Book Description

This is a love song devoted to that special relationship between grandparents and grandchild. The kitchen window at Nanna and Poppy's house is, for one little girl, a magic gateway. Everything important happens near it, through it, or beyond it. Told in her voice, her story is both a voyage of discovery and a celebration of the commonplace wonders that define childhood, expressed as a joyful fusion of text with evocative and exuberant illustrations.The world for this little girl will soon grow larger and more complex, but never more enchanting or deeply felt. ... Read more

Book Description

The city of Ember was built deep underground as a last refuge for the human race. Two hundred years later, the great lamps that light the city are beginning to flicker. When Lina finds part of an ancient message, she’s sure it holds a secret that will save the city. She and her friend Doon must decipher the message before the lights go out on Ember forever! This stunning debut novel offers refreshingly clear writing and fascinating, original characters. ... Read more

Reviews (58)

great read for kids and adults
I just finished City of Ember and I was amazed at how good it was. I've been reading science fiction and fantasy my whole life and was still very impressed with this good read. I picked this up because of the appealing cover design as a gift for my nephew. I thought I'd read a little to see if it was interesting. I read half the book that night and the rest the next day. If you like Harry Potter or John Christopher's Tripods series you will definetely like City of Ember. The book moves along very quickly and smoothly with engaging characters. The solutions that the characters find to the (clever plot device) shreddded instruction sheet puzzle keeps you turning back to page 94 to check and double check your own guesses. Although this is the first book in a series(?)it has enough closure at the end that you feel fulfilled and don't feel cheated. I'm looking forward to the sequel to this very satisfying read.

Coincidence
All nine people who've already reviewed this book gave it five stars. I wouldn't go that far, but it was pretty exciting. I started reading this book at lunch on August 14, the day of the blackout from New York to Detroit. In the story, there are frequent blackouts, though none as long-lasting as the New York blackout. The difference is that in the city of Ember, when the lights go out, there is no sun, moon, or stars to alleviate the pitch blackness. The generator that supplies power to the entire city was built to last 200 years, but 240 years have passed, and it can't last much longer. Food and other supplies are becoming scarce.

The original builders of the city left "instructions for egress," but over the years these were lost until one day a baby finds them and starts chewing on them. The instructions are rescued by the baby's sister, but not before the baby has consumed parts of the message. Will Lina and her friend Doon decipher the message in time to escape?

The book, as I said, was very exciting, but thinking too hard about the unanswered questions in the story could ruin it for you. It's not so important to know why the city was built under these conditions. I can accept that there must have been a good reason. It's harder to accept that people are eating the contents of 200-year-old cans of food. A can of fruit recently bulged at both ends and leaked a foul-smelling liquid in my cupboard, and it wasn't even 20 years old. There are huge gaps in people's knowledge. Children leave school at the age of twelve. Why, why, why?

Excellent!!!
I thought this book was really good. COmpared to other books i've read its not superb but i am comparing it to some really good books. I think if you like books like The Thief Lord and The bartimeus Triligy: The Amulet of Samarkand then you will enjoy this book. It's a good book to take on Vacation and have a quick read. I'd truly recommend this book to people who enjoy that short and sweet read!

A Book for Generations
My 10-year-old granddaughter and I read this book together -- she for her summer reading list and I, well, I read all her books. We both found the book to be enjoyable.

One thing that pleased my granddaughter was the fact that the heroes were only 2 years older than she. I liked the alternating point of view between Doon and Lina, giving us an overview of events happening in two places at the same time.

Trying to decipher the clues in the Instructions was an added pleasure, as I enjoy word and logic puzzles.

We both look forward to more of Ms. DuPrau's work and hope she continues to write well into the future.

No Pullman
My general view of this book is that its author is trying to be the next Philip Pullman. Just as Eragon is trying to be the new Tolkien and Ardagh's books are trying to be the new Series of Unfortunate Events. However, the His Dark Materials trilogy is amazing. Expertly written with excellent flow and character development. The same cannot be said for this. I have to say that I'm disappointed not to have liked it. The original idea seemed engaging. The actual book however, was not. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Due to the success of his first campaign involving theAmulet of Samarkand,Nathaniel, now fourteen, has been appointed the youngest representative ever to the Office of Internal Affairs, and has been devising traps to capture members of the Resistance--a secretive group of commoners who are determined to undermine the ruling class of magicians. When a magic-sapping Golem’s surprise first attack is labeled an act of Resistance terrorism, Nathaniel reluctantly summons Bartimaeus for help. Meanwhile, a zealous young member of the Resistance, Kitty Jones, is planning to rob the sacred tomb of the great magician Gladstone, and turn the power of his buried magical instruments against the spell makers. The towering clay Golem and its shadowy master unites the destinies of Nathaniel, Bartimaeus, and Kitty together in one fateful night--unfortunately, that night is much too slow in coming. Stroud’s second book is far too long and gloomy, focusing more on the priggish Nathaniel and wronged Kitty than the dijinni readers have come to adore. Fans of Jonathan Stroud’s breakout hit, The Amulet of Samarkand, may be a little disappointed to discover that Bartimaeus features so little his second book. While Stroud cleverly uses the class war between the ruling magicians and the disgruntled commoners as a metaphor for current political and social clashes, the text suffers overall from a lack of the dijinni’s famous facetious footnotes. Avid fans are left skimming the slow parts and hoping that when Bartimaeus escapes his servile bonds he will be given more space to make them laugh. --Jennifer Hubert ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (2)

