Reviews

The Secret Valley by Grace Paull, Clyde Robert Bulla

smit1286's review

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4.0

I love Clyde Robert Bulla's books for children transitioning from leveled readers to chapter books. Bulla does something that I think many transitional books don't do very well: he manages to tell a good story while still using simple sentences and vocabulary. Many beginning chapter books fall short in the good story department in my opinion. I find them dull and am often bored to tears listening to my boys try to work their way through them. Bulla's stories are simple, and perhaps a bit old fashioned feeling - almost like a more simply written Little House book, yet his books are so much more entertaining to me (and my boys) than a lot of the newer transitional books. My son read Viking Adventure and Daniel's Duck by Bulla previously. When I told him The Secret Valley was by the same author he immediately picked it up claiming that he was certain he would like this one too. I also appreciate that the kids are getting a brief introduction into part of America's history. If you have a reluctant reader or one who is just starting to read longer books, then you might want to check out one of Bulla's books.

bekahk's review

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adventurous hopeful lighthearted slow-paced

3.0

susie_reads's review

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adventurous fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

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