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Saving Wonder
In this utterly transporting debut about the power of words, the importance of friendship, and the magic of wonder, Curley Hines must decide whether to fight to save the mountain he calls home.
Having lost most of his family to coal-mining accidents as a little boy, Curley Hines lives with his grandfather in the Appalachian Mountains of Wonder Gap, Kentucky. Ever since Curley can remember, Papaw has been giving him a word each week to learn and live. Papaw says words are Curley's way out of the holler, even though Curley has no intention of ever leaving.
When a new coal boss takes over the local mining company, life as Curley knows it is turned upside down. Suddenly, his best friend, Jules, is interested in the coal boss's son, and worse, the mining company threatens to destroy Curley and Papaw's mountain. Now Curley faces a difficult choice. Does he use his words to speak out against Big Coal and save his mountain, or does he remain silent and save his way of life?
From debut author Mary Knight comes a rich, lyrical, and utterly transporting tale about friendship, the power of words, and the difficult hurdles we must overcome for the people and places we love.
Having lost most of his family to coal-mining accidents as a little boy, Curley Hines lives with his grandfather in the Appalachian Mountains of Wonder Gap, Kentucky. Ever since Curley can remember, Papaw has been giving him a word each week to learn and live. Papaw says words are Curley's way out of the holler, even though Curley has no intention of ever leaving.
When a new coal boss takes over the local mining company, life as Curley knows it is turned upside down. Suddenly, his best friend, Jules, is interested in the coal boss's son, and worse, the mining company threatens to destroy Curley and Papaw's mountain. Now Curley faces a difficult choice. Does he use his words to speak out against Big Coal and save his mountain, or does he remain silent and save his way of life?
From debut author Mary Knight comes a rich, lyrical, and utterly transporting tale about friendship, the power of words, and the difficult hurdles we must overcome for the people and places we love.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 23, 2016
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1083 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 155 reviews
February 2, 2021
“. . . if for some reason you get stuck, don't be afraid to wonder. Wonder aloud. . . Wonder has a way of opening folks up.”
The people of Wonder Gap, Kentucky have wondered if Big Coal is behind the contamination of their water. They've also wondered if it's necessary for the mining industry to strip off the tops of their beloved mountains, to mine the coal. Oh, and what about those mudslides and floods?
Many of the residents wonder about other things, too. Like, do they have the courage to stand up to something like coal production, when it's essential to so much of our world's energy production? Do they have what it takes to protest the practices of Big Coal, especially when it provides so many of them with a regular paycheck?
This is a book about activism, for middle grades readers, and it was different from every other book we've read in our Kids Read Across America journey.
It's a dynamic, well-written debut novel about both sides of a delicate issue, and how three kids made a difference in a very difficult situation.
Language plays an essential role here, as well, not only as a vehicle for persuasion, but a way of understanding ourselves better, too.
. . . our words create our world, but we're the creators. We decide what kind of world we want to create.
My only gripe: why did the author make these protagonists in the seventh grade? They don't talk or act like seventh graders, and her editor or her best friend should have pushed to have made them what they were: sophomores or juniors in high school.
It irks me when kids aren't written authentically, and the dialogue here, between these 12-year-olds, made me roll my eyes more than a few times.
Nonetheless, this was a strong debut in 2016, and I hope the author, Mary Knight, was bolstered by its reception. She's a solid writer; she just needs to commit to spending a few months in middle school cafeterias.
The people of Wonder Gap, Kentucky have wondered if Big Coal is behind the contamination of their water. They've also wondered if it's necessary for the mining industry to strip off the tops of their beloved mountains, to mine the coal. Oh, and what about those mudslides and floods?
Many of the residents wonder about other things, too. Like, do they have the courage to stand up to something like coal production, when it's essential to so much of our world's energy production? Do they have what it takes to protest the practices of Big Coal, especially when it provides so many of them with a regular paycheck?
This is a book about activism, for middle grades readers, and it was different from every other book we've read in our Kids Read Across America journey.
It's a dynamic, well-written debut novel about both sides of a delicate issue, and how three kids made a difference in a very difficult situation.
Language plays an essential role here, as well, not only as a vehicle for persuasion, but a way of understanding ourselves better, too.
. . . our words create our world, but we're the creators. We decide what kind of world we want to create.
My only gripe: why did the author make these protagonists in the seventh grade? They don't talk or act like seventh graders, and her editor or her best friend should have pushed to have made them what they were: sophomores or juniors in high school.
It irks me when kids aren't written authentically, and the dialogue here, between these 12-year-olds, made me roll my eyes more than a few times.
Nonetheless, this was a strong debut in 2016, and I hope the author, Mary Knight, was bolstered by its reception. She's a solid writer; she just needs to commit to spending a few months in middle school cafeterias.
May 7, 2018
When I first opened Saving Wonder I could have never guessed what a treat I was in for. As soon as I finished this book I took Curley's example and enthusiastically broadened my vocabulary. Now every week my mom gives me a new uncommon word to use.
All of the characters were so intriguing. They all had rich back stories, quirky personalities and compelling feelings. Before long, I knew them as my friends.
Books are all about the right words. That's the reason that I love them so much. And Saving Wonder is packed with new words from the beginning to end that Mary Knight weaves together beautifully. I've always believed that words can move mountains. In this book Knight proves that words can even save one.
All of the characters were so intriguing. They all had rich back stories, quirky personalities and compelling feelings. Before long, I knew them as my friends.
Books are all about the right words. That's the reason that I love them so much. And Saving Wonder is packed with new words from the beginning to end that Mary Knight weaves together beautifully. I've always believed that words can move mountains. In this book Knight proves that words can even save one.
March 14, 2016
Because I often think that juvenile fiction is better written than many adult novels, I was happy to find this one to be especially relevant. I was able to read this page turner in 24 hours as I fell in love with the characters who were naturally and believably portrayed by the writer. The book educates about important issues like heritage, preservation of natural resources and relationships while intertwining a wonderful story of kids coming of age.
Of course, this book was wisely chosen by Scholastic Press, as I can see how it can be widely used to teach English, history, ecology, sociology, and science.
I would recommend this as a perfect mix for juvenile and adult readers. I say "YES".
Of course, this book was wisely chosen by Scholastic Press, as I can see how it can be widely used to teach English, history, ecology, sociology, and science.
I would recommend this as a perfect mix for juvenile and adult readers. I say "YES".
August 2, 2021
I found an uncorrected proof of this book in a thrift store and read it in two days. I’ll be buying a nice hardcover version ASAP! A sweet coming of age story about a 12 year old boy that has lost his entire family except his grandfather to coal mining. The book has some excellent vocabulary building in it. Themes of the power of words, respect for varying ways of life, what makes something sacred, what makes a place home how to handle hard things in life, & what it means to be responsible for hard choices. The one thing I would say gives me a slight pause on a 100% whole hearted recommendation is that the two main characters are a 12 year old boy and girl and their level of romantic involvement, kissing and “nuzzling”, seems a bit mature for the age. Otherwise a fantastic book….I guess i should say this is a preliminary evaluation in case any of these points were deleted in the final book.
March 17, 2016
Saving Wonder brings believable characters to life in a setting that is both familiar and beloved. I am delighted when Appalachian children have chance to recognize themselves inside the pages of a good book. The strength of words as a way to negotiate problems and find expression for the plethera of emotions that children experience is brought home in each chapter. I love coming of age books and this book sends a message that is relevant for children and adults. Opportunities for discussion and learning are plentiful.
February 28, 2016
This felt a little forced to me. The fact that they lived in a world where they could trust a handshake and yet there is Internet and computers and YouTube videos. Totally unrealistic. I liked the words for each chapter...but it felt like they were picked just for the speech at the end...or some of them were forced into the speech. Well intentioned, but not my favorite. Almost gave it just two stars. But Curley and his relationship with Papaw bumped it to three. That part was well done.
June 6, 2016
Eight words that I never thought would come from my keyboard: The love triangle in this book is adorable.
Normally, I hate love triangles with the stomach-churning fire of a thousand ultra-spicy burritos. Love triangles are disrespectful. If someone is in a relationship, then stop pursuing them. If you’re leading two people on, then make up your mind and knock it off. I have a hard time rooting for any character who creates a love triangle.
I can (mostly) forgive the love triangle in this book because it didn’t turn out the way I expected, and the characters are young. This is the characters’ first attempt at a relationship. They’re figuring it out as they go along. The love triangle feels believable because none of the characters really know what they’re doing.
In Saving Wonder, twelve-year-old Curley learns that the mountain near his house will be subjected to mountaintop removal mining. Basically, the mountain will be ground down layer by layer to get at the coal inside. Mountaintop removal is a dangerous mining practice that has a huge environmental impact. Coal mining has already killed Curley’s parents, and he doesn’t want it to take his mountain, too.
I like a lot about this book, but I especially appreciate that the author didn’t ignore the complexities of mountaintop removal. This type of mining is a real-life issue in Appalachia, and the author didn’t oversimplify it. Yes, mountaintop removal is dangerous and horrible for the environment, but it provides jobs and electricity that the country needs. Even though Saving Wonder focuses on Kentucky, mining practices aren’t just an Appalachian issue. I live in Colorado, and we have surface mining here, too. I think that any reader who grew up (or is growing up) in the mountains will be able to relate to Curley’s struggle.
Curley is an easy character to love. He has a strong voice. The author does a wonderful job of showing how his lifestyle and culture are tied to the environment. This book is a coming-of-age story. Curley is angry about the changes happening in his world, and he doesn’t always take out his anger in healthy ways. Over the course of the novel, he learns to harness his anger and use it in an attempt to save his mountain. He discovers his passion and finds out that he can make a difference. He doesn’t have to feel powerless.
