Book Description

Moose Flannagan moves with his family to Alcatraz so his dad can work as a prison guard and his sister, Natalie, can attend a special school.But Natalie has autism, and when she’s denied admittance to the school, the stark setting of Alcatraz begins to unravel the tenuous coping mechanisms Moose’s family has used for dealing with her disorder.

When Moose meets Piper, the cute daughter of the Warden, he knows right off she’s trouble.But she’s also strangely irresistible. All Moose wants to do is protect Natalie, live up to his parents’ expectations, and stay out of trouble.But on Alcatraz, trouble is never very far away.

Set in 1935, when guards actually lived on Alcatraz Island with theirfamilies, Choldenko’s second novel brings humor to the complexities of family dynamics and illuminates the real struggle of a kid trying to free himself from the "good boy" stance he’s taken his whole life. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

"Al Capone Does My Shirts"
"Al Capone Does My Shirts" is about a 12-year old boy named Moose, whose family moves to Alcatraz in 1934 for his dad's job as a prison guard there. If you don't know, Alcatraz is a maximum-security prison on a rocky island across the bay from San Francisco. Although it is no longer in use, in the 1930's, Alcatraz was prison sweet prison to such notorious gangsters as Al Capone and Machine Gun Kelly. You could understand why Moose isn't excatly thrilled to live there. But the other reason they moved is so his sister, Natalie, could go to the Esther P. Marinoff school. Natalie has a disease that is today called autism, but was unidentified in the 30's. Moose, wanting his sister to be "normal", agrees to move for her sake. Still, he isn't happy about living on what he calls "a 12-acre rock covered with cement, topped with bird turds and surrounded by water". But the other families that live on Alcatraz might change his mind.
This book is both funny and sad, and Moose is very easy to relate to. Other very dynamic characters make "Al Capone Does My Shirts" interesting. You'll finish it quickly and wish it were longer.

Every 10-12 year old should read this book
My 10 year old daughter read this book in just over 2 days! She could not put it down!!! After reading Choldenko's "Notes from a Liar and her Dog" she could not wait for this to be published. We are buying them as gifts for many summer birthdays. I am now reading it and am thrown right back into my childhood of many years ago. Well written (as was the first), gets right into a 10-12 year olds way of thinking. Children between these ages will be able to totally relate. We can't wait for next one!

a sensational read
Twelve-year-old Moose Flannagan doesn't know how to feel about his new home. Sure, it's neat to live right in San Francisco Bay, but the neighbors leave something to be desired. You see, Moose and his family live on Alcatraz Island, where Moose's father has a new job as electrician and prison guard. At school on the mainland, Moose is a bit of a misfit. Not only do the other guys think living on Alcatraz is a little weird, they also don't understand why Moose can't stay after school to play baseball.

Instead, Moose has to head home to watch his sister Natalie. Natalie has autism, a condition that had not even been identified in 1935, when this novel is set. No one is quite sure how to deal with Natalie. Most "experts" tell the Flannagans to put her in an institution, but the family would rather try a variety of experimental therapies, which yield mostly disappointing results. Moose is the only one who can really reach Natalie, and he constantly clashes with his mother about the best way to work with her.

Moose and Natalie discover a new kind of community among the several families who live on Alcatraz Island, including bossy seven-year-old Theresa and the warden's manipulative, sneaky (but also kind of cute) daughter Piper. In the end, the kids cooperate --- with a little help from Al Capone himself --- to find a place where Natalie can finally belong.

Believe it or not, this novel's unusual setting is based on fact --- the families of Alcatraz prison guards actually did live on the island. The author includes a helpful note explaining the historical facts behind the story, as well as a brief note about autism.

What really makes this a winning novel, though, is not the setting but its main character. Moose, who narrates the story, is responsible and trustworthy in spite of himself. The love he feels for his sister despite the frustrations she causes him shines through all his words. The relationships among Moose, his hardworking father and his well-meaning mother are also rich and dynamic. Even without its connection to the famous mobster, AL CAPONE DOES MY SHIRTS would still be a real hit.

(...)

You and Your Students/Children Should Read This!
This is a beautiful story that mixes all the elements of great fiction. Historical setting and characters, emotional involvment with genuine characters, laugh-out-loud humor, and a fresh writing style combine to form a unique and sensitive story. Highly reccomended for anyone interested in Alcatraz, Autistic children, or anyone looking for well-done modern kids lit piece. Also reccomended: Notes From a Liar and Her Dog(same author).

A fascinating read.
This novel worked for me on many levels. First, it was a gripping, fast-paced character study of a teenage boy. The author developed a sympathetic, interesting, flawed character. I kept turning the pages to see what would happen to him and how he would respond.

Second, the book was quite poignant in showing what it was like to live with an autistic child, especially in an era when autism hadn't been diagnosed and no one was sure how or if it could be treated.

Third, the setting was so interesting. It takes place on Alcatraz island when prison workers and their families lived there. I learned a lot, but I didn't feel like I was being instructed as I read.

I highly reccommend this novel. ... Read more

Book Description

Morgan Menzie takes readers through a harrowing but ultimately hopeful and inspiring account of her eating disorder. Her amazing story is told through the journals she kept during her daily struggle with this addiction and disease. Her triumphs and tragedies all unfold together in this beautiful story of God’s grace.

Features include: daily eating schedule, journal entries, prayers to God, poems, and what she wished she knew at the time. It’s the true story of victory over a disease that is killing America’s youth.

Reviews (10)

Awesome Book
Definitely one of the best books I've read. I've been through anorexia myself, so I could really relate to it. It also kind of helped me, in a way. Morgan is a wonderful writer. I have re-read the book twice and have enjoyed it every time! I lent it to my friend who also struggled with anorexia, and she feels the same way about the book as I do. Definitely a great buy.

Good For Both Adults and Teens
Although the book is fictional, it is based on the wuthor's real-life experiences. This makes it more realistic than quite a lot of fictional books. The story is written in the style of a diary, from the point of view of Blythe. At the outset, she is 13, but gradually gets older as the book progresses. It is set in America. I don't want to give too much away about the plot, but Blythe's problems begin when she starts to compete with Laurie, another girl in her year who has anorexia. It spirals from there. I would recommend this book to both teenagers and adults as it's very good for an afternoon's reading. It's not too heavy, either.

Worth your time!
I read this book a year ago and by far it is one of my most favorites. Over a time period of four years i was anorexic and to see that i was not the only only one and that someone has had it a lot worse than me shows that i can make it. I recommemnd this book to all teenage girls everywhere. Even if they are not anorexic or do not think they have a weight problem it will make them understand how t help people around them who are!

As honest as STICK FIGURE: A DIARY OF MY FORMER SELF
After reading Lori Gottlieb's STICK FIGURE: A DIARY OF MY FORMER SELF, I didn't think I'd find another collection of diaries that spoke about anorexia with such honesty and compassion. I've struggled with anorexia, and both books (STICK FIGURE and this one) have been by my bedside because I find it helpful and comforting to read parts of them over and over. I strongly recommend both books for not just anorexics, but for families and friends who truly want to understand the experience and what they can do to help.

Excellent!
My friend asked for this book as a birthday present. When I went to buy it, I read the back and wanted to read it for myself. I ended up reading the whole book (after I gave it to my friend) within 2 and a half hours. This book was definantly a page turner. I have known people (my grandma and my mother) that were anorexic, and they have read it as well, and liked it. The story line seems very real. It's a definant must read! ... Read more

Book Description

During the summer of 1793, Mattie Cook lives above the family coffee shop with her widowed mother and grandfather. Mattie spends her days avoiding chores and making plans to turn the family business into the finest Philadelphia has ever seen. But then the fever breaks out.

Disease sweeps the streets, destroying everything in its path and turning Mattie's world upside down. At her feverish mother's insistence, Mattie flees the city with her grandfather. But she soon discovers that the sickness is everywhere, and Mattie must learn quickly how to survive in a city turned frantic with disease. ... Read more

Reviews (114)

Historical Tragedy
Imagine fleeing your home, leaving family members behind, just trying to get away from the plague!
In the book Fever 1793 written by Laurie Halse Anderson, a fourteen year old girl named Mattie Cook, has to leave her home in Philadelphia during 1793. She lives with her mother and grandfather above their family business, the Cook Coffeehouse. Many citizens come down with yellow fever and when Mattie comes home to find her mother sick, lying on the doorstep, she must help her. Ms. Cook refuses to let Mattie get near her, in fear of Mattie getting ill as well. Mattie and her grandfather decide to flee the city. Eliza, their maid, stays behind to care for Ms. Cook and other friends who have also come down with yellow fever.
I thought this was and excellent book. The author gave fantastic descriptions of what Philadelphia looked like during this crisis. she makes it posible to actually see the run-down city, and the corpses lying in piles at the cemetary waiting to be buried. What also made this book so interesting was that it was written about every day. It was almost like reading a journal. All of the details made it seem so real that I could put myself in Mattie's shoes. She had to grow up fast so that she could help out and she had to deal with so much.
Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson is and excellent historical book. It is filled with descriptions that make you feel like you were in that time period.

Catch the Fever!
I think that Fever 1793 is a wonderful book. It is very realistic and it kept me interested even though I'm not too fond of history. A good story is told, and the author has obviously done her homework because it stays true to actual historic events. The reader can get a pretty good idea of what it was like during the yellow fever epidemic while still getting the story that they are reading for.
The actual story of the book is about a girl trying to survive the yellow fever outbreak in Philadelphia that occurred in 1793. Mattie, the main character, is originally lazy and would rather sleep than do her share of work, but she learns responsibility and realizes that work isn't all-bad and that it is essential for her survival. She overcomes the odds and survives her own case of yellow fever but then is faced with other problems that she needs to solve. The city of Philadelphia has become a not so pleasant place. The fever has left Philadelphia full of scoundrels and thieves. Everyone else is either dead or deathly sick. The thieves have stolen everything that Mattie has to her name and she has to basically start all over. Her fight for life has become harder and she is beginning to break down emotionally when she meets up an old friend and realizes she is not in this alone. I think that this book not only demonstrates how hard work can help you in the long run but also how standing by your friends can help you through these hard times.
This book is a good book for teens to read because it is written as from a teen's perspective. We can relate to the lazy feelings she has and the want to just give up. Mattie also has a somewhat of a lesson to teach us. She teaches us that if you want to make a difference in this world you can't give up. You have to keep trying and you will eventually reach you goal.

Fever 1973
Author of Speak, Laurie Halse Anderson writes her amazing historical fiction book, Fever 1793 about a teenage girl named Matilda a.k.a. Mattie who faces difficulty and fights for her life. The story is written really well and Laurie Halse Anderson does a good job making Matilda sound like a girl in the 18th century. In Fever 1793 the bonds of friendship and love is written really well.
16 year-old Matilda Cook's mother and grandfather owns a popular coffee shop on High Street. Mattie was a lazy girl with a comfortable and plain life. Her whole life changes when the yellow fever epidemic arrives in Philadelphia. Her mother caught the fever and sends Matilda and her grandfather away to be safe. They leave Philadelphia and on their way both Matilda and her grandfather catches yellow fever. So much happens like the death of Mattie's grandfather and her mother goes missing. The epidemic kills thousands of people. When winter comes the epidemic ends. The fever might have ended but the bad memories are still there.
The epidemic caused Mattie to change a lot. She was a lazy girl in the beginning of the book but then she became more responsible and strong. The character shift that Laurie Halse Anderson did was really good.
I had read her other book Speak and thought it was an ok book. But Fever 1973 is one of the best books I've ever read. This book was written I such a way that it is hard to put down. Anderson makes you want to keep reading. I read this book in 3 days and couldn't put it down. I never knew historical fiction could be so fun to read.
Fever 1793 is written so well. I couldn't find any downside besides the fact that I thought the beginning was boring, other than that it was perfect. This book really gives you a picture of the 18th century. This book was not only fun to read but it also was educational. These are two qualities that make the book great.

