" ▶▶▶ August 2010 | Children's Books "

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Check Out The Door in the Wall (Books for Young Readers) for $2.19

The Door in the Wall (Books for Young Readers) Review



I believe I read this book long ago about 15 years ago and had forgotten it almost completely, I'm so glad I found this again. This is one of the most powerful books I have ever read if not the most powerful (considering it's length), how many authors could make you feel this way in under 200 pages? Is this book realistic? Sorta. She has an uncanny ability to make you feel as if you are really there without making you want to gag like some other medieval tale have been known to do, she leaves out filth (even having the characters bathe quite frequently when we know that that rarely happened back then, however I believe that this works in the story's favor as it is more a fairy tale or akin to a tale told for the moral that it is telling you, that is that no matter what we lose in this life (as long as we don't lose our life)that there is always HOPE if we can keep our eyes on what we still have and not what we've lost. Robin the main character may have lost his ability to stand tall but he did not lose his ability to stand TRUE! This story IMO would not be nearly as powerful if it had been set in our times, simply because at the time of Robin's tale men were expected to be whole and strong and in families such as Robin's (who were of noble birth) they were expected to be knights and serve their country. Cripples from what I've read were not looked upon as people of value too often, nowadays with the advance of technology and the changing idea of a man or woman's worth and what they can accomplish no matter what the obstacle, owing to this I don't think this story could work in our times now that we have people such as Stephen Hawkings who is a perfect example of a Robin like character he was born able bodied and then was struck down with a debilitating disorder (ALS) but while he may have lost the use of his body he still had a brilliant mind he "Opened the Door in the Wall" and changed the world, just like this book has in its own quiet way, thank you Newberry for choosing yet another book that has changed my life, I have decided that I am going to make it a mission of mine to read every newberry book I can get my hands on.



The Door in the Wall (Books for Young Readers) Feature


  • ISBN13: 9780440227793
  • Condition: New
  • Notes: BUY WITH CONFIDENCE, Over one million books sold! 98% Positive feedback. Compare our books, prices and service to the competition. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed



The Door in the Wall (Books for Young Readers) Overview


Set in the fourteenth century, the classic story of one boy's personal heroism when he loses the use of his legs.


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Very Pleased - linky -
I ordered this book as to be part of a summer school class I was teaching with middle school boys. I was limited to the number of days of summer school, so many books are too long to be completed in the time frame I was given. This was just the perfect length, and also the subject matter was new and interesting for this group of middle school boys.

The books came before they were scheduled, and they were in excellent condition.

I would not hesitate to order again.






pleasing Newbery Medal winner - Deborah L. Mace - N.Y. United States
This 1950 Newbery Medal winner is a charming story of a boy who helps save the day despite problems with his legs. A great story that keeps you interested right to the end.



Great Book - Sonja A. Johnson - Kansas City, MO
Love this book. I pre-read this book to see how it was for my daughter and had to add it to our collection. Only thing that would have made it better would have been it I could have had it in hardback.

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Sep 01, 2010 00:25:05

Great Price for $2.84

Maggie's Door Review



A tribute to determination, fortitude, the staying spirit, "Maggie's Door" is a historical novel of the crossing of a microcosm of Irish from Maidin Bay to Galway to New York to Brooklyn to Maggie's Door.

The potato blight, which began in Ireland in 1845, continued for several years and was the catalyst for two to three million Irish immigrants to America. Leaving with only what they had on or could carry in a cloth bag, these Irish sought a new life, free of the downright mean English, fetid fields, and absolutely no food for people who worked the hostile land for potatoes as their only sustenance.


The trip by ship in cramped, filthy conditions was hardly better, but at least they had bug-filled meal to heat in a little water to eat. At least, a chance at a new life awaited them, making the journey worth its horrible conditions. (There is a museum in southern Ireland which depicts the Crossing and all its horrors.)

The microcosmic story of Nory Ryan features this twelve-year-old girl, who faces unknown perils to walk to Galway to find any family to make the Crossing. Her family is divided: Maggie and her husband went ahead a year ago. Da, Granda, and a sister have gone, and now Nory. Her life-long friend and neighbor Sean Red, also went ahead with his Mam and Patch, Nory's three-year-old brother.

Patricia Reilly Giff tells the story in alternating voices, first Nory's, then Sean's and how the stories meet on the Crossing. The writing is so vivid that I felt right there as part of the story, not as a reader looking in. I felt the panicky confinement, the malodorous smells of vomit, urine, feces, tasted the puckering of the meal. At the end of the journey some tried to wash their clothes by tying them to strings and dipping them in the ocean. After all, a doctor would examine them. If they did not meet health standards, they would be sent back.

Will this little band of Irish make it to Maggie's Door? Will more problems arise to torment them in the new country? What more is there to endure?

There is a third book in the series--"Water Street." The reader interested in this tragic piece of Irish history and the transition to the American history of many of our ancestors can find a great fictional account in this trilogy.
Nory Ryan's Song, Book 1
Maggie's Door Book 2
Water Street, Book 3



Maggie's Door Feature


  • ISBN13: 9780440415817
  • Condition: New
  • Notes: BUY WITH CONFIDENCE, Over one million books sold! 98% Positive feedback. Compare our books, prices and service to the competition. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed



Maggie's Door Overview


We will dance on the cliffs of Brooklyn.

Maggie’s Door
is the story of the journey from Ireland to America told by both Nory and her neighbor and friend Sean Red Mallon, two different stories with the same destination—the home of Nory’s sister Maggie, at 416 Smith Street, Brooklyn, America.

Patricia Reilly Giff calls upon her long research into Irish history and her great powers as a storyteller in this deeply involving, riveting stand-alone companion novel to Nory Ryan’s Song.


From the Hardcover edition.


Maggie's Door Specifications


416 Smith Street, Brooklyn, America: this is the ultimate goal for Nory Ryan as she flees her famine-ridden home in mid-1800s Ireland. One by one, her family has departed for a new life in America; Nory is the last to go. Keeping her sister Maggie’s address close to her heart, Nory embarks on the perilous, heart-breaking journey to Galway and onward. Meanwhile, her friend Sean Red Mallon is just a few days ahead, traveling with his mother and Nory’s little brother, Patch, with the same destination in mind. Picking up where Nory Ryan’s Song leaves off, award-winning author Patricia Reilly Giff’s historical novel tells, in alternating voices, Nory and Sean’s stories. Readers will be engrossed in the series of dramatic events, as well as the grueling day-by-day struggle, as the protagonists suffer injuries, thievery, separations, and horrific sea passages. The very real tragedy of the Irish potato famine and the subsequent exodus from that country is brought to life in a fictional account that will make a profound, lasting mark on the memories of young readers. (Ages 9 to 12) --Emilie Coulter

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The Continuation of "Nory Ryan's Song" - Love Starbucks - NH
Ireland's poorest depended heavily on potatoes for their daily survival, eating the vegetable for all three meals. In "Nory Ryan's Song", a fungus wipes out the entire crop of many of the residents. Nory's friend Sean and his mother are on their way to America, taking with them Nory's very young brother, Patch. "Maggie's Door" is the continuation of that story as Nory leaves her new friend Anna and embarks alone on a long walk from their village to the sea so as to catch the boat going to Brooklyn where she is to meet the rest of her family. Sean's trip is also documented, with the chapters moving between his journey and hers, including the travails that such a trip would entail.

Nory hurts herself. Food is stolen from her.

Sean and his mother and Patch become separated when an Englishman demands that Sean take a side trip to the man's house for another horse, promising him food for his trouble. Because of the promise of food, his mother encourages him to go. When Sean returns, he is unable to find his mother or Patch. Not knowing what to do, he boards the boat alone, enduring his own hardships.

The author does a good job in these two books, keeping these young characters from being "over the top" in what they can manage on their own. They are not superheroes and Patricia Reilly Giff doesn't make them out to be, keeping the story believable in all its accounts.



A Truly Delightful Book - Someone's Mom - Chesapeake, VA
The author's genius is in taking a complicated historical subject and rendering it powerfully and beautifully, all while keeping the language and the reading skills on an elementary enough level for her readers. My nine year old loved this book, my twelve year old loved this book and I loved this book.

The action and pacing are great, moving the story along -- from its start on the coast of Ireland during the days of the potato blight, through the action in Galway where Norey boards the ship to the final chapter where they meet up once again with her family in Brooklyn. The only problem is that the story ends too soon! I'm really hoping there will be a sequel to this book, because we're all waiting for it.

One final thought: The author's decision to include both a male and female character with alternating chapters was excellent, and boys in this age range should not be put off by the title or the cover art because this is not just a girl's book. This is a story that will captivate young readers, both male and female.






The Best Book you Would have ever read!!! - -
The Best Book you would ever Read!!!


Nory walked down the long dirt road, which led to the ship that would take her, her dad and her younger brother to New York. Her mom died about eight years ago right after her little brother was born, her town's potato crop went down and everyone has to move to Brooklyn, New York.

This book Maggie's Door really puts you in the action of the story. It makes you feel like your there, you're the one who has to move to a different place, you have no food to eat. It makes you feel bad for Nory and her family to have to see what they have to go through, just to have something to eat, and a place to live.

This book has thought me that even I the worst of times never give up. You may think that nothing could get any worse, but then it does. While Nory and her brother are on the ship there grandpa dies, from then until they arrive in Brooklyn they have to survive on there own.

Now you know some information about his awesome book Maggie's Door, maybe you will read it to find out some more things that Nory and her brother go through. I would recommend this book for people who like to read books about adventures, if so then this would be a good book for you. This would also be a good book for kids between the ages of 12-15, because they would be more likely to understand it than a younger kid. But if you're the kind of person that likes books about fighting and wars than this is not the book for you.


*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Aug 31, 2010 19:36:04

Check Out Knights And Castles (Magic Tree House Research Guide, paper) for $0.99

Knights And Castles (Magic Tree House Research Guide, paper) Review



My 4-year-old son and I have been reading the Magic Tree House series for nearly half his life; they are among his favorite books (in fact, when given an opportunity at a book sale at day camp this summer, he opted to buy the next book in the series rather than the Pokemon cards that all his friends were buying!). When I showed him the Knights and Castles Research Guide, he was thrilled! We started reading it right away, and he found it fascinating. Especially appealing are the illustrations, much more numerous and detailed than those in the regular series. My only (very minor) disappointment is that it would have been even more wonderful if these books in this Research Guide series had been presented as if they were the actual books that Jack and Annie found in the treehouse (complete with the quotations that appear in the Tree House books), rather than ones they put together from "research" after their visits.



Knights And Castles (Magic Tree House Research Guide, paper) Feature


  • ISBN13: 9780375802973
  • Condition: New
  • Notes: BUY WITH CONFIDENCE, Over one million books sold! 98% Positive feedback. Compare our books, prices and service to the competition. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed



Knights And Castles (Magic Tree House Research Guide, paper) Overview


What was it like to wear armor? What was the food like in castles? This book explores what life was really like in medieval times.


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AWESOME BOOK!!!! - Mastercard - Benton Harbor, MI USA
MY SON AND I LOVE THIS BOOK AND ALL THE MAGIC TREE HOUSE BOOKS ~ A MUST BUY FOR KIDS!!



Wonderful book for kids of all ages - -
This is a wonderful book for kids of all ages. The reference works in back to museums, internet sites and other books is well done. I recommend this book for any one who has children interested in Knights and Castles!



Terrific Reference for Middle Ages * Art * Theme! - Sharon - Crozet, Virginia USA
I'm an artist and art teacher, and after discovering this book, I ordered copies for my middle school ART students! While it's an easy read for students of this age (5th through 7th grade), it's packed with understandable text and pictures. It's a great reference for the various art projects that my students are doing as part of our study of the Middle Ages, and the kids have really enjoyed it....



Knights and Castles - The Bronk Family - USA
Mary Pope Osborne does it again!

Our Family loves the Magic Tree House series. They hit us on many levels. Our youngest loves to be read to, our next just hit chapter books, our oldest is beyond this intro. level chapter books - but loves this series & reads the books over and over.

I am delighted to introduce reasearch ideas in such a non-threatening, inviting manner to my children. Learning and reading is so fun; and this concept sheds new light for a young audience. Not only will this help after reading the MTH series, it will add a new dimension when going on field trips, museums, the library, the internet, etc. I am going to share this book with our elementary school.

Ms. Osborne and her husband take the opportunity to be thorough, while simplifying for young minds - and the illustrations keep a young reader's attention.

Bravo! Keep 'em coming.

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Aug 31, 2010 15:10:05

Great Price Houghton Mifflin Company for $2.83

The Bronze Bow Review



I think I read this for a class in junior high, before I was a Christian, and I didn't really catch that it was about Jesus. When I found it for almost nothing in a used book store almost twenty years later, I bought it for nostalgia, and I have been pleasantly surprised. This is not exactly classic literature. The book, a story of a young man desperate for Israel's freedom at the time of Jesus' earthly ministry, is aimed at a young adult audience, and the dialogue is awkward and direct as a result. The main character, Daniel, has a deep hatred of the Romans with an understandable origin but somewhat.. conveniently timed expressions. Also, the physically imposing and sympathetic but internally blank slave reflects more about the author's perspective before the Civil Rights Movement had really blossomed than about the carefully chosen details of the historical setting of the action in this book. Still, this book has a surprising amount of subtlety, as characters go about their daily lives interacting with images that a Christian will recognize from Jesus' parables, like a casual mention that a farmer is separating wheat from chaff, and I didn't find them obnoxious when I was a non-Christian. I recommend this book for young readers. The story is compelling enough, and while I think it's a little preachy now, I didn't complain as a kid, so both Christians and non-Christians should be able to get something out of the action scenes and the powerful message of forgiveness and peace.



The Bronze Bow Feature


  • ISBN13: 9780395137192
  • Condition: New
  • Notes: BUY WITH CONFIDENCE, Over one million books sold! 98% Positive feedback. Compare our books, prices and service to the competition. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed



The Bronze Bow Overview


Set in Galilee in the time of Jesus, this is the story of a young Jewish rebel who is won over to the gentle teachings of Jesus.


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Can't put it down - PYS -
My daughter is reading this book for school. We've been reading it together and I seriously can't put it down. The story line is beautiful. It is profoundly written and engage its readers not in just in the mind, but to the heart. There is something one can identify with each character. It is hard to find great literature that goes beyond the mind, especially for boys. This one captures the essence of humility and humanity.



Shipping Disappointment - John Neuenschwander - Ashland City, TN, US
Book shipped promptly and received in good condition as advertised. Limited shipping options offered only 1-2 day air freight method vrs. a "No Rush" option. Was told standard dlvy. could take up to 2 weeks- and via the USPS it really did. Plus, no tracking avail. Shipper should have offered a "regular UPS" option; whereby dlvy. would have been in 2-3 business days, and tracking avail. Don't count on the USPS unless it really doesn't matter how long it takes.



If you liked this one . . . - JUmom - Wisconsin
This was basically a good, gentle book, suitable for kids. I was a little bugged by the portrayal of Jesus but then I think it is close to impossible for humans to do Him justice. I got a little irked by the main character holding onto his anger for some 250 pages! It got a little tiresome. I really liked the portrayal of Simon the Zealot and I have a much better idea of what and why a Zealot was back then because of this book.

If you liked this you should not miss the historical fiction by Louis deWohl, although he writes from a Catholic point of view. Bronze Bow can be appreciated by any Christian.

