Young Adult Books

I loved this book. I fell in love with the characters. Carly is so funny. What she does is so down to earth and real life- (she reminds me of one of my friends). And I find myself smiling with Jack a lot of the time. In addition to being a really good BOOK, it is also a great romance!
Check it out- fuh real.

I have read most of the love story books....and I find that my two favourites are Hot summer Nights and At first sight by elizabeth chandler. Hot summer nights in particular is easy to read..enjoyable and above all interesting to read. It's not one of those books where you read the first chapter and put the book down. When you read the book you want to read it to the end! I think this book is a great success...and Elizabeth chandler should be commended for her books...not only this one, but all the books she has written.

One thing that struck me about "Hot Summer Nights" is that it's not the typical light and frothy young adult romance novel. Aside from the romance, it deals with teenage pregnancy and holding on to worn-out relationships and wraps everything into a witty and bittersweet package. The heroine, Carly McFarlane, is definitely a person of substance with her own set of insecurities and a lot of teenagers can relate to her. This is one of the few stories that really stuck with me after all these years, and I highly recommend it to anyone who likes young adult novels.

this book is INCREDIBLE !! the story is about a girl whose best friend is the perfect blonde petite girl who always has to take guys away from her!! whoever she dates, heather (her best friend) dates just after her, i mean, the girl doesn't even waits for her to brake up! so that's why carly makes a perfect plan to keep heather away from luke, the guy she's after, she just has to find heather the perfect guy for her... so she starts this huge caimpaign to pair up heather with someone, and after a few tries she find the perfect guy for her, jack, whose a guy who works with her as a counselor at summer school for kids. but when they start to hit it off, carly realices that she is developing a major crush on jack, and then her sister whose pregnant and at home tells her to do exactly what heather would...
well i hope i didn't give away to much about the story! i recomend this book to anyone who into a excelent love story, i mean, i have like 8 books of this serie and this one is by far, one of the best i've read!
u just can't miss it!!

Carly is definately going to have a non-stop summer this year. With her job as a camp counselour, her sister home from college her freshmen year - pregnant with a baby, and her gorgous best friend Heather who keeps snagging all of her guys, Carly's really in for it! Then Carlys spots Luke, a dreamy muscle man that would turn any girl's head. But what about Heather? The minute she finds out Carly is interested in someone beside the guy that she just took she'll be hopping right over and throw a smile right in Luke's face and Carly's dreams of romance with muscle man are history. So here's Carly's plan: If she could just find a guy that she could pretend to be in love with then Heather could be obsessing about him while Carly secretly dates Luke. And who else could play the part except forJack Ryder who is irresistibley cute and funny and always has girls kissing the ground he walks on - a perfect match for Heather. Her plan is working out perfectly except for Carly. Turns out Luke is a self-centered, boring, jerk and Carly can't stop thinking about Jack. She can't stand the sight of Heather and him together and pretty soon she finds herself down right in love with him. And she has a feeling Jack just might have a thing for her too. Will this cute couple get together? This is just another example of another Elizabeth Chandler novels that will keep your heart racing. I would be throughally surprised if you didn't like this book 100%!

At twelve years old, Alex begins thinking that she might be a good enough swimmer to represent New Zealand in the Olympics in 1960, when she is sixteen. Juggling high school, other extracurricular activities, and competitive swimming is tough, though. It becomes especially tough when Maggie, who has been competing since she was two, moves nearby and begins training at Alex's pool. Maggie has an overbearing mother and an absolute dedication to swimming that means she mostly wins her events against Alex. Alex remains certain that she will be able to come out on top at the Olympic trials, though.

As that time comes closer, Alex becomes less and less certain of herself, and she finds herself getting more and more overwhelmed by the events in her life. Will she be able to set everything aside in order to focus on what may be the most important swim of her life?

This was a decent story about swimming and about the pressures of high school, which haven't really changed all that much in the last forty years. However, I was disappointed by the predictability of the storyline with Andy. On the second page of the prologue, before we had even officially met him, I already knew exactly what happened. It was a letdown when my suspicions ended up being true.

