but the high schoolers are following along pretty well. The old English vocabulary challenges all of ...
929349
Using this as family book to read after summer dinners.  It's a bit challenging for my middle schooler and younger son, but the high schoolers are following along pretty well.  The old English vocabulary challenges all of us and it has been a great introduction to what an allegory is.
1504963
From the cover and the blurbs you might conclude that this a fun tale about nine fifth graders, their wacky school adventures, their school bus antics and the goofy event that launched one of them to fame. You would be wrong.

There are nine fifth graders. Each comes with a detailed back story. The nine represent nine separate but readily recognizable types - the brain, the jock, the rebel, the actress, the writer, the outcast, the strange girl, the mousy girl, and the regular guy. After a few chapters, once I'd recognized what was going on, I was tempted to bail out. But there was enough mystery and enough depth that I was, to my surprise, hooked.

Each character's story has an element of darkness to it. Each kid has challenges at home, and personal issues, that move beyond the cliches. Not way beyond the cliches, but still far enough that the book does not just read like an anthology of middle grade drama and angst. This is not one of those Manhattan private school mean girls bits of froth built on dropping designer label references. It is also not a raw slice-of-life grimfest exploring drugs, or abuse or the gritty side of life. It's somewhere in between; it is about a bunch of kids with drama in their lives, who could be the kids who live next door to you. That's why I described it as unusual; there are other middle grade books around like it, but not that many. (Maybe some Gantos or Spinelli, or Patterson's Gilly Hopkins, or Giff's Hollis Woods?)

It's compelling mostly because at least three mysteries are developed during the course of the story. POSSIBLE MAJOR SPOILER: The matter of who becomes famous is the least interesting of the mysteries. END SPOILER. It's also compelling because you know as you are reading that at least some of the kids' stories will resolve or suffer a twist or two, so in a way each of the nine kids also presents as a mystery, or at least a puzzle.

The writing is interesting. Sometimes the dialogue seems authentic and sometimes it doesn't. Sometimes the kids are too wise for their years or too insightful. Lots of developments, character reactions, coincidences, and the like are implausible but I forgive all of that because, hey, we're trying to have an entertaining book here, not a documentary.

I honestly don't have a clue whether kid readers would take to this book. It has drama, humor, relatable characters, and mystery. It's not "high literary" but it's not schlock. It's a well written social drama populated by kids. It certainly seems like the kind of book a young reader should try.

So there you have it. Unusual and strangely compelling. (Please note that I received a free advance ecopy of this book in exchange for a candid review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
3217214
it's in british english, and abounds with brit colloquialisms, even a few of the 'rhyming slang' terms. a good story if you can get through that, which is not easy
1100276
This book was a little beyond what my middle schoolers could grasp, but I think it would definitely work in a high school drama class.
2566616
The story is engrossing with its multiple layers of teen problems, the Vietnam War, Shakespeare, and humor. I recommend it to middle schoolers.
3566989
The old English phrasing slows down the reading but, adds humor. The lessons taught on virtues are very valuable and can be applied to life today.
4575634
I read this when I was in high school, it was so modern and up to date. Now it seems kind of dated, but still manages to convey a sense of wonder.
4974883
This is a fairly harsh view of High School history classes and books. Not that that's undeserved. But it may be hard to take at a sitting.
4866123
My students were tasked with reading the Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court before the eclipse.  The original story was very challenging, so I had the students also read the graphic novel as well to improve their understanding.
2370690
Timeless classic -- my sons have to read it for their 8th grade honors English class.  They had trouble with the beginning because it starts off a little slow but ended up liking the book and the twists along the way.
4439300
Excellent story for ages (approximately) 4th grade and up. This is high school for the "other" kids--those who aren't in the popular crowd--those who have more of the right type of maturity. There is nothing objectionable in here--no sex, violence, profanity, vampires or dystopian vibes. These are believable kids who have grit, determination and creativity on their side. A great addition to the long list of high school stories.
4164995
I was surprised when I started reading this book (college medieval history class)  It's not dry and boring like they used to be when I was going to HS. (like 15 years ago)  It gives a little chapter related story in the front of each chapter and they're interesting to read on their own.  It also has some grammatical errors interspersed here and there throughout the book, which I find incredibly amusing and that just makes the read that much better IMO.
3940198
I used this with second semester seniors at the high school where I teach.  Even after the Advanced Placement exam was behind us, the students still stayed focused.  Both the story and the way that it is told through letters really reaches out to readers.  Admittedly the girls in my class seemed more engaged than the boys, but even some of the guys enjoyed reading the letters aloud during class. I cannot think of a better way to learn some history.
220017
This YA oriented book was a find for a middle aged reader.  There is some difficulty with the beginning.  So much information is thrown out that I ended up putting the book down until I could give it more attention...and I can usually juggle several books at one time.  That may make this one tougher for your YA to hook onto.

That said, once the characters were all introduced and a basic plot established, the story began to take flight and capture the imagination in a very strong grip.  Mira is a strong leader who improves those around her using what she learned during all those years at home.  The fact that this class ultimately pulls together into a team, not based on deals and prearranged promises but on the reliance of the strengths of the individuals working toward a singular goal, is the ultimate flight.

I look forward to reading the other books in this series.
3306808
Takes me back to high school days, and that can't be a totally bad thing.
4213038
Is that for children? The vocabulary is too difficult for any modern child. it is mostly olden day English! Which kind of children are interested in old English?
2150009
I recommend this book for middle school and early high school students.  The New World is a cut above other dictionaries.