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In this provocative collection, Judy Blume, the censors' favoritetarget, assembles an all-star cast of young adult writers who have themselves felt the pain of censorship. Each contributes an original short story and some highly quotable observations on their own experiences and feelings when under attack. "Where once I went to my writing without a backward glance," writes Norma Fox Mazer, "now I sometimes have to consciously clear my mind of those shadowy censorious presences." The entries range from Jacqueline Woodson's ironic story of a neighborhood's casual acceptance of arson, to Harry Mazer's touching tale of a tough kid redeemed by a little boy's adoration. Two stories are especially intriguing to connoisseurs of teen fiction: Chris Lynch's "Lie, No Lie"--a selection that appears not to have made the cut for his novel Whitechurch--in which Pauly sets his friend up for embarrassment in a gay bath house; andthe late Norma Klein's "Something Which Is Non-Existent," a previously unpublished story written in 1959 when this much-censored author was in college. Other stories by Katherine Paterson, Rachel Vail, Julius Lester, Walter Dean Myers, Susan Beth Pfeffer, Paul Zindel, Norma Fox Mazer, and David Klass contribute to this showcase of stellar talent. (Ages 11 to 16)--Patty Campbell ... Read more

Reviews (8)

...
Places I Never Meant To Be is a collection of short stories written by censored writers accompanied by each writer's personal experience with censorship. While the stories are mostly good, some of them are a little 2 dimensional simply because they didn't have enough time to develop their characters and/or situations.
I personally enjoyed the commentary more than the stories simply because it introduced me to an issue that I knew very little about. I was a little ashamed when my own hometown was mentioned as being a place where ludicrous censorship has taken place.
If you're not much for short stories, you might do well to simply read the introduction and each author's point of view. If you are, then you will probably enjoy this book.

A look at what is being censored- - good literature
I loved these short stories. In some of them, I had difficulty understanding why they would be censored. So, okay, my favorite, Paul Zindel's "Love and Centipedes," is a little insane. It was also utterly perverse and simultaneously sickening and hilarious. This one is a real treat and focuses on one girl's infatuation with a popular high school jock with a cheerleader girlfriend. I also enjoyed Walter Dean Myer's "The Beast is in the Labyrinth," a look at the damaging effects of drug abuse (why would anyone have a problem with this story??) Other goodies include Julian Lester's "Spear" and another story called "Ashes," but just about every single one of these stories has something to offer. This book doesn't insult the reader's intelligence by hiding away subjects that it deems you are too immature to handle that exist out there in the world. I highly recommend it.

Outstanding
I could not put this book down! This kept me up and reading threw the night. Within this book, authors tell their stories, of why there book was banned, what their thoughts were, and it makes you ask yourself, "Was it necessary for this book to have been banned"? Authors like Judy Blume, David Klass, and Norma Klein all join together to express their feelings in the fight against National Censorship. These authors are all apart of the National Coalition Against Censorship. In this book, it gives you a brief summary of their thoughts and experiences with censorship. Then there is a chapter or two, on one of their own books. It really opens your eyes to the world of censorship.

power of a child's mind
this book offers an author's point of view of book banning. if you ever contimplated the neccesity of censorship you should definately pick up this book. well written and strong arguments for the power children have within themselves.

From a "grown up" point of view
I am 26 years old, but I love kids books still and an old favorite is Judy Blume. I have read every word that she has ever printed that I can get my hands on. So when I came across this book, I bought it immediately, especially when I saw names like Norma Klein, another favorite of mine, Julius Lester, a professor of mine at the University of Massachusetts, Walter Dean Myers, Katherine Paterson and others that I used to love to read. All of these stories are engaging and thought provoking and I really believe any lover of fiction, who believes in educating children and not sheltering them, should read this book. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Must-read!
I have a friend who's far away, so I related well to this book. The letters and postcards were a treat, and as I read through the book I remembered my friend. This book is truly enjoyable. Your kids will love it.

Absolutely Fantatic
Of all the Amelia book I read, and loved,I thought that this book was the best of th seiries yet. It is about when Nadia's dad is in a car crash, and Amelia is searching for her own dad. Thy cummunicate through letters. I loved the real letters that you can open and read. I also like how the plot could follow, even through letters. I have already read this book 4 times (and I know I will read it more), and I got it only one day ago. You should definately read this book.

Marissa Moss and Amelia are the coolest!!!
Who thought Marissa Moss and her alter ego Amelia could get any better?!!?

By the end of the book you are hoping that Amelia's dad is as cool as she is, after all he did name her after Amelia Earhart!

Moss is definitely in touch with her inner child, I hope this series goes on for years, I can't wait to see Amelia's teen years!

Great Series of Books
My 10 year old granddaughter LOVES these books! I always encourage her to read and to be interested in books, so I bought her this one and a couple of others, and when I told her there were even more in the "Amelia" series, her eyes lit up and we went to the store and bought them all. This is a great one because it's "interactive" in that it contains actual letters the kids can remove from the envelope and read.

Such a cool book!
This book is really neat. When you read it you feel like you are one of the characters. I reccomend this book to anyone who loves getting mail, or writing letters. ... Read more

Book Description

Newbery Honor author Gary Paulsen has long been an ardent supporter of books, reading, and literacy programs. To further the cause of ProLiteracy Worldwide, he asked prominent authors to write an original story; the only restriction was that each story was to include mention of a book. The result is this collection, Shelf Life: Stories by the Book. From Jennifer L. Holm's story of a girl on Mars trying desperately to return to Earth to Gregory Maguire's domestic intrigue; from Kathleen Karr's story of a thief in turn-of-the-century Chicago to M. T. Anderson's mysterious shipboard adventure; from A. LaFaye's tale of magical wonderment to Marion Dane Bauer's story of doing good, this volume provides a full range of reading for every taste. Other authors featured here are Joan Bauer, Ellen Conford, Margaret Peterson Haddix, and Ellen Wittlinger.

