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Book Review – Island of the Blue Dolphins

Book Review – Island of the Blue Dolphins

by | Book Review TC May 2022, Book Reviews, Early Adolescence (12-15), Later Adolescence (15-18), MFA, TC May 2022, Tomorrow's Child

Island of the Blue Dolphins

By Scott O’Dell

The Island of the Blue Dolphins is a historical fiction novel, based on a true story about a girl named Karana, who was stuck living in isolation for 18 years. In the story, Karana lives on an island with her family, and the rest of the Ghalas-at people. They all live in peace until the Aleut people arrive and take their resources, and all the Ghalas-at people are forced to leave the island. They accidentally leave Karana behind, where she is to fend for herself.

The progression of this story’s plot was unlike many stories I’ve read before. It started as a simple story about a girl’s family and tribe life on San Nicolas Island and moved into a story about how a girl lived in isolation for so many years. Along with the progression of the plot came character development. Karana knew how to live her life with what she had, but this came into play when she was stranded.

I think that the Island of the Blue Dolphins is a great book because it portrays a way of life. It gives a new aspect to the reader about different lifestyles people have all around the world. Another reason I enjoyed this book was because of the plot twists; just when you thought something came to an end, it opened with a new beginning; it made this book all the more interesting to read and kept the reader hooked.

I would best recommend this book for ages 12+, and the reason for that is that the book has some themes, such as isolation and extreme perseverance. In the story, Karana goes through so much that I couldn’t imagine someone under 12 understanding. Another reason that I recommend this book to a 12+ audience is because of the style of writing. The way the book was worded might be hard for a younger audience to understand the concept.

Overall, I enjoyed the book and recommend it to anyone who likes to read true stories. This book will keep you reading. Between Karana’s adventures and how she keeps herself company, you won’t want to put the book down!

Reviewed by Danica Kovacevic, 8th grade, NewGate School, Sarasota, Florida

Book Review – Flower Garden

Book Review – Flower Garden

by | Book Review TC May 2022, Book Reviews, Infant-Toddler (0 to 3), MFA, Primary (3-6), TC May 2022, Toddler (18 months-3 years), Tomorrow's Child

Flower Garden

Written by Eve Bunting Illustrated by Kathryn Hewitt

Another book by Eve Bunting! This talented woman has written many books for children from two years old to teenagers, in all different settings, and in varied real-life situations. She doesn’t try to hide the truth or to tip toe around uncomfortable topics. Her stories have heart and sometimes raw emotion. The illustrations in her books are usually quite realistic and enhance her words beautifully. Her books raise her readers’ social consciousness – sometimes subtly and sometimes flat out!

Flower Garden is the story of a dad and his daughter putting together a beautiful surprise for his wife and her mother’s birthday. It’s set in a city where they live several stories up in an apartment building. They ride public transportation to and from the grocery store, where they buy plants, a window box, and cake and ice cream.

Mom isn’t home, so they can quickly plant the flowers in the window box before she arrives. She is surprised and happy when she gets home!

In this book the words rhyme. Young children love rhyming! In this book, the reader may not be aware that they are learning about people of different races, or they may recognize themselves in the characters. It is a beautiful book that young children will enjoy over and over again at home or in school.

Reviewed by Lorna McGrath

Book Review – Hold This!

Book Review – Hold This!

by | Book Review TC May 2022, Book Reviews, MFA, Primary (3-6), TC May 2022, Toddler (18 months-3 years), Tomorrow's Child

Hold This!

As a dad and his young daughter, Mika, take a walk through the woods, Mika finds so many treasures that she wants to keep and take home. She finds a stick and a frog and some water and leaves and a sparkling stone and more. Mika wants her dad to put these items in his backpack or pockets, but he reminds her several times that she is a “big girl” and can carry her own treasures. At the end, Mika asks once more, “I know I’m a big girl, but…will you hold this?” as she reaches her hand up to him.

Written by Carolyn Cory Scoppettone Illustrated by Priscilla Alpaugh

Children love to collect things in nature. We often encourage them to leave them there or to carry the treasures themselves. Really, the very best part of a walk-in nature is the time spent together. Children two to six years old will enjoy this book.

Reviewed by Lorna McGrath

Book Review – The Vegetarian Cookbook: More Than 50 Recipes for Young Cooks

Book Review – The Vegetarian Cookbook: More Than 50 Recipes for Young Cooks

by | Book Review TC May 2022, Book Reviews, MFA, Mixed Ages, Practical Life, Primary (3-6), TC May 2022, Tomorrow's Child

The Vegetarian Cookbook: More than 50 Recipes for Young Cooks

Written by DK publishers

My son and his family are vegetarians. I wondered if there were any vegetarian cookbooks for children. So I went searching and, lo and behold, there were quite a few!

I found one that looked good to me (on the internet), it was the right age grouping for my grandson, and the description seemed like it was laid out in a way that was easy to use and simple enough for a young child. I bought it. Well, much to my chagrin, this book was not child friendly or, in my case, adult friendly. All the measurements were in grams, the photos showing the steps were too small (about 16 on an 8×10 page), and the photos had no instructions. At any rate it was totally unsuitable for me (master’s degree in Home ‘Ec’ and a Montessori 3-6 credentialed teacher) or for my grandson (5 years old, loves to eat and cook, and goes to a Montessori school). What a disappointment!

Today, I looked again and found a beautiful book by DK publishers with beautiful photos, an introductory section with kitchen rules, equipment, and healthy eating with food groups. Once the child is prepared, we get into the recipes that include breakfasts, snacks, lunches, drinks, entrées, and sweets. There are easy-to-follow steps with one photo and brief written instructions for each step. Everything looks delicious, as DK is masterful with their photographic illustrations. I can’t wait to cook with my grandson next time he comes over. The recipes would work for 4–8-year-olds and their parents or some other adults who love to eat and cook! It can be found on amazon.com

Book Review – Fly Away Home

Book Review – Fly Away Home

by | Book Review TC May 2022, Book Reviews, MFA, Montessori Middle School, Reading, TC May 2022, Tomorrow's Child

Fly Away Home

Written by Eve Bunting Illustrated by Ronald Himler

This is a book for elementary and even middle-school children. Andrew and his dad are homeless. They live in the airport. They must never be noticed, or airport security will throw them out onto the streets. Andrew’s dad works on the weekends as a janitor. It’s a lonely and sad life. Andrew sometimes gets angry about his mother dying and losing their apartment. He knows they must save their money to get a new apartment to live in. He saw a bird that flew into the terminal and couldn’t get out until one day it saw a door open and flew off. The bird gave Andrew hope.

Fly Away Home should be talked about with a parent or teacher, as homelessness is a problem in many places that hasn’t been solved. It is also often thought of as a situation that just drunks or mentally-ill people experience. Andrew and his father were not. They were just ordinary people who had fallen on hard times.

The book could be a catalyst for social consciousness and justice, for community service, or for action for change in our communities and countries.