Outcasts of 19 Schuyler
Place, by E.L. Konigsburg
Why you should read this book:
- 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.
By Ashley Goerke, Time for Kids
Story Strengths:
- Quirky characters
- References to English literature and grammar
- Somewhat of a "piece-together-the-puzzle" story through the use
of flashbacks
- Young female hero with a lot of courage and character
Who would love this book:
- Those who have been to summer camp
- Those who feel "different" or "picked on"
- Those who like a little adventure and a little romance
- Those who like classic literature references
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