I read this as a kid, and I remember really liking and relating to Caddie's tomboy antics, but I also didn't like it for some reason. I didn't remembeI read this as a kid, and I remember really liking and relating to Caddie's tomboy antics, but I also didn't like it for some reason. I didn't remember why, but I didn't obsessively read it over as I did the Little House books.
Having read the book in almost a single sitting today, I understand why I disliked the book: in the end, Caddie resolves not to be a tomboy anymore. How annoying. That would have felt like a betrayal to me as a tomboy reader.
As an adult, however, the Native American depictions also stood out as annoying. The book really does not hold up well. I suppose the one major positive is that Caddie is on the side of the local tribe and risks herself to save their lives (the ol' white savior trope), and bluntly states that she was more afraid of the other white settlers than the Indians. That feels darn progressive for 1935, but really, everything in the subplot feels very Hollywood and cringey.
I now live not far from where the inspiration for the book, the author's grandmother, grew up. I'd still like to visit the site someday, simply because it's interesting to see a place that connects to a childhood book. ...more
I've read my childhood edition probably dozens of times, but not in many years. I recently moved to Minnesota quite close to Lake Pepin and I plan to I've read my childhood edition probably dozens of times, but not in many years. I recently moved to Minnesota quite close to Lake Pepin and I plan to do a day trip to visit the re-created cabin there. It was high time to read the book again to get the details in my head--and to get another hint of the winter weather I'll soon experience.
I still love this book--the voice, the day-to-day details, the pioneer how-to, Pa's stories. One negative to note: my boxed set of Little House books dates to about 1990, and still has some of the original racist period language; I was taken aback by a song in this book, because I'd forgotten all about it. I wouldn't be missed in newer editions, that's for sure.
I'll need to reread the whole series over the next while....more
I read this book probably twenty times over when I was a kid, so it was interesting to revisit it as an adult. I'm pleased to say that, unlike a lot oI read this book probably twenty times over when I was a kid, so it was interesting to revisit it as an adult. I'm pleased to say that, unlike a lot of other childhood reads, this held up well, though the sadness of the circumstances around the real story hit me pretty hard. O'Dell's inspiration is based on a Native American woman who, when the rest of her tribe left their remote island off the Southern California coast, stayed behind. She ended up living alone for 18 years. The way O'Dell handled her survival story and the passage of time is deftly done. You never really come to know Karana in an intimate way, which makes it easier to feel like you, the reader, are the one who is surviving alone. This newer version of the book includes a forward by acclaimed children's author Lois Lowry that adds more context for the real and fictional stories....more
I probably read this book 20 times as a kid. This is my original copy, with a bookplate with my name on the inside cover, dated 1990. I have found somI probably read this book 20 times as a kid. This is my original copy, with a bookplate with my name on the inside cover, dated 1990. I have found some childhood classics don't stand up well--this one does. Rawls is masterful with his evocative descriptions and layered emotions. I can see how this book likely had a huge influence on my own writing. The book feels authentic to the Ozarks of the 1920s-1930s, warts and all. It therefore connects to my own family past, as my grandpa's family was starving in Arkansas and fled for California to start over during that time. ...more
Here's a classic that has not aged well. I read this and at least one other in the series at my hometown library when in my early teens, and then bougHere's a classic that has not aged well. I read this and at least one other in the series at my hometown library when in my early teens, and then bought a discard copy of this book from that same library a few years later. I liked it, back in the day.
This time around, I still enjoyed the very fairy tale-like voice. The illustrations in this 1951 edition are lovely, too. But the story itself? The characters? Oof.
Princess Irene is supposed to be 8 years old, but reads more like she is 4 or 5. She does absolutely nothing for herself in this book, not even dress herself. All of her actions are essentially dictated by her ethereal ancestress who lives in a hidden part of the castle. The goblins are nasty beings who live in the mountain beneath the castle. They lack all nuance, and nothing about them makes any sense. Then there is Curdie, the young miner who is smarter than everyone in the book except for the ethereal grandmother. He's the one who discovers that the goblins are up to mischief, and he is the closest thing the book has to an active hero.
I feel somewhat sad that the book ended up being such a disappointing re-read, but I also feel fine getting rid of the book now. Goodness knows, I can use the shelf room....more
What an absolutely charming middle grade book! It combines many of my favorite things: baking cookies, magic, and literary violence. Mona is just yourWhat an absolutely charming middle grade book! It combines many of my favorite things: baking cookies, magic, and literary violence. Mona is just your average 14-year-old girl with a family bakery to mind and a carnivorous sourdough starter in the basement. That is, until she finds a dead body in the shop one morning. When she's blamed for the crime, beyond all logic, it's clear that something terrible is happening to the wizards in town--and the cause may lie in the palace itself.
The book is dark at times, but that's balanced by moments of sparkling wit that had me laughing out loud. I thoroughly enjoyed it from beginning to end....more
In finishing my reading of the trilogy, and I understand why I didn't like the books at age 12. I'm not enthused by them now, either, though I did enjIn finishing my reading of the trilogy, and I understand why I didn't like the books at age 12. I'm not enthused by them now, either, though I did enjoy the sheer poetry of Le Guin's writing. That's what made them tolerable, with the 2nd book being the best of the lot. It never ceased to rankle me that this is a world where women can't be considered wizards.
