Book of the Week: Anna’s World by Wim Coleman and Pat Perrin

Fourteen-year-old Anna Coburn doesn't want to grapple with such terrible issues. Just growing up seems awful enough. Forced from her home and away from her beloved father, Anna is sent to live among the stern people called Shakers. Their strange ways and strict lifestyle are both appealing and difficult for the bright, headstrong Anna.

When reunited with her father, Anna is plunged into upper-class Boston life, where she faces a troubling mystery, new responsibilities, and events that will affect not just herself and her loved ones, but a country about to come apart at the seams.

With a cast that includes Henry David Thoreau, a perceptive Shaker schoolmistress, and a murderous false friend, Anna's World is a powerful coming of age story, widely praised for its vivid characters, gripping plot, and moral stature.

* * * * *“Anna’s World” is a book that takes you into the world of the Shaker’s back in the mid 1800’s though the eyes of a fourteen-year-old girl, Anna. After a terrible flood and bout with Typhoid fever, Anna’s father leaves her in the care of the Shakers. With the promise to return for her, Anna is left to live, work and study with these strict hardworking people.

Her journey to adulthood is peppered with mischievous fun, rule breaking and danger. See how Anna handles growing up in a world that she thinks she doesn’t belong in.

Wim and Pat have done an outstanding job bringing the world of the Shaker’s to life. Their historical fiction shares a part of US history that is fascinating. Their sense of character development makes you a part of the story. You’ll fall in love with Anna, your heart will go out to Sally and you will grow to loath Seth.

How do they take this book beyond reading? Wim and Pat have created an in depth teachers guide and some notes on Utopia living, the Mexican War and the Shaker’s. Check them out over at Chiron Books You can also watch a video trailer there.

You can buy “Anna’s World” over at Amazon in both book format and Kindle format.

See you back here Wednesday with some new and creative ideas to go beyond reading.

posted by Joy Delgado
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