Reviews (2)

A Very Exciting Book
This book is excellent. If you love Unicorns, and I very much do then you will love this cute adorable book. Mary Pope Osborne has done it again with this fantastic story! You won't be disappointed. This book takes place in a blizzard and it's a excellent time to read a story like this coming into the season.
Fantastic Book!
Blizzard of the Blue Moon is one of the greatest book by Mary Pope Osborne! Jack and Annie to New York City, 1938, during the time of the Great depression.
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Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure - General    2. Animals - Mythical    3. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - Historical    4. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    5. Children: Grades 2-3    6. Fiction    7. Historical - General    8. Historical - Medieval    9. Juvenile Fiction    10. Magic    11. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic    12. Time travel    13. Unicorns    14. Juvenile Fiction / Historical / General   

Reviews (84)

Great book
While we are in the very, very early stages of potty training my son still loves this book and his Elmo book about being Big enough for a bed. These are great books for toddlers.

Great Book but not waterproof
My daughter loved this book, she liked that it was Ernie a character she knew, the only downside was she took the book everywhere including the bath tub so now the book is dry again but swollen.LOL!!!

Daughter love to read this on the potty!
Just begining to introduce potty training to my 2yo and she LOVES this book!From reading and looking at the pictures, she has finally made the association between diapers = baby and potty = big girl.This made a big difference in her desire to go to the potty! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Baby - Boardbooks    2. Children's Books/Baby-Preschool    3. Children: Grades 1-2    4. Fiction    5. Health & Daily Living - Toilet Training    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. Social Situations - Toilet Training    8. Toilet training    9. Juvenile Fiction / Social Situations / Toilet Training   

Reviews (1)

whathappenedtomaps?
This American History book is a very good, but not excellentcoverage of the History of the United States. The book istypical entry level college material. Historical information is either very interesting with good detail to boring and vague.Photographs, portraits, paintings, charts, and illustrations are abundant and beautiful helping to keep interest level moving.However, the book rapidly sheds its allure and interest. That is because it fails to deliver on providing enough, interesting and neccessary political and war detail maps associated with important major historical events.
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Subjects:  1. History    2. History - General History    3. History - U.S.    4. History: American    5. Textbooks    6. United States    7. United States - General    8. American history    9. History / General    10. USA   

Reviews (90)

My Favorite Book of All Time
Wow. Where do I begin?
A rich, complex and vastly entertaining read
My college-age cousin told me about this book back in the summer as I was visting during vacation. I had a few books in my car (and some I told her about), but she insisted: this was an extraordinary read. That I simply had to put everything else aside and read it.
THE BOOK THIEF
Liesel Meminger, a German girl in the 1940's, survives the vicissitudes of war through two forces: the power of love and the power of words. At her younger brother's funeral, she steals The Gravedigger's Handbook as a remembrance of him. Her foster father quells her nightmares by teaching her to read, and she soon discovers that books soothe the soul. When her family hides a Jew in their basement, the young man writes to survive, often aiming his words directly at Leisel.Ultimately, it is the strength of her relationships and the reading and writing they inspire that save her life, spiritually and literally.
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Subjects:  1. Books and reading    2. Children's 12-Up - Fiction - History    3. Children's Books - Young Adult Fiction    4. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    5. Death    6. Fiction    7. Historical - Holocaust    8. Historical - Military & Wars    9. Historical Fiction (Young Adult)    10. Juvenile Fiction    11. Law & Crime    12. Social Issues - Emotions & Feelings    13. Storytelling    14. Juvenile Fiction / Historical / Holocaust   

Features

• Box set

Reviews (50)

