Community Reviews

Rating(4.3 / 5.0, 43 votes)
5 stars
20(47%)
4 stars
16(37%)
3 stars
7(16%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
43 reviews
July 15,2025
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While there is an abundance of books that are set during the ages of exploration and early colonization, this particular one stands out. It is the very first time that I have encountered a book that centers on the Dutch and Portuguese conflict. This engaging and captivating read had me completely hooked, constantly wondering what events would unfold next. The detailed account of the conflict between these two powerful nations provided a unique perspective and added a new dimension to our homeschool studies. It was truly an excellent addition, enriching our understanding of this significant period in history.

July 15,2025
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**Title: The Adventures of a Young Explorer in 4th Grade Historical Fiction Literature**

In 4th grade historical fiction literature, we are taken on exciting adventures through time.

These stories transport us to different eras, allowing us to experience history in a unique and engaging way.

We follow the lives of young characters who face challenges and overcome obstacles, just like we do in our own lives.

One such story might be about a brave young explorer who sets out on a journey to discover new lands.

Along the way, he meets interesting people, learns about different cultures, and has many thrilling experiences.

Another story could be set during a time of war, where a young girl must be brave and resourceful to protect her family and her home.

These historical fiction books not only entertain us but also teach us about the past, helping us to understand how our world has changed over time.

They inspire us to be curious, to ask questions, and to explore the unknown.

So, let's open up a good historical fiction book and embark on an adventure through time!
July 15,2025
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Would you want to live a life where making one small mistake results in being whipped?

No, of course not. And would you want to be treated like a slave? Certainly not.

That is precisely the situation depicted in "Out Of Many Waters".

Surprisingly, even today, we still often act as selfishly and carelessly as described in the book.

It seems that despite the significant advancements in technology, our fundamental nature and behavior have not truly changed.

We continue to show little concern for others and focus only on our own interests.

This lack of empathy and consideration can lead to many problems in our society.

We need to反思 our actions and strive to be more kind, understanding, and selfless.

Only then can we hope to create a better world for ourselves and future generations.
July 15,2025
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Once again, I had to read this for school.

I liked this book quite a lot. It really showed the injustice of the inquisitions. The characters were pretty deep.

I loved the story of the mute little Jewish boy Paulo and how he wasn't really mute. His character development was quite interesting.

The only thing I would have added to the story would be a more satisfactory ending to the pending issue of "where is Isobel's parents and sister". For all I know they might have died. It left me wondering and a bit unsatisfied.

However, overall, it was a great book. It had a captivating plot and well-developed characters that kept me engaged from start to finish. I would definitely recommend it to others who are interested in historical fiction or stories about injustice and survival.

July 15,2025
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One of our homeschool read-alouds is truly an amazing experience.

Such a good story! "Out of Many Waters" provides us with a fascinating glimpse into how The Inquisition had a profound impact on the lives of some Jewish people. The vivid descriptions and detailed accounts in the book bring this historical period to life.

The characters in the story are extremely compelling. Each one has their own unique personality and motives, which makes it easy for us to become fully invested in their lives. My son and I especially enjoyed following Isobel's journey together. We were on the edge of our seats as she faced numerous challenges and obstacles along the way.

Reading this book aloud has not only enhanced our understanding of history but has also brought us closer as a family. It has sparked many interesting discussions and has allowed us to explore different perspectives on this important topic. We highly recommend "Out of Many Waters" to anyone who is interested in history, adventure, and the power of the human spirit.
July 15,2025
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This was such a GREAT example of judging a book by its cover! I'm truly sorry to admit that I am often guilty of this very thing. Just because of the cover, I wasn't excited about this book at all. However, it turns out that it might be in the running for our top read alouds.

Honestly, I didn't know much about the Spanish or Portuguese Inquisition before. But "Out of Many Waters" does an amazing job of bringing this time period to life in a very personal way. This time, I didn't *actually* cry
July 15,2025
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We absolutely LOVED this book!

It is an amazing and captivating story that delves into the lives of the first Jews in New Amsterdam. The narrative takes us on a journey back in time, allowing us to witness their struggles, their hopes, and their contributions to the growing community.

The author has done a remarkable job of bringing this historical period to life, painting a vivid picture of the challenges faced by these early settlers.

We were completely engrossed in the story from start to finish, and it left us with a deeper understanding and appreciation for the rich history of the Jewish people in America.

