Book Description

When her father leaves to fight in World War II, Elizabeth goes with her mother and sister to her grandfather's house, where she learns to face up to the always puzzling and often cruel realities of the adult world. ... Read more

Reviews (15)

The best book I've ever read. Wonderfully written for all.
The Woods at the End of Autumn Street is a wonderful book. I first came across it when I taught it to an S2 class in 1995 and since reading it I have fallen in love with the book. Indeed it was a fight in our department to see who could teach it, we all would if it wasn't out of print in the UK.

Lowis Lowry combines humour with sensitivity and strong emotions. It ahs you laughing and crying all at once. Her carefully crafted sentences wee music to my ears, so often she creates beautiful images or lively dialogue.

Often pupils will tell me that it was the best book they ever read, and often years after they read it, it has that lasting quality that everyone loves. The wonderfully realistic characters, particularly the young Elizabeth invokes reaction in all of us, everyone remebers being as young and carefree as Elizabeth and everyone longs to share her sense of adventure just as everyone shares her guilt when she calls Charles, her young black friend, a "nigger", because her great aunts were paying him more attention than they paid her.

It is the realism of this book that makes it a winner. You can't fail to love it and in my experience no-one ever does, even the poorest of classes have loved this book, whilst my mother also adored it when I gave it to her. A real all round winner. Try it and see.

I thought this book was amazing.
There were so many details in this book that I thought I was there.Lowry has such a great way of writing. I have also read Number the Stars and thought it was just as heart warming. I hope one day I will read all of her books. So far this is my favorite and I truly give this book 5 stars.

A touching book
I am a HUGE fan of Lois Lowry. I have read a lot of her books including her newest one 'Messenger'. The ending surprised me, and it freaked me out. (...)I'm sorry for sort of giving you an idea of the ending, but I couldn't sleep afterwards. It's pretty disturbing. Although the rest is great,I really don't like the ending. Fortunately, I got my liking back for Lois Lowry by reading 'Find a Stranger, Say Goodbye' that is a great book.

A very touching story
During the war six-year-old Elizabeth goes with her mother and her sister Jessica to live with their grandfather. Elizabeth, meets, Tatie's, the cook's, grandson, Charles and they become best friends. Charles goes back to his family and comes back the next Christmas. During this visit something happens that Elizabeth will never forget. This is a story about bravery and couragegeousness, but mostly about friendship. Lowry really makes the charactors really come to life. Elizabeth and Charles are just like real six-year-olds. This is really a very touching story.

Must read book
This book is a great book. I am a young girl and this book gave me a wonderful feeling as i read it. It touched me and it gave me the feeling I was right there I could feel all the amotions that the charecters went through and could imaging how they felt. Autumn Street is a must read book. ... Read more

Book Description

For Bobby Marks, summer does not equal fun.

While most people are happy to take off their heavy jackets and long pants, Bobby can't even button his jeans or reach over his belly to touch his toes. Spending the summer at Rumson Lake is sheer torture.

This particular summer promises to be worse than usual. His parents can't stop fighting. His best friend, Joanie, goes home to New York City and won't tell him why. Dr. Kahn, a rich, stingy estate owner who hires him to manage an enormous lawn, is working him to death. And to top it off, a local bully won't stop torturing him.

Bobby is about to find out just how terrifying and exhilarating one fat summer can be.

Reviews (47)

I couldn't put the book down!
One day I came home from school and my twelve year-old brother had this book, One Fat Summer, on his desk. I picked the book up and the second I started reading it I couldn't put it down. It is truly a book for all ages because at the time I was 16. I also know quite a few adults who enjoyed the book because it reminded them of their childhoods. I grew up going upstate New York to a lake, just like Bobby, every summer. The book helped me enjoy many of my memories while capturing my imagination with its irresistible storyline. If a taste of summer is what you're looking for, read One Fat Summer and take a walk around a lake!

I thought this book was great!
This book is about a boy named Bobby who is very much overweight. He always gets made fun of. He hates the summmer because that's when people wear the least amount of close and he is very self conscious about his body. He hates the fact that he can't cover himself up in sweaters and jackets because the weather is too warm. He gets a summer job at a man named Dr. Khan's house. He has to do lawn work all summer and is constantly afraid that he is going to be beat up by a boy who has problems and thinks the only way to feel better is to try to beat up Bobby. I found this book very interesting and I found that it was very hard to put down because I couldn't wait to see what happened next! I would recommend this book to anyone because I feel that anyone could enjoy this book no matter what their interests in books are.

One Fat Summer
This book is mainly and action book with lots of excitement. A young boy named Sean who is over weight and needs some help. He started a new job working for an old man for poor pay. A guy named Willie Rumson always picks on him and embarrasses him in front of other people. As Sean works at this guys house mowing lawns he gets thinner and thinner. One day right after Willie gets out of jail he comes looking after Sean with a gun. Read this book to find out what happens next! This book is one of the best books i have ever read and i hope you will think so to I would recommend this book to all ages interested in hard work.

Quotables
We believe the author created Bobby as a dynamic, emotional character. First, he wants to prove to his father his usefullness
. He tries to prove that to his father by getting a job. Second, he stood up to Willie Rumson, the bully, although Willie held a gun at the time. He was scared but stood up anyway. Last, he wanted to be thin. He often dreams of himself waking up thin. Even though we didn't really like this book, the author created some really good characters, that provide an emotional message.

ONE FAT REVIEW
This book was about a boy named Bobby Marks. He is over weight and is made fun of because of it. Willie Rumerson calls him names like crisco and fats. Willie is Bobby's worst enemy. He threatens Bobby and tries to embarrass him by leaving him on an island naked.
My favorite part is when Willie comes up to the dock with a 22-rifle in his hand. He has Bobby, Joanie, and one of the Mario brothers held up at the dock. And then Bobby almost drown him.
The setting was in the summer time and it was hot. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

The strength of prayer
The bond of grandson and grandfather in this handsome and heart-warming tale about a Tallit is indeed good for people of all ages and all faiths--girls and women, boys and men. It tells of the undying human urge for freedom and fulfillment and reinforces the importance of prayer, and the strength of tradition and family. Alyssa A. Lappen

A Bar Mitzvah Gift
I got this as a pre Bar Mitzvah gift and at first I thought it wasn't what I wanted because I figured it was for younger kids but when I read it I felt it was for everybody, even people who aren't Jewish. It was a story about a person's whole life and how they change which was pretty neat to think about especially when you are having a bar mitzvah. My grandmother gave it to me because she said it was like her dad's life. It is sort of getting me ready for my bar mitzvah to think about the importance of tradition in your life

A moving celebration of famiy and religious tradition
This is a beautiful, moving story that was a gift for our son on his bris. (It moved me to tears when I first read it.) Exquisitely illustrated and well-told, the story celebrates values, tradition, and intergenerational relationships. It will be a great conversation starter with our son, when he is older, about our own family history. It would make a great gift for a bar mitzvah or any occasion. ... Read more

Book Description

C. S. Lewiss classic and bestselling tale, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, is here retold for the youngest fan, with brand new, full-color illustrations that will take you right into the enchanted land of Narnia. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

NOT the actual C.S. Lewis story, Great Pictures though.
While the illustrations in this Book are great, the text is not the actual text of C.S. Lewis. The book is written "BASED ON" the Narnia. Well, the story here is a little twisted which makes a huge difference in the understanding of the main thrust of the narration. Aslan is depicted weak and impotent and redemption story is not evident from the text. Otherwise, if you know the true story, the pictures are worth the money. (You may have to use quite a bit of whiteout on this one.) ... Read more

Book Description

The adventure deepens . . .

In The Return of the Indian, Omri found he could transport himself and his friend Patrick back in history to the dangerous days of his miniature companions. Now, in the secret of the indian, Patrick time-travels back to the rough-and-tumble frontier age of his cowboy friend, Boone. When he returns to the present day, he's accompanied by a disastrous bit of Texas weather that devastates half of England.

Reviews (5)

The Secret of the Indian
The Secret of the Indian
By: Lynne Reid Banks
Reviewed By: P. Shah
Period 1

Omri and Patrick are forced to reveal their secret to Patrick's cousin. At first, they couldn't trust her one bit, but as things got out of control, they realized they needed Emma. It all starts with Omri sending Patrick to the time of the cowboys. But when Omri brought back the indians and cowboys to life, they were all injured from a war. Omri only had one nurse so he didn't know what to do. There were about 30 injured and half dead indians in Omri's room. that's where Emma came into help. She knew of a plastic figure that was a surgeon that her sister had. By bringing him to life, the indians were helped and headed back to their own time. Meanwhile, Patrick was in the cowboy time and he wasn't having a good time. When he came back, he figured out that he had injured his best friend, a plastic figure of a cowboy. At first the nurse and surgeon thought he was dead but with Omri's strong fingers he stared breathing again. At school Omri read an essay that he wrote about his experience about his magical cupboard. No one thought it was true...except for the principal. The principal said to Omri," They were supposed to make an invention exactly like that and I have a reason to believe that you have that invention." At the end everyone thought the principal was crazy. So, the secret is being kept secret by Omri, Patrick and Emma.
I really like this book because there was so much activity going on in the story. And it's so secretive! It just makes you want to read more and more! There is nothing that i disliked about this book. Quotes: Clinging precariously to the bottom rim of the ceiling, Boone shouted a yell of help before he fell. I liked this quote because it showed action and awe. Another quote: " You need to send us back," Boone shouted. " We can't! We lost the key!" Omri replied. This quote is scary because omri can't find the key so the indians are stuck in the future.
My favorite part of the book is when Omri and Patrick try to keep Emma from learning their secret. But nothing works out and she finds out. I like this part because it is so suspicious of Emma and it's fun to see what they do.

The book with full of adventure!!!!!
The book I read is called gThe Secret of the Indian.h It is the 3rd series of the Indian story. The first book is calledh The Indian in the Cupboardh and 2nd one is called gThe Return of the Indian,h and it is written by Lynne Reid Banks. I liked the 1st one and 2nd series also, but I liked the 3rd one best!!! It is full of adventure.

It is an unbelievable story, because it is about the main character named Omri, his friend Patrick, and the galiveh plastic figures. Of course, this is a fiction book. It is the story when Omri accidentally put his birthday present from Patrick, the plastic Indian into the magic cupboard and he turned the keyc the plastic figure turned into grealh Indian. Of coarse he is small, but he is alive, and he has the feeling, and he came form over 100 years ago. They turned more and more plastic figures alive, and it just was great day. Until, they knew that Patrick has to move. But he doesnft want to. So, they decided to send Patrick to the Boonefs (the Texas cowboy which was Patrickfs plastic figure, but turned into the real tiny person) time. They knew that they could send real people to the plastic figures time, which is more than 100 years ago, because they have tried before. If you send the real person to their time, the person is like a coma. When Patrick went to 100 years ago, every body started to search for him. And the people who knows about the magic cupboard is Omri, Patrick, and Patrickfs cousin, Emma. They think that they never should tell any adults, because if they tell any adults, it will be a problem, and I agree with them.

