Book Description

When Brother and Sister Bear accidentally break Mama's favorite lamp, their little lie grows bigger and bigger, until Papa Bear helps them find the words that set everything right again. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

20 minutes well spent.
This is a good book for your children to read, in the sense that it has a good lesson within it's text. Your children can learn about telling the truth. A good idea to do while (or after) reading this story to your child, is to explain to them that they can tell you anything. You don't want your kids keeping secrets from you.

Liar Liar Pants on Fire
This book really related to me because I used to have a really big lieing problem until my dad and I sat down and had a talk about not to lie. In this story Brother and Sister Bear break Momma Bear's lamp they keep telling more and more lies. But when Papa Bear comes in to help them out he helps them get everything straightened out. I would recommend this book to all parents to help their kids stop lieing.

To tell the truth?
When brother and sister are playing soccer in the house they end up breaking mama's favorite lamp! They try making up a lie to get of of the blame. But can they keep their story straight>?

This book teaches kids how it is better to tell the truth and not to lie no matter what they have done. It is a great lesson to me learned and I suggest it for any child!

A Great Lesson for Children
The Berenstain Bears and the Truth is a wonderful story for children of any ages. It teaches children a very important lesson,always to tell the truth no matter what and if a lie is told, it would always come back to haunt you. I greatly recommend this book for children.

Berenstein Bear Books
With my first Grandchild, who is now a young teen, we were introduced to the Berenstein Bear books and had every one that was out. She loved them and still has them. Seeing how she enjoyed having them read to her and then reading them herself has me now buying them for my youngest grandchild. They are timeless and enjoyable but at the same time teaching life lessons to your children and grandchildren. Worth every penny and effort it takes to own one or the whole set. ... Read more

Book Description

Venus and Serena Williams have something to say. But it isn"t all about tennis. It"s about life and how to play it.

These superstars and super sisters share their secrets in this straight-talking smart guide. Speaking candidly about their personal experiences, the sisters give you the inside scoop on:

• What it takes to rise and stay on top.
• Who watches their backs when the pressure is on.
• How they spend—and save—their money.
• Dating—their real deal on romance.
• Book smarts—keeping grades up and study stress down.
• Loving the skin you"re in.

This book offers solid advice for getting an advantage in every game you play. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

No Shunning Allowed
Hilary Beard is a Philadelphia journalist who you can trust implicitly, she has a great even voice.Her previous book was the life story of enterpreneur Lisa Price, the woman who came back from financial ruin to found CAROL'S DAUGHTER the great herbal essence success story.Lisa got to meet many celebrities, in fact she knew them before they got big, and her cosmetic prescriptions, learned from her mother and Trinidadian family, helped Erykah Badu and Jada Pinkett among others,

Venus and Serena, who have collaborated with Hilary Beard on her new book, were famous when they were still girls, so their trajectory is somewhat different than that of Lisa Price, who struggled for artistic and commercial validation for many years and told the story in the fabulous SUCCESS NEVER SMELLED SO SWEET.Hilary Beard, who lost her father several years back, was drawn to the Williams sisters partly because of the strong guidance each received from their dad, a bittersweet association for Beard that accounts for some of the strongest writing in this book, SERVING FROM THE HIP.An avid tennis player, Beard knows what she's talking about, and she can help the Williams sisters structure a book and add depth to their insights about their own game.

Whether or not you're a Jehovah's Witness, this book has something for everyone, so don't shun the Williams girls just because their faith is a little bit different than yours!That's what America is all about--or it used to be!

Great book for teens and fans of Venus and Serena!
After seeing Venus and Serena on the Oprah show, I decided to get this book and I'm glad I did.The book talks about many of their on-court experiences so if you're a fan of Venus and Serena and have followed their careers since the mid 90's, you'll find out fascinating tidbits about their reactions to incidents on the WTA Tour.I also bought a copy for a friend's 11 yr. old daughter so as you can see this book is a great conversation-starter for parents and their daughters.All-around, well done.

Teaches Children JEHOVAH'S WITNESS CULT Religious Philosophy
Great Book if you want your Child to grow up to be a JEHOVAH'S WITNESS. The Williams Sisters should stick to writing books in which they use their tennis background and experience to teach children the fundamentals of playing the game of tennis.This Williams Sisters book, which purports to teach children the fundamentals of life, is actually a disguised attempt to teach children the fundamental religious philosophy of their own JEHOVAH'S WITNESS religion. People who are reared as Jehovah's Witnesses have been taught only one set of "rules for living, loving, and winning", and those are the rules of the WatchTower Cult.If you want your children to grow up to be door-to-door WatchTower salespersons then SAVE YOUR MONEY and simply ask the next Jehovah's Witness who wakes you up on Saturday morning for a FREE copy of the WatchTower Society's guide for rearing children as Jehovah's Witnesses.

Motivational and Inspiring!

I'm not a tennis fan, but you don't have to be to enjoy this book.

While the target audience is teenage girls, I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, and I'm a middle-aged woman!

It's easy to read, full of insight into the lives and motivations of Serena and Venus, and has great advice for teenage girls on dating and other issues important to adolescents. I especially liked their emphasis on the need for self-esteem.

I agree with the reviewer who questioned the so-called reviewers who lambasted the book, since nothing in their "reviews" indicated they've read it!

I think Serena and Venus (and their co-author, Hilary Beard) did a wonderful job, and I encourage anyone with a teenage girl to run out and buy this book.

Wonderful book for adults as well as young girls!
Wow . . . I can't believe the haters who have weighed in on this book! And nothing in their "reviews" indicate they've even read it!
"Venus and Serena . . ." is a well-written but easy read, doling out lifestyle advice and guidance for young girls and giving insight to the motivations behind decisions made by Venus and Serena. It details why their parents decided to pull them out of certain tours (I was surprised and delighted by the explanations), and how those decisions led to other life decisions.
I bought the book for my 17-year-old daughter, but sat down and read the whole thing. Feeling guilty, I ran out and bought another copy for my daughter. This is a book that I didn't mind buying twice.
I LOVED their advice on dating, and how girls need to love themselves first. The book is BIG on the importance of self-esteem.
I found "Venus and Serena . . ." to be motivational and insightful, and I highly recommend it.
... Read more

Reviews (7)

Moving Day
It was about a bear family loving where they live including their friends and home. But the soil for growing vegetables was hard and rocky so they decided to move well papa and mama bear. When they found a place to move it needed a little bit of work but they managed what it would look like and they got new friends and a new home and a new place to grow vegetables. It was a very good book and I would read it again if I had to but its not something I would read again by choice. It teaches kids what ever you do something good will come of it eventually.ages 3-8

Not much help
This book is cute, but not much help for little ones to ease their move. It does show that all the boxes get packed and go to a new house which will be better. But it doesn't say that it will be better for the kids, just for the parents.

The Bear Family....Moving?
This book is set before the bear family has moved into the tree house. It tells about why they are mvoing and how sad brother is but how he does have even more fun when they get to their new house.

If you have read any of the story books in this series you know how great of books they are. I suggest this book for any kids who loves great book!

The Berenstain Bears' Moving Day
This was one of the best children's books I have read, and I recommend it for children that are getting ready to move. This book was written by Stan and Jan Berenstain.
Moving day is about a family of bears, they are Papa bear, Mama bear, and brother bear. Before they moved to the valley, they lived in a cave. Mama had a vegetable garden, and Papa cut down trees and made furniture. Brother kept busy playing with his many friends, which were animals. Then Papa bear said that they they needed to move because the trees were getting farther and farther away and Mama bear agreed that they needed to move because the soil was getting too hard for her vegetable garden. Brother bear was very sad about moving because he would miss his friends. Mama bear said that he could write his old friends and make new friends when they moved into their new house. They moved into a treehouse that needed alot of work. As they looked at it and imagined how it would look after it was fixed up, the neighbors came over to say "hi". Now the bears had new friends and after they fixed up the treehouse it was just perfect!

It is still Great
In 1981 we moved cross coutry with our three year old son. This book helped "develop" the pictures of the process for him. Now I am in the "mentor" position for other young mothers facing long distance moves. This is my first gift choice for them and their three or four year olds to make the process understandable and FUN. Patricia Smith, RNS, MS ... Read more

Reviews (41)

addictive
Gossip Girl series is about a girl basically spying on these teenagers in high school, either freshmen or seniors, living in New York City's Upper East Side. If you read the first gossip girl, you'll read the fifth, even the sixth... even if it's only because you are wondering if Blair got into Yale or ever has sex with Nate. Or if you are dying to know about how Serena got kicked out of private school... well in the fifth one, I Like it Like that, you find out neither of those things. But you do find out more about Jenny's boyfriend and Dan being a poet. I Like It Like That is as good as the other four, and it makes you wait until the sixth comes out. It shows no signs of Gossip Girl series ending, and it kind of makes you wonder when you will ever find out the stuff you really want to know. But it's Gossip Girl... you know you love her.

You Know You Love Me
I Like It Like That, the fifth novel from the Gossip Girl series was the least eventful out of the five but still kept me on the edge of my seat. Blair, Serena, and Serena's older brother Erik spent their spring break on the slopes in Sun Valley while Aaron and the rest of Blair's family is off surfing on one of the many Hawaiian Islands she has already frequently traveled to. To Blair's dismay, her ex-boyfriend Nate, his current girlfriend Georgie, and Chuck were staying at Georgie's Sun Valley mansion the exact same dates. Blair developed a crush on Erik as their trip progressed which landed Serena in an uncomfortable position. Back in New York, Dan began to lose interest in his poetic partner Mystery and realized he was still in love with Vanessa as she realized the same. Jenny became overly obsessed with her boyfriend Leo and stalked him while he was meandering through the busy Upper East and West sides of Manhattan taking care of his jobs chores and job as a dog walker. Jenny's best friend Elise was attracted to Jenny's brother Dan but Dan knew it was not appropriate to have feelings for a girl his younger sister's age. Nothing serious happened between Blair and Erik which Serena was relieved to learn. After break, when school started again, as always, many rumors floated about regarding the flawless duo. I wonder if Blair is still secretly lusting after Nate and does he has feelings for her? I am looking forward to reading all the future Gossip Girl books and discovering whom the secretive gossip queen actually is.

In my opinion, the first four books in the Gossip Girl series were more enjoyable and had deeper plot lines. I would recommend the entire Gossip Girl series for girls age thirteen through fifteen years old. They are a quick read and the entire series could be covered in just a few short weeks. This is great summer reading full of flirty fun and romance. The books are entertaining and easy to toss into a beach bag or suitcase. Blair, Serena, Dan, Nate, Vanessa, Jenny, Erik and the rest of the Gossip Girl characters are loveable and find themselves in situations that girls can relate to. Okay, Cecily von Ziegesar, bring on Gossip Girl number six. I know that I will be ready to sink my teeth into the next novel as soon as it is available.

I Love them all
READ GOSSIP GIRL! ALL OF THEM!! THEY ARE AWSOME BEST BOOKS IN THE ENTIRE WORLD...NEXT TO HARRY POTTER OF COURSE! READ! READ READ!

Dangerously Addictive
The whole Gossip Girl series has all the gossip anyone could ever want in a book. The tales of socialites lives are just so interesting that you want to be part of the story. It is extremely difficult to even put the book down until the final words are read, and even then you just want some more of it.

i dont like it like that...
After seeing quite quite a few reviews and a woman clearly over thirty buying this book, i decided to give it a go. The book revolves around a few disgustinly stuck up socialites. It's all about wearing designer clothes, partying, and of course-getting adorable rich boys. Gossip girl seems to be filled with things people gossip about. Silly things. Stupid things. And for lack of better words, this is a horrible book. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

great for pre-schoolers!!
My 3yr. old loves this book. As we read the book, he acts out all of the correct things to do with hands (hugging, helping, shaking). When he gets angry and wants to hit--we remind him of this book and he calms down.
It is simple enough for a child to understand and gets right to the point.

MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW
What a delightful learning book this is.
Full of bright, colorful illustrations that bring the point across without any confusion!
The author shares all the wonderful things hands are good for, playing, drawing, saying hello, to name a few of the many examples used in this read. . Just adorable!

I shared this book with my 3-year old granddaughter. I can tell you, it was a hit!
This is a sturdy, colorful, well constructed
book. A book that can take the abuse of a younger child and still stay in one piece. Not an easy feat!

A great book with a great lesson; one your child will treasure and read over and over again. Hands are NOT for hitting! I've learned my lesson, have you?

Recommended!

AWESOME BOOK!
This book is perfect! Great illustrations, very easy to read and easy for children to understand. Very to the point, hands are not for hitting but they are for playing, washing, hugging. Wonderful!

I loved this book!
I bought this book, and "The Way I Feel" in response to my almost 2 year old going through a hitting phase. I could not be more pleased with how this book (and the other) addresses the issue and proposes solutions for dealing with anger and frustration. My son LOVES acting out the things that hands can be used for. He sits through the whole book and often wants to read it again. He quotes catchy phrases that he remembers from the book. It is so interactive! I really think that it has made a difference in my son's behavior over the period of 3 weeks.

a picture book to teach nonviolence
This book is in the category of picture books that gets read to children to teach a lesson (rather than being a simple story picture book). The title says it all but the back cover also gives a great summary (which you can view right here on Amazon). The pages are covered with ideas for what hands are to be used for (playing, working together) and then each page has numerous illustrating examples (building snowpeople, sandcastle, block tower, etc.). Over and over we hear that hands are not for hitting but they are for doing many positive things.

