Book Description

Want to meet an amazing boy?

Maybe he’s built a snow fort, or he loves to write songs. Or else he can pitch a no-hitter—or perhaps he’s won a spelling bee. He could be a good teammate, a best friend, a great brother, or a terrific son. Maybe he’s YOU! ... Read more

Book Description

For Henry Huggins and his friends Robert and Murph, a clubhouse is a place where they can do as they please, without being bothered by girls. The sign that says NO GIRLS ALLOWED -- THIS MEANS YOU especially means Ramona Quimby. Lately Ramona has been following Henry on his newspaper route, embarrassing him in front of Henry's customers. The day Ramona follows Henry to the clubhouse, she wants to teach him girls aren't so bad, but she almost puts an end to his newspaper career forever.

Reviews (5)

Building a good book!
Henry always gets five stars from me, but when I was a kid my favorite thing about this book was the very idea of building a real clubhouse. It seemed like such a fun and cool thing to do. I like that the kids in this book take the initiative to have fun rather than expecting adults to provide all of their amusements, as so often happens today.

This book is the Best Book
I used to read this all the time and sometimes I still do.When i was young like Henry I thought about how girls shouldnt beallowed too, and even though i know its silly now, I remember. And thats why its good. I was a lot like Henry Huggins. And thats good characterisation. But i didnt have a dog. But I had a clubhouse. It was my garage and it smelled like paint.

This book is the best! I will buy it for all my kids someday, if they're boys. Girls arent allowed! ... just kidding girls.

It's, realy great!!!!
I read Henery and the Clubhouse by Bevrely Cleary.And I want to tell you that it was great! This story is about Henery Huggens and his friends, Robert and Murph who ars building a clubhouse in Henry's backyard. Henry, also has a paper rout to look after. Will Henry be able to build his clubhouse and deliver his papers? Well I am not telling you, you have to find out by reading this book!

A 6th grade boy and his friends build a clubhouse.
Ramona Quimby is Henry's friend's sister,who is a pest. She is real hilarious because she makes a mess out of everything. It's a superb book for kids to read because it's funny. Beverly Cleary wrote another fantastic book.

A great book for anyone to read!
This was a fast- paced, funny book that I would reccomend anyone to read. There wasn't a dull moment and once you read a chapter of the book, you won't want to put the book down ... Read more

Book Description

There are lots of things that regular people can do but dads can't.

Dads can't cross the street without holding hands.

They can push, but can't swing.

When dads play hide-and-seek they always get found, but they have a hard time finding you.

Dads really need to be kissed good night at bedtime.

It's a wonder they make it through life at all! ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Admiring Eyes on a Helping Hand!
What Dads Can't Do is written from a preschooler's admiring perspective of a dad's helpful habits. Any father will be delighted to think that perhaps some of that self-sacrifice is perceived in positive ways by the tykester set. This book would make a wonderful gift from a preschooler to her or his father for Father's Day. The humorous, warm watercolors of Stegosaurus-type dinosaurs make the messages tickle your laughter button even more than would usually occur with these dry one-liners.

"There are lots of things/ that regular people can do/ but dads can't."

" . . . can't cross the street without holding hands."

"Dads can push, but they can't swing."

"Dads can't pitch a baseball very hard or hit one very far."

"When dads play hide-and-seek they always get found, but they have a hard time finding you."

"They aren't very good wrestlers."

"Dads lose at checkers/ and cards/ and almost every other game."

"Dads aren't good at sleeping late. They can't comb their hair or shave by themselves."

"Dads like to go camping but they need lots of help setting up the tent." "And cooking."

As you can see, the manly virtues being praised here are inclusiveness and helpfulness. When dad operates like mom, then he "can't" do something . . . but that's really all right.

My favorites in the book include:

"Dads seem to have trouble holding on to their money." This is combined with an illustration of a dad buying a child a toy in a store.

"Dads like to go fishing, but they don't like to go alone. And they need extra practice baiting the hook."

"Dads can't read a book by themselves."

"Sometimes they leave a night-light on because they're a little scared of the dark."

"And most of all, whatever happens, a dad never ever stops loving you."

The book is written in such a way that this book can be seen as being about a dad who's married to a wonderful mom, one who's divorced and whose children are visiting, or to a single dad who's raising children by himself. I liked that feature very much.

The book is also appealing because it will make a dad feel good whenever he does one of these things. He knows that his son or daughter will appreciate his consideration from having read this book. So having this book available in your house is a little bit like making every day Father's Day!

After you finish the book, dad, you can develop even more closeness by asking your wee ones what else dad can't do. I'm sure they'll come up with some dillies to amuse one and all.

Find more ways to help . . . because you never stand higher in the world's estimation than when you stoop to aid another.

Those Poor Helpless Dads
Douglas Wood and Doug Cushman have gotten together and authored a terrific book about Dads. These poor creatures would be lost without their little ones to help them. Dads can't cross streets without holding hands, they're always found right away in a game of hide and seek, but they can never find you and they can't comb their hair or shave by themselves. Dads can't see you hiding your lima beans at dinner, can't read books by themselves and sometimes leave a night light on in your room because they're afraid of the dark...(they like to check under the bed and in the closet too). There are just so many things Dad can't do..... Mr Wood really captures the essence of a pre-schooler in this delightful picture book. His sweet and gentle text is complimented by Mr Cushman's expressive and detailed illustrations, as we watch father and son dinosaurs help each other through their day. What Dads Can't Do makes a wonderful father's day gift and many a Dad will be charmed as he shares this book with his little dinosaur. There is one thing Dads are really the best at...They never stop loving you!

My two-year-old son loves this book!
Even though the recommended age range for this book is 4-6, my two-year-old son loves this. He goes to his bookshelf specifically for it, "Dads can't!" I think this book shows the value of patience and mutual appreciation between parents and children, and I love it, too! The dad in the story reminds me of my husband, who is REALLY a wonderful dad!

Super Book
This book touched me the moment I started reading it. I am a father of two children and could relate to the "dad" in this book easily. This book has a beautiful message about the love father's have for their children.

