Book Description

Sonny's been an outsider all his life.

He has never fit into either world: the Moscondagas on the Reservation see him as white; whites see him as Indian. So far, Sonny's managed to harness his anger -- what he calls "the monster" -- in the boxing ring. But Sonny wants out of the Res. He's headed for New York City, where nobody can tell him what to do.

Sonny doesn't count on stepping into the middle of a drug war when he gets there -- or on tangling with a tough Harlem boxer-turned-cop named Alfred Brooks. Brooks seems to think that Sonny's got the talent to make it to the top -- to be a contender. But first Sonny's got to learn to be smart, take control of his life, and beat the monster. Only it isn't as easy as it sounds....

Reviews (10)

Native American Boy Learns about Life in New York
The Brave is a story about native American boy who wants to be a boxer. He also wants to find his mother. He goes to New York to do both, but gets distracted by two hustlers. I think it was a good story, but it left a lot of things unanswered. It had too many loose ends and never said what happened to a lot of characters. A good book ties everything up. I think a lot of people would like this story. It is a good book if you like to read about boxing, native Americans, or anything else.

The Book You Will Remeber for a lifetime November 09,2001
This book is awesome! I am the kind of person who hates to read. I usually stop reading books whenever I can, but I couldn't put this book down. I am almost tempted to go check out the book and read it again just for the heck of it. The title is not very catchy THE BRAVE. I mean come on who wants to read a book with that kind of a title, but dont let that discourage you. This book is about a boxer named Sonny Bear who lives on a reservation near Sparta.

Sonny somehow winds up in the middle of a big crack war in New York City. Then Sonny meets Brooks and Spoon which are his key to the heavyweight title. So if you want to see if Sonny becomes the heavyweight champ you will have to go read the book for yourself.

the best book
This book is superb this is better than any other book I have ever read. It is about a kid named sonny that loves to box he want to find his mother in the big city, once he is there he finds two hustlers that take his wallet then a undercover cop try's to get one but sonny nails him with a hook. So the hustlers get him a place to live then Sonny somehow winds up in the middle of a big crack war in New York City that is driving him crazy and all he wants to do is try to see his mother.

IF U DONT READ IT YOU WOULD REGET IT.

The Brave = Good Book!
The book that I chose to read was titled The Brave by Robert Lipsyte. This book

was really good and I enjoyed it. To be honest it was the best book I read in a

while. People that are into action, drama, a little comedy, etc, should really check it out.

You will get caught up in it and you will not wan't to stop reading. The Brave is very

good on giving descriptions and telling how it relates to reality. Especially when

racism is involved. The story revolves around Sunny, a half American, half Indian

struggling to stay alive in the world. This story shows just how Sunny stays alive and

how he searches for his mother on the way. The one good thing about Sunny is his

boxing skills. He doesn't like the enviroment that he is in while he was boxing, so he

moved away from the racist people to New York gainning more trouble there than he did

back home. This book has everything that someone could want in a story including

action,fighting, drama, etc. This is a very good written story and has very good details

within the story. Robert Lipsyte is a very talented author who has quite a bit of respect

from me now that I have read his work. Even though this is a great book there still are

some weaknesses within the plot. Sometimes the author changes the position of the story

so fast that it is hard to tell. An example is when Sunny and his friend Doll are in the pizza

place and then it says he is in the store that was across the street earlier on, and it made

me get somewhat confused and have to go back and re-read what had happend. The Brave

is a book that I can't stop talking about and I hope that every book fan goes and checks

this out.

Review of The Brave !
This book The Brave is awesome coming from having a boxing background myself,it's one of a kind .
I usually read this book in class whenever I get a chance, but I really couldn't put this book down after class, i sign a book out of the library for my dorm room to read went there nothing to do an i'm not tried.
I would like to read the brave again this book is great and reading it again for the heck of it would be a trill.
By looking at the title THE BRAVE i was skecptical i didn't know what to expect at first an amost look over it but i am glad i didn't i missed out on alot of good books in my day but this one found it's way to me.
I mean really who would wants to read a book with the brave as a title, hey don't let me discourage you Robert but i know he was a indian but if it was for the cover a would of though this was a war book.
This book is about a 17 year old boxer named Sonny Bear who live in a indian reservation near Sparta but go to New York to prosue a boxing career but also wants to find his mother trying to make his way of life better thought boxing, but as in life he take some wrong turns and some right one but you will have to read it to find out. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Let's look at parenting from a child's view--Over 1,000 children live and scavenge in the Guatemala City garbage dump. In this stunning and heartbreaking book, the dump children photograph and write about their parents, siblings, animals, and about their plans for the future. Mirian Esquivel writes, "Women always have a lot of children because they fall in love when they're only fifteen years old." Rosario Lopez promises, "When I'm a mother, I'm going to educate my daughters." Gladiz Jimenez says, "My parents can't read. / They can only write their names. / Maybe I will be their teacher. / Ma me mi mo mu." ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Helping Children help themselves
Riviting pictures taken by kids themselves, to show what it is like to live on the margin in this Central American country. The book captures the complexity of life in the dump, and shows the real depth of character and resilience these kids have. ... Read more

Book Description

Illus. in full color. This story of how the Rainbow Crow lost his sweet voice and brilliant colors by bringing the gift of fire to the other woodland animals is "a Native American legend that will be a fine read-aloud because of the smooth text and songs with repetitive chants. The illustrations, done in a primitive style, create a true sense of the Pennsylvania Lenape Indians and their winters."--School Library Journal.
... Read more

Reviews (1)

Before you shoo that next crow away......read this!!
The Rainbow Crow is a beautiful native legend describing how the crow acquired his characteristics.

Being a teacher I found this book an excellent way to teach children about "not judging others(mainly on their appearance) without knowing the whole story". In today's society the crow is thought to be loud, ugly and annoying to humans. This book helps us to see that everything has it's place in life, and that appearance can be more than just beauty or ugliness. The Rainbow Crow helps us to see the price the beautiful rainbow coloured, song-like voiced bird risked everything he had (without thought for himself) to save the earth's environment.

