Reviews (1)

a vital resource
A Girl of Beauty is designed to help a mother develop an excellent character in their daughter...The focus is taken off the outward and refocused on the value of good ideals..The traits of friendship,loyality,and purpose for life are just an example of some of the 18 development traits ..Each trait has a biblical reference,review section,and further study information.The book is designed as a daily devotional with a section for your notes..It is refreshing to see a book geared for 7 and up when girls are so impressionable.This tool helps us to form Godly character in the vessels the Lord has lent to us to rise in this "world " of high fashion and "me centered" philosphies.. ... Read more

Book Description

Generations of children have treasured the story of Sara Crewe, the little girl who imagines shes a princess in order to survive hard times at Miss Minchins London boarding school. Now, this classic novel is available in two beautiful new collectors editions. With Tasha Tudors enchanting black-and-white illustrations, and lovely details like a satin ribbon marker and glorious full-color plates in the hardcover, these new editions of A Little Princess are must-haves for anyone who wants to rediscover the magic of this beloved story.

... Read more

Reviews (237)

GREAT family movie!
This is one of my favorite movies. So well-acted and well-made. Leisel Matthews is a very good actress, and she does a great job at portraying young Sara Crewe, the little girl who is sent to a strict boarding school by her gentle and loving father, who must go serve in the war. When Captain Crewe (Sara's father) is believed to have been killed in battle, Sara is devastated, but she decides to have as much optimism as she can. Though the coldhearted mistress of the school, Miss Minchin, forces Sara to become a servant, Sara's spirit does not die. Miss Minchin takes away all of Sara's pretty things and attempts to take her "princess" title away, but Sara will never give up belief that she and all other girls are princesses, mainly because her beloved father has told her so. Sara develops a close bond with Becky, who is also a servant at the school. Throughout the movie, Sara's strength and her kind nature will enchant everyone who watches the film. It is truly an uplifting story. It's my favorite version of "the little princess," and it definitely deserves 5 stars. I'd give it 10 if I could.

A Beautiful Story Anyone Can Fall in Love With!
This has got to be one of my favourite movies. I'm the type of person who loves orphan stories such as The Secret Garden, Annie, etc. But this one touched me like no other. It's about a little girl named Sarah who loves storytelling. She hasn't any brothers or sisters, nor a mother, so she just has one father whom she loves more than anyone. They both live together in India. Then her father is called to battle, and Sarah is sent to a boarding school in New York, where her mother used to attend as a girl. When her father is killed in battle and there's no one to pay for Sarah's school fees, the cruel headmistress forces Sarah into a life of poverty. She quickly befriends the other servant girl whose name is Becky, and somehow manages to live through the hardships that come her way. The ending just blew me away. The ending isn't the same as the book, because this movie is only based on the book, not a recreation. But all the same, you'll love it. The perfect family movie, and a great movie to introduce not only girls-but boys also-to the world of poverty children in England used to suffer.

Beautiful, though some liberties were taken with the story
When Alfonso Cuarón was picked to direct the new Harry Potter, many people were surprised because his last movie was definately for grown-ups only. They seem to have forgotten that he is responsible for this beautiful retelling of a classic children's book.

This movie is based more on the classic Shirley Temple version than it is on the book, which means that it takes some creative liberties. Gone are the diamond mines (the best part!) and back comes the father. I did not really like these changes. The movie is also transfered from London to New York, so it's a little unclear what they were doing in India.

Despite those qualms, though, this is a brilliantly filmed fable. The girls are wonderful: dorky Ermegard, prissy Lavinia, spoiled Lottie, and Sarah pulls off the admirable feat of not being completely insipid (if you think that this is an insult, then you haven't read the book).

It is good for all ages. My friend, for reasons still unclear to me, dragged me to see this in the theater when we were about 15... if a cynical teenager thought that a movie about little girls at a Victorian boarding school was really good, then you know it's gotta be great!

Wondeful Story--Better Than The Book!
A Little Princess is a fast-paced movie about a young girl who's father must go off to war. Sarah (the Little Princess) must cope with the fact that she must leave her home in India and go the strict boarding school for girls in New York, where her deceased mother once attended.
Sarah turns out to be a trouble maker and ends up almost being sent to jail.
However, she gets out of it and I promise I won't give away the ending.
We have owned this movie form almost 10 years and I don't think we'll ever get tired of it.

My Favorite Movie of All Time!!
After all the times I have viewed this movie, it still makes me laugh and cry! Parts of this movie have some of the best and most beautiful filming techniques I have ever seen and the colors and richness of the sets are magnificent. The weaving together of the Indian, shall I say, myth/tale and English boardinghouse storyline is wonderful. When I think of our battered world, I wish it was really so, that all girls are princesses (and all boys, princes). Worth seeing over and over again!!! Liesel Matthews is great! ... Read more

Book Description

An innovative walk through Pauls Epistle to the Philippians, perfectly tailored to young girls by the Secret Power for Girls concept -- leading students to understand the secrets of Gods plan for their lives; and revealing the spiritual power that can be theirs by the Holy Ghostthrough Susie Shellenbergers unique teaching gifts. Readers will join Paul in his struggles and revelations; will examine Gods plan and their own responses; and will come to a deeper relationship with God and knowledge of His promises of empowerment. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Great book for little girls who love horses!
This is a very educational and fun book. I gave it as a gift to a 7 year old who has EVERYTHING and she has not put it down for weeks! The pictures are great, the information is great, and the trading cards in the back are a big plus. I highly recommend this book.

Good!
Has lots of stories and vivid photos. It will touch any horse lover with its beautiful pictures and true horse stories! I would recommend this book to any horse lover or someone who is interested in horses! ... Read more

Book Description

Bobbi Brown Teenage Beauty

Bobbi Brown Teenage Beauty is the ultimate beauty guide for young women. It takes the mystery out of all those confusing rituals so that you can figure out how to feel happier and more relaxed about your looks. You'll look your prettiest!

Your teen years are the most emotionally charged of your life. Your body's developing at a rapid pace, your skin changes from day to day, and your hormones are raging (in case you didn't notice). Everything in your life is in total flux. Bobbi's mission is to help boost your self-esteem and confidence. By listening to Bobbi's straightforward and useful beauty principles, you'll gain a sense of control over your body, your looks, and your life. Bobbi's hip, no-nonsense, and timeless advice covers such real teen problems and issues as:

Zits! - Being Overweight - Braces - Beauty School 101 Eight Simple Steps to a Pretty, Natural Makeup Look - Preteen Basics - Prom Beauty - Global Beauty - Mother-Daughter Beauty - Rock 'n' Roll Babes: Hip Beauty Style - Go for It: Experimental Beauty

Written with sensitivity to help you navigate the difficult self-image issues that you face, Bobbi Brown Teenage Beauty empowers you to discover and celebrate your own unique, natural beauty. This fresh and honest makeup guide is your ultimate source for advice, tips, and lessons for achieving beauty inside and out.

Reviews (59)

A basic beauty manual for teen girls
"Bobbi Brown Teenage Beauty" is very much like Bobbi's beauty book for women, "Bobbi Brown Beauty." As always, Bobbi emphasises her philosophy of natural makeup that lets your inner beauty shine through. Bobbi has written the book in an easy-to-use and understand manner that many teens can benefit from. This is not just a beauty manual; it's also a guide to help you gain self-confidence and self-esteem and to accept yourself for your natural beauty.

Bobbi covers typical teenage beauty issues throughout the book such as covering up and preventing zits, makeup with braces, beauty for prom and special occasions, what to keep in your makeup bag, and more. Included are individual chapters on skincare, the right makeup for your skin tone, an eight-step makeup application process with photos and instructions, tips on experimenting with makeup, and basic instructions on how to apply eyeshadow, lipstick and gloss, concealer, etc. Additional chapters include health and fitness plans for all body types, how to dress to flatter your body, answers to frequenty asked beauty questions, preteen beauty, and beauty for different ethnic groups such as Asian, African-American, and Latina.

Since this book doesn't really dive into makeup application beyond the basics, I would recommend this book to any teen who doesn't want too much makeup or any teen who has only started wearing makeup. It's a great self-confidence booster and a great beauty manual for most teens.

"PRETTY...AWESOME"
Professional makeup artist Bobbi Brown has her own line of cosmetics available at fine department stores, as many girls may know. Here, she has brought forth a book not completely about eyes, lips, cheeks, and nails, like some girls might think. BOBBI BROWN TEENAGE BEAUTY... also stresses physical and mental health, as well as self-confidence. It is also a reference book for various makeup looks, some natural and subtle, others less tame and featuring the more vibrant shades of the rainbow.

Some of these looks are more on the wild side. Nonetheless, some girls my age may enjoy them. Other looks seem as if they'd require a real artist, as in it would be a difficult task to complete in the comfort of your own home bathroom, even if you had all the supplies it called for. I still enjoyed seeing clear glossed lips AND neon blue-lined eyes.

My favorite line in the book is spoken by Bobbi herself. She says something along the lines of, "You should learn to accept yourself no matter what, or you can never be happy over any personal gains you make." That statement couldn't be closer to the truth. Some may roll their eyes and think, "Everyone knows that!" But if so, why are the majority of teenage girls lacking confidence? I was also quite appreciative of how Brown addresses different body figures, saying that if you eat healthy and excercise regularly, you will fall into your normal body shape. So true! Lately, our society has wised up and is beginning to stress this positive point more and more on a daily basis.

Visually, this book is stunning. Some pictures are quick snapshots. Others were put together to look more immaculate: background, possible airbrushing, perfect angles, etc. The models aren't always merely those chosen for the profession - Bobbi has made over real teens, too - regular girls with regular flaws.

Great holiday gift. It also serves as a nice reference. Although it is primarily for teen girls, I think adults may benefit as well.

It was allright
i received this book as a gift from one of my friends who loved it. i found it helpful but not necessary. it told me a lot of tips that i already knew. it didn't focus as much on beauty as i wouldve liked. there weren't styles or anything like that to help you piece together a look. it was basically telling you what it was. some other stuff, like being yourself etc, was nice and comforting, but not all i expected from a beauty book. i think it shouldve focused more on cosmetics, as that is what people were paying for! still a good read, but borrow your friends-dont buy your own. you could buy a better book with more help. this is great for the 1st read, boring the next. as i said, a good book to borrow but not buy.

Great
I thought this book was tottaly awesome. I couldn't belive how good it was. It's like my favorite book now. She answers all the questions i have. And now i look a lot better thanx to this book. I hope there will be more books like this. I reccomended it to all my friends. Now we can do our own makeovers. Yeah i reccomend this book to guys too, if ur in to this stuff, which i totally am.