A Great Gift for Father's Day
If you know a great dad who is raising young children,this book should be a part of the bedtime/naptime library in their home. This book is for the dad who makes time with his children, who understands them cares about the 'monsters under their beds'. The illustrations are whimsical and entertaining to both child and adult. Let the daddies in your life know that they are loved even when there are some things they CAN'T do only because they love their children so much! ... Read more

Amazon.com

With such chapter headings as "Under the Hood," "Yielding the Right ofWay: Consent," and "Avoiding Hazardous Conditions: STDs," Mavis Jukes's GuyBook offers friendly, accurate, and up-to-date advice for prepubescent andadolescent boys. Covering a range of topics, from masturbation to decodinggirls' signals to making that earth-shattering choice between boxers and briefs,this wise collection of information and how-tos will appeal to thetestosterone-ridden boy who would sooner die than ask his mom or one of hisbuddies about spontaneous erections or confusing emotions. On the other hand,Jukes encourages readers throughout to talk to friends and caring, responsibleadults, and offers guy-appropriate lingo and tips to help facilitate toughsituations. On breaking up with a girl: "Breaking up on a Saturday afternoon atyour soon-to-be-ex's house (where support is available) would be better thanspringing it on a Monday morning at school." Humorous, ironic 50s-styleillustrations feature pistons (accompanying male anatomy discussions), engines,and clean-cut boys and girls in big old cars.

Don't fret, girls! Jukes is also the author of It's a Girl Thing: How to Stay Healthy,Safe, and in Charge. (Ages 13 and older) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (3)

What a shame
There's a lot of good stuff in this book -- what a shame that it is so totally inappropriate for a teenage boy. For example, there's a bold-face section titled "Masturbating with Friends." Here we're told that "Some guys masturbate in groups; others wouldn't even consider it."

There's another section that starts with a factual explanation about what it means for a person to be straight, gay, lesbian, or bi. The facts are well presented, but then we get the editorial comment that "all are natural ways of being" and that homosexuality, in particular, "is a natural expression of human sexuality" and a "normal variation of human sexuality."

By contrast, the author does not like the "objectification" of women in a Playboy or Penthouse magazine. There she advises boys to stay away and asks: "Why have a bunch of potenitally weird sexual images floating around in your head?" Funny, that was my response to her section on group masturbation.

I had high hopes for this book, but I'm sending it back.

A LIFESAVER FOR SINGLE MOMS
This book is a life saver for single moms. I have two boys and many of the questions they have asked are in this book. Until I read this book, I didn't understand that walking around with an erection most of the time was normal. The "Guy Book" has also taught me about the changes that have occurred and about the changes that are still to come. Thanks to the "Guy Book" I don't think I'll get caught off guard with some questions and changes my boys are yet to experience. I appreciate that the author thought about including girls and some of their changes. A must read for any single female parent and a great book for boys experiencing puberty.

"thrilling read"
this is the most truthful manual ever written. a cool way to get inside a guys mind for the girls and a great book for advice for guys. when your done you can go back if you ever need help its sure to answer all your questions, and also has a great humour about it and derserves all4 stars i gave it. ... Read more

Book Description

Featuring boy heroes from around the world and across the centuries, this is a fine companion volume to the popular Girls Who Rocked the World series. In the same spirit of celebration, Boys Who Rocked the World profiles already famous heroes along with those who have been overlooked by history or not yet credited for their contributions. Included in the lineup of the famous are King Tut, pharaoh of Egypt at age 9; Elvis Presley, winner of a singing contest at 10; Pablo Picasso, accepted into the School of Fine Arts in Barcelona at 14; and Tiger Woods, the youngest golfer to win the U.S. Junior Amateur at 15. The lesser-knowns are 30 boys from across America who answer the question “How will you rock the world?” By comparing the dreams of these “boys next door” to those of famous individuals, the book shows today’s boys that they, too, can make their mark in the world. ... Read more

Book Description

Recipient of the 1999 International Reading Association's "Children's Book Award."

Named an American Library Association "Best Book for Young Adults."

Named a 1999 "Blue Ribbon Book" by The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books. ... Read more

Reviews (14)

Choosing Up Sides
The book I read was called Choosing Up Sides. I thought the book was very good. I really liked the book because I play softball and it was about a boy who was a really good pitcher, but his dad wouldn't let him play. There were a few things I didn't like about the book though. One thing I didn't like was the dad in the story. He had too many rules and he was mean to Luke. I also didn't think it was right to change Luke from bing a natural left hander to a right hander. The main thing I didn't like was the way his dad would beat his right hand if he used it. But other then that it was a great book.

For anyone who has struggled to fit in
"Choosing up Sides" is a young adult book for everyone, of every age. The universal need to be one's self, and to be accepted for it, lies at the heart of this story and is sensitively handled by the author. Ritter has numerus opportunities to take the easy way out, and passes each by, opting instead for the more complex, thoughtful and realistic turn of events. I am not a young adult, nor am I left-handed, but I am a human being, which I believe is the only criteria necessary to enjoy this book. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.

Out Of The Park Review!
John Ritter hits a homerun with this novel. In a story for all ages Ritter brings to life young Luke Bledsoe, a 14 year old boy with his eyes on a pretty girl in his class, his right hand on a Bible held by his father, and his left hand on a baseball.
Sports can teach us many lessons in life. Through baseball, Ritter teaches his audience about the power of identity and influence.
At 14, Luke is at a stage in his life when his identity is beginning to be formed. Luke, and many others, start to discover things about himself that he didn't previously consider. The most important of these discoveries is that his dad's interpretation of the Bible didn't seem logical or consistent with Luke's interpretation. Luke struggles throughout the story with choosing sides: his father and mother or his uncle and girlfriend. Luke's final decision is not so much who he stands with as much as what he stands for. Despite his bold stance and his willingness to do what is right Luke suffers tragedy and looses the alliance that he has with one side after an ironic and intense ending.