I am a homeschooling parent of a four-year-old who at times hits others. Our biggest problem though is bullying being done to him by others. I bought this to read to him as a reminder because for a while he was learning more from imitating his peers (hitting back) than listening to what his father and I were verbally teaching him. I figured having this book around the house could not hurt. My son likes to browse it himself and look at the pictures and I read it aloud from time to time. I don't read it a lot because since he rarely hits it is a little annoying to keep telling him something he already knows. However, this is published by a publisher focusing on books for teachers and schools. I think the best way this book could be used would be to read it aloud to groups of children because there is bound to be a child in attendance who may need a reminder. This would also be a great book for public libraries to have in their collection for parents to borrow.

The illustrations are cute and brightly colored. At the back of the book is a note to grown-ups about teaching non-violence to children. There are approximately 4 pages that list out additional activities and discussion questions to go along with each page of the book. There is also a listing of books that expand on various subjects touched on throughout this book. I can't think of any way that I'd improve upon it. Overall a great book on this important subject! ... Read more

Amazon.com

On the occasion of her son's graduation from high school, SandraBoynton, the well-loved creator of books and cards featuring hippos, dinosaurs,and sheep, has written a celebratory book for "onwardly mobile" readers.Everyone on the planet will compare this title to Dr. Seuss's Oh, the Places You'll Go, andwe will, too. Yes, they're both delightful, silly picture books with vaguelyunidentifiable critters as the emcees, rejoicing in the reader's recentgraduation or other success. Festive exclamation points abound, along withrhyming, and alternating cheering and questioning ("Now what will you do?"). ButSandra Boynton is Sandra Boynton, and Dr. Seuss is Dr. Seuss, and ne'er thetwain shall meet. Boynton's more contemporary text and illustrations feature acow doing yoga ("OOM") and a headphone-clad fellow listening to "greatrock-and-roll," among her other trademark characters flying away under balloons,partaking of chocolate, and scrambling up mountains. A box on the first pagewith "CONGRATULATIONS" across the top and "To" and "From" below make itperfectly clear that this is a book for giving. Behind all the goofy faces andsimple rhymes is a very real, very sweet sentiment of pride and support that anyloving friend or family member will be glad to share with that specialsuccessful person, young or old. Boynton's style can be recognized a mile awayin such classics as Dinos toGo, Hippos GoBerserk!, and Moo, Baa,La La La!. (All ages) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Closing one chapter, opening another.....
I am an elementary guidance counselor, responsible for planning our promotion program yearly for our fifth grade students as they move to middle school. I'm always looking for meaningful things to add to the ceremony, traditions the kids will look back on with happy memories. We do a lot in my school with "Oh the Places You'll Go..." so I was looking for something of this genre to use. "Yay, You" is just the right length. I read it to the kids just before the ceremony and then include a quick reading as a prelude to the processional out of the gym. Because the kids have heard it already, they know what is coming. The parents and guests absorb the meaning of the "moving up, moving out" very well. It's WONDERFUL and a number of parents have purchased it for their children to commemorate the event. It is indeed now a tradition.

A Trip to the Past for Mom and Kids
When my children were small we read the Boynton board books so many times that we had to replace them for kid #3. They are one of my favorite baby shower gifts. Yay, You is a terrific book for both parents and kids (young adults?) as they enter the next life journey. Even if you have never experienced a Sandra Boynton book, you will enjoy this and smile as you realize that life goes on for all. This makes a fun grduation gift too!!

Yay, me!
As a recent high school graduate myself, I can say this book is perfect for all those taking the next big step in their lives. I bought this book for myself and every time I read it I smile. It's so much fun and encouraging and at the end all I can say is.... Yay, me!

Yay Sandra Boynton!
I love this book! I fell in love with the cow doing yoga (OOM!). I bought 3 copies for friends who not only also think that's hysterical, but also are going through changes in their lives. While it's geared for the college bound, real world bound, my friends and I are a few years past that and it still applies to us. Pass this book along to anyone, regardless of age, going through a big change in their lives. They'll appreciate it. OOM.

One Big Happy and Hearty Congratulations...
Sandra Boynton has truly outdone herself with her celebratory Yay, You! Told in rhyme and full of love and pride, this little gem of a book first congratulates, "You did it!/You're done!/You made it!/You're through!", and then takes a joyful look at what's ahead, "Oh, what a great moment!/Now what will you do?/There are so many choices./The world is immense./Take a good look around/and decide what makes sense." Ms Boynton's uplifting message is light and fun and complemented by her familiar and charming, silly animal illustrations. So put a smile on every graduate's face, celebrate their success and let them know that whether you're in a hurry to get started on the rest of your life, or need to stop awhile and smell the roses, "Whatever you do,/whether near or so far,/I know you'll be great./You already are. ... Read more

Book Description

Within Cole Matthews lie anger, rage and hate. Cole has been stealing and fighting for years. This time he caught Alex Driscal in the, parking lot and smashed his head against the sidewalk. Now, Alex may have permanent brain damage'and Cole is in the Biggest trouble of his life.

Cole is offered Circle Justice: a system based on Native American traditions that attempts to provide healing for the criminal offender, the victim and the, community. With prison as his only alternative, Cole plays along. He says he wants to repent, but in his heart Cole blames his alcoholic mom his, abusive dad, wimpy Alex -- everyone but himself -- for his situation.

Cole receives a one-year banishment to a remote Alaskan island. There, he is mauled by Mysterious white bear of Native American legend. Hideously injured, Cole waits for his death His thoughts shift from from Anger to humility. To survive, he must stop blaming others and take responsibility for his life. Rescuers arrive to save Cole's but it is the attack of the Spirit Bear that may save his soul.

