Book Review: Powder Monkey by Donna McDine

Powder Monkey by Donna McDine, illustrated by K.C. Snider, is a heart wrenching historical fiction. The story chronicles the lives of two brothers during British naval history. The brothers are taken and forced to run powder to the cannons during battles at sea.

No child should have to endure such cruel ordeal. At the age of twelve and fourteen, the two brothers should have been allowed to attend school, not be servants to sailors.

I was so encouraged by Tommy’s will to make the best of his situation. He could have easily given up. He never sees his parents again, but Tommy refuses to let his situation define who he becomes.

As I read the story, I thought about the lessons young children today can learn from Tommy’s situation. The two words that come to mind are perseverance and thankfulness.

The technical age we now live in encourages children to go after instant gratification. I see this in my classroom all the time. Students are not willing to put in the work in order to do well. It is a good thing to teach children early on the value of not giving up and to be thankful for the child labor laws that protect them.

K.C. Snider’s artwork transports the reader back to a world where innocent boys endured many hardships. Parents and teachers can certainly use the book to teach many valuable lessons about life and how it should not be taken for granted.

Book Review: 'Hockey Agony', by Donna McDine

Hockey Agony, by Donna McDine and illustrated by Julie Hammond, is a must read. I like the subject matter of the book. As a parent and educator, I am always looking for books that teach about integrity.

The main character Larry, a teenager, and excellent hockey player, can’t play because of a broken leg. Much to his dismay a bully has taken his coveted spot on the team. Coach gives Larry the job of clock runner in the next game. Peter, the bully expects and pressures Larry to cheat in favor of their team.

Will Larry bow down to temptation and cheat in favor of the team?

As parents, we hope the lessons we teach our children will help them make the right decision in times of pressure. We can’t be with our children twenty four hours a day, we can only hope they take the high road and do the right thing in tough situations.

Julie Hammond’s artwork captures the essence of the story. The facial expressions give the story that extra special feeling of being there in person.

Hockey Agony is a classic book, and I believe it can be used to teach children how to handle pressure.

GUARDIAN -ANGEL NOVEMBER ISSUE EZINE FOR KIDS

November 2013 

Guardian-Angel-Kids.com free online magazine

It Must Be Magic!

BOOK FEATURE- The Magic Violin 

POEM- It Must Be Magic by Robert Niven; 

SHORT STORIES-A Fairy’s Flight for Firefly Freedom by Shari L. Klase; Magic Mud for Sale by Billie A Williams; A Different Kind of Magic by Felicity Nisbet; 

NON-FICTION ARTICLES; The True Magic of Nicholas Flamel by Donna Marie West; Open Sesame–Is it Magic? Christine Collier