Book Review Summary: Amazing Grace

Introduction

"Amazing Grace" by Mary Hoffman is a captivating picture book that tells the story of a young girl named Grace who loves stories. With her vivid imagination, Grace delves into the world of literature and brings her favorite characters to life. However, when she expresses her desire to play Peter Pan in a school production, her classmates challenge her dream, citing her gender and race as reasons why she cannot fulfill the role. Through the support of her family and her own determination, Grace learns that she can be anything she wants to be and ultimately triumphs in achieving her goal.

About Mary Hoffman

Mary Hoffman, the author of "Amazing Grace," is a renowned British author and reviewer. Born in 1945, Hoffman has written over 80 books, including the Stravaganza series and the bestselling picture book, "Amazing Grace." She has also edited a review magazine for children called "Armadillo." Hoffman's writing is characterized by its optimism, positive messages, and strong emphasis on individuality and social justice.

Analysis of Views

1. Inspiring and Positive Message: Readers praise the book for its inspiring and positive message. The story encourages children to follow their dreams and to believe in themselves, regardless of what others may say. It emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself and pursuing one's passions.

2. Empowerment and Confidence: The book empowers children by showing them that they can overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. Grace's determination and confidence inspire readers to believe in themselves and to pursue their own dreams.

3. Representation and Diversity: Readers appreciate the book's representation of diversity and its portrayal of a young black girl who defies stereotypes. The story highlights the importance of embracing individuality and challenging prejudices, making it relevant to a wide range of readers.

4. Beautiful Illustrations: The watercolor illustrations in "Amazing Grace" receive praise from readers for their beauty and realism. The illustrations complement the text and bring Grace's imagination to life, adding depth and emotion to the story.

5. Relevant Topics: The book covers relevant topics such as gender equality, racial prejudice, and social justice. Readers appreciate the way the story addresses these issues in a way that is accessible and relatable to children.

Reasons for Recommendation

1. Inspiring Message: The book's message of following one's dreams and staying true to oneself resonates with readers, making it a recommended read for children who need encouragement and motivation.

2. Empowerment: The book empowers children by showing them that they can overcome obstacles and achieve their goals, making it a valuable resource for parents, teachers, and librarians looking to promote self-confidence and resilience in young readers.

3. Representation and Diversity: The book's representation of diversity and its portrayal of a young black girl defying stereotypes make it a valuable addition to children's literature. It provides a positive role model for readers from diverse backgrounds and promotes inclusivity and acceptance.

4. Beautiful Illustrations: The watercolor illustrations in "Amazing Grace" add depth and emotion to the story, making it visually appealing to readers. They complement the text and bring Grace's imagination to life, enhancing the reading experience.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

1. Hiawatha Scene: Some readers express concern about the inclusion of a scene where Grace dresses up as Hiawatha, which they find culturally insensitive. They suggest that this scene may be problematic for indigenous children and may require further discussion or explanation.

2. Limited Availability: Some readers note that the 25th Anniversary edition of "Amazing Grace" does not include the Hiawatha scene, which is included in earlier editions. They appreciate the removal of this scene but express disappointment that they cannot access the original edition with the full scene intact.

Conclusion

"Amazing Grace" by Mary Hoffman is a captivating picture book that tells the story of a young girl named Grace who loves stories. With its inspiring message, empowering themes, beautiful illustrations, and representation of diversity, it resonates with readers of all ages. While some readers express concern about the inclusion of a scene featuring Hiawatha, overall, "Amazing Grace" is recommended as a valuable addition to children's literature that promotes self-confidence, resilience, inclusivity, and acceptance.