I read this book over and over again. It's well-written and handles emotions more complex than most books for this age group.

I was at the secondhand bookstore, reading a book about greatbooks for girls, and it mentioned one I thought I'd seen whilebrowsing the shelves earlier. I went and picked it up, 259-page"In Lane Three, Alex Archer" and decided to get it - itsounded good and was only ... anyway. I spent the next three daysreading little parts of it at a time, and could barely put itdown. The epilogue was especially good, and after finishing it Iimmediately wrote out a new Favourite Books List - there was a new onein first place.

I loved this book! It is an excellent read and is well written. The story is beautiful and the characters are believable. It's a story an girl can relate to, no matter their age. The emotions and trials of Alex are very real; it's hard to put it down until you're done! I recomend this book to anyone. Not only does it talk about growing up a teenage girl, but it describes things such as the personal struggles of competiting in a way that is different and refreshingly honest. Buy this book today!

This book was a great book. If you are a swimmer you can relate to all the training and the time you have for everything else. If you have ever dreamed of going to the Olympics this book shows you what you have to need and go through. Alex shows courage and faith in this book. The book also gives examples of a swimmer's friendships and dreams. "In Lane Three, Alex Archer" is a really good book, it tells the story of a swimmer's life when she is training and trying to have fun.

Once again, the plot is fast and intoxicating as Johnis rushes to save those he loves, following his heart against all odds into the very centers of darkness, being forced to trust in the light of Elyon to prevail.

the mission for the books is on in this second book but we finally start to get a more personal and real look at our hero, giving some much needed character development after the first series.
the plot is again exciting and leaves you desperate to get to the end, to know how it ends.
However, there are a few times that it seems circumstances/situations are too easily resolved and though a great, quick read, by the end, I was hoping for something a little more.

I would give it a three for lack of detail in the world and a more complex execution of the plot, but it is tagged for young adult AND i can't deny I raced through the book, enjoying every minute....

This is an awesome series. I have read the first two books and my 13 and 15 year old son and daughter have read them too. Buy'm soon

This is an amazing book. I love how Ted Dekker ties this story into the Circle trilogy. This is a wonderful follow-up story to CHOSEN. If you've read BLACK, RED and WHITE, you need to read this!!

I am not disappointed at all. I love this.... and this book has ministered, inspired and entertained. Love it!

Johnis stepped forward and lifted the ring. He recognized it immediately. "My mother's ring!"
"Your mother's?" Silvie asked. 'Michal wanted you to know that the Horde took it?'
But Johnis didn't think that was what Michal had meant by leaving the ring. Sweat beaded on his forehead. "She's alive."
Johnis is a regular 16 year old in a land similar to our own. There are no cars or electricity, and you are permitted to get married at age 16. In this land there are two tribes, the Forest Guards, whom Johnis is a part of, and the Horde. The Horde and the Forest Guards have been in a long war and the Horde believes they can defeat the Forest Guards. Johnis, while watching the tryouts for new recruits is suddenly pushed into the game. Johnis and three other companions were sent on a mission. Their original mission was to find 4 Catalina cacti, but while on the mission he and his companions, Darsal, Billos, and Silvie, run into the Horde. He is saved by a white bat called a roush and he is told he is to find the 6 Lost Books of History, books that are so powerful you will die if you open it. These books are the final hope of defeating the Horde, but he's not the only one searching for the books. Teeleh, an evil bat wants to use the books' power to take over all the land. Johnis is in a race to find the books... (End of book 1)
After he receives 3 books he heads home. He is honored and celebrated as a hero because everyone believes he escaped the Horde. After the celebration he runs into Michal, the roush he ran into earlier. Michal hands him a ring where he finds out that his long lost mother, who was taken prisoner of the Horde, is still alive. Now he has a new mission, to find his mother...
This Fantasy Fiction book teaches one that they should always obey God's laws. Johnis betrayed his people by taking over a hundred forest guards to save his mother. He did not find his mother and killed more than half of them in battle. This book is full of action and suspense, Ted Dekker is an amazing author. Infidel is a great second book in the series; I can't wait until the saga is complete. I believe both teenagers and adults will love this fun and short book, anyone will enjoy this book and I'm sure everyone will love the series.

