Reviews

Calico Girl by Jerdine Nolen

molly_dettmann's review against another edition

Go to review page

2.0

2.5 While Callie and her family's story was a harrowing, but hopeful one, this book fell flat for me. Over half of the book kept explaining family lineage and then the last little bit was about them joining the north and full freedom. The dialogue was dry and though it is a short read, it felt long.

yapha's review against another edition

Go to review page

2.0

The premise was fascinating but the writing was slow and kept me at arm's length the whole time. I never felt invested in the characters or the story. Disappointing.

camillejoy's review against another edition

Go to review page

Really interesting setting— in Hampton VA. A tiny slice of life for the enslaved people who began their journey to freedom as “contraband” at Ft. Monroe at the start of the Civil War.

jillcd's review against another edition

Go to review page

2.0

I just couldn't get into this book although historical fic is one of my favorite genres. The characters were flat and the story too rushed for me.

lilo82's review

Go to review page

3.0

Nolen did a great job with her research and sharing it on a level for children; however, some of the conversations between characters felt a little too forced and a little too smooth. Conflict was mostly brought up in chapter blurbs; however, I appreciate the time map and explanations to help guide readers.
More...