Book Description

Who is the man called Sabura, the mysterious bandit who robs the rich and helps the poor? And what is his connection with Yosida, the harsh and ill- tempered master of feudal Japan's most famous puppet theater? Young Jiro, an apprentice to Yosida, is determined to find out, even at risk to his own life.

Meamwhile, Jiro devotes himself to learning puppetry. Kinshi, the puppet master's son, tutors him. When his sheltered life at the theater is shattered by mobs of hungry, rioting peasants, Jiro becomes aware of responsibilities greater that his craft. As he schemes to help his friend Kinshi and to find his own parent, Jiro stumbles onto a dangerous and powerful secret.... ... Read more

Reviews (16)

The Master Puppeteer Was Marvelous
I thought this book was very well-written. Jiro is boy of such spirit he takes you into is life at the Hanaza, as if you are there living it with him. The mystery that unravels is the most suprising, as it suddenly twists in the other direction and the person you thought most unlikely turns into your main suspect. Yoshida, Kinshi's father, the one who you most dread seeing for fear his high clogs will come in contact with your behind. Why does he have to have the theater in his hands, and make the show go perfectly, even for the audience of a cockaroach! Jiro, this apprentince puppeteer, is the one whom will inravel this whole this. But, not being able to leave the Hanaza, not being able to go to Osaka for his mother and father, that is very painful for Jiro. The streets of Osaka are very dangerous, with the thought that a riot could start any minute now, and one of the dead bodies in the streets could be you friends. Please, read this book. IT IS MARVELOUS A THOUSAND TIMES OVER!!!!!!!

'' The Magical Page Turner''
The Master Puppeteer is a mysterious thrilling book about a bandit named Saburo who robs the rich and helps the poor! There also is a boy in the story named Jiro who devotes his life to learning puppetry.Meanwhile the puppet theater crashes by a mob of rioting peasents.Jiro becomes aware of his responsibilities greater than his craft.He schemes to safe his friend Kinishi and his parents.While he does this he stumbles upon a great and powerful secret.

Buy this book! (AC)
This outstanding book takes place in Osaka,Japan. The main characters are Jiro, Yoshida, and Kinshi. Jiro, a thirteen year old young boy, is determind to find out who Saburo is even if it takes risking his own life! Saburo is a mysterious robber who robs from the rich and helps the poor. Meanwhile Jiro is learning puppetry. Kinchi is the master puppeter's son. The master puppeteer is Yoshida who tutors Kinchi. When his sheltered life at the theatre is ruined, Jiro stumbles into a dangerous and powerful secret!

The Master Puppeteer
This book called The Master Puppeteer is about a poor boy name Jiro. Jiro is trying to help is father, so the family won't starve to death. The family needs money to keep alive because back then, things were not that well. A lot of people were in hunger, it is up to Jiro to help out with business. Jiro and his family are in the city of Osaka, that is in Japan. Jiro tris to at a theater and make puppets for the a theater, but sadly Jiro is too clumsy for the job.

There are also friendships and courage along this story...I enjoy reading this book, because he shows me more about Japan and the people who lives there...

MASTER PUPPETEER
I think this book was a great example of historical fiction and Japanese literature. It gave great insight into the life of a typicla Japanese boy during this century. It discussed the social ills of that time period and the problems the average Japaneese family faced. It showed the hardships that this young boy faced. More importantly however, I think it gave a good description of the Japaneese theater and its operations.
The only drawback to this is that for most readers who are unfamilar with the Japaneese customs and cultures, it doesn't proovide much insight. it was difficult to relate to some of the situations faced by the young boy. I think if you have a background that suits Japaneese culture you can appreciate this book a lot more. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (10)

sutcliff is not just for kids
This is the second in a loosely linked trilogy (the 1st and 3rd books are 'Eagle of the Ninth' and 'The Lantern Bearers'), and is arguably the best of the three. Sutcliff's narrative is evocative and colorful, and the story is both engaging and full of surprises. If the book has any fault it is in a certain license taken with actual historical events, but since the setting is a very obscure period of Roman-occupied Britain, the liberty is easily overlooked. If you are a Sutcliff fan (and I have yet to meet anyone who has read her who isn't!) you will love this book!

Old Friend
I first read this book over 20 years ago--it was probably my first Rosemary Sutcliff. I loved it then and I love it now. It's a great read! I've always loved the way Sutcliff brings her ancient British settings to life.

I Never Knew What Was Going On!!!
When I read this book, from the beginning I had no idea what was going on and I still didn't at the end. I knew random parts but I did not know why they were in a war in the first place.
This is the worst book I have ever read!

The Silver Branch
Want a riveting historical-fiction novel with a plot that is better than most? If so, the Silver Branch is a book for you. Set in Roman Britan, over a century after the first book in the series, The Eagle of the Ninth, the book paints a picture of the life of two Romans, who seek to overthrow a tyrannical emperor who has separated himself, and Britan, from Rome. Rosemary Sutcliff has indeed woven a story whose plot is exceedingly diverse and well thought-out. The book gives the reader a gripping plot in which the reader is given a picture of the Roman world. The book paints a vivid picture of a Roman town, Legion, a gladiator fight, and the Roman's enemies the Saxon barbarians. Rosemary Sutcliff has the gift of being able to write very good historical novels.

Nobody can beat Rosemary Sutcliff
I found this book to be fantastic. I love the time and setting, but it was much more than that. The characters are all so real and alive, the historical events are so accuratly portrayed, and, most of all, the writing is excellent. Rosemary Sutcliff has fast become one of my very favorite authors, and I would definately reccommend this book to almost anyone, especially if you have any interest in the Roman Empire or Britian/early British history. (I only might not reccommend this to some kids, because the writing isn't always so easy, and they might get bogged down or confused) ... Read more

Book Description

Only in the world of the theater can Nat Field find an escape from the tragedies that have shadowed his young life. So he is thrilled when he is chosen to join an American drama troupe traveling to London to perform A Midsummer Night's Dream in a new replica of the famous Globe theater.

Shortly after arriving in England, Nat goes to bed ill and awakens transported back in time four hundred years -- to another London, and another production of A Midsummer Night's Dream. Amid the bustle and excitement of an Elizabethan theatrical production, Nat finds the warm, nurturing father figure missing from his life -- in none other than William Shakespeare himself. Does Nat have to remain trapped in the past forever, or give up the friendship he's so longed for in his own time? ... Read more

Reviews (38)

A new world
With this novel, I think that Cooper has created a fun and original work. It is a story of a boys acting company who travel to London to preform at the rebuilt Globe Theater. For one boy, the trip involves not just a voyage across the Atlantic, but a journey in time as well. Nat Field finds himself back in Elizabethian London acting in the role of Puck in Shakespeare's personal production of A Midsummer's Night Dream.

