Book Description

Stargirl. From the day she arrives at quiet Mica High in a burst of color and sound, the hallways hum with the murmur of “Stargirl, Stargirl.” She captures Leo Borlock’s heart with just one smile. She sparks a school-spirit revolution with just one cheer. The students of Mica High are enchanted. At first.

Then they turn on her. Stargirl is suddenly shunned for everything that makes her different, and Leo, panicked and desperate with love, urges her to become the very thing that can destroy her: normal. In this celebration of nonconformity, Newbery Medalist Jerry Spinelli weaves a tense, emotional tale about the perils of popularity and the thrill and inspiration of first love.

... Read more

Reviews (468)

A girl at her best.
Star Girl, written by Jerry Spinelli, is a wonderful fiction novel. It is a story about a girl in Arizona who has just come from home schooling to the town's high school. Her name is Stargirl and she has a lot of interesting qualities about her. She wears different clothing then most girls and acts completely different also. She even has a pet rat named Cinnamin. One day in school a boy catches her eye. Even though she is so different there is something about her that he can't stop thinking about. At first she is lonely, then she joins the cheerleading squad and suddenly she was one of the most popular girls in school. Then she does something that makes the cheerleaders turn their backs on her and then she is unpopular again. This boy keeps on seeing and likes her a lot. They finally make it public that they like each other and then before you know it, everyone is interested on how their relationship will work. The ending in this book is amazing. So read the book to find out what happens to Stargirl and her pet rat, Cinnamin.

Thank you, Mr. Spinelli...
Unlike many of the other reviews I will not summarize the plot as well, but give a public thank you to Mr. Spinelli for such a poignant story. Having just finished the audio version, I must applaud both the verbal performance (by John Ritter, excellent choice and we miss him dearly) and the excellent content.

As an adult reader, it caused me to reflect on my years in high school and remember, with some embarrassment, my need to conform and not rock the boat of popularity. I feel the book goes much beyond the surface story, touching on the deep human need to make a difference in other people's lives. Unfortunately, that longing is often lost early in life - the need for acceptance takes center stage and rarely gives up the spotlight.

This story made me laugh and cry, and shall join the short list of books I would take with me if ever stranded on a desert island. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Those wanting more of Mr. Spinelli's excellent work should also read the audio book Loser, performed superbly by Steve Buscemi.

I hope you're still out there, Stargirl. Please keep your eye on me, too.

To conform or not to conform, that is the question.
Stargirl, with a name like that she would have to be an original and she is. No one at Mica High has ever met anyone so non-conformant to the group norm. Stargirl sings happy birthday to student in the cafeteria while playing her ukulele. She drops money on the sidewalk for little kids to find. She cheers for BOTH teams at sports tournaments. Can anyone this selfless and caring survive the pressure to "follow the unwritten school rules" of behavior? Will her individuality be squashed or will the town of Mica, Arizona never be the same?

Karen Woodworth-Roman

*GIRL*
WOW! I got this book in a small book shop in an upstate town. It had an interesting cover and so i thought it would be interesting. I believe in the phrase "you cant judge a book by its cover". So i thought i would give it a shot. I read it in one day!!! I was shocked when i found out that it was narrorated by a boy. Usually girls narerate. Besides the point... It is a great book about how a boy falls in love with a girl who is not what everyone else is. When the whole school stops liking Stargirl, Leo is torn between stargirl and the school. It is a great book about how being different has its ups and its downs. It showed me that being different is something that everyone should try and that not following the croud is something that is not always a good thing. It tought me how to be different in a good way.

Making Conformity Unpopular
I'm not the biggest fan of Spinelli. Although he's a wonderfully artistic writer, his works usually depress me. He has changed my mind with his book, "Stargirl". Reading the book, I recognized the pressures for conformity not only from my high school days, but even now, during my lasT years of college. I both wanted to be and hated the character Stargirl. She's everything we SHOULD be, but never come close to becoming. I hope this book doesn't remain in the young adult circle, but spreads to the adult section as well. A winner. ... Read more

