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Kaleidoscope Eyes
Will Lyzaâ€s 1968 summer mystery lead to . . . pirate treasure?
When Lyza helps her dad clean out her late grandfatherâ€s house, a mysterious surprise brightens the sad task. In Grampsâ€s dusty attic, Lyza discovers three maps, carefully folded and stacked, bound by a single rubber band. On top, an envelope says “For Lyza ONLY.†What could this possibly be? It takes the help of her two best friends, Malcolm and Carolann, to figure out that the maps reveal three possible spots in their own New Jersey town where Captain Kidd (the Captain Kidd, seventeenth-century pirate) may have buried a treasure. Can three thirteen-year-olds actually conduct a secret treasure hunt? And what will they find?
In a tale inspired by a true story of buried treasure, Jen Bryant weaves an emotional and suspenseful novel in poems, all set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War during a pivotal year in U.S. history.
When Lyza helps her dad clean out her late grandfatherâ€s house, a mysterious surprise brightens the sad task. In Grampsâ€s dusty attic, Lyza discovers three maps, carefully folded and stacked, bound by a single rubber band. On top, an envelope says “For Lyza ONLY.†What could this possibly be? It takes the help of her two best friends, Malcolm and Carolann, to figure out that the maps reveal three possible spots in their own New Jersey town where Captain Kidd (the Captain Kidd, seventeenth-century pirate) may have buried a treasure. Can three thirteen-year-olds actually conduct a secret treasure hunt? And what will they find?
In a tale inspired by a true story of buried treasure, Jen Bryant weaves an emotional and suspenseful novel in poems, all set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War during a pivotal year in U.S. history.
264 pages, Unknown Binding
First published January 1, 2009
34 people are currently reading
658 people want to read
About the author
Jen Bryant
33 books100 followersJen Bryant (Jennifer Fisher Bryant) writes picture books, novels and poems for readers of all ages. Her biographical picture book: A River of Words: The Story of William Carlos Williams, illustrated by Melissa Sweet,received a Caldecott Honor award and her historical novel in verse RINGSIDE 1925: Views from the Scopes Trial is an Oprah Recommended Book for ages 12 & up. Other titles include Pieces of Georgia (IRA Young Adult Choices Pick), The Trial (about the 1935 Lindbergh baby kidnapping trial), a 1960’s-era novel Kaleidoscope Eyes (a Jr. Library Guild selection), Georgia’s Bones, celebrating the creative vision of artist Georgia O’Keeffe, Music for the End of Time, based on a true story about WWII, and Abe’s Fish: A Boyhood Tale of Abraham Lincoln.
Jen has taught writing and Children’s Literature at West Chester University and Bryn Mawr College and gives lectures, workshops and school presentations throughout the year. She lives with husband, daughter and their Springer Spaniel in Chester County, PA.
Jen has taught writing and Children’s Literature at West Chester University and Bryn Mawr College and gives lectures, workshops and school presentations throughout the year. She lives with husband, daughter and their Springer Spaniel in Chester County, PA.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 169 reviews
November 6, 2012
Reviewed by Joan Stradling for TeensReadToo.com
Lyza's grandfather left her three carefully folded maps and an envelope that will take her and her two best friends on the adventure of a lifetime as they search for buried treasure.
But even if the three thirteen-year-olds manage to decipher the clues and locate the treasure, how will they keep it secret from their parents and the rest of the town?
Set during the Vietnam War, this novel allows the reader to learn about historical facts and figures of the time while enjoying the mystery and adventure of a hunt for pirate treasure.
I absolutely loved KALEIDOSCOPE EYES, and though its structure threw me off a bit at first, I soon found myself reading along with no trouble.
I enjoyed hunting treasure with Bryant's characters as they discovered the past, struggled through the present, and looked toward a bright future. The real treasure was the way these characters overcame obstacles and kept going in the face of the turmoil and confusion around them.
Lyza's grandfather left her three carefully folded maps and an envelope that will take her and her two best friends on the adventure of a lifetime as they search for buried treasure.
But even if the three thirteen-year-olds manage to decipher the clues and locate the treasure, how will they keep it secret from their parents and the rest of the town?
Set during the Vietnam War, this novel allows the reader to learn about historical facts and figures of the time while enjoying the mystery and adventure of a hunt for pirate treasure.
I absolutely loved KALEIDOSCOPE EYES, and though its structure threw me off a bit at first, I soon found myself reading along with no trouble.
I enjoyed hunting treasure with Bryant's characters as they discovered the past, struggled through the present, and looked toward a bright future. The real treasure was the way these characters overcame obstacles and kept going in the face of the turmoil and confusion around them.
April 26, 2017
This novel in verse was a blast from my past, as it was set in the late 1960s, and I was around the same age as the characters in the book at that time. Three friends search for Captain Kidd's treasure in the summer of 1968, using maps left to the main character by her grandfather. The story was more about surviving loss and the strength of family and friendship than about the treasure itself. Wish my summer had been that exciting! Recommended.
October 28, 2016
This is my first time reading a modern novel set in verse, but it's a good story; however, it was a bit edgier than I was expecting for a kids' book.
April 30, 2015
Overall, this was a fun read. What I liked about it was the mystery of the buried treasure and the adventure of finding it. Plus, who wouldn't enjoy a book about pirates, especially Captain Kidd. I may be a little biased, since he's my namesake ;-) The main character is also easy to follow from the opening chapter when she admonishes her sister for having a Janis Joplin poster hanging on the wall. I also like that she's sandwiched between two friends who are as different as night and day.
I do think some aspects of the book got in the way. While the time period is interesting and adds another layer, sometimes it distracts from the adventure. In fact, the way the book starts out sets you up for what you think will be a very realistic novel about family issues and growing up in the 60's during the Vietnam War. Then when you get to the hidden treasure part, you're like: oh, this is what the story is really about.
I do like how the main character misjudged so many people in the book--mainly her family--and realizes that they each love her in their own way.
I'm on the fence about the novel being in verse. I do love to read these, but I'm just not sure the book warrants this style. In fact, sometimes it creeps back into near prose, which makes you wonder if maybe the whole thing should have been that way. Then again, there are some beautiful moments where the author really shows off her poetic flare--like with "Body Language," "Not Much," and "Sliver."
Overall, kids will enjoy the adventure of hunting for treasure, the easy breezy writing style, and the relatability of the protagonist.
I do think some aspects of the book got in the way. While the time period is interesting and adds another layer, sometimes it distracts from the adventure. In fact, the way the book starts out sets you up for what you think will be a very realistic novel about family issues and growing up in the 60's during the Vietnam War. Then when you get to the hidden treasure part, you're like: oh, this is what the story is really about.
I do like how the main character misjudged so many people in the book--mainly her family--and realizes that they each love her in their own way.
I'm on the fence about the novel being in verse. I do love to read these, but I'm just not sure the book warrants this style. In fact, sometimes it creeps back into near prose, which makes you wonder if maybe the whole thing should have been that way. Then again, there are some beautiful moments where the author really shows off her poetic flare--like with "Body Language," "Not Much," and "Sliver."
Overall, kids will enjoy the adventure of hunting for treasure, the easy breezy writing style, and the relatability of the protagonist.
February 9, 2016
Personal Response: I thought this book was a good book. It was not the greatest one though. Kaleidoscope Eyes did have a lot of lesson learns in it that I even learned from. I would read this book again if I had to because I can always fix all of my mistakes from reading a book.
Plot Summary: Kaleidoscope Eyes was about a girl named Lyza who had a bad life. Her mom ran away from the family and her dad was never home to take care of her and her older sister, Denis. Lyza also lost many close friends and family members because they passed away in Vietnam. Her summer vacation started to get better when her grandpa died and she had to go clean out his house and she found an envelope up in the attic that had her name on it. When she got home she opened it up and it had a hole bunch of locations written down. There was also a key in the envelope that led to a metal detector in a locked closet. Lyza used the metal detector to try to see if there was any treasure chest under ground at any of the locations that were written down. And sure enough there was, the metal detector went off in the backyard of the church. Lyza then spent her whole summer with her two best friends trying to figure out if there really is a chest or not. To find out more read the book.
Recommendation: I think this book is more for girls than boys. It is more about a girl's life that boys don't like to read. But if you want to read a book about problem solving this would be a great book.
Plot Summary: Kaleidoscope Eyes was about a girl named Lyza who had a bad life. Her mom ran away from the family and her dad was never home to take care of her and her older sister, Denis. Lyza also lost many close friends and family members because they passed away in Vietnam. Her summer vacation started to get better when her grandpa died and she had to go clean out his house and she found an envelope up in the attic that had her name on it. When she got home she opened it up and it had a hole bunch of locations written down. There was also a key in the envelope that led to a metal detector in a locked closet. Lyza used the metal detector to try to see if there was any treasure chest under ground at any of the locations that were written down. And sure enough there was, the metal detector went off in the backyard of the church. Lyza then spent her whole summer with her two best friends trying to figure out if there really is a chest or not. To find out more read the book.
Recommendation: I think this book is more for girls than boys. It is more about a girl's life that boys don't like to read. But if you want to read a book about problem solving this would be a great book.
October 11, 2018
I rate this book a 3 out of 5. This book is amazing for people how can have a little fun and that can have adventure. The girl named Lyza found a couple of maps in the city of New Jersey there was three maps, she was wondering if there all still berried and if it was from pirates. Later on they get caught up with her dad because he got suspicious. Towards the end of the book they find a treasure, there was stuff like African ruby's. The text said "This . . . is an African ruby." This shows me that the treasure was found with the right map. Also paints a picture that they can be rich later on in there life and they found a Shinny Treasure that was pretty hard to find because they had to go a long journey through New Jersey, but it wasn't to hard for them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 15, 2011
In 1968, Lyza's grandfather dies, leaving her some maps and a key. Lyza enlists the help of her two best friends, Carolann and Malcolm to help her find some of Billy the Kidd's pirate treasure in their small south Jersey town. Meanwhile, the friends are thinking of Malcolm's older brother who is in Vietnam, Lyza's own mother left the family several years ago, and Lyza's father is too busy teaching math at Glassboro State College to spend much time at home. The New Jersey references were of particular interest to me, though, except for those from the southern part of New Jersey, I'm not sure they will mean much to younger readers.
March 20, 2017
Link to Synopsis (Amazon or Common Sense Media): https://www.amazon.com/Kaleidoscope-E...
Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Poetry, Adventure
Theme(s): Family and friendship, Risk versus Certainty, Speaking out/Standing up for what is right, Trust
Cultures/Under-represented Groups: None
Grade Level (Interest/Difficulty): 6th grade and up-The historical context of the Vietnam War and protesting may make the book difficult to access depending on students' background knowledge, but Bryant provides sufficient historical context through the poems that even students with limited knowledge of the Vietnam War could access this book. This book would appeal to readers who enjoy this historical period and like adventure; the book is not difficult to read and could be given to a struggling reader.
Appropriateness (Edgy Content/Issues): This book delicately tackles racial tension and segregation in 1960's America through the presence of Lyza's friend, Malcolm. Because she does not see him for his skin color and treats him as a close friend, her beliefs and actions are contrasted with the responses of the people around her (the racial tension is a minor element to the main story line). At one point in the novel, Lyza's father and sister perceive her behavior as odd (because she is trying to keep a secret), so they believe she is under the influence of drugs. Even though this is not the case at all, the topic is mentioned. This book could potentially be incorporated into a social issues book club and genre study or provide content-area connections to 7th grade history.
Instruction: Setting, Figurative language (imagery and simile), Characterization, Author's craft, Plot, Symbolism (Lyza's kaleidoscope)
Other: At the absence of her mother and subsequent loss of her grandfather, Lyza is left with three maps, a mystery, and many unanswered questions, as tension in America rises over the Vietnam War and bodies come home in flag-draped coffins. As she navigates the summer before ninth grade, she relies on her best friends, Carolann and Malcolm, to make sense of the maps and keep her grandfather's final secret, launching a quest for the long lost treasure of the pirate William Kidd. As she seeks the treasure, Lyza discovers the meaning of family, being normal, and the importance of letting the chips fall where they may. Bryant creates a likable protagonist who is navigating tough situations at the personal and social level, giving readers a well-rounded character with strong ideas. With a well-developed plot, the focus is less on Lyza's character development and more on the main conflict of solving the map mystery, creating an engaging novel overall.
Golden Line: "Lyza, there's two sides to a coin, two sides to a ship, and two sides to every story."
