Book Description

Who in his right mind wants to talk to a shrink? I don't want to talk about anything. I don't want to feel anything, taste anything ... or anything. The lyrics "just dying to die" run around in my brain day and night...

Fifteen-year-old Sam is in pain. He comes to the therapist's office unwillingly, angry, depressed, and filled with guilt over his own self-destructive behavior. He is being drawn deeper and deeper into a black hole of despair from which he sees no way out.

The Road Back

This is the Real-life story of Sam's Recovery, told from tapes of his therapy sessions. It tells what drove him to leave home, how he survived on the street, and why he was desperate to escape from the brutality of the gang that had become his "family" and from the torment of his own self-loathing. For every teen who has experienced the pain and loneliness of a no-way-out darkness, and for all those who love them, here is the light that can lead the way back.

Reviews (22)

It was ok
This was a good book, but it was kind of boring to me. All Sammy did throughout the book was go to a phsychiatrist's office. This book took me a very long time to read, not because I didn't like it but because it took place in a shrink's office. I didn't like how it was just recordings edited and put onto a piece of paper. I did like this book at the end, it's just that the beggining was hard to get into.

my reading book
almost lost is a true story of an anonymous teenagers life on the streets. I like this book because I like to read books that are true like this book and the book named what happened to nancy. Almost lost is the real life story of a boy named Samuel. It tells what drove him to leave home, how hesurvived in the street, and why he was desperate to scape from the brutality of the gang that had become his family.

No.
This book was terribly hard to follow... i dont know if its just me but the whole therepy tape style just wasnt working for me. Plus... it didnt seem real... the realationship between sammy and the lady just sounded so... fake and... like a cheesy script or something. i didnt really like the book.

Could Be Better
This book seems very interesting at first glance. But once you start reading it you start to realise how very unrealistic it is, this does NOT seem like it is a true story. It's hard to believe that Sammy comes in depressed and angry the first day yet, seems excited and very willing to get over his problems the next. I was VERY disappointed with this book, the only thing that's the least bit interesting about it, is the story about Sammy's past which doesn't do very much for the whole book.

ok...................but
THIS WAS OK BUT IT HAD ALOT OF OVER DRAMATISING FEATURES IN IT. I THOUGHT THE BOOK WAS VERY INTERESTING IT HAD ALOT OF MEANING TO IT BUT WAS WIERD. THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE SHRINK AND SAMMY WAS WEIRD. I DIDNT UNDERSTAND WHY SHE WOULD SAY GOOD MORNING SUNSHINNING SAMMY? THAT WAS WIERD TO ME THEY SEEMED ALOT CLOSER THAN WHAT THE BOOK TELLS. ... Read more

Book Description

During World War II a community called Manzanar was hastily created in the high mountain desert country of California, east of the Sierras. Its purpose was to house thousands of Japanese American internees. One of the first families to arrive was the Wakatsukis, who were ordered to leave their fishing business in Long Beach and take with them only the belongings they could carry. For Jeanne Wakatsuki, a seven-year-old child, Manzanar became a way of life in which she struggled and adapted, observed and grew. For her father it was essentially the end of his life.

At age thirty-seven, Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston recalls life at Manzanar through the eyes of the child she was. She tells of her fear, confusion, and bewilderment as well as the dignity and great resourcefulness of people in oppressive and demeaning circumstances. Written with her husband, Jeanne delivers a powerful first-person account that reveals her search for the meaning of Manzanar.

Farewell to Manzanar has become a staple of curriculum in schools and on campuses across the country. Last year the San Francisco Chronicle named it one of the twentieth century"s 100 best nonfiction books from west of the Rockies. ... Read more

Reviews (112)

A beautiful and heartfelt book
Farewell to Manzanar is an autobiography by Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston,who was a little girl when she and her family were placed in a Japanese internment camp during World War II. The book begins when Pearl Harbor is bombed. She is seven years old. About a month after, Jeanne and her family are moved to Manzanar, where the government has set up camps for Japanese-Americans, who they fear won't be loyal to America. Jeanne writes about Manzanar as the place where her life began. She describes her life there as a child. As the book continues and her family leaves Manzanar, she writes about the impact of Manzanar on her and the other members of her family.
Throughout the rest of her childhood, Jeanne tries to find herself and understand how to live in the world given her race and heritage. She struggles living up to her father's expectations. She does not find total peace with her own identity until she returns to Manzanar thirty years after she first went there.
The book not only focuses on Jeanne's life, but also tunes into the rest of her family's. It shows how her mother feels disgusted by the camp, the way her brother is transforming from a boy to a man, and about her fathers mental and physical downfall.

American treatment to Japanese during WWII
this book is written in first person by Jeanne Wakatsuki. It starts out when Japan bombs Pearl Harbor. The FBI then sends all of the Japanese living in the U.S. (or at least that area) to live at a concentration camp, Manzanar. But Jeanne's father is separated from the rest of the family because he's arrested by the FBI. 9 months later, he joins the rest of the family, but has now change, he now drinks a lot, has a bad attitude, and beats his wife. To distract herself, Jeanne tries out baton twirling at camp. Finally, the people at m,anzanar are granted freedom when the United States wins WWII because they bombed Hiroshima. Jeanne's father, mother, and sister don't move out yet, they stay a while longer, until they are forced toleave camp. That is when Jeanne's father decides to move near Long Beach CA, where Jeanne meets her new best friend, Radine, the typical american girl. As Jeanne grows, she realizes how racist people are to her just because she's japanese. Finally, she has her moment of glory, but is then ruined by other's feelings of racism. Years later, Jeanne gets married and goes back to Manzanar to see what's left of it, but it's mostly bad memories. i thought this was a good book because since the authors tells us the story in first person, she can add more feeling and emotions to the book. what i didn't like was that some parts were confusing, i didn't know whether she was telling us what was happening right then or whether she was remebering. overall i say it was a good book. the theme, racism, is very clear throughout the entire book.

A story as relevant today as ever
When I first read this book 2 decades ago, I read it to learn about a history that I hoped our government would atone for. In fact, later, the US government did make reparations, and I had hoped that that would be the end of that story.