Ben Mikaelsen paints a vivid picture of a juvenile offender, examining the roots without absolving solving him of responsibility for his actions, and questioning a society in which angry people make victims of their peers and communities. Touching Spirit Bear is a poignant testimonial to the power of a pain that can destroy, or lead to healing

Reviews (67)

Touching Spirit Bear
Touching Spirit Bear by Ben Mikaelsen is a compelling story of a teenager's struggle with anger. He is beaten by his father, ignored by his mother, and struggles to understand how he fits into "family". His anger gets the best of him. He beats a classmate so severely that he has brain damage. This time his father can not buy him out of trouble.
Cole's only hope of avoiding a prison sentence is to enter into an alternative program known as Circle Justice. Banished to an isolated island off the coast of Alaska, Cole secretly vows that he will escape and return to civilization, and beat the system. He didn't plan on the mysterious, legendary white bear. Mauled almost to death, Cole awaits his fate and begins a life long journey of controlling his anger from with in. He learns humility and respect for those he once took his anger out on.
Ben Mikaelsen once again writes for the young reader, speaking to them from life experiences. Touching Spirit Bear calls to those readers who are struggling to find acceptance and respect among their peers.

"Touching Spirit Bear"
Cole has a really big anger problem. He is a Juvenile Delinquent and his anger has taken him way too far. After beating up his fellow 9th grade student, Peter Driscol, he was sent too many detention centers. Cole is about to be sentenced to a 'real' prison when his Native American friend comes to his rescue. Cole has two choices, to be sent to a prison or be sent banished to an isolated Alaskan island for a year. Cole has heard the horrible stories about the things that can happen in prison and he decides to try the circle justice thing that his Native American friend had told him about. Cole experiences good and bad changes while being banished that just might change him for the rest of his life. I rate this book a 5/5 stars. The reason is, because think that this book has great description and it could 'hook' anybody. This book is a great book and I recommend it for anybody.

Wow! This book is really amazing!
Touching Spirit Bear is one of the best books I have ever read. It all starts out with a juvenile delinquent who brakes into a store. He was bragging about it in school and a guy named Peter tells on him. After school Peter is badly beaten, he was punched many times and had his head smashed into the concrete. This causes Peter to have brain damage. Then Peter's parents sued Cole for the damage.
Cole isn't a very good kid. He seems to think that everything is below him and he is the dominant person of all the creatures on the earth. Cole really doesn't want to go to jail for the bad things that he has done so he decides to go to the Circle of Trust. The Circle of Trust is a program where instead of going to jail it's a chance for the people to sit and talk about what the person's punishment should be. Cole's and Peter's family went to the Circle of Trust meeting. They decided that Cole's punishment is to go to an island for one year without contact to anyone to find what he really is. He went to the island and as soon as the people who took him out on the island were gone he set the house they had built on fire. His plan was to swim back to the mainland and of on with his life with no one knowing. He soon finds out that it's not that easy and looses all of his energy. He then makes a spear. All of a sudden out of nowhere a huge white bear appears and Cole charges at him, the bear then started to beat Cole up. After the attack Cole lays there with a broken arm, broken hip, and shredded stomach. About a week later people came to bring him supplies, finding Cole lying there almost dead. After a while in the hospital they let Cole go. He wanted to go back to the island because he still didn't want to go to jail. He has to sell all of his belongings to pay for it. Also he has to build his own cabin this time.
If you want to find out what else happens to Cole you have to read the book! I would recommend thins book to anyone. I think the author did a very good job on this book. It doesn't matter if you're a girl or a guy you would both love this book.

Touching Spirit Bear
The book that I am reviewing is Touching Spirit Bear and it is about a fifteen year old cole gaets beaten by his father.Just as cole's father was beaten by his father. Now cole himself is turning violent. He robbed a tool store and he got away with it for a couple of days. until peter his classmate told on him so cole beat him and peter was hospitaized. So cole's parents send him to angermangment classes that didn't help so he gets sent to an island in alaska. They give cole a little hut and supples to survive for a month. He goes walking around the island and he see's the spirit bear and think's that he can beat up the bearlike he did peter the bear broke his arm and leg. Then a few days later the two guys come back and find him on the beach and immedalty take him to a hospital and after he recovered they sent him back to the island for another month and survived.

Touching Spirit Bear
Touching Spirit Bear is a spectacular book. The book was about a boy, Cole Mathews, who has a very hard time controlling his anger. Cole Mathews steals possessions from stores a lot. One day Peter Driscal, a kid from Cole's school, found out that he had broken into the store that the police were trying to find a suspect for and reported it. When Cole found out who told on him, he chased Peter down after school and beat him very harshly. It was so bad that Peter now has problems thinking and has mental problems. When Cole got arrested, he went to court and the judge gave him a chose. The chose was either he could go to jail or Justice Circle and wouldn't have to serve as much time. Like any other kid would he decided to go to Justice Circle. The Justice Circle had some meetings and finally Garvey convinced them to send him to an island for one year so that he could think things out by himself. As he is left at the island he decided he would try to swim island to island and try to get to the United States again. After he was a ways out and starting to cramp up he turned around. At the island he now had no shelter since he burned it down before he left. After a nap he decided to go get some food. He then saw the Spirit Bear and Cole tried to kill it. Yet the bear ripped him to shreds. In fact Cole couldn't move. So when the guy that brings him his supplies saw what had happened he took him back to a hospital. Finally, after he recovered, the Justice Circle had some more meetings. They had to meet with each other to see if they should allow Cole Mathews to return to the island. If you want to see if Cole Mathews gets another shot at the island or if you want to see if Cole can change his life around. Read Touching Spirit Bear by Ben Mikaelson. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Parents will be quick to jump to the conclusion that there can benothing appealing in a tale of an ugly kid who breaks things. And certainly--from that adult perspective--there's something off-putting about the illustrations of David, with his potato head, feral eyes, and a maniacal grin that exposes ferociously pointed teeth. But 3- and 4-year-olds see things differently, and will find his relentless badness both funny and liberating."No, David," wails the off-stage mother, as David reaches for the cookie jar. "No! No! No!" as he makes a swamp out of the bathroom. "Come back here, David!" as he runs naked down the street. Each vivid double-page illustration is devoted to a different youthful indiscretion and a different vain parental plea. Readers will be amused to know that the protagonist's name is no accident: award-winning writer-illustrator David Shannon wrote the book after discovering a similar effort that he had made, again with himself at the center of each drawing, at the age of 5. (Ages 3 to 6) --Richard Farr ... Read more

Reviews (113)

I love David!
This book is hilarious! My 3 year-old loves all three of the David books and wants to read them over and over (he already knows all three books by heart) It is a great book for introducing reading to a young child since the text is so simple. The message at the end is positive (even though David's actions are rather negative) since it reinforces unconditional love. No matter what trouble David gets into, his mom still hugs him and says she loves him. I'm sure most parents can relate to having "David-like" moments with their children and often feel like all they say is "No". In an ideal world, all children would be perfect and would never break a vase, splash in a bath, or have a messy room, but in the REAL world...kids aren't perfect and do have to hear, "No." If you are concerned about David's naughtiness, turn the reading experience into a teachable moment and discuss what David could do instead of the behavior that gets him in trouble. On the whole, though, it's nice to see a realistic child in a book...not all children can behave all the time.

