Book Description

In this sequel to the popular storybook WE'LL PAINT THE OCTOPUS RED, Isaac is almost three years old and Emma is in elementary school.Emma misses the adoring baby brother Isaac used to be. Now that he’s older, he’s a pain.

Emma used to be able to make Isaac laugh.He used to let her hold him without squirming.But no more.Now Isaac spits out his food and knocks down her blocks when Emma tries to play with him.Sometimes his behavior is downright embarrassing.Emma thinks Isaac would be more fun if he’d hurry up and learn some of the sign language she and her mom are trying to teach him.His slower pace is maddening at times!

THE BEST WORST BROTHER is an endearing and realistic look at how a relationship evolves between a typically developing older sister and her younger brother with a developmental disability.It also shows how sign language can help a child that acquires speech more slowly.As Emma is pleased to discover, Isaac can learn to sign, he just learns when he’s ready.

Kids and families who loved Stephanie Stuve-Bodeen’s earlier book with the same characters will want this one too.For those who recognize aspects of their own family in the story, it will be comforting to read about this "warts and all" sibling relationship.Charlotte Fremaux’s realistic illustrations are deft and colorful, appealing to a slightly older audience than the previous book’s.Text and illustrations mesh beautifully, making THE BEST WORST BROTHER a delightful tale to read at home or share at school. ... Read more

Book Description

Katy Thatcher was the bright and curious daughter of the town doctor. She was fascinated by her father"s work, and even as a child she knew that she too wanted to be a doctor. She wanted to know about people. Perhaps it was this, her insatiable curiosity, or simply the charm of Jacob"s gentle intimacy with animals large and small, that fueled their friendship. Although Jacob never spoke to her or even looked at her directly, Katy grew to understand him from the moments they spent together quietly singing to the horses. She knew there was meaning in the sounds he made and purpose behind his movements. So when events took an unexpected and tragic turn, it was Katy alone who could unravel the mystery of what had occurred, and why. A two-time recipient of the prestigious Newbery Medal, acclaimed author Lois Lowry presents a sensitive and moving story of a wide-eyed young girl growing up at the beginning of the twentieth century and the influence of the farm community around her. Through Katy"s eyes, readers can see the human face so often hidden under modern psychological terminology and experience for themselves the haunting impact of her friendship with the silent boy. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

"A Mazing" story
I just got this book from Amazon today, I read it straight through. Lois Lowry has done it again! I think this book also deserves a Newberry Award. The story is told from the point of view of Katy Thatcher, the curious daughter of a doctor, but it's really about the lives of three families, The Stoltz Family, The Bishop Family, and The Thatcher Family, and especially about Jacob Stoltz. Nowadays, Jacob would have been diagnosed with Autism (neurological disorder that affects the functioning of the brain), but in the early 1900's people just knew that he was different, but that matters little to Katy, who connects with him and feels an understanding with him. I reccomend this book for middle school and up, possibly mature fifth graders, but some of the little nuances aren't really appropriate for kids much younger than that.

"I Wonder How Lois Lowry..."
can build a whole world of the early 1900's in just 178 pages, create characters you remember long after you've closed the book, and say all kinds of important things while gently telling a story?
I loved the relationship eight-year-old Katie had with her father. We never doubt that Katie will become a doctor one day because of his patient and gentle teaching. Of course the new baby will not be found in the garden patch! It is because of his kindness and openess that Katie is able to befriend the silent Jacob.
Everything seems innocent through Katie's eyes. Taking the new hired girl from her family, the hard lesson her sister Nell, who wants to be a film star, has to learn, the fire at the mill. Even the tragic misunderstanding that puts Jacob into the asylum. Katie has taken the harsh edge from all, and left us to ponder.
But that is how I know it's a great book... How long afterward I am still pondering.

Outstanding!
I loved this book. Like Katy, I am also a doctors daughter and that is why I first read it. But when I finished it, it had me pondering over the powerful message and the beautifully crafted relashionship between Jacob and Katy. All the charachters have a sense of reality and deepness and this book had just the right amounts of innocence,realiy, and hope, just like The Giver and Gathering Blue.

great story, NOT a children's book
This is the fourth book I've read by this author, and I've enjoyed all but Messenger. (That seems like a weak retry to tell a similar story to the wonderful Giver.)

I'd say this about all her books, but most especially this one: This tale is NOT for children. I know that a lot of today's children know most "adult secrets" by the age of six or seven, but nevertheless this book is just too strong. A child who can "handle" its story line will probably be too jaded to be moved sufficiently by it, and an innocent child shouldn't be allowed to read such a haunting, innocence-destroying book. This is really an "adult" book about child characters, and at that it excels.

AMAZING
i absolutely loved this book! my 6th grade teacher handed it to me last year and i loved it so much! i read the ending over and over to myself because it was just so lovely and simple! amazing, a great read! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A great way to introduce a child to a hearing aid.
This is a book to help kids understand what a hearing aid is and why some children need one. The parents of Angie, the girl in this book, did not know she needed one until it became obvious that she was misunderstanding everything that was said to her. If a child who wears a hearing aid will be coming to your child's clasroom, this book gives a humorous introduction to what a hearing aid is and how it works. ... Read more

Book Description

At his new school or on the soccer field, all everyone wants to know is why Tomasito is in a wheelchair. His father gives Tomasito a new pet to make him smile, but this bird is a little bit different. Can Tomasito's featherless friend teach him that there's more than one way to fly? Will the cheers Tomasito hears on the sidelines ever be for him? Award-winning author and poet Juan Felipe Herrera scores yet again with this sparkling story of friendship and self-empowerment. The brilliant acrylic paintings by Ernesto Cuevas, Jr., burst off the page with sheer joy. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Edifying, Encouraging
This book has remarkable and incredible stories of girls whose lives were shambles and the Power that saved them. Unbelievable!
I was very moved and shaken by the depths of despair and the awesomeness of God!
It certainly sheds light on the scripture from John that says that "the enemy comes to steal, kill and destroy; but that God has come to give us life in abundance." This book clearly shines a light on the goodness of God and the victory through his Son, Jesus! ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (14)

"Very Touching and Intriguing!'
The Mind's Eye is a great story by Paul Fleischman. In this book, a young girl by the name of Courtney got into a terrible accident and damaged her legs. Because her mother had passed away when she was younger, she lived with her stepfather. Not getting along with him, she was stuck at Home Care while he found a new life with another woman. Although she was lonely at first, she made new friends with Evla, and old woman. Together, they pass their time by imagining about places and things.
This book was introduced to me by Faith, my best friend. After reading it, she described it to me as a very touching story that I would fall in love with. The cover also seemed to look interesting and fun so I went ahead and read it. Even the cover seemed to tell me that this would be a book that I enjoy.
One of my favorite parts were when Elva and Courtney traveled to Italy through their imaginations. As Courtney looked through the map of Italy, they pretended to travel through its museums and wonderful sites. This gave me a feeling of wonder and adventure and I felt as though I was traveling through it, too. I never been to Italy either so I got to experience it through their imagination. It was very exciting and interesting. This is a book that should be read by everyone!

Beautiful detail, frustrating & unsympathetic characters
Courtney, age 16 and paralyzed from a riding accident, isdragged into a fantasy game by Elva, her nearly blind elderly roommateat a convalescent home. Elva believes that Courtney's life is far from over and encourages her to cultivate her mind, now that her body has failed her. The two embark on an imaginary tour of Italy in the early 1900's with Elva's now deceased husband joining them. The former teacher gladly takes on a role as mentor. Courtney plays along reluctantly at first. Her bitterness leads her to imagine the beauty and symmetry of Italy falling into ruins in various scenarios. Ultimately, she learns a great deal. As does the reader. Fleischman uses Elva to quote classic poetry, plays and novels. The entire story is told through dialogue. The format is an excellent device for Fleischman's keen ear for speech as well as his exquisite sensory detail for 1910 Italy. The language of the book is lovely, from Elva's rapturous description of the architecture of the Parthenon to Courtney's learned Italian phrases. The characters felt a bit flat though. Courtney is a typical teen, stereotyped as pretty popular & tv-lovin' with superficial friends and interests. Elva was frustrating with her allusions and desire to better Courtney's mind. The design aspect of the book is particularly noteworthy. A map of Italy is superimposed on the first page of each new chapter. It enlarges as the play progresses, acting as a metaphor for Courtney's mental growth and increasing focus on Italy. An appendix of quotes (with source notes!) would have made a nice addition. This will be an excellent book for students studying Italy or the Renaissance, with curriculum connections in a variety of subjects. Perhaps a reading aloud or performance would bring the characters to life.

