Book Description

Koly's parents have arranged a marriage for their only daughter and now, like many girls her age in India, she will leave home forever. She yearns to flee, but tradition dictates that it's too late to turn back. On her wedding day, Koly's fate is sealed.

Caught up in a current of tradition that threatens to sweep her toward a terrifying fate, Koly finds herself cast out, lost in a strange and cruel world. But sometimes, courage and hope can be more powerful than tradition, and fate can be taken into one's own hands.

Books for the Teen Age 2001 (NYPL) and 2000 National Book Award Winner

Reviews (132)

Homeless Bird
Homeless bird

How would you feel if you had to be married to someone you didn't even know? Well in the book Homeless Bird by Gloria Whelan Koly the main character gets married off at the age of 13. This is a fiction book. This book takes place in India in the 1970s. It is very horrible that kids have to get married to people they don't even know.

The main characters in this novel are Koly, Sass, Hari and Raji. Koly is a 13 year old girl that gets married to Hari. Hari is a 17 year old boy whose mom is Sass. Raji is the man who Koly marries after Hari dies. The book covers Koly's life and arranged marriages to Hari and Raji. It also covers Koly's relationship with Sass.

There is a conflict between Koly and Sass. They like each other but fought because Sass thought that Koly should have taken better care of Hari when he was ill. Because of that Sass drops Koly off in the middle of the street and then Koly is left with no home.

She then is faced with the conflict of figuring out where she is going to live? She could stay with her family or she could go off on her own and find her own house. Koly ended up going out by herself and eventually living with Raji. She would live happy with either one she picked. Koly faces another conflict in this book. The conflict is weather she is going to marry Raji or not. She ends up marrying him. That is the right choice because she actually got to pick if she wanted to marry him or not. They are both very happy together.

Koly has to go through a lot in this book. She has to go through Hari dying, then where she wants to live, then weather she is going to marry Raji or not. That is very hard for her to go through. But in the end she ends up very happy. Hopefully she will live happy for the rest of her life.

Homeless Bird review
Have you ever thought about what it would be like to be married off by your parents, when you were only 13 years old? In the book Homeless Bird by Gloria Whelan, Koly the main character has many difficult choices to make. This book is classified as realistic fiction, and it takes place in India, during the 1970's. Homeless Bird seems very realistic, and there aren't many books like it.

The main characters in this book are Koly, her mother in law, whom she calls Sass, and Raji. Koly, is a 13 year old girl who gets married off by her parents, Sass is her mother in law who irritates Koly. And Raji is Koly's friend who she meets in the city. The main plot in this book is Koly, getting married off at a very young age. Being married at that young of an age is very hard for Koly to deal with. And Koly has lots of things to deal with, along the way.

One of the main external conflicts in this book is when Hari, Koly's husband, dies. Koly hadn't even gotten used to living away from home, and when he died, she had to get used to living alone with her new family, with out him, and getting to know everyone. Koly didn't want to stay, so she thought she could run away and go back home. It was strange that she waited that long to think about wanting to go home. If I were in her position, I would have been thinking about it all the time. Koly had a lot of internal conflicts too.

Koly was unhappy inside too. She was being bossed around by Sass, before and after Hari's death. She wanted to leave very bad, but she knew she had to stay, because she knew her family would be ashamed if she came back home. So she decided that she had to try to be happy there, with the Mehtas.

I think that the theme of Homeless Bird is Freedom. The reason is because Koly gave away her earrings, so that she could keep a book of poems, that was Sassur's (her father in law). The author is trying to say, about freedom, that you don't only have freedom in your actions, but also in your mind. Homeless Bird teaches, and shows people about the ways of life of other people, and teaches them to appreciate everyone and everything.

The best book I have ever read!
this book is the best book i have ever read! the author is such a magnificent writer! finished this book in about an hour..easy to read and very enjoyable..this book is both heartwarming, sweet, sad, nd a happy book about a girl who gets abandoned by her mother-in-law.

traditional view
The homeless bird is about an only daughter in a family named Koly . She is thirteen years old and got married to someone she doesn't know or heard about.
The person she got married to was suffering from flu. And they had to take him to Varanasi a holy city in India so he will get better, but he died at varanasi because the flu was getting worst every day .Her sass [mother in law] hated, and always scolded Her to do her house work. Sass has her husband who is Koly's sassur [father in law]
But he liked Koly so much that he sometimes taught her to read, because she doesn't go to school. But later he died. According to the tradition of India, a girl who has lost her husband will never get married or return to her parent again.
Will she ever gets married ? will she ever return to her parent? If she gets married is her husband going to die ?To know the answers to this questions read the homeless Bird.
The Homeless Bird is my favorite book because it has lot of details about the
Experiences of life. The homeless bird is a good book for teenagers to read especially girls, because it talks about some experiences a girl go through during her teenage
Age.

The best book for young people
In the book HOMELESS BIRD is talking about a girl whose name was Koly and who had a hard life. She got married when she was thirteen years old. After she got married they told her that her husband is going to die. Her mother in low didn't love her. After a few months her father in low died and she stayed by her mother in low. In their country the culture is when a women lost her husband she can't get married again. After few months her mother in low took her to one city where she left her by her self...

This was one of the best books that I have ever read in my life, this helped me to understood if one day I got married and I lost my husband what should I do. You should read this book because we don't know what is going to happen in future and you will need to understand some things for your future. If you wont to see what happened in the book after the girl stayed by herself. Just get one book and read it. The name of the book is HOMELESS BIRD and the writer of the book is Gloria Whelon. ... Read more

Book Description

"While walking through a toy store, the day before today, I overheard a

crayon box with many things to say..." Once upon a time, Shane DeRolf wrote

a poem. It was a deceptively simple poem, a charming little piece that

celebrates the creation of harmony through diversity. The folks at the Ad

Council heard it--and liked it so much that they made it the theme for their

1997 National Anti-Discrimination Campaign for Children. Following on the heels

of nearly a year's worth of televised public service announcements, Random

House is phonored to publish the picture book, illustrated in every color in

the crayon box by dazzling newcomer Michael Letzig and conveying the sublimely

simple message that when we all work together, the results are much more

interesting and colorful.




... Read more

Reviews (9)

Great for Diversity & Team Workshops
I use this story with just about every adult and youth group I speak to. I use it to build upon our diversity and how if we all get together (as the crayons do in the book) the picture is complete.

This is a MUST BUY if you work with any age group. The story is so simple, yet powerful.

One of my favorites!
I frequently use books to teach lessons (in an indirect way) to students. My area of expertise is teaching students with disabilities.

For the individuals that I teach, it is important to make them think about issues -- rather than "telling" them what to think.

This books lends itself to some great discussions. Recently a friend of mine used it with members of the Student Council at our high school -- they LOVED it!!!

A must have...(along with Giraffes Can't Dance).

