Tag Archives: historical fiction

Book Review: War Horse, by Michael Morpurgo

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war_horse_coverThis book review is part of series of reviews written by students at St. Margaret’s Episcopal School for their 7th grade English classes.

War Horse by Michael Morpurgo is a fiction story that is filled with passion, inspiration, and loyalty. Thorough out this book the author reveals surprises in between twisted mysteries that make you not want to miss a part or even set the book down. Michael Morpurgo is an English author, poet, playwright and librettist, best known for his work in children’s literature. He was the third Children’s Laureate. War Horse is his most famous piece of work.

War Horse begins with a young colt name Joey living out his days next to his strong, healthy mother. But this was not going to last for long. When Joey was only a young horse, he was taken to the auction with his mother. Two different people fought for the two horses. The colt and his mother said their last goodbye before turning back to back and going their separate ways. Joey was bought by a young boy name Albert that immediately fell in love with him. The two were inseparable. Albert taught Joey to plow and work on the farm. He also lived with another horse named Topthorn. “Topthorn was the first horse I had ever come across that I felt could challenge me for strength, but there was also a kindness in his eye that held no threat for me” (18). However, Albert’s dad was not pleased with Albert’s new treasure. This began a long and hard disagreement.

The conflict in this story was uprising fast. After Albert and his father finally got over their huge disagreement. Albert’s father without Albert knowing took Joey back to town and sold him to the military to pull heavy machinery and to plow the fields. Soon after Joey was gone, Albert found Joey’s stall empty and his heart sank. Albert sprinted into town to find that only the general was still there. Without taking a moment to think, Albert signed up for the military to go after his beloved Joey.

If you are a person that really enjoys strong stories about relationships between animals and people, then this is the book for you. Joey and Albert both show strong bonds towards each other. In this book, trust plays a big role in the life of both Joey and Albert. At some points in the book Albert trusts Joey with his life and in other parts Joey has to relay on Albert to be his voice. “Any problem can be solved between people if only they can trust each other” (127). This book has many themes. Most are impressive and hard to find. War Horse is one of my favorites and I look forward to seeing other people reading this incredible fiction book.

In conclusion, I would highly recommend War Horse to anyone ages 10 and up. I would choose this book for ages 10 and up because there are a few words that are of a higher level and there are a couple advanced death scenes in the book. But overall, this is an incredible book for both horse lovers and people that enjoy loyal stories. Is Joey ever reunited at the farm with Albert? I don’t know. You have to read it to find out.

-Alexandra L., 7th grade

Book Review: Blackmoore: A Proper Romance, by Julianne Donaldson

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blackmoore_coverI recieved an advance readers edition of this book at 4:00 pm and finished it before I fell asleep! It had me hooked from the very first to the very last page.

From the author of Edenbrooke (which I also reviewed), Julianne Donaldson, Blackmoore is a gorgeous book full of love and conflict, tragedy and humor, heart vs. brain, and Miss Kate Worthington’s heart’s desire. This book has it all: an embarrassing mother, a forbidden love, a childhood romance, a beautiful estate, a dreamy love interest, and a heroine that can’t wait to get out of her mother’s house.

Katherine Worthington’s lifelong dream is to go to India. She wants to be out of her childhood home and away from her mother’s flirtatious behavior and sister’s scandals. She wants to be nothing like the rest of the females in her family. And she is so terrified of love after seeing her mother and fathers botched marriage, she swears to her neighbors that she will never get married. Her mother, however, is ready to see her second daughter married off and is ready to beg, barter, and steal to make an advantageous match happen. Finally, Kate and her mother strike a deal: Kate will be able to go to India as long as she turns down three proposals of marriage at the estate she is visiting for the summer, Blackmoore. Desperate, Kate agrees, never dreaming how painful, confusing, and alienating this bargain will make her.

I was turning pages frantically to try to finish the book, but once I was done I felt a bit out of sorts. Kind of as if I had lost a friend. It was a heartwrenching book with such gorgeous writing and amazing plot development. I was never bored. However, I have to remind you all again that I am an Austenite- I live for the scenes when its 4:00 in the morning, Mr. Darcy is coming to right the wrongs his cruel aunt has inflicted on his beloved, the sunlight is streaming in the background, and he proposes to miss Elizabeth Bennett, the love of his life.

