Reviews (3)

Good Book
Angelina loved her bicycle and rode it everywhere. Her best friend was Alice. This year for her birthday they were going to have a picnic. Angelina and Alice went to the village to buy some decorations for her party. On the way back they raced, and Angelina hit a rock and crashed. She hurt her leg and ruined her favorite bike. Angelina and Alice started doing odd jobs to earn money so Angelina could buy a new bike. They mowed grass, picked apples, hung laundry, watered the garden, planted raspberries and strawberries, and washed floors. Angelina still didn't have enough money to buy a bike. On their walk back from the village to buy more balloons, Angelina saw the best bike ever in the window of the bicycle shop and she wished she had enough money to buy it. The day of her party came and Angelina received hair ribbons, books, a ballerina, and a silver horn for her new bike. Everyone had pitched in to buy Angelina the bike she had wanted. She was so surprised and decided to take everyone on a bicycle ride through the hills. I think this was a good book because Angelina worked to buy herself a new bike, and in the end everyone realized how hard she had worked so they decided to get her it for her birthday. ~ Katelyn Carson

Wonderful
In this next book in the Angelina Ballerina series, Angelina prepares for her birthday. However, getting into a bike race with her Alice, Angelina hits a rock and damages her bike beyond repair. When her mother suggests that she can work to raise the money for a new bike, Angelina throws herself wholeheartedly into her work, and birthday are such wonderful times...

Such a wonderful book! I do love Katherine Holabird's work! Although I should say hers, and Helen Craig's, for the illustrations do make this book come so alive. My daughter and I love this book, and recommend it to you.

Reprint of older, out-of-print book!
If you already own 'Angelina's Birthday Surprise', don't buy this book! It is identical in every way. I know because I purchased both to complete my daughter's Angelina book collection, since there we no details on either book at the time. It is another cute Angelina book. This one is about Angelina having a bicycling accident which ruins her old bike, then getting a new one as a surprise birthday gift after working hard to earn the money to purchase it herself. ... Read more

Book Description

In this magical adventure, Alanna has won the honor of being Prince

Jonathan's squire. Now it will take all of her awesome skill and power to

protect him from the mysterious, evil sorcerer who is bent on his

destruction--and hers! "An action-filled adventure novel.

Recommended."--Fantasy Review




... Read more

Reviews (204)

My favorite book Of All Time
In this book, the author, Tamora Pierce, creates an intriguing plot, that grabs your attention and doesn't let go. The main character is quirky, and independent; yet is also perfectly believable and easy to relate to as she is often as confused and emotionally unstable as, well, everybody human. This book is not all action either, it has it's share of romance as well.

The end will leave you hoping for a third book, which there is, although not half as satisfying as the 2nd. But don't let that slow you down, for upon finishing the 3rd, there is a 4th!!! Which, to my opinion is nearly as great as the 2nd. After that there is another series (The Immortals), in which Alanna appears occasionally. And then the latest series (Protector of the Small), which also takes place in Tortall, and includes little snippets of Alanna. Oh, and make sure to read all of the books in the correct order for optimum satisfaction!

Great Read and Reread and reread....
I first read the Song of the Lioness quartet when I was twelve or so, and even now, almost six years later, I keep returning to the series, and, in particular, this book.

This book chronicles Alanna's squire years, from the time she's 15 to when she's 18. Tamora Pierce handles the years sensitively, just as she had with the first book, and doesn't skimp on any of the details of the mid to late teenage years. I'm sure many parents might balk at the idea of the romance (yes, and sex) that comes about, but it is all apart of being a teenager and it's handled tastefully.

The sword fighting and sorcery doesn't stop, either. Alanna has to fight for her sheild, and her kingdom; she speaks with the Goddess and gets a magical pet. She grows into all of her abilities and we get to see her use them.

Although not the greatest literary work, In the Hand of the Goddess is entertaining and fresh, and a perfect peice for the suggested age group... And those of us who enjoy revisiting those years.

In the Hands of the Goddess
Tamora Pierce is an excellent writer. She pulls in the desire of young Alanna, who wants to become the first lady knight in a century. It's easy to relate to the story to your own life. It teachs that if you want to become strong or good at something, you need to practice, practice, practice and that's what Alanna did. Alanna fight with her love of adventuring, and the love of three men, the Shang Warrior, The King, and the King of Thieves.

On the Whole Not That Bad
By the time I was eight I read all the books in my school. By the time I was twelve I read almost all the books in the public library. I was forced like some other out there to re-read books. I have read this series many many times. I am now a teacher, and I am looking to find some of these old books to share with my students. I have not read about "Alan" in about ten or more years. But its one of those books that you can remember. Other teachers (and parents) out there, if you have an advanced students or child, and they have a passion for reading. This is one for them. I am talking about the type of child who reads Gone With The Wind in less then two days, at the age of ten. Children know more then what we give them credit for.

