Reviews (72)

Please read this to your child!
I highly recommend this story to all children. I have a young son who is dyslexic--the book was recommended to us by his tutor. But as I was reading this I couldn't help but feel all children would benefit from hearing it. This book is a wonderful example of how children manage to overcome difficulties. It can also help show children to be more compassionate to those who are less fortunate. It is delightful~

Fantastic Read Aloud
This is a fantastic story that portrays a young girl who endures bullying and overcomes her learning difficulties thanks to the help of her kind-hearted teacher. The character Trisha is lovable character, who tugs at your heart with her underdog status. The story is written in clear language that is accessible to elementary aged students. The illustrations are an excellent portrayal of how Trisha feels, the colors are intense, and they help the reader to experience how the characters are feeling. Overall, this story is fantastic story about bullying and learning difficulties, it helps to increase the reader's sensitivity to others. This story would be appropriate in an elementary classroom (grades 2-3). This story can lead into several character education lessons, along with writing lessons.Teachers can encourage students to write letters to someone they feel, helped them improve or helped them feel good about themselves.

Thank you, Mr.Falker
The book that I read was about this little girl who used to love when her mom used to read to her. When she got to kindergarden every body was learning how to pronounce the words. She was always behing. when she got to second grade every body used to know how to read, but she was the only one who was still pronouncing the words.Then she move and thought everything was going to be better. Then every one teasted her. She med a teacher who help her after school. She started to learn how to read. The little girl was the asthur. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    2. Children: Grades 1-2    3. Fiction    4. Juvenile Fiction    5. Reading    6. School & Education    7. Self-perception    8. Social Issues - Special Needs    9. Teachers    10. Juvenile Fiction / School & Education   

Reviews (12)

The Crayon Box That Talked
I recieved my book in great condition and within a weeks time. Was great, I have continued to order from Amazon.

Loved It!
Hi, I'm 11 years old and I know this book is for like 3 year olds, however, I loved it! My five year old sister liked it too! Even my 13 year old neighbor is obsessed with it. I know all kids-at-heart will love this heart warming story about crayons that learn to live together in harmony through a five year old girl that buys the crayons at the toy store. It is a great book, with a great message, and great pictures. I really hope, on behalf of all the kids that love it, and the publishers, that you click the mouse and buy this excellent piece of children's writing and enjoy it for years to come. :)

Great for Diversity & Team Workshops
I use this story with just about every adult and youth group I speak to.I use it to build upon our diversity and how if we all get together (as the crayons do in the book) the picture is complete.Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Kindergarten    4. Color    5. Concepts - Colors    6. Crayons    7. Fiction    8. Individuality    9. Juvenile Fiction    10. Social Issues - Prejudice & Racism    11. Social Issues - Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance    12. Social Situations - Prejudice & Racism    13. Stories in rhyme    14. Toys, Dolls, & Puppets    15. English literature: poetry texts & anthologies    16. Juvenile Fiction / Social Situations / Prejudice & Racism    17. Picture books   

Reviews (6)

the hardship in baseball
Teammates Awesome!
This book teaches you alot about how blacks were treated back in the day. When Jackie Robinsion was signed to the Dodgers the fans and players treated him really badly. People threw stuff at him. Then a young teammate stood up for him and saved him from being ban from the team. So you shouldn't judge a book by it's cover.

classic
A simple telling of how Jackie Robinson came to play in the major leagues, this book portrays the prejudice he faced in a basic way that children can understand. And it shines a bright light on a quiet moment: PeeWee Reese's brave public declaration of solidarity with his teammate. This book has been my son's favorite for the past two years, since he was five. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Afro-Americans    2. Baseball players    3. Biography    4. Biography & Autobiography - Cultural Heritage    5. Biography & Autobiography - People of Color    6. Biography & Autobiography - Sports & Recreation    7. Children's 4-8 - Biography / Autobiography    8. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    9. Children: Grades 3-4    10. Family - Siblings    11. Juvenile Fiction    12. Juvenile literature    13. Social Issues - Prejudice & Racism    14. Social Situations - Prejudice & Racism    15. Sports & Recreation - Baseball    16. United States   

Reviews (7)

Not that much Information
I was looking for a book how to deal with teachers that are uneducated about ADD, my son has it and they just want to classify him as mentally retarted. I need more info.
Teachers! Take note!
For its format alone, this is a must-buy for teachers and the administrators who work with them!As a middle school AP, I've visited far too many classrooms where teachers try to keep students' attention nailed to dreary handwritten overheads in black marker no less. Yawn.Every page of this book demonstrates what good overheads should look like (minus the color I'd like to see)while the text explains WHY this is imperative for ADHD students.GET IT!I love it. I ordered two more for my school.

