Karen Hesse

I didn’t want it to end! I wish the diary would have continued to January 1, 1862 at least! (SPOILER!!) I HATED how her parents got divorced then the book just ended. It was so abrupt! (SPOILER!!)

There was kind of an abrupt start to this book. There wasn’t much of an introduction. That’s more of personal preference. I would have liked more intro.

I absolutely loved the sprinkle of romance that was in here! I was not expecting it but welcomed it wholeheartedly!

There’s also amazing imagery!! For example, “The current in the channel was stronger than usual. The current inside me, too.”

Things to be aware of in “A Light in the Storm:”

Language:
- 1 “dang”
- 1 “damn”
- 1 “stupid”
- A character is called a “mooncusser”
- “Cursed,” “curse,” and “cursing” (no elaboration)
Note: For the most part, language was only noted if spoken as an insult.

Violence:
- This book is set during a war, so naturally, there are many deaths noted (mildly descriptive)

Romantic Content:
- A boy kisses a girl on her forehead (both unmarried)

Spiritual Content:
- A mention of “do you believe in God?” And, “do you believe in the Devil?” The answer to both was “no.”
- Many mentions of prayer
- Mentions of Sabbath
At the beginning/middle of the book, I was very satisfied with the spiritual content, but as it progressed (and her life gets harder) I feel like Amelia prayed less where she should have been relying on God.

Additional Notes:
- One mention of an animal being shot because it aggressively bit other animals, which also had to be put down. (Sensitive readers may not appreciate that.)
- Amelia gives her grandmother rum to “ease her aches” (no mention of 16-year old Amelia drinking any)
- Amelia’s parents are not harmonious.
- Mentions of divorce. “If a country can break its bonds, why not two people?”
- “He and his wife are as big and boisterous as whales.”
- On the Origin of Species by Charles Darwin is mentioned and recommended to other characters.
- A lot of talk about slavery. Some characters support it; some used to.
- Many scenes including of screaming, yelling and angry outrages.… (more)

Join Granny and Bean as they enjoy a day walking on the beach and finding friends and treasures.
The rhyming text and soft mixed media illustrations create a beautiful sing song story that is calming and peaceful. The large illustrations and simple text make it a great read aloud to end a busy storytime or as a bedtime book. The illustrations are not too busy and provide room for the reader to add their own thoughts to the story. This book provides opportunities to talk about the illustrations, story and rhyming words fostering narrative skills, phonological awareness and vocabulary.… (more)