Joshua's Song

by Joan Hiatt Harlow

Book Overview

Boston, 1919. Thirteen-year-old Joshua Harper has been through some distressing changes. The influenza pandemic has taken his father; his voice has changed, so he can't sing in the Boston Boys' Choir... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0689855427
• Release Date: April 2003
• Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
• Length: 160 Pages
• Weight: 0.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 7.6" x 0.4" x 5.1"

Customer Reviews

Joshua;s Song

I just want to say this is the best book I have ever read.

Touched my heartstrings

I have just finished reading Joshua's Song. This is truly one of the best - more likely THE BEST book I've read in a long time. The innocence and goodness of Joshua in this story impressed me tremendously. I loved how he struggled to help his dying companion, and in his 13-year-old inexperience and fear, sang that beautiful and uplifting hymn to his Catholic friend. Obviously he struggled with the question "what should I do for her? How can I comfort her?" He couldn't bring a priest into the crumbling house, nor could he perform the last rites. The only gift he could give the dying woman was his song, which was lovely and strengthening for people of any religious background. (Who could find fault with The Good Shepherd?") When his friend, Charlie, said, "You did the right thing," it brought tears to my eyes. From a literary standpoint, it was necessary to get Josh to sing again, and this maneuver worked beautifully. This story rises above the ordinary. It excels with compassion and a strong character who makes difficult but wise choices. The historical background of 1919 during trying times will help today's kids identify and hopefully as they cheer for Joshua, they too will make decisions in their lives to "do the right thing."

I liked this book because I thought it was exciting

1919, Boston, Massachusetts. Life's been very hard lately for 13-year-old Joshua Harper. First and worst, he lost his father to the influenza epidemic. He also can't sing in the Boston Boys' Choir anymore because his voice has changed and now he will have to quit school to support his family. Not fair at all!Joshua begins working for Charlestown Charlie, a mean and tough Irish boy. He also becomes a story hunter for Mr. Muggeridge, a new boarder at his house. Mr. Muggeridge wants to put street stories into the newspaper. Soon, though, Joshua runs into trouble with Charlestown Charlie and the Beacon Boys. Everything about his new existence on the street is in danger.Joshua had a lot of courage and determination when he quit school and tried to find a job to help his family. I also thought he had a lot of bravery because he tried to save a woman's life when a terrible explosion occurred. If I would have been Joshua, I would have done the same things he did, but I would have tried to find a way to get the rest of my education.I liked this book because I thought it was exciting --- I never knew what was going to happen next! How does Joshua come to find his voice, his song, and his place in the new world during a terrible crisis? Read this book to find out!(...)

What a wonderful book!

This is an excellent book! I would definitly recommend this book to a friend. I would also definitly also read it again! I really enjoyed this book.

A beautifully-written page-turner

Joshua's Song is an awesome combination of beautiful writing, fascinating historical information, and a suspensful story that will keep the reader turning the pages right up until the breath-taking ending. The characters are all well-drawn and believable, the plot is exciting, and the historical accuracy is impeccable. Youngsters will love this book, and even adults will find themselves caught up in Joshua's life.