So if you are not that kind of person (I haven’t met many of them), the love scenes might get you bored. If you are my kind of person, get ready! This book is a glorious emotional rollercoaster, and you want to ride it out until the very end!

Blackmoore will be published on September 28, 2013. Thank you to Shadow Mountain Publishing for the advance readers edition for this review!

-Becka O., 9th grade

Book Review: The True Confesssions of Charlotte Doyle, by Avi

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charlotte_doyle_coverThe True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle, a journey of a ship-girl crashing through the waves of beautifully written literature by Avi, is a truly magnificent novel. I would rate it a 10 out of 10 for its humor, formality, and engaging style of writing.

The story starts out with a young woman, Charlotte, whose parents had moved to America, but she had stayed in England to finish school. At the end of the year, she was to have a servant pick her up and accompany her to the boat. She had another worker carry her trunk to the ship, but when they heard the name of the ship and its captain, they took off running. Two of them had left her alone! Charlotte was astonished, nevertheless, she boarded the boat. That first night on the ship, she remembered seeing a figure with only one arm scampering up one of the main masts.

The voyage started out, and Charlotte met a man named Zachariah. At first, he didn’t seem like anyone who interested her, but later he became her caring mentor. The captain seemed nice at first but later was revealed to be one of the cruelest people Charlotte had ever known.  A series of odd events occurred, but Charlotte didn’t tell a soul.

When chaos and shouts of anger came from the crew the first time, Charlotte was scared. However, after the first attempt to kill the captain, Charlotte slipped away from the captain’s reach, chopped off her hair, and became one with the crew to complete their army. They tried for a second strike where Zachariah was almost killed, but a stowaway with only one arm was found. Mayhem then ensued, and Charlotte faced her greatest challenge to stand up for herself with the ultimate goal of being reunited with her parents.

Maya S., 6th grade

Book Review: Gone with the Wind, by Margaret Mitchell

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gone_with_the_windSet in mid-nineteenth century Georgia, Margaret Mitchell’s Gone with the Wind is one of the most unforgettable stories of all time.

A charming and obstinate sixteen-year-old girl, Scarlett O’Hara is the belle of the County. Like the rest of the South, she is used to a pampered lifestyle, where slaves wait on her twenty-four hours a day. All she does is dream about Ashley Wilkes, the man who she is madly in love with. When the Civil War begins, Scarlett and the rest of the South must give up their spoiled lives. At the same time, however, she must win Ashley’s heart and fight to survive one of the most brutal wars in American history.

Gone with the Wind is not just a story about love; it is also a very informative book that teaches readers many valuable lessons. Scarlett stayed strong and fought bravely throughout the war. Her conduct teaches readers determination, perseverance, and optimism. In order to survive, she gave up her old life and even picked cotton like a slave. Because of this, she learned to appreciate what she had in life, although she eventually became greedy because of fear.

As the book goes on, readers will become attached to the many characters, including the headstrong Scarlett and the sardonic Rhett. In my opinion, Scarlett is a spoiled, greedy brat who doesn’t care about anything except herself and money. I thought Scarlett got what she deserved when Rhett mocked her all those times and when the town treated her like an outcast. However, I still felt a connection to Scarlett, and actually felt sorry for her at the end of the story.

I thoroughly enjoyed Gone with the Wind, and it will always be one of the greatest classics of all time. As the Chicago Tribune says, Gone with the Wind is “fascinating and unforgettable! A remarkable book, a spectacular book, a book that will not be forgotten!”

-Kaylie W., 9th grade

Book Review: Star in the Storm, by Joan Hiatt Harlow

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star_in_the_storm_coverA book filled with hope, suspense, and the strength of a relationship between a girl and her dog; Star in the Storm, written by Joan Hiatt Harlow, is by far one of my favorite books.

“One for sadness, two for mirth, three for marriage, four for birth; five for laughing, six for crying; seven for sickness, eight for dying, nine for silver, ten for gold; eleven for a secret that will never be told.”

