Book Description

Her name is Omakayas, or Little Frog, because her first step was a hop, and she lives on an island in Lake Superior.It is 1850, and the lives of the Ojibwe have returned to a familiar rhythm: they build their birchbark houses in the summer, go to the ricing camps in the fall to harvest and feast, and move to their cozy cedar log cabins near the town of LaPointe before the first snows.

The satisfying routines of Omakayas's days are interrupted by a surprise visit from a group of desperate and mysterious people. From them, she learns that all their lives may drastically change. The chimookomanag, or white people, want Omakayas and her people to leave their island in Lake Superior and move farther west. Omakayas realizes that something so valuable, so important that she never knew she had it in the first place, is in danger: Her home. Her way of life.

In this captivating sequel to National Book Award nominee The Birchbark House, Louise Erdrich continues the story of Omakayas and her family.

Amazon.com

"This is not the life I imagined I would have." So laments PrudenceEmerson, an inquisitive, distinctly non-prudent 13-year-old girl fromMassachusetts who wants to be cheerful but who must, along with her Toryfamily, live in fear of her Patriot neighbors in the months leading upto the American Revolution. Like the other books in the Dear Americaseries, Ann Turner's Love Thy Neighbor is recounted in diaryform--a fictional diary that reveals the innermost thoughts of a youngwoman while painting a vivid picture of the times in which she lived.The innate complexities of the conflicts between Tories and Patriots areclearly presented, and readers will certainly gain a new understandingof the challenges of overthrowing foreign rule and beginning a democracyfrom the rarely explored perspective of a family "on the wrong side" ofthe war. Readers will also learn about daily colonial life--when baconcame from the pigs one owned, where ink was made from ink powder ormaple bark, where girls were expected to embroider, wear corsets, scrubfloors, go to church on Sundays, and generally mind their manners. Pruis a strong, spirited heroine whom readers will cheer on as she enduresalienation from her Patriot friends, the sickness of her little sister,rising hostility, and ultimately, being uprooted from the home she lovesto flee the danger of war.

A note in the back further illuminates life in the Colonies, as dohistorical illustrations and a note from the author about her own familyconnection to this turbulent time. Two other fictional diaries setduring the Revolutionary War are Kristiana Gregory's Dear America bookThe Winter of Red Snow:The Revolutionary War Diary of Abigail Jane Stewart and BarryDenenberg's My Name is America book The Journal of WilliamThomas Emerson: A Revolutionary War Patriot. (Ages 9 to 14)--Karin Snelson ... Read more

Reviews (15)

Interesting and different book that shows the other side...
This book is very different. It explains the mostly
untold side of Tory life during the American Revolution.
It centers around Pru, a young girl living in New England.
She leads a middle class life with her family. Because she
lives in a tiny town, she knows almost everyone. Then, the
Revolution starts. Not only does she lose most of her Patriot
friends, but her family is a target for threats. What will become of her and her family? You'll only know by reading. LOVE THY NEIGHBOR.

I enjoyed this book because it showed us that some Tories were
just like us. All they wanted was what was best for their children. I recommend this to EVERYONE! Please buy it. You wont
be disappointed.

Great!
Throughout books based on American history, we have seen numerous Young Adult books about the Patriot side. Finally, Ann Turner has written a book about what it was like to be a Tory. Love Thy Neighbor catches you from page one. Centering around Prudence Emerson, a teenager living in Massachusetts, this fictional diary talks about daily life and the problems of being a Tory. Not only is she perscuted by Patriot neighbors, but forced out of her home with her family. Read as you learn about the Revolutionary War and the "other side". Great! Dont forget to read other Dear Americas and Royal Diaries.

My Love Thy Neighbor Review
This book was not great. It was not bad. But it was more towards the bad side than the good side. But I would not say it was so bad. But I've read much better books. Especially in the Dear America series. I reccommend-do not read this book it was not good.

Hard To Relate
This book was very well-written and shocking, but I couldn't really relate to people with a Tory perspective. I cannot really understand why people like the Emersons remained loyal to the king. Weren't the Tories being unfairly taxed too?

Love Thy Neighbor
This book is excellent. All through my life, I have pictured the Revolutionary War from one side of the tale, the American side. This book let me think of it from the side of someone who was living in America, but supported England. I am in the 6th grade, but read a post high school level, and I found it to be an amazing book. Normally, all of us never even think about this other side of the war, but this book will make you. Everyone has a different opinion, but we rarely hear everyone's side. This book shows us what it would be like to go agianst the majority, to see your friends become enemies, and to live in a place, where everyone purely despised what you believed. We always think of the Revelutionary War (or at least I used to) as a fight for Independence from the unfair British, but what we really don't often think about, is that the British were people too. And they also got hurt for their beliefs, just like we did, and they also died in the war. Read this book, because when you do, you'll see the Revelutionary War from the rarely heard prospective, the prospective of a Tory. ... Read more

Book Description

Catherine feels trapped. Her father is determined to marry her off to a rich man--any rich man, no matter how awful.

But by wit, trickery, and luck, Catherine manages to send several would-be husbands packing. Then a shaggy-bearded suitor from the north comes to call--by far the oldest, ugliest, most revolting suitor of them all.

Unfortunately, he is also the richest.

Can a sharp-tongued, high-spirited, clever young maiden with a mind of her own actually lose the battle against an ill-mannered, piglike lord and an unimaginative, greedy toad of a father?

Deus! Not if Catherine has anything to say about it!

Catherine feels trapped. Her father is determined to marry her off to a rich man--any rich man, no mater how awful.
But by wit, trickery, and luck, Catherine manages to send several would-be husbands packing. Then a shaggy-bearded suitor from the north comes to call--by far the oldest, ugliest, most revolting suitor of them all.
Unfortunately, he is also the richest.
Can a sharp-tongued, high-spirited, clever young maiden with a mind of her own actualy lose the battle against an ill-mannared, piglike lord and an unimaginative, greedy toad of a father?
Deus! Not if Catherine has anything to say about it!

