Title: Astrid the Unstoppable
Author: Maria Parr
Major Themes: Norway
Synopsis: When active, imaginative, unrestrained 9-year-old Astrid runs into a catastrophe, can she avert disaster, or will Gunnvald, her godfather, lose his home?
A couple of years ago, I read Adventures With Waffles to the children. We all really enjoyed it, so when I saw Astrid the Unstoppable last year I was sure we would enjoy it, too. Finally, someone chose it to read, and sure enough, we all loved it. Even my adult sons who happened to hear a chapter or two wanted to know the rest of the story.
Astrid is the only child living in a particular valley in her area of Norway. She lives there with her father, next door to her godfather Gunnvald. Down at the bottom of the hill, is Mr. Hagan’s Wellness Camp, where children are absolutely not welcome. Astrid has no use for that kind of attitude, and shows it every chance she gets.
Astrid and Gunnvald get into one adventure after another. They build and test sleds, and Astrid brings children to visit who are staying at Mr. Hagan’s Wellness Camp. Then, disaster strikes and Gunnvald lands himself in the hospital. While there, a stranger shows up, turning out to be Gunnvald’s long lost daughter Heidi, whom Astrid never even heard of, and decides to sell his farm to Mr. Hagan. Tragedy! What can Astrid do to stop this?
Astrid the Unstoppable is an incredibly fun story about an active girl who is determined to make sure things work out for the best for those she loves. It’s also a picture of life in Norway. This is a really fun book to read aloud.
No warnings!
Age levels:
Listening Level—Ages 5 – 8, Family Friendly
Reading Independently—Ages 7 – 9, 8 – 12
Leave a Reply