Book Review: A Break with Charity by Ann Rinaldi

A Break with Charity by Ann Rinaldi
Great Episodes Series

Unabridged, 7 hr. 13 min.
AudioGo
Laura Hicks (Narrator)
May 1, 2013
★★★★½☆

Genre: Historical Fiction, YA

Source: Received download from the publisher as part of Audiobook Jukebox Solid Gold Reviewer Program

“Susanna desperately wants to join the circle of girls who meet every week at the parsonage. What she doesn't realize is that the girls are about to set off a torrent of false accusations leading to the imprisonment and execution of countless innocent people. Susanna faces a painful choice. Should she keep quiet and let the witch-hunt panic continue, or should she "break charity" with the group--and risk having her own family members named as witches?”

This was my second go-around with this book – the first time I read it I was in my early teens – and I remembered loving the book, but didn’t remember much about the book other than that.

As a part of her Great Episodes series, this book deals with a segment of history that was very important – in this case, the Salem witch trials.

Rinaldi chooses a protagonist who is sort of situated just outside the circle of drama. Susanna isn’t one of the girls who call out witches, she isn’t one of those who is called out, however this drama does envelop her. It was nice to see someone who wasn’t one of the “afflicted girls” for once. It gives a different side to the story – a outsiders perspective.

Unlike many YA HF novels, there isn’t a love story/triangle here. The history isn’t just used as a background event, it really digs in, but still keeps it engaging and interesting for the younger set. One of the author’s strengths is keeping the story appropriate for a young audience, but still readable/enjoyable for the adult set.

I certainly want to read more of Rinaldi’s books, and I’m hoping that more of them continue to be released on audio.

★★★★½☆

The narrator on this audio production did a great job at portraying the characters differently and making them distinct personas. For once, the narration didn’t sound ridiculous when she would voice male characters. I would listen to her narrating another novel.

Author Ann Rinaldi also has written many, many other YA historical fiction novels. You can find a complete listing of her novels on Rinaldi’s website.

My reviews of other books by this author:

• The Fifth of March

Reviews of this book by other bloggers:

• Leafing Through Life
• The Bookworm’s Library

Here are some choices for purchasing the book: Amazon, B&N, RJ Julia (my fav indie bookstore).

 

Copyright © 2013 by The Maiden’s Court

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Book Review: The Notorious Benedict Arnold by Steve Sheinkin

The Notorious Benedict Arnold by Steve Sheinkin
Unabridged, 6 hr. 51 min.
Listening Library
Mark Bramhall (Narrator)
July 12, 2012
★★★★☆

Genre: Non-Fiction, Biography, YA

Source: Downloaded the audio from my local library

“Most people know that Benedict Arnold was America’s first, most notorious traitor. Few know that he was also one of its greatest war heroes. This accessible biography introduces young readers to the real Arnold: reckless, heroic, and driven. Packed with first-person accounts, astonishing battle scenes, and surprising twists, this is a gripping and true adventure tale.”

Like most people, I grew up knowing pretty much only one thing about Benedict Arnold – that he was a traitor to the Americans during the Revolution. I didn’t even know that he was from Connecticut (about 2 towns away from where I grew up)! However, in most cases, there is typically a deeper story there – and that is what Sheinkin gives us in The Notorious Benedict Arnold. By the time I reached the end of the book I had an entirely new viewpoint on the man. Yes, he is still a traitor, but he was an amazing soldier for the Americans before his turn and a confluence of events led him to change sides. I can admire the man for the things that he did before become a traitor (and although I knew it was coming, I was disappointed when he switched alliegances).

This was one of those non-fictions that really felt more like a novel. The pages carried you from event to event and it felt like you were right there within the action while still giving you enough background information. Sheinkin turns the paper cut-out traitor into a real man of flesh and blood. I also learned quite a bit about British spy-master, John Andre. I always knew that he was ultimately executed by the Americans for spying, but I couldn’t believe how dumb he was about it – he violated all of the basic tenants of espionage at war and that cost him his life.

I didn’t know until putting this review together that this book is a non-fiction book for young adults. I wouldn’t have been able to tell you that by just reading the book. I imagine that the fast-paced, storytelling nature of the book would really entice a young reader who picked it up, but it is quite a valuable book for adults as well. I would recommend this to any student who is taking a US history class, high school or adult, as it really gives you a side of the story you don’t hear about elsewhere.

