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    Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy
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    Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy
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    Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy
    Audiobook6 hours

    Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy

    Written by Gary D. Schmidt

    Narrated by Sam Freed

    4/5

    ()

    Currently unavailable

    Currently unavailable

    About this audiobook

    Not only is Turner Buckminster the son of the new minister in a small Maine town, he is shunned for playing baseball differently than the local boys. Then he befriends smart and lively Lizzie Bright Griffin, a girl from Malaga Island, a poor community founded by former slaves. Lizzie shows Turner a new world along the Maine coast from digging clams to rowing a boat next to a whale. When the powerful town elders, including Turner's father, decide to drive the people off the island to set up a tourist business, Turner stands alone against them. He and Lizzie try to save her community, but there's a terrible price to pay for going against the tide.


    From the Trade Paperback edition.
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherPenguin Random House Audio
    Release dateApr 12, 2005
    ISBN9780307207265
    Unavailable
    Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy
    Author

    Gary D. Schmidt

    Gary D. Schmidt is the bestselling author of The Labors of Hercules Beal; Just Like That; National Book Award finalist Okay for Now; Pay Attention, Carter Jones; Orbiting Jupiter; the Newbery Honor and Printz Honor Book Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy; and the Newbery Honor Book The Wednesday Wars. He is also contributor to and co-editor of the acclaimed short story collection A Little Bit Super, co-edited by Leah Henderson. He lives in rural Michigan.

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    Reviews for Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy

    4/5

    282 ratings30 reviews

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    • 5/5
      An amazing story of a young friendship between two people who should never have met, if society had any say. The relationship grows into a challenge for both of them. If you are interested in challenging the expectations of others and being true to your own passions, you will like this book. If you like books set in the early 1900's and on the sea shore, you will probably like this book. If you like long books and having a long time to get to know characters, you will like this book.

      Lexile: 1000
    • 3/5
      Good read for younger children. Gives a great account of a young boy learning how wrong and horrible people can be to others just because of the color of their skin or an differences really.
    • 5/5
      Blown away by the poetry of Schmidt's writing. Just heard him speak and his moral compass is true; the story shines with it, too. A role model for me.
    • 4/5
      Another Printz title that I started out annoyed with but grew to like. Big issue with the narrator on this one. Blog post to come.
    • 3/5
      This book gave me...feelings. Rather strong ones. I thought it was depressing. Why do all these people have to die? I suppose it is historically accurate, but wow. I'm not sure I would have chosen to stay in Phippsburg. Also, it made me wonder, after having read some of this other books, if Schmidt isn't writing some version of the same thing over and over (which is not to say it is bad; quite the opposite: Wednesday Wars and Okay for Now are two of my favorites). However, all three seem to feature a dad that is kind of a jerk who somewhat reforms at the end, with a stoically sweet mom. There are crazy (in a good way) adults in the male children's lives who make them feel better, and a female sidekick turned potential love interest. Although this book did make me want to drive down the coast to Phippsburg, I was quite horrified by what actually happened on Malaga Island--bad Maine! This book wasn't as strong for me as his later works. Too depressing.
    • 3/5
      A sweet story of friendship between two young people at the turn of the century. The fact that Turner is white and Lizzie makes their friendship unique and frowned upon during this time period. Despite the fact they are discouraged from interacting the two become fast friends. Lizzie lives with her grandfather on the Malaga Islands along the coast of Phippsburg Maine where Turner resides. Although, the story was a bit slow in places it was well written and thought provoking. I would recommend this book to fans of Virginia Hamilton.(less)
    • 5/5
      Schmidt's character brings out the irony of religion and prejudice. How religious men can justify sending long time residents to the mental hospital and evicting them from the only home they have ever known. Lizzie is just like her last name, Bright. She is so lovable and wise for her years. Turner is new to Philippsburg, Maine and learns the extent people will go for
    • 4/5
      This book is just another reason why Gary Schmidt is one of my favorite authors. Based on historical facts, this story will leave you feeling outraged and sad. Turner Buckminster loses his innocence in the most heartbreaking of ways and Lizzie Bright truly is the closest thing to glory on God's green earth.
    • 3/5
      There's no doubt this book was intelligently written. The way Schmidt uses nature throughout the book to illustrate what's really going on is a nice introduction to symbolic meaning in literature. I'm confused as to why this is classified 'Junior Fiction.' It must be the reading level, as I don't think it's very difficult. However, I have a hard time seeing the average kid delving into this and being able to hold on to the somewhat slow tempo of the story in order to pick up on the deeper meanings the book conveys. I'll be interested to read some kid reviews.The fact that the two main characters were minister's kids held special interest to me since my husband has before held that title, and we have kids. Even though our situation is vastly different, the book certainly leaves much for my family to talk about, especially since Mr. Buckminster seems to find more inspiration in reading Darwin than Jesus. The fact that Mr. Buckminster handled the pressure from the town so poorly, and only just began to come around at the very end saddened me. Turner, aptly named, shows more promise for standing for what is true and good. Gone through in more detail, this book definitely generates thought and offers plenty of discussion.
    • 4/5
      I enjoyed listening to this book.In this book, Turner learns that adults don't always do the right thing, but that doesn't stop his attempts to do so.Thinking back on it, the book could be seen as heavy on the lessons, but the story was about Turner learning them, and they were well balanced with the more adventurous aspects of the story. For the most part, Turner seemed like a real kid to me. Perhaps he was a little too good to be true, but he wasn't perfect. I liked seeing how he grew as the book continued. The secondary characters were an interesting bunch. . Just as I'd start to think that although they were interesting, they were also flat, one of them would surprise me with some character development.I'll recommend this book to my 11 year old. I actually wish I'd saved it for our upcoming road trip, I'm not sure I'll want to listen to it again that soon.
    • 2/5
      This book really kept me interested. The most intriguing part of it to me was the author's note at the end -- stating that the book's premise was based on actual events. So sad to see the treatment of people different from everyone else. My favorite part was when Willis asked Turner why he didn't hit the last pitch and Turner replies "because everyone expects green shutters." Very insightful story urging everyone to do the right thing even if it means you are going against the current.
    • 5/5
      This is a wonderful book. It is written for tweens and young adults, but almost everyone should read it. Based upon a real event, the people on an island off the coast of Maine are forced to move out to make room for a tourist resort. The island inhabitants are all black and the townspeople white. Turner Buckminister, whose father is the minister of the Congregational Church, moves to small town Maine from Boston in 1912. He can't seem to fit in with other boys, but makes friends with a girl, Lizzie Bright Griffin, from the island. When Lizzie is sent to an insane asylum and Turner inherits a house, he, his family, and the town learn what it means to stand up for what is right.
    • 4/5
      I enjoyed Schmidt so much in Wednesday Wars, I had to keep reading. Having lived in Maine, it was really interesting, though very sad, to learn about the African American population who were driven off from Coastal Maine.
    • 5/5
      one the best books i've read in a long while. the writing is crisp and evocative, perfectly reminiscent of the early 1900s voice. the son of the new minister in a small maine town befriends an african american girl who lives in poverty on a island apart from the town. she teaches him baseball, romance, injustice, and standing up to tragedy.
    • 4/5
      The characters were well developed, as was the setting. Research was conducted by the author, and the setting is a real place. The author's note gives some information about the settlement, and what transpired there. Personally, I had difficulty reading the book. It was difficult to keep interested in the book.
    • 5/5
      Excellent story for young people about a little-known and shameful chapter in Maine history, when a group of African-American and mixed-race people were evicted by the state from an island where they had lived for some time.
    • 5/5
      Winner of both the Newbery and Prinz honors, this "coming of age" novel is based on actual events. Set in 1912, the book follows a minister's son, Turner Buckminster as he explores life in his new community of Phippsburg, Maine. He soon meets Lizzie Bright Griiffin who lives on a nearby island. Soon, Turner becomes involves in the fight over the future of Lizzie's island home.
    • 4/5
      When a new minister moves into a small Maine town, his son finds it difficult to adjust to the attitudes he finds there. But then he meets and finds a friend in Lizzie Bright, who is also on the margins of this small-town society.This one started out as a usual outsider-kids-meet-and-find-comfort-in-their-friendship, but toward the end it took a turn for the much more serious. It's a good read, but I did find that change in tone a bit abrupt.
    • 5/5
      This book is about friendship in the face of racism, inspired by the true history of Malaga Island. Turner Buckminster has just been relocated to Boston, Massachusetts and is struggling fitting in. He meets Lizzie Bright Griffin, a young black girl, and they instantly become good friends. Their friendship is faced and challenged with many racist comments.
    • 3/5
      In the early 1900s Terrance Buckminster and his family move to Phippsburg, Maine where he just doesn't fit in with anyone; until he meets Lizzie Bright, a negro girl from Malaga Island across the way. The town is up in arms over the friendship as they are in the process of attempting to get everyone off the island so the town can turn it into a tourist resort.