For those of you who are worried about mature content, I wouldn't really worry. If they watch TVs "Friends" or "Buffy", they see the same stuff.

It really is a great series, and one of the first forms of entertainment where a female is in the lead. And not a 1950's type of woman either.

On the whole, its really not that bad.

But; I do have to admit, there are better books out there. War and Peace, Utopia, Plato's Republic to name a few. And there are also worse books out there too.

Great book , but people ruined the series by telling the END
First of all i would like to say "I LOVE HOW MUCH PEOPLE RUINED THIS SERIES FOR ME".I mean seriously you don't need to tell me what happens, I can find out for myself thank you very much. If something happens in the book don't put it in your review.This automaticaly ruins it for people who want to read a story and be stunned by the ending of the series.If you are going to leave a review just summarize the book and DON'T GIVE THE ENDING AWAY.

That being said this is a very good book and it is worth your time. Personally I couldnt put this book down. I stayed up till about 4 in the morning, when I had to get up at 6. This is a very good story but don't waste your time on the last 2.

(P.S) ( It might just be that I am biased but I think that all third installments of series totally [STINK]. And thank you again for ruining it for me.) ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Neela Victory Song
Neela is a twelve-year-old girl, she is brave, smart and intelligent. She lives in India with her mother, father, and her sister who is getting married. Neela is worried about India's freedom. Her father left to go fight for Mother India's freedom. Now Neela is stuck with her mother who is trying to find a husband for her, but Neela has other things on her mind than marriage. Three weeks go by, and now Neela is very worried about her father, who was supposed to come back two weeks ago.
Is her father still alive? Will he come back soon? Find out!
*Lali*

Inspirational
Neela is truly an inspiration to me in this book. I loved how she went to extreme lengths to rescue her father. I am also indian and feel for my parents the way she did for hers. I learned about one of the most important times in India's history in this book and it made me realize how lucky I am to live in America where there is freedom. I am also thankful to be a girl in this day and age where girls can do anything they please. I really felt bad for Neela's lack of opportunities but despite that she still got through all her obstacles. This is truly a great book!!!!!

LOVE IT!!!
A MUST GET for girls 10-18!!! I have love the suspence and action I had to read the whole book in 2 hours!!! Has all the things a girl could want in a book!!!

Neela Victory Song
Neela Victory Song Pleasant Company, ©2002,pp.193,$7.95
Chitra Banerjee Divaongkaruni 1-58485-521-5

This book is about a girl that hears about India's fight for freedom and how the girl deals with almost losing her father because he wanted to help India fight for freedom. The girl runs away from home so she can try to help her father. This is a historical fiction.

I liked this book because it has you in suspense the entire time. I could not put the book down it was so good. On a scale from one to ten I would give this book a ten because it is exciting and fun. With every turn of the page I got more excited. This book is full of action. I would say if you like action and suspense this is the book for you!

Brittany L, Grade 6
Bales Intermediate, Friendswood, Texas

A PAGE TURNER FROM THE VERY BEGINING
Neela is a young ,12 year old girl who lives in India.While her older sister is getting married,the struggle for India's independence from England rages all around her world.When a band of men who support the revolution barge into the wedding asking for support,money,and food,Neela and her father are inspirered.But when her father gets captured at a peace rally,it's up to Neela to rescue him.This a great book about a brave young girl,the love she shows for her father,and India in the year of 1939. I truly recommend this book and all the other books in the Girls Of Many Lands series ... Read more

Reviews (2)

This book IS a ballet class!
Great book! I don't know enough to teach my 4 year old ballet, so I narrate for her living room ballet class by reading the book aloud. I love the fact that it shows me how to pronounce the names of various ballet steps. Plus the descriptions of the steps are good enough that I can help her learn some. The flip book is a fun extra, but don't buy the book for that as it is hard for little hands to 'flip' the pages. Use ribbon to tie it together (with knot) so it's safe for younger kids too.

Very cute!
My four year old absolutely loves this book! She loves to try all the dance steps that Angelina and her friends are doing (and it's neat because it shows you how to do them.) There is also a tear-out section in the back from which my daughter was able to assemble a little book of her own. If you've got an Angelina fan, she'll enjoy this book! ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Games and giggles
Games and Giggles is very fun and exciting! You do puzzels and learn new games to play at parties and you are never bored with the book. I loved it and wich I didn't finish it yet!

The best book for trips and fun with friends
This book has mazes,games with to do with friends, crosswords, cross-outs, and everything you need if your bored, it also has games to do with your friends,I take it EVERYWHERE! If you liked this book, you would probably like Games and Giggles:Wild about animals

The Greatest book of all
THIS IS THE MOST FUN BOOK OF ALL IT HAVE MAGIC TRICKS AND RIDDLES AND SECRETS AND THE MOST FUN STUFF OF ALL REALLY BUY IT BECAUSE IT IS GREAT ENTRETANIMENT FOR YOU AND YOUR FRIENDS!!!!!!!!