J. Michael Woods, M.Ed.
Teacher, Exceptional Student Education
Doctoral Student, Florida Atlantic University

Not just for kids!
We regularly use this book for team building training for teens and adults. Before "story time" we hand out crayons to the group. The participants are asked what color they would like and then are given a different color (as an example that in life you don't get to pick your gifts and talents!). And then everyone gets to sign the book with their crayon. This book is a hit with all ages and a fun way of dealing with the serious topics of respecting differences and working as a team.

Wonderful Book About Cooperation
This book is great for children at the elementary level. It teaches about cooperation and how to get along with others.

The Crayon Box That Talked has a lot to say!
This is my son's favorite book. I used to read it to him (he's 4) but now he reads it to me...and I learn something new everytime he does.

The poem is simple yet profound...it's about a box of crayons that doesn't get along until...well, read it and find out!!!

It's a must have for all home libraries. Adults can learn a lot from this book, too. ... Read more

Book Description

Sahara Jones is going into fifth grade-again. Although she won't be "Sahara Special" anymore (special needs, that is), she doesn't expect this year to be any better than last year.Fifth grade is going to be different, though, because Sahara's class is getting a new teacher: Miss Pointy.From her eggplant-colored lipstick to the strange subjects she teaches, like "Puzzling" and "Time Travel," she is like no other teacher Sahara has ever known.With Miss Pointy's help, Sahara just might find a way to redefine special for herself. The latest chapter in her book unfolds when her mother insists that she be taken out of special Ed.So Sahara is facing fifth grade in the regular classroom, again.But why even try to do the work, Sahara wonders, if everything just winds up in the counselor's file? Enter Miss Pointy, the new fifth-grade teacher.With her eggplant-colored lipstick, and strange subjects such as "Puzzling" and "Time Travel," she's like no other teacher Sahara has ever known.Through Miss Pointy's unusual teaching, storytelling, and quiet support, Sahara finds the courage to overcome her fears and prove which file shows her true self. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Sahara Special
Sahara Special is comedy and drama blended together with rich character. Sahara Jones' father leaves her, and she is heartbroken. She writes letters to him, telling him she loves him, and misses him. After she writes her letters she has no idea where to mail them, so she keeps them in her desk, hoping nobody will find them. One day the letters tumble out at her feet, and her teachers feet too. Sahara's teacher insists that she be put in Special Education. When Miss. Pointy comes though, things change. She doesn't believe in Special Education and she is like no other teacher. Sahara hopes to make a new start. Miss. Pointy and her beliefs support Sahara to show her true self. Esme Raji Codell wrote Sahara like a dream. Sahara was a talented girl, She changes throughout the book. Codell made the change gradual, so she changed slowly along the way. Codell wrote Sahara Special like a regular book, but there was something in the character and the description. I personally felt like I was in the book, right by Sahara's side.

a magical read-aloud, or a laugh-out-loud read-to-yourself
sahara jones has been pulled out of special ed, and is repeating fifth grade. her new teacher, the unconventional ms. pointy, doesn't believe in labeling students or readng the RECORDS (at least, untill the end of the school year). so she and sahara have the luxury of a fresh start. with love and humor, ms. codell describes their heart-warming journey. a sparkly sticker for this funny, wonderful book.

the best book in the world!!!
Sahara special is one of the best books I have read. I loved it all like when the crazy teacher came that was so funny. Sahara kind of reminds me of the way I was [young] I would never do my homework and usually I wrote down things that I liked. The book also reminds me of my [school]teacher because when Sahara's new teacher comes to the book it just reminded me of her. So if you are trying to figuer out if you want to read this book you might just want to.

Sahara is a Special Character
I read Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key, and was delighted to see this book. Although it is not by the same author, it deals with some similar subjects, such as Special Ed. I have to say, I'm very glad that I spotted this book at the library.
Sahara Special is about a girl who in the beginning is found writing notes, not to her friends but to people like her father, who doesn't live with her and and as she says don't love her back. Although this is a very good book, it is also a very quick read. I finished it in one night, but I would still reccommend it to anyone. It does, however, contain some language such as the b- word.

Something Special
Esme Raji Codell has done the impossible-- she has written a book that transported me back in time to my own school girl days, and made me realize how miraculous life can be. Sahara Special is an insightful, funny and moving tale about a troubled, but talented young girl. Codell has an incredible ear for kids' voices that makes her first person narrator feel like a best friend. I recommend this book to kids dealing with divorce, life changes, and of course, the desire to write! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Excellent Book
This was truly an excellent book for any teen who is gifted. I've been gifted since I was very young and I've never fit in with any of the other kids. I've always been much more mature and on a much higher level than the rest of the kids my age. This book showed me that I should be proud about being gifted, and shouldn't worry about fitting in. This is a must read for any gifted teen.

Robert's Mom
My son was thrilled to receive this book. He immediately began to see himself described in every chapter. He has always felt different and out of sync with his peers. This book helped him to understand himself and feel good about his "gift".

Enlightening
This book makes you feel good about being "gifted" - you know you aren't the only one around in that situation. A lot of nice examples, and it's very uplifting. Too bad it couldn't cover overseas examples though. ... Read more

Book Description

- An APA Bestseller-over 25,000 copies sold!

This book is designed as the perfect learning tool to help parents guide their child as he or she confronts the challenges of ADHD.Learning to Slow Down is unique because it is kid-centered, written from the child's point of view.

This updated edition includes easy-to-read text, fun cartoons, and activities, as well as loads of self-help tips for coping with friends, family, and schoolwork, getting organized, getting disciplined, and getting things done.Appropriate for ages 6-11.Full-color illustrations. ... Read more

Reviews (215)

Tears of a Tiger: A story of Death and Depression
Tears of a Tiger, a novel by Sharon M. Draper, is an excellent choice for both teenagers and adults alike. The book is about four friends, Andy, Rob, B.J., and Tyrone have a beer in celebration of a major basketball victory. Andy begins to drive to his friend Kiesha's house, even though he is drunk. Without seeing it until the last second, Andy slams his compact Cheverlet Chevette into a wall, making the car burst into flames. Andy, B.J., and Tyrone escape from the car with minor injuries, but Rob is trapped inside the vehicle. Andy, B.J., and Rob try helplessly to rescue their friend, but the gas tank explodes, forcing the flames in the car to change from a small internal fire to a blazing inferno.
B.J. and Tyrone learn to deal with the tradgedy, but Andy is not able to recover easily. The remainder of the story is how Andy deals with the accident, even if that means hurting himself both mentally and phisically. I reccommend this book to all teenagers and adults because it discusses today's real-life issues that are applicable to everyone, especially teenagers. Also, the book is written from different people's perspectives, so you understand what the main characters are thinking. The novel explains that teenagers want the responsibilites of adults and think that they are immortal and nothing bad can ever happen to them.

