Reviews (1)

Kudos to Max.
I love this book ! As a dog lover of mixed breeds for 30 years and a purveyor of fresh children's books too,this book is perfect !The story is charming and the illustrations are whimsical ! Children will apply this story to "bi-peds" (people) too. It is obvious that Joy loves dogs and understands them.Thanks Joy ! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - Dogs    2. Children's Baby - Fiction - General    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    4. Children: Kindergarten    5. Dogs    6. Fiction    7. Humorous stories    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Preschool Picture Story Books    10. Social Issues - Friendship    11. Social Issues - Prejudice & Racism    12. Toleration    13. Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Dogs   

Editorial Review

Inspirational yet honest, and always rhythmically rollicking, Read more

Reviews (176)

My daughter and I never got tired of reading this book
When she was young, this was one of my favorite books that I read to my daughter. I never got tired of telling her how great she would be when she got older. She also loved hearing it, the rhythm of the words never failed to keep her attention. I read her the entire collection of Dr. Seuss books in the local public library, and this was without question one of her three favorites. As I watch her go through life, I can't help but believe that some of the optimism for success that she possesses is a residual of hearing the words in this book.

Oh, the places you'll go
Great Book for any child, young adult, and even grownups!

So creative
We love all our Dr. Seuss books.This one is so creative and fun.The wording is clever and cute, and the creativity is fantastic! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 4-8 - Fiction - General    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 1-2    4. Fiction    5. Humorous Stories    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. Juvenile Literature    8. Seuss, Dr.    9. Social Issues - New Experience    10. Social Issues - Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance    11. Stories in rhyme    12. Success    13. Juvenile Fiction / General   

Editorial Review

"Monster" is what the prosecutor called 16-year-old Steve Harmon for his supposed role in the fatal shooting of a convenience-store owner. But was Steve really the lookout who gave the "all clear" to the murderer, or was he just in the wrong place at the wrong time? In this innovative novel by Walter Dean Myers, the reader becomes both juror and witness during the trial of Steve's life. To calm his nerves as he sits in the courtroom, aspiring filmmaker Steve chronicles the proceedings in movie script format.Interspersed throughout his screenplay are journal writings that provide insight into Steve's life before the murder and his feelings about being held in prison during the trial. "They take away your shoelaces and your belt so you can't kill yourself no matter how bad it is. I guess making you live is part of the punishment."Read more

Reviews (606)

Monster is scary, not in a great way
I found that the story was too fast paced for something as dramatic as a 16 year old boy on trial for murder.The settings changed too quickly at the beginning, and I found the plot kind of confusing.The plot though, was believable and realistic, and there was very little profanity, if any.The language was not coated with heavy accents, the closest it got was gangsta talk. The point of view was from Steve Harmon, and there was a fair share of the plot jumping around. The characters were very real, and you could really picture it in your mind.Sadly, I could not say this for much of this book.
Is He Truly A Monster?
I'm not going to say much about the text in the book except that it was well written and well thought out. The format of the book was nicely put, because it is easy to read when the words aren't crammed together on a small page, and I liked how it was written in a script format.
Amazon book review by Karen
Monster by Walter Dean Myers was an excellent book.This book was about Steve Harmon.He was accused of being part of a robbery during which Mr. Nesbit was murdered.The book really puts the reader inside Steve's mind and emotions; the reader really hopes that Steve gets off trial and is let go without any charges.
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Subjects:  1. African Americans    2. Children's 12-Up - Fiction - General    3. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    4. Fiction    5. Juvenile Fiction    6. Law & Crime    7. People & Places - United States - African-American    8. Prisons    9. Self-perception    10. Social Issues - General    11. Social Issues - Prejudice & Racism    12. Social Issues - Violence    13. Social Situations - Prejudice & Racism    14. Social Situations - Violence    15. Trials (Murder)    16. Juvenile Fiction / Social Situations / Prejudice & Racism    17. Reading Group Guide   

Features

• Unabridged

Reviews (46)

