Reviews (43)

Under a War Torn Sky
This book was fantastic. It was very realistic to war. It showed how evil some people can be but then how nice others can be. Henry Forester goes threw it all.Henry is a 19 year old pilot shot down behind enemy lines. He has to survive a lot to make it home. I suggest a tissue when you read it too. But don't get me wrong its an awesome book.

One of the best books i ever read
This book is brilliant, if you are interested in war, planes or thr second world war this is the book for you. It is clear nice easy to read writing and the chapters are short. The only problem is that i wished the story was longer it was that good.

Under a War-Torn Sky
Wow!What a page turner!From the start, I was pulled in and felt like I was right alongside Henry, feeling what he was feeling. Henry was a "boy" who was a fighter pilot that was shot down during World War II behind enemy lines.Due to his perseverence and with the help of many strangers(includingFrench Resistance fighters)who risk their lives, Henry makes it back to his family's farm in Virginia--as a man. This war story includes everything that anyone would want-danger, suspense, adventure, even romance!Don't miss it! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure - General    2. Air pilots    3. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    4. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    5. Fiction    6. France    7. Historical - Military & Wars    8. Historical Fiction (Young Adult)    9. Juvenile Fiction    10. Social Issues - New Experience    11. Underground movements    12. World War, 1939-1945    13. Juvenile Fiction / Historical / Military & Wars   

Reviews (3)

Interesting personal library book
This is a nice book that compliments the Quiltmaker's Gift.The illustrations are wonderful, the story is okay.It has a great beginning, but then it seems to rush through to explain why the woman chose to live the way she did, which is the most important lesson in the book.Still, it is a nice story with excellent illustrations.I think I enjoyed it more than my child, though.

Excellent book
This is a beautifully illustrated and wonderfully well written story of the transformation that occurred in the girl who became the Quiltmaker.This is a prequel to The Quiltmaker's Gift, another outstanding book.
Another Great Quiltmaker Story
Jeff Brumbeau has another potential award winner with The Quiltmaker's Journey.A great story about how the Quiltmaker came to be, he continues the theme of the original book that giving of oneself and caring for others illuminates our lives with love.Gail de Marken's illustrations are, again, timeless and her familiarity with the art of quilting lends authenticity to the quilt blocks dotting the pages of this wonderfult story.The Quiltmaker's Journey will win the hearts of young and old alike and if you happen to be a quilter, too, that just sweetens the deal. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's All Ages - Literature    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 1-2    4. Children: Kindergarten    5. Conduct of life    6. Fairy Tales & Folklore - Single Title    7. Fiction    8. Generosity    9. Juvenile Fiction    10. Quilting    11. Quiltmakers    12. Social Issues - Homelessness & Poverty    13. Social Issues - Values    14. Juvenile Fiction / Fairy Tales & Folklore / Single Title   

Editorial Review

MacLachlan, author of Unclaimed Treasures, has written an affecting tale for children. In the late 19th century a widowed midwestern farmer with two children--Anna and Caleb--advertises for a wife. When Sarah arrives she is homesick for Maine, especially for the ocean which she misses greatly. The children fear that she will not stay, and when she goes off to town alone, young Caleb--whose mother died during childbirth--is stricken with the fear that she has gone for good. But she returns with colored pencils to illustrate for them the beauty of Maine, and to explain that, though she misses her home, "the truth of it is I would miss you more." The tale gently explores themes of abandonment, loss and love. ... Read more

Reviews (156)

