Book Description

Reviews (4)

Great!
A got an advanced reader's copy to review through a library program, and at first I was turned off by how "little-kidish" (short, small, and double spaced), but within moments, I couldn't put it down. You don't have to be a young kid to enjoy this - in fact, the older (and, I'm assuming, wiser) you are, the more allusions you're likely to catch.

With chapter titles like, "What You Can Learn From Larry's Teeth," and a quick, witty writing style, you can't help but laugh and read on. Although it is soon obvious how the ending will turn out, it doesn't seem to matter while you're reading it; the reason why Whales on Stilts! stands out from other books is not its complex plot, but its halirity.

Don't miss it... or the whales will crush your home and shoot lasers from their eyes at you.

great fun!
We just finished Whales on Stilts--we'll I was reading it to my nine year old and he couldn't wait to finish it so I finished it after him--anyway--very funny, over the top--lol!We loved the end of the book "literature circle" discussion prompts and essay question starters. We spent an hour making up our own silly book club discussion questions after reading MT Anderson's and had fun using his format to lampoon other books my son had to read for literature circle this year.We hope there will be more to come!

"Monstrous Thrills! Gruesome Chills! Sidesplitting Laughs!"
"On Career Day Lily visited her dad's work with him and discovered he worked for a mad scientist who wanted to rule the earth through destruction and desolation." Lily Gefelty has always considered herself a little drab next to her friends Katie Mulligan and Jasper Dash, who each have their own adventure book series. But when Lily uncovers a plot to take over the world at her fathers workplace in the clearly labeled Abandoned Warehouse, it's her turn to step into the limelight and save the planet. Cleverly masked as "a midsize company devoted to expanding cetacean pedestrian opportunities," the goings on in the Abandoned Warehouse are not what they seem (er, actually...). Lily and her friends discover that Mr. Gefelty's boss, Larry, is really a whale-human hybrid intent on destroying the world using whales, stilts, lazers, and mind control. And it's up to Lily to stop him.

At first glance, you may think that "Whales on Stilts" is a silly, cheesy story geared towards ten-year-olds. You'd be right. However, "Whales on Stilts" goes so far beyond cheesy that it's positively hilarious for readers of any age, ten on up. If Douglas Adams had made a foray into juvenile fiction, this uproarious book may have been the result. Lily is so normal that she's the perfect main character to put into such a ridiculously overdone book. The other characters are uniquely strange in their own rights. The plot is straightforward and wouldn't be interesting at all in other circumstances, but the story is so stuffed with hilarity that the obvious and cliche plot is perfect. The best part of the book, in my opinion, actually occurs after the ending - an "educational" section written by one Ann Mowbray Dixon-Clarke, who seems to have a bit of trouble writing objectively ("1. How are Katie, Jasper, and Lily different? ... Do you have any friends who are different from you? What are they like? Why don't you think that Ann Mowbray Dixon-Clarke has any friends? She bought a big grill for her backyard, hoping that people would come to cook their ribs...."). "Whales on Stilts" is definitely a must read, because who knows when you'll need to know how to defeat an evil whale-human villain and his lazer-eyed whale minions?

Stilted Whales
A got an advanced reader's copy to review through a library program, and at first I was turned off by how "little-kidish" (short, small, and double spaced), but within moments, I couldn't put it down.You don't have to be a young kid to enjoy this - in fact, the older (and, I'm assuming, wiser) you are, the more allusions you're likely to catch.

With chapter titles like, "What You Can Learn From Larry's Teeth," and a quick, witty writing style, you can't help but laugh and read on. Although it is soon obvious how the ending will turn out, it doesn't seem to matter while you're reading it; the reason why Whales on Stilts! stands out from other books is not its complex plot, but its halirity.

Don't miss it... or the whales will crush your home and shoot lasers from their eyes at you. ... Read more

Book Description

Unfortunately, Roy's first acquaintance in Florida is Dana Matherson, a well-known bully. Then again, if Dana hadn't been sinking his thumbs into Roy's temples and mashing his face against the school-bus window, Roy might never have spotted the running boy. And the running boy is intriguing: he was running away from the school bus, carried no books, and-here's the odd part-wore no shoes. Sensing a mystery, Roy sets himself on the boy's trail. The chase introduces him to potty-trained alligators, a fake-fart champion, some burrowing owls, a renegade eco-avenger, and several extremely poisonous snakes with unnaturally sparkling tails.
Roy has most definitely arrived in Carl Hiaasen's Florida.


From the Hardcover edition. ... Read more

Reviews (112)

Hoot
I read Carl Hiaasen's first novel for young readers called HOOT. I think that the book is real good. It made me be happy and it made me laugh a lot. I live in the state of Florida so I know what he means by hot summer days.

My favorite part of this book is when Officer Delinko's patrol car gets spray painted by the vandal, which is Mullet Fingers or should I say Napoleon Bridger Leep. It was funny when Officer Delinko falls asleep and when he wakes up sees his patrol car windows are spray painted black. Officer Delinko thought it was early in the morning, but it was really nine thirty. I laughed my head off in this part. Another part I liked was the part that Roy mooned Dana and Dana got real mad and chased Roy about three blocks.

My favorite character was Beatrice. She seemed so tough, but she cared about the owls. She really didn't like her step mom so I laughed when Beatrice bit the ring off Lonna's toe.
With this book I learned you should take care of your environment and stick up for what you think is right! This is a GREAT book!

Excellent Novel
The site of Coconut Cove's future Mother Paula's All-American Pancake House is experiencing a slight problem: documents removed, alligators in the port-a-potties, and painted-over patrol cars. But who's behind the clever vandalism and pranks? New Florida resident Roy Eberhardt isn't aware of this going on, but he has often noticed a barefoot boy running down the street faster than anything.Roy was curious, he starts to search around and even follows the boy once, only to be told by Beatrice Leep, a.k.a. Beatrice the Bear, to mind his own business. Despite Beatrice's warning and plenty of bullying from the jerk Dana Matherson, Roy follows the boy, whose name is Mullet Fingers, one day and ends up in the middle of an environmetal mission to save a society of burrowing owls from being bulldozed.

