Hi, everyone. Today I will be reviewing The River Way Home by Mary E. Dawson. My apologies go out to Mary. Between my new job (which has me working way too many hours) and my applying to grad school it has been entirely too long of a wait for my review. I'm sorry Mary. But...it is worth the wait!
The River Way Home by Mary E. Dawson is a classic! This wonderful book combines adventure, history, companionship, action, and most of all honor. The story of Queenie, Billy, and the Chief is one all readers, young and old alike, will devour and love. While intended for a YA audience, The River Way Home proved to be a book I loved, and Im not quite in the YA age range!
What I liked best: I loved the characters. Queenie, Billy, and Chief are characters I came to love, respect, and root for. Their adventurous spirit and devotion to the land, animals, and each other is fantastic. I also loved the historical aspect of this book. I am a big history buff, and the way Ms. Dawson incorporated Florida history into this tale really put it over the top for me. It is a wonderful story that will make readers aware of the history of this region of the great state of Florida.
What missed a bit: If I had to pinpoint one thing, I can only comment on the cover. I personally love the cover. I think the image conveys the message of the untamed Florida terrain at an intoxicating time of day (dont you just love that sun?). However, it is my belief that a cover that featured the Queen, the Cowboy, and the Chief might very well appeal to more YA readers. I believe this book is so good that I want it in the hands of as many readers as possible.
**Edit** The Amazon cover image is different than the one I read. I like it better; I believe it will appeal to youngsters more.
Overall: Fantastic! This is really like no other YA book Ive ever read. The adventures the children take feel like they last a lifetime. I remember the long summer days of my childhood, and I can understand how the three days of adventure shaped these children. I really enjoyed the historical information included at the end of the book. It was really fascinating to read about the real-life inspirations for each character, as well as more about the actual history of the area. I loved this book. I would recommend it to all readers of every age. I would also love to see it featured in the classroom and at libraries.
***I received a free book from the author in exchange for an honest review**
The River Way Home by Mary E. Dawson is a classic! This wonderful book combines adventure, history, companionship, action, and most of all honor. The story of Queenie, Billy, and the Chief is one all readers, young and old alike, will devour and love. While intended for a YA audience, The River Way Home proved to be a book I loved, and Im not quite in the YA age range!
What I liked best: I loved the characters. Queenie, Billy, and Chief are characters I came to love, respect, and root for. Their adventurous spirit and devotion to the land, animals, and each other is fantastic. I also loved the historical aspect of this book. I am a big history buff, and the way Ms. Dawson incorporated Florida history into this tale really put it over the top for me. It is a wonderful story that will make readers aware of the history of this region of the great state of Florida.
What missed a bit: If I had to pinpoint one thing, I can only comment on the cover. I personally love the cover. I think the image conveys the message of the untamed Florida terrain at an intoxicating time of day (dont you just love that sun?). However, it is my belief that a cover that featured the Queen, the Cowboy, and the Chief might very well appeal to more YA readers. I believe this book is so good that I want it in the hands of as many readers as possible.
**Edit** The Amazon cover image is different than the one I read. I like it better; I believe it will appeal to youngsters more.
Overall: Fantastic! This is really like no other YA book Ive ever read. The adventures the children take feel like they last a lifetime. I remember the long summer days of my childhood, and I can understand how the three days of adventure shaped these children. I really enjoyed the historical information included at the end of the book. It was really fascinating to read about the real-life inspirations for each character, as well as more about the actual history of the area. I loved this book. I would recommend it to all readers of every age. I would also love to see it featured in the classroom and at libraries.
***I received a free book from the author in exchange for an honest review**
Lionel is sick of his brother picking on him and of his mother yelling at him. One day, while cleaning the closet his mother has been after him about, he discovers not only boxes and old clothes, but a lucky charm with more magic than he bargained for. After an unusual encounter with his brother, Lionel knows things are about to change for the better.
Together, Lionel and his lucky charm are able to stand up to his big brother as well as make Carrie—the cutest girl in his class—notice him. While learning the quirks of his magical charm, Lionel ends up at a casino in Las Vegas, escapes an evil dog, becoming a hero to the other kids, and finds himself playing in the Great Series with his favorite professional baseball team. Will Lionel master the trickster, over-the-top magic, or will it mess things up beyond repair? . |
This fun Christmas book follows Lionel from Larrystown to the North Pole. His magical Three-Toed-Potbellied Walbaun foot is back and is as unpredictable as ever.
Whether Lionel's sledding, ice skating, or in a life-sized gingerbread village, it takes him on some grand adventures. Filled with great Christmas imagery, this book is perfect for young readers and family story time. This holiday, be careful what you wish for, you never know what might happen! |
Lionel is dying to go to summer camp to try to learn more about his dad. But did his mom even sign him up, or is the joke on him waiting for a letter that will never come? Lionel does get his letter during a disastrous trip to the Post Office, but his excitement for camp is quickly doused when he learns he’s rooming with the biggest bully in school—Tad Winters. Will Lionel get to spend the day with Carrie at Lake Yellowhorn, survive summer camp, and find out the mystery of his dad? Luckily, Lionel has his magical charm to help him out, or will it land Lionel in a mess-and-a-half he can’t get out of?
Lionel’s Grand Adventure: Lionel Goes to Camp transports young readers to an ordinary town where an ordinary boy with an extraordinary secret lives. Meet Lionel Snodgrass, a loveable bully-magnet. His magical Three-Toed-Potbellied Walbaun foot makes his wishes come true, but its unpredictable magic takes him on quite an adventure along the way. Whether it’s wishing the mean bully would quit picking on him, or getting even with Martha the kitchen lady, one thing is for sure… You never know what might happen! |
Interested in an e book copy of Lionel and the Golden Rule? Click here! Order a paperback copy for only $5.99 from CreateSpace here!
Interested in an e book copy of Lionel's Christmas Adventure? Click here! Order a paperback copy for only $5.99 from CreateSpace here!
Interested in a ebook copy of Lionel Goes to Camp? Click here!
Interested in an e book copy of Lionel's Christmas Adventure? Click here! Order a paperback copy for only $5.99 from CreateSpace here!
Interested in a ebook copy of Lionel Goes to Camp? Click here!
