Reviews (11)

8+ year olds: excellent, gentle, caring book about puberty
A very gentle, caring book for children of about age 8, who can expect to start going through puberty. Covers issues of: why puberty happens, how the appearance of bodies change, hormones, breast development, erections, menstruation, deepening of voice, pimples, masturbation, body hair, wet dreams, and circumcision. This book follows on from, and is in the same style as "Where Did I Come From?". Extremely popular, all children should have easy access to this volume from age 8 onwards.

Good but Old
I believe this is a good book. It is very helpful in teaching kids about puberty. But the problem is the book is outdated. The ages need to be lowered a little because nowadays, kids are going through puberty earlier. Girls have their period at age 9-10 on average and age 8-9 if they are early. Boys go through puberty on average at age 10-11 and age 9-10 if they are early. I know this because of things told to me from my friends from when they were younger and from myself. I personally went through puberty right after I turned 9 years old. If the book was updated a little, I would give the book five stars.

A Great Guide To Those Painful Times!
This is a great book about puberty which is perfect for showing to your child. I will do it when I have some. It goes into good detail and doesn't talk any nonsense. It's very upfront. I mean, it's not like "Oh, your period feels good." It talks about how women might get depressed or groggy, which I think is important for them to know. it talks about erections, masturbation, periods, and even curcumcism (sp?). It also talks about wet dreams and the feelings you may get towards other girls. A great and useful guide.

This book was horrible!
Although I agree that sex education needs to start at home. I think this book pushes to much information for children! I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone.

The Nay-Sayers Don't Get It
I was surprised to find anyone giving this book a less than glowing review. I remember loving it as a kid and that my friends all loved it, too.

Sure, we already knew a lot of the stuff in it, but both the writing and illustrations in this book are so charming and fun, that only the extremely jaded or repressed could possibly fail to enjoy it.

Of course I plan to get a copy for my own child, even though I haven't quite had my baby yet. I just look forward so much to revisiting this wonderful book that I can't wait until my kid is the right age for it (which I would say is about 10 or 11 years old).

Don't pay any attention to the sour pusses who gave this terrific book low marks; go to your library and see for yourself. I'm sure you'll agree that What's Happening to Me? should be in every kid's collection. ... Read more

Book Description

A Time to Celebrate shows the menstrual cycle as a gift and a healthy function of the female body. It is a book a mother, father, sister, aunt, grandmother, friend or mentor can give to a girl to celebrate her first menstrual period. This momentous time in her life should be recognized like all other occasions and her transition from girlhood to womanhood honored.

This book portrays a positive picture of menstruation which helps empower girls and teaches them to love, care for, and respect their body. The more a girl knows about her body, the more she will take control of it and make the right choices for herself.

Included in the book are charts for keeping track of her period and feelings, and a journal for writing her thoughts and creative expressions.

It is never too late to celebrate this time and make it a special rite of passage. Every girl should have a copy of this book even if she has already started her period. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A Time to celebrate
Joan, Where were you when I needed you? I wish I had the chance to have a book like this when I first started my period at the tended age of nine. I thought I was dying. I felt I was the only girl with the 'curse'.Y our book is what every young girl should read. This is a perfect gift for my great nieces. I purchased your book just for them. A Time to Celebrate encourages and tells young girls just how to how to celebrate their menses and to love themselves. What a great idea!

Janie Bess

Author of
Visions from God ... Read more

Amazon.com

Green thumbs and non-green thumbs alike will fall in love with Roots, Shoots, Buckets, & Boots, a remarkably fun and informative introduction to the wonderful world of gardening--and more specifically, gardening with children. Learn how to make everything from a pizza garden (pizza-pie-shaped, with herbs and vegetables for a fabulous pizza at harvest time), to a sunflower house (a secret hideaway with stately sunflowers and lovely creeping morning glories), to a moon garden ("Fragrance is the color of night"). Chock full of helpful hints, clever and artistic touches, and intriguing "recipes" (Moth Broth and Compost Sandwich, to name a few), this idea book will spark creativity and a lifelong fascination with gardening. Nine concepts for theme gardens are presented in a clearly defined yet non-rigid manner that is just right for encouraging young gardeners. Sharon Lovejoy, award-winning author and illustrator of several gardening books, including Hollyhock Days: Garden Adventures for the Young at Heart, has a true knack for working with all kinds of living things, including children. She understands how quickly young people will be turned off by inflexible rules, and instead encourages budding green thumbs to experiment and explore, while providing them with useful guidelines and helpful information.Wonderfully earthy watercolors make this cozy book even more welcoming. (All ages) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (19)

Rediscover the joy of playing in the dirt
Sharon Lovejoy probably wasn't the very first gardener to think of creating fairy gardens, pizza gardens, sunflower houses and flower mazes; but I'll give her credit for introducing them to the gardening public like no one else had before or since.

ROOTS, SHOOTS, BUCKETS AND BOOTS is a delightful introduction to gardening for children and the people who cherish them. The book is grounded on the idea that gardening should be shared with kids at a young age, the better to nurture a lifetime of healthy pleasure and respect for nature: therefore, learning how to grow things should be a fun experience, without a lot of restrictions, rules and long waiting to see results. Every project is scaled for children -- with a little help from parents - to be quick, do-able and fun.

Parents will appreciate that the theme gardens in RSB&B will not send them running to the local garden center to charge up a small fortune in tools and materials. In keeping with organic horticultural practices, the author explains simple, homemade composting techniques and recipes to build soil and feed plants. Whenever possible, readers are encouraged to use found objects around the house and garage for cultivating and planting: she gives "permission" to dig and work the soil with spoons and forks, pot up potatoes in colanders and herb gardens in old gardening boots, and find new purpose for rusty old wagons as movable feasts of annual flowers.

