Book Description

Stargirl. From the day she arrives at quiet Mica High in a burst of color and sound, the hallways hum with the murmur of “Stargirl, Stargirl.” She captures Leo Borlock’s heart with just one smile. She sparks a school-spirit revolution with just one cheer. The students of Mica High are enchanted. At first.

Then they turn on her. Stargirl is suddenly shunned for everything that makes her different, and Leo, panicked and desperate with love, urges her to become the very thing that can destroy her: normal. In this celebration of nonconformity, Newbery Medalist Jerry Spinelli weaves a tense, emotional tale about the perils of popularity and the thrill and inspiration of first love.

... Read more

Reviews (468)

A girl at her best.
Star Girl, written by Jerry Spinelli, is a wonderful fiction novel. It is a story about a girl in Arizona who has just come from home schooling to the town's high school. Her name is Stargirl and she has a lot of interesting qualities about her. She wears different clothing then most girls and acts completely different also. She even has a pet rat named Cinnamin. One day in school a boy catches her eye. Even though she is so different there is something about her that he can't stop thinking about. At first she is lonely, then she joins the cheerleading squad and suddenly she was one of the most popular girls in school. Then she does something that makes the cheerleaders turn their backs on her and then she is unpopular again. This boy keeps on seeing and likes her a lot. They finally make it public that they like each other and then before you know it, everyone is interested on how their relationship will work. The ending in this book is amazing. So read the book to find out what happens to Stargirl and her pet rat, Cinnamin.

Thank you, Mr. Spinelli...
Unlike many of the other reviews I will not summarize the plot as well, but give a public thank you to Mr. Spinelli for such a poignant story. Having just finished the audio version, I must applaud both the verbal performance (by John Ritter, excellent choice and we miss him dearly) and the excellent content.

As an adult reader, it caused me to reflect on my years in high school and remember, with some embarrassment, my need to conform and not rock the boat of popularity. I feel the book goes much beyond the surface story, touching on the deep human need to make a difference in other people's lives. Unfortunately, that longing is often lost early in life - the need for acceptance takes center stage and rarely gives up the spotlight.

This story made me laugh and cry, and shall join the short list of books I would take with me if ever stranded on a desert island. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Those wanting more of Mr. Spinelli's excellent work should also read the audio book Loser, performed superbly by Steve Buscemi.

I hope you're still out there, Stargirl. Please keep your eye on me, too.

To conform or not to conform, that is the question.
Stargirl, with a name like that she would have to be an original and she is. No one at Mica High has ever met anyone so non-conformant to the group norm. Stargirl sings happy birthday to student in the cafeteria while playing her ukulele. She drops money on the sidewalk for little kids to find. She cheers for BOTH teams at sports tournaments. Can anyone this selfless and caring survive the pressure to "follow the unwritten school rules" of behavior? Will her individuality be squashed or will the town of Mica, Arizona never be the same?

Karen Woodworth-Roman

*GIRL*
WOW! I got this book in a small book shop in an upstate town. It had an interesting cover and so i thought it would be interesting. I believe in the phrase "you cant judge a book by its cover". So i thought i would give it a shot. I read it in one day!!! I was shocked when i found out that it was narrorated by a boy. Usually girls narerate. Besides the point... It is a great book about how a boy falls in love with a girl who is not what everyone else is. When the whole school stops liking Stargirl, Leo is torn between stargirl and the school. It is a great book about how being different has its ups and its downs. It showed me that being different is something that everyone should try and that not following the croud is something that is not always a good thing. It tought me how to be different in a good way.

Making Conformity Unpopular
I'm not the biggest fan of Spinelli. Although he's a wonderfully artistic writer, his works usually depress me. He has changed my mind with his book, "Stargirl". Reading the book, I recognized the pressures for conformity not only from my high school days, but even now, during my lasT years of college. I both wanted to be and hated the character Stargirl. She's everything we SHOULD be, but never come close to becoming. I hope this book doesn't remain in the young adult circle, but spreads to the adult section as well. A winner. ... Read more

Book Description

A toddler's graduation from diapers to the potty is always a veryimportant moment--and one to make parents and toddlers proud! In this book,Hannah needs to have her diaper changed so she can go out and play. Then Mom andDad bring a big box home, and Hannah is anxious to open it up and see what'sinside. Is it a rocking chair? A bed for Teddy? No, it's a potty--which meansit's time for Hannah to graduate from diapers. This gentle and humorous littlestory is charmingly illustrated and told in verse. Little girls will enjoylooking at the pictures and having the story read to them. Meanwhile, they'llstart getting the idea that it's time for them to grow up, exactly like Hannah.So that at last, they'll be able to say: "I'm off to the potty, No more diapersfor me! And I feel great, I am proud of ... ME! Here's a pleasant and effectivenew way to begin a child's toilet training. Barron's also publishes a potty bookfor a little boy, starring Henry. (Ages 1-4) ... Read more

Reviews (27)

My daughter loves it!
This is a fun, easy to understand book for young girls. It is a cute story that covers the basics. It took my daughter about 2 months to warm up to the book, but now we must read it about 3-5 times per day -- usually in the bathroom. I like the fact that the character does not "play" with her potty, like in many of these types of books. The child's name in the book is Hannah, so this was also a plus for us, since that is our daughters name.
That being said, the quality of the binding is not what I expected, we are very careful with our books, yet it is coming apart in the middle.

Corny but effective
I bought this book after returning home from a business trip to learn that my 2 1/2 year old daughter had regressed in her potty training desire! So far, the book is very effective. We read it once a day and she listens actively. We talk about the little protagonist, Hannah, and what she's doing as she learns about the potty. I'm so glad that there are books out there for little kids, because the understanding that my daughter is gaining by reading this book seems to be working. It seems that presenting potty training in an intellectual (as opposed to simply behavioral) manner is helping with our toddler.

success
Before my daughter got into the bathtub every morning, i put her on her little potty and read her this book. At times, we would read it twice -- she loved it! (i replaced Hannah's name with her own). After 2 weeks of patiently reading it and going thru our ritual, the light finally went on and she knew what needed to be done -- pee pee! promptly, we laughed and clapped, just as Hannah does in the book. we had a 20 minute celebration and she kept looking inside the potty proudly. i give full credit to this book for helping my daughter understand the potty concept more easily. yay!

A Good Introduction
Hannah can eat her breakfast, brush her teeth, and even dress all by herself. Her biggest hurdle? The potty! As with most potty training experiences (mine included), Hannah and her parents need plenty of patience...and paper towels!

Reality check. I had two minor issues with the book: Hannah easily removes her diaper. My girls struggled to get theirs off (at least at first). And Hannah seems to graduate instantly from diapers to underwear after only one successful potty. In my house that meant instant mess!

Otherwise, readers will chuckle over Alyssa Capucilli's delightful rhyme, rapped by Hannah herself, and Dorothy Stott's hilarious antics of Hannah's potty partner Teddy the bear.

We have read almost every potty book available on the market as of 9/2003 (over two dozen!). Most fit into two categories: INSTRUCTIONAL books that introduce the skills needed to master the potty; and those that are primarily ENTERTAINING, for children who understand what is supposed to happen on the potty, but need extra time to make it happen.

