Book Description

Bursting with color and spirit, this collection of Latin-American songs is a tribute to Latino culture. From traditional tunes to rhymes and hand games, De Colores has songs for all occasions and moods. Each song is accompanied by simple musical arrangements, with lyrics in both English and Spanish. Slightly abridged from the original edition, this is ideal for classroom use, multicultural studies, or just plain fun.

"Rich and resonant." --Booklist ... Read more

Reviews (4)

De Colores and Other Latin-American Folk Songs for Children
I teach conversational Spanish to elementary school children and was looking for a songbook to make class more interesting. I kept coming across this book so I ordered it. I received it yesterday and fell in love with it. I immediately sat at the piano and started playing every song. The book is beautifully illustrated and the songs are easy to learn. I also liked that the lyrics were in English also. I recommend this book highly. In fact, I'm ordering the audio today.

Great songs to pass on to our kids!
My daughter LOVES to sing and this book was music to her little ears! I was surprised to see so many familiar songs in spanish, it brought back lots of memories of growing up. I was amazed at the diversity of songs from various spanish-speaking countries. These songs and their origins are a MUST to pass on to our children and future generations. I wish there was music that could accompany this awesome book!

BE SURE TO GET THE CD WITH THE BOOK
Buy the music that goes with the book

A wonderful collection of Latin American songs & rhymes!
This is a fantastic collection of music for children in the elementary grades. Music and translations are also provided. The songs are traditional childhood songs and are a trememdous example of the oral tradition that continues in Latino culture today. This is an excellent resource for music and regular classroom teachers looking for authentic multicultural resources. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Another excellent American Girls book
This is another in the American Girls series about Kaya'aton'my', a nine-year-old Native-American girl growing up among the Nez Perce people in 1764. In this book, when Kaya and her adopted sister Speaking Rain are captured by another tribe during a raid on their village, they face a life of slavery among a people whose language they don't understand. Kaya is determined to avoid this fate, but escape during the beginning of winter holds many dangers.

This is another excellent American Girls book (even better than the first Kaya story). My daughter loves Kaya, and greatly enjoyed this story. I liked the story and the illustrations, but loved the lessons that the book taught. Also, I must say that I was surprised at how alive is Kaya's faith in her religion. Religion is something surprisingly absent from most of the American Girls stories (the only other girl with a noticeable faith is Josefina). My daughter loved this story and so do I. We both recommend this book to you.

A new different format for a new, different experience
I was surprised that Pleasent Company had finally broken their traditional format for the Kaya series, but now I understand why, it is to show that the Indians, including Kaya's Nez Perce tribe have a very special place in our nation's past, present, and future.

Kaya's Escape is the 2nd book in the Kaya series and this time Kaya is faced with tremendous challenges as a neighboring tribe attacks while the warriors are away. Told to hide in the forest with her blind sister Speaking Rain, Kaya disobeys because she is worried for the safety of her horse, Steps High, and her one instinctive decision gets both her and her sister captured. Kaya feels very responsible as they are taken away, as slaves, from their homeland and does everything she can to help with the daily chores of her blind sister, to somehow make up for what she did, all the while hoping her father and the rest of the tribe will come and rescue them. When she learns that the people who captured them will soon be moving for the winter Kaya finally realizes she must escape with her sister or they are done for good and will never be able to return home. She befriends anther Indian slave boy and enlists his help in escaping. However, Kaya knows she must make a big decision, can she leave Speaking Rain behind, and go for help, for their is no way a blind girl could make such a journey? This story about Kaya was another success. I recommend all to read it, for it gives a unique experience on Indian life, during the period when the whites had not interfered with their culture.

Better than the first
Finally, something real in Kaya's stories! Unlike Meet Kaya, I had no trouble with this one. The characters seemed to make a little more sense. The plot wasn't cardboard. The story was realistic. I couldn't put this one down! Janet Shaw does a better job of delveoping the characters in this book. I had no trouble telling who Kautsa and Two Hawks were, they were explained very well. The rest of the characters are still cardboard, though, which is why this one got 4 stars.

Captured!
In "Kaya's Escape" (Book 2 in the series), Kaya's tribe is raided by a neighboring tribe while the men are away from the camp. Kaya is told to lead her blind sister, Speaking Rain, to a hiding place in the forest. When Kaya sees the raiders approaching the horses, she becomes more interested in saving her own beloved horse then in finding safety for herself and Speaking Rain. Then, Kaya and Speaking Rain are taken captive, to be slaves. The raiding tribe also steals their herd of horses as well. They are all taken many days away from their home camp. Kaya has to find the courage and strength to make many difficult decisions in order to insure her future.

This book is filled with action and adventure, but it could also be difficult to follow. During her journey, there are many changes in setting and actions that are described too quickly or unclearly. The ending is not resolved as neatly as it is in many children's books, but this book provides valuable information for understanding the later books in the series. I got through the book rereading sentences as necessary, but enjoyed the story overall. I liked that the difficulties and dangers of other tribes were presented. This book is also a key book in understanding how Kaya develops the character traits that lead her to more maturity and better choices in the future. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Great Book
I am an elementary education major and I used this book to examine the book contents for educational value and also to see if children would like it. I loved it and bought it! I also work at a daycare when I am not in school and I used it for "class time" and had them (3 -5 year old children) draw anything about the book and they drew tamales, diamond rings, and the girl looking out the window of her house. They totally caught on to the story. I would recommend this book to everyone no matter the age of the children.

Too Many Tamales
Too Many Tamales is an excellent book that portrays the traditions and celebrations in a Latino family. Tamales are the traditional Christmas food in Latino families. This book is about a mother and daughter making Tamales during the christmas season. Somehow the daughter losses her mother's ring while making the Tamales. Could it be in the Tamales? A wonderfully vivid story with great illustrations. ... Read more

Book Description

In 1867, Otter travels from Three Willows Village in China to California -- the Land of the Golden Mountain. There he will join his father and uncle.

