Underground to Canada

Underground to Canada
Written by Barbara Smucker
Published at Penguin Books

About the book

Taken away from her mother by a ruthless slave trader, all Julilly has left is the dream of freedom. Every day that she spends huddled in the slave trader’s wagon travelling south or working on the brutal new plantation, she thinks about the land where it is possible to be free, a land she and her friend Liza may reach someday. So when workers from the Underground Railroad offer to help the two girls escape, they are ready. But the slave catchers and their dogs will soon be after them…

Our Thoughts

I will admit that I knew about the Underground Railroad but I never really realized that the place where former slaves were trying to escape to was Canada – not until I read this book.   I was born and raised in Quebec and the Underground Railroad was not part of the history of that province.    And as far as I can remember it was never really mentioned in the history of Canada lessons either.   But I married a Franco-Ontarian and we live in Ontario.   When I started to homeschool, I stumbled here and there on mentioned of Underground Railroad but somehow I thought it was about slaves trying to reach the northern states of the US.

Imagine my surprise when I read this marvelous novel who introduced me to the adventure of leaving the plantation where a slave was to escape north toward freedom.   As I read this book, I was hooked and my oldest son also read it in an incredible short period of time.  Both of us enjoyed learning more about the process of the Underground Railroad and discovering how much time it took to reach a destination.

Reading this book was an eye opener on something that was part of Canada’s history as well as the USA.    We learned quite a bit about the Underground Railroad.  The book also contains information on the author, a list of the main people involved in the Underground Railroad, things to do and things to think about.   It also contains a glossary as well as a bibliography for those of you who would like to read more on the subject.

Underground to Canada is available at your favourite bookstore, even amazon.ca and amazon.com.

  

Disclaimer: Thanks to Penguins Book Canada for sending me the above mentioned product for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Run

Run
Written by Eric Walters
Published at Penguin Books Canada

About the book

This first book for young readers about Terry Fox and the Marathon of Hope, written by one of Canada’s best-known writers for young adults, is a blending of fact and fiction, fully endorsed by The Terry Fox Foundation. Hundreds of thousands of young Canadians participate in the Terry Fox Run each year and this book will further enhance their knowledge of Terry’s epic journey. Run introduces a national hero to a new generation of readers.

In his trademark page-turning style, Eric Walters, bestselling author of Trapped in Ice and Camp X, tells the story of Winston MacDonald. In trouble again after a suspension from school and a runaway attempt, Winston is sent to spend time with his father—a journalist who hasn’t been around much since his family split up a year ago.

Travelling to Nova Scotia with his father, who is covering what he thinks is just a human interest story about a man trying to run across the country, Winston spends a day with Terry Fox and his best friend, Doug. Their determination to achieve what seems like an impossible goal makes a big impression on Winston, and he takes courage and inspiration from Terry’s run. He is overjoyed when his father’s article about the Marathon of Hope ignites public interest across the country.

But when Winston discovers that his father’s next article about the Marathon of Hope will characterize Terry and Doug in an unflattering way, he is furious with his father and fearful of betraying his friends. Unsure of what to do or where to turn, Winston decides it is time to make a run for it himself...

Our Thoughts

Historical fiction has a way to stir my heart.  I love reading books based on historical events or historical people.   This book from Eric Walters has been an incredible journey for the author himself as he has been the only author to have received the authorization to write anhistorical fiction for young readers about Terry Fox and his journey to raise money for cancer.    This book will encourage kids to learn more about a great Canadian who is recognize yearly with the Terry Fox run but it will give them in insight in the life of Terry Fox during his attempt to run through Canada back in the year of 1980.   Historical elements are nicely intertwined with fictional characters and story line but in the process of reading this book, the reader will learn more about Terry and discover his drive in wanting to complete the run.  

I enjoy the way Eric Walters writes – it is clear, concise and captivating.    At the end of each chapters, you will want to know more and keep reading.   The fact that this book is linked to an event from Canada’s part makes it even more interesting in my eyes.    Back in 1980, I was eleven years old – funny now to think of it I am almost the age of the main character – and I remember seeing Terry Fox running in the news when he came to the province of Quebec.    I remember learning about him getting sick on the run and having to leave.  I remember learning about his passing.   All events that somehow I have lived while growing up.   Now, my own kids will have the opportunity to live it while reading this magnificent book from Eric Walters.  That’s why I have given the book to my oldest son to read recently.   Here’s what he has to say of the book.