The irrevocable nature of life is a major theme in this book. A lot of Curley’s anger seems to come from the fact that some things can’t be undone. His parents can’t come back to life, extinct species can’t be replaced, tops can’t be put back on mountains. His frustration is understandable. It’s easy to empathize with him because this is a tough lesson to learn.
My only issue with the characters is that I think they occasionally act older than their ages. At one point, I actually flipped back through the book to re-check their ages. Also, the press conference at the end of the novel is a bit too idealistic and heavy-handed for my tastes, but it does have a good message about how kids can change the world. Or, change the fate of a mountain, at least.
Those are minor issues. Saving Wonder is well-written, well-researched, and compelling. It touches on issues surrounding politics, economics, culture, history, and the environment. Young readers will also learn a few new words. If you’re looking for an educational middlegrade book, I’d highly recommend this one.
Normally, I hate love triangles with the stomach-churning fire of a thousand ultra-spicy burritos. Love triangles are disrespectful. If someone is in a relationship, then stop pursuing them. If you’re leading two people on, then make up your mind and knock it off. I have a hard time rooting for any character who creates a love triangle.
I can (mostly) forgive the love triangle in this book because it didn’t turn out the way I expected, and the characters are young. This is the characters’ first attempt at a relationship. They’re figuring it out as they go along. The love triangle feels believable because none of the characters really know what they’re doing.
In Saving Wonder, twelve-year-old Curley learns that the mountain near his house will be subjected to mountaintop removal mining. Basically, the mountain will be ground down layer by layer to get at the coal inside. Mountaintop removal is a dangerous mining practice that has a huge environmental impact. Coal mining has already killed Curley’s parents, and he doesn’t want it to take his mountain, too.
I like a lot about this book, but I especially appreciate that the author didn’t ignore the complexities of mountaintop removal. This type of mining is a real-life issue in Appalachia, and the author didn’t oversimplify it. Yes, mountaintop removal is dangerous and horrible for the environment, but it provides jobs and electricity that the country needs. Even though Saving Wonder focuses on Kentucky, mining practices aren’t just an Appalachian issue. I live in Colorado, and we have surface mining here, too. I think that any reader who grew up (or is growing up) in the mountains will be able to relate to Curley’s struggle.
Curley is an easy character to love. He has a strong voice. The author does a wonderful job of showing how his lifestyle and culture are tied to the environment. This book is a coming-of-age story. Curley is angry about the changes happening in his world, and he doesn’t always take out his anger in healthy ways. Over the course of the novel, he learns to harness his anger and use it in an attempt to save his mountain. He discovers his passion and finds out that he can make a difference. He doesn’t have to feel powerless.
The irrevocable nature of life is a major theme in this book. A lot of Curley’s anger seems to come from the fact that some things can’t be undone. His parents can’t come back to life, extinct species can’t be replaced, tops can’t be put back on mountains. His frustration is understandable. It’s easy to empathize with him because this is a tough lesson to learn.
My only issue with the characters is that I think they occasionally act older than their ages. At one point, I actually flipped back through the book to re-check their ages. Also, the press conference at the end of the novel is a bit too idealistic and heavy-handed for my tastes, but it does have a good message about how kids can change the world. Or, change the fate of a mountain, at least.
Those are minor issues. Saving Wonder is well-written, well-researched, and compelling. It touches on issues surrounding politics, economics, culture, history, and the environment. Young readers will also learn a few new words. If you’re looking for an educational middlegrade book, I’d highly recommend this one.
March 6, 2017
Saving Wonder is a book about a boy named Curly Hinds. After most of his family is killed in coal mining accidents, Curly moves in with his Papaw or grandfather in the Appalachian Mountains of Wonder Gap, Kentucky. Each week Papaw gives Curly words from the dictionary to study. The rule is Curly has to use the word at least once during the week. Life seems joyful until a new coal boss takes over at the local mining company. Curly's best friend, a girl is liking the bosses son, and even worse the boss threatens to destroy his beloved Mountain. What will happen next? Will Curly back down from the boss or will he resist the boss? This book was ok. I liked that it was very descriptive and had a lot of loaded language. I felt bored though out the whole book. I do not recommend this book to people who love action. I would recommend this to people who like realistic fiction. I would compare this book to the book the One and Only Ivan because they are both realistic fiction.
March 14, 2016
This was a good book and it honored the complexity of many issues facing Kentucky as they relate to Big Coal. I thought the author did so in a respectful way; acknowledging the way of life coal makes possible for many families alongside the horrors of mountaintop removal. The characters were well-developed and the plot was interesting. The device of the "word of the week" was clever. Life in some parts of the state is still a mix of the old ways and modern times, and I thought this was also well represented by Ms. Knight. I was particularly charmed by how the young protagonist finds his voice as he turns from childhood to young adulthood. Nicely done.
