Product Description

A hundred years ago, Dies Drear and two slaves her was hiding in his house, an Underground Railroad station in Ohio, had been murdered. The house, huge and isolated, was fascinating, Thomas thought, but he wasn't sure that he was glad Papa had bought it-funny things kept happening, frightening things...The secret of the house is revealed in an exciting final sequence that maintains beautifully the mysterious and dramatic story of a black family caught in an atmosphere of fear and danger. Written with distinction, and imaginative and imposing book. (Bulletin for the Center for Children's Books) ... Read more

Reviews (73)

creeepy book!!
This book is about a family who a move into a house that everybody thinks is haunted. A long time ago it was a house on the Underground Railroad that housed slaves. Two slaves were caught and killed but the third slave escaped. Mr. Pluto is the caretaker and everybody thinks he is very creepy. Thomas soon hears about a rumor that Dies Drear's treasure is somewhere in the house but the Darrow family are after it too.
I would give the book four stars because it is very interesting and the book is easy to read. It is interesting because it talks about mystery. The plot was okay since the beginning kind of dragged on and on but it gets better later on. The story is easy to read. Overall, this was a great book.

House of Dies Drear
This is an excellent book for many readers. Personally, I don't read a great deal, but when I came across this book for a particular class, I was amazed at how quickly I was getting through it. This book was exciting and constantly kept me thinking of what would happen next. There was constant suspense with the haunted house and mysterious openings in the walls. The devilish caretaker also added to the drama in this story. I would encourage others to take the time and enjoy this interesting book.

Dies Drear
I had very high expectations for this book because of all the good comments I heard about it. After I read it, I was VERY disappointed.It was dull and very slow. I had no fun reading it at all. I do not reccomend this book to anyone who enjoys fast-paced and exciting books. It was supposed to be a horror story but turned out to be the opposite.

Jessie From Richview Middle School
This story is about a boy named Thomas and his family, the Smalls, who move int a new house called Dies Drear. This house was used for slaves who wanted to return to savery or escape from it. Many things happen to them where they point to an old that is mysterious, but for a good reason, as the bad guy. Strange things happen to them while they are there, and it panics them because they are worried that something might happen to their family. Mr. Small, Thomas's father, and Thomas try to find their way through this big secret that they know is being kept from them. Finally they capture the old mysterious man and they find out that he isn't the bad guy at all, he was just trying to protect Dies Drear, because he didn't know whether he could trust the Small's or if they were on the other guy's side. He kept the secret of what the winding tunnels under the house held. Together the old man and the Smalls scare off the bad guys, at least for a little while. The old man now knows and trust that the Smalls will kept the treasure of the tunnels safe, so he doesn't have to protect them any more. That is how the story ends.
I like this book because it has a lot a mysery and history to it, and I thought it was really unique. I am not a book-reader, but I can tell you that this book isn't just for people who like to read books it is definitely for every type of book reader. I hope you decide to read this book, because it is a really great book in my opinion.

Taylor From Richview Middle School
This story is about a young boy named Thomas and his family moving to a new house in Ohio. The house that they moved into was known as the House of Dies Drear. Dies Drear was a guy who was in charge of the underground railrad. The underground railroad was used so that slaves could flee to the north and escape slavery. Lets move on to the main plot of the story. The main plot is that the Darrows[ a family] keeps trying to break into the the cave that came with the property of the house. This cave held valubles thst Drear use to own. There was also a guy named Mr. Pluto that lived in the cave so that they could keep up the keep of the cave and to protect it so that no one would steel anything out of it. So once they found out that the Darrows kept trying to steel things they thought of a prank to pull on them. I dont want to give to much a way so t you guys will have to read the book to find out what they do to them. Throughout the book old Mr. Pluto was getting ill so at the end of the story Mr. Pluto gives the belongings to Mr .Small Thomas's dad to look after. I actually really enjoyed this book, and sorry to say but i dont like to read. The book had adventure,mystery, and a little touch of history because of the slavs and all, but other wise I thought the book kept you gussing almost the whole time so that made it a really good. ... Read more

Book Description

A thought-provoking collection of twenty-five stories that reflect the wonder and glory of the origins of the world and humankind. With commentary by the author. “A must for mythology shelves.”--Booklist ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Hamliton rises to the challenge
In this collection of tales, creation stories from around the world are retold by Virginia Hamilton. The book is beautifully illustrated with explanations included (for adults) about the choice of creation stories, and the categories they fall into. Reading this reminded me of the books of Greek myths I once read as a child. However, nothing I've ever seen compares to the beauty found within this collection's pages. Easily concerned parents beware. These stories haven't been rendered politically correct, nor have they been altered for modern sensibilities. In many tales, women are usually the catalysts of any problems with the world and violence occurs with steady regularity. Do not let this put you off. Though different, this is a text that deserves to be seen by all children from all walks of life.

Mind-broadening!
I'm puzzled as to why IN THE BEGINNING is listed by Amazon as a children's book! Perhaps a child would enjoy the astounding pictures, but it would be only a very advanced child who could read or understand the impact of this examination of the religious beliefs of other cultures. It's the perfect book for cultural anthropology students or mythology buffs. It would certainly tweak the curiosity of readers who wonder about the origins of religion.
I found it a book that led me into more exploration into a fascinating field.

