Young Adult Books

This was my favorite book as a child obsessed with unicorns (when even my dance teacher presented me with unicorn-themed because of the hair at the front of my head that refused to lay down). I read it over and over back then, but 20 years later couldn't remember much about it. So I found a copy and re-read it, finding it as charming and captivating as I always had!

It's a fabulous coming-of-age fantasy, complete with the requisite prophecies and dangerous journey for our hero, young Jan, prince of the unicorns.

Even though this is the first book of a trilogy, it stands perfectly well alone - the sequel wasn't released til 7 years later, so, as a child I never even realized there was more to the story. But I have the second in the series, "Dark Moon," at home, ready to be read! :)

I liked this book. It had a wonderfuly diverse vernacular portaying a delightfully detailed world. I read it first when I was 10 and didn't understand any of it and only remembered it vaugley, but it was the book that launched me into the world of fantasy art and writing. After many years I have found it again and it has proven to be everything I'd hoped it would be.

I've read plenty of books with unicorns portrayed as gentle creatures who are ridden by humans. While I have nothing against these types of books and enjoy reading them, this book brings out a different side of the unicorn, along with giving you characters you'll love.

Aljan (or Jan) is the unicorn prince's son. He has a wild, hotheaded streak about him that, unfortunately, gets him in trouble often. However, Jan longs to have his father look upon him with pride and vows to clean up his act.

Jan goes on a journey with other unicorns to the Hallow Hills, a place that belonged to the unicorns before the wyvens drove them out. The unicorns only hope to reclaim the land that was once theirs lie in the belief that a great warrior known as the Firebringer will come and fight the wyvens.

The unicorns make the annual trip to intiate new warriors. The road is long, and the dangers are many (gryphons, renegade unicorns, and storms, to name a few). At the end of the trek, Jan finds out that he is the Firebringer that the unicorns have long told of coming.

This book is different than most books about unicorns in that instead of gentle unicorns, they are pictured as great warriors who fight to survive. It is interesting to see them as such.

Overall, a great fantasy with interesting and strong unicorn characters.

Meridith Ann Pierce is Jah-lila.
this author has done what all of those other authors who write for Lewellyn can only hope to attain....she has explained Paganism in its simplicity and all of its mysterious complexity..and aimed the reading for young adults.
How many of us were children when we read the first "Birth of.."?

Now, how many of you feel that not only was it a birth of the firebringer, but also the birth (remembering)of our authentic selves? How many of you readers because of this trilogy can now see yourselves magic and a whole person who remembers their own Divinity?
I think we owe much thanks and gratitude to Meredith for helping us. Not only is she an author, she is a Midwyfe...a Priestess of sort.
Anyone who wants to discuss this more may email me at the_tisher@yahoo.com i welcome your thoughts.
Merry Meet

I've recently been reading a few of the books I really loved as a child, just for the sake of reminiscing and because the stories have stuck with me for years.

The Firebringer trilogy has a particularly important story for me. I first read the first book, The Birth of the Firebringer, when I was about 9 or so--I got it out from the library, and I think it only took me reading it once to get it to embed itself in my mind. I never found the other two, though.

Fast forward to high school. I was talking to a friend of mine, and we somehow got on the subject of unicorn-related kid's books. I had long since forgotten the title of the book, but I remembered the cover, with the multicolored unicorns on it, and that there were some words that had seemed a little odd to me, such as "hale" and "pash". She suddenly remembered "Oh, it's called 'The Birth of the Firebringer'!" and I never forgot again.

Fast forward again to a couple of years ago. The trilogy was still woefully out of print. I managed to find a copy of Birth fo the Firebringer used--I gladly put down $20 for it. A few days later I had the wonderful gratification of re-reading that wonderful story again and revisiting one of the most amazing alternate realities my imagination had ever visited.

Lo and behold, not long after, the series came back into print, and I was able to complete the story!

The Firebringer Trilogy is geared towards young adults, but grown adults who enjoy a good fantasy story will like it as well. It's also very well-developed, with a variety of characters and an interesting storyline. Plus it's nice to see unicorns that aren't all just sugar and spice and everything nice, and that live in herds and have social structures.

