Children of the Dust Bowl: The True Story of the School at Weedpatch Camp

Book Description

Illus. with photographs from the Dust Bowl era. This true story took place at the emergency farm-labor camp immortalized in Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath. Ostracized as "dumb Okies," the children of Dust Bowl migrant laborers went without school--until Superintendent Leo Hart and 50 Okie kids built their own school in a nearby field.

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful and Inspiring.......2007-10-09

This book is a beautiful testiment to the human spirit, and the resilancy of the American spirit.
It is also the story of taking a chance on people that other's find useless.
A beautiful book and a beautiful story.

Connecting Childen to History.......2005-09-09

this book is an excellent companion to the historical ficiton book "Bud, Not Buddy." By reading aloud sections of Children of the Dustbowl, teachers could build some of the background knowledge that would help children understand how the daily lives of the average person changed as a result of the Great Depression and the 5-year drought in the Midwest.
Given the devastation of Hurriicane Katrina, this book also offers insight on what can happen when large numbers of people must migrate because of weather-related disasters.

Children of the Dust Bowl.......2005-09-08

The book appeared to be new, no marks, and sent immediately.

Readable for ages five (with help from parent) and up........2002-04-04

The writing in this book is excellent, flowing evenly from page to page. Many of the photographs within are pure art, having been taken by Russell Lee, Dorothea Lange, and others. These two people are the Pieter Bruegel and Thomas Hart Benton (depicting plain, everyday folk) of American photography. This book relates a small chunk of American history, to be sure, but more than that, it relates universal themes of the human condition. Overall, the book relates the brutal conditions of the dust bowl, the migration over the mountains and desert, taunting and prejudice from settled Californians, and eventual attainment of excellence, as revealed by the construction and maintenance of the Weedpatch School, which eventually became a model school in the community. My 5 1/2 year old enjoyed reading every page, and found particular mirth in the unusual daily chore that the dust bowl children did with their cows. The description of this unusual chore is worth the price of the book. What was this daily chore? One way to find out is to borrow or purchase this book.

Children of the Dust Bowl.......2000-07-26

I am a student at St. Lawrence University, and doing a summer fellowship about the works of John Steinbeck. This book, while written as a children's book, is a valuable look at the Arvin Federal Emergency School, the conditions of the Dust Bowl, American attitudes about the poor, and Leo Hart, the man whose vision for a "broader curriculum" among his students was so influential and inspiring.

Amazon.com

MacLachlan, author of Unclaimed Treasures, has written an affecting tale for children. In the late 19th century a widowed midwestern farmer with two children--Anna and Caleb--advertises for a wife. When Sarah arrives she is homesick for Maine, especially for the ocean which she misses greatly. The children fear that she will not stay, and when she goes off to town alone, young Caleb--whose mother died during childbirth--is stricken with the fear that she has gone for good. But she returns with colored pencils to illustrate for them the beauty of Maine, and to explain that, though she misses her home, "the truth of it is I would miss you more." The tale gently explores themes of abandonment, loss and love.

Book Description

"Did Mama sing every day?"
Caleb asks his sister Anna.
"Every-single-day," she answers.
"Papa sang, too."

Their mother died the day after Caleb was born. Their house on the prairie is quiet now, and Papa doesn't sing anymore. Then Papa puts an ad in the paper, asking for a wife, and he receives a letter from one Sarah Elisabeth Wheaton, of Maine. Papa, Anna, and Caleb write back. Caleb asks if she sings. Sarah decides to come for a month. She writes Papa: I will come by train. I will wear a yellow bonnet. I am plain and tall, and Tell them I sing. Anna and Caleb wait and wonder. Will Sarah be nice? Will she like them? Will she stay?

Customer Reviews:

a review by Ralphy.......2007-09-10

I personally did not like this book because it did not catch my attention, but some people might disagree. Sarah Plain and Tall by Patricia Maclachlan tells about a family that lost their mom; so they find a new another mom. She will decide whether or not to live with them. First of all, their mother died when the youngest child, Caleb, was born. Equally important, the dad, Jacob, puts an ad in the paper for a new mom. The ad says how they need a wife and a mom. After that, a girl named Sarah responds to the ad in the paper. She writes letters to each of the kids and she writes Jacob telling him she will come by train wearing a yellow bonnet. Lastly, Sarah learns to love the family. Sarah decides to stay forever even though she misses Maine. Even though I did not like this book, some people may have other opinions.