Amazon.com

What if the ruling teen queens at your school really were, well, witches? And not the Glinda the Good kind, either. Lauren Myracle assumes this sinister premise in the darkly humorous Rhymes with Witches. High school freshman Jane is more than plain -- she’s practically invisible. And she longs for nothing more than to join the ranks of the Bitches, the top female echelon at school. But the Bitches are selective, and only one girl from each class is chosen to rule supreme. So Jane is puzzled but ecstatic when the Bitches name her their freshman successor. Soon she is being worshipped by all kinds of beautiful people who didn’t even know her name last week. But as Jane soon realizes, it isn’t easy being a Bitch. She is informed by her new "sisters" that there are certain sacrifices to be made -- sacrifices that could wreck high school havoc and ruin lives.Is Jane willing to do anything to stay on the top of the popularity heap? Or will she risk it all to save innocent others from the clutching claws of the Bitches? Part I Know What You Did Last Summer and part Heathers, Rhymes with Witches builds slowly, but the incredibly creepy climax will leave many female readers glancing nervously over their shoulders at the so-called popular set. Meow! (Ages 12 and up) --Jennifer Hubert ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Disappointing and unrealistic view of high school girls
I was really looking forward to reading this book but it was such a disappointment!Don't expect a realistic view of high school girls' search for popularity and the mistreatment of those who don't fit in.This is a hokey play on witchcraft (trying to catch the Harry Potter crowd?) and popularity.It's too cheesey to be scary or disturbing & it's just plain silly without being humorous.
This is definitely NOT "Mean Girls" or like it, & I'm not sure why the group of girls are called "The Bitches" when they are not really mean or cruel to everyone at school.They even rotate having lunch with all the different groups just so they can continue to be adored!
The plot is just so unbelievable and unrealistic it's almost insulting.Don't waste your money on this one! (Check it out from a library if you're still curious)

Rhymes with Witches
This is a really great book for girls. It has an exciting plot and is about a freshman in high school and there is a group called the Bitches, they are the most popular people in school everyone likes them and everyone wants to be like them. Jane is invisible no one notices her and she desperatley wants to be part of the Bitches, and unexpectedly they invite her to be one of them. Alicia and Rae tell her they're bad news but she doesn't listen, she becomes popular, but she finds out mysterious secrets about the Bitches.
It's kind of sad you could say the way she becomes invisible at the end and how Alicia and her aren't friends anymore but Jane learns a lot in the end and isn't sad about her life, she learns to live life to it's fullest, and to face each day with courage and determination

Best book I've read since "How I Live Now."
"Rhymes with Witches," is the best book I've read this year, since Meg Rosoff's "How I Live Now." I was so blown away by Rosoff's book, which I read toward the end of January, I couldn't imagine finding another book I liked as much, so soon.

The story becomes progressively seductive, and much darker than I had envisioned, after hearing Lauren Myracle read a passage from an early chapter, last week (April 21) at a large bookstore in Brooklyn.

The ending lacks the weight of character transformation that Rosoff's book serves up. And I'm not sure how much Jane, the main character, finds true independence, as a result of her experiences. But, among the wishy-washy, implausible plots and shallow voices currently flooding the teen pink market, Lauren Myracle's writing is a joy to read: her voice is dead-on, and she knows how to create a page turner. I read "Rhymes with Witches" in two sittings. ... Read more

Reviews (41)

A Bad Case of Stripes
Camilla Cream absolutely loves lima beans. She won't eat them because it's not cool to eat lima beans. She will do anything just to fit in. On the first day of school Camilla woke up with different colored stripes all over her body. After being covered with stripes came stars, polka dots, and checkerboards. Camilla's classmates notice what is going on and they call out different designs and Camilla's skin reacts. All sorts of specialists come to Camilla's rescue but nothing seems to work. In the end, an environmental therapist gives Camilla directions to become one with her room and that is precisely what Camilla does. Her eyes become pictures on the wall and her lips become the bed. An old lady then comes and has the remedy for Camilla, lima beans.
The illustrations in this book are amazing. The illustrations are very creative and complete the text to the fullest. The details in the text along with the illustrations will definitely attract young readers. This is such a creative story line to teach such a simple lesson; that it is okay to be different. I would recommend this book for ages 5-9.

A great read aloud!
This is a great read aloud for any age. I read it to my sixth graders and my third graders and both classes loved this book. David Shannon has done it again. In this book he teaches a lesson of knowing who we are and not following the crowd. The main character, Camilla Cream is worried about what to wear the first day of school, as she has so many friends to impress. After trying on forty-two outfits she looks in the mirror and screams. She has broken out with a bad case of stripes. This is a hillarious story of what Camilla has to go through with her case of stripes. Davis Shannon's illustrations add so much to the story. The cover itself will attract readers. I have decided that David Shannon is my new favorite author and illustrator. I highly recommend this book.

fine for the easily frightened
I have a four year old daughter who is easily frightened (we can't read Goldilocks and the Three Bears in our house), but she is more than okay with this book. In fact, it is one of her favorites. Some have complained that the artwork is creepy and disturbing. But I think it is different and attention grabbing. David Shannon is a talented artist and his story about nonconformity definitely gets the point across. This is not the same old book all over again. It is fresh and interesting and both my children love it.

A lesson on conformity
Beautifully illustrated lesson on conformity. Teaches kids to adhere to their true selves and their own wishes versus that of others. Seems obvious to most grown ups, but my kids identified with "giving up something you like without even thinking about it" theme. Good day for lima beans.