Beauty essentials for beginners
I HIGHLY recommend this book to ages 13 and under or anyone else that considers makeup foreign, and they are trying to learn the basics. Bobbi speaks from experience in every topic of the book and gives you great tips on things like choosing the right foundation to match your skin tone - to dealing with braces,acne and other tough things that most teens face. I really think that those searching for answers to these basic makeup questions should definatly buy it. I just bought this book a couple months ago, and it didn't help me much though because I am 17 and I have had about four years experience with makeup. The information in the book was a majority of things that I had found out on my own - and I REALLY wish I would have known about this book when I was younger.... because I was on my own as far as help! But it is really an awesome book for those that are wanting to know the basic beauty things without feeling stupid - Bobbi clues you in like a big sister would. ... Read more

Book Description

It's true. The Chilton gods seem to get great amusement out of putting Paris and me in the same setting, be it academically or socially. And they're alos bestowing their evil charms on my mom, who's been told by Headmaster Charleston that she needs to be more involved. So she's working on being a "Chilton mom," and I'm trying to be a "Puff." It hasn't been easy for either of us, especially with the distraction of my debutante ball, the arrival of Luke's nephew, Jess, and Tristan's return to school. What's Harvard?

Reviews (3)

The Gilmore Girls are great!!
I LOVED this book! If you like the Gilmore Girls, then you would really like the book. These series of Gilmore Girls books are great and they relate to the episode. These books are very easy to read. I would strongly reccommend these books if you like Gilmore Girls!

Another great read from a wonderful TV show
The fourth novelized installment of the TV series told from Rory's point of view. Even though I've seen the episodes the novel covers (at least twice), the book is still fresh and entertaining.

Gilmore Girls keeps on Glowing!
I loved this book! Rory's and Loreali's life is so interesting. You know that Jess causes a big factor when he comes into Stars Hallow. (You know this if you have been keeping up to the TV show on the WB) I recommend that you read the previous Gilmore Girls books first to fully understand this one. This was a great book and the only reason that I didn't give it five stars was becasue I am not sure of it's clarity to those who are not familiar with the Tv series. ... Read more

Book Description

A Girl's Guide to Growing Up
Being a girl is a lot of fun most of the time. But some days are really difficult. Dealing with a body that is changing before everyone's eyes, increasing amounts of schoolwork, boys, other girls, friends, makeup, clothing, parents. Wow! Life as a preteen or early-teen girl is tough, and that's why every girl has questions about growing up. Fortunately, now you have some help.
Girls: What's So Bad About Being Good? is your new guide to surviving those trying times and feeling good about yourself in the end. Inside, a mom and her daughter—who's about the same age as you—team up to help you figure out what's really important in life and how you can become the person you want to be. You'll find some great ways to handle emotional issues and deal with daily crises as you discover how to:
·Develop a positive self-image
·Maintain healthy relationships with parents, friends, and boys
·Deal with peer pressure, bullies, brats, and violence
·Dream big and turn those dreams into reality!
·And so much more!
"A lively, relevant, and valuable resource that can not only empower but also help girls keep open the lines of communication with the important adults in their lives." —Marty Evans, national executive director, Girl Scouts of the USA
"A great book for preteen girls! The best of both worlds with the smarts of a mom and a daughter!" —Karen Bokram, editor in chief, Girls' Life magazine ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Highly recommended
I have been reviewing books for girls who are in their preteen years. The interactive book I like best is "Girls: What's so Bad about being Good?" (Authors: Harriet Mosatche and 12 year-old daughter Liz Lawner). The format is teen friendly and inviting. A wide range of topics will captivate young readers. The book is written in a format that will guide and encourage young women to make positive choices. Highly recommended.

Excellent Book
This book has everything I was looking for. The best part was that the information was down to earth, stuff I can actually use in my life. When I had my copy at camp, all the other girls kept grabbing it so they could read it too!

Read this Great Advice Book
I just finished reading this book, and really loved the fact that you can get advice from a mom and a daughter. The book is funny, has lots of stuff to do, and has loads of interesting and very useful information. The authors really understand kids my age. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Did you know that Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart had an older sister who was another musical genius? Musicologists even speculate that some compositions attributed to Mozart were actually the work of his sister. Nannerl Mozart is just one example of how women and their accomplishments have been ignored or erased entirely from world history. This important book seeks to amend that gaping absence in history books and popular culture by acknowledging the countless women whose contributions have made a difference to modern society. Arranged chronologically, Herstory offers compelling biographies of 120 women from "The Dawn" (prehistory to 1750) to "Revolution to Revolution" (1750-1850) to "The Global Community" (1890 to the present). The famous, not-so-famous, and infamous are here, including Cleopatra, Sacajawea, Qui Jin, and Golda Meir. Showcasing women's achievements in the arts, politics, science, and medicine--and with an inspiring forward by Gloria Steinem--this book serves up a healthy portion of education, enlightenment, and enjoyment, and should be an essential reference for young women and young men alike. (Ages 11 and older) --Brangien Davis ... Read more

Reviews (3)

All About Women!
Here's one of the few great books that focus on women and their accomplishments only instead of men. This book featured 120 biographal sketches of women such as Cleopatra VII, Queen Victoria, Anna Pavlova, Gabrielle "Coco" Channel, Harriet Tubmanm, Elizabeth Blackwell, Queen Elizabeth I, and much, much more. These biographies are all wonderful, easy to read, and clearly say what these women have done and accomplished. This is the perfect book for anyone who wants to read about women who have done amazing things. After all, women are capable of accomplishing and doing anything, and this book clearly shows that!