" Tell them I sing".......2007-07-24

A story with very simple lines: in modern life with reality TV we sometimes forget how meager our lives can be. A story about real people and real values that makes a few words go a very long way. Can be read to children at bed time...

Sarah Plain and Tall.......2007-03-22

Sarah Plain and Tall is about two kids and their father. The two kids names` are Caleb and Anna. Caleb and Anna's father put ads up to find a mother. Then they found one. Her name was Sarah Elisabeth Wheaten. Caleb and Anna had a lot of fun with her.
The message is that you should just be happy where you are. That you are stuck with your family. I know that is the message because you would think of it when you are reading the book.
I liked Sarah Plain and Tall because it reminds me of my family because Caleb and Anna have a step-mom and I have a step-dad. I think people should read this book because it was a winner of the Newbery Medal.

A Tearjerker Plus Much More!.......2007-02-27

I would give Sarah Plain and Tall 5 stars! It is funny, and it has drama, and a little action, too. It would be good to read it to your son or daughter and brother or sister, but make sure you have a box of tissues nearby because it might make you cry. When I read it, I got into the book and all it did was make me laugh and cry. I bet if you get this book, you won't have to get your money back!

A Good Book.......2006-11-29

This book is good and it is about two children, their mom die and they are getting a new mom. The woman's name is Sarah. Before she comes they send letters back and forth and they answer each others questions. In the summer Sharah comes to see them. If you want to know if she stays or not you will have to buy the book.

Bringing the Rain to Kapiti Plain (Reading Rainbow Book)

Average customer rating:

Second copy
My Kids Love This Book!
darth vader
Incredible Response!
The Best Little People Book

Bringing the Rain to Kapiti Plain (Reading Rainbow Book)
Verna Aardema
Manufacturer: Puffin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0140546162

Customer Reviews:

Second copy.......2007-09-10

This was purchased so my Granddaughter could have one at her house because she loves the one at my house so much. An "old standard" that is loved for it's wonderful words and repetitions.

My Kids Love This Book!.......2006-07-08

After hearing James Earl Jones read this book on Reading Rainbow, I knew I had to buy it. My two very young sons (ages 1 and 2) sat entranced the whole time. Of course that may have been because it was the voice of Darth Vader, but hey, it's a great book all on its own. My husband now reads this book to them at bedtime every night.

darth vader.......2005-10-10

i saw this on reading rainbow when james earl jones narrated it. its my favorite story from the series because it shows how everything is connected, coming together to perform one action. it also inspired me to do cartoon based on how the protagonist made it rain.

Incredible Response!.......2005-09-21

I bought this book after having it recommended while taking a graduate level children's literature class. I was not disappointed! I grabbed this book to read aloud if I had extra time while substitute teaching for a kindergarten class. I thought the children would be more attracted to the rhyme and pattern of the words so imagine my surprise when the book sparked a lengthy discussion between 5 year olds about drought, Africa, animals, and culture! It prompted questions that I didn't even know they were capable of asking and had them making connections to weather in our own backyard and stories they heard on the news. This book is a reading, social studies, and science lesson in one!

The Best Little People Book.......2004-05-09

Oh my Gosh! This book is so wonderful. I read it as a kid and I have it completely memorized it from cover to cover. It sounds even better when you say it from memory to people. They are like, Whoa! I am going to buy it for my kids.

Average customer rating:

Caleb's Story
Touching Story
Sarah, Plain and Tall and Skylark Sequel is Heartwarming
I'm not impressed
Caleb's Story by Patricia MacLachlan

Caleb's Story (Sarah, Plain and Tall)
Patricia Maclachlan
Manufacturer: HarperTrophy
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0064405907
Release Date: 2002-08-06

Book Description

Anna has done something terrible. She has given me her journal to fill.

In Anna's journal the words walk across the page like bird prints in the mud. But it is hard for me. It is hard for me to find things to write about.

"It's your job now," Anna says as she hands Caleb her journals, asking him to continue writing the family story. But Sarah, Jacob, Anna, Caleb, and their new little sister, Cassie, have already formed a family, and Caleb fears there will be nothing left to write about. But that is before Cassie discovers a mysterious old man in the barn and everything changes. Everyone is excited about the arrival of a new family member except for Jacob, who holds a bitter grudge. Only the special love of Caleb, and the gift he offers, can help to mend the pain of the past.