But today post 9/11, the same issues have arisen. This time, it is not Japanese-Americans, but Americans of Middle-Eastern descent. Today, the US Supreme Court announced its decision in "Hamdi v. Rumsfeld" in which a US citizen of Middle-Eastern descent was being held prisoner indefinitely by the US government even though there has been no trial and Hamdi has no access to a lawyer. The Supreme Court wisely said that this was unacceptable. In many sections of the opinion, the Court kept referring to the lessons we learned from the Japanese-American internment experience that is described in this book.

When times are stressful and we feel like we are being attacked by the enemy, it is easy to conclude that anyone who looks like the enemy should be detained, even without any evidence that that person did anything wrong. I hope that all people who feel that racial profiling is appropriate (or that all Middle Eastern people are suspect) read this book. Maybe this book will change their minds.

Jeanne Wakatsuki A Japanese American
Farewell to Manzanar was written by a Japanese American named Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston and her husband James D. Houston. They wrote this book about how her life was in the Manzanar camp. They wrote the book in memory of her father Ko, her mother Riku, and her brother Woodrow M. Wakatsuki. My favorite character in this book was Jeanne's mom Riku. She was a very strong willed and strong minded person. Riku, the mother, reminds me a lot of me because she does some things that I did for my husband when I was still with him.
I can relate to Riku because she was with an abusive and alcoholic husband. I also was with an abusive husband who used drugs. I don't see how we put up with it, but her husband changed and my husband just got worse; I ended up leaving him. I also don't think I can relate to the other characters in the story because I have never been in a camp that had so many rules and boundaries.
I like this book very much because I like learning and reading about different cultures and how they live their lives. Some stories don't have a happy ending but I think this one has a pretty good ending to it. My favorite part of the book was when Ko Wakatsuki had and interview at Fort Lincoln. The reason I enjoy this part is he was being a smart-alecky person about the whole interview and it made me laugh. Ko is asked questions more than one time, and after a while he began asking the questions and it makes the interviewer very mad. My least favorite part about the book is when Mama is being abused by her husband. I don't see how she stood by him that long.
I don't think I would change any part of the story. This story happened in real life to the Wakatsuki family and we can't change what really took place. The story pretty much has a good ending. They got out of Manzanar camp with their dignity.
I highly recommend people read this book about Japanese Americans because it is very interesting to know what happened. It is not easy to hear, see or read about how the different cultures were treated.

Powerful story of an American family's struggle
"Farewell to Manzanar" is by Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston and James D. Houston. In a foreword Jeanne Houston notes that this book, which tells about the internment of a Japanese-American family during World War II, is a true story. "Farewell" is a rich and fascinating chronicle. The Houstons follow the lives of the members of the Wakatsuki family before, during, and after the experience of internment.

The narrative is full of compelling details of the family's experiences. It is particularly intriguing to watch how the internment camp evolved into "a world unto itself, with its own logic"--a "desert ghetto." During the course of the book the authors discuss many important topics: religion, education, anti-Asian bigotry, the impact of the Pearl Harbor attack, the military service of Japanese-Americans during the war, and more.

The Houstons write vividly of the dislocation, humiliation, and injustice faced by the Wakatsuki family. Also powerful is the narrator's struggle to come to terms with her own ethnic identity.

For an interesting companion text, I would suggest "Desert Exile," by Yoshiko Uchida; this book also deals with the internment experience, but from a somewhat different perspective which complements that of the Houstons. I was moved by "Farewell." The book is a profound meditation on both the hope and the tragedy of the United States, in which the "American dream" can become intermingled with American nightmares. I consider this book an important addition to Asian-American studies in particular, and to the canon of multiethnic U.S. literature in general. ... Read more

Book Description

Summer is here!

The warm days of summer have arrived, and that means Laura gets to spend fun-filled days outdoors!

Book Description

Reviews (4)

DANDELIONS by Eve Bunting
DANDELIONS is a very moving story. It does an excellent job in describing the struggles and bravery of a pioneer family. Although it doesn't detail why the family had to leave Illinois (their home), it does show readers that even back then parents may not have always agreed on family issues. Through the dialogue in the story it is apparent that the family wants their apprehensive, pregnanat mother to be happy, and they strive to make her so. The painted illustrations by Shed were very true-to-life and warm; they establish the setting and mood of each page. Further, the pictures helped define the characters by showing emotion through facial expressions and body language. Of course, those factors contributed in reinforcing the text. Despite the fact that the artwork has a warm fuzz to it (almost giving a surrealistic feel), attention to detail was definitely established, giving the story realism and life.

Dandelions
This beautifully illustrated(Greg Shed) picture book tells the story of a pioneer family settling in the Mid-West. Mama, Papa and their two daughters, Zoe and Rebecca have left the security of home in Illinois to settle on the Prairie. Papa and Zoe make a pact that they will help Mama feel better about living on the Prairie. After Zoe and her sister plant a patch of dandelions on the roof of their sod house, Mama agrees that their family is hardy and will bloom just as the dandelions are sure to do. This book, told from Zoe's viewpoint, is a touching recount of the feelings of the sodbusters. Would be very useful for primary teachers and media specialists in the mid-west states.

Dandelions, A Wonderful Book
My third grade class read Dandelions as a large group. We loved the pictures and the characters.It was very interesting learning about the way families settled the land. We decided that the book was showing us that families are like dandelions and they both grow with love and caring.

I cried and cried!!
This is my most favorite children's book in the whole world. If you miss out on this book, you're missing the best! The illustrations are incredible, and the story is one that touches the heart. ... Read more

Book Description

Illus. in full color. Youngsters can celebrate the 500th anniversary of

Columbus's fateful voyage with this dramatic, easy-to-read account of a pivotal

moment in American history. "Enlivened by attractive full-color artwork,

including maps and a cutaway view of the ship, the straightforward account is a

good choice at this reading level."--Booklist.




