Voices at Whisper Bend (American Girl History Mysteries) [Paperback]

Katherine Ayres (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 10 and up | Series: American Girl History Mysteries

In their Pennsylvania town in 1942 twelve-year-old Charlotte and her classmates collect scrap metal for the war effort only to have it disappear from the school basement.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 3-6-Through clarity and a strong sense of place, Ayres has created a well-structured, entertaining story that focuses on a turbulent time in American history. Living in Pennsylvania in 1942, Charlotte wants to do her part for the war effort after her brother Jim enlists in the Navy and her mother goes to work in the local war plant. Her father, the operator of a tugboat, guides boats towing war supplies up the Monongahela River. Charlotte comes up with the idea of enlisting her classmates to help her collect scrap metal. Her enthusiasm and joy regarding the success of her project are short-lived when the metal is stolen from the school's basement. Her determination to find the thief leads her out on the rain-swollen river at night, where she confronts not only the culprit, but also a fear that has haunted her. Social issues are handled with sensitivity and thoughtfulness, particularly the episodes involving Charlotte's friend who endures endless taunts because she is of German descent. Another poignant scene clearly reflects the emotions felt by everyone who had family members stationed in Europe and the Pacific. Characters develop as the story moves at an even pace. Charlotte feels an inner strength and sense of accomplishment when she solves the mystery. An appended historical note offers more information about World War II.-Janet Gillen, Great Neck Public Library, NY

Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Paperback: 163 pages
• Publisher: American Girl (September 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1562477617
• ISBN-13: 978-1562477615
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,312,076 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good book for younger readers, March 1, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Voices at Whisper Bend (American Girl History Mysteries) (Paperback)

This book is very good, a lot of quality like any American Girl book. Please remember that this is not a book about one of the AG Doll characters, but a new girl. The story is easy to follow and has a very surprising ending. How Charlotte overcomes her worst fear to help her brother is a really good point. I also liked how she seemed very close to her brother fighting in WWII for the Navy and was really concerned for him. A good read for girls (or boys, too) ages 10-12. Good capturing of the time period, and the "Peek into the Past" is cool.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Voice In Favor, February 27, 2001

By 

AntiochAndy "antiochandy" (Antioch, CA USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Voices at Whisper Bend (American Girl History Mysteries) (Paperback)

This history mystery takes place in 1942. America has joined the fighting in World War II and the normal patterns of everyday life have been disrupted. Charlotte's brother is in the Navy, her mother is working in a local factory, and her father and his tugboat are very busy hauling freight on the Monongahela River. Charlotte has started a drive at her school to collect scrap metal. Before they can send their scrap to the local mill, however, it disappears.

This is another very good story for kids. The mystery isn't quite as compelling as some of the others in this series, but that is made up for by its depiction of the difficulties of wartime life. How much families missed sons who had gone off to fight, the anxiety felt even by the children when the "brown car" that carries notification that somebody has been killed is seen in the neighborhood, and the unfair suspicions aimed at people from different ethnic backgrounds. Young girls will also be able to identify with Charlotte, the main character, as she struggles to overcome a deep personal fear and help her younger brother at a critical moment in the story.

Girls in the 9 to 12 age group will enjoy this book and benefit from its lessons, both historical and personal, at the same time. My daughter did. Definitely recommended.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good Book, February 15, 2002

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Voices at Whisper Bend (American Girl History Mysteries) (Paperback)

Charlotte's older brother Jim is in the services for world war two. Charlett wants to help but she doesnt know how. when she finds a old bottle cap on the street she gets her hole school to help with the metal drive. When they finally get two old classrooms full of metal it all disappears Charlotte is shure it was stolen her new friend Pete wants to get more metal to show the thief they won't stand for it. When Robbie [Charlotte's brother]breaks his hand and can't work in the mill while Charlotte helping he sees a big pile of metal across the river he gets Charlotte to help get it. But this is thair metal how did it get here? Charlotte, Robbie, and Pete stay in a boat over night for two nights before they found the thief. Who is it and why did they do it. Find out when you read Voices On Wisper Bend.