Book Description

From bestselling author Caroline B.Cooney comes the riveting new novel about hatred, the crime of indifference, and responsibility:

Fifteen-year-old Macey Clare was looking forward to the summer, hoping for fun and romance with her neighbor's grandson, Austin.But when Macey decides to research the burning of a barn in her hometown for a school project, she finds that no one is willing to talk about what really happened that night.She has always loved her quiet, beautiful town where her grandparents live and her mother was raised.Will Macey be able to face the past and understand the present? ... Read more

Reviews (65)

Awesome Book! Must Read!!
Burning Up by Caroline B. Cooney is a very enjoyable book. I could not put it down. This book addressed many issues teenagers face today. Some issues that are talked about are first crushes, unbearable parents, true friendships, and even ethical issues. After reading the book, I realized how the past really does effect the present! What are parents went through when they were younger still has an effect on the world today. I also started to appreciate what I have and the opportunities I am given. The book explored the life of inner-city kids and what they have to go through.
Macey, the main character, is on a mission. For her history project she has to research something that happened in her town?s past. So Macey decides to investigate a fire that burned down a barn in her neighbor hood over forty years ago. While she is dealing with this matter, she runs into many challenges. Not only is being a teenager tough, but it seems as if no one will tell her what really happened. Was it an accident or was it a protest? If this isn?t hard enough, dealing with her first crush, Austin, and trying to do what feels right presents even more obstacles.
The main reason I liked this book was because I could relate to what Macey was feeling. I knew how she felt in different situations because I have been there. I think any teenager would love to read this book. I definitely rate this a five star book!!

Burning Up
Macey Clare lived in a little town in Conneticut where she concidered it to be a nice little town with wonderful people. When the boy next door moves in, Austin, they beocme friends right off the bat. Then she discovers, after her won tragic experience, about a barn near her grandparents house was burned to the ground because of the man who lived there! After her friend was a victim of inner city violence she became more infatuated with the burning that took place in 1959. Will she come to find that the town has something to hide? Read this inspiring novel to fine out if she finds what she is looking for... I recomend everyone who is everyone who cares about civil rights and everyone who doesnt to read this book adn asked the same questions I did. Is my town a place where whites and blacks cant come together and get along? Is this place like in the story? Before I read this book I knew it was wrong but I never truly cared. Now I care about injustice and about how things were and still are! Read this book to find answeres to questions you nay had never asked yourself before!

Caroline Writes another great summer read
Burning up is about Macey Clare, the typical teenage girl, who stumbles on to or rather into a neighborhood mystery. After getting cought in a fire in an old church durring a community service project with her friends, Macey begins to wonder about the burned down barn next door to her grandparents house. She'd always heard that something had caught fire and the barn had burnt down around someone, but when she begins to get curiouse and asks more about the fire Macey finds that no one wants to talk about it. Why? When Macey finds that this could have been an act of racism she becomes even more curiouse about the town and townspeople she has always loved. Could someone she knows or maybe many people of the town she knows have commited this crime?
This book is an excellent summer read. I Loved reading it and wished it would last longer.

Pure Crap
Ok. let me give you an overview of this book. this girl finds out that a barn has burnt down. Now, for the next 200 or so pages, she thinks about who the person might be who burnt down the barn. Keep in mind that this happened 50 years ago. She thinks for 200 pages. Not real excitement if you ask me. Please dont read this book. I beg of you not to.

Burning Up
If you are looking for a book that keeps you reading all the way through this is the book for you.
Burning Up was a story about a teenage girl named Macey. Macey is your typical good girl. She also loves visiting her grandparents house. After being in a church fire she was wanting to learn about another fire that was in her grandparents town. When she was assigned to do a paper for school about something from history she thought this would be the perfect time to learn about this fire. Mean while Macey has a crush on boy, Austin who also will visit his grandparents house.
I really enjoyed reading this book because it kept me guessing. It could have been a little more of a thriller book but i still thought it was a book that god hard to put down. I hope that you also enjoy this book the way I did. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

2004 Pennsylvania Young Readers Choice Masterlist
This gripping story of a Native American boy's tribal connection to lacrosse was named one of 16 2004 Pennsylvania Young Readers Choice books by the Pennsylvania School Library Association.

IRA Teacher's Choice for 2004
Joseph Bruchac's moving story of a boy torn from the reservation to live a new life in Washington D.C. was named one of the International Reading Association's Teacher's Choice Books for 2004. Congrats, Joseph! It's a wonderful book! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Another Good History Mystery
Mendy is a twelve-year-old African American girl living in rural Tennessee in the late 1950's. She is an admirer of Eleanor Roosevelt and is thrilled when her father tells her that Mrs. Roosevelt is coming to visit the Highlander School, which is located only a few miles away. Soon, however, she discovers that the men that have been meeting in her favorite clearing in the nearby woods belong to the Ku Klux Klan and are planning an attack on Mrs. Roosevelt when she appears at Highlander. Mendy feels she must do something to prevent the attack, but what can she do? Will she get herself in danger?

This story is based on a real incident and conveys a small taste of the violence, hatred and fear inspired by the KKK. As a piece of literature, it is not quite up to the standard set by such things as the Harry Potter books. Nevertheless, this book gives young readers experience of a genuine American historical setting while also providing a positive role model and some insight into the evils of bigotry and racial discrimination. It is another solid entry in the "History Mystery" series and my daughter and I both enjoyed it together. We recommend it.

Circle of Fire Review
The History Mystery Circle of Fire, takes place in 1950?s Tennessee, during the times of segregation when great changes for African Americans. The central character in the story is a twelve-year-old African American girl named Mendy, who has discovered a secret clearing she had named, the Tahj Mahal after a beautiful place in India. But one day, she discovers her secret clearing, littered with beer bottle, cigars and cigarette butts. She is convinced that they are trespassers. Mendy is determined to find out who the trespassers are and how to scare them off, so she sets a trap and uses her bowie knife lure them into her trap. Unfortunate the trespassers knew it was a trap and they killed her tamed rabbit, Mr. Hare. Strangely, the trespassers left her rabbit in a bundle with a strange red symbol on it. She asks her Aunt Sis is she had seen anything strange occurring in the woods. Fortunately, Aunt Sis informs Mendy that a group of hateful men called the KKK (Ku Klux Klan) are planning to bomb the Highlander School where Eleanor Roosevelt, Mendy?s role model, will be reciting a speech. Mendy?s mother forbids her to ever go to the Highlander school because she feels that some dangerous and racist events take place, which is true, but Mendy is looking forward to hearing Mrs. Roosevelt?s speech, and does everything she can to stop the Klan.

