Book Description

In 1861, when war erupted between the States, President Lincoln made an impassioned plea for volunteers. Determined not to remain on the sidelines, Emma Edmonds cropped her hair, donned men’s clothing, and enlisted in the Union Army. Posing in turn as a slave, peddler, washerwoman, and fop, Emma became a cunning master of disguise, risking discovery and death at every turn behind Confederate lines. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

The story of the brave young lady with the imp voice...
Written by Seymour Reit, "Behind Rebel Lines" tells the true story of Emma Edmonds. Running away from her father at the age of sixteen, she had left Canada for the country where freedom and liberty would become a reality. Now the year 1861, Emma is now 21 and the Civil War between states has begun. When President Lincoln asks for volunteers, Emma is determined not to just sit by. She disguises herself as a man and enlists herself into the Union Army. Now everyone, including her superior officers and fellow soldiers, believe her to be Private Franklin Thompson, assigned to Company F. But Emma wants to do more, so she volunteers to be a Union spy. But while she has been all this time fooling her own army, can she keep her secret behind rebel lines?

A truly well-written story, "Behind Enemy Lines" is sure to please. The author did a lot of research to write this book, re-creating Emma Edmond's story through Emma's memoirs, U.S. Army Records, and files from the National Archive. At the front cover of the book it is written "Great Episodes". This is because each chapter is separated in such a way. In that sense, while reading the story the reader might feel as though the book does not really flow as well as you would like. But on the overall, the whole story is written well if not a bit aimed more for younger audiences.

Emma's character is captivating and very realistic. Oh, I know that she WAS a real character, but in few cases, some authors cannot seem to grasp the character of who they're writing about. Fortunately, Seymour Reit puts down Emma's life down on paper flawlessly. You can almost 'hear' the imp voice in Emma's ear!

On the whole, "Behind Rebel Lines" is a gripping and fascinating historical biography and I can easily recommend it. Best for ages 10 - 14 but older teens and some adults might find this a good read.

"This stranger-than-fiction story will captivate history buffs and hold the attention of the most reluctant reader."
-Bank Street College of Education-

Girl Power
This is a very quick read even for the 9-12 year age group it is intended for. Never-the-less, it is a very exciting and interesting bit of true Civil War drama. It is the story of Sarah Emma Edmonds, or Emma Edmonds as she was known, a young woman, born in Canada, who, disguised as a man, became a solider, battlefield nurse, spy and detective for the Union army. Emma was sworn into the Union army as Private Franklin Thompson and served bravely and cunningly in many dangerous missions and in many disguises. She was also a devoted and skilled battlefield nurse and tended the wounded of both the Union and the Confederacy with compassion. Her career as a male soldier ended at Vicksburg when she became so ill with malaria that she had to go AWOL in order to escape detection as a female. Her adventures did not stop there. This book is sure to grab the interest of anyone who picks it up. It is not a great work of writing skill, being very episodic with little to link together the various elements of Emma's courageous life. The dialogue is fabricated, of course, and rather stilted, but the facts here are accurate and taken from Emma's memoirs and other historical documents. At least 400 women disguised as men fought for the North during the Civil War, but Emma's tale of espionage is perhaps the most thrilling. I highly recommend this book to young people as a wonderful introduction to the Civil War. Getting to know the people who fought this tragic and bloody war is a wonderful way to understand this astonishing chapter of American history. This book is definitely a page turner and so all the better for keeping interest high and fostering curiosity and discovery. Don't miss it.

A woman's extraordinary role in the civil war
Behind the Lines is an adaptation of the Emma Edmonds story for young adults. Emma Edmonds was a native of Saint John New Brunswick, Canada who left for the United States several years prior to the war. She eventually found her way to Michigan where, following the outbreak of war, she under the alias Franklin Thompson enlisted with the 2nd Michigan Infantry. She served with the unit as an orderly for about a year before she volunteered herself as a spy, and during the course of the next year went on eleven assignments. Not only were her spying activities dangerous, but she always had to remain vigilant among her comrades as well, lest her identity be discovered. This is a very interesting and entertaining bit of history, one that is sure to interest even some of those who insist that history is "bo-ring".