Do you think they can keep the important secret and cause no trouble? I donft think so. But Ifm not going to tell you any more.

The thing I thought through out the book is that is has great narrative hook, and if you start to read, you canft stop it. If you feel like boring, this is the book you should read. It will take you to the miracle world. I think this is the greatest strength of this book. I think this is the one of the wonderful author.

I didnft find any weakness, but I recommend one thing. If you havenft read the first and second series yet, you should read these first, because you will@find couple of things you wonft understand if you wonft read these books first.

I would recommend this book very much, to all the ages, and I especially recommend this to the 4th through 7th or 8th graders, because I know children likes this kind of magical world book than the most of adults.

Anyway, thank you very much for reading this, and again, you should read this book, or you will regret!!!

Patrick's in Boone-land?
Now, this is the third book called "The Secret of the Indian" & it is about Omri's friend Patrick who goes back in time to the Wild West.

Omri & his friend Patrick risk grownups' discovery of their secret when they attempt to help people in the dangerous world of the Old West.

Boone is real & he is a toy cowboy but Boone was mostly small & Patrick was big. On the cover of the book it has Boone laying down & Boone is big & Omri's friend Patrick is small & I think in Chapter 7 called "Patrick in Boone-land" Boone grew big & Patrick got small & it must have been texas.

The chapter titles I like are called 2. Modest Heroes, 5. Patrick goes back, 6. A New Insider, 7. Patrick in Boone-land, 10. A Rough Ride & chapter 13. Mr. Johnson smells a rat. This chapter called "Mr. Johnson smells a rat" makes me silly & he would say if he smelled the rat "Yuck. Ha, Ha, Ha!? & it is so funny.

This book reminds me of a videos called "Spongebob Squarepants: Nautical Nonsence", "Bonanza: The Return" & a Lonestar song called "When Cowboys didn't dance.

I enjoy this book when I would be in the wild west!

I loved it & enjoyed it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

the whole family loves this series
We checked out The Secret of the Indian on tape from our library and listened to it on a trip. All of us from the adults to the kids (14,8,6) were interested and excited about what would happen next. We have listened to each of the books and are now looking forward to the 5th story.

School Assignment
I recommend this book to other readers between the ages of 8 to 13 year-old kids because the book talks about fun things like time travel and also is easy to read. Some of the words in the book are big, though. ... Read more

Book Description

Illus. in full color. "Eye-catching, boldly colored collages illustrate this classic 'grass is always greener' story in which a live mouse is envious of his mechanical counterpart."--Booklist. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Review for Alexander and the Wind-Up Mouse
The Book Alexander and the Wind-Up Mouse was a great book to read. I thought that it was easy to follow along and to understand it. The pictures and drawings in the book were very cool too. I hope that if you decide to read this book, you will feel the same way about it that I do. I think that you will like reading and find it a very neat book to enjoy.
In the story, Alexander wants to be like the wind-up mouse because the wind up mouse gets more attention than he does. He meets the wind-up mouse one day and starts to talk to him. He finds out how he can become a wind-up mouse too. If you read this book, you will be able to find out what Alexander does. Will be ever become a wind-up mouse or not??
Brandon M.

Alexander and the Wind-Up Mouse
My mother started reading this book to my brother and I when we were about 2 maybe younger. It was one of our favorite books. By the time we were about 3 we could recite the book as the pages were turned. We still have the book and I now read it to my children. I still love the book and hope my children enjoy it as much as my brother and I did.

My Book Review on Alexander and the Wind-Up Mouse
I think that this is a great book for a young child to read, it is also a book that some older adults would probably like. I think that this is one of my favorite children's books. It has colorful, detailed pictures. It is a good story. It will keep children interested and wondering what will happen next. Alexander has a great friendly personality that kids will relate to. Alexander is lonley and wants a friend. Whenever he leaves his home to go find some crumbs to eat, the family that lives in the house catches him and chases him back in his hole in the wall. One day he runs into a wind-up mouse named Willy. He befriends this mouse and he decides that he wants to be a wind-up mouse too. He meets a lizard in the backyard and tells him his wish, the lizard tells Alexander to bring him a purple pebble. So Alexander goes on search for this pebble. He searches everywhere and finally finds one. But then he changes his mind and decides that he wants Willy to become a real mouse. So he wishes then goes back to his house. When he gets in his hole in the wall, he sees another mouse and asks who he is. He discovers that it is Willy, so they then live happily ever after and stay friends. I really liked this book out of any others I have read. Thats why I give it four stars and reccomend it to anyone who is looking for a book to read to their child, or to read themselves.

One of Lionni's most moving stories
I love Leo Lionni's books. His gentle fables and parables deal with some of the most important lessons children need to learn - about friendship, generosity, and being true to yourself. They're deeply moral books, but they never preach or oversimplify.

This is one of Lionni's deepest and most moving books. In it, Alexander, a despised house mouse meets another mouse - a child's beloved wind-up toy. The contrast between Alexander's unhappy life and the life of the pampered toy mouse makes him feel so sorry for himself that he misses important clues that life is not so great for the wind-up mouse after all. When he learns about a way to earn a magic wish, he realizes he can use it to turn himself into a toy. But before he's able to accomplish his goal, he finds the wind-up in the garbage. He uses his wish to turn the wind-up into a real mouse.

Alexander learns that the most important thing is to be true to himself, not turn himself into what others want. But in doing so, he also reaches out to help someone else.

You may read this book dozens, even hundreds, of times before a child picks up the nuances of that message. But the key is that most children will ask to hear the story that many times, and most adults will love it so much they won't mind repeating it.