A really fun book
This book is very fun. It has so many fun games that you can do when your bored like on an airplane or a car. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (2)

Tugs on the heartstrings
I received this book for Mother's Day from a dear friend who supported me through a long struggle with infertility. I was blessed to give birth to my daughter Caitlin in September, 2000. This book is wonderfully touching as a mother tells her daughter about what she was like before she became a mother, and how much she longed to someday be a mom. She tells her daughter, Katie, how she named all of her stuffed animals and toys "Katie" ... and how "she dreamed of having her own little girl to love."
"Now, I am your mother, and you are my only Katie. I tuck you in and tell you stories about the time before your time, when I was a little girl who ...slept in her firefighter boots...and who dreamed of having her own little girl to love."

For any woman who has longed for a child and has had her dream come true, this book will tug at her heartstrings for sure. And what a wonderful way for us to remind our children of how much they were wanted and how deeply they are loved.

I can't say enough about this book, as you can see. :)

Vicki (Who also named her dog Katie when she was a kid)
Mama to Caitlin

A thoughtful tribute to mothers and daughters everywhere
Engagingly written by Kathryn Lasky, Before I Was Your Mother is a thoughtful tribute to mothers and daughters everywhere, reminiscing about how every beloved mother was once a precocious little girl herself. Charming color illustrations by LeUyen Pham fill the pages of this tender picture book for young readers ages 3 to 7. Very highly recommended for family, school, and community library picture book collections, Before I Was Your Mother would make an especially nice gift for Mother's Day! ... Read more

Reviews (11)

A very emotional and downright creepy story
Four years ago, a boy named Edgar died in an accident while playing a game of ice hockey. His best friend, Adam, is always reminded of that night in his dreams. He knows he could have helped him and he knows he tried, but the fact remains...it was his idea to go out and play on that ice with Edgar and his other friend Lianna. Even though he knows what happened, he doesn't remember it at all for some reason. Nobody will explain to him what happened, either, because they know he's blocked his memory out for a reason. But he was there and he feels ashamed and guilty, worried that he may never know the details...until one day when he comes across a camera that acts strange, displaying the wrong picture and doing other similar things. Adam presumes it's broken until he see's something from four years ago through the lens of the camera. He steps into the scene in which he is ten and reading a book, and it becomes his reality until he chooses to leave or the camera is disturbed. He uses the camera a few other times and actually rearranges history by interfering with the scenes he experiences. Nobody else can see this, either. The four-year anniversary of Edgar's accident is coming up in a few days and Adam is eagerly awaiting the moment so that he can bring Edgar back. The camera, however, will show Adam things he will not want to see. It will show him the truth, but the truth is far from what he thinks happened. In fact, it's much worse. Soon, the camera is missing and time is running out before the day arrives. Adam must retrieve it in time and keep it safe while he attempts to change history and bring back his best friend from the dead.

The second book in the Watchers series is far superior to the first. Peter Lerangis has well-developed his knack for writing the mysterious and suspensful, and in this book even the innermost emotions of a hurting person. It will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last sentence when a shocking ending via Sixth Sense occurs. I enjoyed this book way more than Last Stop and I found it even more envolved and intriguing. It should not be overlooked by anyone of any age.

Great for kids
I am a teacher in Newark and had my students read this book in class. They could not put it down and kept reading ahead awaiting what would happen next. Any parents trying to get their child to read should get this book.

I never would have thought...
Wow were the first words that came out of my mouth. That day I had just gotten back from a used book store and picked this book out. This had been the best book I had ever read. The ending was fasinating and the style of writing he used was, well... super. I loved this book so much I rushed to school the next day and got all my friends to read it. They loved it too, but that wasn't enough, I then got my family to read it. My mom was estatic. I then had to get the rest of the series. And, just like the first, I love them and always will.

Watchers Rewind... Back to a Past that CAN be changed...
Before I was given this book, it was like pulling teeth to get me to read. After beginning this book, I REALLY could not put it down. I just had to turn another page. And another. And another. It was almost like participating in a soccer game where you just don't know what's going to happen next. I was caught reading this book in class at school. The teacher thought it was so cool that I was so involved in the book, that she actually GAVE me the book! She had never seen me like that, she couldn't believe I was actually reading. Really I couldn't believe it myself!
THIS IS A GOTTA READ BOOK!

So Freaky It's Great!
This book is fantastic. I really love it. It's so thrilling, you never know what will happen. The part that got to me is when he saves the dog's and his best friend's life. The story is so clear and understandable. Once you start this book you won't be able to put it down. This book deserves a 5 star rating. ... Read more

Reviews (14)

Fascinating, accurate, well-written...and kids love it!
Beautifully and honestly presented, "Anastasia's Album" tells the story of the Grand Duchess Anastasia Nicolaievna Romanova. It offers a delightful glimpse of life in Imperial Russia, before and during its collapse, enhanced by photographs from the Romanov family albums and quotes from the family's letters and diaries. "Anastasia's Album" covers Anastasia's life from birth up to the family's imprisonment. It very tastefully tells of the family's tragic end and also has an epilogue that addresses the Anna Anderson controversy and subsequent films, setting the reader straight on the historical truth.