Kids can't help but learn quite a bit from their experiences in sowing and growing. The author opens up a world of wonderment that tantalizes kids to learn from the changes and growth taking place. She subtly encourages kids to watch for all the insect and animal life their gardens will attract. RSB&B is densely packed with fun factoids like, "Run your fingers over the pumpkin vines. Farmers use them to protect the plots of other crops" and "If you like the taste of licorice, you won't be able to pass your fennel without nibbling. Fennel is called the weight-watcher's herb because it satisfies an appetite."

Designed with humor and illustrated with charm, RSB&B will prompt people of all ages to rediscover why they love playing outside in the sun, fresh air and dirt.

Loved it so much I bought 3 more as gifts!
It's beautifully illustrated! My 9-year old daughter couldn't wait to choose a gardening project and begin. Whether you have lots of space or just a couple of old boots, you can have a wonderfully creative and lovely garden. The author begins by telling you about the plants that are suitable for children and then takes them on a gardening extravaganza - through worms, scarecrown,water, soil, the Zumi Indians - you name it, it's in this book. Whether an avid gardener or not, your family will enjoy this one for many years to come!

So you want a fun backyard for your children...
then this is the book for you! We just bought a house with lots of backyard and I was looking for a book to help me turn some of it into fun space for our 2 girls where they can do some gardening of their own. This book has great ideas for both big and small spaces. A lot of the ideas can be used in part, and it has definitely turned on the "creative juices" in our heads. The sunflower house alone is AWSOME,and worth purchasing the book just to get that plan! Moms and Dads will enjoy spending time in it as much as the kids!

Great for beginning gardeners to the seasoned gardeners - helps you plan your garden from start to finish with tips on how to get your kids involved and enjoying it. I highly recommend this book.

What a Treat!
I bought this book on a whim and was I ever delighted with the results! For the experienced or the beginning gardener, this book really gives one some concrete and specific ideas to get out there with your children and dig in the dirt! My 5-year-old daughter and I immediately began looking at seed catalogs so we could plant the first of the many unique garden ideas, a sunflower playhouse with a morning glory roof! Wow! We can't wait... This book was so inspirational I have already purchased more for gifts. Very charming and practical.

Please buy this book!
I am a student teacher and I bought this book to use in my classroom and with my own child. I love this book. It is hands-on, natural teaching at its finest. The ideas are not very expensive and basics are included with tips on how to work with your child to cultivat a love and respect for earth. No place is to large or small for this book (you just have to have space for a glove if that is as small as you can go) Your child will be able to learn that food is grown not just bought. ... Read more

Book Description

Celebrate life’s journeys with The Little Engine That Could! Selling over 60,000 copiesin the first two months on sale, I Knew You Could! provides familiar comfort inchanging times and serves as a wonderful gift that will be treasured for years to come.With inspiring and enlightening words of wisdom, this sweetly nostalgic book is perfectfor graduates of all ages as they make the transition from one phase of life to the next.From "I think I can" to "I knew I could," The Little Engine That Could helps usremember that anything is possible if you put your mind to it! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Rhyming verse combined with inviting illustrations
I Knew You Could!: A Book For All The Stops In Your Life by Craig Dorfman is an enthusiastically recommended picture book based on the beloved classic children's story "The Little Engine That Could." Singsong rhyming verse combined with inviting illustrations by Cristina Ong of a happy and plucky blue engine encourage readers of all ages about the importance of believing in oneself. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

One of the Best Chemistry Texts Out There
This past year I used this chemistry text in my first-year, general course. The book makes chemistry extremely easy to understand, and its organization is, to say the least, flawless. In addition, it is comprehensive; this trait makes it suitable for even the highest of general chemistry classes. 740 on the SAT II because of this book!

chemistry---addison-wesley
Completely pleased. Book in great condition-just as advertised. Arrived quickly. Will use again.

Error report for the 1997 edition
Problems have been reported in the Teacher's Guide for the 1997 Edition of this textbook. ...

A Miracle of Modern Science!!
This book is a truly inspired work of genius, created by the fine minds of three nobel teachers, men who are experts on the smallest building blocks of our lives - the very atoms and molecules that define us and all that surrounds us. As a young girl, an earlier edition of this book revealed to me many secrets of the universe. Even now, I can't help but grin when remembering one particularly fine analogy, using cooking a pot of chili to explain the more difficult concepts of dimensional analysis. As an adult, I consult this outstanding text to clarify everyday questions about chemical reactions and other scientific information. Encourage that special child in your life. Give them the gift of knowledge and understanding of the world around them.

Review of A-W Chemistry
Very comprehensive textbook - touches on many different aspects of chemistry and provides students with a broad range of topics in general chemistry. Excellent as a full-year text or as a study guide text. ... 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 (5)

the BEST of the Best math books around
The Saxon books are some of the best that I have ever used. I used Saxon books throughout all of my honors classes in highschool. Considering my scores on placement tests, I was place into Calculus III at the beginning of my freshman year at the University of Iowa. These books did wonders for me. The methods employed by Saxon books are sound. The books get students to examine all sorts of different ways to attempt problems. With the progressive method of learning, students learn the formulas, equations, and ideas by heart. Two thumbs way up for Saxon!

Excellent Math Book
Have used Saxon Math for 3 years. I have a gifted math student in public school. He is in accelerated math and at the top of the class. Saxon math helped him to get an edge. I would highly recommend this book.

