because of her difficult experiences on the Mayflower.

But even though Dorothy May’s perspective is totally different than Allie’s about things Allie takes for granted—bathing suits, computers, popularity—is it possible that Dorothy May is exactly who Allie needs to help her cope with eighth grade? And, in return, can Allie help Dorothy May deal with her own problems?

The Ghost in Allie’s Pool brings the reader one young woman—usually lost in historical footnotes—who is a sympathetic individual with whose struggles today’s teens can identify.

About the Author
Sari Bodi based the ghost of Dorothy May and her tragic fall from the Mayflower on a family story told to her by her mother, an ardent genealogist who has traced her ancestors to twelve passengers on the Mayflower.  “All my life my parents told us stories about our ancestors—both the English who came over on the Mayflower and the Hungarians who came over in steerage. When I heard Dorothy May’s story, it hit me that here was a story full of drama, which could have meaning for teens.”

Sari Bodi’s short stories and essays have appeared in publications (including the Village Voice, Our Kids, and Bride’s magazine) in the United States and England, and her comedy sketches on BBC Radio. Her plays have been performed off-Broadway and by high school students around the country. In New Haven, Connecticut, Ms. Bodi served as the literary manager for the Long Wharf Theatre and taught playwriting in a high school specializing in the arts. Locally, she writes about theater for Weston magazine and has written program notes for the Westport Country Playhouse. She lives in Westport, Connecticut with her husband and two children, and their dog, who as a young pup came over from Ireland–thus continuing the family tradition of immigrating to America. Her website is www.saribodi.com

Publication date: May 31, 2007                   
trade soft cover, 184 pages,
$8.95
Will be available in bookstores
 
For more information or for an advance reading copy,
Brown Barn Books, 203-227-3387;
[email protected]