Absolutely Normal Chaos (rpkg) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I remember when I got this book in my Easter basket two years ago. I picked it up, and didn't stop reading until I was finished. Since then I've read it about 65 times, and I still read it almost every day. "Absolutely Normal Chaos" led me to read "The Odyssey," which is another one of my favourites, and I've also taken up Mary Lou's expressions such as Omnipotent, cabbageheaded and all that other sum and substance. It is also my inspiration for journaling. I recommend "Absolutely Normal" to absolutely everyone I meet. And they all tell me I'm exactly like Mary Lou... har har har. Anyway, I guess I should go ahead and review the book.
Absolutely Normal Chaos is about a 13-year-old girl named Mary Lou Finney who is assigned by her English teacher, Mrs. Zollar, to keep a journal over the summer. Mary Lou has no idea what a journal really is, so she decides to just write away and hope she's doing it right. Over the summer, Mary Lou's cousin, Carl Ray, comes to stay with her family. She also becomes involved with Alex Cheevey, a boy from school. What happens next is an odyssey in itself, and I don't want to give away the ending to this wonderful book.
For my final sentence, two words: READ IT!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Absolutely Normal Chaos (rpkg)

Click here for more information about Absolutely Normal Chaos (rpkg)

Read More...

Riding Freedom Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)My 9 year old son read this book, and so I read it, too, so we could discuss it together. It's a very engaging story. My son read it in a day - he couldn't put it down, and I found that I couldn't, either.
There are some very good themes in this book -- the main character is very strong, determined, and survives despite having the odds stacked against her. One thing in particular that I liked is how she doesn't necessarily learn how to do new things with great speed -- but she keeps at it until she has learned a new skill, and is successful at it. I think this is a particularly good thing for children to read about. Not all skills are immediate, and working to achieve proficiency is worthwhile.
Other major themes are the importance of voting, the rights of women, the ability of girls to learn to do jobs formerly considered only fit for boys, facing fears in order to overcome subjugation and make a better life for oneself, and growing up without parents. Slavery is touched on.
This book lends itself to the discussion of any of these topics, and my son and I had some very good talks as a result.
I did feel the story ended a little abruptly. I was completely unprepared for it to be over, I was hoping more would be explained, and I felt dissatisfied after finishing the book.
I must say that I also felt a bit uncomfortable reading about the woman whom the story is actually based on. (She lived her life as a man, and it wasn't discovered until after her death that she was female.) While this book presents topics for children to discuss that are interesting and worthwhile, I don't know that all parents would feel that this book is appropriate for their children to read.
I would suggest that parents read the back of the book first, before handing it to the children to read. Be prepared for some questions!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Riding Freedom

Click here for more information about Riding Freedom

Read More...

Junie B. Jones and That Meanie Jim's Birthday (Junie B. Jones, No. 6) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Junie B. is shattered when her big mouth causes her to be uninvited to the biggest birthday bash in town. Being the only one in Room Nine who is not invited is just about more than she can stand.
Read about the hilarious antics of Junie B. as her family struggles to help her deal with this catastrophe. Children of all ages will love hearing how Junie B. tries to deal with this problem. I can't wait to read more in this series!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Junie B. Jones and That Meanie Jim's Birthday (Junie B. Jones, No. 6)

Guess who's not invited?That meanie Jim has invited everyone in Room Nine to his birthday party on Saturday -- except Junie B.! Should she have her own birthday party six months early and not invite Jim? Or should she move to It's a Small World After All in Disneyland?

Click here for more information about Junie B. Jones and That Meanie Jim's Birthday (Junie B. Jones, No. 6)

Read More...

