Book Review - Gossamer by Lois Lowry

Gossamer

by Lois Lowry

Rating - ***** (5 stars)

I really cannot believe it took me over thirty years to discover the writings of Lois Lowry. I have no idea why I did not happen upon them during all my time in the library as an adolescent. It was my son talking about reading The Giver in his middle school that finally brought her writing to my attention. Since then I have been playing catch up. I have yet to read a book by Lois Lowry that I would not recommend. However, all of her books are so very different.

Gossamer is almost like a fairy tale. It falls in lines with fairies that dance in gardens. Except it is little wispy creatures that protect dreams. The book is truly magical, it is also very sweet. From the perspective of the little dream protector we witness an older women taking in a foster child. Even more magical is we see all of the characters start to heal with the help of these magical creatures.

While the topic of the book itself could be very traumatic, it is presented in a manner that is age appropriate for older elementary school students. This book is not exactly a must read, but I would add it to your list anyway.

Book Review - Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by JK Rawlings

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

by JK Rawlings

Rating ***** (5 stars)

I have a fear sometimes of going back and rereading books. Specifically this is when the plot to the books are so ingrained in my head. Harry Potter is such a pop culture figure that nearly everyone knows how the story goes. If they have not read the book, then they have seen the movie, or heard about it from someone who has. I my case all three.

It is not that I remember the Harry Potter books as this horrible piece of fiction. On the contrary I remember loving the books, specifically the first five in the series. It is just I have read them so many times. I reread them all before reading the next book in the series, before seeing the movies, and just when I felt like it. Admittedly it has been a few years since I have last picked them up. This is why I could once again enjoy the words on the page.

It also has helped me to appreciate that the second book in the Harry Potter series is a really good book. It is even better then the first. It is well written, has a great plot, and flows very well. It is truly a book to make you love reading. So, if it has been a few years - pick them up again. If you know a child who has not read them yet - share them. It will be a magical experience.

 

Book Review - Number the Stars

Number the Stars

by Lois Lowry

Rating ***** (5 stars)

I have only recently been exposed to the beautiful writing of Lois Lowry. I am appalled that I was not introduced to her works in any of my coursework, and I am sadden that I did not run across her novels in all my time spent in various libraries in my youth. I am convinced I would have loved her writing even more then I love it as an adult.

There is no doubt that Lowry is writing for younger children. The main character in Number the Stars is only ten years old - she would be in upper elementary school. It is amazing that Lowry can write a novel geared towards this young of a reader, in words that are appropriate for the reading level, and still write such a breathtaking novel.

Number the Stars is a novel about the relocation of Jews during the German occupation of Denmark. The story plot is a difficult time in history, yet the bravery of the many Danish citizens, both old and young, is beautifully portrayed in the novel. The novel teaches bravery, and standing up for what it is right. Children who have known loss will relate to many themes in the novel, yet it is not a novel of despair. It is a novel of bravery and hope. It is written in such a way as to appropriately capture young readers and still appeal to adults.

There is no wonder why Lois Lowry has won many awards for her novels. Her writing is beautiful, and her characters provoke deep passion. When you pick up one of her novels you leave the book behind and enter into an entirely new world. If you have not yet read any of her novels, this one is a great place to start.

Book Review - Big Nate Goes for Broke

Big Nate Goes for Broke

by Lincoln Pierce

Rating **** (4 stars)

My son has been devouring Big Nate books for years now. He moved on to them after catching up with the Wimpy Kid books. I, however, have never picked one up before now. I was in the mood for a light read when I saw one of his books on my Kindle list.

I honestly thought the book would be a series of cartoon panels. I was happy to find that it is a written book that is highlighted with the drawings of the main character, a middle schooler who has a bit of a problem of getting in trouble. He also has an overactive imagine which he channels into his drawings.

This book is about the drawing club that Nate and some friends created. It is also about a rivalry with a local middle school, creativity, and including girls into their group.

