Book Description

Approx. 1.5 hours

2 cassettes

1999 National Book Award Finalist
Parent's Guide to Children's Media Honors
Publishers Weekly Best Books of 1999
Horn Book Honor Book

A Harlem drugstore owner was shot and killed in his store, and the word is that 16-year-old Steve Harmon served as the lookout.Was he involved or was he simply in the wrong place at the wrong time?An amateur filmmaker, Steve transcribes his trial into a movie script, showing scene by scene how his life was turned around in an instant.


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Reviews (341)

Monster
"Monster" is what the prosecutor called 16-year-old Steve Harmon for his supposed role in the fatal shooting of a convenience-store owner. But was Steve really the lookout who gave the "all clear" to the murderer, or was he just in the wrong place at the wrong time? In this innovative novel by Walter Dean Myers, the reader becomes both juror and witness during the trial of Steve's life. To calm his nerves as he sits in the courtroom, aspiring filmmaker Steve chronicles the proceedings in movie script format. Interspersed throughout his screenplay are journal writings that provide insight into Steve's life before the murder and his feelings about being held in prison during the trial. "They take away your shoelaces and your belt so you can't kill yourself no matter how bad it is. I guess making you live is part of the punishment."
Myers, known for the inner-city classic Motown and Didi (first published in 1984), proves with Monster that he has kept up with both the struggles and the lingo of today's teens. Steve is an adolescent caught up in the violent circumstances of an adult world--a situation most teens can relate to on some level. Readers will no doubt be attracted to the novel's handwriting-style typeface, emphasis on dialogue, and fast-paced courtroom action. By weaving together Steve's journal entries and his script, Myers has given the first-person voice a new twist and added yet another worthy volume to his already admirable body of work. (Ages 12 and older) --... --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Monster
Luis G.
I read the book Monster by Walter Dean Myers. The story is about a 16-year-old boy, Steve Harmon, on trial for felony murder. Steve, who wished that experience were only a movie, writes the story in a movie script format. There only needs to be enough evidence to say he was at the scene of the crime and participated in the drug store robbery, regardless of whether or not he pulled the trigger on Mr. Nesbitt, the person killed. If so, he might spend the rest of his life behind bars. Steve is the only dynamic character in the story; when the movie begins, he is a simple 16-year-old boy who had only seen the world through his somewhat happy life. Towards the end he realizes not all people in this life are decent, or anywhere close to decent human being, but rather there is a mix of good and bad living amongst each other. Steve's movie contains flashbacks that sometimes leave the reader wondering of their significance to the story. In them we see a Steve Harmon prior to him being in jail. We see him hanging out with his friends and family. Readers are able to relate with Steve regardless of whether or not they have experience a jail term. Walter Myers does an excellent job of characterization especially in those flashbacks, because Steve seems so much like a real. Because you are able to relate with Steve you begin to feel sympathy for him just because of the awful place he is at. Myers's imagery of the jail is excellent. You realize the brutality and the perverse minds of some inmates, and also the depressed state Steve is in. as a consequence, you begin to feel sorry for him and wish he be found not guilty. This book is on of a kind because you observe the brutal side of jail through the mind of a 16-year-old boy. I think that all teens might want to consider reading this book, and I also think they are the ideal audience.

MONSTER
Monster

This is one of the best books I have ever read, and I don't usually like reading books. I know you have heard that many times before but when you hear it from me you know its true because I absolutely despise reading.
This book is based on a true story: Three men planned a robbery at the local drug store in which the local drug store clerk was shot and killed. Now these three men are on trial and one of them is innocent, can you tell who? One of the characters is Steve. He was one of the three being convicted of murder. Whether or not he was guilty, you'll just have to see for yourself. Evans was another of the three that were on trial for felony murder. And James King is the last main character that is on trial for murdering the store clerk.
This book is good because all of these characters seem realistic. The author describes how appropriately they dressed for their court trials. The way that the author talks about the characters makes me able to picture the characters in my head. " Cut To: Steve Harmon getting dressed in his cell wearing a tie and button up shirt". The author also makes the murder scene real because the police go through the proper procedure that they normally would at a regular murder scene.
The court case also seems true, Mostly because the book is written in play form, with characters being given dialogue and actions. Its almost like its being written by a court reporter.
The way that this book was written was the first thing that jumped out at me because it is so realistic. You can picture the man or woman who is talking. However there were some flaws to the way it was written because the narrative alternates between third person play form and first person diary format making parts of the book hard to understand. I would get lost while I was reading because I would get so into it I wouldn't bother reading the names of the person who was talking.
In conclusion I think that this was an extremely good book. I recommend this book to people who like mystery books because with this book you never know what's going to happen next.

The master piece
This book is amazing.This book is about a kid on the streets that is accused of robbery and murder .The book can be compared to the movie "juice" .

Book Review
Monster is mainly about a 16 year old boy named Steve. Steve is a very timid kid fighting for his innocence. This book takes place in a Manhattan Detention Center. Steves problem is that he is being falsely accused for commiting murder. Now he has to go on trial and see what happends.

This book "Monster" is basically all dialogue and no actions. There are alot of characters in this book and it is hard to keep track of them since it's written like a movie. This book has alot of realism since it was based on a true story. There really isnt alot of suspense in this novel. "Monster" drags out alot and i wouldnt recommend this book to anyone.

To the peron who wrote this book, I think he should have sold this "script" to a movie maker. This book was a waste of time to read. Thank You. ... Read more

Book Description

Andy is in a
world of trouble.

On the last day of a sea kayaking trip in southeast Alaska, fourteen-year-old Andy Galloway paddles away from his group to visit the nearby site where his archaeologist father died trying to solve the mystery of the first Americans. A sudden, violent storm blows Andy's kayak off course and washes him ashore on Admiralty Island, an immense wilderness known as the Fortress of the Bears. Struggling to survive, Andy encounters a dog running with wolves and then a man toting a stone-tipped spear. The wild man vanishes into the forest, but the dog reappears and leads Andy to a cave filled with Stone Age tools and weapons. Running for his life, Andy retreats deep into the cave, where danger, suspense, and discovery await.

Reviews (5)

Stranded
For my Amazon Book Review, I read the book Wild Man Island. It is about 14-year old Andy Galloway taking a trip to Alaska with a group to see the amazing humpback whales. One night, while the tour guides are asleep, he sneaks out and kayaks to the island where his father died trying to solve the mystery of the first Americans, and of course to see the whales in action. But on the way back, he gets caught in a storm, which takes him to Admiralty Island. What he doesn't know, however, is that there is a man on the deserted island who could help him, and with the help of his dog, Bear, leads Andy to a cave where danger, suspense, and mystery await him.

The author has written the book in such a descriptive way, it takes the reader into Andy's adventure: the woods, the amazing cave explanation, the wild man. It is amazing! All the details and explanations were so well written, it was like a mini movie in my head imagining what happens next in the story. But in all books, there are parts you don't like. I didn't really like the fact that there were so many details about what Andy thinks, I felt like skipping pages when some chapters were like that. Some of the information was too much.

I like Wild Man Island, because there is danger, excitement, and mystery waiting for me to read in every page. When I first read this book, I couldn't put the book down. It was so thrilling, I finished the book in two days. I thought to myself, this is an exciting book from the first page to the last. Every chapter I read kept
getting more and more mysterious and suspenseful. I rate this book with five stars. I recommend this book to all readers who like adventure and excitement all in one.

"Descriptions of woods, wildlife, and the spectacular cave formations Andy discovers have a ring of authenticity that makes his hardships and adventures as compelling as any of Gary Paulsen's." --- Kirkus Reviews

" A well- paced adventure, this novel combines survival saga, mystery, and archeological expedition.... Hobbs's renown ensures the popularity of his latest effort."---- VOYA

Wild Man Island Is a Great Book
I like this book. It's adventurous and tells a lot about the North. If you're going to do a report on the North I suggest you read this book. The three main characters are Gabe, a Texan boy who wanted to be close to his father, Raymond, an Indian (Eskimo) and is Gabe's friend, and Johnny Raven an Indian (Eskimo) and is Raymond's great-uncle. Two parts are quite sad, but the rest is very interesting. There are a lot of surprises, good and bad, but when I read this book I got hooked to it. It's a great book.

Great!
I loved this book. It intrigued me until the end. The wild man was neat, and the storyline, survival details and history information was awesome too. My favorite part was in the middle, when Andy was in the cave.

Fast paced and entertaining
I got this book for my 4th grade son and decided to read it as well. Learning about Alaskan geography and the surrounding vicinity was very interesting. The book moved at a quick pace and held the readers attention. My son is about half finished and is enjoying the book tremendously.

Great Adventure Story
Fast paced & exciting book. I particularly liked the Newfoundland dog in the story. Last yr. I read another thrilling book w/ a Newfoundland dog called "The Wreck of the Ethie" which I also couldn't put down. ... Read more

Book Description

The cabin door crashes open-and in a few minutes Regina's life changes forever. Allegheny Indians murder her father and brother, burn their Pennsylvania home to the ground, and take Regina captive. Only her mother, who is away from home, is safe. Torn from her family, Regina longs for the past, but she must begin a new life. She becomes Tskinnak, who learns to catch fish, dance the Indian dance, and speak the Indian tongue.As the years go by, her new people become her family . . . but she never stops wondering about her mother. Will they ever meet again?

"A first-person narrative based on the true story of a young woman held by Indians from 1755-1763, related with all the impact of a hard-hitting documentary . . .Wonderful reading." (School Library Journal)

"I Am Regina is an enthralling and profoundly stirring story, historical fiction for young people at its very finest." (Elizabeth George Speare, Newbery Award-winning author of The Witch of Blackbird Pond) ... Read more

Reviews (51)

Wonderful,must read
I Am Regina is a must read for anyone who loves historical fiction.I first read this book when I was twelve years old.Now that I am fully grown,there is still not a year that goes by that I don't open it up and read it.It's about a ten year old girl named Regina who's family is attacked by Indians.Her father and brother are killed and Regina and her sister,Barbara are taken.Regina befriends a small girl,another captive,that she names Sarah.The sisters are seperated and Regina is forced on a long journey to a Lenape village.At the village she must face cold and hunger.As time goes by she loses almost all memory of her white family and accepts her new life.This book is based an actual incident that occured during the French And Indian Wars. The story allows the reader to see what it might have like,on either side.This is a book that cannot be put down.

"A Great Indian Story!"
We give this book five stars because when our teacher passed this book out to us and we started reading it...we just couldn't stop reading the book ! "I am Regina" is based on a true story about a girl named Regina Leininger. One day in the fall of 1755 in Pennsylvania, Regina and her sister, Barbara,get captured by the Allegheny Indians. Their father and older brother are killed. Her mother and her other brother are away at the time of the capture. Barbara and Regina are separated soon after they are captured. To find out if Regina will ever see her sister, mother or brother again... read the book!

I am Regina
Imagine you were living in the late 1700's and your white man's name was changed, would you want that name? How would you feel if you and your sister were kidnapped? That's exactly what happens to Regina Leininger and her sister Barbara in the novel I am Regina by Sally M.Keehn. Regina's life is perfect that is until her father and brother are killed and she is forced to live with a Native American tribe. Regina must learn how to survive in this new way of life. Regina repeats her name throughout the book so she doesn't forget her past. Regina's name was changed to Tskinnak which means blackbird. She was only ten years old when she was captured. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning about Native Americans and their lifestyles.

A Book That Makes You Want To Keep Readng
On the first day of school my teacher(The best teacher in the world)told us she was going to read us a historical fiction book. She reads to us because she thinks you should learn using all of your senses so she reads to us. Well like most 7th graders we usualy can't stay still for long. So she reads to us and we color while we listen. We are at the end. Everyday when she stops we ask her if she has to stop because we just can't to find out what happends next. But she dosen't. She always says no that way all of us will come back the next day to find out what happends. It actualy teaches us a lot about english and all kinds of things because while shes reading she stops sometimes or at the end to do context clues and figure out words we don't know. I recomend this book to any young adult. IT IS GREAT.

Alone...yet not alone am I!
When I was in 7th grade, for my reading class, I had to read a Texas Blue Bonnet book (it is a list of books that children read and then are tested on over the computer) every six weeks. The last 6 weeks of the year I picked up I am Regina I only had one week to read it before all books had to be turned in to the library...I got half way there the book then it was due...I never got to finish it. I would ask the library if they had this book they would say there is not book by that name...one day i asked, "Do you have any blue bonnet books?", "Yes, they are over there." Still no luck. To my surprise as I did a key word search I was calling the book i longed to finish by an incorrect name (My name is Rebecca; don't ask I have no clue where I came up with that one!) I checked out the book and finally read all of it... IT IS AS WONDERFUL AS I REMEMBERED IT TO BE...all i can say is...READ IT READ IT READ IT! ... Read more

Book Description

35th Anniversary Editon with new Text and a New Preface by the Author!

