A Day With Dad And Uncle Tom By — Sheila Robins 11yo 63

We started the day early, with a big breakfast at my dad's house. Uncle Tom made pancakes and we all had strawberries and whipped cream on top. My dad and Uncle Tom were joking around and making each other laugh. They can be silly sometimes, but it's always fun to see them have so much fun together.

At just 63 pages, Sheila Robins’ A Day with Dad and Uncle Tom is a slender volume, but for its target audience of an eleven-year-old reader, it is a universe. The novella operates in a specific and tender space of pre-adolescence—a time when the boundless wonder of childhood begins to curdle into the self-consciousness of the teenage years. Robins masterfully captures this pivot point not through grand adventure or magical intervention, but through the quiet, deliberate architecture of an ordinary day. a day with dad and uncle tom by sheila robins 11yo 63

Attributed to Sheila Robins (Various basal reader anthologies) Era: Circa 1963 (Mid-20th Century) Genre: Realistic Fiction / Early Reader We started the day early, with a big

As we walked, we talked about everything and nothing, laughing and joking together. At one point, Uncle Tom pulled out his harmonica and began to play a lively tune, which made my dad and I burst out dancing. We twirled and spun along the trail, feeling carefree and joyful. I was so grateful to have such wonderful role models in my life, who showed me that life was meant to be enjoyed and savored. They can be silly sometimes, but it's always

My dad smiled and put his arm around me. "I'm glad you had a great time, sweetie. I'm making some special memories with you, just like Uncle Tom and I had when we were younger." I felt happy and grateful for this special day with my dad and Uncle Tom.

As the sun began to set, painting the sky in shades of orange and violet, we packed up the car. The ride home was quieter. I leaned my head against the cool glass of the window, watching the telephone poles flash by like rhythmic heartbeats.

As we were leaving the museum, Uncle Tom surprised us with ice cream cones. We walked around the city, licking our cones and enjoying the sunshine. I felt so happy to be with my dad and Uncle Tom. They're the best!