On Sundays, we do beginnings, taking a look at the start of a Peter Abrahams novel, including those written under the Spencer Quinn moniker. How about we try Into The Dark, third in the middle grade Echo Falls series? Unlike the Chet and Bernie series, Echo Falls should probably be read in sequence – Down The Rabbit Hole, Behind The Curtain, Into The Dark. Today, instead of the beginning, here’s a little bit of Mr. Sidney, the old school bus driver, talking to Ingrid and her friend Ty about Bataan, which of course is all new to them.
“Very next morning they had us on the road to the prison camp. Not going to talk about the Death March – you can look it up. Not going to talk about the starvation, or the disease, the heat, or what happened to anybody who lagged behind, even to drink from a mud puddle.”
“What happened to them?” said Ty.
“What did I just say?” said Mr. Sidney.
3 Comments on “Beginnings (Not)”
I loved this series so much! The thing that captured me is that OFA does not talk down to the younger set. Adults (with a fake ID, as he says) can read and thoroughly enjoy them too. They are educational but in a very entertaining way, piquing the curiosity of young readers, and helping them to discover how much fun it is to read!
Today was one of those best days ever for Franklin. In addition to a great play date this afternoon with Miss Tilly, he got another present from his next door friend, Miss Abby earlier this morning. Unlike in the past where the gifts from Miss Abby sort of just appeared in the back yard, this time was a little different in that Miss Abby had her nose through the hole under the fence, as normal when we go out to play ball in the morning, but this time she had placed the ball next to her face and when Franklin came up to say hi, she actually pushed the ball with her paw directly in his direction — like here, this is for you. She watches him play ball most mornings, so she clearly knows how much he enjoys it. And he just loved the ball when he got it. So definitely a best day ever moment. Good girl, Miss Abby.
Dogs are a lot smarter than people give them credit for. Even those Border Collies or the dogs with the talking buttons. They’re observant. And they are sensitive emotional souls.
It is lovely that Franklin has Miss Abby and Miss Tilly given that Miss Freyja is on the other side of the continent so their chances to play are slim, fat and none.
I’m sure he is going to treasure that ball and the spirit in which is was given. It also probably had Miss Abby’s drool on it, which is a plus.