The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg is a marvelous and beautifully illustrated story about the wonder of Christmas and the power of belief. The book is the tale of a young boy’s journey to the North Pole aboard a magical train and his experience seeing Santa Claus. His journey and the occurrences after he has returned from the North Pole cement his belief in the magic of Christmas.
The film version of this story is an expansion of the original. The book’s elegantly mesmerizing illustrations are brought to life through the blend of a unique type of animation, song, and dance. The added content in the film enriches the original story and brings life to the occurrences that are described in the book. One element that is expanded upon is the main character’s trial of faith in Santa Claus. The young boy’s disbelief is more prominently pronounced in the film. The boys adventures abroad the train and at the North Pole are more detailed and further developed. Tom Hanks’ portrayal of a number of the characters, including the train conductor and Santa Claus, is a wonderful element that enriches this already fascinating tale.
I highly recommend both the film and the book. The story is one that can be enjoyed by both adults and children. The value of reading the book is not diminished by the film. The movie is an excellent rendering of the story that will cause children to want to the read the book over and over again.
Van Allsburg, C. (1985). The polar express. Boston: Houghton Mifflin.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Book vs. Movie Comparison: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Among the number of Roald Dahl’s books that I have read, I find Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to be one of the most enjoyable. The tale is about a young boy named Charlie who wins a chance to tour a mysterious candy factory and his adventures inside the factory. Charlie, his grandfather, and four other children accompanied by their parents tour the factory and witness a number of wondrous sights and sounds. Escorted by the candy maker, Mr. Willy Wonka, the children embark upon a journey through the whimsical candy factory. The actions of Augustus Gloop, Veruca Salt, Violet Beauregarde, and Mike Teavee cause them to get into amusing predicaments.. These children are forced to separate from the group in order to face the consequences of their impetuous decisions and misbehaviors As a result, Charlie is only the child left by the end of the tour and he is presented ownership of the factory by Mr. Wonka.
Tim Burton’s adaptation of this story is very faithful to the book. All of the characters and events that are portrayed in the book are present throughout the film. A few differences do exist, however, between the movie and the book. One major divergence is a subplot that involves Willy Wonka’s father. This character is not a part of the original story. His presence in the film explains Wonka’s eccentricities. The end of the film also differs from the book’s ending due to the resolution of issues between Willy Wonka and his father. An additional small alteration is the interest of Mike Teavee. This child is obsessed with television in the book but is an addict to videogames in the movie.
Another difference that exists is the depiction of Willy Wonka. Johnny Depp’s portrayal of Willy Wonka deviates from the rendering of the character in the book. Wonka’s personality in the novel is very happy-go-lucky and merry. Depp’s portrayal, in contrast, causes the character to appear jaded, childish, and sometimes mean. The added story of Wonka’s childhood helps to explain why the character’s personality is different in the film that in the novel. I understand the reasoning for the differences between the two depictions and enjoy both them equally.
I love both the film and book versions of this story. Roald Dahl’s tale is a fun story that is enjoyable each and every time that I read it. The author continues to be one of my favorite children’s authors. I always love to read about the zany characters and occurrences that are present in the world of Willy Wonka. Tim Burton’s film is a wonderful representation of Dahl’s world. Being a longtime Tim Burton fan, this film is one of my favorites. I truly enjoy the performances, images, and music that make up this entertaining film. I appreciate the additional background information in the film and think that it is a wonderful supplement to the original tale.
I would highly recommend both works.
Dahl, R. (1964). Charlie and the chocolate factory. New York: Bantam.
Tim Burton’s adaptation of this story is very faithful to the book. All of the characters and events that are portrayed in the book are present throughout the film. A few differences do exist, however, between the movie and the book. One major divergence is a subplot that involves Willy Wonka’s father. This character is not a part of the original story. His presence in the film explains Wonka’s eccentricities. The end of the film also differs from the book’s ending due to the resolution of issues between Willy Wonka and his father. An additional small alteration is the interest of Mike Teavee. This child is obsessed with television in the book but is an addict to videogames in the movie.
Another difference that exists is the depiction of Willy Wonka. Johnny Depp’s portrayal of Willy Wonka deviates from the rendering of the character in the book. Wonka’s personality in the novel is very happy-go-lucky and merry. Depp’s portrayal, in contrast, causes the character to appear jaded, childish, and sometimes mean. The added story of Wonka’s childhood helps to explain why the character’s personality is different in the film that in the novel. I understand the reasoning for the differences between the two depictions and enjoy both them equally.
