I Survived

This is a series I have been curious about for awhile now.  I've had lots of kids come into my store asking for these books.  Pompeii is the newest installment.  I believe it just came out this week.  They don't have to be read in order (this is book #10) because each title takes place in a different historical period with different characters.  I rather enjoyed this book.  I think this series would be great for reluctant readers.  They are short, barely over 100 pages, and include a lot of history.  This is the only one I have read, so I can't speak for the others, but it was fast-paced and to the point.  It briefly covered the few days leading up the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius and then the actual eruption and attempted evacuation.  There are illustrations to help break up the words, for those who need that.  This series is probably about a fourth grade reading level, maybe even late third grade.  It is scholastic, so the actually reading level should be on the back of the book.  I read a digital copy, so the information wasn't included.  Like I said, the book was a lot of fun and inspired me to do a little further research on the event.  That is exactly what the author hopes for.  Kids who are at all interested in historical events, or enjoy some good danger and action, this series would be perfect.  They all cover events that are known for the death and destruction factor, but focus on surviving that event.  I can say that I do in fact recommend this series.  Give it a try.  Happy reading!

My Name is Resolute

My Name is Resolute came out in February, but I saved it to read up at my cabin this summer.  The author's first book, These Is My Words, is one of my favorite books, so I was really excited about a new historical fiction from Nancy Turner.  I met her a few months ago when she was on tour for this book and I really liked her.  In my experience, meeting some authors can forever ruin my opinion of their work.  When an author turns out to be a tool, I have no interest in reading their books.  Conversely, there have been a lot of authors that weren't even on my radar until I met them.  Some authors think that fame is enough to maintain and increase fans.  For me, likability goes a long way.  There are plenty of authors I have read, and liked, simply because I met them and liked them personally.  It does take a bit of compatibility with subject matter for me to pick up a book, even if the author is a really nice and impressive human being (e.g. Nora Roberts).

I digress; after all, we are here to discuss My Name is Resolute.  In my opinion, it isn't nearly as good as These Is My Words, but I still enjoyed it.  My one major complaint was that it was simply too long.  At times I felt like I would never finish it.  Parts could have been cut out and still been as good.

The story follows Resolute Talbot from the age of eleven or so.  While living in Jamaica on her family's plantation, she and her siblings are kidnapped by pirates.  English privateers overtake the pirates.  Their brother signs on with them, while Resolute and her sister, Patience, are sold into slavery in the New World.  The sister's lives ultimately take different paths.  Resolute learns how to weave, a trade that helps carry her through the rest of her life.  After escaping, she is able to be self-sufficient in a time when women usually didn't take care of themselves.  As she gets older, marries, has kids, etc. the skills she learned as a slave become the very skills that shape her place in history.  We follow her through sickness, heartbreak, joy and danger as she makes a life for herself near Lexington, Massachusetts.  As the Revolutionary War approaches, she finds herself in the heart of the underground Patriot movement.  Constantly in danger, Resolute is surrounded by wanted men.  Her brother is an infamous pirate/privateer, a thorn in the side of the English.  Her husband is wanted for crimes from his childhood in Scotland.  Her son is working along side top Patriot players like Paul Revere and John Hancock.

The book made me want to read up more on events leading up to the Revolutionary War.  It was lots of fun to meet some of the famous historical figures from that time period and see them as youths.  It is a time period I don't know much about and am very interested in studying.  It has been a long time since I studied it in school and don't remember much of what I learned.  The character of Resolute was interesting.  I enjoyed following her life.  Her brother, August, was lots of fun as well.  Characters are what drove this book as much as the historical world it was set in.  Over all, I really enjoyed it.  If you are a fan of historical fiction and don't mind a long book, give this a try.  Happy reading!

Sarah, Plain and Tall

Sarah, Plain and Tall is one of my favorite books from childhood.  I listened to it on tape numerous times, as well as read it.  I was trying to think of a good book to recommend for Mother's Day, and this one came to mind.  It is not a traditional story of motherhood.  Sarah answers an advertisement in the paper to come to Kansas as a wife and mother for Jacob and his children, Anna and Caleb.  It has become too difficult to run his farm and raise his children, so he sends away for a woman to help him out.  Caleb is desperate for a mother, he has never known one.  His mother died having him.  Anna is a little more skeptical of the newcomer.  Sarah has a tough time adjusting to life in Kansas.  She is from a beautiful town on the coast of Maine.  It takes some time and definitely a little trouble, but they start to become a family.  In the end, Sarah agrees to stay and marry Jacob.  This book embraces the role of a mother and the importance she plays in the life of children.  I enjoy watching Sarah learn to love Anna and Caleb and them her in return.  Every child needs a mother.  This book is an excellent example of that.  As far as length, this book is less than 75 pages, but it is not lacking in anyway.  It won the Newbery Medal in 1986 and has long since been considered a classic in children's literature.  I think it is one that every child should read, either by her/himself, or together as a family.  It is just wonderful.  The characters are ones that have stuck with me throughout my life.  Give it a try.  Don't forget to tell your mothers how wonderful they are too.  Happy reading!

