Reviews (1)

Famous People
Susan B. Anthony is an awesome book. If you like history then you should read this book. If you are a girl especially you would want to know who was the"Champion of Women's Rights." It gives you so much imformation.It gets you into what happen in her life, and how hard it would be to get a job back then. My recommendations for future readers is if you like history than this is the book for you. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A really different sort of book, excellently done
This is another in the American Girls series about Samantha Parkington, a nine-year-old orphan girl living in the America of 1904. In this book, Samantha is invited to accompany her grandmother and the Admiral on a cruise from New York to London! Along the way, Samantha has adventures, meets new people, and learns a lot.

This book, though, is entirely different that any other Samantha book my daughter and I have read. It is in the form of a scrapbook that Samantha kept. Each page has text, and illustrations in the form of pictures and whatnot that a girl would attach to a scrapbook. In fact, there are eight souvenirs that can be removed from the book and played with by your own little American girl!

My eleven-year old daughter was absolutely delighted with this book. At first she enjoyed thumbing through it, and looking at the pictures and removable souvenirs. And then, she read the whole book and added it to her Samantha collection. This is a really different sort of book, excellently done. We highly recommend it. ... Read more

Book Description

Laura Ingalls Wilder's nine original Little House books have been read and cherished by millions of readers. Gentle adaptations of these celebrated stories have been gathered together here in a brand new series of Little House Chapter Books. With simple captivating text and Renée Graef's breath-taking artwork created in the style of Garth Williams, Little House Chapter Books are the perfect way to introduce beginning chapter book readers to the exciting world of Little House. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A terrific book
I read this book when I was nine or ten. Now I'm reading the Little House novels. But I still remember how much I loved the chapter books, especially this one. It tells about Laura Ingalls and her adventures with her dog, Jack. I got really sad when the family lost Jack while crossing a river on their way to Kansas, and they thought he had died. But I loved when that night, an animal came to where the Ingalls were. It had bright eyes, and they thought it was a wolf! It turned out that the "wolf" was Jack! He hadn't died after all! The book told of lots of other adventures Laura had with Jack. I recommend this book to girls seven to ten. If you read this book, I know you'll enjoy it.

Adventures Of Laura & Jack
This book is very, very interesting. My seven year old daughter loved this book. The book is about the dfferent homesteads that Laura and her family had lived and the adventures of not only Laura's, but Jack, her bulldog, as well. This book is bound to keep any child on the edge of their sits with the dangerous experiences that Laura and Jack and her family face. The reader of this book with experience many different emotions from being happy to tears of sadness. I recommend this book to all children. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Another Good History Mystery
Mendy is a twelve-year-old African American girl living in rural Tennessee in the late 1950's. She is an admirer of Eleanor Roosevelt and is thrilled when her father tells her that Mrs. Roosevelt is coming to visit the Highlander School, which is located only a few miles away. Soon, however, she discovers that the men that have been meeting in her favorite clearing in the nearby woods belong to the Ku Klux Klan and are planning an attack on Mrs. Roosevelt when she appears at Highlander. Mendy feels she must do something to prevent the attack, but what can she do? Will she get herself in danger?

This story is based on a real incident and conveys a small taste of the violence, hatred and fear inspired by the KKK. As a piece of literature, it is not quite up to the standard set by such things as the Harry Potter books. Nevertheless, this book gives young readers experience of a genuine American historical setting while also providing a positive role model and some insight into the evils of bigotry and racial discrimination. It is another solid entry in the "History Mystery" series and my daughter and I both enjoyed it together. We recommend it.

Circle of Fire Review
The History Mystery Circle of Fire, takes place in 1950?s Tennessee, during the times of segregation when great changes for African Americans. The central character in the story is a twelve-year-old African American girl named Mendy, who has discovered a secret clearing she had named, the Tahj Mahal after a beautiful place in India. But one day, she discovers her secret clearing, littered with beer bottle, cigars and cigarette butts. She is convinced that they are trespassers. Mendy is determined to find out who the trespassers are and how to scare them off, so she sets a trap and uses her bowie knife lure them into her trap. Unfortunate the trespassers knew it was a trap and they killed her tamed rabbit, Mr. Hare. Strangely, the trespassers left her rabbit in a bundle with a strange red symbol on it. She asks her Aunt Sis is she had seen anything strange occurring in the woods. Fortunately, Aunt Sis informs Mendy that a group of hateful men called the KKK (Ku Klux Klan) are planning to bomb the Highlander School where Eleanor Roosevelt, Mendy?s role model, will be reciting a speech. Mendy?s mother forbids her to ever go to the Highlander school because she feels that some dangerous and racist events take place, which is true, but Mendy is looking forward to hearing Mrs. Roosevelt?s speech, and does everything she can to stop the Klan.