Caleb's Story continues the saga begun by the Newbery Medal–winning Sarah, Plain And Tall and its sequel, Skylark, spinning a tale of love, forgiveness, and the ties that bind a family together.

Ages 8–10

Customer Reviews:

Caleb's Story.......2006-02-20

This book in the 'Sarah, Plain and Tall" series has the same brilliant ability to draw readers in as the original, this time through Caleb's eyes.

Touching Story.......2004-03-13

Caleb's Story, the third of a series by Patricia MacLachlan, shows how a family can be brought closer together. Caleb, a teen coming of age, meets his grandpa who is sick. Taking place on the prairie this story show a struggle between generations. Read more to understand the struggles between the generations, and possibly solve some of your own.
Two good reasons you must read Caleb's Story are you could find more about grandpa, and find out more about Caleb and Cassie. You could see if their grandpa could make it or not. You could see if they started to get a long. Calob's Story is a MUST READ because you will learn about relationship. This book Calob's Story has a happy ending. You will love Calob's Story.
Patricia Maclachlan is a great writer. You will love her books. Patricia was a English teacher. She has a daughter who is helping her writer a book. She lives on the top of a mountain in Massachusetts. Calob's Story is the best book out of the series.

Sarah, Plain and Tall and Skylark Sequel is Heartwarming.......2002-04-09

Caleb's Story picks up where Skylark and Sarah, Plain and Tall leave off. For the countless readers who fell in love with Sarah as she learned to be a mother to Anna and Caleb, and a helpmeet for Jacob, this book is a wonderful addition. For the reader who lacks "Sarah background," Sarah comes from Maine to a prairie farm after responding to an ad placed by Jacob, who is looking for a woman to replace his recently deceased wife. While he is not necessarily looking for romance, Sarah and Jacob ultimately fall in love, and their next years as a family is chronicled in the sequel, Skylark.

In Caleb's Story, Anna leaves for town to help with victims of the influenza epidemic of 1918. A stranger is discovered in the barn, which turns out to be Jacob's estranged father, John. John wishes reconciliation with Jacob, who stubbornly continues to deny him the forgiveness he desires.

Journaling is a major theme in this book, making it a perfect companion to teaching the importance of recording events and feelings. Caleb picks up journaling for the family, a job which Anna had done until her departure. In trying to encourage Grandpa John to learn about the family he knew little of, Caleb offers the journals to him. Ultimately, in an extremely touching scene, Caleb presents Grandpa John his own journal, whereupon he learns that John never learned how to write.

What a touching story this is! A perfect read-aloud for the classroom (if the teacher can harden the heart enough not to cry!), students do not need to have a lot of background of the previous parts of the story. This reviewer found the characters believable; their reactions that John's arrival caused the family were extremely believable. MacLachlan's ability to convey emotions in an easy-to-understand way for intermediate readers makes this the perfect addition to any school or family library.

I'm not impressed.......2001-12-10

I'm not impressed with this book.

Sarah Plain and Tall is a near perfect novel in it's simplicity and depth but it is evident that MacLachlan spent neither the time nor the care to develop this story. I felt jipped with the cliches and predictable unfolding. This is definitely not her best writing.

Plus, the way the father Jacob is portrayed (an angry unforgiving man) takes away from his character in the first book .. shy, strong, deep and wise.

This book is a classic example of an author monopolizing on something good (Sarah Plain and Tall) knowing her fans will buy it. In the book "Caleb's Story" MacLachlan leaves herself plenty of loopholes so we know there will be more books.

I'm disappointed and kinda disgusted.

Caleb's Story by Patricia MacLachlan.......2001-12-03

As a third grade teacher, I am always on the lookout for good literature for student reading or teacher read alouds. My class and I read together the first two books in this trilogy and I used Caleb's Story as a read aloud which I shared with my principal. We loved this poignant story from its opening pages to its final pages. The old characters come to life once again while the surprising introduction of some new characters give great insight into family life. Everyone could relate to one or more of the characters, they are realistic. Lessons on cause and effect, character traits and goals, predicting, and problem solving were ongoing. Class discussions were wonderful as this tale presents much to talk about. The fact that this book is told in a different voice from the first two, is an interesting change. Caleb, who didn't want to take his sister's place as the family historian, eventually continues the saga in his own journal. My class is writing to the author requesting that she continue the stories using Jacob and the new characters to tie some pieces together. Many of my students are reading it again. It is a beautiful chapter book and appropriate to read when studying the early prairie years of our country.