Great introduction to chapter books for pre-k age
We actually picked up a four of the Magic Tree House books to give chapter books a try with our 4 year old. He absolutely is enthralled with these. We have already returned to the book store twice for a total of 8 more and I'm sure we will be going back for more.
Son received as a b-day present
When he got the first boxed set for his birthday, he wasn't too enthused by it. Up to that point, him reading on his own was like trying to pull teeth. So I bribed him by saying for every book he read, I would give him a dollar.
Magic Tree House (Volumes 1-4)
This was a gift for my granddaughter.My daughter writes: "Suspenseful . . . interesting.Erin can't wait for each chapter.With other books she falls asleep while I read;with these books she asks me to stop so she doesn't miss anything.We are reading no. 5 'Night of the Ninjas' and recently saw a samari suit in the museum (where Andy Warhol is showing) and there are Samari in this book.As a parent I wish there was a little more history in each book, but I think they are age appropriate."
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Subjects:  1. Children's 4-8 - Fiction - General    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Kindergarten    4. Fairy Tales & Folklore - Anthologies    5. Historical - General    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. Readers - Chapter Books    8. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic    9. Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Dinosaurs   

Reviews (11)

Best in the market
Along with other aids, this book helped me get a five on the AP exam.
this book is awsome
I got a B in my first semester APUSH class because I actually read through my pompous textbook and forgot everything right before the test. This semester I got this book and I always got easy As on my tests. This book summarizes the main ideas of each chapters without eliminating anything important ideas so you will always be very prepared if you read through this book. The only thing I don't like about this book is that I still can't find the answer key. I contacted the publisher but they wanted me to contact a local retailer for the answer key which was sort of like I needed to buy it.

Absolutely Fantastic
The book is entertaining, easy to understand, and includes all of the relevant information you need to succeed. I wouldnt recommend anything else for U.S history. Makes the exam an easy 5. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 10-12)    2. History - United States/General    3. Juvenile Nonfiction    4. Study Aids - Test Preparation   

Editorial Review

In this sequel to the Victorian fantasy Read more

Reviews (75)

becoming a movie!!!
i really adored this book and the 3rd book is taking much to long to come out! I have heard that Mel Gibson recently picked up these books as a screen play. He is making a movie out of this! I for one, cannot wait to here more about it, but since the third isnt out yet, ill have to wait even longer.

one in a million
one of the best follow up books ever written.Lies, secrets, and friendship what else could you have in a story like this. The story will keep you dancing on your toes all the way through the book. If you have read the first book A Great and Terrible Beauty you will know that this book will be as good as the first.

An Excellent Sequel
Sequels are tricky and they're famous for not living up to an original- either the writer will try to rehash what was successful in the original, in which case the result is too often boring a second time around; or she'll attempt to take thestory into a different place and risks not being true to the initial characters and situations. Libba Bray does both- she brings her story forward while remaining true to what made the first novel good.
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Subjects:  1. Boarding schools    2. Children's 12-Up - Fiction - General    3. Children's Books - Young Adult Fiction    4. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 10-12)    5. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    6. Fiction    7. Girls & Women    8. Historical - Europe    9. Historical Fiction (Young Adult)    10. Juvenile Fiction    11. Magic    12. Schools    13. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic    14. Supernatural   

Reviews (9)

I really like Jack and Annie's quest.
I gave it five stars because I think I should give the magic carpet two stars.

Smarty Pants
Season of the Sandstorms is about Jack and Annie going on one of Merlin's Missions.This time they go to the golden age of Baghdad and are suppose to help the Caliph sread wisdom to the world.Your going to have to read the rest yourself.You'll also learn who the Caliph is!This was the best book I ever read!

Goo's review
Season of the Sandstorms is a good book. They go to a desert and find people which help them on their journey to help save Camelot,but you need to read the rest of the book to find about their journey. I hope you injoy this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure - General    2. Baghdad (Iraq)    3. Brothers and sisters    4. Children's All Ages - Fiction - Historical    5. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    6. Children: Grades 2-3    7. Fiction    8. Historical - General    9. Historical - Medieval    10. Juvenile Fiction    11. Magic    12. Readers - Chapter Books    13. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic    14. Time travel    15. Juvenile Fiction / Historical / General   

Features

• Unabridged
• Audiobook
• Unabridged

Reviews (2)

Very convenient "teaching" tool
My 12 year old son loves listening to the CD.He doesn't even consider it school work and I would guess that he is learning a whole lot more than he would from a text book.It is a wonderful overview of history.

