Cherokee Sister

Cherokee Sister 
   By: Debbie Dadey 

Genre: Historical fiction

Synopsis:  A young white girl, Allie, is mistaken for a Cherokee Indian and forced to travel the Trail of Tears with her Indian friend, Leaf.

Summary: 

     Allie MacAllister looks more like an Indian than a white girl,and sometimes she wishes she were one too. She is as brown as her dog and prefers to run barefoot, despite her mother's fussings. Her best friend is an Indian too, and when Allie slips away to visit Leaf Sweetwater she has no idea how much her life will change. When mistaken for a Cherokee and forced to travel the Trail of Tears, Allie may find that her friendship with Leaf is stronger than she knows. 

Q&A: 

1. How enticing was the plot? - This book had many points in which you couldn't put it down. 

2. How well were the characters developed? Were they likable? - The main character, Allie, is unsure about her parents' love for her, and she is a strong and relatable protagonist. Allie's sweet relationship with Leaf is touching, and Leaf's grandmother Elisi is a positive and comforting character. Although some characters are lovable and sweet, others are antagonists with hatred in their hearts. 

3. What was the setting of the story? - Indian Territory in 1838

4. Was there an overall moral message to the story that the characters learn? - Throughout the book, Allie and Leaf develop a strong bond despite the anger and fighting around them. This book implies strongly that everyone is equal and our history, beliefs, and skin color does not affect that. 

5. Was the end satisfying? - The end of this book was bittersweet, both heartbreaking and heartwarming.

Ratings: 

None Whatsoever Moderate Dude, YES

LOL Level:

          1        2         3         4         5

Tear Jerker Level:

          1        2         3         4         5

Can't Put it Down Level:

          1        2         3         4         5

Nailbiter Level:

          1        2         3         4         5

Good Book Level

          1         2         3         4         5

Suggested Age Range:

     4-6       6-9       9-12      12-15     15-18

Noteworthy:

  This is a bittersweet story about friendship and family. It was a very good book but is not lighthearted and funny. This is a fictional story about the Trail of Tears, so it is hard to read and although it is fairy short and the level of difficulty is low, I would recommend it for older kids who can understand the significance of the story. Altogether a very good read.

Warning! We love books. Our reviews may or may not be somewhat biased. :D

~ Misten

Welcome to Camden Falls

Welcome to Camden Falls
   By: Ann M. Martin 
Genre: family, friends, realistic fiction 
Series: Main Street book 1


Synopsis: Sisters Flora and Ruby begin their new life in Camden Falls after their parents die in an accident. 

Summary: 

     Flora and Ruby Northrop don't want to move to Camden Falls, but they have no choice when their parents die in a car wreck and their grandmother Min is taking them in. But, things start to get better as they make new friends and learn about their past in Camden Falls. It starts to feel more and more like home as Flora and Ruby stitch together their new life in Camden Falls. 

Q&A: 

1. How enticing was the plot? - This book was very interesting, but not too exciting. I enjoyed reading it. 

2. How well were the characters developed? Were they likable? - There is a large cast of characters in this book, but the main four characters are Flora and Ruby and their new friends Olivia and Nikki. Flora ,the eldest, is creative and caring while Ruby is energetic, moody, and always ready to have a good time. Olivia, their neighbor, is extremely organized and bossy, but in a kind way. She takes on the Northrops and makes them feel welcome. Nikki has never had friends before, she lives outside of town and is going through hard times at home, still she is brave and has a loving heart. 

3. What was the setting of the story? - The story is set around modern times in a small New England town. 

4. Was there an overall moral message to the story that the characters learn? - At first, Nikki doesn't want to be friends with the other girls, and the other girls don't want to be friends with her. They fight and argue but finally learn that even though they're all different they can still be friends. 

5. Was the end satisfying? - Yes, the end was satisfying but it makes you want to go and read the next book in the series. ;) 

Ratings: 

None Whatsoever Moderate    Dude, YES

LOL Level:

          1         2         3         4         5

Tear Jerker Level:

          1         2         3         4         5

Can't Put it Down Level:

          1         2         3         4         5

Nailbiter Level:

          1         2         3         4         5

Good Book Level:

          1         2         3         4         5

Suggested Age Range:

    4-6       6-9       9-12      12-15     15-18  

Noteworthy: 
     I love this book and this author, I highly recommend this series of ten books and other books by the same author. So put that phone down and go read them! 

Warning! We love books.  Our reviews may or may not be somewhat biased :D

~ Misten