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3.55 AVERAGE
3.55 AVERAGE
I read this as a historical fiction candidate for our library's Mock Printz awards, and while I thought it was a very interesting and quick read, I found the brevity of it didn't give me enough time to process what was happening in the story to the characters.
The primary character encounters so much horror in such a short amount of time -- which is believable -- but that this young boy is able to carry on with such luck and success, and without having a breakdown of any sort does stretch the limits of believability. I also didn't feel the fear I expected from a character so young, left alone in the world.
I loved his relationship with the orphaned girl who becomes his companion, and her story was heartbreaking in a completely different way.
I loved the historical passages placed before each chapter... I thought they helped me with historical details I might have missed, but it also meant that you were prepared for upcoming horrors, (like the Hessians) so that softened the blow so it didn't come as such a shock.
Ultimately, I think that younger teens will love this book, especially those reluctant readers. It's very fast paced, and a very quick and rewarding read... with just enough blood to be realistic, but not over the top gory.
The primary character encounters so much horror in such a short amount of time -- which is believable -- but that this young boy is able to carry on with such luck and success, and without having a breakdown of any sort does stretch the limits of believability. I also didn't feel the fear I expected from a character so young, left alone in the world.
I loved his relationship with the orphaned girl who becomes his companion, and her story was heartbreaking in a completely different way.
I loved the historical passages placed before each chapter... I thought they helped me with historical details I might have missed, but it also meant that you were prepared for upcoming horrors, (like the Hessians) so that softened the blow so it didn't come as such a shock.
Ultimately, I think that younger teens will love this book, especially those reluctant readers. It's very fast paced, and a very quick and rewarding read... with just enough blood to be realistic, but not over the top gory.
I distinctly remember not liking Hatchet, and for a long time afterward I avoided Gary Paulsen like the plague. After reading Woods Runner, though, I'm thinking it's about time I stopped ignoring Gary Paulsen's books. In an interesting format, Paulsen alternates chapters of story with short historical blurbs. I've seen that other readers are not too fond of this choppy set-up, but I kind of liked it.
Samuel is only thirteen, but spends the story tracking down his parents who have been captured by British soldiers and taken to New York. Along the way he witnesses a lot of horror and tragedy, but manages to survive. The story is a little too pat, but is mixed with enough history and sadness to still be intriguing. What I appreciated about this story is that it approaches the Revolution from a different perspective. Samuel's parents are really neither loyalist nor rebel, but are caught in between on the edge of civilization.
Samuel is only thirteen, but spends the story tracking down his parents who have been captured by British soldiers and taken to New York. Along the way he witnesses a lot of horror and tragedy, but manages to survive. The story is a little too pat, but is mixed with enough history and sadness to still be intriguing. What I appreciated about this story is that it approaches the Revolution from a different perspective. Samuel's parents are really neither loyalist nor rebel, but are caught in between on the edge of civilization.
adventurous
challenging
sad
fast-paced
This is a wonderful piece of historical fiction. Samuel is an interesting and compelling protagonist. The people he meets along the way - Coop, Caleb, Ma & Annie, Abner & Matthew - are also great characters that I instantly loved and rooted for. It deals with the Revolutionary War but from an angle that most books don't touch. As a history lover I particularly liked the inserts in between each chapter detailing historical facts about the Revolutionary War. Having them inserted throughout the book was a really good idea that enhanced what was going on in the story. So many historical fiction books would include a brief history section at the end. It worked really well having the history tidbits throughout the book.
adventurous
challenging
dark
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
Content Warnings
Graphic: War
Don't tell anyone but this is my first Gary Paulsen and I'm glad that I finally read one. Samuel was a good main character. I don't think every 13 year old boy would go to find his parents if they were kidnapped. I liked his relationship with Annie, felt so bad with what happened to her family.
Lots of blood and yucky stuff in this book that boys will like.
The audio was decent, not great didn't like the narrator (wish it was a younger boy).
Lots of blood and yucky stuff in this book that boys will like.
The audio was decent, not great didn't like the narrator (wish it was a younger boy).
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Historical fiction. Great info about Revolutionary War times. War is not pretty - graphic at times.
adventurous
hopeful
informative
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated