Book Description

A stunning family legal drama in which lives collide when a mother fights the justice system in order to save her daughter from its clutches. ... Read more

Reviews (24)

Timeless Tales review
By TT reviewer Sandra Ray

Talia Carner creates a complicated legal world in Puppet Child as she describes one mother's fight to save her child from repeated sexual abuse. The book opens with a depiction of graphic sexual abuse of an extremely young child. The descriptions add to the suspense; however, they add an element of discomfort that squeamish readers may not appreciate. The reader experiences first-hand the consequences of child sexual abuse through the eyes of a young girl. The aftermath of the abuse is handled well, even though these scenes are equally disturbing.

Rachel Belmore is determined to keep her daughter's abuser from repeated contact. This is made even more difficult since the child's father (Rachel's ex-husband) is the culprit. In the midst of her legal battles, her attorney leaves the case, and Rachel not only has to find a new attorney, but also must work through some of the personal ramifications of the situation. Her supervisor at work does not understand her repeated absences from work, and her sister thinks the abuse is made up and Rachel's daughter is simply a "brat." The preschool workers feel ill equipped to handle the situation and soon asks Rachel to remove her daughter from childcare. Rachel loses a potential fiancé when he feels smothered by a surprise inspection by Child Protective Services and the needs of an abused child. Finally, Rachel ends up in jail for contempt of court when she hides her daughter to circumvent a scheduled visitation. The series of events meld together, showing the reader how complicated the personal and legal situations can be and how quickly a person can be overwhelmed by all of it.

The final chapters mount the suspense, bringing the work to a dramatic conclusion. Rachel learns more about herself and her friends and family along the way, teaching her hard lessons in who is able to help her. The ending leaves the reader satisfied with the overall story. There are still some avenues Carner could have explored. Still, the story ties together nicely, despite the uncomfortable nature of the subject.

I cannot express how great this is.
Rachel Belmore's life shattered when she caught her husband sexually abusing her infant daughter, Ellie. Her husband was Dr. Wesley Belmore who was very well known and respected. From then on, it was battle-after-battle against the corrupted legal system.

Rachel would go to ANY lengths, and does, to protect her child from Wes, the pedophile.

Author Talia Carner has woven an intricate story from a sensitive subject that all parents fear! It showed the horrors, in detail, that many women have had to deal with, as well as, our judicial system that forces the mothers into failure and the children into the arms of their abusers. This situation happens more often than you would believe. Here is a book that shows the public why many women are currently in jail because they were forced to protect their children when the courts refused to.

From the amazing opening until the very last page, I was hooked! I often found myself holding my breath. I only wish I could have seen Ellie return and Wes be humiliated. I CANNOT say from where, how, when, or anything more without ruining the startling ending.

I hope MANY workers in our legal system reads this book! The author researched so well, that I had to remind myself that this was a work of fiction. Problem is, it really is happening out there! I strongly recommend this book to everyone.

Reviewed by Detra Fitch.

Puppet Child by Talia Carner
This novel makes you want to keep reading to find out what happens next. It is well-written, action-packed and full of suspense. The characters are brought to life in such a way that you feel like you know them. It is like a good movie that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

I would recommend this to anyone looking for a book to get immersed in. It will definitely engage you and get you to think about what could (and sometimes does) happen in our court system.

Very insightful look into the horrors of child abuse
Talia Carner in Puppet Child has given us an exceptionally realistic insight, albeit not a very pretty one of a mother's journey into hell. We are caught up in the trials and tribulations she faces as she attempts to protect her daughter from her husband and the childs father who is a sadistic pedophile. We as witnesses to these events which are unfolding before our eyes are powerless to intervene. We find ourselves unable to comprehend the unfairness of it all. Yet, this scenario is replayed each and every day . Just spend a day in the corridors and court rooms of our family courts and view first hand these horrors.
Read Puppet Child. Mrs. Carner 's writing is graphic and yet poetic in its content and extremely insightful. Her verbal pallette is wonderful. She brings out to us in detail the childs great fear of her father and the very real reasons for this fear and how it impacts on this poor childs very being.
I will look forward to her next novel.

