Reviews (3)

cultural mythology
I bought this book for a grandchild.I grew up with the stories and want to share them and the characters with him.Who hasn't heard of at least one of the characters in the book: Paul Bunyan, Davy Crockett?
Excellent Collection...
This is an excellent collection of american folktales which both I and my siblings have enjoyed.It is well written and very enjoyable on the whole.

Great Folktale Collection
I had to buy this book for an education class i am taking, and I very much enjoyed it.It is a wonderfully told collection of American Folk Tales which both me and my siblings have enjoyed. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 9-12    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 2-3    4. Fairy Tales & Folklore - American    5. Fairy Tales & Folklore - Anthologies    6. Fairy Tales & Folklore - Collections by Author    7. Folklore    8. Historical - United States - General    9. Juvenile Fiction    10. Tales    11. Tall tales    12. United States    13. Juvenile Fiction / Fairy Tales & Folklore / Collections by a Single Author   

Reviews (1)

P.A.C.EReviews
A thrilling adventure! More thrilling even than all her other books combined! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1580-1631    2. Action & Adventure - General    3. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - Historical    4. Children: Grades 3-4    5. Collier, Samuel,    6. Explorers    7. Fiction    8. Historical - United States - Colonial    9. Jamestown (Va.)    10. Juvenile Fiction    11. Smith, John,   

Reviews (2)

Great book
This book was so funny, my son and I had a wonderful time reading it. I would read aloud, and could hear my husband in the next room laughing. It was great.

A SATISFYING STORY VERY WELL READ
Witty, refreshing, and heartwarming all describe Richard Peck's stories. One of the most lauded authors of fiction for young adults, Peck has received a National Humanities Medal, the Newbery Medal, and a Newbery Honor. Each richly deserved.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - General    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 3-4    4. Country life    5. Education    6. Fiction    7. Historical - United States - General    8. Humorous Stories    9. Indiana    10. Juvenile Fiction    11. Teachers    12. Juvenile Fiction / Humorous Stories   

Reviews (26)

The Teacher's Funeral A Comedy in Three Prts
Author: Richard Peck Publisher: Dial Books Tiffany Robinson
Excellent Read!
I absolutley loved this book. Richard Peck blends hummor so well into his stories and this one is no different. Very vivid characters allow us to follow as though we were in the story. I love some of the teaching strategies that the "new teacher" uses, and I love the glimpse that Richard Peck shows us of how school was very different not tooo long ago.

The Book Review To Remember
Book ReviewMike Lande
Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    2. Children: Grades 4-6    3. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    4. Country life    5. Education    6. Family - Siblings    7. Fiction    8. Historical - United States - 20th Century    9. Humorous Stories    10. Indiana    11. Juvenile Fiction    12. Juvenile Historical Fiction    13. Lifestyles - Country Life    14. Peck, Richard    15. School & Education    16. Teachers    17. Juvenile Fiction / Humorous Stories   

Reviews (6)

Dandelions
This is a book I would use to add to the list of the many books written by Eve Bunting.

Great story
This is a great introduction to the saga of the western movement.My daughter is almost 4...a bit over her head.

DANDELIONS by Eve Bunting
DANDELIONS is a very moving story.It does an excellent job in describing the struggles and bravery of a pioneer family.Although it doesn't detail why the family had to leave Illinois (their home), it does show readers that even back then parents may not have always agreed on family issues.Through the dialogue in the story it is apparent that the family wants their apprehensive, pregnanat mother to be happy, and they strive to make her so.The painted illustrations by Shed were very true-to-life and warm; they establish the setting and mood of each page.Further, the pictures helped define the characters by showing emotion through facial expressions and body language.Of course, those factors contributed in reinforcing the text.Despite the fact that the artwork has a warm fuzz to it (almost giving a surrealistic feel), attention to detail was definitely established, giving the story realism and life. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    2. Children: Kindergarten    3. Family - General    4. Family life    5. Fiction    6. Frontier and pioneer life    7. Historical - United States - 19th Century    8. Historical - United States - General    9. Juvenile Fiction    10. Nebraska    11. Juvenile Fiction / General    12. USA   

