Book Description

Reviews (5)

Manufactued in China
So sad to see that this was "Manufactured in China," otherwise I would have given this heart-tugging nostalgia-waxing book 5 stars. Sigh, is nothing sacred anymore? Apparently not!

A Friend is someone Who likes You
This book is a comforting, precious childhood memory. As an adult reading it to my children, it still gives me a warm breezy feeling. My children love it and find it thought provoking and soothing.

Every child should be given this book
How delighted I was to see that this lovely book is still in print. It was given to me when I was a little girl and I bought it for my daughter and one of her friends. The sentiments are wonderful and its petite size makes it so portable. This is a book that resides on a special shelf in our daughter's room and is definitely read at bedtime.

gorgeous childhood memorabilia
a sweet, innocent, classic

This book, like all Anglund books, makes your heart melt.
This book is a sweetheart. It makes you and your child feel good. I would recommend this to any parent, along with the book, "Love is a Special Way of Feeling". ... Read more

Book Description

Halley has always followed in the wake of her best friend, Scarlett. But when Scarlett learns that her boyfriend has been killed in a motorcycle accident, and that she's carrying his baby, she's devastated. For the first time ever, Scarlett really needs Halley. Though their friendship may be tested by the strain, like a true friendship, it will endure. ... Read more

Reviews (133)

Great Book
i think this book was great and it really relates to all teenage girls because friendship is very important i mean i dont know what i would do without my best friend.This book is about a girl(Halley) who never really did anything bad but one summer its like evrything goes wrong.Her best friend Scarlett is in a major dillemma after her boyfriend(Michael) dies in a motorcycle accident and then later on finds out she is pregnant with his baby.Macon Faulkner was Michael's best friend and is basically a trouble maker that Halley starts goin out with.they date for 3 months and he starts wanting to have sex with her but she isnt ready.everything is getting messed up.she is getting grounded constantly and always in trouble.but to find out more do yourself a favor and read this AWESOME book! And like it says on the cover "Anyone who's ever had a best friend --- or a first love -- will understand" and its SO true

My opinion on the book Some one like you By Melissa Hulbert
Everyone reads books.You might even find a book that you really enjoy. I read the book Someone like you by Sarah Dessen.I really enjoyed this book a lot.
My book has two main Charecters in it. The first Charecter in my book is Halley. Halley is a normal teenager that faces every day problems like her parents, school,work and boys. Halley's mom thinks it's a good idea for her to go to a sisterhood camp over summer vacation. She falls in love with a boy named Macon. Her parents don't quite approve of him,but she dosen't care. The second charecter is Scarlett Thomas. Scarlett lives at home with her mother. Scarlett seems to find herself in a lot of trouble. She meets this boy named Michael Sherwood and falls in love with him. She soon finds out that she is pregnet with his baby. Scarlett also finds out that Michael has been killed in a motorcycle accident. She relises she needs Halley a lot because with out her she would have nobody. Scarletts mom wants her to give the baby up for adoption.As the year goes on Halley and Scarlett relise they need each other more then ever.The story takes place in a small quite town called Lake view.
Some literary elements that were used by the autor were things like imagery. At certain points in the book the details she was giving were great. When Halley and Malcon were at the top of a cliff she described it and it almost felt as if I were there. The setting of the Book was very exact.She decribed how looking out of Halleys window you could see Scarlett fron across the street. The author also told how the yards looked and the houses in her neigborhood looked. Sarah Dessen describes her charecters in every detail. She gave everything from how they look to evey little thing they do in specific detail.
I personaly thought Someone Like You was a great book. I liked it most of all because it deals with some issues that teens face everyday. Like getting pressured to have sex and girls at sixteen getting pregnet. The girl Scarlett still manages to go to school and do the things she does everyday. Halley learns that getting pressured to have sex isn't something that is just going to go away. I would recommend this book to teenage girls.I think they would find this book interesting and hopefully they would recommend it to someone else.

Sarah Dessen is AMAZING!
Sarah Dessen is one of my favorite writers of all time, her genuine voice, witty remarks, and spectacular talent make for some of the best chick lit around. Each of her novels is unique, with a special meaning and another beautiful tale. Her writing style is addictive and makes for a fast and captivating read. =) This is my personal favorite, as I can most identify with her character, it is both inspirational and empowering. I would recommend this to anyone! =)

The 2nd Best Book I've Ever Read
Someone Like You has to be the 2nd best book I've ever read, with That Summer, also by Sarah Dessen being the 1st. Both these books are wonderful stories, captivating the reader's attention. Dessen's stories have especially great endings, leaving the reader wanting more. I cannot wait to read her other three books.

Something Like This Book
This is one of my all time favorite books in the entire WORLD! I can relate some of what is happening to Halley to me, I love this about a book. I wish that there was another book like this one, so I could read it, and love it. There are so few books that are so true, captivating, lovable, and have romance. This is one of them. I have read all of Sarah Dessen's other novels, and all are good. If you liked this book (which i KNOW you will) you should definatley get the others. They are all just as good. "Someone Like You" really touched my heart. ... Read more

Book Description

Book Description

One summer can change everything...

Kenyon Baker is not happy about moving to Cape Cod halfway through high school, but his parents have decided to retire there to run a summer cottage colony. At least they'll let him have his own darkroom, provided he helps prepare the colony for guests. The early hours and hard work compound Ken's unhappiness, but just when he thinks he'll never make it through the summer, he meets Razzle Penney.

Skinny, buzz-cut Razzle isn't afraid to act differently from everyone else, and she simultaneously becomes Ken's friend and his muse, as he takes a series of inspiring photos of her. However, Razzle also introduces Ken to beautiful, aggressive Harley, causing a rift in their friendship. Just when it seems things can't get more complicated, Razzle's mother breezes into town, and Razzle learns more about her past than she wants to know.... ... Read more

Reviews (14)

Imspiring and Amazing
When young photographer Kenyon Baker moves to Cape Cod with his predjudiced, elderly parents he expects to face a summer of boredom fixing up the resort his parents bought. But when he meets eccetric, crazy Razzle at the town dump he begins to love his new town and Razzles oddness.But when sexy, beautiful Harley, Razzle's sworn enemy takes an interest in Kenyon it threatens to ruin his friendship with Razzle, and when Razzle's mother comes into town and tells more than anyone wanted to know about Razzle's past evryone is forced to realize diffricult things.
The best thing about this book are the funky,original characters.It is one of the best books I have ever read.