It is my belief that the word 'subtle' is not in Rumiko Takahashi's dictionary. 90% of the characters in Ranma 1/2 lack the trait, and several of the people in Maison Ikkoku need a lesson. We won't even get into Ataru and his crowd from Urusei Yatsura. Inu Yasha has provided us with some new examples of those who speak their mind and constantly make you hang your head and sigh.

While not as boisterous and arrogant as Inu Yasha, the Buddhist monk Miroku shares some traits with the dog-demon. Both tend to say what they think, regardless of the consequences. Both are stubborn as mules and as dense as rocks. But that's what we love about them.

Miroku has a tendency to ask something quite...personal from the women that he meets. As for what this is--you'll just have to read the books won't you?

It's a great book! I would say it's one of the best Volumes!

Ok!I am tottally in love with this series so listen closly! Things have started to heat up as the group meets a monk named Miroku. Now, they know that Naraku is the true cause of Kikyou's death! This series is so cool but I reccomend that 10 year olds read this!

...All of which are contained in this manga. This manga is VERY IMPORTANT plotwise, because not only is a new main charachter introduced but the nice little dead lady has some interesting things happen that stick with us for the rest of the series so far. As for the painter, he's of little importance in the big scheme of things, so it'll suffic to say that we get to see Miroku use that hole in his hand, as well as some brain power and Inu Yasha also kicks butt liberally.
Enjoy!

I've been a manga fan ever since I was introduced to Sailor Moon three years ago, and have been following Rumiko Takahashi's work for almost as long. Inu-Yasha, her latest series is my personal favorite. In ancient Japan, a doglike half demon, half human named Inu-Yasha, attempts to steal the Shikon Jewel, or "Jewel of Four Souls" which has the power to turn him into a full-blooded demon. The priestess whose duty it is to guard the jewel, Kikyo, uses her remaining lifeforce to ensnare him in an entrapment spell. The girl and the jewel are burned and laid to rest. In the future (1997 to be precice) Japanese high school girl Kagome is sucked back though time to fifty years after the Shikon Jewel was destroyed. There she finds out that she is the reincarnation of Kikyo the priestess, and has to carry out the responsibility of guarding the jewel. After an unfortunate "accident", the jewel is shattered and flung to the four winds, and Kagome and Inu-Yasha are burdened with the near-impossible task of restoring the jewel to its original, whole state. Which means finding every shard. And they aren't the only ones after them (but probably the only ones with good intentions). As a saftey precaution to keep Inu-Yasha from losing his temper and mauling someone, he is forced to wear a necklace that lets Kagome control him with a single word. By simply saying "sit" poor Inu-Yasha is knocked to the ground, pancake style. As the story progresses, you meet other entertaining characters, like Myoga the flea-demon, Shippo the young fox-demon, Miroku the easygoing, cursed Buddhist priest, and Kaede, Kikyo's little sister, now an old woman. Inu-Yasha has hints of Rumiko Takahashi's previous works, and yet it's a whole new cunningly irresistable story. I definately don't recommend it for the squeamish, or weak-hearted; there's some of everything, humane and inhumane. There is some brief nudity in some (but not all) of the books, and a lot of bloodshed (but it's not as violent as the Mermaid Saga) The first two books aren't as good as they could be (the plot seems thin and rushed in some parts), but it gets better. In the fifth book, an unusual twist of the plot occurs and after that, you just can't put the series down. Rumiko Takahashi also throws in a little of the romantic comedy that she's famous for as you get further into the series. Don't expect to be rolling with laughter through the whole book, though; Inu-Yasha aims for a slightly more solomn note than Ranma 1/2 and Urusei Yatsura. I would recommend the series for 13 and up, although I was able to read some of it to my 10 year old brother by editing out the less "respectible" parts. This series is definately worth recognization and I'm sure that I'm not the only one counting the days until the next volume is published.

