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The 1950s Adventures of Pete and Carol Ann #2
Sinister Summer
This 2012 edition of Sinister Summer, ISBN 978-09855433-3-1 is no longer available from author C.A. Hartnell. A new March 2018 edition of Sinister Summer, ISBN 978-0-9990502-2-4, with added pages, slight cover changes and updates to the editing is available for purchase.
158 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2012
2 people want to read
About the author
C.A. Hartnell
5 books3 followersC.A. Hartnell is a Las Vegas author of an award-winning series of four historical fiction chapter books for children eight and up. Her four-book series is set in 1950s Southern California and earned a 2013 Mom's Choice Silver Award. This award program is globally recognized for sharing excellence in family-friendly media, products, and services.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
August 31, 2019
Carol Ann and her friend Pete are ready for summer fun, but they run into some bullies who ruin everything. Things get serious when some teenagers start driving recklessly along the beach highways, but Carol Ann and her family are determined to have a relaxing beach vacation.
I enjoyed the historic 1950s information in this book, but the writing is not very good. The writing "tells" instead of "showing", and the characters use the dialogue to narrate what they are doing or feeling, instead of it being shown in what they do and how they react.
The story is good with some wholesome beach fun and a little action near the end, but there is too much description and detail about every tiny thing. The story is too long and includes too much of the same material over and over.
If the writing were more polished and edited to be shorter, this story would flow much better.
I loved the photographs of the real Carol Ann and her family that are included at the back of the book, along with a glossary of 1950s slang and a recipe for Peanut Butter Bites. I also liked that the book includes two maps, showing the layout of Carol Ann's neighborhood, as well as a map of the California coast and Route 66 where the characters in the book go cruising.
I think I could have really enjoyed this story if the writing were a little better.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publishers in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
I enjoyed the historic 1950s information in this book, but the writing is not very good. The writing "tells" instead of "showing", and the characters use the dialogue to narrate what they are doing or feeling, instead of it being shown in what they do and how they react.
The story is good with some wholesome beach fun and a little action near the end, but there is too much description and detail about every tiny thing. The story is too long and includes too much of the same material over and over.
If the writing were more polished and edited to be shorter, this story would flow much better.
I loved the photographs of the real Carol Ann and her family that are included at the back of the book, along with a glossary of 1950s slang and a recipe for Peanut Butter Bites. I also liked that the book includes two maps, showing the layout of Carol Ann's neighborhood, as well as a map of the California coast and Route 66 where the characters in the book go cruising.
I think I could have really enjoyed this story if the writing were a little better.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publishers in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
October 10, 2014
Good old fashioned stories with good old fashioned values. -Sinister Summer follows the antics of Pete and Carol Ann, two eleven year old kids growing up in the 1950s. Together, these two friends encounter bullies, peril and even a series of crimes, that threaten to put a damper on their summer. Through it all Carol Ann turns to her beloved scriptures to help her find answers and comfort in times of trouble and frustration.
Sinister Summer is the 2nd book in a four part series which follows the adventures of Pete and Carol Ann.
This book has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.
Sinister Summer is the 2nd book in a four part series which follows the adventures of Pete and Carol Ann.
This book has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews