Book Review of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith

I haven't shared a book review in a while, so what better book to review than A Tree Grows in Brooklyn! This timeless classic is much more than a children's book. It's truly a book that will be enjoyed and loved by anyone at anytime!

Susan Barton, DIY Mom Blog

Young Francie Nolan is growing up in Williamsburg, Brooklyn at the beginning of the 20th century. Life isn’t easy for the Nolan family. Francie’s father Johnny likes his liquor and has a difficult time keeping a job. Francie’s mother Katie is a strong and determined woman, who manages to take care of Francie and her brother Neeley as best she can – working long hours scrubbing several neighborhood tenements, while stressing to the children how much their success in life depends upon an education. Through all the struggles, heartbreaks, laughter and pain, the Nolan family moves forward and readers are witness to it all.

I read this book long ago while in elementary school, and decided to re-read it as part of the #bucketlistbookclub Instagram group. As I read, I realized that I have a much greater appreciation for A Tree than I did at the time of my initial reading years ago.

I wondered what I could possibly say about this classic story, that hasn’t already been said. Then I realized that talking about how the book affected me this go around would be the best approach.

Although many people think of A Tree as a children’s book, it’s far from a book that is meant only for children. The book deals with some very adult topics, but does it in a delicate enough way to be appropriate for ages 12 and up (in my opinion, at least). There are so many wonderfully truthful elements within the book that one can’t help but be almost certain that the author is writing from true life.

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is full of quirky, glorious characters. The book is endearing, touching, emotional and uplifting. It’s a timeless story of love, family and coming of age. There were several chapters that truly pulled at my heartstrings. There were parts where I actually laughed aloud. In a word, this book is WONDERFUL and I can’t recommend it enough.

If you haven’t yet read A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, I urge you to do so. If you read it as a child, I’d encourage you to revisit the book as an adult. Absolute perfection!

5 of 5 Stars, Review by Susan Barton

Dark Fire by Angela Dorsey is an Excellent Book for Young Girls

Lisa’s life has been turned upside down. Her parents have lost their family home and, along with it, Lisa’s beloved horses. She misses Jupiter the most, but at least the kindly new homeowner, Mr. Pickering, allows Lisa to visit the horses whenever she likes – until his evil nephew, Jimmy, shows up. Lisa is forced to visit the stables under the cover of darkness, for fear of alerting Jimmy. It’s becoming clear to Lisa that Jimmy is willing to do anything to keep her away from Mr. Pickering and the horses. Fortunately, for Lisa, a mysterious and beautiful stranger named Angelica arrives to help.

What a wonderful story this is! I LOVE books that place girls in strong protagonist roles and Dark Fire certainly does this. Ms. Dorsey has written a story about a young, determined girl who is fearlessly devoted to her friends, family and horses. She’s willing to risk anything to right the wrongs she sees. This makes Dark Fire an excellent book for young girls in particular.

There’s plenty of mystery, action and suspense in this book to keep youngsters involved until the very end. The writing is compelling and intelligent.

The idea behind this story is lovely – that there are kind and gentle souls who are watching over horses and their owners is a charming basis for a book series. I’ve already downloaded another one of Angela Dorsey’s books and can’t wait to read it!

5 of 5 Stars, Review by Susan Barton

THIS BOOK IS CURRENTLY FREE ON AMAZON.COM

FREE Children's Books Just In Time for the Holidays

I recently read, reviewed and LOVED Gita V. Reddy's adorable children's books, The Ant Thief and Bala-Gala The Brave and Dangerous.  In fact, I gave them both 5-Star reviews. Ms. Reddy has compiled a list of her upcoming FREE book promotions and I wanted to pass it along here.

If you're looking for a cute children's story with a positive message you'll want to mark these book promotions down on your calendar and grab them while you can. You can find Gita V. Reddy's book list HERE.

Happy Reading! 

Book Review of The Blue Wooden Horse by Orly Assa

I absolutely love children’s books that tell a story that can be used as jumping off points for discussions with children. The Blue Wooden Horse accomplishes this and goes a few steps further. One, it’s poetry and two, it contains several stories in one colorful, engaging book.

This book is filled with imaginative and charming free-form poetry that is sure to delight readers of any age. The poems can all be read in one sitting or one at a time, to be used as topics of conversation with even the smallest children. As examples, the “carousel” and “swing” poems are excellent opportunities to talk with children about feeling safe and comforted whenever they’re out of their comfort zone. The “big, orangey fish” poem would be a good way to broach the sensitive subject of the death of a pet.

The illustrations are superbly colorful and eye-catching, and each one complements each story nicely. As a mother, a grandmother and former early childhood educator, I am very impressed with The Blue Wooden Horse. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for unique books to share with the children in their life.

~ 5 of 5 Stars, Review by Susan Barton