Review by: K. James, Mercer MS
Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Poetry, Adventure
Theme(s): Family and friendship, Risk versus Certainty, Speaking out/Standing up for what is right, Trust
Cultures/Under-represented Groups: None
Grade Level (Interest/Difficulty): 6th grade and up-The historical context of the Vietnam War and protesting may make the book difficult to access depending on students' background knowledge, but Bryant provides sufficient historical context through the poems that even students with limited knowledge of the Vietnam War could access this book. This book would appeal to readers who enjoy this historical period and like adventure; the book is not difficult to read and could be given to a struggling reader.
Appropriateness (Edgy Content/Issues): This book delicately tackles racial tension and segregation in 1960's America through the presence of Lyza's friend, Malcolm. Because she does not see him for his skin color and treats him as a close friend, her beliefs and actions are contrasted with the responses of the people around her (the racial tension is a minor element to the main story line). At one point in the novel, Lyza's father and sister perceive her behavior as odd (because she is trying to keep a secret), so they believe she is under the influence of drugs. Even though this is not the case at all, the topic is mentioned. This book could potentially be incorporated into a social issues book club and genre study or provide content-area connections to 7th grade history.
Instruction: Setting, Figurative language (imagery and simile), Characterization, Author's craft, Plot, Symbolism (Lyza's kaleidoscope)
Other: At the absence of her mother and subsequent loss of her grandfather, Lyza is left with three maps, a mystery, and many unanswered questions, as tension in America rises over the Vietnam War and bodies come home in flag-draped coffins. As she navigates the summer before ninth grade, she relies on her best friends, Carolann and Malcolm, to make sense of the maps and keep her grandfather's final secret, launching a quest for the long lost treasure of the pirate William Kidd. As she seeks the treasure, Lyza discovers the meaning of family, being normal, and the importance of letting the chips fall where they may. Bryant creates a likable protagonist who is navigating tough situations at the personal and social level, giving readers a well-rounded character with strong ideas. With a well-developed plot, the focus is less on Lyza's character development and more on the main conflict of solving the map mystery, creating an engaging novel overall.
Golden Line: "Lyza, there's two sides to a coin, two sides to a ship, and two sides to every story."
Review by: K. James, Mercer MS
April 28, 2012
When the school showed their preview for this book for the first time before handing out the book, they put the song "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" by the Beatles in the background, which includes the lyrics "a girl with kaleidoscope eyes". Everyone stared at the screen, wondering what on earth they were singing about. After giving the title of the book, they showed the same trailer again, and I was probably the only one in the room who didn't go, "Ohhhhh!", suddenly realizing that the book's title is an allusion to classic rock music.
The little nod in the title is probably the kindest thing Kaleidoscope Eyes did for me. That wasn't the only nostalgic allusion included--there were so many more, and I'm not just talking about a line from a song by Janis Joplin or Jimi Hendrix to open each chapter in an appropriate manner. The whole book is written like song upon song upon song. I've heard people tell me that it makes it easier to read, and some even tell me that they don't read it poetically, but honestly, I couldn't bypass it. The poems gave a rhythm to my head and slowed down what should have been a quick, two hour read, into an exhausting, six day bore.
Must I mention the uneventful story? Well, I won't give any spoilers. Meaning that if I tell anything, it'll probably spoil the fun you may (just may) have with the book, because the story barely gets anywhere. Also, it's a bit uneven. The story addresses issues of racism fine, and the main character seems to be well aware that she and her best friend (African-American) are frowned upon in the 1960s era they reside in; but the author talks the whole story about a girl who goes on an adventure that seems more like one a boy would go on, without once seeming to be aware of it. It wasn't until twenty pages in, when the character's name was given, until I realized the protagonist was female, not male, and I stayed confused for the remainder of the novel.
I'm not saying this is a bad book. I know some people who love it, and quite a few, actually. I just found it an unredeemed waste of my time. "All and all, it's just another brick in the wall." --Pink Floyd. No, no, Ms. Bryant, that's not a hint for a sequel, just a brief synopsis of your book.
The little nod in the title is probably the kindest thing Kaleidoscope Eyes did for me. That wasn't the only nostalgic allusion included--there were so many more, and I'm not just talking about a line from a song by Janis Joplin or Jimi Hendrix to open each chapter in an appropriate manner. The whole book is written like song upon song upon song. I've heard people tell me that it makes it easier to read, and some even tell me that they don't read it poetically, but honestly, I couldn't bypass it. The poems gave a rhythm to my head and slowed down what should have been a quick, two hour read, into an exhausting, six day bore.
Must I mention the uneventful story? Well, I won't give any spoilers. Meaning that if I tell anything, it'll probably spoil the fun you may (just may) have with the book, because the story barely gets anywhere. Also, it's a bit uneven. The story addresses issues of racism fine, and the main character seems to be well aware that she and her best friend (African-American) are frowned upon in the 1960s era they reside in; but the author talks the whole story about a girl who goes on an adventure that seems more like one a boy would go on, without once seeming to be aware of it. It wasn't until twenty pages in, when the character's name was given, until I realized the protagonist was female, not male, and I stayed confused for the remainder of the novel.
I'm not saying this is a bad book. I know some people who love it, and quite a few, actually. I just found it an unredeemed waste of my time. "All and all, it's just another brick in the wall." --Pink Floyd. No, no, Ms. Bryant, that's not a hint for a sequel, just a brief synopsis of your book.
January 15, 2018
Personal Response:
I loved this book! I liked how it was a mystery and made me want to keep reading it. I felt that this book had some parts that were kind of "off track" but other than that it was all around good.
Plot Summary:
The book Kaleidoscope eyes took place in the late 1960's, and around that time there was a war going on. Lyza's whole town was always gloomy because either people were dieing or other boys were being deported for help in the war. Lyza's grandfather had passed away right before school got out for summer vacation. Lyza found some old maps and a key that her grandfather had left for her. Later on in the book, she found out the key belonged to an old locker that her grandfather owned. At the auction her and all of her friends put their money together to buy the locker. As soon as they got the locker they opened it and found a metal detector. Lyza and her friends knew that it must have something to do with the maps, so they checked out the three locations that were marked on the map. The only location that picked up metal was the spot right behind the church in town. Lyza and her friends spent the whole summer digging up the treasure, while keeping it a secret. They got to the point where they needed more advanced tools, so they asked for help from Lyza's sister's boyfriend, Harry. Harry helped Lyza and her friends to get the treasure opened. When they opened it they all saw pure treasure, and since Harry knew someone that could examine the treasure they got to find out how much in total the treasure was worth. The whole treasure ended up being worth twelve million dollars, which they all split up evenly between each other. In the end, they got what they were searching for by the end of the summer without anyone finding out until they told everyone.
