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taya_bel's review against another edition
5.0
A beautifully splendid book. I loved the question that was the main theme of the book and every character in it.
Note to self: I solely read it using a physical copy that I borrowed from the McGill library.
Note to self: I solely read it using a physical copy that I borrowed from the McGill library.
amandadelbrocco's review
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Read this when I was 10 and then again when I was 35. It was a fun read!
roseleaf24's review against another edition
4.0
This is almost more of a folk tale than a novel. I enjoyed this story and the thought-provoking ideas.
stephxsu's review against another edition
4.0
While I fell for this book almost from the get-go--there is something about its haunting narration that befits the fable-esque tale it's telling and evokes fireplace storytelling nights--I was worried that my EL410 kids would have trouble getting into the book. The vocabulary is more difficult, the prose is old-fashioned, and this book came on the heels of [b:Doctor Proctor's Fart Powder|6330420|Doctor Proctor's Fart Powder (Doktor Proktor, #1)|Jo Nesbø|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1358462434s/6330420.jpg|6516084], which is silly and straightforward and easy.
I needn't have worried. My kids blew me away with how much they could talk about this book. They plunged past the hard words and challenging prose and started talking about characters' opinions vs. fact (subjectivity vs. objectivity) and the significance of the animals. And this was just on Day One. I can't wait to see what else my kids will bring up, especially as the parable aspects of the story become stronger and stronger.
I needn't have worried. My kids blew me away with how much they could talk about this book. They plunged past the hard words and challenging prose and started talking about characters' opinions vs. fact (subjectivity vs. objectivity) and the significance of the animals. And this was just on Day One. I can't wait to see what else my kids will bring up, especially as the parable aspects of the story become stronger and stronger.
bookgirl4ever's review against another edition
4.0
The village of Instep sits under the mysterious, mist-covered mountain of Kneeknock Rise. Strange moanings come from the mountain and residents have reported mutilated animals. Many charms and superstitions surround protecting homes from the beast. Young Egan travels to Instep for its annual fair. His Uncle Ott has disappeared (taken by the beast?) and his cousin is quick to tell him all the stories about the mountain. Egan is intrigued and dreams about slaying the beast. Will he or will he be taken in his endeavor?
Grades 3-5th.
Grades 3-5th.
kelseyglamour's review against another edition
5.0
In this Newbery Honor Book, young Egan visits his mother's family in a nearby town. The town has always been afraid of a creature called a Megrimum that lives on a nearby mountain. In fact, the town even has an annual fair that draws visitors from all around to hear the Megrimum's roars during the storms. When Egan discovers the truth about the Megrimum, he must wrestle with the importance of belief to the community.
This book would be appropriate for independent readers between nine and twelve years old. The book's rich message provides engaging fodder for older readers. Readers that enjoy historical fiction and thought-provoking themes may enjoy this book. It would be appropriate to support vocabulary development, an understanding of theme and narrative skills.
This book would be appropriate for independent readers between nine and twelve years old. The book's rich message provides engaging fodder for older readers. Readers that enjoy historical fiction and thought-provoking themes may enjoy this book. It would be appropriate to support vocabulary development, an understanding of theme and narrative skills.
rebelbelle13's review against another edition
3.0
Kneeknock Rise is more of a fable than a novel. The semi-seasoned reader can finish it within an hour or two, and it's a cute little story full of metaphor. Although it may not seem like it when you start reading, it is a heavy, very obvious allegory to religion and the belief in a higher power, versus the scientific/atheistic mindset. I know that Babbitt wrote this for children, but the point is so on-the-nose that it almost makes you roll your eyes. Beyond this, the characters are interesting and have depth, and it reads very quickly. This is nowhere near as good as Tuck Everlasting, as others have pointed out, but worthy of a read-through nonetheless- perhaps in a school or book club setting. It certainly makes me want to seek out Babbitt's other works.
bluebell4's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
theladydoor's review against another edition
3.0
Another tutoring read. This book was a short but sweet story of a boy who travels to a town called Instep where they hold a famous fair celebrating a famous monster, the Megrimum. The focus of the story revolves around the boy, Egan, discovering that the Megrimum may not be all it seems to be, and what the consequences of that fact may be. The main question the book asks is, "is it a wise man or a fool who believes?" There are some pretty heavy themes of faith and belief, some of which, I think went over my student's head.