Mystery and history fans will sure love this one.
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Title: Last in a Long Line of Rebels
Author: Lisa Lewis Tyre
Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books
Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books
Release Date: September 29, 2015
Ages: 10+ Grades: 5+
Ages: 10+ Grades: 5+
ABOUT THE BOOK
Debut
novelist Lisa Lewis Tyre vibrantly brings a small town and its outspoken
characters to life, as she explores race and other community issues from both
the Civil War and the present day.
Lou
might be only twelve, but she’s never been one to take things sitting down. So
when her Civil War-era house is about to be condemned, she’s determined to save
it—either by getting it deemed a historic landmark or by finding the stash of
gold rumored to be hidden nearby during the war. As Lou digs into the past, her
eyes are opened when she finds that her ancestors ran the gamut of slave
owners, renegades, thieves and abolitionists. Meanwhile, some incidents in her
town show her that many Civil War era prejudices still survive and that the
past can keep repeating itself if we let it. Digging into her past shows Lou
that it’s never too late to fight injustice, and she starts to see the real
value of understanding and exploring her roots.
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MY THOUGHTS
As a debut novel, I am amazed with Lisa Lewis Tyre's use of historical details to bring in the "fun" aspect of a children's novel in Last in a Long Line of Rebels. I have to admit, when I picked this one up, I wasn't sure what to expect. I like the title and I love the cover. The synopsis sure sounds interesting for a history fan like myself, but will it win me over? O, you bet! And for any mystery or history fans out there, you'll love it too! I mean, what not to love? It's like Nancy Drew meets Sherlock Holmes in this novel that's set for children, but fit for anyone at any age. I love how Last in a Long Line of Rebels impress on readers that history is fun, solving a mystery is fun and even if it requires work, it can still be fun and rewarding.
The publisher notes that this is for ages 10+, but I think kids 6+ can enjoy this alongside a parent. Museum trips and history activities will be great complements to this story. Don't get me wrong, even for my suggestion for a younger starting age group, the language in Last in a Long Line of Rebels is not specifically simplified for a younger audience, but just the plot and characters are enjoyable enough for all ages. With the help of parents, younger kids can appreciate it as well and possibly start a new interest in history and finding clues. "Trust but verify." (58) A good phrase for any young Sherlock or Nancy to begin an adventure on.
The characters are quirky but entertaining, and Lisa captures the kids' words and personality so well, that I can't help but feel younger just reading this! I know, not possible, but a girl can dream, especially if like Lou, I can go tree-climbing and find hidden closets and old letters. Besides the historical mystery, Last in a Long Line of Rebels, also ties in themes of racism and treating people right. Even though this is not a Christian book in nature, it does have certain plot lines that brings out an inspirational aspect.
In all, a great book for all ages, including younger kids and adults. Don't let this one pass.
NOTE: I received a complimentary copy of this book through TLC Book Tours in exchange for an honest review.
TO PURCHASE A COPY
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Lisa
Lewis Tyre grew up in a small town in Tennessee surrounded by her crazy family
and neighbors. She learned early on that not every child had a pet skunk, a dad
that ran a bar in the front yard, or a neighbor that was so large his house had
to be torn down to get him out. What else could she do but write?
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TOUR SCHEDULE
For the full tour schedule, click on the image to be taken straight to TLC Book Tours' Last in a Long Line of Rebels landing page.
I love history so much, and I'm very happy to see it woven so successfully into a book for younger readers. Thanks for being a part of the tour!
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