Schools Books


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Schools Books sorted by Average customer review: high to low .

Schools
The Rising Force (Star Wars: Jedi Apprentice)
Published in School & Library Binding by Rebound by Sagebrush (2001-06)
Author: Dave Wolverton
List price: $13.15
Used price: $84.36

Average review score:

A Good start for the jedi apprentice
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-17
So this is the first of 18 book series featuring Obi-wan Kenobi and it didn't disappoint. I couldn't help but thinking something more is needed for this book to merit a 5 star, but maybe because I read the two Darth Bane stories before this one (which are excellent btw)I was expecting more "action". Anyway the good thing about this book is that it eventualy draws you on wanting to read the next book to see want happens to Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon.
All in all a good read.

Nate's Rview
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2005-12-19
I was a bit disappointed with this book because there was not as much action as in most other Star Wars books.
Twelve-year-old Obi -Wan is an exceptional student at the Jedi Temple, although his anger sometimes clouds his judgment. Only a few more weeks until his thirteenth birthday and then forced to leave the Temple, he has one last chance to be a padawan. When Jedi Master Qui-Gon-Jin arrives, Obi-wan is hopeful. Unfortunately, Qui-Gon is skeptical and rejects Obi-Wan. Though Fate has placed them on a same trip to Bandomear, Obi-Wan is to farm and Qui-Gon is on a mission.
I would only recommend this book to Star Wars fans because you have to know who a lot of people are such as Master Yoda and Master Windu. Other than that, it is a fairly good book.

A great introduction to two of the best Star Wars characters
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2005-11-16
Even though this is a young readers book(ages 9-12), any fan of the Star Wars series will enjoy this well told story about the little known history of Obi-Wan Kenobi's teenage years.
The story revolves around the trials and tribulations of Obi-Wan's struggle within to control his emotions and immerse his mind and body ionto the Force. Realizing the reality that he won't be chosen as a Padawan Learmer before the age limit deadline, and will become a member of the Agro-Corps, using the Force to help grow food on planets that struggle to do so.
The ever stubborn and persistent Kenobi learns that Qui-Gonn Jinn, a well respected Jedi Knight is coming to the temple to view the young students who are eligible for apprenticeship, he tries his hardest to impress the Jedi Knight. Even though Qui-Gonn is slightly impressed by young Kenobi, he refuses to take him as a Padawan because his first students fall to the Dark Side has left him skeptical of taking another.
The two find themselves traveling together on a freighter to a small mining planet, Obi-Wan to join the Agro-Corps and Qui-Gonn on Jedi business. Trouble arises and thus begins the first adventure of the two classic heroes.
As I said before any Star Wars fan can enjoy this book and the entire series is just as compelling.
Enjoy and May the Force be with you!!!

Easy Reading
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2005-09-12
One of my favorite characters in the Star Wars Episodes I, II, III, and IV has been Obi-Wan Kenobi. My second favorite character is Qui-Gon Jenn. The Jedi Apprentice Series answers many of the questions that one might have wondering through their minds about these two characters. Some of these questions being how do you become a Jedi Apprentice, what was Obi-Wan like growing up, how does he learn to use the force and did Obi-Wan ever get to experience falling in love etc...? Dave Wolverton starts this series off with Book 1 and Jude Watson writes Book 2 -18. Both writers are good but Jude Watson is the one who bringing to light the emotions and bonding experiences between the Jedi Knight and his Apprentice. Their adventures together are interesting and imaginative leaving you wanting to know what's in the next book.
The Jedi Apprentice series was written for young teens, but it is enjoyable for all ages. These books are what I call easy reading, because you can finish it in just a few hours or faster if your a quick reader. I personally bought the Rising Force out of curiosity about Obi-Wan's character and to find answers to the questions that ran through my own mind after seeing episode III. I decided to buy the whole series to keep for my future grandchildren, so they too will know what isn't told in the movies about the Jedi Knight Qui-Gon Jenn, his Apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi and the force that souranded their lives.

A beyond great start to the JA series!
Helpful Votes: 6 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2004-11-19
Obi-Wan Kenobi is a Jedi student hoping to be chosen as a Padawan by a Jedi Master, particularly one named Qui-Gon Jinn. But after proving his anger can get the better of him, he is not chosen as a Padawan. Instead he is sentenced to be a farmer on planet Bandomeer (yawn!) But he is stranded on a mysterious planet with Qui-Gon and the ship passengers. It leads to an unexpected adventure with Qui-Gon... This is an extremely poignant adventure with action and peril. I'd recommend it for any kid over 10 years old, maybe for some adults. I'm serious! Even if you think Star Wars is the most stupid thing ever, you'll love this book. Probably the second best in the whole series. It just rocks! Why? Because author Dave Wolverton comes up with excellent alien characters and writes about them with great poignance. And the Jedi wisdom written down in the book rings true. Overall, a smart mini novel. It rocks.

