Editorial Review

A powerhouse sixth-grade Academic Bowl team from Epiphany Middle School; the art of calligraphy; the retirees of Century Village, Florida; a genius dog named Ginger; and a holiday production of "Annie" all figure heavily in the latest book by E. L. Konigsburg, who has produced a Newbery Medal-winning children's tale to rival her classic Read more

Reviews (250)

One of the most moving books I have read in a long time!
So I had this crazy idea: I'm going to read the Newberry Awards books. I was at my fiancé's school and they had a poster of past Newberry Award books and I had this epiphany: I was going to take some time and just read great young adult books!
Teamwork Pays Off
I really liked this book because it was about different kids that worked together to meet a common goal. The characters were kids that I could relate to, and the plot moved along so you won't get bored. I would like to read other books by this writer and see if they are as good.

Great writer
This is the second middle grade book by Konigsburg that I've read. She's such a wonderful writer.
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Subjects:  1. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - General    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 4-6    4. Classics    5. Contests    6. Fiction    7. Friendship    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. School & Education    10. Schools    11. Social Issues - Friendship    12. Teacher-student relationships    13. Juvenile Fiction / School & Education   

Editorial Review

A huge, old house with secret tunnels, a cantankerous caretaker, and buried treasure is a dream-come-true for 13-year-old Thomas. The fact that it's reputedly haunted only adds to its appeal! As soon as his family moves in, Thomas senses something strange about the Civil War era house, which used to be a critical stop on the Underground Railroad. With the help of his father, he learns about the abolitionists and escaping slaves who kept the Underground Railroad running. While on his own, he explores the hidden passageways in and under the house, piecing clues together in an increasingly dangerous quest for the truth about the past. Newbery medalist Virginia Hamilton creates a heart-pounding adventure with this absorbing classic for older readers. Read more

Reviews (94)

An interesting and exciting book.
When I first picked up this book i thought it would be borring and confusing.It turned out to be quite the opposite.The story follows Thomas a young boy who has to move from his home in the south to Ohio because of his fathers new job.He is not moving to any ordinary house however but the house of Dies Drear, a former conductor on the underground railroad who let slaves hide in his house until they were able to out into freedom.Rumor has it that the house is haunted which really scares young Thomas into believing the house taker Pluto is devil. Many events that follow help Thomas think that Pluto is trying to scare them out of the house, but he couldn't have been more wrong.There are many twist and turns that will have you on the edge of the seat and nothing is what it seems.This was a very enjoyable book and will be a good read for people who love mystery, suspence, and adventure.

Mystery andHistory!!!!!!!
This a great book for grown people and for young adults.My friend Kristen gave me this book for my 9th birthday and I am 13 know It is so good I reed it every birth day that I have. The book has mystery, spunk, and pazzaz all in one. This book is my favorite one yet. If you like to learn about history bout not about how sad somethings were you realy despritley need to reed this book.
House of Cheesy, 1-Dimensional Over-Writing
I completely and totally dislike The House of Dies Drear. The characters, had no depth, and were one-dimensional, the dialogue was stiff, and robot-like, and there was nothing in the book that I could relate to. I consider the book to be quite anti-climactic, lacking a major turning point in which the readers are supposed to be enthralled in. It had no twists, about two cliff-hangers, and was completely predictable. It was, in fact, probably one of the worst books that I have ever read. On a scale of five, I'd have to rate it a two, because as I said, it did have a couple of cheesy cliffhangers, but nothing that left me satisfied with the book that I have read. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. African Americans    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 4-6    4. Fiction    5. Ghost stories    6. Mystery and detective stories    7. People & Places - United States - African-American    8. Juvenile Fiction / Ethnic / African American   

Editorial Review

What if your Dad loved books, owned a bookstore, and even called his cherished volumes "my little bookies"? You would probably despise books--just like the young protagonist in Eric Sanvoisin and illustrator Martin Matje's deliciously bizarre story Read more

Reviews (26)

Beware, the Wordpire!
This quirky but very suspenseful tale was originally published by Les Editions of Nathan, France in 1996.This U.S. edition was published two years later in 1998. This 35-paged, 6-chaptered, Martin Matje-illustrated tale is about a boy who is bored stiff one summer stuck in his dad's bookstore during summer break from school.
DEE-LIGHTFUL
Even though I have gone past "mommy" into "gram" I like to review children's books so that I can read to the little ones - and be informed as to what is good and what is to be steered away from.This book is excellent - I enjoyed reading it for myself and loved watching the little faces as I read it to children.It also stirs the imagination and causes lots of conversation AFTER reading the book.It is a wonderful gift for any child.Please buy!!!