Sales of this book benefit ProLiteracy Worldwide, an international network with more than 1,400 programs in the United States and 79 partner programs abroad, whose mission is to change lives through literacy. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

10 stories for every age
A great set of stories by ten well-known juvenile fiction writers including:

In Your Hat by Ellen Conford where a procrastinating joker gets his just desserts

Escape by Margaret Peterson Haddix in which a homeless girl learns even more hard lessons about life

Follow the Water by Jennifer L. Holm, a sci-fi special about a young girl on Mars who misses her grandmother

Testing, Testing, 1...2...3 by A. Lafaye in which a young boy encounters a special kind of learning through magic

Tea Party Ends in Bloody Massacre, Film at 11 by Gregory Maguire, a humorous story of an under-the-table eavesdrop and its unexpected end

What's a Fellow to Do? by Kathleen Karr is a historical and emotional journey of a young pick-pocket and his unusual discovery

Wet Hens by Ellen Wittlinger in which best friends have a falling out

The Good Deed by Marion Dane Bauer that describes the beginning of some very special friendships

Barcarole for Paper and Bones by M.T. Anderson, an esoteric and challenging story involving a mysteriously deserted ship

and

Clean Sweep by Joan Bauer in which a young girl working in the family business helps an elderly client make a reconciliation

All ten wonderful, engaging, important stories for young readers will be welcome by those who are already familiar with these authors but more importantly, Shelf Life is a great introduction for readers who may be more reluctant about getting into an entire novel or just have difficulty reading in general. Plus sales benefit ProLiteracy Worldwide. How can you go wrong with this one?

Great short stories, great theme, great cause
"Ten original stories to benefit proliteracy worldwide"

The subtitle says most, but not all.

In addition to being a good cause, the stories are all intriguing, some truly excellent! (I particularly liked "Follow the Water," referring to there being none on the colony on Mars, and "In Your Hat," concerning a boy who didn't do his book report--yet.)

Hooray for Paulsen, and ProLiteracy! ... Read more

Book Description

Book Description

In a world of magic,
one man takes charge.

Dapper, debonair, and wise, the great enchanter Chrestomanci keeps his world's magic from getting out of control. In these dazzling Stories, no matter what the magical problem, Chrestomanci is in the thick of things.

Reviews (7)

Mixed Magics
These four tales are in the exact same style as Diana Wynne Jones' earlier Chrestomanci novels. They are light, funny, and have interesting plot twists. Like The Chronicles of Chrestomanci, Volume 1 and 2, this book contains stories about the castle in which the mighty sorcerer Chrestomanci lives. This books contains four short stories; Warlock at the Wheel, Stealer of Souls, Carol Oneir's Hundredth Dream, and The Sage of Theare. If you haven't already read the Chronicles of Chrestomanci I would suggest that you do that before reading this book because the stories go in chronological order.

Warlock at the Wheel is a story about a warlock. This is the shortest story in the book. For a reason not disclosed on the book, Chrestomanci has taken away his magic and he is "forced" to take to a life of crime. Unfortunately he is not very good at this and ends up getting the police after him. To escape the police he turns to a French wizard and sends him into an alternate world where he still has magic. This is the story of how he makes his life in this world. Chrestomanci himself doesn't actually show up in this story, but his man does and Chrestomanci is mentioned many a time.

Stealer of Souls is the longest, and in my opinion, the best of the four. It brings back Cat whom we met in Chronicles of Chrestomanci, Volume 2. This story is about an evil magician called Master Spiderman. Master Spiderman is trying to steal the lives from all past and future Chrestomanci so that he can become more powerful than the current Chrestomanci. Chrestomanci himself plays a role in this story, but it is a small role.

Carol Oneir's Hundredth Dream is about a girl named Carol Oneir. Carol is a girl who can control what she dreams about, and those dreams can them be saved for others to dream. This is a big business, and has made Carol and her family quite rich. Because of this Carol is quite snooty and looks down on other children. In this story Carol lays down to have her hundredth dream, and nothing happens. Her mom instantly rushes her off to see all kinds of specialists. No one can figure out the problem until her dad asks Chrestomanci to take a look. Chrestomanci is, of course, able to find out what is wrong. This is the story of what went wrong with Carol's dream and of how she learns (in a small way) to be a better person.

The last story in this book is called The Sage of Theare. This story is about the city of Theare with all of its neat orderly gods, and the prophecy that states, "It is written that a Sage shall be born who shall question everything. His questions shall bring down the exquisite order of Heaven and cast all the gods into disorder." This is the story of how the gods try to prevent the prophecy from happening and the resulting conflict.

All in all I gave this book four stars because of its wonderful style of writing and original plots. In my mind it doesn't deserve five stars because in most of the book it lacks a certain something that may or may not be charm.

Loggie-log-log-log

Mixed Magics
This is the best book on earth! I have really enjoyed the four different stories, especially the one about Chrestomaci and Cat. I would heartily recommend this book!

After Reading the Chrestomanci books...
This is rather a let down. The stories aren't nearly as detailed, and I didn't find myself caring what happened to the characters at all. Compared to the other books in the series, this is terrible.

Chrestomanci is back...
Chrestomanci the nine-lived mage is one of the most interesting and amusing magicians in fantasy, and his slightly off-kilter parallel world is revisited in these four stories. Three were previously published, but the enchanting "Stealer of Souls" is new.

"Warlock at the Wheel" is the weakest of the stories, in which an unfortunate young warlock loses his magic to Chrestomanci, and tries to steal cars. Things don't turn out quite as he expects.

"Stealer of Souls" brings back several favorites from the four novels. Cat Chant becomes jealous when the talented Tonino Montana is brought to the castle by Chresomanci, but neither boy has time to deal with their problems. A strange magician called Spiderman kidnaps both boys as a part of his attempt to make himself a ten-lived magician -- one more powerful than even Chrestomanci.

"Carol Oneir's Hundredth Dream" features a little girl who controls her vivid and dramatic dreams, which are then bottled for others to use. Until the day Carol stops dreaming. She is taken to the magician Chrestomanci, who helps her discover that her dreams are being hit with a very unusual actors' strike...

In "The Sage of Theare," the future Sage of Dissolution is sent to Chrestomanci's orderly world, by the gods who are hoping to avoid having him destroy them. Chrestomanci takes the befuddled young Sage under his wing, and shows how asking questions is a very good thing.