I liked how the number was in the title
When I saw this book, I liked that there was a number in the title and the @ thing too.But when I was reading it, most of the words weren't numbers.Some of the pages were pictures and I liked those ones the best.I think that if you wanted this book, you should get it.As someone who had a hard time in high school, making friends etc., I found this was a good way to think back on it all.I'm not sad anymore because of them. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder    2. Attention-deficit-disordered y    3. Attention-deficit-disordered youth    4. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 10-12)    5. Education (Secondary)    6. Education (Young Adult)    7. Education / Teaching    8. Handbooks, manuals, etc    9. Handbooks, manuals, etc.    10. Juvenile Nonfiction    11. Juvenile literature    12. School & Education    13. Secondary    14. Social Issues - Special Needs    15. Special Education - Learning Disabled    16. United States    17. Health & Fitness / General   

Reviews (13)

the most idiotic book in Christendom
Having nothing deeper to say than "You should like yourself because it's better than not liking yourself," the author happily inflicts such circular inanities on us as:"You should always try to do the right thing.If you call kids names, start fights, or somehow hurt others, you won't feel good about yourself because you know that you are doing something that is wrong."

Not Helpful
When I read the first few parts of the book, I thought it would be very helpful.But I was wrong.First off, its very undetailed and doesn't explain much about the process of making friends.Also, its unrealistic, especially for middle schoolers.I say this because they make it sound like: Compliment a person and they'll be your friend.Or: Smile and they will like you.I don't think thats very helpful.It might be okay for very young kids starting one of the lower grades, but definetly not middle schoolers or even some elementary schoolers.

Lots of helpful suggestions
What an amazing book.I'm always impressed when authors who are bona fide experts can relay information without ever being condescending or belittling.I gave this book to a child and was immediately impressed by how much more comfortable he felt in social situations.Read more

Subjects:  1. Child Care/Parenting    2. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    3. Friendship    4. Juvenile literature    5. Parenting - General    6. Self-Help / Self-Esteem    7. Personal awareness: family, relationship & social issues    8. Self-Esteem    9. Self-Help & Practical Interests   

Reviews (6)

Wonderful book
This is a fantastic book to teach voice with.Not only have I used it in the classroom, but my 10 year old daughter and I spent a lot of time looking at all the details in the illustrations and how they show voice and feeling.This is a book any teacher who teaches voice or writing workshop should have.

Amazing
It's interesting how the author writes a story that is all about queen elizabeth, princess diana, charles, and victoria and albert. All the emotions and events from real life are portrayed in this book. Every image from the way the trees are leaning displaying political influence to alligators and elephants in the forest. I really like the hinted use of artwork like Scream and the Rembrants. It's a book that is not really a childrens story, it is actually geared towards the adult reader. So many hidden messages about the British economy. It's intersting that the reader portrays Queen Elizabeth so poorly and negatively.

This Book Has No Peer
The illustrations are mind-blowing.
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Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    2. Children: Grades 2-3    3. Dogs    4. Fiction    5. General    6. Gorilla    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Nature & the Natural World - General    9. Parks    10. Social Issues - General    11. Social Issues - New Experience    12. Juvenile Fiction / Social Situations / New Experience    13. Children's Fiction   

Reviews (20)

Preview first - way too graphic for our family
I had intended to use this book to help my 7-year-old but when I previewed it, I found it to be a case of "too much too soon."It appeared the author tried to address every conceivable way a child might encounter death but, for my child, it would have introduced MANY more fears than it alleviated.Many of the illustrations were especially disturbing.Having a child wail "can we keep our house?" as the obituaries float around the picture was too much.Introducing death by substance abuse and suicide was too much.Discussing the donation of eyes to an eye bank or having the word "autopsy" in the glossary was too much.For young children facing death and the grief process for the first time, I would use extreme caution if considering this book.My child would have had nightmares for ages.

