Kindred Spirits and Celtic Knots: Celebrating Irish Stories

 

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! One of the best parts of holidays is tying them into what your child or family is learning about. Around St. Patrick’s day, our family often read Irish authors, learned about the real Saint Patrick, or did shamrock math. Today I’m featuring two Irish authors whose books I enjoyed lately. Whether you’re looking for a light fantasy or a historical fiction set in Ireland, I’ve got you covered. 

For historical fiction fans:

 

 The Celtic Knot

"It's like flying!" twelve-year-old Kathleen Murphy decides after her very first Irish dancing lesson. But times are tough in Dublin, and her da's hardly working, so there's no money to spare for lessons, much less a fancy dancing costume to compete in. Then, when one unexpected thing leads to another, Kathleen realizes that even when dreams change, the future holds possibilities she has never before imagined. (from the front flap)

Why This Story Stays With Me:

1.    The rich historical detail! This book takes place in 1930s Dublin in the midst of the worldwide economic depression. I really felt immersed in time and place, especially because this author just throws you into this family with very little explanation.

2.    How poverty was depicted. One of my pet peeves, especially as a former teacher, is that there is often a stereotype that if a family is poor, they are also mean or abusive. Kathleen is poor. She has to help her siblings and parents and go without in ways kids in North America do not. But her family is loving, though imperfect. And what a joy that was to see that portrayed in fiction.

3.    Irish dancing! We used to attend a local Celtic concert where a dear friend of ours would do Irish dancing. My younger son at three called her a butterfly princess. I was so excited to see that dancing was a huge part of this novel—and a way Kathleen embraced her heritage and found something that brought her joy.

4.    Family relationships! As mentioned before, I really loved this family, practical, but loving Mam, fun-loving Da, and Aunt Polly, who’s almost like a big sister to Kathleen. And all her siblings! It was really fun seeing this warm family on the page.

5.    A realistic, but hopeful ending. As mentioned before, this book didn’t skirt the difficulties with poverty or life in Ireland in 1930, but it left the reader with hope and warmth. If you’d like to celebrate St. Patrick’s with a warm hug, this book will do that.

My favorite quote: “That was another puzzle. If you wanted to know something, why couldn’t grown-ups just tell you, instead of fobbing you off and telling you to go and play?” p.5

 

For Fantasy Fans

 Lianna and the Hombit

A grieving girl in need of a friend. A magical creature with a secret task. Can they end the ancient curse threatening their new home?

When 13-year old Lianna, devastated by the loss of her father, is sent to the distant land of Nivram, she finds her new home and guardian every bit as horrible as she expected. When she meets a magical birdlike creature called a hombit, they strike an alliance: Lianna will help it complete its secret mission if it helps her get home.

But her plan goes awry and she accidentally awakens a creature that threatens both her and her new home. Lianna must uncover family secrets to avoid a terrible fate…

A heart-warming story of the healing power of friendship when all seems lost. (from Amazon)

 

Why This Story Stays With Me:

1.    Lianna is a heroine to look up to. Although sometimes she was too reckless (I kept wanting her not to listen to the living rocks!), I loved her bravery and loyalty to her late parents. She didn’t make selfish choices, even when her life was at stake.

2.    The Hombit! This creature, a sort of bird with glass wings, definitely stole the show. Its inability to understand words and expressions added so much humor, and I was moved by the close friendship between the Hombit and Lianna. The Hombit is a true kindred spirit.

3.    An intriguing mystery that fits well within the fantasy/mystery genre. I was reminded of Edmund in Narnia, Fairest by Gail Carson Levine, and Moonstone by Wilkie Collins. Valinora beautifully portrayed the power of temptation--and an interesting mystery involving jewels.

4.    Illustrations and interesting fauna. Throughout the text are illustrations of the creatures Lianna references, such as the bantimouse and the deadly octospider. Kids who love fantasy and biology will enjoy those tidbits — and perhaps be inspired to make their own fantasy nature journal. I couldn't help but think of the interesting creatures from The Wingfeather series, like the toothy cow.

5.    An ending that left an opening for a continuation but still tied all the loose threads. I don't know if a sequel is planned, but I loved that we were not left with a cliffhanger, but a very touching ending with Lianna and her uncle understanding each other better.

From the Archives, A Quiet Saint Patrick's Day Library:

• Top Middle Grade Books to Celebrate St. Patrick's Day: Three gentle stories of Irish heritage and heart, perfect for a family read-aloud.