Read This Book NOW
This is the best Ellen Wittlinger book I have ever read - high praise for a wonderful author with other amazing books.

Fifteen year old Kenyon is resentful that his parents bought a group of vacation cabins in Cape Cod and moved him there without asking so they could enjoy a peaceful retirement in picture perfect settings. He's been enlisted to fix up the dilapidated buildings when he'd rather be taking endless rolls of film and exploring the different angles and facets of photography.

As the summer progresses, he develops a friendship with Razzle Penney - weirdo extraordinaire, but great person and wonderfully crafted character. A relationship with sexy but shallow Harley threatens to ruin everything he has with Razzle and others in the small town.

You won't want to put this book down. The characters are some of the most vivid I have ever read about. I wanted it to keep going forever.

Razzle is a Dazzling Book
Razzle is one of the most diverse and interesting book I have read. I am a 15 year old girl and can relate to what happens in the book whether it happens around me everyday or it has happened to me personally. Many many people could relate to this book in some way or another. That, I believe, is why everyone loves the book if I ask them about it.

Someone is always wanting to have the prettier girl or guy,leaving behind someone they care for along the way, getting hurt by that prettier girl or guy, going back to the person they hurt and then get rejected. It happens in high school. But knowing about it and reading about it are two different things. You get a better understanding for what can really happen.

This book gives you a mixture of feelings that can embrace your heart or break it. If you are one of those people that doesn't like to read a book that takes a long to get into you will like this book from the very beginning. Once I picked up the book I couldn't put it down. You'll love it!!

A book for the different
I'm pleased with this book. I've read it in school from the library, expecting something not what it was.

You can get the basic plot from other reviews.

What really intrigues me is the characters. Razzle is a character that's not afraid to be different. I admire that.

I thought I would have more to say... Eh... BUY IT.

Or at least read it.

The writing flows nicely, and gives the slightly detatched feel I like in a book, while still giving lots of emotion in the wordings.

Very good book
THis book was wonderful. you can read some of the other reviews if you want a summary, but i dont want to waste my space with that. Its not one of those corny happy ending books where everyone is happy. those can be good if your in the right mood, but this is more of a truthfull real life book. there are some parts where you are worried for the characters, or sad. it makes your heart ache sometimes. it is very good and even though i dont like the other books by this author, this ones a keeper. i would like to comment on a review a little further down the list, by airwhacka i think. dont listen to her. she is a very closeminded person. she says she is shocked from this book, but i am shocked that she can be so closeminded that she doesnt want her daugther to read this. i mean, yes this book includes a gay man, and teenagers feeling each other up , and confrotational things like abortion and teen pregenency and suicide, but it is all done very tastefully and realistically. she is in denial if she thinks that this book isnt the way things are some places. This book makes you want to be one of the people in the story, they are so wonderful and unique (well, i want to be razzle. i like her) i hope this helped you.by the way, i am a high school student, 16, and other kids in my school have been doing these kinds of things since eight grade for some. this is how things really are. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (2)

Mischievous and fun
Mischievous, Korean-born Yoon deals with starting school and learning English. She likes her name in Korean. It means shining wisdom. She is not so sure she likes YOON, her name written in English. The illustrations are stark, rich, and playful.

Wonderful book to share with children of all ages.
This is a wonderful story that can be shared with any age group. It's about a young Asian girl who comes to America and refuses to write her English name. Beautiful story that teaches a lesson at the end. The pictures are spectacular and very intricate. I love this book! ... Read more

Book Description

Nothing ever happens in Toby's small Texas town.Nothing much until this summer that's full of big changes.
It's tough for Toby when his mother leaves home to become a country singer.And Toby takes it hard when his best friend Cal's older brother goes off to fight in Vietnam.But now their sleepy town is about to get an even bigger jolt with the arrival of Zachary Beaver, billed as the fattest boy in the world.Toby is in for a summer unlike any other, a summer sure to change his life. ... Read more

Reviews (72)

You'll Be Glad You Read This!
The creativity of Kimberly Willis Holt comes at you full-speed in this novel. What's most impressive is the clever way that the seemingly simple small town of Antler, Texas is juxtaposed with the very complex happenings of its townspeople. Toby, our protagonist, spends the summer of 1971 trying to understand his mother's ambitions, his father's lack of emotional expression, and his best friend Cal's under-appreciation of a brother fighting in Vietnam. Toby is given a chance for adventure when a side-show comes to town in the form of the trailer-home of the anti-social Zachary Beaver, the fattest boy in the world. In the end, Toby is able to make better sense of his own world through what he is able to offer to Zachary. The dead-on descriptions of adolescent boys in any given summer in the 70's is captivating. I highly recommend this book to middle school-aged boys and girls.

Definately worth reading
I picked up this book because the cover looked interesting (really!) and I had read about it in a magazine. Toby Wilson is the narrator who lives in the boring town of Antler Texas in 1971. His mom is in Nashville pursuing her country music career. One day a trailer arrives in the Dairy Maid (local restaurant) parking lot advertising Zachary Beaver, the fattest boy in the world. Toby and his friend Cal go to check it out. It turns out not to be such a boring summer after all.

I really enjoyed this book. You get to know and love the characters, which are very interesting and all have their own quirks. It starts off pretty boring but I was compelled to keep reading just by the first page. The book is sometimes laugh out loud funny. The author is very very good at showing the characters' emotions - sometimes they surprise you. I can't wait to see what else this author will write.

This book was good
I liked this book. It is great how Holt stepped into Toby's shoes. Readers will grow to love Wayne, Toby's best friend's brother who was drafted for the Vietnam War. I loved Wayne, too. He was one of my favorite characters, despite the fact that he is not present and eventually dies. The characters are all very well developed. Kids from 4th grade to 8th grade will want to read this. This book is very good, and I enjoy reading it.

