Book Description

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

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

Reviews (3)

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

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

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

Book Description

Reviews (1)

Another lovely book from Mem Fox
Mem Fox has done it again!Hunwick's Egg is a lovely book - I bought it for my children for Easter - In Australia, the Easter Bilby has become as well known as the Easter Bunny!The illustrations are fabulous and look very much like the illustrations in Koala Lou, also illustrated by Pamela Lofts.I heard Mem Fox in a radio interview commenting that Pamela Lofts travelled to Central Australia in order to ensure the accuracy of her animal illustrations, right down to the ants! Well she certainly did a wonderful job.The story is very engaging with a little 'secret' revealed at the end.A lovely book to add to your collection and a great Easter gift. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Janell Cannon, best-known for her award-winning picture books Stellaluna and Verdi, departs from the worldof bats and snakes and turns her attention to... cockroaches. None of these areparticularly cuddly creatures, but seen through Cannon's anthropomorphizingglasses, they are ones we can sympathize with. Crickwing, cruelly named for histwisted wing, is a lonely food stylist. He builds sculptures out of roots,leaves, and petals... and then eats them. But artistic serenity is not possiblein the dangerous forest. The melancholy insect is constantly faced withcockroach-eating lizards, ocelots, and worse, food-stealing monkeys: "'Anothermasterpiece--ruined!' Crickwing panted. 'I'm starving and my wing aches. I don'tknow if I can take this much longer.'"

Bemoaning his fate as a "mere exoskeleton," Crickwing wakes up with thoughts ofvengeance. As he watches thousands of leaf-cutting ants busy at work, hewonders, "Why isn't anyone bothering these little twerps?" He sticks hisspiny leg out to trip one of them, and delights in taunting them further. Ofcourse, the ants don't take this well. They swarm him, drag him into the darkcorridors of their anthill, and bury him up to his neck--all the whilewhispering about how his mother must be heartbroken to have produced such anawful menace. Just as they are about to fork him over as their annual peaceoffering to the army ants, they have a crisis of conscience. "Nobody deservesthat, not even this big bully," says one of the ants, and, risking the wrath oftheir queen, they release him and flee. Now it's Crickwing's turn to have aconscience. He races after the leafcutters with his creative plan to keep thewarring army ants at bay. The story ends in a festive explosion of flowerconfetti, and a valuable lesson in compassion. The concluding "Cockroach Notes"and "Ant Notes" crawl with fascinating facts about our six-legged friends. (Ages5 to 8) --Karin Snelson ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Think twice before crunching that cockroach!
Janell Cannon has a gift for making the creepy critters lovable. In "Stellaluna" she made us identify with a lost bat; in "Verdi" she made us cheer for a snake who learns to shed his skin; but now she tackles the impossible: cockroaches!

Crickwing (so named because of a twisted wing) is a lonely cockroach. He spends his days as a "food-stylist", crafting sculptures of his food before eating them. But he and his sculptures are easy prey to lizards and other roach-eating critters.

Tired of being a victem, he decides he is going to pick on some smaller targets: ants! But the leaf-eating ants are not as harmless as they seem and they swarm Crickwing when his shenanigans go too far. Crickwing is not really the bully he seems, and when danger threatens both the ants and him, he becomes an unlikely hero! Vibrant and just as engaging as her previous books, though this one is more of a cheeky fable then fantasy. "Crickwing" just might make you think twice before stepping on a cockroach! A terrific companion piece for the award-winning author.

Cockroaches! That sculpt! I love it!
Although not quite STELLALUNA or VERDI, Ms. Cannon excels with CRICKWING, the story of an injured cockroach-turned-sculptor. The book, as all of Ms. Cannon's books, is vibrant and beautiful, and a welcome addition to my own daughter's library.

The story: we follow the injured Crickwing through his own torments, his release in art (sculpting food) and subsequent personal growth when he turns tormentor to some leaf cutter ants. His eventual acension to savior of the ant colony (from Army ants) resolves the conflict (both internal and external) in a way sure to delight and comfort your child.

CRICKWING, although not the best book (by Ms. Cannon, or otherwise), is sure to delight fans of STELLALUNA or roaches (see the movie Joe's Apartment).

Controlling emotions
Crickwing is a cockroach who is grumpy because a toad have him a crooked wing and it aches. Crickwing likes to play with his food before eating it, but several nights in a row, his meal is stolen from him by large critters like lizards or monkeys before he gets a chance to dig in. Crickwing vents his frustration by torturing leaf cutter ants, but he gets in deep trouble, finding himself elected by the leaf cutter ants as the peace offering for the army ants. The story has a number of points that some kids, especially young ones, may find rather scary. But other kids may enjoy the tension. At the end of the story are some feature articles that provide more factual information about cockroaches and ants. The book has about 1600 words.

wonderful book
Another gem from Janell Cannon. More beautiful illustrations. This author is gifted enough to get us to fall in love with a cockroach! A great story with many life lessons tucked in along the way. I highly recommend it!

crickwing
I found this book to be one of the best children books i've read. The storys about a cockroach that has a cricked wing and is always being picked on. He decides to pick on things smaller than him after a bit. The book has a twist in the end. It has good drawings, pictures, and cool colors. Its a cool book and worth reading. So read it! ... Read more

Book Description

Dimple Lala doesn't know what to think.Her parents are from India, and she's spent her whole life resisting their traditions.Then suddenly she gets to high school and everything Indian is trendy.To make matters worse, her parents arrange for her to meet a "suitable boy."Of course it doesn't go well -- until Dimple goes to a club and finds him spinning a magical web .Suddenly the suitable boy is suitable because of his sheer unsuitability.Complications ensue.This is a funny, thoughtful story about finding your heart, finding your culture, and finding your place in America. ... Read more

Reviews (58)

GREAT BOOK
I recently read this book and found it absolutely wonderful. Don't be discouraged by its size, I read it in less than two weeks - I couldn't put it down. It's about a sixteen-year-old Indian girl growing up in New Jersey. It takes place in one summer, the summer when she finds herself, because as it says, she was born confused. Every pre-teen or teenage girl will love this book. I hope to see more books by Tanuja Desai Hidier. The book not only has a great story and characters, but it also is written beautifully.

