Millicent's Gift

by Ann Rinaldi

Aware of the powerful gift she possesses, Millicent looks to her family for advice as to whether or not she should use it, but doing so only leads to more confusion as different members of the family have completely different opinions on the matter. Reprint.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Fiction, Juvenile, Historical Fiction, Teen, Childrens

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

Ann Rinaldi (b. August 27, 1934, in New York City) is a young adult fiction author. She is best known for her historical fiction, including In My Father's House, The Last Silk Dress, An Acquaintance with Darkness, A Break with Charity, and Hang a Thousand Trees with Ribbons. She has written a total of forty novels, eight of which were listed as notable by the ALA. In 2000, Wolf by the Ears was listed as one the best novels of the preceding twenty-five years, and later of the last one hundred years. She is the most prolific writer for the Great Episode series, a series of historical fiction novels set during the American Colonial era. She also writes for the Dear America series.

Rinaldi currently lives in Somerville, New Jersey, with her husband, Ron, whom she married in 1960. Her career, prior to being an author, was a newspaper columnist. She continued the column, called The Trentonian, through much of her writing career. Her first published novel, Term Paper, was written in 1979. Prior to this, she wrote four unpublished books, which she has called "terrible." She became a grandmother in 1991.

Rinaldi says she got her love of history from her eldest son, who brought her to reenactments. She says that she writes young adult books "because I like to write them."

Reviews

[Z · Rating 5 out of 5]

love this book! it's so breathtaking. there's drama and a bit of action. I love Millicent! I wish I was her!

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a departure from Rinaldi's usual format, as it is not a historical novel. Rather, it is fiction revolving around a family that has many magical gifts. Initially, I was disappointed in the story line, as I really enjoy Rinaldi's historical fiction, but if the story is taken separately from her usual style, it is actually very good. Millicent learns many lessons in learning to use her Power, including the balance between good and evil, the importance of keeping the family unit strong, and the influence one person can have in a community. It is good reading and teaches much through the story.

[James Crawford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this is an Ann Rinaldi book, it's not based on any historical fact. It's about a girl who's almost 14 and who has magical abilities. When she turns 14 she will receive the power of granting one single wish.

The story revolves around her family and relatives, and the pressure put upon her by her schoolmates to use her wish to help them.

She also finds out about a girl at school whose father is responsible for a string of thefts and she also has to deal with that.

It's an okay book, but I prefer her historical works.

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

Terrible cover, pretty good book about a family with supernatural powers and the trouble that causes in getting along in their very small town. Millicent has been homeschooled all her life, and I would find her earnestness and naivite unrealistic, but she's just like other homeschooled teens that I have met. Liked the characters and the sense of impending disaster, but it was a bit too earnest for me.

[Naomi Terpening · Rating 5 out of 5]

Millicent's Gift was much a deeper book than I figured it would be.

It teaches a lot about family, trust, and life in general.

I loved the book because it really touched me how Millicent was so caring for her family and still kept up with the stress of training for her gift of one wish.

[Linda Lipko · Rating 2 out of 5]

Purchased for ten cents at my local library sale table, this was a quick, easy, breezy read that held nothing in depth. I didn't have a lot of energy today and this YA book fit the bill for something that didn't take a lot of time or analysis

A 14 year old girl holds magical powers inherited from her mother and aunts and in order to save her brother she must make a decision.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Its a bit startling to read something in a more modern era from Ann Rinaldi, but it was an entertaining read. In this time when the paranormal is becoming increasingly popular in young adult fiction, I wager that many pre-teen and teen girls would enjoy this novel.

[Teresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was interesting. At first the plot looked like it was going in one direction, then the last four chapters it changed for the better. it was a good read. took me a few days.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A mix of magic and the real world makes this an interesting read. A lot more complex than I anticipated.

[Rainie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really like Ann Rinaldi, this one looked interesting

[Jerianna · Rating 1 out of 5]

Really the only one I've read by this author that I didn't like. I didn't finish it.

[Chelsy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Did not finish.

[Hendrix Eva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cool

[Whitney · Rating 1 out of 5]

not my favorite book in the world.

[Valerie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simple enough with a simple ending. Easy read that took me a day to finish