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Skylark Takes Off
Skylark
acceptance
More about Sarah and her family
Skylark

Skylark (Sarah, Plain and Tall)
Patricia Maclachlan
Manufacturer: HarperTrophy
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0064406229

Book Description

In this stunning sequel to Newbery Medal winner Sarah, Plain and Tall, Anna and Caleb travel with their new mother, Sarah, to Maine to take refuge from the prairie drought, a journey that teaches them the power of family to transcend distances.

Ages 8 – 10

Customer Reviews:

Skylark Takes Off.......2007-06-18

This well written sequel to Sarah, Plain and Tall is a page-turner. Readers can't wait to find out what happens next to their beloved family on the plains. The dreaded drought causes much hardship; no water for the livestock, wells going dry, families leaving their farms, and the barn fire. Sarah and the children flee to Maine, her birthplace, to wait out the drought in safety. Luckily, the drought ends and Jacob goes to Maine to retrieve his family, including the newly pregnant Sarah! Patricia Maclachlan's writing is beautiful; full of imagery and feeling. It's easy to identify with these well-rounded characters.

Skylark.......2007-03-13

Sarah came to the prairie from Maine to Marry Papa.But durring that summer,a drought turned the land dry and brown.Fires swept across the fields and coyotes came to the well search of water.So Sarah took Anna and Caleb back east,where they were safe.But on the other hand Papa would not leave his land.

Maine was beautiful, but Anna missed her home ,and Papa.And as the weeks went by she began wondering what would happenif the rains will never come.Would they all still be a family.

acceptance.......2006-10-29

With the companion books Sarah, plain and tall skylark represents acceptance for love, tradition, value and companionship for other as well as yourself. As student read this book it will deal and discussion separation, love of ones illness, plant history, and cultural values of others and they deal with real life situations.

More about Sarah and her family.......2005-08-02

Hi, I'm Paulina and I'm one of Patricia's biggest fans. I read the book, Skylark. It started out as a story about family and life in the frontier land. A week had passed and there had been no rain. It was very hot, opening windows was no use. The cow had her calf and then the barn burned down, meanwhile Sarah's aunts had sent her a letter inviting her to come to Maine, papa wouldn't go because he wanted to take care of the land, so he sent Sarah and the children. After a month without papa everyone was getting homesick and missing him very much, finally they saw papa rushing toward them yelling "it rained!" Papa had come to take them all home.

If you like stories about life in the country, this is the story for you. You can easily imagine the sights and landscape in this novel. I would recommend this book for kids between the ages of 8 and 10. I think this was a very good book. The problem in this story was that there wasn't any rain for a long time. This problem was very bad in the days before farmers could water thier crops with machinery. When the rains finally came, it saved the farm and the family. I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to read more by Patricia MacLauchlan!

Skylark.......2005-05-16

If you are into books about droughts, fires, and other things like that, then this is the right book for YOU.This book is the sequel to "Sarah, Plain and Tall" when a young woman named Sarah traveled from Maine to the Prairie to marry a widowed man named Jacob and his two children, Anna and Caleb.In the book "Skylark" there is a drought and during the drought there was a huge fire that burned down their barn.So Jacob told Sarah to take Anna and Caleb to Maine while he rebuilds the barn.Will they ever be together again?To find out read the book "Skylark."

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I love folk tales
Beautiful Tale of Creation
An Indian legend about how different people have different talents
Painting the Sunset
Indian Paintbrush

The Legend of the Indian Paintbrush
Tomie dePaola
Manufacturer: Putnam Juvenile
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0698113608

Customer Reviews:

I love folk tales.......2007-06-01

I really enjoy folk tales, and The Legend of the Indian Paintbrush is a beautiful story. Little Gopher paints and spreads his brushes into the fields and the Indian Paintbrushes blossom. The illustrations are beautiful and interesting for children.

Beautiful Tale of Creation.......2007-04-16

I loved this book and think it is a wonderful way to teach children about how flowers came to be. This book is an excellent way to show students that being an individual is important and that each person is different and is needed!!

