Book Description

An art therapy and activity book for children coping with the death of someone they love.Sensitive exercises address all the questions children may have during this emotional and troubling crisis.Children are encouraged to express in pictures what they are often incapable of expressing in words. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

5 Stars
Art therapy is a wonderful way to let children release their emotions. Good ideas, great presentation.
I highly recommend this book.
We also used a video, After the Tears, A Gentle Guide to Help Children Understand Death.

Has some good ideas...
I bought this book to help my children with the approaching death of their Grandma. I liked it for the most part, but there could have been more activities to help with the trasition from a "sick" loved one to one that has already passed away.

My 6 and 8 year old thrived on the art therapy approach--Dee
What a beautiful book. My 2 girls are watching their father slowly die of ALS--Lou Gehrig's disease. It is a painfully slow and tortious death in that he has slowly lost the use of his legs, arms and can no longer speak or eat by mouth. I used this book to help get them through this process. The art therapy approach honestly helped my 6 year old explain things she could not verbalize and the 8 year old enjoyed it for a type of relaxation. Thank you

Exceptional
This is an exceptional book to use with children to help them to process their grief of a loved one. The books encourages children to write and or draw pictures about the one who is dying or has died.In addition the book provides useful suggestions for children when grieving the loss of a loved one. I believe every elementary school counselor should have several copies for their work with students who are processing loss. It's also a very good gift idea for kids who you know are grieving.

A wonderful keepsake
My 5 yr old son was having a hard time coping with losing his mother to cancer. A friend recommended this book, and I thought it was abosultely wonderful. My son, who couldn't or wouldn't open up about his feelings, took to this book like he would a favorite coloring book, letting all his feeling and perceptions just flow out right there on paper. I bought it to help HIM, but it helped ME just as much--I wept when I looked at what he had drawn. After he finished it, he forgot about the book for a while. So I took it and put it in our hope chest for him to look back on years from now, as a keepsake and memory of the wonderful woman who brought him into this world, and who brought us both so much happiness. ... Read more

Book Description

Set in the breathtaking landscape of Lugano, Switzerland, Bloomability is Sharon Creech at her very best.When 13-year-old Dinnie Doone is plucked out of her troubled life by her aunt and uncle and whisked away to an international school in Switzerland, her world is turned upside down. Suddenly surrounded by different cultures, languages, and beliefs, Dinnie struggles to holdon to her past life. Gradually, through friendships and experiences she could have nowhere else, she learns to trust herself and discovers the beautiful "bloomabilities" her new life has to offer.

01 Blue Spruce Award Masterlist (YA Cat.), 00-01 Young Hoosier Book Award Masterlist (Grds. 6-8), Pacific NW Library Assoc. 2001 Young Reader's Choice Award Masterlist, and 00-01 South Carolina Book Award Masterlist(Grds 6-9)

Young Adult's Choices for 2000 (IRA)

Reviews (152)

An absolutely Wonderful Story!
Yes, Sharon Creech has done it again! It's Creech's fourth book for young adults, and all of them have proved to be my favorite books. Bloomability is a fantastic story about a young girl named Dinnie. All four of Creech's books have been stories of young girls. You might think then that all of the books would be very similar. But no, yet again Creech has written a lovable, touching, heartwarming story, but one that is different from any of her other books. How amazing it is to have written books that give the reader the same feelings of joy and sorrow, with each girl's story! Dinnie, 12, is quiet, sweet, and incredibly charming. In this story, Dinnie is going through some very hard times. Her family is always on the road, and her siblings are what you would call, "problem children." Not only that, but Dinnie's parents are lacking money and making it possible for Dinnie to have a good education is tough. One day, though, Dinnie's Aunt and uncle take her away from her home to live with them in Switzerland. There, Dinnie goes to a foreign boarding school. "A great opportunity," is what Dinnie's family says. But, leaving her family and living in a strange land seems scary at first. Before long, though, Dinnie falls in love with the school, its teachers, and the students. She has never had such a wonderful time before! The characters in this book are what make it so enjoyable. There are so many different characters in the story, including some very interesting teachers, students, and mysterious family members. While reading this book you will find a character that you relate to, and will feel like you've known Dinnie all her life. The setting in this book is also perfect, and puts a lot more excitment into the story! I found myself wishing that I went to the Swiss boarding school. This book will make you laugh and cry with happiness. You will learn a lot reading this book; not just about Dinnie and her life, but about your life and oppurtunities in your future. Throughout this book, Dinnie will bloom, and so will you. It's what you call Bloomability!

Life is full of opportunities and bloomabilities!
Bloomability is one of the books I would highly recommend to anyone reading. This book encourages people that our lives are full of opportunities. Bloomability brightens me to positively look at things in life. It makes me want to think that anything people consider negative are actually bloomable, depending on how one looks at it, for example, Domenica Santolina Doone (Dinnie) starting her ¡§second life¡¨ in Switzerland. She started out saying that ¡§I was kidnapped by two complete strangers.¡¨ However, the strangers are her Aunt Sandy and her Uncle Max. In Dinnie¡¦s first life, she has moved several times with her family, due to the unstable jobs that her father had. Her parents realize that they weren¡¦t in a good environment for Dinnie to live in and to be able to educate, so they decides to send Dinnie to her Aunt and Uncle in Switzerland, where she attends to a boarding school. Dinnie starts off determining to not adapt to her new environment but she finds herself falling in love with Switzerland. Not only that, she finds out a lot about strong friendships and most importantly, she finds herself. Throughout this book, I have to admit that Sharon Creech does a wonderful job on illustrating the beautiful sceneries in Swiss, and along with Creech¡¦s development on Dinnie¡¦s thoughts and ideas maturing towards the end. I really enjoyed reading Bloomability. Life is just full of surprises!