Recommedations:
I recommend this book to anyone in the middle and high school age range. I say this because this would not be a very interesting book to anyone below the middle school level or anyone above the highschool level. I also recommend this book to anyone who loves mystery books because this book is a good mystery.
I loved this book! I liked how it was a mystery and made me want to keep reading it. I felt that this book had some parts that were kind of "off track" but other than that it was all around good.
Plot Summary:
The book Kaleidoscope eyes took place in the late 1960's, and around that time there was a war going on. Lyza's whole town was always gloomy because either people were dieing or other boys were being deported for help in the war. Lyza's grandfather had passed away right before school got out for summer vacation. Lyza found some old maps and a key that her grandfather had left for her. Later on in the book, she found out the key belonged to an old locker that her grandfather owned. At the auction her and all of her friends put their money together to buy the locker. As soon as they got the locker they opened it and found a metal detector. Lyza and her friends knew that it must have something to do with the maps, so they checked out the three locations that were marked on the map. The only location that picked up metal was the spot right behind the church in town. Lyza and her friends spent the whole summer digging up the treasure, while keeping it a secret. They got to the point where they needed more advanced tools, so they asked for help from Lyza's sister's boyfriend, Harry. Harry helped Lyza and her friends to get the treasure opened. When they opened it they all saw pure treasure, and since Harry knew someone that could examine the treasure they got to find out how much in total the treasure was worth. The whole treasure ended up being worth twelve million dollars, which they all split up evenly between each other. In the end, they got what they were searching for by the end of the summer without anyone finding out until they told everyone.
Recommedations:
I recommend this book to anyone in the middle and high school age range. I say this because this would not be a very interesting book to anyone below the middle school level or anyone above the highschool level. I also recommend this book to anyone who loves mystery books because this book is a good mystery.
September 12, 2012
This is the first novel in verse I've read on my Kindle (and because of that, I have no idea if the formatting I saw is how the author intended it). As with many novels in verse, I wouldn't categorize this as poetry, so I think that classification is misleading. The language, for the most part, is pretty straightforward here.
What this novel IS is a great story, told in the briefest of captured moments. It's like telling an entire life through a slideshow of conversations or scenes. It's hard to do such a condensed story well, and Bryant does it exceedingly well.
Lyza is a teen in the 60s, dealing with a mom who abandoned the family, a black best friend in a still quietly segregated town, local boys being killed in Vietnam, a feminist big sister, a suspicious and exhausted father, and a mystery involving maps left to her by her grandfather. All of these pieces weave together to make an engaging, smart story. Will Lyza's mom come back? Will her best friend's older brother come back from Vietnam? Will they find pirate treasure? Is her sister really a heartless feminazi? Read it and find out!
Lyza is an observer and a thinker, and I like the kaleidoscope element throughout. Most of all, she's a girl I would have been friends with when I was a teen.
What this novel IS is a great story, told in the briefest of captured moments. It's like telling an entire life through a slideshow of conversations or scenes. It's hard to do such a condensed story well, and Bryant does it exceedingly well.
Lyza is a teen in the 60s, dealing with a mom who abandoned the family, a black best friend in a still quietly segregated town, local boys being killed in Vietnam, a feminist big sister, a suspicious and exhausted father, and a mystery involving maps left to her by her grandfather. All of these pieces weave together to make an engaging, smart story. Will Lyza's mom come back? Will her best friend's older brother come back from Vietnam? Will they find pirate treasure? Is her sister really a heartless feminazi? Read it and find out!
Lyza is an observer and a thinker, and I like the kaleidoscope element throughout. Most of all, she's a girl I would have been friends with when I was a teen.
January 15, 2013
Once upon a time I tried to write a review for Kaleidoscope Eyes and failed. Then I tried again… and again… and again….
I loved Kaleidoscope Eyes so much, but for some reason I’ve been at a loss for words to say about it, so please excuse this sure-to-be short review. The length of it doesn’t reflect on the book at all.
The title of this book doesn’t give much away about the subject matter of the story, so I was excited to find out it’s about pirate treasure AND it’s set in 1968. (Woo, historical fiction! Many adults are probably crying right now because the sixties are technically “historical”.) The story itself was so great. It could have become too childish in regard to pirate treasure or too heavy in regard to the tough time period, but Jen Bryant balanced everything out and made the story wonderful to read. It was never forgotten that there was a war going on or there was struggle with racism, but it didn’t overpower the story and that really appealed to me. This is a novel in verse, so there were times I wished something had been explained more fully, but there was never anything in the story that seemed unclear or unfinished.
All in all this was such a fabulous random pick and I’m so glad to have read it. Every single scene and character was amazing and unique and really helped thrust the plot forward. I would recommend this book to just about anyone, especially considering it’s a quick read.
I loved Kaleidoscope Eyes so much, but for some reason I’ve been at a loss for words to say about it, so please excuse this sure-to-be short review. The length of it doesn’t reflect on the book at all.
The title of this book doesn’t give much away about the subject matter of the story, so I was excited to find out it’s about pirate treasure AND it’s set in 1968. (Woo, historical fiction! Many adults are probably crying right now because the sixties are technically “historical”.) The story itself was so great. It could have become too childish in regard to pirate treasure or too heavy in regard to the tough time period, but Jen Bryant balanced everything out and made the story wonderful to read. It was never forgotten that there was a war going on or there was struggle with racism, but it didn’t overpower the story and that really appealed to me. This is a novel in verse, so there were times I wished something had been explained more fully, but there was never anything in the story that seemed unclear or unfinished.
All in all this was such a fabulous random pick and I’m so glad to have read it. Every single scene and character was amazing and unique and really helped thrust the plot forward. I would recommend this book to just about anyone, especially considering it’s a quick read.
January 23, 2015
A young adult novel written in verse (which is much more readable than it sounds).
Kaleidoscope Eyes is set in the 1960s against the backdrop of the Vietnam War, protests, and hippies. The 13-yr-old protagonist Lyza and her best friends Malcolm and Carolann spend their summer working out a Captain Kidd pirate mystery left for Lyza by her grandfather before he died. Meanwhile, Lyza is also coping with a physically absent mother, an emotionally absent father, and a strained relationship with her hippie older sister.
