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Danny and Life on Bluff Point Format: Paperback
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Book Description Danny and Life on Bluff Point: My Horse Sally is the fifth in a series of historical novels for children. Danny is learning to ride his new horse and has discovered the location of Captain Charles Williamson’s historic campsite—by falling into a dug well. There is no way out for him until a Seneca Indian boy discovers his plight and skillfully rescues him. Danny’s new friend explains why he and his family are living near Branchport. The boy’s grandfather tells an emotional story about the Seneca Indian Chief, Red Jacket. The men of the Lee family help to launch Uncle Philo’s steamboat, Cricket. During the season’s exciting first ride on the lake Danny is asked to pilot the large boat and is left alone in the pilothouse. Doubt at first overwhelms him but as he turns the steamboat away from the shore he knows he can do what is expected of him. This is a very thrilling and “grownup” responsibility. It seems that the thoughtless Mr. Overhouser will purchase Grandpa Scott’s property at the tip of Bluff Point. Sister Mary and Danny are needlessly placed in a dangerous position when the careless Mr. Overhouser forces their wagon off the road while driving up the east side of the bluff. Reviews Timelss Tale of Traditional Life in Early America Danny and Life on Bluff Point: My Horse Sally, like the other books in the series, contains a number of adventures and misadventures of young Danny. In this particular book, Danny learns an important lesson about judging people based upon their appearance and common stereotypes. This lesson becomes particularly valuable in the boy's interactions with Mr. Ehule at the local college and when Danny meets his new friend, Little Bird. The Way of
Life for an American Family in 1895 Danny also has a great interest in the history of the area and is determined to locate Captain WilliamsonÕs historic campsite. A near disaster befalls him but he is saved by a young Seneca Indian boy that Danny has never met before. Danny has the pleasure of meeting Little BirdÕs family and learns about the war between the Americans and the English. He is sad to hear how a strong Iroquois Confederacy was torn apart by the war, and how so many families, Little BirdÕs ancestors included, lost everything. Mary Ellen Lee has a wealth of knowledge in American history and uses her writing talents to educate and entertain young readers, for her novel is definitely an education in the way of life for American families in 1895. Her love of the setting in her story, the Keuka Lake region, shows clearly in her detailed description of the land, and its people. Danny and Life on Bluff Point is highly recommended reading for children 8 to 12 years of age, and would be a valuable resource for children studying American history in school. Filled with
Historical Accuracy and Heart-Warming Incidents In this novel, Danny learns some important things about riding and caring for his new horse. He also meets an interesting friend named Little Bird. This relationship provides some fascinating information about the Seneca Indian tribe, and allows for better understanding of this noble group of people. Throughout these pages, Danny lives his ordinary life that seems extraordinary to the modern reader. Delightful drawings are placed appropriately, giving the narration a special charm. These childish renditions of horses, family members and friends make the account more real and personal. Danny is seen as an average boy, occasionally having a dispute with one of his sisters or possibly making a decision that turns out wrong. Yet, these experiences give him more credence with young readers, as both his failures and his successes are shown with honesty and grace. Filled with historical accuracy and heart-warming incidents, the entire series is highly recommended. Readers will feel a bond with Danny as they watch him grow up and accept more responsibilities in each book. However, he becomes more than an example to follow; Danny Lee becomes a friend to enjoy. Rebecca's
Reads Recommends A Must Read for Adults and Children
Impressive Read ... Highly Recommended ... Danny and Life on Bluff Point: My Horse Sally continues as in the other books, there are chores to do, trips to town, and because it is spring a lot of mud. Danny now has his own Morgan mare he is learning to care for. Following the custom of the time, Teacher, Miss Spaulding, is ending her sojourn in the Lee home and is preparing to move to the Marshall home for a few months. Danny takes a long ride on Sally to the local college to see if butter, beef and eggs might be needed, and the family is treated to a tour of Birkett Mills. Steamboating in the family boats, a fall down a well, and rescue by a boy Danny has not met before all figure in the tale. A new suit WITH his first pair of long pants, Easter Sunday, and family visits are all treats enjoyed by Danny.
