Young Adult Books


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Young Adult Books sorted by Average customer review: high to low .

Young Adult
A Family Apart
Published in Turtleback by Demco Media (1988-11)
Author: Joan Lowery Nixon
List price:

Average review score:

Family Apart
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-11-29
Family Apart follows the lives of Irish children. They move from Ireland during the potato famine to NY to survive. But then their da dies and their ma finds it impossible give her family the basic needs. She decides to send them WEST so they can have the basics, education, and love. I read this book to many children because it is a quartet of books. Afterwards, they want to read the sequels. These tell the individual stories of each child. Being historial fiction, it also leads into to reading real accounts of Orphan Train riders lives. The book is exciting and has many emotions that children can identify with now.

A Family Apart: A BOOK WORTH READING!!! :)
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-05-23
What if you and your family had to leave your mother and go west on one of the orphan trains to be split up into differnt families?

In this book you'll experience the wide array of feelings the kelly children are feeling and the adventure that the kelly chilren have to endure. The kelly's dicover Mike, the oldest boy, is a copper stealer, they are being taken from thier mother, and most comfort Mike because he blames himself for all that has happened.

I recommand this book to anybody who like suspenseful novels or is just looking for a good book to read.

Tiaria true feelings about the book Family Apart.
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-03-22
I really enjoyed reading the book Family Apart, because it keeps you guessing , whats going to happen next? Also it helps you learn a lot about orphans and what they go through. A Family Apart has a lot important teachings to offer. I would love to read the next six books in the series.

Great Paragraph
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-03-03
This wonderful book A Family Apart has a lot of meaningful things that can be learned. One lesson that can be learned is, that you don't know what you've got until its gone. If you have something or know somebody that means a lot to you, once you lose them you don't realize how important it was until its gone. A moral that can help you in life is to believe in yourself. Believing in yourself is good because if you are trying to reach a goal and you believe in yourself you will reach that goal and if you don't you might not. Another lesson that can be learned in this book is to love your family. You should love your family because they do a lot for you and they are your only family. The last great moral is to accept changes. Even though accepting changes is hard we have to, because sometimes we cant change them. As you can tell this great book A Family Apart has a lot of important teachings to offer.

a heart warming story
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2004-04-02
This was a thrilling book about a poor family that live in newyork the family has to deal with many problems first the dad dies, then the 3rd eldest gets in to some trouble because he is a copper thief Mike (the copper thief) is sent to a hearing The judge announces under there mothers wishes that the children ( Petey, Peg, Danny, Mike, Megan, and Frances) are to be sent west on the orphan train. Before the train leaves Frances the eldest child overhears that two kids in the same family are more likely to be adopted if they are boys. So Frances promising her mother that she would take care of her youngest brother cuts her hair and pretends to be a boy named Frankie. That's just the beginning Frances and her brothers and sisters encounter many other things on there quest to the west. Read this fantastic book and your eyes will open up to a whole new world of adventure thieves, slaves, fear, and depression it's sure to make your heart ache.This is a book you will always remember.

Young Adult
Otherwise Know As Sheila the Great
Published in Audio Cassette by Listening Library (2000-10)
Author: Judy Blume
List price: $4.99

Average review score:

sheila the great!!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-10-09
I loved this book as a kid and I still love it now!! It was great to read it again and share in this girl's view of the world and the things that scare her and how she overcomes them!!

Favorite book
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-09-01
This was my all time favorite book as a kid. I still will recall parts of it in relation to my life now (im 39) . My daughter is finally eight and I cant wait for her to read it. Love this book, I could not have made it through childhood without Judy Blume and this book.,

It's never easy being a kid....
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-08-25
My fourth grade teacher read this book to my class over a course of several Friday afternoons. It was the second Judy Blume book she read to us, the first being, "Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing". I was introduced to Sheila Tubman in "Tales", and then we got a chance to really get to know her.

Sheila sounds a lot like me at ten, trying to figure out where I fit in and trying to appear "perfect". Unlike Sheila however, I loved dogs, loved to swim, and I had to kill spiders for my sister, who was deathly afraid of them. I thought Blume dealt with Sheila's story with a lot of love and humor and sensitivity. By the end of the story, Sheila soon learns that when she really puts her mind to facing her fears, they're not as bad as it seems. This is an important lesson for us all and the younger you can get it, the better off you'll be.

