Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Indian Captive by: Lois Lenski


In "Indian Captive," published in 1941, you will hear the true story of Mary Jemison - known as Molly to her friends. Molly lived with her family on a farm in eastern Pennsylvania. This story takes place during the Indian and French war.


On a spring day in 1758 Molly was captured by Indians and her family was killed.
After a long journey, Molly and the Indians arrived in a village called "Seneca Town" where she was adopted into an Indian family to replace their lost child.
At first Molly was scared of the Indians, she even tried to run away a few times. But they were kind to her and taught her things about the earth, its creatures, and its plants.


After a few years Molly was given the chance to return to live with white people. But how could she leave her Indian family and all her Indian friends who had loved her and taught her so much?


This is a very good book full of hope, courage, and friendship.
"Indian Captive" is definitely my kind of story. If you enjoy stories about Native Americans or just history, this would probably be your kind of book too!

I would give this book eight or nine out of ten stars.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

The Pole by: Eric Walters


In "The Pole", by Eric Walters, you will meet Danny, a fourteen-year-old boy who is offered the adventure of a life time.

Danny is the youngest crew member aboard a ship, the Roosevelt, bound for the North Pole! The crew must race to be the first ever to reach the pole.

As solid ice begins to form, a smaller group is hand picked off the ship to make the last part of the journey, with the aid of some sled dogs. Danny is one of the few chosen. The final part of the quest is the most dangerous of all. Here polar bears, freezing temperatures, strong winds, and thin ice could destroy their goal, and quite possibly their lives.

Will they be the first to reach the North Pole? Will everyone make it back alive? Can Danny prove himself to Commander Peary and Captain Bartlett?
Danny had previously gained favour with the commander by saving his daughter's life. He showed himself to be very courageous and soon grew to be respected by everyone on the crew. Danny's skill was put to the test when Commander Peary fell through the ice and Danny had to rescue him.

This is a great book, it's based on Robert Peary's expedition that happened back in 1909. I liked this book for several reasons. One, I like the setting. I've always enjoyed reading about the North Pole and I am learning about it in school for Social Studies. Secondly, I like the fact it has dogs in it. I love dogs! Especially Huskies. Third, I like the main character, Danny. He is promoted from Cook's assistant to a part of the main crew after he saves a girl's life. Everyone likes him and he makes some good decisions.

Commander Peary is determined to be the first one to step foot on the North Pole. So when Danny and Matt get there before him by mistake, what will Commander Peary say?

I enjoyed this book and hope you do too. This book is good for all ages.

Monday, October 4, 2010

Meg Follows A Dream By: Norma Jean Lutz


Step back in time to 1844 and meet Meg Buehler, a plain twelve year old girl who isn't understood by anyone. "Meg Follows A Dream" is the story of how Meg must fight for freedom to follow her dream.
Meg likes drawing, and is very good at it. So why is she not allowed to draw? Her drawing seems to get her in trouble with everyone. Her mother says that it is a waste of time, her brother teases her about it, and her teacher makes her stay after school for drawing a picture in class. Why won't they leave her drawing alone?
Meg is too sweet to complain that her brother's teasing is getting her in trouble when it's not her fault. She only makes excuses for him, even when he deserves to be punished. When her brother's teasing goes too far and Meg gets a serious head injury, she still covers up for him by telling herself that he is still young and probably had not meant to hurt her. With Meg's sister, Julia, parroting everything her brother says, Meg has no one in her family to turn to. Her closest friend, Susannah, encourages Meg to follow her dream and to stand up to her brother. She even lets Meg draw secretly at her house. Can Susannah and a boy named Damon change Meg's life? Will Meg's mother ever see reason?
I liked this book but it kind of bugged me that Meg always covered up for her little brother, even when he deserved punishment. This book is very enjoyable and would be best for ages eight to thirteen.