I first saw this book at the library. It was standing by itself, just beckoning me to open it's cover, and voila! "Be amazed," it said, "because I am written entirely in free verse!"
"No," I replied. "You must be mistaken. No one really writes in free verse these days unless you're a reincarnation of Walt Whitman. And no matter how admirable it may be that you're a nineteenth century poet back from the dead, there's no way you would get published."
Luckily, though, my snarky comments and I were both wrong! This book may be one of poetry but it's very readable and doesn't require a degree in literature to understand what's within the pages.
Three Rivers Rising is written from the perspective of many characters. Thus, as a reader, you get to see both sides of the story as wealthy sixteen-year-old Celestia and hired boy Peter fall in love with each other. You get a glance into the intrigue of high social class and all its snobbery in Pennsylvania in the late nineteenth century. Then there are the thoughts and dreams of minor characters that bleed through the pages, and you, dear reader, are privy to them all.
Based on the true event of the Johnstown Flood in May of 1889, I was truly impressed by this story, not only because the words flowed like water, but because each character followed an arc and had their own unique voice. Plus, it was about an event I had never even heard of before, so I came away more educated than when I began! Give this book a chance, everyone. Plunge in, and just see where the current takes you.
Appropriate for ages 15+
Reynie Muldoon, Sticky Washington, Kate Weatherall, and Constance Contraire don't fit in with the world. Whether they are orphaned, bullied by their peers, or mistreated by adults, all four are forced to rely on their wits, genius, and (in some cases) their buckets. But when the evil mastermind Mr. Curtain plans to take over the world by an invention of mass brainwashing, the children's talents will be challenged as never before.
This book was truly delightful. I'd been wanting to read it for ages when my nephew received it as an "un-birthday" present from his grandma. Thus, somehow my nephew's gift mysteriously disappeared from his house until further notice, and voila! You now have a book review. So you see, stealing books from unsuspecting children has its benefits. ;)
What impressed me the most in this novel was how each character followed their own arc of progression. Though Reynie is considered to be the "leader" among his fellow comrades, each character changes and plays an integral role throughout the book. I thought this was masterfully done.
I also loved how the book's main characters were balanced between boys and girls who were both quirky and memorable. Reynie's integrity and ability to solve impossible puzzles is unmatched, and Sticky's photographic memory is unparalleled. Pair that with Kate's superhuman skills like climbing elevator shafts and Constance's crankiness, and this is a crew not to be taken lightly, my friends.
There were also enjoyable moments from an adult's standpoint. Trenton Lee Stewart does a clever job of playing with words that had me chuckling at the stupidity of the grown-ups in the novel and cheering on the kids. That being said, the novel is long (400+ pages) and might be challenging for younger readers. However, I would definitely recommend it since the book is never too frightening and is 100% clean. Reading it aloud or along with a child, though, might be a good option for some.
Appropriate for ages 10+
