Book Description

Corey and his family have escaped from slavery and the South and are now living in Canada. They own their own land, and Corey gets to go to school. But danger still remains across the river in Ohio, where slavecatchers lurk, waiting to capture escaped salves and bring them back to their former masters.Corey, however, outsmarts them, and brings his friend Mingo to safety in Canada. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Heartwarming story.
In Corey's first Diary, we learned about slave life, and the heartbreaking conditions they were forced to endure. Now Corey and his pregnant mother have managed to get to Canada, with the help of the Underground Railroad, where they can be free. Corey's parents find jobs, buy some land and build a home. And best of all, Corey can now go to school and learn to read and write without having to hide it.

But Corey misses his friend Mingo, who is still living as a slave down south, and writes him a letter encouraging him to come to Canada too. When he sees a poster with Mingo's picture on it, saying he's wanted by the slave catchers, Corey knows that Mingo is on the run and fears for his friend's safety.

Corey's family prepares to celebrate Christmas in their new home, but Corey is about to have even more to be thankful for this holiday. Readers will find out why, when they read FLYING FREE, the heartwarming story of people finding a new life in a community where they can live proud and free.

The continuation of Corey Birdsong's story
Corey and his family, runaway slaves from Kentucky, have finally escaped to freedom in Canada. They have now built a new, hopeful, life in Amherstburg, Canada. In Canada they own their own land, and Corey gets to go to school. However, they still are hoping to help those they left behind, such as Corey's friend Mingo. But, beyond the river in Ohio many slavecatchers still lurk to find runaway slaves and getting Mingo safely over is going to be hard. However Corey comes up with a brilliant plan that will help get Mingo over to freedom. The continuation of Corey's story is another great My America book. I recommend it to everybody! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Wonderful
This is another in the American Girls Short Stories series about Samantha Parkington, a nine-year-old orphan girl living in the America of 1904. In this book, when two rich girls in their school snub Samantha's friend, Nellie O'Malley (a servant girl), Samantha comes up with the idea of a winter party, with Nellie at the center. But, when a gift exchange is added, Samantha realizes too late that poor Nellie is being marginalized yet again. Can Samantha save the day?

The final chapter of this book is a fascinating look at the history of skating in America, up to the early twentieth century, has some fun instructions for making snow candles! My twelve-year-old daughter is a fan of Samantha, and has been for years; we both highly recommend this wonderful book to you.

A good book
Samantha plans a party for her friends, and they are going to have a gift exchange. But Samantha's friend, Nellie, is a servant and can't afford any presents. But she manages to surprise Samantha and her other friends anyway!

Another American Girl...
It doesn't matter whether you are rich or poor, friendship is what counts. This is a great book about overcoming the difference between classes and points out that everybody can find something to share. ... Read more

Amazon.com

"Some people are so color struck. They think being light-skinned is better than being dark! Mama says that's nonsense and I think so, too."

Nellie Lee Love is an 11-year-old African American girl living in the rural South at the end of World War I. In a year of tumultuous change, victory, and tragedy, she records her thoughts and feelings in a diary given her by her mother. After the white racism in their town becomes too brutally overt to ignore, Nellie and her family pack up and move to Chicago. Delighted with the seemingly endless opportunities in the big city, Nellie is blindsided by the more insidious forms of prejudice that northerners practice: hatred within their own race. But through family unity and integrity, and education by way of W.E.B. DuBois and Marcus Garvey's writings, Nellie and her family gradually discover a place forthemselves in their new circumstances, and ultimately find hope and triumph.

Newbery Honor and Coretta Scott King Award winner Patricia McKissack writes the kind of historical fiction that will have history students and evenreluctant readers and clamoring for more. The dignity and courage of the Love family provides a model for all families, regardless of ethnic or cultural background. The award-winning Dear America series is one of the most popular book series in America and includes another by McKissack, A Picture of Freedom: The Diary of Clotee, a Slave Girl. (Ages 9 to 12) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (21)

Best Book!!
The book Color Me Dark I believe was the best book out of the Dear America series and of any book! This book goes back then when rasisem was still going on. This is a sad story and is great for all ages! The Diary of Nellie Lee Love on her adventure from Tennesse her homeland to Chicago a big city whith a whole lot of new things! All the bad things from back then and to the times when happy! And times when death invovles and rasisem are there she tuffs it out and learns the right to wrong!
Now it is your tearn to read this great book on the Times in America! Highly recommended!!!

A Great Book about Seregation in the South!
~This is a great book about a girl named Nellie Lee Love who lived during a time when blacks were treated very unfairly compared to whites. She lived in the seregated town of Bradford Corners. Even though life wasn't very good in the seregated town it was bearable until Nellie Lee's Uncle Pace was killed. The police said he was drunk and accidentaly stepped in front of a moving train but in the Love's hearts they know that isn't true. When finally they learn the truth Nellie Lee's dad decides he~~ can't stand it anymore so he tells the family he has decided to move to Chicago. Nellie Lee and the rest of her family must face many different new challenges in Chicago. This book is a must read!~

For Adventure Readers
This is a superb book, but I would recommend it only for people who like adventure, because some of the passages keep you on the edge of your seat. It is a trully thrilling book, and I loved it.

Very Engaging
Historically accurate,interesting, honest and a good addition to the series. Can be enjoyed by young and old alike.

Want A Book That Is Good and You Can Use it For a Report
The Dear America diary Color Me Dark by Nellie Lee Love is interesting story of a girls life with many sad, happy and serious times. The plot of the story is a black family trying to get their rights so that they can be equal with whites. Nellie's family owns a funeral home in Bradford Corners, Tennesse. In the book she moves to Chicago because her family thinks that Chicago will bring new hopes to blacks. When her father tries to get a license so that he can strat a funeral home in Chicago. Her father thinks that they want him to pay a bribe because he did all of the paperwork. Then Nellie finds out that she has to go to a new school where she finds different friends that are like her in a way. I would recommend this book for people of all ages who are willing to learn. People also read this book because it shows what some black families have to go through. ... Read more

Book Description

The Little House books tell the story of a little pioneer girl and her family as they traveled by covered wagon across the Midwest. Laura Ingalls Wilder's classic books, illustrated with Garth Williams' timeless artwork, have been cherished by millions of readers ever since they were first published over sixty years ago. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

flat and
I have to admit that my daughter loves these books. But I think they are much less than they could have been. The illustrations are attractive but have no dramatic power and no personality. All the people look the same. The stories reveal no individuality in the characters. Everyone gets along and behaves well, and no desires conflict. I think the idyllic quality is part of what appeals to my daughter, but I think she also enjoys seeing some details of how people lived in a very different time.

A wonderful version of the Little House books!
My 2-year-old daughter loves this series (My First Little House Books). Dance at Grandpa's was her first and still her favorite. At 2, she is already fascinated by Laura, Mary, Pa, and Ma and their lives...just as I was by reading the Little House series when I was older. Dance at Grandpa's is a wonderful story with beautiful illustrations. I highly recommend it (and the other books) to all parents!

My 4-year-old's favorite book!
Dance at Grandpa's, and ALL the "My First Little House Books", are wonderful! They've been a great way to get my pre-schooler interested in American history. She can really identify with the characters, and is fascinated by how life was different in "the old days". ... Read more

Book Description

Since its publication in 1908, Anne of Green Gables has been a continuous international best-seller, enjoying successful television adaptations on PBS and The Disney Channel, and captivating children and adults alike with the irresistible charms of its remarkable heroine, Anne Shirley. This wildly imaginative, red-headed chatterbox tries to fit into the narrow confines of Victorian expectations, but her exuberant spirit keeps leaping delightfully beyond the bounds. Indeed, when Maud Montgomery decided to reject the sermonizing formulas of the children's books of her day, she brought to life a character much closer to Jane Eyre, David Copperfield, and Tom Sawyer--also orphans, like Anne--than to the self-sacrificing, conformist heroines then in demand. In doing so, Montgomery subtly questioned the values of her society--the stifling restraints of its religion and most especially its treatment of women--while giving readers all the pleasures of her considerable story-telling gifts.

Now, in this first fully annotated edition of Anne of Green Gables, readers will appreciate more clearly than ever before the scope and depth of this extraordinary novel. Editors Margaret Anne Doody, Mary DoodyJones, and Wendy Barry provide a richly illustrated, completely revised text, along with hundreds of notes describing the real-life characters and settings Anne encounters, the autobiographical connections between Anne and Maud Montgomery, and the book's astonishing range of literary, biblical, and mythological references. Additional essays offer fascinating background information on such topics as the geography and settlement of Prince Edward Island (where Anne takes place); the education, orphanages, music, and literature of Anne's time; and the horticulture, homemade artifacts, and food preparation that are so prevalent in the story.Margaret Anne Doody supplies a comprehensive introduction, which situates the novel in its literary and social contexts, explores those aspects of Montgomery's life most relevant to the story, examines revisions in the manuscripts, and provides an overall sense of both the impulses that drove Montgomery to write Anne of Green Gables and the larger concerns it dramatizes so compellingly. This edition also contains a chronology of Montgomery's life, an extensive bibliography, songs and poems that appear in the text, and a selection of original reviews of the book. This wealth of material enables readers to grasp the marvelous multi-layeredness of the novel and to understand more fully its place in both its own time and in ours.

Elegantly and beautifully designed, with generous illustrations from previous editions, photographs of the places the novel inhabits, and explanatory drawings that reproduce the texture of Anne's world, The Annotated Anne of Green Gables is a major event in the publishing history of one of the world's most charming stories. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

THE version of "Anne" you want to read before visiting PEI
While packing away all of my Anne of Green Gables books for a trip to Prince Edward Island, I could not find my paperback copies of the first novel. Since I was not about to take my original 6th edition hardcover copy I went to the library to pick up "Anne of Green Gables," and I stumbled upon the Annotated Anne. I lucked out big time. This volume footnotes almost every literary reference and allusion (there are a few that have stilled escaped detection), along with all the people and places. Appendixes present songs mentioned in the book, along with the music, as well as stories and poems, the geography of the story, and lots of other fascinating details. These books is ideal for not only those who want an additional level of understanding to this beloved classic as they reread it (again), but is extremely useful if you happen to be coming out to PEI to visit the "actual" locations. This book will tell you where to find the real Lovers Lane, Lake of Shinning Waters, and other places from the novel as well as places important in the life of L. M. Montgomery. I realize that if you are looking this book over there is a very good chance you already have a copy of "Anne of Green Gables." But you are going to want to have this one as well. I bought my own copy at the Cavendish site, where, as I learned from this book, is where Montgomery wrote the first two Anne books. This is a special edition of a very special story.

A Magnificent Book
The introduction and textual notes provide insight into Anne's world. They also give a feel for how well read L.M. Montgomery was. The story is treated respectfuly, and for those who love Anne, one reading will not be enough

Everything Anne
This is one of the most outstanding annotated editions of a book I have ever seen. It is packed with interesting, relevant annotations about the world of Anne of Green Gables, as well as LM Montgomery's own life and Prince Edward Island itself.