Children will remember this one!
My parents read this to me as a child, and even though that was only 12 years ago... I still love looking at the book. It has a touching story about friendship, and it has beautiful illustrations. I loved it! ... Read more

Book Description

While his mother and father are away, a little elephant goes to visit his uncle. And what a time they have! Uncle Elephant makes wishes come true, tells amazing stories, and trumpets the dawn. The visit is perfect, except for one thing-it ends much too soon.

Reviews (2)

Shows the family love.
This book has many short stories about how much fun a young elephant has loads of fun with his Uncle that he has never seen before. All they do is have fun until hiss parents come back. That sounds like how me and my cousin are.

Uncle Elephant is a Gem!
I discovered "Uncle Elephant" from a video that I rented for my toddler son, "Frog and Toad Together". There was a song "Count to Ten" that featured the "Uncle Elephant" character and it was so delightful that I went and got the book from the library. It is easy reading and is heartwarming. His wrinkles and cane remind you of a long-missed grandparent.

The book consists of several small stories, so it does not demand much of an attention span so you can read this book to a child who is too young to read and it's simple sentences are a good book for a new reader. It's very charming! ... Read more

Book Description

To generations of children, Dennis Lee is known as a wizard of words, the author of such classics as Alligator Pie, Garbage Delight, The Cat and The Wizard, and the bestseller Bubblegum Delicious. With Jelly Belly, originally published in 1983, Lee created a new Mother Goose. As playful and hilarious as our traditional nursery rhymes, Jelly Belly combines toe-tapping poetry with the beguiling illustrations of Juan Wijngaard (winner of the Mother Goose Award). Jelly Belly is the ideal book-for children ages one to five, for older brothers and sisters, for parents, grandparents and any grown up who remains young at heart. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Wonderful, read-out-loud, kid-friendly
"Jelly Belly" is a book of modern nursery rhymes, along with some very wonderful illustrations. The rhymes generally have a great read-aloud rhythm, and are variously funny, tender, surprising. My daughter loves them and so do I. She's 2 now, and I'm sure this book would have appealed to her much earlier, and will continue to appeal for years. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Ferdinandus Taurus Excellent for Reviewing the Subjunctive
Ferdinandus Taurus is a great little book just for reading aloud in class. But for a review of the subjunctive primary and secondary sequences, it is truly outstanding. The students appreciate the repetitive vocabulary (like English versions of the Doctor Seuss books), for it means they are able to concentrate on the sequencing of the Latin subjunctive clauses with the indicative main clauses. The pictures, the story, and an increased interest in the subjunctive; it just doesn't get any better than this! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Christmas In Noisy Village
I am 12 yrs. old and this has been my favorite Christmas book since the first time my mother read it to me. I would reccomend this book to anyone and everyone. Share this delightful story with your kids and watch their faces light up when you read it. They'll bring it out year after year!

Wonderful Christmas story and illustrations
My daughter picked this book at the library when she was two, and we had to read it every night for the next six weeks. I did not tire of reading it to her. She will be getting her own copy for Christmas. ... Read more

Book Description

"In an intriguing combination of fact with rollicking rhyme schemes and full-page portraits, the dinosaurs are rejuvenated once again to amuse and amaze their devoted fans....These poems are readable, quotable, and unforgettable....A wonderful book to savor--again and again."--Horn Book. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

A fun book for young children who love dinosaurs
My son, now 12, used to love this book when he was 3 and 4 years old. It was also a lot of fun to read for me!

Prelutsky is wonderful for kids and adults.
Several years after reading this book, I can still recall by heart many of Prelutsky's clever rhymes and catchy rhythms.The amazing thing is:so can my kids! The favorite dinosaurs such as T-Rex are given their poeticdue, but so are lesser known dinosaurs such as leptoterigius andquetzelcoatlus. (sp?)Although I love all of Prelutsky's whimsical poetry,I felt this book was better suited for young listeners than such works as"It's Snowing! It's Snowing".(Perhaps because the subjectmatter is more familiar to the pre-school set)Some parents may not likethe occasional graphic imagery, but lets face it: carniverous dinosaurswere not dainty eaters!The poetry is too lyrical to be truly gruesome,and besides, all kids like to be grossed out a little bit.If your childis at all into dinosaurs, this may be a good addition to your home library.

Tyrannosaurus Was a Beast
"...Allosaurus liked to hunt,and when it caught its quarry,it tore it open,back and front,and never said," I'm sorry!" Allosaurus liked to eat,and using teeth and talons,it stuffed itself with tons of meat,andguzzled blood by gallons." If you think your child does not see enoughviolence on TV then you should buy this book!

Very good way of teaching youngsters about dinosaurs.
I read this book for the simple reason of having an interest in dinosaurs.I had never seen dinosaur poetry before and was quite amazed at how theauthor wrote at a child's level to know more about dinosaurs. I think thatif a child has interest in dinosaurs, this book is a fun way to go aboutlearning. It not only teaches them about dinosaurs and the way they lived,what they ate, etc., but also about poetry at the same time. This was adinoriffic book! I recommend it to everyone with an interest in dinosaurs.:) ... Read more

Book Description

As Ahmed delivers bottles of propane gas, he treasures a special secret he can't wait to share with his family. "Skillfully, the authors use the secret to sustain suspense...and to highlight the significance of Ahmed's poignant joy in his accomplishment....A handsome, affectionate book."--Kirkus Reviews. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

A Very Real Child
I came across this book at the Dearborn Arab-American Festival, the largest Arab festival in North America. And I'm so glad I did. Vivid illustrations, and an engrossing storyline. Heide reveals a very realistic Cairo street life, unknown to most Western adults, and here very easy for kids to relate to through the eyes of the young child, Ahmed. I smiled as I read and saw different scenes, like the rose-water man, remembering walking through Cairo and seeing those very people. The scenes are gritty- not white-washed; yet also very relationally connected, with people caring for each other and showing true hospitality- kareem- the hallmarks of Cairo life. This child isn't a terrorist; it's a young child; it's real life. When he finally reveals his secret, it's the joy of a child first learning to read, just like any Western or American child. But he's also truly Egyptian- he presents his name in Arabic.