The reason why the KKK is planning on bombing the Highlander School is because a friend of Mendy?s father who is white owns it. He allows blacks and whites to swim together, eat together, and do other things in the same place. Mendy is determined to find out that is in the KKK, with the help of her best friend Jeffery. Mendy?s mother forbids her to spend time with Jeffery, but they secretly spy on the Klan and try to find out what their plan is. She is strong-minded to warn Mrs. Roosevelt. When the police found out about the Klan?s horrendous plot, they foiled the plot and disrupted Mrs. Roosevelt?s visit. I liked this story very much. I liked how most of the events were based on true incidents. I learned a lot about the racist and prejudice activity that occurred for African Americans during the 1950?s. This book was exciting, historical, thrilling, and adventurous. As I read, this story gave me some information about what the times were like for African Americans in the 1950?s.

Exciting, Suspenseful, and Interesting
Mendy Thompson, a very brave 12 year old girl, who has two sisters and four brothers, is forced to stay home by her mother over the summer of 1958 with her little brother. She amuses herself by going to visit her favorite place; her Taj Majal, which is a clearing in the woods she is not allowed to go to. Because she is black, and her best friend Jeffrey is white they are no longer allowed to see each other. When Mendy realizes tesspassers are coming to the Taj Mahal, she sets a trap to try to stop them. She and Jeffrey meet each other secretly, and she tells him about the tresspassers. Jeffrey says it is the Klu Klux Klan, a group who does not like people who are different from them, anyone who is not white or Christian, which makes Mendy very scared. Together, they must figure out who is in the KKK before the group destroys an event Mendy has really been looking forward to.
I liked Aunt Sis, an elderly black woman, because she was so loving towards Mendy like when she would welcome her into her house and listen to her problems.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes exciting books. It was suspensful like when Mendy and Jeffrey saw the KKK meeting in her Taj Mahal. ... Read more

Book Description

"It is like a fairyland." So Laura Ingalls Wilder described her 1915 voyage to San Francisco to visit her daughter, Rose Wilder Lane. Laura's husband, Almanzo, was unable to leave their Missouri farm and it is her faithful letters home, vividly describing every detail of her journey, that have been gathered here. Includes 24 pages of exciting photographs and completely redesigned jacket art.

Children's Books of 1974 (Library of Congress) ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Interesting
This is a very sweet and interesting book. Laura is visiting Rose in San Francisco for a few months and writes letters to Manly to fill him in on all she is doing and seeing.

The letters are detailed and filled with much information about San Francisco at the time.This is very interesting since it was 1915 and the Panama-Pacific International Exhibition was in progress.

I was thrilled to read it as I can't seem to read enough about Laura and her entire family!This is another wonderful and interesting book with the spirited Laura Ingalls Wilder as the star!

Sparkling recollection of San Francisco in 1915
Thank God this is still in print. Sure, lots of fans of the "Little House"
series will find this a charming alternative. But Laura Ingalls Wilder was
already an accomplished writer by this time, and her recorded impressions
during a family visit to her daughter and son-in-law during the 1915 Pan
Pacific International Exposition was a godsend for anyone who wants to know
of San Francisco history.

The city was devastated by the 1906 earthquake and fire; the PPIE
was a chance for the city's residents to show how quickly they could
recover and rebuild, and they put their souls into it. The city fairly
sparkled for the Exposition's visitors that summer. Wilder's letters home
to her husband were an accurate and very personable observance of the city
as it was. She described the big events as well as the telling little
details that made San Francisco unique among American cities. The photos
accompanying her letters add to the authenticity.

This is book not just a "niche gem" for Wilder fans, but also for
those who love San Francisco, and those who live history. Her record of a
vacation to the coast may've seemed to her like trivial family
correspondence, but for this native son of Baghdad by the Bay, her letters
were a vivid portrait of a time that will not be seen again. This is one of
the top ten historical recollections of a major, turn of the century
American city.

Lively and colourful letters
This book compiles a group of wonderful letters written from Laura to Almanzo in 1915 while she was staying with her daughter Rose (now married) in Los Angeles. The letters are long and detailed, since she rather missed him and was also trying to give him the full experience as much as possible. As a result, this book is a feast for both fans of LIW's work and people with an interest in the culture of the period.

At this time, Laura is in her forties and has begun writing freelance for at least one magazine, but has not started on her famous Little House books yet. Her daughter is working entirely as a writer, particularly of serialised stories/biographies.

Warning: Anyone reading the Rose series by Roger Lea MacBride should leave this book until after they finish, as there are spoilers.

Great details
West of Home is a series of letters that Laura wrote to Almanzo while she was visitng Rose Wilder Lane in 1915 San Fransisco.Due to the farm, it was decided that Almanzo would stay at home while Laura went out for a long visit with Rose.Laura wrote in great detail of all the happenings.She was Almanzo's eyes in the same way as she was her blind sister Mary's eyes.She described the landscape, the 1915 Expo, Rose's life and work and the great foods of the California area.Rose was homesick for her parents and sent Laura the money for train fare and money home to help with Laura's absence.You can tell by the letters to Almanzo that he had written her about the happenings on the farm.It's too bad they weren't published along with these.You can tell Laura and Almanzo greatly miss each other but Laura is enjoying her time with Rose and Rose's husband Gillette.A wonderful look of San Francisco in the year 1915.