The Ink Drinker
I absolutely loved this book. I had a hard time trying to get my children to read but they loved this book and I even enjoyed reading it with them. This is a great book and I highly recommend it to anyone interested. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure    2. Books and reading    3. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - General    4. Children: Grades 4-6    5. Fiction    6. Horror & Ghost Stories    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic    9. Vampires    10. Juvenile Fiction / General   

Editorial Review

While Philip Pullman's greatest popularity is as a creator of novel-length magical realism for young adults, such as Read more

Reviews (56)

A beautifully written, tightly wound tale
To prove he has reached the end of his of his apprenticeship, young clock maker Karl most make a figure for the great clock of Glockenheim. The strange Dr.Kalmenius provides Karl with the needed model. Three stories are intricately intertwined in this compelling tale.
Clockwork: Or All Wound Down
This is the first time I have ever written a negative review on AMAZON.COM. But I must admit, Clockwork by Phillip Pullman is the worst book I've ever read. OK, so I'm ten, but who would be interested in fathers giving up their hearts for their mechanical sons? Come on.
An overlooked gem forreaders ten and up
Set in a German village reminiscent of Grimm's fairy tale world this book will quickly have readers under it's spell.This tale within a tale within a tale concerns a young clockmaker,Karl, who needs to create a figure for the great clock of Glockenheim to mark the end of his apprenticeship.Time is running out for Karl and he is fretful because has not yet made the figure. At this same time Fritz, a young storyteller is telling his latest spooky tale to the villagers. Fritz launches in to a very mysterious tale of a prince, who it is disovered at his "death" is actually kept alive by clockworks rather than by a heart.Also in Fritz's story is a stange man named Dr. Kalmanius.When this highly unusual man is described by the storyteller an identical man suddenly appears. The stunned audience quickly leaves.As the others leave this strange manapproaches Karl and presents him with the needed clock figure "springing" Fritz's tale alarmingly to life.As always Philip Pullman creates a vibrant and engaging cast of characters who will leave an imprint on the reader's memory. The illustrations by Leonid Gore capture both the fairy tale spirit and the horror under the surface.This is a quick but original and engaging read that will appeal to both horror and fairy tale fans.Don't miss it! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business, Careers, Occupations    2. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - Fantasy    3. Children: Grades 3-4    4. Clock and watch makers    5. Fiction    6. Horror & Ghost Stories    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic    9. Storytellers    10. Supernatural   

Reviews (96)

Lovely
I love these type of memoirs. A person who is not boasting about their skill or having an attitude. Simply shares the love of his work and love of his county. All of James Herriot's books are wonderfull. I was introduced to the children's books a few years ago and just recently started reading his memoirs. Love it, some parts were a bit dry but the books still flowed well and drew you back. Love the depth of scenery and anicdotes about the area. Recommend any book of his.

Great Book
This was a great book. I decided to read it because I like animals, and I'm so glad I did. I loved this book; it was really funny and exciting. I am definitaly going to read more of his books and watch the tv show if it's ever on anymore. I think triston is hilarious. I would reccomend reading this; it was great.

