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Summary: Horrors of 1800s Slave Trade - Too Difficult For Kids!
Review: As a teacher I have used many children's novels in my classroom. This was the first book I have ever started to read with my 4th graders, then less than half way through it decided to drop the project entirely. Each day my students inquired about more than 20 vocabulary words; words that appear common to an adult, but were completely new to the 10 year olds in my class. Adding all of the unfamiliar words amassed during a week's readings, it became clear that this book is NOT appropriate reading for this age level. The subject matter (slave trade ca. 1840, complete with sadism, even murder) in itself requires a considerable maturity and certainly a lack of "squeemishness". Having read other "high level" novels, the latter was not a main concern. I do feel, however, that a reader receives minimal benefit from reading something she/he does not understand, due to the many unfamiliar words used. If a book is meant to appeal to kids, it should be written in their language. They will read Shakespeare soon enough. "The Slave Dancer" should be reserved for high school.
Rating: 
Summary: The Slave Dancer
Review: This book is about aboy named Jessie.He gets taken on a slave ship. He is taken because he plays the flute for the black slaves. He meets the captian, Caqptian Cawthorne, who is cruel. They finally sell the slaves to the Spaniards. The American ship sees them and destroys the boat. He metws a black boy, they become friends, then sometime later Jessie goes back home.
I read this book because it was exciting. I read it because a friend told me about this book. My mom bought it for me. I read it and liked it. It was very interesting. The cover helped me to read this book.
My favorite part was when Jessie met the balck boy named Ras. First they were complete strangers on the ship. Then when the American ship attacked they swam together. They got through the sea and came to an island. THey meet a man nameed Daniel who helps them both get home. They are grateful for surviving this disaster.
Rating: 
Summary: The Slave Dancer
Review: The story is about a boy named Jessie. He gets taken on a slave ship. He is taken because he plays the flute for the black slaves. He meets the captain, Captain Cawthorne, who is cruel. They finally sell the slaves to the Spaniards. The American ship sees them and destroys it. He meets a black boy, they become friends, then sometime later he goes back home.
I liked the book a lot. It was good because it told how hard it was to be out sea. It told of how slaves were abused there. It also told of how Jessie suvived this cruel mishap.It was very interesting. I wqas really engrossed in it. It was exciting and full of adventure.
I chose this book because of the cover. It really grabbed my attention. Also that I read the back of the book. It really got me interested in it. It was also because it was a John Newbery Medal winning book. Paula Fox is one of my favorite authors too.
Rating: 
Summary: Get Caught In A Storm and Die
Review: Have you ever read a book that is so boring you can't get into it? A book that has a bad plot. Well, if you like those kind of books than the book for you is The Slave Dancer by Paula Fox. The book has a horrible plot. It's about a boy named Jessie who is kidnapped and put on a slaver (a ship used to transport slaves.) He is forced to play his fife to keep the slaves healthy and strong for trading. One of the characters is a person named Ben Stout. He is a heartless gentleman. In the beginning he is a nice guy to Jessie but then when Jessie finds out how he really is he becomes very mean to Jessie. Another character is Captain Cawthorne. He is an abusive character. He beats around his crew just for the fun of it. He once bite Jessie on his ear. I would never recommend this book to anyone. It is a horrible book not suitable for any age. I hope I never have to read another book like this.
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Summary: Take the voyge of The Slave Dancer
Review: Looking for a book that will keep you trembling with suspense? Look no further than Paula Fox's "The Slave Dancer"
The main character is Jessie, a boy who lives with his mother and sister. One day he is kidnapped by the crew of a ship called the Moonlight. They use him to play his fife so the slaves can dance and stay strong.
The characters of this book are very diverse. There is Purvis who is mean to Jessie but later becomes his friend. Ben Stout is a gentleman on one side, and a horrible man on the other. Captian Cawthorne does nothing but yell out orders to the crew and Jessie. Jessie is scared when he is first on the ship, but that changes into anger towards the slaves and crew. He does, however, befriend Purvis and one of the slaves. Jessie has little hope of ever getting back.