Me from TN(I'm not really under 13 shhhhhh)
This is a true story,written by Seymour Reit, about a woman overcoming the odds in a man's place. The incredible woman i am talking about is Emma Edmonds. She posed as a male nurse named Franklin Thompson. Edmonds was sent as a spy behind rebel lines.She successfully completed 11 missions!
Behind Rebel Lines really did make me think. This book was excellent! I loved it. I could barely put it down(but I did haha). I loved reading about the struggle of a real woman who could demonstrate this amount of courage. It is so inspirational. By the way,I know I sound like a fruit but my teacher is making me write this haha. See ya!Have a GREAT day!!Love yas!

It was OK
I think that this book was ok but if you have a sick mind i suggest u not to read this book because it sounds like they are doing some gross stuff. But other than that the book was really good and i recommend it to anyone who thinks women have equal rights or women can do anything a guy can because in this book it seems like they can. ... Read more

Reviews (14)

Great Book...
This book tell a tale of the harsh life of May Ying (concubine), and her daughter. It gives it's reader a glimp into the life a young immigrant sent overseas, against her will, to be a concubine of a man she doessn't even know. It tell of May Ying's relationship with men, addiction to alcohol, and her daughter's stuggle to support financially and emotionally. Her life is a sad one, but the author wrote the story so well. It touched me.

I read this book a few years ago in my 1st year English class. I am really glad that the prof chose this book. I recommended this book to friends and they told me they love it.

A rich tale of a family's struggle at the Golden Mountian
Being a 1st generation Chinese Canadian I feel very close to this story. Although my circumstances are not as dark as that of the people in the story, I feel a certain kinship.

Denise Chong is honest and her story is remarkable. I read that book in one night and had to miss school the next day because I could not put the book down. The pictures in the book gives a dimension to the characters.

A Captivating Read
I may be a white, teenaged, american male, but I still can appreciate the value and hard work that went into this book.

This book was absolutely wonderful in that it covered the family history so well, leaving out very few details, even though it was all put together by word of mouth, letters and photographs!

This must have been an extremely difficult book to write for all parties involved, and for that the author and her relatives have my deepest respect.

This book is absolutely beautiful and represents Chinese culture very clearly and in an interesting manner. I would recommend this book to ANYBODY

Page turner...
but I did find that I had a bit of a difficult time getting myself through this book, maybe because this story with the exception of a concubine, hits close to home. My Grandfather had come to America without his wife and three children looking for a better life. This occured in the 1930's around the same time that Sam Chan sent for a concubine from China. May-Ying was a young girl sent alone on a long journey to Vancouver, B.C. to become a concubine to Sam Chan, who would father two daughters. As the girls got older it was decided that they would be schooled in China. The entire family returned home where May-Ying, although the mother to the girls, became the second wife next to Hungbo, who was to be known as the "big mother" to the girls. Hungbo had replaced Sam Chan's first wife who had passed away some years earlier.

May-Ying had started out as a young innocent girl who came to North America on falsified papers and was thrust into a life that she didn't desire. It was in Vancouver and the numerous Chinatowns that dotted the area that her wild side let loose, especially when Sam Chan returned for an extended stay in China to build a house. Now May-Ying was forced to work in a tea house to support not only herself, but also her infant daughter (the author's mother) as well as those in China. She was required to send back money to support the building of the house.

The rest of the book goes on to describe the hardships that she faced as well as the emotional and physical abuse suffered by the third daughter Hing. Sam Chan did indeed have very good intentions to try to provide well for the families on two continents, but it would all back fire during The Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution that would take place. This is when Sam Chan would return to Vancouver and start living apart from May-Ying and Hing.

The last few chapters deal with the author trying to reunite the two families and helping her mother come to terms with the demons that were inside her. Her mother felt that the happiness that she should have had was sacrificed for the other family in China. After meeting her siblings for the first time, she was able to answer a lot of questions that for a long time she had suppressed.

An interesting look into what life was like for those looking for the pot of gold in another country and the sadness that was shared among the many who made the trip.