This odd transposition in time allows for some interesting interaction with the setting. For a twentieth century boy, the London of Shakespeare's day is a strange world. Having no modern convieniences (such as toilets) and having the drink at every meal be ale are things that don't fit the everyday life of a young American boy. But Nat gets along and proves himself as an actor in Shakespeare's own production.

Given the general elements of this book, not all young readers would enjoy it. To identify with or even to like the main character, one cannot by a typical American kid. The theatrical world and the ability to understand the historical setting of Shakespeare's time are, unfortunately, completely foreign to most kids these days. So this book is not for the typical nintendo-playing sports-loving kid, but rather for the imaginitive book-lover. (For the book is full of imagination and history.)

The book isn't perfect, but it is still a fun read. As an adult reader, I wished that I could have read more about the purpose behind the time travel, but I realize that what was written is sufficient for a younger audience. So, as a young adult novel, it is a great book, well worth the read.

Outstanding Shakesperean time-travel fantasy
Nat Field, an actor in the American Company of Boys, goes to London with the troupe to play the role of Puck in "A Midsummer Night's Dream" at the new Globe Theatre. Suddenly, he is transported back in time to 1599 London and finds himself portraying Puck at the original Globe. Not only that, he's performing with Will Shakespeare himself, who is playing Oberon! The author brings the sights, sounds and smells of Elizabethan London to life and takes us behind the scenes of the Bard's own production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream." After reading this, you'll probably want to read the play and see a performance yourself. Susan Cooper, who was a student of J.R.R. Tolkien, is an outstanding writer and storyteller. Don't miss her magnum opus, the five-book "The Dark Is Rising" series.

Just a good historical book
King of Shadows was oddly good. It tells of a boy named Nat who is playing Puck in A Midsummer Night's Dream. One night he falls ill, goes to sleep, and wakes up in 1599 Elizabethan England, right in the middle of Shakespeare's own performance of the Dream. It was very accurate historically and ideal for anyone who likes Shakespeare. I would suggest reading the play, A Midsummer Night's Dream before reading this book. It was meant for grades 7-9.

A GREAT book for children 10 and up!!
The book is about young Nat Field. He is playing Puck in a Midsummer Night's Dream. When he goes to bed ill, he is transported back 400 years. (...) I was very pleased with this book. I highly recommend it for girls or boys.

Great book Cooper
I love books and i thought this book was extremly well written, and easy enough to follow along without any troubles. And my aunt had the pleasure of meeting Susan Cooper and said that she is a very nice woman. I hope one day i will get to meet the woman who wrote such a wonderful book:) ... Read more

Book Description

It is June 1941. The Rudomin family has been arrested by the Russians. They are "capitalists--enemies of the people." Forced from their home and friends in Vilna, Poland, they are herded into crowded cattle cars. Their destination: the endless steppe of Siberia.

For five years, Esther and her family live in exile, weeding potato fields and working in the mines, struggling for enough food and clothing to stay alive. Only the strength of family sustains them and gives them hope for the future.

Notable Children's Books of 1968 (ALA)
1968 Boston Globe–Horn Book Award Honor Book
Outstanding Children's Books of 1968 (NYT)
1969 Jane Addams Award
1971 Lewis Carroll Shelf Award
Nominee, 1969 National Book Award for Children's Literature
1969 Shirley Kravitz Children's Book Award
1987 Deutsche Jugenliteraturpreis (German Youth Literature Prize) "Honorable List"
1969 Fanfare Honor List (The Horn Book) ... Read more

Reviews (45)

The Other Tyranny
Here in America, when someone mentions the atrocities of World War II, most people think immediately of the Holocaust and Hitler's plan to rid the world of Jews and establish the German "master race".

However, Hitler was not the only one during this time committing atrocities which killed millions of people. The Soviets were guilty of this as well, though this is not as well known to Americans.

This is the story of a young girl who is a victim of the Soviet forced-labor camps. Her family did nothing wrong, but with the Russian invasion of Poland, her parents and grandparents were considered "capitalists" and therefore deported to Siberia.

This book is very well written. The characters are very well deveoped, which is especially important since this book is autobiographical. Reading this gives a real sense of how far out in the middle of nowhere these people were. There is the beauty of this pristine land versus the terror which haunts the people who have been sent here, as well as the true desolation of the place. In time, Esther, who is 15 by the end of the book, really feels that this is the place her life is, rather than Poland, where she lived before, even though this is the place of her imprisonment. Hautzig also does a good job of describing the constant suffering and scrabbling for humanity that these people went through as political prisoners. It was a hopeless situation, but the one thing that they could least give up was hope.

This is one of the very few children's (or young adult) books that does focus on what was happening in the Soviet Union during this time. There are many kids books which focus on the Germans and the Holocaust, but that was only part of the story, and to forget the rest of these people who suffered and died because of the same sort of tyranny is an affront to them.

One of my favourite childhood books...
Like many other reviewers here, I discovered this book at the age of 8, during the 1970s and have re-read it many times since. When I moved to New York in the early 1990s I found myself living only a few blocks from Esther Hautzig, and acutally met her daughter once in a store. I had to tell her that her mother's book was one of the most memorable I had read as a child - and I was a bookworm who consumed a minimum of four books per week. Several years ago I discovered another book by Ms. Hautzig, "Remember Who You Are" - a series of autobiographical stories, written for adults; many of these stories tell what happened to the people the reader first met in "The Endless Steppe". I was fascinated to learn, for example, that Miss Rachel - Esther's governess in Vilna - was also sent to Siberia and one day took the risk of illegally hitching a ride (during that time in the USSR one needed permission to travel internally from the local commissar; failure to do so could result in imprisonment or worse) from the village where she was living to Esther's village, showing up totally unexpectedly. (Miss Rachel now lives in Israel.) Evidently Ms. Hautzig's editors advised her to leave that incident out of "The Endless Steppe" because readers would not find it believable. Also related in this collection is the fate of Esther's beloved cousin, Salek, in the Vilna ghetto, and the heartbreaking deaths of her maternal grandmother and her favourite aunt at Ponar. At any rate, I advise any parent who wishes to give his/her child a book to be cherished and re-read, a book about the strength and importance of the family, about a place and time that is rapidly fading into history, to buy this book. And for the adult who read and loved "The Endless Steppe" as a child, try to find "Remember Who You Are" at the library as I believe it is out of print.