Powerful and Compelling.....
Rachel Belmore thought she had the perfect life. She was married to the very handsome and charismatic surgeon, Wes Belmore, and was living in the lap of luxury on New York City's Fifth Avenue. She loved her high powered job with a world famous fashion magazine, and as if that were not enough, all her dreams had come true with the birth of their beautiful baby daughter, Ellie. But that perfect world exploded and crumbled in just seconds, the night she discovered her husband molesting Ellie in her crib. For three years, now, Rachel's been fighting a protracted legal battle in a system that almost always seems stacked against her, bent on protecting and restoring the reputation of Wes, not saving her young daughter's life..... From the harrowing prologue to the final climactic chapter, Talia Carner's stunning and well researched, debut novel tells a tense and powerful story in excrutiating and vivid detail. Her intricate plot is eloquently written, filled with well developed, true to life, intriguing characters, and touching, often painful, riveting scenes. Ms Carner indepth knowledge and expertise in child abuse and the flawed, family court legal system adds real credibility to her story and makes this novel stand out. Puppet Child examines the uncomfortable truths about child custody and our ability, within the law, to protect children from further abuse. This is a marvelous and compelling debut that shouldn't be missed. Kudos to Ms Carner! ... Read more

Reviews (4)

I didn't really care for this book
I would give this book two stars because it didn't really catch my attention. I thought it would be a long book but unfortunately, I finished it in three days. This is a book for fifth graders not seventh graders.
This book is about a boy named Bobby, whose parents are divorced. Bobby plays on a baseball team called the Sunbirds. He becomes a great baseball stealer and gets the nickname Fox. One day Bobby's dad tells him he is going out with a woman who is the mother of a boy named Walter. He is a pitcher for a baseball team called the Cowbirds. A few days later Bobby's dad tells him that he is getting a new job and may never see him again for a year. And on that day Bobby found out that his team was playing against Cowbirds that day.
Will Bobby's dad change his mind about the job? Will Bobby win the baseball game? Read the book to find out more.

The Fox Is On The Track
The Fox Steals Home is a really good book because it made me have good feelings about the relationship between the boy and his dad. The parents are divorced, and Billy is trying to be with both his mom and his dad. Being divorced is really hard because you don't get to see your parents all the time.

The Fox Steals Home
If you are into exciting sports stories, then this is the bookfor you. One exciting scene is when he practices stealing bases withhis father and grandfather. There are these two long-haired boys cheering him on and calling him Fox. During the last game it is thrilling because his father and grandfather are in the stands so he messes up a little during the game because he is trying to show them how much he has learned. So when he finally gets on base he shows his dad and grandfather what he can do. So if this is the type of story for you, then The Fox Steals Home is for you.

It was a very good book.
This book is about a kid named Bobby who plays basesball.He loves to play basesball.His parents are divorced.His dad can not see him until the weekends come.His team makes it to the championship.I liked the book because Bobby was a baseball player who was trying to win the championship while his parents were divorced.I liked Bobby because he had to deal with knowing his parents were divorced and he still tries to win his baseball games. ... Read more

Book Description

What is magic really for?

As Maggie approaches her thirteenth birthday, she wants to believe that some kind of magic can stop the changes all around her. Her visit with her father and his new family at a lakeside cabin makes her wonder. Will he still love her as much, now that he has a new family, or will he love her baby half-sister more? Her father seems troubled and withdrawn and, while he insists nothing is wrong, she worries.

Alone with her own secret thoughts, Maggie finds comfort in the beautiful blue heron she visits at the lake every morning. With each visit, she grows more attached to the bird, and she becomes aware that someone else is watching, too -- someone who's putting the bird in great danger. Through her determination to protect the bird, Maggie begins to understand the magic of change in her own life, and in the constantly changing world around her.

Reviews (18)

An excellent story!
Almost 13 year old Maggie,full name Margret,goes to her Dad's cabin on the lake for part of the summer.She lives in Seattle with her Mom.Maggie goes down to the marsh everyday at dawn and sits on the same rock and watches the bird the Blue Heron.Maggie falls in love with the bird.She and the bird started having a good friendship until a boy named Tucker came along.

The main character in this story is maggie.Maggies dad has a wife named Joanna.Joanna has a baby named Linda.Maggie also has an enemy named tucker.She doesn't like him for a certain reason. This is a good book for childre probably 7 and up.I liked it for all it's details and creativity.I like the adventure in it. Highly recommended for kids who like adventure,magic and birds.

Is it magical?
Blue Heron is an astonishing story about how magic can really come to life. In this story, Maggie who is thirteen, is sent from her home in Seattle, Wa. to visit her father, stepmother, and newborn sister. She visits her father's New England lakeside cabin, and she visits a blue heron who she thinks can tell life from death. In the book,, Maggie overcomes problems with her father, and convinces her enemy Tucker, not to fire his gun. This is a heartwarming story that everyone would love.

