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3.7 AVERAGE
3.7 AVERAGE
Salt is told in verse, alternating between the voices of 12 year olds Anikwa, of the Native American Miami village of Kekionga, and James, a boy from the trading post at Fort Wayne in 1812, just before the war begins. It tells of the strained friendship of these two boys who have known each other all their lives, played and hunted together, and learned from one another; and it tells of the changes that come when forces outside their understanding explode into a struggle over land and resources.
This is a book that belongs in the classroom library, as it paints a vivid picture of an important (and oft neglected) part of US history while bringing forth the voice of the people of that time. I almost gave this book 4 stars, but when considering the genre, subject, and intended audience, it easily earns a 5 star rating.
This is a book that belongs in the classroom library, as it paints a vivid picture of an important (and oft neglected) part of US history while bringing forth the voice of the people of that time. I almost gave this book 4 stars, but when considering the genre, subject, and intended audience, it easily earns a 5 star rating.
Short, moving, important. I wish more adults would read. They should start with middle grade books about our history.
James, an American boy, and Anikwa, a Miami Indian boy, are friends, even though their communities sometimes clash. But as war marches towards them, a war that will be devastating for both families, can their friendship survive?
This novel in verse switches perspective between James and Anikwa, giving a look inside both historic cultures. There's a lot to unpack here and I'm not sure it's the type of book that will be hugely popular among kids, but I could see it being a great book for the classroom, opening up discussions about cultures and history and poetic form and symbolism.
Read for Morris Seminar. 2013 pub date = not eligible for 2015 Newbery
This novel in verse switches perspective between James and Anikwa, giving a look inside both historic cultures. There's a lot to unpack here and I'm not sure it's the type of book that will be hugely popular among kids, but I could see it being a great book for the classroom, opening up discussions about cultures and history and poetic form and symbolism.
Read for Morris Seminar. 2013 pub date = not eligible for 2015 Newbery
This shows how friendship got tested due to the war between the British & American and the Indian was forced to take side. Funny thing is the land was theirs in the first place...A read that make you understand.
I'm not sure this would work for a read aloud as I hoped. The use of Miami language would slow down the best of Readers. Didn't refer to the list of Characters in the beginning as much as I thought I would have-a good thing-though it's much appreciated. Once it comes out in paperback- might make a good book club or literature circle selection. Salt was clearly a labor of love for Helen Frost.
What you perceive may not always be the truth. Great book with an interesting story-line.
There was so much thought put into every word on the page. I love the clear evidence of research on the authors part, and the work they put in to build an authentic and true to heart story that followed the lines of history. I wish I knew even more about this time and the relationships people might have had during it; this book brought to life a part of history that so often gets abandoned and swept under the rug in America.
I am always and forever a fan of middle grade historical fiction novels told using the free verse medium. When I came across Salt: A Story Of Friendship In A Time Of War by Helen Frost in the Macmillan Children’s Catalog, I knew I had to read and review it. Essentially, the length of time I spent reading Salt felt like the blink of an eye. It is a very quick, very engaging read with a setting and era that I have not come across all that often. Frost’s story takes place in Miami, Ohio during the War of 1812, which despite my best effort the only thing I can recall about that whole war is the 1812 Overture, which is not exactly relevant to this book at all.
Read the rest of my review here
Read the rest of my review here
This story is a beatiful example of friendship. It tells the story of two young boys whose lives change as the war of 1812 begins. The boys, one a white settler, and the other from a native tribe called Miami. The story is told in two voices, in prose, with the words on opposite pages. As the boys friendship is tested, you learn about the war from both sides. Pick up this book, it is a great read.
Besides the Anne of Green Gables series, I haven't really dipped my toes into historical fiction that is geared toward the children's audience. This book was a neat introduction into that genre.
Set in 1812 in the Indiana territory around Fort Wayne, two boys from two different worlds have a thriving friendship, free of any prejudices or political loyalties. James is the son of a family of settlers who run a trading post outside of the fort, and Anikwa is a young boy from the Miami tribe, who have lived on the land for hundreds of years. When war comes to the area, the boys' friendship is tested, especially because of conflicting opinions from the various adults and children within their circles.
Probably off topic, but this book reminded me of how history continues to repeat itself. Everywhere in the world where there are wars or rebellions, there are always two conflicting sides. The stories that are not often told are of those that remain neutral, or see good and bad on each side. I can't help but think of Hutus who hid Tutsi neighbors, risking the lives of their families in order to do the "right thing" during the Rwandan genocide. Likewise in Nazi occupied Europe, when many of Hitler's targets were given shelter and hiding places until the end of the war.
What a great little read. Surprisingly profound. I was sent an audio compact disc edition by the publisher, but in reading other reviews, it appears that the actual book is written in verse. What an interesting format! I'll have to revisit this one in book format.
Set in 1812 in the Indiana territory around Fort Wayne, two boys from two different worlds have a thriving friendship, free of any prejudices or political loyalties. James is the son of a family of settlers who run a trading post outside of the fort, and Anikwa is a young boy from the Miami tribe, who have lived on the land for hundreds of years. When war comes to the area, the boys' friendship is tested, especially because of conflicting opinions from the various adults and children within their circles.
Probably off topic, but this book reminded me of how history continues to repeat itself. Everywhere in the world where there are wars or rebellions, there are always two conflicting sides. The stories that are not often told are of those that remain neutral, or see good and bad on each side. I can't help but think of Hutus who hid Tutsi neighbors, risking the lives of their families in order to do the "right thing" during the Rwandan genocide. Likewise in Nazi occupied Europe, when many of Hitler's targets were given shelter and hiding places until the end of the war.
What a great little read. Surprisingly profound. I was sent an audio compact disc edition by the publisher, but in reading other reviews, it appears that the actual book is written in verse. What an interesting format! I'll have to revisit this one in book format.