One Wrong Step review

 

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer A. Nielsen comes a brand-new, spine-tingling adventure about two kids and their fight for survival on the unforgiving trails of Mount Everest.(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

After the death of his mother, Atlas Wade tries to deal with his heartache by climbing mountains with his dad.  When his dad joins on with an expedition, hoping to be the first team to summit Mount Everest, Atlas wants to prove to his dad that he is ready for the extensive climb.  But his dad feels it is best for him to stay behind and wait while the team goes on without him.  As the group ascends towards the summit there is a sudden avalanche. When Atlas hears no word from anyone in the group, he makes the decision to head up the mountain determined to find survivors.

 

Set in 1939, with the threat of World War II approaching, this story is an action-packed historical fiction perfect for the middle grade reader who has an interest for adventures on Mount Everest.   The story not only is about climbing but is also about dealing with grief, trust, learning from past and present mistakes and the importance of teamwork.  At the start of each chapter, I loved that the book offers so many different educational facts about the mountain, climbing terms, weather or medical issues the group encounters.  It also includes a summit map of Everest and where Atlas's location is as he moves up the mountain in search of the missing team.  It was not an easy feat for Atlas and Maddie as they faced a severe snowstorm, altitude sickness and the fear of a possible Nazi Spy following them. But as expected with a lot of problem solving and determination, this is what kept them moving onward with the hopes of finding their fathers alive.  There are chapters that are slow but then the story will ramp up in excitement and I found myself wanting to keep turning pages to see what happens.  Then, it comes down again until the next climatic moment of their dangerous journey.  Maddie's character helped open up Atlas to things in his past that helped him understand his feelings better by letting go the anger and sadness of loosing his mom.  The writing is so detailed that I felt like I was on a climb of Mount Everest myself feeling every cold blast of wind and blowing snow.  The title is perfect for this book because one wrong step could change Atlas and Maddie's lives instantly and I found myself on the edge of my seat a couple of times holding my breath for these kids.  The ending did wrap up fast and was predictable but all in all it will be a good read on a hot summer day to get in those reading minutes.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 10-13.~

 

Title: One Wrong Step

Author: Jennifer A. Nielsen

Pub. date: March 2024, Scholastic Press

Genre: historical fiction

Hardcover, 336 pgs. 

 

Navigating Early review

At the end of World War II, Jack Baker, a landlocked Kansas boy, is suddenly uprooted after his mother’s death and placed in a boy’s boarding school in Maine. There, Jack encounters Early Auden, the strangest of boys, who reads the number pi as a story and collects clippings about the sightings of a great black bear in the nearby mountains. Newcomer Jack feels lost yet can’t help being drawn to Early, who won’t believe what everyone accepts to be the truth about the Great Appalachian Bear, Timber Rattlesnakes, and the legendary school hero known as The Fish, who never returned from the war. They embark on a quest on the Appalachian Trail in search of the great black bear. But what they are searching for is sometimes different from what they find. (goodreads summary)

After the passing of his mother, thirteen year old Jack Baker relocates to Morton Hill Academy in Cape Felty, Maine. His father decides to move him closer to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard where he is stationed in the Navy. Jack finds himself trying to adjust to a new life ahead at the boarding school while trying to come to terms with his mother's sudden death. Soon after his arrival, he notices an unusual boy named Early Auden.  Jack learns things about Early that he finds intriguing such as; he sometimes shows up for class and then disappears, has his own workshop in the school's custodial room and clearly has a knack for numbers. To Early, the number pi is an adventurous story that he sees in shapes, color and texture. He can perform amazing calculations in his head and calms himself by sorting jellybeans by number and color when he becomes upset.  Early's Pi stories are very real to him and he feels a need to help save him after a professor announces that the number eventually comes to an end. When the boys find themselves alone at school during fall break, they decide to take a trip down the Kennebec River in search of the mythical Great Appalachian Bear and help Pi return from the dangers of being lost.  Along the way, they meet several characters who have a strange similarity to Early's Pi stories that help create an adventuresome journey for the two themselves. Most importantly though on their quest, the boys learn that sometimes what you end up finding is not necessarily what you've set out looking for.

