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I liked this, as I like all of Jennifer Holm's books, because she's an excellent writer who just doesn't seem to make missteps. But (as usual) I didn't feel a strong connection to her main character here.
The book almost seems to be written with the Newbery criteria in mind, because there's excellence in the delineation of setting (sneaks up on you, rather than knocks you over the head), and development of plot (early themes all get explored, even if you think they're just one-off comments at the ...more
The book almost seems to be written with the Newbery criteria in mind, because there's excellence in the delineation of setting (sneaks up on you, rather than knocks you over the head), and development of plot (early themes all get explored, even if you think they're just one-off comments at the ...more
Without a doubt, Jenni Holm is a great writer. The characters in The Trouble with May Amelia are well-drawn and readers will sympathize with their circumstances.
I thought the plot pacing was off, though. Dramatic moments seemed rushed and the ending was resolved too neatly. It also bothered me that this is Holm's second novel in a row with plots about con men (Turtle in Paradise).
Many readers I respect have loved this book and put it on their Newbery shortlists, but I just don't see it.
I will sh ...more
I thought the plot pacing was off, though. Dramatic moments seemed rushed and the ending was resolved too neatly. It also bothered me that this is Holm's second novel in a row with plots about con men (Turtle in Paradise).
Many readers I respect have loved this book and put it on their Newbery shortlists, but I just don't see it.
I will sh ...more
Oh, May Amelia, you are my favorite. Actually, Jennifer Holm, you are my favorite, and May Amelia is my favorite of your creations. This book is practically perfect. The only thing I can complain about is the AWFUL COVER. Just wrong. Why can't a wonderful author like Holm get a great cover for an awesome book? The world is an unfair place.
Speaking of the world being an unfair place, I've noticed people complaining that too much bad stuff happens to the Jacksons in this book. I think I've made t ...more
Speaking of the world being an unfair place, I've noticed people complaining that too much bad stuff happens to the Jacksons in this book. I think I've made t ...more
I enjoyed this one just as much as Our Only May Amelia. It was an interesting balance of everyday humor with the tragic circumstances of life as an emigrant, trying to keep your home going, learn a new language, and avoid the dangers of nature, dishonest people, and accidents. Jennifer Holm gives May a wonderful voice from the very first page: "My brother Wilbert tells me that I'm like a grain of sand in an oyster. Someday I will be a Pearl, but I will nag and irritate the poor oyster and everyo
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Fans of Our Only May Amelia will definitely want to pick this up - look past the awful, so-wrong-it-hurts cover. This one didn't hit me as hard as the first book (I remember a little sob-fest) but it was still a great look at pioneer life in the northwest. Good pacing, strong characters, vivid historical details, and a heroine who always seems to be getting into scrapes.
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I didn't like as much as the first one- but still really liked it. One thing that is fun is that this book could hold its own. There are references to the first book- but you could still read this one by itself.
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Loved the historical setting of the story. Another strong girl character that I admire.
Hmmm. I liked this, but am struggling to find much more to say about it. Holm depicts a complex family quite well, but I wonder if I would have gotten more from the family dynamics if I'd read May Amelia's earlier adventure first. The setting shows distinction - I have a clear vision of how difficult it can be to survive as a settler and a good feel for some of the Finnish culture that has translated to the Finnish-American communities. This would be great to hand to kids who can't get enough of
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I remember how much I enjoyed and was impressed by Holm's Newbery Honor, Our Only May Amelia. I was not as impressed with this sequel. It was a good read, but nothing special, I thought. I must admit that I just couldn't connect with May Amelia's personality...I found her irritating. Maybe it's just because I'm a girlie girl?--but I liked the first novel and I loved Boston Jane?? I certainly can't get excited about this for the Newbery.
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This one was really quite terrific; great characterization of protagonist, humor, not too long (obviously written for a child reader, which is important for the Newbery), sense of place/setting strong, emotional resonance & learning for the character and the reader...this is an extremely strong book & will be discussed heartily by the Newbery Committee, I'm sure.
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Sequel to the Newbery Honor title, this story follows May Amelia into the year 1900 in the pioneer life of Nasel, Washington. Gr. 4-6
Jan 24, 2011
Rachel
marked it as to-read
May 10, 2011
Barbara
marked it as to-read
Jun 27, 2011
Jodi
marked it as to-read
Sep 10, 2011
Laura5
marked it as to-read
Sep 13, 2011
Kate Hastings
marked it as to-read
