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Friday, June 7, 2013

Review: The Vine Basket by Josanne La Valley

The Vine Basket by Josanne La Valley.

The Vine Basket by Josanne La Valley

Clarion Books
Publication Date: April 2013
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780547848013

Review: In, out, under and over, twisting and turning to make a beautiful basket. Vine Basket by Josanne La valley tells a story about a Uyghur girl who has a special talent for making baskets.

Merighul has always loved making baskets. One day, at the market, a foreign lady comes to the market. She sees Merighul's basket and buys it. She gives her 100 Yuan for it. This is a lot of money for Merighul's family, who doesn't make a lot of money. The foreign woman tells her that she will be back in 3 weeks and wants to buy more baskets from her. Merighul is determined to make a couple baskets that she will love. Each time she tries she is blocked by another obstacle. A horrible father who wastes the 100-yuan, injured hands, a huge sandstorm, and a withdrawn mother all stop her from creating her baskets. When all hope is lost, her grandfather gives her a special gift.

The Vine Basket is perfect. I love learning about other cultures but I don't like reading boring factual books. This book taught me about the Uyghur culture while it told a great story. It really compelled me to keep reading. I give this story 5 out of 5 stars because it is an interesting story. The author is very descriptive with the baskets. I like how Merighul is like most girls her age. Determined, hardworking, but doesn't always believe in herself. By the end, Merighul is an example for all girls her age. This is a really outstanding book.

Review written by Lilia (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for providing a copy of The Vine Basket for this review.

Have you read The Vine Basket? How would you rate it?

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