Young Adult Books

Dragon Sword and Wind Child is one of my favorite novels. What's to like? Saya is a village girl in Toyoashihara (sort of a mystical/magical Japan), a land split by the war between the Gods that created the land: The God of Light and the Goddess of Darkness (and Death). Saya has been raised to love the Light and is shocked when strange people start proclaiming that she is one of the Goddess of Darkness's people, reborn again and again to wage her battle against the children of the Light. This revelation is complicated when Prince Tsukishiro, one half of the children of the Light, comes to Saya's village, trying to woo her to the side of the Light by enlisting her as a handmaiden in his palace.

You've heard this story before, right? Honestly, I normally hate this sort of plot set up and the reluctant heroine type. However, Saya is unique to me because her reactions are understandable and even relatable; you see how she subtlely changes and how she makes her decisions and her mental conflicts. As for the plot? Not all is as it seems. Once Saya comes to the palace, she doesn't particularly fit in the whole court atmosphere and furthermore warrior Princess Teruhi is determined to catch Saya collaborating with the Darkness. Prince Tsukishiro isn't much of a help, as it seems this situation has all been played out before in Saya's previous lives (that she has no memory of), and he's still in love with Saya's last incarnation, who killed herself in the palace pond. And the Palace of Light has many sinister secrets... (The novel continues for much longer, not only through Saya's revelations, her final choice in alliances, but also to the final conclusion to the war that has engulfed the land for as long as it as existed.)

Another interesting part of this book is that it's not your usual elves, fairies, etc. Noriko Ogiwara, influenced by Western writers, used Japanese mythology to create this world. The implications of this are just obvious by the summary of the book above. This isn't Good vs. Evil, Dark v. Light of your normal fantasy epic. The issues the characters have to deal with in this book are immortality, mortality, reincarnation along with loyalty and empathy. Are we cursed to repeat the same mistakes over and over through our lifetimes? Does immortality create an lack of empathy? What is sacrificed during war, what is gained, and is it worth it?

I had worn out checking out the library copy all the time, so I was thrilled this classic finally has gone back into print. The deft translation by Cathy Hirano is still intact, except that mentions to Saya's stone has been changed to "magatama". I somewhat miss the old cover, but some interesting drawings have been added to the chapter title pages. I have heard that there are two more books in the series (about what I don't know, as the book pretty much covers all the bases and closes all plotlines), and I'm hoping the other two will finally be translated for English audiences. And I lied earlier. This is pretty much my favorite book (Tied with Dark Lord of Derkhom by Diana Wynne Jones). And I cry and laugh every time I read it.

SPOILERS
The insertion of Chihaya completely changes the landscape of the book. And amazingly, it doesn't feel random and unwarranted. Like Chihaya's the other main character, he's just been missing. The romance parts of the book are perhaps its weakest point, but understandable, and really do drive the plot.

I first read this book when I was a child. I loved it. I checked it out of my schools library so many times they let me just keep it till the end of the school year. The story line and the people themselves are so hard to put down. The mythology in the book made me look into the shinto myths. I would recommend this book to anyone. I am twenty six now and still love this book!!

Noriko Ogiwara creates riddles which seem unavoidable. And they are. However, like the words of any oracle, they are open to *very* interesting and unexpected interpretations.

Don't debate. Buy this book! Thank yourself later.

I am so happy that the book was brought back in print by Viz. I have been waiting for this book for a really long time. After I saw it on an English book of literature I wanted to have it. But when I learned that it was out of print and that it was on Amazon for more than $3oo dollars I was devastated, and I hoped that some day it would be back in print. I had to settle for the copies that were on my public library. But I really wanted to have my very own copy as well as the sequels of the book. So I remained patient and waited and finally it was brought back. I cannot wait to get my copy and hopefully I will also see the sequels also translated. But in the mean time I will enjoy this book first.

this book is amazing and i loved it! i read it in junior high, too, and i wish it would be back in print. i definitely cannot buy it for $200! this book is amazing with its details and dialogue and interesting adventures that happen! and the innocent mind of chihaya is definitely attractive and also his unknown power over the dragon sword is so alluring. this historical fairytale is the best i've ever read! it keeps you reading and your heart thumping in anxiety over what will occur next.