This story was filled with adventure, imagination and so beautifully written that it definitely pulls in the reader. Even though Early's story of Pi is fictional, it is so believable that it is a story within a story itself.  There is depth to the characters and tale that makes this not just a typical adventure story either. It is more of a read between the lines story and its reader will find true friendship, self discovery, meaning of hope and character development. I imagined Early, that despite his differences, a character truly exceptional and gifted telling that magical tale from what he sees in his mind from a set of numbers. I envisioned Jack feeling lost and unsure of his place in a complicated world searching for answers to his own questions.  It had a detailed 1945 setting including the woodlands of Maine that had me traveling easily through that era. The journey turns to many dangers along the way when they encounter a band of thieves, the thought of what is behind the giant bear prints, and making it back to the academy alive just to name a few. They also meet other characters that offer help and hope and continue on their epic journey to save Pi, even though Jack questions what is reality or insanity as their adventure seems to run parallel to Early's Pi story. It eventually sorts out and explains many things for each boy in more ways than one. Jack and his father both had good character development. I always like books where not only children are shown to grow, but adults do as well. It had some drawn out parts but just as many thrilling and exciting ones to keep you page turning. There are also great new vocabulary words and descriptive word choices that kids will find. This is a book for thinkers and good choice for either boys or girls. At the end of the book, the author also discusses the concept of Early's character and the number pi in her author's note. I usually read a book during summer vacation to my kids. I know this will be a great pick and look forward to sharing this one with them in the upcoming months. I think this is a "just right book" for ages 10-13.~

Title: Navigating Early
Author: Clare Vanderpool
Pub. Date: January 2013, Delacorte Press
Genre: adventure, middle grade
Hardover, 306 pgs.

On Snowden Mountain review

Twelve-year-old Ellen learns the quiet strength of family when her mother's deep depression prompts her to ask an estranged aunt for help.(goodreads summary)






This heartfelt story set in early September of 1942 during WW II,  contains numerous themes such as; depression, poverty, alcoholism and domestic/child abuse.  Ellen is trying her best to take care of herself and her mother who is suffering from severe depression ever since her father volunteered for the War.  Food is running out, funds are low and because her mother is not getting better she decides to contact her Aunt Pearl for help.  Aunt Pearl is a stoic, gruff woman from the mountains of Virginia, who insists they move from Baltimore and go back to live in Snowden.  Moving to the country was unexpected for Ellen and she is having a hard time adjusting to the simple rustic life.  There is no electricity or running water and only an outhouse for facilities.  When she attends the local school, she finds it is not like her school in Baltimore.  There are no desks but only benches with limited supplies and books.  She also has a classmate who smells like skunks and even though he is 15 years old, sits up in the front row with the 6 year old's.   As Ellen gets to know Russell better, she learns that he cannot read or write and has an alcoholic abusive father that makes him trap skunks for pelts instead of attending school regularly.  She also witnesses Russell's abusive father towards him and his mother first hand after he asks Ellen for help when his mother is beaten.  This is the first step towards an unlikely friendship for the two.  Ellen secretly teaches Russell school work and in return he teaches her the beauty of the mountains and nature around them. As the fall season closes and winter begins, Ellen starts to see things with a different view, where she eventually comes to accept the community she must now consider as her home. 

There are many other characters in the story that help in Ellen's character development.  Besides Aunt Pearl. there is Moselle Toms who is a busy-body and town gossip and latches onto Ellen for her own gain.  Ellen soon discovers that how things look on the outside is not always the same on the inside.  I liked that even though Aunt Pearl knew of this, she let Ellen find this out by herself so she could make her own conclusions about a true self.  Ellen also has fears of someday having the same depressive disorder that consumes her mother.  Aunt Pearl finally opened up about her family history and she learns many things about her Aunt and mother that she never knew before.  When I saw the cover of this book I thought it was a nice, gentle historical fiction for the younger middle grade readers.  After I read it, I learned just as Ellen did,  that you cannot judge a book by its' cover.  I feel it would be better suited for the middle school aged because of the heavy themes.  The end wrapped up very quickly and left me wishing for a few more chapters because it  left me thinking with further questions about Ellen or Russell and his mother.   I could visualize Snowden, Virginia in 1942, the rustic mountain town, Ellen's one room schoolhouse and each character easily with the beautiful descriptive writing style.  I could also feel what Ellen was feeling and thinking as she tried to adapt to the uncertainty of her future.  For being such a short story, it will leave the reader thinking about the realities of the past.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 11-13.~ 


Title:  On Snowden Mountain
Author:  Jeri Watts
Pub. date:  September 2019, Candlewick Press
Genre:  historical fiction
Hardcover, 193 pgs.

