Christine PlattRezensionen

Gr 1–5—Frankie is a young reporter inspired by her journalist mom. While her mother is away chasing a story,
Frankie makes her own news crew and reconnects with her sister. This adorable series debut has STEM elements
and a wonderful depiction of family relationships. Fun illustrations add to its charm.

Includes timelines, maps, booklists, and activities.

Read the first 50 pages and lightly skimmed the rest. Platt's own journey to minimalism - a habit of spending to keep up with others, or to impress others, or to make up for the amount of time spent at work - was so far from my own that I got impatient with some of the preliminaries (and her slightly odd habit of quoting herself). For someone whose journey aligns more with Platt's, this would be a great book.

See also: The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo; The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning by Margareta Magnusson; The Little Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking

Quotes

"we only have what we need, use, and love." (4)

Today, I own less than I ever thought possible, but my life feels more abundant with everything! Time. Resources. Joy, Peace. Less of what I do not need. (29)

Minimalism is a practice. It is a mindset. A choice. A lifestyle. And so much more than an aesthetic. (33)

Need. Use. Love.
1. Do I need this, or will I need this soon?
2. Will I use this...?
3. Do I love this...? (150)

[Minimalists] are very intentional about what we buy and allow into the...space we took great care to curate. (177)

Two authors writing about Black/White relationships in a prosperous Virginia suburb. Told from the perspective of two women this is an interesting story but something was a little off. I really liked the dementia unit described in the book.

This was a tough book. It was phenomenal. But it’s one of those reads I think that’s designed to make you uncomfortable for a minute. It covers a lot of hard topics. We get to see two women tackling being mothers and wives, while also trying to find a place and time for themselves. But that’s not it… these women are also dealing with mother in laws who are struggling with Alzheimer’s and are responsible for their care. After forcing you to sit with all those difficulties the book also makes you look at the racial issues the book is centered around.

Let me just say it does this beautifully. We get to see two vastly different perspectives: Rebecca who runs the diversity committee but can’t even face her own inability to be a true advocate for her “friends.” Then we get Dee who is struggling with her daughter being the only African American in her school. I loved seeing the ways the authors had each one grappling with home life and the racial dynamics. It was fascinating that even though they had so much in common, Rebecca not being able to be a true advocate really impacted the relationship.

The book was a huge gut punch in the way it handled topics. It is one of those books that you have to sit with after it’s over.. because wow. I think I really appreciated the growth of both women… and I loved how the authors chose to end the book. I really believe this is one people should read and sit with for a bit.

IRL: 1 - 2

A book that expresses bravery, tenacity, and boldness. Harriet Tubman was all of that and more. Her energy is contagious and has the potential to give children courage. Its historical nature, bibliographical and nonfiction status can also help to inspire children that they too can have the courage to face their giants.

Michelle Obama is one of the most important women in American history. Before she served as the first Black first lady of the United States, Michelle was a smart and studious kid who wanted to give back to her community. She became a lawyer so that she could help people understand the law and get the legal aid they needed. When she became first lady, she continued to help people—especially young people—in many ways. Explore how Michelle went from being a young girl growing up on the South Side of Chicago to an American role model and leader in the White House.

This is a wonderful read and a definite standout from the majority of books about minimalism. I love how the author shared her story and infuses her life with warmth and eschews the sterile aspects of stereotypical minimalism. Her “need, use, love” philosophy is a brilliant way to look at things, and I appreciated her advice about forgiving yourself while letting go of stuff.

Grade Levels: 3-8
Awards: n/a

Ages 6-9
Grades 2+
Awards:

This is a very simple reader -- clearly meant for kids who are just starting to transition to chapters. I appreciated that even within that format, Platt used the opportunity to highlight Jesse Owens and his achievements. I also think this series has a lot going for it in the decodable reading realm -- not a ton of repetition, a pretty decent story, and a lot of modeling of loving behavior.

2B6BXL98

Independent reading level: 1st grade and up
Awards: None

Story of Helen Keller for young readers.

