Book Description

"If your teacher has to die, August isn't a bad time of year forit," begins Richard Peck's latest novel, a book full of his signature wit andsass. Russell Culver is fifteen in 1904, and he's raring to leave his tinyIndiana farm town for the endless sky of the Dakotas. To him, school has beennothing but a chain holding him back from his dreams. Maybe now that his teacherhas passed on, they'll shut the school down entirely and leave him free toroam.

No such luck. Russell has a particularly eventful season of schooling ahead ofhim, led by a teacher he never could have predicted--perhaps the only teacherequipped to control the likes of him: his sister Tansy. Despite stolen supplies,a privy fire, and more than any classroom's share of snakes, Tansy will manageto keep that school alive and maybe, just maybe, set her brother on a new, wisercourse.

As he did in A Long Way from Chicago and A Year Down Yonder, Richard Peckcreates a whole world of folksy, one-of-a-kind characters here--the enviable andthe laughable, the adorably meek and the deliciously terrifying. There will beno forgetting Russell, Tansy, and all the rest who populate this hilarious,shrewd, and thoroughly enchanting novel. ... Read more

Book Description

Mary Alice's childhood summers in Grandma Dowdel's sleepy Illinois town were packed with enough drama to fill the double bill of any picture show.But now she is fifteen, and faces a whole long year with Grandma, a woman well known for shaking up her neighbors-and everyone else!All Mary Alice can know for certain is this: when trying to predict how life with Grandma might turn out . . . better not.This wry, delightful sequel to the Newbery Honor Book A Long Way from Chicago has already taken its place among the classics of children's literature. ... Read more

Reviews (96)

A Year Down Yonder
A city girl named Mary Alice, moves in with her rigged, cunning Grandmother in the horribly small country town of Wabash, Illinois. Because of the Depression , Mary Alice is sent to live there while her family goes through their own rough time in Chicago. She is forced to adapt to the totally new life style of her grandmother which some would not wish on their worst enemies. Her grandmother has a very rugged way of going about things, that creates quite a stir in this little community. Before long, Mary Alice gets accustomed to her grandmothers tricks and schemes against the towns people and realizes country life isn't that bad after all.

I couldn't put this book down the first time I read it because the author writes about their adventures so vividly and exciting. Each trick they play on the town keeps the reader in suspense for the next clever and humorous adventures to come. This book is a laugh-out-loud kind of book so be prepared.

This book would be a great book for children to understand the struggles in forming a good relationship between Grandchildren and Grandparents.

A Year Down Yonder - - A wonderful book WE LOVED IT!!!
A historical fiction book designed for children around the
fifth grade, it is a wonderful story of how a "rich
Chicago girl," Mary Alice, is forced to go live with her
grandmother in rural Illinois after her father looses his
job during the Great Depression. Thinking such destiny
could be nothing short of sheer misery, Mary Alice dreads
her trip to live with crazy Grandma Dowdel. Throughout the
book, however, she goes through various adventures-a
tornado, Halloween pranks, Christmas surprises, club
fundraisers, and even a lesson in love-to discover that
her Grandmother and the sleepy rural town is full of love
and compassion that was often lost in the big city lights of
Chicago. Mary Alice learns that even when she leaves the
small rural town, she'll forever carry the heart of her
often intimidating, but sweet and genuine, grandmother with
her. A very lovely story with an incrediblyhappy ending!
This book helps children appreciate that times during the
Great Depression were not easy on anyone and that, many
times, people had to make due with what they had. It
focuses on what brings real satisfaction and happiness into
people's lives. This fine piece of children's
literature could be used with parents and teachers to
promote the study of social interactions, history, literary
characteristics, and changes in technology and
communication. Teachers especially would find the book's
detailed style of writing easy to incorporate activities

across the curriculum, including history, geography, math,
science, and the arts.

A Year Down Yonder
I liked the second book in this series even more than the first becuase it was funnier, catchier and the ending was very happy and nice! In both of the books, it is written from Grandma Dowdel's point of view. She is the funniest, wackiest, coolest Granny in the world...if she really exsisted. I hope that one day not too long from now, a third book will come out and if not, the definetely a movie. Out of all the books I have ever read, these two just about top them all. If I were to suggest any book ever, it would ahve to be one of these. Sometime in the near future, if I have the time, I would love to read these two great books again!!!

A Year Down Yonder
A Year Down Yonder takes place in 1937 and Mary Alice's life is turned upside down due to the recession. Her dad loses his job in Chicago and she has to go stay with her feisty grandmother in a small hick-town. Grandma Dowdel is an isolated woman, but one thing Mary Alice does know about her grandmother is she never knows what kind of scheme she will plan next. As this grandmother and granddaughter spend time together, they experience some interesting episodes and develop a loving relationship. Mary Alice also discovers that behind these outlandish schemes Grandma Dowdel has a good motive to help other people of the community.

Richard Peck turns Mary Alice's difficult situation into an amusing story with laugh-out-loud humor. Mary Alice and Grandma Dowdel's sense of humor is expressed through their witty perception of the other characters. The reader is left in suspense wondering what kind of chaos this grandmother and granddaughter will create next. I highly recommend this Newbery Medal winning book to examine a different kind of relationship between grandparents and grandchildren.

One Touching Novel: A Year Down Yonder
A Year Down Yonder, by Richard Peck, gives its readers entertainment as well as little hope of developing good relationships with their grandparents. This Newbery Medal Award winning book was set in a small town called Wabash in the late 1930s. Peck created an atmosphere where all of his characters lived through the Depression. The reader gets some view of how the living conditions were in those days. The novel started when Mary Alice was being sent to live with her grandma. Grandma was one of those people that was disliked by many of the town's residents. Mary Alice really didn't want to stay at Grandma's house, and she wasn't ready to leave her parents and friends behind.