Golden, like California or Kansas Wheatfields
This is a great book.I like knowing about Rose who is now grown up.I really enjoyed the way San Francisco was described during this period of time.It was an interesting look at the Golden State.This book is truly gold, like the beautiful city it is set in. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Plucky Anetka is determined to thrive in her new life in an arrangedmarriage to a Pennsylvania coal miner. In spite of the fact that her husbanddoesn't love her, his three daughters still mourn their dead mother, and she hasleft behind everything she knows and loves in Poland, this 13-year-old redheadrolls up her sleeves and gets down to the backbreaking business of keepinghouse.

Working conditions in the mines are horrendous and the labor movement isrumbling; nearly every day, wives watch in frightened yet resigned anticipationas the Black Maria, the "death wagon," rattles down the street to the newestwidow's door. When the Black Maria shows up at Anetka's shanty just a few monthsafter her wedding, she must dig deeper into her reserves of strength to carryon. Luckily, a young man named Leon has been patiently waiting in the wings.Their relationship is sweetly immature--until the very end, she persists intrying to convince herself she can't stand him because he teases her.

The fact that there are no real surprises in Susan Campbell Bartoletti'shistorical novel will not detract from readers' enjoyment of the story. Theemphasis is on the historically accurate descriptions of coal mines in Lattimer,Pennsylvania, during the late 1890s. An informative author's note, photographs,notes to a coal-mining song, and even a tantalizing recipe for potato dumplingsround out this fascinating portrait of a grim time in history. As with the othertitles in the immensely popular Dear America series, A Coal Miner's Brideis written in the form of a diary. (Ages 9 and older) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (78)

The Best Book!
Anetka Kaminska is satisfied with her life in Poland until one day her father sends steamship tickets and a letter saying she must come to America and marry Stanley Gawrich.She must leave in a hurry with a young soldier,Leon Nasevich, who mysteriously happens to be wherever Anetka is. When she gets to america she finds that all the immigrants are poorly treated. To make matters worse, Stanley doesn't want a wife, he only wants a mother for his 3 daughters. After about 6 months of Anetkas unhappy marriage, Stanley dies and leaves Anetka with his three daughters. She has to take in borders to make ends meet and to pay off Stanleys large debt. Leon comes back into her life and mixes all her feelings up. Everyone should read this book. It gives perspective to the way life was for immigrants in the late 1800's. This was the best Dear America I have read yet.

Amazing!
I LOVE this book! The best love story I've ever read! I was so touched, so mesmerized! I could NEVER put this book down! Anetka is a normal girl living in war-torn Poland, dealing w/ an annoying soldier, her incredibly bratty brother and every thing else that 19th century girls had to deal w/. Well, then her father writes her a letter, enclosing 3 boat tickets to America, Tata (her father) has found her a husband in the coal fields! As you could imagiane, Anetka is pretty upset. (who wouldn't be?) The day comes when Anetka, her brother and her grandmother need to leave for America. Babcia (grandma) gives her ticket to the private, Leon Nashevich, saying that she has lived her whole life in Poland and would never leave. So on the boat ride over, the waves get pretty rough between Leon and Anetka. Once at Ellis Island, Leon is taken away and Anetka and Josef go on to the coal fields w/o him. 4th of July comes and Anetka meets her fiance'. What is he like? Well, read the book and find out! You'll be happy you did! I'll be reading this book again and again. A MUST READ!!

the best book in the dear america series!
A Coal Miner's Bride is about a girl who travels to America from Poland to marry a coal miner that her father has picked out for her. She hates the idea of going to a foreign country and marrying a man she does not love, or even know. When I first read this book I thought it was okay but otherwise not something I would spend my money buying. I was wrong. I read it again and I love it! It is my favourite book in the Dear America series. I think it is very interesting and when ever I start reading it I can't put it down!

One of the Best Books I've Ever Read
In the first few pages, the book seemed a little slow. Then on about the fifth page, the book really started to interest me. What was going to happen to this girl? Every free moment I had, I read this book. Just when one surprise ends, another starts. It was a book that i didn't want to end. With a fairytale ending, this book is exciting, sad, and thrilling all together. It leaves you reading on the edge of your seat. Plus, this girl was very young and had to put up with many hard tasks. This is a great book and I have recomended it to almost everyone I know. I will never forget reading this book because it made such a big impact on me.

Great
This is the best book I have ever read. I have read tons of books and this is my favorite. I hope all of you that read this book enjoy it, I sure did. ... Read more

Book Description

America's World War I flying ace, winner of the Medal of Honor, and racecar driver Eddie Rickenbacker's first attempt at flight was riding his bicycle off the roof while holding an umbrella. Young Eddie, whose parents were Swiss immigrants, grew up in the Midwest in the early 20th century, worked hard to help support his family, but found time to build a "pushmobile," experience a thrilling ride in a "horseless carriage," and come face-to-face with a moving train. Young readers will gasp as he rides a runaway mining cart that jumps the tracks and cheer at Eddie's first auto racing victory. Included are fun facts about Eddie Rickenbacker's life and the America he grew up in. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

boy pioneer!
In keeping with the Centennial of Flight -- Rebeccasreads recommends this book as a look at how Eddie Rickenbacker, an Ohio farm boy with Swiss roots, grew up to become a World War 1 Flying Ace, a founder of our commercial aviation, a pioneer racecar driver & the owner of no less than the famed Indianpolis 500 Speedway.