Highly recommended for all ages.

This book was not up to the usual quality that I had purchased before. But Amazon fixed the problem so all is well.

Dinotopia was the first book James Gurney wrote in this series. The artwork was what initially drew me into the story and I found sweatshirts, posters, calendars, pins...you name it, with these chaarcters on them. The storyline was easy to follow, as it was written in diary format.

The things I really found interesting were the song (notes and lyrics) and the code for the Dinotopian written language (footprints). My students love writing letters and stories in Dinotopian to each other and for daily assignments. After teaching it for almost 10 years students are as much in love with the story as I am and they want to read it over and over. The artwork makes for great writing prompts and gives kids ideas for sculpture and watercolor pieces.

I remember reading this book as a child and loving it. Today I think I love it even more. The illustrations are so rich and well executed. I'm sad it isn't published in hardcover anymore. Every household should own a copy.

You might just end up with "Dinotopia". That's how good the illustrations and paintings in this book are, and should be the primary reason for purchasing the book. The artwork is absolutely first class, and the book can be enjoyed by children and adults alike. I purchased "Dinotopia" in 1992 when it was first released, and subsequently, picked up its sequel "The World Beneath". They both still hold a special place on my book shelf more than 10 years later. HIGHLY recommended!

This book has a lot about dinosaur names and how the dinosaurs lived, even the plants they eat. There are a lot of pictures that can help you to learn to recognize them. It is all very well drawn.

But it has a different perspective because they think of time differently, not as 1 o'clock but as when to do certain things, such as times to harvest.

It is very good realistic fiction because it makes you feel like you are a part of the story. It is written as a journal, kind of like talking to you, which makes the story seem more real.

The plot is very complicated. So it always keeps your attention and keeps you turning the pages. There is not a lot of action, but when there is it is very realistic because you feel the danger and excitment.

All of the Erin Hunter books are great! I just love them and have read them many times over. I am not a reader, I hate to read!!! But give me a Warrior series book and leave me alone for a few days. They are the best. Thanks Erin for opening up a new world for me.

This book to me was very, very exciting. The main character, Fireheart has just become a true warrior of the Thunderclan, along with his best freind Graystripe. Together they faced many things but when Graystripe meets a she- cat from an enemy clan they're freindship starts to fall apart. Another problem in this book is Tigerclaw, the deputy of the Thunderclan. Every cat in the Thunderclan looks up to Tigerclaw, except Fireheart, who besides Graystipe and a fromer cat from thunderclan, named Ravenpaw, know a very cold- blooded thing that this deputy has done.When no one believes the story that Fireheart has to tell about Tigerclaw strnage tings start to happen in the Forest.

Pre-teen and early teen girls love the series. It has my 10 year olds attention. She is reading like never before.

this book is very good. I like all of the characters(except Tigerclaw!), and I like how Bluestar asks Fireheart and Graystripe to find WindClan. The events are very exiting, but I don't get why it's called Fire and Ice. It has nothing to do with the book. This book will have you wanting to read every second of the day!

*This review will contain brief spoilers*

Volume two of the original Warriors series has the two cats from Thunderclan, Fireheart and Graystripe, on a scouting mission seeking out the missing Windclan cats and their well-known leader Tallstar. While this takes up about maybe a good half of the book, the other half is dedicated to Fireheart and Graystripe recieving their first apprentices to train. While Graystripe is stuck with the calmer Brackenpaw, Fireheart has to make sure spunky Cinderpaw is well watched and behaved. While there is some humor and excitement in this volume, a more intense plot comes out of a corner. It seems that Graystripe has his eyes set on a female from another clan.

While this book really stands to be one of my favorites for this first whole series, I yet found another mistake in the series as well. Apparantly, any damaged cat can no longer be a warrior and is either set to retire early or possibly become a medicine cat. Cinderpaw eventually damages her paw to the point that she can no longer become a warrior and is sent to become a medicine cat. But if that's the case, why is Tallstar's deputy, Deadfoot, a warrior? He has a twisted paw! And he is able to fight on it and everything!

