Reviews (64)

Gossip Girl in General
I find the gossip girl books to be very entertaining. They fit around the same area as The Clique (which are entertaining, but let's face it, the girls have stupid 'non-problems') only for an older set. All of the books live up to expectations of the rest. I think that all of the characters are interesting and the story line keeps you guessing and entertained.

bad
This book is so bad! This is the fifth book out of gossip girl and alot of things in this book are so bad that I have to skip alot of pages. I don't care about Dan and Vanessa anymore. Too boring and even worse when Vanessa's parents show up. Nate's girl friend is too retarded and too unbelievable to believe, and the gay snowboarding team? Are you kidding me? Why does Chuck of all guys become gay all of a sudden? It doesn't make any sense! I hate the character Rusty and I really hate Jenny. Snooping on her boyfriend like that all the time and that's all that happens with her in this book. Jennys friend Elise and Dan kiss. That was really stupid. This whole book is stupid and makes no sense. I loved gossip girls until this fifth one came out.

Not the Best
I have been hooked on the Gossip Girl series since the first book and I have currently read up to the fifth, I Like it Like That, but honestly, I wouldn't have mind skipping it. I thought this book was a little bit predictable and boring. Jenny is my least favorite character because, is it just me or does she seems like she goes after guys that are rich and handsome? After she finds out Leo is "normal" she dumps him. It seemed to me that he had a nice personailty and that should have been enough. The last book I was so hooked on the Vanessa & Dan relastionship, but this one I was actually skipping the chapters about them. Blair & Serena have always been my favorites, and that is what saved this book. Their adventures in Sun Valley was the best part and never really was boring in my opinon. Also GG [Gossip Girl] saved this book as well. Her entries are always funny and interesting to look at. Some people say that Cecily von Ziegsar writes using profound words such as the "f" word. Well I have to say that im a teenager to and to be honest, that is how most teens talk. Cecily really captured the life of a teenager well with the stress on schools [im 13 and picking a HIGH school is tough for me, think about college], also sex and drugs. I know people that are much younger than Blair and Serena and have more experience with these things than all of the characters put together. And also family troubles, because every family has them right? Her choice of words are accurate and theres nothing wrong with that, and besides in the fifth book she hardly swears if ever, I wasn't paying much attention to that. Overall though, this book wasn't the best, but the series is! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 12-Up - Fiction - General    2. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 10-12)    3. Fiction    4. Girls & Women    5. High schools    6. Interpersonal relations    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Schools    9. Social Issues - Adolescence    10. Social Issues - Dating & Sex    11. Social Issues - Friendship    12. Wealth    13. Juvenile Fiction / Social Situations / Adolescence   

Reviews (2)

Great read aloud!
As a 6th grade teacher whose students love picture books (though they wouldn't admit it), this is a great read aloud.The kids laughed and laughed and couldn't wait to create their own "bad ideas".Great choice for any age!

Everyone has Bad Ideas
I love this book!It reminds me of growing up in a house with three little brothers.Every family has their own memories of bad ideas.Laura Huliska-Beith tells of hers with flair and creativity.The illustrations are colorful and rich in texture.There is something new to laugh about every time I read it.I'm buying a copy for each of my brothers! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 4-8 - Humor / Jokes    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    3. Children: Grades 1-2    4. Conduct of life    5. Human behavior    6. Humor    7. Humor - General    8. Juvenile Nonfiction    9. Social Issues - Manners & Etiquette    10. Humour & jokes    11. Juvenile Fiction / Humorous Stories    12. Picture books   

Reviews (2)

