Review: My Hometown by Russell Griesmer

Title: My Hometown

Author: Russell Griesmer

Illustrator: Priscilla Wong

Publisher: Capstone Young Readers, Capstone

Published: October 1st, 2015

Rating: 5/5

This is aimed at 6 to 8 year olds, has very little text but is still very engaging because it is so brilliantly illustrated. A boy is cycling through his hometown when a magical newspaper takes him on a journey in time, starting with when his hometown was first being built and back to the present day. Key events for the years between these times are brought to life in the fantastic art work which largely centres around the main street of the town, enabling readers to look at the historical changes occurring and discuss the events.

This is a brilliant way of bringing history to life. It also can encourage children to ‘spot the differences’ in the town at different times. As a teacher it would be fantastic to use to encourage children to look for changes in their own hometown or to write about the events portrayed. It would be superb for prompting discussion and could be used with younger pupils as it doesn’t need them to read but will help develop their skills of observation. Another idea is to see where the child(ren) would like the magic newspaper to take them on a journey through history and why. It is the sort of book that could be enjoyed by all ages and is likely to be revisited over the years. A great way to encourage children to use their imagination and to look beyond the text.

Thanks to the author, publishers and NetGalley, too,
for letting me read an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book is available from a variety of sources including
amazon.co.uk           amazon.com           barnes and noble