Bloomability
This book was great!! It was interesting and entertaining. For me, the plot of the book was,well a little weak, but the way Sharon Chreech wrote the book it still made sence. Also the book was very realistic, so I could relate to many of Dinnie's problems. I learned a lot from this book and would definatly recomend it!!

I love the name Dinnie
So far so good! I really enjoy Bloomability, its not to hard, but not to easy. Sharon Creech describes the scenery so well. I can picture being in a little village of Switzerland. I have a picture of the characters in my head and I feel like I am right there. The story keeps moving and there are no dull parts. It was very interesting how Sharon Creech put in Domenica Santolina Doone's dreams at the end of each chapter. I have also read "Walk Two Moons" by Sharon Creech, too. I love it!!! I also love Dinnie's name!!

It is very interesting to my friends and I because we are around the same age as Dinnie. I can relate to her in that way and I have moved 6 times in my life. I know Dinnie as moved a lot more than that, but 6 is still a big number. I also have been to Switzerland, but it was when I was about 6 months old so I cannot remember it that well. She is also different because she
attends a boarding school and I attend a public one. I still really enjoy this book.

I have learned so much from this book. I learned some Italian words here and there, too. I also learned some life lessons, too. They were lessons that you learn eventually through life.

I recomend this book to anyone who liked Sharon Creech's other stories. It is a good book on life and an average person with not a perfect life.

I love the name Dinnie!
So far so good! I really enjoy Bloomability, its not to hard, but not to easy. Sharon Creech describes the scenery so well. I can picture being in a little village of Switzerland. I have a picture of the characters in my head and I feel like I am right there. The story keeps moving and there are no dull parts. I love it!!! ... Read more

Book Description

Hank LOVES baseball. L-O-V-E-S it! Unfortunately, though, he's not very good at the game. So everyone is surprised--including Hank himself--when Hank throws a zinger pitch at a practice for P.S. 87's annual School Olympiad baseball game. Hank knows how he pitched the "Zippity Zinger"--it must have happened because he accidentally wore his sister Emily's lucky monkey socks! Because of that stellar pitch, Hank has been chosen to pitch for P.S. 87 for the Big Game. The pressure is on--Hank's got to wear those socks again, or risk blowing the biggest ball game of his life. The only problem is, Emily wants to wear the lucky monkey socks herself since she's competing in the Brain Buster for the Olympiad. Will Hank be able to pull off another Zippity Zinger--or will he strike out? ... Read more

Reviews (1)

First book my dyslexic 11-year old son has read by himself
My son and I have read the first 3 books in the Hank Zipzer series together. We enjoyed each one, especially the underlying theme of hope for children who learn differently. This fourth book, was the turning point where my son actually is reading the book alone. If I could contact Mr. Winkler I would like to thank him for being such a great role model for kids who are bright and creative but have difficulties in areas that the rest of us take for granted. The print is large and the vocabulary is not overwhelming yet the stories are fun and meaningful for the tween age group. We can't wait for the 5th book to come out in May 2004. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

C'mon mom just a couple more minutes
When I picked up this book I couldn't put it down. I guess it maybe because I love to hike. Well any how this book was great. Dani has real courage and strength. I know this review is short because you have nothing else to say but "WOW". If you start this book make sure your mom will let you stay up late because like I said you cant put this book down.

A Long Walk to Growing Up
When twelve-year-old Dani runs away to the Appalachian Trail where her parents met, she isn't expecting her mother to go with her, but she does. Ms Bradley convincingly portrays both the emotions of a young girl and the pain of her divorced parents. There is adventure and pathos and a lot of growing up in this story of a family learning to know one another better and to live with a shared grief. Even minor characters are well drawn, full of goodness and frailty. The realistic portrayal of distance hiking in the Appalachian Mountains makes me itch to take to the woods with my own daughters. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (1)

Poodlena
Poodlena Pompadour, the dainty pink puddle, lives a rather glamorous life-style on the top floor of a high-rise. Her male owner fluffs her cotton candy-like head of hair, which is of course pink, as well as, powders and perfumes her each day before her afternoon play time at the park. Much too stunning to join in with the other dogs in their rough games, Poodlena simply remains spotless on the sidewalk. After a heavy rainfall an unforeseen twist occurs that alters Poodlena's prissy routine.
E. B. McHenry's charming story is definitely a girly-girl book. With the powder pink pages and countless beauty supplies many girls will be able to relate to the primping that Poodlena endures. The surroundings appear French, from the manuscript font to Poodlena's owner's attire. The song-like verse and softly painted illustrations are remarkable. E. B. McHenry's writing style resembles David Kirk of the Miss Spider books. E. B. McHenry writes in four-line rhyming verses, similar to Mr. Kirk, to tell the frilly life of "little miss" Poodlena, whose daily regimen keeps her pristine.

excerpt:

"In a big-city high-rise
On the very top floor
Lived a pink, fluffy poodle-
Poodlena Pompadour.