Enough to doom a student to a career in food service
Seldom before have I ever seen such a horrible example of 'experimental' education forced upon the minds of innocent children as this supposed tome of learning. Some have described it as 'proved,' however, it is nothing more than useless tripe that is guaranteed to hold back homeschoolers from acheiving any satisfaction and success in math. Much brighter people than Saxon have spent thousands of years teaching math, and, guess what, they already know the best, easiest, and most logical method for teaching the subject in a manner to prepare the student for higher concepts. While I am not an advocate of book-burning in any way, I must declare that this series of math errors and misconcepts should for the good of all students be tossed on a bonfire, perhaps with purification ceremonies to accompany, so that future generations will not suffer the consequences of Saxon's ill-conceived concepts.

Some of the major problems with Saxon's books that will eat away at a child's comprehension of what should be a simple, straightforward, and enjoyable subject are:

• The use of SCT problem solving strategies. SCT is my own acronym based on Saxon's love of acronyms. It means Stupid Cheap Trick. Rather than exposing a child to different concepts of, say, fractions, and then moving on in a logical progression to teach them the correct way to perform math operations and apply math properties to fractions, Saxon likes to teach them incredibly wrong ways to solve problems. The method he instills in them is then used for a few months before he moves on to another wrong way to solve the problem, forcing the child to unlearn the previous wrong method. Result? A kid with no trust for learning a math concept because they don't know how long they'll use it before they have to learn something else.

One particularly bright method of this book is to teach subtraction not as a number line operation, then a math operation, which is the standard and millenia-proven method for teaching the concept and will be used as a consistant operation throughout all levels of math, but rather to teach the LSD pattern of subtraction. A brilliant choice of letters as it seems to denote what one must be on to think this is intelligent. In Saxon's world, LSD stands for 'Larger-Smaller-Difference,' an entirely useless concept when one deals with negative differences. Saxon seems to deem his readers too dim to understand the concept of right and left movement on a number line, however, and so forces children to dumb down their understanding of how to solve a subtraction problem, or the very concept of what subtraction means in the first place.

• Jumping around between math concepts. I sometimes think the table of contents of this book was decided using a dartboard rather than a human brain. Math is a progressive, logical, and straightforward subject, but with Saxon you'll find your child leaping with no apparent continuity between integers, fractions, operations, decimals, number sense, and problem solving, giving them no time to become confident with one subject before they're asked to tackle something else. It's rather like reading a book by sorting the chapters randomly: it makes no sense whatsoever.

• A complete ignoring of the basic rules (properties and operations) of math. This is completely unforgivable, as it's the equivalent of asking someone to learn French without understanding conjugation of verbs or nominal genders. There is no foundation set for the concepts the student will learn. Properties and operations are not incredibly difficult and are the very basis of the magic of making numbers obey your every whim, but you won't find them in this book.

• Repitition without understanding or confidence. See the notation above about jumping around between concepts. When teaching a concept, this book completely fails to then follow it up with enough practice problems to make the concept concrete. Rather, it will give a few practice problems from the lesson, and then repeat the last several incoherent concepts, apparently in the misguided thought of reinforcing what it failed to teach well enough in the previous lessons to make a child confident enough not to have to repeat the same problem. Of course, each time the child comes across the repeat concept, they have to switch mental gears, violating the tenuous repetition exercise of the brain to instill what they were trying to learn this lesson. Bah. Words fail me to describe the ridiculous nature of this method of learning.

Let me give some positive advice to other homeschoolers who are looking for a math program. Find another publisher. Try McGraw-Hill, a truly proven publisher with absolute excellence and consistancy in the subject of mathematics, from arithmetic all the way through calculus. The lessons are just as easy to understand in and of themselves, but are presented in a logical, progressive manner that will ensure math confidence and enjoyment for your children. Don't push them into the Saxon system, where they'll only learn math in spite of the style of teaching rather than because of it.

We have used Saxon Math for years. . .
. . .and have been entirely pleased with the results.

This series presents a proven and successful methodology for teach mathematics in a homeschooling setting. Essential facts are drilled into the student through short, easy-to-digest lessons -- and lots of repetition of essential concepts.

Highly recommended.

This book is a good one for children stuggling with Math
Saxon provides a good instrument for learning math if the student is not very good at math. It provides a lot of review and does not shock the student with too much, too fast. The only drawback to Saxon is that the child gifted in Mathematics may soon tire of the repetition that is so vital for the average student. This book may turn on a marginal math student and may turn off a brilliant one. One must also note that this text is a minimum for 7/6 grade. It is not an advanced textbook. ... Read more

Book Description

During the summer of 1793, Mattie Cook lives above the family coffee shop with her widowed mother and grandfather. Mattie spends her days avoiding chores and making plans to turn the family business into the finest Philadelphia has ever seen. But then the fever breaks out.

Disease sweeps the streets, destroying everything in its path and turning Mattie's world upside down. At her feverish mother's insistence, Mattie flees the city with her grandfather. But she soon discovers that the sickness is everywhere, and Mattie must learn quickly how to survive in a city turned frantic with disease. ... Read more

Reviews (114)

Historical Tragedy
Imagine fleeing your home, leaving family members behind, just trying to get away from the plague!
In the book Fever 1793 written by Laurie Halse Anderson, a fourteen year old girl named Mattie Cook, has to leave her home in Philadelphia during 1793. She lives with her mother and grandfather above their family business, the Cook Coffeehouse. Many citizens come down with yellow fever and when Mattie comes home to find her mother sick, lying on the doorstep, she must help her. Ms. Cook refuses to let Mattie get near her, in fear of Mattie getting ill as well. Mattie and her grandfather decide to flee the city. Eliza, their maid, stays behind to care for Ms. Cook and other friends who have also come down with yellow fever.
I thought this was and excellent book. The author gave fantastic descriptions of what Philadelphia looked like during this crisis. she makes it posible to actually see the run-down city, and the corpses lying in piles at the cemetary waiting to be buried. What also made this book so interesting was that it was written about every day. It was almost like reading a journal. All of the details made it seem so real that I could put myself in Mattie's shoes. She had to grow up fast so that she could help out and she had to deal with so much.
Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson is and excellent historical book. It is filled with descriptions that make you feel like you were in that time period.

