Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt

Tuck Everlasting By: Natalie Babbitt  Published: 1975 Published By: Farrar, Straus Giroux Format Read: Paperback Genre: Children’s Literature, Middle Grade, Classics, Fantasy Date Read: August 26, 2016  Rating: 4/5

An uninviting cottage sits aside the road leading to the village of Treegap and nearby stands a small wood that hold a magical secret. In its centre stands a large ash tree and at its roots is a tiny hidden spring. Ten year old Winnie Foster curiously wanders into the woods one day, only to come across a young man drinking from the spring. Parched from the August heat, Winnie insists on a drink, but the young man; Jesse Tuck won’t let her, claiming that it isn’t safe. This encounter would result in an adventure of a lifetime for her as she meets the rest of the mysterious Tuck family and learns of the magic the spring in the woods holds.

Tuck Everlasting is another classic children’s book that I missed out on during my childhood. In fact I didn’t even know this story existed until after I saw the movie starring Alexis Bledel. Although this book is quite different from the movie, I am glad I finally took the opportunity to read it.

Natalie Babbitt did a wonderful job describing the settings of her story. From the Foster’s uninviting cottage, to the landscape of the wood and of course the humble Tuck family home. It was easy to imagine a vivid and colourful picture in my mind.

The characters were interesting and endearing. Even our antagonist; the man in the yellow suit, held charm.

I really enjoyed this magical tale, but I admit that I wanted more. More story, more time with the characters and a longer time-span covered. It was far shorter than I expected and didn’t cover as much time as I expected. However I realize that my expectations were mostly based on the movie plot.

Still, Tuck Everlasting is a wonderfully magical story that I hope will continue to be passed down for generations to come. I would highly recommend this book.  

The Hidden Staircase (Nancy Drew, #2) by Carolyn Keene

The Hidden Staircase (Nancy Drew, #2)

By: Carolyn Keene

Published: 1959

Published By: Grosset and Dunlap

Format Read: Hardcover

Genre: Children’s Literature, Middle-Grade, Mystery, Classics

Date Read: August 23, 2016

                                                               Rating: 3/5

Strange occurrences have been reported at the Twin Elms mansion and Nancy Drew is called in to solve the mystery. Meanwhile a new railway line is set to be constructed and her father is the representing lawyer. But when the landowners begin to demand more money from the railroad, Mr. Drew is caught in the middle, which puts his safety in jeopardy. The Hidden Staircase is the second book in the classic Nancy Drew mystery series.

After listening to the first book in this series in audio format, I decided to borrow a physical copy of this second book from my local library.

The Hidden Staircase was an interesting story that held my attention. As this book was first published in 1930, readers of today’s middle-grade generation may find the story dated. However I really enjoy this aspect of these books and would hate to see them updated for a more modern day audience. There is a certain level of respect that the books of today lack. Although the stories in this series may be overly predictable there is a wholesomeness to them that is comforting.

I would recommend The Hidden Staircase and the other Nancy Drew mysteries to those who enjoy classic children’s literature. 

1. The Secret of the Old Clock (Nancy Drew, #1) by Carolyn Keene

Little House on the Prairie (Little House, #2) by Laura Ingalls Wilder

Title: Little House on the Prairie (Little House #2)
Author: Laura Ingalls Wilder
Published: Originally 1935
Published by: HarperCollins
Format Read: eBook, Kobo
Genre: Middle Grade, Historical Fiction, Classics
Date Read: May 25, 2016
Rating: 3/5

In search of a new adventure, Pa (Charles Ingalls) packs up his family into a covered wagon and sets out for a new life on the Kansas prairies. Like in the first book, readers follow middle child Laura as they make the long and tiring journey from their home in the big woods of Wisconsin. Once on the prairie they must all work together to build a home and stable, while living in fear of an unknown place in Indian Territory.

As I re-read this classic series I am reminded of my original impression of the Little House books, from my early childhood. I remember my teacher reading this book to my class, introducing me to the pioneers and how they lived all those years ago. I remember having such strong emotions, as the Ingalls family faced danger on the open prairie. If only I could go back and re-live that experience of reading these books for the first time.

After all these years I am sad to say that I didn’t quite have the same reaction as I once had about Little House on the Prairie. I attribute this to maturity and a better knowledge of historical time periods. Although some parts were still disturbing, I felt desensitized because I have since read books that were so much more graphic. It also made me look at certain aspects of the story differently. Another reason why my thoughts on this series has change is due to the fact that I now know how edited Laura Ingalls Wilder’s stories were compared to her real childhood experiences. This is to be expected though considering the audience these books are directed towards.

I love how Laura and Mary looked up to their father. He was their hero even if he put their family in danger. They always found comfort that he would protect them from any harm. I always liked his character but I find that I mostly remember him from Michael Landon’s portrayal on the television series.

Unfortunately this time around I also saw Pa in a different light. He decided that he would pack up his whole family and try their luck in Kansas, even though Ma didn’t want to leave her home and family. During that time period a woman was expected to listen to her husband and do as he says. This really made me think about the life women led then and how they differ in our present day.