Is It Magical?
Blue Heron is an astonishing story about how magic can really tcome to life! In this story Maggie (almost thirteen) is sent from her home in Seattle, Washington (who she lives with her mother) to see her father, stepmother and, new-born baby sister. She is sent to New England on her fathers lakeside log cabin. Maggie becomes attached to a Blue Heron who she thinks can tell life from death.As Maggie over comes the problems with her father ( just fired and will not take heart medication) and convincing her enemy Tucker not to fire his gun, this is a heart-warming story that everybody would love!!

Avi has done it again!
This book was honestly one of the best books that I have ever read. Avi is great at coming up with interesting and diverse families. I could not believe how Avi could come up with caring and emotional Maggie, her raging father, Karen, Maggie`s responsible and loving step mother, and little Linda, who was caught up in the midst of all the fighting and emotion. From this book, you learned all about Maggie, the pressure that was put on her and her family and also the omen, the graceful heron. The question that you are left with at the end of the book is, does the Heron mean life or death? That`s why I liked this book, you must decide.

TO TOUCH THE MAGIC!
Although this book seems thick compared weth other YA novels, these 186 pages read easily, thanks to extensive dialogue. Soon-to-be 13 Maggie feels like a "summer hostage" while visiting her father--a court-ordered social ritual which produces recurring
mental anguish ever since her parents divorced when she was six. Clinging to her childhood memories of a game of Magic shared by her dad, Maggie dreads this visit to a rented cabin on a remote lake in Connecticut. There she will have to face a young step-mother and baby half-sister. Her stay will trigger explosive events which impact several lives and redefine already painful relationships.

Seeking escape from the emotional turmoil in the cabin, Maggie is gradually captivated by the grace and quiet dignity of a blue heron, who rules the neighboring marsh. Soon she is obsessed by the giant bird--considering him an Omen, but for Life or for Death? Determined to win his trust, she daily observes him at dawn, discovering that he too has reason for private agitation. Maggie's investigations on his behalf demonstrate her budding moral courage, yet she also feels overwhlemed that they all seem to be asking for her help: the heron, her step-mother and even her belligerent father. Is this too great a burden for a young teen?

There is no romance for Maggie on this vacation, but realization of her complex, extended-family roles. During most of the book she speaks to adults in unrevealing monosyllables; her vocabulary only comes alive when she interacts with kids. This book presents a gripping psycho-drama, as an ordinary girl suddenly comes of age. Perhaps Avi deliberately included a plea for wildlife conservation. BLUE HERON is probably of greater appeal to high school girls (who try to hide their true feelings from adults), despite the lack of love interest. Thoughtful insight into blended family dynamics. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Helping Children Understand Divorce
This book gives insight and understanding to children trying to cope with family marital issues. It is straightforward, and universal in its message. It is a great platform for discussion with children, and offers help to parents trying to help their children understand difficult family situations. ... Read more

Book Description

In this humorous, heartbreaking--and hopeful--novel, a young girl struggles to come to terms with her parents’ divorce. Funny, poignant, and above all, honest, Fiona’s journal entries reveal a roller coaster of emotions as she tries to cope in a world that’s been turned upside down. This story is sure to strike a chord with anyone--young or old--who has experienced the comfort and turmoil of family life. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

One of my favorite books
I have very few favorite books, and this one is in my all-time favorite list. I bought this book as a fifth or sixth grader, I can't remember. Anyway, I've read it about 20 times and I love it. I've never had my parents go through divorce, so it was very interesting to find out what it's like to have your parents go through a divorce and live in two different houses through the eyes of a person my age at the time. The book, Fiona's Private Pages, I plan to read because I loved this book so much. I'm now in 8th grade and still read it when there's no other books to read. I highly recomend this book.

Keeps you guessing
I really enjoyed this book. The book is about Fiona. She is about 11 for most of the book. Fiona is told she must keep a diary for her thoughts, especially the thoughts about her parent's recent divorce.

I would recommend this book to 5th and 6th grade girls or if there was a divorce in a girl's family.

Fiona's life changes a lot after her parent's divorce and it's great to hear how "terrible" her life is now.

This book is really fun to read, even over summer vacation.

