Since it is banned book week, I wanted to find a book that was banned for no apparent reason. I scanned the list, and came across "Harriet the Spy".
This is a book that not only I enjoyed, but was a book my sister and I could share without arguments. A rare tome indeed!
Harriet was a young girl who wanted to grow up to be a writer and a spy. So every day, after school Harriet puts on her spy clothes, jeans, a hoodie, eye glasses without the glass in them <because they made her look smart>, and most importantly her notebook. Then she spies on her neighbors while writing candid observations about how she views them. The year Harriet enters sixth grade two things occur which profoundly affect her. One is, her nanny, Ole Golly, decides Harriet doesn't need her anymore, and leaves, The other is her classmates find her notebook.
The entire class becomes angry at Harriet because of what she writes about them. Harriet is ostracized and picked on in turns. Nowadays the bullying would bring down directors, counselors, the police and news reporters. But back in 1964 bullied children were left to deal with it on their own. Harriet struggles through sixth grade with the other children making life miserable. Finally her grades suffer, and in desperation her parents send her to a child psychologist. Although Harriet is unimpressed with him, he actually turns out to be a very smart man. Because of him, Harriet becomes her class newspaper editor, but more importantly, Harriet's nanny, Ole Golly's writes her a letter that changes things for Harriet. \
I love Harriet's character. Harriet is full of self confidence, even with the other children picking on her. Her self confidence makes her unafraid to take chances. She holds her head up throughout the school year and continues to respect herself even though no one else does. In her own words she says:
"WHEN I GROW UP I WILL BE A SPY. I WILL BE THE BEST SPY THERE EVER WAS AND I WILL KNOW EVERYTHING. EVERYTHING."
Harriet got a harsh life lesson but she teaches as much as she learns.
The book was banned in 1983 by a school in Ohio because they thought it set a bad example for children. Harriet "talked back", swore <I don't actually remember any swearing> and walked around spying on people. The excuses people make for banning books borderlines psychotic sometimes. It would be so much smarter to read the book first, then discuss it with your children, but of course actually reading a book would go against the grain of the Thought Police.
"Harriet the Spy" is a great book. Funny, exciting and insightful. Read it and find out!
Friday, September 30, 2011
Friday, September 23, 2011
Mrs. Piggle Wiggle
Mrs. Piggle Wiggle was written by Betty MacDonald. These books were originally stories she used to tell her children, nieces and nephews growing up. Thankfully, she published them and now they can be shared with other generations.
Mrs. Piggle Wiggle is every child's ideal grown up. She always listens, she never fusses if you break something, and she has a wonderful house full of strange and magical items brought back by her husband during his days as a pirate.
Mr. Piggle Wiggle also brought back some very strange potions. Things that the parents appreciated more than the children. Mr. Piggle Wiggle brought back cures for some of the children's bad habits. Some of the cures were simple common sense, but the others were more esoteric, cleverly administrated by stealth or trickery. For example, in the cry baby cure,Mrs. Piggle Wiggle helps a young lady named Melody stop crying over every little thing. The cure comes in the form of a tonic that smells like vanilla, but after taking it, when Melody begins to cry, she cries so much she can literally fill up a room! Whether it is from fear of drowning, or the tonic itself, Melody finally stops the waterworks
But Mrs. Piggle Wiggle doesn't just use the magical potions Mr. Piggle Wiggle left her. When Hubert Prentiss refuses to clean his room up, Mrs. Piggle Wiggle advises his mother to leave him alone. Eventually his room becomes so messy he can't leave it. That's when Mrs. Piggle Wiggle comes down the street with a group of children. They are going to the circus. She invites Hubert along and waits while he cleans his room.
Some of her cures involved using animals. In Mrs. Piggle Wiggle's Farm, she has a pig, named Lester who teaches the children good manners. In another book, she has a parrot named Gertrude who teaches a young lady how rude answering back can be.
There are five Mrs. Piggle Wiggle books. The last one written was done fifty years after the original publishing date of the first. It was co authored by Betty MacDonald's daughter Anne. In it she has a story that was written by her mother and never published, as well as stories written based on her mother's notes.
Boys and Girls from about 5 and up will love these books. Although they are kind of old fashioned <in one book she talks about a young girl knitting a scarf for Mrs. Piggle Wiggle, while listening to her show on the radio> children will still enjoy them.