I think The Potty Book for Girls fits more in the INSTRUCTIONAL category for the following reasons:

1) It identifies the purpose of the potty.
2) It specifies bodily functions such as "poop" and "pee."
3) Shows the transition from diapers to big kid underwear.
4) Includes the hand washing step.

For other potty books that are instructional, check out What to Expect When You Use the Potty by Heidi Murkoff, You Can Go to the Potty by Martha Sears, or My Big Girl Potty by Joanna Cole.

My daughter loves this book.
My daughter is 22 months old and is interested in potty training. This is her new favorite book. What I like about it is that it is clean... no pictures of anatomy like in Once upon a Potty. That's a little much for a toddler in my opinion. What is great about the book is that it lets children know that potty accidents are OK and that they should just keep trying! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Sesame Street veteran and Emmy Award-winner Mo Willems returns with a fast, funny follow-up to Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!--only this time, the short-tempered pigeon faces his perfect foil in a "special guest star" duckling.In the previous Pigeon book, author and illustrator Willems expertly distilled the escalating emotions of preschoolers all too anxious to get their way. The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog--also a simple and sparsely illustrated story--explores the flip side of that coin, exposing the poker-face persuasive powers of young negotiators. The pigeon just wants to greedily eat the hot dog that he's found: "Oooooh! A hot dog! Yummy! Yummy! Yummy!" Then along comes the duckling, "scooty scoot scoot!" with his insistent questions about hot dogs: "What do they taste like?...Would you say that it tastes like chicken?...Hey, I'm a curious bird." At first, the pigeon entertains the duckling, "Each morsel is a joy! A celebration in a bun!", but then he soon suspects the little bird might have designs on his delicious dog. In the end, of course, the clever duckling gets his way--and half of the hot dog: "You know, you're pretty smart for a duckling." (Ages Baby to Preschool) --Paul Hughes ... Read more

Reviews (7)

What luck!
Poor Pigeon. He has the good fortune of finding a hotdog. It's just sitting there. So what's the problem? (Special guest star) Little Duckling won't give Pigeon a moment's peace to eat the hotdog. "Does it taste like chicken?" Duckling asks. The discussion escalates until it is finally resolved with a happy ending and a fairly understated lesson. Mo Willems' lively pastel colored drawings are simple but still expressive. A thoroughly enjoyable, excellent book. Karen Woodworth-Roman

HOT DOG THIS BOOK IS DE-LICIOUS!
I was shopping today for my nephew's birthday. I already had picked out an armload of children's picture books when I spotted The Pigeon Finds A Hot Dog. Not only did I laugh hysterically out loud in the middle of the regularly quiet bookstore, but I was also very impressed with the story dialogue and the simple, but unique style of illustration. At any rate, I put all the other books back on the shelves, and rushed to the counter to purchase the book. Now, I'm debating going back and buying a few more copies, one for my collection and a couple more for some friends. I highly recommend adding this to your library.

Great lesson in simple words.
Who couldn't like the pigeon and now we meet a new friend. We weren't as thrilled with this book as we were with "Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus" but the lesson at the end makes up for that. Mo Willems has made two very lovable characters with strong personalities!! It's amazing that a book with such little dialogue can catch your heart. I miss the interaction of the first book but the lesson of sharing is one that you can't beat.

A New Comedy Team Kids Will Love
From Abbott and Costello to SpongeBob and Patrick and everyone in between, all great comedy duos have worked with a simple but effective formula: The straight man who sets things in motion, and the source of comedy who is either easily furiated (such as Costello in the "Who's on First?" routine) or dumber than the straight man (such as the bumbling starfish Patrick). Now, animator Mo Willems adds another duo to this long list: Pigeon and Duckling.
Pigeon was the star of Willems' first book for children, DON'T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS!, in which he interacted with the reader by constantly pleading to drive a bus. Now, he has someone else to play off of, the cute but annoying Duckling. Duckling plays the part of the straight man as he approaches Pigeon, who is ready to greedily eat a hot dog he has found. Duckling distracts Pigeon by asking him a number of silly questions ("Would you say that it tastes like chicken?") Will Pigeon give in? Is there a possible solution to this conundrum?
There is a simple lesson to be learned from this book, but it is also unique in its comedic style. An easily angred character such as Pigeon isn't seen very often in books for young children, and is a refreshing change from the goody-two-shoes, Dick-and-Jane type characters who always do the right thing. Children (and their parents) will most likely enjoy this simple story featuring a new comedic team who are sure to go far. Abbott and Costello were able to make audiences laugh with a routine about a baseball team. A routine about something as simple as a hot dog doesn't seem that far off.

The pigeon flies again!
This clever story is sure to delight fans of Willems first book as well as newcomers to the pigeon character. The book has simple illustrations that children love to draw with each character having its own unique charm. In addition to this the story will make both the young and young at heart laugh out loud. Six time Emmy award winner and Caldecott honoree Mo Willems looks to have the right mix to gain further recognition with this new book The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog. This is a must have for your childrens library. ... Read more

Book Description

The author/artist creators of How I Was Adopted present this child's-eye view of family life, deftly describing the joy of welcoming a new sibling into the family. A companion volume to I'm a Big Sister. ... Read more

Reviews (29)

Good for older toddlers, preschoolers
I bought this book to help my almost-three-years-old son adjust to the idea of a new baby brother or sister. He loves it and asks to read it about four times a day. The text is easy to understand. It explains some of babies' limitations ("Too little to walk. Too little to talk.") and also talks about why babies cry, etc. The illustrations are really sweet and everyone is smiling, even the kitty cat.

The one thing I don't like about this book is that it assumes the mom will be bottlefeeding. There are bottles in several pictures (one shows the brother giving a bottle). Since we breastfeed, I would have preferred a book where the mother nurses the baby. However, this hurdle was easily overcome by some quick mommy text improvisation. ("Babies like to nurse," instead of "Babies like to drink milk"). All in all, it's a great sibling book and one I don't hesitate to recommend.

What a great little book!
I bought this book for my 6 year old son just before the birth of his brother. We loved it! It is short for kids who need an introduction but might not want to dwell on the subject, very positive about all the family relationships - especially about being a sibling, friendly and engaging. The reason I really like the Big Brother/Big Sister difference is that the sibling-to-be spends a couple of months hearing that he or she will be a brother or sister and this book follows right along! I did enjoy the breastfeeding illustration, unobstrusive and just as easily a cuddling illustration, which is something many books skip right over. If there was anything disappointing about the book it's the fact that our Big Brother had no interest in looking at it once the baby was here. But, hey, why should I be upset with a book for answering all my son's questions so soon and so easily? ... it was well worth what he got out of it for 3 weeks' worth of reading. I recommend this book highly!

a nice preparation for the new baby
My 18 mo son will sit and listen to this book, and it's the most I get to discuss the "new baby" with him. If I try to point to the new crib, or my burgeoning belly, he just says "no baby" and goes back to his cars and trucks. I agree that the book should have a nursing mother, in this breastfeeding age, or at least say "some babies have Mommy's milk and some babies have milk from bottles," or whatever. But I like that the little boy in the book is unflaggingly positive about his new sibling, and how much his parents still love him.