Clementine is a good friend, indeed.
Clementine is a good friend. She goes out of her way to help her friend, Margaret. She cuts off all Margaret's hair in an attempt to "fix" Margaret's own efforts that left a bald patch. She even colors Margaret's hair Flaming Sunset and draws curls to make Margaret feel good about herself. Finally, Clementine asks Margaret to color Clementine's hair green just to make Margaret feel like she's fitting in.
Tip your hat, Ramona.Bow your head, Judy Moody.Back away, Junie B. Jones.
I have a bad habit when I read a book. If I'm reading a children's book (which, 19 out of 20 times is usually the case) and I hit on a passage that I think is especially amusing, I'll dog-ear the page. I know, I know. I'm a children's librarian. If ANYONE knows not to dog-ear pages it should be me. So to stop myself from this habit I've only been dog-earing the Advanced Readers Copies of books I review. Usually this isn't a problem. Then I read, "Clementine". I blame Sara Pennypacker personally for the fact that what was once a lovely little ARC is now a dog-eared-to-death series of bound pages. Sorry, Sara, but how could I help it? We're dealing with a book where if the infant brother of the main character says, "Go for a wok?" to her, he's referring to a game in which she puts him in the family's wok and spins him around real fast. I mean, how am I supposed to resist that? What we have here is one of the most amusing characters to grace the pages of children's literature in years. Engaging, mischevious, never ever dull, and topped off by illustrations by Marla Frazee, Pennypacker's early chapter book, "Clementine", is everything you could hope for in a story for kids. Finally, a character that can challenge Ramona Quimby for her throne.
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Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure - General    2. Apartment houses    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    4. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    5. Children: Grades 3-4    6. Family - General    7. Family life    8. Fiction    9. Friendship    10. General    11. Humorous Stories    12. Juvenile Fiction    13. Readers - Chapter Books    14. School & Education    15. Social Issues - Friendship    16. Juvenile Fiction / General   

Editorial Review

Kate DiCamillo's first novel Read more

Reviews (44)

Tigers, Family and Friendship Conquer All
Do you like big cats? How about discovering secrets? If you do, I have a book for you! It's called, The Tiger Rising by Kate diCamillo. The book begins when a lonely and unhappy boy, Rob, discovers a tiger in the woods behind the motel where he and his father live. Rob has to figure out whose tiger it is. When he discovers the tiger belongs to the mean, grouchy and greedy motel owner, Rob concocts a plan. What will he do? You have to read the book to find out. I'm Laura, and I recommend this book to anyone who likes adventure, family and making difficult decisions.

Superb but somber
This is an extremely well-written story in every regard, and would appeal to even adult readers.It is, however, a serious and downright sad story, and is not as magical as the author's latest works, a fact which may disappoint some.

The exception to the Dicamillo rule
This book is really a departure from the fantastic writing I'm used to from Kate Dicamillo. While it's similar in some ways to "Because of Winn Dixie", it fails to create a bond between the reader and the book's characters. I kept thinking the story would take a turn and grab my attention, or sympathy, or anything to make me care about what is happening to these characters, but it never happened. Fabulous author, bad book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals    2. Animals - LionsTigersLeopardsetc.    3. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    4. Children: Grades 4-6    5. Fiction    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. Social Issues - Friendship    8. Tigers    9. Treatment    10. Wood carving    11. Juvenile Fiction / Social Situations / New Experience   

Reviews (2)

How to Speak Politely and Why
An important book for kids as they are learning language.I got it for my four year old niece and she now makes it a habit of saying "yes" instead of "yeah."It seems insignificant, but is really charming and nice to hear.

Parent and child time
This book is well written, really for any age, I bought it for my grandchildren, but I learned so much that I now have it at my home also.What a wonderful way to open dialogue with your child regarding polite words, there really is a need for this book and the author's other 2 books on manners and behavior.I truly have enjoyed this collection and will treasure them. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    3. Children: Kindergarten    4. English language    5. General    6. Grammar    7. Juvenile Nonfiction    8. Language Arts - Grammar    9. Problems, exercises, etc    10. Social Issues - Manners & Etiquette    11. Usage    12. English    13. English grammar    14. Juvenile Nonfiction / General   

Reviews (14)

ONLY THE FIRST PAGE IS ABOUT BITING!!!
Only the first page is about biting, and the flip page concept is confusing. First you look at what you're not supposed to do (eg. No biting) and then you look at what you are supposed to do (eg. Bite an apple?$#@!). I'm not impressed with the book at all and disappointed that the title is so misleading.
NO BITING!
I GOT THIS BOOK AS PART OF A READING PROGRAM I ENROLLED MY DAUGHTER IN THROUGH OUR LOCAL LIBRARY.SHE LOVES IT!!!I THINK IT IS A WONDERFUL BOOK!!!SOME OF THE THINGS DO NOT APPLY TO HER, BUT SHE UNDERSTANDS THAT NO HITTING MOMMY ALSO MEANS NO HITTING DADDY.NO HITTING OR NO BITTING MEANS NO FOR EVERYONE!!!!! I WAS ALSO THRILLED WHEN THE BOOK "EXCUSE ME" BY THE SAME AUTHOR SHOWED UP IN THE MAIL THE FOLLOWING MONTH.

