Reviews (4)

A Fun Book to Stimulate Interest in History
This is a fun book that should help your youngster develop an interest in American History. It is easy to read an has great illustratiions. You will not be disappointed with this purchase. Look for others by the same author.

Paul Fritz ?
This book was great! Fritz makes learning FUN! I never knew that Paul Revere forgot his spurs on his ride! Did You?

And then what happened, Paul Revere?
The story of Paul Revere is simply written by Fritz. Aftereach account she writes, "And then what happened? This patternthroughout the book makes the book easy to read, as you always know what the next section will be about. The information provided about Paul Revere is authentic. Young readers would find the information appealing. Not only does Fritz give authentic accounts of Revere's ride through Boston, Concord and Lexington, but she adds specific details to each. For example, she tells of how Revere and Adams had to return to a tavern in Lexington to get a trunk of important papers Adams had left, and how they walked right through the American lines in the process. While the actual text is informative yet light-hearted and easy to read, the illustrations provide essential support. This adds to the simplicity of the book. Included at the end of the story is an author's note on historical facts contained within the story that were not completely developed in the text. Fritz in her notes adds to the events so that the reader gets a true account of history. Overall, this book is an appealing, authentic, and easy to read account of Paul Revere's life, perfect for the middle school child!

Now I know a lot about Paul Revere's Ride.
Jean Fritz has a fun way to teach facts and have fun at the same time. She makes reading enjoyable and interesting. ... Read more

Book Description

The accolades speak for themselves:

"Fritz draws the readers into scenes from her youth in the turbulent China of the mid-twenties. One comes to appreciate the generous affection of her nurse/companion Lin Nai-Nai, the isolating distance in her mother's grief over losing a second child, the dynamics of a suffering population venting its hostility on foreigners, and most of all, the loneliness of a child's exile from a homeland she has imagined constantly but never seen....A remarkable blend of truth and storytelling." --Booklist, starred review

"An insightful memory's-eye-view of her childhood...Young Jean is a strong character, and many of her reactions to people and events are timeless and universal."--School Library Journal, starred review

"Told with an abundance of humor--sometimes wry, sometimes mischievous and irreverent--the story is vibrant with atmosphere, personalities, and a palpable sense of place." --The Horn Book

"Every now and then a book comes along that makes me want to send a valentine to its author. Homesick is such a book....Pungent and delicious." --Katherine Paterson, The Washington Post ... Read more

Reviews (21)

In Relation
Jean Fritz was born an American girl in China. Growing up she wanted to know about her American life. Throughout her earlier years she can only see her American life in letters from her grandma (lives in america). Finally, after waiting many years her family decides to go back. When she gets to America she questions whether or not she will fit in, after living on the opposite side of the world.

During the coarse of the book, I liked the story's reality to everyday issues. They are the same no matter where you live. Whether it being teased and not wanting to go to school or begging mother for that special something for christmas. There are so many cultures and different beliefs, that when it comes to basic standards of living it is all the same.

I did not dislike anything in Homesick. Although, I did learn about the separation of Chinese and Americans. Not in a bad way. The Americans had a small park blocked off to Chinese in order to have a place in comparison to America. Therefore, by finishing the book I give it a thumbs up and can relate to being homesick.

A Journey with Fritz
This engaging story gives you a view of how Jean fritz felt and lived in China during the war.Her move to the USA was exciting for her as she encounted many 'mishaps and troubles' along the way.You should reallly read this book, if you are interested in biographies and foreign countries, such as China.I give this book 5 stars as she describes well in detail about her life and inner thoughts during the early 1920's.I am reading this book as an literature assignment and felt that this book was the one.Jean Fritz is a great author!

There's no place.
A really remarkable book. Jean Fritz is author of many an exciting children's biography. If you've read "Why Don't You Get a Horse, Sam Adams?" or "Can't You Make Them Behave, King George?" then you know her works already. Turning her talents towards a slightly more recent history, Fritz takes a good long look at her own life. Having grown up in China in the early 1920s, this is a story of a child trying to discover where she fits in.

First of all, you have to admire Fritz's candor. The very first thing she does is state in the Forward that she considers this a fiction. Though the facts are true here and there, the author has taken some liberties with time and memory. She obviously cannot remember everything that happened perfectly, so she has filled in the gaps as best as possible. Though, she points out, "it does not feel like fiction to me. It is my story, told as truly as I can tell it". THANK YOU, Jean Fritz. How many books do we read where the author claims that everything within the book is the whole truth and nothing but the truth, while taking wild leaps in narrative and interpretation? Finally, we have an author that admits that much of this book may be considered fiction, though she herself remembers it as fact. Such honesty is admirable, and exceedingly rare in non-fiction writers.