Since the fourth grade, which was over twenty years ago, I have read many of Judy Blume's books and have enjoyed all of them immensely. I'd recommend this book for boys and girls alike. If anything, it'll make you grab your side and laugh. :)

Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-05-24
I read this story named "Otherwise known as Sheila, the Great," by Judy Blume. In my opinion this story is really great because there is a whole family which is the parents and two girls, shiela and Libby. The main character is Sheila. She is 9 years old and she thinks that she deserves everything because she is the smallest one in her family. And her parents dont belive that. There si ehr sister which is Libby she is 13 years old and she thinks that she is the best dancer vere. The whole problem in this story is evry similar in real life because many brothers and sisters do not get along at all and they are always fighting about something.
There is another main character in this story her name is Marry but many peopel call her Mouse. It turns out that Sheila and Mouse get along very well and they bacame very best frineds. Sheila and Moiuse do everything to together. One day Mouse scared so bad sheila that she couldn't sleep at night. Mouse scarred her by saying that there was a headless horseman in Tarrytown is where they live. By mouse telling Sheila she ot so scared that she got to go to sleep to the parents bedroon because. And whenever she hear a sound she thought that it was the hedless horseman. Mouse had told sheila many things that would freak her out and she makes alto of dome things. So if you want to find out what does Mouse tells Sheila and what kind of things she does you should get this book and read.

Very funny, Judy Blume does it again
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 9 total.
Review Date: 2007-07-21
One of the things Judy Blume does in her writing is that she makes characters kids can easily and fully relate to, and this brilliant feature of her writing isn't missing in this funny novel that is a must read for all young readers.

Young Adult
Bleach, Volume 1
Published in Comic by VIZ Media LLC (2004-06-16)
Author: Tite Kubo
List price: $7.95
New price: $4.01
Used price: $2.99

Average review score:

bleach 1
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-17
the first bleach book, it takes you into a fantasy world that is impossible to put down.

my favourite
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-13
bleach is one of my favourite manga comics.I think every fan of manga should read at least one part of bleach.If you like manga I also recommend death note and naruto.

Great Action . . . and characters
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-19
Bleach has become very popular so it may become easy to over look it as over hyped, but it really is a fantastic Manga. The characters are extremely well developed and nuanced for a "boy" or "action" manga, that being said the action is still great. Ichigo (strawberry) has to be one of my all time favorite characters as is Chad a big guy who like all things cute. Bleach is worth the investment such a long series entails.

bleach!!!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-08-07
I'm 27 years old and my hubby is 34 and we're proud to say Bleach is our new obsession...it's appropriate for pretty much all ages, witty, and highly addictive, even for folks who aren't comic book people.

More Japanese heroes
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-06-29
My 9 year old son loves all of these type books and whatever it takes to keep him reading makes me happy.

Young Adult
The Cat Who Ate Danish Modern
Published in School & Library Binding by Tandem Library (1999-10)
Author: Lilian Jackson Braun
List price: $16.95
New price: $16.95
Used price: $13.56

Average review score:

My Favorite Series!
Helpful Votes: 10 out of 11 total.
Review Date: 2006-07-07
In the 2nd book in The Cat Who...series, we meet again James Qwilleran aka "Qwill", a newsman for the Daily Fluxion. Returning to writing for a paper after several years absence trying to get his life together in which excessive alcohol was a factor, Jim has sobered up and sought gainful employment. After having been assigned to the art beat on his previous assignment for the Fluxion, Qwill is happy to be given a new assignment...until he discovers what it is. He is given the daunting task of writing a weekly magazine style insert titled "Gracious Abodes" that will focus on the world of interior design. Knowing nothing of the topic, Qwill throws himself into his new post, and quickly discovers that he has a lot to learn. When a home is robbed that was featured in the first edition of Gracious Abodes, Qwill wonders if his new assignment will be a curse. Several more mishaps occur with each edition, and Qwill begins to believe that someone is out to make the Fluxion and himself look bad. With the help of KoKo and the addition of his new cat, Yum Yum, a long-standing friendship and crime-solving trio is formed.

This is my favorite cozy mystery series! I had read all of the books in the past, and wanted to read them again for a second time. This time around, I have chosen to listen to them on CD, as I love the voice of George Guidall. Some of Qwill's background is explained, and it was interesting to revisit how Qwill found Yum Yum and where her unusual name originated. For those that have not read the series, I do recommend reading the first several first. Many others can be intermixed, but this book offers good insight to the way that Qwill and KoKo relate to one another in future installments. This is a great series by my favorite author!

The first book in the series is called "The Cat who Could Read Backwards". Enjoy!

