What do you think?
Rate this book
Call Me Kate: Meeting the Molly Maguires - Mom s Choice Awards® Silver Recipient
Coming of age amidst the seething unrest of the Civil War era, feisty fourteen-year-old Katie McCafferty infiltrates the Molly Maguires, a secret Irish organization, to rescue a lifelong friend. Under the guise of Dominick, a draft resister, Katie volunteers for a dangerous mission in hopes of preventing bloodshed. Katie risks job, family, and ultimately her very life to intervene. A series of tragedies challenge Katie's strength and ingenuity, and she faces a crisis of conscience. Can she balance her sense of justice with the law? Call Me Kate is suitable for readers from eleven to adult. The story is dramatic and adventuresome, yet expressive of daily life in the patches of the hard coal region during the Civil War era. This novel will appeal to readers of the Dear America series, as well as more mature readers who will enjoy the story's rich context and drama.
159 pages, Paperback
First published November 24, 2008
About the author
Molly Roe
1 book4 followersMolly Roe is the pen name of Mary Garrity Slaby, a veteran language arts & reading teacher at Lake-Lehman Junior Senior High School. Mary holds a Ph.D. in education from Temple University, and Pennsylvania teaching certification in six areas. She has pursued the hobby of genealogy for the past decade. Mary was born in Philadelphia, raised in Schuylkill County, and currently lives in Dallas, Pennsylvania with her husband, John. They are parents of two grown children, Melissa and John Garrett, cover illustrator of Call Me Kate. Digging into the past has given Mary newfound respect for her ancestors and a better understanding of history. Call Me Kate is the first in the authors trilogy of historical novels loosely based on the lives of the strong women who preceded her. "
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
February 19, 2010
I found this to be an interesting story. I'm not a big history buff and it was my worst subject in school but Molly did a wonderful job telling this story. She brought the characters to life for me and even though I didn't understand some of the history parts, I enjoyed it.
The book certainly made me curious to stuff I didn't know and I have since looked stuff about that part in history. The fact that she made me curious enough to go look up stuff says tons about the book. I will say it took me a few days to read, longer than I thought it would, but that's not always a bad thing.
I like how there were discussion questions and extension activities in the back and think it would be a great read and discussion book for the younger crowd.
(disclaimer - I received this as a review copy from Tribute books)
The book certainly made me curious to stuff I didn't know and I have since looked stuff about that part in history. The fact that she made me curious enough to go look up stuff says tons about the book. I will say it took me a few days to read, longer than I thought it would, but that's not always a bad thing.
I like how there were discussion questions and extension activities in the back and think it would be a great read and discussion book for the younger crowd.
(disclaimer - I received this as a review copy from Tribute books)
June 8, 2009
I happened to be at a train museum in Scranton, PA and I saw this book in the gift shop. The lady who worked there said it was a good book. It's a light read and it's meant for young teen readers, but I have to say that it was an excellent book. I was looking for a quick read. I enjoyed it very much. It's about a young girl growing up in the coal mining section of PA. It goes on to tell the hardships of the coal mining families and her part in taking care of her family and getting involved in the union events that went on at that time. I would definitely recommend this book.
October 29, 2010
Call Me Kate: Meeting The Molly Maguires is a young adult novel set in the coal mining region of northeastern Pennsylvania during the early 1860s. An accident at the local mine, which injures the main character’s father, opens the novel and pulls the reader into the story. With her father unable to work, 14 year old Katie McCafferty and her family face economic disaster. So Katie, the eldest child, is forced to leave school and enter domestic service. Meanwhile her friends, twins Con and Dinny Gallagher, who work at the same mine where her father was injured, also experience the hardships of mine work and the indifference of the mine owners. A subsequent mine accident seriously injures her friend, Dinny, and pushes Con into association with the militant Mollie Maguires who often use violence in their fight against the discrimination and unsafe conditions that the Irish experience in the mines. The plot follows Katie’s efforts to dissuade Con from involvement with these violent activists and to stop their plan to stage a violent act at a peaceful draft protest.
Roe’s vivid depiction of the era, especially the children’s experiences, brings the mining community and the local estate house to life for the reader. She uses a skilful blend of action and explanation of historical events to set the story in its American Civil War context. The story’s climax draws together a group of anti-draft protesters staging a peaceful demonstration with the agitating Molly Maguires who plan to turn the protest violent. I would have liked a bit more information about both groups of activists as the connection between the two groups is not always clear. A young reader, unfamiliar with this period, might not understand who is driving events and why. Nevertheless, the entertaining story progresses with steadily increasing tension that will hold the reader’s interest to the end of the book.
The main character, Katie, is well drawn with attitudes and goals that fit her class and era. She’s feisty and brave but not implausibly heroic. Her strong sense of duty to her family makes her responsible and hardworking. Her role in the plot is credible; she doesn’t single-handedly save the day but her actions are important to the outcome. I like the fact that loyalty not love motivates Katie to help her friend, Con, and steer him away from danger. It’s refreshing to see a heroine motivated by something besides romantic love.
We get a good sense of both the Irish and American characters in the story. Except for words like ‘begorra’ tossed into Irish characters’ conversation, Roe captures the Irish phrases and manner of speaking convincingly. She also makes young readers aware of the different viewpoints of immigrant and native born characters. At times the dialogue is somewhat stilted as she uses conversations to convey information but this isn’t a major problem. The bigotry and vengefulness of one historical character, newspaper editor Benjamin Bannan, is particularly well depicted.
My only criticisms are minor ones. The book’s subtitle, Meeting The Molly Maguires, is a bit insipid. I would prefer something more dynamic to indicate that Katie not only meets them but opposes their actions. Also, if I saw the book on a bookshop shelf, the front cover would not inspire me to pick it up and examine it. The picture is rather dull and does not convey action or excitement. It does not do justice to the content.
But, overall I found this novel immensely readable. It is well researched and Roe has a good grasp of the problems and events in nineteenth century Pennsylvania. This novel will bring history alive for young readers and entertain them at the same time. That’s the perfect combination for an historical fiction.
Roe’s vivid depiction of the era, especially the children’s experiences, brings the mining community and the local estate house to life for the reader. She uses a skilful blend of action and explanation of historical events to set the story in its American Civil War context. The story’s climax draws together a group of anti-draft protesters staging a peaceful demonstration with the agitating Molly Maguires who plan to turn the protest violent. I would have liked a bit more information about both groups of activists as the connection between the two groups is not always clear. A young reader, unfamiliar with this period, might not understand who is driving events and why. Nevertheless, the entertaining story progresses with steadily increasing tension that will hold the reader’s interest to the end of the book.
