Chop, Chop

Title:  Chop, Chop
Author:  L. N. Cronk
Approximate reading level:  Junior High

Summary:  David and Laci have known each other since pre-school.  When Laci gets her hair cut short to donate it, young David is not happy.  They grow up going to the same church and the same school.  However, as they enter junior high, they're friends--not very close, but not enemies, even though David still doesn't like Laci's grow-it-out-to-cut-it-and-donate-it hairstyle. When Greg moves to town, they both develop a friendship with him, and grow closer to each other as well.  The three grow closer to God as well, through trips and activities with the youth groups led by Greg's parents.  But shortly before Christmas their senior year, tragedy strikes.  His experience with death causes David to sink into an emotional numbness.  What will it take for David to let go of the hurt and open his heart to anyone again?

Review:  This book has a Christian background.  All of the main characters (including the narrator, David) attend church, and there is a lot of discussions about God.  However, being a Christian does not mean having a perfect life, and that fact comes through in Cronk's writing.  Dealing with the violent death of his friend is a struggle for David, and it may also be difficult for some readers.  Even in his numbness, however, David is sometimes still able to recognize that God is helping him through the prayers of others. 
This book does contain some objectionable elements--namely, a school shooting in which a student and teacher are killed.  However, the event is not described in detail, as the narrator does not witness the event. 

I loved reading this book!  I found it through an e-mail I've signed up for that lets me know about free and discounted e-books.  Even with low finances, I can afford a free book!  (By the way, the Kindle edition is still free on Amazon.)  I didn't realize it was the first in a series until I finished and saw the next book mentioned at the end.  As soon as I can, I plan on reading the rest of the series.
*****Five stars

Chronicles of Narnia: The Last Battle

There's been a few family crises recently that have kept me from posting, but here's the last review of the Chronicles of Narnia series.  I hope to post more regularly, but my family is keeping me busy. :)

Title:  The Last Battle
Series:  The Chronicles of Narnia
Author:  C. S. Lewis
Approximate reading level:

Summary:  There is trouble in Narnia, and Aslan is supposedly behind it. But would Aslan really command the magical, living trees to be cut down and sold, killing the dryads and other tree spirits? Would he really sell the talking beasts, dwarfs and others into slavery? But who would dare to do such a thing without Aslan's approval? The king is confused and calls for help from the “kings and queens of the past” to help deliver them. Narnia has survived many attacks, but it may have now brought about its own destruction.

Review: 

As evidenced by the title, this is the final book in the Narnia series.  It is somewhat emotional, as those who truly love Narnia fight against those who only want what will benefit them the most.  Aslan rescues those who truly fight for the good, while allowing others to have what they want--even if it's not what is best for them.  This can be a good example of how we can sometimes want things that can be harmful to us.  Battle scenes may be disturbing for some readers, but they are necessary to the plot. 
Enjoy all seven books in the Chronicles of Narnia series.  **** 4 stars

Chronicles of Narnia: The Silver Chair

Title:  The Silver Chair
Author:  C. S. Lewis
Series:  Chronicles of Narnia
Approximate reading level:  9th grade

Summary

The story begins at Eustace's school, where he finds a schoolmate named Jill crying because of the bullying of other schoolmates. He begins telling her about Narnia, when they hear the bullies returning. They run towards a door in the wall around the school, hoping to find it unlocked so they can escape the bullies. Instead, they find their way into Narnia, where they meet Aslan, talking owls, Marshwiggles, giants, and more. Aslan sends them on a quest to rescue Prince Rilian, giving them four signs to guide them along their way. They explore more new areas of Narnia and meet more Narnians that previous explorers from other books never knew about. The success of the quest depends on Jill's remembering the signs given by Aslan at the beginning of the quest, which she does as long as she follows his instructions.

Review

A magical enchantment and the threat of the main characters being eaten by giants may be disturbing. The importance of following instructions is seen when Jill forgets Aslan's signs because she does not follow his instructions to remember them. An evil witch also turns into a snake—the same snake which killed the queen earlier in the story. This is another great story in the Narnia series containing examples of bravery and forgiveness. Another great read for older children and adults and a great listen for younger children.