One of the greatest things about "Anastasia's Album" is how children absolutely love it! I teach elementary school, and the book has been a favorite among my students every year. It has turned several of my students on to history, and many of them did their own Russian history research after starting with "Anastasia's Album."

In all, this is a fantastic book, and Shelley Tanaka did the world a great service in writing it! "Anastasia's Album" should be in every school library and is a must-read for history buffs of all ages.

I Loved It!!!!!!
It was the best Anastasia book I've read! I loved all the pictures and all the information! AWESOME BOOK!!!!

The life of a princess
I know that this is a children's book, but I think it is also an interesting book for adults. It includes many photos of Anastasia's family.

What I find is special about this book, is that it describes the world that the Tsar's children grew up in. The children had it all: their parents loved their five children, and Tsar Nicholas was able to give them all they wanted. Anastasia and her siblings were not confronted with the injustice that took place outside the palace walls.

The revolution changed it all though, and it is sad to see the photos and read the story of how their lives ended.

Very Sweet
I loved this book. I did wish it was longer, with more pictures.
Also more quotes from Anastasia herself, not just the author's
words.

Nice
It's a nice book, with excerpts of letters, and many photographs; although geared towards children, I at sixteen found it adorable. Although when you look at it, it's sad--how an innocent girl, caught up in politics, was shot. It's a nice look into the "eyes" of Anastasia, and I bet 'Shvyzbik' would be pleased. ... Read more

Book Description

At the age of nine, Cynthia Ann Parker was captured in an Indian raid and taken to live as a slave with the Comanche. Twenty-four years later, she is the wife of a chief and the mother of a young warrior destined to become the great chief Quanah Parker. But in 1861 Cynthia Ann Parker and her infant daughter are recaptured, and returned against their will to a white settlement. ?A skillful examination of how individual identity is determined by cultural and social structures, and of what happens when these are drastically altered.?--Kirkus Reviews
... Read more

Reviews (10)

One of the saddest books I ever read
This book is the story of Cynthia Ann Parker, who at age nine, is kidnapped by Comanche Indians from her home in Texas. The book begins twenty-five years later when Cynthia Ann is recaptured by Texan rangers and returned to her Texan family. Finally, after twenty-five years of living with these people, she is once again kidnapped by park rangers and returned to the Parker family. She no longer remembers English or her original Texan customs. She cannot forget her beloved husband Peta Nocona, who was a courageous Comanche warrior, or her two sons Quanah and Pecos. To her advantage she is with her baby daughter, Topsannah when she is taken back to the Parkers, so she continues to teach her the Comanche ways. Topsannah's name is soon changed to Prairie Flower, its English version, and later to Tecks Ann so that she will better fit into the society. They both try to cooperate and learn these odd "white" ways. Tecks Ann has a much easier time getting accustomed to these customs, but Cynthia Ann must continue to learn how to cook, read, write, and sew by her twelve-year-old niece Lucy. As time goes on Lucy makes Cynthia Ann a promise that she is not sure she can keep in a time of hardships for everyone. She must leave the Parker's house and live with her brother to get away from her pregnant sister-in-law.

This book is one of the saddest book I ever read, but it is easy to enjoy anyway.

Cross Cultural Adoption
I bought two books about Cynthia Ann Parker, one the historical record and this historical fiction for my daughter, 14. As an adolescent dealing with cross cultural adoption issues, she identified with Cynthy Ann's dilemma and was able to talk about it with her mother. I was familiar with the story but was interested in the details. I read "The Searchers" as a boy but I have always been more interested in the point of view of the original land lords. Another book that deals with native american cross cultural adoption issues is "Pigs in Heaven" by that woman who is so famous for "The Poisonwood Bible" now.

thoughtprovoking yet sad
This book wieghed heavy on my heart. In short, a 9 year old white girl, was taken away by Indians, who also killed her family. As years go on, she adapts and "turns injun" . She falls in love with a warrior and bears 3 kids { 2 boys and a girl, the adorable prarie flower}. After 25 years rangers catch her and take her back to whats left of her original family. She doest like it. She cant adapt back to the white ways of life. She doesnt trust whites and they dont trust her, except young Lucy who tries to help her adapt.
I guess I kept hoping she would come to love her original family again , but it never happened. Her life was completly miserable. This book was sad and kept getting sadder until the bitter end. The book was good but those looking for a happy ending may not like it.

Interesting Book
I read this book through school literature circles. This book is about a girl trapped between two very different worlds and her courage, hope, and strength to get through it all. I thought this book was very interesting but I also thought it was very sad and at times a little boring, but overall it is a good book. Everyone else in my literature circle that was reading the book thought it was sad but very good. I think this book is more of a girl book because it is about a girl and I don't think any guys would like the plot that much and they would think it is boring, but some guys might like it. This book is a very good piece of historical fiction and I recommend it.

