My Side of the Mountain

A book review by Will, grade six

The author of this book is Jean Craighead George. The main character of this book is Sam. He goes off to find his great-grand fathers land because he was sick of the city. The characters of this book are Sam, mom, dad, brother, brother, sister, Bando, Aaron, hunter and Matt. The animals of this book are baron weasel, Frightful, Jesse C James.

Sam is sick of the city so he decides to run off into the woods. He encounters people, bone cold wind, weird noises, gets frost bite, has no food, finds food, makes clothes, gets meat, finds a bird, and avoids the baron weasel. Sam has to train Frightful to get him food and keep her from getting too wild. The baron weasel is in control of Sam, one time he almost tore Sam apart.

Frightful is Sam's peregrine falcon. He steals her from her mother when she is young. Sam is always training her. Most of this book is about him training Frightful. Bando is a lost teacher in this story. He meets Sam when he was asleep in the cold and after that he taught Sam to make a willow whistle. Aaron is a song writer. He meets Sam when he is sitting and singing, Sam shared his songs with Aaron. When Sam falls asleep Aaron is gone. Jesse C James is a skinny raccoon. Sam found him out in the cold and started to feed him and Jesse would get him clams. After he fed him he was big and plump like a water melon. Matt is a boy with a goofy hat. Matt helps Sam when fishing. He paddles the raft that Sam and Bando made.

How does it end? You’ll have to read it to find out what happens to Sam!

This book is very adventurous and very good. I would recommend this book.

Mystery of the Tolling Bell

A Book Review by Hannah D, grade four.

The book is entitled "Mystery of the Tolling Bell", one of the Nancy Drew mystery stories by Carolyn Keene, with 181 pages.

This book is about Nancy who arrives in Candleton with her best friends, Bess and George, to solve a mystery about a ghost ringing a bell when the tides comes, and to investigate a company selling fake perfume, called Mon Coeur. My favourite part is when she find a paper left by a man, and when they go to the cave where the mysterious bell and ghost reside.

I like this book because of the mysteries that are very exciting and thrilling to read. The author, Carolyn Keene describes each event realistically that I couldn't take my eyes off the book.

This book was originally written in 1946.

The Chrysalids

Book Review by Oloff B, grade 11

This is another exceptional book by John Wyndham, who is most famous for being the author of The Day of the Triffids. I found the “double” dialogue used in the book a bit confusing at first but as the story went on it became easier to follow. What I found very effective was the way in which the element of familiarity and the element of the unknown are combined in the setting. The author uses elements that are somewhat familiar, such as the idea of telepathy, relies on what is known to us through news reports about extremist sects, refers to places in the real world, such as Canada and New Zealand, and tells a story that is pure science fiction against this realistic background. This helps to make the story more believable, and therefore more frightening.
The story takes place in the future, on the island of Labrador, Canada, in an area known as Waknuk. What survivors assume to have been a punishment from God, Tribulation, had wiped out almost all living things on Earth, and most technology along with it. People have adopted many false teachings about what is right. They assume that any person with a visible defect is not created in the image of God and must be cast out of society. These people are forced to live in an area known as The Fringes. Other living things, such as plants and animals, are destroyed if they have a defect or mutation, known as deviations. This teaching is known as Purity.
David Strorm, the hero of this novel, is born into a family of firm believers in Purity. His father, Joseph Strorm, is a rich farmer and a strict follower of Purity. He doesn’t allow anything with even the slightest deviation from the “norm” to live. David’s closest friend, Sophie Wender such a deviant she has six toes. Her parents hide this fact from everyone but David. Unfortunately, Sophie is found out and banished to The Fringes. As time passes, David realizes that he isn’t like everyone else. He has the ability to communicate telepathically with seven other people in his district who have the same abilities as him. They are able to talk to one another at any time in any place via “thought shapes”. This includes communicating with another group of people in New Zealand. The people of New Zealand remained relatively unaffected by Tribulation and maintained much of their technology. In the end, it appears that New Zealand will be the last safe place left in the world.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is interested in science fiction. Because the story is more realistic than most science fiction stories, giving an insight into other parts of the world, like New Zealand, and parts of Canada that someone from Vancouver might not know about, I think that even people who don’t really like this genre will find this book appealing.