A so-so book
This is definitely not a great book. The writing is not very good, but the plot is. This is a fun read, but not a great one. The main character is an 11 year girl in 6th grade whose parents have just announced that they are getting a divorce. The book follows Fiona's life through her year as she meets new friends, goes to a therapist, and adjusts to family changes. A good read, not a great one.

Refreshingly real
I gave this book five stars, not because I believe it is the greatest book of all time, or because I believe there is anything exeptional about the writing style but because it is so real,vivid and gut-wretchingly-run-over-a-toad-on-the-highway-peanut-butter-and-jelly honest. I confess, one of the things I like best about this book is that Fiona's diary doesn't quote whole conversations. This is something that is very common in the Dear America series. It annoys me very much because I think there are VERY few people who can recall whole conversations and recall exactly what was said. It's not realistic! It also annoys me because people don't really write journals and letters with conversations in context. You might as well be writing from a narrative point of view then. This is the kind of "realism" that I find so delightful in this story. Fiona's tale doesn't stand out as a milestone in literature, or a groundbreaking life lesson. It's about an 10/11 year old who struggles through day-to-day life, someone all girls can really relate to. At the same time Fiona's unique character and busy life brings sparkle to the page. The people in Cruise's book are all wonderfully sketched. They have shape and dimension and just breathe with life. This book is a very good read for adolescents. The story deals a lot with family and the divorce of Fiona's parents. The book can help kids to realize that therapists are okay people, and it's okay to have problems as long as you don't keep them hidden forever. In Fiona's world, many things are not fair and many things are not right but life is never boring. If you read this book and liked it, I recommend Fiona's Private Pages, a sequel which I found equally good. I personally also like the covers on these books, they are collages of little bric-a-brac and objects from Fiona's life.

cool book
this book is very good. i've read it more than 3 times. i reccomend it to any girl with her family that is divorced. If you have a life like that you cAN definatly relate to it. read it! ... Read more

Book Description

After a night of partying results in a near-fatal accident, Alex Castille-Reed is sent to join her biologist father on an eagle-tagging expedition in Minnesota. She soon finds herself stranded on a small island with an injured eaglet, forced to fight for her own life, as well as that of her new charge. Struggling against a storm, a bear, and hunger, Alex uses resources she never knew she had to make it home again. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

strong survivalist tale
In San Diego, thirteen-year-old Alexis Castille-Reed attends a pool party where the alcohol flows. An accident occurs, but fortunately no one dies. However, her upset mother "banishes" Alexis for the summer to live with her father in International Falls, Minnesota.

Alexis' dad is the authority on the bald eagles. Currently, he leads a study that is banding eaglets to gain research on their natural habitat. Alexis is put to work, but though she loves the birds, she remains angry with her father for deserting her. On a nearby island, Alexis climbs up a tree to remove a fish lure from an eagle's nest. However, when she lifts an eaglet out of the nest, she drops the bird. That error is compounded when she finds herself stranded on the island protecting the injured eaglet from nasty weather and a bear.

This is a wonderful preadolescent to young teen novel that focuses on Alexis, a person in trouble. She needs closure on her younger brother's death from cancer, but at first is not able to find a way to grieve without guilt for living and without alienating her parents also mourning in their own ways. Through the eaglet rescue, Alexis attains an understanding especially of her father whom she previously loathed as well as personal comfort. Though her parents talking with one another following their estrangement feels strained, WHEN EAGLES FALL is a strong survivalist tale that the young at heart will enjoy soaring with.

Harriet Klausner ... Read more

Book Description

Sarah is a flower girl in Aunt Robin's wedding! She gets to wear a swirly, twirly dress and carry a basketful of flowers. How exciting!

And scary.
What if she trips?
What if she drops her basket?
What if she throws the flowers all wrong?
Everyone will be watching.

Sarah doesn't want to let Aunt Robin down, but she gets butterflies in her tummy just thinking about it.

Reviews (2)

wedding time
There is going to be a wedding and the little girl who is the main character in the story has been asked to be the flower girl!She is really excited.She gets to dress up in a pretty dress and walk down the aisle in front of her aunt.It's a very important job.She starts to think that it might be to hard.She thinks she might not to a good enough good.She gets scared.She talks with her family about it and they make her feel much better.
The little girl shared her feelings with her aunt about being scared.This shows kids that when you have scared feelings it's ok to talk with a grown up about them.
I would recommend this book families who are getiing ready to have weddings.The book will be a great way to bring up discussions on lots of wedding matters like mammers and feelings about weddings.

