The Magic Tunnel

Title and author of book: The Magic Tunnel by Caroline Emerson

Fiction or non-fiction? Genre? fiction, children's

Setting: New Amsterdam, 17th century

What led you to pick up this book? I like most books with magical elements to them

Plot summary: Two modern day (1950s) children go through a magic tunnel in New York City which takes them back to when the city was still New Amsterdam. The book is about their various adventures in the past.

What did you like most about the book? Learning about New Amsterdam

What did you like least? nothing

What did you think of the writing style? typical style for this type of book, easy to read

Which of your readers are most likely to enjoy this book? Why? those who like children's books especially the mid century children's books

Have you read any other books by this author? What did you think of those books? none

What did you think of the main character? John and Sarah were the two modern children taken to the past. They were easy to like and you could feel their interest in the past.

What is the central character’s biggest problem? Trying to adapt to the past and then get back to the future

How do you think he/she feels? They wondered if they would ever get to their future homes again.

Any other particularly interesting characters? the other members of their "family" in the past

Share a favorite scene from the book: going to the school in New Amsterdam

What did you think of the ending? predictable

Do you recommend this book? If you use a rating system, what’s your rating? yes, 3/5