Yes, it's strange to read about the 1960s and pirate lore in one book... But who doesn't love a treasure hunt? The only treasure I couldn’t find was some sort of take-home message that relates the historical situation to the main character’s adventure or relationships. I think it’s supposed to be about being adventurous rather than always making the safe choice and knowing when to trust someone, but those weren’t compelling in the middle of a hunt for pirate treasure.
Set in NJ, which makes it a fun read for locals who can picture (or go see) Brigantine, the Mullica River, and Princeton University.
I recommend for readers aged 12+. Topics are addressed mildly but include bigotry, war deaths, mom running off and leaving her kids behind, older sister sneaking off in night with boyfriend, accusations of drugs.
Church/faith shown in positive light.
Kaleidoscope Eyes is set in the 1960s against the backdrop of the Vietnam War, protests, and hippies. The 13-yr-old protagonist Lyza and her best friends Malcolm and Carolann spend their summer working out a Captain Kidd pirate mystery left for Lyza by her grandfather before he died. Meanwhile, Lyza is also coping with a physically absent mother, an emotionally absent father, and a strained relationship with her hippie older sister.
Yes, it's strange to read about the 1960s and pirate lore in one book... But who doesn't love a treasure hunt? The only treasure I couldn’t find was some sort of take-home message that relates the historical situation to the main character’s adventure or relationships. I think it’s supposed to be about being adventurous rather than always making the safe choice and knowing when to trust someone, but those weren’t compelling in the middle of a hunt for pirate treasure.
Set in NJ, which makes it a fun read for locals who can picture (or go see) Brigantine, the Mullica River, and Princeton University.
I recommend for readers aged 12+. Topics are addressed mildly but include bigotry, war deaths, mom running off and leaving her kids behind, older sister sneaking off in night with boyfriend, accusations of drugs.
Church/faith shown in positive light.
August 1, 2010
While this one seemed like it might easily fall under an odd label that could turn readers off to it, I actually thought this was pretty fun. It's not really poetry or historical fiction or about the Vietnam War or racism or pirates or a treasure hunt but combines elements of all of these with a story about a girl, her friends, and her family. I have trouble of thinking of something from 1968 as historical fiction, although it happened before I was born, as well as most early adolescents who would be reading this title. I guess for me the cut off is always WWII. In any case, the novel is written in free verse that changes from chapter to chapter as little mini poems without breaking the stride of the story. I think that in this case the format works well to express the protagonist's feelings. There are wonderful little bits in the background about war, death, skin-colour, and pirates that make appearances without stealing the show. It does make it a little difficult to market the book, but I think that readers would find it accessible and entertaining if they can be guided to it.
November 19, 2010
I'm easily annoyed with books that use metaphor for their title and story structure. Lyza, the 13-year-old protagonist, is coming of age in 1968 when the United States is at war in Vietnam and her best friend Malcolm faces prejudice at home for being black. Lyza plays with a real kaleidoscope as she begins to look at the world in new ways and tries to make sense of all that is happening around her. The author piles many historical elements, including war, the draft, racism, segregation, and music into this novel in verse. The format changes frequently from poems, to song lyrics, letters, and even pirate logs. Pirate logs, you say? Why, yes! The story of a buried pirate treasure is loosely woven into this historical novel, adding a bit of adventure and mystery to mix. Lyza's recently deceased grandfather left behind some materials that guide her to the 300-year-old treasure, providing the author with a totally unbelievable and anti-climatic ending. A mixed-up jumble of blurry characters, themes, and plot that never really come into focus for me. Perhaps the author should have gone with a pair of glasses instead of kaleidoscope eyes?
December 7, 2011
Kaleidoscope Eyes
by Jen Bryant
I always love stories where an important character leaves something behind for a loved one when they die. The protagonist, with teary eyes and shaking hands, gently rips open the envelope to read the precious last words of their beloved. It's a thousand times better when the letter leads to possible treasure like it does for Lyza! When her Grandpa, a great adventurer, dies, Lyza discovers a letter for her eyes only that leads her on a hunt for treasure. There's a lot more to this story than searching for treasure. It's the 70s; there are hippies everywhere; young men are being sent to Vietnam by the truckload; and Lyza's mother has hit the road. It's a glorious novel, and it's written in verse, so that makes it even more magnificent, because it's fun and quick to read even though it looks long. I would highly recommend this novel to those of you who don't like historical fiction very much but need to read a historical novel, because this book doesn't feel like you are reading about the past, and the characters will keep you hooked. Read it, Matey...arrrggg...!(that's a clue to the novel's plot, heh, heh).
by Jen Bryant
I always love stories where an important character leaves something behind for a loved one when they die. The protagonist, with teary eyes and shaking hands, gently rips open the envelope to read the precious last words of their beloved. It's a thousand times better when the letter leads to possible treasure like it does for Lyza! When her Grandpa, a great adventurer, dies, Lyza discovers a letter for her eyes only that leads her on a hunt for treasure. There's a lot more to this story than searching for treasure. It's the 70s; there are hippies everywhere; young men are being sent to Vietnam by the truckload; and Lyza's mother has hit the road. It's a glorious novel, and it's written in verse, so that makes it even more magnificent, because it's fun and quick to read even though it looks long. I would highly recommend this novel to those of you who don't like historical fiction very much but need to read a historical novel, because this book doesn't feel like you are reading about the past, and the characters will keep you hooked. Read it, Matey...arrrggg...!(that's a clue to the novel's plot, heh, heh).
June 9, 2009
It's the summer of 1968 and Lyza has realized that her mother, who left two years ago, is never coming home. Her personal tragedies pale in comparison, though, to the families who have lost sons and brothers to the Vietnam War. In the midst of all this, Lyza's grandfather dies and leaves behind a mystery for her to solve. It's an honest-to-goodness treasure hunt and Lyza, along with her best friends Malcolm and Carolann, will spend the summer of 1968 searching. But even if they find the treasure, it won't bring Lyza's mother back or protect family members from the devastating war.
I didn't care for this one as much as I liked Jen Bryant's RINGSIDE 1925. The story was interesting and I liked the characters, but the verse novel format didn't work for me. I kept wanting more story than was contained in the verses. The characters will stick with me, but over all this one was a miss for me.
