Book Description

Alone

Thirteen-year-old Brian Robeson is on his way to visit his father when the single engine plane in which he is flying crashes. Suddenly, Brian finds himself alone in the Canadian wilderness with nothing but his clothing, a tattered windbreaker, and the hatchet his mother has given him as a present -- and the dreadful secret that has been tearing him apart ever since his parents' divorce. But now Brian has no time for anger, self-pity, or despair -- it will take all his know-how and determination, and more courage than he knew he possessed, to survive. ... Read more

Reviews (681)

A heartwarming survival story
Liz Gilbertson~Dobbs Grade 5 Hardy Elementary Wellesley MA May 19, 1999

Hatchet

This is a beautifully written story about a 13 year old city boy named Brian. Brian's parents get divorced because of "the secret". He is going to visit his father on a plane but the pilot has a heart attack! Brian tries to fly the plane but crashes in to the lake! He swims to the surface gasping for air. He weakly crawls to shore and gets attacked by a HUGE swarm of mosquitoes. He barely manages to get away from them and find shelter in a rock overhang. To survive he knew he needed food so he built wepons like spears, snares and a bow and arrow. To get fruit he follows a flock of birds, to a berry tree, the berries have a bitter flavor but he kept eating pits and all. He got sick that night. Luckly he finds a patch of raspberries. He ate and ate, A huge grizzly bear came a long. A couple of days later a tornado comes and hits the lake! it stirred the plane so that the tip of its tail was showing. He thought of the surival pack, he would rather have that than $1,000,000,000!Will he get the surival pack in the plane with the dead pilot or try to surive using just what he has? you have to read the end of this book to find out! Survival and heart break bueatifully merge in this heart warming story! The sequal, The River, is good too!

My Review
If you like books about adventures and fights to stay alive Hatchet is a good book for you. Brian Rodeson is a Thirteen-year-old kid whose parents were divorced. He was going to the Canadian oil fields to see his father. His father was a mechanical engineer and invented a new oil-drilling bit. Brian was over the Canadian wildness and the pilot is having a heart attack and Brian started to panic because he was the only other person in the plane, he called for help many times. After awhile the plane ran out of gas and he had to crash land in a lake. After the crash he was left with the clothes on he had on and a hatchet on his belt. He thought he was going to die but he started to eat some berries he found. He built a shelter under a rock cliff. He made a wall out of wood and put it up against the rocks. Then he tried making a spear and a bow to catch fish. He finally started to hunt birds and rabbits.

I think people that would like this book are people that like adventure and action.

I like how Gary Paulsen writes because makes you feel like your actually there.

A Great Survival Story
Recommendation
I would recommend this book to anyone 11 years old and up because it presents a picture of how a young man survives the wilderness. Another reason would be that it was a very interesting story about survival. For example, any mistake that Brian makes could cause disaster. "Small mistakes could turn into disasters, funny little mistakes could snowball so that while you were still smiling at the humor you could find yourself looking at death". Another example is when Brian tries to start a fire, but does not know what to use. "Clearly there had to be something for the sparks to ignite, some kind of tinder or kindling-but what?" In conclusion, if you are interested in survival and adventure, then read this book.

Hatchet
The main events in Hatchet are related to the conflict and the solution. The conflict was the plane crash that Brian was in. He had to survive in the Canadian wilderness. One of the solutions that he had to do to survive is make a home. He also had to find food by hunting and fishing. He had to make a fire to help him survive and be seen to be rescued. He was successful because he was rescued.
I rate this book 5 stars because it showed how 11, 12, and 13 year old boys can take care of themselves when they are alone in the woods for 54 days.It also was interesting to read because Brian was keeping a secret and never told his dad. It was exciting because you would not know what was going to happen next.

good, but not too good
I had to read this book for a school project, and let's just say it was pretty bad. I've read many better survival stories that were a little more realistic than this. But, Hatchet has taught me a lesson: Pay attention to all that's around...you'll never know when you'll end up in a situation like Brian's. ... Read more

Amazon.com

How do you talk to your children about your divorce?How can you best handle their responses?Here's a children's book and parenting tool rolled into one. It's Not Your Fault, Koko Bear is a picture book designed to be read by parents to their children. Koko Bear's parents are getting a divorce, and Koko, a preschool-aged unisex bear, isn't happy about it."I don't like this divorce. I don't want two homes," Koko says. Koko Bear's story doesn't minimize kids' pain, but it doesn't wallow in it either. The message is positive: children are reassured that their feelings are natural, that their parents still love and will care for them, and that the divorce is not their fault. At the bottom of each page, there are bullet points for parents that give information and advice about what the kidsare going through, and the best way to handle each issue as it arises.(Ages 3 to 7 and parents) ... Read more

Reviews (12)

A must-read for pre-school kids of divorce!
This book hits home the message that divorce is not a child's fault, and that parents still love them, though now they are a family apart. My child was only 18mos. during that difficult marriage problem/separation period, and two years later raised many questions why Mommy and Daddy were divorced. This book helped to answer those important questions, and gave me excellent "talking points" to utilize.

A must have for 5yrs. and under.
It's Not Your Fault Koko Bear, is an excellent read aloud for a younger child. The fact that Koko is not gender specific makes it appropriate for all children and answers questions that many of the children will have. It is a lovely story and parents, grandparents,or councelors could make use of it. I can see this book being one of the books a young child will want read over and over. I especially loved the "bears blessing" that the mamma and pappa bear recited at night for Koko.

Indispensable book for young children
This is a wonderful book and I am grateful that it was written and published. My kids have had this book read to them by both me and my ex-wife at both of our homes, and it made a difference to them. It teaches them that the divorce is not their fault, which is a surprisingly tenacious thought pattern. I read it to my kids 3-5 times a week for several months, and still remember my daughter's exclamation when she truly processed that the divorce was because of the parents and not the kids, "Ohhhhhhhh!"

I am purchasing this book for a second time because after not having read it for many months, I passed it on to a friend with a youngster who is divorcing. We then moved to a new house and my 8 year old is going through many of the divorce emotions again, and she specifically requested this book and said "I love that book".

There is one excellent page with nothing but drawings of Koko Bear showing him feeling different emotions. Instead of asking your child how they feel, which they often cannot explain (heck even adults have trouble!), you can have them point to a picture of Koko Bear and then talk about that emotion.

This book will not make the pain of divorce go away, but it provides a good way to learn that what they are feeling is normal and appropriate, that they are not alone in feeling the way they do, and that life will be okay even if it is not what we want.

Too direct and too much details about divorce.
I've recently bought this book to help my three year old toddler understand about his emotions. But the two times I've read it to him, he always seemed uncomfortable, which I've never seen him experiencing this before. He couldn't stay still each time I read this book to him. This book is too direct, and too much details about the divorce issue that they're making my toddler uncomfortable each time I read this to him at bedtime. I don't think this book is helping him much with easing his emotions at all. He likes the "Mama and Daddy Bear's Divorce" book instead. And each time I read that to him, he'd always ask me to read that book over again. He's comfortable with that book.

A Sad Example
As a psychotherapist, I got this book to work with children who were struggling through divorce. This book normalized and legitimized divorce. It at no time emphasized adult problem solving nor that marriage is a contract of two consenting adults through good and bad.
Children are misled to believe they can identify a short term resolution of the horrible feelings of divorce (by a child). As a therapist it is always a lifelong scarring that is not resolved.
Indeed the first 11 year old girl I read this with, remarked that it made no sense and at no time was realistic to the process she had gone through years earlier. A sad example of political correctness run amok. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Excellent
I was divorced a couple years ago and my then three year old was really having a tough time. I bought LOTS of books. This one stands out from them all. My girls could really relate to it. It is a pretty simple book, this is what my room looks like at mom's, this is what my room looks like at dad's. It also reinforces that fact that they are loved no matter where they are. I would highly recommend this for anyone going through the nightmare of divorce where kids are involved.

Wonderful, comforting book!
This book is simple enough for a young child, who doesn't need technical details about his parents separation/divorce, but does need reassurance that he/she is still loved no matter what happens ishis/her life. It is a good tool for getting your younger child to talk about their own feelings in a safe way. My 4 1/2 year old son loves this book. The illustrations are sweet and have a certain gentleness, which matches the text nicely. Overall, I would highly recommend this to anyone who knows a child going through this difficult life change.

Good for toddlers or younger children
This book is simple and encouraging for the very young child. Amazon has a note that this is for the child up to age 8, but a school age child, other than kindergartener, would find it disappointing. This helps dispell fears of the toddler, young child group of losing their parents somehow with divorce. It addresses that they have a place and home with each parent which helps a young child adjust to divorce in the family. For the younger child, it is worth the cost. For the older child, look for a different book like Dinosaurs Divorce which addresses more feelings and complex issues.

Review of Two Homes
I think the is a great book. It shows how Alex has two homes, one with his Mom and one with his Dad. He has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, two favorite chairs, and friends at each house. The pictures show us how happy and comfortable Alex is at both house. The story tells us he talks to Mommy at his Dad's house and Daddy at his Mom's house. Alex knows he is loved by both his parents at all times wherever he is. This is a very comforting story. It is a great book for young children experiencing a divorce or just to teach children about divorce. It doesn't try to explain divorce, it just shows Alex's two homes in a simple, happy way!

Great resource for younger kids
I loved this book! It was exactly what I was looking for. My 2 year old son loves reading it, and talking about Alex's 2 homes. He understands that he is like Alex and has two homes too. It is a simple story that doesn't try to explain divorce, or justify it. It just explains how the boy has two homes and that both his parents love him, in a loving and simple way. It has wonderful pictures that my son really relates to. Hope you enjoy it too. ... Read more

Amazon.com

When, in second grade, Leigh writes to an author to tell him how muchhe "licked" his book, he never suspects that he'll still be writing to him four years later. And he never imagines the kinds of things he'll be writing about:

Dear Mr. Henshaw, I am sorry I was rude in my last letter... Maybe I was mad about other things, like Dad forgetting to send this month's support payment. Mom tried to phone him at the trailer park where, as Mom says, he hangs his hat.

This Newbery Medal-winning book, by the terrifically popular and prolific Beverly Cleary (Ramona Quimby, Age 8 and Runaway Ralph), exhibits a subtlety and sensitivity that will be appreciated by any youngster who feels lonely and troubled during the transition into adolescence. Winner of numerous other awards, including two Newbery Honors, Cleary teams up with Caldecott winner Paul O. Zelinsky, who creates a quiet backdrop for the realistic characters. (Ages 8 to 12) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (94)

Pretty Good
A classic story that many children in today's society can really relate to with the rising divorce rate. Leigh speaks on their level, simply looking for some one to reach out to.

Dear Mr. Henshaw is a great book for kids that are having troubles with their life, like everyday children. Reading this book as an adult I associated it with my personal life. Leigh has problems with his parent's divorce, he hates not being able to see his dad. This leads him to a lot of emotional stress. Through this mess one of his teachers makes him write a letter to his favorite author. Leigh writes Mr. Henshaw a letter that asks him all sorts of questions about himself. After this the two of them write back and forth for a couple of years. This relationship gives Leigh confidence in himself when Mr. Henshaw tells Leigh that he should keep a journal. This journal allows Leigh to get his feelings out. Things stop bothering Leigh so much and by the end of the book he starts to enjoy his life more. This book is really good for an upper elementary child, and can even for an adult. Simplistic artwork for the cover, which demonstrates that this story is about an average boy.

A Young Student Copes With Life By Writing Fan Letters
"Dear Mr. Henshaw" is mostly a collection of letters a young boy, Leigh Botts, sends to his favorite author, Mr. Boyd Henshaw, over a four-year period. By the 6th grade, Leigh is a regular fan. In his letters, Leigh describes his confusion at home over his parent's divorce and being friendless and picked on at his new school. After receiving some tips about writing from Mr. Henshaw, Leigh soon begins his own diary and learns how cathartic writing can be for him. He even wins a writing contest and meets "a real live author" who congratulates him and encourages him to keep writing.

It's no wonder "Dear Mr. Henshaw" won the Newbery Award in 1984. Although an entire book devoted to fan letters and diary entries might not excite some younger readers, Mrs. Cleary somehow makes this book very appealing and relative to children. There are also several illustrations done by Paul O. Zelinksy for those who enjoy drawings and not just writing. I remember reading "Dear Mr. Henshaw" when I was a kid and would highly recommend it to other children around seven and up.

How I felt about this book
I am a student at West Virginia State University, and read this book for my Children's Literature class. Our assignment was to select a Newbery winner and report on it. When I selected this book I wasn't aware it was going to have such an affect on me. I am from a divorced family and if I would have had something like this to read when I was younger I may have learned ways to cope with what I was going through. I recommend this book to all children whether their parents are divorced or not. This book will also prepare them with what is going on in others lives. Sometimes children aren't as considerate with their peers as they should be. I enjoyed this book, and I know you will too!

A Perfect Book For 5th Graders
Wow, what a great book for fifth Graders! The book "Dear Mr. Henshaw" by Beverly Cleary is about a boy named Leigh Botts. Leigh moves to a new town with his mother. His parents are divorced and he is lonely. Leigh writes a letter to his favorite author Mr. Henshaw. He askes Mr. Henshaw lots of questions and Mr. Henshaw writes him back. Leigh begins to write to Mr. Henshaw all of the time because it helps him figure out his own feelings. He becomes a better writer for this. Leigh enters a writing contest and the winner gets to meet a famous writer. Do you think he will win the contest? Do you think that famous writer could be Mr. Henshaw? Do you think that Leigh will make new friends at his new school? Will Leigh's parents get back together? All of these questions can be answered by reading this great book.

this book was ok
Dear Mr. Henshaw by Beverly Cleary was an ok book. Its all about an 11 year old boy named Leigh Botts and what he writes in his letters and journal. The letters are to Mr. Henshaw an author of "Ways to Amuse a Dog." Leigh is having a tough time because his parents are going through a divorce and he needs someone to talk to. Leigh finds out that someone is stealing his lunch every day. So he makes an alarm for his lunchbox. Leigh also has a dog named bandit who stays with his dad who is a trucker. and Leigh stays with his mom. this book was ok. I would not recommend it. ... Read more

Book Description

A delightfully entertaining story of family and culture from acclaimed author Julia Alvarez.

Moving to Vermont after his parents split, Miguel has plenty to worry about! Tía Lola, his quirky, carismática, and maybe magical aunt makes his life even more unpredictable when she arrives from the Dominican Republic to help out his Mami. Like her stories for adults, Julia Alvarez’s first middle-grade book sparkles with magic as it illuminates a child’s experiences living in two cultures.

... Read more

Reviews (8)

HOW TIA LOLA CAME TO STAY
THIS BOOK IS ABOUT A FAMILY AND TIA LOLA. THEY LIVE IN VERMONT AND TIA LOLA LIVES IN DOMINICAN REPLUBLIC.ONE DAY SHE COMES TO VISIT THEM FOR VACATION.TIA LOLA DOESN'T SPEAK ENGLISH SO MIGUEL AND JUANITA HAVE TO TEACH TIA LOLA HOW TO SPEAK.WELL I DID LIKE THIS BOOK BECAUSE IT IS INSPIRING TO ME. SHE HAS TO LEARN ENGLISH SO THAT SHE CAN COMMUNICATE TO OTHER PEOPLE.THIS BOOK IT IS THE SAME AS MY LIFE. I CAME TO THIS COUNTRY FOR OPPUTUNITIES THAT THIS COUNTRY OFFERS. I HAD TO LEARN ENGLISH TO SPEAK TO OTHER PEOPLE. IT WAS HARD. THIS BOOK REFLECTS THE LIFVES OF AN IMMIGRANT. I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO SOMEONE ELSE.

Very much enjoyed this story!
I just read and enjoyed this book in one sitting and had to sign on to comment. At first, I was a little unsure if I would like it (the present tense third person was a surprise), but after only a paragraph or so, I was hooked. I won't try to sum up the story (you can read the description for yourself) but only say that Alvarez was spot-on in her descriptions of how it feels to be the child of divorce, how it feels to be Latino, etc. I would also recommend this book to middle-grade boys who like baseball and those readers who don't like an extreme conflict (there are problems for the main character here, but Tia Lola takes care of many of them, and the effect is comforting).

I think it's unfortunate that a reviewer gave this one star on the basis that the book did not live up to the author's other adult works. I read many many children's books (and try to write them myself) and giving this book one star is simply unfair. I have not read Alvarez' other works (I probably will go seek them out after this!), but if they're THAT much better than this book, then they must be outstanding!

Overall, a sweet and charming read that made me wish I had a Tia Lola too!

Tia Lola warms Vermont
How Tia Lola Came to Stay is a delightful story about a 10-year old boy going through major changes in his life and how he learns to deal with these changes. Miguel has moved to a small town in Vermont from New York City because his parents are getting a divorce. His mother has a new job as a counselor at a college, and Miguel and his little sister, Juanita, have to start a new life with her. It is hard for Miguel to be the only Latino in his class and he misses his father. He tries not to say too much about his feelings, as he doesn't want to upset his mother. Even so, he is not thrilled when she tells him that her aunt, Tia Lola, is coming from the Dominican Republic to help take care of them while they get settled. She doesn't speak English and Miguel and Juanita only speak a little Spanish. Tia Lola arrives like a burst of sunshine on a cold, gray Vermont day. She brings good food, love, laughter, and a spice for life. She is not worried about fitting in and everyone loves her, though Miguel cannot help but be embarrassed by her at first. Through her colorful approach to life she helps Miguel and his family figure out how to cope with all the changes in their lives and comes up with a plan to help Miguel make friends.
How Tia Lola Came to Stay touches on subjects that are relevant to children today. Divorce, moving, family dynamics, learning to fit in are topics with which many children have to deal. Julia Alvarez does a nice job of sprinkling the dialogue with Spanish words and finding authentic reasons to translate them in the text. Tia Lola's joyful way of living life comes through in the situations and language Alvarez uses. Miguel's maturation through the book is gradual and believable as he works through his feelings about what has happened to his family. All in all this book is a good read.

How Tia Lola Came To Visit Stay
This book will inspire the hearts of children everywhere, it is relevant to many children today. Its focus is around a family that has just been split apart by divorce. Miguel and Junita have to suffer from this divorce by moving away from their father in New York to live with their mother in Vermont. Miguel and Juanita do not want their Aunt Lola to come. Little do these children know, that when their Aunt Lola from the Dominican Republic comes to visit they grow to like her and do not want her to leave. Aunt Lola speaks only Spanish, Miguel and Junita speak some Spanish (enough to get by). Not only do these children have to learn to fit in in a new school, but also learn to make their Aunt feel welcome. Miguel thinks that Aunt Lola has special powers that allowed him to be on the baseball team. A child's imagination can can run wild in this novel. This book if filled with Spanish, which can help a young reader learn a different language. A trip to the Dominican Republic inspires the children to want to learn more about Aunt Lola's culture. They were surprised at how much they looked like their relatives, even though they are Americans. The story is filled with a lot of twists, especially at the end. I recommend this book to any child who is interested in different cultures.

Expected more from Julia Alvarez
I did not enjoy this book. I've read all of Alvarez' other works and enjoyed them all. Unfortunately, Julia's talent does not transcend age groups. She should stick with historical fiction for adults. ... Read more

Book Description

Winner of Today's Librarian "Best Children's Resource" award!

When a child's parents tell her they have decided to divorce, the last thing she wants to do is talk about it. Instead, she wants to roar as loud as a lion so she can't hear their painful words, or turn into a fish and hide her tears in the sea, or even become a bird and fly away. But with her mother and father's help, she starts to consider what life will be like after divorce and learns that although some things will change, many other things will remain the same. Most importantly, she realizes that although her parents may not agree about much, one thing they do agree on is that they both love her very much and will always be her mom and dad.

I Don't Want To Talk About It features a comprehensive afterword that describes children's common reactions to divorce and offers parents suggestions for helping their own children adjust and thrive. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Recommendation despite initial misgivings
Though I was initially put off by the stark whiteness of the characters, I highly recommend this book to anyone going through divorce with young children. This book reads like poetry, is beautifully illustrated, and gets to the point quickly. All this allowed my active 4 year old son to be taken in on the first read, ask for it a second time, and actually start TALKING about his feelings!

I Just Have To Talk About It
The text covers the issue of divorce excellently. The "Note to Parents" at the end of the book is a wonderful tool for parents considering divorce or at at any stage of the process. This book is a "must have" for helping children sort through divorce issues AND it is SO MUCH MORE! Less abstract than 'My Many Colored Days' by Dr. Suess, this book is very effective! Through the use of animal imagery 'I Don't Want to Talk About It' covers the range of emotion a child might feel during ANY transitional time. As Director of Children's Ministry, I have used it to open discussion with assorted ages of children dealing with various issues. The kids compare their feelings or situation with the girl in the book. In my book 'I Don't Want to Talk About It' transcends the ages, the issues, and is a lot to talk about.

Helping kids to understand what's happening to them
Children have a hard enough time dealing with their parents' divorce without getting patronizing advice from grownups who think they know better. This book speaks to children on their level, and gives them a chance to realize that although their lives will change, their parents' love for them will not. Children need to know that the things they count on the most will always be there, and this book helps reassure them that they will be OK despite what's going on with mom and dad.

Starting to Talk about It
Some books get to the heart of things. "I Don't Want to Talk about It" is one of them. I could say that it's a skillful psychological examination of the feelings a girl experiences when her parents announce that they plan to divorce. That would be true. But this girl expresses real emotions in ways a kid can completely understand with gobbling crocodiles and prickly porcupines. The animal metaphors make room for energetic pictures by Kathryn Kunz Finney. The lively text and illustrations raise this book head and shoulders above the standard divorce books.

Help children of all ages work through the stages of divorce
This book is a great way to help children deal with the losses associated with divorce. Through the use of animal characters, children are able to explore the feelings and experiences encountered in a divorce. The characters give children an avenue to begin discussing what they are experiencing and an opportunity to talk about what is happening to them. This book is a kind, gentle way for a parent to help and support their child through a difficult situation. ... Read more

Book Description

Since his parents' divorce, John's mother hasn't touched him, her new fiancé wants them to move away, and his father would rather be anywhere than at Friday night dinner with his son. It's no wonder John writes articles like "Interview with the Stepfather" and "Memoirs from Hell." The only release he finds is in homemade zines like the amazing Escape Velocity by Marisol, a self-proclaimed "Puerto Rican Cuban Yankee Lesbian." Haning around the Boston Tower Records for the new issue of Escape Velocity, John meets Marisol and a hard love is born.

While at first their friendship is based on zines, dysfuntional families, and dreams of escape, soon both John and Marisol begin to shed their protective shells. Unfortunately, John mistakes this growing intimacy for love, and a disastrous date to his junior prom leaves that friendship in ruins. Desperately hoping to fix things, John convinces Marisol to come with him to a zine conference on Cape Cod. On the sandy beaches by the Bluefish Wharf Inn, John realizes just how hard love can be.

With keen insight into teenage life, Ellen Wittlinger delivers a story of adolescence that is fierce and funny -- and ultimately transforming -- even as it explores the pain of growing up. ... Read more

Reviews (72)

Hard Love
Since his parents got divorced, john's mother hasn't touched him. His new step dad wants to move them away to his mother's house, and his real dad would rather be anywhere else than around him especially at Friday night dinner. John writes articles like "Interview with the Stepfather" and "Memories from Hell". The only stress relief he finds is reading zines like Escape Velocity by Marisol. She calls herself a self proclaimed "Puerto Rican Cuban Lesbian". When John meets Marisol, they become close friends and a Hard Love is born.

I really enjoyed this book, although it had some very harsh material. I believe that's what I'm going to see a lot of in Young Adult books. But I love the book so much, because it told the truth. In a way I think I have a lot in common with Marisol, except for the lesbian thing though. Marisol seems so cool and truthful I loved her character. I also liked John (a.k.a Giovanni) I could understand how he felt and how he was getting mixed signals from Marisol. I thought they were going to get together to.

My favorite part of the story was at the end when Gio responded to Marisol's poem, "You're Not Listening", with his own "I'm Not Lying". Marisol loved the poem, but it was very hard to tell, because it didn't seem like she was even listening to it. I think this book was very unique and I believe it shows gay and straight people can become the best of friends. Maybe sometimes mates, but not in this case. I rate this book with a 6 it was great.

Abby Hildreth-Mrs.Feilds English clas-P/5a
I have recently read Hard Love, by Ellen Wittlinger. Its about a boy named John Galardi. He's a high school student in about eleventh grade. He's not really part of the crowd, as some people might say. He doesn't have very many friends besides his one best friend, Brian. Though neither really fit in with everybody else, they're practically opposites. John doesn't think he'll ever get a girlfriend. Brian, on the other hand, feels like you're not an official human until you have one. John's parents are divorced. Lfe isn't all that peachy with either of them. So, he starts writing zines.
While at Tower Records one day, he picks up a zine called Escape Velocity. When he reads it, he's captivated. He becomes obsessed with the author, a girl named Marisol. He just had to meet her, so he got a plan. Guess what, it worked! Meeting only on the weekends, they practically become best friends. Wearing only black, Marisol is a lot like John, almost. She's a lilt out of the box. She doesn't care what people think, hates to waste time, and never lies. You would think they would make a perfect couple, right? Well, I did, but there's one problem, she's a lesbian. Will she turn straight just for John? You'll have to read the book to find out.
John knows Marisol is gay, but that didn't stop him from mentioning his prom to her. Brian and his freshmen girlfriend begged him to go. Well, to make the outcome between the two of them even more of a mystery, the author decided for her to say yes. A few bad moves made by John, they get into a big fight in the middle of the prom. After that things between them become a little rough.
Once again, they are put in a situation together. There is a zine convention being held in Provincetown, a very homosexually influnced town. Will John and Merisol work everything out? You'll just have to read it to find out if they wind up together.
Allen Wittlinger did a very good job on the characters. They were believable; like the book could have been John's journal. The foreshadowing pushes you to keep reading. You'll fall in love with it. Thought the situations are sometimes like they were out of a soap opera, they were still very well done. This book would basically appeal to everyone. With a little harsh language, it is most likely better for teens. So, pick it up and have fun, I did, and you will too.