Effective and Relaxing
The belly breathing, affirmations, relaxation get my kids calm! The four stories are just the right length to keep their attention and get them to do actual stressmanagement techniques. The author never tells the children what to do or that they are being taught. The kids just follow the stories and characters along and learn to manage their own anxiety with actual techniques.
SAVE YOUR MONEY
I purchased this cd for my four year old a few months ago and disliked it enough to bother to write my first review of anything i've ever ordered through the internet."Bedtime stories" is a misnomer.There is no story content. After the first few lines read by the narrator, I found that her unnaturally slow,moronic verse didn't have a relaxing or somnulent effect but did, ironically,irritate me.I sat quietly listenting to the cd until my daughter asked me to turn it off-- only a few minutes into the cd.I skipped through the cd to see if it got better-- it did not. I suppose the point is to bore the child to sleep, but neither I nor my daughter could bear to listen to the "stories."This was the first item that I've ever puchased on-line for which i felt truly RIPPED-OFF.

Can't recommend highly enough
I never take time to do these reviews as I am too
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Subjects:  1. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    2. Juvenile Nonfiction    3. Juvenile Nonfiction / Body, Mind & Spirit    4. Juvenile Nonfiction / Health / General    5. Juvenile Nonfiction / Social Situations / Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance    6. Social Issues - Adolescence    7. Children's    8. Children's 4-8 - New Age    9. Fiction dealing with specific issues    10. Meditation for children   

Editorial Review

Since its publication in 1942,

Reviews (103)

Warm and wonderful
This book brought tears to my eyes the first time I read it.It is warm and comforting.A wonderful message for children that their mama will always be there no matter what...

Not great, but okay
I feel like I am supposed to love this book since it is by the same author of the beloved "Goodnight Moon", but I don't and neither does my child.The illustrations are a bit bland and the story is unremarkable.It also lacks the rhythm of "Goodnight Moon".As a result it just doesn't seem to keep my child's attention.On one hand the message of a mom's unconditional love is rather sweet, but the way she goes about it is borderline creepy.By following her unwilling child all over the world she has the potential of appearing more obsessive and domineering than pleasant and caring.In the end, however, the book is harmless and many people seem to think it's a very charming book.I would just recommend giving it a quick read in the book store before you purchase it.

The Love And Devotion
I love the runaway bunny and my kids love the runaway bunny. It makes us laugh, brings us closer together, and helps reinforce the most important lesson my children can learn "A Mother's Love has no limits." We laughed at the young bunny's frustration, marveled at the mother bunny's persistence, and discussed the love and commitment that strengthens our own family. The Runaway Bunny has been a useful tool in reinforcing my dedication to my children.As young children enjoyed the pictures.It's small and simple, but the lesson is profound. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - Rabbits    2. Children's Baby - Boardbooks    3. Children's Books/Baby-Preschool    4. Children: Preschool    5. Classics    6. Family - Parents    7. Fiction    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Mother and child    10. Rabbits    11. Social Issues - Runaways    12. Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Rabbits   

Editorial Review

This timeless Dr. Seuss classic was first published in 1960, and has been delighting readers ever since. Sam-I-am is as persistent as a telemarketer, changing as many variables as possible in the hopes of convincing the nameless skeptic that green eggs and ham are a delicacy to be savored. He tries every manner of presentation with this "nouveau cuisine"--in a house, with a mouse, in a box, with a fox, with a goat, on a boat--to no avail. Then finally, Read more

Reviews (180)

Best Children's Book
The book of green eggs and ham teaches us all a valued lesson on never judgeing a book by it's cover. Even though the main character tries to convince himself of not trying green eggs and ham, when he finally does he actually really likes it. This being a perfect example of not being prejudice.