Great stories, great artwork!
This is the perfect book to introduce readers of all ages to the creation myths of different religons and cultures. In these days when the teaching of evolution and modern cosmology are controversial, this book provides valuable perspective on the way different people have accounted for the earth and its inhabitants. It should be required reading for all public school administrators, and would be a valuable addition to any school (or home) library. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Virginia Hamilton, Newbery Medal winner and recipient of the NationalBook Award and the Hans Christian Andersen Award, teams up with two-timeCaldecott Medal winners, Leo and Diane Dillon, in this classic collection ofAmerican black folktales, winner of the Coretta Scott King Award. By turnsdroll, grisly, and spine-tingling, the 24 stories celebrate the indomitablehuman spirit, surviving under the most crushing circumstances of slavery.Traditionally, storytelling has helped people to push through sorrow and pain,especially when the stories are saturated with magic, mysticism, and fantasy.Bruh Rabbit, He Lion, Tar Baby, and other animals populate many of the stories.In others, John, the traditional trickster hero, outwits the slave owner timeafter time to win his freedom.

Included with this very special edition is a CD featuring the commanding voicesof Hamilton and actor James Earl Jones. Eleven selections, including "ThePeculiar Such Thing," "John and the Devil's Daughter," "A Wolf and LittleDaughter," and "The People Could Fly," bring to life the rhythm and lyricalenergy of Hamilton's text. Leo and Diane Dillon's strikingly beautiful black andwhite illustrations continue to mesmerize and haunt the reader. (All ages)--Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Excellent! Especially when read aloud.
I read this to my daughter, Rachel, and she really enjoyed it. She smiled throughout the entire book. She loved the animal folktales about Bruh Rabbit, and Bruh Fox. She trembled with delight at the reading of the scary tales. As for her mother, my favorite was the title tale, The People Could Fly. It was magical!

This book is a must have!!
I read this book as a child. The lessons that I learned from it have lasted well into my young adult, I am now 23 years old. The illustrations are first rate. This book should be a literary standard for all children books. Anyone with a child needs to have this in their children's personal library.

A Must-have for every American home
Fascinating folktales from an African-American perspective, this work evokes memories of the strength of a people to find magic, wonder, and spirituality in a time when oppression was the norm. Miss Hamilton, along with illustrators Leo and Diane Dillon, has produced a work of timeless importance. One of the few books that I can't keep on the shelves of my classroom, it is an essential for every teacher or person interested in exposing children to a wealth of literature.

When I was a kid...
I read this book when I was in elementary school. I am now in college, and it has stayed with me all of these years. I am currently involved in drawing up a cannon for my literature class, and this book of great and inspiring folklore will definitely be included!

This is a good book for kids that are 9 - 12 year old.
I really enjoyed reading this book, I am 9 year old. I read the book in about 2 days, it was about African-American folk tales. The best story in the book was "if the people could fly". ... Read more

Book Description

Winner of the Newbery Medal
Winner of the National Book Award
Winner of the Boston Globe/Horn Book Award for Fiction
An ALA Notable Book

Mayo Cornelius Higgins sits on his gleaming, forty-foot steel pole, towering over his home on Sarah's Mountain. Stretched before him are rolling hills and shady valleys. But behind him lie the wounds of strip mining, including a mountain of rubble that may one day fall and bury his home.

M.C. dreams of escape for himself and his family. And, one day, atop his pole, he thinks he sees it -- two strangers are making their way toward Sarah's Mountain. One has the ability to make M.C.'s mother famous. And the other has a kind of freedom that M.C. has never even considered. ... Read more

Reviews (27)

The great book of M.C.
I had to read this book when I was doing a book project for my school and I thought it was great! I thought that the plot and charecters were very developed and the setting was very nice. I thought that most parts were suspensful, exiting, or joyful, but others that were kind of boring.

What is the plot?
As I listened to this book on tape, I continually wondered when something would happen. Characters are introduced, but nothing happens to these characters. When I reached the end of the book, I was still wondering what the point of this book is. I am surprised it won the Newberry Medal. Perhaps it is fun for children.

M.C Higgins the Great
Virgina Hamilton I Didnt like the book to much because it didnt have any exciting points that i liked.So the next book you write please have some good points in the book.Otherwise than that the book was great.

Get Serious M.C.
What I think of this novel is that it was exciting but I was not JUMPING out of my seat to read my. At some point of the book were all right but I lost instead in the book after M.C. and the strange girl had the BIG conflict in the woods. Hamilton must have better books than M.C.Higgins,the Great. Than I will read than.

BORING...............!!!!!!!!!!
SO BORING!!!!!!! This book is so boring....it was an assignment in class and I could barely keep my eyes open during the time we waisted to read it.I mean this book was better for like 4th 0r 5th graders and it clearly didn't make much sence. i would not recomend this book to anyone under the age of like 11 or 12.Okay, listen the seeting of the story is like the mountains and you wanna know where the story ended up ? NOWHERE!!! the whole book was about a bunch of odd people in some little valley and some freakish boy that could see the future about some spoil heap falling on his house. which his room was in a cave . ... Read more

Book Description

Why had he come to her, with his dark secrets from a long-ago past? What was the purpose of their strange, haunting journeys back into her own childhood? Was it to help Dab, her retarded older brother, wracked with mysterious pain who sometimes took more care and love than Tree had to give? Was it for her mother, Vy, who loved them the best she knew how, but wasn't home enough to ease the terrible longing?

Whatever secrets his whispered message held, Tree knew she must follow. She must follow Brother Rush through the magic mirror, and find out the truth. About all of them.

