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
Friday, June 15, 2012
Saturday, June 9, 2012
TH1RTEEN R3ASONS WHY
A note to parents: The book reviewed below covers difficult topics. I believe these topics are important because many teens today are dealing with them, even if the parents don't know about it. Please carefully read the summary and review, and if you have any more questions, feel free to e-mail me at BellaBookworm@yahoo.com and I will do my best to answer. You may want to read this book with your teen or before he or she reads it. Or, you may at least want to discuss it with him or her after he or she reads it. This is not a light reading book.
Title: TH1RTEEN R3ASONS WHY
Author: Jay Asher
Target Audience: High school
Approximate reading level: 8th
Main characters:
-Hannah Baker, a high school student who recently committed suicide and has left behind a series of tapes explaining why
-Clay Jensen, the narrator, from whose point of view we hear Hannah's story
Summary: When Hannah Baker decides to take her own life, she also decides to leave behind 7 audio cassette tapes explaining why she made this decision and telling her story, along with the stories of several others in the school--those who affected her decision. We learn her story through Clay, as he listens to the tapes. The author also gives Clay's reactions alongside Hannah's story. At times, Hannah's story, and Clay's reaction to it, are interrupted as Clay wanders through town visiting places where the stories that impacted Hannah's decision happened, meeting and talking to others.
Review: Because Clay's story is told directly alongside Hannah's, rather than the book being divided into two parts or even divided by chapters, the impact of the story is stronger. Many controversial topics are covered, or at least referenced: bullying, teen suicide, teenage drinking/drunkenness, sexual assault, and drunk driving. But it also shows that you have an impact on those around you, even when you don't realize it. Something that seems small and unimportant to one person may be devastating to another. Your actions have consequences. Unfortunately, these topics are influencing teens today, and even "Christian school kids" are not totally exempt. Bullying was present in my Christian school, and I think at least one of these other topics was as well. Even the teen that has never had to deal with any of these topics (which I believe most, if not all teens have had some experience with bullying in some form) can be reminded that the little things are important, and that we should treat others with the kindness that Christ showed us.
This book is not Christian in nature. The only reference to religion at all is when Hannah says, "And you, lucky number thirteen, you can take the tapes straight to hell. Depending on your religion, maybe I'll see you there." However, some Christian principles can be taken from it, such as treating others how you would want to be treated and with love.
I would like to suggest discussing this book with your teen if he or she reads it. You may find out that your teen knows someone in Hannah's position (or even in some other problem situations in the book).
I'm not sure I can say I enjoyed reading this book, because it is a sad, somewhat heartbreaking story. But it is definitely a page-turner. When I needed to stop reading, I couldn't wait to get back to Hannah's story and see what happened to make her believe she had no other choice, as well as seeing what Clay learned from her story.
**** Four stars
Matthew 7:12a "Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them;"
Love in Christ,
Bella
Title: TH1RTEEN R3ASONS WHY
Author: Jay Asher
Target Audience: High school
Approximate reading level: 8th
Main characters:
-Hannah Baker, a high school student who recently committed suicide and has left behind a series of tapes explaining why
-Clay Jensen, the narrator, from whose point of view we hear Hannah's story
Summary: When Hannah Baker decides to take her own life, she also decides to leave behind 7 audio cassette tapes explaining why she made this decision and telling her story, along with the stories of several others in the school--those who affected her decision. We learn her story through Clay, as he listens to the tapes. The author also gives Clay's reactions alongside Hannah's story. At times, Hannah's story, and Clay's reaction to it, are interrupted as Clay wanders through town visiting places where the stories that impacted Hannah's decision happened, meeting and talking to others.
Review: Because Clay's story is told directly alongside Hannah's, rather than the book being divided into two parts or even divided by chapters, the impact of the story is stronger. Many controversial topics are covered, or at least referenced: bullying, teen suicide, teenage drinking/drunkenness, sexual assault, and drunk driving. But it also shows that you have an impact on those around you, even when you don't realize it. Something that seems small and unimportant to one person may be devastating to another. Your actions have consequences. Unfortunately, these topics are influencing teens today, and even "Christian school kids" are not totally exempt. Bullying was present in my Christian school, and I think at least one of these other topics was as well. Even the teen that has never had to deal with any of these topics (which I believe most, if not all teens have had some experience with bullying in some form) can be reminded that the little things are important, and that we should treat others with the kindness that Christ showed us.
