Book Description

Sydney Taylor grew up among immigrant families on New York City's Lower East Side prior to World War I and wrote the All-of-a-Kind Family stories for her daughter. Based on her family and childhood, these charming books capture the everyday life of a home with little money but lots of love and good times to share. Each book shares the ups and downs in the lives of this special family, through the eyes of Ella, Charlotte, Henny, Sarah, Gertie, and their little brother, Charlie. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A story of family and friends
Although this is the 4th book of the series, it actually takes place between All-of-a-Kind Family and More All-of-a-Kind Family. This story is part of the continuing tale of a Jewish family living in New York's lower East Side in the early 1900's. Although they are poor, they are rich in their love of each other and their friends. Now there is a new baby in the house and talented Ella, mischevious Henny, studious Sarah, dreamy Charlotte, and little Gertie help Mama with the baby and find friends along the way. In this book, we meet Guido, a poor Italian boy who is trying to care for his sick mother and Miss Carey, a nurse who works at the Settlement House. Through the eyes of these characters, we understand what it must have been like growing up in the lower East Side before World War I. We learn about their sorrows and their joy over the little things in life. A highly recommended book.

So real I thought I was there.
I have read All-of-a-Kind Family. It's about five little girls. Their names are Ella, Henny, Sara, Charlotte, and Gertie. This book has so much detail it feels real. One time Sara lost her library bok . She was so upset when she had to tell the library lady about it. The library lady was so nice that she said she could take out more books, but she still had to pay for the book she lost. I thought I was Sara. At the end of the book, their mother has a baby. Its name is Charley. Everyone was expecting a girl, but it was a boy. Gertie used to be the baby and did not want to be a big sister. When she sees the baby she bounces up and down because of him. Everyone was happy, Now that's an all-of-a-kind family! I Like this book a lot. It has lots of adventures. Read one page and you can't stop. ... Read more

Reviews (26)

A SOLDIER'S STORY
The journal of Scott pendleton Collins,is about a World WarII solider that goes to Normandy, France in 1944.The book begins with "He could see Omah Beach through the smoke and haze as his assult boat rocked in the choppy waters".I'm only 10 and I liked this book because it is about a real person in a real war and I like to read war stories.People should read this story because it is about history. The main character is Scott.The action parts in this book are the war parts and the scarry parts.

The Journal of Scott Pendleton Collins
The Journal of Scott Pendleton Collins, by Walter Dean Myers, is a great book about a World War 2 soldier, stuck in the middle of D-Day. He lands on Omaha Beach, and has to run for his life. He watches his friends die, but with a few lucky breaks, he survives the horror. Scott then must continue marching, to capture the German headquarters of St. Lo, and Vire. I deeply enjoyed the book because as it teaches you of the war, in particular D-Day, and of the horrors that the young soldiers had to go through. They had to survive through the death of friends, the death of family, 'Dear John' letters from their girlfriends, and the constant sound of death and explosions around them. They also lived like savages, without sanitation, or good food. The author of The Journal of Scott Pendleton Collins, Walter Dean Myers, is a well known historical-fiction writer. He has another book out about the Vietnam War, entitled Fallen Angles. Fallen Angels is a book similar in style, also focusing on the hardships that the G.I.'s had to persevere through. I strongly recommend either of these books to anyone with an interest in war and/or historical-fiction. The are great books that can teach you many important things!

Very good--But Sad Read
This book is very good but it ends in such a sad way!
However, this was the first book I read by walter dean myers. I really enjoyed the jokes he put in and the way he described the characters was well done. I really enjoyed Scott, the main character. He was really good and very much so realistic.
I really liked this book and even though it IS Dear America, I think that only 13 & up should read it.

The journal of Scott P Collins
The main charater is ScotT P Collins.He is a ninteen year old boy who is eager to go fight the Germans in Eroupe.Ithought this book was good but it does take patience to read.It starts out very slow.The book takes on the outskiris of the front line during the Americans part of Operation Over Lord [D-Day] .The main conflict in this book is the Germans invasion of Poland,France,Russia and north Africa.
The authers style of writing is journal entries each chapter is a new entriy.This book is part of a large series of books called the Dear America.My recommendation for tis book is for some one with a lot of time on his or her hands.This book is historical fiction so it tought me a lot about World War Two.

The Journal Of Scott Pendleton Collins
The Journal of Scott Pendleton Collins is a historical novel, a day by day journal about a young man, fresh out of high school, who joins the army during World War II. His nickname is Smoothie because he still does not have to shave yet. At his going away party, his uncle gave him a journal. The first entry in the journal is May 25, l944, from England.

This book is so well written that when he described the landing on Omaha Beach I can almost hear the sights and sounds of Private Ryan's landing on the beach like in the movie, Saving Private Ryan. I can almost feel all his feelings. He is saddened by the wounded and dead that he sees, but he is glad that he is still alive. He wants to be brave but he is scared and is ashamed of being scared. He is sick to the point where he vomits. He doesn't want to cry but he cries. He feels sure he is going to be killed.

He knows that he should not be keeping this journal as he is told to destroy all letters from home after they are read. He feels that it is the only thing he has to leave behind if something should happen to him. He has a message in the journal that if anyone should find it to please send it to his family and he gives the address. He often writes about being afraid of dying. This always seems to be on his mind.

This book was so well written that I almost feel as if I lived his war experience with him. The book also includes a lot of historical notes and also some pictures of the war. This author knows a lot about World War II. With this book he has given me a day to day feeling (2 months worth) of the horrors of war.

My great-grandfather McCormick (there was a McCormack in this book) served in the Army during World War II and my grandfather was in the army as a Military Policeman. In this book, Scotty's great-grandfather fought in the Civil War and his father in World War I and Scotty always wanted his picture on the wall with their pictures. Maybe some day my picture will be on my family's wall with my great-grandfather and my grandfather. I am certainly not the best of readers and don't feel qualified to review a writer's work but I can say that I really liked this book. It was a fast read, I almost didn't want to put it down, and it really held my interest.