A necessity to anyone interested in women's history
What a gem! I have many history books about women because I want to share women's history with my children. I was of the generation where women were left out of the history class and I feel that women are still in large left out of much of the classes in today's schools. This book does a great job of including many women from different eras, genres and ethnicities. There are photos and great summaries that are short enough to interest children, but in-depth enough to give the reader a knowledgeable understanding. I highly recommend this book to anyone, at any level!

exellent!
This is the best book! Are you tired or reading about history through the eyes of a man? Before this history was documented by wars and treatys but this book is totally different. You learn about history as well as her-story, I learned about more than a hundred other women who changed the movement of the world. Some created inventions, others opened schools, they fighted for wemens rights and protested their weekness by working twice as hard as any man. This was a great book I really injoyed reading it, I hope you do too. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Great Book!
I loved this book! It discusses everything a girl my age worries about! After every chapter they have a little study guide that you can fill out. This book really helped me in my Christian Walk and I highly reccomend it!

Super Duper
This is a great book! I am trying to start doing a quiet time with God every day, but it's hard. This book, though, is making it become much easier for me. It gives really good advice and helps with problems I'm having right now! Thanks, Point of Grace!!!

Okay
This Christian book is great reading when your questioning. Whenever just flip through and you will find some helpful stuff to get you through the day. Get it if your are Christian girl. It will be your friend! Lol!

Girls of Grace
"Girls of Grace" is a devotional and bible study workbook by the Christian music sensations 'Point of Grace'. There are four main sections to this book. Faith, Family, Friends and Boys. "Girls of Grace" is a devotional book that focuses on the problems and issues that teenage girls face everyday. You are going to love "Girls of grace"! I guarantee that you will want to grab a copy for every teenage girl you know.
Each chapter is written by a member of 'Point of Grace'. For example Shelley wrote the chapter on Family. Some of the issues dealt with in this chapter are: Honor Thy Father and Mother, the study guide for this section of the chapter is entitled 'Parents: God's Design?'
I really enjoyed reading this book. Within each study guide there are Bible texts to really bring the point home, as well as relevant illustrations covering each topic.
I recommend parents and youth leaders by this book for their teenage girls, it will help them with their spiritual growth, and well as personal development. ... Read more

Book Description

The Sex God has left the country, taking Georgia's heart with him. So she decides to display glaciosity to all boys -- a girl can only have her heart broken so many times.

Until she meets Masimo, the new singer for the Stiff Dylans. The Sex God is gone, but here comes the Dreamboat, and Georgia's away laughing on a fast camel (whatever that means).

Reviews (35)

Georgia's back and full of Humoristy!
Georgia goes on another fabbity-fab adventure with pals Ellen, Mabs, Rosie, Jools, and Jas, but this time it's sheer desperadoes for the gang. Georgia's problems begin where they left off in Nuddy Pants with the horrifying news of her dearest Sex God moving away to snog sheep in Kiwi-ago-go-land , but her sadness doesn't last long when her red bottomosity flares and the general horn takes hold!Soon Georgia finds herself falling for the hot new lead singer of the Stiff Dylans. You won't believe the DRAMA that follows!
Meanwhile the ever faithful gang has to stick together as two more friends fall into despair. Lets not forget the family either Libby's growing up, Angus has a family and Mutti and Vatti are doing everything they can to make Georgia's life an embarrassment. Vatti (the master loon himself) decides to buy a new reason for Georgia to never show her face to humanity and announces a family vacation! Where to this time I wonder? This time it's all humoristy as the adventure continues in a laugh out loud tale of boys, love, make -up, and school! There is no wonder why anybody would want to read this book with its humor drama and scandalous red bottomosity. It's a perfect link to Georgia's never ending story. Don't wait to read this book!

Laughing Away...
I started reading this series when I bought the first book for my middle school students; I wanted to be sure the books didn't contain information inappropriate for this age group.They've become wildly popular in our school, with students I don't even know coming in to check them out.I was a bit disappointed with this one though, as it contains a few parts that are a bit racier than the previous books.Still, I have to admit to laughing quite out loud at my desk as we all sat for our sustained "silent" reading (SSR).I find Massimo to be an entirely charming character - much more endearing than the Sex God.

It is hilarious
Away Laughing on a Fast Camel : Even More Confessions of Georgia Nicolson (Confessions of Georgia Nicolson) by Louise Rennison
is a really funny and hirarius book. This book will take your breath away. it's about this young girl that has a crazy Family. Lets start with her mother her mother is about 43or 46 years old. Georgia mother trys to snogged her doctor.Her father is very crazy in this boook he sell his car and buys one with three wheels.He has a beard a foot long and he sing out loudsong like i will always love you and i am a sex bomp and not go for the three year old.
Georgia has a sister named destany she is the most crazy of all and georgia pet angus. destany like to repeat very thing the alduts she like to dance around in her nuddy pants.She also likes to craw into small places like angus's basket. Last is angus he his a scottish cat that Georgia found and broght home with he likes ackaing Georgia this and getting into trouble.