      This book was really sad. There really was no happy ending to speak of for anyone. The language was beautiful though and I loved watching the relationships develop; in particular Lizzie and Terrance and Mrs. Cobb and the two children. The only thing I didn't enjoy was the loooooong baseball descriptions although I will fully admit that baseball is my least favorite sport so these parts were definitely a little bit much for me.
    • 4/5
      In my opinion, this is a decent book. It is a bit dry to get into at first, and lacks a bit of action in the beginning, but it does have a lot of good things to take away. First, there is A LOT of character growth and development, from Willis to Mrs. Cobb. The other thing that I like about it are the big issues that can initiate a lot of discussion, such as minority vs majority rights, and discrimination in general. The big picture of this book is acceptance and maturity.
    • 4/5
      The topic of Malaga island is so tragic, so upsetting,that it seems a difficult one for children's literature to cover. Though there are some flaws, this author takes on the challenge quite well. There is a lot f annoying repetition and entirely too much unnecessary flowery language, but the story itself is solid and the characters are well-developed.
    • 4/5
      Lovely book about friendship and how hatred is truly a concept that is learned.
    • 4/5
      In my opinion, this is a great book. I liked this book for many reasons, but two main points alone would have me recommending this novel. First, I liked the character development throughout the story. The development and transformation of Turner's father was my favorite in the story. In the beginning, he was just a preacher who did not listen to what his son had to say, but listened to the ignorance of the new town. However, throughout the story he says or does something that shows that there is more to him. I did not like Reverend Buckminster in the beginning of the story, but I grew to care about him by the end. I also liked the little plot details that the author wrote. The last words of Mrs. Cobb had a little message hidden inside. Mrs. Cobb thought hard about what her last words are going to be and said something very figurative and deep. However, she realized she wasn't quite dead yet and her last words turned out to be something the complete opposite of what she wanted. This scene represented who Mrs. Cobb was. She spent her whole life going to church and singing hymns and fitting in with society, but it was not who she really was. The main idea of this novel is that, like Turner, his father, and Mrs. Cobb, you sometimes need to push the norm aside and do what you believe is right and just.
    • 4/5
      I enjoyed reading Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy for many reasons. First, I enjoyed the characters. I think the author did and excellent job describing all the characters from Turner, to Lizzie, to Mr. Stonecrop, etc. I also think the characters were very believable. I really enjoyed the interactions between Mr. Stonecrop and Reverend Buckminster towards the end of the book. I think the contrast in the two characters morals was portrayed flawlessly. Next, I enjoyed the authors writing. He used a lot of imagery and figurative language to describe many things. He did any great job of SHOWING not just telling readings how everything looked and felt. Finally, I loved the main message of the story. It is important for children to learn that standing up for what you believe in, even if it is going against the norm of society, is a very admirable trait. The fact that Turner never backed down and was persistent are all traits that students should learn about and understand. I especially enjoyed that even though Turner was the ministers son, he still stood up for what he believed was right. That shows that it's important to support what you think is right, and if you do your parents will likely be on your side.
    • 5/5
      I hate this book. Hate. And I gave it 8 bookmarks because of that. Here is what I hated: I hated how the people treated Turner. I hated how Mr. Stonecrop used people for their money and claimed it was God's will. I hated how the Hurds treated Mrs. Hurd and Turner and Lizzie. I hated how the town thought it was God's will to destroy the lives of the people on Malaga Island. I hated, hated, hated how it ended. I hated how the lyrical poetry of Schmidt's words contrasted with the meanness of the plot. I hated that it's based on a true story. I'm giving it 8 bookmarks because it is rare for a book to grab my heart and emotions so strongly, so deeply. Truly, this is an exceptional volume of literature.
    • 5/5
      I really stretched this out. This is one of the best books I've read. I loved his writing style. It's a great story that didn't, and probably couldn't, end the way I wanted it to. I want to go run with the sea breeze and meet a whale.
