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Book Reviews
Here is our digest of the latest offerings in literature for children and young adults.
(Click on a cover to purchase texts.)
The Magician's Elephant
by Kate DiCamillo
The wind slips off the page and chills your nose with a petulant puff. As the grey world waits in silence for the first snowfall, Peter Augustus Duchene waits also...he waits for a miracle. An orphan of ten sad years, Peter yearns to know if his little sister, Adele, is still alive. While his ailing guardian, the soldier Vilna Lutz, swears that Adele was stillborn, Peter can’t stop hoping. And on this day of all days with the coin in his hand, Peter decides to find out the truth. In the tent of a fortuneteller the mystery unfolds. “You must follow the elephant, she will lead you there...Your sister lives!”
From the very first page, Peter struggles with warring ideas and hopes and goals. He wants not only to find his sister, but to become a true man. Vilna Lutz assures him that the only true man is a soldier brave and true, yet still Peter wonders - What is a true man? Could there be other paths to manhood? As Peter struggles with these thoughts, his miracle occurs. On the stage of the Bliffendorf Opera House, a failing magician performs the best magic trick in history! He conjures an elephant, a real live elephant, right into the lap of a most unfortunate noblewoman! The lady is crippled for life, and the magician is jailed. Peter and the magician each struggle with their own thoughts and hopes and secret musings. “Who lies? The fortuneteller or Vilna Lutz?” murmurs Peter. The magician stares out the window at the single star shining brightly. Must he repent and undo the one great triumph of his life? Side by side they wonder and their separate stories unfold.
With amazing dexterity, Dicamillo intertwines the lives of her characters - making every individual essential to the plot with an ease akin to Dickens. The story lives and breathes with laughter, love, sorrow, bitterness, hope, redemption, determination, and uncertainty. Readers will wait on the edges of their seats, asking with the characters, “What if?” “Why not?” “Could it be?” And indeed, with Dicamillo at the helm, all things are possible.
Though approachable to all as a read-aloud book, the language of the story aims at eight or nine year old readers, although deep and philosophical themes also pervade the story. Socratic List questions like 5f: “What does the protagonist want? And does this change throughout the course of the story?” will produce stimulating conversations on the various conflicts in the tale. Whereas at the beginning of the story Peter wants only to find his sister and be happy, he eventually learns to be concerned for the trials of others and longs to help the elephant reach her home. Question 8c, “How do the interactions of the characters heighten the tension of the conflict that exists?” could trigger a discussion of bitterness as represented in the conflict between the magician and Madame LaVaughn.
The Magician’s Elephant is a heartwarming read, packed full of universal themes and engaging characters. However, if topics of fantasy, magic and mysticism (such as is found in the fortuneteller scene) disturb parents, I urge them to give the story a preliminary reading. There is a running interest in magic, as one of the essential characters is a magician, yet the magic in question is not dark but fanciful. Dicamillo’s tale is vibrant, eloquent and well worth a read.
-- by Megan Andrews (age 15)
Apples to Oregon
by Deborah Hopkinson
Delicious and Daddy, a father and his devoted
daughter, set off from
Written in a light, conversational style, this story is packed with imagery, metaphors, similes, assonance, personification, alliteration, and much more. Truly, this tale of toil and triumph and the relationship between a daughter and her father will win the hearts of all readers- not to mention set their mouths watering for more! A few questions from the Socratic List which would start many a fruitful discussion are as follows:
What does the character do for a living? Is he a professional, or a blue-collar worker? Is he wealthy or impoverished? Is he content with his lot in life, or does he long to improve himself, like Pip in Great Expectations? (3.h)
What does the protagonist think is the most important thing in life? How do you know this? Does the protagonist say this out loud, or do his thoughts and actions give him away? (3.m)
Does he strive to overcome a physical obstacle outside of himself (An ocean, for example, like Christopher Columbus, or nature generally, like a Jack London character)? (5.c)
Does the main character explain to the reader his perspective on the events that have transpired? (11.e)
Does the story seem to deal with a universal theme such as paternal love, hardship or perseverance? (13.a)
-- by Megan Andrews (age 15)
The Keeping Quilt
by Patricia Polacco
Stuffed full with the batting of familial love and patriotism, this story bursts with universal themes. In the stylized artwork sewn into the fabric of the story, Polacco leaves all black and white except the vibrant quilt. Symbolism is the sturdy thread that holds this book together, and a discussion of symbolism is an ideal way to begin a great discussion. Use question 17l: “Does the author use any objects persons pictures or things to represent an idea in the story?" Bury your senses in this memory stuffed story and enjoy the magic of Polacco's The Keeping Quilt.
