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4.14 AVERAGE
4.14 AVERAGE
4.5 stars
I think I ended up reading this book at exactly the right time. It is definitely sad, historical, realistic fiction, and I shed tears at the end, even though I knew I was being manipulated into feeling sad. I was also angry about how bigoted some of the characters were, and so no, this was not a happy book. In another mood, I might have found this too depressing to finish. But that's not what happened, and I ended up listening to this in two sessions (I had to go to sleep in between) and found myself completely drawn into Annabelle's Pennsylvania. Sensitive readers might have difficulty with some of the events that occurred in this book, and triggers would include the description of bloody injuries, as well as vicious bullying. But if readers can handle it, this is a book worth reading, if only because it gives you a glimpse into a smalltown community in rural Pennsylvania around the time of World War II. What I liked about this book was Annabelle herself, and the unlikely friendship she formed with this "strange man". The book was also very well narrated by Emily Rankin, and that may have also influenced what I thought of this book. I am definitely planning on reading the sequel as I just got the ARC of it through NetGalley. I definitely would not mind revisiting this community and this family.
I think I ended up reading this book at exactly the right time. It is definitely sad, historical, realistic fiction, and I shed tears at the end, even though I knew I was being manipulated into feeling sad. I was also angry about how bigoted some of the characters were, and so no, this was not a happy book. In another mood, I might have found this too depressing to finish. But that's not what happened, and I ended up listening to this in two sessions (I had to go to sleep in between) and found myself completely drawn into Annabelle's Pennsylvania. Sensitive readers might have difficulty with some of the events that occurred in this book, and triggers would include the description of bloody injuries, as well as vicious bullying. But if readers can handle it, this is a book worth reading, if only because it gives you a glimpse into a smalltown community in rural Pennsylvania around the time of World War II. What I liked about this book was Annabelle herself, and the unlikely friendship she formed with this "strange man". The book was also very well narrated by Emily Rankin, and that may have also influenced what I thought of this book. I am definitely planning on reading the sequel as I just got the ARC of it through NetGalley. I definitely would not mind revisiting this community and this family.
Great characters, complex decisions and choices, lots to ponder.
BOOK TALK:
Betty changed everything when she moved to Wolf Hollow. Annabelle heard Betty came to live with her grandparents cause she’s incorrigible. Annabell soon learned what incorrigible meant. Betty was mean and she liked making people feel pain. Betty threatens to beat up Annabelle’s brothers if Annabelle doesn’t give her something of value.
A vagabond, a stranger has been wondering around the countryside of Wolf Hollow for a long time. People know him as Toby, a WWI vet who carries 3 rifles and rarely talks to anyone. Most people steer clear of him but Annabelle likes him.
The day Betty disappears Toby becomes the main suspect in her disappearance. Not because of much evidence, mostly cause no one can find Toby either. Did he kidnap her? Is he holding Betty hostage? That’s what many people thing, but Annabelle isn’t one of them. Can she figure out where Betty is? Can she prove Toby had nothing to do with her disappearance?
If you read and liked "War that saved my life" or "Lions of Little Rock" I think you will love Wolf Hollow.
BOOK TALK:
Betty changed everything when she moved to Wolf Hollow. Annabelle heard Betty came to live with her grandparents cause she’s incorrigible. Annabell soon learned what incorrigible meant. Betty was mean and she liked making people feel pain. Betty threatens to beat up Annabelle’s brothers if Annabelle doesn’t give her something of value.
A vagabond, a stranger has been wondering around the countryside of Wolf Hollow for a long time. People know him as Toby, a WWI vet who carries 3 rifles and rarely talks to anyone. Most people steer clear of him but Annabelle likes him.
The day Betty disappears Toby becomes the main suspect in her disappearance. Not because of much evidence, mostly cause no one can find Toby either. Did he kidnap her? Is he holding Betty hostage? That’s what many people thing, but Annabelle isn’t one of them. Can she figure out where Betty is? Can she prove Toby had nothing to do with her disappearance?
If you read and liked "War that saved my life" or "Lions of Little Rock" I think you will love Wolf Hollow.
This was a very powerful story. I figured out how (most) of the book was going to end, but that didn't take away from the beauty of the story. Definitely for upper-grades.
Read this along with Beatrix. Was not blown away but enjoyed it.
I liked this book - interesting questions about honesty, truth, and ethical behavior. I appreciate Annabel's genuine struggle to know how to handle a complex situation, as her parents simultaneously struggle to figure it out too. Listened to the audiobook.
Wow. One can't discuss the plot without spoilers, but I read this almost without stopping, and it's been a while since I've done that. It's also been a while since I've read any kidlit quite this real and deep. Even when I was a kid, I knew those books: [b:Bridge to Terabithia|2839|Bridge to Terabithia|Katherine Paterson|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1327880087s/2839.jpg|2237401], [b:Goodbye, Chicken Little|1278732|Goodbye, Chicken Little|Betsy Byars|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1182455370s/1278732.jpg|716444]. Those ones where you realize the writer is showing you the real world and believing you can handle it. This one is ripe for support and discussion in a classroom. The sense of place is still with me.
I'm not entirely sure how I feel about this one (3 stars? 3.5? 4?). At times it definitely feels like an adult book written for kids that adults will like and feel like kids should like...
I love the plot and the themes, but mostly I loved Betty. In terms of her actions, she was such a wonderfully written unlikeable character. I do wish there was a little more about why she acted like she did. For much of the story it seemed like her motivation was
Those things aside, this was an enjoyable read, but I don't know if my kids will like it like I did.
I love the plot and the themes, but mostly I loved Betty. In terms of her actions, she was such a wonderfully written unlikeable character. I do wish there was a little more about why she acted like she did. For much of the story it seemed like her motivation was
Spoiler
that her father was killed in the war, and she was angry about that, making her act as a bully to everyone and making Toby a perfect target. However at the end it turns out her parents were only divorced (which is, yes devastating to a child), but was that home life enough to merit her bullying and anger??? We don't really know. I also had a bit of trouble following why Annabelle thought Toby, disguised as Jordan, would think that aiding in the rescue would absolve him from the accusations that he had hurt Betty. Wouldn't people still just assume he had pushed her down there and then felt guilty?Those things aside, this was an enjoyable read, but I don't know if my kids will like it like I did.
I have to give this on a five star because I can't keep thinking about it! I don't know how I have missed it until now. Another teacher is reading it aloud and told me how much her students are enjoying it. I picked it up and couldn't put it down. It is a serious book with big issues. A great middle school book.
bully
plain ole mean students
family
1940s
bully
plain ole mean students
family
1940s
This is the kind of book you hug close at the end, because you just don't want to put it down.
It's been a while since I stayed up long after bedtime just to finish a book. Which means this book is remarkable because I always have trouble staying awake after reading for like 15 minutes. God, I literally couldn't stop reading this book, I didn't want to. I don't want to give out anything about this book, though, just read the book with zero expectation and zero knowledge about the story.
All you have to know is this book broke my heart, I love the two main characters and the relationship between them so damn much I felt numb when the book ended. One of the best books I read this year.
All you have to know is this book broke my heart, I love the two main characters and the relationship between them so damn much I felt numb when the book ended. One of the best books I read this year.