Full review on my blog:
http://abbylibrarian.blogspot.com/200...
I didn't care for this one as much as I liked Jen Bryant's RINGSIDE 1925. The story was interesting and I liked the characters, but the verse novel format didn't work for me. I kept wanting more story than was contained in the verses. The characters will stick with me, but over all this one was a miss for me.
Full review on my blog:
http://abbylibrarian.blogspot.com/200...
September 19, 2014
The year is 1968, and America is in an uproar over the Vietnam War and the Civil Rights movement. Lyza’s best friend isn’t allowed to eat with her at the local diner because of the color of his skin, her big sister has become an obnoxious Janis Joplin-loving hippie, young men from the town are getting drafted to fight, and her mother has ditched the family in search of a better life.
If that weren’t enough, Lyza has to deal with the death of her beloved grandfather. The summer gets a lot more interesting when she discovers the gift that her grandfather bequeathed her: maps and clues that promise certain adventure and intrigue. With the help of her best friends Malcolm and Carolann, Lyza finds out that the notorious pirate Captain Kidd may have buried treasure right in their own New Jersey town.
How can three kids possibly handle such a big secret? Will they be able to find the treasure? The entire novel is written in verse, an interesting and unique stylistic choice that will interest young readers in poetry.
This review originally appeared on abookandahug.com
If that weren’t enough, Lyza has to deal with the death of her beloved grandfather. The summer gets a lot more interesting when she discovers the gift that her grandfather bequeathed her: maps and clues that promise certain adventure and intrigue. With the help of her best friends Malcolm and Carolann, Lyza finds out that the notorious pirate Captain Kidd may have buried treasure right in their own New Jersey town.
How can three kids possibly handle such a big secret? Will they be able to find the treasure? The entire novel is written in verse, an interesting and unique stylistic choice that will interest young readers in poetry.
This review originally appeared on abookandahug.com
January 26, 2012
Lyza is left with a gift from her grandfather unbeknownst to her father or older sister which leads she and her friends on a summertime quest.
In the setting, Jen Bryant captures what life was like for kids growing up in the 1960s. Janis Joplin screeched out a raspy and chaotic sound while the Beatles served melodies blended with harmony. Men who are now considered historical figures and who contributed to our nation's heritage were assassinated. The VietNam war waged on. The horrific consequences of war were counterbalanced at home with the hippie mantra of "Make love, not war."
Lyza, Malcolm, and Carolann were affected by the times but stiil managed to maintain a spirit of childhood that led to adventure.
The novel's prose style of writing is a perfect reflection of the 60s. It expands and releases like a rubber band. Despite the stress of the times, the band never breaks.
Though the book is recommended for a 5th. through 8th. grade audience, it's also a great flashback for those who grew up during that time period.
In the setting, Jen Bryant captures what life was like for kids growing up in the 1960s. Janis Joplin screeched out a raspy and chaotic sound while the Beatles served melodies blended with harmony. Men who are now considered historical figures and who contributed to our nation's heritage were assassinated. The VietNam war waged on. The horrific consequences of war were counterbalanced at home with the hippie mantra of "Make love, not war."
Lyza, Malcolm, and Carolann were affected by the times but stiil managed to maintain a spirit of childhood that led to adventure.
The novel's prose style of writing is a perfect reflection of the 60s. It expands and releases like a rubber band. Despite the stress of the times, the band never breaks.
Though the book is recommended for a 5th. through 8th. grade audience, it's also a great flashback for those who grew up during that time period.
November 2, 2016
I knew Kaleidoscope Eyes was going to be on my favorite shelf before I was done reading it. It is such a unique genre of mystery-adventure-historical-fiction-poetry book that I couldn't resist. I can picture students hiding this book so they can sneak quick reads when they are to be doing other things. The short pieces of poetry are packed with so much detail and emotion that one has to read the next piece of the puzzle. Middle school students will have the most enjoyment out of reading this book but I think intermediate level students will enjoy the story if read aloud.
I would use this book to introduce genres since it fits into many different ones. After reading the story try and see how many genres students can find. I also would use this as a motivating book for lower level readers in middle school since it is a easier chapter book and the poetry form makes reading parts less daunting. I also would like to use parts of it in readers theater having each reader do a poem piece to a chapter which would help in fluency for all students.
I would use this book to introduce genres since it fits into many different ones. After reading the story try and see how many genres students can find. I also would use this as a motivating book for lower level readers in middle school since it is a easier chapter book and the poetry form makes reading parts less daunting. I also would like to use parts of it in readers theater having each reader do a poem piece to a chapter which would help in fluency for all students.
June 3, 2011
I am on a quest for the perfect summer book (not as in, fluffy non-concentration beach read, but a book that evokes 'summer' and everything tied up with that) and this is a contender...a quest and adventure and being left on your own to discover something. My favourite thing about this book is the late-sixties setting - the adventure against the backdrop of what is to come. Bryant creates a sense both of optimism and terrific tension - kids about to enter teenagerhood at a time when the meaning of that was in such flux; being on the edge of understanding what Vietnam will mean; the idea of what Lyza's future will be as a woman. Maybe that is what I am looking for in my summer book - a feel of limbo before...'something', of a gap in real time where the rules are different, a sense of being on the edge of momentous change? This has it.
June 17, 2012
Kaleidoscope Eyes by Bryant is set in New Jersey in 1968 with historical references to the Vietnam War, the assassinations of Bobby Kennedy and Martin Luther King, Jr., racial prejudice, the Beatles and protesting hippies. But the plot itself focuses on 13-year-old Lyza whose mother had left two years before and whose father spends as much time as possible teaching college math. Times are hard with three of her older sisters’ classmates dying in Vietnam, a neighbor overdosing at a concert, and then Grandpa dying. Grandpa leaves for Lyza only three very odd maps that she decides to follow to find treasure left behind by Captain Kidd recruiting her friends Malcolm and Carolann to help. The innocence of kids searching for buried treasure juxtaposed with flag-draped coffins returning from war somehow work well in this piece of historical fiction.
December 15, 2013
This novel in verse is an adventure story about Lyza and her two best friends trying to find an ancient treasure...or maybe it is an emotional drama about Lyza grappling with the loss of her grandfather and her parents' failed marriage...or it's a coming of age story where Lyza learns about trust and learns that family means more than just blood relatives.
