Plumfield Moms

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 MarchThe Education of Mary
 
https://plumfieldmoms.com/plumfield-moms-book-reviews/brooklyn-rose-cautionary-review 

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.
 
https://plumfieldmoms.com/plumfield-moms-book-reviews/lad-a-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.
 
Bethlehem Books is a small press focused on bringing beautiful out of print living books back into print. Their catalog is a treasure trove of vibrant, faith filled, wholesome, and family friendly living history stories. We are not affiliated with Bethelehem Books but Sara’s family is always reading something of theirs. This page has links to all of our reviews from this catalog of books. As we review more, we will update the page.
The Cottage At Bantry BayDrovers Road SeriesEnemy BrothersFive for Victory (The Mitchells)Good Old ArchibaldHappy Little FamilyHappy Times in Noisy VillageThe Hedge SchoolMiracle of St. NicholasOld Sam Dakota TrotterPhilomenaReb and the RedcoatsRed Falcons of TremoineThe Red KeepSun Slower Sun FasterThe Strange IntruderThe Winged WatchmanYear of the Black Pony
 
 

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
Share your library story
Link for Mail Bag
Biblioguides
Semicolon
Book Review Roundup 
Mighty Networks
Shelf Notes 
Picture Book Preschool   
LibraryThing
TinyCat
Find us at The Card Catalog Website: https://thecardcataloglibrarians.com/

Book Review: Angel On The Square

Angel on the Square by Gloria Whelan transports readers to pre-revolutionary Russia through the eyes of a young aristocrat. We explore how this captivating historical novel brings the Russian Revolution to life, showing the fall of the Romanovs and the rise of the Soviet regime. With rich storytelling and thought-provoking themes, this book is a must-read for those who love history and stories of resilience. Check out our full review to see why it's a perfect living book for young readers!

Reflection: You Know Better

"Knowledge makes for stability. Peter’s intention is to remind us of important points though we know and are established in the truth. That is, we are set fast, firmly fixed in the truth. Ignorant and unstable people will twist Scripture “to their own destruction.” We have been warned so we won’t be carried away with their errors and lose our own . The prophetic word we have is firmly fixed, sure and certain. It is something reliable enough that we can build on it. 
Peter writes with urgency because the Lord had made it clear to him that the end of his life was near. While he still has time, he will make every effort so that after his departure we may be able at any time to recall these things. (2 Pet. 1:15) He was willing to make every effort to remind us, but we still have to do our part. We can’t remember things we don’t know. Peter exhorts us to be all the more diligent to make our calling and election sure. We will never fall if we practice adding virtues to our faith. We have to pay attention and 'be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace' (2 Pet. 3:14). We must take care not to be carried away with the errors of lawless people."
 
 

Our Reading Life: October 2024

In this conversation, we discuss the value of picture books in both education and personal enjoyment. Sara Masarik delves into the works of Gloria Whelan, highlighting her contributions to historical fiction, specifically mentioning, The Hedge School, The Miracle of St. Nicholas, Small Acts of Amazing Courage, The Angel on the Square, and Homeless Bird. The discussion also touches on the significance of setting in storytelling and the connection between literature and geography. Sarah Kim talks about Brunelleschi's Dome: How a Renaissance Genius Reinvented Architecture as well as Dorothy Sayer's Gaudy Night. The discussion highlights the richness of Sayer's storytelling and its connection to her personal life. Diane explored the significance of a book club focused on 'Mama Bear Apologetics' and convinced all of us to buy it (while we were recording!). She also shared the beautiful story, Mountain Born. Tanya shared the remarkable story of Jim Key, a horse that demonstrated extraordinary intelligence and abilities, leading to a movement for kindness towards animals. She also discussed the relatable and timeless experiences of family life depicted in Hilda von Stockum's books, particularly focusing on the Mitchells' adventures during World War II.
The discussion highlights the importance of kindness, education, and the shared experiences of parenting, making it a rich and engaging dialogue for listeners.
Sara Masarik’s References 
The Hedge School by Gloria Whelan 
The Miracle of Saint Nicholas by Gloria Whelan 
Small Acts of Amazing Courage by Gloria Whelan 
The Angel on the Square by Gloria Whelan 
Homeless Bird by Gloria Whelan 
Gary D. Schmidt 
The Mistmantle Chronicles by M. I. McAllister
The Borrowed House by Hilda Van Stockum 
The Tangled Skein by Alta Halverson Seymour 
Hilda Van Stockum 
Alta Halverson Seymour 
Lines of Courage by Jennifer Nielsen 
Jeeves and Wooster by P. G. Wodehouse
Hilda Van Stockum Page at Biblioguides   
Sarah Kim’s References
The Found Boys by S. D. Smith 
Brunelleschi’s Dome by Ross King
Murder Must Advertise by Dorothy Sayers
Whose Body by Dorothy Sayers
Gaudy Night by Dorothy Sayers
Diane’s References
Mountain Born by Elizabeth Yates  
Amos Fortune, Free Man by Elizabeth Yates 
Mama Bear Apologetics: Empowering Your Kids to Challenge Cultural Lies by Hillary Morgan Ferrer
Tanya’s References 
The Town That Fooled the British by Lisa Papp 
Step Right Up: How Doc and Jim Key Taught the World about Kindness by Donna Janell Bowman
The Mitchells: Five for Victory by Hilda Van Stockum
The Borrowed House by Hilda Van Stockum
The Winged Watchman by Hilda Van Stockum 
Interview with Bethlehem Books
General References
Biblioguides 
Semicolon
Book Review Roundup 
Mighty Networks
Shelf Notes 

Book Review: Under the Cover of Mercy

Earlier this month I reviewed Hidden Yellow Stars by Rebecca Connolly and celebrated it as being perfect for the “hopeful stories from WWII” category. When I finished, I went looking to see what else she had written and was delighted to see that she had a historical fiction novel that was released last year about Edith Cavell and WWI. I instantly grabbed it. My Greta loves Edith Cavell and here at Plumfield, we have been actively looking for more WWI novels that would be appropriate for teen readers. Under the Cover of Mercy absolutely fits the bill.
 
https://plumfieldmoms.com/plumfield-moms-book-reviews/edith-cavell-under-the-cover-of-mercy