A part of Chinese immigration uncovered
Denise Chong reveals a world of immigration that this very Anglo Texan had no idea existed. With each multicultural title I read I become more and more amazed by the sacrifices that immigrant people make by seeking their fortunes in a New World. Learning about the U. S. closure to Chinese immigration was news to me. And realizing that the only course for Chinese men was to immigrate through Canada opened up at least two new vistas. The one in Canada of Chong's grandmother, the child of the concubine, was so primitive and pain filled; I was intrigued to know that it could be survived. To learn of the custom of the Chinese man having family in China that was honored and in the New World that was less highly regarded surprised me even more. The child's struggle through rejection, poverty, parental alcoholism and addictive gambling, and sexual promiscuity seemed nearly impossible.

To enrich Chong's narrative, a biography no less, she includes family pictures. And the links back to the family in China show the culture that is stuck in another century, another time. It is a picture that reveals family that is revered though separated by distance and time. Reading this book enriched my understanding of a people about which I knew very little. I highly recommend this book. It is an extension past the very excellent fiction of Amy Tan and well worth the read. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

He's not just a Star Wars Star!
I read this book in anticipation of knowing more about this outstanding actor. The author talked only about SW, and briefly talked about his best film to date, "Life As A House". This is a serious actor, no matter what people think about his performance in Star Wars. I don't reccomend this book. You will find a much better bio of him online. Check out his fan bases.

Love Christensen did not love author
Being a large fan of Hayden Christensen, I pounced on the chance to read a biography on him.
However, I must say, I was very dissapointed! Though there were some nice photographs of Christensen, the author published this book before Star Wars came out, which I thought a mistake, because everything the author said was a perdiction!
Other then that, the author made everything too brief and talked more about his Star wars movie then the rest of his life. I was sad as the author went into painstaking detail on lightsabers, and yet said only a paragraph about my favorite film of his, "Life as a House." Overall the author used fair language, and for the most part Hayden Christensen deserved a better biographer. Maybe I will try to some day! ... 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

Reviews (9)

Get to know your children's idol!
If your children are fans of Raffi and you must hear his voice everyday, it's nice to know a little background. An amazing life story and very entertaining reading. Who knew?!?

lots of little-known facts
I learned a lot about Raffi's early life and family from this book -- also about the children's music industry. Raffi was and is a pioneer in his field. A fast-moving read and must-have for any children's performer.

Raffi shares his heartfelt beliefs
The Life Of A Children's Troubadour is Raffi's autobiography in which he shares the story of his life, from his childhood in Cairo Egypt, to his adjustment to life in Toronto as a youth, to his professional success as a musician throughout North America. Raffi reveals the details of his remarkable career, from modest beginnings as a folksinger in coffee houses to sold-out children's concerts at Carnegie Hall and on Broadway. Raffi shares his heartfelt beliefs, his love and admiration for children, and his dedication to making the world a better place for kids. The Life Of A Children's Troubadour is a "must" for anyone who has enjoyed and appreciated Raffi's very special music and his influence on a generation of children, parents and teachers.

Even Our Heroes Are Human
I reall enjoyed discovering who Raffi is. It was nice to see that he is not perfect and to see himself work that.

I would have liked to read more about his life and less about how to raise a child. Towards the end of the book, it got a little "preachy" on how to raise a child. I find it a little difficult to get advice from someone who does not have a child.

I do, however, find it inspiring that someone did so well in a path that he didn't choose for himself. He learned to do the best he could and let himself be guided.

Much more than a show-business autobiography
Through his music, Raffi has been in our family ever since our eldest son, now 24, was a toddler. What attracted us, apart from the consistently high musical quality, was the directness and warmth of Raffi's approach, the intelligence, the lack of condescension, and his obvious respect for children and childhood--and for all of humanity, and for all of life. These same values inform his book.

Much more than a showbusiness autobiography, The Life of a Children's Troubadour is about a personal odyssey. It begins with a pained and troubled childhood and describes Raffi's growth into an internationally renowned entertainer, a passionate advocate for children, for the natural environment, and for peace. It has not been an easy journey, and Raffi describes the obstacles and detours along the way with honesty and with an insight that was clearly gained at great emotional cost.

