favorite classics

Classic Book Review: Olive

Posted by

0

Olive by Dinah Maria Mulock Craik

Olive
by Dinah Maria Mulock Craik

4.5 out of 5 stars
Olive is born with a deformity in her spine. Her parents are devastated to have a humpback child, but try to show Olive compassion. Her childhood is peaceful, but as Olive grows up she begins to realize that she will never be able to live like other people. She is unlikely to ever marry or have a family. Uneducated and without resources, Olive must lean on her faith to help her through the difficulties of her life. She finds solace in nature and art, and in supporting her friends and family with a patient and kind spirit.

Continue reading →

Classic Review: Hans Brinker or the Silver Skates

Posted by

0

Hans Brinker by Mary Mapes Dodge

Hans Brinker: The Silver Skates
by Mary Mapes Dodge, May Audubon Post (Illustrator)
4 out of 5 stars
Hans and his sister Gretel are poor. Their father was injured years ago and left with brain damage, so it is up to their mother to support the family. Hans tries to get work, but there are no jobs available in the winter time in Holland.
All the children in their village are excited for a grand skating race that will be held after Christmas, but Hans and Gretel only have cheap wooden skates that Hans made himself.

One of my favorite books as a child! Love it! There are so many elements to the story, and yet it is simple and pretty. The writing is so charming and sweet! The plot kept my interest, and I got so attached to the characters.

Continue reading →

Favorite Books of 2021

Posted by

0

Reading with Sam: https://www.youtube.com/c/ReadingWithSam
I had such a great reading year and a ton of favorite books in 2021. I have divided this video into books that were new-to-me this year and books that were favorite rereads. I read some great classics, fantasy, middle grade books, and classic children’s literature that I really loved!

What was YOUR favorite book that you read in 2021? Leave me a comment!

Continue reading →

Book Review: The Courage of Sarah Noble

Posted by

0

The Courage of Sarah Noble by Alice Dalgliesh

The Courage of Sarah Noble
by Alice Dalgliesh, Leonard Weisgard (Illustrations)
5 out of 5 stars
Sarah Noble accompanies her father to the wilderness of Connecticut to build a new cabin before they are joined by the rest of the family. A Native American tribe lives nearby on the banks of the river, and Sarah befriends the native children. Through every step of their journey and as the family settles into their new home, Sarah’s courage is tested, but she curtails her fears, and remains steadfast and resilient through it all.

Continue reading →

Classic Book Review: Rose in Bloom

Posted by

0

Rose in Bloom by Louisa May Alcott

Rose in Bloom (Eight Cousins, #2)
by Louisa May Alcott
5 out of 5 stars
Rose has returned from a year abroad to find that most of her boy cousins have quite grown up while she was away. Suddenly, they are all on the brink of adulthood and beginning to think of careers and romance. Rose must choose her path in life carefully while she begins to gradually bloom.

I love this marvelous sequel to Eight Cousins! It has a more mature purpose and some darker themes than the first book. There are themes about alcoholism, death, clan loyalty, elitism, philanthropy, and having strong moral principles. This is another Alcott book with moral lessons in every other chapter, but I love it! The morals are woven so nicely into the story, that I don’t mind being preached at in this wholesome way.

I love Phebe and Rose’s sweet friendship even more in this second book than in the first one! Those two girls are so close and affectionate, and they are fiercely loyal and ready to brave anything to protect their friend. It’s so refreshing to read about a strong female friendship!

Continue reading →