She wore on her head
A pink mountain of hair,
As light as a feather,
And mostly pink air." ... Read more

Book Description

Dora and Boots see their teacher riding her bike on the way to school. But the bike gets a flat tire, and the teacher needs to get to school before her students! Will Dora and Boots save the school day? Find out in this exciting interactive adventure. ... Read more

Book Description

The next day was my fourteenth birthday, and I'd never kissed a boy -- domestic style or French. Right then, I decided to get myself a teen life.

Cassidy Rain Berghoff didn't know that the very night she decided to get a life would be the night that Galen would lose his.

It's been six months since her best friend died, and up until now Rain has succeeded in shutting herself off from the world. But when controversy arises around her aunt Georgia's Indian Camp in their mostly white midwestern community, Rain decides to face the outside world again -- at least through the lens of her canera.

Hired by her town newspaper to photograph the campers, Rain soon finds that she has to decide how involved She wants to become in Indian Camp. Does she want to keep a professional distance from the intertribal community she belongs to? And just how willing is she to connect with the campers after her great loss?

In a voice that resonates with insight and humor, Cynthia Leitich Smith tells of heartbreak, recovery, and reclaiming one's place in the world.

Reviews (16)

Don't wait for a rainy day to read this one!
Cassidy Rain Berghoff learns on the morning of her 14th birthday that her best friend has died. During her journey towards healing, she uses photography both as an opening to connect with those around her and as a shield. She reluctantly gets involved with her Aunt's Indian Camp, and learns about her family, her peers, and herself. Through her discoveries and support from family and friends, she learns to cope with misconceptions and grief.

RAIN IS NOT MY INDIAN NAME is entertaining and provocative while addressing death and multicultural issues. Cynthia Leitich Smith effectively weaves the multicultural aspect gently through the story. I never felt bashed over the head. As a Japanese-American, I identified with Rain and her ambiguous feelings towards her heritage. Strong characters, evocative small-town setting, wonderful story, and a touch of humor make RAIN a must read.

Wow! Very highly recommended!
Cassidy Rain Berghoff plans a kiss under the mistletoe to mark her new life, her birthday, and her new beginning. Galen has been her best friend through "lemonade stands, arcade games, spelling bees and science fairs." When he gives her a beautiful necklace for her birthday, something shifts. Trust Galen to show it first. But she believes there will be many days to share what they feel -- only to learn Galen dies overnight.

Rain's the only person in town to not attend the funeral. Somewhere frozen inside are her words, but she remains silent as grief overwhelms her. Rain isolates, avoiding visitors, friends, and soccer buddies. Eventually her family pushes her into the world again, attempting to send her off to an "Indian Camp".

When the camp becomes the focus of town controversy, Rain inadvertently finds herself at the heart of it. Instead of participating as a camper, she becomes the photographer for the local newspaper at the camp. That experience begins the process of healing and reconnecting to her world.

Author Cynthia Leitich Smith intersperses the narrative with journal entries, creating a fresh sense of immediacy in RAIN IS NOT MY INDIAN NAME. As the teen girl struggles through grief to rejoin the world, her journey of healing and growth touches the heart of all readers. Exploring the world of race, friendship, and connection, Rain becomes an example through her words and feelings -- never does the prose become preachy. Instead, she reveals her loss, her pain, her mistakes, and her growth, thereby allowing readers to draw their own conclusions. A remarkable and poignant achievement, RAIN IS NOT MY INDIAN NAME is a keeper! Very highly recommended.

Rain Is Not My Indian Name
Before I began this book I came onto amazon.com to see what other people thought of this, along with the reviews and summaries I was expecting something absolutely GREAT!!! Well, it wasn't as good as I thought. The author had so many chances to make it good, it just never had potential. I will admit it was a 4-star book, until I got to the ending. I got so confused at the ending. I had absolutely no clue! Since I live in OK I loved how it mentioned city names and places I am very familiar. I would suggest this book to someone who might like it, but just don't expect a whole lot out of it. Happy Reading!

Rain Resonates with this Reader
Cynthia Leitich Smith's Rain is Not My Indian Name is a refreshing, respectful examination of the issues that contemporary teens face. Smith gives such authentic voice to the heroine, Rain, that the character becomes real to this reader. The book courageously takes on real and complex issues that many teenagers face today, including death and single-parent households. Although there is enough action within it's pages to keep any teen interested, this is truly a book about individual characters. Smith captures the essence of her main character, Rain, by giving the reader a glimpse into her American Indian heritage. What is most impressive about Rain's character development is her proud heritage comes through, but does not solely define her. Smith has accomplished what few writers have. She develops her heroine's culture but not at the expense of her universal appeal to all teens, regardless of ethnicity. Rain illustrates the differences that make us special but also the similarities that unite us. I highly recommend this book for teens and parents alike for a thoughtful view of young middle-America. My only regret is that this type of book was not being written when I came of age.

Believable Rain
I read this book almost a year ago, but it still lingers with me. I think the main reason is Cassidy Rain Berghoff, the fourteen-year-old title character. After losing her best friend, Galen, in a tragic way, Cassidy shuts out the world. Months pass before she grows to realize that she has to get in touch with the world again, even if it's through a job. I was really impressed by Cassidy's bravery and strength. The author did a great job making this character REAL. By the end of the book, I felt like I knew Cassidy. The author made me care about her - about what would happen to her.