For me the least riveting parts of the book were the depictions of showbusiness events--recording sessions, details of the workings of the entertainment world, etc., although I don't doubt that many will find such information of interest. These , however, do not dominate the book. Raffi's inner and outer journeys do, with all their perils and rewards. As one would expect from a gifted lyricist, the writing is elegant, often moving. Only here and there would one have wished for a firmer editorial hand. This book would delight anyone who has been ever moved by Raffi's music--or whose children have. ... Read more

Book Description

While current events have focused the public"s attention on Korea once again, many veterans of the conflict that occurred there half a century ago worry that their time spent fighting in this "Forgotten War" will not be remembered or understood unless their story is told. Award-winning nonfiction author Linda Granfield has collected the personal accounts of thirty-two men and women who served with the U.S. and Canadian forces in Korea during the years 1950--–53 and has written her own introduction describing the main events of the war.The veterans in this book represent a variety of service areas, including medical, supplies, infantry, and naval, and their moving, sometimes graphic, recollections are illustrated with their own personal photographs. As commemorative ceremonies mark the 50th anniversary of the end of the Korean War this year, attempting to understand the human face of war is more important than ever. Timeline, glossary, bibliography, Internet resources, index. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The decency that lurks in all of us -- even in war
If Napoleonic warfare shattered concepts deeply rooted in the past century, this fact does not inavlidate reasons for studying warfare as waged in that earlier era, Col. Thomas E. Griess, of US Military Academy, wrote in July 1969.

Griess, head of the Department of History at West Point, wrote the foreward to "The Art of War in the 17th and 18th Centuries" which analyses the tactics of King Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden, the "Lion of the North" in the Thirty Years War. Linda Granfield, in "I Remember Korea" about the 1950-53 Korean War, is a "historian in arms" fit for the company of any other military writer. Her book is a gem.

In contrast to the mob armies of his time, the army of King Adolphus was carefully trained, thoughtfully administered, well equipped, splendidly led. In contrast to the mob army the US sent to Vietnam, "The Art of War . . ." is a blueprint for the awesome military machine the US created after its defeat in Vietnam. The quality of American men-at-arms hasn't changed; but there is a vast improvement in leadership.

Granfield presents us with 31 poignant and telling snapshots of those who served in Korea, drawn from the experiences of the veterans of that war which ended 50 years ago. It is a reminder of the basic good nature, generosity and compassion of Americans and Canadians in the military as well as civilian life. One element of military history covers the Captains and Kings, which is part of training leaders; Granfield writes of the ordinary folks who are commanded by Captains and Kings, which is also part of training effective leaders.

Instead of writing like Napoleon, Granfield writes like Abraham Lincoln who believed, "God must love the common people, because he made so many of them." Today, any officer who doesn't respect and learn from the sergeants has zero future in the military; Granfield presents example after example of those fine qualities of the "common people."

She doesn't analyse the tactics and strategies and advances and retreats and blunders and triumphs of the war, the favorite pastime of armchair generals and obsession of real generals. Instead, her inclusion of stories such as "Lima Beans? No, thanks!" ought to be required reading for anyone and everyone, political or military, who wants to command. She has a superb sense of what matters to real people.

Unfortunately, some people may classify this as a "children's book" because of its straightforward style and concise clarity. If so, we should all be children. It's not a book to be read by freshmen at the Royal Military College in Kingston or West Point, they're still too young for it; instead, it should be assigned reading for the Senior Class with the admonition, "This is the type of people you want to command; now, as an assignment, find someone about whom you can write a story that matches Granfield."

It would be part of a useful graduation exam. If an officer-to-be cannot find a story to match these memories of a grim experience, are they really capable of seeking the best in commanding others?

As for the rest of us . . . . . it is a reminder of the decency that lurks in everyone, even under the rigors of war. She has written a gem. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Madeline, Washington
I've never been a "Anne of Green Gables" fan, but after reading Andronik's beautiful story of Anne's creator, I feel I should give them a second chance. Andronik really knows how to discribe a flaming spirit, even when it's locked behind bars! ... Read more

Book Description

This dictionary offers comprehensive coverage in 726 entries concerned with the "other" English literature, comprising 263 works of fiction by 164 authors from Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India, and selected African nations. Entries on books include bibliographical data, plot summaries, settings and characters, and critical assessments. Biographical entries on authors note other writings and comment on influences, artistry, and critical recognition. There are additional entries on outstanding characters, memorable settings, and key motifs. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