Sarah, Plain and Tall
Sarah, Plain and Tall is a heartfelt story about a family who lost a mother and wife. Jacob, Caleb and Anna's father, must make the decision to place an ad for a wife and mother for the best for all of them.Sarah, a young lady from Maine, returns letters back and forth to the whole family getting to know them better.She decides to come down to the prairies of Kansas from the sea for a month to see if this is a life she could become accustomed to.When the children see the yellow bonnet coming down the road, excitement was in the air along with anticipation.Would she decide to stay and marry Jacob, or would this place be too small and too far away from the sea for Sarah.
great great GREAT!
The book is about the Ann and Caleb's mom dies in her sleep after having Caleb. After a few years Jacob (the dad) writes an ad asking for a new wife. And Sarah answered back, and she answered all the questions.
great great GREAT!
The book is about the Ann and Caleb's mom dies in her sleep after having Caleb. After a few years Jacob (the dad) writes an ad asking for a new wife. And Sarah answered back, and she answered all the questions.
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Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    2. Children: Grades 3-4    3. Classics    4. Family - Stepfamilies    5. Fiction    6. Frontier and pioneer life    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Social Issues - New Experience    9. Stepmothers    10. Juvenile Fiction / Classics   

Reviews (37)

Realistic Teen Fiction
Miles doesn't love shows on the WB (0r CW), he doesn't gush about J. Lo's posterior.He doesn't rave about the football team's wins.Milesloves famous last words.
Profound, but profane
Looking for Alaska is a page turner. Did Alaska commit suicide or was her death a tragic accident? Why did she become so upset and drive off drunk in the middle of the night? The biggest question of all was Alaska's: "How will we ever get out of this labyrinth of suffering?" Pudge's answer to this question in his essay at the end of the book is profoundly true. For its mystery and truth, I loved this book.
Meaningful Book.
I really thought this book was good. I enjoyed every page, and i thought the quotes from other books was a very nice touch. Green did an awesome job on the ending it was very deep and a lesson in life. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Boarding schools    2. Children's 12-Up - Fiction - General    3. Children's Books - Young Adult Fiction    4. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    5. Death    6. Fiction    7. Interpersonal relations    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. School & Education    10. Schools    11. Social Issues - Death & Dying    12. Social Issues - Friendship    13. Social Issues - General    14. Social Situations - Dating & Sex    15. Social Situations - Death & Dying    16. Juvenile Fiction / Social Situations / Dating & Sex   

Editorial Review

It's 1906 and 16-year-old Mattie Gokey is at a crossroads in her life. She's escaped the overwhelming responsibilities of helping to run her father's brokedown farm in exchange for a paid summer job as a serving girl at a fancy hotel in the Adirondacks. She's saving as much of her salary as she can, but she's having trouble deciding how she's going to use the money at the end of the summer. Mattie's gift is for writing and she's been accepted to Barnard College in New York City, but she's held back by her sense of responsibility to her family--and by her budding romance with handsome-but-dull Royal Loomis. Royal awakens feelings in Mattie that she doesn't want to ignore, but she can't deny her passion for words and her desire to write. Read more

Reviews (109)

One of my top 10!
Okay, when I first checked this book out of the library, one of my teachers scoffed at me. Apparently he had scanned a page and had seen cuss words. But when I began reading it, I fell it love with it, and finished it within the afternoon. Mattie, the main character is growing up in such a hard situation, in a time when women still had little rights. Mattie battles between settling down and going to college. I'll leave the ending a surprise, but it made me cry, the reason being because it ended just as much as the actual ending. It's centered around the death of Grace Brown, who had given Mattie a pack of letters to burn. Mattie reads though, and solves a murder. Mattie is such a real person, and Donnelly's words are so poetic. It created a whole new world for me, and I'll never forget this book. Although I would not suggest this book for those under 13 because of language and adult sequences, but everyone else deserves to read this book.

