Book Description

Now in Knopf Paperback--"six genial, affectionate evocations of family interaction and childhood mischief. There's a glow here that's hard to resist."-- Booklist ... Read more

Reviews (6)

I'm just glad they nixed the old cover art
I'm just glad they nixed the old cover art, which depicted rather extremely exaggerated caricatures reminiscent of the old minstrel man, Little Black Sambo routine. And the issue date of that cover was 1981, a bit late to still be clinging to such imagery, I thought.

Coupled with the analogies and veiled references to beating and whipping, replete with the protagonists actually crying and cowering underneath their beds in abject terror, but actually meaning it as it relates to the culinary arts could be a bit off-putting to the 5-8 year old crowd, I should think.

Lovely lovely
In this book, a seven year old boy tells different stories about his life and troubles. Though the book suffers from ending a bit abruptly, the stories are pleasant reading. This book contains a loving family that is both realistic and great reading. I especially enjoyed the suburban setting. I thought the first person narrative worked especially well too. The book reminded me a little of other "boys growing up" tales, like the "Soup" books or even Tom Sawyer. Two thumbs up.

The best book in the world!
The Stories Julian tells is an exellent story. It is about a young boy named Julian who goes on adventures. One time he and his brother Huey wanted to eat a great pudding that his Dad had made but his Dad said not to touch it and they got in big trouble when they did.If you want to know what happens next just read the book.

Excellent book. I read it over and over again
After reading the first story about the father and the lemon pudding, i just had to try some lemon pudding and now it is my favorite. All the stories are great and very interesting. I liked how Julian had such a creative imagination. I'm 11 years old and I still love to read it.

This is one to read aloud, again and again.
One of my all-time favorite read-aloud books, with lively, expressive illustrations. This book and its sequel - More Stories Julian Tells - describes the trials and tribulations of our hero, the ever-inventive Julian. The author, Ann Cameron, lovingly shows how Julian's curiosity and voracious desire to learn get him in and out of all kinds of scrapes. For example, the unforgettable story of how Julian convinces his little brother, Huey, to taste a pudding made for their mother. Taste they do, that fabled pudding, which according to both mom and dad, tastes "like a whole raft of lemons, like a night on the sea." And they keep on tasting 'til the pudding is gone. The punishment leveled by their father - a "beating" and a "whipping" of a new pudding - is both tender and just. Cameron's creative use of language and the way she repeats key phrases, make each story memorable and a pleasure to read aloud. You won't be surprised when you hear your audience chiming in with you! ... Read more

Book Description

Pirate Pig is sad. His treasure chest is lost at the bottom of the sea! Can Dora and Boots help him find it? See what they come up with in this deep-sea adventure! ... Read more

Book Description

For María Isabel Salazar López, the hardest thing about being the new girl in school is that the teacher doesn't call her by her real name. "We already have two Marías in this class," says her teacher. "Why don't we call you Mary instead?"

But María Isabel has been named for her Papá's mother and for Chabela, her beloved Puerto Rican grandmother. Can she find a way to make her teacher see that if she loses her name, she's lost the most important part of herself? ... Read more

Reviews (8)

How do you solve a problem like....?
A sweet story that kids will easily identify with. I found this book very easy for a small child to understand, and I appreciated the theme that any kid can take to heart. Not fitting in and the fear of not being liked by one's superior (in this case, a teacher) is a universal theme. The fact that Maria gets saddled with an incompetent teacher from the start doesn't help matters for her anyway. As much as I'd like to rail against the idea of a teacher changing her student's name because, 'We already have two Marias in this class', I know that there is no lack of incompetent, yet well meaning, teachers in the world who'd do this very thing. It isn't entirely clear in the story why it is that Maria doesn't discuss her problems with her parents or her teacher. People reading this book to children should make it clear that Maria would have dealt with a lot less misery if she had simply told someone why she felt badly. And some kids may wish for a more concrete ending than the one offered here. Why doesn't the teacher apologize to Maria? In any case, this book might fit in well with other stories of new kids in school. Even the Ramona Quimby books would pair nicely, as a very different little girl dealing with school and her teacher.

Ave Maria!
This book shows how not to be culturally insensitive. It is a bit on the serious side, but told in a very simple, straightforward way that will warm the hearts of all readers. The author is a brilliant storyteller who brings forth an important social issue. I strongly recommend this book to teachers. And then, if you want to have some fun, read DRUM, CHAVI, DRUM! to the class. MY NAME IS MARIA ISABEL is a Puerto Rican Story. DRUM, CHAVI, DRUM! is a Cuban story. These books, and a few others, represent the growing need for Latino literature in our country. It is about time that publishers wake up and realize that Latinos need books about our experiences in order to bring forth cultural understanding and pride in our cultures. I highly recommend ALL of Alma Flor Adas books. She is one of the greatest children book authors around.

Super Story for Teachers
I read this book in college as a part of a book club required by the school. I loved this book as soon as I read it. It can teach teachers how to be culturally sensative to all their students. A name is a very important possession to most of us. It is an only possession to some children. It is also good for those teachers who are stuck thinking that children "should just learn our language" when in reality it is a long process. I would like to recommend this book to those who are teaching children ESL and those regular classroom teachers who have ESL students in their rooms. I loved it!

This book is good to read with your family.
This book is about a girl named Maria Isabel that came to the United States from Puerto Rico to a new school.She doesn't like her class because there are two Marias so her teacher calls her Mary.That name gets her in trouble because Maria thinks that the teacher is calling on someone else.The teacher gets mad and Maria can't be in the play. She gets to write about her greatest wish. What will her wish be? I liked this book because it was cool and fun. It was cool because I liked Maria's imagination. She said a trash can full of snow looked like an enchanted tunnel. I think what the author is trying to tell you is that teachers should call you by your real name, not the name that they want to call you.