Reviews (1)

Helpful book
I'd just like to say I found this helpful for homeschooling my high schooler.There is a test at regular intervals. It is hard enough that you could not guess at it, but it is not so hard you have to memorize every date or anything.There is no pressure to prepare for cumulative tests.Yet there is enough to keep the student alert & thinking while reading.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    3. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    4. History - United States/General    5. Juvenile Nonfiction    6. History, American    7. Juvenile Nonfiction / History / United States / General   

Editorial Review

Sounder is no beauty. But as a coon dog, this loyal mongrel with his cavernous bark is unmatched. When the African American sharecropper who has raised Sounder from a pup is hauled off to jail for stealing a hog, his family must suffer their humiliation and crushing loss with no recourse. To make matters worse, in the fracas, Sounder is shot and disappears. The eventual return of a tattered and emaciated Sounder doesn't change the fact that the sharecropper's oldest son is forced to take on man's work to help support the family. His transition to adulthood is paved by the rocks and taunts hurled at him by convicts and guards as he searches for his father. But along this rough road he ultimately finds salvation as well.Read more

Reviews (207)

D'ONT READ THIS
Hi my name is John and I really liked this book.It is 'bout a boy and a dog.There was a sad.....part....I guess.....anyway the boy's dad anddog died in the end, but in the middle the dad stole a ham to feed the family ,and was caught, and put in prison to work in a mine.When the dad came home he had only one leg.I'll stop right there and let you find out the rest on your own.

How can people possibley like this book?!?
I was looking forward to reading this book. It's supposed to be really good, and I'm only read a few books that I don't like. I can read almost anything, but this is the exception. Sounder was horrible and boring. It just dragged on and on and on, with no excitement. Yes, I know what the point is of writing the book, and I think, if it was better written with a better story, it would be a fine book. But it's not, so don't read it. It's a waste of time.

Excellent!!!!!!!!!!!
This book is really touching.Through all the hardships the family goes through they still survive.I love this book because it teaches me about an aspect of life that you can never give up no matter what.I think this book is good for all ages.It shows true love for an animal and shows that they are human beings too eventhough dogs are an animal they are your own which is why I cried when he ran away ... Read more

Subjects:  1. African Americans    2. Animals - Dogs    3. Children's 9-12 - Literature - Classics / Contemporary    4. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    5. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    6. Classics    7. Dogs    8. Family life    9. Fiction    10. Historical - United States - 19th Century    11. Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Dogs   

Reviews (6)

this is a fabulous book
I used this book with my homeschool curriculum and my children loved it, the pictures are great.the content of this book helps to bring everyone for the journey coming from the eyes of such a lovable Newfoundland.

Seaman's Journal
As a middle school teacher, I highly recommend this book not only for a classroom, but also for pleasure reading at home.A wonderful story told through the eyes of the beloved, Newfoundland of Meriwether Lewis on their historic journey west.The book presents acurate historical data and wonderful illustrations that would engage anyone who loves adventure and dogs.
Second graders like it!
I read and enjoyed this book, and a friend who teaches second grade read it to her class and they loved it! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure - General    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Preschool    4. Dogs    5. Fiction    6. Historical - Exploration & Discoveries    7. Historical - United States - 19th Century    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Lewis and Clark Expedition (18    10. Seaman (Dog)    11. Explorers & discoverers   

Editorial Review

There's something to be said for a book that makes you wish you'd been part of a poor immigrant family living in New York's upper east side on the eve of World War I. Sydney Taylor's time-honored classic does just that. Life is rich for the five mischievous girls in the family. They find adventure in visiting the library, going to market with Mama, even dusting the front room. Young readers who have never shared a bedroom with four siblings, with no television in sight, will vicariously experience the simple, old-fashioned pleasures of talk, make-believe, and pilfered penny candy.The family's Jewish faith strengthens their ties to each other, while providing still more excitement and opportunity for mischief. Readers unfamiliar with Judaism will learn with the girls during each beautifully depicted holiday. This lively family, subject of four more "all-of-a- kind" books, is full of unique characters, all deftly illustrated by Helen John. Taylor based the stories on her own childhood family, and the true-life quality of her writing gives this classic its page-turning appeal. Read more