Due to the nature of the writing in Anne of Green Gables, an annotated edition is especially welcome to fill in the blanks on Canadian politics (What is a "grit?") and social conventions at the time. Reading the annotations increases the pleasure of entering the Anne's world, and that is incredibly important.

Also, of special note and appreciation, many of Anne's favorite obscure poems and readers are included in the back. Finally, you are able to get the whole version of the many quotes that she drops, and see just where she picked up her big words.

The best gift you could get for a true fan of Anne of Green Gables.

Great reference for fans of Anne
I only wish that all of L.M. Montgomery's books were available annotated because she made so many references (literary, political, historical) that seem almost impossible to research these days. I knew I didn't understand many of the references in the book already, but I didn't realize just how many more I only thought I understood!

The editors have thoroughly researched the life and times of L.M. Montgomery. After reading the appendixes in this book I feel much more knowledgeable about L.M. Montgomery, Prince Edward Island and the life of a young girl in a Victorian Canadian villiage.

Lots of fun facts-on LMM and Anne!
This book provides excellent background information concerning Montgomery's life and influences. It is nicely arranged and easy to skim through. At long last, Anne fans have a thorough source for the many literary allusions and colloquial terms skattered throughout the book. It is well worth reading, but unless you are an avid LMM fan, I would just check it out of your local library. ... Read more

Reviews (57)

Likable, but ultimately disrespectful book
Having read this book, not being a Native American, I found it to be a thoroughly enjoyable, fun book. Unfortunately, after having read the reviews of this book, in addition to reading the heart-breaking book(''My Name is Seepeetza) laced with the actual CRUELTIES AND BRUTALITY of white-run Indian schools (Which is what this story is about), I must say I thank these reviewers for opening my eyes. There is a VERY INTELLIGENT review by a scholar, and an Indian who tells the truth about Indian schools, and the hate, while this book portrays a white fantasay, which is perhaps well-meaning, but extremely disrespectful. The school of Carlsie was NOT well-meaning, kind school where young Native American children were treated with respect- it was a school in which children's culture, heritage, and background was taught as something shameful. That is horrible- and it is even more horrible to try and portray the school as otherwise. My suggestion? Read this book purely for ENTERTAINMENT. It is FANTASY, and is UN TRUE. Indian schools were not like this, and should not be believed they were like this. Instead, read the informative, true to heart, and realistic '' My Name is Seepeetza'', by Shirley Sterling. Read this book for pure fun.

Great book!!!!!!!!!
I LOVED THIS BOOK!!!!! the reason why i rated it a 4 was because of how sad it was. IT WAS STILL A GOOD BOOK THO!!!! i dont know what these other people are thinking giving it less than 4 stars...i guess they cant handle a sad book. i highly recommend this book!!!!!!!!!!

The Diary of Nannie Litlle Rose
The Diary of Nannie Little Rose, a Sioux Girl

ƒº This book is wonderful! If you¡¦re looking for a book that¡¦s funny, sad, and has a little bit of history, than you¡¦ll love this one. It has funny moments, hardships, and a wonderful meaning to it. Made to go to a white mans school, change her name, and cut her hair Nannie Little Rose, goes through hard times, and has to make a decision. Should she go work for the Quakers, and leave her friend behind, or stay at school. What will she do? Find out by reading this one- of- a- kind- book! ƒº

ƒº All Indians were forced on reservations where they were given very little food to eat. Then a white man came, and told the Indians that some of their children have a chance to go to a white mans school to get a better education. They were forced to cut their hair, change their names, and wear citizens¡¦ clothes; some of the Indian girls decide that they won¡¦t forget their past. But, when a Sioux Chief comes to take the children away, will Nannie go or stay? ƒº

ƒº Personally, I really liked the book. It was the best book I¡¦ve read. I read lots of books, and like all of them, and I really like this one. I recommend this book to any one who enjoys a good laugh, and some history in the back, too! It¡¦s great, and hopefully you¡¦ll take my advice, and read it. If you don¡¦t like it, at least you gave it a chance.

What was Rinaldi thinking?
I used to have a great deal of respect for Ann Rinaldi. I must own at least twenty of her books, and have read many more than once. This particular book, however, is an atrocity, and the fact that she continues to stand behind it is disgusting. I don't know what she was thinking when she wrote this awful book. I was pleased to see that one reviewer already mentioned the Oyate website, however they failed to mention that not only is this book on the "Books to Avoid" list, as are many classics such as "The Indian in the Cupboard" and "the Sign of the Beaver," but there are pages and pages of criticism, in fact one of the longest criticisms on the list. Too many problems to be listed in one small review. If you have any social conscience at all, you will not use this horrible book.

Do not insult by reading this book!
I realize that I am repeating what several reviewers have said before, but it must be said. That, in spite of the claims that this book is highly inaccurate and disrespectful, it should still get such high reviews. That people will still buy this book. It is just so insulting.

I am shocked that the professional reviewers of this book would be so derelict in their responsibilities as to rate this book as a good representation of this period in history.

If you think this book may be a good read for you or a youth, find out what the Native people this book supposedly speaks for think of it. Or read this review by several people, Native and non, that details the inaccuracies, disrespect, and insults that this book gives in representing a tragic period in Native history: http://oyate.org/books-to-avoid/myHeart.html.