The reason why the KKK is planning on bombing the Highlander School is because a friend of Mendy?s father who is white owns it. He allows blacks and whites to swim together, eat together, and do other things in the same place. Mendy is determined to find out that is in the KKK, with the help of her best friend Jeffery. Mendy?s mother forbids her to spend time with Jeffery, but they secretly spy on the Klan and try to find out what their plan is. She is strong-minded to warn Mrs. Roosevelt. When the police found out about the Klan?s horrendous plot, they foiled the plot and disrupted Mrs. Roosevelt?s visit. I liked this story very much. I liked how most of the events were based on true incidents. I learned a lot about the racist and prejudice activity that occurred for African Americans during the 1950?s. This book was exciting, historical, thrilling, and adventurous. As I read, this story gave me some information about what the times were like for African Americans in the 1950?s.

Exciting, Suspenseful, and Interesting
Mendy Thompson, a very brave 12 year old girl, who has two sisters and four brothers, is forced to stay home by her mother over the summer of 1958 with her little brother. She amuses herself by going to visit her favorite place; her Taj Majal, which is a clearing in the woods she is not allowed to go to. Because she is black, and her best friend Jeffrey is white they are no longer allowed to see each other. When Mendy realizes tesspassers are coming to the Taj Mahal, she sets a trap to try to stop them. She and Jeffrey meet each other secretly, and she tells him about the tresspassers. Jeffrey says it is the Klu Klux Klan, a group who does not like people who are different from them, anyone who is not white or Christian, which makes Mendy very scared. Together, they must figure out who is in the KKK before the group destroys an event Mendy has really been looking forward to.
I liked Aunt Sis, an elderly black woman, because she was so loving towards Mendy like when she would welcome her into her house and listen to her problems.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes exciting books. It was suspensful like when Mendy and Jeffrey saw the KKK meeting in her Taj Mahal. ... Read more

Book Description

It's the early 1960s, and Anna has never seen a person with dark skin-until she meets Sister Anne. At first she is afraid of her new teacher, but she quickly discovers how wonderful Sister Anne is. Then one of Anna's classmates directs a racist remark toward Sister Anne. The teacher's wise way of turning the incident into a powerful learning experience has a profound impact on Anna. This moving, timeless tale is perfectly illustrated with luminous, glowing paintings.

"With humor and understanding, Lorbiecki writes about a young girl's coming to terms with racial differences." -The Horn Book

Awards:

( A Child Study Children's Book Committee Children's Book of the Year
( Winner of a 1999 Storytelling World Award ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Teaching diversity and acceptance to the younger set
The 1960's possibly brought about more change in the American psyche and way of life than had occurred before or even since. This little tale addresses issues of tolerance, brotherhood, and compassion in a way that primary/elementary children can understand.

Sister Anne comes to a Catholic school with as much wide-eyed enthusiasm about teaching as those in her charge have about learning. When an unnamed student leaves a derogatory note for the nun to find, the sister decides its' time to make her students aware of the racial conditions in America.

From the lesson, her children become better citizens, ultimately paving the way for a more humane society.

This book can be used to stimulate discussion about race, loneliness, individuality, and civic responsibility. It definitely cuts across the curriculum

Five stars do this book an injustice. It's a superior work, deserving of attention and placement in the classroom.

Those teachable moments that change lives!
If you're looking for a picture book that handles the topic of racism tenderly for young children, then SISTER ANNE'S HANDS is an excellent choice indeed!

Seven-year-old Anna Zabrocky is excited about her first day in the second grade. She is also very curious about her new teacher, Sister Anne, an African-American nun. Anna has never encountered a black person up close and personal before. Therefore, she feels a little uncertain and nervous as she avoids Sister Anne's gentle touch of welcome on the first day of school. Soon all of Anna's apprehensions vanish as her classroom comes alive. Sister Anne's warmth and gentleness engages them in learning new things, sharing wonderful stories and telling hearty jokes. Just when everything feels perfect for the new school year, someone hurls a paper airplane that sails by Sister Anne's head and hits the blackboard. On its wings were written some very hurtful things. Not only did this cruel act bring a great deal of pain to Sister Anne's eyes, but a sense of guilt comes upon Anna as though she had crafted the paper airplane herself. It is how Sister Anne chooses to take this painful moment and turn it into a teachable moment that makes this book so great. By the close of the school year, it is obvious that the strength and courage of this teacher changes the lives of her students forever.

The lyrical movement of the text along with the dream like illustrations of a classroom and library from the 1960's enhances this story that much more. This is truly a beautiful book!

An inspired view of the 1960's from a child and a black nun.
This book made me cry, every time I read it. I remember going to school with "penguins" as teachers, and the horrible bigotry happening in the schools. The pictures are breath-taking, and the words are powerful. I bought it for the parochical school my children go to. If you buy one book for your 3-8 grader, buy this one.

A Radiant and Moving Book
Sister Anne teaches her young students not only their math and reading, but important lessons in justice, dedication, and love. The text reflects the simple, concrete experiences of a child while suggesting how these experiences gently deepen the young narrator's understanding. The lovely illustrations are slightly muted in tone, appropriately giving the book the look of a memory recalled. Outstanding in every way.

An outstanding book for all ages.
This book tells a beautiful story and really identifies an important issue still prevalent in our society. It would be an excellent teaching tool and would fit in nicely to Black History Month. I can't wait to make it a part of my curriculumn. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A very good Kit book, but not one of the best
This is another in the American Girls Short Stories series about Kit Kittredge, a ten-year-old girl living in Cincinnati, Ohio. It is 1934, and Kit wishes that she could go see a Cincinnati Reds game like she and her father used to before the Depression began. When she's hurt during a neighborhood game, Kit finds a way to help someone else!