As for the story itself, Fritz is very good at what she does. The writing here is superb. Living in a very sketchy time in China's history, little Jean was in the unfortunate position of living in a country where foreigners were finally not being tolerated with much kindness any longer. Often times Chinese peasants rail against Jean for being the kind of "foreign devil" that is a bane to their country. Fritz never condemns these people, and even makes note at the back of this book the reasons behind their dislike and distrust. China was a country that was continually being divided into smaller and smaller pieces by the invading colonists. Neither does the character of Jean ever forget that the servants who work for her are human beings as well. Her parents often do fall into the master-servant manner of thinking, a fact that Jean objects to. They do not learn much about the world in which they live. They instead attempt to recreate their own American lives in a foreign land. But Jean knows that there are aspects of Chinese life that she vastly prefers to the life of her parents. The fact that she recognizes this is impressive. The fact that she can relay it years after the fact in this book, is astounding.

If I have any objections to this book at all they are directed not at the author, but at the illustrator. Margot Tomes has her points. She is not necessarily a bad illustrator. But in this particular book her pictures are superfluous and unnecessary. Sometimes they even touch upon the offensive without really going there. While Fritz never condemns the native Chinese for their opinions, Tomes draws them looking sneaky or sordid at inappropriate times. One such example is in a scene where Jean's servants feed her cat outside, not knowing she's around. The scene in the book is rather touching. Until this time, Jean was half afraid her cook was trying to poison the family. Knowing him to be a person capable of caring for her cat (as he says, "A cat is a cat. There are no foreign cats, no Chinese cats, no capitalist cats, no Communist cats. Just cats") she no longer fears his food. Yet the picture accompanying this text shows a shifty eyed servant peering suspiciously over his shoulder as the cats eats. Unnecessary. Somewhat offensive.

Fritz ends this book with a series of photographs displaying her family, friends, and where she lived in China. Combined with the book, these serve as an excellent document about a time little recorded in either adult or children's fiction. Using a unique perspective culled from her own life, Jean Fritz has written one of the most interesting books about the Chinese/American experience existing today. It is an honorable and impressive piece of work.

Proud to be an American
Imagine being the only American student in a British school. Then imagine being homesick for a country you never lived in.
In this graceful blend of autobiography and fiction, Jean Fritz provides readers with insight into the maturation of--not only a girl--but also a patriot. Her steadfast private dream is to live in the land of the free. Set in China during the 1920's
while the Communist Revolution is gathering momentum, HOMESICK shares a girl's observations on the upheaval of the only Society she has ever known. She endures the zealous violence which is especially directed towards all "foreign devils," as well as
suffering the private heartaches of her own family life.

Jean's father works for the Y: the Fritzs' only motivation is to improve the lot of the Chinese people, but national events dramatically disrupt most lives. Resentful at being stuck on the wrong side of the globe, Jean yearns for her relatives in Pennsylvania, for she has been denied a Yankee childhood. Nor is she indifferent to the plight of her neighbors; in particular she loves and feels great compassion for her faithful Chinese nanny, Lin Nai-Nai. The brutality of war is related through a young girl's eyes, while her imagination is trapped bewteen two worlds. Will she become so ensnared in the insidious trap of Revolution that she has to reliquish her dream of living as a true American? If she does escape, will she ever return to that
land of wise-eyed junks?

Jean Fritz has done it this time-for sure
I read this book this year, when my mom sent me a box of books to camp over the summer. All the rest were Dear Americas so this was the first one I picked up. Once I picked it up, I couldn't put it down. I read during softball and got hit on the head. I read during dinner and stained my favortie shirt. I tried to read dujring instructional swim but my counselor took the book away from me. I read under the covers and I got into trouble when my division head came in. I finished it in under eight hours. It's the best non-Dear America book I've ever read. It tells a very interesting story, full of humor and wit. Jean Fritz is an incredibly talented writer, who managed to cover two years time in an average-sized book. Each chapter is a story all its own and also funny. I recommend this book to anyone who wants a really good historical fiction/nonfiction story. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Patrick HenrY!!!
This a very great book! It tells great stories about Patrick Henry's life and tells in great detail about his famous Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death!

Fritz makes history come alive!
Jean Fritz makes history intersting for all ages. She has an uncanny way of seeing a historical figure as a real person with a well-rounded life that encapsulates more than just what he or she did in public. The life of her subject is of more importance than dates and events. Somehow this shift of emphasis makes the dates more memorable. She tells her story fresh, not told in the typical detached fashion. Her research and enthusiasm for her subjects make the stories come alive in interesting ways for today's student reader and interested adult.

Easy Read About An Early Hero
An interesting twist on a children's biography of theRevolutionary War hero Patrick Henry. The device of the "29th ofMay" is used to tie the various parts of Henry's life together--from his childhood in the wilds of the Virginia countryside to his famous patriotic activities to his retirement at Red Hill. His failures as well as his successes are discussed, allowing children to see a more authentic character than many easy-read biographies. Notes from the author at the end of the book give more historical details. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Excellent book to keep interest!
I was so impressed with the descriptive wording of this book. I'm not a normal biography reader, but this worked perfectly for my 3rd graders. It held there interest, made them laugh, and actually taught them something! A great read for all ages.

A Fun Book to Stimulate Interest in History
This is a fun book that shopuld help your youngster develop an interest in American History. It is easy to read an has great illustratiions. You will not be disappointed with this purchase.

If You Like Action Read This Book
This is a good book because it has good facts about Ben Franklin. This has a varity of experiments in it. But the greatest one of all is where Ben tries to see if lightning is electricty. Ben makes history in this book. This book is written by Mrs. Jean Fritz. I hope you enjoy this book.