Great book for Big Brothers
We bought this book to help my son get ready for his little sister's arrival. It has simple text and really highlights on the differences in big kids vs babies. Gets him excited about the big kid things he already gets to do without wanting to regress. I also liked the way the book touches on the nurturing side of the big brother and the parents towards both children. The pages are a little thicker if you have a toddler prone to ripping pages, mine hasn't yet. They are holding up well. A great book that is asked for atleast twice a day by my son! I recommend it.

a much-requested story
this book is one of the favorite stories of our 18-month-old, so much so that we're able to quote the story during regular conversations during the day. we have yet to find out how well this book does for preparing our son for his little brother, but at least he knows that there are some things that big kids can do that babies cannot. i like the fact that the book emphasizes that a big brother can be very helpful with the new baby and is still very loved by his parents. ... Read more

Book Description

Warm, loving pictures accompany this upbeat look at how a family grows when a new baby comes home. A companion volume to I'm a Big Brother. ... Read more

Reviews (24)

"Big Sister" Endures
We received this book shortly after our son was born, and our 2-1/2 year old daughter loved it right away. She still asks to read it, 7 months later. She loves being a big sister, and the book reinforces it in a very positive way. She identifies with the character, down to wanting to get hair bows just like in the illustrations. We like that it is gender-specific as to the "big" sibling, but not the baby.

Great book for toddlers
My daughter is 26 months old and we are expecting our second child in another month. She immediately took to the book and has asked to have it read to her almost everyday. Before this book, we would talk to my daughter about the baby, but we weren't sure how much was sinking in. This book has really helped! After just a couple of weeks, my daughter is much more focused on the baby, and talks about how certain things will be for the baby, such as the infant seat, bouncy chair, pacifier, things like that. She also wants to see my belly all the time and will act like she is feeding the baby, or she will give the baby hugs and kisses. It is very cute, and it really seems like she understands a lot more what to expect when the baby comes. I am sure there are other good books out there, but this one seems especially appropriate for kids in the 1 to 3 year old range. It is straightforward and not too complicated, and has good illustrations. I highly recommend this book!

Nice book with one drawback
I bought this book when my son was born for my 2 year old daugther after reading all the good reviews. I like it a lot - except for the bottle feeding reference. As a breastfeeding mom I would have preferred it if the author simply left feeding out. There are plenty of other things that a big sister can do.

Good, even for young sister-to-be
Our daughter was 17-months-old when she became a big sister, and this book was the only one out there that helped her understand the concept of having a little sister.
It is written very simply, talking about what the little girl can do and how she is a big girl. It talks also about the baby and what the baby can do, what the baby needs, etc. It is very reassuring, I think, to the older child that they are still loved because they are special.
The drawings are very cute and appealing to my daughter - she loves to see the big sister and the baby, the dolls and bears, and the mommy and daddy.
I think it really helped her understand the concept and I would really recommend it for any age!

What a wonderful book
We got this for our daughter (2 1/2) to let her know she's going to be a big sister, and SHE LOVES IT. It has QUICKLY become her favorite book and like to repeat the big kid things she can do. I would HIGHLY recommend this to anyone who's going to have a new big sister in the house! ... Read more

Book Description

Jess Aaron's greatest ambition is to be the fastest runner in the fifth grade. He's been practicing all summer and can't wait to see his classmates' faces when he beats them all. But on the first day of school, a new kid, a new girl, boldly crosses over to the boy's side of the playground and outruns everyone.

That's not a very promising beginning for a friendship, but Jess and Leslie Burke become inseparable. It doesn't matter to Jess that leslie dresses funny, or that her family has a lot of money -- but no TV. Leslie has imagination. Together, she and Jess create Terabithia, a magical kingdom in the woods where the two of them reign as king and queen, and their imaginations set the only limits. Then one morning a terrible tragedy occurs. Only when Jess is able to come to grips with this tragedy does he finally understand the strength and courage Leslie has given him.

Reviews (548)

A Great Friendship
Have you ever wanted a good friend? If you answered "yes", then you should read Bridge to Terabithia. This interesting and exciting book about friendship will teach you about love, determination, and loss. Jess Aarons wants to be the fastest runner in the fifth grade, but when his new neighbor, Leslie Burke, comes to school the challenge is even harder for him. Even though Jess didn't become the fastest runner, he found a new friend in Leslie. Jess and Leslie also found a magical place in the woods that they called Terabithia. It was a private place just for them. Jess likes to draw, he's a good friend, and he's nice. Jess has two older sisters. They're lazy, selfish, whiney, and bossy. Jess also has a younger sister named Maybelle. She follows him everywhere like a cute little puppy, but he draws the line when it comes to Terabithia. I strongly recommend this book to anyone who likes great books about friendship.

Bridge to Terabithia
Katherine Paterson wrote a book called, ''Bridge to Terabithia.'' The novel is about a fith grade boy namd Jesse Oliver Aarons who dreams of being the fastest runner in the fith grade. Jess has a poor family life, but when a tomboy named Leselie Burke moves in from Arlingtron, Virginia his self-esteem is jolted up. Together they create a magical kingdom named Terabithia. When a tradgety happens Jess realizes the strength Leselie gave him. Realistic fiction is this seventies book's genre. Find out what the tradgety is and read the novel, ''Bridge to Terabithia.''
Do I personally like this book? You bet! I especially like the special ending and how it matches the title. My opion is that it is a very entertaining and heartwarming novel. The novel, ''Bridge to Terabithia,'' is one book that I highly recommend. So read it and see how you like it. I'm almost positive you won't regret it.

Deliciously sad!
This book is hard to describe. I read it before buying it for my niece a few years after it was first published. I thought it was excellent, especially at depicting the mind of a pre-adolescent boy and how he confronts tragedy. Everything about the book struck me as honest, true and insightful at the time. Though looking at it now, some of the author's messages seem to lack subtlety. But how much subtlety do you want in children's literature? Still, I'm sure the author would be offended to hear me call this "children's literature." The fact is it's a great and enjoyable read that will keep your child thinking for a long time. But it's also a book that any adult can enjoy and will also have them thinking as well. If you don't own this one, buy it today.

Valuable Life Lessons
I have read "Bridge to Terabithia" many times as both a child and adult, and have continued to return to it for many reasons. Jess, an unappreciated artistic boy, feels pressure from his family and school to live up to their expectations of "male" behavior, yet he learns with the help of individualistic Leslie that he needs to be true to himself. Together they create a magical kingdom where they can be themselves, applaud each others' talents, and escape the closed-minded world that fails to understand them. When Leslie suddenly leaves Jess' life, Jess realizes he has gained the confidence (with Leslie's help) to face the world on his own. He then passes Terabithia on to someone else who needs its "powers" the same way he did. This powerful, touching book teaches readers to always be themselves, that struggles and tragedies can make us stronger and bring us closer together, that appearances can be deceiving, and that friendship and imagination have remarkable powers. My class of reluctant 6th grade readers loved this book as well.

