Reviews (6)

Kaya Boxed Set
I have this set. It is enjoyable because you don't have to take the books out from a libray. I took the first book out and I also took out the third( the second was taken out). Its nice to have a boxed set so you know where they all are. The books---I enjoyed them alot. But the only thing is that some of the books(like book 1) I didn't enjoy as much as the others. I give this boxed set a high 4 stars!

Excellent Books
Last Christmas, just after she turned 5, my daughter received the present she wanted most--the complete set of Kaya books, her first experience of the American Girls. We began reading them together right away, and she loved them. While the reading level is higher than most of the American Girls books, she had few problems with comprehension as I read the text aloud. She began using many of the Nez Perce words she learned from the story--for some time, her daddy became "Toe-Ta" and I was "Eetsa." Another reviewer complained about the Native American religious beliefs scattered about the text. I found these to be in context for the character (after all, what would one expect given the culture and the time?), and when our faith differs from what is written in the book, it made for some good discussion. Kaya is a character who comes across as real--she makes mistakes, she has doubts, frustrations, and fears. What makes her a great character is that she learns from her mistakes and meets her fears head on with courage. Katie and I look forward to reading more American Girls books together over the years. Our introduction to them has made us eager for more.

I'm stunned!
My nine-year-old daughter and I read the Kaya stories several months ago. Now I'm ordering an extra set for her school library.

This is one of the two or three best American Girl series. The stories couldn't be more gripping and believable; and Kaya couldn't be more delightful. The stories also do a wonderful job of teaching about the Nez Perce.

Now, placing my order, I'm stunned to discover that your two featured reviews are critical of these books. Very idiosyncratic reactions. Go to the children's section of any bookstore and ask the staff what their customers think. Girls love these stories.

Also, you might include in your "If you liked this book . . ." listings Kathleen Ernst's "Trouble at Fort LaPointe."

Fie on the reviewers who panned Kaya. They're mistaken.

hmmm...
the book has alot of indian religious things cluttering it's pages. it was written on a very easy level compared to some of the other books. I was very dissapointed in the series. good morals were portrayed.

HOORAY FOR KAYA...BOO FOR HER STORIES
Kaya is currently the newest addition to the American Girls Collection. A nine-year-old Nez Perce girl growing up in the Northwest in 1764, Kaya's stories differ in many ways from the rest of the characters in the series...but are alike in many ways to the rest of the characters. Kaya starts out as a girl who only thinks of herself and thusly earns the nickname of "Magpie" after a bird known only for caring about itself. Like in the Josefina stories, foreign words appear in Kaya's books, but are explained in the back of each book with a brief glossary. An explanation for this is also in the front of the book, where readers are also taught the proper way to say Kaya's name. However, Kaya's books are longer and are a slightly harder read than some of the other books in the series. I would recommend them for children age 8 and over. As a 19 year old, I at times had a hard time following through with the story, as Kaya's parents aren't called the typical "Mom" and "Dad" like the other characters. My main gripes with her books were that some appeared to be filler. Sure, the Nez Perce had routine in their lives. But so did Felicity, Josefina, Kirsten, Addy, Samantha, Kit, and Molly. It just seems that Kaya's stories are somewhat flat. My favorites were books 3 and 4: Kaya's Hero and Kaya and Lone Dog. These two books had more adventure to them than the rest and showed a different side to Kaya and her tribe. Having some Cherokee anscestry in my veins, I had a hard time believing that the Nez Perce were that boring! I can, to some point, understand why the books do not follow the patterns of the rest in the series: Kaya did not go to school--she was taught by her family. Kaya and her tribe had probably never heard of Christmas, either, since Christmas is a holiday of the Christian variety. As for the quality--Kaya's boxed set is very nice--I bought the... hardcover set. Like all the rest of the books, they are well made. The box stands by itself--it's hard cardboard. The books are sewn tight and the covers and jackets are nice. I work in a library, and have often heard the children's librarian remark about how well made the American Girls Collection books are--they can circulate (check out) for over 100 times before being discarded. That's a rare feat--most books end up being thrown out by the time they are checked out 50 times! Despite the fact that Kaya's story is lackluster, Kaya herself was really well written about. But it's the other things that aren't explained in the book. I would have loved to hear more about what the Nez Perce think of Coyote, of whom most of their legends are devoted to. It was little unexplained things like that that had me lost--since in some of the stories, Kaya and her family and tribe say and do things that are not explained very well to the reader. ... Read more

Book Description

Sacred fire means longevity and hope. It is part of the Four Great Ancestors--Water, Air, Earth, and Fire--necessary for all life. It is the old man's job to keep the sacred fire burning, so that the Indian people can remember the ways of their ancestors.

Using the old man as her guide, Nancy Wood chronicles the history, legends, religion, and philosophy of the Pueblo Indians of the Southwest in poetry and prose. Frank Howell's magnificent paintings evoke the pride and nobility of an embattled people whose history has much to teach us and whose wisdom can enrich our lives. ... Read more

Book Description

The next day was my fourteenth birthday, and I'd never kissed a boy -- domestic style or French. Right then, I decided to get myself a teen life.

Cassidy Rain Berghoff didn't know that the very night she decided to get a life would be the night that Galen would lose his.

It's been six months since her best friend died, and up until now Rain has succeeded in shutting herself off from the world. But when controversy arises around her aunt Georgia's Indian Camp in their mostly white midwestern community, Rain decides to face the outside world again -- at least through the lens of her canera.

Hired by her town newspaper to photograph the campers, Rain soon finds that she has to decide how involved She wants to become in Indian Camp. Does she want to keep a professional distance from the intertribal community she belongs to? And just how willing is she to connect with the campers after her great loss?

In a voice that resonates with insight and humor, Cynthia Leitich Smith tells of heartbreak, recovery, and reclaiming one's place in the world.

Reviews (16)

Don't wait for a rainy day to read this one!
Cassidy Rain Berghoff learns on the morning of her 14th birthday that her best friend has died. During her journey towards healing, she uses photography both as an opening to connect with those around her and as a shield. She reluctantly gets involved with her Aunt's Indian Camp, and learns about her family, her peers, and herself. Through her discoveries and support from family and friends, she learns to cope with misconceptions and grief.

