Reviews (8)

Can't wait for Monkey
Bought this book for my daughter.She couldn't put it down and finished it in one day.I asked her to "pass it on" to a friend she told me "no way".I snuck a peak at the first chapter before handing her the book and found it to be immensely enjoyable.

Whew!Exciting!
Tiger, Jeff Stone's children's adventure story, is the first of a series about five young warrior monks in 17th century China.

The cover has a powerful illustration and raised lettering of the Chinese characters for tiger. It's a "wow" book from the cover to the too-quick ending.

Author Stone paints some amazingly clear pictures of these young monks and their kung fu fighting. I felt like I was in the midst of every fight, and in every perilous predicament.

Fu, also known as Tiger, is 12 years old, like his four monk brothers. They survive an attack on their secret temple by an evil 16-year-old monk. When Tiger and the other young monks realize that everyone has been massacred, they know they must hunt down and regain possession of the temple's scrolls. Why? The scrolls contained special kung fu fighting techniques only known to those monks.

Each monk takes on the persona of his corresponding animal, and future books in the series will be called Crane, Monkey, Dragon and Snake. Young readers will enjoy the energetic fight scenes, the young monk's cunning, and most of all, their commitment to each other and their grandmaster.

Children who are involved in the martial arts will immediately become fans and will love every moment in this page-turning book. I can't wait for the next one due in September 2005.

Warning from this reviewer: It's been eons since I've read to a child, or been involved in their video games, so I don't know what level of violence is acceptable. I was a bit taken aback by the graphic violence in the book. It is geared to 8-to-12-year olds but I think it should be 10-12.

If You Like Kung Fu and Humor, Read This Book
This is the first book of the series "The Five Ancestors."

The book is about five orphan boys who live in the secret Cangzahen temple that teaches monks the martial arts of their animal style (like hawk or dear).Those boys are the youngest masters of their animal style.Those are: Tiger, Monkey, Snake, Crane and Dragon.Their names are: Fu, Malao, Seh, Hok and Long.When ex-monk Ying destroys the temple, the grandmaster tells the boys to retreat and find out about their life, right before he and all the other monks die.

This book is good for people who like Kung-fu action and humor.I recommend it for kids 10 and older.

Tommy

WOW!!!
I bought this book for my son, and he wouldn't put it down! He finished it in just over a weekend and is already eager to read the next installment. What an exciting adventure!

Kids loved it!
Very action oriented book!Lots of Kung Fu, a little bit of blood and gore, bit of fantasy (animals behaving in sympathy with humans) a litte (not too accurate) culture thrown in, definitely some mystery and good vs. evil.My 10 year old read it and REALLY loved it...he can't wait for the next book to come out. Consider that very sensitive children might be bothered by multiple deaths and violence.Resistent readers may be inspired by this book with very appealing characters and a clear sense of conflict re: obeying, thinking for oneself, appropriate use of violence. ... Read more

Book Description

Kids love karate, they also love to color. With that in mind, I have created the first coloring book dedicated to the martial arts. It is designed to appeal to children 2-12 years old. All pictures are of martial artists and scenes. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great book,
Very good Karate book, if your children like Karate , they will love this coloring book! I looked all over for a coloring book like this, and glad I found this one. ... Read more

Book Description

Todd Bannister has it all: a fastball made for the majors, scouts lining up at his door, a beautiful girlfriend, and his best friend Paulie-his number one fan.It seems nothing can stop the bright future that lies ahead. But all it takes is one line drive-and Todd takes it square in the face, and loses an eye.Things are different now. Will Todd have the strength to give up his old dreams and move on?Will Paulie? Scott Johnson weaves a masterful tale about what happens after the big game in this engrossing coming-of-age story. ... Read more

Reviews (16)

Stepping Up to the Plate for Todd
Todd Bannister, star pitcher of Edgeville High's baseball team has it all.Agents and scouts court him; he has a bright future in baseball, so it seems.

Todd's career is sidelined when he is hit in the eye by a baseball.The eye trauma is so extensive that he loses the eye and, he believes his future in baseball.

His friend Paulie won't let him give up.He sticks by Todd through thick and thin, even when Todd's depression leads him into making rash decisions such as drinking at unsupervised parties.Todd loses his abrasive girlfriend Melissa during his long convalescence and the pair re-evaluate their relationship.

Todd has plenty of time to think.Baseball was the focus of his life and Paulie's, too.Paulie is the satellite who revolves around Todd; it is in fact Todd's encouragement (and trickery) that got Paulie on the baseball team.An avid Tabletop fan and baseball statistician, Paulie's relationship with Todd appears to be only focussed on one thing - baseball.As Todd recovers mentally and physically from his traumatic injury and psychological repercussions, he encourages Paulie to be more than his personal go-fer.Paulie also copes with some major decision making and evaluation.

This is an excellent book that attests to the power of friendship; the love of baseball; team cooperation and taking that team cooperation off the diamond and far beyond.This is an author to watch out for!

A TRUE REVIEW
I liked this book, but I was disappointed with the ending. I won't say what happened (read it!), but it certainly wasn't what I expected. I also thought that since the plot of the book was about Todd, that it should be written in his point of view, not Paulie's. As an overall book, I would definitely recommend it. I really liked the baseball part of it and I liked the way the author could make you feel the character's emotion. I thought this was a pretty good book.

What a book!
Pitcher Todd Bannister is the best high school pitcher in the United States. His best friend Paulie, also his number one fan, tells the story of this major league bound player and how it came abruptly to an end when a line drive smacks him right in the. The ball hits square on the eye, the coach rushes him to the hospital, but it turns out there is nothing they can do to help it. The only thing they can do is put in a glass eye. Will Todd find the strength to ever pitch again? And what will Paulie do if Todd doesn't make the majors?

This book really freaked me out. I wondered if Todd would ever pitch again. I wondered what Paulie would do because he based his whole life around Todd. I wondered if Todd and Melissa would ever get back together. So many questions were flying through my head. I just couldn't put the book down. Todd eventually goes back to school, but it's not the same. People look at him a different way. People hold doors for him, they let him walk into class first, and they just let him have a whole bunch of special privileges

This book reminded me of the movie, "The Rookie". "The Rookie is about a 40 year old man who tries to make a comeback so he can play in the major league. "Safe at Second" is about Todd Bannister, the best high school pitcher in America, and how he gets hit in the eye by a line drive. Both Todd and the 40 year old man have to deal with some sort of setback. Todd has the problem of only being able to see out of one eye while the 40 yr. old man has the problem of him being old. Both try to make a comeback. Todd fails, but the 40 yr. old succeeds.

I picked this book because of my love of sports, especially my love for baseball. Every year, I can't wait for opening day. The sound of fastballs hitting the mitt and the yell of the crowd after a walk off home run just brings baseball fever to me. When I read the book preview, I was immediately sucked into the book so much that I couldn't put it down. I loved the party scene (it was hilarious). I would suggest this book to any baseball fan.

On a scale of 1-5 I would rate this book as a 4. The story of the book was really great but some of the language is not for young children. I can completely relate to this book because like Todd and Paulie, I'm learning about drugs and how they affect you. Todd's try at a comeback was really cool to read about, but it was also interesting see how Paulie had to switch lifestyles because he had always based it around Todd. It goes to show you, don't base your life around one thing because if something happens to that one thing, what else do you have to jump to.

Safe at Second
In this report you will read what I a, high school senior, felt about this book. I will tell you what the pros and cons were in the book. I will talk about the characters, what they were like and how they were a part of the book. I will tell you their significance but I will not tell you the ending. I will give you my prediction and personal view on the book. So, with no further delay, let's begin this epic journey of the book "Safe at Second" by Scott Johnson.
This book was about a boy named Todd Banister. He had everything going for him. He did well at school and was a sensational ball player. He had scouts for major universities and ball clubs like the Reds and other professional teams interested in him. He had a best friend named Paulie Lockwood and a girlfriend named Melissa. Todd had everything until one day he was hit in the face with a line drive and lost an eye. Now that everything has drasticly changed will he have the strength and determination to pitch again? How will his friends react when the only one who believes he can pitch again is his best friend Paulie. So to find out the end to this epic journey you must read this book.
This book has a great plot and draws you to in right from the beginning. The book has a great moral dimension and the excitement and suspense never lets up. The characters can be related and are well developed. The plot is well developed and the climax occurs at the right point. The parents in the book are like real parents, concerned and responsible. The characters work well for high schoolers going through the same tough decisions. This is a well-written book.
What really didn't work well was the ending and how it leaves you hanging. If the author comes out with a book that continues from where he left of that would be great. So, the only thing that was a disappointment was the ending. The ending leaves you begging for more so that was the only low point.
My personal opinion this was a great book. This book was great for sports fanatics and people who like good books. This book shows and proves that anything can happen when you put your mind to it. So, as one student to another, this is a great book.

"Safe at Second"
Safe at Second on a scale of 1-5, it was a 4. It was about a boy, Paulie Lockwood, and hisbest friend, Todd Banister. The main point is, basically how far a friendship goes, and what to do with your future. Todd, a senior in high school, is an All-Star baseball player. Paulie, a jr. in high school, plays {he isn't that good} but he mainly follows Todd. Todd is being offered scholarships and MLB {Major League Baseball} contracts. Paulie is going to be alone when Todd leaves. The problems have to deal with tragedy, feelings, and mind/emotions. Out of the corner of my eye I saw it, and heard the two sounds almost together. The solid ping of the line drive off the bat. Then the ugly chunk, as the ball smacked into Todd's face and jerked his whole head backward. From all around the field I heard one loud, sharp gasp. I stampeded over with everyone else. Todd had landed hard on his right shoulder, and now, sprawling halfway off the mound, he looked as still and lumpy as an old duffle bag full of bats. Some of the guys on the field got to him first, and as I came up, one of them, Wayne Linder, turned away, his face white and sickly. I eased passed him to get closer. "He's okay," I heard myself whisper, and kneeled down behind him to put my hand half around his left shoulder. "He's all right." That was when he screamed. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A Must Have Iditarod Book
Debbie Miller's masterful retelling of the Serum Run, which saved the children of Nome, Alaska from a deadly diphtheria epidemic in 1925, goes well beyond the facts of this heroic team effort. The Great Serum Run: Blazing the Iditarod Trail includes well-researched factual information, reference tables, maps, and photographs. Miller's narrative comes alive as she skillfully interweaves many little known fascinating details of how the mushers and their dog sled teams endured their individual treks from Nenana to Nome in such deadly weather conditions. The story behind this famous dog sled team relay was inspiration for the world famous "Last Great Race," the Iditarod. Jon Van Zyle, the official Iditarod artist, complements Miller's text with vivid, captivating illustrations. Readers of this book will gain a sense of the unbelievable accomplishment of these dog sled teams. People of all ages will treasure this book. The Great Serum Run: Blazing the Iditarod Trail should be included as a first resource for teachers interested in providing thought provoking discussions about the Iditarod, teamwork, and man's interaction and dependence on animals.

About the Reviewer: Ann Morgan has taught lessons about the Iditarod in grades 2- 6 for the last 18 years, and is currently teaching at Chatham Middle School, Chatham, Massachusetts. In 2000, she was in Alaska at the Iditarod and acquired first hand knowledge of the race by following the mushers and dog sled teams with her own bush pilot from Anchorage to Nome.

A book worth reading for children & adults
Debbie Miller did a great deal of research before writing this book, so though it is written for children, it is a great account for all to read. I would highly recommend it to readers of all ages who are interested in dog teams and their important role in Alaska. This is the best and most acurate telling of the story of the serum run to Nome in 1925 which I have ever seen. It is a children's book in that it explains what happened from the viewpoint of children. Beyond the story, there are facts presented in the back of the book. Jon Van Zyle is a popular artist, but I did not feel that his oil paintings for this book were all that great. ... Read more

Book Description

Award-winning author Walter Dean Myers presents the amazing story of Muhammad Ali¹s childhood, his rise as a champion, his politics, and his battles against Parkinson¹s disease. Packed with dramatic black-and-white photos, this critically acclaimed biography is the perfect choice for both young adult sports fans and fans of Walter Dean Myers in general. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Determination + Talent = Champion
Muhammed Ali may not have been the biggest, meanest boxer of all time, but he definitely has to be one of the most determined athletes ever to set foot in a ring. That is why Myers, like Ali himself, refers to the boxer as "the greatest." Through easy reading, Walter Dean Myers paints a picture of what life was life for working class blacks in the near South (Louisville, KY) in the 1950's. He describes the fighters who came before Ali (the heroes like Joe Louis and Archie Moore), and goes into detail in describing both the person and the boxing style of Ali's opponents--Floyd Patterson, Sonny Liston, Joe Frazier, George Foreman and others). Of course, Myers also details the mental strategies and physical competency of Ali. It is here that the reader realizes that much of Ali's game was fought outside the ring, with not only his next opponent, but with the press, the public, and the government. The subject of the war in Viet Nam, the military draft, the Nation of Islam, the skewing of the military to induct more minorities, and the subject of 'conscientious objection' are all handled in an introductory fashion, which will give young readers a sense of the social history of the period without the ho-hum of a history book. Walter Dean Myers' book, The Greatest, also dissects the boxing industry, where young talent is often beaten to a senseless pulp for the sake of audiences, public approval and a very few dollars. I have already recommended this book to several students who think a career in professional athletics could be within their grasp. Myers does an excellent job of conveying the fact that the young boxer from Louisville was the greatest in his determination to win, not because of his physical ability, but because of his mental agility. The one negative trait of Muhammed Ali which Myers noted was the way he insulted his opponents. His vicious slurring of his competitors, especially some of the black fighters, set the stage for the trash-talking which is now rampant in sports, professional and amateur, alike. He may have been first in a long list of other traits, but this one is nothing to be proud of. It was the beginning of a very negative type of competitive spirit which has now permeated sports, school, music, and the very fiber of today's society. This book will intrigue a variety of students in middle school. It is easy to read, with enough black and white photographs and large page margins to attract even reluctant readers. The book includes an Index (very small print); a list of Photo Credits; a Bibliography; and a Fight Chronology. It is a good introduction to what actually goes on in professional athletics, and appropriate for students, grade 5 and up.

THE GREATEST MUHAMMAD ALI
The book"THE GREATEST MUHAMMAD ALI" is one of the best books ihave ever read. When I first read this book I coudn't put it down. this book only took me a week to read and also you get information you never herd of like I never knew that Muhammad Ali's real name is Cassius Clay. When Muhammad was young he used to get beat up and his bike was stolen. After he got beat up he started taking boxing lessions. He lost most of his boxing matches when he was young. In the book you lean about others like Joe Louis and Sugar Ray Robinson Ali never misted a practus. The reason I liked the book is because I took boxing lessons and now Iknow how to protect myself if I need to. Also you get good information on the boxers Ali's life. In the book they say that Ali has skills of most of thebest fighters that ever lived.Reading this book helped me change the way I look at things like the way I treat people andto be tough competitor at sports I play. It also helped me see how his life was as a African American boxer. I'm glad I found this awesome book to read because it made me want to be a boxer.

A Great book
This story is a portrayal of a young boy named Cassius Clay who grows into one of the greatest boxer's of all time. Walter Dean Myers presents the amazing story of Ali's life and his rise as a champion, his politics, and his battle against Parkinson's disease. It is a story of determination, energy, pride, and strength. From a daring young boxer with disease, Myers covers Ali's life with prowess and honesty. Ali's accomplishments, both in and out of the ring, present him as a man of principal, willing to take risks to achieve his goals.
Ali was a young man with a lot of boxing talent who grew up in Louisville, Kentucky. Raised by his grandmother, Ali possessed a work ethic of none other. Although Ali was a great fighter, racism and disouragement made it hard for Ali to achieve his goals.
If tou choose to read The Greatest you will experience fast paced action, crisp writing, photographic events and personalities, and vivid fight scenes. Ali followed his heart and became a symbol respected by all races, religions, and ideologies. Ali was the world heavyweight champion four times and may be the greatest boxer ever to step foot in the ring.
Delving into the civil rights and the Nation of Islam, Concientios objector status during the Vietnam war, and the danger of boxing. Myers presents a man of courage and inspiration. The story gets in depth with Ali's fight against Parkinson's disease and how he fought in the ring. "Float like a butterfly and sting like a bee" was Ali's famous line. He was well known for his cocky attitude and he was also the center of attention.
Ali's story is a great one, thus, that is why he is the greatest. I would reccommend this story for anyone to read, it is really a great book.

Perfect For A 13 Year Old & Under
This is a perfect book for a kid 14 or 13 years old and younger - it's a fantastic introduction to Muhammad Ali - I just bought it for my friends son - he's 12 - not that familiar with Muhammad Ali - just a basic knowledge of the myth and legend - he knows "Float Like a Butterfly - Sting Like A Bee!"

This is a great way to show a youngster that in addition to being the Greatest Of All Time that he was (and is) one of the most influential, courages and important figure of the 1960's and up -

It gently shows and explains the race issues of the 60's without overwhelming a child or blasting it in their face - it's very difficult for a kid these days to understand that as little as 40 years ago (which is actually life times to a kid) that if you were black then you had to sit at the back of the bus - or couldn't drink from certain water fountains or had to "know you're place" and how Muhammad Ali shattered that mold - I'm hoping that this actually creates a dialogue with parent and child - anyway - it shows Muhammad as the Champ both in and out of the ring.

The book goes over some of the famous fights and rivalry's - from Liston to Frazier - once again I found myself excited about the blow by blows of these fights - no matter how many times I read it I'm just awe struck about the Rumble in the Jungle -

I highly recommend this for any child as a great introduction to The Greatest Of All Time - Muhammad Ali!

Not the Best
The Greatest Muhammad Ali written by "Walter Dean Myers" tells you about how it was for a black man to grow up in the racism and be successful. He did so well all over the world that he got respect from the white crowd. It tells you all the struggles he had while he was fighting and how he went from Cassius Clay to Muhammad Ali; also how he took it when he got Parkinson's disease. This man was a phenomenon in boxing and you learn that by reading this book. I would not buy the book but get it for a little while from the library. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

A Magical Book for All Ages!
This is the kind of children's book that comes along rarely (and usually wins awards when it does...). The black-and-white pencil illustrations are astonishing. The young boy's face is literally lit from within -- something that would seem technically impossible with such a simple medium. And the story is pure magic. I gave the book to my husband (a big baseball fan) and he couldn't get past the first page without tears in his eyes, remembering his first visit to Fenway Park. But you don't have to be a baseball fan (or a man!) to cherish this story about a young man and his magic baseball. I highly recommend this book for readers of all ages -- and for anyone who simply appreciates beautiful art. I'm sure we'll be hearing more about this author/illustrator in the months and years to come.

If you like baseball
Like all good baseball stories, this one is a little corny. The somewhat smarmy illustrations tell a story better appreciated by adults than by kids, about nostalgia and Fenway Park. This book is sure to be most popular in the Boston area, but all baseball fans may enjoy its hopeful tone.

For Red Sox Fans Young And Old
The plot of ZACHARY'S BALL is basic enough: it tells the story of Zachary and his father attending a baseball game, Zachary's father catching a ball, and the dream that the young man has when he falls asleep. Tavaraes accomplishes three things in this book. First, he beautifully tells the story of a touching father/son memory. He also writes about his love of baseball. Perhaps the book's greatest accomplishment is the way in which he brings Fenway Park and the Red Sox to life. The Red Sox are one of the more magical and mythical teams in baseball and fit well into Tavares' tale.

Young readers will love the book, but it will definitely touch a chord with Red Sox fans young and old.

Children are allowed to wonder...
In this age of video games and cartoons, its wonderful to see a room full of 80 second grade students fascinated for a full hour by Matt Travares reading his old fashioned tale about baseball and describing the writing process. No technology can replace the power of a good book!

Fabulous
Matt has captured the magic of attending a game at Fenway Park in splendid fashion. It brought back warm memories of attending my first Red Sox game with my father almost 25 years ago. With a sweet story and the amazing drawings, this is a must-read book for any young kid. It will surely start a love affair with the game of baseball. ... Read more

Book Description

Morning is magical after a night of rain and thunder. And best of all are the puddles! Big ones, little ones, long ones, skinny ones. Splash! Splash! Splash! Put on your raincoat and join two puddle-jumpers in this bouncy read-along that's just right for a rainy day or any day.

"A joyous celebration of a world all wet the morning after a night of rain." --Kirkus Reviews ... Read more

Reviews (1)

It's So Fun to Play Outside After it RAINS!!!!!
My daughter (22 months) LOVES this book! It tells of the adventures of two childern who go outside to explore (and puddle jump, of course) after a night of thunder, lightening, and RAIN! My daugher brings this book to myself or my husband all the time and says "read Puddles". It's a must have in your collection. ... Read more

Book Description

Soccer is fun - let's play!

Find all the basics in this lively guide.

• The markings on a soccer field
• What soccer players wear
• The positions, from forward to goalkeeper
• The excitement of pasing a ball
• The thrill of making a goal

All these and more are included, with a useful glossary at the end.

Book Description

Guess who's
at bat?

Reviews (6)

Amelia Bedelia "literally" plays the game of baseball
Not since Abbot asked Costello "Who's on First?" has the national pastime been taken so literally. Taking things literally is precisedly what Amelia Bedelia has been doing ever since she first became a housekeeper. Tell her to "Dust the furniture" and she will dutifully find the Dusting Powder and do as she was told, even though at her house they undust the furniture. In Peggy Parish's "Play Ball, Amelia Bedelia," the Grizzlies baseball team is in trouble when one of their players gets sick and they need a replacement for their big game with the Tornadoes. Who steps up to the plate to save the day up the literal-minded Amelia Bedelia.

The fun, of course, comes when the kids tell Amelia Bedelia to tag a runner or make a base hit. Then there is the uniform that she comes up with (you need a uniform to play baseball, right?). The illustrations by Wallace Tripp capture the fun as Amelia Bedelia plays the game of baseball like nobody has ever played it before. Besides, you should see what Amelia Bedelia looks like when she swings a bat. Fortunately, one things she knows how to do right is to fix an empty cookie jar because she makes really great cookies (although she has doubts about using home plate to serve them on to her teammates). Fans of Peggy Parish's creation will enjoy seeing her on the baseball diamond while there might be some fans of the sport who will be introduced to the literally-minded housekeeper for the first time.

Great Baseball Story
In this edition of Amelia Bedelia, Peggy Parish has done another wonderful job at telling a wonderful story. Amelia Bedelia is making an attempt to play baseball, and she has managed to take the lessons literally, as always. She learns stealing bases are okay and putting players out. This is a favorite in my household, and we laughed at Amelia Bedelia's attempts of playing baseball.

Our favorite part was when she hit the winning run, 'stole' every single base along the way, and she ran home like everyone told her to with all the bases. The kids were wonderful in this story and patient, and it was a fantastic read.

I recommend the Amelia Bedelia books for every household. Amelia Bedelia is a fun character, and it will make the kids laugh.

Joy.

fun fiction
My son is 7 and he loves Amelia Bedelia. He thinks all of these books are a hoot! I loved thim as a child as well!

Great Baseball Book
I came across this book while looking for books about baseball for my preschooler. Not much to choose from in this niche market, but this book is a hit! My son thinks it's funny when Amelia Bedelia "steals the bases" and "runs home". Wish there were more books like this!

Fun for Adults and Children Alike
As a child, I read many Amelia Bedelia books and never tired of them. As an adult, I am looking forward to sharing so many of the stories with my own child. The fact that Amelia takes everything so literally allows for countless scenarios which children (and adults) will find hilarious. Whether "stealing home plate" or "dressing the turkey," Amelia always surprises and delights. Children will be begging parents to read these stories again and again. We can all use good, clean humor in our lives. The time to instill that love of laughter should begin in childhood, and the Amelia Bedelia books will certainly delight children everywhere. ... Read more

Book Description

Test Your Tony IQ ...

Don't worry, this isn't some busted quiz that counts for anything. It's a simple true or false test about the most famous skateboarder in the world. There's a lot about Tony Hawk's life that might surprise you. He didn't skate out of the crib landing every trick he attempted. He had tons of ups and downs on and off his skateboard -- sometimes he landed and sometimes he slammed. Here he takes you behind the scenes of the skateboard world and describes what it's like to be Tony Hawk: Professional Skateboarder.

True or False

a. Tony Hawk ate chewing gum from between Steve Caballero's toes.

b. As a child, Tony was so competitive that he pelted his mother with tennis balls in order to win a tennis match.

c. Tony failed to land a trick for more than fifteen years.

d. Tony was such a spastic nightmare as a child that he was expelled from his preschool.

e. Tony was such a small kid that he looked three grades younger and was often picked on by bullies.

Reviews (7)

T ony Hawk
Envision being the only skateboarder in your school. Looking different, standing out like a sore thumb, and of all else you are the smallest kid in your grade. In Tony Hawk: Professional Skateboarder an autobiography by Tony Hawk you will hear about Tony's life from when he was born to his retirement from professional skateboarding at age 31.

Tony first started skating when he found an old, ratty skateboard under a heaping pile of junk in his garage, and thus began the career of one of the worlds best professional skaters. As Tony progresses through skating he sees all of the changes of skating from just being done by surfers when the waves were flat until present when skateboarding is as popular as it's ever been. This autobiography captures every aspect of Tony Hawk's life in such detail it feels as if Tony is sitting in front of you telling his whole life story.

Tony Hawk started out in a town in California and describes him self as a spaz kid. I guess this is what caused him to be kicked out of his pre-school. From here the book goes through his accomplishments such as making the Bones Brigade (a pro skateboarding team of the best skaters), landing the Mc Twist (a 540o spin with a flip in it), and one of the greatest and most recognizable accomplishment of all landing the 900 (a 900o spin). Tony's life also had some faults including having to call his son by his middle name after the release of the box office bomb Riley Hawk. Tony went through some tough times but came out on the brighter side. Except when his father died of cancer. Tony stopped skating for a while but was back on the ramps before long.

If you like a good biography or if you like skateboarding the tiniest bit this book is definitely for you. I rate this book 5 out of 5.

Flipping 360
This book will make you flip or do a 360!! This is a great book! This book is about the ups and downs of Tony Hawk's life. From road trips to just hanging out at the local skatepark. This book is an awesome book to read and very easy to understand. I reccomend this book to anyone who likes skateboarding. Find out what Tony's life is like by reading this awesome book.

Critic, Justin

Tony Hawk: Professional Skateboarder
This was an awesome book. I love this book, and I would recommend it to everyone. I hope that you guys will enjoy it as much as I did.

A wonderful book
There is nothing in this book that is improper for children. This is a book specifically designed for young readers with no foul language and nothing indecent. Tony is a very moral and respectable person and a great role model for children.

I liked it alot
My mom bought this for me and I just finished it.
It was really good. ... Read more

Book Description

For twenty years, Cynthia Rylant's story of childhood in the Appalachian Mountains has been an enduring favorite. Growing up in the mountains is depicted with a spare, lyrical text and beautiful, tender illustrations by Diane Goode. The book was awarded a Caldecott Honor Medal.

To celebrate its twentieth anniversary, When I Was Young in the Mountains is being released with a commemorative copper-colored band.

Illustrated by Diane Goode ... Read more

Reviews (9)

A wonderful story!
I read this book to my children (then ages 3 and 6) and they both loved it. I always look for stories about people who live or lived differently than we do today to help my children realize how EASY we have it today. They were especially interested (and amused by) the "johnny house" (my son still paraphrases the part about the child promissing not to have more than one serving of okra again after having to make repeated trips to the johnny house at night).

The illustrations were charming and complemented the text beautifully.

Appalachia never looked so good
Author Cynthia Rylant has written a tender story of her childhood days, living in the Appalachian Mountains not so long ago. Accompanied by the excellent illustrator Diane Goode, the book is a straightforward look at life amongst the best-known American mountain folk. Scenes of daily life include everything from needing a brave adult to accompany you out into the dark scary night (on your way to the outhouse) to getting baptized in the local swimming hole.

The book is remarkable for its lack of overt sentimentality. Some might disagree with me, but I was struck by how this book did not fail to note the less than desirable elements of living in the wilderness. Swimming in a swimming hole of your own might be fun. Just watch out for snakes. And baths required an awful amount of work. Pumping the water. Carrying it to the house. Heating it. Goode's delicate illustrations accompany the text of this story perfectly. If Rylant says that the proprietors of the local store (Mr. & Mrs. Crawford) were identical, then gosh darn it, the people look identical. And I especially adored the moment when the narrator's grandmother kills a big nasty snake in the woods. The next picture displays the narrator, her brother, and two other red-headed childred posing sheepishly for a traveling photographer, gigantic dead snake draped across their heads.

I cannot think of many other book that take place in Appalachia. And I certainly can't think of any that are better than this. A sweet good-hearted story, "When I Was Young In the Mountains" understands what it meant to live a difficult life with pleasure and human warmth.

When I Was Young in the Mountains
This is a magical book for those of us who remember grandmothers who were just like this. For me, a nostalgic evocation of time spent years ago in the West Virginia mountains with my grandmother doing the very things that are mentioned in this book. A very special book.

A love song to the Appalachian region
Cynthia Rylant's enduring favorite "When I Was Young in the Mountains" is the tale of her own childhood growing up in the Appalachian mountains of West Virginia. The gently repetitive text details her everyday life, from swimming in a swimming hole (even if there were snakes!) to taking a bath to drinking cocoa made by her grandmother. Each page starts off with, "When I was young in the mountains . . . " By the final page, we see that not only did Ms. Rylant appreciate her low-tech, memory-making childhood, but she wouldn't have traded it for anything.

Diane Goode's softly colored illustrations beautifully dovetail with the text, whether she's showing a river baptism, a nighttime trip to the "johnny-house" after too much fried okra, or a stint at the water pump. It's a lovely ode to the simple life, and to being happy with what you have instead of worrying about what you don't have.

Wonderful Memories
Reading this book was truly a joyous experience for me. I grew up in southern West Virginia and spent many days with my grandmother at her house out in the hills. Ms. Rylant's book reminded me so much of my own childhood! This book is beautifully written and illustrated, and brings to the reader a wonderful feeling of warmth and friendliness. Her descriptions are true-to-life, heartfelt, and easily understood by young children. ... Read more

Book Description

It's been two months since his dad's fatal accident, and eleven-year- old Ricky is still haunted by memories of violent beatings and hurtfulwords. The kids at school won't let him forget, either, and he's gotteninto so many fights, he's on the edge of serious trouble. Ricky canwalk away from taunts on the playground, but not when the kids cornerhim on the bus. So he comes up with a new way to get to school. Notonly will he run every morning and afternoon-he'll race the bus.Andone day he will leave the past behind-and win. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Racing The Past
Racing The Past is about Ricky, 6th grader, trying to so the right thing. One day Ricky gets in trouble for fighting so he makes a deal with the principal. That he wouldn't go to recess if the principal wouldn't tell his mother. Ricky rode the same bus as the kid he fought, so Ricky started to walk home from school. The first day his friend walked the 3 1/2 mile walk. Ricky hated the look the kids gave him as they rode by on the bus. After the look his decided tobeat the bus home.Training and training he was faster and faster. Until he was going to beat the bus. The book shows the strength of a young boy and what he tries to overcome. If you have a dream in life you should read this book.

Beating the Bus
Racing the Past
By: Sis Deans
Reviewed by: J.Lau
Period: 6
Racing the Past is a book about a kid named Ricky who just lost his father. Ricky gets into a lot of trouble at school and doesn't want to get his mom involved because she is already under a lot of stress. So Ricky makes a deal with the principal that he wouldn't get into anymore fights as long as the principal doesn't call his mom. The deal meant that Ricky had to miss recess and riding the bus to avoid getting into fights with Bugsie, the school bully. Since Ricky had to walk to and from school, he thought that it took too much time and decided to run the 7 miles to and from school and just maybe beat the bus home. Ricky makes notes on how to run faster and finally gets what he wants.
I like this book because it shows how you should have endurance when you run and never give up and the book also shows how a family works together after the loss of a close person. Ricky started out walking the 7 miles everyday and then he came up with the idea of beating the bus. So every morning and afternoon Ricky starts out jogging to and from school, working his way up to running the whole thing. Ricky took notes to help him be able to improve his running. While jogging or running Ricky did number problems in his head to pass time. Then one day a high school coach saw him running, "Keep that up and we'll be good friends when you get to high school." The coach supplied him with new shoes and paid for his doctor's bills as long as Ricky would run for him when he got to high school.
After Ricky's father died from drinking and driving, Ricky and his little brother, Matt, were happy that their father wasn't around anymore because of all the abuse and trouble their father caused. Ricky's mom was always at work so Ricky had to stay home to watch his little brother and sister. Ricky also helped take care of housework since his mom was a too busy getting bill paid. Matt was still scared of their father, even though he wasn't alive anymore, that Ricky had to go in the house first after school to make sure that their father wasn't around and Matt held a frying pan while sleeping and still wet his bed at night from bad dreams. When the funeral day came Ricky thought that it was time that they all got rid of the bad memories. Then Ricky decided to get rid of his father's plastic window covering. "Come on!" he told him. "Let's tear it all down."
My favorite part of the book is when Ricky finally beats the bus home. Ricky came out of the building as soon as the school bell rang and did his stretches. Ricky started running home with confidence and strength. When he got to the 2nd mile all he could think about was winning but then the thoughts of Bugsie made him mad so he sped up. Turning the corner, Ricky crashed into Tom Guimond and hit the ground but got up just as quick remembering the race. When he got to the last 100 yards he could hear the bus coming and gaining, he found the energy to sprint the last 25 yards with cheering in the background. Ricky had beaten the bus.

A remarkable first novel
This book is an astonishing book for a first novel (for any novel!)It's heartfelt, honest, and well told.I read it in one sitting because I couldn't put it down.

I couldn't care less
This book is fairly well written though not very challenging. I had to read it, maybe that's one reason why I couldn't really like it. Though the characters are quite convincing and Ricky is likeable enough, I asked myself while reading: Which kid really wants to read this??? The ones with a violent father? Kids who are into running? I don't know, it seems to be a book that's more interesting to adults - it's not really something teenagers will get into. - It's one of the books teachers will give you to read, right there, Mrs. P.? ... Read more

Book Description

Read by a full cast
Two cassettes / 1 hour 40 minutes

When Sylvester meets George Baruth, he goes from being a terrible hitter to the boy who only hit homers!But how will he answer some of the difficult questions that go with his new talent?

Matt Christopher's series of sports fiction novels have captured the imagination of young readers everywhere.He also writes about basketball, hockey, soccer and other sports. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

What you wanna read
I thought this book was great beacause you got to see this kid who always hit home runs. The child is only 8 years old, and never strikes out. He is also the pitcher for his team. I thought pitchers were not officiant hitters, but not for this kid he was awesome.The other team could never hit the ball.

A kid's dream comes true, and a book gets banned.
The Kid Who Only Hit Homers, by Matt Christopher, tells of a young boy who desperately wants to play baseball for his school. Unfortunately, he is neither a good fielder nor a skilled hitter. He quits tryouts and decides not to play. On the final day of tryouts, the mysterious George Baruth approaches him. This man teaches Sylvester how to field and hit a homerun every time. (spoiler) Everyone starts to ask him questions about this mysterious man and how Sylvester hits a homerun each time he goes to bat. (spoiler)These actions go on throughout the book (spoiler)
Sylvester changes in several ways throughout the book. His skills as a baseball player increase dramatically. This leads to the improvement of his self-confidence, which allows him to feel more comfortable with himself.
This book was banned because of Snooky Malone's belief in everyone's being born under a star, which some readers interpret as ant-Christian. I think that this book shouldn't have banned. (spoiler)

A childhood classic
This was my favorite book for a time when I was about seven or eight. I read all the Matt Christopher books and this one was the only one I read more than once. Where as all his other books are pretty realistic tales where a kid learns an important life lesson from sports, this one is different in that it is is more of a fairy tale - kind of like magical realism for kids.

It's exciting enough to read about a kid who only hits homers but the book becomes even more interesting as a meditation on the meaning of success. The fact that I still remember this book at all is a true testament to how enjoyable it was. Buy it for your kid - among childrens literature, this book is a true classic.

Disappointed in the reference to the occult
Along with my children we enjoyed this book until the author made reference to the occult. Not sure what the purpose was. I am unable to trust the content of any of Mr Christophers books in the future. Very Disappointed

THE BOOK WAS AWESOME !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I suggest this book especially if u LOVE baseball...& even if u don't heck you'll still love it.I think it's right up there with the best-selling book...the BIBLE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Quidditch Through the Ages
Quidditch Through the Ages is a sort of addition to the Harry Potter series. If you've read the Harry Potter books, you probably remember the characters talking about what a wonderful, exciting and informative book it is.

I kind of expected it to be longer, but I suppose that you can't get everything you want... all in all, for an additional book I thought that it was pretty okay. The best things about it were the little comments and tid bits that made it really seem like a book from the Hogwarts library.... the card in the front that has the names of all the kids that checked it out, the introduction from Dumbledore, and the conversion from dollars to sickles and knuts on the back are all really cool.

If you're a Harry Potter fan, you have to get this, if just to ease your curiosity on what it's about. But beware- this book has no plot and reads pretty darn boring, except for a few select parts. It clears up quite a bit of the fourth book's Quidditch Cup, and if there are any more matches in future books, I suggest keeping this close at hand.

This is rated G, and is really really tame. The fifth book was kind of crazy, what with the teen angst and such, but this takes you back to the happy, carefree world of Harry Potter.

Quidditch Through the Ages
The book "Quidditch Through the Ages"by J.K. Rowling is a great book to read if you like the Harry Potter books and the sport Quidditch als from those books.This book guides you from the beggining of Quidditch until the present of what Quidditch is now.The book is focused only on Quidditch,it talks about the many teams from England and many other countries as well. It also talks about where the bludgers came into existence, and why the teams have certain logos on their uniforms.The book mentions amazing events and things that have happened in historic matches.Also it talks on how rules have changed through time.There are many other features that this book includes,I hope you like it as much as I did.

Funny, likely prized by serious Harry Potter fans
Summary:
The book was published as a charitable publication; all of the proceeds are supposed to go to a charitable organization with the writing and publication costs being taken care of by donations. As for the contents, the book covers the history and rules of Quidditch and talks about some of the professional teams in Great Britain.

My Comments:
First, the book is quite funny, with numerous humorous notes and stories. It is more reminiscent of Rowlings earlier Harry Potter novels than it is of numbers 4 and 5 that do have some funny elements but tend to be much more serious than the first three.

The book is also probably highly prized by Harry Potter fanatics because it further develops the already incredibly detailed magical/muggle world of the series. Rowling has accomplished something few other authors can claim - the creation of a credible world - and this is just another doorway into that world.

The only problem I could possibly see with this book is that it is hardly long enough to be called a book; it is more a monograph or pamphlet with its roughly 50 pages. Granted this is a fictitious history which means every detail and story has to be developed from scratch. What's more, it has to be incorporated into the existing stories and future stories. Nevertheless, this can only be described as a 'brief' history of Quidditch.

Overall, you can read the entire thing in about 30 minutes and if you are a die hard Harry Potter fan you'll probably appreciate it and find it disappointingly short. If not, it won't likely keep your interest like the novels will. I'd recommend it for die hard fans but be aware that it is short.

A fun book
This cute little book was actually part of a pair (along with Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them) produced by J.K. Rowling for the charity Comic Relief. Written in a tongue in cheek manner, this books appears to be straight from the Hogwarts School Library, complete with borrow & due date list that includes one H. Potter! Purportedly written by one Kennilworthy Whisp, this book covers the evolution of Quidditch from its inception, and along the way explains how Quidditch is played.

This is a fun book for any Harry Potter fan to own. It's a good, light-hearted read, and helps explain Quidditch to us muggles, in a manner much more clear than in the regular Harry Potter books. Bet this book!

Great!!
Very useful and very funny. Delightful reading. Makes me wonder how she got to imagine all the fantastic history of Quidditch. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (1)

A must have for preschoolers/kindergarteners!
I just bought this book Saturday at the book store and when I started to read through it, it was just too cute & I had to buy it. On Monday, I read it to my Preschool class (4-5 year olds) and they LOVED IT! It's easy for them to follow along and they where chiming in as I read it. Also they caught on to the pattern and would say the words before I read them. I also taught them the hand motions too. They kept singing it later. If your child(ren) love to sing "Wheels on the Bus" then will love this book.

... Read more

Book Description

When a tiny bug decides to go for a walk, anything can happen! He might meet a cat, a crocodile, a pig, or even a bee to dance and play with, and that means more friends for everyone! This adorable story by renowned author and illustrator Felicia Bond is now available for the youngest set.

... Read more

Reviews (19)

fun for mom, dad and baby
We came upon Tumble Bumble because we loved "If you give a Pig a Pancake" and the other books by the same author. The animals look like ones we would like to be friends with! My daughter loves the picture at the end of the book with all the animals in bed together and the spider coming to join them. Such a happy book. GREAT book as a gift in board book style for little hands. Love it!

A Wonderful Book
This book was given to my son as a gift. I have been reading it to him since he was about 8 months old. I even have it memorized. He absolutely loves this book. He is now 17 months old and still brings it to me to read to him. He even sits and looks at it himself at least once a night. We have read it so many times that the board pages are bent and creased. I will probably have to buy a new one for him soon. The text rhymes and has a smooth flow. The illustrations are very pleasing. The big "HOORAY!" at the end perfectly describes my son's reaction to this book. I highly recommend this book to any parent looking for a great read for their infant/toddler.

My favorite book for toddlers!
This is my all-time favorite toddler book. My daughter loves it, but I think I might like it even more. I have it memorized and always make it one of the books we read each time we sit down. You'll love this book, the illustrations, the rhymes, and the story. (I bet your child even loves it too!)

This one's a charmer!
I don't give 5 stars to many children's books (except Boynton books). Tumble Bumble earns all 5 though. The rhymes are cute, the story sweet and drawings warm and clear.

Hurray
The last page of this book sums it up perfectly, "Hurray!" My 17 month old loves this book. The rhymes match perfectly and she loves to look at the animals. She has begun to say some parts of the story with me and always yells "Hurray!" at the end of the story. This is another book we will read repeatedly. ... Read more

Book Description

When former Richmond High School basketball legend Ken Carter agrees to take over his alma mater's floundering team, he has the players sign a contract that demands good grades, perfect class attendance, and suits on game days. With Coach Carter at the helm, the Oilers' record soon stands at 12 and 0. But when the coach learns that some members of his team are cutting class and failing academically, he locks them out of the gym, incurring the wrath of the players, the school, and the community. Coach Carter's determination to adhere to his convictions puts his philosophy and his players' trust to the ultimate test.