Away Laughing on a Fast Camel
I found this book to be a fun read. It is written in the first person from the perspective of a teenage girl in England. The "lingo" is a bit hard to follow, but one can easily begin to feel a part of Georgia's life and understand her feelings. The book moves a mile a minute, as does Georgia's multi-faceted world. She has parents that embarass her, a little sister that "LUUUUURVES" her and a very promiscuous tomcat named Angus. She talks a lot about snogging, (kissing), her desire to make a boy fall in love with her, her friends and how they are way too immature for her and how frustrating it is to be in a family of "crazies"!
Every teenager could find something they'd relate to in this book. They will surely laugh outloud, as I did, while reading it.

after five books it still has its magic touch!
I have read all of the georgia nicolson series, and this one, was one of the best ones- (I love them all...but this one was a treat!)I had one scenario when I read the book, and I was laughing for so long, and so hard in my room, my brother thought I was crying! He came in after I stopped laughing- (which was about an hour!! :)and asked me what was wrong! I love the georgia nicolson series! I own all of the series, and I am always re-reading them. I really recommened this book to ones who want a good laugh, and if you want some cheering up when your down! I love georgia, because she always looks on the bright side of all of her dilemas, and she is a relaxed person- not necisarily a role model, but very nice, and a bit caring- (when she wants to be!) Georgia deals with all problems that every teenager has, so you can really relate with her Georgia also has a crazy mutti and vati, a cat that drives her nuts, and of course, a little sister-Libby-( who is bonkers!). You will love these books- and will never be happier to read- ta ta 4now! ... Read more

Book Description

Mary Lou Finney is less than excited about her assignment to keep a journal over the summer. Boring! Then cousin Carl Ray comes to stay with her family, and what starts out as the dull dog days of summer quickly turns into the wildest roller coaster ride of all time.

How was Mary Lou suppose to know what would happen with Carl Ray and the ring? Or with her boy-crazy best friend Beth Ann? Or with (sigh) the permanently pink Alex Cheevey? Suddenly a boring school project becomes a record of the most exciting, incredible, unbelievable summer of Mary Lou's life.

But what if her teacher actually does read her journal?

Reviews (108)

Such a great book!!
Absolutely normal chaos is probably one of my all-time favourite books. It's about a regular girl, Mary Lou Finney, 13, who lives in a house with her 3 brothers and her sister. Needless to say, there is never a moment of peace, and her summer seems to be becoming as boring as ever. Yet, her luck seems to turn, and we are told about her wonderfully exciting summer in a journal that she is told to write for school. She has no idea how to do it, but she ends up writing about her weird cousin, Carl Ray, who knows the Odyssey inside out, Her "best friend" Beth Ann, and her permanently pink Alex Cheveey. So what starts out as a boring summer turns into a thrilling time!

Adventure, fun, and a bit of romance, this book is one that you will definitely not be able to drop! I recommend this to everyone, even those who don't like reading!

Alpha and Omega!
I remember when I got this book in my Easter basket two years ago. I picked it up, and didn't stop reading until I was finished. Since then I've read it about 65 times, and I still read it almost every day. "Absolutely Normal Chaos" led me to read "The Odyssey," which is another one of my favourites, and I've also taken up Mary Lou's expressions such as Omnipotent, cabbageheaded and all that other sum and substance. It is also my inspiration for journaling. I recommend "Absolutely Normal" to absolutely everyone I meet. And they all tell me I'm exactly like Mary Lou... har har har. Anyway, I guess I should go ahead and review the book.

Absolutely Normal Chaos is about a 13-year-old girl named Mary Lou Finney who is assigned by her English teacher, Mrs. Zollar, to keep a journal over the summer. Mary Lou has no idea what a journal really is, so she decides to just write away and hope she's doing it right. Over the summer, Mary Lou's cousin, Carl Ray, comes to stay with her family. She also becomes involved with Alex Cheevey, a boy from school. What happens next is an odyssey in itself, and I don't want to give away the ending to this wonderful book.

For my final sentence, two words: READ IT!

Got to love this book!!
At first I was not intersted in this book. But later on I started to get really into it! The story is about a girl that has a hard time when her cousin comes for the summer. But near the end of the book Carl Ray tells Mary Lou a lot of secerts about his life!! I loved this book!!!

Absolutely Normal Chaos
I love, love, love ALL of Sharon Creech's other books, but for some reason, this one just didn't do it for me. I think it is kind of boring, and not a lot happens. For one thing, I am not much of a mushy gushy romantic person, and that seemed to be one of the main focuses of the book. I didn't like that part. I really didn't feel like I got to know the characters very well. Those are just my opinions and you may feel very differently, but I think if you want a good Sharon Creech book, you'd be better off reading Bloomability or Walk Two Moons!

(...)they are mostly from a 13-year-old's point of view.

Wow!
This is a great book! It has romance, comedy, family, almost everything! Sharon Creech has outdone herself again. The main character's diary is the book and it captures hilariously how being a teen is! Great read! ... Read more

Book Description

There have been a proliferation of books on the market for young woman extolling virtue and purity and the value of the Christian lifestyle. But are young girls reading books on virtue and spiritual growth? Or are they reading the teen counterparts to what they perceive as the sophisticated popular adult magazines that promise to reveal (at least the latest) secrets to beauty, fashion, thinness, love, and happiness?