In spite of the presence of family, Otter is a stranger among the other Chinese in this new land. And where he expected to see a land of goldfields, he sees only vast, cold whiteness. But Otter's dream is to learn all he can, take the technology back to the Middle Kingdom, and free China from the Manchu invaders.

Otter and the others board a machine that will change his life -- a train for which he would open the Dragon's Gate.

Reviews (19)

Dragon's Gate by Laurence Yep
This truly excellent book, Dragon's Gate by Laurence Yep, is a magnificently written book that most certainly deserves a five star rating. In this adventure filled-book, Otter, a boy from the Middle Kingdom, China, is forced to join his father, Squeaky, and his Uncle Foxfire in America, the Land of the Golden Mountain. Back in China, Otter's father and uncle were always beheld as heros and legends, but Otter soon learns the truth that Squeaky and Foxfire are no greater than the rest of the Chinese laborers working on the enormous task of completing the transcontinental railroad. To make matters worse, Otter has barely any friends, he gains no respect from the other workers, and has had no expirience with physical labor before in his life. In his time of need Otter's own uncle deserts him and refuses to help him in any way.
The headman of this massive project is an almost heartless man named Kilroy. Kilroy pushes the Chinese workers to exaustion and gives them a measly amount of supplies. When Otter's father is blinded by an accident on the job, Otter forces himself to work harder and help out more. Eventually Otter gains more friends, he earns respect from his fellow workers and also ajusts to the backbreaking work that he and the other workers have to do.
In the end, Otter and his uncle take on a mission that will determine the fate of the entire camp and change Otter's life forever in a way that Otter will never forget.
If you like to read adventure-filled, action-packed, stupendously written books, Dragon's Gate by Laurence Yep is the perfect book for you!

Dragon's Gate
Have you been searching for a book that helps you learn on what to do to become a man? Look no further because Dragon's Gate is a book that you can't put down!
A teenage Chinese boy named Otter lives with his Mother while his Uncle Foxfire and Father go to "The Land of the Golden Mountain" [also known as America] to help build a transcontinental railroad. When Otter kills a Manchu, he gets in trouble and will not go to America. Somehow, he escapes with strangers and he went there because he wanted to avoid his punishment. He also wanted to see his Father. As Otter progresses in building the railroad, he developes character and really impresses his Father. Otter fights for rights to be able to have less work and larger breaks, but the atrocious Kilroy [the "Master"] does dreadful things. The only way to find out the horrible actions and the rest of the rest of the inspiring story [the consequences of Otter's actions and the way he talks about his Uncle] is to read Dragon's Gate!
I highly recommend kids from grades 5/up to read this book because it is very advanced. The events that I like this are the decisions Otter tried to work out and the hard work Otter demonstrated when he did work. I liked these events because Otter's character really developed. Dragon's Gate is an amazing book. If you want adventure, Dragon's Gate is the specific book to choose!

An OK book, not the best for this author
This is quite an adventure book, but it has crude humor and the adventure is, well, boring. The beginning got you into it, but at the end Yep slacked off. An excellent book, along with cons.

A great adventure book
What would you do if you were fighting for freedom just like this this kid was? His name is otter. He and his companions are trying to acheive some thing everybody wants. Do you think he will acheive what he is looking for or will he fail and accept what is about to hapen? He gets in to some hastle on the way but this is a great book, so i encourage everybody to read this book and find out!

Otter Vs. The Tiger
Dragon's Gate is a great book about a Chinese boy named Otter who travels to America to fight a mountain called the Tiger.
...
I think that this is a great book. It shows how people will put others in front of themselves to help everybody else. This book is very interesting because it shows how people where treated when they first came over to America and how employers and other Americans treated them. But the part I liked the most about this book was when Otter was hated and nobody cared what happened to him or his family and he had no friends. He kept trying and working hard and he eventually earned some people's trust and respect. Then they worked together, and they all gained something that they all could use. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Beautifully Expressive
Flying away with Abuela is such a brilliant way to tell a story and introduce the Hispanic culture to kids. This book and the bilingual Drum, Chavi, Drum!/Toca, Chavi, Toca! are by far my kids' favortie books. They can't put them down.

My 3-year old son loves this book
I think it's the flying. It took us by surprise when, after checking it out from the library, it was suddenly his new favorite book. He was into the typical boy stuff: trucks, trains, front-loaders, rocket ships. Then all of a sudden, all he wants us to read is Abuela. It's a nice blending of fantasy and reality, with strong family relationships, and lots of fun, colorful pictures. He's moved on to other favorite stories now, but he always seems to enjoy this one. The sequel (Isla) is also good. A nice way to learn a few new Spanish words. There's even a glossary in the back with a guide to correct pronunciation. Just make sure you get the English with Spanish phrases, if that's what you're looking for. There is also a version that is completely in Spanish.

A well-written, beautifully illustrated story
Our class of 20 latino students appreciates having books with characters that are like them. We liked to read this story on our own and in groups.

A great way to introduce the Hispanic culture to any child.
This book provides a wonderful introduction to a Hispanic-American child's way of life. Rosalba portrays the typical immigrant child without stereotyping. The author uses the Spanish language to lend authenticity to his story, and really gives the readers a chance to experience the fantasies of a child living in New York City.

What a great book!
Miss Jacobs' second grade class really liked the story Abuela. We loved learning Spanish words throughout the book. We liked the way the illustrator drew the s. We all agree that Rosalba's imagination was running wild. We wish we could take an adventure with her. ... Read more

Book Description

The train tracks ran right by Bigmama's house in Cottondale, and the children were warned to stay off the tracks. But one night they were late, and the tracks were a shortcut, so they started off. And when there was no turning back, they heard the train coming. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

A Must read
Excellent for writing and using as a model text.

