Book Description

The only book to profile girl heroines who made their mark on the world before turning twenty.

Why is it that girls who want to be basketball starts or presidents of their country grow into teenagers who doubt they will ever do anything important?What are we telling girls about what they can and can't achieve?There have been many influential girls throughout history, but their stories are seldom told.The girls profiled in Girls Who Rocked the World are from the past and present, some well-known and others overlooked.Girls like:

* Joan of Arc was 17 years old when she led French troops against armies of English invaders.She defeated the English and rescued her country.She was burned at the stake at 19.

* Cristen Powell is one of the top drag racers in America, male or female.She began racing at 16 and is the youngest female racer in history.

*Other girls included are: Cleopatra (Egypt), Phillis Wheatley (America), Wang Yani (China), Mary Leakey (England), Sarah Bernhardt (France), Frida Kahlo (Mexico), and Mother Teresa (India).

The book also links the heroines of the past to the girls of today.Between the historical profiles are photos and writings of today's girls answering the question "How do I plan to rock the world?"

This fun, hip book will inspire girls to make their dreams come true by showing them other amazing girls who did it before them and who changed the world. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Girls Rock!
    In her teens, Amelie Welden began writing this book, "Girls who rocked the world", about girls under 20 that have had a major impact on the image of women around the world, throughout history. These tales of hardships and obstacles women have overcome to reach success against the odds is perfect motivational reading for the girls of today. Amelie Welden combines girls from all different situations and backgrounds in this book that share the same characteristics of a heroine. Whether it is Joan of Arc, a French crusader, or Martina Hingis, Women's tennis championship, girls can find good role models. Among the 33 women mentioned in the book, three of which, I found exemplified outstanding characteristics of a heroine making this book a worthwhile read, Cleopatra, Phillis Wheatley, and Helen Keller.

    This book begins with most likely the most famous woman ruler of them all, Cleopatra. Blessed with riches from the beginning, this girl had all the makings to become a woman who would rock the world, and she did. She faced incredible responsible at the age of only 18 when she was crowned Queen of the Egyptian Empire. Ruling her empire was a difficult task when she was thought of as inferior, for being a women to other male rulers, but that didn't shake her confidence. From the start things went rough for the Queen and she found herself exiled from her own country because advisors felt threatened by her ideas and independence. However, determined, and clever, she devised a plan in order to get into her country to meet Julius Caesar, and the rest is history. The significance of her story is to prove to the world that girls can succeed in a position dominated by men. With the right skill and attitude shown by Cleopatra for her country, any girl can become good at her passion. Cleopatra's heroic courage and willingness to put her life on the line for the sake of her beloved country, is an admirable quality every girl should have.

    Unlike Cleopatra, Phillis Wheatley was born at a time when it was unheard of for African-Americans to be anymore than slaves, let alone women. However, Phillis Wheatley decided to change her stars, and follow her love for writing. Writing was a way for Phillis to express her feelings, a privilege that any girl should have. Unfortunately no one would listen or hardly appreciate the poetry of a black girl, no matter how good it was. But knowledge is power and as Phillis advanced in her studies, she gained respect. Her life proved that even a black girl could be an intelligent and an educated person if given the opportunity. She opened new doors for the rights of African-Americans and took society a step closer to accepting her race. She taught the world to look past superficial things like skin color and take a deeper look into what the person has to say. It takes a lot of courage to do this at a time when the slavery issue was so controversial, but Phillis Wheatley dared to be different and never gave up on her dreams. Her patriotic spirit but unwillingness to accept the injustice she was forced to live among made her one of the most respected heroines in our society and an excellent role model for girls to follow.

    Left blind and deaf when she was still a baby, no one could have guessed Helen Keller would become one of the most important advocates for the disabled of her time. Although very intellectually bright Helen was never given the chance to learn because it was the common idea that disabled people were not worthwhile to educate. Finally a teacher decided to take a chance on her and suddenly concepts started to make sense to Helen. She became a rapid learner up to where she could read, write, and speak as well as anyone. The rest of Helen's life dedicated on trying to break down the barriers of education discrimination and to change the way people thought of the "disabled". Girls who have disabilities can relate to Helen's story. The significance of Helen Keller's life is that she not only had to overcome a huge disability herself, but then went on to help others overcome the same obstacles so they could have equal opportunities. She fought her battle by educating and spreading awareness to others, so disabled people wouldn't have to face the discrimination she had. She rocked the world by speaking out and was devoted to her life's goal no matter how impossible it may have seemed. Helen devoted her life to help others so they wouldn't have to go through was she did. All these characteristics make her a heroine in everyone's eyes, including the disabled.

    All the women in this book possess very admirable characteristics that allowed them to follow their dreams against all odds. Along their journeys they encountered obstacles that only girls could take on. It takes courage and spirit to attempt what they did, and even more strength to succeed at it. But they believed in themselves which took them far and made them heroines who undoubtedly rocked the world. As the young orator Anna Dickinson said, "The world belongs to those who take it", these girls did, and so will the girls of today after they read this book!

Must read for every girl in America
I read this book with my daughter who is 7. Both of us were awed by the featured women in the book. The book is short and the stories concise. It is inspiring to see not only women who changed the world, but young women doing so much. Every school and girl in America should read this book. I am buying them as gifts for every girl we know!

Inspiring!
Girls Who Rocked the World is an inspiring book. Not only do you learn interesting facts about many famous and accomplished women, you also receive a unique perspective into their dreams, fears, struggles, and successes. I will recommend this book to everyone I know!

LOVE IT!!!! I'm giving it as a gift to every girl I know!!!
I originally purchased this book for my 8 year old daughter. I think I like it better than she does! I absolutely *LOVE* reading about 14 year old girls who rocked the world... and I feel empowered to follow my dreams to rock the world a little myself. I especially love the current-day kids at the end of each section with their plans!! ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (22)

WWII as seen through the eyes of a child.
Though this story is told as Marion saw it as a young child, it nevertheless remains a powerful and moving documentary of the most devastating war our planet has ever known.