1995 Newbery Honor Book
Notable Children's Books of 1995 (ALA)
1995 Best Books for Young Adults (ALA)
1995 Recommended Books for Reluctant Young Adult Readers (ALA)
1995 Teachers' Choices (IRA)
1995 IRA Distinguished Book Award for Fiction
1995 Fanfare Honor List (The Horn Book)
1994 Golden Kite Award for Fiction (SCBWI)
1995 Notable Trade Books in the Language Arts (NCTE)
1995 Notable Trade Book in the Language Arts (NCTE)
1994 Golden Kite Award for Fiction (SCBWI)
1994 "Pick of the Lists" (ALA)
Outstanding Books of 1994 for Middle School-Aged Teens (V) ... Read more

Reviews (204)

Catherine, Called Birdy
Catherine, Called Birdy is a book in the form of a diary where the main character is writing. She has to do chores and act like a lady. She's always told to act lady-like by her mother or nurse. Catherine's dad tries to sell her to rich men, but she always figure out a way to get rid of them. Catherine just wants to have adventures like other villagers and people associated with royalty.
What I liked about the book is how she deals with her father and him trying to sell her to rich men. She always seems to get out of being sold to rich suitors by using her wits, luck, and trickery. Sometimes you would think that when you read an entry Catherine wrote it sound like the entry continues the next day. It was exciting to find out that she will finally marry because she refused and scared away so may suitors. Sometimes some entries won't make sense but once you start reading along it starts to make sense and get interesting.

Enjoyable Read
Birdy, is the willful, stubborn daughter of an equally willful and stubborn father. He is determined to marry off this difficult daughter to his advantage. She is equally determined not to be married. What follows is a battle of wills as Birdy tries to convince her father, and herself, that she is right and does not need to submit to any plans he has for her.

Written in journal style, Catherine, Called Birdy presents medieval life in a tangible, and quite humorous, way that pre-teens/teenagers will be able to connect with and understand. They will also be able to relate to Birdy as she finds herself on the threshold of adulthood, at that difficult stage where duty and rebellion intermingle, emotions run high and life often seems confusing, if not downright tragic.

This is a highly enjoyable book, both for it's historical details and for it's message. Over the short course of a year, we follow Birdy as she changes, looses some of her childish prejudices and finds herself--and those reading are encouraged to be strong and independent, while still be loyal and loving to family. Parents might wish to read this first, to decide if the veiled references to sex are appropriate for their child. I give this Newbery Honor Book an 8.5 out of 10.

boring with absolutely no plot
When I first started this book, I loved it. I thought it was hilarious. After a while, though, I got sick of Catherine's stupidity and immaturity and found that there was just no plot at all. I got so bored of the book I stopped in the middle, which I almost NEVER do. Normally I continue to the end of all books I read, no matter how badly written, because I just want to know what happens at the end. Not with this book! There was absolutely no suspense because there was absolutely no plot. Later, a friend of mine, as we discussed the stupidity of the book, told me what happens at the end of the nonexistant plot the back of the book suggests, and though I won't give it away here, it's as stupid as the rest of the book. I can't really say it was badly written, it was just a bad, boring book.

I was hoping for more
This book caught my eye as I was passing the children's section of the bookstore. From the summary and subject it sounded like my kind of thing. I read it all, and while it wasn't awful, I had hoped for something more; I was kind of expecting a humorous story about a girl trying to scare off all her suitors, but was mostly treated to a "diary" of the day to day life of a Medieval girl, which is okay, but not really what I was after. And truth be told, I caught many errors in the research, though mostly they would be called "nitpicks." (For example, the author seems to have no idea how men's clothing would have been constructed at the time.) I suppose it's fine for young teens who are kind of interested in the Middle Ages.

suitors, suitors, suitors
catherine is of an age to get married. And with her greedy pathetic excuse of a Father, she is going to be sold like a side of beef to the highest bidder. And she manages to avoid several suitors in the beggining by being gross and corse and rude.... blackened theeth, and such things. but then one of her suitors is nastier than she could ever be, so her plotting fails her. She does what is humanly possible to get out of the marriage.... which is tottaly gross 'cuase the guys way older than she is, but to no avail. And then the unexpected happens.... he dies..... so his heir gets to marry her... ... Read more

Book Description

Family stories are so important, and stories from our Church-family may be even more so. In this collection of brief biographies, Hannula sketches the stirring trials and triumphs of many famous and lesser known fathers and mothers of our faith-including Augustine, Charlemagne, Anselm, Luther, Bunyan, and C.S. Lewis.Written for ages 5-12. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

What Christians Should Know
This is an awesome book! We studied it in our adult Sunday school class with extra readings on each chapter from other sources. It is information that every Christian should know because it is our history! Rather than obsess on (a) series which is information that is fiction, we should read about the facts of those that went before us, many who died standing up for their faith. It is written at a level that grade school children can understand. Most adult Christians know little of our own history!

Thank you to Richard Hannula and this important book!

Best principal there will ever be
If you want to read an excellent book about stalwart soldiers for Christ, written by a principled (no pun intended), committed, and passionate Christian, and if you want to be "spurred on toward love and good deeds" by the examples of these amazing and courageous believers, read Trial and Triumph! In his writing, Mr. Hannula makes Augustine, Ambrose, Polycarp, and all the others come alive--just as he makes history exciting and real for the students he teaches in his history classes. Do yourself a favor and read his book.

very unique book
I would recommend this for adults and older children. Most Protestants put so much focus on the Bible that they don't learn much about anything that happened in the Church after the book of Acts. This book will help fill in the gaps.

Brush up on church history
This is a great way to learn church history through fascinating biographical sketches. It's a children's book, and I have read it aloud to my six- and eight-year-olds, but I enjoyed it for my own reading first. It will make you appreciate your religious freedom in a new way, and inspire you to live a courageous Christian life.

Excellent stories of some of the King's most faithful
In the great traditions of Fair Sunshine and Foxe's Book ofMartyrs, Hannula has retold many beautiful stories of Christ'sservants. Its simplicity is ideal for children, while its depth is extraordinary for all. Perfect for devotional use as well as a teaching tool. ... Read more

Book Description

Originally self-published in hardcover in 2000, this acclaimed memoir is now in a revised paperback edition, complete with 14 black and white photographs and a new epilogue. Here is an unforgettable true story of a young boy's remarkable journey from a refugee camp in Sudan to an affluent Chicago suburb where his family survives on welfare.Following his father's advice to "treat all people - even the most unsightly beetles - as though they were angels sent from heaven," Mawi Asgedom overcomes racial prejudice, language barriers, and financial disadvantage, eventually realizing his dream of a full-tuition scholarship to Harvard University. Of Beetles and Angels is a compelling survival story sure to inspire readers of all ages and backgrounds. ... Read more

Reviews (18)

Ethipoian Boy
Of Beetles And Angels is about an Ethiopian boy that used to live in a refugee camp. He changed his life when he came to America. He became a really bad boy, with his brother. But his brother died in a car accident, so Mawi changed his life. He started to work and study with really good grades at Harvard.
His parents deserve thanks for him becoming a good man. This is a story about a boy from refugee who becomes a really well educated boy. But he had to pass through a lot of problems to have the things he has now.

