Number the Stars

Number the Stars is a welcome relief from the torturous books of the 1920s. Dealing with the adult topic of the treatment of the Jews during the second world war, Lois Lowry's writing is spectacular. Lowry approaches these adult themes through the eyes of a child struggling to understand what is happening, making it a perfect book to introduce young readers to such a difficult subject. Rather than dwelling on the horror of the times, Lowry conveys the strengths of humanity through her portrayal of the Danish people's courage and kindness. No matter how many times I read it, Number the Stars is always better than I remembered.

Finally A Good Book!

I am excited that we switched up the reading order. Just finished Number the Stars by Lois Lowry. Great book. My favorite part is probably the Afterword where the author explains what parts of the story are based on actual events that took place. On to The Westing Game, one of my favorites!

Smoky

So I just reviewed my library check-out history and discovered that I checked out Smoky on 4 different dates, starting with 6-23-08. That's right, over a year ago. And each time I had it I'm pretty sure I renewed it, so that's 2 weeks x 3, x the 4 dates...24 weeks. Whoops.

I have nothing much to say about Smoky...lots of racism like other books from this time period. Somewhat interesting to learn about cowboys and horses, but I am very glad it is over!

Good Riddance, 1920s

Time for some quality books!
-1990: Number the Stars by Lowis Lowry
-1979: The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin

Shen of the Sea- the Top 5 Moments

Shen of the Sea is not going to qualify for a place on my list of favorite books, but it had its moments. Here are my favorite five things about the book.

5. Kites were made to scare an enemy in battle.
4. China plates are a mispronunciation of Chin Our, a princess who made clay mud pies.
3. Windows were invented by a man named Wing Dow.
2. Tea is made from the leaves of bushes that have been enchanted by a witch so that eating them will keep people awake.
1. When it rains perfectly hard, there is plenty of leisure in which to beat the children.

There is dialogue!

On page 77 of "Smokey the Cowhorse," a cowboy finally speaks! Even though he is only talking to the Smokey and Smokey doesn't talk back, I am very excited about this new turn of events. It has not turned out to be "one of the finest horse stories ever told," as New York Times Book Review once said, but I think I will enjoy this book a little bit more now.

Done with Shen of the Sea

Tada! I'm glad to be done with this guy, and with folk tales of foreign cultures for that matter. No comment on this book, except to say that he uses "howbeit" quite often. That word has really died or at least I never come in contact with it. Howbeit, it is still an English word and I am therefore resolved to use it in a sentence at least once this week. Check.