I found these stories to be a refreshing return to the world of the dapper, hyper-brainy world of Chrestomanci. The only exception is "Warlock," in which he has no presence and is only mentioned. Jones' writing style is a little uneven, since these stories were written years apart, and as a result there is a slightly more cutesy feel to "Warlock" and "Dream" than to "Stealer." However, her flair for characterization is as present as ever; the characters feel real, whether we hear about things from their point of view, or whether they are a little more distant, such as Chrestmanci himself.

The main problem with this book is that once readers finish it, there are (at present) no more Chrestomanci-themed tales beyond these five books. Read and immerse yourself in Jones' enchanting universe.

A Great Follow-Up for Fans of Chrestomanci
If you have read and enjoyed the "Chrestomanci Quartet" by Jones ("The Lives of Christopher Chant," "Charmed Life," "Witch Week," & "The Magicians of Caprona"), you'll love this collection of short stories which brings back some of the best and most memorable characters from the series. My favorite of the four stories in the book is "Stealer of Souls," the only story that was unreleased prior to this collection. This story teams Cat Chant of "Charmed Life," and Tonino Montana of "The Magicians of Caprona" together in order to defeat an enchanter who was supposed to have died over a hundred years ago! However, I must say that to fully enjoy this book, you should first read the Chrestomanci Quartet or you will miss out on what makes this book most enjoyable. ... Read more

Book Description

Book Description

A child's delight in a new pair of shoes is the same all over the world, whether the shoes are patent-leather sandals, straw alpargatas, deerskin moccasins, or wooden clogs.

For Mako, a little Japanese girl, the new shoes were clogs painted with red lacquer that shone beautifully. This is the story of what happened after she cracked the new clogs playing the weather-telling game and so longed for a bright, shiny new pair to replace them that she almost did a dishonest thing. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

buy this book for a child you love
My mother recently mailed to me a 40 year-old copy of "A Pair of Red Clogs" that I had when I was small. I wept in recognition of the poignant, exquisite illustrations of this young girl's life in Japan which so delighted me as a very young child. I read it now to my two year-old son, who asks questions about "the weather-telling game" that cracked Mako's clogs. The story is character forming, but it's the illustrations that last a lifetime in memory.

A Pair of Red Clogs to be republished!
Purple House Press is reissuing A Pair of Red Clogs in the late fall of 2002! Same great story and pictures in a hardcover edition. ... Read more

Book Description

Meet Tweetie Sweet Pea and Peachy Pie, Jacaranda and Rave and Desiree...

Meet Lady Ivory and Alabaster Dutchess, who interview their favorite rock star, Nick Agate, only to discover the magic and power in themselves. Meet Tuck Budd, who is happy living in Manhattan with her two moms, Izzy and Anastasia, until she begins to wonder who her father is. Meet La, who faces the loss of her mother with an imaginary androgynous blue friend who lives in her closet. Zingingly bright and dreamily dark, full of wonder and gritty reality, these stories by acclaimed author Francesca Lia Block show the reader that in every girl there truly is a goddess.

2000 List of Popular Paperbacks for YA

Reviews (70)

Block is truly amazing!
Girl Goddess # 9 is a book by Francesca Lia Block. This book contains nine short stories about girls and how in every girl there is a goddess. They are all breathtakingly descriptive. It didn't take me long to finish this masterpiece!

I'm a huge fan of Block's writing style and this book was one that takes you into its world from the beginning and doesn't let you out until the last page has been read and you're left with the aftertaste of Block's stories.

The first story Tweetie Sweet Pea, is about being young and innocense. It's a great opener for this book. Blue was one of my personal favorites. When La looses her mother (her mother took her own life) she hides all her feelings in and has no friends. Until she meets an odd character from her closet who is blue.

Dragons in Manhattan is one of the best short stories I've read. It's about a girl with two mothers who are lovers and she goes on a search to find her father. Rave is narrated by a boy who talks of a highschool love named Rave.

Winnie and Cubby is about two highschool lovers one who a shocking secret revealed later in the story.

Other stories include Girl Goddess # 9, The Canyon, Pixie and Pony, and Orpheus.

This book is not to be missed!

Very realistic + true to life!
This book was really very good! The nine stories range from writers of a zine called Girl Goddess, to La with the imaginary friend. From Tuck Budd, who discovers that her father is much closer than she realizes, to Raven, the rock groupie. Every story is poetic, written in a distinctive style. It really focuses on teenage issues, like suicide, sex, gender issues, homosexuality, relationships, etc. I'm extremely glad that I read this book, but if the above stuff offends you, don't read it. I'd recommend it for ages 12 and up.

Every Girl's Diary
I look back now, and I realize that Girl Goddess #9 was a big part of my formative years. It was the first FLB book, and it still one of my favorites.

When I read the title story, I remember thinking, "Well,I like Sarah McLachlan, maybe I should give Tori Amos a try." (If you don't know how that story ended, well, know that I think nothing of driving ten hours to go to a Tori concert.) And, a year or so later, I re-read the story and thought, "Hey, I like Sarah and Tori, maybe I should try the Cocteau Twins." Thus began another addiction which annually saps me about fifty bucks.

I was going through major issues with a very dear friend as I read "Pixie and Pony," and for years now, those words have stayed with me: "Best friends? We are sisters." After my mother's injury, I struggled to reconcile the reality of her new self with the way she had once been. The story "La" was of enormous help.

GG#9 is every girl's diary. It is all of our fears and hopes and drems. It is everything we've questioned about life, our futures, our parents, our sexuality, and love. Each girl is perfectly unique, very mysterious, and yet completely familiar. Each of these girls is like a little facet of each other, and of ourselves.

Amazing
Where was FLB when I was a tween or teenager?? Her books rock! I've read seven of them and I'm hooked. The kicker is that I'm not a teenager anymore, but rather a mama of a... girl. These books will make great gifts for other girls. Note that she writes about issues that real girls (and boys) deal with (rape, incest, drugs, abuse, etc) and doesn't offer the usual...la babysitters club.
Enjoy!