Other than that, it's still one of my favorite books.

An excellent book and a great series quickly sent by seller very happy

This book was great. It was a little difficalt because it went back and fourth between the characters and things that went on in the past. This book is a gory one so it would be good for 7th grade and up. It tells the tall of the twins very good. but only read it if you read the first one time of the twins.

War of the Twins is one of my absolute favorite books to come out of the Weis-Hickman machine. Mind-bending concepts of time travel and of the future locked in place combined with world-altering events makes for a dramatic and intense read that will keep you up late at night. It is also perhaps the most emotionally tense book in all of Dragonlance. The interactions between Raistlin and Caramon and Crysiana and Tas are fantastic. The strange love triangle between the brothers and Crysiana makes for interesting reading and also helps the reader really appreciate the emotions of the characters. Of all the characters, Raistlin in particularly really starts to reveal his true self: merciless and determined. While at times you feel like Raist must be starting to actually feel for the people that love him, it is quickly revealed that he only cares about his ultimate goal. Caramon comes into his own in this book, leading an army and realizing that he doesn't need his brother in order to live his own life. Crysiana doesn't evolve too much in this one but does grow in her sense of purpose and in her faith. Tas kind of gets left by the wayside for much of this novel, but comes back for dramatic impact on the overall story.

The only complaint I can think of is that the Dwarfgate wars were sort of skimmed over, not revealing too much detail as far as the actual battles are concerned. The leaders of the various armies and factions could have been better fleshed out, especially Kharas and the leaders of the plainsmen and hill dwarves. These are minor regrets thought and Weis and Hickman leave much to the reader's imagination which probably enhances the overall effect of the story. They focus on the main characters and the emotional battles they are going through, and that would have been taken away from some if they had included too much detail about the side stories and characters.

Overall I'd say this is one of the more mature and grim of the Dragonlance novels, without very much humor at all and a lot of tense and dark moments. The vivid characterizations of the book sold me. I'd recommend this entire trilogy to anyone in for a good emotional story.

Dragonlance series is beyond doubt one of the best known and loved works of heroic fantasy. Written with an exceptional honesty and story-telling talent, it sparkles with the authors' love for their characters and the world they created. The Twins Trilogy is a dark tale following all the patterns of heroic fantasy, but it still manages to be fresh and exciting like the best folktale. Raistlin remains one of the most striking tragic characters eagerly awaited to reappear in subsequent Dragonlance novels.

The Legends Trilogy- the Time of The Twins, the War of the Twins, and Test of the Twins, is the sequel to The Chronicles Trilogy- Dragons of Autumn Twilight, Dragons of Winter Night, and Dragons of Spring Dawning, which brings to life the ultimate battle between Good and Evil in the magical World of Krynn. The books are so incredibly well written that the reader feels that they have been transported to another plane of existence and are actually present among the characters, seeing what they see, feeling what they feel, sensing what they sense. The authors Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman have truly outdone themselves and have presented us with a masterpiece of literature the likes of which we have seen only in JRR Tolkien's work and RA Salvatore's The Dark Elf and Icewind Dale trilogies. Duty, honor, bravery, magic, dragons and heroes are all about. One should seriously start thinking about maybe turning them into movies...

After reading so many praises from young adult readers, I'd like to make a suggestion for adult readers of historical fiction. I read this book, not so that I could instill a love of reading for my children, but rather, for my own pleasure in reading young adult fiction. The books may not involve many subplots, intrigues, and thickly woven characterizations, but certain ones can immerse you into their world of historical make-believe and even lead you to tears. I for one cried when reading this book. The way Louise Erdrich handles the coping of virulent illness and death through the eyes of a child is incredible. Not only does she paint this glorious heroine from a late 1800s Ojibwa girl, but she makes me dwell on the delicate vitality of the human soul and the subtle interconnectedness of each other. Yes, this book describes accurately the lives of the Ojibwa people of that time, but more importantly, above the cultural/historical lesson, the most prominent lesson from Erdrich's storytelling is her unveiling of human transformation into maturity clothed in the culture of the Ojibwa girl, Omakayas. Her auspicious past, her gifts with animals, her perseverance in caring for her family during the smallpox epidemic, and her coping with her brother's death -- for readers to feel that the book has a slow start, Erdrich more than likely chose to portray Omakayas' life in that way because that was exactly the pace it was. Meaning to say, it's not always violence and passion every minute, every chapter. The life of Ojibwas had a steady rhythm that followed the course of nature and only when the white settlers introduced themselves did that rhythm falter. For people who'd like an exciting quick read having to do with Native American history, I can't think of any. But for people who want to see life through a young girl's eyes -- life that involved hard work, sacrifice, love, death and living with what nature has provided, then this book is an excellent choice. Otherwise, there are a lot of old western novels that involve Native Americans (inaccurately of course) that would provide more of a thrill ride, if thrills are what you seek.