This Book was AWSOME!!!
I LOVED this book!! Even Though it dealed with homosexuality, Which I'm not a huge fan of,the way this book was written made up for it. It's about Two magazine writers who meet and become really close. I love that in their zines they can write about personal stuff. Some of the stuff they wrote were so deep and it definetly got me hooked. This book is so detailed that it seems like you know the Characters personally and it's like you're watching everything that's happenig. I recomend this book for everyone!!

Diffferent Approach on a Familiar Struggle
Ellen Wittlinger does a wonderful job of exploring young love through the eyes of a guy who isn't quite sure where he fits with relationships. Not only does Wittlinger focus on John's struggle with his feelings for a certain girl (who has a surprise barrier for him!), the author also digs deep into John's mind to help the reader discover why he refuses to get close to anyone. We get to look at how his relationship with his parents affect his relationships with others. Hard Love is very insightful. Another book on relationships you might want to read is If I'd Only Known... by Edee Wilcox. The main character in that story is female, but she struggles to find how she fits into relationships with the opposite sex as well.

Hard What?
I liked the theme/idea of this book a lot. But when I finished reading this, all I can think of was how much I disliked the characters, John and Marisol. John is nothing more than an overly emotional jerk, and Marisol is a complete hard ass. I would have liked to read more about John's love for Marisol and how he tries to 'get with her', rather than reading about how they became such good friends. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Bi- Racial 4 yr old daughter LOVES to have this read to her
My 4yr old daughter loves to have this read to her. She used to identify with herself as I'm "BOTH" (black & white), now she says "she's just right too". It's so light and age appropriate, while touching on the differences and similiarities of others. I love that the diffrences that are pointed out in this book between the mommy and daddy are not stereotyped by a the like's or dislike's of the black/white race. Beatiful illustrations and catchy rhymes. A definete must get.

Lovely book
Simple text with rhyme and readable cadence makes this an enjoyable read for a preschool classroom. The little girl enjoys many things with her black mother and white father, AND has many tastes and interests of her own. A bi-racial girl in my class was immediately drawn to this story, as were other children who simply enjoyed the story.

Thankfully Avoids Patronizing Mixed Race Kids
This book remains one of the most consistently re-read books in my 6 year old daughter's substantial book collection. Thanfully devoid of the prevailing liberal viewpoint that you "are what society sees you as" the book calmly reinforces the concept that it is quite okay for mixed race children to celebrate their ENTIRE racial and cultural background.

Great for building self-esteem in ALL children.
I am a Haitian-American woman married to an Italian-Americanman. While we don't have children of our own yet, his daughter fromhis previous marriage to an Italian woman enjoys the book tremendously. It helps her to appreciate differences in others as something wonderful. END

Excellent interracial children's story!
Description of parents and child, their personal likes, and disklikes told in upbeat, honest, and rhyming context! ... Read more

Book Description

Caitlin O'Conner, now 21 and in her senior year of college, accepts Josh Miller's proposal for marriage. But Caitlin soon discovers there's a lot more to getting married than just saying "I do." Between her mother and mother-in-law to be (who don't seem to agree on anything) and Caitlin's old buddies (who still have problems of their own because of wrong choices), Caitlin's life never seems to run smoothly. But Caitlin, as determined as ever to do things God's way, always manages to find the high ground...eventually. As a result, the journey to her wedding is full of twists and turns where God touches many lives, including Caitlin's. Most of all, Caitlin and Josh realize that a wedding only lasts one day, but a marriage is for a lifetime. ... Read more

Book Description

More went on in sixth grade than the rest of my life put together. In just two months, I fell in love, watched my family break into pieces, and came this close to getting beaten to a pulp along with all my friends -- not to mention meeting Mickey Mantle and getting attacked by the biggest juvenile delinquent in the school. It's like this year was a nuclear chain reaction, exploding the scared little kid I used to be and turning me into a more grown-up self.

Things are not always how they seem. That's what Marc Chaikin learns in this touching, beautifully wrought coming-of-age novel set in the 1960s. When his sixth-grade class, 6-321, gets caught up in a feud with a rival class, Marc's life is turned upside-down. As he watches the things and the people he took for granted change before his eyes, he learns that maybe he has the power to change them -- and that he doesn't have to stay invisible in order to survive. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

6-321 lover!
I thought this book was one of the best books I've ever read. It's a coming-of-age story and also has some comedy, drama, and sorrow. My favorite part was when the children heard of Kennedy's assasination and realized how unimportant their school yard fighting really was. I recomend this book to people of all ages.

Better for younger readers
This book started out really well, and I thought I would like it a lot. But really, nothing exciting happened. My favorite part was probably when the boys are telling the secrets that they know. Also, why does the principal believe that Marc always has something to do with a fight when he was the one being beat up? Better for younger readers.

A Nostalgic Trip
It seems strange to use the word "halcyon" to describe the turbulent 60's, the era of Vietnam and the Kennedy assassination. However, Mr. Laser lovingly recreates that era when children did not have computers or video games to distract them...when school projects were joint efforts...when neighborhood schools were really neighborhood schools. Yet, today's young readers will realize that their wants, needs, fears, desires are not that different from children of yesteryear.This is a book for young readers to enjoy.I think their parents will enjoy it too. What a wonderful way to bond with one's children. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Explain divorce to young children
This book provides a wonderful explanation of how a family changes through divorce, especially for a very young child. It is one of the few books that does not discuss step families, which was not an issue at the time of our split, and supports the idea of a child spending significant time with both parents. Best of all, it's a pleasant read. More than a year after our move, my child still pulls this book off the shelf occassionally. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

quiets young children's fears
This is an exceptional book for young children whose family is going through a divorce. It has a nice "Note to Grownups" in the front which explains the age appropriate fears of preschooler, kindergartener ages. It helps quiet the child's main fears about loss of the people most important to the child. Routine and how the grownups handle things around this age group is so important for their needs to be met during such a stressful time. This book could be helpful at such times. I plan to use this book for some relatives, and do use it in my therapy practice. Youngsters I've worked with have asked to read this one again.

Good book for toddlers
I've recently purchased this book to help my three year old son understand why mommy and daddy are not living together anymore. He was only two and a half years old when our divorce happened, but as parents, we've never really explained to him about the divorce since we thought he's too young to comprehend it. However, this book, when I read it to him the first time, has helped him make sense the feelings that he's currently experiencing. He can relate his feelings to this book, and every time I read it to him, he would ask me to read it over and over again. To me this is a very good book for my toddler because, it's not very direct about the divorce issue, and it makes him feel comfortable about the book when I read it to him at bedtime. I would recommend this book to divorced parents who have little ones. This book would surely help the little ones ease the emotions that they're experiencing.

