Connecticut Books, People, & Essays I probably shouldn’t have ever begun reading and writing about Connecticut books. It’s just one of those lists that I can’t possibly “finish” in any meaningful way. But that’s fine, I don’t mind. If you’re into books, I also review non-Connecticut hiking books and the Modern … [Read more...]
America the Beautiful: Connecticut
The Beauitifulest America the Beautiful: Connecticut By Zachary Kent, 2008 Scholastic Books has a whole series called “America the Beautiful” for each of the 50 states. At least that’s what I assume. They all follow the same boilerplate model: Some history, some geology, some basic encyclopedic facts, and some … [Read more...]
Book Review: The Legend of Hobbomock
The Legend of Hobbomock: The Sleeping Giant by Jason J. Marchi (2011) Library As a Giant Master – no, really, I AM A GIANT MASTER – I felt compelled to learn about the legend of Hobbomock. In all my hikes across the Giant’s body, I never really knew how he came to rest in Hamden. Now I know, thanks to The … [Read more...]
Book Review: Good Night Connecticut
Good Night Connecticut by Christina Vrba (2009) Gifted at Some Point Good Night Connecticut is a board book from a series of a billion “Good Night” board books about states, regions, cities, etc. These books aren’t literature and simply highlight Connecticut’s tourist attractions in language little kids can … [Read more...]
Book Review: Boxcar Children Books
Rock 'n Roll Mystery and Surprise Island The Boxcar Children Series , originally by Gertrude Chandler Warner West Hartford Library Apparently I missed the Boxcar boat as a child, as I'd never heard of them until I found out about the little museum in Putnam dedicated to their author. I'd never read a word of the … [Read more...]
Book Review: The Witch of Blackbird Pond
Burn the Witch The Witch of Blackbird Pond Elizabeth George Speare (1958) Sure this is a book for early teens, but the Washington Post screams, "Irresistible!" I was somehow able to resist it for 36 and a half years of my life, but that's not the point. It is a pretty good book and tackles some heady 17th … [Read more...]
Book Review: N is for Nutmeg
N is for Nutmeg, A Connecticut Alphabet ("Discover Americam, State by State series) by Elissa D. Grodin (2003) West Hartford Library I feel kind of badly for slagging the last children's book I reviewed. But hey, facts are as important for kids as they are for adults. At least they should be. N is … [Read more...]
Book Review: Connecticut
Connecticut (From Sea to Shining Sea series) by Nancy Furstinger (2004) West Hartford Library This book made me sad. When I reviewed my first kids' book about Connecticut, I remarked how I was impressed by the lack of errors therein. I cannot say the same for this 70+ page book. It's full of 'em. The book's … [Read more...]
Book Review: It’s My State! Connecticut
Connecticut (It's My State! series) by Michael Burgan, 2003 West Hartford Library I was pretty impressed with this little book. The author actually lives here (Windsor) and does a good job of capturing the breadth and depth of Connecticut's history, geography, people, and a whole bunch of other stuff. I'd … [Read more...]