This middle grade novel set in 1850 Lancashire, England, kept me engaged during the entire time I was reading it. Although there are several passages This middle grade novel set in 1850 Lancashire, England, kept me engaged during the entire time I was reading it. Although there are several passages about fruits, vegetables, and gardening that some might find distracting, those elements only served to enhance my pleasure in reading this book. It covers territory not often written about in modern books for this age group, including its time and place, as well as featuring an imperfect protagonist in Scilla Brown, 11, who has spent most of her life in a workhouse, having been abandoned by her mother. After losing her older protector, Dora, who seems to have used her to distract others while she steals food, Scilla climbs into the Earl of Havermore's garden [You have to love these names!] to eat a peach. Of course, she's caught, mistaken for a boy, and then continues the pretense so that she has a temporary place to stay and something to eat. Although she's aware of the distinction between right and wrong, her poverty and life on the streets often prompt her to blame others or to be dishonest. But the trust of the head gardener, Mr. Layton, and the sense of purpose she feels when working with the plants, slowly change her. Her growth can be compared to that of the plants she tends, and she begins dreaming of a hopeful future. Still, there's Phin, an apprentice who befriends her and urges her to take risks. Despite her attraction to him, Scilla slowly starts wondering if her trust in him is misplaced. Every word in this story has been carefully chosen, fitting the time period as well as adding suspense and intensity to even the seemingly smallest moments. There are so many aspects of Scilla's story that bear considering and discussing, including her thoughts on nobility, which, in the end, has nothing to do with one's class or social status but more to do with one's character and behavior. Bravo to the author for this wonderful story, her first one. Its literary quality is high, and while its setting may be unfamiliar to young readers, its themes and ethical dilemmas will resonate with them....more
Strangely compelling and unexpectedly touching, this impressive debut novel moves from a small village in Europe to Warsaw to Hamburg to Ellis Island Strangely compelling and unexpectedly touching, this impressive debut novel moves from a small village in Europe to Warsaw to Hamburg to Ellis Island and finally, to various neighborhoods in New York City. Along the way Uriel the Angel and Little Ash (Ashmedai) join forces with Rose Cohen as they seek news of Essie, who has seemingly disappeared and whose family is desperate for news about her whereabouts and health. They may have started their journey with shared purposes, but over th course of their many adventures, both characters change and become increasingly aware of whom they are and their fondness for each other. Rose, who is such a strong character unafraid to say what she means and to rely on herself rather than others when challenges arise, boards the ship to America with a broken heart after the woman she loves marries a man she considers far beneath her and nowhere near worthy of her love. Readers won't be surprised when she eventually finds a way to heal her wounded heart. Blending traditional tales and religion, history and fantasy, this book features unexpected twists and turns while offering insight into the human heart and its strange but wonderful ways. While all this might seem overly ambitious and unlikely to result in a readable story, nothing could be further from the truth. Somehow, in the skilled hands of author Sacha Lamb, it all works well together, and readers easily accept the fantastic elements alongside the references to actual events such as the strikes against the sweatshops so prevalent during the time in which the book is set. While some readers may be put off by the sprinkling of Yiddish, Hebrew, and Aramaic in the text, a helpful Glossary in the back of the book clarifies those unfamiliar terms. Although I started this book not planning to enjoy it, by the time it ended I knew that I would miss its characters and hope for the best for them. ...more
This collective biography features short profiles of 33 notable Jewish women whose contributions deserve to be highlighted. The book is organized chroThis collective biography features short profiles of 33 notable Jewish women whose contributions deserve to be highlighted. The book is organized chronologically except for the initial entry focusing on Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who herself was part of this project, assisting the author in choosing the women whose bios would appear on its pages. Beginning with Biblical times and the women who saved Moses--his sister Miriam, his mother Yocheved, and Batya, the woman who rescued and reared him--and concluding with the twentieth century with nods to an opera singer, a writer, an activist, and an astronaut, among others, the book ranges widely in its recognition of these groundbreaking and socially aware individuals. Perhaps most remarkable of all is that despite what many of them had in common, they came from different backgrounds--some quite privileged and some quite poor, some quite aware of the differences they were making while others were not. Many of the stories describe the prejudices and discrimination they faced as women but also as Jews. There is something for everyone in this book and plenty of role models from which to choose as readers make choices about how they want to live their lives. A colorful full-page illustration for each woman attempts to capture each one's essence and personality. And the author generously suggests that there are so many other inspiring stories to be told and lives to be led, a notion that reminds readers that there is still so much work that needs to be done. While I'd love to have read more about each woman and had even more women profiled, this small book is just the right size and content for its intended middle grade audience. ...more