A must read for all
I'm mostly a fantasy scifi guy but I'm also an animal lover and I picked up this book on a whim. I wound up reading all the books in the series and ended up loving them all and wishing there were more. This guy can really write and tell a story. What a gifted man. Great Vet and Writer. I must read for all. You will laugh out loud and at times shed a tear. This is great stuff. You cant go wrong. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography / Autobiography    2. Correspondence, reminiscences, etc    3. Essays    4. General    5. Herriot, James    6. Nature/Ecology    7. Veterinarians    8. Nature / Essays   

Reviews (2)

The Imp That Ate My Homework
The Imp that ate my homework Delightful Imp
Young Jim is not at all interested in his family's chineseheritage.But that all changed when "The Imp "eats his homework and gets him in further trouble at school.Not knowing what else to do, Jim asks his Grandpop for help and that's when the ride begins.Turns out that The "imp" wants revenge on Jim's family because Grandpop is really the reincarnation of a legendary imp-fighter.Together Jim and his Grandpop chase the imp all over San Francisco's chinatown, all the while learning a bit here and there about chinese culture.By the time this delightful book ends, the imp is captured and Jim has a new found respect for his heritage.Read more

Subjects:  1. Children: Grades 3-4    2. Chinese Americans    3. Demonology    4. Family - Multigenerational    5. Fiction    6. Grandfathers    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. People & Places - United States - Asian American    9. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic   

Editorial Review

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Features

• Box set

Reviews (881)

Book size
Well I remembered how much I loved the Narnia series when I was a kid so when I saw all seven books in a box set I had to have them.There is one thing bothering me though, do these books seem shorter to anyone else?I was sure that the books had more pages to them when I first read them, or maybe it was because I was smaller back then!Anyway, I am glad to own the set, I can't wait to give them to my kids to read if I ever have any...

narnia
i bought the 7 books set because i am a great fun of tolkien and i had read about lewis in his biography
Good Fun!
I have not read these books since I was quite young.It was great to see they have withstood the test of time.I enjoyed them as an adult as much as I did when I was a kid.The boxed set is something I will enjoy having in my library and reading again and again.They really are timeless stories.I wish they would make films of more of them.
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Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    2. Children: Grades 2-3    3. Classics    4. Fantasy    5. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic    6. Christian Interest    7. Juvenile Fiction / Classics    8. Juvenile Fiction / Religious / Christian    9. Reading Group Guide   

Reviews (53)

A Chinese Jackie Robinson?
I loved this book. As a teacher, there is nothing better than a multicultural children's chapter book, with American history and a plethora of vicarious experiences. This is a great book to teach children about immigration and traditional Chinese customs. It wasn't until college that I learned some of these customs and it was also then that I learned that all I had to do was read Lord's book and I would've had the knowledge that it took me 20 years to get. The young girl in the story, Shirley, takes children through a whirlwind of adventures and experiences that children can relate to and learn from. This is a great multi-cultural book to add to your collection.

I'm 8 and loved this book
It was definitely a book to read over a period of time (say one chapter per night).It was very well written and I loved the chants!

excellent children's story!
I read this one when I was ten, and recently bought a copy for my three daughters to enjoy. I read this one at least 7 or 8 times myself.... Lord creates a wonderful character in Shirley who has to adapt to a whole new culture on her way to becoming an American. I recommend this one for all kids, not just those interested in sports.
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Subjects:  1. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - General    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    3. Children's stories, American    4. Children: Grades 3-4    5. Chinese Americans    6. Fiction    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Moving, Household    9. People & Places - United States - Asian American    10. Schools    11. Social Issues - Adolescence    12. Social Issues - New Experience    13. Social Situations - New Experience    14. Sports & Recreation - Baseball    15. Juvenile Fiction / Ethnic / Asian American   

Editorial Review

Hans Christian Andersen's "The Emperor's New Clothes," first published in 1837, has been told and retold in hundreds of ways, but never, ever by such a star-studded cast of scribes and artists as this. Sure, we still get the vainglorious, fashion-obsessedEmperor who is duped into parading down the street in an "invisible suit of clothes."And, of course, we still welcome the Honest Boy, the only one with enough gumption to point out that the Emperor's fancy-pants birthday suit is exactly that--a birthday suit. In this quirky, comical version, however, the story is crafted from the diverse, occasionally vulgar, often charming narrative perspectives of the Emperor's entire entourage--from his servants to the Spinning Wheel to the ImperialDresser's spectacles to His Royal Highness's own underwear--all of whom have very good, self-invested reasons for not wanting to reveal that the Emperor's new clothes are nonexistent, however expensive. A smart-alecky moth, drawn by the beloved illustrator Quentin Blake, ironically patches holes in the piecemeal narrative with smoothing, if not soothing, transitions. Read more