Schools
Last Silk Dress
Published in School & Library Binding by Topeka Bindery (1999-10)
Author: Ann Rinaldi
List price: $14.45
New price: $14.45
Used price: $10.83

Average review score:

Girl In Tragic Times, Wonderful
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-06
Susan is growing up during the Civil War. She helps the Confederate Cause by collecting silk dresses for a balloon to spy on the Union army. She also struggles with her mother, who takes out her anger on Susan. But when she meets her brother Lucien, who was shunned from the family and has anti-Confederate views, her loyalties are tested. Can she do what she thinks is right, without hurting the people she love?

Great Book!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-10-01
I love this book. I read it years ago and wanted to read it again, so I bought it.

One of the Best Ann Rinaldi Books I have read
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-07-15
The Last Silk Dress is one of the Best Ann Rinaldi books I have read ( and I have read many). The way Ms Rinaldi discribes the occurances takes you back and makes you feel like you were there. This was actualy the first Rinaldi book I read and now I own at least 7 of her books. The author and the book are wonderful and I suggest anyone who is into historical fiction or just needs a good book to bye this one or check it out of the library.

The Last Silk Dress
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-07-15
I thought that this book was well writen and I could really relate to Susen the main character. She is the old version of a todays rebels. It is a very good book and I recomend it to anyone who loves history and fiction.

The Last Silk Dress
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-05-22
The Last Silk Dress was an excellent book. The author, Ms. Ann Rinaldi, wrote the story in first person format. The story truly showed what the main character, Susan Chilmark was thinking and feeling. Ann Rinaldi wrote with so much detail that one could picture each and every scene that she described. I felt present in each part of the story.
The book is not part of series. This book is not a journal, but it shows how Susan thought and felt when she was overcoming the challenges her brother, Lucien, set for her. I would recommend this book to anyone, especially people who like historical fiction.

Schools
Alicia: My Story
Published in School & Library Binding by Topeka Bindery (1999-10)
Author: Alicia Appleman-Jurman
List price: $16.40
New price: $16.40
Used price: $6.61

Average review score:

Thank you for sharing the tragic story of heroic struggle to live
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-19
I just finished another very painful but interesting and shocking memoirs in "Thanks to my Mother" by Shoshana Rabinovici and started this book. It's absolutely shocking and heroic struggle to do everything possible to survive day-by-day and minute-by-minute the Systematic Nazi Plan to annihilate the Jewish People.
Highly highly recommend to every one who is interested in Holocaust and to everybody to read and to learn what was really WWII about.

Determined to survive and succeed...
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-12
An avid reader of Holocaust memoirs, I found "Alicia" an unforgettable story of survival.

Only a child at the onset of World War II in her native Poland, Alicia Jurman soon lost both her parents and all four brothers -- murdered, in different ways, for one reason, being Jewish. It was only through a strange destiny that young Alicia kept surviving herself -- once being pushed through a gap in a train window, heading for a concentration camp; another time, falling unconscious and being presumed dead by the Nazis, only to be rescued by an astute and caring Jewish gravedigger.

Yet even when a person is at her lowest, she can always find others even worse off. It would have been easy for Alicia to say she had nothing left to give; yet even during the most destitute and desperate of times, she shared food and supplies with other Holocaust survivors.

It was also this loving attitude that made Alicia take action after the war, when she noticed a number of starving orphaned children roaming city streets. Only 15 and an orphan herself, Alicia took it upon herself to establish a Jewish "orphanage," moving some 24 youths aged 10 to 15 into a vacated apartment and securing financial help to get their new lives underway.

Still a teenager, Alicia eventually sought refuge in Israel. But, as always, problems arose...

Alicia Jurman is a modern-day hero, guaranteed to inspire readers for generations to come.

Irrefutable Eye Witness to the Holocaust
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-21
This eye witness account of the holocaust in Poland is so horrific it would be too depressing to read, if it weren't for the author's lucid, straight forward prose. Alicia Jurman was 13 years old when she fought for survival against literally impossible odds in southeastern Poland and witnessed the destruction of her entire family, friends and neighbors. Her survival was accomplished through truly incredible pluck, strength of character, resourcefulness, and unbelievable good luck.
We already know (or should know) all about the horrors of the holocaust: the depth of depravity to which the human soul can sink; and we know that to forget this worst of all possible nightmares is to face another genocide in our lifetime (we already have in Darfur, Rwanda, Bosnia, and elsewhere).
What distinguishes "Alicia: My Story" despite the unspeakable horror is this horror as viewed through the eyes of a girl who simply refuses to give in and give up. She is an amazingly strong girl who used everything she had to survive. And she tells the story in a matter of fact way that propels the narrative forward and keeps the reader turning the pages to find out what happens next.
If one has never been exposed to what went on during World War Two, this excellent book is the perfect place to start.

