Review of A Freak in the Family Tree
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Erin Dydek
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Review of A Freak in the Family Tree
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "A Freak in the Family Tree" by Katherine Green.]
The last thing Kit Higglby wants to do before school ends for the summer is research her cursed family name for an ancestry project. She’s got a three-step plan to change her name and image to leave her embarrassing family ties behind. But when she discovers the secret of the forbidden forest on her father’s property, she’ll have to rethink her reluctance to be called a Higglby. As she learns to see her family name and the people around her from a new perspective, Kit discovers the importance of standing up for what’s right, facing her fears, and embracing life’s challenges.
Join Kit on her unforgettable adventure in A Freak in the Family Tree by Katherine Green. I loved this author’s intriguing take on the term “family tree” and how Kit’s connection with hers led her on a life-changing adventure. The fantasy aspect of this book allowed Kit to travel the Oregon Trail, explore the Black Hills of South Dakota, visit the Lakota tribe of her ancestors and learn the value of their customs, and escape the corruption of Deadwood. The historical details enhanced the excitement of the story, and I loved the connections the author made throughout the adventure. There were several eye-opening twists sure to delight readers aged 12-15.
I also appreciated the life lessons that Kit learned along the way. In an age-appropriate manner, the author takes the reader through several thought-provoking scenarios where Kit learns about racism, classism, and the value of being aware of how others think and feel. It was good to see Kit grow and mature so she could see who her true friends were and how to stand up for them.
Overall, this book was a well-written and engaging read. Unfortunately, a few things felt a bit underdeveloped or unrealistic. For example, at the beginning of the book, we learn that Kit’s mom has had an accident that leaves her bedridden, but there’s little closure on how she’s doing by the end. I felt that Kit’s relationships with her mom, dad, and stepparents remained somewhat emotionless and distant despite the book’s emphasis on family ties. Further, while Kit learned to overcome her reservations about show jumping on her mom’s horse, her success in her first competition was hard to believe. Still, I think the target audience will enjoy the sense of victory that Kit archives. Therefore, I give A Freak in the Family Tree four out of five stars.
I’d recommend this book to preteen readers who love a good adventure and discovering new friendships. The novel is well-edited, has minor borderline language, and has no erotic content. With thought-provoking material, solid life lessons, and a few engaging historical lessons, readers can’t go wrong with this story!
******
A Freak in the Family Tree
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
The last thing Kit Higglby wants to do before school ends for the summer is research her cursed family name for an ancestry project. She’s got a three-step plan to change her name and image to leave her embarrassing family ties behind. But when she discovers the secret of the forbidden forest on her father’s property, she’ll have to rethink her reluctance to be called a Higglby. As she learns to see her family name and the people around her from a new perspective, Kit discovers the importance of standing up for what’s right, facing her fears, and embracing life’s challenges.
Join Kit on her unforgettable adventure in A Freak in the Family Tree by Katherine Green. I loved this author’s intriguing take on the term “family tree” and how Kit’s connection with hers led her on a life-changing adventure. The fantasy aspect of this book allowed Kit to travel the Oregon Trail, explore the Black Hills of South Dakota, visit the Lakota tribe of her ancestors and learn the value of their customs, and escape the corruption of Deadwood. The historical details enhanced the excitement of the story, and I loved the connections the author made throughout the adventure. There were several eye-opening twists sure to delight readers aged 12-15.
I also appreciated the life lessons that Kit learned along the way. In an age-appropriate manner, the author takes the reader through several thought-provoking scenarios where Kit learns about racism, classism, and the value of being aware of how others think and feel. It was good to see Kit grow and mature so she could see who her true friends were and how to stand up for them.
Overall, this book was a well-written and engaging read. Unfortunately, a few things felt a bit underdeveloped or unrealistic. For example, at the beginning of the book, we learn that Kit’s mom has had an accident that leaves her bedridden, but there’s little closure on how she’s doing by the end. I felt that Kit’s relationships with her mom, dad, and stepparents remained somewhat emotionless and distant despite the book’s emphasis on family ties. Further, while Kit learned to overcome her reservations about show jumping on her mom’s horse, her success in her first competition was hard to believe. Still, I think the target audience will enjoy the sense of victory that Kit archives. Therefore, I give A Freak in the Family Tree four out of five stars.