Diary of a Worm Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)"Diary of a Worm" is a prime example of how the right combination of illustrator and author can make an amazing book!
As part of the Junior Girl Scout "Books Badge," I asked my 12-year-old Girl Scouts to read a review of "Diary of a Worm," then read the book and see if they agreed with the reviewer's opinion. Well, those 12-year-olds were soon cracking up at the idea of a worm diary, but they laughed even more at the directions in which the illustrator took the diary entries.
When the little boy worm writes, "July 4... When I grow up, I want to be a Secret Service agent..." my girls roared at the picture of two little worm agents in sunglasses and earpieces, wearing black suit jackets (no pants, of course). They laughed even harder as one girl pointed out, "Look! He drew the jacket with sleeves, but they've got no arms to put in them!"
How funny are these little details? Take a close look at: a dentist whose name tag reads "Dr. D. Kay"; macaroni necklaces consisting of one piece of macaroni that completely encircles the worm's neck; and the books that the worm is dragging home from school, with the titles "DIGGING - A History" or "Compost 101."
The funniest bits, however, are the illustrations on the book's endpapers! They are meant to look like the little worm's scrapbook, and have family photos with his captions written underneath. A picture of him with a baseball says "I found this really cool rock!" Another drawing is a corner of a $20 bill with the caption "Isn't this leaf awesome?"
My five year old son adores this book. AND so do I, AND so do all of my 12 year old Girl Scouts! No mean feat (or feet, either!) (sorry, couldn't resist a "feet" joke)
We all HIGHLY recommend this book. :-)

Click Here to see more reviews about: Diary of a Worm

Get 32% OFF

Click here for more information about Diary of a Worm

Read More...

Read for the Heart: Whole Books for WholeHearted Families Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)As a mother of two boys who love to read, I can highly recommend Ms. Clarkson's book. It is my go-to resource for selecting literature to request from the library. I have read several other classics on family reading (Honey for a Child's Heart, Read-Aloud Handbook). What sets this book apart is the easy-to-use book classifications, descriptions, and alphabetical organization by author AND category. Ms. Clarkson's brief descriptions are very helpful, and I like that they are right there with the listing. There are some titles that my library didn't have (but we're in a moderately rural area, so that doesn't mean much)...but I was pleasantly surprised by how many they did have. She includes many books that are not in other book lists, which was appealing to me; her selections are also more updated than the lists in Honey.
We've been introduced to wonderful characters and places thanks to Read for the Heart. Thank you, Ms. Clarkson! I look forward to continuing to use this book as my children grow.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Read for the Heart: Whole Books for WholeHearted Families

Keeping this volume close at hand is like having a child's librarian for a best friend! A great book spurs the imagination in childhood, inspires our dreams in adulthood, and nourishes the soul with depictions of life fully and courageously lived. Among the greatest gifts you can bequeath to a child are a love for reading and a passion for books. But how do you sort through the many thousands of books available to your children to find those that are worthwhile? Let Sarah Clarkson be your guide to the best in literature for your family. From timeless classics to modern favorites, from picture books to adventure novels to read-aloud favorites, more than 1,000 wonderful stories for young people are recommended within these pages. Now you can make great literature a lasting part of your child's life and education. An absolute must-have! No homeschool library would be complete without it. Paul A. Suarez Publisher, The Old Schoolhouse magazine Sarah Clarkson is a wonderful example of what can happen when you raise a child on whole, living books. Not only does she love to read, but she beautifully conveys this passion through her writing. Tina Farewell Founder, Lifetime Books & Gifts

Click here for more information about Read for the Heart: Whole Books for WholeHearted Families

Read More...

Stage Fright on a Summer Night (Magic Tree House #25) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This book was great, my 7-year-old daughter really enjoyed it. The book successfully introduces kids to historical facts about Shakespeare and his theater, while also having a fun story about Jack and Annie and their adventures in "merry olde England". We eagerly await the next installment in the Magic Tree House series!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Stage Fright on a Summer Night (Magic Tree House #25)

Click here for more information about Stage Fright on a Summer Night (Magic Tree House #25)

Read More...

Henry and Ribsy Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This year, when Mr. Huggins goes fishing, his son Henry wants to come, too. But Henry's dog Ribsy is causing trouble. So they make a deal, if Henry can keep Ribsy out of trouble for a month, Mr. Huggins will take him fishing. Henry thinks it'll be easy, but he soon learns it's going to be harder then he thought.
This book was my first introduction to Beverly Cleary, so it holds a special place in my heart. Henry's adventures are real, funny, and heart-warming. The chapter "Ramona and the PTA" is not to be missed; it's a riot.
I highly recommend this kid's classic.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Henry and Ribsy

At last, Henry Huggins's father has promised to take him fishing, on one condition. Henry's dog, Ribsy, has been in all sorts of trouble lately, from running off with the neighbor's barbecue roast to stealing a policeman's lunch. To go on the fishing trip, Henry must keep Ribsy out of trouble -- no chasing cats, no digging up lawns...and no getting anywhere near little Ramona Quimby, the pest of Klickitat Street.

