Book Impression: The Sixty-Eight Rooms

The Sixty-eight Rooms
by: Marianne Malone
published by: Random House
copyright: 2010

Premise (from GoodReads):
Almost everybody who has grown up in Chicago knows about the Thorne Rooms. Housed in the Children's Galleries of the Chicago Art Institute, they are a collection of 68 exquisitely crafted miniature rooms made in the 1930s by Mrs. James Ward Thorne. Each of the 68 rooms is designed in the style of a different historic period, and every detail is perfect, from the knobs on the doors to the candles in the candlesticks. Some might even say, the rooms are magic.

Imagine - what if you discovered a key that allowed you to shrink so that so that you were small enough to sneak inside and explore the rooms' secrets? What if you discovered that others had done so before you? And that someone had left something important behind?

My Reaction:
I did not grow up in the Midwest, so I had no previous knowledge of the Thorne Rooms. After reading this book, however, I plan to take a trip to Chicago for the expressed purpose of visiting this amazing display.

When I first read the premise, I squealed with delight. I imagined a series of 68 books (similar to The Magic Tree House), each room providing an opportunity for time travel and a different historical adventure for young students. As a reader, I wanted to learn more about the time periods and envision the miniatures come to life. As a writer, I wanted to learn how to weave history with fiction to create an engaging middle grade series. Unfortunately, I was disappointed on both accounts.

I don't blame the author - I blame myself. I allowed my imagination to run away before I started reading. I set myself up for a story that was not the intent of the author. 

I wanted the story to focus on one room. I wanted an in-depth history lesson and fully developed characters of the past. Instead, the students visit several rooms of different countries and time periods. While this maintains a fast pace, essential for a middle grade audience, there seems to be a disconnect as to why they enter various rooms. I felt rushed, as though it was a race to see as many rooms as possible, rather than a thoughtful purpose for the visit.

In the end, I found the story adequate, although I do not have a desire to read the remaining three books in the series. However... the fact that this is a series indicates there is an audience for The Sixty-Eight Rooms... I am just not that audience.


This post is a part of Marvelous Middle Grade Monday. If you are interested in reading other MG books, please visit Shannon Messenger's blog for a complete list of this week's reviews.  I am always on the lookout for other MG historical fiction novels. If you have a favorite you think I would enjoy, please feel free to leave the title in the comment section.

Book Impression: The Family Under the Bridge

A Book Impression is an opportunity to share my reading experience. 


For a more detailed explanation, please visit this post.

The Family Under the Bridge
by Natalie Savage Carlson
published by HarperCollins
copyright 1958
Newberry Honor 1959

This story is as old as I am - literally. Yet somehow I never heard of it growing up. I'm finding that to be a popular theme with these middle grade fiction posts: I missed most books of this genre at the time when when I was the intended audience. Perhaps that is why I am enjoying this reading focus at this point in my life.

Even though the book is over a half-century old, I do believe the story is still relevant today.
Some rather difficult subjects are discussed, such as homelessness, and prejudice towards those who are different (whether less fortunate, of another culture, or adhere to another moral code). It is for this reason that I recommend the book, but with the caveat an adult read the story as well. I believe this would help open the lines of communication for children to ask questions and voice concerns.

A Brief Overview:
The main character, Armand, is a hobo living under one of the famous Parisian bridges that cross the Seine. He is actually quite fond of his hobo status, taking pride in his perceived laziness and unemployment. He is an affable character, although not a fan of "starlings" (children). As we learn throughout the story, however, it is not that he dislikes children but rather he is afraid they might steal his heart.

And of course, they do.

When Armand returns to his home under the bridge, he discovers three children hiding there. He pretends to be gruff with them, but knows he cannot turn them away. The children ignore this grumpy exterior and notice only his kind generosity. They immediately begin to refer to him as Grandpa.

The story takes place in December and there are subtle references comparing Armand to Father Christmas. The only item on the children's wish list is a home, and Armand promises to deliver.

My thoughts:
I am a devout lover of Paris - which is what initially attracted me to this book. I thoroughly enjoyed the references to various arrondissements, particularly the Les Halles food market.

When traveling in Europe, particularly Paris, tourists are told to be wary of the gypsies. And I understand this warning. However, it was interesting to see this culture from a different perspective. While private and secretive, their hearts are wide open. They were more than willing to accept these homeless children into their community.

Initially I took exception to Armand's pride in laziness. He almost boasted of his choice to live off the street and not answering to authority. It wasn't that he couldn't work - or had no opportunity; in fact,  he rejected job offers throughout the story. This is not necessarily a character trait I would want to instill in my middle grade child.