I love all animals, and think that this story personifies the idea of all creatures having a role in the world ecosystem. Perhaps we as humans should look at the "Rainbow Crow" as a role model to help save our environment regardless of the cost.

A great read for adults and children alike!!! ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Terrific for Teachers!
It Takes a Village is an excellent resource for teachers.
The characters and setting are wonderful, the use of color
and pattern on the characters clothes is fun. I teach kindergarten and substitute K-6. I have yet to teach a class of any age that doesn't enjoy the book.
A must have for the classroom!

It takes a village to raise a child
It Takes A Village is the well-crafted story of Yeis who joins her mother for market day. She's been entrusted to watch after her little brother Kokou and is quite proud of her responsibility, so she heads off with her brother. Departing, she shares news that she's watching her brother all alone. Knowingly, her mother smiles...moments later Kokou is separated from Yemi and she searches through the marketplace worrying over his safety.

Not only has Cowen-Fletcher given us a moving story, but it is complemented well by her beautiful colored pencils with watercolor washes. They bring out the importance of community and the saying "it takes a village to raise a child."

Reviewed by Tee C. Royal...

Very Simple Message
It must be nice to be able to trust your village enough to have them take care of your child. The shared goals, values, and religious beliefs are important, but it really it takes two parents (mom and dad) who are committed to each other and to God to raise a child. That's real communal living.

True to Life
I lived in Benin for two years and I must say that the drawings in this book are amazingly realistic and incredibly detailed. It is a wonderful story for children and families. I usually give it to first time parents (unique baby shower gift). Regarding the previous review - "Cho" and "Yay Gay" are interjections similar to "Oh No" or "Oh My".

A nice book for deeping our understanding of other cultures.
I Love this book very much. Like Osa's Pride (Grifalconi, 1990), It Takes a Village (Cowen-Fletcher, 1994) depicts both universal and cultural specific themes. In the story, Yemi is learning to take responsibilities, watching her little brother while her mother is busy. And she is proud of being able to take such a responsibility. The positive portrayal of sibling relationship seems to be a common and preferable theme in many children's books. The culturally specific value, collectivism, is carried out through the story naturally and in an authentic manner. Cowen-Fletcher's first hand experience of living in Benin and her careful note in the end of the story add the authenticity to this story. In addition, Heath's study (1983) of child rearing practice among African Americans in rural areas of South Carolina also reveals this collective aspect of African culture. The author/illustrator is sensitive about the pronunciation of the child's name and explains it before the story. However, she does not explain the meaning or pronunciation of some Benin vocabulary in this book, such as "Yay gay" and "Cho". It would have been more helpful had she adds notes for these two words. ... Read more

Book Description

"Mama may have,
Papa may have,
But God bless the child
That's got his own!
That's got his own."

The song "God Bless the Child" was first performed by legendary jazz vocalist Billie Holiday in 1939 and remains one of her enduring masterpieces. In this picture book interpretation, renowned illustrator Jerry Pinkney has created images of a family moving from the rural South to the urban North during the Great Migration that reached its peak in the 1930s. The song's message of self-reliance still speaks to us today but resonates even stronger in its historical context. This extraordinary book stands as a tribute to all those who dared so much to get their own. A free CD of Billie Holiday's timeless recording of "God Bless the Child" is included to enjoy along with the book.

Reviews (3)

BEAUTIFUL PICTURES COMPLIMENT A BEAUTIFUL SONG
Jerry Pinkney collects vintage photographs, and it was those photos, along with the history of sharecroppers and their migration to the north, that inspired Pinkney to breathe new life into Billie Holiday's song "God Bless the Children" - not that the song needed new life, but it is a the perfect choice for the message Pinkney is trying to convey to young African-American readers--which is their history.

The large book displays some memorable illustrations, each stretching across two pages. The illustrations are scenes in the life of a sharecropper family in the thirties: scenes of Bible reading, horse playing, working in the field, loading the car to move up north and scenes of the working and living in an industrial city. With the illustrations are the words to the song "God Bless the Child." The song becomes a beautiful story brought to life with these detailed, expressive images. They are absolutely beautiful; I just couldn't get enough of them. A free CD of Holiday's God Bless the Child can be found at the back of the book.

pictures to sing to
Rebeccasreads highly recommends GOD BLESS THE CHILD as a perfect gift for every family who has ever known struggle, & the excitement & loss that moving from a well-loved place to a new world brings.

Exquisitely illustrated by the award-winning artist, Jerry Pinkney, GOD BLESS THE CHILD, is a glimpse into another time, hauntingly accompanied by the legendary singer Billie Holiday.

Educators Recommend
God Bless the Child is a masterpiece: visually stunning and emotionally appealing.

Taking the words to Billie Holiday's and Arthur Herzog Jr.'s bluesy "God Bless the Child" as his text and inspiration, Pinkney depicts a family's move in the 1930s from the rural South to the industrialized North in what was known as the Great Migration.

His exquisite "slice of life" watercolor paintings are wonderfully atmospheric, capturing perfectly the period and people.

The final page is one of hope and the promise of a better future. The single painting shows a young boy sitting in a classroom holding a book, talking with his teacher. As Pinkney notes in an afterword, "At the time "God Bless the Child" was written, education was largely a privilege of the wealthy . . . Free public education was prized as the great equalizer-the stairway out of poverty for those with the courage and opportunity to climb it."

This book is a labor of love. One can see this clearly in the facial expressions, the gestures, even the postures of the characters. No detail is neglected. Each page feels like an inexorable progression forward-even the endpapers. (The front endpapers show what appears to be a cabin's rough, wooden walls, while the endpapers in the back of the book show painted wallpaper.)

This book receives our highest recommendation: Suitable for district-wide library acquisitions.