February 20, 2020
Saving Wonder is a story of friendship, young love and a child’s determination and persistence to do the right thing in the right way. An ode to the kids who teach adults a wonderful lesson of how one person can bring across a massive change. Doesn’t matter what rank of power he falls under.
The book revolves around three friends who are in a sort-of puppy love triangle but that is not the focus of the story. The hero of our book is Curley, a young orphan who lives with his Grandfather in the mountains. He portrays multiple shades of emotions and realistically demonstrates grit, resilience and from time to time a bit of naivety apt for someone his age. A few chapters in and the title of the book easily gives away the plot, but for me the thing that kept me glued to the pages were the words. A new word each day through each chapter. I never thought I would end up learning so much more than just creative storytelling.
The book is truly an emotional read highlighting the importance of relationships with family and friends, the sanctity of intangible memories which we hang on to and the need to demonstrate courage and stand up for the right thing which time comes. I personally felt that the ending of the book was a little rushed and dramatic which could’ve been made more subtle. But overall, such a refreshing, fun and effortless read. This book is definitely one example endorsing the fact that – age is no bar when it comes to reading!
The book revolves around three friends who are in a sort-of puppy love triangle but that is not the focus of the story. The hero of our book is Curley, a young orphan who lives with his Grandfather in the mountains. He portrays multiple shades of emotions and realistically demonstrates grit, resilience and from time to time a bit of naivety apt for someone his age. A few chapters in and the title of the book easily gives away the plot, but for me the thing that kept me glued to the pages were the words. A new word each day through each chapter. I never thought I would end up learning so much more than just creative storytelling.
The book is truly an emotional read highlighting the importance of relationships with family and friends, the sanctity of intangible memories which we hang on to and the need to demonstrate courage and stand up for the right thing which time comes. I personally felt that the ending of the book was a little rushed and dramatic which could’ve been made more subtle. But overall, such a refreshing, fun and effortless read. This book is definitely one example endorsing the fact that – age is no bar when it comes to reading!
June 28, 2017
This is a junior fiction book with a very big message about the power of one. I gave it a five because of the message as well as the writing. I loved the characters, their passion for their mountain and words. I also loved the beautiful lesson of words. It mades me want to try try doing this myself - my kids are grown - but even through text we could do a word a week. Sadly - language and the power of words is often overlooked these days. Tweets, social media and texts have abbreviated our communication efforts. The need for and power of words is being lost in so many ways. Thanks Mary Knight for a great book!
April 21, 2017
Oh, this book!
This is a stay-up-too-late, ignore-the-dishes, lunchbreak-in-the-sun kind of book.
I could SEE the Appalachians, the hollers, the coal dust, and even the HOPE as this story infolded. It was a lovely book, and I enjoyed it immensely.
I hope that there ISN'T a sequel, because this story was perfect. That noted, I sincerely hope that the author publishes other works. She is a phenomenal writer.
This is a stay-up-too-late, ignore-the-dishes, lunchbreak-in-the-sun kind of book.
I could SEE the Appalachians, the hollers, the coal dust, and even the HOPE as this story infolded. It was a lovely book, and I enjoyed it immensely.
I hope that there ISN'T a sequel, because this story was perfect. That noted, I sincerely hope that the author publishes other works. She is a phenomenal writer.
June 4, 2022
I loved this middle school novel of two teenage friends in Appalachia who make it their purpose to save a special mountain in their coal mining community of Wonder. They research, they plan, they organize, and work as a team to keep the mountain from being mined and therefore, protected.
I wanted this book to be our One Book, One School read - so many lessons learned.
I wanted this book to be our One Book, One School read - so many lessons learned.
July 25, 2017
Really strong middle grade novel. A boy and a girl are the best of friends. When the mountain they love is in danger from a coal company, they get busy to protect it. Lots of great life lessons in this story. A beautiful relationship between a boy and his grandfather.
June 23, 2018
I loved Papaw’s reverence for words in this story and how Curley comes to understand the power of words and the responsibility we have to use our words to right a wrong.
May 27, 2024
So lovable.
November 7, 2017
This book starts out a little slow but quickly speeds up. This book expands you knowledge about words, how to use them and how to use them in your life. This book has one simple message... be true to who you are, whether people like it or not!
November 2, 2019
This book was a very touching book for me.
January 5, 2026
Very cute young love! Loved seeing the passion behind protecting their hometown.
February 26, 2018
such an empowering read. blown away by this one.
November 29, 2018
Saving Wonder is a great read about heritage, friendship, change, and the power of words.
As a Kentuckian, my favorite thing about this novel was just how true-to-home the writing was. Words common to the Appalachian region--like holler, skedaddle, papaw--are used pretty frequently, and it made me feel warm fuzzies to come across local vernacular like that. It helped the story feel close to home, and I was impressed that the author incorporated it so seamlessly into the dialogue.
Curley is a lovable MC, and it's easy to see the world through his eyes. The injustices he feels he faces echo the ones that seem world-ending when we were children.