I would definately suggest this book to anyone that may have some sort of disliking towards their grandparents. It shows its readers that many people do not take the time to actually get to know their grandparents. Grandparents are very important in one's life and no one should ever take them for granted. A Year Down Yonder depicts the true characteristics of grandparents: caring, protecting, and trusting. This book also keeps the reader interested. It tells of the many adventures that Mary Alice and Grandma went on and it also developes a lot of conflict throughout. Everyone enjoys a little conflict. Peck did an excellent job in developing his characters. The readers are able to create a picture in their minds of how each character may look. Even though this novel is considered a children's book, I would recommend it to readers of all ages. It will touch everyone's heart in a special way. ... Read more

Book Description

Each summer over the nine years of the Depression, Joey and his sister, Mary Alice-two city slickers from Chicago-make their annual summer visit to Grandma Dowdel's seemingly sleepy Illinois town. Soon enough, they find that it's far from sleepy... and Grandma is far from your typical grandmother. From seeing their first corpse (and he isn't resting easy) to helping Grandma trespass, pinch property, catch the sheriff in his underwear, and feed the hungry-all in one day-Joey and Mary Alice have nine summers they'll never forget. Richard Peck's laugh-out-loud funny, episodic novel makes sure that you never will, either!



The 1999 Newbery Honor Book-"A small masterpiece of storytelling." -The Horn Book

Reviews for A Long Way from Chicago:

"Peck deftly captures the feel of the times...Remarkable and fine." -Kirkus Reviews, pointer review

"Warmly nostalogic, beautifully written, and full of thought-provoking interpersonal relatinships." -Children's Literature

"A rollicking celebration...Perfect for reading aloud and a great choice for family sharing." -School Library Journal, starred review

Awards for A Long Way from Chicago:

( The 1999 Newbery Honor Book
( A 1998 National Book Award Finalist
( An ALA Best Book for Young Adults
( A Riverbank Review 1999 Book of Distinction ... Read more

Reviews (98)

A One Woman Crime Wave
It seems that GrandMa Dowdel lives in her own little world. She apparently disdains contact with her neighbors and thinks them all to be 'horse's patooties'. Once you get to know her better, you learn that her worst enemy may in fact be her best friend. The way she cons and browbeats the town banker into coughing back up the house recently foreclosed upon, free and clear, well it must be read to be enjoyed fully. Each chapter, a week the kids are 'dumped on Gandma so Mom & Dad can go fishing', reveals another action packed adventure in the constantly turning mischief mill that is Grandma Dowdel's mind. I was given this book by my ten year old son after he finished it in record time, and I knocked it off in just one day. I cried at the end, as the boy, now a man heading off to war is on the troop train. He telegrammed his Depression-era Grandmother he would merely pass through without stopping, and after many delays, is treated to a heart warming experience I'll let author Richard Peck handle in his inimitable style.

"Everybody's private business is public property."
What a fun read! Peck presents 8 short tales which span several summers in rural Illinois during the Depression, when two kids make annual visits to their eccentric Grandmother. Narrated by the boy (two years old than his sister), these outrageous yarns create a wonderful atmosphere of wacky individualism and family bonding.

It would be hard to find a literary granny as feisty, resourceful and fearless of authority as Grandma. Things are never dull when she stirs her stumps to create a mild uproar in that pompous little town. Her nefarious schemes range from a one-woman crime wave to appointing herself Champion of the helpless and downtrodden. Don't get on the wrong side of Mrs. Dowdel--if you value your reputation or your hide! Grandma remains undaunted and unflappable through bizarre but comical events. Peck's tongue-in cheek humor will bring many a chuckle as you are drawn into her slightly-shady activities. This book will delight kids of all ages--a winner, perfect for summer reading!

Richard Peck is a genius!
I am a big fan of Mr. Peck's writing. He has a way with words that makes him seem like he is fourteen right now, which in reality, he isn't. Now that's talent.

The story is about Joey and Mary Alice Dowdel, two kids from Chicago who never have left the city until one summer in 1929. They go for one week to their Grandmother Dowdel's in Cerro Gordo, Illinois. (Which, funnily enough, is just outside Mr. Peck's hometown of Decatur). Strange things happen there, including a mouse in a milk bottle, and living corpses. The story follows them for six years, and then goes to an epilouge of what happens to Joey.

This was my first book I read that was from Richard Peck, and I am glad I read it. He has a gift for writing. I recomend the sequel to the book, A Year Down Yonder.

Independent Reading Review
Dear Amazon,

The book, A Long Way from Chicago, by Richard Peck, is a fantastic novel for people that just want to have fun reading.The three main characters, Grandma Dowdel, Mary-Alice, and Joey each have their own virtues that stick out in my mind. Grandma's stretching of the truth makes her two grandchildren doubt how safe they really are with her. When a local gets killed many townspeople tell of old time stories of how "Shotgun Cheatham" god his name. Grandma Dowdel wants to settle the mystery of this man and let him rest in peace so she dicides to hold a wake at her house. During this time some wild things occur which could drive any reader to keep turning this books pages. The target audience for this book is more for young teens and kids to read, becuase the way the characters act in certain positions they are put in. I would recommend this novel, I definitely enjoyed it!

A Long Way From Chicago
When I first saw the cover of A Long Way From Chicago by Richard Peck, I thought that this was going to be an easy book to read. Somebody recommended this book to me and this book was not only easy to read, it was terrific. It takes place during the 1930s. Every summer two grandchildren, Joey and Mary-Alice visit their grandma. Joey thinks he is getting more and more mature, at least that's what he thinks, because in one summer when he turned 13, he said to his grandma, "Please call me Joe, grandma. I am not a kid anymore." Mary-Alice is more of a quiet girl and likes to read books and likes to jump rope. Grandma is a very unique type of grandma. She rides in biplanes, wrestles snakes, shoots guns, tells whites lies, sometimes, and so much more. It seems like grandma is very active and she can't seem to slow down. Richard Peck did a great job on this book and it is great literature to read. This is just a funny book and you will get a few laughs out of this book while you are reading it. It gets sad at the end, but overall I give this book 4 out of 5 stars becuase it is the type of reading that I like to read. ... Read more

Book Description

Illus. in full color."Mirandy is sure she'll win the cake walk if she can

catch Brother Wind for her partner, but he eludes all the tricks her friends

advise. This gets a high score for plot, pace, and characterization. Mirandy

sparkles with energy and determination. Multi-hued watercolors fill the pages

with patterned ferment. A treat to pass on to new generations."--(starred)

Bulletin, Center for Children's Books.Cassette running time: 20 min.