A Fun Read
This book is a collection of 9 short stories. Some of them are intresting and a little amusing...but nothing to rave to your friends about. I don't regret reading it but it's diffently not a favorite of mine. I recomend this book to people who like to read but don't have alot of time to do so. ... Read more

Book Description

The Scarecrow decides to search for his family tree—and winds up discovering that he is the long-lost Emperor of the Silver Island. Along the way, he meets such colorful characters as the A-B-Sea Serpent, the lumpy mud men, Sir Hokus of Pokes, the Doubtful Dromedary, and the Comfortable Camel. How Dorothy and the Cowardly Lion rescue the Scarecrow and bring him back to Oz makes for delightful reading, replete with all the peculiar and lovable characters that Oz devotees have come to expect. This faithful reproduction of the original edition includes all the whimsical illustrations by John R. Neill.
... Read more

Reviews (13)

Thompson's 1st In Oz Series Captures Baums Oz Magic & More!!
This book in its initial release was instant an Oz classic, but now Books of Wonder rereleases Thompsons first installment in Baum's Oz Series. In "The Royal Book of Oz " Thompson recaptures all of Baum's Oz magic and addes some of her own. In this 15th Official Oz Book Thompson revives the series by bringing back such classic characters as the Scarecrow(who finally comes to understand why he is alive, who is family is, and faces a lot of serious dangers along the way)and brings us all new Oz characters to enjoy such as Sir Hokus of Pokes(a vallent knight), and the Comfortable Camel. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for an Oz Book with a Thompson twist.

A lively, funny Oz book
On a quest for his family tree, the Scarecrow travels to the Munchkin farm where Dorothy originally met him. He falls down a magic beanstalk (the pole Dorothy rescued him from) and finds himself in a strange land, the Silver Islands, where he is proclaimed to be the re-created Emperor Chang Wang Woe. Meanwhile, when Dorothy and the Cowardly Lion realize that the Scarecrow is missing from the Emerald City, they go off in search of him. In this story, you'll meet many delightful new characters, such as the Doubtful Dromedary, the Comfortable Camel, and (my favorite) Sir Hokus of Pokes. Like Ruth Plumly Thompson's other Oz books, this one is as lively and at least as funny as L. Frank Baum's series. Thompson wrote 19 Oz books, so if you like this one, there are lots more to enjoy.

Thompson's first Oz effort
This book is Ruth Plumly Thompson's first foray into Oz writing (and it is entirely hers, despite the publishers' initial story that she had written it based on notes left by L. Frank Baum), and it is hardly her best work, but it isn't her worst, either. She does a good job working with Baum's characters, and the premise of the book is an attempt to solve one of the greatest mysteries left behind by Baum: why the Scarecrow is alive. I know some people have been dissatisfied with the explanation, but I have no problem with it. A weak point to this book is that it isn't especially tightly plotted, with some moments where the action stops for no reason.

Thompson seemed to want to make Oz more multicultural than Baum left it, and, to this end, she used this book to introduce an Arthurian knight and an Oriental kingdom. While this is admirable in a way, Thompson uses a lot of stereotypes in writing about foreign cultures. The Scarecrow considers the Oriental Silver Islanders to be "stupid," and is disturbed to find out that they eat cats. The illustrations are even worse in this respect. I would say these stereotypes are the only potentially offensive part of the book, though (unless you're of a similar mind to the Wogglebug fan who posted an earlier review, in reply to whom I can only say that the Wogglebug might be slightly meaner here than in Baum's books, but overall, he's just as Baum introduced him: a stuffy, stuck-up academic, who is rarely intentionally mean or unfriendly, but often rubs people the wrong way). I would say any Oz fan should read this at some point, but, if it's your first Thompson book, keep in mind that she gets better.

When Knighthood Was In Flower
The first of the 19 Oz titles she authored, Ruth Plumly Thompson's The Royal Book Of Oz (1921) has met with occasional opposition over the years, largely due to the bold steps Thompson took in addressing questions Oz creator L. Frank Baum's 13 original books left unanswered. Thompson was personally elected by Baum himself to become the next "Royal Historian of Oz," a fact that should carry more weight with sensitive fans. While Baum deserves enormous credit for creating and sustaining America's premier fantasy land, Thompson's books were almost always exceptional; her style was smooth, convincing, and full of the imagination necessary to further the series. Any author following Baum certainly had a difficult task ahead of them.

As The Royal Book Of Oz opens, Professor Wooglebug has lighted on the idea of composing a book of his own, one that will trace the genealogy of all members of the Oz Royal Family. While Scraps the Patchwork Girl and several of the others are content with and honest about their humble origins, the aggressive Professor brazenly stresses the importance of legitimate family relationships, bluntly declaring to the assembled that outstanding Oz citizen the Scarecrow has none. Thompson's portrayal of the Wooglebug as an arrogant interloper and snob has offended some, but Thompson was only taking the Wooglebug's already established sense of elitism to its logical conclusion. His superior attitude does not go unnoticed by the others, especially the sensitive Dorothy; or by the Scarecrow himself, who first inexplicably came to life while strapped to a beanpole in the Munchkin country. Embarrassed and despondent, the Scarecrow sets out alone to discover if he has a legitimate "family tree."

Thompson's ingenious solution to the cause of the Scarecrow's sentience was probably something even she thought a gamble. Returning to the Munchkin country and the exact site of his origin, the Scarecrow discovers that his former beanpole extends far into the earth, and while digging at its base, tumbles into a hole that inexplicably opens around it. He falls a great distance - Thompson suggests that the Silver Island kingdom into which he eventually emerges is one the opposite side of the earth. Greeted in a great royal palace by a throng of awed silver - skinned Asians, the Scarecrow discovers that he not only has 3 sons, 15 grandchildren, and thousands of loyal subjects, but a vast kingdom. For the Scarecrow is none other than the reincarnation of the country's former emperor, dead now some 50 years. Initially thrilled if a little dismayed, the Scarecrow comes to regret the enormous responsibility that his "family tree" and his subject's expectations bring.