There was a strong afterword/author’s note at the end of the book which I very much appreciated. I also found his theory for the boot monument intriguing – more about that later.

★★★★☆

The narrator did an excellent job of keeping the story moving and was quite entertaining to listen to.

Steve Sheinkin also has written several other books including:
Bomb: The Race to Build—and Steal—the World's Most Dangerous Weapon and Lincoln’s Grave Robbers which would appeal to adults as well as Two Miserable Presidents: Everything Your Schoolbooks Didn't Tell You About the Civil War, King George: What Was His Problem?: Everything Your Schoolbooks Didn't Tell You About the American Revolution, and Which Way to the Wild West?: Everything Your Schoolbooks Didn't Tell You About Westward Expansion which would appeal to children (illustrated). You can visit the author’s website for additional information about the book. If you would like to preview the story before reading it, try listening to the author reading an excerpt of the book?

Reviews of this book by other bloggers:

• The Non-Traditional Librarian
• CrossCountryReading

Here are some choices for purchasing the book: Amazon, B&N, RJ Julia (my fav indie bookstore).

 

Copyright © 2013 by The Maiden’s Court

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Book Review: I Thought My Soul Would Rise and Fly by Joyce Hansen

I Thought My Soul Would Rise and Fly: The Diary of Patsy, a Freed Girl, Mars Bluff, South Carolina, 1865
by Joyce Hansen
Dear America Diary Series
Unabridged, 4 hr.
Scholastic
Barbara Rosenblat and Sisi Johnson (Narrator)
July 30, 2005
★★★½☆☆

Genre: Historical Fiction, Young Adult

Source: Downloaded to audio from my local library

“Patsy, an orphaned slave, has taught herself to read and write on the sly. After the Civil War ends and slavery is abolished, Patsy believes her master will keep his word and pay the former house slaves and provide an education for the slave children. But when Master Davis ignores his promise to establish a school, and the Freedmen’s Bureau can’t send a teacher, Patsy steps in to teach the students, old and young, to read and write.

Patsy’s diary is filled with courage, conviction, and hope as she strives toward freedom—freedom from slavery and freedom from the limitations placed on her by others.”

This book in the series takes place on a plantation in South Carolina just after the end of the Civil War. Patsy, our diary writer, is now a former slave trying to figure out what it means to be “free”. Being free seems to be almost the same as being a slave when many of the things promised to them do not materialize but Patsy is determined to be truly free.

This is truly a coming of age story – but not in your typical way. At the beginning of the book Patsy is quiet and perfectly content to hang out in the background. But as things start to change and she realizes that she has something that all her fellow men and women on the plantation need – the ability to read and write – she begins to find herself much more in demand and important. This happens in a very natural way, given the situation.

This story might be a little more difficult for younger readers to connect with especially if they don’t have a working knowledge of the Pre-Civil War and Reconstruction life for African-Americans. However, if they do have some knowledge of the times, this book gives an insightful view of what a former slave’s life might have been like immediately following the end of slavery.

★★★★☆

The narrator did a pretty good job of nailing the manner with which the young Patsy speaks and fills her narration with the feeling of wonder and interest with everything. You really get the feeling that she is whispering her secrets to her journal in a corner like she would wish a friend.

This is author Joyce Hansen’s only book in the Dear America Diary series however she has written several of fiction and non-fiction works. You can visit her website for additional information. If you are looking for further discussion about this book with you children, check out this discussion and activity guide from Scholastic.

My reviews of other books in this series:

• Across the Wide and Lonesome Prairie
• Winter of the Red Snow
• My Secret War

Reviews of this book by others:

• The Hope Chest Reviews
• Ana Mardoll’s Ramblings

 

Copyright © 2013 by The Maiden’s Court

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Book Review: My Secret War by Mary Pope Osborne

My Secret War: The World War II Diary of Madeline Beck,
Long Island New York, 1941
by Mary Pope Osborne
Dear America Diary Series
Unabridged, 3 hr. 15 min.
Scholastic
Barbara Rosenblat (Narrator)
April 1, 2008
★★★★☆

Genre: Historical Fiction, Young Adult

Source: Downloaded audio from my local library

“In a diary that brings to life the dramatic happenings on the home front during World War II, Madeline Beck is living in a boardinghouse with her mother while her father is on an aircraft carrier guarding the Pacific Coast. After discovering that a German U-boat has landed near her home - a little-known, true incident on Long Island - she and her classmates form "Kids Fight for Freedom" and participate in the home front war effort.”