WORST BOOK EVER!
This book is terrible! All my friends and I hate it. Sometimes for a whole chapter it talks about Jess thinking about things that nobody cares about. This would never happen in real life. All they do is say wow im in happyland. No wonder they dont have any other friends. LESLIE DIED! LETS HAVE A PARTY! ... Read more

Book Description

Alone

Thirteen-year-old Brian Robeson is on his way to visit his father when the single engine plane in which he is flying crashes. Suddenly, Brian finds himself alone in the Canadian wilderness with nothing but his clothing, a tattered windbreaker, and the hatchet his mother has given him as a present -- and the dreadful secret that has been tearing him apart ever since his parents' divorce. But now Brian has no time for anger, self-pity, or despair -- it will take all his know-how and determination, and more courage than he knew he possessed, to survive. ... Read more

Reviews (681)

A heartwarming survival story
Liz Gilbertson~Dobbs Grade 5 Hardy Elementary Wellesley MA May 19, 1999

Hatchet

This is a beautifully written story about a 13 year old city boy named Brian. Brian's parents get divorced because of "the secret". He is going to visit his father on a plane but the pilot has a heart attack! Brian tries to fly the plane but crashes in to the lake! He swims to the surface gasping for air. He weakly crawls to shore and gets attacked by a HUGE swarm of mosquitoes. He barely manages to get away from them and find shelter in a rock overhang. To survive he knew he needed food so he built wepons like spears, snares and a bow and arrow. To get fruit he follows a flock of birds, to a berry tree, the berries have a bitter flavor but he kept eating pits and all. He got sick that night. Luckly he finds a patch of raspberries. He ate and ate, A huge grizzly bear came a long. A couple of days later a tornado comes and hits the lake! it stirred the plane so that the tip of its tail was showing. He thought of the surival pack, he would rather have that than $1,000,000,000!Will he get the surival pack in the plane with the dead pilot or try to surive using just what he has? you have to read the end of this book to find out! Survival and heart break bueatifully merge in this heart warming story! The sequal, The River, is good too!

My Review
If you like books about adventures and fights to stay alive Hatchet is a good book for you. Brian Rodeson is a Thirteen-year-old kid whose parents were divorced. He was going to the Canadian oil fields to see his father. His father was a mechanical engineer and invented a new oil-drilling bit. Brian was over the Canadian wildness and the pilot is having a heart attack and Brian started to panic because he was the only other person in the plane, he called for help many times. After awhile the plane ran out of gas and he had to crash land in a lake. After the crash he was left with the clothes on he had on and a hatchet on his belt. He thought he was going to die but he started to eat some berries he found. He built a shelter under a rock cliff. He made a wall out of wood and put it up against the rocks. Then he tried making a spear and a bow to catch fish. He finally started to hunt birds and rabbits.

I think people that would like this book are people that like adventure and action.

I like how Gary Paulsen writes because makes you feel like your actually there.

A Great Survival Story
Recommendation
I would recommend this book to anyone 11 years old and up because it presents a picture of how a young man survives the wilderness. Another reason would be that it was a very interesting story about survival. For example, any mistake that Brian makes could cause disaster. "Small mistakes could turn into disasters, funny little mistakes could snowball so that while you were still smiling at the humor you could find yourself looking at death". Another example is when Brian tries to start a fire, but does not know what to use. "Clearly there had to be something for the sparks to ignite, some kind of tinder or kindling-but what?" In conclusion, if you are interested in survival and adventure, then read this book.

Hatchet
The main events in Hatchet are related to the conflict and the solution. The conflict was the plane crash that Brian was in. He had to survive in the Canadian wilderness. One of the solutions that he had to do to survive is make a home. He also had to find food by hunting and fishing. He had to make a fire to help him survive and be seen to be rescued. He was successful because he was rescued.
I rate this book 5 stars because it showed how 11, 12, and 13 year old boys can take care of themselves when they are alone in the woods for 54 days.It also was interesting to read because Brian was keeping a secret and never told his dad. It was exciting because you would not know what was going to happen next.

good, but not too good
I had to read this book for a school project, and let's just say it was pretty bad. I've read many better survival stories that were a little more realistic than this. But, Hatchet has taught me a lesson: Pay attention to all that's around...you'll never know when you'll end up in a situation like Brian's. ... Read more

Book Description

Sometimes I feel like I have walked into the middle of a movie. Maybe I can make my own movie. The film will be the story of my life. No, not my life, but of this experience. I'll call it what the lady who is the prosecutor called me. MONSTER.

FADE IN: INTERIOR COURT. A guard sits at a desk behind Steve. Kathy O'Brien, Steve's lawyer, is all business as she talks to Steve.

O'BRIEN
Let me make sure you understand what's going on. Both you and this king character are on trial for felony murder. Felony Murder is as serious as it gets. . . . When you're in court, you sit there and pay attetion. You let the jury know that you think the case is a serious as they do. . . .

STEVE
You think we're going to win ?

O'BRIEN (seriously)
It probably depends on what you mean by "win."

Sixteen-year-old Steve Harmon is on trial for murder. A Harlem drugstore owner was shot and killed in his store, and the word is that Steve served as the lookout.

Guilty or innocent, Steve becomes a pawn in the hands of "the system," cluttered with cynical authority figures and unscrupulous inmates, who will turn in anyone to shorten their own sentences. For the first time, Steve is forced to think about who he is as he faces prison, where he may spend all the tomorrows of his life.

As a way of coping with the horrific events that entangle him, Steve, an amateur filmmaker, decides to transcribe his trial into a script, just like in the movies. He writes it all down, scene by scene, the story of how his whole life was turned around in an instant. But despite his efforts, reality is blurred and his vision obscured until he can no longer tell who he is or what is the truth. This compelling novel is Walter Dean Myers's writing at its best.

2000 Coretta Scott King Honor Book, 2000 Michael L. Printz Award, 1999 National Book Award Finalist, 01 Heartland Award for Excellence in YA Lit Finalist, 00-01 Tayshas High School Reading List, and 00-01 Black-Eyed Susan Award Masterlist

2000 Best Books for Young Adults (ALA), Hornbook Fanfare 2000, Michael L. Printz Award 2000, 2000 Coretta Scott King Award Author Honor Book, 2000 Quick Picks for Young Adults (Recomm. Books for Reluctant Young Readers), and 2000 Best Books for Young Adults (ALA)

Reviews (341)