I purchased this book for my daughter who is attending CSUN. It arrived in a week and was in good condition, just like the description said.
Very happy with this purchase and many others.

This sweet, tender, sometimes humorous book, chronicles a year in the life of Omakayas, a seven year old girl who lives with her tribe on an island near Lake Superior. The book is divided into four main sections, each relating to a season of the year, just as the Native America daily life is based. Through Omakayas, children learn as they read about how she helps build a birch bark house, how she does her chores, and many other important details of Native American life. This makes the book especially invaluable for the fifth grade Social Studies curriculum. Many Native American words are used throughout this book, but this is done in a manner which makes their meaning apparent. There is even a glossary for these words in the back of the book. Children will love this book as Omakayas makes friends with animals and deals with feelings about her family, loss, fear, happiness, and contentment, as well as other feelings familiar to the young reader.

Generations of American children have grown up reading Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder. I'm in one of those generations. These stories gave us a view into settlers moving into formerly Indian territories and the hardships of breaking new lands to the plow, fighting weather, droughts, floods, and illness. These stories are our stories of conquering the prairie West. But there's another story that needs to be told and this story is of the Indians we died of disease and starvation and were moved off the lands so that white settlers could build farms and towns.

Laura Ingalls Wilder told the only stories she could tell - one dimensional tales of white people in a white nation. Louise Erdrich tells the story she is equipped to tell - one of a rich group of people living together in the Northern prairie lands. In this story Omakayas is a young Ojibwe girl living with her family, but the characters aren't all Indian. There's Albert LaPautre, a Frenchman who bumbles through trades and wild visions. There's Omakayas' father who works to pay off his yearly debt to the trading post and knows how to play chess so well that he can sometimes win enough food to help his family through hard times. There's Old Tallow, a medicine woman with a pack of angry dogs who teaches kind lessons through harsh examples.

For Omakayas and her family life is both hard and wonderful. There's enough sadness in the book to make you cry and enough happiness to make a child play-act the parts. The one thing I love about native storytelling is the respect shown to animals and plants that are needed to survive. Ms. Erdrich tells of this relationship with the skill of a master storyteller.

This book is richer and more complete than Little House on the Prairie. It's a responsible book and deserves more accolades and a greater following than that earlier work. It's brilliant and sensitive and fun. Everyday life never made me feel so fully. Please let all children in your life read this beautiful book.

- CV Rick, May 2008

We had to read the Birchbark House for a 7th grade class assignment. I thought this book was kind of interesting, because it had some funny parts and some sad parts in the middle of the story. In the beginning it was really boring. Sometimes it's hard to understand because they used a lot of Indian words but they provide a glossary. I think thee book could use some more funny and violent parts to get people interested to read more. I gave this book 3 stars because it was an o.k. book. It was kind of boring in the beginning but it got a lot better. It needed more funny parts. It was a good book but not one I would have picked. I would recommend this book to high schoolers, but they have to have a little Indian in them to understand you must like: sad, boring, exciting, and funny to enjoy this book.

Down These Mean Streets is the story of Piri Thomas' journey into adulthood. The book is set in Spanish Harlem in the 1940s. The author's writing style is refreshing and lyrical. He uses some Spanish words here and there(readers might find the glossary in the back of the book helpful), and kicks in a few slang words as well, which makes the dialogs that much more genuine.