... Read more

Reviews (1)

Good Starter Book For Learning About Columbus.
Hi!:) This book is nice and informative without being too long and boring. It will most likely appeal to children around 5 or 6 through about 9 or 10. After that, they may want to read another, more in depth biography about this remarkable and fearless sailor and explorer.
The illustrations are realistic and well done.
I, as a parent, felt that the ending was a bit weak, but children will certainly gain a better understanding and clearer picture of the explorer, and his sacrifices, upon reading this book. Wording is simple and uncomplicated. A step 2 book.
Good information, good book!~ ... Read more

Book Description

Us and Them illuminates the dark corners of our nation's past and traces our ongoing efforts to live up to the American ideals of equality and justice. Fourteen case studies--enhanced through the use of original documents, historical photos, newly commissioned paintings, and dramatic narrative--bring readers a first-hand account of the history and psychology of intolerance. We read about Mary Dyer, executed for her Quaker faith in Boston in 1660. We learn how the Mormons were expelled from Missouri in 1838. The attack on Chinese miners in Wyoming in 1885, the battle of Wounded Knee in 1890, the Ku Klux Klan activities in Mobile, Alabama in 1981, and the Crown Heights riot in 1991 are among the memorable episodes presented in clear, evocative language that brings to life history that is often forgotten or slighted. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

The Face of Prejudice
In an age of sanitized history and calls for revisionism that make people feel comfortable, there is a great need for more books like Jim Carnes' history of intolerance in America. With 128 pages of text and 16 concise chapters this book corrects much of the white washing that is taking place in much longer history texts, even at the college level. Religious liberty, Native American exile, freedom from slavery, racial extermination, and ethnic tensions are highlighted with graphic images and easily accessible narratives. The trials of diverse groups such as Mormons, Catholics, Chinese, Native Americans, Jewish immigrants, Mexican Americans, Japanese citizens, and just playing Americans are dramatically highlighted in an unforgettable montage of images and words that give the lie to the "melting pot" that is the United States.

Paintings, etchings, drawings, and photographs illustrate in no uncertain terms would hate has done to this country. More than that the pictures combined with the simple prose personalizes each inequity that is introduced. For example, "A Rose for Charlie" presents photographs of the community disrupted by hate, as well as that community's response to the hate. From photographs of hate speech scrawled on walls to portraits of citizens mourning the victim of a deadly hate crime present a view of America that could not be farther from the Norman Rockwell ideal we all wish this country would be. For those interested, a fictionalized account of this particular crime can be found in "The Drowning of Stephan Jones" by Bette Greene, which chronicles the death of the young man simply because of who he loved.

It should be an essential book for all classrooms.

An important book for educators
I used this book in both my 6th and 8th grade classrooms with great success. I embarked on a diversity project using it and the video (which I strongly recommend); it's an excellent starting point because its scope is so wide and yet it gives very detailed accounts of intolerance in America, starting from the beginning (you see, we have a rather long history of intolerance). Middle school students find it interesting and easy to understand, and it's perfect for the teacher because it covers many ethnic and racial groups in the U.S.. Use this book! It's very important.

This book effectively tells the story and links oppressions.
This terrific book effectively tells the story of oppression inthe United States and subtly connects the interrelatedness ofoppressions by putting the chapters side by side. The information and sidebars are magnificent in their detail and it is nice to have many sides of history that are so rarely shown. I learned more about history from this book than any history textbook I can remember. The stories of racial, religious, ethnic, and gay oppressions become human stories in this book--hopefully stories that we can learn from and choose not to repeat. ... Read more

Book Description

Young Sacajawea has been asked to join Lewis and Clark in their exploration of the American West. As a translator, peacemaker, caretaker, and guide, Sacajawea made the historic journey of Lewis and Clark possible. This captivating novel which alternates between the points of view of Sacajawea and William Clark provides an intimate glimpse into what it would have been like to witness firsthand this fascinating time in our history. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Enjoyable
Sacajawea was the Indian teen that acted as guide and translator to Louis and Clark's expedition across the north-western territory that would soon become part of the United States with the Louisianna Purchase. Read about Sacajawea's early years, how she was pledged in marriage as a child. Stolen by a raiding party when only eleven and subsequently lost to a traveler while the new tribe was gambling with her. Married soon there after and giving birth all before the age of sixteen. And the interesting part of her life was yet to come.

The book also covers the expedition and its encounters while exploring the new land and the many Indian tribes the met. It is told in alternating view points of Sacajawea and Captain Clark. Their views on the happenings around them are very interesting. It is apparent how time and time again Sacajawea, or Janey as the expetition named her, was indespensible. Read between the lines to see the bond that formed between Sacajawea and Captain Clark.

This is an outstanding book that I recommend to adults as well as teens. Very informative and easy to read. The chapters were short and it was interesting how they altered from one view to the other and back.

Fantastic!! A joy to read.
I think one of the best things about this version of the Lewis and Clark story is the way the author alternated chapters by Sacajawea and Captain Clark. The whole book is told as a collections of stories for Sacajawea's son, Pomp, who was a favorite of Captain Clark. Their separate characters and backgrounds, American and Indian, shine through their versions of the memorable moments of the voyage to the Pacific Ocean and back.

This may be listed as a book for children, but it should not be labeled for any particular age group. Adults will enjoy it too.

The book so clearly points out the great optimisim of the early explorers that led them through dangerous situations with such confidence. The reliance upon actual texts from the participants of the voyage make this a very authentic story.

Not just for teens
I got this book for my 10 year old daughter, but I picked it up and found I couldn't put it down. It was a wonderfully entertaining story full of historical detail, and as told from the 2 points of view, Clark and Sacagawea, it just came alive in my mind. Joseph Bruchac tells a fascinating story and educates at the same time. I highly recommend this book for teens as well as adults.

Good historical fiction
I really enjoyed this book! I have always found the Lewis and Clark expedition to be fascinating, and this book combines the viewpoints of William Clark and Sacajawea. The two are telling their tales of the expedition to Sacajawea's son, and the story includes Native American legends as well as actual excerpts from William Clark's trip journals. I would recommend this book to any teens interested in the Lewis and Clark expedition.