IT TAKES A VILLAGE....
Matty Gokey is the sixteen year old narrator of this novel.With the 1906 murder of Grace Brown (also covered in Dreiser's "An American Tragedy) setting the stage for this tale that ultimately explores not only Graces murder, but the issues of poverty, racism, pregnancy, the perceived station of women in society, and the effects of death/loss on the human spirit.
Don't Miss This Gem Because of the YA Designation
I am not sure why this work is considered a young adult novel, because at the ripe old age of 55, I was intrigued by Donnelly'sauthentic, right-on-the-money, bulls-eye prose. The narrative chronicles the coming-of-age of young Mattie Gokey, who lives a hardscrabble rural life in the North Woods of the Adirondacks in the early 1900's. The novel functions as historical fiction, and it accurately pinpoints the poverty, racism, mores and gender issues of this era in this particular location.
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Subjects:  1. Children's 12-Up - Fiction - History    2. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 10-12)    3. Education    4. Farm life    5. Fiction    6. Historical - United States - 20th Century    7. Historical Fiction (Young Adult)    8. Hotels, motels, etc    9. Hotels, motels, etc.    10. Juvenile Fiction    11. Mysteries (Young Adult)    12. Mysteries, Espionage, & Detective Stories    13. New York (State)    14. Social Issues - Adolescence    15. Social Issues - Death & Dying    16. Juvenile Fiction / Social Situations / Adolescence   

Reviews (6)

Riveting Story of Diversity
This is a companion book to the documentary about the Paper Clip project started at Whitwell Middle School outside of Chattanooga, Tennessee, in the late 1990s.What began as a class to teach diversity to a mostly white southern group of schoolchildren evolved into a project of collecting 6 million paper clips (the clips are historically tied to the Holocaust) to represent the Jews who perished during that dark period.This book is a wonderful story that shows what can be accomplished when children are determined and how a relatively small idea can grow into something significant that can affect millions of people.This one is highly recommended for children of all ages.

Deserves 10 stars
I happened upon a review and ordered the book. When it arrived, I read it with a lump in my throat and my eyes tearing up.My 72 year old mother and I were driving to another town when I started telling her about it.I couldn't get that damn lump out of my throat and pretty soon my voice started quivering and I started crying. She just reached over and held my hand as I got my composure back.I was done, though, I told her she had to read it.She did. Afterward, she took it to one of her clubs and shared it.It's just a 10 minute read, but it sure provides plenty of emotion. I am so glad I happened upon it. A glorious story. Thank you.

The power of a symbol.
Those of us who are horrified by the murderous actions of the Nazis during the Holocaust pray that such a terrible event will never happen again.It is heartening to know that there are a number of middle school children in Whitwell, Tennessee who did their share to raise the consciousness of people from all over the world.Whitwell, a small town of white Anglo-Saxon Protestants with a population of only 1,600, is now internationally famous for its "Paper Clip Project."
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Subjects:  1. Children's 9-12 - History - General    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    3. Children: Grades 3-4    4. Ethnic relations    5. History - Holocaust    6. Holocaust    7. Holocaust memorials    8. Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945)    9. Juvenile Nonfiction    10. Juvenile literature    11. Religion - Judaism    12. Social Issues - Prejudice & Racism    13. Study and teaching (Elementary    14. Study and teaching (Elementary)    15. Tennesee    16. Whitwell    17. Whitwell (Tenn.)    18. Jewish studies   

Reviews (551)

The Face on the Milk Carton
The Face on the Milk Carton was a good book. I can say that it mostly kept me on the edge of my seat wanting to read more. I usually don't read mystery books, but this one was very interesting. Within 5 min. of reading this book, I just could not put it down. The reason why I say this is a good book, and not a very good book is because, yes I did very well like the book but it had some parts where I felt as if Janie was asking a lot of questions and in my opinion she was sort of freaking out to much. So it made her sound really annoying in the book. Anyway if you are the kind of person who does't really like mystery, I suggest that you pick this book up and I guarantee you won't put it down.

The face on the book carton
The Face On the Milk Carton is a good book. If you like scary or books that keep you on your feet, you would like this book. I liked the character and personality of Janie. She is just like your normal fifteen-year-old girl. She is in to boys and likes to look at herself in the mirror. During class she is always daydreaming. Her mom is trying to get her to do different activities with her like cake decorating, but she does not really like them; well, it's not her mom its her grandma. What I mean by that is her mom named Hannah joined a group and her grandparents saved Janie from being in a bad group. I recommended this book for all of the people that like books that keep you on your feet, and that like mysterious books suspens
The Face on the Milk Carton
The Face on the Milk Carton
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Subjects:  1. Children's 12-Up - Fiction - General    2. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    3. Fiction    4. Identity    5. Juvenile Fiction    6. Kidnapping, Parental    7. Parent and child    8. Social Issues - General    9. Social Issues - New Experience    10. Social Situations - General    11. Juvenile Fiction / Social Situations / General   

Reviews (2)

READ THIS
This book proves that M.T. Anderson is one of the most brilliant writers of our time, hands down. Read this book and know it; read this book and pass it on.

