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dee21's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
shighley's review against another edition
3.0
What a great reminder of how far children's literature has come since 1983. The basic story is so well done, but the stereotypical taunting seems trite. Why wouldn't the teacher have recognized what was going on and stepped in earlier? That part felt very dated, although it could be used as a great lesson for students today. However, it should also be noted that over 35 years ago, Cohen broached the notion that not all pilgrims come on Mayflowers.
The connection with the Feast of the Tabernacles is an interesting one that I had not actually heard of before. I'd seen many recommendations for this book, but had never read it before.
The connection with the Feast of the Tabernacles is an interesting one that I had not actually heard of before. I'd seen many recommendations for this book, but had never read it before.
optimaggie's review against another edition
5.0
This is an excellent reminder that there are still people who move in search of religious freedom. This story makes an event from the distant past current.
jembrickner's review against another edition
4.0
Lovely story. Perfect addition to any Thanksgiving curriculum!
j_lynn_a80's review against another edition
5.0
My daughter brought this book home from school as part of at home reading time. This book has such a great message in such a short story.
manwithanagenda's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
medium-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
This is a timeless classic for Thanksgiving. More than any other child's book I've read this underlines the opportunity the holiday offers Americans to reflect on what it means for people to seek a better life in America and the work we must do each generation to welcome them.
On another note, I wish the large picture-book format of the book with the original illustrations would return to print. The current early-chapter format doesn't do the story justice.
On another note, I wish the large picture-book format of the book with the original illustrations would return to print. The current early-chapter format doesn't do the story justice.
mikkaybear's review
I saw the cover of this book and immediately had a flashback to elementary school. This was one of those stories that stuck with me in ways I hadn't even realized. I remembered Elizabeth with her corkscrew curls and Molly sitting in the second row of the classroom. It was surreal. So of course I had to reread it. (It took two minutes, but I'm counting it for my challenge anyway. XD)
juliepettit's review
1.0
So. I was excited to read this book out loud at breakfast, and...I hated it! YIKES. The really mean school girl "bullies" were never corrected by the teacher (just ignored) and their meanness was a HUGE part of the story, Molly was embarrassed for anyone to see her mom because she was different (they're newer immigrants from Russia), she has ZILCH self esteem, oh man I could go on and on. I know this is a super short "chapter" level book BUT the problems I had were never resolved. SO. This was teaching kids through bad example, or...just don't read the book and teach them that modern Pilgrims exist another way. The problems I had with the book WAY outweighed the idea this book was trying to teach - Pilgrims still exist. OH Boy.
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