Not confusing at all
I really got into this book for several reasons. The Indian Culture is interesting and you'll love Dimple Lala's take on it, and American culture. Dimple is a girl who doesn't know where she fits in; she wants to be normal and white, like her best friend, and the irony is, her best friend wants to be Indian and have a culture! The tone and writing style flows well because of the modern teen perspective. All in all, this story has romance, humour, identity, confusion, and art. I highly urge you to pick up a copy and read it.

ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS!!!
this book was fantastic! i'm not even of indian descent and i could relate to the conflict of trying to be part of two different cultures. i learned more about another culture that i've always been interested in, and i got to get help with my own teen-angst type problems about finding your indentity and dealing with relationships. if only i knew a guy like that karsh fellow...

P.S.- EVERYONE MUST READ THIS BOOK, AND GET TANUJA DESAI HIDIER'S CD, which is based on the book. it's good. ok, i've said my bit.

Something different...
Yes,there are all the ingrediants of a typical YA novel-unrequited love, family issues, a clueless friend. But Hidier transcends what could have been tired and cliche with stunning descriptive prose, deeply realized characters and relationships, and quirky little details that make the novel a joy to read and reread.

My Favorite Book.
Born Confused enlightened me about the wonders of the Hindu culture. This is my favorite book of all history. I fell in love with Dimple's character/personality. This book really expanded my boundaries of thinking and helped me think "out of the box," so to speak. Born Confused was a perfect example of one of the book's prime themes: Sometimes you have to lose yourself to be found. My only negative comment is this: When's the sequel, Tanuja?! ... Read more

Amazon.com

In this delightful young adult novel for readers 12 and up, high school sophomore Paul says, "There isn’t really a gay scene or a straight scene in our town. They got all mixed up a while back, which I think is for the best." And, as he observes at the end of the story, "It's a wonderful world." Paul has both gay and straight friends, and they all hang out together at terrific bookstores and concerts, and advise one another on the sometimes troubled progress of their various romances. Paul is smitten with Noah, and they are beginning a serious relationship when Kyle, Paul’s ex, complicates things by deciding that all is forgiven. Joni is going out with Chuck, who dominates her, much to her friends' disapproval. Tony’s conservative parents refuse to acknowledge that he is gay, so the others must bone up on Bible verses all week so they can pretend Saturday night is a study group. And then there's Infinite Darlene, football quarterback and Homecoming Queen, who deserves a whole romance novel of her own. Life in their town is gloriously accepting of differences and only occasionally verges on magic realism, in this first novel in which same sex preference is not the problem. --Patty Campbell ... Read more

Reviews (28)

PU-Lease
I could not stand this book.I was hoping for a deep introspective read about the struggles that gay teens go through. No such luck--it was a meaningless, not even faintly enjoyable bit of fluff. The gay paradise-type world that Levithan creates isn't cute or funny. It's just annoying.And so is the rest of the book.Why is it that GLBT novels for teens are so focused on confronting the issue of HOMOSEXUALITY that they forget the other essential elements of good fiction--namely plot and at least semi likable,well-developed characters?Oh, and good writing would be nice too.Boy Meets Boy has none of these.Don't bother.

Wonderful Book!
What a great book! This would be an excellent choice if you are looking for a gift for a younger gay person and did not want to give them something filled with descriptions of sex or other objectionable material.

Quite the contrary, this book is a sweet and innocent love story between it's narrator, Paul, and the new kid in town, Noah. In this special town, being gay is no big deal and nearly every gay kid came out long ago, freeing them to find out what it is they want out of life and also to date, just as the straight kids do.

Of course, not EVERYONE is accepting and tolerant, and this makes for a wonderful sub-plot to the story without dominating it the way so many gay stories do.

All of the characters are likeable, and you feel as if you are getting to know ALL of them, not just Paul and Noah.

It's a great read, and more than anything else it gives hope for a better world to gay teens who just want to be themselves, without having to worry about what someone might think, or that someone will find out their "secret" or having to worry about being beaten up for being gay.

An AMAZING book
Boy Meets Boy is an extraordinary book. Paul, the main character, is a genuinely good person without seeming fake of too perfect. The lesser characters' roles are just as important as Paul's and "The Boy"s. Noah has a whimsical personality and is fun to "be" around. Tony is a cool character. Living with homo-phobic parents is hard for him, and his struggles added on the side to Paul's troubles deepens the story. All of the characters are well-rounded. I read this book in one day and when I was finished I felt light hearted and happy. I hope to see more from this author. Boy Meets Boy has earned the Place Of Honor on my shelves. I reccomend this book to people of all ages, gay, straight, curious, anybody. If you are afraid of or don't like gay people I encourage you to read this book because it really shows anyone who doesn't already know that gay people are just as good or bad as the rest of us. Anyway, now that I am through rambling...READ THIS BOOK! YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT!

Cute!
This book is just so cute. It's like this fictional, utopian, gay world, where gays aren't treated any differently, have the same problems, and have the same situations as other people. It's so cute, and the book makes you laugh, and just smile.

