Book Description

From the award-winning author of the best books on puberty — A completely new book written especially for 8-11-year-old girls, playfully illustrated in an appealing, two-color design.

Young girls before the onset of puberty have a curiosity about their soon-to-be changing bodies that needs addressing in a simpler way than for their older sisters. In the proven, trust-worthy, Madaras-friendly voice and style, this entirely new book now brings them the same kind of thoughtful, down-to-earth information—but at a reading and understanding level that's just right for them.

Responding throughout to real-life questions and observations from younger girls, Madaras explores the strange and thrilling changes that are happening, or about to happen, to them, including: the development of breasts, body hair, and body fat; the changes in their reproductive organs, both inside and out; their first period and all the complex feelings surrounding it; the unwelcome appearance of acne and new body odors; and, perhaps most important, how to respect and celebrate their unique bodies, even when the outside world is not always so accepting.

Lively cartoon drawings throughout make the book not only helpful, but fun to read, too. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

What a great help!
I just bought this book for my 8 year old daughter. I was still getting over the shock of my baby starting puberty so early, when I read the reviews of this book. We picked it up last night and read the whole thing. With each chapter, she became more and more interested and even kind of excited. It let her know she was normal, and showed her what will be happening in the future so she won't be so confused. The little cartoons in it were so funny. They helped keep it light. We talked very openly about everything. I am so glad that we got this book. I think it is going to make this whole thing much easier...espcially on me!My baby is growing up! BUY THIS BOOK!

Ready, Set ,Grow
I bought this book for my nine year old daughter. This book is informative and not too technical or too mature for her level. We are reading this book together in steps and talking about it. It's a great choice for a young girl who may be a little embarrassed about the changes she is starting to experience or not starting to experience yet . I'ts great for self esteem, because it lets girls know they are all normal just different.
It's a good book !

LOVED IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
this book is great for any girl going through puberty. It answers everything you need to know but can't ask! Go but it NOW!
I would reccomend it for ages 8 and up.

Hey, you're still here. Go buy it!!!!!!

Ready, Set, Grow!: What's Happening to My Body? Is GREAT!!
I bought this book for my 9 year old daughter, who has recently been developing in area that were never thought of before. She had been asking questions and I was afraid to give too little or too much information. We read this book together and let me tell you what a great experience. I recommend this book to all parents/guardians of girls between 8 - 11 that are possibly thinking they aren't quite "Normal", because of these changes that are naturally happening to their bodies. ... Read more

Amazon.com

You won't find this book on a school library shelf--it's pure teenage anarchy. While many homeschooling authors hem and haw that learning at home isn't for everyone, this manifesto practically tells kids they're losers if they do otherwise. With the exception of a forwarding note to parents, this book is written entirely for teenagers, and the first 75 pages explain why school is a waste of time. Grace Llewellyn insists that people learn better when they are self-motivated and not confined by school walls. Instead of homeschooling, which connotes setting up a school at home, Llewellyn prefers "unschooling," a learning method with no structure or formal curriculum. There are tips here you won't hear from a school guidance counselor. Llewellyn urges kids to take a vacation--at least for a week--after quitting school to purge its influence. "Throw darts at a picture of your school" or "Make a bonfire of old worksheets," she advises. She spends an entire chapter on the gentle art of persuading parents that this is a good idea. Then she gets serious. Llewellyn urges teens to turn off the TV, get outside, and turn to their local libraries, museums, the Internet, and other resources for information. She devotes many chapters to books and suggestions for teaching yourself science, math, social sciences, English, foreign languages, and the arts. She also includes advice on jobs and getting into college, assuring teens that, contrary to what they've been told in school, they won't be flipping burgers for the rest of their days if they drop out.

Llewellyn is a former middle-school English teacher, and she knows her audience well. Her formula for making the transition from traditional school to unschooling is accompanied by quotes on freedom and free thought from radical thinkers such as Steve Biko and Ralph Waldo Emerson. And Llewellyn is not above using slang. She capitalizes words to add emphasis, as in the "Mainstream American Suburbia-Think" she blames most schools for perpetuating. Some of her attempts to appeal to young minds ring a bit corny. She weaves through several chapters an allegory about a baby whose enthusiasm is squashed by a sterile, unnatural environment, and tells readers to "learn to be a human bean and not a mashed potato." But her underlying theme--think for yourself--should appeal to many teenagers. --Jodi Mailander Farrell ... Read more

Reviews (56)

Hopeful and Inspiring
I was in a school that was a failure in almost every way. Emotionanlly and physically abusive, the low achievement and education rates were hardly worth noting. The only thing that school taught was how to obey and accept abuse.

Dropping out at 16 to escape the violence, irresponsibility, and abuse dealt out by the faculty (supported by the principal), I discovered unschooling, and this book, from a woman that helped homeschooled kids. (Unschooling is a specific type of homeschooling, and different from what most people assume.) All the unschoolers that I met are light years ahead of people in the public schools that I once knew. My only regret is that I waited so long to do this!

Grace Llewellyn is an inspiring author filled with hope, enthusiasm, and inspiring thoughts for all who read her books, including this one. Even when she shares the problems she experienced as a teacher, there is an undercurrent of humor that is refreshing and inspiring. But this book is mostly about how to learn without school, not about condemning the school system. Even when she's critical of the public schools, she remains positive. When she explains unschooling, she is inspirational!

Drawing on her experiences as a teacher and an educator, she vividly illustrates the difference between education and the currently outdated school system. Yes, there is a big difference. This book has restored my love for learning that will stay with me for the rest of my life.

Grace Llewellyn, and this book, is inspiring and gives me hope for myself, and the education process as a whole for other kids stuck in the old school system.

I was outraged
I was a very fortunate person as I knew Grace Llewellyn personally and was privelaged to read a copy of the book when it first came out. When I she told me about the book I rolled my eyes and shrugged my shoulders, "that's Grace" I thought. I felt certain that I would find the book well written but would disagree with it right down to the premise. I had an excellent High School experience and held a BA from a very good private college. I felt that schooling had been to my beneifit.

But when I read the book my reaction was one of sorrow and outrage that I had not had this book when I was a teenager. I gave it to my Mom to read and she is now a huge supporter of Ms. Llewellyn's work as well. This is significant as my mother is a former community college administrator.

Reading this book is risky, dangerous, frightening. It will open your eyes to truths you don't want to know and ideas you don't want to think. It will make you question the systems we have set up for education. It might make you quit school, it might make you wish you had.

Anthony Valterra

Wonderful unschooling manual
I just finished this book after unschooling my children for the past 6 years and neither has attended a school. It has reaffirmed my belief that unschooling CAN work and my kids will not flip burgers all their lives.
The book goes through every subject and gives lots of resources for unschooling it. I wish I had found this book sooner and I would have had many less sleepness nights, worrying about unschooling versus "school at home"! I am purchasing a copy to use as a reference manual in our library. Lots of volunteer organizations, internships, business ideas. Just an awesome resource for unschoolers.

Great book (one warning though)
This book is excellent. I sometimes wish it had a different name because a lot of people can benefit from it other than teenagers. I am a homeschooling mom of young children but I still got a lot out of it. Her philosophy is basically that you don't need a curriculum to learn. I agree with this. I liked her idea that you can still spend 4 hours a day doing "school work" but you do what YOU want to do instead of what someone assigns you. You do self directed learning. I have found that a solid math and grammar program is all you really need. In the end the SAT and GRE only tests you on your verbal/math skills anyway. Why waste time learning all kinds of subjects in the order some adult tells you to? The only subjects worth studying in a regimented manner in my opinion are math and grammar. Aside from that you should follow your interests. Now the author is a bit extreme in her views so I find you have to temper it with your own good judgement.

The warning is that she actually endorses experimenting with drugs. Pretty scary but she does. I find this very irresponsible of her. Fortunately I was able to work around that and read the rest of the book. You just have to realize she's a bit of an extremist so you have to just take what you learn from it and let the rest go.

And one chapter later...
It took me about a chapter to realize that I truly hate school, as much as I've said otherwise, and no matter how many times I've been moved up I'm not going to get anywhere. Now, I still haven't finished, and I am already feeling a mix of terrible miffedment, depression, and determination to get out of this place.

Thank you unschooled cousin Loopy for lending me this book! ... Read more

Book Description

Like father,
like son

Intelligent, popular, handsome, and wealthy, sixteen-year-old Nick Andreas is pretty much perfect -- on the outside, at least. What no one knows -- not even his best friend -- is the terror that Nick faces every time he is alone with his father. Then he and Caitlin fall in love, and Nick thinks his problems are over. Caitlin is the one person who he can confide in. But when things start to spiral out of control, Nick must face the fact that he's gotten more from his father than green eyes and money.

Reviews (80)

Breathing Under Water
In the novel Breathing Under Water, 16-year-old Nick lives a rich lifestyle in upper class Key Biscayne in south Florida. He has a kind girlfriend Caitlin in which he is verbally abusive to and eventually hits her. Caitlin and her mother press charges against Nick and he is sentenced to attend an anger management class.
The novel was very appealing to me because I am able to relate to the characters because I am also in high school. The authors writing style captured my attention on Nick and his angry outbreaks towards Caitlin.
Anyone that is a teenager or young adult, even if they are not a fan of reading, will defiantly enjoy Breathing Under Water. Even adults that enjoy remembering their high school days will love this book.

The Escape
The book "Breathing Underwater" is a very powerful book for teenagers anywhere. I feel like this book sends a message that can't be ignored by anybody. Especially those people who are in these situations, both boys and girls. Young girls and boys who are in abusive relationships right now could get some courage to get out of them and away from their abusive partners from this book. If they don't want to end up like Caitlin, abused and embarrassed, they will leave their partners far behind them. Hopefully these boys and girls get the message and decide to do something with where they are at before they become another statistic.
In this book Nick was a popular handsome teenage boy who unfortunately had an anger problem. Nick's mother left his father to raise him when he was only a child. Nick's father also had an anger problem and everyday verbally and physically abused Nick. Nick unfortunately developed his father's bad ways, and began abusing his new girlfriend Caitlin. Caitlin was a girl who had spent most of her life being fat and feeling ugly. Just that year she lost all that weight and was feeling really good about herself. Nick was the first boy who had ever taken interest in Caitlin, so she felt like his abuse towards her was perfectly fine, and for her own good. Nick at first was just verbally abusing her until finally it turned physical. Caitlin at first listened to her friends and tried to avoid Nick, but whenever they were alone together, Nick could talk her into anything. She took him back again thinking that things would change and get better, but not long after, the abuse had started right back up again. Only this time it had actually gotten a lot worse than before. The last time Nick beat up Caitlin, he beat her the night of her show that he didn't want her to perform in. He said he didn't want the people in the crowd all looking at her because she was fat and couldn't sing. She did anyway trying to surprise him and show him that it wouldn't be that bad, and he got really angry. He thought that the dress she was wearing was too revealing for her. He dragged her outside in the parking lot and began slapping and punching her in the face. He would have kept on beating her if it wasn't for all of their friends who were also in the show. After that, Caitlin had nothing to do with Nick. While all of this was going on Nick had been placed in anger management classes by the courts. He didn't really get the message that he needed them until the end of the book when he decided to re-take the class himself.
All in all, this book was pretty good. I would recommend this book to those who even aren't teenagers. This book did give me a sense of hope for all people who are in abusive relationships. This book can make a difference in people's lives. This book can honestly guide them to making the right decisions and doing the right thing.

The apple doesn't fall far from the tree
Nick Andreas is one of the few blessed members of his high school elite on Key Biscayne. He is smart, rich, good-looking, and insanely popular. Come the first day of sophomore year, he arrives in style, driving the brand new car he just received for his 16th birthday. Almost immediately, he notices her, a beautiful blonde. Caitlin Alyssa McCourt. She's ethereal, almost delicate looking. Her airy appearance separates her from the rest of the pretty girls. She wears a slipdress and pearl earrings while the rest of them wear diamond studs and jeans.

Immediately, Nick wants her.

"That's Caitlin McCourt. She went to fat camp over the summer," Nick's best friend since kindergarten, Tom, says. Now, 35 pounds lighter, she's transformed into a different person. At first shy and fearing rejection, Nick musters up his courage and asks her if she wants a ride home after school. She accepts his invitation.

Their relationship blossoms in a matter of two months. Nick loves Caitlin - or so he believes. And Caitlin loves Nick. Being a former fat girl, many insecurities still seem to be present in her - she fears Nick will leave her and doesn't believe she can find better. Nick starts out loving, gentle, and protecting. Then he turns angry, frustrated, and doubly insecure, as well as immensely overbearing and cruel. The first time he slaps her, he woos her back with a gift and apologizes profusely. All is forgiven.

It isn't that way the second time. The second time, Nick goes too far. He believes he is the only one who deserves power over Caitlin and when she defies him by singing in the school's talent show, things turn hideous, but perhaps even more so on Nick's part. We watch as he loses every single high school friend he has. We watch as anger management sessions open his eyes. We watch as a wiser Caitlin McCourt is finally able to reject her first and former boyfriend. Nick's crew, as well as the entire school, knows of Nick's ways, which is why they can barely stand to look at him. Everyone sides with Caitlin.

But Nick has kept a dark secret from everyone EXCEPT Caitlin, including Tom, who, prior to Nick's incident involving Caitlin, thought he knew his best buddy inside and out. Nick's father is just like him: good looks, brains, charm. And an ugly, ugly temper that often turns violent. Will Tom find out that while Caitlin was hurting, so was his so-called best friend? Or will Nick be too embarrased to open his mouth?

Read and see.

Alex Flinn's first novel fits a cliche, yet strays from their use, thankfully. She's written a story that is realistic and artfully depicts and pieces together the mind of an abuser. At times, I found myself hating Nick Andreas with a passion. Other times, I felt sorry for him. Either way, the novel ends on a note neither completely happy nor a downer, and it manages to stay away from being overly sappy and sentimental throughout. It flows nicely and, for a first effort, is quite well done.

Breathing Underwater
At the beginning of the book we meet the main character, Nick Andres. He's sitting in a courtroom and wondering why he is here. To everyone Nick has the perfect life .He's rich, good looking and has his first real girlfriend. The trouble starts when Nick starts going out with Caitlin. He experiences jealously and starts to develop an abusive mind. He hits her and has to attend anger management class.
The way the author tells the story is pretty cool. We read what Nick has to go through after he hit his girlfriend and we get to read his journal that tells what happened before he slapped her. All in all this was a good read.I recommend this to anyone who likes a lot of drama. This book will keep your attention until the very last page.