Perfect for an armchair traveller
Courtney, age 16 and paralyzed from a riding accident, is dragged into a fantasy game by Elva, her nearly blind elderly roommate at a convalescent home. Elva believes that Courtney's life is far from over and encourages her to cultivate her mind, now that her body has failed her. The two embark on an imaginary tour of Italy in the early 1900's with Elva's now deceased husband joining them. The former teacher gladly takes on a role as mentor. Courtney plays along reluctantly at first. Her bitterness leads her to imagine the beauty and symmetry of Italy falling into ruins in various scenarios. Ultimately, she learns a great deal.
As does the reader. Fleischman uses Elva to quote classic poetry, plays and novels. The entire story is told through dialogue. The format is an excellent device for Fleischman's keen ear for speech as well as his exquisite sensory detail for 1910 Italy. The language of the book is lovely, from Elva's rapturous description of the architecture of the Parthenon to Courtney's learned Italian phrases.
The characters felt a bit flat though. Courtney is a typical teen, stereotyped as pretty popular & tv-lovin' with superficial friends and interests. Elva was frustrating with her allusions and desire to better Courtney's mind.
The design aspect of the book is particularly noteworthy. A map of Italy is superimposed on the first page of each new chapter. It enlarges as the play progresses, acting as a metaphor for Courtney's mental growth and increasing focus on Italy. An appendix of quotes (with source notes!) would have made a nice addition.
This will be an excellent book for students studying Italy or the Renaissance, with curriculum connections in a variety of subjects. Perhaps a reading aloud or performance would bring the characters to life.

Mind's Eye
Written as a play and taking place in a convalescent home, Mind's Eye is a touching story of the bond formed between Courtney a 16-year old who recently became a paraplegic and Elva, her elderly roommate who is bedridden and almost blind. A former English teacher, Elva is an educated and spirited woman. Kept company by the likes of John Greenleaf Whittier, William Blake and Robert Frost, she colors her conversations with quotes from the greats of the literary world. Depressed over her circumstances, Elva is nothing more than an irritant to Courtney. But when Elva tells Courtney a sentimental story about her late husband, Emmett, Courtney reluctantly listens. Elva explains that Emmett had always wanted to go to Europe, but passed away before his dream was realized. Elva tells Courtney that she had made a promise to Emmett that she herself would make the journey, but she became bedridden before that was possible. She encourages Courtney to join her and her husband on an imaginary pleasure trip through Italy using her 1910 Baedeker's Italy as their guide.
With detailed accounts, Fleischman creates a lavish trip through Italy's landmarks and countryside. For Elva, the trip becomes a time filled with fond memories of her late husband. At first, Courtney uses the trip as an opportunity to exude her anger about the new condition in which she finds herself. With little enthusiasm, Courtney reads from the travel guide and butchers the language. She unpacks her bags and ventures through Italy, and at one point takes a bold move and steers the trip in her own direction. Granting herself Medusa like powers, she pretends to ruin some of the world's most prized pieces of art. But, as she begins to heal spiritually and emotionally, she gives herself an imaginary boyfriend.
Fleischman craftily uses the trip to display Courtney's remarkable journey to emotional and spiritual recovery. He fills the reader with hope for Courtney and all others in similar situations as she continues her journey with another roommate after Elva's death. Fleischman's choice to leave out Courtney's emotional reaction to Elva's death is an interesting one, which leaves something special for the reader's own imagination. While the story could be easily understood by very young adults, the references to literary works and the spirit of this story would best be appreciated by sensitive readers. The surreal cover is a perfect complement to this imaginative flight.

"Very Touching and Intriguing!"
This book was introduced to me by Faith, my best friend. After reading it, she told me that the book was very touching and that I would love it. The cover also seemed to look interesting and fun so I went ahead and read it . Even the cover seemed to tell me that this would be a book that I enjoy.
The Mind's Eyes is a great story by Paul Fleischman. In this book, a young girl got into a terrible accident and damaged her legs. She also lived only with her stepfather for her mother passed away along time ago. Not getting along with her stepfather, she was stuck at a Home Care while he found a new life with another woman. Although she was lonely at first, she made new friends and adventure. Together they enjoyed imagining about things and places.
I enjoyed this book very much. It taught me new values in life. I learned you can't learn everything about a person by when you first look at them. It was a fun and interesting book, and I laughed everytime the girl and her friend made up their imaginary friends. This is a book that should be read by everyone! ... Read more

Book Description

After Bess Brennan is blinded in a sledding accident, she must face a frightening, much-altered world.Confronted with a new set of obstacles, Bess manages to overcome her disabilities with help from her new friends at the Perkins School for the Blind in Watertown, MA, where she also learns how to read Braille.Her twin sister, Elin, assists her with recording daily events in her diary and contributes entries of her own.Set against the backdrop of the Great Depression, Bess' story will inspire all readers to be strong in the face of hardship. ... Read more

Reviews (16)

An Interesting Point of View for the Series
This is the first book in Dear America that deals with blind people. Being very interested in Helen Keller's story a few years ago, I was very eager to read this. It tells about Bess Brennan's life after the sledding accident that caused her to lose her sight. She is scared to go to a blind school at first, but as the time goes by, adjusts. Her twin sister, Elin, writes entries in her diary for her (not to mention some of Elin's own entries). This is a very interesting story, it can show others who are having a tough situation to be hopeful. Although the book is on the shorter side, I would still definitely recommend it.

Unique.
"Mirror, Mirror on the Wall: The Diary of Bess Brennan--The Perkins School for the Blind, 1932" is such an interesting book. The concept is very unique: twin sisters, one blind and one with sight, collaborate to write a diary for the blind sister. The sister with sight incorporates her emotions at the end of some of the entries as well; it's a two for one diary. I thought this "Dear America" book was such a fascinating one and should be read by all. It teaches perseverance and strength, and that we can overcome anything that befalls us. I recommend.

A Great Book
I was unsure if I wanted to read this book from the school library but when I checked it out and started reading I just couldn't put it down its the best book in the Dear America sires so far.

Bess At Perkins
This book is about a girl named Bess. She became blind in a bad sledding accident. She ran into a tree. Bess had to have surgery more than once,but it never helped. Bess's uncle said she should go to a school called Perkins. Perkins is a school for the blind. Bess belived she should go,so she could do things for herself. Bess didn't belive in havig her family do everything for her. At Perkins she shares a room with two girls. Bess does pretty good there,but she has such a hard time learning brial.There she also learns to arrange her food so she will know what kind of food she is eating. Every weekand she gets to go home. She has a twin sister. That is why it is called "Mirror Mirror". Her and her sister are mirror twins. She comes to learn facinating thing. Bess learn more about being blind,and herself. This book will make you think about what is like to be blind. It is awesome!!!!!!!

A must-read book
Bess Brennan lost her sight in a sledding accident, and is having a hard time adjusting. One of the hard things getting used to is writing in her diary, so her sister Elin offers to write down her entries for her.
But Elin isn't always there. Their parents decide to send Bess to Perkin's school for the blind, where Bess can learn to do things for herself. So Bess and Elin agree to write in her diary when she comes home on weekends.

This book is absolutely wonderful. Barry Denenburg is a really great writer.
One of the parts I liked is where all the students at Perkin's were going to do a play that came right from Barry Denenburg's other book, When Will this Dreadful War be Over. And Bess got the part of Rachel, the slightly cuckoo cousin! What a laugh:) ... Read more

Book Description

Though written more than a century ago, Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s beautiful sonnet rings true today for three young couples who believe in the power of love.

In “Night Vision,” Brett finds a way to brighten a special girl’s lonely existence. “Bobby’s Girl” features Dana, who must choose between two brothers, both of whom she loves. “Laura’s Heart,” the third story, introduces 16-year-old Laura Carson, who is hospitalized on a regular basis because of her weak heart. But when tragedy strikes a loved one, she realizes her heart is stronger than she thought and that love lives on forever.


From the Hardcover edition. ... Read more

Reviews (25)

Another smash hit !!
I have to say that I loveee lurlene mcdaniel's books. you can always expect a totally awesome, well written, heart wrenching story, although all of the endings are different.
i loved this one, "how do i love thee" with the poetry and everything. "night vision" was great, and so awesome !!i felt so bad for shayla!! "bobby's girl" was awesome! although i was surprised dana went behind her boyfriend's back, WITH his brother of all people! this one made me cry ... "laura's heart" awww this one was sooo cute ! i loved all three of these stories, i cant possibly pick a favorite!!!!

This Will Please Lurlene's Fans
I got this book for Christmas and I couldn't put it down. It was wonderful. All three stories end with part of Elizabeth Barret Browning's poem, "How Do I Love Thee." My favorite story was the first one, about a boy named Brett who falls in love with a girl who is allergic to light. The second story was good also, about a girl who is in love with her boyfriend's much loved brother, who has a brain tumor. The third story was the reason that I gave this book 4 instead of 5 stars. It was very predictable. A girl with a very weak heart falls in love with an ex-gang member. You can basically guess what happens because this is a Lurlene McDaniel book. But I liked this book.

How Do I Love Thee
How Do I Love Thee by Lurlene McDaniel had three stories in it. The first story "Night Vision" is about a boy, Brett, who moves and doesn't know anyone. He meets a special girl one night. She is severally sensitive to the sun's light. Brett wants her to feel like a regular girl.
The second story is called "Bobby's Girl." It's about a girl who is faced with a hard decision. She's in love with some brothers. What will happen when one of the brothers comes down with a disease and what if he's the one she's in love with, although she's dating his brother?
The third and last story is "Laura's Heart." It's about a girl who has a bad heart. She could easily die. But when she meets this guy she starts to feel better and be happy. But what will happen when her parents don't allow them to see each other?

BEST BOOK!
This is the best book ever. I love this book so much. I love the author to i have read almost all of her books... I just love them because i am a very caring person so i like books that show others help. they are sad books but i love the most the one last wish ones. All the books make me cry but i just love reading them and i have a friend that likes to read romance well instead of romance i read these books. I hope this helps...

How I feel about this book.
I really loved this book. I like the way I felt that I was part of the stories. It was really heart-moving and sad. At the end of each one I would cry because it fells so real. I cried even harder when I read the last few sentences of every story. this book is also romantic. I really think that you should read this book. I rate this book 100,000,000out of 10. ... Read more

Book Description

In many ways Marina and Moira are the same. They are both three years old. They both like to dress up, play with blocks, and go on the see-saw. but Marina screams when she doesn't get her own way, and is very noisy. Moira likes quiet, and Marina's noise scares her away. How these twolittle girs, one with Cerebral Palsy and one with Down syndrome, learn to play together and eventually become best friends is beautifully told in words and photographs in this wonderful book. Ages 4-8. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Learning about friendship
I enjoyed reading this book to the 1st graders at my daughter's school. The children at this age are searching for friendship but are still hesitant to embrace it when they find it. The book gave me many opportunities to talk about how Moira and Marina had problems to work out in their friendship but when they worked on it, spoke honestly to one another about how they felt, they were able to have fun and enjoy being together. The disabilities of Marina and Moira also gave the children even more to discuss about differences - not just disabilities but it let to discussions on race, color, weight, family composition, religion and other perceived obstacles to friendship.
In all, the many photos of the girls made the book interesting for the children and the flow of the story made it a great tool for discussion and learning.

The perfect book on a sensitive social subject
Illustrated with the black and white photography of Laura Dwight, Kirsten DeBear's Be Quiet, Marina! is an engaging picture book for very young children with a different look, as it tells the story of the noisy four-year-old girl Marina and the much quieter four-year-old girl Moira. Marina has cerebral palsy, and Moira has Down syndrome. At first Marina and Moira could not play because Moira was frightened of Marina's noise. But eventually Marina and Moira become best friends, in a story to be treasured. The text consists of simple sentences printed in big, bold black letters, making Be Quiet, Marina! the perfect book on a sensitive social subject for young people just beginning to learn how to read. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

This book really helped our child.
Large color photos, clearly written, appreciated by disadvantaged and non-disadvantaged kids alike. ... Read more

Book Description

That's what Annie's mother would like to do. She wants to forget the pain and heartache--and to keep it away from Annie, too. But Annie cannot forget the death of her favorite uncle, who was killed in France. She cannot forget Andrew, the angry young veteran she meets at the hospital where her father works. Can Annie find the courage to help Andrew? And will she ever be able to make sense of a war that took so much from so many?

Notable Children’s Books of 1986 (ALA)
1986 Best Books for Young Adults (ALA)
The USA Through Children's Books (ALSC)
1986 Children's Editors' Choices (BL)
1987 Children's Book Award (IRA)
Young Adult Choices for 1988 (IRA)
100 Favorite Paperbacks 1989 (IRA/CBC)
Notable 1986 Children's Trade Books in Social Studies (NCSS/CBC)
1987 Teachers' Choices (NCTE)
1986 Golden Kite Award for Fiction (SCBW)
Judy Lopez Memorial Award Certificate of Merit
1986 Jefferson Cup Award Winner (Virginia Library Association) ... Read more

Reviews (21)

After The Dancing Days
Thirteen-year-old Annie is going to the train station to meet her dad, who was a doctor in World War I, for the first time since the war ended. After seeing men who were injured come off the train with badly wounded bodies, legs and arms missing; Annie told herself she was never going to visit a hospital unless she absolutely needed to. After hearing her dad talk about the men in the hospital where he was working in their small Kansas town, Annie slowly became interested in the lives of the men her dad was taking care of. She became so interested that she started visiting the hospital. There she met Andrew who's face was badly burned. She became attached to Andrew as a good friend. There at the hospital Annie found out from Andrew about her uncle's mysterious death at battle. The book became tragic when a family member of Annie's had a heart attack.

After the Dancing Days
After the Dancing Days is a fantastic book. It is about friendship and how you should not judge people by their appearence. This book is also full of drama. Ther is also a mystery to the story. After the DAncing Dsys is filled with some facts about the war. I would recomend this book to girls seven to fourteen. I dont think boys would like it. It is more a book for girls. I would also recomend it to people who like mystery books and friendship and drama all in one. It is definatlly a page turner. At some parts i coulnt put it down didnt want to read. Usually i was glued to the page. I could have read it in one day because of the fact that you want to know what happends next but the author just leaves you hanging therefor you have to turn the page and start a new chapter. THe characters are those of who you can relate to. Annie is the main character. You will also read about uncle Paul, Grandmother and grandfather, father, mother, and Andrew the wounded soldier. Annie befriends Andrew and looks past his wounds. I liked Annie alot, she was very realistic and in a way she was a hero to Andrew. Annies mother was my least favorite character. She judges people on how they look. i did not like her actions or the way she thinks. but every book has one of those characters. Although i went on about how great the book is it does have its weaknesses. It is kindof hard to get into because the begining is really slow. but it speeds up and becomes very exciting.

My opinion on After the Dancing Days
After the Dancing Days is about a girl who is dealing with the death of her uncle,the war, and her father being away helping the doctors at war. When her father finally arrives, her life starts to change. She cannot stop thinking about all of the wounded soldiers. As the weeks go by she learns to manage her thoughts and keep up with her ever-changing life.

I loved After the dancing Days. It was very interesting to see a girl about my age going through so much and handling it so well. It is also very inspiring to me because of the fact that she is so strong spiritually and emotionally.

The war brought a great deal of depression to the family,not to mention the rest of the country. When everything starts to get worse,she loses a good friend who helped her through the whole time. I thought the book was really good and great for anyone who likes to read.

5 STARS AREN'T ENOUGH
I admired this book. Annie lives with her mother and father. WW1 has just ended, and Annie's father is a doctor at a hospital for wounded soldiers. During the most wonderful summer of her life, Annie meets Andrew, a war veteran. He was one of her father's patients; one of the wounded soldiers. At first, Andrew is sharp and mean, but slowly the two grow into dear friends. Andrew even helps Annie find out more of the mysterious death of her uncle. I loved this book so much, that I would rather give it 10 stars!

After the Dancing Days By Margaret I. Rostkowski
After the Dancing Days is a heartwarming story that accurately depicts historical events. The author gives readers an accurate picture of what the war was like, how the soldiers felt, and what life was like after the war. In addition, all of the characters behaved true to the time period. The history of World War I and the years following the war is revealed through the eyes of young Annie, the main character. Annie is a very dynamic character who changes throughout the story. At the beginning of the book, she is portrayed as a typical young girl, enjoying child-like activities. Throughout the book, Annie matures and enjoys the company of a twenty year old soldier over the company of children her own age. This story was told in the first person enabling the reader to know how Annie felt and how she changed. After the Dancing Days is a great story for middle school or high school students learning about World War I. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (4)

Breaking the "Sound Barrier"
As a music teacher I was really excited to find this book. It combinds two seperate worlds into one. Sometimes deaf or hard-of-hearing students never get to experience the world of music, but this book is GREAT at introducing them to music and a famous, deaf, musician. I really like this book and would recomended it to any teacher to help implement music in their deaf ed. class.

"Moses Goes to a Concert" fascinates 1st and 2nd Graders
My children loved this book. They have just started to read independently, and I enjoy watching them read and watching their hands move as they easily follow the drawings for signed words. They are fascinated with it, and I think the motion as well as reading makes it even more enjoyable. The story is entertaining, and the use of a balloon or stocking feet to feel sound vibrations is very clever.

We are not part of the deaf community, but books like this one will help to build a positive attitude in my children toward the deaf community.

Including Deaf Children in Deed -- Not Just Word
Moses' deafness does not prevent him from enjoying a concert nor impede his communication with his classmates; they are deaf too. Their ideas flow freely among each other in American Sign Language. Afterwards, they interact spiritedly with the deaf percussionist who bears more than a passing ressemblance to Evelyn Glennie, the true-life celebrity deaf musician. While the kids have a stimulating field trip, we see that where there is language (no matter the form) and understanding, deafness is no disability. In fact, they go confidently into a domain one would think a bastion of hearing people -- the concert hall -- both as patron and star performer. Could the lone deaf child struggling in an all-hearing school have it this good? With light-hearted watercolor illustrations, this book is a uniquely positive portrayal of deaf children, at home in the "hearing" world and with themselves. Destined to be a watershed work, it may very well be the only juvenile trade book currently on the market addressing deafness without obliging the protagonist (of any age) to be an isolated individual in a social sea of moving lips, bereft of the playful and loving relationships many deaf children enjoy in a portable environment where signing is the preferred means of communication.

FOR ANYONE WHO KNOWS A DEAF/HEARING IMPAIRED CHILD.
Parallel to the story of a teacher taking a class of deaf students to a symphony performance, is a cartoon-strip of the main character showing sentences in the manual alphabet. The percussionist is also deaf and shows the students the instruments after the performance. Readers will discover how "normal" life can be for this segment of our disabled population and they will enjoy learning sign language words like balloons and vibrations. This is especially useful for teachers and parents to encourage hearing students to accept and interact with hearing impaired peers, cousins, etc. A wonderfully innovative book. We need more like this. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (5)

A gentle Christmas story.
This is such a gentle, old-fashioned little book that it is a small miracle it's still around. It's about Jamie, a mute boy who lives with his sisters and widowed father in the hollows of Appalachia. The boy feels like he can't do anything and isn't special in any way, until Christmastime, when a teacher offers him a chance to be a shepherd in the school Christmas pageant. This is the most exciting thing that has ever happened to him. But then the pageant is cancelled because of a blizzard, destroying his dream.

In the end, a poor, traveling couple appear. The woman is about to have a baby, and they are looking for any place, even a barn, to spend the night, but so far no one has had any room for them (Sound familiar?) Jamie's family gives them shelter, the woman has her baby, and finally Jamie gets his chance to be a shepherd -- he shows up in costume to bring the new baby a gift, and to speak his very first words. A Christmas miracle!

One of the things I love most about this book is the fact that Jamie is far from a perfect little boy, but the author obviously loves him and makes us love him and recognize that his anger and tantrums come from frustration over his handicap. No one yells at Jamie and tells him to behave. They find ways to help him behave. There is a Christian spirit of love and generosity coursing through Rebecca Caudill's portrait of this child.

An earlier reviewer was offended by how "unrealistic" the ending seemed. I don't think that's really true. Early in the book, Jamie's father talks to a doctor, who tells him that Jamie is physically capable of speaking, but he needs help learning to do so, help the family can not afford. Jamie's inability to speak seems to be more a matter of trauma (his mother died giving birth to him) than anything physical, and so it does not seem remotely unrealistic for him to be healed when something in his life gives him a sense of importance. He simply has to speak to this miraculous child!

But more than that, this is a Christmas story. And if we can't make room in a Christmas story for miracles, when can we?

Family Favorite
This book is a family favorite. We read it aloud nearly every Christmas, along with "A Christmas Carol," "Gift of the Magi" and "Whistlin' Dick's Christmas."
I can never read it without choking up, and my kids end up finishing it for me. A real heart-warmer.

I bought 8 copies for friends
this is a great story .... I read it to the Rotary Club members several years ago and all felt the Spirit of Christmas.

a great christmas story of faith
this book has been an annual christmas favorite with my 11 children. It teaches a strong message of patient waiting for prayers to be answered.The young boy is unable to speak but through his father learns how to love others as the Savior would. The story of the Nativity is acted out through a young couple in need on Christmas Eve . Because of faith and the Fathers concern for others two Christmas miracles happen in the valley that year. A great book to teach others to remember Him at Christmas time.

Little Truth, but much warmth
Although this book is sweet, it is not plausible what happens in the end. The book creates a setting for a young boy who is not able to talk, who is suddenly able to speak after six years of silence. The book portrays a Christmas story. I would not use this in my classroom, only because it is so unreal. Being a special education major has made me see that a book about a child with a disability needs to be straight forward. These children are just like anyone else. This book, however, does not show that and seems unreal. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

A dissppointment
Our neighbor across the street has a little girl with downs syndrome and my daugther who is 4 has started to notice that she is different from her. I wanted to get her a book that showed someone with downs syndrome doing real things so that I could use it as an example. Unfortuntately the pictures are so far away that you don't really get to see Russ. It would have been better if there were some closer photographs.

I LOVE RUSS!
This is a terrific book about a little boy with DS who visits his uncle's firehouse in Chicago. The story is simple and clear. The photos are lovely. The actual story never mentions Russ' DS which I think is just the way it should be. He's just a little boy visiting a fire house, however, kids with DS will be excited to just see him in the photos and other kids will benefit from what I can only describe as his "normalcy". I purchased this book initially because my own son, who is almost 3, has DS. He really loves this book and it has become one of our regular story books. Which puts it in the ranks of classics like Brown Bear, and Goodnight Moon at our house. Russ is just a little boy who gets to help out around fire engines one day. What kid wouldn't want to do that!

Russ spends the day at a firehouse
I'm such a fan of books from Woodbine House! My kids love this series of books about a boy named Russ, especially RUSS AND THE FIREHOUSE. I think it's wonderful that Russ has Down sydnrome and the book doesn't even mention it. It just shows Russ as a regular kid, doing regular kid stuff. Any child who likes fire engines will love this tour of a real firehouse. We have the first book in the series, RUSS AND THE APPLE TREE SURPIRSE, and we hear that there is a new one coming out soon. Looking forward to it! ... Read more

Book Description

It is a cold, snowy Christmas Eve on Mill Street, and little Frances Rosalie yearns to begin the celebration. But not without Uncle Ambrose. Every year it is Uncle Ambrose who makes Christmas sing, with his eloquent fiddle and his songs about angels.But as evening wears on with no sign of him Francis Rosalie fears that he may be in trouble. The snow can be deadly for a man with a crippled leg, and even Ambrose's warm heart and fiery spirit are no match for the driving wind and cold. "Oh God, please take care of Uncle Ambrose!" prays Frances Rosalie. It seems that nothing short of a Christmas miracle will bring Ambrose safely home. But who would have guessed that that miracle would be a great, black dog? Frances Ward Weller and Robert J. Blake, author and illustrator of Riptide, team up again to create a most unforgettable angel in this enchanting Christmas tale. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A Wonderful Tale Told Compellingly
This is fantastic Christmas tale (although I would read it anytime of the year) about a mysterious and elusive Newfoundland dog who saves a disabled man in a snowstorm and then disappears on his way. I agree with the other reviewer that it is certainly a real "tearjerker" but in a wonderful "power of miracles" way. The most compelling thing about the book is that the text depicts the story of the man's family awaiting his arrival on Christmas Eve, while the pictures show what is actually happening to him on this dangerous, stormy night. The art is fantastic and I find new details during every reading. My thanks to author, Frances Ward Weller, and illustrator, Robert J. Blake, for such a fabulous work.

A touching Christmas story
My five year-old daughter likes to pick out books that make mommy cry "happy tears"-- and this is one of them. Beautiful illustrations tell the story of Uncle Ambrose struggling home through a harsh storm on Christmas Eve, while the text tells the story of the concerned young neice waiting at home for his return. Uncle Ambrose's miraculous rescue inspires hope and belief in the miracle of Christmas. After drying our tears we read it again and again, watching the illustrations to find that someone watching over Uncle Ambrose. ... Read more

Book Description

The doctor's diagnosis for April Lancaster is not good. April has a brain tumor which cannot be operated on. She's only 18, and her future is uncertain. But when she meets Mark Gianni, a 21-year-old with a passion for car racing, things change.

Mark is handsome and charming--and has cystic fibrosis. Despite herself, April falls completely in love with him. Aprilsays yes when Mark asks her to marry him. But a racing accident aggravates Mark's CF, and April must make a decision that will change the course of her life forever. ... Read more

Reviews (72)

A very touching story by Lurlene McDaniel
The story begins when April Lancaster is in the hospital for constant severe headaches. She meets a man named Mark Gianni, who has cystic fibrosis. He immediately likes April when he first sets eyes on her. But April is hesitant because she already has a boyfriend, the soccer coach from her school. Meanwhile, April learns that she has a reoccurrence of what happened to her five years ago, an enlarging brain tumor. She undergoes treatment while seeing Mark more and more. She goes out with him to restaurants, to the car races that he drives in, etc. They fall deeper in love as time goes on. Soon, April finds out that her tumor is dormant but the treatment hasn't shrunk it at all. She is deeply upset but Mark is the only one who can help her. He asks April to marry him and she agrees. But will their dream of living a "normal" life together come true? Read this very touching and well-written story to find out. It was one of the best books I have read.

One Of The Best
This was the first book that I read by Lurlene McDaniel, and I picked it up totally by chance. But I am so glad I did. If you're reading this review right now, you probably know a little something about Lurlene McDaniel. First of all, her books are tearjerkers, there's no way around it. But they are extremly well written and make you feel almost every emotion known to man. And they are touching. So reader, you know Ms. McDaniel, and my advice to you is read this book. You'll laugh, you'll cry, and you fall completely in love.

If you liked this book, try Don't Die My Love, Saving Jessica, The Girl Death Left Behind, all the One Last Wish books and The Legacy: Making Wishes Come True- all by Lurlene McDaniel

If you're a romantic teen like me, I suggest all of Julie Garwood's books Whitney, My Love; Paradise; Until You; Almost Heaven; Perfect by Judith McNaught The Heiress by Jude Devoraux All of Amanda Quick's (AKA Jane Ayne Krentz) books

Happy Readings :)

This was an amazing book
It was so sad that in the end i cried. I know what its like to loose someone close to my heart and it made i easier to relate to this book. The book kept me wanting to know what would happen to April and Mark. It showed me that it's just as hard fo other people to go through hard times.

GREAT!
This was a great book. Speaking as a teenager, this book is great. It is a romantic, yet sad book, but you cannot put it down once you start! It is a GREAT book.

A Great Book!
Lurlene McDaniel is one of the best authors I have read. One of the best books I have read by her is called "Till Death Do Us Part". This book was a very emotional book. McDaniel did a great job at making everything come togather in the end. During this book April is diagnosed with a brain tumor, that is inoperable. While all this is going on she meets a guy named Mark. Mark has cystic fibrosis. She and Mark start hanging out and going places togather. Pretty soon April starts falling in love with Mark. A couple of months later they get engaged. One day Mark got in a serious accident, that could change both their lifes forever. ... Read more