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4.09 AVERAGE
4.09 AVERAGE
Such a sweet story! A detailed look into the life of native Alaskans from the perspective of children hoping for a kind schoolteacher who isn't scared off by life in the unforgiving Alaskan tundra. A quick, easy, engaging read perfect for early elementary aged kids!
The only thing that I didn't love was that at one point, women who stay home with children rather than pursuing an advanced education / career are subtly portrayed as less-than: The one girl in the story who dreams of a life with a husband and children is described as slow to learn and simple-minded, and Miss Agnes (and the child narrator) seem frustrated with her for wanting "JUST" to run a household and be a wife and mom... As if that's not a major accomplishment especially in the harsh Alaskan bush, I mean come on! Not exactly the message I want my kids hearing.
But really, that minor brief storyline aside, my son and I both completely loved hearing how Miss Agnes creatively brought a spark of curiosity and courage to the little school house in rural Alaska! The story inspired us both with a greater love of learning - and of creative, empathetic teaching methods!
Definitely recommend, ideally for ages 6-8
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(Also. My son was just as annoyed at the somewhat open-ended, abrupt ending as I was.
The only thing that I didn't love was that at one point, women who stay home with children rather than pursuing an advanced education / career are subtly portrayed as less-than: The one girl in the story who dreams of a life with a husband and children is described as slow to learn and simple-minded, and Miss Agnes (and the child narrator) seem frustrated with her for wanting "JUST" to run a household and be a wife and mom... As if that's not a major accomplishment especially in the harsh Alaskan bush, I mean come on! Not exactly the message I want my kids hearing.
But really, that minor brief storyline aside, my son and I both completely loved hearing how Miss Agnes creatively brought a spark of curiosity and courage to the little school house in rural Alaska! The story inspired us both with a greater love of learning - and of creative, empathetic teaching methods!
Definitely recommend, ideally for ages 6-8
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(Also. My son was just as annoyed at the somewhat open-ended, abrupt ending as I was.
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Probably one of my favorite children's books.
6yo and I loved this as a read aloud. Truly wonderful teacher comes to a small Alaskan town (12 kids) in 1948 and changes their lives with her open-mindedness, smarts, creative methods, and compassion. We will definitely read it again.
adventurous
challenging
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Short little beautiful book- maybe middle grade or younger but still a heart warming story for adults.
What an important lesson for us all to remember. Every child is important and learning is power!!
Loved learning about the Alaskan history woven throughout the story too.
“‘You have to keep learning all your life,’ she said. That was a good thing to think about, always learn something new.”
What an important lesson for us all to remember. Every child is important and learning is power!!
Loved learning about the Alaskan history woven throughout the story too.
“‘You have to keep learning all your life,’ she said. That was a good thing to think about, always learn something new.”
Catherine really liked this, James not so much. I didn't love it as a whole like I have some of our other read alouds; but there are some pretty priceless nuggets tucked into this book. I'd recommend it. C wants to read the sequel!
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
A fantastic little gem of a book that packs a powerful punch! I first heard of this book on Miranda Mills’ YouTube channel, where I get a lot of my book recommendations. Who can resist a book about a fantastic teacher?!
The book features a tiny Indian village in a remote part of Alaska where the children are struggling to get an education, because teachers are hard to come by and those who do come don’t last very long. Enter Miss Agnes! She’s a dream teacher, one that all of us yearned for as children! She uses unconventional methods, tailored to the individuality of every child and in doing so, cultivates a joy of learning that I feel certain would last them their entire life! She inculcates in them feelings of self-belief, self-confidence and self-esteem by showing them both the uniqueness of their own little world and the challenges of the huge world at large. She really is a teacher sent from Heaven for those children and they blossom under her brilliant tutelage!
Ms. Hill writes succinctly and with a deep understanding for her characters, having grown up and studied in Alaska herself. This is an excellent book to read with children and expose them to circumstances in sharp contrast to the ones they live in. It will expand their understanding and compassion for those who lead different lives. I learnt a lot about Alaskan-Indian culture, of which I knew nothing and which is completely alien from mine! It was a thoroughly satisfying and inspiring read ☺️
The book features a tiny Indian village in a remote part of Alaska where the children are struggling to get an education, because teachers are hard to come by and those who do come don’t last very long. Enter Miss Agnes! She’s a dream teacher, one that all of us yearned for as children! She uses unconventional methods, tailored to the individuality of every child and in doing so, cultivates a joy of learning that I feel certain would last them their entire life! She inculcates in them feelings of self-belief, self-confidence and self-esteem by showing them both the uniqueness of their own little world and the challenges of the huge world at large. She really is a teacher sent from Heaven for those children and they blossom under her brilliant tutelage!
Ms. Hill writes succinctly and with a deep understanding for her characters, having grown up and studied in Alaska herself. This is an excellent book to read with children and expose them to circumstances in sharp contrast to the ones they live in. It will expand their understanding and compassion for those who lead different lives. I learnt a lot about Alaskan-Indian culture, of which I knew nothing and which is completely alien from mine! It was a thoroughly satisfying and inspiring read ☺️
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Yes