Originally published 80 years ago, Patria Press is re-issuing the Young Patriot Series -- all fine stories about the childhoods of many of our heroes & heroines.

An upbeat and inspirational biography
Very nicely written for the young reader by Kathryn Cleven Sisson, Eddie Rickenbacker: Boy Pilot And Racer is the latest of the Patria Press "Young Patriots Series", a collection of biographical books celebrating the achievements of youthful American heroes and heroines. Children will avidly follow the daring exploits of a young man with flying in his blood, who would one day become a World War I Flying Ace and winner of the Medal of Honor. Enhanced with black/white illustrations by Cathy Morrison, Eddie Rickenbacker: Boy Pilot And Racer is an upbeat and inspirational biography for young grade-school level readers which would make a welcome addition to any school or community library collection! ... Read more

Book Description

Anne is the mother of five, with never a dull moment in her lively home.And now, with a new baby on the way and insufferable Mary Maria visiting--and wearing out her welcome--Anne's life is full to bursting.

Still, Mrs. Doctor can't think of any place she'd rather be than her own beloved Ingleside.Until the day she begins to worry that her adored Gilbert doesn't love her anymore.How could that be?She may be a little older, but she's still the same irrepressible, irreplaceable rehead--the wonderful Anne of Green Gables, all grown up.She's ready to make her cherished husband fall in love with her all over again! ... Read more

Reviews (34)

Going Downhill
Lucy Montgomery can't seem to write convincing men, and only does marginally better with women. The quality of this series has really gone downhill since Anne was a girl, or even a young woman. Now that she has children, the book no longer focuses on her, which was really the main reason the books seemed to come alive in the beginning. Now, they drag on and on. I found myself having to skim large sections simply because nothing happens. One of the longest chapters is a quilting circle's gossip- and that's it. And it's not even gossip about characters we know or care about! A genius to the early books was that Anne either had many problems, or believed she did, and we could join in the child's angst about life. But now Anne has the ideal life she has always wanted. And there is no conflict. And hence, much of this book is simply boring. There are times when things pick up- like when her children get into trouble. We start to see something similar to the adventures of the Anne we knew. But each issue is quickly resolved within a chapter, and nothing encourages you to go on to the next pericope. There is some hope when Anne starts to dabble with match-making, but this is quickly ended before it could get very interesting. Aunt Mary Maria is a pill of a woman, and she makes for some very interesting reading- but then she leaves after the first quarter of the book, never to be seen again, and with everything unresolved.

When Lucy writes of Anne's son, Jem, there is something missing. He doesn't seem like a boy somehow- or else not like a real human. And I realized that this is further developed in Lucy's treatment of Gilbert, who seems to be amazingly absent in these later books. There is no great undying love between her and Gilbert as there was in earlier books. Yes, it is mentioned, it is assumed, but we don't see it. Gilbert does very little thought or action- he is mostly wallpaper. Lucy doesn't write convincing male characters.

The last third of the book picks up somewhat, with a few more conflicts for the children, and Anne's marriage appears to be in jeopardy. But I finished this book really unsure as to if I wanted to read the final installment- despite the foreshadowing of the last two pages.

A Must have if you love Anne of Green Gables!
Anne of Ingleside is one of the best books that I have ever read! This is the sixth book in the Anne of Green Gables series and features some of your favorite characters from the previous novels return! Such as Little Elizebeth, Diana Berry, Rebecca Dew, and others! This novel also indroduces us to Anne's 6 children! Jem who is named after Captain Jim from the fifth book in the series Anne's House of Dream.....Who gets into all kinds of trouble. You also get a chance to see how time has worn at the marrige of Gilbert and Anne! All in all it is a must read! This book can be read even if you haven't read the other 5 books in the series. Believe it or not and still make really good sense!

I really liked it!
First of all, Anne does NOT stop being Anne (with an e), for example, on page 8 Anne says "Don't talk as if our day was ended, Diana. We're only 15 years old and kindred spirits. The air isn't just full of light ... it is light. I'm not sure that I haven't sprouted wings." My favorite part of the book was when the ladies were gossiping, it was really funny. If you skip that part of the book how do you know it's boring?
Susan is definatly the funniest character in the book. And who says Anne has to be a feminist?
If you like Anne you should like these books.

Awesome!
This book is awesome! Although I have to admit, that some books are better, say "Rilla of Ingleside". I've recommended the "Anne" series to all my friends and they've promised me that they'd read it, for my sake. Even my librarian is as desperate as I am trying to find the rest of the books in the series. "Anne of Ingleside" has it's ups and downs but mostly it's all ups!

Equal to The Little House series...
This is the first Anne of Green Gables book I've read, but I have seen the earler versions on tv. I guess I cheated by jumping right to Anne of Ingleside,but I was anxious to see how she fared with five kids, six actually, because she's pregnant when the story opens.

I read it and all I can say is what a sweet
adolescent book:) This story takes us on an adventure of Anne
and her family. Mostly each chapter is devoted to a single family member's adventure. With three girls and three boys, there are many adventures, like the time when an aunt came and wouldn't leave,or the lesson about false friends.