My kids can't get enough of this book
This is the most popular book with my three children. Anytime they see it at the library, they have to check it out. I have read this to them many, many times, and they never get tired of reading it. ... Read more

Book Description

You know that couple that was obviously meant for each other, and everybody knew it, except them? That`s Yukino and Soichiro, the two top students in school, who are capable of anything other than a normal relationship. Still, despite all they`ve been through, it seems they could finally be getting together.But now, the school`s token pretty boy, Hideaki, is intent on wedging himself in between them, for reasons they can`t begin to imagine. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Where Do We Go From Here?
Yukino and Soichiro have sparred, coming to a mutual understanding of each other. They have both seen the cracks in each others' facade of effortless perfection, but still face a long road ahead on their journey together.

Masami Tsuda has crafted the first volume of a series that could redefine shoujo manga. That said, the sudden jump to another unrelated short tale in volume 1 hints at creative discord that could unravel Kare Kano.

Where do we go from here?

In both cases, the right direction. Kare Kano volume 2 naturally progresses the relationship between Yukino and Soichiro at a pace that allows for real relationships to form. Bringing in the character of Hideaki as their foil is a classic but effective plot development that really adds to the Kare Kano universe.

Tsuba recovers from her temporary creative block and delivers another great volume. Her creativity has settled into a groove, and this edition feels a lot more natural than volume 1. The artwork has also relaxed nicely, and flows smoothly from panel to panel.

If you've read this far, chances are you own the first Kare Kano book. You've experienced the engrossing story, engaging characters and perfect blend of wit and wariness in the dialogue.

Why are you still reading this?

Kare Kano: unique, interesting, and fun
Yukino always wanted to be the top student at her school, but then Soiichiro shows up and tops her score without even wanting to be the top student or so she thinks. She has tried too hard too be the best student just to get all of her class mates attention that she is not about to let someone come in and screw it up for her, there is only one problem she didn't expect that wile trying to get him back for besting her in exams she falls in love with him and soon loses the will to be the bast in class.

I love this manga Tsuda is very unique. The manga is drawn in both realistic and chibi form which helps discribe the emotions of the characters very well. In every manga so far there has been one short extra story that is just a quick little story that is fun to read. The last thing that is unique about this manga is the little things that Tsuda puts in her manga that talk a little about what she likes and how she feels when she wrote the manga, this makes the book cute and funny. The bottom line is that the book has a strong story line, realistic characters, a unique style and a couple of extras along the way. If you are a romance book fan I would recomend this book to you, if not you might as well pic up the first on to see what you think because it is still a good book.

Settling into teen romance mode
Our heroes think about why they love each other--not a lot of action, more reflection--Arima has to be one of the prettiest boys in manga. Minor conflict as we meet Hideaki, Miyazawa's rival for maybe 10 pages(he wants Arima to help him score a bunch of girls), but then he becomes a regular feature as each lover runs into him, observe the same thing about him, commenting on it in their own way(Arima's usually involves reprimands for not studying) & leaves before the other arrives. The artist's comics of her trials making the book are cute, as are all the chibi versions. ... Read more

Book Description

There's nothing wrong with Wilma Sturtz. She's perfectly nice. But nobody cares about nice at Claverford, her middle school. Wilma is left out, forgotten, ignored -- until she meets an extraordinary old lady who grants a wish: for Wilma to be the most popular kid in school. Presto! Everything changes. Now Wilma has more best friends than she can keep track of and forty dates to the Graduation Night Dance; and someone is writing her love poetry. What more could she want? Nothing! But will it last? How can Wilma make sure she is never unpopular again?

From Gail Carson Levine, author of the Newbery Honor book Ella Enchanted, this modern-day fairy tale shows a very real girl in a very unusual predicament, and along the way it reveals some painful truths about whether or not we really want to be liked for who we are.

Books for the Teen Age 2001 (NYPL)

Reviews (94)

The Wish: An Enchanting Tale
The Wish by Gail Carson Levine is an enchanting tale of a young pre-teen who yearns to have friends. Wilma has been totally ignored in her junior high school for a while. The only true friend Wilma has is her dog, Reggie. She is a charming and pretty young girl whose selfless nature earns her one wish. The wish she chooses is to be the most popular person at Claverford school. The book is about Wilma's experiences with her new found popularity. She has to make many crucial decisions and learn who she really is, and what she stands for. She also learns about the value of honesty, friendship, and true love. This book is a wonderful tale for junior high students (especially girls). There are characters and events that every student will be able to relate to. We highly recommend the book to teachers and to counselors. Although The Wish is fictional, it is highly entertaining and there are very valid issues that can be discussed within a junior high classroom.