Magic Fails to Enchant
Being an avid fan of children's fantasy books, from Goegre MacDonald's "The Princess and the Goblin", Nesbit's "The Wonderful Garden", through C. S. Lewis and Edward Eager up to Harry Potter, when I saw the dust jacket of "Magic by the Book" I was intrigued and read it as soon as I could get my hands on it.I was throughly disappointed.Plot devices, characters and even dialog phrasing were lifted wholesale from Edward Eager's classics.To be fair, Eager lifted plot devices himself from E. Nesbit's earlier post-Victorian classics.However, he had the excuse of updating them for the 1950's and 60's readers.Bernstein does not.All of Eager's books are still in print and available.His clean language and clear-cut, likeable characters were not improved upon by Bernstein.The book's illustrations suffered by comparison as well. The little girls in particular appeared grotesque. N. M. Bodecker's frowning Martha was more endearing.As for Bernstein's more creative foray, the over-long adventure of little brother Will, eventually became tedious in the extreme.The Tolstoy incident was little better.About halfway through this hodepodge, I was longing nostagically for "Magic by the Lake."My recommendation?Go out and re-read Eager.

Enchantments for all Ages!
"Magic By the Book" is one of the most engaging, lucidly written, and altogether delightful yarns -- of any variety -- I've encountered in years. The story of the Thornton children's adventures with their mysterious library tome brought me back so vividly to my own childhood, and to that sense of possibility when opening the pages of a new book, that I felt like a ten-year-old all over again! For any adult who wants to recapture that sense of possibility, and for any child discovering it for the first, second, or hundredth time, this book is not to be missed! ... Read more

Book Description

Star Wars: A Long Time Ago... features classic Star Wars stories not seen in over twenty years! Originally printed by Marvel Comics, these stories have been re-colored using today’s computer technology, giving "old" work a fresh face. Volume 2 collects issues of the original Marvel run and contains such riveting classics as "Crucible" and the unforgettable "What Ever Happened to Jabba the Hut?" ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Classic Marvel Star Wars
I read the first volume in this series, "Doomworld," and enjoyed it, but thought it was a bit corny and too cartoonish in places. I was surprised and pleased that the comics got much better with time.

A good portion of this set of 19 comics revolves around the Tagge family, who generally opposes Darth Vader, but also opposes the rebellion. Baron Tagge even hopes to supplant Darth Vader himself, though we know where such schemes end. In "Doom Mission," we find Baron Tagge has created a space station within the stormy atmosphere of the gas giant Yavin where Tie fighters launch attacks against the rebel base on the fourth moon. This story is quite creative with how Baron Tagge created the space station, how it was discovered and how it was eventually attacked.

There are quite a few creative moments in the various stories. In a series of three stories, "The Jawa Express," "Saber Clash," and "Thunder in the Stars," we see the Tagge family test and implement an interesting device that freezes anything between implanted towers. The Tagge family uses this device as a weapon against rebel forces.

In one of the most creative stories, "Riders in the Void," we find Luke and Leia have jumped into the void between galaxies. In one of the emptiest places in the universe Luke and Leia discover a unique, organic space ship with only one inhabitant, who is marginally insane. The ship and its inhabitant have an interesting and unique history, and there are moments when I wondered how Luke and Leia were going to escape.

Creature creation was similarly unique and better than in the first 20 comics of "Doomworld." In "The Long Hunt/A Duel of Eagles" we meet the winged people of Skye. In "Cavern of the Crawling Death" we learn about stone mites that destroy everything they contact as they eat it.

There are a few departures from the Star Wars universe as we know it today that are forgivable given that the second two Star Wars movies had yet to be released. We see a Jabba the Hut very different from the slug-like creature we came to know and loathe. We also see the continuing romance between Luke and Leia, though we also know that they are brother and sister. Yet, the general tone of the stories fits well within the Star Wars universe, and the astute reader can see some of the substantial creativity yet to come.

If you read "Doomworld" and liked it, you'll find that "Dark Encounters" is substantially better and more interesting. The quality of the stories is still lower than the general caliber of the Dark Horse stories, but some of them are very creative and interesting. For those readers that look back fondly on memories of comics from the 60s and 70s, these are the types of stories that you remember well. Enjoy!

Solid Improvement
3.5 stars actually.

