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A Net in Time

Curriculum and book reviews, faith, homeschooling and more!

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Books for Upper Elementary

The Nutcracker and the Mouse King

December 26, 2020 By Annette1 2 Comments

raincoast FTC

A perennial favourite of many people is the story of The Nutcracker. I’ve seen bits of it done in ballet form, and a play I took my lad to once. I’ve seen it presented in a variety of ways, and now, thanks to FirstSecond books I have been able to see it as a graphic novel.  Come on, let me show you The Nutcracker and the Mouse King: the Graphic Novel!

The nutcracker and the mouse king

The Details

Geared for youth 6-10 years old, The Nutcraker and the Mouse King: the Graphic Novel is 144 pages of cleanly illustrated work.  Natalie Andrewson not only illustrated this novel, but provided the adaptation as well.  I am reviewing this ARC copy for Raincoast Books. 

From the cover

Of all the gifts under the tree on Christmas Eve, only one captures Marie Stahlbaum’s heart: a humble nutcracker.   ……

. . . and an ancient curse that can only be broken with the help of a true friend.

…. and her dream world threatened, Marie will have to find the strength to stand up for her nutcracker – no matter what it takes.

Haven’t we all seen the dance of the sugar plum fairy? This story is a wee bit different than the ballet adaptation.  Every creator/adaptor puts their own spin right?

What you find in The Nutcracker

You will find colourful panels filling every page.  The art work was not particularly my style, but colourful and suitable to the story. 

The text was really easy to read. You’ll find it mostly a standard black with occasional big variations in size and style for emphasis.  It was a retelling of the story and some details from the original German book by Hoffmann were remade to fit a graphic novel. style.  It’s not a light airy read but one filled with dreams and obsessive devotion and in the end…. freedom with imagination wins out.  

Ms. Andrewson allowed her interpretation of this classic story to shine through.  It’s quite different than the versions I’ve seen before, but it all turns out good in the end.   

Should you get The Nutcracker and The Mouse King?

Oh… such mixed opinions of The Nutcracker and the Mouse King: A Graphic Novel that I have. 

There is much I like. But some younger readers might be alarmed by the dream sequences.  I am fairly easily alarmed, I just figure if something makes me feel a bit alarmed, some children might be the same. 

The story itself…good triumphing?  That’s a good thing and worth reading through. 

And introducing children to a classic story?  That’s an excellent thing to do. 

So know your children.  Consider their sensitivities and perhaps read together, or be available to talk it all through. 

Filed Under: Reviews Tagged With: Book Review, Books for Upper Elementary, Raincoast

The Porcupine Year

October 28, 2020 By Annette1 2 Comments

I have not read any books by Louise Erdrich before.  After reading The Porcupine Year, I think I will look for her other two books!   This sequel is the third in the Birchbark House books, and even though I haven’t read the others in this series, I found it quite an enjoyable read. 

The Porcupine Year

The Details of The Porcupine Year

Published by  Harper Collins Publishers, this 224-page book that came in as a review book, but I haven’t a clue for who anymore. My guess is an email got deleted that shouldn’t have!  Anyways, it’s the sequel the Birchbark House and The Game of Silence. 

These books tell the story of Omakayas and her family.  They are an Objibwe family who lived in Minnesota and were forced by the USA government to find a new home.   This illustrated edition, explains some of the hardships caused by this relocation for this Native American family.  It also gives us a glimpse into American life in the 1800’s. 

From the Cover:

Omakayas was a dreamer who did not yet know her limits.

When Omakayas is twelve winters old, she and her family set off on a harrowing journey in search of a new home. Pushed to the brink of survival, Omakayas continues to learn from the land and the spirits around her, and she discovers that no matter where she is, or how she is living, she has the one thing she needs to carry her through.

Pencil drawings are scattered throughout the pages, helping us see some of the silliness. It also for me, helped me to truly picture, Omakayas and her family. 

16 chapters round out the pages, you’ll find author’s notes on the Objiwe language as well.  You’ll even learn how to pronounce Objiwe.  Very well done book that helps youth in grades 3-7 learn more about US History. 

One of the things I love about this story is that it’s easy for youth to read, and yet it would also make a great read out loud story.   The chapters are a nice length, with good pictures throughout, and flows nicely from one chapter to the next. 

Should you Get it?

YES!  It’s a thoroughly good read.  Tells a good story with a touch of conflict.  There’s sorrow as well as joy. There’s life and hope.  The Porcupine Year is a sweet story that teaches history as you read.  Well-worth reading. 