Every other reviewer gave this book 5 stars..hard to believe that they all actually read it. This book has a lot of potential, most of it wasted. It appears to be self-published, and it certainly never had the benefit of an editor to correct the massive number of punctuation and grammar errors. These are so frequent and obvious that it interferes with the reading. A good editor would also have helped the author develop the characters and smooth out the disjointed storyline - there are no transitions connecting the changing scenes, no explanations for why characters react the way they do. Everytime the children go to Tutu's grass hut and "travel" to the realm of the Hawaiian gods, the action/reactions are the same. Each of those scenes cry out to be cut in half (or more) - they are endless and get boring. I found myself skimming through these praying for it to end, since nothing new or interesting was going to happen. I forced myself to finish the book, hoping (against hope, as it turned out) that questions would be answered. I wanted to like this book, as a former resident of Hawaii, but was disappointed.

... hold on! Cause when I opened this book, it hit me like a fist made of bricks ... marshmallow bricks, that is. Kay takes us on whirwind tour of the traditions and ceremonies of the Hawaiian culture. It's light and fluffy, heavy on good dialogue and light on cliche and racism ... which I hate. Anyway, it did get a little slow about 2/3 of the way through and the story seemed a bit contrived, but I think Kay should get points for actually finishing this story when the average writer would have realized that it was going nowhere. Easily my favorite book of all time. I give it five stars and one of my patented awkwardly long hugs.

A new version of this book is now available on Amazon at a LOWER PRICE: $12.28. This new version is published under the author's real name (M. L. Kamahele) with ISBN: 1599713284, and it ships within 24 hours. Also, please note that the old version of this book (listed here on this page) is now "OUT OF PRINT". So any versions purchased/shipped from this page are likely USED. To purchase a NEW version of the book, search for the book on Amazon using ISBN number 1599713284 or the book's full title.

It's hard to believe that every reviewer thats written a review for this book has only reviewed THIS BOOK, and this book only. I'm not saying its a bad book, it's just suspect that all the reviews come from people who seem to read ONLY this book. Also, many "Listmania" lists happen to have this book at the top while listing all the most popular teen lit underneath. Hmmm, is that a tad bit suspicious? It could be true, this could be a "cool book for any teen", just be aware that publishers and authors are allowed to write reviews anonymously for their own works. I am sure that This review will soon have many "not helpful" votes as the author and publisher seem to spend a lot of time on this page shilling. Google it if you don't know what it means.

omg this is the best book i have EVER read!!!! the first time i read it, it took 3 days cuz i could never put the book down! all this action and excitment keeps popping up page after page and i cant stop reading!!! i would reccomend this book to any other highschooler (i'm a junior this year *YAY*), but read it twice cuz you'll miss a bunch of stuff the first time probly since u hafta read it so fast. cuz then the second time i read it, i figured out all the double chapter meanings and noticed lots of hints that the author dropped that i never saw bfore

...anyway, this book rox my sox!!

Political intrigue and moral questions are explored in The Kestrel, the second in Lloyd Alexander's Westmark trilogy.

The long-lost heir to the throne, the orphan Mickle, has been reinstated. The evil chief minister Cabbarus has been exiled from Westmark. Things seem, on the surface, to be going smoothly. But the untimely death of the king of Westmark sparks the flame of unrest in the country.

The nobility is unhappy with their "beggar queen." The commoners want a government in which they have more of a say - they would be happy to do away with a monarchy altogether. Thrown into this mix is Mickle, now the ruling queen upon her father's death, and Theo, who finds his loyalty tested and divided between his friends in the anti-monarchy movement and his love for Mickle, which causes him to want to protect the crown. When a neighboring kingdom invades Westmark, Theo sets out to prove himself by aiding his friends, while Mickle rises to become an unlikely war leader.

