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samama's review against another edition
5.0
I was so sad to say goodbye to all the characters I became good friends with in The Orphanband of Springdale. There were so many unforgettable little personalities in this book that I’m sure I’ll miss.
In 1941, Augusta Neubronner gets sent to Springdale, Maine, to her grandmother’s orphan home because life was getting tough in New York. With a father who’s missing and is being looked for as a fugitive by the police and a mother who’s still far away in New York, life gets tricky for the 11 year out Augusta. But with her musical French horn and her new friends, life starts getting a little less worrisome, but a lot trickier at the same time. This story is about her journey through life alone in her little – metaphorical – boat and how she learns to overcome the storms that come her way.
I loved the simplicity of this book, and loved how the story was written from the eyes of a little child. It showed how wonderful and horrifying the world looked from little Augusta’s point of view. The writing style was so smooth and detailed – something that I absolutely love and look forward to in books. There are just too many things I loved about The Orphanband of Springdale to point only a few out. Plus the fact that it didn’t have any romance in it made it so much easier for me to read it during Ramadan.
A book that’ll make you go through a roller coaster of emotions. 5/5 stars.
In 1941, Augusta Neubronner gets sent to Springdale, Maine, to her grandmother’s orphan home because life was getting tough in New York. With a father who’s missing and is being looked for as a fugitive by the police and a mother who’s still far away in New York, life gets tricky for the 11 year out Augusta. But with her musical French horn and her new friends, life starts getting a little less worrisome, but a lot trickier at the same time. This story is about her journey through life alone in her little – metaphorical – boat and how she learns to overcome the storms that come her way.
I loved the simplicity of this book, and loved how the story was written from the eyes of a little child. It showed how wonderful and horrifying the world looked from little Augusta’s point of view. The writing style was so smooth and detailed – something that I absolutely love and look forward to in books. There are just too many things I loved about The Orphanband of Springdale to point only a few out. Plus the fact that it didn’t have any romance in it made it so much easier for me to read it during Ramadan.
A book that’ll make you go through a roller coaster of emotions. 5/5 stars.
linesuponapage's review against another edition
4.0
Anne Nesbet creates a story that lives and breathes. Not only is the cover gorgeous, but the story of Augusta is also. The struggles shown living in a world where once again war is about to break out. This little girl exudes strength beyond what a lot of family members show in her circumstances. While her world is turning upside down with her father having to flee the country, moving to another state so foreign from NY and trying to find the heart to give up the one thing that was his, Gusta proves that age is not a setback for bravery.
rkiladitis's review against another edition
5.0
It's 1941, and things are tense in the U.S. as the world is at war in Europe. Eleven-year-old Gusta is on the run with her father, a German labor organizer, heading toward Maine to stay with her grandmother, when her father disappears. Gusta shows up on her grandmother's doorstep with the clothes on her back and her beloved French horn. Her grandmother and aunt, who run an orphanage, take her in, and Gusta starts adjusting to life in a place very different from New York. American nationalism runs rampant in Maine, and Gusta's last name and status as a newcomer brings some suspicion with it, as does her talk about unions and workers' rights. Her uncle, a mill-worker whose hand was mangled at the factory, can't work, so Gusta takes it upon herself to approach the owner of the mill to ask him to consider helping with her uncle's bills. What Gusta doesn't realize is that her desire to do the right thing puts her at odds with the mill owner, who has a history of his own with her family.
There is such rich and relevant storytelling here. Gusta is a wonderfully realized character with a strong background in social justice: a background that makes her an outsider in her own country. She comes to Small Town America during a time when there of alien registration drives (it really happened) and extreme patriotism; when something as innocuous as a last name aroused suspicion. Gusta is hyper-aware of injustice and determined to do what's right, whether it's bringing union reps to her town or point-blank asking for compensation for her uncle's work-related injury. It's her unflinching sense of right and wrong that puts her at odds in her community - and her father's reputation certainly doesn't help. Thank goodness her tough but loving grandmother is there to lean on. The Orphan Band of Springdale moves at a good pace, has believable characters in relatable situations, and readers can easily draw parallels between 1941 and today.