I am a fan of the Kit books, but must admit to feeling somewhat disappointed by this one. A part of what I like best about them is the life lessons that they teach, but this one is a little thin on the lesson part. But, that said, my daughter loved the book, and we both liked the illustrations. The final chapter was a look at baseball in 1934, and a project for personalizing a baseball cap, which my daughter is already planning out right now. So, overall I would say that this is a very good Kit book, but certainly not one of the best.

Eh...
Kit's Home Run was not quite what I expected it to be. It seemed like a run down of the books, spending too much quality time going over the facts about what happened to Kit. Then Pleasant Company decided to recycle some of the graphics from "Kit Saves the Day." While to book is cute, I was somewhat disappointed. This is supposed to be a short story, an extension of the six other Kit books. Instead, it seemed like a run of the mill mass-produced series book, rehashing facts as though readers were not already acquainted with Kit and her family. Anyone who has read "Meet Kit" knows what happened to Kit and her family, and anyone who read "Kit Saves the Day" will notice that several of the graphics were recycled. Put bluntly: the book could have been more original. Several of the others seem to be better..but perhaps that is because they actually came from American Girl magazine, and before Mattel took Pleasant Company over... ... Read more

Book Description

You try not to think. You try not to imagine, but then those cracks pop up, and these flashes squeeze right through. At first, some of it's not too bad, and you get stupid, maybe even wanting a little more, but then you pull yourself together, knowing what all is likely going to ooze out if you're not careful....

Fifteen-year-old America has been nowhere, has been nobody. Separated from his foster mother. A runaway. A patient. Without love. Without hope. And, eventually, without the will to live.

Until Dr. B. steps in. To listen. To explore. And to find within America both the story and the boy who are lost. ... Read more

Reviews (16)

Sophomore effort from E.R. Frank an insight into foster care
I was introduced to the works of E.R. Frank when I read "Life is Funny" for a literature class. I liked the fresh, real voices of the various narrators and the different ethnic backgrounds of the characters, also the followups viewed from different perspectives.

When I saw that E.R. Frank had a new book out I rushed to read it. America's thoughts constantly shift between "then" and "now," so following the story and America's mindset quickly became difficult for me. His thoughts fly in all directions at once; his memories come back in flashes, then just as quickly we are returned to the present. America is a boy who admits that he was lost in the foster care system. His drug-addled mother kidnaps him from his foster mother, leaving him alone in an apartment with his two brothers without food, love, or supervision. For America it's all downhill from there--he turns to a life of crime hoping that his mother will return him to kindly old Mrs. Harper. He does get back "home," but with unforeseen results: he is sexually abused by Mrs. Harper's half-brother, and plans a drastic escape resulting in a death.

America is sent to different rehab programs and tries to commit suicide, but eventually tells the story of his past to Dr. B and slowly makes progress towards an independent life. He makes his peace with Mrs. Harper and with his guilt, along with saying goodbye to his brother Brooklyn who is at the same rehab centre. America loves to cook (Mrs. Harper taught him) and wants to become a chef once he is ready to live on his own.

Like her previous book, many of the characters attempted to narrate portions of America's life, although in third person. Perhaps it would have flowed more smoothly if the various characters were narrators of their own chapters as in "Life Is Funny."

E.R. Frank is a social worker, so she knows firsthand the difficult lives that her characters' real-life counterparts have lead. Her writing is frank and realistic. America swears frequently, including graphic sexual references, so this may not be as suitable for the classroom as "Life is Funny."

"America" is a powerful sophomore effort that reminded me of Han Nolan's "Born Blue" and "Cut" by Patricia McCormick and it does have important things to say about physical and sexual abuse, guilt, anger, finding oneself and the value of love. Frank teaches that there is hope for everyone, no matter how difficult the beginning or circumstances, and shows in America that we all belong.

amazingly realistic
This has to be one of the best books I have ever read. It's different and disturbing and I loved every page of it. This is E.R. Frank at her very best, showing the reader through her incredible writing the story of a boy named America. I read this when I was 12 so don't feel like you shouldn't read it just because you're a little younger. Read this book!

are you too weak to handle this?
This has to be the most well-written book I have ever read. This is E.R. Frank at her best, writing in a style so unique and interesting that you can't help reading this book all at once. I'm so glad someone has finally stepped out of the box and created this masterpiece. The subject is raw and harsh yes but I think we all need to be informed about it like this. How are we going to make people get up and do something about it if the topic isn't thrown in your face like that? I love this book and everyone should read it.

Best Book Ever
I read this book after reading a few young adult books that I found entertaining, but sort of pointless and repetative. When I picked up America at a book store, it looked like a good read. After I finished, I was so happy that I had bought it. America is a book that is very intense, but so interesting to read. Once you start, you will never put it down. It deals with many serious issues, and although not all teens are going through them, it is very interesting to read how this troubled boy gets through his life. I recomend it to any teens that want an extremely good read.

America IS Beautiful!
America is a great book! America is the main character. The book is the story of his life. America has dealt with so much and has to come to terms with so much. Many times America doesn't know who he is which is typical for adolescents but so much worse for him. America is named America because America thinks his father could be any man in the country. Like the country, America is a mix of many things. There is a bit of America in everyone! America IS beautiful! ... Read more

Book Description

Doug E's story is about two kids - one black, one white - who dislike each other at first because of their differences. Eventually, they realize just how much they have in common, and a friendship is born. Most importantly, they discover color really is only skin deep.This book offers an honest, kid-friendly way of exploring issues of racial tolerance, peer pressure, and self esteem. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

From Enemies to Friends
In this installment of the HipKidHop series, legendary rapper Doug E. Fresh, provides words and music to deal with the issue of race relations amongst children. At first glance, Zack and John have nothing in common. Their clothing selection, music styles, and skin colors are different. They instantly dislike each other. When they are forced to work together, they find they have more in common than they believed, and a friendship is forged. Yet, they still encounter problems from their fellow classmates who aren't so open-minded.