My eight year old really enjoyed this
and details about the medaeval world have filtered through his conversation ever since he listened to it.He also begged me to buy the next series. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Abridged Audio - Misc. Nonfiction    2. Children's Audio - 9-12    3. Children: Grades 4-6    4. Education    5. General    6. History - General    7. Home Schooling    8. Juvenile Nonfiction    9. Juvenile Nonfiction / History / General   

Reviews (4)

informative ingenuity
a beaufully crafted book. the art of pop-ups still has a magical effect that brings out the child in all of us. the content is informative, and the illustrations are wonderfull. if that isn't enough, the pop ups take it over the top. trully magnificent.

pop ups to consolidate history learning
This book is like others in its genre, surprising and effective in how the mechanics work.Suitable for children or adults with some interest/knowledge about the subject.

So, what is a knight?
If your kids are asking "What is a knight?", then this book is for you.The book is informative and the illustrations are terrific. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Castles    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    4. Children: Grades 4-6    5. Civilization, Medieval    6. History - Medieval    7. Juvenile Nonfiction    8. Juvenile literature    9. Social Science - Customs, Traditions, Anthropology    10. Specimens    11. Toy and movable books    12. Juvenile Nonfiction / History / General   

Reviews (99)

Absolutely captivating and brilliant!
When I first heard about the book, it was because a friend recomended it. She said it was one of the best books she ever read, and after reading it myself I completely agree. It is about a girl growing up in the Chinese Cultural Revolution and facing the challenge of growing up in a family with a bad reputation according to the government. I liked this book because it really made me think about how kids are living. Also, because I like books about people with a realistic life, not a fairytale. I would reccomend it to any of my friends!

Stinks
Don't like it at all. Don't even waste your time reading it. i was forced to read it!!! Two thumbs DOWN :-(!!!

The Depth of Mankind...
This is not the first and probably not the last 'Cultural Revolution Memoir' that I have read.I must admit feeling a bit numb to the stories and account of this tragic point in Chinese history.It has been over a year since that last 'memoir' that I have read, and a friend passed the book on for me to check out.It was time to be reminded of the pain that so many around me have faced in their lives.What is remarkable about Ji Li Jiang's story is not the uniqueness, but rather the commonness of her experience among millions of others.This in no way should negate her or others struggles, yet rather serve to deepen compassion for the many who have experienced destruction at the hands fellow humans.
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Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography - Historical    2. Biography & Autobiography - Political    3. Children's 12-Up - Biography / Autobiography    4. Children's Books/Young Adult Biography    5. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    6. China    7. Cultural Revolution, 1966-1969    8. History    9. History - Asia    10. Jiang, Ji-li    11. Juvenile Nonfiction    12. Juvenile literature    13. People & Places - Asia    14. Personal narratives    15. Human geography / peoples of the world    16. Juvenile Nonfiction / Biography & Autobiography / Political    17. Politics & government   

Editorial Review

When his father returns East to collect the rest of the family,13-year-old Matt is left alone to guard his family's newly built homestead. One day, Matt is brutally stung when he robs a bee tree for honey. He returns to consciousness to discover that his many stings have been treated by an old Native American and his grandson. Matt offers his only book as thanks, but the old man instead asks Matt to teach his grandson Attean to read. Both boys are suspicious, but Attean comes each day for his lesson. In the mornings, Matt tries to entice Attean with tales from Read more

Reviews (169)

Great summer Read.
one thing i remeber about summer reading lists for school, was that they tried to pick the most boring, shoot yourself in the foot, educational reads they could find. almost as if to make people(kids) hate reading? I mean how many kinds will voluntarily sit down and read a book any way? Dosen't it make more sense to make everyone read 1 book that they like, instead of several ones that they can't stand?
Sign Of The Beaver
The book is amazing! It is about a boy named Matt who is left alone in the woods to guard the familys caben while his dad goes to bring the rest of the family to the caben. If you like realistick fictionthis is a great book for you it is writtin by Elizabeth Speare who is also the auther of The Witch OfBlackbird Pond.