Wanting More
The Wish
By: Gail Carson Levine
Reviewed by: M. Law
Period: 1

Wilma Sturtz used to have no friends. But when an old lady offers her a wish, she wishes to be the most popular girl at Claverford. Suddenly she is surrounded with popular people that she had once dreamed of associating with. She now has forty dates to Grad night, and a secret admirer that is writing her love poetry. Wilma really ended up getting exactly what she wished for. But then Wilma discovers that she may only have sixteen more days of school, and only sixteen more days of popularity.
I really enjoyed this book because it really relates to real life. There really are a lot of kids out there that are like Wilma before she gets her wish and lots of kids that are like Wilma after she gets her wish. Before the wish, Wilma Sturtz was very unpopular. She was often ignored or treated unrespected. But after the wish, she was popular even if she couldn't use chopsticks or rollerblade. She was popular no matter what.
I really disliked the part in the story when Wilma and her boyfriend would kiss and sort of make out because she was after all only thirteen. It isn't really common when an 8th grader has had her or his first kiss. I think Wilma and Jared kissed way too much.
The two funniest parts in the story was when Wilma brings her dog to the sleepover and the dog pees, and when her teacher reads her about being a dog. I started laughing out loud it was so funny. These were my favorite parts because I like books that make me laugh. This book did exactly that. This has been the best book I have ever read. It is my favorite book.

Decent
This book was OK. I thought it started out pretty well, and it stayed well untill about the last 1/4 of the book. After that everything got a bit shakey and kind of stupid. I guess its for a younger age group than myself, Im 17. Usually I enjoy books like this but this time i just though it was a little but too, uummm, picture perfect. It to me was just kind of a stilly ending. If you decide to read this book you will see what I mean. I give Gail props for the begining, I think the begining was awsome, it just seemed like she threw together the end. But dont take my oppinion, its a decent book and its work 6 bucks I guess. Give it a try.

It was okay...I guess
When I first added this book to my favorites I thought it would be pretty good. It started out really funny with the dog essay and what not, and I could really relate to Wilma how she felt she was so alone. I loved how she loved dogs and *almost* obsessed over them. After she made "the wish" the book turned to a very predictable turn. I noticed what she said for her wish would backfire right aways, and other things like who her boyfriend was going to be but the ending was a just desserts. I found that Wilma picked a very incredibly shallow wish and she got what she deserved at the end. And the description? New york was accurate but did I really need to know all about Wilma's boyfriends "rules" with such description? Well, all-in-all this is a good book for a ninth grader or a kid in middle school, a hopeless romantic, but not immature people or high school kids, or adults. It was hard to put down *at first*, but when it got near the end, it got pretty lame. I'm only giving it three stars for the beginning and middle but near the end of the book gets 2 to 1 stars. Just another average preteen drama.

The Wish
The Wish comes true!

Imagine a book about a teenage girl who is unpopular at her middle school and only has a
few friends. Her only dream is to be popular at school. One day she is on the subway on the way to school, and she sees an old lady on the subway trying to find seat, but they are all taken. Wilma decides to give her seat up to the old lady. The lady is so appreciative that she offers to grant Wilma a wish. Wilma thinks this old lady is out of her mind, so she says no thank you. The lady insists, so Wilma makes her wish to be popular.

When I read this book, I felt like I was there, right smack- dab in the middle of all of the chaos that was going on in Wilma's, the main character's, life. I liked the way Levine described each of the characters and the way Wilma thought about each one of them.

Wilma was an unpopular teenage girl who wished to be popular more than anything. I liked the theme that Levine chose for this book because it was realistic and that is one of the only things that goes on in this book. Who can believe that one day a girl is not popular and then she meets and old lady on the subway who grants her wish to be popular and "poof!" All of a sudden the next day she is popular.

It is a little bit too unimaginable. If an author is going to write a fantasy book, I think all of the characteristics of the book should be fantasy; it is way too hard to imagine the things that happen in a fantasy book actually happening in real life. ... Read more

Book Description

After the collapse of her parents' marriage, Mimi Schulman leaves her mother in Houston to look after her befuddled photographer father in New York. Too preoccupied with family problems to think much about her new life, Mimi's first hour at The Baldwin School—an institution where teachers offer psychoanalysis in lieu of grades and students hold cocktail parties in the bathroom between classes—leaves her spinning.

When Sam, her childhood best friend, bets her she can't befriend the "cool girls," Mimi accepts the challenge, only to discover that social climbing in New York is no easy task. Fitting in with the blond, all-American popular girls back in Texas was nothing compared to joining Baldwin's clique of raccoon-eyed waifs.

Rubbing shoulders with the offspring of diplomats and celebrities, all with secrets and dysfunctions that put her own domestic worries to shame, Mimi finds herself in one bizarre situation to the next—a fake-ID deli, a topless bar, a jacuzzi in Trump Tower—and in the position of winning a bet that threatens to make her lose sight of herself.