It is a good book to read to your class.
This book is about a little girl named Maria Isabel.She came from Puerto Rico. There were two girls named Maria in her class so her teacher called her Mary. When her teacher called her Mary she didn't pay attention. Her teacher got mad and she wouldn't let her be in the play. Maria tells her parents that she is going to be in the play. What will her parents say when they don't find her in the play? Will Maria still get in trouble? I like the book because it has a happy ending. The author is trying to tell us that if you have a wish and you believe it,it may come true. ... Read more

Book Description

Throughout World War II, in the conflict fought against Japan, Navajocode talkers were a crucial part of the U.S. effort, sending messagesback and forth in an unbreakable code that used their native language.They braved some of the heaviest fighting of the war, and with theircode, they saved countless American lives. Yet their story remainedclassified for more than twenty years.

But now Joseph Bruchac brings their stories to life for young adultsthrough the riveting fictional tale of Ned Begay, a sixteen-year-oldNavajo boy who becomes a code talker. His grueling journey is eye- opening and inspiring. This deeply affecting novel honors all of thoseyoung men, like Ned, who dared to serve, and it honors the culture andlanguage of the Navajo Indians. ... Read more

Book Description

The first in Sleeping Bear Press' Legend series preserves the Ojibwe's story of Sleeping Bear and her cubs.Selected as the "State of Michigan's Official Children's Book." ... Read more

Reviews (17)

A touching & thoughtful book for children and adults alike.
I was impressed by this book for many reasons and on many levels. For over 20 years our family has vacationed at Glen Lake and Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes. My children grew up hearing the legend, even adding their own little touches. Until now, there has never been a book that portrayed the legend with such eloquence and heart. You not only see and hear the story - but you feel it. I am also an elementary school librarian and I read this story to all of the 500 children in our building (grades K-4). Every child, without exception, was held spellbound with the telling and a few even shed some tears. And one teacher left the room sobbing at the recounting of the mother bear's endless love. This is truly a story for all ages.

A story worth reading
In this story, of a daring escape and journey, a mother bear's touching loyalty and dedication to her cubs is shared. The Sleeping Bear was originally an Ojibwe legend. It will now, through this book, be preserved as a timeless part of Michigan's culture and history for future generations. One's imagination is sparked by the poetic nature of the text and the bold, but soothing, colors of the illustrations. The story is simply stated with vivid, rich language. The brilliant colors and detailing of the illustrations serve the reader well in capturing both the sadness of the legend and the celebration of loyalty. This story will touch the hearts of readers and open their minds to the powerful and emotional heritage of legends in general. I discovered this book while on vacation and picked it up to share with my children. After visiting the Sleeping Bear National Park, the story truly became real and part of a wonderful summer memory.

heartbreaking
seriously. i read this book last night because i will be writing a review for a periodical. i am in my twenties and i cried for several hours.

the artwork is fantastic, and that alone gets three stars, but please be aware that you should read this book first to make sure that your children can handle it. a mother bear and her babies must swim for their lives in the middle of the night. the babies drown and the mother bear waits by the shore of the lake-- season after season until she eventually dies with a broken heart! sure sure, there's some after death spiritual reunion, but it wasn't enough to keep me from weeping terribly until well into the morning.

i couldn't even sleep with this book in my house, so i just put it outside and will try to sleep again... eventually.

TRUE BEAUTY IS...
...the dance of shadow and warn red light on the sand and water or Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore at sunset.

Last year Sleeping Bear, through the wonder of camping, became my home away from home. It has earned a place within my heart. I long to return.

"The Legend of" books by Kathy-Jo Wargin and Gijsbert Van Frankenhuyzen are consistent in their excellence. The artwork and prose sings. Each volume provides a glimpse of a world that has moved on, but which still puts forth rippling echoes.

The Legend of Sleeping Bear and The Legend of Leelanau are the high points in this most meritorious series. Of the two, I prefer the one reviewed here. Its text is not quite as lengthy. Therefore, it is more likely to keep the attention of young readers/listeners.

The Legend of Sleeping Bear captures the tender majesty of the Sleeping Bear region while painting a fantastic picture of the legend surrounding its origin. One cannot help being moved by this story of love.

Governor Granholm gave out copies of it at her inauguration.

I give this book a very high recommendation. If you can, visit the region. It is a truly beautiful place.

Fascinating Book !
A good friend of ours got this book signed by the author for my two year old daughter. She loves hearing this story and always wants me to read it to her at bed time. I never knew the legend of the sleeping bear dunes and when I read this book I was moved with emotion. I think it is a wonderful book and is very well written ! ... Read more

Reviews (13)

A vision quest into the past...
Agnes Herne is a Mohawk Indian living in Boston attending college when she begins to start getting visions from this girl named Mary. All she knows is that the visions are somehow connected to the girl she read about in the book "Witch Child"(Sorceress's prequel)named Mary Newbury. Agnes soon begin to suspect Mary is the woman in the legend of the white woman who joined the people and was a very skilled healer. Agnes decides to return to the Mohawk Indian reservation where she could get advice from her aunt, also a healer. Soon she goes on a powerful vision quest that will conclude Mary's story, the story of a girl who beat all odds and used her special powers to become a healer.

This was a fitting ending to Witch Child. Mary's ending wasn't exactly how I expected it to be but it was nice to find out about all the other people at Beluh and how the quilt where the original diary was found got to the museum. A definite must read for Witch Child fans!

A journey to the past....
Agnes can't understand why the story of Mary Newbury in the book Witch Child is calling to her. The story sounds familiar to Agnes, a Mohawk Native American. When she contacts the email address, she doesn't known that she is about to learn first hand what happened to Mary at the end of Witch Child. With help from her family, Agnes is about to travel through the story of her heritage, and learn exactly what Mary means to her people.. and more importantly, her family. DO NOT read this book without reading Witch Child first... you will miss so much! The two books create a wonderful story that will move you, you might even want to have tissues for both stories.