-- by Megan Andrews (age 15)
Miss Rumphius
by Barbara Cooney
As Alice fulfills her first two dreams, she thinks about the last one. How can she make the world more beautiful? She finds her answer in a simple Lupine seed.
Carried along by the eloquence of Cooney’s narration,
the reader longs to leap into the pages of this book and join
This story provides material for an effective discussion of question 13d from the Socratic List: “What answer does the story seem to suggest for the question, ‘What is a good life?’” In answer to this question, the reader may say that a good life is one which makes the world more beautiful.
Setting, too, is essential in this tale. Question 1c, “Does the story happen in one spot, or does the action unfold across a wide area?” would seed interesting discussions as well, since Alice is a world traveler!
As the first person narrative draws to an end, Cooney states that she too will do something to make the world more beautiful…but she “doesn’t know yet what that can be.” Perhaps the writing of this delicate tale is her successful effort to fulfill that promise. Prepare to travel the world and smell spring, seeds, and the sea in this vibrant tale of the life of Miss Rumphius, the Lupine Lady.
-- by Megan Andrews (age 15)
The Penderwicks
by Jeanne Birdsall
Ensconced in a cottage on the grounds of Arundel Mansion in Massachusetts, the girls begin to explore. Through countless comical exploits and fantastic escapades, they learn the importance of their sisterly love and build lasting relationships. Birdsall's main characters, Rosalind, Batty, Jane and Skye, live and breathe on the printed page -- so real that all can identify with their struggles and joys.
The summer vacation setting is essential to the plot of The Penderwicks, since it lends an air of fleeting beauty to the tale. While the sisters’ vacation is coming to an end, so too are their childhood fantasies and foolishness. The temporary nature of their fleeting fun mirrors the coming-of-age themes that give the tale its weight.
Letting the sunshine of this story warm your soul all the while, try some questions from the Socratic List to spark discussions. Question 12a ("Are people in the story ennobled, changed, saved, improved or otherwise affected by the story's events?") would draw out the coming-of-age themes and focus on the maturing of the sisters. Question 10a ("... how are all the loose ends tied up?") might drive the student to pinpoint the conflicts to be resolved and their climactic moments. In answer to this last question, Batty's words at the close of the story sum it all up: "Goodbye for now!" Luckily, in the sequel, The Penderwicks on Garden Street, we see the lovable characters once more.
-- by Megan Andrews (age 15)
The Spider and the Fly
by Mary Howitt and Tony DiTerlizzi
A few questions from the Socratic List would stimulate great discussions. Question 11e, “Does the main character explain to the reader his perspective on the events that have transpired?” might lead readers to discuss the lesson of prudence that the fly learned through her mistakes. This question and others will surely encourage a thought provoking conversation or two. Additionally, DiTerlizzi’s The Spider and the Fly will assail the reader with sensory language such as alliteration, simile and rhyme. Highly recommended!
-- by Megan Andrews (age 15)
Here There Be Dragons
by James Owen
His allusions to the works and characters of myriad famous authors weave an enchanting back story. These, added to his own prodigious imagination, create a wonderful story of courage, loyalty and friendship that earns Owen a distinct place among fantasy writers.