Held captive-but by whom?
Cynthia Ann Parker was taken from fort parker by the Comanche indians. She became one of them, and eventually married the chief-Peta Nacona. This book details her white family's arduous search for her, and the heartbreak that awaits her when she arrives back in the white man's world. I reccommend this book to anyone who wants to know what true courage really is! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Amy Fleming is a talented young rider and horse trainer whose mother recently died while trying to rescue an abandoned stallion. Amy's mom was afamous horse trainer who founded Heartland, a horse-training center for abused,neglected, and problem horses. In the weeks following her mother's death, Amy,her older sister Lou, and their grandpa try to cope with the sudden loss of thewoman who was the heart of Heartland, but they're overwhelmed by the pressuresof running the horse farm while dealing with their grief. Fifteen-year-old Amyfocuses on training Spartan, the horse she and her mom were trying to rescue,and achieves spectacular results as he turns out to be a talented jumper. Loutries to take over the business side of the farm, but Amy fights every changeshe tries to make, even though Heartland needs Lou's guidance and business senseto survive. Over the course of the summer, Amy and Lou learn to respect eachother's talents and contributions, and they strike a new balance that willenable Heartland to continue its work of "healing horses, healing hearts."

Horse lovers who liked the movie The Horse Whisperer will appreciate thedescriptions of training methods and alternative therapies used at Heartland.Young readers who enjoy the Saddle Club, Pine Hollow, and Thoroughbred series ofhorse stories will also like the Heartland series, which began with Coming Home. (Ages 8 to 12)--Marcie Bovetz ... Read more

Reviews (24)

Breaking Free
Heartland is a place where horses come to be cured. This book is about a girl who is about to face the biggest changes in her life. Amy Fleming and her mother go out one night to save a horse from a raging storm. They found that he was abandoned by the thieves who stole him. Riding back to Heartland, the raging storm takes Amy's mothers life. The horse that was rescued from the barn is called Spartan. Spartan has changed since the storm. When Amy meets him, he is not like before. He is frightened of everyone. Especially Amy. No one believes he can be cured but Amy. But how can she cure him when he is afraid of her? This is a story of courage, bravery, and belief.

Great New Series...Can't Wait For #3
This is an awesome book! Amy is really good with horses,and herbal remedies. I love the joining up part where she connects with the horse.Lou, her older sister tries to be helpful, but sometimes messes up.She has to decide to stay at heartland or go to Chicago with her boyfriend, Carl. Lou gets a job mysteroiusly as soon as Carl mentions Chicago. Spartan, the horse in the accident acts really dangerous whenever Amy approaches him has to be put down.But Amy is not ready to give up yet! She joins up with Spartan and cures him. They locate his owner but is rejected because the stallion was gelded and no longer able to be used for breeding. Amy is looking for an owner for Spartan and meets the prevois owner's grand daughter who wanted him back. They give Spartan to the girl who rode him in the show. At a barn party Lou organized Lou realizes Carl set up the job in Chicago so she would go with him. She stays at Heartland and kicks Carl out.

Best Horse Book Ever
i think this book was even better than first one. this book shows that mircles can happen even for horses . after Amy comes home her sister lou want to make changes to Heartland but amy doesn't like them she wants Heartland to stay the same but when Spartan the horse that amy and her mom were trying to save come to heartland everything changes . i hope you like it like i did

HEARTLAND-AFTER THE STORM
This is another great story to read for ALL horser lovers out there! I know that you will like this story a lot! I have to agree with other people that this is the most excellent book series in the whole wide world!!!!

A Good Book, but not for me
Summary-- this book is about a girl named Any she lives at a place called heartland. It is like no place else because the scars of the past can be healed, it is a place where frightened and abused horses learn to trust again. Amy sees a horse that is abandoned. She convinces her mother to go out and save Spartan, which is what they call him. They weather is really bad, but her mother will stop at nothing to save a horse in need of care. Something terrible happends, a branch falls and her mother swerves out of the way and they get into an accident with Spartan in the trailer. Amy tries to help Spartan, but he doesn't like Amy because he relates her to the accident so he is scared of her.

What I Think-- My opimion on this book is that is was a good book, I love horses and i would also do as much as i could to save them too. I thought that the book was an easier book for me to read though. I would like to follow up on the other books to see what happens next.