The main character, Katie, is well drawn with attitudes and goals that fit her class and era. She’s feisty and brave but not implausibly heroic. Her strong sense of duty to her family makes her responsible and hardworking. Her role in the plot is credible; she doesn’t single-handedly save the day but her actions are important to the outcome. I like the fact that loyalty not love motivates Katie to help her friend, Con, and steer him away from danger. It’s refreshing to see a heroine motivated by something besides romantic love.
We get a good sense of both the Irish and American characters in the story. Except for words like ‘begorra’ tossed into Irish characters’ conversation, Roe captures the Irish phrases and manner of speaking convincingly. She also makes young readers aware of the different viewpoints of immigrant and native born characters. At times the dialogue is somewhat stilted as she uses conversations to convey information but this isn’t a major problem. The bigotry and vengefulness of one historical character, newspaper editor Benjamin Bannan, is particularly well depicted.
My only criticisms are minor ones. The book’s subtitle, Meeting The Molly Maguires, is a bit insipid. I would prefer something more dynamic to indicate that Katie not only meets them but opposes their actions. Also, if I saw the book on a bookshop shelf, the front cover would not inspire me to pick it up and examine it. The picture is rather dull and does not convey action or excitement. It does not do justice to the content.
But, overall I found this novel immensely readable. It is well researched and Roe has a good grasp of the problems and events in nineteenth century Pennsylvania. This novel will bring history alive for young readers and entertain them at the same time. That’s the perfect combination for an historical fiction.
October 7, 2010
This review first appeared on my blog: http://jewelknits.blogspot.com/2010/1...
I'm a big fan of historical fiction. I especially enjoy reading about American history that isn't covered in regular school curriculum.
In this story, Kate, a young Irish citizen raised among the coal fields, finds herself helping to provide for her family after a tragic accident in the coal fields. She quits school to become a domestic, and finds herself caught up in the labor unrest of the time. Mine owners gave up their employee lists for the Civil War draft, and Irish workers, whether citizens or not, were conscripted into the Civil War unless they could come up with a $300 fee to avoid the draft.
Coal miners worked in dangerous, unsanitary, conditions, and if one lost his life or limb due to an accident, or was otherwise unable to work in the mines, their families had no way to earn their own keep. In these days, one had to rely on the charity of one's neighbors and friends, and when EVERYone around you isn't making enough to live on, charity could only stretch so far.
When Kate finds that her friend Con has become allied with a group labelled "The Molly Maguires", a band of men resistant to the draft, to the labor conditions, and to the greed of the mine owners, she sets out to warn him of the danger he is in because the owners know of his involvement and have targeted him and his grandmother. She dresses as a boy and infiltrates the group. Along the way, she learns of their plans to stop a train full of conscripted men and 'free' them from their conscription.
I enjoyed this book because it gave me a better understanding of some events that I previously had vague knowledge of. It is a quick read, and quite aptly illustrates the day-to-day struggles of the time among the Irish.
At places, however, I was reminded that I was reading a book. Although this is told from the viewpoint of a poor, under-educated, young Irish girl, there were sentences and sometimes passages that let me know that this was a story being told by someone else. For example, "I embroiled poor Patrick in this again his will, and I'd be devastated if something happened to him...". That's quite a few big words, and it jarred a little and pulled me out of the story. I realize that this is the first in a series, but the ending for me just wasn't great ... it felt as though the writer simply said, "OK; I'm done for now", and as I turned the page expecting more story, there wasn't any more.
This would be a good book for a teen or even an adult who wants to know a bit more about Irish-American history and the history of labor unrest during the Civil War.
QUOTES:
"The Mistress is like all her kind, unwilling to bother remembering a servant's name. All the parlor maids are Bridget. It keeps us in our lowly places to deny us even our given names. After all, your name, Catharine, and my real name, Margaret, are both royal names. High falutin' names are too good for the likes of us, Katie, my dear!" said Daisy.
Maybe if I had started working sooner we would have had the medicine Father needed. The money I sent home was never sufficient! Even if I were a lady's maid I could not have made enough to support the family. Only men's jobs paid adequately, and not all of those did. My grief changed to anger. The unfair cost of being poor and female infuriated me.
BOOK RATING 3.5 out of 5 stars
I'm a big fan of historical fiction. I especially enjoy reading about American history that isn't covered in regular school curriculum.
In this story, Kate, a young Irish citizen raised among the coal fields, finds herself helping to provide for her family after a tragic accident in the coal fields. She quits school to become a domestic, and finds herself caught up in the labor unrest of the time. Mine owners gave up their employee lists for the Civil War draft, and Irish workers, whether citizens or not, were conscripted into the Civil War unless they could come up with a $300 fee to avoid the draft.
Coal miners worked in dangerous, unsanitary, conditions, and if one lost his life or limb due to an accident, or was otherwise unable to work in the mines, their families had no way to earn their own keep. In these days, one had to rely on the charity of one's neighbors and friends, and when EVERYone around you isn't making enough to live on, charity could only stretch so far.
When Kate finds that her friend Con has become allied with a group labelled "The Molly Maguires", a band of men resistant to the draft, to the labor conditions, and to the greed of the mine owners, she sets out to warn him of the danger he is in because the owners know of his involvement and have targeted him and his grandmother. She dresses as a boy and infiltrates the group. Along the way, she learns of their plans to stop a train full of conscripted men and 'free' them from their conscription.
I enjoyed this book because it gave me a better understanding of some events that I previously had vague knowledge of. It is a quick read, and quite aptly illustrates the day-to-day struggles of the time among the Irish.
At places, however, I was reminded that I was reading a book. Although this is told from the viewpoint of a poor, under-educated, young Irish girl, there were sentences and sometimes passages that let me know that this was a story being told by someone else. For example, "I embroiled poor Patrick in this again his will, and I'd be devastated if something happened to him...". That's quite a few big words, and it jarred a little and pulled me out of the story. I realize that this is the first in a series, but the ending for me just wasn't great ... it felt as though the writer simply said, "OK; I'm done for now", and as I turned the page expecting more story, there wasn't any more.