This was a fun book to read and I definitely
give it my highest rating:) ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Hoofbeats of Danger review
Annie's father Mr. Dawson owns a mail delivery company called the Pony Express and it's in the 1800's when one of the horses gets hurt her father blames it all on one person but he is Annie's friend and Annie knows her would never hurt a horse. How will she prove her friends innocents?

Hoof Beats Of Danger
Would you like to live in the west and work at red Buttes Pony Express Station? Well that's what happens to Annie as she goes through action, adventure and danger in HOOF BEATS OF DANGER by Holly Hugh's. This book is good for ages 9 and up. This book may not have pictures but the author describes the scenes so well you don't need them. So find out what happens to Magpie Annie's horse. I like this book a lot because it has a lot of action. The lesson or moral is love others.

Not great not wonderful just OK
11 year old, Annie Dawson lives in a mining cabin in California. Her father works for Oakland Pony Express. Lately, her favorite horse Magpie has been acting strange. Her father says that he has no choice, but to shoot her. Annie begins to protest and is sure that someone is poisoning Magpie. It is up to her to help save Magpie before it's too late. This book was a little bit boring and it strongly resembled other History Mysteries. The plot is always the same. Young girl who has a passion for something. Soon that passion is taken or trying to be taken away. The young girl tries to find out who is trying to take this away. In the end everything is perfect. After reading a few history mysteries, I am beginning to tire. The history mysteries that I suggest you read however are, Secrets on 26th street and The Smuggler's Treasure. All in all, however this book was good enough to rank 4 stars.

History Mysteries: A Good Series For Kids
I read "Hoofbeats Of Danger" with my nine-year-old daughter. It was the first book in this series we read together. Since then, we have read a couple of others in the series and I imagine we will get to all of them. I know my daughter is enjoying these books because she always wants to keep going when it's time to stop. These books have three very positive aspects to them. First, they are good stories. They hold kids' interest and make reading fun. Second, the young heroines in these stories make good role models for the real girls reading or hearing the stories. Third, they provide a small history lesson, imparting some insight into a particular period and place in American history.

"Hoofbeats Of Danger" takes place on the frontier at the time of the Pony Express. It involves a realistic look at frontier life and provides some factual information along the way. I highly recommend this book and, in general, the entire series, to parents looking for reading material for kids (especially girls) in the nine to twelve age group.

It was a good story about a horse and a girl.
It was a very good book. The pace never slows. If you love horses and mysteries you will love this book!! ... Read more

Book Description

Corey Birdsong is a lively young boy in search of freedom in the same country that made an economy of slavery. He and is family are owned by the Hart family of Kentucky.When Corey¹s father flees to the North, Corey and his mother follow. Corey records his daily life on the farm with incredible insight, and later describes his difficult journey along the Underground Railroad to the North to be reunited with his father. With the help of many kind strangers, Corey, his mother, and his new baby sister arrive safely in Canada. ... Read more

Book Description

The childhood adventures of the ninth American president are featured in the latest addition to the Young Patriots Series of fictional biographies for children. When William Henry's sister Sally tumbled into the river, was he able to save her? What happened when he discovered a wounded enemy soldier close to his home? What secret did he learn about his new tutor?

Find the answers to these questions and more as William Henry Harrison grows from a young boy to the famous soldier who defeated Tecumseh at the Battle of Tippecanoe, became governor of the Indiana Territory, and won the presidency of the United States.

In the pages of "William Henry Harrison, Young Tippecanoe" young readers ages 7-12 will meet a real child who makes the same mistakes as they do, plays games that may be different in form but the same in concept, and even disobeys his parents! At the same time, children will see the positive qualities that foreshadowed the hero William Henry would become.

Start your child's collection of the Young Patriots Series today, and don't forget to check out Volume 1, "Amelia Earhart Young Air Pioneer." ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A Great Read
William Henry Harrison, second book in the Young Patriots Series, doesn't disappoint, but makes an excellent read, and both entertains and educates. The illustratins are simply wonderful and truly enhance the story. Geared to the 8 to 12 year old, it's a must on every family bookshelf!

A welcome, highly recommended biography for kids.
William Henry Harrison holds the distinction of being the United States President who delivered the longest inaugural address and served the shortest time (30 days) before he also became the first president to die in office. William Henry Harrison: Young Tippecanoe is a superb biography for young readers ages 8 to 12, written by the late Howard Peckham, and originally published in 1951. Featuring the childhood adventures of our ninth president (including the thrilling rescue of his sister from drowning when he was only seven, and the courageous capture of a British soldier just one year later when he was eight, William Henry Harrison is a welcome, very highly recommended addition to school and community biography collections for children and part of the Patria Press newly designed "Young Patriots" series. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Very good
This is another in the American Girls series about Samantha Parkington, a nine-year-old orphan girl living with her grandmother in the America of 1904. In this book, Samantha is all excited, preparing for the coming Christmas. But, when the family finds out that Samantha's Uncle Gard is bringing his girlfriend Cornelia to visit (a serious matter back then), the whole household is turned upside down, along with Samantha's plans. Samantha begins to resent Cornelia, but before Christmas Day arrives, she might just learn a lesson.