RAIN IS NOT MY INDIAN NAME is entertaining and provocative while addressing death and multicultural issues. Cynthia Leitich Smith effectively weaves the multicultural aspect gently through the story. I never felt bashed over the head. As a Japanese-American, I identified with Rain and her ambiguous feelings towards her heritage. Strong characters, evocative small-town setting, wonderful story, and a touch of humor make RAIN a must read.

Wow! Very highly recommended!
Cassidy Rain Berghoff plans a kiss under the mistletoe to mark her new life, her birthday, and her new beginning. Galen has been her best friend through "lemonade stands, arcade games, spelling bees and science fairs." When he gives her a beautiful necklace for her birthday, something shifts. Trust Galen to show it first. But she believes there will be many days to share what they feel -- only to learn Galen dies overnight.

Rain's the only person in town to not attend the funeral. Somewhere frozen inside are her words, but she remains silent as grief overwhelms her. Rain isolates, avoiding visitors, friends, and soccer buddies. Eventually her family pushes her into the world again, attempting to send her off to an "Indian Camp".

When the camp becomes the focus of town controversy, Rain inadvertently finds herself at the heart of it. Instead of participating as a camper, she becomes the photographer for the local newspaper at the camp. That experience begins the process of healing and reconnecting to her world.

Author Cynthia Leitich Smith intersperses the narrative with journal entries, creating a fresh sense of immediacy in RAIN IS NOT MY INDIAN NAME. As the teen girl struggles through grief to rejoin the world, her journey of healing and growth touches the heart of all readers. Exploring the world of race, friendship, and connection, Rain becomes an example through her words and feelings -- never does the prose become preachy. Instead, she reveals her loss, her pain, her mistakes, and her growth, thereby allowing readers to draw their own conclusions. A remarkable and poignant achievement, RAIN IS NOT MY INDIAN NAME is a keeper! Very highly recommended.

Rain Is Not My Indian Name
Before I began this book I came onto amazon.com to see what other people thought of this, along with the reviews and summaries I was expecting something absolutely GREAT!!! Well, it wasn't as good as I thought. The author had so many chances to make it good, it just never had potential. I will admit it was a 4-star book, until I got to the ending. I got so confused at the ending. I had absolutely no clue! Since I live in OK I loved how it mentioned city names and places I am very familiar. I would suggest this book to someone who might like it, but just don't expect a whole lot out of it. Happy Reading!

Rain Resonates with this Reader
Cynthia Leitich Smith's Rain is Not My Indian Name is a refreshing, respectful examination of the issues that contemporary teens face. Smith gives such authentic voice to the heroine, Rain, that the character becomes real to this reader. The book courageously takes on real and complex issues that many teenagers face today, including death and single-parent households. Although there is enough action within it's pages to keep any teen interested, this is truly a book about individual characters. Smith captures the essence of her main character, Rain, by giving the reader a glimpse into her American Indian heritage. What is most impressive about Rain's character development is her proud heritage comes through, but does not solely define her. Smith has accomplished what few writers have. She develops her heroine's culture but not at the expense of her universal appeal to all teens, regardless of ethnicity. Rain illustrates the differences that make us special but also the similarities that unite us. I highly recommend this book for teens and parents alike for a thoughtful view of young middle-America. My only regret is that this type of book was not being written when I came of age.

Believable Rain
I read this book almost a year ago, but it still lingers with me. I think the main reason is Cassidy Rain Berghoff, the fourteen-year-old title character. After losing her best friend, Galen, in a tragic way, Cassidy shuts out the world. Months pass before she grows to realize that she has to get in touch with the world again, even if it's through a job. I was really impressed by Cassidy's bravery and strength. The author did a great job making this character REAL. By the end of the book, I felt like I knew Cassidy. The author made me care about her - about what would happen to her.

The book doesn't make it easy for Cassidy to work things out. For example, while working as a photographer in an Indian camp run by her Aunt Georgia, Cassidy finds herself torn between getting involved in an emotional issue and staying professional and objective. Kids are faced with hard decisions all the time, so I found it very easy to relate to Cassidy and what she goes through.

I recommend RAIN IS NOT MY INDIAN NAME to anyone who loves a good story and good characters. This book has both! ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (2)

Mischievous and fun
Mischievous, Korean-born Yoon deals with starting school and learning English. She likes her name in Korean. It means shining wisdom. She is not so sure she likes YOON, her name written in English. The illustrations are stark, rich, and playful.

Wonderful book to share with children of all ages.
This is a wonderful story that can be shared with any age group. It's about a young Asian girl who comes to America and refuses to write her English name. Beautiful story that teaches a lesson at the end. The pictures are spectacular and very intricate. I love this book! ... Read more

Book Description

Geraldine is a goat, and Glenmae, a Navajo weaver. One day, Glenmae decides to weave Geraldine into a rug. First Geraldine is clipped. Then her wool is spun into fine, strong yarn. Finally, Glenmae weaves the wool on her loom. They reader learns, along with Geraldine, about the care and pride involved in the weaving of a Navajo rug -- and about cooperation between friends. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Kids book? I still love it at 30 years old!
I was raised on this book and it has always been a favorite of mine. The pictures are delightful and the story has stayed with me through the years. I love how Geraldine decides to eat all the yummy plants they were going to use to dye the wool. OOPS! Now I find it is on the school reading list and being used in the classroom! I highly recommend this book as a favorite for children and parents alike.

Goat's point of view
This is a very funny story about a goat that tells the story of how her fur becomes a Navajo rug. If you look close enough at the front cover, you'll notice the book is written by the goat herself. It's a wonderful book for all ages, especially Navajo children.

Good for creative children
When I was little (a long time ago at this point!) I had this book and was utterly fascinated by it. I remember trying to dye yarn myself after reading it... (well, that didn't work out so well as I recall-- since this is NOT a how-to book, just an engaging story-- but it was fun all the same.) Now that I'm an adult, I would definately recommend this book to anyone with "creative" children who love to make things.