Catch the Fever!
I think that Fever 1793 is a wonderful book. It is very realistic and it kept me interested even though I'm not too fond of history. A good story is told, and the author has obviously done her homework because it stays true to actual historic events. The reader can get a pretty good idea of what it was like during the yellow fever epidemic while still getting the story that they are reading for.
The actual story of the book is about a girl trying to survive the yellow fever outbreak in Philadelphia that occurred in 1793. Mattie, the main character, is originally lazy and would rather sleep than do her share of work, but she learns responsibility and realizes that work isn't all-bad and that it is essential for her survival. She overcomes the odds and survives her own case of yellow fever but then is faced with other problems that she needs to solve. The city of Philadelphia has become a not so pleasant place. The fever has left Philadelphia full of scoundrels and thieves. Everyone else is either dead or deathly sick. The thieves have stolen everything that Mattie has to her name and she has to basically start all over. Her fight for life has become harder and she is beginning to break down emotionally when she meets up an old friend and realizes she is not in this alone. I think that this book not only demonstrates how hard work can help you in the long run but also how standing by your friends can help you through these hard times.
This book is a good book for teens to read because it is written as from a teen's perspective. We can relate to the lazy feelings she has and the want to just give up. Mattie also has a somewhat of a lesson to teach us. She teaches us that if you want to make a difference in this world you can't give up. You have to keep trying and you will eventually reach you goal.

Fever 1973
Author of Speak, Laurie Halse Anderson writes her amazing historical fiction book, Fever 1793 about a teenage girl named Matilda a.k.a. Mattie who faces difficulty and fights for her life. The story is written really well and Laurie Halse Anderson does a good job making Matilda sound like a girl in the 18th century. In Fever 1793 the bonds of friendship and love is written really well.
16 year-old Matilda Cook's mother and grandfather owns a popular coffee shop on High Street. Mattie was a lazy girl with a comfortable and plain life. Her whole life changes when the yellow fever epidemic arrives in Philadelphia. Her mother caught the fever and sends Matilda and her grandfather away to be safe. They leave Philadelphia and on their way both Matilda and her grandfather catches yellow fever. So much happens like the death of Mattie's grandfather and her mother goes missing. The epidemic kills thousands of people. When winter comes the epidemic ends. The fever might have ended but the bad memories are still there.
The epidemic caused Mattie to change a lot. She was a lazy girl in the beginning of the book but then she became more responsible and strong. The character shift that Laurie Halse Anderson did was really good.
I had read her other book Speak and thought it was an ok book. But Fever 1973 is one of the best books I've ever read. This book was written I such a way that it is hard to put down. Anderson makes you want to keep reading. I read this book in 3 days and couldn't put it down. I never knew historical fiction could be so fun to read.
Fever 1793 is written so well. I couldn't find any downside besides the fact that I thought the beginning was boring, other than that it was perfect. This book really gives you a picture of the 18th century. This book was not only fun to read but it also was educational. These are two qualities that make the book great.

A Little Too Melodramatic
The bubonic plague in Europe took 25 million lives. The Yellow Fever in 18th century Philadelphia took a mere 5000 lives and lasted a few weeks. Anderson overdramatizes the event both in the historical context as well as the storyline. So much happens to her heroine over such a short period of time that it strains credulity.

Also, a note to the author. On Page 187 of the paperback, 'laying' should be 'lying' according to the rules of correct grammar.

Fever 1793
A very cool author Laurie Halse Anderson wrote the adventurous book Fever 1793. Laurie Halse Anderson also wrote Speak, and other great books. Laurie Anderson wrote Fever 1793, so people would understand the devastating yellow fever that struck Pennsylvania in 1793. This story explains the reality Mattie was in. Mattie Cook, a fourteen-year-old girl who lived in Philadelphia. Her parents owned the Cook Coffeehouse, and Mattie was very proud. She had big dreams to make the coffeehouse a big company for the president. Mattie's life and dream changes after her friend, Polly, dies of a mysterious fever. Mattie was shocked of Polly's sudden death, but she was more shocked when she found out that her mother had gotten it. She couldn't admit that it was really happening. Mattie's mother decided to send Mattie to the Ludington's house, with grandfather to take her. Mattie was surprised that no one was stopping her mother. Not even Eliza, a freed slave that works for them. Eliza usually is understanding, and Mattie thought Eliza would stop Mother, but she didn't. Mattie is terribly scared when her grandfather becomes ill on the trip. Mattie and the driver's family fears that it is yellow fever, and the driver kicks Mattie and Grandfather out of the carriage. Now it was all up to Mattie to save her Grandfather and herself. Mattie learns the true fear and terror of the yellow fever. She hears terrifying screams at night, and smells blood and death everywhere. Worst of all, she sees victims dead bodies being carried out. She sees lifeless corpses in the streets. The imagery was amazing, and it makes the reader feel like they're Mattie. As the story goes on, it explains how Mattie goes back to her house with Grandfather. As soon as they go back to they house, the worst thing happens. Robbers come to the cofee house. This is Mattie transforms from an un responsible teenager to an older responsible adult. Two robbers killed grandfather, and Mattie needs to pay attention to herself, not trying to find her mother in the fever anymore. First Mattie couldn't find any hope of survival, and wondered around the streets looking for help. When she does look for survival in the streets Mattie finds out that it's very hard to survive, and on the way she met Nell. Mattie found Nell's mother dead, and Nell by herself sobbing. Mattie understood how the poor little girl felt, and took Nell with her since she felt sympathy for Nell. Mattie was losing all of her hope, and was about to give up when she saw Eliza. Eliza was helping the Free African Society, and taking care of the fever victims. Mattie stayed with Eliza, which stayed with Eliza's brother. Her brother had two sons, and took care of Nell for Mattie sometimes. The two young sons and Nell, were stricken with yellow fever. Eliza and Mattie panicked, and they were losing every hope they ever had. Then, a miracle occurred. There was frost everywhere.And I do not want to spoil the ending (...). This story is exciting, and is a great story. Mattie keeps on losing hope, and realizes that she isn't dreaming. She learns a harsh reality about life and death as her life goes on. ... Read more