Piri struggles through poverty, family troubles, and desperately wanting to belong. He fights with being a dark skinned Puerto Rican during a time when racism was strong, and trying to find his place as neither black nor white. Piri did some not-so-good things in his life, being in a gang, drug addiction, and armed robbery among other things, but throughout it all it is easy to tell that Piri is a good guy at heart.

Overall, this is a captivating story. You might find yourself wondering what you would have done faced with the same situations. I even found myself rooting for Piri at times. This book is still a very accurate depiction of "the hoods" of New York, despite being published for the first time about 40 years ago.

I was sad to have to finish the book, and in the end I felt like I knew Piri. I look forward to re-reading this book over the years. It is truly a classic. Everyone should read it. Anyone can find something in the story that they will be able to relate to.

This book really told me what it was like to live in Harlem in the 40s. The discrimination and racism is real and raw (although Mr Thomas does get a little jaded and think all white people are bad). The way he describes coming off heroin is realistic, colorful, and explosive. This whole book is very alive, as a memoir. It was funny to see the slang they used back then!

I've read this book more than a few times and have taught it to different level readers a few extra times. There was one high school student who came to me after the book was done and told me, "This is the first book I ever finished." Even if it's not the first book you've read, you'll find writing that is fearless, honest, and powerful. You won't forget it, and if you're really lucky, you'll get to share it with someone else.

Grabbed it off my english teachers shelf junior year of high school, loved it so much I never gave it back. This is an amazingly wonderful book. Vivid writing style...I could see every last detail in my head. It was like a movie in my brain. Love it.

Book Review: Down These Mean Streets

We recommend this book because Piri Thomas wrote the book in a way that you can visualize the story. This book is interesting because it talks about a young Latino's life growing up in the streets of Harlem New York in the 30's. However Piri the main character in the story gets discriminated throughout his young life for being a black Puerto Rican. We think this book has some strong scenes suitable for children under 13. Little by little the story gets interesting to the point where you don't want to stop reading. To conclude, this story is a good autobiography to learn from

I love this book for multiple reasons.
The first, I think, is because of one of the side characters, Spader. He's so dreamy!!! I love him soooo much!
The second is because the plot is just so fascinating. The idea that a world could exist that is completely on water is just so cool.
The third is because of Saint Dane, the evil dude trying to take over Halla(all existence, all times, all places, and all creatures, great or small). He's such an evil person I just could hit him. ARRGGG!
The fourth reason is because of Bobby. I think he's one of the funniest characters I've ever read about(yes, I'm saying he even tops Ron Weasley in Harry Potter!).
I love this second installment so much!
You should definitely surrender to your craving!! Way to go DJ!

I loved this book, it is fun and creative. I didn't want to put it down. This series is fun for all ages.

Before I begin, let me say that I'm an adult (to give this review some context).

I read "The Merchant of Death" (Pendragon #1) a couple of weeks before ordering this book. I enjoyed "Merchant". I thought it was inventive and unusual, and it certainly addresses issues that young adults face. I'm sure kids enjoy reading books where their peers are heroes.

This book is even better. I say that for two reasons. The setting of the first book is quite grim. That was appropriate for the story it told, but it was kind of a downer, reading about those people being exploited. This book's setting is incredible - a world covered entirely by water where humans live on floating, barge-like habitats. I love water, and if I could somehow visit that world, I would do so in a heartbeat.

The other reason I like this book better is that the new Traveler we meet is incredibly endearing. I like Loor. She's a great person to have at your side. However, the Traveler we meet in this story is very funny, and that makes this book a lighter read (in tone) than the first one. He's also flawed, though, which makes things interesting. I relate to him better than I relate to Loor. (Does she have a flaw? I don't think I've spotted it yet.)

Overall, I recommend this book with a big smile on my face. It's a good ride, the characters are endearing, the setting incredible, the themes well developed, and it leaves you wanting more.

See you at Grolo's! Last one there buys the Sniggers!

