Alicia Witt Books

I checked out Amber Brown Is Not A Crayron and read it too my class. They loved all her adventures and some of my students could really relate to Amber Brown. Once I finished the book we discovered she had written more books. I read them each year to my class! I hope Amber Brown continues her adventures.

The Amber Brown series is good for everyone. I own the entire set, (all six books!) and think a lot about Justin moving away... I've already had a few best friends move away also. Although there are some sad parts, like when Justin threw away the bubble gum ball, it is a hilarious series.

Required reader for my son's class. He loved it1 Said it was funny and the class liked reading it.

My daughter (aged 4) and I read this book together. It is a bit mature for her and therefore did not hold her attention as well as books usually do (this, of course, is not the book's fault). It is our first Amber Brown book. The book explores the topics of friendship, how to handle difficult feelings, how to adjust to change, and how to say goodbye/deal with a loss (divorce is also mentioned a little). These topics are handled well, which is why I gave the book 3 stars. The reason that I did not give it four or five stars is that the book was not particularly witty or engaging, not did Amber and Justin really 'sound' like third-graders (at least not in the same way that Junie B. Jones sounds like a kindergartner). I would recommend this book if your elementary-aged child is confronting the issues that Amber faces in this book. Otherwise, I would probably not recommend it.

I liked this book because it is about two best friends named Amber Brown and Justin Daniels. In this book Justin is moving away and he and Amber have a fight. This is a funny book that is full of character! I hope you read to see IF they make up!

I like the story Amber Brown is not a crayon. The best character was Amber Brown. I like Amber Brown because she is funny. The story was good because Amber was nice. I also liked the story because it was funny. I think you should read this story because it shows how to get back together when you breakup and be friends.

Third grader, Amber Brown, and Justin Daniels have been best friends ever since preschool. They always know what the other is thinking, have created a giant ball of chewed gum that is their prized possession, and have the perfect way to eat Oreo cookies - Amber eats the cream filling, and Justin eats the chocolate cookie shell. Having known each other forever has only worked to help them survive school. After all, they're constantly sticking up for one another when someone decides to tease them about their names - "Amber Brown is not a crayon," "Justin Time" - they help each other out with homework - Justin is the math brainiac, while Amber's strong-point is spelling and penmanship - and they sit next to each other for all class activities. Which is why they both have a hard time accepting the fact that Justin is moving. As a dynamic duo, the two can't imagine being separated. And no, it's not being separated by a town, or a single state, but, rather, thousands of miles. Justin will be in Arizona, and Amber will be stuck in New Jersey. Now, as they begin contemplating what life will be like without the other by their side, disaster strikes, and the two bosom buddies begin fighting like cats and dogs - refusing to even speak to one another. The people around them, from their parents to their beloved teacher, Mr. Cohen, have no idea what to do to get the two pals to make up, and everyone begins to wonder whether the two will manage to mend their friendship, before it's too late.

I originally read AMBER BROWN IS NOT A CRAYON when I was in the fourth grade, and instantly fell in love with Amber. Paula Danziger has a magical way of meshing the fun (best friends, school projects) with the serious (moving away), to create a splendid work of fiction that really appeals to young readers. Her ability to bring real-life situations to the forefront, and shine a spotlight on them is inspiring, and will obviously win a place in the heart of readers who are experiencing similar situations. Danziger manages to put various lessons into such a compact book, from conflict resolution, to feeling comfortable enough to reveal your true emotions. Amber is a lovable character, whose sloppy, messy ways make her unique, and easy to relate to; while her friendship with Justin really illustrates just how strong the bond can be between children - even those as young as the two characters in this book. Justin, on the other hand, also brings a diversity to the story, and helps to highlight both his, and Amber's quirks. The two characters play off of one another marvelously, and truly bring their own unique voices to the tale. Step in to the feisty world of Amber Brown and friends!

Erika Sorocco
Freelance Reviewer

ISBN 0590934252 - Danziger's career spanned several decades, including my childhood, when I first discovered her. That history does increase my fondness for Amber Brown, but I'd decided to like this girl even before I realized who the author was.

Amber's heading into fourth grade without some very important people. Her best friend, Justin, has moved away and her father is living in Paris since her parents separated. Fourth grade is going to be hard enough but without a best friend it's going to be lonely too. Looming in the background is her mother's new boyfriend, Max - a man Amber hasn't met and has no interest in meeting any time soon. Right now, her primary focus is on finding a new best friend.

I'm really impressed that this book (and the other Amber Brown books, I assume) is so very realistic. Parents divorce and some, like Amber's, can remain civil, at least in front of the kids. Friends move away, and friends fight. Those things aren't happy, good things, but they're real and the way Amber and her friends and family deal with them sends a nice message to the young reader. It's also nice to see that Amber grows at a normal pace unlike some series where the main character stays 10 forever. Danziger's death has left a hole in children's literature but I, for one, am just glad Amber Brown lives on.