Book Description

Did you ever walk through a wall? Drink a glass of blocks? Have you ever played with a lemonade doll, or put on milk for socks? This latest addition to the Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science series introduces the youngest readers to an important science concept: the differences between solids, liquids, and gases. Any child who wants to know why he can't walk through a wall will enjoy Kathleen Zoehfeld's simple text and Paul Meisel's playful illustrations.

... Read more

Reviews (1)

wonderful science/literature connection
this is an excellent literature connection for young children studying the concept of matter. it works well with the foss science module, "solids and liquids" for students in grades one and two. ... Read more

Book Description

Thomas is going on a special trip to the circus, and there are lots of wonderful things to discover along the way--a beautiful hot air balloon, a playful dolphin, and a barrel of monkeys, just to name a few! Lift and peek behind the many flaps and see the hidden surprises. Preschoolers will want to climb on board with this fun transportation shaped flap book, bursting with treasures on every page! ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Not very interesting
I bought this book for my 19 month old son because he is a great fan of Thomas, but it hasn't proved to be a hit with him or with me. There isn't much of a storyline, and it's barely worth lifting the (very small) flaps, as the pictures underneath are mostly uninteresting and tiny. The colours are also a bit strange (Bertie the bus is brown), and the text does not show the personality of Thomas or any of the other characters. In terms of lift-the-flap, books like "Where's Spot" or "Spot Goes to the Farm", with large flaps and clear, colourful pictures underneath are far superior.

Nice book, plenty of windows, a bit short
Just as others have said here - the book is fun for my 2 year old, has lots of flaps, is a bit flimsy, and a bit short. BUT, we knew how long it was from the description and he has loved looking at it over and over again. The windows match up just fine in our copy and perhaps there was a problem in one copy but it is not a consistent problem with this little book.

Thin on content and construction
I was dissappointed by this little book. My two year old loves Thomas, and we certainly support the tank engine and his creators financially, and picked up this little book with a recent order. My son enjoys reading it, but it is a little short, and I must add, is about the thinnest and flimsiest lift-and-peek book that I've ever purchased. The flaps are torn very easily, and don't "match up" very well with the pictures underneath. To be fair, there are many flaps, and my little one does enjoy the book, it just isn't made to last very long, unlike most of the same genre.

one of the best lift-the-flap books made
This is a terrific lift-the-flap book. What makes this book especially good is that when a flap is lifted, the artists maintain the integrity of the scene. For example, in the first two-page spread a mother and son are standing beside a pile of luggage. When you lift the flap to see what is inside the luggage, the top of the flap overlays where the mother and son were withthe same image so that you still see the mother and son as well as the newly exposed luggage contents. That is such a nice touch, and unique in all the lift-the-flaps I've seen (and I've seen puh-lenty!)

Six scenes depict Thomas or his friends at the station, picking up livestock and produce, in farm country, on a bridge, beside the beach, and at the circus. The pages are glossy so they can be cleaned easily, and the flaps are fairly sturdy, though they can be torn off.

Thomas the Tank Engine Hidden Suprises
My 17 month old son loves this book. The lift and peek are much better for this age than pop up because they are more durable. He loves the bright colors of Thomas and his friends and enjoys making the train sounds. He has memorized where the various items are and will lift the cover to show us the picture on request. Wish there were more of this book available. ... Read more

Book Description

Just like you, Prudence has a body, and this body has many nice and useful parts:
A head for thinking
Eyes for seeing
Ears for hearing
A mouth to talk and eat with
Hands for playing
A pee-pee for making Wee-Wee
Legs for walking and running
A bottom for sitting and in it a little hole for making Poo-Poo

Dear Fellow-Parents,

Once Upon a Potty is best used as a companion volume to a child's new potty. I wrote this book when my own child was toilet training to help him better understand the process. My son was encouraged and excited by this story. It motivated him to make the developmental leap from diaper to potty.

Learning to use the potty is often a lengthy process, taxing the patience of both parent and child. When success finally comes -- and it should come in its own good time, without undue pressure or haste -- it enhances the child's confidence and pride. She has taken another step toward independence. She sat on the potty as a little child and got up feeling ten-feet tall.

It's one small step for mankind, but a giant one for your family.

