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 - 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)