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What Members Thought
This is a lovely, lovely book. It was a struggle not to lose myself in it too deeply; the story is straightforward and literal, yet it felt like a metaphor for the death of my own grandfather--which happened when I was an adult, not a child, and in the city, not a remote family farm. I bet it will feel that way to many people. I think the literal aspects will still hold the attention of children--the details of building a sod house, the amusing dog vignettes, the details of the hospital. It woul
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Jake adores his grandfather, Billy, but must face the fact that Billy won't be around forever. A beautiful story about love, family, and closure. I cried when I read the author's dedication and remained misty-eyed through the entire story.
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A very short, sweet read. Jake has always idolized his grandfather, who lives with his family on their ranch. Billy was born in a sod house on the ranch, and has never left. At 10 and the youngest in his family, Jake has always spent a lot of his free time with the old man. Billy is 88, and finally slowing down, although no one in the family wants to acknowledge this. This summer, Billy has one request for Jake - to rebuild the sod house where he grew up. Jake isn't sure if he can accomplish thi
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My eyes welled up on page two of this book, and when I put it down I gulped back a sob.
Patricia MacLachlan dedicated this book to the memory of her father. "...born in a sod house on the prairie he loved."
My father would have been 85 this year. He was born in a sod house.
How I wish he were here, watching the birds -- no hummingbirds, but definitely redtailed hawks. How I wish a good dog -- a farm dog -- an angel dog -- named Lucy could find him. How I wish I could build him a sod house.
This book ...more
Patricia MacLachlan dedicated this book to the memory of her father. "...born in a sod house on the prairie he loved."
My father would have been 85 this year. He was born in a sod house.
How I wish he were here, watching the birds -- no hummingbirds, but definitely redtailed hawks. How I wish a good dog -- a farm dog -- an angel dog -- named Lucy could find him. How I wish I could build him a sod house.
This book ...more
A young boy witnesses his grandfather's decline in this sparse text. Death can be difficult to handle, but so can the fear of loss. This addresses that fear and looks at death as an accepted part of life. Great for younger audiences! Reminded me of Pearl Versus the World (only I liked that one better).
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The Kindred Souls of the title are 10-year-old Jake and his 88-year old grandfather Billy. Billy asked Jake to build him a sod house like the one he was born in and gets a visit from and Angel Dog. MacLachlan deals gently with their love and Billy's eventual death. Gr. 2-5.
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This was a very quick read. Geared toward younger grades. A very sweet story. I know some books that try to address the topic of death and they are just so sad and depressing. This one was so peaceful and lovely. I can see this in the running for a possible newbery honor.
Tear-jerker alert! A beloved grandfather, a dog who mysteriously appears as his age begins to catch up with him, and an adoring grandson are the key characters is this tender story.
Beautiful story of a boy and his love for his aging and sickly grandfather. Enter a dog, a sod house, and some unexpected teamwork and a heartfelt book emerges. Loved it!
Super quick and cute read. A bit of a tear jerker- just fair warning.
3.5 stars
Jan 09, 2012
Rachel
marked it as to-read
Mar 29, 2012
Ellie
marked it as to-read
Apr 08, 2012
Barbara
marked it as to-read
Jul 06, 2012
Buettner
marked it as to-read
Jul 11, 2012
alisonwonderland (Alison)
marked it as to-read
Shelves:
middle-grade,
2012-publication-date
RL 460
Nov 27, 2012
Christi
marked it as to-read