A Little Too Melodramatic
The bubonic plague in Europe took 25 million lives. The Yellow Fever in 18th century Philadelphia took a mere 5000 lives and lasted a few weeks. Anderson overdramatizes the event both in the historical context as well as the storyline. So much happens to her heroine over such a short period of time that it strains credulity.

Also, a note to the author. On Page 187 of the paperback, 'laying' should be 'lying' according to the rules of correct grammar.

Fever 1793
A very cool author Laurie Halse Anderson wrote the adventurous book Fever 1793. Laurie Halse Anderson also wrote Speak, and other great books. Laurie Anderson wrote Fever 1793, so people would understand the devastating yellow fever that struck Pennsylvania in 1793. This story explains the reality Mattie was in. Mattie Cook, a fourteen-year-old girl who lived in Philadelphia. Her parents owned the Cook Coffeehouse, and Mattie was very proud. She had big dreams to make the coffeehouse a big company for the president. Mattie's life and dream changes after her friend, Polly, dies of a mysterious fever. Mattie was shocked of Polly's sudden death, but she was more shocked when she found out that her mother had gotten it. She couldn't admit that it was really happening. Mattie's mother decided to send Mattie to the Ludington's house, with grandfather to take her. Mattie was surprised that no one was stopping her mother. Not even Eliza, a freed slave that works for them. Eliza usually is understanding, and Mattie thought Eliza would stop Mother, but she didn't. Mattie is terribly scared when her grandfather becomes ill on the trip. Mattie and the driver's family fears that it is yellow fever, and the driver kicks Mattie and Grandfather out of the carriage. Now it was all up to Mattie to save her Grandfather and herself. Mattie learns the true fear and terror of the yellow fever. She hears terrifying screams at night, and smells blood and death everywhere. Worst of all, she sees victims dead bodies being carried out. She sees lifeless corpses in the streets. The imagery was amazing, and it makes the reader feel like they're Mattie. As the story goes on, it explains how Mattie goes back to her house with Grandfather. As soon as they go back to they house, the worst thing happens. Robbers come to the cofee house. This is Mattie transforms from an un responsible teenager to an older responsible adult. Two robbers killed grandfather, and Mattie needs to pay attention to herself, not trying to find her mother in the fever anymore. First Mattie couldn't find any hope of survival, and wondered around the streets looking for help. When she does look for survival in the streets Mattie finds out that it's very hard to survive, and on the way she met Nell. Mattie found Nell's mother dead, and Nell by herself sobbing. Mattie understood how the poor little girl felt, and took Nell with her since she felt sympathy for Nell. Mattie was losing all of her hope, and was about to give up when she saw Eliza. Eliza was helping the Free African Society, and taking care of the fever victims. Mattie stayed with Eliza, which stayed with Eliza's brother. Her brother had two sons, and took care of Nell for Mattie sometimes. The two young sons and Nell, were stricken with yellow fever. Eliza and Mattie panicked, and they were losing every hope they ever had. Then, a miracle occurred. There was frost everywhere.And I do not want to spoil the ending (...). This story is exciting, and is a great story. Mattie keeps on losing hope, and realizes that she isn't dreaming. She learns a harsh reality about life and death as her life goes on. ... Read more

Book Description

A book for children ages 6 - 12 who have Asperger's Disorder. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

A Good Start
This is a book I wish had existed a generation ago. It had high and low points. The high points were the voice of acceptance that was being given to explaining Asperger's, which is a neurological condition on the autism spectrum to children. It is a good starter book for sharing with children on the spectrum who continue coping with "undefined differences."

One thing that bothered me was that the writing suggested a "uniform, one size fits all" approach and description of Asperger's. This can be misleading to readers. Still, it was a good faith effort and one that can be used to empower children on the spectrum and explain their "differences" in a clear cut, humane and frank way.

A great Child to Child Perspective
This is a great Child to child perspective on AS. It displays some humor while the child voices AS as he sees it from his family.

if you've got a young child with AS, get this book
I found this book to be helplful in dealing with other children who will be dealing with my son. We take it into his class on the first day of school and have the teacher read it to his peers so they somewhat understand him and his behaviors. We also read it right after his diagnosis and it helped our son to relate and understand what AS is. I recomend this book.

About Asperger's Huh?....
This book helped me get into my son's mind and understand why he does some of the things he does. It confronts some of the everyday problems that Asperger's kids have, and gives the disorder a face. It's not sugar-coated, which I appreciate; it accurately describes the difficulties these kids encounter. I highly recommend this book as a tool to help others understand the mind of an Asperger's child.

One perspective
Each person with Aspergers is unique and wonderful. This book was disappointing because it makes generalizations when there is not a "cookie-cutter" description that fits across the board. My husband and I read it first and decided not to share it with our 7-year old Asperger child because most of it would be more confusing than enlightening. ... Read more

Book Description

The editor of the classic GO ASK ALICE has compiled the poignant journals of a 14-year-old date-rape victim who contracted AIDS and died. ... Read more

Reviews (146)

"Reading this true story may save your life"
"It Happened to Nancy" is a true story, told in diary form by an anonymous 14-year-old girl ("Nancy" is her alias) that is infected with the AIDS virus when she's raped by her 18-year-old boyfriend, Collin Eagle, a freshman at a South Carolina university, who's basically an up-and-coming pedophile.

The"romantic" aspect of Nancy's relationship with Collin is almost unbearable to read because of her naiveté. Plus the reader already knows what's going to happen, so it's hard to feel the same excitement she does over this "Southern gentleman."

