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In June, our Bluebonnet Book Club read picture books...but for July we got tough! We read Saving Lucas Biggs by Marisa de los Santos. This is, by far, our toughest selection.
Saving Lucas Biggs
by Marisa de los Santos & David Teague
published by Harper Collins
The Blurb
Margaret is determined to save her dad--even if it means using her family's secret gift of time travel. With the help of her best friend, Charlie, she travels back to stop the events that led up to her father's sentencing.
My Two Cents
Let me clear with you, I've always loved the concept and exploitation of place and setting in literature. When I first read Faulkner's tales from Yoknapatawpha County, I fell in love...and that love has lead to a lifelong romance. So when I figured out that this book was set in a little town with a crazy history...and then explored that history from both sides of time, I was hooked.
The segues and threads between historical events in the book are written with great attention to detail, making the story flow seamlessly between what is and what was. I was impressed with Teague & de los Santos' writing to the point that I have since reserved all of her books at my local library.
With that said, this middle grade book is a bit complex for your average 10 year old. My daughter is an excellent reader, but she struggled with the back and forth between both characters and time. After talking to other parents, many of the girls felt the same way. Many girls felt defeated and chose not to even finish (which killed me!) I never want to challenge these beautiful, brilliant girls with any book that makes them anything other than smart and willing to learn new things!
Needless to say, it was not our most successful book club, but I learned a little something about making the right choices for my little readers. Challenging is good, but too challenging is not fun for anyone! I would highly recommend this book to middle school readers and older. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Labels: 2015, Bluebonnet Book, book club, MG