The Kestrel continues to explore the hard questions introduced in the first book of the trilogy. The main characters wrestle with wondering when violence is acceptable, and for what reasons. They also have to deal with issues of stealing (when you're hungry, is it okay to be taking from your own side?), honor, and how far you can make personal compromises before you become someone you don't want to be. Alexander does a commendable job in presenting these issues with no pat answers or preachiness. In the book, as in real life, there are no easy solutions and people have to deal with the consequences of their choices.

The political issues are also brought into play in The Kestrel. The ideals of the peasantry, the long-standing aristocracy, and everything in between are represented by most of the main characters. Each idea has merit, and yet they are hard pressed to find the right balance. While the war is brought to a satisfying conclusion, the book itself ends on an unclear note, hinting that the problems of Westmark government will be concluded in the final book of the trilogy.

Regia is invading Westmark. King Constantine IX of Regia and his uncle, Duke Conrad, have already paid off the corrupt General Erzcour, who is the commander of all of Westmark’s forces. Erzcour has ordered all of his men on the Regian border to surrender to Regia. However, many of his soldiers and officers disobey his orders, to stand and fight for their country in the mountains that separate Regia from Westmark. Unfortunately, the valiant fighters are leaderless and low on ammunition. They beat a hasty retreat. Queen Augusta of Westmark, who was formerly a street urchin because the corrupt chief minister, Cabbarus (now affiliated with Regia), threw her out on the streets before she knew she was a princess, orders a carriage to carry her to the border. She then rallies the remains of the army to the nearest city and resupplies there. She is eventually forced to fall further and further back. Meanwhile, revolutionaries who wish to overthrow the monarchy must for the time being support it because if Westmark is defeated, then they will be also. One group is lead by Florian, a very well respected anti-monarchist. He begins to organize militias and to support the Queen’s army as well as he can. Justin, a far more radical revolutionary who will stop at nothing to establish a republic, leads the second group. Theo, Queen Augusta’s boyfriend, becomes second in command of Justin’s group, and assumes the name “Colonel Kestrel”.

I would recommend The Kestrel to anyone who has already read the book that comes first in the trilogy, Westmark, because The Kestrel is the second book. Westmark helps give you more background information on most of the characters, particularly Queen Augusta and Theo (Colonel Kestrel), and the setting. This book is excellent. It combines war, romance, and comedy (in subplots) into one very pleasurable story.

If you've read the other glowing reviews for this book, and for the other books in the same series, then you'll probably understand why I decided to purchase this whole series all at once, without reading even one of them first. According to absolutely everyone else, these books are brilliant, and I fell for the hype. I was looking forward to reading them like a starving man looks forward to eating a three course dinner.

But having now read the first two books, I beg to differ from the other reviewers. I read the first one, 'Westmark', over a year ago. It was okay, I suppose, but I was so nonplussed by it that I waited until now to read this second book in the series. And I have to say, I am just as unimpressed with this one.

This book does have some good points...there are the poignant observations on the brutality of war, the inequality of the feudal system, and the corruption of the power of officials and the ruling class. That's all well and good, and done with some finesse.

But there are some big problems, too, with this book. The storyline moves quickly, often too quickly, and glosses over too many things. There is a lack of detail and world building, the things that help make scenes real for a reader. Also, it lacks warmth, and fails to make the reader feel happy. Sorry, but I like books that give me a happy, warm feeling at least ONCE in the narrative. This book was never really uplifting. But the biggest problem was with the characters. I just never really felt empathy for them, or cared too much what happened to them. I did warm slightly to the street urchins, the elderly castle advisor, and 'The Monkey', whose military experience was admirable. And Mickle, the Queen, was at least a strong female character. But everyone else was just sort of dull, flat, or even annoying. I should have liked the Poet, but he just went on and on about his Muse, to the point where I wondered, doesn't he do anything else? Is he completely one dimensional? Where are the intelligent, poetic insights that such a character should have brought to the story?

I know war is dark and horrible. But there's still room for warmth and even humour in a war story. Australian comedian John Doyle proved that when he wrote the brilliant and evocative tv series 'Changi', which showed how a group of young Australian men dealt with the horrors of life in a WWII Japanese POW camp, by keeping a sense of humour, and holding on to their basic humanity. That show was realistic, gritty, and so sad I cried in EVERY episode, yet it was still uplifting and inspirational...not like this book!!!

