Book Review of "Little House in the Big Woods"

Little House in the Big Woods, by Laura Ingalls Wilder

4.5 stars

Description: The Big Woods might be lonely, but it's never boring for young Laura and Mary Ingalls. There's housework to do, cheese-making, churning the butter, smoking the meat, and a thousand other chores to keep their house snug with food on the table. Unfortunately for Laura, she seems to hit a snag around every turn; it's so hard to be good, and Mary makes it look so easy! But despite the pretty pebbles that ruin her best dress and the disastrous argument over curls, Laura muddles through -- and in this tale, we follow the her family through fall harvesting, maple-sugaring, trips to town, and even as Ma slaps a bear (eeeek!). 

Concerns: One song lyric struck me as racially inappropriate.

Summary: Everybody has heard of the little Ingalls girls growing up in their log cabin, but how many know what a spunky character Laura really was? Aside from the fascinating anecdotes about life with no electricity, her story is hilarious to anybody familiar with cranky kids. Young Laura is no angel, and her memoirs don't sugarcoat her attitude or the spankings she so richly deserved! This isn't a suspenseful or action-packed read, but it is a lovely story and very engaging.

Book Review of "Charlotte's Web"

Charlotte's Web, by E. B. White

4 stars

Description: Although it may seem like a spring pig should have known better, Wilbur is horrified to discover he is bound for the dinner table! The world looks like a hopeless and heartless place to live in, but the game isn't over yet; led by the brains and resourcefulness of a remarkable spider named Charlotte, all Wilbur's barnyard friends pitch in to hoodwink the farmers and give their favorite pig a second lease on life. Even the scurrilous rat Templeton gets in on the effort, and from the barnyard to the fairgrounds, crafty creativity reigns!

Concerns: None.

Summary: It's amusing to see the quirks and foibles of humanity brought out and exaggerated in animal characters. Poor Charlotte is endlessly exasperated by her less-than-brilliant accomplices, but in the end -- just like in real life -- they need each other to achieve their goal. From Wilbur's hopelessly comical efforts to spin a web to Charlotte's lucky escape through the help of a rotten egg, the story manages to handle a heavy subject matter in an entertaining way. For those who like animals, this book is a solid win.

Book Review of "Number the Stars"

Number the Stars, by Lois Lowry

5 stars!!!

Description: The year 1943 was a dangerous time to be a Jew. Especially in Nazi-controlled Denmark. The war has taken so much from young Annemarie; food is scarce, pink frosted cupcakes are a distant memory, and the only "fireworks" that the five-year-old Kristi has seen are the explosions from the harbor. But cupcakes suddenly aren't important anymore when Annemarie realizes that her friend Ellen is Jewish -- and the Nazi "relocation" of Jews has just begun. Will the war take her best friend, too?

Concerns: Ethical questions about lying in wartime; a kitten is named "Thor, the God of Thunder"; one swear word towards the end.

Summary: Annemarie, Ellen, and Kristi are everyday girls living in a world of uncertainty, but even though that war-time tension is stark on every page, there is also warmth and laughter of humanity. The story is a fast and suspense-heavy read, but this is no cheap thriller; Annemarie's choice sends a message about life and loyalty, even when things looks hopeless. Lois Lowry has created a beautifully written story of true bravery  in a time when standing up for what was right could -- and often did -- cost that person their life.

Book Review of "Old Yeller"

Old Yeller, by Fred Gipson

5 stars!!!

Description: Ever since Bell died, Travis hasn't wanted another dog... but tough luck. The scruffy, wily, stray dog dubbed "Yeller" has picked Travis's family cabin to call home. Over one short summer, Travis and Old Yeller grow past their distrust and forge a deep bond of friendship as they fight together through a series of hair-raising (and sometimes deadly) dangers that come with living in frontier Texas; vicious killer hogs, drought, wolves, bears, and the dreaded plague of hydrophobia.

Concerns: Frontier life is rough; expect some blood. Also, little Arliss tends to get away with a lot (including throwing rocks at and bashing his older brother with a stick).