A horrible sequel to a bad begining
After reading the tediously slow-paced Witch Child, I have no idea what possessed me when I decided to read Sorceress. Even more vague than the first book, Rees somehow creates an atmosphere that always had me wishing she was talking about something else. The style greatly varied from witch Child, which was written in the first person about Mary. Sorceress switched from being about Rees (I assume), to being from the perspective of a Native American girl who has "visions", to being from Mary's perspective, as the one being "viewed" so to speak. Throughly confusing, and dissapointing, I would not reccomend this book to anyone. Stop at the first book, while you still can.

It was ok I guess
This was a huge disapointment after Witch Child. First of all, I did not like the way the story was broken up, I always wished I was reading a different part of the book. The author did not use magic well at all, I liked it much better when it wasn't obvious if the character was a witch or not. I think Witch Child should have been left by itself, it leaves the reader the imagine the ending, and the plot in this book seemed to drag on and on.

Pretty Good
I think Witch Child was much better. I would have liked it better if it had just Mary's story, but I think it was interesting how the two stories fitted together. ... Read more

Book Description

"Seven-year-old Juan lives in Guatemala, a place of stunning beauty and grim economic reality. Abandoned by his mother, Juan lives with his grandmother and shines shoes. He passionately wants to attend school, but fears Grandmother will say no. Finally gathering his courage, he is surprised when she not only agrees to send him to school but also chides him about the importance of standing up for himself. Juan tells this bittersweet story, which reads smoothly and powerfully on several levels, with warmth and dignity."--Booklist. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

The Moust Beutiful Plas
The story that I read was really snappy and cool. It's called The Most Beautiful Place in the World By Ann Cameron. There was a boy named Juan and his grandmother. There was also Juan's mom. It takes place in San Pablo, Guatamala. The problem is she leaves him for ever and his mom doesn't let him visit her. He really loves his mom after his dad left them.Some one would want to read this book because its really sad and who ever loves tragedy or not it's a really good book.I recommend this book to people of any age.

A wonderful book to read aloud
I teach 3rd grade, and I read this book aloud to my students each year. Ann Cameron gives a realistic picture of a child abandoned by his mother, and taken in by his grandmother.
She gives a wonderful message about the importance of education and asking for what is really important to you. Although this book is written in easy to read language and great illustrations, the author's messages are best discussed with young ones. I thank Ann Cameron every time I read this book.

Delightful, sincere, and accurate
This is a delightful children's book about a boy living in San Pablo, a small town on the shores of Lake Atitlán, in Guatemala - truly one of the most beautiful places in the world. The story is a heartwarming, but authentic depiction of the trials and joys of a boy's life in rural Guatemala. The drawings are also accurate portraits of village life. The themes of responsibility, love, and quest for knowledge are timeless. Not only will children enjoy this charming tale, but adults will enjoy reading it to them. ... Read more

Book Description

Yard sales, ice-skating, and surprise parties are just a few of the things that make fourth grade fun. But Julio and his friends know it’s time to get serious when the class begins preparing for the big statewide test at the end of the year. Just thinking about it is enough to give anybody a stomachache!

Julio and his best friend, Lucas, are going to try every superstition in the book to make sure they pass. They’ll wear their underwear inside out, use brand-new pencils, and even—gulp—study. But when test day comes, Julio finds out there are some surprises no one can prepare for!

Amazon.com

Imagine being beaten for learning to read, shackled and whipped for learning a few letters of the alphabet. Now, imagine a man brave enough to risk torture in order to teach others how to read; his name is Nightjohn, and he sneaks into the slave camps at night to teach other slaves how to read and write. Celebrated author Gary Paulsen writes a searing meditation on why the ability to read and write is radical, empowering , and so necessary to our freedom. These skills threaten our oppressors because they allow us to communicate--to learn the real status of our slavery and to seek liberation. In this tightly written, painful, joyous little novel is a key that may unlock the power of reading for even the most reluctant teens. ... Read more

Reviews (41)

Simple and Sweet
I had to read Nightjohn for school and it was a truly fabulous book. Gary Paulsen did a great job crafting this. The book is about 12 year old slave Sarny, that lives on a plantation with her caretaker Mammy. One day the mean old master buys a slave named John. Sarny makes a deal with John that she will give him tobacco if he will teach her to read and write. This he does. She learns letters and them spells a word. The master finds her writing and whips Mammy and cuts off two of John's toes.

This is a great book for black history month and a great book to read all year round. I highly reccomend this book for a lover of slave fiction, Gary Paulsen, or a great read. Buy and enjoy this great book. Be sure to catch the film adaption of the book on the Disney Channel.

HAPPY READING

NightJohn
Iam a big Gary Paulsen fan. Im trying to read all of his books. I started reading Hatchet in 5th grade. Ive read, about 5 of his books, and soon found out that he has a wide selection of more books. I just finished "NightJohn". I thought this book was very well written. I understood it very well. But I do recommened something before you read this book. I am an 8th grader, and I have just finished studying in my History class about the Civil War , and slavery, and I recommened that you should learn alittle about the Civil War, and slavery before you read this book. Because you wouldn`t understand it if you didn`t know about. I liked this book alot. The semi- part life time tale of Sarny. Sarny is a young black slave who is born into a plantation in the South. She tells the story in a very "horrific" way I think. She tells of her "master" and how badly they are treaten. I gave this book 5 stars for its well written contents. I almost was going to give it 4 stars because of the continual cursing. But by all means, this is a great book , and I would buy it again.

Night john
In Nightjohn by Gary Paulsen there were many interasting points.The book Nightjohn is about a man named Nightjohn. He has a daughter and her name is Lany. John saw a lady and he could not stop looking at her. His boss called him and he did not hear him. So then got wipped by his boss and Wallace helped him. When he met the woman he knew that was the one he would love. She liked him also but they couldn't get marred so then they jumped over the broom to symbolize marriage. Every time John got whipped wallace helped him.

NIGHT JOHN
IN THE BOOK NIGHT JOHNBY GARY PAULSEN.THE PRISONER WAS GOING TO ESCAPE FROM JAIL BECAUSE HE WAS STUCK INJAIL FOR LIFE. THE OFFICER KEPT HIS EYE ON THE PRISONER SO HE WONT ESCAPE.THE PRISONER TRY TO USE AN ITEM TO CUT DOWN THE BAR BECAUSE HE WANTED TO ESCAPE. IT IS AN EXCITING BOOK THAT I WOULD RECOMEND TO ALL STUDENT.

The Real Thing
NightJohn was one of the few books that stuck in my mind. This book taught me to appriciate that I live in the time where we moslty always get along. This book is about a 10 year old African American slave that lives on the Waller plantation. people think she is dumb because she is quiet, but that is how she learn she listens and learn things. then one day while working on the roses in the garden by the "white house" where Sarny over heard that Mr. Waller bought a new slave. the wife said that he cost one thousand dollars. later that day there came Mr. Waller with a man nadked as the day he was born came to the main yard. then he just runns him in to the faild to start working. later that night he sits alone in a corner of the quaters. he asks for a lip of tobacco. since Sarny was working in the flower bed she had to chew and spit tobacco on the roses to keep the bugs away. she still had some left over and wonders what he could have to offer for he had nothing. then he says that he would trade it for letters. Sarny wondered what these "letters" he was talking about. will she trade or not? ... Read more

Book Description

For young Samuel Russell, the summer of 1777 is a time of fear. The British Army is approaching, and the Indians in the area seem ready to attack. To Stands Straight, a young Abenaki Indian scouting for King George, Americans are dangerous enemies who threaten his family and home. When Stands Straight's party enters the Quaker Meetinghouse where Samuel worships, the two boys share an encounter that neither will ever forget. Told in alternating viewpoints, The Arrow over the Door is based on a true story.

Illustrated by James Watling.

"Thoughtful and eminently readable." (School Library Journal) ... Read more

Book Description

"Reflecting incidents true to children (making a bet with a friend, sending a message in a bottle, attempting to be brave), these stories are the sort that will make children ask for more."--School Library Journal,starred review ... Read more

Reviews (2)

From the author, March 4, 2,000
An excerpt from this book, about African-American characters, was used January 31, 2,000 in a state-wide Illinois third-grade reading standards test. 70,000 Illinois children got this test excerpt, in which the testers reillustrated the story without permission and changed the characters to Causcasians. I wrote the book with great care, and with the hope that many children will identify with my characters who are courageous and successful and well-liked. Over 200,000 copies of the book have been sold. I know from my fan mail that many children of all races do identify with the characters. It must have been painful for many of them to see their heroes turned white on a test--and for others who know the book, it must have been distracting at the least. One of the testers' three new illustrations shows the brothers in the story playing baseball. Eight books about the characters have been published to date (there will be a new one next year)--and in none of them do the characters play baseball. The testers developed their test questions based on a 3-page excerpt from the book; they had never even seen a copy of the entire book (thus the error in race), much less read it. It's quite possible that a child who had read the book would give different answers to the test questions based on his knowledge, and that the testers, in their ignorance, would mark it wrong. In many states, statewide tests are very serious these days--children are stigmatized for low scores, and teachers lose their jobs. But it appears that the tests are hastily and thoughtlessly constructed and penalize good readers. Parents and all of us concerned with education need to know what kind of tests children are being subjected to. --anncameron@guate.net

I like this book
I think it's a great book. So I want other people to read it. Because Julian tells lots of stories and it's lots of fun reading it. ... Read more

Reviews (80)

Fantastic book.
I really liked this book because it gave me real insight into the hard life of African-Americans during a time when white was considered the 'better' race. Cassie Logan is a tough girl growing up with three older brothers, and she shows how hard growing up can be. It was so real,but also somewhat deppressing. But it never got boring. The Logan family was lucky because they had their own plantation, but they struggled to survive. The whites were very powerful and they just about took everything over. It helped me see through the eyes of a black person. Cassie went through a lot of things- her old family friend being put in jail after an unfair trial, her school friends losing everything they had, her brother running away to try to make a better living, and her father leaving for long spells to earn hardly any money. And the simpler things too- watching her older brother pull away as he began desiring privacy, her cousin trying to pass for white. I loved Cassie because she told everything from the bottom of her heart, and she didn't deny her feelings. At times, this book enraged me because it opened my eyes to the cruel realism of racism. It was excellently written.

The most thrillng and emotianaol book you'll read
Let the Circle be Unbroken is a book that you will take into your hands and never want to let go of. The characters become family, and when they are feeling hurt, so are you. The main charcteracters face racial discrimination everyday of their lives because they are black, but none-the-less they stick together. Life in Mississippi in the 1930's can be happy too. When you realize what some people go through, you are greatful for every breath you take. If you like fatasy books, this book is not for you. Although, if you love realistic and emotional books, Let the Circle be Unbroken and you would be a perfect match. As a seguel to Roll of Thunder, Hear my Cry, the conflict picks up and rises throughout the book. Personally, I think this book is fantastic. I recomend that you read the prequel first. This book was the best i've read in a long time

I personally didn't like it
I read this book with my classmates, and I didnt want to finish it because I thought it was so boring. Fortunely, I did and knew what happened in the end. Read other book instead. This is just my opinion, don't take it personally.

Let the Circle Be Unbroken: Head and Shoulders Above Others
Stacey, Cassie, Little Man, Christopher-John, Mama, Papa, Hammer, Mr. Morrison, Bud and his daughter. Wait, back up, Bud and his daughter, were they in the first book? No, and they cause quite a stir, but that's usual for them. Why do you ask is that usual? You'll just have to read on to find out.

The book starts out a little slow. It heats up when Bud, Mama's cousin, shows up. Bud had gotten Married TO A WHITE WOMAN! They had had a daughter who stays with the Logans for a while. While she is there, she learns what it means to be black. Also while she is there, Stacey goes to find work (without telling them) and worries the Logans. A lot of the book is spent looking for him. Oh yeah, you're probably wondering what happened to T.J. Well, you find out before Bud comes, but I'm not telling you either way.