Qwill meets Yum Yum
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2007-12-19
Jim Qwilleran is a reporter for the Daily Fluxion. He's been working the art beat for the paper despite knowing nothing about art. His editor reassigns him to work on a magazine about interior design, of which he is equally ignorant. After he and his photographer do their first main feature on a private residence, the house is robbed. This starts Jim down a road that gets more and more complex and leaves him grasping for an explanation as to why every place they feature in the magazine has some sort of calamity immediately afterward. Thankfully, his Siamese cat, Koko, is there to give him the solution.

This is the second book in the "Cat Who..." series and it continues most of the pattern from the first. Jim gets a new home, takes on an unfamiliar assignment at the paper, a murder occurs related to his story, and he investigates with Koko's help. The supporting cast is pretty strong with some interesting personalities. Jim gets a girlfriend who is especially appealing, but she doesn't become a permanent cast member. The whol book is less than 250 pages, so you might well imagine that pacing is not much of a problem. Things move along smartly and is wrapped up satisfactorily at the end. This book also introduces Yum Yum, the female Siamese that becomes Koko's crime-solving companion.

Many people fall in love with the "Cat Who..." books and devour dozens of them. The writing is light and easy to digest. After reading the first two books in this series, I haven't gotten hooked but they were enjoyable reads. Fans of the series, would certainly do well to read this book, since it introduces Yum Yum. New readers don't need to read either this novel, or The Cat Who Could Read Backwards (Cat Who...) in order to enjoy the later entries in the series, but they're a good place to start just the same.

The Cat Who Ate Danish Modern audio version is a pleasure to listen to!
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 8 total.
Review Date: 2006-09-06
This is an enjoyable audio fit for the whole family. Crime is committed but the story is told without using graphic language or imagery. George Guidall's "reading" ability brings the characters to life.

Fun for all
Helpful Votes: 5 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2007-02-06
What more can be said about this book that hasn't been said below. I will say that the shinanigans are in full swing this time with KoKo and Qwill and things are sure to get even crazier with the edition of Yum Yum.

In this second installment in The Cat Who... series we find Qwill on a new beat journaling the many different and eccentric people of the designing world. With each additional Gracious Abodes hot off the press comes a hot crime. Does someone have it in for Qwill and the Daily Fluxion or is it merily coincidence. Find out and more in this latest backstabing and fun addition of the Cat Who....series. With this one in the bag you will surely want to get your claws on the next in the series The Cat Who Turned On and Off and find out what Qwill, KoKo and the newest addition Yum Yum are up to.....

And Introducing Yum Yum
Helpful Votes: 9 out of 13 total.
Review Date: 2005-03-27
Lilian Jackson Braun's second novel in the "Cat Who" series is not only a worthy successor to it's predecessor it is even better. Even though the writing was quite good in the first book the story seems to flow better in this book and there are less jerky movements in the story. And a very good story it is!

When we last left veteran newspaper reporter Jim Qwilleran he was reporting on the art scene for the Daily Fluxion, an assignment that he wasn't thrilled with at first but one that he had warmed up to. Suddenly he finds himself with an assignment that he knows even less about than art, he will be covering interior design. He was, in fact, placed in charge of putting out a weekly magazine insert called "Gracious Abodes", an assignment that would lead him into another adventure with his faithful cat Koko.

Since most decorators could use the publicity a newspaper spread on their work would provide Qwilleran has no trouble in getting help finding houses to profile. He first hooks up with decorator David Lyke who gets permission for the Daily Fluxion to do a photo shoot in a home occupied by an old money family that has more than the normal old money quirks. Just after the first edition of " Gracious Abodes" hits the streets the home in question is robbed of a valuable Jade collection. What's more, the lady of the house is found dead of an apparent heart attack, which police theorize was caused be fear during the burglary. Of course this incident makes the Daily Fluxion look bad, especially since the rival paper plays up the burglary. Qwilleran immediately suspects a set-up and even begins to suspect that his new girlfriend whom he found in another decorator's office is part of the plot. He gets really suspicious after the second edition of his magazine comes out and the next day the police raid the place. It turns out that his second featured home is a cat house, pun intended.

Things get even more bizarre for the ace reporter when his neighbor and prime decorating contact David Lyke is murdered. The more Qwilleran sniffs around, the more he is convinced that he is being set-up but he can't quite put all of the pieces together. Once again, Koko saves the day by both pointing out the solution to the jade heist and also the key piece of evidence in the murder. Along the way, Koko manages to save Qwilleran's life and personally capture one of the suspects. This is one amazing cat!