If you like Amber Brown, you will like this book. I haven't read many other A.B. books, infact, the only ones I can remember reading are Amber Brown Is Not A Crayon and You Can't Eat Your Chicken Pox, Amber Brown. In this chapter book, Amber(the girl with the colorful name and the need to put her right shoe on first), must go forth to a new school year without her friend Justin for the first time in I *think* 6 years. It's tough making new friends and Hannah Burton is still a snob. And if that's not bad enough, Amber has to put up with her Mom's new boyfriend, whom she has never met and never wishes to. She is still fantasizing about her parents getting back together. However, at the end of the story, Amber concludes that she can't change things, but must learn to live with them. This book has it's moments. It's funny, it's fresh and it's way too short! :P Maybe it's just me. Cute.

my daughter read it and she really likes it. great book!!

Amber Brown Goes Fourth is a very good book. There are a lot of changes in Ambers' life but she is willing to accept them. For insance, her best friend named Justin moved away over the summer so Amber has to go on to fourth grade without him. She does make friends with Brandy. It is very interesting to watch their friendship grow.
I also liked the part where the boys from Amber's class have a fake burping contest. Amber and Brandy do not win, but they do get another one of the prizes. The connection that I made to Amber Brown Goes Fourth was from Amber to me. We are both happy and we have both had a friend move away.
Dejah from Stockbridge Central School grade 4

I think you should read that book . Her mom gots a friend and Amber don't like it at all. She's mad because Justin move away. The first day of school she knew she had a new best friend.That's why you need to read that book.

this is a cute story about a girl named amber brown who travels to london with her aunt on her way to see her father who lives in france. while in london, amber comes down with the chicken pox, and she never gets to make it to france, but her father does come to london to see her. the story tells about her time in london and her efforts to get her mother and father back together. this a cute book for any young child, especially those with divorced parents. the whole series is great.

This book was an okay book, but thier could have been a little more excitement and adventure, which I think makes this book kind of boring, but the good thing is she had fun in Europe.

Third grader, Amber Brown, has experienced one very trying year. First, her parents informed her that not only were they getting a divorce, but that her father was moving to France to take on a new job. Then, to add even more drama to the mix, her best friend since preschool, Justin Daniels, up and left New Jersey to accompany his family in Arizona where his father had taken on a new job. Now, while Amber is happy to be embarking on the unknown world of fourth grade, she's upset to be leaving her beloved teacher, Mr. Cohen, behind. Mr. Cohen has made learning fun, and his frequent trips to foreign countries with his class will sorely be missed - especially by Amber. Luckily, this year Amber has something to look forward to during her summer vacation. First, she will be flying to London to spend two weeks with her Aunt Pam in England - a place where people drive on the wrong side of the road. Then, she'll be flying to Paris, France, where she'll be spending time with her father, whom she hasn't seen in what seems like forever. However, Amber's plans instantly change when she gets to London and realizes that she has come down with a case of chicken pox. Amber is horrified. With chicken pox, she can't possibly see the sights that London has to offer, or visit her father in France. Amber just knows that her summer is completely ruined, and can't believe her luck. That is, until she discovers that having the chicken pox isn't as bad as she originally thought - especially when you're surrounded by people you love.

In AMBER BROWN IS NOT A CRAYON, Paula Danziger tackled the issue of having your best friend move away. In YOU CAN'T EAT YOUR CHICKEN POX AMBER BROWN, Danziger tackles another issue - even more serious than the last - divorce - yet manages to keep it light-hearted, and easy-to-understand for young readers. Amber Brown, as always, is her usual chatty self, with her perky disposition, and a penchant for finding the humorous side in any situation. While the majority of the tale takes place in a London flat, it is in this location where Amber truly comes face-to-face with the many monsters that are haunting her - from a sudden illness to her parents lingering divorce. The introduction of Amber's Aunt Pam, along with her father are a nice inclusion to the tale. However, they certainly do not take the place of Amber's best friend, Justin, or her mother. The storyline in this particular book is slightly more touching, and a little more heart-wrenching, but Danziger is able to pull it off, and showcase Amber's feisty, upbeat personality - even in the face of sorrow. A slightly somber addition to the world of Amber Brown.

