Book-It 'o15! Book #4
The Fifty Books Challenge, year six! ( 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014) This was a library request.
Title: Caroline's Secret Message by Kathleen Ernst, illustrated by Robert Papp
Details: Copyright 2012, American Girl Publishing
Synopsis (By Way of Back Cover):
"Caroline and Mama make a dangerous trip across Lake Ontario to the British fort where Papa is a prisoner. When Mama isn't allowed to see Papa, it's up to Caroline to pass a secret message to him-- right under the nose of a British guard! Caroline hopes desperately that Papa will be able to use the information to escape. But can she get the message to him? And even if she does, will Papa understand it? When Caroline and Mama return home, all they can do is wait... and hope. On Caroline's birthday, an unexpected gift lifts her heart."
Why I Wanted to Read It: Remember my remembrances of the American Girl franchise? And my reviews of the character Kit's six-book series? And my reviews of the character Rebecca's six-book series? And my reviews of the characters Cécile and Marie-Grace's six-book series, my review of Marie-Grace's mystery, and my review of Cécile's mystery? My review of Caroline's first book? Okay, then.
How I Liked It: The series continues with another well-constructed mixture of history and relatability. An outre situation (smuggling a message to your father in military prison) combined with a far more common one (difficulty getting along with one of your peers that you have to live with) and the combination is remarkably smooth. Caroline continues to grow as a character and the book's ending, if not as complete-feeling as the first, is still a decent finish.
The illustrations remain the same, although it's worth noting that the artist is really adept at background shots, some of which are downright gorgeous.
Looking Back gets deeper into the War and attempts to paint a more vivid picture of the daily life of those not fighting, especially children.
Title: Caroline's Secret Message by Kathleen Ernst, illustrated by Robert Papp
Details: Copyright 2012, American Girl Publishing
Synopsis (By Way of Back Cover):
"Caroline and Mama make a dangerous trip across Lake Ontario to the British fort where Papa is a prisoner. When Mama isn't allowed to see Papa, it's up to Caroline to pass a secret message to him-- right under the nose of a British guard! Caroline hopes desperately that Papa will be able to use the information to escape. But can she get the message to him? And even if she does, will Papa understand it? When Caroline and Mama return home, all they can do is wait... and hope. On Caroline's birthday, an unexpected gift lifts her heart."
Why I Wanted to Read It: Remember my remembrances of the American Girl franchise? And my reviews of the character Kit's six-book series? And my reviews of the character Rebecca's six-book series? And my reviews of the characters Cécile and Marie-Grace's six-book series, my review of Marie-Grace's mystery, and my review of Cécile's mystery? My review of Caroline's first book? Okay, then.
How I Liked It: The series continues with another well-constructed mixture of history and relatability. An outre situation (smuggling a message to your father in military prison) combined with a far more common one (difficulty getting along with one of your peers that you have to live with) and the combination is remarkably smooth. Caroline continues to grow as a character and the book's ending, if not as complete-feeling as the first, is still a decent finish.
The illustrations remain the same, although it's worth noting that the artist is really adept at background shots, some of which are downright gorgeous.
Looking Back gets deeper into the War and attempts to paint a more vivid picture of the daily life of those not fighting, especially children.