In the Blinking of a Eye peoples lives change Forever...
The book,"Tears of a Tiger", by Sharon Mills Draper is a book I personally enjoyed and probably never forget. It teaches you that anything can happen to anyone and that life is a precious and once in a lifetime experience and to enjoy it while you can and be friendly and nice to everyone because you don't know if you will see them tomorrow. Somethings I liked about the book was it had newspaper articles, character's homework, diaries and letters. The author didn't just write it out the way books are usually printed. It's sort of like a diary. Also I liked it because she used words teens use. Monty (Andy's little brother) is my favorite character because when Andy is depressed and not himself Monty seems to give him a bit of hope.I liked it when the class was having a lesson on Macbeth who had killed his best friend, women and children, and the King. Also I liked the part when Keisha Montgomery wrote an essay on the importance of friedship and how its wonderful to have friends. What happened in the book could happen to anyone and also is funny, sad, and sus- pensful. I would highly recommend this to teens mainly in their late teens through early 20's.

The best book ever
Sharon M. Draper's Tears of a Tiger is the story of an unraveling black teenager who goes through a lot of pain, stress, and trauma. Sharon M. Draper writes in such a way that her literature literally brings tears to your eyes. This book describes bonds between friendship and love in a spectacular way. Tears of a Tiger presents the readers with lessons about drunk-driving and love.
17-year-old Andy Jackson discovers a world of depression when he and three other friends live a fatal car-accident. Andy, Rob, Tyrone and B.J. are four friends who celebrate after success in a high-school basketball game. All except B.J. drink during their ride on the car, even the driver, Andy. The likely conclusion that would occur happened, Andy crashed the car. All survived but Rob.
After Rob's death, Andy starts to go into a world of his own where he faces a lot of problems. He feels that Rob's death was his fault because he caused the car to crash. Without Andy, Rob wouldn't have been dead. That's not Andy's only problem. Andy's been having a lot of problems with his girlfriend. Andy's girlfriend, Keisha doesn't seem to like the fact that Andy has been in his own world. Lately she has noticed that Andy ignores her and starts being more and more of a pain. After they break up something terrible happens. If you read the book you'll find out.
This book was written in such a way that it was hard to put down. The author's style made you want to keep on reading. Each chapter was very unique. There were chapters that were newspaper articles and also phone conversations. By reading this book, I thought the author was a very creative person.
Tears of a Tiger is one of those books that the reader can generate a lot of thought. This book is filled with connection to the real world. This book shows the reader the consequences of drunk driving. Many teens can relate to this book, and that's what makes this book fun to read.
All and all, this was a very satisfying book. One downside may be that the author uses too much dialogue, other than that it's perfect. I would definitely recommend this book to adults and young adults. The ending left me hanging and wondering a lot about what was going on in Andy's head. I was thinking about all those people whose lives were ruined by drunk-drinking. This book left me thinking about how well the author constructed the narrative and how the situation was so realistic. This is one of those books which a reader can not put down because of its superior quality.

One of the best books ever!!!!!!
Sharon M. Draper's Tears of a Tiger is the story of an unraveling black teenager who goes through a lot of pain, stress, and trauma. Sharon M. Draper writes in such a way that her literature literally brings tears to your eyes. This book describes bonds between friendship and love in a spectacular way. Tears of a Tiger presents the readers with lessons about drunk-driving and love.
17-year-old Andy Jackson discovers a world of depression when he and three other friends live a fatal car-accident. Andy, Rob, Tyrone and B.J. are four friends who celebrate after success in a high-school basketball game. All except B.J. drink during their ride on the car, even the driver, Andy. The likely conclusion that would occur happened, Andy crashed the car. All survived but Rob.
After Rob's death, Andy starts to go into a world of his own where he faces a lot of problems. He feels that Rob's death was his fault because he caused the car to crash. Without Andy, Rob wouldn't have been dead. That's not Andy's only problem. Andy's been having a lot of problems with his girlfriend. Andy's girlfriend, Keisha doesn't seem to like the fact that Andy has been in his own world. Lately she has noticed that Andy ignores her and starts being more and more of a pain. After they break up something terrible happens. If you read the book you'll find out.
This book was written in such a way that it was hard to put down. The author's style made you want to keep on reading. Each chapter was very unique. There were chapters that were newspaper articles and also phone conversations. By reading this book, I thought the author was a very creative person.
Tears of a Tiger is one of those books that the reader can generate a lot of thought. This book is filled with connection to the real world. This book shows the reader the consequences of drunk driving. Many teens can relate to this book, and that's what makes this book fun to read.
All and all, this was a very satisfying book. One downside may be that the author uses too much dialogue, other than that it's perfect. I would definitely recommend this book to adults and young adults. The ending left me hanging and wondering a lot about what was going on in Andy's head. I was thinking about all those people whose lives were ruined by drunk-drinking. This book left me thinking about how well the author constructed the narrative and how the situation was so realistic. This is one of those books which a reader can not put down because of its superior quality.

TEARS OF A TIGER
The book was outstanding it taught me alot.I think Sharon Draper made the story seem so realistic and life like , I could hardly put the book down. The hurt and guilt that Andy Jackson had to deal with after killing his bestfriend ,while driving drunk was really more than he could handle. Him not realizing who to turn to the hurt and pain was eating away at him. So the only way out to him was to klii himself and get it all over with. I recommend anyone who haven't read this book to do so because it is amazing. As a teenager I could really relate with this story.
By Tynia Mitchell
St Louis Mo ... Read more

Book Description

You think you know John? Well, let's see . . . What bathroom fixture did his father have in mind at his birth? Does algebra have a use, besides torture? Who is Glory Halle-lujah? Who is Violent Hayes? What do they want? Who or what are the Lashasa Palulu? Why do fools fall in love? How can anyone who is fighting a secret battle for his life know anyone? And how can they know him?

Reviews (63)

just...briliant!
I seemed to have seen this book everywhere. Every time i went into a bookshop or the libury i saw it and although the cover was eyecatching i read the back and thought it looked quite boring. Then one day i thought "what the hell, i'll give it a try" i am sooo glad i did. This book is amazing.

It's about a 14 year old called John who has all a teenager's normal stuggles wile fighting his own battle with his abusive step father.

It's told in a unquie style and in 2nd person and it works beautifully. it seems a little muggled, especially at first but trust me and stick with it, after the first few pages your be hooked.

John has a very critical out look on life and is convinced things aren't what they seem (after all Glory Hallujah could be a goat, just in a disguse as a girl) which probably comes from his own home life being nothing like it seems.

It has serious issues and is at times, very sad and slightly graphic (although i've read a lot worst) but is extremly funny too. (Gloria eating his note! hee hee)

Seriously, i think this book is brilliant i really do, and i dont normally give ANYTHING 5 stars!

You Don't Know Me
I have recently read this book, "You Don't Know Me", and found that it was a very good book. It is a book about child abuse, but it is written in a way that is funny. It is about a boy named John and it tells about a few years of hi steenage life. A lot happens in this 260 page book, like when he asks the girl of his dreams out on a date. My favorite part is when Gloria's dad is mad at him and he has to escape from their house. What he finds in this book is that looks may be decieving, and life isn't going to be as easy . It is a very well written book, and I recommend it to anyone 7th grade and above.