But in the end, Armand sacrifices his hobo ways in order to secure a job that provides a decent wage and large enough home for himself, the children, and their mother. And he learns a valuable lesson: sharing with others enriches life; putting their needs before personal desires isn't a burden, it is an honor.

This post is a part of Marvelous Middle Grade Monday. If you are interested in reading other MG books, please visit Shannon Messenger's blog for a complete list of this week's reviews. 
I am always on the lookout for other MG historical fiction novels. If you have a favorite you think I would enjoy, please feel free to leave the title in the comment section.

Book Impression: Under the Egg

A Book Impression is an opportunity to share my reading experience. 


For a more detailed explanation, please visit this post.

Under the Egg
by Laura Marx Fitzgerald
published by Dial Books
copyright 2014


I adored this novel.

For fans of From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler (my brief review here), this is a similar modern-day story that incorporates a likable heroine, an interesting mystery, and a lesson in art appreciation.

While not an orphan in the traditional sense of the word, Theo is basically left alone to fend for herself and her eccentric mother. The situation is dire, and Theo is afraid they will have to leave the family's Manhattan townhouse.

One day she accidentally spills alcohol on her grandfather's favorite painting and discovers a hidden painting underneath. Could this provide the financial aid she desperately needs?

Since Grandfather was a security guard at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the mystery takes Theo and her friends all over the city in search of clues to the painting's true identity.

First, I am in awe that this is Ms. Fitzgerald's debut novel. It is just as captivating, just as magical as E. L. Konigsburg's classic. While the mystery aspect of the story was fine,  I was enamored with the characters, setting, and historical references. The writing style is engaging, and the storyline draws the reader and holds her tight.

Secondly, I love the references to the World War II time period, and finished the book wanting to learn more about the Monument's Men. I have not yet watched 2014 movie, but plan to do so soon, as well as do a bit of research on my own.

Lastly, I relished the subtle art appreciation lessons woven into the story. For example on page 31 the author teaches us:

"What is the artist trying to tell you? There is a message here. Maybe the message is a feeling. Maybe it's a moment in time, or a lens on the world. Or simply the state of being in a single color. But if you just look at the surface, you'll see -- what -- a portrait, a saint, a myth, a man. But do you see the story? The meaning?"

I wish I had learned about art in this intimate way in elementary school. I fear I have missed out on much in life. But I subscribe to the theory that we are never too old to learn. Now I can hardly wait to tour the local museum with a new perspective on how to view -- and truly see -- art.

This post is a part of Marvelous Middle Grade Monday. If you are interested in reading other MG books, please visit Shannon Messenger's blog for a complete list of this week's reviews.  I am always on the lookout for other MG historical fiction novels. If you have a favorite you think I would enjoy, please feel free to leave the title in the comment section.

Book Impression: Rescue on the Oregon Trail

A Book Impression is an opportunity to share my reading experience.
For a more detailed explanation, please visit this post.

Rescue on the Oregon Trail (Ranger in Time Series #1)
by Kate Messner
Published by Scholastic Press
Copyright 2015

I LOVED this book!

While the target audience is sightly younger than Middle Grade, the story is  still compelling enough for this adult reader. Of course, it helps the protagonist is a lovable golden retriever who happens to travel through time.

While Ranger is obviously bright and well-trained, he is prone to distraction, especially squirrels. Ranger often reminded me of my own lovable lab, Jude, in this regard, but also in the way he shows love and compassion to those in need. Ranger is a delightful hero who quickly becomes the reader's best friend.

The story is told from Ranger's point of view, and in my opinion, the author nailed the voice - as well as his evolved sense of smell. It is interesting to experience the historical past from a dog's perspective.

From a writer's point of view, I recognize the depth of research the author conducted for this book. I learned much about this time period without feeling as though I was reading a textbook. There is enough backstory for context, but the focus is on the heroic quest. The author references several points of interest close to my home, which contributes to the intimate feeling of the story.

The second book, Danger in Ancient Rome, was released last month. I'm not sure how many books are planned for this series, but I look forward to reading each of Ranger's adventure across time.

This is my first time to participate in Marvelous Middle Grade Monday, but if you are interested in reading other MG books, please visit Shannon Messenger's blog for a complete list of this week's reviews.

I am always on the lookout for other MG historical fiction novels. If you have a favorite you think I would enjoy, please feel free to leave the title in the comment section.

TSS - July 5, 2015

Happy day-after the Fourth of July!

