Milton Meltzer takes on the challenge of explaining the greatness and ambiguities of Thomas Jefferson. Certainly, Jefferson achieved much, put forth ideas liberal and radical for his generation and class, and pushed for reforms his colleagues feared and rejected. He also did ignore obvious truths, as did his fellow statesmen, and take for granted the labor of others because to truly live by his ideals would mean living a totally different life. A life which would have prevented him from achieving as much as he did.

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Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy is beautifully written. Schmidt has interwoven metaphors that flow perfectly with the story and pinpoint images exactly for instant visual understanding. The words have color and texture and make you want to slow down and hold them and cherish them before moving on.

There are so many thoughts and emotions and issues blended into this story. The historical theme is the decimation of a community of poor, powerless people for the purpose of building a tourist resort. The other major theme is a boy’s struggle to find and stick to the right path when the majority (including his father, the minister) are pressuring him to do something else. It is unfortunate that he cannot discuss his thoughts and actions with his disapproving, unbending father (who is undergoing his own struggle).

The story doesn’t end how I want it to end because it is based on actual events that took place in the Phippsburg, Maine area in 1912. However, there is hope of positive changes to come in the town of Phippsburg.

I highly recommend this book. It is a great one to share with others.
related-race, clergy, Maine history, noncomformity
RL=6th-adult

It isn’t difficult to read, but I suspect it would have more meaning for adults, older teens, and people who have had to suffer some form of isolation.

For those interested, there is discussion on this book in the BookAdvice forums under historical fiction.

Atheneum Books for Young Readers/Simon & Schuster: NY, 2006.
For 2 years Leonardo da Vinci has been living off credit. That’s how long it’s been since he contracted to paint The Last Supper, his greatest painting, on the wall of Santa Maria delle Grazie. There is barely anything on the wall. Why? Is he in a battle of wills with his patron, the Duke of Milan? Is something more important than painting on his mind? How long does he think he can continue without painting the wall? To be sure, their relationship is complex, but who does Leonardo think he is?

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Beka Cooper is the heroine of an exciting new series. She is an ancestor of George Cooper, the Rogue from the Alanna series. In this first book, she is training to be a Provost Guard, the law enforcement officers of Tortall. Because of her potential, she is given the best Guard partners as trainers. She uses her magical abilities, fresh perspective, and desire for justice to catch 2 mass murderers.

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