Not as good as I wanted it to be
This book is funny and sweet and definitely worth a read, but I couldn't like it as much as I wanted to. The plot is thin and the setting so fantastical it's almost alienating. It winds up being a colorful fairy tale, but if you're looking for something that speaks to the experience of gay teenagers, look elsewhere. ... Read more

Book Description

SUMMER AU PAIRS NEEDED IMMEDIATELY
For four energetic children, between 3 and 10 years old.
Join a NYC family for the best summer of your life in
East Hampton, July 4-Labor Day.

Pay: $10,000.00
Driver's license a must.
Familiarity with the Hamptons, a plus.

Send resumes and head shots to HamptonsAuPairs@yahoo.com

Meet Mara Waters, Eliza Thompson, and Jacqui Velasco -- new au pairs for one of New York City's wealthiest families -- who will spend their summer in one of the most posh, most exclusive spots for summer summering: the Hamptons.

For good girl Mara, this job is a way out of another go-slow Massachusetts summer. Eliza, New York City's former It Girl, knows this is the fast lane back to the stylish world she wishes she'd never left. And for Brazilian bombshell Jacqui, it's a boarding pass back to her American love who told her he'd e-mail as soon as he got home, and didn't.

After all, how hard can an au pair job be? Slap sunscreen on the kids during the day and party at the coolest hot spots at night, right?ÿWrong.

While Eliza is desperately trying to hide her baby-sitting job from her superspoiled friends who think she's still just as rich as she used to be, Mara's getting awfully cozy with the kids' extremely attractive older brother, Ryan. And Jacqui is heartbroken when she discovers that the love of her life may have been nothing more than a spring fling.

If the girls can manage au pair duties -- all the while mastering the ins and outs of the Hamptons' social scene -- it might just turn out to be the most incredible summer of their lives. But to do it they'll have to stick together. And that's where things definitely get sticky. ... Read more

Reviews (13)

awesome summer book!!!
i could NOT put this book down for 3 days. it's a breezy, fun, funny fast read about three girls from different backgrounds and their roller coaster adventures in the hamptons. melissa de la cruz offers a razor-sharp, witty, insidery look at the wealthy playground, and i totally got caught up in all the drama!! LOVE mara and ryan, LOVE eliza and jeremy!! when is the sequel coming out???

The Perfect Beach Book
Light and fun and a little less mean and snobby than the Gossip Girl novels, The Au Pairs offers a fun and fluffy read perfect for pool-side enjoyment.

All three main characters are likeable and, unlike those too-enviable GG characters, you'll be rooting for them from page 1. Especially the small-town girl, Mara, who is certainly a fish out of water in the glitzy, party-all-night world of the Hamptons. The girls' conflicts add some depth to what might otherwise be a no-brainer sort of novel. Mara strives for independance and self-acceptance, Liza copes with her new lifestyle and Jaqui just wants to be loved for her brain and not her cup size. The setting offers a glimpse into the uber-rich, uber-exclusive world of the Hampton-ites and is quite appealing.

You'll be sorry to see their summer end, but - fear not - the author appears to have set them up for a sequel. Christmas in Palm Beach, anyone?

Exceptionally Well Written!
I am not a "chick" and I haven't been "thirty-something" for twenty-something years, but I found this book to be exceptionally clever and engaging. Melissa DeLaCruz is obviously a brilliant young talent who will be a best-selling author in a very short time.

This book was so much fun I could not put it down until I finished it. Yes, I live close the beach but nowhere near the Hamptons.

The entire book was magnificent. The "rules for Hamptons travel" alone is more than worth the price of admission. I could not stop laughing! Anyone who shares my loathing of cretins who broadcast their cell phone conversations in public venues will revel in this chapter, and anyone who enjoys an exhilirating and delightful read will be captivated by this wonderful book.

Never Put it Down!
This was such a great book to read for the summer! i loved how it was about three completly different girls that eventually realized that they had a lot more in common then they thought. It took me only 4 days to read this because i loved it so much. It really teaches about comitment, loyalty to friends and promises. It made me think twice about some things in life.

BORING & SIMPLISTIC--DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME
I was an au pair last summer, and wanted to like this book. But it's as if publishers now think that anyone they throw in front of a computer can write teen chick lit and girls will buy it. I adored the A LIST which is smart and well-written as well as smarmy and fun. GOSSIP GIRLS was fun for one book and then it got old. This didn't hold me for 30 pages and if you have a functioning brain it won't hold you, either. ... Read more

Reviews (36)

Max the Mighty Review
This book is a great story of the friendship between Max, a kid who is very large for his age and is not too bright, and Rachel, also called "worm" because of her huge interest in reading. The story begins at Max's house, where he lives with his grandma and grandpa, who he calls Gram and Grim. The first couple chapters walk you through a normal day in his life. First, walking to school, trying to avoid hoodlums who live on "the wrong side of the tracks. In his classes, being made fun of for being so big and not being so smart. And lastly, taking the bus, where kids simply annoy and annoy him, even though he could easily beat them up. Then the story turns around and shows you Rachel's horrible home life. Her mom is constantly beaten by her stepfather, "the undertaker". A tall, lean man with a heart of stone. When Max realizes this problem, he rescues her and they set off on a long and adventurous journey across the country to find her real dad, who is thought to live in Chivalry, Montana. And this journey has plenty of surprises along the way.

I really liked this book because I felt like I could relate to what some of the characters were going through.

And I would highly recommend this book to any child or adult looking for a great story of friendship and determination. Also could be a good book to read along with your child.

