Tuesday, November 26, 2013

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.
Powder Monkey reduced
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.

15 comments:

  1. Hi Nicole, great review. Yes, it's a deplorable period in history, but you found the good lesson for all of us in it. Thanks for the review!

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    1. Thanks Penelope, I am an optimist by nature. Thanks for stopping by.

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    2. Hi Penny,

      Thanks for stopping by. Your interest is appreciated!

      Best,
      Donna

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  2. This book should be a great one to help kids appreciate what they have. It will be useful for school book reports, too.

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    1. Janet,

      Yes, I agree with you. This book should be in every classroom. Thanks for stopping by.

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    2. Hi Janet,

      An Educator's Guide has been developed for Powder Monkey and covers all subject matters. Thanks for stopping by, your support is appreciated.

      Best,
      Donna

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  3. Awesome review, Nicole, and very accurate points. Donna teaches such wonderful lessons.

    Karin

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    1. Hi Karin,

      So true, Donna's books are so full of great lessons. Thanks a mil for stopping by.

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    2. Hi Karin,

      Thanks so much! It's a difficult balance without sounding like I'm preaching. Thanks for your support!

      Best,
      Donna

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  4. Thanks for the review. We all need perspective now and then, don't we? It sounds like this book will bring that to children.

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    1. Hi Donna,

      Technology certainly does get in the way of the learning process. Thanks for stopping by, your support is appreciated!

      Best,
      Donna

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  5. Donna,
    Yes, how true, we all can be encouraged by Donna's book. Thanks for stopping by.

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  6. Hi Nicole,

    Thank you so much for your terrific review of Powder Monkey. You grabbed the true essence.

    Best,
    Donna

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    1. Hi Donna,

      It is always a pleasure to read and review your books. Thanks for affording me the opportunity to do so.

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  7. This is a lovely review. It sounds like a book with a valuable message for children, parents and teachers. Congratulations Donna McDine!

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