Disturbing?? Maybe...but engaging also!
My son's daycare has these (among many other books). He chooses these same books every day to read! He knows them by heart and now points at the words as he says them! Now, when I first saw him with the books, and looked at them myself, I was a little disturbed at the content. But, you know what? It's REAL! You can't protect your children from every situation, but you can teach them how to recognize bad behavior and respond to it. Let's face it, some kids are not taught right from wrong and are just plain mean. If they're not exposed to it, they won't learn it! There are consequences to David's actions...he has to stay after school and clean the desk, etc. Because David is so bad, they learn to recognize bad behavior and how they should be acting. And it encourages reading because it is engaging!! And isn't that really what we need?? It's the parent's responsibility to discuss the content with the child and guide them in appropriate behavior...not prohibit them from reading it. But, others believe in book burning events I guess!

What part of no doesn't he understand?
Not that you'd necessarily know it from this book, but David Shannon is perhaps one of the best children's author/illustrators out there today. Are you at all familiar with "Duck on the Bike"? You should be. How about the gorgeous "The Rough-Faced Girl"? Run and purchase it immediately. "No, David!" strays a little from these other books, not only in terms of picture quality but also in text and narrative. Though certainly an original idea and a fun creation on the whole, I'm afraid that this particular Shannon offering is a little less impressive than its picture book brethren.

David Shannon was sent a small book by his mother, prior to writing this story. A little book that he created as a boy, the only words that appeared in the text of the tale were the words, "No" and "David". The pictures showed David doing the very things he was not allowed to do. Using this idea as his springboard, Mr. Shannon has remade his little book into a wild raucous retelling. Here's David once again, doing all the things he shouldn't. His antics aren't particularly vile or disgusting. In one picture David has tracked mud into is living room. In another, we see the merry naked backside of the boy springing down the street. All this culminates with the moment David accidentally breaks his mother's vase and is relegated to the corner of the room. With big arms we see him run towards his mom, finally enveloped in a big ole hug with the final words, "Yes, David...I love you". Thereby reinforcing the idea that no matter how bad David gets, he's still loved at the end.

The illustrations for this tale are a kind of slightly modified version of the one's Mr. Shannon presumably drew as a young 'un. David has the triangle notes and closed off body parts usually found in children's pictures. Just the same, there's sophistication clearly apparent from page to page. The final shot of David being held by his mother gives the boy a sweet loving countenance (complete with the first appearance of his eyelashes). I've read some reviews of this book that complain that children might be scared by David's teeth. And honestly, they have a point. David has anywhere from six to nine sharp pointy objects in his mouth that become more or less pronounced as his activities grow more or less violent. Some children are not going to like 'em, while others will love pointy-tooth David and his antics. The best way to gauge a kid's reactions to this book would be to simply show them the cover. If they think it's swell or horrific, you'll know right away.

As for me, the book's not too terribly original. There are plenty of books drawn to look like their authors are four (both intentionally and not) and as for bad boys you need only locate Max from "Where the Wild Things Are". This isn't a bad book but nor it is particularly striking or memorable. Feel free to purchase it. Just understand its limitations beforehand.

No, David!
I like this book becuse it is hilarious. I like it when
David gets in trouble. I like when David said, "Do you love me?"
His mom said, "I love you very much David. Don't let anyone tell
you I don't love you because if they do, you call me, but make
sure I'm home. Then call me at work if I'm not."

No, David, better for older preschoolers than toddlers
As the parent of two preschool boys, I certainly see the humor as intended by the author. Answer the door, answer the phone, or use the bathroom, and kids are bound to do something they shouldn't to grab attention! Didn't we all?

My kids love the book, and the best part is the hug at the end. However, my oldest child,(...) never picked his nose until we started reading this book, when he was [young]. (And obviously, not every kid will pick up on this.) My oldest child is a very visual learner, and I don't like the part about negative images (like nose-picking) being filed in my child's brain. So, this book was pulled from our repertoire until we resolved the whole nose picking issue.

When a child is old enough to grasp the concept of the humor and a conversation about making a better choice (like getting a kleenex), instead of imitating the funny pictures, it's a great book. I'm probably not going to read this to my youngest son until he is 4 or 5. That being said... this book is fun and funny, and kids love it! ... Read more

Amazon.com

For sophomores John and Lorraine, the world feels meaningless; nothing is important. They certainly can never please their parents, and school is a chore. To pass the time, they play pranks on unsuspecting people. It's during one of these pranks that they meet the "Pigman"--a fat, balding old man with a zany smile plastered on his face. In spite of themselves, John and Lorraine soon find that they're caught up in Mr. Pignati's zest for life. In fact, they become so involved that they begin to destroy the only corner of the world that's ever mattered to them. Originally published in 1968, this novel by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Paul Zindel still sings with sharp emotion as John and Lorraine come to realize that "Our life would be what we made of it--nothing more, nothing less." ... Read more

Reviews (304)

The Best Book I've Ever Read!
The Pigman is the best book I have ever read (along with The Pigman's Legacy and The Pigman And Me). John and Lorraine are best friends who are in highschool. John smokes and drinks, while Lorraine admits that she is a little paranoid. John and Lorraine switch back and forth from typing each chapter, and it really makes the reader get to, kind of know them.

While doing prank phone calling, Lorraine ends up calling Mr. Pignati. John and Lorraine first lie to him, saying that they are part of a charity company. At first, John just wants the Pigman's money, but after they get to know him, they start to really care about him.

The first few chapters are very funny, espcecially the ones that are told by John. The entire book is a great fiction story. I would suggest to anyone who reads The Pigman, and likes it, should read the sequal to it, The Pigman's Legacy. After that, I would also suggest to read The Pigman And Me. It's about Paul Zindel's teenage years, and what he based The Pigman on.

Pigman Great Book
For me The Pigman was by far one of the best books I have ever read.This book was assigned to me from my english class.At first I thought it was a little slow but once I read to chapter 4 I was hooked.I read the whole book in 4 days.This book is so interesting because it shows 2 perspectives.Lorraine is more conservative and a good girl while John is all out.John at first just wants Mr. Pignati's money but once they both spend time with the Pigman they are great friends.The book is sad at the end, but I think it is a great ending."Friends stick with friends"That is what the ending is saying.

I hope you read this book!