I love novels in verse, and this was a fun read. The author has crafted very engaging characters and plot, lots of details about life in the 1960s, and I especially enjoyed the musical quotes that set off each section of the book. I would have preferred to see a little more emotional depth to some of the poems, but that's just me. As much as I hate to label books, I have to say that I think this "middle grades" novel is perfect for its intended audience.
I love novels in verse, and this was a fun read. The author has crafted very engaging characters and plot, lots of details about life in the 1960s, and I especially enjoyed the musical quotes that set off each section of the book. I would have preferred to see a little more emotional depth to some of the poems, but that's just me. As much as I hate to label books, I have to say that I think this "middle grades" novel is perfect for its intended audience.
Read
April 3, 2014Overall this is nice book. Its filled with mysteries,friendship,adventure,and love. Its a very detailed book and its also creative. The format of the book is very cool and different from many books i have read. I would rate this book a four. In the book the main characters name is Lyza and she is 13 years old. She has two best friends, Carolann and Malcolm.They have all been friends for a long time and still are. She also has a sister named Denise.In my opinion Denise is good sister to lyza by watching over her.She only has one parent and that's her dad.She has seen many of her family member's die including her grandpa.
This books reminds of the 1900's because of the setting (1968). It talked about little times in the 1900's like the Vietnam war.This story takes place somewhere in New Jersey area.
This books reminds of the 1900's because of the setting (1968). It talked about little times in the 1900's like the Vietnam war.This story takes place somewhere in New Jersey area.
March 25, 2016
This story was not what I expected when I picked up the book. I only read it because of its starred review in Booklist, and overall I wasn't dissapointed. It was a story of the Vietnam era and the stress placed on people because of the war. It was also an adventure story about finding pirate treasure. The book was written in a prose like format. Usually books in prose bother me, but I read right through this book because the prose style on the page didn't make the story different, it just spread out the words. I wish I knew the significance of the kaleidoscope, but I haven't figured that out yet. The characters were interesting and the adventure was fun so I would recommend this book.
January 27, 2017
Molly found this YA book at the library book sale and since it was a Golden Sower nominee and sounded interesting to her, she bought it for 25 cents. Since she's only 11, I like to monitor what YA books she reads since not all of them are appropriate, so I just finished reading this myself. I had low expectations since its GoodReads rating is pretty low, but I cruised through this book in just one evening and thought it was so fun! It's perfectly appropriate for an 11 year old, and I even thoroughly enjoyed it as an adult. The book is written in verse so there are not many words per page, which makes this book a super fast read. And the treasure hunt the kids go on is a really fun adventure story.
September 8, 2017
I give this a 3 star (C). It was good, and fun! It was interesting but not gripping. I liked all of the characters and I loved the writing style. It is set in the 60s without being too hippie. It's basically about these 3 friends (age 13 i believe) that have their own secret treasure hunt for Captian Kidd's lost treasure. The reason they're treasure hunting, and the outcome touched my heart. I would recommend this but I wouldn't purchase it personally because I probably wouldn't read it a second time. It was a cool little adventure though and I enjoyed myself!
February 26, 2019
3 January 2010 KALEIDOSCOPE EYES by Jen Bryant, Knopf, May 2009, 272p., ISBN: 978-0-375-84048-7
"Obie looked at the seeing eye dog, and then at the twenty seven eight-by-ten color glossy pictures with circles and arrows and a paragraph on the back of each one, and looked at the seeing eye dog. And then at twenty seven eight-by-ten color glossy pictures with circles and arrows and a paragraph on the back of each one and began to cry, 'cause Obie came to the realization that it was a typical case of American blind justice, and there wasn't nothing he could do about it, and the judge wasn't going to look at the twenty seven eight-by-ten color glossy pictures with the circles and arrows and a paragraph on the back of each one explaining what each one was to be used as evidence against us. And we was fined $50 and had to pick up the garbage in the snow, but that's not what I came to tell you about.
"Came to talk about the draft."
-- Arlo Guthrie, "Alice's Restaurant"
The draft ended a couple of months before I turned eighteen. I didn't come near having to make the decision between what I saw -- given my beliefs -- as my two real choices: going to Canada or going to jail.
On my mother's side of the family, I have four older male cousins who each were of draft age during the height of the Vietnam War. None of the four had to serve a day. Nor did they have to resort to the alternatives I was considering for myself.
Each of these four cousins were from white suburban middle class families headed by fathers who served in WWII. When my uncles returned from their war and started making babies, it was not in their game plans that their offspring would get out of high school and get shipped off to another war.
It is my belief that if every single American family in the same circumstances as my cousins' families had been forced without exception to have their sons go to Vietnam as soon as they turned eighteen, then those white middle class families across America would have forced an end to the Vietnam War within months of the 1968 Tet Offensive -- if not sooner.
In KALEIDOSCOPE EYES, a free verse novel about friendships and treasure hunts set in 1968, the Draft is arguably not the central issue of the story. Yet, its impact is far more important than anything else that goes on in the story; it's the elephant in the room.
Rather than having characters rail about the Draft, Jen Bryant provides just enough information to hint at the inequities surrounding who did and did not get shipped off to that misguided war and to spark recognition of how the inevitable and devastating impact of a war reaches deep into the typical American community.
KALEIDOSCOPE EYES is a coming-of-age tale about thirteen year-old Lyza Bradley, who is best friends with the tall, quiet, and thoughtful black boy, Malcolm Dupree, and the small, hyperactive white girl, Carolann Mott. In a dysfunctional family where her mother has deserted them and her father has buried himself in his teaching career, it is Lyza's two friends along with -- surprisingly -- the older, hippie sister she has such a poor opinion of, who will be there for Lyza.
The treasure hunt (and related geology lesson) at the center of the story involves the mysterious set of maps left in an envelope for Lyza by her beloved grandfather when he dies. Gramps was a career Navy navigator who has taught Lyza his skills, and has also sought to share his sense of adventure -- if only on paper:
"'Where shall we sail today, Lyza?' he'd ask,
and I'd reply, 'Australia!' or 'Jamaica!'
and, using a compass and a ruler,
we'd plot our course across the water
just me and him together,
a real adventure.
Once, Gramps showed me photos of when,
years earlier, he'd tried to sail
alone
from Florida to Maine,
with just his maps, a compass, a radio, and a two-week
supply of water and food.