This is another diary in the Dear America series this time focusing on the home-front effort during World War II. I haven’t read very much set during WWII, but what I have has primarily been set abroad. Not only was it new and interesting to see how the home-front reacted to the war, but also to see it from a child/teenager perspective was novel. We see many of the typical things such as book, blood, scrap and can drives, but I really liked how Madeline founded the “Kids Fight for Freedom” club. I’m sure that there were many such clubs like this where even the kids were doing what they could to ensure that their fathers/brothers/relatives would come home.

The main character’s father is in the military so we see what it is like to have a family member serving overseas. The letters that they send and receive are so precious to them and are a lifeline throughout the war. Madeline and her crush get caught up in the secret German U-boat landing. While this is a real event, it almost felt fantastical the way it was portrayed. The events surrounding the landing felt like right out of a spy/action novel rather than what you would necessarily expect from a Dear America novel.

This was a different take on the typical war story. There is sadness and dark times, but also times where the characters pull together to help each other through and forge deep ties with other community members. Even as an adult, I learned a lot about the way of life in a small town during this time period.

★★★★★

The narrator of this book was FABULOUS! I always say that when listening to a diary, the narrator has to be very convincing and truly evoke the character that they are voicing. You need to be able to believe that you are hearing the inner musings of the diary’s author – be in their brain perhaps. The narrator had the right mix of emotion, excitement, and sadness as were appropriate.

Author Mary Pope Osborne also has written Standing in the Light (another book from the Dear America series) as well as two books from the spin-off My America series (as well as other books). You can visit the author’s website for additional information about the books. If you are looking for activities to enhance your reading experience with your children, check out this discussion guide/lesson plan from Scholastic.

This book is currently out of print, but you can find it from used sellers or try your local library. Scholastic is currently working on re-releasing many of the books in the Dear America series as well as releasing new books in this series. More when it becomes available.

My reviews of other books in this series:

• Across the Wide and Lonesome Prairie (Oregon Trail Diary)
• Winter of the Red Snow (Valley Forge Diary)
• I Thought My Soul Would Rise and Fly (Diary of a Freed Girl)

Reviews of this book by others:

• Caitlin Schwatka on Goodreads
• Ana Mardoll’s Ramblings

 

Copyright © 2012 by The Maiden’s Court

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Interview with Larry Peterson

Today I have the chance to welcome Larry Peterson, author of The Priest and the Peaches.  His book is a historical fiction novel set in the Bronx in the mid-1960s targeted to a YA audience.  There is humor and sadness but most of all an inspiring story.

What was the inspiration behind your novel?


My brothers, sister and I did lose our folks when we were quite young but I never actually considered writing about anything relating to those days. Then, about four years ago our brother, Bobby, suddenly passed away. After his funeral we were all hanging out with old friends at a pub in Monroe, NY. Stories of "back in the day" began to flow free and easy and before you knew everyone was laughing and more and more memories were being triggered. Even though it was a sad time it also became a beautiful time. That was when I began thinking of using our experience as the basis for "The Priest and The Peaches."

Do you see any of yourself within the cast of characters you created?

Yes, I'm sure I can find part of myself in Teddy Peach.

Why did you choose to write a Young Adult novel?

I did want to write this at the YA level because I wanted to demonstrate to the younger folk the power of family love and forgiveness. We do live in a very "me-istic" society where self-gtratification seems to be revered and I simply wanted to present another side to that mind-set showing that giving of oneself instead of thinking of yourself can be very rewarding.

What do you hope a reader can take away from your novel?

How imporatnt it is to L-Y-N (Love your neighbor).

What difficulties, if any, did you encounter while writing this novel?

The development of the antagonist, Beatrice Amon, was challenging but as she began to come "alive" I entered into her bleak world and began to really understand her. I believe I was able to capture the "real" Beatrice and share her with the reader.

Your book is set in the Bronx; do you have experience living in this area? How did you capture the character of this city?

Thanks for the easy question. I was born and raised in the Bronx. It is part of who I am. As I began to write the book the sights, smells, sounds, the people, the streets and so on turned into a DVD inside my head. It is amazing to discover how many memories you have stored inside you that are resting dormant just waiting to be ignited.

Thank you Larry for taking the time to stop by and enlighten us about your new book!

