<< 1 >>
Rating: 
Summary: Best Childrens Book in Years
Review: I had little expectations when I picked up this unknown author. I was completely blown away by her style and composition. If ever a book deserved a Newberry, this is it. My daughter has read it every night since I brought it home. If Ms. Levine keeps this up she will be the next Jackie Collins for young teens. I can't wait for her next book. Put it on my wish list now.
Rating: 
Summary: When Christmas Comes Again
Review: Ms. Levine perfectly captures America's coming-of-age in the early 1900's through the experiences of a young, intelligent and enthusiastic woman, who's eager to help her country in its time of need. Levine's writing is smooth and fluid, with her characters' portrayal as realistic and true. This novel may be intended for young adults, but it should be read by adults alike, who will certainly enjoy Levine's prose and the main character's purpose.
Rating:
Summary: A wonderful new book from the Dear America series.
Review: Seventeen-year-old Simone Spencer finds her life as a member of New York City society in 1917 empty, especially with the United States entering World War I and her older brother enlisting in the army. Simone is searching for meaning in her life, something she can do to contribute to the war effort -- and she thinks she has found it when she learns of a need for French-speaking American women to work as switchboard operators on the front. Simone travels to France, but is little prepared for the devastation of war. She forms close friendships and even falls in love with a young soldier. But on the front every new day is unpredictable, and Simone wonders if she and those she cares about will make it out of the war intact. I highly recommend this new Dear America books to fans of the series. I'd been hoping the series would put out a book about World War I, and I'm glad they finally have.
Rating: 
Summary: A Pleasing Read
Review: Seventeen-year-old Simone Spencer is a well-to-do girl who lives in New York City. The year is 1917, she is slightly bored following high school graduation, and is desparate to really do something to help her country during WW1. Then she finds her opportunity-the U.S. government wants French-speaking girls to be translators and switchboard operators for Allied troops in Europe. Simone has learned French from her Parisian mother, and quickly "enlists" for the job. In a whirlwind of events, Simone travels to France, is surrounded by war, makes a best friend, feels hope, anxiety, and pressure like never before, and even falls in love. The best thing about this diary is simply the character of Simone. She sounds intelligent and friendly; her warmth seemed to draw me in as I read. As an "average" girl, she experienced the war how I think I (and many other girls who read this book) would, and this realism is such a plus in a historical fiction book. Historically, this book is just plain good as well. Before I read this, I had no idea what a "hello girl" (what Simone's job was nicknamed) even was. This diary certainly changed that, and effortlessly included details about the job as well as the time period that were interesting and fit well into the text. I must say that the end of this book is especially sweet as well-due to its closure of Simone's romantic life and its other conclusions about life and experiences. In conclusion, I feel it's safe to say that most girls will enjoy the "friendly" main character, little-known history, and cute love story in this diary.
Rating:
Summary: The inspiring diary of a "Hello Girl"
Review: The year is 1917, and for seventeen-year-old Simone Spencer the World War overseas has caused her world to take a 360-degree turn. Her brother, Will, is in the army, and Simone finds with each passing day that her high society life in New York is far from what she wants. Searching for some meaning in her life, Simone finally volunteers to be a "Hello Girl," better know as French speaking girls who work as switchboard operators. Little does Simone know the many challenges the raging war will through her and the influence she will play. As each day passes with new surprises, all Simone wishes for is that her family will return intact and well. Being a big fan of "Hello Girls", the ones who helped bring the Allie victory, I was very excited to finally find out they were going to do a piece on them. Though this diary was written by a virtual unknown, I felt Beth Levine did a great job writing this diary and should be commended. Another book I would recommend to read is Survival in the Storm, by a fifteen-year-old sensation. To close it up, I recommend all to read this new Dear America book.
Rating:
Summary: If you want to read a good book, plese skip this one
Review: This book is one of the worst Dear Americas I've every read. My main complaint is that Simone is a complete idiot! She has to ask her dad why there going to war. Maybe that would be okay if she was a kid but she's EIGHTEEN. It's just stupid for an adult not to know ANYTHING about her own countrys state of affairs. Also, the writers style irks me. It makes Simone sound dumber then she already is. The diolouge is also incredibly unatrual. And also, though this cannot be blamend on the author, the cover art is atrocious.
<< 1 >>
| 