I love both the film and book versions of this story. Roald Dahl’s tale is a fun story that is enjoyable each and every time that I read it. The author continues to be one of my favorite children’s authors. I always love to read about the zany characters and occurrences that are present in the world of Willy Wonka. Tim Burton’s film is a wonderful representation of Dahl’s world. Being a longtime Tim Burton fan, this film is one of my favorites. I truly enjoy the performances, images, and music that make up this entertaining film. I appreciate the additional background information in the film and think that it is a wonderful supplement to the original tale.
I would highly recommend both works.
Dahl, R. (1964). Charlie and the chocolate factory. New York: Bantam.
Book vs. Movie Comparison: Charlotte’s Web
Charlotte’s Web is a story that I enjoyed reading as a child. The story is a fun and moving tale of a young pig and his struggles. Fern, a young farm girl, saves Wilbur from a cruel fate that is faced by most runt piglets. As the story progresses, Wilbur moves to a barn and meets a host of other exciting animals including a spider named Charlotte. The arachnid is instrumental in saving Wilbur from being slaughtered. Throughout the story, the reader witnesses the strong bonds that are established between Fern and the animals that live in the barn and the special enduring friendship between Charlotte and Wilbur. This classic tale is a story that has been loved since its introduction in 1952. Fern’s actions to save the young runt piglet and Charlotte’s campaign to save Wilbur from death are moving demonstrations of caring, devotion, and friendship. The animals that live in the barn with Wilbur and the humans that are featured in the story are likeable individuals who are continually interesting and entertaining.
Two feature films based upon this wonderful story have been made. An animated musical was produced in 1972 and a live action film was released in 2006. Though the animated movie has been a favorite of mine since my childhood, I am going to focus upon the live action film in this post. The live action film version of E.B. White’s story sticks to most of the major plot points in the book. Fern’s care for Wilbur and love for life in the barn is prominently featured. Charlotte’s love and devotion to the pig remains true to its literary counterpart.
Though the film remains true to the original story, the two differ due to a variety of small alterations and additions. One major difference is the fact that Fern takes Wilbur to school and is taken to the principal’s office. This event does not occur in the novel. Another major difference between the two representations is the way in which Wilbur learns about the slaughter of pigs and the farmer’s plan for his life. In the movie, Wilbur discovers the smoke house after he has escaped from his pen. At this point, the animals explain what will happen to him in the future. In the book, Wilbur is unaware of what is planned for his future until the animals inform him. One other difference is the animal’s reaction to Charlotte when she is first introduced. The animals are portrayed as being afraid of her and somewhat reluctant to be around her in the film version. When she is introduced in the book, however, the animals do not have a strong reaction to her.
The screenwriters gave some of the minor characters such as cows and sheep more personality and dialogue. In addition, they included a horse named Ike, who is not present in the book. His purpose in the film is often for humor and to get a laugh. Two crows, which are not part of the original story, are also included in the film for comic relief. A few minor characters were also omitted. The young lamb that Wilbur encounters when he first moves to the barn and the dog that is involved in the story when Wilbur escapes his pen is not included in the film.
A number of minor differences are also present. The behavior of Templeton, the rat, is not always true to the description in the book. Some of the events occur earlier or later in the film than in the original story. For example, the introduction of the fair and the fact that Charlotte is going to die is featured earlier in the film than in the book. The chapter dealing with Fern’s visit to the doctor is divided into two different segments in the film.
The live action film version of Charlotte’s Web is definitely not as enjoyable as the novel. While I connected with the characters in the book, my feelings were not as strong whilst watching the film. Much of the added humor and characters detracted from the original story. In addition, I did not enjoy the modernization of some of the elements of the story. If I had to suggest a film version of this particular book, I would encourage others to view the animated movie due to its faithful interpretation of the novel.
White, E.B. (1980). Charlotte's web. New York: Harper Collins.
Two feature films based upon this wonderful story have been made. An animated musical was produced in 1972 and a live action film was released in 2006. Though the animated movie has been a favorite of mine since my childhood, I am going to focus upon the live action film in this post. The live action film version of E.B. White’s story sticks to most of the major plot points in the book. Fern’s care for Wilbur and love for life in the barn is prominently featured. Charlotte’s love and devotion to the pig remains true to its literary counterpart.