The Sign Of The Beaver
The Sign Of the Beaver
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Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure    2. Action & Adventure - General    3. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - Historical    4. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    5. Children: Grades 4-6    6. Fiction    7. Frontier and pioneer life    8. Historical - United States - Colonial    9. History - General    10. Indians of North America    11. Juvenile Nonfiction    12. Survival    13. Juvenile Fiction / Historical / United States / Colonial & Revolutionary Periods   

Reviews (2)

Stretched out on the floor reading for hours
I can't think of a better way to introduce young people to history's pleasures and their country's past than to read this engrossing book. History is best when it's not a dry exercise in recounting dates and names but when it becomes a living art that tells us something about the past and about ourselves, about what it means to be human in a way that we recognize as part of our own lives. Armstrong's narratives, drawn from all periods of American history, are full of facts, yes, but it is what the author does with these realities that lifts this book to the level of art. This brilliant writer has the ability to bring to life stories as familiar as that of Benjamin Franklin and as little known as the invention of the potato chip (what's more American that that?) with a narrative verve and sense of detail that makes history exciting for children and really kindles their imaginations.

Ignite a history-loving fire
Jennifer Armstrong and illustrator Roger Roth's new book makes me feel dang near obsolete. Since I got hold of a copy, it has ignited in my seven-year-old a history-loving fire much stronger than anything I've managed to spark in the past couple of years of trying.
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Subjects:  1. Anecdotes    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    3. Children: Grades 4-6    4. History    5. History - United States/General    6. Juvenile Nonfiction    7. Juvenile literature    8. United States    9. Juvenile Fiction / Historical / United States / General   

Editorial Review

Like the Oklahoma dust bowl from which she came, 14-year-old narrator Billie Jo writes in sparse, free-floating verse. In this compelling, immediate journal, Billie Jo reveals the grim domestic realities of living during the years of constant dust storms: That hopes--like the crops--blow away in the night like skittering tumbleweeds. That trucks, tractors, even Billie Jo's beloved piano, can suddenly be buried beneath drifts of dust. Perhaps swallowing all that grit is what gives Billie Jo--our strong, endearing, rough-cut heroine--the stoic courage to face the death of her mother after a hideous accident that also leaves her piano-playing hands in pain and permanently scarred. Read more

Reviews (759)

Be careful with this book
My daughter was allowed to borrow this book from her school library when she was 7 because she tested high on her SRI. She was sitting on the couch reading it with tears welling up in her eyes. I read the book, and it is a beautifully-written, powerful piece, BUT be careful. If your child is not ready for this emotionally, DO NOT allow her/him to read it. The baby and mom die horribly, the father withers away and the girl is racked with guilt and blame. It's not something you give lightly to a child of any age.

A Mon avis...
Though this book is well written and has a creative style I absolutely despised the story. The reason I dislike this book has nothing to do with it being "very sad" as some other reviewers have commented. Instead I dislike the book because the story is lacking and I do not think the author does a good job of creating empathy towards the characters. Usually when a reading a "sad" book I have sympathy towards the characters. In this book there was none. Also I felt the character development was lacking. I don't reccomend this book if you are looking for a good story I do reccomend it though if you are interested in learning about free verse or seeing how the author shaped the story.