Summary: Old Yeller is both an adventure and a poignant coming-of-age story. Life on the frontier is a struggle for survival, and although Travis has his share of wild and happy romps through the cornfields, he also experiences the harsh land's real-life heartaches. But even though the rough country takes its toll on those who dare to call it home, hard work and fierce determination are rewarded by the promise of a good life. This little book (reportedly based on tales of real frontier dogs) should take its place as one of the best frontier novels of all time.

Book Review of "A Little Princess"

A Little Princess, by Frances Hodgson Burnett

5 stars!!!

Description: India-born Sara Crewe travels to a London boarding school while her wealthy father goes back to India. Snubbed by some and adored by most, she consequently makes both friends and enemies of her classmates. As a pupil of status, Sara is treated with outward respect by the headmistress, but suspects that Miss Minchin really despises her; when tragedy strikes and Sara is reduced to poverty, she is no longer in doubt. Most of the school imitates the headmistress’s mean treatment of Sara, and when she thinks she can’t bear her circumstances any longer, a monkey and two Indian gentlemen surprise her with unlooked-for kindness, not knowing that Sara’s fate hangs in the balance.

Concerns: Sara believes in magic, although nothing that happens in the story is actually supernatural.

Summary: I can’t quite put my finger on what makes this book so fascinating. It could be the classic rags-to-riches theme that never grows old; or the way the author can depict every lively scene and character with delicious vividness; or perhaps the exceptionality of the courageous and proud Sara herself. Whatever the cause, this long-beloved book is one that no-one should miss. The captivating plot and characters will pull you right into the book and won’t easily let you go until you are through with this marvelous adventure.

Book Review of Anne of Green Gables

Anne of Green Gables, by L. M. Montgomery

5 stars!!!

Description: Spunky, fun-loving, impulsive scapegrace Anne Shirley is adopted by Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert, the two most old-fashioned, quiet, down to earth folks on Prince Edward Island. They’re not exactly the ideal combination, especially in light of the fact that neither Matthew nor Marilla has a spark of Anne’s imagination, the very essence of which Anne practically lives and breathes. Not only does redheaded Anne turn their lives upside down and inside out, but she reaches the whole town as well! Disturbing the peace of the quiet town of Avonlea in ways that sometimes shock the inhabitants, Anne has many adventures, misadventures and just plain hilarious moments in her repertoire. Accidentally dying her hair green; walking a roof ridgepole; playacting in a sinking boat; serving liniment-flavored cake to company; from scrape to scrape, Anne works her way into the hearts of many (definitely including readers!) and we wonder how we ever did get along without her.

Concerns: Anne’s vivid imagination runs away with her sometimes and leads her to believe some woods are haunted.

Summary: I love this book!! 5 stars are by no means sufficient. Montgomery does an amazing job of creating realistic (yet unique) characters in entertainingly funny scenarios. A personal favorite is when Rachel Lynde (the town gossip) finds out that Anne’s temper may just be as fiery as her hair when Anne starts giving Lynde what-for in the most amusing, Anne-like way!

Book Review of Lad: A Dog

Lad: A Dog, by Albert Payson Terhune

5 stars!

Description: Lad is a collie of Sunnybank's countryside estate in the glory days before World War II. The book follows him through his life as he meets with one challenge after another; burglars, vicious dogs, the wiles of scheming neighbors, and all the stuff of life that puzzles a loyal dog who just wants to live in peace. The outrageous mischievousness of his fellow collie, Lady, Lad meets with a mixture of adoration and hopeless bewilderment; the very real danger of poisonous snakes and raging bulls, he meets with immediate courage. The last battle in this chronicle of his life is nothing less than breath-taking -- and heartbreaking.

Concerns: None.