Though the film remains true to the original story, the two differ due to a variety of small alterations and additions. One major difference is the fact that Fern takes Wilbur to school and is taken to the principal’s office. This event does not occur in the novel. Another major difference between the two representations is the way in which Wilbur learns about the slaughter of pigs and the farmer’s plan for his life. In the movie, Wilbur discovers the smoke house after he has escaped from his pen. At this point, the animals explain what will happen to him in the future. In the book, Wilbur is unaware of what is planned for his future until the animals inform him. One other difference is the animal’s reaction to Charlotte when she is first introduced. The animals are portrayed as being afraid of her and somewhat reluctant to be around her in the film version. When she is introduced in the book, however, the animals do not have a strong reaction to her.
The screenwriters gave some of the minor characters such as cows and sheep more personality and dialogue. In addition, they included a horse named Ike, who is not present in the book. His purpose in the film is often for humor and to get a laugh. Two crows, which are not part of the original story, are also included in the film for comic relief. A few minor characters were also omitted. The young lamb that Wilbur encounters when he first moves to the barn and the dog that is involved in the story when Wilbur escapes his pen is not included in the film.
A number of minor differences are also present. The behavior of Templeton, the rat, is not always true to the description in the book. Some of the events occur earlier or later in the film than in the original story. For example, the introduction of the fair and the fact that Charlotte is going to die is featured earlier in the film than in the book. The chapter dealing with Fern’s visit to the doctor is divided into two different segments in the film.
The live action film version of Charlotte’s Web is definitely not as enjoyable as the novel. While I connected with the characters in the book, my feelings were not as strong whilst watching the film. Much of the added humor and characters detracted from the original story. In addition, I did not enjoy the modernization of some of the elements of the story. If I had to suggest a film version of this particular book, I would encourage others to view the animated movie due to its faithful interpretation of the novel.
White, E.B. (1980). Charlotte's web. New York: Harper Collins.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Difference between Caldecott and Newbery Awards
The Caldecott and Newbery Awards are both very prestigious awards that are presented annually by the American Library Association. The Newbery Award, the first children's book award in the world, is presented for the most distinguished American children's book published during the previous year. F. G. Melcher, who proposed the creation of the Newbery Awards in 1921, also proposed the Caldecott Award in order to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of the illustrators of excellent children’s books. Both awards are similar due to the fact that they celebrate individuals for their outstanding talents. Additionally, books that have been nominated but do not receive the respective awards are named as Honor Books.
I was not familiar with the history of these awards or the criteria that have been established in order to determine if a book is deserving of one of these honorable awards. After researching both of the awards, my respect for both prizes has grown deeper. Both awards provide excellent opportunities for the acknowledgment of great talents in the areas of writing and illustration. In addition, the attention that the awards garner for the medal winning books exposes the authors and illustrators to individuals who may not have been aware of their work. I do not view one award as being better or greater than the other. Each award is designated for a particular aspect of the construction of a children’s book. Great art and wonderful writing are both important elements of storytelling.
References
Association for Library Service to Children. (2008). About the Newbery medal. Retrieved August 3, 2009.
Association for Library Service to Children. (2008). About the Caldecott medal. Retrieved August 3, 2009.
I was not familiar with the history of these awards or the criteria that have been established in order to determine if a book is deserving of one of these honorable awards. After researching both of the awards, my respect for both prizes has grown deeper. Both awards provide excellent opportunities for the acknowledgment of great talents in the areas of writing and illustration. In addition, the attention that the awards garner for the medal winning books exposes the authors and illustrators to individuals who may not have been aware of their work. I do not view one award as being better or greater than the other. Each award is designated for a particular aspect of the construction of a children’s book. Great art and wonderful writing are both important elements of storytelling.
References
Association for Library Service to Children. (2008). About the Newbery medal. Retrieved August 3, 2009.
Association for Library Service to Children. (2008). About the Caldecott medal. Retrieved August 3, 2009.
Monday, August 3, 2009
The Wise Old Woman by Yoshiko Uchida & The Bracelet by Yoshiko Uchida
The Wise Old Woman is the tale of a young farmer who is ordered to abandon his seventy year old mother in the mountains and leave her to die. Instead of following this cruel order, however, he hides his mother away and cares for her. A few years later, an invading lord leaves a message that he is going to conquer the land in which the young farmer and his mother reside. The conqueror presents three “impossible” tasks that must be solved in order to spare the land. None of the wise people in the village, however, are able to solve the tasks. As a result, the young farmer presents the tasks to his mother. The wise woman is able to decipher the puzzles and save the village.
