It is unclear whether this book is purposefully condescending and pedantic in an effort to be accessible to lower level readers, or if the author (and her zombie writer) simply had nothing of substance to say. It is not the style alone which is insultingly banal. Even the narrative, and the conclusions drawn from it, are so shallow as to be suitable for a poster, rather than a book.
No doubt this is a case where the writer is more convincing in person, and no doubt her presentations at schools are effective and meaningful. Sadly, the book does not capture any of this, and I cannot imagine it inspiring any sort of emotion in young readers, let alone meaningful reflection. I won't be teaching this book in class, unless by some hellfire's curse I am in the fourth grade classroom at some point. Even then, I would be required to make up for the book's deficiencies with supplementary lessons that would do just as good a job on their own, and not turn the students against me. Preachy, shallow, and pandering. Pass.
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