Reading Level 1st - 3rd

Independent Reading Level: Grade 2

I ordered The Story of Michelle Obama by Christine Platt to use in our homeschool education curriculum. The book fits well into both reading and social studies. Both of my daughters (grades K & 3) love this series and were eager to read this new installment about Michelle Obama. Having read Mrs. Obama’s memoir, Becoming, a few years back, I was familiar with much of this chapter book’s content. However, to my daughters, much of the content was unknown and exciting to learn.

As expected, The Story of Michelle Obama deals with racism and her political experiences. However, I was pleased that the content did not veer off into political issues or try to indoctrinate voting for a specific political party. Rather, the narrative focuses on Michelle Obama as a person.

I have come to expect the chapter books in this series to offer handsome illustrations, engaging narrative, and correct information from which my daughters can learn. The Story of Michelle Obama by Christine Platt did not disappoint.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this product via the Amazon Vine program. All opinions in this review are my own.

I ordered The Story of Helen Keller by Christine Platt as a supplement for our homeschool curriculum. Not only does this biography offer reading practice, but it also teaches history/social studies. I was familiar with Helen Keller’s story, but I learned additional information from this book. I like that a bibliography was included at the end to show sources.

Smart, colorful illustrations complement the narrative in The Story of Helen Keller. The author presented Keller’s life in an inspiring, yet balanced manner. Helen Keller came from a privileged family that once held enslaved people. While Keller’s upbringing is not glossed over, the author notes the circumstances when appropriate, but still shows Keller’s admirable traits and accomplishments.

As far as reading level, the text is probably at a second or third grade level. The think tank questions encourage readers to delve into the story rather than quickly reading it at a surface level. The questions at the back are a handy tool for checking comprehension. I am pleased with The Story of Helen Keller by Christine Platt.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this product via the Amazon Vine program. All opinions in this review are my own.

This is a wonderfully illustrated biography of Harriet Tubman. We learn early in the book that Harriet's name is Araminta (Minty for short) and that she was born into slavery. She started working when she was 5 checking muskrat traps and babysitting until she was sent to work in the fields. She was beaten on multiple occasions. As she grew older, she changed her name to Harriet and saved any extra money to escape to freedom someday. In 1849, Harriet and a couple other family members escaped using the Underground Railroad. Harriet returned often to help others escape as well. The Fugitive Slave Law of 1850 made it tougher to help others escape but she didn't give up, she became more careful. Harriet gave speeches about the need to abolish slavery. She worked as a nurse during the war to spy on Confederate soldiers and to help rescue slaves. After the war, she opened a boardinghouse to give food and shelter to those in need and built a home for the aged and indigent. She also started speaking out about allowing women to vote. Harriet helped many people escape and changed many peoples lives. She was an influence for good.

In this adorable multicultural picture book about two small African American children with roots in America and Trinidad, a great lesson of culture and history is presented. Sister and brother, Ana and Andrew, goes to the National Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture with their grandmother visiting from Georgia. While there, they get a valuable history lesson. They get to listen to music, see pictures and amazing artifacts. They learn about great leaders, military, and sports from the past. And, my favorite part is that when they are done, they get to have a moment to discuss as a family about their day and what they learned on that trip. The book meets Common Core standards and could be a classroom favorite read aloud. I would recommend this book, especially for children within the ages of 5-9.

"The Story of Alexander Hamilton: A Biography Book for New Readers", from author Christine Platt, can be read and enjoyed by both children and adults. Alexander Hamilton--a pivotal figure in American history--was born on a small island in the Caribbean. Despite a turbulent childhood, by the time Alexander arrived in the United States as a teenager, he was already a gifted writer and speaker. He studied hard and had a keen interest in politics. He was a great proponent of freedom who opposed slavery and fought bravely in the Revolutionary War. He became an aide to General George Washington, and after the war, he helped to found the basis for America's new government. He served as Secretary of the Treasury under President Washington, and he worked to establish the new nation's first bank and currency system. Alexander accomplished much in his life, but he did not live to see his 50th birthday. Shot during a duel with his longtime political nemesis, Aaron Burr, he died the next day. His legacy lives on, and many of his ideas are still being used to this day. Throughout the book, there are "think tank" questions to prompt readers to further explore elements of Alexander's story, and a quiz is included to spur your memory of what you've read. You will also find a helpful glossary which explains terms such as "abolitionist", "colonizing", "militia", and more.

Book Copy Gratis Callisto Publishers