Fourth Grade Journey

A Fourth Grade Teacher's Journey Through the World of Books

Saturday, December 3, 2022

Wildoak by C.C. Harrington

How I Heard About It:
*While attending #NCTE22 in California, I had many conversations about books.  This title was mentioned during a session I attended and I also heard about it from a friend during a book conversation.  I downloaded the title via Audible and have been listening over the last week or so.


What It Is About - FIVE Things You Need to Know:
*Maggie has a difficult time at school due to her pronounced stutter.  

*Her parents approach the stutter quite differently.  So instead of having to go to a "special" school at her father's request, she agrees to spend time with her grandfather out in Wildoak Forest.

*Maggie has always had a unique relationship with animals which allows her to speak freely to them without the stutter.  

*When she comes upon a snow leopard that has escaped its own type of "capture", she finds herself more free and herself than ever before.  

*After the snow leopard is discovered by the townspeople, Maggie must find the strength to not only stand up for herself, but the animal as well.


What I Thought Of It - Five Observations/Reflections:

*After heading the presenter at #NCTE "book talk" this title, I was quite intrigued.

*I enjoyed the alternating chapters with the viewpoints of both the snow leopard and Maggie.

*The writing was beautiful, crisp, and the images flew off the page.

*I enjoyed reading about how Maggie was able to reach her full potential while spending time with her grandfather; who was such an endearing character.  

*The theme of not only standing up for yourself, but others as well, was presented with grace, an authentic voice, and compassion.  


Who Should Read It:
*The novel would be ideal for the fourth, fifth, and sixth grade classroom.  Maggie's story would lend itself to either a class read aloud and/or put in the individual hands of a reader.  Middle-school readers will also find great enjoyment with the adventures of Maggie and her snow leopard.  Happy Reading!  


Rating:
   4 STARS out of 5 Stars


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