Easy Read Children's Literature

This is a truly remarkable piece of children's literature that combines great fantasy and mystery. It tells the tale of two children, one in the present and one in the past. Molly, a child in the present, discovers a bit of a flag from Sam's time tucked away in a book. This simple discovery sets off a chain of events that leads to their two worlds colliding.

As Molly holds the flag, she begins to have vivid visions of the things that happened to Sam in the past. These visions draw her deeper and deeper into Sam's world, and she becomes determined to uncover the mystery behind their connection.

The story is filled with exciting twists and turns that will keep children on the edge of their seats. It explores themes of friendship, courage, and the power of imagination. The author's writing style is engaging and easy to understand, making it perfect for young readers.

Overall, this is a great book that is sure to capture the hearts and minds of children everywhere. It offers a unique and captivating reading experience that will leave them wanting more.

Molly is an English girl who has relocated to the United States along with her mother and new stepfather.

She is extremely homesick, longing for the familiar sights and sounds of her homeland.

One day, while browsing in a shop, she comes across a book titled - The Life of Nelson.

There is something about this book that compels her to own it and read it.

As she flips through the pages, she discovers something special hidden behind the cover page.

Her curiosity piqued, she embarks on a journey to uncover more about this mysterious find.

This journey not only leads her to discover more about the object but also about herself and her family.

Gradually, she begins to overcome her homesickness and starts to embrace her new life.

The story alternates between Molly's present-day experiences and the life of a boy on the ship Victory during the Battle of Trafalgar.

It is a fabulous middle grade read that I thoroughly enjoyed.

The vivid descriptions and engaging plot kept me hooked from start to finish.

It is a story that will appeal to readers of all ages, teaching them about the importance of family, self-discovery, and the power of perseverance.

A light and easy read, Victory is a book that I'm certain I would have relished had I read it at the age Cooper intended for the book. The story is narrated in alternating points of view, bouncing back and forth between Sam Robbins and Molly Jennings. This narrative style tends to keep the pace of the story moving along quite briskly.

Although there are evident connections between these two characters, the more one delves into the reading, the greater the curiosity grows regarding the reasons why their lives would be intertwined. In the end, even though I had a suspicion about what was forthcoming, regardless of how improbable it might have seemed, I truly savored the way Cooper presented everything and uncovered all the pieces of the puzzle. It was also fascinating to catch a glimpse of the history of Lord Nelson, albeit in a fictionalized context.

I believe that readers of all ages could appreciate this story not only for its engaging plot and vivid setting but also for the diverse cast of characters. If you are seeking an adventure that won't weigh you down but will instead keep you thoroughly entertained, I wholeheartedly recommend Victory.

I think after reading King of Shadows and The Dark is Rising, my anticipation for a greater degree of interaction between the two main characters who are separated by time was kindled. I longed for more elements of fantasy to unfold. Susan Cooper has always been one of my most beloved children's fantasy authors. However, in this particular work, it didn't entirely live up to my expectations.

All in all, it’s not Cooper’s finest story. The plot may not be as complex and engaging as some of her other masterpieces. But still, it’s a nice, easy read. It offers a pleasant escape into a world related to the Napoleonic Wars. It can be recommended to any young child who has an interest in this historical period or to adults who have a penchant for reading children’s books.

It has its own charm and can provide some entertainment and light reading pleasure. Although it may not be a literary classic, it has its place in the world of children's literature.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It serves as a fun read for a tween or even a teen who has an interest in British history and naval history. However, the ease with which one can predict how the two narratives would come together made it a bit less enjoyable.

Additionally, although the voices of the two main characters were extremely realistic, they almost seemed like two separate books. They did not blend well together. In fact, the American part of the story was essentially unnecessary. I would have much preferred to simply read Sam's story as Molly's story was not very exciting and even felt forced, seemingly just for the sake of the book's plot.

Nevertheless, I remain a fan of Susan Cooper and look forward to seeing more historical fiction from her in the future. I believe she has the talent to create more engaging and complex stories that will keep readers hooked from start to finish.

Love Cooper but can't get through this book.

Cooper is a name that holds a special place in my heart. I have a deep affection for this person or thing named Cooper. However, when it comes to this particular book related to Cooper, I find myself unable to make it all the way through.

The story or content within the book might be complex, or perhaps the writing style doesn't resonate with me. It could also be that I'm facing distractions or other challenges that are preventing me from fully engaging with the text.

Despite my love for Cooper, this book has proven to be a bit of a struggle. But I'm not giving up. I'll continue to try and find a way to overcome these obstacles and finally understand and appreciate what the book has to offer.

Maybe with a bit more patience and perseverance, I'll be able to get through this book and discover the hidden gems within that are related to my beloved Cooper.

I am an avid fan of Susan Cooper's "The Dark is Rising" series. So, you can imagine my excitement when I discovered that she had recently released a new historical fiction/fantasy book. "Victory" weaves two captivating and intertwined stories that are set 200 years apart.

One of the stories follows the adventures and hardships of Sam, a young boy living in England in the early 1800s. He is drafted into the British navy to fight against Napoleon and serves aboard Admiral Nelson's renowned ship, the HMS Victory.

The other story is about Molly, a teenager from modern times. Her parents have just relocated from England to Connecticut. Feeling homesick and lonely, Molly comes across a biography of Admiral Nelson in a used bookshop. Through this encounter, a magical connection between Molly and Sam is established.

It is evident that Cooper has conducted extensive research on the tall ships from the age of sail. However, don't let the abundance of nautical language deter you. There is a helpful glossary of sailing terms provided at the end of the book.

