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librariandest's review against another edition
4.0
I agreed to facilitate a book club for a group of homeschool kids who are reading novels related to the period in history that they are studying. First up was the Industrial Revolution! This book got mediocre reviews from the kids, but I really liked it. Lyddie's not the most lovable character, but her work ethic was so intense you had to be awed by her. I loved that she would tell herself (in her unfailingly modest way) that she could do anything because she once stared down a bear. Even the kids who were lukewarm on the book had to admit the way Lyddie fiercely fights for her family's future was impressive. I also found her relationship with money to be so interesting. She gives all her money away at one point, but later is a hardened skinflint.
In the book group we talked about child labor, labor reform, what it would be like to work at 14-hour day, and what we thought happened to Lyddie's father.
In the book group we talked about child labor, labor reform, what it would be like to work at 14-hour day, and what we thought happened to Lyddie's father.
rfanning97's review against another edition
3.0
This book had a weird... writing style? It was slightly stuck in the past, and contained several references I was not familiar with. Other than that it was well written, and realistic. The book didn't seem to have a plot line. It just kind of went on with little problems, but nothing major. Overall my opinions are mixed about this, and that is why the review is so short because the book did't have an ending really it just kind of went on and on.
emmuarogers's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
It was for school.
rissaleighs's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
andipants's review against another edition
4.0
I'm pretty sure I read this book for school at some point, but I didn't remember any of it, so I was going in fresh. I liked it a lot, though it got pretty heavy at times, especially for a kids' book. The ending was positive, but bittersweet, though I'm not sure quite how realistic I found it. I also appreciated the historical detail, though I found my eyes glazing over during the descriptions of the actual mill machinery - some clearer explanation would definitely have been helpful there, rather than just tossing on lots of terminology with no context clues for those of us not intimately familiar with the weaving process. Overall, though, an interesting read.
aemkea's review against another edition
4.0
I read this WAAAAY a long time ago... Like, 4th grade. I liked it then... Haven't read it SINCE then, so I dunno if it's as good as I remember.
aidaniamb's review against another edition
2.0
This book is gentle and real, tracing the story of an orphan in 1800’s Vermont during the Industrial Revolution. It deals with tougher topics and is well written. It took me and my students a very long time to read as nothing really happens in the book, or at least at a very slow pace. Unsure whether I will keep it in the curriculum for next year.
cs_the_librarian's review against another edition
informative
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
emilygaynier's review against another edition
4.0
Really good story about a girl who is trying to find her way back home
It ends on such a hopeful note
It ends on such a hopeful note