Reviews (18)

Innovative, Funny, and Magically Illustrated
I am buying this book again because the first one I bought years ago is worn out from being loved and enjoyed by my oldest grandchild.Now that my youngest grandchildren are seven and eight, it's time to introduce it to them.
Star-Spangled Spectacular
This book is wonderful!!!I purchased this a little while ago and I love to listen to it.It has Beautiful illustrations by major illustrators including: Steven Kellogg, Tomie dePaola, and Graeme Base.Plus, if you get the CD with it, you get to hear Stars like Robin Williams (Jester), Johnathan Taylor Thomas (Prince), Melissa Joan Hart (Princess) and the Narrator, Jay Leno, read their own words.Spielberg did a great job giving actors parts that match their personalities like Fran Dresher as the Heralding Horn, Angela Lansbury as the Spinning Wheel, and Madona as the Empress. This is a great rewriting of a traditional story.The one thing that I didn't like was that the CD isn't broken up into sections so you can't just skip ahead to your favorite actor's part.But that doesn't really matter because the whole thing is great.

A great boy's book!
I have three boys 10,7,and 6.They absolutely loved this book, especially my 7 year old!He must have listened to it 50 times in 2 weeks. We read a lot of books and I have never heard him laugh out loud like he did for this book.He has talked about it ever since he first read it.This version adds humor and wit to an old classic without ruining the story line.The story is told from the perspective of the people and objects involved in it. This is a fabulous way to tell the story!The wonderful artwork and change of voices on each page holds the attention of younger children all the way through this rather long book.The kids enjoyed looking at the pictures and retelling the story themselves without listening to the CD as well. The only problem we had with this was the fact that the CD couldn't jump to the page we left off on.We always had to start the story over. The kids never seemed to mind it - just me! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children: Grades 3-4    2. Classics    3. Fairy Tales & Folklore - Single Title    4. Fairy tales    5. Humorous Stories    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. Literature - Classics / Criticism    8. Juvenile Fiction / Fairy Tales & Folklore / Single Title    9. Fairy Tales & Folklore - Anthologies    10. Audiobooks   

Editorial Review

When poor James Henry Trotter loses his parents in a horrible rhinoceros accident, he is forced to live with his two wicked aunts, Aunt Sponge and Aunt Spiker. After three years he becomes "the saddest and loneliest boy you could find." Then one day, a wizened old man in a dark-green suit gives James a bag of magic crystals that promise to reverse his misery forever. When James accidentally spills the crystals on his aunts' withered peach tree, he sets the adventure in motion. From the old tree a single peach grows, and grows, and grows some more, until finally James climbs inside the giant fruit and rolls away from his despicable aunts to a whole new life. James befriends an assortment of hilarious characters, including Grasshopper, Earthworm, Miss Spider, and Centipede--each with his or her own song to sing. Roald Dahl's rich imagery and amusing characters ensure that parents will not tire of reading this classic aloud, which they will no doubt be called to do over and over again! With the addition of witty black and white pencil drawings by Lane Smith (of Read more

Reviews (173)

james and the giant peach
This book was an okay one. It was a little weird, but I liked to read it. They had a lot of unrealistic stuff in it like a peach growing at an amazing rate. There was a cloud that turned into a mean rhino and scared James. There was a flying peach because they made a balloon. This book is recommended for grades 5th to 6th.