Sacajawea
This is a great book. Full of adventure and dangers. I lovedit and will read it again! END ... Read more

Reviews (140)

The most realistic book ever (so far that I've read).
This book was tragic But adventureous. I felt like I was Hattie. It is about a girl who leaves her hometown in Booneville, Missora and heads out west to Oregon. Their are a lot of deaths in the story but none of Hattie's family members died on the Oergon trail so don't worry. I'm eight and I didn't have nightmares for a week but if I were you I would not let anybody under eight read this. they may get scared. There are great characters like Pepper, Gideon, Wade, Ben, Jake and of course Hattie Campell. If you like adventure and danger I recomend this book to you.

Good Book!!
In the 1800's, many people traveled the Oregon Trail in search of a better life. Hattie Campbell and her family were no exception. While traveling the Oregon Trail, Hattie kept a diary of her adventures she faced while making the long, hard journey. In her diary, Hattie tells of the hardships that the wagon train faced such as disease, theft, and exposure to the elements. This book is appealing to children grades 5 and up. Teachers, as well as parents, can use this book to teach their students about the Westward Expansion of the United States.

We read this book for our education class at the University of Mississippi. Hattie Campbell explains her adventures in such a way that it motivates anyone who is reading this book to become interested in the Westward Expansion. As teacher candidates, we quickly realized that this book could be integrated into all subject areas. This selection is an easy read and once started you will not want to put it down until the last page is read.

Oregon Here We Come!
Across the Wide and Lonesome Prairie: The Oregon Trail Diary of Hattie Campbell by Kristiana Gregory, is a novel about a 14 year old girl and her family traveling west to Oregon. Hattie goes through everything you can think of. She goes through the emotion of love, hate, anger, and sadness. Of course she has a good time sometimes, but it was a hard struggel moving west. Some turned back and some went on. Did they go all the way? You will have to read it yourself and find out. The setting is all the way from Missouri all the way up the Oregon Trail. Tootles from Mayflower.

Yet Another 8th Grade Review
I really liked reading this book. I give it 5 stars because the Donner family are canibles. Anyway it is about this girl who gets excited about moving to Oregon. Her grandpa falls out of his coffin in the begining which causes them to move. Along the way she makes a friend and they make all sorts of plans for when they get there, but something happens and Hattie, the girl's plans are ruined. So Hattie doesn't know if she will make it. Read this book!

A Great book about westward expansion
Across the wide and lonesome prairie was a great book! It was written by Kristiana Gregory. It was full of adventure. Some parts were sad and some were kind of funny. This is great for girls to read. They can connect to the young teenage girl (Hattie) in the story. Hattie faces a long hard journey to Oregon. She deals with a lady in her wagon train that steals from other families. Hattie almost loses her younger siblings and she has to deal with a lot of deaths of friends. This is a great book and full of adventure! ... Read more

Book Description

Pirates will often carry their knives in their mouths, although the practice is frowned upon by the American Dental Association. ... Read more

Reviews (13)

A great read for dads and sons...
My son is 5 and he asks me to read this one alot. We've read it all the way through several times and I'm sure we will some more. So Bleearrrggg and Shiver-me-timbers! Set sail for a fun time with your kids. A great book for little pirates and big ones too.

If this is a children's book, can I be a child again?
A couple years back I suffered an eye injury, and as a result I had to wear a drugstore-issue eye patch for a while. Now, when you're wearing an eye patch you find yourself answering a lot of questions. Understandably, I began to pepper my answers with words like "Aaaaaarrrggh" and "Matey."

So when Tom Lichtenheld's book "Everything I Know About Pirates" came out, I had to look into it - if only to pick up some tips about my new high-seas alter ego. I picked up a lot more than I'd bargained for.

Lichtenheld has produced a children's book predicated on the gleeful acknowledgement that he knows absolutely nothing about the subject at hand: pirates. But he forges ahead fearlessly with preposterous explanations of who the pirates are and what makes them tick. It's dopey, smart, hilarious stuff - that rare brand of humor that manages to make rather profound sense by throwing logic out the door. The brand of humor that's been proven effective at turning kids into masses of laughing jelly. The brand of humor that a lot of us grown-ups would do well to get back in touch with.

Lichtenheld not only wrote the book; he illustrated it, too. And the drawings are every bit the equal of the writing. Detailed, witty, filled with hidden jokes that reward repeated readings, they make "Pirates" a delight even for kids so young they wouldn't know a printed word from a soiled diaper.

In sum, "Everything I Know About Pirates" is like a mom or dad who can spin funny, wonderful bedime stories out of thin air, time after time. In other words, a rarity. If you have kids, you and they will both love it. If you don't have kids...well, this book might make you want to.

Forget the kids!
As a 45 year old Kindergarten teacher, I picked this book up over summer and had tears in my eyes I was laughing so hard! Lichtenheld's pictures are comical, too. I hope he writes many more "everything I know about..." books. I hope to have my students write 'everything I know' essays.

A boys favourite!
My 6 year old son thinks this book is wonderful. I recommend it for boys aged 5-9.

great read, even for adults
The older I get the more I enjoy childrens books, and I really enjoy them when they're intelligent, witty, charming, well illustrated and "Everything...Pirates" is all the above and more. From the intricately drawn end covers to the tiny comments hidden around the pages, this is a tour inside a child's mind of all those questions that needed answers about pirates. Highly recommended! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Highly Recommended
Katie and the Mona Lisa is a truly excellent book. My 4 yr old daughter likes to both draw and read. This is ideal for our bedtime reading -- it engages her, helping to her develop her imagination and learn a bit about art. I'm looking forward to going to an art museum, where I intend to ask my daughter which painting she'd like to crawl into! I also can't wait to buy the others in the series. Honestly!