For those of you who think that the discrepancies in this book are merely the result of differing perspectives, you should know about one of the most shameful inaccuracies in this book: the telling of how Spotted Tail took his children away. First, Spotted Tail was a real person and this event actually happened, but the records (that Rinaldi should have studied if she did the proper research for this book) show that his children were very unhappy, so Spotted Tail did what any caring parent would do and brought them home to their family. Not only did they wish to go with him (in contrast with how Rinaldi tried to represent the event), but Pratt was unable to stop him, because it appeared there would be a general stampede of all the children at the school. (This is from the above mentioned review.) They were not happy there and to represent otherwise, especially by falsifying actual events and the feelings of actual people, shows a great contempt for the people who lived and experienced this. It is tantamount to spitting on their graves. While it is true that some may have had experiences like those depicted in this book, the records show otherwise. In order to faithfully represent the Carlisle school project, the feelings, experiences, and abuses of the children should be represented in keeping with this knowledge.

This book symbolizes the disgusting treatment of outside cultures. It perpetuates and reinforces an environment of disrespect to the history and culture of other people. Those who read this book are reinforcing their own misconceptions brought about by television, popular fiction, and stereotypes. The Native people are still having their rights, beliefs, and traditions trampled to this day. This book only contributes and validates to this shameful treatment. If you really what to understand the Carlisle school project and the legacy it left to the Native people, do not insult them or your own integrity by reading this book. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Another excellent Kaya story
This is another in the American Girls Short Stories 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 losses a footrace against a girl from another tribe, she becomes jealous; but things go from bad to worse when it turns out that this same girl has become friends with Kaya's sister, Speaking Rain. Eventually, though, Kaya realizes that her jealousy has gone too far, and when a crisis hits, Kaya learns that there is much to be gained by working together.

This is another excellent American Girl story. My twelve-year-old daughter is a great fan of Kaya, and I must admit that I like the stories as well. I like the lesson that Kaya learns in this story, plus I like the story and illustrations for themselves. This is a very good book, one that my daughter and I both highly recommend. ... Read more

Book Description

The Little House books tell the story of a little pioneer girl and her family as they traveled by covered wagon across the Midwest. Laura Ingalls Wilder's classic books, illustrated with Garth Williams' timeless artwork, have been cherished by millions of readers ever since they were first published over sixty years ago.

... Read more

Reviews (1)

Winter on the farm- Little House series
Great series of books. Good wholesome reading for children. Great book for younger children with interest in animals. ... Read more

Book Description

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. Winter was just around the corner, and Laura worked hard to help make the little house ready for the cold days ahead. Soon there was frost on the windows and snow on the ground, but Laura and her folks were warm and cozy in their snug little house in the Big Woods.

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 adventures 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.

Reviews (8)

Great in add'n to the "old school" Litte House books
I see a lot of reviewers writing that these should not be a substitute for the old Little House books, but why can't they be read in addition to them? The illustrations are lovely, and I like to think that a Wisconsin native is doing them in the spirit of Garth Williams' original pictures.

I'm in my 30s and I remember reading these books aloud with my family on cross-country car trips. On one such journey, my mother's calm voice covered the passage where Jack the brindle bulldogs was thought to be lost and we all had tears streaming down our faces. (I'm sure the other drivers on I-70 that day must have thought we were nuts)

In my experience, the picture books make a great supplement to the story books, even starting around age 4. Let's face it, you can never go wrong reading MORE books to your kids. Compared to a lot of the other materials available out there, I consider all of the Little House books -- new and old -- to be incredibly enriching.

Also, if you're looking for similar items, check out books by Astrid Lindgren, a Swedish author. We love "The Tomten" and the "Tomten and the Fox." Sweet, winter landscapes and soothing storylines perfect for bedtime.

We love this book!
My nearly 3-year old son and I both love this book, and read it daily, even though Christmas is long past! As a long time fan of the "Little House" books, I really enjoy sharing these books with him and introducing him to these favorite characters. I particularly recommend the Christmas book because it is a wonderful story and beautifully illustrated, and focuses on many non-material aspects of the holiday. Laura's special Christmas involves a visit with her cousins, baking with her mother, playing in the snow, and waiting for Santa--who brings candy and mittens. I think this book has a very good message for today's kids---that there are alot of wonderful things about Christmas besides the presents. My son is enchanted with this book and requests it again and again--the best recommendation of all.

It is horrid!
This is possibly the worst book ever written! It is an incredibly boring marathon book. Wow!

Nice Introduction but is lacking....
This book is a nice introduction to the REAL Little House books, but in reality it is lacking. If you want to introduce a 3-5 year old to the Laura Ingalls books then read the books TO them. You will be AMAZED at how much fun it is to read TO them and not just hand them a book full of pictures and continue on your way. Encourage questions and watch as you read for things they are not familiar with, and if you don't know the answer either or really what it means to "Churn Butter" then go to the library and find out. The real books are so great with their words that no pictures are really needed.

A great introduction of Little House books for prereaders
I grew up reading the Little House on the Prairie books. Now as an adult and a teacher, I find that so many young girls are not reading these books anymore. When I first saw this book I thought it was a wonderful way to interest preschool age children in these books. I plan to buy more for my two and a half year old daughter. Then perhaps when she is old enough to read the actual series on her own she will have an interest in doing so because of these books. ... Read more

Reviews (51)

A true page-turner
In the book,I Thought My Soul Would Rise and Fly, a slave girl named Patsy is free, but she doesn't feel like it. She still has to work on the plantation, but she gets payed for her work. A Yankee soldier came down from the north and promised Mistress Davis that the slaves are getting a teacher by July. This is one of the better books I've ever read. I give it a 10. The reason I love this book is because it takes place during the Civil War times and I'm interested in that kind of thing. I think girls might like it better than boys because it is written in a diary format. This book gets 2 thumbs up from me.