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Aug 31, 2010 10:06:06

Check Out World History - Illinois Edition for $39.95

World History - Illinois Edition Review



I really love this textbook for English Language Learners. It contains pertinent World History at an appropriate reading level. Very helpful. Cheers to Globe Fearon!





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*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Aug 31, 2010 04:49:04

Monday, August 30, 2010

Great Price for $14.98

Human Heritage: A World History Review



I ordered and paid for a used book, but was sent a brand new book. Apparently they did not have the used edition, but upgraded my purchase for free.





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Heavily Used - But I knew it wasn't new - Jerry L. Miller -
A good book - given as a gift to someone who really wanted this one.






Human Heritage: a World History - Gyoung Sook Kim -
I received wrong edition of the book. And I emailed the seller for return but the seller did not reply to me for long time(He replied to me after almost 3weeks). So I contacted Amazone directly and got refund only the book fee except shipping fee.

I returned the book to the seller by ups ground shipping(alsmost ).The seller did not give me any feedback he got back the book or not.
This is the worst experience with Amazone.




*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Aug 31, 2010 00:06:05

Check Out Little Town on the Prairie (Little House) for $4.50

Little Town on the Prairie (Little House) Review



First let me say that I read this in the full-color collector's edition, and it was lovely. Thick, glossy pages that could withstand much "love" and Garth Williams' lovely drawings enhanced with color. Very nice.

In Little Town on the Prairie, Laura is about 15 and the Ingalls family spends most of the narrative in the town of DeSmet, South Dakota. Laura has adapted to town life (compare her discomfort at being surrounded by strangers in By the Shores of Silver Lake) and is experiencing life as a young lady in frontier society in the 1880's. The period detail is rich and rewarding in this book, and in its own way, Little Town shows Laura struggling with the need to "fit in" with her peers, just as every teenager experiences today. For Laura, it's having a chance to select her own printed "name cards" and exchange them with her friends. ({BestCustomerReview}.25 for a dozen cards, a princely sum by Ingalls' standards). She also experiences a bit of evil glee at seeing the tables turned on Nellie Oleson, who is now the poor country girl. On the other hand, we see Laura work steadfastly at a hated job of sewing sleeves on men's shirts, because of her dedication to giving Mary a chance to attend college for the blind. She also dedicates herself to studying for a teacher's license so she can further supplement the family's income, and at the end of the book achieves her goal, via a lie of omission (something that Ma surely would have disapproved!).

In a remarkable section, Laura describes sewing an elegant winter dress for Mary to wear at college, and then casually tosses in that they made a hat to go with it! How on earth does one make a hat, and isn't it remarkable that Laura Ingalls Wilder didn't think hat-making merited any special mention?

We also see the intellectual side of Ma and Pa, as they go head-to-head in a fierce spelling bee competition. Pa is primarly a businessman in Little Town, which is a delightful contrast to his handyman skills that were so prominently on display in the earlier Little House volumes. Pa also delights in creating Literary Society productions for Friday nights in town. There is a queasy-making (by modern standards) chapter describing a blackface show, which may provoke some important discussions between parents and children. Ma is ever the conscientious molder of young women's behavior; it's a thankless job but someone has to do it.

Finally, Little Town is where Laura begins to be courted by Almanzo Wilder. He walks her home from the Literary Society several times, and gives her a sleighride behind his glorious team of horses. Tame stuff by modern standards, but Ma and Pa's tightlipped and cautious acceptance of this much-older man in Laura's life tells us everything we need to know.



Little Town on the Prairie (Little House) Feature


  • ISBN13: 9780060581862
  • Condition: New
  • Notes: BUY WITH CONFIDENCE, Over one million books sold! 98% Positive feedback. Compare our books, prices and service to the competition. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed



Little Town on the Prairie (Little House) Overview


For the first time in the history of the Little House books, this new edition features Garth Williams’ interior art in vibrant, full color, as well as a beautifully redesigned cover.

The little settlement that weathered the long, hard winter of 1880-81 is now a growing town. Laura is growing up, and she goes to her first evening social. Mary is at last able to go to a college for the blind. Best of all, Almanzo Wilder asks permission to walk home from church with Laura. And Laura, now fifteen years old, receives her certificate to teach school.




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my 2nd fav. by her - LibKat - Cape Cod, MA
I love Laura Ingalls Wilder as an author. I think her books are interesting and well written. Her descriptions of events, places, people, and time periods cannot be beat and it draws you right in.



Enjoyable book - M - I wait behind the wall, gnawing away at your reality
In the other books, Laura and her family were more isolated. Part of this was of course due to her youth, but as Laura moves into womanhood, she is able to enjoy and do more things, and be treated more as an adult, including getting jobs to help raise funds for her sister to go to a college for the blind. Town life is also emphasized here, as opposed to living in the big woods and the prairie. And lo and behold, here's Nellie Oleson again! Yes, really! And she has the same bratty attitude as well, which makes for some rather entertaining parts in this book. Overall a great book in the Little House series, if you've enjoyed the other books you will enjoy this one too. Enjoy!



breath of fresh air after that dreadful winter - Penny - Los Angeles, CA USA
Like many readers, I enjoyed watching Laura grow up: putting her hair up and letting her dresses down, attending her first boy-girl party, and house-sitting for a week while Ma and Pa saw Mary safely off to college. Laura had good work ethic, and academic diligence beyond most girls her age. She sacrificed much of her spare time to study hard enough to get teaching certification. Though she did not especially want to become a teacher, she was determined to earn money for Mary's college tuition. I liked Laura best when her fun or fiesty side showed itself. She couldn't help laughing her head off when two town drunks made a fairly innocuous scene in public, and she was playful at recess when the boys wanted to take the girls for sled rides. She fiercely stood up to her teacher (and sister-in-law in the future!) when that woman was mean to little sister Carrie. In Little Town, Laura also learned about the repercussions of gossip, and how to remain neutral but respectful when caught in the middle of others' conflicts. She experienced the excitement of literaries, potluck dinner fundraisers, and the attentions of the older handsome Almanzo. One of my favorite things about this book was the way in which Laura and Mary bonded during long walks. They talked about their sibling rivalry as kids. They were able to talk about Laura's resentment toward such a 'good' older sister, and Mary's secret enjoyment of her role and others' praise. For years, Mary did chide Laura for not being absolutely literal when she described things, but Laura's knack for metaphor and simile led HER to lay the foundations for these wonderful books. I think both girls did much growing during the final books of the series, Mary in capability and Laura in self-confidence. It was a joy to read about the entire family's changes, and about the excitement of living in a fast-growing town.

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Aug 30, 2010 18:32:06

Check Out Our Island Story for $8.99

Our Island Story Review



I cannot say enough good things about this history book. I am a home-educating mother of two rambunctious boys. They are not the types to sit still for anything. They'd rather be running around doing something. When it comes to history they make an exception. And it's all thanks to this beautifully written book. "Our Island Story" is history as it should be... exciting, thrilling, gripping, edge-of-your-seat storytelling that leaves you eager for the next chapter. Ever memorable, these stories stick with my children, as they retell their history lessons to family and friends, or act them out in their free time. They cheer when I tell them it's time for history, and they beg to hear more, even on their days off. ("I know it's Sunday, but can we pleeeease do history?") There are almost no "dry facts" in this book. You won't find many dates mentioned, and no uninteresting events. Everything is told with a purpose.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who wishes to have their children actually remember and enjoy history.




Our Island Story Overview


Our Island Story is the "history" of England up to Queen Victoria's Death. Marshall used these stories to tell her children about their homeland, Great Britain. To add to the excitement, she mixed in a bit of myth as well as a few legends.


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Good overall, but two serious flaws - J. Heath -
I am using this book with multiple ages of elementary -level kids in my homeschool. We like it overall, and will continue to use it because it is a unique kind of history book, with alot of information presented in story form rather than dry textbook-style. But this book does have 2 serious flaws.