****4 stars

Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader

Title:  Voyage of the Dawn Treader
Series:  Chronicles of Narnia
Author:  C. S. Lewis
Approximate reading level:  7th grade

Summary

Lucy and Edmund are again called to Narnia, this time with their cousin Eustace rather than Peter and Susan. They enter through a picture into the ocean and are pulled aboard King Caspian's best ship, the Dawn Treader. King Caspian and his shipmates are traveling east from Narnia, seeking the seven lords who were lost when sent exploring under King Miraz's reign. Some of the seven lords have died, and some have been enchanted. As always when in Narnia, the children have many adventures and meet many new and wondrous creatures. Before the children reach the end of the world and return to England, Eustace is profoundly changed by his part in the adventures.

Review

There are fewer battle scenes in this book than in the other Chronicles of Narnia, but there are still some scenes that may worry some children. Eustace's hard-learned lesson about his bad attitude may be quite helpful for some children. Like the other books in the Narnia series, I think this book is good to read to young children who are unable to read it alone as well as for older children (or adults) to read on their own.

**** 4 stars

Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian

Title:  Prince Caspian
Author:  C. S. Lewis
Series: The Chronicles of Narnia
Approximate reading level:  8th grade

Summary:  Caspian is the next in line to become king of Narnia--that is, until his uncle Miraz takes over.  So, when Miraz has a son, Caspian's life is in danger.  He flees, and eventually calls the High King Peter, and his brother and sisters King Edmund and Queens Susan and Lucy by magic back to help him regain his rightful place and to bring Narnia back to its former glory with talking beasts and living trees.  Although ages have passed in Narnia since they were last here, it's been only one year for the children in England.  But magic is magic, after all, and it doesn't take long for them to regain their royal abilities they learned earlier in Narnia. 

Review:  Some children may be disturbed or frightened by the account of Caspian's life being in danger at the hand of his own family.  As in other Narnian stories, there are battle scenes--however, they are not described in gruesome detail, again, like in the other books.  The book can be appropriate for older children to read on their own, or to be read to younger children. 
**** Four stars

Chronicles of Narnia: The Horse and His Boy

Title:  The Horse and His Boy
Series:  The Chronicles of Narnia
Author:  C. S. Lewis
Approximate reading level:  8th grade

Summary:  Shasta overhears a conversation when he learns that the man he lives with is not his father and is willing to sell him to another man.  While wondering out loud what kind of man his new owner is, he finds a talking Narnian horse named Bree.  They decide to help each other escape a cruel master and begin a series of adventures that crosses multiple countries and the desert and brings them to meet many people, from royalty to a hermit.  Come along with Shasta and Bree and save a country, learn from Aslan, and find out Shasta's true identity.

Review:  More battle scenes may make this story intense for some children.  Also, although there are some important lessons learned--humility and concern for others among others--some are learned the hard way.  For example, Avaris (whom Shasta meets on his travels) suffers injuries equal to the ones she caused to be inflicted on a servant when she escaped.  Characters discuss the possibility of ghouls in the Tombs nearby one of the cities they must travel through, where they decide to meet if separated. 
I think the questionable elements are handled well and that this is another good book to read.  I think the Narnia series is also a great series to read to children younger than the approximate reading level--as long as the reader is sure the child(ren) can handle such items as the battle scenes and mention of ghouls.
**** four stars

Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe

I think this is the third time I've read The Chronicles of Narnia and I still can't put it down.  But finding the time to read (mostly in the car) is easier than finding the time to write.

Title:  The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe
Series:  The Chronicles of Narnia
Author: C. S. Lewis
Approximate Reading Level:  7th grade

Summary:  "Always winter and never Christmas."  This is the curse that Narnia is under when the children get there.  Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy are sent away during the war for their safety, away from the air raids that often happened in major cities.  While there, Lucy discovers a way to Narnia, although it isn't there all the time.  At first, the others don't believe, but when they travel to Narnia too, they have no choice.  While there, they help Aslan (the lion in the title) rescue Narnia from the White Witch.  They have many adventures and many trials, including a traitor among them.  How can they defeat the witch's magic and reclaim Narnia?  Will they ever be able to return to England?  You'll have to read to find out.