Long ago, the Tripods -- huge, three-legged machines -- descended upon Earth and took control. Now people unquestioningly accept the Tripods' power. They have no control over their thoughts or their lives.

But for a brief time in each persson's life -- in childhood -- he is not a slave. For Will his time of freedom is about to end -- unless he can escape to the White Mountains, where the possibility of freedom still exists. ... Read more

Reviews (83)

This is a good book!
The novel The White Mountains is a science fiction story written by John Christopher. The setting in The White Mountains is England, the English channel, France, and the Alps. The main character is an English boy named Will Parker, and the minor characters are his cousin Henry Parker and a French boy named "Zhan-pole," whom Will and Henry call Beanpole. The world described in the novel has many differences from our world today. In many ways, it is like our past around hundred years ago. There are no cars, planes, glasses and only very primitive trains. Humans have less technology and are mostly farmers. In this time humans are ruled by colossal mechanical machines called "Tripods," which have very advanced technology. Humans don't question the Tripods because they are "capped." Being capped is a process where the Tripod picks up the human and puts a metal half sphere on his or her head, causing the human to lose a little of his or her individuality. These differences are what makes the book unique. The novel starts with the main character Will seeing his best friend and cousin Jack being capped. Then Will meets a free man named Ozymandias from the White Mountains pretending to be a "Vagrant." Vagrants are humans who had a mishap in the capping making them crazy. Ozymandias gives Will a map and a compass and then Will is off. Unbeknownst to Will, Henry follows him. Will and Henry go with Captain Curtis across the English channel, and are kidnapped by the French. This is where they meet Beanpole. Then they wander into an ancient mall where they find grenades and mistakenly find out how to use them. Will is hurt and then a French man hunting finds them and brings them to the castle. As soon as Will is better they are going to run away, but that night a Tripod comes. Will tries to outrun it on horseback but it picks him up and puts a tracking device on him without him knowing. Later when they realizes that they are being tracked, they cut the tracking device aw! ay from Will's arm. As soon as they do this a Tripod comes, and they destroy it with the grenades. Then they have to hide behind a rock for two days because the other Tripods are searching for the destroyers of the Tripod. In the end they get to the White Mountains and await their next adventure. Three adjectives a reader could use for this book are fascinating, thrilling, and mystifying. It is fascinating because they think people in our time are ancient but they are like a hundred years ago in our time. It is thrilling because they have to evade many Tripods and have to destroy one. It is mystifying because it makes you wonder what are the Tripod's motives? Who are they? Where do they come from? This book is recommended to anyone who likes science fiction.

You wont want to put it down until you are through with it.
I read the science-fiction book called "The White Mountains." "The White Mountains" is about tripods that take over the world. They roam on all the continents and hunt humans for fun. In one little village where tripods come every now and then when the kids get to a certain age, there lives a boy who looks up to being capped but then he hears that if you get capped you are controlled by the tripods. The boy thinks that all the world is being roamed by the tripods but one day he finds out about one place where men are free and fighting the tripods. He takes an incredible journey along with two other boys to escape from the control of the tripods. I loved this book because the author put a lot of excitement in it and I like science-fiction books. I rate this book a 10 because you wont want to put it down until you are through with it.

This book is full of adventure,action, and originality
The Reason I like this book is that first I love to read books that don't talk about one subject for half the book. I like to read books that keep on going like this one. It does, though, talk to little about things, but I get really bored with a lot. I like to read also that this book is just full of adventure and adventure books are by far the best.

The book is very origianal too. It's is a very unique book by far because firstly the time setting. It takes place in the future, but it seems like the past. It seems like the past because they have no technology because the unique atagonists destroyed them. The atagonists are like robotic, three legged stools and that is very creative.

Dead white mountains
Fun Fact: "The White Mountains" was turned into a regular comic strip and published in the Boy Scout magazine, "Boy's Life" in the early 1980s. One of the earliest futuristic dystopian tales for children, the story is a harrowing one. The race of man has been conquered by beings known only as the Tripods. These gigantic three footed structures rule the earth, controlling the minds of the human race through "capping". Once capped, a person is exactly the same, but bound to the will of the Tripod masters. Will, his cousin Henry, and a French boy named Jean-Paul (but translated into the boys' speech as Beanpole), set out to find a place where men live free, without the caps or tripods. The white mountains.

Now, in my description of this story I've relied on a the old fashioned method of speech that speaks about "the race of man" and "where men live free". Why not the race of people... or where people live free? Well, to be frank, this book is a bit lacking in the woman department. Originally published in 1967, it is a victim of its times. Women exist here as mothers and as docile servants of the Tripods. In the story, those humans who have been capped sometimes respond violently to the process. As a result, they end up insane and "Vagrants". Usually this happens to people who are strong of will and resist the capping. The author himself notes that, "it happened occasionally with girls, although much more rarely". Sorry ladies. Resistance must be a manly trait. As for the girl Will befriends halfway through the book, she is described as having a "soothing gentleness" and is considered a remarkable woman for it. This concept of women is more than a little backwards. Even the photograph of a woman Will finds in an abandoned Paris is imagined in his head as playing the piano (as accomplished women would be wont to do). The book is now being considered, I might add, by Steven Spielberg (unsurprisingly when you consider that the man is not usually prone to strong female characters in his own films).

Aside from the old-fashioned nature of the XX chromosomed, the book has many fine features. There's a delightful tension running between the three boys as they make their journey. Will often finds himself jealous of the camaraderie between his two companions, and will lapse into spitefulness as a result. The story is well thought out and the dramatic high points very invigorating. The ending, unfortunately, is very sudden. Not to ruin it for you, but in a sudden "TA-DAH!" like sequence, the boys find themselves walking towards the white mountains one moment and suddenly IN the mountains the next. The abrupt ending feels like nothing so much as an indiscriminate stopping point created with the sole purpose of leading the viewer towards the sequel. And a map would have been a nice addition to the story. A map that showed the boys' progress from England to the mountains past France.