The book doesn't make it easy for Cassidy to work things out. For example, while working as a photographer in an Indian camp run by her Aunt Georgia, Cassidy finds herself torn between getting involved in an emotional issue and staying professional and objective. Kids are faced with hard decisions all the time, so I found it very easy to relate to Cassidy and what she goes through.

I recommend RAIN IS NOT MY INDIAN NAME to anyone who loves a good story and good characters. This book has both! ... Read more

Book Description

Elmo is too big for a crib! He’s ready to sleep in a big kid’s bed! It may take a little while, but with his favorite snuggly blanket and his teddy bear David by his side, soon Elmo feels comfortable in his new bed. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great book for young children
I was really happy with the purchase of this book. My 20 month old son is getting ready to be moved into another room and a big boy bed to make room for his new brother. Most of the books that I have found on this subject have been a little too detailed for my son. This board book breaks the transition down is simple statements that young children can relate to. Example "Elmo slept in a crib when he was a baby but now he's ready for a big kid's bed." "Elmo knows that sleeping in a big kid's bed will feel different than sleeping in a crib." Etc...

It even has Elmo with his favorite doll, David, and his favorite blankie. My son sleeps with a blankie and therefore can identify with Elmo even more. The pictures are colorful and engaging. Well done! ... Read more

Book Description

In this new companion book to Yes, Your Teen Is Crazy! teen psychologist Michael Bradley turns the tables, talking to teens about parents--why adults behave the way they do,how to handle their parents and other adults in life's confusing and difficult situations. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Noticing differences among people is biological. At six months, aninfant can distinguish skin color, hair texture, and facial features. Butforming attitudes about differences is social, say Caryl Stern La Rosa and EllenHofheimer Bettman in this perceptive and practical book developed by theAnti-Defamation League, Hate Hurts. The authors offer a clear andcompelling guide to understanding the way children learn and unlearn prejudice,suggesting hundreds of strategies, role plays, and sample dialogues for parentsand teachers to shape the way children value the differences they perceive.

Prejudice--an all-too-common response to dealing with differences of race,religion, ethnicity, or sexual orientation--is contagious, the authors warn.They offer both the theory and the practice to teach children to "turn the fearand pain of prejudice into the courage and cooperation of understanding andrespect." Insightful chapters illuminate how children see differences at variousages, from toddler to teen, and detail the tough questions they may ask.

The most powerful segments of the book are devoted to true stories that describehow to respond to children of all ages who have been the initiator or the objectof hateful words and actions. For example, one section redefines "big words"(prejudice, stereotype, and discrimination) for "little people"; another tacklesadolescent name-calling, exclusion, and "zooing." Specific tools for counteringbias in schools, media, books, and online are underlined with conviction andclarity. Parents and teachers could not wish for a wiser guide to confront andconquer prejudice in our children and ourselves. --Barbara Mackoff ... Read more

Reviews (2)

a lesson to "unlearn"
I had to read this book at work (I'm an assistant editor for a teachers' magazine) and was pleasantly surprised at the outcome of my reading assignment. If you are a parent or teacher, you will have no trouble finding some benefit from this book.

"Hate Hurts" addresses issues that different ages of children have, from a preschooler's inquiries ("Why don't that man's legs work?") to more serious teen-age deliberations ("I don't like how my friends were teasing that gay guy, but I don't want them to think I'm gay...").

The only reason I don't give this 5 stars is the scattershot approach the book takes. Having said that, this approach makes the book digestible by parents and teachers alike, and the material is appropriate for sharing with nearly anybody. This book is an easy read, and has many applicable anecdotes and a great lesson for all.

A Wonderful Text For Concerned Parents
A marvelous book! As the mother of young twins, I wonder (and worry) about how best to teach my children what it means to be a citizen in a diverse society, one where people of different races, religions, nationalities, ethnicites, ages, sexual orientations, looks and customs all participate equally (whew, that was a lot for one sentence!) -- but where, alas, a good deal of prejudice and misunderstanding still exist. 'Hate Hurts' is full of fine, useful advice. The authors offer insights and suggestions that are always practical, though not always obvious. What's more, part of the proceeds go towards efforts by the Anti-Defamation League to eradicate prejudice. This book will have a permanent and prominent place in our family library. ... Read more

Book Description

Amazon.com

Actor Jamie Lee Curtis and winsome illustrator Laura Cornell continuetheir successful collaboration (Today I Feel Silly, When I Was Little, et al.) withthis paean to poise and self-assurance, I'm Gonna Like Me.

The duo sets out to "let off a little self-esteem" by following a seriouslyself-actualized (and gratifyingly quirky) boy and girl throughout their day onalternating pages. The kids take turns carrying the lines, often switching offmidsentence, to describe exactly how and why "I'm gonna like me." (Girl: "I'mgonna like me / when I'm called on to stand. / I know all my letters / like theback of my hand." Boy: "I'm gonna like me / when my answer is wrong, / likethinking my ruler / was ten inches long.") The call and response continuesthrough the action-packed day, as the kids get up, go to school, have lunch, goto a birthday party, etc., until they finally get tucked in--so noopportunity for building self-esteem gets overlooked.

