The Penderwicks have more adventures when they travel to Main for a vacation. Only this time Skye, the second Penderwick child, is in charge. The tripThe Penderwicks have more adventures when they travel to Main for a vacation. Only this time Skye, the second Penderwick child, is in charge. The trip is a roller coaster ride loaded with life changing, growing up, challenges that could only happen to the Penderwick sisters.
The Penderwicks are the perfect modern version of the March family, from Little Women. Girls can delight, relate, and more importantly, learn from the sisters in some very real events.
Breadcrumbs is the kind of book that you reflect on over and over after reading it. I found it thoroughly engaging and hard to put A Newbery Contender
Breadcrumbs is the kind of book that you reflect on over and over after reading it. I found it thoroughly engaging and hard to put down. Ursu has a way with creating a feeling through her poetic writing style that conveys all the desired emotions perfectly.
Hazel and Jack are best friends. They know each other so well that conversation is not necessary, and play dates are automatically understood. Each character, while so alike in friendship and imagination, is unique; at the same time the difficulties within their families are entirely different. Yet despite these differences they are always ready to aide and protect each other.
This true friendship falls into jeopardy when mischief and magic come into play. Jack undergoes a transformation of heart and breaks away from his longtime friend. As Hazel’s mother claims, and we are so often told ourselves, “People change.” Yet Hazel, who knows her friend through and through, is determined to find the real source of Jack’s sudden indifference, and disappearance. With true effort Hazel walks into a magic wood in an attempt to “save Jack.”
I really enjoyed this story. Hazel is portrayed as rather ordinary with a bit of luck. She must learn for herself who her true enemies are. Unlike the villains in video games the enemies of the woods are more concealed, and even less trustworthy. In the woods real logic and rules don’t apply and she must learn from her own experiences whom she can trust.
Ursu’s story is riddled with references to other books and fairytales. Star Wars, When You Reach Me, and The Hobbit along with many other books wend their way comfortably into Ursu’s story. While these many references could have been distracting to the tale, I found them delightful and fitting with Hazel’s bookish character. Breadcrumbs is very readable and children will find the simple messages entwined within the pages applicable to life. You are stronger than you seem, friendship is worth fighting for, imagination, morals, and hard work can help you along your quest.
Breadcrumbs has been criticized as having an abrupt ending, but I didn’t feel that way. It’s the journey that’s worth reading about. Readers can ponder over the unanswered questions and fill the blanks in for themselves. It leaves you with plenty to ponder.
This book is one to watch. The awards will come. ...more
This book is a great rendition of the 12 dancing princesses, and I found it rather original. Even if it reminded me quite a bit of Princ3.5 to 4 stars
This book is a great rendition of the 12 dancing princesses, and I found it rather original. Even if it reminded me quite a bit of Princess of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George. Truth be known I prefer George's version a little better, but this story is not without its own twists in tale, by taking a detour from the traditional fairy tale with a change in perspective and story involving a tiny bit of the ever popular one-girl-in-love-with-two-perfect-men plot mingled, a little, with Beauty and the Beast. The ending was a surprise, and abrupt, but lends a hint to a sequel, which I would be very much interested in reading. Hopefully it would resolve a few of the questions I was left with.
Children will find it enjoyable and I can see this story being placed on many a library shelf. I would recommend it for kids fourth grade and up. ...more
Alexander Hamilton was always one of my favorites in American history. I was delighted to see Alexander Hamilton: The Outsider in the mock Newbery lisAlexander Hamilton was always one of my favorites in American history. I was delighted to see Alexander Hamilton: The Outsider in the mock Newbery lists. It was a wonderful read and I think children will enjoy it. Jean Fritz with one Newbery honor under her belt has written Hamilton’s life accurately and brings his attributes to our country forward.
Her ability to show how Hamilton’s ideas and policies are either the forerunner to rules and departments we have today, or are basically still in use, was informative and fun. I also enjoyed Hamilton’s inspiring personal rags-to-riches story. This New Yorker has rightfully earned his place on the ten dollar bill and in history.
Fritz’s ending could not have been more poetic-
“On his deathbed, among his last words, he spoke of his beloved America, ‘If they break this Union, they will break my heart.’ How could anyone have thought that Alexander Hamilton was an outsider?”
I think the Newbery 2012 committee will consider Fritz's latest work for a possible medal. If they don’t, I would be very disappointed. ...more
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