Breathing Underwater
This is a book that is sure to capture your attention. It is about a sixteen year old boy and his hidden struggles. His father is rich but yet a poor and abusive father. His mother left him at a young age with nobody to save him from his violent father. He then finds the love of his life, a girl named Caitlin. While his love for he grows so does his fear of losing her. He begins to become very controlling. He ends up slapping her which results to their relationships dismise.

I found this book to be very interesting and it captivated my attention. I think that you will enjoy reading this book and encourage it. This story tells you of the good things and bad things of relationships that you might be able to relate to. ... Read more

Reviews (17)

Mom's Review
This book, "The Clique", overall is a charming story about tweens ganging up on the "new girl" who is less fortunate than these upper crust Westchester snobs. Even the cover should give away some information about the story since its bearing the classic Burberry print.
However, I didn't think that the 7th grade girls were portrayed accurately. I don't think any 7th grader would act that mature. I know because my daughter goes to a New York City all-girls private school. I read this book because I wanted to learn more about how girls interacted with each other this day in age. I chose this book because it seemed the most appealing the time. When I finished this book my daughter found it, read it, and told me it was mixture of: Gossip Girl (how money, wealth, and designers are incorporated) + Mean Girls (how the girls acted and the strategies they used against each other) + lastly, the A-List & the sequel Girls on Film (the insecurites of the girls and wealth).

Review for the clique
I've read all 5 gossip girls , the a-list and girls on film and this book is just as good as all of them. its like gossip girl for the preteen or teenager age group. I read the book in one day i loved it so much. its one of those books where you feel like you know the characters and you cant put the down. its a def must read!

The Clique.
I just bought and finished the book today. Though I like to read books with a little more substance I must admit it was very interesting.

It kind of tells the lives of two girls. One being the popular girl in school Massie. Everyone grovels at her feet and she is admired by almost every girl in school. Massie is also very rich.
The other girl is Claire. She is new and she moves into Massie's guest house. They don't get along basically because Massie hates the idea of being around a girl who is nothing like her.

In the end as always things are resolved.

A version of Gossip Girl for the younger scene
This book is a very good book. It is about a bunch of spoiled girls who pick on the new girl simply because she is not rich. It is Gossip Girl for the younger scene, it shows that Massie, Kristen, Alicia and Dylan all have problems and insecurities of their own, but just keep them well hidden. Even though they are all part of The Clique, Massie is obviosly their leader. If Massie says a command or makes a comment they all follow completly. I think the real conflict is that Massie and Claire are both strong characters and never back down, while Dylan, Alicia and Kristen let Massie have her way. I believe that the reason that Massie insisted on Claire being shunned was because she could give her a run for her money. Kristen's secret gives the book a great twist that shows that Massie doesn't know everything that goes on between her friends. I believe that since the ending didn't give the readers all the information they wanted there will be a sequel to fufill the questions.

The Clique just clicks
I was immediately excited when I picked up "The Clique". Even the cover looked like a younger version of Gossip Girl, which is what I wanted. I am a HUGE fan of the Gossip Girl series, but I was in seventh grade when I read the series, so there wasn't much for me to relate too. Now, on the other hand, The Clique hits the mark. It has all the shallowness of GG, but more things for younger girls to relate to.
The books starts off with trendy and spoiled Clique leader Massie being forced by her parents to meet and be friendly with Claire Lyons, the Florida girl who is staying with her family in Massie's guest house until they can find a house of their own. Massie immediately dislikes Claire, and makes it very clear from the beginning that she won't be joining the Clique anytime soon. Massie's clique is the coolest of the cool, the trendiest of the trendy, the prettiest of the pretty, and the best of the best. And they know it. So when Claire tries to get her revenge on Massie, through a sketchy plan to make the clique love Claire and turn on Massie, it all goes awry.
The ending makes you sure that a sequel is in the works, because the Clique is reunited but not redeemed. And I'll be sure to read it when it comes out.

The book may not be destined for literary greatness, but it sure is fun ... Read more

Book Description

Within Cole Matthews lie anger, rage and hate. Cole has been stealing and fighting for years. This time he caught Alex Driscal in the, parking lot and smashed his head against the sidewalk. Now, Alex may have permanent brain damage'and Cole is in the Biggest trouble of his life.

Cole is offered Circle Justice: a system based on Native American traditions that attempts to provide healing for the criminal offender, the victim and the, community. With prison as his only alternative, Cole plays along. He says he wants to repent, but in his heart Cole blames his alcoholic mom his, abusive dad, wimpy Alex -- everyone but himself -- for his situation.

Cole receives a one-year banishment to a remote Alaskan island. There, he is mauled by Mysterious white bear of Native American legend. Hideously injured, Cole waits for his death His thoughts shift from from Anger to humility. To survive, he must stop blaming others and take responsibility for his life. Rescuers arrive to save Cole's but it is the attack of the Spirit Bear that may save his soul.

Ben Mikaelsen paints a vivid picture of a juvenile offender, examining the roots without absolving solving him of responsibility for his actions, and questioning a society in which angry people make victims of their peers and communities. Touching Spirit Bear is a poignant testimonial to the power of a pain that can destroy, or lead to healing

Reviews (67)

Touching Spirit Bear
Touching Spirit Bear by Ben Mikaelsen is a compelling story of a teenager's struggle with anger. He is beaten by his father, ignored by his mother, and struggles to understand how he fits into "family". His anger gets the best of him. He beats a classmate so severely that he has brain damage. This time his father can not buy him out of trouble.
Cole's only hope of avoiding a prison sentence is to enter into an alternative program known as Circle Justice. Banished to an isolated island off the coast of Alaska, Cole secretly vows that he will escape and return to civilization, and beat the system. He didn't plan on the mysterious, legendary white bear. Mauled almost to death, Cole awaits his fate and begins a life long journey of controlling his anger from with in. He learns humility and respect for those he once took his anger out on.
Ben Mikaelsen once again writes for the young reader, speaking to them from life experiences. Touching Spirit Bear calls to those readers who are struggling to find acceptance and respect among their peers.

"Touching Spirit Bear"
Cole has a really big anger problem. He is a Juvenile Delinquent and his anger has taken him way too far. After beating up his fellow 9th grade student, Peter Driscol, he was sent too many detention centers. Cole is about to be sentenced to a 'real' prison when his Native American friend comes to his rescue. Cole has two choices, to be sent to a prison or be sent banished to an isolated Alaskan island for a year. Cole has heard the horrible stories about the things that can happen in prison and he decides to try the circle justice thing that his Native American friend had told him about. Cole experiences good and bad changes while being banished that just might change him for the rest of his life. I rate this book a 5/5 stars. The reason is, because think that this book has great description and it could 'hook' anybody. This book is a great book and I recommend it for anybody.