An Indian legend about how different people have different talents.......2006-08-28

As is the case in all cultures, there are people more and less suited for various tasks. In the world of the American Indians of the plains all life revolved around hunting the buffalo. However, not all boys are meant to be fierce warriors, some are simply not suited to the task. This book is about Little Gopher, a boy who had a Dream-Vision of his grandfather where he was told that he was to paint the pictures of the warriors rather than be one. His canvas was to be stretched white buckskin, his brushes made from the hairs of different animals and his colors were made from rocks and berries. He painted scenes of his people in action, but for some time he longed to make an accurate rendition of a sunset as he never seemed able to create the right colors.
One night he had another vision where he was told that because he had remained true to his calling, on the next day he would be able to sit on a hill and capture the sunset in a painting. He succeeded and he left his brushes on the hill when he carried the painting down to show it to his tribe. The next day his brushes had taken root and had turned into plants with brilliant reds, oranges and yellows. Because of his deeds, the people of his tribe changed his name to He-Who-Brought-the-Sunset-to-the-Earth. This is the legend of how the Indian Paintbrush flowers came into existence.
Like so many other legends of the American Indians, this is a story worth reading. Superbly illustrated using a minimum of color, I recommend this story to all elementary school children.

Painting the Sunset.......2004-02-12

This legend is based on how the Great Plain Indians were given the colors of the sunset by one of the talented Indians. This book shows how Little Gopher, the Indian that painted the colors of the sunset for his People, remained true to his destiny. Even though he felt like he didn't have a special gift, Little Gopher continued to stay dedicated, until he was guided in the right direction by an old grandfather and young maiden in his Dream-Vision. The overall theme of this legend is that perseverance pays off in the end.
This book could be used by teachers to introduce the lesson of how those who are dedicated to a dream or goal can succeed in the end. The plot of the story can be used to demonstrate and teach students how to do story maps. Also, other activities this book can be used for in the classroom are for Literature Circles and Idea Circles.

Indian Paintbrush.......2003-08-10

This story is about Little Gopher who was sad because `he couldn't keep up with the other boys who were always riding, running, shooting their bows, and wrestling to prove their strength.' Luckily for him he had his own special talent, a talent for painting and creating.

When Little Gopher went out into the hills to think about becoming a man, he had a dream vision. This vision told him to find a white buckskin and to `keep it and one day you will paint a picture that is as pure as the colors in the evening sky.'

Little Gopher got the white buckskin soon after, but didn't have the right paints to paint the sunset. He kept trying to achieve the right colors. Every morning he mixed paints in hopes that these ones wouldn't be dull and flat like the others, but to no avail.

One night a voice told him to go up on top of a hill next evening at sunset, `Because you have been faithful to the People and to your true gift, you shall find the colors you are seeking.' Little Gopher went to the hill the next evening and, lo and behold, there are brushes full of paint the color of the sunset waiting there for him to paint his masterpiece.

Little Gopher painted his masterpiece and when he got done he walked back to his tent, leaving the brushes strewn across the hillside. In the morning the brushes had multiplied and turned into flowers, and little Gopher became known as He-Who-Brought-the-Sunset-to-the-Earth.

This book carries several good messages about being true to yourself and not giving up in the face of adversity. It is also a wonderful retelling of a Native American Legend. He book flows wonderfully and the pictures are bright and colorful.

Book Description

Could anything be more perfect than a prairie wedding? Cassie doesn't think so, for a wedding brings:

Two lovebirds together,
Aunts from faraway Maine,
A long white dress with a wedding veil,
Zinnias,
Satin ribbons,
Dancing under a clear blue sky,
And a world that smells of roses.

And as the Witting family comes together for this most special day, Cassie sees that life brings:

The change of seasons,
Brother Jack on Grandfather's lap,
A brand-new car,
Joy,
Sorrow,
And a special dance only Grandfather does.

Sarah, Plain and Tall began the Witting family's saga on the prairie. Now the story completes its circle with Grandfather's Dance, Patricia MacLachlan's poetic celebration about the enduring spirit of family.

Customer Reviews:

a very sad but loving book.......2007-05-12

I really loved this book. As an adult, I was reminded of what it was like growing up on a farm. I loved the unique characters who were very well developed. The story was mostly obvious but could still weave the feelings of loss and love in a way that made you come out feeling filled with good feelings.

Last Dance.......2007-02-11

Just as spring begins on the prairie, young Cassie Witting's life is about to change. Cassie's older sister, Anna, is getting married. This event is the stimulus for a flurry of activity. In addition to wedding preparations, the Witting family must also get ready to receive family from back east, her mama's brother William and a collection of sisters referred to as "the aunts." Even her brother Caleb will return from school for the event. Cassie is excited about her sister's wedding. She contemplates what it might be like to get married one day and resolves that her dog would be the perfect husband. In the midst of all the arrangements and family reunions, Cassie notices that Grandfather has become short tempered. Her younger brother Jack (who refers to himself as "Doggie") loves Grandfather better than anyone else. This is evident by the way Jack imitates his Grandfather's every move. Cassie doesn't understand the significance of Grandfather's request to have Cassie dress up and have a pretend wedding so that he can attend. Cassie eventually realizes the reason for Grandfather's strange behavior.