... Read more

Reviews (1)

Can the wind be a partner?
This children's book, illustrated by Jerry Pinkney, is about a young and joyous African-American girl who hopes to win a prize at a cake walk by capturing the wind as her partner. The story takes place around 1900 and is a beautiful view of a happy people. The book was a 1989 Caldecott Honor book (i.e., a runner-up to the Medal winner) for best illustrations in a book for children. ... Read more

Book Description

While Laura Ingalls grows up in a little house on the western prairie, Almanzo Wilder is living on a big farm in New York State. Here Almanzo and his brother and sisters help with the summer planting and fall harvest. In winter there is wood to be chopped and great slabs of ice to be cut from the river and stored. Time for fun comes when the jolly tin peddler visits, or best of all, when the fair comes to town.

This is Laura Ingalls Wilder's beloved story of how her husband Almanzo grew up as a farmer boy far from the little house where Laura lived.

Reviews (47)

A gem
If I could pick one book that every 7,8, or 9 year old MUST read, it would be this one. The story of Almanzo Wilder's life growing up on a farm in New York is totally compelling to children at this age. He's just a small boy, but he's strong, capable, and shoulders so much responsibility in the day-to-day on the farm. He works hard, and like all boys, is daydreamy and wistful to be off playing rather than hauling water or chopping wood, but there's such an intensity of life this brings him that the typical media and gizmo saturated child of today is genuinely envious of Almanzo and charmed to journey with him for the year retold in Farmer Boy.

He comes from a large family, his parents very loving yet very hardworking people who expect a lot of Almanzo. Nearly everything they eat, wear, and use is produced there on the farm, and it is one of the greatest pleasures of the book that the planting and weaving and washing and building and milking and all the other countless necessaries are vividly detailed and the reader can almost taste Almanzo's favorite apples and onions or smell the sweetly dusty air of the hay barn. I think every child who has read this book is eager to go out at once and grow a pumpkin just the way Almanzo does it--Almanzo has the secret for growing the biggest pumpkins in the county. And there's no greater inspiration than Almanzo to tempt kids into adventuring with some good wholesome food. The boy's mealtime accounts are absolutely mouthwatering. And working hard from sun up to sun down, that boy could eat!

But Almanzo is restless, and not so much to be free to play all day, but to be allowed to work with his father's prize horses. His father is known have the finest horses, and he's not about to let just anybody mess with them. Horses must be handled just right, otherwise you could easily ruin them, and Almanzo's not ready to be trusted with them. The 'coming of age' for Almanzo is one of the most touching and powerful in all of children's literature.

Please - if you've a child this age who hasn't yet read or heard Farmer Boy, don't let this book pass them by. By the end of the book you have come to know and love Almanzo so well, it's a sad good-bye indeed. Reader's won't meet him again until years later, as a young man who first meets Laura Ingalls in "By the Shores of Silver Lake".

Farmer Boy
FARMER BOY
In Farmer Boy, written by Laura Ingalls Wilder, there is a boy named Almanzo Wilder. He is spunky and loved the farm life and especially horses and colts. His father owned and trained them. Almanzo always wanted a colt, but his father wouldn't let him have one. When he goes to the county fair he sees horses there. He asks if he gets a colt, he could take it to the fair next year.
I think that Laura tries to tell us that hard work and being responsible really do matter. Also that if you try you can accomplish anything you want to. I also think that she tries to show us how hard life was in the 1800's. When they needed milk they have to go out and milk the cow in the cold. They can't go to the store and buy a half- gallon of milk.
I really enjoyed reading this book because Laura gives good descriptions and words it very well. She also shows how hard farm life was back then. So does his responsibility pay off? Does he get a colt or not?
By: Maura

Yikes!
I've never read any of Wilder's books except this one. I've never even seen "Little House on the Prarie." The first thing I thought while reading this book is, "Did people really live like this?" Sure, the kids in the book had some fun, but mostly their lives were work, from sun up to sun down. The father, in the winter (40 degress below zero) had to get up at midnight and make the cows move around, otherwise they would freeze where they stood. Thank God for modern technology, which has made our lives so much more easy and pleasant. I recommend this novel for everyone. Wilder writes in a simple, sparse style, one you might call "Hemingway for children." Hard to believe people had to live like this, just in order to have enough to eat.

One of the best from a great series!
Laura Ingalls Wilder's "Farmer Boy" is a departure from the rest of the famed "Little House" books in that it does not relate the story of her own family's hardscrabble existence on the western frontier, but instead tells the story of her husband's boyhood on his family's prosperous farm in upstate New York. Thus, it introduces readers to an entirely new family, the Wilders, and the Ingalls family is not even mentioned. However, this is one of the best books of the "Little House" series.

"Farmer Boy" details a year or so in the life of 9 yr old Almanzo Wilder. A good deal of this book is spent showing that life on a farm in the 1860's, even for a well-to-do family living in a civilized part of the country, still meant never-ending, hard, physical labor. Young Almanzo and his siblings spend their lives working on one chore after another- the work changing as the seasons change. Undoubtedly, modern children will read this book and be thankful that they don't live in a time where sleeping in past 5 AM was considered odd and children were expected to be seen (at work) and not heard.

In addition to describing day to day life on a farm, Mrs. Wilder also details the family relationships between the Wilders. Almanzo's parents are shown as loving, but, in contrast to Pa and Ma Ingalls, they come across as a little more stern and authoritarian with their children. For example, James Wilder, Almanzo's father, is always called "Father" never "Pa."

