The Secret World of Hildegard - Jonah Winter
Gorgeous artwork, but too ethereal for many kids.
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- Author:Jonah Winter
- # of pages: 64
- Publisher:Arthur A. Levine
- Original Publication Date: 09/01/2007
- Genre: Non-Fiction - History
- Hardcover: $16.99
- Publisher's Recommended Reading Level: 9-12
- Read Aloud: 9+
- Read Alone: 9+
Parents need to know
Families can talk about the Middle Ages and what they might have been like. The author says that the men and the towns they ruled were gray -- what do you think he meant by that? What do you think it would be like to live in a world where you had to keep quiet and learn to serve and obey?
Message
Social Behavior:
Consumerism:
Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco:
Violence
Hildegard is frightened by her visions as a child.
Sex
Language
Common Sense says
What's the story?
Reviewed by Patricia Tauzer
Is it any good?
Of course, the story of Hildegard is a complicated one to tell. But, in an attempt to capture the mystical tone of her life, this telling slips into myth bordering on historical inaccuracy. The language seems like it could have come straight from a Nativity play; While it's supposed to convey Hildegard's religious significance, most kids won't understand it, nor will they make sense of the chant that repeats throughout the book or the language that describes the visions, even though both are presented in different fonts meant to set them apart.
This was a courageous and artistic attempt to write about an unusual woman. Tweens may be intrigued, but The Secret World of Hildegard falls short of its aim. To its credit, however, a bibliography is included at the end for those who want to do further study.
Other choices
More Books about Real People by Jonah and/or Jeanette Winter:
Diego
Frida
Dizzy
My Name Is Georgia
Josefina
The Librarian of Basra
Parents and kids say