Full of colorful characters, Hoot is a quick-witted adventure that will keep readers hooked. With down-to-earth Roy, dumbfounded Officer Delinko, and construction site manager Curly.The author delivers an appealing cast of characters that keep the plot twisting and turning until the highly charged ending.
This book was great because the plot was some what a reality in a lot of places. Also,friendships,courage and comedy put this story together to make one outstanding novel. I highly recommend this book.

Appropriately named
I love all of Carl Hiaasen's works and HOOT, even though it's touted for the younger set, is no exception. With the same great writing, style, and sense of humor that is found in McCrae's THE BARK OF THE DOGWOOD (though that one's definitely NOT for children), Hiaasen hits his mark once again with this book. Using endangered species as the jumping off point, Hiassen weaves a tale that only he could come up with. The twistedness of his ideas, coupled with great writing, make this one of the most unusual books ever written. Thanks to Carl Hiaasen for giving us this stellar work.

Hoot
With rich detail and the perspective of an eleven-year-old boy, Carl Hiaasen wrote an award winning novel, Hoot. In the story Roy Eberhardt moves to Coconut Cove, Florida from the rolling mountains of Montana. Making new friends is hard but Dana Matherson, school bully, takes all the blame for a wonderful relationship with a tough brother and sister. Going through fights and playing tricks doesn't stop this adventurous threesome from defending something precious and small. Mother Paula's House of Pancakes is coming to Coconut Cove, and right on top of a field of burrowing owls! Competing against an angry grounds keeper and curious policeman, the three will do anything to save the owls. Hoot was an adventurous and funny read. I recommend this book to anyone with a great sense of humor. There are new surprises on every page!

-Tator Tot

Great detective story
In reading the book Hoot by Carl Hiaasen, I have come to the opinion that the author wrote this book as a mystery novel to show what the job of a detective is like. In the setting of this book there is supposedly a group of vandals some where in the neighborhood. In front of the Mother Paula's stake house, stakes were torn out of the ground, and large sized alligators were put in the guest latrines, leaving it up to officer Delinko to solve. I think the plot of this book shows a great example of this with an outstanding scenario and never ending amounts of suspense. ... Read more

Amazon.com

In the classic tradition of E.L. Konigsburg’s From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, debut author Blue Balliett introduces readers to another pair of precocious kids on an artful quest full of patterns, puzzles, and the power of blue M&Ms.Eleven year old Petra and Calder may be in the same sixth grade class, but they barely know each other. It’s only after a near collision during a museum field trip that they discover their shared worship of art, their teacher Ms. Hussey, and the blue candy that doesn’t melt in your hands.Their burgeoning friendship is strengthened when a creative thief steals a valuable Vermeer painting en route to Chicago, their home town. When the thief leaves a trail of public clues via the newspaper, Petra and Calder decide to try and recover the painting themselves. But tracking down the Vermeer isn’t easy, as Calder and Petra try to figure out what a set of pentominos (mathematical puzzle pieces), a mysterious book about unexplainable phenomena and a suddenly very nervous Ms. Hussey have to do with a centuries old artwork.When the thief ups the ante by declaring that he or she may very well destroy the painting, the two friends know they have to make the pieces of the puzzle fit before it’s too late!

Already being heralded as The DaVinci Code for kids, Chasing Vermeer will have middle grade readers scrutinizing art books as they try to solve the mystery along with Calder and Petra. In an added bonus, artist Brett Helquist has also hidden a secret pentomino message in several of the book’s illustrations for readers to decode. An auspicious and wonderfully satisfying debut that will leave no young detective clueless. --Jennifer Hubert ... Read more

Reviews (53)

Sometimes a coincidence is just a coincidence
Eleven-year-olds Calder Pilsay and Petra Andalee live three houses away from each other on a narrow street in Chicago's Hyde Park area. They are both unusually intelligent, Petra the sort of quirkily interesting kid whom others in her class consequently label as "weird," while Calder excels at patterning. He fidgets incessantly with the set of pentominoes he keeps with him at all times, fitting the Tetris-like shapes together to form rectangles of varying sizes. Both Calder and Petra, too, are unusually receptive to the idea that is a theme of this book, that apparent coincidences are not always coincidental. When the coincidences and various unexplained phenomena in their own lives begin piling up--many of them connected with the painter Vermeer--Calder and Petra come to believe that a particular Vermeer painting will be stolen. When it is, they believe themselves peculiarly suited to finding it.

While observing and recording suspicious activity in their own neighborhood, Calder and Petra put their considerable talents to use investigating the theft of the painting and tracking it down. The problem is, it's not intellect alone that they apply to the task: Calder believes that his pentominoes give him hints, while Petra finds herself communicating with the subject of the missing Vermeer painting. Led forward thus by their supernatural helpmates, Calder and Petra make implausible mental leaps that, for this reader at least, make suspension of disbelief impossible.

Though its plot is a disappointment, and it never packs any true suspense, Chasing Vermeer has much to recommend it: likeable characters, some nice writing, Brett Helquist's drawings, and the use of codes in the book, based on Calder's pentominoes. The story may also get kids thinking more about art, as the author surely intended. The inclusion of reprints of two of Vermeer's paintings is a nice touch.

Debra Hamel -- book-blog.com

Good story
"Chasing Vermeer" is a good story-- very interesting with a compelling mystery and likable characters.I would love to see Petra and Calder, the two protagonists in more books-- they're very bright and persistent kids.And the writing is very strong.There's lots of interesting stuff about Vermeer, pentominos, the meaning of art, and the role of creativity in our educational system; despite all that, my 6 year old niece really enjoyed the book (and I enjoyed reading it to her.)

I do have a couple of complaints-- one, the book often seems like an ad for a pentomino company, and two, the plot relies to much on the kids' intuition to solve the mystery.Like I said, Petra and Calder are very resourceful; they could have solved the mystery using more logic and investigative techniques, but too often the plot twists revolve around something like, "Hey, the word 'snake' just popped into my head, must be a clue..."

Fortunately, the book is strong enough overall to surmount such shortcomings.Definitely worth the read, and hopefully there will be sequels.

P.S.Always, Brett Helquist's illustrations are wonderful.

