Danny and Life on Bluff Point

By Mary Ellen Lee

Book Overview

Ten-year-old Danny Lee doesn't share his sisters' excitement when their schoolteacher comes to live with them in January of 1895. Danny knows each family needs to take a turn housing their teacher,... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0595533086
• ISBN13: 9780595533084
• Release Date: January 2009
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Length: 160 Pages
• Weight: 0.54 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 6.0" x 9.0"
• Age Range: 9 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 4 to 7

Customer Reviews

Read these with YOUR children (c:

I bought this series for my son as we live near Bluff Point. I pre-read them for content. "Life on Bluff Point" books are great reading on many levels. There is a bit of history, as well as daily life and lessons to be learned with in these pages. You do not have to be a local person to enjoy Dannys journals. My son liked the family dynamics of this era, with its joys and conflicts and I liked the many subtle lessons on good behavior. Reading about the daily chores and responsibilities of the children was an eye opener for my ten year old, as was the fact that all these years later, boys will still be boys.

Young readers will use their time wisely with Danny

Reviewer: Joyce Handzo, In The Library Reviews Rating: 9 Gargoyles What better way to experience history than through a firsthand account! Author Mary Ellen Lee has loosely based this novel on her grandfather's journals. She has creatively combined some real-life people and events with a dash of fiction to bring young readers a taste of this time period. Ten-year-old Danny lives on a large fruit and livestock farm in upstate New York. The year is 1894 and life is decidedly different than today. These pages chronicle his everyday actions as he helps out at home, interacts with his parents and three sisters, and goes to a nearby school. Written in the first person, young readers will see things through Danny's eyes and might find their own eyes blinking in astonishment! The book has a delightful cozy and conversational feel as Danny recounts ordinary events. His daily routine starts with many farm chores and ends with a family supper. A description of his school and studies, as well as his recreational activities, all provides a true sense of the time period. Danny's life is physically hard, and as a small boy he often struggles with the tasks that are set before him. His perseverance and courage provides many excellent examples for young readers to follow. Danger is often before him, which is seen with startling clarity as he comes face to face with a cougar. He also deals with a bully at school, and takes a higher approach to solving this problem than just using his fists. This book is simply written, but leaves a lasting impression. These pages offer a fresh look into our own world, as it was over 100 years ago. Danny's family life and activities subtly speak of profound issues like morality, honesty and faithfulness. Young readers will spend their time wisely and wonderfully with Danny.

Danny and Life on Bluff Point

Danny and Life on Bluff Point is a story based upon the real life accounts of her grandfather in 1894. The author's father, Danny, is an average ten year old boy who yearns to become a man and make his parents proud. The only son in the family with three sisters who try his patience. A boy who does okay in school but has a bully that makes his life miserable. Basically, Danny is a pretty typical boy who finds himself in not so ordinary situations- like coming face to face with a cougar. Danny and Life on Bluff Point is reminiscent of the truly timeless historical fiction accounts about the old west and life in early America that continues to intrigue every new generation of readers. That the stories are based upon true events and that the characters are realistic helps add a fresh aspect to this traditional type of literature.

Danny & Life on Bluff Point

Danny & Life on Bluff Point is a delightful story of farm life in upstate New York State in the 1890s. As readers share 10-year-old Danny's everyday life, we can feel the essence and warmth of family life and values of this loving, caring family. Today's children reading this book can learn how life was different in Danny's time but how the attitudes toward family and community are still very necessary in their growth years as they become responsible adults in our world. Danny has chores to do but he also has fun. I hope he doesn't grow up too soon! I am anxiously awaiting the author's next "Danny" book.

JJ's Review of 'Danny and Life on Bluff Point'

Danny and Life on Bluff Point is an excellent book for young teens. It is the story of a young boy and his family growing up in the late 1800s in Central New York State. It shows how life was very different for people 100 years ago. There was no Nintendo or internet. So, the kids had to use their imagination to amuse themselves. The kids had to do chores on a daily basis to help the family survive, not just to earn an allowance. It told of dangers that just don't exist for today's kids like cougars. However, there were also lessons that pertained to today's kids. Danny had to deal with a bully at school and this book showed that there are other ways to deal with problems other than force. And, of course, this book taught the importance of family life.