Eric Walters’s book Run is absolutely incredible.  It is very interesting and I couldn’t wait until I could continue my reading when I had to stop.   It gave an amazing perspective of Terry Fox’s story.  It is an amazing book.

At the end of the book, you will find more pages which I would encourage the reader to explore as it will gives you more information on how the author wrote the book.   You will also find a letter from Terry requesting support for his run as well as his journey while running and a section about facts on this amazing young Canadian man.

This Christmas consider giving a great historical fiction for your child.   I strongly believe that having good book will encourage kids to read.  This is a marvelous book that will give an insight on an historical event in Canada.

Please note that the book was recently republished with a new cover under the Puffin Classics Edition.

Run is available at your favourite bookstore, even amazon.ca and amazon.com.

  

Disclaimer: Thanks to Penguins Book Canada for sending me the above mentioned product for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Camp X

Camp X
Written by Eric Walters
Published at Penguin Books Canada

About the book

It's 1943, and nearly-12-year-old George and his older brother Jack are spending a restless wartime summer in Whitby, Ontario, where their mom is working at a munitions plant while their dad is off fighting the Germans. One afternoon, the boys stumble across Canada's top-secret spy camp-and so begins an exciting and terrifying adventure as George and Jack get caught up in the covert activities of Camp X.

Fascinated by Camp X and its secrets, the boys begin to suspect local townspeople of being spies. Is the police chief keeping tabs on people for enemy purposes? Is Jack's boss at the newspaper really amassing information for sinister reasons?

Unable to resist the camp's allure, the boys keep going back to find out more details of what's going on-they even meet William Stephenson, the Man Called Intrepid himself. They also attract the attention of a very sinister character, someone who is determined to use George and Jack's knowledge against the Allies, no matter the consequences . . . or the casualties.

Who is Eric Walters?

Eric Walters is the author of many acclaimed and bestselling novels for children and young adults. His novels have won numerous awards, including the Silver Birch, Blue Heron, Red Maple, Snow Willow, Ruth Schwartz, and Tiny Torgi, and have received honours from the Canadian Library Association Book Awards and UNESCO's international award for Literature in Service of Tolerance.

Eric lives in Mississauga with his wife, Anita, and three children, Christina, Nicholas, and Julia. When not writing or touring across the country speaking to school groups, Eric spends time playing or watching soccer and basketball, or playing the saxophone.

Our Thoughts

A skeptic look.  That’s what I got when I first showed the book to my twelve years old boy.   But then he read the description in the back of the book and a smile crept on his lips.  He looked at me and said “Sounds interesting.” And he took the book in to his room.  Three days later, he gave it back to me saying he was done reading.   Really?   That was fast.  How did he liked it?   He responded saying that he hoped I could review other titles in the series.   Mmmm!  The book had caught his attention and mine as well because he usually don’t devour books like this unless it is very good and packed with mystery and action.  I will admit that I started reading the book after he has done so but before I share my thoughts about it I want to share my son’s thoughts about it.

This book was amazing!  This is definitively  one of my favourite ones.   The story was absolutely incredible.  It was rich with details and action.  I didn’t want to put the book down.    Jack and George are extremely good agents.  They’re just crazy about all that they do.  I can’t wait until I can read the next book.   And absolute must read.

I usually am the first to read a book before I give it to my kids.  But this time around I didn’t had the time to read it first so I took a chance.   I figure that since it was based on Canadian history based on war that the book would be interesting for my oldest son.   I was right.   So when he read it in a record time, I was curious and decided to read it as well.   The book is packed with actions and is keeping you on the edge of your seat as you read it.  It is hard to put it down as you go through the chapters because you always want to know more of what will be happening next.   The boys discover mysterious events going on while exploring the woods one day and they get swirled into an adventure they didn’t expect would happen in they neighborhood.    In the end, they suspect spies from many people they come across.   How will this end?    I won’t tell because I think it is a book worthy of being discovered by young boys. 

The book is geared for readers age 8 to 12 years of age but I think it would interest 13 and 14 years old boys as well.    At the end of the book, you will have some information on how the book ties in with Canadian history.   And even while reading the author’s note, you discover fascinating information about Camp X and the man behind it – Sir William Stephenson.   In these notes, the author also suggest other sources that would give more details on Camp X.   The main characters of this book, Jack and George, are fictional but the events surrounding the books are based on what really happened at Camp X during the Second World War.