Unique Style
David Klass does it right with this novel for Young Adults. His main character is unique and sometimes hard to follow, but it is hard to keep from liking John. John's voice makes this a great novel.

John looks at the world around him and believes everything is make believe except for his life of hell that exists at home. John has friends, but he is essentially alone in the world and no one seems to notice or care.

The novel starts out with John saying "You don't know me." By the end of the novel, we all know John really well, and whether a person would want to hang out with John or not, it is impossible not to like John.

Nice job, David Klass.

You Dont Know Me by David Klass
You Dont Know Me by David Klass is a great book. It is very well written and it explains everything a teenager goes through, love,hate,passion,angry and more. In the beginning of the story he talks about his mother and her boyfriend, how he hates him. He describes how nobody knows him. The book has a very tricky stlye. He spaces out in math class, he falls in love, he has friends like normal teenagers but there is just something extra special about him. I would reccomend this book to anyone. A Great Summer Read!

Wow...
I have read many books. I love books, and I have to say that this is one of the best that I have ever read! David Krall amazes me with his wonderful writing talent. I love how John creates a bullfrog character for his tuba. This book is inspiring, and I would recomend that everyone reads this. ... Read more

Book Description

It is 1868, and Carl Erik's family faces starvation in Sweden. As their hopes fade, they must endure a journey over land and sea to reach a better life in a new country thousands of miles away. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Excellent for the Classroom
The Long Way to a New Land and The Long Way Westward are companion books that chronicle a family's journey from their Swedish farm, which is suffering from an extended drought, to a new home in Minnesota. The books describe the difficulty and dangers of the journey in a way that is non-complaining and full of optimism for a new life in America. Teachers, these books are wonderful for integrating with other subjects and topics, such as immigration, westward expansion, steamships, trains, geography, and American life in the 1860s. ... Read more

Book Description

Meet Kate Malone-straight-A science and math geek, minister's daughter, ace long-distance runner, new girlfriend (to Mitchell "Early Decision Harvard" Pangborn III), unwilling family caretaker, and emotional avoidance champion. Kate manages her life by organizing it as logically as the periodic table.She can handle it all-or so she thinks. Then, things change as suddenly as a string of chemical reactions; first, the Malones' neighbors get burned out of their own home and move in. Kate has to share her room with her nemesis, Teri Litch, and Teri's little brother. The days are ticking down and she's still waiting to hear from the only college she applied to: MIT. Kate feels that her life is spinning out of her control-and then, something happens that truly blows it all apart.Set in the same community as the remarkable Speak, Catalyst is a novel that will change the way you look at the world. ... Read more

Reviews (63)

Good Kate vs. Bad Kate
The book Catalyst is a very good book. It is about a teenager named Kate Malone. She is a straight-A science and math student, her father is a minister, she is an ace long-distance runner, and she is Mitchell Pangborn III new girlfriend. Kate applies to one college which is MIT. First, her dad comes to her school with the acceptance letter from MIT. When she read it, it said that she wasn't accepted. The same day she didn't get accepted to MIT, her father took in their neighbors, the Litch's because their house got burned down. Kate really doesn't get along with Teri very well because she stole her watch, which was really special to her. So now she has to live with Teri for a while and Kate's father wants to get people at the church to help and rebuild Teri's house. People are helping, but then something happens with Mikey (Teri's little brother) and that messes a lot of things up. There is also a secret that Teri has been keeping from Kate. Whats the secret? What happens to Mikey? Read this really good book to find out!

Definitely gotta read this!!!
Catalyst is a fiction book that deals with situations all teenagers and most people face as well as bad situations that no one should have to be face. It is about a girl who is a straight-A science and math geek, ranked third in the senior class. She is a cross-country runner, and a minister's daughter named Kate Malone. Her boyfriend Mitchell Pangborn III has already decided to go to Harvard. Kate was still waiting on her acceptance letter from MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology), which is the only college she applied to. Kate life is spinning faster and faster out of control. When her father shows up at her school one day and gives her a thin envelope from the MIT admissions office. Inside the letter says we regret to inform you...! When she is rejected from MIT its like her whole world as come to an end. Then on top of being rejected, her neighbors, the Litch's house gets burned down and Kate's father invites them to come stay at their house. But Teri Litch isn't exactly Kate's best friend. In fact, Teri stole a watch from Kate! Kate has to share a room with Teri. When they move in a secret that the Litch family has been hiding comes out in the open. What is the secret? What will happen? And can Kate handle all of this without going insane?

By Jessica B.

As Great As Speak
I didn't think it was possible, but this book is just as great as one of my favorite books of all time (the book in the same series as this one), Speak. I recommend everyone who has read Speak to read this book.

Anderson Rocks the World Again
First, there was Speak, a life-changeing, thought-process-altering insightful novel about a believable character.

Then there was Fever, another life-changing, incredible novel.

Now Catalyst. (...). This book will rock the foundation of what you think is life and what you take for granted, if you let it. It is an emotional cleaner that will have you shouting "No no no no no no no" at Ms. Anderson and wondering if you can even finish the book. Take a long lunch, because you will not be able to put it down.

I can recommend this to the geeks of the world, especially, the ones like me who got accepted to most of the colleges they applied for and graduted magna cum laude--or those people who want to understand us.

Reality vs. Denial
Kate Malone is ranked 3rd in her high school class and has had dreams of attending MIT, her dead mother's alma mater. After being deferred early decision, she applies regularly. And to her utter shock and dismay, she receives the thin envelope.

Ouch.

It doesn't help matters that her boyfriend, Mitchell Pangborn, has been accepted early decision to Harvard. Sarah, her best friend, is off to Bryn Mawr (OT, but I live right near Bryn Mawr College!!!). While they know where they'll be next year, Kate does not. It's a secret, but she didn't apply to Syracuse and Drexel, her safeties. At first, she thinks there must be some mistake. How could she have been rejected with her grades? Her mother did go there, after all. She can't face it. It can't be the truth, can it?

It is. Pretending to be her mother, she phones MIT to appeal her rejection and finds that she doesn't have the "oomph" of the chosen ones, despite being very bright. And her writing skills "could use some work." :(

Mr. Malone, Kate's father, is a preacher, a doer of good deeds. This urge of wanting to always to the right thing is the main reason why the Hatchers have moved in, meaning Teri Hatcher, her son, and her mother, Mrs. Hatcher. Teri is a student at Kate's school and also happens to be an enemy - she bullied Kate when the two were younger and is known as a school bully. A cafeteria scenario in which jocks choose to egg her on turns into a huge gang brawl. Teri both cries and causes tears. This is prior to the fire that partially wrecks her home. That's why Mr. Malone invites her to live with them temporarily. Kate shudders at the thought of Teri, who has stolen a necklace Mitch gave her, plus a watch.