I would defiantly rate this book a five. It is a lot better than Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, in my opinion anyways. The action starts sooner than in Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry and Let The Circle Be Unbroken has an overall better plot. While reading, I couldn't put the book down. I first decided to read it to find out what happened to T.J., however, by the end of the book that was in the back of my mind. The addition of Bud and Suzella (Bud's Daughter) defiantly improved the book, but not even that is what I was thinking about. I was thinking about Stacey.

Cassie is the protagonist in this book, as she was in the first. In the beginning of the book, Cassie is upset at Stacey because he is acting all grown up and ignoring her. Then when Suzella comes and Stacey talks to her, Cassie becomes jealous of Suzella. Cassie is an intelligent girl and she loves and cares for everyone, even the people others find strange. Something did happen to Cassie that caught me off guard but I don't want to give too much away. Cassie is very nice, however, she easily gets upset.

One very important scene comes about 2/3 into the book. It begins when Stacey kisses everyone goodnight and everyone is shocked because he hasn't done that in a long time. As Cassie is getting into bed Stacey calls Cassie onto the porch. Stacey gives her his knife which she had been wanting for a long time. Then Stacey kisses her and goes to bed. The next morning the house was full of panic and tears. Stacey had left to find work and left a note in his place.

Another "big" scene happens at the very end of the book. Stacey had been found and they were driving home. As they pulled up the driveway the dogs started barking and lights in the house came on. Big Ma, Little Man and, Christopher-John (who hadn't gone to get Stacey) come out of the house.
"David, ya'll bring that boy?" Big Ma asks
"Yes Ma'am, Big Ma. They sure did," answers T.J.

All in all, Let the Circle Be Unbroken is head and shoulders above Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry. As I said before the book starts out a little slow, but the plot is great. Cassie, again, is the protagonist and narrator. Bud and Suzella bring much conflict and Stacey brings much sadness. This book again shows the hardships blacks had to deal with and does it better than in the first. How can a book get any better? Is the question I asked myself after finishing. Maybe the next in the series will be I thought. I seriously doubt it. This book was amazing!

Truthfully
Upon entering the library, I was immediately reccomended this novel by my librarian, after discussing my interests. Having gone to such great lengths to secure me this read, I assumed that is would be magnificent. I was wrong, however. Although the plot was interesting and the writing was probably realistic, I found it too choppy. Throughout the entire novel I felt embarassed. The portrayal of this African- American family truly embarassed me. I felt that if this was the strongest family there was, then how were all the rest? I believe that Mildred D. Taylor attempted to write a novel that wasn't sugar- coated and blunt, but in the end the product was quite the opposite. It portrayed the white families too kindly and the black families too deprived. Being of a black race myself I was actually upset by this read. I still reccommend reading it because the story is wonderful and the writing is good, but based on my studies of African- American history was unreal. ... Read more

Amazon.com

In all Mildred D. Taylor's unforgettable novels she recounts "not onlythe joy of growing up in a large and supportive family, but my own feelings ofbeing faced with segregation and bigotry." Her Newbery Medal-winning Roll ofThunder, Hear My Cry tells the story of one African American family,fighting to stay together and strong in the face of brutal racist attacks,illness, poverty, and betrayal in the Deep South of the 1930s. Nine-year-oldCassie Logan, growing up protected by her loving family, has never had reason tosuspect that any white person could consider her inferior or wish her harm. Butduring the course of one devastating year when her community begins to be rippedapart by angry night riders threatening African Americans, she and her threebrothers come to understand why the land they own means so much to their Papa."Look out there, Cassie girl. All that belongs to you. You ain't never had tolive on nobody's place but your own and long as I live and the family survives,you'll never have to. That's important. You may not understand that now but oneday you will. Then you'll see."

Twenty-five years after it was first published, this special anniversary editionof the classic strikes as deep and powerful a note as ever. Taylor's vividportrayal of ugly racism and the poignancy of Cassie's bewilderment and gradualtoughening against social injustice and the men and women who perpetuate it,will remain with readers forever. Two award-winning sequels, Let the Circle Be Unbroken andThe Road to Memphis, anda long-awaited prequel, TheLand, continue the profoundly moving tale of the Logan family. (Ages 9and older) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (338)

Roll Of Thunder is Amazing
Roll of Thunder,Hear My Cry
Written by Mildred .D. Taylor
Publisher: Puffin

The book I am choosing to write about is Called Roll of Thunder,Hear My Cry. The genre is realistic fiction. It is about a black family living in Mississippi during the 1930s. The family struggles through racism,deaths and trying to maintain their land that they live on during the height of the Great Depression. Many scary things happen to the family. Such as burnings, night riders,and other close encounters. All through the hard times the family managed to keep their courage, love, and pride. It is a wonderful novel and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a story of courage and hope.

The main characters are Cassie, who is the one telling the story a brave daughter of the Logan family. Stacey, Cassie's older brother considers himself the man of the family when the father is gone. David, who is the father, is often gone from home by working on the railroad. Mary and Big Ma are the mothers of the family. Mary is the mother and Big Ma is the grandmother. There are many other supporting characters

I personally love this book . I highly recommend it to anyone. Especially African American children. To learn how hard it was for their race during that time. It is good for people of all ages. It is a story of faith, courage , hope, love and family. The family in this book are very brave. It is one of the best books I have read in quite a while.

Roll Of Thunder Hear My Cry
It was the late 30's and the logan familiy had been trying to pay their bills and support each other. David, their father, worked on the rail road and Mary, their mother, worked as a teacher in the local school for blacks. Their kids names were Cassie(the nararator), Stacy(the oldest brother), little man, and Christopher John. They had many struggles, keeping up the farm, paying the bills, and having money for food were very hard things to do while the whites were harrassing, teasing, and trying to kill them. On top of all that, David and Mary were both out of a job. David got hurt by the Wallaces and Mary got fired for not teaching the white version of history. The Wallaces, Simon, and Mr. Granger were watching them like hawks, so that at any moment they could take their land and their lives. T.J., Stacy's friend, was not so lucky after Stacy stopped being "friends" with him. This was a very good book. I like how most of the book was in dialogue. I think that made it easier to read and tell what was going on and it gave me more emotions which makes it more interesting. It was just right for my reading ability, The book showed me how unfair it was bakc them for blacks to be hated so much and people could tease or kill with little emotion.