Reviewed by the Education Oasis Staff ... Read more

Book Description

At home in San Francisco, May speaks Japanese and the family eats rice and miso soup and drinks green tea. When she visits her friends' homes, she eats fried chicken and spaghetti. May plans someday to go to college and live in an apartment of her own. But when her family moves back to Japan, she soon feels lost and homesick for America. In Japan everyone calls her by her Japanese name, Masako. She has to wear kimonos and sit on the floor. Poor May is sure that she will never feel at home in this country. Eventually May is expected to marry and a matchmaker is hired. Outraged at the thought, May sets out to find her own way in the big city of Osaka. With elegant watercolors reminiscent of Grandfather's Journey, Allen Say has created a moving tribute to his parents and their path to discovering where home really is. The accompanying story of his mother and her journey as a young woman is heartfelt. Vividly portraying the graceful formality of Japan, Tea with Milk effectively captures th ... Read more

Reviews (6)

She is me
I had the occasion to see the original of the cover painting. A needle shot through my heart. I am a Japanese citizen, my mother tongue definitely Japanese, but I was brought up in the States until I was 9. When I came back, I was just so occupied to adapt and didn't realize that I was considerably lonely and uncomfortable. Worse, my parents' did not realize the fact that Japan was a new place for me, since for them, it had been their home land. Living in different places on the globe accordingly to my father's work did not end with this; we went as far as South Africa. I am now permanently in Japan, having living here for almost 15 years, but still cannot say it is my home. And there still isn't any specific place that I can call "home". I like to believe in the notion of home and belonging presented in this book, and to be able to find the strength that the girl had in breaking her way out to live as "herself" and "make a home" for herself.

Megan and Aarti's Beautiful Review
TEA WITH MILK is about a young girl who lives in San Fransisco.When she was a young lady she went to Japan with her parents.She did not like sitting on her legs.Soon her parents wanted her to date a bank loner and she did not want to.Then she went to the city in Japan.She got a job there and got married. We loved TEA WITH MILK. I hope we get that good like Allen Says books.They are very evocative.

Biased, discriminating, and unflattering view of Japan
Some people probably enjoy the story of a young girl standing up to what is presented to readers as a bizarre and repressive culture. However the book offers a biased, discriminating, and unflattering picture of life in Japan from the point of view of a young woman who was raised in America and apparently resents having been forced to move. She makes no effort to understand the cultural differences between the countries and completely fails to acknowledge the things that make Japan fascinating. Another reader concluded that May and Joseph finally "decide to make a home for themselves and adopt Japan by choice". The truth is they never adopted Japan but decided to stay there anyway.

Having lived in Japan for most of my adult life, I was quite shocked when my daughter brought this book home from school. She was born in Tokyo and we were living there until recently. Pretty pictures do not compensate for a story that misrepresents Japanese culture and glorifies a narrow-minded girl.

Wonderfully illustrated!!
I just read this book for the first time today and I was blown away by the illustrations. The story is not only touching and very thought-provoking, as well as true, but the illustration bring to the story a totally fresh and realistic view. Mr. Say is both a talented author and illustrator. I was so captivated by the realism in the drawings and the detail that is paid to the face of the main character, who you come to find out is in some way related to him (I don't want to spoil the whole story, even if it is just a children's book). By far this book is a great read and an excellent buy!

Caught between cultures
An important theme in Tea With Milk is the fact that as people move between two cultures they often do not feel completely comfortable in either one. May's parents return to Japan because they are homesick. I would guess that they are not as Japanese as they would have been had they not lived in the U. S. Their pushing May to be so traditional could be the result of their attempt to reassimilate. May, of course, experiences most deeply the pain of immigration, and even Joseph, Say's father, is adopted, raised in Shanghai, and working in Japan. Joseph, in fact, best expresses the characters' dilemmas when he says that "home isn't a place or a building that's ready-made and waiting for you, in America or anywhere else". May and Joseph then decide to make a home for themselves and adopt Japan by choice. I found this book more positive and optimistic than Grandfather's Journey where Say's grandfather never seems to reconcile himself to living in either the U.S or Japan and remains saddened, caught between the cultures. Even the title Tea With Milk demonstrates some assimilation on the part of the parents. In a country that drinks tea plain, they drink it in the style of western countries and Allen Say states at the end of the book that that is the way he prefers his tea too. Hopefully, he has found some comfort in defining what he likes from both cultures as well. ... Read more

Book Description

No one wants to hear the little boy play his ukelele anymore...Clink, clunk, clonk. And no one wants to watch his father make things disappear...Zoop! Zoop!

Until the day the fearsome giant Abiyoyo suddenly appears in town, and all the townspeople run for their lives and the lives of their children! Nothing can stop the terrible giant Abiyoyo, nothing, that is, except the enchanting sound of the ukelele and the mysterious power of the magic wand. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

my son loves this book
This book was read to him on an episode of reading rainbow. He sang ABIYOYo all day and weeks after that. He loves this story. It's great for your little ones because it's folklore stories... and it keeps mom interested too.

Childhood favorite
This book contains many elements that would make for an enjoyable child reading experience. These elements include wonderful illustrations, a terrible evil character, and characters of many ethnicities. The element that stands out the most from this story is the incorporation of music and sounds. A song fills at least six pages of the text and is a central factor in the story. Also, the use of onomatopoeia pervades the story with words like "zoop," "ztt," and "clunk." These are great at engaging the senses and the participation of young children. I also like the idea of showing unlikely heroes prevailing over evil in the end.

Abiyoyo
I am a teacher in a daycare and my kids love this book we use it to teach personal hygiene and relationships with parents. The copy I had was James Earl Jones narrating. A must have!

abiyoyo
Chrildren at my nursery school beg to hear this book over and over,I also love it and readily comply. We have the audio recording by Pete Seegar to accompany this story, he is a joy to listen to.