I was very attached to this book while reading it, and in spite of all the problems I have with it, I recommend it highly. Just bear in mind that unlike some of the other fantasy books of this ilk, "The While Mountains" has aged a little more poorly than its fellows.

a book you shouldn't miss reading
I thought this book was very interesting and exiting. It begins out in the future but it seems more like you're in the past with a teenager named Will. He has a cousin named Henry who he despises. One day a [fake] vagrant comes to town and meets will a few days later. He informs will that the tripods [machines that keep men docile with mesh/metal caps] are bad and asks will if he is welling to make a journey to a land where their are no tripods! Will accepts the challenge so the next day he sets off. Henry sees him leave and joins will. They go to a port named Rummy. They get across the river and keep going along the way they meet a kid their own age named Jean Paul. They pronounce beanpole. They keep going and encounter many challenges. Read this book if you what to find out what happens? ... Read more

Book Description

When?: World War II Where?: A cookcamp in the Canadian woods Why?: He's not really sure. One summer, a 5-year-old boy goes to live with his grandmother in a cookcamp. The camp is home to 9 men who are building a road through the woods. The boy misses his mother, but at the same time the camp becomes home--a special home where he learns to spit and rides the tractor. It's a wonderful summer, but then he lets slip to his grandmother about "Uncle Casey" and she writes seven letters to his mother. Seven letters that she mails "good and hard." A short while later, the boy returns home. ... Read more

Reviews (14)

Excellent Book!
Imagine: playing with a chipmunk, riding on a bulldozer, and having your own pocketknife when you are only five years old. The main character is a boy who is five years old and does all of these things. The boy and his grandma lived in the country, outside the small town of Pine, Minnesota, cooking for a group of men, during World War II. While he was living with his grandma, he became lonely, missing his mother, who lived in Chicago.I liked this novel, but at times it seemed to go on forever. The novel was very interesting because the boy seemed to have a different adventure everyday. Somedays he rode on the machinery with the men, and other days he played outside with the few toys he had. The novel was very detailed and I could feel what the characters were feeling. When the boy was lonely, I was lonely. It was so detailed. I could see the pies and milk he drank! The one part I really disliked is that Gary Paulsen didn't give the main character a name.

IS DEFFINITLY WORTH A COUPLE DOLLARS!
This book is great, the story is detailed and VERY fun to read. I've read it a zillion times and I still love it! The ending is sad in a way, but when you get to the last page or two it has a pleasant suprise that makes you feel better. If you like this book, I recommend reading other books by Gary Paulsen. I've read/bought nearly all his books and he is my favorite author!!

It's all right
"The Cookcamp" was a heart-warming story about a boy being sent to the home of his grandma, who he never met before in his life and his crazy mother just went and sent him there anyway without saying anything to the boy. When he arrives, he feels like his mother just dissed him like he was nothing. So after a few weeks of spending time with his Grandma, he felt like he was more than something! Then all of a sudden, his mother wanted him back. Then he go back home, the place he didn't like to go to. So that's what his forgetful mother does to him and that shows HOW MUCH SHE LOVES HER ONLY CHILD(HER ONLY SON)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I recommend this book because it's a heart-warming story because of what happened to the boy.

The Cookcamp
The Cookcamp by Gary Paulsen is a wonderful book I think everyone should read.The Cookcamp is about a boy who goes to stay whith his grandmother during the war.The actual reason the boy went to stay with his grandmother is because after his father went to war,the boy saw his mother and his uncle Casey[Casey isn't really his uncle.]making out on the couch.After he saw them his mother sent him away.At the cookcamp the boy's grandmother cooks for al of these men who are building a road.While at the cookcap,the boy helps the men.He sits in their laps,and once they teach him how to drive,he steers the vechicles for them.The boy is having fun,but then he starts to miss his mother.Will the boy stay with his grandmother,or go back to his mother?The Cookcamp by Gary Paulsen is a wonderful novel I think everyone should read.

A Great Read
The best book I've read all year is The Cook Camp by Gary Paulsen. The reason I like this book the most is because it puts in a lot of detail about what's going on, and the author makes it where it feels like you're there. One reason why you should read this book is it has a lot of details. Another reason you should read this book is it seems so real. The final reason is I know you'll like it. Well, have fun reading this awesome book. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Ragged Dick a timeless piece
"I aint been knookin around these city streets for all my life for nothin," exclaims Ragged Dick, the hero of the novel Ragged Dick, by Horatio Alger Jr. This timeless classic brings the reader into the life of a young boy growing up on the harsh city streets of New York City in the late 1800's. Ragged Dick became an orphan at the age of four and was forced to take care of himself soon after at the age of seven. Dick becomes a boot black so he can earn enough money to take care of himself and this is where the reader begins the story. Ragged Dick turns into a fast paced adventurous novel which will constantly leave the reader asking "what next?" Join the many who have become enthralled by this book and follow the adventures of Ragged Dick and his friends you meet along the way. Learn how Dick, the lovable boot black, turns out. Does he live up to his goal of "livin a s'pectable life" like he always hoped to? Find out, by reading this timeless classic.

Ragged Dick... (Our Hero)
"Ragged Dick," a story about a young, poor, boot-black boy from New York City, is a Classic American novel. Written by Horatio Alger, in the late 1800's, hit upon the most important topic in America at the time; the "American Dream." The "American Dream," being the idea that everyone, from all walks of life, can come to America and be successful, in any way in which they want to, so long as they have hard work and determination to do so. Ragged Dick for filled this "Dream" by making his way up in society, and eventually making a wealthy man of himself.
I enjoyed reading "Ragged Dick." The story, though it was short, covered some very important topics of life back in the 1800's. The first was that fact that noone should give up. Through all of the hardships Dick was put through, including the loss of his parents, the mis-fortune of receiving no education, and the fact that he lived on his own for most of his life. Another important topic that was covered, was that hard work pays off. In Dick's case, he worked hard at a boot-black, treated people with respect, and finally caught a break for his hard work, by receiving a high paying job.
The kind of people that would enjoy this story would be people of all ages. No matter what age, or what level of education one may be, this story teaches lessons that anyone can benefit from. It doesn't matter if a twelve year old boy, or a fifty year old woman picked up "Ragged Dick," because they will both benefit from what the story speaks about.

Good values and good history
RAGGED DICK is a wonderful example of the late 19th century optimism in between the major depressions that plagued America during those years. I agree that this is an inspirational story for children and early adolescents. The values it imparts--loyalty, work, cooperation, persistence--are certainly ones that we would want our youth exposed to. But it holds something for adults too: and that is a first-hand glimpse of post-Civil War New York City. The struggle of the orphans, the advantages of the privileged class, the thieves, the confidence men, the unforgiving hardness of poverty in the pre-Jacob Riis days are all there. And that's what makes this book a double winner: it has something for the young and something for the older.