The Big Day
FLOWER GIRL BUTTERFLIES tells all about Sarah's preparations to be a flower girl in her Aunt Robin's wedding.She picks out her dress, prepares for visiting family, and attends the wedding rehearsal.Throughout all of these experiences she shares her feelings, at times she is excited and at others she is very nervous.When the big day arrives will she be ready?

Little girls in particular are sure to enjoy this book.The illustrations for the story are absolutely beautiful and really complement the story well.I also enjoyed the fact that Sarah shared her feelings; she described what she was feeling and then labeled it.This modeling is an excellent way for young readers to learn to identify and label their own feelings.However, there was no build up in anticipation of the big wedding day and as a result, the story lacks excitement and read more like a "to do" list for flower girls at times.

Reviewed by Stacey Seay
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers
... Read more

Book Description

For Jes, normal life is slipping away. Her mother is getting married again and is totally preoccupied with planning the perfect wedding. And if one fool in love is not enough, Jes’s best girlfriend has fallen for a complete jerk. To make matters worse, Jes also has to deal with Angela, her soon-to-be stepsister, who has come to stay for a month before the wedding. A half-crazed mother, a lovesick friend, a perfectly evil stepsister — could things for Jes get any worse? ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Awesome!!
This book is one of the best books I have ever read in my whole entire life. The plot is good, the characters are good, the set is good, everything is good.
I seriously think that Gayle Friesen is one of the best authors. Her books are just so real and understanding. And what I think I like best about them is that they are modern, contemporary books, but they're not like "The Princess Diaries" or anything.

So, basically, I really like this book and I really think everyone, from young adults to old adults, should read this book. I think you will be satisfied. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

forever Amber brown
Amber brown is a young girl,who does not like herself.She wisshes that she could change and be someone else.She wants to be perfect,she always finds the bad things that are wrong with her She never notices the good things about herself. At the end of the story she realizes that she is not going to change Amber will always be forever ''Amber Brown''.

Forever Amber Brown
Danziger, Paula. (1996). Forever Amber Brown. New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons.

Amber wishes her mom and Max would stop kissing. Amber likes her moms' new friend Max, but she still wants her mom and dad to get back together. Will Max become Ambers' stepfather? You must read this book to find out what really happens.

I am eight and a half and I loved this book!
The story took place in New Jersey. Amber Brown is listening to her mother when she says that Max has asked her to marry him. Amber thinks this is the worst thing that could ever happen. What's going to happen next? Is she going to say yes? Find out when you read this book. ... Read more

Book Description

Rabbit goes everywhere with Kara: to Papa"s house, where they eat "oodles of noodles" and play hide-and-seek, and to Mama"s house, where they eat chicken and rice and dance. But one day, when it"s time to leave Papa"s house for Mama"s, Rabbit asks, "Where do I live?" Kara doesn"t know the answer. When Rabbit asks to stay at Papa"s house, Kara leaves her toy behind, but she misses Rabbit at Mama"s house. What is the answer to Rabbit"s question, and how can Kara keep from missing him?
With enormous warmth and empathy, Missing Rabbit speaks directly to young children whose parents
are divorced and live in different places. Cyd Moore"s whimsical artwork is perfectly matched to this reassuring tale about parental love and the true meaning of home. ... Read more

Book Description

Jolene's family was just Momma and Grandpa until big, loud Leroy Redfield started taking Momma dancing.Jolene refuses to call him anything but "Mister." Without a name, he isn't a real person to her.But then Jolene learns that Mister wants to marry Momma.Is there anything Jolene can do to make him go away?

"The warmth and love in the Johnson household envelops the novel... Jolene's willingness to face the uncertainties of her future may well give courage to readers confronting sea changes of their own."-Publishers Weekly

Awards:

( New York Public Library "100 Titles for Reading and Sharing"
( A Texas Bluebonnet Master List Book ... Read more

Reviews (4)

kevin from richview middle school
This story is about this little girl named Jolene.The main characters in the story are Jolene, Mr.Autry, Ruby ,Florence, Mr.LeroyRedfiled. Jolene is the little girl who tells the story Rubyis Mrs.Florence date that Jolene dosen't like.The book starts with this girl farther died of a heart attack , so she dosen't let nobody get ciose to her morther. The problem of the story is that Mrs.Flornea has a date and her daugther doesn't like it so that makes it a problem.The exciting part this story is when Jolene and Ruby get together and have a good time.The story ends with Jolene mother getting married to Ruby and they live happliy ever after.