Wonderful story and lullaby
My boys discovered this book at their preschool - both my two year old and the four year old adore the story and love the song that goes along with it (it's a Pete Seeger classic)! We now have a copy at home and it gets read aloud at least once a day. I highly recommend this book to anyone with young children - I just wish you carried the version with the audio tape and song. We can't seem to find it anywhere. ... Read more

Book Description

Anita de la Torre never questioned her freedom living in the Dominican Republic. But by her 12th birthday in 1960, most of her relatives have emigrated to the United States, her Tío Toni has disappeared without a trace, and the government’s secret police terrorize her remaining family because of their suspected opposition of el Trujillo’s dictatorship.

Using the strength and courage of her family, Anita must overcome her fears and fly to freedom, leaving all that she once knew behind.

From renowned author Julia Alvarez comes an unforgettable story about adolescence, perseverance, and one girl’s struggle to be free.

... Read more

Reviews (4)

Interesting topic, poor writing...
Anita's like most girls her age, except she lives in the Dominican Republic under a bloody dictatorship. Not knowing anything about this time in history, I was excited to read this book. Anita learns her family in smack dab in the middle of the uprisings against El Jefe. However, I found the fact that things such as exclamation points being overused (there was like one every page!" sort of annoying. However, the author provided some very interesting and intense moments as well. I would have to stay it was believable for the most part. I only wish Anita had been a bit older, for a think it would have been more interesting to have a 15 or 16 year old telling it to us.

Suspense, love, adventure? This is your book!
As a 6th grade teacher, I like to keep on top of recent novels published for young adults. I read this and found it to be one of the best novels to be written recently for teens. I have also recommended it to many of my students who in turn have read it and have thoroughly enjoyed it as well.
Full of suspense (what will become of Anita and her new love for Oscar? what will become of the family? what will happen to the country?), Before We Were Free keeps students' interest yet does not steer away from good writing. Beautiful writing, suspenseful action, and characters worth caring about make this a book every young adult should read.

Truly moving!
Before We Were Free precisely tells us how it is like to grow up underthe dictatorship. It is so scary that they have to live surrounded by the secret police. Yet, the depiction of Anita, the protagonist, is so real that one can feel compassion sympathy toward her. The ending is somewhat sad, but I rather feel the power of human beings to survive.

Themes
Anita de la Torre is like most 12-year-old girls. She's inquisitive, talkative, and irritates her older sister daily. A native of the Dominican Republic, she attends an American school and quickly learns that the greatest difference between the two countries is freedom. A close-knit family that grapples with their political ideals in a country where secret police "disappear people" who disagree with El Jefe. And the Torres disagree. ... Read more

Book Description

Juno's grandmother writes in Korean and Juno writes in drawings, but that doesn't mean they can't exchange letters. From the photo his grandmother sends him, Juno can tell that she has a new cat.From the picture he makes for her, Juno's grandmother can tell that he wants her to come for a visit. So she sends Juno a miniature plane, to let him know she's on the way. This tender tale is a perfect introduction to the concept of foreign cultures and far-off lands.

"The messages that can be conveyed without words, language differences between generations, and family ties across great distances are gently and affectingly handled in this first picture book." (Kirkus Reviews) ... Read more

Reviews (5)

A gem
As an elementary school teacher I'm always looking for books that are eloquently written and visually stunning. I'm happy to report that Dear Juno serves up both. This is an incredible book by an extraordinary author.It's the perfect book to read-aloud as well as to curl up with before goingto bed. I can't wait to read more of Ms. Pak's work.

Wonderful!
In this lovely book, a story about communication across geographic, cultural and generational distances is distilled into a few sparkling pages. The simple, charming language is inviting for children, but itcarries the force of poetry, so adults will enjoy it too. I adored it.

Earthy story of separation, communicationand love.
Drawings of my budding 4-year-old artist took ondifferent dimensions after this book.Juno's separation from his Korean Grandmother required communication with his pictures and leaves.It translated into pebbles and bicycles for my daughter. The touching part is that love can travelwithin the confines of an envelope.ILLUSTRATONS were the ICING on thecake! Job well done.I buy the book as gifts.

Beautifully rendered portrayal of complex issues.
I was simply amazed at how this simple little story expressed the complicated nature of inter-generational and cross-cultural relationships in such a hearfelt, effective and deceptively simple way, and that languageand age barriers can be overcome with a little creativity. Kudos to theauthor. My children loved this book and I recommend it to all parents whowould like their children to understand, appreciate and thrive within thegrowing global culture.

A cracking good read coming from a Yank!!!
Charming! My children (lasses 4 and 7) & I found it exceedingly entertaining. Her style & rhythm reminded me of another naturally gifted story-teller I never had the privilege to meet, the Danish countessKaren Blixen. Although targeted towards children, the author's voice cameacross as a secret confidant - and you were her best friend. We eagerlyawait her next story & hope she has a chance to visit London for abooksigning. My girls love Juno! - An admirer in England. ... Read more

Book Description

After a poor harvest, two children regain the Corn Maidens' blessings for their people with the aid of a cornstalk toy, the dragonfly. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Delightful!
A wonderful tale of how the wastefullness of a village became their downfall and why it is important to respect nature and her bounty. Very beautifully illustrated.....a favorite at our house ... Read more

Reviews (9)

A deep dark tale
A fascinating tale of the lives of the old and young. In this story, a boy's handicap becomes a strength, and then an unwanted power. Following the adventures of a Native American boy, the story explores the nature of desire and our own darkness. The book was, in my opinion, well written and at no point relied on stereotypes. The book's Native Americans are never named, and this makes perfect sense. It reminds of that play, "Fifth of July", where an old hippie remarks that Eskimos call themselves "the people" and everyone else, "the other people". To which his co-horts exclaim, "Of course they say that. Everyone says that!". This came to mind while reading this book. I liked it. I liked the plot and the characters. I liked the odd jealousy the weroance had for her brother, and how the book didn't condemn her for it. I liked the descriptions of the land of water the most. I wasn't particularly taken with the magical realism concerning the disappearance of Gray Fire, but then it wasn't a bad way of presenting his disappearance. In the end, it's a strong story with a couple odd twists and turns. It would read aloud very well, and could pair with "A Boy Called Slow" as a story of a boy becoming a man.

beautiful story
This book was required reading for a college children's lit class and I was incredibly pleased with it. It is an absolutely beautiful story of a young native american boy. The book is written in lovely, lyrical language using incredible imagery. It is a book children can relate to, as it is told in first person by a child and includes all the mixed up feelings of a child, but it also addresses some very deep and meaningful issues that adults will find rather poignent. I was captivated throughout.

