I picked up Maggie & Oliver or A Bone of One’s Own by Valerie Hobbs, illustrated by Jennifer Thermes, in the new book section at our library. The story takes place in old time Boston. Maggie is a little girl of 10 who works in the home of a rich lady. After being too curious, and acting like a 10 year old, she is kicked out of the home, with only a bag of her things, including a heart-shaped locket. Oliver is a dog who’s owner passed away and no one took him. Now they are both living on the streets and their paths cross.
I did enjoy this book at the beginning. But, as the story continued, I kept thinking “I don’t want my daughter reading this” It is sad, historically accurate, bad things happen to children, dogs, and people are mean. I know I should probably expose my daughter to more real world books; but is this the way to do it? She has read the American Girl books, she knows about orphanages, little children working in factories, dying on boats coming to America. She has read The Little Princess; she knows about abandonment and staying true to yourself. One of her favorite movies is Anastasia, so she knows about lockets and wondering about where you came from (those of you that know me personally know why Anastasia is an all-time favorite in this family :)). All of these stories/movies are wrapped into one in Maggie and Oliver. Its a familiar story; but it seems that the character of Maggie doesn’t have the strength or charm that the American Girl characters have, or the Little Princess.
Read it and let me know what you think.
Happy Reading!
