Danny and Life on Bluff Point
The Man on the Train
by Mary Ellen Lee

Format: Paperback
Size: 0.4" x 9" x 6"
Pages: 172
ISBN: 0595324347
Published: iUniverse Sept-2004

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Reviews

A Small Boy Contributes in a Big Way
-from lifeinthefingerlakes.com Winter 2005 Issue by Laurel C. Wemett
This title is the fourth in a series of well-crafted novels about a 10-year-old boy's life in 19th century rural Yates County. Starting with DANNY AND LIFE ON BLUFF POINT , set in December of 1894, the series is based on the life of the author's grandparents, father, mother, and his sisters. When entering her grandfather's journal into her word processor, the author decided to write a historical novel based on it. That is how the ÒDannyÓ series began.

Danny is the only boy in the family and therefore is expected to help on the family's fruit and livestock farm, but is hampered by his small frame and lack of strength. The stories show how he overcomes his physical limitations by his determination to contribute to the well-being of his family. The events of this book are set in March of 1895 and focus on such activities as iceboating and a first train ride.

While these novels are written for 8 to 12-year-olds, reading them aloud will create a dialogue between grand parents and children about the things the older generation did while growing up. The books are well-researched and would lend themselves to a school curriculum that includes local or American history. While set largely on Bluff Point, the peninsula between the two branches of Keuka Lake, the situations described are similar to rural family life anywhere. Adventures pitting young Danny against a danger, whether a strong wind on the frozen lake or an evil man who terrorizes his younger sister on the train, add excitement and will appeal to young readers.

Full of Bittersweet Stories
-from TCM-CA.com by Dr. Tami Brady
Danny and Life on Bluff Point: The Man on the Train is the forth book of the Danny and Life on Bluff Point series. This fictional series is based upon the real journals of the author's grandfather. The main character of the story is the author's father Danny. Danny is ten years old and dreams of being tall and strong like his father. The boy has an older sister Ruthie who used to be a lot of fun fut now is more interested in girly stuff and two younger sisters Mary and Carolyn who are still just a little too young to be a friend to Danny. In each book, Danny shares his dreams and adventures as well as his challenges and successes. Thus, each book actually contains several smaller stories that lead up to the main event.

The Man on the Train is full of bittersweet stories. Despite Danny's misfortunate mistake that finds him lost in the dark while sailing his ice sail boat, the boy is still allowed to sail at the big party. He is given permission to take his little sister Mary with him. Mary had been particularly mad at Danny because she knew their parents would never let her ride with Danny until he was responsible enough and it seemed like she wouldn't get a ride until next year.

Unfortunately, Grandpa and Grandma Scott had to sell their land and move away. Everyone was sad at this news, despite that Dad would get some of grandpa's blacksmithing tools, Danny would have the goats to earn a little extra money, and that family would all get a trip on the train. The trip doesn't go very well either.

An Excellent Youth Series
-from AllBooksReview.com by Cheryl Ellis
This the fourth in the series about Danny growing up on a vineyard/farm at Keuka Lake in New York State. This book is set in the year 1895, at the end of winter with spring in the air. Spring thaws have created danger for the ice boaters and Danny must be extra careful as his young sister is riding with him.

Danny is now 10 years old and at crossroads in his life desiring more responsibility. The book portrays the physical and financial hardships of the times as well as the dynamics of family life, from love and support through the inevitable disagreements.

It is an emotionally sad time for the family as the Grandparents are moving away, creating the need to experience both ferry and steam car excursions. DannyÕs instincts about an evil man on the train pay off and he saves his young sister from harm. Along with all of his other chores, Danny accepts the responsibility of raising the goats his Grandparents give to him. He is excited because he is aware of his parentÕs financial burden and he can make some money from the goats.

The author, Mary Ellen Lee has a keen interest in the Finger Lakes Region as her family has lived there for four generations. Some of the stories are actually based on her own GrandfatherÕs journals as well as the in depth research that she does. She has undertaken an important role in the education of young readers. Children 8 - 12 years can expect an enjoyable history lesson by reading this series and learn how much life has evolved since the 1890s. An excellent youth series.