When Zachary Beaver Came To Town
"Nothing ever happens in Antler, Texas. Nothing much at all. Until this afternoon, when an old blue Thunderbird pulls a trailer decorated with Christmas lights into the Dairy Maid parking lot."
Meet Tobias Wilson, your average American boy. He's short, has a crush on Scarlet Stalling, and his mother is pursuing her dream of becoming a country music star.
He's about to set off on what seems like the most boring summer ever. His best friend's older brother is off fighting in Vietnam. Toby also has to suffer the agony of watching Scarlet Stalling kiss another boy while Toby baby-sits her sticky-fingered, incontinent little sister.
Then Zachary Beaver, described as "the fattest boy in the world", moves into Antler, closely tailed by a whirlwind series of events.
Kimberly Holt has outdone herself with When Zachary Beaver Came to Town. She captures the mind of the reader, drawing them into the story. The reader becomes Toby, feeling his rage and frustration, joy and wonder. The characters become people you know and trust through Holt's use of in-depth description and witty dialogue. I recommend When Zachary Beaver Came to Town to anyone who enjoys a compelling, thrilling read.

Grace

When Zachary Beaver Came to Town
I liked the novel "When Zachary Beaver Came to Town" for many reasons. One of witch is that its a story about two boys that live in a small town like the one I live in. Another reason I enjoyed it was that the author Kimberly Walis Holt did a very good job of discribing the characters. I disliked the way that she discribed the delivery of the worms.

The best part of the book in my opinion was when Cal and Toby defended Zachary from the other kids. Ms. Holt had vivid imagry of the boys. In this part Cal had left food for Zachary on his front step and they waited to see if he would pick it up. While they were waiting some other boys came up and started picking on him. Toby and Cal did the reasonable thing and helped defend Zachary.

The author had a good discription of the setting and talking about the characters. When she said, "The cotton feilds look like waves" I could imagine it. Toby and Cal remind me of two brothers that were always playing and rough-housing. ... Read more

Book Description

Jason Carrillo is a jock with a steady girlfriend, but he can't stop dreaming about sex...with other guys.

Kyle Meeks doesn't look gay, but he is. And he hopes he never has to tell anyone -- especially his parents.

Nelson Glassman is "out" to the entire world, but he can't tell the boy he loves that he wants to be more than just friends.

Three teenage boys, coming of age and out of the closet. In a revealing debut novel that percolates with passion and wit, Alex Sanchez follows these very different high-school seniors as their struggles with sexuality and intolerance draw them into a triangle of love, betrayal, and ultimately, friendship. ... Read more

Reviews (53)

Brilliant: I see a TV series in the making here
Alex Sanchez has written a book that is a real page turner. This has to become an insightful and compelling, dramady series on television. It is serious and humorous in the same way that all of our lives reveal themselves to us.

The plot and characters live in the complex culture of American adolscence with all of its usual challenges of family, friends, and future decisions about college and life choices. Jason, Kyle and Nelson have the added challenge of uncovering that they are gay in a primarily straight world.

As a former high school teacher I could relate to all of the "usual" challenges of students. As a straight person I had never had the privilidge of being invited to examine the angst and strenght that young people experience in coming to terms with their gayness during these already quizzicale years.

Mr. Sanchez writes about the tender affections and great concern of the boys parents for their sons, so touchingly. He shows the struggle for acceptance from self and school friends with great diginity. And he walks us so honestly through the interior lives of the main characters and the supporting cast with the solemnity and humor that breathes life into the page.

This novel presents us with a slice of life that is real in many families. It shows us that it is time that we all work on learning much more about all life choices in order to understand and love each other more as the complex human beings that we truly are. Bravo and thank you, Mr. Sanchez. I look forward to your next novel with great anticipation.

A Definite Winner
Alex Sanchez's witty, realistic, and provocative look at gay teen sexuality is a definite winner!
The story follows the lives of three teenage boys during their final year of high school. Jason Carillo, "ultrajock" and Mr. Popularity has a girlfriend, and they've even had sex, so why does he sometimes think of other guys? Nelson Glassman is out and proud, a loud sarcastic mouth his only weakness against the gay bashers he confronts each and every day. And Kyle Meeks, Nelson's best friend, and lonely intellectual, harboring a secret crush on Jason since Freshman year.
In this fresh and startling novel, the experiences of the three intertwine and intersect, producing one of the best novels for gay teens in recent years. The book, however, resists being labeled as merely "gay fiction." This is a story of adolescence and high school, of love lost and love found. It is perhaps one of the most revealing glimpses of growing up, (gay or straight) that I've ever read.
And while dealing with such somber topics as HIV/AIDS, alcoholism, domestic violence/abuse, gay bashing, and ignorance and bigotry, Alex Sanchez never loses hope or lets the picture he paints become too bleak.
Inspirational and fun, quirky yet serious, Rainbow Boys won't soon be lost nor forgotten.

Hardships and hurdles of homosexuality
Sanchez's novel chronicles three gay high school boys. One is out, proud, and totally a flamer. One, his best friend, is still in the closet. Another, with a steady girlfriend, has just come to the realization and is trying his best to understand - and hide, in a way, this new discovery.

Nelson is the flamer. With a trillion earrings, crazy hair, and a love for fashion, he sees no need to keep his secret. He's been out and has many friends and people who like him despite this. And why isn't he likeable? He's a loyal friend, a wonderful listener, and can provide his best friend, Kyle, with good advice and a shoulder to cry on.

Kyle is gay but has yet to announce it to the world. Nonetheless, he's known the truth since an early age. People do expect he is a homosexual because he always hangs around with Nelson. Their friendship is incredibly strong. Kyle's parents are loving and supportive - at first only his mother seems to be, but his father does eventually come around once Kyle gives them the news. Nelson wants to be more than just friends but Kyle only has eyes for Jason.

Jason is a jock with a beautiful girlfriend named Debra. They've been going steady for two years and even have had sex. So he can't be gay, can he? Well...he tries, like some may, to deny and supress the thought, tries to dismiss it from his mind. But when he makes love to Debra, he pictures men. He dreams of naked men. He thinks of Kyle. With an alcoholic father who constantly calls him weak, home life is sometimes an obstacle. It is difficult for Jason to muster the courage to tell Debra but when he does, her reaction is normal. After all, she does love him.