The thing I like most about the books is that children are actually doing things. Woodworking, baking, playing outdoors, and making believe. But that is just the parent in me. I miss those days when kids went out to play all day every day.
Boys and Girls will enjoy these books. And why not? Every neighborhood should have their own Mrs. Piggle Wiggle.
Mrs. Piggle Wiggle is every child's ideal grown up. She always listens, she never fusses if you break something, and she has a wonderful house full of strange and magical items brought back by her husband during his days as a pirate.
Mr. Piggle Wiggle also brought back some very strange potions. Things that the parents appreciated more than the children. Mr. Piggle Wiggle brought back cures for some of the children's bad habits. Some of the cures were simple common sense, but the others were more esoteric, cleverly administrated by stealth or trickery. For example, in the cry baby cure,Mrs. Piggle Wiggle helps a young lady named Melody stop crying over every little thing. The cure comes in the form of a tonic that smells like vanilla, but after taking it, when Melody begins to cry, she cries so much she can literally fill up a room! Whether it is from fear of drowning, or the tonic itself, Melody finally stops the waterworks
But Mrs. Piggle Wiggle doesn't just use the magical potions Mr. Piggle Wiggle left her. When Hubert Prentiss refuses to clean his room up, Mrs. Piggle Wiggle advises his mother to leave him alone. Eventually his room becomes so messy he can't leave it. That's when Mrs. Piggle Wiggle comes down the street with a group of children. They are going to the circus. She invites Hubert along and waits while he cleans his room.
Some of her cures involved using animals. In Mrs. Piggle Wiggle's Farm, she has a pig, named Lester who teaches the children good manners. In another book, she has a parrot named Gertrude who teaches a young lady how rude answering back can be.
There are five Mrs. Piggle Wiggle books. The last one written was done fifty years after the original publishing date of the first. It was co authored by Betty MacDonald's daughter Anne. In it she has a story that was written by her mother and never published, as well as stories written based on her mother's notes.
Boys and Girls from about 5 and up will love these books. Although they are kind of old fashioned <in one book she talks about a young girl knitting a scarf for Mrs. Piggle Wiggle, while listening to her show on the radio> children will still enjoy them.
The thing I like most about the books is that children are actually doing things. Woodworking, baking, playing outdoors, and making believe. But that is just the parent in me. I miss those days when kids went out to play all day every day.
Boys and Girls will enjoy these books. And why not? Every neighborhood should have their own Mrs. Piggle Wiggle.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Al Capone Does My Shirts
Last year, while on vacation at Surf City on LBI I read two books. The first was "Last of the Mohicans". The other was "Al Capone Does My Shirts." I don't know what it says about me, but I enjoyed the latter book more.
"Al Capone Does My Shirts" is a children's book. They list it as young adult, but I promise you that if you have a son or daughter around the age of 9 or up who enjoys a really good story, they will love this book.
The story takes place in 1935 and is told through the eyes of a boy named Moose Flanagan. Jobs are scarce during the great depression, and Moose's father has just gotten a job as a prison guard on Alcatraz Island. In those days, entire families lived on the Island, so Moose, his mom, dad and older sister move into one of the cottages there. Moose's sister is autistic. Her mother is desperate to get her into a special school which costs quite a bit of money, but is affordable as long as Moose's dad keeps his job. The school however, only accepts younger students. This was often the case in that time because they felt that younger children would learn, whereas young adults couldn't. Moose's mother tells everyone her daughter is 10, although she is 16. Ultimately, the school turns her down. That is when Moose has an idea. He will ask Al Capone for a favor.
Al Capone is one of the prisoners housed on the Island. The children are strictly forbidden to have any contact at all with the prisoners, except in an official capacity. Some of the prisoners act as handymen, some act as chefs, Al Capone works in the laundry. Moose sends him a note, via the laundry asking Al Capone to help his sister. Although Al Capone comes through, results lead Moose to learn the lesson, "Be careful what you wish for."
There is a second novel in this series called "Al Capone Shines My Shoes". After I read the first book I waited for the second one to come out and bought it the first day it became available.