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer

Book Review by Seth B, grade 6

Tom Sawyer is a fiction book of 282 pages, written by Mark Twain. It was originally published in 1876.

This book is about Tom Sawyer and his adventures. It is a very humorous novel. The way they speak is very funny. The descriptions are hilarious. It is funny how Tom is always getting into trouble.

My favorite passage is where Tom sees Becky Thatcher: “He saw a new girl in the garden-a lovely little blue eyed creature with yellow hair plaited into two long tails, white summer frock, and embroidered pantalettes. The fresh crowned hero fell without firing a shot.” I like this passage because of its humor. Tom falls in love with Becky as soon as he sees her.

I like the book’s story line. Tom Sawyer is a very believable book. Tom and his friends do not do superhuman stunts. It is a very simple book, everything the characters do you can do yourself. Tom does not parachute off a cliff, or anything crazy like that, he does everyday things. The things that happen to him can happen to anyone. I like the book because a can relate some of the things that happen in it to my life.

3 Cups of Tea

“Three Cups of Tea” by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver

Book Review: by Adrian, grade 7

The non-fiction book “Three Cups of Tea” by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin is a story about Greg Mortenson who devotes his life to building schools for children in Pakistan. His story will leave the reader amazed at the hardships he encounters and moved by the courage he demonstrates in order to fulfill his promise.
The story begins in 1993 when Greg Mortenson, a mountaineer, attempts to climb a mountain called K2, in Pakistan, in order to pay tribute to his sister after she passes away. After being separated from the team of mountaineers that he was traveling with, Greg gets lost and nearly dies of exposure. He finds his way to a remote village where he is nursed back to health by the friendly villagers. After he recovers, he wants to repay the people for their hospitality. He sees that there are no school facilities and that the village children are not receiving a proper education. Therefore, he promises to return and build a school in the village. Greg returns home to the United States and begins to raise money in order to construct the school. After building the school for the village, other villages soon begin asking Greg to also provide schools for them. This need launches his quest to continue building schools all over Pakistan and later Afghanistan.
Greg’s plan to build schools may sound easy so far, but it was far more challenging than one could imagine. For one, he was poor and raising money was difficult. He didn’t even have a house so he lived in his car. He also encounters resistance from a powerful and hostile chief who halts his plans to continue building schools for girls. Greg even needed a body guard to protect him from those who were opposed to his work. The terrain of Pakistan proved to be difficult to travel because of war-beaten roads. These are just a few of the hardships that Greg experiences during his journey in order to provide education for the children of Pakistan and Afghanistan. Despite these challenges, Greg Mortenson succeeds in building over 50 schools over the next 10 years in the war-torn country of Pakistan.
This book is so well written that the reader will not be able to put it down. The writer keeps the reader absorbed in the book by taking the reader along on a roller coaster adventure of fear, sadness, violence, delight, poverty, anxiety, love, hatred and unexpected surprises. This book lacks nothing. It is amazing because it proves that a common person in a foreign country can stand up and say “I want to fix this”, and then find the courage to accomplish it.

Pete's Gold

Pete’s Gold By Luanne Armstrong, Review by Jaime, age 15

Pete is city kid from Victoria. When he gets sent off to his Grandmother’s farm for the summer, Pete is expecting a long two months of boredom without his computer, video games, or friends. But that was before he gets to know his Grandma and the neighborhood kids, Jess and Bird. They tell him stories of his long lost ancestor who suffered and unknown death, and of what he left behind. Pete finds lots of fun, alternate ways to entertain himself in the summer, and gets into a fair bit of trouble too. When he finds and extraordinary discovery, his family gives him the admiration and respect he always longed for.

Pete’s Gold is a really great adventure book for preteens and even teenagers. It has suspense and keeps you turning pages to find out what happens next. I like this book because imagining the farm and the lake was fun in my opinion. The relationship between Pete and his grandmother grows over the summer, and when an accident happens to her he comes running to the rescue. He also changes over the summer because he goes from a regular video-game-playing city kid to a risk-taking, active country boy. Pete learns about responsibility by helping on the farm.