Alicia
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-11-01
I read a lot of Holocaust-related stories in middle school. As morbid as it sounds, they were so interesting, and so heartbreaking to read. There are quite a few more still sitting in my closet that I could review, but this was my favorite, and probably the one that got me into the topic. A really great story, particularly because it's a true one.

An irrepressible spirit of survival
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-12
Raised from the age of five in Buczacz, which was roughly a third Jewish at that time, Alicia was sheltered relatively well from the anti-Semitism that plagued her town, as well as the rest of Europe. She had many friends, both Jewish and Christian.
After the Hitler-Stalin Pact of 1939, whereby the two genocidal dictators divided Poland between them, Buczacz fell into the Soviet zone. The Soviets began a forced Sovietization drive, and deported thousands of people to slave labour, or their deaths, who they saw as 'enemies of the Soviet Union'.Alicia recalls being offended and hurt, on behalf of her Christian friends, for whose religion she had deep respect, when the Madonna and Child were removed from their customary spot in the classroom and replaced by scowling portraits of Lenin and Stalin.
Alicia's second-oldest brother Moshe was shot by the Soviets after returning to Poland, from the harsh conditions in Russia, where he had gone for education.
In June 1941, the Germans broke their pact with the Soviets and swept through eastern Poland on their way to Russia - Operation Barbarossa had begun. The Germans, however, had an even worse plan than the Soviets had had for Europe's Jews: it was known as Endlosung (aka The Final Solution).

Alicia's father was shot, alongside 600 other Jewish community leaders, shortly after the Nazi invasion.
Alicia, and her mother and brothers were forced to leave their beautiful home, and to settle in the ghetto.
They lived under harsh laws whereby Jews were forced to wear armbands with stars of David.
Jews who tried to leave the ghetto or to enter the synagogue would be executed.
Alicia's brother Bunion was then executed by the Nazis.

While visiting a Jewish family in the town, 12 year old Alicia was arrested by the Nazis along with thousands of other Jews, but escaped from the train to the death camps, together with a band of other young people.
After Alicia's brother Zachary was shot by the Nazis She swore on his grave that if she survived she would speak for her silenced family.
This book is a powerful and unforgettable fulfilment of that oath.
It keeps us engaged and emotionally involved on every page, as we read of her struggle to survive, her irrepressible spirit, her many brushes with death. She never gave up her will to survive nor her humanity for fellow victims of the Nazis, many of whom she helped to rescue, many of whom died before her eyes.
She witnessed such horrors as babies being shot in their cribs by the Nazis.
While many of the Polish and Ukrainian neighbours helped the Nazis and joined in the killings, there were always those few that helped to keep their Jewish fellow humans alive, including a Polish family on whose farm Alicia worked.
After the war, Alicia's struggle was not over.
She was imprisoned by the Soviets and took part in the secret operation to smuggle Jews to the Land of Israel, across Europe, at a time when the British were keeping the Holocaust survivors out, often with brutal and violent methods reminiscent of the Nazis themselves.
Alicia was on the ship Theodor Herzl, carrying young Holocaust survivors to Israel, in 1946, when it was rammed by British frigates, after which British soldiers then boarded the ship and attacked the survivors, beating to death six young Jews and allowing others to drown while trying to escape.
This courageous girl, had struggled as part of the Jewish nation against three ruthless empires.


Schools
Saunders Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-RNĀ® Examination (Saunders Comprehensive Review for Nclex-Rn)
Published in Paperback by Saunders (2007-10-23)
Author: Linda Anne Silvestri
List price: $49.95
New price: $43.00
Used price: $39.88

Average review score:

Comprehensive Review
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-10-05
Although I am only halfway through the text, I have found it covers a multitude of topics and is very easy to use. I especially enjoy the accompanying CD which provides questions similar to the ones I experienced in nursing school. As an added benefit, there are a few assessment questions with an audio component that require knowledge from a student's clinical experience. With over twelve hundred pages, it is rather large and time-consuming, and some topics are not discussed in great depth. However, for an outstanding general review this book is well worth the money.

Great Review Book
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-29
I have been looking for a NCLEX-RN book that would help get me prepared for BIG TEST. I been using it has we cover the sections in my lecture class. So far, I have used it as a study guide for endocrine and cardiac exams with success. I haven't found any differences for this review book and my lecture book.
I think that is a really great book because it is almost like a med-surg book without all of the information that you do not need. NOTE: This is a comprehensive book--meaning it is not just a book full of questions. It is an outline of each system. The CD has the NCLEX questions on it (however, the book about 30 questions at the end of each chapter).

