Plumfield and Paideia

Officer Buckle and Gloria

Reviewed by Sara Masarik
When Greta and I were used-book treasure hunting this week, we came across Officer Buckle and Gloria. I may have squealed a little when I saw it! I lied up above. Ok, not lied exactly. I didn’t tell the full truth. I may have turned on those dvds for shower time and lunch prep . . . but I also frequently climbed on the couch with my babies to enjoy the videos too. And, Officer Buckle and Gloria, was one of my hands-down favorites. This Caldecott Medal book is just about perfect and absolutely demands many re-readings. It is the perfect blend of silly, sweet, and smart.  Read the full review

Okay For Now

Reviewed by Diane Pendergraft
Of Schmidt’s three companion books, The Wednesday Wars, Okay for Now, and Just Like That, I think Okay for Now is the richest. The characters are full and believable and Doug’s growth over the school year is substantial. Doug finds himself surrounded by caring adults who see the best in him and mentor him through hard times. Read the full review

An Old Fashioned Girl

Reviewed by The Plumfield Moms
In 1869, Alcott published six chapters of An Old Fashioned Girl for Merry’s Museum Magazine. In these chapters, we meet 14 year old Polly. Polly is a country girl with unrefined manners and customs who visits her elegant city friend Fanny Shaw. In 1871, Alcott re-published those six chapters along with a sequel set six years in the future. In the introduction to the novel, Alcott apologizes for the serial feeling of the first six chapters of this complete story. In truth, I am not a huge fan of the first six chapters (and frankly, I don’t think that Alcott was either). The sequel, however, more than makes up for it. The young adult portion of the novel is fascinating and almost feels like Alcott is taking a second pass on her character Amy March from Little Women, and in so doing is giving Amy more moral fortitude and depth of character. Odd as this little book is, it has a special place in my heart and is one that I like to return to when I want something wholesome, romantic, feminine, and nostalgic. I think that certain aspects of An Old Fashioned Girl may remind readers of Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm or Daddy Long Legs. Read the full review