Pendragon by D.J mathhale is a great book that I would recommend to kids of all ages. It starts with a 10 year old kid playing with his mom in their back yard and the kid misses the ball and he runs after it and he comes back and his mom is GONE. Then he finds out that his mom is the world`s best DRAGON RIDER!! He hears a very loud roar and it was his mom's old pet dragon and it was his now and he takes a better look at it and it was the biggest red dragon the world has ever seen. So the very tall lizard tells him that his mom has been kidnapped by a very powerful human bean and they set of to TRY and save his mom. How I can describe Jack he is a very smart tech genius he just finds out he is the ONE. Well what he thinks the one means that he can Dodge bullets like a movie he saw. He finds that the dragons name is Alroce and the dragon is the last well only one of the red dragons left. And so Jack can fight this very powerful wizard so he starts training with his pet dragon.I would this book to anyone that likes dragons action and very intence sword fighting Pendragon is a great book that I would recamend to kids of all ages.

Bobby Pendragon is a 14-year-old boy, and he is like no other boy his age. After being swept away from his last mission on a territory named Denduron, Bobby finds himself on a floating city named Grallion in the territory of Cloral. This city is about the size of New York State! And it is a floating island in an ocean the size of this planet! So far Bobby has had a pretty goodtime, meting new friends and just hanging out on Grallion, until the evil Saint Dane shows up under the alias Zy Roder his mission is to take over halla, and rule it evilly. Halla is everything that ever happened, will happen, and time, which is everything. Bobby's mission is nothing less than to save the universe from ultimate evil. But Saint Dane is much more powerful and can con people into helping him. This team of 4(Bobby's Uncle Press who got Bobby into all of this, Spader his brand new friend he met on Grallion, and Loor the best warrior and a friend to Bobby, and of course Bobby) must beat Saint Dane and time is running out he it creating chaos on the habitats(the floating islands)so he can rule halla and the universe will be evil and Saint Dane's wish will be true. But Bobby is going to try to stop that. Bobby's 2 best friends (Courtney and Mark) can't talk to Bobby because he is in a different world so instead Bobby has giving Mark a magic ring that transports letters. So, to talk to his 2 best friends he writes letters of what's happening, and Mark and Courtney read them, and are with Bobby all the way. Bobby and the team are about to make their first move against this evil mastermind.

I love most of the Little House on the Prairie books, as well as the stories of Laura's great-grandmother, Martha, her grandmother, Charlotte, her mother, Caroline, and her daughter, Rose. I've read every one I can get my hands on. My all-time favorite of the all the series is These Happy Golden Years. This tells of Laura and Almanzo's courtship, and it is so chaste and sweet.

This book definitely belongs on my 10 favorite children's books.

I would rate this book 4.5 stars. It tells of Laura Ingalls years between the age of 15 to 18, and her first teaching job where she goes to live with a family where the wife doesn't treats her shabbily. It's a good story but it mostly told more of her and Almanzo than her teaching.

Although the "Little House" books do not appear to be quite as popular as they were a couple of decades ago, I shared all the books with my grandchildren in the form of audio books. We would listen to them as we drove on both long and short rides. They, and I, enjoyed the first three books(Little House in the Big Woods, Little House on the Prairie, On the Banks of Plum Creek) but then felt the next three were just fair to listen to. When I first started These Happy Golden Years, I heard a grumble or two from the g'kids, but as the story unfolded their listening delight picked up. Soon they were begging me to drive the longer way home so they could find out what happened next. These Happy Golden Years is a sweet love story full of interesting historical facts, plus enough action to keep my grandson interested. The only flaw we found with the audio version of the book is the singing of the actor (Cherry Jones) that did the reading. It was a bit grating at times when she pretended to sing as Pa. (Poor Ma if Pa really sang like that) Other than that it is a five star recommendation.

Now fifteen-years-old, Laura Ingalls can't help but crave getting a job in order to help her family. Ever since her first taste of earning her own money, she is determined to find another position that complements her skills. Besides, with Mary away at college, as much as Laura misses the companionship of her beloved sister, she can't help but feel compelled to assist her family in keeping Mary in a place where she is learning, and happier than ever. To do that, however, she'll have to do what she can to find the perfect job. Now that she has her teaching certificate, she'll be able to do just that.