THINK AGAIN teaches tolerance and diversity in a way that young children can comprehend. The book also deals with the issues of peer pressure and friendship. Doug E. Fresh's crisp lyrics and fresh beat help motivate children to read or rap along. Children will take from this book the message that difference can be beneficial to a friendship, and that if you look hard enough, "Your worst enemy could be your best friend."

Reviewed by Latoya Carter-Qawiyy of
The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

Great for school
I'm a teacher. I love this book. Kids can relate to this. I love the rhymes and the association with rap makes it appealing to the kids I teach. The message is wonderful. My class reads it over and over. Even my non-readers have it memorized. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

The Storyteller's Beads
Can you imagine for someone to travel to an extended journey from Ethiopia to Jerusalem? In the novel, The Storyteller's Beads by Jane Kurtz is the exact similar event that happened to the main characters Sahay and Rahel. The genre of the novel is fiction. The setting of the story is generally Ethiopia and Sudan, in 1980, (during the political strife and famine). It illustrates that since most Ethiopian people wanted to seek for safety, they struggle to escape to Sudan. Therefore, the novel is a refugee story.
Sahay and Rahel, play a role in the most part of the plot. Sahay, a Christian girl, in the first place did not realized that life could get worth, but now, her uncle is rushing her through the night away from the only home she has ever known out of Ethiopia, forever. Blind Jewish as child, Rahel has always relied on her grandmother to guide her; however, her parents are sending her and her brother on a long petrify trip, with no assurance when. This illustrates that both of these girls' families wanted the two girls to live in a developed life in another place instead of Ethiopia. The Sudan soldiers sent Sahay's uncle and Rahel's brother back to Ethiopia from Sudan. When Sahay's and Rahel's paths join, they were both in a bad mood; but Sahay is disgusted to share food and water with Rahel. This shows that males could not go out of Ethiopia around 1980. Therefore, Sahay and Rahel are trying a superlative way to save each other; in addition, they want to attain their dream, which is going to Jerusalem.
One of Sahay and Rahel's external conflicts is that Sahay's uncle and Rahel's brother were sent back to Ethiopia. On page 120: Sahay said to Rahel, "Let's go to the edge of the camp everyday and we will try to find my uncle and your brother." This illustrates that both of the girls wished if the two men approached back to Sudan. It is because they are frightened, and they do not have anyone to support them in Sudan and help them survive the hazardous journey. Consequently, Sahay become Rahel's guide; however, they repeatedly go to the mountains to examine if the two men are circuitously.
One of Sahay's internal conflicts is to be friends with Rahel or not. On page 118: Sahay thought when she has nobody, even a blind Falasha (Ethiopian Jewish) girl is somebody, even though she does not like Falasha. This shows that Sahay felt being with Rahel is better than being with no one. This is because people in her family have always feared and hated Ethiopian Jewish. Consequently, Sahay started getting along with Rahel, to overcome their cultural prejudges and help each other.
The theme subject of the story is refugee. A quote that proves the theme is on page 143: they arrived to Jerusalem and saw them self that they had come to the land where for now, no matter what lay ahead, and no one was stranger. The authors comment about refugee is that refugees can accomplish a place that they can truly call home. The author's comment is true, because Rahel and Sahay accomplished a place that they can truly call home in Jerusalem. The Storyteller's Beads is a great book, and it would be recommend for anyone who want to determine some of the experiences that refugees go through.

Applause from a parent and teacher
The Storyteller's Beads explores a timely theme: how do we make connections with people from different religious, ethnic and geographical backgrounds? Read this book, and the magic of distant lands will come alive for you. Hardships and suffering are transcended by the grace of friendship. The author lived in Ethiopia as a girl and writes with exquisite detail and nuance. A must-read for ages 9-12 in this difficult moment of history. Read aloud to aware 8 year olds. Also a marvelous testament to the strength of a young woman who is physically blind but morally gifted.

LEARNING TO LOVE THOSE YOU ARE TAUGHT TO HATE
Kurtz's message of coming to love those you have been taught to hate is never emphasized enough in today's world. (Think Serbia.) Kurtz story is compelling but must be read carefully by taking time to read over the stories, the explanations of the girls' cultural histories, and the meanings of their words. Unfortunately, this is something most young readers would rather not do. If given as a class assignment, I am afraid many young readers comments may be less favorable. Anytime a children's book accurately tells about a global problem it deserves much attention and reading, and such is the case of "Storyteller's Beads". Previous Amazon reviewers have properly used this book - sharing it with an adult. Having the background notes in the front of the book would have improved the book's effectiveness. For this reason I give it 4 not 5 stars.

Really captures the voice of Ethiopia
My daughter and I read this aloud and loved it. I am American and my children are all Ethiopian. I have lived among Ethiopians for many years and have traveled extensively throughout the country. Jane does an amazing job of capturing the essence of Ethiopian culture - the strong, rich and ancient history as well as the racism, superstition and fears which keep Ethiopians from different ethnic backgrounds from uniting together to solve the countries current difficulties. The language used in the book incorporates the subtleties of Ethiopian speech which also conveys so much of its culture. This is just a beautiful book from which a whole new part of the world can be opened to its readers. It is also a remarkable work which will help Ethiopian-American children understand the country of their roots. I'd like to see this book up front and center in all children's libraries.

A New Version of Ruth
The Storyteller's Beads made me ask the question "what would I do on a journey if..... all the people that I have ever loved were no longer with me? If all I possessed was a string of beads to symbolize my family and my faith. And if the only person to enlighten me and to lead me to peace was blind. What would I truly do? And then I finished the book and found my answer.