I love this book
I thought this book was great - it was really colorful. The overall feel reminded me of the book "Now I Know the Ten Commandments". I recommend it to anyone.
Classic
This is one of the most CLASSIC of all kids books.
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Subjects:  1. Children's 4-8 - Fiction - General    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 1-2    4. Classics    5. Humorous Stories    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. Nonsense verses    8. Readers - Beginner    9. Social Issues - New Experience    10. Juvenile Fiction / Humorous Stories   

Editorial Review

The story starts out simply enough: Jess Aarons wants tobe the fastest boy in the fifth grade--he wants it so bad he cantaste it. He's been practicing all summer, running in the fieldsaround his farmhouse until he collapses in a sweat. Then a tomboynamed Leslie Burke moves into the farmhouse next door and changeshis life forever. Not only does Leslie not look or act like anygirls Jess knows, but she also turns out to be the fastest runnerin the fifth grade. After getting over the shock and humiliationof being beaten by a girl, Jess begins to think Leslie might beokay.Read more

Reviews (710)

Owns a piece of my soul
I read the book for the first time when I was 9 years old. I dig it out every few years and re read it. To this day it still has the power to reduce me to tears.
A portrait of friendship
Published in the 70's, this book was an instant children's classic in American literature.This book deals with the friendship of a boy, Jesse, and a girl, Leslie, both of whom are social outcasts.Coming from different families and upbringings, they form a friendship that bears the strain of tragedy.This reviewer read this book while in elementary school; but revisited it once I heard that a movie was being made about it.The book is very good, and is great for children to read in today's culture where intergender relationships are often characterized in terms of sex.I recommend it.

Sad, yet beautiful
One of my favorite parts of parenting is rediscovering wonderful children's literature with my daughters. I had heard of this book but never read it, so when my daughter chose it for a book report I seized the opportunity to read an award-winning book that I had neglected.
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Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    2. Children: Grades 4-6    3. Death    4. Fiction    5. Friendship    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic    8. Social Issues - Death & Dying    9. Social Issues - Friendship    10. Juvenile Fiction / Social Situations / Friendship   

Reviews (29)

SPECIALS
This is a spectacular ending to a fabulous trilogy. The plot and characters provoke questions on the importance of friendship and physical power. Tally Youngblood has undergone her second operation: she is now a fierce looking special who keeps Uglyville and New Pretty Town in line. What she used to call bubbly is now icy, and she is endowed with lighting-fast reflexes and superhuman strength. Tally soon discovers that the lesion curing pills have gone in to mass production, and are being handed out all over the city. Her special circumstances operation makes her believe that this is horrible, and that it is something to stop. On a trip back from crashing a pill-distributing party in Uglyville, she forces Shay to take her to Zane, who she has not entirely forgotten. They see that he is now cured, though he still feels the aftereffects of their pill-taking mishap, and that the Crims are now up to more serious tricks than crossing the borders on hoverboards. When he and some others of their old clique go on a journey to the New Smoke, Tally tracks behind them and in doing so disobeys orders from Shay. When she gets to The New Smoke, after a long time of struggling to understand how the Crims' minds are working, she gets a big surprise. During her time there she takes some heart-crushing blows, and learns in the end that specials really can cry. This is a remarkable book that leaves you to contemplate Tally's character and her strength- mentally and physically. It has a great ending, with an unexpected story twist that leaves you wondering whether she will ever live happily ever after. Read this if at all possible, and the other two in this trilogy along with it!

The thirds the charm
OMG! i couldnt beleive this trilogy. the whole thing was great and im so glad i bought it! i was so into the book i read all three in one day!
Specials
I just got to read this, and I was very happy with the ending to the trilogy. Once I picked the book up, I couldn't put it down. I just had to know what happens and whether Tally will become less self-centered, and I was very pleased with how everything turned out. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure - General    2. Beauty, Personal    3. Children's 12-Up - Fiction - General    4. Children's 12-Up - Fiction - Science Fiction    5. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 10-12)    6. Experiments    7. Fiction    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Science Fiction / Fantasy (Young Adult)    10. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic    11. Science fiction    12. Social Issues - General    13. Social Issues - New Experience    14. Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure   