The story's premise lies in the existence of a book, the Imaginarium Geographica - the "geography of dreams" - a magical atlas that uncovers the passage between the world of man, 20th century Europe, and the Archipelago of Dreams. This otherworldly place contains all the countries of legend from Lloyd Alexander's Prydain to the fabled Island at the End of the World.
In a crusade to defeat the tyrannical Winter King, three companions, Jack John and Charles, sail about the Archipelago as the caretakers of the Imaginarium Geographica. The fate of their friends and of the Archipelago itself sails with them.
Owen's character descriptions and dialect are reminiscent of Dickens - each new player full and rounded, each important. Alluding relentlessly to the the themes and characters of classic literature, Owen salutes his predecessors and pays homage to their place in the landscape of his own imagination. He then follows in their footsteps and creates a unique chapter in the fantasy genre.
The second book in Owen's series, The Search for the Red Dragon, was released in 2008. This reviewer can't wait to get his hands on a copy and throw himself back into Owen's world of adventure, hope and the enthralling power of dreams.
-- by Ian Andrews (age 16)
Letting Swift River Go
by Jane Yolen
Memories are sweet, golden and fleeting. They
remind us of who we were, what we've done and how we became who were
are today. In Jane Yolen's Letting Swift River Go, the
beloved author of Owl Moon and All Those Secrets of the
World tells the story of one woman's painful memories of lost
childhood and her quest to come to terms with life's impermanence.
Time is ever advancing, Yolen writes. It buries the past, leaving only memories in its wake. These should not be clutched too tightly, but treasured for what they are: glimpses of vanished beauty that can bring the past to life, if only for a moment.
The first person narrative is told by Sally Jane, a young woman remembering her early childhood in the town of Swift River. Her memories are happy but also tinged with sadness, for Swift River is no more. The town was destroyed in preparation for inundation, and now a deep reservoir covers the place where Sally once lived. Though her friends live on, their fondly remembered haunts are gone forever.
Yolen's story suggests, however, that memories are like fireflies. Any attempt to catch them results in a dimming of their beauty. Peace only comes through enjoying their light from afar, as they flit out of reach.
Yolen's imagery is complemented by Barbara Cooney's warm watercolor illustrations, which are every bit as evocative as the story itself. They effectively mimic the pointed, selective memory of a child, some things sharp and clear, others hazy and dreamlike. Together, author and illustrator remind readers that memories are to be cherished. Time drowns the past, but memories can keep it safe in our hearts.
-- by Ian Andrews (age 16)
Kenny and the Dragon
by Tony Diterlizzi
Tony Diterlizzi’s latest story deals with the problems posed by having a dragon in a community
of small woodland creatures. Though protagonist Kenny knows Grahame, the
dragon, to be a cultured and refined gentleman well acquainted with
literature, poetry and art, he realizes the impossibility of
communicating this fact to the frightened and vindictive population of
his hometown. To make matters worse, the champion nominated to deal with
the “scourge” is Kenny’s best friend, an aged, former knight called
George. Kenny must think quickly if he is to save friends and family
from the violent prejudice of his home town of
This stirring but age appropriate conflict leads to several wonderful thematic discussions. Since the story is driven primarily by the relationships between Diterlizzi’s engaging characters, it is fitting then that the chief theme is that of friendship. How is Kenny to save both friends without demeaning either? Are the life threatening risks involved in Kenny’s plan necessary for its success? Diterlizzi’s insightful portrayal of the thought processes of children makes Kenny a sympathetic character to elementary and junior high readers. Everyone has a dragon to deal with, and Kenny’s courage in dealing with his offers an inspiring lesson.
Diterlizzi draws his own engaging illustrations, linking images to well spun words in a pretty tapestry suited to his young audience. While parents will enjoy reading this story aloud, few would find it an engaging solitary pursuit. Its thematic material is thinly veiled, making Kenny and the Dragon an accessible piece for juvenile literary classes, as well as recreational reading.
