Thunder from the Sea

Rating:
Summary: Intelligent and Encouraging Tale
Review: "Thunder from the sea" is a historical fiction novel written through the lens modern children will appreciate...and need. The sense of place (i.e. descriptions of Newfoundland's rocky shores, secluded islands inhabited by only three families, and the reality of iced-over passageways) will keep children enchanted. Parents reading along will hesitantly put lights out and bring "Thunder" to their own night tables. History is thoroughly researched and expressed well both in the narrative and in author's concluding note. "Thunder from the sea" is a rare treasure chest within the modern genre of children's literature giving even older children and parents lots to discuss. "Thunder" is reminiscent of all the stories we wish to write for our own children, when struck with something truly original and positive to give.

Rating:
Summary: Intelligent and Encouraging Tale
Review: "Thunder from the sea" is a historical fiction novel written through the lens modern children will appreciate...and need. The sense of place (i.e. descriptions of Newfoundland's rocky shores, secluded islands inhabited by only three families, and the reality of iced-over passageways) will keep children enchanted. Parents reading along will hesitantly put lights out and bring "Thunder" to their own night tables. History is thoroughly researched and expressed well both in the narrative and in author's concluding note. "Thunder from the sea" is a rare treasure chest within the modern genre of children's literature giving even older children and parents lots to discuss. "Thunder" is reminiscent of all the stories we wish to write for our own children, when struck with something truly original and positive to give.

Rating:
Summary: Another dog, another winner.
Review: I have never traveled out of the United States, but this book really made me want to go to Newfoundland. Ms. Harlow's glorious description of the sea and coastal areas seem to spring off the page. Her previous book, Star in the Storm, had a dog, Sirius, as one of the main characters and I thought that was one of the best books I'd ever read. Somehow, she does it again. This book's dog, Thunder, while an integral part of the story, never seems silly or sappy, just a wonderful dog who needs a boy. The writer handles the difficult emotional changes of the main character, Tom, like someone who knows how turbulent the teenage years can be. I liked this book a lot, and would recommend it to both boys and girls.

Rating:
Summary: Another dog, another winner.
Review: I have never traveled out of the United States, but this book really made me want to go to Newfoundland. Ms. Harlow's glorious description of the sea and coastal areas seem to spring off the page. Her previous book, Star in the Storm, had a dog, Sirius, as one of the main characters and I thought that was one of the best books I'd ever read. Somehow, she does it again. This book's dog, Thunder, while an integral part of the story, never seems silly or sappy, just a wonderful dog who needs a boy. The writer handles the difficult emotional changes of the main character, Tom, like someone who knows how turbulent the teenage years can be. I liked this book a lot, and would recommend it to both boys and girls.

Rating:
Summary: Another winner from a gifted writer of historical fiction
Review: Thunder From the Sea is another winner from a gifted writer of historical fiction for young people. As always,the writing is graceful, the plot is well-developed and suspenseful, and the characters are vibrant and real. The setting of Newfoundland and the historical background are fascinating and make this story quite unique. Most appealing of all, though, is the touching relationship between the orphan boy and the wonderful Newfoundland dog, and only a heart of stone will fail to be moved by the ending.