It was okay...
I had to read this book for school, and it just made me bored out of my mind. It didn't really hold my attention, and the only reason I finished it was because I had to. It was a very well-written book, but just not the kind of book I enjoy to read in my spare time.

Excellent book!
I really love this book. It kept my attention through the whole thing. I loved the characters and I felt for them as they suffered. The characters were well formed and it helps show what it might be like to be a black family living in that era and what they had to put up with.

A View into a new perspective
This book was about a family living in the 1930s in the Deep South. They struggle with racism and segregation. This family tries to stay together and keep their land. You are given a good perspective on what life was like as an African American in that time period and how they were unfairly treated. This story was low on action but told a great story, however, your interest is never lost. ... Read more

Amazon.com

It is Yoko's first day at school, so of course her mother wants to sendher off with healthy comfort food for lunch--a delectable package of homemade sushi. "Have a wonderful day at school, my Little Cherry Blossom,"her mother says as Yoko climbs into the bus. And it would have been, had it not been for lunchtime. Timothy brings a peanut butter and honey sandwich. Tulip has Swiss cheese on rye. The Franks brothers have beans and franks. Butwhen Yoko opens her cooler of rice rolls with "the crispiest cucumber, the pinkest shrimp, the greenest seaweed, and the tastiest tuna," one of the Franks brothers announces, "Ick. It's green. It's seaweed." Tulip and Fritzchime in, "Yuck-o-rama."

Rosemary Wells (Voyage to the Bunny Planet), with her expressive, bright-eyed, chubby-cheeked animal kingdom, has once again successfully tapped into the emotional world of children. The embarrassment of bringing an uncool lunch to school! What child hasn't wanted to hide under the cafeteria table when caught with a gooey enchilada or a slice of vegetarian lentil loaf? Fortunately, Yoko's teacher concocts a plan to stop the teasing. Parents who have more ambitious hopes for their children's lunches than Fritos, PB&Js, and Oreos will be relieved to discover that the happy ending does not include Yoko's giving up her comfort meal or, more importantly, her heritage. (Ages 4 and older) --Gail Hudson ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Sends a great message to children
This is a wonderful story that celebrates the diversity of our nation, and shows that these differences are cause for celebration not ridicule. My daughter enjoyed this book, and followed the childrens feelings of the unusual lunch dish. When she said "ick!" and slowly began to wonder what sushi actually tastes like, it made me smile. She learned the first lesson of the differences in everyone. Rosemary Wells provided the stepping stone for understanding and tolerance.

Nice story
This is the story of how Yoko brought Japanese food to school, and the reactions Yoko gets. Rosemary Wells has done a number of books about the kids at Hilltop school and turned it into a cartoon on PBS. She's also the author of the Max and Ruby 'Bunny' books.

This is a pretty simple little book but it has some good lessons tucked away in the story. First, it's good to try different foods. Second, its okay to be different. Third, the teacher is your friend and wants you to enjoy school. This is not a deep book, but Wells creates another story that small children will enjoy.

not the ending I expected....
Somewhere three quarters of the way into this book, something happens. The book breaks away from the ending that my wife and I expected. Ms. Wells steers clear of the facile 'happy ending' and re-routes the book to new and different territory. In the hands of a lesser author we would have the entire class doing cartwheels for Yoko's sushi. Sorry, that doesn't happen. Instead we get a much different ending. Somehow that makes the book more tender. More realistic. Kudos to the author for the ability to make this true to the meaning of being a kid.

Excellent way to show cultural differences
Yoko is an Asian American who faces prejudice and teasing because of the food she takes to school for lunch. After the other children in the class continue to pick on Yoko about her meal, Ms. Fox, the teacher, writes invitations for International food day on the following Monday. While all other dishes are eaten, no one touches Yoko's sushi, except for Timothy, after which Yoko and Timothy become friends. Rosemary Wells shows the cultural differences among all of the children by depicting them as various animals. When the children begin eating their lunch they are shown individually with their food. Yoko eats her sushi and implications of cultural bias and segregation begins. One child makes a comment relevant to Yoko's meal and the others buy into the comment and allow separation to occur among them. As this shows, children enter school with limited cultural experience and Yoko focuses on the differences in cultures that are typically seen today in America. Food is one of many linkages that a person has to their perspective culture and it is used in this book as a basis for judgement. Food that the body needs for nourishment allows the children to draw boundaries between themselves and others. Ms. Fox, the teacher views the situation and realizes that she has to make a move; hence, International food day. International food day was a creative way to get the other children to appreciate other cultures, but fails for Yoko until Timothy comes along. This strategy shows even the greatest ideas still may not because most are not willing to move out of their individual bubble to try something new and different. Timothy's appetite causes him to try something new; he relinquishes his old ideas and enjoys eating sushi. One child embarks upon a cultural experience and even more important they each gain a friend. Yoko does not have a "happy ever after" ending but shows how we each can individually tear down the bias and segregation that we inflict upon others. I enjoyed reading Yoko and viewing the depiction of different cultures as animals. While this book expresses racial ideas, I believe that it is a mirror of today's society. Most, as individuals, choose to stay within limited culture surroundings, but it is only the individual who can decide to make a change. As with Timothy we must overcome and be willing to step over the lines of "traditions" to truly gain knowledge of others and ourselves.