Terrific follow-on for older "Freight Train" fans
Young children may already be familiar with Donald Crews' _Freight Train_. That book introduced them to their colors and each car in the train.

This book is an actual story where real characters have a brush with a freight train. It's a good follow-on to Freight Train because it introduces the concept of trains being dangerous. Shortcut begins with seven (older) children playing far from home, who decide to take a shortcut along the train tracks. As they continue on their walk, the colors hint that danger is coming as the overall tints get darker. Sure enough, a freight train does pull up, and the children must scramble away to safety. Readers of Freight Train will recognize Crews' marvelous engine and car renderings even in silhouette.

This is a also a great book to use for discussion after reading together. Did the children make a wise decision to take the shortcut? Should they have listened to their mother? What do you think they decided to do after the train incident? Crews' book teachers safety without preaching, and also hints at the beginnings of independence away from parents.

Note: this book has the same children as Crews' book "Bigmamma." While "Bigmamma" is not a train book, if your child wants to know more about the characters, this might be your next stop.

Excellent for a Speech Competition
I loved reading this book to my son. The story line, drama and noise effects would be EXCELLENT for any student to present in a Speech Competition.

A Vivid Adventure for Preschoolers and Beginning Readers
This is an excellent book. I am an artist, so I especially appreciated the illustrations, which are beautiful as well as exciting to look at! The illustrations and story combine to make it seem like a real-time adventure, as though you are really there with the children. My four-year-old loves this book. We have had many interesting conversations about the reactions of the children to their adventure, and why they did the things they did. For example, why were the children scared? What did they do when they were afraid? Should they have listened to their Mama? Etc. We were first introduced to it by checking it out at our library, and now I am going to purchase it for us. You will enjoy this book alot.

It's my son's favorite book.
This is a great book. It is by far my sons favorite book and he has practically got it memorized by now! I started reading it to him when he was less than one year old and he could enjoy the over-large pictures and special sound effects if nothing else. One time when he was in his twos I accidentally stopped in the middle of a sentence to sneeze or something and I was astounded to hear him finish the sentence for me! I tested him and discovered that he knew the last word of just about every phrase and sentence. Since then it's been a game with us where I start the sentence and he finishes it. Donald Crews has a prose style that is well adapted to this kind of memory game, it is rhythmic, somewhat repetitive and driving - like the train itself. We are fortunate to live in Japan where a busy train track runs near our house. Thus he has developed a love of trains from birth and the book and real life can interact and reinforce each other. I feel sorry for kids who can't experience trains in their daily life, but this book goes a long ways towards filling the gap. My hats off -- and my warmest thanks go -- to Donald Crews for a wonderful experience. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

A reader's choice
I have just read a book called walker of time and it was amazing.
I would recommend it for people aged from 10 to 50.

It is about a Hopi indian boy called Walker who travels back in time 600 years. While he is travelling back in time a young white boy manages to get zapped back as well. Walker knows he's been sent back for a reason, but what??

It is half an adventure and half a sad story.

best book in the world
My dad bought this book for me a few years ago and I didn't think i would like it but i tried it out anyway. it was the best book ever. i lent it out to so many people that i never got it back but everyone who read it loved it.

The best book ever!
A few years ago my mom got me this book for my birthday, and I thought I'd try it out. It turned out to be the best book I have ever read, and I am not exagerating! I have read it every year since I got it, and I strongly suggest you read it, and realize what I'm talking about. The adventure and suspense is great, as well as the dialogue and strong characters you will want to meet. Take my word for it, once you pick it up, you'll never want to put it down!

Walker of Time is a real journey
The book I've read is called the "Walker of Time". The reading level is not too hard and not too easy. I would recommend this book to the people who like reading adventure books. As you read through this book, it gives you a good atmosphere and you will feel like you are in the story. This story is based on time travelling. The main character is called Walker or Wayma in Hopi language. Walker had to travel and confront dangerous situation. He had to travel to find out about the time travelling. As he travels through in the story, he finds new companies. Such as when Walker was blackout because of the thunderstorm and when he woke up the first thing he saw was this white American called Tag. After that he met flute maiden and more like white rabbit and the eagle. This story is like "Wizard Of Oz" because as he travel he met new friends.This book is kind of a gentle, flowing of ideas.After all, if you are a real adventure book reader, you should get a copy of "Walker of Time".

This is a very good book. I think all people should read it
This is a very very good book and everyone that is interested in time travel should read it. It is about two people that go to the past. One of them wasn't supposed to end up there. While there in the past Walker, the main character, finds out a lot of stuff about his life. Anyway this is a very good book I think everyone should read it! ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Diez Deditos
The author, Jose Luis Orozco, is a bilingual educator/singer who keeps English-speaking and Spanish-speaking children interested throughout his books and accompanying music. As a substitute teacher, I have used his books and tapes extensively in elementary school classes over the years. I have had the privilege of attending his concerts at elementary schools several times and have thoroughly enjoyed his work.

I recommend the two books authored by Jose Luis Orozco, that I have purchased and read many times with students.

Fun Spanish starter
I bought this book & the accompanying CD. To be honest, I don't use the book to sing along with the CD as much as I thought I would. But...when I do, it is great. There are wonderful, colorful pictures, English & Spanish words to every song, and an explanation of the origin/tradition of the song. Lots of fun, I hope my 15 month old is absorbing some of it.