• A Slip of a Girl by Patricia Reilly Giff: A poignant novel in verse following a young girl’s courage during the Irish Land Wars.

• More from Siobhan Parkinson: If you loved 'Kathleen: The Celtic Knot,' discover two more lyrical stories set in the heart of Ireland.

Max’s Five Bone Rating

 🦴🦴

Max, the Reading Dog

 

  

 

 

 

Kathleen’s Knot: No dogs again! Ugh! But I would like to go to the Emerald Isle. I hear there is another dog who loves to read over there! 

🦴🦴🦴
Lianna and the Hombit: No dogs, but there is a really cool bird-like creature called a Hombit. I think I need a bird friend in my life. Maybe the Hombit would like to go for a walk with me?

 

Notes from the Front Porch:

What books have you enjoyed by Irish authors? How do you and your family like to celebrate St. Patrick’s day? I’m always looking to travel to the Emerald Isle through stories.

 

Check out other fabulous middle grades at Always in the Middle!  

  

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*Exciting changes are coming to Cozy Stories for Bookish Kids! I am transitioning to a new professional website next month. If you currently follow me here on Blogger, please subscribe via follow.it  to stay updated during the move.

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. It is no cost to you. Thank you for your support!

MMGM: More Than a Mystery: A Heart-Filled Journey to a Darjeeling Tea Plantation

 

"There is no frigate like a book,” Emily Dickinson said. And that’s exactly how The Golden Necklace made me feel. Reading this book was like opening a window to another world, filled with tea, diverse cultures and traditions, and a girl who sees what others miss.

As I read Sona’s story, I couldn’t help thinking of the time I lived in places where clean water was a precious gift, like the Crimea and Honduras. It made me think about how books can help children—and adults—appreciate simple things we often take for granted.

Synopsis  

National Book Award nominee Mitali Perkins crafts a contemporary chapter-book mystery about a 12-year-old Nepali girl who sets out to solve the disappearance of her Bengali friend’s missing jewelry.

Sona, a 12-year-old Nepali girl, has struck up a friendship with Tara, the niece of the greedy tea plantation manager who has promised Tara’s hand in marriage in order to get his hands on her inheritance of precious jewelry. Then Tara’s gold jewelry goes missing. The search is on for the culprit, and Sona must use all her wits in order to prove it wasn’t her beloved brother, Samiran Daju, who stole it.

Filled with vivid characters against a complex and multilayered political and cultural backdrop, this novel showcases a strong girl protagonist whom readers will root for. The Golden Necklace is award-winning author Mitali Perkins’s latest and most compelling story yet. (from Penguin Random House)

Reading Guide: This book would appeal to 7-10-year-olds as a Morning Time read-aloud and independent readers at the 3rd-5th-grade reading level. It's illustrated and only 128 pages, so it's a gentle introduction to middle grade mysteries. 

Why This Story Stays with Me

1.    The rich detail of life near a Darjeeling Tea plantation.  Sona had to wait in line to fetch water every day, and the tea workers wore forehead straps to carry the heavy bamboo baskets of tea. While some of the cultural terms were new to me, they felt like a gentle invitation to learn alongside Sona.

2.    How poverty was depicted. I loved the quiet details of Sona’s life—the way she saved water for emergencies, the meals she prepared, and her fierce loyalty to her brother when a rumor threatened his business. I rooted for Sona as she helped her family. Her dedication to learning and wanting to succeed in school was especially inspiring.

3.    Beautiful friendships. I really enjoyed that Sona had kindred spirits across culture and social barriers: Jampa, who only spoke Tibetan, and with whom she communicated mostly through gestures, and Tara, who was both older and from a higher social sphere. All the girls helped each other, despite their differences. 

4.    Family relationships! I loved how Sona’s heart for her brother was at the center of the mystery. Finding the necklace was the only way to prove his innocence and keep their small world safe. I loved how Sona and her mother supported each other through the ache of losing Sona’s father while simply trying to put food on the table each day.

5.    More than just a mystery.  This was a story about girl finding quiet courage to help her family. That’s exactly where Perkins shines. Like with Bamboo People or Ricksaw Girl, Perkins has given us a true sense of place, making a far-off tea plantation feel as real as our own cozy reading chair.