Test time helper
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-23
I'm currently in nursing school and this book has been very helpful. IT has content review in every chapter followed by sample NCLEX questions at the end of each chapter. It also has a comprehensive test at the end of the book and a cd-rom with 3,000 additional questions. It has been amazing when studying for tests!

Saunders Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-RN Examination
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-22
The book was brand new came in a timely fashion. I would definitely purchase other items from this seller!!!

good
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-15
This book arrived on time and as described will recommend it to all nursing students.

Schools
The China Garden
Published in School & Library Binding by Topeka Bindery (2001-03)
Author: Liz Berry
List price: $17.55
New price: $17.55
Collectible price: $27.00

Average review score:

deeply fabulous
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-21
Oh, I love this book. I first came across it when a friend lent it to me. That was in 2004. I still have the book.

While I am planning on giving it back to her (soon, I swear) I bring up this embarrassing story just to point out what holding power this book has. At this point, I've read it so many times that I don't remember what my initial reaction was. Every time I reread it, though, I discover more details and make more connections. More imporatantly, the story is rich enough and gripping enough to still be engrossing even after so many rereads.

The characters in this book are rich and well-developed. What I love most about it, however, are its setting and its intricately layered plot. Ravensmere ended up being up quite as much a living, breathing entity as were any of the characters, and had a distinct personality of its own; as a United States girl, this book makes me want to go to Britain and find my own equivalent of the estate with each reread. As for the layering of the plot -- simply put, this is one of those books where every detail matters. As the story progresses, it constantly reflects back to something mentioned, even if only in passing. This makes it interesting and quite thought-provoking.

This is a young adult novel, and as such may be passed over by many more dignified readers. Despite that, however, it is a well-written, complex, lovely book. Really, the only thing that disappoints me about it is that the rest of Liz Berry's work is so difficult to find.

Anyway. Yes. Read the book!



The China Garden Review
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-28
Liz Berry's book, The China Garden, was... insightful. She has an incredible ability to paint a picture with her words. Never before have I felt more into another world. She transforms your mind and makes you view what her characters are seeing. Not as keen with feeling, nothing to the extent of, say, Stephenie Meyer in the emotional front. However, the pictures she provided were grand and all too entrancing. The book, holding a deep moral obligation to save the planet, showed the necessity in the most obscure way possible. Burning humans, telepathy, and foresight, all bound in present times. None of these extraordinary gifts were deemed out of the norm, as if having the ability to predict the trend in the Stock Exchange was a normality. All in all, it was an excellent read, and I would gladly pass it on.

I've loved this since I was too young to understand it.
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-12-10
Me and my sister have read this book over and over since we were quite small, I still adore it, it seems like every time I read it I discover something new. Wonderful book to read aloud! I hope you enjoy it as I have!

China Garden
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-09-10
ISBN 0380732289 - With teens the target audience, and with teens largely able to pick their own reading material without mom and dad nosing in, let me at least note that the sex scenes aren't as bad as romance novels for the grown-up audience, but they're there.

Clare and her mother, Frances, have some trouble getting along lately, partly because of the boy Clare's been dating. Once somewhat idealistic, Clare has taken up Adrian's opinions, which tend toward the "every man for himself", greedy sort. This is a little thing compared to what's coming next - Frances has taken a job as a private nurse and tells Clare, basically, that she ought to stay behind in London. Clare, however, makes up her own mind (for once) and decides to go along to Ravensmere, where her mother will be caring for 87 year old Mr. Aylward. Slowly, long-hidden truths begin to come to light.

So many things Clare thought she knew - from where her mother was born, to her own name - turn out to be half-truths or outright lies. Frances had spent Clare's entire life protecting her from Ravensmere and the legacy that will be hers, no matter what she does. With a history that might well go back tens of thousands of years, Ravensmere and the families tied to it protect a secret so powerful that the head of the Aylward family and his bride, always a Kenward daughter, must protect it with their lives.

Really well done, with a nice build up (that others found too slow) that leaves you wondering where everything is headed. As the secrets are revealed to the reader, and to Clare, understanding begins to dawn - but the real secret is beyond your guessing. You're going to have to read it to find out!

On the negative side, there's not much. At one point Clare snaps "Cat fleas don't live on humans." at Roger Fletcher, which is just stupid, since there's no such thing as "cat fleas" and fleas DO live on humans. And I hate to say it, but the ending wasn't as well done as the rest of the book. If Clare and Mark hadn't actually SAID what it was that they were sworn to protect, I'd still have no idea. Don't let that scare you off, though, because this one is one you'll be sorry to miss out on!