WWII from a different perspective¿
It's during 1942 when little Esther Rudomin's life changes forever. A resident of Poland, who lived a comfortable life with her parents and extended family, Esther, along with her father, mother and grandparents are arrested by the Russians, suspected of being "capitalists" and ripped from their home. They are piled into cattle cars, their destination unknown. When the train finally stops, they realize they are in the harsh region of Siberia. For the next long five years, Esther recounts the struggles her family go through for food, clothing and shelter. We also see how Esther tries to fit in as a young teenager in the Siberian society. I found the book opened my eyes to an event I knew nothing about, while at the same time revealing to me the Siberian way of life during WWII.

A Relatively Unknown Part of the Holocaust Experience
I first read this book when I chose it from the RIF program in 8th grade many years ago. It is still one of my favorite books.

As a young Jewish girl living in Poland in 1939, Esther awakens one day to find her family being taken captive by the invading Russian Army. The deportation by the Russians of Esther's family's to Siberia is a blessing in disguise, though, as it allows them to remain mostly together as a family and ultimately saves their lives, while their other family and friends who were captured by the Germans, met the fate of most Polish Jews during WWII.

Her experiences, while differing from those of most European Jews during WWII, are just as important to know about.

Roller coaster ride
One day i was in the library when i remebered i needed a book for my english class. So i could read during silent reading time.... and i just glanced at it and picked it for its cover.. and i guess i judged by its cover and it came out to be a pretty good book....and i recommend this book to people who like suspense and curiosity for what is going to happen next.... ... Read more

Reviews (26)

A SOLDIER'S STORY
The journal of Scott pendleton Collins,is about a World WarII solider that goes to Normandy, France in 1944.The book begins with "He could see Omah Beach through the smoke and haze as his assult boat rocked in the choppy waters".I'm only 10 and I liked this book because it is about a real person in a real war and I like to read war stories.People should read this story because it is about history. The main character is Scott.The action parts in this book are the war parts and the scarry parts.

The Journal of Scott Pendleton Collins
The Journal of Scott Pendleton Collins, by Walter Dean Myers, is a great book about a World War 2 soldier, stuck in the middle of D-Day. He lands on Omaha Beach, and has to run for his life. He watches his friends die, but with a few lucky breaks, he survives the horror. Scott then must continue marching, to capture the German headquarters of St. Lo, and Vire. I deeply enjoyed the book because as it teaches you of the war, in particular D-Day, and of the horrors that the young soldiers had to go through. They had to survive through the death of friends, the death of family, 'Dear John' letters from their girlfriends, and the constant sound of death and explosions around them. They also lived like savages, without sanitation, or good food. The author of The Journal of Scott Pendleton Collins, Walter Dean Myers, is a well known historical-fiction writer. He has another book out about the Vietnam War, entitled Fallen Angles. Fallen Angels is a book similar in style, also focusing on the hardships that the G.I.'s had to persevere through. I strongly recommend either of these books to anyone with an interest in war and/or historical-fiction. The are great books that can teach you many important things!

Very good--But Sad Read
This book is very good but it ends in such a sad way!
However, this was the first book I read by walter dean myers. I really enjoyed the jokes he put in and the way he described the characters was well done. I really enjoyed Scott, the main character. He was really good and very much so realistic.
I really liked this book and even though it IS Dear America, I think that only 13 & up should read it.

The journal of Scott P Collins
The main charater is ScotT P Collins.He is a ninteen year old boy who is eager to go fight the Germans in Eroupe.Ithought this book was good but it does take patience to read.It starts out very slow.The book takes on the outskiris of the front line during the Americans part of Operation Over Lord [D-Day] .The main conflict in this book is the Germans invasion of Poland,France,Russia and north Africa.
The authers style of writing is journal entries each chapter is a new entriy.This book is part of a large series of books called the Dear America.My recommendation for tis book is for some one with a lot of time on his or her hands.This book is historical fiction so it tought me a lot about World War Two.

The Journal Of Scott Pendleton Collins
The Journal of Scott Pendleton Collins is a historical novel, a day by day journal about a young man, fresh out of high school, who joins the army during World War II. His nickname is Smoothie because he still does not have to shave yet. At his going away party, his uncle gave him a journal. The first entry in the journal is May 25, l944, from England.

This book is so well written that when he described the landing on Omaha Beach I can almost hear the sights and sounds of Private Ryan's landing on the beach like in the movie, Saving Private Ryan. I can almost feel all his feelings. He is saddened by the wounded and dead that he sees, but he is glad that he is still alive. He wants to be brave but he is scared and is ashamed of being scared. He is sick to the point where he vomits. He doesn't want to cry but he cries. He feels sure he is going to be killed.

He knows that he should not be keeping this journal as he is told to destroy all letters from home after they are read. He feels that it is the only thing he has to leave behind if something should happen to him. He has a message in the journal that if anyone should find it to please send it to his family and he gives the address. He often writes about being afraid of dying. This always seems to be on his mind.

This book was so well written that I almost feel as if I lived his war experience with him. The book also includes a lot of historical notes and also some pictures of the war. This author knows a lot about World War II. With this book he has given me a day to day feeling (2 months worth) of the horrors of war.

My great-grandfather McCormick (there was a McCormack in this book) served in the Army during World War II and my grandfather was in the army as a Military Policeman. In this book, Scotty's great-grandfather fought in the Civil War and his father in World War I and Scotty always wanted his picture on the wall with their pictures. Maybe some day my picture will be on my family's wall with my great-grandfather and my grandfather. I am certainly not the best of readers and don't feel qualified to review a writer's work but I can say that I really liked this book. It was a fast read, I almost didn't want to put it down, and it really held my interest.

This book really inspired me. The quality of the writing is great, the subject matter is great and I would definitely put it in the "great books" category. ... Read more

Book Description

Summer, 1944. World War II is raging in Europe. Fifteen-year-old Adam, a Yugoslavian Jew, has escaped, along with his mother and younger sister, to the safety of a refugee camp in Upstate New York.Christine, whose house is near the camp, sees in Adam's past all of the excitement and drama missing from her own life.The moment the two first see each other, they know they are meant to be together.Their parents refuse to even accept the possibility. Will their love prevail over the narrow-mindedness of the adults around them?