"The Greatest One There Will Be"
The book Wayne Gretzky "The Great One" is about a boy that grows up in Canada. He played in the WHL for the Soo Sault Marie Grey Hounds. Then he got drafted by the Edmonton Oilers. After 4 straight seasons they won a Stanley Cup. Then he got traded to the Los Angeles Kings. When he was in Los Angeles they won 3 Stanley Cups. Then in a few years he got traded to the St. Loius Blues. He didn't like it in St. Loius, so for the first time in his career he was a free agent. Then the New York Rangers wanted him, so he went to New York. In 1998 he retired from New York. He is still living in New York. He has 3 children. I nomiate this book to who ever likes famous athletes. ... Read more

Book Description

A biography of the popular Canadian singer, from her early days on the music scene to her transformation into an award-winning superstar. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Wonderful book!
Shania is such an excellent singer with a fascinating story to tell, and this book does a great job telling it! The pictures are awesome and the book told me a lot about her life. I absolutely loved it and would recommend it to any other Shania Twain fan! ... Read more

Book Description

In "Break Barriers" Cy Young winner Eric Gagné shares his life stories and talks about how he faced and overcame many life obstacles.Small and large, personal and professional, Eric’s barriers took courage, ingenuity, and serious dedication to work through.

A talented hockey player as well as gifted pitcher, Eric first came to the United States from Canada for college baseball not speaking a word of English.His solution of watching hours of MTV as a crash course in English typifies his creative approach to life challenges. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Don't Buy This Book
I'm a big wrestling fan, imagine me getting this book & finding out it is 64 pages long thats right 64 [...] pages for $ 9.00

A book of excellence!
I have been a Bret Hart fan since 1985 and it's so wonderful to see a book finally released about his incredible life. Bret is such an inspiration to so many people. Although I knew a majority of the facts in the book, there were several things I didn't know about, particularly regarding his career in the late 70s and early 80s. I definitely recommend this book to anybody who is a Hitman fan.

Being Bret Hart, this book is defiantly a great one!
As I am Bret 'Hitman' Hart this book is defiantly a great one to buy. This is a true story of my wrestling career. I'm sure those of you who have purchased this book will have a great time reading it and find out why they call me the 'Hitman'!

the best their is the best their was and the best ever will
I have been a fan of the hitman since 1985. He is an inspirational wrestler in my eyes. The one match I saw that same night I went into labor with my second child. March 3 1997. He was born March 4, 1997 and the Hitman has been a true wrestler in my families eyes. ... Read more

Book Description

Here is the dramatic and moving story of one child's transformation from a normal, middle-class kid from the suburbs to an activist, fighting against child labor on the world stage of international human rights.

Making headlines around the globe, Graig Keilburger and his organization, Free the Children, which he founded at the age of twelve, have brought unprecedented attention to the worldwide abuse of children's rights. Free the Childrenis a passionate and astounding story and a moving testament to the power that children and young adults have to change the world, as witnessed through the achievements of one remarkable young man.

Reviews (25)

Wonderful Book, Inspiring, Craig is a very powerful person
I loved "Free the Children", it's one of the best books i have read in a long, long time. Craig has a way of bringing what he saw and did to life, he makes you feel like you are there with him on his journey across Asia. I have got to see Craig in real life at a NCYC conference in St.Louis, Missouri. From the moment i heard him i had to get his book. This is an inspirational book, i think everybody should read this book to see how big of a problem child labor really is, and how FTC is helping children around the world. I definatly give this book 5 stars.

An Inspiration and Call to Action Against Child Labor
It has been my pleasure to recently read "Free the Children," an autobiography/travelogue from Craig Kielburger, the founder of the youth-run Free the Children organization based in Canada. It tells of the morning Craig first heard of and was made incredulous by the realities of child labor around the world. The book follows his strong desire to get together with fellow kids and try to learn more about the state of children and hopefully be able to change it somehow. Through his amazing commitment and dedication, along with his burgeoning public speaking skills, Craig was able to motivate two dozen of his schoolmates immediately to the cause and soon earn several speaking engagements in local schools to spread the word about child labor.

With the help of a family friend Craig was able to travel to South Asia to see first hand what working children's lives were like and to speak with the children themselves to hear how they lived, what their working conditions were, if they ever went to school, and if they had any ideas for their own futures.

It is a truly inspiring book for adults and children who can always be reminded that one person can absolutely make a serious and badly-needed difference against child exploitation.

