As the A Buss From Lafayette Tour comes to a close I want to take a moment and recap the tour and highlight what reviewers have said about Dorothea Jensen's newest historical fiction novel. You can also read my review below.
If you missed any of the tour stops visit the A Buss From Lafayette Tour Page for a complete list of participating blogs.
If you missed any of the tour stops visit the A Buss From Lafayette Tour Page for a complete list of participating blogs.
About the Book
Title: A Buss From Lafayette | Author: Dorothea Jensen | Genre: Middle Grade Historical Fiction
Recommended Ages: 10-17 | Number of Pages: 266 | Publisher: BQB Publishing
Publication Date: April 22, 2016
Recommended Ages: 10-17 | Number of Pages: 266 | Publisher: BQB Publishing
Publication Date: April 22, 2016
Book Description: Fourteen-year-old Clara Hargraves lives on a farm in Hopkinton, a small New Hampshire town, during the early 19th century. She has a couple of big problems. First of all, she has a stepmother, Priscilla, who used to be her spinster schoolteacher aunt. Clara resents that her late mother's older sister has not only married her father but is about to have a baby. To make matters worse, "Prissy Priscilla" keeps trying to make the rambunctious, clever, and witty Clara act like a proper young lady. Secondly, Clara has red hair, making her a target for teasing by a handsome older boy, Dickon Weeks, and by her pretty seventeen-year-old Dread Cousin Hetty. Clara, however, has a secret plan she hopes will change this. During the last week of June, 1825, Clara's town is abuzz because the famous General Lafayette is about to visit their state during his farewell tour of America. In those eventful seven days, Clara learns a lot about her family, Hetty, Dickon, herself, and about Lafayette. She comes to understand the huge and vital role the young French aristocrat played in America's Revolutionary War and to see that her problems might not be quite so terrible after all.
Tour recap...
Copyright Dorothea Jensen 2016 Promotional posts where shared by:
A Leisure Moment
Literary Chanteuse
Java John Z’s
Bound 2 Escape
Stitch Says
Laurisa White Reyes
Several bloggers posted an excerpt:
Cherry Mischievous
K and A Children’s Book Reviews
The Bravest Squirrel Series
Mother Daughter Book Reviews
Books Direct
Christina Dwivedi
Christy’s Cozy Corners
Paper Dragons
BeachBoundBooks
An interview with Dorothea Jensen was posted by:
Deal Sharing Aunt
A Leisure Moment
Literary Chanteuse
Java John Z’s
Bound 2 Escape
Stitch Says
Laurisa White Reyes
Several bloggers posted an excerpt:
Cherry Mischievous
K and A Children’s Book Reviews
The Bravest Squirrel Series
Mother Daughter Book Reviews
Books Direct
Christina Dwivedi
Christy’s Cozy Corners
Paper Dragons
BeachBoundBooks
An interview with Dorothea Jensen was posted by:
Deal Sharing Aunt
What reviewers had to say...
"Dorothea Jensen brings history to life in this vibrant coming-of-age story about a young girl, Clara Hargraves..." - Amanda’s Books and More
"Middle grade girls will immediately identify and relate with Clara. Despite the historical time gap, Clara’s life isn’t so different from theirs; Chores, boys, growing womanhood and greater responsibilities. Meanwhile, without even realizing it they will pick up an excellent education on the primary figures of the American Revolution, as well what life was like for kids their age in the early 1800’s." - I Read What You Write
"What I liked most was how Clara seemed to resolve her issues with Priscilla, Hetty, and Dickon in such realistic ways." - Girl of 1000 Wonders
"Entertaining and educational read." - Kay LaLone I Love Books
"This book was such a fun read! ... This is the first book I've read by this author but it won't be my last!" - Mel’s Shelves
"Middle grade girls will immediately identify and relate with Clara. Despite the historical time gap, Clara’s life isn’t so different from theirs; Chores, boys, growing womanhood and greater responsibilities. Meanwhile, without even realizing it they will pick up an excellent education on the primary figures of the American Revolution, as well what life was like for kids their age in the early 1800’s." - I Read What You Write
"What I liked most was how Clara seemed to resolve her issues with Priscilla, Hetty, and Dickon in such realistic ways." - Girl of 1000 Wonders
"Entertaining and educational read." - Kay LaLone I Love Books
"This book was such a fun read! ... This is the first book I've read by this author but it won't be my last!" - Mel’s Shelves
Copyright Dorothea Jensen 2016
"Summed up, this is a marvelous historical fiction story. The characters are kept true to their time frame while, at the same time, are portrayed in a way modern day teens will have no trouble relating to. The 'history lesson' glides effortlessly into the main plot, insuring an educational delight." - Bookworm for Kids
"The prose of Ms. Jensen is vivid and very rich, making it easy to recreate the whole period of time in my mind. This is a great way to get younger tweens and early teens to LIVE the history of the American Revolution, instead of just learning the facts about it. I recommend this novel wholeheartedly to anyone who loves historical novels." - Mami Tales
"I found the blend of the story and the historical elements to flow seamlessly. It is evident that this author did her research and it made the story feel that much more authentic." - Adalinc for Life
"Along with snippets of history, it offers just enough teen struggle and budding romance to keep YA readers and history buffs turning the page to find out what happens to Clara." - Cat’s Corner
"Dorothea’s story has a nice balance of history, suspense, scandal, twists, scenery, and memorable characters. I recommend her book for all ages" - Rebecca Krusee
My Review
A Buss from Lafayette is an exquisitely detailed and beautifully penned historical fiction novel that chronicles a week's worth of events that ultimately transform a girl into a budding young woman.