Breathing Room review

Evvy Hoffmeister is thirteen years old when her family brings her to Loon Lake Sanatorium to get cured of tuberculosis (TB). Evvy is frightened by her new surroundings; the rules to abide are harsh and the nurses equally rigid. But Evvy soon falls into step with the other girls in her ward.   Set in 1940 at a time of political unrest throughout the U.S. and Europe, this thought-provoking novel sheds light on a much-feared worldwide illness. (goodreads summary)

  In May of 1940, 13 year old Evvy Hoffmeister is admitted to the Loon Lake Sanatorium in Minnesota. She was sent away from her family with the hopes of recovering from Tuberculosis. Upon her arrival, she is faced with many strict rules such as; plenty of rest, no talking, no stress on the lungs by coughing or crying and definitely no moving out of bed. She will be sharing a room with three girls named Dena, Pearl and Sarah and tries to settle into the rigid daily routines.  Despite the many uncertain days that loom ahead, the girls'  friendships blossom, pulling strength from one another that will help pull them through their illness and hopefully onto the road to recovery. 

I really enjoy books that not only tell a story but also one that a child will learn from. I found this very moving historical fiction one of these books. It was not only about having an illness and surviving but it also focuses on the friendships that formed because of it. The day-to-day struggles were well written and I felt the main character Evvy being a real person.  The head nurse they called Old Eagle Eye just added to the feeling of what it was like staying at a sanatorium under strict orders. The chapters are short with many vintage illustrations throughout. They added a great visual representation of the time as well.  Each girl adds her own story, strength and personality bringing the friendships closer with each slow moving day. Evvy finds that she has a talent for writing which she decides to try her hand at with her exploration through poetry.  Not all have a happy ending but it is the reality of an illness with no cure. The author does not sugar coat death when a patient dies from a hemorrhage or the effects the disease had on the body. Many people either made it or they didn't with some even having to reside at sanatoriums for years. It was a time I pictured vividly and learned many new things I never realized after reading Evvy's story because I never experienced it.  I did walk away with a stronger knowledge and understanding of something other than just a diagnosis or a term. I think if kids try and go into this book with an open mind, not looking for action or suspense, they may view it to be a very informative read. 

At the end of the book, I loved that the author gives many more facts about TB and details of her research leading up to this book. I learned for example that after Eleanor Roosevelt died, an autopsy discovered she had Tuberculosis and that the author of the Mrs. Piggle Wiggle series, Betty MacDonald, wrote The Plague and I which was based on her time at a sanatorium. Afterwards, there is another section devoted to full description of the chapter illustrations and once again, more things I did not know.  I saw the book is intended toward an  8-14 age group but feel  it would be better suited for an older audience. Tuberculosis is more than a cough and the description of symptoms and the patients trying to survive this terrible illness may be scary for the younger group. I am glad that this book gives voice to a sad time and forgotten or unknown part of our history. I think this is a "just right book" book for ages 11-14.~

Title:  Breathing Room
Author: Marsha Hayles 
Genre: Historical Fiction, Realistic Fiction
Pub. Date: June 2012, Henry Holt and Co.
 Hardcover, 244 pgs.

Christmas After All: The Diary of Minnie Swift review

 

  At the age of twelve, Minnie Swift is living through one of the toughest times in America's history, The Great Depression. She keeps a detailed diary over the span of one Christmas month. Reflecting the sadness but also the optimism that characterized the time, this is an intimate portrait of a Midwestern family's days and nights, ups and downs, triumphs and losses. It's the story of one family's persevering spirit: The Christmas Spirit.(goodreads summary)

 

 

Christmas will not be the same as others have been in the past for 11 year old Minnie Swift and her family.  She lives in Indianapolis, Indiana with 3 older sisters and 1 younger brother. Money and her father's hours at work are slowly dwindling causing many changes for the family. Added to this, she has an orphaned cousin named Willie Faye from Texas who suddenly moves in. Businesses and banks are closing daily and eventually her father looses his job, too. Then unexpectedly one day he disappears, leaving his family startled by his abrupt action only leaving a note telling them not to worry. As Minnie journals her month between Thanksgiving and Christmas Day in detail, she finds that faith will help keep her spirit alive during these tough times and there just may be a little Christmas magic left after all.