Great first novel Jane. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Stumptown Kid
Stumptown Kid is a well written late elementary school age level book.It would be a beneficial book to read to a class at the beginning of a school year, because of the issues that are dealt with as part of the story line. Both issues of bullies and the judging of others by the color of their skin or by where they may live are part of the young boy's life in this story. This book could be used as a springboard to a valuable class discussion. The story is written around the theme of baseball, which adds to the intrigue of the book. There is also a strand of mystery that keeps readers captivated throughout the book. ... Read more

Reviews (23)

thrilling, fun, and entertaining
"Slave Day" by Rob Thomas is an excellent read for teenagers and young adults. If you were a childhood fan of the Sweet Valley High or Babysitter's Club collections, you'll enjoy how this novel takes high school life to the next level. Focused on Lee High School in South Carolina, the book offers insight to the minds of eight different people: seven students and one teacher. Rob Thomas tells the story of a controversial school event, "Slave Day", where participants can purchase Student Council members as their complete and utter servant for 24 hours. However, conflict arises when Keene Davenport, an African-American student, is angered by the degrading affair and plots to put a permanent end to Slave day. Each character falls under a typical high school stereotype: there's the popular cheerleader and football player couple, the computer geek obsessed with sci-fi, and the history teacher who doesn't cut you any slack. But the characters aren't over-exaggerated or unbelievable. Thomas's authentic detail and description allow you to relate to the individuals. I found myself thinking, "Wow, I know someone exactly like that person". Another aspect of this book that I enjoyed was the humor. There was a scene where Mr. Twilley, the aloof history teacher, was chasing a student while wearing an Indian headdress and carrying a cap gun; all in the strange spirit of slave day. There were several other amusing episodes that kept me snickering to myself throughout the novel. I'd have to say the only shortcoming of this book was its abrupt ending. Overall, I give it a 9 out of 10 for the fun time I experienced reading it.

Great for thoughtful teenagers (p.h.-3)
During the course of this book, Rob Thomas never failed to teach his readers anything. Reading this book was definitely a good choice. I could relate to each one of the characters, although some more closely than others. Tiffany is one of the characters that I barely connected with. She is a "poor little rich girl", and since I am not, I could not connect with that aspect of her life. However, since she is the mayor's daughter, she is somewhat of a role model whether or not she wants to be. Throughout this book, I pondered what would become of each of these students and Mr. Twilley long after Slave Day is an erstwhile tradition that everyone in Deerfield has forgotten about. Ironically, Mr. Twilley was one of the best characters in the book. He managed to stand the test of time within the school system by refusing to conform to the belief that athletes are super people that deserve special academic treatment. All in all, Slave Day was one of the best books I have read and is right on the level of Thomas' other books.

Slave Day
The book Slave Day By Rob Thomas is very unique. Most books are narrated by one character. However eight students a jock, his girlfriend a couple of jokesters and one strict history teacher narrate this book.All of the characters either work or attend Robert E. Lee high school in southern Texas. I really liked the fact that there was more than one narrator. Each year the school holds an event called "Slave Day".

At the beginning of each "slave day" and assembly is held. During this assembly student council members are "auctioned" off. These "slaves" must spend the entire day with the person who bids the highest for them. The "slaves" must also obey their "masters". Many "masters" have their slaves carry their books and announce them when they enter a room. However some "masters" are a little more creative. I thought this book did a good job displaying modern ideas of racism but didn't totally focus on this issue.

I wouldn't recommend this book for anyone under twelve because it does have some sexually material. By the end of the book many characters have changed. Whether they have changed for the better or the worst you'll have to read the book yourself.

Good, but he's done better
Rob Thomas is like the Midas of teen lit. Every book Rob Thomas touches turns to gold. This is no exception. The plot and idea for the book is very diffrent and interesting, and the book keeps you guessing and interested. It's fast-paced, with many plot twists and great dialog, as usual for him.
But, it isn't as good as his books like "Rats Saw God". It tries to be funny, but doesn't always succead, and some of the characters can be aggrivating. Those are the only draw backs, though. Still an awsome read.

Slave Day, what I day it was!
Slave Day by Rob Thomas, an excellent novel with quality points of view from eight different students and teachers at Lee High School. This story is ideal for mature, young adults, as it does contain some sexual situations. Structurally, as I mentioned before, the book is divided into eight separate and unique points of view, including seven students and one teacher. Each of the characters represents a typical high school student, such as the computer geek, the sexy brunette, and the self-absorbed jock. One literary device used was repetition, for example, if an action of one of the characters caused a disturbance, and then the point of view switched to another one of the characters, the new character would notice the actions of the previous. One of the most prevalent emotions stirred is humor, which is used to keep the reader's attention. Tommy, the trailer trash high school student bought Mr. Twilley, one of the teachers as his slave for the day. He made Mr. Twilley perform acrobatic stunts in front of the student body, causing mass hilarity. For my overall impression, I found this novel to be enthralling and absorbing, an excellent read for a young high school student. In the end, all parties are satisfied, although I will not tell you in which ways. One thing I did find problematic about the story is the happy-go-lucky conclusion. It seems that the ending of every novel should leave room for wonder and guess, but perhaps a good ending is a prerequisite for young adult literature. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Joshua Loper Reveiw
This story is based after the civil war. Joshua and Doom are the only black people on the herd. They start out in the very back at drags but joshua moves to the front when one man slips up. There are some you could say sad parts like when joshuas horse dies but there are some good parts like when he is asked to go on another trail from texas to oregon.

The Black Cowboy
Joshua Loper and seven others are driving a herd. Joshua is pushed harder by the captain of the drive because of his race.In the end Joshua is one of the best known herders and in the end gets paid the most money because of his hardwork. The captain and Joshua have more respect for one another at the end of their trip.
I have two opinions about the book good opinion it is very discriptive well written, exciting, and enjoyable. Another opinion is the rambledon and on about things I thought were less interesting to me

OKAY BUT NOT GREAT!
I read all of this MY NAME IS AMERICA book. But like some of the other books in this series, it lacked excitement, suspense, and was not entirely accurate. I did not feel that the book was written by a 16 yr. old cowboy, though it kept my interest and gives children a feeling of what it was like to live in the 19th century. Much better and more accurate historical novels are THE JOURNEY OF LEROY JONES, A FUGITIVE SLAVE and THE DIARY OF A SLAVE GIRL, RUBY JO.

named but not known
I bought "The Journal of Joshua Loper" hoping to read a true account of a cowboy. I did not have to reach page 158 to notice that the "journal is a work of fiction." While the library research was quite extensive, he missed the realities and language of the culture. No normal, free young man in a ranching environment would still be fumbling with a rope at 16. He would have a good handle on it by age 11.