Excellent!!!
Loved this book. What a wonderful world that is depicted by the author. I think it would be a wonderful read for children of all ages. Excellent.

A great book!
This is a coming of age book with a new twist. The child becoming a man lives in a world which is smaller than we can imagine. It is small because he cannot see more than a few inches, but it is also small because he lives in a tiny Native American tribe that has virtually no contact with anyone outside of its own narrow circle.

And yet in this very small world, the adolescent begins a voyage like that of all adolescents, where adults stop being enormous mythical figures and start emerging as human beings, each with their own strengths and weaknesses; and where those adults begin to see the adolescent as one of them, with whom they can share their secrets.

But, unlike adolescents in our larger world, this youngster does not rebel and become angry. Instead he grows and learns and is awed and almost overcome by what he discovers. Perhaps this is because, in this very small world, all the adults are able to show a respect and sensitivity to the emerging man that we have lost in our larger world.

This book is actually very complex. I doubt that your typical kid would understand it without help, but that is really its strength, that you can talk with your kid about what it feels like to become an adult.

Sees Behind Trees: The Epitome of Dreary
The book, Sees Behind Trees, by Michael Dorris is a bland and dull book. It doesn't give any information about Indian culture. The story all starts when Walnut becomes a man in his Native American society. He has the special ability to see things from far away without looking. Gray Fire, a town elder, wants Walnut to help him find the land of water, which Gray Fire had seen at a young age but couldn't find the way back. They start on their journey, and run into many problems along the way. Will they make it, or will it end before it even started?

I don't recommend this book because it teaches you nothing. Walnut lives in an Indian village and, the author doesn't show enough of what Native American tribe he is from. At one point in the book he becomes a man, in a tribal event, where he spots a man from far in the woods, ad gets his nickname, "Sees Behind Trees". The author doesn't give enough insight to any cultural things. The events are lacking a certain credential. Another reason is that it doesn't make it more exciting when Walnut comes in either, and makes it a slow read. In one scene they are about to encounter these very dangerous strangers. The strangers end up being nice people from a foreign land. Also, when Walnut falls off the face of a cliff looking for Gray Fire he is fine. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this book because of these reasons.

Some people who want to read books to their kids would probably disagree with me. A lot of people see this book as a novel for young teens. But it is a good children's book because of the plot, which is easy to follow, especially when they are in the woods. It probably wont be picked up by many parents, so preteens should listen to my suggestions. If anyone reads this book they will realize my recommendations were correct. It is a lackluster and bland book. ... Read more

Book Description

A salty, wrenchingly honest collection of stories set on one block of 145th Street. We get to know the oldest resident; the cop on the beat; fine Peaches and her girl, Squeezie; Monkeyman; and Benny, a fighter on the way to a knockout. We meet Angela, who starts having prophetic dreams after her father is killed; Kitty, whose love for Mack pulls him back from the brink; and Big Joe, who wants a bang-up funeral while he’s still around to enjoy it. Some of these stories are private, and some are the stories behind the headlines. In each one, characters jump off the page and pull readers right into the mix on 1-4-5.
... Read more

Reviews (14)

145 the Street
In the book called 145th street,things happend that don't happen anywhere else in the world.There is mysteries and secrets on that street that nobody has revealed.People on 145th street acted different.Billy is the best fighter of the street.The author of the book is Walter Dean Mayers.

I like this book because I like the weird things that happend on that street.I also like the book because in some parts of the book there was action, like the part when Billy and Vegas were fighting, Billy was throwing right and left shots to Vegas' face.What I like the most about the book was the short story called,Block party 145th street style, because it has a wedding with a lot of action.

I recommend this book to teenagers because its like a middle school book.Also I recommend this book to teenagers because is a good book that talks about 14 or 15 year old kids, it has action and funny things that grab your mind so you want to read more.

145th Street: Short Stories
In the book there are ten short stories. Each of the are different but are in the same settings with some of the same characters. The story I liked best was "Kitty and Mack." It took place at a school. Mack was a great baseball player until he go hit with a bullet and had to get his leg amputaded. At that point Kitty and Mack were going through relantionship problems. Then they worked it out fine. I thought this was a breeze to read. I didn't like all the stories in the book, but i didlike some. I recommend this book to young adults because they can relate to it better.

145th street
In the book 145th street weird things happend.Big Joe's funeral was gay becuase it didn't have any action.I think that the best story was block party because it was tight all the things that happened ience they started doing the party.

The part of the book that i most like was when they did the wedding and it was really cool and exciting.Also i like that part because it was tight and i feel like reading that book again more and more times.

I recommend that book to all the people specially to the middle school kids because it is very interesting for the people to read.And i recommend this book to the people that like action and that want to have fun for a while.

145th street
In the beginning of the book their is a guy called Big Joe and he had a funeral because he die,but then he stand up and gets out of the coffin and partyies then the cops come to the party and said"what the heck is going on?"The book is short stories that happend in te street.Weird stuff happends in 145th street that dont happend nowhere else.

The story that I like in the book was Kitty and Mack:A love story because it was romance. The story that I did not like was Big Joe's funeral because it saids that he was dead and then its says that it was not dead.That got me confused.The story that ilke the most was Block Party 145th street style because it was the best block party in the story then Big Joe's funeral party.

I recommend this book because the short stories are great,cool,and funny.Also because one of this things could happend to your street.

145th Street
In the book 145th Street Short Stories by Walter Dean Myers he talks about all things that happen in this street. There are some gansters but best of all some great friends that are always there when you need them. In this book you will meet some teenagers that are faced with hard decisions.