Meanwhile, a thankfully limited expedition composed of Dorothy and the Cowardly Lion has set out in search of their missing patriot, who Dorothy suspects has been wounded by the Professor's remarks. Thompson must have been an admirer of Lewis Carroll, for, as in later Thompson titles, many of the team's adventures have a Wonderland - like character. In one dazzlingly executed chapter, Dorothy and the Lion find themselves trapped in the strange city of Pokes ("Pocus"), where the residents contently live in perpetual drowse and move more slowly than their pet snails. There the journeyers discover Arthurian knight Sir Hocus, who has been held captive by the sleepwalking spell for centuries. The strange, very specific physical laws that govern Pokes are cleverly set into motion, and Dorothy and the Cowardly Lion are quickly ensnared. In a later adventure, they find themselves in the city of Fix, where the large-footed inhabitants never move from the spot on which they've chosen to settle; the anthropomorphic beds, dining tables, chairs, and even the trees and roads come to them instead. King Fix Sit's prim, short-tempered, and heretical dialogues with his three guests are particularly Alice - inspired.

Sir Hocus's status as an Arthurian knight has ruffled the sensibilities of some Oz fans, but most readers will agree there is more than enough room in Oz for the introduction of a great variety of characters from myth, folklore, literature, and history. Baum himself used the earth - guarding gnomes of Paracelsus, and freely adapted Europe's fairy mythology for his own purposes. Sir Hocus's somewhat scatter - brained notions of courtly romance and valor are one of the highlights of The Royal Book Of Oz; in later books, Sir Hocus frequently reappears as a valued member of the Royal Family. Thompson's Dorothy is an independent spirit, and free of the precious quality with which she was often burdened. Most impressive of all Thompson's characterizations is the Cowardly Lion; anxious, nervous, and weary in the face of danger, he nonetheless sinks his teeth into the opposition and emerges victorious. Depicted as a real, three - dimensional, physically threatening lion, he is no longer the stock character he had become in several of the earlier books.

As in Kabumpo In Oz and the books that followed, Thompson's characters frequently have depth and cast shadows. Wisely focusing on and exploiting the potential of a small cast, Thompson provides readers with a story that is both warm and interesting, though the first half of the book is stronger than the second. John R. Neill's drawings are particularly inventive, though his dated portrayal of Asians may offend some. Each chapter opens with an elaborate two - page illustration; there are numerous pictures in color. Opening with a message to readers in which widow Maude Baum passes the "Royal Historian" crown on to Thompson, The Royal Book Of Oz provides its audience with a wonderful stroll off the yellow-brick road and into unexplored and little - suspected hinterlands of Oz.

Tells of the Scarecrow's search for his roots
Before his death Baum left notes for more Oz stories: Royal Book Of Oz tells of the Scarecrow's search for his roots, and his rescue by his friends. John R. Neill's black and white illustrations make for an excellent, authentic addition to this involving story. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Another excellent Kaya story
This is another in the American Girls Short Stories series about Kaya'aton'my', a nine-year-old Native-American girl growing up among the Nez Perce people in 1764. In this book, when Kaya losses a footrace against a girl from another tribe, she becomes jealous; but things go from bad to worse when it turns out that this same girl has become friends with Kaya's sister, Speaking Rain. Eventually, though, Kaya realizes that her jealousy has gone too far, and when a crisis hits, Kaya learns that there is much to be gained by working together.

This is another excellent American Girl story. My twelve-year-old daughter is a great fan of Kaya, and I must admit that I like the stories as well. I like the lesson that Kaya learns in this story, plus I like the story and illustrations for themselves. This is a very good book, one that my daughter and I both highly recommend. ... Read more

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Whether you know Daniel Pinkwater as a children's book author (and youshould, he's written over 40 fabulous books) or as a National Public Radiocommentator, you must agree that he is a very, very funny guy. Though his booksare perfectly nonsensical and absurd in all the best ways, they leave youfeeling strangely serene about the universe. Whether his books introduce us tomuffin-eating polar bears (Larry), really old time-traveling men (Uncle Borgel),or 266-pound chickens (Henrietta from The Hoboken Chicken Emergency),they each reflect a polite world where people (and other species) basicallyrespect each other--warts, multiple heads, foul smells (we're thinking of theBloboform), and all. As luck would have it, four of Pinkwater's previouslypublished novels are now combined in one delicious and aptly named paperbackvolume, 4 Fantastic Novels. In it you'll find Borgel,Yobgorgle: Mystery Monster of Lake Ontario, The Worms ofKukumlima, and The Snarkout Boys and the Baconburg Horror, none ofwhich will disappoint. Fans will want to pick up 5 Novels as well, a collectionwhich includes Alan Mendelsohn, the Boy from Mars, Slaves ofSpiegel, The Snarkout Boys and the Avocado of Death, The LastGuru, and Young Adult Novel.

What are Pinkwater's novels like? Imagine the wondrous science fiction classicA Wrinkle in Time withoutthe heavy cosmos stuff--and seventy times funnier. (In Borgel, forexample, 111-year-old Uncle Borgel compares the concept of time to a map of thestate of New Jersey and describes space as "sort of like a bagel, but anelliptical one, with poppy seeds.") His fast-paced and funny adventure storiesare philosophical and moral, though undercut with such delightfully irreverentgoofiness that they never lose their buoyancy, not for a second. Pinkwaterreaches out to the kids all over the planet who feel like "the boy fromMars," and shows them that everything is not only going to be just fine, but thatlife is pretty darn magical. (Ages 9 to 109) --Karin Snelson ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Chickens, Avacados and Interspace Travel
Daniel Pinkwater is a fabulous author. His skewed take on life is not only funny and entertaining but reminds every reader that there's more to life than meets the eye. You'll discover something new each time you read (and re-read) Pinkwater's stories, making Pinkwater loved by kids and adults alike. If you buy this book, prepare to have your views on life broadened -- all while being wildly entertained.

The Snarkout Boys and the Baconburg Horror, by D. Pinkwater
Daniel Pinkwater's excellent formula of humor and imagination makes among the funniest but exciting books. I have found that in almost every book of Mr. Pinkwater's, his imagination can take you anywhere from halfway around the globe to a magical backyard. Here lollipops can dance and time is like a map of New Jersey. Humor dominates in the Kingdom of Pinkwater. Two books that I read were: The Worms of Kukumlima and The Snarkout Boys and the Baconburg Horror. In The Snarkout Boys and the Baconburg Horror: Winston Bongo and Walter Garr are two teenagers who snarkout. Snarking is when you sneak out of the house to go see a movie. At the Snarkout Theater, the two boys meet a girl named Rat. When something horrible happens and secrets starts to damage things around the city of Baconburg, it is up to the three friends to figure out what is happening. The strange thing is shredding things with what seems to be claws. Meeting odd characters and people who can help them makes a perfect plot and an exciting story. You never know what is lurking around the corner, and it's up to you to decide who is friend and who is foe.