Sanchez's novel is real. When the two boys finally come out of the closet, family and friend reactions are totally understandable, apt to happen in those situations. Sanchez's ability to convey character depth and meaning are incredible and make this novel what it is. You'll enjoy this book whether you happen to be straight, gay, or bisexual. And, to be frank, it really opened my eyes. Although I choose to be straight, it helped me realize that love between same sexes can be just as real, just as true. I'm looking forward to reading the sequel.

Simply Excellent
This book is completely excellent. Being in high school, and gay, I wanted to read a book that I could relate to and know follow what was going on. Even though this book doesn't have all the steamy sex scenes that every gay guy seems to go for, I couldn't put it down. Rainbow Boys describes the struggles and trials of a jock, an "out" guy, and an outsider. Simply excellent and not to miss.

You'll feel like "coming out" again and again...
I extremely enjoyed this brilliant work. Being only fourteen, I could relate to all of the things the characters were going through. This book examines the struggles of the modern gay teen, the pressures from parents they experience, and the wonderful feelings of knowing that they're not alone in this world. I highly suggest this book to anyone regardless of their age, and to pick up a copy of the second book, "Rainbow High" as well. Alex Sanchez truly deserves to be named the modern Shakespeare! ... Read more

Amazon.com

My Friend Isabelle is a wonderful little book that teaches about difference and acceptance with simplicity and grace. Isabelle and Charlie are friends. They are the same age, but like most friends, they are different: Charlie is tall and knows "a lot of words," and Isabelle is short and sometimes her words are, "hard to understand." The sweet simplicity of their relationship is a reminder to everyone that "differences are what make the world so great." Young readers will love the bold illustrations and simple text, and parents will appreciate the message and the sensitivity with which it is delivered.At the end of the story readers meet the real Isabelle, and author Eliza Woloson briefly notes how Down syndrome makes her daughter and other children special. --Daphne Durham ... Read more

Reviews (4)

"My Friend Isabelle"
"My Friend Isabelle" is a book that ALL parents should have on their bookshelf. It celebrates the relationship between two children who are different from one another. It is an important book because today's classrooms are becoming more and more diverse. This book is a great tool to introduce these differences. I have been waiting for a book like "My Friend Isabelle". Thank you Ms. Woloson for being so insightful.

The World Has Needed This Book for Some Time.
I can't praise this book enough. The illustrations and straightforward story line appeal to children while the message is one all aldults need to see. As the mother of a Down Syndrome child, I was overjoyed at how clearly the message came through that Down Syndrome kids are kids first. They enjoy all the usual childhood activities and enjoy friendships with thier non-Downs peers as well. I plan on purchasing this book for our local public library and our elementary school library as well.

WONDERFUL CHILDREN'S BOOK
This is a wonderful book about diversity in the world, which is truly what makes this planet great. This childrens' book has beautiful illustrations and has a story line kids can learn about the differneces in other kids they encounter in day to day life. To celebrate diversity, not ignore or make it a negative issue. This book brings tears to your eyes.

WONDERFUL BOOK
THIS BOOK OPENS WONDERFUL CONVERSATION WITH CHILDREN. IT HELPS SEE DIFFERENCES FROM A CHILD'S POINT OF VIEW. PERFECT FOR THE KINDERGARTEN AGE CHILD. ... Read more

Book Description

Here are twelve deeply moving short stories from the perceptive pen of Cynthia Rylant. Each captures the moment when someone's life changes -- when an animal causes a human being to see things in a different way, and, perhaps, changes his life. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Touching stories about people and animals
"Every Living Thing," by Cynthia Rylant, is a collection of 12 short stories. Although different characters appear in each tale, the collection as a whole is unified by style and by theme. Each story deals with an encounter or ongoing relationship between a human being and one or more non-human animals. Since the book is only 81 pages long, each tale is quite brief.

This is a gentle, moving book. Rylant has a gift for capturing resonant details. She also writes with great compassion for both her human and non-human characters. Her non-human characters come in many different species: a turtle, dogs, a parrot, squirrels, and more. Her human characters are also diverse: both adults and children, both male and female. I found one of the most memorable characters to be an alcoholic wartime veteran (from "Drying Out").

My overall favorite story in the collection, "A Pet," is about a girl who becomes the owner of a blind old goldfish. I would recommend this book especially to those interested in the short story as a literary form and to those interested in literature about animals. If you like this book, I would also recommend Phyllis Reynolds Naylor's novel "Shiloh."

Just a plain old good book
This may be the last in the series, but was my first read. Each chapter is a minnie story depicted in the rolling hills of Scotland. The humble vet brings his interesting account of his practice to the reader in such a way that you cannot put the book down. That's not just a cliche, either. It IS a very good book.

For lovers of animals and people!!`
Wonderful stories!! Life as it is!! Having read these stories aloud to adults in nursing homes on numerous occassion and found them to satisfy our need to hear good resolves, we can all recommend this good read. "A Bad Road for Cats", one of the favorites, that hits the hard realities of human relationships and good resolves in our dealing with others when things aren't right. Stories of people finding there way through realationships with others and the place that animals play in our lives to make bridges. Read them! You will love them if you love people and animals. Write more of these Cynthia! ... Read more

Book Description

This latest serving from the best-selling Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul series explores the topics nearest and dearest to teen hearts: love and friendship. The adolescent years are challenging-teens' relationships with their family and friends are constantly being redefined and they face tough choices about people they want to emulate and peers they want to hang out with. New friendships begin as others fall by the wayside. Love interests come and go as quickly as the styles they wear. Moms and dads are ogres one day, best buddies the next. Teens need all the help they can get navigating the perils and joys of these relationships.

Like other volumes in the Teenage Soul series, teen contributors share their thoughts and feelings on the issues that matter most to them. The stories in Love & Friendship candidly depict teens' feelings about breakups, forgiveness, love and kindness, their closest relationships and many other topics, from the happiest moments of their lives to the darkest days they struggle to put behind them. Chapter titles include: Falling in Love; Breaking Up; Friendship; Tough Times;Family and Love; Growing Up; Acts of Kindness.