First, we bought the Wilder edition, which lacks any chapter numbers of any kind. Small typeface, numerous typos, no pictures. This is a wretched edition. I am reading this aloud to my kids, but if they were reading it themselves, I would have rejected this and bought the Yesterday's Classics edition.

Second, I hoped we wouldn't but unfortunately we have stumbled upon some anti-Catholic bias. The most glaring so far is the chapter on Edward the Confessor, which presents him almost entirely unlikeable and different from any accurate history of King Edward-- SAINT Edward, may I add, and sainthood is not granted capriciously--that I have read. Sadly, I will have to research the rest of the topics in this book on my own so that I will be armed with facts, and will no longer be able to blindly trust H.E. Marshall's text. I like aspects of it enough to continue using it, but not without some serious fact-checking first.



Disappointed with Quality - Cynthia J. Carlson - Wasilla, AK
I found Our Island Story published by Wilder Publications to be poor quality. There is no table of contents, the chapters are not numbered, and there are no page breaks between chapters. Some chapter headings are the last line on a page while the chapter content starts on the next page. It also is missing chapters 111-114 of the original book. It is not what I consider professionally done. I try to be frugal in my book buying, but I would recommend spending the money for a higher quality book. It will save you frustration in the long run.



Illustrations are in black and white - Nicole Bennett -
Just so you know, in the Yesterday's Classics edition, the illustrations are not in color. I thought it wouldn't matter, but after I received the book I saw the illustrations in color online and they are sooo much more lovely! I'm returning this one for an edition with color illustrations (the one from Phoenix Press).

Aside from this, the YC edition is fine -- nice font size, easy to read.



Publishing Not Up To Par For Wilder Publications Version - Rose Bloom - Lancaster, PA USA
I purchased this version for a history living book as part of the Ambleside Online curriculum. This book spans several years and I plan to read it with three children so, all things being equal, I decided to buy the least expensive, unabridged version, figuring that bare bones would be fine as long as the content was there.
Sadly, I have not been impressed with this Wilder Publications version. It does appear to be unabridged, but the font is small, the lines are close together (explains the difference in number of pages between this and other versions), and the type is faint and thus hard to read. There is no table of contents, the chapters are not numbered, and each chapter begins a few scant lines after the end of the preceding one. This may reduce the page count, but it is definitely not reader-friendly if you are trying to find a specific chapter or lost your place in reading. In addition, the proofing was poor, as I have found several typos in the few chapters we've read so far. I expected to hand this book over to my 8-year-old to read on his own, but the mistakes could influence his understanding of the material, which, by the way, is outstanding.
All in all, I'd recommend spending a few extra bucks to buy an edition that was published with higher standards. [...]



*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Aug 30, 2010 14:22:05

Great Price Penguin Group USA for $2.95

A Long Way From Chicago (Puffin Modern Classics) Review



This "novel in stories" takes the reader to a rural Illinois farming community circa 1930, and features two Chicago kids who visit their grandmother for one week every summer. We never meet the parents, or (until the end) see the pair in the process of traveling. Each chapter has exposition, conflict, and denouement, making them all seem like episodes in a sitcom.

The author delivers this rustic world with pinpoint accuracy: county fairs, outdoor privies, Nehi soda, barnstorming planes, BVDs, homemade beer, and Model A Fords. The wealth of detail must have come from his own experiences, though the grandmother did not. To say she is not a traditional grandmother would be an understatement -- she's more of a female Paul Bunyan. Grandma commits many benevolent deceptions, all in pursuit of her inimitable brand of vigilante justice. Her physical prowess is always on display: she kills a snake barehanded, can clean and load a rifle, runs an illegal catfish trap using a stolen boat, and always seems to know the right thing to do. And she is never, ever taken advantage of or caught unprepared.

Throughout the long chapters, each representing a separate summer, Grandma sees that ne'er-do-wells get punished and the weak are protected. She feeds unemployed drifters during the Depression in defiance of the town sheriff, who wants the drifters to keep moving. She fends off a nosy big-city reporter, and uses the gullibility and greed of the local banker's wife to save a friend's home from foreclosure. Grandma is larger than life, both in person and in deed. In fact, she's no more like a real grandmother than Snoopy is like a real dog. She has more in common with Robin Hood than anyone else.

The book contains no illustration beyond the cover art, but one doesn't need it, as the author creates perfect visuals with his words. Young readers who enjoy being transported into the world of the past, perhaps even the world their own great-grandparents lived in, would like this book. However, the full effect of the cultural references would be lost on them, as would the idea that "Grandma" embodies our peculiar American frontier mythos moreso than any qualities of a mundane grandparent.



A Long Way From Chicago (Puffin Modern Classics) Feature


  • ISBN13: 9780142401101
  • Condition: New
  • Notes: BUY WITH CONFIDENCE, Over one million books sold! 98% Positive feedback. Compare our books, prices and service to the competition. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed



A Long Way From Chicago (Puffin Modern Classics) Overview


Join Joey and his sister Mary Alice as they spend nine unforgettable summers with the worst influence imaginable—their grandmother!


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12 year olds that liked the book - -
I thought of this book as music : ) genres it has something everyone likes :) .It is not like other books each chapter is like its own story. It was funny, loving, and sweet and I thought it was very good. I recommend this book to anyone who is looking for something different and exciting. It's a great read!



A Wonderful Family Read - L. Bradley -
The delightful book introduces the character Mrs. Dowdel, a lovable but prickly country-living grandmother. Each chapter reads as a stand alone short story, but the sweep of the book develops a depth of character and setting that leaves the reader wanting more.



Much enjoyed by and adult reluctant reader - M. Crumpton - Florida, USA
I got this as a gift for an older relative who is not a big reader. He loved it (and all of Peck's other books as well), and it has turned him into an eager reader.

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Aug 30, 2010 07:51:08

Sunday, August 29, 2010

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The Literacy Bridge - Large Print - Rifles For Watie Review



I've always been a military history buff, especially back in my youth when I had dreams of valorous service to my country. One of my favorite military fiction books as a young high school sophomore in the early 1980s was "Rifles for Watie", which I probably checked out from my school library more than just about everyone combined.

Young Jeff (around my age at the time) gets caught up in the Civil War, joins the Union army, and heads off to fight the Confederates. He makes some solid friends and experiences harsh combat in the infantry. However, he's soon directed to go undercover as a faux Rebel and spy on Stand Watie, something of a Nathan Bedford Forrest figure. Jeff grows to admire Watie and his comrades, and even manages to fall for a fiery young Southern woman named Lucy. We follow Jeff's adventures through the war from beginning to end along with a fine cast of supporting characters.

In light of our own overexposure to war in the last eight years I suppose there are some who might criticize "Rifles for Watie" for its dearth of, say, PTSD portrayal or making war look like a grand adventure. But then again, should a romance book include a bitter divorce or flagrant adultery? Yes, Jeff does change as a result of his wartime experiences, but mostly in a positive way. What young man wouldn't want to dream about embarking on a similar heroic journey?

With that in mind, "Rifles for Watie" is an entertaining adventure tale of a a boy who becomes a man as a result of his tour of duty in the military. Of course, I'd recommend that the reader balance this book with more sober and realistic books about wartime service, if only to see how things can go bad in such a context. But this book is highly recommended for the young person interested in a piece of exciting and non-nihilistic military fiction.




The Literacy Bridge - Large Print - Rifles For Watie Overview


Winner of the Newbery Medal
An ALA Notable Children's Book
Winner of the Lewis Carroll Shelf Award

Just sixteen, Jefferson Davis Bussey can't wait to leave his Kansas farm and defend the Union against Colonel Watie, leader of the dreaded Cherokee Indian rebels. But - exhausted, starved, and scared - he soon learns that there's more to war than honor and glory. And when he is sent to infiltrate the enemy camp as a spy, Jeff makes his most important discovery of all: The rebels are just men - and boys - like him.