Remember to apply to your situation
I got this book for my son who has trouble with biting, especially his older sister. I don't read the book word for word, but be sure to use words that apply to the situation at hand, using the pictures as visual aids. For example, I'll read "We don't bite people, we don't bite sisters or friends" instead of the printed, "No biting friends".
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Subjects:  1. Children's Baby - Lift the Flap    2. Children's Books/Baby-Preschool    3. Children: Preschool    4. General    5. Human behavior    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. Juvenile literature    8. Social Issues - General    9. Social Issues - Manners & Etiquette    10. Specimens    11. Toy and movable books    12. Juvenile Fiction / Social Situations / General   

Reviews (56)

Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief - Book One
Have you ever wandered what happened to the Greek gods and their children? This book will explain it all. This book called the Lightning Thief, shows every angle of what happened to Percy (who got kicked out of hiss boarding school), Annabeth, and Grover to find Zeus's Lightning Bolt that someone stole. I would recommend this book to people who like Greek mythology and has special powers (for example Percy has a water power. He has a special ability to breathe in the water).
The Lighting Thief
Percy is going to bi kicked out of boarding school again, but that is not his trouble. The trouble is that mythological monsters and the gods of mount Olympus are coming into his life. And the worst of all Zeus the king of the gods is blaming Percy for the theft of his master bolt.
the lighting thief book review
The Lighting Thief
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Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure - General    2. Camps    3. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    4. Children: Grades 4-6    5. Fiction    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. Juvenile Science Fiction / Fantasy    8. Mythology, Greek    9. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic    10. Social Issues - Friendship    11. Juvenile Fiction / General   

Reviews (18)

A Real Family Book!
Finally a book about real families! I teach preschool, two year olds in fact, and Todd Parr is one of their favorite authors.We read all of his books.I was particularly moved by The Family Book because it deals with real families.From single parents, to two moms and two dads.It addresses things like how close some families live to one another to how very far away they live and how some families are the same color or adopt children.It is all done in the cutest pictures.I enjoy all of Todd Parr's books.The Okay Book and Do's and Don'ts are among my favorite.And now The Family Book leads the way!And whether you agree with the description of what a family is or not, they are factual description that apply to many people and children will at some point come across a friend who has two moms or has a single parent.It's a nice way to open the eyes of everyone!

We love Todd at our house!
With a diverse family it is so great to see Todd Parr's work so that my young daughter can see that there are many kinds of families and people. She loves the words and the art work. I love laughing with her during the silly parts of Todd's books.

My kindergarten class loves this book!
I thought I would take a minute to write that my kindergarten class absolutely LOVES Todd Parr books... ALL of them, and so do I.Forget the people who can't acknowledge that some families have two moms and two dads.It's a FACT.Just because some people are scared of that fact, doesn't mean it should be left out of good children's literature.It's like saying, "I don't like the color orange, so I'm going to pretend it doesn't exist."That's just silly.:)I almost always have a student who comes from a same-sex family, and when we study families and read this book, the whole class celebrates those kids when we get to that page.Imagine what would have happened if Todd Parr decided not to include that page in his book because he was afraid of the reaction.Well, I probably wouldn't have read it to my kids because it doesn't acknowledge ALL types of families.So, thumbs up to him! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Kindergarten    4. Family    5. Family - General    6. Fiction    7. Individuality    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Preschool Picture Story Books    10. Social Issues - Values    11. Juvenile Fiction / Humorous Stories   

Reviews (2)

Great Book For Young Kids
This is an excellent book to teach values for younger ones. This younger version of The Traveler's Gift is a great book to read to your kids to instill certain values into them. A+!