Set in India during 1857 and 1858, this historical fiction follows the adventures of Meera, a twelve-year-old girl who dreads but reluctantly accepts Set in India during 1857 and 1858, this historical fiction follows the adventures of Meera, a twelve-year-old girl who dreads but reluctantly accepts her arranged marriage to a boy from a nearby village. But when he is killed in a riot, Meera's father and the boy's family expect her to burn herself on his funeral pyre out of respect and because that is traditional in their Hindu sect. Meera flees with assistance from an unexpected ally, and ends up being befriended by others sympathetic to her plight. She ends up working as a servant for one of the officials of the British East India Company and enlisted by the rebels who are protesting and fighting against British rule. As so many have had to do in the past and even today, Meera must choose between this safe and relatively comfortable life she now has but little free will or independence and striking against what's wrong and charting her own destiny. The author excels in providing snippets about how racist and clueless the Memsahib or mistress of the house often is, believing herself to be sympathetic to her servants and yet portraying them as animals in her paintings. Readers won't want to miss the helpful notes in the backmatter so that they don't think sati or self-immolation was typical of South Asian brides whose husbands died or other cultural details. I did find it a bit troublesome, though, that much of what happens to Meera and her friend Bhavani is part of the author's imagination since she notes that they are "children, and girls--who would not have been employed at this point in history..."(p. 303) and thus their ability to work as servants and earn money in order to plan for their future and independence would be impeded and impossible. Still, despite those concerns, the raised awareness of Meera and how she defies her destiny are inspiring. ...more
As is probably the case for most citizens of the United States, I don't know a lot about Mexican history or the Mexican Revolution. This book, set in As is probably the case for most citizens of the United States, I don't know a lot about Mexican history or the Mexican Revolution. This book, set in 1913, makes me want to learn more. Twelve-year-old Petra Luna must flee her village of Esperanzas with her grandmother, sister Amelia, and baby brother Lusito after the death of her mother and conscription of her father by the Federales who burn down their home while searching for anyone who might be hiding there. Petra has promised herself that someday she will go to school and learn and read and write, but that dream seems very far off at times. She has also promised her father that she will take care of the family, and they head into the desert in search of a better life. But crossing the desert in order to reach freedom and the United States is not without perils. The travelers struggle to find food, water, and safety, and it's hard to known whom they can trust. When Petra is befriended by Marietta, the leader of part of the Revolutionaries, she ponders joining the military forces herself and fighting for her country. But scenes of violence and a brush with death make her have second thoughts about that. Still, even when she reaches the border between the U.S. and Mexico, Petra isn't able to cross because suddenly there's a head tax on anyone wishing to cross. While this story, based on the author's great-grandmother's own experiences, this story contains many details that may give readers pause as they imagine the difficult choices Petra has to make during almost every part of the book, and while she reaches her destination, things will certainly not be all that easy in the future. Still, she has hope and determination, and anyone who can survive what she has and still keep going will surely find a way forward and to make those small dreams--huge ones to Petra--come true. ...more
Showcasing the work of ten photographers working for the Farm Security Administration during the Great Depression, this book tells their stories but mShowcasing the work of ten photographers working for the Farm Security Administration during the Great Depression, this book tells their stories but mostly focuses on the images that they captured as they traveled around the United States as the behest of Roy Stryker, who assembled this creative team. Their mission was to record the faces behind the statistics and headlines and give the nation a glimpse into events that might have gone unnoticed otherwise. Their photos, most in black and white, but some in color, were intended to evoke empathy on the part of viewers and government officials in order to motivate them to provide assistance. But as bleak as their circumstances often seemed, stranded on the road with broken down cars, living in houses where newspapers served as substitute for wallpaper, gathering cranberries in an almost endless field, many of the photographs show their subjects' quiet dignity, determination, and indominable spirit. Author Martin W. Sandler often allows the photos to speak for themselves, including some captions and remarks from the photographers and historians, but choosing to focus on the time period and its human suffering but also the importance of photography during that time. Since the book is organized into four geographic sections--South, Midwest, West, and Northeast--readers are able to make note of how their geographic location affected how these individuals experienced these particularly hard times, sometimes even being struck by the contrast between those living in extreme poverty and those wealthier individuals who could afford their own limousine and driver or even the racism of those times. It isn't easy to select a favorite among this collection of 140 photographs, all available online through the Library of Congress, and many filling the page completely, but I was particularly troubled by one of Ben Shahn taken of two children in the Ozarks. The girl is clutching a dirty doll that has clearly seen better days as has she while the boy is holding two young cats against his chest as though they are the most precious things in the world to him. Profiles of the photographers [Jack Delano, Walker Evans, Dorothea Lange, Russell Lee, Carl Mydans, Gordon Parks, Arthur Rothstein, Ben Shahn, John Vachon, and Marion Post Wolcott] appear in the back matter so that readers can learn more about their background and what sort of work they took on after this project came to an end. While some readers will be familiar with Lange's "Migrant Mother" and a couple of others, many of these images will be new and revelatory to readers. This book is a treat for the eyes, the heart, and the soul, and left me filled with admiration for the project and the photographers who saw inside their subjects and their current life situation. ...more