Really Good Ending and Content
I think that Chasing Vermeer was kind of boring at first, but the ending was so breath-taking, I couldn't put the book down.My favorite part is that it include a lot of different content along with the story; like Math (pentominos), Art (A Lady Wrting), History (Vermeer), and cool codes you can uncover.If it wasn't for these contents, good ending, and desription, this book would be a snor fest.

Eliana's Book Review, By Eliana age 10
Dear readers,

Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett is one of the best books I have read. The author had to have a lot of skill write this book. It probably took a long time to think of the main characters Calder and Petra. Calder and Petra both help solve an art mystery that is centuries old. I think Blue Balliett is a great author. The illustrator is great at drawing, too. I think the author should make a series of these books like the Hardy Boys. This book has a lot of interesting facts and clues; it is very amusing. It could have a little more about the thief, but otherwise it was good. At the beginning it was a little boring, but then it got good because you started to find more clues and coincidences. This book teaches you a lot of new things and words. For example, before I read this book I did not know what pentominoes were, now I know what they are. I recommend this book to mystery lovers.

Jordan's Book Review on Chasing Vermeer
Chasing Vermeer was okay, but it took my reading group a long time to get to the climax. This book is about two kids who are 12 years old and who solve an art crime. The characters are Petra and Calder. The characters also figure out some wacky things like pentominoes and strange puzzles. Also, there are a lot of things happening in this book so be careful reading it. This book has a lot of clues and turns. I am going to give you a heads up the author will get you to think out of the box .I felt like the author didn't give me enough information to solve the art crime. That is why I gave it 2 1/2 stars.
By Jordan, age 11 ... Read more

Book Description

This thrilling prequel to the James Bond dynasty shows young James at boarding school at Eton in the 1930's, where he spent his formative years.Acclaimed British writer Charlie Higson, with the Ian Fleming Estate, writes an edge-of-your seat thriller that brilliantly plants the seeds to show how young James learns the skills that will eventually make him history's most formidable and suave super spy. ... Read more

Book Description

The Veritas Project team has a new assignment: To find the truth behind the mysterious disappearance of two runaways.When one runaway turns up totally out of his mind and a government agent steps in to take over the case, the Springfield’s continue their own investigation. The twins—Elijah and Elisha—go undercover, posing as runaways. What happens next will keep readers on the edge of their seats as the twins end up in a strange academy where Truth is continually challenged, a gang-like war develops, and Elijah is taken to an ominous mansion from which no one has ever returned.A great thriller with a realistic look at right and wrong.

Reviews (29)

Awesome Book!
Nightmare Academy was an overall awesome, thriller fiction book. I'd have to say the book was one of the most suspenseful books I've read. After the first few chapters, which start out slow compared to the rest of the book, I couldn't put it down. Nightmare Academy is about a family, the Springfields, who are put on a case to find out how a boy's memory was almost completely wiped out. The Springfield's twins, Elijah and Elisha, act like homeless kids and are taken in by a mysterious woman. They are asked to stay the night at her hotel, but when they wake up, they are in a completely different place where rules don't exist and all communication to the outside world is gone. Their parents have to find them before they are killed or turn out like the boy who almost lost his memory. I won't give away any more of the book, but I would recommend it to anyone.
I would suggest that the reader reads the first book in the series, Hangman's Curse, before they read Nightmare Academy so that you can get to know the characters and also read another good book. Frank Peretti, the author, does an amazing job at building mystery and suspense. He also described the characters so well that I felt like I really knew them by the end of the book. Additionally, the tension and excitement by the end of the book makes you feel like you have to keep on reading until the end.
In conclusion, Nightmare Academy is a very good book, except for the slow beginning, that I would recommend to any fiction lover. The plot is excellent and the characters have interesting personalities that anyone could enjoy.

A page-turner that pummels...
"Nightmare Academy" is book two in "The Veritas Project" series. Reading like a mix of the old TV show "Millennium" and the "Spy Kids" movies, but with a distinctly Christian worldview, The Veritas Project books follow the adventures of the Springfield family (Dad Nate, mom Sarah, and teen wondertwins, Elijah and Elisha) as they fight the bad guys with the help of the shadowy Veritas leader, Mr. Morgan, and the imprimatur of the President himself.

Summoned to aid a teen found in the middle of a rural road, his mind completely jumbled, the Springfields follow the boy's lead (during a rare lucid moment) to a youth center in Seattle. The center offers young runaways an unusual proposition, one which has potentially lethal consequences. The twins, posing as street kids in order to investigate for Veritas, are soon in the belly of the beast. After agreeing to the offer, they find themselves shuttled off to a mysterious school attempting to rewrite societal conventions, The Knight-Moore Academy.

Unaware of the exact location of the school, and unable to remember how they arrived, Elisha and Elijah are forced to match wits with many other kids and their eerie instructors. The school's staff - a generation and a couple continents removed from their kindred found in "The Manchurian Candidate" - attempt to rewire the students' thinking via clever verbal manipulations (and a few physical ones, as well.) Black becomes white and truth whatever one makes of it. While their parents search cross-country for them, the twins battle the brainwashing by holding true to God and His absolutes, becoming outsiders in the student body. Soon the social engineering wreaks "Lord of the Flies"-like consequences and what masquerades on the surface as a rarified prep school soon promises a learning experience no youth could ever imagine, even in their worst nightmares.

Frank Peretti's foray into youth fiction should please young readers looking for a thriller with solid, evangelical Christian values. A definite page-turner, "Nightmare Academy" has the needed creepiness balanced by biblical morality to give one the shivers without the guilt induced by reading something of questionable taste. The strong message that relativism is senseless and can only bring the downfall of our society, leaving us prey to nefarious forces, is reinforced on nearly every page.

Yet while this comprises the basic theme of the entire book, it comes off being heavy handed (though, sadly, not unlike many other books in this genre.) As Christian writers attempt to counter youth-oriented lit that fails to embrace traditional biblical values with sanitized, message-driven lit of their own, they've yet to really come up with books that drive truth home with more subtlety. C. S. Lewis' "The Chronicles of Narnia" is the archetype, but rarely has it been done better. Attempting to shoehorn concepts espoused in "The Left Behind " series into other writings also bedevils books like these. Rather than creating a unique vision, they merely look like copies of everything else. Even the best works are missing that magical quality that gives them life unto themselves. The result is, therefore, always mildly disappointing.