A coming-of-age story about friendship and betrayal, about brutal honesty and its consequences, The Rise and Fall of a 10th-Grade Social Climber is a novel with heart and a wicked sense of humor. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Great teen fiction
This book is based upon my high school, so I couldn't resist, even though it's hardly aimed at my age group. I have to admit it was a total guilty pleasure getting through it. I enjoyed every word. It was a great story, loads of fun to read, and completely
well conceived. The characters ring true, and tackle real emotional issues, all the while the tone remains fun enough that it's a page-turner. Honestly, I'm looking forward to the next one in the series.

Review by Susannah 14 years old
I read this book and found it fascinating! I would recommend this book to all teenagers. This book is different from most teen fiction because most teen fiction books have unrealistic endings or the main character has amazing good luck. In this book, the reader can relate to the character. This book was also suspenseful. I could not put it down, it was a page-turner. It influenced and inspired me for my first year in high school. Like any girl entering a new school, I was worried who I would hang out with. I am more comfortable and not as nervous now that I have read this book. ... Read more

Book Description

You know that couple that was obviously meant for each other, and everybody knew it, except them? That's Yukino and Soichiro, the two top students in school, who are capable of anything other than a normal relationship. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Just like anime, but manga came first!
I can't recommend Kare Kano enough! And this third book in the series is awesome! This book introduces Maho, a girl in Yukino's class who doesn't like her and knows she's the vanity queen! What's going to happen?!!(I know, but you have to read to find out, I wouldn't want to spoil it!) The anime is just like the manga, but you should watch that (It's fantastic!) and read the manga b/c the manga came first and it has extra stories!! Have fun!! ... Read more

Reviews (17)

Manga Romance, Modestly Real
You're scanning Amazon's summary, looking for something; a hook or a gimmick, something that screams "This is a romance manga!" Could it be that the girl is masquerading as a guy, and has attracted the hunky school athlete? Maybe an angel has taken human form, and is learning to deal with human emotion?

Instead, Kare Kano introduces us to two students who seem perfect on the outside, but have deeper issues within. "Oh. What exactly makes this special?"

Fresh, funny and full of life, Kare Kano is a manga that is special through sincerity. Tsuda has breathed life into a genre too often saddled by cliches and craziness with writing that captivates. Yukino and Soichiro are paradoxical characters, both exceptional and yet normal like the rest of us.

Pencils fit the book perfectly, sleek and stylish but still warm. The art reflects the storytelling sensibilites; we're given what we need, and free to impose what we want onto Yukino and Soichiro's story.

This initial volume starts off with...no, you can read a plot synopsis elsewhere. Casual and dedicated fans alike; buy it and try it: you won't regret getting Kare Kano.

Sorry, didn't like it.
Many people talked so much about this book. All good. I don't mean that it wasn't, but it didn't live up to all the hype. The artwork was wonderful, no doubt. You have to have something to draw you in beside artwork, and Kare Kano didn't do it for me. It wasn't was wonderful as everyone says. Kare Kano isn't one of my favorites.

The story was not very appealing. The characters left no lasting impression on me. They were bland. Nothing note worthy. They are suppose to be perfect and than we are suppose to be so surpise when they aren't. I wasn't connected or enaged in the story. Last chapter and story was the only one that intrigued me.

I haven't seen the anime and don't plan to after reading the manga.

Not Exactly Up to the Hype
I read the Kare Kano series through book 7 before I broke down and couldn't take it anymore. I ended up selling my series back to Half-Price books for like a dollar per volume. T_T However, I have legitimate reasoning behind my dislike for this series.

First of all, the art at most points of the book is really badly drawn. There are some scenes that I imagine were color pages at one point, and are really beautiful, but those are few and far between. The art on the cover is not the art you get within, so that was a huge let-down.

Secondly, the characters for the most point are really annoying. You know what? I don't care about a perfect protagonist and her quest to become "normal". As far as I saw, she never really improved herself. She's still as uptight and whiney as she was in the first volume. Also, her boyfriend's dilemma is really...well, cheesily portrayed, for the most part. I guess he has these inner demons, but they are so out of place in this quiet, subtle shoujo series. If you want to see a well-fleshed out pretty boy character battle family problems and inner demons, check out Kyo in Alice 19th.

Last of all, the dialogue was...just terrible, for the most part, especially the inner dialogue that Yukino has. I don't know if it was a poor translation or what, but it had me skipping pages to get to the next big plot point, and I never do that in manga. The story also takes awkward twists and turns. I mean, one minute Yukino is marveling over her first kiss and date with her boyfriend, and all of a sudden they're having sex for the first time? There was like, zero build-up to that point, unless you count when her boyfriend sighs "I want her." Wow.

If you want to read a good school-yard shoujo romance that is long and well-developed, take a look at MARS (which just came out with a cool prequel) or Marmalade Boy.

