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rdyourbookcase's review against another edition
3.0
I was surprised by this book. I love historical fiction, especially for children, so I had high hopes for this one. Unfortunately, it fell flat for me. It had a small town but I felt like the small-town flavor was missing. You know, like how on Gilmore Girls Kirk and Gypsy could steal the show? The characters just weren’t flavorful. Also, I didn’t feel connected to the main character or her motivations. The first 3/4 of the book was slow going, but I was excited to see how the story ended. It was enjoyable, just not a 5-star book.
I wonder how many stars a child would give it because it didn’t really keep my attention. I’m not sure many kids would finish it. Another thing that I’m curious about is the fact that this won a Newbery. How? There were probably more enticing stories out there. This book was well-structured and well-written... I understand that. It just wasn’t compelling. I might have to do some research.
I wonder how many stars a child would give it because it didn’t really keep my attention. I’m not sure many kids would finish it. Another thing that I’m curious about is the fact that this won a Newbery. How? There were probably more enticing stories out there. This book was well-structured and well-written... I understand that. It just wasn’t compelling. I might have to do some research.
ccornejo's review against another edition
2.75
Read because its a Newberry Award for 2011. Young girl sent to Manifest, Kansas. She finds old trinkets and gets caught up in the past. Finds out her father helped the town out from under the mine workers.
mthorley23's review against another edition
5.0
This is a beautifully written book! It is the best book for this age group that I have read in a very long time! I love how it shows instead of tells. I love the history and especially the characters. I will definitely make sure my kids read it.
amishriot's review against another edition
5.0
It has a been a long, long time since I have read a book that made me laugh out loud one minute, and then crying the next.
readsewknit's review against another edition
4.0
This was an audiobook I enjoyed while packing away Christmas decorations and working on a 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle.
12-year-old Abilene is sent by her father to spend the summer in Manifest, Kansas. It's 1936, and as she explores her father's hometown, she is also absorbing stories of the town's population, particularly surrounding events 1918, that will lend her insight to better understand her father's actions. The flu pandemic and WWI are addressed through journal entries, newspaper columns, letters, and narrative.
Only after completion did I learn this was my second Vanderpool novel this year (I first read Navigating Early).
12-year-old Abilene is sent by her father to spend the summer in Manifest, Kansas. It's 1936, and as she explores her father's hometown, she is also absorbing stories of the town's population, particularly surrounding events 1918, that will lend her insight to better understand her father's actions. The flu pandemic and WWI are addressed through journal entries, newspaper columns, letters, and narrative.
Only after completion did I learn this was my second Vanderpool novel this year (I first read Navigating Early).
chelse34's review against another edition
3.0
I've always wanted to read all the Newbery Award books, so here's one from 2010.
This is a book that goes back and forth between the past and present, and the common ground isn't known until the end. There's a lot to keep track of.
It's also a historical fiction. Kind of fun to read about the Spanish Flu pandemic in here. Wasn't expecting that.
This is a book that goes back and forth between the past and present, and the common ground isn't known until the end. There's a lot to keep track of.
It's also a historical fiction. Kind of fun to read about the Spanish Flu pandemic in here. Wasn't expecting that.
cstoeger's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed listening to this book. The characters were Southern, so the narrators had a Southern accent. The story had many twists and turns, although some of it did drag out for awhile. Overall? A pretty good book, and a great story.
storywarden's review against another edition
4.0
Listened to this the second time around. I liked it a lot better!
itsmehlissa's review against another edition
4.0
This was a nice read. Much different from what I usually read, but a nice breath of fresh air!