Poetry
This book is AWESOME! I believe that it is simply amazing how this authour was able to portray so eloquently the joys and hardships of Billie Jo during the Dust Bowl, especially when writing it all in poetry. This a must-read for anyone really, even those who are 10, like me. I loved it because of the above reason, and, because Billie Jo is so truthful and pure about here feelings in this book, and you don't see a lot of that nowdays. My advise is to READ IT!!!!!!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1929    2. Children's 9-12 - Literature - Classics / Contemporary    3. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    4. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    5. Classics    6. Depressions    7. Dust storms    8. Farm life    9. Fiction    10. Historical - United States - 19th Century    11. Historical - United States - 20th Century    12. Juvenile Fiction    13. Oklahoma    14. Juvenile Fiction / Historical / United States / 19th Century   

Editorial Review

The evacuation of Jews from Nazi-held Denmark is one of the great untold stories of World War II. On September 29, 1943, word got out in Denmark that Jews were to be detained and then sent to the death camps. Within hours the Danish resistance, population and police arranged a small flotilla to herd 7,000 Jews to Sweden. Lois Lowry fictionalizes a true-story account to bring this courageous tale to life. She brings the experience to life through the eyes of 10-year-old Annemarie Johannesen, whose family harbors her best friend, Ellen Rosen, on the eve of the round-up and helps smuggles Ellen's family out of the country. Read more

Reviews (631)

Number the Stars
Number the Stars, by Lois Lowry is an incredible book. It's 1943 and World War 2 is taking place. Annemarie Johansen, a ten year old girl, and her best friend Ellen Rosen often think of the happier times before war. But they can't do anything to stop it. There are German nazis across every street and they are taking the Jewish people to concentration Camps. Ellen is Jewish so Annemarie Johansen and her family just need to find a way how to help out. They pretend Ellen is Annemarie's sister and they also go the next day to where Annemarie's uncle lived, near the sea. One way or another they find a way how to escape from the soldiers and Annemarie's uncle took them to Sweeden, towards freedom, of course, until the war ended.
Thought Provoking Story of Courage
I came across Numbering the Stars while clearing out a storeroom at the school where I teach.Since I had already read and reviewed The Giver, Gathering Blue, and Messenger by Lois Lowry, I took the book home and read it over the weekend.
My review of Number the Stars
Number the Stars takes place during World War II and is about one family's struggle to protect the Jews from the Germans. The main character is Annemarie Johansen. Her best friend, Ellen Rosen, is Jewish. Annemarie and her family try to save Ellen's family and other Jews by smuggling them to Sweden. Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - Historical    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 4-6    4. Classics    5. Denmark    6. Fiction    7. Girls & Women    8. Historical - Holocaust    9. Jews    10. Juvenile Fiction    11. Rescue    12. Social Issues - Friendship    13. Social Situations - Friendship    14. World War, 1939-1945    15. Juvenile Fiction / Historical / Holocaust   

Editorial Review

"It's funny how ideas are, in a lot of ways they're just like seeds. Both of them start real, real small and then... woop, zoop, sloop... before you can say Jack Robinson, they've gone and grown a lot bigger than you ever thought they could." So figures scrappy 10-year-old philosopher Bud--"not Buddy"--Caldwell, an orphan on the run from abusive foster homes and Hoovervilles in 1930s Michigan. And the idea that's planted itself in his head is that Herman E. Calloway, standup-bass player for the Dusky Devastators of the Depression, is his father.Read more

Reviews (408)

