<< 1 >>
Rating: 
Summary: A great deal going on under the covers of this book.
Review: Friendship is the principal focus of Carol Weston's second in a series of novels for pre-teens, Melanie Martin Goes Dutch: The Private Diary of My Almost Bummer Summer with Cecily, Matt the Brat, and Vincent Van Go Go Go. There is a great deal going on between this book's covers.
We are not only once again exposed to the diary of a fourth grader by the name of Melanie, but also lessons concerning Anne Frank's Diary, the Holocaust, discussions about Flemish artists, and illness. The story provides a vivid insight into the turbulent pre-inner world of fourth grader Melanie.
Weston addresses the character's intense feelings with empathy and emotional engagement.
With great sensitivity, Weston cleverly parallels Melanie's diary to that of Anne Frank's, making Melanie realize how good she has it. Weston weaves into the tale, Cecily, Melanie's friend, who joins the Martin family on their trip to Holland, and proves to be the "perfect guest," to Melanie's dismay.
Melanie's friendship and trust are seemingly betrayed, putting her in a foul mood.
However, she regrets her ill thoughts, when she discovers how upset Cecily became, when she found out about Cecily's mom's illness. Carol Weston's treatment of the subject of Cancer is sensitively presented with a great deal of empathy, thus avoiding the unnecessary upsetting of her young audience. Although this novel may not be as cheerful as her first one, The Diary of Melanie Martin Goes To Italy, Weston still manages to tickle our funny bone with the Dutch language:
"Zakkenrollers" (Pickpockets), "Ingang" (Entrance- like come in gang!), and with the continuing sibling rivalry with Matt the Brat, Melanie's brother. The narrative is simple but never simplistic. Neatly and sensitively presenting the complexity of some of the issues as friendship, the Holocaust, cancer, as well as etymology, the book will prove to be both educational and amusing. This review first appeared on bookpleasures.com
Rating:
Summary: What a Cool Book!!!
Review: I am ten, and I have an autographed copy of this book. I have read it three times, and I loved it!
Melanie Martin, a ten-year-old, starts off the book (her diary) in an excited mood. It was the last day of 4th grade! Soon, she learns that she is going to Amsterdam. She is so excited to be traveling again, especially with her best friend Cecily, who is going too. She is coming because her mother has breast cancer. Melanie is not too worried, though. She's just excited!!
The only problem is, in Mellie's view, the trip is a disaster. They lose their luggage, including the suitcase in which Melanie's favorite stuffed animal is. And Cecily is so busy being a good guest that she's being a bad friend! She is always sucking up to her parents, and playing with Matt.
And the worst part is, Mellie's parents think Mellie is being a spoilsport. They're always complimenting Cecily- but what about her?
Finally, the girls become friends again, and Cecily's mom gets rid of her cancer.
In the story, you also learn about art and lots of Dutch words. This is a fun, funny book. Take it to the beach and read away!
Rating:
Summary: What a Cool Book!!!
Review: I am ten, and I have an autographed copy of this book. I have read it three times, and I loved it!
Melanie Martin, a ten-year-old, starts off the book (her diary) in an excited mood. It was the last day of 4th grade! Soon, she learns that she is going to Amsterdam. She is so excited to be traveling again, especially with her best friend Cecily, who is going too. She is coming because her mother has breast cancer. Melanie is not too worried, though. She's just excited!!
The only problem is, in Mellie's view, the trip is a disaster. They lose their luggage, including the suitcase in which Melanie's favorite stuffed animal is. And Cecily is so busy being a good guest that she's being a bad friend! She is always sucking up to her parents, and playing with Matt.
And the worst part is, Mellie's parents think Mellie is being a spoilsport. They're always complimenting Cecily- but what about her?
Finally, the girls become friends again, and Cecily's mom gets rid of her cancer.
In the story, you also learn about art and lots of Dutch words. This is a fun, funny book. Take it to the beach and read away!
Rating:
Summary: Super
Review: I was really happy when I found out that there was a new Melanie book because I LOVED The Diary of Melanie Martin which we read for my book club. She went to Italy In that book. In this one, she goes to Holland and it is GREAT too. Both books are very funny but have serious parts and you find out a lot about another country, it's food and artists and tourist places. In Melanie Martin Goes Dutch, I also learned about Anne Frank. I really like how Melanie doodles and makes up little poems and spells out foreign words. Since she gets in bad moods, she seems like a real person. ...I would definately recommend this book. My brother is 9 (he's like Matt the Brat!) and he liked it too. I hope there gets to be a whole series. I would read them all...
