This novel reads as a diary of the young girl who would become Catherine the Great of Russia. While historical in nature, it is not a biography by any stretch of the imagination. Instead, Ms. Gregory the author has taken biographical information and used it to create a wonderful tale of a young Prussian princess who is destined for a less than noble marriage until she is noticed by the Empress Elizabeth and chosen as the bride for Prince Peter, future Czar of Russia.
For Sophie Augusta Frederika, Princess of Anhalt-Zerbst, life is predictable and somewhat happy. She has a tutor to teach her languages, manners and other important skills for making a good marriage. Unfortunately, she is also painfully aware of the need to make a good marriage to provide for her family and younger siblings. As poor nobles, they do not have the means to make trips to visit other members of royalty often, so each visit must make a positive impression. But no one expects the letter that comes to Sophia's mother when she is just 14.
Rather than lanquishing in obscurity, Sophia learns that the Empress is interested in a marriage between the heir to the throne, Charles-Peter and Sophia. And so begins the whirlwind of portraits, letters and finally a trip to Russia to meet the Empress herself. Throughout the ordeal (for Sophia does believe it is an ordeal) the diary is written in and hidden away to protect it's secrets from her mother.
Truly an inspiring tale of strength, sacrifice and love, this book will hold the attention of all young girls who dream of life as a princess.
Age range: 8 to 12
Gregory, K. (2005). Catherine, the Great Journey Russia 1743. New York: Scholastic, Inc.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Betsy Tacy by Maud Hart Lovelace
While written for roughly 8 to 12 year old tweens, this book is the first in a series focusing on little Betsy Ray as she grows up. Initially the only girl her age on Hill Street, Betsy has no one but the older children or boys to play with. But then, a moving wagon pulls up to the house across the street and what do you know, there is a little girl who looks about her age. At first, Betsy is too shy to meet her but when Betsy's mom invites the girl, nicknamed Tacy to a party, the friendship begins.
Betsy and Tacy enjoy many firsts together: school, walking up the Big hill, building a fort and getting to go "visiting" in their mother's dresses. Throughout the book, Betsy and Tacy are inseparable except when one of them is sick.
Set in Minnesota in the early 1900's, this delightful series turns back the pages of time to a simpler life. The days of horse drawn carriages, playing outside, coal and gas lights come to life through the tales of Mrs. Lovelace and the illustrations of Lois Lenski.
Many girls of the tween age will be surprised to find that many of the issues they face today are the same as those faced by girls of 100 years ago. Overall, a delightful book that will enchant children and tweens alike.
Age range: 8 to 12
Lovelace, M.H. (1940). Betsy Tacy. New York: Harper Collins.
Betsy and Tacy enjoy many firsts together: school, walking up the Big hill, building a fort and getting to go "visiting" in their mother's dresses. Throughout the book, Betsy and Tacy are inseparable except when one of them is sick.
Set in Minnesota in the early 1900's, this delightful series turns back the pages of time to a simpler life. The days of horse drawn carriages, playing outside, coal and gas lights come to life through the tales of Mrs. Lovelace and the illustrations of Lois Lenski.
Many girls of the tween age will be surprised to find that many of the issues they face today are the same as those faced by girls of 100 years ago. Overall, a delightful book that will enchant children and tweens alike.
Age range: 8 to 12
Lovelace, M.H. (1940). Betsy Tacy. New York: Harper Collins.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Farmer Boy by Laura Ingalls Wilder
This story of Laura's husband Almanzo as a boy is a delightful tale of growing up on a big farm in the mid 19th century. While the story focuses around Almanzo, his brother Royal and sisters Eliza Jane and Alice play an important part in the overall story of growth and family life. Life on a farm, then as now, is full of chores and hard work regardless of one's age. Everyone on the farm helped with the work and enjoyed the benefits of their work.
