Search Results for: blog taking liberty ann rinaldi

Nine Days a Queen – Ann Rinaldi

What is it about the English Royals that has us so fascinated? Is it the intrigue, the murders and alleged murders, the fights for the throne? I can think of few other eras of history more rife with conflict than England during the time of King Henry the Eight and the surrounding eras. Ann Rinaldi’s young adult historical novel, “Nine Days a Queen,” is the story of Lady Jane Gray, who was literally the Queen of England for a mere nine days. I’ve heard her name, but I didn’t know much about her until reading this book. Jane was raised … Continue reading →

An Acquaintance with Darkness – Ann Rinaldi

“An Acquaintance with Darkness” is the story of Emily Pigbush, a fourteen-year-old girl who lives in Washington D.C. with her mother at the close of the Civil War. Her father was killed and her mother was left with nothing. With the wasting disease upon her, Mrs. Pigbush knows she will soon die, leaving her daughter alone in the world. Emily’s good friend Johnny Surratt comes to say goodbye, telling her that he’s headed for Canada. Deep in her heart she knows she will never see him again, that he’s mixed up with something sinister. When she meets an actor by … Continue reading →

Amelia’s War – Ann Rinaldi

Another fabulous young adult historical fiction novel by Ann Rinaldi, “Amelia’s War” takes place during the Civil War. Amelia is trying to stay uninvolved in the war – the one time she did say something, the father of a good friend was arrested, which certainly wasn’t her intention. She doesn’t ever want another slip of her tongue to get someone in trouble, so she’s decided to pretend that nothing is going on. Her friend, Josh, says she has to decide what she believes sometime. He’s living in his father’s abandoned print shop and has been secretly fixing the press that … Continue reading →

Author Review — Ann Rinaldi

I’ve made it no secret how I feel about Ann Rinaldi. She is the author who first introduced me to the joy and wonder of historical fiction and started me down a path that would bring me some of my greatest joy. It won’t come as a great shock that she is one of the first authors I’ve chosen to review. Ann Feis Rinaldi was born in New York City in 1934. Unfortunately, her mother died shortly after giving birth, so Ann went to live with her aunt and uncle in Brooklyn. She remembers this time as the happiest of … Continue reading →

Taking Liberty — Ann Rinaldi

We know today that slavery is wrong. At the time of George Washington, however, it was a way of life, and in the south, it wasn’t much thought of. Slaves were common and there was no one to stand up for their rights or to make the plantation owners accountable for what they were doing. So when I say that George Washington owned slaves, I don’t say that to indicate that he was a bad person – he was simply doing what was done and common in that time. “Taking Liberty” by Ann Rinaldi is the story of Oney Judge, … Continue reading →

Scripture Study – 1 Nephi 13:1-19

Nephi’s vision continues. 1. And it came to pass that the angel spake unto me, saying: Look! And I looked and beheld many nations and kingdoms. 2. And the angel said unto me: What beholdest thou? And I said: I behold many nations and kingdoms. 3. And he said unto me: These are the nations and kingdoms of the Gentiles. 4. And it came to pass that I saw among the nations of the Gentiles the formation of a great church. 5. And the angel said unto me: Behold the formation of a church which is most abominable above all … Continue reading →

Sounder (2003)

This Disney release is based on William H. Armstrong’s novel by the same name and takes place in the south during the Depression. Our main character is Boy, the oldest son of a family descended from slaves. Even though the Civil War has been over for a while, the racism and bigotry are as strong as ever, and it’s hard for this family to get a decent meal, let alone a large-enough house or a good job. Scrambling for every single thing they get, they make ends meet, somehow. One day, Boy’s father comes home with a hunting dog found … Continue reading →

Johnny Tremain – Esther Forbes

If “Johnny Tremain” is not already included on every recommended reading list to be found in every public, private and homeschool in the nation, it ought to be. That’s how good this book is. Johnny Tremain is an apprentice in a silversmith’s shop. In his early teens, he’s already mastered much of the craft and is told by his teacher that he has a great skill for the trade. But an order comes in that is too large to fill by the appointed time, and the master will not work on Sunday. Determined to help his master meet his obligation, … Continue reading →