Great Book! I bought it for a math class, but have already used it with my sixth grade son. Must have for anyone with children; great reference material for anyone who even needs to know how to help a child with math at home.

I have 4th grade and 2nd grade kids and It is nice to have a resource to show a different explanation than their textbooks. I like the simple set up. I am sure we will get much more use as the years go on. Wish I had it when I was younger.

My wife really likes this book. Good examples, however, wish there were more practice sheets for the child. It is a good parent reference book and easy to follow.

This math handbook is a terrific compendium for general math for those persons wishing to own a handy reference for general math solutions.

We have many reference books available for our children to utilize during homework time. Many of the books we have currently have been good up until now, but as they have aged, we are ready for the next step of reference. This is the one. I don't normally write reviews but I felt compelled to officially give this book five stars.

Several of the books in this series had a rushed feel to them, I thought the writing got better in this one.
The teens finally figure out a way to free Max from the collective consciousness and free the alien homeworld from it's grip as well. I'd expected the story to be pretty sloppy but was pleased to see it was better.
The Max/Liz and Michael/Maria romances even ran pretty much the way the TV series did with the exception that in this story Michael was going to return to the homeworld with brother Trevor and Isabel was going to go with him. Isabel decides to remain with her "family"and Michael, who had never admitted his feeling to Maria, decided that he too had to stay.
You do kind of get left with a "where's the rest of the series?" feeling as this is the last we see of the Roswell storyline.

OK, this book, in my opinion was the best at the end for romantic reasons. Michael and Maria both had a thing for the other, but, yes, Michael is a little dense, and once he fooled around with this evil Cameron (as you can probably tell, I hate her). Finally though, Michael and Maria admitted feelings, and it was so sweet! (I'm Michael-Maria crazy). The bad thing is that Alex and Isabel practically said (yes, they did) they only wanted to be friends, which totally sucks. Another thing: Max and Liz have always been totally corny in the books, but this time, they crossed the line. They act all lovey-dovey even after Liz's problems with Adam. If you ask me, they're too perfect a couple to be real. All in all, though, this book really came through.

I loved this one, it's my favorite out of the whole series. It was an excelent balance of tying up loose ends and leaving a promise of the future. I was not disapointed with this ending.

Melinda Metz is a fantastic author. I loved her other Roswell books but this is, by far, the best one yet. I was jumping out of my seet from the first page. I love how Melinda ended the book, it was very twisty and tourney and almost made me cry. When I was done with the book I felt good to know what happens but I also felt sad to know that this was the end of Roswell. It's so depressing realizing somethings going to end.

The Salvation by Melinda Metz was truely a terrific ending to the Roswell High series. After all of the conflicts and terrors that Max, Liz, Michael, Maria, Alex, and Isabel had gone through in previous books, The Salvation needed a happy ending to calm the reader's nerves. And that's just what Metz delivered. If you've read the other Roswell high books don't even hesitate to read about their final battle in The Salvation.
The only thing I wish now was that she had written more!

This was written before the internet age, but it's totally relevant today. It's about a girl who has it all (looks, brains, etc.), and then she discoveres she has cancer. She meets a guy in the hospital, someone who understands everything she's going through, and they start dating.

I liked this book because so many dating books sort of exist in a world where no one gets sick, and here, real life pops up and gives everything perspective. On the other hand, just because these characters get really ill doesn't diminish how important love and relationships are. Melissa and Ric still have sexual feelings and go through what all teens go through in relationships.

This was the first Lurlene McDaniel book I've read, and I plan to read as many as I can!

the story sucks u in and wont let u out tell the end with tears in ur eyes

"The diagnosis is lymphocytic leukemia, Melissa. It's a form of cancer." This book puts you in the place of 16-year-old Melissa. She seemed to be a normal teen, living her life to the fullest. She was beautiful with long, thick, black hair, which would soon be gone. Her best friend, Jory, was always with her, and her all-time crush started to like her! She was even nominated to go out for the Brain Bowl, which was always her dream. Everything was going her way until she was diagnosed with a life-threatening disease, leukemia. She couldn't just live anymore; she had to fight for her life. A never-ending battle was going on in her body. Melissa's struggle between life and death really will make you see things from a different point a view.
I recommend Too Young to Die by Lurlene McDaniel to any person that wants to know what facing reality can be like. It is hard for people who haven't experienced loss, to understand. McDaniel does a remarkable job clarifying the situation and taking you on a journey through the eyes of Melissa, while battling her cancer. Many people die everyday of cancer, heart disease, and other dreadful causes. Think about how fortunate you are compared to many of these people that don't even know if they are going to be alive tomorrow.