Will mama get married
What happens when a little girl tries to separate her mom from getting married. Mister and Me by Kimberly Willis Holt and Jolene doesn't want mama to get married. Jolene destroys something special from Leroy and tries to makeup for it. This story takes place during the 1940 at Louisiana. Jolene, the daughter doesn't want mama to forget her husband. I would recommend this book to 6-12 that like realistic fiction books.

A Great story about acceptance and change!
Jolene Jasmine Johnson's father died when she was just a baby leaving her to be raised by her mother, Ruby, and Grandpa Foster. Now, she felt she was losing another parent, her mom. She wasn't losing her to death, but in marriage to the loudiest, sweatiest logger in town, Leroy Redfield! To avoid getting to know him, Jolene decided not to call him Mr. Redfield or Leroy as he suggested. Instead, she chose to simply call him . . . Mister. Despite all the attention, candy, and gifts he bestowed upon her, Jolene refuses to accept him. In fact, she takes a special gift intended for her and Ruby (given to her by Mister for safe-keeping) and destroys it. She soon realizes that in her attempt to hurt and reject Mister, she hurts the one person she loves most, her mom. Just as Jolene discovers a wonderful way to gain her mother's forgiveness, she also discovers that maybe having Mister in her life is not so bad after all. Kimberly Holt does an excellent job writing a story that centers around the frustrations and insecurities children sometimes feel when their parents contemplate remarriage. This is a great read for all ages!

A Tender Story of Loss and Found
Kimberly Willis Holt has crafted a heartwarming story of Jolene Jasmine Johnson who has to face some big changes. Used to life with only her mother and grandfather, Jolene is disturbed when Leroy Redfield begins to find a place in the family. The story turns on the age old childhood dilemma, where do you turn when you think you have done the unforgivable? As Jolene faces the anger and confusion caused by her momma developing a relationship with Leroy, she strikes out without thinking. The resolution of this act is a tender story of finding that the heart can stretch to hold room for more than one person and the power of forgiveness. A wonderful story for any age. ... Read more

Book Description

In this inventive take on the traditional Cinderella tale, Fanny Agnes is a sturdy farm girl with a big dream. Someday, she believes, she will marry a prince. When the town mayor announces he is throwing a grand ball, Fanny is convinced her time has come. She puts on her best calico dress and goes out to the garden so that she'll be ready when her fairy godmother arrives. As the seconds tick by, Fanny waits and waits. Finally, she hears a voice. It isn't her fairy godmother-but it is someone who will change her life forever.

Illustrated by Mark Buehner. ... Read more

Reviews (16)

a Realistic fairy tale!!!
My girls and I fell in love with this book! Beautiful illustration's and story. Teaches what is truely important ingredients to a happy life!!!

Another Heber and Fanny
It's amazing how there can be so much impact on one's emotions from a simple children's book! When you and your wife put yourselves in the places of Heber and Fanny and start to look at the simple tasks that need to be completed to make a happy home and the satisfaction that comes from having a trusting mate, your partner for life with you no matter what your occupation or appearance, you will start to experience real love and happiness. My wife and I both had happy tears after reading this with our youngsters because the story shows that there is a Heber and Fanny in every couple that is aching to scream "I love you no matter what!" Read this book. Shed the plasticity of the world and learn from the simple example of true love that is portrayed in this wonderful story. We're going to be giving copies as anniversary gifts to our friends!

A Cinderella with her head on straight
Every parent should encourage her children to read this book! Fanny is a role-model for all young girls. She puts true love and moral convictions over wealth and stature. It's a touching testament to strength of character!

Good, Good
Fanny Anges lives in Wyoming. Though it's kinda set up for like Kansas, Oklahoma......... yeah. I thought this would more likely be like Cinderella, though it wasn't. It was very well done though, but the cover just dosen't match the story. I mean she doesn't go anywhere or have a pretty dress. So remember these tips while reading.

From,
Sean a scenere reader

Wonderful. Beautiful.
We have tons and tons of books for our kids. This is my favorite -- or at least one of the top five. The clouds are so beautiful. The color/tint of the night -- to die for. And such a heart-warming, life-affirming story. This is one of those rare books that kids and their folks will love. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

So depressing!!!
I guess the point of this book was to get kids to identify with the lead character, know that their feelings around divorce are not unique, and help them to discuss how they are feeling.While it may succeed in those aims (if those were the aims), it manages to paint a rather bleak and depressing picture, and just made our family feel sad with very little positive to focus on.To give you an idea, the final words of the book are:"My mommy and my daddy love me too.Just not together."