Wow! This book is really amazing!
Touching Spirit Bear is one of the best books I have ever read. It all starts out with a juvenile delinquent who brakes into a store. He was bragging about it in school and a guy named Peter tells on him. After school Peter is badly beaten, he was punched many times and had his head smashed into the concrete. This causes Peter to have brain damage. Then Peter's parents sued Cole for the damage.
Cole isn't a very good kid. He seems to think that everything is below him and he is the dominant person of all the creatures on the earth. Cole really doesn't want to go to jail for the bad things that he has done so he decides to go to the Circle of Trust. The Circle of Trust is a program where instead of going to jail it's a chance for the people to sit and talk about what the person's punishment should be. Cole's and Peter's family went to the Circle of Trust meeting. They decided that Cole's punishment is to go to an island for one year without contact to anyone to find what he really is. He went to the island and as soon as the people who took him out on the island were gone he set the house they had built on fire. His plan was to swim back to the mainland and of on with his life with no one knowing. He soon finds out that it's not that easy and looses all of his energy. He then makes a spear. All of a sudden out of nowhere a huge white bear appears and Cole charges at him, the bear then started to beat Cole up. After the attack Cole lays there with a broken arm, broken hip, and shredded stomach. About a week later people came to bring him supplies, finding Cole lying there almost dead. After a while in the hospital they let Cole go. He wanted to go back to the island because he still didn't want to go to jail. He has to sell all of his belongings to pay for it. Also he has to build his own cabin this time.
If you want to find out what else happens to Cole you have to read the book! I would recommend thins book to anyone. I think the author did a very good job on this book. It doesn't matter if you're a girl or a guy you would both love this book.

Touching Spirit Bear
The book that I am reviewing is Touching Spirit Bear and it is about a fifteen year old cole gaets beaten by his father.Just as cole's father was beaten by his father. Now cole himself is turning violent. He robbed a tool store and he got away with it for a couple of days. until peter his classmate told on him so cole beat him and peter was hospitaized. So cole's parents send him to angermangment classes that didn't help so he gets sent to an island in alaska. They give cole a little hut and supples to survive for a month. He goes walking around the island and he see's the spirit bear and think's that he can beat up the bearlike he did peter the bear broke his arm and leg. Then a few days later the two guys come back and find him on the beach and immedalty take him to a hospital and after he recovered they sent him back to the island for another month and survived.

Touching Spirit Bear
Touching Spirit Bear is a spectacular book. The book was about a boy, Cole Mathews, who has a very hard time controlling his anger. Cole Mathews steals possessions from stores a lot. One day Peter Driscal, a kid from Cole's school, found out that he had broken into the store that the police were trying to find a suspect for and reported it. When Cole found out who told on him, he chased Peter down after school and beat him very harshly. It was so bad that Peter now has problems thinking and has mental problems. When Cole got arrested, he went to court and the judge gave him a chose. The chose was either he could go to jail or Justice Circle and wouldn't have to serve as much time. Like any other kid would he decided to go to Justice Circle. The Justice Circle had some meetings and finally Garvey convinced them to send him to an island for one year so that he could think things out by himself. As he is left at the island he decided he would try to swim island to island and try to get to the United States again. After he was a ways out and starting to cramp up he turned around. At the island he now had no shelter since he burned it down before he left. After a nap he decided to go get some food. He then saw the Spirit Bear and Cole tried to kill it. Yet the bear ripped him to shreds. In fact Cole couldn't move. So when the guy that brings him his supplies saw what had happened he took him back to a hospital. Finally, after he recovered, the Justice Circle had some more meetings. They had to meet with each other to see if they should allow Cole Mathews to return to the island. If you want to see if Cole Mathews gets another shot at the island or if you want to see if Cole can change his life around. Read Touching Spirit Bear by Ben Mikaelson. ... Read more

Book Description

Joey Pigza can't sit still. He can't pay attention, he can't follow the rules, and he can't help it -- especially when his meds aren't working. Joey's had problems ever since he was born, problems just like his dad and grandma have. And whether he's wreaking havoc on a class trip or swallowing his house key, Joey's problems are getting worse. In fact, his behavior is so off the wall that his teachers are threatening to send him to the special-ed center downtown.

Joey knows he's really a good kid, but no matter how hard he tries to do the right thing, something always seems to go wrong. Will he ever get anything right?

00-01 Sunshine State Young Reader's Award Masterlist (Gr. 3-5), 00-01 Sunshine State Young Reader's Award Masterlist (Gr. 6-8), 2000-2001 Georgia's Picture Storybook Award & Georgia's Children's Book Award Masterlist, 01 AZ Young Reader Award Masterlist (Teen Bks cat.), 00-01 Minnesota's Maud Hart Lovelace Book Award Masterlist, 00-01 Land of Enchantment Book Award Masterlist (Gr. 3-6), 00-01 Young Reader's Choice Award Program Masterlist, Pacific NW Library Assoc. 2001 Young Reader's Choice Award Masterlist, and 00-01 Lone Star Reading List

Reviews (101)

Joey Pigza Swallowed the key
Joey Pigza Swallows the Key
By Jack Gantos
...

This summer I read one of the funniest books ever . Joey Pigza Swallows the Key by Jack Gantos is hilarious and funny. Joey has a hard time sitting still and listening. Because Joey is so hyper, he has no friends and has a hard time getting along with other people. Joey bounces from school to school and doctor to doctor trying to find a medication that will calm him down. Joey lives with his grandma while his mom is out searching for his dad. Joey's grandma is also very hyper and wild like Joey even thought she has Emphysema and has a hard time breathing. When Joey's mom finally comes home she is very kind and loves Joey. All of Joey's teachers are very caring and they want to help Joey as much as they can because they know that he needs their help.

One of the most important parts in this book is when Joey goes on a fieldtrip to the Amish Farm with his class. This part is so important because it sort of turns Joey's life in the book from good to bad, but it is not the climax. This turns Joey's life from good to bad because during the fieldtrip their class gets to have a taste of a special Amish pie. Everyone form the class has to get into a line for a piece of the Amish pie. When Joey finally gets up to get his piece of pie, Joey's teacher tells him that he can not have a piece of the pie because it has too much sugar in it. So instead of the pie Joey gets an apple. Joey gets upset because he really wanted a piece of the pie. So while Joey's class is exploring the farm, Joey sneaks off and eats a whole pie. After a while Joey lost control and went crazy. After this Joey has to go to Special Ed class.

As a whole this book was great. I absolutely loved this book. It was so funny and exciting. Some of the parts were so funny I started to laugh out loud. There are so many strange things Joey does that you don't know what he is going to do next so it keeps you thinking and laughing all through the book. The kind of reader that should read this book is someone that likes comedy. This book is for someone who likes comedy because most of the book is comedy. If you do not like to laugh then don't read this book.

A joy to read and a good point to boot
This was a book that touched me in many ways and I am quite happy to have read it. Joey Pigza is an extremely hyperactive 5th Grade boy. As he says to start the book "At school they say I'm wired bad, or wired mad, or wired sad, or wired glad, depending on my mood and what teacher has ended up with me. But there is no doubt about it, I'm wired". Through Gantos' deft storytelling, with Joey acting as our narrator, we are quickly taken into Joey's world. Joey's world isn't one that most of us would like to be a part of for very long. Joey has, up until the time we met him, lived in a world punctuated by two things. The fact that he is a wired, or in other words suffering from an extreme case of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and a home life that involves a grandmother taking care of Joey, whose parents are AWOL, who in her own wired way is rather abusive towards Joey. Joey's life changes though with the return of his mother, which causes Joey's grandmother to leave. Joey's mother is a far more together person and is committed to trying to help Joey get better. However, Joey's ADHD causes him to get into ever more destructive situations that culminates in Joey accidentally maiming a girl's nose. With Joey describing the situation, if the reader reads quickly enough, it is quite possible for Joey's ridiculous decisions to make sense. Upon any sort of reflection Joey's decisions look ridiculous, but the fact that Gantos can make the reader understand why Joey acts the way he does is a large part of what makes this an excellent book. After reaching rock bottom Joey is sent to a special school where Joey's desire to not act that way is met with people who can help him get better. And slowly, and not without the occasional set back, Joey with the help of his case worker, "Special Ed", Joey is put on medication that works and he learns to make good decisions. The book ends with one of life's little triumphs as Joey is allowed to leave the Special Education school and return to his normal school. While not everything is OK things are look pretty good for Joey. This sums up the true triumph of Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key. The book manages to capture the shades of grey that are almost always missing from children's book. Joey is an astute 5th grader, but he is still a 5th grader and so sometimes there are just things he doesn't understand, unlike other children's books where the children appear to be nothing short of clairvoyant. This is a book that is fun to read while being so much more. I highly recommend this book.