The artwork, and the plotting improves dramatically in this second collection of Marvel stories. Unlike most of the first collection, these stories mostly feel like they could take place in the Star Wars universe and are viable adventures that the heroes could have had before The Empire Strikes Back.

Still though, they are not stellar work by any means, merely solid. In retrospect, due to the authors not knowing where George Lucas was going, some of the things you see cause some cognitive dissonance. No fault of the authors, but it is still jarring to see things you know are untrue.

Decent artwork, and stories in a rather large collection make this a worthwhile collection if you'd like to read a sort of slightly altered universe of what the Star Wars characters did between the movies.

Green Rabbits and Cyborg Bounty Hunters...
I've just ordered the reprint trade paperback reprints of these Marvel books. I remember reading and re-reading all of these "beyond the movie" adventures when I was a kid. It was just such an incredible charge to see what Luke, Han, and company were doing between the movies. Water worlds, gambling satellites, Darth Vader learning the name of the Death Star's destroyer(a nice plot device), the blocky artwork and awkward poses of Carmine Infantino artwork, wondering WHY these adventurers NEVER changed their clothes as they NEVER seemed to make their way back to Yavin Base after their Flash Gordon-esque side-adventures... Oh, and we can't forget that Obi-Wan Jedi story with the droid 68RKO (which were the call letters of a radio station if I'm not mistaken)...They really DID capture the imagination. Hopefully, Dark Horse will get around to publishing a VOLUME 3 because therein lie the BEST Marvel STAR WARS tales. But these first two will take you to a Long Time Ago in a Decade Not Far Away Enough--The Seventies. You'll see the pop-cultural impact of the first wave of STAR WARS mania, in many ways as endearingly cheesy as that Thanksgiving Holiday special. If you remember these, you will LOVE them all over again...if you don't, then prepare to be mightily entertained, whether you like comics, STAR WARS, or pop-culture in general. These books definitely belong on your shelf...

Even better than the first collection!
This is the second trade paperback reprinting the original Marvel Star Wars comics from the late 70's/early 80's. It picks up immediately following the first trade paperback, and goes forward (timeline-wise) up to the first issue of Marvel's Empire Strikes Back adaptation.

Now, I've already given the first volume a good review, and this one's not going to be any different. I enjoyed these stories immensely when they first came out, and it still gives me a thrill to glance through my collection every now and then. Some of the covers were amazing!

The stories, for the most part, are the strongest from Marvel's entire line. The very last story in the collection, a fill-in tale where Luke and Leia end up on a large ship that is alive and has emotions, is probably the strongest in the entire batch. But there are other great moments mingled in with the rest. I think the issues featuring bounty hunters (including a cyborg) and the role they play in the Star Wars Universe are particulary interesting reads. And the story where Han and Chewy are trapped in a cavern with metal-eating termites chewing away at the Millenium Falcon (while a very thin Jabba the Hut stands outside the cave waiting for Solo to exit) is a classic.

Of course, not all of the stories work. There are some cheesy moments when Luke returns to Tatooine, and a few other issues that look like the artwork was rushed to meet a deadline, but overall, most of the issues are still fun to read.

Should you buy it? If you're a Star Wars nut, of course! But I think these stories would also be great for a parent looking for some good safe stories set in the Star Wars universe to give to their son/daughter. ... Read more

Book Description

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

Reviews (29)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Book Description

Matteo Alacrán was not born; he was harvested. His DNA came from El Patrón, lord of a country called Opium -- a strip of poppy fields lying between the United States and what was once called Mexico. Matt's first cell split and divided inside a petri dish. Then he was placed in the womb of a cow, where he continued the miraculous journey from embryo to fetus to baby. He is a boy now, but most consider him a monster -- except for El Patrón. El Patrón loves Matt as he loves himself, because Matt is himself.

As Matt struggles to understand his existence, he is threatened by a sinister cast of characters, including El Patrón's power-hungry family, and he is surrounded by a dangerous army of bodyguards. Escape is the only chance Matt has to survive. But escape from the Alacr n Estate is no guarantee of freedom, because Matt is marked by his difference in ways he doesn't even suspect. ... Read more

Reviews (86)

A good intro to sci-fi for those not fans of it
As a college student and future teacher, I was enrolled this past semester in a children's literature course. As required reading,we had two books from each genre. I have never liked science fiction and was a little discouraged to see my book was near 400 pages! It was difficult to find at the library, so I thought about buying it. I didn't though,because I didn't think I'd like it. I just finished it about an hour ago. I couldn't put it down! It wasn't only becase it was due today either! Nancy Farmer did a great job of making you care about the characters. The main character of the book is Matt. You see his struggle to live a sub-human life as a clone. After he meets his genetic "parent" El Patron, he begins to receive better treatment. Read this book if you want to find out what happens to Matt as El Patron has a need for him and what happens to the Opium Empire, which is between Aztlan (future Mexico) and the U.S. At times I was a little frustrated that I did not know Spanish, not knowing how some words and names were pronounced, but Nancy translates these phrases. I am considering buying this book and will recommend it an upper grade class if I am an upper grade teacher. Maybe this would be a good read aloud.

