Customer Reviews

Anne Hutchinson's Way

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Jeannine Atkins names Anne Hutchinson only once - in the first line of the book. After that, she is "Mother," as viewed through the eyes of Anne's youngest daughter Susannah. True to her designation, Anne is shown as a protector and comforter, sheltering Susannah from rough seas on the journey from England and shielding the other settlers from the rough voices and punitive notions of the community's leaders. Anne is Mother in its most beneficent sense, not only to her own eleven children and midwife to the children of others, but to the entire community, rallying and guiding spirits by offering her own voice, a voice unafraid, one of warmth, strength, and wisdom.

Jeannine Atkins' portrait - subtle and rich - matches the quiet strength of her subject. Her sentences are a marvel, gracefully combining emotion and information. The illustrations are quite something, as well - the entire work skillful and inviting on all counts.

Beautiful art and very well-written in a language appropriate for children. This is a very nice read-aloud book for even very young children, and an independent reader for readers over 3rd grade. This brings in elements of faith in a cultural perspective, and gently depicts the 'not so pleasant' parts of puritan life, from their views toward women and toward the Native Americans, both shown in a negative light with Anne Hutchinson overcoming and standing up for the rights of the persecuted. This puts a first-hand human face on a time in our history that is so much more than the 'first thanksgiving' story. This is based on the woman for whom the Hutchinson River was named for. This is a MUST read for parents and teachers, especially those with children learning about America pre-1776.