Larry Peterson was born and raised in the Bronx, New York. A former Metal Lather/Reinforcing Iron-worker, he left that business after coming down with MS. He, his wife and three kids moved to Florida 30 years ago. Larry began doing freelance newspaper commentary after graduating from Tampa College in 1984.

His first children's picture book, Slippery Willie's Stupid, Ugly Shoes was published in 2011. In 2012, his full length novel, The Priest and the Peaches was released and he is presently working on the sequel.

He lives in Pinellas Park, Florida and his kids and six grandchildren all live within three miles of each other.

He also has a blog where he posts weekly commentary. You can also find Larry on Facebook and Twitter.

Copyright © 2012 by The Maiden’s Court

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Book Review: Winter of the Red Snow by Kristiana Gregory

 

The Winter of Red Snow: The Revolutionary War Diary of Abigail Jane Stewart,

Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, 1777

by Kristiana Gregory

Dear America Diaries series

Unabridged, 3 hr. 50 min.

Live Oak Media

Barbara Rosenblatt and Jennifer Ikeda (Narrators)

February 15, 2006

★★★½☆☆

Genre: Historical Fiction, Young Adult

Source: Downloaded audio from my local library

“Eleven-year-old Abigail Jane Stewart's fictionalized diary about her life, family, friends, and neighbors, and the sides they have to choose in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, during the height of the Revolutionary War, renders a vivid portrayal of one of the most memorable and crucial winters in American history. Abby's life with her family is quickly upended when they are awakened by the unfamiliar sound of drums. General George Washington is leading the Continental soldiers into their winter encampment at Valley Forge, PA.”

As a kid I loved reading the Dear America diaries although I only read a few of them back then. I have recently found myself interested in them again (of course after I gave away all of mine and when the majority of them are still out of print!). However, as of 2010, Scholastic has begun to reprint many of the books as well as release new ones.

The Winter of Red Snow was my second read in this series (however it is the first I am reviewing at this time). I have to admit that I never spent much time thinking about that winter at Valley Forge – and when I did, it was usually about the soldiers and how they were hungry, cold, and drummed into shape my Von Stueben. However, this book led me to consider the effects on the residents of Valley Forge with all of the soldiers camped in the backyards, literally. Throughout this diary we learn about how the families frequently gave up goods, supplies and food for the soldiers, took jobs to help the encampment, and the sicknesses that could affect them too. We also make a quick trip to Philadelphia during this book where the British troops are encamped for the winter and get to see a comparison of how they wintered compared to the Continental army. Trips are made into the Continental encampment and the headquarters building for General Washington and we learn a lot about the lives of the soldiers.

This book is less of an adventure story and I found it a little less enjoyable than some of the other books in this series because of it. Throughout the story the Continental Army is just waiting out the winter and at the end of the book it is spring and they have set out again. There is great historical information though. If introducing the series to a young one in your life, I might not start out with this book, but once they are sucked into the story mix it in.

This was also my first piece of fiction with George and Martha Washington as characters. They were portrayed very much the way I would expect them to be – the General is very regal, strong, but quiet. Martha is warm, caring, and 100% supportive of the cause.

One of the unique aspects of this diary that I enjoyed was the inclusion of recipes in the diary. Martha Washington’s famous 40 egg cake (!) is included as well as a recipe for onion soup, and another that I cannot remember at this time. This lends itself to a cooking experiment!

There was a very extensive historical note at the end of this diary. They set up the events that preceded Valley Forge as well as a summary of what happened afterward to the surrender at Yorktown. There was a lot more of a note in this than many other historicals that I have read and I think this is wonderful especially for the youth who these books are designed for. There is a sequel to this book, Cannons at Dawn and I am interested as to where this book takes us, since at the end of Winter of Red Snow the soldiers have left Valley Forge.

★★★★½☆

There were two narrators of this book – the first was the narrator for the actual diary and the second narrated the historical note at the end. The narrator for the diary was wonderful at conveying a youthful sense to her narration and really made you feel like you were listening to the inner thoughts of Abby as she wrote in her diary. There was emotion and emphasis where there should be. The narrator of the historical note was sufficient in her role, but I am not sure why they needed two different narrators.

Kristiana Gregory also has written several other books in the Dear America series. There is also a sequel to Winter of Red Snow entitled, Cannons at Dawn. You can visit the Scholastic website for additional information about the book and activities to do with your children and recipes to make. If you would like to preview the story before reading it, why not try out this excerpt of the book?

