All Is Well

Set in Salt Lake City during 1885, this first novel accessibly introduces the traditions and history of the Church of Latter-day Saints. Emmy Frailey's parents can remember a time when their valley was a refuge for the members of their church, but their way of life is threatened when Congress passes laws forbidding polygamy. Emmy's father, who has two wives, is forced to go underground in order to avoid prosecution. His parting warning to ""beware of Gentiles"" seemingly conflicts with his blessing for Emmy to remain a ""faithful friend"" to her new neighbor Miranda, the first non-Mormon Emmy has met. While the characterizations are rather pat, readers will likely be fascinated by the details of Emmy's unconventional childhood. She is used to sharing her father with another household and although she misses him on the alternate weeks he lives at Aunt Zena's house, the atmosphere around her own home is more relaxed during his absences. Explanations of Mormon laws, attitudes and struggles are clearly the main focus here (e.g., Ma's explanation to Emmy, ""God has asked the Saints to build up a righteous generation. To follow this commandment, many of our faithful men have more than one wife""); readers may wish a bit more attention had been devoted to tightening the lackluster, at times strained, storytelling. Illustrations not seen by PW. Ages 9-up. (May)