When all non-sheepherding dogs get outlawed from the coastal village where Maggie lives, she is unwilling to let her Newfoundland, Sirius, go. She hides Sirius away as diseases flood the village. Having nosy neighbors, keeping Sirius hidden is a challenge. But when a violent storm hits, a boat packed with a hundred passengers gets stranded. Maggie knows that Sirius could save the passengers but is bringing him out of hiding worth risking his life. Besides, if anything goes wrong the passengers and Sirius’s life could be in danger.

This is a page-turning book that I had to read several times. This book is an easy read with twists and turns. I have suggested it to many of my friends knowing that whatever their type, Star in the Storm is a book worth reading.

-Danielle T., 7th grade

Book Review: Someday Dancer, by Sarah Rubin

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someday_dancer_coverThis book review is part of series of reviews written by students at St. Margaret’s Episcopal School for their 7th grade English classes.

Everyone agrees “that Casey Quinn is an unfortunate child: no money, no father, no nothing” (9). Yes, it is true Casey has nothing… but Casey’s love and passion for dance is stronger than anything else.

In the first book Sarah Rubin wrote, Someday Dancer, “it’s true Casey’s nose is too wide, she’s freckled from head to toe, and her ears even stick out like two mug handles” (4), but she does have grace. She “has more grace in her left little fingernail than new-to-school Miss Priss Ann-Lee and all those pinky-pink ballet girls put together” (4).  Will Casey’s grace, determination, and love of dance be enough to lead her to the Big Apple someday?

It is 1959 in Warren, South Carolina. Sarah Rubin’s bonny legged Casey Quinn, is dancing in the hot dry sun where the parched grass is sprouting up through the cracks, and crunches on every turn she makes. Casey Quinn is a long legged scrawny armed girl who is freckled from head to toe. She lives with her cakewalk Queen Gran and artistic Mama who both work at the hospital as cleaning ladies. They both inspire Casey because of their strong will and strength. Casey’s family does not have much money, especially after her father died in the war a few years before. Although she has never had dance lessons before, her dream is to someday become a dancer in New York City. But she doesn’t want to become any dancer; she wants to become a “real star” (6).

One day Priss Ann-Lee, a girl who just moved to Warren who is a bully and thinks she’s the better than everyone, told Casey about an audition for the School of American Ballet in New York City. Casey is determined to find some way to make it to that audition so she can dance in New York City. It will take all of Casey’s concentration and determination in order to reach her goal.

Someday Dancer is one of the only novels that has made me want to get up and dance and inspired me to reach my goals. Sarah Rubin makes great descriptions on the setting from Casey’s point of view. For example when describing New York City Casey assumes, “There are whole states between South Carolina and New York. I’ll bet New York City makes Warren look like an anthill. In a city like that, no one would know where you came from, no one would know you were poor or your father was dead. In a city like that, I could be anyone I wanted to be and no one would laugh at me for trying” (10).

Although the setting description is amazing, Casey is the main reason I love this novel so much. Her voice and determination ring clearly and made me connect with her even more. Rubin’s detail of Casey and the others around her was so descriptive; it felt as if I was right there with them and made them seem completely real with their actions and different personalities. At one point in the book I was so connected to Casey and her personality that I started crying. Casey persevered through anything that got in her way, and I think that is a true quality that lots aspire to get.

The most important theme in the story is to not let road blocks get in the way of your dreams. Casey demonstrated this by thinking about how important her dream was, and by having the strength to persevere through anything or anyone that got in her way no matter what. She won’t even let the priss stand in her way: “I don’t care. Priss Ann-Lee laughs like an ugly monkey, so who cares if she’s laughing at me” (3)? In order to fulfill her dream, though, Casey will need to drop all of her thoughts and emotions and put them into her dance.

Although the book takes place many years ago in 1959, the same circumstances of people trying to pursue their dreams still happen today. Additionally, since the book took place years ago Casey is able to meet important people in dance history in the book.

Someday Dancer is an amazing book of assiduity, and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys dance or who likes a thrilling adventure on perseverance. It is a great fiction book and is a surprising story about following your dreams. If you would like to find out what happens to Casey and her dream, you will have to read the rest of the book, and be prepared for a shocking modern twist.