An amazing fantasty/mysery set in the English countryside
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-10-05
This is an amazing fantasy/mystery/romance. It is about a girl who is slowly unravelling the mystery of her mother's past and her future, after they move to a beautiful and mysterious country estate in England. The story is very original and filled with symbolism.
I definitely recommend reading it. I gave it 4.5 stars, rather than 5 because I am extremely picky about what I consider a 5 star book. The only qualm I had with this book was that the romance seemed a bit shallow. It was based almost entirely on a fate they seemed unable to escape, and instantaneous sexual attraction. The sexual content is a bit mature for teens too.
Aside from that, I really liked it.

Schools
Coming Home (Heartland (Econo-Clad Hardcover))
Published in School & Library Binding by Topeka Bindery (2000-09)
Author: Lauren Brooke
List price: $13.50
Used price: $2.99

Average review score:

Touching
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-12-01
I really liked this book. Even though I'm an older reader (52) who collects horse fiction, and its out of my age bracket, I found it to be very readable and it held my interest. Its a wonderful book for the young teen. The main character, Amy, learns some significant lessons in life after her mother dies in a tragic accident, and she is left to run the horse rescue by herself. She learns that life does go on, and responsibilites must still be realized, even in the face of tragedy. The characters in this book are likeable, the horses and horse terminology are realistic, and the book is not overly mushy or boring. It moves pretty quickly, and has a taste of suspense at times. All in all, I believe this book would be an excellent gift for a young, horse crazy girl! I would have greatly appreciated having it when I was at that age where horses were just about my whole world, and boys came second!

Beautiful story
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-05-17
This is a beautiful, touching story of love , strength , hope , and regeneration after an agonizing loss.
Even though it is a young adult novel, I recommend it to anyone of any age.

Heartland Review By Andrea
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-04-26
Heartland-Coming Home

Heartland is a place of dreams and horses and that's where Amy's heart belongs. Heartland is a place like no other, breaks painful memories and teaches horses to trust again. To what I know Amy's calls Heartland home like no other place in the entire world. Amy loves her family very much and especially her mom. She loves her mom because she has don many things for her. I think Amy likes having her mom's gift, having to be able to understand what they need. And saving the animals by teaching them to stay healthy and stay trusting.

This book is mostly about a girl named Amy. And Amy is trying to help these horses that can't trust anyone anymore. And later in the book something bad happens. Someone get into a terrible accident. But you have to read the book to find out.

Great Series
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-04-09
Bought this for my 15 year old daughter. She loved it and actually read it. Which is always nice to have a teenager read!

Heartland Coming Home
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-02-17
This is about a girl who loved horses, and her mother owned a ranch called "Heartland". They take care of and help any type of horse. One day they went to rescue a horse and her mom died from getting hit by a falling tree. Amy is left to save Heartland.
I think this story is really good. It reminds me of my life because I take care of horses. I also think that Amy will safe Heartland and be just like her mother. Also I think Amy and Ty will get together. I would recommend this book to people because this story is sad and truthful about life.

Schools
Good Night, Mr Tom
Published in School & Library Binding by Topeka Bindery (1999-10)
Author: Michelle Magorian
List price: $16.95
New price: $16.95
Used price: $29.04

Average review score:

Wonderful On So Many Levels
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-12
This is a simply wonderful novel that by no means should be pigeonholed as "young adult" if that means being denied an adult audience, though it had more than a few elements in common with "Anne of Green Gables." It works on so many different levels and is both sensitive and intelligent. The characters are memorable and believable. And it doesn't just deal with child abuse, though it does so convincingly and heart-wrenchingly, but is equally good in its descriptions of children being nurtured creatively, and in its depictions of friendships between adults and children. I can hardly think of a thing about it I didn't like, and I look forward eagerly to more from this author.

powerful story about family
Helpful Votes: 13 out of 14 total.
Review Date: 2007-07-11
Timid, scrawny, Willie Beech is the abused child of a single mother. She sends him to Mr. Tom, who lives in the English countryside, because London is being bombed by the Nazis.

The two main adults in this story, the mother and Mr. Tom, seem very similar in the beginning. Yet, by the end, we see that they are completely different. What really hit home was this: hard times can make hard people, but one's true colors shine through when faced with others in need.

Mr. Tom's gruff exterior is only his exterior. He's really got a warm heart, which he opens up to Willie and shows him the love that's supposed to be in a family.

The mother's quiet, strict exterior masks her bitter, mean nature. She has no love for her children, and abuses them in subtle, neglectful ways.