Camp X is available at your favourite bookstore, even amazon.ca and amazon.com.

The book is also available on Kindle.

  

Disclaimer: Thanks to Penguins Book Canada for sending me the above mentioned product for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Read a Book and Give a Book

Recently I stumbled on a cool site which encourages the kids to read – wegivebooks.org.      Simply put whenever they read a book, the organization will give a book.

How does it work?

Well it’s easy…

1) Choose a book from their growing library – at this point in time there are about 174 books which covers a multitude of topics.    I’ve seen titles from DK as well as one on the sinking of the Titanic that I am planning to read with the kids for the celebration of the 100th anniversary, one title with a cute girl dressed as a ladybug, historical books and much more. 

2) The next step is to choose a campaign.   The campaigns available right now are Read for Central America, Todos a Leer, Room to Read, World Vision, and Out of the blocks.  Each campaign has a goal of the number of books to be read.  

Bottom line is that the more you read, the more books the foundation will give books for children who need them.  

There is even resources for educators for various grades.  

The books you will find on this site are provided from Penguin and DK and are age approprite up to 10 years old.    There is a mix of fiction and nonfiction, various authors, as well as read-alouds and independent reading.    Each month new titles are added.  

To be honest, I think it is a wonderful way to encourage reading in every part of the world.  

Reading is a skill that everyone should develop in their life.    And having a program who will provide books for kids in need is marvelous.  

I’ve always been a bookworm and I hope that my kids will discover that reading is entertaining and educational.  

Interested in participating in this initiative?   Click on the image below and join the reading wave!   This will be a great opportunity for the kids to participate in the program and discover how they can bless other kids elsewhere in the world with books.  

Happy reading everyone!

Disclaimer: I literally stumble on this site about two weeks ago.   I loved the concept and wanted to share it with my readers. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

The Story of Cirrus Flux

The Story of Cirrus Flux

Written by Matthew Skelton
Published at Puffin Books

About the book

Cirrus is a crazy-haired foundling, an orphan boy who has never known his parents. He has grown up in the care of the Hospital, and in the company of his best friend, Bottle Top. But Bottle Top and Cirrus are soon to be apprenticed to new masters—cunning practitioners of a strange kind of science. Little do they know what sinister mysteries await them…

A phoenix-like bird in a nest guarded by crows, a daring hot-air balloon ride, and a ravishing villain—this is a thrilling and beautifully written tale for readers aged 10 and up. Matthew Skelton is that rare talent: a writer of compulsively readable plots with true literary merit.

Who is Matthew Skelton?
Matthew Skelton was born in the UK but spent most of his childhood in Edmonton, Alberta. He started writing while working as a teaching assistant at the University of Mainz and continued when he came back to Oxford to work as a research assistant. In 2002 he won Richard and Judy's short story competition. Cirrus Flux is his second novel.

My Thoughts
I have mixed feeling after reading this book. Part of me thinks the story has numerous events that would keep a young reader wanting to know what will happen next but at the same time I am saddened to see novels such as these being written for young readers. Part of the book has a taste of new age of the eighteen century since the book revolves around the time when London was craving scientific enlightenment.

Honestly, as much as this is part of history and people got sucked in such a scam, I wonder why children should be exposed to this kind of story. Mind you, the author seemed to have done quite some research to narrate about the things going on back then but part of me feel uneasy around the whole story.

There are mentions of God and the boys have biblical names given to them, while the girl character’s name is Pandora (uh? – Like in Pandora’s Box? Not good). But this is only brushed on in the story and nothing goes deeper than that.

Honestly, while I was reading the novel, I got sick in the stomach from what people would go through to try to find something that will ease their pain... Unfortunately, many children that were abandonment (foundlings) might have been use for such a show. It is sad.

This book is recommended for readers 10 years of age and up but personally I don’t recommend it. I think introducing the children to such a background at that age is unacceptable. Mind you, I think kids that age need to know about injustice in society and so on but being introduced to 18th century new age is just too much.

As for my copy of the book (which was an uncorrected book proof by the way), it found its way to my recycling bin so that the paper can be reused to create a new book... And in case you are wondering, I am not the kind of person who usually throw books away – which would be a shame – but in this case, the story and its background was just too disturbing for me to even consider sending it to a second-hand store.

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This review was possible because I received a copy of The Story of Cirrus Flux from Penguin Canada.
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The Story of Cirrus Flux available in a bookstore near you.