This book really inspired me. The quality of the writing is great, the subject matter is great and I would definitely put it in the "great books" category. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

I hope more people read this exciting book.
This book was enjoyable. Marie Hammontree described how a person can be a big success while being a little poor. It shows the ups and downs of Disney's life. She describes what it took to get to the top of his career. This book tells who he was inspired by and how they helped him. She told me his problems in his life and how they were solved. It gave me the puzzle pieces to his life so I could better understand it. All in all I think it was a really informative book. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great book
This was an ultimate book about Einstein's life. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

The Life Of Thomas A. Edison
Thomas A. Edison is about a boy who likes to ask questions. He came into his gooses nest and sat on her egg. Isn't that weird. He wanted the egg process to go faster. Tom is a good boy. You would like this book if you read it. It is funny and it is exciting. While you are reading it, you won't even know that you are learning. I was supposed to read it as a book report and I am glad I chose to read it. Tom was dedicated to make what he is working on come true. He messed up a couple of times like the time he told his friend to drink these two chemicals mix together so his friend could fly like a bird. Instead, hisd friendf got sick. I laughed. I give this book 5 points!

"The Wizard of Menlo Park"
Have you ever tried to sit on an egg and hatch it? Thomas Alva Edison did! He was a young who was curious about the world around him. He was born in a city near New York City. His family did not have much money, but they made a great effort to send young Thomas to school. At his first school that he attended, he was expelled for asking too much questions to her teacher. At his other 2 schools that he went too, he was also expelled for asking too many questions. At a young age Thomas would sell newspapers at a railroad. At the young age of 23, Thomas invented the phonograph, which is the grandfather of the Compact Disk. Then a couple of years later Thomas after 7 attempts invented the Light bulb. Years after inventing the light bulb, New York City was entirely lighted by light bulbs thanks to Thomas. He was even called "The wizard of Menlo Park".
This hilarious biography will make you want to keep reading and reading. The only thing that can stop you is the end of the book! The author, Sue Gut ridge, really makes you feel like if you were really Thomas Edison and by the way she describes him, you feel sad when Thomas is sad and you feel happy when Thomas is happy. This book is for someone that likes to laugh and feel really emotional at the same time.
Thomas Edison is a motivating biography that makes you feel better about yourself. When I read this book I felt muck better about my family and myself. I realized that I could be anyone if I wanted to by just closing my eyes and having a good imagination. Read it, buy it; you will have hours of unstoppable fun while you read this marvelous book and it has a marvelous ... price.

Thomas A. Edison
This book is wonderful for ages 8 - 12 who want to read about Thomas Edison's childhood and important things about his adult life. Each chapter has exciting stories that happened to this inquisitive boy. He was a very curious boy who would always ask questions. His parents, mother in particular, are very supportive of his curiosity. There are interesting events that happen like when Thomas gets his first ice skates and when he rides on a steam engine train. If you are interested in the world around you and maybe interested in science, then this is the book for you. It's fascinating to read about Thomas Edison as a young boy and as he grows into an adult because the only info I had before was a listing of his inventions. By the way, it would be very fast reading for an adult, and it might be nice if your child is reading this that you read it, too. ... Read more

Book Description

Author Barry Denenberg brings us into the whirlwind that is the life of Princess Elisabeth of Austria. A free and impetuous spirit, Elisabeth was chosen at the tender age of fifteen (over her older sister) to be the wife of Franz Joseph, Emperor of Austri ... Read more

Reviews (18)

A good new book from The Royal Diaries series.
Fifteen-year-old Princess Elisabeth, called Sisi, is the daughter of Duke Maximilian Joseph of Bavaria and his wife, Princess Ludovica. She has had a carefree childhood in the Bavarian countryside. She spends as much of her days as possible horseback riding, her favorite pastime. But everything changes in the summer of 1857. Sisi's older sister, Helene, has been chosen to marry their cousin, Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria. Their mother is taking Helene to meet Franz Joseph, and has decided to take Sisi along in hopes of finding a husband for her as well. But when Franz Joseph meets Helene and Sisi, he decides it is Sisi he wants to marry. Sisi becomes engaged to Franz Joseph, but she is far too young for the responsibilities she suddenly finds herself facing as the future Empress. This is not one of my favorites from the Royal Diaries series, but it was still a very good book that I recommend to fans of the series. I only wish it could have been a little longer, as Elisabeth's diary is only 93 pages.

Awesome Royal Diaries Book
This was one of my favorite books in the Royal Diaries series. While the diary portion is not too long (it's 93 pages), I still enjoyed reading all about Princess Elisabeth's engagement and wedding to Franz Joseph I, Emporer of Austria.

Elisabeth (whose nickname is Sisi) is a fifteen-year-old princess living a happy and carefree life in Austria. Before her life changed so drastically, she enjoyed horseback riding, taking walks with her father, and writing poetry. When Elisabeth's mother receives a letter from Aunt Sophie one day (the Emporer's mother) inviting her and Elisabeth's sister Helene (whose nickname is Nene), her mother jumps at the opportunity especially because she has been discussing the possibility of marrying Nene to the Emporer. Elisabeth wasn't planning on going, but when her mother got the idea that she should go along because the Emporer's brother, Archduke Karl Ludwig, would be there. But when they finally do arrive at the Emporer's palace, the Emporer falls in love with Elisabeth, and proposes to her soon after they meet. After that, Elisabeth's life is thrown into a complete frenzy as she prepares to wed the Emporer and become the Emperess of Austria. The book also describes her wedding, and includes an epilouge telling about the rest of Elisabeth's life.

Definitely not the greatest of the Royal Diaries
I've so far loved the Royal Diaries series, so I was excited to find this one in the public library. However, I was very disappointed.

First of all, I found it really hard to get engrossed in this book. It took forever to figure out the relations between different people, and the situations that were happening.

Unlike the other books, this wasn't a very good balance between the character's events and personal thoughts. There were just so many lists, and more unimportant details. A list of the contents of Elisabeth's trousseau took up almost two pages! Not only that, but basically the only interesting turn of events in the book was the beginning, when the Emperor Franz Joseph liked Elisabeth better than her sister, who was actually his fiancee. The rest of the book was completely details of the preparation for Elisabeth and the Emperor's wedding. The book ended with their wedding day.

