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January 14, 2008 by Travis Jonker

Book Review: Edward’s Eyes

January 14, 2008 by Travis Jonker   6 comments

Edwards Eyes
By Patricia MacLachlan
Atheneum Books for Young Readers
ISBN 9781416927433
$15.99
Grades 4-7
In Stores

*Recommended*

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I have to be honest, I wasn’t sure about this one. The cover, the blurb on the inside – it made me suspicious. I know that Patricia MacLachlan is a children’s lit legend for a reason (you’ve heard of “Sarah, Plain and Tall” possibly?), but I still had reservations. Now, I’m not a fan of the whole “boy changes lives in a small town that seems to be lost in some idyllic yesteryear” – type story. I’m not naming names, I’m just sayin’ that those types of tales aren’t usually my cup of tea. I suspected that’s what this one was. Sappy, corny, call it what you will. But I was wrong. With “Edward’s Eyes” those labels don’t stick. An emotional story well-executed.

The perspective of this tale is not provided by Edward, but rather by his older brother Jake. He’s a protective older sibling, and has always known his little brother to be unique. He’s more carefree, friendly, and wise than Jake will ever be. But Edward’s most unique feature has to be his eyes. Edward’s eyes can see a baseball better anyone in his clan, and he has the batting record to prove it: he’s never stuck out. The boys are part of a big family, all the better for backyard games. When a new addition is made to the family, Edward is ready to take the child under his wing just like Jake did for him. But, just like a knuckleball, you never know where life is going to go. The unexpected sometimes happens.

MacLachlan has written a heartbreaking and sweet story that will stick with readers even after the reading is done. A quality fiction selection.

Also Reviewed By: A Year of Reading, Kidsreads.

Find this book at your local library with WorldCat

Filed under: *Best New Books*, Reviews

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About Travis Jonker

Travis Jonker is an elementary school librarian in Michigan. He writes reviews (and the occasional article or two) for School Library Journal and is a member of the 2014 Caldecott committee. You can email Travis at scopenotes@gmail.com, or follow him on Twitter: @100scopenotes.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. brooke says

    April 27, 2009 at 8:37 pm

    i read edward’s eyes and it was amazing if u look at it the right way and ask the right questions u can understand the perspective.

    this book was inspiring go for your dreams dont be afaid i liked that message it was sad and good and im blessed to have this book for other students to read this is the best book ever and it gave me a different point on life

    i am a student so this is my opinion

  2. brianna says

    June 24, 2009 at 9:13 pm

    I didn’t read the book yet, but i read up top what she said.. so far i can tell its going to be a good book.

  3. zoe says

    October 5, 2010 at 8:01 pm

    i loved this book so far i have not read the whole book yet but it is good so far

Trackbacks

  1. Book Review: Shooting the Moon « 100 Scope Notes says:
    July 22, 2008 at 3:05 am

    […] by admitting this, but I tend to shy away when I see rolled up jeans on a cover. Just call it my “Edward’s Eyes” problem. But as was the case with “Eyes”, my preconceived notions about Frances O’Roark […]

  2. On Hold @ the Library: March « 100 Scope Notes says:
    March 30, 2009 at 2:05 am

    […] Eyes by Patricia McLachlan. This one was a bit of a surprise. I really liked it (read my review here), but to have students basically lining up to read it was unexpected. Welcomed, […]

  3. Great Reading in July « Best Book I Have Not Read says:
    July 26, 2009 at 5:31 pm

    […] Eyes by Patricia MacLachlan-see 100 Scope Notes or A Year of Reading review. Wow! An amazing […]

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