Plumfield Moms

Our Librarian Life: November 2024

Mail Bag
The Card Catalog Book Care and Book Repair
Packhorse Librarians Book List
21st Century Pack Horse Librarians on Facebook
The Green Writer Program
Clementine by Sara Pennypacker 
The Town That Fooled the British by Lisa Papp
The Scarlet Stockings Spy by Trinka Hakes Noble
Books published or republished in 2024 - suggestion form
Biblioguides 
Semicolon
Book Review Roundup 
Mighty Networks
Shelf Notes 
Picture Book Preschool   
LibraryThing
TinyCat
 

Book Review: The Misadventures Summer of Tumbleweed Thompson by Glenn McCarty

The Misadventured Summer of Tumbleweed Thompson by Glenn McCarty is a delightful, fast-paced western adventure that will capture the imaginations of middle-grade readers and families alike. Set during the settling of the American West, this story is a perfect blend of humor, action, and heart, making it an ideal family read-aloud.
The tale follows the unlikely friendship between Eugene, a thoughtful and cautious boy, and the wild, free-spirited Tumbleweed Thompson. Together, they find themselves swept up in all sorts of mischief and danger, including a thrilling train heist, hidden treasures, and heroic escapades. The story is not just about adventure, though—woven into the action are themes of trust, friendship, and the importance of being reliable.
What makes this book stand out are the well-drawn characters and the presence of good, trustworthy adults who mentor the children. These adults add a layer of warmth, intrigue, and wisdom to the story, while the young protagonists wrestle with their own understanding of responsibility and loyalty.
With its blend of goofy humor and meaningful conversations, The Misadventured Summer of Tumbleweed Thompson is a wonderful option for middle-grade readers looking for a fun ride through the Old West, and it’s an excellent choice for families seeking a wholesome, adventurous story to share together. You can purchase it and the sequel which is coming out this fall from StoryWarren.
If you like western adventure novels suitable for the whole family, check out Sara’s review of Dead-Eye Dan And The Cimarron Kid.

Reflection: We Ought to Walk as He Walked

“Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked” (1 John 2:6).
The apostle John began his first letter by reminding us that he was an eyewitness to Jesus’s life on earth. He adamantly proclaimed that Jesus came in the flesh so we can have fellowship, along with John, in the Father and in Jesus the Christ.  
But saying we have that fellowship isn’t enough. After some severe pronouncements about the opposition of darkness and light, truth and lies, John made the statement that whoever says he abides in Jesus ought to walk in the same way in which he walked. 

Our Reading Life - November, 2024

Sara Masarik’s References 
In Defense of Beverly Cleary Blog Post
Clementine by Sara Pennypacker  
Lily's Victory Garden by Helen L. Wilbur
Friend of Freedom River by Gloria Whela 
Mackinac Bridge by Gloria Whelan
The Scarlet Stocking Spy by Trinka Hakes Noble 
The Town that Fooled the British by Lisa Papp
Rudy Rides the Rails  Dandi Daley Mackall 
The Impossible Journey by Gloria Whelan
Ideas have Consequences by Richard M. Weaver
After Virtue by Alasdair MacIntyre
How to Read a Book by Mortimer J. Adler
Sarah Kim’s References
Homeless Bird by Gloria Whelan
Angel on the Square by Gloria Whelan
An Experiment in Criticism by C. S. Lewis
Watership Down by Richard Adams
Diane’s References
The Tempest by William Shakespeare
The Princess and the Goblin by George MacDonald
Amos Fortune Freeman by Elizabeth Yates
Starship Troopers by Robert Heinlein 
Tanya’s References 
The Door in the Wall  
General References
Biblioguides 
Semicolon
Book Review Roundup 
Mighty Networks
Shelf Notes