Wonderous and Exciting!
The House of the Scorpion is what you would call a book 'beyond its time'. Not only is the setting a century from now, but the sensation of feeling as if you were in a time warp flying through the future (well not quite as expressive as the Jetsons') is accompanied with reading the book itself. Nancy Farmer gives the life story of a young 'boy' who is actually a clone of a 140+ year old drug lord named Matteo Alacran, (or El Patron as he is more locally called throughout the book) ruler of the country of Opium (an area within 'former' Mexico and the US). Of course, the clone is also given the same name as well (Matt). In the beginning, Matt was grown within a cow (yes cow) from DNA given from El Patron. Despite his old age, El Patron creates his clones as a way to help him live on through the use of a clone's organs once his own grow bad. However, clones usually have their brains destroyed so any form of rebellion would be prevented. As for El Patron, he does exactly the opposite. Instead, he gives his clones the lap of luxury to give them confidence until it's too late.
As a young boy, Matt is shielded from the outside world from his caretaker Celia, cook of El Patron's mansion. As time progresses, Matt is later discovered and winds up in the Big House (El Patron's house). From here on Matt begins his long journey of self discovery to find out who and what he really is. However, no journey goes without obstacles. Tom, a son of a US senator's wife (ok the wife cheated a little), terrorizes Matt's life by doing whatever possible to make his life a nighmare. Likewise, the entire estate of the Alacran's segregate Matt from itself for what Matt is. On the other hand, Maria, daughter of the US senator (no cheating this time) ends up being Matt's secret crush, that is despite some difficulties in the beginning. Tam Lin is another of Matt's favorites. Originally being a 'terrorist', he is one of El Patron's top bodyguards and becomes Matt's as well. Tam Lin teaches Matt of nature and survival as he (Matt) soon learns these techniques and lessons would come to great use in the near future (You'll have to read why...hey I can't tell everything :)]. Secret passages, hospitals, exploration, captivity, love, self-discovery, and an all out war of mind over body plus much more is what one would find in this guaranteed Farmer classic: The House of the Scorpion.

Other info:
Reading Level: Middle School +
Recommendations: Great for school reports and projects or just for fun!
Overall: Guaranteed to send shivers down the spine and tears in the end! Will keep you begging for more!

Adam's Review
The authors purpose for writing this novel was to give the reader suspense and mystery. One example is when Matt, the main character, is framed for killing his friends dog when he didn't. He then must prove his innocents to a crowd of prejudice people. It is suspenceful when one of Matt's best friend's, Tam Lin, pretends to become evil in order to help save Matt.I think the author definitely achieved her two goals of being suspenseful and providing mystery. This book was brilliantly written.

All I can say is wow.
After reading this book over and over again and not getting the least bit bored, I realized that this was my favorite book ever. The sad thing is, I don't even own it. Once again...all hail Nancy Farmer.

Books I reccomend:
The Ear The Eye and The Arm
Halo: The Fall of Reach

VISIT NFSUCLAN.CJB.NET!

I found that this was the greatest book ever.
I loved this book. I found it clever, funny, and filled with action. It also related to my life a lot, because sometimes I am treated with not much respect. I've read this book 7 times and still haven't gotten bored with it...all hail Nancy Farmer, once again. (...) ... Read more

Reviews (17)

Here there be dragons!
I bought this book for a friend's daughter for Christmas, and I hate to part with it! It is magical, gorgeous and stunning, from its rich, bejeweled cover to its many treasures within: beautiful illustrations, witty text, fun pull-outs, even samples of shed dragon skin, wing membranes and dragon dust (all lovely!) We learn much about dragons, from their life cycles and behaviors to their flying techniques ("A happy dragon is a dragon that loops") and how they're REALLY able to breathe fire (Ah, I'd always wondered....) And at the end, a wise message about caring for the world and its creatures lest they vanish....and another charming surprise that I won't give away. No serious dragonologist should be without this enchanting book! :-)

By the dragon!!!
Or is it "Buy the dragon!!!".

I was looking around the children's section when I spied this book. It is absolutely neat in everyway. If you are a dragon lover this is a MUST HAVE. Even better the Flight of Dragons, IMO.

It's not just for kids!!!
I bought this book for my adult sister who has a bit of an affinity for dragons, thinking it would be a "cute" little gift. When the book arrived, I was so impressed with the cover alone! It's a deep red, with red foil lined dragons and four "emeralds," alluding to the notion that dragons are attracted to gems. I couldn't help but read it myself...and I must say it will be hard to relinquish it to my sister! It's full of illustrations, as well as "samples" of dragon scales and dragon dust. It references some of our greats, such as Merlin, Marco Polo and Magnus...just to name a few. Yes, it's fiction. Yes, it's an easy read. Yet any adult who appreciates our old world legends will have a blast with this book!