Left hand VS. the world
Book review

by --John Ritter
reviewed by Burhan Jama

Choosing up sides

Living a life that your parents choose for you what ever they wanted, is how most teenagers live. The book Choosing Up Sides is talking about what is like to be living under the order of parent. It may be you or someone you know, so let us share for a moment what is like to be under siege of a strict parent.
Luke Bledsoe, a 14 years old, left handed, is a son of a preacher Mr. Bledsoe that says left hand is hand of devil. Luke's discovery of that people admired how sharply he could pitch is coming to and end after his father said that, base ball field is devil's playground. Luke's left handed uncle is helping him to discover what his father hid from him;that being left handed is not crime.
Under siege or under control of a religious parent that oppose your ideas to explore you own world and find your dreams who only wants you to flow the old testament is one of the biggest misfortunes that could happen to anyone, as it happen to Luke, the only thing that his father wants him to do is read and memorize the Bible and forget the civilized world. For Luke that seems is not working for him.
The world is changing and new things are being invented every day; people understand how to make life easier and parental control seems to be coming to a limit, there a time in every teenager's life that their parents dictate the power to control them, and there is a time that teens can control them selves.
The message of the book is for those who never under gone this kind of life, to hear and feel the pain that some kids live under their parents and help them to overcome their guilty of choosing up sides---choosing their own way of life.

Baseball lovers got to see
This book is a great choice for baseball lovers. It's about a boy that wants to play baseball but sports are forbidden in his religion. He lives in a town where everybody is crazy about baseball. His father is a preacher and has many horrible rules.One example of a rule is that the boy is a natural lefy but must use his right hand for everything! According to his father the left hnd is the hand of the devil. "Choosing Up Sides" is a great book! ... Read more

Amazon.com

This darkly funny look at growing up male in America is narrated by chubby, 14-year-old Elvin Bishop, who describes, with sublime sarcasm, his increasingly painful efforts to find his appropriate athletic "slot." Mature readers will find this unusual sports story both hilarious and poignant; in a starred review, Booklist wrote, "this wry, thoughtful book speaks with wisdom and heart to the victim and the outsider in us all." An ALA Best Book for Young Adults. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

slot machine
This book is about a boy named Elvin who goes to a camp to get introduced to high school. He soon finds out that this camp is not to introduce him to high school but to slot him in a sport for one of the school teams. The only trouble is that Elvin doesn't fit into any sport at all. He goes through almost every slot until the counselors just give up on him. At the end Elvin finally finds a slot that suits him. The art slot. I would highly recomend this book because everybody can relate to not fitting in when you go to a camp or new school just like Elvin felt in this book.

a good book for teens
I read the book Slot Machine by Chris Lynch. It is an adventure/comedy book and is very entertaining and I never wanted to put down the book. I choose this book because when I looked at it it seemed interesting because of the title of the book. I loved the book because of the predicament that the main character was in. Also, there was kind of a diffrent story on the side which included one of the main characters two best friends. I would recomend this book to people from the 6th grade to the 10th grade. Chris Lynch has written other books including the Shadow Boxer and Iceman. Lynch has a masters degree from the writing program at Emerson College.
This book is about a boy named Elvin who is going to a new school. He is at a retreat where all the freshmen go to find what "slot", sport, they are in. Unfortunately Elvin can't find himself a slot. For a side story he has two best friends. One of his best friends Frankie was trying to fit in with the older and cooler kids. His other best friend Mike found his slot easily and is like there father, he kept encouraging Elvin to find a slot. In one part of the story Frankie trys to pursuade Mike and Elvin to come with him to a party with the older kids. Frank says "You guys want another chance tonight, the O's kind of think you two are wimps". After Frank said that I wonderd if Mike and Elvin were going to fold under peer pressure, but they did not. That is just on of the parts of this excellent book. I recomend if you are between the age groups I suggested that you definetely read this book.

Worst book ever
The plot of the story is that some kid goes to camp and is bad at every sports and at the end he is in the very weird art group and did not change at all durring the book. A day in the life of some guy that sleeps all day would be more interesting than this. I BEG OF YOU DO NOT READ THIS BOOK IT HAS NO POINT. Everyone who writes reveiws are parents who love the book but the kid hates it. I am a kid and I know how the person who is reading it feels

ward is a playa
this book was fairly decent book. it was about sports with a little bit of comedy. a guy trys to play all different kinds of sports and gets thrown around and made fun of. he tries hard cause he wants to be like his friends. he is always getting hurt.
there was some bad things about the book i didnt like. for one its to long. its also not as funny as it sounds like it would be. it wasn't a bad book though. it was confusing how one day he was doing one sport and all of a sudden the next day he was doing another. I would recommend this book to likes sports and a little bit of comedy.

Book Report Review
This is a truly astonishing book. It is a story about a catholic teenage boy named Elvin. Who has just got out of grade school and now over the summer is going to a sleepway called 21 knights for 21 nights. During this all boy camp Elvin an obese kid keeps getting moved into different sport activity areas called slots. Throughtout the book he his placed into various amounts of these slots. During this time his good friend Mikie wants to try and get Elvin in shape. Also, his other friend Frankie is trying to get into the cool crowd and doing this wasn't one of the more joyful times of his life. Any way this is all I'm going to tell you because I don't want to ruin the book for you. ... Read more

Book Description

A villainous new presence is a-prowl in Mossflower Woods: the Marlfoxes. And when they ruthlessly steal the most precious treasure of all, the tapestry of Martin the Warrior, it takes the children of warrior squirrels to follow in their fathers' heroic footsteps to recover it...

"A richly imagined world in which bloody battles vie for attention with copious feasting and tender romancing. Where males and females are heroes and warriors. Where the young triumph and the old endure. Where intelligence is as valued as strength and wit is frequently more important than size."-- The Cincinnati Enquirer

"A grand adventure story...breathtaking."-- Chicago Sun-Times ... Read more

Reviews (147)

I recommend Marlfox to anyone who likes food and adventure.
Marlfox

When I first started reading Redwall (the first book in the Redwall series) it just didn't grab me. A year or two later I tried it again. I loved it. I read the other nine books in a year's time. Now I've read Marlfox, the eleventh book.

Written by Brian Jacques and illustrated by Fangorn this captivating story is full of excitement, suspense, emotion and drama. Sometimes you will laugh and sometimes you will cry. Also, sometimes you will be mad at the Marlfoxes.