Meet the Masters of the Italian Renissance
Katie is back visiting her favorite place, the art museum, with her Grandma. On this outing she stands in front of the picture of the Mona Lisa. "I wish I knew what is making you smile", she wonders. And with that, the Mona Lisa invites her into the painting. Katie steps over the frame and enters the world of the Italian Renaissance..... James Mayhew, author of Katie Meets the Impressionists, has written and illustrated another wonderfully inventive story, full of witty text and expressive artwork, that will transport youngsters back in time and send them on a very creative adventure. Poor Mona Lisa is sad and lonely, sitting in that chair without visitors for hundreds of years. So, Katie takes her "out" to meet new friends...They visit St. George from Raphael's St. George and the Dragon, dance with the beautiful women in Botticelli's Primavera and fly to Venice on Carpaccio's The Lion of St. Mark, causing a little trouble and leaving a bit of chaos in their wake. But fortunately, all is sorted out and put right in the end by the angel from da Vinci student's An Angel With a Lute. Katie and the Mona Lisa is an amusing and inspired story that will captivate children 4-8 with its magic and offers a terrific and imaginative introduction to the paintings of the Italian Renaissance.

A Captivating Introduction to Fine Art
I bought this book for my two year old daughter, and she loves it! The story itself is charming. As "Katie" steps into and out of various paintings in the art museum, she meets the people in the paintings. The author includes a little fact about each painting and/or artist within the text of the story. At the end of the story, the author gives more detailed information about every painting included in the book. The illustrations are also fabulous! Our whole family enjoys this book, and now our 2 year old recognizes the Mona Lisa when she sees "her." ... Read more

Book Description

Joe Stoshack lives for baseball. He knows everything there is to know about the game -- except how to play well. His specialty is striking out. Stosh feels like a real loser, and when he takes a low-paying job cleaning a bunch of junk out of his neighbor's attic, he feels even worse -- until he comes across a little piece of cardboard that takes his breath away. His heart is racing. His brain is racing. He can hardly believe his eyes. Stosh has stumbled upon a T-206 Honus Wagner -- the most valuable baseball card in the world! And he's about to find out that it's worth a lot more than money....

Reviews (27)

Home Run!!!!!
The book that I read was really good. it is called Honus and Me by Dan Gutman. If you like baseball,then I think you would like this book. It is about a kid names Stosh who plays baseball, he's also a big baseball card collector. One day, he finds a Honus Wagner card! (these are very rare) Stosh isn't rich but he wouldn't call himself poor. His parents split up when he was younger and his mom doesn't make that much money. The card that he was holding was worth half a million dollars! Stosh goes to bed that night and wishes that he could go back in time and meet Honus himself. He feels a tingling sensation in the tips of his fingers just before he falls asleep. It turns out that he has the ability to go back in time! This adventure continues throughout the book as Stosh and Honus play in the world series and sign autograpghs. This action packed adventure is really good and everyone should read it. Even if you don't like baseball, you should also read other books by Dan Gutman.

Cool Book!
When a boy finds a VERY RARE baseball card in someone's attic, he is faced with the decision whether to return it or not. There are only 40 of these cards in the world! With this card he is able to meet the baseball star Honus Wagner. He goes back in time and finds himself an adult, bats for Honus Wagner because Honus's hand was hurt, and actually hits a home run! I am no baseball fan, but I have read ALL of Dan's books about baseball and loved them, and this was probably my favorite. P.S. This has a surprising ending, which is really cool, but I'll let you find out about that for yourself!

A sports lovers adventure
A Sports Lovers Fantasy!!!!!
Honus and Me by
Dan Gutman

This is a book about a kid who loves sports.In this book he finds thathe has a magical he can go back in time and visit famous baseball players from that time.
A exciting part in this book is when Hounus is playing in the world series.((As honus trooted in from his shortstop position at the end of the inning, he looked straight at me and patted his right shoulderwith his left hand.)) (( The signal.)) You will have to read the book to see what is going to happen.
I think probally a boy who likes sports books would like this story.This book has fantasy,history, and many other subjects.It is a great mystery and pepole who like old baseball history would ike this book to.
I would give this book a 4 out of 5. It is a short bookso if you need to do a book project it is very easy to read and a very fun book to read.This is my favorite book of all time and I would recomnd this book.

we love dan gutman's baseball card adventure books!
my 7 1/2 year old son (he's an above-grade reader) has read all five, and loved all of, dan gutman's baseball card books. i had the privilege of listening to one on tape -- this one, honus & me. it is well-told with great morality lessons and interesting historical information. Dan Gutman is the perfect author for baseball loving little boys. We both cant wait for his next.

GREAT BOOK FOR SPORTS FANS BY:KELSEY K
Honus and Me is a great book. It's about this little boy named Joe. He loves to collect baseball cards. One day he bought a pack of cards and found a one-of-a-kind Honus Wagner card, What he didn't know was that the card had a special power, ( You need to read the book to find out)

My favorite character was Joe. He was a good kid who loved baseball. I like him a lot because I am a big sports fan also.

My favorite part of the book was when Joe played in the major league game. He got to experience something that no other kid has done before.

I would encourage SPORTS FANS to read this book. Even if you aren't a big sports fan I still think you would really enjoy this book. ... Read more

Reviews (25)

A funfilled andventure to the river sea
I have to say, Journey to the river sea was the best book I've ever read in my live. Maia, the heroine of the story, has gone with her new governess, Miss Minton to the amazon because there, her only relations are living. Because when she was little, her parents tragicly died.
In the amazon, they meet an actor, an heir to a great estate and put their lives in danger to help their frinds.
This is a brilliant story of friendship, love and loss.

Journey to the River Sea Book Review
Journey to the River Sea
By: Ibbotson, Eva
Reviewed by: J. Lee
Period:1

Journey to the River Sea is a great book! Maia is a girl who lives in a boarding school unfortunately because her parents died in Egypt. She has no other live relatives, and is forced to go to boarding school. One day later, her lawyer tells her they have found some relatives, living in Brazil. They arranged for Maia to live with the Carters, her relatives. Maia thought she would find adventure exploring and a loving and kind family who would show her the Amazon. But instead she learns the Carters are definitely afraid of bugs and animals and won't step outside into the "wild". Maia doesn't really like anything about her "new" life, except her governess, Miss Minton. When one of her friends, Clovis, needs to get back to England, she makes a plan to get him out. In the story, Finn, her other friend, is a part of her plan for Clovis. This book has amazing adventures and much more than I expected. It also tells a lot about the Amazon and what the life was like. Even though the author did not use magic, as she had done so in her other books, she has made another spectacular book!