These have always been great Historical Fiction books for young readers. Filled with facts and so many different characters from different eras, this series has always been a favorite of mine  This story was very detailed and gave an accurate account of life during The Great Depression. For example, Minnie and her family shut off rooms to save on heat, ate meatless meatloaf or added cheese and flour to thicken things up, the loss of jobs and the effects on families, banks shutting down and people losing their money, soup kitchen lines getting longer by the day and I could go on and on about these hardships I learned. Despite the tough times though, the story also had some humor and talked about the Golden Age of Radio as a form of entertainment. The children would wait for their favorite radio programs like Charlie Chan and Buck Rogers. Movies were also a big hit because they were inexpensive and Minnie talked about Greta Garbo and Clark Gable. Her older sister, Lady, adores Hollywood and fashion and I visualized her character well with boas and fancy things she would make for herself inspired by the movies.  I especially connected to this part because I remembered my grandmother when she told me she would go to the movie houses as a young girl, sketch the dresses the stars would wear and then go home to sew one just like it because she had no money to buy them.  Oh, I miss hearing those stories.......One thing that surprised me was the fact that a neighbor friend's father committed suicide by a shotgun. I guess it came as an unexpected entry but it was a sign of the times for many unfortunate families. This part was quick but still haunting that it occurred while the girls were arriving to the friend's birthday party and they had to be shooed home because it happened just at that moment. The character of Willie Faye was also important. She arrived from the Texas Panhandle during the Dust Bowl and showed a very different lifestyle from Minnie and her family. She knew first hand what it was like to do without and brought an inspiration to Minnie. Even though the Swifts were in a tough situation, it still did not keep them from enjoying being a family and making it through the struggles keeping hope in their hearts for a better future. The ending has a wonderful epilogue about how the story is based from the life of the author's mother. There are many interesting pictures with descriptive captions showing the reader a different era that we can only hope will never have to face in our lifetime. After reading this story, I really appreciated my life and I  hope young readers do as well. I think this is a "just right book" for ages 10 -13.~

Title:  Christmas After All: The Diary of Minnie Swift
Author: Kathryn Lasky
Pub. Date: September 2012 (republished) Scholastic
Genre: historical fiction
Hardcover, 187 pgs.

Listening for Lions review

Thirteen-year-old Rachel Sheridan is left an orphan after influenza takes the lives of her missionary parents in British East Africa in 1919. National Book Award-winning author Whelan crafts a wickedly delicious story of treachery and triumph, in which one young woman must claim her true identity in order to forge her own future and transform herself from victim to heroine. (goodreads summary)




Rachel lives in British East Africa among the Kikuyu and Masai. She lives a happy and simple life with her father who is the doctor at the Mission Hospital and her mother a teacher. Rachel explores the wild nature around her and takes in its' beauty at every wakeful moment. At night, she listens for the lions roar and can feel their strength and freedom. Her nearest neighbors, the wealthy Pritchards from England live on the next plantation a few miles away. They live a very charmed and different life from Rachel's family. The 1919 influenza outbreak has rapidly taken millions of lives all over the world and is now spreading to the local African cities and farms. The epidemic quickly reaches Tumaini, the Mission Hospital where Rachel calls home. Sadly, both her parents become victims of the influenza within weeks of the outbreak. The Pritchards offer to take her in as the hospital closes leaving her with many questions about her future. It soon becomes obvious that the Pritchard's generosity is not all that seems to be. They plan a devious and sinister plot for money forcing Rachel with the choice of either joining them in their deceit or be sent to the nearest orphanage with an uncertain future. She finds herself travelling miles away from Africa to a new and unfamiliar place to help carry out with the lies and greed, only to keep the hope in her heart of someday returning back to her homeland.