This is also the book that introduces the reader to Qwilleran's second cat, Yum Yum who enters the picture to keep Koko from engaging in the behavior that led to the title of the book. We only get a short glance at Yum Yum in this book but I feel sure that she will turn out to be just as clever as Koko which will make for even more interesting reading in the next installment.

Altogether this book is whimsical, light and very fun to read. Also, as in the first book of the series the characters the reader will meet in this book are fantastic and colorful to say the least. Give this book a try and see what Koko can cough up for your enjoyment.

Young Adult
The Dark Visions Collector's Edition: (The Strange Power/The Possessed/The Passion)
Published in Paperback by Simon Pulse (1998-11-01)
Author: L.J. Smith
List price: $6.99
Used price: $25.98

Average review score:

Dark Visions
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-02-20
I have read this book so many time and it still doesn't get old.

Great!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-01-09
I have always been an avid fan of LJ Smith, so I was not surprised that this series was awesome. Her descriptions are always so clear (and so strange) that you can almost envision the people and things in front of you (unlike everyone else though I loved Rob more than Gabriel). As an adult now, I still read her books (although I have yet to find the last book of the Nightworld Series). A great read for anyone!!!!!!!

Good but not great
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2004-01-07
Whilst LJ Smith's books are a good read, I do get narked with the characters sometimes. Most of the lead characters are too nice and any 'bad' characters are always gothy and into heavy metal. Goodie is sickly sweet and oh so nice blonde, baddie is hot but very nasty brunette (see how easy it is to follow the plot read the secret circle if you don't believe me) But back to this, this had a great starting point, but lost the plot slighty. LJS seemed to be really hitting us on the head with how 'bad' Gabriel was and how nice everyone else was, and of course the main female is so understanding and desired by all. Liked it but not as much as the Forbidden Game.

Dark Visions: The Strange Power, the Possessed, the Passion
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2003-12-10
I had read several of L.J.Smith's Nightworld series when I read Dark Visions, and I was immediately spellbound. The characters were all well-developed and very appealing - you cared what happened to them. Of course, Gabriel was my favorite. There's something so appealing about a bad boy in need of salvation. I read the whole thing through in one sitting and then sat down and read it through again. I would recommend it for anyone interested in the unknown, in coming-of-age books, or just interested in a good read.

I didn't know God himself wrote books!
Helpful Votes: 5 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2004-07-10
This book is by FAR my favorite book of all time. Kaitlyn Fairchild is my new favorite female character. Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings... Yeah, they don't hold a candle to L.J. Smith's Dark Visions Collector's Edition.
Personally, I am AMAZED that this book doesn't get more recognition than it currently does. I would enjoy it more than life itself if this book became a movie. I'm actually telling all my friends about it.
I am not much of a reader... at all... But this book... This book made me cry, made me laugh, made me think hard on certain subjects... everything. I loaned my copy to a friend in hopes of getting her hooked on it too.
I have read and re-read this book, time and time again, for years. It never gets old. Smith's vivid descriptions of surroundings and characteristics give me a good mental image of all her characters.
I am seriously thinking about getting her other books. In fact, I will.
Read this book. If you think you knew what a good book is... you haven't read anything until you read this.

Young Adult
Don't Let Me Die!
Published in Mass Market Paperback by Scholastic (1998-08)
Author: Lindsay Caldwell
List price: $4.99
New price: $4.94
Used price: $0.01
Collectible price: $10.01

Average review score:

Don't Let Me Die
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2003-11-10
As a teenager coming into adulthood this book was very helpful. A basic synopsis of the book basically consists of a teenage girl who gets into a wreck and her life is changed forever. She finds out she will be in a wheel-chair for the rest of her life. Reading something like this as a young girl was very inspiring. To see someone making it through as a teen and never being able to walk again helped me see I had it easy. The author of this book did a wonderful job of putting that into perspective and in a way I feel like that was her point she was trying to make. Lindsay Caldwell, the author of the book, had a great way of putting many situations that arise in a teenager's life into view.
Setting up a book properly, at times, is the number one priority for many writers. DON'T LET ME DIE is a perfect example of that. There are four different parts to this book. With thirty-six chapters in this book having sections is the only way to mark off different and important things in the writing. Caldwell does the best job of doing this. By sectioning things off she doesn't confuse you and helps you understand the concept of the actual story. Within the first few chapters of the book you become hooked. You start to feel as if you are experiencing these things in your life. Knowing that she will never be able to walk feels real to you. The author of a writing is who determines these things. If the book is very boring and straight to the point the reader doesn't get hooked and won't.
Character arrangement is very important in writing also. If you have too many characters in your story this could cause it to not keep the readers attention and confuse them. This story has a maximum of five or six characters. You can follow all of them at the same time with the way the storyline is setup. You become attached to the characters and begin to see their side of the story. You feel there feelings as if they were your own. In a way you are in the story.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes a story that pulls you in. If you are interested in a long boring story then this isn't the one to get. Hopefully you read this book and enjoy it.