Erika Sorocco
Freelance Reviewer

I read many of the Amber Brown books with my 7-year old daughter, and generally, we love them. All of the books have a portion dedicated to the fact that her parents have split up and how she is dealing with this situation. Although my daughter cannot relate directly to that, it has lead to some interesting discussions. Most of the books have a humerous story interweaved, but unfortunately, not this one. It is a story of a girl who goes to Europe to visit her father, gets sick, and is bored sitting in her aunt's flat. We were as bored as Amber. While I would highly recommend other books (I, Amber Brown; Amber Brown Sees Red; Forever Amber Brown), I have to recommend staying away from this one.

I just finished this story. It is about Amber Brown at school. Her best friend Justin Daniels just moved away. When she came home her parents get divorced. Guess what! Her dad moves to France. She could not believe what happened to her life. Her life was wrecked into pieces! She was heart broken. Then a couple of months later she goes to France. She was so happy to see her dad. France was so cool. But she gets the chicken pox! I thought the book was great! It lots of parts I liked. I don't have a favorite part, though!- By Amanda H. Age 7

Original, fun, with a sad unconventional ending. A definite love it or hate it movie. Makes you appreciate what you have rather than taking everything for granted as David Ames does. If you "don't get it" at first, watch it again. If you watched it once and hated it...don't bother.

For many years this has been one of my favourite films. The very film itself is very "Faustian", in it's theoretically never ending quest for love, experience and knowledge. It also has a much darker side to it, reminding me somewhat of another absolutely wonderful dark film; "The Jacket", with a touch of "Donnie Darko". I've seen the original Spanish film "Abre los ojos" that this more or less is an exact remake of, and amusingly, it contains the same lovely Penelope Cruz in her role as Sofia Serrano. The lead character David Aames is played by Tom Cruise, not someone I particularly like neither in "real life" nor in this film, but he does a good job in this film, and that is after all what counts. His role as a lucky rich boy with no responsibility and who's "all about fun", in his own words, represents my complete opposite, that being so, he quickly finds himself forced to recognize that "there are consequences in life".

Aames falls completely in love with a girl that his lonely best friend brings to Aames' own birthday party (some friend, huh?). Jason Lee does an excellent role with his character Brian Shelby. The happiness ends suddenly though, after Aames lack of responsibility comes back around to him the morning after and he ends up emotionally and physically crippled afterwards. Cameron Diaz plays the character of the slut stalker of Aames, and no fault of Diaz, her character is completely horrible, an awful person.

Without revealing the end and the entire plot for those of you out there who strangely have not seen this marvellous film yet, I would just like to recommend this beyond words. Even though the upper layer of the film seems very "decadent" and "shallow", it really is about (in my view) the greatest thing of all, the search for knowledge and experience. Add the beautiful Penelope Cruz and a really existentialist theme throughout, which I'm sure everyone who thinks for him or herself can relate to (is the world real or merely an illusion?), and you've got yourself one of my favourite films. The end scene is simply sublime, with what probably is the best song in the world, Sigur Ros' divine "Njosnavellin".

Watch it!

This movie is a love story with some sci-fi elements awkwardly thrown in, but there are some moments of good acting and dialogue that make it worth watching.

All the reviewers who said that this is a movie you love or hate,and I really hated it. It was long, boring, and I just didn't connect with any of the characters. I would have turned it off long before it was over, but I was watching it with other people. The only thing remotely good is Camron Diaz, I guess I did like one character after all. Stay away unless you feel you just have to, and if you hate it, you can jump into our ship!

A film which makes an attempt to pattern itself on the fantasy vs. reality films that had become popular at the turn of the new millennium - David Fichner's "Fight Club" and M. Night Shamalan's "Sixth Sense" both from 1999, Christopher Nolan's "Momento" from 2000, and David Lynch's "Mulholland Drive" released the following year (all of which don't surpass the reigning king of this genre when Terry Gilliam released his 1985 masterpiece "Brazil") - by no means fails in this respect since I found it both entertaining and intriguing for the most part, but is noticeably long and certainly may confuse the average '2hr-max-movie-goer'. Penelope Cruz and Cameron Diaz both stand out playing their respective, 'good gal/bad gal roles and Jason Lee is quite appealing as the best friend of our dashing lead Tom Cruise. Yet Cruise may be viewed as stretching this performance given the physical challenges that are demanded. I hesitate to reveal these challenges to those that have not seen the picture as they are indeed the focal point of the plot. Many good things like the witty Cameron Crowe retrospective soundtrack that is weaved into clever culture references and tributes which are indeed enjoyable and even necessary to solve the riddle presented in 'what's is going on?' scenario of the main character's pressing dilemma which may not be easy to access with a single viewing. But still the ride can be entertaining as Tom runs away and into trouble as he often does in quasi-action films that are laced with mystery and intrigue like Sydney Pollack's 1993 "The Firm", Brian De Palma's 1996 "Mission Impossible" and even the more cerebrally dark, "Eyes Wide Shut" from Stanley Kubrick. As noted by many educated critics as well as the tasteless tabloids Mr. Cruise may be biting off more than he can chew as he dives into the land of independent production. I applaud Tom for his efforts and are rooting for his success yet do believe that his choice for future roles should include a return to comedic territory as a deviation/diversion to selecting elaborate/complicated efforts which could be prove too risky and result in a poor reception at the box office.