This would be a good book for a teen or even an adult who wants to know a bit more about Irish-American history and the history of labor unrest during the Civil War.
QUOTES:
"The Mistress is like all her kind, unwilling to bother remembering a servant's name. All the parlor maids are Bridget. It keeps us in our lowly places to deny us even our given names. After all, your name, Catharine, and my real name, Margaret, are both royal names. High falutin' names are too good for the likes of us, Katie, my dear!" said Daisy.
Maybe if I had started working sooner we would have had the medicine Father needed. The money I sent home was never sufficient! Even if I were a lady's maid I could not have made enough to support the family. Only men's jobs paid adequately, and not all of those did. My grief changed to anger. The unfair cost of being poor and female infuriated me.
BOOK RATING 3.5 out of 5 stars
October 18, 2010
This novel is a concisely written account of the little known events in the Irish coal mining community during the Civil War. When I say "little known," I really mean, I didn't know. The basic tenets of the Civil War are little disputed (except by the state of Texas, still in denial) with the southern states wanting to be separated from the Union, disagreeing on political points. Aside from Rhett Butler and Ashley Wilkes, who willingly joined the fight because they gave a d***, I was unaware that the Civil War was truly forced upon the indigent Irish members of the communities.
Pennsylvania was the home to a number of newly arrived Irish settlers who lacked any skill other than surviving great famines and speaking lyrically. Many found themselves in the clutches of poorly maintained and unregulated coal mines where accidents and death became the norm. Paid nominally, the miners barely survived starvation. When mines collapsed (which occurred often), heads of household were maimed and killed, often forcing their wives and children into further poverty or starvation.
With the Civil War needing soldiers on both sides, the ruling came down that men were to serve their country either by fighting against the south or paying for a substitute. The Irish immigrants had no voice as the press and community practiced bigotry against them. Thus the Molly Maguire group was born to protest the unfair treatment of the Irish. Kind of like draft dodging only Canada was not an option, there was no veteran pay, and, by golly, Miss Molly, he most certainly did inhale.
Katie discovers the organization and dresses as a man in order to infiltrate. She discovers one or two men who suffer severely from impulse control and narcissism and many Irish immigrants frustrated with the state of the country. All she wants to do is save her friend, Con, from certain death or blacklisting (the opposite of Black Lung, in this case).
The story is easy to follow and possesses the appropriate amount of intrigue to engage the young reader. Blood and gore are present but only in appropriate doses to illustrate the plight of the poor Irish workers in this time period. This is war, after all.
Clean reading and educationally minded, the story will hold the interest of a latter elementary school child as evidenced by this juvenile middle aged reviewer.
Highly recommend.
Thanks to Nichole at Tribute Books for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Pennsylvania was the home to a number of newly arrived Irish settlers who lacked any skill other than surviving great famines and speaking lyrically. Many found themselves in the clutches of poorly maintained and unregulated coal mines where accidents and death became the norm. Paid nominally, the miners barely survived starvation. When mines collapsed (which occurred often), heads of household were maimed and killed, often forcing their wives and children into further poverty or starvation.
With the Civil War needing soldiers on both sides, the ruling came down that men were to serve their country either by fighting against the south or paying for a substitute. The Irish immigrants had no voice as the press and community practiced bigotry against them. Thus the Molly Maguire group was born to protest the unfair treatment of the Irish. Kind of like draft dodging only Canada was not an option, there was no veteran pay, and, by golly, Miss Molly, he most certainly did inhale.
Katie discovers the organization and dresses as a man in order to infiltrate. She discovers one or two men who suffer severely from impulse control and narcissism and many Irish immigrants frustrated with the state of the country. All she wants to do is save her friend, Con, from certain death or blacklisting (the opposite of Black Lung, in this case).
The story is easy to follow and possesses the appropriate amount of intrigue to engage the young reader. Blood and gore are present but only in appropriate doses to illustrate the plight of the poor Irish workers in this time period. This is war, after all.
Clean reading and educationally minded, the story will hold the interest of a latter elementary school child as evidenced by this juvenile middle aged reviewer.
Highly recommend.
Thanks to Nichole at Tribute Books for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 17, 2010
Call Me Kate was an intriguing and unique read that I thoroughly enjoyed. I hate to say this, but I probably would never have picked this up if I hadn't been contacted to review it. I'm so glad I excepted the query because this was a fascinating novel.
I've read a lot about the Civil War, but this is the first time I've ever read about how it impacted the Irish immigrants and other people living in the North. Katie's life was difficult from the start. Her family was already struggling to make ends meet and when her father gets into a near fatal mining accident, Katie must leave home to find work. Reading about the coal mining industry was especially interesting. I've never really heard much about it, and it was especially interesting to read about the opinions of the miners and their family on the War. The Irish played a big part in the Civil War and one of my favorite aspects of the story was the Molly Maguires and Katie's involvement with them. The Molly Maguires, or Mollies, were another aspect of the Civil War I'd never heard of. Katie was a supremely brave character and for some reason I love novels where the main female character disguises herself as boy (think Bloody Jack). It proved how strong and independent Katie was and how much she wanted to make a difference. Females didn't have a lot of rights during the Civil War era, so Katie did what she could to help out her friends and family.
I really grew attached to Katie by the end of the story. Even though the novel was short, under 200 pages, I got to know Katie quite well. Although some of the other characters weren't as well developed, I did like them. Especially Patrick, Wynnie, and Con. There are a variety of characters introduced and mentioned in this novel (both fictional and not). The plot was very fast paced and even though at some points I felt it got a little too text bookey, Call Me Kate was very well written and I had a hard time putting it down. I just had to find out what was going to happen in the end.
Historical fiction has always been one of my favorite genres. I love reading about my favorite time periods and historical figures, but I always get excited to read about a time in history I don't know much about. Molly Roe wrote a fabulous novel that opened my eyes to some of the things that occurred during the Civil War not mentioned in history classes.
Overall, Call Me Kate was an exciting and original debut that I definitely recommend picking up.