More of a Reflection of Us than of the Wretched of the Earth
How we live in many cases determines how others all around the world live. Those fortunate to be living in the industrialized, rich nations of the world directly benefit from the suffering and injustice inflicted upon the heads of many unfortunate people in the Third World.

Craig Kielburger learned early on that the problems in the Third World are inter-connected. Child labor is often a symptom of the larger problem of poverty. Poverty in turn is directly linked to domestic governments that are not activist, not committed to providing basic infrastructure, and are thoroughly anti-democratic. However, it is not wholly a problem of politically corrupt or economically and morally bankrupt government. It is in too many cases a problem of rich country institutions, government and corporate, financial and social, tacitly abetting and passively condoning objectionable behavior. We can not conveniently lay the blame on the people of the Third World; nor can we easily point the finger at Third World governments. We too share plenty of the blame.

When academics argue about solutions, it is always with what they have read or heard; not what they have directly experienced. Craig Kielburger has achieved something with this book that all the other books written by academics and filled with depressing numbers and statistics have consistently failed to do. He has put a face to the problems of child labor and poverty in the third world, and has gone even further to provide a voice to its weakest and most defenseless victims, the children. Craig Kielburger, much like Paul Harrison, author of Inside the Third World, has done much to restore the humanity that has fallen by the wayside in ehumanitarianf causes.

This book has taught me many important lessons. Among them are to share your experiences, and provide moral support. It is not enough to just simply fork over cash in order to assuage your guilt. In the book, one of the Thai activists for labor rights said that change will not come overnight, because it is not simply a question of economics; it is a change in attitude as well. Money alone will not solve this and other problems confronting us all. The thing that will truly make the difference is whether or not we as Americans have the courage to confront the problems facing everyone and change the way we behave. Just as how we live determines how others live, our behavior in the world determines how others act, and interact, with one another.

Excellent!
"Free the Children" is an excellent book on the issue of child labor. Craig Kielburger, a 12 years old Canadian became an activist after reading from the newspaper that Iqbal Masih, also another 12 years old from Pakistan was killed because of his support for the abolition of child labor. Soon, Craig started the "Free the Children" foundation, consists of only school children and their goal is to bring awareness to the issue of child labor. In order to learn more about this issue, Craig travelled to South Asian countries like Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Nepal and to Thailand, hoping to meet the children himself.

His detailed explanation of his trip was quite horrifying. Craig saw that the children were working as much as 10-12 hours a day for a mere US $1-2. Some of the children worked at firework factories where injuries were common and no safety measures were taken. Other times, children were beaten if they do not work. The most disturbing part of the book was his investigations in Bangkok where sex trade was rampant. Children were used as sex tools to lure tourists. The emotional, mental and physical scars that these children bore were immeasurable.

"Free the Children" for me personally, is quite an inspiring book as it shows how one person can make a difference. In addition, it is quite an eye-opener as Craig argues, with examples, why child labor should be abolished and how each and everyone of us can assist in that. I highly recommend this book to anyone as it is extremely educational and motivational. I would caution parents on the part of Bangkok to young children as it can be quite disturbing and graphic.

Fantastico, nice story, very inspiring.
Every teenage child in the western world should read this book.

I always believed that every child in the occident ought to travel, once in their young age, to a third world country, carrying back all the memories of that trip in their home land. I believe that they would certainly have a different perspective on their lives and most likely revise their priorities.

Nice Christmas gift for all the kids you know. ... Read more

Book Description

A legend in the making, Patrick has won the Stanley Cup three times, has been the most valuable player in the play-offs twice and has won the Vezina Trophy as the National Hockey League's top goalie three times. For ages 8-12. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great Goalie,great book.
Andrew Podnieks provides the reader with an insightful look at the top rated goalie in our present game of ice hockey. From seven years old, Patrick Roy has had a unflinching desire to be a great goaltender in the National Hockey League. This book reviews Roy's illustrious career beginning with Montreal Canadiens and provides the reader with his carrer highlites up to his present team,The Stanley Cup winners, the Colorado Avalanche. It's a must read for any hockey fan young or old. ... Read more