Thursday Three: Black History for Kids

I kept trying to come up with good adult books encompassing Black History Month in one way or another, and all I could come up with were books just about everyone has already read.  While I still highly recommend them (e.g. The Help, To Kill a Mockingbird), I figured I would focus on some kids books instead.  When I started this post, I didn't intend to pick all Newbery winners, but alas that is what I did anyway.  The Newbery committee is notorious for favoring historical fiction, so it isn't that much of a stretch that some of what I consider to be the best kids books embodying black history are the same that others have likewise chosen.

1. Bud, Not Buddy

This fun story, set during the Great Depression, won the 2000 Newbery Medal.  It is the story of a young boy riding the rails, looking for his long lost father.  After his mother dies and one too many unpleasant foster homes, Bud runs off to find his dad.  He only has a few clues as to his possible identity, but this spunky young boy is determined.  It is lots of fun.  Bud recites "rules" to live by that are just hilarious.  He is quite the character.  It will keep you entertained for sure.  It is definitely a fun book to read aloud, whether in a classroom or at home.

2.  M.C. Higgins, The Great

I'll start off by saying this book is definitely not for everyone.  It is peculiar to say the least.  I read it simply because it won the Newbery (1975), but found that I rather enjoyed it.  The characters are quite interesting, although not always likable.  The title character spends much of his time observing the world from the top of a forty-foot pole.  The author does a fantastic job of describing the setting and the time.  You can feel yourself there.  While this book is strange, it is wildly descriptive in a way that just got under my skin.

3.  Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry

Now I'll be honest.  I don't remember the details of this book.  I read it as a child and haven't taken the time to reread it yet as an adult.  I do remember that I thought it was wonderful.  It definitely opened my eyes to life in the deep south.  Despite what the laws said, centuries of hate and prejudice didn't end over night.  The Logan family is at the center of all the drama.  This book is beautifully written.  The author doesn't beat around the bush when depicting the harsh reality of the time.  It definitely isn't a feel-good book, but one that is worth reading for sure.  It won the Newbery in 1977 and is often a required reading title in elementary school.

Tuesday Talk: The Power of One

The Power of One is my all-time favorite book.  I have read it multiple times and listened to it on audio.  It is fantastic.  I chose to talk about it today is celebration of Black History Month.  Now the main character is not actually black, but the book takes place in apartheid South Africa.  Also, some of the people Peekay loves the most and are the most influential in his life are black.  He lives in both worlds, which causes him lots of grief in his childhood.  This book is just fabulous.  It is a great example of how one person, no matter his size, can change the world.  he doesn't let fear and hatred get him down.  He makes friends in the most unlikely of places and dares to dream of things bigger than what appears to be in his reach.  My copy of this book has multiple passages underlined.  There are just so many wonderful, deep, perhaps even life-changing excerpts I love to revisit.  I'm glad I first came across this book when I was in college and in the underlining and margin writing state of mind.  I don't think I could bring myself to "defile" a book like that today.  Of course, if I hadn't done it, it would take forever to find my favorite passages.  Here are a few:

 "...in each of us there burns a flame of independence that must never be allowed to go out.  That as long as it exists within us we cannot be destroyed." (p.20)

"Sometimes the slightest things change the directions of our lives, the merest breath of a circumstance, a random moment that connects like a meteorite striking the earth.  Lives have swiveled and changed direction on the strength of a change remark." (p.60)

"First with the head and then with the heart."--this is the theme Peekay revisits as he attempts to become the welterweight champion of the world.

"The power of one is above all things the power to believe in yourself..." (p.423)

There are a lot more memorable lines I could quote, but I think everyone should read this book and find their own favorites!!  This book did take me a few tries to get into.  I read the first chapter or two multiple times before I ever made it further.  I'm saying this not because it is a difficult book to read, but because it took a few more chapters to hook me in than other books have.  That said, please don't give up on this book until you have given it a fair shot.  I promise you won't regret it.  It is an amazing story that everyone should read.  It may even change your life.  Happy reading!