Humor and an anecdotal style combine to share this Am. hero.
What's the Big Idea, Ben Franklin? By Jean Fritz. Illustrated by Margot Tomes. Coward- McCann, Inc., 1976. 47 pages.

Did you know that Ben Franklin had a hunch that a kite could act as a sail if one held it while swimming and another that ants could communicate with each other? But, as Newbery Honor Award winner and highly regarded biographer Jean Fritz points out, "A Big Idea . . . meant little to Ben Franklin unless he could put it to everyday use." Capitalizing on reader's prior knowledge while wetting young appetites with a hint of what's to come, Fritz presents a non-fictionalized Franklin. How "lucky" it was that Franklin's street had a name, states Fritz, because "people like to know where and when famous men are born." Fritz's signature humor and anecdotal style abound, respecting her audience's intelligence. She writes, "England was treating America as if it were a country of apprentices." Her humor-encrusted comparisons illuminate abstract concepts, making this book a leading contender for a read aloud to third and fourth graders or for the fifth or sixth grader who craves a challenging but accessible read. Independent young minds must distinguish truths "sacred and undeniable" by Jefferson's pen from "self evident" ones with Franklin's correction. Tomes' illustrations help the reader visualize technical wording. Frustrating, would be Franklin's flexible, fishy swimming positions without Tomes' guidance. As a special treat, Franklin's personal handwriting acts as explanatory captions adjacent to pictures of his inventions. As usual, Fritz provides a child-centered notes page that includes supplementary information and points out accounts that disagree as she presents this delightful hero of American Independence. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

"Where Are You Going, Heinrich Himmler?"
It's hard to imagine something lower or more morally contemptible than books of this kind. Columbus was guilty of the genocide of eight million Native people. Imagine "Where Are You Going Heinrich Himmler?" or "Where Are You Going Adolf Eichmann?" for comparison. His vaunted "discovery" was no such thing. Native people were already there. Polynesians, Inuit, Phoenicians, and Africans had already made the same voyage, and unlike old Chris did not slaughter millions once they got here.
For very young children, I would simply mention that Columbus was a very cruel man and leave it at that. It is simply impossible to tell them the truth at such a young age without giving them nightmares. But for heaven's sake, DONT whitewash or glorify a butcher like Columbus. Once they are in their teens, tell you children the TRUTH with such wonderful books as Loewen's Lies My Teacher Told Me or Takaki's A Different Mirror. Our kids deserve truth, not lies, in order for them to better deal with the legacy of genocide.

A Fun Book to Stimulate Interest in History
This is a fun book that should help your youngster develop an interest in American History. It is easy to read an has great illustratiions. You will not be disappointed with this purchase. Look for others by the same author.

Very informative with interesting illustrations
Nicely done. Jean Fritz relates to children of "all ages". A necessary compliment alongside the more encyclopedic versions. ... Read more

Book Description

The Shadow Maker

I replace old shadows with new ones, plump shadows with lean ones, shabby shadows with spiffy ones," the Shadowmaker tells the townspeople. Soon everyone is parading around with brand-new shadows -- everyone, that is, except Drizzle and her grouchy brother, Soot, who can't afford them. Then Drizzle decides to do a little investigating to learn the Shadowmaker's secrets. But the Shadowmaker is a wily old magician, and his shadows aren't exactly what he promised. Drizzle must use a little magic of her own to set things right again.

Book Description

The whole city of New York is blanketed by snow. But it's the final day of the spelling bee, and snow or no snow, Anna has to get to school. It's not as easy as she expected! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Anna, Grandpa, and the Big Storm
I like this story because I think people everwhere should read it.This story is about a blizzard. This story was good. People should learn to work together

Anna, Grandpa, and the Big Storm
Yes maam they should read this book because they might want to read about blizzards. I liked to read it because I like to know about blizzards.I liked it because they are playing Simon Says. ... Read more

Book Description

‘A delightful confection of facts, fiction, poetry, and recipes. Included is a gentle story of two poor Japanese peasants, as well as a Russian folktale and thirty cheerful snow poems by such luminaries as Dennis Lee, David McCord, and Ogden Nash. Charming, evocative illustrations add the perfect touch to a wintry treat.’ —H.

A Reading Rainbow Featured Selection ... Read more

Reviews (1)

An out-of-print winner. Find a copy; you'll love it!
This was one of my favorite books when I was little. The language of this picture-book mystery was so engaging, I can still hear my mother reading it to me: "My knees were apple butter. My heart skipped rope in my chest."

Two little girls are searching for the villain who has been going around town smashing jack-o-lanterns. The story is set in the past -- horses and buggies abound. One townsperson who owns a car is viewed as very strange indeed: "Get a horse," he is told.

I had the pleasure of meeting author Judith St. George a couple of years ago; I was familiar with some of her other books, but I had no idea she'd written this one. Sadly, it's out of print, but scratch up a copy if you can. The humor is sweet and wry by turns, and the identity of the Halloween Pumpkin Smasher is a big surprise. ... Read more