Don't Let Me Die
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2002-09-12
Hey!
My mom came home from the library with "Don't Let Me Die" for me to read. When I first saw it, I had absolutely no interest! I thought it was just my mom trying to get me to read a long book over the summer. But I was at least willing to give it a try since she had gone out and got it for me. Once I started I could not put it down! It was my favorite book of all time! I was soon glad that it was a 380 page book so it would last longer, I only wish there was a 2nd one. If you haven't read "Don't Let Me Die" by Lindsay Caldwell, you really should, it's an extremely moving book.

-Annie

Best Story Ever!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2001-09-25
I have never read a story this good in my life. I never wanted to put this book down.When I was done reading this book I wanted to read more! I think that everyone should read it! It's worth reading 36 chapters! hehe well i hope everyone eles liked it too!

-steph

A moving story, of an accident and the walk back to life
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2003-03-28
At first Don't Let Me Die! looks like another semi-good teen book, but once you get past the title, it's really very powerful and moving. When Lucy is involved in a terrible car crash and loses control of her legs, she must make some tough decisions about what she is going to do.

The book covers it all: the accident itself, written very well; Lucy's waking in the hospital; her horror and shock when she finally sees her ruined legs; her stay at a physical therapy hospital. Her friendships with people from home change because of what has happened, not to mention her relationship with her boyfriend Dash. Even after she gets out of the clinic she can't move home with her mother, brother, and sister, so she stays with her grandparents on their isolated farm. There she makes some friends, meets a charming character on the internet, and starts working with a physical therapist - who just happens to start dating her mother. And once she moves back home, things start to look up again, until she finds out that her internet friend isn't quite so charming, and she must use her strength and determination to save herself.

Lucy's emotions are very realistic, and it is easy to identify with her. Most readers haven't been through a trauma that horrifying, but her fear, desperation, deep sorrow, and stubbornness are all excellent qualities. Although she does get better by the end of the book, and can use her legs some, she knows that for the rest of her life she'll have to use her wheelchair as well. That was the best part of the book, to me - the fact that it did not end happily ever after.

Also, the romantic component of the book is not too badly-done, especially for a teen novel. Lucy's relationships with her friends are solid and ring true to life, especially the way they act after her accident. I would recommend this book - look past the title, because it's a very good story of the human spirit, both determination and acceptance.

Interestingly, Lindsay Caldwell is the pen name of Diane Hoh, who is better known in the genre of teen horror books.

movingly real to life
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2000-12-19
I got this book as a gift and at first had no interest in it. When I opened it up I soon realized what a big mistake it would have been to have never read it. It was so real I felt as if I was with Lucy when everything happened to her.It covers how a teenage girl with a seemingly perfect life has everything important taken away from her: her boyfriend, father, and her ability to walk. I cried through the whole book, it was so meaningful. Having gone through a similar situation, it helped me to read about someone who had gone through the worst and came out better and stonger in the end.Everyone should read this book. You have no idea what you're missing if you don't.

Young Adult
The Edge on the Sword
Published in Library Binding by (2008-05-09)
Author: Rebecca Tingle
List price: $15.99
New price: $15.99

Average review score:

Great fun
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-03-05
First of all this is a teen book and I'm 28. That being said, I loved the book. For advanced readers it's a fast read, but thouroughly enjoyable. I could picture the places the author was describing and picture Æthelflæd easily. With so few historical fiction novels being directed toward great women, this was a welcome read, and the author stayed true to the history of the time.

An Amazing Twist of Historical Events and Fiction
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-05-15
"Surprise, stealth, unbalancing her enemy, these were the ways her guardian had taught her to save herself, and to win," are the words that are featured on the back of the book, The Edge on the Sword, because the things her guardian taught her is a crucial point. Making history come alive, Rebecca Tingle mixed magnificent facts and fiction together to make an unforgettable story, where any girl can escape. In 2001, it was published by Penguin Putnam Books. Beautifully, remarkably, and magnificently done, the front cover illustration of The Edge on the Sword was drawn by Karen Savary, a memorable artist.