Joey Pigza Soars Like a Roller Coaster
Joey Pigza is a kid in Ms. Maxy's 3rd grade class. He is suffering from ADH, and his life is like a soaring roller coaster. Originally, he lived with his somewhat abusive and also hyperactive Grandmother. Their house always looked like a tornado hit it. He had a very hard time at school. He had no friends. Since he could not sit still for 5 seconds, he always got in trouble. One day he sharpened his finger in a pencil sharpener. A big change occurred when his mom came back into his life, and his grandmother moved away. Joey has never met his Dad. One day he swallowed his house key, so he went to a Special Ed class for a little bit of the day. One day at school Joey was making bumper stickers for he and his mom to change the world. So he took Ms. Maxis big teacher scissors to cut the stickers out. He was running with them and tripped and cut off the tip of the nose of one of his classmates. He was sent to a Special Ed school to help him with his problem. They had to do a brain test to make sure that Joey got the right medication. Joey met new people and learned about his condition. He got to go back to his old school in Ms.Maxy's class. I think Jack Gnats did a great job on this book. Out of all the books that I have ever read this was the best one. I am ten years old in the fourth grade.

how dumb can you be to swallow a key
the book joey pigza swallows the key is a very good book. the reason this is a good book is because you never now what joey is going to do because it all matter on weather he toke his meds or not

Charecters for $ale
Buy this character, Joey Pigza, [...] you'll love his entertainment! He is michovus and funny. Also his love for pleaseing you will fil your heart. He'll help you like he helpes his teachers and friends. He'll bring joy and happieness to your home. Face it! He's better than any other kid! Even though he's different, he's superior acts of kindness, prove that he is the one for you! So now you an have him for yourself! [...] ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (25)

Lovely and Imaginative Illustrations
The premise of the story is silly: King Bidgood is having so much fun in the bath that he won't get out. Whenever anyone tries to lure him away to other activities, he carries out the activities in the tub - fishing, eating, celebrating, etc.. Courtiers join him in full dress, and have a merry time while the page tries desperately to get the king to get out of the bath.

These are some of the most beautiful and detailed illustrations I have ever seen! My favorite is the page on which King Bidgood is fishing in the tub. There are water grasses, lilies, fish, and an amazing array of colors. All the pictures are lovely! It's a great book for sparking kids' imaginations because the illustrations are realistic although the story is fanciful.

I would recommend this book for any child who loves detailed pictures. There is always something else to be found, no matter how many times a child examines the pages. And, it's a great book for dreamers or kids who don't like to get out of the bath!

This will make you laugh!
When I was in 5th grade, I read King Bidgood's in the Bathtub, and got to hear the tape with it. It was so good, my brother and I would read it constantly. We would even walk to school singing the song (at the top of our lungs, of course!). A great children's book, all in all, with beautiful illustrations. The absurdity of fishing in a tub, going to war in a tub, eating lunch, and even having a royal ball in a bathtub will have you laughing in no time. Get it for the kids in you life, but I bet some adults will like it too!

Fun-filled and Satisfactory for Readers of All Ages
I am 20 and babysit my nephew (he's 3) weekly. I remember reading this book in Elementary School and being captivated by the beautifully done and action packed illustrations. Now it is a favorite of my nephew. The rhythm and pattern of the writing is just as fun to read as it is to listen to. He loves to try to remember every page and always chimes in with "King Bidgood's in the bathtub and he won't get out! Oh who knows what to do?" Kids can relate to this kooky king in wanting to stay in the tub, the story is imaginative and the vocabulary is kid-friendly but also helps kids to learn new words. I appreciate books that don't get old fast because children love to hear favorites again and again. King Bidgood, like Heggledy Pegg is a keeper.

We know what to do!
King Bidgood's in the bath tub and he won't get out cries the page who knows what to do. The queen, the duke the knite and the court all try to get the king out of the bath tub. instead of helping the page, it makes more for for him. Until the page knows what to do, he pulls the plug, glub glub glub! The pictures are beautiful! You have to spend time looking at the pictures because they are so detailed. My so loves this book. It gose in our favorite pile.

Audrey Wood is great
She did it again with this book. A cute story with good illistrations. The only thing I didn't like was that the book was a little dark. I usually like bright vibrant colors. My children enjoy the book and ask me to read it often. ... Read more

Product Description

A hundred years ago, Dies Drear and two slaves her was hiding in his house, an Underground Railroad station in Ohio, had been murdered. The house, huge and isolated, was fascinating, Thomas thought, but he wasn't sure that he was glad Papa had bought it-funny things kept happening, frightening things...The secret of the house is revealed in an exciting final sequence that maintains beautifully the mysterious and dramatic story of a black family caught in an atmosphere of fear and danger. Written with distinction, and imaginative and imposing book. (Bulletin for the Center for Children's Books) ... Read more

Reviews (73)

creeepy book!!
This book is about a family who a move into a house that everybody thinks is haunted. A long time ago it was a house on the Underground Railroad that housed slaves. Two slaves were caught and killed but the third slave escaped. Mr. Pluto is the caretaker and everybody thinks he is very creepy. Thomas soon hears about a rumor that Dies Drear's treasure is somewhere in the house but the Darrow family are after it too.
I would give the book four stars because it is very interesting and the book is easy to read. It is interesting because it talks about mystery. The plot was okay since the beginning kind of dragged on and on but it gets better later on. The story is easy to read. Overall, this was a great book.

House of Dies Drear
This is an excellent book for many readers. Personally, I don't read a great deal, but when I came across this book for a particular class, I was amazed at how quickly I was getting through it. This book was exciting and constantly kept me thinking of what would happen next. There was constant suspense with the haunted house and mysterious openings in the walls. The devilish caretaker also added to the drama in this story. I would encourage others to take the time and enjoy this interesting book.

Dies Drear
I had very high expectations for this book because of all the good comments I heard about it. After I read it, I was VERY disappointed.It was dull and very slow. I had no fun reading it at all. I do not reccomend this book to anyone who enjoys fast-paced and exciting books. It was supposed to be a horror story but turned out to be the opposite.

