The year is 1291, and Walter is the twelve-year-old son of William Tell, the greatest bowman in the land of Uri. Walter lives happily in the remote...
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Oct 25, 2010
This book had a lot of appeal maybe because of the strong antagonist/protagonist theme. Will the people ever rise above the cruel overlord, Gessler, that has the people working for him to increase his greatness through buildings on his land? Switzerland is in a revolution against its Austrian rulers. Little Rudi and his younger brother Prinz live in a Swiss village in 1291, and courageous Rudi is the main character of this book. The book is rich in description of the surroundings of this mounta
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Jan 21, 2012
Josiah
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At just eighty pages in length and plentifully decorated with full-page illustrations, The Apple and the Arrow certainly is one of the shorter books to have ever been designated a Newbery Honoree by the ALA committee. It's brevity doesn't prevent it from being a very good book, though, filled with splashes of excitement and conspiratorial intrigue in the retelling of an old legend about a brave people who fought back against despotism to earn freedom for themselves and their children. The act
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Sep 22, 2011
Alice
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“He knew what the wise have always know, that man lives by faith, and that faith can be stronger than fear.”
“Today it does not matter whether the story of William Tell really happened or is a legend handed down. For the story of a brave man’s revolt against tyranny is always true—as true for us now as it was for those in the far-off days of The Apple and the Arrow.
Great story of courage and standing up for freedom and doing what is right.
“Today it does not matter whether the story of William Tell really happened or is a legend handed down. For the story of a brave man’s revolt against tyranny is always true—as true for us now as it was for those in the far-off days of The Apple and the Arrow.
Great story of courage and standing up for freedom and doing what is right.
Jan 10, 2009
Jen
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I just read this book to some of my kids (ages 8-12) and we all loved it. I have been meaning to read this to them for years and just never did. I think this book has some great messages about faith, courage, family, and freedom. It also got us interested in learning more about Switzerland. The kids were engaged and begged me to keep reading. You can easily read this aloud in one or two sittings.
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Jan 29, 2011
Debra
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I loved the legend more than the book. This Newberry honor book of only eighty pages was offered time and again in the Scholastic book orders for fifty cents or a dollar. I purchased them for my classroom, but truthfully rarely saw anyone take interest. It's not a great read aloud, but is an okay offering in early reader historical fiction.
Dec 15, 2011
Lauren
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I thought this book was wonderful. At first I needed it because it contained trust but then realized it is a great story. No wonder it is a legend. This book would be good for third to fourth grade. It does contain some good pictures as well.
Nov 22, 2010
Amber
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"He knew what wise men have always known, that man lives by faith, and that faith can be stronger than fear..." This was so much more than a story about William Tell. In five short chapters we learned and lived the history of the founding of Switzerland. A wonderful and touching book.
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Nov 12, 2011
Amy
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This book completely deserves its award winning status. I loved reading the complete story after hearing only bits and pieces my whole life. We read this when we were studying the medieval period and learning about Swiss independence.
Feb 14, 2009
Trent
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Another book I grabbed in the kid section for me to read. It is the most complete story of William Tell that I have read (that is, the only complete story of Tell that I have come across).
Jan 27, 2009
Melissa
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I love Children's Lit. This is the story of the legend of William Tell told from the perspective of his son. The story was simple and engaging.
Dec 25, 2008
Ashley
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I did like this. Cute story about, among other things, having faith in your father.
Sep 21, 2010
Stephanie
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A simple and faith inducing story. Great for homeschoolers and non alike. My sons both loved this book and are anxious to read it again and again.
May 18, 2010
Deanna
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We really enjoyed this true story of the independence of Switzerland. We liked how it pointed out the difference one man can make to change the course of events in his own world. Freedom requires courage and this story displays the courage of a family to gain independence from tyranny. There are lots of good attributes represented in this book.
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May 24, 2010
Mandy
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This book is based on the legend of William Tell. A remarkable story of courage and trust. The fire for freedom has burned deep in man's heart for centuries, as illustrated by the life of this brave man. A fitting story to read and discuss with your children.
Apr 26, 2008
Enid
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I liked this book, however it didn't hold my son's interest as much as our other read-alouds. I'm sure we will read it again when he gets a little older.
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