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kristenremenar's review against another edition
4.0
In the words of the immortal Imogene Tripp, "That was totally fun!" Imogene loves history, and works hard to save a fantastic old house full of antiques, old letters and photos from being torn down to make way for a shoelace factory. It's an uphill battle trying to get others to care about history, but when Imogene discovers a letter proving that George Washington slept in the house, the President of the United States herself declares the house an historical landmark. Imogene quotes lots of cool folks from American history, like Eleanor Roosevelt and Chief Joseph. I've never been much a history buff, but Imogene inspired even me.
kelleemoye's review against another edition
4.0
Full review at: http://www.unleashingreaders.com/?p=1328
Imogene is awesome! Her whole life she has loved history and has promoted history. History is her passion. When she finds out that the Liddleville Historical Center is up for demolition, she does everything in her power to save the history center. This, in a nutshell, is what makes her awesome: she is intelligent, passionate, and willing to stand up for her passion. Because of this, and the history allusions throughout the book, make this such an excellent book to use in classrooms. Imogene is such a great role model for any child.
The history aspects of this book were done so cleverly. Throughout Imogene’s story, she uses famous historical quotes to express how she feels at certain points. For example, when she was trying to get others to stop the bulldozing of the historical center dressed in her Paul Revere costume, she rode around Main Street (on her stick horse) yelling, “The bulldozers are coming! The bulldozers are coming!” These clever quotes are throughout the book. Then in the back and front end sheets Imogene’s historical tidbits are shared explaining all of the quotes.
Imogene is awesome! Her whole life she has loved history and has promoted history. History is her passion. When she finds out that the Liddleville Historical Center is up for demolition, she does everything in her power to save the history center. This, in a nutshell, is what makes her awesome: she is intelligent, passionate, and willing to stand up for her passion. Because of this, and the history allusions throughout the book, make this such an excellent book to use in classrooms. Imogene is such a great role model for any child.
The history aspects of this book were done so cleverly. Throughout Imogene’s story, she uses famous historical quotes to express how she feels at certain points. For example, when she was trying to get others to stop the bulldozing of the historical center dressed in her Paul Revere costume, she rode around Main Street (on her stick horse) yelling, “The bulldozers are coming! The bulldozers are coming!” These clever quotes are throughout the book. Then in the back and front end sheets Imogene’s historical tidbits are shared explaining all of the quotes.
shawnareads24's review against another edition
3.0
A little slow, probably better for older students when talking about standing up for what you believe.
compass_rose's review against another edition
3.0
It's a preservation story, but I am bothered that "Washington slept here" is the best they could do for significance. It's a great book about a kid loving history, though. And anything that promotes preservation is a good thing, right?
zusy's review against another edition
4.0
Loved all the bits of "in the words of...." throughout the book.
pwbalto's review against another edition
2.0
That Imogene, she's going to grow up Geek Like Me. She loves history and she loves her country, and in the process of saving her beloved local historical society from the wrecking ball, she demonstrates all the best protest strategies - gradually raising community awareness of her issue via public speech, canvassing, leafletting, a rally, and finally a sit-in. All the while she spouts her favorite quotes from American history, from "Balderdash" (Teddy Roosevelt) to "Ain't nobody comin'" (Davy Crockett).
Unfortunately, all her efforts come to naught. Despite the public attention garnered by her passive resistance on demolition day, the mayor is set to let the bulldozers roll as soon as Imogene leaves the porch of the historical society. It is only through the intervention of the local (adult) historian, as well as the President of the United States (!), who arrives with a plaque, that the society is saved. Granted, the historian had been contacted by Imogene when she discovered evidence that George Washington had slept at the house, but... no. Instead of showing kids that they themselves, through hard work, perseverence and peaceful dissent, can effect change in their communities, the book is saying that if you really want to get something done, you're going to have to call in a grownup, and the most highly-ranked grownup you can find. What a waste.
Unfortunately, all her efforts come to naught. Despite the public attention garnered by her passive resistance on demolition day, the mayor is set to let the bulldozers roll as soon as Imogene leaves the porch of the historical society. It is only through the intervention of the local (adult) historian, as well as the President of the United States (!), who arrives with a plaque, that the society is saved. Granted, the historian had been contacted by Imogene when she discovered evidence that George Washington had slept at the house, but... no. Instead of showing kids that they themselves, through hard work, perseverence and peaceful dissent, can effect change in their communities, the book is saying that if you really want to get something done, you're going to have to call in a grownup, and the most highly-ranked grownup you can find. What a waste.
libraryrobin's review against another edition
3.0
Patriotic, history-loving Imogene saves a historic building. Sprinkled with quotes from famous Americans. Fun.
nairam1173's review against another edition
2.0
I really like the IDEA of this, but I don't like that the society is ultimately saved by Famous Person.
Little history is important too.
Little history is important too.
pkadams's review against another edition
3.0
Plucky, feisty heroine who the author uses to review American history. Fun, clever, quick read for older children who have been just introduced to American history. I think it might be more engaging for adults or children in the "know."