The Marlfoxes are greedy, ruthless, and down right mean.They terrorize Mossflower and even kill each other! The mother Marlfox killed her husband so she could be queen, a daughter poisons the mother so she can be queen, and then a brother pushes her into a lake full of hungry pike so he can be king!

Because Queen Silth, the mother Marlfox, demands to be surrounded by beauty and calm, she sends her children to steal beautiful things. In their plundering, they take the Redwall Tapestry. The irony is that there is a beheaded fox on the tapestry.

When the Marlfoxes steal the Redwall Tapestry, the heroes Songbreeze and Dannflor, squirrels, and Dippler, a shrew, leave the Abbey to get it back. As they search, they meet Burble the water vole and make other friends and enemies.

I warn you. Do not read Brian Jacques on an empty stomach. As always, this book will send you to the kitchen drooling! In Marlfox, he describes cheeses, bread, flans, cakes, puddings, trifles, tarts, scones, crumbles, hot root soup, and deeper'n ever turip'n'tater'n'beetroot pie (made by the moles).

I recommend Marlfox to anyone who likes animals, food, and adventure.

Blades Bones and Baked Flan
Brian Jaques does an excellent job of capturing humor, mystery, fantasy, and combat in the story of Marlfox. In this story a guosim shrew named Dippler (my favorite),a warrior squirrel named Danflor, and a a beautiful squirrel maid named Songbreeze embark upon a journey to recapture the tapestry of Martin the Warrior from "magical" foxes call Marlfoxes on a forgotten lake. While these 3 friends are doing this, the warriors of Redwall Abbey are defending their fort from a group of Marlfoxes, hundreds of ferrets, and water rats. While defending the fort they eat many scrumptious foods that make you want to cook and eat them also, just to celebrate the Redwaller's victories. I'd rate this book a 100 but the minimum is 5. I highly reccomend you read this book. You can probably personally relate to one of the characters, as I can Dippler.

Michael ...
The summerization of this bok can be explained in different ways. At the beginning it tells about different groups of characters encountering different bad guys, which are all marlfoxes. Six marlfoxes, two each go out and meet three groups of animals. All of the good guys go to Redwall to warn the villagers that marlfoxes are among the Mossflower Woods. They all meet up at Redwall and team up against the marlfoxes that try to steal the tapestry of Redwall. One by one good guys and bad guys are killed and murdered at Redwall. The marlfoxes steal the tapestry, and the smartest, slyest marlfox, Mokkan, steals it from the other marlfoxes. After that four young warriors from Redwall go out to retrieve it. Meeting many friends along the way, the four young warriors travel to the Island of Marl. This is where the marlfox Queen Silth lives, later on to be Queen Lantur because of Silth's death.
With help the four young warriors get to the island and free some of the slaves. The slaves help to fight the guards on the island. Three of the four warriors go to the king's room to take back the tapestry. The escaping marlfox, Mokkan, is later strangled and drowned by one of the slaves. In the end the four young warriors become leaders of their groups or tribes.

Marlfox
Marlfox is a rather good story, but it isn't one of Brian Jacques' best. Redwall has no leaders except Cregga Rose Eyes, who refuses to be an Abbess, and the cellarkeeper from The Long Patrol is still alive, Gurrbowl. How that is possible I do not know unless moles live forever. Also the adventuring part is quite boring and the White Ghost part is a bit ridiculous.

best book out of the previous 10
This is a very good book. I got hooked on it right from the very first page and couldn't wait to find out what would happen. This eleventh installment of the Redwall series is one for the ages. You should hurry and read this book. I think you'd enjoy it. ... Read more

Reviews (100)

Terrific, fun, great read
"Page" is a great read. Would I give it 5 stars if it wasn't? The main character, Kel, is the first known female knight-in-training in over one hundred years. She goes through many difficulties in this second installment of her training, such as growing from a girl to a young woman, a band of boys who want to make her life miserable, a training master who is either trying to help her or make her quit, and so on. She makes many new friends, such as a torn-up dog, Jump; a new maid, Lalasa; and a plump "jolly" boy, Owen. There is action, adventure, romance (kind of), etc. Kel is a strong heroine any girl can look up to, with hopes, dreams, fears, and so on. She seems very real, and if it wasn't for the mideavil (I can't spell anymore.) setting, Kel would seem like a normal girl who goes to school with you. Well, enough reading this rambling review, GO AND BUY THE BOOK!

What Can I Say?
Ms. Pierce has managed to write yet another absolutly fantastic book. I have read all of the Alanna books; the Immortals quartet; and the circle of magic quartet. I am falling in love with this series, I bought The first test yesterday afternoon and begged my mother to go buy the sequel that night. Today I have read THE PAGE twice and THE FIRST TEST once more. I have fallen for both Neal and Cleon and am looking forward to hopefully something more between one of them and Kel in the next novel. Joren continues to puzzle me and I am dying to see who picks Kel for a squire in the next book. Owen is such a sweet heart, u cant help likeing him! Kel possess's the charm of all Ms. Pirce's other characters plus an sweet personality that makes me want her as my best friend. The only slight complaint I have is that Kel has not yet discovered who her sedret gift giver is...its SO obvious! Anyway it was a wonderful book and I cant wait for the next one!

disappointing...
i totally LOVED Pierce's Song of the Lioness, circle of magic, Immortals, and circle opens quartets, but I have to say that this one left me sorely disappointed. Though the style of writing remained the same, the plot and the characters were lacking. The brilliance of the plots of the first couple quartets seem to be wearing off. I dont like the character of Kel at all. It really bothers me that shes just soo lovesick all the time. Shes supposed to be a strong female character, yet all she does is throw herself at different male characters. She is only 12 years old for heaven's sake. After reading this book, ive stopped reading any more of Ms. Pierce's books, yet mayb ill start the next quartet in hopes that Ms. Pierce's writing has improved.

Brilliant student here
You should really read it. Specially if you have read other Tamora Pierce books in the past. This is not the first book in the series though so I would recomend that you read the first one before reading this one, you dont have to but the background makes the story much more enjoyable. The story is a very captivating one, and it will make you want to read the rest of the series. I had to wait for the fourth one and I nearly died. So, yes, please read it. I love Tamora Pierce and I have converted a number of my friends. This book is just one example of her brilliance, and it will not dissapoint you.