Overall: 4 out of 5 stars
I've read a lot about the Civil War, but this is the first time I've ever read about how it impacted the Irish immigrants and other people living in the North. Katie's life was difficult from the start. Her family was already struggling to make ends meet and when her father gets into a near fatal mining accident, Katie must leave home to find work. Reading about the coal mining industry was especially interesting. I've never really heard much about it, and it was especially interesting to read about the opinions of the miners and their family on the War. The Irish played a big part in the Civil War and one of my favorite aspects of the story was the Molly Maguires and Katie's involvement with them. The Molly Maguires, or Mollies, were another aspect of the Civil War I'd never heard of. Katie was a supremely brave character and for some reason I love novels where the main female character disguises herself as boy (think Bloody Jack). It proved how strong and independent Katie was and how much she wanted to make a difference. Females didn't have a lot of rights during the Civil War era, so Katie did what she could to help out her friends and family.
I really grew attached to Katie by the end of the story. Even though the novel was short, under 200 pages, I got to know Katie quite well. Although some of the other characters weren't as well developed, I did like them. Especially Patrick, Wynnie, and Con. There are a variety of characters introduced and mentioned in this novel (both fictional and not). The plot was very fast paced and even though at some points I felt it got a little too text bookey, Call Me Kate was very well written and I had a hard time putting it down. I just had to find out what was going to happen in the end.
Historical fiction has always been one of my favorite genres. I love reading about my favorite time periods and historical figures, but I always get excited to read about a time in history I don't know much about. Molly Roe wrote a fabulous novel that opened my eyes to some of the things that occurred during the Civil War not mentioned in history classes.
Overall, Call Me Kate was an exciting and original debut that I definitely recommend picking up.
Overall: 4 out of 5 stars
February 22, 2010
The history in “Call Me Kate” by Molly Roe shows a historical bias with misstatements of fact and other inaccuracies. Roe recently said in an interview on the blog “Conversations With Writers”, “ A group of Pennsylvania miners became known as the Molly Maguires. There is still controversy about whether the group were labor activists, criminals or even whether they actually existed. One fact is known: Twenty men were hanged for crimes committed by the ‘Molly Maguires.’ ”
Despite what Roe says, what happened in Pennsylvania’s anthracite region is not controversial. In 1979, after an official reexamination of the trial and circumstances surrounding it, and acting on the recommendation of the Pennsylvania Board of Pardons, then-governor Milton Shapp posthumously pardoned alleged Molly “kingpin” Jack Kehoe, one of the twenty “Mollies” hanged in 1878. Citing the unfairness of the trial, the conspiracies by mine owners to thwart any attempts at forming a union, and the courage of the miners in standing up for safer working conditions and fair wages the governor added, “We can be proud of the men known as the Molly Maguires.”
The verdict of most modern historians is that an organization operating as the Molly Maguires in Pennsylvania is a myth. Mine owner Franklin B. Gowen is credited with being first to apply that inflammatory term to miners when he hired Pinkerton agents to spy on them. Most labor historians agree that a concerted campaign of words and violence was waged by mine operators against coal miners attempting to unionize in Pennsylvania.
What is also known is that the twenty men hanged were prominent leaders in the Irish-immigrant community; the evidence against them was hearsay evidence orchestrated by the Pinkerton detective agency employed by Gowen; Gowen, president of the area’s largest coal company, was the also the prosecutor at the trial.
Making a story out of a young girl saving others from “villains,” that is, unionizing coal miners, Roe’s book does a disservice to history and to the people she writes about. Unfortunately, “Call Me Kate” is another collection of negative stereotypes of Irish miners and a biased history of the anthracite coal era.
Despite what Roe says, what happened in Pennsylvania’s anthracite region is not controversial. In 1979, after an official reexamination of the trial and circumstances surrounding it, and acting on the recommendation of the Pennsylvania Board of Pardons, then-governor Milton Shapp posthumously pardoned alleged Molly “kingpin” Jack Kehoe, one of the twenty “Mollies” hanged in 1878. Citing the unfairness of the trial, the conspiracies by mine owners to thwart any attempts at forming a union, and the courage of the miners in standing up for safer working conditions and fair wages the governor added, “We can be proud of the men known as the Molly Maguires.”
The verdict of most modern historians is that an organization operating as the Molly Maguires in Pennsylvania is a myth. Mine owner Franklin B. Gowen is credited with being first to apply that inflammatory term to miners when he hired Pinkerton agents to spy on them. Most labor historians agree that a concerted campaign of words and violence was waged by mine operators against coal miners attempting to unionize in Pennsylvania.
What is also known is that the twenty men hanged were prominent leaders in the Irish-immigrant community; the evidence against them was hearsay evidence orchestrated by the Pinkerton detective agency employed by Gowen; Gowen, president of the area’s largest coal company, was the also the prosecutor at the trial.
Making a story out of a young girl saving others from “villains,” that is, unionizing coal miners, Roe’s book does a disservice to history and to the people she writes about. Unfortunately, “Call Me Kate” is another collection of negative stereotypes of Irish miners and a biased history of the anthracite coal era.
October 7, 2010
Why I read this: I was emailed by the publisher about the blog tour for this book, I thought the blurb sounded interesting and I agreed to be a part of the tour.
How is the novel driven: Character - the action is in the background and the book revolves around how Katie, her family and her friends react to the things going on around them.
My thoughts: I know very little about the north during the civil war, especially the about the people in the coal mining towns that really didn't want to be involved. I found this look at this time in history to be fascinating. Seeing it distantly through Katie's eyes was interesting. Also seeing the everyday life for those not involved in the war, just involved in this time in history was fascinating.
I also knew little of the immigrants and the Irish famine and how the Irish were treated over here once they arrived. NC History classes really don't cover these things. Most of our ancestry here is English, Welsh and Scottish so little is known about the Irish, at least to me.
I loved getting to know Katie and those around her. The book is well-written and as things happen around Katie we get her feelings and thoughts about them and her desire to try and make things right in the world and become so much more than just a female who longs to get married. The intrigue also adds another dimension in the book. What will happen next and how far will Katie go to try and make things change around her? This keeps the plot moving at a fast pace and it kept me turning the pages to see what Katie would do next.
Ms. Roe writes an interesting book with Katie as the highlight and the events plaguing the coal country at the beginning of the civil war at the forefront as well. I feel I learned a lot during this book and look forward to reading more on the subject.
Very clean for a young adult novel, only references to cursing are used and that is refreshing as well. I realize it was a slightly gentler time as far as the women were concerned so it holds with the time period well.
If you enjoy young adult historical fiction, anything having to do with the 1860s or just a strong heroine who is finding her place in society then this is a book for you. Whether you are younger or older, this book has something for everyone.