This book hooked me from the very first page! I quickly found myself drawn into the setting and the characters with the beautifully written details.  The story was rich with diversity and culture giving me clear images of a place and time I have never been to.  Rachel knew she was a willing participant in the scheme along with the Pritchard's. Instead of feeling she was a victim, she takes personal responsibility for her choices.  It sends the message of right vs. wrong and letting your conscious guide you. The storyline kept building with every chapter and each one I kept waiting for the truth to come out.   She finds courage one day to make the right choice and a very happy outcome in doing so follows.  As the years go by, Rachel grows to be a young woman and again must make choices that are different than what her heart tells her. Her dreams and determination to return to Africa to finish her parent's work was inspiring. She faced many obstacles for a young girl in that era but throughout the entire story she always stays true to herself.  I especially liked how the author included many words throughout the book from Rachel's native language, Swahili.  A glossary was thankfully added at the end to decode any confusing and new vocabulary words in this unfamiliar language. I found myself constantly reading until the end, placing myself in Rachel's shoes and wondering if I would be able to handle the many situations she faced with the strength and maturity as she had. All in all, I entirely believe that Listening for Lions is worthy of it's National Book Award and I think this is a "just right book" for ages 10 and up.~

Title: Listening for Lions
Author: Gloria Whelan
Genre: historical fiction, middle grade
Pub. Date: October 2006, Harper Collins
Hardcover, 195 pgs.

An Elephant in the Garden review

With Lizzie’s father fighting in World War II, her mother takes on the job of a zoo keeper to provide for her family. Lizzie, her mother, and her eight-year-old brother Karli have become especially attached to an orphaned elephant named Marlene. The bombing of Dresden is imminent and soon, so the zoo director explains that as a precautionary measure all the animals must be destroyed so that they’re not running wild through the city. Lizzie’s mother persuades the director to allow Marlene, the elephant, to come stay in the family’s garden. Dresden is bombed and the family, including Marlene, is forced from the city.  Lizzie’s mother has to find a different route out of the city to keep the elephant and the children safe from harm.



When Karl's mother needs to work overtime as a nurse at the local nursing home on weekends, she would always take him along. At first, she was hesitant and unsure how he would get along with the many elderly residents but soon found that not only Karl loved it but they enjoyed him in return. He strikes up a friendship with Lizzie, an 82 year old woman who just so happened to have a brother named Karli that seemed to have a striking resemblance to him.  No one believes Lizzie when she talks of her elephant she has in the garden and the staff say she is just confused and imagining things. No one that is except nine-year-old Karl, who is so fascinated by her story and can't wait to hear more. Lizzie tells Karl and his mother the story of Marlene the elephant and how the day of February 13th, 1945 changed her life forever.

The story flashes back to the time when she was a young girl during World War II living in the city of Dresden, Germany with her brother Karli and mother (mutti). Her father has left for the war and her mutti takes a job at the local zoo. Mutti learns that all the animals will be destroyed because if the city is bombed, they cannot run at large. Her mother offers to take in Marlene, a baby elephant to care for instead of such drastic measures happening to her. One evening, while the family is out walking Marlene, the city is bombed and the elephant runs off frightened. The family chases after her and finds themselves too running for their lives with nothing but the clothes on their backs as they look back at their once beautiful city being destroyed. This beautifully written historical fiction was inspired by a true story. I was so engrossed in this book that I read it in one day. Listening to Lizzie's story not only brought emotion but the writing was so vividly detailed that I could see and hear the sounds of the war in my mind.  The family struggles on foot in the winter snow with no money, food, or shelter to find safety while the Russian Soldiers close in on them from the east. This is a story of courage, hope, survival and finding love.  The author describes the war from a child's point-of-view nicely and does not skim over the facts of the two sides along with the causes and effects of the war. At times, it has German vocabulary but the English meaning is also present. The ending wraps up quickly and there is an author's note describing how the idea came to life for this story.  This book is a reminder of the so many stories that are out there that should not be forgotten. It develops a connection with our youth and the importance of our elderly before their stories are taken with them to their next journey. I think this is a "just right book" for ages 10 and up.~

Title: An Elephant in the Garden
Author: Michael Morpurgo
Genre: Historical Fiction
Pub. Date: October 2011, Feiwel & Friends
Hardcover, 199 pages

Selling Hope review

It’s May 1910, and Halley’s Comet is due to pass thru the Earth’s atmosphere. And thirteen-year-old Hope McDaniels and her father are due to pass through their hometown of Chicago with their ragtag vaudeville troupe.  Hope wants out of vaudeville, and longs for a “normal” life—or as normal as life can be without her mother, who died five years before. Hope sees an opportunity: She invents “anti-comet” pills to sell to the working-class customers desperate for protection. Soon, she’s joined by a fellow troupe member, young Buster Keaton, and the two of them start to make good money. And just when Hope thinks she has all the answers, she has to decide: What is family? Where is home?  (goodreads summary)

