Recommended for students who enjoy science fiction/fantasy and for those who have enjoyed Margaret Peterson Haddix's previous work
I have been a fan of Haddix for several years, but, even though she may never know it, she holds a special place in my heart. I was introduced to her work by my then fifth grade son. He discovered one of her books from the "Shadow Children" series while browsing in the library of his school in Colorado. After reading her books, he determined that she was his favorite author and committed to reading all of her books. Fast forward to the next school year--our family had relocated to Texas, and my son was having a bit of trouble settling in at his new school. One day, he excitedly brought home a flyer stating that Margaret Peterson Haddix would be visiting his school and that only a select group of students would be able to attend. To make a long story short, my son was one of the lucky students. On the day of her visit, he carried in his stack of 10+ books for her to autograph. She patiently signed each and every one of his books, and thanked him for being a fan of her books. That visit, that moment, that interaction, was the turning point for my son. It somehow "anchored" my son to his new settings. I will forever be grateful.
As a fourth grade teacher, Margaret Peterson Haddix's are some of the most popular books to which I introduce my students. They are perfect for students who have enjoyed reading science fiction/fantasy but are ready to be a bit more challenged. For example, "The Missing" series is perfect for students who enjoyed but have outgrown "The Magic Tree House" series.
Children of Exile continues the trend of being perfect for middle grade students. It is the story of Rosi, her brother Bobo, and the other children of Fredtown who have been raised in a very peaceful environment by the Freds. It is announced that the children are being sent back to their real parents even though they had always been told it was too dangerous for them to be with their real parents. As the oldest child , Rosi takes on the responsibility of caring for the younger children. All is definitely not what it seems, however, as Rosi and her once enemy Edwy soon discover. Who are the Freds? Why were the children taken away from their real parents? Why are they now being returned? Finally, the most important question, when will the sequel to this book be released so I can get more answers???
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