I won't spoil anything, but two characters in particular got very nice redemption arcs, and it added a depth to the story that would've been lacking if they had never happened.
Some things that I thought were awkward were 1. the sudden introduction of and reliance on the Cherokee natives as a focal point in how the conclusion came about, and 2. how--aside from making a video and giving an interview--the children's efforts didn't reflect the emotions they felt. I understand that both are relevant to plot development, however, and they certainly didn't keep me from enjoying the story.
I would recommend Saving Wonder to any children who have an interest in conservation, nature, and Kentucky fiction.
As a Kentuckian, my favorite thing about this novel was just how true-to-home the writing was. Words common to the Appalachian region--like holler, skedaddle, papaw--are used pretty frequently, and it made me feel warm fuzzies to come across local vernacular like that. It helped the story feel close to home, and I was impressed that the author incorporated it so seamlessly into the dialogue.
Curley is a lovable MC, and it's easy to see the world through his eyes. The injustices he feels he faces echo the ones that seem world-ending when we were children.
I won't spoil anything, but two characters in particular got very nice redemption arcs, and it added a depth to the story that would've been lacking if they had never happened.
Some things that I thought were awkward were 1. the sudden introduction of and reliance on the Cherokee natives as a focal point in how the conclusion came about, and 2. how--aside from making a video and giving an interview--the children's efforts didn't reflect the emotions they felt. I understand that both are relevant to plot development, however, and they certainly didn't keep me from enjoying the story.
I would recommend Saving Wonder to any children who have an interest in conservation, nature, and Kentucky fiction.
October 31, 2018
You might also enjoy:
✱ Katerina's Wish
✱ Child of the Mountains
✱ The End of the Wild
✱ Dig Too Deep
✱ Me and Marvin Gardens
✱ The Last Panther
✱ Rooting for Rafael Rosales
✱ Katerina's Wish
✱ Child of the Mountains
✱ The End of the Wild
✱ Dig Too Deep
✱ Me and Marvin Gardens
✱ The Last Panther
✱ Rooting for Rafael Rosales
March 9, 2017
While I really loved this book, I believe that it is better suited for a junior high audience because of some of the topics and relationships. The character development is well done and the story centered around mining in the Appalachian Mountains of Kentucky is engaging. The reader really bonds with the narrator, Curley Hines, a seventh grader living with his grandpa because the rest of his family has been lost to the mines in one way or another. Curley is growing up and beginning to have different feelings for his lifelong best friend, Jules, but the addition of a new mine owner and his son begins to change too many constants in Curley's life . I highly recommend this title for both school and public libraries with the suggestion that it be included in a tween, teen, or YA collection.
December 26, 2015
Combing poverty, politics, and family dynamics amid the rich backdrop of Appalachia, this debut novel by Mary Knight will capture your heart and soul.
The main character, Curly lives with his grandfather in Kentucky. They have a very close bond and a mutual love for nature. They are struggling with the coal company who is trying to clear cut their mountain. Curly, through the magical power of words and two of his best friends attempt to stop the cutting.
The characters rich personalities coupled with its compelling narrative will keep readers engaged from beginning to end.
The main character, Curly lives with his grandfather in Kentucky. They have a very close bond and a mutual love for nature. They are struggling with the coal company who is trying to clear cut their mountain. Curly, through the magical power of words and two of his best friends attempt to stop the cutting.
The characters rich personalities coupled with its compelling narrative will keep readers engaged from beginning to end.
May 6, 2016
What a beautifully written story! The characters are well-developed, their relationships are genuine and tender, and the rich themes woven throughout are ripe for reflection. Each chapter is titled with a letter of the alphabet corresponding to a new vocabulary word that the main character Curley is incorporating into his life. Readers will be inspired by the efforts of three friends to make a difference in the world. Highly recommended for middle school and high school.
March 26, 2016
Sweet, but powerful young adult book. The author gives us a view into rural Kentucky and how the lives of high schoolers have been shaped by the coal industry. I loved the gentleness of the story, but the powerful currents running through the chapters. It seemed believable without being sensational. Hope Mary Knight returns to give us a glimpse as to how the characters' lives unfold.
March 16, 2016
I really enjoyed this story of a boy who finds his power in words, love and friendship. It's a lovely read with a powerful message of just how important our words are.
June 19, 2017
Good story but too repetitive
October 26, 2016
"Saving Wonder" by first time author, Mary Knight, is a selection for the Chapter and Verse Book Club's mock Newbery discussion in November.I enjoyed the book immensely but think it falls short in a few areas.