Who needs Prozac?
If only all teens could read this book...there would be a whole lot less depressed teens in the world today! Like most teens, I have gone through depressing times in my life, but since I got this book, I certainly have had less of them! Just read "Borgel" and meet the great-great-great-great-grandfather you wish you had. Or open up to "The Snarkout Boys and the Baconburg Horror" and go to pieces as you read the escapade of the Snarkout Boys (one of whom is a girl) all through Baconburg and Hamfast. If you prefer 'classic literatur,' then read "Yobgorgle," a wonderful mix of the Loch Ness Monster and "20,000 Leagues Under The Sea" and the legend of the Flying Dutchman. Seriously (not really, it is impossible to be serious where Pinkwater is concerned), this book can bring you out of depression in an instant. (Try some chocolate, too.) And as Stephanie said in her review, IGNORE THE AGE LIMIT! YOU ARE NEVER TOO OLD FOR PINKWATER!

hate to rain on the parade, but
OK, first off I consider myself to have a decent (even above average) sense of humor. I'm always biting my lip to stifle giggles because my companions wouldn't get the joke. I love Lemony Snicket. I worship at the altar of Dave Barry. But, unlike a lot of readers here, I'm only mildly amused at most of Pinkwater's stuff. I enjoyed the "Borgel" story, but I was crushed at how lame [sorry] the "Snarkout Boys" sequel was. I loved the first, thought it was great. But I think it was the constantly switching viewpoint that sank the sequel. It also read like a first draft, particularly the werewolf monologues. That's what bugs me, how much better a lot of the stories could have been. Please, make them just a bit more accessible to new readers; sometimes the wackiness really goes into overload and it's too much to stay with the story.

Secondly, and this only really mattered in the "Snarkout" sequel, teenagers (at least the ones I know) don't talk like that! Even the biggest [nerd] at my old high school didn't sound like Scott Feldman, or really, Rat or Winston, for that matter. Though maybe they sounded like Pinkwater's high school peers. But if this doesn't matter to the majority of readers, maybe I shouldn't complain either.

A book you will LOVE...
Daniel Pinkwater is probably one of the four or five most brilliant people living on this or any other planet. His books combine humor with space travel, mystery, Yiddishisms,philosophy, and handy tips on dog rearing. You will treasure this and any other Pinkwater book you purchase! And not only is he brilliant, he is also friendly! I have communicated with him via the "Net several times, and he is alway helpful and engaging. It's just too bad he and I both married other people before we met (these are my feelings only, as far as I know!) ... Read more

Book Description

ONE DAY, MR. Bambert, a sweet but shy man, decides to send 11 stories out into the world. He attaches them to little hot-air balloons and lets them go on windy nights with a letter asking that whoever finds them send them back. Wherever the stories are returned from is where they will be set. The 11th story is blank—Bambert hopes it will write itself. Slowly the stories come back, with postmarks from all over the world, including one from the past. All that’s left is the last one, the one that has to write itself. . . .

In this magical little story with a twist, the power of kindness, stories, and hope is woven together to create a soul-warming, poignant tale that readers will want to read again and again. ... Read more

Reviews (16)

A New Way of Looking at Things
Althoug this is definately NOT my favorite book out of the series, I thought it was pretty good. This book, which is told through the eyes of Alisa, is basically about Alisa trying to find out her heritage and about her powers, just like Morgan. However, while she is there, she discovers that it might not have been such a good idea. First of all, her grandmother is hostile, she almost gets killed...well hurt, and she finds that her heritage may not be as good as expected. The only good thing about her visit is Charlie...but you'll have to read the book to see why.

Another good book from the series...
I thought this was a good book. ... I thought it was really interesting.It starts on how Alisa doesn't like her future stepmother and her uncontrollable telekenisis. She decides she wants to find out more of her mother's family(since they are witches.)She discovers new things about her family and she sorta finds peace after what she finds.Also a man enters her life,Charlie.

Recommended to Parents who can¿t get their daughters to read
Recommended to Parents who can't get their daughters to read.
I purchased the Sweep series for my 13 year old daughter in the hopes that maybe she would read. "She hated to read." Well I was amazed, and could not get her to go to sleep, as she would spend the whole night, with a night-light on reading these books. She enjoyed them so much, and could not stop talking first about Cal and then Hunter, that I had to see what all the fuss was about.
Well after two weeks, a book a day, for a girl who hated to read, it sparked my curiosity, so I started reading, and was surprised to find out how enjoyable a Teen book about Teen Witches could be. I am not really into Wicca, but these books are really enjoyable. I am on my fifth book, and my daughter read each twice, and is know on the Circle of Three Series. I have to highly recommend these books to those parents who can not get their daughters to read. These are excellent stories, full of fantasy, horror, and fun.

Such a great addition to the series!
This was definitely one of the best books yet. I think it is great that Cate lets Alisa share the limelight with Morgan and it's very refreshing to hear everything through her POV for a change, we need a break of Morgan and Hunter. I thought that the whole story was really sweet and the story between her and Charlie was great! You fall in love was Charlie as she does! What a shame they live so far apart! I would easily and quickly give this book 5 stars and 10 out of 10 because it is alot lighter than most of the books in the series and this makes it stand out because it is so refreshingly different from the rest.

Now it's Alisa's Turn
Alisa now knows that she is a witch, that she has telekinetic powers, and that she has other family, including an uncle, that she never knew about. When things at home get too tense with her stepmother-to-be, Alisa runs away to visit her newly discovered family.

Things become weird almost from the start. Her uncle is friendly, her grandmother seems surly, and Alisa seems to be falling for her cousin's boyfriend. To top it of, a family ghost seems to be becoming far more active and dangerous.

Alisa must show courage and strength in order to deal with her new family, her old family, her new powers, and the secrets behind the ghost.