Book Description

In this fascinating and thorough account, Gena K. Gorrell movingly describes the history of the Underground Railroad, from the origins of slavery through the Civil War and beyond. She depicts the passage from Africa on desperately crowded slave ships, the station-by-station development of the powerful Railroad routes to the northern United States and Canada, and the immense challenges runaways faced once they reached freedom. Throughout the narrative, Gorrell highlights the pivotal roles played by various people of the era: those who became famous and those who remain too little known. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The American Underground Railroad from the Promised Land
"North Star to Freedom" is a matter of fact Canadian view of the American Underground Railroad and the historical periods it existed written for children.Considering that Canaan and the Promised Land were used as code words for Canada inspirituals used in the Underground Railroad it is an intriguing viewpoint. People weren't happy as slaves but being a fugitive slave in another state or country was a tough situation.People risked recapture, started out poor, and struggled against racial prejudice.The Underground railroad is portrayed as varying from kind people acting on impulse to help a runaway to highly organized conductors and stations. Slavery is honestly shown as existing throughout Canada and the United States in different degrees.Occasional freedom from slavery through manumission and self-purchase through savings are mentioned.The only problem I have with the book is that it covers freedom earned by slaves fighting for the Loyalist Cause and emigrating to Canada but not the Patriotic slaves earning their freedomon the American side in regiments such the First Rhode Island during the Revolutionary War.The result was a stable population of free African -Americans in Canada and New England sometimes assisting others to freedom and often camouflaging them. The 1793, Canada legislated the eventual freeing of all its slaves and declared any American slaves crossing the border were free.In contrast, The United States of America passed the first Fugitive Slave Law in 1793 to give slave catchers the right of search and seizure in any state.The Underground Railroad became organizedaround that time.Some slaves went all the way to Canada but many disappeared into the communities of free African-Americans in the North.Some became active in the Underground Railroad to help others escape, some became well-known abolitionists, some struggled to create a new life for themselves.The Second Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 put all fugitive slaves and some free African-Americans at risk of being captured and sent into slavery on the word of a slave hunter and any white person claiming to be their owner.Active abolitionistswho had escaped slavery years previously were especially at risk. Roughly forty thousand fugitive slaves went to Canada.Some returned to fight for the North in the Civil War.After the American Civil War,about two thirds of the fugitive slaves returned to the United States. "North Star to Freedom"describes succinctly how and why the Underground Railroad existed.I would recommend itas a reference book for elementary and middle schools that could also be read for pleasure.The historical treatment of slavery and the Underground Railroad is excellent for the age group.The period illustrations create a parallelstory to capture readers. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Only Opal
This story is about the life of a little girl named Opal who loves nature. Her mother and father died and went to Heaven. Just by looking at the pictures you can tell that she has a sad life. Her new mama is not very nice. Opal has a favorite tree that she loves. The tree is called Michael Raphael. He has an understanding soul. She also has a sweet dog named Brave Horatius. My favorite part is when Opal writes about her feelings. Kids who like to relax will like this book because it has soothing words. It has really great illustrations, too! This is a terrific story!

every edition is worthwhile
The "point" of the picture book edition of Opal's diary is to make it accessible to younger readers. I would not hand a young child Boulton's longer edition or _The Singing Creek Where the Willows Grow_, whereas any Barbara Cooney book can be recommended to young children without reservations.

That said, this edition is satisfying in itself. The book is touching and beautifully illustrated and unique. I recommend it highly, along with the other editions of the diary and everything else illustrated by Barbara Cooney.

Read the unabridged version -- it's much better
Opal Whitely's story is an utterly amazing thing in every respect. Her life as a child, her exquisite sensitivity, and her way of expressing herself -- it's all just amazing.

That said, I don't understand this version! Compared to Jane Boulton's original adaptation (if that's what you'd call it), "Opal, Journal of an Understanding Heart," this seems gutted and meaningless. Maybe it's meant to be less sad for young children, I don't know. Read the original version.

One of the best books I've ever read!!
This book is extrtemely touching and sweet. I highly reccomend this to everyone I will ever meet. I've read countless numbers of books in my life, but none stuck in my head as well as this. READ IT READ IT READ IT!!

One of the best books I've ever rera!
This book is extrtemely touching and sweet. I highly reccomend this to everyone I will ever meet. I've read countless numbers of books in my life, but none stuck in my head as well as this. READ IT READ IT READ IT!! ... Read more