Rating: 
Summary: Pretty Good! Very Honest! A review by a 10-yr.-old!
Review: Melanie Martin is back from Italy. She is now done with 4th grade (which I just finished, too!). She, her ever-serious dad, her art-loving mom, her six-and-a-half yr. old brother, Matt the Brat, and her best friend Cecily are going to Holland!~ She is SOO excited to be traveling again, especially with a friend! The reason Cecily is going with them is because her mom, who Melanie never really liked, had breast cancer. Later in the book, Melanie realizes that Cecily's mother really isn't so bad after all. But 'Mellie' just is not very sensitive towards her best friend. Melanie is frustrated with her parents, her brother, and especially Cecily. She is sick of hearing everyone dish out compliments to Cecily. Cecily is a good artist, Cecily looks great in royal blue, Cecily is such a good sport, Cecily says the most interesting things. Mel is pretty upset, as I would be. Not admirable,but quite true. In the end, she has a great vacation and she makes up with her pal. This book was not perfect, but pretty darn good nonetheless. Written in diary form, this very realistic young girl teaches us Dutch words, info about artists, and how to deal with tough stuff. If you are an 8-10 year old girl who is smart enough to ask questions about breast cancer after reading this book, then pick this up at your local bookstore.
Rating:
Summary: Melanie Martin is the Best!
Review: Title: Melanie Martin Goes Dutch
Genre: middle grades ages 8-12
Author: Carole Weston
http://www.carolweston.com/
Line/Publisher: Dell Yearling
ISBN: 0 440 41899 2
Interesting read Recommended 5 stars The Review
The book opens with Melanie excited as can be. She has a brand new diary, and something exciting to write in it. This was the best day ever... it was the last day of school and the last day of fourth grade. Before long Melanie is facing the prospect of that long `nothing to do' summer. Cecily her best friend has gone on a trip to visit her dad, and Melanie is missing her friends from school. Melanie's diary continues with day to trials of a ten and a half year old girl. Things are about to change, in early July Melanie's school teacher Mom receives a grant. Before leaving for Holland so that Mom can use her grant to study artist Vincent Van Gogh Mom gives Melanie a copy of `The Diary of Anne Frank.' When Cecily's mom is diagnosed with breast cancer Melanie writes her fears and worry in her own diary along with her notes about the upcoming trip. At last the day comes to fly to Holland, and horror of horrors; all the luggage is lost. Melanie is beside herself when day after day the luggage remains lost and they are wearing the same clothes. After several days pass with no luggage they all go shopping. Whew! Melanie was happy for that. At least Cecily got to come along on the trip while her mom is having surgery back home. Before long Melanie is getting really out of sorts with Cecily and her penchant for always saying and doing the right thing. And before you know it Melanie and Cecily have a big fight at one of the most important museum's Melanie's Mom has come to visit. Of course Melanie records every bit of the lost luggage, the sights and sounds of Holland and that quarrel with Cecily in her diary. The trip to Holland and the trip home add more fuel for Melanie's writing. Melanie Martin Goes Dutch is a refreshing read sure to please girls of the 9-14 group. Author Weston obviously knows this age group well, she proves her prowess as a gifted writer by producing a nicely wrought narrative sure to appeal to girls and their Moms. With out coming off as stilted or preachy Author Weston deftly weaves a bit of geography, the story of Anne Frank, a good bit of art including one of my own favorite artists Van Gogh, along with a discussion of breast cancer and the import it can have on the lives of others into the work. The format of diary entries with all the squiggles, cartoons and verbiage to be expected from a ten-year-old girl are a delight to read. The reader is caught up in the narrative immediately. Melanie is a typical girl who grumbles, laughs, finds her parents a source of embarrassment, argues and resolves the quarrel as she writes it all down to remember forever. Humor abounds as the travelers deal with the lost luggage and a visit to a topless beach. Melanie's feelings of not doing quite as well as her friend, finding her little brother a pain in the neck and not always wanting to `go along with the program' are all feelings most youngsters know well. Writer Weston gently guides the reader into an understanding that Melanie, the reader and most likely everyone has these same feelings at one time or another. Melanie Martin Goes Dutch is a book sure to fit well into the classroom `free reading' program, a home library and pleasure reading for middle grades. Look forward to reading others in the series. Enjoyed the read, happy to recommend....