WhatI liked about the book was how the author used descriptive language ,I can vizualize and connect. I like almost all of the stories because its like you learn lesson from the story.In this book I connected a lot but I learned three lessons for life.

I recommend this book to anyone that is in 5th grade and up, but I think its more of a middle school book.In this book you will learn some new things. Read on to discover a book that has some interesting stories or experiences. ... Read more

Book Description

Dick King-Smith, beloved author of Babe: The Gallant Pig,returns with a

witty and touching tale about the different shapes and sizes a family can take.

When Archibald Peregrine Edmund Spring-Russell (Ape, for short) finds himself

living alone for the first time in his life, he's finally free to do exactly as

he pleases. And nothing pleases this wealthy old English gentleman with an

enormous estate and a Rolls-Royce more than buying twelve big, beautiful brown

hens to keep in the living room. But Ape doesn't stop there. Soon there are

rabbits and guinea pigs in the dining room, canaries in the music room, a noisy

talking parrot in the kitchen, and a puppy who seems to be everywhere! Just

when Ape's house is about to burst with little beasties, Joe and Jake--father

and son Gypsies--lend a helping hand. But it takes a household disaster for Ape

to realize he finally has the family he never had. With trademark Dick

King-Smith humor, short chapters, and large type, this easy-to-read story is

perfect for independent readers.




... Read more

Reviews (4)

Remarkable !!!
Mr. Ape is an eccentric man.His wife has left him and dismissed all his servants.Although most people would be sad that their wife would leave them after 30 years of marriage,Mr. Ape was delighted at the idea that his wife was leaving him as she was very bossy.Apparently,Mr. Ape is very fond of animals and bought 12 hens.Gypsies named Jake and his father Joe are living quite near his place.Jake's donkey was roaming near Mr. Ape's compound so Jake arrived at Mr. Ape's house.That's how they got acquainted.Later,Mr. Ape bought some rabbits and guinea pigs.Wow! That's a lot.I bet he's crazy.Then he gets even more crazy-rearing canaries,a puppy,a foal and lastly a talking parrot who is good at immitating voices.I like the parts that the parrot immitated Mr. Ape's voice as it will trick Jake and Joe.So humourus!! Mr. Ape's pets soon increases as they will breed.So,he decides to have a pet sale.A lot of letters keep pouring into his house.Soon,he has a few pets.But when Mr. Ape's house is accidentally burned,everyone accuses Jake and Joe.Luckily,the animals were saved.Now it's up to Mr. Ape-is he going to follow the gypsies,Jake and Joe or will he stay? Read this book and you'll find out.This is a truly amazing book.It really touched my heart.

A really good book
Mr Ape is a fab book. If you can get your hands on it, I'd read it. I haven't read many of Dick King-Smith's stories, but this is probably one of the best books I've ever read. I love animals. I have a rat of my own, and my sister has a cat. Anyone who loves animals, like me, READ IT!

Thisbookisareallyexciting.
Thisbookisrealisticfiction.Itisabouttwopeoplewhohelp eachother.Onascalefrom1to10Iwouldgive10.Ifyoulikehumoousstoriesyouwilllikethisbook.

King-Smith has done it again!
This book is soooooooooooo great! Dick King-Smith is my fave author. In this book Mr. Ape meets a family of gypsies and uses his giant house to keep many animals. When his house catches on fire everything he owns, hispets included, are in great danger. What will happen???Read this book tofind out the rest of this story. Karen ... Read more

Book Description

What do Indian shoes look like, anyway? Like beautiful beaded moccasins...or hightops with bright orange shoelaces?

Ray Halfmoon prefers hightops, but he gladly trades them for a nice pair of moccasins for his Grampa. After all, it's Grampa Halfmoon who's always there to help Ray get in and out of scrapes -- like the time they are forced to get creative after a homemade haircut makes Ray's head look like a lawn-mowing accident.

This collection of interrelated stories is heartwarming and laugh-out-loud funny. Cynthia Leitich Smith writes with wit and candor about what it's like to grow up as a Seminole-Cherokee boy who is just as happy pounding the pavement in windy Chicago as rowing on a take in rural Oklahoma.

Reviews (8)

Ray learns what the biggest thing in life is.
In this collection of six tales about a boy and his grandfather, Ray Halfmoon goes to live with his Grampa Halfmoon in Chicago after Ray's parents were killed in a tornado. They used to live in Oklahoma, and still visit Uncle Leonard and Aunt Wilhelmina once in a while, but Ray can tell that Grampa Halfmoon is very homesick and would like to go to Oklahoma more often. In the title story of these six tales, their beat-up old pickup truck has finally broken down --- there's no way it will take them to Oklahoma. Ray can't do anything about the truck and he can't afford to buy a bus ticket, so Ray is trying to figure out some way to help ease Grampa's homesickness. Would a new pair of Seminole moccasins help? Does Ray have enough money to buy them?

These short stories are written for younger readers who like rhythms and repetition in what they read. The book is divided into episodes about the lives of Ray and his Grampa Halfmoon. It shows their love for each other, and how they try to do things to help each other. Ray learns the lesson of sticking with things that he starts. And both he and Grampa have to figure out how to help the animals they're taking care of during the Christmas holidays when the electricity goes out. Eventually, Ray learns what the biggest thing in life is --- even bigger than the biggest bass in the lake.

--- Reviewed by Tamara Penny

Indian Shoes Captures the Spirit of Native Americans
Indian Shoes is an astonishing achievement that captures, in lyrical and sometimes magical language, the spirit and love that bonds Ray and his Grampa Halfmoon. Divided eloquently into episodes that explores their relationship and how they must bond their hearts and souls in order to retain their trust and faith and love in each other, Indian Shoes, in simple, yet powerful language, is a must read for all ages. From easing Grampa's homesickness, to figuring out how how to save the animals during a Christmas power outtage, these characters are complex-driven, fighting to retain the courage and love they have for each other while still maintaining their spiritual Native American connections. Heartfelt, almost poetic in its language, and full of moments of humor and pathos, Indian Shoes is a perfect read!