Max, the Reading Dog

 

 

 

 

 

Max’s Bone-Rating: 

🦴🦴🦴🦴🦴

 5/5 Bones for Kutu! He shows that sometimes the best mystery-solving partner has four legs and a very good nose. Sona couldn’t have solved the case without him! 

 

 

A Note for the Front Porch:

Does your family have a favorite 'window book' that took you to a place you’ve never been? Or perhaps a favorite fictional mystery that kept your young readers guessing?

Check out other fabulous middle grades at Always in the Middle!  

 

 

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*Exciting changes are coming to Cozy Stories for Bookish Kids! I am transitioning to a new professional website next month. If you currently follow me here on Blogger, please subscribe via follow.it  to stay updated during the move.

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. It is no cost to you. Thank you for your support!

ISWG: A Love Letter to Stories: Planning a "Quiet" Book Launch

When my kids were young, I looked forward to creating the cake that matched whatever their current interests were—usually an animal for my youngest, and something scientific for my oldest, like a beaker cake. And then there were tons of themed games, of course, like making our own baking soda volcanoes or my version “Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader?” 

I’ll never forget these parties—and I hope they don’t either. 

A geode cake from 2025

 

Insecure Writer’s Support Group Question

On the first Wednesday of the month, I am part of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group, a wonderful community of authors who share the ups and downs of the creative life. It’s a place to share our hurdles and celebrate our small victories.

Since I love parties, I was thrilled when I saw this month’s Insecure Writer’s Support Group question: 

What elements do you include in your book launch? Or what do you have in mind for your future book launch? Or what advice do you have to offer to others planning to launch a book?
   

My Launch Party Plan:

What I’d include (in-person): 

This is the party I’ve dreamed of ever since I decided I wanted to pursue my writing. Of course, we’d have themed snacks! For my upcoming book, where food plays a huge part, that would be tea, cookies, and cute sandwiches. Maybe some watercolor bookmarks and crafts for the kids. A reading of my first chapter or two. A cake with minty frosting and flowers for decorations. Something Anne would love.

My dream launch!

What I’ll likely do (virtual):

But of course, what’s more practical is to have a virtual launch. I have ideas for that too! Although we might have to bring our own treats, I’d love to have online bingo and book trivia, draw or paint something together from the book, a reading, and a discussion of our favorite parts. 

Photo by Sergio Dominguez on Unsplash

 

Why:  

My book is my love letter to my favorite book, the time I spent homeschooling, and my community. I also hope this will be a time I can celebrate with my beta readers, family, and friends, who supported me with encouragement and honesty. Most of all, I hope that readers who have struggled with fitting in and finding true friends will see themselves in my book.  

My oldest friend Gail

Encouraging Quote for the Day:

Lately, as I’m finishing up edits, I’ve been thinking a lot about  L.M. Montgomery as I just read her first set of journals.

 

When Maud found out Anne of Green Gables was to be published, she celebrated and said, “I cast ...ideals to the winds and made my ‘Anne’ a real human girl.’” I hope I have done that with my main character.

My favorite book

Writing Advice from Max: 🦴

My tip for book launches? Make sure there are lots of dog cookies. I especially like ones with frosting on them and “Good Boy” decorations. I may not attend an in-person party, but I will show up on the camera if you do a virtual one. 

Max is a very encouraging beta reader. :)

Notes from the Front Writing Porch:

What is your favorite way to celebrate completing a big project or a big win? Maybe it's your book, short story, play, or poem? Or maybe it’s planning a graduation, finishing a quilt, or celebrating the first sprouts of peas coming up? 

I’d love to hear how you celebrate your high points in the comments.

P.S. Speaking of launches... I have a very special 'launch' coming next month! My new professional website is almost ready, and I can't wait to give you a tour. My web developer (a.k.a. my wonderfully talented hubby) has transferred all my old posts over, but I will still leave links here so you can easily access them. Watch this space for updates!

*If you currently follow me here on Blogger, please subscribe via follow.it to continue to follow me after the move.

If you'd like to read more ISWG posts or sign up, please go HERE. You won't be disappointed.

 

MMGM: Finding Heart and History in The Nine Moons of Han Yu and Luli

 

I’m a huge fan of The Vanderbeekers and my younger son devoured them, so I was so excited to read a new book by Karina Yan Glaser! Even better, half of The Nine Moons of Han Yu and Luli takes place in ancient China, a country and culture I really enjoy reading about. Also, it was recently announced that Glaser won the Newbery Honor Award.