Almanzo's relations with his three siblings are also described. (Almanzo actually had five siblings, but oldest sister, Laura, and younger brother, Perley, were left out of the book.) Almanzo looks up to his 13 yr old brother, Royal. Ten yr old sister Alice is shown as being very spunky and loveable and was obviously Almanzo's favorite sib. (Alice, who was a very pretty girl, died at a fairly young age and this book is her younger brother's tribute to her.) And finally there is Eliza Jane, age 12, who comes across as every younger brother's nightmare of a bossy older sister. It's obvious that Laura Ingalls Wilder did not care much for her sister-in-law Eliza Jane because she portrayed her pretty badly in her books. However, one of the great moments of "Farmer Boy" involves Eliza Jane showing in her own way how much she truly loved her younger brother. The wonderful descriptions of familial relationships in the "Little House" books are one of the big reasons why this series is so beloved.

"Farmer Boy" exudes all the hallmarks of a great "Little House" book- the wonderfully detailed depiction of life on a farm, the loving but still realistic portrayal of family life, and it also exudes a warm-hearted sentiment for an era long gone. Yet, "Farmer Boy" shows some of the darker elements of mid-19th century life. An attempted burglary is a subject of one chapter and the book opens with a pretty scary depiction of an 1860's schoolhouse. The "Little House" books often present a fairly rosy picture of the one-room schoolhouse, yet "Farmer Boy" shows a darker side. In this book, the teenage sons of farmers are shown coming to school just to bust it up and pummel any teacher who gets in their way.

Finally, as an Irish-American, I've always been amused by the unconcious bigotry towards Irish immigrants found in the "Little House" books. The few Irish characters in these books are either shown as fall-down drunks or as fools- read the story about cutting-ice in "Farmer Boy" to see an example. I don't think Laura Ingalls was anti-Irish, but just writing down 19th century attitudes about certain ethnic groups. She did the same thing for American Indians, but even more blatantly.

The story of Alonzo Wilder's boyhood
In book three of the Little House series, Wilder turns her attention to the childhood of her husband Alonzo Wilder, who grew up in somewhat different circumstances in New York State. Although life for the Wilders is somewhat more settled and secure than it would be on the prairie, it is still a struggle to make a living off the land. But it is a good life, one that revolves around the family and the simple pleasures of rural life such as attending the fair. I found this book to be one of the more enjoyable of the series and find it unfortunate that Wilder did not write more about her husband. ... Read more

Book Description

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

A Newbery Honor Book ... Read more

Reviews (42)

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

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

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

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

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

Reviews (5)

Not just for children
This book is for anyone - of any age - who has lost anything of beauty or anything they love. Children will love it, but don't keep it from the adults. I still can't read it without crying.

Deep book about dealing with loss
The best thing about this book is its refusal to play games with your child's mind. Rejecting the shameless tear-jerking of so much media aimed at children, this book embraces the grand tradition of children's books that takes children seriously. This is a book about dealing with loss about about letting go, but also a book that makes the reader reflect on what is good about life. Warts and all, life is sweet. As a historian, I really appreciate that Yolen tries hard to show what her valley was like AND what it is like after the dam is built. Kids are frightened when they see orchards being ripped out for suburbs; this is a book about dealing with that kind of loss.

Should have packed an emotional whallop
"Drowing towns" I had never heard of such a thing and was highly interested in reading this book about a remarkable event in history.
(Though apparently it has happened worldwide)

To be honest .. I was disappointed. What should have been an emotional, impactful story turned out to be rather bland.

The writing was choppy, (difficult to read out loud) pictures ho-hum (even though I love Barbara Cooney!) and the overall intensity was not there as I thought it should be. Afterall we are talking about people leaving the homes and their way of life that had been in their families for generations.

I was expecting better. I think Patricia MacLachlan and Illustrator Ted Rand or Susan Jeffers could have made a real triumph out of this.

That said, _DO_ read this book. It is a remarkable event in history and this book is still worth reading.

moving & important -- a great place to bring your kid's mind
The concept of water -- where does it come from, how do we use it, where does it go when we are done with it -- is a big topic in our busy household. Both of my kids are interested in the environment and conservation, and I think a lot of that interest can be attributed to a small set of books -- Letting Swift River Go among them -- that were a part of their bedtime often throughout the beginnings of their childhood. My youngest son, in fact, is eleven now, but still pulls this book out and reads it to himself and to others on occasion.

You'll find the great writing here that you expect from Jane Yolen, along with a plot that serves as a vehicle for commentary that allows children to look at the cost of progress when it comes to building towns and cities.

Amazingly touching...great for kids and adults
This is one of the best children's books I've read in a long time. The story of the building of the Quabbin Resevoir in western MA is not a wide told story, but it should be. This book is clearly written so children can understand what was happeneing. The illustrations are also wonderful and will keep the children engaged. If you're the grown up reader, don't count on getting through this with a dry eye. It's definatly a book for ALL ages. ~Sarah Aziz Mount Holyoke College Sophomore (age 19) ... Read more

Book Description

Summer is here!

The warm days of summer have arrived, and that means Laura gets to spend fun-filled days outdoors!

Book Description

Reviews (7)

Loads of Fun
Memories of my childhood flooded back as I read this wonderful book. Lance Marcum has written a book that kids of all ages can enjoy.His main character's(Mitch Valentine) first person account of his summertime adventures is pure kid fun from start to finish!Although "The Cottonmouth Club" is a real "page turner", it took me longer than expected to read due to my LOL fits, which erupted with nearly every page!Girls and boys, men and women, this book has something for everyone, and to top it offteaches some valuable life lessons.Read it, you'll love it.

Best book I've ever read
I was also blessed to have Mr. Marcum as a 6th grade teacher back in 2002. For a couple weeks, he read his book to us for an hour each day. After he was done, I was absolutely amazed by the time and effort he had put into it; and it shows. He even brought in his drafts to show us how much time and effort was involved...it consisted of 4 boxes stacked to the top filled with pages marked with red writing. This book is a piece of art. A kids book, a teenagers book, an adult book, this book is entertaining and humerous for anyone who reads it. Honestly the best book I have ever read... would make a very good movie.

