I don’t generally read children’s fiction – in this case, middle-school fiction. That’s not to say I haven’t any experience with it (my kiddos are teeI don’t generally read children’s fiction – in this case, middle-school fiction. That’s not to say I haven’t any experience with it (my kiddos are teens.) I belong to a group of wonderful women that are participating in a book ‘voyage’. Each of us has selected a book (any genre) that will make its rounds to each participant within a year to eighteen months. We share notes with one another, and by the end of the voyage, the owner of each book will have a lovely keepsake with everyone’s reflections. This was one of those selections.
The cover of this book was just gorgeous. It’s a story with a powerful message about hope and courage and believing in oneself. A young boy has washed up on an unknown beach, alone, and without any recollection about himself – even his own name is a mystery to him. His journey becomes one of survival – as a beast lurks just beyond the trees, past the Green Wall. It’s also a journey of self-discovery, as he tries to remember his past, his family, and just why he has ended up in such a scary and lonesome setting. The only voice he hears is that inner voice that sometimes refuses to leave one alone, expressing our deepest fears, insecurities and doubts. He is determined to escape this island and return home. Will he be able to overcome all the obstacles, both physical and emotional, in order to accomplish this feat?
I can’t easily judge towards what age this book would be aimed. It was easy reading, yet I imagine that the premise of being left alone on an island with a dreadful ‘monster’ would cause quite a bit of apprehension in a young reader! I found the pace slower than I would have expected, and at times it was a bit repetitive. Likely this was a result of the writing being simpler due to the target audience. Would a child find the same – I honestly have no clue! Regardless, the message is precise and rewarding, so I’m certain many would benefit from it. My own personal experience with the book was just fine, even if not dazzling. There are some works of children’s literature that I find completely compelling and beautifully written. These, however, tend to be classic works, or in the very least, less contemporary pieces. Some of these sit on my favorites shelf – books such as Anne of Green Gables, Where the Red Fern Grows, Rascal, and The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. This book was written in 2018, and unfortunately, I’ve read no recent works to afford a fair comparison. I guess I’m just an old-fashioned kind of gal when it comes to children’s literature. I think this would be a great buddy read with a young person. Maybe a great gift for the child in your life!
"Maybe you can’t tell the strength of a person until you’ve seen inside their fears. Maybe a person can’t tell their own strength until they can face their doubts."...more
"Excitement hung around Anne like a garment, shone in her eyes, kindled in every feature."
Oh, what sheer pleasure it was to spend just a moment in tim"Excitement hung around Anne like a garment, shone in her eyes, kindled in every feature."
Oh, what sheer pleasure it was to spend just a moment in time with Anne and her delightful companions in this little classic. What pure joy to catch a glimpse of the beauty of Prince Edward Island. I am likely one of the last persons on earth… well, on Goodreads at least… to read this novel. What in the world was I waiting for?! As a child and adolescent, I wrongly assumed that this book would be of no interest to me. I wasn’t a ‘girly girl’ and surely this was written for ‘that sort’ of reader, right? Wrong! By the time I was old enough to know better, I thought I had grown too mature in years to pick this one up. Wrong again. The ‘sort’ of reader that this does appeal to however: one who appreciates exquisite writing and vibrant characters, one who relishes being steeped in another time and place, and one who enjoys an all-out fantastic story. In short, this book should satisfy nearly everyone!
You can’t help but fall in love with Anne. She is the friend you have always longed for, the daughter that will bring that much-needed light in your life, that student that any teacher would be proud to instruct. She is funny, imaginative, bright, and a regular chatterbox. She laments about her red hair, apologizes for being a ‘great trial’ to Marilla, and always manages to see the positive in most everything. However, she does maintain a long-standing rivalry with her peer, Gilbert Blythe. "She was as intense in her hatreds as in her loves." Nothing is ever lukewarm when it comes to Anne’s feelings.
There were moments I wanted to laugh with her and moments when I wanted to cry. When she first arrived at Green Gables, Anne learned that it had all been a mistake. For, Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert meant to adopt a young boy to help with the chores. A little girl was not needed. It nearly crushed me when Anne fell in love with Green Gables only to find that she must surely be turned away and carted straight back to the orphanage. "Have you ever noticed what cheerful things brooks are? They’re always laughing… I shall always like to remember that there is a brook at Green Gables even if I never see it again." What transpires after this will melt even the most hardened hearts.
Some might say this book is too wholesome, too charming, and perhaps too unrealistic. I have to say that I don’t believe those are good enough reasons to skip reading this enchanting novel! It didn’t take place just yesterday so I didn’t expect the trials and tribulations of today’s day and age. The events do occur on an idyllic island, so I felt the beautiful scenery I was immersed in was wholly believable. Anne is not a perfect little girl and each character has their share of flaws. Not every story has to be full of doom and gloom to get all the stars! Sometimes one just needs to sit back, relax, and just surrender to the small pleasures in life. We could all use a lesson from Anne’s book of optimism here and there!