So while "Nightmare Academy" is a decent escape, its fire is nearly snuffed by the unfortunate hamhandedness of the presentation of its message. Discerning readers, even the young, will get the point immediately. We just need to have it presented more deftly - less sledgehammer, more skillful storytelling. Peretti is one of the foremost evangelical novelists out there, blessed with the chops to make it work. We should expect better.

Another nice read.
"Hangman's Curse" and "Nightmare Academy" are entertaining and easy reads. If you've been doing heavy research or reading this is a good switch. Light, and fun, I enjoyed it after a long study program I was in.. I read both books back to back so this review will be seen under both books.

I liked "The Visitation" better, but all three are worthy of your money..

Great, a amazingly good book........
Its a shame how few good christian teen writers there are. I read alot so I should have a clue what I am talking about. And I think that this is incredibly good. All they need to do is make a movie about it , like Hangmans Curse. If you think this book preaches. It doesn't. I grew up in the church and I know what I am talking about. Unless your loking for the sermon, you won't feel preached. Enjoy the the book for what it is and read more Frank Peretti

I am a typical teen w/issues and found refuge in this book.
You know, i read everyone else's reviews and laughed. Obviously, they were written by parents. The truth is, the point of Nightmare Academy was that no matter what happens to you or what situation you are put in, God is stable ground. He will always stand firm and when you need him, he will be there for you. The book is written for teens, not adults. The message is clear and instead of looking at it from a political/professional view, look through your faith. I LOVE the way it intertwines action and killer ability to use technology. Elijah and Elisha are 21st century action heroes. Frank Peretti, you are a gifted writer, talent in reaching a person's mind, and expanding a teens view of the world. I WANT MORE!!!! ... Read more

Book Description

Luke has never been to school. He's never had a birthday party, or gone to a friend's house for an overnight. In fact, Luke has never had a friend.

Luke is one of the shadow children, a third child forbidden by the Population Police. He's lived his entire life in hiding, and now, with a new housing development replacing the woods next to his family's farm, he is no longer even allowed to go outside.

Then, one day Luke sees a girl's face in the window of a house where he knows two other children already live. Finally, he's met a shadow child like himself. Jen is willing to risk everything to come out of the shadows -- does Luke dare to become involved in her dangerous plan? Can he afford not to? ... Read more

Reviews (212)

Exciting
It was against the law to have more than two children. Luke Garner, the main character in AMONG THE HIDDEN, by Margaret Peterson Haddix, is a third child. He had to hide all his life. He couldn't go to school ride in cars, watch TV or even use the computer. At least Luke could go outside because the woods were protecting his backyard from sight. That is, before the woods came down. The barons(rich people) built their houses where the woods used to be. Luke could never set a foot outside again, he couldn't even look out a window. One day, after everyone had left, Luke saw a child's face in one of the new neighbor's houses. The only thing was, two children already had left that house. Luke starts watching more carefully and realizes another child luves where two children already live. Could it possibly be another third child? Does he dare venture over there, through the exposed farm, where anybody could see him? I liked this book, like Running Out of Time(another book by Margaret Peterson Haddix),because it was exciting. It starts slow but gets better as it goes on. Each event led to another, and kept you on the edge. Margaret Peterson Haddix did a good job of making the book suspenseful and it makes you want to keep reading.

Among The Hidden
ISBN 0-689-82475-0

What would you do if you were just born and had already broken the law? This fantasy-adventure type book is all about Luke's life as a third child. He is forbidden by the law. Luke has to spend his whole life hiding from windows, open doors or anything like that. Until one day when both his brothers and parents are gone, he sees a girl in a house that has two brothers already. Could this be Luke's new and first friend? Or is it a burglar and he will get caught by the Population Police? Read the book to find out what decision Luke makes and how much it affects his life.

This book was excellent. To be honest, I would recommend this book to just about and kid thats around my age (11-15). Anyone that enjoys reading would really like this book. This book was a real page turner. I finished it in about 5-6 days. I just could not put the book down because it had such good parts to it and the end of the chapters just kept you hanging and you had to go on. I really like this genre because my favorite kind of genre is fantasy. I also enjoy adventure and war-like kind of books. Like I said anyone would enjoy this book that is in Middle School.

a great book!
In a future where the government enforces a strict policy of allowing only 2 children to a family, illegal third child luke garner must lead a secretive and cocealed life in his family home and the surrounding wood. But soon his life becomes even more secretive when a housing development is built across from his house, and his parents, fearing for his safety, restrict him only to the confines of his home.

Following the exploits of luke as he longs for freedom and a better life, this book is exciting interesting, and a heart pounding page-turner without much even happening. In fact, the plot is so simple it could be paraphrased into ashort story; but that is th beauty of the book, how the author wraps you into this frightening reality and portrays luke's feeling with such skill and description that the bookeasily recieves five stars from me.

Makes you feel like your teh one hidding
Luke....is illegal he's a third child, but thats not agenst the law here, but maybe it will be in the future. Margaret keep's you guessing. This books is thrilling with excitement, you never want to put the book down. Luke, is hiddin and he hates it, but one day looking out of a vent in his room, he saw in another window, a face, but everyone that was saposta leave in thats house already did, Luke's heart had raced. Another third child. Luke waited eagerly to see his new friend, but when he arrived he finds a spunky, tomboy, named Jen, she's got some big plans for her and Luke, before Luke even knows whats going on. She wants to be free she wants all shadow children to be free. Fake ID's are out of the question,and Luke slowly begins to understand why she hates the goverment so much, and he relises he does to. On the big night(im not going to tell you what the name is you shoud just go find out your self), when Jen is saposta make everything right, and have illegals come out in pupblic and be safe, she comes into Lukes home and ask's him to go with her, Lukes says no. And it was the right desishion. Luke dosent hear from Jen for days after the big night, so he gets the courge to go over, there he meets Jen's dad and learns a horrifing secret about him, there he gets a Fake ID and he makes a promise to his family to make a diffrence in the world. So hes comeing out of hidding........But he's walking into danger. Wait why am i saying all this????Go read the book, for me, for Luke, For Jen, For Margret.

