Yvonne
Rose Hill … Saturday, 3rd April 1790
“Yesterday was Good Friday. Master Henry Dodd gathered his servants together to read “The Lord’s Prayer”.
He made us repeat it after him.
Sarah says to never tell anyone that I know my letters. She fears that if the officers hear that I can read and write, they might decide to use me elsewhere, and that this would separate us.”
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‘Transported’ forms part of a series of scholastic young adult books, which just looked so interesting and are written in such a unique style, that I thought I would give one a try.
This series combines really enticing storylines with some of the most popular themes and eras of British history, although for my US blogging friends, I am reliably informed that they are similar to the ‘Dear America’ series.
Written in a really accessible style, ten heroines tell their tales through personal diaries, that chart their stories against a backdrop of exciting and sometimes harrowing historical events.
There is a corresponding set of ten books for boys.
As usual, to avoid spoilers, if you would like to view a full book synopsis, simply click on the image.
Want to take part in ‘Book Beginnings?
Would those first few lines of your book make you want to read more, without revealing too many spoilers?
If you want to share the first lines of a book you are reading, click on the link and visit Katy, at ‘A Few More Pages’
You can then leave a link to your own book beginnings post, or just browse for some great reads, there are always plenty of new authors and titles to be found.
Don’t forget that Katy and all the other contributors to this meme love to hear from you, so why not leave a comment or two at the same time.
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I might have heard of this series.
Hi Hattie,
I have never heard of either the US or UK version before, but then my school days were very many years ago, so it is hardly a surprise.
I wish that more interactive and interesting material had been around back then though!
These YA books sound great, and exactly like something I would enjoy!
Hi Elspeth,
I think that series should add much more interest to the discovery of past events for children, rather than the rote learning of my schooldays.
Writing the books in diary form is an innovative concept, but putting a child at the centre of each story is even better, as it puts the whole event into perspective for the young reader.
What a great beginning! I can sense the fear about the secrecy. I hope you enjoy this one.
Here’s MY FRIDAY MEMES POST
Hi Laurel-Rain
Fear and desperation play a huge part in this story of convicts (many of them women and children), who were transported to Australia for the crimes they had committed ( many of them small and trivial).
Being able to read about the experience through the eyes of a child, should give much more meaning to the whole learning process.
One can only imagine the horrors the children must have endured as ‘white slaves’!!
What age group do you think these books are appropriate for? Upper Elementary? Young Middle School?
Anne
My Head is Full of Books
Hi Anne,
There seems to be a diversity of opinion about the age group these books are appropriate for, however the publisher’s site ‘Scholastic’, places them as appropriate for 9-11 year olds. Sorry, I am not sure how that relates to your school categories in the US.
This is the link, if you want to take a look
http://shop.scholastic.co.uk/products/82007?gclid=COmsoL297aoCFcQLtAod-jpUOg
Thanks for your interest, it is always good to hear from you and have a great weekend
Thanks for this. I’m wondering if my granddaughter would like it. she has been reading the diary of Anne Frank.
Hi Margaret,
I should think that if she is enjoying ‘The Diary Of Anne Frank’, then this series of books would be good for her.
There must have been more books added to the series recently, as Amazon seem to have a set of 16 different titles. They all follow the same format of fictional diaries about historical events and I thought that you may find this link of some use.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/My-Story-books-Girls/lm/3V6KK2ZODXDOE
Thanks for stopping by and have a great weekend.
I feel sorry for this character; it seems like she has a whole load of untapped potential just begging to be left out, but due to her circumstances will never get the opportunities she deserves. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Hi,
She seems to have been transported wrongly, for a crime she did not commit and now finds herself servant, almost slave, to her gaolers.
The fact that she has some education, will either be to her advantage, or her downfall, I don’t know which yet, but at the point I am up to in the story, her situation although changed, doesn’t seem to be improving any.
A good beginning and it sounds like a good series of books. Too young for my high school students though 🙂
Hi Eva,
The books are described by the publisher as suitable for children 9-11, but that adults can enjoy them just as much.
I must admit that I am enjoying reading about this whole period in our history, in a completely different way, but I’m not too sure that a whole group of ‘late teen’ students would agree with me.
Thanks for stopping by.
Hi Yvonne,
This series does look intriguing, and I’m wondering – as perhaps Anne and Eva did – whether the writing and storyline would attract teens as well as tweens… Is the style of writing as engaging for you as the content?
Hi Laurie,
I am enjoying the book, although I’m not sure that I would want to read the entire series.
The content is covered in a down to earth way, without all the facts and figures that you would learn by rote normally (although these are listed in the appendix), and is written in an easy and uncomplicated style that would engage with younger teens
The publishers age suitability of 9-11 is probably about right, I think that older teens may find the content and style slightly simplistic or patronising.
As an adult, I have found this to be an informative, relatively light read, which doesn’t go into any great depth, about what was a terrible period in our recent history.
I haven’t heard of this series before, but I’m glad to hear you are enjoying it.
Hi Yvonne,
I don’t read too much childrens or YA as a rule, so I probably won’t be reading the entire series.
I just wanted to see what kind of approach the books took towards great events in our social history.
On the whole it has been an enjoyable experience and one which I think would benefit the age group it is directed at quite well.
Thanks for stopping by.
It’s good to see books for children/teens that are based on real life and history, rather than the fantasy element that has sprung up lately.
Hi Niki,
I totally agree with you, this series should be compulsory school library reading for children, as an addition to their regular rote based learning of social history, not as an alternative.
I am totally amazed at the number of children who get to 10/11 ish and just stop reading, unless it is a set piece set as a compulsory exercise by the school. Reading for pleasure is something that they turn their noses up at, as not cool to do, or BORING!!!
There are of course, exceptions to the rule, but they seem very few and far between unfortunately.
In all honesty, I cannot say that those first lines woild grab my interest–but, I don’t read that much that I would want to give this book my time. Personally, it would take something more than that to truly peak my interest….!
Hi Naomi,
There are many genres of books that don’t particularly pique my interest, mainly science fiction or fantasy, but I do like to give most things a try.
Childrens or YA fiction are not of particular interest to me, but every now and then I can find a gem amongst them, that really captures my imagination.
Basically, I will read just about anything there is going and I hate to give up on a book once I have started it, it would need to be really bad for that to happen.
Thanks for stopping by and participating.