Reviews (74)

Sweet story for girls into historical fiction
My daughter just received this book and just loved it.I read it as well.The general plot has been well outlined by other posters, but what I wanted to add was that it's a great read for girls who are interested in historical fiction.For intance, my daughter has loved all the American Girl stories. This story takes place at the turn of the century, about when the American Girl "Samantha" story takes place.Samantha and the All-of-a-kind Family girls live at the same time in the same city, they just come from very opposite socio-economic backgrounds, which makes for an interesting and educational read.I liked that my daughter could read about different religious traditions than our own in simple terms that explain holidays and customs in age appropriate ways.Even though the family is poor and has no money for luxuries we don't get the feeling that anyone is going without food or proper care.The family may be poor, but the mother is portrayed as a strong proud woman nevertheless.I'm sure to look for the other books in this series.

A respite for girls
I had heard good things about this book and since we're going to the Lower Eastside later this week, I thought my daughter might enjoy it.I picked it up at the library and worried, when I saw it, that she might not be terrifically interested in it:the cover art is old fashioned and I was afraid she might think it was too "young" for her.We read the first couple of chapters together and then, on her own, she devoured the rest of it and asked me to find all of the sequels.It's a beautiful book: simple and affecting and a fascinating source of information about Jewish life and culture, although not in any way preachy or didactic.I was so grateful for this book, such a nice break in the long line of books written for 9-12 year olds these days--good, well-written novels--that seem to focus chiefly on loss:a dying mother, a missing father, a loss of a childhood friend...I think the book was deeply comforting for my girl and I recommend it highly.

Family Values Of Yesteryear
I ordered this book so that my children and grandchildren could have the same experience I had as a little girl in Mississippi in the 1950's reading about a close family of young Jewish girls in New York.This book (and the series related to it) has lost none of its charm and pull to the heartstrings!Thanks, Ms Taylor and Amazon for helping me find a lost part of my childhood! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - Historical    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 3-4    4. Family - General    5. Family life    6. Fiction    7. Historical - United States - 20th Century    8. New York (N.Y.)    9. Religious - Jewish    10. Juvenile Fiction / Family / General   

Reviews (14)

True story, my grandmother told me.
I enjoyed this book especially because my grandmother was a rider on an orphan train when she was around 11 years old. She is still spry at the age of 98. The story she tells me is almost identical, for she felt she was tall, plain and ugly. Her mother died in New York and her and all of her brothers and sisters (6 of them) came to Texas. I think everyone should know about this part of our history. Eve Bunting did a wonderful job of telling the story that so many orphan train riders will never have the opportunity to tell.

A Train to Somewere
Marrianne was sent to Saint Christophers and her mom said that she would be back for her.But she never came back.She was on a train with 14 orphans trying to find her mom.But she couldn't find her mom.My favorite part was the end when Marrianne met Mr and Mrs. Books and they adopted her. The story made me sad because her mom didn't want her and a little happy because she got adopted at the end of the train ride.The End.

a train to somewhere
I thought it was good and sad. Sad because she didn't find her real mom. I think people should read it because it tells a lesson and it tells a happy ending. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    2. Children: Preschool    3. Family - Adoption    4. Family - Orphans & Foster Homes    5. Fiction    6. Historical - United States - 19th Century    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Orphan trains    9. Orphans    10. Early learning / early learning concepts    11. Fiction dealing with family issues    12. Fostering & adoption    13. Juvenile Fiction / Family / Adoption   

Reviews (11)