Among The Hidden
I thought this was a great book. It's about a boy named Luke. He is an illegal third child in a community where you are only allowed to have two or less children. Instead of normal police, they have population police. If a third child like Luke gets caught, they have to take them away from their family, and kill them, then pretend like it never happened. So luke's goal is to stay away from the population police and everyone else except his family. Then he finds out that his neighbors who have been there for a while, also have a third child. Then secretly he sneaks over to her house during the day because everyone is at work. They eventually become meet and become friends.His barrier to stay hidden is his parents. They feel bad that he has to stay hidden so they do something about it.
This book is character driver. I know this because most book is based on Luke hiding. About his goal of not being found. The other part is him trying to find out who the other child is, because he has never seen anyone but his family.
I really enjoyed reading this book, I wouldn't even mind reading it again. It is different because it has a strange goal. Instead of Luke trying to find or get something. He is trying to not be seen to keep his goal. I thought it was very well written. ... Read more

Reviews (43)

Mai Nou's Review
Wow! I think The Boxcar Children is the best book I ever read. It was about four chldren that run away from their grandfather. They think that their grandfather is mean. Henry the oldest works for a doctor in town. Jessie the third loves to cook. Violet the second oldest loves to sew. Benny the youngest loves to make stuff.They tell about the characters and why they are homeless. I'm in love with Jessie's foods. I like when they create their own things. I recommend this book to fourth and fifth graders. I would love to read the next book. I give this book 5 stars.

The BoxCar Children
Wow! This fantastic book changed my whole life in reading.This book was about 4 wonderful orphans who are runaways. Their mother and father had died.They had a grandfather. They thought he was as mean as a tiger biting people's arms off that was why they wouldn't go live with him. They found a boxcar. Henry, the oldest child, went to find work in town and that was how they got their money.There was a wonderful race and it's up to you to find out who wins and gets the great prize. Also, you get to find out if their grandfather is mean or nice.I like this book because it is a mystery and a suspenseful book. I would recommened this book to people who like these kinds of books. I would give this book 5 stars because it is cool and rocks.

Give your child a love for reading
I read these books in 3rd grade. I'm 25 now. I still think fondly about the times when I read the Boxcar Children series. I still remember the vivid explaination by Gertrude Chandler Warner of the treasures the children find including a cup with a chip in it that they use to survive while living in the boxcar.

This is one of the many books that helped me develop a great love for reading. As an educator, I can now say that this is one of the literary gems out there that is timeless for students (and adults) of all ages to enjoy.

My review of The Boxcar Children
I liked this book. It's because it's not a boring book, it's an interesting book. You can solve the mystery along with them. They are mostly mysteries.

The Boxcar Children; An outdated series; By a 6th grader
The Boxcar Children: I wouldn't recommend this book to the suggested age group; which is from ages 9 - 12. It is unrealistic to conclude that 4th - 6th graders would be the right age group. I would say 1st - 3rd grade. Perhaps the reading level is that of some 9 - 12 years olds, but the plot isn't advanced enough. I used to read these in second grade; after reading about nine of these (I didn't catch on too fast); I realized "wow, these are all the same". The plots are often fine and mystery filled...but the characters are almost impossible to relate to, not to mention the fact that all of the mysteries/crimes they encounter can be stomped out by a group of elementary-schoolers in around sixteen chapters. The characters seem strangely prefabricated and unrealistic. The dialogue is the same way. It doesn't seem like people are talking. I am quoting another review, but no-matter what these children go through, guess what, they never complain, they are always smiling. These siblings are almost impossible to relate to. They have seemingly cute habits, but in the end, they turn out fairly annoying such as the reference to a cup that the youngest sibling from the time spent in the boxcar...Let's face it; children's literature has certainly advanced since the 1950's. Really: 2.5 stars. There are certain things that I've mentioned in this review which may not matter as much to younger readers. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Greatbook
This book was one of the best books i have ever read. It has a lot of action and mystery.

An Amazing Read
I loved The Last Shot. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time I read it. I also really admire the character, Susan Carol Anderson,she was just so outgoing. She also didn't care about what other people thought. I would recommend this book to anyone who would like to read it.

Middle School Adventure
As a middle school teacher with 18 years of experience, I found Last Shot to be a solid, if somewhat old-fashioned, mystery that should be recommended to all middle school students, most definitely adolescent sports fans, who may be reluctant readers. The plot includes enough suspense and suspicion to captivate the reader, yet is free of harsh profanity and other objectionable material that is so abundant in today's young adult fiction.
Especially refreshing are the two main characters, who will stop at nothing to 'right the wrongs' they've encountered on their unique adventure. They demonstrate intelligence,motivation,and resourcefulness in their mission to out-wit a few loathsome characters in the NCAA arena. Last Shot is an easy read and worth the time.

excellent sports book for teens
This book is full of factual background on the Final Four from the author's experience, which makes it really interesting.I'm buying copies for several teens I know.It's the kind of book that when the teen leaves it lying on the coffee table, dad or mom will wind up engrossed in it.

There are, at this date, two reviews of this book with attacks on the author but no comments on the book.I have no idea what theman is like, but this book is really good either way.The author he could be a total jerk or an angel for all I know -- he's probably just some guy who annoys other people.There are a lot of those.

However, I can say that this book is most likely NOT derived from another author's book on blackmail in the Final Four; both books would be derived from real life scandals of the 50's and 80's.The idea that blackmail or other unethical/illegal techniques would be used in the highly lucrative field of professional sports is not a recent one nor one which need be derived from fiction.One can find both fictional and real-life cases of this going back a lot farther than the past decade.

Great read by Feinstein
As an adult drawn to this book by Fienstein's 'non-fiction' name, I was incredibly surprised how much of a page-turner this was. Mr. Feinstein has performed the difficult task of creating two highly likeable and lifelike characters, while at the same time building a suspenful plot that contains numerous twists and turns the average reader won't be able to predict.

Anyone with teens and pre-teens should be buying this great book as a favor to their young readers.

