Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.14 AVERAGE
4.14 AVERAGE
"I had come here to consider serious matters and how I might figure in the scheme of things. Important things. Instead, the stone made me aware for the first time that my life, however long, would amount to nothing more than a flicker. Not even that. Not even a flicker. Not even a sigh."
4.5 Stars - only because the main character reads much older than she is supposed to be and another major character reads much younger than he is supposed to be. Overall, this is a gripping and important story written in beautiful, and, at times, eerie prose.
"My mother shook her head. 'I don’t know, Annabelle. But think about how it feels when your hands are so cold they go numb. How it’s only when they start to thaw out that you realize how much they hurt.'”
I completely understand the parallels to To Kill a Mockingbird. However, the main character is really a "Scout" who plays the role of an "Atticus", which makes the whole story less believable (back to my one real contention).
Reviews say the novel is for ages 9+, but I think it is more appropriate for 11-13.
4.5 Stars - only because the main character reads much older than she is supposed to be and another major character reads much younger than he is supposed to be. Overall, this is a gripping and important story written in beautiful, and, at times, eerie prose.
"My mother shook her head. 'I don’t know, Annabelle. But think about how it feels when your hands are so cold they go numb. How it’s only when they start to thaw out that you realize how much they hurt.'”
I completely understand the parallels to To Kill a Mockingbird. However, the main character is really a "Scout" who plays the role of an "Atticus", which makes the whole story less believable (back to my one real contention).
Reviews say the novel is for ages 9+, but I think it is more appropriate for 11-13.
This was an unexpected five star book. Such a beautiful story that made me fall in love with the characters more quickly than I usual do. I was moved near to tears at the ending. If you’re in a reading slump I highly recommend this quick and beautiful story.
A great “coming of age” book with a lot of food for thought. It would be an excellent book club book.
As an adult: 4 stars. Wonderful story, but I kind of felt like the main character was just too good. Like too smart. However, reading for kids: 5 stars for sure.
I was all, "okay, better read this because it received a Newbery honor" and that was the only basis for choosing it. However, I was blown away with the depth and heart of this story. It gave me similar "feels" (as I say to my students) as The War That Saved My Life. Highly recommend for tween readers.
I was all, "okay, better read this because it received a Newbery honor" and that was the only basis for choosing it. However, I was blown away with the depth and heart of this story. It gave me similar "feels" (as I say to my students) as The War That Saved My Life. Highly recommend for tween readers.
This is the first book that I've read this year that is a Newbery contender. A beautiful, sorrowful book about the choices we make.
This is a beautiful book. When I read of comparisons to To Kill a Mockingbird, I thought, "Sure." The comparisons were valid. This is a beautiful story with realistic characters that covers a topic that is painfully realistic. I can predict that this will be the launching point for many deep conversations in my class about lying, bullying, making false assumptions based on appearance, and a host of others. This book will stay with me for a very long time, I imagine.
Age: 3rd-6th grade
History: WWII, Pennsylvania
"Growing up in the shadows cast by two world wars, Annabelle has lived a mostly quiet, steady life in her small Pennsylvania town. Until the day new student Betty Glengarry walks into her class. Betty quickly reveals herself to be cruel and manipulative, and while her bullying seems isolated at first, things quickly escalate, and reclusive World War I veteran Toby becomes a target of her attacks. While others have always seen Toby’s strangeness, Annabelle knows only kindness. She will soon need to find the courage to stand as a lone voice of justice as tensions mount."
Although I wasn't swept away like many of my peers, I will give this book an extra star for its real and meaningful plot and the authenticity of the narrator. I was having a hard time imagining a child enjoying this book (unusual vocabulary, lyrically written) especially when historical fiction is experiencing a low point in popular interest. Perhaps this is better suited for the classroom? That being said, this might interest children that enjoy Little House on the Prairie and more of the classic literature. It is a beautiful and well-written novel and well worth the praise it received, just not on the same plane of popularity appeal as Land of Stories and Dork Diaries.
History: WWII, Pennsylvania
"Growing up in the shadows cast by two world wars, Annabelle has lived a mostly quiet, steady life in her small Pennsylvania town. Until the day new student Betty Glengarry walks into her class. Betty quickly reveals herself to be cruel and manipulative, and while her bullying seems isolated at first, things quickly escalate, and reclusive World War I veteran Toby becomes a target of her attacks. While others have always seen Toby’s strangeness, Annabelle knows only kindness. She will soon need to find the courage to stand as a lone voice of justice as tensions mount."
Although I wasn't swept away like many of my peers, I will give this book an extra star for its real and meaningful plot and the authenticity of the narrator. I was having a hard time imagining a child enjoying this book (unusual vocabulary, lyrically written) especially when historical fiction is experiencing a low point in popular interest. Perhaps this is better suited for the classroom? That being said, this might interest children that enjoy Little House on the Prairie and more of the classic literature. It is a beautiful and well-written novel and well worth the praise it received, just not on the same plane of popularity appeal as Land of Stories and Dork Diaries.