Review:  I love the way the Narnia series reads.  Lewis tells the story as though you're sitting next to him listening, rather than reading decades later.
Fantasy elements in the story include talking animals, a magical portal between worlds, and mythical creatures.  Battle scenes may be intense for some children.  A traitor is judged, but forgiven; and good triumphs over evil in the end.
****4 stars

Chronicles of Narnia: The Magician's Nephew

Wow, has it really been over 3 months since I last posted?  Yikes!  Sorry :(  A lot has happened since then.  My "part time" job scheduled me for way more than part time hours, and there's been a couple new additions to the bookworm family (one canine, one human). :)  Here's hoping I'll be able to post more regularly than every 3 months, although I won't guarantee every week.
Keep reading,
Bella

Title:  The Magician's Nephew
Author:  C. S. Lewis
Series:  The Chronicles of Narnia
Approximate Reading Level:  7th grade

Summary:  In The Magician's Nephew, readers see how Narnia began.  Digory and Polly, two young children living in London, England, are sent on an incredible journey by Digory's uncle.  They visit an in-between place, a world between worlds.  From here, they visit a world much older than their own, and a world much younger than their own.  A danger is brought into the new world of Narnia, but Aslan is forgiving, and allows Digory and Polly to bring back some magic into their own world.

Review:  C. S. Lewis is a wonderful writer, and his fantasy worlds come alive.  He often talks directly to the reader, bringing him into the story.  Uncle Andrew uses the word "dem" several times, a variation of "damn" in C. S. Lewis' time.  In another scene, one character objects to the "harsh language" used by another.  However, the language used is no longer "harsh."  Good morals, regarding stealing and lying, are well represented.

****Four stars

Indian Captive: The Story of Mary Jemison

Title:  Indian Captive:  The Story of Mary Jemison
Author:  Lois Lenski
Approximate independent reading level:  8th grade

Summary:  Almost twenty years before the Revolutionary War, the Jemison family lived on the frontier of America.  Mary, also called Molly, lives in a log cabin with her parents and five siblings.  Although some of the neighbors have decided to return east because of worry about the Indians, Molly's father is sure his family is safe enough and plans on staying to plant his corn.  But the Indians arrive the next morning and take most of the family captive, although the two older brothers are able to escape to tell the neighbors.  Molly and a young neighbor boy are separated from the rest of their families and hurried away by one group of Indians.  She is taken to live with a tribe of Seneca Indians to replace a tribe member who was killed.  The story that follows describes her first year with the Senecas, as she attempts to escape, learns their rituals, and tries to discover how or even whether a white girl can live with the Indians.

Review:  Molly Jemison actually lived, and the events in this story actually happened, although the author does take some liberties with timing.  The author is authentic to Seneca culture and to Molly's experience.  I think this could be an interesting as well as an informative read on the Seneca Indians and on what it might be like to be completely alone in a strange place with strange people, ripped from family.
****  Four stars

If You Give series

Titles:  If You Give a Mouse a Cookie; If You Give a Moose a Muffin; If You Give a Pig a Pancake; If You Take a Mouse to School; If You Give a Pig a Party
Author:  Laura Numeroff
Illustrator:  Felicia Bond

Summary:  There are five books in this cute little series.  Each starts with a child engaging in the title activity, which seems to be simple and straightforward.  But each begins a chain of events that is as funny as it is both exhausting and messy, and which eventually runs full circle.  

Review:  I don't remember which of these books I first found on the bookshelf of the daycare or home I was working at, but I do remember thoroughly enjoying it.  So when I found a boxed set with more books than I was aware of on the shelf at a local secondhand children's shop for just a few dollars, I just couldn't resist buying it.  The story lines are simple and easy to follow, while also providing an opportunity to engage young children.  "What do you think will happen next?" can be asked often throughout these stories, as well as "What would you do if . . .?" This second question can be asked both in reference to the child in the story or in reference to the animal (If someone gave you a cookie, what would you want to go with it?)  

The pictures are beautifully done, without unnecessary details, but still allowing for engaging reading.  For example, in If You Give a Pig a Party, a hide-and-seek scene suggests a game of "Can you find Pig and her friends?"  