One of the underlying themes is Almanzo's position as youngest in the family, the problems it causes him and his desires to do the big important work. He loved horses and really wanted to work with the young horses but his father did not believe Almanzo was smart or strong enough to handle the them yet so he was stuck taking care of the cows, pigs and other animals. Yet his goal was always to handle and train the horses. As readers find out in later books of the series, Almanzo finally does get his horses but for this story, he is too young.
Children can all relate to the chores in the story even if they are different from what children today do. Rules, school work, obedience are all running throughout the story and transcend time and place.
This excellent story appeals to girls and boys alike regardless of their age.
Age range: 9 to 12
Wilder, L.I. Farmer Boy. 1933. New York: Harper Collins.
One of the underlying themes is Almanzo's position as youngest in the family, the problems it causes him and his desires to do the big important work. He loved horses and really wanted to work with the young horses but his father did not believe Almanzo was smart or strong enough to handle the them yet so he was stuck taking care of the cows, pigs and other animals. Yet his goal was always to handle and train the horses. As readers find out in later books of the series, Almanzo finally does get his horses but for this story, he is too young.
Children can all relate to the chores in the story even if they are different from what children today do. Rules, school work, obedience are all running throughout the story and transcend time and place.
This excellent story appeals to girls and boys alike regardless of their age.
Age range: 9 to 12
Wilder, L.I. Farmer Boy. 1933. New York: Harper Collins.
Henry Huggins by Beverly Cleary
This beloved author has written so many delightful stories for children but Henry Huggins is so timeless. Henry is a typical 3rd grade boy whose life is too boring for him. But one day while trying to improve the fun factor in his life, a new development actually does just that.
While the story was originally written in 1950, most tweens can still relate to Henry and his desire for fun, dogs and adventure. Even with the changes in technology, clothing, languages and schools, this book is still easy for tweens to read and understand although they may have to ask their parents a few questions about some of the terminology. Or perhaps their grandparents for that matter.
Poor Henry feels life is boring and as most boys his age, he wants a pet. But one day while he is eating ice cream after his normal swimming hour at the Y, his life take a drastic change from boring to seriously interesting. A skinny stray dog with wiry hair stops and stares at the ice cream until Henry finally feels bad and gives him some. And so begins the fun with Henry and his dog Ribsy.
Add to the Huggins household, the guppies that Henry decides to breed without realizing just how prolific they can be and suddenly there are a lot of new pets floating around. At least for mom, the fish are contained... until.
Cars flying by, footballs disappearing, problems at school and the like are all part of Henry's supposedly boring life. Yet most readers will find part of their life within the pages of this wonderful book. Whether it is trouble at school, finding a flea bitten stray dog to bring home, losing a friend's toy or getting into trouble, everyone can relate to Henry.
Age range: 8 to 12
Cleary, B. (1950). Henry Huggins; . New York: Morrow.
While the story was originally written in 1950, most tweens can still relate to Henry and his desire for fun, dogs and adventure. Even with the changes in technology, clothing, languages and schools, this book is still easy for tweens to read and understand although they may have to ask their parents a few questions about some of the terminology. Or perhaps their grandparents for that matter.
Poor Henry feels life is boring and as most boys his age, he wants a pet. But one day while he is eating ice cream after his normal swimming hour at the Y, his life take a drastic change from boring to seriously interesting. A skinny stray dog with wiry hair stops and stares at the ice cream until Henry finally feels bad and gives him some. And so begins the fun with Henry and his dog Ribsy.
Add to the Huggins household, the guppies that Henry decides to breed without realizing just how prolific they can be and suddenly there are a lot of new pets floating around. At least for mom, the fish are contained... until.
Cars flying by, footballs disappearing, problems at school and the like are all part of Henry's supposedly boring life. Yet most readers will find part of their life within the pages of this wonderful book. Whether it is trouble at school, finding a flea bitten stray dog to bring home, losing a friend's toy or getting into trouble, everyone can relate to Henry.
Age range: 8 to 12
Cleary, B. (1950). Henry Huggins; . New York: Morrow.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Little House on the Prairie
This classic by Laura Ingalls Wilder revolves around Laura, her parents and her sisters during their stay in Indian Territory during the early 1870's. While not autobiographical, the story is based on incidences in Laura's life as are all of the books she wrote for the tween age group.