Reading this book, one is privy to tender family moments, sharing both happy and difficult times. MacLachlan uses a string of symbols to signal the changes the family is experiencing. Among the symbols are the new family car, Sarah's wedding veil, and Grandfather's black hat. The reader recognizes the family's sense of togetherness. This gives them the strength they need to weather the changing seasons of their own lives and the "life" of the Witting family.

Although part of a collection of stories beginning with Sarah, Plain and Tall, the reader need not have read previous books to appreciate this touching final installment in the collection. Cassie's narration imparts enough information from the other books that Grandfather's Dance easily stands alone. The book uses language that is simple enough for young readers, but the theme of the book makes it an enjoyable read for all.

Dance dance wherever you may be.......2006-09-13

All right, class. Altogether now. How does one go about getting kids interested in historical fiction? Any ideas? I heard somebody mentioning starting the kids on that kind of thing early on. Very good! It's an easy enough task to read historical picture books to children before they can read on their own, certainly. Just load your bookshelves with some Patricia Polacco, some Patricia McKissack, and maybe a dash of Allan Say for good measure. The minute the children want to read their own books, however, you may find filling their historical fiction needs a bit trickier. If it isn't related to "The Time Warp Trio", parents often find their bookshelves sadly lacking in that whole early chapter book historical fiction genre. So what author exists to rescue you from this dire plight? Who else but Patricia MacLachlan, author of "Sarah, Plain and Tall"! The series that begin with this pleasantly slim novel has added yet another title to its mix. "Grandfather's Dance" follows the Witting family's adventures as everyone prepares for Anna, narrator of the first book, and her wedding.

Cassie is delighted. Her older sister Anna is getting married and everything in the home is far more exciting and unusual as a result. Usually Anna lives quietly with just her mother and father, her younger brother Jack, and their grandfather alongside the prairie. Now, however, three aunts are coming to stay, to say nothing of an uncle and a host of other relatives for the festivities. Alongside this large story comes the small tale of Jack's love for his grandfather and Cassie's love for the both of them. Grandfather knows that his time is coming soon, and when at last he dies Cassie must help Jack through his grief into acceptance. It will mean remembering the good things and accepting that sometimes people have to die. Fortunately for everyone, there are always our memories to help us cope.

For kids that may still be a bit too young for Laura Ingalls Wilder, or Louise Erdrich's "Birchbark House", MacLachlan's slim novels offer a tantalizing glimpse into another time and place without ever sacrificing keen writing or gripping storytelling in the interim. This is a rare and wonderful thing to find in any author, let alone one of early chapter books. "Grandfather's Dance" touches on new, slightly darker territory than its predecessors. For some children, this may be the first book they read that deals with a beloved relative's death. In this case, Grandfather's demise comes as only the slightest of shocks. MacLachlan knows how to ease a young reader into accepting this occurrence without sacrificing her story in the process.

Alongside the parallel storylines of Anna's wedding preparations and the relationship of Jack and his grandfather is a rather unique and interesting series of daydreams on Cassie's part. Early in the book the young girl comments that she didn't love anyone for marrying, except possibly the family dog. Then, spotted throughout the book, are small references to this marriage of girl and pup. "My husband dog licks my cheek and whispers, 'You have never been more beautiful. You're more beautiful than a pot roast'." This eventually culminates with a mock wedding between Cassie and her dog Nick, with her grandfather there to see it. As he himself points out, he may never make it to her real wedding, but he's happy to oversee this pretend one in the meantime. It's bizarre but oddly lovely and it adds weight to a narrative that could well have felt too insubstantial without it.

I know it's not this series's style, but I did find myself wishing that there had been small pencil drawings of some of the images in this book. Her aunt's flute. The wedding veil. The new car. Just little things that might have made the story that much more interesting and real. MacLachlan doesn't need illustrations, of course. Her writing stands up for itself. But sometimes it's nice for those kids who rely heavily on visual images to have something small to grasp onto.