This book is also a very good WWII primer. It would be required reading for a class entitled "WWII 101".

Marion Blumenthal spent her early childhood in Hoya, Germany with her brother and parents. They were a happy, prosperous Jewish family who owned a successful shoe retail business. But Marion's safe, secure world was shattered by the rise of the Third Reich in Germany. The Nazis, the dominant political party of the Third Reich, implemented their radical racial attacks against Jews, Gypsies, Slavics, Homosexuals, Communists, and whomever else was seen as a threat to Aryan purity. This meant the end of life as Marion knew it. Each passing day was a struggle to stay alive and out of the Nazis' clutches.

Despite their best efforts, the Blumenthal family fell prey to the Nazis. They eventually landed in Westerbork, a camp from which the prisoners where shipped to their deaths in places such as Auschwitz and Bergen-Belsen. The Blumenthals were transferred to Belsen, and despite their bleak future, Marion clung tenaciously to the hope that better times would come for her and her family. To bolster her and their spirits, she set about collecting four perfectly-shaped pebbles from the grounds of the camp. This was her metaphor for her family which, hopefully, would remain as one till the end of the war.

As the war dwindled to a close and Germany suffered one defeat after another, camp prisoners were shuttled along the remains of the Germain railways as the Nazis tried to desperately conceal the evils they had commited in the abandoned camps. Just when it seemed the war would drag on forever, Marion, her family, and their fellow prisoners were intercepted and liberated by Russian troops.

A beautiful story of inspiration, courage, and keeping a positive attitude even in the most dire of circumstances.

Its a great story of a family's courage during the Holocaust
I am in 6th grade and 11 years old. I love holocaust stories better than anything and this is definitely a five star book! I have read this book and it is fabulous. Marion and her family show great courage as they fight the battle of antisemitism. I love this book and I want Marion Blumenthal to know that it has touched me very much. It was so stirring that I couldn't put it down. If you liked this book, you should read Never to be Forgotten by Beatrice Muchman. (You can order it here on Amazon.) Marion, her mother, brother and father are wonderful testimonies of strength and courage during WWII. Anyone else who has a story like this should tell it. There are to many people out there who love these stories alot, I'm one of them. Thankyou for sharing your story with us Mrs. Blumenthal!!! It is fantastic!

Moving story from a child's point of view
"Four Perfect Pebbles" by Lila Perl and Marion Blumenthal Lazan, tells the story of young Marion's life in Hoya Germany during the rise of the Nazis. The story goes from Holland to Bergan-Belsen where the Blumenthal family ends up. And then after the war in the United States.
While this is book for the younger reader, this is a book that can be enjoyed by anyone at any age. Truly this book should not be missed.

A Must-Read
FOUR PERFECT PEBBLES is just one of thousands of such stories that mandate telling and retelling. Simply and beautifully, Perl relates one little girl's mode of survival through one of history's most heinous periods. As the author of another Holocaust book, FAR ABOVE RUBIES by Cynthia Polansky, I read everything I can get my hands on pertaining to the Holocaust. This one is a gem that must not be overlooked.

Mary Cooke and Kate Robinson's review
Brief summary and Review:

Four Perfect Pebbles: A Holocaust Story is a wonderful book of how a family stays together through thick and thin. The story is about one Jewish family's struggle for survival during the Nazi occupation of Europe. The family includes Ruth Blumenthal, the mother, Walter Blumenthal, the father, Marion Blumenthal, the daughter, and Albert Blumenthal, the son. The Blumenthals lived in concentration camps for six years which included Westerbork in Holland and the notorious concentration camp of Bergen-Belson in Germany. Conditions in these camps were so terrible that nearly half the camps population died of disease, starvation, exposure, exhaustion, or brutal beatings. The book received its name from young Marion's search to find four perfect pebbles of almost the same size. If Marion could manage to find these four pebbles, she felt that it meant her family would remain whole and be strong enough to survive the Nazi reign. This game kept young Marion's mind on things other than dead bodies lying around, the rumbles of her starving tummy, and the want for her family and life to go back to normal. This is a great story about the importance of family and diversity. I would encourage everyone to take this book home with them today and experience the true account of one family's struggle through the Holocaust. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Children who have been captivated by the bold, colorful paintings ofJacob Lawrence (1917- ) in the context of African American history lessons now have a chance to learn the full life story of this unique, dedicated artist. Though it's hard for any text to stand on equal footing with artwork this imaginative and strong (25 full-color reproductions from Lawrence's Migration series, Toussaint L'Ouverture series, and more, are included here), John Duggleby has crafted the tale of Lawrence's life into a satisfyingly rich, and quick-moving biography.

As much a history of cultural life in 1930s Harlem as it is the story of Lawrence's upbringing, Story Painter also includes all the details necessary to make Lawrence's personal artistic life spring to life. Wesee him start experimenting with tempera paints at an after-school program at the same time as he's running off to hear special black history lectures at the Harlem libraries. The dedication to his craft was obvious at a very young age, earning him support from prominent black artists such as Augusta Savage and winning him great working gigs such as the Easel Project, which paid him $23.86 per week for two paintings every six weeks. Museums and gallery owners courted him as soon as he showed his work publicly; by age 30, he was considered America's foremost black artist. A few years later this dizzying ascent took its toll, and Lawrence spent a nine-month stint in a hospital for depression. He soon righted himself, eventually moving to Seattle to become a distinguished art professor and mentor.