Great Great Great Book
This book is a great story of the friendship between Max, a kid who is very large for his age and is not too bright, and Rachel, also called "worm" because of her huge interest in reading. The story begins at Max's house, where he lives with his grandma and grandpa, who he calls Gram and Grim. The first couple chapters walk you through a normal day in his life. First, walking to school, trying to avoid hoodlums who live on "the wrong side of the tracks. In his classes, being made fun of for being so big and not being so smart. And lastly, taking the bus, where kids simply annoy and annoy him, even though he could easily beat them up. Then the story turns around and shows you Rachel's horrible home life. Her mom is constantly beaten by her stepfather, a tall, lean man with a heart of stone. When Max realizes this problem, he rescues her and they set off on a long and adventurous journey across the country to find her real dad, who is thought to live in Chivalry, Montana. And this journey has plenty of surprises along the way.
I really liked this book because I felt like I could relate to what some of the characters were going through. And I would highly recommend this book to any child or adult looking for a great story of friendship and determination. Also could be a good book to read along with your child.

Great Book!
This book is a great story of the friendship between Max, a kid who is very large for his age and is not too bright, and Rachel, also called "worm" because of her huge interest in reading. The story begins at Max's house, where he lives with his grandma and grandpa, who he calls Gram and Grim. The first couple chapters walk you through a normal day in his life. First, walking to school, trying to avoid hoodlums who live on "the wrong side of the tracks. In his classes, being made fun of for being so big and not being so smart. And lastly, taking the bus, where kids simply annoy and annoy him, even though he could easily beat them up. Then the story turns around and shows you Rachel's horrible home life. Her mom is constantly beaten by her stepfather, a tall, lean man with a heart of stone. When Max realizes this problem, he rescues her and they set off on a long and adventurous journey across the country to find her real dad, who is thought to live in Chivalry, Montana. And this journey has plenty of surprises along the way.

I really liked this book because I felt like I could relate to what some of the characters were going through.

I would highly recommend this book to any child or adult looking for a great story of friendship and determination. Also could be a good book to read along with your child.

Max The Mighty by Lala
I thought that Max the Mighty was a great book. It has a lot of adventure. You feel like you're really there by how the author describes the scenes and the characters.You imagine the people in the story and the different settings.The story is that Max and Worm are running away to find Worm's dad and they are running away from Worm's stepfather who abuses her and her mother.They meet people like the Dippy Hippie and Hobo Joe.You'll really love how it ends and the whole story.It has a lot of suspence and you want to keep on reading it.

The review for Max the Mighty
The story Max the Mighty is about a big, humungus kid at age fourteen escapes his basement goes out and seeks the world. He also meets a new friend named Worm,
Worm is a person who loves to read books and never stops reading them. But one
day Max found Worm's evil stepfather, The Undertaker, abusing Worm's mom and
Max was forced to take Worm away. Along the way they meet a old bus driver by the name Dip. Dip gives them a ride along the way they encounter two more people who are running from the law enforcement. I think this story is good for all young adults. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (28)

Taking Sides book review
This novel is about this boy named Lincoln who needs to change different schools. The school he has to change is Franklin Jr. High to Columbus Jr. High. The characters are: Lincoln, James, Monica, Mom, Roy, Coach Yesutis, Tony, Mr. Kimball, Mrs. Contras. The setting is: about Lincoln and his mother that are living in a barrio that are kind of junky neighborhood. Then, they move to San Francisco in the suburbs. Then they moved because they got robbed.

During one part of the book, Lincoln meets this girl Monica. Lincoln has a crush on her. Monica has told Lincoln that she used to play for the girls' team. I liked it when Monica and Lincoln had a connection, and they played basketball together.

It was difficult to understand why Roy liked Lincoln's mom. I didn't enjoy when Lincoln lied to Monica about going to a different church. Monica got mad. I also didn't like when someone broke in his house.

I recommend this book to others because you get to learn about Lincoln's life and how hard it is for his family. You can see how it is for his family and how easy it is for us. You probably don't get robbed every day like Lincoln and his mom.

Taking Sides Book Report
Taking side is about a boy named Lincoln who once lived in Barrio but moved to a nicer neighborhood called Sycamore becasue of a robbery in his house, which his stero and t.v. were stolen. He change schools from Franklin Jr. High to Columbus Jr. High. Lincoln was tall, not thin, black hair(like chunk of charcoal). In the story he has a nickname Linc. Lincoln was on the 1st string in basketball for his 8th grade team and good friends w/ James. His parents are split up and he is having a hard time finding friend because he just moved from a school that people don't really like. I would definately recommend this book to others who like to read a good book.

Audio Book Review for Ms. O
The story deals with moving, cultural differences and basketball. The main charactar is Lincoln Mendoza or as what his friends say, Linc. He moves from the bario to a white suburb because a burgler
took a tv. He used to play basketball for his oldschool(Columbus) and now plays for his new school(Franklin)and they have to play each other. He is becomes stressed out because he is playing against his old school and some of his old friends. As the game nears he gets into an arguement with one of his friends. On the night of the game he plays and loses. He doesn't mind because he made up with his friend that he argued with. I liked this book because the characters speak their native language, Spanish. It kept the feeling of a Hispanic-American community authentic.

Taking Sides
This novel is about Lincoln who goes to a new school. Lincoln likes to play basketball. He lives in a nice neighborhood called Sycamore. Lincoln and Tony are both friends.
I liked it when Lincoln and Tony were going to the barrio. I like that part when Lincoln's house got broken into. Lincoln was the basketball practice.
I did not like that part when Lincoln and Tony were arguing. I did not like that part when Tony left the Thrift shop. I also did not like that part when Lincoln hurt his knee.
YES! I would like other people to read a book because it's so much fun. There are Spanish words in the book. They like to read about the 2 boys playing basketball.