And by the way, adults will enjoy it too! I certainly did. ... Read more

Book Description

For twenty-five years, Ellen Raskin's Newbery Medal-winning The Westing Game has been an enduring favorite and is now being reissued with a brand-new jacket by Kevin Hawkes and an introduction by Ann Durell.

This highly inventive mystery involves sixteen people who are invited to the reading of Samuel W. Westing's will. They could become millionaires, depending on how they play the tricky and dangerous Westing game, which involves blizzards, burglaries, and bombings. Ellen Raskin has entangled a remarkable cast of characters in a puzzle-knotted, word-twisting plot filled with humor, intrigue, and suspense. ... Read more

Reviews (457)

Good book, lacking in content
The story starts off with openings for six brand new apartments over looking Lake Michigan, six letters were sent to seemingly six random people and the deal was too good for all six to pass it up. A few weeks later the owner of the apartments, the mansion next door, and the local mill which makes paper is found dead in his bedroom on the night of Halloween by one of the people who lived in the apartments. A week later his will is read aloud to all the people who were receiving gifts, coincidentally only the people who lived in the apartment building which turns out to be sixteen people. When the will is read the sixteen heirs are split up into eight random groups of two people, each group then is given a set of what appears to be random words. This set of words are their clues, they have to find out who murdered the owner of the place whose name is Samuel Westing if they can figure it out they get the mansion. They are told that one of them is actually the murderer which sparks suspicion. This sets a game like atmosphere. Next the book describes the individual teams and how they try to use their clues. Many puzzling things happen on the way that change your view of the case.

The rest is for you to read, I have not told to much so still buy this fascinating book. I enjoyed the book a lot and believe firmly that it deserves four stars out of the possible five. I enjoyed this book because it was very entertaining and hard to put down. This book also is a fantastic murder mystery which can appeal to both grown ups and to very young kids, however, the book is very different than a detective story. In fact the author, centers his writings on the characters which are very well explained and you can tell what each one is thinking. The author is able to do this brilliantly, by forming a game out of the mystery where the heirs to the will believe for a good portion of the book that to inherit the most money they must find out who the murder was.

The years pass, and still a must-read
'The Westing Game' was my favorite book as a pre-teen, so when I returned to it years later, my expectations were low. Was I wrong! This book might be accessible to younger readers, but no one who loves a mystery with incredible characters should miss this for the world.

While the plot centers around a less than run-of-the-mill whodunit, the book mainly focuses on the characters: each unique, bizarre, and ultimately endearing. The author manages to make them quirky without making them caricatures. The developing relationships between the 'heirs' as they attempt to unravel the mystery, is, I think, far more important than the mystery itself; they also develop in their sense of identity. These are all themes any adult can appreciate, woven into the story with humor and sly understatement, yet in effect deeply moving.

The plot is complex and suspenseful, layered so impenetrably that at least one surprise at the end is inevitable. Yet even when wrapped in the most logical of puzzles, the author never loses the human touch. There are many scenes portrayed with hilarious, touching absurdity; and Raskin is dead-on with her take on human nature, even when her depiction seems exaggerated.

Read it for a good chuckle--but in the end it may be more than that.

Amazing!
This book is about 16 "heirs" who, if they solve The Westing Game, will recieve a large sum of money. The characters are sorted into eight groups of two and are given a small list of clues.

The 'Game' is full of mystery and alias'. You'll never guess it! Go ahead and try. Read this book.

No Reason To Ban
I just finished THE WESTING GAME by Ellen Raskin. Even with re-reading the last few pages, I still have yet to understand why this clever, complex, yet entertaining book was so controversial. The tangled storylines make you think, not assume the plot. This book was assigned to me as a "banned book" for my Children's Literature class at West Virginia State University. Banned or not, I recommend this book for amateur sleuths and inquisitive older children alike.

LOVED IT!!!!!
This book was great! I really loved the story and all of it's twists and turns. Although it was a little confusing with all the people, I think anyone my age would love this book. If you like mystery, comedy, and just about any kind of book, buy this one!!!!:) :) :b ... Read more

Book Description

This book is written by Harold. His fulltime occupation is dog. He lives with Mr. and Mrs. Monroe and their sons Toby and Pete. Also sharing the home are a cat named Chester and a rabbit named Bunnicula. It is because of Bunnicula that Harold turned to writing. Someone had to tell the full story of what happened in the Monroe household after the rabbit arrived.

Was Bunnicula really a vampire? Only Bunnicula knows for sure. But the story of Chester's suspicions and their consequences makes uproarious reading.

Since its first appearance in 1979, Bunnicula has been a hit with kids and their parents everywhere, selling over 8 million copies and winning numerous awards. ... Read more

Reviews (75)

bunnicula
I read the book Bunnicula. It's about a dog named Harold
and a cat named Chester. And of course a rabbit named
Bunnicula.(not your ordinary cuddley rabbit.)
It all started when harold and chester's owners came
home from a dracula movie.And the owners didn't come
home by themselves. They came with a box with a rabbit
in it.They put the rabbit in a cage. They had some
trouble nameing the rabbit. But they finally found
the name of bunnicula. Probably because of the fact
that they found bunnicula at a dracula movie.
And they sure picked the right name for him. Chester
began to notice that the black spot on Bunnicula looked
like a cape. Chester stayed awake to see what bunnicula
did at night.(I would of though a rabbit would sleep
at night.) Chester noticed that the sly rabbit wasn't
in his cage. He heard a noise in the kitchen. The door
of the kitchen opened. And guess who was hopping happily
out of the kitchen.(That was a sentance from the book.)
The next morning all of the veggitables were white.
On the third time Bunnicula went out for his midnight snack
Chester was prepared. He was trying to starve Bunnicula.
Harold yelled at Chester. Bunnicula looked sick.A few
days later Harold took Bunnicula out of his cage and
lead him to the kitchen. I can't tell the ending because
this is an online review. I recommend this book if you
like bunny vampires.