I also know this book was written a few decades ago, and the standards for writing were often lower back then, in the age before modern word processors, when it was much harder to do rewrites. But I still think this book should have been much better. And I am worried by the fact that it has been given so much acclaim by so many reviewers. Are literary standards really so low that we'll proclaim any middle-of-the-road work a literary masterpiece?

I don't know if I'll ever get around to reading the third book in the series. Even if someone told me there was my favourite chocolate and a $50 note tucked inside its covers, I'd still be a little reluctant to open it up.

But hey, what do I know? I'm the only person who doesn't think this series is the most brilliant thing ever! I suppose you'll just have to make up your own mind. But don't make my mistake -- don't go buying the whole series of books until after you've read the first one. Then, if that first book leaves you feeling like I did, as flat as a pancake and as bored as someone watching a 24 hour marathon of documentaries on how to watch housepaint drying, then at least you'll know you haven't wasted too much of your money!

While "Westmark" (the previous book) and "The Beggar Queen" (the final book in this trilogy) are excellent books, this is the best, because -- well, because it's the one that has the power to hurt the most as you see what characters you care for are forced into by circumstance, the twists of fate and their own sense of duty.

Former Chief Minister Cabbarus, forced into exile in "Westmark" plots with the uncle of the King of neighbouring Regia to invade Westmark and re-establish a "proper" society. Theo wanders the country, trying to get a grip on how he feels about the thought of Mickle, the street urchin he fell in love with in "Westmark" becoming Queen... with himself intended as Prince Consort.

When the invasion begins, Mickle finds herself forced to become a military commander, and Theo finds himself among Florian's "children" again, fighting the Regians as an irregular, eventually rising to the rank of colonel among Florian's forces.

And Alexamder takes the chance -- without seeming preachy or heavy-handed -- to present us with just a bit (PG13 rating or so) of the horror of war and what it does to even good people.

Because "Colonel Kestrel", the brilliant and ruthless revolutionary/guerrilla leader is, also, the gentle Theo, who has never believed in violence as a solution to anything.

Someone has said, more or less, that Alexander is here presenting a parable on the uses and effects of violence, in causes good and not-so-good. He proposes (by example) the question "When -- if ever -- is violence justified in a 'good cause'?", and proceeds to show us (again by example) the answers to that question arrived at by various people of greater or lesser good-will.

And then he hands the reader an even hotter potato to examine than that -- he asks us to consider the after-effects of violence (even "in a good cause") on the people who have found themselves forced into it.

And it hurts -- in a good way -- to see what some people must give up so that others may still have it.

(David Drake presents a much more violent -- and most *definitely* adult -- look at much the same questions in his military SF novel "Redliners".)

In the end, everyone is forced to compromise somewhat, and all *appears* to be well.

On the other hand, this *is* the second olume of a trilogy.

The second book of the Westmark Trilogy, the adventures of Westmark continues in "The Kestrel". Theo is now traveling through Westmark to learn more about the country. He and Mickle, now known as Princess Augusta, are hoping to be married after he returns. But suddenly and without warning, Westmark is thrown into turmoil as the neighboring country of Regia has declared war on Westmark. Theo is once again forced into making a hard decision, will he stay in the sidelines or fight for his country? Eventually, he joins under the command of Florian and his people to fight a guerrilla war against the troops of Regia. As he sees brave and honorable men die one by one, Theo finds himself changing into a merciless commander and a stranger to himself...

For those familiar with Lloyd Alexander's award winning series, "The Prydain Chronicles", I can honestly and truly recommend this other series written by the 'grand master of fantasy'. A bit more serious with dark overtones, "The Westmark Trilogy" deals with realistic events that can almost convince you that the series is based on true historical events. Through the series you will be given a chance to explore the characters as they struggle with forces beyond their control. Lloyd Alexander gives a realistically accurate study of human nature and psychology of war. I must say, after reading this book, I was left in thoughtful silence, musing over what I had just finished reading. It is not very often we Young Adults are given books which leaves you in a state of contemplation

As I said, I can highly recommend the thrilling and psychologically filling "Westmark Trilogy". Best to read in order. But the faint-hearted be warned, this book and the next one in the series are somewhat violent and gritty since the main theme is about war. But nothing too bad to turn away lovers of a good series! Pick these series up!

