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Pemba's Song: A Ghost Story (by Marilyn Nelson, Tonya C. Hegamin)

common sense media says

Intriguing, history-minded mystery with a modern twist.

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that there are some incidents of violence in this book including a murder, a poisoning, and spousal abuse, all relived in some way by a clairvoyant teen. Parents should also be aware that part of the novel takes place during the time of slavery. Cruelties of the time are mentioned in flashbacks rather than in the visceral way of many novels written today on the subject.

Positive messages: In the flashbacks to the time of slavery, there is some real cruelty mentioned -- suspected abuse of a wife by her husband and a slave owner who is possibly guilty of murder. On the other hand there are examples of positive adult influences, true friendship, and love. The title character, Pemba, begins as sullen and sulky toward her mother, but grows out of it.
Violence: Mentions of murder, cruelty, and spousal abuse. A girl becomes violently ill and is hospitalized.
Sex: Puppy love between two teens with brief kisses.
Language: Quite a bit of slang coming from the teens' interaction with one another, but nothing negative.
Consumerism: The title characters mention MP3 players and cell phones, but nothing by brand name.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
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More on Pemba's Song: A Ghost Story

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about American history and compare lifestyles then and now. Pemba finds herself living through a slave girl that once occupied her new house. What are the similarities between Phylly's life and Pemba's? What are the similiarities between their lives and yours? What did Pemba learn while researching town history with Mr. Abraham? What history do you know of the town where you live? Why is important to know your family's personal history?

What's the story?

What's the story?
Pemba finds herself in a little "nothing" town in Connecticut after her mother moves her away from her friends and her beloved Brooklyn. Cell phone service is spotty and their new house, which is about 200 years old, is creeping her out. What does it mean when you look into the mirror and see someone else? With the help of a friendly, yet kind of weird older man, Pemba starts learning the history of the little town. The more she learns about the town and the mysteries of her house, the more she learns about herself. Unfortunately, the house's past threatens to take control of her in ways she never imagined.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

This is a great novel full of excitement and intrigue. Authors Marilyn Nelson (a Newberry Honor recipient) and Tonya C. Hegamin weave a tale that takes the reader back and forth through time with the greatest of ease. They are adept at creating characters that readers care about. Pemba alternates between being fiesty and sullen as she tries to adjust to a new life and town while worrying about friends back home leaving her behind. Phyllys has a quiet determination and dignity juxtaposed with intense sadness. Both teens feel the resentment that comes from living life under someone else's control, yet both are resolute in their pursuit of justice for crimes committed long ago.

This book will be a hit with a variety of readers. Teens will identify with both girls' struggles to assert independence and to be heard. Mystery lovers will get caught up in the twists and turns of the tale, and reluctant readers will enjoy the modern references and reading ease of this realitively short narrative. Parents will appreciate how the authors made history an intergral, yet seamless part of the story.

Book themes & details

Book Details
Author: Marilyn Nelson, Tonya C. Hegamin
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Publication date: September 1, 2008
Number of pages: 112
Hardcover price: $16.99
This review was written by Terreece Clarke
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

taylor2079
parent of 7 year old
12
 
i think it was a good book but it has a little bad language
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helped me decide (3) | had useful details (3) | read my mind
Miranda_Rox
teen, 13 years old
8
 
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helped me decide (2) | had useful details (1) | read my mind (2)
xxxYue101xxx
teen, 15 years old
11
 
Unexpected
It's really not a scary story and the story plot is interesting. Different than what I expected.
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heyy thereee
teen, 13 years old
2
 
[pp
smells like poo
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justmee
kid, 11 years old
10
 
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mrz.reader
teen, 13 years old
12
 
a teenage review of pemba's song
its very interresting and keeps you wonting to know more!!!!
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