Rags to Riches
We all like a good story about underdogs and this is no exception. From the start of the story, we see the true nature of Ragged Dick. Uneducated, but honest. Ultimately, those are the two parralels in Dick's life. The inner battle to keep his honesty (i.e. not stealing) while at the same time surviving. The concept of the story is great. The reason it only earned 3 stars from me is because of some unanswered questions. The biggest one: Where the heck did Dick learn to swim? If he's grown up on the streets of New York his entire life, where could he have gotten his "expert" ability to swim? And why would Mr. Whitney let his son Frank go with Ragged Dick in a strange town? Also, there was way too much luck involved. The author accounts for this by implying that to be successful you have to create your own luck. Is that true? Who knows. All in all though, this was a good read and I recommend it to others interested in 19th century capitolism and becoming "'spectable".

The Quintessential Alger Tale
Although many scoff at his work today, Horatio Alger Jr. remains the quintessential boys' author of the 19th century. "Ragged Dick" serves as a model for all his other stories as we follow Dick through his rise from rags to riches (or at least middle class respectability.) Alger's talent as a storyteller can not be denied as the reader is carried along from page to page, eager to find out what will happen to the eponymous hero next.
Why the author of the forward to this volume has chosen to continue to spread the myth of Alger's homosexuality/pedophilia is puzzling. The debunked and almost universally discredited biography by Alfred Mayes first started this canard in the early part of the 20th century and succeeding biographers have parroted Mayes' lies. Mayes himself admitted, in print, that the entire biography was a hoax from start to finish.
Alger should be remembered for his stories which paint a vivid picture of 19th century New York City street life and for the tremendous humanitarian work he performed for homeless children of New York City. ... Read more

Book Description

Long, long ago, a little boy named Almanzo Wilder lived on a farm in the New York countryside with his father, his mother, his big brother, Royal, and his big sisters, Eliza Jane and Alice. One special day is Almanzo's birthday. He gets to stay home from school, and even better, Father gives him a yoke for his calves, Star and Bright, and a beautiful hand-sled. Almanzo spends the morning learning how to break the calves, and then he spends the afternoon flying down the hill in his brand-new sled.

Laura Ingalls Wilder's Little House books have been cherished by generations of readers. Now for the first time, the youngest readers can share Almanzo's adventures on the farm in these very special picture books adapted from Laura Ingalls Wilder's beloved storybooks. Jody Wheeler's warm paintings, inspired by Garth Williams' classic Little House illustrations, bring Almanzo and his family lovingly to life.

Reviews (2)

A Farmer Boy Birthday Review
This story reflects the way a birthday boy growing up on a farm in the late 1800's might celebrate his birthday. The editor has done an excellent job of taking a short story from within Laura Ingalls Wilder's original book FARMER BOY and making it a short story for youngsters. The pictures are appealing and the story stays focused. I wish the publishers would print another edition of the book. All the stories we have read from the "My First Little House Books" have been thoroughly enjoyed by my family. We often give copies as gifts to other children and we borrow the copies we can't get from the library.

Another winner for the series.
This is another great story in the Little House series. This one is about Almanzo and his life on the farm when he was a young boy. The day begins like any other but ends with a special gift towards "man-hood" for his birthday. My pre-school children love all the Little House books, but this one is particularly loved and read over and over again. The story also teaches selflessness with a surprise at the end. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Pure Genius!
S.L.Rottman is a beautiful person! She clearly shows it with Hero. This book took my breath away! Shawn's challenges make you wish you could reach out your hands and try to help him. Then, the ending is so beautiful it will have you crying. I know that it made me. But that is all I can speak of, read it and find out for yourself. Read this and you will never feel the same!

Heart Wrenching
This is a great book. Sean was a great kid just trying to live and Mr Hassler has issues that he is trying to deal with and they make a great pair helping each other without really knowing it or why. Rottman's writing are the modern version of S.E. Hinton. Keep up the great writing I can't wait to read the rest of your book. This book is great for anyone young or old.

TOUCHING
i've just finished reading this book and i've got to say that it is one of the best books i've read. it takes you through the life of a teen who leads a troubled life. i guarantee that this book will bring you a lot of smiles.

An excellent book for the 9th grade classroom!
Hero is a sensitive and poignant portrait of a young man who has suffered physical abuse, but is offered an opportunity to learn some of life's most important lessons. Through the actions and dialogue of beautifully crafted characters, the author weaves themes of hope and redemption. I have used this book with at-risk 9th grade students who are very reluctant readers and, without exception, boys and girls alike love this book and respond to it very positively. Hero offers a myriad of wonderful discussion starters as well as journal writes and critical thinking opportunities. I use Hero in my English classes; however, I believe it could be used effectively in any course related to decision- and choice-making, relating to others in positive ways, and respecting others. I highly recommend this wonderful book!

A stunning novel!
I have just completed the book, HERO, moments ago. This stunning novel tells the tale of a boy steaming through adolescance and living a hell of a life. Sean isn't willing to listen to anyone, so he stays past curfew. Again. So begins a story of fear, anger, excitement, and drama in which fifteen year old Sean learns the true meaning of a hero. ... Read more

Book Description

There's just no stopping little Willy. Determined to keep their farm going -- and to give his ailing grandfather a reason to live -- the ten-year-old boy hitches his dog, Searchlight, to the plow and harvests the whole potato crop.
Now little Willy needs five hundred dollars to pay off ten years' back taxes, or the farm will be taken away from them. Dauntless as ever, he stakes everything on one wild hope: that he and Searchlight can outrun the best dogsled racers in the country -- including the legendary Indian, Stone Fox. But the huge mountain man is every bit as intent on winning the big prize money as little Willy is. And he and his five beautiful Samoyeds haven't lost a race yet....
Based on a Rocky Mountain legend, John Reynolds Gardiner's story -- like its hero, little Willy -- has all the ingredients of a winner, right down to the unforeseen drama at the finish line.

Reviews (232)

Wonderful book witha a bittersweet ending
This book was about a young boy named Willy that wants to help out his ill grandfather by earning $500 to save the farm. Willy enters a dogsled race with his dog Searchlight and has to race against the best dog teams in the country. Stone Fox and his 5 dogs also enter the competition. I have read this book four or five times, and I always cry at the ending. Very sad but a wonderful story for all!

Alyssa's book recommendation
I loved this book because it was exiting to read. I liked it when Willy wins The Dog Sied Race.My favorite character was Searchlight. There were some tragic parts ,but I still liked it. After I read the book it became my favorite book.Irecommend that everyone reads this book.

Krista's Stone Fox.
I would recommend this book to other third graders. I would recommend this book to other third graders because it talks about how one small person can change the whole life of someone they love. Another reason I would recommend this book is because it talks about how a certain pet you have had a really long time can become an important part of a childs life.