This book is not Christian in nature. The only reference to religion at all is when Hannah says, "And you, lucky number thirteen, you can take the tapes straight to hell. Depending on your religion, maybe I'll see you there." However, some Christian principles can be taken from it, such as treating others how you would want to be treated and with love.
I would like to suggest discussing this book with your teen if he or she reads it. You may find out that your teen knows someone in Hannah's position (or even in some other problem situations in the book).
I'm not sure I can say I enjoyed reading this book, because it is a sad, somewhat heartbreaking story. But it is definitely a page-turner. When I needed to stop reading, I couldn't wait to get back to Hannah's story and see what happened to make her believe she had no other choice, as well as seeing what Clay learned from her story.
**** Four stars
Matthew 7:12a "Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them;"
Love in Christ,
Bella
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Half Magic
Title: Half Magic
Author: Edward Eager
Illustrator: N. M. Bodecker
Approximate reading level: 5th grade
Main characters: Siblings Jane, Mark, Katherine, and Martha
Summary: The four children are out on a summer day, looking for adventure, when Jane finds (what she thinks is) a nickel on the sidewalk. When she later makes a wish, it comes true--but only halfway. After thinking long and hard all afternoon and evening, she comes to the conclusion that it was not a nickel, but a magic charm. Unfortunately by this time, her mother has borrowed the nickel from her dresser for bus fare. But thankfully, something strange happens while her mother is visiting family and she does not spend the nickel. What follows is a series of adventures as the children take turns wishing and try to double wish so they will get what they actually want when it only half comes true.
Review: I think this book is well-written. Magic is involved, but no harmful magic. The adventures are interesting and do not turn out perfectly--even magic can't fix everything, even when the children try to wish double so that half of the wish will be what they actually want. They use the magic to help others as well as themselves.
****Four stars
Author: Edward Eager
Illustrator: N. M. Bodecker
Approximate reading level: 5th grade
Main characters: Siblings Jane, Mark, Katherine, and Martha
Summary: The four children are out on a summer day, looking for adventure, when Jane finds (what she thinks is) a nickel on the sidewalk. When she later makes a wish, it comes true--but only halfway. After thinking long and hard all afternoon and evening, she comes to the conclusion that it was not a nickel, but a magic charm. Unfortunately by this time, her mother has borrowed the nickel from her dresser for bus fare. But thankfully, something strange happens while her mother is visiting family and she does not spend the nickel. What follows is a series of adventures as the children take turns wishing and try to double wish so they will get what they actually want when it only half comes true.
Review: I think this book is well-written. Magic is involved, but no harmful magic. The adventures are interesting and do not turn out perfectly--even magic can't fix everything, even when the children try to wish double so that half of the wish will be what they actually want. They use the magic to help others as well as themselves.
****Four stars
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
The Indian in the Cupboard
Title: The Indian in the Cupboard
Author: Lynne Reid Banks
Approximate reading level: Sixth grade
Main character: Omri, a young boy in England
Summary: The book starts with Omri's birthday. He receives several presents, including a plastic Indian from his friend Patrick and a cabinet from his brother Gillon. Although the cabinet locks, there was no key left with the cabinet. But Omri's mother has a collection of keys, and he finds one that fits. Somewhere in the key, or the cabinet, or the combination of the two Omri discovers a magic that will change his life drastically.
Review: The book takes place in England, so there may be a few words that may be difficult for American children to understand (Some examples include biscuit for cookie and lorry for car. This fantasy does include magic, although it is never purposefully used for harm. Omri is a young boy faced with a difficult decision and a sudden weight of responsibility, and he fares well. The book is well-written, although again, there may be some difficulty with a few words due to language differences.
5 stars
Author: Lynne Reid Banks
Approximate reading level: Sixth grade
Main character: Omri, a young boy in England
Summary: The book starts with Omri's birthday. He receives several presents, including a plastic Indian from his friend Patrick and a cabinet from his brother Gillon. Although the cabinet locks, there was no key left with the cabinet. But Omri's mother has a collection of keys, and he finds one that fits. Somewhere in the key, or the cabinet, or the combination of the two Omri discovers a magic that will change his life drastically.