Exquisitely designed, Story Painter: The Life of Jacob Lawrence builds a relationship between the full-page illustrations and their concurring partnered text that makes this book a visual splendor. The strongest color in a painting, for example, may show up as the background color for the accompanying words, or may be used to make a sidebar snippet of African American poetry pop off the page. The handful of evocativeblack-and-white photographs of Lawrence feature beautifully drawn borders and are set against rich backgrounds of color. This level of design sophistication and care is reverential to Lawrence and a great reward for all readers who care about art and its pursuit. (Ages 9 to 12) --Jean Lenihan ... Read more

Reviews (1)

a good book about an important artist
This book not only offers a well-written, informative overview of Jacob Lawrence's life but also offers snapshots of historical events that were part of his times and of his people's past, which he recounted in his powerful paintings. The book uses Lawrence's art beautifully, showcasing its brilliance while also using it to help tell the often-compelling story of the artist's life; excellent opening quotes in each chapter (from various cultural figures throughout Lawrence's lifetime) also subtly enhance the meaning of the text. Worth it for the art reproductions alone, and a story that shows how an artist and a person can be an interesting product of culture, society, and innate genius. ... Read more

Book Description

Quezada creates stunning pots in the traditional style of the Casas Grandes people, including using human hair to make brushes and cow dung to feed the fire. This real-life story is written in the form of "The House That Jack Built," and relays how Juan’s pioneering work has changed a poor village into a prosperous community of world-class artists. Illustrated by Caldecott Medal winner David Diaz. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

My kid is obsessed with this book
The absorbing subject matter of this book, presented through catchy rhymes and alliteration and strong, colorful illustrations, has completely captured the imagination of my four-year-old. For three days now, he's been "Juan" almost exclusively, following ants to a vein of "the very best clay, all squishy and white," pretending to make vessels for every conceivable purpose, and peppering me with questions about Mexico, pottery-making, and Juan himself. I've had to draw the line at cutting my hair for paintbrushes and gathering the "dried cow manure" left by the neighborhood dogs. "The Pot That Juan Built" appeals to pre-schoolers' burgeoning interest in rhyme and other aspects of language; making things out of simple materials; and the world around them generally. I give it my highest recommendation!

Excellent, Beautiful Book!
I'm appalled at the lack of love for this book! I am a teacher of a 3rd grade classroom in California where my children are learing about how humans use the world around them to create their life and build their culture. This book is a perfect tie-in to this concept. The illustrations are beautiful and I found the rhymes to be intelligent and descriptive. Two thumbs up from me, and 48 thumbs up from my class!!

A Modern Classic
This is a beautiful book, in illustration and in content. It is the true story of Juan Quezada, a potter, and a celebratory tale of the village of Mata Ortiz, Mexico. Quezada's discovery of ancient pottery methods transformed Mata Ortiz from an impoverished village into a prosperous community of world-renowned artists. The story is cleverly told in the form of "The House That Jack Built". It is sing-song-y in it's rhythm and children will be enraptured by the story Ms. Andrews-Goebel has written and the beautifully vibrant illustrations of Caldecott Award winning illustrator, David Diaz. A more complete story of the famous pottery is told on the facing pages, providing intricate details of a fascinating process. A photo-illustrated afterward follows Quezada through the process of creating a pot, from the digging of the clay to the completed product. This book is a great addition to any child's multicultural library and informs us of one of the great contemporary and nationally recognized Mexican artists. DELIGHTFUL!!!

not a good seller
The pictures are very nice. But as other reviewers have said, the structure and layout is fatally flawed and the writing style more appealing to adults who grew up knowing "The House that Jack Built". I'm finding it's not a popular seller. As a bookstore owner, I'm also finding that the publishing industry is more and more out of touch with consumer demand. That even goes for many of these smaller companies. Lee & Low, I admire your multicultural aim, but shake up your editorial dept. please! Many of your books are too similar, the writing trite and stilted. Do more humor, go deeper, be more original in style and content!

not impressed, kids were bored
The art is not as stunning as in some other recent titles, but certain design elements are unique and make for an interesting composition. I encountered resistance when reading this story to my kindergarten class. They lost interest when I reached the historical information on the right side of the book. It was an interesting idea to incorporate the true facts of Juan's life, but I think the structure and layout of the story suffers from this dense presentation of facts. As for the poetry, I would have been more impressed by an original voice and rhythm uniquely suited to its Mexican subject and setting, and not borrowed from a Classic nursery rhyme. ... Read more

Book Description

Amelia Earhart was a woman of many "firsts." In 1932, she became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. In 1935, she also became the first woman to fly across the Pacific. From her early years to her mysterious 1937 disappearance while attempting a flight around the world, readers will find Amelia Earhart's life a fascinating story. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Excellent
My 7 year old son could not put this book down! He read the entire book in one afternoon, and then was able to complete his biography project for school without any additional research. The book brought Amelia Earhart to life; it was comprehensive and interesting, with so many insights that I had never known before. There were also numerous sketches and maps which would keep a youngster engaged throughout the book. This book gets a resounding "WOW!" from us. ... Read more

Book Description

When Annie discovers she's pregnant by her boyfriend, she's devastated. She has never felt so alone. With no one she can talk to, she pours her heart out to her diary, confiding her feelings of panic, self-doubt, and the desperate hope that some day she can turn her life around. She decides she wants to keep her baby and dreams of loving and caring for this little person. But after the baby is born, it's in her diary that she faces the agonizing question: Can she really raise this child on her own?

Reviews (109)

This is a MUST READ
This book is the greatest. It may seem like it isn't a real person's diary, or it may seem like the things going on are very extreme. But, it is a good book, and i would definately reccomend it to other girls my age (13/14).

In the book, the girl Annie falls in love with a boy older than her. She thinks he is perfect, a dream perhaps. But, soon, she doesn't want to do anything but be with him. She gives up her friends, and her family to be with him. After being raped by her boyfriend, she finds out she is pregnant. She can't decide if she should keep it or not. Throughout her hard decision of whether or not she can raise her baby, she goes through daring acts that she later regrets. She tells lie after lie trying to make everything she does seem right. But in the end....well....i'll leave that for you to find out.

Not a Must-Read
_Annie's Baby_ is a good read for those teens out there who are having unprotected sex or have the "it'll never happen to me" attitude. Despite this, I was disappointed with this book and wish there was a 2 1/2 - star rating. First of all, at no point throughout the entire book was I at all convinced that this is a real diary. I am a 14-year-old girl and have been keeping a diary for years, and teenagers do not write like this. If Annie was a real teen, she would not apologize for using an occasional swear word in her OWN diary when she is being abused by her "boyfriend" AND THEN FINDS OUT SHE'S PREGNANT! Unless, of course, Annie knew that her supposed diary was being read by millions, or "Annie" is really Dr. Sparks. The whole time I was reading this book, I was trying to convince myself that perhaps, maybe, possibly this is a real diary, only to reach the Question and Answer section of the book and discover that the answers are in the exact same format as the counseling section towards the end of the book!

