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roseleaf24's review
3.0
This was a better story than many of the westward expansion Newbery honor books I have read. I enjoyed the Norwegian culture described and the friendships that develop between the two families on the ship and Nils, the independent teenaged orphan. This book was a part of a series of books called "Land of the Free," and that is definitely the America that is honored here.
However, in a stirring speech about how there are no bondsmen in America, and everyone can work for themselves, and with low taxes and freedom of religion, build a good life for themselves, Father Svendson neglects to mention that there is still slavery at the time depicted here. A few noble "savages" begin to breakdown some of the racist stereotypes shown, but in general the racism is unchecked.
However, in a stirring speech about how there are no bondsmen in America, and everyone can work for themselves, and with low taxes and freedom of religion, build a good life for themselves, Father Svendson neglects to mention that there is still slavery at the time depicted here. A few noble "savages" begin to breakdown some of the racist stereotypes shown, but in general the racism is unchecked.
triscuit807's review
4.0
3.5-4 stars. In my opinion, the subtitle is a misnomer at best, at worst it makes the book seem a strange thing to have ever been nominated for the Newbery. "Song of the Pines" is a pleasant historical novel about the Norwegian immigration to the US during the 1840s and their settlement in the Midwest. The Svendsen family and the orphan Nils Thorson both carry the immigrant dream of a better life. The Svendsens dream of a farm in Wisconsin that is large enough to feed them and not be burdened with taxes. Nils wants to make his own way via the the only trade he knows, sharpening knives and other metal tools, and eventually have land and a farm. They face the normal difficulties: language, claim conflicts, and Indians. I was pleasantly surprised by the authors' treatment of Native Americans. While describing them at one point as savages, once they get to know them as individuals, the treatment is respectful, and one, Red Otter, performs several important roles. This is so different from the Laura Ingalls Wilder treatment that it was a joy to read. I read this for my 2020 Reading Challenge (52 weeks 2019 "immigrant character") and my Newbery Challenge (Honor 1950).
scaifea's review
3.0
The story of a young man, Nils, and the Norwegian family who adopts him as one of their own as they travel from their homeland to the U.S. to start a new pioneer life in Wisconsin. Not a bad entry in the genre: nothing earth shattering, but it's an interesting story and well-enough paced.
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