Always a Pleasure!
We do seem to love the story of a child whose life is so miserable that it begs for a magical rescue and an exciting, dangerous and hair raising adventure.In James and the Giant Peach we meet one James Henry Trotter, one of these very same children who like his predecessors and successors (Harry Potter, Cinderella, Those Lemony Snickett Children, Hansel & Gretel, ect...) is leading a desperate and miserable life with is two wicked aunts...his parents were eaten by a wild, rampaging rhinoceros (naturally).On one particularly bad day, Henry hides behind some bushes and meets a strange old man who gives him some magic crystals (green glowing pellet things), which he is supposed to drink (mixed with water and ten of his own hairs), but of course he promptly trips and spills them on the ground under an ancient and withered peach tree. A Good Read!
James and the Giant Peach is about the adventures of a boy named James and his gigantic peach.At first James lived with his parent's until they died.Then James came to live with his Aunts.The Aunts were mean to James.When James was out one day an old man gave magic seeds to James.James was supposed to run home and drink them for his life to get better.But he dropped the seeds into the soil and into the peach tree and the peach tree grew a gigantic peach.One night James went into the peach and saw huge bugs with real personalities.The Peach rolled into the ocean and the bugs and Jame's were trying to get out of the ocean.The silk worm made string and attached them to sea gulls.They caught so many sea gulls that they started to rise from the ocean then they drifted off into the sky and eventually they got stuck on top of the Empire State building's needle.The policemen got them off the building and onto the ground and they were all treated like heroes.
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Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure - General    2. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - General    3. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    4. Children: Grades 4-6    5. Classics    6. Fairy tales    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic    9. Classic fiction    10. Juvenile Fiction / General   

Editorial Review

The world of science can seem difficult and overwhelming to children (and adults, too!), but this excellent book from Oxford University Press is a great start for budding scientists. The attractive, dynamic volume is divided into 22 thematic areas, including the forces of nature, gravity, cells and biology, sounds and music, heat, energy, and machines. In the chapter on the forces of nature, for example, young readers will learn about magnetism, electrical forces, fission and fusion, gravity, and space orbits. Every page is splashed with bright, interesting photographs, charts, maps, diagrams, and graphs. Vibrant visual treats include breathtaking photographs of a huge snowflake, the Eiffel Tower at night, and lightning streaking across a dark sky. The book ends with a glossary of important terms and a helpful index. A fine resource for the scientifically inclined of all ages and an absorbing, useful reference book for students in the fourth through eighth grades. Read more

Reviews (1)

A wonderful gift for inquisitive children
When I received the Oxford Book of Science, my first impression was that, though beautifully produced and illustrated, it would be too demanding for children in the 9-12 age group.I was wrong.My nine-year old son hasbeen avidly reading this book for weeks, along with his copy of The New WayThings Work.Unlike, say, the also excellent DK Science Encyclopedia,which presents scientific concepts in short, easily digestible sections,The Oxford Book of Science takes the reader on a tour of the physical worldthrough 22 chapters covering broad topics such as images, sounds, energy,and the human body.The authors explain scientific principles in a veryaccessible style, using many fascinating examples and illustrations. Definitely recommended for budding scientists grades 4 and up. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 9-12 - Science    2. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    3. Dictionaries, Juvenile    4. Encyclopedias    5. Juvenile Nonfiction    6. Nature - General    7. Science    8. Science & Nature - General    9. Science & Technology - General    10. Juvenile Nonfiction / Science & Technology / General    11. Reference | Subject area reference | Science   

Editorial Review

This immensely popular children's story is told from the point of view of a dog named Harold. It all starts when Harold's human family, the Monroes, goes to see the movie Read more

Reviews (89)

What kid wouldn't want to read about a vampire bunny?
I don't care how old I get, I'm just not going to turn down a chance to read a book about a vampire rabbit, especially if it's told from the point of view of a dog.Good old Harold was pretty much living the good life until the introduction into the household of a cute wittle bunny wabbit the Monroes brought home with them from the movies one night.(Apparently a Dracula fan, the bunny was all settled in to watch the Count do his thing when one of the Monroe kids sat on him in the theater.)Little Bunnicula doesn't really bother Harold at all, since he sleeps all day and doesn't come between him and his treats.Harold's feline friend Chester, on the other hand, doesn't cotton to Bunnicula at all, seeing what no one else seems to notice - this bunny has fangs, and his coloration pattern sometimes makes it look like he's wearing a cape.Reading up on vampires while the Monroes sleep, Chester quickly becomes obsessed with getting this little bat in bunny's clothing out of the house as soon as possible - especially after healthy vegetables begin to show up completely drained of their color.
This is a great book!
This is a great book.I have read it more than once.I especially like the white vegetables!I think that both boys and girls will like it.This is an interesting book because it helps you imagine how dogs and cats might think.The author of this book has a good imagination!