If one can get past the fact that this is not a real diary and hope that Annie is in fact a real person, or at least a character based on a real person, than one could be impressed with this novel. Though Annie is very naive and stupid at the book's beginning, by its end she has gained amazing strength and finally makes what I feel is definitely the right decision (although, in reality, Annie would have been much more affected by this decision). I do applaud Beatrice Sparks on her attempt to better inform our generation on the consequences of unprotected sex, lying to parents, etc. ... It has obviously had a major, positive impact on the majority of teens who have read it. However, I am not going to tell you this is a must-read.

Iam 12 and i love the book
<br /> I bought the book on a Sunday and was on page 157 the next day. It was the best story I read now i am reading another book made from the same author called It happened to Nancy.<br /> <br /> Harlem

EVERY YOUNG ADULT SHOULD READ THIS BOOK !!!!!
THIS BOOK WAS REALLY GOOD AT FIRST I WAS LIKE THIS GIRL IS SO DUMB FOR FALLING 4 DANNY BUT SHE DID REALIZE WHAT SHE WAS DOING ,I FELT BAD ABOUT THE WHOLE SITUATION SHE WENT THROUGH...

WOW
Well i liked this book a lot its about a girl (annie)who is'nt the most popular girl in the world she has 2 close best friends but when she meets Danny a new boy she insently thinks hes great! they become friends and soon deside to go out! Danny acts so caring toward her untill on day he invites her to a party he gets her drunk and almost rapes her. She rund away the next day he plees for forgivness and it works soon she is questioning weather she should or shouldnt have sex. danny makes the desion for her he Rapes her! she begges for him to take her back soon they are going to wild partys and having sex regularly shesoon finfd out shes pregnant and she hinds it for 3 months till her she tells Danny he claims it could of been any guys and he knows she sleeps around(she really doesnt) afther he and her friends abandon her she turns to her mom. she soon leaves for a mothers to be school and meets new friends she soon relizes how hard its going to be . well I'm not going to spoil the ending that would be wrong lol I hope you enjoy this book if you do purchuse it! ... Read more

Reviews (59)

Riding Freedom
I recommend this book to anyone who likes to read because it tells about friendship and it has to do with things that happened back a long time ago. It was a very interesting book and a good story about friends and how they come together once again. Charlotte and Hay were friends and then drift apart and eventually find each other. The friendship they first had is redeveloped again. This is a good example of a lasting friendship as Charlotte said, " Good-bye Hay. I'll find you. We're gonna have a ranch, remember? With a big ol' sign that says Private Property. Remember?" Another example is when charlotte was talking to Vern and didn't want to run away from the orphanage because she thought she would be loosing a great friend. "I won't forget you Vern." I also learned that when Charlotte got her own place she got to see her best friend again because he came to live with her. If you are interested in reading a book about the 1800s and what would happen to woman in that time, read this book.

A Story of Fascinating Courage
This is a fictional story based on the life of Charlotte Parkhurst, a stage coach driver who lived during the mid 1800s.

In the story, Charlotte grew up as the only girl in a boy's orphanage where she constantly struggled for freedom and equality. She loved horses and spent every available minute either caring for them or riding them. Because she was a girl, she wasn't held to very high esteem by those around her. The feelings of the boys around her didn't matter as long as she was able to ride horses.

When Charlotte faced the threat of losing the thing she loved most, she had to take action and decided to run away from the orphanage. She disguised herself as a boy in order to hide from the authorities and to obtain work on her own.

Charolotte grew to become a legendary stagecoach driver. She was also the first woman to vote.

My nine-year old daughter loved this book. She was so moved by this story, that she decided to do more research on Charlotte Parkhurst and write a report on her for school.

I was moved by this story as well. It reminded me of how far women have come in the fight for equality.

Honsetly an Awsome Book
When I was in 4th grade I hade to write a book report on any book i wanted. I chose this book because the book cover really caught my attention. I like this story because of how the author inputted a real character in history in the book, Six-Horse Charlie. It's like a peice of history. The main character shows that she isn't afraid to be brave and adventourous. The really cool thing I like about the book is that Charlotte changed her name to Charlie so when she voted no one knew that she really was a she. It turns out that she was the first woman to vote before any other woman. Riding Freedom is one of the most fasinating book I have ever read.

Breath taking adventure story based on true events
In the 1880's Charlotte "Charley" Darkey Parhurst took a lifetime adventure. Raised in an orphanage of all boys, Charlotte had a hard life working in the kitchen and was stuffed in the potato bin in the kitchen so she wouldn't be adopted. Life is bearable but once her best friend is adopted and she's left alone, she decides to do something about it. Charlotte loves horses and runs away and becomes a stable boy. While working there, her boss, Mr. Ebeneezer, teachers her how to be a coachman. To make her living and have a successful life she poses as a man and becomes a stage coach driver. Traveling from Massachutes to California, posing as "Charley" allows her to attain her dream of owning her own land. She is even the first woman to vote in the 1868 California presidential election, even though she is poseing as a man. This is a fictionalized biography with excellent drawings by Brian Selznick. Students who love horses will not be able to put this book down, as well as those who love adventure. This is a breath taking adventure story based on true events that readers grades 4 and up can appreciate.

ATTENTION ALL HORSE LOVERS!!!!
Riding Freedom

ATTENTION ALL HORSE LOVERS!!!!!

Riding Freedom is about a girl named Charlotte that is a orphan that is at a boy orphanage.
But that doesn't bother her a bit! A really exciting part is when Charlotte runs away from the orphanage!
Someone who likes exciting horse books would really enjoy this book . I would definitely give this book 5 stars! ... Read more

Book Description

Rascal is only a baby when young Sterling brings him home. He and the mischievousraccoon are best friends for a perfect year of adventure—until the spring day wheneverything suddenly changes.

