Book Review: Meet Marie-Grace

Meet Marie-Grace

by Sarah Masters Buckey

Preface

Meet Marie-Grace is the fifth book chosen by Flo and the girls over at Say Hello to My Little Friends for discussion in their book group. We were really happy to see it listed because it gave us a reason to move it up on our to read list. I mean, seriously, the Marie-Grace and Cecile series books have been sitting around waiting to be read for a year or more! So without further ado...let's hit the reviews!

Melody

First off, super interesting read. New Orleans is a very interesting city with loads of history. But my favorite part has to be her voice lessons with an actual opera star! Reminded me of Lady Trav's husband, but a woman. Anyway, we got to see a time when celebrities were not automatically super rich. Mademoiselle Océane took students to help pay the bills. You know, I wonder if she every worked with or met Jenny Lind...so cool, she may have, but that's my addition to the story.

Kaya

Okay, so here it is. I really like Marie-Grace and her story. She's shy because they've returned to her mom's home town and she can't remember anything about being there before. But then she's really strong in some situations. That time she helped her dad, pretty spectacular. Plus her new friend Cecile really helps. But the part I liked best was the history at the back of the book.

Kirsten

Fun read! I liked learning about New Orleans, especially Marie-Grace's schooling. From home school to a public style school. Being in social situations will help her.

Haley

Marie-Grace is shy. I am too. I liked that about her. Every time she grew, I smiled and cheered her on! LOVED the illustrations! Really helped me see the scenes better.

Lanie

Lavinia! Oh, she's terrible! Just like Nellie Olsen on Little House; always thinking she is better than everyone else. I loved how Cecile described her in her Mardi Gras costume! But you have to read it to find out yourself!

Lea

Being new and not knowing anything is no fun. I remember how that felt when I first arrived here. I'm glad she is meeting people who are being friendly and helpful; who balance all the mean people like Lavinia. Great read. I'm looking forward to reading more.

Grace

Yay! I got to practice my French! Language is an interesting thing; so many came together and stayed separate in New Orleans. I hope Marie-Grace learns or remembers more as the stories progress.


Xyra's Review

Meet Marie-Grace by Sarah Masters Buckey

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was great! I loved that the author noted in advance the use of French language and that there was a glossary and pronunciation guide in the back of the book.

Marie-Grace is the not so new girl in town. She was born in New Orleans, but her dad moved his practice a few times before heading back to the land of his wife's family. She barely remembers being in the city. She find challenges in making friends at school, but not during singing lessons.

I truly enjoyed the attention to historical detail as well as the lessons in society and traditions. The author basically skimmed the top of most topics; not much you can do in less than 150 pages. But what she wrote peaked my curiosity and inspired me to want to know more and find out things on my own.

The illustrations were a great asset to the story. So was the history section after the story.

Looking forward to reading the rest of the books in this series.

Have you read this book? how about the entire series? What did you think? Share here and you can join the discussion over at Say Hello to My Little Friends too!

Happy reading!