Rating: 
Summary: Disappointing In Great Leaps And Bounds
Review: Adaline Falling Star, set in the late 1800's, is a book of little suspense by Mary Pope Osborne. The book is a mediocre children's book for ages 10-12. A Native American Girl named Adaline, is left by her father at her uncles house while he leads an expedition over the Rockies. Her mother had died recently and she was unable to get over this traumatizing situation. Adaline acts mute in order to not have to communicate with her uncle and his mean, racist family. Adaline is tempted to run away after finding out that her father had abandoned her and moved to New Mexico; eventually her loneliness overtook her. As Adaline becomes more depressed the story gets repetitive and loses its spark. This book has no real reason to read it, because of racist stereotypes and common ideas about the Midwest. The book has average people being really mean to Native Americans and putting them below there own class. The author used terms like redskin to show the racism, which can be offensive especially in children's books. When Adaline is depressed her family shows her no sympathy, because she is a "redskin." Most families would show love and kindness no matter the color of the person's skin or gender. In edition Adaline's journey is the typical, sappy hike threw the woods following the famous river, instead of something original. Just to add one more, old thing to that, Adaline meets a dog that becomes her best friend, which is a true classic. Adaline Falling Star will not satisfy the average reader and it doesn't fulfill the wonders of reading. Adaline Falling Star does have very affectionate and loving scenes. She has a reminder of her mother forever called her Ma doll and she loses it. Adaline has such dedication to her ma doll that she must journey back threw many dangers to get it. In the end Adaline Falling Star is sappy and not surprising at all. Overall it deserves 2 stars out of 5.
Rating: 
Summary: A sour note
Review: Adeline was not a believable character to me. The bits of Arapaho lore and culture seemed contrived and false, nearly disrespectful although I am certain that was not the intent of the author. The novel made me sad. I have confidence that the real Adeline Carson would have better known the faith of her people.
Rating: 
Summary: Adaline Falling Star
Review: Another wonderful book from Ms. Osborne. The research behind it shines through without overshadowing the story. I was a bit disturbed by the "cutting" incidents but mention of the cultural context helped put it into perspective. The feelings of grief, rejection, and abandonment Adeline experienced will provide interesting discussion if the book is read with students in the classroom.
Rating: 
Summary: Well-researched historical fiction
Review: Eleven-year-old Adaline is considered a savage by her white relatives with whom she has been left by her father, Kit Carson, while he is on an expedition with John C. Fremont. Though she is intelligent and has received some education, she dares not allow these people to know that she is able to speak. Still grieving over the loss of her Arapaho mother, she is left alone in this hostile and unfamiliar environment in Saint Louis, taking comfort only in her "Ma doll," who seems to communicate with her in her silent world, a few other remnants of her former life, and a mutually-understanding relationship which she develops with the family's slave, Caddie. When Adaline finally breaks away from this unbearable life, her courage and strength are tested even further. The author's careful research has provided an accurate historical backdrop for this fictionalized account. Told from Adaline's point of view, the author skillfully creates a voice for this character with whom the reader can both sympathize and admire. The ending comes together perhaps a little bit too neatly to be believable, but it does not detract from the overall appeal of the book.
Rating:
Summary: Finally, a little reality . . .
Review: I am glad Ms. Osborne has not spared the terrible truth in how Native Americans were viewed. Her writing is poetic, fast-paced, very touching, and provides a heck of a history lesson. I have always enjoyed stories of people finding courage and clarity in themselves. This will be one of my very favorites!
Rating:
Summary: A Newbery Reader
Review: I enjoyed reading Adaline Falling star. I thought it was an interesting, easy to read book. I liked how Adaline's religion was a mix of the Great Spirit and the Holy Spirit. Falling Star is a very determined girl who wants to find her father. I thought it was at times an amusing story especially when Adaline was with Dog.It truly was a good book!
Rating:
Summary: A Good Book
Review: I enjoyed the book Adaline, Falling Star. I cheered her on in her determination to get past her prejudice relatives and find her father. At times the book was amusing, especially when she was with Dog. If you like Native American culture you will enjoy reading Falling Star's story. Adaline's religion is a mix of the Great Spirit and the Holy Spirit. Overall you should enjoy reading this exciting, easy to read novel by Mary Pope Osborn.
Rating:
Summary: My Presious Falling Star
Review: I think this book is good for young readers. Espesially fifth graders. Mostly for girls that like sad books,because it is kind of sad.
I rate this book 4 stars because it wasn't really that exciting like animal books. I know there are girls out there looking for a good book to read. Here it is.
When I said this book wasn't likr animal books, it was because it has a little something about a dog that is very sad.
This is a good book to read. I mean it.
Rating:
Summary: My Presious Falling Star
Review: I think this book is good for young readers. Espesially fifth graders. Mostly for girls that like sad books,because it is kind of sad.
I rate this book 4 stars because it wasn't really that exciting like animal books. I know there are girls out there looking for a good book to read. Here it is.
When I said this book wasn't likr animal books, it was because it has a little something about a dog that is very sad.
This is a good book to read. I mean it.
Rating:
Summary: Make a Wish
Review: My daughter used this book for her book report. She really enjoyed the story and would recommend it to anyone who has enjoyed other Mary Pope Osborne books such as The Magic Tree House series. The main Character Adaline is really spunky and she liked that. It also gives some history mixed with an interesting story. The book took her about nine hours to read and she is thankful that we live now rather than the 1840's.
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