Don't miss it
Read this book and give it to everyone you know or love, whether 15 or 55. It's a stunning, extraordinary look at our own history through the eyes (usually) of Octavian Nothing, an African child slave who is, in this first of two books, the subject of experiments by a group of Boston rationalist philosophers. The purpose of the experiments? For the "philosophers" to learn whether Africans have the same capacity to learn as white children do. Because the Revolutionary War is about to break out, the characters' lives change in unpredictable ways.Every single page of this book, which is told in highly-readable and startlingly rich eighteenth-century language, is filled with brilliance and pain, and there are few characters in contemporary fiction that Icare about as much as I care about Octavian. You will, too. Furthermore, there are parallels, resonances, echoes, and consequences for all of us today---your brain will be unusually active as you read, and you won't be able to put the book down or stop thinking about it.
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Subjects:  1. Children's 12-Up - Fiction - History    2. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 10-12)    3. Experiments    4. Fiction    5. Freedom    6. Historical - Other    7. Historical Fiction (Young Adult)    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. People & Places - United States - African-American    10. Science    11. Slavery    12. Social Issues - Physical & Emotional Abuse    13. Historical fiction    14. Juvenile Fiction / Historical / Other   

Reviews (152)

Pernicious
I'll say it right now - this review is not going to win me any friends.But, I feel this book has the potential to influence people in a negative way, so I'm going to list my concerns.
One Child
This is the 1st book I've read of Torey Hayden, I enjoyed it very much and would suggest it to friends.

i loved it but it was sad
I Loved this book. Torey Hayden is one of the best authors that writes about her own experiences working with special needs or difficult children. This child in the book, Shiela, comes from a neglectful background. She doesn't speak. But Torey works her magic, as well as uses as much tlc and patience with her as she can. It is a great book, but it is sad because you read what this young child has to go through in her young life. Torey also has other books out there too that are about her expereices and learning journeys. There is a followup to this story about Sheila, it is called The Tiger's Child . Both are really good.
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Subjects:  1. Case studies    2. Child abuse    3. Child psychopathology    4. Children with Special Needs    5. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    6. Juvenile Nonfiction    7. Pediatrics    8. Psychology    9. Social Issues - Physical & Emotional Abuse    10. Biography & Autobiography    11. Family & Relationships / Children with Special Needs   

Editorial Review

Anyone who has ever let go of a balloon string and watched the brightobject go up and up and out of sight will appreciate this whimsical picturebook that ponders the age-old question Read more

Reviews (32)

Fun, Silly and Most Importantly, Engaging for Young Readers!
I think every young child whose ever accidentally released a balloon into the wild blue yonder has wondered what happens to them...and this book gives kids some whimsical ideas about the secret life of balloons that should ease their minds about what happens...I suppose this is a better way for kids to think about it than just popping somewhere up there and plummeting to the ground.The words are written in silly rhymes and the illustrations are lush and whimsical...just plain silly and loads of fun for young readers.Younger kids (2-4) will like having the opportunity to explore each page and older kids (5-8) will enjoy reading all the additional text loaded onto each page (balloons writing post cards, signs for various things, ect...) that should help keep their interest when the simple rhyme is, well, too simple for them to enjoy.Each page feels rather like an explosion of art and whimsy...it is that chaotic splendor that kids can't help but love!!Where to Balloons Go? doesn't provide any scientific explanation...but it's not meant to, it's just plain fun!! Kids and adults alike will have fun reading this and diving right into the incredible illustrations...if you've got a kid 4-8, this is a must read!!

