Jane Austen for Kids: Her Life, Writings, and World, with 21 Activities (68)

by Nancy I. Sanders

Jane Austen is one of the most influential and best-loved novelists in English literature. Austen’s genius was her cast of characters—so timeless and real that readers today recognize them in their own families and neighborhoods. Her book’s universal themes—love and hate, hope and disappointment, pride and prejudice, sense and sensibility—still tug at heartstrings today in cultures spanning the globe.

Austen wrote about daily life in England as she knew it, growing up a clergyman’s daughter among the upper class of landowners, providing readers with a window into the soul of a lively, imaginative, and industrious woman in an age when most women were often obscured. Jane Austen for Kids includes a time line, resources for further study, places to visit, and 21 enriching activities.

Genres: Jane Austen, Biography, Juvenile

144 pages, Paperback

Published February 5, 2019

About the author

Nancy I. Sanders is the bestselling and award-winning children's author of over 100 books. Her children's books include D IS FOR DRINKING GOURD: AN AFRICAN AMERICAN ALPHABET, AMERICA'S BLACK FOUNDERS, and FREDERICK DOUGLASS FOR KIDS. She loves to teach writers at writing conferences and teleclasses so that they can take their writing career to the next level. Her workshops are based on her groundbreaking book, YES! YOU CAN LEARN HOW TO WRITE CHILDREN'S BOOKS, GET THEM PUBLISHED, AND BUILD A SUCCESSFUL WRITING CAREER. Nancy and her husband Jeff live near Los Angeles.

Reviews

[Kris (My Novelesque Life) · Rating 4 out of 5]

RATING: 4 STARS
2019; Chicago Review Press/Independent Publishers Group
(Review Not on Blog)

What a great book for any age, and great resource for teaching children. Combined with reading there are activities that help kids getting excited about the regency period. I like that Sanders didn't just included Austen's history but the history of the era. This is a must for any fans of Austen, of all ages.

***I received an eARC from EDELWEISS***

[Darla · Rating 5 out of 5]

An outstanding work for those who want to dig deeper into the life of Jane Austen. Her genius is unmistakable with so many novels having endured the test of time. And to think she wrote without the benefit of an editor! In addition to information about Jane and others who were a part of her life, there are 21 activities to enrich the reader experience. Included are craft projects, learning Regency dances and playing Whist. Finally we are treated to summaries of her most popular works. Highly recommended!

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

First sentence: It is a truth universally acknowledged that Jane Austen's beginnings seemed simple enough. She was born in England on December 16, 1775, the seventh of eight children.

Premise/plot: This is a nonfiction book--or guide--to the life, times, and work--of Jane Austen for older children or even young adults. At its simplest the book provides a biographical sketch of Jane Austen along with summaries of each of her novels. But it offers much more than that. One really gets immersed into her time--the Georgian period--as well. For anyone who loves history and/or literature this one is well worth seeking out.

The twenty-one activities. There are indeed twenty-one activities incorporated into this nonfiction guide. They range from easy to super difficult. I'd be surprised if anyone found it easy to do all twenty-one.

Host a Regency Tea
Design a Coat of Arms
Learn Social Etiquette Among the Gentry
Play with Puns
Plant an English Kitchen Garden
Master the Rules of Cricket
Craft a Christmas Kissing Bough
Learn an English Country Dance
Decorate a Candle
Perform a Theatrical
Create a Regency Style Turban
Make a Top Hat
Navigate with a Sextant
Say It With Satire
Dance the Boulanger
Sew a Reticule
Curl Your Hair
Wear Regency Style Side Whiskers
Enjoy a Game of Whist
Write a Comedy
Self Publish a Book

My thoughts: I really enjoyed reading this one. (I've read others in this series as well.) I found it to be an engaging read overall. I love, love, love Jane Austen and it was a treat to revisit her life in a kid-friendly format.

[WendyL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jane Austen’s work has stood the test of time. Modern audiences are just as enamored with her novels as England’s royal court was in Austen’s own day. Meet the author in Nancy I. Sanders’ Jane Austen for Kids. Complete with photos and activities, the book explores the life and work of the beloved author from beginning to end. It’s an absolute MUST for English teachers, home school moms and dads, and Jane Austen fans, too. Discover the world of Georgian England’s landed gentry, share in Austen’s early family life, and follow her journey from budding writer to famous novelist. Jane Austen for Kids is the story behind the stories the world has loved for more than 200 years.

[Karen Whiting · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a Janite I thoroughly enjoyed the book. I've ordered copies for my granddaughters and plan to do some of the activities with them. The book delves into life during Jane Austen's time period as well as her own story and how she became a writer. The photos and activities bring Jane alive with in-depth research that chronicles her family, life, and passions. Jane enjoyed writing, dances, teas, and family. She had an optimistic view of life and a deep faith that impacted the people around her. She persisted in writing for years writing before achieving success. Her life provides an example to young women who want to realize their dreams.

