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MIDDLE SCHOOL FICTION The hollow tree, by Janet Lunn. LCCN 99076483. New York: Viking, Penguin Putnam, 2000. ISBN 0670889490, HBB, $15.99. F. United States--History--Revolution, 1776-1783-- Fiction. 208 p. Middle school. Phoebe Olcott, the fifteen-year-old protagonist of The Hollow Tree by Janet Lunn, is one of that unenvied company that find themselves neither fish nor fowl. Resident of a small New Hampshire village in 1777, she has no political opinions and is extremely uncomfortable with the passions that rage around her. All she wants is that the would war stop so her family could return home. But it isn’t long before her father dies in the patriot cause; and then her beloved cousin, Gideon, is hanged as a Tory spy. Blinded by grief and reeling from accusations levelled at her by both sides of the conflict, Phoebe runs to the hollow tree which she and her cousins had used to exchange letters, only to find Gideon’s last request that someone take his dearly-bought information to the British at Fort Ticonderoga. The Hollow Tree is the story of Phoebe’s journey through the wilderness to fulfil her cousin’s request, in the course of which she overcomes her own fears and self-doubts to emerge a strong, determined young woman. Janet Lunn’s book is an unusual one, depicting a heroine who has no convictions other than hatred of war in a time period that is fraught with the conflict of great ideas. No doubt, there were people who shared Phoebe’s feelings and who have a story to be told, but the author does not delineate her character’s convictions or personality in such a way as to give adequate impetus for Phoebe’s drastic action of setting out alone into the wilderness. Although the account of Phoebe’s journey is exciting, it is too full of improbabilities and coincidences, and the climax is too contrived to be taken as a possible event. Few of the characters are convincingly drawn, including Phoebe’s cousin, Anne, who swings from benign self-absorption to irrational hatred and back again, and many are caricatures who serve merely to make their own beliefs look petty and self-serving or, by contrast, to ennoble Phoebe’s position, which is never clearly defined. Pamela A. Todd, Librarian/English Teacher, Chalcedon Christian School, Cumming, Georgia The journal of August Pelletier : the Lewis and Clark Expedition, by Kathryn Lasky. (My name is America.) LCCN 00020201. New York: Scholastic, 2000. ISBN 0590684892, HBB, $10.95. F. Lewis and Clark Expedition (1804-1806)--Fiction; West (U.S.)--Discovery and exploration--Fiction; Explorers--Fiction; Diaries--Fiction. 171 p. Middle school (Elementary). Fourteen-year-old Gus Pelletier runs away from his abusive stepfather to join the Corps of Discovery, the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Knowing he is too young to be accepted as a member of the expedition, he “shadows” it on land until he is sure he won’t be sent back. His ability to read and write, and his artistic talent, prompt Captain Lewis to make Gus his assistant. In this position, Gus helps Lewis with his scientific explorations, and transcribes his journals. The Journal of Augustus Pelletier presents an accurate picture of the daily life of the members of the Corps of Discovery. It portrays both the hardships and triumphs experienced by the members of the expedition. The rank-in-file members of the expedition, along with Sacajawea, York, Clark’s slave, and even Lewis’ Newfoundland dog, come alive through its pages. Although Kathryn Lasky’s book only covers the trip to the Pacific Ocean, it offers an excellent introduction for young readers to the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Librarians and teachers might even need to remind their readers that both the book and the character of Augustus Pelletier are historical fiction, not actual history. The story is followed by a brief history of the Corps of Discovery’s journey. It also includes illustrations depicting important events during the journey and items used by members of the expedition. Virginia Brown, Library Assistant, Freelance Writer, Former Teacher, Sheridan, Wyoming The journal of Joshua Loper : a black cowboy, by Walter Dean Myers. (My name is America.) LCCN 98018661. New York: Scholastic, 1999. ISBN 0590026917, HBB, $10.95. F. Cattle drives--Fiction; Cowboys--Fiction; West (U.S.)--Fiction; Afro-Americans--Fiction; Diaries-- Fiction. 