Book Description

Think carefully...

That's the advice Jean Wainwright always gets from her beloved Aunt Constance, Jean's guardian and headmistress at the boarding school where she lives. It's advice that proves valuable when Jean finds herself spending the summer far from home, sorting out family papers for the reclusive Mr. Thiel, a trustee of Aunt Constance's school and the widower of her childhood friend Irene Callender.

At Mr. Thiel's isolated country estate, Jean is surrounded by bewildering questions from the past. Why is there such hatred between Mr. Thiel and his late wife's brother? Was her death an accident? And what happened to their child, who disappeared after Irene Thiel's death? Do the answers lie in the Callender papers? And will searching for the answers put Jean's own life in jeopardy? ... Read more

Reviews (10)

A gripping mystery that you can't put down!
'The Callender Papers" begins like many other Cynthia Voigt books. But as you read on in the story, it gets so interesting that you can't put it down. This book is the winner of the Edgar Allen Poe Award, which it definitely deserves. I would would suggest that this book is for ages twelve and up. Cynthia Voigt has written many other good books such as 'Homecoming', 'A Solitary Blue', 'Dicey's Song', 'Come a Stranger', and 'Bad Girls'. If you would like to read a gripping mystery for young adults, get this book today!

For more book recommendations, e-mail me at Klaptrap3@aol.com

the absoulute best mystery
I got in so much trouble staying up reading this book.The Callender Papers is a one of a kind, fascinating,extrodinary mystery. When I got to the end of the book my suspicions seemed so stupid.And one thing roamed in my head "Why hadn't I thought of that!"

Great Mystery and Suspense
I thought this book was very exciting. There are lots of twists and turns. I couldn't put this book down. I couldn't wait to find out what happened at the end.

The Callender Papers Book Review
The Callender Papers by Cynthia Voigt is a mystery novel about a young, adopted girl, Jean. She lives with her foster mother or "aunt", Miss Constance Wainwright, in Cambridge. Miss Constance is the owner of an all girls academy there. One day Mr. Thiel, who supports and gives money to the Academy, asks Jean to work for him in Marlborough, where he lives, over the summer. If she accepts, her job will be to sort papers that belong to his wife's family, the Callenders. Jean agrees and takes a trip to Marlborough, where she meets Mrs. Bywall, Mr. Thiel's servant and Mac, the son of the local doctor. Afterwards, she makes acquaintances with Enoch Callender, Mr. Thiel's brother-in-law, whom Mr. Thiel extremely dislikes. Enoch Callender invites Jean to dinner at his house and she accepts the offer. After dinner, Mr. Callender and Jean walk over to a place she finds is quite beautiful. Enoch Callender shows her a wooden board that he and his sister, Irene, used to cross the falls.

Every Sunday after that day, she goes to the Callender's house for lunch. One Sunday, Jean gets very sick and everybody in the house including the doctor, Mac's dad, suspects that she was poisoned.
Later, Jean finds Mr. Thiel's late father-in-law's will in the Callender papers she had been sorting through. She learns that Mr. Thiel and Irene Thiel, his wife that died ten years ago and Miss Constance's friend, had a child who suddenly disappeared after she died. She also learns that her favorite spot, the waterfall, is the place where Irene Thiel died. When Jean's visit to Marlborough is almost over, Mr. Thiel forbids her to visit Enoch Callender because he thinks that she was poisoned by him. She runs away to the falls and meets Enoch Callender there. He pulls the wooden board out from its hiding place and... which leaves Jean with a very important decision.
The main characters of The Callender Papers are Jean, Miss Constance, Mr. Thiel, Enoch Callender, and Mac. My favorite character is Enoch Callender because he has all kinds of different personalities. He's sly, mischievous, and not to be trusted, yet he has grace and wit, and he's good-looking. He often acts like he hasn't grown up, and he wants everything to be perfect. Enoch Callender is treacherous to cross. I, like Jean, have felt like I wanted to trust a person, but deep down I knew I couldn't. About a year ago, I found out a huge secret, my pretty reliable brother wanted to know what it was, and I wanted to tell him because I would've enjoyed having somebody to talk to about it, but I thought that he might tell. Also, resembling Jean, when there is some big event about to happen and I wasn't told of it, I feel like I know nothing about what is going on and want desperately to find out. Just as Mr. Thiel overly protects Jean, I have felt that my parents were being much too overprotective of me and I wanted to have a little more freedom to do what I want. I can relate to this narrative and I believe other kids will be able to also.
The Callender Papers is a vibrant, exciting, wonderful novel that I couldn't put down until I had finished the last sentence. My favorite part is when Jean finally starts to figure out what happened to Irene Thiel, Irene's child, and the child's nurse. I don't really have a least favorite part and I don't think I would change anything at all because the story is perfect the way it is. I would definitely recommend this book to everyone because it is mysterious and it keeps giving hints about what truly happened, though no one can really understand the clues until the very end. Also, it grows scary as it nears the end of the book. My brothers and I usually enjoy spooky and frightening books and I believe many other kids do too. Someone who likes mystery, secretiveness, and happy endings would take pleasure in reading this tale of a girl and the secrecy behind her life.

Best Ever
I've read this book twice and both times it was extremely interesting. It's about a girl who is employed by Mr. Thiel to catalogue his wife's family papers. After a while she became interested in knowing about Mr. Thiel's missing daughter and the death of his wife. ... Read more

Book Description

THE BAD GIRLS ARE BACK!