Recommendation-- I would recommend this book to people who like horses and would want to read about them. I wouldn't recomment this book to people over the age of thirteen because it is an easy book to read. ... Read more

Book Description

In 1985, Libby Riddles made history by becoming the first woman to win the 1,100-mile Iditarod Sled Dog Race. This brand-new edition of Riddles’s timeless adventure story is complete with updated narrative details, sidebars on all aspects of the race, photographs, and all-new illustrations by beloved illustrator Shannon Cartwright. An inspiration to children and adults everywhere, this is a compelling first-hand account of the arctic storms, freezing temperatures, loyal sled dogs, and utter determination that defined Riddles’s Iditarod victory. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A highly recommended story of fulfilling one's dreams.
Libby Riddles' Storm Run is a picturebook of the exciting true story of the first woman to win the Iditarod Sled Dog Race in Alaska. Storm Run is the story of fulfilling one's dream, daring freezing treasures and bonding with loyal sled dogs. Wonderfully illustrated by Shannon Cartwright with soft, full-color artwork, Storm Run is an especially recommended giftbook for young girls nurturing their own dreams. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (1)

A WARM, FUNNY TRIBUTE TO MOTHERS

Sure to be a family favorite artist/author Anthony Browne pays a tribute to all Moms just as he did to fathers with "My Dad."Once again he provides whimsical illustrations accompanied by a funny, loving text.

We first meet Mom with the simple line, ""She's nice, my mom."Next, we're reminded of how well she can cook and juggle a myriad of tasks - housekeeping, shopping, carpooling, the list never ends.

Of course, Mom is so wonderful that she can do everything - she has a green thumb and makes flowers grow, she can cheer others up, sing like an angel (and, when the necessity arises she can "roar like a lion).

Truth is, if she weren't so busy being a Mom she could be a dancer or even an astronaut.Of course, her most important job is simply being a Mom.And the most important lesson that youngsters will learn is that she loves them and she always will.

- Gail Cooke ... Read more

Book Description

Strawberry Shortcake is starring in her berry first ballet recital! Help her practice her steps, decorate the sets, put on her beautiful costume, and make her debut as a prima ballerina. A berry special party to celebrate the show is the perfect end to a perfect night. ... Read more

Book Description

Life was tragic enough before this spring started. With a distinct lack of boobage and an arse so big that birds of prey could nest within its shadows, Jess Jordan is saddled with the Goddess Flora for a best friend, a Britney Spears look-alike so gorgeous that one grain of her divine dandruff could make the blind see again. Jess knows that her soul mate is Ben Jones, a divine mixture of Leonardo diCaprio, Prince William, and Brad Pitt who oozes mystery and charisma. But the campaign to get Ben to notice her brings on a cavalcade of mortification and disaster, including, but not limited to, a minestrone soup explosion that takes place in her bra and a schoolwide viewing of a videotape that features a topless Jess referring to her breasts as "Bonnie" and "Clyde."

Meanwhile, Jess’s death-obsessed Granny moves into her bedroom, along with her grandfather’s remains; her hypochondriac dad, who sends her daily "horrorscopes" like "You will fall asleep with your mouth open, and a family of earwigs will move in," acts strange about Jess staying with him this summer; and her longtime friend Fred, a television violence addict and closet thumbsucker, has decided that he can’t stand being around her. Jess is determined to make things right . . . but with her offbeat sense of humor and her wildly active imagination, things get complicated along the way. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

13 year old loves it, it puts a smile on your face
this book helps you to look at yourself by answering questions on what kind of a friend are you? Mall Madness - are you a good shopper? how do you make good friends? This is simple, funny, and easy to read, and puts a smile on your face. Ages for 8-14.

This Rocks!!!!!!!!!!!
Dear amazon customers,

This book is great. I had soooo much fun with this book."Now why is this book so great?"you may ask.This book is sooooo great because it has many fun quizzes including "Are You All American?","Boy Barometer", and much, much more.It's fun to do by yourself, or with a friend.These quizzes are some that tell you what you are like. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Chinese Cinderella is the perfect title for Adeline Yen Mah's compelling autobiography in which, like the fairy-tale maiden, her childhood was ruled by a cruel stepmother. "Fifth Younger Sister" or "Wu Mei," as Yen Mah was called, is only an infant when her father remarries after her mother's death. As the youngest of her five siblings, Wu Mei suffers the worst at the hands of her stepmother Niang. She is denied carfare, frequently forgotten at school at the end of the day, and whipped for daring to attend a classmate's birthday party against Niang's wishes. Her father even forgets the spelling of her name when filling out her school enrollment record. In her loneliness, Wu Mei turns to books for company: "I was alone with my beloved books. What bliss! To be left in peace with Cordelia, Regan, Gonoril, and Lear himself--characters more real than my family... What happiness! What comfort!" Even though Wu Mei is repeatedly moved up to grades above those of her peers, it is only when she wins an international play-writing contest in high school that her father finally takes notice and grants her wish to attend college in England. Despite her parent's heartbreaking neglect, she eventually becomes a doctor and realizes her dream of being a writer.