Jessie From Richview Middle School
This story is about a boy named Thomas and his family, the Smalls, who move int a new house called Dies Drear. This house was used for slaves who wanted to return to savery or escape from it. Many things happen to them where they point to an old that is mysterious, but for a good reason, as the bad guy. Strange things happen to them while they are there, and it panics them because they are worried that something might happen to their family. Mr. Small, Thomas's father, and Thomas try to find their way through this big secret that they know is being kept from them. Finally they capture the old mysterious man and they find out that he isn't the bad guy at all, he was just trying to protect Dies Drear, because he didn't know whether he could trust the Small's or if they were on the other guy's side. He kept the secret of what the winding tunnels under the house held. Together the old man and the Smalls scare off the bad guys, at least for a little while. The old man now knows and trust that the Smalls will kept the treasure of the tunnels safe, so he doesn't have to protect them any more. That is how the story ends.
I like this book because it has a lot a mysery and history to it, and I thought it was really unique. I am not a book-reader, but I can tell you that this book isn't just for people who like to read books it is definitely for every type of book reader. I hope you decide to read this book, because it is a really great book in my opinion.

Taylor From Richview Middle School
This story is about a young boy named Thomas and his family moving to a new house in Ohio. The house that they moved into was known as the House of Dies Drear. Dies Drear was a guy who was in charge of the underground railrad. The underground railroad was used so that slaves could flee to the north and escape slavery. Lets move on to the main plot of the story. The main plot is that the Darrows[ a family] keeps trying to break into the the cave that came with the property of the house. This cave held valubles thst Drear use to own. There was also a guy named Mr. Pluto that lived in the cave so that they could keep up the keep of the cave and to protect it so that no one would steel anything out of it. So once they found out that the Darrows kept trying to steel things they thought of a prank to pull on them. I dont want to give to much a way so t you guys will have to read the book to find out what they do to them. Throughout the book old Mr. Pluto was getting ill so at the end of the story Mr. Pluto gives the belongings to Mr .Small Thomas's dad to look after. I actually really enjoyed this book, and sorry to say but i dont like to read. The book had adventure,mystery, and a little touch of history because of the slavs and all, but other wise I thought the book kept you gussing almost the whole time so that made it a really good. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Richard Carlson has written numerous books encouraging folks not to"sweat the small stuff", and his title for teens is as warm, wise, and witty ashis previous works. His tone is one of an older family friend who manages toadvise while still maintaining the minimum level of coolness that teens requirefrom those who intend to guide them into adulthood.

With 100 different chapters, each just a few pages in length, this littlebook works especially well as a bedside companion or tucked in a backpack forthe morning commute to school. Each chapter is devoted to a single, simple ideasuch as "trust your inner signals" and "root for the underdog," and plenty ofreal-life examples from teens are used to illustrate principles. In the secondchapter, a teen volunteering at an animal shelter is used to show how just oneperson can make a difference, as she takes the time for one more phone call thatresults in saving a dog's life. The concepts are appropriate for both early highschool students and new graduates--who doesn't need an occasional reminder to"be ok with your bad hair day"? Incorporating sports, theater, literature, videogames, teachers, and parents into stories make these examples accessible to kidsof all interests, and a sprinkling of tales from the author's own teenage yearsadds an effective personal note. With plenty of suggestions for addingactivities into a teen's life--volunteer opportunities in particular--your childmay even feel encouraged to seek out new forms of positive expression simply forthe joy of the activity, rather than the old standbys of "my friends are doingit" or "I need it to get into college." --Jill Lightner ... Read more

Reviews (14)

Great For Any Teen
When I first got this book I looked at it as another book with an adult telling you useless ways to keep your cool in weird situations. Then one day I picked it up and I was amazed. The write of this seems to understand our life and doesn't lecture us about how we blow things out of proportion. All the chapters pertained to me and really helped me not to stress out so much. I think I am now a better friend and person from it. He (Richard Carlson, author) really shows us good examples and you remember things from the book as you go. I suggest this for every teen.

STRESS REDUCTION FOR TEENS
If you're "stressed out" and would like to look at ways to be a happier more contented person, you may find something in these pages that ring true for you. The book title indicates "for teens", but anyone could benefit from some of the author's suggestions. For example, when someone is talking, avoid the words, "I know."; or "dare to show enthusiam. Be a volunteer in your community-- find something that you really enjoy doing and do it! - Don't infect your friends with negative thoughts if you're in a low mood.-- Instead of making unkind, caustic comments, stay away from those close to you until you feel better; that way, you don't have to feel guilty, make apologies or re-ignite your stress worrying about any inappropriate hurtful words you might have used --Try some meditation or contemplation or yoga exercises to be more relaxed." Richard Carlson's hypothesis is- if you don't get stressed out about the small things, then dealing with more complex issues becomes easier. The book offers advice without lecturing and the topics are brief. One could read a few pages daily. Highly recommended reading. Quite inspirational, and not just for teens. Contains practical information for anyone

The best advice I've ever been given!
I admit, this was lying on my shelf for two years before I picked it up (almost). Being somewhat hard-headed, I never accepted that someone could tell me how to make life easier. But Mr. Carlson's methods and exmaples put his 100 tips into perspective... and reality. Although not all his examples are good, the principles have certainly helped me through a lot of stressful times, including keeping my cool in arguments with my boyfriend & family. It's a definite must-read for any teenager, and even parents.

*~ Some helpful Tips in this Book*~
I liked this book~ It was easy to read in 101 sections divided up. The only thing I think this book lacked was a teenager's point of view. Unlike Chicken Soup, Teen Love, and Teen Ink, a grown man is writing these tips. He had some good advice but I think some of the tips couldve been made fresher by having some kind of teenager input. Other than that theres many valuable lessons in this book and Richard Carlson did a good job (even if he is grown and not a teenager himself.) I suggest you read it! I'm sure you'll get some kind of help or advice outta it~

much needed
Being the uncle of an out-of-control teen with siblings I felt obligated to provide them with whatever I could without appearing overly concerned. This book fit the bill perfectly. All four kids have read it, each one commenting on it differently. I wish the school system was conscious enough to have "living life" classes in addition to the 3 Rs, you know something that helps kids with real-world issues they face. ... Read more

Book Description

A Prince
and a Pauper

Jemmy, once a poor boy living on the streets, now lives in a castle. As the whipping boy, he bears the punishment when Prince Brat misbehaves, for it is forbidden to spank, thrash, or whack the heir to the throne. The two boys have nothing in common and even less reason to like one another. But when they find themselves taken hostage after running away, they are left with no choice but to trust each other.

Reviews (101)

AWESOME BOOK -MUST READ IT !
This story is about a prince who is bored out of his mind and thinks he should run away from home. This is book is good for people who like funny and short books in grades 4 and up.
Some of the main characters are Hold Your Nose Billy, Jemmy, Prince Brat, Petunia, and Cutwater. Hold Your Nose Billy and Capiton Nips are really mean people who like garlic. They kidnapp Prince Brat and Jemmy. Prince Brat is a boy who you think has a perfect life but he does not think so. He thinks he has a boring life. Petunia is a bear who saves Jemmy and Prince Brats lives.
The main part of the story begins when Prince Brat and Jemmy run away from home and get kidnapped. It is set in a forest and in a palace in an imaginary time long ago.
I think the theme is never run away. Just stay home with your family. Sometimes you don't realize how good you have it. Also, learning to read is very important.

A book about two boys that eventually beome friends.
Hi!I read a book called "The Whipping Boy," by Sid Fleishchman.Do you like a book with humor and suspense,well than this is a book for you!This is a book for 3rd to 4th graders to read and enjoy.This book is about Prince Horace better known as Prince Brat and his own whipping boy named Jemmy.In this book they encounter close calls when they runaway from the castle.I can't tell you what happens at the end,so you will have to read the book to find out.I liked this book because it deals with some real problems and makes you think more about people who are poorer than you are.So the next time you want to read a good novel,go and get "The Whipping Boys!"