Unlike moving today when one purchases a house, packs up and moves in, Laura's family had to build their home, make some of their furniture and all their belongings were packed in the small wagon they traveled in for hundreds of miles. After being stuck in a wagon for months, with nothing but prairie to look at most of the time, the family moves to a tent of sorts while Pa cuts and trims trees, notches them and starts building a house. There are no friends to play with, no school or extracurriculars nearby for the girls to interact with.
Despite what we might consider hardships, Laura and Mary, her older sister, enjoy a wonderful life full of open prairies, helping with chores, picking wild flowers and playing with each other. With the closest neighbors several miles away, Laura and Mary with their dog, Jack do just about everything together. Not all the times are good, though. The family all falls ill at one point, Ma injures her ankle badly while helping Pa raise the walls of the house, and there are Indian scares from the Natives who travel the land.
Tweens today often can not relate to life without television, MP3 players, iPods, DVRs, and everything on demand. Yet this story and the others in the series continue to draw readers of all ages. Geared specifically to the tween age group- 8 to 11 year old girls, the books help expand an understanding of a historical era through a genre of fiction.
These books are highly recommended for all readers regardless of age. Most adults these days read the books as children and re-reading them will bring back some wonderful memories of a time gone by.
Age range- 8 to 11
Wilder, L.I. Little house on the prairie.
Unlike moving today when one purchases a house, packs up and moves in, Laura's family had to build their home, make some of their furniture and all their belongings were packed in the small wagon they traveled in for hundreds of miles. After being stuck in a wagon for months, with nothing but prairie to look at most of the time, the family moves to a tent of sorts while Pa cuts and trims trees, notches them and starts building a house. There are no friends to play with, no school or extracurriculars nearby for the girls to interact with.
Despite what we might consider hardships, Laura and Mary, her older sister, enjoy a wonderful life full of open prairies, helping with chores, picking wild flowers and playing with each other. With the closest neighbors several miles away, Laura and Mary with their dog, Jack do just about everything together. Not all the times are good, though. The family all falls ill at one point, Ma injures her ankle badly while helping Pa raise the walls of the house, and there are Indian scares from the Natives who travel the land.
Tweens today often can not relate to life without television, MP3 players, iPods, DVRs, and everything on demand. Yet this story and the others in the series continue to draw readers of all ages. Geared specifically to the tween age group- 8 to 11 year old girls, the books help expand an understanding of a historical era through a genre of fiction.
These books are highly recommended for all readers regardless of age. Most adults these days read the books as children and re-reading them will bring back some wonderful memories of a time gone by.
Age range- 8 to 11
Wilder, L.I. Little house on the prairie.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Om-Kas-Toe by Kenneth Thomasma
With a subtitle of Blackfeet Twin captures an Elkdog this book captures the attention of a perspective reader from the outset. Based on a Blackfeet legend of the first encounter with a horse, known originally as an elk dog, this story is a engrossing fiction read. The main characters are a set of twins who should not even be alive. But that is only a very small portion of the book.
Twin Boy and Twin Girl are the children of Tall Woman and Crooked Arm. And when they were first born, the tribe was concerned because twins were a sign of danger or evil to come. But Tall Woman appealed to the Elders and she was given the opportunity to raise them both. This choice would be relived over and over for the next few decades.
Twin Boy struggles to grow up, learn to hunt and become a warrior like his father but he is still young and impatient. At 8, he is working hard to learn the ways of the animals, and not be stuck with the younger children doing the easier jobs around the camp. But to truly gain the trust of the men and the right to join some hunts, he must prove his abilities to be still, quiet, and not spook. Can he do it? How can he learn it?
Then come several opportunities to prove himself and the results vary. He and his sister, Twin Girl cause some problems, help, and then in one case, help find a lost child that no one else has been able to find. Of course, this is partially due to their pet raven who is trained to find certain prey. But is this enough to prove himself to the men? Only time will tell.
