Customer Reviews

Danny and Life on Bluff Point - Book 5: My Horse Sally

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Danny is having fun being an energetic 10-year old even though built on the small side. He loves life and the adventures it brings. Pa knows Danny has learned to respect the lake when iceboating after his scary nighttime adventure in "Lost in the Dark" so he allows Danny to take his younger sister Mary on the iceboat over to Great Grandma's house on Saturday. As Great Grandma Baker relates her adventures as a young homemaker on her trip on the Erie Canal in the mid 1850's, we learn how whole families, their household goods and even livestock were transported on canal boats.

A train trip for Danny's whole family has a blend of the excitement of a new adventure plus fear as an unexpected situation with a bad man affects all of them. The reader is caught up in the tension as events unfold. Read about Danny, his family and his adventures in this warm, insightful series by Mary Ellen Lee.

I bought this series for my son as we live near Bluff Point. I pre-read them for content. "Life on Bluff Point" books are great reading on many levels. There is a bit of history, as well as daily life and lessons to be learned with in these pages. You do not have to be a local person to enjoy Dannys journals. My son liked the family dynamics of this era, with its joys and conflicts and I liked the many subtle lessons on good behavior. Reading about the daily chores and responsibilities of the children was an eye opener for my ten year old, as was the fact that all these years later, boys will still be boys.

Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for Reader Views (7/06)

Mary Ellen Lee proudly shares the past with us in the latest installment of "Danny and Life on Bluff Point, My Horse Sally". These novels are loosely based on her grandfather's journals. Danny and his siblings represent her father and his siblings. The reader should prepare to learn and be entertained as Ms Lee transports her readers back to life on the farm in the late 1800's. Danny is taking steps into manhood in "My Horse Sally". Sally is Danny's horse. He hasn't own her long and is beginning to wonder if she will ever respond to him. He begins to look at her differently after discussing her with Uncle Jerome.

Danny's latest adventure included: His first business transaction. His first long ride on Sally is to see Mr. Ehule at Keuka College. The trip is about 12 miles. He successfully bargains with Mr. Ehule to purchase supplies from Ma. Danny wants his Pa to be proud of him and he tries very hard to please him. Work in the vineyards is muddy, cold and weary labor. For the first time Pa asks Danny to drive Kit and rake the brush. This is another opportunity to prove that Danny is growing up. Launching a steamboat is a great adventure and has Danny leaping with excitement. Plus someone may be purchasing Grandpa Scott's property.

This book is about a simpler time. A time when families ate meals together, worked together and loved together. We've forgotten what that is like in this world of hurry here and hurry there. Rarely do families take time to enjoy the simple pleasure of living. These books give me a sense of warmth. Boys will enjoy these novels. It seems that most literature geared toward boys is sports related. This book will give them a sense of history and entertainment at the same time. But I wouldn't limit these to children. After telling my farmer husband about them. He was intrigued enough to also want to share in history that is revealed through Ms. Lee's writing.

Well done Ms. Lee.

Book received free of charge.

This fifth book in the series continues to follow young Danny Lee, as he grows up on his farm in upstate New York. The stories are based on her grandfather's journals and take place at the turn of the nineteenth century. These pages offer young readers an accurate and exciting account of life during that time period, while also gently highlighting traditional morels and values.

In this novel, Danny learns some important things about riding and caring for his new horse. He also meets and interesting friend named Little Bird. This relationship provides some fascinating information about the Seneca Indian tribe, and allows for better understanding of this noble group of people. Throughout these pages, Danny lives his ordinary life that seems extraordinary to the modern reader.

Delightful drawings are placed appropriately, giving the narration a special charm. These childish renditions of horses, family members and friends make the account more real and personal. Danny is seen as an average boy, occasionally having a dispute with one of his sisters or possibly making a decision that turns out wrong. Yet, these experiences give him more credence with young readers, as both his failures and his successes are shown with honesty and grace.

Filled with historical accuracy and heart-warming incidents, the entire series is highly recommended. Readers will feel a bond with Danny as they watch him grow up and accept more responsibilities in each book. However, he becomes more than an example to follow; Danny Lee becomes a friend to enjoy. Revewed by Joyce Handzo, In The Library Reviews

Danny, a young farm boy, lives with his sister, and mom and dad at Bluff Point on Keuka Lake in upstate New York. As Danny grows up, he becomes a great help to his family, taking on more and more responsibility. He helps with the chores, works in the vineyard and even has his own mare to ride. His life is exciting and fun but what he wants most of all, is for his new horse, Sally, to love him as he loves her.

Danny also has a great interest in the history of the area and is determined to locate Captain Williamson's historic campsite. A near disaster befalls him but he is saved by a young Seneca Indian boy that Danny has never met before. Danny has the pleasure of meeting Little Bird's family and learns about the war between the Americans and the English. He is sad to hear how a strong Iroquois Confederacy was torn apart by the war, and how so many families, Little Bird's ancestors included, lost everything.

Mary Ellen Lee has a wealth of knowledge in American history and uses her writing talents to educate and entertain young readers, for her novel is definitely and education in the way of life for American families in 1895. Her love of the setting in her story, the Keuka Lake region, shows clearly in her detailed description of the land, and its people. DANNY AND LIFE ON BLUFF POINT is highly recommended reading for children 8 - 12 years of age, would be a valuable resource for children studying American history in school. Reviewed by Elaine Fuhr, Allbooks Reviews

I have been intrigued by this series from the beginning. This book discusses what it is like to grow up in the 1890's as told through the mouth of Danny, who is 11-13 years old. It is refreshing to see how morals and values are taught to children and how they are expected to use these skills. This is a wonderful story on how Danny learns life's lessons by simple interactions with nature, animals and other people. People who read this book will be able to see that there is more to being a child than iPods and Nintendo. Highly recommended!!!

Rebeccasreads recommends DANNY & LIFE ON BLUFF POINT: MY HORSE SALLY -- Book 5 of this series for ages 9-12.

It is a gladsome, simple introduction to another way of looking at history. The series is taken from the author's grandfather's journals & is packed with adventures & details about the everyday lives of the settlers of Yates County, New York State in the 1890s, complete with charming primitive drawings, & lessons about citizenship & American Indian life.