NOW THAT THEY'RE IN SEVENTH GRADE, Mikey and Margalo decide it's time to be popular -- or at least, time to be less unpopular. The trouble is, typical, normal kids are what work in junior high, and if there's one thing Mikey and Margalo aren't, it's typical and normal.

Mikey's first attempt to crack seventh grade society ends, predictably, in disaster, but, undaunted, the friends persevere. They've got the will, they've got the smarts, and most importantly, they've got each other. What chance does junior high have against the Bad Girls? ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Jaime
There are two main characters. They are Mickey and Margalo. Mickey is a tough kid who is always getting into fights, but nobody realy knows her other side except Margalo. Margalo is part of a big family that dosen't really have much money to spend, so that makes them both unpopular, but they are best friends. The story begins with Mickey and Margalo having a conversation about not wanting to be unpopular. So they decide that they are going to make plans to become more popular. The most exciting part is when Margalo went to the Thrift Store and picked out a cool outfit and when she went to school every one loved it. The story ends when they both become popular and they finally realize that having their friendship is better than being popular. I like this book because it was funny and it makes me think about all the crazy things people my age do just to fit in. I recomend this book to anybody who wants to read a funny adventure about friendship and life as a 7th. grader.

It's Not Easy Being Bad
It's Not Easy Being Bad, by Cynthia Voigt is a novel about two girls that want to be more popular, but end up being less popular.
As they deal with Middle School and the disadvantages of being un-popular, they come up with a plan of being more popular. Margalo and Mikey come up with a challenge-which one becomes popular first. However, since they also have a 'bad' side to them. They cant' help getting in a few laughs. Even if that gets them more un-popular.
They author wrote this book so anyone who reads it can connect with it. They get a view of what's it like to go to Middle School and how hard it is to become popular.
I wouldn't recommend this book too much because once you start getting into the book, it get boring and you just feel like putting it down.

it is not easy being bad
Well I really do like this book.It has 241pgs. I am not done yet but so far so good.As I was reading the first 10pgs. I was thinking it was really boring but I guess they want u to get to kno the characters be4 u get into the gppd part.Oh and it is really funny when Heather comes along but I will not mess it up 4 u all so read and post what u think!!!and by the way I am 11yrs of age and a book worm and if u ask me this book should be called "it is not easy bring popular" it would go with the book alt better but well I am only on pg.....153

Review
This is a great book and I recommend it. Lots of action and it takes you through a roller coaster of different like hilarious, jeolusy,humiliation,and especially revenge.

3rd Book and Margalo and Mikey are still great!
Mikey Elsinger and Margalo Epps are not your typical type of teenagers. They love causing trouble and hide their feelings. They were best friends from the first day of 5th grade or so they say. Mikey is a short, stocky, girl who is always seen as the bad girl. She always goes for what SHE wants and always tries to leave in a mess. Margalo is a quiet girl who can pretend to be like other girls. She is in a large family and therefore her family is not very rich. Mikey is the only one in the universe who can figure out Margalo and Margalo is known as the bad girl's friend. In this 3rd book, both girls experience middle school. The school where they are all nobodies. Mikey and Margalo will not let this pass and so begins another great book of the lovable, yet defensive, unforgettable best friends. ... Read more

Book Description

It's not fair that Clothilde's father has returned from World War I so disfigured that he retreats to the boathouse as a recluse. It's not fair that her brother has abandoned the family to live with his rich grandfather in Boston. It's not fair that her mother has reverted to the role of a lady, leaving Clothilde to do all the housework. And it's certainly not fair that the Maine peninsula that Clothilde inherited from a great-aunt may have to be sold to support the family.

Then a mysterious Voice speaks to Clothilde, giving her the chance to change the life fate has dealt her and the people she loves. But Clothilde's wishes come true in unexpected, frightening ways -- and at a price she isn't sure she has the courage to pay. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Tree by Leaf
Tree by Leaf by Cynthia Voigt is about a girl named Clothilde Speer who lives on a peninsula in Maine that she owns. Her father has returned from the war (World War 1) disfigured and so ashamed because of it that he retreats to the boathouse and refuses to see his family. Her older brother Nate has gone to Boston to live with their rich grandfather. Her mother has assumed the role of a "lady" and refuses to do any work, and since their hired girl is leaving, that leaves Clothilde to do all the work. She's very upset, but then she hears a mysterious Voice out in the woods that talks to her and seems to be coming from the air. It asks her what she wants most, and she tells it. She figures that she just dreamed the whole thing. But then the things that Clothilde wished for start to come true, in horrible ways that she never meant to happen. Can Clothilde fix the damage that she has done? Will the Voice ever come back to explain itself? This book was good, but it was a bit confusing at times. I mean, a Voice coming from the trees and the air? But despite that it was pretty good.

What's the point?
This tells the story of a girl in the years after World War I. Clotilde is a rather unlikable heroine. She has reason to be moody and dark however -- her father has come home from the war disfigured, her mother has withdrawn to be "ladylike", her brother has betrayed her family and gone back to his grandfather who is filthy rich, her best friend is fired from her job as maid. A mysterious Voice offers Clotilde the answers to her wishes. I'm still trying to figure out the point of this story. Most of Voight's other books seem to have points, this one just wanders around and nothing really is resolved at the end. ... Read more

Book Description

What would it be like to be older than your father?