Taking Sides
I read a book called Taking Sides, written by Gary Soto. It's about Lincoln and Tony being best friends and Lincoln had a girl friend named Vicky. At this new school he liked somebody named Monica. Lincoln likes playing basketball.

I liked the part when Franklin beat Columbus in basketball. I like the part when Roy told a story about Coach Yesutis getting beat up by Franky Penada. I liked the part when Monica and Lincoln played basketball. I liked the part when Lincoln called Monica on the phone, because it is obvious that Lincoln liked Monica.

I didn't like it when Tony was hurting Lincoln's feelings at the thrift shop. The parts I didn't like are Tony's attitude. The dislike I didn't like was Coach Yesutis was yelling at Lincoln. The other part I didn't like was when James insulted Monica saying she's full Mexican.

I would recommend this book to others because if you know Spanish it will be easier for you. I would recommend this book, Taking Sides, because you can learn some Spanish words. I would recommend this book because it tells about basketball. I would also recommend this book because it shows relationship to Monica and Lincoln. ... Read more

Book Description

Quack! Quack! What's that sound? Biscuit goes to see and meets a lost duckling. Biscuit helps the duckling find its way home, and then the fun begins. Woof! Quack!

Reviews (4)

Biscuit Meets the Little Duck
In this book Biscuit meets a new friend when he finds a small yellow duckling near the house. Friendly puppy that he is, Biscuit soon makes friends but a duckling should be with its parents.

Biscuit helps the little duckling find its family but not without making an impression as the duckling looks like it follows him home at the end.

Another simple and happy story with some of the best illustrations in children's books. My daughter likes to read the "Woof, woof!" parts.

Biscuit Rex
"Biscuit Finds a Friend" is the most emotionally shattering portrayal of love and loss since "Wuthering Heights". Alyssa Satin Capucilli has written the manifesto of a disenfranchised generation, and the publication of "Biscuit Finds a Friend" represents a watershed moment in the world of fiction. In Biscuit, Capucilli has found a humble hero, a character that speaks quietly, but speaks for a generation nonetheless. In his quest for simple, basic companionship, Biscuit reminds me of Holden Caulfield of Salinger's "The Catcher in the Rye," and echoes of the immense effect that "Catcher" had on its generation can be found here. Biscuit, seeking to break free of the shackles of oppression forced upon him by his cruel dominatrix--left nameless, perhaps to create a "Big Brother" atmosphere where authority is nameless but must be obeyed without exception--finds love with a young duckling, who has run away from a broken home where, it is implied, he is malnourished, beaten, and... abused. Much like in "1984," the pair share the happiest of moments, unaware... that the specter of authority dwells all about them, waiting to pounce. When it does, Biscuit and his friend are cruelly separated, returned, respectively, to the doghouse and an abusive household. The story ends with the tragedy of separation, the endless cycle of emotional destruction that has so overwhelmed the generation that will devour "Biscuit Finds a Friend".

Motivation that moves young beginning readers!
My 3 yr old son has simply fallen in love with Biscuit. We look forward to bedtime reading each night as we go through Biscuit's day which is full of adventures. The book is interactive in the way that it asks questions which gives the children a chance to be creative with their own adventure. We look forward to growing with Biscuit!

Perfect book for beginning readers
The Biscuit books have been the greatest motivator for my daughter who has been struggling with learning to read. The text is good for an emergent reader who is just beginning to learn sight words and phonics. The illustrations of Biscuit are delightful. These are wonderful books. I only wish I could get a series of them in paperback, quick, to keep her reading! ... Read more

Book Description

Once there was a little doll. Her name was Edith. She lived in a nice house and had everything she needed except someone to play with. She was lonely! Then one morning Edith looked into the garden and there stood two bears! Since it was first published in 1957, The Lonely Doll has established itself as a unique children's classic. Through innovative photography Dare Wright brings the world of dolls to life and entertains us with much more than just a story. Edith, the star of the show, is a doll from Wright's childhood, and Wright selected the bear family with the help of her brother. With simple poses and wonderful expressions, the cast of characters is vividly brought to life to tell a story of friendship. ... Read more

Reviews (28)

The Lonely Doll
I have the 1957 version of this book....I will be 40 years old this June....I have adored the Dare Wright books since I was five. I have three others that are just as old...three are in great condition and one needs to be rebound.

These were the most wonderful stories full of love and tenderness and quidence. I spent many hours reading them over and over as a child.

To this very day I LOVE BEARS AND DOLLS!

Kimberly Ann (Entorf) Stonestreet KCGRL99@Aol.Com

Touching, lovely photography, a favorite of all my children
Dare Wright photographs dolls and teddy bears so as to make them actually appear to be alive. The stories are easy for children of all ages to relate to, and emphasize a little moral with each one. The book has been printed in paperback, but it is not nearly so lovely as the original. I would love to obtain a copy of the original so that I could pass on to my grandchildren (10) magic and wonder found by my children(6) in these lovely books. Even though the story is about a doll, boys like these magical books as well as the girls do..

A Fabulous Book!
I had vaguely remembered these from childhood, when my little girl and I stumbled upon it at the library. To those of you who see this as absuive and sending a negative message--please consider: A) It was written when spanking children was considered perfectly acceptable (and no, I don't condone that, my daughter has NEVER been spanked) and B)my kid found the spanking thing quite amusing and smacked the picture of Mr. Bear to punish him back. In other words: It's a pretty book, with lovely photographs and THAT's what the children enjoy.

Oh, yeah, my daughter ADORES the books and her Edith doll that goes with.

Timeless Children's Classic
Cherished for decades, this story is a wonderful tale for children. Through extraordinary photographs, you will find yourself gently fallng into the sweet world that Edith [the Doll] shares with her bear friends as we learn about friendship and caring. I was 5 when my mother first read me this story; now in my thirties I will be reading it to my own two daughters and am sure they will treasure it too.