158 p. Middle school (Elementary). It is 1871, the era of the cowboy in Texas. Walter Myers’ The Journal of Joshua Loper gives us a ringside saddle on the Chisholm Trail, as Joshua, the teenage son of former slaves, goes on his first dirty, toilsome, dangerous, and exciting cattle drive. With the help of his parents’ teaching and his belief in the Lord, Joshua learns to cope with the trail boss’ bigotry, bone-wracking work, stampedes, rustlers, foul weather, and having to shoot his beloved, suffering horse. When the herd arrives in Abilene, Kansas, Joshua receives his pay and faces the blandishments of this wild town. He also receives the respect of his trail boss and the companionship of a new horse. Part of the My Name is America series, The Journal of Joshua Loper is firmly based on historical events. Using basic language, and often reproducing the speech patterns of his characters, Myers manages to make us forget this is fiction. He embellishes the story with many interesting facts about the Chisholm Trail and the cowboy era, describing aspects such as the handling of cattle and horses, cowboy lingo and food, bigotry, trail drive hierarchy, and more. Myers tells it like it is, and includes some rough talk and coarse jests, gory depictions of death, and the temptations faced by cowboys on the trail and in Abilene. Along the way, he illustrates how cheaply some held life. The story ends with an epilogue about Joshua’s adult life and death, and notes about some of the other characters. An appendix providing actual photographs of black cowboys, cattle drives, and notable people adds interest and flavor. A map of the Chisholm Trail area concludes this book. Author Walter Dean Myers has received several awards, including the Coretta Scott King Award and ALA Notable Children’s Book Award. Donna Eggett, Freelance Writer, Radford, Virginia The journal of Otto Peltonen : a Finnish immigrant, by William Durbin. (My name is America.) LCCN 00021919. New York: Scholastic, 2000. ISBN 043909254X, HBB, $10.95. F. Emigration and immigartion--Fiction; Finnish- Americans--Fiction; Iron mines and mining--Fiction; Strikes and lockouts--Fiction; Minnesota--Fiction; Diaries--Fcition. 171 p. Middle school (Elementary). The Journal of Otto Peltonen chronicles the emigration of a Finnish boy to northern Minnesota in the early 1900’s. His father came to America earlier, and worked in the mines to earn money for the passage of his family, and to buy his own farm. Otto, his two younger sisters, and his mother join him in the town of Hibbing. Journal entries are filled with descriptions of the area and the mine, and again and again the many gruesome accidents that take place in the mines. There is also a sense of disillusionment with the difficulty and ugliness of life. Otto relates his progress in school and reading, and the interrelationships within the family. Social issues of the day are dealt with from a common person’s viewpoint. Otto’s father wants the union to help provide safety, security, and equality for the workers; his mother is appalled that women have the right to vote in Finland before they do in America. When Otto is about sixteen, he works in the mine for a time, until the family finally saves enough money to buy a farm. The author, William Durbin, is obviously very familiar with the life that he has detailed, as the reader sees and feels what it was like. Otto speaks Finnish and is learning English at the beginning of the story. The text is written in well-developed English, with a few Finnish words interspersed. The reader is somewhat struck by the incongruity between the text and the boy’s reported limited knowledge of English. The cover shows a photo of a typical boy of the time, with a faded blue and white photograph of a mine. Following the body of the journal readers will find an epilogue, a historical note as to the reasons for emigration, a section of period photos, a map, brief information about the author, and a fold-out map showing a vertical cross-section of an iron mine. Judy Belcher, Teacher, Sylvan Way Christian School, Bremerton, Washington S P R I N G 2 0 0 1 3 4 C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L
