Tag: Book Review

Seesaw Girl

On By Linnea PsiakiLeave a comment

By Linda Sue Park

Living in 12th century Korea, Jade Blossom can never go beyond the walls of her family’s inner court. She will never get to run around outside or go to the market or the mountains. All she’s allowed to do is help with domestic tasks like laundry or sewing. Because someday, she will leave her family’s home, but not to go anywhere interesting. She’ll just end up in her husband’s inner court.

Jade thinks that this system is completely unfair. Her brothers get to spend their days doing interesting activities like writing and painting. Sometimes they even leave the house and get to travel. They have a whole world of opportunity waiting for them. If only she could get the same experience as they do. If only she could leave the enclosing walls.

Unfortunately, she seems to be the only one who thinks this way. Everyone else around her seems content. But Jade isn’t going to give up that easily. She is determined to see what lies beyond her house’s walls.

Why should you read this book?

Although it is a very short read, you will be pulled into the story. It’s quite interesting to learn about this era of history and I’m sure that you will discover things that you didn’t know before. And, if you’re already a fan of Linda Sue Park, you will like this book. It’s a fun family story and about not giving up on your dreams, even if they seem impossible.

Who should read this book?

It is very accessible to everyone. There’s nothing upsetting or disturbing about it and it’s written in an easy to read manner. All middle schoolers could read this book and will probably enjoy it.

General Stats:

  • Genre: historical fiction – 12th century Korea
  • Standalone
  • Age: 5th grade and above
  • My rating: ★★★★☆

Lines of Courage

On By Linnea PsiakiLeave a comment

By Jennifer A Nielsen

Here we have yet another WWI novel, but this time, it doesn’t just discuss one character and their story. The cool thing about this book is that instead of just focusing on one character, it explores multiple different perspectives. Felix, Kara, Elsa, Dmitri, and Juliette are all suffering from the effects of the war. But though the future is not bright, they all still have hopes and dreams, from surviving the war to becoming a Red Cross nurse. Not all of what they wish will come to pass, but they all may still end up with a happy ending.

What I liked about this book was that you could see so many different parts of the war in one book alone. Where usually you might have to read a two books to get to learn about a British nurse and a Russian soldier, here, you can get both. It was slightly confusing at times, but overall a pretty decent book.

Why should you read this book?

If you’re interested in learning a lot about WWI or getting a general overview of a lot of the different aspects, then this is the book for you. It’s less of an in depth dive on one aspect and touches more on a lot of the important parts. And if you generally like Jennifer A Nielsen’s books, I think you will like this one.

Who should read this book?

As with most books by Nielsen, this one deals with hard concepts in a way that is very appropriate for middle grade readers. Yes, it’s about WWI, and terrible things happened. But you won’t finish this story and feel disturbed or like you’ve read something that you didn’t want to read. It’s very accessible to all middle schoolers.

General Stats:

  • Genre: historical fiction – WWI
  • Standalone
  • Age: 6th grade and above
  • My rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Leviathan

On By Linnea PsiakiLeave a comment

By Scott Westerfield

I’m sure you’ve read plenty of historical fiction about WWI, but you’ve never read one like this. I’m not sure it can even be classified as historical fiction. It’s more steampunk/sci-fi. But, it’s still set during WWI so I’m counting it as historical fiction. Please don’t be mad.

WWI is raging, but it’s not just Allies v. Central powers. It is Clankers v. Darwinists. The Clankers (the Central powers) use steam-powered mechanical giants to fight their side of the war. The Darwinists use genetically modified/engineered animals to fight.

I’m sure you think this is absolutely ridiculous. And yes, it is. On the surface, it’s probably one of the dumbest ideas that ever became a published series. But it is actually a really good book. It’s a lot more interesting than you would expect. Here’s a general rundown of the plot.

There are two main characters the Austro-Hungarian Prince Alek and the British airman Deryn, who’s actually a girl. They both have a lot of secrets and when they get caught up in the war, it’s a lot harder to hide them. When they finally meet, they end up on a crazy adventure all over the world.

Why should you read this book?

At first, you’re probably going to think that it’s weird. I definitely did. But, once you get into the book, you’ll really like it. It’s a fresh new take on WWI and you will not see other books like this one. If you are interested in steampunk, Darwinism, or WWI, you should try this book. You might really like it.

Who should read this book?

I read it in book club in 7th grade. In retrospect, it was maybe a little more suited to an older audience. But I still liked it. I think that a 7th grader could read this book and it wouldn’t hurt them, but an 8th grader might be able to appreciate it a little better.

General Stats:

  • Genre: historical fiction/steampunk – WWI
  • Book 1 of 3
  • Age: 7th-8th grade and above
  • My rating:  ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

A Single Shard

On By Linnea PsiakiLeave a comment

By Linda Sue Park

12th century Thailand. A small village. An orphaned boy willing to do anything to get food. And a potter who’s getting older.

Tree-ear has lived under a bridge for almost his entire life, scrounging for scraps and trying to survive with his friend. It doesn’t look like he’s ever going to be anything else besides a beggar, until an opportunity presents itself to him. He begins to help Min the potter with his work. At first, it is difficult and grueling. Tree-ear spends all day digging up clay or gathering firewood. The potter is harsh and unfriendly. But Tree-ear loves pottery, and he will stop at nothing to earn his master’s trust and learn to create masterpieces of his own.

Soon, Tree-ear must embark on a journey to deliver some of Min’s pottery. If he can succeed at this task, then he too may be able to become a potter and make beautiful pots.

Why should you read this book?

I didn’t know anything about pottery before I read this book. I didn’t think it was something I would want to learn about, but after I read this book, I was fascinated. It was very interesting to learn about how pottery is made and all the steps and processes, and it wasn’t boring or slow. The author does a really good job of bringing you into the story and all the characters and descriptions feel very real. It’s a really good story, and definitely a frequent reread.

Who should read this book?

If you are interested in history or pottery or Thailand, you should read this book. Even if you’re not, you should still try it – it may change your mind. I think I read this book in 5th or 6th grade. There are some parts that are sad or could be upsetting, but those parts are handled very well. It’s a very quick and easy read.

General Stats:

  • Genre: historical fiction
  • Standalone
  • Age: 6th grade and above
  • My rating:  ★ ★ ★ ★ ★