An author's note reveals the very personal connection between the author and Gusta's story. Readers can download a discussion guide and author's notes from Candlewick's website. The Orphan Band of Springdale has starred reviews from Publisher's Weekly and the Bulletin of the Center for Chidren's Books.
There is such rich and relevant storytelling here. Gusta is a wonderfully realized character with a strong background in social justice: a background that makes her an outsider in her own country. She comes to Small Town America during a time when there of alien registration drives (it really happened) and extreme patriotism; when something as innocuous as a last name aroused suspicion. Gusta is hyper-aware of injustice and determined to do what's right, whether it's bringing union reps to her town or point-blank asking for compensation for her uncle's work-related injury. It's her unflinching sense of right and wrong that puts her at odds in her community - and her father's reputation certainly doesn't help. Thank goodness her tough but loving grandmother is there to lean on. The Orphan Band of Springdale moves at a good pace, has believable characters in relatable situations, and readers can easily draw parallels between 1941 and today.
An author's note reveals the very personal connection between the author and Gusta's story. Readers can download a discussion guide and author's notes from Candlewick's website. The Orphan Band of Springdale has starred reviews from Publisher's Weekly and the Bulletin of the Center for Chidren's Books.
themagicalinbetween's review against another edition
3.0
I would give this 3.5 stars if that was an option. Interesting story from a different angle pre-WWII. I expected the story to focus more on the music and band (hence the title) but it was more about broken families, choices, friendships and consequences of Xenophobia. The story felt a little forced at times and deals with some heavy issues (children born out of wedlock, Xenophobia, American ideals twisted to be used against people, etc) but in a softer form. Personally, I found the heroine to be underdeveloped as a character and rather boring. There were moments I thought this book could have something going, and I think overall it was a "good" read but almost forgettable afterwards.
Triggers: orphans, abandoned children, neglectful parents, unjust work situations and unions.
Triggers: orphans, abandoned children, neglectful parents, unjust work situations and unions.
miszjeanie's review against another edition
4.0
The Orphan Band of Springdale, set in 1940's America, as World War II rages in Europe is Gusta Neubronner's story. Left behind by her father on a bus, eleven year old Gusta moves into her grandmother's orphanage. While there, the nearsighted, snaggletoothed girl learns about family, sacrifice and the bitter taste of prejudice. Central to Gusta's story is the French horn that is "the bravest part of her - her sweet, large, secret, brassy voice".
Gusta is one of my favorite child protagonists in a long time. I was filled with tremendous admiration for the character that Nesbet has created. It is also ultimately refreshing to read a book that will simultaneously ignite in children a curiosity for history while creating awareness about prejudice. I particularly enjoyed reading how the kids dealt with discrimination and of the wonderful bond between them all. The Orphan of Springdale is powerful, necessary and very well written.
If you're looking for children's fiction that is realistic and will help kids develop empathy, courage and awareness, then The Orphan Band of Springdale is highly recommended!
*I received an ARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Full review at http://www.afomaumesi.com/2018/04/10/the-orphan-band-of-springdale-a-review/
Gusta is one of my favorite child protagonists in a long time. I was filled with tremendous admiration for the character that Nesbet has created. It is also ultimately refreshing to read a book that will simultaneously ignite in children a curiosity for history while creating awareness about prejudice. I particularly enjoyed reading how the kids dealt with discrimination and of the wonderful bond between them all. The Orphan of Springdale is powerful, necessary and very well written.
If you're looking for children's fiction that is realistic and will help kids develop empathy, courage and awareness, then The Orphan Band of Springdale is highly recommended!
*I received an ARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Full review at http://www.afomaumesi.com/2018/04/10/the-orphan-band-of-springdale-a-review/
carolynaugustyn's review against another edition
3.0
Note: I received this book from the author/publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This had a lot of elements 10-year-old me would have just eaten up: 1940's setting (loved me some WWII fiction), orphans, and a slightly quieter/reserved main character. In fact, if nothing else, I appreciate the fact that this story didn't focus on a loud, bubbly character- younger me would have relished and been excited to see a character like Gusta. So maybe this is a case of "wrong place, wrong time" and this book should be sent back in time 15 years so I could really really enjoy it. Because as it is, I thought this was good but not great.