A very educational and intertaining book!
I really thought this was a great book. I liked the way that it portrayed the life of Patsy in a diary type way. The story is about a slave girl named Patsy who knows how to read. She learned by listening to the children in the house during thier lessons. When the slaves where freed, they were promised that a teacher would come to the plantation to teach the children as well as the adults to read and write. When there was trouble with getting a teacher, Patsy decided to teach the childern and who ever else wanted to be taught their abc's and how to write them. She discovered that she was a good teacher and when she finally left the plantation she went to school and became a teacher herself. I think this is a very good book to have children read so they can get a feel of what it was like in the times of slavery and right after they were freed.

REALLY GOOD
This was a wonderful book! It took a long time to read but it was definitely worth it. It was interesting, and had a likeable main character. Her name is Patsy, and she is smarter then people think. It has some funny parts, and gave a clear picture of a slave's life.

I Thought My soul Will Rise and Fly
How would you feel if you were a slave, doing always orders that you can't chose to say if you want to do it or not? In this story called I Thought My Soul Will Fly and Rise written by the author Joyce Hansen that was Patsy's case. She could+n't say, 'Yes I'll do this or no I don't want to do that.' She had to do it if she wanted to or not. The genre of this book is historical fiction. That means this story could have happened in the past and all of the things the little girl passed through happened to a lot of people her age a long time ago.
Patsy and all the slaves didn't get a lot of opportunities we now have and that some of us don't care about. For example they didn't get to go to school, learn how to read or write. Today we go to school and learn how to read and write. A lot of us don't care about school but I know if the slaves had the same opportunities as we do they wouldn't waste them. Thanks to this book I learned not to waste all my opportunities that I have now because a lot of people 100 years ago didn't have them but I know they would have loved to have them. Now whenever I have an opportunity I'm going to take the chance and never let it go because probably this opportunity will come once in a lifetime, we never know.

I Thought My Soul Would Rise and Fly
I Thought My Soul Would Rise and Fly is a book by Joyce Hansen. It is a diary of a young girl named Patsy who became free from slavery. It takes place in the South of the Untied States after the Civil War ended. I think that it is a good book because it helps you understand how difficult it was for blacks when the were first freed.
This book helps you understand what it was like for the blacks when they were first freed because it gives examples on how hard it was. The blacks lived on a plantation and when they were freed they signed a contract that was followed by only one side. The owners of the plantation did not fallow the contract and treated them like they were still salves. The contract said that they would get land and and be taught by teachers but they weren't.
They said a teacher was going to be sent on a certain day so the plantation set up a school room where the teacher would teach and until they got a teacher Pasty would teach them how to write their A,B,C 's. The day that the teacher was suppose to arrive would come an there wouldn't be any teacher. They had finally found a white teacher and she didn't had any where to live. If she were to live with a white family and teach the blacks that white family would burn down the house. They had a hard time finding an educated black to teach them.
After this people started to leave the plantation and went to the shore because the government said they were selling land. They were warned that the government would take the land away from them but they left the plantation anyway. They had been there for a few years and the government decided to change it back around and give the land back to the plantations. Mistress would not sell them land either. Eventually Patsy changed her name and went to school and when she got older she came back to the plantation an tough the young kids more than they know more.
I that this book was very educational because it taught what it was like to live when the slaves were freed. Some of the plantation owners treated their workers like they were still slaves after they were free. It seamed hard for Patsy when people's father or mother were coming to find the rest of their family and no one came for Patsy. Altho Patsy seamed happy with her live because she taught herself how to read and write and then tough people on the plantation. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

An exciting read but could use some editing
I picked up this children's book thinking that it might be appropriate for my church's library (a Native American Episcopal Mission). After reading it, I'm not really sure if it is appropriate. The story is exciting. The character of Jumping Badger (later to be Sitting Bull) is strong and develops well. The illustrations, while not marvelous, are fine. Values and morals are taught fairly well in this novel.

One of a few things that worried me (as a Santee Sioux person) was the use of the denigrating and dehumanizing word "squaw" throughout the book. Among my people, it would be a great, great insult to call a woman such a terrible thing. I think if the story were to be re-edited, the wonderful word "woman" could be placed in those instances. Another instance that worried me was the calling one woman a "witch". While there have always been "medicine women" throughout many ages, the use of the word takes the reader to another place that is not consistent with Dakota/Lakota/Nakota history and culture. An afterword by the editors on the use of the name "Sioux" and the words mentioned above may be of good use.

These two instances do not deter me from recommending this book. If anything, they may lead to conversation and a better understanding of Sioux cultures (note that there are more than one) and the use of language around concepts not indigenous to our own culture, i.e., "witch" vs. "medicine woman".

This is a great book for kids, but they may need a little guidance with it. I still haven't decided if it would be appropriate for my church's library and will first talk about this book with other elders.

A great book about Sitting bull and the Sioux nation
I love this book. It is exciting and interesting. It involves war, bravery, and honor to be a sioux! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A lot better than I thought it would be!
My mom was always encouraging me to read biograhies. One day, my mom sat me on a chair and forced me to read at least one chapter. I didn't think I would like it, but I loved it! Tons of info on Abe Lincoln! Some conversations were added to make it more interesting, but most of it was true. I am reading tons of bios from the same series (the Childhood of Famous Americans series). I would encouage everyone to read this book and other books of the series!