Great with the album, not so great by itself.
I got the book and the music album together and I absolutely love them. The book makes the music a lot more meaningful-- even if you know enough Spanish to understand the music, the book is still useful to show you finger-plays and dances to go along with it. However, I wouldn't have gotten much out of the book by itself. Unless you are really good at reading music, get the album too.

Great book from infants to preschoolers
This is a great book that both my kids love. I also got the CD that goes with it. The illustrations are very interesting and filled with details. If you can read music you can also play the songs along. I highly recommend it.

Fabulous!!!! Yes, buy the music too!!!!
My husband and I bought the book and CD to accompany it. Fabulous! The book's illustrations are rich and vibrant, with lyrics, with music, and hand signs too! Both of our daughters (3yo and 1 yo) LOVE the music and follow along with the book making the hand/body motions. It is the kind of children's music that is gentle and enjoyable to the adult ear. Great family fun! ... Read more

Book Description

It is 1654 in New England, native land of Algonquin tribes, among them the Pocasset, Wampanoag, and Narrangansett people. The pilgrims -- called Coat-men by the Wampanoag -- have settled here in the natives' territory at Patuxit, a place that the Pilgrims have renamed Plymouth. Weetamoo's father, Corbitant, is sachem, or chief, of the Pocassets. He is mistrustful of the colonists and imparts his beliefs about them to his daughter, who is next in line to become chief. Weetamoo must learn the fundamental values and disciplines of a true Pocasset chief. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

A good edition to the Royal Diaries series
After a tremendous wait, I have finally been able to read, Weetamoo: Heart of the Pocassets and it didn't disappoint me at all. Like the title suggests, this book centers around 14-year-old Weetamoo, oldest child and successor of sachem Corbitant. The book describes one year in her life and was depicted through many Native American legends. I especially enjoyed the story of Squant, a beautiful squared eyed young women Weetamoo prays to for patience and who appears to Weetamoo in a spiritual ritual fast. The book also describes Weetamoo's interactions and feelings toward the "Coat-Men", the English of the Plymouth Colony. As the story passes, Weetamoo has many life changing experiences such as her ritual fast in which she see clues to her future, and she finds her love whom she believes will be her husband one day.

I really did enjoy this book, though it was not one of my favorites of the Royal Diaries. It is nice to know that there are more Native American women other than Pocohantas or Scajawea who stood up for their beliefs. Though in the end Weetamoo and her people did not triumph, their culture is very much alive in the US today, and I really recommend people to read this book to develop an understanding of them.

Wonderful,as good as anyone could expect after the long wait
Finally! After all of the Royal Diaries fans across the nation anxiously waited for the publication of Weetamoo for over two years it's finally here!
This diary covers the teenage years of Weetamoo, the oldest daughter of the sachem of the Pocasset Native Americans, Corbitant, but basically it focuses on the turbulent changes that Weetamoo goes through that will affect her deply when she inherits the role of sachem over the Pocassets. This diary was special in this appraised series. As the author frequently composes, Weetamoo did not write. The Pocassets put their stories down in wampum belts or birchbark pictures. But mostly they handed down their stories orally. In this case, we dive into Weetamoo's thoughts because her imposing father quietly asks his daughter to find some peace and quiet time during her days and reflect with herself, as she is rowdy and wild, and she must learn to contain herself in order to become a true Pocasset sachem. Through almost 150 pages of Weetamoo's thoughts and little birchbark pictures that she composes to keep a memory of her thoughts (and struggles to hide them) we see Weetamoo's daily life. This is what is also special about this diary. Most of the other diaries describe lessons and balls and diplomacy. However, this diary showed the spirit of an average kid. Weetamoo played with her friends, she talked about boys and other things a teenage girl would talk about with her best friend Cedar, who is also destined to become a sachem, and she of course has to do household chores with her mother and her younger sister, Wootenasuke. There are a few funny moments throughout the diary, and Weetamoo's style and voice is much like that of kids today. Memorable moments scatter this book, from the delightful ones such as Weetamoo following her father and his entourage to Plymouth through the poison ivy and sumac and her meeting with her future second husband, Wamsutta, in the woods to the eerie, prophetic, and practically haunting dreams that Weetamoo and Cedar have when they undergo their vision quests. Dreams of villages burning, rivers soaked in native blood and bodies, visions of Weetamoo as an older woman without her husband (prophesizing his death), and Cedar and Weetamoo's eventual departure from their friendship.
All in all, this book was a wonderful read, a great contribution to the series, and just as good as I had hoped for after my anxious 2 year wait. To the side, a reason I liked it all the more is because normally we read about Native Americans who helped the English, like Pocahontas and Sacajawea (just as the author puts in her note). But now we have the chance to enter the world of not only a Native American that many have not heard of and is fresh to our minds, but also one that stood up to the English.
The epilogue, historical note, and appendices are packed with information ranging from Weetamoo's tragic death along with her other childhood friends to Pocasset customs to the hostility between Plymouth colonists and their friends, the natives of Metacom (King Philip). The only thing I was disappointed with was there was no explanation as of why this book took so long to come out. Other than that, I loved this book and it is one of my favorites, not only because it was a very fun read and packed with information but also because it is one of the only books in the series that kids can truly connect with and relate to. I highly recommend.