Editorial Review

What is most notable about this funny, touching, memorable first novelfrom Stephen Chbosky is the resounding accuracy with which the author captures the voice of a boy teetering on the brink of adulthood. Charlie is a freshman. And while's he's not the biggest geek in the school, he is by no means popular. He's a wallflower--shy and introspective, and intelligent beyond his years, if not very savvy in the social arts. We learn about Charlie through the letters he writes to someone of undisclosed name, age, and gender, a stylistic technique that adds to the heart-wrenching earnestness saturating this teen's story. Charlie encounters the same struggles that many kids face in high school--how to make friends, the intensityof a crush, family tensions, a first relationship, exploring sexuality, experimenting with drugs--but he must also deal with his best friend's recentsuicide. Charlie's letters take on the intimate feel of a journal as he shares his day-to-day thoughts and feelings: Read more

Reviews (1164)

The Perks of Being a Wallflower
My book was called The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky. It was 213 pages. It was about a freshmen named Charlie, who copes with the world of being a teenager in high school. Charlie is shy and reserved and always observes others, but by the end of the book he learns to socialize and "participate" in life. I chose this book because my cousin recommended that I read it. I liked it because I could relate to it. The intended audience was definitly high school aged teens. The biggest thing I learned from this book was we dont have the power to choose where we come from, but we can still choose where we go from there. I thought this was a pretty good book, but I didnt like it enought to read it again.

love love love
this was an amazing book. it was simple but complicated and the way it's told makes it worth the read. we're really able to get inside charlie's mind. this hit me on an emotional level and i completely understand what he means when he says he feels infinite.
Wonderful Book
The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a coming of age story about a young man who is a wallflower is his own life. While this gives him some startling insight about his friends, he finds that he's not really participating, not really living his own life.
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Subjects:  1. American First Novelists    2. Bildungsromans    3. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 10-12)    4. Epistolary fiction    5. Fiction - General    6. General    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Social Issues - Adolescence    9. Social Issues - Death & Dying    10. Social Issues - Homosexuality    11. Fiction / General    12. Modern fiction   

Editorial Review

Chester Raccoon doesn't want to go to school--he wants to stay home with his mother. She assures him that he'll love school--with its promise of new friends, new toys, and new books. Even better, she has a special secret that's been in the family for years--the Kissing Hand. This secret, she tells him, will make school seem as cozy as home. She takes her son's hand, spreads his tiny fingers into a fan and kisses his palm--smack dab in the middle: "Chester felt his mother's kiss rush from his hand, up his arm, and into his heart." Whenever he feels lonely at school, all he has to do is press his hand to his cheek to feel the warmth of his mother's kiss. Chester is so pleased with his Kissing Hand that he--in a genuinely touching moment--gives his mom a Kissing Hand, too, to comfort her when he is away. Audrey Penn's Read more

Reviews (76)

I Cry Every Time
I cry every time I read this one.We love it.

A Phenomenal Book
I'm a 24 year old soon-to-be married woman.When my parents moved me into my college dorm room, they left little presents wrapped up in all of the boxes I had to unpack.As you can imagine, once they left I was eager to get situated and began unpacking boxes and filling drawers one-by-one.One of the little presents I came across was this book.Of course, I wasted no time reading it, and soon found myself with tears streaming down my face.I was on my own for the first time, but I knew I knew I wasn't alone; nor was I ever far from my parent's love.It brings tears to my eyes just remembering how touched I was reading that for the first time.This is a fantasic book for everyone- whether you're 5 years old and starting kindergarten for the first time, or 18 and in college.

He put his fist up to his cheek...
This is one of my favorite books. The story of little Chester the raccoon, his fear of going away to school, and how his mom gives him a kissing hand so he'll know her love is with him is a priceless story. I've read it to my son and daughter often over the last few years.
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Subjects:  1. Animals - Mammals    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 1-2    4. Fiction    5. General    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. Mothers and sons    8. Raccoons    9. Separation anxiety    10. Social Issues - Emotions & Feelings    11. Social Issues - New Experience    12. Juvenile Fiction / General   

Reviews (105)

Excellent book for a gift for dog lovers!
We bought this book for grandpa who's dog just passed away and it was great!!It was perfect for little kids who don't understand where dogs go went they die.

Wonderful book, great for kids and adults!!
This book is great for helping dog lovers of all ages understand and get through the grieving process.