I like this book because it told of a great adventure that a little girl had. She had to make a lot of plans to get away from the twins and the Carters. Minty, Miss Minton, tries to help Maia escape the treacherous Carters and hide Finn and Clovis from them. This book was like going to a jungle and having fun.

" Maia? Where's Maia?" this quote was significant in the book because Maia was thought to have die in the Carter's burning house but she escaped. Miss Minton found Maia and was able to run away from the Carters. "Would you like to be our governess?" Miss Minton was offered a job as the governess for Sergi. But she refused for she only wanted to be the governess for Maia.

My favorite part of the book is when Maia and Miss Minton first arrive in the Amazon. The author of this book describes the Amazon very clearly. She tells you how the fruits look and how the people lived their lives by selling animals. This was like a movie but you get to watch it for free and you see the real deal. (no altering in the story)

What a book! Journey to the River Sea.
This book was warm and touching even though there were some hard words and the first few pages were tough as I could not fully get into the plot. Then it suddenly grabbed me and I could not put the book down and the plot of the story got better and better! The story was of a girl (Maia), an orphan, who is told that her uncle has been found, and lives in the Amazon which she is thoroughly pleased about. Even though the remarks from the girls in her class could put you off thinking of going, let alone going through with the thought! So Maia sets off with her governess for her new life. There was only one bad thing about this book which is I haven't found a book so far which matches its high standard.

loved this book
if you like adventure,humour and mystery all rolled in one this is the book for you. i really enjoyed maia's journey. while soem conclusions wre obvious-the book was good fun to read.

competent but not brilliant
Maia is a well-off orphan in 1910 London sent up the Amazon to live with distant relatives. Accompanied by a stern, but ultimately Cool, governess she is caught in the conflit between the natural world and European civilization. Compelling characters, easy to follow, I saw every plot twist coming a mile away. A fine book for 4th or 5th grade, but nothing to get overly excited about. The way the omniscient pov was handled felt clumsy. ages 10+ ... Read more

Reviews (112)

The best Holocaust book I have read for a long time.
The Holocaust was a horrible time for everyone. The Holocaust began when the Germans were losing World War II. Hitler, a German dictator, wanted to feel powerful, even when his country was almost defeated. Since the Americans were too strong to be hurt, Hitler began to believe that all Jews were different and did not deserve to be treated equally. By abusing and killing them, he could get his sense of power and make another complication for the Americans. He began sending the Jews in small countries, like Hungary, to concentration camps. There they were forced to work long hours of labor with little food. In these camps there were rooms, called gas ovens, where Jews were killed if they were too weak or there wasn't enough room in the camps. Sometimes hundreds were killed at a time. Very few Jews during the Holocaust survived, but those that did can tell us how they were mistreated just because of their beliefs. Livia Bitton-Jackson is one of those survivors and in her book, "I Have Lived a Thousand Years" she retells her history of growing up in the Holocaust filled with suffering and pain.
In a small town called Somorja, a thirteen year old girl named Ellike lived with her mother, father, and her brother named Bubi. This was before Hitler invaded her town and Elli was happy. She went to school, attended her synagogue, and wrote poetry. She studied very hard in school because she wanted to enroll in a nice school in Budapest where Bubi went. Budapest was on a very nice side of town with big buildings and paved streets. On Somorja there were no fancy schools, buildings, and the only paved street was the main road and Elli dreamed of seeing it. But her dreams were shattered when the Germans invaded Budapest during the night. Luckily Elli's brother dodged the Germans and got on a train back to Somorja before they had a chance to close the train station. Most of Bubi's classmates were caught and shipped to concentration camps. Next, Hitler started to pass laws. The Jewish schools were closed. They were forced to surrender all of their jewelry and most valued possessions. They had to wear a yellow start to show they were Jews. They could not talk to Christians. Finally, they were moved to the ghetto, a small cramped area where twenty Jewish families were forced to live in the same small yard. Sometimes, there were eight different families living in the same house. A few days before the relocation of that specific ghetto, German soldiers came. They demanded that everyone bring any books, scrolls, or even pictures to them for safe keeping while the Jews were moved. They were hesitant but they had no choice, so they carried all of their books into the front yard. The Germans later burned the pile that had so many religious scrolls and bibles in it. Three days after that, they were put in cattle cars where 85 of them stayed for four days with out food or water. They were being transported to Auschwitz, the concentration camp. After the long cattle car ride and arriving in Auschwitz, all the children younger than 16 and over 50 were sent one way and the other girls were sent the other. Elli was 13 and the officer that was supervising the sorting should have sent her in the proper group. However, he saw that she had blond hair and let her go with her mother. The Germans prized long blond hair and blue eyes. If the officer had made Elli go with the younger children she would have been killed in a gas oven like Elli's aunt was. Then, the people that survived the "sorting" were shaved bald, put in showers, and given a gray dress and a pair of shoes. They weren't really anyone anymore. They were just Auschwitz workers.
This story about the Holocaust seems to sad to be true. I don't see how anyone could be that evil to another human. Hitler killed hundreds of children and adults just to feel powerful. After Elli was freed, a german woman came up to her and thought that she was 62 years old because of how weak and bruised she was. This story is really sad but it is also a warning about how much racism can hurt others. I would suggest he book "I Have Lived a Thousand Years" by Livia Bitton-Jackson to anyone who wants to learn about the Holocaust.

I Have Lived A Thousand Years - An Amazing Story
I Have Lived a Thousand Years by Livia Bitton-Jackson is beyond an amazing story. It tells the life of thirteen-year-old Ellie Freidmann during the Holocaust. Ellie is a Jewish girl who is forced from her home, along with her family, to the ghetto and then to many different concentration camps, including the worst, Auschwitz. Her father is taken away from them very early in the book, which is then followed by other losses. The book is almost guaranteed to make you cry, as it is not only filled with grief and loss, but also with an almost unreal amount of determination and love. Ellie and her mother's strength is almost unimaginable. I highly recommend this book to everyone. It really opens your eyes up to what hate and prejudice can lead to. Even though it contains large amounts of sadness, reading the book gives you a very encouraging feeling, to know that evil didn't and can't prevail.

awsome!
Well I think that it was very cool that everyone gave it 5 stars. It definitley deserves it too. Its an awsome book! I love it and think Livia Bitton Jackson is an amazing person!