A Great Book
The people in the book were like me because the kid was nearly my age. The story had some sad parts but a happy ending that made me feel good. I have already recommended the book to my friend at school who had already read The Traveler's Gift. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Young Adult Religion    2. Children: Grades 3-4    3. Conduct of life    4. Juvenile Fiction    5. Social Issues - New Experience    6. Social Issues - Values & Virtues    7. Teenagers    8. Juvenile Nonfiction / Religion / Christianity   

Editorial Review

Does Jerry Renault dare to disturb the universe? You wouldn't think that his refusal to sell chocolates during his school's fundraiser would create such a stir, but it does; it's as if the whole school comes apart at the seams. To some, Jerry is a hero, but to others, he becomes a scapegoat--a target for their pent-up hatred. And Jerry? He's just trying to stand up for what he believes, but perhaps there is no way for him to escape becoming a pawn in this game of control; students are pitted against other students, fighting for honor--or are they fighting for their lives? In 1974, author Robert Cormier dared to disturb our universe when this book was first published. And now, with a new introduction by the celebrated author, Read more

Reviews (352)

THE CHOCLATE WAR
The CHOCLATE WAR is a book about a boy that has a dream to be on a football team and his name is Jerry Renault. Jerry goes to try out for the football team, onthe field he was working hard and the coach got impressed. The coach asks him to come back the next day.
Dare to disturb the universe...
Some books you forget as soon as you set down. Not this one.
An Amazing book
This book speaks to any age and all experience.It's the perfect telling of a person becoming an unwitting hero not through action but inaction and understanding, at least, who he does not want to become. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 12-Up - Fiction - General    2. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    3. Fiction    4. High schools    5. Juvenile Fiction    6. School & Education    7. Schools    8. Social Issues - General    9. Social Issues - Peer Pressure    10. Social Situations - General    11. Juvenile Fiction / Social Situations / General   

Reviews (65)

Katherine's Review
This book made me want chocolate! It was a funny book to read. He thought everything tasted like chocolate - can you imagine how great that would be.I recommend this book to all chocolate lovers!
So Yummy
Candy Lane Craze is a good story for boys and girls.When I read it I thought it was exciting and a great reading experience.It's about a group of kids who go on a magical journey to a strange city that loves candy.Then the kids go through funny and crazy messes.This book is by David E Spencer and it was easy to read from the beginning to the end.I read the book really fast because it was so easy for me.So you should read this book if you want something fun to read at home.

the best book i ever read!!!!!!
This book was the best book i ever read because.....It is very funny .I would recomend it for kids my age because at this time in life you start to think im not in preschool anymore i dont have to share and it might make them feel greedy.This book teaches kids not to be greedy because somtimes it turns out bad.
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Subjects:  1. Children's 9-12 - Literature - Classics / Contemporary    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 3-4    4. Chocolate    5. Fiction    6. Humorous Stories    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Legends, Myths, & Fables - Greek & Roman    9. Social Issues - Values    10. Juvenile Fiction / Legends, Myths, Fables / Greek & Roman   

Reviews (16)

Thundercake
I Love This Book!I read it to my Toddler daycare class and they were so into this book. It held their attention. Now when they hear thunder they want to make a thundercake.

Thundercake
Patricia Polacco did a wonderful job on this book!The illustrations were very helpful to teach the setting of a story.This was also an educational link to teach along with weather.My students loved this book and comprehended it very well because each student was very interested in the story line.I would suggest to any elementary teacher to integrate this book within their literature or science lesson in some sort of way.

Ariella Saltzman
I love Patricia Polacco's books, especially this one. I enjoyed this book immensely. She writes about herself as a little girl, visiting her grandmother in Michigan. As a little girl, Polacco was terrified of thunderstorms. In this book, she recalls her times with her grandmother, Babushka. Through her detailed description of her time spent with her Babushka, the reader feels as if he/she is walking along side Polacco as a little girl and her grandmother, right before a storm. The reader is cheering Polacco on, as her grandmother helps her get over her fears of the storm.
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Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    2. Children: Kindergarten    3. Family - Multigenerational    4. Fear    5. Fiction    6. Grandmothers    7. Social Issues - Emotions & Feelings    8. Thunderstorms    9. Juvenile Fiction / Family / General   