I wish I could give more than five stars
If you love to give your kids good literature, don't miss this book.
Review by Chris L. of "Bud, Not Buddy"
Hi!I just finished reading BUD, NOT BUDDY by Christopher Paul Curtis. It's a very good book I must say and this is why I give it a 5 star rating.
Siji John's"Bud, Not Buddy" book review
"Bud, Not Buddy" was a heart-felt book. Ten-year-old Bud Caldwell was the main character of this book. His mother had died when he was six years old. He had a suitcase with his personal things in there. Nobody was allowed to look in there without his permission. He also wrote a book for himself. It was called,"Bud Caldwell's Rules and Things for Having a Funner Life and Making A Better Liar Out Of Yourself." Bud's mom never mentioned anything about his father. He had a flyer in his suitcase that had a picture of a band on it. He was pretty sure that the person who played the bass was his father. Herman E. Calloway was the guy's name. Since he had nowhere to live, he went in search for Mr. Calloway. Bud's destination was Grand Rapids. In order to get to grand Rapids, he had to get to Hooverville, Flint. He was already living in Flint. He just had to find Hooverville. Hooverville was a place for people without money. When he got to Hooverville, Bud made a new friend named Deza Malone. She later became his girlfriend. She gave him tips for living life without money. Bud's ticket to Grand Rapids was just a train ride away. Unfortunatly, Bud missed the train. He had to walk from there. He was stopped by a man named Lefty Lewis. He offered Bud a ride to his home. Since Bud didn't have a home, he had to use his book to get him out of this mess. Bud told him that he lived in Grand Rapids and that Herman E. Calloway. was his father. Lefty Lewis fell for it and took Bud to Grand Rapids. Bud was finally at his destination. He went inside the building where the band practiced. He confronted Mr. Calloway and told him that he was his Bud's father. Mr. Calloway was mad at this and replied with a no. Bud didn't believe him. At the end of the story, Bud finds out that Herman E. Callowaywas actually his grandfather. I would have never guessed this ending until I read the entire book. It was very surprising. Bud Caldwell came looking for a home and ended up being with his long-lost grandfather. He struggled through some difficult times but he succeeded in the end. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1929    2. Action & Adventure    3. Action & Adventure - General    4. African Americans    5. Children's 9-12 - Literature - Classics / Contemporary    6. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    7. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    8. Classics    9. Depressions    10. Fiction    11. Historical - United States - 20th Century    12. Juvenile Fiction    13. People & Places - United States - African-American    14. Runaways    15. Social Issues - Runaways    16. Social Situations - Runaways    17. Juvenile Fiction / General   

Subjects:  1. Children's Books - Young Adult Fiction    2. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    3. Fiction    4. Historical - Europe    5. Historical Fiction (Young Adult)    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. Letters    8. Mysteries, Espionage, & Detective Stories    9. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic    10. Supernatural    11. Juvenile Fiction / Science Fiction, Fantasy, Magic   

Reviews (189)

The Education of Little Tree By: Forrest Carter
This book is about a boy orphaned very young who is adopted by his Cherokee Grandmother and half Cherokee Grandfather in the Appalachian Mountains of Tennesse during the Great Depression. He Grandparents named him Little Tree. He is taught how to hunt and survive the mountains the Cherokee way, taking only what is needed by his Grandfather. He is taught the joys of reading and education by his Grandmother. He also learns the way of white businessmen and tax collectors and how Grandfather scared the away. Little Tree is sent off to an indian boarding school run by whites. We learn of the cruelty of indian children. Little Tree learns how the world differs from the Cherokee way.
The WORST book I ever recorded...
When I was first chosen to narrate this book, I knew nothing of the racist past of it's author -- I knew only that it was the single worst book I'd ever been assigned.The negative AudioFile Magazine review of my recording (quoted here on Amazon) is completely fair.Reading the book to myself in order to prepare to record it, I found it annoying in the extreme -- the so-called prose is precious and poorly written, and the allegedly authentic colloquialisms are grating.When it came time to say it all aloud, for the first time ever (and I've narrated upwards of 200 audiobooks) I found it impossible to invest this piece literary flotsam with any emotional content whatsoever.As declining the job was no longer an option, I merely tried to stay out of the way and give it as simple and logical a performance as I could, but I was unable to compensate for the God awful writing, and unable to disguise my contempt for the entire enterprise.It remains the worst recording I have ever done, and I was, for a time, quite ashamed of it.Now that I discover more about it's hate mongering author, I'm actually pleased that the recording stinks.I now believe I gave this garbage exactly the reading it deserved.(I must add that I learned a valuable lesson: never record a book you loathe.I was subsequently offered the execrable "Left Behind" series for young adults, but having suffered through "Little Tree," knew better than to lend my voice to the spewing of "Christian" hate.)

Disappointing
This book was assigned school reading.I found it rather boring and the language used in the story became annoying after a while.Not recommended. ... Read more

Subjects: &n