Well-drawn pictures and a catchy, repetitive storyline work together to make these books great read-alongs for young children.  I give them all four stars.

****

Bonus:  Guess who two of the guests are at Pig's party.  :)

11 Birthdays

Friends,
I apologize again for another late post, but this one comes with good reason--I started a new job last week.  I will do my best to keep up with postings, but please understand that helping to support my family must come first.
Love,
Bella

Title:  11 Birthdays
Author:   Wendy Mass
Target Audience:  Upper Elementary
Approximate Independent Reading Level:  7th grade

Summary:  Leo and Amanda were born on the same day, but they're not twins.  In fact, they're not related at all.  But sharing a birthday is the beginning of a story that leads to their becoming best friends--at least for awhile.  But when a fight leads to magical problems, they must work together to solve a problem bigger than they could have ever imagined.

Review:  This story is fantasy, with an element of magic.  But the magic is not meant to be harmful.  The story contains no Christian elements, but can still be used to teach Christian truths--such as the importance of forgiveness.  Working together is another important element in the book.  There are some elements of lying to adults as the children attempt to figure out how to solve their problems.  In their defense, however, the truth is completely unbelievable and would have sounded like a lie, and they do their best to not lie to or disobey their parents.
**** 4 stars

The Journal of Scott Pendleton Collins

My last post from the "My Name is America" series (at least until I find some more :D )

Title:  The Journal of Scott Pendleton Collins:  A World War II Soldier
Author :  Walter Dean Myers
Setting:  Normandy, France 1944
Target Audience:  Junior high-High school
Approximate independent reading level:  9th grade

Summary:  Scott Collins is not long out of high school when he joins the army.  His journal records his experiences as he goes first to England, then fights through France.  Scott meets local people as well as other soldiers.  Not all of the men he fights alongside make it home.  The journal covers only three months of the war, but they are an event-filled three months.  Scott survives the war and returns home, although he never outlives its effects.

Review:  Scott does describe some of the gruesome results of war involving destruction of the towns and some injuries sustained during attacks.  The writing is good, and the historical information at the back of the book includes a map of Normandy.  Obviously, the book cannot be used as a source of factual information, such as for a report, but I think it's a good fictional representation of what a young soldier may have gone through.
**** 4 stars

Dear America: My Secret War

Hello again,
And life has gotten in the way again.  I apologize for being late again with this post, but the last couple weeks have been pretty hectic.  They included a couple of doctor's appointments, an unexpected trip out of town for a funeral, and many other little problems.  But I hope you enjoy this book.  I have one more "Dear America" book after this one (there are several more, but I don't have them).
Enjoy!
Bella

Title:  My Secret War:  The World War II Diary of Madeline Beck
Author:  Mary Pope Osborne
Setting:  Long Island, New York, 1941
Target Audience:  Junior high
Independent Reading Level:  8th

Summary:  Madeline and her mother recently moved into a boarding house in Long Island.  Her father is on an aircraft carrier somewhere in the Pacific Ocean.  The story begins in late September of 1941, as Madeline is having trouble in her new school.  American warships are protecting merchant ships (since they are being attacked by German submarines), but America has not yet entered the war.  The book continues as Pearl Harbor is attacked, and America enters the war.  Madeline starts a club so that local kids can help with the war effort by doing things such as collecting scrap metal.  Madeline has to deal with many problems, including worry about her father, the other residents in the house, and other girls at school who do not want to include her.  As the book ends, Madeline must leave her new friends and begin life in a new city again. 

Review:  The book does cover a sensitive topic--war, but I think Osborne does so in a good manner.  As with other Dear America books, historical information is included about the era.  Madeline's worry about her father is often evident, but Osborne balances this with real life often distracting her from writing letters to her father.  I think this is a good book to expose young adults to World War II.
**** 4 stars

A Time for Courage

Title:  A Time for Courage
Author:  Kathryn Lasky
Target Audience:  Upper Elementary
Independent Reading Level:  5th grade
Setting:  Washington, DC 1917, Women's Suffragette Movement and WWI

Summary:  Kathleen Bowen is given a diary by her mother for Christmas.  At first, she thinks her life is too boring to write about.  But as women petition and picket to gain the right to vote and America enters the Great War, she soon finds quite a bit to write about in her life and that of her family. 