A wonderful story which stands apart from the Morgan/Hunter main storyline, but one that ultimately leaves the reader wanting an extra chapter. As the story reaches its conclusion, we don't find out how things really turn out. We suspect how they do, but the book and the series conclude without any more information. Maybe there will be another Super Edition that will finish things up (or maybe a spin-off series?)

Anyway, a fine book about courage, strength and self-discovery. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

I loved it when I was young!
My mother was an early childhood teacher and owned a copy of this book (circa 1980). I got a hold of it as a young child and would not give it back to her! I can remember following many of the "recipes" and having so much fun. This book is perfect for those who have small children and wish to find fun, easy, cheap activities to do at home. I am now 25 years old and the mother of a 3-month-old...as the original copy was lost, I am purchsing a new one. Although I won't be able to use it in the near future, I plan to read it and remember fondly my youth! I will be using it with my baby.

One of the best activities books in print!
What a wonderful book. My children loved it and now my grandchildren spend hours doing the fun projects, games, party ideas, etc. The whimsical illustrations are perfect. Parents and teachers will love this book too...and it makes a perfect gift for ages 3 to 7...parents, baby sitters, teachers...all will find it useful and easy to use. It's my favorite baby gift too. No wonder people keep it around for years, I did.

Rainy Day and Birthday Party Greatness
I wore this book to tatters as a child. Now, with a child of my own, I've brushed the dust off of it and have pulled out the cornstach, egg cartons, buttons and twist-ties to fill his days with cheap and fun activities. Get this book for your kids! They'll love you for it. ... Read more

Book Description

Apartheid. It's about suffering, about violence. Here are ten stories and autobiographical accounts, by southern African writers of various races. Some of the writers -- Nadine Gordimer, Mark Mathabane, Doris Lessing -- are well-known; all of them deserve to be. Their stories, individually and as a group, create a moving, sometimes shockingly vivid portrait of what it feels like to grow up in a land where racism is the law."A stunning group of [ten] stories and autobiographical accounts [by such authors as Doris Lessing and Nobel Laureate Nadine Gordimer] which vividly evoke what it means to come of age in South Africa under apartheid. Whether a portrayal of a major event in a character's life, or a simple recounting of the small details of everyday living, each story makes a powerful impact [and] will remain in the mind of the reader. This title should be in every YA collection." —V.

1988 Best Books for Young Adults (ALA)
1989 Books for the Teen Age (NY Public Library) ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A fun read!
This book was very interesting to read. It consists of stories written by different authors that are all about South Africa and its justice system. My personal favorite story in this book was called, "the toilet." Sometimes the stories dragged on and were annoying, but overall its a fun read.

This book is a Must read!
In this book the story of each person is vividly told. This book is a true tear jerker, but in a very good way. I beleive that it should be read in every classroom in the world. ... Read more

Book Description

For Anne and Gilbert Blythe, life in a small village is never dull because of all the enterataining gossip, and what strange and funny tales they hear:about the mischievous twins whose dearest wish comes true when they meet up with a bored and haunted millionaire; or clever Penelope Craig, who considers herself an expert on children--until she adopts a boy of her own; or Timothy Randebush, a man so eager to keep his brother out of the clutches of a dangerous woman that he spirits her away--only to fall prey to her charms himself.Filled with unexpected surprises, laughter, and tears, here are fourteen of the Blythes' favourite tales. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Great book
While this is not my most favorite of LMM's short story collections, it does have very good stories. It offers a few extra tidbits about the Blythes, although I agree with others, that it seems a bit forced at times. However, I want to make a point of saying that this book includes what I think may be LMM's most powerful short story: A Commonplace Woman. That story alone is worth buying the book. It is an incredible tale of the life of one woman, who everyone thinks is simply an old boring woman, who never did anything of interest in her life. As she lies in a bed upstairs dying, her relatives sit around downstairs waiting for her to die and talking about how boring her life was. Meanwhile, the woman, Ursula, is remembering her life and the one secret that made her and her life extremely rewarding and interesting, and if anyone had known of it, they would change their opinion of her in a hurry. I don't want to give away what the secret is, but, believe me, it's a wonderful story, easily the most beautiful, sad, thought-provoking and rich of LMM's short stories, once you get past the somewhat long- winded beginning! Besides this one, I highly recommend all of Lucy Montgomery's books, they are all excellent. I re-read most of mine very year!

A good read
This book was very interesting and funny,the best of Montgomery's short story collections. The only flaw was the constant referances to the Blythes---especially since everyone thought that they were either perfect. Those that didn't was implied to be jealous of them. How can there be such a family? However the stories were delightful especially, "The Twins Pretend" and "Penelope struts her theories"

The Road To Yesterday
As a Lucy Maud Montgomery fan I loved this book. It showcases her amazing ability to make a character live and breath...even across 70 years. The only thing I did not like was the almost forced inclusion of the Blythe family. I bought this book BECAUSE it had further references to beloved Anne, however the insertion of a Blythe into every story was a bit of a drawback at times because the stories were not about the Blythes and just gave enough information to make you wish they were. Over all I would definately reccomend this to any reader who enjoys classic tales about human nature in all of its derivations. And after all, who ever wants to let go of Anne-with-an-e.

I wished it would never end.
The Road To Yesterday is my favourite of Lucy Montgomery's collection of stories. It makes you want to live vicariously through the experiences of the characters. What is also lovely is that you read more about Anne's descendents and more about her as well. I cannot count the amount of times I have reread this book. You will not regret your purchase.

Road To Yesterday is look into the world around Anne.
The Road to Yesterday contains many many wonderful stories about Glen St. Mary, where Anne and Gilbert and their children live. It gives a bit of insight into the Blythe family from the townspeople, as well as a few tidbits as to what became of the Blythe children (and even a little bit about the grandchildren) after the book Rilla of Ingleside. This is a wonderful book. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

The Most Dreamiest and Wondrous Journey
This book is one of the most beautifully illustrated books (adult or children's) I've ever seen. The depth of each illustration is so spellbinding that it draws you into each picture in the dreamiest and most wondrous way ever. It brings the reader to a magical, spiritual realm most books never even touch on or begin to. I have found this book, showing a little girl's journey into the world that dreams are made of, to be so honest, heartfelt and visionary. One of the nice things about this one-of-a-kind book is that it appeals to everyone; adults, teenagers and children of all ages. Everyone that has seen my copy of it or that I gave to as a gift was instantly spellbound by it's poetry and the serenity it invokes on them. I treasure this book with it's wonderful dreaminess as this year it has made my gift list easy to fill because it appeals to all ages. It has left everyone delightfully amazed and longing for more; so they begin reading it over again and then again each time discovering new hidden secrets of our universe and their hearts.