When a warring tribe is seen near the village with elkdogs, the Blackfeet are nervous and excited. What are these dog like animals that allow men to ride them? And how could anyone escape from the warriors riding them?
To find the answers to these questions, readers must delve into this enjoyable look into life in a Blackfeet village before white settlers set foot in the Plains. Share an afternoon with Twin Boy and Twin Girl as they live life the way they know it.
Age Range: 10 to 14
Twin Boy and Twin Girl are the children of Tall Woman and Crooked Arm. And when they were first born, the tribe was concerned because twins were a sign of danger or evil to come. But Tall Woman appealed to the Elders and she was given the opportunity to raise them both. This choice would be relived over and over for the next few decades.
Twin Boy struggles to grow up, learn to hunt and become a warrior like his father but he is still young and impatient. At 8, he is working hard to learn the ways of the animals, and not be stuck with the younger children doing the easier jobs around the camp. But to truly gain the trust of the men and the right to join some hunts, he must prove his abilities to be still, quiet, and not spook. Can he do it? How can he learn it?
Then come several opportunities to prove himself and the results vary. He and his sister, Twin Girl cause some problems, help, and then in one case, help find a lost child that no one else has been able to find. Of course, this is partially due to their pet raven who is trained to find certain prey. But is this enough to prove himself to the men? Only time will tell.
When a warring tribe is seen near the village with elkdogs, the Blackfeet are nervous and excited. What are these dog like animals that allow men to ride them? And how could anyone escape from the warriors riding them?
To find the answers to these questions, readers must delve into this enjoyable look into life in a Blackfeet village before white settlers set foot in the Plains. Share an afternoon with Twin Boy and Twin Girl as they live life the way they know it.
Age Range: 10 to 14
Thomasma, K. (1986). Om-kas-toe Blackfeet twin captures an Elkdog . Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Book House.
The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall
This delightful story centers on the Penderwick girls, 4 sisters whose mother died of cancer shortly after the birth of her 4th daughter who is known as Batty. Rosy, the oldest strives to keep the girls in line during the weeks of vacation at Arundal Cottage. But Skye and Jane, the middle sisters, have plans for fun and exploring especially after Jane sees the boy in the window.
Unfortunately for Jane, the window is in the big house and they are not supposed to bother the owner. Does that deter the girls? Definitely not! in exploring the grounds and gardens, the girls meet and insult the owner's son, Jeffrey. Jeffrey, lonely and bored, quickly forgives Skye for her insult and they all become friends.
While Skye and Jane are busy with Jeffrey, Rosy meets the teenage grounds keeper, Cagney and falls hopelessly in love. The tension this situation creates adds an underlying current to the already exciting vacation. Poor dad is completely oblivious to all of this as he enjoys his time in the gardens and books.
The three weeks outlined in the book take turns and twists that end with long lasting friendships, a broken heart and new adventures ahead.
National Book Award winner
Age range- 8 to 12
Birdsall, J. The Penderwicks . 2005. New York: Yearling Press.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Meet Molly An American Girl
This story from American Girl is a delightful look into the year 1944 from the perspective of a 9 year old girl named Molly McIntire. Molly is the daughter of a physician stationed in England who is struggling with typical sibling and school issues while also handling the stresses of rationing during World War II.
Molly is third of four children, has glasses and mousy brown hair and can not begin to understand her older sister, Jill (14). Her brothers, Ricky (12) and Brad (5) are pests with a capital P although Molly's battle with Ricky over Halloween makes up the bulk of the story.
Helping Molly are her good friends, Linda and Susan. The girls attend school together, talk of the war, hang out with each other and strive to help each other deal with the stresses of the war.
While Meet Molly and the other books in the series are short, they are geared to girls ages 7 to 10. As with the other American Girl series, the books help tween girls understand the era of World War II within a fun story. Girls of all eras deal with sibling issues, school issues, fears and awkwardness. These stories are all good reading in addition to providing a little bit of history and understanding.