Whew! I'm not the only one...
When I read this book as a child, one of the messages I got was that even pretty china dolls get spanked (not just us plain brunette children with short noses). Another message was that I should be happy with my family because they didn't threaten to abandon me.

As a parent I now wonder what message of "family" this book would give adopted children or any children. Children often fear abandonment due to their misbehaviour; why would we want to encourage that?

I decided not to keep the copy of "The Lonely Doll" that was given to us and I could not in good conscience pass it on to another family.

By the way, I find it disturbing that the Hornbook review refers to a "good spanking".

They are lovely photographs and I liked the cover. ... Read more

Book Description

A simple rhythmic text portrays Little Gorilla, who is loved by everyone in the jungle as he begins to grow . . . and Grow . . . and GROW. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

One of my granddaughter's favorites
When I visited my ... granddaughter recently, she "read" this book aloud to me, having committed to memory every page. The book is absolutely charming! She loves it at her age, but it would have been one of those books like GOODNIGHT MOON that she would have loved as a less than year old baby. From now on this book, not nearly as well known as MOON, will be one of those that I give to new mothers and their babies. Simply charming!

Its her favorite!
This is my 18 month old's favorite book for the past several months! She picks it out time and time again. She loves all the animals and the part where I sing Happy Birthday to Gorilla (and she pretends to blow out the candles). She likes to fetch different stuffed animals to read this book with her--she'll "point out to them" the page that they are featured on! (Its got every animal from a lion to a zebra, to a elephant...of course her stuffed gorilla is ever present for the reading of this book!)

Little Gorilla captured my son's heart!
This book is one of my 18 month old's two MUST READS before bedtime. (along with Goodnight Moon) It is a cute story about the gorilla, and how everybody loves him - from when he was one day old, to when he grew to be big.

A story for all generations
My son was 3 when I bought him Little Gorilla. His sisters were 8 and 10, and he was often frustrated that they could do things he wasn't allowed to do. Little Gorilla was his favorite bedtime story. What he liked most was that Little Gorilla grew, and grew, and grew, until Little Gorilla was BIG! He was surrounded by love and affection that didn't go away once Little Gorilla grew big. I'm buying a new copy of "Little Gorilla" for my future grandchildren. It is a sweet, gentle story, that will always be meaningful to small children and the people who love them.

All You Need Is Love
As a single mother with an adopted daughter and an extended family of friends, this is the perfect book to share with my child. Even though all the animals look different, they all love little gorilla and help him out. Also, great for learning animal names and some colors. What a great book! I hope it never goes out of print. ... Read more

Book Description

The summer she turns 12, Hattie Owen is steeped in the routines of her small town life until the startling arrival of an uncle no one has ever spoken about.Now that Uncle Adam's "school" - an institution for the mentally disabled - is closing, Hattie's family must deal with a childlike young man whose existence they've denied for years.Hattie suddenly experiences a summer in which she learns living life fully means facing both the good times and the bad. ... Read more

Reviews (41)

A Corner of the Universe
Hattie is an average 11 year old who is beginning her summer vacation. Her parents run a boarding house and Hattie has made friends with several of the boarders. All of them are somewhat older than Hattie and her best friend is going away all summer. Hattie expects this to be another boring summer, until she learns of an uncle she never knew about will be moving back home with her grandparents. Adam, her twenty-one year old uncle, had been away to a special school. His school is closing and he has to come home. His "school" is really a home for people with disabilities. Hattie is very excited and curious to meet her uncle. She is somewhat nervous when first meeting Adam but they soon become friends. Hattie thinks the two are a lot of like and they form a special bond. Unfortunately, Hattie soon thinks she knows what is best for Adam and this leads to trouble.

I enjoyed the book. It was interesting because the setting is in the 1960's, a time when people with disabilities were not in the spotlight and as accepted as they are today. I could relate to Hattie's feelings when people make comments about her uncle, because I work with kids with disabilities. I think the book is more suited for older elementary age students, 10 - 12. It does a good job covering a sensitive issue, but sometimes lags in excitement. I think that some students may become bored with the book before they finish.

A Corner of the Universe
The book A Corner of the Universe by Ann M. Martin is a book about a kindhearted twelve-year-old girl named Hattie Owen. This book takes place in the summer of 1960 and is a heart-warming novel, which will bring joy, laughter, and tears to your heart. Hattie Owen is a sweet girl yet has many troubles dealing with life because her perspective on life is different than many others, but Hattie loves her small town and boarding house that she lives in with her mother and her father. It is isolated from the rest of the world and Hattie feels safe and doesn't know much about everyday issues people go through. Hattie never could have imagined a summer more action-packed than this particular summer. When her twenty one year old Uncle Adam whom Hattie has never met before comes for a surprise visit to stay at Hattie's grandparents house for the first time, (because his residential school shut down) Hattie learns from her mother that he has mental problems, and that he is Manic depressive. Also that friends and relatives are embarrassed about the way he acts because everyone around him ridicules him. Family and relatives have denied Hattie's uncle's existence for many years but now it will be revealed to Hattie and she will be informed after all these years that her perfect life has many secrets hidden inside and is not so perfect after all. Hattie learns after spending quite some time with him that she and Adam are quite alike and she has to cope with him in some way. But Hattie also takes into consideration that dealing with him wont be easy and that it will take time to appreciate. He is looked down upon in every way and hated by all. Hattie takes it upon herself to help him, to bond with him and to find his true inner self while seeking for her own. Uncle Adam becomes for of a child like friend to Hattie than an Uncle figure in her life. Hattie realizes that she just has to "lift the corner of the universe" for him and open his paths a little wider so people can understand him better. Hattie is one of the few people who appreciate Adam for who he is and she is the only one who can see deep down inside of him. She feels that he has a lot of courage in facing the world and life's difficulties. This is an inspirational novel that gives hope and understanding for life. People don't often experience this exact same situation in life but we all face difficulties and this novel is good for children around Hattie's age because you can relate to her in different ways. Recommended for middle school ages, 12-14 years of age. This book will take you through the ups and downs of life just like a bumpy path. It sends the message that if we fall along the way we just get back up and try again, never give up hope.

