Book Description

Reviews (19)

Makes you think, and touches your heart.
Trudy (Tru) Walker is an everyday teenager. She has dreams of hosting "The Trudy Walker Show," and having fancy dinners with Brad Pitt because of its sucess. Her twin brother though, was stricken with asphyxia, and is a little less than an everyday teenager. The book, told from a diary point of view, tells of Tru's coping with the differences in her brother, and trying to survive preteen life herself. I could not put it down, and actually stayed up late reading it. :) Besides its great lesson, you can really feel Tru's emotions toward people who make fun of her brother.

The book is written in a compelling style, and really has stayed in my memory.

The book is very touching, and makes you think about bullying, and touching someone else's heart. Tru really cares for her brother, and I hope that there are other people like Tru who stand up for others, and love themselves int he process. This book is great for kids of any age, and could also do well as a read-aloud...

Touches your heart
Tru is a girl who in the beginning seems very snobby.But deep down she's terrific!She doesnt seem like she loves her mentally disabled brother-but she loves him more than anything!Along the way,the times she stands up for him,is just numerous!its a terrific book and i recommend it alot.She enters a video contest,and the winner's tape is shown on tv.Can you guess who she did it about?I have only seen the movie.And i was looking for the dvd,sadly they dont have it.BUT I WANT IT SO MUCH!I swear,i cried for like an hour,the movie rocks.Now i have to read the book.

Tru Confessions
I really like the novel. It was very descriptive with people, places, and things. It also had a wonderful selection of characters with great personalities. The explainations really caught my attention. It's excellent reading.

The best part of the book was when Tru was showing her film to her friends. I thought that it was funny how they all thought that it was borning. And Eddy was very bored except for when he saw himself.

I think that the most vivid story elements were Tru and her imagination. She just had such realistic dreams. As well as the steps she took to persue them. She had downfalls and up points. Another vivid element was the theme of the story. Tu wanted to succeed in the filming industry and that dream and theme is realistic.

Great Story
This book is so good! I love books that are writen like journal. You will love it. trus brother is handy cap but he is a good brother. You will love it if you read it.

Sad but Happy
Tru is a girl who in the beginning seems very snobby.But deep down she's terrific!She doensnt seem like she loves her mentally disabled brother-but she loves him more than anything!Along the way,the times she stands up for him,is just numerous!its a terrific book and i recommend it alot.She enters a video contest,and the winner's tape is shown on tv.Can you guess who she did it about? ... Read more

Book Description

A twelve-year-old mute boy sets off to find his mother in a blizzard, and becomes the captive of an evil woman in the Half-a-Moon Inn. ‘A suspenseful tale with archetypal characters and a haunting atmosphere. . . . The brisk pace and steady accumulation of events build tension, while Fleischman's fine writing begs to be read aloud." —BL.

1980 Children's Reviewers' Choices (BL)
Notable Books of the Year 1980 (NYT)
1980 Golden Kite Award Honor Book for Fiction (SCBW)
Children's Books of 1980 (Library of Congress)
1980 Silver Medal for Literature (Commonwealth Club of California) ... Read more

Reviews (9)

The Half-A-Moon Inn
This book is about a boy who was born mute. He has just turned 12 and his mother decided that she should go to the market without him, and she left him at home overnight. When she doesn't come back, he gets worried. He decides to go out looking for her. He gets into lots of trouble and can't seem to find her anywhere.He finds an Inn, and thinks it might help, but it only leads him into much more trouble.

The Half A Moon Inn
What 11 year old boy wouldn't want to stay home alone. I thought. Aaron has a difficult life because he is mute, and wouldn't want to be home alone.
Aaron is scared to be left alone because he is mute, and it could be dangerous for him.
I felt like if I was inside Aarons shoes because I felt sad for him when his mom didn't come back. When we read this book I thought it was a wonderful and sad novel because at the end Aaron found his mom.
I recommend this novel to everyone that will like to enjoy Paul Fleischman's stories/novels.I think that people who likes sad novels would like Paul Fleischman's stories because of his feelings.

