In The Peach Rebellion, Ginny Rose Gilley is a survivor with quiet strength and an iron will. At almost seventeen, her life has finally stabilized, but her early life was filled with migrant work, prejudice as an “Okie” in California, and poverty. While her family has settled down with stable employment now, they are not okay. Mrs. Gilley is deeply depressed, bowing under the grief of the two sons she lost a decade ago. Ginny Rose’s three younger sisters are frightened of Mother’s mood swings and neglected whenever Ginny Rose is at work. When Ginny Rose realizes that her mother’s grief is what drives her behavior, she resolves to locate her brothers’ roadside grave and bring them home to the cemetery in town. Her father has forbidden it, but Ginny Rose knows it is the only answer. With her childhood best friend Peggy and her nemesis Lisette, she sets out to right a wrong that has controlled her life.

Peggy and Lisette fight their own battles alongside Ginny Rose’s. Peggy’s family orchard will go to her brother when her parents die, and she feels undervalued and used, but standing up to her parents will have consequences. Lisette’s wealthy father just bought a home in foreclosure, but Lisette doesn’t want to live in a home that was taken from someone else. Both girls must decide whether to follow the paths their parents lay out or to chart their own paths.

The Peach Rebellion is a lovely story with genuine characters and a powerful theme. While
It is a quiet story, the pacing maintains interest, and the dual points of view give readers greater insight and increased tension. The characters are believable with fully round personalities. Their heroism and generosity and compassion mix with selfishness at times, irresponsibility at other times, and readers will see them as genuine and authentic.

This story shows the damaging effects of prejudice and the power of kindness. Readers who enjoy historical fiction, post-WWII stories, or stories with strong female leads will revel in The Peach Rebellion.