Still one of my favorites!
My old copy of "Bunnicula" is old and brittle from being read so many times as a kid, and is still a nostalgic favorite. This book is the first of many about the Monroes, an average family with not-so-average pets. First off there is Harold, the "author" of the book, who is an older mutt and is very gentle and somewhat dimwitted. Next there is Chester, a cat who is partial to reading at night (especially Edgar Allan Poe) and therefore has developed an overactive imagination. At first its just the two of them until the Monroes come home from seeing "Dracula" at the movie theater- who have brought home an abandoned bunny rabbit with them! This bunny is very unusual, with black "cape" markings in its fur, sleeps during the day, and drains all the vegetables in the house of their juice and color! Only Chester suspects Bunnicula is a vampire and sets out in a quest to expose the bunny. This is a great book for little kids as well as older ones, and also good for reading out loud to a kid because its not too long either. The sequels which are essential to this book are "Howliday Inn," "The Celery Stalks at Midnight," and "Nighty Nightmare." Those were some of the first to follow up on "Bunnicula" and therefore the best. This should be given to every child who loves a laugh as well as a thrill at the same time. Enjoy!

We loved this book.
Bunnicula is a very good book because it is funny. In this book a cat can read, a dog can write and a bunny sucks juice out of vegetables. Read this book and you will find out how to get rid of vampires, even bunny vampires.
Kids won't like this mystery; they'll love it! If you like animals, you will love this book.
So, if you want to find out more, read the book Bunnicula by James and Deborah Howe.

My summary and thoughts of Bunnicula !
Bunnicula was a great book. If I was you I` d read it because it is funny ,scary and, weird. But you will probably like it too! Here` s what I like about it. My favorite character is Bunnicula! My favorite part is when Chester is wearing Mr. Monroe` s shaving towel on his back acting like a vampire .Bunnicula was a really good book!

I loved this series!
When I was a kid, I loved this series. These books have everything - humor, talking animals, mystery, a vampire rabbit... what more could you want? I just found out there are two books in the series I never read. Even though I am in my mid 20's, I still want to get those and read them. Bunnicula is great for kids of all ages. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (22)

NOT JUST FOR YOUNG ADULTS--FOR ANYONE WHO LOVES A GREAT READ
I finished A Northern Light in a weekend; what a pleasure! I don't fit the intended young adult demographic, but I've always had an interest in children's and young adult literature as a result of my many careers.

Ms. Donnelly brilliantly captures the boom era of the 1900s New York Adirondack Mountain region. The story of Mattie Gokey, a young woman coming of age and struggling with difficult life choices, is a familiar story to most female readers. Her determination to become a writer reminded me of my own career aspirations. I found myself holding my breath and sighing with relief when Maddie finally decided her fate.

A Northern Light will stir passion, and even raise ire, among the young women who are fortunate to discover this beautiful book. Many readers will recognize themselves in Mattie, her teacher, Miss Wilcox, or even Weaver, her friend and fellow wordsmith. Most importantly, A Northern Light can be appreciated by readers of all ages, not just young adults, who appreciate great writing. A truly enjoyable read; I hope there's a sequel on the way.

Also recommended: The Lightkeeper's Daughter, Witch Child

An Historical Fiction Masterpiece
This is one of those books where about a third of the way through, you anxiously thumb the remaining pages, knowing that despite your best efforts to savor it, the book will be over all too soon. When A NORTHERN LIGHT falls open, you,the reader, will fall in. Descriptions of this book by previous reviewers, while excellent and accurate, still do not prepare you for the sheer delight and pleasure of reading this story. While it has been classified as a Young Adult novel, as it does contain some language and situations, every word is absolutely true to the character who is speaking or being spoken of. I urge every teenage girl to read this, then pass it on to her mother, all of her girlfriends, aunts, a favorite teacher--in short, anyone who has a love of words, of learning, of mysteries, and a belief in the power of young women. A NORTHERN LIGHT is a most extraordinary book. Don't miss it!

A great book! i couldn't put it down!
I found this book at the school library's new book shelf, i decided to read it and i was so glad that i did. This is about a girl living with her family and how she solves her problems and deals with the people she meets. After reading this book, I thought about life and people differently. I would recommend this book to people 12 years or older because it deals with some issues that may be....yea you get the idea. Overall, this is a great book. After reading this book, I also read other books by Jennifer Donnelly, they were also very good, but i felt this one was the best!

Not only for young adults...
I read this book after reading Jennifer Donnelly's novel "The Tea Rose"(which I loved). I enjoyed the characters and the their voices, but I especially loved the focus on words and the power that they have to change a life. I found myself aching for Mattie and her longings to stretch into the wider world.
Some of the scenes were quite graphic, so it would not be appopriate for some younger readers. "A Northern Light" is among the best young adult books I have ever read.

Great Book-Not for Kids
I think this book is wonderful. I read it three times because it is so delightfully delightful. However, kids should'nt read it. It has some inapropriate stuff in it. Anyone else interested in books should read it. ... Read more

Reviews (95)

Whoa, best of all her books (in my opinion)
Since you already read what it was about (i think) i'll just tell you what I thought about Lois Duncan's book, Stranger With My Face. Laurie was a pretty typical girl in the start, but along the traumatizing events which eventually lead back the a very mysterious person named Lia, who is her twin (evil) sister, Laurie starts to change. She has more depth as a person and popularity was not the only thing that mattered to her. Probably my favorite thing about this story was the romance, it was pretty unexpected who Laurie would fall in love with, but then again, once you think about it it really isn't. The plot was totally interesting and kept you on the edge of your seat. I've read all of Duncan's books (almost) and I still think this one is by FAR the best...What are you wasting time reading this review for? Get reading!

A suspenseful fantasy thriller
How can she be in two places at one time?

Laurie was at home, but her boyfriend swears he saw her on the beach with another guy. Her family insists they see her coming and going when she's been out of the house for hours. Who--or what--is taking over Laurie's life?

A short blurb on the front cover proclaims: "Someone is watching Laurie, waiting to steal her life." How could any young reader resist such a line? When I picked up this book I couldn't.

Stranger with My Face, told in first person, starts off more as though it's going to be a thriller than a fantasy. But as the fantasy element strengthens it becomes steadily scarier, building into a terrifying climax that makes for an exciting, unputdownable read.