My other reviews of books in this series:

• Across the Wide and Lonesome Prairie (Oregon Trail Diary)
• My Secret War (WWII Home Front Diary)
• I Thought My Soul Would Rise and Fly (Diary of a Freed Girl)

Other reviews of this book by other bloggers:

• YA Books Central
• Ann Mardoll’s Ramblings

 

Copyright © 2012 by The Maiden’s Court

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TV Show Review: The Royal Diaries Cleopatra VII

The Royal Diaries: Cleopatra VII – Daughter of the Nile

Scholastic Productions

30 Mins

September 9, 2000

HBO and Scholastic (an odd partnership if there ever was one) partnered up to create three ½ hour episodes based on the popular Royal Diaries series. This was the first episode in the series. This episode is based on the book Cleopatra VII: Daughter of the Nile.

The life of young Cleopatra is not often a tale told; we usually see her with some combination of Marc Antony and/or Julius Caesar, but her young life was dramatic too. Here we see a bit of her life as a 14 year old girl. Cleopatra’s father flees to Rome after attempts are made on his life and Cleopatra tags along – most of the episode is therefore set on a boat or in Rome, only a few opening minutes are actually set in Egypt. The rest of the episode is of Cleopatra and her father trying to convince Julius Caesar that he should help them restore her father to the throne of Egypt.

As in the other episodes of this short series, the structure of the episode is of Cleopatra writing in her diary – in this case on a papyrus scroll – which at least fit with the feel of the episode. This diary aspect connects the episode with this corresponding book.

This episode had a very limited cast. The primary characters are Cleopatra, her father, and Julius Caesar with some minor supporting characters. I think that the characters, even the supporting characters, looked similar to how their historical counterparts might have looked. The actors seemed to fit the bill. Typically with films set in Rome and Egypt they just don’t quite look the part or have the right type of accent.

As opposed to the episode on Elizabeth I, I think this episode would appeal more to girls, maybe in the tween/early teenage years. There is a lot of political talk and not as much action/fun as the Elizabeth episode and the characters are older and primarily female. I think of the two episodes I have seen so far, the Elizabeth episode was more interesting and enjoyable (this coming from someone who is not the biggest Elizabeth fan!).

You can watch the entire episode on Youtube, which I have linked below for your viewing pleasure.

Copyright © 2012 by The Maiden’s Court

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Book Review: Half Upon a Time by James Riley

Half Upon A Time by James Riley

Book 1 in the Half Upon A Time series

 

Hardcover, 400 pages

Aladdin

September 7, 2010
★★★★½☆

Genre: YA, Fairy Tale

Source: Received from Publicist for Review

“Life’s no fairy tale for Jack. After all, his father's been missing ever since that incident with the beanstalk and the giant, and his grandfather keeps pushing him to get out and find a princess to rescue. Who'd want to rescue a snobby, entitled princess anyway? Especially one that falls out of the sky wearing a shirt that says "Punk Princess," and still denies she's royalty. In fact, May doesn't even believe in magic. Yeah, what's that about? May does need help though--a huntsman is chasing her, her grandmother has been kidnapped, and Jack thinks it’s all because of the Wicked Queen... mostly because May’s grandmother might just be the long-lost Snow White. Jack and May's thrillingly hilarious adventure combines all the classic stories—fractured as a broken magic mirror—into one epic novel for the ages.”

Oh how much fun this was to read – even for an adult! Many of the great fairy tales that we know and love come to life in a slightly fractured way from what we previously knew. This is not a retelling of any of those tales – those things either happened in the past or are rumors – but take these characters above and beyond and to a new life. Their actions certainly feel true to their original incarnations.

This would be a great read for both boys and girls and is entirely appropriate for the age range being pitched to. There is action and adventure, great storytelling, characters that are at once recognizable and relatable, and a plot that just keeps moving right along. There also is what I like to call the “un-hero”. It is established early on, and even in the book blurb, that he does not have what it takes to rescue a princess and be a hero. He even fails his hero test. But this sets him up to push himself, overcome many great obstacles, and ultimately become an admirable character. This book reads very fast and you won’t want to put it down from page one.