MIDDLE SCHOOL FICTION Journey to the end of the earth : William Seymour, by Dave & Neta Jackson; story illustrations by Anne Gavitt. (Trailblazer books.) LCCN 00010470. Minneapolis: Bethany House, 2000. ISBN 076422266X, PAP, $5.99. F. Earthquakes--California--San Francisco--Fiction; Seymour, William Joseph, 1870-1922--Fiction; San Francisco (Calif.)--Fiction; Journalism--Fiction; Afro- Americans--Fiction; Uncles--Fiction. 159 p. Middle school. Jerry Newman is a black boy being raised by his widowed Mom in East Texas in the early 1900’s. He is not a bad kid, he just seems to get into situations that cause problems. He accidentally sets a church on fire, so his Mom sends him out to Los Angeles to stay with his uncle, a freelance news photographer. He feels like he is going far, far away; hence the title of the book, Journey to the End of the Earth. Jerry and his uncle travel to San Francisco immediately after the big earthquake of 1906 to take pictures. Jerry also visits the pentecostal revival on Azusa Street and listens to the prophecies and preaching of William Seymour. Dave and Neta Jackson depict Jerry as a typical black adolescent of his time. The story is written in a straightforward and simple manner, as seen through Jerry’s eyes. He struggles with his feelings, and his impressions regarding what he sees. The difficult role of blacks in society in those times, both in East Texas and in California, is presented clearly, but not moralistically. The genuine historical message of the early pentecostal movement, including the equality of all people before God, is presented plainly. Following the story is a section providing additional information about William Seymore, and a brief bibliography for further reading. Judy Belcher, Teacher, Sylvan Way Christian School, Bremerton, Washington Koala Beach outbreak, by Robert Elmer. (Adventures down under; 7.) LCCN 99006414. Minneapolis: Bethany House, 1999. ISBN 0764221051, PAP, $5.99. F. Immigrants--Fiction; Chinese--Australia--Fiction; Prejudices--Fiction; Australia--Fiction. 176 p. Middle school (Elementary). Koala Beach Outbreak, the seventh in Robert Elmer’s Adventures Down Under series, explores the problems faced by nineteenthcentury Chinese immigrants to Australia. Thirteen-year-old Patrick, accompanied by his dog Firestorm, siblings Becky and Michael, and friend Jefferson, witnesses the sinking of a ship filled with Chinese immigrants headed for the goldfield. Patrick rescues Jasper, a most unusual boy, and the Irish-born McWaid family is plunged into another of their dangerous, enjoyable Australian adventures. Jasper, who was impacted by the first Christian missionaries into China, presents several riddles. Contending with what might be yellow fever, the evil Mr. Li, and the unreasoned prejudices of the Australian community, Patrick solves those riddles while helping Jasper to search for “his” father. The denouement involves a recalcitrant donkey, all the Chinese immigrants, the full cast of no-gooders, the McWaid family, and an exploding steam boat engine. Robert Elmer ensures historical accuracy via e- mail contact with Australian museums, history experts, and newspaper editors. His Australian readers favorably comment on the Adventures Down Under series. Incidents in Koala Beach Outbreak grew from actual events written in nineteenth century Australian journals. The basic language and grammar enable weak readers to enjoy this book, while the intriguing plot will involve all levels of middle school readers. The series gradually builds up realistic characters. Hence characterization is somewhat lacking in Koala Beach Outbreak. However, the action and interesting storyline will intrigue the reader new to this series. Although Christian behavior and morals successfully form the bedrock and infiltrate the plot, this book does not moralize. Australian maps and a short introduction to the author precede the story. As an afterward Robert Elmer includes a brief chapter on the Chinese in Australia during the nineteenth century and an invitation to fans to contact him via his e-mail address. Donna Eggett, Freelance Writer, Radford, Virginia ★ The legend of Luke : a tale from Redwall, by Brian Jacques; illustrated by Fangorn. LCCN 99033891. New York: Philomel, Penguin Putnam, 2000. ISBN 039923490X, HBB, $22.95. F. Mice--Fiction; Animals--Fiction; Fantasy. 