I cannot imagine a South Texas cowboy of that era calling men "guys", black people "colored" and horses "animals". These terms are more midwestern, perhaps more educated than was common among the people of that time.

Finally within a week of Austin he has blacks picking cotton in May. Cotton might be picked in August, but even in Texas, cotton takes a while to mature after it is planted.

The one thing that saves this book is the humor. Otherwise, it is the college description of a description. For the real thing read the real thing, or better yet, do it.

A good My Name is America book.
This was a good My Name is America book. Joshua is sixteen and he and his mother live and work on a ranch in 1871. His father is trying to find work somewhere else so they can all live together. Joshua is offered a job on a cattle drive so he takes it. The work is hard but he is proud to earn money for his mother. He keeps a journal thats tells what happens to him on the cattle drive. This was a good book ... Read more

Book Description

By 1886 many of Eliza Jane McCully's neighbors are concerned that the growing immigrant Chinese population is threatening their comfortable way of life. But it is a young Chinese boy named Wah Chung who saves Eliza and her pet goat from being swept into the sea by a deadly wave. This makes Eliza wonder: Are the Chinese really people to be feared, as her father and their neighbors believe? Or are the Chinese immigrants people with whom the townspeople in Crescent City could live peaceably, with a little tolerance and understanding? ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Get Swept Away By Walk Across the Sea
18th century California was a time of prejudice. Walk Across the Sea, centers around independent Eliza Jane, a young teenage girl who lives with her parents in a northern California lighthouse. When a mysterious Chinese immigrant boy saves her goat from the California waters, she tries to find him to pay him back. She soon learns that prejudice surrounds the Chinese by the people of her town. Along the way helping her is her brave and helpful friend Sadie, her open minded and kind neighbor, Dr Wilton and her pet goat Parthenia. This story has a mix of friendship, prejudice, religion, compassion, and morality. This out of the ordinary story shows prejudice back then and gives lessons on how we can be rid of prejudice today. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is interested about life in general. Walk Across the Sea makes you think about things that you normally wouldn't think about in life. You learn you always have to been open minded and very conscious of other people and their beliefs. If you want to read a different story, Walk Across the Sea is for you! I also recommend ALL books in the Dear America, My Name Is America, and Royal Diaries Series.

A wonderful historical novel.
Ever since she was three years old, Eliza Jane McCully has lived in the lighthouse at Crescent City, California, where her father is the keeper. Now thirteen, Eliza has many responsibilities, helping her father to keep the light burning, and eagerly awaiting the birth of her new baby sibling. One day while chasing her stubborn goat across the pathway to the island, she is caught by a wave. A Chinese boy saves her goat and warns her about the wave just in time. Eliza is confused, because her father has taught her that the Chinese are evil heathens. An unexpected tragedy causes Eliza to doubt her own beliefs as well as questioning her father's. When the townspeople run the Chinese out of Crescent City, Eliza watches in horror, unable to do anything. But when the boy who rescued her comes to her for help, Eliza must make the ultimate decision. Is she is brave enough to openly defy her father? I highly reccomend this novel to readers who enjoy historical fiction. ... Read more

Amazon.com

"How was it that foreigners could come take pictures of us when we weredead, but couldn't come to help us stay alive?" Eleven-year-old Zana Dugollidoesn't understand how the rest of the world can send reporters to record theviolence that is inflicted daily on Kosovo-born Albanians by the brutal Serbianmilitary, yet do nothing to stop it. In the late 1990s, Zana's rural village istargeted when the Serbian ruling class steps up its efforts to completely wipeout ethnic Albanians in Kosovo. Unbelievingly, she watches as a bomb explodesright in front of her, killing her father and two brothers. Zana's own leg isshattered by the blast, and the physical pain added to the grief of losing halfher family is almost more than she can bear. Sick with fear, Zana wonders howmuch longer she, her mother, and her remaining brother can face the demoralizingeffects of so much hate. "All I knew was that I was slowly losing my life. Ifelt betrayed by everyone and everything. I couldn't trust the ground itself. Ifa bomb fell on it, it could swallow me whole."

Alice Mead, author of the much-lauded Adem's Cross, continues to drawattention to the horrific Serbian-Albanian conflict with Girl of Kosovo.Brutal and moving, this novel is sure to stir the activist that lives in theheart of every teen and propel young readers to a greater understanding of race,war, and politics. (Ages 10 and older) --Jennifer Hubert ... Read more

Reviews (4)

girl of kosovo
This book was so amazing and was sp great to read. it explains about a albanian girl back in the late 1990s who is struggling through a racist war between the serbs and the albanians. With her father and two of her brothers already fead she struggles with depression friendship and hope to stay alive, also a tragic beginning of her leg that was practically blow off. I loved this book so much anyone who reads it will love it so much.

Simply excellent!
I loved this book. Alice Mead writes passionately as Zana. And if you like this book, you'll love Zlata's Diary!

good plot, poorly written
I picked this book up at a bookstore because I am Albanian myself and wanted to know more about the conflict in Kosovo. This book has a good plot, Zana, an Albanian girl, witnesses the hatred targeted towards her and other Albanians in Kosovo by the Serbs. Even after they have killed her father and two brothers, she tries to remember what her father told her before he was killed, "Don't let them fill your heart with hate". And to make the story more interesting, Zana has a Serbian friend. However, Alice Mead's writing style is very amateur. Even after Zana's father and brothers were killed, she doesn't slow the story down. It seems like she is trying to hurry the story along.

Insightful fiction about Kosovo for children and YA
This is an excellent introduction for children about the recent struggles in Kosovo. The heart-wrenching account of Zana and her family during the volatile period surrounding the war in Kosovo, should draw interest and concern to the children reading this book. The story is based on an actual family as described in the "author's note." I wish a map of the area was included with the place names as a reference. Most children are probably unaware of the unfortunate violence in Kosovo's history. The story is a page-turner and a building block to learn more about current events. A good modern realism for children and young adults. ... Read more

Book Description

Thirteen-year-old Michael knows he is lucky. Few slaves in 1805 Charleston are where they want to be. But Michael works on the docks and ships in Charleston Harbor, close to the seas he longs to sail.