"Poignant, passionate, and bittersweet, their story is a moving reminder of the power of first love." (BCCB, starred review)

"Thought-provoking . . . A timely story that probes the refugee issue with sensitivity and depth." (The Horn Book ... Read more

Book Description

Shortly after the first atomic bombs were dropped on Japan, World War II came to and, and the terrible reality of the atomic age began . . .

Sixteen-year-old Sorry Rinamu has lived on the Bikini Atoll in the western Pacific all his life. Now the United States government wants to use his home as a site for atomic weapons tests. The islanders are told that they must leave weapon tests. The islanders are told that they must leave the island in the interest of world peace but can return when the island in the interest of world peace but can return when the land is safe again. Sorry doesnt believe the story. He is sure that radioactive fallout will poison the warm blue waters and beautiful white sand beaches, and Bikini Atoll will be lost to its people forever. Sorry knows that he has no choice but stop this disaster before it starts -- even if it means standing alone against the U.S. military, and risking his own life to save his ancestral land.

... Read more

Reviews (42)

The Bomb
The Bomb is a good book to read. Me, myself i did not enjoy the book because I don't like the war, holocaust, true story style of reading. This book is on the making of the atomic bomb and the test sight were the main charector Sorry Rinamu lives on a small island known as Bikini. This story explanes how the island of Bikini had to turn off all the lights so that the small island was not bombed at night. I did not like the main charestors name Sorry. The reason that I did not like his name because it kind of made a depressing setting throughout the story.

The BoMb
This book starts out with a sixteen year old named Sorry and his family, that live on a samll island called Bikini.When Sorry and his family hear that the U.S is going to use this island as an atomic bomb testing site they dont want to leave and belive that they can stop the U.S. He trys to reason with some of the U.S soldiers but was unsuccessful.The author shows great determination though the character Sorry.The book is very descriptive and shows the reality of droping bombs in an area where humans live.Theodore Taylor's novel is action packed and is definatly worth reading.

The bomb
I recommend this book to anyone who is 10 years and older because this book has facts about the atomic bomb and when they were building it so some of the words are very hard to pronounce. Certain parts of this book are very surprising and exciting, like when Sorry said to everyone, " I am going out to the reef and I am going to catch a shark and bring it back here and show everyone that I am not a little boy any more." While Sorry was trying to spear the shark, it struggled to get away and it dragged him under. He wasn't able to breath, but finally he cut the line and swam to the surface. Another reason I enjoyed the book was that it showed people working together. Abram came on to the island and walked up to Sorry and said, "Tomorrow we are going to the Enyu channel and we are going to hunt down a tiger shark.''
Although they did not catch the shark they worked together to find it. I liked this book because it was fun to read and there was some action.

bombing site
This book is aout a boy and their town called bikini island are about to get bombed because they are wanting to test it there. it is a really good book. I would recomend this book to other people. I likd this book because it is a war book. this book takes place on a island.

bomb
This book is about a boy named sorry and he lives on a island called bikini island. then U.S. was going to use their island for a bomb testing site.they trie to stop them. I would recomened this book. the setting takes place on a island. ... Read more

Book Description

While awaiting trial for murder and withholding from the king the obligatory fifth of the gold found in Cibola, Esteban, a seventeen-year-old cartographer, recalls his adventures with a band of conquistadors. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

The Allure of Gold
The King's Fifth is a cultural book dating back to 1541, the Golden Age in Spain. It tells the story of Esteban de Sandoval, a Spanish cartographer who made maps for the conquistadors of Coronado's army who were searching for gold in Mexico. After seeing many Spanish soldiers die in their greed to obtain gold, Estaban takes it upon himself to get rid of the gold. He dumps it in a ditch in the desert, and then is punished for not giving the King of Spain his one-fifth of all gold found by the conquistadors. I liked how Estaban finally realized that the blind pursuit of money and wealth is empty and how he rejects the allure of gold.

Boy Hoodwinks King
Esteban de Sandoval, a map maker, is to stand before the royal audiencia. The royal audiencia is to decide if Esteban is guilty or innocent of withholding the king's fifth he has supposedly hidden. The year is 1541 and the place is the Fortress of Juan de Ulua, near Vera Cruz, New Spain (Mexico). Esteban records his adventures in the Land of Cibola on paper his jailer hs supplied. The jailer has talked Esteban into making a map of where he has hidden the treasure.

The King's Fifth is exciting and very enveloping book. I like how the book is very descriptive. What I don't like is when they use Spanish words and they don't tell you what the words mean. Over all on a scale of one-five, five being the best, I would give the book a five. The plot is great. The story line makes you want to keep on reading at the end of a chapter.The scenery is well described and you feel as if you were there.

The King's Fifth
This critique is for my seventh grade language arts class. The King's Fifth is a unique book. However, on a scale from 1 to 5 I would only give 3 stars, because there's no realy story line. There's also not that much creativity used in this piece of work. For the most part it's grammatically correct and contains great voice through the dialogues. However, it does provide historical information and facts with a historical theme. Although I don't prefer this genre of book, others would. I recommend it to you if you like to read for information or like slower story lines. But, if you are like me and prefer faster action and suspense then you probably wouldn't like this book.
The King's Fifth is about a prisoner who is also a cartographer. He was taken captive by the king's soldiers after returning from a trip to the seven golden cities. He and his fellow voyagers found and secretly kept an amazing treasure, which the king wanted, too. Will he survive, be freed or hung? You'll have to read it to find out.

Good adventure
i read this book last summer and decided to re-read and i just have to say that it is still a page-turn the second time. this is a story about how the explorers come to find the gold and how they steal it. it is a great work of art. i think that all of O'dells books are great for any readers age. If you liked this book then i think you will like a book that i read in like 5th or 4 th grade : Island of the Blue Dolphins. (auther is o'dell)

Among the Best
For the last six months or so I have been reading through the Newbery Medal and Award books. The King's Fifth is one of my favorites. This book is filled with unforgettable characters, action, romance, and danger. I especially like the ending, which I won't give away! If you like historical fiction, adventure stories, or just great books, don't miss out. Read this book. May I also suggest my other all-time favorite Newbery winner: AMOS FORTUNE, FREEMAN. ... Read more

Book Description

Though born without great beauty, wealth, or title, Anne Boleyn blossomed into a captivating woman. She used her wiles to win the heart of England's most powerful man, King Henry VIII, and persuade him to defy everyone--including his own wife--to make her his new queen. But Anne's ambition was her fatal flaw. This is the true story of the girl everyone loved to hate.
Carolyn Meyer's engrossing third novel in the award-winning Young Royals series tells Anne's fascinating story in her own voice--from her life as an awkward girl to the dramatic moments before her death.
... Read more