How is the novel driven: Character - the action is in the background and the book revolves around how Katie, her family and her friends react to the things going on around them.
My thoughts: I know very little about the north during the civil war, especially the about the people in the coal mining towns that really didn't want to be involved. I found this look at this time in history to be fascinating. Seeing it distantly through Katie's eyes was interesting. Also seeing the everyday life for those not involved in the war, just involved in this time in history was fascinating.
I also knew little of the immigrants and the Irish famine and how the Irish were treated over here once they arrived. NC History classes really don't cover these things. Most of our ancestry here is English, Welsh and Scottish so little is known about the Irish, at least to me.
I loved getting to know Katie and those around her. The book is well-written and as things happen around Katie we get her feelings and thoughts about them and her desire to try and make things right in the world and become so much more than just a female who longs to get married. The intrigue also adds another dimension in the book. What will happen next and how far will Katie go to try and make things change around her? This keeps the plot moving at a fast pace and it kept me turning the pages to see what Katie would do next.
Ms. Roe writes an interesting book with Katie as the highlight and the events plaguing the coal country at the beginning of the civil war at the forefront as well. I feel I learned a lot during this book and look forward to reading more on the subject.
Very clean for a young adult novel, only references to cursing are used and that is refreshing as well. I realize it was a slightly gentler time as far as the women were concerned so it holds with the time period well.
If you enjoy young adult historical fiction, anything having to do with the 1860s or just a strong heroine who is finding her place in society then this is a book for you. Whether you are younger or older, this book has something for everyone.
September 26, 2010
I really enjoyed reading Call Me Kate. It's definitely written for the younger of the YA audience with a strong emphasis on a historical event. As a young female reader I think I would have thoroughly enjoyed a strong female protagonist related to what I was learning about in school (Civil War era). It also teaches about an aspect of the Civil War I wasn't as familiar with. Typically when I have read about the Civil war you learn about the disease, the huge death toll, the war tactics, the generals and the reasoning behind the war: abolishment of slavery. This book brought to life what the draftees faced up in the North. I wasn't surprised to learn that immigrants who were not yet citizens were drafted along with citizens, but again this was not something I knew before. It also brought to life the prejudice and bigotry of the times. It's sad and yet so true that even today we haven't gotten past our dislike, even hatred of people who aren't like ourselves.
WARNING: SPOILER:
There is one aspect I'm struggling with. I'm having a bit of a hard time believing a girl of those times would be quite that stubborn and force her opinion upon the men around her. It just seems a bit preposterous. This is fiction and I think there must have been some women who were influential in their husband's or the men in their lives thinking. But, that said, I can't imagine a girl in the 1860's being able to set up her own working environment that would help immigrant women have better working conditions. A girl probably could have dreamed that (or maybe not), but actually believing it could happen? I just can't buy that. Women couldn't vote at that time, therefore it just doesn't ring true. Therefore Katie's declining her marriage opportunity at the end of the book fell flat in my eyes. Not that I want or expect every woman to settle down and marry the man available and offering. It just doesn't fit with those times and what was expected of women.
Overall, it was a fun read, full of interesting information of those times, and I learned quite a bit about the customs and traditions that shape our nation today.
WARNING: SPOILER:
There is one aspect I'm struggling with. I'm having a bit of a hard time believing a girl of those times would be quite that stubborn and force her opinion upon the men around her. It just seems a bit preposterous. This is fiction and I think there must have been some women who were influential in their husband's or the men in their lives thinking. But, that said, I can't imagine a girl in the 1860's being able to set up her own working environment that would help immigrant women have better working conditions. A girl probably could have dreamed that (or maybe not), but actually believing it could happen? I just can't buy that. Women couldn't vote at that time, therefore it just doesn't ring true. Therefore Katie's declining her marriage opportunity at the end of the book fell flat in my eyes. Not that I want or expect every woman to settle down and marry the man available and offering. It just doesn't fit with those times and what was expected of women.
Overall, it was a fun read, full of interesting information of those times, and I learned quite a bit about the customs and traditions that shape our nation today.
October 2, 2010
The language and sentence structure in this were very simplistic, which would make it a great early middle school read or possibly even capture the interest of a slightly older child struggling with their reading level/comprehension. The story feel very bare bones with an A to B to C plot line. The subject matter is vaguely interesting with the start of the Civil War, the viewing of the Irish as ethnic, labor unions, etc. unfortunately none of these are really covered much in depth but seem merely provide details to be thrown in as "local color".
I was also concerned about the potential historical inaccuracies. This is not my particular area of expertise, but a glaring error was Katie learning Latin. Latin was typically reserved for young boys headed for college. Upper-class ladies might have learned French and maybe a particularly enlightened father would have provided his daughter with a private Latin tutor, but there is no way during this time that it would be taught in public school and certainly not to Irish riff-raff.
Despite the fact that this story is told in first person, we don't get to see a lot of Katie's thought processes. As simple as the plot line was, I was actually a little lost about why Katie was getting involved with the Molly Maguires. It seems once she found her friend she easily could have passed him a letter and resolved it the issue through less complicated means. There is a use of character voice in this work, but it seems to come and go, which was another sore point. I couldn't help but track the changes of when it was used and when it wasn't. I'm not sure if I'd prefer Roe to have left it out altogether or just been more uniform about it.
On the other hand, this was a very quick read and I think some people will quite enjoy the pacing. If you want to turn your brain off and just read, this will work quite well.
The reviewer is a 2009 graduate of Kent State University's Master of Library and Information Sciences program, an alumna of Antioch College, and the author of the blog A Librarian's Life in Books.
I was also concerned about the potential historical inaccuracies. This is not my particular area of expertise, but a glaring error was Katie learning Latin. Latin was typically reserved for young boys headed for college. Upper-class ladies might have learned French and maybe a particularly enlightened father would have provided his daughter with a private Latin tutor, but there is no way during this time that it would be taught in public school and certainly not to Irish riff-raff.
Despite the fact that this story is told in first person, we don't get to see a lot of Katie's thought processes. As simple as the plot line was, I was actually a little lost about why Katie was getting involved with the Molly Maguires. It seems once she found her friend she easily could have passed him a letter and resolved it the issue through less complicated means. There is a use of character voice in this work, but it seems to come and go, which was another sore point. I couldn't help but track the changes of when it was used and when it wasn't. I'm not sure if I'd prefer Roe to have left it out altogether or just been more uniform about it.
