I
am not one for poetry, as a rule, much less short stories set
to verse with rather didactic tones. However, I decided to look over these
things in light that Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! is meant to be more educational and interactive than some of its fellow Newbery
winners.
The
book is thin, with colorful illustrations, and contains a set of short story poems,
each from a different character’s point of view. Each character is a child with
a position in the divided caste system of Medieval Europe, such as a
blacksmith’s son, a lord’s daughter, a pretend beggar, etc. The intention is
for the verses either to be read aloud, or to be performed by a class. That
being the case, it’s hard for me to judge it as a reader, who was expecting
something a little less interactive. I can see its value, though, as a teaching
tool for young primary students. As a second and third grader, this is the sort of thing I would have loved to do.
Otherwise,
this book doesn’t leave
much of an impression simply as a read. It may make you smile or laugh a few times, but where its true potential lies is in the hands of a room full of imaginative kids.
Recommended age: all ages
Content level for parents: a
doctor’s apprentice elaborates on his master’s gory job
For more Marvelous Middle Grade reviews, go to Shannon's post here
For more Marvelous Middle Grade reviews, go to Shannon's post here
I read this a few years ago. I remember that it was a little TMI for me on some of the gross/gory parts. But my son, who loves the middle ages, really enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteI had heard of this one but never got my hands on a copy. Doesn't sound like its for everybody, but I'll be giving in a try with your recommendation.
ReplyDeleteI have this book in my bookshelf and never seem to get to it. Thanks for the reminder.
ReplyDelete