Reviews (4)

Nakita At Richview Middle School
My book was about a girl and her brother. They lived alone in a house. The girl name was Tree. her brother name was Dab. It was a man will Tree thought it was. It was a ghost. She liked the ghost and she wanted to tell her brother but she did not know how. Dab was slow. He use to taik and get his words wrong. All the girls like him. tree use to see the ghost. It made her see her life that she have not done. a woman can to give them food to eat. They had a wonam who came to clean they house for them. The book was good. Tree had to go to school and look out for her brother. Tree was 15 and Dab was 17 years old. some people can relate to the book. So the book is good. Tre e sometimes came home before Dab. She thougth something had happen to him. Read the book it is good.

The Great Book Of Brother Rush
I thought that the book"Sweet Whispers Brother Rush" deserved 5 stars because it is a great love novel but at the same time you can't put it down. It is deffinetly one of the best books I ever read and more than a 1 time read.

Sweet--Not, Bitter--Yes
I just finished reading this great book. Why is it great? It would make a wonderful stage play and I'm surprised that no one has done it yet. Hamilton is a master at characterization. The mother and daughter along with their relationship are entirely believable and complicated. Hamilton captured that fine line between love and hate which teens experience with their parents. This book is much better than "Catcher In The Rye!" Buy this book. Read it. You'll be glad you did. And watch out for those fine lookin ghosts hang'n out at da Sevn Levn. See ya dude!

It is a great book for those who love the supernatural.
The book Sweet Whispers, Brother Rush was very likeable. I enjoyed it especially because of the supernatural in it. The ghost in it was described in such detail that it seemed as if you were standing there in the room viewing it. I also enjoyed the book because its main character was a teenage girl with many responsibilities. If you are a teenage girl, you are sure to be able to relate to this book. Sweet Whispers, Brother Rush was also a good book for anyone who is dealing with a death in their family, especially for someone who was really close. I could share the girl's pain in the book because I knew what it was like. The book doesn't bring you down, it just shows how things work out in the end. If you enjoy the supernatural, have experienced a death in your family, or you are a teenage girl with many responsibilities, then I strongly recommend this book. ... Read more

Book Description

History, legend, and rumor surround the house, once a station on the Underground Railroad and the home of long-dead abolitionist Dies Drear.

Virginia Hamilton continues the Dies Drear chronicles of suspense through a series of dramatic events. We again meet Thomas Small and his family, loyal Mr. Pluto, clever Pesty Darrow, and her aloof brother Macky. And we are introduced to the unforgettable Mrs. Darrow, whose mind twists back on itself like an ancient tunnel of the Underground.

Professor Small, cataloging the priceless antiques of the vast, hidden treasure, must face the question -- to whom does the treasure belong? To Pluto, who guarded it and faithfully kept its secret in memory of Dies Drear? To the foundation that owns the property? The storehouse is in danger not only from thieving Darrow men, but also from the real peril of collapsing walls in the treasure cavern. The time for decision has come. In a brilliant move, Professor Small solves his dilemma. And Thomas and Macky are able to face squarely an old conflict between them.

Reviews (7)

The Mystery of Drear House: Reviewing it
I really thought that this book was good! It takes place in northern Ohio in the house of Dies Drear, who was a long-dead abolitionist. Thomas Small is the main character who is living with his family in the Drear house. Mattie Darrow is a minor character who is Mac and Pesty Darrow's mom. She is a very ill person. The two scariest parts of the story is when Thomas' twin brothers disappear and when someone sneaks into Mr.Pluto's cave to trick him into getting the teasure! I really liked reading this book. It is so suspenseful and mysterious.

Drear House is not Dreary
Book Review of "The Mystery of Drear House"

The book I read is a fiction story called, "The Mystery of Drear House". This is an

exciting sequel to "The House of Dies Drear". The author's name is Virginia Hamilton. She is

married to a poet by the name of Arnold Ardoff.

Virginia has written many African American books in the past years including, "Paul

Robeson: The Life and Times of a Free Black Man", and "The People Could Fly: American Black

Folktales".

"The Mystery of Drear House" was about a black family that just moved into an old

abolitionist's house. They find the house has lots of secret passage ways to tunnels leading to

many caves, plus their neighbor's mother's room. The only problem they have is where they're

going to put all the endless fortune of the old abolitionist Dies Drear's, which has been hidden for

hundreds of years in an old cavern..

This book really didn't have any weaknesses in my opinion. "The Mystery of Drear

House" didn't have any wrong turns, or boring places. It was very organized, and didn't stretch

the story line. The book held my interest until the very end. The ending sounded like it could

have a sequel.

I enjoyed reading this book, and I would recommend, "The Mystery of Drear House," to a

middle school student that likes mystery-fiction. First they should read, "The House of Dies

Drear," to get some background information. I would also recommend this to a person that likes

to read about the underground railroad, or that is interested in history.

Don't Miss This!
Drear House has dangerous secrets that have never been told. The house is anything but normal with sliding walls, secret passageways, and even gold treasure. Thomas has one secret. He needs to find out who is responsible for the weird things going on. Thomas needs to know fast, before he becomes a secret himself. Do you think the house is hauntd?

THE MYSTERY OF DREAR HOUSE is a thrilling, terrifying, nightmare come true. I am easily scared. Yet, I enjoyed this book thoroughly. Since the descriptions were strong in detail, I was so distracted I was less nervous about the book. This is a book you don't want to miss!

