The Green Book

Now at age 20, I recently sought out this book to read again and I found it as compelling and beautiful as I did 12 years ago as assigned reading in a 3rd grade class for gifted children. This is a work of literature in the tradition of the classics of science fiction, somewhat reminiscent of parts of Bradbury's "The Martian Chronicles", though it also expands upon these concepts with new and ideas and the means of their expression. It skillfully introduces young readers to the realm of sci-fi, where strange new worlds are used as stages upon which the human condition can be explored. The Green Book reflects upon such ideas as the inherent value of knowledge and the products of human culture, discovery of the unknown, cooperation and the basics of human community, and resilience in the face of challenges to both survival and ethical integrity. The world the book takes place in is carefully thought out and intricately detailed, the characters act like real people instead of pawns in the execution of plot, and it resonates with children and adults alike with profound and interesting questions. As a reader, I was immersed in the story in a way that few works can accomplish. The Green Book is indeed a masterpiece and deserves much broader recognition and acclaim.

My 8 year old son read this in school, and I purchased a copy to read aloud to my young daughter. There are some darker themes - but they are handled extremely well. I loved the ending, especially. Whenever I read a story as well written as this one, I am reminded of how much I love children’s literature.

My 6th grade teacher read this to my class years ago and ever since I've been fascinated with sci-fi and fantasy books. I bought this for my 10 year old, but after reading it again I might wait a couple years. I forgot about the "last resort" pills they mention a few times and I don't think she's ready for that kind of concept just yet. But I still loved this book.

I have been looking for this book for SO long! I read this book almost 30 yrs ago in school and it has stuck with me! I cant wait share it with my kids and I hope they remember it as fondly as I did!

I picked this book up on my Kindle due to childhood nostalgia. I read this book with my 5th grade class a decade ago, and I never shook the images of the children running across glass grass, the moth people, or the candy trees. I've also been upset with Pattie's older sister for choosing that horse book, after all this time! Even as a child I thought "you wasted your book!"In any case, upon rereading the book, I was delighted to find that the images I vividly held from childhood were as magical and intriguing as I remembered. Jill Paton Walsh has a remarkable way of communicating the gravity and urgency of the colony's situation, while still keeping the story light enough for easily-spooked children. I adore this book, and I hope to share it with my own children some day. I'm very glad that I revisited this classic.

This is just a great book to introduce children to the idea of modern pioneering, and get them familiar with concepts in science fiction (one of my favorite genres). It's heartfully and artfully written, explores themes like family and sticking together through hard times, and embracing and discovering the unknown. I feel this book would be great for any child from about 5 to 9 years of age. The illustrations were pretty cool too. It's been years since I'd originally had this book read to me in my 4th grade class, and I remembered it fondly enough to buy it (I had to Google a bit to find the title because I couldn't remember).

I first read this book in around the first or second grade. I recalled it as a charming and well-written piece of science-fiction. That over twenty years later it still retains that charm and zest is a sign of how truly well-crafted a novel it is.

I used it as a read-aloud for my 5th graders. I've used it for a couple years but I misplaced my copy of the book. Students really like the story. Copy. I was sent was used. But it looked like it was brand new. It came very quickly.

Favorite childhood book. I will read it to my daughter when she's older. I hope she enjoys it as much as I did and still do.