A source of comfort for all of us
We received this book as a gift from some good friends when our beloved dog of 14 years had to go to Dog Heaven.We have a 20 month old son who was absolutely devistated at the loss (as were we all).He has insisted we read this book every night since, and it has helped us all cope with the loss.Highly recomended. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Preschool    4. Dogs    5. Fiction    6. Heaven    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Short Stories    9. Social Issues - Death & Dying    10. Social Situations - Death & Dying   

Reviews (29)

He WILL read this book.... but you should too
There's definitely no tip-toeing around in this book, which is exactly why boys will actually read it.Although I was a little shocked by the authors' candor at times, I also recognize the only way to really get through to adolescent boys is on their playing field.
Wish I Had this Growing Up...Every 13 year old Boy Needs this Book.
I purchased this book for my friends son who is 13 years old and before giving it to her I read through it myself. All of the information is very important (12+ years old) and can help educate young boys to make decisions based on knowledge they obtained before there is a problem rather than after, like what I went through when I was growing up and I'm sure countless others have that did not have the benefit and knowledge in this book.
Good info, a little too advanced
The first third of this book contained good information for my 11-year-old son.It explains what happens to a boy's body in a way he was able to understand.The remainder of the book also has good information, but the topics of intercourse and STDs were more than my son was ready for. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Boys & Men    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    3. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    4. Health & Daily Living - Maturing    5. Juvenile Nonfiction    6. Juvenile literature    7. Physiology    8. Puberty    9. Sex instruction for boys    10. Social Issues - Adolescence    11. Teenage boys   

Reviews (261)

Esperanza Rising
Esperanza Rising was a pretty good book.This book was basically about a Mexican girl who use to be rich but became poor.They lived on a huge ranch and owned a grape orchard. Sadly the night before her birthday Esperanza's father dies. After her father dies, her evil uncle takes over the ranch, and her and her mother become servants. The only way they could still live in their house was if her mother was to marry her brother inlaw. Esperanza's mother new that if she married him they wouldn't live a very good life. So now that they became servants they had to sneak from the ranch . They get in the back of a wagon and begin their journey to their new home. When they get there they go to their very small cabin. Esperanza and her mother had to work very hard and momma gets sick. Well I think that I am going to stop there so that I wont give any thing away. I do recommend this book though, you will enjoy it.

It made me cry!
It was such a great book!I could read it over again and again!I can't even imagine someone ever saying that they hated this book.I couldn't stop reading when I started the book.Sometimes I even read it when my Mom was talking to me.This book is very sad and exciting.It made it worth spending most of my time reading it!I would tell every one of my friends about this book and how I think they sould read it.If I was stranded on a deserted island and i could bring any two books in the whole world.I would choose Espeanza Rising and A Judy Blume book!If you like sad,exciting,and beautifuly written books, then this is the one for you!

Victoria's Review on Esperanza Rising
This book is about a young girl who is spoiled and has the best life that she can think of until some bad things start happening and her father dies.
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Subjects:  1. Agricultural laborers    2. California    3. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    4. Children: Grades 3-4    5. Fiction    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. Mexican Americans    8. People & Places - United States - Hispanic/Latino    9. Social Issues - Homelessness & Poverty    10. Juvenile Fiction / General   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (121)

Growing up on Fried worms
Of all the books I have read in school (required and for pleasure) the one book that I remember reading and consider to be trademark of my youth was How to Eat Fried Worms.
Haha, I remember this.
When I was in elementary school, I remember reading this book. It's stomach-turning but it definitely appealed to me when I was younger. I highly reccomend it for kids.