artistic, creative, clever, addictive!!
my daughter absolutely loves this book. the age range says 4 and up but my daughter is two and loves it and is addicted to it. she wants me to read it to her before her nap and bedtime. i would say not to leave it down where a child under 4 could rip the pages. this books verbage and artwork is so clever. my daughter and i both get a kick out of it. there are reusable stickers included in the back of the book and you can use them on the pretty inside covers in the front or back (slick surface- either cloud or space background). she always sees them when we are done reading and can't wait until she can one day play with them. she loves stickers but tends to rip them and ruin them at this age- so i'm waiting to let her play with these! i would recommend this book to anyone, and i know i will buying this as gifts!

Great for a child that has lost someone.
I don't know if this was the original message intended, but I've found this book to be a great tool for helping kids cope with loss. Whether it be a grandparent or a pet, this can open the lines of communication with a young child and help explain things that sometimes adults have difficulty putting into words. I'm a hospice nurse, and know that this book has been reccommended for children in our field for years - and it's darned cute to boot! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Balloons    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 1-2    4. Fiction    5. General    6. Humorous Stories    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Social Issues - Emotions & Feelings    9. Social Issues - New Experience    10. Stories in rhyme    11. Toys, Dolls, & Puppets    12. Juvenile Fiction / General    13. Picture books   

Editorial Review

Molly Lou Melon may be tiny, clumsy, buck-toothed, and with a voice"like a bullfrog being squeezed by a boa constrictor," but she doesn't mind. Hergrandmother has utmost confidence in her, and tells her at every turn to believein herself. "Sing out clear and strong and the world will cry tears of joy,"Grandma says. But Molly Lou's self-assurance is put to the test when she movesto a new town, away from her friends and beloved grandmother. During her firstweek of school, Ronald Durkin taunts Molly Lou Melon in the dull-witted butsharp-edged manner of career bullies, calling her "shrimpo" and "bucky-toothedbeaver." Our heroine barely flinches as she systematically sets out to proveherself, and Ronald Durkin ends up feeling pretty foolish.Read more

Reviews (46)

WELL DONE QUIRKY LITTLE BOOK - I LIKED IT
I like this one.It is just enough over the edge, illustration wise, to make it quite interesting.More importantly than my likeing it, is that all the kids seem to love this one.For some reason it appeals to them.The story is certainly good and teaches a wonderful lesson on a subject that bothers most kids, self-image.The author has hit this subject head on and has done a very good job of it in quite understandable style.I like the art work in this one, and feels it makes the point of the story stick.Recommend this one highly.

Stand Tall Molly Lou Melon
Stand Tall Molly Lou Melon was written by, Patty Lovell and illustrated by, David Catrow.Stand Tall Molly Lou Melon is a fiction book. The main characters are Molly Lou Melon, Grandma, and Ronald Durkin.
The Illustrations are beautiful art!!
I have to say I favor a book for its illustrations over its story, as long as the story is still good!I was so impressed with David Catrow's gorgeous illustrations that I searched through all of the books he illustrated intent on buying more."King Bidgood..." is an example of my taste if that helps.
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Subjects:  1. Bullies    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Babies & Toddlers    4. Fiction    5. Grandmothers    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. Self-acceptance    8. Social Issues - Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance    9. Social Issues - Violence    10. Juvenile Fiction / Social Situations / Friendship   

Reviews (6)

A Must for Classrooms Across America
As an elementary principal, this book was loved by students and always checked out from the library. Trevor has a wonderful grasp on bullies and helps students in a sincere, motivating way. The dvd is super if you haven't checked into owning it. It's priced well and the animation/music is highly engaging. The material is solid and right-on with what I saw as an elementary principal and in dealing with bullying issues. If you are a teacher or can arrange author visits, go to trevorromain.com and look into a school/author visit. Trevor is inspirational for students, as well as adults, and will raise the bar for school-wide expectations with his "double-dog dare!" Trevor has visited our campus twice in two years and the students can't get enough!