I love to read...especially sad books. This book was amazing!! What bravery Melissa had. I don't want to give away any secrets but this is a MUST read!

When someone gave me this book in fifth grade, I put it aside and didn't read it right away. Boy was I glad when I finally started reading. It was one of the best books I've ever read. Well, back when I was in fifth grade. I'm in eighth grade now, and I still like this book.

Melissa is 16 and starting her junior year, which is looking pretty good. The most popular boy in school has taken an interest in her, and there's a pretty good chance she'll make the brain bowl team (kinda like the math thing in 'mean girls', only math and science). Melissa and her best friend, Jory, are physced. They're about to have a great year! Then Melissa starts finding bruises everywhere, and gets put in the hospital for some tests. The outcome isn't good. Melissa has cancer. Melissa, a perfectly healthy 16 year old, now has cancer. It didn't seem possible. Melissa sees her perfect junior year going right down the drain. The chemo she takes to fight off the cancer leaves her sick, and now the most popular boy in school ignores her. Then she meets Ric. Ric's knows what she's going through. He had half his leg amputted to save his body from cancer. With the help of him, Jory, and her family, Melissa is learning how to cope with cancer. She was so mature for a 16 year old, dealing with cancer. I hope I would have the guts to be as brave as Melissa Austin if I ever got sick like that.

There's a sequel to this book, so be sure to read it when you finish this. It's not as good, but it's still worth reading. It focuses more on Jory.

The best one yet! Jacky Faber gets herself into the craziest most exciting adventures in this one. I loved it!

This novel is the best that i have read so far.

When i first read the Curse of the Blue Tatto, I thought it was going to be one of those books where you had to put it down every 5 seconds so you don't die from boredom. But it was just the oppsite and for the Jolly Roger one it was even better. It had action through out the book and was really interesting. I especially liked the part where they had the big war. It was kind of like the last part of the movie "Pirates of the Caribbean 3' but better. The English slangs were sometimes annoying but it really gave me an idea of how Jacky talked.

I have to say this on had a lot of adult content thingys then the other ones but oh well it's still good

-Andrew Yoo

In this the latest installment (Book III) in the Jacky Faber adventures, young and impetuous Jacky sails back to England after leaving the Lawson Peabody School for Young Girls in Boston.

Jacky is now in search of her beloved Jaimy, but when she shows up at his house, his insufferable mother turns her away. Later on, she finds an ingenious way to meet him at the races by dressing up as a boy. To her dismay, she finds him holding hands with another girl. Impulsive and passionate as always, she assumes the worst and storms out of the place without asking an explanation, only to fall into the hands of kidnappers. When she opens her eyes, she finds herself aboard a ship far from the coast.

But the worse happens when her kidnappers realize the inevitable--she's a girl! Now Jacky has to prove herself as an accomplished sailor, keep the filthy captain away from her, and earn the respect of her fellow mates. Of course, her dilemma doesn't end here, for soon enough she's mistaken for a pirate and the authorities put a price on her head!

This is a book that will be utterly enjoyed by young fans of pirate adventure stories. Non-stop action and thrills fill the plot, but what really stands out is the well-drawn, utterly adorable character of the sensitive, yet headstrong teenaged protagonist, Jacky Faber. Her interaction with other characters and sharp wit are a delight to follow.

L.A. Meyer has an unusual, original style that is fresh and engaging. The author uses the present tense to tell the story; since it is a historical novel, I would have preferred the past tense, but this is purely a personal choice. Also, at times the technical descriptions of Jacky as she handles the ship can be a bit tedious, though I suppose this can be appealing to hardcore fans of pirate stories.

The ending leaves at a crucial point, leaving the story unfinished and readers begging for more.

Armchair Interviews says: The book can stand on its own in spite of being the third one in the series.