Still, this quibble isn't even hardly worth mentioning. To tell it plain, the best way to describe "Grandfather's Dance" is to simply say, "Patricia MacLachlan has done it again", and to leave it at that. This is a more than worthy follow-up to the other books in the Witting series, and a delightful addition to any library or personal collection. Best of all, you needn't have read the previous books to get a lot out of this one. It would help, but it's certainly not a requirement. A wonderful tidy book.

A Beautiful Dance .......2006-09-05

Cassie Witting has a little brother named John Jacob Witting, but everyone calls him "Jack," and he calls himself "Doggie." In the months before a big wedding, Cassie watches the relationship between her little brother and their grandfather. She is alternately amused and annoyed by Jack's constant aping of Grandfather's speech and movements. So is Grandfather.

As the wedding draws near and relatives begin to arrive, everyone is caught up in the excitement. But Cassie is an observant youngster and records things about her brother and grandfather. She notices Grandfather's temper growing shorter, even as his love grows larger. Despite what she notes, Cassie is still a child, and there are things she isn't capable of seeing until too late.

In this sweet closing to a beloved series, a family's turning point takes place before a young girl's innocent eyes. Rather than dwelling on the sadness of a special person's passing, this story is a celebration of all he was to his family. This sharing of endearment and loss is lovingly written in a way fans of the series will cherish. Its gentle treatment of death will be especially soothing to children who have lost grandparents. The sadness really can be tempered by the wonderful memories created between family members.

Young, or not-so-young, fans of the "Sarah Plain and Tall" series will find a great deal to love about this book. It earns its place next to its predecessors.

Reviewed by Christina Wantz Fixemer
8/23/2006

4½-BALLOONS for WUAT Kids!; 5-STARS for Amazon

Schoolyard Rhymes: Kids' Own Rhymes for Rope-Skipping, Hand Clapping, Ball Bouncing, and Just Plain Fun

Average customer rating:

Good book
Back down memory lane!

Schoolyard Rhymes: Kids' Own Rhymes for Rope-Skipping, Hand Clapping, Ball Bouncing, and Just Plain Fun
Judy Sierra
Manufacturer: Knopf Books for Young Readers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0375825169
Release Date: 2005-07-12

Book Description

"Schoolyard rhymes are catchy and fun. They are easy to remember. In fact, they stick in the mind like bubble gum to a shoe." writes Judy Sierra in her introduction to this lively collection of traditional playground chants. Included are more than 50 verses ranging from the familiar jump rope rhyme about the mythical lady with the alligator purse to less familiar counting-out ones, from funny rhymes for ball-bouncing and hand-clapping games to "Liar, liar, pants on fire, nose as long as a telephone wire" and other choice insults of children. Melissa Sweet includes bright, colorful fabric swatches in her watercolor-and-pencil collages to perfectly capture the spirit of these funky, street-smart verses that children love to recite and chant.

Customer Reviews:

Good book.......2007-09-14

Nice book. Has lots of rhymes ... some I knew, some I didn't ... some had more lines than I remember... This book just has the words to the rhymes, so if you are looking for the rhythms or the hand clapping sequence (as I was) this isn't the book for you.

Back down memory lane!.......2007-05-17

What a wonderful blast from the page! I so enjoyed reacquainting myself with many of the childhood rhymes from my double dutching days. This will be a great gift for me to share with my nieces as they too will be introduced to such famous childhood rhymes. Even the illustrations made the rhymes stand out fully engaging one to try them out on the playground.

Average customer rating:

The Children's Blizzard
A Fascinating Tale
a moving tribute to victims combined with history and science
Read It In January
mother nature's wrath

The Children's Blizzard (P.S.)
David Laskin
Manufacturer: Harper Perennial
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | World | History | Subjects | Books

Natural Disasters | Earth Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

Reference | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0060520760
Release Date: 2005-10-11

Book Description

Thousands of impoverished Northern European immigrants were promised that the prairie offered "land, freedom, and hope." The disastrous blizzard of 1888 revealed that their free homestead was not a paradise but a hard, unforgiving place governed by natural forces they neither understood nor controlled, and America's heartland would never be the same.

This P.S. edition features an extra 16 pages of insights into the book, including author interviews, recommended reading, and more.

Customer Reviews:

The Children's Blizzard.......2007-09-09

If you like history and weather and pioneers, this is the book for you. A lot of my historical society friends read this after I recommended it and they all felt they learned a lot and appreciated the author's attention to detail. A little advance warning and knowledge about weather fronts could have prevented quite a few deaths. Most of the towns must have had a telegraph and some of the townspeople could have spread the word, but it didn't happen. As a result, children died.
Excellent writing and research!