Characters You'll Remember
My daughter (age 6) and I loved this book, which is about the relationship between a young boy and his grandfather. What was nice about it was the unexpectedness of it. It was not the usual school or historical stories written for this age group. Rather, they are just quirky unusual tales. I also think it is great that Ms. Leitich Smith presents Native Americans not only as traditional, ritualistic people who sit around telling allegorical stories, but as a living, breathing group. As such, this book is the perfect antidote to the usual "Squanto, Friend of the Pilgrims" fare. My daughter lost her grandfather a few years ago, but Indian Shoes captures the essence of that relationship and is wonderful! We won't soon forget Ray and Grandpa Halfmoon.

Great gift for Grandparents' day
Indian Shoes does more than just reflect contemporary Native families, it captures the relationship between grandparents and their children's children regardless of their heritage. If you're looking for a book that grandparents and children can share together you've already found it.

Subtle, funny, catch in your throat poignant, this book is one to own.

Another gem!
My response to INDIAN SHOES is similar to my reaction to Smith's other two books, JINGLE DANCER and RAIN IS NOT MY INDIAN NAME. It is rare to find realistic fiction that captures the lives of today's Native people----stories that present us as we are, not in some mystical, romantic, exotic or savage way. (We are a Pueblo Indian family.) Smith's stories and her fine command of her craft is a treasure in our home. Her stories make us laugh, give us quiet moments for thought, uplift us. As a professor of children's literature, I highly recommend INDIAN SHOES to pre-service and practicing teachers and librarians, and parents who seek literature that provides an authentic look at Native people. ... Read more

Book Description

In this special Passover story, Larnel Moore, ayoung African-American boy, and Mrs. Katz, anelderly Jewish woman, develop an unusual friendshipthrough their mutual concern for an abandoned catnamed Tush. Together they explore the common themesof suffering and triumph in each of their cultures. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

A wonderful story, even if the illos have some bloopers...
This is the story of a loving friendship between an elderly Jewish lady from Poland named Mrs. Katz, and an African-American child named Larnel. Mrs. Katz lives alone in her apartment and doesn't have anyone to visit her. (It's not stated in the book, but, since this appears to be a predominantly African-American inner city neighborhood, one wonders if she was left behind by the Jewish community when the more affluent members moved to the suburbs? In real life it has happened...) Larnel's mother stops by to visit her every other day or so, and brings Larnel with her.

One day, Larnel gets the idea to give Mrs. Katz a kitten from the litter that was born in the basement of his apartment building. (Get the pun -- Katz/cats? Actually, the name "Katz" has nothing to do with "cats," but it's cute anyway.) Mrs. Katz names the kitten Tush, which is Yiddish for "bottom," because it has no tail. Larnel agrees to help her care for Tush, and from this sharing, a lifelong friendship grows.

The story is well-written, the characters are well-developed and "real." The illustrations are vibrant, beautifully done, and ethnically accurate. Well, almost. There are a couple Jewish bloopers. For one thing, the menorah sitting by Mrs. Katz's window only has seven branches. A Hanukkah menorah has nine -- eight for the eight days plus an extra for the "servant" candle. The seven-branched menorah mentioned in the Bible was specifically for the Jerusalem Temple, and is not usually found in the home. Since Hanukkah was mentioned in the story, I have to assume that this was supposed to be a Hanukkah menorah.

The second blooper is the scene in the bakery. Mrs. Katz is shopping for PASSOVER -- a time when no leaven is to be found anywhere in a Jewish home. It is not just a matter of eating matzoh. The entire house is cleaned of anything even resembling leaven, and even owning leavened products is forbidden. That being the case, why is she shopping for her Passover feast in a bakery, of all places? She is clearly pointing at a cake or some rolls, and these would NOT be served on Passover! So nu, maybe she's a Reform Jew and not so strict? But in that case, why is that very Hasidic-looking gentleman in the corner shopping there? Surely HE would not serve bread for Passover! (...)

These are relatively minor quibbles, given the overall good quality of the book. But when it comes to children's books, I insist on total accuracy with regard to Judaism, because these are the images that will stick in the mind for years to come. Granted, this is not a "Jewish" book per se, it's a multicultural book -- which is all the more reason to pay more attention to the Jewish details, lest the reader(s) be misled. For the bloopers I'm docking it a star, but it's still a great story and I highly recommend it to both Jews and gentiles.

Diversity in its finest
Ms. Katz and Tush is an excellent choice for educators and parents to use when explaining diversity.
In the book, a young boy is introduced to an elderly jewish woman through his mother. The boy develops a bond with the elderly lady, and the two are friends forever.
This book enables children to develop an understanding about life in different cultures. It shows them that different is good and you can learn a lot from someone of a different culture.

How to be a mensch
I have read this schmaltzy tale of friendship bridging two cultures dozens of times. Not once have I finished it with dry eyes. This is the stuff that dreams are made of.

Mrs. Katz, a widowed old woman befriended Larnel Moore, a young boy. She gifted him with Yiddishisms-and good cooking. "Kugel! Such a kugel I baked for you today." She also gave a heart as warm as the sweater she knitted for him.

In turn, Larnel also performed many mitzvot (good deeds). Mrs. Katz needed a friend. He became that friend. He gave her a cat, too, for when he couldn't be there. Mrs. Katz took the kitty, who reminded her of her Myron, who was ugly as a child, too, "but such a person!" She named the kitty Tush, Yiddish for 'behind,' because she had no tail. When the cat escaped through an open window, Larnel did everything to find her. His everything included prayers.

Larnel became a grandchild to Mrs. Katz, and she his grandmother. Everything else is commentary.

Each child enriched by this joyous tale of sharing and kindness will come that much closer to being a mensch (a good person). Such a person! Alyssa A. Lappen

Perfect Polacco
As with many of Patricia Polacco's books, Mrs. Katz & Tush starts with a friendship, adds a simple story line, seasons it with an understanding look at a particular culture or two, adds a dash of humour, and ties it all together with illustrations that enrich the story (other examples, among many: Babushka Baba Yaga, Just Plain Fancy and Chicken Sunday).