Page
I love this book. This is the second book of the Protector of the Small Series. In this book, Kel hires a shy maid Lalasa, who becomes a very good friend. She trains her to defend herself against attackers. Her also meets a new animal friend, her dog Jump, who is useful in combat. She goes through severel 'firsts'like having her first period and her first crush. Lalasa helps her to deal with it all. She still has to deal with the bully Joren and his cronies being as difficult as ever. At the end of the book, the day of the test to become a squire, Lalasa is kidnapped, and it is up to Kel to rescue her before it is too late. ... Read more

Book Description

Joey loves walking to his hockey games with his dad. Often they talk about their favorite player, Boston Bruins defenseman Bobby Orr. One day, Joey has an accident on the ice and ends up in the hospital with a broken leg. During his stay, Joey thrills to the Bruins’ run for the playoffs and––miraculously––gets a visit from none other than Bobby Orr himself! Orr tells him about all the injuries he’s had, shares advice on the game of hockey, and even gives Joey one of his sticks. When Joey leaves the hospital he gets to watch his hero win the 1972 Stanley Cup at Boston Garden. Based on a true story from the life of hockey legend Bobby Orr, this book relays an important message about getting over hurdles and setbacks. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (5)

Yea Pinned
Mark Shanahan kept me interested in Pinned (six CDs, seven Hours, unabridged Fiction, Listen & Live Audio). I remember the movie in the 1980's called Vision Quest which was about wrestling.This audio book sounded similar to that. This Young Adult Book kept me enthraled with the concept of two diverse boys and their ideals, I knew nothing of Wrestling since my High School days, I called my local High School and asked when the next match was, after hearing this. Great piece of audio work-Bravo for the writer and the narrator--Bennet Pomerantz, AUDIOWORLD

A must read!
Afred's direct story telling style and the sincerity of his voice take me back to my High School years.Anyone who played H.S. sports, had friends who played sports or witnessed families disintigrating will find this book very accurate. I read it in a few days and though cliched, did have a hard time putting it down.It most definitely took me back to some of my H.S experiences.His portrayal of a young man with a family in crisis is a poignant story within a story.

Surprisingly, a really good book
This book is really quite good.Its characterization of the two "champs"and their dilemas, family situations, hopes and fears, really do transcend simply the sport of wrestling.This book, then, is not merely a wrestling story.It is a story of hopes and dreams and the good and the bad that happens to all of us and how we deal with it. The only little problem I had with it was the ending, which I am not going to reveal here.After waiting and eagerly reading, I had hoped for some more conclusiveness---read the book and you will see what I mean.However,all in all, the book is well written and a joy to read!A job well done by the Author!!!!

Great wrestling book!
I snapped this book up after I saw it mentioned in Amateur Wrestling News.I read it over three nights and really enjoyed it.My older brothers wrestled and one was 4th at the states years ago,losing to the eventual champion in a close match.It's amazing how the matches stay with wrestlers after many years.
This was a great read and I couldn't wait to resume reading after work each night.The 2 wrestlers,Ivan & Bobby are very interesting characters.You find yourself rooting for both but knowing only one can win.Besides wrestling, each boy is dealing with other stressful situations in their life.Personally I liked Ivan better and found myself rooting for him to prevail.
I also liked how the book showed the weight cutting and sacrifices wrestlers endure.I consider it the toughest sport there is.I recommend you pick this one up.I was thankful I did.

Hello, I Am The Author Of "Pinned"...
I wrote this novel with two primary objectives in mind: To offer wrestlers (current and former) and sports fans something fresh and interesting to read, and to put the sport of amateur wrestling in a positive light. I believe I have done both. I hope you enjoy "Pinned." Thanks, Alfred C. Martino e-mail: ACM7673@msn.com ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Not worth purchasing
I purchased this book as a I began preparing a unit on poetry.I noticed that most of my books had very little that would interest any of my male students.The selections in this book are too cliche.It seems as though the author thought boys don't like poetry so lets compile a bunch of very short, simple poems that pertain to male topics like sports, little sisters, and not liking homework and then they'll read it.The poetry has little to no thought in it.At least they could be humourous, but they're not even that.I Never Said I Wasn't Difficult by Sara Holbrook or various other titles by Sara Holbrook would be much better choices.
*Mr. Charles Ghigna and the Random House Company have been very accomodating to me and I appreciate their excellent customer service.The very graciously returned the book.
... Read more

Book Description

Young Orville and Wilbur Wright loved building things. From the fastest sled in town to the highest-flying kite, the Wright brothers’ creations were always a step ahead of everyone else’s. They grew up learning all about mechanics from fixing bicycles and studied math and physics. On December 17, 1903, Orville took off in the world’s first flying machine! The Wright airplane is one of the most amazing–and life-changing– ... Read more

Reviews (1)

True Discription
A book that truly describes what happened to the Wright Brothers. It tells of how they went from almost nothing to building arplanes. It tells how they worked to build the airplane, and always wanted to build one. Recomended for anyone who wants to know more about Orville Wright and Wilbur, and wants to read a good book ... Read more

Book Description

When Peter is hit by a car, he is given the ultimate do-over: go back to any point in time before that fateful moment, and alter the events leading up to his death.If he fails, he will die again-this time, for good.Now Peter's racing against time to save his own life, but what should he change? His adoptive parents don't understand him, the school jock is out to get him, and no one appreciates his own talents.This may be his last chance-can Peter cheat death, or will he be lost forever? ... Read more

Reviews (18)

Short But A Great Story
Rewind is a great and surprising book. It is by William Sleator. It has lot of twists that will shock you. When Peter (the main character) dies in the story. He dies by getting hit by a car and he gets another chance to live. The first time he died, he was upset and ran across the street. So if he gets upset, he has to run across the street because that is how he died to first time. Each time he dies, he gets to choose what place and time he wants to go back. The first time he dies he chooses to go back to the day before he dies. He still dies and gets another chance. I think he changes by learning to do the right things and choosing and knowing what to do. On the last chance he has to live he chooses to go back 5 months before his first death to try to change almost everything bad that happened. Peter doesn't know that he is adopted and when he finds out he is he is really upset. The other important characters are Peter's parents and his friends/teachers. Sad but true this book has won no awards. The setting of the book is in the 1990's in the USA. This book caught my attention because I couldn't find a book to read so I picked up this one and I thought it might be good after I read the back and the cover caught my eye to. I read it. It was fantastic. The way that the story went, you couldn't put it down. The age of people that should read this is 5th-7th grade because it has all kinds of twists that would satisfy the reader. William Sleator's style is the keep-you-hanging-style. If you read this book you would have to keep reading and reading. The only thing that I didn't like was that the book could have been longer because he should have said what happened after he survived. The mood of this story is sad, happy, and surprising mood. The genre of this story is a mystery.
My bottom line is that this book is great and people should read it.
P.S. tell your friends to read this if you like it.