In this book, a prince who idolizes Ged goes on a long sea journey with him to find out why magic and life's very meaning has vanished from parts of the world. It's a very slow read and little happens overall. I won't go into further detail because of spoilers.
I'm reminded that I should read more of Le Guin's works, especially her later stuff, because I know she was critical of her own earlier books. ...more
I loved this book as a kid when I would check it out at my hometown library. It used to get to me emotionally back then, and it still holds that powerI loved this book as a kid when I would check it out at my hometown library. It used to get to me emotionally back then, and it still holds that power now as it traces the life of a cat named Tiger. There is some human-imposed silliness, like a cat marriage, but overall it's a beautiful book that is interesting because many of the illustrations are from a cat's point of view. I found that fascinating as a kid, and it still strikes me as innovative now....more
I loved this book as a kid. I owned it and read it time and again. Reading it at age 40... it doesn't hold up so well. There's little substance to theI loved this book as a kid. I owned it and read it time and again. Reading it at age 40... it doesn't hold up so well. There's little substance to the book. The voice is quaint though rings as stilted, even for a period piece. What I still like best is the 'competence porn' aspect: these kids are great at surviving on their own. I loved their inventiveness like their behind-the-waterfall fridge and the way they rummage in the junkyard for tools and devices to repurpose. The gender roles are pretty strict, though, and wow does the ending come across as heavy-handed with the 'shun luxury, live best through simplicity' vibe. Very like Heidi, really, another childhood favorite that I re-read last year that awed me with its heavy message. I was also struck by the idea that as poorly-off as these kids are, with their parents dead and being homeless, they are still privileged. This would be a very different book if they weren't white....more
I owned this book as a child and I read it over and over again. I don't think I've read it since I was about 11. My main memory is how evocatively it I owned this book as a child and I read it over and over again. I don't think I've read it since I was about 11. My main memory is how evocatively it described the Alps. It truly made me want to go there (which I have yet to do, but some day...!). Oddly enough, I have never felt the need to go to Frankfurt.
Heidi remains a fast, pleasant read, full of gorgeous scenery. I didn't recall the heavy Christian message, though that's certainly in keeping with the time period--right along with the 'heal yourself through nature' theme. I think looking at the book in the historical context is pretty important, as otherwise the book comes across as trite and predictable with lots of stereotyped characters, though this is the book that established many major tropes.
I actually saw the Shirley Temple movie based on the book recently. As a kid, I vastly preferred the book because it is more centered in nature and had a better ending, I thought (even 1930s Hollywood felt the need to end everything with a dramatic chase scene). The book gives Peter a lot more nuance with his learning disability, selfish inclinations, and guilt complex....more
I received this hardcover book through the LibraryThing Early Reviewer's program.
This is a picture book for children, but don't assume it's about rainI received this hardcover book through the LibraryThing Early Reviewer's program.
This is a picture book for children, but don't assume it's about rainbows and happy endings. It's not. This book is intense. It is honest. It is bleak. Without a drop of red, it depicts the horrible nature of war. This is a book that might really bother some kids (and parents), but I see this as a book to inspire some hard but necessary discussions.
Without even considering the content, the The Good Son is an artistic masterpiece. It is fully illustrated through the use of toy soldiers, elaborate sets, and brilliant use of perspective. The effect is stunning. The use of toy props doesn't cheapen the message in the slightest. On the contrary, the pages look eerily realistic at times. I think kids will really connect to the scenes because there ARE toys being used--which again, might be bothersome for some, but that is something to be worked through.
The text is minimal but effective. This book would be quick to read, but so much is happening in many scenes, I found myself lingering on each. The set up for the book is stark: a young French soldier named Pierre went AWOL for two days over Christmas to visit his mother, and upon his return, he is imprisoned and sentenced to death. He is to be made an example of to prevent further desertions. Pierre reflects on his time as a soldier and what he has learned about his German enemies as he awaits dawn and his execution. Again: this is not a book with a happy ending. That's the nature of life, and of war--especially the Great War.
Some people might argue that the very premise makes this a horrible book for kids. I strongly disagree. There's a great Madeleine L’Engle quote: “You have to write the book that wants to be written. And if the book will be too difficult for grown-ups, then you write it for children.” Children aren't oblivious. They see and experience a lot. Teaching them that war is glorious and that heroes can't be killed does not do them favors in the end. This book uses toy soldiers to get on the same level as kids, and respects their ability to understand what unfolds. ...more
Penguin Random House sent me a gratis copy of this book.
This is a children's book with incredible depth. The narrator, in a young and excited tone, rePenguin Random House sent me a gratis copy of this book.
This is a children's book with incredible depth. The narrator, in a young and excited tone, relates their excitement about their family's return to their summer beach house. They anxiously await the return of their summer friend Chicken Smith, and are pestered by their sister all the while. The story takes a surprisingly turn at the end that is incredibly realistic and right, ending the book on a lovely note. It's a subtle tale about growing up and how big disappointments may not be big as they seem.