Under the Jolly Roger is my favorite bloody jack book yet! It has pirate adventure, romance and everything else a good adventure needs to have. The plot is she leaves Boston and goes to find her love Jaimy. When she finds him he is with some other girl. Then she gets taken by a naval press gain. The next thing that she knows the captain of the wolverine wants her in his bed! She goes and does what she does best; get in trouble and this time with all of England!

It's a fun fast paced book that I could not get my nose out of. I have read all of the Bloody Jack books and this one by far is the best. I can't wait for the 6th book to come out in September. If you are looking for a good pirate books then I would defiantly put this on you list!

Under the Jolly Roger was the third in the series of the adventures of Jacky Faber, authored by L.A.Meyer. I'm looking forward to reading the remaining books in Mr. Meyer's series. Although these books are recommended for young adults, as a "senior citizen", I have been pleasantly pleased with the three books I have read in this series. I enjoy historical fiction, and learned much about sailing in Europe in the early 1800's. The author certainly imparts a good sense of humor in his main character, Jacky Faber. As long as Mr.Meyer continues writing new novels in this series, I will definitely continue reading these delightful adventures of Jacky Faber.

Easy to order. Arrived on time.
A funny book for us old folks. I have ordered copies for my aging friends.

This is a great gift for all your friends turning 50!
Lets them know exactly what to expect in the coming years.
No one could say it better than Dr. Suess.

I first saw this book while visiting friends in a retirement home. When I got home I immediately ordered it from Amazon and placed it on my coffee table. If you are even on the verge of getting older, you will understand Dr. Seuss' adventure to the doctor's office, and appreciate the humor he injects concerning the many tests, etc. one sometimes must tolerate as we age.

The family has given this book to friends for years as a gift on their 60th birthday. It is a fun look at the aging process and brings laughter from all who have received the book. Usually we have the friend sit on our laps and we read it to them as we would a child. Great stuff..

What more can be said? There will never be another Dr. Suess. I'm never disappointed when it comes to Dr. Suess. And Amazon has great service, by the way.

Zink by:Cherie Bennet was the best book ever.I love the author. She is the best.I'm realy looking forward to reading another one of her books.

I am not a very emotional person, and I found myself crying at least once every chapter. This is a very sad book. I don't recommend it if you are under the age of 10, because the words are small, and the emotions just make you want to reach out. I am very touched by this book. It is DEFINITLY A MUST READ. This is my favorite book I have ever read - and I have read ALOT OF BOOKS

I thought this book was very good. It talked about a girl who ends up getting a form of cancer called leukemia. She meets people in the hospital who like her and don't like her. During her difficulties in the hospital some zebras come to her and she thinks their not real but what she comes to find out is that she is the zebras assigned human. She goes back and forth to her assigned zebra herd. This is a great story for people who like to act like their in the book.

I have had the book since it first came out. My book is so worn from reading it over and over again. I read probley every six monthes. Now I need by another because it is so used it is falling apart.

This book goen into depth just how bad cancer can be. You may car at the end. When I frist read it I did the way she dies is so sad. Anyway you get to see how things work for getting rid of cancer. You also will see how couagre is thouht and how Becky stands up for herself. This such a good book! I think there should be a second one to it. It would tell what happens after Zink and how her faimly is doing.

I've read Zink countless times since I got in the 4th grade. Every night, I sit down and go to my favorite parts of the book, and then shead a tear or two as I lay down to sleep.

Ever since I first read Zink, I started looked at my own life closer. I noticed how lucky I was to have my hair, not be sick all the time, and not always have Lukemia on my mind. This book is so inspiring for everyone. And in more ways than one. Ever since I read the book, I have been planning my own book to write about Lukemia, called Bald and Beautiful. Although no book could top zink, I think I will give my planned book a shot.

True courage is admitting that you are scared but continuing to fight. I have applied this to every day life, from math tests to track meets, riding rollar coasters to standing up in front of a bully. Every day, when I'm about to face something scary, I try to have true courage. And before I read Zink, I never knew what true courage was.

Zink is a great book that I reccmond to all my friends. I actually like how Becky dies at the end, though it is very, very, sad. Before you protest and stop reading this review, please listen to my reason. Two years ago, my best friend was diagnosed with Lukemia. And today, sadly to say, she isn't hear anymore. Not all people will live, and Zink teaches you that.