Reviews (26)

I LOVE this book!
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this book. I bought it several years ago for my nephew who was starting kindergarten and he found it interesting and reassuring to know that grown-ups get nervous, too, and that his teacher was probably as nervous about meeting him as he was about meeting her. Now that my own daughter is starting kindergarten, I got the book for her. She loves the illustrations and was surprised and delighted at the end of the story to find out that the teacher was nervous about going to school. I am working on my master's degree in teaching and when I get my own classroom, I intend to read this to my students on the first day. It is a delightful book! I'm surprised by the reviewer who was actually returning the book. I can't imagine how she could possibly be disappointed in it. Yes, it does use the word 'hate' but just in the way an average child might use the word. How many of us have heard our young children say "I hate peas?" - I know I have. This is a great book. I highly recommend it.

Wonderful book
Funny, cute book with a little twist at the end. Great for going back to school!

Great for Teachers
This book is heartwarming and funny. The kids love it. It's about a teacher who is nervous about the first day of school. I used it to talk about how everyone is nervous the first day, even myself. It can even be revisited when you have a new student. The students love reading it and the other books by this author about the same teacher. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    2. Children: Grades 1-2    3. Fiction    4. First day of school    5. Humorous Stories    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. School & Education    8. Schools    9. Social Issues - Emotions & Feelings    10. Social Issues - New Experience    11. Teachers   

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 Books/Baby-Preschool    3. Children: Kindergarten    4. Classics    5. Family - General    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. Social Issues - Emotions & Feelings    8. Juvenile Fiction / Family / General   

Reviews (4)

Ella Sets the Stage
Once again the D'Amico's have made it easy for me to choose gifts for all the little ones in my family!Ella Sets the Stage is a wonderful tale, beautifully told and illustrated and addresses the desire we all have to discover our special talent.It's easy to see why Ella has become a favorite with all of the children I enjoy reading to.

A Round of Applause!
Carmela and Steve have done another outstanding job with "Ella Sets the Stage"!The message is timeless, and one every child wants to hear - we all have special talents to celebrate!The illustrations are charming with just enough detail to keep you interested but not be too cluttered.Lola the monkey is a fun new character in the book that kids will enjoy.My great niece loves Ella and I'm excited to give her this new book for Christmas!
Cute but...
not quite as cute as the first two.The story seemed a little more contrived, especially the part where she needs to use her "lucky hat" (a theme running through all the books).The illustrations are top-notch though! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals    2. Animals - Elephants    3. Children's 4-8 - Fiction - General    4. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    5. Children: Kindergarten    6. Elephants    7. Fiction    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Performing Arts - General    10. Preschool Picture Story Books    11. School & Education    12. Social Issues - Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance    13. Talent shows    14. Juvenile Fiction / Social Situations / Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance   

Reviews (40)

Among the Reports
The protagonist of the story is Matthias, he is a smart, brave, 13 year old boy, who is and illegal 3rd child. His mission is to shut down the Population Police.
Among the Enemy
I really read this book only because I liked Margarett Haddix's other book Double Identity. This is the only Shadow Chidren book I have read but now I am definitely going to read the other ones. This book is one that you could probably read in a day because it is so suspensful. I reccomend this book to anyone who hasnt read it before to pick it up and start reading because I am 99.99% positive you will like it!!!(see, I even used three exclamation points)

An excellent book
Among the Enemy is all about loyalty, and being true to yourself and beliefs. When Matthias saves the life of a population police officer, he is immediately accepted into their ranks. Instead of being pleased by this turn of events, he's torn between the admiration the police have for him, and his desire to help the very rebels the population police are hunting for. Two of Matthias friends- Alia and Percy- were injured trying to escape the police, and he still wants to help them stay free and alive, despite his new duties as a recruit and despite the fact that he has become friends with a few of his fellow officers. This inner struggle Matthias has reveals a lot about his character as he fights to do what's right.I would compare Among the Enemy to An Audience for Einstein, since both books are about the struggle to do what must be done and overcome the temptation to do what's easy and self-serving. In that regard, they are stories about how hard it can be to always act ethically and morally, which is always a valuable lesson.
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Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure - General    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 4-6    4. Conduct of life    5. Fiction    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. Juvenile Science Fiction / Fantasy    8. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic    9. Science fiction    10. Social Issues - Emotions & Feelings    11. Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure   

