In my mind, this book is a clear example of all that can go wrong with historical fiction. Some major timeline issues that could have been easily clarified (surely most people don't know the intricacies of Kansas' prohibition laws and how they differed from the US?)and a jumble of every big happening possible in 1917/1918.

Plus, the characters never really did anything from me. So confused as to how this rose to the top of the Newberry pile.

For my more detailed review: http://kidlithistory.com/2012/01/02/story-first-history-second/

Wish there was a bit more that connected these stories, though I know that probably wasn't the point. I loved the story about Mrs. Nightingale, but beyond that, it's not terribly memorable. I haven't read the original Caddie in years--wonder how it will stack up now?

A very slight book that never goes much beyond the "OMG! A beautiful actress was also smart!" Granted, some of this tone comes through quotes that were contemporary to her invention, but Rhodes goes down that path too. She was described as "the most beautiful woman in the world" quite a bit.
Another odd thing: this book is really a dual biography of her and George Antheil, her partner in this whole project. Which you would never guess from the title.

And finally, and perhaps this shouldn't annoy me, but there were lots of really long quotes, very few of which added much to the story. They really felt like padding. Perhaps this story would have been better told through a nice article in Smithsonian Magazine. . .

Let's be honest: that fourth star was given simply because of the setting: a living history museum. The first two chapters had me in hysterics. I know way too many people that are exactly like this, both teens and adults.
Chelsea is a great character: a little rebellious, not super thoughtful, and still trying to figure things out. In other words, a typical teen.
I'm not sure if folks who don't have a connection to living history will love this quite as much, but I've already started recommending it to all sorts of friends.

I liked this enough to want to read the next one, but I didn't love it. The African setting was fantastic, interesting characters, and a mystery that kept me guessing.

But I felt at times that Stevens was just trying too hard. She was telling instead of showing. But as the book continued, my annoyances lessened, so I'm wondering if part of it was simply first novel jitters.

Worth checking out (and yes, the comparisons to Lisbeth Salander are inevitable, but the two are not the same).

Love, love, love. The magic made sense (well, as much as magic can make sense), and I adored Rebecca. Another winner from Snyder!