cherryblossommj's Review of Quite Contrary Man: True American

by Patricia Rusch Hyatt

In early-nineteenth-century New England, folks considered a clean chin a sign of godliness. Born into this buttoned-up, strict society, Joseph Palmer stood out from childhood as someone who liked to do things his own way. A friend to Ralph Waldo Emerson and the Alcotts, Palmer lived by his own code and grew a belly-flowing beard that made his neighbors so crazy that they tried forcibly to shave him. He fought back and ended up in prison for a year. His cause became a local sensation, and a few short decades later a president of the United States—Abraham Lincoln—would wear a beard. Narrated with the charm of a tall tale, this true story celebrates the long American history of nonconformity and encourages children to question social rules they may take for granted.Praise for Quite Contrary Man“She [Hyatt] cleanly lays out a morality tale that could prompt a healthy civics lesson. Brown's arch illustrations, in watercolor with pen and ink, nicely capture 19th-century New England.” –Kirkus Reviews “Brown’s warmhued watercolors reiterate the folk yarn feel with rustic touches. A spirited introduction to an iconoclastic 19th-century activist.” –Publishers Weekly

Originally posted on Creative Madness Mama.

What a great story. This is a fun one to show history and civil disobedience to your children. It sets out many layers prime for discussion and research. Definitely a good one for homeschool history.

The artwork is very attractive and full of imagination. Abrams Books for Young Readers has an all around winner here.

Typed on NookColor.
Thanks to Abrams for providing a copy for review.
Patricia Rusch Hyatt is the author of Coast to Coast with Alice, about the first woman to drive across the United States, in 1909. She lives in New Jersey. Kathryn Brown has written and illustrated several highly regarded children's books. She lives in Massachusetts.
This review was originally posted on Creative Madness Mama.

Quite Contrary Man: True American

by Patricia Rusch Hyatt

Reviewed by cherryblossommj on Sep 29, 2015

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