I recommend this book to students who are from different country, so they can't forget their own culture.

Inspiring and motivating
The book by Mawi Asgedom is a story of the author's journey from war torn Ethiopia to Harvard University. It is also a story about Mawi's father, Haileab. Haileab was determined to give his children a better life. He could not hand that life to his children and so he motivated and inspired them. He gave up everything-his job, his dignity, his respect, his country, his friends, and more so that his children might have a better life. The impact of this father is visually represented in the book in that all of his words are in capital letters.

My entire family has read this book. We spent several hours discussing it together. Mawi is a great storyteller. He made us laugh and he made us think. I have given at least 15 of Mawi's books to friends and relatives to read. One friend and her husband were so moved by the book that they went and visited the organization, World Relief, in Wheaton, IL to find out what they could do to help refugees. They gave their Christmas bonus to helping several families. Everyone should read this book, adults and children in fourth grade and older, refugees and especially everyone that has contact with people of another culture. I give this excellent, insightful book the highest recommendation.

Of Beetles & Angels
Of Beetles & Angels

I think the book, Of Beetles & Angels is a good book for reading, and so I recommend it for teachers that teach reading, and read it to students, because students from other regions can learn that people that are not from America can go far in their studies and have a successful life.

This book is about a family that lived well in Ethiopia, but then the father had some problems, and they moved to America. America wasn't like Ethiopia; they had a little trouble when they got here, but with time life treats them better. Selamawi the main character get support from his parents to learn. Selamawi learns English and studies very hard and because of that he goes to study at Harvard.

I'm Hispanic I'm from Baja California, Mexico I go to Roosevelt High School and I read this book in my English class.

Of Beetles & Angels
Of Beetles&Angels is a contemporary autobiography of a young man's journey to success. Young adult readers might not be able to relate to the cultural changes Mawi endured but will be able to sympathize with his emotional plight of poverty, racial poverty, and sense of not belonging. Told from his own point of view, Mawi Asgedom graphically describes his people's escape to Sudan's refugee camp and the move to America. Maw's father's optimism in the human race is uplifting. The inspirational theme of seeing angels in the lowest form repeats throughout the book and attempts to teach the reader a moral lesson. He describes the characters he encounters throughout his life so that the reader can identify with most of them, ex. the class bully, the helpful neighbor, or the church community.
Maws inspirational story is motivating and courageous and a must read for teenagers.

Emotional & Inspiring - A Must Read
I have never written a review on Amazon, but feel compelled to share my thoughts. This is an inspiring book that speaks to anyone who, in their youth, failed to appreciate the wisdom, sacrifice, and well-meaning of their parents (despite their flaws). It speaks equally to anyone that that doubts or wants to be reminded of: the power of the human spirit and goal setting; the importance of searching for the goodness in every living thing; or the positive impact mentors - and even strangers - can have on one's life.

Mawi - thanks for having the courage to share this road map to your sole. Peace be with you... -WLK ... Read more

Book Description

Laura Ingalls's story begins in 1871 in a little log cabin on the edge of the Big Woods of Wisconsin. Four-year-old Laura lives in the little house with her Pa, her Ma, her sisters Mary and Carrie, and their trusty dog, Jack.

Pioneer life is sometimes hard, since the family must grow or catch all their own food as they get ready for the cold winter. But it is also exciting as Laura and her folks celebrate Christmas with homemade toys and treats, do the spring planting, bring in the harvest, and make their first trip into town. And every night they are safe and warm in their little house, with the happy sound of Pa's fiddle sending Laura and her sisters off to sleep.

And so begins Laura Ingalls Wilder's beloved story of a pioneer girl and her family. The nine Little House books have been cherished by generations of readers as both a unique glimpse into America's frontier past and a heartwarming, unforgettable story.

Reviews (70)

If you love warm, family stories, this book is a good read
Little House in the Big Woods, written by Laura Ingalls Wilder, was fascinating. I think one of the reasons I liked it so much was because the Ingalls family was so close. One word that comes to mind is cozy. Maybe it's because they lived in a little house in the big woods. Or maybe it's becuase Pa used to play his fiddle by the fireside some evenings for Mary, Laura and Carrie. I remember when I read this book I was interested in the fact that they were pioneers. They might have moved from place to place but they always were positive about it. I loved reading about the three girls dancing at their Grandmother and Grandfather's house and having such a fun time. I remember Laura had a rag doll made out of a corncob that she loved so dearly. And it seemed as though the Ingalls family had such wonderful Christmases. In this book, there was nothing but simplicity. It didn't matter how much they moved or how they lived, as long as the family had each other.

Good book - but not as good as the ones that follow.
I'm a huge fan of Laura Ingalls Wilder and fondly remember reading the Little House books when I was a child. I've just started reading the series to my 7-year-old daughter, though, and while she loved Little House on the Prairie, she was far less fond of this one. In fact, although she's usually a good listener, I found her attention constantly wandering as we read this book.

And in all honesty, I could understand why. Laura Ingalls Wilder is without a doubt one of the best children's writers who ever lived, but I think she had barely begun to show her enormous talent when she wrote this book. Although there are wonderful little snippets of family life, and a few hints of the conflicts between the feisty Laura and her more reserved and perfect sister Mary, the truth is, there isn't much of a plot here. And Mrs. Wilder goes on for page after page describing how bullets were made, or butter churned. There are probably children who find that fascinating, God bless them, but my daughter was just bored by it.

I don't think this is a BAD book, but Little House on the Prairie is so much better, so much more interesting that I think if you want to read the series to a young child, that's the place to start, even though this is the first book in the series. This is a book for children who have already fallen in love with Laura and her wonderful family.