Available only in The Literacy Bridge 5.


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COULD BE A MOVIE!!! - Stacey Cooley - ALABAMA
I FIRST READ R-F-W IN 1992, I HAVE SINCE READ THE NOVEL 10 TIMES. AS A CIVIL WAR BUFF I REALLY ENJOYED THE WESTERN FRONTIER BATTLES. IN HISTORY CLASS ONE USUALLY NEVER GETS MUCH INSIGHT ON THOSE AREAS OF THE CIVIL WAR. I LOVE THE PASE OF THIS NOVEL, IT SEEMS AS IF IT NEVER SLOWS DOWN. I REMEMBER AS A KID FALLING IN LOVE WITH THE CHARECTERS AND WANTING TO BE THEM. WHEN I DEPLOYED TO IRAQ IN 03 THIS BOOK SERVED A LINK BACK TO MY HOME IN ALABAMA. I HAVE READ THIS BOOK TO MY SON AND HAVE GIVEN IT AWAY AS GIFT

STACEY



Great adventure for any child who loves history! - Antonia Seitz - Monticello, WI
We purchased this for our son who loves historical fiction and it was a wonderful story based on a true story. It was fast paced and very detailed. I would highly recommend this for your personal library as well as for your school library.



Rifles for Watie - Esther M. Parson - Boulder, CO

If you like action and adventure books Rifles for Watie is your type of book. It starts out somewhere around the 1890's when a 17 year old kid named Jeff wants to join the army so that he could stop bushwhackers [people who want slavery] to stop terrorizing his family. 13 months in camp many funny things happen and serious things to. Theres also his boss the general that is very pushy and has an iron fist. Did I mention that he has not even fired a shot so far at camp? Which will win north or the south? Will Jeff survive the war? If you want to know you're going to have to read the book and find out your self. Oh one more thing I also forgot to say that the book is fantastic!!!!!!!

Tristan

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Aug 30, 2010 00:33:06

Check Out Spindle's End

Spindle's End Review



I will admit it took me a few tries to get into it. I'm very surprised it did. Robin McKinley is perhaps one of the most ardent authors, and this book was no exception. Spindle' End is the story of Sleeping Beauty. But this book doesn't follow the typical Sleeping Beauty story. Yes, there's a witch looking for the baby princess who's party she was not invited to. Yes, she is taken away, to safety. The girl who takes her is quite special. Katrina takes her to her home which is in a small village easily overlooked. This first half of the book is Katrina's perspective and a beautiful one at that. The baby grows up to be not so beautiful and somewhat of a rebellious tomboy. The second half of the book is her perspective. This book was positively beautiful, and I don't believe there was one character I didn't like. The ending had a very interesting twist, one that I thoroughly enjoyed. I recommend this book to all who have previously read Robin McKinley's books.




Spindle's End Overview


The evil fairy Pernicia has set a curse on Princess Briar-Rose: she is fated to prick her finger on the spindle of a spinning wheel and fall into an endless, poisoned sleep. Katriona, a young fairy, kidnaps the princess in order to save her; she and her aunt raise the child in their small village, where no one knows her true identity. But Pernicia is looking for her, intent on revenge for a defeat four hundred years old. Robin McKinley's masterful version of Sleeping Beauty is, like all of her work, a remarkable literary feat.


Spindle's End Specifications


Renowned fantasy writer Robin McKinley, author of the lush "Beauty and the Beast" retellings Beauty and Rose Daughter, has produced another re-mastered fairy tale, this time about the dreamy Sleeping Beauty. Much like in the original story, the infant princess, here named Rosie, is cursed by an evil fairy to die on her 21st birthday by pricking her finger on a spindle. That same day, Rosie is whisked away into hiding by a peasant fairy who raises her and conceals her royal identity. From that point on, McKinley's plot and characterization become wildly inventive. She imagines Rosie growing up into a strapping young woman who despises her golden hair, prefers leather breeches to ball gowns, and can communicate with animals. And on that fateful birthday, with no help from a prince, Rosie saves herself and her entire sleeping village from destruction, although she pays a realistic price. In a final master stroke, McKinley cleverly takes creative license when the spell-breaking kiss (made famous in "Sleeping Beauty") comes from a surprising source and is bestowed upon the character least expected.

Although the entire novel is well written, McKinley's characterization of Rosie's animal friends is exceptionally fine. Observations such as "...foxes generally wanted to talk about butterflies and grasses and weather for a long time while they sized you up," will spark reader's imaginations. It won't be hard to persuade readers of any age to become lost in this marvelous tale; the difficult part will be convincing them to come back from McKinley's country, where "the magic... was so thick and tenacious that it settled over the land like chalk dust...." Highly recommended. (Ages 12 and older) --Jennifer Hubert

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Oh, how it dragged.... - E. Smiley - USA
This book has one of those rare first chapters that completely pulled me in, even though it's all about describing the nameless country where the story takes place and its affliction with magic, and no main characters are introduced. I settled down for a fun, whimsical read. Alas, it was not to be.

Spindle's End is a "Sleeping Beauty" retelling, starring Rosie, an unlikely, energetic heroine who can talk to animals. I picked the book up due to fond memories of McKinley's YA novels (I highly recommend The Blue Sword). And for the first half of the story, I was charmed. I agree with other reviewers that we don't quite get to know the characters; most of the charm is in the quirky setting. Think of the first time you read about Hogwarts Castle, and you'll know what I mean. The character development is quite unimpressive as the story continues; particularly glaring is Narl, who makes the leap from never saying anything to anyone to saying things like "I don't know any reason why not" (where a shrug would do) all in the space of about two pages.

For me, the book took a sharp turn downhill about halfway through, when Rosie discovers her true heritage. When the plot takes over from the setting as the driving force of the book, when we go from a story about a girl growing up to a story driven by action, the book loses its charm and failed to hold my attention (I did finish it... slowly). Especially frustrating for me was that McKinley doesn't seem to realize where the true potential for drama lies. It's not just that there's little conflict, although that's part of it. Rosie's final decision, I thought, should have been the climax and was the most interesting thing that happened in the book, but it's treated as an afterthought, while pages upon pages of a ridiculous assault on a McGuffin castle take center stage instead. When the final confrontation with the villain is boring, you know you're in trouble.

Finally, the animal characters take up too much page time. There are dozens of them, thus none have time to be interesting or endearing. Besides, the unfortunate truth is that on the page, people are always going to be more interesting than animals; it's easy to love an animal you can see and touch and interact with, but hard for an author to translate that to the page in a way that makes readers care. McKinley does not do so here, so the animals provide merely an irksome distraction from the humans.

Although this book began well, sadly I would not recommend it to anyone.



Borring Sleeping Beauty Retelling - Morgan N. Young -
I love retellings of fairy tales especially ones based on Sleeping Beauty, but this story was very borring. I once tried to read this book and I was barely able to make it to the ending and when I tried to read it for a second time I couldn't make it half way throgh the book. The characters are borring, especially Rosie the princess. She was portrayed as a tom boy who cuts off her hair and hates anything feminine, I like any princess as being portrayed as inependant, but I still think that it would good for them to still be feminine. The ending left me coufused. If you want to read a retelling of Sleeping Beauty I would suggest Briar Rose by Jane Yolen, it is different but it is also a very good book.



Amazing Retelling of Sleeping Beauty - Princepessa -
I love this book! McKinley is one of my favorite authors, and this is mostly due to this single work. Though it is a retelling of a classic, well-known tale (we've all seen Disney's retelling), it is in no way a simple retelling with a few tiny details changed. Except for the beginning, and the part about the spindle, I probably wouldn't even recognize this as Sleeping Beauty. It's new, it's fresh, and it's completely intriguing - I couldn't put it down! The ending is also completely unexpected - it took me a few minutes to completely understand what happened. If you like fairy tales, or fantasy, or even books, you will love this!