The book

Being a kid back in 64 what else could you expect in a summer? This is what happens hen a kid with big summer plans is dragged off to the middle of nowhere to vist some cousins he has never met before. A enjoyable easy read for everyone.

Wonderful

To me Lance Marcum is probably one of the greatest kids writers since E.B. White. The Cottonmouth Club is worthy of many awards. Consisting of a very witty cast of charactors Marcum could put together a two thumbs up movie! To conclude the cottonmouth club is the best kids book I have read in along time.

from a special talker

Years of Work Equals Perfection
I've seen this book from the beginning stages back during my fourth grade years in 1992.Mr. Marcum took great care and pride in reading the working progress during class so he could get useful feedback.My teacher again in 1994, Lance repeatedly sought improvement on writing this novel he held so passionately.Now, over 12 years later, I'm confident that this is, indeed, a perfected project and will be enjoyed by everyone throughout its release! ... Read more

Book Description

Cowboy Small takes good care of his horse, Cactus. In return, Cactus helps Cowboy Small get work done on the range. Together they round up cattle for branding and live the good life. At night, Cowboy Small eats at the chuck wagon, sings with his friends, and sleeps under the stars.

... Read more

Reviews (5)

Wonderful first story book
My 2-year old son and I just checked "Cowboy Small" out of the library. Couldn't believe my luck in finding this book! This is the first story book that's held my son's interest past the first few pages and all the way to the end and back again, and I mean backwards through every page.

My son is into horses in a big way right now and one of his favorite movies is "The Cowboys" with John Wayne and Bruce Dern. (A few bad parts we skip through.) Amazingly, the book and movie are very similar is many aspects: chuck wagon, sleeping out, campfire, cattle drive/roundup, playing guitar, and breaking a horse in a round pen with the cowboys sitting on the top rail -- right out of the movie!

Lois Lenski's a national treasure. Why didn't I know about him before? And where are the greeting cards and window valances and sheets? Half joking here, but I wouldn't mind getting my son some Cowboy Small sheets when he moves to a big-boy bed. ;)

An old favorite
My son is now 15 years old, but I still remember the many times that I had to borrow Cowboy Small from the local library so we could read about his adventures. We would act out the things that Cowboy Small would do over and over. I am trying to find an original version for Christmas, but maybe this will do.

Yippee! Yippee! Yippee!
I read this book to my two year old, and we both love it! I think he loves it because hearing about a cowboy doing adventurous things probably appeals to the little boy in him, and I love it for the nostalgia (you don't see cowboy cartoons or serials these days), for the beginner education about who cowboys are and what they do, and the simple, clear illustrations.

One word of caution: don't expect to glean any character lessons or underlying meanings from this book. This Lenski book is mostly just factual and fun!

A favorite of a 3 year old cowgirl
This is a classic book that our almost 3 year old daughter loves to look at again and again. She has learned many new words (curry, saddle, spurs, saddlehorn, etc.), has memorized most of the text, and is very attached to anything related to horses. The text is simple, the illustrations are wonderful, and the story is charming. Our daughter has lots of books and this is one that she seeks out from among all the others in her bookshelf. You'll love it too.

My Buckeroo Loves Cowboy Small
My 3-year old got this book for Christmas. He was so taken with it that (of course) we had to read it four times in a row before bed. Then he had to take his stick horse to bed with him in a sleeping bag (or his bedroll, as Cowboy Small would say)and lie on the floor to "look at the stars." The words are simple and the pictures are wonderful. A great book for any little cowboy or cowgirl. ... Read more

Book Description

Illustrated in full color. All aboard!Kids can tour with Thomas the Tank

Engine as he travels through the countryside.They'll open the station door

and wave to Sir Topham Hatt, swing open the barn door and visit the animals,

lift the drawbridge and say "ahoy" to the bargeman, and more, in this

lift-the-flaps rail adventure.




... Read more

Reviews (2)

My Thomas loves it!
My little Thomas loves this book! He loves all the flaps and has nearly read the book to pieces. Bright colors, animals, children, so many things for him to enjoy. He's only 2, and he has enjoyed this book since he was old enough to listen to Mommy reading. I highly recommend this book!

Great fun for children!
My son absolutely loves this book! We started reading it together when he was just a year old, and he still loves it. Several months ago our original was ruined while on a trip (juice cup leaked and stuck the board-pages together). Since it was a shower gift, I had no idea where to find it. On a whim (since it's now the holiday season) I looked here on Amazon.com and am ecstatic to find it! I can't wait to see my son's face on Christmas when he sees his beloved Thomas book. The story is very simple, following Thomas through his day, and the pictures allow for many imagination-side-trips. All in all, I'm happy to add this (again!) to our library. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

One of the Best!
This fantastic book depicts the story of an early farm family who raise animals, work their land, and make just about everything they need. That is only the begining! The story flows well, starting with a family working together preparing goods for papa to trade in town. It continues with papa trading or selling everything he has brought, including the ox team which he rode into town. He comes home bearing new items, (and a few treats!)to give to his family so they can begin preparing for another year, and another harvesting of goods to sell and trade. Gorgeous color illustrations will transport little ones into the more simple setting of a slower paced life, feeling of clean air, no electricity, and the satisfaction of seeing accomplishments and the rewards of patience and tasks well carried out.