This book is an excellent portrayal of the wisdom and knowledge that can be passed from the elderly to the young. The book effectively delivers the message that individuals over a certain age should not be cast aside but should be revered and regarded as wise sources of experience. Societies should honor their elders and heed their words of wisdom.
In addition to The Wise Old Woman, I also read Yoshiko Uchida’s The Bracelet. This story details the experience of a young Japanese-American girl who must move with her family to an internment camp as a result of America’s war with Japan in 1942. The main character, Emi, describes her feelings about having to abandon her home, leave her friends, and move into a horse stable.
Emi frequently conveys her sadness about why she and her family have to move away. She clearly personifies the feelings of disappointment, hurt, fear, and confusion that many Japanese-American families felt during this time period. The reader feels a strong connection with the characters in the book and sympathizes with the plight of these individuals. The story provides a great opportunity for children to view the effects of World War II from the perspective of the Japanese-Americans who lived during the time period.
I really enjoyed reading both of these children’s books. The books provide insight into the history of the Japanese culture and some of the events that have had to be encountered by this race of people. Reading both of these books allows the reader to obtain a better understanding of this culture. The books are wonderful stories that educate while entertaining. As with previous books that I have reviewed, these two tomes are wonderful tales that I highly recommend reading.
Uchida, Y. (1993). The bracelet. New York: Philomel Books.
Uchida, Y. (1994). The wise old woman. New York: Macmillan Publishing.
Additional information about the author and his additional works can be found at http://www.jacketflap.com/persondetail.asp?person=161890
This book is an excellent portrayal of the wisdom and knowledge that can be passed from the elderly to the young. The book effectively delivers the message that individuals over a certain age should not be cast aside but should be revered and regarded as wise sources of experience. Societies should honor their elders and heed their words of wisdom.
In addition to The Wise Old Woman, I also read Yoshiko Uchida’s The Bracelet. This story details the experience of a young Japanese-American girl who must move with her family to an internment camp as a result of America’s war with Japan in 1942. The main character, Emi, describes her feelings about having to abandon her home, leave her friends, and move into a horse stable.
Emi frequently conveys her sadness about why she and her family have to move away. She clearly personifies the feelings of disappointment, hurt, fear, and confusion that many Japanese-American families felt during this time period. The reader feels a strong connection with the characters in the book and sympathizes with the plight of these individuals. The story provides a great opportunity for children to view the effects of World War II from the perspective of the Japanese-Americans who lived during the time period.
I really enjoyed reading both of these children’s books. The books provide insight into the history of the Japanese culture and some of the events that have had to be encountered by this race of people. Reading both of these books allows the reader to obtain a better understanding of this culture. The books are wonderful stories that educate while entertaining. As with previous books that I have reviewed, these two tomes are wonderful tales that I highly recommend reading.
Uchida, Y. (1993). The bracelet. New York: Philomel Books.
Uchida, Y. (1994). The wise old woman. New York: Macmillan Publishing.
Additional information about the author and his additional works can be found at http://www.jacketflap.com/persondetail.asp?person=161890
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Later, Gator by Laurence Yep
Later Gator is a fun tale of how a boy’s birthday prank on his younger brother becomes an adventure that brings about a closer bond between the prankster and his family. Teddy, the narrator of the story, is a young man who continually picks on his brother in order to “build character.” He is given the assignment of purchasing a turtle for his brother instead of the usual pair of stocks that he usually bestows upon the younger sibling. When Teddy gets to the pet shop, however, he does not purchase a turtle but instead buys a baby alligator. This purchase brings about changes in how Teddy views his family and his relationship with each member of the family.
Teddy’s relationship with this brother, who he regards as someone that everyone thinks can do no wrong, grows as a result of the presence of the alligator in the house. The boys grow closer as they have to collect leftover scraps for the alligator, and Teddy’s affection for his brother further develops as he sees how much the alligator means to him. Teddy also grows closer to his parents as a result of some of the mischief that is caused by the alligator. Their affection and praise for him are outwardly spoken as a result of the events that occur as a result of the alligator's presence. Teddy learns some very valuable life lessons and matures throughout the short span of time that is presented in the novel.