Teen readers will recognize their own experiences in these stories and will learn valuable lessons about the true meaning of love and friendship. They'll discover that their own feelings are normal and that they are not alone. Love & Friendship will encourage teens to examine their relationships and make the most of the time they spend with family and friends.

Reviews (8)

Love and Friendship
Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul on Love and Friendship a great book for teenagers, because it is real life stories written by teens all over the U.S. The stories in this book are about relationships and dating, and friendships. Most of the stories in this book are very happy and give the reader tips about relationships with people, but there are also a few stories written by heart broken teens.
Every story in this book can help someone in some way because they either have a lesson to be learned or they are just great stories to read so maybe someday you can be like one of the teenagers in this book.
This is a book that can be read again and again by adults as well as teens of course, because many adults face some of the same problems as teens face when it comes to relationships. When ever you get a chance to read this book take it. Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul on Love and Friendshipis a book that you will not regret reading because this is such an awesome book!

Best yet
After reading Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul on Love and Friendship I realized how terrible things can be. It also shows you how to make the best of things that you think are the worst. I never thought that Chicken Soup books were for me until I read this one.
You can make life into whatever you want it to be. You shouldnt let guys or friends step in your way. This Cihcken Soup teaches you about all the problems and situations you come across with guys and friends. If either your firend or your boyfriend tried to step in your way of accomplishing something they dont really care because friends and boyfriends dont do that. So if your interested in love, relationships, and friendships then this is the book for you.

What the Teen Love Series should be
If you like Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul then you'll absolutely love this book! This is what the Teen Love Series on Relationships shoudl've been.

The book has stories written by teens as usual but it's a lot better than listening to the author ask questions all the time. Sorry to say but me being a teen, I don't learn from being lectured to all day, I learn from experience and this book details on others experiences that teaches me more than if my mom or dad were to sit down and lecture me on all of it.

It's very good and it takes after the Chicken Soup for the Soul books rather than the Teen Love series which I feel is much better. That means we get more mature stories written by older teens as well as younger so it's a great read for teenagers of all ages. Not just teens, but adults as well.

Pure excellence
This is an excellent book. It is so informative of real teenage problems on love and friendship. It has helped me to understand that I am not the only girl who has to deal with bad relationships between friends and boyfriends. And you can tell this is a good book because I love to shop and when I went to the mall I baught a book (this book) which I NEVER do, but I just wanted it that bad. This truly is a great book and every parent who has a teenage daughter just has to buy it!

Chicken Soup is the best!
This book was awesome. I love reading stories written by teens, especially true stories. I would definately recommend this book to anyone who loves to read and is just looking for a good book, or even someone who dislikes reading and just wants to read the romance stories. From romance to helping people, CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE TEENAGE SOUL ON LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP IS THE BEST! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Death is a way of life for the Snowberger family, since they run a funeral parlor out of their Mississippi home with the motto "We live to serve." Still, when 94-year-old Great-great-aunt Florentine Snowberger dies in the vegetable garden, no one can truly be prepared, even though she'd been bidding "good night and good-bye" to the family every night since she turned 90. Florentine's death is hard on 10-year-old Comfort, since the two were so close, even co-writing the Fantastic (and Fun) Funeral Food for Family and Friends. It's no surprise, then, when the annoyingly overwrought emotional displays of her young cousin Peach Shuggars and the sudden iciness of her alleged best friend Declaration Johnson send Comfort over the edge. Thank goodness for her shaggy "feel-good" dog Dismay who can eradicate all bad feelings with a single slobbery lick.

When a dangerous flash flood comes to Snapfinger on the day of Florentine's funeral, Comfort learns again that life is full of surprises, good and bad, and that, ultimately, it's just good to be alive. This warm, witty novel, told in Comfort's voice (and a mix of letters, recipes, articles, and helpful hints), celebrates the joys of family, of prune bread, of freshly sharpened pencils, and of "each little bird that sings." The fairly constant philosophizing about life and death, the unusual character names (Tidings, Comfort, Joy), and the narrator's oft-precocious voice may fray a nerve or two, but readers will find more than enough humor and good old-fashioned storytelling here to make up for it. (Ages 8 to 12) --Karin Snelson ... Read more

Amazon.com

Longing for adventure, Jack the blackbird decides one day to venture outfrom his forest home to seek the excitement of the sea. There he encounters adashing seagull named Jim, who welcomes Jack into his life and shows him thewonders of his seaside village. Unfortunately, the other (white) gulls aren't sohospitable. "Who's that funny bird," old Captain Seagull asks. In spite of Jim'sefforts to defend his friend, the villagers can't seem to get beyond Jack'sdifferences. Until, that is, they learn that he has a skill none of them do.Jack's ability to read funny stories from an old washed-up box of books wins thefriendship of the crusty gulls, and interspecies harmony abounds at last.

Though the story has an innocent sweetness to it and the plot line is pleasantlymeandering, the denouement seems forced as lessons about the importance oftolerance and the value of literacy are blurred. No question, the book's shiningglory is in its illustrations. Kitty Crowther's ink and watercolor pictures arequirky and appealing, with the seagulls dressed in jaunty stripes and Jack theblackbird in a handsome red shirt. The seagulls in the village have a mean,quarrelsome look about them, while Jack's and Jim's open expressions reflecttheir unbiased hearts. (Ages 4 to 7) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A Charming Tale of Acceptance
Jack and Jim charmingly tells the story of Jack, a blackbird, who comes to befriend a seagull named Jim. They meet on the beach (Fire Island?) and spend the night together, talking. The next morning, Jim takes Jack to his hometown, where Jim shows Jack the sights with his arm around his shoulder. After an exhasuting day, they spend the night together again. The next day, Jim's seagull friends reject Jack because he looks so different. Jack is thrilled when Jim tells him that if his neighbors can't accept Jack, then he won't be friends with them anymore. Later, Jack winds up winning Jim's friends over, and the formerly-nasty seagulls come to accept and value Jack. This is a sweet book about learning to respect diversity and to follow your heart. When I read the book to my three year old, he asked "Are they (Jack and Jim) partners?" Improbably, yes.