It felt like a 'kindred spirit' moment when, while reading this book, my son and I attended a talk about insects and the Silk Road. I learned that the making of jacquard (a type of silk printing) led to the first computers. It reminded me how stories—and history—connect us in ways we never expect, from ancient silk worms to the smartphones in our pockets. 

Synopsis: 

In ancient Chang’An, Han Yu sells steamed buns in a bustling market full of whispers about his ability to summon tigers.

In New York’s Depression-era Chinatown, Luli gazes out from the roof of her parents’ restaurant, dreaming of dim sum and Chinese art.

Familiar rhythms rule the contained-but-contented lives of Han Yu and Luli. But when plague strikes Chang’An and financial crisis threatens Luli’s family, Han Yu and Luli must each venture out into the larger world—and into danger-filled adventure—to save what they love most. Filled with wondrous caves and conniving thieves, desert storms and magical lakes, Karina Yan Glaser’s epic and rewarding novel is a testament to the bravery required to face the unknown and the power of art to connect us through the ages. (from Amazon)

Reading Guide: The text is roughly at a 6th-grade level. I think it would shine as a family read-aloud for ages 8–12, and as an independent read for many 10–13-year-olds.

Why This Story Stays with Me:

1.    An intricate story: While 400 pages might seem long, the story moves with such a gentle rhythm that I didn't want it to end. The way the two stories—separated by centuries—eventually meet is a beautiful testament to how art and bravery connect us all. I wasn’t sure how the two stories (one in medieval China and one in 1931 New York) would connect, but they do beautifully. 

2.    Characters to look up to: Both Han and Luli were characters I cared about right away. Han has a special gift with animals. He can sense their feelings and communicate with them. Luli is fiercely protective of her Chinese culture and family. Both families were portrayed with warmth and humor. 

3.    Friendships and mentors: This story also had one of the best friendships I’ve seen in middle grade, between young Han and poet Du Fu, who is based on a real historical person. Han and Du Fu sacrifice and truly care for one another on their journey. The bond between young Han and the poet Du Fu is one of the most beautiful 'kindred spirit' friendships I’ve encountered. It’s a lovely reminder of how we all need mentors to help us on our journeys. 

4.    Art History: I also loved how Luli’s story followed the inclusion of Chinese art in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Glaser included more information about the background of this museum and the real historical characters in her author's note.

5.    A smidge of fantasy: The touch of magical realism in Han’s story felt like a soft watercolor wash, adding a sense of wonder without losing the grounded heart of the tale. And what's not to like about a boy who can understand animals like no one else?

Max’s Five Bone Rating

Max, the Reading Dog

 

 

 

 

 

 🦴🦴🦴🦴🦴

5/5 Bones for Lok! Any boy who can sense the feelings of his dog is a hero in my book. It made me extra thankful for the 'quiet understanding' I share with my own boy.

 

 

A Note for the Front Porch: 

Have you ever read a story that made a far-off time or place feel like home? Or do you have a favorite book that uses art to tell a deeper story? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

Check out other fabulous middle grades at Always in the Middle!  

 

 

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*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. It is no cost to you. Thank you for your support!

MMGM: The Friendship Awards: Finding Kindred Spirits in Middle Grade Fiction

With Valentine’s Day just behind us, I’ve been thinking a lot about the beauty of friendship in middle-grade novels. For many of us, those middle school years were the most eventful of our lives—full of the joy of finding a friend and the sting of being left out. 

In our home, we always used books to explore big feelings and new experiences. Whether you are a fellow homeschooler, a teacher looking for a heart-filled read-aloud, or a parent seeking a meaningful bedtime story, these books help our children find their way with friends. They show them how to handle the hurt of being left out, how to be a steady support, and how to spot a true kindred spirit.

Since the Olympics are currently underway, I thought it would be fun to host a "Friendship Awards" for some of my favorite middle-grade characters. 

The Award for Unconditional Grace

 

 

The Winner: Howard and Charlie in Wish by Barbara O’Connor. We all need a friend like Howard, someone who looks past our prickly defenses and loves us "in spite of ourselves." Howard’s steady, quiet kindness is a beautiful reminder of what it means to be a safe place to land for someone else. 

Reading Guide: Best for ages 8-12. This story touches on the "winter seasons" of family life, including foster care and parents who are absent or struggling. While the background includes some difficult realities, the focus remains on Charlie finding a "heart-home" and a quiet place to land with her aunt and uncle.