It seems like only yesterday that Laura Ingalls was racing around the schoolyard with the boys, playing ball and sharing secrets with her friends; now she is basically all grown up, and beginning her career as a schoolteacher. But being a teacher isn't as easy as Laura hoped it would be - especially when many of the students are older than she is. And, to add insult to injury, she's forced to contend with boarding with a couple who spends the late nights hurling insults at one another, and living in miserable conditions. The only consolation is that Almanzo Wilder drives in to town each and ever Friday, to pick her up and bring her to her folks house for the weekend, before she must start another grueling week. It is during these long rides that Laura begins to spend more and more time with the older man. But it also makes her question why he is so willing to drive the twelve miles to her aid each week. Laura is unsure of his motives. She is also too tired and busy to spend much time thinking about them. Instead, she thinks of the paycheck that will soon come her way; and the beauty and splendor of the items she can buy for her family as time goes by.

With each and every book in the LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE series, I have seen Laura get older and older. I have also grown to love her as much as an old friend. Laura is such a responsible, mature individual - quite different from the little rascal she was during her younger years. She seems so caring, and eager to assist her family, and see that her sister gets the education she has always craved. It is so refreshing to see a character who puts others ahead of herself. Like in LITTLE TOWN ON THE PRAIRIE, the reader has the opportunity to learn more about Almanzo Wilder; however, the more you learn, the more you see just how much older he is than Laura, and how strangely the relationship between the two of them develops. Another winner from Ms. Ingalls-Wilder!

Erika Sorocco
Freelance Reviewer

"These Happy Golden Years" is one of the best books I have ever come across. (And I have come across a lot, so don't doubt my taste!) Everything is detailed in an interesting sort of way, and the emotions and lovering part is kept well under control so it's not an immensely disgusting romance novel but not exactly a plain sensible book either. Laura Ingalls Wilder allowed the sequence to be somewhat unpredictable but it exemplifies a good plot that a true book-lover would cherish.
The plot is about fifteen-year-old Laura, now leaving home to teach school. It is a rather big challenge as the weeks drag by, but she learns to deal with unruly Clarence, pouty Martha, shy Charles, and the little ones, Ruby and another boy whose name I cannot remember. And at her boardinghouse, she has to learn how to cope with fussy and quarelly Mrs. Brewster, and spoiled baby Johnny. But the highlight of this part is every Friday Almanzo Wilder comes to pick her up to go home and back again on Sunday. When the term is finished, something has happened and soon Laura finds herself subconsciously in love with handsome Almanzo, and he with her. Of course, they don't just go ahead and marry, because a long-time rival of Laura's, Nellie Oleson, is also after Almanzo, and Laura's older snotty sister Mary is taking all her teaching money to go to college and Pa's claim must be fixed up before the winter. But these things soon pass, and Laura learns the joy of early womanhood as she and Ma make dresses, Laura learns how to deal with money, and realizes Almanzo is really the guy for her. And soon they are engaged. And that is just the beginning of a whole new chapter of Laura's life as a pioneer of America.
This heartwarming little book provides all the things you could want, some romance, a girl's troubles and hopes, and most of all, a glimpse to the daily life which we now look back to as precious American history.

Although this society comedy is set in the 60's New York era, it is one of my most favorite books. In fact, I checked it out so many times from my hometown library, they finally "gifted" it to me. When I'm down - and it doesn't have to be the holiday season - I pick up this book, and Kerry, the 11 year old who tells his family's story, always lifts my spirit with his sharp observations, and sometimes mistaken verbage. I read it again last night, will re-read certain highlighted areas again, tonight, and highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a light-hearted, witty look as two of New York's most "upper crust" families handle the divorce of Kerry's parents.

I have just ordered 2 copies of The Joyous Season - one to keep and one to share! I have had an old paperback I found in a used book store for 50c but haven't even let myself read it until I just saw it was back in print!!! Also never realized so many people gave it the 5 stars I do, so I have to add my review to the list. If you are even considering this book, just get it!!! You will want to read it over and over, then get another copy to lend!