Wondeful series for Adults to read (or read again) too
I read these as a youngster and I am re-reading them after a trip near Independence, Kansas where we saw a house where Laura's family once setteld. They are great books! I am seeing the whole experience from a new perspective now that I am 35 (relating more with Ma I think) and I am enjoying the stories completely. It's also nice because the books can be read in a single afternoon or just a few hours. A wonderful look at the pioneer life with details about cheese making, maple suger harvests, and cabin building (in the later novels). I highly recommend these books but suggest reading them in order to keep the story of Laura's adventures straight.

Best of the series
I am an 8 year old girl who loves the Little House series of books by Laura Ingalls Wilder. Why I liked it is because it's so happy and because I liked the little girls. My favourite part is when they go to a dance at Grandma's house and Laura danced with her uncle. I would recommend this book for people who like to read happy books.

Makes you go back in Time!!!
This book shows what it was like back in the 1800's. It tells when they had to travel by wagons and you couldn't go to town everyday. This is a GREAT book and I hope that everybody reads it. I recommend this especially to the people that lives in the cities because you see what the backwoods are like and how it is kind of today!!! ... Read more

Book Description

This book tells the story of theworld of the Renaissance and the Reformation.Columbus, Prince Henry the Navigator, Ivan III, Gutenburg, Queen Isabella, Leonardo da Vinci, Mohammed II, Nomi Mansa, Martin Luther, Vasco de Gama, Copernicus, Michelangelo and many others all come to life. The author, a three time Newbery Honor Award-winner, presents the events of this important period as a series of miniature dramas with an emphasis on the interaction of events and people. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

grain of salt
While this book does make interesting connections and presents history as a narrative, it struck this reader as having a strong white Christian bias. Isabel, who expelled Muslims and Jews and then sanctioned the Inquisition to hideously murder and torture those that were left, practically has a halo over her head (the inquisition is mentioned, but she doesn't get nearly enough credit for it). Prince Henry's exploration motives are purely based on his desire to better the lives of savages by spreading Christianity; hubris, greed, and material gain apparently never entered into his equation. Meanwhile, while I commend Foster for devoting a quick chapter to African emperor Mansa Musa, ignored by mainstream children's histories until fairly recently, I have to say that her portrayal of Africans leaves something to be desired; probably the less said the better. I recommend checking the book out of the library prior to plunking down the bucks for it. I will say that it's a decent starting place, but please encourage discussion, hopefully from the non-Western and non-Christian point of view.

Intriguing Concept
Genevieve Foster's books are based on an intriguing concept: a horizontal approach to history; a view of the world and the people who lived during the lifetime of the main character--in this case Columbus. Charlotte Mason would have us delve deeply into an era; these books help us do that.

Each section of the book starts with an interest-grabbing 2-page spread naming and illustrating people who lived during a portion of Columbus' life. These drawings could be copied and pasted into the student's book of centuries or timeline as the corresponding story is read. The maps and illustrations throughout the book provide much interest, although these short stories are appealing because of their conversational tone.

You'll want to acquire all the books in this series by Genevieve Foster. ... Read more

Amazon.com

In this elegant, old-fashioned rambler, a sequel to the historical fantasy Sorcery and Cecilia, a party of five Brits (three of them are wizards)--Kate and Thomas Schofield, Cecy and James Tarleton, and Lady Sylvia--takes a "grand tour" of 19th-century Europe. What promises to be a pleasant exploration of old world antiquities and fancy shops turns out to be an adventure of a lifetime when Cecy receives a mysterious alabaster flask (a coronation treasure) from an agitated Lady in Blue. Before they know it, they are wrapped up in a magical conspiracy to take over Europe.

Written in two voices by two different authors, the novel alternates between Cecy's deposition and excerpts from her dear friend and cousin Kate's diary. Despite the crisp, clever dialogue and wonderful character subtleties in this Jane Austen-style comedy of manners, readers may be confused by the episodic nature of the novel whose mysteries take their sweet time in unfolding. Teens with the patience to savor this slow-as-molasses grand tour, however, will be amply rewarded by the novel's myriad delights. (Ages 14 and older) --Karin Snelson ... Read more

Book Description

Seymour Reit re-creates the true story of Will Knox, a nineteen-year-old boy who undertook the daring and dangerous task of transporting 183 cannons from New York’s Fort Ticonderoga to Boston--in the dead of winter--to help George Washington win an important battle. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

My thoughts on a terrible book
This book is about colonel Knox a leader of a freshly starting revolution in America. His mission is to carry around 200 cannons from Ticonderoga back to a city where British forces are docked. The main characters of this book are will Knox 19 year old brother of the colonel, colonel Knox in charge of expedition, J.P. a farmers son .I disliked this book. It drags on and never seems to end. Just when you think your going to get a fight there isn't one .the biggest problem they had on the trip was a river with too thin ice. What's so interesting about that? If I were you I would not buy this book. It is extremely boring.

From a reader of this book

A Fun Book to Stimulate Interest in History
This is a fun book that should help your youngster develop an interest in American History. It is easy to read an has great illustratiions. You will not be disappointed with this purchase. Look for others by the same author.

Guns For General Washington
Guns For General Washington is a great book because of the action and advenerture. Henry Knox, a patroit who goes to Fort Ticonderoga, a fort in New York that has at least 183 cannons, lead for bullets, flint for flintlock muskets. There were also mortars, a type of gun, howitzers, a another type of gun,and a cohorns, another type of gun. They, Henry and his brother and some others who help out, have to go 300 miles to Fort Ticonderoga from Boston and 300 miles back to Boston from Fort Ticonderoga.This takes place in Massachusetts and New York in 1775 and 1776. The conflict is that General Washington is fighting a british general ,General Howe, with no aritillery like cannons and gunpowder.This book has very good action and advenerture

Guns for General Washington
THIS BOOK WAS A VERY DETAILED AND CURIOUS BOOK. IT GAVE YOU ALL OF THE DETAILS NEEDED TO FIGURE OUT HOW THE STORY GOES. USUALLY WHEN I READ A BOOK I STOP IN THE MIDDLE BECAUSE IT IS TOO BOARING, BUT I READ THROUGH TIS ENTIRE BOOK. IT ALWAYS FINDS SOMETHING TO FOCUS ON SO IT DOESN NOT LOOSE YOUR INTREST.IT MAKES YOU REALIZE JUST HOW MANY PEOPLE RISK THEIR LIFES TO MAKE SURE THAT YOU ARE SAFE.

