Adelina's comments
(member since Jan 27, 2009)
Adelina's comments from the The Newbery Award Book Club group.
(showing 1-20 of 41)
I enjoyed the idea of traveling in a balloon, but I just didn't enjoy this book as much as others. I think for a young audience it could captivate many minds. For me though it was just ok. I really didn't like the krakatoans at all. They seemed greedy and lazy, and yet it seemed the author tried to make them out in a good light.
I'm not really sure there ever was a plot in this book.
Just finished it and I liked it. I had a hard time with the random Writing And Capitalization, but I enjoyed the story. I got a kick picturing her stuck up in a tree with a bear sleeping below. How does one sleep in a tree? The branches have got to be huge! (sorry random thought).
I cried alot at Amy Alice's funeral, and then the grandmother saying those things. yup I cried.
I thoroughly enjoyed it. Although I'm not sure on the plausability of it, but that's what I love about it. I especially like the ending!
At first I felt bad for his aunt and uncle, and thought somehow they would resolve their problems, and he would go "home" to them. I'm kind of glad it didn't work out that way though. Instead he has his search for an address!
I love that he doesn't consider blacks black, but rather all different shades of colors, and then he looks at himself, and also finds all different colors in his skin! Such a great lesson on tolerance and acceptance (although not the right words, I can't think of them right now.)
I loved this book. Books like this help me put my life more into perspective. I haven't had trials anywhere near Veron's, and I doubt many of us have. And then to ponder on it, and remember that it is a true story, just gives it more feeling than other books.
I especially liked the transition from childhood to adulthood that Veron had to go through. Not many of us grow up that quick, and even wihtout her trials the Armenians grew up quicker (seeing as how they married at 15!).
Megan wrote: "Reading the Giver back in middle school is probably one of my life-changing moments.
I recently read The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, and I think I liked it better than Despereaux."
You really read it in middle school? I thought it took a lot longer to get you to read The Giver!
Mandy wrote: "Oops! My all time favorite (and first ever read) Newbery is "The Giver". Hands down. Runner up would be "The Tale of Despereaux"."
I couldn't agree more with you Mandy! Although I stil haven't read The Tale of Despereaux.
everything Nikki said! Between the history of china and the principles taught, this book is just amazing. My favorite part of the book was when Young Fu confessed to his mother that he lost all the money playing dominoes. I think it was the main turning point in his character.
my brains a bit tired, but I Loved this book. I really felt for Young Fu as he learns different life lessons.
It was an alright book. I enjoy books with a bit more of a plot though. I did like that there was the struggle of finding out about her father, and once she found out it caused almost a different conflict, but quickly resolved.
That is where I differ with you! I think they stay. They have all adjusted and have made friends. It would be a good job for David to take at the University (at least it seemed so). And I don't think they have really researched the possibilities for Jen's education. I'm sure there has to be something in Wales she could do.
I have a trip planned for sometime in the future, to visit all the neat european places I read about. So far I've got Wales and Italy on my list!!
I agree Megan! Although it was a bit of a slow read, that only added to this book! I have to admit though, I was surprised with how involved Gwilym got at the end of the book. He was always just so quiet. I really loved this book. The magic seemed so real to me. Who wants to make a trip to Wales???
For me in general, for a book to win an award, I look for good writing style, and something that holds my attention. A good lesson, either moral, physical or emotional is also something I look at in children's writing.
I wikipedia'd John Newbery, and did you know he was British? I think the award should extent at least to British authors as well.
No system here. I only even really started to pay attention when Megan started this group. So thanks Megan, you are my system!
I always like to read a whole series. Even if I didn't really enjoy. Now if I absolutely didn't like it, than probably not, but I haven't come across that problem yet. I just read all the books in The Giver series (The Giver, Gathering Blue, and The Messenger). I loved them. The two followup weren't as great as The Giver, but still really good!!
I love your review Cheryl!
I had a hard time getting into the book, but once in I loved it. I think the message of not pushing our children and forcing our opinion of what's right and proper on others is one everyone needs to receive.
I didn't always get Andy, I felt like he kept jumping from being a child to being smart, so I didn't connect too well with him. I did connect with Onion John though. I'm not sure why, but I liked him and his way of living.
LOVED this book. I liked how the author based the characters on real people he knew. I believe it added alot to the characters reality. The whole Vampire "hornets nest" and car chasing I Loved!
I thought it was ok. It didn't hold my attention to the point I like. But a good enjoyable story
Hopefully I'll have time to read these! July is looking to be a very busy month here~
Ooo, Rochelle, I love reading your reviews of books! Megan, that's what I had the hardest time with in this book, because Mib's Poppa was always in the forefront of my mind, and it didn't always seem to be there in the book. I also thought the bus driver was very irresponsible in not having them call their parents right away and waiting until the waitress came into the picture for that. But I guess that was part of his character, and the battle in his mind.
The Newbery Award Book Club
