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    The Children's Book Review

    The Beechwood Flute, by Pendred Noyce | Dedicated Review

    Denise MealyBy Denise Mealy4 Mins Read Author Showcase Books with Boy Characters Fantasy: Supernatural Fiction Teens: Young Adults
    The Beechwood Flute by Pendred Noyce Dedicated Review
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    Review sponsored* by Pendred Noyce
    The Children’s Book Review | April 5, 2017

    The Beechwood FlteThe Beechwood Flute

    Written by Pendred Noyce

    Age Range: 12 and up

    Papaerback: 302 pages

    Publisher: Calumet Editions

    ISBN: 978-1939548610

    What to expect: Fantasy adventure, slavery, romance

    Kiran is a young man in a village far outside of civilization. Kiran wants to be a soldier and train to join the warriors in the capital. But Kiran has a gift—he is the most talented musician in the village, and his flute-playing entrances anyone who listens. The priesthood is calling for him to join them with his musical skills, but his heart burns to be a warrior. He trains with the other boys and fails miserably. He’s not as big or strong as they are, and his fingers seem to only be good for playing the flute.

    When it comes time for Kiran and his little sister, Dara, to travel down river to the capital for training, they are joined by Myra, the local healer’s daughter. Everyone thinks Myra is odd. She’s kind to Seffidges, the people enslaved to serve the village. Even Kiran thinks she’s strange. Why would anyone waste time being kind to the village prisoners?

    When their boat is attacked on the way to the capital, Myra bravely jumps overboard to save Dara but they are both caught. Paralyzed with fear, Kiran tries to follow their trail, but ends up enslaved by Myra and Dara’s captors. Can he escape and save them all? Will Kiran realize the effects of slavery, and confront his own village and family about their dark beliefs?

    Pendred Noyce is a talented writer. Kiran dances off the page like his flute music, and his character arc from consenting child to rogue adult is an interesting one. Without giving away the ending, Kiran’s evolution is satisfying and exactly what the story (and his village) need. Noyce does an excellent job of showing how changing situations can subvert and modify our world views.

    The story is full of intricate details that will challenge readers as they become acquainted with this new world. Readers might not like Kiran at first because of his views on the Seffidges. Even though he is not a slave owner, his complacency is upsetting. However, readers will quickly notice that Kiran is adept at changing and not only comes to an understanding about the true nature of Seffidges, but about the people living in the mountains outside his village and the darkness in his very own home. Kiran’s many flutes are woven through the story—his instruments and music change as he grows and is thrust into different situations. By the end, Kiran will risk his life to stand up for what is right.

    This book would be an excellent addition to a high school or middle school course on imperialism, slavery or other social justice issues. Fiction, when used as a mirror, can open a dialog that is vital for young people. This book does an excellent job of starting the conversation, and teachers and parents would do well to read along. THE BEECHWOOD FLUTE is an intriguing, albeit sometimes heavy, novel that deals with life, death and liberty in a new and interesting way.

    Available Here: 

    Buy on Amazon
    About the Author

    Pendred Noyce
    Pendred Noyce

    Pendred (Penny) Noyce is a physician, educator, and writer. She is the author of eleven books for kids ages 9 through adult, with a mix of brainy fantasy and books, both fiction and non-fiction, that feature science.

    In 2006, Penny wrote her first middle-grade novel, LOST IN LEXICON, as a gift for her son’s ninth birthday. That was just the beginning. By August, 2011 she decided to join three friends to found Tumblehome Learning, Inc, a company focused on creating science-based mystery and adventure books for kids.

    Penny lives in Boston with her husband and travels as much as she can. Her five children, who all have fascinating and productive lives of their own, come and go. No pets!

    For more information, visit: https://pendrednoyce.wordpress.com

    Dedicated Reviews allow authors and illustrators to gain prompt visibility for their work. Pendred Noyce, the author of “The Beechwood Flute,” sponsored* this non-biased review. Learn more about getting a book review …

    What to Read Next:

    1. Jimmy Chartron and the Lost Keystone | Dedicated Review
    2. Tommy and the Order of Cosmic Champions | Dedicated Review
    3. The Realm Series | Dedicated Review
    4. Schism: The Battle for Darracia: Book 1 | Dedicated Review

    *Disclosure: Please note that this post may contain affiliate links that share some commission. Rest assured that these will not affect the cost of any products and services promoted here. Our team always provides their authentic opinion in all content published on this site.

    Adventure Dedicated Review Fantasy Pendred Noyce Romance Slavery
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    Denise Mealy
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    Denise Mealy is a former web content provider who stays at home to change diapers and write books. Her days are filled with Word documents, books and sloppy kisses (from dogs and baby alike). She likes to read, cook, dance, travel and forward pictures of spam sculptures to friends. If she could have dinner with any author, dead or alive, it would be a toss up between J.K. Rowling and Jane Austen. They would probably eat pasta. Yes, definitely pasta. For more information, visit: www.dccmealy.com You can also find her on Twitter: @dccmealy

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