Teens, with their passionate convictions and strong sense of fair play, will be immediately enveloped in the gross injustice of Adeline Yen Mah's story. A complete glossary, historical notes on the state of Chinese society and politics during Yen Mah's childhood, and the legend of the original Chinese Cinderella round out this stirring testimony to the strength of human character and the power of education. (Ages 10 to 15) --Jennifer Hubert ... Read more

Reviews (124)

A Dream Come True!
Adeline Yen Mah has written a fantastic book after her best-selling book Falling Leaves. In this story Adeline or Wu Mei is given little notice from her family. That is because her mother had died giving birth to Wu Mei and because of that her family considers her bad luck. Without a mother, her Aunt Baba takes care of her and raises her like she would her own daughter. Even though she skips grades and gets higher scores in school, that is not what she really wants but the love and understanding of her family. Then her father marries a European woman named Jeanne. Niang (chinese for mom) disliked Wu Mei very much. Niang spoiled her children and didn't even like her stepchildren. Niang and her father had abandoned her many times in China. Her aunt and uncle had to rescue her from the communists once. Her grandmother and then later her grandfather had also died as well. Niang also beated her for going to her friend's birthday party. Later Wu Mei entered a writing compeitition and she had won. That was when her father noticed her and granted her wish of going away to college with her brothers. This heart- warming story with make you cry as you read! In this book, you learn how Adeline goes through her sad childhood as she tries to find happiness through her life as an unloved child of her parents.

The Unwanted Child
Review:
Chinese Cinderella is about an unwanted daughter. Adeline was hated and neglected by her family, yet she still tried to remain normal. Adeline had always gotten top in the class and the best grades, but something her friends thought she lacked, style. After she was removed from her Aunt Baba, Adeline went to Hong Kong where she studied hard and won an international play writing contest. This gave her the chance, to go to England and study, 'It was like going to heaven''

Response:
Chinese Cinderella is the foremost and most heartbreaking story I have ever read. It is a true story of an unwanted daughter, Adeline Yen Mah. She was neglected by her family for they thought she was bad luck-her mother died when giving birth to her. For years, Adeline went through the torture of her stepmother, until finally, at once, she had a chance to leave and be successful. Her key was because of her grandfather Ye Ye, who had encouraged Adeline to enter a contest. She had won, making her father believe, that it was the right thing to send Adeline to England, for she had brought honor to her family name. By this, it gave her a chance to get out of her contained life, forever.

Amazing
This is one the most amazing books I've ever read and probably ever will read, and I've truly read many books. Chinese Cinderella have a lot of fact and can teach you a thing or two or twenty about Chinese and Asian culture. But also give you a story that will make you cry, you'll learn about her struggle through the first years of her life. This is an unique "based on a true-story"-book and it's a very touching story and I recommed it to everyone!

A true Cinderella account!
This is a really wonderful book,in a way,to those who don;t believe in fairy tales,especially Cinderella,here's a really great book-a real-life autobiography.
In the 1930s,a girl named Jun-ling was born into an affluent family with an elder sister and three elder brothers.Unfortunately,her mother died within two weeks after conceiving her,and she was soon considered to be a jinx.And that was when her life changes.

The poor rich girl was detested by her own sister and her brothers,and even her stepmother,a snobbish,intelligent and French-Chinese beauty.She lived in a lifestyle practically the same as Cinderella.Though she wasn't forced to do housework or anything,she has no freedom of her own,no new clothes(when the family was super wealthy).She moved from schools to schools,cities to cities,and witnessed the deaths of her beloved grandparents.What life is this for a child who was only aged 5-15 at the time?

Her sister picked on her,her brothers tricked her into drinking their urine(yep,they mixed their urine with fruit punch and told her it was a reward for her as headgirl),her closest friend,a little duckling was bitten to death by the family's dog,a German Shephard.The little girl longed to tell someone how life was for her;her friends thought she came from a loving family(when her stepmother cared for her own children than her-slapped the girl,hoped for her death and all really horrible stuff.Seriously,is this what you call a life meant for a human?

Adeline writes in a short and simple way.She tells her tale-not any fairy tale,though she did find happiness in the end.She won numerous awards as a student,has a passion for education.But nobody has ever cared for her.Each time she received an award,nobody was there with her.Her presence was almost inexistence at home.Her father hardly cared for his daughter,he did not even know his daughter's name and date of birth.Can one believe this? Reality was tough,reality was harsh,but the girl accepted it-without a word of complain.She did not give up,and promised to do well at school to live a life better than that of her family's.She became well-known for her flair of writng,went to London to study medicine,and became a doctor soon afterwards.This is a heartwarming tale of a girl.A true Cinderella.With a real stepmother.With stepsiblings(her own siblings detested her,what more stepsiblings?).And fairy-godmothers/father(her aunt Baba,grandad,friends).An amazing and truly profilic book to read.