Reviews (17)

Great Book!
This book unfolds the life of Anne Boleyn, a ill-favored girl that lived under the shadow of her sister throughout her childhood. Anne's sister, Mary Boleyn, was the prominent type beauty during the 16th century in England. Mary had been the mistress of King Henry VIII. However, as young Anne came to England from the French court as a stylish graceful lady, she soon caught the eye of King Henry. Anne Boleyn played her "games" upon the men in the English court and did all she could to win the heart of King Henry, the most powerful man in the nation. Anne's ambitions and strong will guided her through her struggling to be queen, the every peril in her life, and her uncertain path to power. Anne Boleyn was a mysterious yet prominent female figure of the Tudor family and her only daughter, Queen Elizabeth I, became on of the most prominent rulers in history. Though Anne Boleyn was executed when King Henry lost his interest in her, Anne's wits and determination led her to the fullfillment of her words to Mary, "One day, I shall be queen and you will kneel before me!"

Oh, beware, Mistress Anne...
"Wait and see - someday I shall be queen of England, and you will kneel at my feet!" declares thirteen-year-old Anne Boleyn haughtily and angrily to her show-off of an older sister, Mary. A mole on her neck, a sixth finger, dark-haired, thin-framed, and pale - how could such an "ill-favored child" amount to anything, her parents wonder. Don't underestimate her, Boleyn family. She inherited her ambitious nature from you, and she'll do anything to prove herself. She'll win the heart of hot-blooded Henry VIII one way or another.
Oh, beware, Mistress Anne. You don't know what you're getting yourself into. Henry cast aside one wife for failing to get him a legitimate male heir. What makes you so sure you won't fail, as well? Keep prodding and tantalizing, and you will get yourself in deep trouble...
I highly recommend this one. The Tudor family has always fascinated me, especially Anne Boleyn and her daughter Elizabeth, and I love a good historical fiction romance! You'll love it, too!

Wonderful but hard to understand
This was a very good book. I love history and Henry the
VIII so this was perfect. It was a little hard to understand. But other than that I loved it!!!

...
This book like the others in the young royal collection was very well written but I thought it lacked some of the qualities that made it great. I (as a Henry VIII buff) loved how she protrayed Mary in Mary, Bloody Mary and I thought she was fair to her character and didnt look over her faults. I dont believe she did this in Doomed Queen Anne. Anne Boylen had her faults and if you look at history I believe it is evident that she very power hungry, and in many intaces very cruel. I believe the author glossed over that part of her character to make her appear more likeable.

I loved every page of this book!
I loved this book, from beginning to end. It was so cool to see all these events in history from Queen Anne's own viewpoint. I learned a lot about her and about her interesting life. I have read all the other books in the Young Royals Series and Carolyn Meyer is now my favorite author. I would recommend the whole series to everyone, but this book was my favorite in this series. It was so well-written. I just couldn't wait to find out what would happen next. I also didn't want the book to end. I'd give this book more than 5 five stars! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

amusing combination of fiction and non-fiction
Emmadine. a cow, joins Admiral Byrd's 1933 expedition to the South Pole. Factual information about the South Pole is blended with the details of Emmadine's escapades, impressions, and adventures in the coldest place on earth. All the while she is collecting memories to tell to her "grandcows" when she gets home to the farm. ... Read more

Book Description

At the age of 14 and standing 5 foot 10, Keladry of Mindelan is a squire. A squire serves and learns from a seasoned knight for four years, then faces a final test. That final test is the Ordeal, which takes place in a magical room called the Chamber. There, a squire encounters the parts of him or herself that the Chamber deems to be the most difficult to face–be they fears, failings, or unrepented wicked deeds. Does Kel have what it takes to survive? ... Read more

Reviews (178)

Amazing!
Keladry of Mindelan, the first girl to serve openly as a page and squire in the realm of Tortall, is in her squire years. When taken on by Lord Raoul of Goldenlake and Malorie's Peak, who is the Knight Commander of the King's Own (the 300-man protection force of the realm), Kel quickly learns the many perspectives of battle. She aquires a baby griffin, in addition to her dog, Jump, and a fifty-odd flock of sparrows. An astonising kiss at Midwinter leads up to her confusing romance with Cleon of Kennan. Conservative challengers quickly mount to a admirable jousting record. But will she pass the final test to be a knight: going into the Chamber of the Ordeal?

This was the kind of book I truly couldn't put down all the way through. I'd like to mention Tamora Pierce's wonderful humor, and the fact that she intertwined the story plots of different charecters into one so well. Kel's crushes, which slowly grow into an unlikely romance (Cleon? Who would see that coming?)add a nicely normal pre-teen element to Kel's mostly abnormal world. Some may think Cleon was a big change, and that it was annoying how Kel was "hopelessly fickle" (which she was), but surely no one hasn't had many crushes throughout school, especially at her age. The likeable charecters (Raoul, Daine, Lalasa, ect;) are well set apart from the dislikeable ones (Joren, Garvey, Ansil of Groten) with a few in the middle, like Lord Wyldon and Duke Turomot, to connect them. Though I did think Kel's admiration of Lady Alanna was a tiny bit overdone. But nonetheless, Kel's sensible, determined nature makes her a great role model for pre-teen and teen girls.

one of tamoras best books!!
ok first of all i have to say HOW CAN SOME OF YOU NOT GIVE THIS BOOK 5 STARS?!?!?!?! with that said, lets start talking about the book! as you all probably know, raoul is kels new knightmaster, and so she gets to travel around with the kings own. because of this we get to see pleanty of violence and fighting, but if you cant stand that, why are you reading a book about knights? kel and raoul grow to have a wonderful relationship, they respect eachother just as alanna and myles did in the first books of the song of the lioness series.

next we get to other relationships. everyone complains about neil being out of the picture, but personally, i think the book works just as well without him. i mean, i loved him soooo muchin the first two books and i always hoped they would hook up, but they didnt so its time to move on! dom seems amazing and im glad he was included in the book, its nice to see that im not the only one with a new crush each week. and then of course theres cleon. i love cleon, he seems wonderful and really in love with kel. you could always tell in "page" and even a bit in "first test" that cleon had the hots for kel, i just didnt think that tamora pierce would pursue that and keep it going. i really hope this relationship keeps going into the fourth book, "lady knight". marriage would be wonderful, numair and daine didnt get married when i wanted them to, and alanna ended up marrying GEORGE, who i liked, but he could never ever replace jon in my mind. kel and cleon just need to change cleons mothers mind.

oh and there is one more relationship that none of the reviews ive read have mentioned: there is a bit of romance between raoul and someone... you have to read the book to find out who!

anyway, this book is wonderful, and althoughits age is like 9-12, im going itno grade ten and i still love it and all of tamoras other books, so please, go and read this book!!!