No need to feel Helpless
No child should feel helpless when it comes to the jungle of a playground.This book encourages dialogue and an internal sense of courage.The book is very kid-friendly.The language is perfect for those grade 3-6.The format and cartoon characters make the whole book and subject very approachable for kids. Whether bullied or not, this raises awareness to help all kids help themselves.

Great in the Classroom!
This book has been a valuable part of my classroom read aloud program for 3 years now.It is valuable in that it really speaks to the students on their level.It is straight-forward about the problems and realities of bullies and teasing.This book often provided a great springboard into valuable classroom discussions.Students become empowered to stick up for themselves and to understand the thought process of a typical bully.Read more

Subjects:  1. Bullies    2. Bullying    3. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    4. Children: Grades 4-6    5. Humor - General    6. Juvenile Nonfiction    7. Juvenile humor    8. Social Issues - General    9. Schools & education centres   

Reviews (4)

Belle Teal
This story is about a girl named Belle Teal. It's the first day of school. They are having new kids come to the school. The adults don't like it. The new students are colored. Belle teal and her friend Clarice are starting the 5th grade. They are very excited because they get to be in Ms. Casey's class. She gets on the bus. She sees a girl she has never seen before; People call her "Her Royal Highness", HRH for short.She doesn't like Belle teal that much. They get of the bus, She
Bell Teal
Belle's fine life
Excellent Read
This is a wonderful young adult novel by Ms. Martin.Belle Teal is a thought-provoking and beautifully told story of one child's experience with desegregation.Belle is a strong female character who gracefully stands up for herself and her beliefs; a terrific role model for girls (and boys) learning to navigate a larger world in which people don't always agree. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    2. Children: Grades 4-6    3. Family - Multigenerational    4. Family life    5. Fiction    6. Friendship    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Martin, Ann M.    9. Race relations    10. Social Issues - Friendship    11. Social Issues - General    12. Social Issues - Prejudice & Racism    13. Juvenile Fiction / Social Situations / Prejudice & Racism   

Reviews (133)

Anxious Billy-Bully.