Book Review (Cautionary): Brooklyn Rose by Ann Rinaldi

The more Ann Rinaldi I read, the more her writing disappoints me. Brooklyn Rose had the potential to be a charming and interesting historical novel, but several recurring flaws render it unsuitable for a thoughtful young adult audience or a library that aims to provide living books and quality historical fiction.
The book centers around Rose Frampton, a young Southern belle who, in 1900, enters into a marriage of convenience with a wealthy, older man named Renee. Rose is innocent and idealistic, hoping that her mother is right and that love will grow with time. The story unfolds through her diary entries as she adjusts to life in Brooklyn, New York which is the center of her husband’s business affairs. Renee, who is kind, gentle, and generous, dotes on Rose, but the differences in their ages and maturity levels is obvious and it is very hard to see a partnership between them. 
Though the historical setting initially draws you in, Rinaldi’s use of modern expressions breaks the period feel, creating jarring anachronisms that detract from the novel’s authenticity. The language lacks richness and complexity, which may appeal to a younger audience on a surface level but ultimately underserves the depth that historical fiction readers expect. 
Beyond these stylistic issues, the plot is poorly constructed. For example, early in the story, we hear of a plague sweeping port cities, but this detail is soon abandoned. We meet a cast of characters, including Rose’s family and the Irish servants, yet none of their arcs develop in meaningful ways. In fact, I even wondered if the plague would show up in their stories somehow, but that was not the case. Even Rose’s prized horse, a symbolic connection to her Southern roots, is mentioned as shipped to Brooklyn but then simply disappears from the narrative. These plot holes create an experience that feels disjointed, superficial, lacking direction, and lacking any real storytelling. 
Sadly, there is an undercurrent of adult themes, presented in a way that feels inappropriate for the intended teen audience. First, we have a small line about how Renee’s kisses make her feel in her body. Then, she tells her journal how tender and loving Renee is and how it was easy to “give herself to him” on their wedding night and how that has created new intimacy between them. Rinaldi could have approached Rose’s coming-of-age journey through emotional development, yet she bypasses this in favor of superficial interactions and just enough veiled comments about sexual intimacy to make a young reader curious.
Most concerningly, Rinaldi hints at deeper marital issues that our young readers do not need to be exposed to. Rose tells us again and again that Renee doesn’t tell her many things about himself, his past, or his family, revealing a lack of emotional intimacy between them. I thought that this might be a plot point that would resolve in her coming-of-age story, but that never really happens. 
Additionally, she tells us how Renee routinely calls her “child” and treats her as one. Kind as he is, he doesn’t really respect her as an equal or something other than a favorite pet. And, when Renee’s mother’s arrival brings a bizarre level of conflict to Rose’s new life, Renee is unwilling to defend his young wife, and this worsens Rose’s confusion, culminating in an illogical scene where she runs away to test her husband’s love.
Overall, Brooklyn Rose seems to lack a clear purpose. The writing feels overly simplistic, the historical elements are thinly developed, and the themes are ill-suited to a young readership. While I wanted to like this novel, Brooklyn Roseultimately feels like a quickly assembled tale without the substance that would make it memorable. For libraries seeking compelling historical fiction for young readers, this book falls short on many fronts.
I have found Ann Rinaldi books to be uneven. Some I have liked, some I have not. You can read my review of others here:
A Break With CharityThe Fifth of March

Book Review: Lad: A Dog by Albert Payson Terhune

Lad: A Dog by Albert Payson Terhune is a classic that captures the heart of any dog lover with its vivid language and realistic storytelling. Set in the peaceful countryside of Sunnybank, the book follows the adventures of Lad, a noble collie, whose loyalty, intelligence, and bravery are celebrated in a series of charming and heartfelt anecdotes.
 
The strength of this book lies in Terhune’s ability to bring the world of dogs to life. His language is rich and descriptive, painting vivid pictures of the interactions between Lad and his human family, his experiences at show competitions, and his interactions with other dogs. Each chapter showcases a different aspect of Lad’s character, whether it’s his fierce protection of his home, his gentle patience with his female companion, or his unwavering devotion to his owners.
 