The only negative that I had with this book, and it is a small one, is that the ending was very abrupt. Now, I know that there is a sequel coming out, and it wasn’t really a cliff hanger, I just would have liked the main story to have ended with more than “Bet you didn’t see that coming!”. It leads into the next book well, but I would have liked a little more of a wrap up to the epic adventure they were on through the entire first book.

Immediately when I began reading this novel the writing style brought to mind that of another favorite YA author of mine – Libba Bray (if you have not read Going Bovine or Beauty Queens you are missing out!) The writing is comedic and witty and there are fun/crazy adventures. If you love reading Bray, you will love Riley – and vice versa.

James Riley also has written the sequel Twice Upon a Time and is working on the third and final book Once Upon The End. You can visit his website or blog for additional information about the books. An excerpt of Chapter 1 is available on the Half Upon a Time page on Amazon.

Reviews of this book by other bloggers:

• Mundie Kids Children’s Book Review Blog
• A Book and A Hug

 

Copyright © 2012 by The Maiden’s Court

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Book Review: Sovay by Celia Rees

Sovay by Celia Rees

Paperback, 432 pages

Bloomsbury USA Childrens

June 22, 2010

Genre: YA, Historical Fiction

Source: Personal collection

“Sovay begins her life as a highway robber to test her lover, but she is living in dangerous times, full of fear, with the spectre of the Revolution in France reaching across the Channel. Sovay’s father has disappeared, the family are tainted by accusations of treason. Sovay takes to the road in earnest to clear her name and quickly becomes entangled in a terrible web of deceit and duplicity. Can she escape before the net closes in on her and all around her?”

The description of this book was the first thing that pulled me into squeezing this book in between more serious reads – I also liked the prospect of a fast paced read. And while the description makes you think it is mostly about Sovay as a highway robber – that isn’t the primary focus – only a part of it. This novel is based on a traditional ballad of the same name – and one of the very early scenes in this book plays out very close to that ballad. After that, the story takes on a life of its own – set during a time of great upheaval in England and France. You get a strong sense of the Reign of Terror happening in France and how those events are sparking unrest and turmoil in England itself.

I thought that this was a very well done YA novel. Lately a lot of what you get is love triangles – with a primary focus on the romance, and lack a great adventure thread. This novel had the right measures of romance and adventure. Right from the first few pages you get caught up in the drama of highway robbery and the story keeps going from there – it doesn’t really ever slow down. The romance aspect is slight – you catch a glint of Sovay’s interest in several of the men she encounters and of course she ends up with someone by the end – but it doesn’t hit you in the face and make it a primary focus. The romance is really more of a side note. The historical is also well woven in – you get the setting and the feeling of the era while most of the characters are fictional. I don’t think it is something when a young adult would find abrasive or a turn off.

The only thing that I didn’t like about this novel – and the reason it isn’t a perfect 5 for me – is her choice of man at the end of the book. It sort of came out of thin air and didn’t feel extremely believable. Other possibilities were built up more and would have made more sense. Other than that, I really enjoyed this quick, light, adventure romp.

Author Celia Rees also has written Witch Child, Sorceress, Pirates! and The Fool’s Girl. You can visit Rees’ website for additional information about the book. If you would like to preview the story before reading it, why not try out chapter 1 of the book?

4.5 out of 5 stars.





Copyright © 2011 by The Maiden’s Court

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Book Review: Prisoners in the Palace by Michaela MacColl

Prisoners in the Palace by Michaela MacColl

ARC, Paperback, 368 pages

Chronicle Books

October 13, 2010

Genre: Historical Fiction, YA

Source: Picked up a copy at BEA

“Young Elizabeth Hastings knows about suffering. At seventeen, she has lost her family, her home and her future. In desperation, she takes a position at Kensington Palace working for the sixteen year old Princess Victoria. But nothing is as it seems at the palace. The heir to the throne is practically a prisoner. A mother schemes against her daughter. Sir John Conroy, a man with no power or connections, is playing for the ultimate prize. And the servants - they know everything of course!

Liza's journey will take her through the bowels of the Palace and to the deepest slums of London. She'll learn about the power of the press and the attractions of one particular newspaperman. How far will Liza have to go to restore her fortune and put the Princess Victoria on the throne? Will she find independence and romance or find herself a prisoner in the palace, too?”

This book was my first read on the Princess Victoria. I had seen the movie The Young Victoria a few months prior to reading this, so I was slightly familiar with many of the events in her early years but this book brought so many more details of her life into the forefront. I can’t help but compare the two a little bit as they both cover very much the same period in Victoria’s life. The most notable difference between the two was the movie relied heavily of the character of Albert, while the book only has him in two scenes (and by the way, he is not as likeable in the book as the movie).