Interesting.
This has been one of the more interesting biographys I read. This book focoses in more on his childhood than more on his life in polotics. ... Read more

Book Description

During the seventh century, the land which is now Korea was fraught with political and religious intrigue.The country was spilt into Three Kingdoms, each fighting for supremacy. Besides this, three religions are in conflict: Shamanism, Buddhism, and Confucianism.In this atmosphere of conflict, we meet 14-year old Sondok, eldest daughter of King Chinp-yong, ruler of Silla. ... Read more

Reviews (22)

Very Good Book
"Sondok: Princess of the Moon and Stars" is about a fourteen-year old princess growing up in Silla, which is now present-day South Korea. She loves astronomy, though girls and women at that time were not expected to study the stars and the sky, and she is willing to prove herself to her father, the ruler of Silla, that she could be just like a son to him since he never had any sons and because women did not rule back then. Instead of writing in a diary, Sondok writes a series of notes to her grandmother describing her private feelings and what is going on in her life. She also writes about her dissapointments about not being able to study astronomy. This was a great Royal Diary, and I think many people wil enjoy it!

A book of astronomic quality!
In ancient Asia, females, as a general rule, were not allowed to rule. They could only be the wives of kings and emperors. However, in Silla in 595, it's a girl who is heir apparent to the throne of Silla (now called South Korea). Fourteen-year-old Sondok has no brothers and her mother is too old to have any more children. Her father's brothers are all dead and they didn't have any sons either. Thus, it is she who must inherit the throne.

Sondok thinks she's up to the job. She comes across as forthright and intelligent as she writes in her diary. She's especially fascinated by astronomy, and displays her skill at it by correctly predicting an eclipse. Unfortunately this earns her the wrath of the Chinese ambassador, also an astronomer, who predicted the wrong date. "Astronomy is not for women," Lin Fang says. "Go do something female like look after silkworms." Sondok tries to win him over, but he is unmoved. Worse yet, her father agrees with the ambassador and forbids his daughter to study the moon and stars!

This is the principal conflict in this narrative. There are some others: Sondok's father casts aside his old wife and takes a new, younger one whom he hopes will bear him a son. Sondok is in love with someone whom she cannot marry, as he is below her station, and when he goes off to be a Buddhist monk she wonders if she'll ever see him again. She wonders a lot about religions: Korean Buddhism vs. Chinese Confucianism.

Sondok: Princess of the Moon and Stars is one of my favorite books in the royal diaries, entertaining and quite historically accurate. I'd recommend it to young girls nine and up, especially those interested in Korean culture and astronomy.

I have definitely read better
Sondok is a Korean princess who is heir to the throne, much to the dismay of the Chinese, who believe that a woman cannot properly rule.
Another thing that is special about Sondok is that she loves astronomy, and she want's an observatory of her own so she can learn to read the stars and their meaning.
But in Korea at that time it was not considered proper for a woman to study astronomy, but Sondok refused to give up hope that someday she will be an astronomer and rule Korea with wisdom.

This book is good, except I have read better. It certainly isn't boring, though. I thought the part about the New Year's festivals was very well done.

What a wonder!
This book was a pleasant surprise for me, a Korean female looking for books in English for little cousins. Queen Sondok has been the most famous & beloved queen to Korean children, especially to girls, like the amalgam of Joan of Arc and Queen Elisabeth the first.

She was the first princess who came to the throne in whole Korean history, and her succession was possible due to the special succession law of ancient Shilla dynasty which put a higher value on the pure royal birth than the genders of heirs. There was no male heir whose both parents were royal then, so Sondok was raised as the heir apparent with formidable duty to answer to love and hope of her own parents and her people in the time of endless wars and diplomatic intrigues. And she did more.

Until this book, I always imagined her as a grown-up, like Athena with full armors springing from Zeus's head, partly because of all stories in historical texts such as the famous her 3 prophecies and the anecdote of Mun-Hee(a lady saved by Sondok from burning at stake) showing her silent bravery, deep understanding of human nature, and somewhat supernatural, shman-like foresight, all three of them which were necessary for ancient rulers.

Holman portrayed her as a little princess rather than a queen who ruled successfully her kingdom for 15 years in a very turbulent time with love of arts and intelligence and deep Buddhistic faith. And it was an interesting move. Even young readers without any knowledge of Korea may enjoy it. Thank you Holman for saving the difficulties of finding an easy and good book.

Very good, although I've read better
This book is really great. Read it! ... Read more

Book Description

Animal Adventures

In the unsettled West, Laura Ingalls and her family are surrounded by wild animals. From bears and deer to badgers and panthers, Laura always manages to fingd herself cought up in an animal adventure?

Reviews (1)

Excellent
This book was really great. I think that all Laura Ingall Wilder books are fantastic. I own 6 of my own and I truly love them, but out of all of them I think that this was the best one. Everyone is wonderful and I would suggest this book to anyone. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Finally here!
From the days of Pleasent Company, when there were only three dolls Kirsten, Samantha and Molly, lovers of the American Girls collection have longed from a Native American Girl. But, alas we were forced to wait, until now.

The Story of Kaya'aton'my' is one of the most amazing to come out of the American Girl Collection to date. The first story is that of a young girl who is very proud, too proud. Her pride and boasting land her in mess after mess. But in the end she learns from her mistakes.

One of Meet Kaya's greatest assest is the research that was put into making an accurate and unique tell. The difference between Kaya's culture and modren american culture is clear from the onset. However, the book does not attemp to lecture the reader about "Brave Indians" instead it takes great care to explain culture differences with dignity and respect. Also, the learning is expectly woven into the fabric of the tale. We learn about everything from disclipine of the youth to courting rituals to the history of when horse were introduced to Kaya's people.