Tripp, V. Meet Molly, An American Girl. Middleton, WI: Pleasant Company Publications, 1986.
age range: 7 to 10 years old
Molly is third of four children, has glasses and mousy brown hair and can not begin to understand her older sister, Jill (14). Her brothers, Ricky (12) and Brad (5) are pests with a capital P although Molly's battle with Ricky over Halloween makes up the bulk of the story.
Helping Molly are her good friends, Linda and Susan. The girls attend school together, talk of the war, hang out with each other and strive to help each other deal with the stresses of the war.
While Meet Molly and the other books in the series are short, they are geared to girls ages 7 to 10. As with the other American Girl series, the books help tween girls understand the era of World War II within a fun story. Girls of all eras deal with sibling issues, school issues, fears and awkwardness. These stories are all good reading in addition to providing a little bit of history and understanding.
Tripp, V. Meet Molly, An American Girl. Middleton, WI: Pleasant Company Publications, 1986.
age range: 7 to 10 years old
Harry Potter and the Sorcer's Stone
J.K. Rowling writes a marvelous tale of a young boy in London, living with his aunt, uncle and cousin as he learns of his heritage. For Harry, the main character of this story, is a wizard. After the death of his parents during the classic war between good and evil, he is sent to live with non-magic relatives who try daily to deny the existence of magic and prevent Harry from learning the truth. The Dursleys (Harry's relatives) hate everything that isn't "normal" and magical family is definitely NOT normal. When Harry is invited to attend Hogwarts, the English Magic academy that exists to train young witches and wizards, he learns that there is a totally separate world alive in England and throughout the world.
The Magical world in J.K Rowling's book, is hidden from the non-magic people (Muggles) to protect both the witches and wizards and the muggles. While at Hogwarts, Harry makes friends with Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger and several other young wizards as they work through classes, get into scrapes with the teachers and other young wizards (peer pressure is alive and well in the magical world just as in our world).
Most important for Harry, he learns during his year at Hogwarts the truth of his parents death and why he is known as the "boy who lived". This status bothers him since he feels he didn't do anything to earn the title. His parents were killed while protecting him from the head of the evil faction, Lord Voldemort. When Voldemort tries to kill Harry, the spell doesn't work and injures Voldemort instead. For the magical world, this has never happened before and makes Harry a celebrity at age 1.
The end of the book entails a growing experience extraordinaire for Harry and a few of his friends. In the end, he again defeats evil although it is once again only temporary.
Ms. Rowling has truly spun a magical yarn with appeal to young and old alike. While geared to the tween age kids, the timeless story of good versus evil shines through to anyone of any age.
Definitely a book worth reading.
Age Range- 9 to adult
Rowling, J.K. Harry Potter and the Sorcer's Stone. New York: Arthur A. Levine Books, 1998.
The Magical world in J.K Rowling's book, is hidden from the non-magic people (Muggles) to protect both the witches and wizards and the muggles. While at Hogwarts, Harry makes friends with Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger and several other young wizards as they work through classes, get into scrapes with the teachers and other young wizards (peer pressure is alive and well in the magical world just as in our world).
Most important for Harry, he learns during his year at Hogwarts the truth of his parents death and why he is known as the "boy who lived". This status bothers him since he feels he didn't do anything to earn the title. His parents were killed while protecting him from the head of the evil faction, Lord Voldemort. When Voldemort tries to kill Harry, the spell doesn't work and injures Voldemort instead. For the magical world, this has never happened before and makes Harry a celebrity at age 1.
The end of the book entails a growing experience extraordinaire for Harry and a few of his friends. In the end, he again defeats evil although it is once again only temporary.
Ms. Rowling has truly spun a magical yarn with appeal to young and old alike. While geared to the tween age kids, the timeless story of good versus evil shines through to anyone of any age.
Definitely a book worth reading.