This book is definitely intended for young adults (after all, the protagonist is 17 years old) but I suspect most readers will be a lot younger. Few 12-year-olds can resist a really scary story. I certainly couldn't. I remember reading Jane Eyre (one of the few good books to come my way, purely by accident) and it was the mad woman in the attic rather than the hopeless love between Jane and her employer that kept me turning the pages. :-)

Many of the reviews here, I feel, give away too much of the plot. But I particularly like Heidi Lott's review and envy the fact that she obviously had someone around when she was young to point her in the direction of the best books for young readers. Like Heidi, I would also recommend Stranger with My Face to any adult who loves a good story well told.

After all these years...
I read this book when I was a pre-teen and it's haunted me ever since. I'm 33 years old and couldn't remember the name or author, only the feeling the book gave me as an adopted child with a wild imagination. Something in my head clicked today and I searched for the book on Amazon and lo-and-behold, here it was! This is a fantastic read you'll never forget, I recommend it to any young reader, or even an older one like me, as I'm definitely ordering it to re-read and share with other young people.

wow
this book will leave you thinking till the last page. Its one of those drama/angst stories with a touch of sci fi that is amazing. I dont recomend reading it at dark cuz you may get freaked out! j/k. Its a great suspenseful read as the main character discovers something shocking. i dont want to tell you and spoil it for you so i'll tell you to read it and find out for yourself. i promise you wont be dissappointed unless you don't like reading good stuff. ^_~

sOoOo cOoOol
I give this book 4 stars because it really put me on the edge of my seat because i really thought it was only Laurie's imagination, but when i found out it was her twin sister i was really shocked! =] ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Awesome book
This book is a must read. It's awesome. Personally, I don't enjoy reading that much, but this was a great book and I got hooked after only a few pages. Anyone looking for a good read, this is your book.

hmmmm...
Interesting plot, but not well set up. The author kind of rushes you into the story without setting up the characters. I think that the main character was a bit too moronic for me to believe. Though there were some gripping and fascinating parts, mostly I found myself thinking, "ok, is it over yet" There were too many pointless additions.

Great suspense a la Silence of the Lambs
This fast-paced suspenseful novel about a teen who discovers the diary of a serial killer will capture your attention and keep you reading till the last page. Some scenes are reminiscent of Silence of the Lambs, but without the gore. A great summer read when you need some chills.

A good read
This book is about a a boy named Duncan who takes a summer job working in the transit lost and found. While looking around, he discovers a diary. He quickly finds out this diary belongs to an arsonist that mutilates animals. In the latter entries of the diary, it talks about getting tired of "kids stuff". It explains how he plans to murder a woman. Ducan teams up with his friend to stop him before its too late.

I thought this book was great until the end. It seemed like the author rushed it and everything just fell into the character's laps. The suspense was great though.

The Next Step Up From "Holes"
Working at a bookstore, I was able to read the advance galley version of this book, and the quote on the back more or less sums it up: "The two of us going after this guy is like the Hardy Boys meets Hannibal Lecter."

Graham McNamee has here written the male equivalent of the impeccable "Speak" by Laurie Halse Anderson, or perhaps a teenage, literary, 'mundane' "Unbreakable". Certaintly, this is the next step for boys 13 years old (at least) who find Louis Sachar's Newberry-winning "Holes" to be below their level. It embraces male stereotypes at the same time it rejects them, and it has a timeless quality in the details of setting that ensure it a lasting place in the hearts of those who found "Catcher in the Rye" to be too downbeat and lacking in action.

All in all, if any of the above sounded even mildly appealing, you'll enjoy this book a lot more than mildly. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Ides of April, review from a teenager
I think that Mary Ray is a wonderful author and writer, with a great imagination a descriptive skills.
The plot was intriguing, and carefully thought over.
I could feel everything happening, as though I were right next to Hylas, the 17-year-old slave, and Camillus, the 18-year-old tribune.
There are intense scenes, but nothing that an 8-year-old can't handle. ALmost no romance, and there is a large dipslay of compassion, loyalty, and discerment in the two boys.
I thorougly enjoyed her book, though it was a LITTLE confusing. (but it was almost midnight when I read it, and my brain was half-way asleep by then).
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

Well! Only three other reviews...?!
The thing about this book was that it felt _REAL_. It was hard to remember it was *just* a book.

You felt the danger; you felt the bruises on the ribs. You wanted the hero to make it. You just didn't find yourself doubting the realness of it.

Now, it's been a couple years since I read this, so perhaps I was just more gullible. But I don't think so. I still remember it, after all this time. Its magic was a special fete considering I had NEVER been interested in the Roman era or historical mysteries.

When the book was over, I wanted it to keep going.

An excellent historical mystery. I highly doubt you'll regret reading it.

Best Book!
This was a very good book. Sometimes a bit of a slow read, but such and intriguing murder story set in anciet Rome you won't even think to put the book down! Great for everyone!

Great for young adults
People fantasize about the ancient world and as an ancient historian I'm often amused and annoyed by what these fantasies entail. This is especially true in books written for children and young adults where the nastiness (by our modern standards) of the ancient world are often overlooked and underplayed. Mary Ray's "The Ides of April" does a fairly good job of looking at the concerns of citizens, young people, and slaves in mid-first century Rome. While the murder mystery kicks off sharply I do wish she'd spent more time on the characters before the entire legal nightmare began so that we could be more emotionally invested in the characters. Likewise it ends a bit aburptly. I haven't read any of the other books of the series yet, but it seems like the same characters may not be encountered which is a pity. The characters are well done, they seem to grasp the mindset of the people of that time though I think holding onto a Greek identity when one is born a slave in Rome is a bit awkward. I'd recommend it to anyone between 14 and 20 who is interested in the ancient world or in power dynamics in history. For those of us who are older, it can be entertaining as well.

The most riveting modern historical fiction out there!
Part Agatha Christie, part Eloise McGraw ... this book totally blew me away! Mary Ray is terrific, practically creating a whole new genre of books - children's historical mysteries. The plot flows beautifully from one catastrophic event to another, creating a tale of incredible skill and baffling turns.

Not much has been written in the Ancient-Roman category anyway, and this book is made even more unique by its point of view - that of a slave. It exposes the so-called 'glamour' of Rome to be merely a circle of cruelty and struggle. This book is not for the very young, but discerning readers 12 & up will find this book absolutely wonderful. I can't endorse it too strongly! ... Read more