The Best!
The House of Dies Drear is a great book. I loved the way the author left you hanging at the end of each chapter. I read it in class. It was really hard not to read to the next chapter. I loved it.

The Best Virginia Hamilton Book Ever!
Well, in the begining, Thomas and his family buy a house in Ohio, but it turns out to be more or less than they expected. But, well, you'll have to read it to find out all the exciting plot twists and turns, it kept me guessing throughout the book, and I had to smack myself on the forehead at the end, because it gave me the answer at the begining. A very good read. Buy it for anyone from 3 to 1,003. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

To look at yourself and make a wish...
As a young African-American teenager going through cancer surgery, this book was a such a gift that helped me to take my mind out of a semi-private room in a children's hospital, and to exercise my fantasy of being Geeder. Virginia Hamiliton's writing is simple, but powerful; the emotions very realistic and can be taken to heart. Most important, it speaks of differences among the "same"; the acceptance of the diversity.

A childhood favorite
I'm in my late 30's now, but this book still remains one of my favorites from childhood. As a preadolescent I read this book countless times, and found it only became more engaging with each reading. I valued its realness. I often wished I could enter the worlds my books revealed, but this was the most concrete of those worlds with which I wished to engage.

This is not an easy book. Hamilton challenges her readers. Still, for children who like to read, this book is terrific.

An exploration of identity, wishes, and family connection
When I first read this book, I was puzzled and a bit put off by the heroine. But I find, like Mike Johnson, that the more you read it, the more you find. Like Geeder I am mesmerized by Zeely, her beauty, serenity, and her mystery. I am also inspired by the book's emphasis on reality--not realism--that it's good to dream, but you shouldn't lose hold of reality--those pigs. I'm also inspired by the idea that we need to know the truth about our families and our history before we're ready to make up stories. The book is a reminder that we can all be queens if we do our work with dignity and grace.

Not my type.
I would give this book a star rating of two because it's a really boring book. The good points about this book are that Zeely came out better than the others in the town. This book was all about how Zeely was being teased and was talked about because of her color and how tall she was for her age. Zeely's parents both died, so Zeely has moved on to a farm with her uncle. Also Zeely turns out to look like an African American Queen.

Just finished teaching this book...again
I expect this book, like all great books, means different things to different people. A "different strokes" book - you think? Anyway, I just finished teaching a lesson to my sixth grade class from this book for about the zillionth time over a six year period. Each time, I see more in the book than before. I'm not sure where Mrs. Hamilton was going with this book, but I explained to the class that the more you read it and the more you grow, the more you will see. I never cease to be amazed at Zeely's serenity in the brutal scene of the hog drive (chapter 11) - her compassion and inner strength. In this scene, Mrs Hamilton shows us all something inside ourselves that we are seeking: inner peace in the maelstrom. Thanks for reminding us. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Virginia Hamilton, who previously won a Newbery Medal and a MacArthur Foundation grant, gives us 17 pugnacious and heroic female characters in a collection of tales that demonstrates the breadth of African-American cultural tradition. The characters in Her Stories, which won the 1996 Coretta Scott King Award, are strong, competent, and sometimes bigger than life, like the "coal black and tree tall" Annie Christmas. Drawn from a variety of sources, the tales in Her Stories have been crafted to blend together smoothly while remaining true to their original tone. Text and art are laid against a buff background in a stylish, oversize format, with a heavy binding built to stand up to the repeated use that's sure to come. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

A beautiful compilation of African American folklore!
"Her Stories" is a delightful collection of nineteen stories from African American culture, retold by award-winning author Virginia Hamilton. The stories are divided into five categories: Her Animal Tales, Her Fairy Tales, Her Supernatural, Her Folkways and Legends, and Her True Tales. Each story focuses on a female, African American protagonist, and is about 3-4 pages in length. Hamilton's writing is vivid and colorful, yet remains simple enough that younger readers should have no trouble. The stories would also be great to read aloud. While Hamilton has translated the tales into contemporary language for easier understanding, she leaves a few conventions from Creole, Gullah, and other forms of speech that are best read aloud for full effect.

The book is also a great study in African American literary and oral tradition, and is suitable for adults as well as children. Each story is followed by commentary from the author, providing the history of the tale, how it reflects African American heritage, explanation of any unusual aspects of the story, and any additional points of interest. Some of the stories are based in history, and others are entirely ficitonal. Some bear likenesses to more familiar tales as well - "Catskinella" is an alternative form of the popular Cinderella story, and "Little Girl and Buh Rabby," comes from the tradition of Brer Rabbit stories.

"Her Stories" is also beautifully illustrated, bringing out the best in each tale. At the end of the book Hamilton has included some reflections on her own childhood, and how her mother influenced her decision to compile stories about strong African American women. This book is perfect for anyone, young or old and of any culture, interested in reading traditional folklore.

Wonderfully powerful book- a must read for all girls
In "Her Stories," African American women tell their tales of magic, supernatural and real life, while emphasizing their strength and imaginations. The Cleverness and determination of African American women is shown.

A wonderful collection for any girl OR boy
Here is another fantastic anthology from Virginia Hamilton, the award-winning author of "House of Dies Drear" and "The People Could Fly". This volume, also featuring the wonderful illustrations of Leo & Diane Dillon, is an eye-opener for those only familiar with European folktales.