    • 5/5
      I really enjoyed reading this book. One thing that made this book extremely interesting was the descriptive language. The author constantly uses descriptive language throughout the book, particularly when describing the scenery. For example, chapter nine starts with, “A round and golden moon rolled low along the horizon for the next few days, too huge and weighty to rise up any higher into the sky.” The author’s descriptive vocabulary made the story very engaging and I felt as though I could perfectly imagine every scene. I also think the characters in this story were very well-developed. I was particularly intrigued by Turner and his father, Reverend Buckminster. Their characters were extremely realistic and you are able to see the changes in their relationship and individual character overtime. For example, Reverend Buckminster’s actions and comments towards his son in the beginning of the book are very cold and it is almost as if he is ashamed to have him as a son. By the end of the story, Reverend Buckminster is standing up for his son against Mr. Stonecrop and others in the town, and he ends up losing his life defending him. Turner’s character also evolves throughout the book and the author wrote the story in a way that made it possible for the reader to go through Turner’s journey with him. He did a wonderful job explaining the different emotions Turner felt throughout the book. For example, it is clear that Turner felt a deeper meaning when describing that he saw something in the Whale’s eyes and in his father’s eyes. By the end of the story you are able to see that he was finally able to identify what that meaning was. I think that the explanations of Turner’s inner thoughts also helped the reader better understand his character by revealing how you interpreted and felt about all of the events that took place. Another thing that I really liked about this book was the plot. There were many situations in the story that were suspenseful and made me want to continue reading. Some suspenseful events include when we find out that Mrs. Cobb left her house to Turner, when Lizzie is hurt and the two of them are stuck at sea, and when Turner hears someone in Mrs. Cobb’s house towards the end of the story. The plot also has many broader conflicts that are dealt with over a longer period of time. For example, for the majority of the book I wondered what would happen to Lizzie Griffin and the other people living on Malaga Island. There were also times when the story moved at a slower pace, which I believe provided some relief from all of the other complicated situations taking place. For example, I thought that the times when Lizzie and Turner would go to Mrs. Cobb’s house portrayed this slower pace and lightened the mood. I believe that the overall message of this story is that it is important to be your own person and to stand up for what you believe in; even if the majority does not agree.
    • 4/5
      Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy is a children’s historical novel about a minister’s son who must confront narrow-mindedness in the townspeople and even his own father when his family moves to a small town in Maine. This book gives a “realistic” look at how blinded people can be by their own prejudices. I listened to it as an audiobook, and found myself in the awkward position of tearing up in public while I was listening to it on a walk. Luckily I pretended it was the sharp winter air that was giving me the sniffles. This book’s reading level is appropriate for perhaps 5th graders, but the content is a bit mature. I hated depressing books when I was that age! I gave this book 3.5/5 stars (it lost half a star for making me cry!)
    • 5/5
      Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy is a story about Turner the new minister’s son and Lizzie a resident of Malaga Island off the coast Philipsburg Maine. The boys in town play baseball different then Turner and they jump off cliffs to swim in the ocean something Turner has never done. As an outcast Turner spends much of his time alone until he meets Lizzie a black girl from Malaga Island. The townspeople wish to rid Malaga Island of the people that live there so that they can build up tourism in their town. Turner is forbidden to see Lizzie but he still does and they develop a deep friendship. The story of Malaga Island is a true story. In 1912 the people of Malaga were evicted from their homes, their houses burned to the ground, their graves dug up, and they were forced to move to the Maine School for the Feeble Minded. This book was not only a wonderful story it told a very important fact of our history that I had not known before. In April 2010 Maine legislatures issued a statement of regret for the Malaga Island incident.