We don't actually see the abuse, we see the end result...which, in my opinion, is far more powerful. I cried for Willie at the end of this book, and cheered Mr. Tom for doing everything he could to save this poor boy. When children are old enough to understand the results of abuse, every family should read this book.

Excellent book....
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-28
This book is very intense but a good read. It is about evacuees from the London area because WWII was beginning. This particular town is painted different than most during this era. The people are nice and giving. If anyone does misuse the children they are put out for it! The major characters meet each other and both are not too sure of the other. It tells the story of a lost soul bringing healing to another lost soul. There are some intense and disgusting scenes but when you come out on the other side it is worth it! I don't recommend this book for anyone under the age of 12 or 13.

Amazing Stuff
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-03-18
I decided to read this book for seventh grade accellerated reader. This great piece of literature has quickly become one of my all time favorite books. I'm very hard to please when it comes to books. When you read this, you become so attached to every last character. It is truly amazing.

Good Night, Mr. Tom
Helpful Votes: 5 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2007-12-16
"Good Night, Mr. Tom" puzzles me. When I read it objectively, looking only at the writing, it's not so impressive. The flow isn't particularly good and at times the book clunks along. The dialogue is engaging, though, and thoroughly real.

And the story itself is incredible. "Good Night, Mr. Tom" tells of a young London boy who is sent out to live in the country during World War II for his safety. There, away from an abusive home, Willie is able to grow and learn what it means to be loved.

With a series of remarkably realistic and fun characters, Willie (renamed Will in his new home with "Mr. Tom") moves and grows. Aspects of the book will make the reader cry (quite a few), aspects will chill you, but on the whole you will smile through your tears, because this book is just... special. It's got a very special feel to it, through tears and sad moments.

So while at times the story gets dull, it's an excellent book. I would recommend this to young teens, mostly because it deals with serious issues and might be a bit much for younger kids.

Definitely recommended.

Schools
Song of the Wanderer (The Unicorn Chronicles, Book 2)
Published in School & Library Binding by Topeka Bindery (2003-12)
Author: Bruce Coville
List price: $14.65
New price: $14.65
Used price: $7.49

Average review score:

fantastic fantasy
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-10-01
This story was a wonderful fantasy story for your pre-teen. I think it will touch the young fantazsies of all of us.

Compelling read for Middle Readers
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-21
Cara's instructions from her grandmother, Ivy, were very clear. Cara was to protect the amulet and to give the unicorn queen a message-one that ultimately means Cara must return to Earth to save her grandmother, known as the Wanderer. And she must return to Luster with Ivy as it is time to heal old wounds.

But returning to Earth is not as easy as it was traveling to Luster. Cara enlists the help of M'Gama (the Geomancer) who will plot Cara's journey. That journey will be arduous and dangerous and it will be accomplished with the help of Cara's many friends from Luster.

Cara successfully returns to Earth but finds Ivy trapped in a mysterious and strange dimension by Beloved, the evil ancestor of Cara. Beloved's only goal is to kill all the unicorns.

The man who is a Hunter and who stalked Cara and her friends in Book I make a return appearance in Song of the Wanderer and the relationship between the Hunter and Cara is settled. There are further secrets revealed about Ivy's past and there are threads left open that will undoubtably be answered in Book III.

Song of the Wanderer is an exciting sequel to Book I and I suggest that the books be read in order. It just makes the experience richer. The plot is more intricate and has more depth in Book II and in effect draws in the reader deeper into the story and helps make a stronger connection to the characters. When the final page was read, I couldn't wait to begin Book III.

Armchair Interviews says: Song of the Wanderer is a compelling story for any Middle Reader.

Looking forward to this book
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-04-25
My daughter hasn't made it to this book yet but she is looking forward to it!