Different and interesting!
The actions starts right away. Peter, who's 11, has just been hit by a car and killed. He's taken up to heaven, and the "Bright LIght" tells him he has 12 hours to go back and try to change the events leading up to his death. If he can make significant changes, he'll live. Peter makes one attempt (that only takes up an hour), but he had the same result. He's then told he can make multiple attempts, but he only has the original 12 hours. He makes a 2nd attempt, but no luck. Time is running out, and he has one more chance. I liked the basic plot--I've never seen this story line before. I just didn't care for the way Peter's adoptive parents treat him. I didn't think it was realistic at all. Then again, this is FICTION, and SCIENCE FICTION to boot! If you've read any other Sleator books (The Duplicate, Singularity, The Boy Who Reversed Himself, Interstellar Pig, Others See Us, The Beasties, The Boxes, etc.), I'd give it a try. The book is really short--120 pages--it only took me a couple of hours to read it. If you haven't read any of his books yet, DO IT! They're great! However, I'd start with one of the other ones I mentioned before picking up this one.

Extremely Good
"Rewind" was a terrific story but even for a fiction book it is still suposed to be realistic aside from the fact that he is getting a second chance to live. One flaw was how fast the media would back off of everybody. The second that Kurt told the media he was just covering for a friend they backed off. So did the crazies and as desperate as they wouild be I dont think that they would do that. I also thought that some characters were just a little to gullible- that might not be the best word to describe it. Either way their are some things that left me skeptical but it is a fiction and a good one at that. You will find it hard to put down, I read it within a couple of hours and enjoyed it.

Rewind to live
Rewind is an awesome book to read. It's about a boy who gets hit by a car and dies. Then he is given 3 chances to go back in time with his memory of what happened to change the outcome. He can't just stop himself form running into the car, he has to go back farther and figure out how to make things right. Along the book he has to deal with things like, finding out he's adopted, his mother is about to have a baby and when he does a project in art, his parents think it's a waste of his time. It maybe be kind of short but worth reading. Enjoy!

Amelia's review
Rewind by William Sleator was published in 2001. The main character is Peter. The book starts when Peter gets hit by a car. When he gets to heaven he hears a voice that says he has another chance, but he only has twelve hours to decide what he's going to do so he dosen't die again. After he comes back to life, Peter finds out that his parents are going to have a baby and that he is adopted. All Peter wants to do is prove to his parents that he isn't a good for nothing kid, and he does, but how? I want you to figure that out by yourself. I think the moral of this story is even if your adopted you're parents still love you! I gave this book a 5 star rating, and recomend this book to ages 8and up! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Traditionally, series fiction for teens is light, fluffy, and morelikely to be found in a beach bag than on a required summer reading list. Butlately, series fiction is starting to take itself a bit more, well, seriously, agood example being The Black Book: Diary of a Teenage Stud by themysterious Jonah Black. A projected trilogy, the true author of Jonah'sfictitious journal is hiding behind the Black name, apparently not yet willingto take credit for this Twin Peak-ish, literary sex tale. In the first volume,"Girls, Girls, Girls," Jonah reveals his difficulty in separating his richimaginary life with the real world. Between writing about his steamy, disturbingencounters with the beautiful and possibly made-up Sophie, Jonah also documentssome cold, hard facts about himself: he was expelled from his Pennsylvaniaboarding school, his former Florida high school is forcing him to repeat 11thgrade, and his mom is a scary New Age sex therapist who writes books likeHello Penis! Hello, Vagina! Who wouldn't retreat into a fantasy world?But as Jonah's writing progresses, he begins to drop hints about his sordidPennsylvania past, and savvy readers will be able to start to put together theclues of his unexplained expulsion. It isn't likely that Jonah's quirkilycomplex diary will entice the usual Sweet Valley High series reader, but it issure to intrigue teen fans of oddball writers such as Daniel Pinkwater andDouglas Adams. It's weird, but this darkly humorous mystery is definitely worthit. (Ages 14 and older) --Jennifer Hubert ... Read more

Reviews (38)

The teenage stud
Jonah Black is a teenage boy, about 17 years old. He should be a senior, but is held back for reasons that remain foggy throughout the book. In fact, everything remains foggy throughout this book. There are so many secrets and fantasies floating around, that it's hard to know what is real and unreal, and what is the truth and fiction.
We get introduced to Jonah just as he is entering back into his old school, for reasons we know nothing about at this point. There is no backround info given on this guy, we just tumble right in with him and his life, learning as we go.
You get the impression that he believes himself to be different, pathetic, misunderstood, unpopular, and distant from the norm. There are many clues hinting to this. The thing is though, the more you read, the more you get that....Jonah is the most popular boy in school, the most creative, the best at....just about everything, is lusted after by any girl who lays eyes on him, and has this instinctive cart load of self assurance thrown in the bag as well. All of this he seems completely oblivious to. Your image of him will change throughout the story, and you will feel as if you are not just reading a book, but taking a trip inside the mind, body, soul, and heart of a very real, very special person. You will literally feel as if you are visiting a new best friend, dying to know what makes him tick. Secrets are kept, and vulnerabilities are revealed in a perfect blend of fantasy and reality. It's never clear what is real, and what is not, and you will find yourself doubting him about everything, but falling more and more in love with this new friend, to the point where it no longer matters what is fact and fantasy.
The book explores our self reflection, and how it differs from reality. The author teaches us that a friend is not a person who always has our best interests at heart, and helps us through the bad times, but can be, as Jonah discovers, or maybe just shows us, that a friend is someone we care for and who cares for us, though they constantly mess up, screw up, and make us furious. Jonah's many offbeat yet very real relationships differ so strongly from his imaginary ones. Yet all of them are flawed, vulnerable, and heartbreaking.
The book is about looking beyond your personal perception of self, and revealing the way you really are, through how others see you. It is about loving people though they too often only think of themselves. It is about the power of creativity and imagination, and how they set us free and help us grow and learn. It is about holding onto idealism and romanticism at all costs, no matter what anybody says.
This book is amazing, and I recommend it to anyone who knows what it's like to live inside their head.

