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The Lost Village of Central Park (Mysteries in Time)

22.22

The Lost Village of Central Park (Mysteries in Time)

5

Highest ranking 101

6 comments

$22.22

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Kindle CustomerReviewed in the United States on February 13, 2013

I heard of this book through a personal connection, and I'm so glad I went to the trouble of finding it! I ordered it, thinking of my grandchildren, but I had a great time with it before I sent it on. It's written so that a young person can read it herself (it's a "Chapter Book"), and an old person (me) can relate to the history and the location. There's no "talking down" in it. It tickles me that this all took place some four blocks from where I now live!

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valmReviewed in the United States on May 21, 2016

A great book on the lives in which there was a better day with endurance and hard work involved.

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Sang S. KimReviewed in the United States on December 9, 1999

I had though the art of captivating storytelling in the realm of children's historical fiction was long gone. The last and one of the best was Ben and Me. Not to mention the fact that intelligent prose directed toward but not insulting children has disappeared with the likes of greats like E.B. White, Judy Blume & Madeline L'Engle... until now that is. Meticulous research has allowed Hope Killcoyne to create a captivating historical backdrop that most New Yorkers weren't even aware of including myself. Even as the story unfolded I couldn't help feel a sense of sorrow knowing the timely end to what was probably a fascinating culture within the tapestry of NY. Nevertheless, Killcoyne takes what might have just been an interesting footnote in NY lore and weaves a modern folk tale of ingenious promise and heart. Characters well developed for any novel not to mention one for young adults, add depth and almost tangible realism to a time and era long forgotten and sometimes better off forgotten. Hope Killcoyne places her characters in a small pocket of the American landscape dwarfed by slavery and the dawn of Civil War allowing us to glimpse what might have been and what should be in a world too often blurred with self-interest and prejudice. Although some readers might be wary of the melodrama of a culturally diverse Utopia Killcoyne has pictured, there is nothing contrived about the story and intent behind this book. A highly recommended book for any young or old reader... from any walk of life.

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Peter L. BainReviewed in the United States on December 9, 1999

There are few opportunities offered our children to learn an important lesson about both our own past and our nature as individuals than that delivered by Hope Lourie Killcoyne in her gifted story, "The Lost Village of Central Park." Set in mid-nineteenth-century New York City, at the cusp of the construction of that seminal landmark of modern America, Central Park, Ms. Killcoyne's lyrical narrative traces the factual history of Seneca Village, a real establishment in which African-American and Irish immigrants somehow co-existed peacefully in pre-Civil War America. Creating compelling and believable characters, Ms. Killcoyne provides today's pre-teens with an invaluable and unique perspective on an important era in American social development, one which was cut curiously short by the idiosyncratic yet poetically inevitable advancement of New York City, through the creation of Central Park. The Park stands today, a monument to New York civic achievement; what is lost is Seneca Village, perhaps an even more meaningful yet necessarily ephemeral reflection of all that is possible, yet also lost, in the American dream.

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Neil N. TrivediReviewed in the United States on December 8, 1999

Having lived in New York my entire life, I was surprised to find out about Seneca Village. I was never taught about the time, place, and events that surrounded the demise of that area of the city. The author successfully tells the story from the point of view of two young girls, one black and one white, and the strength of their friendship. It's a great way to teach children about their past. There's a lot going on here... plenty to use the characters again and turn it into a series. I'd certainly pick up the next one for my niece!

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Loken Clan of JamaicaReviewed in the United States on July 9, 2020

Justice and peace is the Civil Rights of all Americans and Resident Aliens