Whipping boy
Sid Fleischman's book, "The Whipping Boy" is about a king who will not punish his son so he has another child who gets whipped and punished instead of the prince. The prince deiced one day that he could not take getting in trouble and having the whipping boy get punished for his wrong doings. One night the prince deiced to run away with the whipping boy. On there journey they get captured by "Hold-Your-Nose-Billy," and Cutwater. The criminals deiced that they are going to keep them hostage. Jemmy did not like the prince to much because he had to take all of the punishment for all of those bad things that he did. Since they both got captured they had to become friends with each other, even though jimmy was from the lower class of people and the prince was from the upper class of people they had to get along. The whipping boy thinks of a plan, his plan is to escape to the sewers. The prince on the other hand does not think that it would be a good idea because he has never been in the sewers. The whipping boy has been in the sewers his life before becoming a whipping boy. Jemmy used to trap and sell rats that were in the sewer that does how he now all of the turns and different things. The prince and the whipping boy are trying to get along, become friends, and break though the barriers that are between them. The prince is finding out how Jemmy used to live, also the prince is coming immune to Jemmys life. The prince and the whipping boy are starting to take responsibility for there own actions. The prince does not like how Jemmy used to live. They find interest in each other. The prince is getting used to how Jemmy had to live.
They finally deiced that they have had enough of the kidnapper. Jemmy told the prince to follow me and they went though the tunnels. They finally get away though the tunnel because of how well Jemmy knew the tunnels. The prince did not want to go though the tunnels because he did not think that Jemmy did not know them until Jemmy showed him that he could get through them.
I thought that is was a very good idea for the prince and "The Whipping Boy" finally deiced to run away. I would have not liked being the whipping boy. I liked this book very much and I really do not like to read. I thought that it was easy for younger kids to understand to. I really liked this book.

The Whipping Boy
Sid Fleischman's book The Whipping Boy is a really good book. It is about a prince who got the nick name "Prince Brat" because he is a mischiouf maker because his pranks aren't funny. He has a whipping boy named Jemmy who is smart and clever. One day prince brat runs away and takes Jemmy with him. They don't get far before two cutthroats stop them. One of their names is hold-your-nose-Billy and the other is cutwater. They take Jemmy and "Prince Brat" into their cabin. Jemmy and "Prince Brat" must outwit the two and become friends, except prince brat keeps betraying Jemmy. The adventure will take them through alot of adventure. I recomend buying it.

Enjoyable while including major Social Issues
Sid Fleischman's book, "The Whipping Boy," is about a runaway prince and his whipping boy, who discover adventure on their journey, and surprisingly find friendship in one another. The boys' adventures include them being abducted by two criminals, "Hold-Your-Nose-Billy," and Cutwater. The criminals kidnap the boys and plan to hold them for ransom from the King.
"The Whipping Boy," focuses on the distinctions and differences of social classes throughout the book. These differences are vividly illustrated through Prince Brat (Horace) and Jemmy, the whipping boy. Prince Horace, who is from a high social class and is considered very important, is never whipped. However, Jemmy, who is from a lower class, serves as a, "whipping boy," and takes the punishments for Prince Brat.
However, "The Whipping Boy," also looks at the overcoming of these class barriers. At the beginning of the story, there was a definite difference between the upper class and the lower class. This difference is intensified in the description of the boys escape into the city's sewer. Jemmy, a member of the working class, is well-informed of the tunnels of the sewer because he has spent the early years of his life there, trapping rats and selling them for money. Jemmy seems at ease in the sewer, knowing what direction to take and where to hide. On the other hand, the Prince is very frightened in the tunnels below the city and clings desperately to Jemmy for security. The Prince has never been to the sewers. His life has always been spent in the luxury of the palace walls with everyone at his beck and call.
As the two boys spend more and more time together the Prince slowly begins to become a part of Jemmy's world. The same can be said for Jemmy's whose quick thinking while dealing with the two men helps the boys escape. When Jemmy is mistaken for the prince, he really takes over the role, and the two classes seemed meshed.
During their journey, Prince Horace and Jemmy both become responsible for their own actions. Jemmy, who has been away from his family and on his own for awhile, is prepared when he gets chased and tormented by the two men in the forest. The Prince, on the other hand, has to learn responsibility since he has never had to rely on himself before. At first, the Prince is stubborn and foolish in his actions, but, as time passes and he sees Jemmy for who he really is. It is when the Prince realizes this, that he learns a very important lesson, and the moral of the book. The Prince learns to break down the barriers that hold the two boys apart. The Prince shows a very big step in growth that even some adults have not taken yet. With his maturation, he is able to become true friends with Jemmy, and earn the name Prince Horace.

I really enjoyed how Fleischman is able to take a very serious and real topic, such as class discrimination, and simplify it for a young reader. The author does not make light of the topic, yet he addresses it in such a way that the reader understands and can relate the story to his/her own life. Children that would read or hear this book have most likely already read or heard fairytales that include royalty. However, I think it is rare that a child is given the opportunity to hear the story of the lower class. "The Whipping Boy," gives a vivid explanation and description of the class differences.
This main theme in this book is that friendship should be free of prejudices. "The Whipping Boy," would be an excellent choice in encouraging students to get along with one another no matter what their differences may be. It lays a very good framework for young students who have been or one day will be on the giving or receiving end of discrimination or prejudices without being preachy. The theme is a powerful one, yet the story includes enough adventure to keep the reader interested and engaged. ... Read more

Book Description

In You Know You Love Me, the sequel to Gossip Girl, it's brunette vixen Blair Waldorf's seventeenth birthday, and she knows exactly what she wants-Nate, her studly troubles boyfriend of three years.But Blair's been too busy filling out Ivy League college applications to notice that Nate has found himself another playmate. ... Read more

Reviews (60)

What do I think? -Clark PLC-
Having read the first book in this series, I understand Cecily Von Ziegesar's writing style. I am a fan of how she writes about bizarre occurrences which fall in the way of her characters path of life. By writing mostly about upper-class families, this book is alluring to most teens and I recommend it to all girls who are looking for a fun story. The diverse personalities of Von Ziegesar's characters, makes this novel more dramatic and entertaining to read. The young adults in the book have to deal with many hardships and obstacles to make it through graduating and applying to colleges. They must attend interviews which they aren't quite yet prepared for, and must use wit and charm to overcome the slack and nerves that they have gathered. Dan, a writer who is too involved in his up scaled girlfriend Serena, plays a big role in this story while being not as well-off as his companions. Other than having to deal with Dan's emotional poems, Serena must try to bring back her lost relationship with her old best friend while being stuck with her after a horrible wedding of an imperfect couple. Throughout this climactic novel, all characters must find a way to be victorious in their strenuous battles of being a graduated teen.

A complete guilty pleasure!
After a stressful junior year full of books like The Scarlet Letter, The Great Gatsby, and The Grapes of Wrath, I was eager to fill my summer with some lighter literature. I found the first Gossip Girl book (...)and read it about five times. After what seemed like an endless wait, the second novel came out, and I ate it up. Although you may not want to do your AP English 4 book report on it, You Know You Love Me is an awesome book if you're into gossip, money, shopping, scandal, and relationships (and who isn't???). The storyline, about a group of devious high society New York kids, may not relate to many people, but that's why we love it so much! However, I WAS able to relate to some of the things the characters are going through, especially their college applications and interviews (...). I would definitely reccomend this book, and the first Gossip Girl, to any teenage girl who's looking for a book that will make you smile but not make you think too hard.