After we read this, I and the children in the library learned to write our names in Arabic, and then we *had* to get some rosewater ice cream, in order to fully immerse ourselves in the book. If you can get ahold of it, I would highly recommend!

The Day of Ahmed's Secret by Florence Parry Heide et al.
An especially beautiful and thought-provoking book. The story transports us to Cairo, Egypt, where we are invited to observe a day in the life of a young Egyptian boy who sells gas canisters to help his family. A must read if you are interested in learning about other cultures, and about the lives of millions of children around the world. The authors capture the culture, a sense of the language (poetic), the spirit of the people, as well as their philosophy of life. We even get some idea of the geography and history of Egypt; and all of this in a children's book. This is truly an wholistic piece of work. The illustrator does a marvelous job of capturing the sights and colors of Cairo. I have been so impressed by this book as to have recommended it to countless students and teachers in the school system where I teach. I have even been moved to write and thank the authors, who graciously responded.

It's a Keeper!
I love this book because it conveys better than any book I've seen the magic of the breakthrough to literacy. The excitement of this working class boy who will now embark upon a whole new world because he has the first tool captures a precious moment in every child's life - and all this is accomplished with a text and illustrations that are bright and alive.

BUY THIS BOOK!!!
I loved this book. it is amazing. the words are lovely, the plot enchanting, and the illustrations are superb. if you can avoid it, don't let anyone tell you ahmed's secret until you can read it for yourself. it's well worth reading the whole thing to find it. ... Read more

Reviews (55)

Dreams in the Golden Country
I have read all the Dear America books and Dreams in the Golden Country was one of the ones I enjoyed the most. Zippy Feldman and her family are immigrating to America. They arrive in New York and Zippy is feeling quite homesick. She wishes to learn to read and speak English, and starts school and soon is at the top of her class. She also takes quite an intrest in the Jewish theatre in New York. When her sister elopes with a Catholic boy Zippy's family doesn't approve of, Zippy finds herself torn. Will she ever see her sister again? Will she ever get a part in a play? And can she find her place in America? Read this good book to find out.

Excellent!
Zipporah is another excellent Dear America book. Zippy, 12 years old, has just arrived at Ellis Island from Russia, where the pogroms (attacks on the Jews) chased them away. Traveling with her mother, her sisters, Miriam (15), and Tovah (17) her family goes to meet her Father who has been in America for 2 years. There they find a small tenement room. Everyone is disapointed. Zippy's mother is worried about her father loosing his Jewish faith. Zippy gets put in an early grade because she isn't very talented in English, but she moves up. Zippy learns about things and writes letters to the famous Marie Curie and Wright Brothers (never gets a reply back). Then she sees the theater and knows acting will forever control her destiny. Filled with hardships and triumphs, Zippy's diary is one of the best. It really isn't very exciting with a lot of stuff happening, but the emotional factor is so great and really makes me think. I was also happy that Zippy had the same birthday as me.

outstanding book
I found this book to be outstanding, especially in terms of the historical glimpses that were inadvertently revealed throughout, in bittersweet fashion, from the innocent perspective of a little Jewish girl Zipporah who, with her mother and 2 sisters, came to America by ship in 1903. Right from the start, the book catches the reader with her harrowing experience of nearly getting rejected at the port of entry on Ellis Island due to a suspected eye infection. The story continues on to the dark (both physically and moodwise) tenements of the Lower East Side of New York city where the Jewish community faces a daily struggle to survive. Through family unity and neighbors helping neighbors, Zipporah and her family was able to, not only to survive, but eventually flourish into self sufficiency. Along the way though, there were much heartwrenching sadness like the deaths of loved ones and the eloping of Zipporah's sister due to undue disapproval from her family. Even though the ending was happy, I felt a lump in my throat as I neared the end of the book, for I felt I was a part of this wonderful family, and I didn't want to leave!

For those of you out there who love family, history, nostalgia, and culture, this book is for you. For those who is seeking action pack adventure, romance, or thrills, try another book. This book gets 5 stars out of 5 from me.

Blessings! TLam

Has got to be one of my favorite Dear America books
12 year-old Zipporah (Zippy) Feldman is immigrating to America from Poland to join her father in New York. With her is her mother and her sisters Tovah and Miriam. Zippy is nearly detained at Ellis Island because of a red eye, but thanks to Tovah she gets safely through.
But America is nothing like she imagined, and she has many troubles. She is in 3rd grade at school, her parents fight on occasion, and Zippy' best friend Blu is sadly lagging behind in school.
Zippy finds that the theatre is the thing that she loves. But terrible things happen just days after Zippy gets her dream part in a play. Her new baby brother dies just days after he was born, and Miriam runs off and gets married to a non-Jew named Sean O'Malley. Will Miriam ever return, and will Zippy ever become the actress of her dreams? Find out in this wonderful book!

This has got to be one of my favorite Dear America books of all time. It's so well written, and there are absolutely no boring parts at all! I guess one of the reasons I love this book so much is because both Zippy and I are so alike, especially in loving to act.
I promise you, if you read this book, you will not be sorry. The only mistake you could make is not buying this book.

