mak_2860's review against another edition
5.0
I read this multiple times in elementary school after I found it in the school library! I loved reading it again as an adult!
crystal_reading's review against another edition
4.0
1955 Newbery Winner
At the beginning of the book, the teacher challenges his students to go home and wonder. He tells them that wondering makes things happen. They do wonder and all kinds of things start happening.
At the beginning of the book, the teacher challenges his students to go home and wonder. He tells them that wondering makes things happen. They do wonder and all kinds of things start happening.
plaidpladd's review against another edition
3.0
This was pretty good, especially compared to other ancient newberry winners. I liked the switching point of view between the different children.
ashleylm's review against another edition
4.0
This is a sweet, lovely book, gentle, but not without excitement. A true, deserved classic. I recently re-read it to my kids, and it absolutely held up--my memory of it being a special book was thankfully accurate. Probably 4 1/2 stars, but I save 5 stars for a small subset of my absolute all-time favourites, the top 50 of the thousands of books I've read!
avrilhj's review against another edition
5.0
This is the most beautiful piece of children's fiction, well-deserving of its Newbury Medal win in 1955. My grandparents had a copy of this that I used to enjoy reading when I visited them. I'm so glad to have found another copy.
poplartears's review against another edition
4.0
"Mom, I have to keep reading, I am at the climactic final pages!" Blake gave two thumbs up to this book.
meredith_mccaskey's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
margardenlady's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
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
4.5
I have seldom read a story so convincingly told in the voice of a child! This Newbery winner from 1955 tells a story of project based learning and multigenerational relationships before those were buzz words. In a small fishing village in Holland, six students show an interest in storks. Their teacher, (described by another adult as ‘…he doesn’t just fool around with the woods. He goes and does things.’ ) encourages them to wonder about storks. This leads each child ( 12 yr old) on an individual adventure on which they interact in new ways with their neighbors. Lovely story and it stands the test of time.
heatherwoodauthor's review against another edition
4.0
Great story, love how the children came to know and appreciate the older people in their town. Didn't always love the writing style, but it wasn't too bad to take away enjoyment of the story.