If you're interested in lists and boring details, go ahead and read this book. If you're not, but still want to check it out, read the Epilogue. It's the only really interesting part of the book. If you're not interested in either, just don't read this book.

Dull and pointless
Elizabeth never meant to catch the eye of Franz Joseph 1, emperor of all of Austria. He was meant as a bride for her sister, Helene, herself for his younger brother. Yet when Joseph passes over Helene and proposes to Elizabeth, she feels she has no choice to accept. This is the story of Elizabeth's life from days just before the proposal up until their wedding day, and the emotional journey of Elizabeth herself, destined to be Empress and rule beside the husband she never expected to have.

Told through Elizabeth's eyes in the form of a journal, this book, in my opinion, was too short and utterly pointless. Half of the entries were Elizabeth writing that she had no time to write, and character's relations to each other were hard to work out. There wasn't enough description, and there were a lot of background references that weren't explained, leaving you in the dark to what was going on earlier in her life.

Elisabeth: Her Royal Life Turned Upside Down
Elisabeth Amelie Eugenie is the daughter of Duke Maximillian Joseph and his wife Princess Ludovica. Elisabeth lives a calm, carefree life in her castle of Possenhofen in Bavaria. She loves to horeback ride, write poetry, spend time with her Poppy and live a fun life without any happenings of royal life. Yet her mother wants to take her sister Helene, and Elisabeth herself to meet with Franz Josef I Emperor of Austria. Helene has been chosen as the intended wife and future empress of the giant empire. Yet when the royal party arrives, Franz Josef chooses Elisabeth instead! She only has a few moments left at her beloved country castle, and it seems too late before she realizes what she is leaving behind. At only 16 she is married and become Empress of Austria, which isn't a position she is good at being. She goes through so much, with her irritating mother-in-law, almost having anorexia, and the sudden suicide of her son. Elisabeth died at the hands of a murderer, an Italian anarchist. This book should have been longer, and this was a pretty sad book. This girl, only 16 is thrust out of her very non-royal fun life and now has to perform the duties of an empress, when she dreads every moment of it. I like this book a lot, but it one of the sad books in the Royal Diaries Series. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

I would give this 100000 stars if I could
This book is great because it talks about native americans from the past and from today.It is a good book to get if you like native americans,Kaya fan or not.

would have given it more stars!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is by far one of the best world books in the American Girls Collection. It fills in all the gaps left by the series. It is full of Nez Perce lore, history, traditions, and compares the old ways of the Nez Perce with the new ones. It explains everything from how the Nez Perce got thier horses to the smallpox epidemic to the stories about Coyote. Just about everything that the books left unexplained is in here. This book is well worth your time. I recommend it highly if you love the American Girls Collection, whether or not you are a fan of Kaya. It is worth the $16.95 you pay for it!!!!!!!!! ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Another excellent American Girls book
This is another in the American Girls series about Kaya'aton'my', a nine-year-old Native-American girl growing up among the Nez Perce people in 1764. In this book, when Kaya and her adopted sister Speaking Rain are captured by another tribe during a raid on their village, they face a life of slavery among a people whose language they don't understand. Kaya is determined to avoid this fate, but escape during the beginning of winter holds many dangers.

This is another excellent American Girls book (even better than the first Kaya story). My daughter loves Kaya, and greatly enjoyed this story. I liked the story and the illustrations, but loved the lessons that the book taught. Also, I must say that I was surprised at how alive is Kaya's faith in her religion. Religion is something surprisingly absent from most of the American Girls stories (the only other girl with a noticeable faith is Josefina). My daughter loved this story and so do I. We both recommend this book to you.

A new different format for a new, different experience
I was surprised that Pleasent Company had finally broken their traditional format for the Kaya series, but now I understand why, it is to show that the Indians, including Kaya's Nez Perce tribe have a very special place in our nation's past, present, and future.

Kaya's Escape is the 2nd book in the Kaya series and this time Kaya is faced with tremendous challenges as a neighboring tribe attacks while the warriors are away. Told to hide in the forest with her blind sister Speaking Rain, Kaya disobeys because she is worried for the safety of her horse, Steps High, and her one instinctive decision gets both her and her sister captured. Kaya feels very responsible as they are taken away, as slaves, from their homeland and does everything she can to help with the daily chores of her blind sister, to somehow make up for what she did, all the while hoping her father and the rest of the tribe will come and rescue them. When she learns that the people who captured them will soon be moving for the winter Kaya finally realizes she must escape with her sister or they are done for good and will never be able to return home. She befriends anther Indian slave boy and enlists his help in escaping. However, Kaya knows she must make a big decision, can she leave Speaking Rain behind, and go for help, for their is no way a blind girl could make such a journey? This story about Kaya was another success. I recommend all to read it, for it gives a unique experience on Indian life, during the period when the whites had not interfered with their culture.

Better than the first
Finally, something real in Kaya's stories! Unlike Meet Kaya, I had no trouble with this one. The characters seemed to make a little more sense. The plot wasn't cardboard. The story was realistic. I couldn't put this one down! Janet Shaw does a better job of delveoping the characters in this book. I had no trouble telling who Kautsa and Two Hawks were, they were explained very well. The rest of the characters are still cardboard, though, which is why this one got 4 stars.

Captured!
In "Kaya's Escape" (Book 2 in the series), Kaya's tribe is raided by a neighboring tribe while the men are away from the camp. Kaya is told to lead her blind sister, Speaking Rain, to a hiding place in the forest. When Kaya sees the raiders approaching the horses, she becomes more interested in saving her own beloved horse then in finding safety for herself and Speaking Rain. Then, Kaya and Speaking Rain are taken captive, to be slaves. The raiding tribe also steals their herd of horses as well. They are all taken many days away from their home camp. Kaya has to find the courage and strength to make many difficult decisions in order to insure her future.