Hope McDaniel is the daughter of a magician whose act is showcased on the 1900's Vaudeville scene and helps as his assistant. Her only hope is to leave it behind to lead a normal life having enough money to find a place to live and stay in Chicago.  A place where she grew up until she was eight years old but left to travel the small circuit with her father, Nick. The Chicago city people are terrified that when the earth passes through the comets tail in May, "gases will fill the heavens" and destroy all mankind.  This story is the countdown to that day approaching.  Sparking an idea to capitalize on the citizens fears to earn the money she desperately needs for her and her father to move on, she devises a plan to make and peddle anti-comet pills in a nearby local alley. She enlists the help of Buster Keaton who seems to be as saavy on the idea as she is and they make for a profitable pair.  This wonderful historical fiction was exciting as well as an entertaining treat.  Hope is very grown up and street wise for her age.  Being placed in an adult world in 1910, how could I expect her character to not be.  I found all the characters believeable in an eccentric and old vaudeville kind of way.  I easily pictured the troupe manager, Mr. Whitting, being as greasy and greedy as they come.  The depicted living in the rundown boarding houses, Vaudeville Troupes riding the rails and old Chicago alleys placed me in an era I can only read about but still made me feel like I was there.   I also enjoyed the time period quick wit and slang  that was so fitting of the 1900's.  Some words and phrases I had to stop and think about. I don't know if kids would do the same or skim past it.  When Hope sold her anti-comet pills, she never looked  her "coins"(customers) in the eyes. Hope's character had heart and soul which also gave her a conscience about right and wrong. Each chapter also had an original newspaper headline from the days in May while the countdown of the comet was to arrive. It is unimaginable to think that people were so panicked and overwhelmed by the anticipation of the comets arrival and its unknown affects to the earth.  There are several  themes to this story and strong bonds of family and friendship.  At the end, the author added an informative note about Halley's Comet and the characters that were actually real people portrayed in her book.  She also included a recommended reading list for learning more about item information found in the book.  Once again, I walked away feeling  that I learned quite a bit from another well written historical fiction novel.  I think this would be a "just right book" for grades 5-8 or ages 11 and up.~

Title:  Selling Hope
Author: Kristin O'Donnell Tubb
Genre: Historical Fiction
Pub. Date:  November 2010, Feiwel and Friends
Hardcover, 215 pgs.

The Water Seeker review

Amos Kincaid is the son of a dowser – a person gifted in knowing how to “find” water deep in the ground. As a young person, Amos doesn’t reveal his gift to others; he’s not sure he wants the burden. But through his experiences growing up and crossing the Oregon Trail, Amos learns about life’s harsh realities, especially the pain in losing loved ones. As he cares for those around him, Amos comes to accept his dowsing fate. This epic novel is a fascinating period piece about the westward expansion and one man’s destiny as he searches for love and family. (goodreads summary)

When I first started reading this book, I wasn't sure if I was going to finish it or abandon it.  It had a slow start feel  but eventually moved along in the middle enough for me to keep reading until the end.  As I read more into it,  I realized Amos is a dynamic character and who he was destined to become.  The story follows Amos from his birth to manhood between the time period of 1833-1859.  His father Jake is a trapper and entrusted Amos's care to his brother and wife after Amos's mother dies, promising to return every year to see him.  When Amos is six years old, Jake returns that year with a Shoshone Indian wife and decides it is time for Amos to join him and Blue Owl on his journeys.  As the years go by, the story turns when Jake and Amos, now fourteen,  join a wagon train leading them on The Oregon Trail to settle on new land with 40 other families.  The authors depiction of the hardship and exhaustion of pioneer life seemed very real as I read through their personal struggles and how the families learned they had to move onward.  There were many strong characters throughout this adventurous book, especially the several women portrayed.  Amos's mother also follows a few characters in the form of a spirit and that also plays an important part in his story to the end. Some topics that the author addressed were death (such as from childbirth, small pox and crossing the Oregon Trail), racism, family relationships, domestic abuse, a first love, loss and poverty and to grow and become a man. It is a nicely written story, full of details, memorable characters,  joy and sorrow, tragedy and an ending for Amos where he finds acceptance.  The 1800's were tough times and these were definitely tough people who had to cross unknown territory to start up new lives and cities. The author spared no details of the harsh times. I have seen that this book is recommended for ages 10 and up. Because it is a little slow in the beginning, it may not capture the younger readers interest.  Also, some of the content is mature and they may not understand the story behind it. I think it is a "just right book" for ages 12 and up.  I ended up liking this book and glad that I stuck with it until the end.~

Title: The Water Seeker
Author: Kimberly Willis Holt
Genere: Historical Fiction
Pub. Date: 2010, Henry Holt and Company
Hardcover, 309 pgs.