Life in Historical America
The journey of a settler who packs up his cart with surplus that was grown, handmade, and raised on a farm in historical New England. The story takes the reader through what a family has to do to survive during this time period and what each part the family had in that survival. From a historical perspective an awesome book. With the love of history that I have on a personal note this story gives me clues to my own ancestors survival needs. I have two copies of this book one at home and one in my classroom. Very detailed illustrations, very accurate information on the settler's way of life and need for trading or selling off goods that the family helped make. The portrayal of the family with no electricity and providing their own means of survival. The story tells us that the farmer travelled ten days to reach the village of Portsmouth. I would've like to know which direction he came from, whether he had to travel from the south, the north or the west of the village. I would've also like to have know what he saw and who he might have met along the way.
Classroom Activities I do with this book:
Math - Seasons, Sequencing, Money, Trading/Selling, Time Art - Draw the seasons, quilts, weaving, looms, broom making, Science - Make candles, grow a pototo from a seed, make maple sugar,
Social Studies - 13 Colonies, Mapping Skills, Clothing, Occupations, Cooking
Reading - Write a sequel or pre-story to this book, illustrate one aspect of story or write about who he might have met along the way and which direction he came from.

Have you seen, the Ox-Cart Man, the Ox-Cart Man...
Most books that focus on continuity and the circle of life/the seasons/etc. like to concentrate on that theme via animals munching on other animals. We sometimes forget that there are subtler ways to present this same theme. Consider the lovely "Ox-Cart Man" by Donald Hall. A 1980 Caldecott Award winner, the tale focuses on the yearly passage of one man selling his goods only to do it all over again the next year. Ultimately this is one of the most comforting books out there.

The book takes place in what looks to be the mid 19th century. A man that is never named lives on a farm with his wife, daughter, and son. The book begins with the family packing his cart with the various goods they have to sell. There are mittens knit by his daughter, shawls spun and woven by his wife, and birch brooms carved by his son. The book catalogues the items packed away in an oddly riveting fashion. Next, the man travels on foot to a harbor town named Portsmouth. There, he sells the items including his beloved ox. There's a shot of the man kissing his ox good-bye on the nose, which (when you consider the slime factor) is simultaneously touching and gross. He next goes out and buys an iron kettle, an embroidery needle for his daughter, a knife for his son, and two pounds of wintergreen peppermint candies. The man walks home to his family waiting for him and as the seasons pass they build up their items to sell once more. One of my favorite lines is the last one. "And geese squawked in the barnyard, dropping feathers as soft as clouds".

Those people who follow poetry will recognize the name Donald Hall and appreciate the simplicity of his writing in this book. I loved that it began without explaining or pausing, immediately launching into a description of the man loading up his cart. When adult writers or poets write for children, they usually haven't a clue how to go about it (paging Madonna...). Mr. Hall does not suffer from this dilemma. He knows exactly how to make a book that could have been dry and dull, fascinating. Therefore, he uses the repetition of lines to catch the ears of kids. There's an entire page in this book that contains ten lines all beginning with the words, "He sold". I'm both old and young enough to remember when "Ox-Cart Man" was read on Reading Rainbow (one of the very few Caldecott winners to appear on that show) and even as a kid I loved the words in this story. I assure you that this book, for whatever other flaws you may chose to find in it, is not boring in the least.

I was especially taken with the illustrations in this book as well. Illustrator Barbara Cooney is no stranger to Caldecott medals. Having already illustrated the magnificent (and I highly recommend it) "Chanticleer and the Fox", her award count is higher than most. For this book, Cooney adopted a style that has a great many similarities to the kinds of outsider art created during the 19th century. The characters in this book have a kind of purposely flat presence on the page. At the same time, Cooney hasn't sacrificed perspective or the illusion of distance in these prints. Each page is both beautiful and simple, matching the text word for word with appropriate pictures. If the book says that there were turnips, cabbages, a wooden box of maple sugar, and potatoes then by gum you're going to see every single one of those objects on the opposing page. As a kid, I'd always be disturbed by picture books where the words failed to match the text. Here I have no such fears.

Some picture books are filled with bright snazzy flash-in-the pan illustrations and narratives that will date themselves in ten years or less. Others are quiet simple offerings that display beauty as well as a kind of central integrity. "Ox-Cart Man" is in the latter category. This is a book that will be loved for decades and that will only grow more precious in the eyes of children as the years go on. For a fun pairing, try reading it to your kiddies with "Swamp Angel", by Anne Isaacs. Books like this one should be treasured. Fortunately, I think this one already is.

My daughter's favorite read aloud
Between my husband and I , we must have read this book hundreds of times. My daughter always found it a source of comfort before bedtime. Why? Who knows for sure, but it is a lyrical, yet matter of fact, tale of a family that produces all it needs to live that is reassuring and lovely.

A fantastic book for teaching history
I used this book with my third grade class in talking about the skills that our ancestors needed in order to survive. The book is about a man who takes a cart load of goods to town and sells everything including the ox! My students loved the ending, but I won't give that away. This is a must have for the classroom. ... Read more

Book Description

Read by Joan Allen
Approx. 4 hours
3 cassettes

A few hours after nine-year-old Garnet linden finds a silver thimble in the dried-up riverbed, the rains come and end the long drought on the farm.The rains bring safety for the crops and the livestock and money for Garnet's father.The summer proves to be interesting and exciting in so many different ways.Every day brings adventure of some kind to Garnet and her best friend, Citronella.As far as Garnet is concerned, the thimble is responsible for each good thing that happens during this magic summer--her thimble summer.

Joan Allen has been nominated for an Academy Award three times for her roles in Nixon, The Crucible and most recently The Contender.She has also appeared in a number of other films such as The Ice Storm, Face-Off, and Searching for Bobby Fischer.
... Read more

Reviews (13)

A young girl's life on a farm in the midwest of the 1930s.
This is a book about Garnet Linden, a 10 year old Wisconsin girl, and her summer on her parents'farm. She finds a thimble on a river creek bottom and good things start to happen. I enjoyed all Elizabeth Enright's descriptive details of the sounds and smells of summertime and the small,quiet towns in Wisconsin. I couldn't wait to turn the page to read more of Garnet's adventures. The dialogue and the scenes are very true-to-life. This book should be especially enjoyed by Midwesterners. Recommended for 10-to 13 yr. old girls, but I'm a lot older than that and I loved it.