Monster
"Monster" is what the prosecutor called 16-year-old Steve Harmon for his supposed role in the fatal shooting of a convenience-store owner. But was Steve really the lookout who gave the "all clear" to the murderer, or was he just in the wrong place at the wrong time? In this innovative novel by Walter Dean Myers, the reader becomes both juror and witness during the trial of Steve's life. To calm his nerves as he sits in the courtroom, aspiring filmmaker Steve chronicles the proceedings in movie script format. Interspersed throughout his screenplay are journal writings that provide insight into Steve's life before the murder and his feelings about being held in prison during the trial. "They take away your shoelaces and your belt so you can't kill yourself no matter how bad it is. I guess making you live is part of the punishment."
Myers, known for the inner-city classic Motown and Didi (first published in 1984), proves with Monster that he has kept up with both the struggles and the lingo of today's teens. Steve is an adolescent caught up in the violent circumstances of an adult world--a situation most teens can relate to on some level. Readers will no doubt be attracted to the novel's handwriting-style typeface, emphasis on dialogue, and fast-paced courtroom action. By weaving together Steve's journal entries and his script, Myers has given the first-person voice a new twist and added yet another worthy volume to his already admirable body of work. (Ages 12 and older) --... --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Monster
Luis G.
I read the book Monster by Walter Dean Myers. The story is about a 16-year-old boy, Steve Harmon, on trial for felony murder. Steve, who wished that experience were only a movie, writes the story in a movie script format. There only needs to be enough evidence to say he was at the scene of the crime and participated in the drug store robbery, regardless of whether or not he pulled the trigger on Mr. Nesbitt, the person killed. If so, he might spend the rest of his life behind bars. Steve is the only dynamic character in the story; when the movie begins, he is a simple 16-year-old boy who had only seen the world through his somewhat happy life. Towards the end he realizes not all people in this life are decent, or anywhere close to decent human being, but rather there is a mix of good and bad living amongst each other. Steve's movie contains flashbacks that sometimes leave the reader wondering of their significance to the story. In them we see a Steve Harmon prior to him being in jail. We see him hanging out with his friends and family. Readers are able to relate with Steve regardless of whether or not they have experience a jail term. Walter Myers does an excellent job of characterization especially in those flashbacks, because Steve seems so much like a real. Because you are able to relate with Steve you begin to feel sympathy for him just because of the awful place he is at. Myers's imagery of the jail is excellent. You realize the brutality and the perverse minds of some inmates, and also the depressed state Steve is in. as a consequence, you begin to feel sorry for him and wish he be found not guilty. This book is on of a kind because you observe the brutal side of jail through the mind of a 16-year-old boy. I think that all teens might want to consider reading this book, and I also think they are the ideal audience.

MONSTER
Monster

This is one of the best books I have ever read, and I don't usually like reading books. I know you have heard that many times before but when you hear it from me you know its true because I absolutely despise reading.
This book is based on a true story: Three men planned a robbery at the local drug store in which the local drug store clerk was shot and killed. Now these three men are on trial and one of them is innocent, can you tell who? One of the characters is Steve. He was one of the three being convicted of murder. Whether or not he was guilty, you'll just have to see for yourself. Evans was another of the three that were on trial for felony murder. And James King is the last main character that is on trial for murdering the store clerk.
This book is good because all of these characters seem realistic. The author describes how appropriately they dressed for their court trials. The way that the author talks about the characters makes me able to picture the characters in my head. " Cut To: Steve Harmon getting dressed in his cell wearing a tie and button up shirt". The author also makes the murder scene real because the police go through the proper procedure that they normally would at a regular murder scene.
The court case also seems true, Mostly because the book is written in play form, with characters being given dialogue and actions. Its almost like its being written by a court reporter.
The way that this book was written was the first thing that jumped out at me because it is so realistic. You can picture the man or woman who is talking. However there were some flaws to the way it was written because the narrative alternates between third person play form and first person diary format making parts of the book hard to understand. I would get lost while I was reading because I would get so into it I wouldn't bother reading the names of the person who was talking.
In conclusion I think that this was an extremely good book. I recommend this book to people who like mystery books because with this book you never know what's going to happen next.

The master piece
This book is amazing.This book is about a kid on the streets that is accused of robbery and murder .The book can be compared to the movie "juice" .

Book Review
Monster is mainly about a 16 year old boy named Steve. Steve is a very timid kid fighting for his innocence. This book takes place in a Manhattan Detention Center. Steves problem is that he is being falsely accused for commiting murder. Now he has to go on trial and see what happends.

This book "Monster" is basically all dialogue and no actions. There are alot of characters in this book and it is hard to keep track of them since it's written like a movie. This book has alot of realism since it was based on a true story. There really isnt alot of suspense in this novel. "Monster" drags out alot and i wouldnt recommend this book to anyone.

To the peron who wrote this book, I think he should have sold this "script" to a movie maker. This book was a waste of time to read. Thank You. ... Read more

Book Description

Enter the hilarious world of 10-year-old Kenny and his family, the Weird Watsons of Flint, Michigan. There's Momma, Dad, little sister Joetta, and brother Byron, who's 13 and an "official juvenile delinquent." When Momma and Dad decide it's time for a visit to Grandma, Dad comes home with the amazing Ultra-Glide, and the Watsons set out on a trip like no other. They're heading South. They're going to Birmingham, Alabama, toward one of the darkest moments in America's history.
... Read more

Reviews (400)

heba heba heba heba
The Watsons Go to Birmingham-1963

The Watsons Go To Birmingham-1963 is a magnificent book. I really recommend you reading it. It is filled with fun things and Historical Fiction at the end.

The setting is where the story takes place. It begins in Flint, Michigan. It was very cold and Byron and Buphead teased Kenny a lot. On the road trip, Kenny's mom had planned everything out like where to stay. At the rest stops, Kenny and Byron said that rest stop's restrooms stunk and were really dirty. When they finally got to Birmingham, everyone complained how hot it was. Then there were racial problems. This is how I remembered the setting.

Kenny is very smart but is also very funny. In Chapter 2, he reads a book to Byron's class up side down. Some times Byron tortures Kenny. In Chapter 1, Byron and his friend Buphead threw Kenny around in the snow. Kenny sometimes doesn't believe what Byron says and then does like in Chapter 13. He doesn't believe in the Wool Pooh and then does when he thinks he sees the Wool Pooh. That's how I relate to Kenny Watson.

In the beginning, Byron gets his lips stuck to the car mirror. Then his dad buys the Ultra-Glide and they go on a three-day trip to Birmingham, Alabama. After Kenny seeing the Wool Pooh and to white men bombing Joey's church, the finally go back to Flint.

As I said in the beginning, The Watsons Go To Birmingham-1963 is a very good book. I recommend it to children of all ages.
By Plunky Universe

The Watsons go to Birmingham-1963 book review
The Watsons go to Birmingham-1963, by Christopher Paul Curtis, is a great book. It takes place during the Civil rights movement. It is about a Family that lives in Flint, Michigan. The family is made up of Daniel (dad),Wilona (mom), Byron,Kenny, and Joetta, also known as Joey. I think the characters in this story are really interesting. Kenny is smart. He reads stuff to higher grades than he is in. He is also one of the least popular kids in his school. And, he has a lazy eye. Kenny's big brother Byron is a trouble maker. He is known as the god of the school children at Clark elementary. Joetta, Kenny's little sister, likes to protect Byron from her mom. She also believes all the tall tales he makes up. The whole family seems so realistic. Christopher Paul Curtis does something cool with Byron in the book. Byron changes from a trouble-maker to a nice person. He changes because of a true historical event that happened in this story.In the beginning of the story is parents get so mad because of the bad stuff he did. They decide to drive to their grandma Sands house in Birmingham, Alabama. That is how they end up going to Birmingham.

Christopher Paul Curtis has a cool bad guy for the story. When they are in Birmingham, Kenny goes some where he shouldn't go and meets the bad guy of the story,The Wool Pooh. He says that it has a gray body, no face, square feet, square shoulders, and square fingers. Kenny sees the Wool Pooh twice in the story. When he is swimming where he shouldn't and after the historical event. Kenny thinks that it means death.