Brann Connell is sick of hearing his parents argue all the time. Seems to Brann his dad could stand up for himself more, instead of building a wall of excuses to hide behind. But some things never change -- after all, his dad has always been this way. Or has he?

Brann never imagined that he would actually get the chance to find out. But suddenly he is hurled back in time to spend the day with his father as a young boy. In this single mystifying day of adventure, Brann discovers that there is more to his dad -- and fate -- than he thought. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Walking a mile in my father's shoes...
The novel starts out with Brann (a twelve year old boy) not understanding his parents "Level Two" fight, where he took his mother's side in the dispute and did not understand his father's point, nor did he respect his father all too much. He crept into the basement to escape the dispute, only to fall into another world, another adventure. As he fell asleep in the middle of a fortress of building blocks, he then awoke to a new world, where his father was two years younger than himself. Their day was full of adventures, all of which Brann took a great deal of learning from. His father grew up a lot different than he provided for his son, and Brann was able to see where his father was coming from. We all have misunderstandings with our parents, and have trouble understanding their thoughts and points. Here, Brann is able to see the events that shaped his father, including the one event that shattered him the most. It gave meaning to walking a mile in someone elses shoes to see their point of view. I, overall, think this book is great for older children to read. It will help them to gain perspective in one way or another. The only gripe I had with this book is the handful of grammar and spelling errors that appeared throughout the novel. I do not know if this is because of the editing, or the publishing or who is responsible for looking out for that, but there were obvious mis-spellings, wrong word uses, and apostrophe use. It just really distracted me at points from reading the text. But other than those issues, the novel was well written: It had an exciting plot that draws the reader in, along with relatable characters whom the reader can easily relate to. Like I stated before, a great novel for older elementary aged children.

A valuable lesson through someone else's experience
While his parents were arguing, Brann went down stairs to the cellar and located his father's building blocks, which had been passed down through generations. He built a fortress and went to sleep on the cement floor. He awoke on a wooden floor looking at his father who was now ten years old back in l939. During this adventure he learned why his father married his mother and came to understand more about his mother's and his father's personalities. Because of this experience he saved the marriage between his parents due to the fact that you really don't know somebody unless you knew them when they were a kid. Kids don't have so many walls built around them to hide behind and keep safe.

I think it would be great if we could go back in time and meet my father and talk to him when he was the age of ten. If this was possible we could save a lot of relationships and we would have a better world. It is true that we really don't know somebody unless you knew him ar her as a child because they haven't had a chance to build all those walls around them. ... Read more

Book Description

Read by Mandy Siegfried
Approx. 5 hours, 4 cassettes

Izzy's never been one to complain. Izzy's the nice girl, from a family that believes good manners and a stiff upper lip are key to facing any situation.Even after a car accident leaves her disabled, she's determined not to show how much she's hurting.It takes Rosamunde, a girl who seems to care nothing about good manners, to forcibly disrupt Izzy's life and help her face her changed existence.





... Read more

Reviews (87)

Great Book
Izzy-Willy Nilly is a great book. I thought it might be kind of outdated when I picked it up, but it's not. It is a heartwarming classic that you'll love.

Don't do this to yourself
Right now I would like to write how bad this book is, buy suming it up this is the kind of book I would like to keep close to the toilet in case I run out of toliet paper. Girl gets into wreck, Girl loses leg, lonely when friends leave, hate them while they are there. WTF????? She is lonely but then hates their presence. DUMB,DUMB,DUMB. I never cried while reading this, actually I hoped that maybe the doctors would just kill her in her sleep to end the pain of everyon trying to please this tramp.

Books Galore
Izzy-Willy-Nilly was a very good book. I enjoied it very much. It enspired me, to not drive with a drunk driver and to listen to your parents decision. I would recamend this book to a person who loves a good fiction book.If you like a book that makes you feel like you are in the story this is your book. This book made me feel scared, it made me cry, after every chapter the ending left me in suspense. If you also love life then this is your book. The book will give you a lesson that you should accept the way you are. Most books make you zone out but this book is the best.

Books Galore
Izzy-Willy-Nilly was a very good book. I enjoied it very much. It enspired me, to not drive with a drunk driver and to listen to your parents decision. I would recamend this book to a person who loves a good fiction book.If you like a book that makes you feel like you are in the story this is your book. This book made me feel scared, it made me cry, after every chapter the ending left me in suspense. If you also love life then this is your book. The book will give you a lesson that you should accept the way you are. Most books make you zone out but this book is the best.

childish
The book had a message that everyone knows all ready. it would be a good book for the teenagers. ... Read more

Reviews (13)

Not Bad, But Not the Greatest
Bad Girls by Cythia Voight was a pretty good book. It was kind of slow at the start but got pretty good. Another thing I didn't really like that the book went on and on for somethings. The book was about two girls who were really tough and made trouble. It was quite funny at points.

Very entertaining
This is one of my favorite books. It is entertaining and real at the same time. The girls are outrageous, but the feelings they have are what everyone goes through. They're fun characters, and the other characters are also interesting. I really enjoy reading this book!

Bad Book---Bad Girls
This is a BAD BAD book. Dont you dare be stupid and buy it like it did! I really didnt get it. I think Cynthia Voigt couldve done better than that.