For my American readers, I hope you had a fun and safe celebration in honor of our country's freedom. We spent yesterday evening at home, but celebrated instead on Friday by attending the Royal's baseball game (with a win!) and watching fireworks afterwards at the stadium.

Reading:
I have finally found my reading mo-jo. In the past week, I completed SIX middle grade books! I do believe that is a record for me. I still have a few left on my library pile, but I am always on the look out for more Middle Grade (early YA) books to add to my reading list. I would love to hear any suggestions you might have.

I plan to begin writing book reviews in the very near future, so I don't want to go into great detail here. But I will share the titles I have enjoyed this week:

Starry Nights by Daisy Whitney.

The plot had such promise: paintings coming to life at night;  a romance between the protagonist and a beautiful model trapped inside a masterpiece; an old curse which threatens the existence of great works of art.

But in the end, I simply skimmed that last half of the book. There was too much focus on the romance and too little attention on the art to hold my interest.

The Total Tragedy of a Girl Named Hamlet by Erin Dionne.

A clever premise. Hamlet's parents are Shakespearean scholars and her seven year old sister, Desdemona, a child genius. In other words, Hamlet has a difficult time just blending into the 8th grade crowd.

To make matters worse, her sister is now taking courses at the middle school and becomes friends with the popular girls in Hamlet's class.

I felt Hamlet's pain, and I enjoyed the references to A Midsummer Night's Dream, a play I used to teach my 8th graders. The author's sense of humor helped make this a quick and enjoyable read.

The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick

A young boy living within the walls of a Parisian train station. The perfect hook for this Francophile.

I am surprised how much I enjoyed this book. It is a quick read, as about a third of the book is comprised of pen/ink drawings that not only illustrate the text but actually move the plot forward.

I enjoyed the historical fiction component - I adored Hugo's quirky personality - and of course the setting was formidable.

Ghost Cadet by Elaine Marie Alphin

I enjoyed the author's non-fiction book, Creating Characters Kids Will Love, so I wanted to read an example of her character development.

I am not typically interested in military stories, but the concept of this novel held my attention.

While visiting his grandmother, 12-year-old Benjy tours the Battlefield of New Market where he encounters the ghost of a young Confederate soldier. Benjy has few intimate relationships in his own life, so he welcomes the opportunity to befriend Hugh. Together they try to find a family heirloom lost in the war so Hugh can finally be honored for his service and rest in peace.

Building Blocks by Cynthia Voigt.

I selected this book because of its time travel element.

Bramm Connell is the youngest child of a couple who epitomize "opposites attract" His mother is strong, determined, and ambitions; his father seems weak, resigned, and a doormat. Bram has little respect for his father and at times thinks his family would be better off if his parents divorced.

Escaping the shouting match of yet another parental argument, Bramm retreats to the basement where he builds a fort with some old blocks he finds hidden in the corner. This provides the means to travel back in time to the Great Depression and the opportunity to meet his father as a young boy.

I liked the time travel element - I liked the idea of meeting one's parents when they are still children - I was disturbed by this man's past.

Seven Stories Up by Laurel Snyder.

I adored this book.  Apparently it is the sequel to Bigger Than a Bread Box, which I plan to read very soon.

Annie's grandmother is a cantankerous, hateful woman - even on her deathbed. Annie goes to bed wondering what could make someone so angry, and wakes up fifty years earlier with the opportunity to befriend her own grandmother as a 12-year-old girl.

Not only do we learn Molly's past (which offers an explanation for her angry disposition), but we discover that Annie has the opportunity to alter history for the better.

Blogging:
I'm still working on a consistent blogging schedule - slowly but surely I will get there.

This past week I wrote an introductory post to Paris in July - an annual meme sponsored by Tamara of Thyme for Tea. As I mention in that post, this is also the first post of what I hope will become a weekly blogging event for me: French Fridays.

This coming week I hope to add one more regular event: Wordless Wednesdays - where I hope to share my recent Europe vacation. I'm sure the post will contain a few words, but hopefully the pictures will be the focus.


Writing:
I haven't made much progress in either of my projects but...

I did have the opportunity to attend a week-long writing conference for children last week (do not be fooled by the title, this adult learned SO much).

I will be using the sponsor's curriculum, One Year Adventure Novel, next year in my storytelling  workshop ... but this conference gave me so much writing goodness to share with you.

I finished the week with a renewed passion for writing in general, storytelling as a focus, and connecting with like-minded people who enjoy these activities as much as I do.

Yes, I enjoyed this productive week of reading... but I am excited to add a bit of writing and blogging to the mix.