Stone fox review by Ben Blakeslee
I think stone fox is a great book. I liked it because it was sad and exciting. This book is sad because Little Willy's dog Searchlight dies. It is exciting because of all the coincedences.For example he always has or gets enough money. I recommend this book to people who like reading.

Kevin's Stone Fox
Little Willy lived on a potato farm with his grandfather.Grandfather slept unusually late one morning, and Little Willy was very scared!So Little Willy sped down the road to Dr. Smith's house, and said" Grandfather won't get out of bed!"They went to Little Willy's house; Dr. Smith said, "Your grandfather has just giving up in life."Little Willy came across an old dog sled one day while doing chores. He had an idea!Maybe he could win the 10 mile sled dog race and get 500 dollars to pay taxes and make grandfather better!So he trains and trains and trains until the big day.Will Little Willy win the race and save his grandfather's life?I highly recommend this book because it's heartwarming, exciting, and suspenseful. ... Read more

Book Description

Beware, citizens of Silicon Valley--the bad Toonies are on their way. Led by the evil ape-bird, Dab, the Mischief Makers have escaped from Computer Cartoon Land. They are skulking in the shadows, ready to pounce. Dab will do anything to stay in the real world, so makes plans to take over Orange Computer, then Grape Computer, Banana ... and then the world.

Thanks to Uncle Wom (Wise Old Man and leader of Cartoon Land), the good Toonies aren’t far behind. Uncle Wom and a cartoon teen, Doog, have come to help Jeremy Kern, a young newspaper cartoonist--the only human who can save Silicon Valley. Steve "The Woz" Wozniak, co-founder of Orange Computer, gets involved when the bad Toonies take over the supply building at Orange headquarters.This is a story of good versus bad ... Doog versus Dab. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Terrific Writer!
I became a fan of this writer after reading her first book.What can I say about this book that has been said before in the other reviews?Except perhaps to suggest this story is not just for children.I enjoyed the heck out of it.I agree with some of the other reviewers when they say, The Toonies Invade Silicon Valley would make a GREAT MOVIE!

Refreshing and Engaging, My Type of Story
I love all types of fantasy, but this tale is particularly close to my own heart.In fact, it is my favorite type of story: Vivid characters and events are first grounded in reality to make them believable so that the jump into the fantastical draws us in completely.After we are a part of the story, the imaginative events take over to both amaze and amuse us.

Ms. Dravis' ability to present real people, places, and things in the midst of a fantasy story is very close to what I strive for in my own writings.Characters with last names and problems who live in real places, but still have fantastical things happen to them, make for a wonderful story - truly a modern James and the Giant Peach or Charlie and the Chocolate Factory kind of tale.I am also impressed by how well a female author is able to portray such a believable boy character.All of the characters are engaging and real, with their daily struggles and triumphs; and this helps make the story real as well, though it is also a lovely escape.

In fact, it is so well done I am tempted to compare it to one of my favorite television shows - Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends, which to me is entirely plausible, given the vast number of very real imaginary friends I have known in my life.This book has the power to appeal to all ages and types of people.I would definitely recommend it.

J.H. Sweet, author of The Fairy Chronicles

"Must Read Children's Story For Kids Of All Ages"
Entertaining writer, Betty Dravis, has written the most amazing children's story that I have ever read.I kid you not!Even 'big kids' like myself, will absolutely love this book."Toonies Invade Silicon Valley," is a story that belongs on the 'big screen."Yes, it's that good!My daughter, Michelle and I had a lot of fun reading the chapters together.

The well-developed characters with fun names like, Toonie Doog (good spelled backwards.short for do-gooder), and Jeremy Kern, Doog's creator, and wise beyond his years, (Uncle Wom)...kept us anxiously reading long after Michelle's bedtime.The dialogue was equally as impressive, so much so in fact, we didn't want to put the book down...not even when our eyes got so tired it was almost impossible for us to continue reading...BUT the interesting and well-told plot wouldn't let us.What can I say...we were reeled in and hooked until after the last page had been read.

Writer Dravis, is an amazing storyteller with a 'unique' style all her own.I can't rave enough about this book.Kids of all ages will love this story.

"Toonies Invade Silicon Valley," has it all...a kids book that tells both a story that challenges a child's imagination as well as teaches them a lsson or two about 'real life' and 'problems' they must learn to deal with sometimes.

If you are in the market for a fantastic book for your kids that are both entertaining as well as teach, then, "Toonies Invade Silicon Valley," is the book for you.I promise adults will love it too.

Join in the fun and excitement as you visit a magical place...a place where 'Cartoon Land & Los Altos,' merge...a journey you don't want to miss.

compares to Gremlins or Goonies
This book is a lively read that kids will enjoy.When the main character, Jeremy, discovers a secret Cartoon Land in his computer, some of the bad "Toonies" escape and begin to cause trouble.Now Jer must inlist the help of Doog, a good Toonie with bushy red eyebrows and freckles, and his cartoon friends, to help round up the bad Toonies and get them back into the computer before they destroy the world.

SOLD on the Toonies
"I read this book with my niece and nephew and we were captivated by these delightful Toonies and the charming illustrations.The creative plot is a unique concept: cartoon characters sneaking out of the computer into the real world and then having an amazing adventure with human kids.This is the perfect book to introduce Silicon Valley to children of all cultures.As I read, the cartoon characters became so real to me, I found myself hoping that Uncle Wom and Doog would move from Computer Cartoon Land to Silicon Valley.It's a hot housing market here, and I have the perfect high-tech home for them." - Melinda James, Realtor, Century 21 Alpha ... Read more

Book Description

Recipient of a 1993 Newbery Honor, this novel is an achingly beautiful, powerfully rendered journey through childhood that is not to be missed, now available in a new edition with a striking new cover.

“From an outstandingly perceptive writer, a moving portrait of a boy, observed at four revealing turning points.” -- Pointer Review/Kirkus Reviews

“Combines fast, exciting action with an astonishing ending that proves the power of the individual imagination.” -- Starred Review/ALA Booklist

1993 Newbery Honor Book
Notable Children's Books of 1993 (ALA)
1993 Best Books for Young Adults (ALA)
1993 Fanfare Honor List (The Horn Book)
1993 Teachers' Choices (IRA)
1993 Books for the Teen Age (NY Public Library) ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Stop pretending you care!
What hearts is a well thought out book it has a lot to do with being neglected by his mom and step father. I thought this book was depressing. I am a happy person who enjoys smiles all the time. I get mad at myself when my friends get mad at me because i know i would never want someone to be hurt by something I have done. I felt that 'WHAT HEARTS" isn't a good book for you too read if you are looking for romance, love, friendship, but its a good book if you want too see what others go through who at times are not as loved as much by parents because they don't care as much as they need to for their child, they only care about themselves.