This book is filled with action and adventure, but it could also be difficult to follow. During her journey, there are many changes in setting and actions that are described too quickly or unclearly. The ending is not resolved as neatly as it is in many children's books, but this book provides valuable information for understanding the later books in the series. I got through the book rereading sentences as necessary, but enjoyed the story overall. I liked that the difficulties and dangers of other tribes were presented. This book is also a key book in understanding how Kaya develops the character traits that lead her to more maturity and better choices in the future. ... Read more

Book Description

Join Laura and her family on their journey across the flat Kansas prairie. There are gophers and rabbits to play with in the daytime, and a cozy camp awaits at night. Renée Graef's enchanting full-color illustrations, inspired by Garth Williams' classic artwork, bring Laura and her family lovingly to life in this ninth title in the My First Little House Books series, picture books adapted from Laura Ingalls Wilder's beloved storybooks.

... Read more

Reviews (1)

A Trip Down Memory Lane
I am the mother of a two year old daughter and was delighted to find the magic of the Laura Ingalls Wilder books captured in a format that is perfect for small children. As a child, I became fascinated with the adventures of Laura, Mary and their baby sister Carrie. Prairie Day is a synopsis of the Little House on the Prairie book. With vivid drawings that have been inspired by the artwork on the original covers by Garth Williams, Renee Graef manages to convey the story in pictures that have captured the imagination of my daughter. I look forward to sharing with her the original books in the future, but meanwhile we will continue to enjoy the series of books that Prairie Day is a part of. ... Read more

Book Description

It is 1654 in New England, native land of Algonquin tribes, among them the Pocasset, Wampanoag, and Narrangansett people. The pilgrims -- called Coat-men by the Wampanoag -- have settled here in the natives' territory at Patuxit, a place that the Pilgrims have renamed Plymouth. Weetamoo's father, Corbitant, is sachem, or chief, of the Pocassets. He is mistrustful of the colonists and imparts his beliefs about them to his daughter, who is next in line to become chief. Weetamoo must learn the fundamental values and disciplines of a true Pocasset chief. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

A good edition to the Royal Diaries series
After a tremendous wait, I have finally been able to read, Weetamoo: Heart of the Pocassets and it didn't disappoint me at all. Like the title suggests, this book centers around 14-year-old Weetamoo, oldest child and successor of sachem Corbitant. The book describes one year in her life and was depicted through many Native American legends. I especially enjoyed the story of Squant, a beautiful squared eyed young women Weetamoo prays to for patience and who appears to Weetamoo in a spiritual ritual fast. The book also describes Weetamoo's interactions and feelings toward the "Coat-Men", the English of the Plymouth Colony. As the story passes, Weetamoo has many life changing experiences such as her ritual fast in which she see clues to her future, and she finds her love whom she believes will be her husband one day.

I really did enjoy this book, though it was not one of my favorites of the Royal Diaries. It is nice to know that there are more Native American women other than Pocohantas or Scajawea who stood up for their beliefs. Though in the end Weetamoo and her people did not triumph, their culture is very much alive in the US today, and I really recommend people to read this book to develop an understanding of them.

Wonderful,as good as anyone could expect after the long wait
Finally! After all of the Royal Diaries fans across the nation anxiously waited for the publication of Weetamoo for over two years it's finally here!
This diary covers the teenage years of Weetamoo, the oldest daughter of the sachem of the Pocasset Native Americans, Corbitant, but basically it focuses on the turbulent changes that Weetamoo goes through that will affect her deply when she inherits the role of sachem over the Pocassets. This diary was special in this appraised series. As the author frequently composes, Weetamoo did not write. The Pocassets put their stories down in wampum belts or birchbark pictures. But mostly they handed down their stories orally. In this case, we dive into Weetamoo's thoughts because her imposing father quietly asks his daughter to find some peace and quiet time during her days and reflect with herself, as she is rowdy and wild, and she must learn to contain herself in order to become a true Pocasset sachem. Through almost 150 pages of Weetamoo's thoughts and little birchbark pictures that she composes to keep a memory of her thoughts (and struggles to hide them) we see Weetamoo's daily life. This is what is also special about this diary. Most of the other diaries describe lessons and balls and diplomacy. However, this diary showed the spirit of an average kid. Weetamoo played with her friends, she talked about boys and other things a teenage girl would talk about with her best friend Cedar, who is also destined to become a sachem, and she of course has to do household chores with her mother and her younger sister, Wootenasuke. There are a few funny moments throughout the diary, and Weetamoo's style and voice is much like that of kids today. Memorable moments scatter this book, from the delightful ones such as Weetamoo following her father and his entourage to Plymouth through the poison ivy and sumac and her meeting with her future second husband, Wamsutta, in the woods to the eerie, prophetic, and practically haunting dreams that Weetamoo and Cedar have when they undergo their vision quests. Dreams of villages burning, rivers soaked in native blood and bodies, visions of Weetamoo as an older woman without her husband (prophesizing his death), and Cedar and Weetamoo's eventual departure from their friendship.
All in all, this book was a wonderful read, a great contribution to the series, and just as good as I had hoped for after my anxious 2 year wait. To the side, a reason I liked it all the more is because normally we read about Native Americans who helped the English, like Pocahontas and Sacajawea (just as the author puts in her note). But now we have the chance to enter the world of not only a Native American that many have not heard of and is fresh to our minds, but also one that stood up to the English.
The epilogue, historical note, and appendices are packed with information ranging from Weetamoo's tragic death along with her other childhood friends to Pocasset customs to the hostility between Plymouth colonists and their friends, the natives of Metacom (King Philip). The only thing I was disappointed with was there was no explanation as of why this book took so long to come out. Other than that, I loved this book and it is one of my favorites, not only because it was a very fun read and packed with information but also because it is one of the only books in the series that kids can truly connect with and relate to. I highly recommend.