The Best Book Ever. Excedes(is that right) Harry Potter
I think that Mrs. Pierce outdoes her self ever time. But this time, she r(...)eally outdid herself. I don't think she, or anyone, could do better at all. You can almost fall in love with the charecters.

FABULOUS!!!!!!!
I just finished reading this book, and it was absoultely fabulous!!! so far, the best book in the series. I haven't read the next one yet, but having just finished this one, I'm dying to find out what happens next.

In this book, Kel serves her 4 years as a Squire, and it all leads up to a final test- the Ordeal- which will determine if she gets her shield or not. Kel also has to face her worst fears and enemies, puts everything she's learned to the test and even finds love... but I shouldn't give away too much, so I won't say anything more.

All in all, its a great book- you won't be able to put it down, and you won't be disappointed, and, you absolutely MUST READ it!!!!

another favorite
I think that Tamore Pierce has continued with her brilliant novels and that squire is a book of extreme quality. In Squire, Kel continues her struggle to overcome predjudicwe against her and become a knight. I won't give anything away because i'm a firm beleiver in not giving away the slightest detail that might ruin something for some one. Read the book, it's wel worth the time. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (11)

One of the great boys' books (maybe for some girls too!)
My mother gave me this book when I was a young boy; her brother had liked it when HE was a young boy. This story of a young squire from a dishonored noble family in 15th century England, who survives hard training to become a knight, then seeks to restore his family's good name and his blinded father's rights, effortlessly teaches lessons of honor, loyalty, friendship, courage and other virtues -- as well as the softening and gentling influence of love. It also teaches, by presenting what is to a certain extent a realistic and detailed picture of life in a great medieval castle, of knightly training, and of tournaments and single combat in those times. The climax is exciting and not sugar-coated. It's not particularly a book for a kid who is not already a good reader, because the language is old-fashioned, from a more literate time (book was first published around 1900, and the spoken dialogue is to a large degree authentic 15th century speech), but for an imaginative child who has some interest in knights in shining armor, it's a true classic. I don't know about girls, but many boys would probably identify with the young hero while reading the book -- I remember that I did!

Book review
Book Report
" Men of Iron" is a story of Myles Falworth who went on a quest of training for knighthood. Once a knight, he must win back his father life and honor.
The book has no weakness, for it was very well written and told. Although some people might have think the dialogue a turn off. The dialogue was written in old English. It was difficult to understand at first, but after a while you tend to pick up the language. Nevertheless, the old English conversation is an essential part of the book, for the story took place in the fifteenth-century.
The book has many strengths. One strength is that the author did a good job of creating the medieval age atmosphere through extremely descriptive details. Another strength is the story itself. The story is very interesting and exciting.
Myle's first joust ever was exciting, but the last battle is the book most exciting chapter. The author did a good job of building the tension and the stake, that when the last battle was over, I was satisfied with the ending.
I recommend this book to all young adult and teens, because it has great themes such as courage, loyalty, steadfastness, and generosity. The book is exciting and inspiring; in the end, you would feel satisfy and want for more, but don't take my words for it, find out for yourself.

Has been a classic for many years
Myles was only eight when a knight in black armor rode into his father's castle with murder in mind: it was an event which would change his life, bring disgrace to his family, and foster his own training for knighthood so that he might challenge the king's own champion. This story of 15th century England has been a classic for many years and the Dover edition appears unabridged, republishing a Harper 1892 classic.

Men of Iron
This book was so good, when I just saw the cover, it caught my attention. It had a lot of color and I knew it would have a lot of action in it. This book is called Men of Iron. The author is Howard Pyle. This book is historical fiction.
It was about a boy named Myles Falworth.He was brave and strong. He also had a lot of courage. This man believes in himself know matter what. Myles earns a reputation because hae proves himself brave.
He never gives up. At the end he wins the war. I didn't like the part he got stabbed because if that happened to me I would feel bad. It would hurt me and I wouldn't like it. I liked the part where he proves himself brave because before he got into the war he had to fight the captain to prove himself brave. I loved this book because it had a lot of adventure in it and I like adventure books.
I would recommend this book to everybody because it helps you be focused on the book. It makes you want to read more and more.

Men of Iron The making of a young man to a knight
This was a time whena young man who had to be carefully taken in the steps of knightlyhood. With the days going by, he had o fight his father's foe.

I would recommend this book to a friend of mine who would like to read classsic books, and hopefully he/she would find this book enjoying. I wouldn't say the boook was totally boring, however, it could have been a bit more exciting. It always counts to the persons' opinon. ... Read more

Book Description

Now that Lady Grace is the Queen’s secret "Lady Pursuivant"—a title normally reserved for those who pursue wrongdoers of the Crown—she can hardly believe that a new mystery has fallen in her lap. But what else can it be when Lady Sarah, a fellow lady-in-waiting known for her fancy clothes and hoity-toity attitude, is missing and feared kidnapped by the dashing Captain Drake. Despite her hard feelings, Grace must help rescue Sarah . . . or Sarah’s sullied reputation will ruin her life. But was Sarah really kidnapped? It’s up to Lady Pursuivant to find out! ... Read more

Book Description

Eleanor of Aquitaine, wife to two kings, mother to two others, has been waiting in Heaven a long time -- eight centuries, more or less -- to be reunited with her second husband, Henry II of England. Finally, the day has come when Henry will be judged for admission. While Eleanor, never a patient woman in life or afterlife, waits, three people, each of whom was close to Eleanor during a time of her life, join her. Their reminiscences do far more than help distract Eleanor -- they also paint a rich portrait of an extraordinary woman who was front and center in a remarkable period in history and whose accomplishments have had an important influence on society through the ages. ... Read more

Reviews (40)

Magnificent intro to one of history's most powerful women
I first read this book at least 15 years ago and have never forgotten it. This book and The Daughter of Time launched my ongoing love affair with British history. After reading this book, I was so inspired that I dressed as Eleanor of Aquitaine for Halloween; I was shocked and astonished to discover that she was far from a household name and I spent my entire evening of trick-or-treating explaining my costume. If more books for children were as historically accurate and entertaining as is Proud Taste for Scarlet and Miniver, I think more people would have recognized and appreciated my costume. E.L. Konigsburg writes some of the best children's books I've ever read and they stand the test of time- I enjoy reading them now as much as I did then. By writing about an often ignored yet fascinating woman, Konisburg opened my eyes to a range of historical characters usually excluded in traditional history books. I highly recommend this book for any child, but especially for young girls who are looking for more female characters to shape their understanding of world history.