Experience
"Jew girl, Jew girl." This phrase was laid upon Elli Freidmann as the uprising of Hitler was proclaimed. She was only at the age of thirteen when she, her brother, and mother where token away to a concentration camp called Auschwitz. Elli was to be one of the few that were selected to transported to what was soon too pronounced as hell on earth. She was facing the world in new view, full of unexpected and unfortunate events.

The thing that I really liked about this is that it shows what the people of the holocaust went through. As opposed to telling. This way it gave me more of an insight as to just what was echoing in the fog. I liked that throughout Elli's experience she was still able to keep a brave and faithful spirit. I feel that especially in times as those it's best to believe and hold onto something, so that you may hold tight to your life in return.

I really enjoyed it due to the fact that it is indeed a true story. She did a very well job in allowing readers of all kind to experience what others hopefully will never have to endure. The only thing is that I don't think I would read anymore books as this one, only because it makes me sad to think and actually know what this corrupt world has allowed to happen. Other than that I have no regrets as to reading this book, in many ways it has opened my heart and mind.

I Have Lived A Thousand Years: Book Review
When I read this book for the first time, I first thought, "WOW!" This book is about a 13 year old Jewish girl who gets sent to different concentration/labor camps throughout Hungary, Germany, and Poland. Although many life-threatening and traumatizing things happened to her, she still had hope, and she did not give up. The things in this book that I valued most were the fact that there was great detail, and it was powerful/moving. I liked the fact that there was so much detail, because nothing was non-descriptive. When I read the author's words, a very clear picture popped up in my mind, and if it wasn't that detailed, then I wouldn't have been able to understand the book as well as I did. An example of this is when the reader sees Bubi standing on the other side of the fence, and having been abused and worked almost to death. I also liked the fact that it made me cry. When books make someone cry, they are usually very powerful or moving. The part in this book that made me cry, was the part where the Germans trick the women into getting their soup, and then attacking them. The idea of this horrified me. This book made me see that the Holocaust only happened some 70 years ago, and that the world was obviously a very different place than it is now. Having discriminations against someone because of their race or religion is no way to live life; you have to embrace things. When I first got assigned to this book, I was worried that I would not like it, but once I got into it, it was easy to lose track of time and read the night away. I Have Lived A Thousand Years is an amazing book, and I highly suggest reading it during your free time. ... Read more

Book Description

In her classic books, Laura Ingalls Wilder lovingly described the many little houses she and her family lived in as they traveled across the American frontier. Today, these houses have been preserved as sites and museums that thousands of fans visit every year. The Little House Guidebook contains detailed information on these sites, as well as guidance on where to eat and stay, and other places to explore in the surrounding areas. Special features included colored tabs on each chapter for easy reference, a room-by-room tour of Laura's Rocky Ridge Farmhouse, and a walking tour and street map of De Smet, Laura's little town on the prairie, as well as guidance on how to get to the sites, where to eat and stay, and other places to explore in the surrounding areas.

Lavishly illustrated throughout with beautiful full-color photographs of Laura's houses and memorabilia, and gently colorized versions of Garth Williams' original art from the Little House books, this guidebook is the perfect companion for anyone who wants to visit Laura's little houses or just read about them.

Reviews (7)

Invaluable Resource for Little House Fans
William Anderson has done a fabulous job in painstakingly documenting everything there is to see from New York to South Dakota that has anything to do with Laura Ingalls Wilder's "Little House" series. Ever wondered what happened to Pa's fiddle? Or if the house dug out from the banks of Plum Creek is still intact? This book has the answers. Complete with color photographs, addresses, phone numbers and maps, as well as ample background information, The Little House Guidebook is a must have for Little House fans everywhere. Even if you never get to visit these places, this book will take you there.

Good source for touring sites, rehash of some old material.
If I were to take any books along with me on a LIW journey, it would be this one. The reason for a lower rating is because I was disappointed in a rehash of what to find at the Little House sites that was already published in another of Anderson's titles.

Great Book!
Laura!

Superb Reading and Travel Planning Book
The Little House Guidebook is filled with the museums, houses and visitors sights about the legacy of Laura Ingalls Wilder and her family.

Beautiful, accurate photography amazes your eyes as any fan dreams of visiting each and every place. The first photo on the page dedicated to Walnut Grove, only 45 minutes from my hometown, is exactly how it looks today. A large sign just uphill from Plum Creek states where the sod house was.

Thanks to this wonderful book, our family knew all the best places to visit, shop at, and devour historical facts of. It even led us right to the church bell Pa had given his last three dollars for. We'll use it again on all our future adventures.

This book was well researched, written and photographed. It glorifies my Little House ongoing collection.

If you are a fan, or know someone who is, this book would be a fabulous gift, just as it was given to me for my birthday.

Excellent Little House site resource!
We used this book to plan our May trip to Kansas and Missouri. The directions were accurate and the information definitely added to our trip. We stayed at the Rosewood B&B (in the book, Kansas) and had a good time. This book is a must for any Laura Ingalls Wilder fan! ... Read more

Book Description

Illus. in black-and-white. Jack and Annie travel back in time to medieval England for an adventure inside a storybook castle, from feasting hall to dreadful dungeon.
... Read more

Reviews (11)

The Knight at Dawn
If you like the Magic Treehouse series and adventure and knights, this is the book for you - The Knight at Dawn by Mary Pope Osborne. In the book, Annie and Jack went back in time when there were knights in castles. They went in an Amory Room. Jack found a secret passage, it lead to the storeroom to a precipice over the moat. Jack thought that there must be a window. It was a foot away from the window to the ground. So he put his foot outside the window and dangled it. Read the book to find out more.

a thrilling adventure to medieval times
My son and I picked up this book recently as we were looking for something to read together over the summer. We were thrilled at how amazing this book was.