There were a few things that bothered me about this book, though the first one can't be changed--like why didn't Nancy's mother take her to a doctor a.s.a.p. in the event of a pregnancy? Topics like this one--along with loads of other useful information in regards to rape, HIV/AIDS, etc.--are included in the remaining 20 pages or so of this book. That alone makes "It Happened to Nancy" worth buying, though the story itself is very touching too.

Yet the biggest thing that bothered me about this book was how much of it was censored by Sparks (who also edited "Go Ask Alice")--or possibly by Nancy's parents--perhaps to "protect" younger readers from some of the mature content. Either way, it makes the story uneven and confusing at times.

Although the reader can guess how the book will end, that's not the real purpose of it. Instead, it's to "educate and enlighten adults and perhaps safeguard some young people" from this happening to them. This book is definitely worth having in every school library.

A wonderful, touching book about an unfortunate event.
It Happened To Nancy is one of thoes books that makes you cry, laugh, and yell at them when they do something wrong. After reading this I realized part of the reason that my parents don't want me to date until I am 16. The day I finished it, I suggusted it to all of my friends. I hope that this will help people be aware of what is going on around them. It helps others know all the pain and suffering that some of those innocent victoms have to go through. It also shows that they can lead a normal life. I loved reading this book, and I couldn't put it down. I read it everywhere; in the car, in bed, at my grandparents house, and even when I was waiting for my mom to finish shoping. I recomed that you read it for yourself to see what a wonderful book it is.

Moving book in spite of possibly being fradulent
I read this book twice in a row at fourteen and cried at the end both times, after having earlier scoffed at the book because of how stupid and naïve Nancy acted. It's really upsetting to find it may be largely or entirely a fraud, that this sweet courageous young person may have been made up or had her life made into something that was largely the creation of Dr. Sparks. A lot of girls are like Nancy and don't see anything fishy about an older man wanting to date them or letting an older boyfriend spend the night when their parents are away. During the stampede (or whatever the chaos was) at the Garth Brooks concert she attends with her friends, Nancy has an asthma attack and finds herself being taken care of by a strange older boy named Collin. She never tells him to get away from her because she doesn't know him, or tell him he's too old for her at her age. (Four years of age difference in a relationship isn't that big of a deal, but if you're 14 and 18, it's not the same as, say, an 18 year old and a 22 year old.) She never even tells her mother about this relationship, or any of her friends. It turns out his real name is Gary and that he's 32 years old.

In hindsight some of it does seem too fishy to be true. How was Nancy's doctor able to give her an HIV test without her knowledge or permission, why does her disease get so serious so fast (unless Collin had a full-blown case when he gave it to her, or because of her strained immune system due to her serious asthma), why doesn't she go down to the Catholic rape crisis centre she called the morning after her attack, after telling the sympathetic nun on the phone she'd come over, why doesn't her mother take her to get tested for AIDS, STDs, or pregnancy as soon as she tells her about the rape? She takes her out of town on a beach vacation instead? And it's suspicious how all of Sparks's young diarists have the same exact moral preachiness, similar writing styles, never say anything against their parents (or if they do they quickly take it back), never get involved in these problems by their own accord but instead are pulled in by friends who drug them, rape them, or talk them into Satanic beliefs. Nancy may be a sweet religious old-fashioned Southern girl, but surely she couldn't have been that naïve. I was a few years younger than Nancy at the time these events are going on in the early Nineties, and well remember what the climate was like at that time, people deathly afraid of getting AIDS from toilet seats or mosquito bites, people desperate for more funding for research because so many people were dying and getting sick. None of that was felt in her small South Carolina town?

It's a moving book with a powerful and important message, but I no longer view it the same way I did when I first read it and thought it was a 100% true story.

a must read
This book was amazing!!! It soooo sad it was a true story because it happen to such a bright girl. Nancy, I found she was easy to relate to understood her, well reading the book you grow to love Nancy & respect her. Nobody should have to go through that... I learn so much from this book I learn facts thanks to Nancy that can save my life just from reading this book because I know what to do in the suction. Just like know I know if your ever rape to not wash up or change clothes afterwards go straight the police because it a evidence. My instinct before would have to change & take a shower. But Nancy writing is so descriptive she could have been a very famous writer I think, sooo sad this is the only book she wrote. This book should be read by all teenagers especially!! This book should be our teacher in school make sure we read. I think parents should read this book with the children & talk about this true story & what really happens if you don't be careful. This book is good for anybody who wants to know the truth about AIDS. This story is about a young teen who thinks she find love but all really she found was she had HIV virus. This story is the most dramatic story I ever read, it is almost being put into some else life. Nancy story is a story I will never forget & it is true & so sad because they can never be an other Nancy...

Naive Nancy
This diary edited by Beatrice Sparks was a tad unnerving. Whereas I better understood Alice's naivete in the drug world due to it being the late 60s/early 70s, Nancy's naivete in the modern dating world was a little more difficult for me to grasp.

Still, that doesn't make Nancy's situation any less heartbreaking. At fourteen, she falls in love with an 18 year-old named Colin. God knows I wasn't nearly as naive at 14 - and I'm not now, either. But for a girl looking for love in all the wrong places, she'll take it where she can find it. Besides, Colin's facade is believable and he is incredibly good looking, gentle, and seemingly loves her, despite a very short period of time spent together. However, things turn deadly when he date rapes her and leaves her with the HIV virus. It's basically impossible for police to track him down - Colin was not his real name, as Nancy soon finds out after her ordeal.

Now infected, Nancy must incessantly worry if she will accidentally infect peers and the ones she loves. She asks many questions in her diary that she herself does not answer, which is okay. Editor and doctor Beatrice Sparks answers all of her questions and more in a section of the end of the diary titled, Questions Nancy Wanted Answered About Rape and AIDS.