Also, a little overview of upcoming Royal Diaries, all found from my own investigation:

Lady of Palenque by Anna Kirwan, due out in March, 2004
Kazunomiya by Kathryn Lasky, due out in May, 2004
Maria Theresa by ----, due out in August, 2004
Catherine the Great by Kristiana Gregory, due out in Fall, 2004

Visit my Royal Diaries site (http://royaldiaries.freeservers.com)

An excellent addition to the Royal Diaries series.
Fourteen-year-old Weetamoo is the oldest daughter of Corbitant, sachem to the Pocasset band of the Wampanoag Nation. Even though she is a girl, Weetamoo is the one who will inherit her father's position someday. But it's 1653, and her tribe's home in what is now Massachusetts and Rhode Island is changing forever. The settlements of the English "Coat-men" are expanding onto the Pocassets' territory, and Weetamoo wonders what will be left once she becomes her people's leader. Over nearly a year, Weetamoo describes her life as the seasons change and she undergoes a ritual fast and vision quest. There has been a long wait for this book in the Royal Diaries series to be released, but I am glad to say it's as good as I expected. I highly recommend Weetamoo's story to all Royal Diaries fans.

great book
This is a great book it took me a week to find a copy but I found one. I wait eagrly for the revised edition to come out.

Info for Royal Diaries Fans
I just recently found out about this book. I want it because I love these books and am collecting everyone that comes out. I was looking to find more info on Weetamoo& came across an interesting site. It was a site for like Dear America Upcoming Books and Spoilers. There was a section in it for the Royal Diares Series and one of the upcoming books to look foward to is Catherine the Great, by Kristiana Gregory(should come out in 2004). Other than the long wait, it's something any Royal Diaries fan will want to read when it's out. Well just to let ya know. Bye! ... Read more

Book Description

Sydney Taylor grew up among immigrant families on New York City's Lower East Side prior to World War I and wrote the All-of-a-Kind Family stories for her daughter. Based on her family and childhood, these charming books capture the everyday life of a home with little money but lots of love and good times to share. Each book shares the ups and downs in the lives of this special family, through the eyes of Ella, Charlotte, Henny, Sarah, Gertie, and their little brother, Charlie. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

all of a kind family uptown
I think all of a kind family is a wonderful story with a bit of everything. Happy times,sad times and even times of love.

The family moves to the Bronx
Ella, Henny, Sarah, Charlotte, Gertie, and baby Charlie move with their parents from New York's lower East Side to the Bronx in this wonderful sequel. In this story, Ella's beau joins the army to fight for the cause in WWI. You briefly learn about how the city was coping with the war over seas and about more Jewish traditions. This story is an educational delight for all ages and should be reprinted for the next generation of readers.

A great children's book - why is it out of print?
...I loved the entire series as a child, and this book was noexception. This book is also an excellent learning tool for children,Jewish or non-Jewish looking to learn more about Jewish culture in the earlier part of this century. The author writes with such a genuine affection for her subjects (her own family, apparently), the reader can't help but be drawn into the world of the story...END ... Read more

Amazon.com

Anastasia is a carefree young duchess, daughter of NicholasAlexandrovitch Romanov, tsar of all the Russias in 1914. While her fatherattends to the turbulent affairs of a vast and complex country, Anastasia'smajor concerns are how to get out of her detested schoolwork to play in thesnow, go ice skating, or have picnics. She wears diamonds and rubies, and everymorning her mother tells her which matching outfit she and her three sistersshall wear that day. Slowly a hint of future trouble enters her happy, pamperedlife. Anastasia's younger brother, the future tsar, is a hemophiliac--a"bleeder" who cannot stop bleeding if he is cut or bruised. Anastasia begins tolearn that all is not well in the outside world, either. Not everyone in Russiaworships her father as she does, and the Germans are about to declare war onRussia. Anastasia's world gradually deteriorates, as reported in her youthful,often playful journal.

As Russia entered World War I, hunger and poverty grew among the peasants, andthe Romanov ruling family began to lose favor, culminating in theirmurders--including Anastasia's--by Bolshevik revolutionaries. This fictionalizeddiary of the mischievous youngest daughter's last four years gives a fascinatingglimpse into a life of unlimited wealth--and the subsequent downward spiral.Historical notes, family trees, and photographs round out Carolyn Meyer'scompelling contribution to the popular Royal Diaries series. (Ages 9 to 14)--Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (75)

Another interesting Royal Diaries novel
"Anastasia: The Last Grand Duchess" was a great book that gave a much more realistic version of this young girl's life than the movies made about her!

12-year-old Anastasia has a wonderful time with her family, playing with her younger brother and father, reading her sisters' diaries, and visiting relatives. However, after her 13th birthday, her carefree life begins to change, when war breaks out with Russia. Continuing until she is almost 17, you will be amazed at the changes, generally not for the better, that take place in this teenager's life.

I really learned a lot about Anastasia, who lived not very long ago. The only thing I'd say against this book was that some years of her life were covered pretty briefly, but other than that, this first funny, and then serious novel was a great read! I'd definitely recommend it for ages 11 and up - I think this exciting book would appeal to a wide audience!

My name is Tika
I thought this book was very good. It really portrayed Anastasia as a real girl, not just someone in a history textbook in school. Anastasia is a young, blue-eyed, blonde Grand Duchess, the daughter of Czar Nickolas and Czarina Alexandra, the rulers of all Russia in 1914. The book tells all about Anastasia's life, how she snoops through her older sisters' diaries, goes sledding, plays jokes and games and puts on plays and stuff, birthday parties, and family acquaintances. The beginning is very detailed, and I like the invitation on the first page. However, as the book goes on, the story becomes less detailed. Sometimes Anastasia writes only once a month or even less, and I almost felt as if the author was in a hurry to get to the end of the book so she could write more about the days leading up to the Romanov family's tragic death. But if you liked this book and want to learn more about the Romanovs, read "Anastasia's album," by Hugh Brewster, or especially read "Nicholas and Alexandra: Tsar."

PERFECT! period!
I am very hard to please, and I critize anything when I'm not[just look at the review i wrote on Lady of Palenque], but this book about Anastasia Romanov, the youngest daughter of Tsar Nicholas and Tsarina Alexandra, is excellent! I loved it! It gives great information and I was never bored reading it! I have always been fascinated about Russian royal family, and this is perfect for anybody who wanted to know about the young Grand Duchess besides the information they get from text books! Ms. Meyer really out did herself, and i hope she continues to write just as well on the rest of her future books! I recomend this book to anyone who is a fan of the Royal Diary series and is interested in Anastasia. this is a must read!