The final chapter of this book is a highly informative look at Christmas in 1904 America. Also, I must say that I did enjoy the wonderful illustrations provided by Nancy Niles and R. Grace.

This is another very good American Girls book. Unlike the other Samantha books that my daughter and I have read, this one does not set out to show any of the less savory details of life in 1904 America, but it is nonetheless and enjoyable book with a nice lesson. My daughter and I both enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to you.

Change of Heart
Samantha's Surprise is the third book in a series of books about Samantha. Samantha is invited to A Christmas party put on by her good friend Ida Dean. At the same time she plans to make a large gingerbread house with Mrs. Hawkins, and decorate the house herself. But Samantha's Christmas plans start to fall when her Uncle Gard announces that he plans on bringing his friend Cornelia along for this Christmas. Now, it seems that all of Samantha's plans are destroyed--and Samantha blames Cornelia for ruining everthing. But there's more than one surprise in store for Samantha on Christmas day!
While Samantha's Christmas story isn't neccessarily the best in the series, her story has it's good points, and Samantha learns to accept change as a result. The book is a recommended read to those who are big fans of the American Girls Collection series. The Peek into the Past section at the end of the book tells about Victorian Era Christmas, and how it differed for the rich and the poor.

I think this is a great book.
Not the best of all the Samantha books, but really great. Samantha is so excited about Christmas and preparing for the holidays. Her plans are foiled when her Uncle Gard announces he is bringing his girlfriend Cornelia home for Christmas. Samantha wants to be nothing but hostile towards her, but as she gets to know her she likes her more and more. A great story about family, people, and the Christmas spirit. ... Read more

Book Description

Gilbert has become a doctor and now Anne's wedding day has come, the first bride of Green Gables.Now has come the time for Anne to leave Green Gables and she does for her "House of Dreams."

Once again there are new friends. One new friend Captain Jim is full of tales including the moving "Lost Margaret".

Joy comes to Anne and in one day leaves again in the form of little Joyce. But time and James Mathew cure Anne of her sadness, but the memory of little Joyce never leaves.

Mark Twain described Anne as "the most moving and delightful child of fiction since the immortal Alice."The "Anne" books have been best sellers since 1908. ... Read more

Reviews (33)

Anne and Gilbert FINALLY get married and set up house
"Anne's House of Dreams" is my least favorite of L. M. Montgomery's novels in the Anne of Green Gables series, which does not mean it is not a first-rate novel. For me, I guess it was a bit anticlimactic for Anne and Gilbert to finally get married, especially after it took three novels for the Anne girl to admit what everybody else knew from the start, that Anne Shirley and Gilbert Blythe were made for each other. But then I read the books in the order they are numbered and not the order in which Montgomery wrote them, in which case I would have skipped "Anne of Windy Poplars" and would therefore not have been bothered by all that time between the engagement and the wedding.

In this fifth Anne of Green Gables novel the newlyweds move into their House of Dreams and start their life together. For the first time Anne is more of an observer than a participant, as the two main characters of the book turn out to be the storytelling Captain Jim and the tragic but romantic figure of Leslie Moore. The most fascinating part of the novel is that the only way you can tell Anne is about to have a baby is that she stops going outside and Marilla shows up (and I have to admit I was shocked, shocked I tell you, that her son's first name is James rather than Matthew). Perhaps no other aspect of Montgomery's work gives us as good an indication that she is writing about another time.

After this volume the emphasis will be more on Anne's children and their friends than our beloved red-haired orphan, so "Anne's House of Dreams" is very much a transitional book in the series. As she becomes an adult and starts living a grown up life, Anne Shirley becomes less interesting to Montgomery than the children (and in "Rainbow Valley" the interesting ones are even the Blythe kids). It is nice to say that if this is the "low" point in the series, then other writers should be so lucky with their high points.

One of the best books in the Anne of Green Gables series!
This is about Anne Blythe and her husband Gilbert Blythe who, after their marriage move to a quaint little house and meet their few neighbors, one of which is Leslie Moore, a beautiful young woman who has suffered many tragedies. Anne strives to become her friend, and in doing so, she helps Leslie and shows her how to live life to its fullest. Anne's life takes a sharp turn when she suffers a tragedy herself. This book is full of surprises, humor, and fun.

I adore this book!
It is, in my opinion, the second best Anne book! Its Anne's wedding! The whole thing is soaked in romance! Leslie's story is so amazing and sweet that you have to love her. Captain Jim is so sweet and perfect, you can nearly see him. Miss Cornelia is funny and Susan is great. Anne has to deal with tragedy and joy that makes the books so wonderful. The only thing I don't like, is that i wish Marrilla and all the Avonlea people would be in it a little more. In my opinion, this should be where the series ends.