Nancy's downward spiral from a happy high schooler to a girl on the brink of death did little to shock me. Naturally, since her immune system grows weaker and weaker, that can be expected. But the support of friends and family, plus a normal boyfriend her own age, ease the pain and knowing that it will be her time to go sooner than originally thought. Despite the typical flaws found in many journals, this one still ought to be read by any girl aged 13 and up. Maybe, just maybe, it will change their perspectives about certain issues. It worries me that some of my friends date much older guys.

Take this conversation with one of my friends: "I think it's so gross how girls our age will go out with older guys. When I was in the eighth grade, my friends bragged about going out with 20 year-olds." "Well, I had something going on with a 26 year-old," my friend replied, sounding ashamed. I didn't judge her - I was embarassed my comment would make her think I thought badly of her. In reality, nothing like that would change how I felt about our friendship - it made me worry, that's all. I was concerned about another friend who lied to me about a guy she'd slept with. It happened when she was 14, she said, and he was 20 - actually, 23. "I thought you'd freak," she'd said. 20 or 23, I "freaked" both ways.

The dating world is a scary thing today, which is basically all I can say. My friends have proved this to me and so has this diary. ... Read more

Book Description

1793, Philadelphia. The nation"s capital and the largest city in North America is devastated by an apparently incurable disease, cause unknown . . .
In a powerful, dramatic narrative, critically acclaimed author Jim Murphy describes the illness known as yellow fever and the toll it took on the city"s residents, relating the epidemic to the major social and political events of the day and to 18th-century medical beliefs and practices. Drawing on first-hand accounts, Murphy spotlights the heroic role of Philadelphia"s free blacks in combating the disease, and the Constitutional crisis that President Washington faced when he was forced to leave the city—and all his papers—while escaping the deadly contagion. The search for the fever"s causes and cure, not found for more than a century afterward, provides a suspenseful counterpoint to this riveting true story of a city under siege.

Thoroughly researched, generously illustrated with fascinating archival prints, and unflinching in its discussion of medical details, this book offers a glimpse into the conditions of American cities at the time of our nation"s birth while drawing timely parallels to modern-day epidemics. Bibliography, map, index. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Superb
Finally, a great nonfiction book written for children. It keeps ones interest all the way through, and is a great companion with "Fever 1793."

An Intense and interesting read
Jim Murphy amazes, educates and horrifies with his wonderful Siebert Award winning and Newberry Honor Book, AN AMERICAN PLAGUE. Murphy deftly describes the political, social, medical and economic conditions that allowed the yellow fever epidemic to devastate Philadelphia in the 1790s in a way that is truly terrifying but nonetheless intriguing.
I couldn't put it down.

Shining example of nonfiction for young people
Jim Murphy's award winning book is a wonderful example of literary nonfiction for young people that's every bit as compelling and well-researched as that for adults. Other recent noteworthy books are Candace Fleming's innovative Ben Franklin's Almanac, Russell Freedman's In Defense of Liberty, and Deborah Hopkinson's fascinating book on immigrants in New York City, SHUTTING OUT THE SKY.

Worth reading
This book is a great read for several reasons:
1. It tells a compelling story.
2. It is written in an informal style that helps makes you feel like you are there as events unfold, and without academic historical jargon or obscure references.
3. The use of archival images and newspapers is terrific.
4. It made me interested to read some of the source documents consulted by the author, such as first person diaries of the time.
5. Lots of fascinating facts for people interested in how American started out as goverment and the challenges it faced.
6. It shows how relatively ignorant science and medicine was back then (bloodletting was still basic medical practice).
7. The book does a good job of giving the details of the story from many different perspectives--from the pauper in the street, to George Washington's frustration.
8. It makes you think about how our goverment now to a big epidemic.
9. It shows how heroic and noble the first African-Americans were at that time, and what a vital service they provided this country through their skill, dedication, compassion and piety.

A few minor quibbles with the editing: I found a glaring typo in a chapter heading, and some of the narrative is repetitious.

On the whole a very good book for young and older people alike.

A disclaimer: It turns out that the author of this book lives in my relatively small town, but I have never met him, don't know what he looks like, but thank him just the same.

A fascinating book
In August 1793, the capital of the new United States, Philadelphia, was in the grip of a heat wave. Suddenly, in the poorer quarters of the city, the poor began to sicken and die in the most horrible of ways. Many people fled, while other worked to stem the tide of illness. Armed with an archaic (and downright wrong) theory of medicine, the city could do little but suffer as this disease raged throughout the city, carrying off some 4-5,000 people (out of a population of 51,000). This is the story of that plague (Yellow Fever), its effects on the country, and its possible future.

This book was written for younger readers, but is detailed and informative enough to interest even the oldest of readers. I found the book to be quite fascinating, and learned a good deal about the state of medicine at the time. The final chapter, which attempts to scare the reader with the idea of a return of Yellow Fever, I found to be a bit out-of-focus. Nonetheless, I found this to be a fascinating book, and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in the early days of the American Republic. ... Read more

Book Description

From New York Times bestselling author Maria Shriver comes a poignant and compassionate story about one family coping with Alzheimer's disease and memory loss. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

ANOTHER GREAT RESOURCE ABOUT ALZHEIMER'S FOR CHILDREN
Contrary to popular belief, Ms. Shriver's book wasn't actually the first book that was geared toward children in an attempt to help them have a better understanding about Alzheimer's disease. Dr. Ann Frantti wrote a book entitled "Grandma's Cobwebs" several years ago on this same topic. Not only does her book explain the workings of this dreadful disease, it also has a supplementary booklet that has FAQs to help parents with any questions their children may have.

Unfortunately, Dr. Frantti doesn't have the benefit of Ms. Shriver's "star power" in terms of getting publicity about "Grandma's Cobwebs," but her book is excellent.

Excellent For Children -1st Lady Shriver WINS!!!
Well written with warmth, Maria Shriver does an excellent job of helping grandchildren understand-what even some adults may not fully know- about the battlefield of the aged minds.
The Knowledge we as Authors share, produces a well informed future generation.