Also, a little overview of upcoming Royal Diaries, all found from my own investigation:

Lady of Palenque by Anna Kirwan, due out in March, 2004
Kazunomiya by Kathryn Lasky, due out in May, 2004
Maria Theresa by ----, due out in August, 2004
Catherine the Great by Kristiana Gregory, due out in Fall, 2004

Visit my Royal Diaries site (http://royaldiaries.freeservers.com)

An excellent addition to the Royal Diaries series.
Fourteen-year-old Weetamoo is the oldest daughter of Corbitant, sachem to the Pocasset band of the Wampanoag Nation. Even though she is a girl, Weetamoo is the one who will inherit her father's position someday. But it's 1653, and her tribe's home in what is now Massachusetts and Rhode Island is changing forever. The settlements of the English "Coat-men" are expanding onto the Pocassets' territory, and Weetamoo wonders what will be left once she becomes her people's leader. Over nearly a year, Weetamoo describes her life as the seasons change and she undergoes a ritual fast and vision quest. There has been a long wait for this book in the Royal Diaries series to be released, but I am glad to say it's as good as I expected. I highly recommend Weetamoo's story to all Royal Diaries fans.

great book
This is a great book it took me a week to find a copy but I found one. I wait eagrly for the revised edition to come out.

Info for Royal Diaries Fans
I just recently found out about this book. I want it because I love these books and am collecting everyone that comes out. I was looking to find more info on Weetamoo& came across an interesting site. It was a site for like Dear America Upcoming Books and Spoilers. There was a section in it for the Royal Diares Series and one of the upcoming books to look foward to is Catherine the Great, by Kristiana Gregory(should come out in 2004). Other than the long wait, it's something any Royal Diaries fan will want to read when it's out. Well just to let ya know. Bye! ... Read more

Book Description

Marley has lived in Heaven since she was two years old, when her mother found a postcard postmarked HEAVEN, OH on a park bench and decided that was where she wanted to raise her family.

And for twelve years, Marley's hometown has lived up to its name. She lives in a house by the river, has loving parents, a funny younger brother, good friends, and receives frequent letters from her mysterious Uncle Jack. Then one day a letter arrives form Alabama, and Marley's life is turned upside down. Marley doesn't even know who she is anymore -- but where can she go for answers, when she's been deceived by the very people she should be able to trust the most? ... Read more

Reviews (23)

Reality Writes!
Marley is a fourteen year old girl who lives with her parents in Heaven, Ohio. The book discusses on an average day what she does. She sometimes go to the ma suprette to wire money to her uncle, she spends time with her friends Shoggy and Bobby (this character later comes in Johnson book called first part last). Marley narration through out the book let you realize her family is not a bad one. Her world comes tumbling down when she finds out that the people she has called mom and pops all her life are really her aunt and uncle and the uncle that she has been wiring money too is her real father. The book has many little chapters with different headings that focus on the specific title in each. It shows Marley emotions going up and down on the reality of her world and how she eventually deals with seeing her real dad coming to visit. A great read!

Finding a little heaven right here on earth!
HEAVEN, the 1999 Coretta Scott King Award book, is a first-person narrative centered on the idea or theme that just as some truths in life may bring a sense of sorrow and loss, they can also turn those painful feelings and emotion into real joy, hope, and acceptance. When main character, Marley, discovers that she's adopted, knowing what to do with that truth becomes the real issue of the story. For 12 years, Marley has lived in Heaven, OH with two doting parents, a quirky but lovable brother, good friends and neighbors that she adores. Now, it seems that her life up to this point has been one big fat lie! Even though she lacks trust in her adoptive family now that she knows the truth, it will be their continued love and support which wins her over and helps her to finally find the answers she so desperately needs to know about her life.

I believe what makes this book so interesting to read is that it presents Marley's family, filled with deception and lies, as paradise. While the most troubled family in the story is "picture perfect" and free of deceit. The plot is idyllic and often dreamy with punches of reality mixed in as everyone's deceptions unravel. Even though this story is not as compelling as Ms. Johnson's 1994 Coretta Scott Award winning book, TONING THE SWEEP, it is still a moving story that handles the topic of adoption with graceful sensitivity.

A little boring
Heaven is about mArley, a fourteen year old girl living in a small town, who finds out a life changing secret. She discovers that she is adopted, that her mom is dead and her dad gave hear way when she was just a baby so he could tarvel. Marley has a lot of anger towards her adoptive parents and her real dad once she finds out, and also feels alone and unwanted. This book is about how Marley deals with this change and how she struggles to forgive her dad and adoptive family.
I liked his book because it is a sweet story with a good moral, but it just wasn't very intresting. Anyone that is looking for a book that is intresting and where things happen in it, don't pick this book to read. It was well written with a nice ending but in a lot of parts I got really bored with it. I think people my age (teenagers) would think it drags on a lot and that it is really boring most of the time.

Heaven
"Heaven" is about Marley, a fourteen year old girl living in small town, who finds out a terrible secret. She discovers that she is adopted, that her real mom is dead and her dad couldn't keep her. This book is mostly about how Marley deals with this surprising news.
I thought this book was well written and a sweet story with a good moral, but it wasn't very intresting. If you are looking for an intresting book where things happen in it then you would probaly hate this book. I thought it was ok but it got very boring in a lot of parts. It did have a sweet ending though and I thought the moral was good. I just dont think people my age (teenagers) would like it becuase nothing exciting really happens in it.

Great Book
I liked this book and would recommend it to anyone that likes comedy, drama, and some sad parts all in the same book. It isn't to long, but not real short. I would recommend this book to mostly pre-teens and younger teens. It may be a little hard for younger kids, but anyone older would probably like it. ... Read more

Book Description

Illus. in full color. The Caldecott Medalist's powerful classic is now reissued in a handsome paperback edition, as well as a library edition. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

NIGHTLY
My 3 kids request I read this book every night. Its good enough that I don't MIND.

The Genius of Ezra Jack Keats!
Guess which is one of the books I'm using for Black History Month this year?

Illustrations and Words
Jessica Kruczynski English 385.04 Dr. Michelle H. Martin March 29, 2000

Keats, Ezra. John Henry: An American Legend. Toronto, Canada: Random House, Inc, 1965.

