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The Vine Basket by Josanne La Valley

The Vine Basket

By Josanne La Valley
Level 8
Review:

I listened to the Audible version of this beautifully written book and thoroughly enjoyed it. The story takes place in the region of China once known as East Turkestan. Fourteen-year-old Mehrigul is forced to start working in the fields instead of attending school. Even though Mehrigul’s father is an unkind gambler and drunkard, and Mehrigul faces extreme difficulties in this story, I love the hopeful feeling of the story as Mehrigul’s grandfather and an American woman encourage Mehrigul’s talents, and she never quits trying. And, in the end, the father starts to make some improvements. This wholesome and clean story is engaging and packed with educational value and wonderful messages about hope, family support, respect, and perseverance.

(Reviewed by Jenny Phillips)

Region Asia, China
Genre Historical Fiction
Digital Format Audiobook, E-book
The Good and the Beautiful Library No
  • Audiobook
  • E-Book
  • Top Picks
  • 4 Entertainment Value
  • 4 Moral Value
  • 4 Educational Value
  • 3.5 Literary Value
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Entertainment Value

All books on our list are chosen to be engaging, but books that rank high in entertainment value may be more appealing to reluctant readers and/or those who are new to good and beautiful books.

Moral Value

All books on The Good and the Beautiful Book List are deemed appropriate and wholesome, but some books have more emphasis on moral principles than others. A lower rating for moral value does not mean the book is inappropriate; it only means that moral values are not as highly emphasized.

Educational Value

Although all books on this list have educational value in the sense of increasing vocabulary and other important skills, the educational value scale is based on how well the book helps the reader gain knowledge about historical time periods, cultures, geography, science, etc.

Literary Value

Books that score high in literary value include exceptional writing, use of literary devices, and a rich vocabulary. All books on The Good and the Beautiful Book List are well-written, but some have a higher literary value than others.

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