Hamilton's book is divided into five sections: (1) Her Animal Tales, (2) Her Fairy Tales, (3) Her Supernatural, (4) Her Folkways and Legends, and (5) Her True Tales. Each section contains an average of four stories, accompanied by informative and entertaining background historical data.

Young readers will love the author's prose and the illustrators' beautiful paintings. Older readers and parents will gain a greater appreciation for a culture that has been too long ignored.

These stories are as valid and fanciful as any of their more familiar European counterparts.

The book ends with a list of valuable resources where one can find other examples of African-American folklore.

second cousins
I gave this book a five star because i thought it was a real good book it was about these two girls who meet their second cousins when they wher going to Cammy dads house cause Cammy dad said that she could come over any time so they left the siwmming pool to go over there when they got there Cammy showed her all the rooms in the house but saved the best for last when they got to that room Cammy said here's my room and opened the door and found two girls in the beds so Cammy asked what are you doing here but the two girls got smart.So Cammy asked them whats their names is they said GiGi and Fractal then one girl got up and start dancing around Cammy started to get mad so she said come on El and they left.When they got home their mom said your second cousins are coming over for dinner and Cammy knew who her mom was talking about after that they got real close to each other.Yes i would recommend this good book to people.

in memory of Virginia Hamilton
I had the pleasure of buying the book "Herstories" from the author herself.

It is a "Must Have" book if you've read any of her earlier books. Ms. Hamilton told me that many of the stories in this book came handed down to her.

As you may already know, Virginia Hamilton died on February 19, 2002. "Herstories" is the perfet gift for those who want to keep her memories alive.

The art work that Leo and Diane Dillon bring to the pages of "Herstories" is like nothing that you've ever seen in a childrens book - they make the stories come alive on the pages!

Readers note: Please note that spell-check was not avalible to me as I was writing this review! ... Read more

Book Description

Unavailable for several years, Virginia Hamilton’s award-winning companion to The People Could Fly traces the history of slavery in America in the voices and stories of those who lived it. Leo and Diane Dillon’s brilliant black-and-white illustrations echo the stories’ subtlety and power, making this book as stunning to look at as it is to read.

“There is probably no better way to convey the meaning of the institution of slavery as it existed in the United States to young readers than by using, as a text to share and discuss, Many Thousand Gone.”
—The New York Times Book Review
... Read more

Reviews (1)

Many Thousand Gone
An excellent collection of stories of early African Americans, Many Thousand Gone begins with the first slaves arriving in the United States in 1619 and goes through the close of the Civil War and the end of slavery. Each chapter relates an easy to read account of people who represent the events surrounding slavery, particularly during the 1800s. Accounts of escapes along the Underground Railroad are included as well as the stories of individuals who played a significant part of black history. These include Nat Turner, Harriet Tubman, Soujourner Truth, and many others. All in all, this book was a joy to read and very informative. ... Read more

Amazon.com

A lovely peasant girl named Quashiba is spinning thread and laughing with her mama one day when young Big King comes riding through the trees, wondering what all the noise is about. Quashiba's quick-thinking, fast-talking mama tells a terrible fib. "Oh, great Big King, my daughter is spinning a whole field of finest golden thread to make cloth for his Highest. And we are so happy, we are rejoicing about it, don't cha know." And before Quashiba knows what's happening, Big King decides that he must have her as his queen so that she may spin him rooms full of golden thread. In despair, Quashiba agrees to a near-impossible bargain with a demonic, pointy-toothed little imp who shows up, promising to help her make the golden things.

The universal "Lit'mahn" folktale has many variants around the world, including the best-known German version, Rumpelstiltskin. In this West Indian version, the award-winning team of Virginia Hamilton and Leo and Diane Dillon, who, among them, have received the National Book Award, the Newbery Medal, three Newbery Honors, the Coretta Scott King Award, two Caldecott Medals, and many others, has created a spectacularly beautiful and delightful rendering of the favorite tale. Hamilton translates the language into a lilting colloquial style, perfect for reading aloud, while the Dillons use metallic paint and gold leaf to produce stunning, frame-worthy paintings replete with patterns, textures, and lavish colors. In a charming, strong-woman twist, the story concludes with Quashiba demanding (and her husband giving) an apology for his greedy, unfair behavior, and the two of them live "fairly happily ever after." (Ages 5 to 8) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (4)

A fine example of children's literature!
WARNING: SPOILERS TO FOLLOW

Quashiba finds herself in a precarious situation. Due to a slight untruth told by her mother to a visiting king, the young lady is forced to marry to king with the promise that she can weave fine golden cloth.

Though she is attended by handmaidens and receives her every want, her new husband demands that she come through with her mother's promise after they are married one year and a day.

The time arrives and the girl knows not what to do. A little man with a wooden leg, a tail and wearing striped trousers magically appears one evening. He offers to help her make the fabric but with a price for his assistance: she has three nights and three chances per night to guess his name; if she doesn't, she will be his tiny companion...forever.

After two days of successfully presenting the golden thread to her spouse, as well of two days of unsuccessfully guessing the little man's name, the Quashiba feels impending doom. However, during dinner, her husband tells of his unusual encounter with a little man named "Lit'manhn Bittyun."

Quashiba is relieved and that evening when the little man comes, she toys with him with two fake names, finally announcing his real name.

The sprite storms off and is never seen again.