She was perfect...
She was the number one student in her class. She was the best at everything and always willing to help. She was pretty and smart. And a total fake. She did it for the grades and for the praise.
Then he came. He was just as smart, handsome and well liked. And he seemed to do it without a problem, as if he wasn't even trying.
Here are the first three chapters of the manga kare kano, also known as his and her circumstances. Serious, funny, painful and so real it really seems to touch our memories of what school was REALLY like.
This volume also holds a stand-alone story, kind of the manga's extra you might say, called The Tiger and The Chameleon. It is a VERY touching story all by itself.
It has been pointed out that the events in the anime ends at volume 8, but the manga goes on, so I plan to collect as many of the manga volumes as I can to see what's going to happen beyond the anime's ending. Masami Tsuda is a great artist and really seems to understand the human heart.

A little bit rushed.(...)
I had thought about reading this manga for a long time, and finally, I did. Although, I didn't expect to much of it. And I guess that's a good thing too.

Kare Kano is not a manga, the problem I have however, with the first volume, is how rushed it is. In fact if it would've taken 2 or 3 volumes for what happened in volume 1 to happen, it would've been much better. Because the change that happens between Arima and Yukino just happens to quickly. It doesn't seem very natural. I guess I might just be a bit used to drawn out mangas like "Hana Yori Dango(Boys Over Flowers), and such, but still.

Other then that, I think its good. I do like the concept of the whole "hidden lives" thing. Because for most of the human race we act completely different at home then we do around the general public. Although in this it is brought to an extreme level.

In Kare Kano we have Yukino, a girl who strives for the compliments of other, and therefore lives for hard work and over achievement. At home she mopes around in sweats, a bandana, and glasses, but in school she's "miss perfect". Her level of perfection is becoming eclipsed by Arima whom is the same at home as he is in public, because he not only wants the public to see him as perfection, but his family as well.

I'm sure you can guess where its heading, so I wont go on. But just because Volume 1 does not really live up to expectations, it does not mean you should'nt read on, it does get better. So, if you're expecting something super deep, don't look here. However, if you want an escape, look no further then "Kare Kano".

God Bless & *enjoy* ~Amy ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Great, Funny and Interesting
The book Red Post is an interesting and funny book. The book is about this kid that was playing wall ball and the ball went over the line. Then the kid he was playing against caught it but he said that it didn't go over the line. Then another kid said it went over the line. Then the kid that thought it went over the line, told Marvin to shut up because you were not watching, you were over there picking your nose. After that every body started to laugh. He said that he was not picking his nose and they all kept on laughing at him. The next day he figured out something and at school he kept on asking every body if they heard about what happened yesterday and he told every body that he didn't pick his nose, everybody kept laughing at him because he kept on reminding them. Then his own friends would not play with him any more.

The book's message is that if you're doing something don't say anything because they might catch you they will tell everybody and they could embarrass you. If they catch you do not ask everybody if they heard about yesterday because they will start laughing and you are the one that is reminding them about it, so don't tell them.

My opinion is that this is a good book. I liked it I think it is an interesting book and I would read it again. There were a lot of funny parts and it was a real cool book. I liked the book a lot.

Adoptabook.Info Review
Louis Sachar, possessing tremendous range as a children1s lit master, bring us the Marvin Redpost series---smartly designed for the mid-second grade reader. The second in a now lengthy series, Sachar has poor Marvin---a likable rolly-polly sort of lead---embroiled in controversy. When a close call in a Wallball game leads to verbal sparring, a yard bully accuses Marvin of committing that most grievous of all elementary school sinsÐpicking your nose. Naturally, such an accusation makes for wildfire gossip around school and soon it seems the entire world (even Marvin1s teacher) seems to believe a most disgusting truth about our hero. Marvin1s solution for his way out of this mess is a brilliant stroke of psychology (and comic writing) and serves to illustrate some basic truths about being human. Not splashing on the same sort of wackiness as in his Wayside School pallet, Sachar offers up an easy ironic touch in the Marvin Redpost series.

The Marvin Redpost series is an ideal beginning Adopt-a-Book, blending approachable vocabulary with a straight-forward, yet sage storyline There is one Stumper that may be particularly helpful to kids, arising when Marvin1s teacher pens her report card comments. Another in a fine series that may hook kids on Marvin after they sample some as Adopt-a-Books...

Don¿t pick on Marvin ¿cuz we all do it!
Let's face it, kids can be cruel. Marvin Redpost goes to 3rd grade where kids are kids and adults sometimes don't investigate the situation completely.