Seventh grader, Michael Weaver (Curley) Hines, lives in the Appalachian Mountains in Wonder Gap, Kentucky. Coal mining has cost him his father, mother, and sister. He is living with his grandfather, Papaw, when the coal mining company that provides a livelihood for most of the citizens of Wonder Gap changes hands. Curley finds himself faced with the possibility of another loss, he and his family's mountain. However, this possibility is the proverbial "straw that breaks the camel's back" for Curley. Papaw encourages him to use the words he has collected over the years to fight and, along with his lifetime best friend, Julia (Jules) Cavanaugh, and the son of Tiverton Coal Corporation's owner, J.D., he does just that - he fights for the life he has always known. The ending to "Saving Wonder" left me thinking that there is possible a sequel in the works because there are some threads left hanging. I don't want to ruin it by saying why, however. Suffice it to say, there are more battles to fight.
I enjoyed the book's concept and "staging." WORDS are significant to Curley and his PaPaw. Each week, Papaw gives Curley a new word to study and use. There are many significant messages about the power of language enfolded into the pages of "Saving Wonder." For instance, on page 21, Papaw tells Curley, "'Words are like wood...Under proper conditions, with the right heat and moisture, wood is pliable. So are words. Meaning can change with context.'" On page 88, he says, "'...some words will change the entire way you look at something.'" The author uses the letters of the alphabet, in order, as chapter names. The letter corresponds to Curley's word of the week. At the end of the chapter, the dictionary entry for the word of the week is included. This would be an EXCELLENT book for use in the classroom and for vocabulary study as a result. The videos that Curley, Jules, and J.D. make that reviews and makes use of his words in a real world situation could be the impetus for a great classroom project. HOWEVER, this got cumbersome and a bit old after the novelty wore off. All new words, and words that Curley has been given in the past, are italicized throughout the text, words like: lackadaisical, acquiesce, belligerent, conundrum (Curley's first word in the book), irascible, hutzpah, reclamation, irrevocable, emboldened, linchpin, detrimental, niggle, oxymoron, persist, quixotic, serendipity (p. 196 - "'Stay open to possibility. Be on the lookout for good. And serendipity will bless you again and again.'"), subversive, untenable, rhetorical, WONDER, and more. Some of the words are pretty sophisticated for late elementary school and early middle school students. Like Curley, they might find themselves bullied for using them in everyday conversation. But, in the end, Curley's use of powerful words demonstrates, both to himself and the community, that words can bring about positive, peaceful change. Anothe minor issue is when Papaw tells Curley on page 2 that, "'...words are your way out of the holler'" even though there is no indication throughout the book that he wants to leave the holler and his mountain - he says on page 6, "'I've been attached to these mountains since I was born, like my umbilical cord was lassoed around their tops.'"
I enjoyed the unique setting (the Appalachian Mountains and Kentucky), and the taking on of an environmental issue that many in the intended audience may know little about (coal mining). The book would be an EXCELLENT resource to use in the Social Studies and Science classroom for study and discussion. HOWEVER, I felt that the author had difficulty establishing the time period at the beginning of the book. It felt very 1930's as the book opened, and once I had that impression, it was hard to accept the contemporary time period. I suppose that one might make the case that many of the little towns sprinkled throughout the Appalachian Mountains are throwbacks to the past, but I was not convinced. On page 96, when Curley tells us his Ma's bloodroot blossom cure for sore throats, it seems again like an earlier time.
I enjoyed the author's, at times, lush language. For instance, I love the description of the ramifications of coal mining found on page 76, "There are mountains in the distance, hinting green, but the stony wound in front of us is so wide and gaping it looks like God Himself swiped away the mountaintop with one mighty claw..."
I enjoyed many of the characters and felt that they were well-developed and believable. HOWEVER, I didn't always feel that the relationships between the characters rang true. The "love triangle" between Curley, Jules, and J. D. was somewhat unbelievable. For all of the angst that Curley experiences when his best friend, whom he really wants to be his girlfriend, falls for J.D., the whole thing is resolved too easily in the end. On the other hand, I appreciated the lesson that J.D. provides us with - money and appearance don't guarantee happiness, so we should be careful when we judge others on this basis. Also, I loved the strong relationship between Curley and his Papaw. I admit that their interactions brought me to tears several times throughout the book.
I enjoyed the promotion of activism and other thematic material found in "Saving Wonder." An election year, and the controversy about our police force and communities of color, makes the activism piece especially compelling. And I found the emphasis on peaceful protest and the use of words as tools of resistance to be especially compelling. Papaw tells Curley on page 137, "'Fight...It doesn't mean you'll win, but it matters that you try.'" (Though this seems a bit hypocritical, since Papaw himself has done exactly the opposite of this.) The idea that one person Can make a difference is so important. "'All it takes is one,'" as Papaw says on page 206. Themes of family, parenting, friendship, romance, the environment, extinction, the power that big corporations can have over us, the importance of the truth, jealousy, respecting the power of technology to do both harm and good, the importance of wondering, etc. are also very compelling. HOWEVER, I felt some of these themes could have either been dropped or explored more deeply. For instance, the fact that Papaw essentially gives up to Barkley Coal when Curley's family is killed, and the mystery surrounding the envelope Curley sees Papaw accept, could have been more fully fleshed out. The resolution of this mystery is a bit anticlimactic. If the deal was settled with a handshakes, and there is nothing in writing, why couldn't they choose to fight for what is rightfully their's when the new owners threaten to take their mountain? Another theme that either needed to be dropped or explored more fully, is the idea that music can provide us with great comfort. There isn't a discussion about music and the fact that Curley plays the harmonica until page 84. And we hear very little about it after that. Finally, the introduction of the American Indian and Cherokee elements later in the book needs to be intertwined into the story's plot earlier on (they were lovely and powerful, by the way, once we got to them).