John Henry, written and illustrated by Ezra Jack Keats, tells the story of a fictitious American legend. Through the powerful illustrations, Keats portrays John Henry as a heroic man with much importance in society. Keats uses bold colors throughout the story, which help stimulate the reader's emotions. John Henry's importance is first revealed in the opening of the story. Unusual, marbalized paper illustrations accompany the words that tell of the night noises welcoming John Henry into the world. Even as a newborn child, he is the focus of the story, taking up an entire page in the book. When John Henry realizes his own strength, he makes the decision to leave his family and go out into the world. The illustration during this part of the story shows that a change is because of the bright colors and the image of waves rolling into the next page. When a storm strikes, John Henry's first act of bravery comes into play. Black and grey colors give a feeling that things are not quite right. The storm nearly causes a ship to sink, but John Henry is able to gain respect and admiration from others by bringing their ship to safety. John Henry, who was born with a hammer in his hand, feels called to go help build railroads. The illustration of him helping with the railroad tracks is much different thtn the other illustrations because John Henry is not the center of attention. Perhaps the reason for this is because helping build the railroad with a hammer in his hand is where John Henry belongs. Henry's next opportunity to be the hero occurrs when a lit fuse burns closely to dynamite in a cave, causing a very dangerous situation. Trying to put out the fuse, John Henry first trips and falls, but recovers by putting out the flame with his hammer. In this illustration, the hammer takes up and entire page! This shows that the hammer and John Henry are of equal importance; without his hammer, he is only an ordianry man. After proving himself to be a hero, John Henry develops a feeling of much confidence in himself. When told about an extremely powerful steam drill, John Henry states that he is more powerful and can drill more holes faster than six men combined. The illustrations of Henry's "race" with the machine are very effective in portraying motion. The hammer appears to be moving so fast that it becomes almost a blur. The pictures show how tired John Henry is becoming, and eventhough the steam drill is ahead of him at one point, he continues to work harder and faster. With much determination, John Henry picks up another hammer so that he can get twice as much done. In this illustration, John Henry and the two hammers take up two pages. Keats uses a bright orange color to offset Henry and the hammers. The bright color gives a feeling of excitement and makes the reader feel confident that John Henry can beat the steam machine. Througout John Henry's battle with the machine, people watch with admiration. John Henry continued to hammer, even after the steam machine collapsed. His goal was to break through the tunnel and when light began to shine through, everyone saw that his goal was reached. With hard work and determination, John Henry once again proved himself to be a hero. He died while walking out of the tunnel, carrying not one, but two hammers.

John Henry is a classic man vs. machine folktale.
I originally read this book when I was a boy and I remember how hauntingly beautiful I found the story. John Henry is still one of my favorite heroes and I collect everthing I can find on him. The book has burned itself into my soul!
I have no idea where my original book is, but when I recieved a new copy as a present I was a wash with memories. It's a very cool folktale and I can't wait to read it to my kids someday, like my mom did for me. ... Read more

Book Description

Los Angeles is a place of movie stars and fast cars and people who are too rich and people who are too poor. An area of freeway chases and drive-bys and death. But there's another L.A., one where warmth and humor and humanity pervade. Where a tacqueria sign declares: "One cause, one people, one taco." This L.A. is a place where random acts of generosity and goodwill improve the lives of the community. Any Small Goodness is a novel filled with hope, love, and warmth. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down
In the book Any Small Goodness, the characater Arturo gets a thumbs up. He lives in L.A. in a place where random acts of generosity and good will improve the lives of L.A. There is also another L.A. , a place of movie stars and people who are too rich and people who are too poor. But Arturo manages to survive. We like Arturo because he is a good friend that could also make him a good person. He never talks down to his friends or talks behind their backs. We also like him because he's a growing kid- just like us. Another reason is he thinks about what will happen next, the reason he has so many friends is because knows he would lose them if he talked bad about them. We make good and bad desisions just like him. We think other kids should read this book because it explains a lot about growing up.

Any Small Goodness
Arturo (nicknamed "Turo") is a young Latino living in Los Angeles with his family. Having moved to the U.S. from Mexico not very long ago, Arturo is still trying to get used to American culture and society. It is not easy to understand and adapt to the unfamiliar culture in the new society. Life in the barrio is tough for many people, but Arturo tries to see and search for the positives in his life, his family, good food, and good friends. Almost every day, Arturo sees how dangerous life is in the barrio. His relatives try to remind him that there is both "bueno and malo" (good and bad) in the world and that "any small goodness is of value."
Turo sees "small goodness" on occasion, including the time a neighbor found their missing cat Huitlacoche (Corn Fungus in English) and returned her to the family. At other times, Turo sees difficult situations -- such as a demonstration against the school board, and outsiders threatening to disrupt a school dance.

Any Small Goodness
A liberal sprinkling of Spanish with a full measure of cultural similes makes this dish a spicy/sweet offering on the menu of "must reads". Eleven year old Arturo grows up in the L.A. barrio in a loving, supportive, extended family. He learns to develop a sense of "self" and respect for his people, his culture, and his neighborhood, while resisting the influence of "cholos" (lowlifes). Arturo and his friends find a creative, covert method to counteract damage inflicted by poverty and gangs. This is a funny, touching glimpse into Hispanic culture in L.A. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

BUT YOU'RE ONLY A HUMBLE PEASANT
Multiplicaton pays the bills .He wants to marry the princess,but he is a peasant. See how Pong Lo wins the right to marry her by using his math skills. Wonderful story about an old culture and about how smart people are regardless of their social stature.Ahhhhh....yes ! DON'T FORGET THE RICE.

