Katherine Paterson - Jacob Have I Loved

Pros: builds self-esteem in the reader

Cons: one part of the book deals with a teenage crush on a much older man

Review: If you have ever felt that your parents loved one of your siblings more than you then this is the book for you. This book was written for young teenagers and older. I read it and I loved it. So did my daughter who is 12. This book is a Newberry Honor...

Pros: Probing narrative, complex character, strong and believable heroine

Cons: The "historical setting" may turn off some modern readers, but encourages young adults to try it!

Review: Mr. Bun Bun first received this book in the 3rd grade and not surprisingly I wasn't too excited about it. I gave it a try in the 6th grade and I was surprised -- very surprised. From the cover (I had an older cover, not the one shown) I expected...

Pros: Insightful and evocative

Cons: Not for the adventure lover

Review: Jacob Have I Loved is written with tenderness and deep insight. Paterson taps into the deepest of emotions that hide in the cracks and crevices of a teenage girl's heart, but are seldom brought out of hiding for public consumption.

This is...

Pros: Overall great book.

Cons: Can be slow at some points.

Review: I first completed this book in 8th grade. Thank goodness I waited that long because I really don't think I could have handled it at a younger age. The emotional level is just so ...complicated and mature, I really don't think this should be considered a...

Pros: A story about independence and the discovery of self-worth.

Cons: Very emotional.

Review: Until I was fourteen, I always thought that authors wrote about how much sisters loved each other, without condition, blame, or guilt. That was until I read Jacob Have I Loved, a heavy, emotion-laden, well-written story of one sister's (legitimate,...

Pros: Beautiful coming of age story, deals with jealousy, finding identity

Cons: More of a "girl's" story

Review: Every child (with brothers or sisters) has probably felt some envy towards their siblings from time to time. It's natural, it's a part of growing up, and even if you didn't have that perfect sister to live up to, chances are there was always something or...

Pros: Contends with 'real-life' emotions and issues; beautifully written.

Cons: N/A

The Bottom Line: A good book for 9-14 year olds, looking at the intricacies of sibling rivalry and other 'coming of age' issues. Thumbs up.

Review: Jacob Have I Loved, by Katherine Paterson, is a really thought-provoking book for children. It is aimed at the 9-14 age group, and is perhaps more suited to girls, but is certainly not an 'untouchable' for boys. The book does a wonderful job of...

Pros: intense passion and deep thinking

Cons: slightly exclusive towards women

Review: Katherine Patterson is a literature genius, and Jacob Have I Loved is yet another piece of writing which supports this. She writes with such passion, such a moving tone, it pulls you right into the book and makes you feel like you're the main...

Pros: Good plot, very touching

Cons: Not for those who hate chic flicks or sob stories!

Review: I have to admit, I didn't read this book expecting something great. As I turned the pages, I found myself drawn deeper into the lives of the two main characters and the people around them.
This book, about two siblings whose parents loved one...