Use of several Socratic questions would lead to fruitful conversation. Since the story’s main focus rests with the character development, questions 3, 4, 5, 11, and 12, cut to the root of the theme. How old is the character? What does the character think is the most important thing in life? Who else is the story about? What does the character learn? These all point to the theme of friendship, and should shepherd any class into a rewarding discussion.
-- by Ian Andrews (age 16)
While all boys dream of meeting their heroes, few
ever do. Fewer still get to be a hero in their own right. Nick McIver,
the young protagonist of Ted Bell’s new novel, tries his
hand at both.
Nick and his sister Kate live on Greybeard Island in the English Channel just before World War II. Their father, a retired airman, serves Winston Churchill in a prewar battle of espionage against the submarines of the German navy. Despite the nearness of this war, and his father’s involvement with it, Nick has felt little of its effects, until a strange chest bearing his name washes up on shore, bringing a life changing task in its wake.
Inside the chest, Nick finds a time machine crafted by the master scientist Leonardo Da Vinci. The return address bears the name of Nick’s ancestor and namesake, a captain serving on a warship under Admiral Lord Nelson -- Nick’s hero, the famous Lord of the Sea! Nick is called through time to protect not only his ancestry but the course of history. At the same time, Kate, accompanied by two of England’s greatest minds, Lord Hawke and Commander Hobbes, attempts to fend off Nazi U-Boats on and under the English Channel. The siblings must use all their courage to protect family and country in a thrilling race both against, and through time.
Ted Bell has previously penned such bestsellers as Hawke, Pirate, Spy and Tsar. Nick of Time follows in their footsteps. Action scenes reminiscent of Treasure Island, but gory enough to be Jurassic Park may leave some parents unsettled. At one juncture, a man is loaded and fired from a torpedo tube 400 feet below sea level, a grim death for young readers.
Despite its rugged setting and tense action, Nick of Time is more than a simple adventure story. Protagonist Nick’s struggles raise such themes as coming of age, overcoming fear, and patriotism. This thematic richness makes the story a prime candidate for the classroom. Socratic questions 6 and 7 should kick-start any discussion of the conflict driven plot. “Do physical or geographical obstacles stand in the character’s way?” “Is the character racing against time?” Both these queries get at the root of the story’s conflicts. Is Nick brave only for fear of losing his home, or is his bravery truly a part of him?
Nick of Time is an enthralling seafaring story for all ages. It has the feel of an old favorite, garbed in new clothes, and flashy clothes at that. Here’s hoping for a sequel!
-- by Ian Andrews (age 16)
The Inheritance
Cycle
by Christopher Paolini
Thus begins Christopher Paolini’s Inheritance Cycle. Paolini began writing his debut novel, Eragon, when he was merely 15 years old. He finished and released it from his parent’s publishing house in 2002, and by 2003, Knopf had republished the book to a national audience. It instantly became a New York Times bestseller. Paolini was then only 19 years old. He followed his first novel one year later with a satisfying sequel, Eldest, which also topped the charts and left an enthusiastic audience drooling over the prospect of a third book for more than two years. At long last, Paolini rewards his patient public with a third release. Brisingr hit the press in September 2008 to rave reviews.
Following in its forerunners’ footsteps, Brisingr continues the tale of Eragon and his dragon Saphira’s struggle against the fallen rider Galbatorix. With help from his allies, the Varden, Eragon pursues his own magical education while using what he has already learned to fight in increasingly gory contests. These battles, along with one disturbing image of a town slaughtered wholesale by the armies of Galbatorix, limit the book to an audience of teens and adults, rather than young children. Tender stomachs should beware, but parents can take heart at the fact that Paolini’s use of violence is not without reason. Eragon’s cousin fights to protect his home and lover, and the rider himself, along with the Varden, fights to rid Alagaesia of the evil that has pervaded it. Indeed, an overarching theme of good triumphing over evil is clearly evident throughout the stories.
