Revisiting the scene of The Forestwife (1995), Tomlinson continues to recast the Robin Hood legend from the perspectives of strong women who play major roles in the action. Magda, 15, is a Child of the May_conceived at the May festival by John and her mother, Emma, the latter of whom was murdered by an evil mercenary. She is bored and wants to see a world beyond the forest clearing where she lives with the elderly Marian, a healer and the woman who loves Robert, a moody, hooded hero who moves mysteriously through the country, and who delights in plots and plans to defeat his enemies. Magda gets her wish when John lets her masquerade as a boy, on a mission to bring home two ladies held for ransom at the sheriff's castle. Danger and unpredictability follow; Magda soon longs for the warmth and quiet of home, but as adventures ensue, she is a crucial cog in the fight for noble ladies and against the fearful mercenaries. She misreads some people and situations: subtle hints point out that she is mistaken to fear an ill, abandoned boy, and that she is sure to end up with Tom, her brave and patient suitor. She overcomes these mistakes and joyfully fulfills her destiny of becoming, someday, the forestwife. Tomlinson's language creates a powerful mood; readers will hope for more news of Magda, with her courage, strength, and skills. (Fiction. 10-14)
Pub Date: Oct. 1, 1998
ISBN: 0-531-30118-4
Page Count: 120
Publisher: Orchard
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 1998
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
An outstanding new edition of this popular modern classic (Newbery Award, 1961), with an introduction by Zena Sutherland and...
Pub Date: Oct. 1, 1990
ISBN: 0-395-53680-4
Page Count: -
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 2000
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Navigating this stunning novel requires thought and concentration, but it’s well worth the effort.
Returning to themes she explored so affectingly in Moon Over Manifest (2011), Newbery Medalist Vanderpool delivers another winning picaresque about memories, personal journeys, interconnectedness—and the power of stories.
Thirteen-year-old Jack enters boarding school in Maine after his mother’s death at the end of World War II. He quickly befriends Early Auden, a savant whose extraordinary facility with numbers allows him to “read” a story about “Pi” from the infinite series of digits that follow 3.14. Jack accompanies Early in one of the school crew team’s rowing boats on what Jack believes is his friend’s fruitless quest to find a great bear allegedly roaming the wilderness—and Early’s brother, a legendary figure reportedly killed in battle. En route, Early spins out Pi’s evolving saga, and the boys encounter memorable individuals and adventures that uncannily parallel those in the stories. Vanderpool ties all these details, characters, and Jack’s growing maturity and self-awareness together masterfully and poignantly, though humor and excitement leaven the weighty issues the author and Jack frequently pose. Some exploits may strain credulity; Jack’s self-awareness often seems beyond his years, and there are coincidences that may seem too convenient. It’s all of a piece with Vanderpool’s craftsmanship. Her tapestry is woven and finished off seamlessly. The ending is very moving, and there’s a lovely, last-page surprise that Jack doesn’t know but that readers will have been tipped off about.
Navigating this stunning novel requires thought and concentration, but it’s well worth the effort. (author’s note, with questions and answers, list of resources) (Historical fiction. 10-14)Pub Date: Jan. 8, 2013
ISBN: 978-0-385-74209-2
Page Count: 320
Publisher: Delacorte
Review Posted Online: Oct. 30, 2012
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 2012
BOOK REVIEW
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