Gennifer Choldenko is the author. She has a sister with autism, and worked for a while on Alcatraz, so that the two experiences were able to come together. The book earned a Newberry Honor, although in my opinion it should be the winner. This is an excellent book, well written and very exciting for both boys and girls. It is definitely a book everyone can enjoy!
"Al Capone Does My Shirts" is a children's book. They list it as young adult, but I promise you that if you have a son or daughter around the age of 9 or up who enjoys a really good story, they will love this book.
The story takes place in 1935 and is told through the eyes of a boy named Moose Flanagan. Jobs are scarce during the great depression, and Moose's father has just gotten a job as a prison guard on Alcatraz Island. In those days, entire families lived on the Island, so Moose, his mom, dad and older sister move into one of the cottages there. Moose's sister is autistic. Her mother is desperate to get her into a special school which costs quite a bit of money, but is affordable as long as Moose's dad keeps his job. The school however, only accepts younger students. This was often the case in that time because they felt that younger children would learn, whereas young adults couldn't. Moose's mother tells everyone her daughter is 10, although she is 16. Ultimately, the school turns her down. That is when Moose has an idea. He will ask Al Capone for a favor.
Al Capone is one of the prisoners housed on the Island. The children are strictly forbidden to have any contact at all with the prisoners, except in an official capacity. Some of the prisoners act as handymen, some act as chefs, Al Capone works in the laundry. Moose sends him a note, via the laundry asking Al Capone to help his sister. Although Al Capone comes through, results lead Moose to learn the lesson, "Be careful what you wish for."
There is a second novel in this series called "Al Capone Shines My Shoes". After I read the first book I waited for the second one to come out and bought it the first day it became available.
Gennifer Choldenko is the author. She has a sister with autism, and worked for a while on Alcatraz, so that the two experiences were able to come together. The book earned a Newberry Honor, although in my opinion it should be the winner. This is an excellent book, well written and very exciting for both boys and girls. It is definitely a book everyone can enjoy!
Friday, September 9, 2011
Johnny Tremain
In 1891 a woman was born in Massachusetts who would, in later life win not only the coveted Newberry award for children's writings, but also a Pulitzer prize. Her name was Esther Forbes and she is best known for having written the book "Johnny Tremain".
Johnny Tremain is a young man living in Boston during the time of the American Revolution. When the book opens Johnny is a promising young apprentice to a silver smith. Johnny's master is an elderly, pious but good hearted gentleman. Had he lived now he would have no doubt sold out to a corporation and settled in Florida, but because he lived in Boston in the 1700's retirement plans meant keeping good apprentices. Johnny was an excellent apprentice. Hard working, smart, and talented. Unfortunately he was also arrogant. Because his master was older, and didn't listen as well as he used Johnny sat in on orders so that he could take notes. One day John Hancock came in with a repair on a piece that Johnny's master had made many years prior. Johnny promises the repair in set number of days, and pushes the other two apprentices to make sure it gets done. His master's daughter in law, Mrs. Lapham aids and abets him in this, knowing that the repair would bring in not only much needed cash, but also would up their standing in the community, leading to more business. The two other apprentices are worked so hard that they fight back. As Johnny illegally works on the sabbath they decide to sabotage his efforts by giving him a bad melting pot, As Johnny reaches for it, the pot breaks with molten silver spewing out all over Johnny's hand.
With his hand severely burned, Johnny can no longer work as a silver smith. One might think that the end of the story, but in fact it is only the beginning. Johnny goes on and becomes a part of the revolution in Concord and Lexington in ways he could never imagine.
I first read this book when I was probably nine or ten. Now as an adult, as I reread it, I discovered an amazing amount of history. Although probably 3/4 of the character's are fictional, there are enough real life characters in the book to make it sound authentic. And Esther Forbes' writing is both informative and entertaining. As you read through her book, you can truly imagine the sights, and sounds of Boston. You hear fishmongers call attention to wares, you walk past taverns smelling ale, chocolate and coffee being served. You hear the grumblings in the reactions of the men who read the pamphlets and papers denouncing King George, and observe the anger of the British regiments who served him.
Each of those threads bring together a wonderful story, one in which you are not only entertained, but informed. If you want a sneaky way to get your children to read history, "Johnny Tremain" would be a great place to start!