-Skyler C., 7th grade

Book Review: Genghis: Birth of an Empire, by Conn Iggulden

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genghis_coverThis book review is part of series of reviews written by students at St. Margaret’s Episcopal School for their 7th grade English classes.

Are you a reader that craves books swarming you with deceit, ambition, ruthlessness, and palpable pain? Then Genghis: Birth of an Empire is a perfect read for you. This compelling novel, written by Conn Iggulden is about the hardships and victories of Genghis Khan before he established the Mongol Empire. How can our contemporary from the picture-perfect English countryside paint such a vivid portrait of the 13th century warrior, leader, and visionary?

Temujin, later on known as Genghis Khan, is the son to Yesugei, who is the leader of the nomadic tribe called the Wolves. During his youth, Temujin experiences many traumatic events such as when his father is raided and killed by another tribe, and when he is abandoned, as well as his family to perish in the deserted plains by one of the bondsmen of Yesugei, Eeluk who declares himself khan of the Wolves, deceiving Temujin and his brothers.

On their first few nights alone, there is a very scarce amount of food and the entire family is starving, except for Temujin’s elder brother, Bekter. He discovers that Bekter is keeping food that he hunted away from the family. Temujin decides that this cannot go on any longer and he must kill Bekter before the entire family perishes. He and his brother, Kachiun create a plan to execute their greedy brother, and succeed. The news is announced to their mother and other siblings and the mother is heart-broken and infuriated at the same time. She orders Temujin to live separately from her and the family, threatening him, exclaiming, “If I see you sleeping, I will kill you for what you’ve done here.” (138). With tears in his eyes, Temujin flees from his family immediately, which is the only meaning in his life. What will happen next?

With such a strong focus on its main character, the author depicts a young boy and shows him transfer into a grown man who can lead anyone under his power. Depicting Genghis Khan as successful and hard-working, the author’s perspective of him is very clear- he admires Genghis Khan. In addition to the book’s main character development, the author follows several, central themes in his story such as how dangerous it was to live in Genghis Khan’s times and how fragile human life was, the never ending rivalry among various tribes in their quest for power, and the importance of loyalty and trust in Genghis Khan’s immediate circle of followers in order to not be defeated.

I recommend this book because I was captivated by the way Conn Iggulden described the characters and events in his story. I could imagine what Temujin’s thoughts and feelings were throughout his life experiences because of the author’s focus on his character’s inner-world. It really put a picture in my mind how Temujin was feeling when he was battling Eeluk. “Pain soared through him and Temujin saw Eeluk had aimed for the bloody spot on his tunic. He growled aloud as he came in, his fury fed by agony. Eeluk met his wild swing and punched again at the bloody muscle, starting a thin red stream that stained the tunic over older streaks” (364).  I was also moved by the author’s portrayal of major events in the story such as battles and murders in which his main character was involved. I felt as if I were a witness of them all because of how vividly they were described in the story.

-Natalie K., 7th grade

Book Review: Edenbrooke was Eden

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edenbrooke_coverHello. Austenite here.

I am a HUGE fan of Jane Austen, and for all you people who had to read Emma in high school and are SO over it, think again. I am reviewing an amazing, spectacular book called Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson.

Edenbrooke is a Regency novel about a 19-year-old girl who is sent to live with her grandmother after her mother is killed. Because Marianne hates it there so much, her grandmother sends her to Edenbrooke, hoping that Marianne and the young man there will fall in love.

It is an intense plot with a reading level about 8th grade and up. The language is period-based, yet easy to understand and the plot has so many twists and turns you will hardly be able to keep it straight.

The characters include a highway man, a handsome man, a twin sister, an annoying twin sister’s BFF, and a main character who has a slight affinity for twirling (with her eyes closed). This book was a masterpiece of a Regency novel and one should sit on every home’s bookshelf. I think this one is definitely more for girls though. Sorry, guys. One day I will review a book for you. Probably.

-Becka O., 8th grade

Book Review: Leviathan, by Scott Westerfeld

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leviathan_coverThis book review is part of series of reviews written by students at St. Margaret’s Episcopal School for their 7th grade English classes.