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Aug 29, 2010 16:50:05

Great Price for $2.61

King of Shadows Review



Nat Field has been chosen along with a group of select boys to perform Julius Caesar and A Midsummer Night's Dream at the newly-built Globe in London. The cast consists of all boys - the director wants this play to be as true to the time as possible. A different adventure begins for Nat when he awakes to find himself 400 years back in time, when the original Globe was first built!

A couple of summers ago I took part in a production of A Midsummer Night's Dream, which is the play this book mainly focuses on. I had a wonderful time reading about their preparations, costumes, and ultimately the performance. It brought back a lot of memories!

I also enjoyed reading about Nat's friendship with Shakespeare. When they acted together (Nat as Puck and Shakespeare as Oberon) the author wrote that they had a natural chemistry. And as a reader you could feel that chemistry working between them, whether they were on or off stage.

My main complaint with this book was that in the few chapters that didn't take place back in time, there was some foul language scattered throughout. I'm not sure why the author thought it necessary to make the modern-day kids and adults have bad mouths, it certainly didn't add anything to the story. Also, *POSSIBLE SPOILER* parents of young children should be warned that Nat's father commits suicide, and that scene gets just a little graphic. *SPOILER OVER*

That aside, I think King of Shadows is a well-written, intriguing peek into life as an actor during the Elizabethan time period. Anyone who is interested in history or acting is sure to enjoy it.



King of Shadows Feature


  • ISBN13: 9780689844454
  • Condition: New
  • Notes: BUY WITH CONFIDENCE, Over one million books sold! 98% Positive feedback. Compare our books, prices and service to the competition. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed



King of Shadows Overview


Only in the world of the theater can Nat Field find an escape from the tragedies that have shadowed his young life. So he is thrilled when he is chosen to join an American drama troupe traveling to London to perform A Midsummer Night's Dream in a new replica of the famous Globe theater.

Shortly after arriving in England, Nat goes to bed ill and awakens transported back in time four hundred years -- to another London, and another production of A Midsummer Night's Dream. Amid the bustle and excitement of an Elizabethan theatrical production, Nat finds the warm, nurturing father figure missing from his life -- in none other than William Shakespeare himself. Does Nat have to remain trapped in the past forever, or give up the friendship he's so longed for in his own time?


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For the "very special" shelf - Margery L. Goldstein - Hudson, MA USA
I have a soft spot for time-travel books and have read a fair few. This one will go right to my "very special" shelf of YA books, alongside "The Dark is Rising" (which is actually better than this, but it's better than just about anything!). I read a borrowed copy in one gulp, and now I'm ordering my own.

Looking through the reader reviews, I didn't notice anyone linking this to the "Dark is Rising" series, but did anyone else notice that we have a character in here who has been living for a very long time, making things happen for Good?



Time Travel! - Kari Gritzan - San Francisco
I love time travel stories! This YA novel is great for teens who love time travel, but mostly for teens who love Shakespeare! A really well-written tale of a boy who travels back in time to the Globe Theater and stars in some of the bards best loved plays...and becomes an apprentice to Will S. himself! A really lovely story, with great characters and a tense plotline.



YA Lit for Middle School Drama Class - Erik Wooster -
This is a super novel I'm using in my Drama class to prepare for reading Shakespeare. Cooper provides some good background information--daily life, the Globe Theater, Shakespeare himself--as well as theater life (actors, costumes, makeup, rehearsals, scripts). My students will relate well to the sympathetic protagonist as King of Shadows is written at a level that my ELL students will benefit from.
Mrs. Wooster, Desert Springs Middle School, DHS, CA



Gimmicky - A. Luciano - Lowell, MA United States
Nat is eleven years old and has been chosen to be a member of a very exclusive boys' theater company. The company, made up of Americans, is going to travel to London to perform two Shakespeare plays at the newly rebuilt Globe Theater, modeled after the theater William Shakespeare first wrote his plays for four hundred years ago. The idea is thrilling to Nat. Ever since the death of his parents, theater has been his escape. His aunt has encouraged him to perform as a way of finding calm and comfort, and Nat has found that he has real talent in acting and tumbling.

Soon after his arrival in London, though, Nat becomes very ill. One night he loses consciousness and when he wakes up his surroundings are both strange and eerily familiar. Before long he realizes that he is still in London--but four hundred years earlier! He is a member of the theater company that Shakespeare himself writes for and performs with, and he is preparing for the same part in the same play he was to perform in modern-day England.

Nat adores William Shakespeare and loves his old English theater company, but he can't figure out what is going on and why he is here. Furthermore, he worries that after this performance is finished, he will be sent back to the boarding school where someone is sure to notice something funny about him.

The details of life in the theater were great, and I loved the characterization of Shakespeare and the way Nat interacted with him. However, the time-travel aspect seemed really gimmicky and forced, with far too many coincidences to overlook.

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Aug 29, 2010 07:12:06

Great Price Candlewick Press for $7.88

Egyptology: Search for the Tomb of Osiris Review



This book is so full of egyptian history its amazing!
There are secret pouches to find lots more exciting treasures. You can remove layer upon layer or tombs, until you reach.....a mummy!
My 6 year old loves it. It is a bit advanced for a young child, but if an adult is reading and explaining (almost everything) it's really awesome.



Egyptology: Search for the Tomb of Osiris Feature


  • ISBN13: 9780763626389
  • Condition: New
  • Notes: BUY WITH CONFIDENCE, Over one million books sold! 98% Positive feedback. Compare our books, prices and service to the competition. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed



Egyptology: Search for the Tomb of Osiris Overview


A new discovery from the publishers of DRAGONOLOGY!

Discover the wonders of ancient Egypt through a fascinating journal from a lost expedition - a treasure trove of fact and fantasy featuring a novelty element on every spread.

Here are just a few of EYGPTOLOGY's special features:

1) an extravagantly gilded cover, featuring a raised Horus hawk pendant with three encrusted gems

2) a playable game of Senet(ancient Egyptian checkers) including playing board, pieces, original-style dice, and rules

3) a souvenir booklet showing how to read simple hieroglyphs

4) a scrap of "mummy cloth"

5) a facsimile of the gilded mummy mask of King Tut

6) a gilded eye-of-Horus amulet with a "jewel"

7) fold-out maps

8) drawings and photographs

9) period postcards

10) a letter from the former Keeper of Antiquities at the British Museum, explaining which parts of this unique tale may be accepted as fact, which are guided by legend, and which reflect the author's delightful sense of fancy.


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Fascinating for readers of any age - Kaydee - Seattle, WA
Bought as part of a birthday gift for my grandson who is fascinated with Egypt. This book (and series of "Ologies") is jam packed with interesting facts, with hands-on activities guaranteed to entertain and teach.



Excellent! - David Miller - Alberta, Canada
What makes it good is historical accuracy paired with the explorative nature of the book. It is colorful, full of pictures and many useful/random tidbits.



Fun, Intriguing Book - Lynn Ellingwood - Webster, NY United States
This is a great book for kids who enjoy interactive creative reads. The extras are always nice to accompany these books. The Egyptology book was snapped up by my students and they loved it. It was quite enjoyable to them and they read more than they often do in books. The big eye was really interesting to them.

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Aug 29, 2010 02:42:06

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Great Price for $4.32

No Pretty Pictures: A Child of War Review



Born into a comfortable home in Krakow, Poland during the 1930s, Hanusia finds her childhood abruptly ripped from her at age five, when she must flee from the Nazis simply because she is a Jew. Hanusia's father left in the middle of the night, and no one has heard from him since; while her mother is trying to maintain a job under false papers. Young Hanusia's only got her brother, two years younger, and her beloved nanny, Niania.