Okay.....
This was a good book with a delightful set of characters. My own personal favorite was captain Jim, with his stories about the sea, and of his lost love, "Lost Margaret." It's not just a happy book that bores us because Gilbert and Anne do lose a child, and they do quarell. However, I think my biggest dissapointment is the lack of Gilbret throughout the entire Anne series. Really, in Montgomeries books we see much more of the male friends of her heroines than their lovers. Gilbert as a character isn't built up at all, I don't really know anything about his personality. He's just a puppet. I'm so eager to know more about him, but it's like he's just a foil for Anne's character. If they were friends perhaps we would know more about his personality. I wish Anne had married someone like David in "Mistress Pat", Barney in "The Blue Castle" or Dean in "Emily's Quest" , or even Jingle in "Pat of Silver Bush."
The relationship between Pat and Jingle is especially moving. But because Gilbert and Anne did not grow up as friends the way Teddy and Emily, and Pat and Jingle did, it's hard to fully understand their feelings for one another...or appreciate the developement of their relationship. I was also dissapointed that Anne gave up her ambitions with marriage, although I understand that Montgomery must have been catering to what society wanted of her during that time period.

Slog on to Get to the Real Anne
Some of the wit and magic is missing from Anne's life in the beginning of this book. She's grown up, and there seems to be no real hurdles to cross, or conflict. It makes for a slow read for the first third of the book, while you wait for something to actually happen, instead of a completely idyllic life. Thankfully, things pick up by the 2nd third, and the reader is rewarded by the Anne we all know and care for- responding with love and romance to life's situations and participating in the redemption of those around her. Certainly the ending is a O'Henry twist you wouldn't ever expect. Here again is Anne that you have to sigh over in delight, and kick your feet in the air and laugh in the exhileration of love found again. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Lou Gerig's the Luckiest Man
THis is a good book for baseball fans all over. It's more of a kid's book, but it's got great info. It even has his "luckiest man in the world" speech in it! ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Great Book!
This book is about a 12 year old girl named Orphelia Bruce. She wants to be a star,but her mother won't let her perform anywhere except for in church.Orphelia's idol is coming to town to do a talent show named Madame Meritta.Orphelia can't perform because she had gotten into trouble earlier that day.So, Orphelia does what she has to do.That includes stowing away in in Madame's storage wagon.Pretty smart,huh? Anyway....oh, yes.She(Orphelia)gets to tag along with the show and even perform.She also unravles a secret to her family's past.LUCKY!!!!!!!

In Pursuit of a Dream
This book is one I would recommend for any reader interested in family and real life drama,adventure and pursuit of a life dream. It begins rather slowly, but once the book is finished you appreciate the amount of detail given to each character and situation. You are able to understand the mother's anger, the father's passive ways, and the daughter's passion to fulfill her dream. This book depicts life on the road as an entertainer and the life of African Americans during some very tense and tragic times in our history. Reuben (one of the characters) tugs at your heartstrings and gives insight of the fear that African Americans must have faced during those times. The ending became quite predictable, but was not exactly what you would call the perfect ending. I found myself wishing I could turn back the hands of time, right the wrongs, and have an ending that would leave me feeling comfortable and at peace. However, had the author had chosen to end her book in that manner, real life would not have been accurately portrayed.

More Adventure Than Mystery
Twelve-year-old Orphelia Bruce lives in Missouri in 1904. She's musically gifted and wants nothing so much as to play piano and sing. Orphelia's straight-laced mother wants Orphelia to confine her music to church. Madame Meritta, leader of a traveling minstrel show, is scheduled to conduct a talent show when she passes through Orphelia's town on her way to a performance at the St. Louis World's Fair. Acts from all over the county are coming to compete. The best act gets to be part of Madame's show at the Fair. But, when Orphelia gets into trouble, her mother won't allow her to take part in the talent show. Frustrated and angry, Orphelia runs away to join Madame Meritta's troupe. As events unfold, Orphelia learns some things about her family she didn't know. She also learns something about life on the road. Will Orphelia get to play in Madame Meritta's show? Will she get back to her family? Is the show business life as glamorous as Orphelia imagines? The answers to these questions and several others are in "The Minstrel's Melody".

This "history mystery" is more about Orphelia's adventures on the road than it is a mystery. Still, some interesting questions are raised and answered in the course of this book. It also has the more general virtues of all the books in this series: it is a good snapshot of life in a historical time and place removed from the present day, it has some worthwhile things to say about life in general, and it features a good leading character that most kids will identify with.

We (my daughter and I) rate this, and the entire series, a solid four stars. If you look at our reviews of other books in this series, you may see five stars on them. We tried to change that after reasoning that, if the Harry Potter books rated five stars, then these (being not THAT good -- few others in this genre are) rated four, but we didn't succeed. With four stars, though, "history mysteries" are still good reading and we still recommend them. If you haven't read any, give 'em a try.

Great History Mystery!!!
It's 1904, 12 year old,Orphelia Bruce has always wanted to sing and play her piano at the World's Fair in St. Louis and she wants to meet the famous Madame Meritta. She lives in Calico Creek, Missouri, and her mother finds it sinful to sing "Sassy" music and that only church music is acceptable. Her mother favors her daughter Pearl, who lies all the time, and her father just smokes all day. One day after she is forbidden to perform in the talent show she runs away and finds herself in one of Madame Meritta's coaches! There she gets acquainted with the strange and scraggly Reuben, Othello, and the glorious Madame Meritta herself. Orphelia finds out that show business is not as glamorous as she thought it would be and finds out spooky things about her family's past.