On the other hand, this was a very quick read and I think some people will quite enjoy the pacing. If you want to turn your brain off and just read, this will work quite well.
The reviewer is a 2009 graduate of Kent State University's Master of Library and Information Sciences program, an alumna of Antioch College, and the author of the blog A Librarian's Life in Books.
January 30, 2010
Reviewed by Jaglvr for TeensReadToo.com
Catharine "Katie" McCafferty has grown up in the midst of the Pennsylvania coal mining community. The owners of the coal mines can pretty much run the lives of those that rely on the mines for their livelihood. If the head of the household becomes injured due to safety issues in the mines, the remaining family members must come together to pay the rent or they will lose their home.
Many of the miners are paid in scrip, which is only good at the company-owned store. Struggling is a way of life. But Katie's family and neighbors have always gotten by and relied on each other.
When Katie's father is injured at work and loses the use of his legs, Katie takes it upon herself to help her family stay afloat. Her mother secures her a temporary domestic help job for a local bachelor. When that job ends, she finds herself traveling to a large estate to become live-in help. It's while Katie works for the Pardee family that she becomes entangled in the intrigue and secret Irish societies determined to help those drafted into the Army by backhanded means.
The Molly Maguires are just one of these organizations that fight for the rights of the second-class miners. The members are willing to destroy rail lines and scarify lives for the good of the larger whole. Katie becomes scared for her long-time friend, Con, who has taken up with the group and fears for his life. She befriends the stable boy at Pardee's estate and the two try to sidetrack the horrible plot to blow up the tracks.
CALL ME KATE was a fascinating look at the time period of the early drafts for the Civil War. It focuses on a specific area of the country and the conflict that arose among the different classes and ethnicities. Being from Pennsylvania, I could picture many of the places that were referenced and got a brief history lesson on a time period that I wasn't very familiar with. For anyone interested in getting some history with their fiction, CALL ME KATE is a good book to add to your choices.
Catharine "Katie" McCafferty has grown up in the midst of the Pennsylvania coal mining community. The owners of the coal mines can pretty much run the lives of those that rely on the mines for their livelihood. If the head of the household becomes injured due to safety issues in the mines, the remaining family members must come together to pay the rent or they will lose their home.
Many of the miners are paid in scrip, which is only good at the company-owned store. Struggling is a way of life. But Katie's family and neighbors have always gotten by and relied on each other.
When Katie's father is injured at work and loses the use of his legs, Katie takes it upon herself to help her family stay afloat. Her mother secures her a temporary domestic help job for a local bachelor. When that job ends, she finds herself traveling to a large estate to become live-in help. It's while Katie works for the Pardee family that she becomes entangled in the intrigue and secret Irish societies determined to help those drafted into the Army by backhanded means.
The Molly Maguires are just one of these organizations that fight for the rights of the second-class miners. The members are willing to destroy rail lines and scarify lives for the good of the larger whole. Katie becomes scared for her long-time friend, Con, who has taken up with the group and fears for his life. She befriends the stable boy at Pardee's estate and the two try to sidetrack the horrible plot to blow up the tracks.
CALL ME KATE was a fascinating look at the time period of the early drafts for the Civil War. It focuses on a specific area of the country and the conflict that arose among the different classes and ethnicities. Being from Pennsylvania, I could picture many of the places that were referenced and got a brief history lesson on a time period that I wasn't very familiar with. For anyone interested in getting some history with their fiction, CALL ME KATE is a good book to add to your choices.
July 24, 2010
This is a story that takes place during the Civil War and is about the coal workers in Pennsylvania, majority of them Irish. The life of a coal miner is dirty, hard and dangerous work. The families of coal miners dread to hear the alarms going as this means that their husbands, fathers,and brothers could be injured or dead. The mines are very dangerous to work in and the owners refuse to make things safer for the workers.
Since there is a war going on, there is also draft going on. A lot of these men do not want ot fight in this war and there is an organization called the Molly Maguires, a secret Irish society that is determined to help those drafted into the Army by unsavory methods. The main character of the story is Catharine "Katie" McCafferty, a 14 year old girl who faces tragedies, along with her family and neighbors when some miners are injured and killed in a mine explosion. Among those injured is Katie's father. After he dies Katie gets a job to help the family make ends meet. This job is temporary and when the job is over Katie obtains another position in the household of a mine owner, Pardee, as live in help. The mine owners are involved in sending their Irish workers to be drafted willing or not. A man could send a substitute for $300 but most of these families can not afford to do this.The Molly Maguires are involved in a plot to blow up the tracks that will carry the train that has the draftees on it. Katie, along with the Pardee's stable boy, Patrick, want to try and stop this plot. She disguises herself as 'Dominic" so she and Patrick infiltrate this organization and go to meetings in order to learn details of the plot. Katie is worried about a friend who has gotten himself involved with this plot and wants to make sure he is safe.
This is an interesting story about a period of American history that includes the Irish immigrants. As I am of Irish descent I found this story informative as I did not know a lot about that era, the mines and the Irish families who struggled to survive in this period of strife.
Since there is a war going on, there is also draft going on. A lot of these men do not want ot fight in this war and there is an organization called the Molly Maguires, a secret Irish society that is determined to help those drafted into the Army by unsavory methods. The main character of the story is Catharine "Katie" McCafferty, a 14 year old girl who faces tragedies, along with her family and neighbors when some miners are injured and killed in a mine explosion. Among those injured is Katie's father. After he dies Katie gets a job to help the family make ends meet. This job is temporary and when the job is over Katie obtains another position in the household of a mine owner, Pardee, as live in help. The mine owners are involved in sending their Irish workers to be drafted willing or not. A man could send a substitute for $300 but most of these families can not afford to do this.The Molly Maguires are involved in a plot to blow up the tracks that will carry the train that has the draftees on it. Katie, along with the Pardee's stable boy, Patrick, want to try and stop this plot. She disguises herself as 'Dominic" so she and Patrick infiltrate this organization and go to meetings in order to learn details of the plot. Katie is worried about a friend who has gotten himself involved with this plot and wants to make sure he is safe.
This is an interesting story about a period of American history that includes the Irish immigrants. As I am of Irish descent I found this story informative as I did not know a lot about that era, the mines and the Irish families who struggled to survive in this period of strife.