A Chinese boy Cinderella like tale.
This is a great story for teaching how something as small as a grain of rice can earn a farmer a marriage to the princess, and a kingdom. Multiplication is used in the book, and can spring into a math lesson for teachers and parents alike. It is most likely to interest 4th and 5th grade children. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (2)

Delightful
I was fortunate to hear the author speak in the early 90s in my hometown of Syracuse, NY. He is an engaging storyteller. It was then that I discovered his book. The artwork in this edition is rich and appealing. The vignettes of each moon, combined with the illustrations, make an appealing canvas for young and/or exploring minds.

Traditional View of Seasonal meanings
This book is an excellent work of Native American children's literature. Joseph Bruchac is a well-known Abenaki story-teller who profiles in this book the thirteen moons of the year, and profiles for each moon what is important about that season to different Native Nations. The artwork is a beautiful compliment to the story. If you are looking for a solid and sensitive look at inter-tribal stories for children, this is a great place to start! ... Read more

Book Description

In this original trickster tale, Senor Calavera arrives unexpectedly at Grandma Beetle's door. He requests that she leave with him right away. "Just a minute," Grandma Beetle tells him. She still has one house to sweep, two pots of tea to boil, three pounds of corn to make into tortillas - and that's just the start! Using both Spanish and English words to tally the party preparations, Grandma Beetle cleverly delays her trip and spends her birthday with a table full of grandchildren and her surprise guest. This spirited tribute to the rich traditions of Mexican culture is the perfect introduction to counting in both English and Spanish. The vivacious illustrations and universal depiction of a family celebration are sure to be adored by young readers everywhere. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Wait a minute, wait a minute
Yuyi Morales is having a great year. After creating a series of deft and meaningful illustrations for Kathleen Krull's heartfelt Cesar Chavez picture book, "Harvesting Hope", she wrote and illustrated a second 2003 Pura Belpre winner. "Just a Minute" is both a trickster tale and a basic counting story. Taking the dark conceit of outwitting death through meticulous partying, the story is a delightful dance with the macabre.

It is Grandma Beetle's birthday, and a most unexpected guest is at the door. Standing as nice as you please is Senor Galavera. The handsome skeleton informs the older woman that it is just about time for her to go away with him. Grandma Beetle delays him, asking to have time to sweep her ONE house. Then she has TWO pots of tea to boil. Next, it's THREE pounds of corn to make into tortillas. As more and more time goes by the previously patient Senor Galavera becomes more and more impatient. Finally, it's party time and the finicky skeleton finds that he's had so much fun that he'll be sure to come back for Grandma Beetle's birthday at the same time next year.

Who can resist the idea of outwitting Death himself through a simple counting game? Better still, for every English number pronounced there's a Spanish one for easy translation. But as fine an author as Ms. Morales is, she's an even better illustrator. First of all, Senor Galavera is a fabulous site. Anyone familiar with a skeleton from the Day of the Dead will appreciate his appearance. Sporting a jaunty fedora and a delicately detailed body, he's really quite attractive. His mouth is a series of blue and orange alternating stripes. His eyes are the stars of the anise seed. Better yet, along his vertebrate, forearms, forehead, and kneecaps are tiny intricate details. Grandma Beetle is more than a match for this supposedly dire apparition. She's even able to coerce him into donning an apron (falling loosely on his bony hips) and mixing some pots of delicious food. Kids reading through this book several times will enjoy locating the sly kitten that follows our two heroes about from page to page. To my mind, the best part of these pictures is their luminosity. They pulsate with the deep blues, greens, reds, and other shades that line the pages. "Just a Minute" has rapidly become my number one favorite illustrated picture book of the year 2003 (outside of my beloved "Diary of a Wombat" that is). A book that intrigues, teaches, and is filled with a deep emotional warmth such as this book has is a rare find. Be sure to read it and then share it with everyone you know. ... Read more

Book Description

He felt a draft of cold air. Instinctively he put his arms around his body. Then he looked down at himself and got a shock. He was naked...His first instinct was to hid. he scrambled over the earth floor of the longhouse and ducked under the curtain. Beyond was deeper darkness, but he could make out a sort of room with a raised section against the wall. On this was a mountain range covered with fur, in the shape of a sleeping giant.

Omri stared all around, feeling the beginnings of panic. "Dad!" he whispered as loudly as he dared...

There was no answer. Omri felt intensely vulnerable with no clothes on. Cold air embraced his skin from head to foot. He felt a sudden longing to go home. He hadn't reckoned on this--being separated from his dad, it being so dark and cold, so strange, so lonely.

... Read more

Reviews (4)

The Key To The Indian
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was hard to understand at sometimes, if you had not read The Indian In The Cupboard. The adventure that Omri and his father go on is very exciting and suspenseful. If you liked reading The Indian In The Cupboard or any other of the sequels to this to this book, I'm sure that you will enjoy reading The Key To The Indian. I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars because of the thrilling adventure that Omri and his father go on. The book also includes historical features, relating to Little Bear and his bout with the Europeans trying to conquer the new land. I recomend that anyone who enjoys reading Lynne Reid Banks' work.

Legacy of the Longhouse
Will this be the ultimate Going Back adventure for Ormi, the brave and clever boy who discovered the secret of the Indian--and a special cupboard? There is a twist this time, however, as Omri's father is in on the secret and the action. But Time Travel is hazardous even for adults; there are serious dangerss both to the travelers and those they visit in the Past.