Bad Book about Stupid Girls
OK, i managed to finish the book. my friend reccomended it. unless you are enthusiastic about reading about stupid girls punching people in the nose and wrong boys like that other person said, dont read it.

Bad girls is bad
I read this a while ago. I was disgusted with how bad it was. Basically, it's about two girls who punch people in the nose and think it's cool. Please, I would hate to see you waste your money on this junk. Read something worth your time and money. This is definetly the worst book ... Read more

Reviews (1)

It was an entertaining novel that pulls the reader in.
Out of the many books I've read I think that The Callender Papers is one of the most incrdible books. However, the author uses forshadowing quite a bit which makes the ending predictable. The authors style of writing pulls the reader in with vivid descriptions of 19th century Massachusetts. It also has a number of complex characters whose pasts' are revealed through a series of family papers. Overall I think the Callender Papers was a wonderful book! ... Read more

Product Description

Homecoming: Four abandoned children in search of a home. Novel by Cynthia Voigt. Shells: A boy and his aunt thrown together by fate. Short story by Cynthia Rylant. Little Sister: A sister's love and protection. Poem by Nikki Grimes. A Christmas Tree for Lydia: Times are hard for Eddy's family, but he has a plan... Short story by Elizabeth Enright. The Journey: A long journey and a "faded dream". Poem by Hu Feng. from The Resillent Child: How do some kids find the strength to overcome obstacles? Essay by Kevin Bushwelter. Train Time: A Native American boyand a man who wants to help. Short story by D'Arcy McNickle. A Celebration of Grandfathers: A Grandfather's "wise path of life". Nonfiction by Rudolfo Anays. ... Read more

Book Description

Fiesty, sneaky, wise-cracking sixth-grade girls Mikey and Margalo are back - with a vengeance!In this challenging and funny novel, a new girl comes to town who's so bad, she makes Mikey and Margalo look good. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

One of My Favorite books, Ever!
Bad, Badder, Baddest. Just by the name you can tell these girls are not made of sugar.
Margalo and Mikey are the best of friends, but barely ever show that they are. The are always trying to find a snappy remark to the last one that was spoken. The main part of the book, why they did everything, was because Mikey's mother and father were getting divorced. If your parents get divorced, that means one will move far away. Away from her best friend.
Mikey tries to do everything to do to get her parents' minds' off of the divorce, but everything was shot down. The last thing Mikey or Margalo could think of was drastic. They would run away.
Trusting words from a theif and blackmalier, they walk down the road to the old abondaned house bad girl Ginnatte had talked about. But guess who goes and ruins the plans of everyone? Will Mikey's parents stop the divorce? Will Mikey have to move away? Away from Margalo......?

Friendships Rock!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This book should be read by all kids who like books dealing with friends.It's about a girl whose parents are going through a divorce. Her firend is trying to help her get through the rough times. A girl comes into their lives and tells them about potions and spells that will keep her parents together. You should read the book to find out what happend's next.

way cool
This was actually the first cynthia voight book i had ever read. All the names were kind of confusing but it was a really good book. Mikey and Margalo are sort of the ideal friends for everyone. Except for the fact that they're always getting into trouble. I would recommend this book to anyone. As well as the first one since it's the first.

This is a good book!
What I really liked about Bad, Badder, Baddest was Margalo and Mikey and how adventerous they were. Mikey was mad at her parents becuase they wanted a divorce, so she decided to get their attention by running away. I would recommend this book, especially to middle school girls.

Mickey and Margalo team up for a new adventure!
Bad, Badder, Baddest wasn't as good as their first Book Bad Girls, a five star book. At times you get bored but Mickey and Margalo make a good team you have to give the book credit for that! ... Read more

Book Description

MUMMY, MUMMY,

WHO'S GOT THE MUMMY?

It's not a terribly valuable mummy, but its disappearance spells big trouble for Phineas and Althea's father, who is the curator of a small collection of Egyptian antiquities bequeathed to the college where he works.

A whispered phone call leads Phineas and Althea to the vandalized mummy without revealing the identity of the thief. Then someone far more important to Phineas than a fifteen-hundred-year-old mummy vanishes. In spite of what the police think, he knows his sister would not have run away, and he knows she's in grave danger. But can he unravel the mystery in time to save her life?

... Read more

Reviews (7)

The Vandemark Mummy
The Vandemark Mummy was a very intriguing mystery. I have read a few of Cynthia Voigt's other books and this book proved to be another unique story by her. This book focuses in on the Halls, who have moved to Maine because of their Dad's job. Their mother is on the West coast because of a job as well. Their father, Samuel Hall, is thrilled to receive a unique egyptian collection which includes a mummy. The mummy is stolen, but soon that is the least of their porblems. Trouble soon begins to arise. This book is truely a great book brought to a satisfying end.

An "OK" book
I read "The Vandemark Mummy" after reading "Izzy, Willy-Nilly," because I enjoyed Cynthia Voigt's writing.This book is just a fun book to read if you have nothing else to read or do."The Vandemark Mummy," is a young book with a kiddy plot, so don't expect anything major.