I loved the characters in this novel. You have the non-historical character of Liza who really brings adventure into the very stoic world of Princess Victoria. The interactions between Liza and Victoria are so fun. At times they forget they are royal and subject and at other times those lines are carefully drawn. I also can’t say enough about how evil the character of Sir John is. He really was an awesome villain with simply no redeeming qualities. And I LOVE him that way! My other favorite character was Inside Boy – a stowaway in Kensington Palace – you will absolutely love him!

The research for this book was phenomenal - you get some unique little tidbits. I also loved the inclusion of some of the entries from Victoria’s diaries. It really helped to connect the character to the historical world she lived in. There was an extensive author’s note at the end which I really appreciated.

This is also not your typical YA novel where these days you expect to find romance and the seemingly mandatory love triangle. This story does have a romance thread to it but it is very minor. The focus is instead on intrigue and adventure and is very fast paced. This novel is perfect for a teen reader or an adult – both will find it to be enjoyable.

This is author Michaela MacColl’s first novel. You can visit her website for additional information about the book. If you would like to preview the story before reading it, why not try out this excerpt of the book?



4.5 out of 5 stars.

Copyright © 2011 by The Maiden’s Court

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Book Review: Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse

Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse

Unabridged, 2 hr. 9 min.

Listening Library

Marika Mashburn (Narrator)

April 11, 2006

Genre: Historical Fiction, YA

Source: Downloaded audio from my local library

“When Billie Jo is just fourteen she must endure heart-wrenching ordeals that no child should have to face. The quiet strength she displays while dealing with unspeakable loss is as surprising as it is inspiring. 

Written in free verse, this award-winning story is set in the heart of the Great Depression. It chronicles Oklahoma's staggering dust storms, and the environmental--and emotional--turmoil they leave in their path. An unforgettable tribute to hope and inner strength.”

I read Out of the Dust for the first time in grade school – maybe 4th or 5th grade - and I remember being so absorbed in the book that I finished it in no time. It has been awhile since I read it and have been struggling to recall any details about the book – but I always had this lingering memory that I had really enjoyed reading it. That in and of itself says a lot – even if you don’t remember the exact details you know that a book touched your heart in some way and left an imprint there to be felt forever. I chose this book on audio this time because I wanted to see if the experience would be different – and I had unfortunately given away my copy of this book several years ago.

I had never before realized that this book was written as free verse poetry – let me rephrase that – I never realized it was written as poetry – because let’s face it, I don’t know the difference between free verse and any other type of verse of poetry. Quite honestly I shy away from poetry because of bad experiences in school and I just don’t “get it” quite like a novel. If I had known originally this was a poem I might have not picked it up purely based on that fact alone. But I couldn’t tell this was poetry. It flowed just like any other novel would have for me. And listening to it, you did not see the form it was written in which would be more of an indicator. So don’t do what I would have done and put this off because it is poetry.

I have read some reviews that say this book might be a little over the heads of its target audience – which according to the publisher is ages 9+. I have to say I disagree with those reviews. You don’t have to really know anything about the Dust Bowl to get valuable information from this book or to enjoy it – I’m sure that I didn’t know about it the first time I read this book. The book focuses on the characters but really creates the world for you. You see the world through the eyes of a 14 year old girl and she describes how hard it is to keep the dust out of the house and how you had to chew your milk. I think these are images that a young reader would be able to imagine. You really get the sense of severity and real depression of these people. Even though it is sparse and you get just the details you need and nothing more – the words chosen pack a punch. This is really an exemplary sample of keeping concise and to the point and being effective at getting your point across.

4 out of 5 stars.

The narrator chosen for this book sounds like a teenage Midwesterner which is a perfect fit for Billy Jo. The story is told through her voice in her diary so it really helps you to get into her head a little more. While I thought that the narration was wonderful, I do think that it might be a better choice to read this book in its printed version. As the book is written as her diary, you lose a little bit of the sense of time and connection to her diary. A diary isn’t usually read out loud so a little bit is lost in the art this time.

4 out of 5 stars for the audio.

If you would like to preview the story before reading it, why not try out listening to this excerpt of the book?

Copyright © 2011 by The Maiden’s Court

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