I don't really have anything new to say, but I couldn't resist adding my voice to the throng. This is simply the funniest book I have ever read, from my first time when I was about the age of the protagonist, to now, nearing 40 years. If you've somehow stumbled up this review without already reading the book, ORDER A COPY IMMEDIATELY!

I first read the Joyous Season when I was a child. I introduced it to my children and it became one of my younger son's favorite book. In fact, his children call me "GaGa." My book club is currently reading it for our September meeting. All comments so far, are they are enjoying it. Too bad as a cultural, we no longer laugh at or write good clean humor!
This book is a treasure. Let your tweens read it!

I first read this book when I was a child. My Mother essentially taught me to read by having me read it aloud to her. I am now on copies three and four; the first one having been lost in a move and the other forgotten in a hotel room on business trip.
I purchased a first edition copy and a paperback since then, and they aren't allowed to leave my house.
It's Dennis's best work I think, and like others, I am mystified that it was never produced on stage or in film. It makes "The Parent Trap" look silly and that's been produced on film twice.
Entertaining, screamingly funny, yet touching, there are subtle nuances throughout the book. Kerry the 10 year old, misses a lot of meanings of the conversation of the Adults and his responses are wonderfully funny.
My favorite parts are the Sunday visit to Daddy, who tries to broil a steak when he is hungover, the 4th of July Clambake at the seashore when the fireworks are set off, and when Missy, Kerry's little sister accidentally gets drunk at her Grandmother Ga-Ga's apartment.
My favorite character is Lulu, the children's nurse, a no-nonsense black Woman Kerry describes as:
"She's colored and elderly and has been with us ever since I was born. She's kind of old-fashioned and hates the N.A.A.C.P. and says she doesn't want to integrate with any white people except Missy and me and that's only because she's paid to. Lulu says that after us she needs a rest, if we don't kill her first, and she wants to retire and move back down South."

Missy smart-mouths the Doorman and:
"Lulu gave her a crack on the tail and said, "Talk with your mouth child, like you was born to." Well it broke me up. Then just as a parting shot, Maxl wet on the rug. Maxl is a Dachsund and smarter than some people, but he can't help it if he has a weak bladder."

The entire book reads this way and there isn't a page that won't have you laughing about something that's going on. It's a peek into 1960's New York with amazing references you'll really love.
It is my favorite book ever and I reread it every year around Christmas.

I am an avid manga collector and had been wanting to check out Mars for a long time since I saw a write up on it in Newtype magazine. It did not disappoint. The artwork is lovely and the storyline isn't skimpy or cheesy, it is a manga with substance and relatable charaters, I am 20 and love this manga. I currently own volumes 1-6 and am looking forward to number 7! :)

I thought this is a great romantic seires. Kira and Rei a weird couple yes. Shy and sweet quiet artist girl to Dangerous bad boy that does what he wants. But I loved how the started the first volume. It already showed so things that will come ahead to this couple. Some people look for the art in manga but it wasn't like that for me. I liked the art and this a old manga but has been proveing to this girl that many has loved this series for the beauty of it's story and art. For romance I recommend this book. They already get this couple in some very sweet moments :). I get lost in this series every time I read it. To know more about the series I so recommend buying the fullength series which is 15 books. I love reading them over and over. I hope you find yourself swept away as I was when I read the first book then I couldn't stop reading after that I had to the next one then the next one. You get so later yo.

GREAT MANGA!!!!
I'm in my twenties and this is one of the best mangas

this book rocked. Not gonna drone on like the rest of my reviews except to say read this. I loved how you could tell just how different these two were. Short book, but had me on the edge of my seat all the way. Finished in twenty minutes, but came back to read my favorite parts. And the picture when they kiss and they're sparkling! AWESOME ART MAN! Get this book.

This is Jumaane

If you dig love stories and like manga, this series is a MUST READ. The artwork is very good and the characters are expressed very well, the plot is insanely good, and its fifteen volumes long, meaning that there's a lot more to love! And, the main character drives a Ducati Monster, the awesomest bike in the universe. What more could you ask for???