Vicki Courtney knows teen girls. Her message is exactly what they need to hear to counter the culture’s lies and distortions about who they are and what they should become.TeenVirtue will give them the information they need in a format they will read. Laid out like a sophisticated magazine, your teen girl will be able to use this book and share it with her friends. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Looks like a magazine; offers great advice
Looks like the best of teen magazines but carries real-world advice with a Christian perspective.I really liked this book!It had good, but not judgemental advice on everything from clothes, pierced belly buttons, tatoos and friends to boyfriends, sex and beauty.It doesn't go into explicit details... but it offers solid advice for teen girls growing up in tough times.I think maybe the best section is quotes from teen guys talking about what they wished teen girls knew!I plan to give this magazine/book as a gift. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (17)

Response to Literature
The book I read is called The Secret School. It was really good. It was about a girl, Ida Bidson. She wanted to become a teacher, and needed to have her exit exam her eighth grade year. Things were looking good, but then her teacher, Miss Fletcher leaves. Mr. Jordan, the head of school board, decides to close the school instead of finding a new teacher. This breaks Ida's heart because next year may be too late for her to go to high school. Money depends on how well her family farm prospers. Her friend, Tom, mentions her being the teacher. This idea grows to a reality as she teaches secretly for quite a while. Mr. Jordan finds out and tries to close the school. Fortunately this doesn't work. So Ida, along with her students pass the exit exam. Now she can finally have a chance of going to high school.

I thought this was very brave of her to teach at such a young age. I would never have enough courage or confidence to do this. She acts as if it's no big deal. Even though I want to become a teacher someday I know I am far away from my goal. She had problems, but she didn't seem to handle them any different from an experienced teacher. "I'd [meaning Herbert, the troublemaker] sure like to see your make me [referring to the very nervous Ida on her first day.]"All in all she did very well. I hope if I do get to be a teacher myself, I'll be like her.

I most disliked the character of Mr. Jordan. I'm sure Avi meant to make readers dislike him. She did a very good job of it too. He was made out to be mean, bossy. In my opinion I think guys and girls are equal. It might be partly because I am a girl, either way that's how I view it. I think most of today's people agree with me. In the 1920's when this story takes place it was different. Girls were no comparison to the almighty man. I think all that's so dumb. Mr. Jordan, along with being the one who doesn't want the school to stay open, also thinks it's pointless to teach girls. I took it that he was implying that guys were better. "... I'm not so sure a girl needs a high school education," (Avi 11). I can just imagine him saying this emphasizing the word girl.

I thought it was sad that Ida didn't have time for herself. She had to do chores at her house along with teaching. If I were her I would hope my parents would at least give me less work. She didn't get paid either. That would be okay for a little while, but after a while it would seem pointless. Maybe this is selfish or makes me sound snotty, but I would never be that stressed out unless I was getting paid. I mean if I had no choice it'd be different, in this case she didn't have to though. "Think they'd hire you?" said Mrs. Bidson "Not for money." (Avi 25).

All in all this was a very good book. I would like to read books with more depth. In this book you could pretty much guess the ending from the beginning. None the less it was still good. I guess you never know though because some books are like that, but there's a twist at the very end. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a simple yet good book. Even though it was a little different from what I like, I'm glad I read it. No book have I ever read am I sorry I read. I think every book you read can only help you get ready for the next. Plus as long as your enjoying it who cares?

you will love it ! I did.
The Secret School takes place in Elk Valley,Colorado in 1925. I thought this book was interesting because it is about a class who finds out that their teacher is leaving. Ida is one of the students and she is worried that Tom and she will not get to take their final exams if Mrs.Fletcher, the teacher, has to leave to take care of her sick mother. So Ida and the rest of the class take a vote and they all elect to keep the school running,but not to tell anyone that Ida is the new teacher. The biggest problem was that Ida got tired of being teacher because she wanted to keep up with her studies. Soon there is to be a meeting to shut down the school because Mr.Jordan found out about the secret school.They all got their exams back except Herbert I won't give away the ending. So I hope you read this book.

Shh It's a Secret!!!! /By:AJY (Grade5)
A quiet day in 1925, Ida Bidson and her classmates heard the terrible news. Her teacher had to go take care of her. Mr Jordon was closing the school down for good!!!! Ida felt like tearing every strand of hair out of her head because the exams for high-school was soon what should she do. All of a sudden Tom her best friend had a excellent idea but the idea had to be kept a secret.
I thought this book had great use of vocabulary and I never wanted to put it down. I reccomend this book for 4-6 grade girls and boys. Avi did it AGAIN!!!!!!

Look at this fantastic book by:NMD Grade 5
It's a plain, regular day in a Colarado one-room school house in the year 1925. Ida Bidson, age 14, hopes to become a teacher. To do that she must finish 8th grade and complete high shcool. Cautiously the other children and Ida discover that Miss Fletcher, the teacher, has to go to Iowa to help her mom because of her mom's sickness. Later on in the book the school shuts down due to the absece of Miss Fletcher. Is this an opportunity for Ida?

Take a Look at This Phenominal Book!! By: LMD Grade 5
It's 1925 in a one room school house in Colorado. Ida Bidson and her friend Tom are both stuck smack in the middle of copious amounts of dilemmas. Their teacher, Miss. Fletcher,has to leave town and take care of her ill mother. A replacement teacher cannot be found. The one room school house is shut down and Ida and Tom cannot take their final exams. This dilemma punctures their hopes to go to highschool. Tom exhorts Ida to take over and be the new teacher but to keep it a secret. Mr. Jordon, a monsterous teacher on the school board, is who they want to keep it a secret from. Ida thinks, "Should I be the teacher?" ... Read more

Book Description

Sleeping Beauty,
Victoria,
Cleopatra,
Snow White,
Elizabeth,
Pocahontas,
Mia Thermopolis:
all princesses

Do YOU have what it takes
to be a princess?
princess mia will help you find out

Best-selling Princess Diaries author Meg Cabot and acclaimed fashion artist Chesley McLaren team up again to display this clever royal roster of princesses of the world. Big or small, old or new, fact or fiction, our favorite princess Amelia Mignonette Grimaldi Thermopolis Renaldo (aka Mia) will point out why these princesses rule, and how any girl can too!