This is an ubber quick read for adults, and and a fun and challenging one for the age group it was intended from. It does not lag or suffer from "forced plot" as some of the other American Girl stories do. The plot flows evenly and as smoothly as with any quality book. Additionaly because the plot is so well done, it would definitely appeal to those who are put off by other American Girl books.

While the book is largely text there are a number of beatiful high quality illustrations. The style of the arent works well with the text and does a great job of ...well... illustration what is going on. Very stylistic and very well done.

All in all this a great book worthy of any library.

fully fleshed characters, realistic lives
My daughter has read all of the American Girl books and immerses herself in the realities of the girls. Kaya is no exception.

Kaya's life, although very different than ours, is easy to imagine for children. There is enough detail for them to understand the community and community feeling of Kaya's group of Nez Perce. The characters are firmly developed, and unlike a teen reader, my daughter has no difficulty figuring out the roles each person plays, even though they don't necessarily use familiar terms like "mother" and "grandfather".

Kaya teaches my child that the Native Americans had dignity, a wonderful lifestyle, respect for nature, love for their families, as well as rights to live the lives they saw fit. Too bad that adults who destroyed the culture believed otherwise. Eventually, through the series, these issues are explored in the "Looking Back" section.

Meet Kaya book review
I read Meet Kaya, an American girl.
I thought it was a really good book because I think Kaya is a cool character. Kaya is an Indian girl who loves to racehorses. Kaya races a boy named Raven because he makes fun of her horse. Kaya races Raven but her horse tries to buck her off. After the race is over Kaya has to find her brothers because she asked her blind friend Speaking Rain to watch her two brothers Wing feather and Sparrow while she races and then she lost them. Kaya is mad when all the kids call her Magpie. But she gets used to it because her grandmother Aalah tells her that her brother called her finger cakes and her friends still call her that for a joke.I recomend this book to anyone at any age level.

Good story, excellent illustrations
This is the first book 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, we meet Kaya, who is so proud of her horse. However, when Kaya leaves her little brothers (whom she is supposed to be watching) to race, she lands all of the children in trouble. And now, having earned the nickname of Magpie (a thoughtless bird), she finds that she has a lot to learn. But, seeking to help those around her, Kaya sets out to be a better person.

My daughter loves Kaya, and really enjoyed this book. The story was good (if a little unfocused), and the illustrations excellent. Unlike most other American Girls, Kaya's religion is alive for her and part of her life, which makes me wonder why they didn't do this for the others. Anyway, my daughter and I bother liked this book, and highly recommend it to you.

Kaya, a new American Girl!
Kaya is a nine-year-old Nez Perce girl who is quite strong-willed. In the first book, Meet Kaya, she learns a lesson that will be the centrol plot for the rest of the series, that in her tribe, people must work together, instead of just thinking of oneself. She gets into trouble when the show-off part of her personality gets the better of her and she brags about her new horse Steps High. All the bragging only gets her into trouble as she gets herself into a race, even though she knows her horse isn't ready yet. Not only does everthing go wrong but she loses her mischevious twin brothers in the process. Thus the disicpline women of her tribe gives her the nickname "Magpie" to remind her never to be selfish again... I like this new book, but I don't think it is the best in the Collection either. I still recommend them. ... Read more

Reviews (39)

one eye laughing the other weeping
This is the story of Julie Weiss who is in Vienna, Austria when Hitler takes over. When he takes over her mom kills herself,but before she does she gets her daughter and son a way to New York to live with her Anut Clara. Before it is time to leave her brother disapears and she goes alone.
When she gets there and finds out her aunt is an actor she gets a part as Wendy in Peter Pan. Soon after that she is offerd a part in a movie,which makes her think about life in Vienna and changes the way she thinks about life.
This is a good book. Its a real easy read. I was dissapointed that it did'nt say a lot about World War II.

A 12-year-old reader
I really enjoyed this book. It's all about a fourteen-year old girl named Julie Weiss, a kinda non-practicing Jewish girl who lives in Vienna, Austria, in 1938. Julie's family aren't serious practicers of the Jewish faith, so Julie doesn't really seem to think about being Jewish until one day, Hitler seems to be everywhere! Radio broadcasts, newspaper articles, even books about Hitler, like "Mein Kampf," his story. But suddenly Julie's life seems to be taken over by this man. Her mother, sensing the war ahead, commits suicide, and her brother wants to escape to Palestine, where Jews would be peaceful and safe. Finally, Julie's father sends Julie to America to live with her aunt and uncle in New York. I thought this was a good book, but it was missing something. I think it would be more powerful if Julie had stayed in Vienna, and maybe had to go into hiding, like Anne Frank, or was sent to a concentration camp but survives to tell the tale, and doesn't go to New York until maybe the very end of the book. But no, Julie goes to New York halfway through the book, and gets involved in acting, which I though took away from the real plot of the story. Overall, it was a good book, but if I would've written it a little differently.

One Eye Laughing The Other Weeping
One Eye Laughing The Other Weeping was an excellent novel. It's about a twelve-year-old Jewish girl named Julie Weiss. Her family and she herself are from Vienna, Austria. Her father was a very wealthy doctor. Her mother was known to be a great beauty, and her brother was known for playing the piano greatly. The family lived a very happy life in the large city of Vienna until World War II broke out there. Hitler invaded Vienna and as you already know, ordered the Jews to be persecuted. Julie's family was beaten by the Nazi's but lived, but did not beat her. Then her brother left Vienna, her mother commited suicide, and Julie and her father were left living in their apartment. Her father told Julie she was to go to New York City to live with her Aunt Clara (who was a famous actress) and Uncle Martin. Julie did not want to leave Vienna. But her father told her that her mother and himself were planning to go to New York City and take Julie and her brother with them. He explained it was not safe in Vienna because of the war. So Julie moved to New York City... I will not tell you more, I will spoil it. But read this book it was excellent!