Rooted in the authorÕs GrandfatherÕs journal musings, the ÔDanny and Life on Bluff PointÕ series is an exceptional read especially for those who enjoy historical novels. According to Author Lee, the family persons mentioned in the recital are real. The character of Danny is based on the authorÕs father. New York State locations noted are factual, and the author notes many of the houses mentioned continue to be used today. Farm life everywhere during 1890s was filled with few conveniences in the sense we know today, hard work, familial values and belonging, and happy times. The spirit of the period, the warmth of caring family, and upright steadfastness of the characters portrayed are all brought to life under the skilled pen of writer Lee.
On the pages of DANNY AND LIFE ON BLUFF POINT: MY HORSE SALLY, readers will enjoy meeting Sally the mare, Olive - DannyÕs young doe goat, Buster the collie, and Clara the cat. Sisters Ruthie, Mary and Carolyn, Ma and Pa, Uncle Jerome and Aunt Liz, Uncle Henry and Aunt Mertie and Cousin Jay return in this work. Readers will also see more of Cousin William Fenner, no longer bully Billy Marshall, Doc and Uncle Ed. Cooking and heating the house is done with wood. Draft horses; Belgians Kit and Bess, or Jim and Dan, are used to pull the heavy farm machinery used for working out in the family vineyard. Eggs and butter to sell, pruning vines and cleaning all out all the brush in the family vineyard, learning of the Seneca people, and the whole community enjoying Easter festivities, provide a lot of information for children and others.
Presented in a charming, well written and easily read, continuing tale DANNY AND LIFE ON BLUFF POINT: MY HORSE SALLY, is a wealth of information explaining times, places and activities that might be downright boring on the pages of a text book. That the anecdotes offered in the DANNY AND LIFE ON BLUFF POINT books are based on true events and real people is a boon for teachers as they attempt to bring Ôsocial studiesÕ alive in the classroom. Some situations offered in the story: work done on the farm, solving problems and overcoming challenges, cooperation with family and community, no TV, no video games, and few Ôstore boughtÕ goods, all speak of a time and place now all but forgotten. Old time family fun and caring are attributes valued then and valued today, This is a book I will use in my classroom. I know the children will enjoy hearing it read aloud and will want to read it again for themselves. Pencil drawings sprinkled throughout the work add to reader understanding and enjoyment.
DANNY AND LIFE ON BLUFF POINT: MY HORSE SALLY, an excellent choice for the personal reading list for the 8 to 13 set, school library, home reading shelf and classroom library. DANNY AND LIFE ON BLUFF POINT: MY HORSE SALLY will provide much information for discussion groups with respect to life in the United States a century ago.
Enjoyed the read, and am happy to recommend for the middle grade reader and adults who enjoy historical tales.
Well done
Ms. Lee DannyÕs latest adventure included: His first business transaction. His first long ride on Sally is to see Mr. Ehule at Keuka College. The trip is about 12 miles. He successfully bargains with Mr. Ehule to purchase supplies from Ma. Danny wants his Pa to be proud of him and he tries very hard to please him. Work in the vineyards is muddy, cold and weary labor. For the first time Pa asks Danny to drive Kit and rake the brush. This is another opportunity to prove that Danny is growing up. Launching a steamboat is a great adventure and has Danny leaping with excitement. Plus someone may be purchasing Grandpa ScottÕs property.
This book is about a simpler time. A time when families ate meals together, worked together and loved together. WeÕve forgotten what that is like in the world of hurry here and hurry there. Rarely do families take time to enjoy the simple pleasure of living. These books give me a sense of warmth. Boys will enjoy these novels. It seems that most literature geared toward boys is sports related. This book will give them a sense of history and entertainment at the same time. But I wouldnÕt limit these to children. After telling my farmer husband about them. He was intrigued enough to also want to share in history that is revealed through Ms LeeÕs writing.
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