Thursday Three: Favorite Love Stories

I am a sucker for a good love story, but I do not enjoy "Romance" books.  I prefer books with a plot, that just happen to have a side dose of romance.  Smutty bodice rippers are not my style, nor are sappy Nicholas Sparks type stories.  (I haven't actually read any of his books, but the movies completely put me off--with the exception of The Notebook, which I love).  Perhaps I am more of a sap than I realize, but none of my choices today can be considered sappy, I think.  So let us begin with a few of my favorite love stories.  I highly recommend all of them!
1.  The Time Traveler's Wife
I just love this book.  It has gotten mixed reviews.  I love the story, but not the often overly descriptive love scenes.  Henry and Claire's story takes place over a lifetime.  Henry is an unwilling time-traveler; he can't control his jumps.  As an adult, he gets to know the child, Claire, who will grow up to be his wife.  I would love to go back and meet my husband as a child.  Wouldn't that be interesting?  The story is heart wrenching as Henry can disappear at anytime.  He gets to see his family at different ages, but Claire is left alone, not knowing when or even if she will see him again.  It is a marvelous love story in my opinion.
2.  These Is My Words
I can never say enough to recommend this book.  It is such a fabulous story.  The characters are wonderful.  Told in diary/journal form, from the mouth of Sarah Agnes Prine, you get to know this sassy, spunky, spirited girl.  It is based on the author's great-grandmother, set at the end of the 1800s and spanning the American frontier.  There is an epic love story at its heart between Sarah and Captain Jack Elliot, an officer with the cavalry that infiltrates her life as a child and never goes away.  He is an awesome character.  I could go on forever about this book, but the bottom line is: if you haven't read it yet, pick it up now.  You won't regret it.
3.  Gone With The Wind
This is a book I wish wasn't so long because I would reread it in a heartbeat.  The loves story of Scarlet O'Hara and Rhett Butler is know by just about everybody.  I suppose that is to do with the movie, but the characters have become immensely famous.  I wanted to strangle Scarlett most of the time.   Along with the love story, I love the shot of history you get.  Despite how inaccurate it may be from an historical perspective, I love reading books set in other time periods.  The setting is a character in itself, in a way Contemporary novels lack.  This book is filled with intriguing characters, and you can't help but love Rhett (unless you're Scarlett).  If you long for that happy ending, I recommend reading the sequel (Scarlett by Alexandra Ripley).  It's not nearly as good.  It will take some time to get used to the difference in writing (at least it did for me), but I still really enjoyed it as well.  I just loved the original so much I wasn't ready for it to end.

Thursday Three: Young Adult WWII Fiction

In honor of Veteran's Day next Monday, I'm going to discuss three of my favorite World War II Young Adult books.  If you are looking for happy endings, you should probably avoid these.
1.  The Book Thief
This book is simply amazing.  It is one of my all-time favorite books. The book is uniquely narrated by death.  Don't let the prologue turn you off, it is kind of confusing and rather odd.  If you keep reading, it will make sense eventually, and I promise you won't be sorry.  All the characters are marvelous.  Liesel, a feisty young foster girl with a penchant for stealing, quickly catches the narrator's eye.  He follows her through war torn Nazi Germany as she struggles to survive.  She develops a passion for books and wants nothing more than to learn to read them.  This book stands out to me above other WWII fiction because for once it is also about the Germans and not just the Jews.  It shows how hard life was for the Germans not loyal to Hitler.  It is about the family hiding the Jew in the basement, not just the Jew in question.  It is heart wrenching and vibrant in its description.  The writing is absolutely amazing.  Even if you don't tend to like historical fiction or WWII fiction, I guarantee this book will change your mind.  The movie comes out next Friday (11/15)
2.  Code Name Verity. 
Maddie and "Verity" are two best friends trying to survive after crashing in Nazi occupied France.  Maddie is a British pilot, Verity a Scottish spy.  The two get separated when their plane goes down and neither know the fate of the other.  The first half of the book follows Verity, who was almost immediately captured by the Gestapo.  She daily has to struggle to survive the interrogators.  Writing down and dragging out her confession is the only thing keeping her alive.  The second half of the book follows Maddie, who is desperately searching for answers as to what happened to Verity and trying to piece together the mission that brought them there.  The writing is engaging.  It sucks you right in.  Two very strong female voices keep you entertained until the very end. 
3.  The Boy in the Striped Pajamas
This book is absolutely heartbreaking.  When Bruno's Nazi father moves them to the middle of nowhere, he finds himself rather lonely.  He has no friends and nothing to do.  Sheltered and naïve, completely ignorant to what his father is/does and what is going on in his own country, Bruno longs for something more.  While out exploring one day he comes across a young boy, stuck on the other side of a tall barbed wire fence.  The two boys soon become friends, talking everyday through the fence.  Of course Bruno has no idea the other boy is a Jewish prisoner, and he has no idea what goes on beyond the fence.  That ignorance turns disastrous.  It is not a long book, so it is not very deep.  The film adaptation was really well done.  Read it or watch it, but have tissues ready.