Coville's lyrical writing takes you on a whimsical adventure that won't soon be forgotten!
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-06-29
After being cast into the mysterious land of Luster not too long ago, twelve-year-old Cara Diana Hunter is finally just moments away from meeting the Unicorn Queen - Arabella Skydancer. During her time in Luster, while Cara has missed Grandmother Morris dearly, she has made friends with mythical creatures of all shapes and sizes - from Thomas the Tinker to Lightfoot the Unicorn, and a squirrel-like creature called Squijum to the half bear/half human Dimblethum, and many, many more. But the time has come to buckle down and complete the mission at hand to save Luster forever as we know it. The Unicorn Queen has reached old age. She is fading slowly but surely; however, she refuses to say farewell to her friends and family until she has had the opportunity to see Grandmother Morris - aka The Wanderer - one last time. This is where Cara enters the story. It is the Unicorn Queen's request that Cara, along with a glory of unicorns - Moonheart, Finder, and Belle. Together, Cara and the glory of unicorns - along with Thomas the Tinker and Squijum - will make their way back to Earth, in order to save Grandmother Morris from Beloved and the rest of the Hunter's, and return her to her rightful home right here in Luster. Cara is convinced that, with the assistance of her strong, and powerful friends, the task will be simple. However, she soon realizes that heading back to Earth and locating Grandmother Morris is a much more difficult task than she ever could have imagined. For one, their days are numbered before the dynamics of Luster shift for Autumn, and make it impossible to re-enter Luster in the same location where they departed. Two, the companions will have to find a way to make it to the back of the dragon, Ebillan's cave, in an attempt to reach the secret door that bridges the gap between Earth and Luster. And three, with various moments of contact with the wicked Beloved, Cara has no idea what to expect when she takes her first steps back onto Earth's soil. She's also reluctant to find out. As much as she wants to see Grandmother Morris again, she can't help but feel nervous about leaving the quiet, shimmery world of Luster. But, alas, Cara accepts the task, and begins her journey. This time, however, the journey is much more tiring than her first travels through Luster. With a request to pay a visit to the Geomancer, M'Gama, Cara visits the magician of sorts, where she is given provisions and protection to help her during her quest. But her time with M'Gama is not nearly as important as her time with Grimwold, the individual who records all of the Unicorn Chronicles, and has a very special story waiting for Cara and her companions when they arrive at his front door during their journey. With Grimwold and M'Gama's instructions and information close at hand, Cara sets her mind on accomplishing her task, and finding Grandmother Morris. But through battles with vicious delvers, and encounters with enough mythical creatures to make your head spin; Cara becomes to wonder whether she'll be able to accomplish her task in the set amount of days, or if she'll be the ruination of Luster altogether.

I absolutely adored Bruce Coville's INTO THE LAND OF THE UNICORNS, which I read a little over a year ago. However, upon beginning SONG OF THE WANDERER, I quickly realized that, as fabulous as its predecessor was, it couldn't hold a candle to the magic and adventure found within the pages of SONG OF THE WANDERER. Coville has returned with the rest of Cara's story, painting Cara, once more, as an understanding, brave, kind individual; whose loyalty to her Grandmother, her friends, and the secret world of Luster is admirable; while her determination to complete any task that may find its way to her is thrilling. The fact that, like with INTO THE LAND OF THE UNICORNS, Coville has kept many secondary characters around, and introduced many more only adds to the excitement of the tale, and makes it impossible to stop reading. The Squijum is still one of my favorite characters. His constant ramblings are humorous; while his ability to brighten the mood in any situation makes him a much-needed character. Thomas the Tinker is also a fun individual. The fact that he owns a caravan that can be folded into the size of a piece of paper adds a little magic to the story; while his protectiveness over Cara makes him appear quite similar to a father-like character, whom you can't help but love. I was absolutely ecstatic to see that the faces of Lightfoot the Unicorn and the Dimblethum made appearances throughout SONG OF THE WANDERER, as they are two very important characters whom I certainly wouldn't want to see cut from the story. Coville's descriptions of the vicious delvers, and their surprise attacks send shivers up your spine; while the stories that Grimwold recants regarding Unicorn history are absorbing, and hard to resist. Coville's lyrical writing takes you on a whimsical adventure that won't soon be forgotten!

Erika Sorocco
Freelance Reviewer

A Great Book Cannot wait for the next
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-05-15
I thought this book was really great. Bruce Coville did a great job with this book as he did with the last one. Cara is one of my favorite book characters and I just loved all the twists this book had. Thses books are not your average unicorn books! Some good news for anyone who has already read these books and want to know if there's more there is. Book 3 is supposed to come out around April 2008 and called Dark Whispers. There will also be a book 4.

Schools
Rebel Angels
Published in Hardcover by Delacorte Books for Young Readers (2005-08-23)
Author: Libba Bray
List price: $16.95
New price: $12.14
Used price: $10.59

Average review score:

Awesome book!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-18
I LOVED this book! The first book in this series (A Great and Terrible Beauty) was a little slow, but this one is absolutely captivating! Gemma is easy to like and easy to realte to. The story is interesting, the descriptions are beautiful, and the characters are complex and wonderfully developed. This is one of the best books I've read in a long time. I wasn't sure after finishing the first one, but I decided to give this one a shot. I am so glad I did! Definitely, read this book!!

A good continuation of A Great and Terrible Beauty
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-03
A Great and Terrible Beauty was the first and best book in this series, but the final two books in the trilogy (including this one as #2) are great as well. They are a little sexy for young advanced readers, but only in a very few parts. These books are definitely worth reading.