Great book!
This book is a very good book. I incurage everybody to read it. It talks about all the trials and tribulations of going to get heavy copper , iron , and steal cannons taking them across a lake throught the wilderness over rocky turran and over all it's a great book! ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Great job combining math, history, science & geography!
This is a picture book format biography of Eratosthenes, who lived in Ancient Greece, focusing on how he calculated the size of the Earth using a mathematical formula and measurements taken by measuring shadows and length of footsteps from one location to another. Eratostehenes had many roles and talents, one being that he was a mathematician and author of books on several topics. He wrote the first geography book, which included the first map of the world and the first documentation of the size of the Earth.

The publisher says this is for ages 4-8 however the math concept of the formula he used to determine the size of the Earth was too complex for my 6 year old to grasp. The text is long-ish compared to a typical picture book as well, so I think this can extend a little beyond 8 yrs. if it is acting as a brief biography. I am not sure how many chapter book format biographies are out there for kids 9 and up on Eratosthenes, so this may be better than nothing for older kids!

The colorful pictures are nice and really compliment the text, especially when showing how he thought about measuring the Earth and comparing it to a grapefruit. It also addresses the idea of asking questions, curiosity, and making guesses at answers about things in the world that they did not yet know about.

This is a combination of history, math, and geography with a little scientific thought thrown in. It laid out his first questions and theories and how he came up with different ideas to come up with a way to measure a part of the land. We learn about what worked and what failed, leading up to how he finally came to a method that he thought was accurate, and why he thought this formula would work. His computation was about 200 miles off of the distance we measured in this century!

Within the story we learn about what schools were like for boys in Ancient Greece, that books were in scroll format, what libraries were like (and that they were rare) and other tidbits.

There is a bibliography included that can be used for further reading resources as well. This book is also a great example of how one book can cross over several subject areas: math, history, science and geography.

Fun book to read on Eratosthenes
I read this book in order to write up a reading/math lesson related to circumference. I thought that the book was very informative, had terrific pictures, and was a fairly easy read. I think that the children (6th graders) would enjoy reading it in class, if given the chance. I would have liked if the book went over, in more detail, how he determined the equation. (The children tend to ask how he got it!) It would have been useful to know the equation he used, but it does not matter because one's lesson can be modified to use the information provided in the book. I tied in the reading to a circumference lesson and had the children find the circumference of the earth.
Overall, this is a terrific book. I thought that it was a fun read, and is a great teaser when going into a circumference lesson.

Everything you could want in a children's book
This wonderfully illustrated story of the Greek Mathematician/Astronomer/Scientist Eratosthenes is one of my children's favorites. The colorful pictures give them a glimpse into 'another world' (Ancient Greece) while the engaging text provides excellent historical and scientific information.
Highly recommended for kids and their parents too!

Great for Middle School
As a sixth-grade Social Studies teacher I needed ways to integrate other subject areas into my curriculum. I came across this book while researching for a unit on Ancient Greece. The book has pictures that are vivid and exciting and follow young Eratosthenes throughout his life until the time in which he "measured the Earth" . My students will find its words complex enough to keep them interested but simplistic enough to follow along. This can be integrated well with math lessons dealing with angles and circumference. I found the book to be extremely enjoyable.

An inspiring story of the efforts of an ancient scientist
Over two thousands years ago a man named Eratosthenes figured out the circumference of the earth using a method that involved camels and light shining straight down into a well at midday. This "crude" method was off by less than 200 miles when compared to the most accurate measurements of today. Kathryn Lasky reports that while Eratosthenes wrote numerous volumes on geography, the constellations, history and comedy, he left behind no personal records of any kind. As a result, Lasky engages in trying to "responsibly imagine based on what we already know." Working from what we know about the time and places in which he lived, Lasky creates a compelling portrait of Eratosthenes as a child constantly asking questions who turns into a man interested in understanding so many things about the universe in which he lives that he was nicknamed Pentathlos, a reference to the athletes who competed in five different events in recognition of the fact Eratosthenes knew a lot about so many different things. It was after he was appointed the head librarian at the great library in Alexandria that Eratosthenes became consumed with the idea of determining the size of the earth. Lasky recreates the process by which the librarian determined his calculation, using the example of a grapefruit as the basis metaphor. Step by step she explains how the librarian determined the distance from Alexandria to Syene, a city in southern Egypt, despite the problem presented by camels.

Now, I have not had to sit in a math class since I was a freshman in high school and I took Life Through the Microscope and Ecology rather than have to dissect frogs in Biology, so math and science are not exactly my strong suits. But if I can understand how Eratosthenes arrived at his calculation then most school children in this country should be able to follow the idea as well. The illustrations by Kevin Hawkes perfectly compliment the text (I thought they were pastels but there are acrylics done on two-play museum board). Young readers will be captivated by the way Eratosthenes solved his problem and will learn about the educational system for young Greek boys that existed at that time. It should be easy for teachers and students to extend the example of Eratosthenes to any other famous scientist being studied in class from Galileo to Einstein. Even if young readers do not want to be scientists, or even librarians, after reading this book, I would not be surprised if they practice being bematists for a while (surveyors trained to walk with equal steps). In her afterword, Lasky explains how Columbus would have had smoother sailing on his voyage of discovery if he had relied more on the calculations of Eratosthenes. "The Librarian Who Measured the Earth" is an excellent mix of history and science, served up with some reasonable biographical speculations. ... Read more

Book Description

The American Journey: Building a Nation is co-authored by the National Geographic Society and offers a unique blend of scholarship and compelling imagery. The hands-on learning approach used throughout the program helps students see the relevance of history as they discover the context and connections between historical events. The program offers in-depth coverage of America's past to 1914. A visual epilogue then brings students up to date. ... Read more

Book Description

This book for reading level kindergarten to grade 3 is about Seaman,the Newfoundland dog belonging to Meriwether Lewis. The story tells of the Lewis and Clark Expedition to the Pacific Ocean and back to St. Charles, Missouri where the adventure began. Issustrations are in the styles of the Lewis and Clark Journals and feature the Native America tribes encountered and the plants and animals discovered. The book comes with a bookmark of Seaman. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Good Book
My seven year old really likes this book. We have read it to her several times and she just renewed it from the library. ... Read more

Book Description

Born into slavery, young Harriet Tubman knew only hard work and hunger. Escape seemed impossible--certainly dangerous. Yet Harriet did escape North, by the secret route called the Underground Railroad. Harriet didn't forget her people. Again and again she risked her life to lead them on the same secret, dangerous journey. ... Read more

Book Description

Widge is an orphan with a rare talent for shorthand. His fearsome master has just one demand: steal Shakespeare's play "Hamlet"--or else. Widge has no choice but to follow orders, so he works his way into the heart of the Globe Theatre, where Shakespeare's players perform. As full of twists and turns as a London alleyway, this entertaining novel is rich in period details, colorful characters, villainy, and drama.