The "Instant Kindred Spirit" Ribbon

 

Three Way Tie: Anne and Diana (Anne of Green Gables), the cousins in The Story Girl (by L.M. Montgomery), and Betsy and Tacy (Betsy-Tacy).While modern stories often focus on the hard work of friendship, there is still a place for the instant connection. As someone who still keeps in touch (by letters, of course!) with my own childhood best friend, I love seeing life-long bonds celebrated. They remind us that sometimes, you instantly recognize a kindred spirit.

Note on Reading Levels: The first two books (Betsy-Tacy and Betsy-Tacy and Tib) are perfect for our younger readers (ages 5-8) and make lovely first chapter books. As the girls grow up, so do the stories; later books like Over the Big Hill and Downtown are best suited for ages 8-12.

The Award for the Unexpected Path

 

 

The Winner: Abigail and Gabby in Always Abigail. Abigail begins her year with a tidy plan, only to find herself paired with Gabby, the girl she least expected to like. This story resonated with me, perhaps because I remember being the outcast and the surprise of finding that the person I overlooked was the friend I needed most. It’s a wonderful reminder to keep our hearts open to the people we might otherwise miss. 

Reading Guide: Best for ages 8-12. This story is a wonderful mirror for children navigating the "middle school shift" in friendships. It gently explores the ache of being left out and the quiet courage it takes to be kind to someone who isn't part of the "popular" circle. A perfect choice for discussing how to spot a true kindred spirit. 

The "Strength in Vulnerability" Medal

 

 

The Winner: Peony in Peony Watercolor's Wish for Sun and Moon. It is a hard lesson to learn that real friends let people in during the "winter seasons" of life. Peony’s journey from hiding her father’s unemployment to letting her friends support her is such an important lesson. It reminds kids that they don't have to be "fine" to be loved and not to shut out those who want to help. 

Reading Guide: Best for ages 8-12. Peony struggles with the shadow of her father’s unemployment, leading her to make some poor choices about honesty with her friends. It’s a wonderful conversation starter about why we don't have to hide our hard times. It also includes a sweet, age-appropriate middle school dance.

The "Better Together" Award

 

The Winner: Mavis and Rose in Wonderland. Mavis is the spark that pushes Rose out of her comfort zone. And Henry, the runaway dog, is the project they take on together. A great reminder that good friends can be complete opposites, but they are better together than alone. 

Reading Guide: Best for ages 8-12. This story gently explores the "tangled" roles that can happen when a parent struggles to find their footing. While Mavis sometimes carries more responsibility than a child should, her journey is handled with great care and remains very kid-appropriate.

Max’s Bone-Rated Review

Max, the Reading Dog

 

 

 

 

 

 🦴🦴🦴🦴🦴!

Well, hands down, Wonderland and Wish are my favorites because they have excellent dog representation! And we get Henry's point of view in Wonderland. Barbara O’Connor clearly understands that a dog is often a kid's first 'kindred spirit'! She knows what makes a good friend—someone loyal, a good listener, and always ready for a walk. Just like me!

A Note for the Front Porch:

Do you have a favorite fictional friendship that felt like a "heart-home" to you as a child? Which characters would you give an award to today? I’d love to hear about the stories that are currently gracing your living room or bookshelf.

Check out other fabulous middle grades at Always in the Middle!  

 

 

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MMGM: If You Love Dickens: 4 Middle Grade Gems + 1 Cozy Adult Series

Did you know Charles Dickens was born February 7? I’m celebrating by sharing what I love (and don’t love) about his writing—and a few Dickens-style picks for kids and grown-ups.

If you love classics and want kid-friendly ‘Dickens vibes,’ read on.

(This post is an update from a post that ran February 2014.)

I like to read one Dickens book a year. At Christmas, I read Cricket on the Hearth, a romantic comedy set at Christmas. I also tried The Chimes (think A Christmas Carol at New Year's with darker themes), but realized why it is not so famous. :) Now I've started on Pickwick Papers, which is known for being humorous, exactly my kind of book.

I've been thinking about Dickens (who after Austen, is my favorite classic author for adults) and what he’s taught me as a writer.

What I love about Dickens:

    1. Voice-y dialogue: Dickens is a master at making each character sound unique.

 

See if you can guess who said these lines:

📝 Mini-Quiz: Can you name the character?

