KID'S-EYE VIEW
March 15, 2004
Review: The Outcasts of 19 Schuyler Place
Kid Reporter Ashley reviews the latest book by E.L. Konigsburg
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Genre: Fiction
Author: E.L. Konigsburg
Number of pages: 292
What's the basic storyline?
The Outcasts of 19 Schuyler Place is about a 12-year-old girl, Margaret Rose Kane, who has a horrible time at summer camp. The owner of the camp was too controlling and her cabin mates were cruel. As a result, Margaret becomes defiant and is kicked out of camp. Her two eccentric uncles, Alexander and Morris, come to pick her up because her parents were vacationing in Peru for the summer. She stays with them for four weeks. This is when Margaret’s horrible summer becomes a wild adventure.
While staying with her uncles, the city votes to tear down three big towers in her uncles’ backyard because some people thought they were an eyesore. Alexander and Morris started building these towers before she was born. Margaret and many other people loved the towers. The book is based on Margaret’s struggle to save these towers and other challenges she faces in her own life.
Were the characters believable? What made them believable or unbelievable?
Konigsburg’s believable description of Margaret made me want to be her friend immediately. I shared a lot of Margaret’s feelings and emotions and felt that I was going through her struggles with her.
Alexander and Morris are also realistic. They reminded me of a few of my own eccentric relatives. Even though there is a lot of bickering, they appreciate and love each other when it counts.
I could also relate to the characters at Margaret’s summer camp. Although I have had wonderful summer camp experiences, some of my friends have told me of similar situations that Margaret faced at camp.
Would you recommend this book to other kids? If so, why?
I would recommend this book for preteen girls. It deals with many issues that confront them like relating to relatives, a bit of romance, tough times at summer camp, and, most importantly, dealing with life’s challenges. I would also recommend this book to parents. It would give them insight on how their preteen girls might react in certain situations.
What's not-so-great about the book?
What’s not so great about this book is that the ending is not what you might expect. Even though Margaret conquers some of her challenges, she is faced with new ones at the end. However, this might teach preteen girls that life doesn’t always go according to plan. And if certain readers like surprise endings, this is the book for them!
How would you rate this book on a scale of 1-10 (1 being not so great and 10 being the best)?
I would rate it an 8. I love the imagination that the author puts into this book. The fun and excitement makes the reader want more. The surprises that were amazing.
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