Love,
Alona

... Read more

Reviews (39)

I'm amazed at the effectiveness of this book
I read all the reveiews on Amazon and decided to give it a try based on the kid's reviews. It seems that it's the parents that had the biggest problem with the "out of date" illustrations and the "vase-like potty". Who cares. My 21 month old knew exactly what it was and what it was for. As I'm writing this review she just brought me her full potty bowl and said "Bye bye wee wee". Then she said "dance". She likes to celebrate by dancing to the potty song. The audio tape is awesome because it gives me a break from having to read the book for the umpteenth time. We started 3 days ago and she's only had 2 minor leaks. Now we just have to train the bladder during nap time and bed time. This book is awesome. I love the way my daughter says "Prooonence" for Prudence. I must say that I have a fast learning child, so she may have done just as well without the book, but the book sure makes her have a lot of fun learning. I love it. And I'm finding myself singing "Yes I'm going to the potty potty now" quite often. :-)

Potty Trains AND Connects Reading to Real Life
I bought this book for my daughter, and now have it on my wish list for my grandson (the boys version) We already used the girls version for my grand daughter!

Not only does it facilitate communication between parent and child concerning potty training, it's also a great way to introduce kids to non-fiction books, and books that are otherwise relavent to life skills, allows parents to potty train with some humor, but breaks the ice of embarassment for those who have a bit of reservation about how to potty train.

Not only does this book almost potty train for you, it also sparks interest in other books, and in reading. The copies of the boys' and girls' versions (I had both) were read until they were falling apart (and it wasn't because they weren't made well - we literally wore these books out reading them over and over and over again!)

This book, and paying attention to the signs of when my daughter and grandaughter needed to go, along with a potty chair, is all we needed to get her off to potty-training success! She graduated in record time! (She was out of diapers I think by about 18 months!)

This book is a MUST HAVE for any parent potty traning a child (Well, a girl anyhow - there is also a boy's version which I used with my daughter that is just as awesome!)

If I could give this book 100 stars I would! I think it ought to be given to parents in those hospital packs that hospitals send home, or given out at pediatricians' offices when kids are due for immunizations around a year old.

Daily reading to my kids is something that I started before they were even born, and is SO important to their speech development, and to their language development. Having a book toddlers can relate to in real life helps them understand reading is more than just about 'stories' - it can relate to real life experiences as well!

My kids are grown, and I am extatic to see these books (the boys and girls versions) are still available for my grandkids!

Blessings to the author, Alona Frankel Thank you!!!

Excellent Potty Learning Tool!!
My husband and I have no clue as to how to teach potty training to our first child. So, we've spent much money on guides, books, videos, stories, etc. This book (and the video) have made a major break through. My daughter loves the story of Prudence and her potty! With her plethora of videos, she chooses this one to view, and wants to sit on the potty while watching it! Last night (which is why I decided to write a review), my daughter asked to use the potty, and she proceeded to poo. When she was all done, she proudly stood up and announced that she pooped on the potty just like Prudence! Finally we've made a connection!!

Have I read this book? Only a THOUSAND times!!
Got this book AGES ago for my older daughter, now almost 10. Well, my 18 month old daughter "discovered" it about a month ago - though she's not ready to start potty training just yet - she LOVES THIS BOOK! She asks us to read it at least 6-8 times a day, and when we aren't reading it to her, she looks through it on her own. She understands more and more what the whole issue is, and this book might be the "cause" of her potty training EARLY! How much does she love this book?? Two days ago, one of the pages fell out - and I can't figure out how to fix it - she has been upset and crying over the loss of this book since then - I have to get a new one (that's why I'm here!).

down with baby talk
This book is awful. Unless you want your child refering to her body parts as 'pee-pee' and saying things like 'wee-wee' and 'poo-poo' stay away from this book! Babies and children would not talk like this if adults did not teach them to! People who do so should hang their heads in shame. Teach your children the correct names for their body parts and they wont grow up so repressed. I couldn't even donate this book to charity for fear soome unsuspecting person might buy it, first I let my youngest use it as a teather and then I pitched it! (...) ... Read more

Book Description

Talk about a change of plans! Ms. Frizzle and her class are on the Magic School Bus headed for a museum. They have been studying how the body turns food into energy, and now they are going to see an exhibit on the human body. Things seem fine until they stop for lunch. A strange mishap causes the bus to shrink and then be swallowed! Ms. Frizzle's class is suddenly inside a real human body! ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Fifth Food Group: Magic School Buses
Joanna Cole and Bruce Degen outdo themselves in "The Magic School Bus: Inside the Human Body." It is their most ambitious collaboration yet, and it definitely doesn't disappoint.

As is the custom, the third book in this science series (written in 1989) picks up where the second story left off. Ms. Frizzle is showing her students a filmstrip about the human body. "We're going to learn all about ourselves," she says. Then she announces the next field trip - the class is heading to the museum to "see an exhibit about how our bodies get energy from the food we eat." However, anyone who has even an inkling as to the kind of person Ms. Frizzle is should know that things rarely, if ever, go according to plan. A field trip is never just a field trip when you're taking a ride aboard her magic school bus.

The Friz and her students stop at a park for lunch before arriving at the museum. Afterward, everyone goes back to the bus . . . except for Arnold! He's still sitting at a picnic table, daydreaming and eating a bag of Cheesie-Weesies. And before the class realizes what is happening, the bus shrinks to the size of a Cheesie-Weesie . . . where it is promptly downed in one gulp by Arnold!

"I thought we were going to the museum," says one student.

"There's been a slight change of plans," explains Ms. Frizzle. "We're being digested instead."

Why visit an exhibit about the human body when you have a magic school bus and a teacher like Ms. Frizzle who can take you directly to the source?