A charming book with wonderful illustrations
While visiting the Hubbell Trading Post, our daughter was able to watch as a Navajo weaver worked on a beautiful Ganado rug. The ranger working on the premises suggested this charming book. The story is told by a goat whose mohair is woven into a spectacular rug. The illustrations are enchanting and my daughter loves to giggle at the goat who stays with the weaver to "supervise" her work. She asks questions about the process of weaving and the interaction between the goat and the weaver. It's a lovely little book I wholeheartedly recommend! ... Read more

Book Description

·he best-selling The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is now available in a new Spanish-language edition ... Read more

Book Description

You may think you know this story I am going to tell you, but you have not heard it for true. I was there. So I will tell you the truth of it. Here. Now. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

I like it because the pictures and the writing are great
I am giving the book Cendrillon 5 stars because there are words in French, there are excellent pictures, and San Souci has a very good way at making the story make sense.

I liked that they put in French words because it tells the reader that the people in the story speak French.

The author, Robert D. San Souci, is excellent at writing. I have read more of his books and they are all great.

The illustrater, Brian Pinkney, has a great way of making the pictures stand out. Pinkney has a nice way of drawing the outlines of things. You can almost see things jumping out of the pages. You can see he mixes in colors, so he gets the colors he wants.

The book is great.

Kudos!
This is a wonderfully rich retelling of the traditional French Cinderella story, set in the Caribbean. As a school librarian I've shared this title with students to compare it to the traditional version. They love it! The pronunciation guide in the back is most helpful. The story is unique because it is from the point of view of the spunky godmother. Pinkney's scratchboard illustrations are perfect!

We liked this story because some words were in French.
We rated it number four because we liked the drawings. We thought the drawings brought out the book. We thought the illustrations were very colorfuland very interesting because it was by the Carrabien Sea. We, also, liked it because some words were in French. There should not have been servants in the story. We thought it was like the other Cinderella stories. The author should have changed it a little bit. We suggest younger school aged pupils would enjoy this book better that upper elementary pupils. We have enjoyed reading this book a lot. By : The Four Recess Lovers*

We rated it a two because we did not understand it.
The story is about a lovely girl whose mother dies and her father remarries a evil lady. Her father worked alot and her stepmother made her do all of the work. All the girls in the town got invited to a ball that the Prince was having. There he would pick one lady to be his bride. The housekeeper of the house had a magic wand that her mother had given her. She uses the wand so that Cendrillion can go to the ball. She and the housekeeper got to go to the ball, but they had to be back at 12:00pm. They got sidetrack and the 12:00pm clock rang.Then they ran home but the Prince found that she had lost her shoe. He looks all over town. Then he goes to a house which is Cendrillion's house. Then her evil stepsisters tries to fit the shoe on their big feet,but the shoe wouldn't fit their big feet. Then her mother tried the shoe on, but it would not fit her foot either. Then Cendrillion tried it on and it fits her just fine. Then ,the Prince and her got married,and they lived happily ever after in the Prince's big catle with all their riches.

We rated it a 4 because it had good pictures and a plot.
There was once a girl and her god mother and they worked for the girls step mother. Her step mother was really mean. Her step mother was very mean. The step mother didn't want Cendrillion to go the ball. The washer woman turns into a fairy god mother, and sends Cendrillion to the ball. She looks as a princess would look when she went to the ball. She had a very nice dress. She road in very fancy carriage. She danced all night until twelve o'clock. She was leaving and lost one of her slippers. The prince goes through out the town looking all over for his bride to be. He tries to find out which foot fits the slipper. Her step sister tries the slipper on. The god mother says "It would only fit you if you cut off your toes". The god mother ran all the way upstairs to find Cendrillion. She found her in her room, and dragged her down the stairs. She went and saw her beloved the prince. The prince asked her to try on the beautiful slipper. She said yes. It was a perfect fit! Then they asked to get married. They got married at the princes kingdom. They had a party after the wedding. They lived happily ever after!We suggest this book to people who like fairy tales.

By:The Snowboarder Kids ... Read more

Amazon.com

The Snowy Day, a 1963 Caldecott Medal winner, is the simpletale of a boy waking up to discover that snow has fallen during the night.Keats's illustrations, using cut-outs, watercolors, and collage, are strikinglybeautiful in their understated color and composition. The tranquil story mirrorsthe calm presence of the paintings, and both exude the silence of a freshlysnow-covered landscape. The little boy celebrates the snow-draped city with aday of humble adventures--experimenting with footprints, knocking snow from atree, creating snow angels, and trying to save a snowball for the next day.Awakening to a winter wonderland is an ageless, ever-magical experience, and onemade nearly visceral by Keats's gentle tribute.

The book is notable not only for its lovely artwork and tone, but also forits importance as a trailblazer. According to Horn Book magazine, TheSnowy Day was "the very first full-color picture book to feature a smallblack hero"--yet another reason to add this classic to your shelves. It's asunique and special as a snowflake. ... Read more

Reviews (48)

Snowy Day Review
"A Snowy Day," by Ezra Jack Keats is a true classic. The story is about a child named Peter. Peter was a city kid who woke up one morning to discover yhat the entire city was blanketed in snow. Seeing this Peter begins to engage in activities that any small child who grew up with a snowy climate would engage in such as: making footprints in the snow, striking a snow-covered tree in order to knock the clumps of snow off of the branches, making snowmen and snow angles, and sliding down a snowy hill. He ultimately sets it off when he stuffs a snowball in his coat pocket. This is a great book due to it's real like partrayal of a child and the significance of snow in his life.

