The Lottery Rose

By: Irene Hunt

Narrated by: George Guidall

Georgie Burgess has known only neglect and abuse during his seven and a half years of life. His alcoholic mother does little to prevent the bruises and scars inflicted on Georgie by her brutal boyfriend. With each blow, the little boy withdraws further into his dreams. When he wins a small rose bush in a lottery, it seems as if one of his dreams has finally come true. But after a particularly savage beating, he is taken from his mother and placed in a home for boys. Surrounded by strangers, and with the rosebush as his only link to the world, both the boy and his treasured plant must learn how to grow and thrive. Irene Hunt has written many books for young people; she has won both a Newbery Honor and a Newbery Medal for her work. Drawing on her professional background in psychology, she creates a heartwarming tale of emerging trust and hope in The Lottery Rose.

©1976 Irene Hunt (P)1996 Recorded Books, LLC

Good story

Good story. Sad theme and parts of story, but overall worth the read. Narration was decent for content.

Such a good book

This book touched my heart, a glimpse into the life of a little boy hurt by those who should have loved him. It is very well written.

Great story; sound quality uneven

What did you love best about The Lottery Rose?

This story is well-loved by my students. They identify with Georgie, and understand the emotions he experiences.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Lottery Rose?

There was dead silence in the room when Georgie was beaten by Steve.

Which character – as performed by George Guidall – was your favorite?

I really liked his interpretation of the grandfather, Mr. Collier.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I've read this book several times. My students got a little teary when Georgie got hurt, and at the end.

Exceptional Story

There is a lot of wisdom in this book. I'm encouraged to be more patient and tender hearted to those around me, my neighbors. I recommend listening to it.

Breathtakingly Beautiful!

Written so simply. Georgie’s story was so riveting that I listened to it in one sitting. Too many children are victims of violence. That one badly beaten child is lead by a stubborn protectiveness of his rose bush to find a place that’s right is a tear jerker and breathtakingly beautiful!