Tenderly told, with so much hope for the future despite the troubles they went through.  A good introduction to Native American history from a native’s perspective. 

Filed Under: Homeschooling, Reviews Tagged With: Book Review, Books for Middle School, Books for Upper Elementary

Santa’s Puppy

December 17, 2019 By Annette1 Leave a Comment

Raincoast FTC

Santa’s Puppy features Peppermint Bark, Santa’s right-hand pup.  Helping to keep the elves organized, the reindeers happy, and Santa on time.   Peppermint Bark is keen to have an adventure, but what will Santa say?

Santa's Puppy, review image

What I am Reviewing

Catherine Hapka has written a fast-paced novel about Peppermint Bark who is Santa’s Puppy.  At 240 pages, with short chapters averaging about 10 pages, youth aged 8-12 should find this an easy read.  I received a trade paperback from Raincoast Books, I received an advanced readers copy. 

Peppermint Bark wants desperately to travel with Santa on his sleigh, but Santa says “No, it’s not safe, so you can’t come”.  Peppermint Bark thinks he knows better and stows away.  It doesn’t take long for Santa’s wisdom to show forth and Peppermint Bark needs to find his own way home.  8 year old Chris and his sister Holly come to his rescue.  Ivey, his sister’s friend, joins in the adventure.  Will they succeed in getting Peppermint Bark home?

Read the story and find out!  🙂

Santa's puppy, sample page

The Details of Santa’s Puppy

One of the features I really like is the illustrations at the beginning of each chapter. Each illustration reflects the chapter.

Santa's puppy, chapter illustration

Just simple black and white drawings, but sweet and interesting.   (at least in my opinion eh?)    🙂

The story itself is fairly predictable, just a fun, cute story about a puppy needing help and the joy of Christmas magic.  It’s hard to talk about without giving away the whole story eh!  🙂   I want you to let your children read it even if you don’t believe in Santa.  Most kids by the time they would read this story wouldn’t be believing in Santa anyways would they?  I dunno.

But Santa’s Puppy is really just a fun Christmas story.  Suited for youth in the grade 2-4 range. 

disclosure

Filed Under: Reviews Tagged With: Book Review, Books for Upper Elementary, Raincoast

Prairie Lotus

November 6, 2019 By Annette1 4 Comments

Do you love Little House on the Prairie?  The love of the old west, the life and stories of the people who lived there that comes to life?  Prairie Lotus, the book I’m reviewing today is a lovely book in the likeness of the life of Laura Ingalls.   Linda Sue Park introduces us to Hanna, the Prairie Lotus. 

Prairie Lotus Review

What I am Reviewing

Prairie Lotus.
Linda Sue Park.
Clarion Books.
Houghton Miffin Harcourt Books for Young Readers.
Ages 10-12, Grades 5-7.
272 pages.

Reviewed for Raincoast Books.

Old West, Asian American, Native American, History, Children’s books, Upper Elementary, Country, American history, Chinese American,

A powerful, touching, multi-layered book about a girl determined to fit in and realize her dreams: getting an education, becoming a dressmaker in her father’s shop, and making at least one friend. Acclaimed, award-winning author Linda Sue Park has placed a young half-Asian girl, Hanna, in a small town in America’s heartland, in 1880. Hanna’s adjustment to her new surroundings, which primarily means negotiating the townspeople’s almost unanimous prejudice against Asians, is at the heart of the story. Narrated by Hanna, the novel has poignant moments yet sparkles with humor, introducing a captivating heroine whose wry, observant voice will resonate with readers.

Prairie Lotus

The Details of Prairie Lotus

Oh, what can I tell you about Prairie Lotus?  It’s a lovely book.  Hanna is a delightful, but determined girl. I loved how Ms. Park developed Hanna’s character. Hanna has her fears, which are very real with distinct elements of danger. At the same time, she knows what she wants and pushes to get them.  Navigating hostile waters, she manages to make a friend and get an education.  It’s so interesting to watch how it all develops.

With a similar theme to the Little House on the Prairie books, Prairie Lotus touches on a situation that the Ingalls never approached.  The fear and bigotry against Asian immigrants and Asian Americans.  This was a prevalent part of the early days of Canada and the United States.   

We get to see the varied reactions to the Native Americans, the working through of the legal requirements of the law, but mostly…. we get to see history in action.  A living book that adds a great dimension to the Little house on the prairie books.  Read both, and see history better. 