Dragonology
I really like this book because it really shows you a different perspective on dragons.

Great Pictures, Great Story
I saw this book in a bookstore, and I just had to have it. I was drawn more to the pictures and the cover design, than the text inside, but when I read it I was amazed. I actually believed it was real, as if I could go out and find myself a dragon. This book is really amazing and can be enjoyed by everyone, young and old. It doesn't matter how old you are to believe and believing in magical beasts is what makes us stay young. Its a fabulous book!!! ... Read more

Book Description

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

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

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

Reviews (212)

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

Among The Hidden
ISBN 0-689-82475-0

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reviews (43)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Amazon.com

Joined by destiny, the lives of the Drew children, Will Stanton, and aboy named Bran weave together in an exquisite, sometimes terrifying tapestry ofmystery and quests. In the five-title series of novels known as The Dark IsRising Sequence, these children pit the power of good against the evil forces ofDark in a timeless and dangerous battle that includes crystal swords, goldengrails, and a silver-eyed dog that can see the wind. Susan Cooper's highlyacclaimed fantasy novels, steeped in Celtic and Welsh legends, have won numerousawards, including the Newbery Medal and the Newbery Honor. Now all fivepaperback volumes have been collected in one smart boxed set. These classicfantasies, complex and multifaceted, should not be missed, by child or adult.The set includes Over Sea, UnderStone, The Dark IsRising, Greenwitch, The Grey King, and Silver on the Tree. (Ages 9 andolder) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (163)

An excellent fantasy series that is HIGHLY underrated
I first stumbled upon Susan Cooper's THE DARK IS RISING sequence when I was in sixth grade. I was required to read a Newberry Award-winning book and do a report, and the cover of THE GREY KING looked kind of cool, so I gave it a shot. Fifteen years later I still can't believe I haven't heard more about this series.

C.S. Lewis set the standard for children's fantasy literature with THE NARNIA CHRONICLES, and Susan Cooper has equaled Lewis' accomplishment in these books. In some ways, the stories are much better because Cooper's target audience is a bit older, wiser, and more mature. Evil characters are not always obvious in Cooper's world, nor are they always super-intelligent. Cooper weaves elements of Arthurian legend and Welsh mythology into modern day England in a way that tends to swallow the reader whole. Even as an adult I find these books rich and enjoyable; it is easy to forget that one is reading 'children's literature'.

Fans of THE NARNIA CHRONICLES or HARRY POTTER will find that THE DARK IS RISING is another series readers will enjoy no matter what their age may be. My one caveat would be to parents of young children: there are scenes in these stories that may not be appropriate for children under the age of 10 or so. As always, be aware of what your children are reading. Once your children have reached an appropriate age, however, I would highly recommend THE DARK IS RISING for both you and your children!

Strong series
I re-read this series recently, wondering if it would still seem as good as it did when I was a child. And the answer is, it doesn't. But it still has a great deal to offer.
The five books are set in Britain, not tied particularly closely to any decade within the twentieth century. They are all quest stories, with the child heroes seeking various magical artefacts to help the Light in its struggle against the Dark.
"Over Sea, Under Stone" introduces Simon, Jane and Barney Drew, following a mysterious manuscript in search of a golden grail. This adventure takes place during the summer holidays in Cornwall, and introduces their enigmatic Great-Uncle Merriman.
"The Dark is Rising" is the story of Will Stanton, who comes into his power as an Old One, a champion of the Light, on his eleventh birthday. Assisted by Merriman, he is destined to find the Six Signs.
"Greenwitch" unites the Drews, Will and Merriman in Cornwall as they hunt for a second manuscript, lost in the hunt for the grail. But can they win out over the power of the Greenwitch?
"The Grey King" sends Will to Wales in search of the golden harp that is needed to wake the Sleepers, warriors of the Light. He meets Bran, a lonely and troubled boy, who proves to be surprisingly important in his search and the struggle against the Dark.
"Silver on the Tree" reunites all the characters as they search for the crystal sword, the last necessary artefact, and travel to the final confrontation with the Dark.
There's a great deal to like in these books. Cooper pitches the writing at a suitably adult level so that, while not too difficult for children, they never feel twee or condescending. They are suitably atmospheric, with the settings brought alive by good descriptive writing and a healthy injection of Celtic mythology. Many of the characters are interesting and likeable; Will is the stand-out in this regard. The two "Will" books, "The Dark is Rising" and "The Grey King" are the best of the series. There is more action and a greater sense of risk and tension in these books.
So why has my regard for this series dropped over the years? There are two reasons. The first is that, reading as an adult, I don't find the books all that well-grounded in their mythological territory. Tolkien wrote stories set in a world that feels real. Cooper's ideas of magic, Light and Dark, heroes and villains, are very thin by comparison. As a consequence, to me there is little sense of what is truly at stake in what is supposed to be an all-time epic struggle, little sense of real risk; and all too often there are deus ex machina solutions as the magical heroes suddenly "know", without explanation, just what they need to do to win out.
The second reason is "Silver on the Tree". I found this a weak end to the saga, with too many deus ex machina solutions and too many vitally important plot points coming out of nowhere (Mrs Rowlands being one, Bran's love for his human father another). Much of the book seemed pointless filler. The final confrontation lacked power (both with regard to Cooper's writing and in plot terms) and seemed all too easy.
However, these caveats are things that may seem far less important to younger readers - I know they didn't bother me the first time I read this series. And the series as a whole is certainly well-crafted, exciting and enjoyable.

