Book Description

From his very first book to his very last book, here in one big volume are 13 classic Dr. Seuss stories, everyone’s favorites. All of the words and virtually all of the illustrations are included. Each story is prefaced by a short essay by someone whose life was changed by Dr. Seuss or who is simply an unabashed admirer. Also included are photographs of Dr. Seuss, memorabilia, and original sketches from his books. The stories included are: And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street, Horton Hears a Who!, McElligot’s Pool, If I Ran the Zoo, Happy Birthday to You!, Dr. Seuss’s Sleep Book, Yertle the Turtle, The Cat in the Hat, How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, Green Eggs and Ham, The Lorax, The Sneetches, and Oh, the Places You’ll Go!

Theodor Geisel (a.k.a. Dr. Seuss) was born March 2, 1904, and died September 25, 1991.

With introductory essays to each story by:

Barbara Bader, Author and Critic

Stan and Jan Berenstain, Creators of The Berenstain Bears

Audrey Geisel, Widow of Dr. Seuss

Peter Glassman, Children’s Bookseller

Starr LaTronica, Children’s Librarian

John Lithgow, Actor and Children’s Book Author

Barbara Mason, Kindergarten Teacher

Richard H. Minear, Author of Dr. Seuss Goes to War

Christopher Paolini, Author of Eragon

Charles D. Cohen, Author of The Seuss, the Whole Seuss, and

Nothing but the Seuss

Pete Seeger, Folksinger

Christopher Cerf, TV Writer, Composer, and Producer

Lane Smith, Children’s Book Illustator ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Amelia Earhart-Young Aviator
Amelia Earhart was a very courageous young pilot, and she helped inspire young women to fly. In the book, Amelia Earhart: Young Aviator, by Beatrice Gormley, in the Childhood of Famous Americans series, the author describes Amelia Earhart as extraordinarily brave. This book tells almost everything a person would want to know about Amelia Earhart.

Amelia flew her plane until she wanted to retire. Before she retired, though, she wanted to make one last record-breaking flight. She planned to fly around the entire world, making stops only to refuel her plane. Near one of the islands she was supposed to land at, she mysteriously disappeared into the fog. No one knows what happened to her. We don't even know where she lies. We just know of her great achievements. ... Read more

Reviews (59)

Riding Freedom
I recommend this book to anyone who likes to read because it tells about friendship and it has to do with things that happened back a long time ago. It was a very interesting book and a good story about friends and how they come together once again. Charlotte and Hay were friends and then drift apart and eventually find each other. The friendship they first had is redeveloped again. This is a good example of a lasting friendship as Charlotte said, " Good-bye Hay. I'll find you. We're gonna have a ranch, remember? With a big ol' sign that says Private Property. Remember?" Another example is when charlotte was talking to Vern and didn't want to run away from the orphanage because she thought she would be loosing a great friend. "I won't forget you Vern." I also learned that when Charlotte got her own place she got to see her best friend again because he came to live with her. If you are interested in reading a book about the 1800s and what would happen to woman in that time, read this book.

A Story of Fascinating Courage
This is a fictional story based on the life of Charlotte Parkhurst, a stage coach driver who lived during the mid 1800s.

In the story, Charlotte grew up as the only girl in a boy's orphanage where she constantly struggled for freedom and equality. She loved horses and spent every available minute either caring for them or riding them. Because she was a girl, she wasn't held to very high esteem by those around her. The feelings of the boys around her didn't matter as long as she was able to ride horses.

When Charlotte faced the threat of losing the thing she loved most, she had to take action and decided to run away from the orphanage. She disguised herself as a boy in order to hide from the authorities and to obtain work on her own.

Charolotte grew to become a legendary stagecoach driver. She was also the first woman to vote.

My nine-year old daughter loved this book. She was so moved by this story, that she decided to do more research on Charlotte Parkhurst and write a report on her for school.

I was moved by this story as well. It reminded me of how far women have come in the fight for equality.

Honsetly an Awsome Book
When I was in 4th grade I hade to write a book report on any book i wanted. I chose this book because the book cover really caught my attention. I like this story because of how the author inputted a real character in history in the book, Six-Horse Charlie. It's like a peice of history. The main character shows that she isn't afraid to be brave and adventourous. The really cool thing I like about the book is that Charlotte changed her name to Charlie so when she voted no one knew that she really was a she. It turns out that she was the first woman to vote before any other woman. Riding Freedom is one of the most fasinating book I have ever read.

Breath taking adventure story based on true events
In the 1880's Charlotte "Charley" Darkey Parhurst took a lifetime adventure. Raised in an orphanage of all boys, Charlotte had a hard life working in the kitchen and was stuffed in the potato bin in the kitchen so she wouldn't be adopted. Life is bearable but once her best friend is adopted and she's left alone, she decides to do something about it. Charlotte loves horses and runs away and becomes a stable boy. While working there, her boss, Mr. Ebeneezer, teachers her how to be a coachman. To make her living and have a successful life she poses as a man and becomes a stage coach driver. Traveling from Massachutes to California, posing as "Charley" allows her to attain her dream of owning her own land. She is even the first woman to vote in the 1868 California presidential election, even though she is poseing as a man. This is a fictionalized biography with excellent drawings by Brian Selznick. Students who love horses will not be able to put this book down, as well as those who love adventure. This is a breath taking adventure story based on true events that readers grades 4 and up can appreciate.

ATTENTION ALL HORSE LOVERS!!!!
Riding Freedom

ATTENTION ALL HORSE LOVERS!!!!!

Riding Freedom is about a girl named Charlotte that is a orphan that is at a boy orphanage.
But that doesn't bother her a bit! A really exciting part is when Charlotte runs away from the orphanage!
Someone who likes exciting horse books would really enjoy this book . I would definitely give this book 5 stars! ... Read more

Book Description

Join the Ingalls family as they celebrate little Laura’s fifth birthday in the Big Woods of Wisconsin. There are special presents from everyone, and that night Laura falls asleep to the merry music of Pa’s fiddle. Renée Graef’s enchanting full-color illustrations, inspired by Garth Williams’s classic artwork, bring Laura and her family lovingly to life in our tenth My First Little House Book, adapted from Laura Ingalls Wilder’s beloved storybooks. It’s a Little House birthday to remember!