The story details some of the customs and principles that are a part of Chinese culture. The narrator allows the reader to get a better insight into the differences between children who are growing up in a Chinese-American family and children who are being raised by Caucasian parents. Teddy notes the differences in how white children are treated by their parents and how this varies from the treatment that he receives from his parents. Teddy also describes the life that he leads in Chinatown in San Francisco. The portrayal of Teddy’s culture and home life not only informs the reader of the lifestyle that is led as a result of some of his cultural behaviors but also allows the reader to see the commonality between the character’s culture and his/her own.
The book was a pleasure to read. The story was a fun tale that wonderfully personified the relationship between two brothers and the path that can be carved as a result of an innocent prank. I think that upper elementary children will really enjoy this book. The characters are very relatable and very likable. The characters are very well defined and the writing style is appropriate for its target audience. In addition, the book provides children with a glimpse into a culture that may differ from their own and provides them with the opportunity to explore differences in cultures. I highly recommend this book.
Yep, L. (1995). Later, gator. New York: Hyperion.
Additional information about Laurence Yep and his other works can be found at http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/y/laurence-yep/
Teddy’s relationship with this brother, who he regards as someone that everyone thinks can do no wrong, grows as a result of the presence of the alligator in the house. The boys grow closer as they have to collect leftover scraps for the alligator, and Teddy’s affection for his brother further develops as he sees how much the alligator means to him. Teddy also grows closer to his parents as a result of some of the mischief that is caused by the alligator. Their affection and praise for him are outwardly spoken as a result of the events that occur as a result of the alligator's presence. Teddy learns some very valuable life lessons and matures throughout the short span of time that is presented in the novel.
The story details some of the customs and principles that are a part of Chinese culture. The narrator allows the reader to get a better insight into the differences between children who are growing up in a Chinese-American family and children who are being raised by Caucasian parents. Teddy notes the differences in how white children are treated by their parents and how this varies from the treatment that he receives from his parents. Teddy also describes the life that he leads in Chinatown in San Francisco. The portrayal of Teddy’s culture and home life not only informs the reader of the lifestyle that is led as a result of some of his cultural behaviors but also allows the reader to see the commonality between the character’s culture and his/her own.
The book was a pleasure to read. The story was a fun tale that wonderfully personified the relationship between two brothers and the path that can be carved as a result of an innocent prank. I think that upper elementary children will really enjoy this book. The characters are very relatable and very likable. The characters are very well defined and the writing style is appropriate for its target audience. In addition, the book provides children with a glimpse into a culture that may differ from their own and provides them with the opportunity to explore differences in cultures. I highly recommend this book.
Yep, L. (1995). Later, gator. New York: Hyperion.
Additional information about Laurence Yep and his other works can be found at http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/y/laurence-yep/
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Pharaoh’s Daughter: A Novel of Ancient Egypt by Julius Lester
This historical novel is a retelling of the events in the early life of Moses from the Bible and Torah. The book does not approach the characters from a biblical standpoint but from a historical point of view. Most of the book is narrated by Moses’ sister, Almah. She is a young Habiru (Hebrew) girl who saves the life of her brother Yekutiel (later named Tuthmosis or Mosis (Moses) by the Egyptian princess.) Almah and her mother are brought to the palace to help care for Mosis while he is a child. After the death of Queen Nefertari, Almah is adopted by Pharaoh due to her likeness to the queen. Throughout the first part of the book, Almah discusses her life in the palace, her aversion to the worship of Ya (God), and her devotion to the many gods of the Egyptians.
The second part of the book takes place 15 years after the first and is narrated by Mosis (Moses). The reader learns of his struggle with finding his place in life and his inner turmoil as he wrestles with the fact that he is Habiru (Hebrew) yet was raised and continues to live with the Khemetians (Egyptians). Mosis’ narration also informs the reader about Almah and her current activities. Almah has continued to live in the palace and has become a priestess in the Khemetian religion. Mosis and Almah have a very strong connection in the story. She aids him in escaping after killing Kakemour, a high-powered Khemetian. The story ends at a point in time when Mosis has fled to the land of Midian and Almah is continuing in her life in the palace.
The novel is filled with details about the Ancient Egyptian culture and important historical information and facts about the time period. The author uses the original Egyptian words for place names, months, and deities and also uses the original Hebrew names for the members of Moses’ family and historical figures throughout Jewish history. For example, Moses’ brother Aaron’s name is spelled Aharon and Father is replaced with Abba. The integration of the original terms and spellings is very informative and allows the reader to delve into the time period and events that are being portrayed. A glossary is also included at the back of the book to aid the reader.