Overall, a very good read. I am not sure if "Saving Wonder" is Newbery worthy (it need some tightening up), but Mary Knight has great potential as an author for "children's" literature! Recommended for graded 5-8!
Seventh grader, Michael Weaver (Curley) Hines, lives in the Appalachian Mountains in Wonder Gap, Kentucky. Coal mining has cost him his father, mother, and sister. He is living with his grandfather, Papaw, when the coal mining company that provides a livelihood for most of the citizens of Wonder Gap changes hands. Curley finds himself faced with the possibility of another loss, he and his family's mountain. However, this possibility is the proverbial "straw that breaks the camel's back" for Curley. Papaw encourages him to use the words he has collected over the years to fight and, along with his lifetime best friend, Julia (Jules) Cavanaugh, and the son of Tiverton Coal Corporation's owner, J.D., he does just that - he fights for the life he has always known. The ending to "Saving Wonder" left me thinking that there is possible a sequel in the works because there are some threads left hanging. I don't want to ruin it by saying why, however. Suffice it to say, there are more battles to fight.
I enjoyed the book's concept and "staging." WORDS are significant to Curley and his PaPaw. Each week, Papaw gives Curley a new word to study and use. There are many significant messages about the power of language enfolded into the pages of "Saving Wonder." For instance, on page 21, Papaw tells Curley, "'Words are like wood...Under proper conditions, with the right heat and moisture, wood is pliable. So are words. Meaning can change with context.'" On page 88, he says, "'...some words will change the entire way you look at something.'" The author uses the letters of the alphabet, in order, as chapter names. The letter corresponds to Curley's word of the week. At the end of the chapter, the dictionary entry for the word of the week is included. This would be an EXCELLENT book for use in the classroom and for vocabulary study as a result. The videos that Curley, Jules, and J.D. make that reviews and makes use of his words in a real world situation could be the impetus for a great classroom project. HOWEVER, this got cumbersome and a bit old after the novelty wore off. All new words, and words that Curley has been given in the past, are italicized throughout the text, words like: lackadaisical, acquiesce, belligerent, conundrum (Curley's first word in the book), irascible, hutzpah, reclamation, irrevocable, emboldened, linchpin, detrimental, niggle, oxymoron, persist, quixotic, serendipity (p. 196 - "'Stay open to possibility. Be on the lookout for good. And serendipity will bless you again and again.'"), subversive, untenable, rhetorical, WONDER, and more. Some of the words are pretty sophisticated for late elementary school and early middle school students. Like Curley, they might find themselves bullied for using them in everyday conversation. But, in the end, Curley's use of powerful words demonstrates, both to himself and the community, that words can bring about positive, peaceful change. Anothe minor issue is when Papaw tells Curley on page 2 that, "'...words are your way out of the holler'" even though there is no indication throughout the book that he wants to leave the holler and his mountain - he says on page 6, "'I've been attached to these mountains since I was born, like my umbilical cord was lassoed around their tops.'"
I enjoyed the unique setting (the Appalachian Mountains and Kentucky), and the taking on of an environmental issue that many in the intended audience may know little about (coal mining). The book would be an EXCELLENT resource to use in the Social Studies and Science classroom for study and discussion. HOWEVER, I felt that the author had difficulty establishing the time period at the beginning of the book. It felt very 1930's as the book opened, and once I had that impression, it was hard to accept the contemporary time period. I suppose that one might make the case that many of the little towns sprinkled throughout the Appalachian Mountains are throwbacks to the past, but I was not convinced. On page 96, when Curley tells us his Ma's bloodroot blossom cure for sore throats, it seems again like an earlier time.
I enjoyed the author's, at times, lush language. For instance, I love the description of the ramifications of coal mining found on page 76, "There are mountains in the distance, hinting green, but the stony wound in front of us is so wide and gaping it looks like God Himself swiped away the mountaintop with one mighty claw..."
I enjoyed many of the characters and felt that they were well-developed and believable. HOWEVER, I didn't always feel that the relationships between the characters rang true. The "love triangle" between Curley, Jules, and J. D. was somewhat unbelievable. For all of the angst that Curley experiences when his best friend, whom he really wants to be his girlfriend, falls for J.D., the whole thing is resolved too easily in the end. On the other hand, I appreciated the lesson that J.D. provides us with - money and appearance don't guarantee happiness, so we should be careful when we judge others on this basis. Also, I loved the strong relationship between Curley and his Papaw. I admit that their interactions brought me to tears several times throughout the book.