A Proud Taste for Scarlet and Miniver
"...Louis was too thickheaded to use this valuable tool, this queen, this restless beauty, this Eleanor." So begins the wonderful saga of the spirited Eleanor of Aquitaine, her husbands, sons and daughters. From her marriage with Louis of France to that of King Henry II of England, Eleanor shows through wit and compassion, abruptness and anger, readers learn the unforgettable story of this heroine, and exactly why she has earned her place in history. Told from the view points of Abbot Suger of St. Denis, the Matilda Empress, and King Henry's most faithful knight, William the Marshall, A Proud Taste for Charlotte and Miniver is not a book to be forgotten

Fantastic book about a prominent figure
A Proud Taste for Scarlet and Miniver is a wonderful book about the life of Eleanor of Aquitaine. This book shows all stages of her life: her childhood in France, her first marriage to Louis VII, her second marriage to Henry II, every important stage of Eleanor's life.

Eleanor and her fellow story-tellers Abbot Suger, Matilda-Empress, and William the Marshal are well-portrayed, as are the people who made an impact on Eleanor's life. Everything that happened to her is drawn in deftly to the story; you barely realise that you are actually waiting for Henry's judgement.

This is a great introduction to an important figure in French and English history. If you're looking for a light read or a brief glance into the time period Eleanor lived in, this is the perfect book. It is great for the youngest children to the most interested historian. This is a definitely something to check out as soon as you can!

A Proud Taste for Scarlet and Miniver
In 'A Proud Taste for Scarlet and Miniver', a teen named Eleanor of Aquitaine is married to Prince Louis of France. They live happily until the crusade, where she disobeys her husband, now King, and is very unpleasant after that. So Eleanor leaves that marriage behind, and marries King Henry. She feels that she has never met a person so devious and sharp-witted like herself, and becomes very pleasurable around him. She gives birth to three sons and one daughter, but they all disagree with each other. And to make it worse, King Henry is becoming more and more angry at both his sons and Eleanor. SO she lives in Aquitaine. But what will he do to Eleanor? Read this book!

Im not sure that I liked this book, because it was pretty hard to follow. It was an interesting read, and I would reccomend it to people that like medieval tales, but NOT anything like science fiction, like me. Only if you like fantasy and are willing to cope with a broken-up story, from several characters' points of view. Read something else instead.

Amazing book
I love Eleanor very much. She was beautiful both inside and outside. She loved poetry, music, and art. She was strong and always fought bravely. She was a pioneer feminist.
I love the beautiful illustrations by E.L.Konigsburg, too. Great! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Condense The Incredible Journey to its purest essence then add the most exquisite, vividly painted illustrations, and there you have The Cat Who Walked Across France.

A cat lives contentedly for many years in a seaside village, until his old mistress dies and he is shipped off to another town far away. Lonely and ignored, the gray kitty sets off on an odyssey, lured by memories of "the tangy smell of lemons ripening on a branch under a window at the stone house by the edge of the sea," and driven by "the taste of the salty air that blew off the water and coated the bench behind the stone house by the edge of the sea." Returning finally to his home seaport, the paw-sore old cat finds the door to his stone house still open and inviting. Readers will be pleased (and not surprised) to learn that the new residents welcome the brave and determined fellow with open arms and dishes of food.

Kate Banks and Georg Hallensleben, who have teamed up on several gorgeous and award-winning picture books, including Close Your Eyes, are a creative match made in heaven. Lovely! (Ages 5 and older) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A TOUCHING STORY OF PERSEVERANCE
Who says you can't go home again? Especially when home is a refuge of familiarity, comfort and love.

For many years a cat lived with an old woman in a stone house in France. Their house was by the sea so the cat well knew and loved the smell of salt air. At night the cat would curl in the woman's arms and she would pet him.

One day the woman died and all her belongings, along with the cat, were packed and shipped north to the place where she was born. However, there was no one to care for the cat. He wandered the streets meowing for food and running from predatory dogs.

Enough of this! He decided to go home. Could a cat possibly walk all the way across France to find the home for which he yearned?

Suggested for children ages 4 - 8 this is a touching story of perseverance and the comfort of home.

- Gail Cooke

Educators Recommend
"For many years the cat had lived in the stone house by the edge of the sea . . . He chased the wind that scuttled through the garden . . . At dusk he curled up in the bend of the old woman's arm" and she scratched his ears and stroked his back. "Good kitty," she tells him, "good kitty."

When the woman dies, her belongings, along with cat, are shipped north to her childhood home. With no one there to love him, the cat decides to leave. He roams the French countryside, sleeping in barns, hunting field mice, and dodging dogs and cars in bustling, big cities. His journey takes him past the Eiffel Tower, over bridges, around castles and ruins, through storms, and into occasional danger.

Time passes. "His fur grew scruffy. Now and again he would stop to linger on a grassy bank or in the cool shade of an ancient wall." Always though he pushed on, dreaming of the stone house by the edge of the sea.

"Thin and frail" the cat finally makes his way home. As he walks up to the door of the stone house, he finds it wide open. Soon he is curled into a small ball, asleep on a couch. When he awakens he finds a boy and girl standing over him. They offer him a platter of food, fresh water, and, satisfyingly, a home.

A map of France on the book's back cover shows the cat's zigzag journey from Rouen in the north to St. Tropez in the south.

Hallensleben's paintings are lushly textured with bold, big, colorful brush strokes.

Excellent as a read aloud.