Age Range- 9 to adult
Rowling, J.K. Harry Potter and the Sorcer's Stone. New York: Arthur A. Levine Books, 1998.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
American Sisters Pacific Odyssey to California 1905 by Laurie Lawlor
For 11 year old Su-Na from Korea, Hawaii seems like a paradise. The beach, trees, and acres of sugar cane are so different from Korea and bring hope that her family can find their fortune. But with the good comes the bad including racism among the different Asian cultures in addition to the terrible treatment of Asians by Caucasians.
Ms. Lawlor writes a poignant story of a young girl and her sisters who travel with their parents to Hawaii for a better life. But when that life turns out to be less than they hoped, they make another decision and travel to California to look again for that better life.
California looks to be a better place to live. The Korean community is waiting and excited about Su-Na's family arriving, preparing a small place for them. And once they are settled, more surprises awaited. School with children of other cultures, mother cooking for all the single Korean men in the community and a slow change in the girls thinking about who they are now that they live in the United States.
The most startling changes happen at the end of the book and affect the entire family. Definitely not the ending one would expect but truly symbolic of the great melting pot. Ms. Lawlor writes a fun book about a tween girl who struggles with changes in her life. Regardless of the differences in those changes, all girls can relate to her life as she works to find her place in society and fit in.
Age range: 9 to 12
Ms. Lawlor writes a poignant story of a young girl and her sisters who travel with their parents to Hawaii for a better life. But when that life turns out to be less than they hoped, they make another decision and travel to California to look again for that better life.
California looks to be a better place to live. The Korean community is waiting and excited about Su-Na's family arriving, preparing a small place for them. And once they are settled, more surprises awaited. School with children of other cultures, mother cooking for all the single Korean men in the community and a slow change in the girls thinking about who they are now that they live in the United States.
The most startling changes happen at the end of the book and affect the entire family. Definitely not the ending one would expect but truly symbolic of the great melting pot. Ms. Lawlor writes a fun book about a tween girl who struggles with changes in her life. Regardless of the differences in those changes, all girls can relate to her life as she works to find her place in society and fit in.
Age range: 9 to 12
Lawlor, L. (2001). Pacific odyssey to California, 1905 . New York: Pocket Books.
Ellis Island New Hope in a New Land by William Jay Jacobs
For years in the early 20th Century, Ellis Island was the initial stop for immigrants entering the United States and Mr. Jacobs presents a well laid out history and explanation of the people who came through there. Not a long book, this non-fiction book includes a lot of pictures of immigrants within the buildings on Ellis Island and going through the process to enter our wonderful country.
It is often said that a picture is worth a thousand words and in the case of this book, that is so true. Each page includes photographs depicting the step being discussed which helps children and tweens grasp the complex issues behind gaining entry into the United States before the days of fax machines, passports, airplanes, etc.
Very few tweens today can imagine getting on a ship and sailing across the ocean without even knowing if they will be allowed entry. Heavens, most children can't even imagine not getting the newest hot toy or ipod, etc. For these immigrants, they were seeking a new life with better circumstances and better opportunities.
An older book, the information presented here is still valid and important for children of all ages to know and understand. Well written, with good photos, the author and publisher did a great job of putting an adult topic into a tween age reading level without losing the important aspects of the subject matter.
Age level: 8 to 12
It is often said that a picture is worth a thousand words and in the case of this book, that is so true. Each page includes photographs depicting the step being discussed which helps children and tweens grasp the complex issues behind gaining entry into the United States before the days of fax machines, passports, airplanes, etc.
Very few tweens today can imagine getting on a ship and sailing across the ocean without even knowing if they will be allowed entry. Heavens, most children can't even imagine not getting the newest hot toy or ipod, etc. For these immigrants, they were seeking a new life with better circumstances and better opportunities.
An older book, the information presented here is still valid and important for children of all ages to know and understand. Well written, with good photos, the author and publisher did a great job of putting an adult topic into a tween age reading level without losing the important aspects of the subject matter.
Age level: 8 to 12
Jacobs, W. J. (1990). Ellis Island: new hope in a new land. New York: C. Scribner's.
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