Young readers will like Curtis's words and the rhythmic repetition, but it'sCornell's scribbling, reminiscent of the New Yorker's Roz Chast, thatmakes the book stand out. From an imagined fashion-show runway walk (love thatsnooty fashion press) to a hilarious lunch table spread (got to get some of that"Cup o' Lettuce" and "Pork by the Foot" for your Doris Day lunch box), Cornellfills the book with funny faces and lots of laughs (the best of which might bethe girl's pet turtle working out in a cage with a treadmill, next to a booktitled "Exercising Your Illegal Turtle"). (Ages 4 to 8) --Paul Hughes ... Read more

Reviews (16)

A Joyous Guide to Happiness.....
Dynamic duo, Jamie Lee Curtis and Laura Cornell are back with their fun-filled and entertaining guide to "letting off a little self-esteem." Follow a boy and girl through their day, from the time they open their eyes in the morning, to the moment they close them again at bedtime. They like themselves, through the good and the bad..."I'm gonna like me/when I open the box/and smile and say "Thanks"/even though I got socks", the right and the wrong..."I'm gonna like me/when my answer is wrong,/like thinking my ruler/was ten inches long", when they rise to the occassion..." I'm gonna like me/when I clean in a flash/and play with my brother/and take out the trash", or when trying something new..."I'm gonna like me/when I eat something new/even if Grandma makes/octopus stew." Ms Curtis' joyous, rhyming text is filled with energy, and just begs to be shared and read aloud. But it's Ms Cornell's bold, bright, and busy illustrations that make this picture book really standout, and children will revel in all the witty detail as they explore each dazzling, two-page spread. Perfect for youngsters 3-7, I'm Gonna Like Me is a captivating, feel good, little gem that tells kids not to be shy about it, but to celebrate their special selves in everything they do. "I'm gonna like me/cause I'm loved and I know it,/and liking myself/is the best way to show it."

Well-Written, Well-Illustrated, Well-Intentioned, But --
I looked through this book at a local bookstore and liked most of what I saw. The illustrations are lively and eye-catching; the lines are quick, easy to read, and easily remembered; and, the message is essentially a good one -- examine yourself, find your strengths, and celebrate your abilities. Kids will enjoy it, and most adults will be very comfortable with it.

Now, I get to the "but" in the title of this review. Our country (probably a few others, too) is overflowing with self-esteem programs, self-esteem videotapes, self-esteem books, and catchy self-esteem sayings. They all miss the point: NO ONE CAN GIVE SOMEONE ELSE SELF-ESTEEM. Decades ago, Henry Ford said, "The only thing you can give a man without hurting him, is an opportunity." While this is an overstatement (recognition of opportunities taken and tasks achieved are also positive gifts), the sentiment has much truth to it. Books like "I'm Gonna Like Me", and related items, overdo their approaches, as unconditional and/or overly frequent positive reinforcement becomes meaningless over time. When children are praised for everything, the effects are: the child does not learn to discriminate between good and poor quality work, the child does not learn what is and is not important (when everything is made to sound important, nothing seems important), the child does not learn how to cope with negative feedback (and the world will give them that, sooner or later, no matter how protected they are), and the child learns to tune out feedback, as it's all the same. Children learn and grow by building on their strengths, and by tackling their weaker areas. Books like this, despite trying to do otherwise, teach children to be blind to their own weaknesses (we all have them) and to think they can do anything and it will be praiseworthy. The world does not operate that way.

Children need four basic things from adults: nurturing (this book is a good tool), structure, challenge, and involvement. "I'm Gonna Like Me" does a good job with one of these four (nurturance), indirectly addresses involvement, and ignores the other two. If used as a part of a bigger approach, that also address structure and challenge, this book can be valuable. Alone, it will mislead.

Take a second look
While this book follows in the successful footsteps of the other Jamie Lee Curtis/Laura Cornell books, I urge readers to take a second look, and look specifically at the pictures. The words are fine and give us an important message, but the visual message is equally, if not, more important. Children are visual learners. We want to raise successful, confident children of both sexes, so why does Cornell have to give us the boy as a firefighter and a girl as a nurse? My absolute unfavorite is where the children are given medals of honesty and as a best friend, while surrounded by adults wearing their medals. The males are wearing medals of bravery, intelligence, politeness, suaveness, and impatience. The women are wearing medals of adult cute, svelte, and pear-shaped! Come on, where's the gender equity, Jamie?

A great book about children¿s self-esteem
This is a fun book that teaches little kids self-esteem and by implication cautions parents when not to criticize their children. The book ends with a nice question that draws the child being read to into a good conversation about himself or herself. The illustrations are a riot.
Gisela Gasper Fitzgerald, Author of ADOPTION: An Open, Semi-Open or Closed Practice?

