Written by Anne Ylvisaker
When I first realized this book was the third in a series, I thought I’d have to read the other two first. It probably would’ve helped me to understand the characters, but you can also read this book as a stand-alone.
Ike Buttons is an 11 year old boy growing up during the Civil War. Because he’s only 11, when the call comes for men to go off to war, he’s left behind with the old people, the women, and the children. He’s not thrilled about that at all and tries to incorporate his neighbors into making a plan to go off to war with his brothers, dad, uncles and cousins. In the process of scheming his way up the river, his friend Albirdie, who is the queen of checkers, is worried about her dad, the Reverend of the church, because he’s busy helping colored folks escape their slave owners and the bounty hunters are after his latest cause.
The only part I didn’t like was the end. It seemed like the author was given a number of pages to use, and she couldn’t go over that number. I felt like it just ended, but left a bunch of loose ends. I wouldn’t be surprised if there was a fourth book coming out soon. I’d recommend getting the series, but I think each book would be fine standing alone.
Review by Allyson Rolfe, Granger Elementary Media Center
Rating: ★★★★✩ (4 stars)
Interest Level: 4th – low 6th
Author Website: http://www.anneylvisaker.com/
The Curse of the Buttons
Written by Anne Ylvisaker
Candlewick Press
227 pages
Release Date: October 29, 2014