Youngsters today may not realize that not so long ago children were expected to work to help their families survive. Arguably, had it not been for theYoungsters today may not realize that not so long ago children were expected to work to help their families survive. Arguably, had it not been for the photographs of Lewis Hine, who traveled across the country recording them in their jobs at cotton mills, shucking oysters, harvesting fruits and vegetables, working in coal mills, things would not have changed. Hine and other social activists brought the issue of child labor to the attention of the public. The story is told through Hine's voice with remarkable details such as how he had measured the distance from the ground to each of the buttons on his coat so that he could guess the age and height of the children he met. In order to gain access to them and make notes on their working conditions, Hine often had to make up reasons for entry such as being asked to take photographs of the machinery. His aim was to awaken social conscience in those who saw the pictures while also capturing the indominable spirit of those young workers, who surely deserved to experience a carefree childhood. Back matter includes information about child labor, how art can be used for social change, a timeline of his life, and some of Hine's actual photographs. I first learned about Lewis Hine through the work of the unparalleled Russell Freedman, but this picture book is a fine introduction to the topic for younger readers. It will certainly make readers think, especially since there's a comment in the back matter about how the recent pandemic has caused some youngsters to have to work and that child labor continues in many parts of the world. ...more
It's abundantly clear that author Tara Sullivan did her homework in researching this book. This shows in the language she uses in telling her story, tIt's abundantly clear that author Tara Sullivan did her homework in researching this book. This shows in the language she uses in telling her story, the characters she introduces, and the powerful descriptions of what it's like to work in a mine in Cerro Rico [known locally as the Mountain That Eats Men because an estimated 8 million individuals have died there] in Bolivia while clinging to life and hope for a brighter future. Twelve-year-old Ana and her brother Daniel are among the oldest students at the local school, and Ana is painfully aware that her days of schooling may come to an end soon, either through some sort of physical labor or through marriage, but she resists both futures. Still, she and her brother spend hours each day after school doing the work of a palliri like their mother and grandmother, breaking apart rocks in search of mineral traces that can be sold. When their father insists that Daniel must help in the mine because the family is struggling to make ends meet, Ana worries about him since his lungs are already weak, and conditions in the mine will exacerbate his breathing problems. Daniel doesn't last long in the mine, and while he recovers, Ana volunteers to take his place, which causes a stir among many of the workers who superstitiously believe that the presence of a girl in the mines is unlucky and will offend the devil inside the mountain. She hates and fears everything about working underground, and the author really excels in describing those feelings and her experiences. But she loves her brother enough to temporarily set aside her dreams of an education, telling herself that she will return to school as soon as she can. When Daniel is well enough to return to the mine, a cave-in causes the death of his father and Daniel's disappearance. The family goes further into debt to pay for the funeral costs, and Ana resolves to search the mine to find Daniel or his body. She becomes disoriented and is stuck inside for days until a young passerby hears her cries for help. This rescue leads to glimpses of other ways of living and other possibilities, but once Ana returns home, she finds even more challenges as Don Caesar, the mine supervisor who has befriended their family, is ill will silicosis. Despite the family's bleak economic situation and the challenges of living on the side of a mountain, there are moments of joy and Abuelita's constant stories about the Incas from whom they are descended and their own proud history that serve as reminders of life's possibilities. Ana is a strong, determined young girl who refuses to be limited by others' expectations or her own plight, and while the ending is a bit abrupt, her story serves as inspiration for others in similar situations or for whom the future seems incredibly bleak....more
This marvelous, beautifully-written middle grade fantasy novel is a 4.5 for me, and I was blown away by some of the similarities and connections foundThis marvelous, beautifully-written middle grade fantasy novel is a 4.5 for me, and I was blown away by some of the similarities and connections found in this created world and the one in which we are living now. The book covers two journeys beginning at the same place but with very different purposes--one a desperate flight to freedom and the other a venture undertaken for revenge and to reclaim a family's name and honor. After the Great Fire, the city of Chattana was a hopeless place until the Governor brought the light back. At first readers may be filled with admiration for this man, but it quickly becomes clear that the light came with a price and that perhaps the Governor is not the man that many think he is. Pong and Somkit, both only nine years old, live out a meager existence in Namwon Prison, where they will remain incarcerated until they turn 13. Naturally, they dream of a better life, and when Pong sees a rare opportunity to escape, he takes it. But he quickly realizes that life outside the prison walls is not much better than inside its walls. There is injustice all around him, but there is also kindness, and there are those who are willing to risk everything to protect him. Nok, the daughter of the warden at the prison, is furious at the shame that such an escape brings to her family, and she relentlessly pursues Pong. Her singlemindedness can't prevent her from learning that some of the truths she has believed are false and that justice comes in many different forms. As others before her have come to realize, there are some laws that must be broken or revisited if anything is to change, a lesson relevant to youngsters and adults today. I'll confess to being swept up by this story, its appealing, yet flawed, characters, and the world created by this author. I wanted to return to it as soon as I finished the book....more