First read it yourself, then read it to a child or with a child
I have been using this book for years. I have used it in my capaicity as a social worker leading grief groups for children and I have also used it with my own children after they experienced the loss of their grandfather.The beauty of this book is you need not read it from beginning to end with your child, you can stop and start at the places which apply and skip the parts that don't.What I also like about the book is the illustrations, they are detailed enough to get the points across, but not scary nor frightening.Death is such a mystery to children (and frankly to many adults too), I view this book as a wonderful place from which children and adults can explore loss and their feelings pertaining to death and what might happen after we die.Older kids can read it to younger ones with an adult nearby to also answer questions.What I have done is read the book with a child, then let the child know it may bring up questions and we can talk about them during the time we read the book and certainly any time after as well.
Inappropriate for young kids
I did not like this book at all, and thought it inappropriate for young children. My son kept asking why the children on the playground died, playing "Bang, Bang your dead".(I also don't want my son being taught games about violence.)I did not like suicide being presented as an "option" for hopelessness.Read this book before giving it to a child. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bereavement in children    2. Children and death    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    4. Children: Grades 1-2    5. Death    6. Juvenile Nonfiction    7. Juvenile literature    8. Psychological aspects    9. Social Issues - Death & Dying    10. Juvenile Nonfiction / Social Situations / Death & Dying    11. Suicide, death & bereavement   

Reviews (4)

Unique way of talking about autism
I loved how the book focuses on the child/children without the disabitity and thier and their likes, dislikes, and abilities. Then shows how each child is different in a unique way.

FANTASTIC
Being a parent of an autistic child, I love this book. Itnot only embraces the world of the autistic child, but explains it in a way that children can understand what it can be like to be autistic.The colors are bright and vibrant, and the flow is just right. I have been recommending this book to people in my community, and they share my feelings.Thank you for developing such a wonderful concept.

UNDERSTANDING MOM
I am buying children's books on autism so that my [...] son can read them. I want him to learn as much about autism as he can. He does not have autism but I do. "the Autism Acceptance Book" explains how this condition affects the way some people, with autism, brains work. I want him to learn how I think and why I act somewhat differently from other mothers. This book can explain in a younger version of how autism works. There are many children out there that have autism and my son I know has met a few of these kids but he probably doesn't know that they have autism all he knows is that they are different. This book and others like it will help children that don't have autism to better understand those who do have autism. My son has a mom and a friend with autism and that person is me.
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Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    2. Children: Grades 3-4    3. Juvenile Nonfiction    4. Social Issues - Special Needs   

Reviews (2)

For parents, teachers, tutors, day-care staff and more
Now in a revised and updated edition, The Survival Guide For Kids With LD* (*Learning Differences) by University of Nevada-Reno professors Gary Fisher and Rhoda Cummings, is a simply presented and easily accessible guide written especially for those dealing with children who have "learning differences". Emphasizing that having one of the many kinds of learning disabilities or cognitive restrictions doesn't preclude a child from learning, from having friends, or from growing up to be a successful adult. The readable prose is packed with tips for dealing with teasing, providing encouragement, simple black-and-white artwork, study tips, and more. The Survival Guide For Kids With LD* is highly recommended reading for parents, teachers, tutors, day-care staff members, -- and most especially, for kids ages 10 and up. Also highly recommended for teen readers is The Survival Guide For Teenagers With LD (0915793512; [$$$]); for parents, When Your Child Has LD (0915793873; [$$$]); and for educators, The School Survival Guide For Kids With LD (0915793326; [$$$]).

The Survival Guide for Kids with LD
This book is a GREAT way for kids to learn about their own Learning Disabilities (the book calls them Learning Differences).I read this book to my son to help explain to him why he's noticing that he's different fromsome of the other kids in school.The book creates such a relaxed,non-threatening attitude about LDs, and asks some really great questions tohelp the kids see which LD(s) fit them.It addresses ADHD as well!It haspicture drawings of kids having trouble in school that my son could reallyrelate to!He was at once interested, urging me to read more and more,even though he was learning that he was in fact "different". What a wonderful tool for families and kids to learn about each other andthemselves. It's a positive book about the harsh reality of LDs - and it'swritten specifically for kids!Do your child a favor - read this book withthem!It will open up conversations and give you both the language andcourage you'll need to tackle the days and years ahead! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    2. Children: Grades 3-4    3. Education    4. Handbooks, manuals, etc    5. Handbooks, manuals, etc.    6. Juvenile Nonfiction    7. Juvenile literature    8. Learning disabilities    9. Learning disabled children    10. School & Education    11. Social Issues - Special Needs    12. Special Education - General    13. United States    14. Disability & illness    15. Teaching of children / adults with specific learning difficulties   

Reviews (13)

Good starter book
My son is 2 and I bought this book for him because we are learning sign language together.He's deaf and I think that the colorful pages and pictures were great to keep his attention.I bought one for all the kids in the family so that they could learn some also, so that they can get a start on learning how to talk to my son.