I wasn’t alive during World War One but Scott Westerfeld’s Leviathan (the first book in his trilogy) made me feel as if I was. Titled after the British whale airships, most of the story takes place on one of these Leviathans. The novel was fast paced and action packed, so it seemed like I was living each moment along with the characters. Scott Westerfeld is clearly an expert at building suspense, as seen in the first three pages of the book: “The war was coming after all. Everyone said so” (3). As I read on, I felt like a part of the story when an Austrian-Hungarian prince named Alek fled from his home. He fled from all his riches and tutors because the Germans killed his parents to start war. “Maybe this was how you stayed sane in wartime: a handful of noble deeds amid the chaos” (360). Alek was accompanied by Count Volger, his fencing tutor, Otto Klop, the engineer and a few other servants. Together they formed a devoted group as they tried to flee to Switzerland. About the same time in England, a brave girl named Deryn tries to join the Air Force posing as a boy. Deryn always wanted to be in the Air Force because her dad took her flying in hot air balloons. Deryn refers to the air forces ships as “beasties” because of the living creature mixed in with the air ship. Deryn doesn’t like guys too much because she thinks they are total unaware of what is going on around them, “Most man’s awareness doesn’t extend past their dinner plates” (279).

Having these two main characters made the book interesting to read because of the different perspectives that it was written in. Since the two characters were different genders, the war could be understood from two points of view. This also makes it appeal to a wider audience of both girls and boys. Further, the two perspectives were not just different but they were actually in opposition due to their countries fighting against each other in the war. Ironically, the two separate story lines merge into one by the end of the novel as the two characters find each other. Throughout the story, Scott Westerfeld taught a valuable lesson of humanity in the way these characters came together and helped each other rather than fight one another. These lessons hit home with a reader because they cause faith in humankind to be restored even despite a violent war.

Scott Westerfeld’s writing is amazing at catching readers attention and keeping them interested because he keeps switching perspectives between Alek and Deryn and keeps you wondering how or when they will meet up. Scott Westerfeld is a very established author, having written 18 different books. His writing style is educational, in the sense that he included historical accuracy in his description of scenes. I think this is a very good book and I would recommend it to all young readers who have an interest in war history novels.

-Dylan C., 7th grade

Comparison: The Best Bad Luck I Ever Had vs. The Lions of Little Rock

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Kristen Levine has composed two books so far on the same topic, black people and white people. I read both, and loved them!!

Both of these books are about the times when people with black skin and people with white skin were separated. Below are comparisons of The Best Bad Luck I Ever Had with The Lions of Little Rock.levine_comparison2

These are just some typical comparisons. Nothing detailed as you see. The Best Bad Luck I Ever Had was written before The Lions of Little Rock. They are both smoothly written and wonderful books!

The Best Bad Luck I Ever Had is a fictional story about a boy named Dit (who tells the story) who expects the new mailman’s white boy to come for the next year. At least that’s what he’s told. The new mailman’s child turns out to be a black girl named Emma! Emma is neat and loves to read while Dit is messy and doesn’t care much for grammar or reading. The two twelve-year-old kids don’t get along at first, but then they become best friends who can do anything! And that comes in handy when Big Foot, the town’s lawman, gets a little stirred up since a white boy is friends with a black girl. A big incident happens (read the book to find out what it is!) and it’s up to Dit and Emma to fix it.

The Lions of Little Rock takes place in 1958 Little Rock, Arkansas, focusing on fictional characters named Marlee (who tells the story) and Liz. Although physically able, Marlee chooses to be a “mute” because she’s afraid she’ll say something stupid. On the first day of middle school, a new girl named Liz shows up. Liz and Marlee quickly become friends. Then one day, Liz suddenly leaves school. Rumors are, she was “passing” as a white student. Marlee and Liz manage to stay friends, through thick and thin, through black and white. Lots of things in this book are things we can relate to such as mean people, crushes, bullies, and personal fears. There are also things we can’t relate to because we’re in 2013 while they’re in 1958. But it all ties together in a remarkable and unexpected friendship between Liz and Marlee.

-Danielle L., 6th grade