I tried not to read too far into the realities of their circumstances though as I really did want to enjoy the story. I still found it fascinating how they built their home and lived off the land, just like I did as a child. And I also still believe that this is a classic series that should be passed down for many more generations to come.  

The Color Purple by Alice Walker

Title: The Color Purple
Author: Alice Walker
Published: June, 1985
Published By: Pocket Books
Format Read: Paperback
Genre: Classic Literature, Historical Fiction
Date Read: May 20, 2016
Rating: 4/5

Alice Walker’s The Color Purple is a Pulitzer Prize winning novel that has become an American classic. The story follows the often turbulent life of an African American woman named Celie in the form of letters to God and her sister Nettie. Married off to a man who doesn’t love her, she raises another woman’s children and learns life lessons from her husband’s mistress and family.

I admit that The Colour Purple was one of the most intimidating books on my to-be read shelf and it sat there for quite some time until I convinced myself to pick it up. I knew very little about the plot, but knowing that this is an important and award winning piece of literature I was curious to learn what makes it so special.

My enjoyment of this novel was a slow build-up, but once I adjusted to Celie’s way of speech and the story moved along, I couldn’t put it down.

Beginning in Celie’s early teens and chronicling her married years, Alice Walker depicts the life of a woman in a culture where she is meant to obey and serve her husband otherwise face the wrath of his abuse. This is just one example of the feminist lessons The Color Purple approaches.

Through the experiences of Nettie’s missionary work, the author compares life in an African tribe to that of life for African Americans in North America, which is quite ironic.

After completing this book I can definitely see and agree with the importance of this novel in literature, especially when examining American culture and feminism. I would recommend this book to those who have an interest in books of those themes. 

The Secret of the Old Clock (Nancy Drew #1) by Carolyn Keene

Title: The Secret of the Old Clock (Nancy Drew #1)
Author: Carolyn Keene
Narrator: Laura Linney
Published: June 2007 (Originally published: 1930)
Published By: Listening Library
Format Read: Audio Book
Genre: Middle Grade
Date Read: February 26 2016
Rating: 3/5

 

The Secret of the Old Clock is the first book in the classic mystery series by Carolyn Keene, which was first published in 1930. Readers are introduced to the beautiful blonde Nancy, who at the age of 18 is eager to help those in need. In this specific case, those in need are the supposed beneficiaries to the estate of a deceased man whose inheritance was wrongfully claimed by a greedy family. Nancy works to uncover a missing will to set things right. 

Growing up I loved to read just as much as I do today, but for some reason I never did pick up a Nancy Drew mystery. So now as a grown woman, after all these years I decided to give the first book in the series a try. 

The Secret of the Old Clock was an interesting mystery that kept my attention. Although I found it quite convenient how the clues would just fall into Nancy’s lap. For someone who didn’t partake in gossip, strangers sure did give her all the dirt, ha. It was a simple story, yet enjoyable and has certainly stood the test of time. 

I was pleasantly surprised to hear that this book was narrated by actress Laura Linney. I thought she did a good job and look forward to listening to the others she is attached to.

I gave The Secret of the Old Clock a 3 star rating, however I think that had I read (or listened) to these books during my childhood, I would have loved them even more. I would recommend it to its intended audience; ,middle grade readers and to those who enjoy classic children’s books.

Pollyanna by Eleanor H. Porter

Title: Pollyanna
Author: Eleanor H. Porter
Narrator: Rebecca Burns
Published: December 2006 (Originally Published 1913)
Published By: Tantor Media
Format Read: Audio Book
Genre: Classics, Children's Literature, Fiction, Historical Fiction
Date Read: September 10 2015
Rating: 5/5

After the passing of her father a poor missionary, Pollyanna now orphaned is left in the care of her local Ladies Aid. They connect with and arrange for the young girl to go live with her Aunt Polly in a town called Beldingsville Vermont. Polly, a wealthy spinster isn’t known for being the most friendly person yet she takes her niece in out of a duty to her deceased sister. Sweet Pollyanna wins over the hearts of the townspeople with her “Glad Game”, encouraging others to see the bright side of bad situations. Can she win over the cold heart of her Aunt as well? 

Pollyanna with her innocence and kind heart has become one of my favourite literary characters. I must admit she has even surpassed that of Anne Shirley and Heidi. I just feel in love with this story and didn’t want it to end. Although there were parts of the story that was unfortunate and sad, this brought about a calm peaceful reading experience, which was a refreshing departure from more heavy content. 

Although Pollyanna was first published in 1903 and some may think that the language is outdated, I think that this is an important book in children’s literature. The “Glad Game” would still be a great way to teach appreciation to young and old. 

Initially I wasn’t sure I would like the voice work of the narrator, but I was able to adjust to it as more characters were introduced. Still I think that I will enjoy this book even more in print form and so I do intend to purchase a copy for myself. I have also learned that there are more books that follow Pollyanna as she grows up. 

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys classic children’s literature.