My main issue was the fact that the story seemed slightly disjointed at parts and there were a lot of subplots to keep track of- trying to find her great-grandfather's wish, the impending war and the topic of patriotism, Gusta's absent father and being sent away from her New York City home, starting a band to compete in the town fair showcasing Gusta's beloved french horn, the idea of unionizing and connections to socialism (kinda heavy for any book, but especially a middle grade read) and just general trying to fit in/growing up/being a kid in an adult world issues. And these are all super important and very fitting and need to be voiced. However, I wonder if I would have connected with this book better if only some of the plot points had been focused on.
Overall, I liked this book and found the storytelling to be well done. This is based on Nesbet's mother's life and you can tell there is a lot of love and care put into this book. I would have loved this book as a kiddo and I'm sure other younger readers will quite enjoy this as well. I have my few quibbles but it certainly doesn't detract from the overall success of the book.
This had a lot of elements 10-year-old me would have just eaten up: 1940's setting (loved me some WWII fiction), orphans, and a slightly quieter/reserved main character. In fact, if nothing else, I appreciate the fact that this story didn't focus on a loud, bubbly character- younger me would have relished and been excited to see a character like Gusta. So maybe this is a case of "wrong place, wrong time" and this book should be sent back in time 15 years so I could really really enjoy it. Because as it is, I thought this was good but not great.
My main issue was the fact that the story seemed slightly disjointed at parts and there were a lot of subplots to keep track of- trying to find her great-grandfather's wish, the impending war and the topic of patriotism, Gusta's absent father and being sent away from her New York City home, starting a band to compete in the town fair showcasing Gusta's beloved french horn, the idea of unionizing and connections to socialism (kinda heavy for any book, but especially a middle grade read) and just general trying to fit in/growing up/being a kid in an adult world issues. And these are all super important and very fitting and need to be voiced. However, I wonder if I would have connected with this book better if only some of the plot points had been focused on.
Overall, I liked this book and found the storytelling to be well done. This is based on Nesbet's mother's life and you can tell there is a lot of love and care put into this book. I would have loved this book as a kiddo and I'm sure other younger readers will quite enjoy this as well. I have my few quibbles but it certainly doesn't detract from the overall success of the book.
sc104906's review against another edition
4.0
Gusta's parents are having money difficulties, so they are sending her to her maternal grandmother's orphanage for the summer. While she starts the long bus journey with her father, the two get separated when the police come looking for him to arrest him. Gusta holds onto the teachings of her mother and the strong passion for unions from her father. She must learn how to live in a small town, instead of New York City like she is used to. Gusta takes solace in playing her french horn and wants to use it to earn money for her uncle's hand operation. After finding out that her uncle was injured on the job, Gusta does what she can to make the mill pay and to also earn money for the operation.
The characters were well-developed and interesting. I thought this was a unique period piece set during WWII. This would be perfect for those who love The War that Saved My Life.
The characters were well-developed and interesting. I thought this was a unique period piece set during WWII. This would be perfect for those who love The War that Saved My Life.
nicmedia123's review against another edition
5.0
I predict The Orphan Band of Springdale will be on the short list for a Newbery. This beautifully written novel for children is a timeless story that will resonate with readers of all ages. 11 year-old Augusta "Gusta" Hoopes Neubronner has been put on a bus by her foreign-born labor organizer father, August Neubronner, as he is pursued by the authorities. She does not know what has happened to him, and she must travel to Grandma Hoope's home in Springdale, Maine on her own.Grandma Hoope's also houses orphans and wards of the state in her home. Her mother has stayed behind in New York City. Her only companion is her beloved French horn. Gusta perseveres and overcomes many obstacles as the new kid at school, as the the prejudices and suspicions of a small town press down upon her and others, she must also learn to see the world in a new way because the school nurse finds that she desperately needs eyeglasses. Gusta keeps her spirits up by following the just and moral lessons taught to her by her parents, but learns that sometimes you need more than one person on your side when everything goes wrong. This novel is set during WWII, when suspicion was cast upon new immigrants and outsiders to our country (in this case - against German immigrants). It addresses the themes of inclusion, tolerance and acceptance of people for who they are and not where they are from. It also teaches valuable lessons about workers' rights and the labor movement. This novel also teaches readers about staying positive in order to achieve goals and overcome adversity. This novel is recommended, and I strongly feel would be a great read even for teens studying American history. It will be a valuable addition to every school library. Recommended, must read. This will win many awards.