Dull and obvious
I found this an extremely dull and stilted story with no sense of humour or appreciation of a child's wit at all. It read like a school book with its clinical political correctness. If you're looking for a picture book about divorce for young kids I would recommend a book like Babette Cole's The Un-Wedding (also published as "Two of Everything") or Emily Haughton's Rainy Day. Cole's book is full of humour and yet deals with serious issues - my 4 y.o. wanted me to read it for her again and again in the months after the separation. Haughton's book is more dreamy and has a double meaning that appeals more to me than to my 4 y.o. but has a far higher quality than this book.

A Must Read Book For Any Adult or Child of Divorce
If I were to read only one book in the whole world, I would choose "Mom and Dad Don't Live Together Anymore". I was a teenager when my parents divorced, and I felt devestated, like my heart was being ripped in half.I first read this book when I was in my late twenties. I felt so much healing from reading this book, the words on the page allowed me to cry and know that it was o.k. Then towards the end of the book the author gives you a positive way to think and act about your feelings. This book is truely inspirational and has changed my life ... Read more

Book Description

Book Description

Book Description

Some things are easier to say with pictures. When parents decide to separate or divorce, children need ways to sort through all the feelings, thoughts, and worries they are facing. This drawing book encourages kids to explore their inner world through both pictures and words, helping them to understand themselves and feel better during a difficult time of change.

A Note for Parents discusses the impact of separation and divorce on the family, and describes the value of art therapy in coping with stressful emotions and experiences. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Welcome Home or Someplace Like It by Charlotte Agell
What A Book!

This Story has truly captured the child in Charlotte Agell. Before I read this book I had researched a little bit on the author. I found out that she actually experienced some of the events that took place in the story. This added a glimpse into her life as well as her characters. Normally, it takes me a while to get interested in a book. This story only took me a hour and I was already hooked. Her writing is so original and I could find things in every chapter to relate to.

Aggie is a thirteen-year-old girl who has "relocated" to Ludwig, Maine. Her mother is a writer that likes to move every time she writes a new book in order to plot out the novel. Aggie is particularlly upset since she had just started to make friends back home. She feels that all is lost until she finds Madd, a local in Ludwig. Together they form a bond anyone could appreciate. Everything is going great until Aggie finds out she has a long lost relative. Why hadn't her mother told her before? The plot unravels and other funny things start to happen such as the miracal her brother and her start at their church. This is a tale about friendship, mystery, and finding her way back home wherever it may be.

Gotta Read!!!!!
This book was sooooo much fun to read its a great summer bok and anybody can realate to it! I am 13 years old and it was not a hard book to read. It wasn't really thrilling but its a great kids novel i think Agell did a superb job adn I cant wait to read her next novel!

Amazing!
This book is one of the best books I have read. It is about a thirteen year-old who move to Maine, and it is written in a diary form. It has lovable characters and a plot that will keep you reading. This book is no-doubt a page-turner. I would wholeheartedly recommend it.

Almost "Home"
"Welcome Home or Someplace Like It" is enjoyable. While not quite a coming of age story, it does expose the young lead to new feelings, new friends, a new town and a new way of life. She is still innocent and perhaps a bit naive, but very sweet and well-meaning. All in all, a cute summer read.

I felt as if the end was a little unfinished - as if there was more to the story, more to tell about the interesting town and the tangled family tree. Perhaps there will be a second novel in which we find out more about the father, the cousins, and yes, even the chickens. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Can't Let Go
My mom picked this book out for me and when I first saw the cover I thought to myself, "yeah right like I'm going to read this." I let the book sit in my room for a couple of days but then I kind of got interested in it. I decided it wouldn't hurt to read the first chapter. The first chapter started and then ended and then the second, the third, and so on untill the book was finished. I had read the whole book in one evening. I loved it!! Not only was it interesting and kept me wanting to read it but it was written about stuff that happens to teens like me in everyday life. I liked this book so much that I thanked my mom and had her go and buy me numbers 1-4. I've been reading the series ever since. In closing I would just like to encourage you to read this book and the others in the series! They truley are awesome!! ... Read more