Excellent children's book!
This book has become one of my daughter's favorite books! It's illustrations, along with the message keep her attention. The story is about two friends who experience uncomfortable feelings from a seagull colony because one (Jack) is a black bird and the other (Jim) is a seagull. I picked this up from the local library, but will purchase it for my daughter's permanent collection. ... Read more

Reviews (13)

What a great book!
My son and I LOVE reading this book...I get a kick out of the art history puns and the sophisticated content and he loves the pictures and the story of Pigasso and Mootisse (both of which he now says frequently). I highly recommend it and would say it's one of my favorites.

A "Moosterpiece"
When Pigasso Met Mootisse is a wonderful parody detailing the rivalry, feuding and eventual friendship of artists Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse. Nina Laden's creative and witty text, full of wordplay and puns, will have adults and children alike, laughing out loud and also offers the subtle lesson of acceptance and respect for others and their work. But, it's her bold, bright, busy and humorous illustrations that will mesmerize youngsters and older art lovers will enjoy finding the "pig" and "bull" representations of Picasso's and Matisse's best known works. The biographical afterword, discussing their lives, painting and relationship, will enhance the story and give children a better understanding of these two great artists. This is a marvelous, vivid picture book, perfect for kids 4-8; a hilarious story for the ears and a visual feast for the eyes.

Family Favorite
I have been reading this to my children now 6, 5, and 3, since it's release in '98. It is still a frequent request. It, also, has sparked a deep interest in all my children for art. We have been to several art museums, and they all always try to find the 'Pigasso' or 'Mootise' paintings.

A fun and enjoyable book
We have shared art and artists with our son ,who just turned three, since he was an infant. He knew a Picasso from a Monet by 26 months. He just got this book for his birthday and he loves it. I love it to as well as the mini bios in the back of the book.
We have paired it with Picasso and Mattisse for kids.(Great art board books for little guys.)

Eye candy for kids
I have read this to both of my daughters many times. They are 2.5 and 5.5years old. They actually sit still for the whole thing. The art is incredible. If you have even heard of the real artists you will enjoy the author's excellent ability emulate the artists' style. It is a beginning to introduce children to art and understand how much fun art can be. I feel like I should by another just in case something happens to my original book! ... Read more

Book Description

"I refuse to speak further of the Ten-legged One...but the more I think about it, the more I like it. Why mess around with Catholicism when you can have your own customized religion? All you need is a disciple or two...and a god."

Fed up with his parents' boring old religion, agnostic-going-on-atheist Jason Bock invents a new god -- the town's water tower. He recruits an unlikely group of worshippers: his snail-farming best friend, Shin, cute-as-a-button (whatever that means) Magda Price, and the violent and unpredictable Henry Stagg. As their religion grows, it takes on a life of its own. While Jason struggles to keep the faith pure, Shin obsesses over writing their bible, and the explosive Henry schemes to make the new faith even more exciting -- and dangerous.

When the Chutengodians hold their first ceremony high atop the dome of the water tower, things quickly go from merely dangerous to terrifying and deadly. Jason soon realizes that inventing a religion is a lot easier than controlling it, but control it he must, before his creation destroys both his friends and himself.

Pete Hautman, author of Sweetblood and Mr. Was, has written a compelling novel about the power of religion on those who believe, and on those who don't. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Must read
This book will change the way you think. It's a good story, with characters I swear I know, and the main guy is too believable for words. He's funny, he's serious, he's smart, and he's not smart. Just like that guy that sits next to you in (fill in the blank). He's got questions about people telling him what to believe--he wants to figure it out for himself--and conquering his fear helps him do that. I never knew what would happen next. I've told all my friends to read it.

Godless is Awesome
First, I loved the characters. It was great to hang out with them. Second, I loved what it was about. Godless shows you how a religion could come to be--how it could actually be created.

Pete Hautman always takes on big issues in his books: Sweetblood--vampires and diabetes, Mr. Was--abuse and time travel, Stone Cold--gambling. In this new book, he decides to take on a huge issue--what and how we believe God to be.

Godless is serious and funny at the same time, at the same moment. You can be laughing about what a character is saying and yet it can be painful and true. ... Read more

Book Description

Troy Billings at 6'1", 296 pounds, is standing at the edge of a subway platform seriously contemplating suicide when he meets Curt MacCrae -a sage-like, semi-homeless punk guitar genius who also happens to be a drop-out legend at Troy's school on the Lower East Side of Manhattan.

"I saved your life. You owe me lunch," Curt tells Troy, and Troy can't imagine refusing; after all, think of the headline: FAT KID ARGUES WITH PIECE OF TWINE.

But with Curt, Troy gets more than he bargained for and soon finds himself recruited as Curt's drummer. "We'll be called Rage/Tectonic. Sort of a punk rock, Clash sort of thing," Curt informs him.

There's only one problem. Troy can't play the drums. Oh yes, and his father thinks Curt's a drug addict. And his brother thinks Troy's a loser.But with Curt, anything is possible. "You'll see," says Curt. "We're going to be HUGE."

In an outstanding, funny, edgy debut, K. L. Going presents two unlikely friends who ultimately save each other. ... Read more

Reviews (18)

Fun with Fat Kid
From the first sentence of "Fat kid" I was hooked.
KL Going gives us sights, sounds, smells, and a vivid telling of a tale of two mismatched friends and their adventure to form a band and play a successful gig. The first person telling took me into Troy's (the fat kid) mind and heart and allowed me to peer into his world. Living the good and the bad experiences in the tumultious weeks spent with him.

I enjoyed reading this story and found myself laughing out loud often. I think we've all known a Troy in our lives. Here we get to walk with him and get his thoughts on the situations he finds himself in. Including the whirlwind his new friend Curt takes him on. All the while wondering if Curt is for real, after all, who could like the fat kid?
We all do Troy, we all do.

I recommend this story to anyone interested in a fun uplifting tale about life, music, and personal triumph. 5 stars.