A MUST READ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have to admit when I was first introduced to this book I wanted to put it back down because it looked liked a children's book and I NEVER have liked getting involved with the melodrama of the teenage worlds. But once I started reading I could not put it down until I had read it cover to cover. It touched me so deeply I found myself crying for her sorrow and suffering. A reader doesn't necessarily have to be going through the anguish that she went through in order to relate. Its theme is universal and I can now see why some schools are listing this book as required reading: because they might have been like me pondering weather or not to read it or not and wind up missing out one of the best stories I have read in a long time. It is so riveting that at times I forget that this is a true story. Now after reading this tale I appreciate my family more than ever before!!!!!!!! ... Read more

Book Description

I am so scared.
I feel like I'm silently screaming for help
and no one pays any attention of tries to hear me.
I can't control anything anymore.
It's all out to get me!

When Kim can't handle things, she eats. Then she purges. Sometimes she fasts. She knows she isn't as thin as the other girls on her gymnastics team, and she's worried that now, away from home for the first time as a college freshman, she won't be able to live up to expectations -- especially her own. Eating is the one thing she can control -- or can she?

Reviews (20)

Not a good read if you want accurate eating disorder info.
Here's yet another diary "edited" by Beatrice Sparks, this one about a seventeen-year-old girl's struggle with eating disorders and the pressure to fit in with the other girls on her college gymnastics team. The book opens up with Kim hoping to get accepted to UCLA, her college of choice. Not only does she get accepted, but she also has an opportunity to join their gymnastics team, something that Kim has always dreamed of. Faced with the pressures of roommates, soririty, gymnastics, keeping her grades up, and other things, Kim starts to feel as if she were fat, ugly and disgusting, so she starts to purge after every meal and occasionally fasts or starves herself at the end of every meal. She writes about the horrible feelings and depression associated with eating disorders, and how she always feels fat no matter what. This book would be a good read if you want to know an eating disorder from the point of view from someone whose been there. The back of the book also includes some basic information and Q&A about anorexia and bulima, although the diary itself does not really give you that much information about eating disorders. I think it would be a good read for anyone who has enjoyed Beatrice Sparks' other diaries, or anyone who wants to read about a fictional girl with an eating disorder.

Brittany Marshalls

Great Read!!!!
Kim: Empty Inside by Beatrice Sparks is a biography and it has 162 pages. It is the diary of a anonymous teenager who is facing day to day problems. College, family, friends, and gymnastics add to all that she thinks is going wrong in her life. But her main problem is eating. She thinks that she is fat so she fasts or she purges. One time she even put her food behind a plant just so her parents would think that she ate even thought she didn't. It was shocking to me to read something like this because I never tought that girls would go this far to fit in or be accepted. I give this book 4 stars because its that truth and everything real.

Not the best...
It would've been a better book if "Kim" wasn't so intensely immature and ignorant. It seems as if it is written by a 13 year old instead of 17 year old. (Actually, I'm 13 and don't write half as stupidly). Not only that, the writing styles and love for CAPITAL LETTERS, phrases like "Wow, that's SUPER!!!" and hundreds of exclamation points is the exact same as Beatrice Sparks' other books she "edited".

Naturally, she wrote it herself, and I'm sure she doesn't realize that most teenagers actually don't sound as silly as Kim, the heroine of the book, does.

The book does have morals and a good plot-line.. it's about a girl's descent into the world of anorexia, purging, and weight-obsession. Yet, I must emphasize, that the writing is so unrealistic, clumsy, and hyperly immature that I could barely look past the flaws to the book's inner depth.

Kim: Empty Inside
An anonymous teenager's diary: 'Kim: Empty Inside' is a lesson for all teens. This powerfull book tells the true story of a weight conscience college girl named Kim. In the diary Kim starts believing weight is everything, and gets so caught up in wanting the "every teens dream body." She starts to lose herself mentally and physically. For being a fit gymnast, Kim's weight should not be an issue. But inside her mind it is. With incredible characters and a powerful storyline, this book touches many. Kim is homesick for her Arizona home when she leaves for UCLA. While trying to fit in, get her love life straight, and just make it through college, she doesn't even notice her dangerous eating disorder. This marvelous story touches all. The true storyline is superb. This novel is for mature 13 year olds and up. Other diaries by anonymous teenagers are 'Go Ask Alice' and 'It Happened to Nancy'.

Excellent book
This was a great book and every girl from the age of 12-21 should read it. Kim is such an ordinary girl; her story could easily be any other girl's story. I was especially moved by her account of the time she ate dog food because she was so desperate from starving herself. What an illness she has, but thank god its curable. I hope anyone who reads this will get help for their eating disorder. ... Read more

Book Description

• 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

Lily has a wonderful idea -- to surprise Aunt Lucy with a dollhouse that looks just like her flower shop. But first the girls have to buy a few things at The Olde Craft Shoppe, and with the Cobble Street Cousins, even a little shopping trip can turn into an adventure! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

fun and feminine
My daughter loves these books! They are filled with warm, happy relationships, fun craft projects and girlish adventures she can relate too. Junie B. Jones is a lot of fun, but my daughter is a softer, gentler person, and these gentle books fill her imagination. She loves to imagine herself in the attic with Tess. ... Read more