I just wanted to say that it's strange that Mr. Fuqua has biopolar disorder. It's strange that he's not embarrassed to say it. I don't think hes weird or anything, but maybe others might. That's sad because I saw him at my school and he's so funny and tells a story about trying to sale a styrofoam boat to Bermuda. He doesn't seem to have biopolar illness if that's being kind of insane. I found out he did in the back of the paperback version of King of the Pygmies, but it's not in the hard version. I read both. I really loved this story and recommend it. Also, you should read the back about Mr. Fuqua having bipolar problems. It's sort of sad if you met him.

One of my all time favorite books. When regular teen Penn starts hearing voices in his head he realizes that he has the power to help people because he can hear their thoughts. Penn's depressed elderly neighbor seems to confirm that he has a new power after her thoughts are recieved by him and he helps her. Penn's similarly afflicted uncle Hewitt helps him to get through this terrible time and ultimately helps Penn and his family make some very important decisions.
The only downfall of this book is that Penn also has a retarted older brother. This kind of detracts from the real issues and takes away from all of the other issues that Penn is dealing with (girls, school, life, friends, etc.)
This is a unique and not-written-about-enough look into the world of the mentally ill and a must read for teens who are going through troubled times.

This is a good book. This is a good book from the beginning to the end. This is the kind of book that every person, young adult to adult, should read, because it is about being human, understanding another person's delimas, and walking in someone else's shoes.
Penn Swayne is a normal kid in an East Coast town that lacks even a hint of magic, when he starts to hear voices. They sound like the people around him, some funny, others crushingly sad. Mostly they leave him at a loss for what to do and fearful of being diagnosed, loosely, as insane. Thankfully his truly insane Uncle Hewitt tells him not to worry. He's not insane, he's special, a king of sorts for what he can do.
King of the Pygmies is about reality vs. magic, about illness vs. gifts, and control vs. no control. It's funny, sad, and pretty gut wrenching. This book should be read. I've never read anything better about a subject I know too well.
Now, one last word. I read the previous reviewer's remarks about the author being liberal for speaking out against the administration. Therefore, this librarian, which is what they said they are, would ban the book from his or her readers. This really makes me nervous. Is this what we've come to? He/she call the book's content good but say that the writer, for speaking his mind in some article in a magazine no one reads, unacceptable. Well I find that unacceptable, and everyone else should, too. Books should be judged for others by content, not by personal agendas.
This is a special book, written exceptionally well, dealing with a difficult subject, the onset of a mental illness that will change Penrod Swayne's life. In this time and day, how many teens and even adults are experiencing similar issues? If you're a student, a teacher, or work in an office, it's entertaining and informing. It is what a book should be.

At some point, one must come clean as to their identity and why they are writing. I don't seek to hide my point of origin just as I would hope someone contesting the material that I write would reveal their point of view to me. I am a librarian. A good one. I care about the youth whom I serve and seek to provide them with the best possible materials. However, there are times when one must dabble in certain subterfuge, and this book is that time. Right away I admit that it is not about the book, at least not completely. I actually enjoyed the story enough and can acknowledge its value. What I don't acknowledge and in fact disavow completely is the author's politics and how they have ruined his work for me.

Last summer, Mr. Fuqua had an article in a highly regarded literary journal that need not be named. Like most YA librarians, I recieve it in order to find appropriate materials for my clientel. And curious as I was, I read the piece on Mr. Fuqua, who, after some back and forth about his life and ideas, said that he is, "more scared of this administration," than the possibility of developing cancer. There we have it. Politics enters literature, and I do not feel good about the mix. Why he pushed so hard to reveal himself, I do not know. No matter, I will take simple action to deny developing minds access to his work, including his last book that takes place in the Cold War. Mr. Fuqua, it seems, wants all to know and identify him as an anti-war anti-America, anti-president, and anti-establishment writer. If he chooses to take this risk, he must know that others will choose a similar path and write him off according to our own moral compass and patriotic sensibility.