Summary: Yes, I'm a sucker for a dog story. Lad: A Dog is a classic. The book is somewhat antiquated. If you're turned off by old-timey, slightly sentimental and moralistic tales, it might not be your style -- but if you like a dog story, you've got try it just because! Terhune wrote dozens of books about collies, and Lad is a multi-generational favorite. Doesn't everybody want a dog dog tough enough to defeat burglars, sheep-killing dogs and copperheads alike? This story -- although admittedly much embellished -- is based on true life story of a grand collie. If you like dogs, it's a must-read.

Book Review of The Jungle Book

The Jungle Book, by Rudyard Kipling

4 stars

Description: First, lose your image of a Disney-ified Baloo (and don't go correcting my grammar. Disney-ified either is or should be a word). Kipling's jungle displays not a tribe of goofy animals, but the the life and death struggle of a wolf pack. The jungle is a dangerous place; it can be a savage place. Above all, this jungle is the setting for a fantastic adventure of a boy and the wild creatures that protect and defend him as he grows and finally decides for himself what kind of a life he will lead.

Concerns: It's a different sort of book because it deals with a very wild setting. Can be violent and a mite dark (the sequels are more so). Humans in the book consider Mowgli a demon/sorcerer. Threats of execution. ***NOTE: review covers Mowgli and His Brothers, Kaa's Hunting, and Tiger! Tiger! It does not include other non-Mowgli stories (i.e. The White Seal), which are often published in the same volume.

Summary: Reading this book introduces the jungle as a strange and wondrous place. Danger is real, but so is friendship and loyalty; the harshness of life runs side by side with the sweet. Beyond the mysteries of the jungle itself, the story is fascinating way to follow a queer life story that spins completely outside the world as we know it. It's an odd tale, but it's worth exploring (and come on. With a name like Mowgli, how can you go wrong?).

Book Review of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, by C.S. Lewis

5 stars!

Description: Narnia, the awe-inspiring land of deep forests, talking animals, mythical creatures and talking trees, is ruled by the grim White Witch and her wolf-band of secret police. When four children from war-weary England stumble across the doorway to Narnia, an adventure unfolds... because the queen will suffer no human to enter her country. So begins the fulfillment of the ancient prophecies through treachery, courage, despair, and sacrifice, in a battle to overthrow the queen's evil reign.

Concerns: It bothers me that they refer to Aslan's power as magic, though he nether chants spells nor puts together crazy concoctions. He just is. The Witch, on the other hand, is clearly an argument against spells and the like, so my rationale is Lewis -- regrettably -- called it magic for lack of a better term.

Summary: This is still the fantasy book for kids. The Chronicles, together with Tolkein's trilogy, were the modern springboard for fantasy tales, and still is the standard today. Even the worst of fantasy books has a devoted following (say, the author, his mother, and little brother), but in over 50 years of readers devouring Narnia, it's safe to assume that the promise of a fascinating new world is fulfilled. So enter into a tale of wonder and high adventure!

Book Review of Peter Pan

Peter Pan, by J.M. Barrie

4 stars

Description: I suppose there's not much point in recapping the main plot, since most everyone knows it more or less. Don't expect that you know all the ins and outs of the story, though - there's much here to be picked up that can't be translated except through the books itself. The oft-overlooked lost boys are hilarious in their rapt imbecility (Tootles is sublime); Wendy's character is much more amusing than she gets credit for (I love the comment on the pet pirate!); and there's scores of sly clever lines threaded throughout.

Concerns: Big red flag - do not expect Disney. Although the book can be taken for intentional nonsense, it is violent; pirates and Indians are killed, and lots of talk about former battles in which previous "lost boys" were also. Tinker Bell also uses some un-ladylike nasty language. One other matters, Peter himself is thoughtless and not very impressive as a character. The parents of the Darling children aren't exactly role models.

Summary: On the surface, it's an adventure of pirates and forests and Indians and the joyous abandon of happy-go-lucky adventuring. Underneath, it's a witty perspective on kids and imagination, obviously come by with experience (white rats? make-believe dinner?). Although somewhat dark at times, things turn right at the end and it's an engaging read. One of my favorites.