Joan of the Journal

** "Joan of the Journal" by Helen Diehl Olds is a story about a determined 14-year-old named Joan Martin, who is inspired by her family's deep roots in the world of newspapers and dreams of becoming a journalist herself. The book follows Joan's enthusiasm when her brother, Tim, gets a job at the Plainfield Evening Journal and her resolve to navigate the hurdles of entering the world of reporting. At the beginning of the story, Joan is waiting eagerly for news about Tim’s job at the Journal, a place where their uncle works. Joan's excitement for journalism is clear, as is her desire to learn about the life and work of a reporter. As Tim begins his new job, Joan wants to be involved as much as possible, and the early parts of the book point to a growing mystery linked to the newspaper, particularly when a series of odd mistakes may be hurting the newspaper. Joan's natural curiosity, along with her desire to support her brother, lays the groundwork for a story that explores family ties, personal goals, and the workings of a small-town newsroom. **