Prairie Lotus

Thoughts/Recommendations

I grew up reading Little House on the Prairie.  I immersed myself into Laura’s world.  When the TV show came out … I watched in.  I know the Ingall’s family well.   If Prairie Lotus had been out at that time I would have read it as well and been enthralled with Hanna and her life.  It wasn’t easy, but she persevered.

I loved seeing her determination to see things through.  Watching people pull together (for good or for ill) gave excellent insight into group dynamics.   This was such an interesting book. I urge you to let your Ingall’s fans read this book.  

disclosure

Filed Under: Reviews Tagged With: Book Review, Books for Middle School, Books for Upper Elementary, history, Raincoast

King of the Mole People

October 26, 2019 By Annette1 4 Comments

I was struggling with how to write this review for King of the Mole People.   It’s a book I didn’t particularly enjoy reading but it has some redeeming qualities.   Knowing that didn’t make it any easier for me to figure out how to write it.  As I was taking a break, reading through the list of words for the Write 31 Days Challenge I saw the word Accept…and like a light bulb I knew how to write this review.  

A big part of King of the Mole People is Doug Underbelly needs to learn to accept himself for who he is. Many of the people in his life also need to learn this truth. You are who you are.  Do not pretend to be someone else.

King of the mole people

What I am Reviewing

King of the Mole People (Book 1).
Paul Gilligan.
Christy Ottaviano Books. Henry Holt & Company.
272 pages, hardcover, 8-12 years.

Reviewed for Raincoast Books.

Fantasy, Action & Adventure, Humour, Upper Elementary, Middle School

Doug Underbelly is doing his best to be normal. It’s not easy: he’s bad at jokes, he’s lousy at sports, and he lives in a creaky old mansion surrounded by gravestones. Also Magda, the weird girl at school, won’t leave him alone. And if that weren’t enough, he recently got crowned King of an underground race of Mole People.

Doug didn’t ask to be king – it’s a job he can’t really avoid, like the eel sandwiches his dad makes for him (with love). If he thought dealing with seventh grade was tricky, it’s nothing compared to navigating the feud between Mole People, Slug People, Mushroom Folk and Stone Goons, not to mention preventing giant worms from rising up and destroying everything. How will Doug restore order? It’s all a matter of diplomacy!

King of the mole people

The Details for King of the Mole People

If you like Captain Underpants and books along that line (or have children who do) King of the Mole People will be highly entertaining for them.   Similar humour, images and writing style.

King of the mole people

Doug Underbelly wants so desperately to fit in, to that end he gets into a whole lot of different situations.  In the midst of all that is Doug’s role as King of the Mole people. I know…go figure…. the mole people?  But they are a real part of this book along with many others who dwell below. 

Can Doug manage the pressures of life above and life below?  You’ll have to read the book to find out.

King of the mole people

As Doug figures things you’ll meet all the characters in simple black/white drawings. I would have to say that 3/4’s of the pages have illustrations on them.  I love the illustrator portrayed Magda.  Such a quirky character.  I liked her from the start.   She was mostly comfortable in her own skin and just needed to learn a bit more.  🙂

Accept

Thoughts/Recommendations

Growth in characters across the board make King of the Mole People a winner. While I am not a fan of the genre, I am a fan of how it all comes together in the end.  One even learns some good science!

I loved how Doug learned to accept himself and work within his own abilities, even learning to use the skills he learned trying to be someone else. 

disclosure

Filed Under: Reviews Tagged With: Book Review, Books for Middle School, Books for Upper Elementary, Raincoast

Time Sight by Lynne Jonell

October 10, 2019 By Annette1 4 Comments

Time Travel with a twist, Time Sight is an interesting romp back through history using the Scottish gift of second sight.   In this review, I will tell you about a curious book by Lynne Jonell called Time Sight.   Mind, you don’t need to scared to read a time travel book!  🙂  Yes, scared is the word prompt for today’s Write 31 day challenge. 

Time Sight Review

What I am Reviewing

Raincoast BooksTime Sightn.
Lynne Jonell.
Christy Ottaviano Books.
Henry Holt & Company Books.
416 pages, 9-12 years, trade paperback
Reviewed for Raincoast Books.

