Sonia and Imogene's Last Stand

It’s happened again. I’m in love with a book.

I wasn’t looking for another relationship, really. I was casually browsing the shelves at my local independent bookstore when something caught my eye.

The colorful cover intrigued me at first. But I soon learned this book was more than just a pretty face. When I looked inside, there was substance, style and grace. That’s when I knew I was hooked.

Imogene’s Last Stand (Schwartz and Wade, 2009) by Candace Fleming and Nancy Carpenter tells the story of a little girl committed to saving her town’s historical society.

What elevates this book to greatness, is Imogene’s fondness for quoting famous people at key plot points, such as, “In the immortal words of Abraham Lincoln, ‘A great oak is only a little nut that held its ground.”

The quotes add humor and depth to the story. And the end papers feature brief drawings and biographies of everyone she quotes. It all makes for a great blend of a fictional story with nonfiction moments.

Here’s what today’s guest reviewer, Sonia, had to say.

Today’s reviewer: Sonia

Age: 8

I like: To go to horse camp and see my favorite horses Zoe, Bucky and BJ. I like playing with my friends, jumping rope, going to the park, playing on the computer and watching TV.

This book was about: History. Imogene wants to save her town’s history.

I laughed when: She was standing on top her her Dad’s back. He’s planting flowers and she’s dusting a sign. I also laughed at the mayor’s name, “I.M. Butz.”

I was surprised when: Nobody came to the historical society after she fixed it up and when she was trying to save it.

I was worried when: The bulldozers arrived.

My favorite phrases in this book are: “We are made by history.” AND “Old buildings do not belong to us, they belonged to our forefathers, and they will belong to our descendants.”

Three words that best describe this book: “Imogene.” “History.” “Map.”

Other kids reading this book should watch for: The three-legged cat. All the references to history. The quotes Imogene says from famous people. And, the letter from George Washington.

You should read this book because: Imogene wears cool things like a hoop skirt and a Paul Revere costume.

Thanks, Sonia!

Author Candace Fleming has written a plethora of amazing books including two of my all-time favorites, the amazingly researched and fun-to-read-aloud When Agnes Caws and the ode to anyone who’s ever had something they’ve written edited, The Hatmaker’s Sign.

To learn about Candace’s other marvelous books, visit her website. Or listen to this video interview.

To learn more about illustator Nancy Carpenter, who also illustrated the impressive Seventeen Things I’m Not Allowed to Do Anymore, read this interview.