Jamie Lee Curtis Has Done It Again!!!
Sometimes a book can teach a lesson in just the right way to a young child. As an elementary school teacher, I have found self-esteem to be the core of a capable, compassionate, confident child, and I look for books that reinforce this concept. "I'm Gonna Like Me" lets kids know that whoever they are is just fine and that doing the right thing in a situation is the best thing to do even though it might not be exactly what the child wants to do. Her delightful rhymes hold true throughout the book, and the illustrations help bring the lessons to life. Another wonderful book that I use in my classroom to complement this one is "Chelsea's New Home" where a golfish's belief in herself helps her make her dream come true. Also written in lively rhyme with great illustrations, Chelsea follows her heart to escape from an artificial pond to find a new home. ... Read more

Amazon.com

My Friend Isabelle is a wonderful little book that teaches about difference and acceptance with simplicity and grace. Isabelle and Charlie are friends. They are the same age, but like most friends, they are different: Charlie is tall and knows "a lot of words," and Isabelle is short and sometimes her words are, "hard to understand." The sweet simplicity of their relationship is a reminder to everyone that "differences are what make the world so great." Young readers will love the bold illustrations and simple text, and parents will appreciate the message and the sensitivity with which it is delivered.At the end of the story readers meet the real Isabelle, and author Eliza Woloson briefly notes how Down syndrome makes her daughter and other children special. --Daphne Durham ... Read more

Reviews (4)

"My Friend Isabelle"
"My Friend Isabelle" is a book that ALL parents should have on their bookshelf. It celebrates the relationship between two children who are different from one another. It is an important book because today's classrooms are becoming more and more diverse. This book is a great tool to introduce these differences. I have been waiting for a book like "My Friend Isabelle". Thank you Ms. Woloson for being so insightful.

The World Has Needed This Book for Some Time.
I can't praise this book enough. The illustrations and straightforward story line appeal to children while the message is one all aldults need to see. As the mother of a Down Syndrome child, I was overjoyed at how clearly the message came through that Down Syndrome kids are kids first. They enjoy all the usual childhood activities and enjoy friendships with thier non-Downs peers as well. I plan on purchasing this book for our local public library and our elementary school library as well.

WONDERFUL CHILDREN'S BOOK
This is a wonderful book about diversity in the world, which is truly what makes this planet great. This childrens' book has beautiful illustrations and has a story line kids can learn about the differneces in other kids they encounter in day to day life. To celebrate diversity, not ignore or make it a negative issue. This book brings tears to your eyes.

WONDERFUL BOOK
THIS BOOK OPENS WONDERFUL CONVERSATION WITH CHILDREN. IT HELPS SEE DIFFERENCES FROM A CHILD'S POINT OF VIEW. PERFECT FOR THE KINDERGARTEN AGE CHILD. ... Read more

Book Description

BRENT RUNYON WAS 14 years old when he set himself on fire.

This is a true story.

In The Burn Journals, Runyon describes that devastating suicide attempt and his recovery over the following year. He takes us into the Burn Unit in a children’s hospital and through painful burn care and skin-grafting procedures. Then to a rehabilitation hospital, for intensive physical, occupational, and psychological therapy. And then finally back home, to the frightening prospect of entering high school.

But more importantly, Runyon takes us into his own mind. He shares his thoughts and hopes and fears with such unflinching honesty that we understand—with a terrible clarity—what it means to want to kill yourself and how it feels to struggle back toward normality.

Intense, exposed, insightful, The Burn Journals is a deeply personal story with universal reach. It is impossible to look away. Impossible to remain unmoved.

This truly riveting memoir is a spectacular debut for a talented new writer. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Review by a seven year old boy
I think "Grasper" is a great book. I'm only seven and I never had to stop once. If you want a book with good illustrations and pictures...Grasper's the one! ... Read more

Reviews (6)

8 year old loved it!
My son was recently diagnosed with ADHD and I wanted to get him some books so that he realized he wasn't one in the world with ADHD. He loved it. He has started writing a journal -- red pencil and all.

Just Wonderful For Everyone Involved With An ADD Child!!
I bought this book along with several others when my 8 year old son was diagnosed with ADD. Along with the ADD came depression and anxiety, due, of course, to a high IQ and stresses in school. I wanted to buy some books for children about ADD to donate to his classroom, to better help my son's peers understand why he acted "goofy" sometimes. This book is absolutely fabulous. I read it first, and I had to laugh. My son read it next and he laughed and laughed. He was delighted to see his own personal thoughts and feelings, expressed by another kid (Sparky), written about in a journal format. He was joyous!! He thought Sparky was awesome! He couldn't wait to bring it to school! I can promise you that your ADD child will be so happy to read this book, as will you. I even gained alot of knowledge and insight into my son's FEELINGS and thoughts! YOU NEED THIS BOOK!! You absolutely will not regret it!!

A wonderful journey into ADD
"Sparky's Excellent Misadventures" is a wonderful little "journal" by Sparky, who takes us into his life at school and home as he copes with ADD. Sparky's misadventures acquaint us with those events which sometimes get him into trouble. After visiting the doctor, Sparky learns about ADD and discovers how the "little pills" help him to do better in school and control his behavior. This "journal" will help children and parents understand ADD from a child's point-of-view both before and after treatment. An easy-to-read, humorous approach to appreciating each child's unique qualities.

Sparky Touches The Heart
Sparky's Excellent Adventures should be a required reading for all educators, parents and grade school children. It touched me emotionally more than any other children's book. It speaks to the pain and to the joy of living with ADD (attention deficit disorder). Sparky addresses the heart, and enlightens the mind, unlike any medical or professional description.