Bunniculee, Bunnicula, Bunniculee, Bunicula-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!
Children's librarians have to prepare for certain kinds of questions.When a child walks up to your Reference Desk, you need to be ready to get them the exact book they're looking for at the exact moment that they want it.I get a lot of young kids, mostly girls, who want a good vampire book of their very own.Aside from the usual "Vampire State Building" and "Dracula Is a Pain In the Neck", both by Elizabeth Levy, there's really not a lot out there to recommend wholeheartedly.In fact, nine times out of ten, I find myself suggesting that most accessible of vampirism books, "Bunnicula".It doesn't star a human vampire, but you can hardly blame me.Now just this past week I found myself in the unenviable position of needing to find lots and lots and lots of copies of a single book for the upcoming meeting of my homeschooler bookgroup.And what delightful chapter book did I have enough copies in my library branch to satisfy screaming hoards of homeschooled kiddies?Again, it's "Bunnicula" to the rescue.It may not seem at first glance to have earned itself the moniker of "classic children's book", but I can attest right here and right now that when it comes to lifesaving go-to titles, I'll take "Bunnicula" over "Bridge To Terebithia" or "Are You There God, It's Me Margaret", any day.
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Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure - General    2. Animals - Mammals    3. Animals - Pets    4. Children's 9-12    5. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    6. Children: Grades 4-6    7. Fiction    8. Humorous Stories    9. Mysteries, Espionage, & Detective Stories    10. Mystery and detective stories    11. Rabbits    12. Vampires    13. Juvenile Fiction / Humorous Stories   

Editorial Review

Sam, Fred, and Joe--the Time Warp Trio--find themselves face-to-beak with a giant, 266-pound chicken ... who, unfortunately, looks hungry. As the chicken begins to chase them, the boys realize with horror that they are smack-dab in the middle of Daniel Pinkwater's Read more

Reviews (18)

Great kid book
My students love this book and are now clearing out the library's shelves of the rest of the series.This book references many children's books that kids have read so they really enjoyed it!

Really good
This book was pretty exciting.I thought it was funny and really good.I would recomend this book to someone who wants to read a funny and good book.I think it was good enough for a young reader.I probaly would read this book again.

Summer Reading List
Hi, I am doing my book review on Summer Reading is Killing Me. The author for this book is Jon Scieska. You can practically find this book in every library. Three boys travel through their summer reading book and go on an adventure.
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Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure    2. Action & Adventure - General    3. Books and reading    4. Characters and characteristics    5. Characters in literature    6. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - Fantasy    7. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    8. Children: Grades 3-4    9. Fiction    10. Humorous Stories    11. Juvenile Fiction    12. Magic    13. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic    14. Scieszka, Jon    15. English    16. English language readers    17. Juvenile Fiction / Science Fiction, Fantasy, Magic   

Subjects:  1. Astronomy    2. Astronomy - General    3. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Science    4. Children: Grades 4-6    5. Juvenile Nonfiction    6. Miscellanea    7. Outer space    8. Reference - General    9. Science & Nature - Astronomy    10. General encyclopaedias    11. Juvenile Nonfiction / Science & Technology / Astronomy   

Editorial Review

For kids to get their dose of action and thrills, they need not always go to the local multiplex for the latest bang 'em up film. They could try such books as Read more

Reviews (128)

Young Readers and THE WHIPPING BOY
THE WHIPPING BOY is a classic children's story, written at a level that second or third grade skilled readers can handle.It moves along quickly.Flieschman uses good word choices.It provides an excellent opportunity for young readers to apply text-to-self and inference skills.It deserves the Newbery Medal which it earned.