A Great Introduction To Sign Language
I was learning sign language and saw this book at the store. I brought it home with me and later my 2-year-old cousin fell in love with it and whenever she came over would search the toy box for it. She would see the sign for baby on the front and then sign it herself. My 4-year-old sister loves to look at the pictures in this book. She only knows 1 or 2 signs though. I think when she is older she will actually be interested in learning the signs. It's a great book. But I think it would be best for kid's 5 and up.
My First Book of Sign Language
It's OK.My daughter likes looking at the pictures.There are other books that I liked better than this one. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    2. Children: Grades 1-2    3. Finger spelling    4. Juvenile General And Reference Works    5. Juvenile Nonfiction    6. Juvenile literature    7. Language Arts - General    8. Sign language    9. Social Issues - Special Needs    10. Juvenile Fiction / General   

Editorial Review

A cautionary Cold War tale (first told by Dr. Seuss back in 1984), Read more

Reviews (35)

Open a Book and Open a Mind
With enchanting rhyme and whimsical illustrations, Dr. Suess delivers a children's book with lots to consider.The butter side up Yooks and the butter side down Zooks are a parody of the cold war, and the crescendo builds as the trivial evolves into a weapons race, culminating with a stalemate with each side having a "Big Boy Boomeroo".The younger readers will be enchanted by the rhythm of the tale and the lesson that grandpa imparts will be better understood by the older readers.Actually, a wonderful book for all ages.Pair this book with THE LORAX (a once "banned" Suess book!) and you'll have my favorite baby shower gift.

Awesome!
This book is wonderful for teaching about getting along with others who are different from you.

A Butter Battle
The loved author, Dr.Suess tries to illustrate a war between two sides who never quit. The conflict, the side you put your BUTTER ON YOUR BREAD! That is what makes the story wacky and so Dr.Suess. Trying to out do each other, they always are at neck and neck. With big inventions, the two sides come at a standstill, daring each other to make their move. The book relates to how an actual war starts and how it keeps growing as it gets fed violence and non-sensed kinds of unsolved problems. This book was great with all the wacky coined language. I am a Dr.suess fan who enjoys the kind of books he creates. The books show what," The Dr.Suess" is trying to state and explain. Maybe, the world of Dr.Suess, is maybe, our world too. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 4-8 - Fiction - General    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children's stories, American    4. Children: Grades 2-3    5. Fiction    6. Readers - Beginner    7. Social Issues - Violence    8. Social Situations - Violence    9. Stories in rhyme    10. War    11. English literature: essays, letters & other non-fiction prose works    12. Juvenile Fiction / Social Situations / Violence   

Editorial Review

Angus the Answer Dog is back! This time the ever-helpful pooch is hereto help kids learn all about their new baby siblings. As in the other populartitles in Heidi Murkoff's What to Expect Kids series, including Read more

Reviews (12)

too late or too early
I like the When to expect series for adults and that is why I have decided to buy this book. When I purchased it my daughter was 3 and my baby son 2 months. Many of the items in the book we have already explained to her on the day the baby came home from the hospital. The stories there are also too long for the toddlers attention.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN BABY COMES HOME
THIS BOOK WAS A LITTLE TOO OLD FOR MY TODDLER GRANDSON TO UNDERSTAND. I THOUGHT IT WAS GOING TO BE DONE IN A YOUNGER VERSION OF BABY WILL CRY AND YOU WILL SEE MOMMY AND DADDY PICK IT UP AND FEED OR CHANGE IT AND YOU CAN HELP, ETC. IT WAS TOO TECHNICAL TO ENJOY FOR A TODDLER.