My Secret Diary
In the beginning of my book, The Golden Country, it starts with a Yiddish family whose father and husband is working in the u.s. for many years. When the come he has changed which starts the real story. They are a Jewish family and the husband and father has shaved his side locks. Her mother is really mad. They have a lot of problems here are some: they can't speak English and if any not much, they are really poor, father has stopped playing his music and a lot more! In the middle things start to shape up. The girl who rights it has been going to school. Miriam, her sister, is in love with a non Jewish boy and no one knows. Her other sister, Trovan, starts to march for women's rights. Her father is now a musician, and very good. But something else happens. Her sister Miriam has now ran off and is now missing. But the girl who rights it knows where she is. She went a married her "boyfriend" who is non Jewish. Now the end is very good a lot of things become right!

I really liked this book for it showed how it really was, and is from someone who had no say in anything. She tells about how life is in America. And how it might be, in modern days, for many people. She tells her life in this book. How it was a culture shock how people where happy and sad. How it shapes over years and how much better it becomes.

I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in different cultures and life in many ways. Other books I would say would that are good are the diary collections.

It was a very good book and I encourage you to read it!!! ... Read more

Book Description

Mother says deep down in his heart. Anthony loves me. Anthony says deep down in his heart he thinks I stink.

Anthony's younger brother puts up with a lot. Every time he wants to play with Anthony and his friends, or even go into the playroom, Anthony starts to clobber him. There's nothing he can do now...but just wait until he's six!

Judith Viorst's fine, funny story, now available in a handsome new edition, will charm readers of all ages. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

I'LL FIX ANTHONy
This book is made for children ages four to seven. This book is about a boy whose name is not mentioned in the book. This boy has a very mean older brother named Anthony. All the boy ever wants to do is play with his brother Anthony, he even lets Anthony barrow and play with all his things. Anthony is vary mean to his little brother even though his little brother is nice to him. Well the little boy says when he turns six everything is going to change and he will be the boss of Anthony. It gives many funny examples of how things will change when he turns six. This is a great book for children, it teaches them not to be a bully to other people because someday that person may come back later in life and treat them that way.

My childhood favorite!
I have searched bookstores for a year looking for this book. I couldn't even remember the title, but I remember the story and wanted to read it again. I am now 32, and had it read to me often when I was little (I think when I was 6). I have a little brother 2 years younger and we both related to this book. At the time I guess I was like Anthony, even though I am female. My Mom used to encourage my brother that things would be better when he was six :-) (fat chance). "Where the wild things are" was my brother's fav and "When I'm six, i'll fix anthony" was definitely mine.

Great Book!
Man, that Anthony thinks he's so great, well as soon as... uhh, the other kid in the book turns six things are gonna change. Hoooaah, he's going to make little anthony his little white faced reeces monkey! Exlamatory baby! ... Read more

Reviews (20)

Beautiful, Poignant Novel
"Camilla" is one of the best novels I've ever read. I'm a fan of Madeleine L'Engle, who never seems to fail in capturing the essence of the teenage girl. This is a beautiful book about young Camilla Dickinson who is faced with problems in her family life. Escaping from the torment of her home, Camilla spends a lot of time with her best friend's brother, Frank. With him she is opened to a whole new world of experiences. It's amazing to see how Camilla transforms from an insecure teenage girl to a strong, intelligent young woman. Ms. L'Engle wrote this story wonderfully, and also advertises a lot of culture in it (Holst's 'Planets', Prokofiev). "Camilla" is a beautiful!

A Common Subject with Uncommon Attraction
Just recently I finished the book, Camilla, by Madeleine L'Engle and although the topic of the story is a rather common one, I do have to admit that I simply could not put the book down at night-time, my usual reading hour. I remember it being two or three in the morning and I still had my eyes glued to each page. I know that, excepting a few others, I read most books quite slowly, trying to keep up with the story and making sure that I know what's going on, but with this one, I felt much different. I read faster than I thought that I ever could, so embraced in the story. I felt that if I put it down too soon, I would miss some of the best parts, but I soon found myself thinking, "Well, something new and exciting happens on every page, so if I put the book down too soon, I'm always guaranteed to miss something extraordinarily interesting." I soon found myself missing valuable hours of sleep simply to read this wonderful tale. I would highly recommend this story to any teenage girl or boy, mother, father, child, or others. I give this story 3 stars because of its unoriginal subject, but I can sure make an exception to read this exhilerating novel.

Intricate and Intriguing
Camilla Dickinson has never really had to worry about anything in her life. Everything has always been pretty perfect for her. That is, until her parents, whom had always been loving and trusting of each other, begin treating each other like complete strangers, and begin trying to buy her love. Camilla is confused and upset by their sudden change in personality, and feels helpless about what she can do. That is, until she meets Frank, her best friend's older brother. Frank helps Camilla to realize that she is not alone, and that she is an independent young woman, who needs to accept her parents, and their disagreements, for what they are.

Being an avid fan of Madeline L'Engle, I just knew that I had to have this book. I couldn't be happier with making that purchase. I was amazed with this book from page 1. Camilla Dickinson is one of my favorite characters ever in a book. L'Engle has created a teenage girl whom everyone can love, and identify with. Someone who is going through something that many teenagers have to deal with everyday. Camilla is an empowering, and intelligent young woman, who will change the lives of every young woman who reads this book. You can't miss CAMILLA. A must-have for everyone. Young or old, male or female.

Erika Sorocco

good book
this is one of the best books I've read all summer.

Being alive is to be happy
This was one of the few books I had not read by Madeleine L'Engle. As usual, it was excellent.