... Read more

Reviews (1)

My Daughter Loved It
I gave this book to my 3 yr old for her birthday and she really liked it. She has virtually all the First books. She loves the drawings and I like the no playing on Sunday part, my daughter and I have a discussion everytime we read. I highly recommend this and other First Little House Books for little ones. ... Read more

Book Description

The accolades speak for themselves:

"Fritz draws the readers into scenes from her youth in the turbulent China of the mid-twenties. One comes to appreciate the generous affection of her nurse/companion Lin Nai-Nai, the isolating distance in her mother's grief over losing a second child, the dynamics of a suffering population venting its hostility on foreigners, and most of all, the loneliness of a child's exile from a homeland she has imagined constantly but never seen....A remarkable blend of truth and storytelling." --Booklist, starred review

"An insightful memory's-eye-view of her childhood...Young Jean is a strong character, and many of her reactions to people and events are timeless and universal."--School Library Journal, starred review

"Told with an abundance of humor--sometimes wry, sometimes mischievous and irreverent--the story is vibrant with atmosphere, personalities, and a palpable sense of place." --The Horn Book

"Every now and then a book comes along that makes me want to send a valentine to its author. Homesick is such a book....Pungent and delicious." --Katherine Paterson, The Washington Post ... Read more

Reviews (21)

In Relation
Jean Fritz was born an American girl in China. Growing up she wanted to know about her American life. Throughout her earlier years she can only see her American life in letters from her grandma (lives in america). Finally, after waiting many years her family decides to go back. When she gets to America she questions whether or not she will fit in, after living on the opposite side of the world.

During the coarse of the book, I liked the story's reality to everyday issues. They are the same no matter where you live. Whether it being teased and not wanting to go to school or begging mother for that special something for christmas. There are so many cultures and different beliefs, that when it comes to basic standards of living it is all the same.

I did not dislike anything in Homesick. Although, I did learn about the separation of Chinese and Americans. Not in a bad way. The Americans had a small park blocked off to Chinese in order to have a place in comparison to America. Therefore, by finishing the book I give it a thumbs up and can relate to being homesick.

A Journey with Fritz
This engaging story gives you a view of how Jean fritz felt and lived in China during the war.Her move to the USA was exciting for her as she encounted many 'mishaps and troubles' along the way.You should reallly read this book, if you are interested in biographies and foreign countries, such as China.I give this book 5 stars as she describes well in detail about her life and inner thoughts during the early 1920's.I am reading this book as an literature assignment and felt that this book was the one.Jean Fritz is a great author!

There's no place.
A really remarkable book. Jean Fritz is author of many an exciting children's biography. If you've read "Why Don't You Get a Horse, Sam Adams?" or "Can't You Make Them Behave, King George?" then you know her works already. Turning her talents towards a slightly more recent history, Fritz takes a good long look at her own life. Having grown up in China in the early 1920s, this is a story of a child trying to discover where she fits in.

First of all, you have to admire Fritz's candor. The very first thing she does is state in the Forward that she considers this a fiction. Though the facts are true here and there, the author has taken some liberties with time and memory. She obviously cannot remember everything that happened perfectly, so she has filled in the gaps as best as possible. Though, she points out, "it does not feel like fiction to me. It is my story, told as truly as I can tell it". THANK YOU, Jean Fritz. How many books do we read where the author claims that everything within the book is the whole truth and nothing but the truth, while taking wild leaps in narrative and interpretation? Finally, we have an author that admits that much of this book may be considered fiction, though she herself remembers it as fact. Such honesty is admirable, and exceedingly rare in non-fiction writers.

As for the story itself, Fritz is very good at what she does. The writing here is superb. Living in a very sketchy time in China's history, little Jean was in the unfortunate position of living in a country where foreigners were finally not being tolerated with much kindness any longer. Often times Chinese peasants rail against Jean for being the kind of "foreign devil" that is a bane to their country. Fritz never condemns these people, and even makes note at the back of this book the reasons behind their dislike and distrust. China was a country that was continually being divided into smaller and smaller pieces by the invading colonists. Neither does the character of Jean ever forget that the servants who work for her are human beings as well. Her parents often do fall into the master-servant manner of thinking, a fact that Jean objects to. They do not learn much about the world in which they live. They instead attempt to recreate their own American lives in a foreign land. But Jean knows that there are aspects of Chinese life that she vastly prefers to the life of her parents. The fact that she recognizes this is impressive. The fact that she can relay it years after the fact in this book, is astounding.

If I have any objections to this book at all they are directed not at the author, but at the illustrator. Margot Tomes has her points. She is not necessarily a bad illustrator. But in this particular book her pictures are superfluous and unnecessary. Sometimes they even touch upon the offensive without really going there. While Fritz never condemns the native Chinese for their opinions, Tomes draws them looking sneaky or sordid at inappropriate times. One such example is in a scene where Jean's servants feed her cat outside, not knowing she's around. The scene in the book is rather touching. Until this time, Jean was half afraid her cook was trying to poison the family. Knowing him to be a person capable of caring for her cat (as he says, "A cat is a cat. There are no foreign cats, no Chinese cats, no capitalist cats, no Communist cats. Just cats") she no longer fears his food. Yet the picture accompanying this text shows a shifty eyed servant peering suspiciously over his shoulder as the cats eats. Unnecessary. Somewhat offensive.

Fritz ends this book with a series of photographs displaying her family, friends, and where she lived in China. Combined with the book, these serve as an excellent document about a time little recorded in either adult or children's fiction. Using a unique perspective culled from her own life, Jean Fritz has written one of the most interesting books about the Chinese/American experience existing today. It is an honorable and impressive piece of work.

Proud to be an American
Imagine being the only American student in a British school. Then imagine being homesick for a country you never lived in.
In this graceful blend of autobiography and fiction, Jean Fritz provides readers with insight into the maturation of--not only a girl--but also a patriot. Her steadfast private dream is to live in the land of the free. Set in China during the 1920's
while the Communist Revolution is gathering momentum, HOMESICK shares a girl's observations on the upheaval of the only Society she has ever known. She endures the zealous violence which is especially directed towards all "foreign devils," as well as
suffering the private heartaches of her own family life.

Jean's father works for the Y: the Fritzs' only motivation is to improve the lot of the Chinese people, but national events dramatically disrupt most lives. Resentful at being stuck on the wrong side of the globe, Jean yearns for her relatives in Pennsylvania, for she has been denied a Yankee childhood. Nor is she indifferent to the plight of her neighbors; in particular she loves and feels great compassion for her faithful Chinese nanny, Lin Nai-Nai. The brutality of war is related through a young girl's eyes, while her imagination is trapped bewteen two worlds. Will she become so ensnared in the insidious trap of Revolution that she has to reliquish her dream of living as a true American? If she does escape, will she ever return to that
land of wise-eyed junks?