Still one of the Best
It's great to start to see Susan Cooper around the place again. With all of the Potter hype and the renewed interest in the wonderful Diana Wynne Jones, Susan Cooper deserves some time in the limelight for the outstanding Dark is Rising sequence. She's steeped in anglo-saxon mythology in much the same way as Alan Garner, but has created a much warmer and more accessible world than Garner.

The first book in the sequence was clearly originally written as a stand-alone book, but I would guess it planted seeds of ideas which took a decade to germinate when she picked up the story again. After the long gap, the next four books came quite thick and fast (coinciding with my childhood) and the writing of them is dynamic and exciting. The characters are fantastic, with the Merlin figure Merry being one of the most endearing attempts to create that arch-sorcerer. They are great fun from start to finish and are as intelligent, fresh and fantastic as when I first read them nearly thirty years ago (ouch!).

The Dark is Rising Sequence
For all fans of Harry Potter the Dark is Rising books would also be a great book sequence. It includes magic, fantasy, and many other things. I cannot stop thinking about them! Susan Cooper uses such good descriptions that you actually feel as if you were there. This is a great sequence I can't get Merriaman, Lyon, Will Stanton, Jane, Simon, and Barney Drew, the lady, the Grey King, and all the others out of my head. You would reaaly enjoy these books. They are great books. (...)

The Dark Is Rising
The Dark is rising sequence - I first discovered this book in sixth grade in a friend's house. It was the hardcover edition and the pictures were interesting so I read it. Later on, I bought these books right here.
The books are about the Light and the Dark. One of the main reasons I thought this book was excellent was that they weren't just for young people. The characters were highly understandable and the language wasn't just one of those easy-to-read ones. Personally, I like 'The Dark Is Rising,' 'The Grey King,' and 'Silver On the Tree' better than others. Books taking place in Cornwall was kind of vague and not adventurous.
All in all, I highly recommend this book to fantasy lovers of all ages. ... Read more

Book Description

"Well, first of all, " said the BFG, "human beans is not really believing in giants, is they? Human beans is not thinking we exist."

Sophie discovers that giants not only exist, but that there are a great many of them who like to guzzle and swallomp nice little chiddlers. But not the Big Friendly Giant. He and Sophie cook up an ingenious plot to free the world of troggle-humping -- forever.

Reviews (217)

The BFG's the book you've been looking forward to !!!!!!
This is an extraordinary book, and the reader is immediately drawn into the fascinating tale. It begins like this.........

Sophie is an orphan... One night, the moon was pouring in all it's brightness through her windows, casting light directly on her pillow....., unable to sleep, then, Sophie looks out of the window and.....that's when she finds herself caught by a giant called the BFG (the big Friendly Giant), but a giant so friendly and kind, that when other giants go searching for edible humans every night, he eats horrible cucumber kind of vegetables. Soon after Sophie and the BFG gets to be friends and goes to meet Queen Elizabeth for help. In the end, Sophie gets to live in a big palace with the BFG. I couldn't put this book down, so I read it in one day! It's terribly funny and interesting. It's the kind of book everyone will love reading.

Charming fantasy about little girl befriending lonely giant
Sophie is an orphan, not exacly living "the charmed life". Enter a "big friendly giant", who came to town during witching hour to "blow dreams into the minds of sleeping children", but ends up kidnapping Sophie, because she saw him and "would have caused a giant hunt". -- The adventure for both Sophie and the "BFG" is wonderful to follow, at times even hilarious. The friendly giant has a wonderful way of "jumbling" almost the entire English language, making the reader laugh out loud during many delightful scenes. The "other" giants in Giant Country are not at all friendly, but man-eating monsters who torment the BFG. With the genius of Sophie and the aid of The Queen of England all ends well. -- I read this book with my 4th grade class, and all agreed that this was our favorite book we covered all year! Highly recommended!

This is a Total Blast
This book is the fiction story that you MUST read! It's about a girl named sophie who's an orphan that finds joy in a Big Friendly Giant. You can't let this story pass without reading it. I give it 2 thumbs up!