While playing ball, Marvin is accused of picking his nose by the class bully. Like most bullies, he is just looking for something to taunt Marvin with and nose picking happens to be it. Of course, Marvin wasn't, and of course, it upsets him. He tries to stand up for himself, but everyone is so caught up in how funny-gross it is that no one is listening. The trouble starts with neither Marvito the wound. Very soon, Martin himself, now friendless, begins believing that he's a disgusting person. That is, until inspiration strikes and he finds out that we're really all very much alike (I'll not spoil the ending for you!!)

Sachar has done a tremendous job of taking the subject of bullying and elementary school obsession and putting it into a very readable form for young children. Bullies will bully and try to turn everyone against that one poor soul they don't care for at any chance they get. What often gives them more power, oddly enough, is the victim denying the bully's accusation; in this case, Marvin vehemently saying that he DOESN'T pick his nose. By Marvin constantly talking about it, he's actually feeding into the situation without knowing it. Better in these cases to ignore it and let it drop.

However, most elementary school children don't realize the power of ignoring mean comments like that or realize that the person doing the bullying will soon get bored with the whole thing if you don't respond. Though this tactic wasn't taken in "Why Pick on Me?", it's still a good suggestion for the "alternative solution" crowd who may use this in schools.

Sachar also treats the subject matter with tact, knowing that nose picking can reduce a class to screams of "eeeeew!" in a heartbeat. He doesn't add unnecessary details about the act, but nor does he shy away from it. Therefore this book is very likely to draw in even reluctant readers because they'll want to see what happens next!! In a world where we could all use a little more respect, Marvin shows us that we're all the same: human.

There's a Big Lesson in this Little Book!
At the beginning of every school year, I read Marvin Redpost:Why Pick on Me? to my new 4th graders. Marvin has to deal with abully in his class who starts a rumor that Marvin is a nose-picker. Everyone believes the rumor is true, even Marvin's 2 best friends. Marvin's family supports him, and he resolves the problem in an interesting way that leaves the bully looking rather foolish. This is a funny book, a sad book, and an insightful book. I read it to my students to open up a discussion about bullying and teasing. There's a big lesson to be found in this little book.

Marvin Redpost: Why pick on him?
Marvin Redpost is a young 3rd grader who picks his nose. Everyone makes fun of him. I felt bad for him when they would call him names. My favorite part is when he comes up with the idea that he should write a survey for the class... Sure enough everyone said that they did pick their noses. I think that it is very brave of them to say yes. I like Marvin. ... Read more

Book Description

Fat, clumsy Simon Glass is a nerd, a loser who occupies the lowest rung on the high school social ladder. Everyone picks on him -- until Rob Haynes shows up. Rob, a transfer student with charisma to spare, immediately becomes the undisputed leader of the senior class. And he has plans for Simon.

Rob enlists the help of his crew -- wealthy, intellectual Young, ladies' man Bob, and sweet, athletic Coop -- in a mission: Turn sniveling Simon from total freak to would-be prom king.

But as Simon rises to the top of the social ranks, he shows a new confidence and a devious side that power-hungry Rob did not anticipate. And when Simon uncovers a dangerous secret, events darken. The result is disquieting, bone-chilling...and brutal. ... Read more

Reviews (32)

It will keep you guessing until the last page...literally!
"Shattering Glass" is a suspenseful novel written by Gail Giles about the murder of a high school senior named Simon Glass. The book is narrated by a straight-A student named Young Steward. He's one of the most popular boys in Simon's school, but only because he's a close friend of the even more popular and charismatic Rob Haynes. Simon is a geek who's hated by just about the entire student body, but Rob has other plans for him. He decides to make it his mission to turn Simon into the most liked kid in the whole school. Simon goes along with it at first, but it isn't long before the newly confident Simon starts coming up with some devious plans of his own.

On the very first page of the first chapter of this book, Young admits that he himself and his friends are the ones responsible for murdering Simon. So a book can't be very exciting when you already know the ending, right? Well, you'd be surprised. "Shattering Glass" has an incredibly suspenseful storyline filled with twists and surprises that I never even saw coming! You'll be so anxious to know when, how, and especially why the murder occurred that it will probably be hard to put the book down! Young retells the events leading up to the killing with such emotion and detail that you might even find yourself feeling more pity for him than for Simon. At the beginning of every chapter are quotes from people somehow associated with the murderers or the victim. The quotes are from many years after the incident occurred, and by reading these statements and opinions you can slowly piece together exactly what happened on the fateful day of Simon's death.

"Shattering Glass" is a very entertaining book that I would recommend to everyone. A lot of the issues dealt with in this story can really make you view people in an entirely different way. It gives you a first-hand look into the darker side of high school popularity, while constantly reminding you that nothing is ever as it appears.