Click here for more information about Henry and Ribsy

Read More...

Dog Heaven Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)If you've ever cried over the death of a pet, you need this book. Cynthia Rylant offers comfort for any grieving pet owner, no matter what his age.
"When dogs go to heaven, they don't need wings because God knows that dogs love running best." From that simple beginning, this book paints a picture of a place filled with canine joys. There are good-natured geese to bark at, angel children to play with, and dog biscuits to munch. Even strays have wonderful homes and lots of love in dog heaven.
It's been over twenty years since I lost my first and favorite dog, and I identified with this book as if the loss had been yesterday. I can't think of a better way to say farewell to a good and faithful friend than to share this book as a memorial.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Dog Heaven

Get 41% OFF

Click here for more information about Dog Heaven

Read More...

Inch and Miles: The Journey to Success Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)As a Principal of an elementary school I gave this book to each of my teachers this Fall and we read the book together round-robin style. What an experience! Their enthusiasm has carried through the whole school as our students have all had discussions of the various blocks, the value of hard work and being a person of integrity whatever your path. We so appreciate that Coach Wooden put his successful system into a kid-friendly venue to reach even our kindergarteners. A must-have book for adults as well as children to assist in returning to the basic roots of a successful society. Yes, enthusiasm is important, but staying the course, inch by inch, with confidence and poise, hard work and determination will ensure great accomplishments. So, "hootie-toot-toot" to a rival Bruin we will always be indebted to! Fight on!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Inch and Miles: The Journey to Success

Get 41% OFF

Click here for more information about Inch and Miles: The Journey to Success

Read More...

Lawn Boy Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)LAWN BOY provides some quick entertainment. It's a very manageable read at less than 90 pages. Readers are treated to quite a few laughs and a little business education.
The main character is a 12-year-old boy. His grandmother gives him a riding lawn mower for his birthday. She says it was his late grandfather's mower. Miracle of all miracles, the thing actually works, and he sets about mowing their pitiful excuse for a yard.
When he finishes the yard, a neighbor wonders if he can get his own lawn mowed. Soon he's mowing for the whole neighborhood. In a few short days, he has over three hundred dollars stuffed in his pockets.
Arnold, a stay-at-home stockbroker, would like his lawn mowed; but he admits to being short on cash. He offers a deal -- mow his lawn and he'll invest the cost of the mowing in the stock market and hopefully increase the investment. Boy, does he!
Before he knows it, he has a growing business and more money than he can even imagine. He has a stock portfolio that would be the envy of any businessperson. And just think, his only dream at the start of the summer was to have enough to afford a new inner tube for his bike tire.
The problem now is how do you break it to your parents that in five short weeks you have tons of money? Will they believe you?
Gary Paulsen has done it yet again. His die-hard fans will like the story, and reluctant readers will find it a quick and satisfying read. It's also a terrific read-aloud that will have them laughing and teach them a little about capitalism in the bargain.
Reviewed by: Sally Kruger, aka "Readingjunky"


Click Here to see more reviews about: Lawn Boy

Click here for more information about Lawn Boy

Read More...

Black Books Galore: Guide to More Great African American Children's Books Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This whole series of books is fantastic. The reviews (usually a paragraph or so) are concise, insightful, and obviously written by people who have actually read and used the books with children. They're grouped according to reading level, and neatly cross-referenced by title, author, illustrator and topic, so you can quickly find what you need. In addition to the reviews (400 in this book alone) there is other useful information, like a complete list of Coretta Scott King Award titles and interesting web sites. Besides being a great (and inexpensive) reference book, it's also great fun to read!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Black Books Galore: Guide to More Great African American Children's Books

Click here for more information about Black Books Galore: Guide to More Great African American Children's Books

Read More...

Olivia Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)"This is Olivia," begins Ian Falconer's delightful picture book about a precocious piglet. "She is good at lots of things." In charming and hilarious illustrations, Olivia's busy adventures take her through dress-up, playing with her cat, going to the beach and museum, (reluctantly) taking a nap, and going to bed after just one story...no, three stories.
This simply is one of the finest children's picture books of the year, and sure to be named on everyone's Top of 2000 list. Quietly humorous and tongue-in-cheek narration, fluid and expressive black-and-white-and-red artwork, and the charming portrayal of the busy and mischievous Olivia make this an instant classic. Sight gags abound (Olivia's ambitious sandcastle, her pink-pink sunburn, her dreams of being a ballerina, and her songbook "40 Very Loud Songs") and Falconer, a New Yorker cover artist and theatre designer, portrays the never-ending energy of a tiny pig, er, girl, with wit and charm.
Don't miss this one: suitable for all ages from the very young to the very old, "Olivia" is the prize of the season. It's the kind of book kids will be begging to have read to them before bed: bargaining for not once, not twice, but three times.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Olivia

Get 41% OFF

Click here for more information about Olivia

Read More...

