Events:
Sarasota Reading
Festival
Books:
Firestorm
Secret of the Night Ponies
Blown Away
Midnight Rider
Make Invisible Ink
Thunder From
the Sea
Shadows on the
Sea
Joshua's Song
Star in the Storm
The Wishing Sky
The Creatures of
Sand Castle Key
The Dark Side of
the Creek
The Mysterious
Dr. Chen
ShadowBear
| JOSHUA'S SONG has been featured as part of the regular curriculum in Massachusetts schools. Once again it is a popular school and library reading project -- this time for the city of Woburn, Massachusetts. See Web site here. | |
| JOSHUA’S SONG has been nominated
in the top ten for the State of Connecticut Nutmeg Awards. SELECTED BY THE CHILDREN'S BOOK COMMITTEE AT BANK STREET COLLEGE OF EDUCATION IN THEIR 2002 EDITION: "THE BEST CHILDREN'S BOOKS OF THE YEAR"! Criteria: Literary quality and excellence of presentation as well as the potential emotional impact of the book on young readers; credibility of characterization and plot, authenticity of time and place, age suitability, positive treatment of ethnic and religious differences, and the absence of stereotypes. |
|
| Nominated for William Allen White 2003-2004 Award | |
 |
JOSHUA'S SONG Joan Hiatt Harlow Publisher: McElderry Books, Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing ISBN: 0-689-84119-1 |
| Boston, 1919. It's been a year of distressing changes
for thirteen-year-old Joshua Harper. The influenza pandemic that's
sweeping the world has claimed the life of his father; his voice has
changed so he can't sing in the Boston Boy's Choir anymore; and now
money is tight and his mother is asking him to quit school to get
a job. It's not fair! Joshua begins working as a newspaper boy, hawking papers on the street. He soon finds himself in rivalry with Charlestown Charlie, a tough street-wise Irish boy. Now Joshua is completely torn between the privileged life he once knew as one of the well-to-do Beacon Hill Boys, and his new existence on the street, among tenements and street vendors. How Joshua adjusts and comes to find his voice, his song, and his place in the world by his acts of courage during a terrifying crisis is the heart of this fast-paced, suspenseful novel. Joan Hiatt Harlow has created a memorable character in Joshua and a remarkable story based upon true incidents in Boston history. 
Also available in paperback and in large print! ReviewsFrom Children's Literature... A fast-paced, touching story covering many realms of life in 1919, especially children of poverty, this well-told story brings history to life. Boys will be particularly interested in the life of newsboys From Booklist Gr. 5-8. Even readers who don't usually like historical fiction will enjoy Harlow's vivid depiction of early-twentieth-century working-class life and conditions. They will also like the fast-paced story, which revolves around an actual incident, the Great Molasses Flood of 1919. From School Library Journal Gr 4-6-A fast-paced novel with a likable main character. Harlow skillfully integrates historical fact to make a colorful setting believable. An after word gives other interesting details. A worthwhile title for historical-fiction collections. From Woburn Public Library Students invited to join 'Woburn Reads' By Anonymous GateHouse News Service Posted Jan 28, 2010 @ 02:10 PM Woburn, MA — Elementary school students are invited to participate in the community-wide reading event, “Woburn Reads,” by attending several upcoming programs hosted by the Woburn Public Library’s Children’s Room and reading “Joshua’s Song” by Joan Hiatt Harlow. During February vacation, children can participate in Pajama Story time on Tuesday, Feb, 16, at 7 p.m. in the Children’s Room. Two books on the molasses flood will be read, and treats made with molasses will be available for sampling. Ages 5-10 may enjoy this look at the strange story of an exploding molasses vat in Boston’s North End. In addition to stories and treats, students will have the chance to decorate cardboard “gingerbread men” to take home. The wearing of pajamas is encouraged. On Thursday, Feb. 18, at 3 p.m., the Children’s Room will hold a molasses cookie contest in the Study Hall. Participants of all ages are invited to bake their favorite molasses cookie, and bring in one dozen cookies and the recipe for the teen judges to taste. Prizes will be awarded. While the judging is going on, participants can try their hand at decorating (and eating) molasses cookies. Frosting, candies and other decorations will be available. On Tuesday, March 9, at 7 p.m., the BookEaters fourth- and fifth-grade book discussion group will host a discussion of the book, “Joshua’s Song.” All Woburn students who have read this book are invited to join in the discussion, to be held in the Study Hall. Refreshments will be served. No pre-registration is necessary for any of these programs. Handicapped accessibility can be arranged; contact the Children’s Room one week before the program at 781-937-0405 781-937-0405 for further information. |
|