Kate learns to cope with rejection. An unexpected friendship blossoms and she realizes that although things do not always go according to plan, she'll move on from the letdowns.

Good character depth and nicely assembled plot, although there were some slow moments. Anderson has created a book where things aren't perfect and ideal in the protagonist's world, and I think that is what adolescents need to read about. It can either serve as an escape from their problems or help them deal with their own issues. Or they can relate. Either way, this novel is enjoyable. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

A Must-Read for Tweens/Teens and Their Parents
"Please don't let anyone get in your way!" So starts Erika V. Shearin Karres' book MEAN CHICKS, CLIQUES, AND DIRTY TRICKS. This is some of the best advice you will find, but doesn't even compare to the rest of the advice that Ms. Karres gives throughout this book.

Part of being a girl is getting used to the "in" crowd, snobs, bullies, teasing, cliques, gossip, backstabbing, and more, whether during school hours, or on your own time. It is the one thing that makes being a female extremely tough, and easily compares girls to wild animals fighting over the tiniest thing.

Split up into 10 Chapters, MEAN CHICKS breaks female predators down into various groups, and writes about each separately. Chapters on The Bully, The Snob, The Gossip, The Traitor, The Teaser, and so on, feature quotes from young girls who have been bullied in the past (this feature alone will have tweens and teens interested in this book, as they feel as if they are being spoken to by their peers, as opposed to a parent/teacher/guardian), stories about girls who have overcome bullies, quizzes, resources, and an all around survival guide to help tweens, teens, and their parents deal with the problem civilly.

As someone who has been bullied non-stop in the past, I found this book to be extremely empowering, yet uplifting at the same time. I even starting crying a few times when reading the true stories from girls who have been bullied, as I could relate to them so well. Ms. Karres' breakdown of each type of girl is entirely accurate, and will have readers nodding their head in agreement with her comments about The Bully, Traitor, and so on. Parents with a tween/teen girl who is being bullied should definitely purchase this book, as it will be a helpful guide for both YOU and your child. Don't miss MEAN CHICKS, as it is a necessity.

Erika Sorocco

This is the best
This book is really good I'm a middle-schooler and this book helps me understand why theese girls do the things they do. now i know that i can beat their tricks knowing that their doing it to be popular and i understand that theese girls are not at all perfect, in fact they have more problems then we think. now i know that i am stronger then the bully and that i can outsmart them and shrug off what they say. i love this book!

A book that teaches, empowers, and heals
Once a childhood bully and a teenager who was bullied, I found an immediate and deep connection with Karres's book. What I thought most poignant was the psychology detailed behind each description of the girl(s) dreaded in school - the Bully, the Gossip, and so on. She makes you understand the reasons underlying the otherwise callous actions that girls exhibit...almost to the point of making one feel a certain sympathy for them. That being said, this book is also a useful - and not an overbearing, finger-pointing - tool for the girls who exhibit these types of mean behavior. Karres possesses a compassion for young women that is clearly evident throughout her verbiage. Through that, you get the feeling, once the final page is read, that somehow, someday, 'everything is going to be okay.' This book is not only valuable for girls, but a highly educational reminder to parents of what their child is going through. I know that if I ever have a daughter one day, the book is going to be left in her hands.

This Book is Helping Me Alot
My Mom gave me this book to read because I have had alot of problems as a teenager just dealing with all the social drama and fighting that goes on. Every week there are fights and disagreements and I find so many girls can be cruel and get jealous and hurt each other. I really like this book and it is helping me. I feel like I'm reading about my own friends and the kids in my school with different names. Dr. Karres also explains why girls act the way they do and gives good ideas for how to act and what to say when kids act out and get really mean or think they are better than anyone else. I tried a few ideas in this book and they really work! I am also learning more about why I act they way I do sometimes and get in sad or down moods because of all the things that go on with kids around me. I think this is a very good book and everyone should read it. I wish they would teach kids this stuff in school so there wouldn't be so many problems.

Wonderful Book- I Use It With My Students!!!
I teach in a middle school and was lucky to read Mean Chicks, Cliques, and Dirty Tricks -- I am using the many terrific tips to help guide students who are often very upset about the difficult and upsetting social episodes they encounter -- and Dr. Karres' explanations, approaches, and advice in this book are exceptional!! The book includes writings from girls in need of real-life down-to-earth objective and educated help for tough situations in dealings with peers ( who can be nasty and hurtful)
and they are answered so beautifully, with both logic and sensitivity. I've covered some of the excellent empowerment tips with my students and they love them!! This book is an esteem-builder and empowerment bible for girls from elementary through high school (probably even adults!!) and parents, too, can learn alot here for assisting their children through the social rocky roads of the girls' world. Tips on dealing with all personality types, behaviors, and issues --from bullies and teasers to groupies and newcomers on the block -- being in good moods and bad moods -- are included PLUS the book has a section called "Cool Tools" listing additional resources. This is great for teaching girls they can own their power and do have choices to attain further support; they are not alone and can learn how to cope with and overcome tough people and relationships! I invite my students to look at my copy of the book ( I keep it on my desk) and they rush up to grab it! This book is a double winner. ... Read more

Book Description

Set in the fourteenth century, the classic story of one boy's personal heroism when he loses the use of his legs. ... Read more

Reviews (44)

A DOOR TO SELF-DISCOVERY
It is unusual to find an example of YA literature which is set in the Middle Ages and yet is not Time Travel. De Angeli's illustrations add much to the authentic flavor and general understanding of the times. This story relates the ageless conflict between the Welsh and the English.

Ten-year-old Robin, the son of knight, contracts polio (not so named) during London's Plague years. Abandoned in error and haste, he is rescued by a kindly monk who takes him to his monastery to recover--both his health and his social skills. He learns woodcarving and patience, which are compensations for his new crutches and appellation: Sir Crookshanks.

Ultimately Robin helps save the town and castle where he is sent to serve as a page, earning both the King's gratitude and his parents' amazed pride. The author casually inserts much historical detail and interesting information, so that elementary readers learn about the Middle Ages without quite realizing it. An entertaining tale, with a good moral: "Thou hast only to follow the wall far enough and there will be a door in it."

Better as time went on
I remember reading this book ages ago, and I hated. I thought it dated and dull, with its archaic language and details about medieval life. Now, after years of studying mythology, including the Prose Edda, I can better appreciate it. It's not a GREAT book, but it is a good one.

Robin is the son of a knight, destined to become a knight one day himself - until he falls ill and loses the use of his legs. The plague is ravaging medieval England, and it claims several of the servants who were caring for him. Robin is rescued by a kindly monk, Brother Luke, who takes the crippled boy to a local monastary and patiently cares for him there. Under Luke's guidance, Robin learns how to swim, read, whittle, and how to become a humbler person rather than the rather snobby noble boy that he once was.

But all is not well in England. Robin must "open a door in the wall" -- the walls that hemmed him in when he lost the use of his legs -- and discover that you don't necessarily have to be a knight to serve your king and country.

