Joseph Krumgold Criticism
Joseph Krumgold, an acclaimed American novelist and filmmaker, is celebrated for his young adult novels And Now Miguel, Onion John, and Henry 3, which form a thematic trilogy exploring the maturation of youth. These works delve into the internal and external transformations that define the transition from boyhood to manhood across diverse settings, such as a rural Mexican community, a small American town, and an American suburb. Krumgold’s novels, known for their strong sense of place and first-person narration, reflect his cinematic background with vivid visual storytelling and dramatic flair. He began his career with MGM and moved to Hollywood before focusing on documentaries, which influenced his narrative style. His debut novel And Now Miguel was inspired by a New Mexico shepherd boy and won the 1954 Newbery Award, while Onion John, based on a real-life character from Hope, New Jersey, earned him a second Newbery Award in 1960, making him the first author to receive the prize twice. Despite criticism for the male-centric focus and limited portrayal of women in his works, Krumgold’s perceptive portrayals of youth and societal fitting have resonated with readers, as noted by critics like Virginia Haviland and Diane Gersoni Stavn, who explore the cultural and gender dynamics within his novels.
Contents
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Isaac Anderson
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In the following essay, Isaac Anderson critiques Joseph Krumgold's novel "Thanks to Murder" by highlighting its humorous take on amateur detective Michael Vestry, whose misguided sleuthing and failed attempts at solving crime deliver an amusing narrative, diverging from the typical brilliant detective archetype.
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Claire Huchet Bishop
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In the following essay, the critic highlights "… And Now Miguel" as an unforgettable and distinguished work, praising its detailed portrayal of sheep raising, the Hispanic family life, and a young boy's aspirations, all contributing to a rich narrative expressed in simple and genuine language.
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Shepherd
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In the following essay, Marjorie Fisher critiques the style of Joseph Krumgold's "... And Now Miguel," noting its simplicity and primitive elements, while suggesting that it occasionally mirrors the influence of Ernest Hemingway in its prose.
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Virginia Haviland
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In the following essay, Virginia Haviland highlights the poetic storytelling and vivid depiction of life in Joseph Krumgold's ...And Now Miguel, focusing on the protagonist's coming-of-age journey, his deep connection with sheep, and the cultural backdrop of his family and Taos country.
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Pamela Marsh
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In the following essay, Pamela Marsh praises "Onion John" for its departure from typical children's literature, highlighting its memorable, well-developed characters, humor, informative content, and appeal to both children and adults.
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Virginia Haviland
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In the following essay, Virginia Haviland praises Joseph Krumgold’s novel Onion John for its insightful portrayal of a boy’s maturation, highlighting the intricate relationships between characters and the novel's appeal to both children and adults through its perceptive narration and multilayered themes.
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Ellen Lewis Buell
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In the following essay, Ellen Lewis Buell examines Joseph Krumgold's "Onion John," highlighting its exploration of themes such as the complexities of cultural understanding, the parent-child relationship, and individual self-sufficiency, while praising its character development, wit, and insightful portrayal of a young boy's maturation.
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Carolyn Horovitz
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In the following essay, Carolyn Horovitz argues that Onion John serves as a parable aimed at parents rather than children, focusing on a father's central struggle, while praising Henry 3 for its vivid depiction of suburban life and its engaging, humorous examination of children's issues.
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Zena Sutherland
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In the following essay, Zena Sutherland evaluates Joseph Krumgold's Henry 3 as a thoughtful and well-written work that, despite excellent characterization, does not quite reach the impactful level of his Newbery Award-winning novels.
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Jean Fritz
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In the following essay, Jean Fritz critiques Joseph Krumgold's portrayal of suburban life in "Henry 3" as unconvincing due to its simplistic characterization, while acknowledging the provocative theme of societal phoniness explored through the protagonist's disillusionment.
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Houston L. Maples
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In the following essay, Houston L. Maples argues that Joseph Krumgold's Henry 3 is a poignant exploration of intergenerational dialogue, characterized by its nuanced portrayal of the human condition, affirming belief in human goodness, and the complex yet affectionate relationship between a boy and his parents.
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Ethel L. Heins
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In the following essay, Ethel L. Heins argues that Joseph Krumgold's Henry 3 effectively communicates themes of maturity and the discovery of human nature with vitality and compassion, surpassing the impact of his Newbery Medal-winning works.
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Archetypes of the Twentieth Century
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In the following essay, Joseph Krumgold explores the thematic use of fairy tales in his trilogy on growing up, illustrating how each book aligns with a traditional story—such as the Three Wishes or the Hero with Three Puzzles—to convey the journey from adolescence to adulthood, ultimately emphasizing the need for courage and spiritual adventure in facing life's challenges.
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Children's Literature in the Elementary School
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In the following essay, Huck and Kuhn explore the theme of growing independence and family relationships in Joseph Krumgold's Onion John, highlighting Andy's struggle with his father's dominance and the profound impact of his connection with the titular character on his personal development.
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Children's Reading in the Home
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In the following essay, May Hill Arbuthnot praises Joseph Krumgold's And Now Miguel for its portrayal of a young boy's journey toward competence and independence in the context of a deep family tradition in sheepherding, highlighting its unique exploration of prayer and subtle narrative style.
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Ruth Hill Viguers
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In the following essay, Ruth Hill Viguers discusses how Joseph Krumgold's three books, though varied in many aspects, form a thematic trilogy centered on the challenges of adolescence, emphasizing the development of understanding, respect, and acceptance, with "Henry 3" noted for its enhanced thematic and character development.
- Eleanor Cameron
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Diane Gersoni Stavn
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In the following essay, Diane Gersoni Stavn critiques Joseph Krumgold's portrayal of gender roles and societal themes, arguing that his novels, such as And Now Miguel and Henry 3, rely on outdated and rigid notions of a male-dominated world, while neglecting the complexities of female characters and suburban life.
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Children and Books
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In the following essay, May Hill Arbuthnot and Zena Sutherland discuss "And Now Miguel," highlighting themes of familial love, respect for work traditions, and religious devotion, while emphasizing its portrayal of the hero worship between siblings and the seasonal cycles of farm life.