Terrific book!
...The Vandemark Mummy was filled with action, mystery, and suspense, making this work of fiction a great summer book. Phineas and Althea’s father is offered a job at a college in Maine. He accepts, and Phineas and Althea have a tough time getting used to the state, the town, and the new people. The college at which their father now works has a collection of Egyptian artifacts, including a mummy. Someone attempts to steal it, shocking everybody. Then it happens again; this time, however, the robbers are successful. Can Phineas and Althea solve the crime, or will the mummy remain permanently off display?

Great history and creepy mystery
This book is one of my favorite mysteries. I love ancientstuff, and I got historical facts and information on what scientistsdo to study mummies.The characters are so believable you miss them when the book is over. I actually looked for this book on Amazon because I wanted to see if there was a sequel!

Entertaining
The Vandemark Mummy was a very good book.When the Professsor gets a collection with a mummy in it, his two kids, Althea and Phineas, suspect that the mummy may be fixing to endanger their lives.After Altheadisappeared after the mummy had been found after being stolen, Phineas knewexactly where to find her.This book keeps you reading it because it is sogood. ... Read more

Book Description

The four Tillerman children finally have a home at their grandmother's rundown farm on the Maryland shore. It's what Dicey has dreamed of for her three younger siblings, but after watching over the others for so long, it's hard to let go. Who is Dicey, if she's no longer the caretaker for her family?

Dicey finds herself in new friends, in a growing relationship with her grandmother, and in the satisfaction of refinishing the old boat she found in the barn. Then, as Dicey experiences the trials and pleasures of making a new life, the past comes back with devastating force, and Dicey learns just how necessary -- and painful -- letting go can be. ... Read more

Reviews (105)

Letting Go
Dicey's Song is a depressing story about a thirteen year old girl who must learn how necessary it is to let go. Her mother is faced with a mental illness and Dicey is left as the caretaker of the rest of the Tillerman family. When her grandmother adopts the four Tillermans, Dicey discovers that she no longer has to take care of her three younger siblings. She makes new friends and relationships as she begins to relax and enjoy life as a thirteen year old girl. As she slowly adapts to her new way of life, Dicey and her grandmother rush to Boston. What's wrong? Is her mother's condition getting worse? Is she ready to come home? Dicey's worries come back and she must face the overwhelming pain of letting go.

I recommend this book to anyone. Dicey's Song is an easy read and it teaches people to live their life to the fullest. The past should not interfere with the present or the future. People should learn from the past and use their knowledge to better their lives in the future.
f

Dicey's Song
After struggling to survive the summer alone with her two brothers and sister, Dicey finally arrives at her grandmother's house. Dicey Tillerman a thirteen-year-old girl has had the responsibility of keeping her family together. Now her new challenge will be learn to let go and except that she is only a teenager herself
After moving in with their grandmother, and starting to become a family, Dicey realizes that life as she knew was to change forever. She starts to live as any other teenager would. Enrolling herself in school and even getting a job at a local grocery store, she becomes more like a sister and less of mother to her siblings. Dicey also starts to rely and be more open with her grandmother, emotionally. Over time she creates a tight circle of friends in school and at home.
The Tillermans themselves start to bond as a family. With all the kids in school, they become more and more as ordinary children. The oldest boy, James, not only becomes an excellent student but also a reliable paperboy. Maybeth finds passion in music, while Sammy makes friends with the local boys.
[But with their lives settled in, what will a word about their long lost mother do]
Reading this book helped me find the true meaning of a family. I enjoyed this book and i hope a lot of you will too!

deceptively simple masterpiece
The thing I most love about Cynthia Voigt's writing in general, and the Tillerman series in particular, is her understanding of what makes people tick. This is especially evident in this novel, which deservedly won the Newbery Medal. Much of the interest of the story centres around Dicey's development, growth and change, and her attempts to understand people and the relationships between them.

Cynthia Voigt is also unusual among YA writers in her consistent development of the adult characters as complex and real; evading the trap of making them simply foils for the teen protagonist or a catalyst in the story.

A book that can stand on its own as well as part of a series, and one that will be treasured by those who love thoughtful stories about real people.

Fine...
At first when I read this book, I was bored out of my wits. I had to read this book for a school project, which I really didn't want to do. I almost fell asleep during the first 50 pages of the book. But near the end, the plot got a lot better and I enjoyed it more. It was very interesting, but I think I would have enjoyed it more if I had read the first book in the Tillerman series. I had many questions, like- Why was the mother mentally ill? How did they get with Gram? etc. But his is a great book that pulls you into the story, especially at the very end. I know I put in 3 stars for this book, but I would rather have put in 3 and a half- I really enjoyed this.

Bookcrazy
I Loved the book but I kept on getting very confuised at time and I have to go back and reread it. I think the writer could have told the story a bit more discriptive on some the parts.
But other than that I Loved the story ... Read more

Book Description

With eighth grade halfway behind them, best friends Mikey Elsinger and Margalo Epps can predict certain events, like who can't stand them (the usual) and how their grades compare (about the same), like how they feel about the school play (so-so) and the big dance (negative). What they don't predict is that they'll start to like boys...that way.

Then Shawn Macavity is named the lead in the play, and Mikey is struck speechless -- a completely new experience for her. Shawn isn't just any boy. Beautiful, with a hooked nose (it works for him), black (but not dyed) hair, and a name that isn't spelled S-E-A-N, he's the only boy. And so, with a flash of her bug-squashing smile, Mikey goes after him.

Margalo can't help but wonder, has Mikey lost her mind? WAS SHE ABDUCTED BY ALIENS? Where is the Mikey she's known since fifth grade? Meanwhile she has romantic problems of her own to worry about. And unlike Mikey, Margalo isn't telling the whole school about them.

In this fourth book in Cynthia Voigt's Bad Girls series, as Mikey and Margalo struggle to understand that funny thing called love, they find that boys may come and go, but bad girls are bad for life. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

"Baddest" book yet!
One of the best things I love about Voight's books are how real her characters are. I'm a longtime BIG fan and was delighted to discover this new series.I loved these books immediatly from the first Bad Girls book I read. (And if you've never read the first three I'd highly recommend them too!) She delivers yet agian in this new book and keeps you guessing all the way through the story. I have a pretty good idea who the mysterious telephone caller is, for example. If you're hesitant about the word "Love" in the title don't worry, there's no mushy, sugary fluff here. It's all about survival as any bad girl knows. Mikey and Margelo are quickly entering the world of teenagers with all it's cliques, fashion statements, and innocent questions-what exactly is this lurve business all about anyway? Mikey is struck dumb, for the first time in her life, at the sight of Shawn MaCavity while Margalo looks on, amused, secretly carring the burden of her own crush. As always the bad girls stick together in their latest dilemma and Voight captures the drama in a humourous way. This could be any junior high school in any town. If you enjoyed the first three books you won't be dissapointed by this one! ... Read more

Book Description

It was the 1960s, the time of the Vietnam War."Bullet" Tillerman, the school track star, had to decide if he would go to fight or stay on the family farm.Bullet's father, who had already driven Bullet's older brother and sister out of the house, made impossible demands on him.And his mother seemed to have lost the will to resist the old man.Meanwhile, at school, a black student joined the track team, forcing Bullet to question his own prejudices.But nothing would keep him from running.Nothing.

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Reviews (36)

One of the finest books ever written
Cynthia Voigt is one of the best writers we have today; the only reason she hasn't won Pulitzers and National Book Awards is that she writes for young adults, and most critics can't imagine any writer for that audience producing anything of literary merit. "The Runner" is the book I'd show anybody who ever put down young adult novels. By Cynthia Voigt's own estimation, "The Runner" is her best novel. She's right. I first read the novel five years ago; since then, I've taught it almost thirty times in that period of time, and it just keeps getting better. Every semester, some student points out some corner of the novel I'd missed. "The Runner" tackles serious subjects in a serious way: racism, war, growing up, friendship, principles, parental conflicts. Each and every one of these issues is dealt with thoroughly and seamlessly in the life of Bullet Tillerman, Dicey's uncle. My students love the rebellious Bullet; they are aghast when they realize he's a racist. They read with absolute fascination to find out what happens next. The novel's cast of characters are unique and original: Bullet's father and mother, his best friend Patrice, and his teammate Tamer are unforgettable. This is a novel that I think will come to be remembered as the best novel ever written for young adults, but even more, one of the finest novels of the last 50 years.

Boy, oh boy
The first thing that came to mind when I read this book was that Voigt certainly has an unusual style. Voigt does have a knack of creating strong, addictive plots, and of course providing the unique, unforgettable characters to see the plot through. But till now, Voigt's most complex and unique character lies in "The Runner" -- Samuel / Bullet Tillerman. Reading about him sends you into a whirl. Bullet is a strong-willed, stubborn and hot-headed youth. He lives by his own rules , and that includes his domineering father, his prejudices towards the 'coloured' community,his love for cross-country running, and even his opinions towards the draft (This story was set at the time of the Vietnam Civil War). Having a mind of his own, Bullet finds himself really different, in his opinions and his thinking , and in the way he behaves. It's really simple, Bullet lives his life the way he wants to , and nobody can stop him. Nobody can make that change. Voigt's bold descriptions flesh out the characters in this book perfectly, especially Bullet. Voigt also tells this tale in a wildly original way. She sets her opinions down in this book, and argues about them at the same time. She pretty much covers up all the aspects of the issues she tackles in this book, which include family ties, teenage rebellion, racism, politics and war. In a way, she's arguing with the readers, challenging them to think, to look at matters in a different light. Voigt really understands young adults, I'll give her that much. This book has a tangy and refreshing aftertaste, and it is a must-read for all young adults and all parents who really want to understand their kids. "The Runner" is wonderfully entertaining, making education through this book outrageously fun. Trust me, Voigt only produces books of the finest quality.

LOVE IT!
I have read many many books by Ms. Voigt. She is a very complex writer. It's obvious that she's experienced some of the things she writes about herself. She doesn't write with the viewpoint of many authors, treating kids like they have more to learn. Her main characters are almost always kids, and she simply tells things through the character's eyes, not her own eyes. I love this book, and all the others. However, I suggest reading Homecoming, Dicey's Song, and A Solitary Blue before taking on this one.

Slow but meaningful
At first I had a bit of trouble getting into the book. I had read Dicey's song and loved it so I wanted to read the rest of the Tillerman series. At one point I thought of giving up since it seemed like Bullet veiws of life were too angery and I couldn't relate, at other times I also questioned my interest in the story being told. I however kept going and I really liked the second half. It was nice how Bullet had to go through and rediscover himself! He had to ask himself is this really what I believe? In this way I believe Bullet matured and came to a better understanding about life and his values. I also enjoyed him going past the prejustice to find the person(Tamer). Read the book if you want to know what I am talking about!

One Of the Best From Voigt
If you have read the begining of the Tillerman series you know the true end to this book, it also clarrifys many things about the first books in the series.

Of All of the Tillerman books this was by far my favorite. Through Bullet's quiet and reserved nature you learn new things about yourself and about how you trully view others. The story starts slow but as I neared the end of this book I could not put it down. Bullet, Abaigail and Tamer become so real to you as you read. I recommend this to anyone looking for a quick good read and for anyone who questions, as a teenager, how they view other races/classes.

An amazing novel for teens and adults alike... ... Read more

Amazon.com

"The Volkking struggled, but his sickness attacked him both day and night, a war band giving the enemy no respite of sleep." With the first sentence of Elske readers are tumbled into a vivid medieval world whose rich, elegant detail only continues to entrance. Newbery Award winner Cynthia Voigt (Dicey's Song) brings her Kingdom series to a superb conclusion with this fourth and final story. At age 12, living as a captive in her Viking-styled Volkaric homeland, Elske has been appointed to die. Her grandmother plots to take her place secretly, so that Elske can escape to the merchant society of Traskad. Once there, she becomes a servant to the imperious young noblewoman Beriel--who insists on being the rightful heir to the throne of The Kingdom. Elske finds that while Beriel is stubborn and headstrong, the exiled young queen matches Elske's own honesty and gutsiness, and they soon become allies in the perilous battle to regain the crown. Like the other three books in the series--Jackaroo, On Fortune's Wheel, and The Wings of a Falcon--this story is linked to the others only loosely and can easily stand alone. But young readers who have once experienced Voigt's beautifully drawn characters, lush settings, and riveting plots will certainly want to seek out the rest of the epic tale. (Ages 12 and older) --Patty Campbell ... Read more

Reviews (33)

Beware of mature subject matter
13-year-old Elske escapes rape and certain death at the hands of the leaders of her barbaric [Volkaric] society.She leaves her homeland and, through several contacts, finally becomes handmaiden to Beriel.Together they work to claim Beriel's rightful throne in the kingdom.
This book should be for mature readers only.The Volkaric society is barbaric in that there is mention that men rape women in multiples, babies are given to wolves, etc.This thread goes through the book, not in a sickening way, but being descriptive of the society.Later, there is mention of a woman's bleeding time and the description of the birth process.

A timless tale of loyalty
Cynthia Voight has woven a colorful tale that captures and steals the heart of the reader. If you enjoy reading a book about a timeless devotion to one another then this book is for you. The intricate tale of two women striving to bring order to the Kingdom will cause you to wonder and question the outcome of the book. you wiil find yourself caught in the tale until the last page has turned. If you do not believe me, then i sugest that you go and buy yourself a copy. Yes buy it, not check it out. This book will be one you want on your self so that you may enjoy it time and time again.

Wonderful read
I read Voight's other "Kingdom" books as a teenager, but when I came across Elske on the site, I had to buy it.I was a little wary that I would have outgrown the series, but I quickly found myself completely immersed in the story.Voight crafts an excellent tale, doing well to tie this book in with the others in the series, but with such subtlety than one must not have read the others to enjoy Elske.The characters are strong, and the only negative thing I can say is that it all seems to wrap up too quickly.The last few chapters could have been fleshed out a great deal more without overburdening the plot, and I, for one, would have enjoyed a little more substance.However, it still makes for a great read, whether or not you're family with the other books.

A nice fantasy/adventure
For readers of fantasy books, this is a good choice. My only warning: it starts out rather grimly, but don't panic, it only gets better. The ending is perfect, and I love the fact that the characters have depth, and motives, not to mention Elske is a powerful female character, with intelligence and purpose.

Elske
From the beginning, Elske pulls you into a different world. From the first sentence, Cynthia Voigt plants curiosity into your mind, and soon the story wraps around you. Elske is only 12 years old, but she is the Death Maiden and must follow her King into death. Her grandmother saves her, however, by secretly taking her place. Thus, Elske travels North, to a city whose ways, whose people, are unfamiliar. But Elske, with her honesty and open smile, makes her way in this world. When she is fifteen she becomes maidservant to Beriel, the rightful Queen of a distant and isolated Kingdom. Beriel is willful, proud, and angry; but she is a Queen through and through and Elske chooses to serve her and help her reclaim her throne.
Moving through various landscapes, with richly drawn characters, the thought provoking Elske is a worthwhile read. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

One of my favorites
This is the first book in the "Tillerman Saga" and one of my favorite books ever.I first read it when I was twelve, and was fascinated by the courage Dicey displayed.I just turned 21, and on re-reading it I find it to have grown better with age.I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in how four kids could survive a summer mostly on their own, or learning about how just because people look one way on the outside doesn't mean that is what they are really like; actually, I'd recommed this book, and the rest to anyone.

A heart-warming, realistic story
As an education professional involved with young people I read these books a lot.I was moved by this tale and found it paralleled the lives of some young people I know.I could hardly wait to read the sequel. Ms Voight has also branched out in her later works, even into historical novels.She is a writer to be reckoned with.

Watch out, it is really bad
I was forced to read this book for school this year (6th grade) and it was terrible. With shallow characters, tedious description, and boring dialogue, all this book's good for is firewood. Dont waste your money

This was a very good and interesting novel!
This book was a great survival book.It was full of so much suspense that you could never guess what would happen next.I loved this book and I will never forget the plot of this story ... Read more

Reviews (39)

AMAZING!
This is one of my favorite books of all time. I read this book awhile ago and I still put myself in the main character's place. It's amazing in how Griff (the main character's best friend) and the boy with no name (later Oriel) escapes to only find that it is no better anywhere. I loved this book, and I strongly recomend reading the other books in the series. Those are Jackaroo, and On Fortune's Wheel. Even though The Wings of a Falcon is long, I didn't regret getting the book when I was in the middle. This is a hard-to-put-down book, though maybe boring for a few pages pages, but then it is exciting again. It is 467 pages, and 31 chapters, but it only took me 5 days to read it. That is really how exciting it is.

A fantastic book!
I absolutely love this book! It is one of the best that I have ever read. Cythina Voigt creates a complete other world in her Kingdom Series, of which this is the third installment. Her characters are finely drawn, and ones ends up feeling very attached to them by the time the end of the book rolls around.

"The Wings of a Falcon" has ample excitement, but it's true strength lies in its compelling characters. I was crying endlessly at one point, which only proves its emotional strength. Read this book! Trust me!

The Lord of the Rings it's not, but still fantastic!
The Wings of a Falcon is the third book in a series of highly acclaimed heroic adventures that began with Jackaroo and continued in On Fortune's Wheel. This book was written by Cynthia Voigt who is a renowned author of books that revolve around the heroic theme. Although relatively difficult at places, The Wings of a Falcon shouldn't be missed by anyone who is remotely interested in a book that illustrates friendship, courage, and loyalty.

As a boy with no name, no family, and no love, he only knew how to obey and stay loyal to the sixth Damall. Under cruel and unreasonable treatments, he remained strong and eventually earned the honorable position of seventh Damall. Just when everything is set, he escaped the Damall's island with his only friend Griff, the falconstone called Beryl, and a name. From war torn cities to steep steps of the snowy mountain, he and Griff conquered numerous challenges and after each exhausting day, their hearts slowly began to unite as one. When fate brought them to the mysterious Kingdom, a devastating tragedy struck and Griff's responsibility and unwavering loyalty will be severely tested.

The book is very well written and it is obvious that the author imputed a lot of energy on small details that would enhance the final product. There are definitely enough cleverly used sensory details to give readers a clear picture of the subject, and even better, the sensory details never bogged down the pace of the book and readers would never feel overwhelmed by hordes after hordes of figurative languages. The characters featured in this novel all have distinct personalities and complex ambitions, and at no where in the book did the author just simply introduces a character. All characters came into their roles mysteriously and some character's true backgrounds are never revealed. The different parts of the book are all connected to each other seamlessly, and the book flows along smoothly. With crystal clear sensory details and complex character build-ups, the Wings of a Falcon also has a twisting plot that will puzzle and surprise even the most advanced readers.

It is hard trying to pick weak points from such a wonderful book, but The Wings of a Falcon isn't perfect. The most evident flaw is probably the fact that the book is a bit too difficult to understand at times, and the twisting plot would constantly confuse readers. Some of the things in this novel should be filtered out to make it more exciting and less repetitive, and some moments should be emphasized more to make it stand out and memorable. The author could have added some funny moments to make this book more entertaining and the unexpected ending could depress and disturb some readers. But these are just minor pitfalls that are barely worth mentioning in front of all the strong points of this book.

Overall, The Wings of a Falcon is a fantastic book that tells about courage, friendship, and loyalty. While it definitely has some problems, its unparalleled depth, engrossing details, and clear descriptions are more than enough to overshadow it. With a whopping of nearly 500 pages and about 30 chapters, it will be both a long and entertaining read. Some of the strong points mentioned above could be view as weak points and the weak points could be viewed as strong points. It all depends on what kind of reader is reading this book. In the end, this epic novel is strongly recommended to everyone who will not get easily confused and depressed by disturbing masterpieces.

Sadly disappointed
Having read On Fortune's Wheel and Jackaroo, I expected great things of Voigt. Instead I was reading about a boy with no name, no feelings, and a disappointing ending. In fact, I was more then disappointed at that 'unexpected twist'. You really, really should never do that to a main character, without some very special back-up characters, which Voigt never developed. I was saddened by such a poorly written book.
Griff is never fully developed, and so when POV changes, you can feel little or nothing for him, and I at least, lost interest in the story and only dragged myself throught it because I hate to leave a book half-way through.

The Wings of a Falcon
The Wings of a Falcon is about a young man learning how cruel and interesting the world can be. He grew up on an all boys island, the Damall's Island, where he can't show emotions, he must have a heart of stone. He's put to tests and baited to show his weaknesses, but he won't. He escapes the island with his friend Griff, after taking and then passing on the role as Damall. They finally reach the mainland, where they find out everyone is fighting and no one should be trusted. After a while they're caught by Wolfers, and must learn how and when to escape and then what to do with their freedom.
The Wings of a Falcon was a good book because of the dangers the characters facd. They always had to be careful no to show emotions, get caught, trust the wrong person or do something else that could turn out badly. There's always someone or something in the way of thier freedom and happiness. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes adventure adn constant excitement. ... Read more