Survivng Hitler
This is a book about a 13 year old girl and her family lived during the Holocaust and they have to deal with Hitler and he's group of Nazis and their cruel behavior towards Jewish people and other types of people that Hitler didn't like. Some of the things that Hitler and he's group of Nazis did to the Jewish and other types of people were: take all the peoples belongings from their homes, put them in concentration camps and then starve them or kill them with gasses, and lots of different types of things. This book was ok. The beginning was very boring but once it got to the middle was, they talk about the Nazi and Hitler, and it got really sad. People committed suicide and the Nazi sent some people to concentration camps and then starved them or put gasses on the people. I almost started to cry when I read this book, all the things that happened to the people. I would rate this book 41/2 out of 5 stars because it's boring in the begging but then exciting and sad in the middle and end. Some books that relate to this one is Anne Franks diary and it is rated 5 stars compared to One Eye Weeping and the Other Laughing, Which is the book that I read. The title of the book, One Eye Weeping and the other Laughing is Because Julie Weiss, the main character is laughing about the books that she reads and they are funny while the Holocaust is happening and the other eye is weeping because all the people are dying because of how they look or their race or background under Hitler's rule and/or order, and the Nazi's are killing them all.

A real sad book!!!!!!!!
This book is REALLY REALLY sad!!! It almost brought tears to my eyes. If you don't like books that have people dying or you hate
sad books, don't read this one. BUT, I suggest you read it because it is a really really good book!!!! It is about a girl who named Julie who is lives in Vienna. When Hitler comes to her town she sees how badly he treats Jewish people. She being Jewish herself is treated badly. Her father decides that something should change....and you will have to read the rest in order to find out!! I read this book in two days (nights really). It was one of the sadest books I have ever read. It really makes someone understand how badly the Jewish people were treated when Hitler was around! ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (2)

Message in the sky
We are the upper cats. This is a magnificent book. This is about a kid named Corey. He escaped from slavery. He lives on a farm in Amherstburg,Canada. Corey has four pigeons he races with and Just
( the pigeon ) always wins. Corey got a job on a ferry boat called the Pearl. He went to Michigan twice. When he went to Ohio he got stuck there and found Gladys and her mother. When he got back to his house his mom was so delighted to seeher son. Christmas came. Read the rest of the book to find out what happens.

Message in the Sky
This story is about a boy named Corey Birdsong. He ecaped
from slavery and is living in Canada with his mom, dad, little sister, and his friend Mingo.He finds four pigeons and they become friends. He begs his mom for a job but she says not until school is out for the summer. So school ends and the captain of the Pearl asks him to swab the deck and unload packages after he makes a trip. Then the captain asked him to go to Michigan with him, but his mom said no.He went anyway.He gets left behind and saves some people.He gets back but to find out how you should read the book. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

This book is very interesting and exciting from pg.1-pg.192!
This book is very exciting and interesting from from the begining to the end. It tells how Abigail almost dies as a child. She lived through the Revolution. Abigail also marrys the second President and is the mother of the sixth President. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Elizabeth Blackwell Girl Doctor
Elizabeth Blackwell wants to become a doctor, but people told her that girls could not do this. Elizabeth kept her dreams and became the first woman doctor. If you like biographies and want to read about a girl who believes in her dreams and becomes what she wants to be, then this is a good book for you.

Elizabeth Blackwell
This book is really helpful if u want info about Elizabeth Blackwell. IT gives you a lot of interesting facts and it also tell u about her family. If u want to know a lot of good things about her then read this book! ... Read more

Amazon.com

In 1620, an indentured servant named Jasper Jonathan Pierce sets sailwith his master and 100 others on the Mayflower, seeking adventure,freedom from the rules of King James's church, and a new way of life inAmerica.

While many people are familiar with the history of the Pilgrims, popularhistorical novelist Ann Rinaldi (The Last Silk Dress and A Break With Charity: A Story About theSalem Witch Trials) delves far deeper into the day-to-day life of thesebrave pioneers. Beleaguered by internal strife and sickness, the passengers andcrew of the Mayflower arrived in Plymouth ill-equipped to last thewinter. With the help of several Indians who befriended the settlers, manysurvived, although a number of them died. Viewed through the eyes of 14-year-oldJasper, who records the events of his first 15 months in America in his journal,the Pilgrims' experiences take on a fresh, current feel. Although Jasper is afictional character, the other characters in the story were real people, and theevents are soundly based on factual accounts. Encounters with Pilgrim bullies,the suicide of one woman, and blow-by-blow details of the hardships endured makethis an exciting, intelligent addition to the excellent My Name Is Americaseries. (Ages 9 to 12) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (13)

Pretty Good Book
Jasper Jonathan Pierce, an orphaned indentured servant in search of a better life and new opportunities, leaves his brother and sisters behind and sets sail on the Mayflower without any family or friends. When the boat arrives at the Promised Land, the natives aren't quite sure why these people are here. Soon after Jonathan and everyone have settled in, the natives attack their cabin, but the sailors had muskets and were prepared for this kind of reaction. I didn't like the way that it took so long to get to America. I would recommend it for ages 10 and up who like history.

BORING!
This book was about a boy named Jasper Jonathan Pierce, an orphaned indentured se