Johnny Tremain is a young man living in Boston during the time of the American Revolution. When the book opens Johnny is a promising young apprentice to a silver smith. Johnny's master is an elderly, pious but good hearted gentleman. Had he lived now he would have no doubt sold out to a corporation and settled in Florida, but because he lived in Boston in the 1700's retirement plans meant keeping good apprentices. Johnny was an excellent apprentice. Hard working, smart, and talented. Unfortunately he was also arrogant. Because his master was older, and didn't listen as well as he used Johnny sat in on orders so that he could take notes. One day John Hancock came in with a repair on a piece that Johnny's master had made many years prior. Johnny promises the repair in set number of days, and pushes the other two apprentices to make sure it gets done. His master's daughter in law, Mrs. Lapham aids and abets him in this, knowing that the repair would bring in not only much needed cash, but also would up their standing in the community, leading to more business. The two other apprentices are worked so hard that they fight back. As Johnny illegally works on the sabbath they decide to sabotage his efforts by giving him a bad melting pot, As Johnny reaches for it, the pot breaks with molten silver spewing out all over Johnny's hand.
With his hand severely burned, Johnny can no longer work as a silver smith. One might think that the end of the story, but in fact it is only the beginning. Johnny goes on and becomes a part of the revolution in Concord and Lexington in ways he could never imagine.
I first read this book when I was probably nine or ten. Now as an adult, as I reread it, I discovered an amazing amount of history. Although probably 3/4 of the character's are fictional, there are enough real life characters in the book to make it sound authentic. And Esther Forbes' writing is both informative and entertaining. As you read through her book, you can truly imagine the sights, and sounds of Boston. You hear fishmongers call attention to wares, you walk past taverns smelling ale, chocolate and coffee being served. You hear the grumblings in the reactions of the men who read the pamphlets and papers denouncing King George, and observe the anger of the British regiments who served him.
Each of those threads bring together a wonderful story, one in which you are not only entertained, but informed. If you want a sneaky way to get your children to read history, "Johnny Tremain" would be a great place to start!
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Big Red
This week my blog is thanks to someone who reminded me about a book I had read and forgotten years ago. A book entitled, "Big Red." "Big Red" is told through the eyes of Danny Pickett. Danny and his father live in a cabin on the property of a man who raises champion Irish setters. The owner offers to teach Danny about the raising and training of show dogs. When the owner sees how closely Danny and the dog bond, he allows the boy to keep Big Red at his home. In the end, the bonding brings Red and Danny face to face with a killer bear. Together they face down this formidable animal that has ruled the territory for many years.
"Big Red" was written by Jim Kjelgaard, a writer and naturalist born in New York City. Despite being born in the city, his life was dedicated to exploring the country's wilderness, and writing about the experience. He was a hunter, a fisherman, and photographer who along with his wife and daughter lived in various unspoiled areas. Despite only living 49 years, he gave children many books that they enjoy to this day, including a trilogy of books based on Big Red.
Jim Kjelgaard's style can easily be compared to Jack London. Like London, Kjelgaard's books focus on the wilderness and the dangers within them. His descriptions are both direct and evocative. When he describes Danny sitting alone in the dark with the dog, hearing the approach of the bear, you can see it as clearly as if Danny is just a few inches away.
These books are written for the 9-13 year old set. While the Kjelgaard mainly wrote stories that were meant for boys, girls should have no problem enjoying them as well especially if they love dogs.
Pick up "Big Red" for your kids. They'll be glad you did!
"Big Red" was written by Jim Kjelgaard, a writer and naturalist born in New York City. Despite being born in the city, his life was dedicated to exploring the country's wilderness, and writing about the experience. He was a hunter, a fisherman, and photographer who along with his wife and daughter lived in various unspoiled areas. Despite only living 49 years, he gave children many books that they enjoy to this day, including a trilogy of books based on Big Red.
Jim Kjelgaard's style can easily be compared to Jack London. Like London, Kjelgaard's books focus on the wilderness and the dangers within them. His descriptions are both direct and evocative. When he describes Danny sitting alone in the dark with the dog, hearing the approach of the bear, you can see it as clearly as if Danny is just a few inches away.
These books are written for the 9-13 year old set. While the Kjelgaard mainly wrote stories that were meant for boys, girls should have no problem enjoying them as well especially if they love dogs.
Pick up "Big Red" for your kids. They'll be glad you did!
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