Miss Harold's Note: Pete's Gold is short-listed for the 2009 Chocolate Lily Awards

Call It Courage

This is a review from Aziz, grade 5:

Call it courage is about Manfue and his dog Uri getting caught on an island. Manfue's name means "stout heart" but his people call him coward. Since his mother died from sea, Manfue is afraid of the sea.

Do you know what I like about the author Armstrong Sperry? He keeps his readers interested, he keeps on telling us more and more interesting facts, and then he tells you something so exciting you have to read more. I cannot tell you what will happen at the end, but I know you will like it.

Underground to Canada

This review is written by Amina in grade 6:

Do you like books about slavery? If you do, Underground to Canada by Barbara Smucker is a book for you. Many characters in this book are based on real people! For instance Levi Coffin and his wife Cathrine helped more than 3,000 slaves escape to Canada, and Mr. Alexander Ross helped more than 31 or more slaves escape to Canada in about 5 years.

Underground to Canada is a story about a young girl, who is taken away from her mother by a ruthless slave trader. All she has left is the dream of freedom. She meets a girl named Liza. When workers from the underground railway offer to help them, they are ready. But the slave catchers and their dogs will soon be after them. Will they ever reach Canada?

Barbara Smucker makes the reader turn each page of this wonderful book, for example: A little of the fear and ache lifted from Julilly she began repeating the words that the slave owner had used Quaker Abolitionist, free n---- boy and found herself wondering if the words might have anything to do with Canada.

Will she ever get to Canada? Or will she find herself picking cotton with whip slashing down her back if you want to find out I recommend this book I recommend this book to you!

Miss Harold's Notes:Here is a link for more information on the Underground Railway, and one man's walking journey done last year

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

The following is a review by Anthony age 8:
Do you love happy endings? If you like books with happy ending, you have to read this! Although, the beginning is very sad. Charlie is a boy who is poor. His mom couldn't find a job. His dad is a cap screwer. They could only buy a small cabin. I don't think you want to read those parts. You still have to read the ending.

The good part is that Charlie got a golden ticket. If you find a golden ticket, this guy who owns a huge chocolate factory will give you tons of chocolate. Your house will become a chocolate world. The guy who owns the factory is Mr. Willy Wonka.

I can't tell you how the story ends but I can tell you what I like. Dahl makes weird crazy books. I like crazy. He writes interesting books like this book I'm telling you about.

Do you wonder how Charlie got the golden ticket? Read this book to find out how that poor boy got that golden ticket. I really recommend you to read this book now.

Book Review - The Witch of Blackbird Pond

After reading the Sign of the Beaver and enjoying it, I decided to read this book by the same author, Elizabeth George Speare. The Witch of Blackbird Pond, like Sign of the Beaver, is the Newbury Award winner for 1959. The setting is Connecticut around the late 1600s. It is a time when the Puritans and Quakers battled for freedom in the new America.

Our main character, Kit, has just arrived from Barbados. She is seeking to live with her only remaining family members, the Woods. From the beginning Kit's lifestyle conflicts with the Puritan way of life she is faced to live. Kit is headstrong and defiant and often reaps the consequences of her actions, regardless of her motives.

This is a good choice for a novel study for Grade 5-7. There is fragments of a love story in the novel, as girls of Kit's age were considering marriage. Though the book is fictional, Ms Speare does incorporate the real-life characters of Sir Edmond Andros, Samuel Talcott, Eleazer Kimbeley and Reverend Bulkeley.

Book Review - Mysterious Benedict Society

Another recommendation from a book list posted through Barnes & Noble. This book has been receiving excellent reviews. They even have a website called the Curious Chronicle: http://www.hachettebookgroupusa.com/features/mysteriousbenedict/content/index.asp

When I started reading this, I was reminded of Harry Potter (book 1) without the magic. Reynie is an orphan who answers an ad in the newspaper about opportunities for gifted children. He along with three other "orphaned" children pass a series of very unusual tests which leads them to the "Society". Their mission? Foil the plans of one evil "Mr. Curtain" and his plans to rule the world! These children don't have magic, they use their minds and ingenuity to infiltrate to ranks of Mr. Curtain's inner circle. Do they succeed? No spoilers allowed in book reviews.