This is not a 9-12 book. Oh, not because of any objectionable content or attitudes, but simply because the, majority of 9-12 children will be bored witless by it. It's better suited to young adults who can handle the gradual pacing, softened archaic language (a fair number of twills, thous, amisses, and arts) and virtually actionless plot. As a result, "Door in the Wall" resembles a a slice of real life from the POV of a crippled boy rather than a fictional story. Such gruesome details as the plague and the violence of war are smudged out, by the way.

It seems a lot longer than its 120 pages. Ignore the silly cover art, the characters aren't like that at all; the interior illustrations are soft and realistic. de Angeli's writing lacks detail much of the time, but her dialogue is well-scripted. Robin's responses to the loss of his legs, his plans, and fear of his father's disappointment are perfectly done. He isn't a perfect lead character; he gets irrational, angry, snobby - but overcomes all of them. Brother Luke seems a little too perfect at times, but is also a good character. So, for that matter, is minstrel John-go-in-the-Wynd. (Yes, this book has those delightful Middle-Ages names based on the job, physical characteristics or past experience)

As for complaints about this book: Note that virtually all of them say that it was a schoolwork book; once again, we have disgruntled students seeking "revenge" on a non-fluff book that they had to read. This is not a book that should be assigned, but a book that should be selected individually. Don't read it just because it's a Newbery, read it if you can handle it!

In short, I recommend this book -- but not to everyone...it if you love to read, and if you enjoy a story where characters are emphasized over action.

Not What I Had Hoped
While I am a lover of reading and especially Newbery literature, I was disappointingly bored. I appreciated the basic storyline, how a crippled boy becomes stronger with the help of a community of monks who teach him patience and work ethic. I also love the theme that there is always a door in the wall if you look hard enough, and that anyone can be a hero. However, the story moved too slowly and the language made me sleepy, despite my appreciation for medieval literature. This is definitely not a book I can see many children enjoying, certainly not my own class of 6th grade students.

Not that Great of a Book
The Door in the Wall wasn't that great of a book. The way the the characters talk is very confusing to the reader and can become annoying after a while. The story plot is hard to follow, even if you're a teenager. Overall, I think this book is so over-rated.

The Door In The Wall: More Than Just A Door
(...)The book was a basic book with a medieval background, it told of the many things going on, like the war between Ireland and England, and how there was the black plague forming everywhere, killing anybody unlucky enough to catch it. The story basically consists of the little boy, Robin, who has fallen ill due to some sort of disease, he believed it was the plague at first, but then realizes, that it was a different sickness, because it had made his legs useless, thus, the word "crook shanks", and as common knowledge tells us, he was useless to do anything, but he had a job, a job to become a knight, at his godfathers castle, for his father was a knight and as we all know, a knight's son must also become a knight. Robin was lucky enough to be taken in by a kind church, St. Mark's. There he meets a monk named Brother Luke, they become great friends, and Robin sends word to his father, and he goes on his great journey to Sir Peter De Lindsey's castle. They encounter many great problems in their journey, but he makes it safely to his castle, Robin tells Peter that he is useless and cannot do anything, and so Robin learns to do something, something that he had wanted to accomplish...

I think this book is one of the greater books I have read, it shows courage and honor, and how Robin was able to do anything despite his disabilities, and how he was able to do anything he wanted, as long as he put his mind to it. I this that this author was an excellent writer, because this book contain such great sentences, such as, "The calm sound of the peaceful lake was silent". Nevertheless, this book was based of a great plot and had a great background.

Despite how much I loved this book, there was also a catch, I didn't like this book because of how there was so much tragic death because of the black plague and how many people suffered "The Black Plague was everywhere." It makes the medieval times seem like a very horrible place in time where nothing was supposed to go right. Despite the minor issue, I still believe this is a book worth reading.

My favorite part in this book is how cunning Robin was in the situation of being robbed, he was sure not to make a sound, and made sure that he was able to warn Luke without making a sound, I would've enjoyed looking at the face of the thieves. Overall, this book was excellent, the medieval plot, and the great writings of the author. I think this book is a worthwhile book, and is worth reading, and you enjoy reading it over and over again. ... Read more

Book Description

Lately everybody's messing with Jamal. His teachers, the kids at school, even his dad. And now that Jamal's brother Randy's in the slam, Crazy Mack has a crazy idea. He wants Jamal to take control of the Scorpions and run crack.

All the gang jive--Jamal has no use for it. Unless, like some say, it's the only way to cop the bread for Randy's appeal...

The story of twelve-year-old Jamal, whose life changes drastically when he acquires a gun. Though he survives the experience, it's not without sacrificing his innocence and possibly his relationship with his best friend.

1989 Newbery Honor Book
Notable Children's Books of 1988 (ALA)
1988 Best Books for Young Adults (ALA)
1989 Recommended Books for Reluctant Young Adult Readers (ALA)
The USA Through Children's Books 1990 (ALA)
Young Adult Choices for 1990 (IRA)
1989 Judy Lopez Children's Books Award, Honorable Mention
Children's Books of 1988 (Library of Congress)
1989 Books for the Teen Age (NY Public Library) ... Read more

Reviews (80)

Extremely moving book!
The book, Scorpions, by Walter Dean Myers is an extremely well written book. I have always been fascinated for some reason on the hardships and lives of gangs. Maybe because I have helped some close friends of mine get out of gangs and drugs and I never knew exactly how they felt. I dont know. But when you read a book like this, it's like you were a friend of Jamal and Tito, the two main characters. Walter makes you feel like you are in the book and you belong there. It is a great book with a lot of emotions that is hard to put down.

It's about a young boy named Jamal whose brother, Randy, is in jail. Jamal's best friend, Tito, is always there for Jamal through good times and bad. The book goes through details of Jamal's trouble times with Randy's appeal, school, and his brother's gang, the Scorpions. Once Jamal is in the Scorpions, only trouble seems to face them. Will he be able to get out alive?.....

Breaking Away
Gangs, violence, guns, drugs, and poverty are just some of the topics that other sugar-coated books steer clear of. Walter Dean Myers, however, is a risk-taker and isn't afraid to expose the public to these subjects.
In the well-written book Scorpions, Myers breaks away from the everyday children's books. He writes about a young boy from Harlem, Jamal.
When Jamal's brother Randy goes to jail, Jamal has to take his place as the leader of the gang Scorpions. He thinks it is a bad idea. In my opinion, Myers successfully intertwined the worlds of violence and gangs. Jamal, the innocent bystander, and Indian, a fellow gang member, battle for position of head Scorpion. It is Indian's rough personality that Jamal is intimidated by.
I enjoyed this book a lot. The book reminds me of how people fight in my school and I could relate. As I was reading the book, I felt supportive of Jamal and the decisions he needed to make. I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a refreshing change of perspectives. Anyone can relate to this book.