Review: The book takes place in England, so there may be a few words that may be difficult for American children to understand (Some examples include biscuit for cookie and lorry for car. This fantasy does include magic, although it is never purposefully used for harm. Omri is a young boy faced with a difficult decision and a sudden weight of responsibility, and he fares well. The book is well-written, although again, there may be some difficulty with a few words due to language differences.
5 stars
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Caddie Woodlawn
Title: Caddie Woodlawn
Author: Carol Ryrie Brink
Approximate Reading Level: 5th grade
Main characters:
--Caddie Woodlawn, 11-year-old pioneer
--Caddie's brothers and sisters: Clara and Tom (older); Warren and Hetty (younger)
--Caddie's parents
Summary:
When the Woodlawn family left Boston to travel west, they know the trip will be difficult, but the don't realize just how difficult. Caddie and Mary are young and weak, and Mary doesn't survive the trip. So, Mr. Woodlawn makes an agreement with Mrs. Woodlawn--she can have any other girls if only he can experiment with Caddie. Instead of keeping Caddie inside learning to cook, clean, sew, and all the other things "proper" girls learned in the late 1800's, he wants to allow Caddie to run with her brothers to get fresh air and exercise to help her grow strong and healthy. The book follows one year of Caddie's adventures as a tomboy with brothers Tom and Warren. And there are plenty of adventures (and trouble) for three young children to get into. Towards the end of the book, Caddie begins to wonder if perhaps being a young lady won't be so bad.
Review:
This book was written by Caddie's grandaughter, who based the book on her grandmother's stories, but added a few adventures to help further the plot. There are a few words and spellings that show the time period the story took place that may make it difficult ("to-night" and "dast," for example), but most readers should be able to determine meaning from context. I enjoy historical fiction, and this book is one of my favorites since I discovered it in my Children's Literature class. The book is not overtly Christian and teaching salvation as some other books I have reviewed, but still has good morals.
**** 4 stars
Author: Carol Ryrie Brink
Approximate Reading Level: 5th grade
Main characters:
--Caddie Woodlawn, 11-year-old pioneer
--Caddie's brothers and sisters: Clara and Tom (older); Warren and Hetty (younger)
--Caddie's parents
Summary:
When the Woodlawn family left Boston to travel west, they know the trip will be difficult, but the don't realize just how difficult. Caddie and Mary are young and weak, and Mary doesn't survive the trip. So, Mr. Woodlawn makes an agreement with Mrs. Woodlawn--she can have any other girls if only he can experiment with Caddie. Instead of keeping Caddie inside learning to cook, clean, sew, and all the other things "proper" girls learned in the late 1800's, he wants to allow Caddie to run with her brothers to get fresh air and exercise to help her grow strong and healthy. The book follows one year of Caddie's adventures as a tomboy with brothers Tom and Warren. And there are plenty of adventures (and trouble) for three young children to get into. Towards the end of the book, Caddie begins to wonder if perhaps being a young lady won't be so bad.
Review:
This book was written by Caddie's grandaughter, who based the book on her grandmother's stories, but added a few adventures to help further the plot. There are a few words and spellings that show the time period the story took place that may make it difficult ("to-night" and "dast," for example), but most readers should be able to determine meaning from context. I enjoy historical fiction, and this book is one of my favorites since I discovered it in my Children's Literature class. The book is not overtly Christian and teaching salvation as some other books I have reviewed, but still has good morals.
**** 4 stars
Friday, March 23, 2012
The Incredible Rescues: The Young Refugees Book three
Title: The Incredible Rescues
Author: Ed Dunlop
Target Age: 9-12
Approximate Reading Level: 5th grade
Main Characters:
Hans
Gretchen
Miklos--a Hungarian Jew who befriends Hans and Gretchen
Summary:
Hans and Gretchen are now in Budapest, Hungary. The story opens with Hans and Gretchen hiding in a trainyard watching Nazis loading Jews onto death trains heading for Auschwitz. They later meet Miklos, who is working for Raoul Wallenberg. Mr. Wallenberg left neutral Sweden to help Jews in Hungary escape, even though he himself is not Jewish. With their father's permission, Hans and Gretchen take Miklos' place after he is injured and help Mr. Wallenberg mainly by carrying food and messages and by taking pictures. However, at times, they are even facing Nazis and Arrow Cross members (young Hungarians who assist Nazi soldiers) to help Jewish people escape transportation to certain death. Although they are always in danger, one attempt at help puts Gretchen in even more danger than usual--on a train bound for Auschwitz.