Life seems good. But then his protective mistress dies and Michael's world changes. His friend Jim encourages him to "steal himself"; to run. Michael is torn.

Mama always taught him, "to get along, you go along." But Papa wanted him to be free. "You see a possibility, you take it....A fish you pull in as a free man tastes ten times sweeter than a fish you catch for a master." Now Mama and Papa are both dead, and Michael must decide alone.

Does he dare risk everything for a chance at freedom in some unknown place? If he and Jim are caught, he will have lost everything. But if he stays -- is staying safe worth staying a slave?

How Michael makes his decision to flee seaward to freedom is the heart of this moving and dramatic story set in an America where slavery is a way of life in the South, and the journey to freedom one of immense courage and mortal danger. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Kept my son fascinated for two days
My son is 12, and not usually an eager reader, but Seaward Born really kept him reading.He said"it was real!" and he loved that the main character not only chose his own destiny -- he chose his own name!Definitely worth checking out.

Moving and exciting story of boy's escape from slavery
I read this book with my two grandchildren, ages 8 and ten, and they were fascinated by the story -- and so was I.Author Wait knows her period and her characters, and brings to life the story of a boy who is torn between what he knows and loves, and what the consequences of inaction will be. My grandchildren loved the unhesitating details of what it must have been like to hide in a barrel for days in a ship's hold ... and the chapter on Michael's memories of what his mother had told him of her Middle Passage story are moving and just detailed enough to be fascinating to any age. I would definitely recommend this book
to anyone, of any age -- and certainly to a grandparent wanting to find a way to talk to children about slavery.

Exciting adventure story!
I didn't know too much about life in 1806 or slavery, but I really enjoyed reading Michael's story! He had to decide if he wanted to risk his life to try to be free. He had narrow escapes. I really liked the parts where he was escaping, and where he decided to change his name to Noah. I really liked this book!

Searching for Freedom--A Young Slave in Old Charleston
Michael, born a slave in Charleston, wishes more than anything to be able to work on the docks, andmaybe some day work on a boat. When his master dies, his wish is granted, and he goes to the docks. While there, he learns about the idea of freedom. It's a scary thought, and it takes some gumption for Michael, who renames himself Noah, to think of trying to gain freedom for himself. What will he have to endure to become free, and will he succeed? He has already lost his family and his security with a good master. What else must he lose?

Lea Wait, who lives in Maine, has a good eye for background detail. Her vivid scenes of Charleston in 1805-6 are very believable. The lives and terrors of slaves born there, and what they know about the dreadful ships on which their people arrived in America are gripping. Noah, who is a minor character in Wait's earlier young adult novel, "Stopping to Home" manages to meet those friends again. "Seaward Born" is the second book in what will become more stories for young people about others their age who find themselves adrift in a hostile world, but who eventually find true homes.

Lea Wait also writes adult mysteries, the "Shadows" series.

Adventure on the Water -- a review by Megan
Michael is a lucky 13-year-old African American boy. Even though he lives in the 1800s, he has still not been taken for slavery. He has no parents, but has a guardian, Mrs. Lautrec, who takes care of him and his friends, Anna, Sam, and Sirrah. Mrs. Lautrec sends him off to be with a captain who trains him to survive on water. But after Mrs. Lautrec dies, he and his friends are taken as slaves. He sneaks onto a ship headed to Boston on an adventure to be free from slavery. But not even he knows where it is going to end up.

This book should have been recommended for a more sophisticated age group. The publishers recommend it for ages 8 to 12, but because of the slavery, and men, women, and their children being thrown off of a ship, it should have been recommended more for ages 11 to 15, or for someone who wants to learn about slavery in the 1800s. I was not able to concentrate for a long time, because only every other chapter was interesting. Less describing the scenery and the thoughts of the characters, and more adventure and human conversations would keep the reader more engaged. But other than these minor details, this is a book that makes the reader worry about Michael being caught and enslaved, and at the end it gets more interesting and I cared about the main character's life. ... Read more

Book Description

Latin instructor Jerome Washington is a man out of place. The lone African-American teacher at the Chelsea School, an elite all-boys boarding school in Connecticut, he has spent nearly two decades trying not to appear too "racial." So he is unnerved when Rashid Bryson, a promising black inner-city student who is new to the school, seeks Washington as a potential ally against Chelsea's citadel of white privilege. Preferring not to align himself with Bryson, Washington rejects the boy's friendship. Surprised and dismayed by Washington's response, Bryson turns instead to Jana Hansen, a middle-aged white divorcée who is also new to the school -- and who has her own reasons for becoming involved in the lives of both Bryson and Washington.

Southgate makes her debut as a writer to watch in this compelling, provocative tale of how race and class ensnare Hansen, Washington, and Bryson as they journey toward an inevitable and ultimately tragic confrontation. ... Read more

Reviews (23)

Absolutely Spellbinding...
Martha Southgate's The Fall of Rome was simply the best book that I have read all year. I had no idea what to expect when I purchased this book. I didn't want to judge this book simply by its cover, but I have to say that the cover itself was enough to pique my interest.

Ms. Southgate's captivating writing immediately drew me into the colliding worlds of Rashid, Jerome and Jana. Through the author's vivid descriptions of her characters and the story's setting, I easily envisioned myself at the Chelsea School witnessing the story unfolding.

The issues of race and class are aptly dissected in The Fall of Rome, and the author allows us to see each character's perspective even though much of the story centers around the title character, Jerome.

I'm not going to give away any more details about the book because I feel that I shouldn't. I believe I would be doing future readers a serious injustice by revealing the plot. I must admit that I had some preconceived notions about The Fall of Rome before I started, but it was nothing like I would have expected. At the end of the book, I found myself rethinking my own prejudices and how I let them affect me.

I was so enraptured with The Fall of Rome that I could not put it down, and finished it in, literally, a few hours.