Just one word... WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!
This book ROCKS!!! I mean, seriously!!! You should really read this book!!! If you don't, your missing out on a lot, ...!!! Really, you HAVE to read this book!!!!!!

The BFG
The BFG
By: Roald Dahl
Reviewed by J. Yeh
Period: P.1

The BFG, written by Roald Dahl is about a young orphan who met a giant called the Big Friendly Giant. One night the orphan named Sophie couldn't sleep and out the window she saw an outline of something big. She saw it blow things into the windows with a trumpet. Sophie ran back to her bed and hid under her blanket. Next thing she knew when she peeped out was that a hand snatched her from the bed out of the window. Inside his hand was Sophia watching everything past her while the giant ran fast. They got to the cave where he lived and the giant set Sophie on the table. The BFG told her everything like why she was taken and his life. A giant bigger than the BFG came in and thought there was someone in the cave because the BFG was talking to Sophie. Sophie hid in what the giant calls snozzcumbers. The enormous giant went around searching for the human being but couldn't find her, and soon left. The BFG took Sophie to the Dream Country where the giant caught all his dreams. He didn't like the nightmare dreams and got really mad when he caught one. He caught a nightmare and left the country. He blew the dream into another giant. Suddenly the giant started squirming around and screamming. After a while all the giants got into a big quarrel. The BFG showed Sophie all his dreams he had caught and she read the labels written on them. There were dreams for girls and boys. Sophie thought of an idea of how to get rid of the other giants. So the BFG mixed the dreams for the queen to have about all the giants gobbling up human beings. They took a while to mix it and in the night while the other giants were gone, they blew the dream into the queen's bedroom. She woke up thinking that it was only a dream. Sophia was sitting by her bed like it was in the dream. She convinced her that the dream was real. So the queen sent army men and helicopters to capture the giants. They tied the giants up while they were sleeping and flew them into a pit where they couldn't escape.

I liked this book because it was kind of funny and interesting at the same time. One quote that I liked was,"One night, I is blowing a dream through a window and I sees this book lying on the little boy's bedroom table. I wanted it so very badly, you understand. But I is refusing to steal it. I would never do that." This quote tells me how much the BFG would never do anything horrible. Another quote I liked was,"Bravo! You is very good for a beginner! Let's have some more!" This quote was kind of funny to me because it seemed like the BFG was drunk.

My favorite part of the book was when Sophia and the BFG were mixing the dreams up for the queen to have so that the other giants would stop eating human beings. I liked it because it seemed interesting by the way the author described how it looked. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Magic abounds in Edward Eager's world. Whether his young heroes andheroines are awash in a lake full of magic, making double wishes on a half-magiccoin, cavorting with Robin Hood and Ivanhoe, or "thyme" traveling, theadventures simply never stop. Eager's ability to mingle reality with fantasy,his delectable wordplay, and light, witty touch make all four of theseadventures pure delight. With perfect new cover art by Quentin Blake, as well asthe original interior drawings by N.M. Bodecker, this collection ofpaperbacks--including HalfMagic, Knight'sCastle, Magic by theLake, and The TimeGarden--deserves an exalted place on every bookshelf of classics. (Ages8 to 12) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (16)

These books are timeless!
I read "Half Magic" and "Magic by the Lake" as a young girl and absolutely loved them then. Now, years later, I decided to order a set for my young nieces, knowing they will enjoy them as much as I did. Unable to resist, I opened a few of the books before sending them on to the girls. I was so happy to discover that my assessment all those years ago was right on: These books are extremely well-written, creative, fun and, of course, magical! I highly recommend this set.

Charming Children's Fantasy
My brothers, ages seven and nine, have just discovered Edward Eager's marvelous books this summer. They have been tearing through everything they can find. Eager's novels have instant appeal; these are stories about normal kids who discover extraordinary magic in ordinary places. The magic always comes with sensible rules, and the dangerous parts in the stories are just scary enough for a bit of a thrill.

Eager has packed his books with allusions to other pieces of literature: the Arabian Nights, A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court, and, of course, E. Nesbit. This is fun for adults, but also gives kids the initiative to broaden their on literary scope.

These are very refreshing little books: as charming as the omnipresent Harry Potter series (which my brothers also relish, of course), without being so self-serious. It should be noted that because these were written half a century ago, there is some racial stereotyping going on (cannibalistic islanders who go "ooga-booga eatum children!", a rather insensitive caricature of a fellow by the name of "Achmed the Arab"). It may be necessary to explain to children that this aspect of the book is disrespectful, etc.

This collection is a good place to start, although it does not include my personal favorite, Seven Day Magic, which I highly recommend you buy along with this set. You'll want to read them all!