It's the summer of 1825 and General Lafayette is on a farewell tour as the Nation's Guest. People are lining up in the big cities just to catch a glimpse of this remarkable man who helped secure America's freedom from the British.
At the same time, in the small town of Hopkinton a girl named Clara Hargraves is celebrating her fourteenth birthday. However, Clara's celebrating is cut short when she's informed by her stepmother, who was/is also her aunt, that she is now a young woman and must start behaving as one. No more riding astride, no more wearing her brother's breeches, and certainly no more swimming in the pond. Clara's not sure what's worse, her red hair or her stepmother who seems to be trying to ruin her life. On top of all this she's been getting a funny feeling every time she's around her brother's friend, and her previous tormentor, Dickon Weeks and she's just discovered her hideous cousin Hetty is coming for a visit. Could things get any worse? Clara's about to find out and what unfolds just may change her life.
I am a big fan of historical fiction and was thrilled at the opportunity of reviewing A Buss from Lafayette and I must say the author does not disappoint. The rich detail and vivid storytelling make it easy to fall into this story. I felt as though I was transported back in time to experience life with Clara and could feel the excitement in the air as the town was a buzz with the talk of Lafayette.
The author also makes her characters easy to relate to which gives the story a sense of timelessness. It's easy to understand Clara's emotional struggles of accepting her stepmother, her nervousness around a certain young man, and her desire to fit in when all her red hair does is stand out. Readers will also be able to identify with the stepmother who wants to be loved and welcomed by her stepchildren, but is also dealing with the pain of losing her sister.
I think one of my favorite aspects of the story is how the author is able to weave a history lesson throughout the daily lives of her characters. Sitting around the dinner table, visiting in town, or chatting after church seem so natural that it's easy to become engrossed in the story and forget you're learning.
Kudos to Dorothea Jensen for a splendidly told tale. I highly recommend picking up a copy.
It's the summer of 1825 and General Lafayette is on a farewell tour as the Nation's Guest. People are lining up in the big cities just to catch a glimpse of this remarkable man who helped secure America's freedom from the British.
At the same time, in the small town of Hopkinton a girl named Clara Hargraves is celebrating her fourteenth birthday. However, Clara's celebrating is cut short when she's informed by her stepmother, who was/is also her aunt, that she is now a young woman and must start behaving as one. No more riding astride, no more wearing her brother's breeches, and certainly no more swimming in the pond. Clara's not sure what's worse, her red hair or her stepmother who seems to be trying to ruin her life. On top of all this she's been getting a funny feeling every time she's around her brother's friend, and her previous tormentor, Dickon Weeks and she's just discovered her hideous cousin Hetty is coming for a visit. Could things get any worse? Clara's about to find out and what unfolds just may change her life.
I am a big fan of historical fiction and was thrilled at the opportunity of reviewing A Buss from Lafayette and I must say the author does not disappoint. The rich detail and vivid storytelling make it easy to fall into this story. I felt as though I was transported back in time to experience life with Clara and could feel the excitement in the air as the town was a buzz with the talk of Lafayette.
The author also makes her characters easy to relate to which gives the story a sense of timelessness. It's easy to understand Clara's emotional struggles of accepting her stepmother, her nervousness around a certain young man, and her desire to fit in when all her red hair does is stand out. Readers will also be able to identify with the stepmother who wants to be loved and welcomed by her stepchildren, but is also dealing with the pain of losing her sister.
I think one of my favorite aspects of the story is how the author is able to weave a history lesson throughout the daily lives of her characters. Sitting around the dinner table, visiting in town, or chatting after church seem so natural that it's easy to become engrossed in the story and forget you're learning.
Kudos to Dorothea Jensen for a splendidly told tale. I highly recommend picking up a copy.
About the Author: Dorothea Jensen
Dorothea Jensen, born in Boston, Massachusetts, grew up in Chillicothe, Illinois. She majored in English literature at Carleton College. After teaching high-school English and serving as a Peace Corps volunteer in Brazil, she earned a master s degree in education at the University of New Mexico. In 1989, Harcourt Brace Jovanovich published Dorothea s novel for young readers about the American Revolution, The Riddle of Penncroft Farm. In addition to other honors, it was named an International Reading Association Teacher s Choices Selection and is read in classrooms throughout the U.S. A Buss from Lafayette is set in the small New Hampshire town where Dorothea lives. Two things inspired her to write this story. First, was learning that Lafayette passed right by her house during his 1824-5 Triumphal Tour. Another was meeting a woman whose ancestor received a kiss from Lafayette. That buss, passed down through generations, eventually came to Dorothea. This sparked her interest in Lafayette s contributions to our struggle for independence. Dorothea also enjoys writing rhyming verse. She has written a series of award-winning illustrated modern Christmas stories in verse featuring Santa’s Izzy Elves.
For more information about Dorothea and her books, please visit http://www.dorotheajensen.com/.
For more information about Dorothea and her books, please visit http://www.dorotheajensen.com/.