Rosemary Wells has done it again!
This book is a wonderful addition to the Rosemary Wells collection. What child hasn't felt different or excluded like Yoko is? Most of us can relate to bringing the wrong lunch to school and paying the social consequences. Yoko's teacher comes up with an inventive way to try to integrate Yoko's sushi into an international food day, but it fails. However, a curious friend tries Yoko's sushi and likes it, proving that just one friend can make all the difference. This book is a great stepping stone to talk to kids about respecting each other's cultural differences. And who can resist Wells's sweet illustrations? Look for old favorite friends Benjamin and Tulip!!! ... Read more

Book Description

Blue lost one boy to the streets and is determined that this time will be different. And Damon knows that even though he's the "man of the house," there's room for a friend like Blue in his life. At the end of the day, Damon has someone standing steadfast in his corner. Someone true . . . like Blue.Nikki Grimes's moving poems and Jerome Lagarrigue's bold paintings create an emotional and realistic bond of friendship between a man and a boy in a rough world. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Excellent
This book is wonderful. In a time when many boys do not have strong male role models, this book gives a wonderful example of a man mentoring a boy who needs him. The book is full of poetry, and beautiful illustrations. It teaches wonderful values, and is a must for any family. Excellent! ... Read more

Book Description

In the Old Days There Were Songs

Something is bothering Russel Susskit. He hates waking up to the sound of his father's coughing, the smell of diesel oil, the noise of snow machines starting up.

Only Oogruk, the shaman who owns the last team of dogs in the village, understands Russel's longing for the old ways and the songs that celebrated them. But Oogruk cannot give Russel the answers he seeks; the old man can only prepare him for what he must do alone. Driven by a strange, powerful dream of a long-ago self and by a burning desire to find his own song, Russel takes Oogruk's dogs on an epic journey of self-discovery that will change his life forever. ... Read more

Reviews (66)

Adam's Review
Gary Paulsen has wrote so many great, interesting books and this book, "Dogsong", just adds to the collection. This is a story of a boy named Russel Suskitt that is an eskimo who wants to find his inner-self and get away from his normal, boring way of life. Russel goes and speaks to a elder man, but very clever, named Oogruk. He tells Russel about the way life was when men made their living and how they made personal songs of life. Oogruk teaches him how to hunt, how to find his inner-self, and to make his own song of life. So Russel decides to make his own song of life by going on an adventure that would risk his life. Russel gathers some dogs and gets a dogsled together and starts out for the biggest adventure of his life. Along the way he has to sled through mountains, icy terrains, and even rivers. He also met up with a polar bear. In addition, during his trip he also helped rescue an eskimo woman that was pregnant. Oogruk's teaching came to use when Russel had to hunt for his food out in the wild. Russel had a great time on this adventure being away from the village and finding his inner-self. He also built a friendship with the dogs that was very important for this young man out in the great wild. This adventure helped Russel find his inner-self and make his own song of life.

This book is very exciting filled with adventure, hunting, and tips for being in the wilderness. I enjoyed this book alot and gave it four out of five stars. If you are someone who does not like adventure and reading about the great outdoors then this book is not for you. I do really recommend it to anyone that likes adventure and reading about the wilderness.

Dogsong
Dogsong
The book is about living in Eskimo in modern world. I like this book, because this book tells me about how to haunt animals in a natural way. A boy name Russell, he learn from Oogruk, his father friend, on how to haunt caribou, seal, birds in which the meat used for food everyday. He also learns that there are songs for everything. One other thing that Russell has to work on is to trust with the dogs. The dogs have a special instinct that tells Russell where he should go in order to discover the northern land. If you want to see what will happen next, you have to read. I encourage to all readers to read this amazing book so that you know that there are another life out there, instead of TV.

My opinion about this book is that I could know how hard to live in an Eskimo land is. I don't know that there are songs for everything. True or not, don't ask me. Never the less, this book does teach us something.

Good book!
(...)This book is about a fourteen year old boy named Russel Suskitt. This book takes place in a modern Eskimo settlement and Russel lives with his father. Russel feels that he is missing something so he goes to visit a wise old eskimo named Oogruk. Oogruk tells Russel of the old times and teaches him how to hunt, find his inner-self, and to make his own song of life. After he Oogruk had told him to make his own song of life, he decided to make one by going on the greatest adventure of his life. Russel used Oogruk's dogs and his sled to go on his adventure. On the way, Russel finds an eskimo pregnant woman in the snow. He must find a hospital before she dies.

This book was fun to read because it was very exciting, filled with adventure,talked about hunting, and this book also had great tips for being in the wilderness. Whenever I finish reading this chapter it makes me want to think what will happen next. I also enjoyed reading this book because the author told things in such a descriptive way, "The coughing came from Outside, came from the tobacco which came from Outside and Russel hated it." Like many of Gary's other books this book tells great information on surviving in the wild. Even though I thought that Hatchet was a better book than this, I still enjoyed it very much.

This book has some weaknesses as well as strengths. This book sometimes did not tell enough information for me to understand. I also wondered why Oogruk would want to kill himself by leaving himself in the cold. I would not recommend this book to children hearing the death of other children. This book will probably be best for teens and young teens.

My favorite part of the book is when Russel decides to go on the adventure. It tells of him finding his inner-self and he makes a song also. On the way he also finds a young pregnant eskimo girl that was in one of Russels dreams. He determined to save her before she freezes to death. You must read this action-packed book if you want to know what happens next.

Excellent, but portrays harsh conditions
Dogsong is a Newberry Award winning novel about an Inuit boy who needs to discover his "song" or who he is. Russell lives in a small winter village and learns the old ways from Oogruk, a blind elder. Oogruk teaches Russell to hunt and to guide the dogs to travel. When it is Oogruk's time to stay on the ice, it is also Russell's time to take his journey and discover his song.

Along the way, a dream is interwoven with Russell's life. Life includes a hunt as does the dream, and both versions include death. In the dream, it is the death of the hunter's family and his dogs; in the dream it is the premature baby of an Inuit girl.

