The Lost Village of Central Park (Mysteries in Time) [Library Binding]

Hope Lourie Killcoyne (Author), Mary Lee Majno (Illustrator)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-5-A gripping story with historical background seamlessly integrated throughout. The title refers to Seneca Village, the African-American and immigrant settlement that once existed in what is now New York City's Central Park. Unique in its place in American history, this racially mixed community was characterized by harmony from its beginnings in the 19th century. Sooncy Taylor is an African-American girl who lives with her parents on land they own in Seneca Village. Her family befriends recent Irish immigrants, the McBeans, who have a daughter, Kayla, about her age. Sooncy attends Colored School #3 while Kayla is a servant in a neighboring wealthy community and can only attend church school on Sundays. Returning home one evening after running errands together, the girls encounter two slave catchers who are pursuing escaped slaves that they believe are hidden in the village. Kayla comes to realize that the residents shelter fugitives and that she wants to help, while Sooncy becomes aware that she is vulnerable to slave catchers even though she has always been free. In the end, the villagers band together to run the slave catchers out of town and successfully pass the fugitives on to the next station. Killcoyne creates a dynamic world in which readers can experience the characters' growth as their interests expand beyond their immediate environment. Unfortunately, the illustrations detract from the overall attractiveness of the novel; they are awkwardly conceived and confusing.
Judith Everitt, Orchard Hill Elementary School, Skillman, NJ
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"A gripping story with historical background seamlessly integrated throughout. Killcoyne creates a dynamic world." -- School Library Journal

The following is an excerpt e-mailed to me by a 2nd/3rd grade teacher who had just read the book:

I read The Lost Village of Central Park and absolutely loved it. It can be used for children in the second grade, and I will use your book in February or March to kick off a study about human rights. This book is interesting at many age levels, and has a lot to offer. The story was exciting, and the characters were believable and interesting. As an adult, I learned a lot, too. (e.g. the quilts used as sign posts to direct the undergound movement; the existence of such an extraordinary place as Seneca Village, and in Central Park, no less.) There are not enough books of this kind around. Are you planning to write more? -- Jackie Svatovic, grade school teacher at NYC's P.S. 3

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Library Binding: 89 pages
• Publisher: Silver Moon Pr (October 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1893110028
• ISBN-13: 978-1893110021
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #667,170 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Global Village Uncovered, December 1, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Lost Village of Central Park (Mysteries in Time) (Library Binding)

This is a wonderful story and fascinating piece of history for children as well as adults. As with so much in history, the more that is uncovered, the more it tells of the way things are today and why. As with many of the colorful stories from the annuls of New York, The Lost Village of Central Park illustrates a very important chapter in the history of the city as well as the nation. Educational as well as entertaining. The fact that such a place existed more than 100 years ago proves that which makes us the same far outweighs that which makes us different. As former grade schoolteacher, I think this book should be on the shelves of every school and public library.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Lost Craft Re-Discovered in a Impressive First Work, December 9, 1999

By 

Sang S. Kim - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Lost Village of Central Park (Mysteries in Time) (Library Binding)

I had though the art of captivating storytelling in the realm of children's historical fiction was long gone. The last and one of the best was Ben and Me. Not to mention the fact that intelligent prose directed toward but not insulting children has disappeared with the likes of greats like E.B. White, Judy Blume & Madeline L'Engle... until now that is. Meticulous research has allowed Hope Killcoyne to create a captivating historical backdrop that most New Yorkers weren't even aware of including myself. Even as the story unfolded I couldn't help feel a sense of sorrow knowing the timely end to what was probably a fascinating culture within the tapestry of NY. Nevertheless, Killcoyne takes what might have just been an interesting footnote in NY lore and weaves a modern folk tale of ingenious promise and heart. Characters well developed for any novel not to mention one for young adults, add depth and almost tangible realism to a time and era long forgotten and sometimes better off forgotten. Hope Killcoyne places her characters in a small pocket of the American landscape dwarfed by slavery and the dawn of Civil War allowing us to glimpse what might have been and what should be in a world too often blurred with self-interest and prejudice. Although some readers might be wary of the melodrama of a culturally diverse Utopia Killcoyne has pictured, there is nothing contrived about the story and intent behind this book. A highly recommended book for any young or old reader... from any walk of life.

5.0 out of 5 stars A captivating, timeless piece, February 27, 2005

A Kid's Review

This review is from: The Lost Village of Central Park (Mysteries in Time) (Library Binding)

I thought that this book was an educational yet fun mystery! The map at the front really helped me place what was happening, and relate it to what exists there now. I also found the main character, Sooncy, to be the perfect perspective through which to tell the story! Overall, a fantastic book for anyone looking for a fun and informative read! Best wishes to Ms. Killcoyne on future writing endeavors!