An unusualbook
47 is a strange, interesting book. It's part history of slavery in America, and part science fiction with a mysterious ET.What's even stranger is that the odd combination works.47 is a 14 year old slave back in 1832.He's always out in the cotton fields picking cotton, feeling sorry for himself. Along come a mysterious stranger named Tall John.47 thinks Tall John is a slave too, until he finds out that the stranger is really an alien from another world, with unusual powers. At first 47 assumes that Tall John is there to free him and the other slaves, but Tall John is really there to help 47 fight against the Calash, enemies of Tall John's race from his home planet.Capable of making themselves look exactly like humans, they are controlling real humans and must be defeated.47 turns out to be brave and bold (as Tall John knew all along) and he and other slaves rise up against the Calash and save our world.By living up to his potential and full abilities, 47 shows that no matter who you are, adversity can be overcome with courage and conviction. Another book I read with a similar theme is An Audience for Einstein, a story about a 12 year old who is also helped to overcome great odds.

I wanted to like it
Walter Mosley gets an 'A' for originality and a 'C' for execution on this one.If he had pared back the sci-fi a little bit, it would have been outstanding, but when Tall John begins naming all the beings in his world, the story gets bogged down in the minutia.I wanted less of the Quesziastril, Calash, and Talam.I wanted more of the legend of John the Conqueror.I wanted to be bound up in the tale, as a Mosley offering will usually do, but when I had to stop to decipher which extraterrestrial was which, I lost the flow of 47's narrative.

Timeless...
Walter Mosley is likely to capture a new generation of readers and fans with his first book for young adult readers, 47.The story is a mix of history, mythology (particularly the story of Tall John the Conqueror), and science fiction that is sure to become a timeless classic.The book title is derived from the name and number of its main character, 47.He opens the book by explaining that he has been the same age for the last 170 years, and as the story unfolds, he sets about explaining how.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure    2. Action & Adventure - General    3. African Americans    4. Children's 12-Up - Fiction - Fantasy    5. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    6. Fiction    7. Freedom    8. Historical - United States - 19th Century    9. Historical Fiction (Young Adult)    10. Juvenile Fiction    11. People & Places - United States - African-American    12. Plantation life    13. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic    14. Slavery    15. Juvenile Fiction / Science Fiction, Fantasy, Magic    16. USA   

Reviews (4)

Annie Educator's Choice - The Loud Silence
Francine Green, rule-following, trouble-phobic, nearly invisible good girl meets Sophie Bowman, anarchistic, vocal, free speech advocate, and... they become best friends. Karen Cushman places these girls in a Catholic School setting, in Hollywood, California, from 1949-1950. It's a time of paranoia filled with blacklisting and accusations of spying for the Russians. With her typical humor and grace, Cushman helps readers see both girls thinking about who they are and what they believe. Francine, for one, learns that you speak as loudly by remaining silent in the face of bullying/injustice as you do by taking a stand. This book presents a nasty, embarassing time in America's history with great insight and wit. I loved the characters, the dialogue, and the writing of this book.

Richie's Picks: THE LOUD SILENCE OF FRANCINE GREEN
"One push of the button
"DevastatingShadowsofPoliticalIroniesConfrontTeens&TheirParents . . .*
Author Karen Cushmangently guides readers of"The Loud Silence . . . "through the 1949-1950school yearof affronts to youthful idealism,and a teacher who is border-line frightful.Even more scary, though,is the situation of parents who fear loss of jobs & neighborhood approval ratings when the shadow of the Cold War & its terminal ironies invaded their Peace. When ration coupons were no longer being counted, people settled into more 'normal' lives - WHY were those lives made wretched by politicians hoping to piggy-back their way to power via blacklisiting & innuendo?
Read more

Subjects:  1. Catholic schools    2. Children's 12-Up - Fiction - History    3. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    4. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    5. Conformity    6. Fiction    7. Historical - United States - 20th Century    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. School & Education    10. Schools    11. Social Issues - Friendship    12. Juvenile Fiction / Historical / United States / 20th Century   

Reviews (5)