Frog and Toad Are Friends (I Can Read Book 2) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I purchased this for our 5 year old son. He has truly enjoyed listening to the sweet stories of friendship. While we have the books, I agree with the other reviewer, you really do not have to read along to be entertained. We put the tape in our son's player and he listens while drifting off to sleep. Unlike some children's books on tape, this is done so well - the timing, clarity and voices keep your interest. This is a winner!!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Frog and Toad Are Friends (I Can Read Book 2)

Click here for more information about Frog and Toad Are Friends (I Can Read Book 2)

Read More...

Love Among the Walnuts: or, How I Saved My Family from Being Poisoned Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Horatio Alger Huntington-Ackerman is a billionaire living in a huge mansion with his wife Mousey, and his son Sandy, isolated from the real world. Horatio's two brothers, Bart, and Bernie are jealous of Horatio's fortune. They know that if they could wipe out his family, and his butler, Bently, the fortune would be theirs. Bart and Bernie come to the mansion for their monthly dinner with a birthday cake. Everyone except Sandy, and Bently eat some of the cake. The next day, Sandy wakes up to find that everyone, including his pet chicken, was in a coma. Sandy and Bently do some research, and discover that the cake Bart and Bernie brought was poisoned. The only problem is, Bently disposed of the cake before they could get evidence to the police. Now Sandy and Bently will have to find proof that his uncles poisoned his parents, and try to survive their other attempts to kill them too.
This is a hilarious book dealing with family rivalries. I recommend this book to readers from 9-14. This book is well written and has a good plot!


Click Here to see more reviews about: Love Among the Walnuts: or, How I Saved My Family from Being Poisoned

Sandy Huntington-Ackerman didn't expect life to be a free ride (even though his parents are multimillionaires). He certainly didn't expect his two money-grubbing uncles to try to kill his family with a drugged birthday cake. Luckily for Sandy, the cake only sends his parents (and their pet chicken, Attila) into a coma. Along with a loyal butler and a wacky nurse from the asylum next door, Sandy is determined to bring the scoundrels to justice-if he's not the next to go!This "rollicking screwball-comedy of a story" (The Horn Book) is just right for fans of Holes and The Westing Game.

Click here for more information about Love Among the Walnuts: or, How I Saved My Family from Being Poisoned

Read More...

Happy Birthday to You Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This book isn't just for children. Its for anyone who wants to feel like a child. For my mother's 50th birthday, I got her a fairy princess crown and a fairy princess wand, then read this book aloud to all the guests as she sat holding her wand and wearing her crown. It was a lot of fun. Then I passed the book around for everyone to sign.
You don't have to be a kid to enjoy Dr. Seuss.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Happy Birthday to You

Get 39% OFF

Click here for more information about Happy Birthday to You

Read More...

Words West: Voices of Young Pioneers Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Any researcher, any writer, any educator, any student, any person interested in the Oregon Trail has to read this book. It is full of letters, lists, journal entries that are not only informative and intersting but also entertaining.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Words West: Voices of Young Pioneers

Get 25% OFF

Click here for more information about Words West: Voices of Young Pioneers

Read More...

Notes From The Midnight Driver Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Jordan Sonnenblick keeps getting better. NOTES is the story of an angry adolescent - even angrier than most! Alex's parents have gotten divorced and after drinking an excessive amount of vodka, he's going to just drive over and tell his dad how angry he is. Luckily, he doesn't hurt anyone when he crashes the car, but now he is even angrier, because he has to spend time at an old folks' home talking to possibly the crankiest man in the whole place - Sol. Sol's tough love is hilarious, poignant, and ultimately effective. Great book, great read, great for kids just starting to drive or even just thinking about starting to drive. I'm using it with my ninth graders right now, and they love it!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Notes From The Midnight Driver

Get 22% OFF

Click here for more information about Notes From The Midnight Driver

Read More...