📖 Overview
Joan Winsor Blos (1928-2017) was an American author best known for writing historical fiction for young readers. Her most acclaimed work, "A Gathering of Days: A New England Girl's Journal, 1830-32," won both the 1980 Newbery Medal and the National Book Award for Children's Literature.
During her career spanning four decades, Blos wrote numerous children's books including "Brothers of the Heart," "Old Henry," and "Letters From the Corrugated Castle." Her writing often focused on historical themes and featured detailed portrayals of American life in different time periods.
Beyond her work as an author, Blos was a dedicated educator and advocate for children's literacy. She taught at Bank Street College of Education in New York and maintained a lifelong commitment to promoting children's literature.
Blos's writing style was characterized by careful historical research and authentic first-person narratives. Her work in "A Gathering of Days" established her as a significant voice in children's historical fiction, demonstrating her ability to bring past eras to life for young readers.
👀 Reviews
Readers praise Blos's attention to historical detail and her ability to capture authentic young voices, particularly in "A Gathering of Days." Many note how the diary format helps students connect with historical periods.
Readers appreciate:
- Realistic portrayal of 1830s New England life
- Educational value for classroom use
- Authentic period language and details
- Complex emotional themes handled appropriately for young readers
Common criticisms:
- Slow pacing
- Challenging vocabulary for target age group
- Some find the diary format difficult to follow
- Limited appeal for modern readers
Ratings across platforms:
Goodreads: 3.7/5 (6,000+ ratings)
Amazon: 4.2/5 (200+ ratings)
One teacher reviewer noted: "My students struggled with the language but gained real insight into the time period." Another reader commented: "The attention to historical accuracy is impressive, but the story moves too slowly for today's young readers."
Parents frequently mention using the book alongside history lessons to enhance understanding of early American life.
📚 Books by Joan Blos
A Gathering of Days: A New England Girl's Journal, 1830-32
Written as a diary of 13-year-old Catherine Hall, this novel chronicles daily life in a small New Hampshire town, including her encounters with a runaway slave and her experiences with loss and friendship.
Brothers of the Heart: A Story of the Old Northwest 1837-1838 Set in Michigan Territory, this historical novel follows a 14-year-old boy with a physical disability who finds purpose while living with a frontier family.
Letters from the Corrugated Castle Through letters written by 13-year-old Eldora, this story explores life in 1850s California and her search for identity after discovering she may have living relatives.
Old Henry A picture book about an elderly man whose neighbors complain about his unkempt house until he moves away, making them realize what they've lost.
Martin's Hats A picture book that tells the story of a young boy who tries on different hats and imagines himself in various roles and occupations.
Brooklyn Bridge Park: A Dying Waterfront and a Brooklyn Dream A non-fiction work documenting the transformation of Brooklyn's waterfront into a public park, including historical context and community efforts.
Brothers of the Heart: A Story of the Old Northwest 1837-1838 Set in Michigan Territory, this historical novel follows a 14-year-old boy with a physical disability who finds purpose while living with a frontier family.
Letters from the Corrugated Castle Through letters written by 13-year-old Eldora, this story explores life in 1850s California and her search for identity after discovering she may have living relatives.
Old Henry A picture book about an elderly man whose neighbors complain about his unkempt house until he moves away, making them realize what they've lost.
Martin's Hats A picture book that tells the story of a young boy who tries on different hats and imagines himself in various roles and occupations.
Brooklyn Bridge Park: A Dying Waterfront and a Brooklyn Dream A non-fiction work documenting the transformation of Brooklyn's waterfront into a public park, including historical context and community efforts.
👥 Similar authors
Ann Rinaldi writes historical fiction for young readers focused on American history, with detailed first-person narratives of young protagonists. Her works like "A Break with Charity" and "Time Enough for Drums" use primary sources and period details to recreate colonial and revolutionary America.
Karen Cushman creates medieval and historical coming-of-age stories featuring young female protagonists navigating their societies. Her books "Catherine, Called Birdy" and "The Midwife's Apprentice" incorporate detailed period research while maintaining authentic young voices.
Patricia MacLachlan writes stories set in American prairie and rural settings with themes of family and identity. Her work includes "Sarah, Plain and Tall" and features straightforward prose that captures historical settings through everyday details.
Katherine Paterson focuses on historical and contemporary stories dealing with complex emotional themes and young characters facing difficult circumstances. Her books like "Lyddie" demonstrate careful research of industrial revolution-era New England and feature strong female protagonists.
Avi produces historical fiction across multiple time periods in American history with detailed attention to period accuracy. His works like "The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle" use diary and letter formats similar to Blos's approach.
Karen Cushman creates medieval and historical coming-of-age stories featuring young female protagonists navigating their societies. Her books "Catherine, Called Birdy" and "The Midwife's Apprentice" incorporate detailed period research while maintaining authentic young voices.
Patricia MacLachlan writes stories set in American prairie and rural settings with themes of family and identity. Her work includes "Sarah, Plain and Tall" and features straightforward prose that captures historical settings through everyday details.
Katherine Paterson focuses on historical and contemporary stories dealing with complex emotional themes and young characters facing difficult circumstances. Her books like "Lyddie" demonstrate careful research of industrial revolution-era New England and feature strong female protagonists.
Avi produces historical fiction across multiple time periods in American history with detailed attention to period accuracy. His works like "The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle" use diary and letter formats similar to Blos's approach.