Knowing what Chemo is like, the book does a great job of telling people all the horrible, horrible details. I was with my friend almost every day when she was having Chemo, and I was right outside her room when she was having her TBR. And I remember when she got her BMT so clearly, that just reading this book brought back so many memories.

All in all, if you want a really good read, with totally real facts and plots, than Zink is for you.

There are probably about a bazillion "Love Stories" books out there, but this one is my favorite. It centers around an insecure girl, Ali, with two gorgeous "all that and a bag of potato chips" sisters. Ali is on her way home from an all girls boarding school when in a desperate dash for a road side rest bathroom, she runs smack into a little boy named tim and his gorgeous brother Ben. After a small bit of flirting they get back to the turnpike and seemingly away from each other. That is untill Ali finds out that Ben and Tim are her new neighbors! Ali keeps second guessing herself when she's around ben, trying to superimpose reasons he'd want to mess with her emotionally onto him. The two keep getting pushed together into romantic situations (mainly by ben's little brother), but becuse of Ali's insecurity they both become very confused with each other.Eventually Ali get's herself into quite a pickle involving some horny drunk teenage boys and Ben has to sweep in to save the day. It's very romantic.
This book contains some of the most genuine feelings and doubts any young couple first encounter. It will tug on your heart strings. Honestly, it's the only Love stories book that I still read on the verge of my 20th birthday (especially the sleigh riding bit), and I've had the book since I was about 13. It's honest and romantic, and completly emotionally realistic. You'll love it!

At First Sight is probably one of the best romance novels that I've read. It is definitely a great book and I just fell in love with it. I HIGHLY recommend it to anyone. You will LOVE it too!!!=]

this book is great- one of the best Love Stories. it's so sweet, i just really liked the things he said to her, and the way that he treated her. she is so lucky to get a guy like that!

I really enjoyed reading this book.. but I thought it was a little predicatable at times. I would reccomend for a curl yourself up on the couch rainy day book! I love The Love Stories Series!

I loved this book and have read 6 times, reason, well it makes girl wonder about themselves not being able to fall in love. Allie, is thought to be not as pretty as her sisters and as shown by the guys in the novel is maybe prettier. I loved it and a wonderful story

"Good fences make good neighbors." That's what Cass's dad said when he found out a black family was moving in next door. Cass even helped him build the fence. But as the new neighbors moved in, Cass couldn't help but be curious. Watching through a peephole in the fence, Cass's blue eye found a brown eye staring back at her.

Cass asked Jemmie, "Do you like to run?"

Jemmie responded, "Run? Girl, I don't run, I fly. Can't nobody beat me."

The race was on. They both sneaked out of their homes the next morning to find out who was fastest, and instead found "Chocolate Milk."

This is the story of their friendship. It's also a story of crossing boundaries, change, and eventual acceptance. Theirs is a natural friendship, a friendship that's tried by the bigotry of Cass's dad, and the stubbornness of Jemmie's mother. It takes the misfortunes of a tiny baby for the parents to begin tearing down their mental fences.

Adrian Fogelin does a beautiful job of portraying tenuous relationships that exist among people trying to understand cultures different from their own, The girls are sweet and fun; their dialogue is well-written, immersing the reader in the long, hot, dog days of summer in Tallahassee, Florida.

CROSSING JORDAN leaves the reader with hope for future generations, that they will be inspired to appreciate each other, just as Cass and Jemmie were inspired to call themselves Chocolate Milk. This is the first book of Adrian Fogelin's that I've read, and I'm sure I'll be looking for more of her titles.

Reviewed by: Cana Rensberger

Crossing Jordan is one of the best Young Adult books ever written. A great lesson in race relations, an admission of being wrong, making amends and building an enduring friendship. It also teaches that friendship is more important than winning. The two girls are compared to chocolate milk, one black, one white that blend together to make a special flavor of friendship.
Adrian writes from the experiences of her neighborhood and the children that populate it. Every adult should read it too. In fact, I recommend it to adults,you will understand your child better. It's a five star rating with five more as bonuses. Once you read Crossing Jordan, you'll be hooked. Adrian Fogelin has a special talent that everyone should experience.
Ronald G. Miller, Amelia Island, Fl.