I think there are some bad things about the book. Christopher Paul Curtis skips the part when they are going back to Flint. There are some other things he doesn't tell about. For example,He doesn't tell when Kenny tells his Mom, Dad, and Byron that Joey is back at Grandma Sands house I give this story four stars. It is a great book to read. One of the morales of this story is how important family is. That is why Byron became changed from a trouble-maker to a nice person. So all in all I think you should definitely read this book. And if you want to find out what the historical event is, read the book.

Dy-No-Mite!
This book had me lauging one minute, and crying the next. Curtis takes his reader on an adventure with the Watson family, whom coincidentally has family members with which we can all proably relate with in one way or another. I would highly reccommend this book to my fourth grade peers.

if you like history books
I read The Watson's go to Birmingham -1963.
The author is Christopher Paul Curtis.
I loved this book . It has 5 characters.
The character that I liked is Byron. Hi's a bully,
But he cares for his brother and sister. Kenny is
a great boy. He likes to hang out with his
brother. Joetta is a four year old girl. She likes to
go to Sunday school at church. Dad is a cool
He likes to decorate the brown bomber(the car). Mom is a women that likes stuff her way.
Whenever they travel she has everything
Ordered in her note book .I Enjoyed this book because it's fun and awesome and I loved it.

Review
I read the book The Watsons go to Birmingham - 1963 and found it very interesting and funny. The story is about a boy named Kenneth Watson who has an older brother, Byron, a younger sister, Joetta, a mom, and a dad. They all live in Flint, Michigan. Byron is constantly getting into trouble, so mom and dad decide that he should spend the summer with his grandmother in Birmingham. The whole family has to go on the trip because they can't leave anybody at home. While they are in Birmingham, the church is attacked by white people who throw a stick of dynamite into it. Kenny goes into the church after this and thinks he sees Joetta's shoe, and he thinks that the Whool Pooh, an imaginary evil twin of Winnie the pooh, is trying to kidnap her, so he leaves. When he finds out that Joetta wasn't in the church, he feels guilty because even if she had been in the church he wouldn't have helped her escape the Whool Pooh. After this, they decide to leave Birmingham. When they get back home, Kenneth hides behind the couch in their house and hopes to not feel guilty about not rescuing Joetta. Byron finally (...). I like this book and would recommend it to readers of any age. It is funny and entertaining. For example, one funny part is when Byron tries to kiss his reflection is the car mirror and gets his lips stuck to it. In conclusion, I think the book is amusing though it is sad and is a good book for anyone to read. ... Read more

Reviews (17)

Good, but...
This book is a great way to give kids sex education. It covers all subjects clearly and in an interesting fashion. However, I disagree with the age range it is recommended for. It is recommended for ages 8-10, and, while most of the material is appropriate for this age group, some is not. Children should receive sex education in stages. A child who takes the book and begins to read will learn about body changes and babies being born, but many in the age 8-10 age group are not ready to learn about intercourse. I know this because I have a 7 year old and a 10 year old. My 10 year old read the book "Growing Up, It's a Girl Thing" and was quite thrown by some of the information on periods and body changes. But all of that information was perfect for the stage she's at -- it was the information she needed, but nothing that would worry or overwhelm her. (It is the book I'd recommend for the first step in a girl's sex education.) My daughter is very well read, but not ready for "It's So Amazing." I will hold on to the book until she is.

This book is So Amazing!
Every parent should have this book available for their children when they start asking those delicate questions. It's So Amazing! cover topics from maturation, to reproduction, homosexuality, and sexually transmitted disease in a non-judgemental, factual way. The bird and the bee that are part of the learning audience help children to feel comfortable with their own reactions to the material covered; the bird is excited and anxious to learn more, whereas the bee is apprehensive and not quite comfortable with it all. The illustrations are humorous, helping to lighten such serious topics but without detracting from the importance of it all.

All topics may not be appropriate for most 7 year olds. However, chapters are arranged to start from the most basic topics and progresses to topics that are more sensitive. If the book is read with parent and child together, new chapters can be introduced as the child is ready to learn and understand more. It is also an excellent choice for a child to read alone.

After the experience of learning sex education from the dry, clinical books available that traumitized me when I was growing up, I am very pleased to know that my son's experience will be so very different from my own!

FAR more than what I expected!!!
First off you need to know this is a large book. It's huge. The picture does not at all convey how huge this book really is. It's about two times the size of a normal size book. I really don't think the description is adequate. I expected this to be a basic story book. It is far more than that. This is a very scientific book. It is a lot like the book "A Child is Born" only geared for kids. By this I don't mean watered down or talking down to kids. It is perfect. In fact I would venture to say you could actually use this as your primary educational tool when teaching your kids about sex for the first time. I originally got a book that was advertised as being the best book to read to your kids when telling them about sex. Actually I think this is 1000 times better b/c it has pictures, it tells it graphically but in cartoon style. It is FAR less traumatic for those parents who don't feel comfortable broaching this subject. I will be using this as my primary book from now on. I am fully impressed. It is really underrated if you ask me.

Recommended for 9 year olds and older
This is a very comprehensive book about everything your child will need to now about childbirth and childbearing till about mid teens (including such issues as multiples, IVF). The reason I recommend this book for 9 year olds and older is because of the complexity(read confusion) of some of the egg-sperm pictures and even more important the book introduces the concept of intercourse. One of the pictures featured has a couple kissing under the blanket, the term sexual intercourse is introduced in the book.
It also has the introduction to the sexual maturity. Having a 6 and 3 year olds and expecting an addition now, I was looking for a simpler book to introduce/ answer questions about childbirth that would be appropriate for my older kid and did not find this book fitting the purpose.

The best book about sex education for kids
We first learned of this book from the library. It is so wonderful that I had to purchase it. My son and his fifth grade class are just beginning the sex education curriculum. I wanted him to be fully aware of what he was going to be learning before they began this study. I was amazed at how ready he was to learn. I didn't think he was this ready to hear all of this. Boy, was I wrong. It explains things in a way that is non-threatening to the child. It is a completely animated story. It explains the plumbing differences between the sexes. It even explains what the different meanings of the word sex. It also shows examples of different kinds of love you can have for people and things like stuffed animals. This book is very detailed on where babies come from and how they are really made. The book also has a light side to it. The bird character wants to learn more about it all and his friend the bee doesn't want to hear any of it. I think that is exactly how a lot of children are when it comes to this subject. It explains that some of the things in the book might seem wierd or gross to the child right now and that it's okay to feel that way right now. So when my son does have questions after class, we can talk about it and look at it together (in private) with this book. I can't say enough great things about this book. ... Read more

Amazon.com

"Hanging Low, Keeping Cool," "A Hairy Question," "Feeling Private/Feeling Guilty," "You Don't See Any Blind, Crazy Morons Around Here, Do Ya?"

