Susan Hughes (1) (1960–)

I teach Spanish to elementary students, and there is nothing kids like more than to see how kids in other countries live. They rejoice in seeing Dominican students in their uniforms, Honduran boys and girls playing fútbol, kids in Spain breakfasting on churros con chocolate and Argentine children enjoying turron candy at Christmas — which, to my students’ amazement, comes in summer in South America!

The revised Off to Class candidly discusses barriers to education but also how schools show more worldwide adapt to climate change, earthquakes and, of course, poverty. The book features a fully green school in Canada blessed by David Suzuki, discrimination-free schools in Nepal, accessible schools in Scotland, Cambodian expatriates funding free schools, and lots of examples of education for girls everywhere and for kids in rural areas, refugee camps or poverty. This gem emphasizes how far educators will go to provide schooling for all, a real inspiration.

In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and Owlkids Books in exchange for an honest review. show less

This is a beautiful, beautiful book! And in so many ways! It's inspiring, it's touching, it's relevant, and it's much needed!

Seeing the title reminded me of "A Long Walk to Water" by Linda Sue Park, and I was worried that this might be an equally emotionally-intensive story. But this turned out to be a wonderful surprise. I loved how little Victor thought of the perfect solution to help his twin sister Linesi to go to school instead of being stuck with the task for fetching water daily for show more the family. The illustrations are also fabulous. Recommended to one and all. We need more such books, and we need more such sensitive men in our society.
A wholehearted 5 stars from me.

I received an advance review copy of the book for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

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This story I am excited about - although I'm not personally a fan of historical fiction. It's exactly the kind of middle grade story I'm looking for - an attractive cover (yes, horses are still popular), a good story that doesn't depend on flashy action, gross-out gore, or whiny brat kids to move the plot, and above all it's a tidy 160 pages, not a 400 page tome that will discourage young readers from even trying.

Set in the early 1800s, it's the story of a girl named Ellie who lives on the show more coast of Nova Scotia. She's gradually recovering from the death of her beloved mother but then her father gets a job. It requires them to move from the home she's always known, from her close friend Lizzie, from school, and from her mother's grave. They will go to a lonely island, little more than a spit of sand, far away in the ocean where her father will join the men who patrol the shores for shipwrecks and try to save sailors. At first, Ellie is overwhelmed by loneliness and loss, but gradually she comes to see the beauty of the island as she forms a friendship with a wild stallion and a wild island girl. With her father and new friend's help, can she save the stallion from the roundup - and make Sable Island her home?

Two minor quibbles - there's a typo on page 9, not what I expect from Kids Can Press! For younger readers, I think the flashback section on pg 62 should have been set aside or italicized in some way to make it easier to follow the story. However, these are minor details. The story isn't as fast-paced as most fare for "reluctant readers" but that's not the target audience of this book, at least in my mind.

I would hand this beautiful, heartfelt story to kids who really want to read more serious fiction or historical fiction, but can't handle the massive tomes publishers are dumping on their age group. The language is spare but perfectly conveys Ellie's emotions and the wonder and beauty of the island. It's hard to pick a particular spot, but page 68 has some lovely examples: "She stretched out her arms. Turned them this way and that, making dipping shadows, too. And then, without deciding to, she began walking. She walked so she wouldn't have to stay in any one place. So she would not have to be here." The author's note includes some background information on her own interest in horses and the historical context of the story. Alicia Quist's delicate black and white illustrations are the perfect accompaniment to Hughes' starkly emotional text.

Verdict: This isn't going to be a bestseller, but will find a solid group of readership. Hand this one to kids who like historical fiction and beautiful language and a story that's a little different than the usual plots. Recommended.

ISBN: 9781554535927; Published March 2012 by Kids Can Press; Review copy provided by publisher through Raab Associates; Purchased for the library show less

Such a sweet book! Love the rhymes, love the personality-infused trucks, and particularly like that the trucks don't want to have a bath! I can imagine lots of young kids totally identifying with these trucks. Bright engaging illustrations with attention to inclusion. I also loved the small details like a particular cat that keeps on popping up. Parents will appreciate the humor and the upbeat tone. This will be super popular with junior truck lovers and all kids who balk at baths. It will show more also be popular with caregivers trying to convince their young one into having a bath. A winner all around. show less