A Fascinating Tale.......2007-07-24

David Laskin brings the subject to life with his well-researched personal stories. I highly recommend this book.

a moving tribute to victims combined with history and science.......2007-05-29

Mr. Laskin builds the story slowly by telling us the history of a number of immigrant families whose blizzard experience forms the core of the story. We learn of their hardships in traveling to the US and earlier hardships they faced on the midwest prairies. He gives the background of the Signal Corps that was charged with weather reporting and forcasting and the politics that affected their structure. He also explains weather phenomena and terminology as it was known then and now.

He reveals how the mild weather before the blizzard lulled many people into going outside and permitting their children to walk to rural schools.

The speed and intensity of the blizzard was astounding and he vividly describes the impact on people and the uncertainty they faced: do we try to get home or wait it out where we are? When the blizzard ended, the searching began and he describes how hard it was to find the lost victims -- in some cases it took 5 days to locate people that were buried in drifts just a few hundred feet from a pioneer home.

Added to the actual stories and histories of some victims, he also describes in detail how hypothermia affects the mind and the body.

It is a moving story that brings out the harsh existence and the tragedy that these settlers faced.

Read It In January.......2007-05-01

I'm nuts about gripping non-fiction. This book is a freaking gem. The blizzard took place in 1888 and killed hundreds. The book covers the immigrants who settled the plane states, this part is interesting to me because I'm from the Midwest. I know nothing about weather forcasting but I learned more about weather from this book than I have in my life. He descibes the body's response to cold weather too and that is pretty interesting. The description of the blizzard is brutal and you could read this book in Mexico in July and it would make you shiver.

mother nature's wrath.......2007-04-20

After reading this account of a great tragedy, I can't help but think about what these early settlers endured. I find myself thinking about this book everytime I complain because there's a little snow on my walkway!! Very compelling and detailed telling of a sad story.

Little House On The Prairie CD (Little House the Laura Years)

Average customer rating:

A wonderfully told classic!
Not as good as previous version
Great reading for kids
Little house on the Praire
Fabulous

Little House On The Prairie CD (Little House the Laura Years)
Laura Ingalls Wilder
Manufacturer: HarperChildrensAudio
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Books on CD | Audiobooks | Formats | Books
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ASIN: 006054399X
Release Date: 2005-11-29

Book Description

America's Original Pioneer Girl

Pa Ingalls decides to sell the little log house, and the family sets out for Indian country! They travel from Wisconsin to Kansas, and there, finally, Pa builds their little house on the prairie. Sometimes farm life is difficult, even dangerous, but Laura and her family are kept busy and happy with the promise of their new life on the prairie.

Little House on the Prairie is the second book in the Laura Years series.

Performed by Cherry Jones.

Customer Reviews:

A wonderfully told classic!.......2007-07-28

Charming, engaging, and wonderfully told, the story about Laura and her family's life on the frontier is a great read for preteen readers and adults alike. Very interesting, this is a great book for young readers looking for a good book, or even for adults. A great story about a family that sticks together through very tough times as well as a good look into what life a settler was really like.

Not as good as previous version.......2007-05-21

I teach 5th grade and I purchased these books to complete my class set of these books. This new version is missing all of the wonderful sketches that made Laura's books famous. Why? The font is also smaller and the page numbers are different, making it difficult for the kids with this version to follow along. I'm most upset though at the lack of the illustrations that children have come to love since Laura wrote these books. Disappointing. Get the older version (without the photograph on the cover) if you can get it.

Great reading for kids.......2007-05-07

My daughter loved this story and is asking for the whole Laura Wilder book series.

Little house on the Praire.......2007-05-04

Pa was happy in the beginning when the Ingalls were moving south, but when they had to move back where they used to live they were very disappointed. I loved this book because it was easy to picture that you were living with the Ingalls. The way Laura Ingalls Wilder told the story about her life and her family made the reader feel as if they were there too.

Fabulous.......2007-03-20

Whether you have read the Little House books or have never heard of them, this book on tape is wonderful for everyone from small children to adults. The narrator who reads it does an amazing job of capturing the childhood wonderment and emotions Laura was trying to convey. It is also so interesting to hear the way families lived back in the 1800's. I could listen to this book on tape over and over again.

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