An amazing book about princess Anastasia Romonov
Anastasia The Last Grand dutchess is about a young girl describing her life as a rich princess.Through her life Anastasia describes her life living as world war one goes on,and also being a prizoner in her own home.This book tells you the whole story about a real princess named Anastasia.The book also is not to deep that only adults could read it probbily the ages throgh 9-14. Anastasia is a wonderful book that I say describes her life well and deserves 4 and a half stars.

Anastasia, The Last Grand Duchess - Excellent Story!
Anastasia, The Last Grand Duchess is a wonderful yet sad story of 12 year old, Anastasia Nicolaviena. Last daughter of the last Tsar (sometimes spelled Czar) of Russia Nicolas II, her diary describes of the events in her life, such as when Russia was at war with Germany, when her father abdicated, and when her family was exiled, which led eventually to her tragic death at age 17 (how wrong is that? Her life was over before she had a chance to start it!). This book was a wonderfully written book, despite tragic events. If you are a new fan in the Royal Diary Series and are not sure where to start, I suggest reading Anastasia, The Last Grand Duchess first. Trust me, this book is worth it. ... Read more

Book Description

Long, long ago, a little girl named Laura Ingalls lived in a little house in the Big Woods of Wisconsin with her Pa, her Ma, her sisters, Mary and Carrie, and their good old bulldog, Jack. One spring day Pa has a wonderful surprise--he is taking the family on a trip into town! Laura is very excited, for she has never been to a town, and this special visit is everything she imagined and more.

Laura Ingalls Wilder's Little House books have been cherished by generations of readers. Now for the first time, the youngest readers can share her adventure in these very special picture books adapted from Laura Ingalls Wilder's beloved storybooks. RenÉe Graef's warm paintings, inspired by Garth Williams' classic Little House illustrations, bring Laura and her family lovingly to life.

1995 ‘Pick of the Lists’ (ABA) ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Perfect Introduction to the Little House Series...
Adapted deftly from the Little House series made famous by Laura Ingalls Wilder, this gorgeous picture book tells of Laura's first day trip with her family from the Big Woods to the nearby town of Pepin Wisconsin. The writing is charming and warm, the typeface perfect for reading aloud or independently. The illustrations, inspired by Garth Williams' originals, are extraordinary...absolutely beautiful! I would not consider this adaptation to be a "dumbed down" version of the originals, nor it is too juvenile for older readers. Rather it is a perfect transition piece which lends itself to wonderful cuddling and conversation, both of which are important for developing strong readers no matter how old they may be.

I would also recommend the hardcover editions. They last longer through many readings and make reading aloud feel like a real treat.

Enjoy.

Great series of books
When I was a kid my dad got me the whole Little House series of books. I loved them and read them for years. Now I have 2 daughters of my own and I'm thrilled to be able to introduce them to the Little House books at a younger age. The illustrations are great and the stories are well written. As I'm reading them to my daughters I remember the stories when I read them as a kid. Fun for all of us!

enchanting book for all youngsters
THIS INTRODUCTION TO THE LAURA INGALLS' BOOKS IS EASY TO READ, DELIGHTFUL TO LOOK AT AND AN ENCHANTMENT, IN MY OPINION, FOR YOUNGSTERS OF ALL AGES. EVEN OLDER CHILDREN WILL APPRECIATE ITS GENTLE HONESTY AND GORGEOUS ILLUSTRATIONS. ... Read more

Book Description

The adventures of Laura Ingalls and her family continue as they move from their little house on the banks of Plum Creek to the wilderness of the unsettled Dakota Territory. Here Pa works on the new railroad until he finds a homestead claim that is perfect for their new little house. Laura takes her first train ride as she, her sisters, and their mother come out to live with Pa on the shores of Silver Lake. After a lonely winter in the surveyors' house, Pa puts up the first building in what will soon be a brand-new town on the beautiful shores of Silver Lake. The Ingallses' covered-wagon travels are finally over.

Reviews (13)

New Beginnings
Laura Ingalls tells about her childhood experiences as her family travels from Minnesota to settle in South Dakota. She gives an account of how their lives changed from living in a more settled area in Minnesota compared to living in unsettled land which later becomes De Smet. Mary, Laura's older sister, has lost her sight to scarlet fever, and Laura hopes that she will someday be able to attend a college for the blind. Although Laura works very hard she rarely complains. She enjoys singing with her father as he plays the fiddle. Ingall's gives clear pictures of what life was like for a girl growing up in early American History. As an adult this was my first experience reading one of Laura Ingalls Wilder's "Little House" books; I found it most informative and enjoyable. This book is a great way for children to learn what life was like during the pioneer era.

I liked the title of the book because I like silver.
I liked the book because it was interesting the way Laura described everything to Mary because she was blind. I liked when Laura went horseback riding. It sounded fun. My Mom read these books when she was young and back then this was her least favorite when when she re-read it as an adult she found it much more interesting. Now she is reading the series to me. It was sad when Jack died. I cried because I liked Jack. Pa said he would go to dog heaven. Mom's favorite part of the book was when the family lived in the surveyor's house for the winter and they had a nice Christmas with the Boasts, and she liked the part when the family learned about the blind college, and they had hope that Mary could one day go there.

By the Shores of Silver Lake
I thinks This is the graatest bok I has evver reed. It was AUSOME!!!! I ca'nt thinks of a diffarent bokk I wuld love to reed!

Emma's Review
This book is probably the best book for kids other than Holes! It is about a girl named Laura and her sisters Mary,Carrie and baby Grace also Ma and Pa. She has to move to a new homested on Silver Lake. Her family has just gone through a very hard time-Mary got blind! She has many adventures-one of her scariest would be when a wolf almost atacks her! This is one of MY personle favorites!

A really great book!
When the book starts out, Laura's aunt comes, and Pa decides to move. Laura is 13. I really like this book because Laura puts detail in what pioneer life was like. It is a well-written book. You just can't miss a book like this. ... Read more

Book Description

The Little House books have captivated generations of readers with theirstory of the little pioneer girt Laura Ingalls growing up on the American frontier. Now the Little House story continues with The Rocky Ridge Years, books that tell the story of Laura and Almanzo Wilder's daughter, Rose.