Magic, Wonder, and Possibilities.....
"One winter morning Peter woke up and looked out the window. Snow had fallen during the night. It covered everthing as far as he could see..." Peter can't wait to jump into his snowsuit and run outside. There are footprints to make and watch as he walks along, snowmen to build, and angels to carve into the snow with his arms and legs. There are mountains of heaping snow to climb and then slide down, again and again, snowballs to pack, and snowball fights among the bigger kids to watch. And after a long cold, wonderful day outside, there are warm and cozy snow dreams to dream until he wakes the next morning to another fun-filled snowy day..... Originally published in 1963, Ezra Jack Keats' The Snowy Day, is still as fresh and inviting today, as it was forty years ago. Mr Keats' gentle, engaging text captures the essence of the child in all of us on a snowy day, and is complemented by his simple, expressive and evocative, award winning illustrations. Together, word and art brings all the wonder, magic, and imaginative possibilities of a big snowfall to life on the page. Perfect for preschoolers, The Snowy Day is a captivating treasure, to read and share now with friends and family and future generations in the years to come. A MUST for all home libraries, this is a timeless classic that shouldn't be missed.

Very cute, and the illustrations are lovely
I agree with other reviewers that the story in this book isn't heart-stopping exciting and it does drag on a bit toward the end, but frankly, I'm not sure that's a bad thing. The slow, languid pace of this story makes it a very calming and relaxing bed time read. The chunky, colorful illustrations are adorable, and the fact that the little boy is not very detailed makes him sort of a child's "Everyman." The story is really about a little boy whose imagination is maybe a little too big for the fact that he's only 4 and not able to do everything he'd like, but it's cute and engaging and well worth reading.

Let it snow (y day)
When "The Snowy Day" first came out, it was considered groundbreaking. Unprecedented. Here, at last, was a picture book in which the protagonist is black. It's not an overtly political book, mind you. Just a nice story about a kid in the city playing in the snow. Having heard about this story for a long time, I decided now was the moment to see how well this book has stood up over time. Ezra Jack Keats has long passed from idle picture book author to a somewhat god-like figure of the children's book world, so does this early work stand out even today? If it was introduced for the first time now, would it be considered as good as it is? Yes and no. The book is both a fabulous creation, and a very simple, very normal, tale that everyone on one level or another is familiar with.

In this book, Peter wakes up to discover that snow has covered the city in the night. Delighted, he pulls on his bright red (and now world known) snowsuit and plunges into a day of exploring and playing. He makes fun tracks, and hits snow off the branches of trees. He constructs a smiling snowman and slides down steep mountains of snow. At the end of the day his mother gets him out of his wet clothes and gives him a nice hot bath. The next morning the snow is still there, and an ecstatic Peter calls up a friend to do the whole day over again.

When I was a child I loved (and still do) stories that took place in the big cities. Keats never draws an inordinate amount of attention to Peter's surroundings. So while you won't see skyscrapers or taxi cabs, there's a distinctly urban feel to the lay of the land. The text is nice and easy for the youngsters to understand. As for the cut-outs, they're a delight to look at. Picture books featuring cut-outs may be remembered best as belonging to such artists as Eric Carle or Leo Lionni, but I consider Mr. Keats to be the granddaddy of the art form. Aside from the beauty of the landscaping in this pictures, I loved the papers used in the book. The section in which Peter sits on the snow, a snowball embedded on his chest, the black sky is a-swirl in greens, blues, and browns. When Peter slides down a snow covered embankment, the sky is then a delightful twisty series of white smoke-like curlicues. And Peter's home itself is eloquently rendered. From the wrought iron bed frame to the multicolored wallpaper and tiles that enhance the setting, the book is the best possible combination of elegance and realism.

If it came out today, "Snowy Day" wouldn't garner an overly enthusiastic response from publishers and critics. Which isn't to say that it's unworthy of the praise already received. As I've tried to show, the book is a wonderful amalgamation of text, pattern, and emotion. One of the finest books written for children, and a great evocative story.

The Snowy Day
The Snowy Day is a great book for kids of the age 4-6 years old.
The book is about a little boy who has a great time out side. He plays in the snow making snow angles and snowmen and many more great things. He try's to have fun with older kids but he seemed to not fit in.
He soon learns that not all things are here to stay.
The book is not one of the best books out there but the pictures are pretty. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Esmé Raji Codell, author of the bestselling Educating Esmé: Diary of aTeacher's First Year, makes her children's book debut with thewarm, funny novel Sahara Special."Can't a woman get a divorce without her kid going special ed on her?"This is the question Sahara's mother asks her daughter after a hugestack of letters that she'd written to her dad (but never mailed) fallsout of her locker and on to her teacher's feet. When those letters areconfiscated and locked up in the school counselor's filing cabinet,Sahara decides she will stop supplying "evidence" to the school; shestops doing her assignments, and is subsequently paired up with aSpecial Needs teacher, a fate equivalent to being "the street person ofa school."What no one knows is that the newly dubbed "Sahara Special" is really"Sahara Jones, Secret Writer," a girl who hides her Heart-WrenchingLife Story and Amazing Adventures behind a public library shelf. Noone, that is, until her show-stealing, deliciously unorthodoxfifth-grade teacher Madame Poitier (Miss Pointy) arrives on the scene toremind her, so simply, that "a writer writes." Any child with a secretself (every child) will revel in Sahara's clear-sighted observations andsense of humor about a world that doesn't see who she really is. As inSharon Creech's Love ThatDog, readers will meet a likeable, difficult-at-first studentand an extraordinary teacher who transforms lives by sharing her love ofstory and words. Highly recommended. (Ages 9 to 11) --Karin Snelson ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Sahara Special
Sahara Special is comedy and drama blended together with rich character. Sahara Jones' father leaves her, and she is heartbroken. She writes letters to him, telling him she loves him, and misses him. After she writes her letters she has no idea where to mail them, so she keeps them in her desk, hoping nobody will find them. One day the letters tumble out at her feet, and her teachers feet too. Sahara's teacher insists that she be put in Special Education. When Miss. Pointy comes though, things change. She doesn't believe in Special Education and she is like no other teacher. Sahara hopes to make a new start. Miss. Pointy and her beliefs support Sahara to show her true self. Esme Raji Codell wrote Sahara like a dream. Sahara was a talented girl, She changes throughout the book. Codell made the change gradual, so she changed slowly along the way. Codell wrote Sahara Special like a regular book, but there was something in the character and the description. I personally felt like I was in the book, right by Sahara's side.

a magical read-aloud, or a laugh-out-loud read-to-yourself
sahara jones has been pulled out of special ed, and is repeating fifth grade. her new teacher, the unconventional ms. pointy, doesn't believe in labeling students or readng the RECORDS (at least, untill the end of the school year). so she and sahara have the luxury of a fresh start. with love and humor, ms. codell describes their heart-warming journey. a sparkly sticker for this funny, wonderful book.

the best book in the world!!!
Sahara special is one of the best books I have read. I loved it all like when the crazy teacher came that was so funny. Sahara kind of reminds me of the way I was [young] I would never do my homework and usually I wrote down things that I liked. The book also reminds me of my [school]teacher because when Sahara's new teacher comes to the book it just reminded me of her. So if you are trying to figuer out if you want to read this book you might just want to.

