Orphan Train: 4 Stars
This book alternates between the the present-day story of Molly, a headstrong foster teen doing community service for a wealthy elderly widow in Maine, and Vivien, a resilient orphan girl in Minnesota during the Great Depression. I learned so much about 19th century orphan trains - a part of history I had no idea even existed - and Kline does a fantastic job portraying the Depression era. I was sucked in. Halfway through the book, you realize that the elderly woman in Maine is actually the orphan girl, Vivien. The two characters, Molly and Vivien, though different in age (by 70 years), share similar pasts, personalities, and heartbreaks and become close friends. I loved the overall themes of this book and I was fascinated by the history. But Molly's language and whining really got on my nerves - maybe that's realistic and I just can't stand teenagers in general. In any case, I would have rated this book higher if it hadn't been for the obnoxious language.
Where the Red Fern Grows: 4 Stars
I just finished reading this with Brigham who loves dogs as much as any boy ever written about. Turns out he loves racoons too and was shocked to hear that "hunting coons" means killing them. "What? What? You mean. . . you mean. . . they killed it? What kind of book is this?" It took him several chapters to warm up to the idea of coon hunting. But the writing is phenomenal and we stayed up way too late at nights not wanting to put it down. "Where the Red Fern Grows" is a book that needs to be read and loved and read again. But it's sad. It's not Summer of the Monkeys. The ending about tore Brigham's heart out - just like it would any boy who'd lost a favorite pet. I don't think either of us will ever forget the moments we spent sharing this book together.
Searching for Dragons: 3 Stars
This is the second book in the Dealing with Dragons series. It's just as cute and clever as the first. I can't wait to pass these books on to my girls when they're a little older.
The Wishing Spell: 4 Stars
I read this with Clayton and Isaac. They loved it and were offended when I complained about the terrible writing. This is obviously Chris Colfer's first book. . . ever. And, although I hear his writing is much better in the next book, he really is a terrible writer. Don't expect J.K. Rowling or anything. That being said, Colfer is a fantastic storyteller and fairy tales took on a whole new meaning for me. Still 4 stars, despite all the cringing I did over the writing, and still deserving of it's spot on Isaac's Name that Book Club reading list.
Picture Book Spotlight: Over the River and Through the Wood
This book has been a family favorite for years. I just love Christopher Manson's gorgeous woodcut illustrations - I could frame the whole thing. And of course I always love books that are songs. We have so much fun singing this - upping the tempo, pitch, and volume with each verse until the final rollicking Hurrah! I wish we could go over the river and through the woods to grandmothers house for real. But since we can't do that very often, this book is a welcome substitute.
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