5 Stars just not enough
My daughter got this from the library at school this week and immediately my husband and I decided this is a book she should have.In the 5th grade living in Missoula, Montana, I was told by my Japanese-American teacher that Missoula had been the site of such a camp.I didn't want to believe her because I thought of the prison camps in Germany and immediately equated the two.Though the history of the American prison camps has been all-but buried, it's works like this that will allow us to teach our children and hopefully they will learn from the mistakes made.This heart-wrenching tale is of a family forced away from the sea where the grandfather had his boat and his fishing business to the camp in the Sierra Nevadas.The small boy at the camp later took his own family to the site to leave offerings at his father's grave at the camp.During this time, his daughter, Laura, left his cub scout scarf - an acknowledgement of a childhood stolen and that they were no less American than those who had imprisoned them there.The lessons of empathy and love are needed now more than ever.I would HIGHLY suggest this book to anyone able to read.My first grader has checked it out two weeks in a row - this is one book worth owning!

A Children's Book that Is So Much More
Wonderful, chilling book about the imprisonment(more euphemistically called internment by the governmeny) of Japanese-Americans during world war too, told from the point of view of a child who goes to visit one of the prisons(more euphemistically called "camps"), where her grandfather died, so far from the sea, where he had lived before his life was interrupted. It is sad and engulfing, with snippets of irony, that gets the message across with the help of bright pictures.

So Close to Us
Every time I read this story to the children in the library I worked at I cried.A year later I still remember it vividly.The book showed the atrocity of what we did simply by showing the emotions of Japanese-Americans 50 years later.One truly feels for the father uprooted from his life and culture; the grandfather uprooted from the sea and his fishing.I can relate to the tragedy of being removed from the water.Eve Bunting builds to a dramatic, emotional climax- which is not easy to do in a short children's book.Chris Soetpiet's illustrations are beautiful, with excellent use of both color and black and white.And the short historical synopsis at the end provides opportunity to discuss with children the reality behind the story. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    2. Children: Grades 2-3    3. Family - Multigenerational    4. Fiction    5. Grandfathers    6. Historical - Military & Wars    7. Historical - United States - 20th Century    8. Japanese Americans    9. Juvenile Fiction    10. Manzanar War Relocation Center    11. People & Places - United States - Asian American    12. English literature: fiction texts    13. Juvenile Fiction / Ethnic / Asian American   

Reviews (161)

WWII Japanese-American INTERNMENT through the eyes of a child.
2000+ American Sailors, Soldiers, and Marines (MILITARY PERSONNEL) died during the Japanese Air Attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, Sunday morning, December 7, 1941, and as a direct result, President Roosevelt issued Presidential Executive Order 9066, forcing 110,000+ Japanese-Americans into 10 Military Internment Camps (Concentration Camps -- complete with Armed Soldiers, Machine Guns, Barbed Wire Fences, Spotlights, and Guard Towers).Each person subject to EO-9066 could only take what they could carry with their own two hands (and nothing more), leaving eveything else behind.Oh yes, the Federal Government also froze ALL BANK ACCOUNTS of Japanese-Americans through to the end of the war, so they could not get any cash out of the bank nor pay any bills.As a direct result, Japanese-Americans lost her homes due to nonpayment of Property Taxes.In Jeanne's Dad's case, someone stole their fishing boat while they were incarcerated.Her dad was a fisherman, and the boat had been the primary means of support for their family.
Japanese Americans Internment Camps-WWII
This story delves into the culture of the Japanese and applies it to their life in the Manzanar interment camps during World War II. An insightful must-read.