Sahara is a Special Character
I read Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key, and was delighted to see this book. Although it is not by the same author, it deals with some similar subjects, such as Special Ed. I have to say, I'm very glad that I spotted this book at the library.
Sahara Special is about a girl who in the beginning is found writing notes, not to her friends but to people like her father, who doesn't live with her and and as she says don't love her back. Although this is a very good book, it is also a very quick read. I finished it in one night, but I would still reccommend it to anyone. It does, however, contain some language such as the b- word.

Something Special
Esme Raji Codell has done the impossible-- she has written a book that transported me back in time to my own school girl days, and made me realize how miraculous life can be. Sahara Special is an insightful, funny and moving tale about a troubled, but talented young girl. Codell has an incredible ear for kids' voices that makes her first person narrator feel like a best friend. I recommend this book to kids dealing with divorce, life changes, and of course, the desire to write! ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Yang the Yuckiest and His Really Terrible Ear
I had to read this book for school and I have one thing to say about it . . . what's the point? How can someone fill a whole book with a kid and his problem with playing the violen? How?

I found Yang the Youngest and His Terrible Ear extremely boring and I found myself saying to myself, 'how did this get published?' while I was reading it the WHOLE time.

AVOID THIS BOOK IF YOU CAN!!!

Yingtao Rocks!
In this boook, Yingtao Yang has a very very talented family. He has two sisters and one brother. Both his mother and his father played in an orchestra back in China where they lived before moving to Seatlle Washington, where this book takes place. Yingtao Yang plays the violin. Yingtao's brother,(Eldest Brother) and father also play the violin. His oldest sister,(Second Sister) plays the viola and his ten year old sister,(Third Sister)plays the cello. His mother plays the piano. Everyone in his family has a very very good ear. Except Yingtao. His father now taeches violin when he isin't in the orchestra. He is an altrnate in the orchestra.Yingtao's father says at his recital there will be a string quartet with all the Yang children, as the last peice,and Yingtao is afraid he will ruin the recital with his screechs on his violin. Then he and his new best freind, Matthew Conner who likes to play violin, do something very dangerous and sneaky at the recital..............

Amazing !!
When I read the first page,I roared with laughter.The whole Yang family had an ear for music except Yingtau,the youngesr Yang in the family.Poor Yintau.He tries to play his instrument,the violin.Soon,he got to know a friend,Matthew who knows how to play base ball and is a beginner in music.Yingtau learns to play baseball and loves the game very much.Yingtau's father is having a recital to encourage children to come to his music class.But Yingtau is afraid that his screeching violin will ruin it.I feel very desparate for him and I wish that I could take a famous violinist and put it in his place.But I wouldn't tell you what happened after this.

Great for second, third, and fourth graders!
This book is very funny and enjoyable. I read it just after it was published. My brother doesn't want to read it, but that's because he's a Nintendo addict. I wish he'd try it because he plays the violin and is almost as bad at it as Yingtao is. Young readers and young musicians will love this book, and kids who don't like to read should give it a chance-they'll like it too. Enjoy!

A "hard to put down" book
This book is great! My students and I have enjoyed it. It is funny and yet serious. There are many topics for discussion. I will definitely be reading it to next year's class. ... Read more

Book Description

Toswiah Green's life ended the moment her policeman father decided to testify against a fellow officer. The Greens have had to change their identities and move to a different city. Now Toswiah is Evie Thomas, and that is the least of the changes. Her defeated father spends his days sitting by the window. Since her mother can no longer work as a teacher, she puts her energy into their new church. Her only sister is making secret plans to leave. And Evie, struggling to find her way, wonders who she is now and how she can make her future as bright as her past once was. ... Read more

Reviews (20)

MY OWN
"Thank you for my family, my friends, and my name", are all things you will say to yourself after reading this book. Toswiah a young afriecan afmerican girlwho is put through trauma, a state of depression, and an idenity crisis all in a two- three year life span. She is forced into the witness protection program because her father witnessed a murder of a young black teen, by two of his fellow white cops. He was the only black cop in his precint and felt it was dangerous for he and his family. As time goes on Toswiah loses identity and becomes Evie her siter become Anna a rebellous gurl who was once popular, sweet and social. Her mother becomes annoited and into her new religion that she breathees it. I recommend this book to people who what reality.

The Life
This novel was about a family having to change their identity;as well as their lives, just because their father witnessed a murder. His fellow friends, police officers, killed a young african-american boy. The Green family was put in a witness protection program, so they moved out of denvert, leaving family members, friends, and their belongings. They had to change their names and had to change the way they lived. The family didn't like it there. A lot happened to the family while they are there. Cameron, which is Anna now, had grown into a beautiful women. Toswiah which now is Evie, has made new friends and found what she likes most "track". The family went through a lot of changes, but they made it through. I think this was a great book, I enjoyed reading this book. I recommend this book to children of all ages. I hope they will enjoy it, like I did.

PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE
IMAGINE IF YOUR PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE WAS TAKEN AWAY BECAUSE YOUR FATHER SAID THE HAD TO BE? WHAT IF YOUR LIFE, FRIENDS, AND BELIEFS WERE ALL PULLED FROM UNDER YOU, AND YOU HAD NO GROUND TO STAND ON? WHAT IF YOUR LIFE WAS RESTARTED LIKE A COMPUTER? WELL, THAT'S WHAT HAPPENED IN THIS BOOK, "HUSH" BY JACQUELINE WOODSON. THIS BOOK AT FIRST WAS CONFUSING, BUT AFTER A WHILE YOU GET USE TIME. thIS BOOK IS VERY EMOTIONAL. iN SOME INSTANCES YOU START TO CRY OR FEEL PAIN.SOMETIMES READING THE BOOK YOU WONDER WHY SHE NEVER CRIED? THEN YOU ASK WHAT WOULD I DO IF MY LIFE WAS TAKEN AWAY FROM ME.

