mrsmishmash_reads's review against another edition
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
jojo_bookish_mojo's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
slow-paced
5.0
npshafer's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
kerisreads's review against another edition
4.0
Such a sweet story! A detailed look into the life of native Alaskans from the perspective of children hoping for a kind schoolteacher who isn't scared off by life in the unforgiving Alaskan tundra. A quick, easy, engaging read perfect for early elementary aged kids!
The only thing that I didn't love was that at one point, women who stay home with children rather than pursuing an advanced education / career are subtly portrayed as less-than: The one girl in the story who dreams of a life with a husband and children is described as slow to learn and simple-minded, and Miss Agnes (and the child narrator) seem frustrated with her for wanting "JUST" to run a household and be a wife and mom... As if that's not a major accomplishment especially in the harsh Alaskan bush, I mean come on! Not exactly the message I want my kids hearing.
But really, that minor brief storyline aside, my son and I both completely loved hearing how Miss Agnes creatively brought a spark of curiosity and courage to the little school house in rural Alaska! The story inspired us both with a greater love of learning - and of creative, empathetic teaching methods!
Definitely recommend, ideally for ages 6-8
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(Also. My son was just as annoyed at the somewhat open-ended, abrupt ending as I was.
The only thing that I didn't love was that at one point, women who stay home with children rather than pursuing an advanced education / career are subtly portrayed as less-than: The one girl in the story who dreams of a life with a husband and children is described as slow to learn and simple-minded, and Miss Agnes (and the child narrator) seem frustrated with her for wanting "JUST" to run a household and be a wife and mom... As if that's not a major accomplishment especially in the harsh Alaskan bush, I mean come on! Not exactly the message I want my kids hearing.
But really, that minor brief storyline aside, my son and I both completely loved hearing how Miss Agnes creatively brought a spark of curiosity and courage to the little school house in rural Alaska! The story inspired us both with a greater love of learning - and of creative, empathetic teaching methods!
Definitely recommend, ideally for ages 6-8
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(Also. My son was just as annoyed at the somewhat open-ended, abrupt ending as I was.
rosemaryfay's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Probably one of my favorite children's books.
compass_rose's review against another edition
5.0
6yo and I loved this as a read aloud. Truly wonderful teacher comes to a small Alaskan town (12 kids) in 1948 and changes their lives with her open-mindedness, smarts, creative methods, and compassion. We will definitely read it again.
susylamb's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Short little beautiful book- maybe middle grade or younger but still a heart warming story for adults.
What an important lesson for us all to remember. Every child is important and learning is power!!
Loved learning about the Alaskan history woven throughout the story too.
“‘You have to keep learning all your life,’ she said. That was a good thing to think about, always learn something new.”
What an important lesson for us all to remember. Every child is important and learning is power!!
Loved learning about the Alaskan history woven throughout the story too.
“‘You have to keep learning all your life,’ she said. That was a good thing to think about, always learn something new.”
ashleyjean6's review against another edition
4.0
Catherine really liked this, James not so much. I didn't love it as a whole like I have some of our other read alouds; but there are some pretty priceless nuggets tucked into this book. I'd recommend it. C wants to read the sequel!
fozlandgirl's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0