This is a very interesting book that will not bore you. When you are sure of the outcome, something suprising will happen, especially when you find out who lives and dies!
The one thing that prevents this book from getting a perfect score is the fact that the story does drag a little in the beginning. Other than that, the Slave Dancer is a great book that you should definitely check out.
Rating:
Summary: The Slave Dancer
Review: The summary was about a boy name Jessie Bollier. he lives with his mom and his sister and no father. His father had died because he had drowned. It was one day and Jessie was running an errand for his mother, but he gets kidnapped by these pirates. Jessie finds out that he got caught because he can play the music for the slaves in the ship that the pirates would get. When they get the slaves they put them in the bottom of the ship and they would sell them. The pirates would treat them as if they were nothing. When the pirates go to sell the slaves the ship is hit by a big wave that kills many slaves and pirates. Only Jessie and anther slave survive. They become good friends. They are landed on an island where they meet Daniel, who helps a lot to Jessie and slave whose name was Ras. Then everyone goes back to where they all started.
I liked this book book a lot because it helped to realize a lot of things. I realized that I am lucky that wasn't treated like the slaves long time ago.I learned a lot about how people lived long time ago. I think I learned a lot of history. This is just an unique book that will remember everyday.
My favorite part was when Jessie goes back home. I don't why, but when the story has a happy ending it makes me feel good. It is my favorite part because Jessie is all safe and cozy. Jessie meets up with his family again. Every part was all good, but the end part just made me feel the best.
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Summary: Review of the Slave Dancer
Review: This book is about a boy named Jessie Bollier. Jessie gets taken against his will on to a slave ship and has to play music to dance the slaves to keep them healthy and fit. On the way back to America right off the coast of Mississippi the slave ship sank. Jessie and two of the slaves got ashore. I don't want to spoil the ending so read the book and find out for your self. This is a good book to read if you are studying about the slave trade in America and how bad it was.
Rating:
Summary: The Slave Dancer
Review: I have been reading through reviews, and most of the people who have read the book despise the aspect of slavery and racism. But if they didnt want to be disgusted by hatred and murder, racism and dis-respect, then why didn't they quit while they were ahead? Im only 12 years old, but I loved the book. The extensive vocabulary really helps in grade 7-12. I gave this book four out of five stars, because I get disgusted easily, and this book really made me shiver. So if u dont want to learn about history, so be it, it was a gruesome and horrible time, just be thankful your not a slave. P.S.- To everybody that is offended by the racism in the book... slavery is illegal now so, dont worry about it.
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Summary: The Slave Dancer by Paula Fox
Review: Do you want to read a captivating story, about a boy who was forced to play his fife for the slaves on a slaveship? On a boat called The Moonlight, this is exactly what happened. Thirteen-year-old Jessie Bollier lived during the time of slavery and took an interest in the slaves. He was barely surviving, with little money, and had to work to provide for his family. Although his mother was hardworking, she made little money and could hardly support her family. Sadly, his father had previously passed away. Jessie played his fife on the streets of New Orleans to make a profit, not knowing he had a secret admirer.
Then one night while running an errand, he suddenly disappeared. To where? Nobody knows. And nobody knows that he is on a long journey, on which he will meet a great friend.
The Slave Dancer, by Paula Fox, won the John Newbery Medal, as well as the hearts of many readers from ages 9 through 13. Her other books include Lily and the Lost Boy, The Village by the Sea, and the Newbery Medal winner One-Eyed Cat.
The Slave Dancer is full of suspense which can make your stomach turn. But, the wonderful ending will touch your heart and win you over.
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Summary: A Good Historical Book...
Review: I just finished Paula Fox's book The Slave Dancer. This book didn't really catch my interest, because I don't really like reading about history and slaves. Jessie Bollier is 13,and he is taken from his home and put onto a ship called The Moonlight. He is forced to play his fife for the black slaves on the ship. Jessie hasn't seen his mom or his sister Betty ever since he was taken on the ship. Will Jessie ever return home? Read this book to find out!
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