Camilla is the story of Camilla Dickinson, a 15 year old living in New York City, right before the Vietnam War. It was written in 1965, and it was probably one of the first "coming of age" books. In the story, Camilla learns her parents are not the infallible beings she thought they were. She learns of their mistakes, their infidelities, their coldness, and she must learn to love them because of that.

Camilla begins to see Frank, her best friend's older brother. She must learn to deal with her friend's jealousy and she must learn to understand these new feelings she has for Frank.

Ms. L'engle approaches the topics of suicide, life, love, and religion with her usual sensitivity. Camilla is a character the reader will grow to care about and admire as she finds a more adult footing in the world. ... Read more

Book Description

Kate Bloomfield is back! And she's got a lot to say -- about school and friends and parents, about cartwheels (she can't do them), about parsnips (she won't eat them), about being alone and being herself, about life and love...even about Dave Nelson, who doesn't know she's alive. Outspoken, funny, sometimes confused but always observant, Kate is writing it all down -- "Hey World, Here I Am!"

Reviews (5)

Childhood nostalgia that stands the test of time
I was about eight years old when my mom first brought this book home for me. I was so thrilled because I shared the name of the character in the book, Kate. I absolutely devoured the book, enjoying it more for the humor Jean Little displays impeccably in her writing, and the utter appropriateness of Sue Truedell's wonderful illustrations. Later, when I was a teenager, I went back and read the poems again because they seemed to describe the utter tumult and solitude that I felt during such a trying time. Poems like "Today," "Alone," and "Yesterday" capture perfectly feelings and emotions that nobody ever thinks to capture, yet Ms. Little does it in such a fabulous way that one instantly understands just what kind of mood she is describing. Now that I am a young woman, near to having a family of my own, I treasure my battered old copy of this book, nearly worn to pieces from repeated readings. Even today I can still find wisdom in every poem and piece of prose. The writer, Jean Little, is blind; I can only say it has sharpened her other senses and her intuition of basic human emotion powerfully. Bravo!

Short, but still a gem.
I had been meaning to read this book for quite awhile, but never quite got around to it until today. This book is a quick read. (I think it only took me about 45 minutes to read from cover to cover. However, I didn't take time to ponder most of the illustrations.)

Kate is a great character. Strangely enough, the title poem "Hey World, here I am" is probably the one I liked the least in the whole book. I haven't read any of the other books that include Kate, but this book does stand alone. With this book, the reader gets an insight into Kate that is refreshing.

Rather than using long journal entries, Kate relates little things in her world through poems and through short stories. Some of these things are quite moving, such as the time that Kate's mother yells at her to clean her room. Later, Kate's mother comes back to apologize, saying she had a bad day at work, etc, and that she didn't mean to snap like that. Kate's observation on the situation is that she could deal with being snapped at, but having to deal with her mother's sadness was something much harder. Other observations are more joyful, such as the hope for spring (in February in Canada!) or being happy to have a best friend like her friend Emily.

I think this is a wonderful book. Don't let it's shortness put you off. Not every book is meant to be 300 pages.

I'M GLAD KATE IS HERE!
I loved the poetry that outlined the story. Kate, whom we first met in "Through My Window" is the central figure in this story. Bright and outgoing, Kate speaks her mind on a myriad of subjects such as her religious identity, her social concerns and people she encounters regularly.

This book delighted me because Kate is such a strong, female protagonist. She's wonderfully believable and her voice is certainly heartfelt. Kate is also funny.

Sweet - AND honest
This slim book of poetry and short poems, written from oneteenage girl's prespective, is a small treasure of wisdom andwit. With the help of goofy illustrations by Sue Truesdell (they remind me a bit of Kwentin Blake), this book somehow manages to capture the feeling of being a young teenager, without going cheesy or sounding remotely like a beauty magazine. Don't underestimate it - it's a huge accomplishment.

Poetry and prose that bring this teenager to life.
My daughter read this book several times in a row, so I had to read it, too. It's a mixture of poems and stories that create the charachter Kate Bloomfield, a very real and compelling girl. She comments on her life, about things like her best friend's baby sister, being Jewish, and turning cartwheels. It sounds corny, but the book is as touching as it is very funny. ... Read more

Book Description

Nothing beats a pizza when you're in a pizza mood
because a pizza isn't anything
like any other food.

The opening refrain of Nothing Beats A Pizza is catchy and fun, just like all 32 poems found in Loris Lesynski's new book of poety. Loris's poems are about enjoying language, rhythm, and rhyme - and, most of all, your own creativity.

These poems are meant to be said aloud and shared. They are jumping-off points that invite kids to exercise their creativity with their own versions of the poems:

Leaves were here
they left their prints
in greenish grayish brownish tints
like rubber stamps along the road
an autumn message left in code

On the page below Leaves, Loris starts kids off with: "Pizzas were here. They left their crumbs ..." This is one of many invitations for kids to experiment and see what new creations they can build.

Dancing across the pages are illustrations and poems alive with humor, exploring things that are important to a kid's world: pizza, substitute teachers, homework, moods, food, and pets. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

32 rhythmic poems showcasing "kid friendly" topics
Wonderfully written and illustrated by Loris Lesynski, Nothing Beats A Pizza is a delightful collection of 32 rhythmic poems showcasing "kid friendly" topics ranging from eating a pizza to snowflakes. Ruby: Ruby wakes up full of pounce/and instantly begins to bounce:/playing catching growling chasing/darting jumping running racing,/skittering up and down the halls,/chewing shoes and bones and balls,/pretending a hat is an enemy rat,/shaking it, making it ragged and flat./Then suddenly--down on the floor she'll plop,/no pause at all between GO and STOP,/and right in the middle of a yap-yap-yap/she's sound asleep in an instant nap:/that's what puppies do. Highly recommended for family, school, and community library poetry collections for young readers, Nothing Beats A Pizza is also available in hardcover (1550377019, $18.95). ... Read more

Book Description

Scotty's big brother Jonathan tells him about Nangiyala, a land on the other side of the stars, where you go after you die. Because Scotty is little and afraid and he's sick and soon he'll die.