Original, fun, with a sad unconventional ending. A definite love it or hate it movie. Makes you appreciate what you have rather than taking everything for granted as David Ames does. If you "don't get it" at first, watch it again. If you watched it once and hated it...don't bother.

For many years this has been one of my favourite films. The very film itself is very "Faustian", in it's theoretically never ending quest for love, experience and knowledge. It also has a much darker side to it, reminding me somewhat of another absolutely wonderful dark film; "The Jacket", with a touch of "Donnie Darko". I've seen the original Spanish film "Abre los ojos" that this more or less is an exact remake of, and amusingly, it contains the same lovely Penelope Cruz in her role as Sofia Serrano. The lead character David Aames is played by Tom Cruise, not someone I particularly like neither in "real life" nor in this film, but he does a good job in this film, and that is after all what counts. His role as a lucky rich boy with no responsibility and who's "all about fun", in his own words, represents my complete opposite, that being so, he quickly finds himself forced to recognize that "there are consequences in life".

Aames falls completely in love with a girl that his lonely best friend brings to Aames' own birthday party (some friend, huh?). Jason Lee does an excellent role with his character Brian Shelby. The happiness ends suddenly though, after Aames lack of responsibility comes back around to him the morning after and he ends up emotionally and physically crippled afterwards. Cameron Diaz plays the character of the slut stalker of Aames, and no fault of Diaz, her character is completely horrible, an awful person.

Without revealing the end and the entire plot for those of you out there who strangely have not seen this marvellous film yet, I would just like to recommend this beyond words. Even though the upper layer of the film seems very "decadent" and "shallow", it really is about (in my view) the greatest thing of all, the search for knowledge and experience. Add the beautiful Penelope Cruz and a really existentialist theme throughout, which I'm sure everyone who thinks for him or herself can relate to (is the world real or merely an illusion?), and you've got yourself one of my favourite films. The end scene is simply sublime, with what probably is the best song in the world, Sigur Ros' divine "Njosnavellin".

Watch it!

This movie is a love story with some sci-fi elements awkwardly thrown in, but there are some moments of good acting and dialogue that make it worth watching.

All the reviewers who said that this is a movie you love or hate,and I really hated it. It was long, boring, and I just didn't connect with any of the characters. I would have turned it off long before it was over, but I was watching it with other people. The only thing remotely good is Camron Diaz, I guess I did like one character after all. Stay away unless you feel you just have to, and if you hate it, you can jump into our ship!

A film which makes an attempt to pattern itself on the fantasy vs. reality films that had become popular at the turn of the new millennium - David Fichner's "Fight Club" and M. Night Shamalan's "Sixth Sense" both from 1999, Christopher Nolan's "Momento" from 2000, and David Lynch's "Mulholland Drive" released the following year (all of which don't surpass the reigning king of this genre when Terry Gilliam released his 1985 masterpiece "Brazil") - by no means fails in this respect since I found it both entertaining and intriguing for the most part, but is noticeably long and certainly may confuse the average '2hr-max-movie-goer'. Penelope Cruz and Cameron Diaz both stand out playing their respective, 'good gal/bad gal roles and Jason Lee is quite appealing as the best friend of our dashing lead Tom Cruise. Yet Cruise may be viewed as stretching this performance given the physical challenges that are demanded. I hesitate to reveal these challenges to those that have not seen the picture as they are indeed the focal point of the plot. Many good things like the witty Cameron Crowe retrospective soundtrack that is weaved into clever culture references and tributes which are indeed enjoyable and even necessary to solve the riddle presented in 'what's is going on?' scenario of the main character's pressing dilemma which may not be easy to access with a single viewing. But still the ride can be entertaining as Tom runs away and into trouble as he often does in quasi-action films that are laced with mystery and intrigue like Sydney Pollack's 1993 "The Firm", Brian De Palma's 1996 "Mission Impossible" and even the more cerebrally dark, "Eyes Wide Shut" from Stanley Kubrick. As noted by many educated critics as well as the tasteless tabloids Mr. Cruise may be biting off more than he can chew as he dives into the land of independent production. I applaud Tom for his efforts and are rooting for his success yet do believe that his choice for future roles should include a return to comedic territory as a deviation/diversion to selecting elaborate/complicated efforts which could be prove too risky and result in a poor reception at the box office.