I enjoyed the promotion of activism and other thematic material found in "Saving Wonder." An election year, and the controversy about our police force and communities of color, makes the activism piece especially compelling. And I found the emphasis on peaceful protest and the use of words as tools of resistance to be especially compelling. Papaw tells Curley on page 137, "'Fight...It doesn't mean you'll win, but it matters that you try.'" (Though this seems a bit hypocritical, since Papaw himself has done exactly the opposite of this.) The idea that one person Can make a difference is so important. "'All it takes is one,'" as Papaw says on page 206. Themes of family, parenting, friendship, romance, the environment, extinction, the power that big corporations can have over us, the importance of the truth, jealousy, respecting the power of technology to do both harm and good, the importance of wondering, etc. are also very compelling. HOWEVER, I felt some of these themes could have either been dropped or explored more deeply. For instance, the fact that Papaw essentially gives up to Barkley Coal when Curley's family is killed, and the mystery surrounding the envelope Curley sees Papaw accept, could have been more fully fleshed out. The resolution of this mystery is a bit anticlimactic. If the deal was settled with a handshakes, and there is nothing in writing, why couldn't they choose to fight for what is rightfully their's when the new owners threaten to take their mountain? Another theme that either needed to be dropped or explored more fully, is the idea that music can provide us with great comfort. There isn't a discussion about music and the fact that Curley plays the harmonica until page 84. And we hear very little about it after that. Finally, the introduction of the American Indian and Cherokee elements later in the book needs to be intertwined into the story's plot earlier on (they were lovely and powerful, by the way, once we got to them).
Overall, a very good read. I am not sure if "Saving Wonder" is Newbery worthy (it need some tightening up), but Mary Knight has great potential as an author for "children's" literature! Recommended for graded 5-8!
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January 8, 2020Saving Wonder Book Review
I really enjoyed the book Saving Wonder by Mary Knight. The beginning of the book was kind of telling a back story to Curley’s life. Curley is the main character and he has a best friend/ girlfriend named Jules. Curley lost his father from a mine accident right after his little brother Zeb was born, than Curley lost his mother and Zeb from them drowning in a river. So Curley lives just with his grandpa and him and Jules comes over to hang out a lot. Curley’s grandpa gives Curley a special word for each week that he is supposed to use every single day of the week and it goes alphabetically. For example one of Curley’s favorite words is lackadaisical.
Then all of a sudden the mine got a new boss and they were trying to take away Curley’s and his grandpa’s mountain that their family mined on. So they were both very upset and they were trying to figure out a way to not have that happen to them because they didn’t want to lose another thing in their life. Curley was thinking about putting all those words to use that his grandpa gave to him and try and convince the new boss to not take their mountain. Another major event was Curley’s girlfriend Jules, started to like the new boss’s son and he wasn’t happy about that.
My personal opinion about this book is that I think it was a really interesting and cliff hanging book. I always just wanted to keep reading and reading. I recommend this book to anyone who somewhat like romance books and there are some comedy points in the book as well. My favorite part of this book is every Sunday in the book there would be a new word that the grandpa gave to Curley. I would always be excited to read and wait until I either found out what the word meant or just to see how they used these words in sentences. In conclusion I really did enjoy my read and I recommend Saving Wonder to anyone.
I really enjoyed the book Saving Wonder by Mary Knight. The beginning of the book was kind of telling a back story to Curley’s life. Curley is the main character and he has a best friend/ girlfriend named Jules. Curley lost his father from a mine accident right after his little brother Zeb was born, than Curley lost his mother and Zeb from them drowning in a river. So Curley lives just with his grandpa and him and Jules comes over to hang out a lot. Curley’s grandpa gives Curley a special word for each week that he is supposed to use every single day of the week and it goes alphabetically. For example one of Curley’s favorite words is lackadaisical.
Then all of a sudden the mine got a new boss and they were trying to take away Curley’s and his grandpa’s mountain that their family mined on. So they were both very upset and they were trying to figure out a way to not have that happen to them because they didn’t want to lose another thing in their life. Curley was thinking about putting all those words to use that his grandpa gave to him and try and convince the new boss to not take their mountain. Another major event was Curley’s girlfriend Jules, started to like the new boss’s son and he wasn’t happy about that.
My personal opinion about this book is that I think it was a really interesting and cliff hanging book. I always just wanted to keep reading and reading. I recommend this book to anyone who somewhat like romance books and there are some comedy points in the book as well. My favorite part of this book is every Sunday in the book there would be a new word that the grandpa gave to Curley. I would always be excited to read and wait until I either found out what the word meant or just to see how they used these words in sentences. In conclusion I really did enjoy my read and I recommend Saving Wonder to anyone.
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