Wonderful Book
This book... is simply amazing. Asa, the main character, is a intelligent little boy faced with important and daunting changes in his life, starting the last day of first grade, and carrying on until he's in 7th. Asa's plight is described in such a way as to make you connect with him.
"What Hearts" is, while not quite 'dark', definitly poignant. It is the type of book you cannot put down and that you re-read often.

Straight from the heart
There are have been an incredible amount of books written in recent years for young people, but even if you exclude the junk there are very few that can be called really great. Bruce Brooks' "What Hearts" is one of these.

Brooks presents his basic themes, forgiveness (a rather unusual subject) and the meaning of love, with absolute sincerity. Asa's feelings and problems are real. It doesn't matter how different your life and problems may be from Asa's; if you are sensitive to your own feelings, I think you will be able to identify with his.

This may sound a bit odd, but it's also one of the most beautiful books I've ever read. I might particularly cite, in the second chapter, Asa's forgiveness and acceptance of his friend Joel. The end of this chapter is truly wonderful; all by itself, this would make the book a great one. Also the almost heartbreaking, though very beautiful, concluding chapter, one of the most sensitive and true descriptions of love (and, once again, forgiveness) that I know.

All in all it's a masterpiece. Sure, hardly any book is absolutely flawless, and "What Hearts" is no exception. But the author's remarkable perception, exquisite writing, and love for the human heart transcend any small faults you might find with the story. It is one of those rare books that really come from the heart.

i kinda liked it! not really!?¿
This book was not my favorite book in the world because i could not understand it. I think that it was to cloded with information i got in trouble with my reading teacher because i did not get a good grade on the accelerated reader test i took on it!(i got a bad grade)

Hi!
Any books by Bruce Brooks is an awesome book! Brooks writes books for cooks that shook and look at his book! He's awesome! ... Read more

Book Description

Tom Falconer is in trouble. Pursued by the notorious criminal, Ratsey, Tom finds himself alone and hungry on the streets of London. Luckily enough, the mysterious Dr. Mobius soon recruits Tom to play an important role in a play to be performed in front of Queen Elizabeth. Tom knows there's something not right about Mobius, but he's willing to take a risk in order to keep his neck out of Ratsey's murderous hands. Little does Tom realize that Mobius's dark secret will trap him in the middle of an international conspiracy, holding the fate of the English empire in his hands.

"Readers with a penchant for macabre wit will especially relish Horowitz's flair for detail and chuckle with satisfaction." (BCCB) ... Read more

Reviews (5)

The Devil and His Boy
The Devil and His Boy

This story begins in the small town of Framlingham, where young Tom Falconer is cruelly treated by Sebastion and Henrietta Slope, the owners of the Pigs Head Inn. Tom Falconer is an unhappy young man who isn't having any luck in life. However, this rapidly changes when a mysterious man arrives at the inn and demands that he take Tom back to London. After a short struggle they are both on horseback and on the path to London but trouble is not far off. They soon encounter a masked criminal, Gamaliel Ratsey, who promptly murders Tom's rescuer and would have murdered Tom if he hadn't quickly rode out of sight on the horse.
After the attack Tom finds himself on the streets of London starving and without money. He soon finds himself a home however, when he is recruited by Dr. Mobius to play a part in his play, The Devil and His Boy. He lives and rehearses on a weather-beaten boat with the troupe of actors who call themselves the Garden Players. He is sure he is being left in the dark, that there is something Dr. Mobius isn't telling him, and his suspicions are confirmed when an unknown man appears on the boat and makes some kind of deal with Dr. Mobius. Tom soon finds out that the play is to be performed in front of Queen Elizabeth of England and he allows himself to dream of riches and glory. Unfortunately, Tom has no idea that the play he will perform is actually the beginning of a dark plot of destruction set by Dr. Mobius himself!
I believe that the two major themes in this book are those of morality and honesty. However, these two themes are touched on very lightly. Crime is a common thing on the streets of London and Tom is pressured several times into a life of thievery. His best friend while in London is Moll Cutpurse, who herself is a master pickpocket. While he stays with her they often go to places full of criminals who brag of the riches they have accumulated through treachery. This is a strong temptation for young Tom but he stays with what he knows is right in his heart and becomes an actor, one of the few things that makes him happy.
Honesty is also a theme that is present in this book. When Tom first decides to join the Garden Players he doesn't know if he should trust Dr. Mobius or the other actors. He is very suspicious especially when Dr. Mobius goes into several fits of anger. I think morality could tie into this too because his good sense of morality tells him that these people were not to be trusted.
Overall, I think this book does an excellent job of portraying a plot that keeps you on your toes and shows how a good sense of morality can do a lot for a person. Also, a large amount of information in this book is actual fact and many characters were real people. This puts a bit of English history into a fascinating plot, which showed that a little imagination can go a long way.

Hey...Sub-Par...
1. Children's books represent some of the best literature in the world.

2. If you are above children's books, you had better go back to school to learn how to spell. Get a personal editor.

Sub-Par
I found this book disapointing. [Of course, its pretty pathetic that I'm reading children's books to begin with, but thats another matter.] Anyway, I think that the author exploited the Elizabethan setting, exagerating some aspects to the point of caraciture, but presenting nothing truely horrifying. It seemed so unhistorical, I was suprised to find out how much of the story the author "based on fact." He treated the themes of morality and honesty very lightly; the character Molly was a thief out of necesity, but the real hero unrealisticly and sanctimoniously refused to turn to crime. And the ending was predictable.
Read Susan Cooper's King of Shadows instead.

THe Devil and his boy
This Book is terrific. It is a thrilling and advenurous story. I have never read a better book. It is about a boy who wants to be in a play but his parents are dreadfully mean and wont let him.His real parents are the King and Queen of england but noone but the queen knows. He sneaks away from his Guardians and gets tied up with the most sinister and pulverizing murders in all of London. This is deafinatly a great book and once you start reading this book you won't be able to stop reading. It will keep you asking for more. I really liked this book, and I hope u do to.