Knowledgeable readers will automatically see the similarity between this tale and the European "Rumplestiltskin". The book's illustrations are vivid and thought-provoking, making this book a KO for the primary classroom, combining fantasy, familial relationships, and effective use of dialect/language.

The late Hamilton has scored another winner that will embellish the home as well as the classroom.

Perhaps the Best "Rumpelstiltskin" Story
In this West Indian version of Rumpelstiltskin, Queen Quashiba marries the rich and powerful Big King, but must produce three rooms full of gold cloth after a year and a day or be locked away forever and a year. How will she ever accomplish such a supernatural feat?

The book is richly illustrated with vibrant colors and the words are pleasing to read silently or aloud. Both Virginia Hamiltion and the Dillons prove to be masters of their respective crafts and together produce a winning combination in their version of this classic tale.

Crazy James

beautiful!
What a beautiful book! Beautiful language, beautiful pictures. Even my 3-year-old son, who usually just likes books about trucks, wanted me to read it over and over. I like it better than the German version (Rumplestilskin); Quashiba acts much more like a real person here.

Hamilton and the Dillons - A winning combination!
Whatever Virginia Hamilton, Leo & Diane Dillon touch turn to gold! Hamilton's creative use of language and dialect give this retelling of the Rumplestiltskin story a sense of freshness and fun. The rich illustrations and the whimsical portrayal of the Lit'mahn character complement the text beautifully. As a read-aloud, the experience is delightful for both the reader and the audience. ... Read more

Book Description

Dreenie Douglass keeps a day-to-day journal that seems to revolve around Bluish, a girl in her fifth-grade class.The other girls call her Bluish because she looks like moonlightŠ ³So pale you can see the blue veins on her face and the back of her handsŠ²Dreenie¹s fascination with Bluish becomes all consuming, causing even her moods to be based on her interactions with the bluish girl.This obsession is a way of escape for Dreenie, who takes care of her sister Winnie and her friend Tuli. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

A novel of friendship and hope
"Bluish" is a novel by Virginia Hamilton, a prolific and multiple award-winning author of books for young readers. "Bluish" tells the story of Dreenie, a young girl who attends a magnet school in New York City with her brainy (but annoying) younger sister, Willie, and their eccentric friend Tuli. When a pale-skinned, apparently ill girl in a wheelchair joins her class, Dreenie is fascinated by her. The girl is nicknamed "Bluish" due to her bluish complexion. Dreenie begins a diary documenting her evolving relationship with Bluish.

"Bluish" is a gentle, moving novel about overcoming fear of someone who is different. The book is a hopeful celebration of childhood friendship. A nice touch is the fact that entries from Dreenie's journal are interspersed between the chapters of the novel. The book also offers an interesting perspective on the multicultural, multifaith world of NYC schoolkids; there's even a little primer on the celebration of Kwanzaa. Overall, an impressive effort from Hamilton.

Hamilton leaves me hopeful!
Sometimes children can be unknowingly mean and brutal. Virginia Hamilton's characters seem real and natural. And how real and natural for children to tease and fear what they do not know. Hamilton's characters move smoothly from at first being fearful of Bluish to knowing her, understanding her illness, and becoming protective. Although not too many unexpected twists and turns, Bluish quickly draws you into a group of very likeable characters. "Girlfren'" Tuli is a hoot. Excellent reading for 5th or 6th grade.

Isms and Others
This book is for middle school youngsters, 5th and 6th grade, although it would be appropriate for a precocious 4th grader and slower 7th grade readers. It is the story of three young girls who become friends after a very unlikely start. The title refers to the skin color of a sick young girl in the protagonist's Dreenie's class; a girl who is pale, weak and restricted to a wheelchair. All of the children, including Dreenie are afraid of the girl and try to avoid her. Later on it becomes clearer that most of them do not dislike her; instead they are afraid of her and the thought of sickness and dying.

Virginia Hamilton who has more than a few titles for young readers under her belt writes Bluish. Unlike some of her fantasy-based work, this is squarely set in contemporary New York with all the attendant urban problems we see on the news. For example, Dreenie almost jumps out of her skin while waiting for her father downstairs in their apartment building. Although she was warned not to go outside, she does just that, looking left and right for her father. Instead he comes in front of her and cautions her yet again that she has to look three ways: left, right and across. It isn't stated, but youngsters have received enough parental warnings and seen enough news shows about abduction to the author's point.

The book is written in a different type of style - it ping pongs back and forth between a journal format (Dreenie's diary) and a regular third person narrative style. While it was a bit unsettling for me as an adult to get used to the format, young people may not have as many preconceived notions of what a novel should look like. Dreenie has a younger sister she has to watch over every afternoon until her parents come home from work, again very realistic of today's world for many youngsters. The younger sister, Willie, of course irritates her big sister to no end, and makes matters worse by being an extremely bright and outspoken child. Every so often her resentment at being so responsible for her sister comes through, as it does in some of her later conversations with Natalie or "Bluish" as Dreenie calls her.

The second key figure in the friendship is Tuli, a bi-racial youngster who lives with her Grandmother and often pretends to be Spanish. Tuli is loud and energetic; highly observant of her surroundings and people and is often very needy. Sometimes so much so that Dreenie feels like she has yet another sibling to watch over. Dreenie feels as if Tuli tries to be too much a part of her family and should spend more time with her Grandmother.