Can you guess what all these chapter titles are about? Give you a hint:everything you ever wanted to know about (but were afraid to ask)... You got it,boys and puberty! Author Lynda Madaras and her daughter Area Madaras haveexpanded and updated their sensitive, detailed, often witty guide for boys onthe cusp of adolescence. To help boys realize they are not alone in theirconcerns about masturbation, body hair, growth spurts (or lack thereof), femalepuberty, voice changes, perspiration, shaving, and sexuality, this classic guideis written in a down-to-earth, nonjudgmental style and filled with answers tothe many questions boys have as their bodies begin the transformation intoadulthood. As a result of thousands of reader letters over the years, as well asthe ever growing body of information about puberty in boys, the third editionhas been revised to include more detailed discussion of penis size (the authorsget more questions about penis size than all other topics combined), updatedinformation on acne treatment, expanded sections on eating right, exercise,steroid abuse, and weight training, and important facts about STDs, AIDS, andbirth control. Filled with anecdotes, illustrations, and diagrams, the guide isdesigned with the understanding that some boys and parents will want to read ittogether, while others will want to pore over it on their own. Either way, thisresource will prove to be incredibly useful for boys and their parents overthese strange, exciting years. The companion volume for girls, What's Happening to My Body? Book forGirls is a must-read as well. (Ages 8 to 15) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (19)

Not for preteens
I bought the third edition of this book hoping it would be something my ten year old son could refer to if he has questions he is embarassed to talk about. The book is very factual without being overly clinical, but some of the topics discussed at lenght are more suited for older teens. The exhaustive list of slang names for male and female body parts really isn't necessary -- adolescent boys seem to do well in that department all by themselves! I also feel that the chapter "Girls and Puberty" has far more detail than a pre-teen boy needs or can handle. The book would be much better if it were presented in a loose-leaf format so I could give my son the sections he is able to handle at his age. I also wonder why the author has removed chapters on the important topics of birth control and STD's, which she says were in her previous edition. The book will certainly help me in my talks with my son, but I'm still looking for the right book for him to read on his own.

What;s Happening to My Body? Book for Boys: A growing up Gui
I initially borrowed an earlier edition of this book to read, as my son is 11 years old. My husband is very uncomfortable in discussing puberty with his son, and even with me. He was a very late bloomer and therefore, not a great resource on when things may occur or start to occur in my son. I read the book and then sat down one night with my son. As we sat on the couch, I read the book to him, as he looked on. We laughed some, we talked some, we giggled some, we learned a lot. His father came in during our conversation and sat down. Dad then was able to become part of a discussion that had already started and did not have to bring up himself. This worked great for our
family. I found humor, so did my son. It did have a lot of slang terms, but every child may not know exactly what they mean, and this way, my son now does and can be better educated in the slang and in the correct names. Too graphic? I do not thinks so, there were certainly some chapters we did not address
at this time, as they are more appropriate for another (older) time. The book is around the house so he can read it as he wants, there is nothing in the book that I do not want him to know. Very educational for me as well as I grew up in a family of females and therefore had no idea at what ages certain things happened to boys. My son then was able to talk to me about some of the changes that were happening to him. He then had other questions? I was able to discuss these questions with him intelligently and comfortable in my facts. He was very nervous about going through puberty, now he is not. I believe this a book for the family, not just to be handed to the child. Every child has questions that need to be answered, this book has most of the answers. I found it nonjudgemental. It did not discuss abstenance in its chapter on birth control, I wish it had, but the book will help us as a family discuss the topic of birth control and we can add in our moral values as we teach, learn and discuss.

My 10 yr old REALLY thought this book was GOOD!
He said it explained a lot about some things he just didn't feel like asking me or his father about. I am glad I got it for him. He feels much more comfortable with his pre-teen body now.

Parents; yes- Teenage boys; no way.
I was looking for a book for my stepson, (he's almost 12) and noticed that this book received a lot of positive reviews- so thought I'd try it. I just wanted a book that my wife and I could read first; turn him loose with it on his own, then talk with him afterwards about what he thought of it. Unfortunately, we won't be giving it to him, and here's why:
This book doesn't really relate to 8 to 15 yr old boys- on their own level. The words are way too big, and the book's approach is way too clinical. I remember being a teenagage boy, and I think it's safe to say that if you try to work words like "bulbourethral glands" or "pre-ejaculatory fluid" into the conversation- you lose 'em REAL fast. No kid would EVER sit around reading it! Then about every 10th page, you'd find a crude drawing of everything from simply naked boys; to cross-sections of penises, breasts, and vaginas. It ranged from clinical to slightly creepy, and just put yourself in the shoes of a teenage boy: you may want to know what it feels like to touch a female breast, but cross-sections of milk ducts can be a little scary to think about. And really- who actually needs an arrow pointing to a "nipple", in order to know what (or where) it is? "Oh THAT's a nipple! How illuminating! Can't WAIT to get my hands on that uterine lining"!:-) Which brings me to my main complaint about the book: We searched cover to cover, but found NO sense of humor in the approach- and I believe that if you want to help teenage boys to be comfortable about the topic of sexuality - you need that. Let's just say that if you want to give your teenage boy a book that he'll actually read, enjoy,and benefit from - Keep looking.

Hated it!
I bought this book for my 14-year-old nephew. When the book arrived I scanned it and found it had a lot of sexuality information that I disagreed with. I thought this book was going to be straight health & science...this is what happens to your body as it matures, this is what you can expect. Instead, I found it had opinions on sexual orientation,... etc. Abstinence wasn't given equal time. I thought the title of this book misrepresented its content. This book just wasn't for our family. I returned it for a refund. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Author Wilson Rawls spent his boyhood much like the character of this book, Billy Colman, roaming the Ozarks of northeastern Oklahoma with his bluetick hound. A straightforward, shoot-from-the-hip storyteller with a searingly honest voice, Rawls is well-loved for this powerful 1961 classic and the award-winning novel Summer of the Monkeys. In Where the Red Fern Grows, Billy and his precious coonhound pups romp relentlessly through the Ozarks, trying to "tree" the elusive raccoon. In time, the inseparable trio wins the coveted gold cup in the annual coon-hunt contest, captures the wily ghost coon, and bravely fights with a mountain lion.When the victory over the mountain lion turns to tragedy, Billy grieves, but learns the beautiful old Native American legend of the sacred red fern that grows over the graves of his dogs. This unforgettable classic belongs on every child's bookshelf. (Ages 9 and up) ... Read more

Reviews (804)

Exciting novel
Where the Red Fern Grows
In spite of being labeled as a sad sob story, Where the Red Fern Grows is a priceless novel filled with adventure and excitement. I believe that Rawls uses the two dogs Old Dan and Little Ann plus the emotional ending of the novel to attract the female gender. But to the same affect attracts the males with the adventures that these dynamic three undergo. Billy, a young boy, whose had a dream of owning a pair of coon hunting dogs. Works two long years of backbreaking work to finally raising enough money to purchase the two dogs. He embraces the dogs as if they are his children, working with them none stop so that they could become the very best coon-hunting team in Cherokee county. A lot of the time this book is required reading for many middle school students. So I believe Rawls uses this never give up attitude to encourage the young readers. After working so hard and accomplishing many goals with the dogs Billy enters a competition and wins. Thrilled with his accomplishment he ventures to other events. First place after first place Billy and the team seek higher standards. As you read, we follow the threesome on an adventure of a lifetime. Traveling on foot Billy and his two dogs head to the Tournament of tournaments the Coon Hunting Championship. Billy, unknowing of the dangers of the journey, runs into a little trouble on the way. As the book slows down and almost loses readers, this journey to the championship keeps us into it. Fortunately the team arrives in one piece and enters the competition. The team wins but to Billy's surprise the dogs aren't satisfied. Because they still have one coon to get, Shadow, the coon that cannot be caught. Rawl takes us on an adventure, and yet again has you sitting at the edge of your seat.