Fat Kid Rules!
This is an impressive debut novel from author, K. L. Going. Curt and Troy (aka Fat Kid) have formed an unlikely partnership to start a new punk rock band. Curt is already a legend and inexplicably has chosen Troy to be his new drummer. Curt's decision seems odd considering the fact that Troy doesn't know how to play drums and is consumed with self loathing over his obesity. But Curt keeps the faith, even after a memorable debut performance during which Troy vomits profusely over his drum set. But Troy isn't the only one consumed with fear. Curt is homeless and barely surviving living on the street, but he refuses to allow anyone to help him for long. Curt and Troy are both on a journey to learn how to conquer their inner demons. This is a story about faith, family, and conquering the fear that paralyzes you from accomplishing your dreams.

Excellent!
I loved this book! I fell in love with the characters. I actually laughed out loud and cried.

checkers 1
Yes! Yes! Yes! Finally there is a book that interests me in rock and a hard life. K.L. Going is going to go far with this book. Troy is a troubled fat kid with no friends. Curt is an awesome guitar player and becomes friends with Troy. Troy then learns to play the drums and they form a band(there is twice as much exciting events). This book is awesome. It is very suspenseful, exciting, and it has the talk of a teenager. Like they swear and they smoke but its all part of a real life rock band, and it is a life of a teenager. There better be a sequel. 5 STARS!!!

Nirvana + One Fat Kid =
The ultimate love letter to a rocker long dead. Remembering reading a myriad of different reviews for this book when it first came out, I can recall some of the strongest criticism of it at the time. "Oh the book's too adoring of Kurt Cobain". "Oh the book spends too much time idealizing a dead drugged out rocker". "Oh the book can't be good because it's subject is so grimy". I'm paraphrasing of course, but these were the general comments directed at K.L. Going's first young adult novel. So I picked it up and read it and found that I relearned something that I need to constantly be reminded of time and again. Sometimes reviewers haven't a clue about really well written and worthwhile material. With that statement in mind (and me perfectly aware that I'm going to follow it up with, bum bum ba dum, a review) I present to you a book that I felt was deeply moving, touching, and downright hilarious.

We open with our hero, Troy Billings, contemplating whether or not his suicide in front of a subway train will be amusing to the passersby. Troy is, after all, gargantuan. He's seventeen, six feet tall, and about three hundred pounds. He's lived his life in the face of constant ridicule and for once he's contemplating ending it there and then. His life is spared, however, by a chance meeting with a dirty grungy krustypunk kid sitting on the ground. This kid, as it turns out, is Curt MacCrae, local dropout rock god. An unlikely friendship blooms between these two, and Curt becomes absolutely 100 percent convinced that Troy is the drummer for him. Troy, of course, hasn't touched drums since the seventh grade, but Curt is oblivious to the problem. As the book follows these characters, Curt saves Troy's life in a myriad of different ways and Troy, ultimately, finds a way to save Curt's.

This is the ultimate anti-b.s. book. Troy says exactly what he's thinking without fooling either himself or the reader. No fool, Troy is constantly aware that people find him peculiar to look at. To the book's credit, when Troy is convinced that something is going to fail he sometimes does. And Troy is capable of some magnificent failures in this story. At the same time, he's witty and urbane. And [attractive]. This guy is like any other seventeen year-old boy, and he's really got a thing for the wrists of attractive waitresses. The book uses slang without sounding dated or affected, and there's enough good natured profanity to lure kids into reading it. Curt is also the perfect spaz foil to Troy's oversized self. A sneaky slimy but ultimately fantastic friend to T (as he likes to call Troy) Curt is what Kurt Cobain could have become if he'd just befriended someone like the T-man at age twenty. You never doubt Curt's love for his new friend, even though his steadfast acceptance of Troy and all of Troy's fears is somewhat difficult to understand. Troy himself doesn't understand it fully, but it's everything he's ever wanted. This is the story of the unpopular fat kid getting picked by the popular punk at school and how it changes both their lives.

I was hoping to get all the way through the book without hitting any snags or plot devices. For the most part, this book's pretty snag free. Sadly, though the book was written by a woman, the women portrayed in the story are few and far between. They pretty much end up being either waitresses or groupies. Hopefully Going's next book will give her gender a little more breathing room. Also, after reading through this tale I did end up wishing that Going had left it up to the reader to understand why Troy gained weight after his mother's death without explaining it, but it ties in nicely with the ways in which Troy's dad and brother also dealt with the tragedy. I loved how Troy could detect fear or emotional distress while watching others eat. And I just liked Troy. He's a likable guy, which is a huge bonus if you're going to read a book like this. If you didn't like either Troy or Curt you'd have a rough time getting through the story. Fortunately, Going is a skilled enough writer that you can read Troy's many worries and fears about his size without finding him whiny or oppressive. He has a sardonic sense of humor that saves him every time. I was disappointed by the ending of the book, though. Up until then, I had been pleased to see that Going wasn't making anything easy for her characters. Unfortunately the finale (and I won't give it away) seems a bit too pat. Too neat. And, in a way, too easy. I didn't want an unhappy ending, mind you, but I didn't like the way in which Troy instantly becomes close to his father and brother after years of estrangement.

One last note on Going's writing. This is a woman who knows how to write a good musical sequence. I haven't read such poetic descriptions of rock since Emma Bull's lively, "War of the Oaks". This is a woman who knows how to make the pages wail with sound and color. When Troy feels elated at his first concert, you stand right there feeling elated with him. The book's all right. It's perhaps not the best teen novel out there these days, but it's a pretty good one just the same. I suggest you try it on for size. Even if you can't stand rock or Nirvana, this tale has the ability to take you out of yourself and into the head of a three hundred pound boy. It's an experience to enjoy. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Nancy Kington, a wealthy merchant’s daughter living in Bristol, England in the early 1700’s, is sometimes lonely but enjoys the privileges her father’s business brings. Minerva Sharpe is a penniless slave’s daughter living and working on the Kington’s Jamaican plantation. These two young women, united through a set of extraordinary circumstances including a brutal murder, an arranged marriage, and set of ruby earrings, find themselves sailing the high seas in search of love, adventure and freedom—as pirates!