"Dear old world, you are lovely, and I am glad to be alive in you."...more
This is a fantastic, fast-paced historical mystery and I honestly did not want to put it down! Aimed at middle-graders but definitely one that any reaThis is a fantastic, fast-paced historical mystery and I honestly did not want to put it down! Aimed at middle-graders but definitely one that any reader could enjoy, The Blackthorn Key is the complete package – mysterious puzzles and codes, thrilling and suspenseful action, history and science, and exceptional friendships.
Set in 1665 in the city of London, this book introduces us to Christopher Rowe, our clever hero, who is apprenticed as an apothecary to Master Benedict Blackthorn. Having rescued Christopher from an unknown future in the orphanage, Master Benedict acts as a compassionate father and mentor to this boy who is eager to learn everything he can about potions, puzzles, and books. The baker’s son, Tom, makes a wonderful friend and sidekick, being constantly dragged into Christopher’s little schemes and experiments. These two make a great pair and I really enjoyed every minute of their adventures with one another. When a menacing cult begins to systematically murder the city’s apothecaries, Christopher is determined to get to the bottom of this mystery before he finds himself the next victim. He must use all of the knowledge he’s gleaned from his master, along with plenty of courage and ingenuity, to solve the biggest mystery of all and escape imminent danger. There are bad guys galore and Christopher must learn who he can truly trust. I must say there is a lot of page-turning action in this book!
The Blackthorn Key gives us a snapshot of a piece of history that is quite informative but not at all mundane or too mystifying for the middle grade reader. The potions and puzzles should interest anyone that enjoys science or magic. However, one bit of warning from this reader: there is a fair amount of violence and danger in this book that could be disconcerting to a younger middle school child. Some gruesome descriptions of the murders and other brutal assaults may be okay for the mature middle grader, but I hesitate to recommend this to the complete gamut of grades 3-7 readers as noted on the back of the book. But, as always, parents use caution – you know what your children can handle. This is definitely a book worth reading and has huge potential for this debut author! I would love to see a sequel to this book; I think Kevin Sands left just enough open at the conclusion for this to be a possibility – at least I hope so! 4.5 stars
I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book from Goodreads and Aladdin Books in a first reads giveaway in exchange for my honest opinion. ...more
The audio version of this timeless classic was very charming! This was actually my very first audio book and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I am not certainThe audio version of this timeless classic was very charming! This was actually my very first audio book and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I am not certain that this format will work for me with very many books, but it certainly proved to be quite entertaining here. Narrated by Alan Bennett, this version featured some of the voices from Alan Bennett’s stage adaptation at the National Theater in 1990. The music and sound effects really added to the experience for me and the various voices were so much fun!
I have not read The Wind in the Willows before, so the adventures of Ratty, Mole, Toad, Badger and company were all fresh and delightful. The dialogue brought a smile to my face and made the time pass by quickly on a couple of my solitary hikes through the fields adjacent to our property. As I walked alongside the woods, I could almost imagine my new little friends coming to life right beside me. An enjoyable story for children and adults alike! ...more
"Their destiny as rabbits was written in the expressions they unconsciously assumed. In the care-laden attitudes into which they unintentionally fell,"Their destiny as rabbits was written in the expressions they unconsciously assumed. In the care-laden attitudes into which they unintentionally fell, during that rare pause, was expressed all the century-old sorrow of the perpetually hunted."
Fifteen Rabbits by Felix Salten, creator of the beloved Bambi, is not a sweet little story about a bunch of cute bunnies romping in the woods together. Do not read this story to the little ones before bed! Rather, it is a mostly bleak and realistic picture of what it is like to grow up as one of nature’s gentler creatures in a world that constantly threatens them with harm from man, the danger of other predators, and the menace of starvation. The story revolves around a group of young rabbits’ interactions with one another and their glimpses at the surrounding wildlife, including various birds, pheasants, deer and elk. No animal is safe from man and his weapons; there are many instances of death which are often disturbing and sad.
So, why read this book then? Well, for one, I think the author meant to send an important message regarding man and his mistreatment and misunderstanding of animals. "They were from two absolutely alien worlds, and there was no bridge from one to the other." Also, the descriptions of the animals, the woods, the meadow, and even the songs of the birds were quite lovely. The rabbits do experience some carefree moments of happiness and love. There is also a heartwarming scene between a dog and a rabbit, as well as a brief appearance by the now-matured and stately Bambi. ...more
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