New Life
This novel is about a black family. There are 2 girls and 2 parents.Cameron and Toswiah are the 2 girls. Cameron is a cheerleader and Toswiah is an athlete. Therefore the father witnessed a crime scene and was forced to start a new life in a new place with a new name. Cameron is now Anna and Toswiah is now Evie. Evie experiences a new life at her new shool and even found someone named Toswiah. They become good friends. The mom becomes a Jehovah's Witness and the father stares out the window all day. I reccomend this book to to all people because people should know what its like to start a new life.

Bye Bye Home
In the story Hush a girl named Toswiah is the main charater.She and her family are forced to leave their beloved home in Denver. They left because her father witnessed two white police officers murder a young african american boy. Her mother studies her bible and attends Kingdom Hall. Her sister is a high school student and hates her life. The ending is a little rough because it leaves the reader wondering what's gonna happen. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Learning to face adversity even after a war's end
Ken's father spent WWII in the Minidoka Japanese-American Internment Camp in Idaho. Ken, the author was raised in Seattle. Shorty is stuck in the barracks without friends, surrounded by noise and boredom. No one has anything to do. His dad sees verves fraying and has an idea, Build a baseball diamond and organize games. The men make the diamond, the women improvise the uniforms. Games are scheduled under the gaze of the guard towers. Shorty scores a big hit under nervous angry pressure. After the war, he continues to be taunted, but learns self respect under the pressure of adversity. The benefit from this book, is that there is no whitewash. It is honest, and yes, he was called Shorty, cuz life is like that.

Amazing
This book is an amazing resource for teaching students about the inequalities that took place during WWII. It is a reality check to all of those who stood by and watched their fellow friends and neighbors as they were forced to leave their homes and be placed in internment camps in Hawaii. This is not just a gut check. This book served to illustrate how the simple things in life can mean everything. This book receives my highest rating and is first rate with teachers everywhere.

Kid's Eye View of Japanese Camps, Being an Outsider
I read this to my "just-turned 8" year old son who really identified with the kid as "odd man out." The story both communicates what it was like to be in a Japanese internment camp from a kid's perspective, and communicates how it feels to be an outsider (a feeling I'm sure every child has felt some time) by talking about baseball and being the "littlest" and physically different kid. A nice, serious story with a smile at the end.

Our Thoughts
Our 4th grade class at Lamar Elementary in Arkansas thought the book was very interesting. Especially interesting was the information on the Japanese-Americans being taken to the camps. We felt that the book was sad because they had to go to camps. We also thought it was neat because it tells about the past and history that we never knew before. This book tells a lot of history. It was a two thumbs up!
We didn't know about the Japanese kept as hostages.

A really moving book.
This book tells the story of a boy inside an internment camp during WWII. It deals with a lot of feelings, yet shows how determined the detainees were to survive and create an acceptable life for themselves. The story demonstrates that one must continue to strive for a good life even when conditions hold little promise for happiness. ... Read more

Book Description

A family's particular origin is only the start of what being "a family" means. In this heartwarming tale of family love and beginnings, Rain meets Bo and her new "forever" Mom and they become a brand new family. There are many kinds of families, but all families are forever. It's as Simple as That. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Heartwarming, Helpful, Delightful, Entertaining
This delightful children's book helps other children learn how to understand, respect and celebrate other cultures (as well as their own). The chief character is Rain, a soon to be 6 year old Asian child who tells the story of how she was adopted by an Italian NY single who came to China to get her, along with her first stuffed animal.. a hippo named Bo. It's a heartwarming tale of family love and beginnings. Great illustrations!
Raleigh Pinskey, author of 101 Ways to Promote Yourself.

My daughters love this story - and feel it is their own.
Both of my girls, elder aged 6 and younger shortly will be 3, love this book. As they are from China, and I am a single Mom, they often have to be reminded it is NOT their story, but it is LIKE their story. They don't really seem to care - - they love Bo and her Hippo, and the straight-forward way the adoption story unfolds. It is clear and simple, and filled with love .... and that makes it 100% ok for us!

If you are looking for a way to introduce the concept of adoption to a young child, this book is a very nice way to do that. If you are looking for a way to broach the subject of your child's adoption with her/him, this is a great way to open the door.

Families are Forever .. .it's as simple as that .... straight-forward concept, presented in a way children can accept, understand and work into their perceptions in an easy way.

Exceptional !
Masterfully written, this book immediately touches one's heart. Rain, the central character, takes us through her long journey to her new adopted family, crossing continents and cultural boundaries, and teaches us, in a way that only a child can, the power and poignancy of a family's love.

Through this book, we are reminded that a family's love really is forever.

Brought a tear to my eye...great for all ages!
I loved this book...I am considering adopting a child and found this book really heartwarming...I bought a copy for my nieces because I think it's good to expose them to the idea that there are all kinds of families in the world, and adoption, single mothers, and interracial families are all gently discussed.

My seven year old niece was able to read the book to her 4 year old sister, and both of them loved the story! The younger one was really excited about the pictures and Annie is her favorite movie, so this was a natural. The elder has a Chinese adoptee in her class this year, so this book addressed some really germain topics.