A Newbery Honor Book ... Read more

Reviews (42)

A beautiful adventure
It could have been anyone, the person who found Rascal. But it was our good fortune that it was Sterling North, a writer-to-be who could give us all the wonderful details of Rascal's magnetic personality. The insight into North's childhood was a delight -- his father's instinctive (or was it neglectful?) way of giving the boy responsibilities. The canoe in the living room, kept there unfinished due to the expenses of reining in the pesky little critter. I sensed the coming of a dark ending. But, no, it was simply perfect. I can't imagine a reader not loving this book.

Rascal
Rascal is a very good book. It's about a boy named Sterling. He goes out in the woods with his friend Oscar and his dog Wowser. The dog starts digging at a rotting stump and all of a sudden a mother racoon pops out and starts running up a tree. Sterlig finds a baby racoon and takes it home as a pet. And thats how the friendship begins. I recommend that you read Rascal.

"Rascal" and "Rascal, der Waschbär"
This is a lovely book about a boy and his pet raccoon which does not lose anything in the translation into German as far as I am concerned. I think that this book, along with his later book "Raccoons Are The Brightest People" as well as "Frosty: A Raccoon To Remember" by Harriet E. Weaver, and "Raccoons, A Natural History" by Samuel I. Zevelhoff are the big four books about the wonderful critters.

Rascal
This is a story about a boy with a pet raccoon. His mother has passed away and his dad lets him have all kinds of pets and even build a canoe in the living room. Rascal is a racoon living a happy life with his family, until Sterling catches him, then it gets happier. He went everywhere with Sterling. Seeing new sights, smelling new smells, it's all a daily routine, until it is messed with by other people who weren't so fond of him. He was caged, and put on a leash. That is no life for a racoon. Sterling decides to let Rascal decide, eternal freedom, or life with Sterling? This was a refreshing change to read after "Where the Red Fern Grows" which is about a boy
whose passion is killing raccoons. There aren't many books out there for older boys that don't concentrate on violence. This is one.

Rascal
Rascal is a very good book,because it was very extciting.I think people woulld realy enjoy reading the book.Some of the charaters are Sterling, and Rascal.It was very good book. ... Read more

Book Description

Much more than a biography of Lincoln or a history of the Civil War, this portrait of Lincoln makes our sixteenth president accessible to young readers as a human being, rather than as a historic icon or paragon of virtue. The author, renowned for his award-winning books on great leaders, shows how a principled but imperfect man -- full of intelligence but also of sorrow,logical and determined but also cautious and prejudiced grew under the pressure of personal tragedy and national crisis to become our greatest president.The book is written in a quick-flowing, engaging style, detailed but easy to read. The author effortlessly uses eyewitness accounts -- letters, speeches,diaries, newspapers, poems, songs, memoirs -- to create setting, to show personality, political climate, to give voice to the attitudes and hopes of everyday Americans. The treatment of slavery is especially vivid. All the important events of the war are here, but the emphasis is on people, personalities, human feelings and behavior.As the historian Barbara Fields made clear in the Ken Burns documentary on the Civil War, the issues of that war are still with us. Perhaps never more than now do young people need to be exposed to the unfailing humanity, honesty, and political sagacity that allowed Lincoln to hold together a country racked by secession, racial hatred, and other divisions. Lincoln had that most uy76precious of all human qualities -- the capacity for growth. His life reminds us that any person can learn from experience and rise above poverty, prejudice, and limitation; and that a political leader can and must embody a profound respect forthe plain peopleand the democratic processes that elevate us all. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The Human Side of Lincoln
For the first time, I came to know Lincoln not as an iconified hero, but as a funny, direct, engaging and committed human being as I read this book. The author has thorough notes of very detailed research and tells a story that others omitted or overlooked. It made me want to read much more about Lincoln, especially more of the piercing wit and emotional perseverance shared in this book. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

The book was very interesting, and fun to read.
This was a book about Paul Zindel's childhood and the problems that he had to face with his family and friends. Luckily Nonno Frankie was able to help him out and become his "pigman", or a person that helps someone out when they need it the most. Nonno Frankie helped liven up Paul's life, and he helped him through some tough times. This was an excellent book!!

This is the book for you.
The book is about Paul Zindel's teenage years in Travis Town. The book is a funny book because a lot of funny things happen to Paul. This book is the book for you because it might happen to you. I like this book because it is an interesting book to read.

The Pigman & Me by: paul zindel
My book is called the Pigman and Me, Written by: Paul Zindel. The book is about a boy that lives with his mother and sister. They constantly move from homes. Finally, they moved to a house in Travis, Staten Island. They buy a house with Connie. Connie was a friend of Paul's mother, her husband abandoned her and she was going to all houses to see if she could sleep in one, at last she got to their house and stayed there. She had twins, their names where Nicky and Joey, they were fresh kids, five year old and loved to do crazy things. The book talks about a boy named Paul that meat Nonno Franki, his pigman. Nonno Franki was an Italian man, father of Connie that came and cooked to all. He planted potatoes and beans in the house's garden. He gave Paul helpful advice and solutions to all problems. He meats his neighbor, named Jennifer he becomes best friends with her and went to school with her. They usually sat under an apple tree located on Paul's garden. At school Paul has good and bad times, but always with excellent grades. In the end Paul's mother lives the house and moves away from Travais.He was told by his pigman that he was going to be a writer.

boring and confusing
This book was so boring. Sorry, but it was. It just wasn't like a "normal" book. It was very confusing. In the beginning it sounded nice and good but as you got further it was soooo boring. And it's not a funny book. (to me I think it isn't). I mean, it's just out of place! It's not like a real story where it goes in order and something happens and you continue on and on. It's not like that. But, I think this was boring. real boring.

ogha bugah
hi my name is not bob and im here to tell you about the pig man and me. It is about the funnyest and coolest book i have ever read.It is an autobiography about young paul zindal.
one reson i liked this book is becouas its by my favirite autherp.anuther reson is becous it is funny and one more reson is becouse the moral is rellay cool i cant tell you or else i would tell you mommy.
in conclustion this book has 100 some pages.its by paul zindal.and this is not bob this is not arin this is not lorry this is not bobby and this is not me.goodbye ogha bugha boohahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha im still not bob ... Read more

Book Description

Book Description

In 1965, 16-year-old Robin Lee Graham began a solo around-the-world voyage from San Pedro, California, in a 24-foot sloop. Five years and 33,000 miles later, he returned to home port with a wife and daughter and enough extraordinary experiences to fill this bestselling book, Dove.