When leaving the city for the countryside stops being a refuge for the children, Niania decides to take them to the remote village where she grew up. Thus, the next few years are spent, wandering the countryside to barter for food and struggling to survive day to day.

Eventually, the children's luck runs out. Hanusia is ten and her brother eight when they are taken on a Nazi transport to a concentration camp. Yet despite the horrors, something or someone continues to look out for them -- and Hanusia, who has long considered herself partially Catholic, thanks to Niania's influence -- couldn't really say which faith is keeping her alive.

After the war, Hanusia's tuberculosis lands her in Sweden, a beautiful land of plenty where she and her brother are eventually reunited with their parents and given a chance for a new life. Yet how does a person get past such horrors, especially when she scarcely remembers what it was like to live otherwise? How does a person even begin to live again with parents she scarcely remembers?

Throughout this book, Lobel's voice is simple, clearly that of the child she was -- no matter what obstacles tried to take that from her. She states things as she sees them, and at no point does she appear to feel sorry for herself. Instead, young Hanusia is an inspiration to us all.



No Pretty Pictures: A Child of War Feature


  • ISBN13: 9780061565892
  • Condition: New
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No Pretty Pictures: A Child of War Overview


Anita Lobel was barely five years old when World War II began and the Nazis burst into her home in Kraków, Poland. Her life changed forever. She spent her childhood in hiding with her brother and their nanny, moving from countryside to ghetto to convent—where the Nazis finally caught up with them.

Since coming to the United States as a teenager, Anita has spent her life making pictures. She has never gone back. She has never looked back. Until now.




No Pretty Pictures: A Child of War Specifications


Nominated for a 1998 National Book Award for Young People's Literature, No Pretty Pictures: A Child of War is Anita Lobel's gripping memoir of surviving the Holocaust. A Caldecott-winning illustrator of such delightful picture books as On Market Street, it is difficult to believe Lobel endured the horrific childhood she did. From age 5 to age 10, Lobel spent what are supposed to be carefree years hiding from the Nazis, protecting her younger brother, being captured and marched from camp to camp, and surviving completely dehumanizing conditions. A terrifying story by any measure, Lobel's memoir is all the more haunting as told from the first-person, child's-eye view. Her girlhood voice tells it like it is, without irony or even complete understanding, but with matter-of-fact honesty and astonishing attention to detail. She carves vivid, enduring images into readers' minds. On hiding in the attic of the ghetto: "We were always told to be very quiet. The whispers of the trapped grown-ups sounded like the noise of insects rubbing their legs together." On being discovered while hiding in a convent: "They lined us up facing the wall. I looked at the dark red bricks in front of me and waited for the shots. When the shouting continued and the shots didn't come, I noticed my breath hanging in thin puffs in the air." On trying not to draw the attention of the Nazis: "I wanted to shrink away. To fold into a small invisible thing that had no detectable smell. No breath. No flesh. No sound."

It is a miracle that Lobel and her brother survived on their own in this world that any adult would find unbearable. Indeed, and appropriately, there are no pretty pictures here, and adults choosing to share this story with younger readers should make themselves readily available for explanations and comforting words. (The camps are full of excrement and death, all faithfully recorded in direct, unsparing language.) But this is a story that must be told, from the shocking beginning when a young girl watches the Nazis march into Krakow, to the final words of Lobel's epilogue: "My life has been good. I want more." (Ages 10 to 16) --Brangien Davis

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MOVING! well written page-turner - M Shan, ATX USA -
A sad but wonderful story! Mrs. Lobel's book captures the utter loss of humanity that proliferated in Europe during WWII at the hands of a group powerful political zealots (Nazis). More young people should read accounts that document the senselessness surrounding these atrocities. If we understand where we as a civilization have come from we can work together to ensure that we NEVER, never repeat such horrors in the future.




Another great story of the tragic consequences of the Holocaust - Animal Lover - Wisconsin
A very good book. it is unimaginable to think that two young children had to go through such terrible things! Many many children had to experience these tragic events, this is just the story of two of them.



Book Every Middle School Child Should Read! - Alabama Teacher - Cullman, AL
This book should be required reading for every Middle School child during their study of the Holocaust! The author makes you feel as if you were right there with her during the horrific experiences she went through as a young child with her younger brother.




*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Aug 28, 2010 14:36:05

Great Price for

Seabird Review



I was asked by a friend what my favorite book was growing up. It didn't take long for me to respond. I happened upon Seabird in a tiny public library when I was a kid. It danced so vividly that I continued checking it out over and over again. Of the countless times I've read it, I have never had the pleasure of owning it. Thanks goodness for the internet, right. I'm going to share this with the children in my life and hope that it touches thier hearts as it did mine.




Seabird Overview


The history of America at sea is presented through the travels of Seabird, a carved ivory gull.


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Seabird - Glen A. Ridnour - Wisconsin
I enjoyed this book as a kid..my kids enjoyed it growing up, now it's time for the grandkids to enjoy it!



Great kids' book - Craig Szwed - Connecticut USA
Holling writes GREAT adventure stories that provoke kids to think of the big picture as well as the details! I love his books, ever since I was little. I bought this book to pass along its wealth and beauty to the next generation in our family.



Seabird, Same great story - Clifford W. Lazar - LA, CA
I loved this book as a child. I bought 9 copies to give to my kids. They loved it too.

A problem is that the colors in the paperback version are not as brilliant as the original hardcopy of 50 years ago.

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Aug 28, 2010 10:25:09

Check Out The Last Quest of Gilgamesh (The Gilgamesh Trilogy) for $5.07

The Last Quest of Gilgamesh (The Gilgamesh Trilogy) Review



Gilgamesh the King

The Revenge of Ishtar

The Last Quest of Gilgamesh:

"At the mouth of a river at the end of the earth a man lies, near death. Could this be Gilgamesh...? What has brought him to this desperate state...?

It was the fear of Death." Yet, with Shamhat's encouragement, Gilgamesh is able to reach inside himself and endure incredible hardships. Besides physical challenges, he will be tempted by pleasure and have to use his wits to reach his goal. And Ishtar isn't through with him yet.

Can Gilgamesh's strength and will overcome the challenges he faces? Will despair win out over determination? Can immortality be obtained by men?

This picture book is the third and last in a series that retells the ancient story for eight to twelve year olds. The beautiful pictures are done Mesopotamian style. The author includes a note at the back of the book concerning the story, the flood legend, hell, and her opinion of Gilgamesh.



The Last Quest of Gilgamesh (The Gilgamesh Trilogy) Feature


  • ISBN13: 9780887763809
  • Condition: New
  • Notes: BUY WITH CONFIDENCE, Over one million books sold! 98% Positive feedback. Compare our books, prices and service to the competition. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed



The Last Quest of Gilgamesh (The Gilgamesh Trilogy) Overview


In his final quest, Gilgamesh, still mourning the death of his dear friend Enkidu, sets out to find the key to immortality. His journey is perilous. He must fight ferocious serpents and wild lions. He travels through bitterly cold caves, across scorching deserts, and over the fatal waters of the Sea of Death. Finally he arrives at the palace of Utnapishtim, the only human who knows the secret of immortality. Utnapishtim sets Gilgamesh a test to stay away for six days and seven nights, but Gilgamesh fails. His last hope, a flower of eternal youth, is eaten by the goddess Ishtar, who exacts her revenge. Finally, Enkidu comes from the underworld to show Gilgamesh true immortality: the king will be remembered for his good deeds, courage, and love for his people.