Witty and thrilling, a superb historical novel from Horowitz
After such great children's books as 'Granny', 'Groosham Grange' and 'The Switch', Anthony Horowitz has now turned to the Elizabethan age for his latest work. Packed full of wonderful description of the period, which he obviously researched superbly, this book will transform any child's perception of what they may have thought of as a boring period in history. It brings the time and the characters of the time (including Queen Elizabeth herself and Shakespeare!) to life and makes them seem fun and interesting in much the same way as 'Shakespeare in Love' did at the cinemas recently. The characters are brilliantly depicted and children will identify with both Tom and Moll as well as laugh at some of the great villains and revolting adults that Horowitz is so good at creating. I have recently read the story to my Year 6 class (11 year olds) and I could not get them to go home! They always wanted me to read on and adored every minute of it. Probably Horowitz's best book yet - many of the children certainly thought so. Extremely well written and reminiscent of Dickens at times. We successfully turned the story into a play, which we performed at school at the end of July 1999 - it made a wonderful play too! Someone should make a film of this book! Horowitz is truly the master of children's fiction today.

Also recommended: Other Horowitz classics - 'Granny' 'Groosham Grange' 'The Unholy Grail' 'The Switch' 'The Falcon's Malteser' 'South by SouthEast' 'Public Enemy Number Two' ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Wow...excellent book A++
This is an excellent book not only for teen fathers but every father to be. I found Gottfried's writting style to be both a fast read and extremely full of good information. Glad I bought the book- it has answered a lot of my questions and has given me isite on what to do as well as things to come.
I know that there is limited information out there for teen fathers but Gottfried hits one home with this book! ... Read more

Book Description

There was nothing Otis Spofford liked better than stirring up a little excitement, particularly at school. A less resourceful teacher than Mrs. Gitler would have found him pretty hard to take. But even Mrs. Gitler did not entirely relish the bullfight at the fiesta arranged for the P.T.A. meeting. Otis was disappointed at not being the toreador, but as the front half of the bull he managed to steal the whole show, to the annoyance of his classmates and his teacher. It was then that Mrs. Gitler suggested that Otis might someday get his comeuppance.

Of all Otis's acquaintances, the neat and well-behaved Ellen Tebbits was the one he most enjoyed teasing. Strangely enough, it was Ellen who at last brought about his comeuppance. But before that happens, his losing spitball battle with Mrs. Gitler, his surprising affection for the experimental baby rat, and his insect collecting on behalf of the football hero provide a feast of fun for any child or grownup.

Mrs. Cleary's gifts as a writer are many, and her real understanding warms every page of this wonderful story of a "bad boy."

Reviews (10)

This book is GREAT!
This book is all about a young boy who gets in trouble alot. He always seems to enjoy to annoy Ellen Tebbits. His mother is a dance teacher at the dance school close to his home and has no time for him. In the middle of the book his class does a experiment including two mice. At the end of the experiment Ellen get to take one home but gives it to Otis instead. I thought this book was exciting and I was not able to put it down. Even though i told you some of the story get it and read the whole thing.

A highly reverberating and humorous book!!
I recommend all lovers of children's books to read this captivating classic of the exploits of a mischievous young lad, as only a genius such as Beverly Cleary can explain. It made me want to relive my childhood days!

Once I started to read the book, I just could not put it down. Cleary contiuously maintained my interest throughout the reading of the text. I am sure children in the age range of 9-12 will be able to relate to the title character, Otis Spofford.

A decent kids book
I thought this book was pretty stupid, although it is written for people slightly below my age level. The book is about a young boy whose purpose in life seems to be the creation of "excitment" (what anyone over the age of 10 would call mischief). The people he aggrevates do get back at him, but he ends up having the last laugh. For these reasons, I would not recomend this book. While there are some parts that will get a chuckle from someone of any age, the book glorifies teasing and unkindness and exhibits people who put very little value in their friendships. There are many books out there that will be more entertaining to children that will also have better moral overtones. As my title says, it is a decent book, but parents can do better than Otis Spoford.

Perfect for non-readers!
Otis Spofford is a boy just looking for a little excitement. To Otis excitement means upstaging a playacting toreador, shooting spitballs at classmates and even his teacher, sabotaging a class experiment, upstaging a friend while helping the local football hero, and especially chasing and teasing the very prim and proper Ellen Tebbitts. Otis' classmates and teacher warn him that someday he will get his comeuppance for his antics. When Otis takes his teasing of Ellen too far then his comeuppance finally happens.

Beverly Cleary's "Otis Spofford" was one of the funniest books I ever read. I particularly enjoyed Otis' comments on how "dopey" the characters in the books he had to read for school acted. Ms. Cleary obviously wrote "Otis Spofford" for children who felt the same way about reading as Otis did. Otis is no dope and non-readers will love him for it!

Some of Ms. Cleary's older books are sometimes dismissed as being "quaint" or out of date with their 50's settings and families (father works and mom stays at home.) "Otis Spofford" was written in 1961, but Otis has a single mother who owns her own business and they live in an apartment. In some ways Ms. Cleary was ahead of her time; but there is no denying that Otis is a wildboy of the 50's. "Otis Spofford" is an extremely readable and hilarious book featuring the wonderful drawings of illustrator Louis Darling. (I've always preferred Mr. Darling's idealized illustrations of very 50's looking children (the girls in dresses or rolled up pants with moptop hairstyles, the boys in canvas hightop sneakers and bristled haircuts) which are in Ms. Cleary's older books to the illustrations of her more recent books which make some of the characters look rather ugly- Ramona is so much cuter when drawn by Louis Darling than Alan Tiegrin.)

Awesome!
I read this when I was 9 and loved it! It was so funny and sogood! Then my teacher read it to us the next year and the whole classwas roaring with laughter! We loved it! Beverly Cleary is a wonder. Her books are sweet and innocent which is more than I can say for the garbage kids are growing up with these days... When I have kids, I am buying them all of Cleary's books. Way to go, Bev, and congrat's! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Best of its class/ Que Bueno
Este libro es una clasica lucha contra probreza,discriminacion, y
un padre fuerte. Este es una contuacion del primer libro, Cajas de Carton, y destaca los anos adolescentes. Con tristesa asi como deversion este autor mostra como supera las realedades de una vida sin recursos. Me gusataria recomendar este libro para adolescentes asi como adultos. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

An elegant board book.
This small cardboard book features photographs of buildings and architectural details. The photographs are beautiful - curious subjects in luminescent hues; there is no text other than the names of the colors. If you are a parent bored to tears with green frogs and red balloons, this book is a lifesaver. It is not clear to me what aspect of this book interests my two year old son, but it has been among his top ten for the past four months ... <