Book Review: The First Ladies by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray

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The First Ladies by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray is a historical fiction novel that spans many years and tells of the friendship between former first lady Eleanor Roosevelt and civil rights activist Mary McLeod Bethune. I don't know if I would have picked up this book if it hadn't been the August selection for one of the book clubs I belong to in my area because I don't read a lot of historical fiction. However, I am so glad that I read it and was able to learn many things I hadn't learned about in any of my history classes.  I don't recall learning anything about Mary McLeod Bethune, and she is an important part of American history. The things she helped spearhead to provide African American people equal rights is quite impressive. One of the things I was horrified to learn about is Franklin D. Roosevelt's resistance to stop lynchings because he was afraid of losing the Southern Democrats backing for his New Deal Bill. Another thing that I fo...
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Book Review: The International House of Dereliction by Jacqueline Davies

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book review the international house of dereliction jacqueline davies

The International House of Dereliction by Jacqueline Davies opens with Alice Cannoli-Potchnik finding out that she's moving for the eleventh time due to her mother's job at the local university.  Upon arriving at her new house, she notices the condemned house next door and decides to restore it to it's previous splendor.  Little does she know that it's haunted.

I'd like to thank NetGalley and HarperCollins Children's Books for the Advanced Readers Copy (ARC) of The International House of Dereliction by Jacqueline Davies.  Upon seeing the cover and reading the synopsis of this kid's book, my interest was piqued.  When I was approved to receive a copy for free in exchange for my honest review, I was delighted.

At first, I found this book to be a bit slow, and it reminded me ever so slightly of Leeva At Last by Sara Pennypacker because both of the main characters were kept home from school by their parents and were approximately the same age.  Both of the main characters also got their education by learning on their own.  However, that is where the similarities end.  As I progressed through the storyline, it really picked up and became more interesting.  I could even see this book being turned into a movie for kids.  The characters were . . . well . . . quite quirky and endearing.

This ghost story was quite charming and not too scary.  It's perfect for children between the ages of eight and twelve.  I loved the lessons throughout the story, especially the one about remembering where you come from.  Five out of five stars is what I give The International House of Dereliction by Jacqueline Davies.

 

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