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Great series! - HomeschoolingMom8 - CA
We really appreciate the beauty of this series of books as it covers "The Epic of Gilgamesh" in an appropriate and accessible way for our children. We love to use actual historic documents in our study if possible, but the actual epic is too uncomfortably graphic even for our older children, so we use these for everyone as we study Mesopotamia, Sumer and Babylon. There are not many books that cover these Near East cultures, which makes this set especially valuable. Along with "Our Young Folks' Josephus" as our history spine, "Science in Ancient Mesopotamia" and "Ancient Egyptians and their Neighbors: An Activity Guide (covering Hittites, Nubians, Mesopopotamians and Egyptians) this series helps considerably to round out our ancient history studies and to teach our children about one of the most ancient tales in the world in a beautifully engaging way.



Buy all three - Barbsjemms - The Desert
My children and I are beginning a study of ancient civilizations and I bought the three Gilgamesh books to expand our coverage of ancient Sumer. These books are just amazing! The story itself is powerful but I wondered how the author was going to tone down some of the violence; not to mention the fact that Shamat was a prostitute in other versions. Ludmilla Zeman has brought this story to children with intensity and grace that comes as a complete surprise. I especially liked her painting of the chaste kiss between Shamat and Enkidu with the explanation that Shamat taught Enkidu to speak and together they explored the ways of love. Very tender.

In her illustrations, Ludmilla Zeman has made an attempt to incorporate actual historical artifacts. These are all high-quality books in every sense and I cannot recommend them highly enough.




*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Aug 28, 2010 03:51:05

Friday, August 27, 2010

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If Your Name Was Changed At Ellis Island (If You.) Review



The book is a good way for young children to learn about the immigration process of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. That being said, I absolutely MUST object to the author encouraging even more people to swallow the fable that employees at Ellis Island changed names of immigrants! It simply did not happen. Yes, I'm aware that every other family of Ellis Island immigrant descendants has their story about some arrogant clerk being unable to pronounce Wojciechowski and so the clerk informs the hapless immigrant that his new name was Smith or Miller or some other "American sounding" name. It's ridiculous on its face because there were interpreters of countless languages ready to translate for the new immigrants so that communication was simplified. Fiorello H. LaGuardia was once such interpreter. This was a federal installation and all the paperwork had to match up. The names the immigrants gave had to match up with the names on the ship's manifest. The manifests were made out in the port of origin before the ship ever set sail for America. If the immigrant wanted to change their name before they left home in order to fit in or hope for better treatment from their new neighbors, they could certainly give the name of their choice when asked. The name-change fable is an enduring one and it's rather insulting to those of us who know better, but it's even more insulting to the people who struggled to come to America and try to live life in a strange new place.
Next I will attempt to wipe out the "my great-grandmother was a Cherokee princess" fairy tale. Wish me luck.



If Your Name Was Changed At Ellis Island (If You.) Feature


  • ISBN13: 9780590438292
  • Condition: New
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If Your Name Was Changed At Ellis Island (If You.) Overview


Describes, in question and answer format, the great migration of immigrants to New York's Ellis Island, from the 1880s to 1914. Features quotes from children and adults who passed through the station.


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Ellis Island - Emmie - NJ
Great book. A wonderful way to give your children/grandchildren a background of the US. Got me to thinking about stories my parents, grandparents told me about family history. Very appropriate at this time with immigrants being such a hot topic!!!



I learned so much - BizzyMom - Louisiana, USA
My nine year old daughter read this book for a book test that she had to take at school and fell in love with it. But the title is ...If Your Name Was Changed at Ellis Island and there is only two pages out of 80 that mention about that. But a wonderful book. I recommend ages 7-12 to read this book. I hope my review helped you. One more thing if your child or children don't read long books don't get it because it is 80 pgs. It took my daughter only two days though. I hope you enjoy it.



Good Historical Nonfiction - K. Fournier - austin, tx, usa
Ellis Island was the main immigration port for the United States from the 1890s to the 1910s. This children's book outlines the process for immigrants coming to America: where they left from, the journey, arriving at Ellis Island and following procedures, and what they did after they left the Island. The book structure follows a question and answer structure, answering good questions like what the immigrants brought with them, how their names may have been changed, and what happened if they didn't speak English. It also shows the perspective of the immigration agents, which was especially interesting to me- to process the amount of people they had coming in, they gave a "six-second medical exam" to determine for any contagious diseases and mental defects. The books also talks about some agents who would let people slip by with a kind smile and good wishes. The illustrations seem dated, and the book would really come to life with better renderings, but it's interesting to see the view of New York coming from across the Atlantic, and to see the Grand Hall where immigrants split up to go either into New York or for quarantine. The amount of information and text make this book more appropriate for an older child, but would be perfect as research for a project on immigration or family history. [...]

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Aug 27, 2010 16:42:07

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Peter the Great (Penny Books) Review



Although I know Peter the Great and visited his status when I was studying in Russia, I really do not know much about him.

Abbott's book indeed gave me comprehensive knowledge on Peter the Great. Also I am very much impressed by Abbott's references. In this context, this is a serious historical book.

I think that the reading of Abbott's books is a good way to learn history for busy people.




Peter the Great (Penny Books) Overview


Peter I the Great or Pyotr Alexeyevich Romanov ruled Russia and later the Russian Empire from 1682 until his death, jointly ruling before 1696 with his weak and sickly half-brother, Ivan V. Peter the Great carried out a policy of Westernization and expansion that transformed the Tsardom of Russia into the 3-billion acre Russian Empire, a major European power.

Author Jacob Abbott was the celebrated author of the "Makers of History" series of historical biographies. His stated aim in writing biographies of historical figures was "to present a clear, distinct, and connected narrative of the lives of those great personages who have in various ages of the world made themselves celebrated as leaders among mankind, and, by the part they have taken in the public affairs of great nations, have exerted the widest influence on the history of the human race."

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*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Aug 27, 2010 11:51:05

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Chronicles of Ancient Darkness #3: Soul Eater Review



As I slowly make my way through "The Chronicles of Ancient Darkness", I continually wait for the story to run its power and then flop. It has not happened yet, and with a six-book strategy, I don't think it ever will. And that makes this prehistoric epic so wonderfully fascinating and a heart-pounding adventure.

For the first time, the whispers of the Soul Eaters become real, fleshed-out, and utterly horrific characters as we are shown their natures and their goal. It's evil, it's twisted, and it makes for a darn good read.

Paver's prehistoric world continues to amaze with her fluid writing and spot-on description. She gives the ice-covered land of the Far North a haunting and beautiful aura that makes one yearn for that day of thousands of years ago. It's a strange comparison--the dark twists of the story's plot versus the praise of the natural world. Could that be Paver's secret for why this series is so addicting?

Anyway, I loved it and I can't wait to get my hands on the next.



Chronicles of Ancient Darkness #3: Soul Eater Feature


  • ISBN13: 9780060728335
  • Condition: New
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Chronicles of Ancient Darkness #3: Soul Eater Overview


It's winter, and Wolf, Torak's beloved pack-brother, has been captured by an unknown foe. In a desperate bid to rescue him, Torak and Renn must brave the frozen wilderness of the Far North.

As they battle for survival amid howling blizzards and the ever-present menace of the great white bear, their friendship is tested to the breaking point, and Torak is forced to get closer to his enemies than ever before. . . .




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Wonderful Series - TLP - Rhode Island
This is a wonderful series that really engages the reader. The characters have depth, the plot is interesting and the culture and times are creative. I have read many books and series with my sons but this is one of my favorites! We have discussed culture, friendships, crafts, outdoor skills, geography, spiritual beliefs, survival, family and community designs. Favorite quotes from the book have also endured. We gift this series when we see an opportunity to share it.



Christmas Gift for my Nephew - NeddieX - USA
My nephew loves all of these books...he gets upset when he has to put it down!






Great book - Y. T. Fansler -
This serie is one of my son's favorite, it's mine too. Michelle Paver is such a gifted writer. It's a great book. I cannot wait for the next one

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Aug 27, 2010 06:04:05