Life on the Hungarian plains us changing quickly for Jancsi and his cousin Kate. Father has given Jansci permission to be in charge of his own herd...
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reviews
Aug 25, 2011
Wendy
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One of the great books of my childhood, this one is much more serious that its predecessor "The Good Master." War and prejudice enter and interrupt the halcyon days of Kate and Jansci's Hungarian village. The illustrations of these books add to their appeal.
May 08, 2011
Sharri
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In this sequel to The Good Master (a juvenile novel set in rural Hungary in the early 1900s), cousins Kate and Jancsi are now 15 years old and still enjoying a serene life rich with Hungarian traditions. However, this life ends abruptly with the outbreak of World War I. Suddenly, Kate and Jancsi must shoulder the tasks of adults, see their fathers and neighbors off to war, and share their house with neighbors, relatives, Russian prisoners of war, and German refugee children.
This nov More...
This nov More...
Mar 11, 2009
Crystal
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One of my most favorite books of all time. A teen novel that is entirely worth the adult read. It's a snapshot into family life in Hungary during WWI. Characters are charming and the folksy tales reminded me at the time of how similar, by lifestyle and geography, that farmers in that part of Europe were to their American counterparts well through the 1950's. Jansci and Kate, puppies, gypsies, soldiers and easter eggs are some of my favorite parts.
Read the prequel, The Good Master, t More...
Read the prequel, The Good Master, t More...
Jul 08, 2010
Kelly
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I read this as a young child after I finished (and loved) The Good Master. Now, years later, I still love it. It is a touching (and occasionally heart-breaking) look at the effect of war. Several scenes and quotes still stand out in my mind and, upon rereading, it still stands out at a poignant novel that I personally feel everyone should read at some point in their lives.
Aug 12, 2009
Melanie
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This book always makes me cry, no matter how often I read it. I think it's because it takes place during World War I, which I just see as such a waste. But the language is beautiful. Kate Seredy transmits her love for Hungary to the reader. You kind of get hit over the head with "all same," but it doesn't matter because it's true.
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Oct 21, 2009
Melissa
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While it will never replace my love for Rilla, this is a great look at WWI from the eyes of those that were the enemy. Not as much detail about how the war effected daily life as I would have liked, but some great imagery and a wonderful complement to other WWI books.
I'll be talking more about this on the blog soon.
I'll be talking more about this on the blog soon.
Jan 13, 2011
Penny
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This was a sweet book about family, community, and patriotism---hard work, sacrifice, sharing, and caring. It is a story about what truly matters in any circumstance. I loved the description of a Jewish storekeeper and his elaborate trades that would be carried out for the benefit of everyone.
Jan 07, 2011
Mjohnson
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Good treatment of accepting that people who are different from us can still have the same feelings. Set during WWI in Hungary and how families managed when the men were gone to war. (Written for 9-12 year olds.)
Apr 03, 2009
CAO
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I loved this sequel to "The Good Master" set in rural Hungary during World War I and published in 1939 just before World war II. Very prescient.
Apr 02, 2009
Sara
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Old fashioned but still interesting to see what life in Hungary would have been like (in a very idealized way) both before and during WWI.
Jun 23, 2009
Gen
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An excellent continuation of the Good Master, The Singing Tree is the story of the Hungarian people before, during and after World War I.
Jan 31, 2010
Jennifer
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Even though this is a children's book, I loved it and read it very quickly. Set in Hungary and the writing was beautiful.
Jun 22, 2011
Storey, Tonopah Juvenile fiction SER... Hmm. The title and artwork seem familiar, as if I'd read it as a child, but the description doesn't.
Nov 07, 2008
Andrea
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A classic featuring good old fashioned values, this book is set in 1917 during WWI. What makes it unique is that it is told from the perspective of a Hungarian farming family on the homefront. There is very little about the war, but a lot about helping each other get through a hard time. Of interest to kids: horses, and kittens play a role in the story. Jews and Russians are portrayed in a positive light. The family even takes in five young German children (the enemy) and cares for them un
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Oct 18, 2009
CLM
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I read this until our copy fell apart.
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Dec 17, 2009
Corey
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A personal tale (the author is retelling her childhood) of the shift from the farms of rural Hungary to the effects of WWI. The Jewish storekeeper having faith that this war will help keep his people safe for good, the Russian prisoners of war working in the farm and being grateful to be there, safe from the battlefield, the soldiers coming home changed and shell shocked, the solidity of community and family...
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Dec 08, 2011
Spook
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A lovely story written in a more formal style than currently popular. I can see why it's a Newberry Honour book! An interesting perspective on WWI, and one I don't think of often; a very worthwhile read.
Jul 15, 2008
Tabatha
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This is a beautiful story of Hungarian culture, with a true message of Christ-like living. Sweetly written and somewhat idyllic, even with the pressures of war. The writing is succinct and thoughtful. An excellent read.
Mar 30, 2011
A children's impression of life in WWI. I read alot of children's books about WWII but this is the only one I have read about the First World War.
Jun 21, 2008
Saralyn
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The sequel to "The Good Master," I might even like this one even better. Tells of what happens to the family during WWI. Nice to hear it from their perspective. LOVE this book!
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Feb 23, 2011
Sherri
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A companion book to "The Good Master", this second journey into Hungary during wartime has a magic haze around it. I've read it several times and still pull it out to read now.
Jan 11, 2010
Sherilyn
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I really like this book. It had a great message of exceptance and charity. It was a fast read and even one that older elementary kids could read. She has a great way of writing
Oct 24, 2008
Maren
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I don't like war books but I love this book (even more than the first book). It had me a little nervous for awhile. I am very invested in what happens to this family!
Jan 18, 2008
Crystal
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The cultural setting in this book is good (just like the Laura Inglles Wilder books), and it's got a simple message with nice, loveable characters.
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Oct 16, 2009
Meredith
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Sep 10, 2008
LaLine
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This book is a sequel to The Good Master. More fascinating folk traditions of the Hungarian people are brought out.
Apr 15, 2011
Tammy
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Loved the story again. Seredy's descriptive way of writing is very pleasant to read aloud with my kids!
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