Take It From A Divorce Lawyer
As an attorney and divorce mediator in New York and New Jersey I try to keep up on all of the children's books put out on the topic of divorce - in order to give my clients recommendations. This book is WITHOUT A DOUBT the best book for young children on the topic. It doesn't try to get too into the topic (like Dinosaur's divorce - which is better for kids a bit older) and stresses the two (2) most important themes for children experiencing divorce to learn: (1) some things are changing - but many things are staying the same; (2) you didn't do anything to cause it - and you can't do anything to stop it. This is a GREAT book and a great resource for professionals working in divorce to recommend.

Perfect for younger children
Gives a clear and very simple message for the under 4 age group that their family will always love them, and that the divorce is not their fault, while acknowledging and gently encouraging the expression of appropriate feelings. Just a lovely book.

Easy, Direct & Honest
This book on divorce offers a view from a childs perspective. It is easy to read, being on a toddler level while being direct & honest, discussing only the very basics of divorce as it affects a young child: mom & dad will live apart , you will live with mom and stay at daddy's home often, and mommy & daddy still love you.

That is about all a small child can comprehend at the time of turmoil. The language is at the level of a small child,while children too young to read on their own can interpret the pictures to understand what is happening, as well as the feelings of the little bear.

As presented through the bear family, the child can relate to it as an enjoyable story and something that also is happening to him/her.It has become a requested book for reading time. While my child referrs to it as "the sad story" it was not overwhelming.

While all situations do not involve the child living with the mother, it is easily adaptable for different situations. ... Read more

Book Description

Karen couldn't tell Mrs. Singer why she had to have her Viking diorama out of the sixthgrade showcase. She felt like yelling, To keep my parents from getting divorced. But she couldn't say it, and the whole class was looking at her anyway.

Karen's world was ending. Her father had moved out of the house weeks before; now he was going to Las Vegas to get divorced and her mother was pleased! She had only a few days to get the two of them together in the same room. Maybe, if she could, they would just forget about the divorce. Then the Newman family could be its old self again -- maybe. But Karen knew something she didn't know last winter: that sometimes people who shouldn't be apart are impossible together.

So she felt like yelling at Mrs. Singer. And then Mrs. Singer did a surprising thing.... ... Read more

Reviews (35)

A little out-dated, but still okay
Okay, so Judy Blume's books do seem, with the exception of her latest one (the new "Fudge" book), to be stuck in the 1970s' and very much outdated, but I still like this book pretty well. Although my parents have never been divorced and I don't have an older brother and younger sister as Karen, the narrator of Judy's story, does, it is the type of book you can sympathize with.

Karen is a sixth grader who must deal with the constant arguments between her parents. She is not completely unaware of the fighting that gets worse and yet thinks she can somehow fix it. Well, as it is, her parents do get a divorce, and Karen's life goes down from there: she's worried she'll never see her dad, the one boy she likes has moved, and her teacher is a "witch" (yes, those are the words; not what you'd think.) She, however, tries her hardest to make her parents love each other and learns the hard way it can't.

To quote Karen's use of rating her days with letter grades, this book is a B+ - a little out-dated, but you're sure to love it. Enjoy!

It's Not The End Of The World
Karen's life is so sad. She has a great friend, Debbie. Debbie is always trying to help Karen but she makes it worse. But everything changes in one moment when she notices that her father has moved from the house to Las Vegas to get split with Karen's mother!! The parents don't mean to harm Karen and her brother and sister but they do. Meanwhile Karen has an idea to get her parents back together. What is she going to do? Is her plan going to work? I loved this exicting book every chapter I read got more interesting I couldn't stop reading it and every page I was in Karen's shoes. It made it good because in every chapter you got more nervous in what was going to happen to Karen's family. I recommend this book to anyone who likes to read books about real life and love. I recommend this book because books about real life and love are interesting.

True, it's not the end of the world
Judy Blume's IT'S NOT THE END OF THE WORLD is told through the eyes of eleven year-old Karen Newman. She is a younger and older sister, a daughter to two quarreling parents, and a best friend to her pal Debbie. Karen journals each and every day of her life. Alas, it's been awhile since she had the ideal day, an A+ day. That A+ day, everyone was happy. No fighting or arguing between Mr. and Mrs. Newman took place. It was a snow day and even after Karen walked through the front door, drenched, Mrs. Newman wasn't at all angry.

The arguing between Mr. and Mrs. Newman started with the little things. And then it got worse. Dinners grew awkward and Karen feared the worst. Still, when Mr. Newman leaves home, she's sure he'll come back. Won't he? Not according to Karen's brother, Jeff. He says that their dad's gone for good. But Karen is still in denial, especially after her grandfather, her father's father, implies there's a chance of the two reconciling. This just does more to get Karen's hopes up. And when she sees her father's apartment and meets Valerie, a neighbor, she sees that maybe her father does have a new life. Maybe he is starting over. And it's going to be without her mother.

Valerie and Karen become fast friends. Valerie seems to know anything and everything regarding the topic of divorce. She too sides with Jeff, saying that there's no way her parents are getting back together. Still, despite the fact her gorgeous mother is dating a very rich man, Valerie seems unfazed by her parents' split. Hanging with Valerie is a nice change from hanging out with Debbie. World has traveled around the neighborhood about the Newman family split, and Debbie certainly isn't much help in the matter!

Blume's middle grader novel talks of divorce and how it affects a typical suburban family. Despite the fact that Karen is indeed the narrator, we also see how the divorce is hurting Jeff, who at one point, seemed unmoved. Like in all of other Blume books, the characters and situations are real and true-to-life. I especially liked Karen as a person and saw how she went through different stages throughout the book: the sadness of two quarreling and arguing parents, denial when the divorce was announced, and, at last, she begins to face the unfortunate reality she knows she must. This book is one of my fave by Blume and because my parents recently divorced, I took IT'S NOT THE... off my shelf and lent it to my sister, hoping it would maybe help her deal. The fact is, divorce is on the rise and this book is an ideal read for those children who must be forced to face it, like it or not. Just because divorce rates were lower in the 70s doesn't mean this book will have a different effect.

It's Not the End of the World
For most children, divorce is a hard thing. In Judy Blume's, It's Not the End of the World, Karen learns just how hard it is to have parents going through divorce. Even though her parents would fight, she never thought it would come down to divorce.
After hearing about the divorce, Karen doesn't understand how her parents could do this. She tries to think of a way to get her parents back together. When Karen thinks of her best plan yet, can she really pull it off?
It's Not the End of the World was WONDERFUL! I think that anyone would enjoy this book. Judy Blume put in a lot of ways that children might feel with parents going throught a divorce.