As a guy and a history teacher, I was naturally drawn to Sam's tale of adventure and war on the high seas. Surprisingly, I was also intrigued by Molly's story. Any young person who has moved to a new place or had to deal with new step-siblings will be able to relate to her experiences.

I have an absolute adoration for Susan Cooper's The Dark is Rising series.

This remarkable book is infused with a truly neat supernatural element that has the power to captivate readers from the very first page.

The way the supernatural unfolds within the story is both thrilling and enchanting, drawing you into a world where the forces of good and evil clash.

Moreover, I have a particular penchant for reading about history, and this series does not disappoint in that regard.

It weaves historical facts and events seamlessly into the narrative, adding depth and authenticity to the story.

As you progress through the books, you not only get to experience the excitement of the supernatural but also gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of different historical periods.

The combination of the supernatural and historical elements makes The Dark is Rising series a truly unique and engaging read that I would highly recommend to anyone.

Victory by Susan Cooper is an extraordinary book that tells the captivating tale of two very similar children.

Both Sam Robbins and Molly Jennings are going through difficult times in their lives, yet the twist is that they live centuries apart. Sam, a farm boy, is kidnapped and forced to serve abroad H.M.S. Victory, where Lord Nelson will meet his heroic death at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. Meanwhile, Molly, a present-day English girl, has been transplanted from London to America and is fighting her own battle against loss and loneliness.

This time-shifting adventure weaves together the stories of Sam and Molly, linked by a mystery. Sam endures the terrors of being kidnapped by the "press gang" and serving in the Royal Navy. He transforms from a scared and seasick farm boy into a sailor, experiencing both cruelty and kindness in the rowdy and dangerous world of a warship during the Napoleonic Wars. His battle experiences echo through the years and involve Molly as well.

Molly, like Sam, has lost her childhood but will find her future with help. Together yet separate, they struggle through fear and excitement to a final ordeal that tests their courage. The moving climax of the book shows their two lives joined forever.

From reading this book, the adventure and emotional scenes stand out, which I believe are two essential features of any good book. It takes readers on a journey through time and space, exploring themes of courage, loss, and hope.

Ugh, where do I even begin to express my thoughts about this book?

It's either the completely pointless ending or the offensiveness towards Americans that really stood out. Let me tell you the plot.

Molly is a girl in 2008 (or thereabouts), and Sam is a boy from the 1800s. The story was just *yawn* so boring. I definitely didn't get any enjoyment or a good read out of it.

To make matters worse, Molly hates America. That alone should give you an idea of how bad it is. But just to add a little more to convince you not to waste your time reading it, the ending is absolutely pointless. She finds a piece of a corpse-flag, and then at the very end, she decides to throw it in the lake. I mean, seriously? That's pretty much what the entire book was supposed to be about, and then they just kill the point like that. *slow clap* It's really a disappointment.

I would highly recommend avoiding this book at all costs. There are so many other great books out there that are worth your time and attention.

Gage Deiser
Mrs. Toney
December 2, 2014
Periods 3 and 4
Review for Victory, WARNING SPOILERS!
Summary
The story begins in the home of Sam Robbins' parents. After leaving with his uncle for London, he starts working in the dockyards of south London. A couple of weeks later, Sam and his uncle are forced into the Royal Navy. After serving for almost two years, Sam is caught in the famous Battle of Trafalgar in the 19th century. He witnesses the horrors of war and the heroic death of Admiral Lord Nelson.

Molly Jennings, a girl with a seizure disease, is taken from Great Britain to America. She is deeply saddened. During a trip to a bookstore in New Jersey, she discovers an old naval book about Lord Nelson. Later, the family travels to London. Molly and her grandpa visit HMS Victory, where she feels a connection to Sam Robbins. After reliving the Battle of Trafalgar, she learns that she is a descendant of Sam.

Setting
For Sam, the setting is London, then Gibraltar and Trafalgar from 1801 to 1805. For Molly, it's New Jersey, London, and onboard HMS Victory in 2006. Sam's story mostly takes place on the open sea, while Molly's is balanced between different settings.

Conflict
There are two main conflicts. Sam tries to become a sailor at thirteen, and Molly struggles to adjust to her new life in America. Her return to England initially makes things worse.

Solution
After three years and serving in the Battle of Trafalgar, Sam returns home as a seaman. Molly learns about Sam's troubles and accepts that her family will live in America.

Opinion on the Book
I think this book is amazing in almost every detail. It felt like I was there. I wish there could be a sequel and an epilogue, which was the only thing lacking.

Recommendation
I recommend this book to naval ship history lovers and anyone who loves history in general. I give it a 4.4 out of 5!

The book titled "Victory" initially showed great promise. The prologue was so engaging that it hooked me in immediately. It created a sense of anticipation and excitement for what was to come.

However, as I delved further into the book, I was met with disappointment. The rest of the story failed to live up to the expectations set by the prologue. Sam's point of view (POV) was the only redeeming factor in this otherwise lackluster tale. It was the sole reason I persevered and finished the book, although I must admit that the ending could have been significantly better.

The worst aspect of the story was the manner in which it was told. Molly's POV was truly one of the worst things I have ever read in my life. I understand that using the present tense can be effective, as I have liked it in at least one published book. But in this case, it was far too much telling and not enough showing. This is exactly what every writer is advised not to do, and I am appalled that such a promising story was ruined by this fundamental flaw in writing.

In conclusion, "Victory" had potential, but unfortunately, that potential was squandered due to bad writing. It is a shame that a story with such promise could not be executed more effectively.