good book for ALL readers
(in response to the amazon.com editorial reviews) Sadly, I read the Sweet Valley High series, and have to admit that I am hooked (embarassing I know but I can't help it). However, this book captivated me. I couldn't put it down and am wishing I had my car so I could drive out and by the second volume. Jonah Black is a captivating junior/senior who has problems that any teenager can relate to: psycho parents, obnoxious siblings, true friends, backstabbing friends, etc. Jonah's confusion between real life and fantasy also gripped me; I want to find out more about what happened up in Philadelphia. So to all you SVH readers out there, don't judge this book based on one review, try it for yourself. You will enjoy it.

a mysterious mystery
This book was basically what i said- a mystery. The whole time there is a lot of stuff going back and forth. That was the only problem with this book. There are a lot of unanswered questions and the ending is obviously made so you'll go and buy the next book. Theres really no plot and really no climax its exactly as is -- a diary. I liked the way though he daydreams in his writing and writes what he wants to happen- kinda reminds me of a cartoon. I hope in the future books will do a lot more of explaining and start to speed up. Overall it was a good read though because you have to take in little hints to find out whats going on.

THIS IS THE BEST BO OK EVER
I read this book a few months ago..and I couldn't put down the book. This is the best book ever! For my school in Berlin, Germany, I have to write an author report about Jonah Black, but it's pretty HARD, since I can't find any pictures and biographys about Jonah. (...)
thanks a lot
xoxo

These are really freaking awesome books
The Black Book series is like Gossip Girl, it's not intellectual in the least bit, but it's soooooooooo good! I'm 14 and I read them and loved them and I passed them on to my friend who loved them. It's really irritating how there's always something that you still don't know by the end of the book, so you HAVE to buy the next one, but they're just so good, it doesn't matter. Read them, if you think they're crap, then you need to start taking yourself less seriously. ... Read more

Book Description

At the age of fifteen, Dieter's blind devotion gets him promoted from Hitler Youth into the German army. Dieter's determined to prove his allegiance and bravery all costs.

Spence, just sixteen, drops out of his Utah high school to begin training as a paratrooper. He's seen how boys who weren't much in high school can come home heroes, and Spence wants to prove to his friends and family that he really can be something.

Their worst fear was that the war would end too soon -- that they wouldn't get the chance to prove themselves. But when they finally see the action they were hoping for, it's like nothing they could have ever imagined. ... Read more

Reviews (19)

Soldier Cereal
Soldier Boys Simon Pulse, 2001, 230 pp., $4.99
By Dean Hughes ISBN: 0-689-86021-8
"I'm not doing this for LuAnn!" Spence is merely 17, but he is thrown into a world of violence and death. He lives in Brigham City, Utah and is a child of four. He is always number two behind his tall, handsome, brother Robert. He drops out of his high school to become a paratrooper in the United States Army. He survives his intense training in "the frying pan" and Captain Vance, but will he survive the Germans?
Dieter grows up in the Bavarian hills. His love for his country keeps him in the top of his class in Hitler Youth. He is small in stature, but a leader to his peers. After long work in Hitler Youth he is promoted. After working his troops determinedly on the Westwall he is thrown in to the heat of the war. In the end he finds an unlikely savior, but will he survive the chilling weather and the Belgium forests?
Perfect for any preteen looking for a good read. Dean Hughes World War II thriller, Soldier Boys.
-Will Farmer

Book Review: Soldier Boys
Soldier Boys Simon Pulse Publishing, 2003.
Dean Hughes 203 pages, $5.99, ISBN:
0-689-86021-8
Book Review: Soldier Boys
" 'Lassiter and Jones are dead,' he told Ted. He was still trying to get it through his head. But Spence was angry. Why hadn't anyone told him, just once, what it was really going to be like out here?"
The thought of going to war, of shooting the enemy down, of pulling that trigger, of protecting their country, of being part of the world's greatest war, seemed to appeal to Dieter Hedrik and Spencer Morgan. Dieter, an overly-patriotic German, had made it all the way from Hitler's "jung-volk," to Hitler Youth, to finally, a real soldier in World War II. Dieter was on a desperate mission to prove that he could be more than people thought of him-to be noble. Spence, from a farm town in Utah, wanted to prove his maturity and 'manhood' to his family, his father, his hopelessly beautiful crush, LuAnn, his own hometown, and perhaps even himself.

After rigorous training meant to turn the soldier's bodies to leather and their souls to stone, Dieter and Spence find themselves in the battlefield, the very place that the two had longed to be. Slowly, both begin to realize the cruelty of war, and that hope is like the summer winds, too swiftly blown away. Dieter and Spence are on opposite sides of the battlefield, fighting for the same thing.
I certainly enjoyed this book, each chapter alternating between telling the story of Dieter, then Spence, back and forth. I thought that Soldier Boys gave me considerable insight into the cruelties of war, and why war appealed, and still appeals, to so many. In the quest to be noble, to prove something to someone, people can go to drastic measures. This book reveals the real things that make up war, not the over-dramatized, glamourous event that Hollywood portrays it as. In Soldier Boys, Dean Hughes delicately captures the struggles and brutality of the catastrophic event that we call World War II.
Are you a peace-lover or a war-supporter?!? Whatever your political side is on war, this book will add knowledge and give you s new perspective on the subject. Soldier Boys should be on the must-read list of anyone who claims to be a true reader! A compelling tale of two boys and their painful transformation to manhood, this book appeals to all.