Bang!
Bang! This is the sound you will hear in Scorpions, by Walter Dean Myers, a present day tale about gang life in Harlem, New York. Jamal, the main character, struggles to keep up with normal life, while getting sucked into the life of the Harlem underworld. His brother, who is in jail, and Mack, notorious for being crazy, pressure him to lead a Harlem street gang, the Scorpions. Jamal's friend, Tito, is honest and kind, and sticks by Jamal through his troubles. When Mack gives Jamal a gun, Jamal is not sure what to do with it.
Scorpions shows how hard life can be when you live in poverty. This is an extremely detailed and realistic story. You feel like you are in the book when you read "A blind man with a Seeing Eye dog crossed St. Nicholas Avenue. Jamal watched as the man followed the dog across the street. The dog looked happy taking the man around."
While Scorpions can be exciting at times, much of the book dragged on. It is full of violence, but you would expect fighting in a book about street gangs. "He didn't see the punch coming .. Angel hit him again. He felt his stomach turn in, and began to throw up." Details like this are sprinkled everywhere by Walter Dean Myers.
If you get yourself involved in something dangerous and inappropriate for your age, the outcome will not be good. Sixth to eighth graders interested in the dramatic life of the streets would enjoy reading this book.

A Good Read
The book, Scorpions, is about a young boy and his struggles in a bad neighborhood filled with crime and gangs. Throughout the book he is faced with fights at school, fights at home, and even fights with gang members on the streets. His main problem is that his brother, the leader of the gang called the scorpions, is sent to jail for a robbery turned murder and throughout the book he tries to get money for an appeal. His brother wants him to take over the lead position of the gang and he is only 12 which caused problems between him and the other gang members. This led to the young boy and his friend commiting murder to save their own lives.

Scorpions
Danger! Excitement! Tragedy! In a worn down part of Harlem New York, gangs, guns, and drugs plague the streets. The leader of a well-known gang, the Scorpions was arrested and his 13-year-old brother was forced to take over.

All of these problems and emotions are packed into one book, Scorpions, by Walter Dean Myers.

In this book, Jamal, a 13-year-old tough guy, is forced to take over his brother's gang, leaving him and his friend, Tito, under a gigantic burden, a gun.

Jamal and Tito have a great friendship. No matter what trouble Jamal gets himself into, Tito sticks by him. Throughout the whole book, Jamal has to figure out what to do with the gun which Tito is so afraid of, yet can not run away from the danger it brings.

In this book Walter Dean Myers uses great sensory images enabling the reader to paint a picture in his or her mind. He also uses dialect getting the reader into the book. One example of sensory images used by the author is the wonderful description of the Scorpion signature jacket.

I would definitely recommend this book, especially to young adults. This book can be compared to a number of books written by S. E. Hinton. The message of Scorpions is violence is not the answer. ... Read more

Book Description

"IT'S STILL TRUE."

That's the first thing James Tillerman says to his sister Dicey every morning. It's still true that their mother has abandoned the four Tillerman children somewhere in the middle of Connecticut. It's still true they have to find their way, somehow, to Great-aunt Cilla's house in Bridgeport, which may be their only hope of staying together as a family.

But when they get to Bridgeport, they learn that Great-aunt Cilla has died, and the home they find with her daughter, Eunice, isn't the permanent haven they've been searching for. So their journey continues to its unexpected conclusion -- and some surprising discoveries about their history, and their future. ... Read more

Reviews (249)

I've read it three times and enjoy it more each time!
I first read Homecoming in 3rd grade as my first "fat book" (it has 372 pages). I loved it, even though it took me about three months to finish. Since then I've read it two other times. Homecoming lets your imagination soar, thinking of odd and fascinating ways to earn money and survive in this world. In Homecoming after their mother deserts them at a shopping mall, Dicey (age 13) and her younger siblings (ages 6,9,10) must survive a trip to their Aunt Cilla's house. WALKING! Money is a BIG problem, at the beginning of their trip all they had was a measly $11. And they spent $4 the first night! All four struggle to withstand the threat of starvation. And at points in the story, they walk for so long and so hard; you'd wonder why they just don't collapse. Also is the terror of being caught and put in a foster home. Man! How can you expect a 13-year-old to hold all that responsibility! Luckily a couple of people they meet are kind, but certainly not everyone! I would HIGHLY recommend this to anyone who has a good imagination or loves adventures!

homecoming
I really enjoyed reading Homecoming this summer. this book is about how Dicey, James, Maybeth, and Sammy figured out ways to survive in very tough situations, and how they thought of clever ways to earn money. I particularly liked how they carried groceries for people, and how they could find empty houses and parks to sleep in at night. I also liked how each character in the book had a separate personality and didn't change who they were, or how they acted throughout the book. I especially like Sammy as a character, how he was always stubborn, and got into fights a lot.
This was a very good novel. It is probably one of my top twenty favorite books. I like stories of survival and mystery, and this novel had both of those particular qualities. Overall I thought Homecoming was a really great book and I would recommend it to anybody. It is really hard to put down. Once you start reading, you want to find out what will happen next and soon enough you have finished the book. Cynthia Voigt is a great writer, and I can't wait to read the next books in the series.

What I Think About Homecoming
I think homecoming is a good book. It is about four kids named dicey, Maybeth,James, and Sammy. Every cristmas their aunt cilla sends them a card, so they diced to go see her. When they where on thier way to Birgport thier mother wento the mall and told them tostay in the car while she go in.Then seh told James Maybeth and Sammy to obay Dicey and do what she says to do. They watied a long time and she never came back. So Dicey said lets start walking to Brigeport and maybe mom will be thier. days and days went by and they finly made it to thier Aunt cilla house. When they got thier they found out that thier Aunt cilla was dead and thiercousin unice stayed thier, also that thier mother was not thier. So days later they got tired of staying thier so thye decied to go see thier grandmother. They found out that thier grandmother was mean until they got tokonw her. But they now live with thier Grandmother.

Homecoming
Homecoming is a good book!! this book shows what would really happens to young childern on there own!! it also shows that you should love your family and love people you never met and they can help you!! the book shows things may not turn out like you want it to but it comes out ok!! cuz even if you are alone there are still people out there in the world that can help you!! these childern go a long way and go through alot just to find a loved one and still try to stay together!! you should really read this book!! when i first looked at it i said we have to read ALL this!! but i'm glad i read it!! Homecoming i really worth you time reading cuz you always want to know what happens next to 4 childern walking miles and miles looking for there crazy mother but they get something better!! so i think you should read homecoming!!

Homecoming
I rated Homecoming a 4. I gave it a 4 cause some of the events i didn't seem it was important. I like it cause it was funny and has adventure. To me it was like a story were when you start to read it, it would make you want to continue to read it to the end. The book was about a girl and 3 other siblings of hers who was left behind by her mother and is trying to find their way to their Aunt Cilla's house, but it is hard to stay out of trouble. If you like adventurous, funny, exiting book then it would be a good book for you. Thats why I rated it a 4. ... Read more

Book Description

Narrated by a fifteen-year-old autistic savant obsessed with Sherlock Holmes, this dazzling novel weaves together an old-fashioned mystery, a contemporary coming-of-age story, and a fascinating excursion into a mind incapable of processing emotions.