Sure to stay with the reader long after the book is closed.
Imagine learning about an uncle you never knew existed. In this 2002 Newbery Honor book, twelve-year-old Hattie Owen meets her Uncle Adam, a mentally disabled man who has been living in an institution that recently lost its funding.

During the summer of 1960, people were less likely to dissect family problems than today, the era of the talk show. Adam was a family secret, but Hattie learns to love him. She was planning a summer of trips to the library and ice cream, but now Adam comes with her. He is closer to her age mentally than most adults and has an endless enthusiasm for new experiences. Hattie loves to go to the carnival and is happy to bring Adam along. But she does not know how to handle Adam when he is out of control, such as when she finds him walking in his underwear through the neighborhood or when he disappears. He also becomes angry when he can't have his way.

Living with someone who is mentally disabled can be confusing at any age. Best-selling author Ann M. Martin of P.S. LONGER LETTER LATER (written with Paula Danziger) and the BABY-SITTERS CLUB series, does a wonderful job of showing the reader the joys and sadness of the experience, as seen through the eyes of likable teen Hattie.

Powerful characters and plot surprises will keep readers interested in this title --- and it is sure to stay with the reader long after the book is closed.

--- Reviewed by Amy Alessio

This is a GREAT book!
I started to read this book about two days ago, and I have to admit that it started out kind of slow. Once I got about 20 pages into it though, I couldn't put it down! I read the remainder of the book this morning. Wow. I laughed, I cried... I would reccomend this book to anyone who likes Sharon Creech's writing. It is great.

Review of the Book I read
This book was a strange book. That's why I didn't really like it. I think that they put in to much characters. Also there were that much of a setting. This was confusing at some parts,and it made me read on at some parts too.This book wouldn't be in my top 20 neither in my top 30. This book would get a three star. ... Read more

Book Description

Amazon.com

Laurie Keller, creator of the wonderful picture books The Scrambled States of America and Open Wide: Tooth School Inside, cooks up a rather silly story about a doughnut who narrowly escapes his doughnut fate. Arnie is proud to be chocolate-covered, with bright-colored candy sprinkles. His first day on the planet is a big one. He is 1) cut into a ring 2) deep-fried 3) cooled 4) iced 5) sprinkled and 6) named Arnie. What he doesn't realizeis that step 7 is being eaten by a human. So, when a customer, Mr. Bing, starts to put him in his mouth, he screams, "What are you doing?" Arnie is further crushed when he calls the bakery to warn the others only todiscover that all the other pastries are "aware of this arrangement." Unfortunately, this delightful plot twist is soured by the contrived ones that follow. Mr. Bing decides that in order to get his money's worth from Arnie he can pretend the doughnut is the dog he's always wanted--a doughnut-dog that will roll over, play fetch, etc.: "He went through a short phase of chewing on the furniture and barking at the mailman, but after a crash course in obedience school he graduated first in his class." However half-baked the story turns out to be, the funny asides and captions that Keller sprinkles throughout the book are often brilliant and the busy, crazy paintings are lots of fun, too. (Ages 4 to 8) --Karin Snelson ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Life from the perspective of a doughnut
What would it be like to see life from the eyes of a doughnut? Read Arnie the Doughnut to find out. He finds out many terrible things in this book, yet he also finds good things. One doughnuts fate is not the fate of the other doughnuts.

Super Book !!!
This is a super book for kids of all ages. Kids everywhere can learn about different kinds of doughnuts.

Very, very funny!
I found this book through Children's Book of the month club. It is hilarious! It's a creative idea, to make a story about a doughnut. Great book for kids and adults alike.

Dissipointed,
Her "Scrambled states of America" and "Open wide tooth school inside" where both much, MUCH better than this one not as exciting as those other to, not as good as I was hoping it would be,

delighted 8 year old twins & their tough 11 year old brother
Checked this book out from the local library & we all loved it so much that I have ordered a copy for my kids for Christmas. It's just so funny & quirky--you'll never feel the same going into Krispy Kreme again. I can't wait for Laurie Keller to put another book out there! COntinued success to her! ... Read more

Book Description

Ten-year-old Michael was looking forward to moving into a new house. But now his baby sister is ill, his parents are frantic, and Doctor Death has come to call. Michael feels helpless. Then he steps into the crumbling garage. . . . What is this thing beneath the spiders' webs and dead flies? A human being, or a strange kind of beast never before seen? The only person Michael can confide in is his new friend, Mina. Together, they carry the creature out into the light, and Michael's world changes forever. . . .
... Read more

Reviews (136)

An excellent book to read aloud to children.
As the author of a series of (as-yet-to-be-published) childrens/young adults-oriented books, and a father who reads aloud to his child, I found "Skellig" to be an excellent book. Mr. Almond manages very effectively to capture and hold the reader's and listeners' attention. His characters are real and surreal at the same time, having both a "neighborly" and otherworldly quality. The reader is able to witness Skellig's change from scary and curmudgeonly, to loving and caring, (in the eyes of Michael and Mina), and to share in their mutual growth experiences as well. We are all changed for the better by our brief association with Skellig. I found Mr. Almond's choice of language usage and phraseology very effective at conveying the location of the story. His chapters lend themselves well to being read aloud; not too long, and not so short that they seem choppy or do not entice you to read on to the next chapter. I wouldn't mind if Skellig turned up in our garage, someday.