Review:
I have enjoyed this series multiple times, and am sure I will again. This may be partly because I am interested in historical fiction regarding the Holecaust, but it is also because they are well-written. Again, any phrases in foreign languages are explained at the back of the book. This book also includes an Epilogue which explains that some of the characters and events actually happened. Hans explains the plan of salvation to Miklos, but at another point struggles with trusting God due to what has happened to Gretchen. I believe the book shows a good example of the Christian walk--it's not always easy, but God provides the strength as it's needed.
4 stars
Author: Ed Dunlop
Target Age: 9-12
Approximate Reading Level: 5th grade
Main Characters:
Hans
Gretchen
Miklos--a Hungarian Jew who befriends Hans and Gretchen
Summary:
Hans and Gretchen are now in Budapest, Hungary. The story opens with Hans and Gretchen hiding in a trainyard watching Nazis loading Jews onto death trains heading for Auschwitz. They later meet Miklos, who is working for Raoul Wallenberg. Mr. Wallenberg left neutral Sweden to help Jews in Hungary escape, even though he himself is not Jewish. With their father's permission, Hans and Gretchen take Miklos' place after he is injured and help Mr. Wallenberg mainly by carrying food and messages and by taking pictures. However, at times, they are even facing Nazis and Arrow Cross members (young Hungarians who assist Nazi soldiers) to help Jewish people escape transportation to certain death. Although they are always in danger, one attempt at help puts Gretchen in even more danger than usual--on a train bound for Auschwitz.
Review:
I have enjoyed this series multiple times, and am sure I will again. This may be partly because I am interested in historical fiction regarding the Holecaust, but it is also because they are well-written. Again, any phrases in foreign languages are explained at the back of the book. This book also includes an Epilogue which explains that some of the characters and events actually happened. Hans explains the plan of salvation to Miklos, but at another point struggles with trusting God due to what has happened to Gretchen. I believe the book shows a good example of the Christian walk--it's not always easy, but God provides the strength as it's needed.
4 stars
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
The Young Refugees book two
Title: The Search for the Silver Eagle
Author: Ed Dunlop
Target Age: 9-12
Approximate Reading Level: 5th grade
Main Characters:
Hans: 12-year-old boy, named after his father
Gretchen: Hans' 9-year-old sister
Hans Kaltenbrunner (later Gustav Von Edler)
Summary: Hans, Gretchen, and their Papa have escaped the Nazis in Austria, but they have been found out and must run again. Although Allied agents find them safety with new identities in Vichy France (a portion of southern France unoccupied by Germany), they are not there long before German soldiers take over Vichy France as well. They decide it will be safer to stay than to try to cross the border filled with German soldiers, and a new adventure begins. While watching an air battle with a local boy, Hans watches an American plane get shot down. Hans and Philipe decide to find the American plane. While searching, they stumble across the pilot, and determine to help him and keep him safe from the Germans. A few adults are brought into the secret, and the American asks for help. The story follows the search by the town members who are against the Germans as well as the danger everyone is put in by Collette, Philippe's sister and a staunch supporter of the Germans because of her anger against the French over her father's death.
Review: Another book that I have enjoyed re-reading. There is a focus on the importance of witnessing whenever possible, since you don't know how long you may have the opportunity with someone. French vocabulary is used in addition to German in this second book of the trilogy, and again they are in italics with a glossary in the back. There is a quick blurb in the front of the book with a few historical facts about Vichy France that are relevant to the storyline.
****4 stars
Review: Another book that I have enjoyed re-reading. There is a focus on the importance of witnessing whenever possible, since you don't know how long you may have the opportunity with someone. French vocabulary is used in addition to German in this second book of the trilogy, and again they are in italics with a glossary in the back. There is a quick blurb in the front of the book with a few historical facts about Vichy France that are relevant to the storyline.
****4 stars
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