The first three books in the series, Little House On Rocky Ridge, Little Farm In the Ozarks, and In the Land of the Big Red Apple, describe the Wilders' covered-wagon journey to Missouri and their first two years in their new farmhouse. On The Other Side of the Hill continues their story as the young Wilder family struggles to overcome a series of natural disasters that beset their little farm.

On The Other Side of the Hill continues the story that Laura Ingalls Wilder began more than sixty years ago -- a story whose wonder and adventure have charmed millions of readers.

Reviews (7)

Disappointing series for Little House fans
I found this entire series of books to be disappointing because it was more cynical than the original series. On doing some research I discovered that chapters in least one of the final books were actually taken (almost verbatim) from Rose's writings for an adult audience. The story is totally out of character with the series. Rose and her friend sneak out for several nights to meet a traveling salesman. He eventually makes a pass at her...
The listed author for this book (MacBride) died before the last few books were published and whether he had anything to do with the books is questionable.
This series is okay as light reading for adolescents but if you are looking for a piece of americana, and/or a wholesome book for your child this is not the best choice. It grossly fails to live up to the original series of books. The Caroline series is a better choice.

A fantastic book!
On the Other Side of the Hill is a terrific book! Nine going on ten, Rose gets to participate in a shivaree after a wedding and goes to her friend Blanche's party. A cyclone comes, and a long drought and a fire invade Rocky Ridge Farm, but Rose and her family help each other through the hard times, and at the end they must move into town. Rose is sad to say good-bye to Rocky Ridge Farm, but knows she'll later return.

On the Other Side of the Hill: Book review
I loved On the Other Side of the Hill! It was so exciting that I could never put it down. Out of all the books I've read about Rose, this is my favorite.

Keeps on delighting
The girl was quite a firecracker. Again, just as charming as Little House, but the storytelling is rich and more reflective of who Rose was. This series truly equals the charm and storytelling of Laura's story. Kudos to those who thought to bring this series to print.

This book starts out nice but there are disaster at the end.
It's time for new beginng! The wilders' have their first real Buchering Time, and Rose goes to her first party. But then their life is full of disasters: a cyclone, a long drought and a trerrble fire hits Rocky Ridge Farm. What can they do? ... Read more

Book Description

Book Description

Anne's children were almost grown up, except for pretty, high-spirited Rilla.No one could resist her bright hazel eyes and dazzling smile.Rilla, almost fifteen, can't think any further ahead than going to her very first dance at the Four Winds lighthouse and getting her first kiss from handsome Kenneth Ford.But undreamed-of challenges await the irrepressible Rilla when the world of Ingleside becomes endangered by a far-off war.Her brothers go off to fight, and Rilla brings home an orphaned newborn in a soup tureen.She is swept into a drama that tests her courage and leaves her changed forever. ... Read more

Reviews (72)

One of the better books
This has always been my favorite Anne book, even though it focuses more on her youngest child. The realism in this book is more pronounced than it is in the rest of the series, where I always felt somewhat in dreamland with Anne. Rilla is a heck of a lot more practical than her mother, and seeing the world and some truly horrible events through her eyes is a big change from the rest of the books. At least there is less talking to fairies and violets and such.

Since this is the last book, you are left to wonder what happens to Rilla and Ken, along with the rest of the cast. Knowing now what I know about history, I can't help but hope that WWII doesn't take quite the same toll on these fictional characters as the First World War did.

Rilla-my-Rilla
Since Anne what not as much of a main character in this book, I was surprised by how much I liked it. I didn't think I would because she was not in it. However, I now think, that it is one of the best books in the series.( Since I can't choose just one book, thats the highest compliment I can give.) In the beginning Rilla a frivolous, nonambitious girl who only wants the most fun life can give her. She knows nothing of the sorrows or horrors of life, beyond her worries of who she'll dance with...This book tells the story of Rilla's life during the horrrible, "war to end all wars". During this time, faced with pain, sorrow, and duty she proves herself as a true woman and worthy of her handsome Kenneth Ford.

i'm lovin it
hi every1 my name is joanna neves and i love this book it just seemed so real. Rilla is such a cool name! Some people might think thatit is wrong to blame Germany for the war but the opinions of the characters are true to how people did feel in wartime. I love a book that makes you cry and laugh. This one plays on your emotions and is well worth reading.

Overly Sentimental Piece of Patriotic Propaganda
(...)

I found this novel unbelievably trite and packed with propaganda- about how awful Germany was, how righteous Canada/England/Europe was, etc. The truth is that WWI came about by a series of dipomatic missteps- and unfortunate ones. Germany may have been 'more wrong' than England, but it was certainly not the great evil that L.M. Montgomery portrays it as.

The book IS useful to a historian or student of history who wishes to see how World War II affected those on the 'home front' in day to day life. It is also useful for the numerous little details LM Montgomery is a expert at supplying- the way food was prepared, the way children were raised- the way girls 'came of age' and had their debut at age 17 or so. It provides a tantalizing glimpse into a much simpler and vanished world, one where life did seem much more black and white. Now we know that war is not such a matter of good vs. evil- there are two sides to every story. World War II was a direct result of the conditions inflicted upon Germany after World War I- if only LM Mongomery could have known.

Saving the Best for Last
I am unahamedly a devoted fan of all the Anne of Green Gables books. I can read each of them over and over again without feeling uniterested. In the final installment of the Anne books, we meet her youngest daughter, Rilla, who is a very normal fifteen year old girl, without caring for much of anything at all.
I am a huge history buff and love to have it woven into a story, so I love this book. The first chapter has Susan going over the newspaper, reading about some Arch Duke being killed. No one though anything of it, and that action tore their world apart.
Rilla's oldest brother, Jem, joins up immediatley as does Jerry, Nan's boyfriend. Rilla's favorite brother, and possibly the deepest character in all of Annedom, Walter, seems to understand the real horror of war and is terrified. He waits to join up,but when he does, he isn't afraid any more.
This book shows us how Rilla grows from a frivolous child into a capable woman who survives raising an orphan, falling in love and loosing one brother, possibly more in the most gruesome war that had ever happened to date.
It is very easy to relate to Rilla, and I must suggest this book as a must read to anyone and everyone. ... Read more

Book Description

Fifteen-year-old Laura lives apart from her family for the first time, teaching school in a claim shanty twelve miles from home. She is very homesick, but keeps at it so that she can help pay for her sister Mary's tuition at the college for the blind. During school vacations Laura has fun with her singing lessons, going on sleigh rides, and best of all, helping Almanzo Wilder drive his new buggy. Friendship soon turns to love for Laura and Almanzo in the romantic conclusion of this Little House book.