Review:  Kathleen is like most girls her age.  As she writes, she worries about school, her mother's participation in the movement for women's right to vote, and the possibility of her father's going to war.  Kathleen's character is dynamic--by the end of the book, she is more focused on others than at the beginning of the book.  More focus is given to the women's suffrage movement than to the war, but some people Kathleen knows are involved in helping wounded soldiers and that part of the war is described.  As with the other books in the Dear America series, a historical note and pictures are included at the end of the book describing actual events and people of the time.  Also, the book is interesting as well as educational.
**** 4 stars

West to a Land of Plenty

Hey!
Time's fun when you're having flies!  Whoops, sorry--guess I've been hanging out around the local frogs too much lately :)  I meant to say, Time flies when you're having fun!  Here's this week's review.
Keep reading,
Bella

Title:  West to a Land of Plenty:  The Diary of Teresa Angelino Viscardi
Author:  Jim Murphy
Setting:  New York to Idaho Territory, 1883
Target Audience:  Middle School
Approximate Independent Reading Level:  8th

Summary:  Teresa and her family are Italians living in New York with several other Italian families on their street.  "Poppa" has come home and announced that they will be leaving their home in New York to go to Idaho territory, where they will be able to get a large plot of land and farm it.  Also, they will not be looked down on as they are in New York.  Teresa is very upset about leaving her home and her friends, and she writes in her diary at the suggestion of her teacher.  Her younger sister Antoinetta, who goes by Netta, also writes in the diary sometimes.  The trail is long and hard, with many sicknesses and dangers.  Several people decide not to continue or die along the way.  Teresa's (almost) daily story shows how the journey changes her and others.

Review: Another book in the "Dear America" series, this book is again written in a diary format.  Teresa's arguing with Netta is comparable to the sibling rivalry in most families.  Teresa uses a few Italian words, but they are close enough to the American to be determined from context.  Different typesets are used to make it easy to determine whether the writing is Teresa's diary entry or something else (Netta's diary entry or a letter that Teresa pasted into the diary.  I think the book is well-written in Teresa's voice (and others when appropriate), including spelling and grammatical errors.  The use of historical fiction makes this time period in America's interesting.
**** 4 stars

Happy reading, y'all!

Quackadack Duck

Hey, y'all!

Taking a quick break from the Dear America series this week for a short read.  This week flew by, and I can't believe I'm a day late on posting again! 

Bella

Title:  Quackadack Duck
Author:  Allen Morgan
Illustrator:  John Beder
Target Audience:  Young children (a read-aloud book)
Approximate (independent) reading level:  3rd grade

Summary:  A troll likes to make mischief and collect pennies.  One day, he comes across a duck egg as it is hatching.  The baby duck thinks the troll is his mother, and begins copying the troll.  At first, the troll is upset and ignores the baby duck; but he soon feels pity for the duck and lets him into his home, naming him Quackadack Duck.  When the duck follows him to the market and is taken by a man with a poultry store, the troll must choose between his treasured pennies and his new friend.

Review:  The story is well-written and the artwork is just as good and also flows well into the story.  The words are rhythmical and sometimes rhyming, which makes it more fun for young children.  The story also teaches a good lesson about the importance of friendship.
**** 4 stars

My Heart is on the Ground

Hi, folks!
I missed last week AND am late this week--WHOOPS!  I had a couple of family trips over the last two weeks an was unable to finish reading my book in time.  Hope y'all enjoy this review, and I should be back on track next Friday.
God bless,
Bella

Title:  My Heart is on the Ground:  The Diary of Nannie Little Rose, a Sioux Girl
Author:  Ann Rinaldi
Setting:  Carlisle Indian School, Pennsylvania, 1880
Target Audience:  Upper Elementary-Middle School
Approximate reading level:  6th grade

Summary:  Little Rose lived on a reservation with her family and tribe until her father decided to send her to the school for Indians in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.  There, she was forced to lose her Indian language and customs and take on those of the white people--even being required to take a new name, Nannie.  In her diary, she writes about her first year away from home.  She meets new friends and welcomes old ones and grows in her understanding of "white" customs and language.