He didn't make it. The Coast Guard rescued him,
a big storm having blown his boat
onto the rocks of the Massachusetts coast.
'Weren't you scared?' I asked him.
"Terrified--almost the whole time,' Gramps answered.
'But,' he added, 'I'd never felt more alive.'"
When Lyza finds the puzzle pieces for Gramps' final and unfinished adventure -- searching for a pirate treasure lost centuries ago -- it is the support and assistance of her friends that permits Lyza to grow beyond the confines of her family problems and seek the solution to the puzzle.
But irregardless of what happens with the three friends and their adventure, at the end of the story it is the fresh gravestones down the street, the boy in town with blown-off legs, and Malcolm's brother somewhere deep in the jungles of Vietnam who are the real story here -- the story of 1968 in America. And that, by itself, makes KALEIDOSCOPE EYES a book well worth owning.
"So we'll wait for it to come around on the guitar, here
and sing it when it does.
Here it comes."
I have two kids of draft age right now: a daughter who is eighteen and a son who is seventeen and a half. But I don't care if it is this year or twenty years down the line -- you won't find me supporting any war unless I am ready to literally sacrifice my own children's lives to it.
Don't hold your breath waiting for that.
Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks http://richiespicks.pbworks.com
https://www.facebook.com/richiespicks/
richiepartington@gmail.com
"Obie looked at the seeing eye dog, and then at the twenty seven eight-by-ten color glossy pictures with circles and arrows and a paragraph on the back of each one, and looked at the seeing eye dog. And then at twenty seven eight-by-ten color glossy pictures with circles and arrows and a paragraph on the back of each one and began to cry, 'cause Obie came to the realization that it was a typical case of American blind justice, and there wasn't nothing he could do about it, and the judge wasn't going to look at the twenty seven eight-by-ten color glossy pictures with the circles and arrows and a paragraph on the back of each one explaining what each one was to be used as evidence against us. And we was fined $50 and had to pick up the garbage in the snow, but that's not what I came to tell you about.
"Came to talk about the draft."
-- Arlo Guthrie, "Alice's Restaurant"
The draft ended a couple of months before I turned eighteen. I didn't come near having to make the decision between what I saw -- given my beliefs -- as my two real choices: going to Canada or going to jail.
On my mother's side of the family, I have four older male cousins who each were of draft age during the height of the Vietnam War. None of the four had to serve a day. Nor did they have to resort to the alternatives I was considering for myself.
Each of these four cousins were from white suburban middle class families headed by fathers who served in WWII. When my uncles returned from their war and started making babies, it was not in their game plans that their offspring would get out of high school and get shipped off to another war.
It is my belief that if every single American family in the same circumstances as my cousins' families had been forced without exception to have their sons go to Vietnam as soon as they turned eighteen, then those white middle class families across America would have forced an end to the Vietnam War within months of the 1968 Tet Offensive -- if not sooner.
In KALEIDOSCOPE EYES, a free verse novel about friendships and treasure hunts set in 1968, the Draft is arguably not the central issue of the story. Yet, its impact is far more important than anything else that goes on in the story; it's the elephant in the room.
Rather than having characters rail about the Draft, Jen Bryant provides just enough information to hint at the inequities surrounding who did and did not get shipped off to that misguided war and to spark recognition of how the inevitable and devastating impact of a war reaches deep into the typical American community.
KALEIDOSCOPE EYES is a coming-of-age tale about thirteen year-old Lyza Bradley, who is best friends with the tall, quiet, and thoughtful black boy, Malcolm Dupree, and the small, hyperactive white girl, Carolann Mott. In a dysfunctional family where her mother has deserted them and her father has buried himself in his teaching career, it is Lyza's two friends along with -- surprisingly -- the older, hippie sister she has such a poor opinion of, who will be there for Lyza.
The treasure hunt (and related geology lesson) at the center of the story involves the mysterious set of maps left in an envelope for Lyza by her beloved grandfather when he dies. Gramps was a career Navy navigator who has taught Lyza his skills, and has also sought to share his sense of adventure -- if only on paper:
"'Where shall we sail today, Lyza?' he'd ask,
and I'd reply, 'Australia!' or 'Jamaica!'
and, using a compass and a ruler,
we'd plot our course across the water
just me and him together,
a real adventure.
Once, Gramps showed me photos of when,
years earlier, he'd tried to sail
alone
from Florida to Maine,
with just his maps, a compass, a radio, and a two-week
supply of water and food.
He didn't make it. The Coast Guard rescued him,
a big storm having blown his boat
onto the rocks of the Massachusetts coast.
'Weren't you scared?' I asked him.
"Terrified--almost the whole time,' Gramps answered.
'But,' he added, 'I'd never felt more alive.'"
When Lyza finds the puzzle pieces for Gramps' final and unfinished adventure -- searching for a pirate treasure lost centuries ago -- it is the support and assistance of her friends that permits Lyza to grow beyond the confines of her family problems and seek the solution to the puzzle.
But irregardless of what happens with the three friends and their adventure, at the end of the story it is the fresh gravestones down the street, the boy in town with blown-off legs, and Malcolm's brother somewhere deep in the jungles of Vietnam who are the real story here -- the story of 1968 in America. And that, by itself, makes KALEIDOSCOPE EYES a book well worth owning.
"So we'll wait for it to come around on the guitar, here
and sing it when it does.
Here it comes."
I have two kids of draft age right now: a daughter who is eighteen and a son who is seventeen and a half. But I don't care if it is this year or twenty years down the line -- you won't find me supporting any war unless I am ready to literally sacrifice my own children's lives to it.
Don't hold your breath waiting for that.
Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks http://richiespicks.pbworks.com
https://www.facebook.com/richiespicks/
richiepartington@gmail.com
April 7, 2009
This was a fun read incorporating serious issues (war, abandonment, identity) with mystery, pirate treasure, and friendship. Set in the 1960s with lots of historical information and written in verse, it's the story of a girl who's deceased grandfather has left an envelope with her name on it in his attic. The envelope contains maps, clues, and the promise of an adventure. Recommended!
January 8, 2010
I don't usually like books written in this style, free verse, but I enjoyed this one. The author conveyed a lot with just a few paragraphs. I liked the threesome of unlikely friends, and Harry, their older mentor, who I was sure was going to double cross them at first. The book took place in the year I was born, 1968, so I also enjoyed all the historical details.
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