Book reviews written by Jennifer S

Reviews

Sort by:

1 2 | Next »

Displaying 1-10 of 11 reviews

Bird Lake Moon

by Kevin Henkes
- Rated 0 stars
“New Kevin Henkes book. Reading it for Capitol Choices. Henkes is well known for his picture books, especially for Kitten's Full Moon, which won the Caldecott in 2005. This is a chapter book.”

Jennifer S wrote this review Wednesday, July 9 2008. ( reply | permalink )
Outside Beauty

by Cynthia Kadohata
- Rated 0 stars
“I was not as big a fan of Kira Kira as were others (and obviously, the Newbery committee). I enjoyed Cracker! The Best Dog in Vietnam more than others, apparently. Let's see how I do with this one. Three sisters go away while their mother recovers from a physically scarring car crash. Looks are very important in this family, so they have some issues. While the theme of physical/personal beauty is not original in YA literature, I'm enough of a Kadohata fan to try it.”

Jennifer S wrote this review Wednesday, July 9 2008. ( reply | permalink )
The Hope Chest

by Karen Schwabach
- Rated 0 stars
“Young girl gets caught up in the women's suffrage movement in Nashville, TN. Very cool! Many historical fiction novels set in a Southern state are about the Civil War or the civil rights movement. While there are excellent novels that are just that, it's always great to find one that features another time period. It's a terrific read!”

Jennifer S wrote this review Thursday, August 21 2008. ( reply | permalink )
Shooting the Moon

by Frances O'Roark Dowell
- Rated 0 stars
“It may just be me, but there seems to be an increase in historical fiction books about Vietnam. I'm not a huge fan of war stories, but this caught my eye.”

Jennifer S wrote this review Wednesday, July 9 2008. ( reply | permalink )
The Boy Who Dared

by Susan Campbell Bartoletti
- Rated 0 stars
“This is based upon an actual event in Susan Campbell Bartoletti's amazing Hitler Youth: Growing Up in Hitler's Shadow. There aren't many books that feature a Mormon as a main character, so that also makes it unique. ”

Jennifer S wrote this review Wednesday, July 9 2008. ( reply | permalink )
The Sign of the Beaver

by Elizabeth George Speare
- Rated 3 stars
“The Sign of the Beaver was named a Newbery Honor book in 1984. Although it has come under criticism for its portrayal of Native Americans, it's a fast-paced adventure story filled with suspense. ”

Jennifer S wrote this review Tuesday, July 8 2008. ( reply | permalink )
Mr. Chickee's Funny Money

by Christopher Paul Curtis
- Rated 4 stars
“Even if you're not a mystery fan, you'll enjoy Mr. Chickee's Funny Money. It's silly without being stupid. It's a mystery without any gore. If you're in the mood to laugh, check this out (and its sequel, Mr. Chickee's Messy Mission). ”

Jennifer S wrote this review Tuesday, July 8 2008. ( reply | permalink )
Counting on Grace

by Elizabeth Winthrop
- Rated 5 stars
“A wonderful read about a young mill worker's life and the effect of a stranger's visit to the factory. Although Grace would rather stay in school, she must go to work with her family in the mill (even though she is not legally of age). Fans of historical fiction and of Katherine Paterson's Lyddie will not want to miss this. ”

Jennifer S wrote this review Tuesday, July 8 2008. ( reply | permalink )
Ghost Girl: A Blue Ridge Mountain Story

by Delia Ray
- Rated 4 stars
“Ghost Girl is a terrific read of the effect of the Depression and President Hoover's mountain home on a young girl. Those interested in the history of Madison County and Shenandoah National Park won't want to miss this. It's a heartfelt and occasionally heartbreaking story, but well worth your time! ”

Jennifer S wrote this review Tuesday, July 8 2008. ( reply | permalink )
Blue Willow

by Doris Gates
- Rated 5 stars
“Blue Willow was named a Newbery Honor Book in 1941. It's an excellent look at a young migrant worker's life in the early part of the century. Gates portrays the hardships of migrant life simply and without overdramatization. Although the life is not easy, there are genuine and sweet moments of friendship and family life. ”

Jennifer S wrote this review Tuesday, July 8 2008. ( reply | permalink )