Middle school, history, medieval, time travel, fiction, Europe, Scotland, mystery, upper elementary,

Will’s mother is in danger overseas, and his father must find her, so Will and his little brother are packed off to relatives in Scotland. Will feels useless. He can’t save his mother. He can’t help his father. And when he tries to amuse his brother on the plane ride, he can’t even locate the images in Jamie’s book – the hidden pictures that everyone else can see. Once at the family’s ancestral castle, though, Will tries again. And as he delicately adjusts his focus, suddenly his eyes tune in to a different visual frequency – the past.
Looking back five hundred years is interesting . . . at first. But when Jamie impulsively leaps through the opening in time, Will and his cousin Nan must follow, into a past so dangerous that Will isn’t sure how he will get everyone safely home.

The Details about Time Sight

You know those books where there is a picture hidden inside a picture?  Where to find the second picture you need to look into and yet beyond the existing picture?  Take that idea, add in the Scottish belief in second sight, and voila.. a story is born. 

Time sight

You’ll find maps and other interesting line drawings.  They bring great definition to the story. Some were full page, others just partial, but they all fit the story perfectly. I really liked these drawings and found them so well done. Can’t you just see the fear in the lad running from the cook?  🙂

Time Sight

The characters are believable.  Real kids struggling to understand what is happening.  Real kids wanting to be helpful, making some mistakes, but managing to find their way through.   

Time sight by Lynne Jonell

Thoughts/Recommendations

Initially I was not particularly impressed with this middle school read.  It took until I was about 1/3 the way through before I was hooked. Suddenly the story took an interesting twist.  Could Will control his abilities?  Would he be able to save the day?  What about Nan…. could she help at all?

All these questions were answered as I quickly finished this book.  Would I recommend it?  For sure!  Mystery combined with time travel and a willingness to think outside the box… makes for a good read for most anyone. 

If you were doing a study on Scotland and learning about the belief in second sight, this book might make for a fun interpretation of that ability. 

Don’t be scared by unusual gifts.  Use them for good like Nan and Will did. 

scared
disclaimer

Filed Under: Reviews Tagged With: Book Review, Books for Middle School, Books for Upper Elementary, Raincoast

9/11 Courage and Tributes

September 7, 2019 By Annette1 2 Comments

9/11 is an event that the world will long remember. Horrific violence against people just living out their lives.  How do we help our children remember the terror, and the hope of this event?

9/11 Courage and Tributes is a short picture book aimed at upper elementary children.  It introduces these children to the memorials that help us remember the tragedy of 9/11. Pictures and easy to read text make this a winner of a history book. 

9/11 courage and tribute

What I am Reviewing

9/11 Courage and Tribute.
Kristie Kiernan Bouryal
Gabe and Haruka Ostley (illustrators)
Context Productions.
Series: Discovering Heroes.
Reviewed for Ascot Media.
7-11 years, Trade paperback, 58 pages,
History, 9/11, American history, Children’s history,

In this story, based on true events, Tyler, Olivia and Sophia spend the weekend with their grandparents to learn more about September 11, 2001. The family visits very special tributes created to honor and remember people who lost their lives that day. By asking questions and actively listening, the kids learn about 9/11’s lasting impact and the courage of everyday heroes, including their role in our nation’s largest water evacuation. Join in their discoveries. Help the kids of today and tomorrow to never forget.

9/11 courage and tribute

The Details of 9/11 Courage and Tribute

Three excited children are ready to travel around the USA in order to see the tributes to the 9/11 tragedy,  They visited Angel’s Circle, talked with Marine Firefighters, and saw the FDNY Memorial Wall. The 9/11 Tribute Museum was next on the tour.   Seeing the reflecting pools where the Twin Towers once stood amazed the children. We learned about other memorial scattered around the country.  The children last visited the Staten Island memorial.    

9/11 courage and tribute

As the children visit each of these places wonderful, full colour pictures were included.  Five pictures included by the talented Gabe and Haruka Ostley.  They did an excellent job of showcasing Ms. Bouryal’s writing.  

I was introduced to heroes I hadn’t known of before, like all the boaters who rescued people from the shores, getting them all to safety. 

9/11 courage and tribute

One of the things I really enjoyed in this informative book is the inclusion of real photos of the places the children visited.  Along with the photos was additional information about them. 

9/11 courage and tribute

Thoughts/Recommendations

9/11 Courage and Tributes is an excellent introduction for children on the various tributes set up around the country to honour those who were part of the 9/11.  These tributes remember those who were part of it, whether the individual was injured, died or helped.  They will be remembered. 

The pictures, combined with easy to read text, with likeable characters all combines to make a book young history buffs would enjoy.  Therefore, go out and get it eh?  🙂

disclosure

Filed Under: Reviews Tagged With: Book Review, Books for Upper Elementary, history

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