At the end of the ninth century, Flæd was now on her fifteenth year of living. Living in the burgh, staying with family, and learning her languages were all she knew, since she had done that for all her life. Her father was King Alfred of Wessex. He had a passive kingdom. As Flæd grew up, her main companion was her brother, Edward. They enjoyed their ambitious adventures among the forests around the burgh. Eventually, these trips got slim because Flæd began her education in writing, Latin, and Greek under her instructor, (w) Bishop Asser. Little did she know that soon her life would dramatically alter.

As instructed, Flæd headed toward her father's private chamber. Inside the small room she entered, sat King Alfred, who had been waiting. He gestured for her to sit. Alfred looked at her for a second then said gently, "Æthelflæd, as women grow they obtain more responsibilities. Now, that you are almost sixteen, it is time for you to be married. At the end of the summer you will travel to Lundon, Mercia, to be married to my friend and partner, Æthelred." Being the daughter of a very powerful man, Flæd had known this was coming, but it still shocked her. Soon, she would leave everything. She would lose her family. Permanently, she would leave home. Immediately the next morning, a warrior and envoy from Lundon came to be her guardian and warder. His name was Red. Flæd had always had a strong, enduring friendship with her brother, but as that last summer came and went, that friendship was almost lost, but that friendship lasted. No longer could they go on their private adventures in the woods, because of Red, Flæd guardian, who followed her everywhere.

At the end of the summer, Flæd equipped herself, packed up, and prepared her gifts for Æthelred in preparation for her departure to Mercia, because it would be several days before they would arrive in Lundon. As her protection, she had been trained in the arts of the sword and had a minute band of warriors with her. Leading them, Red rode at the front, followed by two wagons and a small amount men on horse back. They followed the river. Surprisingly, they were attacked and many of the men fell in battle, leaving Flæd with a few desperate men and little hope. Could they arrive safely after this tragedy?

This book has a fantastic twist of history and adventure, as if the excitement is literally bounding off the pages. As a great source of entertainment and much more, every pre-teen and early teen girl should read this book. Over all, The Edge on the Sword is an astounding masterpiece, because of the unforgettable story and amazing use of words, which is a charismatic combination.

* A Brave Soul Named Flaed! *
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2006-11-22
A teenager named Aethelflaed, is the daughter of the king. That means he picks the husband for her! Her dad picks a man that's about his age (which is about in his fourties!), which she's never met. She sadly can't refuse her dad on this, and is now tortured by the thought of what he looks likeand who he is.

Her dad hire's a protecter for her, since there is a big deal of raiding in the area. Aethelfaed is annoyed by the man who watches her because he follows her everywhere(she is very independant!) She eventually befriends the man, and he teaches her to defend herself, and she teaches him a few tricks as well.

There is a lot of stuff that occurs that I don't want to give away, so you'll have to read it! I'll warn you that there is a sad part, but a happy one fills it in! This book has a slow begining, but gets you hooked!

This was a awesome book, and if you read it you'll enjoy it as much as I did, and I enjoyed it a lot!

Amazing Book!!!!!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2006-10-19
I absolutly loved this book. I think Aethelflaed is an amazing heroine. It was sad in some parts, happy in others, with a great plot. Aethelflaed seems so real, and sort of like me. I hope other people can relate to this book as well as I can.

Adventure, excitement and a great historical fiction!
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2007-04-10
This is definetly one of my favorite books! I've read it countless times and I also love the sequel 'Far Traveler'. The characters are all lovable and the plot is excellent. Another great thing about this book is it is partially a historical fiction novel. The author Rebecca Tingle wrote this book wrote this looking at historical notes. AEthelflaed was a real person and did many great things. Enough great things to be known as Lady of the Mercians.

Flaed is a girl that's only lived fifteen winters but her father King Alfred is making her marry a man named Ethelred of Mercia...a man that she's never met... He's also many years older than her. But Flaed must agree and her father tells her that she cannot be left alone any longer. She must have a bodyguard...a man named Red.

While Flaed and Red are together Red teachers her many things on how to defend herself. She learns how to ride faster and better (which will let her show off to her future husband soon), she uses the sword and many other things. But little does Flaed know that when she leaves for her new home trouble will follow.