A truly inspiring book
Every once in a great while a work of art comes along that says something so wonderful by saying it so simply that your fears in life take a vacation. This little book does just that. It is a most quiet wonder for people of all ages.

Highly recommended!
Children?s daydreams, in their exquisite simplicity, overflow the pages of this colorful book. From cover to cover this story is fanciful and innovative. It also happens to be beautifully written as a poem, and its illustrations are whimsical and imaginative. The story begins as a young girl gazes appealingly out the window toward the moon. Then we read these simple words - In every moon there is a face. As I read the story, and was drawn into its dreamlike fantasy, I distinctly remembered how I felt as a child when I looked up at delicate clouds floating along in the sky. I could see anything and everything in those clouds.

Reading this book can help children see beyond the obvious. Most children will see a face in the moon, but if they look deeper they can see the most wondrous things their imaginations can provide. They can soar through the heavens, or they can float gently on the sea, because this book stirs their imagination and brings out everything that a daydream can provide - if they just look deeper.

The words of the poet say it best. ?And in each child there is a sky that?s full of daydreams and balloons, and every dream?s a butterfly that?s full of moons?

*****Highly recommended reading for parents who remember the clouds and children who are just beginning to stretch their imaginations. *****

Reviewed by Ruth Wilson

Utterly Magical
This book is pure enchantment. Arlene Graston's paintings are breathtakingly beautiful, and their whimsy, rich colors, and fascinating details make this a work of sheer delight. In fact, along with everyone else who sees this book, I can honestly say that it is the most beautiful book I've ever seen in my life.

I can see how these stunning images and the accompanying poem by Charles Mathes work together to create verbal and visual associations designed to stimulate children's own imaginations. But there's more: About halfway through, it dawned on me that this is clearly more than just a beautiful picture book. As I followed the little girl on her dream-like adventure, I started to realize the book's unspoken message. Every image finds a new way to show that the universe in which we live is nurturing, creative, abundant, and loving. In fact, the pictures are so vivid that I could almost feel the child's wonder and joy of discovery. When I finally set the book down, I made a list of the messages that I found in these pages. Here are just a few: You are perfect, just as you are. There are no limits to your gifts. You are not alone. You have nothing to fear. Love surrounds you. Your birthright is joy . . . .

In a world saturated with limiting thoughts, these are wonderful messages to share with a child. For those whose hearts are open -- children and grownups alike -- this book is a doorway into the realm of infinite possibility, where dreams come true, magic is real, and the universe is filled with love.

I can't think of a better gift to share with anyone.

A Breathtaking Work of Profound Beauty
This exquisite book is dedicated to "the Silence within us all." From this point of departure, the reader embarks on a quiet journey of wonder and joy, a journey to discover buried treasure within, a journey of authenticity which reverberates in the heart. Arlene Graston's delicately luminous and fanciful illustrations of Charles Mathes's gracefully wise poem are a perfect marriage of word and image, thought brought to the visual. My son's joyful comment,"It has no end. It begins all over!", encapsulates the Spiritual truth of the piece; the connection of everything to everythng else and to the Eternal. I encourage everyone to have the experience of this work of profound Beauty. ... Read more

Book Description

A collection of folk tales from the southern Appalachians that center on a single character, the irrepressible Jack. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Great camp fire stories
When we go camping we look for the best book to read during our campfires, one that makes you laugh and think...the stories written with accents that Dad (me) can do, like southern drwals and mountain slang, or foreign accents are the best, this one met that criteria with the mountain way of talken...we were in stiches the whole book, we were even told by other campers who over heard us, that they also enjoyed the stories. We checked this book out from the library, but I will get a copy to keep, it will be read over and over again.

Childhood memories that stand the test of time
My mother, who was from North Carolina with relatives in the Appalachians, read The Jack Tales to my brother and me before we started reading for ourselves. She got really tired of doing so, because we'd ask for them over and over. Fairy tales are the deep learning of childhood, and to hear these stories written the same way our older relatives spoke was wondrous. The stories themselves are a celebration of Jack the hero and Jack the Trickster, told with plenty of humour to keep things interesting and in a voice both authentically American and of universal appeal. I'm delighted to be able to get my hands on a copy - this is a book well worth reading and preserving for the next generation of avid readers.

that jack can spin some yarns.
I found this book in the library of my elementary school around 1965. After I married and had children I had to have a copy of this book for them. They enjoyed Jack's adventures as much as I did. I'm going to purchase several more copies and I plan to keep one for myself and give others away. Read these tales yourself and you will want to do the same.

Great book . Children will sit and listen to it being read.
I first heard the Jack Tales when I was in the fourth grade back in the 1960's. Our teacher would read us a chapter once a week. I had to look good and hard to find a copy for my daughters they have enjoyed hearing about Jack.

GREAT stories
Stories from this book were read to my 2nd grade class back in the late 70's by one of my favorite teachers. Several years ago I tried to locate a copy for my young nephew, but to no avail. Now that I have discovered it through amazon.com, I'll probably buy several copies. These are great stories, and are part of my fondest memories of my early school years. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Nice little stories.
"The Gift of the Magi and Other Stories" has a nice variety of stories. I have the 1997 edition, which includes the stories "The Gift of the Magi," "The Last Leaf," "Springtime a la Carte," "The Purple Dress," "One Thousand Dollars," "Transients in Arcadia," "A Chaparral Prince," "The Clarion Call," "The Hiding of Black Bill," and "A Retrieved Reformation." "The Gift of the Magi" is the best of them all, with "The Last Leaf," "A Chaparral Prince," and "A Retrieved Reformation" all coming in second place. O. Henry is an excellent short story writer - it's amazing how we can fully engulf ourselves within these stories, which are no more than ten pages long! I recommend. ... Read more