This book is not only a great read but also an important piece of historical literature that should be read by anyone interested in learning more about the diverse and fascinating history of our nation.
July 15,2025
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I read this book with my homeschool class of 8-year-olds.

It was part of our Build your library curriculum.

The book was about how the Jewish people were taken from Amsterdam and compelled to be Christian, unable to follow their Jewish religion.

The girl in the story, Isabelle, is 11 years old. She escapes with her sister, but unfortunately, they get separated.

Isabelle then sneaks onto a refuge boat and hides.

When she is finally discovered, she finds refuge with other Jewish families.

Eventually, she is faced with a difficult decision: does she stay with her new families or does she attempt to make her way home?

This was an extremely powerful story that highlights the hardships involved in maintaining one's religion and what truly means the most to a person in the world.

It made us all think deeply about the importance of freedom of religion and the sacrifices people have made throughout history to uphold their beliefs.

The story of Isabelle is both inspiring and heart-wrenching, and it will stay with us for a long time.

We discussed the book at length in our homeschool class, and the children had many thoughtful questions and comments.

It was a great learning experience for all of us.

July 15,2025
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We read this book as part of our Build Your Library homeschool curriculum.

This is my 7-year-old son's review.

It took him a few weeks to read the book. At first, it was challenging for him because the chapters were very long. However, he got really into it when all the exciting action happened.

His favorite part about the main character was when she escaped from the church. He said he would make the same decisions as the main character because they were very brave decisions.

The main character read a bible that her sister Maria gave her to overcome her fears. Through the story, she changed by becoming more decisive. In the beginning, Maria had to make decisions for her, but as the story progressed, she learned to make her own decisions.

Overall, it was a good book that my son really enjoyed. There was a great balance of history, drama, and action, which kept him engaged throughout the reading process.

It was a great addition to our homeschool curriculum and provided my son with valuable learning experiences.
July 15,2025
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3.5 stars

I happened to pick up this Young Adult book at a Little Free Library. The subject matter immediately caught my attention as it seemed quite interesting. I won't go into repeating the plot here as it's already clearly stated on the top of the page, just like all the books on GoodReads. Instead, I'll focus on my experience with it.

To be honest, I had no prior knowledge about this particular aspect of Jewish, Portuguese, (as well as Dutch, Spanish and Inquisition) history. So, I thought this book would be an easy and accessible way to learn a little about it. I placed it on my bookshelf, waiting for a moment when I needed something that wasn't as intense as much of the adult historical fiction I've been reading lately.

I liked this book for several reasons. Firstly, it was an easy read, which was a welcome change. Secondly, it offered some historical learning through the medium of a YA novel. However, it wasn't a truly great or memorable piece of YA fiction. That being said, it wasn't bad either. It was quite interesting to learn so many things that the author covered skillfully within the arc of a relatively short book.

I have to give the author credit for making the difficult situations in the story turn out mostly good, but not in a completely idealized way as I had initially expected. This added a touch of realism, which I really appreciated considering all the obstacles and difficulties that the Jews faced during that period. Overall, it was a decent read that served its purpose of providing some historical knowledge in an engaging way.
July 15,2025
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I don't even know if my words will do justice to this book.

It was truly AMAZING! From the very first page, it had me completely hooked. I laughed out loud at some of the hilarious moments, and then I found myself crying uncontrollably at the touching and emotional scenes. I cried some more as the story unfolded and I became deeply invested in the lives of the characters.

Ms. Greene has an incredible gift for writing. Her words flow so beautifully, painting vivid pictures in my mind and making me feel as if I was right there in the story. I'm touched beyond words by this book. It has truly changed me as a person.

This is a MUST-READ book, for sure. I can't recommend it highly enough. I'm sad that I had not heard about it until I got it out of our homeschool box. But now that I have, I will cherish it forever and share it with everyone I know.

July 15,2025
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I had a really great time reading this!

Even though it is a fictional story, it is based on a group of real people. This makes it all the more interesting as it gives a sense of authenticity.

The story unfolds in a very engaging manner. It moves along nicely, keeping the reader hooked from start to finish.

The plot is full of twists and turns that keep you guessing what will happen next.

The characters are well-developed and you really start to care about what happens to them.

Overall, it is a very enjoyable read that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a good story.

Whether you are a fan of fiction or non-fiction, this book has something for everyone.

It combines the best of both worlds by telling a fictional story based on real events and people.

So, if you are looking for a book that will keep you entertained and engaged, give this one a try!

You won't be disappointed.
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