Reviews (33)

Laura Grows Up
If you look at Laura's life before and after this book, you will see that the title is perfect. Her life before this was always a struggle, never having enough, never being satified.
It was the same way after this book. Sure, things were good many times. There were happy moments and happy times. But never in her history before or after were things so consistently good. Pa and the family are totally successful: no locusts, no droughts, no long winters. Their wealth steadily increases. Thanks to Laura's teaching job, they can afford the blind college for Mary. Laura can buy fancy dresses and hats, She is a beautiful teenager and many boys are asking her out for a buggy ride. She will only go with Almonzo, and they have many pleasant times together. Finally at the end of the book she is married at age 18. This book teaches things like the other books in the series. This time we learn the manners of dating and how a young woman is to act both in her career and in her relationship. Laura doesn't always follow the "rules" but we learn what they are. And Mary asks an interesting question of Laura when she finds she will be married: Why do you want to go live with that Wilder boy? It's a question for us all. Why do we want to get married? There are a million answers and we all have our own. Laura gives only one answer.
It doesn't really answer Mary's question and yet I believe the engaged can relate to it.

In learning about the Amish I find their life is similar: a long boring childhood filled with lots of work, married life that is even more work and always a struggle, and in between, These Happy Golden Years where a person reaches young adulthood
and spends a good deal of time socializing and meeting friends and having many happy times.

This is the perfect place for the "Little House" series to end. But if you're like me, You'll keep reading: The First Four Years(Laura and Almonzo's new marriage), Farmer Boy(Almonzo's childhood), and Little House in the Ozarks(a collection of newspaper articles Laura wrote as an adult). Then I guess it will be time to visit the "Little House" museum in Minnesota!

Interesting, but with a few things I didn't like....
This book tells of 3 years of Laura's life between ages of 15, when she first goes out to teach school - to 18, when she gets married.

We witness Laura's growing up and realization that life is changing all around her. Mary is in college, and is independent enough to want to stay with a friend for the summer instead of coming home. It's obvious that Laura's relationship with her sisters and friends in school are changing - in 'Little Town on the Prairie' her school life for example, and her after school or weekend social activities with her friends are a large part of the book, but now we only hear of a few remote incidents, and we hardly hear anything about the going ons there, for instance we don't really get to know Florence, the new 'big girl'. This is partly due to the increasing role of Almanzo Wilder's part in Laura's life, but I think that is also partly due to the fact Laura isn't attending school full time anymore, but rather teaches school herself for a term or two a year.Except for Ida's small part in Laura's wedding, we don't hear of them any more for the rest of the series.

We also see Laura herself change: part of it is what I just mentioned about the change in what she describes in her social life. Another one would be her very detailed description of her clothes and fashions - even though we do hear about her dresses in previous books, she seems much more occupied with them this time, like any teenage girl... In betwen the lines, we do see that the Ingles family is doing better financially - they are improving their house, and can often afford luxuries such as a sewing machine and an organ for Mary.

I did find a few points I didn't like in this book, compared to the previous books in the series:

1) Instead of giving an account of a relatively short period (a year or 2, like in the previous books), we are now covering 3 years, and we usually get an 'in depth coverage' of a relatively short period, or a few remote incidents, then run through a long period which is skipped. Laura only described her first school with as much details as I was used to in her previous books, but the next 2 schools are hardly mentioned... It isn't as bad as her descriptions in 'The First Four Years', but it's still noticeable.

2) We get a lot more of Almanzo, while we get less of the pioneer life of that era... This is an semi - autobiography of Laura's life, not a history book, I admit, but I think that the historical and cultural element of these books has been a major attraction for readers, especially the older ones.

A golden review
The book These Happy Golden Years by Laura Ingalls Wilder is wonderful! The story is about Laura who is teaching because her sister Mary has gone blind. Laura has to become a teacher to live up to her mothers expectations. Almanzo Wilder and Laura are dating and Almanzo proposes. Almanzo's family hears about it and his mother and sister are coming to plan the wedding their way! Laura and Almanzo have to figure out a way to get married their way! I would recommend this book to a friend my age. I suggest you read the whole collection first so you can understand it better.

A great read...and re-read
This book was one I read and read again over the course of my childhood. I enjoyed the beauty of Wilder's fiction and Garth William's fine illustration. Definitely discover the books in order and rediscover them often!

A Wonderful Conclusion to Laura's Teenage Years!
This book tells about Laura Ingalls Wilder's teenage life. She goes from care free child to grown school teaching adult. The book shows what it was like to be a teenager in the late 1800's. What kind of parties they had, for instance sleigh rides and birthday. Plus, what it was like falling in love and courting!This book is a lot of fun and a wonderful conclusion to the "Little House" books. If you have any time at all I would really recommend reading this delightful book! ... Read more

Book Description

It’s an exciting day for Almanzo as the Wilder family visits the county fair in this second My First Little House Book adapted from Laura Ingalls Wilder’s classic Farmer Boy. There are contests, races, and good things to eat, and Almanzo can’t wait to see what the judges think of his special pumpkin. Jody Wheeler’s luminous illustrations bring Laura’s beloved farmer boy to life.

... Read more

Reviews (2)

A wonderful idea!
This is wonderful! A Little House Book for even the youngest of readers! The complete books of the series may seem a little long for the little ones, this is great to get them familiar with the series. This book is kid sized, and is very well illustrated, the colors are vibrant, Laura would be proud, it is a very cute book! I will be buying more of these books in the future, the Farmer Boy Books are great for getting little boys interested in the Little House Series. A true Winner!

These books are great for new readers
I have always been a Little House fan, and I wanted to pass on the enjoyment of Laura and her friends to m