Today I get to share with you a wonderful new book for the middle grades. This story is the adventure of a fifth grade class. It is called The Great Treehouse War by Lisa Graff.
Imagine being a fifth grader who is caught between her divorced parents and their egos. They are trying to outdo each other so much by celebrating the various "holidays" that exist for each day. The celebrations are getting so out of hand that poor Winnie is in danger of failing fifth grade. The only time she gets to do her homework or study is on Wednesdays when she sleeps in her treehouse which is perfectly between her parents' properties. Her time has to be equally divided between them. All Winnie wants is for her parents to stop and let her be a normal child. Well she comes up with a plan. She goes into her treehouse and refuses to come out until her parents come up together to talk to her. Well, the nine other fifth graders in her class decide to join her with their own demands for their parents. This story is fun. It goes through how ten fifth graders may get on each others nerves after many days together 24/7. Also about how these kids need their parents and yet need some freedom and responsibility. It is a wonderful tale about growing up.
Now I will admit I was not sure Hazel would like it, but decided to read it to her and see. Well, she loved it!! The book is written as a class report telling the story of life in the treehouse with small notes representing sticky notes from the various members of the class making comments about the report. The sticky notes are rather humorous. This story is so well thought out and entertaining for everyone. I enjoyed it and Hazel loved it.
We planned to do a craft with it. Hazel and I discussed ideas. We came up with drawing plans for an ultimate dream treehouse. I thought I would try to draw how I imagine Winnie's treehouse and Hazel was going to make her dream one. Unfortunately, we did not find the time to do this yet. Somehow I expected to have more time now that I am homeschooling Hazel, but it seems as there is much less time. I know Crafty Moms Share has definitely been one of the things to suffer the most.
One thing Hazel and I have been planning was to let her write her opinion on the various books we review. She wanted to start her own blog, but I figured this was a better way to go. So introducing, Hazel's Corner. Here are her words (for the most part) about the book.
I think this is a great book for kids at the youngest 5 but more for 7 or 10 year-olds. I'm 8 and I absolutely LOVED it. I think this is a great book,and I think you should definitely read it. I think it is an amazing book. My favorite part was when Squizzy made up a crazy schedule for where the different groups could be in the treehouse. I thought it was really funny that the bathroom was included in the schedule. The other thing I really liked were the sticky note notes throughout the story where the different characters commented about the story. I did think the names were a little weird. DEFINITELY READ THIS BOOK!!!! I give it five stars! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Now it is time for the giveaway. Since I am participating in the official book tour I get to offer you the giveaway brought to you by Penguin Kids. Enter for a chance to win one (1) of five (5) copies of The Great Treehouse War by Lisa Graff (ARV: $16.99 each). Good luck!!
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Enter between 12:00 AM Eastern Time on May 15, 2017 and 12:00 AM on May 29, 2017. Open to residents of the fifty United States and the District of Columbia who are 13 and older. Winners will be selected at random on or about June 2, 2017. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received. Void where prohibited or restricted by law.
