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book_concierge's review against another edition
4.0
Henry is well known for her children’s book focusing on horses and other animals. This was one of my favorites as a child.
Bright Angel was a wild burro named for the creek along which he made his home. In the early 1900s he befriended tourists and naturalists who visited what was to become our 17th National Park – The Grand Canyon. He had a sixth sense about people’s characters and would kick at or run from anyone he deemed unfriendly or a threat. But he was gentle with children and helped carry water and other supplies for those he trusted.
Henry uses the historical facts and embellishes the story to create a murder mystery with some valuable lessons in natural history. Reading it as an adult, I can definitely see why I loved her books as a child. There are some darker moments in this book, including animal cruelty, but the murder occurs off text and Henry keeps the violence to a bare minimum and uses humor and joy to temper any negative images.
Illustrations by Wesley Dennis add to the charm of the book.
NOTE: "Date read" is the approximate time I first read this ... I must have read it 3 or 4 times as a child, as I did with all of Henry's books. Most recent re-read was in March 2013.
Bright Angel was a wild burro named for the creek along which he made his home. In the early 1900s he befriended tourists and naturalists who visited what was to become our 17th National Park – The Grand Canyon. He had a sixth sense about people’s characters and would kick at or run from anyone he deemed unfriendly or a threat. But he was gentle with children and helped carry water and other supplies for those he trusted.
Henry uses the historical facts and embellishes the story to create a murder mystery with some valuable lessons in natural history. Reading it as an adult, I can definitely see why I loved her books as a child. There are some darker moments in this book, including animal cruelty, but the murder occurs off text and Henry keeps the violence to a bare minimum and uses humor and joy to temper any negative images.
Illustrations by Wesley Dennis add to the charm of the book.
NOTE: "Date read" is the approximate time I first read this ... I must have read it 3 or 4 times as a child, as I did with all of Henry's books. Most recent re-read was in March 2013.
apochemu's review against another edition
5.0
A great adventure with loveable characters. Loved the setting too, something familiar for us. We all really enjoyed this one.
msvikki's review against another edition
4.0
Fun family read especially connected to a trip to the Grand Canyon and specifically the Bright Angel trail.
mom_loves_to_read's review against another edition
4.0
We all enjoyed this. It had an old western vibe to it. I loved learning more about the history of the Grand Canyon. My kids loved Brighty. They each said this is their new favorite book by Marguerite Henry.
swoody788's review against another edition
4.0
Another childhood favorite, but reading it now I'd say it's not for young kids. Great descriptions of the beauty of the Grand Canyon, fantastic illustrations by Wesley Dennis as per usual, and major points for Theodore Roosevelt references.
amandaklap's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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
4.25