Jean Fritz has done it this time-for sure
I read this book this year, when my mom sent me a box of books to camp over the summer. All the rest were Dear Americas so this was the first one I picked up. Once I picked it up, I couldn't put it down. I read during softball and got hit on the head. I read during dinner and stained my favortie shirt. I tried to read dujring instructional swim but my counselor took the book away from me. I read under the covers and I got into trouble when my division head came in. I finished it in under eight hours. It's the best non-Dear America book I've ever read. It tells a very interesting story, full of humor and wit. Jean Fritz is an incredibly talented writer, who managed to cover two years time in an average-sized book. Each chapter is a story all its own and also funny. I recommend this book to anyone who wants a really good historical fiction/nonfiction story. ... Read more

Product Description

Story of the Governor of New York, vice-president, and our 26th President. Follow Teddy across the United States, through South America, and through a war in Cuba. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Where have you gone, Teddy Roosevelt, our nation turns...
Jean Fritz is perhaps best known for her short picture book biographies of Revolutionary War Heroes. I was anxious to read this particular book, and to my great surprise found it to be much longe than her usual fare. Just the same, the book carries the same spirit and adept interesting writing Fritz has employed on her other ventures. I had some disappointments with this book, it's true, but all in all I think it's a fine biography and the best one out there for any kid interested (or required) in reading about our odd twenty-sixth President.

We begin with a small sickly boy. Young Teddy (a name he accepted but disliked) was asthmatic and, as a result, of poor constitution. Pressed by his adored father to make something of himself, Ted set about exercising and pushing himself so as to become strong and tough. This man was truly an embodiment of all that was masculine. As he grew he was continually obsessed with nature, and it was assumed that he would someday go into the field of naturalism. As it happened, Teddy got waylaid and after taking some law went into politics. What was to follow was a madcap series of election losses, faithful Republican supporters, and, in time, a war.

Now it is around the time that Fritz starts describing Teddy's involvement in the Spanish-American War that she loses me. What separates Fritz from James Giblin or Russell Freedman (two excellent historical biographers for children in their own right) is that she refuses to blame Teddy for anything. As a writer she obviously admires her subject, and you can see why. There was much to admire about the man. At the same time, however, this was a fairly war-hungry fella. Unlike Giblin, who has written such wonderful biographies as "Charles Lindbergh: A Human Hero", Fritz doesn't show the problems that came with Teddy's choices. There is little doubt to my mind that Teddy saw the Spanish-American War as a "just" war. There is also little doubt that it most certainly was NOT a just war. Even when it becomes clear that the American public was misled in its thinking that war was the only answer ("Remember the Maine" anyone?) and that Teddy was a part of that misinformation, Fritz ignores such controversial topics. And what of the muckrakers? Where's Teddy's famous dismissal of hard-hitting journalism? Too much is left unsaid or avoided in this book to allow it to be considered one of the great children's biographies out there. Additionally, one does have to take issue with Fritz's portrayal of the Native Americans. As a previous reviewer has pointed out, Fritz's facts (though she includes a lovely bibliography of sources) seem sketchy.

Which isn't to say there isn't a lot to love here. There are Fritz's thrilling tales of Mr. Roosevelt's life. As an author, she has packed a great deal of info into this book. Everything from ponies in the White House to the origin of the teddy bear is included here. Accompanying Fritz's narration are some great illustrations by Mike Wimmer. My objection to them might be that even when we are viewing a young 20-some year-old Teddy, the illustrations are clearly of an older man. How hard would it have been to erase the waddle on the twenty-three year old Ted? Even shots of our protagonist as a boy show him with his head almost completely turned away from the viewer. It would have been nice if Mr. Wimmer had had a little more confidence in his own artistic abilities.

On the whole, it's a nice book. I know I've talked it down and pointed out its inconsistencies, but in spite of my own personal feeling, Teddy Roosevelt is a subject well worthy of a biography. This, after all, was the pro-environment president. The president who fought against huge corporations and went head-to-head with J.P. Morgan. The times in which we live today could use another Theodore R. When big business is just as large as ever and the national parks Teddy created are threatened by drilling, we should look back at heroes like the one found in this book and remember that sometimes a single man can accomplish a lot in his day.

An Excellent Read!
This was such a joy to read. I just couldn't put the book down. I had no idea that Teddy Roosevelt had an affliction that he overcame, thanks in part to his ambitious father.

Until I read this book, I had no idea that Teddy Roosevelt thrived on adventure or that he collected specimens of animals. It's amazing that he managed to survive all of his adventures like he did being as sick as he was. Everything the man did was to test his endurance if not make history as well.

Now I understand his push for conserving the nation's natural resources. By the time he became president, there weren't many wild animals left or trees for that matter. At any rate, this book was fun to read, especially when Teddy Roosevelt climbed to the top of Mount Marcy before the death of McKinley.

It really amazed me how much energy the man had. Probably from all those treks out west when he was a boy to hunt or whatever. The gym his father built was nothing like what he faced on his many sojourns out west and to Africa. It made me dizzy to read about all those campaign stops and speeches.

At first, I thought this book a little slow when I read about his early life, but then it picked up when Teddy begin serving on various Civil Service jobs and eventually gaining the Vice-Presidency under McKinney and being elected to a second term as President afterward.

I highly recommend this book.

Bully for you, theodore roosevelt!
An excellent chidren's biography of theodore roosevelt, which will be enjoyed by people of all ages.My only criticism is that the books title should be 'Bully for you, theodore roosevelt,' instead of 'Bully for you, teddy roosevelt,' a name which to him was anathema.

Unacceptable historical errors
Although Jean Fritz is an award winning author of history books, she makes some serious errors in this book making it unacceptable for school libraries. I love her writing style and the way she relates many humorous stories of Teddy Roosevelt's childhood, but when she relates his western adventures her historical research is seriously lacking. She refers to how the Sioux Indians killed 10,000 buffalo a feat which would have been impossible since the tribe was totally defeated, low in numbers, and relegated to reservations in the time period she described, the late 1880s. White buffalo hunters, not Native Americans slaughtered buffalo for their tongues and left their carcasses to rot. The Sioux had a tremendous respect for nature and only hunted a few buffalo at a time, just enough to feed their tribal group.

These egregious fallacies make this book totally unacceptable. Children should be given historical sources that are accurate, not ones that perpetuate myths. It is unfortunate since the rest of the book is wonderful and with some judicious editing, this would be one of the best children's biographies of Roosevelt. ... Read more

Book Description

In this classic frontier adventure, Lois Lenski reconstructs the real life story of Mary Jemison, who was captured in a raid as young girl and raised amongst the Seneca Indians. Meticulously researched and illustrated with many detailed drawings, this novel offers an exceptionally vivid and personal portrait of Native American life and customs.

1942 Newbery Honor book ... Read more

Reviews (41)

A Closer Look
I have read this book at least six times, and it still captivates me that the author kept such a close feel on the character, Mary. Ms.Lenski took her imagination to the extreem. I believe that she took into herself the emotions and the heart of Mary and used it to her advantage. The whole setting of the book and especially the other characters in it make it a wonderful experience and it sends a feeling inside me that nastalgia seems too small a word to speak. It reminds me of where I lived as a child, and the person, Mary, sounds so much like I was. She talked like she knew much more than her age should alow her to. She spoke with clarvoyance and dignity that many other characters did not have. She learned the language of the Indians quickly and learned their culture with no complaint. I only wish Ms. Lenski would write more about Mary Jemison. I want to know what happened to the girl who did not return to her people when she had the chance. This book has changed my outlook on books. I read it for the first time in the fifth grade, and it touched me in such a way I cannot describe. I love how Ms. Lenski put her descriptions into words. I can never seem to do it exactly how I plan. I am currently writing two books, neither of which would, or could compare to Indian Captive. I only hope that my books will get published and appreciated like this one. I am sorry that I made this so long, but like I said, I can never really quite put into words exactly what I want to say. Thank you for listening to my opinion.

It was truly touching and a wonderful book to read
INDIAN CAPTIVE is a wonderful book for children of all ages. I recommend it to everyone. Mary has to face all kinds of problem and I don't know about you but I was bewildered to see how she handled them so wonderfully. I'm only 13 and I could understand this book very well so I'm sure kids younger than me will have no problem. Please pick up this book and read about the Indians and the way that they act, if you thought they were bad you will be totally swayed after reading this book.

How Indian Captive Inspired Me
The book Indian Captive, to me, was very captivating! What inspired me to read it was my Aunt, who's part Indian and is into the culture. I started reading the book expecting something like a history lecture, and finihsed it off feeling enlightened not regretting a thing!! I know what piece of Indian culture I took in is nothing compareed to the real thing, but it is so amazing to learn of how these poeple lived, and how benign and simple to life their culture is. What kept me even more interested was to learn how the little girl that got captured by them took it. She was the all-american-colonial girl, unwilling to new ideas, and came out a wise and educated, further than any college degree can teake you -woman. Experiencing each step of her journey along the way, and recognizing her growth next to mine, her journey can be compared to the analogy of a little child going out into the "big world" in his/her own. She is a survivor, and I hope her story lives on forever through her writing.

Lisa and Jenna's Review
This was a great book telling how an indian girls life is! It made me laugh, it made me cry, it moved me. I will never be the same as i was when i started this Phoneminal Life of a courageous indian girl! This book is one you will never forget my friend! Thankyou for reading our review, ya'll come back now ya hear?

Indian Captive
I thought this book was really good. In the beginning it was very confusing for me but now i understand it. It is a very easy book to use for a book project. You would like this book if you enjoy learning about histoy with Native Americans. The book has to do with a yound girl named Mary and her life with her new Senaca Tribe "family." ... Read more

Book Description

Michael Jordan.

The mere mention of the name conjures up visions of basketball played at its absolute best. But as a child, Michael almost gave up on his hoop dreams, all because he feared he'd never grow tall enough to play the game that would one day make him famous. That's when his mother and father stepped in and shared the invaluable lesson of what really goes into the making of a champion -- patience, determination, and hard work.

Deloris Jordan, mother of the basketball phenomenon, teams up with his sister Roslyn to tell this heartwarming and inspirational story that only the members of the Jordan family could tell. It's a tale about faith and hope and how any family working together can help a child make his or her dreams come true. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Excellent teaching tool that entertains as well!
One might imagine that legendary basketball star Michael Jordan was born with a boatload of confidence. That was not the case. "Salt in His Shoes", written by Jordan's mother Deloris and sister Rosalyn, tells an early chapter in the life of the athlete as he struggles to come to terms with his lack of height. Playing when he could with older brothers Larry and Ronnie, Michael is intimidated by a much taller boy named Mark. Every time that he plays against Mark's team, the Jordan boys lose.

Michael goes home complaining to his mother, wishing that he could be a little taller. Mother tells him that all she has to do is pray and put salt in his shoes. Michael's young mind wonders how the salt can cause him to grow, but he figures that his mother's skill with raising luscious flowers must be attributed to something. Every night he goes to sleep while Mother sprinkles her "magic" into his shoes. However, the boy's growth is slow in coming and he feels more depressed.

Michael's father comforts the boy and tells him that it's not how tall he is but how he uses his skills. This little burst of inspiration is just enough. The next time the Jordan boys tackle Mark's team, they are victorious with Michael scoring the winning points.

Being fans of Michael Jordan can relate to this tale from his early days. It is well documented that Jordan had a strong relationship with his father; however, the book reveals the powerful bond that he also had with his mother. The story shows a nuclear family featuring both parents and siblings, all of them concerned about Michael. This will prove to be an invaluable tool in stressing familial relationships.

Hard Work, Determination, and Michael Jordan Magic...
This book has it all. Kadir Nelson's illustrations immediately capture your attention. The cover is representative of the size and quality of pictures throughout the book. I've used this book in my classroom. Kids love it. Both boys and girls enjoy the story of the young Michael Jordan. They relate to going up against the big kid and wanting to change physically (in this case to become taller). Some kids even admit to putting salt in their shoes. The family support in this story provides the direction he needs to accomplish his goal of becoming a great basketball player and becoming the playground hero. Great message, great story, great illustrations. Everyone needs to realize the importance of hard work, determination, and believing in a little Michael Jordan magic. We want to encourage our kids to reach for the stars, and this book helps do that.

Salt in his shoes
There once was a kid that just wanted to play baskerball with his older bothers but there is a taller kid at the basketball park. That all was picked on him and told him he cant play bastekball because he was to short. So Micheal asked his mom how can he grow faster. She told him to put salt in shoes every night before he goes to bed. so he does for two mouths and doesnt grow. so his dad has a talk with him. Then he goes and playes and the game.

Salt In His Shoes ~ Deloris Jordan
I like this book's interesting way on how to teach a child to chase his dreams. Most children think it is impossible to reach for your dreams, but this book shows an interesting way to make a child pursue their dream. When you tell a children to do something they may not want to do it. But when you take a different approach, the request might have an effect on the child. Showing a chilren how to acccomplish his/her dreams is better then talking to them about it.

This story shows a little boy who loves to play basketball, how to make himself a better player. When you explain to a child how to overcome their enemies, and set a goal for them they are more likely to accomplish it. Yosu cannot accomplish your child's dream, but you can show them a good path to take. Kids always need an extra push to understand how something work. To achieve your goals all you need is practice, persistance, and determination.

Wonderful Book
This is a wonderful book. I purchased it for my 8 year old nephew and he absolutely enjoys it. He reads it all the time especially before his basketball games. Its wonderful and inspirings and lets kids know with hard work their dreams can come to fruition. ... Read more

Amazon.com

When Henry and his friend agree to go to Fitchburg to see the country, they each choose very different methods of travel, based on their very different approaches to life. This charming little story illustrates through minimal text and fantastically stylized paintings the concepts Henry David Thoreau spent his life trying out. While Henry (the storybook Henry is a bear) collects flowers to press, strolls on stone walls, finds bird nests, and gathers blackberries, his friend toils and sweats to earn enough money for the train fare to Fitchburg.

With subtle nods at Thoreau and his real-life pals Ralph Waldo Emerson and Nathaniel Hawthorne (Henry's friend cleans out Mrs. Thoreau's chicken house, moves the bookcases in Mr. Emerson's study, and pulls weeds in Mr. Hawthorne's garden), D.B. Johnson cleverly introduces young readers to these important historical figures. No moralizing here, just a gentle, humorous look at the different paths each person may choose in life. Johnson chose a passage in Thoreau's Walden (the passage is included in the informative author's note) as inspiration for this delightful picture book, which Thoreau himself would probably be proud to read. (Ages 5 to 8) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (20)

A Story With A Unique Perspective For Daily Life
3 to 8 yrs. Some may find this book objectionable in that they may believe that its underlying message for children is 'work is bad.' But that doesn't seem to be the author's intent. It seems to be more observational then as a teaching tool.

Based on a passage from Henry David Thoreau's Walden, the story is about Henry--the main animal character (bear?) in the story--and his friend, who decide to go to Fitchburg. Henry chooses to walk the 30 miles, while his friend plans to work, so that he can earn enough money to ride the train. We then bounce from character to character to witness what they are experiencing in their quest to get to Fitchburg.

Good illustrations, and interesting story providing ample discussion material for parents and children, about the different meanings this story possess.

Marching to different drummers
There's a lot to love in this book by D. B. Johnson. There is the priceless story-lesson concerning two bears traveling to the same destination by widely divergent paths, one enjoying the pleasures of nature along the way while the other works to earn fare to travel by more modern means. There are the beautifully memorable illustrations, one after another, of the bears as they make their way to Fitchburg. And there is the message, to stop and smell the roses, take in a little nature, just walk. Or maybe just sit in the woods and read Thoreau.

Great place to start
This book is an introduction for young children to the philosophy of simplicity. Johnson has adapted the true story of Henry Thoreau's hike to Fitchburg into a children's tale that kids can understand and cherish. As the book begins, Henry is talking to a friend, and they decide to go to Fitchburg. The friend thinks it would be faster to take the train, but contrary old Henry says it would be faster to walk. Rather than argue their points, the two friends each set off to Fitchburg in their own by their own method. Of course, the friend has to earn money to pay the train fare, so he spends all day doing various odd jobs before taking the night train. Henry, on the other hand, sets off walking, and enjoys the beautiful scenery along the way. They both eventually get to Fitchburg, but they had very different experiences in meeting their goal.

The format of the book, with one side of each page devoted to Henry and the other to his friend, gets children to focus on a constant comparison between the experiences of the two characters. By the end of the book, the children see that there are many ways to reach a goal, and contrary to common practice, sometimes those methods that don't cost money may be preferable- -it all depends on what you value in life. This book would be a great starting point for conversations with children about the choices that they or their families are making. And the pictures are wonderful, too!

Fabulous bk.-great for kids of all ages & a great baby gift!
Aside from the local historical references (towns en route to Fitchburg & famous local historical figures incuding the Emersons & Alcotts), this bk. is a charmer. Lovely illustrations, sweet life lessons about taking time to enjoy the journey rather than trying to hurry it along just to 'get there faster', & the understated moral of the story as stated by Henry at the end. I'd recommend this to anyone-baby through adult-so pleasing to the eyes and to the soul!

A little lesson in taking time to smell the roses!
I read this book based on Javagirl 23's reveiew, and I must give her kudos. Great pick! Henry (a bear) and his friend decide to visit Fitchburg. Henry plans to walk, but his friend decides to work enough to afford train fare, since walking will take forever. While Henry's friend slaves away at different jobs (pick up on the last names of the employers!), Henry leisurely strolls towards Fitchburg, collecting flowers to press, berries, and enjoying himself thouroughly. Henry's friend finally gets his train fare, and they both end up in Fitchburg at the same time. "The train was a lot faster!", says his friend. Henry merely replies, "Yes...but I got us some berries to eat". What's the lesson? Sometimes the fastest way isn't necessarily the best way...take time to stop and smell the roses...or any other cliche you prefer. This is a great lesson for adults- stop rushing around so much and take the slower way of doing something; there may be more enjoyment along the way if you do. ... Read more

Book Description

The story of a boy who had the persistence to master navigation in the days when men sailed by "log, lead, and lookout," and who authored The American Practical Navigator, "the sailor's Bible." ... Read more

Reviews (32)

Avast! Here's a great story!
This book is a keeper!
If you like the Horatio Hornblower series and such good tales of the sea, then I feel quite sure that you will not be disappointed with this easy-to-read excellent account of Nat Bowditch.
When I read a great book like this, I want it to go on for considerably longer, and this book made me think of the Hornblower series by Forester and of Midshipman Quinn by Showell Styles...I could easily see it rewritten into a mighty tome or series but, alas!, 'tis not to be.....
I can recommend this book heartily to all fans of the sea...!

Carry on Mr Bowditch
This book is called Carry on Mr Bowditch it is about a boy named nat who wants to go to harvard for collage.but his father wants him to go to boating school so he would be a sailer.In the begining of the book Nat's father got hot by a reaf that was in the water .then the boat sank.In this story Nat wrote a book about the skill of navagation.Nat makes a voyage but somehting happend ,amd if you read this book you will find out what will happen and if you read this book you will find out.I recamend this book for peple who like the sea and adventure

Carry On, Mr. Bowditch
This book takes place in the 1780s and is about a boy named Nat Bowditch. Nat is great at figures and he has great perseverance. Nat has just been taken out of school to help his dad make barrels for ships. But he wasn't good at it at all. So his dad got him indentured for 9 years at Ropes and Hodges. Afterwards he went on a ship and found out a new way to work lunars. After his first ship ride he went on several others and found over 2,000 mistakes in a book written by scientist. But don't get to atached to the characters.

Carry on Mr. Bowditch
I am a reader at...school. I liked this book because the auther realy gets into the detail. It teaches you alot about sailing and it feels that you are actualy in the book. When you read it it seems like it would be a nonfiction book but it is actualy a fiction book. If you like reading nonfiction books or books that teach you new words, then you will like this book. The author is Jean Lee Latham. If you liked Holes then you probully will like this book because there are lots of adventures.
The book is about a boy named Nat Bowditch. He wants to go to Havered. He learns lots of things about sailing. He goes on many voyages. During the voyages he had lots of adventures. There are lots of sad things that happen in nat's life.

My Favorite Kids Book
I first read this beautifully and simply written book when I was about ten and it immediately became my favorite.I identified with Nathaniel Bowditch in many respects - my name is also Nathaniel and I also love math - but still he amazed me with his intense desire to learn and persevere through struggles.

I learned alot from this story.I was fascinated by Nathaniel Bowditch's amazing brilliance (writing an almanac as a teenager and doing insanely complex math problems in his head), his hard work (studying multiple languages from books), and his humility (teaching sailors math and navigation, giving them confidence in themselves).Amazingly, he did all this though his life was full of struggles.For me, someone who already liked to learn, this story powerfully reinforced just how exciting and valuable it is to gain more knowledge and then pass it on.

Today, about 10 years since I first read this book, I still love to read it.The title of "favorite book" has since passed on, but something still excites me about the impact one man can have because he dedicated himself to learning and to helping others through what he learned.That's a message young people, especially those already excited about learning, need to hear.And that's why those kids need to read this book. ... Read more

Book Description

At the age of nine, Cynthia Ann Parker was captured in an Indian raid and taken to live as a slave with the Comanche. Twenty-four years later, she is the wife of a chief and the mother of a young warrior destined to become the great chief Quanah Parker. But in 1861 Cynthia Ann Parker and her infant daughter are recaptured, and returned against their will to a white settlement. ?A skillful examination of how individual identity is determined by cultural and social structures, and of what happens when these are drastically altered.?--Kirkus Reviews
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Reviews (10)

One of the saddest books I ever read
This book is the story of Cynthia Ann Parker, who at age nine, is kidnapped by Comanche Indians from her home in Texas. The book begins twenty-five years later when Cynthia Ann is recaptured by Texan rangers and returned to her Texan family. Finally, after twenty-five years of living with these people, she is once again kidnapped by park rangers and returned to the Parker family. She no longer remembers English or her original Texan customs. She cannot forget her beloved husband Peta Nocona, who was a courageous Comanche warrior, or her two sons Quanah and Pecos. To her advantage she is with her baby daughter, Topsannah when she is taken back to the Parkers, so she continues to teach her the Comanche ways. Topsannah's name is soon changed to Prairie Flower, its English version, and later to Tecks Ann so that she will better fit into the society. They both try to cooperate and learn these odd "white" ways. Tecks Ann has a much easier time getting accustomed to these customs, but Cynthia Ann must continue to learn how to cook, read, write, and sew by her twelve-year-old niece Lucy. As time goes on Lucy makes Cynthia Ann a promise that she is not sure she can keep in a time of hardships for everyone. She must leave the Parker's house and live with her brother to get away from her pregnant sister-in-law.

This book is one of the saddest book I ever read, but it is easy to enjoy anyway.

Cross Cultural Adoption
I bought two books about Cynthia Ann Parker, one the historical record and this historical fiction for my daughter, 14. As an adolescent dealing with cross cultural adoption issues, she identified with Cynthy Ann's dilemma and was able to talk about it with her mother. I was familiar with the story but was interested in the details. I read "The Searchers" as a boy but I have always been more interested in the point of view of the original land lords. Another book that deals with native american cross cultural adoption issues is "Pigs in Heaven" by that woman who is so famous for "The Poisonwood Bible" now.

thoughtprovoking yet sad
This book wieghed heavy on my heart. In short, a 9 year old white girl, was taken away by Indians, who also killed her family. As years go on, she adapts and "turns injun" . She falls in love with a warrior and bears 3 kids { 2 boys and a girl, the adorable prarie flower}. After 25 years rangers catch her and take her back to whats left of her original family. She doest like it. She cant adapt back to the white ways of life. She doesnt trust whites and they dont trust her, except young Lucy who tries to help her adapt.
I guess I kept hoping she would come to love her original family again , but it never happened. Her life was completly miserable. This book was sad and kept getting sadder until the bitter end. The book was good but those looking for a happy ending may not like it.

Interesting Book
I read this book through school literature circles. This book is about a girl trapped between two very different worlds and her courage, hope, and strength to get through it all. I thought this book was very interesting but I also thought it was very sad and at times a little boring, but overall it is a good book. Everyone else in my literature circle that was reading the book thought it was sad but very good. I think this book is more of a girl book because it is about a girl and I don't think any guys would like the plot that much and they would think it is boring, but some guys might like it. This book is a very good piece of historical fiction and I recommend it.

Held captive-but by whom?
Cynthia Ann Parker was taken from fort parker by the Comanche indians. She became one of them, and eventually married the chief-Peta Nacona. This book details her white family's arduous search for her, and the heartbreak that awaits her when she arrives back in the white man's world. I reccommend this book to anyone who wants to know what true courage really is! ... Read more

Book Description

Andi Davis is looking for an escape from her disorganized, dysfunctional home life, and West Point seems the only logical way out. Andi figures that given everything she has had to put up with at home, West Point will be a breeze. But nothing could have prepared her for the first six weeks of cadet training, better known as Beast.

Andi is screamed at, belittled, and worn down during the long, grueling training that is designed to break cadets and then rebuild them into soldiers. The upper class cadets bark orders so fast that her head spins, and the fact that she is one of only two girls in her platoon makes things even more difficult. But Andi decides that anything is better than going home, anything.

This first novel by Amy Efaw, a West Point Class of 1989 graduate, is a powerful and gripping look at an intensely privatecommunity with its own rules and regulations. It shows us the terrors and triumphs of those who want to belong to a team.

Books for the Teen Age 2001 (NYPL)

Reviews (26)

Fiction reflects fact in this story of West Point
What a great story! As the mother of two female graduates of West Point, I often wished that I could be a fly on the wall during their plebe summers. Through her character, Andi, the author has given us insight into the fear and uncertainty experienced in the beginning of the Cadet Basic Training culminating in the personal growth and achievement as the summer ends. The story was so real to me that I actually found myself reliving the Mom-type feelings from those Plebe summers.I would recommend this book to all young women who may be planning to attend a service academy and to their parents as well. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

A Motivational Book about Perseverance
The setting of Battle Dress is West Point Military Academy, but the message I received from this first book written by Amy Efaw is: No matter what your life has been, it's up to you and your attitudes whether you make it or not. Never give up!

I found Battle Dress to be both motivating and good recreational reading, although I had to put the book down after the first two chapters because I was exhausted. Amy Efaw gives us a realistic and entertaining picture of a young woman's life at West Point without having to resort to filth and gore. "Andi Davis" leaves the disorder of her home and the insecurity of her childhood, and finds structure, identity, and acceptance at West Point. Efaw skillfully describes Andi's environment and experiences, her agonizing thoughts and fears, and her failures and triumphs. Andi doesn't always win, but then, neither do we. I cried with Andi, cheered for her, and laughed out loud.

The program at West Point, as described by Efaw, would probably seem harsh to the average reader; but they're training men and women to be leaders in potentially dangerous circumstances, where a careless mistake could cost lives. Since reading Battle Dress, I have a new respect for the Academy and its graduates. West Point may be the place where "striving for excellence" was invented.

Military fiction
On the ride to West Point, Andi's siblings bicker and her mother tries to get out of the speeding car at 65 mph and then throws her dad's glasses out the window so he will be forced to let her drive. With a family like this, it's no wonder Andi welcomes the grueling six week boot camp experience, known discomfortingly as "Beast." Anticipation quickly turns to tolerance as she is verbally abused to relearn how to walk, talk, even eat. The fear that she will fall into the category of dropout like a third of her class haunts her almost as constantly as she defends her boy-crazy roommate.
One of the few girls in the class of 1996, Andi struggles to fit in and gain the respect of her peers, her superiors, and her family. Frequent run-ins with a misogynist cadet bring up feminist issues. West Point ultimately becomes a place where she learns new skills, makes friends, breaks records as a runner, and discovers that her squad leader is human, after all.
The climax of the book, a sequence of trials that puts everything the new cadets have learned together, gets a bit long and drawn out as Efaw describes the step by step solution to each problem. Still, this is where Andi really has a chance to shine.
The book is nicely supplemented with a map of West Point, a chart of seniority, and a glossary of military terms and slang. An author's note puts the book into context (Efaw graduated from West Point in 1989) and explains what was left out in the hopes of simplification.

The cover has an unappealing old-fashioned look; why didn't the art director feature a West Point cadet's uniform instead? The West Point badge on the back is very appropriate. Battle Dress offers a unique point of view and lots of action, and will be perfect for anyone, male or female, who wants to know how bad boot camp really is. In spite of intense writing and a strong female character, this book may need some pushing. Purchase in paperback.

This book is FAB and totally TODAY
With war ready to break out in Iraq, this book is really valuable for people to read. It gives insight into what a person in the military goes through in his/her training. It also gave me HUGE respect for military personnel and West Point cadets in particular. This book made me laugh and cry and cheer -- it was that good. Also, I could really identify with Andi's (the main character) inferiorities and self-doubting because it was so real. The characters seemed like real people, too, not just made up characters in a story like so many can be when authors write about them.

If you're wondering about biological warfare, you should def read the chap when Andi learns about putting on a chemical suit and gas mask. In fact, you should just read the book!!!!

Good Book on West Point
Efaw tells a realistic story about Andi Davis, a young girl that leaves an unstructured, dysfunctional home for the structured, dysfunctional system of West Point. The trials that Andi endured seemed very realistic. Efaw, however, does simplify the Cadet rank structure for the benefit of the reader. Over all, I found the book entertaining and enjoyable. ... Read more

Book Description

Traveling by covered wagon, young Rachel and her family follow the Oregon Trail from Illinois all the way to California. The terrain is rough and the seven-month trip is filled with adventure. Rachel's own handwritten journal chronicles every detail and features cherished "pasted-in" mementos gathered along the way. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

A good start to the Young American Voices series.
This book was interesting. It was the journal and scrapbook of a ten year old girl travelling by covered wagon from Illinois to California with her parents and brothers in 1850. Rachel has many adventures on the trail and records them all in her journal. This book could have been a bit longer, but other then that it was very good. I can't wait to read the next book in this series, Emma's Journal, about a Colonial girl caught up in the Revolutionary War in Boston.

A must read for children
This is the story of ten year old Rachel traveling with her family from Illinois to California. She keeps a journal that is more of a scrapbook of their adventures and disasters along the way. Rachel puts in pictures of things that she doesn't want to forget making this book all the more enjoyable. The ending is abrupt but the rest of the story puts you right there with her family.

Loved this Book!
Just like Marissa Moss' "Amelia" books, this was a hand-written, journal-style book, with lots of pictures. It is the journal of ten-year-old Rachel, who travels with her family of pioneers from Illinois to California in search of a better place to live. In her journal, she records the trip and there are many details! It has humor thrown in, great pictures, and a nice journal format. I've enjoyed reading this book, and I can't wait to read all of Marissa Moss' other historical journals.

Good for Class; Good for Home
Though this book is meant to be an aid in the classroom, I found it highly enjoyable even for the casual reader. It informs while entertaining. By using the medium of a girl's diary, the author is able to show facets of pioneer life not often brought out. This book is well worth the price, both as a fun read and as a useful reference.

It's like an old, handwritten journal!
Moss brings to this book a thoroughly delightful 'hand written' format along with marginal and textual illustrations to dramatize the effect that it is the actual journal of Rachel, a young girl who records her thoughts and observations along the trail. This book should be on the shelves of any family whose proud heritage goes back to those who ventured West to take up roots in the Great American frontier of the nineteenth century. Moss draws her readers into an excitement filled, seven month journey along the famed Oregon trail. The subject has enormous appeal to a wide range of young readers, especially when we approach the years 2004 - 2006, the 200th anniversary of the famed corps of discovery, which started the Westward movement.
Such a book would be a keepsake to pass on to succeeding generations, who often times fail to completely grasp the hardships ancestors had to endure so that they could have a more comfortable life. Part of the author's extensive research included examinations of the unpublished journals collection, covering the years 1846 through 1868, forming part of the collection of Bancroft Library at the University of California at Berkeley.
She succeeded admirably in accomplishing her goal to weave in documented episodes of travel and its dangers along the famed Oregon trail. And others will surely get the flavor of the pioneer spirit within the pages of this truly wonderful keepsake. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Great Book!
Things Change gives a very worthwhile message to readers by showing how life will not always predictable and you must adjust. It also shows the rewards of never giving up. The bottom line is that this is a quality book by a Hall of Fame quarterback.

Troy Aikman
I thought this book was worth reading. This book is about a guy that plays football for the Dallas Cowboys. This book is about his whole life,from when he was a little kid and until now. I would recommend this book for others to read because you can relate his life to your life. I liked it and i hope you will read it and like it too.

A great gift for kids
Greg Brown has started a wonderful series, I've bought several for our grandson, who definitely needs to learn to be a better sport!! It isn't just the specific athlete, but the lessons they teach in these books, that make them attractive to me. But it is the athlete on the cover that makes the boy want to read them. Also, these books are something that "Dad", a sports fan, actually enjoys reading to son. I highly recommend any book in this series.

Great Advice for All
I think this is a great book for all to read. It is an especially good book for all children that look up to Mr. Aikman.

By recounting events in his childhood, he teaches us all that, no matter what obstacles are put in our path, we can achieve greatness. Not by becoming famous; but, by becoming a great human being.

This book also shows adults how, by taking and active role in the lives of our children, we can greatly influence the kind of human being they will one day become.

Fantastic, everyone young & old should read, great lesson
I have purchased 10+ copies of this book. Whenever someone has a baby, they get this book as part of the baby gift. The lesson we all learn is the greatest gift anyone can receive from any literature and I am an avid reader. In fact, I will be purchasing another copy for a friend who has a brother in his mid-thirties who is austitic, but can read children's books. We should all live by Mr. Aikman's words. ... Read more

Book Description

Edward loves his pet duck more than anything. He raised it from a baby, and now it follows him everywhere&150even to the big fancy hotel in Memphis where he works with his father. Everyone at the Peabody loves to watch that little duck do tricks; why, it can even waddle up and down in time to a John Philip Sousa march, which is why Edward decides to name it John Philip.

But one day the hotel owner finds John Philip in his lobby fountain and he is NOT amused. Until Edward has an idea. What if he can train a bevy of ducks to march along behind him, swim in the fountain all day, and then march out every evening? If Edward can do that, the owner tells him, he and John Philip will have a permanent place at the Peabody. But can it really be done?

Based on the real-life tradition of the Hotel Peabody Ducks, Patricia Polacco's latest picture book is one of her most charming to date. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A child-like story about a real-life phenomenon
To get their family through the financial constraints of The Great Depression, Edward Pembroke and his father both hold jobs at the Peabody Hotel in town. Young Edward has two passions: keeping time with John Philip Sousa marches, and watching the wild ducks fly over his native Tennessee hills. When one duckling appears to be lost, Edward adopts him as his own and takes care of him ... even insisting upon taking the little guy to work. The hotel staff help Edward hide his pet from Mr. Schutt, the hotel manager. When the secret leaks out and Mr. Schutt demands an explanation, Edward demonstrates how he has trained the duck to march and maneuver to Sousa marches. Mr. Schutt is impressed but gives Edward a test project: just one month to train a whole flock of ducks to march to the hotel lobby fountain and to swim there all day. Of such stuff are legends born! Edward succeeds and becomes the Duckmaster of the Peabody Hotel, and the flock is led by his first adoptee, now dubbed John Philip Duck.

Patricia Polacco's illustrations are deceptively simple yet vibrantly rich. They look as if one of us has colored in someone else's freehand line drawings -- until you see the outlines of the glasses on the tablecloth and the shadows of the china on the wall. The hills around the Pembroke house look as wild as the high-class Peabody Hotel is distinguished. The pictures match the storyline.

This colorful and entertaining book should amuse both children and adults. And if you've never witnessed the twice-daily Peabody mallard march, you may have to schedule a trip to Memphis after reading this fictionalized explanation. Seeing is believing! ... Read more

Book Description

It’s an exciting day for Almanzo as the Wilder family visits the county fair in this second My First Little House Book adapted from Laura Ingalls Wilder’s classic Farmer Boy. There are contests, races, and good things to eat, and Almanzo can’t wait to see what the judges think of his special pumpkin. Jody Wheeler’s luminous illustrations bring Laura’s beloved farmer boy to life.

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Reviews (2)

A wonderful idea!
This is wonderful! A Little House Book for even the youngest of readers! The complete books of the series may seem a little long for the little ones, this is great to get them familiar with the series. This book is kid sized, and is very well illustrated, the colors are vibrant, Laura would be proud, it is a very cute book! I will be buying more of these books in the future, the Farmer Boy Books are great for getting little boys interested in the Little House Series. A true Winner!

These books are great for new readers
I have always been a Little House fan, and I wanted to pass on the enjoyment of Laura and her friends to my 5 year old niece. She loves them so much and asks me when she is going to receive another one. It is our special thing because she will only let me read them to her!! ... Read more

Book Description

Without Henry, wildflowers would go unwatered in dry weather and rivers would have no crossing stones. Without him, who would bring news of coming storms?
Henry works, but no one seems to notice.
"You"re not doing anything today," his friend says. "Come fishing with me."
"Not today," says Henry as he digs up a healing plant for a neighbor. Though he never gets paid, Henry works for more than money.

In this fourth book about Henry David Thoreau, D. B. Johnson"s quiet story flows through morning"s mist to evening"s glow, when, at last, Henry"s most important work is revealed! ... Read more