From the Bookshelf of Topeka & Shawnee Co. Public Library…
Find A Copy At
Group Discussions About This Book
What Members Thought
My 7 year old son and I enjoyed reading this as a historical fiction in celebration of Kansas birthday. It was fun as a Kansas to read about places we personally knew. It made the fiction story seem more real.
The story is about a young girl named Abilene who is trying to uncover her father's past to find out who she is and where she belongs. A good mix of history and mystery to keep you hooked in. ...more
The story is about a young girl named Abilene who is trying to uncover her father's past to find out who she is and where she belongs. A good mix of history and mystery to keep you hooked in. ...more
I was the same age of Abilene when I lived in the town this book is based off of, so I can say I'm a bit prejudiced in enjoying this book. Manifest doesn't exactly reflect the town I knew my best friend from there says her mom knew two of the real characters from the book. This book is a bit of a mystery and learning about your past and how it is connected to a community. I did have to laugh at the water - in real life that water is so sulfuric that people would not stop for the healing property
...more
I loved this book, not only because I am from Kansas and could relate to all the well researched history and characters, but because it is a well crafted story that includes mystery, suspense, humor and really lovable characters. The symbolism, the plot progression all is wonderfully done and wholly appropriate for the reading level (and above). Another good Children's book author who doesn't underestimate her audience. I liken this to "Bridge to Terebethia", or the soon to be release, "Truth, s
...more
This amazing story of two young people living parallel lives a generation apart is a story of longing for a sense of place, of family lost and found, of the ties that bind humans together. It is a beautifully written piece of historical fiction, whose characters walk out of the book and come to life. I hated for it to end.
This was my book club pick for the month of June. It took me a little while to get into but once I did I was hooked! This book is definitely deserving of the Newbury Medal. It was a great story of a young girl in 1930's Kansas and the secrets she is uncovering in a small time. Part of what drew me to this book is that is takes place in my home state and was written by a Kansas author. I especially enjoyed the author's note at the end where she explains the inspiration for certain parts of the bo
...more
I admired the main character, 12-year-old Abilene Tucker. Plucky! Unrelenting in figuring out what matters and how to solve seeming unsolvable mysteries. This book conveyed quite well how it is to be 12. A dear age to many and for good reason. The whole book is entertaining -- good characters and good stories.
So great! It was a wonderful choice for the Newbery award. It has something for everyone... touching relationships, intriguing characters, a Hungarian diviner, the shared main-protagonist pair of a boy and girl from very different times, and lots of hooch. Boys and girls alike will find something in this book to love. I sure did.
2015 Reading Challenge: A book by a female author. (Read again in 2016 and loved it!)
Nov 23, 2011
Stephanie Cook
marked it as to-read
Feb 13, 2012
Annie Brock
added it
Aug 21, 2013
Kelly
marked it as to-read
Sep 02, 2013
Margaret Boyles
marked it as to-read
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
books-at-home
Aug 07, 2016
Shirleynature
marked it as to-read
Aug 16, 2023
Joni Patterson
added it