angel or not?
Caitlin Stock October 29, 2002

Skellig, David Almond

What are shoulder blades for? One theory is that they are where your wings were when you were an angel and will come again. "What are you?" said Michael, who is the main character in the book Skellig. Michael is a boy would does not have it very easy, his little sister was born to early and he just moved into a broken down house, that has a toilet in the living room. Also he found an old man named Skellig, in his garage, with bumps on his back. This is an interesting fiction/fantasy book.
Awesome, exciting, and touching are some words someone would use to describe the book, Skellig. Skellig was a page-turner because; it involved adventure and heartbreak. Every page was like jumping into the book. The author, David Almond, really wrote it from a first person point of view. He also made it seem that you were part of the book and you could visualize the characters speaking. Every page seemed to have some magic on it that made you want to read more and more. If some one said that this book sounded boring, with out even reading it, by the end of the book the person would have a whole different point of view. This book could not be boring because it involves too much heartbreak, adventure, and excitement. a boring book does not give detail.skellig gives so much detail, you literally feel like you are acting out a part in the book. Most kids could connect to this book because; it involves a lot of choices. Kids today seem to make alot of choices and have problems choosing. this book not only is adventurous it deals with making choices.
I think that this book can prepare you for the worst. Michael had every odd against him and still he survives by making choices and not giving up. This book would be a great book for older kids because little kids would not get some of the main problems in this book. Also any kind of person would love this book because it is not just set for one group of people. I would recommend this book because; it is a page-turner, exciting, and heart breaking.

How many changes 1 boy can go through in life
I recommend Skellig for 10-14 years old boys and girls. If you like mysteries and like to be left hanging, this is definitely a book to read! I liked this book because of the weird things that happened. There are some things that leave you wondering. At one point in the book the old man says, "27 and 53" and you might think it doesn't have to do with anything, but it appears throughout the whole book. Mike's friend says to him, "What's wrong with you?" That leaves you hanging because by this point you're so into the book, you want to know what happened. Even though it's not one of those really important parts but it's a mystery that the author throws in to keep you wondering. But in the end you finally find the answer to all the mystery's and the problems. That was why I liked this book because at first I was confused but in the end it all came together.

Skellig- a well thought out book
Skellig is an angel who meets mina and micheal he has just moved into a new house. Michaels sister is dying and has been sent to hospital skellig is he babys guardian angel and goes to see her she has had an operation and he helps to give her strngth to live.

Skellig is a great book as it keeps you guessing and when you coem up with an answer you realise you were wrong very good!

What's all the fuss about?
I read this to my daughter a few years ago, and for the life of me I can't figure out why this won awards in Britain. It's a strange little story, but neither characters nor the plot are all that interesting. The writing is fine but nothing to brag about. It's just O.K. ... Read more

Book Description

Winterhope.

It didn't sound like much, but it was a big idea. A very big idea.

It all started when Hart Evans zinged a rubber band that hit Mr. Meinert, the chorus director. Actually, it started before that, when Mr. Meinert learned he was out of a job because the town budget couldn't afford music and art teachers. Mr. Meinert got so mad at Hart that he told the sixth graders he'd had it -- they could produce the big holiday concert on their own. Or not. It was all up to them.

What happens when a teacher steps aside and lets the kids run the show? Not what Mr. Meinert would have predicted. And not what Hart Evans would have guessed, not at all.

Out of chaos, infighting, compromise, idealism, and finally, a fragile peace, the sixth grade choral concert was born. And they called it Winterhope.

But would it be the last holiday concert of them all? ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Great concept
"Yo! Yes?" is a unique picture book that uses only 31 words, usually no more than 2 on a page, to tell a whole story involving two boys who discover they can be friends. Beautiful in its simplicity, the book also makes good use of Raschka's expressive art style. Indeed, the book is his masterpiece; since then he has applied his visual talents to a series of minor disasters, among them the picture books "Arlene Sardine" and "Like Likes Like." It's a shame that his reputation has had to dwindle so, but I still keep hoping he will come up with another good one like this. He has done a sequel called "Ring! Yo?" which is slightly more complicated than this one.

My kids' favorite book!
This book was my 6 year old daughter's favorite book in 1996 and now it has quickly become my 22 month old son's favorite book too! He already knows all of the words. I would highly recommend this book to anyone with small children!

Yo! Yes? in the classroom
Yo! Yes? is the first book I read to my class each school year. We use it in several ways. First, I explain to my class that sometimes we need a way to focus our attention. So when I say Yo!, they should say Yes? and then stop talking and listen carefully. Next we use this as a guided reading book so that the children can practice how to use punctuation to decide voice inflection when reading. Later still we use the book as a springboard for a discussion of Conflict Mediation and then friendship. I love this book and so do the children in my multiage classroom because in so few words it conveys so much.

Becoming friends.
This short children's book is about two lonely boys, one Caucasian the other African-American, who meet on a street and become friends, speaking with only monosyllabic words. It's a story that has happened to all of us at one time or another. The book was a 1994 Caldecott Honor book (i.e., a runner-up to the Medal winner) for best illustrations in a book for children.

Babies love it!
My 17 month old daughter adores this book and will probably have it memorized, gestures and all, within the month. Inflection is key here and it's something babies start to work on even before they know words. The story is meant for an older (pre-school) audience, but the fun-with-language aspect of this book makes it great for even the littlest listeners. ... Read more

Book Description