Mountains are Free is a children's historical novel by Julia Davis Adams, set in Switzerland in the 14th century. It retells the legend of William Tell and the Swiss struggle against the Habsburgs from the viewpoint of an orphan boy.[1] The novel, illustrated by Theodore Nadajen, was first published in 1930 and was a Newbery Honor recipient in 1931.[2]
William Bowen (1877–1937) was an American children's author. His most notable work was The Old Tobacco Shop, illustrated by Reginald Birch, which won a Newbery Honor in 1922.[1]
Swords of Steel is a children's historical novel by Elsie Singmaster. Set before and during the American Civil War, it talks about the childhood and coming of age of a boy from the North and his involvement with the war.[1] The novel, illustrated by David Hendrickson, was first published in 1933 and was a Newbery Honor recipient in 1934.[2]
The Loner is a 1963 adolescent novel by author Ester Wier, illustrated by Christine Price. The Loner was a recipient of the Newbery Honor award in 1964. This book is about a 13 year old boy who has forgotten about his past. He has no family or any familiar family history. He picks crops to raise money to convinces families to let him travel with them. His goal is to reach California but ends up in Montana. He soon finds a home and is no longer a "loner".
Boy with a Pack is a children's historical novel by Stephen W. Meader. He was a social worker who made books for 6th graders and older. Set in 1837, it follows the journey of a 17-year-old trader Bill Crawford from New Hampshire to the Ohio Country. The novel, illustrated by Edward Shenton, was first published in 1939 and was a Newbery Honor recipient in 1940.[1]
George Washington's World is a historical children's book by Genevieve Foster. The first edition, illustrated by the author, was published in 1941 and was a Newbery Honor recipient in 1942.[1] It is commonly read by 5th-8th graders. It talks about his life span from 1732 to 1799. The purpose of this book is to show us what life was like during the birth of America. This book includes other people such as Daniel Boone, John Adams, John Hancock, Thomas Jefferson, Ben Franklin, Marie Antoinette, Louis XIV and XV, Napoleon, King George III and many more. It also discusses the American and French revolution.
Daughter of the Mountains
editDaughter of the Mountains is a children's novel by Louise Rankin. The novel, illustrated by Kurt Wiese, was first published in 1948 and was a Newbery Honor recipient in 1949.[2] It tells the story of Momo, a Tibetan girl, who undertakes a long and difficult journey to save her little dog, a Lhasa Terrier, from the wool trader who stole him.[1] It is commonly meant for 3-7th graders.
Plot
editDaughter of the Mountains is about a young girl named Momo who has always desired a Lhasa terrier, which is one of the fourteen oldest dog breeds, usually owned by Tibetan Buddhist priests. After wanting one since the age of four she finally receives a Lhasa terrier which came with prediction by an astrologer that the dog will bring Momo excitement and wealth. The dogs name is Pempa and is stolen from her by a group of robbers who escaped with the dog to the mountains. Momo is determined to receive her dog, Pempa, back with a commute to India all alone. During her journey she is taken into possession by a family in which Momo stays with for a day. As soon as she got the chance to escape she is back on her commute to find Pempa. During her travel she comes across people who tell her it is too dangerous and to give up hope. Momo, still determined to get what is hers, comes across a young girl named Tsu Foo. She is basically imprisoned by her aunt and uncle but helps Momo find the robbers she believes stole her dog. She finally meets one of the robbers, Big Dorje, but he is not willing to help her.
Momo meets a man who is the only British man allowed in Tibet, the Lat Sahib. He is intrigued by her story and helps her by giving her money to travel to Calcutta in India. She must take two train rides to get to her destination. After arriving to her desired location all alone, she comes across thieves who had taken the money she had left. Continuing her struggle she finds her way to the shop Pempa was sold. She receives information on who the dog was sold to, by the shop owner Wing Fong. After his daughter, Lotus Blossom, begs him to help Momo, he sends Momo to the woman who Pempa was sold to.
The lady who had bought the dog was a British woman named Lady Paton. She has a daughter her age named Nancy, who helped welcome Momo with food and a place to rest. Momo was introduced to Lady Patons husband Sir Hugh, who was fascinated by her story. After the woman had seen how much Pempa meant to Momo and the journey she had gone through, she gladly returned the dog to Momo. Lady Paton tells Momo that the thief, Nema Doorg, who had stole her dog will not get away with what he did. She tells her that the Lat Sahib will order him to find her a new Lhasa terrier which he must buy and not steal. Lady Paton even helps Tsu Foo, the young girl that was a great help in Momos journey, by giving her the freedom to stay with her friend, Christy Memsahib. Also she blesses Momo with news that will give her family great fortune by giving her father a new and safer job.
Throughout the chapters you see the journey Momo goes through to receive her dog back. Also it gives great insight on the cultural transition from Tibet, to Calcutta. At the end, the prediction from the astrologer who had said the dog would bring adventure and fortune was right. She struggles her way to India and comes across many different situations, that would be considered a great adventure, and eventually receives Pempa back along with her father having a new job.
Characters
editMomo-- Main character of the book who lost her dog.
Pempa-- The name of the Lhasa terrier
Tsu Foo-- A young girl who helped Momo find the robbers
The Lat Sahib-- The only Englishman allowed in Tibet who gives Momo money and guidance
Big Dorje-- One of the robbers responsible for stealing Pempa
Wing Fong-- The shop owner where the dog was sold
Lotus Blossom-- The shop owner's daughter who begged her father to help guide Momo to the current owner
Nema Doorg-- The man who was labeled the thief
Lady Paton-- The woman who had bought the dog
Sir Hugh-- Lady Patons husband
Nancy-- Lady Patons daughter who was around the same age as Momo
Refrences
editNewbery Medal and Honor Books, 1922-Present American Library Association
Awards
editNewbery Medal Honor Book in 1949.