"A fast-moving historical novel that introduces an important era with casual familiarity." --School Library Journal, starred review

Awards:
( An ALA Notable Book
( An ALA Best Book for Young Adults
( An NCSS-CBC Notable Children's Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies
( A Smithsonian Magazine Notable Book
( A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
( A Child Study Children's Book Committee Best Children's Book of the Year ... Read more

Reviews (32)

Shakespeare Stealer
The Shakespeare Stealer is a great book to read. The book is about a boy named Widge.He is a orphan who is adopted by a man named Dr. Bright. Doctor Bright took Widge to his home and let him live with him. During the time Widge lived with Dr.Bright made his own alphabet and taught it to Widge. The a man named Simon Bass payed Dr.Bright ten pounds for Widge. Simon Bass the sends Widge with his worker Falconer to London to copy the play Hamlet. Widge sneeks into the theater while the players are practicing the play. then someone sees Widge but his knife is stuck on the curtin in the booth. He gets loose he is running and running he gets outside getting ready to hide in the back door but suddenly the door swings open. BOOM! I cant tell you the rest but go buy the book or get it at the library. Dont forget to renew the book or youll have a fine like mine . Got to go return my book .Bye

The Shakespeare Stealer
The Shakespeare Stealer is a book about a poor orphan boy, called Widge, living in Shakespearean England who can write a rare coded language in which symbols for each word can be written as the words are said. His forceful master, taking advantage of his ability, orders him to go to the Globe Theater to steal Shakespeare's Hamlet by writing down the lines of the play as the actors are acting them out. Though Widge, the poor, nameless orphan boy feels stealing the play is wrong, he enters the Globe Theater to copy down the play Hamlet. He is found by the players at the theater and they take him in and treat them as one of their own, while also being trained as an actor. While living with one of the men from the Lord Chamberlain's Men (the playing troupe) Widge, a country boy, adjusts to city life. However, Widge has not forgotten the threat his master made to him if he did not bring him a copy of Hamlet, and Widge knows that he has sent someone to London to find him and bring him back to the country. While living in London, Widge's accent is not the only thing that changes. For the first time in his life Widge can make decisions on his own. He learns about the meaning of words such as honesty, trust, loyalty, and friendship. He begins to realize that by working and living with the Lord Chamberlain's men, he is betraying them. The real reason he came to the theater was not to become a player, but to steal from Shakespeare himself, and consequently hurting the people who he is now closest to. Widge tries to decide whether he should betray his friends and copy the play or betray his master and stay in the Lord Chamberlain's Men for acting, not for the purpose of stealing a play, even though it means if his master finds him, Widge will receive severe punishment. Widge also learns that the playing troupe has become like family to him, something he has never experienced, but loves very much. Now he wonders: If his master finds him, will the only family he's ever known disappear from him forever?
I felt as though I could relate with the main character, Widge, for one main reason. All through his life, Widge tries to search for, or feel, a sense of belonging. I have moved between two continents and a dozen more houses during my life. I know how important it is to have a sense of belonging somewhere, because having a sense of belonging somewhere makes people unique and who they are. Widge learns that as long as everybody has people who love and care for them it doesn't matter where they live, they will always feel at home and as though thewy belong. That is why I think that Widge's "family" at the Globe Theater is so important and dear to him. I think The Shakespeare Stealer has a good message about family, and how no matter what it is lie, it is important to everybody's sense of belonging, is a good message.
I loved this book. It not only has action, such as duels and manhunts, it had a great perspective of Elizabethan life in the late fifteen hundreds from a teenager's point of view. My favorite part of the book is when Widge gets his first chance at acting on stage with the players. He was so nervous, he was sure he would forget everything, but once he was on stage he made a great performance. I think it proves that if anyone tries hard they can conquer just about anything. My least favorite part of the book was when an actor from The Lord Chamberlain's Men was forced to leave because she had disguised herself as a boy, because it was illegal for women to act. If I could change any part of the book, it would be that Julian, were allowed to stay on and act with the players, even though she was a girl. I think the fact that Julia was not allowed to stay on with the players, even if they wanted her to, shows the general sexism against women in England at the time, even though it was getting better because the sole ruler of England was a queen (Queen Elizabeth).
I would definitely recommend The Shakespeare Stealer to others because it has action, emotion, drama, and it is a great historical-fiction. It also shows a lot of aspects of Elizabethan England, but it is definitely not a bore. I think someone who likes excitement and historical fiction would greatly enjoy this book, and I highly recommend it.

The Sneaker Peaker Review of The Shakespeare Stealer
Will you have to steal a play from William Shakespeare? As kids read fictional novel The Shakespeare Stealer about an orphan torn to make the right decision, the tension grows. In the 1400s of England, Widge, the orphan is ordered to steal one of Shakespeare's plays. He goes up to the theatre and gets to join the theatre group. He is then torn to make the right decision. Will he steal the play?
Will you be torn to make the right decision? Will you also have to steal a play? The truth is for you to find. This book is a five star book and I recommend you to read this book. I highly recommend this book to preteens.
Once again, Gary Blackwood turns another book into a masterpiece such as Wild Timothy, The Year of the Hangman and Moonshire. Although there is violence in the book, you can see there is a lot to things you can learn in the book and what it means to make the right decision. There are also more books to this series. They are The Shakespeare Scribe and The Shakespeare Spy.

Wow--what more can I say?
Wow wow wow! This book is terrific! This book has an interesting main character, interesting plot, and interesting dialouge. You can learn alot (while having a good time) when you read The Shakespeare Stealer!

