Monday, May 31, 2021

#Review & #Giveaway: Mocking Bird in Mark Twain's Hat by Kaia Alexander #Middlegrade


Publisher: Waterside Press, Oct, 2020
Category: Children’s illustrated chapter book
ISBN: 978-1949001914
Available in Print and ebook, 138 pages
Mockingbird in Mark Twains Hat


Synopsis:

Wynne is a precocious mockingbird born in the rural south in the late 1800s. His whole family are singers, but at four days old, he wants to be a novelist just like his hero, Mark Twain. When crows attack his nest, he’s swept away on an epic adventure along the Mississippi River. Wynne learns to read and write, makes new friends in surprising places, and is mentored by Mark Twain himself.

My review:

I have always loved a good Mark Twain story and thought this book to be interesting. This book is not about Mark Twain but does have quotes throughout that he said himself. In fact, this book is about a bird, a mocking bird to be exact, who wants nothing to do with singing or flying or anything a mockingbird actually does.

The story is told in first person via Wynne. His accidental adventure leads him to characters like an old beaver and others whom all his life he was told to avoid. Friendships are made throughout the book and things once thought are found to be untrue. Eventually, Mark Twain does show up in the book and finds out this mocking bird doesn't sing but writes! Wow!

***There is some cautionary tales here. One is the use of slavery since the book is set in the 1800's southern states on the Mississippi River. For some adult readers, this may put the reader off but it is meant to show the life in that era and that slavery was wrong. Even little Wynne notices this and is friends with a man by the name of Robert who takes care of him. It adds to the story and makes the reader clearly understand the message.

I won't reveal much more as it would ruin the book for you, my dear readers. I will say though, it was obvious to me that not only was Mark Twain a hero for Wynne but for the author herself. Let's just say, "Wynne" did a fine job writing his own story for the author. *wink*

Cute story and a great read for 8-12 year old's. This book is getting a 5 star chirp from me!

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the author. The views expressed here are 100% my own and may differ from yours.  ~Michelle 

Where to fine the author:



Renaissance woman and award-winning author of the historical novel, Written in the Ashes. She has taught yoga and meditation worldwide for over 20 years, and teaches writing on 3 continents. A California native, she is seldom without a surfboard, a pair of binoculars, and her son Atticus by her side.

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Giveaway: FOUND HERE

This giveaway is for 1 print copy to 3 winners. It is open to Canada and the U.S. only and ends on July 1, 2021,midnight pacific time.


3 comments:

Denise said...

Will be watching for it.

Denise said...

Interesting that you mention some adult readers may be upset by the description of slavery. History should not be rewritten to shield sensitive people. Rather we should use it as a teaching tool to better society. I am Canadian and even we studied "Huckleberry Finn" and "To Kill a Mockingbird" in Grade 10. Once we start banning these classics we become no better than Adolf Hitler's Germany.

Teddy Rose said...

I am so glad you loved 'Mockingbird in Mark Twain's Hat"! I loved it so much and have read it 3 times already. It is such a balm for hard times, for adults and children.