See if you can guess who said these famous lines before you scroll to the bottom for the answers!

A. “Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure nineteen six, result happiness...”

B. “I’m a very umble person.”

C. “Barkis is willin’”

D. “It is a far, far better thing that I do...”

E. “Please, sir, I want some more.”

(Drop your guesses in the comments!)

     2. Memorable tags & motifs Along with dialogue, Dickens gives all his characters a physical attribute, mannerism,   dialogue tic, or repeated word or image. For example, Tiny Tim has his crutch, Mr. Micawber has a shiny bald head and a monocle, and Miss Havisham wears that ghastly wedding dress.

 
3. Names with meaning: Dickens's character’s names can sometimes be a little bit over the top, but they telegraph something about the character. Like Uriah Heep (which rhymes with creep) would not be the same with another name.

     4. Threads that braid into one plot: Dickens's plots are masterful, the way he weaves in so many different plot strands into a unified whole. You never meet a character once in Dickens, and even the smallest characters are important. 

Alas, I do have a few Dickens pet-peeves (gasp!):

1.  Sometimes he uses types or roles as labels. In many of his stories the characters are not named, but they are only referred to the as the “traveler” or the “little lady”. This only leaves a reader (like me!) confused. 

 

2. Like most Victorian novelists, the “show don’t tell” rule is not adhered to. This reminds me how modern fiction trusts the reader a bit more.  

 

3.  Dickens' Female Characters: Although most of Dickens's minor women characters are interesting (Nancy, Betsy Trotwood, Maggie, Peggoty), I prefer his vivid minor characters to his idealized heroines, like Little Dorrit or Agnes from David Copperfield). 

If you like Dickens’s style, but want to read something modern or to introduce him to kids, here are a few titles:

 

A Boy Called Dickens by Deborah Hopkins, great for ages 4-8

 

 

With Deborah's fine attention to detail, rich research, and kid-friendly prose, she tells the story about Dickens. Although a picture book, I think older readers would enjoy this and the beautiful art. I didn't know that Dickens once worked on The Strand, which is something that turns up in The Wingfeather Saga. 

Update: When I shared this post on Instagram, Hopkinson commented that she has a forthcoming book about Dickens and his dogs!  "Mr. D and his dogs Turk and Linda play a role in Lucky's Home for Lost and Hungry Dogs, out in 2027!" 

 

Independent Reads or Read Alouds: 

 

 

The Great Trouble: A Mystery of London, The Great Blue Death, and a Boy Named Eel, also by by Deborah Hopkinson 

 

Eel is a character who’d be best friends with Oliver Twist. He has spunk, charisma, and a lot of heart. Hopkinson’s style and the way that unconnected characters ended up connecting in the end reminded me a lot of Dickens.  Content note: There is some gruesomeness in describing the Blue Death, so not for squeamish readers. 

 

 

The Traitor's Gate by Avi is also told in the Dickens style. I loved how Avi emulated Dicken-style language and plotting in this. This involves John Huffman whose father has just been sentenced to Whitecross Street Prison. This was based on Dickens's early life.

 

  

 

The Wingfeather Saga by Andrew Peterson

 

If your family loves quirky names + big-hearted humor, this one scratches the Dickens itch—even though it’s fantasy. I couldn't help but wonder if Peterson was inspired by Dickens in naming a group of wanderer characters The Strand. The harsh elements of the Fork Factory (in Book 2) are pure Dickens. I reviewed the first book here. There is also an animated series out that is perfect for the whole family.

 

Start Here with Dickens 

• If you want light and funny: Cricket on the Hearth.
• If you want short and classic: A Christmas Carol
• If you want a longer, coming-of-age: David Copperfield

 

 

Masterpiece Adaptation of David Copperfield with a young Daniel Radcliffe. 

For adults, but so wholesome that these could be used as a read aloud or teens could read:

 

The Moosepath League Series by Van Reid

 

  

Set in Maine in the late 1800s, these novels follow a club of five gentlemen who solve various mysteries. The author, Van Reid, is like Dickens with a splash of Garrison Keiller. These novels are funny, poignant, and although there are antagonists, the characters are fine people that you would love to have as friends. Recently in Friends of the Moosepath League, Reid mentioned how Pickwick Papers--and the desire to write something humorous--inspired these books. I dare you not to read these and not walk away smiling.

 

L.M. Montgomery (author of Anne of Green Gables) also has nods to Dickens in her work (like the twins Davy and Dora). That’s part of the joy of reading classics: the conversation keeps going. 

