Review of Brianna Meets Miss Addie

Please use this forum to discuss historical fiction books. Common definitions define historical fiction as novels written at least 25-50 years after the book's setting.
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Priya Murugesan
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Review of Brianna Meets Miss Addie

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[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Brianna Meets Miss Addie" by Carol Russell.]
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5 out of 5 stars
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Brianna Meets Miss Addie by Carol Russell is an intriguing historical fiction aimed at middle-grade readers. The story begins with Brianna, a seventh-grade girl, working on a report about the Civil Rights Movement alongside a few classmates who have stayed after school to finish their papers. While in the classroom, she is distracted by a clicking sound from an old radio that the seventh graders had found in the school closet. She attempts to stop the annoying noise by turning the knob but only makes it worse. She further tries various knobs, and then, out of the blue, a sudden, brisk wind lifts and whisks her to a strange place. Confused and frightened, Brianna tries to find out what happened. She starts walking down the road and meets two African-American women, Addie Hunton and Kathryn Johnson, who try to help her get back home. They gently ask her various questions to find out more about her and her family, but their conversation only adds to their confusion. When Brianna discovers that she is in France and the year is 1918, she is utterly shocked. What will happen to Brianna in this totally strange world? Will she ever meet her family and friends again? Grab the book to find out more!

This is the first book in the Back in Time series, and as the title states, it is a time travel novel featuring Brianna, who travels back in time to meet Miss Addie. The story is a blend of historical facts and fiction, incorporating real events and characters like Addie Hunton and Kathryn Johnson. Miss Addie Hunton was an African American worker, who worked for the YMCA and served in the WWI canteen for the black soldiers in France along with Kathryn Johnson. The novel also mentions Spanish influenza and German propaganda during WWI. The book portrays the struggles faced by African Americans during World War I through the eyes of a seventh-grader. When Brianna, a white girl, encounters the past, she is shocked to learn about the different treatment of white and black people. This realization saddens her as she compares the past to her present world, making it difficult for her to accept what she has discovered.

I loved the funny and emotional moments between Addie and Brianna. I admired Addie's gentle yet strong character, and I appreciated Brianna's attitude. Although she was crying at first, she faced her problems courageously. The author's writing style was simple and elegant, making it easily understandable for young readers. However, I wasn't impressed with the book cover; it could have been better. Overall, it was a quick read that I enjoyed, and I believe kids will also love this book. I am interested in reading the other books in this series and traveling with Brianna to the past to meet other historical women.

This book is an entertaining and enlightening read that shows the struggles of the African-American people during the World War period to the children. It illustrates the difficulties during that era, helping kids realize that life should not be taken for granted. I noted a few errors while reading the book, but it didn't deter my enjoyment. As I dislike nothing in this book, I rate it 5 out of 5 stars. I recommend this book to middle-grade readers who enjoy history with a fantasy of time travel concept. 

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Brianna Meets Miss Addie
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Williams Jaden
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Post by Williams Jaden »

Brianna Meets Miss Addie by Carol Russell is a captivating middle-grade historical fiction. Seventh-grader Brianna is transported to 1918 France while tinkering with an old radio. There, she meets Addie Hunton and Kathryn Johnson, two African-American women who guide her through this unfamiliar world. A mix of history, adventure, and self-discovery makes this an engaging read for young readers.
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Post by Neha Panikar »

I have always been fascinated by time travel, so this book seems very interesting. I also like that it's a series and a light read. I wonder though, if Brianne meets only women from the past. I'd love to find out. I Iike your review too - very enjoyable!
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Post by Priya Murugesan »

Williams Jaden wrote: 02 Dec 2024, 05:18 Brianna Meets Miss Addie by Carol Russell is a captivating middle-grade historical fiction. Seventh-grader Brianna is transported to 1918 France while tinkering with an old radio. There, she meets Addie Hunton and Kathryn Johnson, two African-American women who guide her through this unfamiliar world. A mix of history, adventure, and self-discovery makes this an engaging read for young readers.
Thanks for reading my review!
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Priya Murugesan
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Post by Priya Murugesan »

Neha Panikar wrote: 02 Dec 2024, 07:47 I have always been fascinated by time travel, so this book seems very interesting. I also like that it's a series and a light read. I wonder though, if Brianne meets only women from the past. I'd love to find out. I Iike your review too - very enjoyable!
Thanks for your appreciation!
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Post by Anu Anand »

This sounds like an interesting book that combines history and time travel in a way that's engaging for young readers. I like how it introduces important historical events and figures through a unique perspective. It seems both educational and entertaining. Great review!
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Post by Sarah Zain »

Seems like a great book. It shows the life of African Americans in a hard times mixed in an interesting story. Great review
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Priya Murugesan
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Post by Priya Murugesan »

Anu Anand wrote: 02 Dec 2024, 23:24 This sounds like an interesting book that combines history and time travel in a way that's engaging for young readers. I like how it introduces important historical events and figures through a unique perspective. It seems both educational and entertaining. Great review!
Thanks a lot!
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Priya Murugesan
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Post by Priya Murugesan »

Sarah Zain wrote: 02 Dec 2024, 23:37 Seems like a great book. It shows the life of African Americans in a hard times mixed in an interesting story. Great review
Thank you!
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Post by Gerry Steen »

I love historical fiction. World War 1 and the Civil Rights Movement are topics that I always want to learn more about. A well-written short book, I will always have time for. I am adding it to my bookshelves.
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Priya Murugesan
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Post by Priya Murugesan »

Gerry Steen wrote: 03 Dec 2024, 10:26 I love historical fiction. World War 1 and the Civil Rights Movement are topics that I always want to learn more about. A well-written short book, I will always have time for. I am adding it to my bookshelves.
Thank you!
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Post by Mona Alves »

Time travel as a form of educating the youth is a common trope and this books seems to execute it well, great review. I kinda feel this book would've been more interesting if all the characters were black, as to better contrast the past with the present in regards to the treatment of black people.
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Post by Priya Murugesan »

Mona Alves wrote: 04 Dec 2024, 07:44 Time travel as a form of educating the youth is a common trope and this books seems to execute it well, great review. I kinda feel this book would've been more interesting if all the characters were black, as to better contrast the past with the present in regards to the treatment of black people.
Don't know about that.. I felt the interaction was interesting and will engage the young readers.. Thanks for sharing your views!
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Post by Julie Marie Basil »

This sounds like a well-written story that would be both interesting and informative for middle-grade readers. Thanks for your insightful and well-written review!
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Post by Priya Murugesan »

Julie Basil wrote: 11 Dec 2024, 22:18 This sounds like a well-written story that would be both interesting and informative for middle-grade readers. Thanks for your insightful and well-written review!
Thank you!
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