Half-A-Moon Inn
The Half-A-Moon Inn is a great story because it teaches that everybody has to grow up soon or later.
This book is about a boy named Aaron who goes looking for his mother when she doesn't come home. This is the first time he has been home alone because of his muteness. When his mother doesn't come back on his birthday he gets worried and goes after her into the woods that are near his house. In the woods he gets tangled with a ragman and then has to work for an old lady that owns an inn. When his mother finds out that he left the house she went around looking for him and stopped in at the inn. The mother recognizes right away that one of the things the the inn keeper had and figured she had seen him.
At the part where Aaron doesn't stay at the house, I think that he should've stayed because his mother said to never leave sight of the house. I also think he should've locked the door when he went to bed worrying about his mother.
I would recommend this book to my friend who likes adventures and stories that have wicked,horrible,and terrible people in them. I recommend this boo k to her because she also likes sad and scary stories.
I like this story an,d t.hat is why I hope that whoever reads it will like it too.

The Half-A-Moon Book Reveiw
The Half-A-Moon Inn Book Review
By: Stephanie Hill

This book is a wonderful fiction story about a boy named Aaron and his first adventure alone. Aaron was born unable to speak, and his father got lost at sea. The day before Aaron's birthday, his mom left him alone for the first time. The next day a bad snowstorm arrived. The day Aaron's mom was suppose to come home, she didn't, so Aaron went out looking for her. He got lost in the woods alone. He met a ragman and got a ride to a city called Williford. Then he went to the Half-A-Moon Inn and met a lady named Miss Grackle. Miss Grackle forced Aaron to make to the fires and tend to the visitors. She took his shoes and put them in soup for the visitors. He also got all his belongings taken away. The visitors were telling the story of King Tom. He was a robber that killed people and then took all their money and belongings. Miss Grackle was a pickpocket, just like King Tom. Aaron tried to get away, but he got caught, and she whipped his feet until they were swelled and red. His mom stopped by looking for him, and Miss Grackle said she had not seen him. Aaron got really mad, and he wondered if his mom would ever come back there looking for him. Miss Grackle made soup for the visitors that allowed her to look at their dreams. The ragman stopped by and stayed a night. In the morning Aaron and Miss Grackle caught King Tom in the inn's cellar. While Miss Grackle was making fun of King Tom, Aaron slipped outside, jumped into the ragman's wagon, and off he went. The ragman never did realize that Aaron couldn't speak. After a while the ragman noticed he didn't have his money, so him and Aaron drove back to the inn. When they got to the inn his mom was there and Miss Grackle gave him all of his belongings back. His mom gave him new boots for his birthday, and Aaron and his mom hugged and hugged.
I think this book is very interesting and good, because of its adventure. I liked it when Aaron first walked into the Half-A-Moon Inn, because that's when some of the adventure started. I also liked when he went searching for his mother. I thought that was very brave of him, since it was his first time alone. The last reason I liked the book is, because of the exciting end of the book. I think Miss Grackle is a mean old stupid robber that should be in jail. I would recommend this book to a person that likes adventure books, or any young reader. Almost the whole book is about adventure, and I've never read a book like that. This book is a wonderful fiction story of adventure.

The Half-A-Moon Book Reveiw
...
I think this book is very interesting and good, because of its adventure. I liked it when Aaron first walked into the Half-A-Moon Inn, because that's when some of the adventure started. I also liked when he went searching for his mother. I thought that was very brave of him, since it was his first time alone. The last reason I liked the book is, because of the exciting end of the book. I think Miss Grackle is a mean old stupid robber that should be in jail. I would recommend this book to a person that likes adventure books, or any young reader. Almost the whole book is about adventure, and I've never read a book like that. This book is a wonderful fiction story of adventure. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A humorous story about a little boy turn hero.
My 10 year old son was diagnosed with dylexia at the end of his 3rd grade year.I ran across Josh:A Boy with Dyslexia in our local library. My son Marcus and I read it together and discovered that Josh and he share alot of the same stories.

Josh is just like any 10 year old boy except he

has dyslexia.This book answers questions you might have about dyslexia in a humorous yet

soft-hearted way. Read Josh's thoughts as he travels through his days.Everything a boy with dylexia must wonder about comes alive on the

pages.

He is a kind-hearted little boy who feels really

content and happy in his home, neighborhood and school.He knows his way around and knows who he can trust.Then right in the middle of the school year, his family has to move to a new neighborhood.

Panic!! Now Josh has new street signs to decode, new kids to break-in and a new teacher to "fool".

There is, of course, a school bully who sets out to make Josh's life miserable.He calls him "retard" and teases Josh about being in the "special" class. But, when the situation arises and the bully needs help he is forced to turn to Josh.Josh becomes a hero to his brother,his father, the police and the bully. But, most of all he becomes a hero to himself. You will finish this book with a smile.

This book is easy reading and is hard to put down. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A long needed book for young children to understand Braille.
This book was written for young children (4 to 8 years) so they can understand how blind children read Braille. In simple language and colourful illustrations it tells the story of how Oscar, a blind boy, teaches his friend Lucy how to read his Braille Book. The book is important because today when most blind children are educated in regular schools it is vital that sighted children have books they can read about blind children and how they learn. There are very few books available at this level in school or public libraries or even in print. Teachers, parents and librarians are frustrated at this lack of such materials that are available from major publishing companies.

The author fully understands the needs of the blind as her brother, Derek is blind. Unlike most she was raised in a family where Braille books, Braille writers, talking books and other assistive devices were common. Dana's brother was educated both in regular school and the Perkins School for the Blind. She also knows first hand about the difficulties that sighted children have understanding about children who are blind or visually impaired.

The bookshelves of children and libraries are full of books abour super heroes, animals, birds, monsters, sports and sport figures but where are the books about people who have special needs? It is not so much because children do not want to read about them but a lack of them being available to purchase. There is a great need for authors and illustrators to create well written books that publishers will produce. If century-old attitudes about the handicapped are to be changed then it has to start by educating young children in positive ways. ... Read more

Book Description

Available for the first time in a Yearling edition, the classic, inspiring story of a dog who triumphs against all odds, by the bestselling author of The Cay.

Helen adored her beautiful golden Labrador from the first moment he was placed in her arms, a squirming fat sausage of creamy yellow fur. As her best friend, Friar Tuck waited daily for Helen to come home from school and play. He guarded her through the long, scary hours of the dark night. Twice he even saved her life.

Now it's Helen's turn. No one can say exactly when Tuck began to go blind. Probably the light began to fail for him long before the alarming day when he raced after some cats and crashed through the screen door, apparently never seeing it. But from that day on, Tuck's trouble--and how to cope with it--becomes the focus of Helen's life. Together they fight the chain that holds him and threatens to break his spirit, until Helen comes up with a solution so new, so daring, there's no way it can fail.

... Read more

Reviews (27)

Read This Book If You Like Dogs!
The book I read was Trouble with Tuck by Theodore Taylor. It was about a dog going blind. This dog has saved his owner Helen twice now its her turn. The book displayed Liberty because Helen has the right to help her dog live. I liked the because it is exciting . Some of it was sad but I liked it. ...

The Trouble with Tuck
I read the Trouble with Tuck and it's a great book. I'm going to recomend it to my class. This girl named helen is very passionate about her dog and wants to make her dog's life easier for him because he is blind. he has saved Helen's life before, it's up to helen now. She tries her best to protecet Tuck from any danger he has to face. will she be able to help Tuck? Read to find out!!!

A Great Story of Love and Devotion.
This is a wonderful story of a yound girls love for her dog, and her devotion to making his life easier during some tring times. Helen has had Tuck since he was just a puppy, and she has loved him from the first moment she held him. When Helen and her family discover that Tuch is going blind Helen is scared for her friend and will do anything in her power to protect him and keep his with her.

Helen's love for Tuck is one of a kind, and it is the one reason I loved this book so much. I think this is a ownderful novel that was beautifully written for children, but has something in it that even adults could stand to learn. I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if this one became a made for TV movie if it h asn't already.

If you like sad stories read this
The book I read was The Trouble with Tuck by Theodore Taylor. It is about a dog that goes blind. I think the book relates to liberty. Helen has Liberty because she had a good idea and she used it when nobody else thought it would work. I liked this book because it was interesting.
By N.S.

If you like dogs, then read this book!
The book I read was the Trouble With Tuck by Theodore Taylor. I liked this book because the owner is really determined to help her dog, I like the way she thinks. This book demonstrates the core democratic value of liberty.
The Trouble With Tuck is a book about a dog that is going blind. The owner is a girl that wants the vet to do something about it. Nobody listens to her ideas. Close to the end, she gets her way. They find a way to help Tuck. Read this book and find out how! ... Read more

Book Description

A young deaf child who loves to run and jump and play is affectionately described by her older sister. ‘Can give young children an understanding of the fact that deaf children . . . share all the interests of children with normal hearing.' 'C. ‘A friendly, affirmative look [at the everyday experiences of the two sisters].' 'BL.

1979 Coretta Scott King Award Honor Book
A Reading Rainbow Selection
Children's Books of 1977 (Library of Congress) ... Read more

Reviews (3)

An Adequate Account, But Not The Best Example
As I, a Deaf adult, read this book, I found myself a bit irritated at times. It is very generalized and can be stereotypical, which I don't feel is the best example to teach a child about deafness (the whole purpose of the book). The pictures are all right, but not captivating and I'm not confident that they would keep a child's attention. As the title of my review reads, this is an adequate book to add to your library of deafness, but to stand alone as the sole example of a deaf child or deaf person...NOT recommended. :v(

Deafness as experienced by a hearing sibling
I found this book to be very useful in talking about differences and believe that it CAN be a very useful tool in developing curricula around differences and treatment of people who are perceived as "different." Perfect? No, but nicely told through the eyes of a child.

Stereotype of children who are deaf or hard of hearing.
As someone with a severe hearing loss, and also the father of a 7 year old girl with a profound hearing loss--I thought the focus of the book was too much on what the sister, who is deaf, could not do. Too stereotypical--I would NOT recommend this book for purchase. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (3)

Delves Into a Famous Person's "Dark Side"
Patrick Henry is known for his fiery cry of "Give me liberty or give me death"...but few realize the insanity of his wife or the breakdown of his family that may have set the scene for this historic remark.

In "Or Give Me Death," Rinaldi decides to have Patrick Henry's daughters, Patsy and Anne, narrate the story of their mother Sarah's decline into madness. Through the voices of these girls-dutiful older sister Patsy and rebelliously clever middle daughter Anne-readers are completely drawn into the complex issues that plagued the Henry family. The hopeless life of the mentally ill in Colonial times is vividly shown, but this novel also adeptly shows something more striking. Indeed, what readers will remember most from this novel is the timeless story of what holds a family together and what tears them apart.

Patsy and Anne both fascinatingly narrate the story. Rinaldi captures Patsy's sense of duty and stability, and convincingly portrays the pressure that she felt from her father to be the "glue" that held the family together. But even as one sympathizes with Patsy's dilemma, they will also feel for Anne. Through her eyes, Rinaldi shows how perhaps the entire Henry family went mad along with their mother and wife. Tensions resulting from secrets and grudges within the family are thoughtfully shown.

"Or Give Me Death" seems even more impressive when Rinaldi says in her author's note that although the entire story is not true, there are powerful "threads" of truth in it-enough truth that Rinaldi's interpretation could seem quite probable.

It is refreshing to find a new angle in the life of an almost-tired historical figure. "Or Give Me Death" generally makes this new view into the life of Patrick Henry's family a riveting one and one that is also filled with deftly included pieces of colonial history. Other than the seeming improbability of Sarah Henry's ability to predict the future, "Or Give Me Death" will please fans of historical fiction who want in a glimpse into a lesser-known chapter of history.

A Review from Scotchtown
As a guide at Scotchtown, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and felt that Ms. Rinaldi brought the house to life with the voices of Mr. Henry's children. The Henry family dealt with complicated issues in growing up 200 years ago just as young people must deal with difficult issues today.

Just to clarify a point, however--Sarah was not kept in the dry well. Scotchtown has a summer bedroom in the English basement, which is very typical for any 18th century Virginia home, and it is there that Sarah stayed during her tragic illness. It has windows for sunlight and a fireplace for heat in winter. Given the options that Mr. Henry had for her care and that we believe he loved Sarah very much, it was the best he could do at the time. The dry well is a completely separate structure used only for food storage. [...]

Or Give Me Death...Awesome
Or Give Me Death is an awesome book. It gives you the perspective of Patrick Henry's two daughters, Patsy and Anne. They give their opinions on their mother who hs gone crazy and is being kept in the cellar of their home and each other. Patsy takes over as "head of the household" when their mother Sarah Henry goes "crazy" and tries to drown her son Edward. She gains an overwhelming amount of power very quickly. Patsy feels Anne has been turned against her and when she realizes that one of them might have their mother's madness she becomes very worried. Anne finds out who has inherited it but she doesn't want any of her family members to know who it is. Anne talks about how hard Patsy is on her. All around it is a very interesting book that history lovers and non-history lovers alike will love. ... Read more

Book Description

The curse, the crimson tide, Aunt Flo-no matter what you call it, menstruation is often a taboo subject. Then along came Vinnie, who’s made it his mission in life to demystify periods for women (and men!) the world over. With space to chart a year’s worth of periods, the journal will help you create a detailed account of your natural cycle, as well as cheer you up with hot tips on cramp cures, hilarious quotes from fellow menstruators, and more. The snazzy vinyl tampon case is perfect for toting and protecting period paraphernalia in your purse or backpack. Take it from Vinnie: Don’t dread your monthly cycle, celebrate it! Compare notes with your pals, impress your gynecologist, and most important of all-know your flow! ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Vinnie is rad!
This book is cool. I've seen other Vinnie products in stores before, and when I saw he had a book that tied it all together - I went nuts. I've given his tampon cases and the book to friends, and even co-workers, and everyone enjoys it. Suddenly talking about your period isn't a big deal - I mean if a mono-brow dude can talk about it and make it fun, everyone can talk about it.
I don't need to chart my period because I'm so regular, but I love all of the bonus stuff - postcards, recipies, quotes from other women, and the pop-out roller coaster car. Buy this book - great gift!

Are you there God? It's me, Vinnie.
I first saw Vinnie's book in a bookstore with Vinnie's tampon case attached, and I knew I had to have it. I share a desk at work with a guy named Vinnie who handles the monthly statistics report, so he gets annoying and in the way around the end of the month.
Although I haven't yet gathered the nerve to leave the case or book lying on our desk, I have really enjoyed them both. I wish the case were bigger since I use washable Glad Rags, and have to carry both used and fresh ones. Vinnie's tampon case leaves little room for that, so I've been using it to hold tissues. The book is fabulous. I loved the different comments from women on about their periods, demonstrating the diversity of experience in something common to all women. The postcards and stickers in the book are just the sort of thing my friends have come to expect from me, and I'd hate to disappoint them.
The book is perfect for almost anyone; while informative to menstruators, it's funny enough for men and postmenopausal women. For girls just starting their periods, I'd recommend it as a supplement to another "just the facts" type of book, since the information is not basic, and the physical process and reason for it is not explained. As a taboo-buster, it's empowering to women of all ages. I knew it was perfect when my stodgy boyfriend Dave hated it.

Much better than marking up your calendar at work!
I wish I'd had this book as a teenager...but if I couldn't have it then, at least I have it for perimenopause! This book is an absolute scream and seriously useful. The tone of the text lends a delightful air of camaraderie and common-sense to a subject that has traditionally been the source of embarassment or shame for many girls. There isn't any nonsense about the Miracle of Womanhood, or what a blessing it is to have cramps, etc. Instead, the less appealing aspects of the event are treated with light humor in that "of course you get cramps, we all do, what a nuisance, but what can you do but laugh" sort of way. The tracking process also provides room for very useful notes on diet, exercise, and stress - basically, all the things that might reasonably affect your cramps, flow, etc.

Creative and somewhat useful
This is not great literature or even average comedy. This book is designed by a rather-talented cartoonist named Vinnie who is proud of his mono-brow and wants to make life easier for his female friends. The entire spiral-bound journal has each month designed as a roller coaster, and there are stickers to put on the roller coaster for PMS, first day of period, heavy flow...etc. It is really a quite creative and useful little journal, and comparing the menstrual cycle to a roller coaster is quite accurate. Besides all this, it is a great way to keep track of your cycles for that next Gyno visit!

Know Your Flow!
I've never personally tracked "my time of the month," but some women really like to do this. Perhaps it's a good way to document cases of PMS or to plan pool parties, but I suppose I never had a reason to pay attention to my flow. But now that Vinnie's Giant Roller Coaster Period Chart and Journal Sticker Book has hit the shelves (thanks to the cool kids at Chronicle Books) I may have to give my menstrual cycle its long-overdue appreciation. I've never been so proud to be a girl! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

What we can do for our child with down of syndrome?
I found all of this materials very interested because we have a daughter with down syndrome, she has 17 months she is very sweet and we love her. Thanks very much,

Mara ... Read more

Book Description

An insightful and entertaining book that teaches young children what it's like to have A.D.D. ... Read more

Book Description

Read by Elden Henson
Two cassettes / 3 hours 16 mins.

Meet Maxwell Kane, narrator of The Mighty.He's a timid soul stuck in the body of a teenage giant with size 14 shoes.Hounted by a dark secret in his past, he hides out in his basement room, avoiding the world.When a new kid moves in next door--a small, brainy boy with leg braces and a major attitude--Max's life changes forever.The two outcasts from the 'normal' world team up to become Freak The Mighty.

Like knights of old they defend the weak, right every wrong--and solve the mysteery of Max's past.Proving once and for all that courage comes in all sizes. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

a must read for my fifth grade class
After reading Freak the Mighty it will enable any teacher to use the book as a teaching tool to human kindness. It is a perfect opener to any school year as children are learning tolerance of each other.

Freak the Mighty Read the Book & Sequel
Freak the Mighty Two Young Boys that have a few problems in life.One small in size, & the other extra large. I have read the book over and over and adults and children of all ages will love it.

Listening instead of reading "The Mighty"
I really enjoyed listening to this story on cassette. This is a story about two boys, Kevin and Maxwell, who don't really fit in with everyone else. They become best friends and do everything together. Some of the story was a little slow but got a little more exciting when Maxwell's father came back to town after being in prison. He was in prison for killing his wife, Max's mother. I would recommend others to listen to this audio. While listening to the story, you kind of become part of it because you are picturing it in your mind using your imagination.

The Mighty Review
Chapters 1 and 2- The setting is in a large city. The period of time is contemparary. We meet Max (Maxwell Kane). He is large for his age and lives with his grandparents (Grim and Gram). Kevin is another new character. He has leg braces and cruches. He has an illness. He lives with Gwen, his mom.

Chapters 3 and 4- The are in the basement, but which they call the down under because it is Australia. Maxwell's illness is L.D.. L.D. stands for Learning Disabled. Kevin has to hump while going up the stairs so he can get up to the top.

Chapters 5 and 6- Max's dad they refer to him as HIM. You meet a new character Tony D., but his nickname for his gang is Blade. Blade is seventeen years old.

Chapters 7 and 8- Max and Kevin like to be called Freak the Mighty. Them put together are nine feet tall. They are planning to go on a quest to the East. The cops had to go and get them in the mud pond.

Chapters 9 and 10- Kevin goes to the doctors every few months in this Special Unit. The doctors are going to try to fit Kevin in this bionic body. Blades gang ripped off a wallet from this old lady.

It is a really good book because if you are or aren't a bully you can learn a really good lesson. You will meet new characters through out the book. Just, you might be suprised what will happen next.

Freak The Mighty
I didn't like the book Freak The Mighty. I just like it at all. It was a book that I never would have read if it weren't for our class Literature Circle. I didn't like it because it was a book that didn't have a good plot, and it jumps around alot. ... Read more

Book Description

Dreenie Douglass keeps a day-to-day journal that seems to revolve around Bluish, a girl in her fifth-grade class.The other girls call her Bluish because she looks like moonlightŠ ³So pale you can see the blue veins on her face and the back of her handsŠ²Dreenie¹s fascination with Bluish becomes all consuming, causing even her moods to be based on her interactions with the bluish girl.This obsession is a way of escape for Dreenie, who takes care of her sister Winnie and her friend Tuli. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

A novel of friendship and hope
"Bluish" is a novel by Virginia Hamilton, a prolific and multiple award-winning author of books for young readers. "Bluish" tells the story of Dreenie, a young girl who attends a magnet school in New York City with her brainy (but annoying) younger sister, Willie, and their eccentric friend Tuli. When a pale-skinned, apparently ill girl in a wheelchair joins her class, Dreenie is fascinated by her. The girl is nicknamed "Bluish" due to her bluish complexion. Dreenie begins a diary documenting her evolving relationship with Bluish.

"Bluish" is a gentle, moving novel about overcoming fear of someone who is different. The book is a hopeful celebration of childhood friendship. A nice touch is the fact that entries from Dreenie's journal are interspersed between the chapters of the novel. The book also offers an interesting perspective on the multicultural, multifaith world of NYC schoolkids; there's even a little primer on the celebration of Kwanzaa. Overall, an impressive effort from Hamilton.

Hamilton leaves me hopeful!
Sometimes children can be unknowingly mean and brutal. Virginia Hamilton's characters seem real and natural. And how real and natural for children to tease and fear what they do not know. Hamilton's characters move smoothly from at first being fearful of Bluish to knowing her, understanding her illness, and becoming protective. Although not too many unexpected twists and turns, Bluish quickly draws you into a group of very likeable characters. "Girlfren'" Tuli is a hoot. Excellent reading for 5th or 6th grade.

Isms and Others
This book is for middle school youngsters, 5th and 6th grade, although it would be appropriate for a precocious 4th grader and slower 7th grade readers. It is the story of three young girls who become friends after a very unlikely start. The title refers to the skin color of a sick young girl in the protagonist's Dreenie's class; a girl who is pale, weak and restricted to a wheelchair. All of the children, including Dreenie are afraid of the girl and try to avoid her. Later on it becomes clearer that most of them do not dislike her; instead they are afraid of her and the thought of sickness and dying.

Virginia Hamilton who has more than a few titles for young readers under her belt writes Bluish. Unlike some of her fantasy-based work, this is squarely set in contemporary New York with all the attendant urban problems we see on the news. For example, Dreenie almost jumps out of her skin while waiting for her father downstairs in their apartment building. Although she was warned not to go outside, she does just that, looking left and right for her father. Instead he comes in front of her and cautions her yet again that she has to look three ways: left, right and across. It isn't stated, but youngsters have received enough parental warnings and seen enough news shows about abduction to the author's point.

The book is written in a different type of style - it ping pongs back and forth between a journal format (Dreenie's diary) and a regular third person narrative style. While it was a bit unsettling for me as an adult to get used to the format, young people may not have as many preconceived notions of what a novel should look like. Dreenie has a younger sister she has to watch over every afternoon until her parents come home from work, again very realistic of today's world for many youngsters. The younger sister, Willie, of course irritates her big sister to no end, and makes matters worse by being an extremely bright and outspoken child. Every so often her resentment at being so responsible for her sister comes through, as it does in some of her later conversations with Natalie or "Bluish" as Dreenie calls her.

The second key figure in the friendship is Tuli, a bi-racial youngster who lives with her Grandmother and often pretends to be Spanish. Tuli is loud and energetic; highly observant of her surroundings and people and is often very needy. Sometimes so much so that Dreenie feels like she has yet another sibling to watch over. Dreenie feels as if Tuli tries to be too much a part of her family and should spend more time with her Grandmother.

Their teacher who tells them she has leukemia but is on the mend finally explains Natalie's illness. The disease requires that she rests a lot and that she sometimes vomits in class as a result of chemotherapy. Natalie is bi-racial as well with a black father and a Jewish mother who initially takes offense at her daughter's nickname, mistakenly thinking it is a crass put down of being black and Jewish. After she realizes the truth, she warms up to Dreenie and later on Natalie's family attends a Kawaanza celebration at Dreenie's house.

Natalie helps her classmates understand some Jewish traditions such as Hanukkah and brings a dreidel to class and teacher her classmates how to play the game. She also brings knitted caps to all of them saying she has lots of time resting in bed and knitting helps her pass the time. The caps are all bright and colorful and the children love them. The caps also bond them with Bluish who has to wear one all the time due the chemo-induced baldness.

This book will introduce children to a variety of "others." Sick children, the physically challenged, bi-racial youngsters and those from lower socio-economic classes. In one fell swoop, Hamilton poses a number of "isms" for young minds to grabble with, all the while writing about likeable young girls who are engaging but no goody two-shoes. Dreenie can be extremely impatient; Natalie can be aloof and sarcastic; Tuli can be narcissistic and childish. In short, they are real-life children who struggle with real issues facing young people today. Hamilton does not end with happily ever after. It is left open ended as to Natalie health. While she is steadily improving, its made clear she has a five-year window before the doctors will consider her in remission. Tuli remains poor and living with her Grandmother. Dreenie is more comfortable in her new school, but still wonders if she will truly be the intellectual equal of her younger sister. All in all, an enjoyable read that is believable and engaging.

Couldn't connect with the characters
I was really looking forward to reading this novel after having met and heard speeches from Virginia Hamilton at both NCTE and IRA National conventions. I have to say I was disappointed. I couldn't connect to the characters and even had trouble telling their voices apart. I'm sure book will do well based on her reputation as an author, but I was not impressed. Not enough development of story to use with my students.

Ordinary
The story lacked action, a climax, even a worthwhile dilema tocontemplate. Entirely ordinary considering the author's credentials.I was really disappointed. So was my nine-year-old daughter for whom I was reading it. It's a fast read because, mercifully, it's short. Tuli is the only character of interest. The two primary characters, Dreenie and Bluish are hardly worth mentioning. They didn't really come to life for me. END ... Read more

Reviews (1)

One of the best and most compelling books I have ever read!
This book is really touching. It is about a boy's who is almost deaf, and is very brave. He actually saves a person's life, despite his disability. This proves to you that anyone can do anything, if they put their mind toit. The author is an amazing woman who is actually deaf, but reads lips andspeaks very well. ... Read more

Book Description

You try not to think. You try not to imagine, but then those cracks pop up, and these flashes squeeze right through. At first, some of it's not too bad, and you get stupid, maybe even wanting a little more, but then you pull yourself together, knowing what all is likely going to ooze out if you're not careful....

Fifteen-year-old America has been nowhere, has been nobody. Separated from his foster mother. A runaway. A patient. Without love. Without hope. And, eventually, without the will to live.

Until Dr. B. steps in. To listen. To explore. And to find within America both the story and the boy who are lost. ... Read more

Reviews (16)

Sophomore effort from E.R. Frank an insight into foster care
I was introduced to the works of E.R. Frank when I read "Life is Funny" for a literature class. I liked the fresh, real voices of the various narrators and the different ethnic backgrounds of the characters, also the followups viewed from different perspectives.

When I saw that E.R. Frank had a new book out I rushed to read it. America's thoughts constantly shift between "then" and "now," so following the story and America's mindset quickly became difficult for me. His thoughts fly in all directions at once; his memories come back in flashes, then just as quickly we are returned to the present. America is a boy who admits that he was lost in the foster care system. His drug-addled mother kidnaps him from his foster mother, leaving him alone in an apartment with his two brothers without food, love, or supervision. For America it's all downhill from there--he turns to a life of crime hoping that his mother will return him to kindly old Mrs. Harper. He does get back "home," but with unforeseen results: he is sexually abused by Mrs. Harper's half-brother, and plans a drastic escape resulting in a death.

America is sent to different rehab programs and tries to commit suicide, but eventually tells the story of his past to Dr. B and slowly makes progress towards an independent life. He makes his peace with Mrs. Harper and with his guilt, along with saying goodbye to his brother Brooklyn who is at the same rehab centre. America loves to cook (Mrs. Harper taught him) and wants to become a chef once he is ready to live on his own.

Like her previous book, many of the characters attempted to narrate portions of America's life, although in third person. Perhaps it would have flowed more smoothly if the various characters were narrators of their own chapters as in "Life Is Funny."

E.R. Frank is a social worker, so she knows firsthand the difficult lives that her characters' real-life counterparts have lead. Her writing is frank and realistic. America swears frequently, including graphic sexual references, so this may not be as suitable for the classroom as "Life is Funny."

"America" is a powerful sophomore effort that reminded me of Han Nolan's "Born Blue" and "Cut" by Patricia McCormick and it does have important things to say about physical and sexual abuse, guilt, anger, finding oneself and the value of love. Frank teaches that there is hope for everyone, no matter how difficult the beginning or circumstances, and shows in America that we all belong.

amazingly realistic
This has to be one of the best books I have ever read. It's different and disturbing and I loved every page of it. This is E.R. Frank at her very best, showing the reader through her incredible writing the story of a boy named America. I read this when I was 12 so don't feel like you shouldn't read it just because you're a little younger. Read this book!

are you too weak to handle this?
This has to be the most well-written book I have ever read. This is E.R. Frank at her best, writing in a style so unique and interesting that you can't help reading this book all at once. I'm so glad someone has finally stepped out of the box and created this masterpiece. The subject is raw and harsh yes but I think we all need to be informed about it like this. How are we going to make people get up and do something about it if the topic isn't thrown in your face like that? I love this book and everyone should read it.

Best Book Ever
I read this book after reading a few young adult books that I found entertaining, but sort of pointless and repetative. When I picked up America at a book store, it looked like a good read. After I finished, I was so happy that I had bought it. America is a book that is very intense, but so interesting to read. Once you start, you will never put it down. It deals with many serious issues, and although not all teens are going through them, it is very interesting to read how this troubled boy gets through his life. I recomend it to any teens that want an extremely good read.

America IS Beautiful!
America is a great book! America is the main character. The book is the story of his life. America has dealt with so much and has to come to terms with so much. Many times America doesn't know who he is which is typical for adolescents but so much worse for him. America is named America because America thinks his father could be any man in the country. Like the country, America is a mix of many things. There is a bit of America in everyone! America IS beautiful! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Includes a "braille" page
3/24/04 author David A Adler biography of Louis Braille is written and illustrated in a way that it will appeal more to children around 6 or 7 ,due to the illustrations(the illustrations are very warm and very colorful and a little less reflective of realism).. The book also concludes with "an important dates" page as well as a full "braille page" with embossed dots.

provides a respectable understanding for visual impairment
This illustrated children's book gives children an idea of how Braille was first invented. A story of Louis Braille is told, and it shows his triumphs. The book itself doesn't use braille, but a sample alphabet is given in the back to show children who have no experience with it what it's like. For educators, this book would be an asset to the elementary classroom because young children need to be informed and aware of blindness as an exceptionality. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Freedom for the blind by using seeing eye dogs.
This book is an excellent chronical of The Seeing Eye, yet written in language a child can understand. The examples of exciting events punctuate and enliven the text. ... Read more