Review:  Nannie Little Rose's writing improves while at the school, but may be difficult to understand at times.  There are some controversial elements, such as Nannie's hurting herself in a time of grief, and the Indians being forced to give up their clothes and hair.  These are historically accurate, however, and contribute to the story--not gratuitous at all.
**** 4 stars

The Journal of Joshua Loper: A Black Cowboy

Series:  My Name Is America (Dear America)
Title:  The Journal of Joshua Loper:  A Black Cowboy
Setting:  The Chisholm Trail, 1871
Main Character:  Joshua Loper, a 16-year-old black cowboy

Summary:  Joshua is a cowboy and has just been told he will be helping drive his boss' cows up the Chisholm Trail to be sold.  He is black at a time shortly after the Civil War, when this is an important distinction.  His diary covers his journey from Mr. Muhlen's ranch in Texas to Abilene, Kansas as he deals with stampedes, the excitement of his first time on the trail, tricks played on him by other members of the cattle drive, and even a great loss.  His first entry is April 30, and he describes his journey until the group arrives in Abilene July 15.  Mr. Muhlen has also arrived for the sale of his cattle, and tells Joshua, along with some of the other trail hands, that he wants them to return to the ranch and bring back another herd of cattle.  Joshua arrives home, but doesn't have much time to spend with his mother before heading back out on the trail as the book closes.

Review:  I think the diary format makes these books interesting.  The author includes a "Historical Note" at the end of the book with a description of "Life in America in 1871" and pictures of the towns and people who inspired Joshua's story.  A fold-out map of the Chisholm Trail is also included as the last page.  There are some grammatical errors, but they are accurate to how an individual like Joshua would have talked and written.  Joshua makes several references to church and prayer.  I have enjoyed reading this book more than once, and will read it again.
**** Four stars

Keep reading,
Bella

Dear America: A Picture of Freedom

Title:  Dear America:  A Picture of Freedom (The Diary of Clotee, a Slave Girl
Author:  Patricia C. McKissack
Setting:  Belmont Plantation, Virginia, 1859
Target Audience:  Upper Elementary--Middle

Summary:  The book is written in diary format, from the perspective of a 12-year-old slave girl who works in the kitchen on a Virginia plantation.  She taught herself to read and write while fanning the Master's son William during his lessons.  This act could earn her a severe beating if her Master finds out, as well as result in her being sold to another Master in the "Deep South"--both scary ideas.  So, she must keep her learning--and her diary--a secret from everyone.  Even the other slaves might tell on her if it means some benefit for them.  In the book, Clotee writes about her life for about 13 months.  She learns about abolitionists, the Underground Railroad, and the dangers of learning too much.

Review:  I think this book is very well-written.  There is a clear difference in Clotee's writing over the course of the book as she learns more.  The book does include some incidents which, though historically accurate, may be considered problematic, such as beatings of slaves. A few spots may be difficult to understand, due to poor English and historical words or phrasing, but I believe most readers will be able to figure out what is meant by the context.  I think reading the book may be helpful in understanding what slaves went through in early America.  A "Historical Note" at the end of the book explains how slavery ended and some important people involved, such as Sojourner Truth and Harriet Tubman. 
**** Four stars

My America: Five Smooth Stones

Title:  My America:  Five Smooth Stones (Hope's Diary--Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1776)
Author:  Kristiana Gregory
Target Audience:  Elementary
Approximate reading level:  4th

Summary:  The author writes as Hope, a nine-year-old girl living in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at the start of America's history as a new country.  The book is written as her journal.  Entries are short and not daily, but mostly dated (a few are marked as something like "the next morning"). The author includes a "Historical Note" at the end of the book to put some of the details from the book in historical context.

Review:  A few words may be unfamiliar due to the historical usage of words and language ('twas, 'tis, arithmetick, dost, for example).  I enjoy this type of book because it can make history more interesting because the story is told from the point of view of an average person.  The book mainly covers daily life, but also mentions historical events such as the writing of the Declaration of Independence and George Washington's Christmas night attack on the British soldiers. 
**** Four stars