[Rachael Stoldt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good! I have been looking for a Jane Austen biography forever and this is the best. I know it was written for kids, but it was very interesting and didn’t pretend to go on and on about why Jane wrote the things she did. Sometimes, the other biographies are downright pretentious. We know very little factual information about her and many “literary people” think they know her well. 🙄 But this book weaves what fact we do know with things happening in the world during that time and it is a really good book.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jane Austen for Kids: Her Life, Writings, and World by Nancy I. Sanders was written for ages 9 and up, but don't think you are too old to read it! This is a great resource for any reader new to Jane Austen and her world. I have been reading and learning about Austen since 1978 and Sanders taught me a few things.

One biographer stated that Austen led an uneventful life, which is how her Victorian Age family wanted her portrayed. Sanders touches on the many ways Austen's life was far from uneventful: family scandals, illness and horrible deaths, wars and epidemics, the loss of a beloved home, romances gone awry, and fame that brought her to the attention of a Prince.

I loved the excerpts from Austen's juvenilia! Her wicked humor and parodies are such fun. What a great way to get kids to connect. A summary of each novel is given.

The 21 projects included are great ideas to make Austen's world come alive. There are instructions on how to play Whist and illustration of popular dances. Kids can create imitate side whiskers and roll their hair with tied cotton strips. There are writing activities.

I can't wait to try the Knight family gingercake recipe! And as a sewer, the reticle will be fun to make.

This is a great introduction to Austen.

This book is part of the For Kids series from Chicago Review Press. Books cover a wide diversity of subjects from history and biographies of authors, artists, inventors, explorers, and more. Learn more about the series here.

I received a free ebook from the publisher through Edelweiss in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jane Austen for Kids is an amazing treat for any Janeite, Anglophile, or lover of great literature and excellent biographies! Author Nancy I. Sanders has created an outstanding resource for all things Jane Austen—including the easy-to-read (yet thorough) biography, 21 interesting activities that extend across the academic and creative spectrum, many informative sidebars, and a comprehensive bibliography. This ‘For Kids’ installment definitely earns its spot on the bookshelves of students, parents, educators, homeschooling families, and history buffs!

I have been a huge Jane Austen fan and Anglophile for years, and Jane Austen for Kids is a wonderful addition to my own personal library as well. I especially loved the ‘Plant an English Cottage Garden’ and ‘Host a Regency Tea’ activities and summaries of Jane’s novels, but there’s definitely something here for everyone. And although I’ve been to England twice, I’ve never had the chance to visit the Jane Austen House Museum in Chawton. Now I know it’s a ‘must see’ for a (fingers crossed) future trip across the pond.

As an author of two books in the Chicago Review Press award-winning ‘For Kids’ series myself, I know how much time, research, dedication, and hard work it takes to create a thought-provoking, attention-grabbing title for this age group (grades 4-8). In my opinion, Nancy Sanders has hit it out of the ballpark with Jane Austen for Kids. It’s a ‘must read’ for Jane fans of all ages!

[Annette Whipple · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jane Austen for Kids provides a bridge between curiosity and literature. Nancy I. Sanders gives readers of all ages a treasure in this book.

The many historical and modern images will entice young readers to keep reading while providing visual context. (Many photos are from the author's own collection and research). The biography is rich and yet still kid-friendly. The activities tie in perfectly with Jane Austen's books and provide a way for readers to embrace Jane even more. Homeschool families and teachers will also appreciate the historical content paired with activities. But kids will love the engaging text and the chance to immerse themselves in the world of Jane Austen.

This historical biography and craft book is a must-have for Jane Austen Fans--children, teens, and adults alike! For young people who enjoy history, it's also a perfect introduction to Jane!

Highly recommend!

[Gail DiVico · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great overview of the life of Jane Austen for both children and adults. There is a timeline of her life and each chapter includes easy-to-understand information and is easy to read. Also included are activities Jane would have participated in at her time which are a lot of fun. The photos are excellent and include many that are from Jane's time. Towards the end there is an article on self-publishing a book. Wonderful read! Recommend for all Jane Austen fans and those interested in crafting some projects from long ago. This is a library book I took out but will most likely buy a copy for my shelves.

[Lisa J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

While Jane Austen for Kids is written for children ages 7 and up, Janeites of all ages will enjoy it. Educators will find it a valuable resource as well. The book provides a delightful and thorough overview of Jane’s life and work and of life in Regency England. Black-and-white photos give the reader a glimpse into Jane’s life and surroundings. The book also includes 21 hands-on activities related to this topic. Readers will learn to make a top hat, play a game of Whist, host a Regency Tea, and much more. Highly recommend!

[Karthika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[Andréa]

Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.