Like the Willow Tree: The Diary of Lydia Amelia Pierce review

Suddenly orphaned by the Spanish flu epidemic in the fall of 1918, eleven-year-old Lydia Pierce and her fourteen-year-old brother, Daniel, of Portland, Maine, are taken by their grieving uncle to be raised in the Shaker community at Sabbathday Lake. Thrust into the spartan lifestyle of this isolated religious sect, which practices celibacy and pacifism, Lydia, a fiercely independent girl, must grapple with a new life that is nothing like the one she used to know. (goodreads summary)

This is a wonderful new historical fiction in the Dear America series by Lois Lowry. The setting takes place in Portland, Maine in the year 1918. Lydia Pierce just turned 11 years old and received a journal for her birthday. She has plenty to write about as the country has been hit hard by the Spanish Influenza epidemic and life will soon change for her and older brother Daniel.  With the loss of their parents, they move in with an Uncle who has troubles of his own and just cannot afford to take on two more children. The decision is made to place Lydia and Daniel under the care of the Shakers, a religious group living on Sabbathday Lake whose beliefs are very different from their own.  Making an adjustment to a new way of life is not easy for Lydia or Daniel.  As the months go by Lydia learns more about the sisters lifestyle and finds herself adusting easier.  She eventually makes friends, attends school and looks forward to learning new jobs and skills along the way to help make money for the community.

I found this story different from other Dear America books mainly because it focuses on the simple way of life in a Shaker Community instead of just the character Lydia going through an adventure.  I really enjoyed  learning about the Spanish Flu epidemic and its impact on the cities.  I was also intrigued with the hard working but yet joyful life of the Shakers (who eventually dwindle down in numbers over the years).  Like all other Dear America books, it ends with an epilogue about Lydia, historical notes and fabulous pictures of the past.  After reading it, I realized how much I've learned about a community that I have never seen or heard about until now and I have Lois Lowry to thank.  I guess that is why I love historical fiction so much! This is a "just right book" for ages 9-12 and any fan of the Dear America series will find this one interesting.~

Title: Like the Willow Tree: The Diary of Lydia Amelia Pierce
Author: Lois Lowry
Genre: Historical Fiction
Pub. Date: January 2011, Scholastic Inc.
Hardcover, 217 pgs.

Is it Night or Day review

Twelve-year-old Edith Westerfeld has lived a protected life in the tiny German town of Stockstadt am Rhein. Now, as brutal acts of anti-semitism explode in Hitler's Germany, she is about to travel thousands of miles over land and sea to a place that seems as foreign as the moon: Chicago, Illinois. And because her parents can't get permission to leave Germany, she is traveling alone.      (jacket desciption)


I have always enjoyed reading historical fiction and this one is right up there with the best ones.  Based on true events and inspired by the experiences of the author's mother, I found this book hard to put down once I started it.  We learn about the history of WWII in school but not the effects on the children of the war until it is written from their point-of-view.  Leaving her family behind and coming to an unknown country is a struggle within itself.  Edith truly feels alone in this great big new world and she has no one to help her understand it. Her english is very limited and must learn fast to adapt to American ways. She lives with an Uncle and Aunt, but the Aunt treats her like a burden. She is a servant instead of family and lets Edith know it.  While attending American school, she faces more challenges, lonliness and ridicule from classmates.  The wonderful writing of this book placed me in Edith's shoes. It made me realize how fortunate I am that neither myself nor my children ever have to endure the hardships these children had to face.  It is a sad read, but one that awakens a part of history we have never been told. I think it is a "just right book" for 6th grade and up. ~

Title: Is it Night or Day?
Author: Fern Schumer Chapman
Genre: Historical Fiction
Pub. Date: May 2010, Farrar Straus Girous
Hardcover, 205 pgs.
book source: local library