Extremely awesome book!
When I first read that book, I just freaked out, in good way. It's is just great publishing of a paper. I cried and took it in deep in my heart. I'm really interested in WW2, so I loved it. I really think everyone should read this!

Soldier Boys
Soldier Boys is a good book it's about 17 year old boy who wants to live his dreams his name is Jonh Volke. Well he always wanted to be in the army as a Amis. A Amis is a U.S. Combat.I think this book is good for people Who likes War World 2.

WOW!!
Soldier Boys is a great, well-written book. It is packed full of action, and very descriptive. I have read many war books before and have found that this is one of the best! This book had me screaming for more! Although this book may be a little gory at times, It is definatly MUST READ!!!! (^_^) ... Read more

Book Description

Chad finds a whole new summer occupation—he wants to be the Bozo, the clown who sits inside the dunk tank and goads people into taking a shot. What could be better than using his razor-sharp wit against a random stranger? But Chad soon discovers he"s entered a strange and twisted world where humor packs a loaded punch. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Dunk
The greatest book I've ever read is Dunk! This book kept me guessing and reading. This book takes place where the fun begins and ends (right along the boardwalk). I'm so glad that my friend Zach recommended it to me!
Dunk is about a boy named Chad. He only has his mom because his dad left them for another girl. When Chad finally finds the perfect girl, she has to go back to Montana.The last words he heard from her were "I'll be back next year, Chad".
The next year finally came. Chad checked the game that Gwen ran when they met. Even though Chad wanted Gwen the most he also wanted a job for the summer. But,his mom didn't him to work because when his dad said he was working he really wasn't. On the day that Gwen arrived, his best friend Jason started acting weird so the cops took Jason to the hospital and Chad to the jail cell. They accused them of using illegal drugs. The person that saved him was his upstair neighbor. Even though Chad hated Malcolm, he was thankful that he was there.
The next time that he saw Gwen she was with his old friend Anthony. After that, he found out that his best friend Jason had a disease that affected his immune system. The next day he tried out for the bozo job.
Will Chad get Gwen back,get his job,and make friends with Malcolm? Also, will Jason get better? To find out, read the greatest book ever, Dunk!

By:Mickey

Understanding the teenage boy
This book gives an amazing insight into the mind of a 15 year old boy. Perhaps not the most typical boy, but as the mother of a less-than-typical boy myself, I enjoyed it thoroughly. My seventh grade daughter also enjoyed it, and I think my son will enjoy it too, if he gets enough of a break from schoolwork to read it.

Dunk, An Awesome Book
I loved the book Dunk by David Lubar. It was an exciting story about a boy named Chad and what he did over his summer. It tells about how he wanted to be a Bozo at a dunk tank. When he asked about a job at the tank the owner said yes and Chad was happy. When he got there he found out that he wasn't getting to work as a Bozo but as a ball boy. This wasn't the end of his problems. His friend got very sick and the girl he liked started going out with someone else. But that isn't all. Read this book and see what happens to Chad and his friends. ... Read more

Book Description

"Gold!" Jason shouted at the top of his lungs. "Read all about it! Gold discovered in Alaska!"

Within hours of hearing the thrilling news, fifteen-year-old Jason Hawthorn jumps a train for Seattle, stow away on a ship bound for the goldfields, and joins thousands of fellow prospectors attempting the difficult journey to the Klondike. The Dead Horse Trail, the infamous Chilkott Pass, and a five-hundred-mile trip by canoe down the Yukon River lie ahead. With help from a young writer named Jack London, Jason and his dog face moose, bears, and the terrors of a subartic winter in this bone-chilling survival story.

00-01 Tayshas High School Reading List, 01-02 Young Hoosier Book Award Masterlist (Gr 4-6), 01-02 Young Hoosier Book Award Masterlist (Gr 6-8), 01-02 William Allen White Children's Book Award Masterlist, and 01 Heartland Award for Excellence in YA Lit Finalist

Notable Children's Trade Books in the Field of Social Studies 2000, National Council for SS & Child. Book Council, 2000 Best Books for Young Adults (ALA), and 2000 Quick Picks for Young Adults (Recomm. Books for Reluctant Young Readers)

Reviews (27)

Against All Odds
The book, Jason's Gold, written by Will Hobbs, conveys themes of determination, disappointment, and hardship. These themes led to a well-written, page turning thriller that makes you feel lucky for all that you have.
Fifteen-year-old Jason Hawthorn hears news of a gold rush, taking place in the Klondike. Jason leaves his job as a newspaper boy, and is immediately infected with klondicitis as it comes to be called, or Klondike fever. Jason wishes to return home to Seattle, and rejoin his two older brothers, Abe and Ethan, and then set out for gold!
Along the way, Jason runs into many problems, such as food shortages, transportation, bone-chilling cold, and fierce competition with other people infected with Klondike fever. To survive the elements along the way, Jason has to use all of his skills, and comes blisteringly close to death. Just making it to Dawson city, where the gold has been found, will be a challenge. Jason will have to battle infamous trails such as the Dead Horse Trail, and the Chilkoot Pass. This is not including a 500-mile trip down the Yukon River that must also be completed, and completed before the harsh winter sets in, and the river freezes up.
Jason's Gold is a book for anyone who enjoys suspense and action, with sudden turns along the way. Jason shows amazing courage and a will to survive that fuel him along his journey. This story is based on the ancient Greek myth, Jason and the Argonauts, which tells of Jason braving impossible odds to retrieve the Golden Fleece. Will Jason Hawthorn retrieve his golden fleece, or will he fall the at the hands of the merciless Klondike?

Gauby's Review
Taking place in the late 1880's Jason Hawthorn set out with hundred's of thousands of people to the Klondike Rush in Alaska. Hoboing it on a train, then on a boat and dropped off in Juneau, Alaska. Jason's goal was to strike it rich and find his two older brothers which had a lead on him. Jason comes to meet Jack London, an aspiring writer from California and other not so famous people. Jason's Gold is an awesome story about the struggle of the youngest kid in a family and befriending a HUsky who was tortured by it's master. Read this compelling book and I promise you, you'll enjoy it!