Reviews (57)

A love story and lots of sailing
Years ago, when I was growing up, I read the account of Robin Lee Graham as the young man who sailed around the world alone, and also got married along the way, in three installments of the National Geographic, circa 1965-1970. These articles so affected me that I also wanted to sail around the world. However, as I read this book it soon became apparent to me that this book is also an account of a true life love story, between Robin and Patti, both with simple values and needs, in sharp contrast to most people who are primarily concerned with money and social status. They were deep in love and would, and did, do anything for each other.

Robin alone, and later with Patti, sailed to some of the most beautiful places on Earth, I think they must have enough memories for 20 lifetimes. The writing style makes you feel that you are right there with them.

The pictures included in this book are poor black and white, but as I remember, the National Geographic articles included excellent color photographs, it would do you well to find those issues.

As for me, I never did get to sail around the world, a little thing called life intervened, the grind and all that! I did take a sailing class through a local university in the summer of '77, even got an "A" in the class, but this pales in comparison to the daring sailing of Robin Graham. Sometimes, during trips to Florida I gaze at ocean-going yachts at wharfs, and yes, the dream is still alive, thanks to Dove

A sixteen year old boy's ocean voyage of discovery in life.
When I read this book back in the 70's, I was filled with sheer admiration for this young man. Here was a wonderful tale of a sixteen year old boy who set off around the World on a 23 foot sail boat. There was none of the hype that surrounds such ventures nowadays. Robin didn't seek publicity and sponsorship. He was a brave and honest young man who grew up on a venture the majority of us would never dream of taking, he had guts. The voyage had trememdous hardships and delightful romance. I have read and re read this book and still bring out my tattered copy when I need some inspitation. My three sons have all read it at some time or another and my parents were delighted to read about a young man who asked nothing of society for himself, but simply went out and "did his thing". Robin's voyage is an inspiration and the life he and Patty choce for themselves after the voyage was one of spirituality and hope. Thank you Robin. I would love to know what happened to them and where are they now?

A book can change your life
My mother gave me this book 2 months after starting sailing in a tiny boat age 11. I had no idea aboat ocean sailing and had never left the British Isles. Robin inspired me. From that moment on although I hadn't realised it I was following a different path. Now 15 years later I have left the office behind and work as a professional sailor on a tropical island.

Yes, Dove is written in a simple style, but that shouldn't detract from your reading pleasure. Robin paints wonderful pictures - you just let your imagination fill in the spaces.

Parents: I recommend passing this to your children, just be aware of what may happen!

Read at your own risk!
Robin Graham's account of his voyage
around the world in a small boat
is responsible for many a youngster
(and a few not-so-youngsters!)
chucking their jobs and sailing away to paradise.
The stuff of dreams, this voyage is narrated
by a courageous, insightful, and articulate sailor.
You won't be trading this book in
when you visit your local used book store!
It's a keeper.

Intangible Wealth Found at Journey's End
Lately I've been reading books about great sea adventures, some of which for the second or third time. Among them are Robin Lee Graham's Dove, the story of his journey around the world in a 24 foot sloop begun when he was only sixteen. Also, Joshua Slocum's classic adventure Sailing Alone Around the World. Just now I'm reading Apsley Cherry-Garard's The Worst Journey In the World, named by National Geographic last year as one of the greatest adventure stories ever written. I am drawn to this genre because of my work and travels in more than 80 countries and my journey around the world in 1999, most of the way as a lone passenger aboard a modern freighter. It is to Robin Lee Graham's credit that his book is now still in print for 31 years and that it is among the classics recommended in home schooling for young adults. In the last chapter of the book, still uncertain of his future, he writes that he and his young wife, Patti, begin to read the Bible together: "Our finding a belief in God - becoming Christians - was a slow thing.... We want to work out our lives in the way God intended us to. In reading the Bible together we were fascinated by the prophecies made two thousand years and more ago, prophecies which seemed to be coming true, like the Jews returning to their own country. We have no idea where these new thoughts and ideas and practices will take us.... But we are open to whatever direction God will give us. Our belief is simple. It is the belief that so many of our own generation are discovering - a belief that God isn't dead as some of the older generation have told us. In a world that seems to be going crazy we are learning that Jesus showed men the only way they should live - the way we were meant to live." Graham's voyage brought him immense intangible wealth -- a companion for life and the wisdom of discovering a Shepherd for all eternity. Highly recommended. ... ... Read more

Book Description

At the age of fourteen, Francisco Jiménez, together with his older brother Roberto and his mother, are caught by la migra. Forced to leave their home, the entire family travels all night for twenty hours by bus, arriving at the U.S. and Mexican border in Nogales, Arizona. In the months and years that follow, Francisco, his mother and father, and his seven brothers and sister not only struggle to keep their family together, but also face crushing poverty, long hours of labor, and blatant prejudice. How they sustain their hope, their goodheartedness, and tenacity is revealed in this moving sequel to The Circuit. Without bitterness or sentimentality, Francisco Jiménez finishes telling the story of his youth. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Spanish Book Review of Breaking Through
I thought this book was very interesting. It told about the life of a boy who had moved to California from Mexico, where he was born. He had to work everyday after school to help support his poor family. He was very smart and maintained good grades and even got into college, which no one in his family had ever done before. He has to struggle with his father to make decisions financially and about his future. His father does not speak English and gets stressed out a lot. His mother is very understanding and tries to make everything work out for the family.

I enjoyed reading this book because it took place not too long ago and the boy was around my age. I could not believe that he had to work to help support his family. I thought it was interesting because whatever money I get, my parents let me keep for myself, but everything he had was given to his parents.

