Sofie Dardzinski Pandemic Echoes by Sofie Dardzinski, 10 An invisible enemy has changed our lives. Lives lost, all too soon. Soon slinks fear, that we contain in isolation. Isolation bringing bitter loneliness; thoughts echoing. Echoing around the world, clouds of chaos and uncertainty. Uncertainty in each other, infected with suspicion. Suspicion of one another, seems like our jobs. Jobs vanishing, economy at a standstill. Still, hope is in our nature. Nature is renewing, the world is clean and quiet. Quiet acts of kindness, binding us together. Together we lead, enlightened by our journey.
Stone Soup Magazine for young readers, writers, and artists
Bridge to Terabithia, Reviewed by Florence, 12
Have you ever imagined yourself in a world where anything could happen? A perfect example of this world is in the book Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson. This novel tells the story of two characters, Leslie Burke and Jesse Aarons, whose imagination brings them together. Leslie and Jesse start out almost completely different from each other. Leslie is bold, inventive, and mischievous. In contrast, Jesse is hard working, serious, and insecure. Leslie and Jesse want nothing to do with each other, until they realize what they have in common. Jesse shows creativity through art. He is a talented artist. Leslie is always wild and free. The world can be anything she wants it to be. She has many ideas, one of which becomes the secret, magical, kingdom of Terabithia. In addition to their creativity, they share curiosity about the world beyond what they already know. This combination leads the friends to Terabithia. In the forest near their homes, they create a secret, faraway place to escape their troubles, have fun, and let their imaginations run free. Leslie and Jesse became the rulers of Terabithia. They take on the problems in their real world and come up with plans to deal with them together. They have fun roleplaying, telling stories, and sharing thoughts. To enter the kingdom, they have to swing across a river with a rope. Once they cross, they are in a whole new world where they can be themselves. They keep it secret, so that no one can ever discover it but them. Leslie and Jesse develop such a trusting friendship that they can really help each other with their troubles. I love this book because it addresses problems kids have in the real world, as well as shows how imagination can play a big part in life. For instance, when the school bully is causing trouble, their imagination helps Jesse and Leslie come up with a plan. There are several reasons this book deserved to be the Newbery Medal Winner. The way Katherine Paterson describes Terabithia made me feel like I was there with the characters. As I follow them into Terabithia, it seems as if the woods are enchanted. It’s like being invited to the secret world. I also like the balance between fantasy and reality that Paterson creates. Everybody from fourth grade up can enjoy this book. It has just as much to offer for girls as it does for boys. When you get to know these characters, you might find yourself in them. If you enjoy this novel, you might enjoy the other stories Katherine Paterson has to offer. I’m glad it doesn’t end in Terabithia! Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson. HarperCollins, 1997. Buy the book here and support Stone Soup in the process!
The Night Diary, Reviewed by Anushka, 10
Some books are so meaningful and inspiring that you are grateful they were written. The Night Diary by Veera Hiranandani is one such book. It is a historical fiction written in journal-style format set in 1947 when India and Pakistan became independent from British rule and separated into two countries. Even though the book is in the context of the partition of India and Pakistan, it is relevant today as millions of families around the world become refugees because of war, conflict, oppressive governments, and climate change. Through the eyes of one twelve year old girl, I got a glimpse into the feelings of children who are forced to leave their homes and loved ones, make long, treacherous journeys, and find a place where they are welcome. For this, I am grateful. Before The Night Diary, I had not read a book in which the story takes place in India and is about an Indian girl like me. Culturally diverse books are so rare, even though we live in multi-cultural society. This book connected me to my heritage. The food, community, songs, culture, and turns of language, all gave me a strong sense of belonging. For this, I am grateful. After reading this book, I learned that some of my family members lived through the horrific partition of India and Pakistan. My dadi (paternal grandmother) was born in present-day Pakistan and traveled to India as an infant with her older brother and parents during the partition. I wish I could learn more about their stories, but no one who could remember is alive now. The Night Diary shows what the feelings of many people would have been during that time. For this, I am grateful. This book is Nisha’s inner dialogue during her arduous and dangerous journey as a refugee from Pakistan to India. She writes to her deceased mother in a dairy gifted to her on her 12th birthday, who she misses now more than ever. As a girl who is both Hindu and Muslim, living through a partition based on religion, Nisha is struggling to make sense of the world around her. She cannot understand how people can hate each other so much because of the religion they follow. Pakistan and India are both part of her being. If Pakistan and India are divided, then she is torn apart too. The letters to her mama allow her to release her trapped feelings of fear and the pain of leaving loved ones. Through the process of expressing her feelings through written words to her mother who she has never known, she can understand her feelings and hope for a better future. This book is full of metaphors. Nisha’s body symbolizes the two countries. The home she is leaving behind symbolizes her mother. The diary symbolizes hope. It shows us that we can’t run away from our feelings, but should try to understand them and focus on the road ahead. I marvel at the way the author is able to feel the feelings of a twelve year old girl in a different context and time and make me feel the same feelings. Makes me want to write a book just like this one. To all children reading this review: Read this book! It will teach you something about the broader world beyond the borders your own community. It will make you aware of the experiences of refugees. It will teach you why it is important to welcome people seeking help in your homeland. It will inspire you to stand up against bigotry and work toward change. The Night Diary by Veera Hiranandani. Puffin Books, 2019. Buy the book here and support Stone Soup in the process!