Impressive
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-19
I enjoyed this book. It was a bit longer than I expected (550 pages seems like a lot for a young adult read); however, the writing was simple and easy to follow, so it didn't become tedious. The plot was very nicely designed. I enjoyed the first book as well, but this one was even better. This book is a worthy addition to the Gemma Doyle saga.

Wickedly Wonderful
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-03
Rebel Angels is the wonderful sequel to A Great and Terrible Beauty. A gulped up AGATB in two gulps, and RA in the same way. I enjoy this book series emensely, yet at the same time find them annyoing. I always seem to find qualms with ther hundreds of books I read each year, and this one is no exception. But don't totally forsake this book if you read this review: Rebel Angels is beautifully written, and Libba Bray is a great writer. But no work is ever perfect....

Qualm Number 1: I am a true romantic. Although I would never read downright romance novels, I love that little bit of love and denial in each book I read; I come to expect it. But I was so mad that Kartik and Gemma didn't get together in this book. WHAT IS WRONG WITH THEM? Kartik is so obviously crazy about Gemma, and she chooses to ignore him, sit in her little realm world, la la la I can't her you. And what she said to him was unintentionally mean, but he should have gotten over it, since love is endless. Personally, I would already have them together in the first book...but that's just me. But Kartik sounds like such a nice guy, you know? I have the absurd tendency to fall in love with characters, and Kartik joins Percy Jackson and Edward Cullen in this department. Why can't Gemma realize that? WHY? Ok, ranting over on that subject. I am not crazt haha :)

Moving on....
Qualm Number 2: Is it just me, or does it seem like Felicity and Ann are using Gemma? I think that they are, just to get to the realms. Felicity wants the power and to see Pippa, and Ann just wants to be beautiful. They really don't have those experiences friends have. When Gemma finds out about Felicity's past abuses Felicity doesn't cry on her shoulder; she just gets all amd. And Ann...although I liked how she lied about her family, I thought that was too out of character for her. Felicity is so pushing her to be what she is not. And what about Pippa? In the last book she seemed like she had multiple-personalities, and in RA too. One minute she is nice, the next whiny, althoug that might be the realms I don't know. Felicity also treats her weird, one minute Gemma's best friend and the next Pippa's. The whole friendship aspect is a little crazy.

Qualm Number 3: SPOILER!!!! I knew Miss Moore was Circe since AGATB, so that was very predicatble. I was a little sad though. She seemed really nice. :(

Ok, so I loved this book with a passion, and it is now on the sacred bookshelf in my room. I'm getting the sequel, The Sweet Far Thing, so soon as I can. So if you need a book to read, read this one. It's scary at times, but I was enraputured 24/7. Go get it now!!!

this book......
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-09
is entertaining.....it took off right from where the first one ended.....it is well worth the money

Schools
Emperor Mage: The Immortals
Published in School & Library Binding by Topeka Bindery (1999-10)
Author: Tamora Pierce
List price: $13.75

Average review score:

Loved the book
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-12
I got the book faster than anticipated. I also read the book faster than anticipated. Now I need to get the last book of the series. I can't believe how easy it is to read these books, and I mean that in a way that adults will enjoy it too. I would recommend ALL of Tamora Pierce's books for anyone, but especially for women and teen girls. It's full of strength and spirit for females without being abusive to males. Check it out!

This Book Rocked
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-07
I loved this book. I am hoping for a realtionship between Daine and the Numair. I loved the story line and the plot was quite interesting. I cant wait to read the fourth of this series.

Great!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-17
This book is no disappointment for anyone who likes Tamora Pierce's Tortall books. A great read. Recommended for anyone looking for adventure. This book, of course, is a sequel, and is well worth reading. Tamora Pierce does not disappoint with her intriguing plot, life-like characters, thrilling adventures. Brilliant cover art for this edition. As usual a wonderful installment in her Tortall adventures.

Dinos bent on Destruction
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-02-20
Ever wished you could trash an empiral palace using dinosaurs? Then this book is for you! Animal lovers unite to take out the bad guy.

Ozorne's making trouble!
Helpful Votes: 5 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2007-03-31
Daine and her teacher Numair Salamin are sent to Carthak as part of the peace legion. But although Ozorne says that he didn't attack Tortall Daine can tell that he's up to something. She can feel it.

In this book Daine is captured by...sorry I won't tell you. Numair tries to save her and...another thing I won't say. Ozorne is growing powerful and Daine see's her power growing in strange ways. Are these powers good or bad?

While Daine is here she meets Kaddar the prince of Carthak and maybe, just maybe they can do something to stop the war and to defeat Ozorne...

Please read this book. I'm sure you'll enjoy it. It has magic, fantasy, action, adventure and a touch of romance.


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