I’d recommend this book to preteen readers who love a good adventure and discovering new friendships. The novel is well-edited, has minor borderline language, and has no erotic content. With thought-provoking material, solid life lessons, and a few engaging historical lessons, readers can’t go wrong with this story!
******
A Freak in the Family Tree
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Sylvia’s Garden by Diana Yu
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Amy Luman
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I really like YA fiction. That is, if the author can successfully navigate the problems teens face. This author seems to be able to. I’m not glad that Kit has to face all these problems, but I am glad she is able to overcome them.
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Aramba
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"A Freak in the Family Tree" by Katherine Green is a captivating and thought-provoking exploration of genealogy, identity, and the mysteries that lie within our family histories. Green takes readers on a journey through her own personal quest to uncover the hidden stories and secrets that have shaped her family's past, inviting us to reflect on the complex tapestry of human connections that link us to our ancestors.
The book delves into the author's experiences as she embarks on a genealogical adventure, piecing together fragments of the past to construct a comprehensive picture of her heritage. Green skillfully weaves together her own discoveries with historical context, creating a narrative that is both intimate and universal. Her writing draws readers in, making us feel like active participants in her journey of exploration and self-discovery.
As Green unearths long-forgotten tales of triumph and tragedy, she skillfully navigates the emotional landscape of her family's history. The author's ability to evoke empathy and understanding, even for those who lived in a different era, is a testament to her storytelling prowess. Readers are likely to find themselves reflecting on their own familial connections and the ways in which the past continues to influence the present.
Throughout the book, Green raises profound questions about the nature of identity and the impact of ancestral legacies. She explores how the stories of those who came before us shape our perceptions of self and influence the choices we make in our own lives. This introspective approach invites readers to contemplate their own relationships with their family histories and consider how their own narratives have been shaped by the past.
"A Freak in the Family Tree" is a book that resonates on multiple levels. It is a memoir of one woman's personal journey of discovery, a historical exploration of lives lived in different eras, and a meditation on the intricate connections that bind generations together. Katherine Green's ability to seamlessly blend personal narrative with broader themes ensures that this book will leave a lasting impact on readers, prompting them to delve deeper into their own family trees and embrace the fascinating stories that make up their heritage.
The book delves into the author's experiences as she embarks on a genealogical adventure, piecing together fragments of the past to construct a comprehensive picture of her heritage. Green skillfully weaves together her own discoveries with historical context, creating a narrative that is both intimate and universal. Her writing draws readers in, making us feel like active participants in her journey of exploration and self-discovery.
As Green unearths long-forgotten tales of triumph and tragedy, she skillfully navigates the emotional landscape of her family's history. The author's ability to evoke empathy and understanding, even for those who lived in a different era, is a testament to her storytelling prowess. Readers are likely to find themselves reflecting on their own familial connections and the ways in which the past continues to influence the present.
Throughout the book, Green raises profound questions about the nature of identity and the impact of ancestral legacies. She explores how the stories of those who came before us shape our perceptions of self and influence the choices we make in our own lives. This introspective approach invites readers to contemplate their own relationships with their family histories and consider how their own narratives have been shaped by the past.
"A Freak in the Family Tree" is a book that resonates on multiple levels. It is a memoir of one woman's personal journey of discovery, a historical exploration of lives lived in different eras, and a meditation on the intricate connections that bind generations together. Katherine Green's ability to seamlessly blend personal narrative with broader themes ensures that this book will leave a lasting impact on readers, prompting them to delve deeper into their own family trees and embrace the fascinating stories that make up their heritage.
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Chevalier Mwale
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The book is about a woman who travelled a journey exploring different areas and cultures how how those stories shape the lives we live and the impact of ancestral legacy , I did also feel like her relationship with her family was emotional less like no love lost even tho the book talks about family well it empathizes on family ,I think this book helps readers understand that having a strong loving bond with their families can contemplate they ancestral legacy