DANiELLE'S REViEW
How To Eat Fried Worms?! Ewww!! Doesn't that sound disgusting! This was a great book that was very interseting and humorous. This book is about a boy who is dared to eat worms for a certain amount of money. Some of his friends who dared him to eat the worms took him to a carnival and tried to brain-wash him. If they got him to forget about the worms before 12'o clockhe would have to pay his friends money for not doing it. the boy comes home and his mom wakes him up and says ''Dont you have to eat two worms?'' The boy autimatIcally ran down into the back yard and ate two worms before 12'o clock. So the story goes on very adventureous. I reccomend this book because it is fun, exciting,mysterious, and awesome! That is why you should read this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adolescence    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 4-6    4. Cookery (Worms)    5. Fiction    6. General    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Social Issues - New Experience    9. Social Issues - Values    10. Juvenile Fiction / General   

Reviews (10)

The 7 HELPFUL Habits for Teens
This book is great! Teenagers can really relate to this kind of stuff! The book is jam packed with pictures, quotes, and best of all the best advice a teenager could get! A College-Student's Review of"7 Habits ... Teens"
* * * * * FIVE STARS! NO DOUBT ABOUT IT! * * * * *Last summer I found this book on my younger brother's desk--a gift to him from our mother. As an eighteen-year-old college student, I thought the writing would be "too young" for me. NOPE! I read the book and it has significantly changed my views of myself, others, and the world. On another note, I liked the book so much that I decided to check out 'the original,' Sean's father's book (7 Habits of ... *people*): the verdict: I personally found the book for Teens a MUCH better read. Sean's writing style is concise and very visual, making it easy to understand, enjoyable, and fun. The anecdotes and stories are universally applicable--despite racial, economic, etc. backgrounds (or even age!).He doesn't waste time getting to the point, taking a single paragraph to introduce a new concept, and then supporting it with two or three stories, anecdotes, or quotations; and yes, there are even pictures too! The end product is something that is VERY enjoyable, practicable, and has helpful. If you have ANY doubts about whether or not to read this book, I would say that if you are even looking into it enough to read this review, you and someone you know can greatly benefit from the ideas in this book. Of course self-change is scary and difficult, but this book makes it fun and easy. It's helped me to not only improve my own life, but also that of my younger brother, guiding me to be a better role model for him. When I first found this book I had made fun of it, but as soon as I had begun reading, I was hooked [or as the book would have me say, "I hooked myself..."] Thanks Sean (and Stephen) for your contribution(s)! [And thanks Mom, too...]: - )

A very interesting, and lifechanging book
I have personally read this book, and ( as a 13 year old), it has drasticly changed my life. There are passages in this book that told me things about myself I never knew. Like this " I'f who I am, is what I have, and what I have is lost, who am I ?" I no longer feal that money or impotance should matter in my life. I should live it accourding to my life, and not by the will of others. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Young Adult Misc. Nonfiction    2. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 10-12)    3. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    4. Juvenile Nonfiction    5. Social Issues - General    6. Social Issues - Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance    7. Social Science - Psychology    8. Study Aids - Workbooks    9. Self-Help    10. Teenage    11. Educational   

Reviews (9)

Great Gift
I recently gave this book as a shower gift for my niece who adopted a 2 1/2 year old little girl.Everyone at the shower read the entire book and just loved it!Michelle says Austina always brings this book to her during reading time.I will remember this book for future adoptive families.

so affirming to see loving familes who don't look alike
I just received this book as a gift. It's wonderful, filled with sweet messages affirming the value of loving, caring, giving, listening and sharing, and illustrations showing children and care givers who don't look alike sharing day-to-day life moments. I didn't realize how much I miss seeing images of diverse families in books until I read this one. The large photos are appealing even to young children and the text is accessible to a large age range of children with messages a parent won't tire of reading. Differences between family members are not denied but the commonality of the human spirit is honored. This book is appropriate not only for adoptive families (like my own) but step-families, bi-cultural or multicultural families and families where biologically related children don't resemble one or either of their parents. It's a great book for school reading projects too as it promotes positive messages and is inclusive of children who don't look like their caregivers.
Beautifully Written Story
I find this book to be very inspiring.I wish I had A book like this when I was a child.As an adult adoptee, I feel this book touches upon the most important connections we need to make with our children.Thank you, Carrie! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children: Babies & Toddlers    2. Family - Adoption    3. Juvenile Fiction    4. Social Issues - Prejudice & Racism    5. Social Issues - Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance   

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