"Dear god please think of the Children" or "Falafel."
Amazon truly did you all a favor by mercifully offering you an excerpt of ten whole pages of Mr. O'Reilly's book. This was a luxury I was not given, and now I can't help but feel it's too late for my poor soul. I stomached the whole enchilada, and I warn you this is one Mexican (or wet-back, as Mr. O'Reilly ocassionally refers to people of Mexican origin) dish you do NOT wish to tackle. The first ten pages alone tell you exactly what kind of person Bill O'Reilly is. It is obvious that this iteration of this children's edition of his wildlyasinine "The O'Reilly Factor" is just another attempt to gouge his enamored viewers for more money. This book offers no real advice that cannot be already garnored by the occasional disney channel blurb or the elusive "common sense." It takes him two precious pages to explain to his obviously mentally ill readers that "real friends" are not anything like those on the show "Friends." Being a fan of the show I have to agree with O'Reilly, but then I'd be forced to ask "What the hell Bill?!" He recently settled a lawsuit pressed against him for a rumored $10 million by a Ms. Mackris for sexual harassment. He attempts to teach our children about sex, but is himself a barely disguised chauvenist and borderline deviant. His previous "The O'Reilly Factor" has it's own section on sex. Here he shows just how little respect for woman and boastfully describes many of his "sexual conquests." In his fiction novel "Those Who Tresspass" he self inserts himself as an irresistable and dangerous womanizer. Feel free to use the main character in this novel as a personality guide for O'Reilly himself. He is desperately and consistently seeking admiration from his audience. It's both sad and sickening. He barely alludes to his "rambunctious" childhood misadventures with his friends, trying to pass by his readers what he "learned" from those experiences. However, both his massively (depressingly) popular cable "news" show and his series of near toxic books reveal a man borderline insane. He's rediculously angry at the most obnoxiously inane things, a chronic liar, and has the memory span of an 80 year old hamster with alzheimers. He will literally make points in this book and provide evidence that counters his own argument. His show is no different. He will make wildly offensive comments. When his callers call him up on it, he has his chronies "replay the tape." Of course, in the year 2006 we are completely unable to actually replay this tape on modern television for viewers, as you can see when his chronies shout back off camera a completely different statement. He has never apologized for his actions, only grunting with simian aggression and angrily moving on to the next segment. This man cannot hold multiple marriages, yet he attempts to teach children about relationships. Mr. O'Reilley is to televised journalism what pornography is professional photography. Any person who truly consider themselves a conservative should be horrified by how he represents the demographic. A recent example is of a jewish man who called into his show to make his case that having Christmas during school as he grew up made him feel uncomfortable because he felt constantly pressured to be more Christian. O'Reilly responded by telling the man that if he didn't want to live in a Christian nation he should move to Israel. Any truly religious person whether Christian, Muslim, Jewish, or Buddhist should find a comment like this wildly offensive. Well, perhaps the Buddhists will let that one go. In a country where religious freedom is one of it's main tenets, perhaps O'Reilly would be advised to know that a marginal amount of secularism in public and government institution is necessary for religious freedom. The founding fathers considered religion a largely personal matter, as did Jesus. "Render unto Caesar's what is Caesar's."
During breaks in bingo....
...I read this book.I find it a pleasant diversion (like Mr. O'Reilly himself) as well during those all-too-frequent shuffleboard lulls.If he'd been born a century or so earlier, Bill would've been one of those "shoot from the hip" type of fellows; pity then that he wasn't.I like Bill.That's a clear as I can make it.So I figured I'd turn my kids on to him -- sounds innocent enough, right?Wrong. See, my kids hated this book.Mocked it.Made it an ongoing joke at every dinner table since."But Bill has some good advice," I pleaded with them over chips and salsa one leathery afternoon, "he's a real shoot from the hip guy, kids".Doh! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Child Care/Parenting    2. Children's Books/Young Adult Social Situations    3. Children: Grades 4-6    4. Conduct of life    5. Interpersonal relations in adolescence    6. Juvenile Nonfiction    7. Juvenile Social Problems (General)    8. Life skills guides    9. Social Issues - General    10. Social Issues - Values & Virtues    11. Social Science - Psychology    12. Youth    13. Family & Relationships / Parenting   

Reviews (9)

A load of crock.
This book takes heartfelt letters written by girls trusting their most private experiences to a complete stranger (the author) -- and dissects them like a dead frog, telling the girls what they did "wrong" and how they "should" be acting, feeling, behaving if they want to a get a good grade, because this book GRADES every girl in their "First Person" segments.
GOOD BOOK!
well, i bought this book cos i needed to know a little bit more about teenage behaviors and alittle of their psychology and stuff.
Amazing!!
This book was awesome!!It put everything that happens at school into perspective for other people.I even did a book report for English on this book.So I decided to include part of it in this review, on this book in which I highly recommend:
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Subjects:  1. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    2. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    3. Interpersonal conflict in adol    4. Interpersonal conflict in adolescence    5. Interpersonal relations    6. Juvenile Nonfiction    7. Juvenile literature    8. Life Stages - Adolescence    9. Psychology    10. Social Issues - Adolescence    11. Social Issues - Friendship    12. Social Issues - Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance    13. Social Problems (General) (Young Adult)    14. Teenage girls    15. Life Skills & Personal Awareness, General Studies   

Editorial Review

Richard Carlson has written numerous books encouraging folks not to"sweat the small stuff", and his title for teens is as warm, wise, and witty ashis previous works. His tone is one of an older family friend who manages toadvise while still maintaining the minimum level of coolness that teens requirefrom those who intend to guide them into adulthood. Read more

Reviews (17)

better than i thought
When my grandma first gave me this book, I thought it was gonna be another useless book saying "just be yourself" and all that [...]. But this book actually has substance and I was surprised that I actually got something out of it. Recommended to any teen on the "emotional roller coaster" who needs some guidance in their life.

Outstanding
I always read books I get for my daughter first to confirm that I got her so