Unfortunately, even more apparent is the less than healthy theme of revenge. Eragon takes justice into his own hands on more than one occasion with varied results. However, Paolini redeems this to some extent with recurrent themes of sacrificial love and loyalty. Eragon’s dragon, Saphira, acts as a moral compass, guiding him in his his treacherous journey to maturity. In addition, the protagonist’s selfless care for the people around him inspires. Paolini once again leaves readers hanging as this thrilling read draws to a close, coaxing suspense to the breaking point and leaving whispered promises of a planned final episode.
Though originality is nearly impossible to achieve in the fantasy genre, Paolini almost manages it. The people groups of his imaginary world borrow heavily from Tolkein’s Lord of the Rings; however, Paolini shakes off any notion of parroting that classic series. Instead, he branches off from the hulking tree of classic fantasy literature in an entirely singular direction. Joining magic with intellect, romantic intrigue with well composed action scenes, Paolini has created something all his own. His characters emerge three dimensionally from the pages to dance before readers’ eyes, enduring suffering and triumph in equal measure. Coupled with Paolini’s maturing writing style, the story’s intricacies bear close reading. Once more, the fantasy world eagerly awaits the next installment.
-- by Ian Andrews (age 16)
Good Masters! Sweet Ladies!
by Laura Amy Schlitz
Knights and ladies, magicians and kings; these are the most recognizable inhabitants of a child's imaginary medieval world. Although colorful and romantic, these were not the sole residents of medieval society. Children, too, colored this landscape. What hopes and dreams fueled Taggot, the blacksmith's daughter? What terrors drove little Mogg to save the family cow? Young readers identify with these more common matters. While the valorous deeds of knights excite, the everyday struggles of children resonate. "Good Masters! Sweet Ladies!" invites children into the medieval world with delightful results.
Author Laura Amy Schlitz is a middle school teacher. She wrote "Good Masters! Sweet Ladies!" as a way to enliven her medieval history class. Told in the form of short stories, poems, and monologues, these vignettes were written for Laura's class to perform. The love that Schlitz obviously feels for her students is reflected in her treatment of each character. Every child is carefully drawn, from grubby faced to un-shod feet -- no part is undeveloped, no emotion is neglected. Because of Schiltz’s unfailing attention to detail, the characters live. Students’ own struggles can fade as they watch children not unlike themselves cope with the hardships of medieval life. Each piece tells a separate story, and as such has a plot all its own. However, the underlying theme of perseverance and hope asserts itself in the children's dreams of love, riches and a grand future.
Though the text provides plenty of fuel for a fertile imagination, Robert Byrd's pen and ink drawings lend a 13th century accent to a community as real as the reader’s own. Not unlike Chaucer's tales, "Good Masters! Sweet ladies!" links past and present through the believably human elements of each character. Author Schlitz has created a portal into the past, lending color and reality to a fascinating period of lords and vassals, masters and ladies.
-- by Ian Andrews (age 16)
Sis’s story chronicles the growth of a creative child whose artistic freedom is smothered by a totalitarian dictatorship. The child describes compulsory attendance at government sponsored schools, events, programs and projects with entries from his personal journal.
Throughout the story, his art reflects the degree of freedom he enjoys. His fear of governmental reprisals causes him to abandon his art altogether for a time, and he dreams of escape. Desperate to communicate his dreams to others, he joins his fellow artists in painting the Berlin Wall, a concrete symbol of oppression. Their graffiti ties them to the West the wall was erected to eliminate, and provides a visual reminder that freedom and individualism can be stifled, but never completely denied.
The story climaxes with the historic 1989 demolition of this wall, an event which realizes the protagonist’s hopes. Sis calls it a dream come true. With the fall of communism, the boy’s artistic expression is resurrected to become an image of the freedom he will never take for granted. “As long as he can remember,” says Sis of his character, “ he will continue to draw.
While Sis's simple story line remains accessible to early elementary readers, the small print and big ideas in this book make it a must read for students of all ages -- in deed for anyone interested in preserving the freedom of the individual. Thank you for remembering, Mr. Sis.
-- by Missy Andrews