Young Adult
Facing the Lion: Growing Up Maasai on the African Savanna
Published in Hardcover by National Geographic Children's Books (2003-09-01)
Author: Joseph Lemasolai-Lekuton
List price: $15.95
New price: $2.79
Used price: $0.05
Collectible price: $15.95

Average review score:

Growing up as a Maasai warrior
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-09-20
I really liked this book. It is one of several that I purchased after coming back from Tanzania, and I have recommended it to others. The author is straight-forward about his situation, so I wouldn't recommend it to children under, say, 12, but it is quite moving as an adult book, though he wrote it for young people.

From the African bush to Harvard.
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-09-15
Facing the Lion is the amazing TRUE story of a Maasai boy growing up in Kenya. I first heard about this National Geographic book from my son's 8th grade world history teacher - it was on a summer reading list. B-O-R-I-N-G - right? Well think again. You will not be able to put this book down! The boy grows up tending his family's herd of extremely valuable cows - and that means standing guard at night when lions literally leap from the bush to decimate the livestock. The lessons that the boy learns from incredible adventure, adversity, and challenge in his African upbringing only serve to give him the drive, determination, and power to succeed at HARVARD. My husband read the book on a plane and now uses a number of examples in his consulting practice. A FUN read and a WONDERFUL book for ANYBODY - teens to adult.

Simple, yet informative!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-09-10
Narrated in the voice of a child as he grows up in a Maasai village, this is a quick, easy-to-read book for learning a lot about the Maasai culture (ie; before traveling to Africa, or for general interest). It was recommended by my travel agent and, while very simple, I will agree it is very well worth the read!

Facing the Lion: Growing Up Maasai
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-06-08
This book was absolutely fascinating to adults as well as younger readers.

Joseph Lekuton is elected to Kenya Parliament
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2006-07-27
On July 24, 2006, this remarkable young man was elected to the Kenyan parliament to represent his home district. He says thank you for the help and encouragement he received while living in the United States.

Young Adult
Mirror Of Merlin
Published in School & Library Binding by Tandem Library (2002-07)
Author: T. A. Barron
List price: $14.65
New price: $14.65

Average review score:

hooray for imagination
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-05-20
More of us need a mirror so we can truly see ourselves and discover that there are positive changes we can make that will enable us to be better people and that can make the world a better place to be. This is perhaps the weakest book of the five, but is still a good read. Do start at the beginning, however, of the series, or nothing will make much sense (if anything DOES ever make sense in this mixed up world of today).

Melin magic strikes again
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2006-03-03
Mark Rodriguez 2/26/06

The Mirror of Merlin, Author: T.A. Barron, ISBN: 0-441-00846-1

The Mirror of Merlin book review

As Merlin realizes that his home, Fincayra, is in grave danger of the ever growing haunted marsh, he steps up and decides he is going to find who made that happen and why. This story takes place at the legendary island called Fincayra, just before the medieval times. The characters in this epic story are Merlin, his friend Hallia, the evil witch Nimue, and a friend he meets on his way, Ector, (otherwise known as Arthur). As Merlin and Hallia find a ballymag (a water creature who lives in the marsh) in a stream instead of a marsh, he tells them that the haunted marsh is growing rapidly. They also discover that the marsh ghouls are attacking innocent people, which they only do when someone invades their territory. But they don't know that the evil witch Nimue is behind it all. The reason why the haunted marsh is growing so rapidly is because Nimue traveled through the magical mirror. This can take people into the past or future. Since she traveled through the mirror she has the power to control the marshes because someone unexpected taught her about the magical way. So she uses her magic for evil and controls the marsh ghouls and the marsh itself so she can take over the legendary island Fincayra. This book is one of the better fantasy books I've read.
The reason this book tops my list is because I really like fantasy books and that this book seemed really good to me. This book was also a real page turner. It kept up with the story and it sometimes got really suspenseful at times which caused me to read it even more. There are also really good descriptions throughout the book. I really enjoyed this kind of genre for this book because I love fantasy and anything with swords, dragons, or wizards has always interested me. This book really hit on all of those things that I love. I would recommend people from 6th grade to 8th grade to read it and if you are the kind of person that likes fantasy I would really recommend this book for you. Also there were a couple of surprises in the story that really got me. One of them was finding out that the little boy named Ector is really King Arthur. So if you need a book to read, pick this one up and enjoy!

