Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.19 AVERAGE
4.19 AVERAGE
Classic a Month 1.2013
This book was originally published in 1888 but it's funny how much the themes and mood of the story work still today. Staying positive, being humble no matter how rich or poor you are, giving to those less fortunate than you, always believing in yourself, etc...it's really inspiring. Of course, being so old, it has its downsides too. I don't know if kids today would understand the "scullery maid" thing and all her duties, or get the full impact of being that poor. Click here for my full review.
This book was originally published in 1888 but it's funny how much the themes and mood of the story work still today. Staying positive, being humble no matter how rich or poor you are, giving to those less fortunate than you, always believing in yourself, etc...it's really inspiring. Of course, being so old, it has its downsides too. I don't know if kids today would understand the "scullery maid" thing and all her duties, or get the full impact of being that poor. Click here for my full review.
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I adore this author and this book. I think there is a lot of emotional ups and downs that make the characters feel so real and nuanced. It is a literary classic much like Heidi where the entire novel is about a short time in one little girl's life and how that time shapes her and affects everyone she meets. To me, it is all about how each of us can be a light in the darkness if we want to be, and how small acts of kindness can enact large changes to those around us.
Always loved this movie when I was younger and was excited for the book. I loved the character of Sarah, and felt like I understood her more than in the film. I wish there was a little bit more of an explanation of why Sarah and her father were so close, but it didn't bother me too much. In the beginning, the story was ver similar to the movie so I wasn't surprised by much, but it shifted when Sarah's father actually died, unlike how he was just missing in the movie. I understand that the movie was for younger children, so having the father actually die was probably changed as to not scare them so much. I had a little trouble with how Sarah would view her peers. At times, she would say that these people were the only ones keeping her alive, that their friendship was the only thing helping her survive, but she always seemed to view them as dumber or more naive then herself. I don't know if this was the author's way of describing the characters through Sara, but those thoughts seemed out of place. I also did not buy that the man next door was able to sneak in all that furniture while Sara was sleeping, but hey, minor plot point. I did enjoy the ending, and loved that Sarah went back to the bakery to help the other children. Overall it was a good reminder of the story I loved as a little girl.
This is a very sweet story! I loved the Shirley Temple movie as a kid, and though the book differed quite a bit, I’m glad that it was just as enjoyable as the movie.
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
I really enjoyed Burnett’s writing style–pretty without being flowery, with a good plot engine that kept things moving along. The characters were memorable though Sara Crewe is leaning just slightly towards being too perfect. Her hardships and temper were the things that really kept her tolerable. The attic bedroom (and transformation) were memorable and magical. I found most of the supporting cast bland or lacking in realism.
fast-paced
As child, I was absolutely obsessed with Shirley Temple. I thought she was beyond awesome. And so of course this book was adored.
I worry about books like this, though. Also The Secret Garden and Little Women. I can't see most of my students having patience for the slower paces of these books. Now, I actually think that the YA books now are amazing, for the most part. They're clever and funny and really don't patronize younger readers. I just hope that there are still Shirley Temple-obsessed little girls out there.
I worry about books like this, though. Also The Secret Garden and Little Women. I can't see most of my students having patience for the slower paces of these books. Now, I actually think that the YA books now are amazing, for the most part. They're clever and funny and really don't patronize younger readers. I just hope that there are still Shirley Temple-obsessed little girls out there.
This is one of my very favorite children's books (right up there with The Secret Garden and Little Women). Re-reading it always transports me right to Sara Crewe's world, and the book stands the test of time and age. If I need an escape for a bit, this is one of my go-to books. Full of childhood fantasy and hardship and everything working out in the end. :)
i was obsessed w frances hodgson burnett as a child. wild to come back to it but it still hits a little bit if we ignore a lot of stuff.