DHS Student, Grade 9
Shattering Glass, written by Gail Giles was one of the best mystery books I have read. This book is not only teenage material but also young adult. The setting takes place in a hometown like my own mostly in a High School area.
Simon Glass is the main character along with Young. Young is the boy who tries to change Simon from being the geekiest kid in school to the most popular. Young's best friend Rob has been lying to them since he has moved there. As they find everything out, they end up just leaving things as is with Rob. Simon worked hard to change for his buddies and it really payed off at the end of the book.
I believe this book is written for young teens just going through highschool or younger years of college. This book really shows the other side of teenagers while around friends and trying to act as if you are someone else. It deals with love, lies and the "leader" of your click.
The author made this book interesting to read. She kept everything until the end of the book. This made you read more and more of the book. The author had a good view of the teenagers personality. It was easy to read because most of us teenagers go through peer pressure everyday. She made a great visual perspective. She made it believable by the expressions and the dialog. The voice of the characters was strong and demanding at times but that made you read on.
This book will grab your heart and hold onto it if you read it long enough. I am the type of reader who judges the book by its cover. If it looks old, I don't read it. When I began to read this, it really showed me how good of friends they were. How far would your friends go for you? You may never know.

Total Rip Off
First of all -- it's a total rip off of varios made for TV movies, Dawson's Creek, etc. The characters are totally unbelievable and the dialogue is full of clunky phrases -- the author obviously did not read this aloud. I can't believe an editor let this go to publishing... I was utterly ripped off. Furthermore, there is plenty of gratuitous profanity which adds nothing but makes the book a poor choice for most teens.

Money poorly spent.

Shattering Glass That Can't Be Replaced
This book is excellent. It gets you hooked and you literally can't stop. From the first page it tells you that they're going to kill Simon Glass, the despised-nerd of their high school. Popular Rob and his three friends decide to turn him from geek to great and get him to be Class Favorite. At the beginning of every chapter it gives you a peak of after the murder while you read the story preceding it. Young Steward throughout the book is creeped out by Simon as he falls in love, loses love, and realizes he may be being strung along by his "best friend". Only he seems to see Simon's devious side. And when they others do, it's far too late. Read it today, it will keep you on the edge of your seat.

A Shattering Tale of Reality
Power hungry Alpha-Male Rob Hynes, along with his crew girl-attracting Bobster, intellectual Young (who narrates the story), and sweet athletic Coop take on the seeming impossible job of turning type A-nerd Simon Glass into class Favorite. Along the way to popularity Simon finds his devious new courage to stand on his own two feet. He snoops his way into Rob's overly private backround to find what will be a deadly secret. When Simon takes over Rob's control of votes for class favorite and confronts the group with Rob's past, it results in a "shattering" conclusion. This is a great book with relatable situations. It is so realistic and well written with words that bring the scene to life, that you feel like you are a spectator watching it all happen. The quotes at the beginning of each chapter are good insight to what happened in the end of the book and keep you guessing right down to the last page. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

satisfying reunion
At the beginning of this book is the conclusion of how Miyazawa's parents got together. After this sweet story, it's back to our main characters. Finally, Soichiro comes back from his tournament, and he and Miyazawa are reunited. She notices how much he has matured---he's gotten taller, more serious (if that's possible), and even more mysterious than ever. He's noticed his feelings have changed too...ah why do boys have to grow up. He's no little kid anymore...but neither is she. O well. It's a fun and romantic read, but be warned it's not for kids anymore; for this reasion I gave it four stars, because I liked it better when there was the simple, sweet romance and not hot burning passion...:) ... Read more

Book Description

Preparations are still going on for the cultural festival. Soichiro realizes that there are actually two sides to him, one which is more violent and protective than usual. Yukino begins to notice it too. Meanwhile, Tonami and Tsubaki each realize they've fallen in love with each other. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Where Episode 26 left off...
Kare Kano, my guilty pleasure on those down days. Like so many other fans of this anime, I was stunned at the abrupt end and was anxious to find out what happens with the student's culture festival as Miyazawa and the gang get ready. Plus, look for more on Tonami and Sakura's unexpected situation and I love how things are between Tonami and Arima whose dark past continues to linger. This manga just never fails to keep a smile on your face and the continuity and spirit from the anime is still present in Masami Tsuda's work.

For all you diehard Pero Pero fans, keep on reading!

Continuing the story ...
If you watched the Kare Kano anime and were left hanging by the abrupt and inconclusive ending, here is where you need to begin to resume the story. The group is still in preparations for the play they are going give. Tonami's trying to patch his friendship with Arimi. Finally, the part I like, things between Tonami and Sakura get juicier and more complicated. If you liked the anime, you'll like the manga, so just do yourself a favor and buy it (and the next ones in the series too). Otherwise, you'll always be wondering what happens. (Note that I have not read the previous volumes of the manga.) Also, there is a short novella at the end of the manga that takes up nearly a third of the book. That story has nothing to do with Kare Kano, but is still an interesting shoujo story in itself. ... Read more