I would suggest reading this book because it shows the struggles of people on the other side of my country only a few decades ago. I would have never known what it was like there if I had not read this book.

Stunning Conclusion
The cliffhanger at the end of the Circuit is resolved in this amazing book. Francisco Jimenez's story of growing up poor and Mexican in the 1950s tells a powerful story. I highly recommend this book for all readers, young and old.

Excellent sequel
"Breaking Through" is an excellent follow-up for those of us hungering for more after "The Circuit." It follows Francisco Jimenez's life through high school. Francisco Jimenez goes deeper into depth about all that he faced, including his relationships with his parents. He accurately portrays the challenges so many parents and teens, especially Latinos, face in dealing with issues of love, understanding, and personal struggles that affect their relationships.I think teenagers will especially enjoy and connect with this book. It will inspire and motivate many. Teachers, use it in your classrooms - especially middle and high school! ... Read more

Book Description

Who are the saints, why are they important, and what can today's children learn from them? In Loyola Kids Book of Saints, the first book in the Loyola Kids series, author Amy Welborn answers these questions with exciting and inspiring stories, real-life applications, and important information about these heroes of the church. This delightful collection of saints' lives, written in a storybook style for children eight to twelve, explains how saints becomes saints, why we honor them, and how they help us even today.

Divided thematically, the book features more than sixty saints from all over the world and from all across time, including our newest saints, such as St. Katharine Drexel; popular saints, such as St. Anthony of Padua; and Blesseds, such as Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha. Each story tells about a saint and encourages readers to consider how they might apply what they learn from the story to their everyday lives. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great book for Religious Education teachers.
I teach second-grade Religious Education at our local parish. I first saw this book at the library and thoght it might be fun to start a class feature called "Saint of the Week." It quickly became the kids' favorite part of the weekly class. The accounts of the lives of these Saints are all lively and interesting enough to keep the class's attention, and the author still manages to be reverent in tone. Older kids, I am sure, would also enjoy the stories, which are long enough to contain some very interesting details, but not so long as to lose the audience's attention. Then again, how can you lose a class's attention when you tell them the true story of, for example, St. Thomas More or St. Joan of Arc? ... Read more

Book Description

For a long time, the main role of First Ladies was to act as hostesses of the White House...until Eleanor Roosevelt. Born in 1884, Eleanor was not satisfied to just be a glorified hostess for her husband, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Eleanor had a voice, and she used it to speak up against poverty and racism. She had experience and knowledge of many issues, and fought for laws to help the less fortunate. She had passion, energy, and a way of speaking that made people listen, and she used these gifts to campaign for her husband and get him elected president—four times! A fascinating historical figure in her own right, Eleanor Roosevelt changed the role of First Lady forever. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

An impressive and highly recommended life story
In Who Was Eleanor Roosevelt?, biographer Gare Thompson reveals to young readers the impressive and highly recommended life story of one of the most influential women in American 20th Century history. Individual chapters begin with the question "Who Was Eleanor Roosevelt?", and the continue on with "Early Years"; "Daddy's Little Girl"; "All Alone"; "Years at Allenswood"; "Cousin Franklin"; "Marriage and Children"; "Politics"; "White House Years"; and "Ambassador to the World". ... Read more

Book Description

Guess what -- Gary Paulsen was being kind to Brian. In Guts, Gary tells the real stories behind the Brian books, the stories of the adventures that inspired him to write Brian Robeson's story: working as an emergency volunteer; the death that inspired the pilot's death in Hatchet; plane crashes he has seen and near-misses of his own. He describes how he made his own bows and arrows, and takes readers on his first hunting trips, showing the wonder and solace of nature along with his hilarious mishaps and mistakes. He shares special memories, such as the night he attracted every mosquito in the county, or how he met the moose with a sense of humor, and the moose who made it personal. There's a handy chapter on "Eating Eyeballs and Guts or Starving: The Fine Art of Wilderness Nutrition." Recipes included. Readers may wonder how Gary Paulsen survived to write all of his books -- well, it took guts.


From the Paperback edition. ... Read more

Reviews (32)

true grit, high interest book
There seems to be very little Gary Paulsen hasn't experienced first hand: crashing a bush plane, being pummeled half to death by an angry moose, attempting to drag a 200 pound deer out of a swamp, roasting squirrels over spits, eating bugs, eyeballs, and guts... This is a collection of real life adventures that inspired events in Paulsen's novels. A must-read for fans of these books and for anybody (esp. boys) who love disgusting, dangerous, modern-day survival stories. It's easy to read and gives an appreciation for true survival skills in a world that has largely lost touch with such values. ages 10+

Guts: The True Story Behind Hachett
Ever been attacked by a deer, or a moose? Well, Gary Paulsen has, and in Guts, Gary Paulsen talks about how he got the idea for Hatchet and the Brian Books. He tells about how he has spent a good portion of his life roughing it out in the woods and in the snow-covered regions of Alaska.
Also in guts, there are many violent or not so violent scenarios that the author has experienced that played a role in the books. For example, one of them might be moose attacks.
I though Gary Paulsen's experiences in the book were very interesting, how it inspired a major part of the story and all. I enjoyed reading this book; the stories in it were very interesting. The areas of the stories were mostly in woods, parks, or lowly populated areas.
One story in guts tells how Gary Paulsen witnessed a child being killed by a deer. A 4-year-old child was giving a deer a piece of candy. His mother asked him to hold the candy away from the dear for a minute to get a good picture. This angered the deer, and he stomped his hoofs into the boy's chest. The impact of the attack was great; the child was killed in an instant. Everyone around looked at the deer, now in an angry rage. Not too far away, there was a sign that said do not feed the deer.
I highly recommend this book for people 10 and up, who are interested in stories involving the woods, attacks, and even cooking methods.
I rate this book a 9 out of 10. It has interesting stories, and he explains why these helped him in the making of the Brian books.
Other books Gary Paulson has written include Alida's Song, the beet fields, and the boy who owned the school, the foxman, dogsong, and many others.

guts
Garry Paulsen s book Guts is an excellent book and it is the book I have been reading. You are sure to like this book if you like adventurous and informational stories.
This book reminds me of Hatchet and Stone Fox. It reminds me of Hatchet because Garry Paulsen got stuck in the woods like Brian did. It is somewhat like Stone Fox because in Stone Fox they have sled dog races. In Guts Garry has sled dogs, but he doesn't race.
In Guts Garry is always in the wilderness.
If you haven't read this book I personally recommend it.