Great Information!
I got this book for my 3 year old and I think it is great!It gives a lot of really good information that is on his level and I think it will really help a lot after I have the baby and bring her home. It is really helpful in preparing him for the changes that are about to happen and get us all talking about what we can expect.I am really glad that I ordered this book!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Babies    2. Brothers and sisters    3. Children's Books/Baby-Preschool    4. Children: Kindergarten    5. Family - New Baby    6. Infants    7. Infants (Newborn)    8. Juvenile Nonfiction    9. Juvenile literature    10. Social Issues - New Experience    11. Juvenile Nonfiction / Family / General   

Editorial Review

With her sixth novel, award-winning author Sarah Dessen offers up another generous helping of finely crafted storytelling about real teens dealing with real life. In Read more

Reviews (119)

The Truth about Forever
This book gets your attention with the excellent topic about the love. Sarah Dessen sets the lonely mood that is in the first part of this book. With the surprising ending of romance. The sad period were you think that your controlling boyfriend deservers your respect. That just because he is perfect in other people eyes doesn't mean a thing. Sarah Dessen shows that that you don't have to change for any one even if you love him a lot. Any ways there always that special person that will like you with your imperfections even if you think that they are so many to deal with. That will not make any difference to the special person. Sarah Dessen shows though this book that you will not see or feel that person that will change your life and he or she is right in front of you. There is a plot twisted that Dessen puts in this book confuses you about the end. True love always over comes very thing in life even the things that is thrown in your way. This book can relate to the readers that believe in love or the ones that wish that there was the feel that is called love. I recommend this book to all people that are romantics.

One of the most meaningful books
This book has touched my life. I will probably always remember this book and Macy's story. Deeply touching and well written. Couldn't put it down. I recommend this story to everyone, read this book, it will change your life.

awesome book reviewed by rachell
"Chaotic" is the last word that would be chosen to describe sixteen-year-old Macy Queen's life. After the death of her father Macy retreats to order, doing nothing unnplanned, taking no risks. This is until she lands herself a catering job where nothing goes as planned, opposite from the rest of her life. The big surprise is:she likes it. Her new co-workers and friends, Delia, Monica, Kristy, and Wes show her there more to life than perfection. But will she take the risk and jump into this new way of life? Macy struggles between fear and love, not knowing what path to take.
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Subjects:  1. Children's 12-Up - Fiction - General    2. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 10-12)    3. Juvenile Fiction    4. Love & Romance    5. Social Issues - Adolescence    6. Social Issues - Death & Dying    7. Social Issues - Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance    8. Juvenile Fiction / Love & Romance   

Reviews (3)

The Best of the Baseball Card Adventures
My son and I both really enjoyed this latest baseball card adventure by Dan Gutman. Not knowing anything about the Negro Baseball League, I found the history fascinating.Satch, as portrayed by Mr. Gutman, is a wonderful, larger-than-life character.My son was blown away by a surprise ending.We both felt this was the best of Mr. Gutman's books.

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
This is a great book,I've read many sport books written by Dan.I must admit this is probably the best Dan book i've read.
"Satch & Me" is great!
"Satch and Me" is Dan Gutman's latest novel in the "Baseball Card Adventures" series.Once again, Stosh travels back in time to meet a baseball player. This time, he travels to 1942 to meet Satchel Paige.
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Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure - General    2. Baseball    3. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    4. Children: Grades 4-6    5. Fiction    6. General    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Negro Leagues    9. People & Places - United States - African-American    10. Social Issues - Prejudice & Racism    11. Sports & Recreation - Baseball    12. Time travel    13. Juvenile Fiction / Sports & Recreation / Baseball   

Reviews (1)

Boundaries
Good Helpful info. featured on oprah ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Young Adult Misc. Nonfiction    2. Children: Grades 3-4    3. Family - General    4. General    5. Juvenile Nonfiction    6. Social Issues - General    7. Social Science - Psychology    8. Personal awareness: family, relationship & social issues    9. Personal issues   

Reviews (87)