Reviews (2)

Charming and Witty
Me being the HUGE Princess Diaries fan, loved this new book in which Mia introduces you to the many princess of the world and teaches the concepts on how to become a perfect princess. From how to eat, talk, stand, make an incredible entrance, or how to wear a tiara, Mia creates another funny page-turner with these hiliarious questions of what makes a perfect princess. From old princesses, young princesses, real princesses, to fiction princesses, Mia analyzes how each exhibits the sings of a true princess. My favorite had to be WuZeTian(I'm Asian and Chinese). Couldn't believe she was in there. Mia just about covered every princess I could ever think about.

Like Princess Lessons this book should probably only be read by true Princess Diaries fans.(I did find it slightly better than Princess Lessons) I really enjoyed it, though I could tell if someone would find it kinda boring if they weren't a true fan. You don't have to read this book to get the series since nothing is connected. It is just a fun book for those of us who dream of becoming princesses one day.

An Adorable Book for Die-Hard Cabot Fans
As opposed to informing you on how to eat, dress, walk, talk, put make-up on, etc., like a princess as the previous PRINCESS DIARIES book, PRINCESS LESSONS, spoke of, PERFECT PRINCESS informs you on different subjects, such as how to wield the incredible power of the tiara, how to know when your prince deserves to be whacked in the head with a shoe, what it takes to achieve immortality...or at least make an unforgettable entrance, why allowing the populace to eat bread and not just cake is of critical importance, what to do as a houseguest should you find a pea under your mattress, what makes a princess perfect, etc.

As someone who absolutely loves the work of Meg Cabot, I found that I absolutely had to have PERFECT PRINCESS. While I recommend this book to all die-hard fans of Meg Cabot's work, and her PRINCESS DIARIES series, it is not a necessity, and is NOT a continuation of any of the PRINCESS DIARIES books, it's simply somewhat of a self-help book for Princesses, or people who feel they are Princesses, or people who would like to live like a Princess.

Erika Sorocco ... Read more

Book Description

In kitchens and living rooms, in garages and labs and basements, even in converted chicken coops, women and girls have invented ingenious innovations that have made our lives simpler and better. Their creations are some of the most enduring (the windshield wiper) and best loved (the chocolate chip cookie). What inspired these women, and just how did they turn their ideas into realities? ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Loved it. Very inspirational.
I first read the book with my daughter and then shared it with my Girl Scout troop. It was very inspirational and a joy to see some many innovations coming from women.

Inventive & Imaginative
A fascinating collection with just the right tone. And MelissaSweet's inventive illustrations will inspire creative thinking byfuture inventors!

Wow! Girls are amazing!
The inspiring nuggets of information in Catherine Thimmesh's book have my mind racing--do I have an invention lurking somewhere inside of me? The author's concise, information-packed, yet fun narrative will intrigue children and adults alike, many of whom will turn page after page saying, "I never knew that!" Judging from the chronology of inventions on the endpapers, Ms. Thimmesh has many more stories to tell, and I can't wait to read them. Melissa Sweet's collage illustrations are the perfect complement, fascinating in their detail and ingenious in the textures and materials she chooses. I've already bought several copies of this book; one to keep and others to give as gifts. I can think of many children who will pore over this book with great interest.

Entertaining and Enlightening Stories
Girls Think of Everything is truly captivating. The "Stories of Ingenious Inventions by Women" are told in a manner which will delight the target audience. The writing is crisp, interesting and sophisticated and will hold the interest of bright children and interested adults alike; while at the same time, the stories are quite accessible for even younger children. The book is not a dry compilation of biographies of inventors or a boring recitals of the history of various inventions; but, instead, an ingenious approach to telling important (and fun) "Stories of Ingenious Inventions by Women." ... Read more

Book Description

Making friends, finding true love, enduring rough days at school, or just being yourself -- we all meet new (and old!) challenges every day. Carol Weston, teen advice columnist, has good advice for whatever you're facing.

In For Teens Only, Carol collects the words and thoughts of the wisest and wittiest thinkers of all time from every corner of the globe, from Pablo Picasso to Jennifer Lopez; from Mark Twain to Indira Gandhi and Halle Berry. Then she adds her own insights, collected over the years from her conversations and correspondence with thousands of real teens.

Reviews (2)

A real treasure trove!
I don't care what kind of advice you're looking for -- whether you're trying to fix a romance, a summer job, or a problem at school -- this book has got something helpful to say. Carol Weston herself is terrific -- practical and funny -- but the book also insludes quotes and advice from a lot of other people, too -- famous writers, artists, thinkers. It's a lot better than just hearing your best friend, for the tenth time, tell you the same old things. A definite recommend!

I LOVE this book!
FOR TEENS ONLY is so good!... Whenever I get depressed or frustrated, I read a few pages and start feeling better. I guess that's because she seems like a real person (well, obviously she is) and because all the quotes seem to be talking right to me. My brother has been reading it too and he doesn't usually read books like this. But her advice make sense and isn't preachy. It's funny and inspiring. I recommend this book to all middle school and high school students. It REALLY explains everything, from how to tell if your crush likes you to when to use "it's" and "its"(which I now finally get)! And if you ever need a quote for a yearbook or paper, it has 580! FOR TEENS ONLY IS A GREAT BOOK!! FIVE STARS AT LEAST!... ... Read more

Book Description

Amazon.com

Like the Red Panda is debut author Andrea Seigel's brutal answer to the throngs of Chick Lit novels that have inundated book clubs and influenced the big screen over the past decade. Stella Parrish, Seigel's tragic heroine, is 17, extremely wise beyond her years, completely alienated from her peers and her foster family, and determined to kill herself before she arrives at Princeton's gates in the fall. Seigel's task here is difficult--she's created a character of extraordinary depth, given her an unpleasant (at best) mission, and attempted to make her amusing and interesting, all at the same time.In many ways, the author's success should be widely applauded, even if she falls short on occasion.