Celebrated British author Celia Rees (Witch Child, Sorceress) has penned a treasure chest of a tale that will keep teens glued to the pages until the last villain sinks to a deserved watery grave and the last beautiful heroine is reunited with her lost love. Frustrated land-lubbers will want to follow up this four-star read with L.A. Meyer’s Bloody Jack: Being an Account of the Curious Adventures of Mary "Jacky" Faber, Ship’s Boy or Sara Lorimer‘s Booty, a collection of all-true tales of swashbuckling women.--Jennifer Hubert ... Read more

Reviews (27)

"Throw 'im in the hold with the captain's daughter"
This is a novel for girls who like Pirates of the Caribbean; Nancy and Minerva are at least as exciting as heroes and pirates as the characters played by Johnny Depp and Orlando Bloom. (And much more interesting than the girl in that movie!) Nancy is a wealthy planter's daughter whose brothers attempt to marry her off to a violent and scary man to pay off their gambling debts. Minerva is her slave - and her friend. They "go on account" with an able and fair captain who rarely kills people. It's very good in the pirate history and a fun read.
Someone said a girl of Nancy's social class wouldn't have done turned pirate. But Rees spent 150 pages exploring how little Nancy cared for upper class values and people. It wasn't easy for either girl to become pirate, their situation was truly dire. The class and racial politcs ring as true as the piracy -- the most democratic place in the early 18 century is a pirate ship! Like Witch Child and Sorceress, I hope there will be another book about Nancy and Minerva.

Pirates!
Pirates! BloomsburgUSA,2003, 380pgs.,...
Celia Rees ISBN 1-58234-816-2

Have you ever felt like you didn't fit in? Nancy Kington, a wealthy merchant's daughter, thought she would always be safe with her family. After her father died unexpectedly, she is forced to move to Africa with her brother. Nancy was unaware that her plantation, once owned by her father, was so cruel to the slaves that worked there. She forms a close bond to Minerva, her personal slave. Minerva is adventurous and willing to risk her life for her freedom.
It is the 1700's. People fear pirates who travel the seas for merchant's ships to raid. After a sudden death, Nancy is forced to run away from the plantation. Minerva decides to runaway with Nancy. They become pirates. Nancy is ashamed that she has become a pirate because her only love, William, is a naval officer hunting for pirates, especially her crew. She is also running away from an arranged marriage to an evil man. She feels she will never fit in with her shipmates.
This was an exciting book to read. I couldn't put this book down because of the many adventures Nancy faces. The author, Celia Rees, makes you jump into the book and follow Nancy's every move and experience her thoughts.
As the reader, I could relate many things in my life to this book. You could also relate many of the characters from other books to Pirates!. Readers who enjoy historical fiction and adventure would like this book.
I highly recommend this book. The author uses excellent writer's craft to paint a vivid picture in the reader's mind. This book was definitely worth reading!

A THRILLING STORY EVOCATIVELY READ
Today it is not at all unusual to find women taking on and conquering tasks that were once for men only - women soar into outer space, climb mountains, and fill top level political positions. However, such was not the case a short while ago. After all, in the total scheme of history several hundred years ago is a brief period, and that is where this high seas adventure begins.

Celia Rees brings us the story of Nancy Kingston and Minerva Sharpe, two young women who more than kicked over the traces with astounding bravery and spirit. Nancy is our narrator, and voice performer Jennifer Wiltsie who delivers a bravura reading perfectly captures the nuances of 18th language as she describes Nancy's horror upon discovering the cruelties of slavery.

When Nancy's father, her remaining parent, dies she journeys to her family's plantation in Jamaica. She doesn't know that her brothers intend to marry her off to a despicable Caribbean whom she has never met. In addition to this dreadful thought she is appalled by the condition of the slaves on her late father's plantation. Little did she realize that they were treated so inhumanely.

Befriending Minerva, a slave girl close to her age, the two find they have much in common - primarily a desire to flee from the island. So, the two do run off and join the crew of a pirate ship.

As one would expect life on a pirate ship is fraught with excitement; there's everything from mutiny to storms at sea to duels to harrowing escapes.

While the story is suggested for 7 to 10 graders, adults will find themselves listening in, quickly absorbed by this thrilling story, and Ms. Wiltsie's evocative reading.

- Gail Cooke

Love it!
I couldn't put it down! It's truly a great story. Especially for people who love pirates of the caribbean! Rees wrote this book so well! Perfect all the way through!

Excellent
If you liked the Pirates of the Carribbean movie, you'll probably like this book. Although it does lack Johnny Depp *sigh* it has a lot of the same elements, like the fact that the pirates are portrayed as indiviaduals, so everyone has a different personality, not just as yo-ho-ing guys who have eye patches and peg legs. The female characters are really strong, not just the maiden-in-distress kind of usual character. If you're obsessed with pirates, read this-you won't be disapointed! ... Read more

Book Description

When a young bear finds a scrap of an old letter, he is so curious about the mysterious marks that he searches out their source--a cabin in the woods. There he meets a young woman and is mesmerized by the sound of her voice. Though he cannot understand her words, he returns every day to hear the woman's stories of sailors, goddesses, and far-off lands.
Dennis Haseley's magical fantasy andJim LaMarche's luminous illustrations together celebrate the joy of reading. A book sure to delight any child who has ever been read to.
... Read more

Reviews (10)

The mystery and magic of words
I am a 50+ year-old collector of children's books, and this one is now at the top of my list of favorites -- I would nominate it for every book award! Anyone who has been read aloud to, or has enjoyed reading to someone else, will appreciate the bond between the woman and the bear she reads to at her cabin one summer. The bear, like a young child who cannot understand all the words read to him, still feels their magic and warmth, and is no less involved in the woman's stories than a more sophisticated reader who can analyse narrative point-of-view or the logical intricacies of plot structure. The letter from the woman's parents which the bear finds at the beginning of the story lets the reader know that this woman has enjoyed this special cabin since childhood, and that she apparently returns here every summer. For the bear, this paper, with its mysterious marks on it, becomes a special and almost sacred object. Similarly, the woman's books, which she leaves behind for the bear in the fall, become treasures which he delicately takes to his cave and which fill his winter dreams with warmth until the woman will return to read to him again. In an almost mythic way, this story communicates what is most essential about reading -- the experience of being swept away by the mysterious power of the spoken word, and treasuring the moments when we shared this experience with someone else.
I love the story of this book, but I really was most drawn to it by the illustrations which are superla