Although the story is beautiful and inspiring, I don't recommend it for a child who has a hard time hearing of the death of other children, no matter that most of the deaths were during the Stone Age. I read this out loud to my daughter and that night she awakened crying during the night. I had been unable to skim over the deaths of the children, but softened the blow for her by skimming over the dog deaths. This might be more appropriate for young teens than for pre-teens.

The wonderous adventures of Dogsong
It will make you hang on to your seat with suspense! This book is about a boy named Russel that sets out to find his own song. During his adventure, he finds more than he bargained for. It will also show you how dangerous an adventure or life can be. You should read this marvelous book. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

What's the most beautiful thing you know about horses?
It's forty below in the Northwest Territories of Canada - so cold the ravens won't fly & Richard can't go outside. He decides to ask his family & friends the question that became the title to this book. Their answers bring a whole other world into light. Brilliantly illustrated by George Littlechild from the Plains Cree Nation, this humorous quest of a youngster's mind during a long winter's day, brings out the silly & the insightful. Makes a lovely gift! ... Read more

Book Description

The comforting flavors of fried chicken, mac ’n’ cheese, collards, and other home-cooked treats fill the fifth title in the World Snacks series. But it’s the gorgeous quilting that nearly steals the show in this celebration of two all-American traditions.Includes glossary of soul foods. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

great addition to the series
After being a little disappointed with Yum Yum Dim Sum, I was so happy to read through A Little Bit of Soul Food. My kids love it too. We just moved to the South from California....the sushi and Mexican food depicted in Sanger's earlier books were familiar to us and we enjoyed reading about our favorite foods. Now we have another book of familiar yummy foods to read about!

The backgrounds are inspired by Gee's Bend quilts, a treat for the fiber-art lovers out there. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Two girls: one white, one black; one abused, one protected, both missing their mothers. An unlikely friendship ignites between the two, and, in sharing their differences, both of their lives are transformed. Jacqueline Woodson won a Coretta Scott King Honor for this moving, tightly written tale of friendship, racism, and loss. In a starred review, The Horn Book calls it a "haunting and beautifully poetic novel." ... Read more

Reviews (22)

Some Secrets Must Be Told
I really enjoyed reading this book, but wished Marie would have told someone Lena's secret. I feel that some children who read this book would get the impression that keeping secrets from adults can be a solution to the problem. Lena was sexually abused by her father and Marie kept that secret. Lena is a poor white girl and Marie is a middleclass black girl. These two girls establish a wonderful friendship and share the loss of their mothers. Lena's mother died from breast cancer and Marie's mother left the family two years ago. I feel the author did a nice job with racial relations and reaching children who have lost a parent. However, I would like to have seen her describe deeper feelings and solutions for children who experience sexual abuse. I was hoping for Marie to eventually tell the secret to an adult and Lena realizes that she was a true friend for doing so. In the end Lena finally decides to leave with her younger sister Dion so her father cannot touch either of them ever again. Marie is very upset Lena is leaving and tries to convince her to stay and tell the cops and things could be different. Lena says she cannot and will write her soon. The bond that Marie and Lena established will last forever. This book is rated for 4th grade to junior high level. Due to sexual abuse not be explained in depth, I feel fourth and fifth grade may be too young to understand the book unless the teacher does beforehand.

Truth hurts
The books is set in Ohio about two girls one white(Lena) one black(Marie). The tables have change in which the black girl is the one who is well off and the white girl is very poor. The book is written from Marie's view. She met her through school where the first day she sat next to her. Both girls soon realize they have a lot in common both their mothers are no longer around. Marie's mother abandoned her and her dad and Lena's mother died of cancer. The book deals with a very sensitive subject about sexual abuse which Lena's dad does to her. The abuse though is slightly touched upon.I believe the author really touched the heart with this book it was very sad but yet it's stuff that happens every day highly recommend great for book discussion for children pertaining to race relation and possible an introducion to knowing about abuse.

Very good Book
I have read this book 2 times now.It is a very good book,in the story theres this black girl named Marie and a WhiteGirl called Lena moves in,they call Lena 'whitetrash'.These two girls Marie and lena become friends but lena has a terrible secret,Marie dosent know what to do,Should she tell?Yet the two girls learn the value of freindship,and something that is true is,keep it in your mind,"Why cant we all be people here?'
People like always

The Chauncey, Ohio Crib
The book is about a young girl at the age of twelve named Marie has a friend that is in the same grade as her and how their friendship gets them closer together in a mostly an all African American school in Chauncey, Ohio. At the age of four Marie's mother left to be alone and go around the world to make her dreams come true. Every once in a while in the book she would mail Marie and her father a post card with a picture on the back that she drew of where she was at. One day at school in history class a new girl came and the teacher introduced her to the class and her name was Lena. The teacher gave her a seat over by Marie and at lunch they started to talk to each other and became friends.

I like the book because it talks about to kids getting to know each other and how both of them have no mother because something happened to them that changed their lives and once they found each other as friends. It is really sad how one mother died of cancer and one left because she wanted to go to other places in the world and become somebody in the world. If I was a judge of this book and give it a scale from one to ten on how good it was, I would give it a ten because it was really good in a way that it would make someone happy that would be interested in it.

Sad but a very exciting Story
A lonely girl named Lena just moved to Chauncey, Ohio but isn't making any friends. Marie is a black girl who thinks she is very raggedy. Evenetually, the find out that they both have a deep, secret. To find out, read the book!!! ... Read more

Reviews (20)

The Friendship: GOOD book!
This book is called The Friendship. Mildred D Taylor writes this story. A young girl called Cassie is the one telling how their lives were when she and her brothers were young. This story takes place mostly in the Wallace Store. In these times Whites didn't like Blacks. The characters are Stacey, Christopher John, Little Man, Cassie, Jeremy, Mr. Tom Bee, and John Wallace. This kid named Jeremy is different than other Whites. It's like if he didn't know the difference about Blacks. He doesn't treat Blacks the way other White treat them.

This book is a very interesting book to read and it does have a good ending. It ends in Mr. Tom Bee telling John Wallace that he is always going to call him by his first name.