I would highly recommend The Fall of Rome for book clubs/reading groups, and especially to colleges as a required reading for their students. This book is a must-read for everyone.

Not bad. Not Good.
Its hard to determine what Southgate's story is really about. . I started out enjoying the the introduction of characters because they were multi-dimensional. They come accross as real folks, everyday people. However, towards the end, they become more one-deimesional and lack any real substance. Southgate just down right bores the reader to death about a death. If you read the book you will surely know who and what happened over and over again. Jerome Washington is sort of the main protagonist. He is sort of the guy who is black and who has sort of pulled himself up by the boot straps and ends up teaching at a all white, all boys school. He bascailly is a living contradiction and ends up losing his teaching position at the school. Southgate is a talent and writes will but this story just didnt have much to offer other than that.

excellent book
Sensitive portrayal of a young African-American youth who, still recovering from the untimely death of his older brother, struggles to find his place academically and socially at a boarding school. He finds an ally in an English teacher (who narrates part of the book) and a baffling opponent in an African American Latin teacher who also coaches track. In the end it is the adult who cannot come to terms with his own past who is destroyed by his pride and blindness. Recommended.

beautiful
A quietly interesting story. The characters grow on you as you read. Very well written.

Captivating Story By An Excellent Writer!
Martha Southgate's THE FALL OF ROME is a story about three characters, two African-American, and one white, whose lives are forever changed after they meet and interact with each other. Jerome Washington, the only African-American teacher at Chelsea school, believes that he is above the color lines and barriers that other African-Americans usually have to deal with. Rashid Bryson, the new comer and a child who doesn't come from a rich background, learns how life is being one of a few African-American students at a school that makes him feel intimidated and out of place. Rounding out the story is Jana Hansen, the new white teacher who takes a personal interest in Jerome and Rashid and who learns valuable lessons about both of them.

Written from the perspective of three people, The Fall Of Rome takes you on a journey that helps you discover how each of these three characters ends up at Chelsea. From this story you learn, through their interaction with each other, what happened in their pasts to make them act and think the way they do. The story has a continually slow build of tension between the characters until its explosive end.

With dialogue that was sincere, honest, and true, The Fall Of Rome was excellent and it's been my favorite book so far this year. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (1)

An Important Book: YANKEE GIRL by Mary Ann Rodman
Without flinching the author embeds the reader in her authentic portrayal of the plight of a Northern 11 year old suddenly finding herself ensconced in the deep South at the time of the Civil Rights movement. Alice, the all too human protagonist is caught in the customs of the locale where she desperately wants and needs friends, despite the negative of her concealed empathy for Valerie, upon whose shoulders has fallen the mantle of integration in Alice's new school.
Despite the heavy subject, the story sparkles and entertains with wry humor and attention to detail of the '70s through the human frailties of adults and classmates alike.
Alice learns by experience and practice what theory has provoked during those dangerous and unsettling times. The story is touching as Alice comes to terms with her own deficiencies and climaxes finally with her action. ... Read more

Book Description

It's the early 1960s and Frannie has never given much thought to the color of her skin-until an African-American girl named Celeste moves to her hometown in Oklahoma. At first, Frannie ignores Celeste, but when the two girls are chosen to be in a special vocal ensemble, they find themselves becoming friends.But others are not so quick to accept the idea of racial integration, and Frannie discovers a dark secret from the town's past that threatens the future of her friendship with Celeste.

"A wonderful, well-written, multilayered novel with lots of appeal."-School Library Journal, starred review

"The account of Frannie's emerging conscience, increasing awareness of history, and developing friendship with Celeste is compelling."-The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

Awards:

A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year ... Read more

Reviews (14)

Great book set into a whole different level
The Starplace is an absolutely awesome book. It teaches the values and importance of people of other countries, nations, and colors. Not only is it set for reading of any ages, it is interesting to the older audience as well. I think Vicki Grove did a tremendous job on this book.

Frannie is an average white girl entering the 8th grade school year. She has friends and family that all care about her, and her life is running smoothly, until the day she sees young Celeste in a black car. Celeste is like no other in the city, she is African-American. At first, Frannie ignores Celeste in school, and doesn't care about her, but it's impossible to ignore her forever, in chorus she is the best singer around. They quickyl socialize a bit and become fast friends. The name "The Star Place" came from the place Frannie and Celeste practice every night, it soon becomes a second home, and a second life to the culture of the city Quiver.

This book is awesome and is a must read for people of all skin colors. There really isnt a special age you have to be to read this book. I first read it in 3rd grade, and have re-read it over the years. This book definetly deserves all the credit it gets.

It gets an A.
Starplace is about a thirteen-year-old girl named Frannie Drscoll. She lives in a small town called Quiver in Oklahoma. On the first day of school she finds there is a new girl, Celeste. There is just one problem with it. Quiver Junior High is all white, and Celeste is black.
Starplace is a very good book. It is very exciting and keeps you reading till the end. It tells what life could have been like for people living in the time. The characters seem very realistic. It is easy to read but very exciting and if you like those kinds of books, you will like this book.

A Friendship Review
The book, The Starplace is an awesome book that explains the friendship between a black girl and a white girl. A girl named Celeste moves to Quiver, Oklahoma. Frannie is a white girl who has a lot of friends where she lives. We can learn a lot from the friendship of Celeste and Frannie. We can learn that it doesn't matter if you're blue, green, yellow, pink, or even striped to have a friend. Celeste and Frannie had a powerful friendship, but the people of the town really wanted them to not be friends. They stood by each other every inch of the way. I really love this book because I can relate to this book. I can because I have a black friend, I even have black friends.

The Starplace
Starplace is about a thirteen-year-old girl named Frannie Driscoll. She lives in a small town called Quiver in Oklahoma.The setting is mainly in the old crickety rocket in a dry field and also outside. On the first day of school she finds there is a new girl, Celeste. There is just one problem with it. Quiver Junior High is all white, and Celeste is black. Some girls in her school who think they are better than everyone else were making fun of her in the bathroom. After Frannie found out that the things that the girls were saying she told