Darby

Rating:
Summary: Had to read this kids book for a college class
Review: ... I say. So I'm writing about a preteen book about a little girl. ...I had to read it for a college course. So I'm writing because, well, who would've ever guessed, but I loved it? It's a ripping story, man. It is funny, inventive, historic and riveting, all the things I was sure it wouldn't be when I got assigned the book. So, here I am, blown away by a book about a little girl. I don't even like history, but it wasn't presented as antiquated. It was dealt with as you and I would deal with our history, as pertinent, in the moment, and nothing that has been generated and worked over in a history book. I'm telling you, the character Darby is great, as are all the characters, including the total garps that go around spouting their racist jargon, etc, until Darby unintentionally questions everything, causing all matter of problems, .... The story is actually something you'll find yourself absolutely focused on. I couldn't put it down. I've read a lot of adolescent fiction for this class, and I can say that if I had a kid, I'd be pouring this down their brain. I'm happy I read the book....

Rating:
Summary: Using this book at UNC Charlotte in class
Review: All right... All right, I say. So I'm writing about a preteen book about a little girl. That doesn't make me weird does it? It shouldn't since I had to read it for a college course. So I'm writing because, well, who would've ever guessed, but I loved it? It's a ripping story, man. It is funny, inventive, historic and riveting, all the things I was sure it wouldn't be when I got assigned the book. So, here I am, blown away by a book about a little girl. I don't even like history, but it wasn't presented as antiquated. It was dealt with as you and I would deal with our history, as pertinent, in the moment, and nothing that has been generated and worked over in a history book. I'm telling you, the character Darby is great, as are all the characters, including the total garps that go around spouting their racist jargon, etc, until Darby unintentionally questions everything, causing all matter of problems, like maybe she'll get knocked off by the Klan. The story is actually something you'll find yourself absolutely focused on. I couldn't put it down. I've read a lot of adolescent fiction for this class, and I can say that if I had a kid, I'd be pouring this down their brain. So, does that make me weird? Who cares, huh? I had to read the book for my class, and I'm happy I did.

Rating:
Summary: A wonderful story for everyone
Review: Darby took my breath away. It truly did. I teach middle school and intend to put it on my reading list for next year. Without a doubt, kids will love the spirit and courage demonstrated by the title character. A nine-year-old girl growing up in 1926, South Carolina, Darby (amongst simply living and breathing in the perfectly described time period), for the first time in her short life, becomes aware of the racial inequalities and decides to address them in an article she and one of her best friends writes for the local paper. After that, the troubles begin. I don't want to spoil the plot for anyone, but I will say that it is a gripping, exciting story set off by lovely writing and a huge dose of goodwill and humor. Darby will surely become a classic in classrooms and libraries. Two of my students already read the book (one in a day), and they absolutely raved about it. It's good to have strong female characters in realistic rolls, but it's even better when a whole family shows bravery despite the very real possibility that they will end up as social outcasts. (How often do similar fears grip the occupants of our schools?) An exquisite story for all readers, I highly recommend Darby to educators, students, and even adults. :>)

Rating:
Summary: Darby for president
Review: I know Darby would not be alive anymore probably. The book is from the 1920s, but I wish she was. I learned more about racism from her than I ever have in my life in Cedar Rapids. I also learned a lot about history. The cool thing about Darby was that she was brave and didn't know it. That seems real to me about being brave and not knowing it. It made me think about the way we treat people and how we need to concentrate on their personalities and not their skin, or accents. The other cool thing was DArby being so funny and real and playing with Evette, her black friend who was really smart. They were funny a lot. Darby did the most funny things and liked funny things. it Was all different. The best part was I never knew what the KKK was until I read the story. I heard people talk about it but didn't know. I don't know what I thought. I especially liked the pictures of the past that are in your head and you can't ever see anymore in pictures that aren't black and white, like the sunday drives and the uncle and the walking mosquito hawks. That's hard to believe but really cool. I'm saying to everyone Darby for president. I'll say if for a long time. I really love dthe book.

Rating:
Summary: Best book about a girl that boys would like too
Review: My mom got me Darby and I never read a better book in my life. It is such a good story about a girl that I think boys would like it too. She is entertaining and funny. She is not as smart as her friend, but I liked that. She figures out about race and how it was a long time ago, and its so educational because I never even felt like I was learning, but I learned a lot. I think the past stuff is so much fun, even though the book is serious too. I am only nine, but I have read some books, and I like to read a lot. So this book has been perfect, because it is the best one I can ever remember. It makes me want to become a newspaper girl too.