The Understanding of Teenagers
I believe this book was an excellent well spoken book. It is about to ordinary kids and is somewhat different in the ways they were brought up. These two kids like normal teens do decided to play some pranks on random people and see which of them can keep the random person on the phone the longest. This ends up to be a way to introduce/ bring in, a character called Mr. Piñata (The Pigman). As it turns out the kids make Mr. Pignati believe that they are calling him on behalf of a donation. The Pigman is a nice man so he believes the children and invites them over his house to give them there money. I won't give out the rest because I believe this will be a good book for you to read if you're a 14 year old or an adult. I believe people 13 and below would have a hard time understanding the books message. This book is a crazy adventure that you would enjoy with hilarious conversations and plots. I don't no if you'll actually life but you'll have a smile on your face. This book has two narrators, John and Lorraine. The switch being the narrator after each chapter and will talk about the scenes and how the felt in each one. You'll also catch a glimpse of the parents and like all Paul Zindel Books the parent have problems of there own. We'll I highly encourage you guys to read this book. Or maybe you have and just wanted some insight on how other people felt. That's why I read the reviews.

A pleasure to read the voices of these two teens
This is probably the first book that I ever read as a teenager (or thereabouts) that made me feel like I could really identify with the characters contained therein.

The Pigman is told in the words of John and Lorraine, two high school sophomores who have decided to write down the story of Mr. Pignati, an old man who they wind up befriending. John is a handsome, overly-confident prankster, while Lorraine is a shy, brainy girl. They both have family problems, and the book is really as much about them as it is about "the Pigman."

Teenaged readers will enjoy reading about kids who are somewhat like themselves, and reading the book in their own voices. The pranks that John pulls are really funny, even if they eventually get him into trouble, and seeing Mr. Pignati through their initially distrustful eyes makes us get to know him by degrees, and appreciate who he is.

Overall, this is a fun book that may spark an interest in reading. Zindel has a real knack for getting inside the heads of his young protagonists, and he has a very authoritative anti-authoritarian voice, if that makes any sense.

comunication's class review; by nick

Paul Zindel wrote a book called The Pigman; This is about two sixteen-year-olds that take advantage of an old man (with an interesting secret!); by asking him to give money to a nonexistent charity.
When they come to Mr. Pignati's house to collect his check, they find a lonely and slightly eccentric retiree who greets them warmly and with respect. A friendship grows, and John and Lorraine are trusted with their friend's house (alone!).
When this trust is betrayed, the teenagers must reflect the meaning of their actions and the effect their actions have on other people. My opinion of this book. It's a great book that really makes you think about what life has to offer you and maybe just think about what your actions do to others and how it makes them feel. Everyone should read this book it's received many awards.
I can relate to this because I used to go to my grandma's house and keep her company. She was always so excited to see me; just like Mr. Pignati she loved my company!
... Read more

Book Description

Anger is a part of life. We can’t avoid it, we shouldn’t stuff it, and we can’t make it go away. Kids need help learning how to manage their anger. This book speaks directly to kids and offers strategies they can start using immediately. Blending tips and ideas with jokes and funny cartoons, it guides kids to understand that anger is normal and can be expressed in many ways—some healthy, some not. It teaches them how to recognize anger in themselves and others, how to deal with situations and emotions (loneliness, guilt, frustration, fear) that lead to or mask anger, and how to deal with the anger they feel. Young readers learn that violence is not acceptable and there are better, safer ways to resolve conflicts. They also discover what to do when people around them are angry, how to get help, and how to locate other resources (books, hotlines, school groups) when they need more support. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A wonderfully written and presented self-help book
Collaboratively written by Elizabeth Verdick and Marjorie Lisovskis, How To Take The GRRRR Out Of Anger is a wonderfully written and presented self-help book especially recommended for young people with anger management problems -- and their parents who are trying to teach their kids how to control their tempers. From five steps to getting anger under control, to problem-solving techniques, ways to deal with grownups who get angry, recognizing body language warning signs, and much more, How To Take The GRRRR Out Of Anger is practical and useful for all children of all ages. ... Read more

Book Description

A best-selling book for the first day of school. ... Read more

Reviews (16)

I read it on the first day of school...
As a brand-new teacher (first grade), I thought this would be a great icebreaker and nerve-soother to read to my kids on the first day of school. None of them expected the surprise ending. The book helped both my criers and the rest of the class -- I talked to the criers about jitters, and how I had them, and how most everyone has them on the first day of school. I was able to use the book as an example to those better-adjusted kids, explaining that some people have worse first-day jitters than others. It was a great book to ease the kids into school again!

Everyone has had it - first day school jitters - a must read
Favorite characters: Sarah, Mr. Hartwell, and Mrs. Burton

Everyone has had it, the fear of that first day of school. This is what First Day Jitters is all about. But this book puts a humorous twist on those fears. The ending will warm your heart, no matter if you're eight or eighty years old.
Colorful pictures that follow that first day of school you remember, only this time with a surprise ending. This is a great book for kids that are nervous to go to school, or adults who want to read books about their childhood. You really can't go wrong with a book like this.

My 4 1/2 year old's new favorite book!
My son loved this book the first time I read it; he just finished his 1st year of pre-school and since he's an only child, he had a challenging time getting used to school and lots of kids all in one room! They changed the location of his school starting in the fall, so this was a timely book, as he won't be in the same building, and many of his new friends will be going elsewhere, thus he will have to look at new faces once again. This book has a great ending that made us laugh. I recommend the book highly.

A Must Have
This book is a must have for all teachers. I've read it to students as old as 4th grade and they've really enjoyed the twist at the end. It's a good discussion starter and can be used for all grades. I am also a fan of the author because I was her daughter's 3rd grade teacher! Get the book and have fun reading it to your class!

Everyone has the jitters!
Well, this is a superb book for children on the first day of school. The story tells about Sara Hartwell and how she does not want to go to school. She is worried that no one will like her and is extremely nervous about all the things people get nervous about on the first day of school. Mr. Hartwell with much fighting gets Sara to school as the princial is waiting on her to take her to class. When he shows her to the room you find out that Sara is really the teacher! It definitely a new perspective! This is a great way to start a discussion with students about how adults also get nervous and scared and share how they deal with those feelings. I use this book as a great story starter and have my first grade students write about what they have ever been nervous about and have them share and learn from each other's stories. Excellent job Julie Danneberg and Judith Dufour Love! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Ophelia Speaks by Sara Shandler is a clever response to Mary Pipher's bestselling Reviving Ophelia. Shandler reveals telling portraits of teenage girls in this book, a compilation of essays, poems, and true-grit commentary from a cross section of teenage girls (or Ophelias), throughout the country. The book succeeds because it gives voice to their deepest concerns and their too-often frenzied lives. Because she's a college student, Shandler considers herself a peer of these adolescent girls, able to tap into their collective consciousness.