Sparky's Excellent Misadventures
It's about time! This book is written for all the children with ADD - and for their parents too. Sparky is an endearing character, the book is good for a wide range of ages, and everyone will relate to Sparky's feelings and adventures. A must-read for anyone who knows an ADD child. You will enjoy! ... Read more

Book Description

You couldn't really tell about Mama's brain just from looking at her, but it was obvious as soon as she spoke. She had a high voice, like a little girl's, and she only knew twenty-three words. I know this for a fact, because we kept a list of the things Mama said tacked to the inside of the kitchen cabinet. Most of the words were common ones, like good and more and hot, but there was one word only my mother said, soof.

Although she lives an unconventional lifestyle with her mentally disabled mother and their doting neighbor, Bernadette, Heidi has a lucky streak that has a way of pointing her in the right direction. When a mysterious word in her mother's vocabulary begins to haunt her, Heidi's thirst for the truth leads her on a cross-country journey in search of the secrets of her past.

A dramatic tour de force by the best-selling author of Regular Guy.

Reviews (4)

SO B. IT is a great read.
Heidi knows her mom loves her. But because of her mother's mental disability, she is unable to care for herself or her daughter. Their loving neighbor, Bernadette, helps out and is a vital part of their family. Bernadette finally manages to teach Mama how to open cans, but tying shoes is beyond her capabilities. Mama can't read or tell time. She knows 23 words. One of Mama's words, "soof," is a mystery --- no one knows what it means, and Mama is unable to define it.

Heidi lives in Reno and so is able to wield her incredibly reliable lucky streak at the laundromat slot machine when her babysitting money doesn't quite cover their needs. How did Heidi and her mom end up in Reno, living in the apartment next to Bernadette? Bernadette tells Heidi about their mysterious appearance at her door when Heidi was just one week old. Heidi's mother was able to tell Bernadette that her baby's name was Heidi. When asked for her own name, Mama says, "So be it." Since Bernadette believes everyone should have a middle name (or at least an initial), she dubs Mama "So B. It." Heidi is known as "Heidi It."

The truth about her mother's identity eats away at Heidi. She simply cannot rest until she pieces together Mama's past through clues that appear over the years. Why is her mother terrified of buses? Why do rainy days make her anxious? When Heidi finds some old photos of her mother at a Christmas party held at Hilltop Home in Liberty, New York, she decides she must travel there alone in order to discover who her mother truly is. The trip is a frightening yet exciting adventure for determined, courageous Heidi.

SO B. IT is a great read. The mystery is intriguing; the characters are quirky yet believable. If you're a sucker for a quest story with heart, the way I am, I predict you'll be "So Into It!"

(...)

RichiesPicks.com: SO B. IT
"I know you're out there somewhere
Somewhere, somewhere
I know I'll find you somehow
And somehow I'll return again to you"
--The Moody Blues

"If truth was a crayon and it was up to me to put a wrapper around it and name its color, I know just what I would call it--dinosaur skin. I used to think, without really thinking about it, that I knew what color that was. But that was a long time ago, before I knew what I know now about both dinosaur skin and the truth."

The truth about her mother's background and past is as totally unknown to Heidi as is the true color of dinosaur skin. That is due to the fact that there are a grand total of twenty-three words, sounds, or short phrases that her mother is capable of articulating.

"One thing I knew for a fact, from the time I knew anything at all, was that I didn't have a father. What I had was Mama and Bernadette, and as far as I was concerned, that was plenty. Bernadette started off being the next-door neighbor, but that didn't last very long. My mother loved me in her own special way, but she couldn't take care of me herself because of her bum brain. Bernie once explained it to me by comparing Mama to a broken machine.
" 'All the basic parts are there, Heidi, and from the outside she looks like she should work just fine, but inside there are lots of mysterious little pieces busted or bent or missing altogether, and without them her machine doesn't run quite right.'
"And it never would."

"Now the time has come to speak
I was not able
And water through a rusted pipe
Could make the sense that I do"
--Suzanne Vega "Rusted Pipe"

When Heidi's mother appeared on Bernadette's doorstep in Reno twelve years earlier with baby Heidi in her arms, Bernie's repeated questioning of who they were elicited the same response again and again from the mother: "So be it" and "Heidi." Thus, they became So B. It and Heidi It. Bernadette, who has since been raising and homeschooling Heidi while caring for Heidi's mother, has her own incapacitating disability--she's plagued by a phobia that prevents her from ever leaving the pair of attached apartments that the trio share. Meanwhile, Heidi has her own unusual quality--a gift that falls into the realm of magic.

But it will take more than just magic to uncover the truth of her mother's origins. While most of those twenty-three words are common ones, there is one--soof--that is uniquely Heidi's mom's.

"[O]nly Mama knew what it meant. And she wasn't telling.
" 'What is soof, Mama?' I'd whisper as I sat on the edge of her bed at night gently scratching her back. I hoped it might slip out of her mouth and onto her pillowcase as she closed her eyes and relaxed into the rhythm of my scratching.
"Sometimes I'd sit down next to her on the couch, open up a magazine, and flip through the pictures, pointing at things--a baby, a dog, a car.
" 'Show me soof, Mama. Is this soof? Is this?'
"Mama would smile her sweet, wide smile and pat my knee the way she always did when I sat close to her.
" 'Tea, Heidi?' she'd say. 'Tea?' "

When vital clues to the mystery of her mother's past appear, Heidi embarks upon a lone cross-country trip to search for that elusive truth.

