Imogene's Last Stand

Fleming, C. (2009). Imogene’s last stand. New York, NY: Schwartz and Wade Books. 

Texas Bluebonnet Award, 2011 - 2012

Exposition (the beginning of the story, establishment of setting and characters):  Imogene’s Last Stand is set in the small town of Liddleville, New Hampshire, and it tells the story of a young girl named Imogene Tripp who loved history. 

Conflict (the problem(s) faced by the characters):   When Imogene finds out the Liddleville Historical Society building will be torn down, and she must find a way to save it.

Rising Action (events in the story leading up to the climax):  Imogene’s sights are set on the Liddleville Historical Society, and with the help of her father, she works tirelessly to restore the unloved and unwanted old house and its dusty old antiques; when she finds out the building will be torn down, she asks the town to help save the building, but the mayor and the other citizens of Liddleville are convinced that shoelaces are going to put their town on the map, so no one will join in Imogene’s fight.

Climax (the culmination of events in the story, point of highest reader interest):  After multiple efforts which come to no avail, Imogene is almost ready to give up her fight when she discovers a yellowed parchment letter written by George Washington which describes his pleasant stay in the house. 

Falling Action (events leading to the solving of the story’s problems):  Imogene writes an email to the town historian informing her of her discovery and then stands ready in the gallows with her father waiting for the bulldozers who are ready to tear down the building; the mayor tries to get Imogene and her father to leave, but they refuse.

Resolution (how events and problems of the story are solved): A limousine arrives with the historian and the President of the United States, who declares the house a national landmark; the mayor and the town forget about the shoelaces and are now so excited because the town’s history will put them on the map, and finally everyone tours the building.

Picture books only (Was this a well illustrated book? Describe how it was or was not well-illustrated in 3 sentences.):  Nancy Carpenter, illustrator of Imogene’s Last Stand, skillfully captures Imogene’s personality, spirit and passion through her lovely illustrations.  Imogene is depicted as a patriotic girl filled with fight.  Throughout the book, Carpenter also does an excellent job of bringing the historical artifacts in Imogene’s beloved Liddleville Historical Society into focus.