Couldn't put it down!
This book has been one of the greatest books I have read. If you haven't already read The Shakespeare Stealer, you absolutely have to. It was full of excitement, loyalty and friendship. It was a spectactular story, and I would read it every day if I could. It jogges the imagination and curiosity. I was fascinated with gary blackwood's style of writing and his plot which I think he wrote beautifly. READ THIS BOOK!!! ... Read more

Book Description

Toni Morrison has collected a treasure chest of archival photographs that depict the historical events surrounding school desegregation. These unforgettable images serve as the inspiration for Ms. Morrison"s text—a fictional account of the dialogue and emotions of the children who lived during the era of "separate but equal" schooling. Remember is a unique pictorial and narrative journey that introduces children to a watershed period in American history and its relevance to us today. Remember will be published on the 50th anniversary of the groundbreaking Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court decision ending legal school segregation, handed down on May 17, 1954. ... Read more

Book Description

Set in Galilee in the time of Jesus, this is the story of a young Jewish rebel who is won over to the gentle teachings of Jesus. ... Read more

Reviews (69)

Elizabeth George Speare Amazing as Usual!
Elizabeth George Speare only wrote four books that I'm aware of, and all but one were awarded a Newbery Award. (And the one that did not win an award, "Calico Captive," is one of my favorite books of all time!) Ms. Speare was quite simply a fantastic writer of historical fiction. Her books are written in a style suitable for young readers, but anybody who loves historical fiction will love her work regardless of age! It's such a shame that she did not write more books.

I admit that I had my reservations about "The Bronze Bow," since its setting in 1st century Judea seemed incongrous with Ms. Speare's other books which are all set in colonial New England. Also, although I'm a practicing Catholic, I was not keen on reading a fictional book with Jesus as a character fearing some very dry, preachy version of the most famous man in history would ruin the believability of the story. But my reservations were completly unfounded. Ms. Speare describes life in Roman occupied Judea with the same wonderful detail as she did colonial America. She ably describes the political/historical situation with great skill while weaving it into her fictional story of a young man deciding which path he will choose in life.

Daniel, the protagonist, is as three dimensional and believable as Kit Tyler in "The Witch of Blackbird Pond." In fact, all the characters are memorably brought to life especially Daniel's emotionally devastated, younger sister, Leah. However, the major surprise is Ms. Speare's portrayal of Jesus of Nazareth- what a wonderful depiction of that itinerate preacher. Jesus is a supporting but crucial character in the narrative, but Ms. Speare does not use him to preach to the reader. Instead, the reader, like Daniel, is left to decide who Jesus is- just a kind-hearted teacher? A miracle worker? Someone unwilling to take sides? The messiah? Daniel is puzzled by these questions because the Jesus he sees is just a human being and not a resurrected savior in glowing robes.

"The Bronze Bow" is arguably Ms. Speare's strongest novel, and that says alot considering her other work. It's historical fiction at its finest, and anyone who passes on it because of fears of it being "too religious" or "too preachy" are doing themselves a disservice. A great work of fiction is a great work fiction regardless if one of the characters happens to be Jesus of Nazareth.

Still powerful
I was first introduced to this book in my 8th grade English class. I enjoyed it so much then, I went out and read the author's other books. I recently picked this one up again and was amazed at how powerful it still was to me.

The story concerns Daniel, a young Jew at the time of Christ. He has an intense hatred of the Romans and lives with in an outlaw band in the hills. When his grandmother dies, he must move to the village to take care of his sister while trying to continue his life's mission of driving the Romans back to Rome. He is drawn to the miracle worker, but just doesn't know what he truly thinks about him. Is he the Messiah sent to free them from the Romans? And will his sister ever recover?

Ms. Speare was able to create a complex plot that is simple enough for her target age to understand, but still captivating to adults. I got so caught up in the events when I was rereading that I couldn't put it down. I highly recommend this children's novel to readers of all ages.

Way better than The Witch of Blackbird Pond!
The author of this book, Elizabeth George Speare, also wrote The Witch of Blackbird Pond. Both of them won a Newberry Medal. This book is so much better than "Blackbird Pond". It kept my attention and I couldn't put it down! The book taught lessons of leadership, patience, care, and love. It wasn't a romantic book but it was more about loving the people that matter to you and also loving your enemies.

I have recently been reading Tom Clancy novels that teach nothing of the sort but I found this book at a bookstore warehouse that was going out of business and I decided to give it a chance even though I didn't like my previous experience with the author. Everyone deserves a second chance, right? I am very glad that I chose to read this book and I think that you are missing out if you don't read it.

Why Don't You Get It?
Those of you who are considering reading, or buying this book should get it from a library or a friend and try it out. You may not like it, but give it a shot first. Everyone has their own opinion or view on these type of books. If you do or don't like it, it doesn't matter. If you want to give your opinion, go ahead, but allow others to form their own and don't tell them whether they should read it or not.

After reading several of these reviews I've found that people who are forced to read something, have short attention spans, or prefer short or action-packed books should avoid this one. Make sure to look at this book and judge it by how well it fulfills it purpose: harmless ENTERTAINMENT. Look at it with a mature objective view.

I personally think its wonderful, but it depends on you. Bye!!

The Bronze Bow
Adventure, bloodshed, romance, love, and religion. The Award winning novel, The Bronze Bow, by Elizabeth George Speare, combines all of these components. The story, which is set in Galilee in the year 31 A.D., tells of a boy named Daniel who is caught between fighting the Romans, whom he hates, and following the teaching of love from Jesus. Daniel is forced to choose and his decision will affect the rest of his life. The combination of historical accounts, biblical accounts, and the author's diction, creates a vivid picture, and a new mystery is unfolded with each turning of the page. ... Read more

Book Description

CD of Pictures at an Exhibition included. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Pictures at an Ehibition
A wonderful picture book which brings true story, art and music together I have ever read. They harmonize well. Reading this book with the accompanying Mussorgsky's music is one of my greatest enjoyment,especially when in late afternoon. I highly recommend this book to the students who now are learning art or music but do not have much time for reading. It is a good opportunity for them to get started from it and will bring in something for them. ... Read more

Book Description

Moon shadow is eight years old when he sails from China to join his father, Windrider, in America. Windrider lives in San Francisco and makes his living doing laundry. Father and son have never met.

But Moon Shadow grows to love and respect his father and to believe in his wonderful dream. And Windrider, with Moon Shadow's help is willing to endure the mockery of the other Chinese, the poverty, the separation from his wife and country'even the great earthquake'to make his dream come true.

