Paulsen write great stories for boys!

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This is one of just three Newberry Honor Books written by Paulsen. It also received three other awards. My guess is it takes place on a farm in the upper Mid-West in the 1930s. As such it lets readers know just how much hard work went into farming back then, as well as the good times. It covers all four seasons and it told from the perspective of the younger of two young brothers who live on a farm with their parents and two elderly uncles.

As with many of Paulsen's books, it's a good read for adults too.

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If you grew up on a farm/ranch or know someone who did then you will get this book. The work is hard and the days long. There is always a story teller among the workers, some of the stories are true, some not and some a mixture of truth and fiction. The kids are kids, the adults are adults and I like that Gary Paulsen kept it real with the interactions of the kids and adults and with life on a working farm.

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This is a very real book about life in rural America in the early part of the 20th century. It does not shy away from the realities of farming animals for food, not pets, the hardships of depending on Mother Nature's whims, the physical labor, and all the sights, sounds, smells, and at times, harshness of early farm life. To me, it is more "living history", than a cozy story. The sections added at the end about farming in America, story telling and traditions, children's interests at that time, all help today's child, so far removed from rural life back then, understand how different our lives are now. Very sensitive children may find it "too real."

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The winter room is a special place where the family gathers on icy winter nights to hear Uncle David's tales of superheroes.

But one night, he tells the story of "The Woodcutter" and what happens next is terrible...and wonderful.

Ages 10 on up or so.

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