Reviews (2)

A Magical Story
There are not enough superlatives for this one. I read a Kirkus review that totally "got it" regarding the instructions for writing a book which are interwoven into the plot. Kirkus said, "Her explanation of how to write a book is just as interesting as the events that she's describing.Best of all, none of this detracts from the novel's emotional core." Absolutely true.
An amazing read, a story within a story
With a voice reminiscent of Scout in To Kill a Mockingbird, a young girl attempts to tell the story of a classmate who changed the life of everyone she met. And in the telling, the narrator reveals her own tough life and the ray of hope she's shown. Every student should read this book for the poignant compassion, and every writing and language arts teacher should teach this book. It wasn't until I finished the story that I realized I'd learned how to tell, or write, a story. But it's all there. As soon as you finish this book, you'll want to read it again. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Authorship    2. Bullies    3. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - General    4. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    5. Children: Grades 3-4    6. Fiction    7. General    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Prejudices    10. School & Education    11. Social Issues - Friendship    12. Social Issues - General    13. Social Issues - Peer Pressure    14. Juvenile Fiction / Social Situations / Peer Pressure   

Reviews (22)

Good Book!
This is a good book because the author described it very good. All of her books are great. It's about a girl and her brother who go and try to find their dad and find out who they really are. Naomi starts out thinking she is one way and by the end of the story she thinks differently. This story is about a dysfunctional family being reunited with their dad. If you like this book then try Esperanza Rising by the same author.

Wonderful Cultural Book
What a great upbeat book that still covers the struggles of a child of a divorced family, living in poverty, and being of a mixed race.Great great read with a great ending that wasn't to unbelievable.It left you with a good feeling even though the struggles of the children were very real.Great life lessons as well as cultural lessons in this book.

Becoming Naomi Leon
It was a great read.I enjoyed it throughly.I am telling friends about it.I will read other books by this author, soon. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Brothers and sisters    2. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - General    3. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    4. Children: Grades 4-6    5. Family - Multigenerational    6. Family problems    7. Fiction    8. Great-grandmothers    9. Juvenile Fiction    10. People & Places - United States - Hispanic/Latino    11. Social Issues - Emotions & Feelings    12. Social Issues - General    13. Social Situations - General    14. Juvenile Fiction / Family / General   

Reviews (1)

Nice Illustrations
I purchased this book for my 4-year old because this was the first year she was really excited about Halloween.So my requirements were nice pictures, something non-threatening but still in keeping with the spirit of the holiday, and a cute story.This book meets those requirements.However, I found myself flipping through the pages too quickly and having to make up extra words to read to my child to go along with the story.There are VERY FEW words in the book so it goes much too fast and is boring if you stick to the written words.Otherwise, the pictures are nice and story is cute. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    2. Children: Kindergarten    3. Fiction    4. Halloween    5. Holidays & Celebrations - Halloween    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. Preschool Picture Story Books    8. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic    9. Social Issues - Friendship    10. Witches    11. Juvenile Fiction / Holidays & Festivals / Halloween   

Reviews (13)

excellent realistic story
Loved this book and can't wait until my toddler will learn to read and appreciate it for himself.All about being true to yourself and accepting your traits as your own.

My brother's cockatoo pooped on my head!
Another reviewer said she loved the line that Leonardo made a "very big decision."I love that line, too, as well as the entire list of reasons Sam spews regarding why he's crying.One of them is that he "slipped in the bathtub while trying to wash out the bird poo that his brother's cockatoo pooped on his head."I'd cry too!!!
Leonardo, the Terrible Monster
the illustrations and the typography are amazing. and of course the story is alot of fun as well. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    2. Children's Books/All Ages    3. Children: Kindergarten    4. Fiction    5. Friendship    6. General    7. Humorous Stories    8. Imagination    9. Juvenile Fiction    10. Monsters    11. Preschool Picture Story Books    12. Social Issues - Emotions & Feelings    13. Social Issues - Friendship    14. Juvenile Fiction / General