Their teacher who tells them she has leukemia but is on the mend finally explains Natalie's illness. The disease requires that she rests a lot and that she sometimes vomits in class as a result of chemotherapy. Natalie is bi-racial as well with a black father and a Jewish mother who initially takes offense at her daughter's nickname, mistakenly thinking it is a crass put down of being black and Jewish. After she realizes the truth, she warms up to Dreenie and later on Natalie's family attends a Kawaanza celebration at Dreenie's house.

Natalie helps her classmates understand some Jewish traditions such as Hanukkah and brings a dreidel to class and teacher her classmates how to play the game. She also brings knitted caps to all of them saying she has lots of time resting in bed and knitting helps her pass the time. The caps are all bright and colorful and the children love them. The caps also bond them with Bluish who has to wear one all the time due the chemo-induced baldness.

This book will introduce children to a variety of "others." Sick children, the physically challenged, bi-racial youngsters and those from lower socio-economic classes. In one fell swoop, Hamilton poses a number of "isms" for young minds to grabble with, all the while writing about likeable young girls who are engaging but no goody two-shoes. Dreenie can be extremely impatient; Natalie can be aloof and sarcastic; Tuli can be narcissistic and childish. In short, they are real-life children who struggle with real issues facing young people today. Hamilton does not end with happily ever after. It is left open ended as to Natalie health. While she is steadily improving, its made clear she has a five-year window before the doctors will consider her in remission. Tuli remains poor and living with her Grandmother. Dreenie is more comfortable in her new school, but still wonders if she will truly be the intellectual equal of her younger sister. All in all, an enjoyable read that is believable and engaging.

Couldn't connect with the characters
I was really looking forward to reading this novel after having met and heard speeches from Virginia Hamilton at both NCTE and IRA National conventions. I have to say I was disappointed. I couldn't connect to the characters and even had trouble telling their voices apart. I'm sure book will do well based on her reputation as an author, but I was not impressed. Not enough development of story to use with my students.

Ordinary
The story lacked action, a climax, even a worthwhile dilema tocontemplate. Entirely ordinary considering the author's credentials.I was really disappointed. So was my nine-year-old daughter for whom I was reading it. It's a fast read because, mercifully, it's short. Tuli is the only character of interest. The two primary characters, Dreenie and Bluish are hardly worth mentioning. They didn't really come to life for me. END ... Read more

Reviews (7)

This book deserves a number10! I loved it!
This story was one of the best stories I have every read. Even though the story is fiction it seems very realistic. The story was sad at points but I loved the book!

It wasn't very good
I am very sorry to say, that when I got to page 17, I was very bored with the book. It took me forever to read it because my mind kept wondering. I just put it down and started another book. AI couldn't read it any more

This book is DA BOMB!!!!!!!!
I loved this book it was hard for me to put it down, and it was also sad

Not the best
Cousins I think was a bit dull and trite. The first five pages talk about puttin' love and kisses into fried chicken. The some old guy comes in who likes to go around without his pants. After patty Ann dies it gets really dull. Cammy lies around in bed moaning and sobbing for months and months. She doesn't even go to school! And the part about Elodie's spirit being possesed and Patt Ann's ghost are a bit muc i think.

The Book kept me interested!!!!!
When the most saddest part of the book came I was so interested I couldn't put the book down. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (2)

It Didn't "Ring My Bell"
The Bells of Christmas had some parts that were interesting.I would have liked to learn more about the father's handicap.However, it seemed like most of the book passed with Jason sitting by the National Road. Learning about the Road seemed to evoke the most interest from my fifth-grade class. One year of that was enough.

this book shows the strength of the family
I thought the was very interesting and heart-warming.My favorite part was when Jason and his father went and waited for thier cousins to celebrate Christmas along the National Road.It shows how much love the family shows for each other. By Cynthia Santagata ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (1)

cute story
This book is an interesting twist on an old story. Bruh Rabbit gets into Bruh Wolf's well-tended garden and eats his corn and peanuts. Bruh Wolf makes a "scarey-crow' in hopes that will keep Bruh Rabbit out. Bruh Rabbit comes back still. The next step Bruh Wolf takes is to make a tar baby girl. When Bruh Rabbit see the tar baby girl he gets mad because it will not speak to him. He ends up hitting her, kicking her and trying to bite her. Of course he gets stuck to the tar baby girl in the process! Bruh Wolf comes alos ang tries to get him. Bruh Rabbit tricks himself out of the situation by begging not to be thrown into the briar patch. Bruh Wolf falls for the trick and throws him in but Rabbit really loves it there! Fooled again!

It has extraordinary illustrations that would captivate the attention of any child, even ones with short attention spans.

I would recommed this book for kids ages 5-8. They will enjoy the story read aloud or to read silently to themselves ... Read more

Reviews (7)

StEpHeN ...
This is one of the most imaginative, insightful, moving, and challenging book I've ever read. Virgina Hamilton writes with her usual brilliant style with a blend of poetic lyricsm and realistic talk. Now Junior Brown is a kid who takes music lessons after school every day and his friend Buddy follows him to each of his lessons but he never goes in cause they are completely different characters. He always just sits outside. junior has a very over protective mother and on the other side Buddy has a mother that isn't very protective. I think that this is a very good book and fully encourages kids around the world to read this book.