September 13, 2010
This is historical fiction, set immediately before and during the Civil War. Katie is a 14-year-old girl living in a small town. She has to help her family make ends meet after her dad is injured in a mine accident. She is sent away to work as a servant. During this time, Irish men are being drafted into the war if they don’t have $300 to pay or can’t send someone else to fight for them. A secret Irish organization, The Molly Maguires, are planning something big to fight this. Katie finds out after hearing people talk and realizes one of her best friends from back home is involved. She knows she has to do something, but what? And how can a teenage girl do anything anyway?
I really enjoyed this book. It teaches kids about history without being preachy and it has several good messages. I think the best one is that one person can make a difference, because it’s very easy to get bogged down in the way things are and not try to change them.
I liked Katie–she’s an average girl, not particularly smart (although she is smart) and not particularly brave. She’s an average kid, in other words, and I think her story might help other average kids step up to try and make a difference in their own lives, too.
And I liked that while the Irish were treated horribly, it was also pointed out that the way to combat violence isn’t with more violence. Also, it shows that being brave isn’t not being afraid, it’s doing what’s right even though you’re afraid.
Very interesting book, one I think many kids will enjoy–even ones who aren’t fond of history. I think Katie is relatable enough that people will read her story and learn a little without it even seeming like learning.
I really enjoyed this book. It teaches kids about history without being preachy and it has several good messages. I think the best one is that one person can make a difference, because it’s very easy to get bogged down in the way things are and not try to change them.
I liked Katie–she’s an average girl, not particularly smart (although she is smart) and not particularly brave. She’s an average kid, in other words, and I think her story might help other average kids step up to try and make a difference in their own lives, too.
And I liked that while the Irish were treated horribly, it was also pointed out that the way to combat violence isn’t with more violence. Also, it shows that being brave isn’t not being afraid, it’s doing what’s right even though you’re afraid.
Very interesting book, one I think many kids will enjoy–even ones who aren’t fond of history. I think Katie is relatable enough that people will read her story and learn a little without it even seeming like learning.
October 7, 2010
If you’re a woman around my age, or have a sister, then you probably owned or knew someone who owned an American Girl doll. Call Me Kate: Meeting the Molly Maguires by Molly Roe felt very reminiscent of an American Girl book to me. While I’m not the target audience for this book, I think young girls who read middle grade books would thoroughly enjoy this story.
At first, I really didn’t think I’d like Katie because initially, she was a bit of a goody two shoes, and that doesn’t make for a particular dynamic or interesting. However, it was also clear that she was passionate, and her personality quickly changed and became much more interesting. It was excellent to see a character stand up for what she believes in, and still see some lighter moments incorporated into this turn of events.
I thought the plot of this story was very well thought out. I’ve never seen a book that deals with Irish immigrants in America around the time of the Civil War, and I appreciated that originality. In the midst of this plotline, Call Me Kate was a book which successfully confronted bigotry and prejudice, and I applaud Roe for that.
Call Me Kate may have been a bit young for my taste, but it was nonetheless a swift and enjoyable read. It’s also fun because at the end of the book there are a few educational activities and a vocabulary list. With all of these elements combined, I wouldn’t hesitate to pass this book on to a young reader.
At first, I really didn’t think I’d like Katie because initially, she was a bit of a goody two shoes, and that doesn’t make for a particular dynamic or interesting. However, it was also clear that she was passionate, and her personality quickly changed and became much more interesting. It was excellent to see a character stand up for what she believes in, and still see some lighter moments incorporated into this turn of events.
I thought the plot of this story was very well thought out. I’ve never seen a book that deals with Irish immigrants in America around the time of the Civil War, and I appreciated that originality. In the midst of this plotline, Call Me Kate was a book which successfully confronted bigotry and prejudice, and I applaud Roe for that.
Call Me Kate may have been a bit young for my taste, but it was nonetheless a swift and enjoyable read. It’s also fun because at the end of the book there are a few educational activities and a vocabulary list. With all of these elements combined, I wouldn’t hesitate to pass this book on to a young reader.
March 30, 2010
I found Call Me Kate a very interesting book, not only because it is based on the author’s ancestors, but it opened my eyes to the upheaval over “Lincoln’s War” by the northern states. I had no idea that the North was so adamant towards the war. This was a great way to learn about the Civil War era without reading a dull history book!
The deplorable conditions of the mines in Northeast Pennsylvania, where this story opens, creates a dramatic background to the plight of the people and the lengths they went to stay out of the war.
Young Katie McCafferty is one of three daughters who gets herself involved, initially unintentionally, while off working to help her family financially after her father’s injuries. The lengths she went are difficult to comprehend when you remember this is during the Civil War times where I only remember men going off to war.
Katie’s ingenuity and intensity, as she worked along the men, was part of the reason things happened as they did, and I found it very interesting. She looked at the situation from a different perspective than the men, which was refreshing.
Definitely a good book to bring history to life.
The deplorable conditions of the mines in Northeast Pennsylvania, where this story opens, creates a dramatic background to the plight of the people and the lengths they went to stay out of the war.
Young Katie McCafferty is one of three daughters who gets herself involved, initially unintentionally, while off working to help her family financially after her father’s injuries. The lengths she went are difficult to comprehend when you remember this is during the Civil War times where I only remember men going off to war.
Katie’s ingenuity and intensity, as she worked along the men, was part of the reason things happened as they did, and I found it very interesting. She looked at the situation from a different perspective than the men, which was refreshing.
Definitely a good book to bring history to life.
January 2, 2016
This is a very good historical fiction book about something rarely covered when one learns about the Civil War. I think this book will make excellent supplemental reading to help children – and even adults – have a better understanding of life during the Civil War, especially for Irish immigrants. I had absolutely no idea about any of the issues addressed in this book. Perhaps I’d have heard more if I came from Pennsylvania? I dunno. What I do know is that I, a full-fledged adult, learned something new while reading this.
This is labeled young adult, but I think it’s more middle grade. I think it’s suitable to younger readers. I can’t put my finger on it, but something about it gives it a feel that I think works better for maybe middle school, possibly even fifth and sixth grades. I will be honest and say it’s not riveting, but could be if read in the context of learning about the Civil War and/or Irish immigration into the U.S. There are questions and suggested activities at the back of the book that teachers can use to help the story come to life for their students.