You are not alone
This book was purchased for me by my Godmother (Aunt) when I was in sixth grade and my parents were getting divorced. It really helped me get through that troubling time and if nothing else showed me that I was not alone and this had happened to many children my age. Although I truly did feel this was 'the end of the world' this book enlightened me, obviously by the title, that it was not. Well, now I have received word that my Goddaughter's (niece) parents are going to be splitting up, so I have taken on the responsiblity, like that of my Godmother, to purchase this great book for my niece. I am quite confident that it will help ease this terrible time for my beautiful niece. Thank you Judy Blume, and thanks again to my aunt for showing me one more way to be a great godparent. ... Read more

Book Description

Jeff Greene was only seven when Melody, his mother, left him with his reserved, undemonstrative father, the Professor. So when she reenters his life years later with an invitation to spend the summer with her in Charleston, Jeff is captivated by her free spirit and warmth, and he eagerly looks forward to returning for another visit the following year.

But Jeff's second summer in Charleston ends with a devastating betrayal, and he returns to his father wounded almost beyond bearing. But out of Jeff's pain grows a deepening awareness of the unexpected and complicated ways of love and loss and of family and friendship -- and the strength to understand his father, his mother, and especially himself.

A NEWBERY HONOR BOOK
AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION CHILDREN'S NOTABLE BOOK
AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION BEST BOOK FOR YOUNG ADULTS
AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION BEST OF THE BEST FOR YOUNG ADULTS
INTERNATIONAL READING ASSOCIATION TEACHERS' CHOICE
INTERNATIONAL READING ASSOCIATION YOUNG ADULT CHOICE
BOOKLIST EDITORS' CHOICE ... Read more

Reviews (61)

A truly moving story
¡§A Solitary Blue¡¨ is a beautifully written touching and thought-provoking book. A truly moving story about emotions, and life¡¦s struggles condensed in to a simple plot.

The novel is about a character everyone seems to already have met with, an acquaintance that every one can relate to; Jeff Greene, the smart boy who¡¦s intelligence exceeds that of his peers. But Jeff is struggling with a problem; he doesn¡¦t seem to be working to his potential. The novel is about Jeff¡¦s solitude.

Cynthia Voigt has written one of those novels that seem to have magic on their own. Once you start reading it just get more and more interesting. The writing is superb and truly deserves the Newberry Honor Award and the many others awards it has come by.

At seven years old Jeff¡¦s mother, Melody leaves home. Leaving Jeff to live a life with his father, the Professor. Jeff has a very deep-seated love for his mother and a longing to be with her, until one summer when he is invited to visit his mother and grandmother. It was that same summer that he discovered the real hidden truth; why Melody left him and his father and something even worst. Through this process Jeff also discovers many new truths that he did not know about, such as why his father always seemed so remote, shy and isolated even to his own son.

Story then reveals how Jeff deals with his emotions, his life and how the situation evolved from his struggles and troubles he has with his family, social relationships, and friendships and how he eventually resolves his problems.

Cynthia Voigt has written in such a way that the simple plot seems so realistic, full of life that it will bring tears to many readers.

Through Jeff¡¦s discovery journey, in search of truth, Jeff finds his new hidden self, his new life and new hope.

But Cynthia seems to indirectly investigate further into the situation. She ultimately offers the reader to examine the relationships that are so common in our lives that are often, neglected. She points out how things often, come about and reminds us how often, we don¡¦t make the best decisions and actions in our life. She questions your opinions of people, their relationships, action, and emotions. What they do, how they do it and the morality of their actions and the many perspectives that often we do not consider looking into.

In some ways this book is an analysis of life. Life¡¦s surprises, the spontaneous truths that we all have perhaps yet to discover.

¡§A Solitary Blue¡¨ is a very emotional and poignant book. However, personally I would highly recommend this book to be read only once. Reading the book a second time would make the story dull. Much of the magic of this book comes from its surprises, the twists and turns in the book. The text is not difficult, as far as vocabulary goes and the plot is rather simple

a great book to read
From the first sentence, I had a hard time putting this book. The excellently written plot kept me going. In this novel, Voight tells us an amazing story about a boy named Jeff Greene who struggles with his life with his mother. Jeff at first was blinded by his mother's sweet smile but later comes to see that she was lying to him all along. When Jeff's grandmother dies he inherits his grandmother's diamond ring and his mother becomes jealous. When his emotions kick in and he comes to reality that his mother doesn't love him and pours all of his emotions to her about when she left when he was small and still in first grade. This is a great book to read. I recommend it to teenagers my age and up.

This Book is a worthless piece of crap
This book made me want to slit my throught, hang myself, or at least gouge out my eyes so i could never read it again. There is not plot and besides a stupid mother and over description about people feelings its good. o wait no its terrible. the author describes people feelings a lot, but make you care nothing about the charector. i would rather be force fed poson than read this book. if you buy this is is a waste of time and money and you should be put in an asylum.

I despise this book
Some of my hatred towards this book may be because I was forced to read it for school, hence the two stars as opposed to one. Maybe I just dont go for the touchy-feely type of book but I dug deep and couldn't find much that I enjoyed in this book. One bright spot was the character of the professor who I found to be somewhat interesting he was an enigmatic fellow bound to his studies. He eventually opens up in the end and becomes closer with Jeff which was quite predictable. In my opinion which doesnt mean much at all I found this book to be plotless and forever dragging on into an oblivion of boredom. The characters were diverse but uninteresting. The main flaw I found in this book was it had a terrible plot a young boy struggling to find himself, he has a mother who is a freeloading and loathsome character and the boy is attracted to a poor and ugly girl. I'm afraid as a fellow teenager I couldnt relate to any of this kids problems. I'll be fair and admit the book had some bright spots namely the professor and Brother Thomas, but overall nothing about this book interested me excpet for Jeff's interest in the guitar. (...), I would avoid this book like the plague and would rather be burned in acid then have to read it again.

I love the book.
Getting into this book was difficult for me,but once I was through the first chapter, I was hooked, and as the novel went on, Voigt drew her line in even more... I was completely caught up in the book, to the point that I threw it across the room when I finished it (upset that there was no more!). There is so much to this book, its about abandonment, belonging, independence, family, friends, the search for identity, growing up, love, overcoming and so much more. Voigt's beautiful yet simplistic style lends itself to being read over and over again. One of my favorite quotes from the book: "It strikes me that love is just the beginning. If you think about it, Jeff. I think we can't help loving, but what matters is what we do about it. What we do with love. Do for it. What love does with us." Enjoy the book. ... Read more

Book Description

A gripping new novel by the author of such successful sports fiction as Painting the Black and On the Devil's Court. ... Read more

Reviews (25)

Night Hoops by Carl Deuker, is an awesome book!
'Night Hoops' by Carl Deuker is an awesome book! This is the kind of book that you don't want to put down and you find that you are reading late into the night, which I did a couple of times!