Like the Red Panda enjoys its greatest success when Stella is commenting on the people around her. Her wry observations about her cranky old grandfather, her pot-smoking classmates in AP English, and her brilliant, unmotivated drug-dealing ex-boyfriend paint an equally amusing and insightful portrait of suburban life in America. When describing the temple-going practices of her jumpy and awkward foster parents, Stella explains that services are held on Sunday morning instead of Saturday, "mostly so everyone could be on the same worship schedule as their Christian friends. This benefited cross-religion plan-making on the weekends." When Seigel strays from witty observations like these, the novel has a tendency to lose its quirky appeal and simply becomes a tale of disenchanted youth. Thankfully, Like the Red Panda delivers more laughs than tears, and rewards readers with a unique blend of one-part teenage angst mixed with two-parts comedic wit. --Gisele Toueg ... Read more

Reviews (38)

this book rocks
Pay no attention to all the people whining about how "depressing" this book is. Here's what I liked best about LIKE THE RED PANDA: it never flinched.

The narrator Stella stares you in the face, doesn't get the joke when some boy calls her Diane Court, feels everything as intensely as every teenager, even detachment, and yet her emotions are particularly hers... The secondary characters are as heartbreakingly spot-on as Stella.

The voice, Stella's voice and the writer's, never feel forced for a moment and are compelling right up to the show-stopping finish. Anyway, I could keep rambling, but it's impossible for me to say too much without giving away key plot elements. Suffice to say this book is worth your time and you will not be disappointed or "depressed." (Well, not in a bad way.)

original but flawed
This book is supposed to evoke "Catcher in the Rye," but there are some noteworthy differences between the two protagonists. Holden Caulfield tries valiantly to connect with people, but usually only succeeds in alienating them. Also, there are cracks in his facade, cluing the reader in to his deteriorating mental state.

Stella, the main character, of "Panda" is his opposite number. The reader gets very limited access to her mental state, and as she seems to effortlessly move from task to task before ending her life, we are left in the dark as to why she is going to do this. Apart from her foster mom, she improves her relationships if anything as she manages to charm her teachers and principal into overlooking minor misbehavior, and makes - dare I say it - a friend. She is not locked into any one path, and has a chance to delay college. Though she quits an acting class, she must indeed be a first class actress if she can carry off "normalcy" so well. Many people who end their life are depressed, and it is impossible for a depressed person to feign interest in their surroundings so perfectly. (At least I think so.)

I also agree with reviewers that said that the drug dealer boyfriend and the outburst from the foster mom came completely out of left field. Stella never explains why she and the guy broke up - which might be an important clue right there. And the foster mom thing seemed added because the author was trying to shoehorn in some "drama."

The character of Ainsley was the most fascinating to me. I wanted to know more about her, as she was the least stereotypical of the cast. Stella, in comparision, did fit into that "angsty teen" mold, despite some uniqueness.

not good at all
The book tries way too hard to be catcher in the rye from a girl's point of view. It's nothing more than a lame ripoff. I did not care for Stella at all. Sure she suffered a tragedy, but she had a couple who was willing to adopt her. Some kids aren't even that lucky. I don't buy the way her adoptive parents treated her. Especially the stupid explanation that from day one Stella had been glaring at them, judging them. Anyone who adoptd a child, especially one that had been through a tradgedy know that child is going to have some emtional problems. You'd think the adoptive parents would be sympathetic and try to get her pyschiatric help and show her love. The book was unrealistic, depressing, and b-o-r-i-n-g!

Boring
I was not impressed at all - the narrator is not only unlikable, but uninteresting.

stand out
I've been deployed in Iraq for the last year and I've read a lot of books for lack of anything better to do and this one stands out. I've never really been able to relate to a novel written by a female before but this was easy. I was laughing out loud and finding myself very anxious to read on til the very end. Fans of Palahniuk and Bret Easton Ellis would throughly enjot this novel. ... Read more

Book Description

MEET THE COBBLE STREET COUSINS

Lily, who wants to be a poet.
Tess, who wants to be a Broadway star.
Rosie, who wants a little cottage with flowers by the door.

It's winter vacation and there's no school for three weeks, but the Cobble Street Cousins aren't worried about being bored. They're learning how to sew from their neighbor Mrs. White. And they're starting to keep a diary about their year living in the wonderful attic room in Aunt Lucy's little blue house. Best of all, there's a Winter Solstice party at Aunt Lucy's boyfriend Michael's apartment, with special presents for everyone. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Cobble Street Cousins - Special Gifts
The "special gift" is this book and the entire series of Cobble Street Cousins. I am the proud mother of four lovely daughters and what a pleasure to find such a sweetly written book. I have recommended this book to friends with daughters and they have loved it as well. It is hard to find a morally appropriate, light, non-violent book for young girls. Thank you, thank you, thank you! This is the type of book all little girls should grow up on. ... Read more