If "At the Waterworks" was like priming the pump, and "Inside the Earth" was like getting the ball rolling, "Inside the Human Body" is like plowing full-steam ahead. Cole and Degen have firmly established themselves as a literacy force to be reckoned with; this is proven in the confidence of the writing and the boldness of the illustrations. There is so much going on in this story that you almost need a scorecard to keep track of it all. It seems as though Cole and Degen are bound and determined to one-up themselves with every book they come out with.

A list of some things Ms. Frizzle educates her class about would include: blood cells (red and white), blood vessels, digestion, germs, the heart, lungs, molecules, oxygen, plasma, the small intestine, etc. Do you know what villi are? You will after you read this book! Any idea what the cerebral cortex does? Ms. Frizzle will show you! Ever wondered why you sneeze? The answer resides in this story!

"Inside the Human Body" deserves just as much, if not more, a home on a person's bookshelf as does "At the Waterworks" and "Inside the Earth." Cole and Degen loaded their latest adventure to the bursting-point with information. You can see the growth author and illustrator have taken since their inaugural effort with "At the Waterworks." They prove that some things do, indeed, get better with age.

At the end of "Inside the Human Body" is a true-false test to help readers distinguish what things were true in the story and what things were made up. And, of course, Ms. Frizzle drops another clue as to where her next great adventure will take us. I'm pretty sure the class will think of their next field trip as out of this world!

It doesn't seem possible, but Cole and Degen managed to improve upon an already-winning formula. They are both in top form with "Inside the Human Body," a field trip that will take you from the brain to the small intestine and back again. Well, what are you waiting for? Hitch a ride on the magic school bus!

As Ms. Frizzle herself would say, "Seatbelts, everyone!"

My daughter loves Magic School Bus
My daughter is 3 1/2 years old. I got this book and wasn't sure if it would be to complicated for her. She loves it! I have ordered a few more Magic School Bus books and she can't get enough of them. She even drew a picture of her Daddy's red blood cells! It was hilarious. But best of all, she enjoys them so much. They are her favorite books and she is learning about science. I wish I had these when I was a kid.

Kid Tested
My son likes this book. It gives some good insights into germs and our bodies. he likes the entires Magic School Bus series - but this is one of his favorites. An easy read before bedtime - just the right length.

The Magic School Bus : Inside the Human Body
Very fun to read and educational. My daughter is 7 years old and she must have read it ten times. She only usually reads a book once!

Hilarious, fantastic, fascinating, inventive education!
I discovered these books when my son was 5 and we were in a trial year of homeschooling. Both of us were fascinated, by Ms. Frizzle, the magic shrinking bus, the fantastic field trips and funny Arnold.

The main text is good, the pictures are great and the comic book style conversations and binder paper reports on the sides of the pages are fabulous.

We both learned important things about the solar system, human body, water refineries, the earth and the ocean in a very fun, creative, imaginative and impressive way.

Read these books with any child you know, laughing and learning together! ... Read more

Book Description

Toilet training has never been such an adventure as when it is introduced by popular cartoonist Mo Willems. With his signature humor, the author gently leads children through each step in the process that will finally bring them to their emancipation from diapers. Featuring a crew of funny mice holding up signs with the text, children will be amused and inspired by this hilarious new picture book. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Another Winner by Mr. Willems!
I think this could be the very first book about going number 1!The art, the story, the subject matter -- all beautifully put together. Educational, rewarding and even comes complete with fantastic and fun stickers to use in the encouragement of your child's learning process (mine's not there yet, but with the help of this book I know she will be soon!). This is more than just a learning tool, it is a great book and one I foresee reading together for many years to come. A Classic!

Useful -- "I feel proud"
We're using this book during a potty training marathon with our rather willful 2-year old. It has helped him put words to the positive feeling he gets when he succeeds ("I feel proud", he says, beaming.) The text is presented in a fun way, in the form of celebratory signs and banners paraded by supportive mice. His older brother enjoys sounding out the words, so it's nice to have a book they both can enjoy. I haven't used the stickers and chart yet (he's not to that stage yet) but I remember hand-making something similar for his older brother when we were working on consistency -- it worked like a champ!

GREAT, Must Get!!
As a professional Child Counselor, I recommend this book and own it. The reason for this book, is to teach children how to use the restroom in a polite way. Eating, sleeping, and using the bathroom are learned behaviors.

The author writes very simplistic, and the pictures are eye-catching. Wonderful book

It's Time to Pee
Very awful,Corny. Plus, Why would an auther writhe such a wierd book!!!! Horrifing! ... Read more

Book Description

Literature Guides
A complete guide to teaching My Side of the Mountain. Includes an author biography, background information, summaries, thought-provoking discussion questions, as well as creative, cross-curricular activities and reproducibles that motivate students. ... Read more

Reviews (364)

Sam's Life in Forest
This book was great! Sam is as boy who lives in the mountains ,but used to live in New York with his little brothers and sisters.It was very crowded and noisy.That is why he is in the mountains.Sam was living in a tree in the Gribley's Farm.He found it with a map,but he didn't just read signs.He went went to the library to find it.The librarian was named Ms. Turner.Ms. Turner found it for him.He wanted to catch a falcon,So he had to go to the library to get information about the falcons.Once he got information he went up the mountains and caught a baby falcon.After,Sam trained her to catch food.They lived there for about 1-2 years all by himsef with his animal friends.The end is surely a surprise,but I will leave that to you to find out.I would recommend this book to someone who likes animals,the wilderness,and loves to read.I really enjoyed this book.I really liked the tree home he had.I also liked how he made all the pots,chimney,clothes,and food he needed to survive.I actually enjoyed the whole book!