In this story the lives of two very different neighbors are drawn together through a small, tail-less kitten named Tush (the name itself brings giggles to the 4 year old set). Larnel, dragged along by his mother to visit an elderly widowed neighbor (and the picture of him in his chair shows you all that you need to know about how he feels about being there!) surprises himself by feeling compassion for lonely Mrs. Katz. He brings her the runt of a litter of kittens, saying that nobody else wants it. Mrs. Katz reluctantly accepts the kitten, on the condition that Larnel will help her learn how to care for it. He agrees, and a life-long friendship is begun.

There are so many great parts to this book- the growing understanding about the things that we have in common, no matter how disparate our backgrounds, messages on ethnicity, on generational relationships, and so on- that you could get the idea that this is a 'good-for-you' book. But at it's heart Mrs. Katz & Tush is the work of a master storyteller and illustrator, and is a story that the children ask for again & again & again. Ours are still savouring it after 3 years, and show no signs of growing weary of it. The illustrations- especially some of the expressions- are some of Polacco's best efforts. Don't miss this one!

Such a Person!
That is Mrs. Katz' highest praise for the little kitten that a young African American neighbor has brought her to keep her company after her husband dies. And so begins a lifetime of love, loyalty and devotion between two families that are as different as can be, and yet, surprisingly alike. Growing up in a culturally diverse neighborhood like the one that Mrs. Katz and Larnel shared, it was a joy to see Patricia Polacco's warm illustrations, and to hear the familiar rhythms and cadences of the dialogue.

It is indeed a magical book, with a story that transcends cultural differences and generational conflict. Each character is defined by their relationship to the other, and at the end we see the beautiful changes that can grow from love and affection.

I hope that you can enjoy reading this book with children you love, it is a most rewarding and pleasurable experience. ... Read more

Book Description

The silent stories of our ancient land and its native peoples are given voice in reverential prose poems and radiant paintings.
... Read more

Book Description

When the train arrived in Cottondale, the summer at Bigmama's house in Florida began. Donald Crews brilliantly evokes the sights, sounds, and emotions of a memorable childhood experience. "A very special book by a superb artist and storyteller."--Horn Book. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A warm oportunity to reflect on special people and places.
Donald Crews departs from his usual simple text about such things as trucks and boats to share his childhood memories. The bold and colorful illustrations we usually find in his work are replaced by soft gentle colors and lines. Perhaps my endearment to this book stems from my own fond memories of riding the train back to my grandmother's home in Davenport, Iowa. Yet, there is more to this story than shared memories of days gone by. Even young children have memories of warm moments with someone special. As a first grade teacher I share this book with my students. It is a delight to see the special smiles that illuminate their faces, like the sweet smell of Spring, when they think of their special someone. For some children they think, like Crews, of grandma and her special cooking, for others their thoughts are of a visit to mom in a distant state. There thoughts are not meloncholy, like Crews, they are pleasant reminders of the treasures we find in each other. ... Read more

Book Description

Jeremy Simms watches from the porch of the general store as the passengers board the weekly bus from Jackson. When several white passengers arrive late, the driver roughly orders the black passengers off to make room. Then, in the driving rain, disaster strikes, and Jeremy witnesses a shocking end to the day's drama. Set in Mississippi in the 1930s, this is a gripping story of racial injustice.

"Taylor, a powerful storyteller, again combines authentic incidents to create a taut plot....Her cry for justice always rings true."--Kirkus Reviews

"A powerful story about the segregated South of the 1930s."--Publishers Weekly ... Read more

Reviews (14)

When Whites were Slaves to Prejudice
Taylor's grim novella of Depression tragedy highlights the gross racial injustice rampant in rural Mississippi. Narrated by a decent and likeable white boy, the simple storyline proves both painful and powerful. Ten-year-old Jeremy is mostly a passive spectator, observing the subtle and flagrant ways that whites treat free blacks. He notices the mixed crowd of travelers who are waiting for the bus from Jackson, but on this rainy day there are more folks who want to ride than seats.

How does the arrogant bus driver handle this situation? Wading visually
through the heavy dialect readers quickly enter a dark world
of the deep South's shameful past. Despite his Pa's vicious temper and belligerent attitude toward black people, Jeremy's behavior serves as a moral bridge between the feuding races. Can one small boy show his elders the way to true social democracy? Because it is chapterless this lttle book rushes headlong towards its dramatic catastrophe, but who is to blame--if any person or race is? Can centuries of social discrimination and exploitation be avenged or expunged in one natural disaster? A riveting read.

Mississippi Bridge is one of Mildred Taylor's finest books.
Mississippi Bridge is a prequel to Taylor's other novelsabout the Logan family. This time, however, the reader is treatedto the viewpoint of Jeremy Simms, the shy and sensitive white boy who sees in the Logan family everything that is missing in his own. Taylor captures not only the bite of prejudice in depression era Mississippi, but shows its effect on the lives of those who reject prejudice. Taylor cleverly weaves a story in which a tragic accident clearly dispenses a bittersweet justice in that world of prejudice without taking away the reader's sympathy for the victims.

A+ 100% Book!!!!
This is a story about how black people were treated differently than white people. The white people didn't treat the black people nicely. Black people had jobs being slaves for the white people. In the 1930's if black people wanted to ride the bus they had to sit in the back. If there were a lot of white people wanting to ride the bus the black people would get kicked off the bus.
I think that it is interesting that the white adults didn't feel like being around the black people, but their children didn't notice the color of their skin.
I fyou like stories about history you will like reading this book.
Josias was one of the main characters and he lived the story. The bus that the white people kicked off the black people was going down the bridge and went off into the river. Josias went down and started to try to save the people in the bus. A little girlthat Josias brought up was dead. No one survived on the bus even though they did everything that they could.
If I was a teacher on the book I would give it an A+ 100%.

Great Book, Disappointing ending
I always enjoy reading Mildre