Though I found the pacing of this book rather slow (it's a long 500 pages) the characters are interesting and the book presents positive messages regarding the media, and perseverence in friendship. And I just recently found out that the society has embarked on another adventure, "The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey" was just recently released.

This book can be used as a read-aloud though I would edit some of the long descriptors for younger children. This novel is recommended for Grade 5-9.

Book Review - I Am David

My previous school reads this book every year in the Grade 7 class. I had been told it was quite good. Again, this is a book that students will be reading next year so I thought I'd get a head start.

This is quite an intense book. The author paints a very vivid picture of a boy who has fled a concentration camp and is journeying to Denmark. Why? Because an officer in the camp told him too. The reader discovers alongside David the missing pieces to his life's puzzle. David also invites the "God of the green pastures and still waters" to help on his journey.

This book would complement a Social Studies report on the second World War. It's pretty powerful. David is a boy of real integrity. It makes me wonder whether it is based on a true story. There is also a movie that was released about 4-5 years ago. But, alas, it has removed God from it.

Currently reading: The Mysterious Benedict Society

Book Review - The Vacation

The Vacation by Polly Horvath won last year's "Chocolate Lily Award". Based on that recommendation, I decided to read it. This is one of those books that I couldn't decide whether to like or pity the characters. Henry's parents leave for Africa (why do people say Africa - it's a continent, not a country?)and ask his aunts Aunt Magnolia and Pigg to babysit him. Now these aunts are 40 years old and quite frankly, being 40ish myself, I felt the things they did seemed closer to 60ish. I digress...

After a bout of sickness and a 40th birthday party, Aunt Mag decides it's time to take that vacation they never took. There is a lot of arguing, disappointment, and frustration. There is also moments of comedy, reflection and contentment. Mag, Pigg, and Henry drive all over the US and take us along for the ride.

I don't think I would take a family vacation again, if I have to endure the events Henry took but you can be the judge. This book is recommended for children 10 and older. I wouldn't use it as a read-aloud for younger children due to some of the content and regular "cutting remarks" make by the characters. There's not a lot of love in this book.

Currently reading: I am David

Book Review - Camp Baby Mouse - Part 2

I enjoyed a fun and energetic evening with my niece and nephews. As mentioned in an earlier post I read "Camp Babymouse" to them. They laughed, they asked questions (I'll comment on this in a bit) and they wanted to hear more "Babymouse" tales.

So why did they ask questions? When Babymouse digresses she enters other famous literary characters such as Moby Dick, Dr. Jeckyl & Mr. Hyde, and King Kong (a cinematic character). Most young children do not know these references so I was having to explain them. They still thought it was funny.

In conclusion, I would recommend "Camp Babymouse" and I'll be ordering more "Babymouse" tales from the library to read to the youngens.

Current reading: The Vacation - should be finished in a couple days

Book Review - Camp Babymouse - Part 1

I think this is the first graphic novel for youngsters that I've read and it was okay. First, if you are not a fan of "pink", stay away. This book is black & white & PINK! Babymouse is a bit of a selfish, neurotic mouse who is going to camp. Things go wrong and eventually Babymouse steps up to the plate to change things. Babymouse gets carried away with her thoughts and they are graphically shown. For example, Babymouse is trying to get to the top bunk and visualizes it the height of the Empire State Building and she is King Kong (now Babykong).

I will be reading it to my niece and nephews this weekend, reporting back to give you their feedback. I write more on Monday.

Book Review - Please Write in this Book

I had a sneaking suspicion as to what was going to happen in this story and I was disappointed that it was worse than I had suspected. This is one of those books that I wonder whether it was written by an adult. The children name call, draw pictures about each other and get away with it. As a teacher, I was appalled that the teacher in the story did not see it, and when she did, there were no consequences from her. This book goes on for 70 with the children's antics and then an idea from a student suddenly changes the situation(yeah, right, till the next month). I won't give away the ending but it's consistent with the antics in the book.