Little Bear's people are threatened with annihilation by American colonists; can 20th century British allies help them--or should they even try? It's an ethical dilemma: to balance respect for the integrity of the Past with loyalty to one's friends. In this fast-paced story the author examines the grim history of Native American vs White relations, allowing the
reader to make the final judgment. But is it fair to exclude patient Mom--who passed on the family Gift to her son? And how to keep his meddling brothers in the dark as well? Family dymamics are both amusing and thought-provoking in this tale of honor and treachery, selfishness and altruism. Thanks to its deftly developed plot, THE KEY lives up to the promise of the first book in this delightful series. It's a story of Miniatures offering Maximum enjoyment. Kids of all ages will be immediately hooked.

book club in Connecticut
We enjoyed reading this book. However, we thought it was a bitconfusing in the beginning. We recommend that you read the Indian inthe Cuboard before reading The Key to the Indian. END

the Indian in the Cupboard books are still good
All the books Indian in the Cupboard series are good, but this, the latest, is one of the best. I liked how Omri's dad finds out about Little Bear and the others. ... Read more

Book Description

Illus. in full color. Cassie, who flew above New York in Tar Beach,

soars into the sky once more. This time, she and her brother Be Be meet a train

full of people, and Be Be joins them. But the train departs before Cassie can

climb aboard. With Harriet Tubman as her guide, Cassie retraces the steps

escaping slaves took on the real Underground Railroad and is finally reunited

with her brother at the story's end. "Cassie learns her people's history well;

so will readers of this impressive picture book. Ringgold's dynamic paintings

combine historical fact with strongly realized emotions."--(starred)

Booklist. "Groundbreaking!"--(starred) School Library Journal.




... Read more

Reviews (4)

An excellent book
This book is fantastic - its illustrations are haunting and lovely, and the story is magical and historical at the same time. Faith Ringgold's approach makes the history simpler for children to understand while not undermining the depth and horror of slavery in America. I highly recommend it to any parent.

A Magical Trip on the Underground Railroad.....
"One day, my brother Be Be and I were flying among the stars, way way up, so far up the mountains looked like pieces of rock candy and the oceans like tiny cups of tea. We came across an old ramshackled train in the sky." So begins Cassie Louise Lightfoot's tale of meeting "conductor" Harriet Tubman and riding the underground railroad to Canada. Based on Harriet Tubman's account of a dream she had while very sick, of flying to freedom and enhanced with historical facts and imagination, Faith Ringgold has authored a superb story that transports youngsters back to the slave holding plantations of the south, over one hundred years ago, and then sends them on a terrifying, yet exhilarating journey to freedom. Her engaging poetic text, full of imagery and magic, is complemented by her bold, expressive, evocative illustrations and together, word and art bring this emotional story to life. With additional biographical notes and map, tracing the underground railroad routes, included to augment lessons and discussions, Aunt Harriet's Underground Railroad In The Sky is a masterpiece youngsters 6-10 shouldn't miss and a wonderful addition to all home libraries.

Review of Harriet Tubman's Underground Railroad in the Sky
The story of the Underground Railroad is presented in a magical, yet understandable way for primary school children. Cassie and her brother begin a journey to freedom, just like generations before them did in order to escape slavery. Cassie and her brother learn about slavery and the reasons why so many braved the perilous journey to the northern states and Canada. Cassie relives the journey and experiences many of the feelings and events that others did as she desperately tries to catch up to her brother, who has boarded the "train". The illustrations of acrylic on canvas enhance and heighten the excitement as Cassie makes her way through the woods and meets with those willing to help her. I recommend this book to others as a great way to explain the concept of the Underground Railroad and it's place in our country's history.

a good story with great history
This book tells of two children and their advernture traveling the underground railroad to Canada to freedom. Aunt Harriet directs these two to each stop and the children meet many interesting people and see many new things. Though the children are seperated at the beginning, they keep in contact through notes left along the way. the children experience the feelings of what the slaves went through on their trip to freedom. ... Read more

Book Description

The Upside Down Boy is Juan Felipe Herrera's memoir of the year his migrant family settled down so that he could go to school for the first time. Jaunito is bewildered by the new school and misses the warmth of country life. Everything he does feels upside down: He eats lunch when it's recess, he goes out to play when it's time for lunch, and his tongue feels like a rock when he speaks English. But his sensitive teacher and loving family help him find his voice through poetry, art, and music. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The Upside Down Boy
This multi-cultural storybook celebrates diversity through both the telling of the story and the inclusion of two languages: English and Spanish. Juanito is the son of migrant workers from Mexico. Neither of his parents had the opportunity to complete school, but realize the importance of education. When Juanito reaches school age, his parents settle down so that he may regularly attend. At first the new schedules feel strange to Juanito and he is often doing the wrong thing during designated times. However, once he adjusts, he discovers his beautiful singing voice, artistic talent, and receives high marks for a poem he wrote. He and his parents are proud of the success Juanito finds in school despite the challenge of adapting to an unfamiliar language and culture. The vibrant illustrations promote the positive feeling towords multiculturalism portrayed in this picture storybook. ... Read more

Book Description

Twelve-year-old Casey is waiting for the day that Barney, her father, hits it big -- 'cause when that horse comes in, he tells her, it's the penthouse suite. But then hr ends up in the hospital, and Casey is sent to Chinatown to live with her grandmother, Paw-Paw. Now the waiting seems longer than ever.

Casey feels lost in Chinatown. She's not prepared for the Chinese school, the noisy crowds, missing her father. But Paw-Paw tells her about the mother Casey never knew, and about her family's owl charm and her true Chinese name. And Casey at last begins to understand that this -- Paw-Paw's Chinatown home, her parents' home -- is her home,too. ... Read more

Reviews (28)

The Novel of a Young Girl
Child of the Owl, written by Laurence Yep is an amazing book, filled with intriguing stories about the history of a young Chinese, American girl named Casey and about how her mother and father lived when they were children. Her grandmother Casey lives with her former gambling, poor father told this. Her mother Jeani is dead. Her father gets hurt, so she is sent to live with her relatively wealthy uncle and his family. Eventually Casey crosses the line and is sent to live with her grandmother, in China town. Casey calls her grandma Paw-P