Lovely Resource
It is hard enough for an adult to understand what it all means when a loved one is stricken with Alzheimer's, let alone a child. Maria has done a marvelous job of explaining it all in terms that will help your children, as well as yourself, understand, accept and cope with one of the hardest times a family can face.
Jacqueline Marcell, Edlercare Advocate, and author of Elder Rage.

very helpful
It is good to have a book to read to children that will help them cope with a grandparent with Altzheimer's! I especially liked the expression of the many feelings that the book characters had. It made talking about feelings that we have easier. I think we will be reading this from time to time to keep in touch with each other through the process of this disease and how it relates to our family. Thank you for carrying it. ... Read more

Book Description

When young people learn they have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), they often have many questions, doubts, and fears. Written from both a pediatric and an educational perspective, this highly successful book—now available in a new edition—attempts to address these questions and needs. Inducted into the CHADD Hall of Fame in 2000, ADD and ADHD specialists Patricia O. Quinn and Judith Stern have revised and expanded Putting on the Brakes, including a thoroughly updated chapter on the latest advances in medications and recommended treatment programs that help children manage their disorder. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

This book moved me to tears
I came across this book in a local children's hospital resource library. The first page describes a speeding race car with no brakes, and how it might go off the road or even crash. Page two goes on to draw a parellel between this race car, and and explains that having ADHD is a lot like being a race car with no brakes, 'You have a great engine with lots of thinking power, and a good, strong body, but no brakes'. I broke down crying right there in the middle of the library - it was like finally getting inside my child's head and knowing how he feels and why he just doesn't seem to know when to quit.

As my son and I read it together, he was also drawn in by these parallels, and fascinated by the sections that explain how the brain works, and the theories behind what causes neurobiological ADHD (as opposed to other possible causes of ADHD, like head trauma, lead exposure, etc). He is seven, and there were several words he was not familiar with, but the book explains 'synapses' and 'neurotransmitters' well, and a brief explanation from me on other vocab words was all it took for him to grasp the concepts.

A Powerful Resource for the Parents of ADHD Kids!
One of the most difficult things about parenting an ADHD child is explaining attention deficit disorder to that child. Patricia Quinn and associates have given a powerful resource to these parents - a true gift to empower them. In simple language, illustrated with eye-catching graphics, PUTTING ON THE BRAKES explains not only the nature of this disorder, but also how children and their families can learn to manage it. As an ADD Coach, I find this to be the most important resource that I can put into the hands of parents.

Putting on the Brakes
A very good book for children with ADHD. It's easy to read and gets to the point, something all ADHD children need. It explains what ADHD is, that others have the same problems, and how it effects their home and school lives. It gives some wonder information about how they can help theirselves. I have read it to both my children with ADHD as well as ADHD children I work with and they all enjoy it, and can relate to it.

ADHD - From a different point of view
From a parents point of view, I really enjoyed reading your books. I felt it put me closer with my son, since I could better understand what the ADHD was about from a different point of view. It was like being inside the mind of a child with ADHD. When I react now, I think a lot more before making a rash outburst, because I know my son will be thinking "Gosh - whats the big problem?". Thank-you for letting me get closer to understanding what a child with ADHD goes through. ... Read more

Reviews (23)

A GREAT BOOK FOR CLASSROOM SHARING!
I teach children with learning disabilities and behavior problems at the elementary level. A parent shared, "This Is Asperger Syndrome" with me and I now have a greater understanding of this disability. I shared it with the children I teach and it led to a wonderful discussion. I encourage other educators to read this book with their students.

True to life
I am the mother of three children with Asperger's Syndrome. I'm offended by the review that suggests we should just "celebrate" the special gifts of people with Asperger's and that this is a negative book. My entire life is consumed with Asperger's and I manage to maintain my sense of humor most of the time. But I'm sick of constantly being expected to put on a happy face and pretend that all is rosy for me or my children. The reality of AS is not always pretty! If I had a nickel for every public place my kids have meltdowns I'd be rich. We try to avoid having public meltdowns and I am compassionate toward them because they usually just can't help it (sensory overload), but it isn't necessarily a bad thing for people to see. People need to know that disabilities are hard to live with, they need to learn to be compassionate too. People need to understand that things they find easy are very very hard for children like mine. I applaud these authors for not putting a sunny fake mask on Aspeger's Syndrome!

A Good Explanation
This is a book I wish had existed a generation ago. It is written in a clear and direct fashion. For many people with Asperger's, having instructions and/or information broken down into manageable portions is a very effective approach.

I like the way this book explains behaviors that are common among many people with Asperger's. Since this is a neurological spectrum condition that is on the autism spectrum, many of the challenges people with Asperger's face are sensory ones. People with Asperger's often have heightened sensory modes and have extreme reactions to stimuli, e.g. strong adverse responses to loud noises. Meltdowns are gently explained; sometimes they are the result of sensory overload. Sensory overload makes me think of the 1967 George Harrison classic "It's All Too Much" which explains sensory overload so well, "it's all too much for me to see...it's all too much for me to take." I also like the way coping mechanisms are described in this book.

Another challenge many people on the spectrum face is difficulty in the subtle nuances of communciation, e.g. facial expressions and use of certain idiomatic expressions. Many people on the spectrum see issues as "black or white" with no gradations in between. Sadly, comments perceived as "blunt, rude or hostile" by others are often faux pas on the part of the person with Asperger's and if the objection to the comments in question are explained, persons on the spectrum become cognitively aware of what constitutes social savvy. The 1966 George Harrison classic "I Want to Tell You" is a good description of the communication challenges many people on the spectrum face: "but if I seem to act unkind, it's only me, it's not my mind. That is confusing things." So often misinterpretations are the result of verbal meanings being misconstrued.

Since Asperger's IS a spectrum condition, it varies from individual to individual. It can range from severe and closer to the Autism end of the spectrum to mild and barely discernible to most people.