YUCK!
No offense to the author or anything but this book was really boring!!! It just doesn't seem to stick with one situation. Jeanne's family leaves there home, goes to Manzanar, then kicked out of Manzanar, etc. It was just really boring and I was going to be put to sleep, this book couldn't keep my attention on it for long. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography - General    2. Children's 12-Up - Biography / Autobiography    3. Children's Books/Young Adult Misc. Nonfiction    4. Children: Grades 3-4    5. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    6. Evacuation and relocation, 1942-1945    7. History - Military & Wars    8. History - United States/20th Century    9. Japanese Americans    10. Juvenile Nonfiction    11. People & Places - United States - Asian American    12. Juvenile Fiction / Ethnic / Asian American   

Reviews (42)

The Secret School
How I've managed not to recommend an Avi book yet is beyond me, as I believe Avi is one of the greatest storytellers in America today (and he is great to listen to in person, if you ever get the chance). He is a master with historical fiction, and this story takes us to poor rural Colorado just before the Great Depression. An eighth grader needs to pass her exams if she is to move on to high school and fulfill her dream of becoming a teacher, and when her teacher leaves she takes on the role of preparing her classmates and herself for the exams. Token Avi as he portrays kids as able (if not more so) than adults. A great story about the importance of education. To view this and other cool, short book recommendations for all ages.[...]

Fantastic!
The Secret School is about a 14-year-old girl who lives with her brother and has to drive 5 miles to school every day. She wants to become a teacher. But, one day, when she gets to school, she notices there is a car in her usual spot. She finds out he is very important and is closing down her school due to her teacher not being able to go. He also believes Ida, or any other girls should have a high school education. This means all the work Ida and her classmates did would be for nothing. Ida, the main character decides to start her own school, because she cannot take her exit exams. She was very disappointed when she found out she could not take them. I think then, she starts running her school but there are many problems. One being an inspector comes and inspects her school! Ida is amazed how well her teacher runs her school, solving problems as if they are nothing. Another struggle is that her family's farm isn't doing so well. Next, I think she befriends the bully of the chapter, and they become friends to solve the teaching problem. At the end of the book I think the teacher takes over, and Ida and her friend can both take the exit exams and pass with flying colors. This si a fantastic book! I won't tell you any more! :) Because I already spoiled the surprize! Also, you can buy used for a buck! It is something you can read over and over again and never get tired of.

The Secret School
The Secret School
Read more

Subjects:  1. Avi    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 4-6    4. Fiction    5. Girls & Women    6. Historical - United States - 19th Century    7. Historical - United States - General    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Juvenile Historical Fiction    10. Rural schools    11. School & Education    12. Schools    13. Teachers    14. Juvenile Fiction / School & Education   

Reviews (7)

A great classic returns
My family had the cassette verison of this classic when i was a kid. We used to listen to it on all of our family vacations. So, of course I needed a copy for my children, they love it! My four year old knows all 50 states! Great music!

Excellent!!
This is a wonderful way to teach children songs of the past! They are lively and fun as well as educational. Yes, some songs are shortened but it gives them a taste of what they like. It is our job as parents to dig deeper as our kids show intrest in different areas of history. This is a helpful tool not an exhaustive composition of every old song. As for the sexist comment of another reviewer...Oh dear, I just have to laugh! Do you not realize that the presidents WERE men who were quoted??Did it occur to you that maybe the girls were not interested in quoting men? Why does there have to be some scheme against women? Good grief! Enjoy the music and try not to ruin it for your kids by making up political issues out of it. This is about making history fun, not politics of today. My 6, yes, 6 children love these songs....even the girls who NEVER even noticed a boy was saying a few quotes! For all of you other people who know how to teach your kids to enjoy history I highly recommend this lively, catchy CD. The Wee Sing folks have made another winner!!!

Family Treasure!
My grandma bought this as a cassette for my sister for her 6th birthday.We listened to that tape all the time all year round and on all our family trips.Since then we have grown up and moved a couple times.During the moves she lost the tape and the whole family has been sad.So for her 17th birthday this year I decided to look on amazon and there it was on cd.I bought it and she loves it!The whole family is listening to it together.It is great!The quotes and songs are so wonderful and uplifting and you can sing right along.This collection of patriotic songs should be in every American home! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 4-8 - Music    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Kindergarten    4. Concepts - General    5. Historical - United States - General    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. Performing Arts - General    8. Juvenile Fiction / Concepts / General   

Reviews (6)