A review
Chris Bird
READ OR NOT TO READ....
The book Whirligig is by Paul Fleischman. This book will start out a little dull, but it gets
Whirligig review
Whirligig by Paul Fleischman is about Brent a high school senior who is new to town he was at a party trying to gain acceptance from the popular kids especially Brianna the girl he liked. When he tried to talk to her but she just rejected him. Drunk and angry he drove off in attempt to commit suicide by crashing his car into on coming traffic but he fails instead he kills a girl named Lea. Tormented by this tragic incident all he can think about is what he has done. When he goes to court to face trial Lea's mother wants to have a meeting with him. At the meeting Lea's mother asks Brent to make whirligigs that look like Lea in the four corners of The United States. On this journey Brent makes these whirligigs and affects many people without even meeting them which is karass. This book shows the way each person is connected and how you can affect people, Brent affected many people with his creations like a violinist and a holocaust surviver. On his trip he has time to think about what he has done and how he can find himself. At the beginning he has troble with getting over the fact that he killed someone so he keeps to himself and doesn't talk to anyone. But once he realizes that its in the past and he need to get he job done which is building the whirligigs he feels better. When he makes the whirligigs he feels like that he matters and that he is making a difference. He tries to make them look like Lea in remembrance of her. His whirligig creations are very creative and he spends a lot of time thinking about them and making them. This book is difficult to understand from the beginning because of the different settings in each chapter but once the book comes to a close it brings it all together. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 12-Up - Fiction - General    2. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 10-12)    3. Fiction    4. Forgiveness    5. Juvenile Fiction    6. Social Issues - Death & Dying    7. Social Issues - Emotions & Feelings    8. Social Issues - Values    9. Social Situations - Death & Dying    10. Social Situations - Emotions & Feelings    11. Voyages and travels    12. Whirligigs    13. Juvenile Fiction / Social Situations / Emotions & Feelings   

Reviews (7)

Excellent Book
This is by far the best self-help book for girls that I have ever come across.It addresses issues--some very difficult--that pre-teen and teenage girls are faced with today.I thought that every chapter was sensitive and well-written.My 14 year old daughter thought the chapters on body image, anxiety and insomnia made her feel better about herself and more in control of her life.I thought that the last chapter, on lesbian teens, was appropriate and helpful as it showed that most girls are not gay, and that tolerance for others who are different is important.My 12 year old daughter found this reassurring as she was beginning to worry that she was a lesbian because of something she read in a magazine.This book is a must-read for every adolescent girl and her parents.

Good book but deals with some tough issues
My 14 year old daughter enjoyed most of the book, however the last chapter about what to do if you like someone of the same sex was a little "gross" for her.She isn't sexually active and found some of the issue a little too explective.

Excellent True to Life Book.Would highly recommend
I read this book two weeks ago and it has really changed my attitude about myself.It was extremelly helpful and I would recommend it to anyone.This book will definetley help you with all of life's little problems. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Young Adult Social Situations    2. General    3. Girls & Women    4. Identity (Psychology)    5. Psychology    6. Self-Help    7. Self-acceptance    8. Social Issues - Emotions & Feelings    9. Sociology    10. Teenage girls    11. Young women    12. Adolescents    13. Coping with stress    14. Personal awareness: family, relationship & social issues    15. Self-Help / General    16. Women's studies   

Reviews (3)

Kids Guide to Social Action
Barbara Lewis cares about kids! Her books highlight ways in which students can make a difference in the world.Students are taught to identify problems and seek creative solutions in order to improve their community. "Kids Guide to Social Action," as well as Barbara's other publications, promote character education and service learning by providing authentic examples and educatinal tools for both the teacher and student.

Superb
I can't imagine a better way to help young people put their"if only's" into action. Kids can choose from small orlarger time involvements, but this book will help them not WASTE time as they begin helping others in their communities. Many specific ideas and even templates to help the first-time volunteer feel comfortable reaching out, giving, and maybe even changing the world a little.

how kids can practice their idealism
This upbeat, engaging book tells young adults --say, 10 and up-- specific ways they can make a difference. Even those vaguely wanting to "do something" may get inspired by the book's stories of caring kids, their ideas, and what skills they developed to get results. My 12-year-oldglued herself to the book for several days, then organized a neighborhoodcampaign to help the homeless in our town. The book helped with ideas forletters, interviews, speeches, surveys, and many resources and contactinfo. Now I'm reading it! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Young Adult Misc. Nonfiction    2. Children: Grades 3-4    3. Handbooks, manuals, etc    4. Handbooks, manuals, etc.    5. Juvenile Nonfiction    6. Juvenile literature    7. Political participation    8. Social Issues - Adolescence    9. Social Science - General    10. Social Science - Politics & Government    11. Social action    12. Social problems    13. United States    14. Social topics & ethical issues    15. Handbooks    16. Manuals   

