Blue Willow by Doris Gates
"Blue Willow" is a children's novel by Doris Gates, set during the Great Depression, which follows the Larkin family as they navigate the challenges of poverty and displacement. The story begins with the Larkins moving into an abandoned shack while searching for work in northern Texas. The narrative unfolds over ten chapters, interspersed with black-and-white illustrations, depicting the family’s struggles and resilience. Central to the story is young Janey Larkin, who befriends a girl named Lupe Romero and shares with her the legend of a blue willow plate, symbolizing hope and connection.
As the Larkins face financial difficulties, including an unyielding landlord, they experience a blend of hardship and moments of joy, particularly during outings to a nearby river. The family's health and stability are challenged, but through determination and community support, they ultimately find a more secure home and a sense of belonging. Notably, "Blue Willow" is recognized as one of the pioneering works in children's literature that addresses contemporary social issues. It has received accolades such as being named an American Library Association Notable Book and a Newbery Honor Book. Doris Gates's writing is characterized by its realistic portrayal of life's challenges, making the book a lasting presence in libraries and classrooms.
Subject Terms
Blue Willow by Doris Gates
First published: 1940; illustrated
Subjects: Family, poverty, and social issues
Type of work: Novel
Type of plot: Historical fiction
Time of work: The late 1930’s
Recommended Ages: 10-13
Locale: San Joaquin Valley, California
Principal Characters:
Janey Larkin , a ten-year-old girl whose blue willow plate is her prized possessionLupe Romero , a ten-year-old Mexican girl who lives across the roadClara Larkin , Janey’s stepmotherJim Larkin , Janey’s fatherBounce Reyburn , the foreman of the Anderson RanchNils Anderson , the owner of the ranch
Form and Content
The Great Depression has driven the once prosperous Larkin family out of northern Texas. For the last five years, its members have traveled constantly, “wanderers in search of a livelihood.” Through the ten chapters of Blue Willow and the accompanying black-and-white drawings, the story of this stalwart family unfolds.
It begins on a sweltering summer day with the Larkins moving into an abandoned shack. Jim Larkin goes immediately to his job digging up irrigation ditches, while Clara and Janey Larkin settle in. Soon, another girl about Janey’s age appears, carrying a baby—Lupe Romero and her sister Betty. Janey is envious that the Romeros have lived in their house for more than a year. Her father always says that they can only stay in a spot “as long as we can.” Searching for something to impress Lupe, Janey shows her a blue willow plate and tells her the legend of the Chinese lovers who miraculously change into doves and escape from the girl’s angry father. Lupe does not share Janey’s enthusiasm for the plate, but this day starts a close friendship between the girls and their families.
The Larkins’ tenuous peace is overshadowed by the presence of Bounce Reyburn, who demands five dollars rent for the shack in the name of Nils Anderson, the owner of the ranch. This is money the family can ill afford to spend, but Mr. Larkin pays, demanding a receipt. When work dwindles, the family decides to relax at the nearby river.
With its willow trees and catfish to catch and eat, the river is an idyllic location. While her parents nap, Janey explores the area and ends up at the Anderson Ranch, which reminds her of the scene on the blue willow plate. Reyburn sees Janey and accuses her of being there to steal. Janey hits him but is stopped by Mr. Anderson, who appears on the scene. Janey leaves with a dozen fresh eggs and a warm feeling for the ranch owner.
The warm weather finally fades into foggy mornings and cool days. This change makes Mrs. Larkin ill, but she refuses to see a doctor because there is no money for his fee. Janey persuades the doctor to come and offers the blue willow plate as payment, but the doctor refuses. Mrs. Larkin regains her health, but her illness has delayed the family’s move to find more work. Mr. Larkin refuses to pay more rent, and Janey offers Reyburn the plate in order to avoid a fight. When the moving day finally arrives, Janey journeys to the Anderson Ranch to see her beloved plate one last time. Mr. Anderson knows nothing about what has been happening with the Larkins, and Janey explains their situation. Mr. Anderson acts quickly: He fires Reyburn and offers the job of foreman to Mr. Larkin.
The good life has returned to the Larkins. The family lives in an adobe house built by Lupe’s father, and Janey attends regular school. The blue willow plate has a permanent home, and Mr. Larkin can finally say to Janey that they will stay “as long as we want to!”
Critical Context
Based on visits to migrant schools while Doris Gates was director of the children’s department at the Fresno County Public Library, Blue Willow is often cited as one of the first books to bring contemporary social issues into children’s literature. It was named an American Library Association Notable Book in 1940 and a Newbery Honor Book in 1941.
Gates is best known for Blue Willow, but she wrote other pieces of realistic fiction drawing upon events in her own life. Her first book, Sarah’s Idea (1938), features Jinny, the burro that she rode to school as a child. Her love of horses is exemplified in Little Vic (1951). Notable for its African American main character in the era before the Civil Rights movement, this rags-to-riches story was the basis of a television film in 1977. Elderberry Bush (1967) is an autobiographical novel of her childhood. Gates published more than twenty books for children, including six volumes of Greek myths. Some of her stories were written especially for basal reading textbooks. As a result of this literary legacy, Gates is often labeled a notable author in textbooks on children’s literature.
Many of Gates’s books are out of print, and her content and style may seem simplistic when compared to more recent, realistic fiction. Her attitude toward feminine roles in society may prompt criticism, but there is a lasting quality in her very traditionalism. Like all good storytellers, Gates had a desire to delight children with a well-told tale. In that goal, she amply succeeded with Blue Willow, which is still read in some classrooms and is available in most school and public libraries.