Christopher John Francis Boone knows all the countries of the world and their capitals and every prime number up to 7,057. Although gifted with a superbly logical brain, Christopher is autistic. Everyday interactions and admonishments have little meaning for him. At fifteen, Christopher’s carefully constructed world falls apart when he finds his neighbour’s dog Wellington impaled on a garden fork, and he is initially blamed for the killing.

Christopher decides that he will track down the real killer, and turns to his favourite fictional character, the impeccably logical Sherlock Holmes, for inspiration. But the investigation leads him down some unexpected paths and ultimately brings him face to face with the dissolution of his parents’ marriage. As Christopher tries to deal with the crisis within his own family, the narrative draws readers into the workings of Christopher’s mind.

And herein lies the key to the brilliance of Mark Haddon’s choice of narrator: The most wrenching of emotional moments are chronicled by a boy who cannot fathom emotions. The effect is dazzling, making for one of the freshest debut in years: a comedy, a tearjerker, a mystery story, a novel of exceptional literary merit that is great fun to read. ... Read more

Reviews (339)

An amazing fictional leap
Mark Haddon has written a moving novel about love and bravery through the eyes of a British autistic boy. Christopher discovers his neighbor's poodle dead, impaled by a pitchfork, and, because he adores puzzles, he sets out to solve the mystery of who killed Wellington . But Christopher is autistic, a boy who doesn't like to be touched and cannot decipher emotions beyond the tools his teacher has taught him, and so the task requires the huge effort of testing rules and facing his own fears. A literalist by neurology, he deconstructs life into a set of mathematical equations and physical laws. This unique perspective makes him a good detective on one level, where clues and logic rule, but it also fails him on another, higher one because he cannot understand the magnitude of what he uncovers.

That Haddon was able to write a book from Christopher's point of view with all his quirks and still make him lovable is extraordinary. By necessity, the writing is simple and unadorned, but the language of details elevates it from the mundane. The insertion of mathematical puzzles and drawings add to the reader's understanding of how Christopher's mind works. Haddon's real skill is an understatement that allows the reader to comprehend what is going on even if Christopher cannot. Although Christopher cannot grasp subtlety and nuances, the reader can, and that's where the true force of this exceptional novel lies.

This short, easy to read book can be completed in a couple of sittings, although its impact will last much longer. Highly recommended for a general readership.

Simply Terrific
The plot of this novel is quite simple. Christopher Boone is a 15 year-old autistic boy who, after finding his neighbor's poodle kill by a garden fork, sets out to discover the identity of the murderer. Through his "detecting" Christopher discovers the culprit but in doing so he also discovers so much more about himself. But the true discovery is left for the readers of this wonderful novel who discover not only the uniquely different world as seen through Christopher's eyes but also his truly underlying genius.

I understand from previous reviewers that author Mark Haddon had actually worked with autistic children - and it is reflected in his brilliant first-person narrative, spoken through Christopher's authentic voice. He shows how Christopher is neither capable of judging or ascribing any emotions to anything he experiences and thus is able to simplify his complex world. Haddon doesn't coddle his character nor does he minimize or exaggerate the difficulties of Christopher's parents have in dealing with a child with Christopher's condition. And therein lies the true appreciation for this simply terrific novel.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time is a 5-star read that should not be missed.

Christopher's world
I do not know a thing about autism--so maybe this has something to do with why I was drawn into Christopher's tale. I found this character to be very interesting as he explained to me, the reader, how his mind works and why it works the way it does. I credit the author, Mark Haddon, for sticking to the challange of conveying such a story. There's much skill in the craftmanship and I find it to be a very intelligent read. I don't understand how another person here said they read--which caught my eye because I did as well--'Simon Lazarus' and found that to be more "worthy" and that 'A Curious incident..'is "drivel" or gimmicky. I see nothing of the sort here. Both of these works are distinct in their own right, and both are smart and quite readable. So for this reader: 'Simon Lazarus' and Christopher's story here are both entertaining and fascinating reads in their own distinct way. That's what literature is all about. Appreciate them both.

Autism Understood....
I am so grateful I purchased this remarkable book. Getting into the mind of an autistic child gives the reader a phenomenal look at the complexities of this disorder.

Christopher is a remarkable boy and the author who created him, a remarkable man. This book will, in time, be considered a classic. I intend to put it away for my grandchildren to read when they are old enough. They are just beginning to be exposed to children with special needs.

This book was humorous, suspenseful, sad, happy and simply wonderful. It is a book for all time and what a great film it would make. I hope someone discovers it for that reason.

Thank you Mr. Haddon. You are a genius!!

A Book Sure To Capture A Reader's Heart
THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME is a book that is certainly capturing people's attention. In some ways the story of an autistic teenager trying to solve a mystery is not the most captivating of topics. The only way such a topic could come to life is through the skills of a gifted writer, which is the reason THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME is a best seller and the book's main character Christopher Boone will always have a place in the hearts of those who have read this extraordinary work.

The greatest strength of the book is the main character and narrator, Christopher, who has Asperger's Syndrome. Haddon's use of the first person enables the reader to understand the world from Christopher's perspective. We learn about his extraordinary gift (his mathematical ability) as well as his personality quirks. We also hear from Christopher why he acts in certain ways which are disturbing to the people he encounters. While Christopher may be unable to interact with the world around him, he is a keen observer of everything that happens. We feel empathy for Christopher when we meet the people in his life and realize the tragedy that has been so much a part of his experience. We admire Christopher's pluck and reserve as he accomplishes things that are difficult for him. Because the reader loves Christopher, the book becomes mesmerizing and we follow his every move with attention.

There are a number of reasons why this book should be read. The first, and perhaps most impelling reason is that it is entertaining. The author's writing style is straightforward and Christopher is engaging. Even though most of us would believe we are different from Christopher, after reading the book any one of us could say that there is some Christopher in all of us.

Would be writers will find the book fascinating. Haddon's literary skills are remarkable. He also includes little pictures, puzzles, games, and the like which make the book highly original. In an interview I read, he stated that the impetus for the book was not Christopher himself, but the dead dog. He found the dead dog intriguing and decided to tell its story. Haddon believed the best way to do so was through the character of Christopher. He captures Christopher's voice and keeps it consistent throughout the book. ... Read more

Book Description

"I thank God for Earl Grollman, and I thank Earl Grollman for this long-overdue book for grieving teenagers. Not only is it a treasure for kids, but it should be read by every school counselor and youth minister in America."—Janice Harris Lord, national director of Victim Services, Mothers Against Drunk Driving ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great book for teens
This is a great book for helping teens cope with the loss of a loved one, whether it was a close friend or family member. The book is written with short, easy to read sentences and paragraphs. The chapters are organized in useful topics like 'suicide',