Someday maybe I can read this book to MY daughter!

wonderful story about love and family
This book is a great find and a wonderful story about love and family formation. This book follows one girl's heartwarming, fascinating journey from China to America into the arms and life of her loving mom and extended family. Lighthearted and touching, the story is narrated by Rain, a six year old Chinese-American adopted girl. I'm looking forward to reading what is in store for Rain and her friends next!
J. Benatar, mother of three. ... Read more

Book Description

On the mean streets of southeast Fresno, nineteen-year-old Eddie is just trying to get by. All he wants is to forget his violent past, hold down a job, and walk a straight line. But after his cousins murder, Eddie finds himselfslowly but inexorablydrawn back into the cycle of violence. . . . Set against the backdrop of a city sweltering in the grip of poverty, crime, and unfulfilled dreams, this is the unforgettable story of a young man struggling to survive in a world spiraling out of control.Unrelenting ... unsparing ... A valuable tale, its one that makes no concessions. Kirkus ReviewsSotos clear, finely honed poets voice shines in this tale of barrio life in Fresno, California ... wholly believable. ALA Booklist

... Read more

Reviews (30)

Brown is a favorite target
I think the book Buried Onions is a good one. I recommend this book to all teeagers. Gary Soto tells you what a Mexicano or Chicano have to live just because our skin is brown. I was raised in the town of Cicero and I know how living in the street is, I know that any day my life could be taken away. But, that is the risk I have to take when I am out there with my home boys. I also have to look out for the police because brown is one of their favorite targets to arrest or beat up. Life in my town is like Fresno. Some of the gangs are small, but there are some crazy home boys that just don't care if they take a life or two. Life is nothing easy, but you have to learn how to live it. Some times you have to throw down to get your respect, and sometimes you have to steal to survive, but that is life. Most of my home boys are drop outs and some didn't even start high school, but everybody chooses their own way of living. Some have jobs, but not careers. Some are professional thieves. I liked the way this book mixed Spanish and English together, that is the way I was raised and my homeboys, too. I liked that the book is written in realistic language. I liked the way the book ended. Sometimes that is the best thing to do, fly away with the wind.

You gotta read it
The book i read is Buried Onions. Buried Onions is a very great book that everyone would like to read. It's a book that you would get into and wanna go back and read it over and over. This was my frist time reading Buried Onions. I'm very happy that i did read it if i had another chance to read it i will. So anyone out there that wants to read a very good book you gotta read Buried Onions cause it's a book that you'll like. let me tell you a little something about it. It's about these young boys living in Fresno Califorina and that are in a gang. we'll Eddie wants to get out and better himself. He's asking God to come into his life. He was attening Fresno City College but things weren't going as good as he wanted to. So Mr. Stiles asked him if he wanted a job and was willing to dug holes and plant tress. He was going through a lot because his cuz had passed away and he wanted to find out who killed him and why? Did he ever find out? Yes he did ? But now its time for you to read it and find out who and why? So go and buy the book and read it!!!!!!!!

The review of Buried Onions
This is a good book in my eyes for a few diffrent reasons, one major reason is because it displayed alot of violence throghout the whole book and for me to sit and read a book to myself and stay focused is a very big accommplishment so Mr. Soto did a good job about that, even the first page talked about deaths in family and friends. Another reason this book was intresting to me is because I could relate to the broken down projects that these characters lived in as well as not having healthy food to eat and the robberiers,gangs, and beatings that went on, at times I even had flash backs of past problems in my life. One other reason that I injoyed this book was because throughout all the bad things that happened to certain people in the book they kept a high head and was successful in making it out of the pain and drama and that gives me something to look forward to in my life. Yes I would very much so recommend this book to others specifically to those who have trobles in there life and are looking for brighter days you will find it in this book and can maybe use it in your everyday life.

Burried Onions
Buried Onions is a story of a young immigrant with a goals to sucess. His name is Eddie, and he grew up in Fresno California. He lived in violent society where he has to learn how to survive. Even though he didn't want that for his life, he was expose to fight and defend his life many times. He recieved a pressure from his aunt to kill the person who kill his uncle. He had a strong feeling of hate the person who kill his uncle.
While he had a struggle all his life with bad economical situation, he had dreams. One of his dreams is success and he thought that be enroll in Army could be a good option for him. He wanted a exit from the violent world where he lived. He wanted to scape from his world. He had ansious to success. I think this book is a motivate book that show the reality world of the immigrant who work hard to success.

My reflection
Eddie is from Fresno, California. Eddie is good guy that has lots of problems in his life. Eddie has faced lots of deaths. Like his cousin was killed at a dnace, some guy wuth yellow shoes was the one that killed him. Eddie's cousin Jesus was the one that was stadd at the dance. Eddie had many problems after it all happened. Many problems with gangs and his family was not there with him when he needed them. His mother lived in Merced and he lived in Fresno. It was hard for him to go visit her, he didn''t have a car. He didn't have a good job. He would paint the crub's putting the address numbers. One day he met a Mr. Stiles that was working o his yard. He ask him if could give him a job helping him out clean and etc. Mr. Stiles gave him a job and he paid him good. One day Eddie was sent to the dump Mr. Stlies told him to the dump to dump some trush, so Eddie went on Mr. Stiles truck. Eddie was all happy that now he had a good job. After all that Eddie stoped at his house to get some water they he went back out side and the truck was not there.One of Eddie's best friends had came over from the Navy. Eddie's friend was also stadded in front of a place where they eat food. Jose was the one that got stadded, he told Eddied to join the Navy to start a new life and become a while man and become strong. Well Eddie then jion the NAVY to start his life over again. ... Read more

Book Description

Like every other kid in his class, Joe Stoscack has to write a report on an African American who's made an important contribution to society. Unlike every other kid in his class, Joe has a special talent: with the help of old baseball cards, he can travel through time. So for his report, Joe decides to go back to meet one of the greatest baseball players ever, Jackie Robinson, to find out what it was like to be the man who broke baseball's color barrier. Joe plans on writing a prize-winning report. But he doesn't plan on a trip that will for a short time change the color of his skin -- and forever change his view of history and his definition of

01-02 Golden Sower Award Masterlist (YA Cat.) and 00 Pennsylvania Keystone to Reading Book Award (Intermed. Cat.)

Reviews (16)

Jackie & Me
For my book report I chose to read a book about Jackie Robinson. This book was entitled Jackie & Me, written by Dan Gutman.