Good Literature!
I read the Planet of Junior Brown as a reading book for myeighth grade english class. My class read books while we were readingTo Kill a Mockingbird. The Planet of Junior Brown is a wonderfully written book. Despite the other reviews I have read I really was impressed with the characterization. Some people thought that the characters were shallow and didn't convey feeling and emotion. I heavily disagree. The thing I really liked about the book was how the two main characters were so unlike each other, both emotionally and physically. One character is always trying to teach the other something and they are both unwilling to learn it because it is so unlike them. Junior Brown is an obese black boy who is a an amazing piano player. His father doesn't live with him and his mother is very over protective. Junior isn't naive but he doesn't know much about the world around him. Junior's best and only friend, Buddy, is the exact opposite. Buddy Is a tall lanky black boy who has lived his life on the street. Buddy encourages Junior to try and become more independent and self reliant. However, Junior's other doesn't want to let go of Junior. She sees buddy as a threat to Junior. She thinks Buddy will harm him. Seeing as how her husband doesn't live with her it is easy to understand how she doesn't want to let go. Junior is all she has. It was very interesting to read To Kill a Mockingbird while I read this book. They had many things in common. In To Kill a Mockingbird scout encounters racism as a white person. In The Planet of Junior Brown Junior encounters racism as a black person. I thought it was interesting to see the same thing from two different angles. The plot of the story is very interesting. Although it has it's moments where it gets dull and you have to read the page over again it was pretty exiting. Virginia Hamilton was able to create multiple themes throughout the story. While reading the book there were moments where it was depressing, suspenseful, and moments of anger. Near the end of the story Junior starts seeing things and talking to people who aren't their. At the same time they have just been caught for not going to school. It was depressing to see how Buddy was worried about Junior. I imagined myself trying to help one of my friends who wasn't all their anymore. It was sad to think about.

All In all I was very happy to read The Planet of Junior Brown. It really made me realize how difficult life is for some people. Through this book I was able to reach a new understanding for people with mental problems, and a new respect for the people who help them everyday.

A big waste of your time but an easy 'A'
I call this book an easy 'A' because its tha kind of book that your older English teacher will shove in your face as 'great' and if you give it a good book report then you will get an 'A'. This book might have been hot for kids in tha 1970s when it was written but getting through it today is like wading through a muddy swamp of outdated words and situations. Like two reviewers already said you wonder if it will ever end. I am a chubby kid of 14 and many of my friends are fat. I did not feel that the author knew anything about 'fat kids' at all and I also wondered if she really knew anything about homeless kids even in tha 1970s. Check out some books by Jess Mowry, Apollo, or Walter Dean Myers if you want what's on tha real today. This book seems like another one of those books written about kids but not really FOR kids if you know what I'm saying. And tha people who give book awards are not kids either. But if you can get through it out dying of terminal boredom you'll probably get that 'A'.

Junior Brown showed me an unknown world.
I really enjoyed Junior Brown, but all my preconceived notions were turned upside down. The villains were heros and the heros were villains. Thank you Virginia Hamilton for making me think about something I'd rather not: homeless children. The Buddy Clarks in this world are what it's all about!

Dazzling novel, one of the best for young adults ever!
This is one of the most imaginative, insightful, moving and challenging books I have ever read. Hamilton writes with her usual brilliant style--a blend of poetic lyricism and realistic talk. Buddy and Junior are wonderful characters--friends as loyal as Huck and Tom (transported to a nightmarish world. The novel is a very modern, urban riff on "Peter Pan," as well. I have read (and taught to college students) it two or three times and each time I find even more to admire. ... Read more

Book Description

Lindy and her family are suffering through a long drought. Then the mystical Drylongso teaches them the secrets of finding water hidden in the earth. “Drylongso is a hypnotic, joyful story from a distinguished writer--one that, with the help of Jerry Pinkney’s beautiful watercolor and pastel pictures, depicts well the dry land, the swirling wind and earth, and an African-American family planting in hope with the help of a wondrous, dusty, divining stickfella.”--The New York Times Book Review
... Read more

Reviews (1)

Drylongso
This book is great! I've read it 4 times and recommended to everyone that loves children's books. It brought back childhood memories of the big dust storms we once had. The writing of Virginia Hamilton, as always, is superb. The characters were real to me and the illustration allowed each character to dance through out the story. I loved Lindy's character. I've recommanded the book to others because of it's down to earth discription of how things were. I remember playing in gullies like the one the garden was planted in. Each of us have out childhood memories. We lived in the dry dusty country of West Texas. Thank you for the opprotunity of being able to tell others how much I loved this book. The reason I found this is because I wanted to buy one to show my grandchildren how it was in the dust bowl days. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A must read!
This is a fascinating book that I read as a child and recently reread (and purchased) as an adult. This book was one of the first I read of the 'fantasy' genre. It really sparked my interest in these types of books. I highly recommend it.

Justice and her brothers.Outstanding!
This is an excelent book,after a while you get sucked into another world where Justice,Thomas and Levi live.But after a while you might get lost in the strange plot. ... Read more

Book Description

Virginia Hamilton draws upon her extensive knowledge of folktales in this "scare tale," in which young James Lee discovers his Uncle Big Anthony has been cursed by a Wee Winnie Witch, who rides him like a broom across the night sky! When the witch captures James Lee and takes him along, Mamma Granny knows just what to do. She fills the Wee Winnie Witch's skin, which the Wee Winnie removes before her ride, with hot pepper. When it's back in place, Wee Winnie's burnt to a crisp! Full of Virginia Hamilton's poetic vernacular and authentic details, this is a perfect thrill for any spooky night. ... Read more