Another great and addicting Gossip Girl novel!
This great book in the series was so addicting, I literally couldn't put it down. I took it everywhere with me! The lives of our favorite Upper East side teens get even more intense and realtionships really start to get interesting in Gossip Girl #2. These books just bring out the gossiper within us all.Keep reading, I know I can't wait to get my hands on the next one!

Gossip Girl at her best
The title, YOU KNOW YOU LOVE ME, is most likely derived from the way Gossip Girl signs her web posts on her site, gossipgirl.net. All the fans know this!

Blair may be bitchy but she does have the most depth out of all the characters - and she is bright, unlike...

...Nate, who acts like an utter jerk at Mrs. Waldorf's wedding, the worst day of Blair's life, a time when she reallllly needs some support. He takes it up with Jenny Humphrey, a stalker freshman at Constance Billard, a prestigous all-girls school where she gawks at and aspires to be the kinds of girls Blair and Serena Van der Woodsen already are without any effort required on their parts. All Nate does is smoke weed and he expects to get into Brown because his interviewer convinced him to apply early action. So suddenly, right before the application date, he's completely diligent and absorbed with his school work. Nate is instantly drawn to Jenny because he feels he doesn't need to strive to impress her, which is the opposite of the state of his relationship with Blair.

Serena is no longer the leper she was in book one. Nope. Now she is officially cool again, despite the fact Blair hates her guts. Now that Serena is herself again, boys flock to her as if they have been beckoned. She is beautiful, graceful, and lithe, just like a delicate nymph. Still, she is the source of a lot of Blair Waldorf's anger and frustrations, especially with her constant nonchalant and carefree attitude. She too wants Brown admission. She too has mediocre grades. So she figures she'll win the film festival and show Brown she's something more. With Vanessa Abrahms, film lover and admirer of Dan, who once swooned over Serena (romantic triangle!!!), things work out in Serena's favor. Even if they didn't, you know she'd persevere. And if Brown doesn't want to accept her, "&@#$ it!" as her hot older brother and Brown enrollee, Erik, tells her.

Dan is pathetic. He writes poetry expressly for Serena, all about his "love" for her. Alas, Serena wants no more than friendship. Dan and Vanessa get together over his caffeine and nicotine fix, and suddenly, everything is peachy and Serena is old news. I love how GG's pressing issues are always solved, if not in the first, then usually by the next. Except for...

...Blair's Yale admission. It's her father's alma mater. Blair is gorgeous and has brains to boot. She could probably even do Harvard if she felt like it. But she only has eyes for Yale, which is a shame since she totally screwed up her interview. Of course, she can always blame her stepbrother, Aaron, being he had her in a cheesy motel room eating Chee-tos and chocolate bars and didn't wake up (and wake her up) until a half hour before the very interview began. Still, she can't blame Aaron for the fact she KISSED HER INTERVIEWER! ::ouch::

Aaron is laid back and Ivy League bound. The son of fat and rosacea-faced Cyrus Rose, his existence thrives on herbal cigarettes. He's a good character addition to the series and although Blair seems to loathe his existence at first, by the end of the book, she's coming around to being okay with him, in the tiniest way imaginable, that is.

Now for Mrs. Waldorf's wedding to homely Cyrus! Everyone has a part in it, whether it be a guest or a maid of honor, like Serena, Kati Farkas, and Isabel Coates. Everyone will be there, including the staff of Vogue magazine, to take pics for an upcoming issue. Blair seemingly at first has no support or a way to channel her teen angst and anguish over the fact her mother is marrying a rich nitwit. Rich, yet a nitwit nonetheless. Nate is no help, as he totally blows her off and then goes off to smooch with Jenny behind her back. Mrs. Waldorf herself is urging Blair Cornelia Waldorf to become Blair Cornelia Waldorf-Rose. Until Serena finds her amidst a hysterical sobbing fit, complete with mascara-laced tears, it seems as if Blair is destined for doom.

I love that Blair and Serena rekindle their friendship in Blair's time of need. You knew their reconciling was going to pop up sooner or later. Everything usually does go right in the world of Gossip Girl. :) Read this one. Von Ziegesar has her great and okay Gossip Girl books and I have yet to hate an installment of the series. This second book is one of the better novels!

You know you love me is the best book ever!
The book You know you love me was the best. My friend Kelly told me about it while we were talking so I decided to give it a try. I am a senior in high school so many of the things that Blair and Serena experienced I may have to experience sooner or later that's why the book was helpful to me. In New York it seems a lot different than California, I understand that the girls attend private school but there is still a big difference in schools. I attend Narbonne High School in Harbor City, California and, there are still 'cool' people and then there are the losers. At my school there is "DA POLE" where all the cool people hang out and well every where else is just there. I hang out there and I don't think that I'm a better person because of it I really enjoy the attention at times. At other times it can be rather frustrating. Buying a pair of jeans one week and the next four other girls have them I hate that. I am sure Blair has gone through that plenty of times. But that is the least of her worries in this book. With Nate cheating on her with a younger girl that has to hurt. All of this at the most important time in her life, her mother is remarrying, her father is Gay and she is ready to lose her virginity. My instincts tell me that she is glad she made the decision that she did. With this book now being my favorite now I would recommend it to anyone whom loves gossip. Sure no one loves gossip when it's about him or her but who doesn't like to hear a good story from time to time. Read it, it will change the way you look at things. It definitely changed me! ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (5)

The Best Children's Books Ever!
My elementary school library had seven of M. Sasek's "This Is" books. They were simply magical to me as a child. I used to always have at least one checked out. I believe I set a record for most consecutive weeks of having a single book checked out with "This Is Washington DC". I have since collected 17 of the 18 "This Is" books as an adult. They are still magical. The books portray an optimism that is missing in today's world. Sasek's beautiful artwork is bright and cheery. Anyone who is a fan of Mary Blair and her style of art would love Sasek's artwork. The books are just as enjoyable for adults as well as children. There is a ton of tongue-in-cheek humor that I never got as a child. The books are sure to strike the spirit of adventure for any youngster. I am looking forward to reading these books to my child when he gets old enough.

The amazing thing about "This Is New York" is that it still captures the spirit and vitality of New York today. It would make an excellent addition to any book collection, child or adult.

Fantastic children's book
These books by Miroslav Sasek were possibly my most beloved books as a child. I am thrilled that 2 of the series are being reprinted. His illustrations are charming and timeless. I used to pour over these books wondering what these cities would be like. I'm hoping that This is Paris and This is London will follow.

REPRINT SASEK, PLEASE!
Sasek's classic works belong in bookstores right next to Tintin and Madeline and Babar. They are as informative as entertaining for children, and adults. I notice that Amazon lists quite a few Sasek titles: missing is This Is Venice and This is Texas. Anyone notice any other missing titles?

I want the whole series! In Hardcover!
When I was a kid in the '60s I used to soak up Sasek's books in the school library. His books would spring me from the daily salt-mine that was my school and take me all over the world outside. Even today they're stamped into my brain, fr