Books that rely so much on animal characters are not usually my favorites, but this Newbery Honor book by Kathi Appelt is a wonderful exception. All of the characters in this book, Grandmother Moccasin, Mama, Ranger, Gar Face, Sabine, Puck, Hawk Man, Night Song, and many others, tell their own stories. This book is a lot like The Crossroads and The Hanging Hill because the narrators change from chapter to chapter. I love how this book looks at family and love and bonds and how we can all find families around us even if we are not related. I think that it is nice that the author trusts her readers enough to let them deal with the sad and scary parts of the story because real life is sometimes sad and scary. I can't wait to read another wonderful book by Kathi Appelt, and thanks to this supper nice author I have several more to choose from!
Rating: *****
Yes, this book is way cool, Laura - I agree! But if you had to choose between Kathi's two books - this one or Keeper - which would you pick, and why? Tough one, huh? =)
ReplyDeletethat is tough one, they are both so good and diffrent I don't think you can pick. I did like the character of Keeper the best. I liked how both stories had a diffrent sense of family.
ReplyDeleteYep, I agree - they both have themes of family that are very different in each story, but very important.
ReplyDeleteI'll bet you're pretty excited about the results of the Heavy Medal poll, huh?
-Sam B. from Cincinnati
p.s.- How exciting that you get to watch the announcements Monday morning!