The illustrations are very childlike and scrawled, yet full of rich detail. This isn't a book with "pretty' illustrations, and it doesn't need to be--this is art that kids will easily relate to and happily mimic in style....more
I received this book through the Library Thing Early Reviewers Program.
I've been a big fan of Pastis's strip Pearls Before Swine for many years now, sI received this book through the Library Thing Early Reviewers Program.
I've been a big fan of Pastis's strip Pearls Before Swine for many years now, so when he began to release his Timmy Failure books for middle graders, I had to buy them for my son. He loves them. I haven't read any of the earlier books all the way through--I've just opened them up, laughed at a few pages, that kind of thing.
Therefore, I started reading this final book in the series without knowing much about the full story arc or the previous events. That gave me no problems whatsoever. There are several mentions of previous events, but the book can stand completely on its own.
Timmy Failure is nine and a wee bit precocious for his age. He runs a detective agency along with his dear polar bear friend Total, and has driven at least one of his past teachers to a total nervous breakdown. In this book, his class must create their own film, and Timmy is designated the writer. He decides his memoirs should be filmed, complete with a birth scene featuring 600 flying elephants. Things, of course, don't go well. His classmates resist, and a new kid who is even more precocious and annoying takes over things. Plus, Timmy is coping with his retirement from detecting (as so was decreed by the gods), trying to help Total find his long-missing brother, and contending with the reappearance of his absentee father.
Here's the thing I loved about this book: the wacky humor is balanced with genuine heart and some serious topics. It doesn't shy away from the heartbreak that family can sometimes cause. Really, the book had a real life feel to it (maybe not including the polar bear best friend--maybe) because the real life drama stuff is softened by humor and escapes of imagination.
On a more technical note, this is a smartly-written book that will likely cause kids to look up some words and phrases in the dictionary. Some more 'adult' aspects are incorporated in very kid-like ways, too, like Timmy's insistence upon ordered a whiskey neat--though it becomes clear later that he has no idea what that actually means.
This book—a novella by modern standards—remains a pleasant read over a hundred years after Baum first published it in 1900. The basic characters are tThis book—a novella by modern standards—remains a pleasant read over a hundred years after Baum first published it in 1900. The basic characters are the same, and some of the same events take place, but I think the movie is a more solid story over all. That said, I still liked it. There is a deep sense of magic to Dorothy’s adventure (with Toto, too) in Oz....more
The publisher provided me with a gratis copy of the book. This does not impact my review.
This book provided me with a welcome opportunity to revisit CThe publisher provided me with a gratis copy of the book. This does not impact my review.
This book provided me with a welcome opportunity to revisit Chincoteague and Assateague, places I have adored and yearned to visit since my horse-obsessed years reading Marguerite Henry's books about Misty, Stormy, and other island ponies. Surfer Dude was a beautiful, very real stallion in recent years whose handsome, distinct looks made him a favorite among locals and visitors alike. This book recounts the story of his life with beautiful paintings by Linda Kantjas that feature other ponies as well as island birds and wildlife; I loved that the back of the book had a guide to identifying these creatures. I could see a child bringing this book along on a visit to the island and using it to identify the fauna.
Szymanski's rendition of Surfer Dude's life is blatantly romanticized, especially at the end as he essentially departs to go to horse heaven to join his departed family. That struck me as a bit corny and drawn-out, but as a kid, I would have accepted it without hesitation and probably flipped from beginning to end to try to identify every pony that was shown in the afterlife.
The book is a hardcover with slipcover, quality work. Young children can 'read' this through the vivid pictures, and I would say the primary audience is for kids from age 5 to 10. The text is large and the story is easy to follow. To compare it to other horse books, I would say this is perfect for kids who love C.W. Anderson books about Billy and Blaze, and Marguerite Henry's books for younger readers....more
This is a really cute, short graphic novel telling of MacBeth. The art is colorful and vivid, and they do a good job of condensing the plot. It is ratThis is a really cute, short graphic novel telling of MacBeth. The art is colorful and vivid, and they do a good job of condensing the plot. It is rather sanitized--for example, it turns out at the end that no one really died in the play--but it feels quite appropriate considering it's a performance staged by zoo animals. ...more
Sometimes you just need a gentle, whimsical book that makes you feel like a kid again. That's what I needed this week, and that's why I picked up GregSometimes you just need a gentle, whimsical book that makes you feel like a kid again. That's what I needed this week, and that's why I picked up Greg Van Eekhout's book. I bought it at Phoenix Comicon and had it signed to my son.
I would have enjoyed this as a kid, too, even if it gets a little creepy at times. I love how it uses the California coast as a setting (it even mentions Pismo later on, a familiar place for me), with a boy abandoned in his weird uncle's museum of strange things for his summer vacation. The town's tourism season mysteriously starts overnight, and Thatcher discovers things only get weirder from there. Thatcher has a great voice. He babbles, he's not perfect, but he makes a great team with the two strong girls in the book, Shoal and Trudy; I really loved Trudy! It's a solid middle grade book for boys or girls....more
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