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Love, D. Anne
9 Reviews
(4)
YA
Haley finishes freshman year a social pariah thanks to the machinations of her archenemy (but also, in large part, to her own Harriet-the-Spy-like betrayal of her friends). Haley escapes to a summer job at a mountain resort and eventually opens up to a new group of friends who ultimately restore her confidence. Some hollow characterizations lessen the impact of Haley's tale of woe.
Reviewer: Hannah Rodgers Barnaby
(4)
YA
Phoebe's world is turned upside down when her mother leaves town to pursue her career with Bee Beautiful cosmetics. An attractive neighbor catches the eye of Phoebe's father, threatening the precarious sense of balance the family struggles to maintain; and then Phoebe’s mom returns with devastating news. While the ending is predictable, Phoebe's narrative is believably and entertainingly complex.
Reviewer: Allison Cole
(2)
PS
Photographs by
Shelley Rotner.
Children are part of the celebration of nature in this book about the seasons. Lush photographs bring the text to life; emerging readers will be able to read the simple words and appreciate the bold colors and beautiful composition of each photo. On the final page, the first words of the book are repeated to bring the cycle full circle.
Reviewer: Robin L. Smith
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
July, 2007
(3)
4-6
In 1960, Garnet and her older sister, Opal, move from Texas to live with their aunt in Oklahoma. As her selfish mother chases dreams of country-singer stardom and her father recovers from a debilitating fire, Garnet struggles through a year of seventh grade as an outsider. This poignant story paints a vivid picture of one girl growing up poor amidst a wave of social change.
Reviewer: Marika Hoe
(4)
4-6
At the age of twelve, Thorn learns he's the secret son of evil King Ranulf and good Isotta (whose father was deposed and then killed by Ranulf). Thorn and various companions search for a powerful amulet that will help drive out Ranulf. While the characters are mostly stereotypes, the story has enough humor and suspense to keep young fantasy readers engaged.
Reviewer: Beth Wright
(4)
4-6
Caught stealing food, a scullery maid named Mouse runs away and falls in with three travelers who protect her, before going their separate ways. Mouse then begs to become a puppeteer's apprentice. While the characters aren't fully realized and their actions are a bit modern for this medieval English tale, the mystery surrounding the puppeteer and Mouse's attempts to solve it and learn the trade will engage readers. Bib.
Reviewer: Jeannine M. Chapman
(2)
4-6
Determined to stay on his South Dakota farm despite drought and despair, Rachel's father sends the children to stay with their aunt. Letters and a painting stored in the aunt's house reconnect Rachel to the mother she barely remembers, but returning home, she learns that Pa plans to marry the local schoolmarm. The tidy conclusion turns sentimental, but many readers will find the book a pleasing diversion.
Reviewer: Betty Carter
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
July, 2000
(2)
4-6
When Jessie's father announces the family is moving from Kentucky to Texas, she is reluctant to leave. That Texas is embroiled in war with Mexico matters little to her father until he realizes that the fight promises a grand adventure--or so he thinks. The novel's strength lies in its particularized setting and sense of history. Love appends a chronology, smoothly integrating fictional events (noted as such) into a time line.
Reviewer: Betty Carter
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
March, 2000
(4)
4-6
Abruptly uprooted from their comfortable plantation life, twelve-year-old Susanna and her brothers make a difficult journey to war-torn Charleston to find their father, a Confederate spy. The book provides a Southern perspective on the Civil War, with people and events seen through Susanna's eyes. Though somewhat unrealistic, the action is suspenseful and fast moving.
Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee
9 reviews
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