Thimble Summer
I liked this book because it was an adventurous book and it was just a really neat book. Even though I'm twelve, and this book was probally made for eight through ten year olds, I liked this book a lot. It was fun to read about all of Garnet's (the main charatcher of this book) adventures and how she was happy throughout most of this book. The funnest part is when Garnet is able to get a pig. Garnets parents alow Garnet to enter her pig in a contest. When Garnet and her family got to the fair, something bad happens. Read it and you'll find out what it is. It's an exciting and happy book all the way through. (and of course, that's what I think!)

~

Summertime and the living is easy
The Newbery Award winning books of the 1930s went through an interesting phase that was never again to be repeated. Starting with "Caddie Woodlawn" (1935), continuing with "Roller Skates" (1936), and capitulating with the delightful "Thimble Summer" (1938) these books all followed spunky independent females with little to no regard for the traditional roles women had always carried. But while "Caddie" and "Roller Skates" were period pieces that ultimately ended with the girls giving in to society's restraints, "Thimble Summer" trumps this trend. In it, we have a farm girl named Garnet who has a load of exciting summer adventures and who ends her tale wearing sailor pants doing hand stands over and over again in a pasture.

The tale of "Thimble Summer" begins when Garnet finds a silver thimble in a nearby dried lakebed. According to Garner, the summer's wonderful aspects only take place after this key event. Her father receives a loan from the government allowing him to build a new barn. Her family meets and virtually adopts an adorable homeless boy. Garnet shows her favorite pig at the state fair and wins a blue ribbon. All these events are told with a marvelous simplicity and a real sense of being there with Garnet. From the very first page of this book, you notice the author's excellent writing style. About the heat of the summer Enright writes, "It was like being inside of a drum. The sky like a bright skin was stretched tight above the valley, and the earth too, was tight and hard with heat". You're in safe hands with this writer. Don't believe me? Here's another wonderful descriptive passage. "Her shoes hurt her; and with aching feet and her bundle and empty pocketbook she felt like an old, old woman coming home from seeing grandchildren who didn't love her".

But observe this book within its 1938 context. Here's a girl that does a boy's chores. We never see her darn socks or cook, though she's often seen working in the fields. She's nine or so, so she doesn't go about falling in love (not even with the adorable homeless boy). She wears pants most of the time, is never badgered by either parent to be more feminine and (the coup de grace) at the end of the story she plans to someday have a farm of her own. Fabulous. Then there are those wonderful little details about the past. Kids reading this book may not get the references to G-men, Zeppelin shaped balloons, or the running boards of cars. Fortunately these spots of the past are either
self-evident or mercilessly scant.

Is the book flawless then? Almost. There are a couple tiny flaws here and there. The line drawings accompanying the text (drawn by the author herself) are magnificent. Unfortunately, there's one time they belie the text. If you've a child who's overweight in any way, this may not be the best book to show them. While Garnet's best female friend Citronella is continually called "fat", in the book's pictures she's the most average kid you've ever seen (compared to the waiflike Garnet, of course). Any child with body image problems is going to see the pictures, read the text, and come up with some pretty heart-wrenching conclusions. If Garnet is normal then... You get the picture.

I don't really understand why kids don't know this book better. Anyone who's ever wanted to live on a farm in the country would enjoy it. Anyone who's ever wanted to hitchhike like Garnet, spend a night in a library, or swim rivers on their own would like it. It's a pip, this one. It's got moxie. Don't forgo the pleasures of "Thimble Summer" simply because it's old. You'll be missing out on more than you could have possibly imagined.

melissa1007
When I was a little girl, one of the chapters in this book appeared in a volume of the Childcraft Books. The chapter was "Locked In" where the girls have to spend the night in the library. I absolutely loved the story but it wasn't until I was an adult and had daughters of my own the I found this book and was able to read the whole thing to my children. The book is timeless even though it is set in a much simpler time. I highly recommend it to children and adults alike!!!

A Magic Thimble
I really loved this book because it was about a girl who was easy for me to relate to. One very hot summer Garnet finds a thimble and that summer was the best. It rained that very night, and a new boy comes to live with them. And Garnet thinks it's all because of the thimble. It is really a great book to read. Every day I couldn't wait to read one more chapter. I got wrapped up once I started reading, and couldn't stop.If you want to read it, go read it! ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (6)

A creative book for kids
The book "Barn Dance" by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault is a cute book for kids. It lets them know that all things arent scary. Like scarecrows, for instance, arent scary their just to keep the crows away. Also if you child was scared of animals, this book might teach them there is nothing to be afraid of. It also is a very catchy book with all the rhymes and pictures. I was very pleased with it.

As much fun to read aloud as it is to hear
Scarecrows aren't really scary unless you're a crow -- or a preschooler. My son was terrified of scarecrows until we found this book. Now, it's torn and tattered, and a favorite of both my boys and their older sister. It's the story of what goes on in the barn when (almost) everyone in the farmhouse is sleeping.

All except the skinny kid with questions in his head, Much too full of wonderment to spend the night in bed, He was up about and list'nin'. . . . . .when the night owl said, Come a little closer. . . Come a little closer. . . Listen to the night. . . There's magic in the air. . . The skinny kid can hear the sound of fiddle strings, and he looks out his window to see the scarecrow leading all the animals into the barn for a hoe-down. Intrigued, the skinny kid sneaks into the barn and hides. Pretty soon, though, the scarecrow spots him and invites him to join in.

Out came the skinny kid, a-tickin' an' a-tockin' An' a hummin' an' a-yeein' an' a rockin' an' a sockin'. An' he danced his little toe through a hole in his stockin'! By this point in the story, my kids are itchin' to get up and dance, too. But, as the night owl points out, the magic can only last so long. The skinny kid sneaks back into his bed in the farmhouse to watch the sunrise. It might have been a dream, except for that hole in his sock.

In addition to the wonderful verse that sets toes a-tappin', my kids love the illustrations. My three-year-old always points out the skinny kid's progress as he sneaks out of the house, past the hound dog, into the barn, and back. All the kids giggle at the whirling pigs, who get so dizzy that they all fall down.