I enjoyed this book because it was adventurous. This book was about two girls who are of different races and are neighbors. The girls, Cass and Jemmie, eventually become friends in secret. Both of their parents find out about their friendship and disapprove.

Near the end of the book the girls run a race together for Sicle Cell Anemia. They are " Chocolate Milk" ,a team. At the end of the race Jemmie falls. Cass tries to help her but Jemmie says go on. But Cass doesn't. She says we are a team Chocolate Milk and they finish the race together. Everyone cheered them on as they crossed the finish line.

At the end of the book the girls had accomplished running a race, reading a long book called Jane Erye, and brought their familes together for a delicious dinner.

I enjoyed Crossing Jordan immensely. This book is about how two neighbor girls, who are of different races become friends. Both girls, Cass and Jemmie, have disapproving parents, who interfere with their friendship, but they communicate in secret. By the end of the book, the girls have run a race, read Jane Eyre and have brought their families so close that they have a potluck supper.

My favorite part of this book was when Jemmie falls in the race right before the finish line. Instead of coming in first place, Cass helps Jemmie limp across the line and they tie it in last, because they are a team, called "Chocolate Milk". I like to think of them equal in race, and finishing the race equally. They didn't win, but they each won by the other's standards. They also end up on the front page of the newspaper.

I would recommend this book to people all ages, because it has a message that that is never too late to be learned. In addition it has many historical references and generally makes a good read for anyone, especially girls.

Crossing Jordan is a book that will make it cry. It shows you that it doesn't matter how you look, anyone can be your friend. To all the people who dislike people who aren't your skin color, read Crossing Jordan and I know you'll change your mind. -Kayla Parker (11) Tallahassee, FL

The book Cry of the Wolf was an awesome book. It has dragons, wolves and griffins, some of my favorite mythical creatures. My favorite character is Adriane. Adriane is about 14; she has two friends' that are total opposites. My favorite part is when she battles the manticore.
Cry of the Wolf is about a girl named Adriane who lets her bonded animal Stormbringer (bonded animal is an animal that balances their magic) go into the magical world Aldenmore with wolves. Adriane gets worried and goes after her. While she looks for her she makes friends with a boy named Zach and gets a dragon for a bonded animal.
The dark sorceress captures her. While she's in the dungeon she finds another mistwolf. With the help of the other animals in the dungeon she gets out. When she gets out she has to battle the manticore . After that Stormbringer comes back with the rest of the pack. So Adriane finds her bonded animal and goes back to earth.

Finally Adrianne is on action. In the book there is alot of action and suspence though one part is kinda sad. Adrianne and her boned animal Storm hav a close bond when these other mistwolves come and Storm decides to join with the pack leaving Adrianne torn. The warrior then goes on a journey to find Storm. She then is on Aldenmore and meets with this one boy named Zach(human) and this strange rock. Soon they become friends and Adrianne soon learns about his past. Adrianne later figures out that the rock is not really what it seems. So far this is my faverite book in the series and I think everyone will love it.

This book is prehaps my favorite out of all of the books. Adriane is willful and strong. When she is pulled into Aldenmore, even if she feels like she can't go on, she keeps her head high and moves forward. The mistwolves are a major part of the entire series and in this book, they are shown in a new light, slightly harsh and sometimes cruel, but always for the safety and wellfare of the pack. I would recomend this book to anyone who is willing to sit down and read a fantasy story about loyalty, friendship and the never ending bond that is love.

I really like how this one is mostly about Adriane and her friendship with Stormbringer. I also love how she meets alot of other magical creatures-=some friends, and some foes. Her experieance on Aldenmor really helped her come out of her shell.

Adrianne and Storm share a bond unlike any other. Storm thinks that she is the last mistwolf living since she has no membory of the pack and Adrianne thinks that she has some blood of a mistwolf but not sure yet... until the mistwolf pack arrive and Storm sadly joins. Adrianne cannot since shes not a mistwolf and the leader of the pack believes that humans always bring destruction. When they leave that does not stop Adrianne from finding Storm. With the help of her friends the d flies make a portal though Adrianne gets sucked in to the world of Aldenmore. The action begins as the warrior fights monsters and meets this rock and this boy named Zach. Eventually Adrianne finds Storm and the pack accepts as Adrianne their wolf sister so shes part of the pack!