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mnstucki's review
4.0
A fun fictionalization of aspects of Charles Dickens' childhood. A great read with extra background at the back and fabulous illustrations.
thepeachmartini's review
3.0
I think I am in the minority in that I actually liked the illustrations as they were - gritty, hard backdrops of buildings and marketplaces combined with the cartoonish features of the characters.
The age range on the book is a bit wide, in my opinion (4-9); I'd go for the higher age range as I think the way the story is presented is a bit more complex than your average picture book.
The images are quite beautiful - I spent several minutes on each page just taking in the sights. The writing is good, don't mistake me, but I think for a children's book it's a bit over the top (another reason I'd stick to the older age groups).
The story line is great subject matter and really gets you thinking about who Charles Dickens was, and how his stories came to be.
The age range on the book is a bit wide, in my opinion (4-9); I'd go for the higher age range as I think the way the story is presented is a bit more complex than your average picture book.
The images are quite beautiful - I spent several minutes on each page just taking in the sights. The writing is good, don't mistake me, but I think for a children's book it's a bit over the top (another reason I'd stick to the older age groups).
The story line is great subject matter and really gets you thinking about who Charles Dickens was, and how his stories came to be.
beths0103's review
3.0
I'm not convinced that this book has much kid appeal. It was interesting but I'm not sure it will hold most middle-grade students' attention.
crystal_reading's review
4.0
A piece of historical fiction about the life of Charles Dickens. It's not truly a biography, but does add insight to the life of Dickens. I loved the illustrations.
beecheralyson's review
4.0
This isn't really a true biography nor is it truly historical fiction. It really is a fictionalized account of Charles Dicken's childhood. Beautifully illustrated and reads well.
amynbell's review
After having read a disappointing children's book on Emerson, I found this one to be delightful. I love how it brings the setting into view from up above and slowly zooms in with the author asking the reader to find 12-year-old Dickens sitting in a doorway. Young Dickens is sad about the books he's had to sell and tired from a day's work in the factory. He spends the night alone writing. And the moment my child asks where young Dickens' parents are, we turn the page to find that they're in debtor's prison.
This story shows the world of the poor that Dickens gleaned from his life to write into his stories. It also shows the love of his family and the hope that Dickens was able to express in his writing. The illustrations are lovely, and the writing is perfect to tell young Dickens' story. I especially appreciated the 2nd person omniscient narrator taking us into Dickens' world for a small glimpse of some of the parts of his life that inspired [b:David Copperfield|58696|David Copperfield|Charles Dickens|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1461452762s/58696.jpg|4711940] and others of his novels.
This story shows the world of the poor that Dickens gleaned from his life to write into his stories. It also shows the love of his family and the hope that Dickens was able to express in his writing. The illustrations are lovely, and the writing is perfect to tell young Dickens' story. I especially appreciated the 2nd person omniscient narrator taking us into Dickens' world for a small glimpse of some of the parts of his life that inspired [b:David Copperfield|58696|David Copperfield|Charles Dickens|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1461452762s/58696.jpg|4711940] and others of his novels.
jshettel's review
3.0
A ficitonalized account of Charles Dickens's boyhood. Thought this author could've done more with the book, but perhaps a nice springboard.
azajacks's review
3.0
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