Rating:
Summary: Melanie Martin Goes Dutch ........ Molly's Reviews
Review: Title: Melanie Martin Goes Dutch
Genre: middle grades ages 8-12
Author: Carole Weston
http://www.carolweston.com/
Line/Publisher: Dell Yearling
ISBN: 0 440 41899 2
Interesting read Recommended 5 stars The Review
The book opens with Melanie excited as can be. She has a brand new diary, and something exciting to write in it. This was the best day ever... it was the last day of school and the last day of fourth grade. Before long Melanie is facing the prospect of that long 'nothing to do' summer. Cecily her best friend has gone on a trip to visit her dad, and Melanie is missing her friends from school. Melanie's diary continues with day to trials of a ten and a half year old girl. Things are about to change, in early July Melanie's school teacher Mom receives a grant. Before leaving for Holland so that Mom can use her grant to study artist Vincent Van Gogh Mom gives Melanie a copy of 'The Diary of Anne Frank.' When Cecily's mom is diagnosed with breast cancer Melanie writes her fears and worry in her own diary along with her notes about the upcoming trip. At last the day comes to fly to Holland, and horror of horrors; all the luggage is lost. Melanie is beside herself when day after day the luggage remains lost and they are wearing the same clothes. After several days pass with no luggage they all go shopping. Whew! Melanie was happy for that. At least Cecily got to come along on the trip while her mom is having surgery back home. Before long Melanie is getting really out of sorts with Cecily and her penchant for always saying and doing the right thing. And before you know it Melanie and Cecily have a big fight at one of the most important museum's Melanie's Mom has come to visit. Of course Melanie records every bit of the lost luggage, the sights and sounds of Holland and that quarrel with Cecily in her diary. The trip to Holland and the trip home add more fuel for Melanie's writing. Melanie Martin Goes Dutch is a refreshing read sure to please girls of the 9-14 group. Author Weston obviously knows this age group well, she proves her prowess as a gifted writer by producing a nicely wrought narrative sure to appeal to girls and their Moms. With out coming off as stilted or preachy Author Weston deftly weaves a bit of geography, the story of Anne Frank, a good bit of art including one of my own favorite artists Van Gogh, along with a discussion of breast cancer and the import it can have on the lives of others into the work. The format of diary entries with all the squiggles, cartoons and verbiage to be expected from a ten-year-old girl are a delight to read. The reader is caught up in the narrative immediately. Melanie is a typical girl who grumbles, laughs, finds her parents a source of embarrassment, argues and resolves the quarrel as she writes it all down to remember forever. Humor abounds as the travelers deal with the lost luggage and a visit to a topless beach. Melanie's feelings of not doing quite as well as her friend, finding her little brother a pain in the neck and not always wanting to 'go along with the program' are all feelings most youngsters know well. Writer Weston gently guides the reader into an understanding that Melanie, the reader and most likely everyone has these same feelings at one time or another. Melanie Martin Goes Dutch is a book sure to fit well into the classroom 'free reading' program, a home library and pleasure reading for middle grades. Look forward to reading others in the series. Enjoyed the read, happy to recommend....
Rating:
Summary: My summer vacation with a Dutch Touch
Review: Wishing you could take a trip this summer? The title of this book just makes me smile. Melanie's mother has a grant to study Van Gogh in Amsterdam for the summer and the whole family gets to go along. Melanie's diary of their trip is a fun read. Travel disasters such as lost luggage, an annoying little brother, and a fight with her best friend are not what she imagined her vacation would be like. Melanie is reading Anne Frank: the diary of a young girl. As events unfold on their trip Melanie finds herself empathizing with Anne. Her visit to the Secret Annex is very poignant. I loved "hearing" the Dutch phrases (complete with pronunciation,)smelling the food and seeing the sights through the eyes of a character who is the same age I was when I lived there. This is a very funny book. The presence of Anne in the background of the story gives the story a sweetness beyond the humor.
<< 1 >>
| 