In this book's introduction, Joe Stoshack explains that he has a very special talent. When Joe holds a baseball card in his hands he can travel back in time. Later in the book, this talent becomes very useful when Joe has to write a history report on an African-American who made the world a better place. For his report, Joe decides to go back in time to meet Jackie Robinson. He wanted to meet Jackie because he loved sports and knew a great deal about baseball. Joe also wanted to understand what it felt like to be the first black man in professional baseball.

Joe leaves Louisville, Kentucky, and is transported back into Jackie's time. He soon arrives in front of Macy's in New York, on April 14th, 1947 and finds he has become black. Joe was soon introduced to Jackie. Joe was invited to sleep on Jackie's couch because Joe helped a good friend of Jackie's after he had been attacked with a broken bottle. Eventually, Joe is accidentally made a batboy for the Brooklyn Dodgers, Jackie Robinson's team. At first, Joe was nervous and scared that he was a black kid. He was treated badly by the white boys. He soon learned how difficult it was to be a black person, and how badly it feels to be made fun of for being black.

Joe soon understands the pain and frustration Jackie felt being a black man among all white team-mates. Jackie was sent threatening letters, called bad names, and treated very rudely and unkindly. Jackie Robinson was brave and strong, he refused to fight back and he refused to quit. The other players didn't want to be Jackie's friend, and they often ignored him altogether. One day, Pee Wee Reese started joking with Jackie. During the baseball game, Reese put his arm around Jackie and the crowd gasped in shock because it was the first time a white player had shown affection for a black player.

[...]Joe wrote a very informative and sensitive report about Jackie Robinson. He explained all the discrimination and segregation that Jackie had to endure. Joe learned that Jackie was a talented, dignified, and an honorable ball player, who eventually became well liked, admired, and respected.

Great combination of baseball fantasy and history
With Jackie and Me, Dan Gutman has improved upon the idea he started with Honus and Me. Joe Stoshack is still travelling through time via baseball cards, but for this book he experiences one of the great events of the 20th Century: Jackie Robinson breaking the baseball color barrier. Gutman also presents Robinson as a great role model for Joe and real kids like him who have trouble understanding that real strength is often shown through the ability to ignore ignorance, or by confronting it with talent and truth instead of fists.

Jackie and Me
Tim Young
Jackie and Me
A Baseball Bananza Dan Gutman 2000

The book is adout a kid named Joe who is sent back to the 1947 and meets Jackie
Robinson. He travles with Jackie by beighing the Dodgers bat boy. this book is great and you wont want to put it down.
When Joe is going through time he wakes up as an african american and in the 1940s they are not beighing treated fairley. This book also points out that even though Jackie is a pro ball player,people still look down on him. this book has a biography and a kids book in one. I give this book an 8 out of 10.

Jackie and Me
I am 10 years old and I like to read sports books.One of the best sports books ever that I have ever read is is Jackie and Me.This book is about a kid who goes back to 1947 to see Jackie Robinson. When Joe went back to 1947 to see Jackie Robinson it was the year that he broke the color barrier.Read this book to see if Joe and Jackie becomes friends.I liked this book because it is a sports book and I like Jackie Robinson.I could never put the book down because it was so awesome.

DAN GUTMAN, YOU ROCK!!
Jackie & Me is a great book, combining sports with going back in time. I like how the pictures look like photographs. Like I said, DAN GUTMAN, YOU ROCK!! ... Read more

Book Description

CECILIA'S DIARY 1962-1969 collects diary entries by award-winning author, Cecilia Manguerra Brainard, when she was a teenager. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

The Global Experience
In a world where we are all interconnected by technology, itis so important to expand our experience of the world. I read these stories with such interest and became aware of a unique perspective on a different cultural experience. I am an adult and read these stores with fascination before reading them to my daughter. Three cheers for this book and an editor who brought these experiences, past and present, together.

A much needed anthology for adolescents as well as adults
These twenty nine stories give us a much needed look into the multi-faceted journey of Filipino youth coming of age in this society. These tales are full of humor, fear, sadness and love of family and their culture. Over the course of time in the development of this country we have heard from diverse immigrant groups about their struggles to find a sense of belonging here. It is time to hear the voice of the Filipino community. I think this would be an ideal book for teachers to introduce to all their students.

Enlightening
I read this book to my grandson and realized the emotions stemming from difficult times and family matters are universal. There are so many diverse races in today's classrooms. This book helped him see beyond his own little corner of the world. I highly recommend it.

BOOKBIRD JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL, Children's Literature (IBBY)
Emerging and established award-winning writers are the authors of this fine collection of 29 stories about what it means to be young and Filipino in the Philippines and in the United States. Filipinos in America are now the second largest in the umbrella group of Asian Americans, yet there is a scarcity of books by and for Filipinos. This impressive array captures the complexities of both the Filipino culture and history and the realities of the lives of young adults no matter what their ethnic affiliation. Each story is assigned to one of five universal themes: family, angst, friendship, love, and home. (by Glenna Sloan)

REVIEW BY BOOKLIST 4/15/2003
In this fine short-story collection, 29 Filipino American writers explore the universal challenges of adolescence from the unique perspectives of teens in the Philippines or the U.S. Organized into 5 sections - Family, Angst, Friendship, Love, and Home - all the stories are about growing up and what the introduction calls "growing into Filipino-ness, growing with Filipinos, and growing in or growing away from the Philippines." The stories are introduced by the authors, who illustrate the teenage experience as they remember it or as they wish to explain it to the reader - whether the focus is the death of a grandparent, budding sexuality, or going to the mall. The cultural flavor aspect never overwhelms the stories, and readers will be drawn to the particulars as well as the universal concerns of family, friends, love, and leaving home. While the stories are fairly easy to read, teens might be intimidated by the dense book design and small type. Take the time to help them overcome this. The stories are delightful! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Adorable
A nicely writen story. The most adorable of all the story is the relationship between the grandfather and his grandchild. The later doubting his grandfather's tale both with love and respect. The Spanish is simple and clear. Both adult and children will smile with delight to this lovely book. Do not expect nice illustrations for the drawings are quite simple and where it is obviously not the goal of this book.

Classic story within a humorous tale!
Jerry Tello, (who is a wonderful motivational speaker for students and adults) has written a classic children's tale with some