Must have book for families, teachers, and friends.
My 7 year old son is in class with a child with Asperger's Syndrome. I needed something to explain what Asperger's is and how it impacts the actions and responses of this child. THIS WAS THE PERFECT BOOK. It is short, easy to read (my son could actually read it himself) and it explains several of the difficulties that many Asperger's children experience. Best of all, it is from the perspective of the child that has Asperger's. Not only did my son (and I) learn a great deal about Asperger's, we also learned how about how a child with Asperger's might feel about being different from other children. This really helped my son to understand and react appropriately to the child in his class. I am donating the book to his classroom in hopes that others can also use this great resource.

The unique persepctive of a boy with Aspergers Syndrome
I liked this book.

Each page contains a picture accompanied by a vignette describing a particular problem or perception experienced by the protagonist. The examples are clear and concrete. The drawings are clear, but perhaps a little too cartoonish. This story could help students in a classroom understand the behavior of a classmate with these characteristics. Instead of labeling behaviors as "obnixious" the other students might be stimulated to see the world from the perspective of the child with Aspergers.

This book is not meant to be a comprehensive text, but it describes the reactions and feelings of a particular individual. Because people with Aspergers are each so unique, it might not fit the exact behaviors of each person. Still, it is a good book because it gets you thinking from a another perspective--and that is what Aspergers is about. ... Read more

Book Description

Twenty-five fictional stories that will entertain, enlighten, and ease a child's frustration about having diabetes.

Reviews (1)

Even older kids still need our help
This book is aimed at ages 8-13 or so. We read this book to our six-year-old son. If not for that, I don't know if I would have ever read it.

All the main characters in the stories have type 1 diabetes. The characters encounter different situations where they have to learn to control their diabetes or ASK FOR HELP.

I recommend that parents read this book. What struck me the most, was how many stories are about kids that "can" do their own care but still want/need their parent's help. Many of the kids in the stories stopped taking care of themselves until the climax of the plot when they finally admitted to their parents they needed help.

If you order this book for your child, read it. At the least, discuss the stories with him or her. We discussed each story with our son and I was amazed at how much he related to the kids in the stories already.

The stories were written before lantus and the insulin pump so my son did have trouble understanding why the kid wasn't allowed a cupcake or such. He doesn't remember being on NPH and regular. Diabetes care has come far! It would be useful if the author would update the book to include the new treatments.

I am giving it four stars, not five because the stories were not the best I've ever read. But this is a valuable book. ... Read more

Book Description

A girl's struggle amid the African AIDS pandemic.

"As soon as I get back from the shabeen, I go next door to see Mrs. Tafa. I have to ask to use her phone to let our relatives know about Sara. I'm nervous. Mrs. Tafa would like to run the world. Since she can't run the world she's decided to run our neighborhood."

So speaks sixteen-year-old Chanda, an astonishingly perceptive girl living in the small city of Bonang, a fictional city in Southern Africa.

While Mrs. Tafa's hijinks are often amusing, the fact is that Chanda's world is profoundly difficult. When her youngest sister dies, the first hint of HIV/AIDS emerges.

In this sensitive, swiftly-paced story readers will find echoes of To Kill a Mockingbird as Chanda must confront undercurrents of shame and stigma. Not afraid to explore the horrific realities of AIDS, Chanda's Secrets also captures the enduring strength of loyalty, friendship and family ties. Above all, it is a story about the corrosive nature of secrets and the healing power of truth.

Through the artful style of acclaimed author Stratton, the determination and resilience Chanda embodies will live on in readers' minds. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Extremely Powerful
Sixteen-year-old Chanda Kabelo is a true hero. She puts her family and friendship first above herself and what the "neighbors" think. Allan Stratton's story of Chanda's family and community draws a vivid picture of what the AID's epidemic is doing to Africa. Extremely powerful, don't miss it! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Leslie Hiller's world is growing smaller. It used to be large enough to include her worrisome but loving mother, her doting father, her close friend Cavette, and all the other people and places that made up her upper-class, A+ life. But now it has shrunk to the size of a dinner plate full of food--which she scrapes out her bedroom window to avoid eating. Leslie, a perfectionist who loves to be in control, finds she can't control the fear that she will somehow fail to be the perfect daughter, perfect student, and perfect friend. So she decides to master the one thing over which she is certain she has complete domain: food. Even when it becomes apparent to everyone that her severe dieting has become a life-threatening habit, Leslie still can't stop: "I want to be happy. And being happy means being thin."

Author Deborah Hautzig, who recounts her own painful battle with anorexia in a very personal and heartfelt afterword, gives Leslie a frighteningly realistic voice that will ring true to teens everywhere. First published in 1981, Second Star to the Right has risen again to give a new generation of young adults valuable insight into the addictive world of anorexia, and hope for getting out from under the cruel thumb of the disease. (Ages 12 to 15) --Jennifer Hubert ... Read more

Reviews (36)

Excellent portrayal of this disease
I too suffer from Anorexia. Leslie and I could be the same person. It was great to read a book about eating disorders that didn't focus on the PHYSICAL aspects of the disease, but on the person suffering and what their life is like. I spent a month in a hospital this summer. My guess is that I'll be back in the same program fairly soon. Leslie's conflict between recovery and the disease is one which I fight every day. Finally, there's a book that describes accurately how someone with and eating disorder feels!

I could completely relate with this tale of anorexia!
I, too, suffer from life-threatening anorexia nervosa. Even at my present weight of 58 pounds, thin enough can never be achieved. This past year has been extremely rough, in and out of hospitals and treatment. Just when I felt hopeless, my friend contacted me with a pile of literature on anorexia, and this book was a breath of fresh air. This disease that is killing me, the monster of anorexia, and as I read about Leslie being in the hospital, torned between recovery and falling deeper into the hands of the illness, I was crying, because it was almost as if I was reading about ME. Leslie and I are so much alike-perfectionists, kind, sincere, always wanting to be the best. This book couldnt tell it all better-please read it! please! this is a wake-up call and should not be ignored!

