This beautifully illustrated book is outstanding. I shared it with children in grades K-5 at my school and it was enjoyed by all. The language is lyrical, expressive, rhythmic. We savored each page and I was asked to read it again. Jane Kurtz has given us yet another wonderful book.

I'm Sorry Almira Ann is a wonderful book about a young girl named Sarah . Sarah and her family are traveling on the Oregon Trail from Missouri on a covered wagon with a group of other covered wagons . Sarah's best freind,Almira Ann , is also traveling with the group and with her family . But if only Sarah's , hasty spirit would just leave the trip would be alot easier for everyone. But Sarah can't quite keep the hasty spirit from causing her to disobey the rules . Along the way Sarah accidentally causes Almira Ann to fall from her wagon , and when she does she breaks her leg . Sarah knows she needs to control her hasty spirit . If you enjoy historical fiction you should enjoy this book.

Jane Kurtz's newest book truly fulfills the need for accurate historical fiction for the middle grade reader. The story of Sarah and Almira Ann, two best friends, as they travel the Oregon Trail with their families moves quickly and should draw in even the most reluctant reader. Sarah rapidly moves from one adventure to another, some with unfortunate consequences. When Almira Ann is injured as a result of Sarah's actions, it is easy to identify with Sarah as she struggles to deal with her feelings. Susan Havice's soft pencil illustrations and colorful cover add to the warmth of the book. This is a great transition book for student s who are moving from easy chapter books to novels. Also, as an elementary school librarian, I am so pleased to be able to offer this little gem of a book to students who must choose a book "over 100 pages" for their next book report.

I really enjoyed reading Jakarta Missing. The story focuses on the life of a girl named Dakar who grew up in East Africa and who has been transplanted to North Dakota. Her recollections of her life in Africa provide insights into what it is like for a kid to live in and be a part of several cultures at once. Third Culture Kids (those growing up in a culture different from their parents' "home" culture) will definitely identify with Dakar.

The book also reflects a lot on several significant issues. Dakar and her family struggle with finding the balance between safety and living joyfully unrestrained by fear. In other words, how much of the joy of life are you willing to give up in order to feel safe? Different members of the family strike this balance in different ways and with different results. Those who struggle with taking risks will find an empathic friend in Dakar.

Dakar's family also struggles with balancing concern and responsibility for the well-being of all of humanity with concern for the more mundane but also important issues of "being there" for those you love. Is it more important to save the world or to be there to watch your kid's basketball game? A related issue is how women and girls balance taking care of others vs taking care of themselves. This issue is played out in various family members and female friends in the book, and the various characters resolved the issue differently.

There is a lot to think about in this book, but it's so engaging and fun to read that I wasn't left feeling heavy or weighed down by it. Dakar's stories about growing up in Africa are fun to read and different from your average book about a teenager in America. As a newcomer she struggles to fit in but still be herself. Anyone who has ever been in that position will be able to relate to Dakar's feelings.

Overall a great book. It kept me turning the pages long after I should have put it down and gone off to do other chores.

Jakarta Missing is an absorbing book, with a wonderful girl, Dakar, at the center of the story. Dakar is creative and smart, but also shy and scared by all of the changes in her life. All of Dakar's family and friends, including her sister Jakarta, also seemed like very real people with interesting stories to tell. Dakar's story includes fascinating descriptions of her life in different parts of Africa. And Dakar showed me how what I think of as ordinary life in the U.S. can seem very strange and new to a girl who has grown up elsewhere. Anyone who has had to deal with the difficult times of moving and changes in a family will identify with the problems Dakar faces in this book. This is a great read that I didn't want to put down!