ajsterkel's review against another edition
4.0
Likes: I adored this book. It’s well-written, and I appreciate the skill that went into crafting it. There are a lot of different threads in this story. The plot goes in a thousand directions, but the author manages to pull it all together in the end. I’m impressed. Since there’s so much going on, this novel could have easily become a confusing mess.
Even though this is historical fiction, it’s timely. It’s one of those historical books that demonstrate how history never dies. In the US, we’re still dealing with the same stupid garbage that we’ve always been dealing with. We’re still having conversations about who’s American and who deserves to be in this country. We’re still judging immigrants without knowing anything about their lives. This novel shows that you shouldn’t jump to conclusions about people. Just because a German man likes cameras and pigeons doesn’t mean he’s a spy.
The main character, Gusta, is a sweet, mature eleven-year-old. She’s quiet, but she’s brave. She has strong friendships and tries to let justice, love, and fairness guide her behavior, which makes her a compelling character to read about. Also, I could relate to her eyeball struggles. Even my eye doctor was shocked at how terrible my vision is. It was nice to read about a character who has the same problems as me.
If you read this book, don’t skip the author’s note at the end. It explains that this story was inspired by the author’s mother’s life. It’s interesting to learn about the real person behind the fiction.
Dislikes: Underdeveloped secondary characters. Gusta’s bully, Molly, is especially flat. I didn’t believe Molly’s sudden change in behavior. She spends 300+ pages being awful to Gusta (and everybody else), but then she changes her mind and decides to be nice. It’s nice that she’s not a jerk anymore, but why?
This novel is great for adults, but I think kids would struggle with it. It’s a big book, and it reads like a big book. The plot is plodding. There is a lot of exposition and not a lot of action. There are so many plotlines that it sometimes feels directionless. I think kids would get frustrated.
The Bottom Line: If you’re an adult (or a patient child) who loves well-written historical fiction, I recommend giving this one a try. I enjoyed it.
Do you like opinions, giveaways, and bookish nonsense? I have a blog for that.
Even though this is historical fiction, it’s timely. It’s one of those historical books that demonstrate how history never dies. In the US, we’re still dealing with the same stupid garbage that we’ve always been dealing with. We’re still having conversations about who’s American and who deserves to be in this country. We’re still judging immigrants without knowing anything about their lives. This novel shows that you shouldn’t jump to conclusions about people. Just because a German man likes cameras and pigeons doesn’t mean he’s a spy.
The main character, Gusta, is a sweet, mature eleven-year-old. She’s quiet, but she’s brave. She has strong friendships and tries to let justice, love, and fairness guide her behavior, which makes her a compelling character to read about. Also, I could relate to her eyeball struggles. Even my eye doctor was shocked at how terrible my vision is. It was nice to read about a character who has the same problems as me.
If you read this book, don’t skip the author’s note at the end. It explains that this story was inspired by the author’s mother’s life. It’s interesting to learn about the real person behind the fiction.
Dislikes: Underdeveloped secondary characters. Gusta’s bully, Molly, is especially flat. I didn’t believe Molly’s sudden change in behavior. She spends 300+ pages being awful to Gusta (and everybody else), but then she changes her mind and decides to be nice. It’s nice that she’s not a jerk anymore, but why?
This novel is great for adults, but I think kids would struggle with it. It’s a big book, and it reads like a big book. The plot is plodding. There is a lot of exposition and not a lot of action. There are so many plotlines that it sometimes feels directionless. I think kids would get frustrated.
The Bottom Line: If you’re an adult (or a patient child) who loves well-written historical fiction, I recommend giving this one a try. I enjoyed it.
Do you like opinions, giveaways, and bookish nonsense? I have a blog for that.