Run, don't walk, and Hit your "Buy With 1-Click Now!"
Every word Edward Eager wrote was magical - I started with "Half Magic" when I was eight, and the enchantment drove me to read every book he ever wrote, AND every book he ever referred to in his books! He opened worlds to me, the brilliant classical magic stories of Edith Nesbit, "Ivanhoe," "Little Women" and many, many others. Edward Eager made me a reader, then a lit student, then a librarian, and more than 40 years after discovering "Half Magic," he is still my very favorite writer. If you have children and grandchildren who like to hear you read to them, you won't be sorry you invested in Edward Eager.

Half Magic
i gave this book only 3 1/2 stars because it jumped around. it is a great fairtale without the fairys. it had adventure and danger also, friends and family. i think you will have a great time reading this clasic book. you may even beable to relate to the characters. have fun reading.

The best, funniest, and most imaginative magic books ever
Knight's Castle was the first Edward Eager book I read and after that I could not get enough of them. Thirty years later they still make me laugh out loud and marvel at how surprising they are.

The element of surprise is the key, and what I've always felt Harry Potter lacked. Eager's kids are regular kids--just like the reader and her or his friends--who stumble across some thing or other that turns out to be magic. The children can control the magic thing, but first have to figure out exactly what it is, how to make it work for them, and what the catch is because there is always a catch. In the meantime all sorts of goofy stuff is going on all around them and they've got to corral the magic if they want it to do something special, which they always do.

Most of the books feature an age-range of characters, and a good balance of girls and boys. Eager's kids are always readers(which is why such fabulous things happen to them!) and which is fun for children who are readers themselves.

Any kid with a sense of humor and a yen for surprises will love these books. ... Read more

Book Description

Strange changes are taking place in Village. Once a utopian community that prided itself on its welcome to new strangers, Village will soon be closed to all outsiders. As one of the few people able to travel through the dangerous Forest, Matty must deliver the message of Village"s closing and try to convince Seer"s daughter to return with him before it"s too late. But Forest has become hostile to Matty as well, and he must risk everything to fight his way through it, armed only with an emerging power he cannot yet explain or understand. ... Read more

Reviews (22)

You fill in the blanks
I did not like this book as much as the first two in the series. However, art is not always supposed to cheer us up. I think that Lowry is the kind of author who really wants the reader to become the storyteller and fill in the blanks. There is no neat package at the end, even in the book which is the third of the trilogy. Matty's true name communicates what I believe to be Lowry's central message. I don't want to spoil the end, so I won't reveal his true name, but the following quote is similarly revealing, and my favorite of the book. "So you could meet in the middle with your gifts? It wouldn't be so hard if you only went half way. If you met." Despite the abrupt ending, Messenger is a must read for those who have read The Giver and Gathering Blue.

matty is not dead
first time i read the Giver, i was hooked and so i read the Gathering blue and Messenger. i finished reading it not 15 minutes ago and i have to say something. otherwise, i will not be in peace.

i love lois lowry style, she makes me think of what my real name might be.

anyway, there are questions after i read the messenger and not to mention upset about it, but when i think of it, i realize, there goes lois lowry's style again.

we know that everytime Leader, kira and matty use their gifts, they will always tired and fall asleep.matty, since we know that he is a healer,( though doesnt know realize much the extend of his power since he discovered just recently), healed a frog and dogs. and if you are talking of healing the forest and the village, it's gonna be huge. so, matty is gonna sleep for maybe 3-4 days.. in his mind, he drifted overhead before, looking down on a struggling boy leading a crippled girl, so after a tremendous work of healing, he is drifting again. to let go in peace meaning his work is done and he has to rest. i dont think it's a self-destructing gift. village needs him as a healer. and in the distance the sound of keening began.why, they wont even reach the village for a couple of days and Village doesnt know what happen to Leader, Kira and Matty yet(they dont have the gift of seeing beyond). i guess the keening is for Ramon's sister.

it's a good book. im planning to read the other books by lois lowry. she has become my favorite author.

Unanswered questions left me wanting more
If you're anything like me, The Giver was a powerful and thought-provoking book. I was looking forward to some suspense of the same intensity, but closure as well. I had enjoyed the change of pace with Gathering Blue and was intrigued to see how the two stories would be tied together. Overall, the book was just too short. Characters were not developed as fully and the connection between the two worlds seemed almost trivialized. By the end if you missed even one word, nothing made sense.

The last chapter was a frenzy and the ending was too much of a "quick-fix" for a group of books that dealt with very heavy issues. I did like the portrayal of the Village and the interesting change in people who forgot their past and the kindness others had shown them. It would be a good tie in with immigration stories.

However, I just wanted more, more answers, more explanation. What was Jonas like now besides his job description? He seemed to walk around in an overly wise daze. What had happened to his town? All in all, I would say stick to The Giver for classroom use. Gathering Blue and Messenger have good issues to address as well, but The Giver does so with the most clarity and excellence in writing.

Great....
I was excited to find out what happened to the characters in both the Giver and Gathering Blue. I was surprised to find out the lives of some of the characters. I was upset that the ending ended like the other two. I had hoped that this book would finally tie up all of the l