The Whipping Boy
In this book Prince Brat is a boy who cannot write or read.Jemmy is the whipping boy who gets the whippings when Prince Brat is misbehaving.Jemmy, who is also called Jemmy of the streets, is given this name by the father of Prince Brat.Prince Brat's father also gives him clothes and plenty of food, and a good home.One day Jemmy plans to run away.When Prince Brat finds out he asks to join him.So then they ran away but end up being held for ransom.I think this book needs a little reality.It is perfect for younger children (like 3-5th grades.)I thought it was not very good because it did not make sense.It needed more details on the characters and the setting.It did not hold my attention and I think it could have been better, and that's why I rate it two stars.

te whipping boy
I read a book called The Whipping Boy. Itwas not very good.
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Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure    2. Action & Adventure - General    3. Adventure and adventurers    4. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - General    5. Children's 9-12 - Literature - Classics / Contemporary    6. Children: Grades 4-6    7. Classics    8. Fiction    9. Robbers and outlaws    10. Non-Classifiable   

Editorial Review

If anyone tried to determine the most common rite of passage for preteen girls in North America, a girl's first reading of Read more

Reviews (320)

Jewish/Catholic, Teenager/Child
Eleven year-old Margaret wonders about growing up and religon in this well-written book. Margaret's feelings are portrayed delightfully in her talks to God. She is caught imbetween teenager and child, wishing for puberty to come faster. I think Judy Blume did an excellent job in creating a character much like a normal preteen. She has feelings for boys, has her best friends close to her heart, and is growing up like any other girl. She is sometimes embarassed by her parents, and just wants to become a teenager as fast as her friends are.
Forever remembered
What a gem! A good book is one that we can not forget 30 years later. This novel is timeless. Readers can identify with ever aspect of what happens to Margaret as she enters the strange and intriguing journey into adolescence. There are moments of every girl's life that mark her entry into "womanhood." This book captures them all. Its innocence is beautiful as it approaches the preteen years with humor, depth and candor. What a marvelous book. Even though times have changed and readers have countless options of preteen books, this book surpasses them all.

A bit dated but good
I can't believe I never read this book as a girl! I really missed out. It's a bit dated now (and the hired help parts really bother me), but I can see why girls love it. I wonder if there's anything similar but more modern? ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - General    2. Children: Grades 4-6    3. Conduct of life    4. Fiction    5. General    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. Religions    8. Social Issues - Adolescence    9. Social Issues - Emotions & Feelings    10. Teenage girls    11. Juvenile Fiction / Ethnic / Other   

Reviews (38)

Mr Lopez Made me do it (Vince)
This book is great, fun, and magical. It is exciting and it is a fantasy.Perloo is a quiet, peaceful, furry montmer and wants nothing to do with, when Jolaine the Granter of all montmers wants to see him, but what does she want to do with him? Perloo has to take big risks and many adventures with Lucabara, the Granters asssistant. Also trying to stay away from Berwig , Jolaines sun, who wants to claim granter after Jolaine is gone. Seems scary, but what you do not know is that Perloo is carrying something very important. If you like fantasy, adventurous books and want to know what happens next read Perloo the Bold, a tale about a tragical and wonderful happening. I give this book a 4 and a half star rating.

PTB Review
Another animal based fantasy novel with a medieval setting, Perloo the Bold is your typical, concrete book of this genre. Perloo, a Montmer, leads a normal and quiet life at first. Then, he is summoned by the Montmer leader and framed with the queen's death. Perloo must overcome this through a series of battles and other conflict.
Dirivative
Yet another fantasy book set roughly in the time of the middle ages, who's characters are all animals. This is really getting old. Brian Jacques already made this genre popular with his Redwall series. The genre is becoming more derivative, and boring.
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Subjects:  1. Animals - General    2. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - Fantasy    3. Children: Grades 2-3    4. Fantasy    5. Fantasy fiction    6. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic    7. Juvenile Fiction / General   

Reviews (148)

Not quite as good as "Beauty"
I really enjoyed "Beauty," McKinley's first re-telling of the fairytale, and was looking forward to reading "Rose Daughter." I ended up being kind of disappointed, however.