"In Nangiyala you have adventures from morning to evening and at night, too. Because it's in Nangiyala that all sagas happen," Jonathan tells Scotty.

It sounds so good that Scotty doesn't want to be without Jonathan in Nangiyala, where together they will become the Brothers Lionheart... ... Read more

Reviews (36)

read it again...and again
I'm thrilled to find out that som many people around the globe enjoy this book. I read it for the first time when I was six years old (I'm now 21) and it's still my favourite novel. Astrid Lindgren has written other stories with similar themes, but this is, in my opinion, by far her best. I feel a bit sorry for all of you who read it as children, and who are not able to read it again, as adults. The way I see it there are two alternatives. One, wait for a reprint, or two, learn Swedish and get the original version!

Oh Brother, Where art thou?
All of my family, most of the children at school, most of the people I have since met, have read this book. In Denmark and generally in all of Scandinavia, Lindgreen's books, and especially the Brothers Lionheart, is held in the highest regard: She has for several years been considered a respectable candidate for the Nobel Prize in literature. So why, oh why, is this most wonderful book not available in an updated english version? If by any chance you get an opportynity to read this book - do so, it will be worth it.

Best book for a bedtime story!
My mother found bought the first US edition at a garage sale when she was in college, and it was my sister and I's favorite bedtime story growing up. Johnathan and Karl were the essential heroes of my childhood. The beautiful pen-and-ink illustrations of J.K. Lambert only enhance my understanding of Nangiyala, and I look forward to the day when I have my own children, so I can read this book to them.

One of my all time favorite books
I just can't express how wonderful this book is. I loved it when I was a child, and I've only recently managed to get my hands on a good copy of it, with the original illustrations.

This book is magical on so many levels: it's comforting about death, and it demonstrates bravery and integrity in ways kids can understand and appreciate. I can't recommend this book highly enough.

A powerful and emotional moving novel
Written by Astrid Lindgren, author of the children's classic "Pippi Longstocking" books and winner of the Hans Christian Andersen Medal, The Brothers Lionheart is an enchanting fable about two brothers. Big brother Jonathan tells his little brother Scotty's stories about Nangiyala, a land across the stars, where people go when they die. Scotty is sick and afraid he'll die, so he listens to stories of the wonderful adventures in Nangiyala, but he doesn't want to go without his brother, where they will both be the Brothers Lionheart. A powerful and emotional moving novel for readers of all ages. ... Read more

Book Description

Illus. in full color. Unlike other crocodiles, Cornelius walks upright, sees

things, and does tricks no other crocodile can. His friends aren't

impressed--or are they? "Endearingly captures the spirit of the seeker, the

thinker, and those who are born to be different. Lionni's collages are

wonderfully rich and colorful, perfectly setting the stage for a tale children

will enjoy."--(starred) School Library Journal.




... Read more

Reviews (1)

A story about a crocodile not afraid to be unique.
A wonderful book to share with students preschool to 3rd grade. This book shares the insight of a different approach to life as a crocodile, and that being unique is O.K. and fun. A great story for all classrooms, especially classrooms with diverse cultures. ... Read more

Book Description

In this second book about Anastasia Krupnik's younger brother, Sam concocts a perfume made of his mother's favorite smells to honor her request for only homemade gifts for her birthday. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

A hilarious and entertaining concoction!
I found "ATTABOY, SAM!" a great book! It was funny, entertaining and was written exactly how a 4-5 year old would see the world. Sam was hilarious, along with his preschool troupe. I recommend this book to anyone who wants a good laugh! Even if Sam's concoction(or perfume) didn't turn out great, it's funny how he goes about it!

Purrrrr-fume!
I read the book Atta-Boy Sam. It's a story about a little boy named Sam who is 4 or 5 years old, and it's his mom's birthday.The store ran out of her favorite purfume Sam wants it to be the best birthday ever so he decides to make a home made purfume!Sam pays extra attention to what she likes the smell of.Sam's invention starts to bubble, so Sam gets scared and hides it. POP! I think this is a good book because it's rather cute and funny, like when Sam puts chicken noodle soup in his invention.The 'Sam'and 'Anastasia' books I can never put down because they're just so interesting.

Attaboy, Sam!!!!
This book can be reviewed in one word: funny!!!! It's tottaly cute!!!! Sam tries to make his mom a homemade birthday present, perfume, using her favorite smells, including baby sent. (He used a baby wipe - USED - by a baby!) You've gotta read this! :-)

Attaboy Sam
Attaboy Sam is a book about a young boy named Sam who lives in Massachusetts. He tries to make a homemade gift for his mom's birthday because that's what his mom prefers. What should he make? The book is a hilarious account of Sam's attempt to come up with a perfect idea. The book, Attaboy Sam, is a good book and here are some of the reasons. It is full of laughter and hilarious adventure. It's funny because his parents and sister speak about things he doesn't understand and he thinks they have a different meaning. It's the sort of book that you can't put down because you have to know what's going to happen next. If you like exciting, funny and surprising books, you should read this and other stories in the series.

Attaboy Sam
This was a very good book. This book was about a kid named Sam. Sam had alot of determination to make his mom a great bithday present. He decides to make a perfume and uses crazy ingredients. I really enjoyed this book because It was exciting at all times and it was also funny. I'd recomend this book to all ages. ... Read more