The book tells the story of a brother and sister who stumble upon a treehouse filled with books. These books transport them on different adventures in various places and times.

This installment has the children going back in time to visit a medieval castle. On the way, they visit a court feast, get thrown into a dungeon, escape from crocodiles and get rescued by a mysterious knight. When they finally return home, they find yet another clue to the identity of the mysterious "M" that they learned about in book one.

Picking up where book one in the series left off, the kids continue their adventures. Bits of knowledge about castles and the Middle Ages are given in the book and are written in such a way that a child can enjoy and understand. The action is fast paced and will have your child wanting to read just one more chapter. Very age appropriate for 1st & 2nd graders.

The Knight at Dawn is so cool
I liked this book because they get away from guards and find a trapdoor in the castle. I liked when the splashes came in the moat. I think this book is the best and everybody should read it.

My Opinion
I give this book an A+.This book enspired me to be a beter person.It tought me a good leson. It taught me that you are supposed to care about your little sister, even when people bug you. This is one of the best books I`ve ever read.This should have every kind of medal there is.I love this book.I wish it was my very own.This story is perfect. Now I want to read every MAGIC TREEHOUSE book.

Neat Adventure
"The Knight At Dawn" is my 2nd best so far. It had outstanding action, like Jack almost being caught going over the drawbridge, escaping from castle guards, and the best part was the horse ride. Once again, Mary Pope Osborne has created an unimaginable book and made the learning experience teriffic, especially with all the action. Don't miss this one. ... Read more

Book Description

Pirates takes youngsters on a high-seas adventure, featuring some of themost notorious buccaneers in history! Full-color illustrations and photographs revealdetails about pirate captains, their crews, and ships. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

educational and fun!
This book was great fun, and educational too. Very nice illustrations on every page, and nice ones too. Book tries to tell what a Pirates life was like, at least the best way you can describe it to an elementary school student. That is the age this book fits best. Has a neat replica of the "pirates Code of Conduct", which really is the warped honor among thieves rules they went by. Examples of real pirate flags. Briefly touches on few famous real pirates too.

If yopu like this one, check the other great book "Cowboys" from this series/publisher. It is even better than this one!

My 6 year old son absolutely loves this book!
The book talks about actual pirates and their adventures. My 6 year old son absolutely loves it.

A Great Pirate Book
I am the mother of two boys ages 3 and 4. They love this book. The story and pictures keep their attention and this is the first book they often ask for. An easy read as a parent. An excellent buy.

PIRATES: A great book for young children !
The book, Pirates, is a great overveiw about the lives the pirates led. It has wonderful illustrations and kept the interest of my 5-year-old son. It has factual places, events, and pirates. Excellent for young children who have an interest in the robbers of the high seas. () ... Read more

Reviews (15)

Unique Illustrations; Interesting Story
This 2004 Caldecott winner is based on the true story of Philippe Petit. During the contruction of the World Trade Center, he devised a plan to walk a tightrope between the twin towers. The illustrations are the main feature of this book. There are some wonderful overhead perspectives that allow the reader to get a sense of how it would actually feel to walk hundreds of feet in the air. This book does not dwell on the loss of the towers (although it is mentioned), but rather celebrates the courageous spirit of Philippe Petit. Both children and adults will find this story interesting.

A tribute to the WTC towers and one dream they inspired
On an otherwise normal day in August 1974, a young Frenchman pulled off what may be the most impressive (not to mention foolhardy) wire-walking exhibition in history. New York City's early commuters looked up to the almost-completed World Trade Center towers to see a man, experienced aerialist Phillippe Petit, walking back and forth across them on a wire. This amazing (albeit highly illegal) achievement has now been immortalized in impressive ink and oil paintings in Mordicai Gerstein in The Man Who Walked Between the Towers. Among the artwork you will find the ingenious use of two foldout illustrations, each one establishing an amazing change in perspective of Petit's wire-walking feat and making the drama of the event all that more palpable. Published in 2003 and the recipient of The Caldecott Medal, this book is sure to captivate many young minds with its story and artistry (with a sense of vertigo thrown in absolutely free of charge), and it does stand as something of a touching reminder of the two towers that fell on September 11, 2001 and the spell they cast in their own silent yet mighty fortitude.

Alongside the artwork is the story, economically told, of Petit's dream and the manner in which he made it come true. It describes how he and some friends dressed up as construction workers, hid out on both towers until nightfall, and got the wire-walking cable (which was a mere seven-eighths of an inch wide) in place, after which Petit walked, ran, danced, and even lay down on the outstretched wire over the course of nearly an hour. He was then, of course, arrested but, to my surprise, ordered only to perform his feats for the children of New York City. This is a fabulous story that will literally take your breath away, especially if you are as afraid of heights as I am, but I can't get over just how dangerous and illegal this was (to his friends as well as himself) and can only wonder how Petit got off so easily.

Using lyrical words and ink/oil paintings
In 1974 as the World Trade Center was being built, young French aerialist Philippe Petit spent almost an hour on a tightrope walking, dancing and doing tricks between the two towers. Man Who Walked Between The Towers tells his story using lyrical words and ink/oil paintings which are endearing and revealing.

"This is a TRUE story, Miss Cameron?"
I have heard that very refrain from children time and time again while reading this book. In my Gypsy-like lifestyle of a substitute teacher, I took this book with me, knowing that it would enchant the students I had, no matter where I was. Every class I read this to was spellbound. They would gasp and stare and just could not believe that a REAL person ever did what Phillipe was doing! I had a first grader reach out to touch the sky under Phillipe on one spread, he was so enthralled. In a class of 29 very-hard-to-impress third graders that I was in for 6 weeks, we made a project out of it when they designed their own drawings on what they would walk between, because they were so inspired. During the reading, near the end, on the page that stated quietly "Now the towers are gone," I had very quiet acceptance of the missing towers. The author tells the story with such reverent delight (if it was ever possible to combine the two, Gerstein has) that children naturally fall in and accept the story as is. "The Man Who Walked Between The Towers" has become one of my favorite children's books and has earned a spot in my teaching "bag of tricks." It is very moving and inspiring, and highly deserving of the Caldec