Reviewed by the Education Oasis Staff. ... Read more

Book Description

It's 1893. Charlotte and her family have lived abroad in the famous artist colony in Giverny, France, for a year, when an exciting invitation arrives. The celebrated impressionist Mary Cassatt is having an exhibition in Paris. While in Paris, Charlotte dines at a cafe on the Champs-Elysees, watches a marionette show in the Tuileries gardens and celebrates her birthday at the Eiffel Tower. Illustrated with stunning museum reproductions of works by artists such as Monet, Degas, Cassatt, Renoir and Rodin as well as lovely watercolor collages, this sequel to Charlotte in Giverny also includes biographical sketches of the featured painters. Charlotte's charming scrapbook will leave fans of the first book, art lovers, Francophiles and readers of all ages shouting, "Vive Charlotte!" ... Read more

Reviews (2)

VIVE CHARLOTTE!
I've fallen in love with Charlotte all over again! Giverny, and now Paris, in the year 1893, come alive through the American Charlotte's amusing journal-a charming collection of observations, illustrations, french words and collages. As she learns about the painters around her-we learn. One can almost hear the sound of sleighs gliding through the streets of Paris on a winters night, and taste the "croquembouche"-the tower of cream puffs Charlotte alluringly descibes on Christmas Eve! Once again, Joan Knight allows the paintings of impressionists (such as Cassat, Monet, MacMonnies and more-) to help tell Charlottes story-to great success. As with all of Mrs. Knights selections, Monet's "The Magpie" is used to great effect-as Charlotte and friend Lizzy, upon their way home from making snow sculptures, stumble upon him painting a winter scene. There is no doubt that the Mrs. Knight, and the illustrator, Melissa Sweet-succeed in making Charlotte's voice very real-she is a most endearing character-one we all would love to have as friend! One can only hope Charlotte's adventures go on from Paris!

exquisite visuals and text
I bought this book because I was a huge fan of the first Charlotte in Giverny! Being a lover of all things French, I am equally captivated by this second book in this fabulous series. The text transports the reader to a magical time in our artistic history and the "journal" style of the text is witty and wonderful to read. Each page is truley a work of art--a magical collage that makes me want to create my own scrap book. You truley get lost in Charlotte's world. I read it to my daughter every night. Bravo! ... Read more

Book Description

Near the end of World War II, scientists in Los Alamos, New Mexico, are working on a project that will alter the fate of the world. Thirteen-year-old Stephen Orr is living at a top secret military base with his father who is a leading physicist building the atomic bomb. Stephen realizes the dangers involved when one of the scientists becomes hospitalized as a result of working with the project. The scientist alerts him to disasters that could come from The Gadget. Stephen feels it is up to him and his friend Tilanov
to find the answers that lie behind this veil of secrecy. ... Read more

Reviews (20)

the sunglasses
The book that I read is the gadget by: paul zindel. It all stared when stephen and his cousin where on the roof when the war was going on and the japines came and bombed london and his cousin stared to run and when all of the smoke clered he went to see where his cousin was and he said that he was on the ground like a torwn bleeding doll. Then he had to go live with his dad in new mexico so he could be procted. Then he went to go find some friends where he lived then he staterd to go to school he started to get more friends and that is where he begin to be friends with aliex. If you like to read then you would probley wantto read this book I liked this book alot maby you will like it to.

The Gadget
Stephen, his mother, and cousin were living in London when the Germans bombed their home city of London. Stephen?s father, a physicist, had been in Los Alamos on a top-secret military base. After the German bombing raid, Stephen was sent to stay on the base with his father. At the base Stephen met a boy named Alexei, and they soon became good friends. Since Stephen had arrived at the base he felt something was going on and he took many chances to find out the truth. He narrowly escaped from an attempted kidnapping with the help of his friend Alexei. They eventually follow military trucks to a bomb testing area and experience the base?s secret first hand, an atomic bomb that the base physicists were working on. When Stephen heard that the war ended, he ran to Alexei?s house, which was off base, he accidentally finds out that Alexei and his family were spies. A chase ensues between Stephen and Alexei and his father; in the end Stephen is safe, Alexei is hit by a train and killed, and his father and associates are taken away. Stephen learned more than he bargained for in his quest for answers.
I enjoyed this book from the first page to the last. I found it interesting because it related to topic we were studying in school. The book, The Gadget, is a great story about a boy in search for answers and the struggles and hardships he faced along the way. The book is very descriptive and allowed me to visualize the events and settings. I felt the tension, worry, and other emotions along with the main character.
I would definitely recommend The Gadget, to anyone because it was suspenseful from the beginning to the end; I had a hard time putting it down. This book grabbed my attention and never let go. The story of Stephen and the chances and adventures he took to find the secret of the base fascinated me. The answers he found shocked me; the base secret was a hidden atomic bomb, and Alexei and his family being spies. If you are looking for adventure, suspense, and surprise in your reading, you should definitely consider reading The Gadget.

The Gadget
This book is about a boy sent to an army with his dad, but his dad is already there. Sthepen (boy) os only sent there to keep his dad company. But wierd things start happening to Stephen while he is there. You'll just have to read thebook to find out the wierd stuff. This book has alot of action in it and a great WW II.

The Gadget
The Gadget is a verey good book.It's adout this kid Stephen and his friend Jackson one night they were on the roof top playing around like kids do and then they heared a loud siren so harried to the door but they never made then there was this loud exelosion then there was nothing left besiades a huge dark black cloud filled with smoke.I think this book is good for peole who like adventures.

Paul Zindel dropped the bomb
The year is 1945, WWII tears through Europe, and America fears it will spread to the US. This is wear we meet Steven, a 13 year old boy who is the son of a physicist. Steven lives with his father in a town that does not exist, Los Alamos, NM. This is wear the USA plans to stop the war, it is also wear Steven and his new found friend Alexia find out how.

I thought this was a good book, especially for those who are reluctant to sit down and take the time to read. Like most of Zindel's books, the chapters in The Gadget are short, but catchy. I found that this seemed to make the book more suspenseful, and flow much better. The shorterr chapters make more sense in this book to, since each chapter is equal to a day or two in Steven's life at Los Alamos. I also discovered that the author does not spice his writing with uneeded ingritents. The writing is simple,crisp, and two the point.

As you read this story, you notice how two of the main chracters change. Steven seems to drift away from his father, as Steven's father wants to become closer to his already distant son, but can't due to his work. I found this predictable because his father was never home.

I found that this book was inticing, and did not contain any major flaws. The only flaw that seemed to bother me wasthat in moved extemely fast, but this may suit different readers. I also found how historicly accurate this book was even though it was historical fiction.

While i was reading this book it reminded me of the movie Pearl Harbor, because of it's connection to WWII. It also reminded me of the movie starring Nicholas cage, but iI cant remember it's title. This movie is almost exactly like the book except for the abcense of Steven.

Overall I thought that this was a good book for young readers who are afraid to read. ... Read more