The book is well written, entertaining, and clean. The humor and even antics of Nate are appealing to elementary school and middle schoolers alike. It is no wonder that J loves these book. I do not think that it will be long before L starts picking up these books as well.

Book Review - The Secret Garden

The Secret Garden

By Frances Hadgson Burnett

Rating **** (4 stars)

This is another finished book in my quest to devour the BBC 100 Big Reads List. I last remember reading  The Secret Garden when I was in elementary school. I remember finding the story delightful, even though I much preferred science fiction at the time. As I read I was fascinated to remember bits of the story before I read to the part. I was amazed how easily the story came back to me.

The Secret Garden is a simple children's story. It has a beginning with an awful event and ends with a spectacular happy ending. In the middle there is a lot of growing up going on in between. It is simple and sweet. Although nearly every character is ornery, they are all at their core good people.

There is one aspect worth noting. This is an older novel, and the language is not politically correct when it comes to diversity, both about race and physical disability.

That being said, I can not wait for S to read (listen) to this book. I think she will enjoy it a lot.

Book Review- Matilda by Roald Dahl

Matilda

by Roald Dahl

 

Rating *****(5 stars)

 

When I was a child my three favorite books were Matilda, Maniac Magee, and Bridge to Terabithia. Matilda is the precursor to the Harry Potter series. She is a young, brilliant, misunderstood child who overcomes adversity to become great. Although, in Matilda's case great just means getting away from her horrible parents and finding someone who understands and appreciates her. That right there is why this is such a brilliant book.

The writing is classic Rald Dahl - meaning it is well written and appropriate for young children. That being said it is a book that will appeal across the ages. Even J expressed interested in reading the book.

If you have not read this book - you should. I am a firm believer that this should be on everyone's bookshelf.



Book Review - Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson

Treasure Island

by. Robert Louis Stevenson

Rating: ****(4 stars)

It surprised me that I have never read Treasure Island. That is why it is one of the first books I picked up for my BBC List Challenge. The fact that is also a free Kindle book doesn't help any at all. I was afraid that the book was going to be written in the fashion of long drawn out narration that has nothing to do with the actual plot of the novel. I had no reason to worry. Treasure Island is not too far off from a modern male coming of age story. 

The main character is Jim Hawkings. While is age is not specified I pictured him to be around 13 years old - probably because that is J's age. He could easily be 13-16 years of age. In the beginning of the story Jim is just an inn keepers son. While his inn is playing host to a rough sailor, who is in hiding, Jim's father dies. The sailor is found and subsequently dies. It is during this period that Jim finds a treasure map to a fortune left by a dead pirate. With the help of the doctor and a Squire they take off to discover the treasure, then all the adventuring truly begins. 

Treasure Island is the ultimate adolescent fantasy novel. Every time the boy makes a wrong turn he ends up saving the day. He ends up, nearly by himself, besting over eleven sea worn sailors. It is truly fantasy at its finest.

Why did I not give Treasure Island five stars? The feminist in me can not overlook how the one woman in the novel, Jim's mother, is portrayed. After the sailor dies in their inn both Jim and his mother run away to the village to get help. None of the villagers will come do their aid. So, Jim's mother bravely goes back to the inn to collect the money that is owed them by the sailor. She is risking her neck to provide for her family! Yet, it is all turned around on her. While they are at the inn the bad sailors come back and the mother is cursed for her greed. Once Jim and his mother run out of the inn the mother faints away and Jim has to get them to safety. To make it worse the doctor and the Squire basically kidnap Jim to accompany them on this voyage, and their is not one word of asking the mother for her permission. This alone looses this classic one star.

Overall, if you haven't picked up Treasure Island you should. It is well written and fast paced. Since it is an adolescent novel you don't have to worry about getting to lost in dialogue if you are not big on reading older novels. Their is a reason why this novel has been recreated in so many different fashions.