The Witch of Blackbird Pond

Like The Bronze Bow, The Witch of Blackbird Pond is by Elizabeth George Speare. It is a story about how a nice woman is accused of being a witch. Kit, a nice girl who tries to be her friend, spends her time in the meadow with the "witch". When their friendship is discovered Kit is afraid to spend time with her friend even though she wants to because she is now being accused of being a witch herself. There are also hints of romance with the boy who rescues Kit and her friend. I liked this book because it is about how you shouldn't judge people without getting to know them.

Rating: ****

The Bronze Bow

It took me a while to get into this one; so don't give up like I almost did. This is the story of a young man named Daniel bar Jamin and how he swears to spend his life to fighting the Romans out of Israel. Then his grandmother dies and he has to take care of his daemon-possessed sister. But then he meets Jesus. By the end of the story you see how a warrior can trade his life for peace. Some people might be surprised that this really is a fun and interesting novel to read.

Rating: ****

Dicey's Song

My mother didn't want me to read this book because she thought it was too sad. But reading Kira, Kira prepared me for it. Kira, Kira is the saddest book I have read. Dicey's Song was a good book because it was remarkable how Dicey's family was able to overcome so many obstacles with so very little money or other resources. Dicey is smart, committed to her family, determined, and has qualities that I admire. Dicey's Song is part of a series of books about the same characters. When I am done reading the Newbery's I am going to read them all.

Rating: *****

Sign of the Beaver

Another class novel that I have read twice, it was actually a Newbery Honor Book instead of a winner. This is the story of Matt; a young boy who is left alone at his parent's claim while his father goes to fetch the rest of the family. Once his father is gone Matt meets the people of the Beaver; an Indian tribe that lives close to the cabin. Matt gets draged into teaching the grandson of the tribes leader how to read "white man's signs". Then Matt realizes that Attean, the grandson, can help him by teaching him how to survive in the forest. When the time pases that his parents should be there and Attean's tribe leaves the area Matt wonders wether or not his parents will ever com back. This story is as much about friendship as it is survivel.

Rating: *****

Shen of the Sea

Shen of the Sea, Chinese Stories for Children is a collection of Chinese fairy tales. If you want a book full of variety this is the book for you. Although these stories don't make up one big story; you get to see a theme of fairytale endings. I thought it was interesting that there were so many similarity's between American fairy tales and Chinese fairy tales.

Rating: ****

Shadow of a Bull

This is a blood and guts story. I didn't enjoy it as much as others. This is the story of a young boy whose father was a famous bull fighter. Because of this the hero of the story was expected to fight his first bull at age 11 (yikes-can you even imagine that?). The surprising resolution makes me think about how we don't really know what we are going to grow up to be. But, I'm defiantly not going to be a bull fighter.

Rating: ***

Caddie Woodlawn

Caddie Woodlawn, was one of the first Newberry Medal winners I read, when I set me goal. I was 7 at the time and it became one of my favorite books of all time. Because it is a favorite I didn't mind too much when it was assigned as the first class novel for 4th grade. When I reread the book for class I enjoyed it even more than the first time, I understood some things better this time. This book is the story of a tomboy turning into a young woman. I thinks lots of girls, myself included can relate.

Rating:*****

Criss Cross

This is another "growing up" story. But, I liked it enought to wish I could stay around to hear more about the characters lives after the book ended. More than the characters the best part of this book was the words that the author uses. If you are a person who loves words (and learning new ones) this is the book for you.

I, Juan de Paraja

I read the book I, Juan de Pareja. This book is about the life of the slave Juan de Pareja, better none as Juanico. Juanico starts out as the slave of a very nice woman by the name of Emilia, when she died of the plague Juanico was inherited by her nephew. On the way to his home Juanico was beaten by a gypsy. When he finally got there his new master treated him very well. “Master,” as Juanico called him, was a painter.
When Juanico found out why he couldn’t paint, it was illegal in Spain for a slave to paint, he was devastated. Why couldn’t he paint? Was it his fault that he was born a slave? As his master went through many paintings, many apprentices, and many trips, Juanico wanted more and more to be able to paint. Then Juanico couldn’t bear it any longer. He had to paint. He stole colors from his master and painted in secret for years until Bartolone started giving colors to him after he confessed of painting to just Bartolone. After many years of painting Juanico confessed of painting to his master. His master’s response to this was setting him free. Juanico still stayed with his master as an apprentice. Then Juanico married his Mistress’s slave, Lolis.