The Barn

There are a few authors for young readers whose every word on the page carries a little added weight. Howard Pyle, Esther Forbes, Russell Freedman, Laurie Halse Anderson, and Gary D. Schmidt are in that group, but so is Avi. Nine-year-old Ben has been away at school for seven months in the year 1855......more

This historical fiction book by Avi, was engaging, yet very gloomy. In 1855, set in Oregon, a young boy named Benjamin, preferred name Ben, must return home from boarding school due to his father's ailing health. Early on, Ben’s parents realized his academic potential and following his mother's deat......more

Ben, away at school in Portland, Oregon, fulfilling his dead mother’s dream, is told his father is sick, and his sister is there to take him home. In fact, his father has had a severe stroke, can’t move or speak, and has left 9 year old Ben, his 13 year old brother and older sister to fend for themse......more

This book is definitely not meant for light entertainment! Benjamin is 9 years old and away at school, having been seen by his father as being the most promising of his three children academically speaking. Things seem to be going well, right up until Benjamin's father becomes very sick. Now Benjamin......more

I picked up this little book, because I like Avi, and the story is set in my home state (before it became a state). I gave this story 4 stars, because of the quality of the writing. (Avi is an amazing writer!) However, the story is SO SAD!!!!!!!!!!!......more