1976 Newbery Honor Book
Notable Children's Books of 1971–1975 (ALA)
1976 Boston Globe–Horn Book Award Honor Book for Fiction
1976 Fanfare Honor List (The Horn Book)
"Best of the Best" Children's Books 1966–1978 (SLJ)
Outstanding Children's Books of 1975 (NYT)
1976 Children's Book Award (IRA)
Children's Choices for 1976 (IRA/CBC)
Notable 1975 Children's Trade Books in Social Studies (NCSS/CBC)
1976 Carter G. Woodson Award (NCSS)
1976 Jane Addams Children's Book Award Honor Book
1979 Lewis Carroll Shelf Award
Children's Books of 1975 (Library of Congress)
1979 Books for the Teen Age (NY Public Library)
1995 Phoenix Award (Children's Literature Association) ... Read more

Reviews (66)

Dragonwings
During the Tang period, a Chinese boy named Moon Shadow immigrates to America. He meets and lives with his father, Windrider, who is an absolute genius. Windrider is said to have encountered a dragon, who instructs him to pass several tasks in order to be reincarnated as a dragon. Inspired, both father and son build a flying machine, and, with some help from their Chinese company and two good, American friends, they fly the plane, thinking that this is one of the tasks needed to be fulfilled for the dragon. In the end, however, the flying machine breaks apart, but Windrider decides not to work on it ever again. Somehow, the whole experience seems to bring everyone together again. Even Moon Shadow raises enough money for his mother to join them in America.
I greatly enjoyed this book very much. The detailed description made it sound like I was in the book. It was easy to read, and I did not have much difficulty trying to figure out the main point of the story. I saw that the book had a well-thought-out plot, because it all fitted together nicely. The cover was quite interesting.
The part of the book I enjoyed reading was when Windrider flew his huge flying machine outside against the strong winds. The book described it so well, I thought I was flying myself! When Windrider finally crash-landed, I could not tell whether I really did experience it or not. Laurence Yep is quite an amazing writer. Overall, I know that this book will always be one that I would greatly enjoy reading once more.

illustrates varities of themes.
This book, Dragonwings, is full of emotions, including sadness,happiness, fighting, suffering, perseverance, dream, and comedy. It expresses some stereotypes about americans ,and it also points out the good relationship between Chinese immigrants and Americans. The main theme mentions about one Chinese immigrant, who had left his family to work in Demon land. He was full of dreams ,and he believed that he was a dargon in the past life. He tried to construct his dream to become true with builted glider and plane. He wish to fly as a dragon. However, finally, he had knew that nothing was more important than his family. I can learn the ideas of different culture that help me open my mind widely.I like this book. It is useful to read it- good novle.

Dragon Wings
This book is about a white boy who learns to fly kites using a stick and a paper. HE learns thet white people are the best and christians are not bad.

I want to get away, I want to fly away
No one melds fact and myth into seamless storylines of historical fiction quite like Lawrence Yep. Like many of his tales, the remarkable, "Dragonwings", reflects on the Chinese experience in America. Says Yep in his author's note, "I have tried to make some of these dry historical facts become living experiences". The result is a book that certain kids will grow attached to and respect. Admittedly, it is not a book for all children, but for what it offers it is an impressive work.

The plot follows Moon Shadow, a boy sent from his native China to live with his father in the Land of the Gold Mountains a.k.a San Francisco in 1903. While there, Moon Shadow learns a great deal about the ways the white settlers (referred to in this text, without exception, as demons) reacted to the Chinese in California. Yep does not play down the characters' difficulties, but Moon Shadow and his father, Windrider, learn the ways in which they may live their lives acceptably. They befriend their white employers, survive the great San Francisco earthquake, and finally Windrider follows his dream of making a flying machine just as the Wright Brothers did. This portion of the book is based on the true story of a Chinese immigrant that on September 22, 1909 flew from the hills of Oakland, California. As Yep points out in his author's note, this book is a historical fantasy and not an actual factual construction. Nonetheless, Windrider's quest is such that you feel just as caught up in the excitement of the moment as he is when at last he is able to test his creation.

What is so impressive about Lawrence Yep's writing is how he accepts that there are no hard and fast rules about the ways in which people act and react. The Chinese are constantly set upon by the white majority, yet there are good Tang people and bad Tang people just as there are good whites and bad whites. The sentence that really drilled this home for me was one referring to a white female friend Moon Shadow and his father made the acquaintance of. Miss Whitlaw befriends our heroes, as well as the patriarch of their company, referred to mostly as "Uncle". The section I love reads, "I won't say that Miss Whitlaw and Uncle became the best of friends, but they came to like each other as much as two such difference people could". To me, this is an eloquent description of how two people from remarkably different backgrounds can become close without ever reaching the closeness that comes from being with someone like yourself.

So here's the real test of this book; Do kids actually like reading it? Published originally in 1975, I remember hearing about this story when I was in elementary school. And, admittedly, I never so much as picked it up. For those kids that do glance through it, or are assigned it in school, what is their reaction? Honestly, I thought the book began rather slowly. Yep is introducing his subject honestly and with tact and feeling, all of which make the beginning a small slog for the average child reader. Those kids that stick with it, however, will find fights, natural disasters, and attempted throat slittings galore. To my mind, Yep's "Child of the Owl" is a lot more kid friendly than the well-written but ultimately measured "Dragonwings". So if I were to give a child I knew a good, if more contemporary, book reflecting the experiences of Chinese-Americans, I'd probably offer them the former. None of this is to say that there aren't children out there that consider "Dragonwings" to be their favorite book ever. I just suspect they are a minority.

In the end, "Dragonwings" has won more awards and garnered more praise than I think Lawrence Yep could have ever hoped for. It is a fine noble creation and well deserves the attention it has received. Whether kids will ever willingly open its pages is open to debate, but it is definitely a fascinating look into the lives of a people that could well have remained unknown but for the superb prose and experienced writing of one of the finest American writers of our day and age.

dragon wings reivew
...BR>I didn't like this book at the beginning, because I thought it was boring. After I read and I found that it was pretty interesting. In this book, I learned a lot of things, such as vocabulary, what is important in life, and how to make it easier, etc. Laurence Yep mentioned detaily in people's emotions and their different characters. Yep listed out how people felt after they left their home, and went to a different place for work. In addition, he also stated how was a life for a little boy, and how he managed it. In general, it was a little bit long. Finally, according to the last chapter of the text book, I knew the "Family" is the most important in life ... Read more