Kherdian, David. The revelations of Alvin Tolliver.Hampton Roads Hampton Roads, roadstead, 4 mi (6.4 km) long and 40 ft (12.2 m) deep, SE Va., through which the waters of the James, Nansemond, and Elizabeth rivers pass into Chesapeake Bay. (1125 Stoney ston·ey adj. Variant of stony. Ridge Rd., Charlottesville, VA 22902). 93p. c2001. 1-57174-255-7. $7.95. J Alvin Tolliver introduces readers to his story by telling them that "people come into our lives--and sometimes they change our lives--forever!" Each of the next four sections details Alvin's experiences in learning about the world around him from a quartet of unique characters. Crazy Eli, the town eccentric, rescues Alvin from a woodland accident. Alvin learns to appreciate Eli's skill with healing plants and his simple way of life. A well-known fishing guide, Old Joe Krensky, takes Alvin to a secret fishing hole and helps him catch, and then free, a prize muskie mus·kie or mus·ky n. pl. mus·kies The muskellunge. . Hannah Terchouni is known as the bird lady, and she teaches him about rescuing sick and injured animals, including a great horned owl great horned owl Horned owl species (Bubo virginianus) that ranges from Arctic tree limits south to the Strait of Magellan. A powerful, mottled-brown predator, it is often more than 2 ft (60 cm) long, with a wingspan often approaching 80 in. (200 cm). . Alvin's last mentor is Philip Sunbear, a legendary tracker who is rumored to live in the nearby woods. Alvin stumbles upon Philip's cave and is invited to participate in a sweat lodge sweat lodge Hut or lodge used for ritual purification. Its use originated with Native Americans—for whom it remains a significant ceremony—but it is now common among other non-Indian groups who recognize its health as well as spiritual benefits. ceremony. His experiences with each of these individuals shape his view of life. Kherdian is a Newbery Honor Award recipient and this book is appropriate for a younger audience. One of its strongest messages is that adults are sometimes misjudged by children unable to see beneath the surface. Alvin has the opportunity to learn from adults he might otherwise reject. Michele Winship, Asst. Prof., Capital Univ., Columbus, OH |
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