A girl's adventures with a traveling mintrel show in 1904.
The year is 1904. Twelve-year-old Orphelia Bruce hates her uneventful life in tiny Calico Creek, Missouri. She longs to leave her small town behind to join a traveling minstrel show. Singing and playing the piano is Orphelia's dream - but her mother disapproves. After her mother refuses to even let her perform in a local talent show, Orphelia runs away from home and joins Madame Meritta's traveling musician show, which is headed for the St. Louis World's Fair. But when Orphelia's hiding place is discovered, Madame Meritta decides to send her back home. Can Orphelia persuade her idol to allow her to remain with the show so she can finally achieve her dream? Although the beginning of this book was a bit slow-moving, after the first couple of chapters, I got caught up in the story. I reccomend this book to all readers of the History Mysteries series. ... Read more

Amazon.com

In 1595, Nzingha is the strong, intelligent daughter of the Ngola(leader) of the Mbundu people of Ndongo (in modern-day Angola), loyal to herpeople and willing to fight for them. Unfortunately, because she is a girl, herbrother is the favored child, in training to become the next Ngola, even thoughhe is whiny, stupid, and slow (according to Nzingha). But Ajala, a respectedseer, believes that Nzingha is destined to be the leader of Ndongo, and beginspreparing her for this future. Nzingha's father fights to keep the Portuguesefrom taking over their homeland, yet it is Nzingha, ultimately, who acts as thego-between for her people and the Portuguese, negotiating acceptable relationsin order to keep peace and power for the Mbundu.

Based on true historical events, places, people, and customs, this novelportrays the fascinating details of a remarkable young woman's strength andcourage in defending her world against subterfuge, spies, and the onslaught ofthe Portuguese. Historical notes, photos, illustrations, maps, the Ngola familytree, and a glossary and pronunciation guide are included for a comprehensiveunderstanding of a complex era. Patricia McKissack is the well-respected andaward-winning author of over 100 children's books and historical novels,including the Newbery Honor book The Dark-Thirty: Southern Tales of theSupernatural and ColorMe Dark: The Diary of Nellie Lee Love (from the Dear America series).(Ages 9 to 12) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (37)

I don't even know why it was written!
I am a huge fan of the Royal Diaries. The Royal Diaries is possibly my favorite series ever for young adults. I had seen some bad reviews for this book, and I didn't expect to buy it. Then I realized that if I wanted to have the whole collection, I should just give it a try.
So I bought the book, and I fell in love with it. Nzingha's spirit and spunk seemed to leap out of the pages. It was great, and exciting to read.I didn't know why people hated it so much. Then when the real plot of the book started to show, it got very boring. I don't know how to explain it. The real problem or plot was, like, in the last 20 pages. I felt like I had missed something when I finished it. It was way too short.
I also noticed at the sections at the end of the book, that barely anything is known about Nzhinga, except that she used a servent as a chair (?) and used to hunt. How can you write a good, thorough book about that!? About 60% of Warrior Queen of Matamba is just FICTION. No real historical fact.
I would buy this if you are collecting the whole series, but don't expect much out of this. If you are looking for a Royal Diaries book to buy, get the one about Elizabeth or Marie Antoinette. Those are good starters... not this one.

A very good book even if it is short
Nzingha is an excellant book. It was very short no question but it was still fabulous. What I liked about this book was she wasn't your average princess living in luxery she was couragous, strong, she liked to hunt and stuff like that. The one problem is thta is it very short and they left of when it was getting good. It gives alot of info about Africa in the 15oo's. It's a great book eveb if it is short and it's still worth buying!

Nzingha: Warrior Queen of Matamba
If you want to read this book, I strongly suggest you get it out from a local library because this is one book that I believe was a complete waste of time. At first glance, it looks interesting; don't be fooled, its not.

Warrior Princess
Nzingha is the eldest daughter of Ngola Mdambi Kiluanji second wife Kangela. She longs to rule and understands her people but no woman has ever ruled her tribe before and her bratty brother who cares nothing for the people is to inherit the throne.She is sent to the Portugese city to try to find some way to stop them from taking her people as slaves. She herself is nearly captured.

The book was really to short to develope the charecters well.
It wasn't great. If you are new to the series do not read this one first.

Nzingha:Warrior Queen of the book failiures
Nzingha: Warrior Queen of Matamba

Sound interesting? It will at first glance. Now lets take a look inside. You read the first few pages and you will most likely decide to put the book down and never look at it again. The book is short, but the characters are boring, they have no personality at all. Really, they should have put some more OOMPH!! into the book to make it more interesting. You wondered why Nzingha got such a lowere reanking than the other Royal Diaries books. Well now you know why. If you want to read it, check it out from some library or borrow it. Don't buy it, it's a waste of money. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Fun!
I am an art teacher and a student showed me this book. It is great!! So cute and helpful for young artists!

American Girl
Good book to explain drawing, shows how to create faces animals and more. A good gift for the young doodler ... Read more