"My Side of the Mountain" is Wonderful!! : )
My Side of the Mountain is a fun, exciting, story of a runaway, 13-yr.-old boy from New York who goes to the ancient Catskill Mountains. Kids from 8-11 would enjoy this story because they can relate to his many vistors and adventures. Sam (the runaway)makes many new friends, both human and animal. Frightful, Sam's pet falcon was stolen from her mother at a young age. And Bando got lost and fell asleep at Sam's camp. Sam thought he was an outlaw! all the kids that read this book will enjoy it throughly!

Not in a million years! Far-fetched, wishful nonsense!
Running away from home and living in the wilderness may be the dream for millions of teenage boys, but the reality of 'pulling it off' couldn't possibly be as easy as the author of this book makes it appear.

Everything Sam wants to accomplish in his tree home away from civilization, he does. He may fail once or twice, but then it all works out: He successfully hunts for food, creates flavorful recipes for grand suppers (which he shows off to visitors), sews his own winter clothes from deer hides and rabbit furs...it's all very, very simple! GET REAL! From the incredible anti-authoritarian parents, who let Sam go on his quest in the first place, to the rediculous 'dragged in by the hair' ending, this book was a disappointment. I'm a 4th grade school teacher, and this book was not on any of my students' favorites list!

My only reason for giving 2 points rather than only 1 to this Newbery Award Winner (? )is the fact that this novel does give lots of useful instruction on 'how to' cook, keep water from seeping through home-made vessels, and to entertain oneself when there is no company around.**

Interesting and informative
Written by Gene Craighead George, My Side of the Mountain explores one boy's quest for peace and quiet and his realization of what it means to be alone. An adolescent boy, Sam, escapes the chaos of his family's crowded New York apartment. Sam runs away, to the Catskill Mountains in search of space and independence. Sam feels like a free man up in the mountains. He learns to live off the land. He manages to ward off reporters, tourists, and hikers, so that he may preserve his secret living quarters. Sam faces many hardships, but his determination, to live on his own, helps him persevere. Through his interaction with neighboring animals and his friendship with his pet falcon, Sam survives hardships on the lonely mountain. Sam is content with his life in the mountains, but he realizes that he misses human conversation.

This interesting and exciting book shows Sam's journey away from his fellow humans and his need to be amongst them again. Sam's great journey is inspiring to anyone who has ever just wanted to escape for a while. The plot is developed through Sam's struggle to survive nature and his inner conflicts.

I recommend this book to people of all ages. I believe this story appeals to children because of the adventure and excitement of running away to an unknown place. Adults will find it appealing because they understand the need to be away from the chaos of crowds and cities to find a haven of peace and quiet. Our hectic lifestyles help us relate to Sam's desire for simplicity.

My Side of the Mountain-A Page Turning Novel
I would recommend My Side of the Mountain to everyone who reads because this is a very realistic, page turning, survival story which also provides great information if you were ever stranded in the wilderness as was the main character, Sam. ... Read more

Book Description

"If you're having trouble talking to your children about sex--knowing what to say and when to say it--then here is the book for you.The talented team who created the acclaimed Dino Life Guides for Families is ready to help. With characteristic sensitivity, they present answers to tough questions.Here is an introduction to sex along with the ways girls and boys differ...and are the same.What's the Big Secret is the beginning of one of the most important conversations you and your child will have." ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Good balance
I read this book to 2 10-year olds who were pretty naive. They "got it", without being too embarrassed. It handles all topics appropriately, and gives both reader and listener a few moments for laughter to break up the big news.

Great book but not really for kids under 7....
Last summer I read this book to my then just turned 7 & just turned 4 yr old and the youngest was completely clueless as to what I trying to get across. The oldest understood somewhat, wasn't all that interested, but still managed to let a few giggles out. She took the book and read it herself. When I later asked her if she had any questions for me, she had none but commented that it was "embarrassing". The book was put away to age a little longer....
Earlier this week I re-read the book to both of them, now almost 5 and almost 8. The 5 yr old is still clueless and bored with all of it. The 8 yr old seemed a bit more interested and less embarrassed. She took the book and again read it to herself and asked a few "why" questions but nothing I couldn't handle.
In my opinion, this book is great for 7 - 10 yr olds (1st - 3rd grade), not the pre-school - grade 3 that it is catagorized. Enough for 7 - 10 yr olds to comprehend and enough for this age to know. Not overwhelming in technical terms or detail nor is it written in baby terms. I agree with a previous reviewer. When the teen years arrive, more information, terms & detail will need to be divulged but for this pre-teen age. For pre-teens, this book is perfect.

Not for attachment parents!
While this book is colorful and covers many common questions, it is not for attachment parents - or any parent who wants to teach her child a more natural parenting approach.

It does have one breastfeeding picture, but it also includes pictures of baby bottles and a baby bottle-feeding, newborns in a hospital nursery, a hospital birth with the mom lying on her back (which is very difficult and can lead to unnecessary Caesareans), and a newborn crying (which is not really natural, and rarely happens in a waterbirth), and a bit of rudeness (a child calling another child "silly").

The book also states that puberty can start at "ten or twelve or fourteen" but many children are starting earlier these days (possibly from the growth hormones in cow's milk, a good reason to switch to organic milk), and they may feel worried if they read that statement.

Two better books are Welcome With Love by Jenni Overend and A Child Is Born by Lennart Nilsson.

GREAT for my young step-daughter
I bought this book for my 6 year old step-daughter. She's started asking questions about what a boy lo