“Whittington,” by Alan Armstrong

“Whittington,” by Alan Armstrong is a fascinating Newbery Honor book that is part historical fiction, and part animal story.

Whittington is a tough cat, with a hitch in his back, a torn ear, and a slight attitude. But Whittington also has a noble family history that goes all the way back to the 1300’s. When Whittington is abandoned by his family he goes in search of a new home, finally ending up at Bernie’s barn.

Bernie is an old man with a small farm and paddock. He also has a reputation for taking in all the strays and unwanted animals that other people want to get rid off. From old horses, to pigs, roosters, and finally Whittington the cat, Bernie takes care of new animals, and houses them in his barn.

Little does Bernie realize, but the animals that live in his barn have a special relationship of their own. When adults are around the animals stay silent, but when they are alone, or with Bernie’s grandchildren Abby and Ben, they tell stories and talk between themselves.

Ten year old Abby, and eight year old Ben love to spend time in Bernie’s barn with the animals. When Whittington joins the collection of animals who have found refuge with Bernie, he must tell his own story to the other animals. It is customary in Bernie’s barn that new animals must tell their life story and history to the others.

And so Whittington begins telling the tale of a young boy named Dick, and an extraordinary cat that lived hundreds of years ago. This cat was an ancestor of Whittington, and in its life it brought his master Dick great fame and fortune.

The animals enjoy Whittington’s historical story, and at the same time the story inspires young Ben, who is struggling with his dyslexia in an attempt to learn to read. The perseverance shown by Dick, and the help of Abby, the cat Whittington, and the other animals finally helps Ben to overcome his fear of reading.

I feel that “Whittington” is a great story in all respects. Alan Armstrong masterfully develops the story in two parallel directions, showing Whittington’s fascinating historical ancestor, and at the same time portraying Ben’s struggle to learn to read.

I liked the calm, peaceful feeling of “Whittington.” The animal characters are intelligent and masterful. Their personalities and relationships teach Abby and Ben, and at the same time make the plot interesting.

“Whittington,” by Alan Armstrong is a book that I would definitely recommend to all young readers.

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“Penny from Heaven,” by Jennifer L. Holm

“Penny from Heaven,” by Jennifer L. Holm is a Newbery Honor Award book set in the 1950’s.

Eleven-year-old Penny’s life is full of contrasts. In a way she has two families. She lives with her mother and grandparents, but she also spends a lot of time with her father’s family. Penny’s father died years ago, and all she knows was that he died from some sickness.

At home with her mother Penny has to deal with her grandmother’s horrible cooking, her grandfather’s bad manners and old war stories, and the disgusting family dog, who is losing bladder control and makes messes constantly. Penny’s mother won’t even let her go swimming because she is afraid that Penny will catch polio at the pool.

When Penny goes to visit her other grandparents, though, everything is different. Her father’s side of the family is Italian, and they always welcome her with open arms, and plenty of deliciously rich Italian food. Her uncles all have interesting personalities, and give her gifts.

The two sides of Penny’s family don’t speak to each other much, even though Penny goes to visit her father’s family almost every day. Penny wishes that she could bring them together again, but she doesn’t know how to do it. And in the meantime, Penny’s mother is dating the milkman!

I felt that “Penny from Heaven” was a touching book. Jennifer Holm shows Penny going back and forth between her mother’s family and her father’s family. In some chapters everything seems to go wonderfully, and Penny is very happy. But in the next chapter disaster strikes. The back and forth swinging becomes more and more acute until the story’s ultimate climax.

The characters in “Penny from Heaven” are sensitive, with very real emotions. It is interesting to see the world of the 1950’s through their eyes. Small details such as the fear over polio and listening to The Shadow on the radio add to the flavor of the story.

I enjoyed reading “Penny from Heaven” and I’m sure that other young readers will as well.

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“Hattie Big Sky,” by Kirby Larson

“Hattie Big Sky,” by Kirby Larson is a Newberry Honor Award winning historical fiction novel about a sixteen-year-old girl who moves to Montana by herself to live on a land claim and prove it.

Hattie Brooks was orphaned at a young age, and as a result she has spent most of her life being shuttled from relative to relative. Her relatives view her as an annoyance, especially her aunt, who wants her to work as a maid.

When one of Hattie’s Uncles dies he leaves her his land claim, 320 acres of land in Montana.

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Review of "Hattie Big Sky" by Kirby Larson