Happy Birthday, Dickens!

Thank you for the legacy you’ve left to English literature.

Max’s Take (out of a 5 bone scale)

Max, the Reading Dog

 

 

 

 

 

Rating: 🦴 🦴 🦴

Dickens didn't produce many heroic dogs, but I’ll give him three bones for trying.

I’m not a fan of Bull’s-eye, the mean dog belonging to Bill Sikes in Oliver Twist, and Jip (from David Copperfield) is just a spoiled lap dog. Where are the brave, book-loving rescues like me? Dickens was a master of characters, but I think he could have used a few more 'Good Boys' in his plots!

Did I hear there's going to be a book about Dickens's dogs? Count me in! 

Your Turn: 

 

Do you like Dickens? Have you read any book ones that emulate his style? 

 

For more friendship-filled middle grade picks, visit Always in the Middle Always in the Middle! 

 

 

Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts by following this blog.

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. It is no cost to you. Thank you for your support!

Did you guess them all? Here are the answers to our Dickens Mini-Quiz:

    A. Mr. Micawber (David Copperfield) — The master of the "Micawber Principle" regarding happiness  and debt!
    B. Uriah Heep (David Copperfield) — The most "umble" (and creepy) villain in literature.
    C. Mr. Barkis (David Copperfield) — A man of few words, but very clear intentions.
    D. Sydney Carton (A Tale of Two Cities) — One of the most selfless and moving endings in all of fiction.
    E. Oliver Twist (Oliver Twist) — The famous request that started it all.

ISWG: Four Stages of Writing: From Inspiration to Feedback (and Back Again)

 

Photo by Somruthai Keawjan on Unsplash

If you've ever felt like a writer on an emotional roller coaster, you're not alone—and there's actually a pattern. You start out excited, then sink lower, and then back up again. At least those are the four stages I go through. Read on to discover the four emotional stages every creative goes through—from initial excitement to critical feedback. Learn how to navigate each stage and keep writing. See if you can relate.

The Four Stages Explained 

 

Stage 1: Excitement

I have a new idea, and it is the best idea ever! This could also be called “TheShiny Manuscript Syndrome.” You’re brainstorming and everything is clicking. Or maybe you have written a first chapter (or first few) and the words just fly out of your fingers. I love this stage, but like infatuation, it never lasts long. It’s this stage I look back longingly for when I’m in the murky middle.

Me in Stage 1! A brand new idea!

  

Stage 2: Getting Serious

Maybe you’ve hit a snag with your plot. You get stuck and must circle back to a previous scene and rework. Or maybe you’re on chapter two or ten and writing each word is like squeezing blood from a turnip. Welcome to the real world of writing. For me, the first three chapters usually come easily. But around chapter four I need to make myself write. You will get through this if you keep your head down.

Stage Two: Plugging away! (Notice that I write at my dining room table.)

 

Stage 3: You're Finished!

Maybe you are finishing the first draft or the seventy-seventh or maybe you finally sent out a query or hit publish on KDP. But the high that you get with finishing—whether it’s a complete novel, a short story, or a poem—is a high that can’t be beat. You want to tell the world, “Hey, um, I finished this Thing.” And people, if they are not writers, might not understand. Celebrate, you did something, but here's where the real test begins. Stage Four is coming.

Finished!

 

 

Stage 4: Critical Feedback

You get feedback or rejections or critical reviews. This is a hard stage. After the euphoria of Stage Three, after finishing an entire book (and maybe editing it multiple times), this stage is hard. Maybe there’s a plot hole you never saw (of course there is!). Or maybe a character is not as well-rounded as she was in your head. Or maybe your ending didn’t land. Or maybe you get a one-star review. When I get feedback, I usually go through three stages of grief (shock, anger, depression) until I realize that feedback is helpful, and then, you guessed it, I’m back to Stage One. Now, instead of a new idea, I have the best idea ever for fixing this manuscript. This is where I am right now. I've just gotten mostly positive feedback from betas, but I have a few more tweaks to tackle this month.

Notes from a beta reader, not very critical, but you get the idea.

 

Rinse and Repeat and Grow.

The writer’s journey is long with so many ups and downs. It’s not just the challenge of getting your work published or selling those books but fighting those voices of discouragement. This cycle is normal and worth it.

How do you cope with discouragement and doubt?

 

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