Bonnie Geisert

The third book in a series of three, loosely based on author Bonnie Geisert's own childhood experiences growing up on a farm in the American Midwest of the 1950's, I really enjoyed Prairie Winter (and hope to soon be able to read the other two books, which unfortunately, are not available at my local library, Prairie Summer and Lessons).

Both entertaining and poignant, Prairie Winter is a real, slice-of-life description of what life was like (or rather what life often could be like) in the small farming communities of the American Midwest (not all that long ago), and how severe winters could not only be dangerous, but could strand farmers and even whole communities/towns for months on end. Just imagine having to live apart from your family in a hotel room for months, just to be able to attend school.

Bonnie Geisert has done a truly remarkable job, not only showing, depicting realistic, authentic-seeming scenarios and episodes, she has also managed to successfully capture the voice of young Rachel (the twelve-year-old narrator), as well as the dynamics of Rachel's family and the dynamics of both school and farming life. Although the novel does not show all that much narrative tension (except perhaps when the school bus breaks down during a blizzard), this is a wonderful book of historical fiction (and one that is even loosely based on fact), a poignant story that not only shows the importance of family, but also the importance of community, of how neighbours help one another in times of need. I know my review is likely not even remotely adequate, but Prairie Winter is one of those books I find very difficult to review, simply because the book feels just so special, so heartwarming and thought-provoking. Very highly recommended (and not just for children).… (más)

Mountain Town, written by Bonnie Geisert and illustrated by her husband Arthur Geisert, is informative with a narrative that is descriptive, although also somewhat sparse and superficial. The real star of Mountain Town are Arthur Geisert's intricate and evocative illustrations (they show a richness of detail that is only hinted at by the narrative). The afterword does offer supplemental details, but personally, I would have preferred more textual information in the narrative itself. On the other hand, this book would likely work very well to stimulate free discussion and/or storytelling, as the elaborate, involved illustrations leave much scope for the imagination (as L.M. Montgomery's Anne Shirley would say). Recommended for children interested in the geography and settlement of the United States, and especially for those children who love to pore over and discuss detailed and intricate illustrations.… (más)

Mountain Town is a lot like Bonnie and Arthur Geisert's book, "River Town". "Mountain Town" follows the year in the life of a rocky mountain town. The book starts with winter, and how the residents live along side the harshness of winter. The book then goes into spring and describes through illustrations and words how the townspeople enjoy the seasonal change into spring. Summer brought about rain and thunder while the fall brought the townspeople together as they support their local high school football teams. The book takes place in the second half of the nineteenth century.… (más)