Osborne (Favorite Medieval Tales, 1998, etc.) spins a wisp of history into this glittering, many-layered tale of a child struggling to reconcile within herself the clashing cultures in which she’s immersed. Having lost his Arapaho wife and all her family to cholera, wilderness scout Kit Carson leaves his daughter, Adaline, with a St. Louis cousin, promising to return after a mapping expedition. Dismayed to be saddled with a “half-breed” but determined to do his Christian duty, cousin Silas and his family force her to become a servant while praying that she will be able to overcome her “savage” nature. Refusing to admit that she can read, or even speak, grieving Adaline finds solace in her Arapaho memories and beliefs, even as she wrestles with the conflicting values of her beloved father’s religion and science. Finally, believing that Kit has lied to her, she disguises herself as a boy and sets out to track him down. Osborne adds threads of mystery to the journey: a canoe appears, then vanishes when no longer needed, Adaline is sometimes guided by voices and visions, and a seemingly inept stray dog repays her feeding and affection by saving her life. Smart, strong-willed, and with a distinct narrative voice, Adaline makes a memorable protagonist, her adventures will keep readers riveted, and, gratifyingly unlike so many fathers in contemporary fiction, Kit comes back for her. (bibliography) (Fiction. 11-13)
Pub Date: March 1, 2000
ISBN: 0-439-05947-X
Page Count: 176
Publisher: Scholastic
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2000
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Fans of Cameron’s Huey and Julian stories (More Stories Huey Tells, 1997, etc.) are in for a treat as Gloria, their friend from those tales, gets a book of her own and graciously allows the two brothers to share it . In the first tale, Gloria makes a wonderful card for her mother, but the wind blows it away and it ends up in the cage of a cantankerous parrot. Thanks to Mr. Bates, Huey and Julian’s dad, the day is saved, as is the burgeoning friendship that Gloria and the boys have struck up with new neighbor Latisha in the story, “The Promise.” In another story, Gloria has to deal with a huge problem—fractions—and this time it’s her dad who helps her through it. Mr. Bates proves helpful again when the group trains an “obsessed” puppy, while Gloria’s mother is supportive when Gloria is unintentionally hurt by her three best friends. The stories are warm and funny, as Gloria, a spunky kid who gets into some strange predicaments, finds out that her friends and wise, loving adults are good to have around when trouble beckons. Great fun, with subtly placed, positive messages that never take center stage. (b&w illustrations) (Fiction. 8-12)
Pub Date: March 9, 2000
ISBN: 0-374-32670-3
Page Count: 93
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2000
A skirmish over a favorite stuffed rabbit nearly destroys a friendship and the toy itself, but well-timed physical and emotional bandaging saves the day. When a little boy moves in next door to a little girl they quickly becomes friends and start sharing toys. This works well for cars, trucks, bears, and balls, but when the boy shows up with a new stuffed rabbit, cooperation goes out the window. In the ensuing tug-of-rabbit, each child yanks on the poor bunny’s ears until the stitching gives way. Figuring out a way to repair the rabbit also eventually patches up the friendship. Minor battles rage in homes and preschools everywhere, so children and adults alike will appreciate this subtle example of a peaceful resolution to toy disputes. Jahn-Clough’s pleasantly stubby children convey both healthy loud-mouthed anger and substantial charm. (Picture book. 3-8)
Pub Date: March 1, 1999
ISBN: 0-395-93545-8
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 1999
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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