And So The Adventures Begin
If you are going to read a book to your class, Having your class reading a book, reading a book to yourself, giving a book to a friend or relative, or any thing else, Where The Red Fern Grows ,by Wilson Rawls is the book for you. it is a wonderful and touching story about a boy, Billy, and his dogs. It starts out with a man looking back on his childhood, and how he dreamt of having some fine dog. Finally he got enough money to buy the dogs his heart was set on, and so the adventures begin. This book is very well written. It brings you to the place, time and point if view of Billy and his family, and without being too descriptive or boring. There aren't those chapters which you find in moast descriptive books where all that seems to happen is you know EXACTLY what a certain character looks like. Not only that, it is a real page turner. No matter how much you read you have to know what happens next. With every chapter comes a new adventure! If someone told you that a book about a boy and his dogs catching raccoons would be a page turner, you probably would not believe them, but you are never satisfied to stop after any chapter. Some people find the way that they talk with a southern accent gets in the way, but soon you will get used to it. I think it ads to the atmosphere. You should definitely at least try out this book and when you do, which should be soon, you will find it is a excellent read.

Is there a better story out there?
NO, this has to be the best story I have ever read. I read this book recently to my 7 year old son. Wanting to show him the power of books. I was worried he'd be upset by the ending in this. I shouldn't of worried. I was the one who ended up crying and reading it to him at the same time. As an adult I felt foolish. He wasn't near as upset about it as me and I KNEW what was going to happen since I read it as a child myself. WOW, the power of a book. Simply amazing.

Once upon a time when I was a little girl
I hate it when a reviewer gives the story away, so I won't. Safe to say, though, that when I was a little girl, I read a book in one night, under the covers with a flashlight. That book, of course, was WTRFG. I just re-read it again after 20 some-odd years. I am surprised to find that I cried as hard as I did as when I was 9. I was once again, so engrossed that I read it in one night, ignoring the fact that I had to work the next day. It is a beautiful story, a timeless one. A childhood favorite. I am amazed that it didn't win a Newberry Honor medal, or some other kind of award. This is one of the books that helped instill a loving of reading at an early age. A GEM, don't miss it. A story about a young boy on the brink of manhood and his love for his pups....whom he worked so hard for. You will laugh and cry, at age 9, 29, or 99. Buy it for your kids, and rea it for yourself.

Read This Book!
Wow! this is one of the best book I have written in a long time. If you have not read Where the Red Fern Grows trust me it is the kind of book you will have regeted if you did not read it. Ok well the book is about a boy named Billy that works for his own needs. Billy wants to get 2 dogs that he can train to get racoons. He eventually works for weeks to get the money for his dogs and then gives the money to his grandfather for him to buy the dogs. Old Dan and Little Ann are the names of the two dogs. The exciting advetures that Billy,Old Dan and Little An go through are thrilling and endless. To top it all off the story has a twist at the end. You should definetly read this book to find out whuat happens! ... Read more

Book Description

Welcome to New York City's Upper East Side where my friends and I live, and go to school, and play, and sleep- sometimes with each other.We all live in huge apartments with our own bedrooms and bathrooms and phone lines.We're smart, we've inherited classic good looks, we have fantastic clothes, and we know how to party...

Introducing Gossip Girl, a wickedly funny and risquÈ paperback original novel about the provocative lives of New York City's most prestigious private school young adults.Gossip Girl herself is an anonymous narrator with the ultimate insider scoop on the inner-workings of this privileged society because she's one of them.Sharp wit, intriguing characters, and high stakes melodrama drive the action of this addictive novel that will make Gossip Girl the lit world's new "it" girl.

In Gossip Girl, when the beautiful Serena van der Woodsen returns to private school after mysteriously getting kicked out of boarding school, the whole school is talking.All Blair Waldorf knows is that there's no freaking way Serena's going to just waltz back in with her Jimmy Choo mules and Kate Spade bag and steal everyone's heart again.But Serena's got other things on her mind, like college pressure and living up to everyone else's extreme expectations.Plus there's that Ryan Phillippe-looking guy who stands across the street and stares at her all the time.

It's going to be a wild and wicked year, I can smell it.

Love,

Gossip Girl ... Read more

Reviews (163)

Juicy Gossip!
Wanna know how the other half lives? From the viewpoint of a teenager? Then Gossip Girl will provide! One part internet gossip site and two parts rousing commentary from rich Upper East Side private school-ers. Gossip Girl is a lot of fun; the characters are smart, spoiled, selfish and too big for their britches; and the storyline, which takes place in the matter of a week or so, spotlights the best mix of teen angst in a grown-up world.

Serena van der Woodsen is back in town after a year of boarding school in Connecticut, and things couldn't be worse. Seems something is amiss with Serena's old friends. Blair, Isabel and Kati have better things to do besides wonder what Serena did to get kicked out of boarding school. However, not everyone is upset over Serena's return: Blair's boyfriend, Nate, is having a hard time being faithful; Nate's slimy friend, Chuck, is hoping the rumors of Serena's promiscuity are true; and Jenny, Dan and Vanessa find things in common with their new friend.

Not sure if this book would be for the young adult set or not, but it would be a great book either way. A different teen novel where no one gets carded, everyone smokes and fundraising parties (complete with Kate Spade goodie bags) are hosted by illustrious teenage committees. Very quick read and simple writing that doesn't sound like a high school essay. I recommend this novel with two manicured thumbs up! Hope there is a sequel in the works.

AWESOME
The first Gossip Girl book was incredibly addicting. It was also very funny and entertaining. Blair Waldorf, one of the most popular and wealthy girls at her school in New York, is a character that people love to read about. Yeah, she's very bitchy, but it just makes the book a lot more addicting and hilarious. This first book in the series is about Blair's best(ditzy) friend Serena coming back to NY after a year at boarding school (of which she was kicked out). Blair, who is mad at her, decides to take revenge on her former best friend. Awesome light read.

Incredibly stupid
I dont know about the rest of you but thid book is pretty pitiful. These people in these book are incredibly sad and dumb. They put on shows for everyone else and never show true feelings. Yeah they're all rich and well-off but its absolutely ridiculous. The gossip is the dumbest thing i've ever heard. And thats mostly what they do: gossip. The parents the kids, everybody. If this was reccommended to you from sisterhood DO NOT READ IT. Its crap and a waste of time trust me. Read Sloppy Firsts or The Black Book: The Diary Of a Teenage Stud

OMGosh! This book is so incredibly addicting!
I love to read and I must say that this is one of the most addicting books I have ever read. Once you start to read it you just can't put it down. The lives of these Upper East Side teens are just so juicy! Serena is the greatest but Blair is just so.... b****y. (But she gets nicer ;) )Keep reading this amazing series and if you haven't started yet then do so now!

Surprising
By the first three chapters, I was convinced this was the most immature book I've ever read. I thought it was a waste of time. As I continued, it became addictive. Now, by the time I finished, I'm can't wait to start book two. It was stupid, but I still loved it. The entire attitude of th