While not great literature, a great read!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2005-05-30
This novel is a fast, fun, and thoroughly entertaining read. While not on the same level as the classic fantasy novels, Barron has found a way for the reader to connect to the young boy Merlin, and always want more at the novel's close.

This book was the best book I've ever read
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2004-04-15
In the long winter in a enchanted forest a child was born Merlin enchanted life. This book was a skill fully written book by Rosemary Sutcliff. A novel that will catch the readers eye. Set in England and partly in Norway, far away from the world we know to a unreal universe beyond imagination.

This book set in a fantasy/ medieval setting. The main character in this book is the all powerful Merlin, described as a towering, wise and tattered man. Merlin created by the evil, dark, shadowed, witch, and queen of evil Mab to bring the people back to the old ways. Queen Mab's plan backfired and merlin will do anything to get the queen back for killing his aunt Antasia. At just a hand wizard merlin is ready to fight. But is Merlin ready for the challenges he is about to face? Read the book and find out.

This phenomenal book I would recommend it to any young reader looking for a good book. If i were to rate this book on a scale from 1 to 10 it would be a 10. Any young reader would love this book.

This book review was written by Philip Davis

The Miror of Merlin
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2004-04-27
I liked this book because it presented problems not yet thught of in the average reader's mind. This bookis also intertwined with the other books so you didn't have to meet the whole cast of characters. It took little characters from the other books and made them bigger in one way or another.In every book new information is presented, this book holds alot. Not considering learning about Fincayra itself this book is only second to the fifth book.
I think the best part of this book was when he meets himself, it was a comical meeting. Full of questions and anwsers. The meeting of young and old made me feel and think of pity, sorrow, laughter and wonder on what is to come in the future.
I think the most vivid part of this book was when older Merlin grows a tree right in his own house. In the middle of his own living room! Reading the tree grow is as if you are right in the room when it happens. As if the tree is planted in the book and you are riding it yourself. Not only do you feel that you were there but that you belng there.

Young Adult
Molly Moon Stops the World
Published in Paperback by Macmillan Children's Books (2004-05-07)
Author: Georgia Byng
List price: $10.35
New price: $7.46
Used price: $0.49

Average review score:

Molly enters Hollywood
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-20
As the title suggests, Molly Moon is hitting Hollywood in this book. But why is Molly heading to the USA after such a weird and hypnotic experience in the Big Apple? You will have to read the book to find out. Remember to read the first book to meet all the characters and work out what they are about!

Molly Moon Stops the World (Molly Moon)
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-06-27
This is a great book!! A great follow up to the first Molly Moon book. My boys and I take turns reading(ages 8 & 12) We can't put it down! I highly recommend it!

Just great!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-03-12
This is the second book of Molly Moon I've bought for my 9 year old. She loves them! It is a fairly thick book but she knocks it out in about 3 days. Highly recommend!!

Stopping the World
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2006-12-20

Little Molly Moon was delivered in a Moons Marshmallow package to Hardwick House Orphanage. Molly Moon learns hypnotism, but with a diamond the world is changed and not everything is going in the right direction. Molly has to stop Davina and Primo Cell, but it is not going to be easy. With the help of her dog Petula and her friend Rocky they have to change everything. But the question is HOW?

This fantastic book by Georgia Bnyg is long but definitely worth reading. It is a great adventure and a fun book. You will not be able to out it down. It is filled with details and it will never get boring. If you want to read this book you have to read Molly Moon's Incredible book of Hypnotism. It is the first book of the series, and this series rocks!

this is the best book ever!
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2007-03-25
my grandma got the first three books for me as soon as the time travel (book 3) one was in the book store. then she sent them to me in a package. when i saw them, i was in the middle of reading a different book (narnia, i think..), so i put them in my shelf so i could finish "the lion, the witch, and the wardrobe." when i finally finished that by thanksgiving '06, i pulled out the molly moon books and read the first one, the second one, and the third one, straight through in that one day! it was so much fun when molly and rocky (in the second one) were in New York, livin' the sweet life. and i thought my heart was going to burst when (also in the second book) the magpie could have made them into human being salsa!!!

but i thought it was great when they were in Sinclair's car, watching ms. trinkleberry and nockman. (hahahahahaha!!!)


i love this book, and ive loved all the other ones, too!


Books-Under-Review-->Arts-->Literature-->Authors-->Young Adult-->23
Related Subjects: Stine, R.L. Pike, Christopher Lowry, Lois Paulsen, Gary Cormier, Robert Dessen, Sarah Alexander, Lloyd Hinton, S.E. Nicholson, William
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