However, readers should be aware that there are some dated elements in the book. Terhune’s portrayal of the “bulgar” as Black, while not malicious in intent, reflects racial views that modern audiences may find troubling. Similarly, the emphasis on Lad’s pedigree and bloodline—while appropriate for the time—might feel excessive to today’s readers, especially those who care less about purebred status and more about the personalities of their pets. Additionally, there is some level of dog-on-dog violence, and the traditional methods of discipline and training depicted in the book may not resonate with contemporary approaches to animal care.
 
That said, for dog lovers, Lad: A Dog remains a treasure. The bond between Lad and his family is beautifully portrayed, and Terhune’s admiration for the dog’s noble spirit shines through. Those who appreciate dogs will likely find themselves swept up in Lad’s world, admiring the qualities that make him such a worthy companion. Despite its dated elements, the core message of love, loyalty, and the unique bond between dogs and humans shines through, making it a worthwhile read for anyone who appreciates the loyalty and love of a good dog.
 

Reflection: We Become Like Our Idols

     "One of the most disturbing instances of idol worship in the Old Testament is when the Israelites were waiting at the foot of Mt. Sinai for Moses to come back down. They decided Moses wasn’t coming back, so they demanded that Aaron make them a god. And he did!
     'And they made a calf in those days, and offered a sacrifice to the idol and were rejoicing in the works of their hands' (Acts 7:41).
     It’s easy for us to wonder what in the world was wrong with those Israelites. They had recently witnessed their Creator miraculously plague their captors. They had seen the cloud that baffled the Egyptian army while the entire nation of Israel crossed the Red Sea on dry land! They had eaten manna and had drunk water that poured from a rock. 
     And yet, when circumstances became a bit uncomfortable, the people who had witnessed God’s mighty works reverted to their ingrained way of thinking. Like children not yet able to comprehend anything they can’t see or touch, they preferred the work of their own hands. Oh, those silly, childish Israelites! Thank God we aren’t like that. 
     Truly, if you can say without hesitation you aren’t like that, thank God. I feel the need to examine my heart."

Interview: Bethlehem Books

In this conversation, the Plumfield Moms and Bethlehem Books discuss the origins and mission of the publishing company, which focuses on providing quality children's literature rooted in a culture that values faith and education. They explore the community aspect of their work, the influence of Charlotte Mason's educational philosophy, and the journey from a bakery to a publishing house, culminating in the release of their first book. In this engaging conversation, the speakers delve into the world of children's literature, sharing their passion for beloved books and the journey of publishing. They discuss the significance of community and faith in their publishing endeavors, the revival of the periodical 'In Review' as a valuable resource for book lovers, and the importance of quality in book production. The conversation highlights the power of storytelling and the impact of literature on young minds. They explore the significance of forgotten books, cultural heritage, and the evolution of publishing in the digital age. The discussion also touches on navigating grief, the importance of imagination in literature, and the role of community in fostering a love for reading. They emphasize the need for good literature and the positive influence it can have on individuals and families.

Reflection: I Make It My Ambition

“So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him” (2. Cor. 5:9 ESV).
What really got me thinking about how we use these words were the two translations that said, “We try our best.” Because what Paul says he is “trying his best” to do is to please Jesus. And the reason is that we are all going to appear before his judgment seat to receive what is our due for what we have done. 
I’m afraid we have become quite glib about tossing about the phrase, “I tried my best.” It has a feeling of finality about it. Well, I tried. It didn’t work out. I guess I don’t need to do that again. I’m certain that is not what Paul meant!
I’ve been thinking about this verse this way: I make it my ambition to please him. An ambition is an eager or strong desire to achieve something. A strong desire to achieve something doesn’t allow me to give it a try and give up if it doesn’t work out. 

Our Librarian Life: October 2024

Mama Bear Apologetics: Empowering Your Kids to Challenge Cultural Lies by Hillary Morgan Ferrer
Ivanhoe by Sir Walter Scott
Green Writer (Affiliate Link) 
Diane’s Short Story Assignment (Coming Soon)
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Biblioguides
Semicolon
Book Review Roundup 
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Shelf Notes 
Picture Book Preschool   
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