"I'd be lying if I said that given a choice, I wouldn't rather know than not know. But there are some things you can just know for no good reason other than that you do, and then there are other things that no matter how badly you want to know them, you just can't.
"The truth is, whether you know something or not doesn't change what was. If dinosaurs were blue, they were blue, if they were brown, they were brown whether anybody ever knows it for a fact or not."

In the manner of some great award-winning stories of previous years in which young characters journey to discover who they are, Heidi's solitary quest touched my heart and made me just want to hug this wonderful young woman.

(And that's the truth.)

Richie Partington

impossible but plausible
The opening question is about the color of truth. Come back and read these first two pages again after finishing the book. The author posits that truth is the color of dinosaur skin and that we don't know what color dinosaur skin is even though it is usually pictured as green.

All through the book 'Dette is reasoning with Heidi that truth may not be ascertainable, while Heidi in her adolescent intensity plows through seemingly insurmountable odds to perservere and find the truth. The author combines mystery, character, and discovery in a "can't put it down" read.

Soof...
Although this theme has been covered in many books, I thought Sarah Weeks produced a work that was original, intriguing, funny, sad, and satisfying. Although prehaps unrealistic in places, it is rings truer than many books in other places as Heidi learns to see past mental defficiencies, lies, smiles, and fear to the people and the love underneath. My only criticism would be that it ends too quickly and hodgepodgedly, but otherwise, this book was a good read. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Old school fun
I used to love these books in elementary school, I actually remember spending all the time our class was supposed to be at the library trying to hog the waldo books.This is clearly the best of the waldo series. I recomend this to anyone who has children or is just young at heart

Yet another masterpiece!
This book was another 'hours of family fun' work of pure art. I am proud to own this book! I wish I had children to share these hours of fun with! I will now own every Waldo book created! Even if it means shoplifting it from the library! Waldo rules, keep 'em coming Martin!! ... Read more

Book Description

Toswiah Green's life ended the moment her policeman father decided to testify against a fellow officer. The Greens have had to change their identities and move to a different city. Now Toswiah is Evie Thomas, and that is the least of the changes. Her defeated father spends his days sitting by the window. Since her mother can no longer work as a teacher, she puts her energy into their new church. Her only sister is making secret plans to leave. And Evie, struggling to find her way, wonders who she is now and how she can make her future as bright as her past once was. ... Read more

Reviews (20)

MY OWN
"Thank you for my family, my friends, and my name", are all things you will say to yourself after reading this book. Toswiah a young afriecan afmerican girlwho is put through trauma, a state of depression, and an idenity crisis all in a two- three year life span. She is forced into the witness protection program because her father witnessed a murder of a young black teen, by two of his fellow white cops. He was the only black cop in his precint and felt it was dangerous for he and his family. As time goes on Toswiah loses identity and becomes Evie her siter become Anna a rebellous gurl who was once popular, sweet and social. Her mother becomes annoited and into her new religion that she breathees it. I recommend this book to people who what reality.

The Life
This novel was about a family having to change their identity;as well as their lives, just because their father witnessed a murder. His fellow friends, police officers, killed a young african-american boy. The Green family was put in a witness protection program, so they moved out of denvert, leaving family members, friends, and their belongings. They had to change their names and had to change the way they lived. The family didn't like it there. A lot happened to the family while they are there. Cameron, which is Anna now, had grown into a beautiful women. Toswiah which now is Evie, has made new friends and found what she likes most "track". The family went through a lot of changes, but they made it through. I think this was a great book, I enjoyed reading this book. I recommend this book to children of all ages. I hope they will enjoy it, like I did.

PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE
IMAGINE IF YOUR PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE WAS TAKEN AWAY BECAUSE YOUR FATHER SAID THE HAD TO BE? WHAT IF YOUR LIFE, FRIENDS, AND BELIEFS WERE ALL PULLED FROM UNDER YOU, AND YOU HAD NO GROUND TO STAND ON? WHAT IF YOUR LIFE WAS RESTARTED LIKE A COMPUTER? WELL, THAT'S WHAT HAPPENED IN THIS BOOK, "HUSH" BY JACQUELINE WOODSON. THIS BOOK AT FIRST WAS CONFUSING, BUT AFTER A WHILE YOU GET USE TIME. thIS BOOK IS VERY EMOTIONAL. iN SOME INSTANCES YOU START TO CRY OR FEEL PAIN.SOMETIMES READING THE BOOK YOU WONDER WHY SHE NEVER CRIED? THEN YOU ASK WHAT WOULD I DO IF MY LIFE WAS TAKEN AWAY FROM ME.

New Life
This novel is about a black family. There are 2 girls and 2 parents.Cameron and Toswiah are the 2 girls. Cameron is a cheerleader and Toswiah is an athlete. Therefore the father witnessed a crime scene and was forced to start a new life in a new place with a new name. Cameron is now Anna and Toswiah is now Evie. Evie experiences a new life at her new shool and even found someone named Toswiah. They become good friends. The mom becomes a Jehovah's Witness and the father stares out the window all day. I reccomend this book to to all people because people should know what its like to start a new life.

Bye Bye Home
In the story Hush a girl named Toswiah is the main charater.She and her family are forced to leave their beloved home in Denver. They left because her father witnessed two white police officers murder a young african american boy. Her mother studies her bible and attends Kingdom Hall. Her sister is a high school student and hates her life. The ending is a little rough because it leaves the reader wondering what's gonna happen. ... Read more