I like this book for many reasons, not just because I like sports and books bout sports, but how it related to me and many other people in the world. This book taught me that just because someone may look bad, live in a dirty house or neighborhood, or just be plain old mean, doesn't mean you have to hate him/her, but that you could become friends with him/her. I liked the way that Nick Abbot and Trent Dawson became friends; it was a very different way of becoming friends. At a glance, Nick and Trent may not seem to have much in common, but if you look closer at their lives, it becomes obvious that they are going through pretty much the same thing, family problems. Nick's parents are divorced and Trent's single mom constantly has a different boyfriend and a brother that is constantly in trouble with the law.

To sum it up this book is about two high school sophomores, their passion for basketball and their life problems.

Night Hoops
I think that the book Night Hoops by Carl Deuker is an outstanding book! This Book was very captivating, and kept me up until 2 A.M reading. It kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time.

This book is great for anyone to read who is 12 and over. . This book is about two ninth grade boys named Nick Abbott and Trent Dawson. They are on the same basketball team. It is about their love for basketball and their problems in life. Both of the boys are going through hard times. For example, Nick's parents are divorced and Trent and his older brother is in trouble very often. Also Trent's mom seems to have a new boyfriend all the time. The fact that Trent and Nick became friends was very odd. Trent and Nick were very different because Trent was a bad kid and nick was good. However their love of basketball brought them together. It was their friendship and the game that got them through tough times together. I think Carl Deuker is trying to teach the value of friendship and teamwork with this book. I thought that this book was excellent, it is Especially interesting to people who like sports books of any kind and I highly recommend it to anyone.

Night hoops
I liked night hoops and thought it was a great book. I really liked the way the characters were developed. I especially liked the way trent was developed. I like the description the author gave on the scenes. The plot was well thought up. It was a good book and I would give it 9 out of 10 stars.

Night Hoops Book Review
Night Hoops Book Review

Night Hoops is a good compelling story about a kid named Nick and his rivals Trent, but then both of them make the Bothell basketball team. When the team starts out the season they didn't have a good start, but once Nick and Trent slowly become friends the season starts coming together.
In the over-all rating I give it a five star rating. I really got interested in the book it kept me up late into the night reading. It really kept me interested and I never wanted to stop but unfortunately I had to.

Night Hoops
The book I am going to review is Night Hoops by Carl Deuker. The genre of this book is Action-Adventure, which makes it cool because it keeps you waiting. The story takes place ina small suburb of Seattle when a kid named Nick Abbott trys out for the Bothell High Varsity Basketball team. Nick's year hasn't been the best, his parent are going through a divorce and then he has to deal with his trouble-making neighbor Trent Dawson. Nick's wish cmes true when he makes the team, but Trent also made it. Will Nick and Trent be able to work as a team or not and become Champions. Read this book to find out. ... Read more

Book Description

Tree is twelve years old and too tall&150six feet, three and a half inches and growing.He's never really been able to fit in at school or on the basketball team, and since his parents' divorce he isn't even comfortable in his own home.Tree copes by helping people like his grandpa, a Vietnam vet who's just had part of a leg amputated, and Sophie, a new girl at school who is being teased by the popular kids.In helping his grandpa learn to walk again, and in listening to Sophie's advice that he be himself, Tree begins to heal, to stand tall. But when a flood threatens his town and his home, Tree's newfound confidence is put to the test. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Stand Tall Review
Stand Tall is a great book about a kid named Tree. Through this book you learn about Tree. His grandpa got his leg shot in a war and got it amputated. Tree helps him through the book and his grandpa helps him. Something bad happens in one of the towns Tree lives in. He lives in 2 towns because his parents just got divorced. He has a hard time with it and you learn how he handles it. Tree does a great thing when the bad thing happens and the whole town thanks him. I rate this book 4 stars because of the great lesson he learns about his height, because he is so tall and he is still growing. Thats why people call him Tree. I think that almost anyone should learn the lessons that are in this book.

Stand Tall
I give this book three stars, because I think it could have had more events in the plot.
Stand Tall was a book that really doesn't have a story plot. Instead of a story plot it has a good theme.
Stand Tall was about a seventh grade boy named Tree. Tree was called this because he was really tall for his age. Tree was picked on a lot because he was so tall, and he wasn't very good at sports. Tree met a friend named Sophie and Sophie was an eighth grade girl that hot picked on by the popular girls. Tree had a grandpa named Leo who fought in the Vietnam war. Leo got his leg shot and had to have it amputated. Tree's parents divorced and he is still having problems expecting it especially during Christmas. Then something happens to their town and everyone has to stay at the school. Tree's dad's house is badly damaged so they have to fix it. Tree's brothers, Larry and Curtis, come home from college to help. Tree starts to feel that he fits in at the end of the book.
The strength of this book is the theme it gives. The weakness would be that it keeps repeating itself. I would recommend this book because it has a really good theme.

A STORY OF HOPE AND ACCEPTANCE
Young people like to fit in. They're often confident if they are like their peers; they hate to stand out in a crowd. It's difficult not to stand out in any crowd when you're 12-years-old and stand 6 feet three inches tall. Plus, you're still growing.

And, wouldn't you know? The rangy young fellow has a nickname because of his height - he's called Tree. He's heard all the jokes about being tall; he's heard most of them more than once. Unlike his brothers Tree doesn't excel at athletics even though everyone seems to expect him to be a basketball player.

Being taller than everyone else is enough of a problem, but there's another one - Tree's parents were recently divorced so he must divide his time between his mom's new house and his old home where his father and grandfather live.

His granddad, a Vietnam war vet, has a great deal to teach Tree about life and courage. Due to an old war wound Granddad has just had part of a leg amputated, yet he never stops encouraging Tree to accept life as it comes and encouraging him to be the best that he can be.

Veteran voice performer Ron Mclarty brings a keen understanding to his reading of this story of hope and acceptance.

- Gail Cooke

Life is war...
and so is love. And I love Joan Bauer's books. I didn't think she could replicate the quiet passion of HOPE WAS HERE with a male protagonist, but she did. And then some. As a divorce "survivor" myself who experienced the battle for the second time at about Tree's age, I could identify all too closely with his tale. Bauer reminds readers, young and old, to never give up on love's battlefield even when the address changes and to stand tall...even if that means you look a little strange. Thanks again, Mrs. Bauer, for a special gift.