When looking for books for younger children, I look for books that have a positive without having to read a lot of abuse of any kind. Sometimes if the message is strong enough, I may put up with the silliness of a book if I know we can talk about it. It's just my opinion. But my recommendation of "Please Write in this Book" is Please Stay Away from This Book!

Book Review: The Secret Garden

I had never read this book growing up and as a teacher I was constantly reminded of it when I would see it on book lists. What evidentally led me to read this book were two students of mine who were reading it and I wanted to be able to discuss it with them. They finished the book over a week ago. I finished last night.

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett and illustrated beautifully by Tasha Tudor (not enough pictures) is a lovely book about children, friendship, and magic. The story begins in India where we meet Miss Mary, quite contrary. She is a spoilt child who tells adults what to do and they do it. Does this really happen? Tragedy strikes her family and she is shipped off to England to live with an uncle, who is rarely seen. Without giving too much away, Mary's real adventure takes place when she puts aside her selfishness and goes exploring.

The Secret Garden is a lovely read. There is a mixed blend of colourful characters and the description of the secret garden has inspired me to expand my own garden. This book can be read independently at the grade 5-8 level though the reading of the Yorkshire accent requires effort. Early spring would be a great time to read this aloud as a family, particularly those who can enjoy their own gardens "coming alive" a short distance away.

Currently reading: The Vacation by Polly Horvath

Book Review: The Goatnappers

I was asked to read this book on short notice last month. I am part of a jury for a children's book awards and while we were discussing the "short list", we realized that many of us hadn't read this submission. I took it home and began reading that night. Considering the amount of inappropriate and unoriginal books I had to suffer through, I found this book quite the opposite.

Goatnappers is written by Rosa Jordan, a resident of British Columbia, Canada. It is the "sequel" to Lost Goat Lane (2004). It takes place in a farm in rural Florida and where Lost Goat Lane centers around the oldest daughter Kate, Goatnappers is told from the point of view of Justin, the oldest son.

Justin has just received a "coveted" spot on the varsity baseball team however, he is in dire need of a bike to get to practices. He decides to sells his baby goat at an auction for cash. But alas, life is always that simple. Soon Justin finds out that the new owner is more of a business man than a true animal lover (yes, you can be both). The book is fun to read. There are some colourful characters and adults are portrayed in a positive light, sans Mr. Grimsted.

This book deals with subject matter such as divorce. Justin has to make a decision regarding which parent to live with. Again, both parents are seen in a positive light which creates a bigger problem for Justin.

Goatnappers would make a good read-aloud for younger children and late-middle school children should be able to read it. I would recommend this book.

Currently reading: The Secret Garden (almost finished)

A new vision for this blog

This blog has a new purpose - reviewing children's books and books for homeschoolers. At work I have been recently working on a "Book Corner" for the schoolathome.ca website. So I have decided that I will write the reviews here and families can view a video clip of them on the website. Currently, the books that I'm reading are:
1. Secret Garden - never read this as a child
2. Camp Babymouse
3. Please write in this book
4. The Mysterious Benedict Society
5. Church History - a crash course
6. The Alchemist's Dream

I finished reading the Goatnappers and I will post a review next week.

Getting Tunnel Vision

I just arrived home from Day 2 of the convention. I spent about 7 hours there. Sometimes I find that these events can be so overwhelming, especially to new homeschoolers. Earlier this week I met with a few of my parents to help them create a list of what to look for and buy while there. Even though I am not currently homeschooling children, I end up creating a mental list for myself too. I love books and there are so many to choose from. So many of them are probably wonderful but given the amount of time in our days I don't want to buy books that I don't think I'll be reading in the next 2-3 months. I would like to pick up Pat Farrenga's book "Teach your own". I met a teacher who read John Holt's books in teacher training. I thought that was amazing!

Anyways, I home and feeling a bit tired. I just thought I would say to all you wonderful women that conventions are a wonderful place but come prepared! Tunnel vision will help keep you sanity!