Where are the Black contributions to American History?
I am a homeschooling mother, and this is my first year teaching my sons American History.As an immigrant, this has been a learning experience for me as well.I bought the Children's Encyclopedia of American History as a pictorial supplement to the excellent curriculum we are using. It took just a few minutes of glancing through this book to become very disappointed with my purchase. There is little or no reference to key African-American figures in American History.The discussion of the Spanish exploration of the South and West mentions every member of the party except Estebanico, the Moorish slave who actually led the expedition to what is now California.We are currently learning about George Washington Carver, and were surprised to find not even one sentence dedicated to this man's great contributions. Booker T. Washington is mentioned in one sentence, and shares a brief paragraph with W.E.B. DuBois.The entire Civil Rights movement is summed up in one paragraph.Surprisingly, a significant amount of space is dedicated to a picture of Bill Clinton hugging Monica Lewinsky, and a discussion of their relationship. The book is packed and ready to be shipped back to Amazon.

A Great Resource for Young Learners!
An excellent resource for elementary-aged kids who are interested in history. Lots of photos, illustration, and color keep my daughter interested. Written very well. Divided into decades. One of the best resources I have found for my daughter!

Well balanced presentation, beautiful pictures
I am a conservative Christian looking for the right history book to homeschool my kids.I read this DK Children's Encyclopedia from beginning to end, and I find it acceptable over all in content presentation.Another reviewer here says the book is too liberal, but I disagree; I think Mr. King clearly strives to present an unbiased view of American History.Now everybody has his own view of history, and a history book is bound to reveal somewhat of the author's bias.However, it is obvious that Mr. King kept his own opinions well under control, making this book excellent read for people of every view point.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    2. Children: Grades 2-3    3. Encyclopedias    4. Encyclopedias, Juvenile    5. History    6. History - General    7. History - United States/General    8. Juvenile General And Reference Works    9. Juvenile Nonfiction    10. Reference - Encyclopedias    11. United States    12. Juvenile Nonfiction / History / United States / General   

Reviews (41)

A delicious chocolately story
Chocolate Fever is about a boy who loved chocolate.He went to school one day and he heard "POP POP POP" then he looked at his arm and - pop - there was a brown dot.He went to a hospital that he absolutely hated.By then he had thousands of brown dots.The doctor touched one brown dot and said "OUCH" so then he asked if it hurt and he said "NO."The doctor asked why he said ouch, and he said he thought it was going to hurt.He ran away from the hospital and found a man who also had had chocolate fever as a kid.He asked how to fix it, and the man asked him what the opposite of chocolate is.It is vanilla, so he took a vanilla pill and didn't want any more chocolate once the spots went away.I thought the story was a little weird but I liked it because you could learn about their feelings when stressful things happened.This book would be good for kids in 2nd grade and up.It is a chapter book. JG

Claudia's summary review of Choclate Fever
Chocolate fever? What's that? There are only two people in the world who can tell you. Chocolate fever is a sickness that you get when you eat way too much chocolate. So far no one else in the world knows about chocolate fever, but now some do. Henry Green loved chocolate, he liked his chocolate bitter, sweet, light, dark, and daily. One day, Henry leaves for school feeling like something strange is going to happen to him. Sure enough, he looks down in class to see little brown spots are growing on him. The doctors can't figure out what this new disease is. Once the doctors figure out the the brown spots are pure chocolate chaos starts. The doctors are poking Henry like he is a unicorn. Henry Green couldn't take it! So Henry ran, he ran all the way to the candy shop to meet with Mr. Cane. Henry told Mr. Cane about what was going on. Mr. Cane told Henry that he too had chocolate fever when he was a boy. He gave Henry Vanilla Pills and told him, "Take these and don't eat too much chocolate, then you will not have chocolate fever anymore."In and hour Henry did not have chocolate fever it was gone forever, or was it?
Chocolate, Chocolate, Choclate By Heather
Have you ever heard of a boy who eats chocolate with everything?
Read more

Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure - General    2. Children's All Ages - Fiction - General    3. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    4. Children: Grades 2-3    5. Chocolate    6.&nb