One of the best books ive read in a long time
I loved tihs book sooooooo much. I picked it up at the library and couldnt put it down. I could realate to the main character(leslie) and i just felt so grateful to read about someone who saw things almost the exact same way i did. Anyway, if you have ever struggled with an eating disorder i definatly recommend this book for you will be able to relate and be spell-bound by it. I hope that anyone who has been debating with themeselves over whether to read this or not will defianatly pick up the book and give it a chance. Even if you have never struggled with an eating disorder, it will allow you to get a brief glimpse into the mind of an anorexic and see that people dont choose to get like that. Anyway, i sincerly hope you pick this book up and enjoy it as much as i did.

A Must
Little things had stuck with me as much as this story, Leslie potrays a lot of things about youth that are still valid. The plot is vivid, Leslie's relationship with her mother is an honest representation of mom and daughter.

I would recomend this book to anyone, there are so much things you can get out of it! And its not at all preachy or moralist.

gets into the head of an ed
It's hard to explain to people without an eating disorder what craziness goes on in the mind of an eating disordered person. this book does it. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Easy to Enjoy
Although I never thought of myself as a fan of poetry or novels in verse, I have to admit this genre is growing on me.

When Kevin is forced to stay in bed for a month with mono, the prospect of missing out on baseballs games and hanging out with his friends does not excite him. But when he casually starts writing some words down on a page, and secretly borrows one of his writer father's poetry guides the exile starts to become more bearable. He slowly recovers, all the time writing about the death of his mother, past and present loves and his discovery of a whole new way of expressing himself.

If I had to describe this book in three words it would be 'short and sweet'. It's fun and cheerful (although I have to admit I didn't "get" the title until I was finished reading it). ... Read more

Book Description

"Life with Diabetes, Lacie the Lizard's Adventure" is an entertaining and informational book about Type I or Juvenile Diabetes.The book is intended to help children and their parents understand what to expect from diabetes and, more importantly, to understand they can live a normal, long life by taking proper care of themselves. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Life with Diabetes: Lacie the Lizard's Adventure
This is an excellent book for children who are diagnosed with Type I diabetes. It also gives parents a tool to help the diabetic child understand that they aren't so different and they can enjoy a long, happy and normal life if they take care of themselves.

Life with Diabetes: Lacie the Lizard's Adventure
Thank You! This helped us so much, words can't explain. We have read the book 12 times and we only got it a week ago. This has helped us with understanding and clarifying so many questions that we needed answered quickly. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Itchy, Itchy Chicken Pox
My daughter and I have enjoyed reading this book numerous times. The theme was very appropiate recently when there was an outbreak of chicken pox in her school. The story highlights different aspects of chicken pox and help to prepare or soothe a child who has been exposed and/or fighting the "itch" battle. This is a good book for beginning readers because of the repetiveness and flow of the text. I would strongly recommend this book to beginner and not-so-beginner readers. ... Read more

Book Description

Armed with the wisdom of both specialists and those who have "been there" themselves, readers with ADD can approach the prospect of college with confidence. This concise handbook is packed with practical information and advice for the smoothest possible transition to college life. Substantially expanded and revised, with chapters written by physicians, psychologists, and educators with expertise in ADD, this new edition of ADD and the College Student provides a wealth of information including:

· Getting in to the college of your choice
· Locating and making full use of resources on campus
· Personal commentaries from college students with ADD
· Securing learning accommodations that highlight your abilities
· Your legal rights as a student with ADD
· Working with an ADD coach
· Life-style habits for your success ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Great book!
this book is great! It's like it was written special for me!
now if i could only sit and actually read it ...............

VERY HELPFUL RESOURCE for STUDENTS!
Patricia Quinn, MD has put together a helpful, concise, easy-to-read book that addresses the problems which may develop for students in high school and college. Each chapter is written by a different specialist who offers information on their specific topic. I recommend this book to all my ADD teenaged clients whether or not they want to go on to college. It is an extremely helpful resource.

Very helpful for student and parent
This book helped identify gifted students with ADD who were not doing well in college. The checklist included was helpful for the student in his consultation with the physician who was treating his ADD. The physician liked the checklist so much that he asked to copy it for his files! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Balto: not just for kids
We purchased this book after seeing the real Balto (courtesy of the art of taxidermy) at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. Our quest in Northeast Ohio, where Balto enjoyed his senior years, was prompted by my seven year-old daughter's love-affair with the animated film about this dog, who navigated a lost sled team carrying life-saving medicine through Alaska in 1925. I hereby confess publicly that, after myself reading the book, which is aimed at the 9 year-old set, I cried, much as I had done 35 years before after reading "Lassie Come Home." This account, however, is much more compelling than "Lassie" or "Old Yeller," because it entirely factual (possibly excepting the subjective thoughts imputed to the protagonist).

The author did her homework researching this story about a sled dog who was just one of the pack facing poor odds against daunting weather and unrequiting expanses of blinding snow and ice. When the alpha dog loses the trail, and another refuses to lead, the team turns to Balto to bring them and their cargo safely to rest in Nome.

Perhaps Balto deserves an authentic, grown-up biography, but this one will serve in the meantime. It appears to be the definitive account.

A teacher in PA
This is an excellent book if you are interested in the Iditarod race in Alaska.The book helps young children understand the importance of perserverence and is a great introduction to history for the very young (6-8).A true story that inspires people to understand the bond between animals and people. ... Read more

Book Description

Kids living with diabetes face a world of challenges, and yet, there are few things they can't do. This book is packed full of tips that kids have sent to Spike and Bo, authors of Getting a Grip on Diabetes for Kids and Teens. Tips cover everything from playing sports to accidents to hormones. Plus, there's an entire section on insulin pumps and what it's like to go on one.