Child, first person narrator and still they die? Bold move, bold move

Lincoln and His Boys by Rosemary Wells

It is not often that a children’s book is narrated in first person by a child who dies. Actually, it’s not often that children die in children’s books at all really. But that’s exactly what happened in Lincoln and His Boys. Well done to the author for sticking to a touchy historical subject I suppose. Lincoln had four sons, and only one lived to adulthood.

I googled that.

Lincoln and his boys is basically a hyper patriotic look at Abraham Lincoln through the eyes of his two young sons first Willie, as Lincoln campaigns for the presidency and then Tad after his brother dies, during the Civil War.

I have no idea how exactly I came to possess this book, but I did, so I read it.

I’m not exactly an expert on the American Civil War or its major players. In fact, most of my knowledge probably comes from reading historical fiction – does that count as knowledge? – so I’m hesitant to be overly critical of this book.

What I will say is simplistic. It was an easy story of two boys that contained none of the complexities, personality and consequences of this massive and devastating conflict Because of that, I’d say its kind of a weird book. On the one hand, it isn’t a great introduction to the Civil War because it’s too pure and innocent, but it’s kind of a weird story just to read because you like it. I mean, there’s probably a few kids out there who just like relative historical accuracy  reading for themselves, but I probably wouldn’t recommend it to anyone else.

One thing I really did enjoy was the younger son, who has a cleft palate and his struggle to be understood and taken seriously when he had such a hard time speaking. As usual, having people who are different be highly visible is always a good thing.

I will say that once you’ve picked it up, it does make you curious. History isn’t only great men doing great things, its the everyday business of life and death and love and play and sorrow and the struggle to do what is right, even when that’s not a clear thing and that’s pretty compelling.

Also, he pictures were nice.

Last movie I watched:

Inside Out. Take her to the moon for me. SOB.

Last TV episode I watched:

Game of Thrones. My hand hurts just thinking about it.

 

Simply the best, possibly ever

The Story of Owen Dragonslayer of Trondheim by E K Johnston

There’s pretty much nothing about this book that I didn’t one hundred percent love.

Owen’s aunt Lottie is the most famous dragon slayer in Canada, possibly the world. But when she’s injured in  massive fight on the Burlington Skyway, trying to protect a few foolish reporters, that all changes. After her injury she and her family retreat to a small town called Trondheim where Owen starts high school and meets Siobhan, a very ordinary teenage girl. But Lottie has bigger plans for Owen, Siobhan and the rest of the high school that will change the country and the tradition of dragon slaying forever.

There are a couple hundred reasons this book is amazing. Due to time restrains, I’ll settle four, or five maybe. Six? I don’t know, we’ll see how it goes.

1. It’s a true and proud Canadian story. It’s a nice change to see our geography and culture reflected in a book. Sure, when you live in New York, you see your hometown all the time, but if you live in rural Ontario – not so much. It’s kind of fun to think “oh yeah! I too have been stuck in traffic on the Burlington Skyway!” “I also have struggled with the frustration of waiting for things to come from Queens Park!” So, yeah that’s a good point.
2. Incredible world building. It is completely solid, answering the question of what our world would look like if it was exactly the same, but if there were also dragons. A good two thirds of the book is basically really detailed, funny world building.
3. Lottie and her wife Hannah are seamlessly integrated into the story. Generally,  LGTBQ characters are few and far between, and generally when they make an appearance they’re there as LGBTQ people, so I’m always excited to see gay characters who are well rounded actual characters, with their sexuality making up part of them, but not their whole identity. Add in a happy, stable relationship and it’s pretty much the best thing ever.
4. Zero romance between the two main characters – how unusual and refreshing is that in a YA novel? Teens get really caught up in the romance aspect of books, even books that aren’t about romance, so I always get excited when I see a friend relationship develop, because they are equally important.
5. I have always loved the point of view of the sidekick. Not that the hero isn’t great, but I think it adds a level of complexity  to the story.
6. Empowering teens to change their world. Challenging traditions. Questioning the corporate control of resources and people. All interesting and great, particularly in YA lit. Plus – dragons.

There’s a second one. I haven’t read it yet but I’m so excited.

Last movie I watched:

Inside Out. Still so many feelings

Last TV show I watched:

Game of Thrones. Ouch. Major ouch.