Book Description

Milton's Dilemma is the tale of a lonely boy's magical journey to friendship and self-acceptance.Milton struggles to fit in, but is teased by the school bullies.With the help of a mischievous gnome, he learns the difference between right and wrong and the consequences of his actions when he vows to take revenge. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Fantastic Book for Children About Bullying
Ten-year-old Milton Hastings, Jr. knew that moving to Smithville wouldn't be better like his Mother said. After all, Milton was used to moving, seeing as how his Father, Sargeant Hastings, a war hero who died the previous year, was always being transferred thanks to the military, taking his family with him. This time Milton and his Mother were living above Mr. Dugan's antique bookstore, where Milton's Mother worked, and Milton was attending a private school with rich kids. Sure it seemed nice enough, but in reality, it wasn't. Milton didn't really mind the not having any friends part. After all, sure it would have been nice to have someone to talk to, but it wasn't essential. What really bothered Milton was the fact that he was picked on non-stop at school. So when Milton meets up with Duffy McDoogle, a magical gnome, and is able to get back at his tormentor's, he scoops up the opportunity. But maybe getting revenge wasn't the right thing to do after all.

MILTON'S DILEMMA is a fantastic book that will teach school-age children from kindergarten to sixth grade that bullying and revenge is unnecessary, and unkind. Milton is a character whom many children will identify with, as are his tormentors, Ralphie, Jimmy, and Tommy. Patricia Gatto and John De Angelis, have put into words what most children experience everyday. While this will help children, this is also a fantastic book for parents to read as well, so as to see what their children may be going through, as well as to open up a floor for discussion about bullying, and the repercussions it carries along with it. Join Milton through his quest for friendship, self-acceptance, and consequences, as you will not be disappointed.

Erika Sorocco ... Read more

Book Description

Moves is the story of Hiro, who moves from Nagoya, Japan, to a small town in Montana when his father is sent to run a company-owned cattle ranch. Hiro quickly becomes the favorite target of the school bully, but feels he cannot talk about his problems with his parents, who are already discussing sending him back to Japan and feeling their own, individual, societal problems.

A source of comfort to Hiro, in the privacy of his own room, is his Aikido equipment and training. He quickly adapts to Judo lessons taught by a Black sensi, who is as sensitive to Hiros needs as much as he is strong. Hiros Judo lessons catapult him to peer acceptance, and help him to establish an important first friendship. He learns to confront his problem but with temperance and understanding. He understands too, the psychological pressure on his father, whos concept of leadership is colored by his social separation. His mother suffers from loneliness and boredom until she takes an active role in seeking a friendin spite of the language barrier. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Outstanding!
I thought this was a book about putting the moves on babes, you know... But, much to my pleasant surprise, it was a book about friendship, comaraderie, and of course, martial arts.

The author shows excellent promise, and I look forward to reading more of his work. ... Read more

Book Description

Poepal and Kennedi are the nicest kids in Seagarden, and they are on a quest to find their purpose in life.

In Poepal's Purpose Poepal and Kennedi deal with bullies under the sea and go on an adventure on land to help others and to find their own purpose. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The Cooler King Reigns Supreme!
As a teacher of children with special needs, I can't say enough about Mr. Epstein's enthralling little tale. Typos aside, it's rare to find a book that kids can indentify with in the main characters and situations, while not boring the teacher who has to assign it. I readily admit to being a Steve McQueen fan and found The Cooler King the perfect vehicle for introducing my passion to my students. That kind of passion is definitely infectious. Kudos to all concerned! ... Read more

Book Description

Here's the sequel to the best-selling Baseball Ballerina. This time, Baseball Ballerina's team has finally made it to the play-offs. But Baseball Ballerina can't even get to first base! With a little monkey business and a lot of laughs, her team is able to come out on top! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Some neat thoughts about gender...
This story works with gender identification. The main character is a girl who enjoys playing baseball. Her mother believes that she must balance this activity with a more feminine activity and so enrolls her in ballet. The plot is activated by some nice reversals. The art is full-page, watercolor and pastel. It is colorful and depicts an unstructured world: both figures and architectural elements are melted and out-of-kilter. I think the style has limited appeal. The illustrations miss the opportunity to depict the main character's fantasies in a manner distinct from the portrayal of reality. As such, readers may not fully understand that certain scenes occur only as a projection. While there is some multicultural representation among the humans inhabiting the story, the main characters are clearly Anglo-American. ... Read more

Book Description

When Bootsie Barker shows up at Bernie and Lisa's ballet class, the trouble begins. "I hate ballet!" Bootsie yells. "I hate boys even more!" And she means it! Bootsie's pliÉs and pirouettes keep knocking Bernie down, but Madame blames Bernie.

Can Bernie and Lisa figure out a way to get Bootsie Barker off their backs?

Reviews (1)

Poor Bootsie?
I enjoyed Bootsie Barker Bites and thought it genuinely clever; however, Bootsie Barker Ballerina is simply too agressive--and I do not generally consider myself to be politically correct about these things. Bootsie is mean to others and they are mean to her, which doesn't really teach positive moral values. And while morality isn't everything, the book lacks the spark that Bootsie Barker Bites had.

My six-year old enjoyed this book, but she did not ask me to read it again. ... Read more