By: Jacob Hartle

True Guts: The Story Behind the Story
Ever since Gary Paulsen was young, he has had a lot of experiences with nature, ranging from crashing in a plane, to bringing home a deer easily twice the size of himself. He has had a love for nature, as well as a respect for nature. He learned at a fairly young age the ways of the woods. He learned how to read his surroundings, how to sneak up on animals, etc. All of his past experiences, such as cooking with primitive tools and eating eyeballs and guts, were valuable life lessons. All of these things he incorporated into Hatchet and all of the "Brian" books (The River, Brian's Winter, and Brian's Return). Guts is a book that tells all of these past accounts in great detail. It also explains the significance of them, and what lessons he learned from them. It then tells the reader what part of the experiences were embodied into the "Brian" books.

I greatly enjoyed this novel because it is a true story about true events that happened in Gary Paulsen's life. Before I read Guts, I had no idea that Hatchet or any of the "Brian" books were factual or were based on actual experiences. It is interesting how the novel gives readers tips and recipes (such as how to make a birch-bark pot using birch-bark and pine pitch, and how to make water boil in the birch-bark pot using heated bits of granite) that Paulsen has used in his adventures. I especially like how he describes the events, making you feel like you are right there with him. I completely enjoy Paulsen's style of writing. I hope this novel gives you a deeper, more through understanding of the novel Hatchet and all of the rest of the "Brain books", just as it did me.

Guts
in the beging gary tells alittle about him self. then goes on to say how his real life experiances affecet his writteing's towards the middel he tells about how he survives moose atackes and a plane crash after the piolet has a heart attack. towards the endhe tells how he attemps to eat guts and eyeballs just to se if it its humanly possible.

"the situation is only as bad as you let it get"

this story is set in minasota, and canada.

the genre is auto biogaraphy.

the problem is that gary paulsen tries to base all his writings on things that he has done and ibn doenig so he has gotten in to a lot of trouble.

I would recomend this book to any one who likes gary paulsen books.

I think that gary paulsen has a great writeng style. ... Read more

Book Description

Someone is planning to kill George Washington, and young Phoebe Fraunces is trying to save his life. Phoebe gets a job as George Washington's housekeeper, but her real job is to work as a spy. She listens and watches very carefully, and she meets her father every day to tell him what she has learned. One day Phoebe's father tells her that Washington is planning to leave town in a few days, and the person plotting against him will act before then. Phoebe is very frightened, but she is determined to figure out who is after Washington before it's too late. . . .

"This episode drawn from the Revolutionary War is related with historical accuracy and suspense and illustrated with finesse." (School Library Journal) ... Read more

Reviews (14)

Phoebe the Spy
Phoebe gets a job as a House keeper for George Washington , but she isn't a real house keeper. She's a spy for her father! Every afternoon she reports to her father what she has learned. One day her father tells her that George Washington is planning to leave town real soon. Phoebe is frightened by these words but is determined to find out who is after George Washington. I think this book is very interesting and you all should read it.

Phoebe the Spy
This book is about a girl named Phoebe,who lives in New York.When Phoebe was thirteen years old, her father Phoebe Fraunces was going to give her a very dangerous job. The job is that she's going to be a spy and she needs to spy on George Washington, the General of the United States army because they were going to kill him. This book took place in the past. This book started in 1776.

This book was very exciting and it is interesting to see the pictures that Judith Berry Griffin drew. I like how Judith Berry Griffin describes the characters. This book that Judith Berry Griffin wrote is cool and interesting because it talks about the past and how people live in that time. This book was one of the best books I have ever read.

Will Hickey get the General?
Phoebe
Phoebe Fraunces is a girl whose father, Samuel gave her a important misson to save General George Washington's life. The person who was trying to kill the General is named Thomas Hickey. If you want to know more, read the book.

Phoebe Finds Hickey
Ssmuel Fraunces asked his daughter, Phoebe to go out and be a spy and look for someone that has a name that starts with a letter T. She has to spy because whoever's name starts with T, will kill General Washington. Phoebe is afraid at first, but then she says yes when she hears that her dad is upset tht they were going to kill General Washington. I liked this history book because Phoebe was brave and willing to do what her father asked her to do.

Phoebe, the spy who is 13
Phoebe is a spy who is 13. In 1776 Phoebe got a job and that was to save General Washington. She had to look for a bodyguard who was trying to kill him. She was told that his first name started with the letter T. I really liked this book. ... Read more

Book Description

This is the moving story of how Jackie Robinson became the first black player on a major league baseball team and how on a fateful day in Cincinnati, PeeWee Reese took a stand and declared Jackie his teammate.
... Read more

Reviews (6)

the hardship in baseball
Teammates

Teammates is about 2 men named
Pees wee Reese and Jackie Robinson. Both of them were baseball players on the same
Team called the dogers. Pee wee
Reese was white and Jackie rob-
Inson was black. They were both
Friends and helped each other out. The players on their team
Came mostly from the south, men
Had been taught to avoid black
People since childhood. They moved to another table
Whenever Jackie sat down next
To them. Many opposing players
Were cruel to Jackie, calling him mean names from their
Dugouts. A few tried to hurt
Him with their spiked shoes.
It was bad for Jackie. Pitchers
Aimed for his head, and he
Received threats on his life,
Both from individuals and from
Oramizations like the Ku Klux
Klan. Jackie avoided all of it,
And made the team. Jackie and
Pee wee became really great
Friends and baseball legends.

Awesome!
This book teaches you alot about how blacks were treated back in the day. When Jac