Barn Dance review
Brilliant illustrations. The writing takes you into the story, which is exciting & fun. Get it, you won't be dissapionted!

Barn Dance is a very fun book to read for kids of all ages.
My 7 year old daughter loves this book so much she wants me to purchase it. We originally got it frm the library, My 5 year old son loves to here my voice when the Crow says "Begin! Grab yourself a partner an jump right in"! This is a well writen book that I would highly recommend.

LET YOUR HAIR DOWN AND ENJOY THE HOE-DOWN!
I've come to realize that Ted Rand is an absolutely wonderful illustrator. Coupled with the most rhythmic and lyrical text you'll ever see, this book has become my son's new favorite. Pictures are full and colorful and the text brings out the ham in any reader-aloud. It's fun, fun, fun! Yee-Ha!! ... Read more

Book Description

On a hot, hot day a good old dog just has to get some relief! Around thesteamy country lanes he sniffs and searches until he finds: a chauffeur washing a shiny car, abaker scrubbing some sticky pans, and a florist spraying a pink bouquet. They’re all getting ready for a country wedding and this overheated pup just wants to plunge into the fun—and water!But will the wedding party in their fancy finery welcome this gotta-becool pooch? Zany characters, zingy lines, and high-spirited scenes practically bounce off the pages of thiswitty and affectionate story by debut author Elise Broach and New York Times Best IllustratedBooks Award winner David Catrow. ... Read more

Book Description

Let's round 'em up and move 'em along! In words and pictures, Gail Gibbons captures all the excitement and adventure of the Wild West. Her colorful watercolors deftly re-create cowboys' clothing, equipment, and lifestyle, and the lively text includes descriptions of famous cowboys and cowgirls, as well as historical facts. ... Read more

Reviews (41)

Refreshing
This is the first time I've ever read an S.E. Hinton book, and I must say that it's iffy if I read another. Taming the Star Runner had a great plot, but it could have been given a more in depth look. Taming is about a 16 year old boy going through problems and is sent to live with his uncle. His uncle happens to live on a ranch where he meets a girl named Casey who he starts to like. A friend of his comes to visit and he realizes that change doesn't have to be a bad thing.
Although the book is quick paced and thrilling, it is pretty 2 dimensional. I felt no real depth within the characters to feel more close to them - and depth in character makes a book more enjoyable.

This was the best story I have ever read.
If I had to choose from a rating of 1-10, Taming the Star Runner, would be a 10. I have always wanted to live on a farm. I thought this book had alot of emossional ups and downs. I like how a bad, non-emossional, punk, turns into a caring, emossional, young man. There was a little bit of everything in the story. There was love, anger, sadness, and happiness. It gave me a good lesson on drinking and its consequences. It really shows me what a bad step-father is like. My step-father is no where near as bad as Stan. It taught me to be sure to choose the right friends and the right descisions in life. Taming the Star Runner was the best book I have ever read.

Good plotline, but its end was unsatisfying
This was a great book, and I really liked how it progressed, but at the end everything stopped way too abrubtly. It was almost like S.E. Hinton wanted to kill off all her characters, but settled with ending a blossoming relationship, killing a horse, and taking a person's newfound view on life and destroying it. I think that the end of a book is the most important part, and this one left me unsatisfied and angry at the author.

Travis the main character
Taming the star runner is about a boy that goes to jail for attemted murder for trying to kill his step father because he saw him throwing his books and writings in the fire. Once he got out of jail he went to live with his uncle to help around the ranch and to stay from stand the step father, but he is have a hard time with making friends at his new school.

Great book by S.E Hinton
Anyone that is a fan of the book The Outsiders should definitly read Taming the Star Runner. Both books are by S.E Hinton. Taming the Star Runner is a typical teenage novel that involves drugs, murder, and love. I would reccomend it for anyone between the ages of 13 and 20.
In the book, Travis is ordered by the court to go live with his uncle. Trvis is a punk teenager that lives in the city with his Mom and his Step-dad. Travis is also a very good writer. In the book he writes a novel and tries to sell it to a publisher. at one point in the book his uncle says "I didn't think you were capable of writing a compound sentence".This book's moral is that people shouldn't judge other people before they get to know them.
This truly is a great book. I, for one, love books by S.E Hinton. However, most greay things in life have a downfall just like this book. This book is very hard to get into. there are 181 pages and the climax is around page 160. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (12)

Miracles on Maple Hill is an outstanding book.
Miracles on Maple Hill is an outstanding book that warms your heart. Miracles on Maple Hill is about a family who moves to their grandmother's house on Maple Hill and there are changes that appear in everyone. The father is more easy-going. The mother is happier because her husband isn't morose anymore. The kids are more adventurous. It's a really good family adventure story that is beautifully written by Virginia Sorensen. Characters: Marly is a little bit cowardly and generous and she kind of jealous of her older brother. Joe is courageous and very, very outgoing. Miracles on Maple Hill is a great book that you can read anytime and anywhere!

Wonderful Book!
I can't say anymore than that!The experiences of a family helping old friends with their maple syrup crop are told from the little girls point of view. The descriptions of the countryside, it's flowers, trees, animals are so vivid and beautiful! Get your flora and fauna guides out for this one! It's a charming story with happy ending. Is there a sequal?

The Best!!
This is an awesome book!I think Everyone will like it as much as i did ! It had great facts about Maple trees. I enjoyed the ending and I think Everyone Will Love this book!!!

Deidre
I think that the book was very interesting. It has a lot of details that help you understand the book. I also like the ending.

Adequate
Somewhat interesting period piece with "back-to-the-farm" as its basis. Think: "Field of Dreams" but with maple syrup as the common theme ("If you tap them, they will come"?). Also, the book addresses adult subjects such as psychological damage from WW II in a very matter-of-fact and appropriate way. However, the book doesn't really deliver anything extraordinary. OK for your 10-year-old girl to read, or to read to her. Not on par with "Little House in the Big Woods" or "The Young Master." ... Read more