The book addresses a number of issues that I had never really explored when thinking about the story of Moses. For example, I had never given much thought to the fact that Moses was raised by individuals who worshipped very differently than his biological family. The difference between the culture, language, and religion of the Khemetians (Egyptians) and the language, culture, and beliefs of the Habiru (Hebrew) is a constant factor throughout the book. In the novel, Mosis struggles with his decision to worship Ya (God) like his biological family or to worship the gods that are revered by his sister Almah and Egyptians who raised him. In the end, Mosis chooses to follow the Habiru beliefs. Throughout all of my years of studying the story of Moses, I had always imagined that he was completely devoted to monotheism. This book, however, has allowed me to consider how choosing to worship God must have been a decision that he must have had to very carefully consider.
I really enjoyed this book. I have always enjoyed studying the Ancient Egyptians and this particular time period. In addition, I really appreciate the strength, courage, and caring that is represented through Almah. She is a very strong female character who is not afraid to explore unknown ideas and to engage others. The character demonstrates many characteristics that I value and admire.
This book would be an excellent addition to a social studies unit on Egypt. Due to some of the content in the book, I would not recommend that young elementary children read the book. The discussions of dancing nude before the gods, the physical changes that are happening with Almah’s body, and a brief discussion of the possibility of an incestuous relationship between Moses and Almah are details that may be difficult for young children to comprehend. The book is more suited for 12 years of age and up. I would recommend this book to my eighth grade students.
Lester, J. (2000). Pharaoh's daughter: A novel of ancient Egypt. San Diego, CA: Silver Whistle.
Additional information about the author and books that he has written can be found at http://members.authorsguild.net/juliuslester/
The second part of the book takes place 15 years after the first and is narrated by Mosis (Moses). The reader learns of his struggle with finding his place in life and his inner turmoil as he wrestles with the fact that he is Habiru (Hebrew) yet was raised and continues to live with the Khemetians (Egyptians). Mosis’ narration also informs the reader about Almah and her current activities. Almah has continued to live in the palace and has become a priestess in the Khemetian religion. Mosis and Almah have a very strong connection in the story. She aids him in escaping after killing Kakemour, a high-powered Khemetian. The story ends at a point in time when Mosis has fled to the land of Midian and Almah is continuing in her life in the palace.
The novel is filled with details about the Ancient Egyptian culture and important historical information and facts about the time period. The author uses the original Egyptian words for place names, months, and deities and also uses the original Hebrew names for the members of Moses’ family and historical figures throughout Jewish history. For example, Moses’ brother Aaron’s name is spelled Aharon and Father is replaced with Abba. The integration of the original terms and spellings is very informative and allows the reader to delve into the time period and events that are being portrayed. A glossary is also included at the back of the book to aid the reader.
The book addresses a number of issues that I had never really explored when thinking about the story of Moses. For example, I had never given much thought to the fact that Moses was raised by individuals who worshipped very differently than his biological family. The difference between the culture, language, and religion of the Khemetians (Egyptians) and the language, culture, and beliefs of the Habiru (Hebrew) is a constant factor throughout the book. In the novel, Mosis struggles with his decision to worship Ya (God) like his biological family or to worship the gods that are revered by his sister Almah and Egyptians who raised him. In the end, Mosis chooses to follow the Habiru beliefs. Throughout all of my years of studying the story of Moses, I had always imagined that he was completely devoted to monotheism. This book, however, has allowed me to consider how choosing to worship God must have been a decision that he must have had to very carefully consider.
I really enjoyed this book. I have always enjoyed studying the Ancient Egyptians and this particular time period. In addition, I really appreciate the strength, courage, and caring that is represented through Almah. She is a very strong female character who is not afraid to explore unknown ideas and to engage others. The character demonstrates many characteristics that I value and admire.
This book would be an excellent addition to a social studies unit on Egypt. Due to some of the content in the book, I would not recommend that young elementary children read the book. The discussions of dancing nude before the gods, the physical changes that are happening with Almah’s body, and a brief discussion of the possibility of an incestuous relationship between Moses and Almah are details that may be difficult for young children to comprehend. The book is more suited for 12 years of age and up. I would recommend this book to my eighth grade students.
Lester, J. (2000). Pharaoh's daughter: A novel of ancient Egypt. San Diego, CA: Silver Whistle.
Additional information about the author and books that he has written can be found at http://members.authorsguild.net/juliuslester/
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