374 p. Middle school (High school). Brian Jacques’ The Legend of Luke, illustrated by Fangorn, plunges the reader into exciting adventure. In part one, Martin the Mouse Warrior, Gonff the Mousethief, Dinny Foremole, and Trimp the roving lady hedgehog set off to discover the history of Martin’s father, Luke. The friends gained, enemies overcome and adventures enjoyed breathlessly lead the reader to the second section: the history of Luke’s vengeance upon Vilu Daskar, the pirate who murdered his wife and friends. Once again the reader hangs on for dear life as Luke and his friends sweep the seas clean. And then, just in case the reader thinks he can relax, in the third section Martin, his original companions, and all the friends they’ve gathered on the way share in more thrilling exploits as they roll triumphantly home. The 12th story in the Redwall series, The Legend of Luke presents a very human, all animal cast that remains true to each animal type. Because this series originated for blind students, it projects strong word pictures for the mind, much like Disney’s two Fantasias and Tolkien’s Hobbit series. Brian Jacques’ primary message is that courage and decency win respect. Two of the main themes are: deep love and responsibility for family and friends, and food and fellowship, with many mouth-watering menus. Sometimes naughty, the children generally demonstrate acceptable behavior such as respect to elders. While enjoying equality, the women are thoroughly protected. The bad characters are undeniably bad. With loving humor, the good characters display Judeo/Christian morals, and actions such as grace for meals are demonstrated. Fangorn’s black and white illustrations add to the classic quality of the story. Jacques includes many poems and several riddles, and several English dialects are characterized in fairly clear form. A pertinent map of Martin’s Journey prefaces the story. Capable middle school readers enjoy this story, as do high school and adult readers. It is an excellent story to read aloud to younger children. Donna Eggett, Freelance Writer, Radford, Virginia Living on Nothing Atoll, by Theresa Kelly. (Aloha Cove; 1.) LCCN 99021167. St. Louis, Mo.: Concordia, 1999. ISBN 0570054834, PAP, $5.99. F. Stepfamilies--Fiction; Remarriage--Fiction; Islands--Fiction; Kwajalein Island (Marshall Islands)-- Fiction; Christian life--Fiction. 255 p. Seaside High, by Theresa Kelly. (Aloha Cove; 2.) LCCN 99021169. St. Louis, Mo.: Concordia, 1999. ISBN 0570054842, PAP, $5.99. F. Stepfamilies--Fiction; High schools--Fiction; Islands--Fiction; Kwajalein Island (Marshall Islands)-- Fiction; Christian life--Fiction. 271 p. Tomorrow I’ll miss you, by Theresa Kelly. (Aloha Cove; 3.) LCCN 99021168. St. Louis, Mo.: Concordia, 1999. ISBN 0570054840, PAP, $5.99. F. Stepfamilies--Fiction; Mothers and daughters-- Fiction; Islands--Fiction; Kwajalein Island (Marshall Islands)--Fiction; Christian life--Fiction. 271 p. Stand by me, by Theresa Kelly. (Aloha Cove; 4.) LCCN 99031986. St. Louis, Mo.: Concordia, 1999. ISBN 0570054869, PAP, $5.99. F. Stepfamilies--Fiction; High schools--Fiction; Islands--Fiction; Kwajalein Island (Marshall Islands)-- Fiction; Christian life--Fiction. 271 p. Forget me not, by Theresa Kelly. (Aloha Cove; 5.) LCCN 99053127. St. Louis, Mo.: Concordia, 2000. ISBN 0570070333, PAP, $5.99. F. Stepfamilies--Fiction; Mothers and daughters-- Fiction; Islands--Fiction; Kwajalein Island (Marshall Islands)--Fiction; Christian life--Fiction. 271 p. A place in the heart, by Theresa Kelly. (Aloha Cove; 6.) St. Louis, Mo.: Concordia, 2000. PAP, $5.99. F. Stepfamilies--Fiction; Mothers and daughters-- Fiction; Islands--Fiction; Kwajalein Island (Marshall Islands)--Fiction; Christian life--Fiction. 271 p. Dream a little dream, by Theresa Kelly. (Aloha Cove; 7.) LCCN 00010071. St. Louis, Mo.: Concordia, 2000. ISBN 0570070724, PAP, $5.99. C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 3 5 S P R I N G 2 0 0 1
Page 1 and 2: Volume VI No.2 Christian SPRING 200
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Page 5 and 6: talking or writing books. He worked
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Page 9 and 10: Celebrate the Triumph of Easter ...
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Page 13 and 14: PICTURE BOOKS tells him to catch up
Page 15 and 16: PICTURE BOOKS Ill.: Crossway Books,
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Page 23 and 24: CHILDREN’S FICTION Michael J. Ros
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Page 85 and 86: REFERENCE (610-756). From essays su
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INDEX David Livingstone 41 Davidson
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INDEX Mohr, Joseph 28 Mollel, Tolol
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