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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Little Bitty Chick-Lit - a review of "The Starving Time", January 23, 2008
This is my daughter's and my first foray into this series and, in fact, into this type of literature. We approached the book as a read-together, and though we tried a couple of times my second grader just wasn't drawn in and engaged by the story. I, however, thought the book was interesting and I went on and finished it alone.
The principle drawback for my daughter (almost 8) was the diary format and the first person perspective. So probably Amazon has the age range right when they suggest that the book would be more appropriate for an older girl, or a more mature girl.
From my own perspective I thought the author did a very good job of emphasizing the problems faced by the little community: disease, hostile natives, starvation, and discord. And I liked that here-and-there throughout the story Elizabeth asked self-reflective questions such as 'should I help my best friend' when that friend was going to do something her parents might not approve. I think such questions can lead to discussions, either with caregivers or friends.
In summary I would give this book a B- with the caveat that it is definitely 'chick lit'. I say this because the mainstay of the story is an internal monologue about how the main character feels about people and events. The diary format and the viewpoint was 'too sophisticated' for my daughter who is almost 8, but ought to interest older girls. In addition, it should probably be pointed out that the overall theme is not an especially cheerful one, and there are many sad moments.
The Accelerated Reading designation is 3.2 -- which means that book is suitable for children reading on the entering third grade level.
Note on Reading Level: The AR description is a general "guide" that rates books on a relative scale of difficulty. Children can certainly read at levels above or below their group range, so that this number should only be used as a aid to help choose books that are appropriate and not frustrating.
Pam T~
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Book Two an excellent sequel, April 16, 2001
This review is from: The Starving Time: Elizabeth's Diary, Book Two, Jamestown, Virginia, 1609 (My America) (Hardcover)
The Starving Time opens up exactly where Elizabeth left off writing in Book One. She is terribly saddened over the departure of her best friend Jessie who is going back to England with her father after the loss of his wife, and Captain John Smith who had also been a good friend. She finds friendship in a girl named Mary, who is in love with a boy named John, who she loathes more than anyone in the whole colony. But that is just the little things. Elizabeth and the rest of the colonists have to endure so many things; the title tells exactly what the book is about. She even sees her mother eatting worms because she is so starved. But most of all what gets Elizabeth through this terrible ordeal is knowing that come spring, her twin brother Caleb will be on the new ships coming to Jamestown with so many good things in tow. I recommend this book to anyone providing you have the read the first though. You will not be disappointed.
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
~*~Great Story, Perfect For School Reading!~*~, June 17, 2002
A Kid's Review
This review is from: The Starving Time: Elizabeth's Diary, Book Two, Jamestown, Virginia, 1609 (My America) (Hardcover)
Taking place in 1609, Elizabeth Barker, a 9 year old immagrint from England writes about her suffering life in Jamestown, Virginia. After Captain Smith and her old friend, Jessie Bolton return to England, she lives in missery until she meets Mary, a fourteen year-old girl. Everyone is starving terribly. A few have even died. Men are sent out of their town to find food, some do not return... Elizabeth has even caught her mother eating worms! Life is harsh... Soon Elizabeth's mother dies and almost everyone grows ill, even Elizabeth her self! Many families leave the town and travel into the wild, hoping for more luck. Now, only a few families remain. Soon, Her brother Caleb will come on the supply ship in Spring. Many pray they will survive until then... I recommend this book to any one who enjoys history and adventure!...
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