Editorial Review

It was only a slap. Well, maybe more than one. And maybe Nick used his fist at the end when the anger got out of control. But his girlfriend Caitlin deserved it--hadn't she defied him by singing in the school talent show when he had forbidden her to display herself like that? Even though he'd told her that everybody would laugh at her because she couldn't sing and was a fat slob? Both were lies. Because Caitlin was so beautiful, the only person who understood him. Out of his desperate need for her came all the mean words and the hitting. But now Caitlin's family has procured a restraining order to keep Nick away, and the judge has sentenced him to Mario Ortega's Family Violence class, to sit around every week with six other angry guys who hit their girlfriends. And to write a journal explaining how he got into this mess.Read more

Reviews (120)

Beathing Underwater was a good teen read
Breathing Underwater by Alex Flinn is a book about a 16 year old boy named Nick Andreas, who hits his girlfriend Caitlin and as a result, gets a restraining order placed upon him. At his court hearing, he has been ordered by the judge to write a 500-word journal telling the story of how he met Caitlin, why he was violent with her, and what he learned from the experience. Furthermore Alex was mandated to go to an anger management support group for 8 weeks to learn to cope with his rage. The books chapters alternate past with present and take the reader through his sophomore and part of his junior year at school. Nick himself is an abused boy, living with a violent father who often hits him.After losing Caitlin, Nick also loses his best friend Tom, who turns his back on his friend after the Caitlin incidents. This book covers the lessons in life through anger, emotions, teenage emotions, and loyalty.In the end, Nick completes the anger class, grows so much that he decides to enroll again, stand sup to his father for the first time, and renews his lost friendship with Tom.
Breathing Underwater
Ages 14 and up. Sixteen year old Nick Andreas is in his sophmore year of high school. He has a popular group of friends and is one of the star football players. Even though his life may seem perfect, it isn't. He goes through a lot with his father and with himself. He's trying to find his own identity but it's hard when he's influenced so much by his father's behavior. The first day of his sophmore year he meets the girl of his dreams, Caitlin McCourt. They begin dating and their realtionship is a beautiful one, until Nick becomes violent. "It was only a slap." He begins to beat her and treat her like garbage, things he never thought he would do to a girl he cared for so much. This book is about Nick's journey with finding himself, his realtionship with Caitlin and the aftermath of his sophmore year. By the end of his journey he learns that life is much better when you don't have to breathe underwater.

Review on "Breathing Underwater"
Breathing Underwater is a novel that fits into American culture because it has to do with domestic violence. It illustrates some of the many experiences that teenagers go through in everyday life.
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Subjects:  1. Anger    2. Children's 12-Up - Fiction - General    3. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    4. Dating violence    5. Fathers and sons    6. Fiction    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Social Issues - Physical & Emotional Abuse    9. Social Situations - Physical & Emotional Abuse    10. Juvenile Fiction / Social Situations / Physical & Emotional Abuse    11. Reading Group Guide   

Reviews (6)

beautiful--unique perspective on other cultures/people/places
I love the format of this book.Rather than being structured around regions of the world (like most), it is formatted around basic human needs--clean water, healthy food, safe home, education, protection, love, an identity, freedom of religion and expression, etc... In the course of that, specific children from various countries are profiled throughout, with a focus on how that particular need is being met in their own life.The book is visually appealing, with a very reader-friendly lay out--well organized, colorful, and packed with beautiful photos.This book is perfect for kids and adults alike.It also handles tough issues such as exploitation of children through work and war sensitively, yet clearly.I bought this book to use in teaching a geography/world cultures class, along with several others, and this one really stands out!
Not a great book for homeschoolers...
I bought this book for my kids, but ended up donating it to our library.If your kids are homeschooled or unvaccinated, you may not care for the overemphasis on the importance of school and vaccinations as basic rights for children (rather than education and health in a more inclusive manner).

One of the best
This is a spectacular masterpiece from UNICEF. It not only shows life for 18 or so children from different parts of the world but give invaluable information about what children need to survive and what people are doing to ensure that all children get these needs fulfilled. The whole book is divided into 4 main chapters, Survival, Development, Protection and Participation. At the beginning of each of those chapters, is a definition of the word and basic ideas under those. E.g. Survial, definition, Water, Food, Home and Health.Read more

Subjects:  1. Children    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    3. Children's rights    4. Children: Grades 2-3    5. Cross-cultural studies    6. General    7. Human rights    8. Juvenile Nonfiction    9. Juvenile literature    10. Social Issues - General    11. Social Science - General    12. Human geography / peoples of the world    13. Juvenile Nonfiction / Social Science / General