This is labeled young adult, but I think it’s more middle grade. I think it’s suitable to younger readers. I can’t put my finger on it, but something about it gives it a feel that I think works better for maybe middle school, possibly even fifth and sixth grades. I will be honest and say it’s not riveting, but could be if read in the context of learning about the Civil War and/or Irish immigration into the U.S. There are questions and suggested activities at the back of the book that teachers can use to help the story come to life for their students.
October 8, 2010
Call Me Kate was something different for me. I'm not usually one to read historical fiction but I'm glad I read Call Me Kate because it was a pretty good read.
Katie had an unfortunate life but she coped well and that made her a great character. I also liked Con and Wynnie. They just seemed to be strong independent characters and it was refreshing to read a book where the main character didn't have to lean on someone else all the time.
There were some sad parts in Call Me Kate, particularly the ending but I found that made it all the more realistic. There were also some slow parts to the book but I didn't mind.
Overall, Call Me Kate is a really interesting read. It wasn't exactly what I was expecting but it was still really enjoyable and gave a good insight into a life far different from my own. It's definitely worth a read.
Katie had an unfortunate life but she coped well and that made her a great character. I also liked Con and Wynnie. They just seemed to be strong independent characters and it was refreshing to read a book where the main character didn't have to lean on someone else all the time.
There were some sad parts in Call Me Kate, particularly the ending but I found that made it all the more realistic. There were also some slow parts to the book but I didn't mind.
Overall, Call Me Kate is a really interesting read. It wasn't exactly what I was expecting but it was still really enjoyable and gave a good insight into a life far different from my own. It's definitely worth a read.
February 3, 2010
In 1862, a young Pennsylvania girl named Kate McCafferty stops going to school after her father is injured working in the coal mines. Now she has to be the bread winner and gets a job in another town as a maid. Soon she hears about how awful the coal miners are being treated and begins posing as a boy in the Molly Maguires, an rough underground Irish group who tried to improve the coal miners lot. Will she get caught, or will the coal miners get the benefits?
I was attracted to this book because my family comes from coal miners in the same area where young Kate lived. There are some family rumors that my great great grandfather was in the group, but that is another story. I thought this book seemed well researched. As I read, I felt as if I was in the story.
I was attracted to this book because my family comes from coal miners in the same area where young Kate lived. There are some family rumors that my great great grandfather was in the group, but that is another story. I thought this book seemed well researched. As I read, I felt as if I was in the story.
April 9, 2010
Call Me Kate takes place in the tumultuous days at the beginning of the Civil War—a turbulent time of strife between advocates of slavery and abolitionists, management and labor, and long-time citizens against immigrants. Irish mine workers and their families endured many hardships in the coal mining region of Pennsylvania, and the draft was one more problem they didn’t want. Some fought back through secret organizations like the Molly Maguires.
Catherine McCafferty at age 14 disguises herself as a boy to infiltrate the Molly Maguires to save her dear friend. There is plenty of adventure and excitement in the story as well as little-known history.
Call Me Kate is written for young adults, but I enjoyed the book and appreciated learning the history.
Catherine McCafferty at age 14 disguises herself as a boy to infiltrate the Molly Maguires to save her dear friend. There is plenty of adventure and excitement in the story as well as little-known history.
Call Me Kate is written for young adults, but I enjoyed the book and appreciated learning the history.
June 27, 2013
From the first page, when the mining bell rings through the town, with Kate being called from the school, Call Me Kate grabbed my attention. It never let go until I turned the last page. Kate is a charismatic and fearless character who I immediately liked. Trying to survive in a time where everything was simple and education took a back seat to working for a living, I found this novel fascinating, and historical accurate as I recall learning about it. It's devastating to see such young children working the mines, and to see such hardship with no hope for tomorrow. You won't want to miss this journey with Kate, it is extraordinary and I am definitely glad I picked this one up! Young adults and adults will enjoy this one.
November 3, 2010
This book had an interesting and fairly unique aspect of a well-known time period. The immigrant, coal-mining communities in Pennsylvania right at the start of the Civil War was definitely nothing I knew about. Katie was a spunky and fun heroine to follow, though I thought some of her escapades were a little far-fetched. The time period and historical details are the most interesting part of the book for me. But, it didn't really capture my heart or imagination like some other historical fiction books of the time did. Full review at One Librarian's Book Reviews.
April 2, 2011
Being from Pennsylvania, this was a fun read! I typically don’t read historical fiction, but I did enjoy this one. I learned things about the Civil War that I didn’t know already. This was an original book and I would recommend picking it up, especially if you enjoy historical fiction. If you don’t like historical fiction, I would still give it a shot.
Reading about the conditions the coal miners worked in is always a sad circumstance and I really became aware of the day to day struggles they faced.
http://kaitlyninbookland.blogspot.com...
Reading about the conditions the coal miners worked in is always a sad circumstance and I really became aware of the day to day struggles they faced.
http://kaitlyninbookland.blogspot.com...
October 12, 2010
I read this in a spirit of the tween/teen it was written for. It wasn't too hard to channel my young self because I have an 11 year old daughter. I thought this book was great!
Read the full review here.
Read the full review here.
March 24, 2012
Born in the heart of the coal regions, I wa anxious to read this young adult novel about the Irish coal miners during the Civil War times. It did not disappoint. The historical aspect was factually based; the main character grew quite nicely throughout this historical fiction book; the plot was also well-developed.
I'm glad I read this little gem.
I'm glad I read this little gem.
August 5, 2015
A young adult novel by a local author. This was a historoical fiction story about the lives of coal miners in Luzerne, Carbon and Schuylkill counties during the Civil War era. Short novel, less than 200 pages. Simple story but I enjoyed reading about the Irish miners and their families as well as a bit about the Molly Maguires.
October 21, 2010
Very similar to books from the Dear America series. An interesting look at a part of the Civil War we don't normally think about.
My only complaint was that I wanted more!
Great for girls ages 8 (or so) and up.
My only complaint was that I wanted more!
Great for girls ages 8 (or so) and up.
October 31, 2010
read this review and others at http://readingforsanity.blogspot.com/...
Want to Read
July 19, 2011another Martha's BookShelf Blogoversary win today!
Many thanks Nicole of Tribute Books, and Congrats to Martha for her steady supply of good reading!!
Many thanks Nicole of Tribute Books, and Congrats to Martha for her steady supply of good reading!!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews