Book Description

Angus’ family is musical. Everyone has their own instrument and everyone knows how to make music. But Angus can only hum along to his family’s playing, and humming isn’t good enough. Angus wants to join his family’s orchestra.

When Angus’ father tells him the family will give him an instrument, he can’t choose until he hears the fiddle at a ceilidh. But fiddling is hard; he can’t make the music he wants. With patience, practice, and lots of lessons, Angus’ fingers learn how to play, and the music inside him finds a way out.

Budge Wilson’s story will ring true for every young musician and is a fitting tribute to the music makers of Cape Breton. ... Read more

Book Description

Getting over the chicken pox can be boring, but Duff and Simon find a great way to enjoy themselves - acting out one of their favourite stories, Jack the Giant Killer, in the park. ... Read more

Reviews (20)

Wasn't great
I read this book last year, as it was part of the grade eight curriculum. I remember, even as a particularly dim-witted eighth grader, thinking, while reading this book, "Just how stupid do they think we _are?_"

Yes, I know I must take into consideration what age group this book is for. But in grade eight, when I was twelve, and that IS in the suggested age group, the teachers all seemed to think that not telling people exactly what you're thinking all the time was a concept SO complex that required pages and pages of explaining a five year old could understand, and really cheesy metaphors.

And the entire second half of the book, when everything finally starts going right for Oliver was very, very bothersome. He makes peace with all the evil teachers, makes best buds with the bully... fact is, stuff like that doesn't happen. Usually, if someone hates you, they hate you for a long, long time. It doesn't tend to change overnight like it was portrayed in the book.

So basically, I found the book to be unconvincing in general. Sure, it had its moments, but it was just so... cheesy. Unbelievable. The rating, for me, would be closer to about two and a half stars.

Oliver's Wars
When I first started reading the book Oliver's Wars I thought it was bad and it would not be good,but as I read the book it got better and better. The story took place in Halifax Olivers Dad was a nurse in the army and was at the Gulf war.Oliver Moved to Halifax to livewith his Grandma and Grandpa he didn't think it was great,but if I got to live with mine I would be very happy. Oliver met a kid named Harry and they were good friends. Then he met Gus the school bully. When Oliver started to understand Gus they became friends.I can see that happening because there is a school or class bully everywhere and my friends and I are friends with him. Friends are very importent people in your life because you can talk to them, and playwith them, and tell them how you feel. Oliver's Wars Shows just how hard it can be to have to miss old friends and someone like your dad or mom and have to make new friends and become closer to your parents or family when someone is gone.

Oliver's Wars
Oliver's Wars is an excellent book. It take place during the Galf War.Oliver has his own war inside.All his famely thinks that nothing bothers him because he naver makes a fuss.His twin brother, Jerry, is very different.He is outgoing, loud, a good athelete, very popular.Oliver is clumsy, the new kids make fun of him, especially Gus, the class bully.Gus's father is also away at the Gulf War, like Oliver's.Oliver finds out that Gus is really not as mean as he seems.He is only tring to cover his real feeling about his father being away and hurt.As soon as Oliver realized that, they become good friends and Oliver start to feels alot better.

Oliver's Wars
Oliver's Wars is an excellent book. It take place during the Galf War.Oliver has his own war inside.All his famely thinks that nothing bothers him because he naver makes a fuss.His twin brother, Jerry, is very different.He is outgoing, loud, a good athelete, very popular.Oliver is clumsy, the new kids make fun of him, especially Gus, the class bully.Gus's father is also away at the Gulf War, like Oliver's.Oliver finds out that Gus is really not as mean as he seems.He is only tring to cover his real feeling about his father being away and hurt.As soon as Oliver realized that, they become good friends and Oliver start to feels alot better.

Oliver's Wars
Oliver's Wars is an excellent book. It take place during the Galf War.Oliver has his own war inside.All his famely thinks that nothing bothers him because he naver makes a fuss.His twin brother, Jerry, is very different.He is outgoing, loud, a good athelete, very popular.Oliver is clumsy, the new kids make fun of him, especially Gus, the class bully.Gus's father is also away at the Gulf War, like Oliver's.Oliver finds out that Gus is really not as mean as he seems.He is only tring to cover his real feeling about his father being away and hurt.As soon as Oliver realized that, they become good friends and Oliver start to feels alot better. ... Read more

Book Description

Duff's dad thinks his son has an over-active imagination: one day their neighborhood is menaced by flying saucers, the next by stray elephants or boa constrictors.

So when Duff announces he's found a monkey in the barn, no one believes him. No one, that is except his best friend Simon. The harder Duff and Simon try to convince people that the monkey is real, the less they're convinced. Simon's mom takes her worries to the rabbi; Duff's priest preaches sermons about the dangers of lying.

When Mr. Antonio comes to town looking for the star performer of his Mountie Monkey Act, however, people think twice about what Duff and Simon said, and about how they responded to it.

Duff's Monkey Business is a hilarious story about the importance of honesty, and of keeping an open mind to the truth. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Coming of age in two times
Budge Wilson tells the story of two girls growing up in different times. Lorinda, who is in a bucnh of other books by Wilson including Mystery Lights at Blue Harbour and The Best/Worst Christmas Present Ever, is turning thirteen when her grandmother dies. Her grandmother leaves her all of her diaries, and the book chronicles both the grandmother at thirteen (through the diary), growing up during World War II, and Lorinda's own life. The historical detail is marvellous, and I liked the characters very much. A good young adult novel. ... Read more