Shandler is as determined as she is a sharp reporter in chronicling the lives of these young women. To research the book, she sent out a mass mailing of 7,000 letters to high school and junior high school principals, counselors, and teachers explaining her book project and urging them to encourage teenage girls to contribute.

The topics covered run the gamut, but they include parental expectations, racial relations, and faith, among others. Sadly, eating disorders are an all-too-popular topic. The good news is that Shandler's contributors offer up some real insight for their peers. In one essay titled "Food Is Not My Enemy," Elizabeth Fales "calls us to a new feminism. In the old feminism, our mothers fought for the right to choose abortion. In our generation, we must fight for the right to eat."

The book also gives practical insight for parents who may find it hard to relate to their teenage daughters. In a nutshell, it appears that adolescent girls want unconditional love from parents who can be confidants without being overly critical. --Peg Melnick ... Read more

Reviews (90)

Jed Davis Girls' Basketball Coach/AD jlori81@gte.net
Ophelia Speaks is a literary response to Mary Pipher's bestselling and sometimes controversial work Reviving Ophelia which was published in 1994. In this book psychologist Pipher, who works closely with adolescent girls, documented what she thought were the key issues and struggles for teenage females growing up in America. She did this through cases studies and careful analysis. Author Sara Shandler, a high school student at the time, took it upon herself to recruit girls from all over the United States to write about all aspects of being young and female. She was not opposed to Mary Pipher's work. In fact, it spoke to her positively in many ways. She just thought it would be a good idea for girls to speak for themselves. The result is Ophelia Speaks, a collection of essays on a variety of topics that girls chose to write about...family, friends, diseases, sexuality, death, depression, religion and others. The book is excellent in two regards. First, the stories often take you deep into the heart and mind of adolescent girls. You are struck by how insightful and analytical theses girls are, then thrown back by how fragile and complex their feelings are. The stories, picked by Sara Shandler, are well-written and sincere although a few of them were written in the abstract and therefore lacked the clarity to fully understand the issue at hand. The second part of the book I found to be outstanding were the introductions to each topic. These were written by Sara Shandler herself. They gave perspective on the topic in question and introduced each contribution by giving the reader a taste of what was in store. She also adds a little of her own experience so you get to know her a bit. My life revolves around coaching teenage girls in basketball. I also coach young girls in basketball. A book like this adds to my understanding of teenage girls and therefore helps me work with them more effectively. One of the things Shandler says in the introduction is that teenage " girls are incredibly complicated. " When you read the stories and begin to understand this, I believe it lends itself to patience and understanding. But the book's greatest value probably lies in the support adolescent girls can feel from reading these stories. These girls do not hold anything back and many of their reactions to life's experiences are probably universally felt by a lot of teenage girls. Any teenage girl who is feeling isolated or finding life to be difficult would probably benefit from reading this book. I highly recommend it.

unbalanced
While I commend the editor for putting together this project, and respect the girls whose stories are included, I feel that the book is unbalanced. Almost all the girls included seem to be going through some pretty extreme experiences. An adolescent-psychologist told me that 1/3 of teenagers have major problems, 1/3 have minor problems and 1/3 navigate adolescence fairly smoothly. This book seemed to focus on teens in the first two groups. Perhaps they are the ones who responded to the editor's request for articles on eating disorders, drug abuse, suicide attempts, etc, and on down the list til her last and only strongly positve category, Why I am proud to be female. Perhaps girls who are enjoying life and involved in more positive activities aren't as inclined to sit down and write about it. Was the editor's aim to show that teenage girls are ill-fated, in line with the thesis of Reviving Ophelia? Also, some of the writing in these responses is poor and not really worth reading whatever the content.

Telling it like it is
In reading this book, I found it to be exactly like the life of a teenage girl. Anyone could read this book and get something out of it. In idea, it reminds me of the Chicken Soup series, but I enjoyed how it only focused on teenage girls and the struggles that they face. Excellent Read! Get it today!

Ophelia Speaks:Stereotyping all female adolescents
'Ophelia Speaks' by Shandler is a poor attemp at writing on Shandler's part. I had to read this book for my SOC 204 class, but otherwise I would have never picked this book up to read. I found the book to be only a collection of letters, stories and poems that Shandler had collected from adolescent girls. Most of these entries did not capture the true life of adolescent girls but instead glamourized the stereotypes that society has about female adolescents. The author, at the time of collecting these reading, was only 17 and it seems as if she was just putting this book together to make a few extra bucks. As well, I believe that since she sent out a letter asking for submissions for the book, I feel that the girls that wrote the entries, were meerly looking for some sort of fame by having their entries in this book. I also cannot stand how the author's experiences never reflect the experiences of the writings; this further indicates that the writings are not accurate. The author also never comes to any conclusion after a chapter. She could have given some psychological/sociolgical/physiological reasoning behind some of the girls experiences.
I would not refer anyone to read this book. It was a waste of time and money.
Save your money and spend it on better things.

Widen The Search
'Ophelia Speaks : Adolescent Girls Write About Their Search for Self' is an essential addition to the vital library focused on teenage personal development. I gave Sara Shandler's book to my daughter and suggested that while she was searching for self, she might also look for her homework sheets, the four overdue library books I've been ordered to pay for, the banana skin I'd seen in her closet two months ago, the family cat last heard meowing under a mountain of crumpled jeans on her floor and her best friend, Marsha Pippens, missing, presumed piled, since last Saturday's sleepover. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (25)

Lousy title, wonderful book
Why oh why do U.S. publishers insist on retitling classic European books? As "I Am David" this book successfully explores far more profound questions than freedom. David's journey is a process of self discovery and a self-imposed restructuring of a broken human spirit. Though told in the third person, the narrative invites us into David's young mind and allows us to see the wonder of objects and concepts that we all take for granted but which are new to the young escapee. Music, play, the taste of an orange, the feeling of being clean, language, colour! David's voyage of discovery is a bitter sweet mixture and we learn the awful truth about his past during his trek across Europe at the same pace as he does himself.

I have read this book with classes of children from fourth to seventh grade, as well as with adults. It is a book for all seasons, and I can still turn the pages with pleasure and wonder.

The wonder of realising what it is to say "I Am David" is what the book is all about! "North to Freedom" is a lousy title - meaningless in fact, David's first steps to freedom take him south! But this should not dissuade anyone from reading Anne Holm's book. The greatest children's story to come out of Denmark since Hans Christian Andersen.

one of my favorites
I have a copy of this book from the UK that is called I Am David. It starts with a man telling David, "You must get away tonight. Stay awake so that you're ready just before the guard is changed. When you see me strike a match, the current will be cut off and you can climb over -- you'll have half a minute, no more." This starts David's journey not just to freedom and home, but also to learning how to live as a regular kid after only living in a concentration camp. It's a serious book but one that should be read.

Timeless
This is such a beautiful book. I first read it when I was nine, twenty years later it is still a favourite.

The story of promise is quite remarkable and never fails to move me. All children should read this book. It opens doors to many other areas that too many forget too easily.

Great Book
This book is utterly compelling. This story of David starts in a concentration camp and ends him up at home. It is tension building and "they" will get him. This takes us from the concentration camp to Salonica then to Italy, Switzerland and finally Denmark. He is saved by King the dog. That was the most exciting part. A must read.

Trust
Do you know what it is like to be hunted? Or to feel the palpable hate from men who destroy everything except what is inside of you? David, from his experience in the concentration camp, simply can not trust anyone. He has to be wary because that is the only way to survive. Parts of him are so deadened inside that when he sees the beautifull it is so much more intense. This book provides a usefull insight into the experience of many that will evoke your compassion and give you some understanding of why some people who are hurt are so reluctant to ever get close again or to seek or even recognize help around them. And through all of this, David is a moral person. He knows why evil must be resisted. Excelent! ... Read more

Book Description

It's the Grouchy Ladybug's 20th birthday. To celebrate, we are introducing a new, larger format edition with brighter, more colorful pages created from Eric Carle's original artwork using the latest reproduction technology. The Grouchy Ladybug is bigger and brigher, as irascible but irresistable as ever and will surely delight new generations of readers, as well as her devoted fans of all ages. Happy Birthday, Grouchy Ladybug!

Reviews (38)

Great for all ages!
I am a mother of 3 aged 5,3 & 1 year. All three of my children love this book. They think the Grouchy Ladybug is a silly bug. They enjoy "reading" along with me because the book is so repetitive! Even my one year old sits & listens intently to the pattern. "Ya' wanna fight! " "If you insist..." "Oh- you're not big enough." Repetition is the best tool in teaching to read & Eric Carle books are PERFECT for that! The other concepts he introduces in his books such as TIME & DAYS are helpful in teaching too. GREAT WORK, MR. CARLE!

The Wonderful World of Insects
The Grouchy Ladybug is a wonderful Eric Carle book. I love his mosiac illustrations, and the moral he projects. The grouchy ladybug is mean to all the other insects that he meets. He does not want to share the aphids on his leaf with the friendly ladybug. He ends up making no friends at all, and the animals he is rude to are getting bigger and fiercer as the book goes on. In the end the grouchy ladybug ends up on the same leaf he started out on, and shares the aphids.

Note to teachers: This is a great book to introduce a unit on insects. Most students probably don't understand what aphids are, and the ladybugs feed on them. You could also incorporate all of the other animals in the text to do a unit on animals. There are so many wonderful teaching oportunities with all of Eric Carle's books, but this is one of my favorites.

Wonderful book--one of my child's favorites
This is a great book and the repetition is great for a emerging young reader. My 3 year old can "read" this book to himself and his baby sister because he can anticipate what will happen when he turns the page. He has language delays due to hearing problems when he repeated ear infections and these repetitious books that Eric Carle has done have been wonderful with slowly introducing him to language.

Repetition, repetition, repetition....
After reading The Very Hungry Caterpillar to my son enough times to have it memorized, I bought this book thinking that it would be a nice change, and expecting The Grouchy Ladybug to have a moral somewhere along the lines of Alexander And The Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day (if you haven't read that to your kids, get it). I found The Grouchy Ladybug to be repetative to the point of parental abuse. Eric Carle has good children's books, but this one was definitely not my favorite. The only thing my son has learned from it is "Hey, You, Wanna Fight?" It was okay to read once or twice, but the next garage sale, it's going to mysteriously vanish. I would suggest The Very Hungry Caterpillar instead, if you don't have it.

This book is crap
Eric Carle has done better. Read the "Very Quiet Cricket". This book is extremely repetitive and isn't really even a story so much as an excuse for the mediocre illustrations and a kind of irritating gimmick of having differently sized pages. These pages are have for my son to turn also.

I love reading real children's stories to my kids, and I don't mind some repetition (e.g., "Guess how much I love you" and "Are you my Mother?" are great...) But the ladybug keeps saying the same thing over and over and over. Yeah, I've hid the book from my kids and they don't miss it. ... Read more

Book Description

Hollis Woods has been in so many foster homes she can hardly remember them all. She even runs away from the Regans, the one family who offers her a home.

When Hollis is sent to Josie, an elderly artist who is quirky and affectionate, she wants to stay. But Josie is growing more forgetful every day. If Social Services finds out, they’ll take Hollis away and move Josie into a home. Well, Hollis Woods won’t let anyone separate them. She’s escaped the system before; this time, she plans to take Josie with her.

Yet behind all her plans, Hollis longs for her life with the Regans, fixing each moment of her time with them in pictures she’ll never forget. ... Read more

Reviews (24)

Review of "Pictures of Hollis Woods"
This book is a pretty good book. The two main characters are Hollis Woods, a twelve-year-old foster girl who was abandoned at the age of one hour, and Josie, a retired art teacher. It begins with a description with a picture entitled "X" and there are descriptions of other pictures every one or two chapters. In the story Hollis runs away from Josie to her last family that almost adopted her. Then she realizes she needs Josie and Josie needs her.
This book was pretty good, but had some rough spots, so I took one star away. I read this books first when I was ten, and it got me interested.
The book is for ages 9-12.

Wonderful Story of a Wonderful Character
Pictures of Hollis Woods is the very moving story of an abandoned girl who has difficulty fitting into foster homes and is constantly getting in trouble for running away. What we get in this novel are two narratives: one in the present as Hollis tries to fit in with Josie, an older woman slowing succumbing to dementia; and one in the form of flashbacks told through description of pictures Hollis has drawn which tells the story of the previous summer when Hollis thought she had finally found a home. Slowly, these two stories are drawn together as Hollis tries to protect herself and Josie as well as come to terms with the events of the previous summer.

All in all, Ms. Giff has written a wonderful novel. The switching between the two plots in handled well and Hollis is a beautifully drawn character. She is difficult and introverted, but she is an artist and is ultimately able to overcome her defensiveness and become part of a family--even an extended family. I would highly recommend this novel to young and old alike.

BESTBOOKINTHEWORLD!!
O my gosh. When I first read this I thought-just another BORING LAME book to read. BUT WAS I WRONG. I HATE reading, then when I had to read this book for a report~I feel in luv wit it!! All of my friends are reading it and the school ordered 3 more because so many people want it!! Man, I am such a trend setter!! Thanks for making such a good book- I recommend u read it!!