In all of us, there comes a point when one must stand up. Mr. Fuqua's story is entertaining enough. I can even see its value and will now take pains to search for other books that might give comfort to those afflicted by mental illness or know of someone with these issues. But his assault on America's ethics continue throughout his story with disheartening images of an untraditional family, of a fall-down drunk, and the writer's constant questions about human sanity and insanity that might cause readers, when all is said and done, to question their own more than the main character's.

King of the Pygmies is more than just a book. It is an issue hidden in a story, and because that issue is important, it gives some value to a book that really shouldn't be read by young minds of any sort. Save it, I think, for adults who understand that aspects of this pleasing story are drivel.

Penrod has been named after a grandfather, Penrod who must have been himself named after the beloved YA book by Booth Tarkington, PENROD AND SAM, a wonderful story of a boy and his dog. This boy Penn has even bigger problems than the original Penrod. For one thing, he is coming down with schizophrenia, a condition which in this book is characterized by the ability to hear the thoughts of other people (or maybe not). Penn's no good uncle has had this condition for many years and he tells his nephew, no, it's not schizophrenia, it is that we are both Pygmies, we are a sacred totemic tribe much misunderstood by society. As victims of Pygmy Syndrome, argues Uncle Hewitt, we are not to be tampered with by medicine or treatment. Hewitt announces that both Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise, two of Hollywood's smaller stars, are actually Pygmies too.

I think maybe the author got to this point in his story and realized that he was way off base, for he spend the last pages of the book (SPOILER AHEAD) with an earnest note to teen readers urging them to seek medical help if they think they might be schizophrenic.

Fuqua never really engages us in this story. I didn't really care whether or not Penn was schizophrenic or not. He has an older brother of 21, handsome and rugged as a movie star, who is mildly retarded and works at Burger King. The relationship of Penn and Matty is mildly interesting, but it makes you wonder, how many different ways can author Jonathon Scott Fuqua dabble in disability and mental illness? He seems drawn to these "different" characters not from any genuine interest in them but because his research has shown him that they might be a new colorful bunch for the prolific writer to spin tales about.

Penn has a cute romance with a newcomer to Havre de Grace (Maryland), a Filipina-American girl his own age (15 or so) called Daisy. She is quite sympathetic, although Penn tries to hide his spiralling schizophrenic episodes from her. In one of the worse episodes he throws himself into a vacant lot where generations of bums like his uncle have left behind shards of broken bottles, so that his thrashing and tormented tremors slash his skin in a million pieces, leaving his backside gummed with blood. Penn's mother, Belinda Wallace, is another strong female character. It's possible that Fuqua was attempting to write a strong family-based fable about schizophrenia, and then got sidetracked when he realized that his story was falling between two stools. It turns out to be neither an allegory nor a very realistic tale.

However the author can sketch out a romance between an awkward boy and a more self-possessed girl, and I eagerly look forward to reading more books by this modern day Booth Tarkington.

I wonder if I was a real Pygmy what I would think of the book; it takes an awfully facetious attitude towards Pygmies. And what about the character Colin Turnbull, a man who may or may not exist? Is he a figure in Uncle Hewitt's imagination? Or is it all a weird coincidence that the real life Colin Turnbull was the anthropologist who wrote extensively about the oppressed Pygmy peoples of the world?

I have had the opportunity to take a good look at Knitgrrl: Learn to Knit with 15 Fun and Funky Projects by Shannon Okey. I'd have to say that it's a pretty nice intro to knitting for 6th through say, 10th graders.

First of all, the projects are all small and trendy: Rocker-Girl Wristlets, Friendship Scarf, Boombox Bag, Faux Fur Stole, Kitty Dim Sum (kitty toys), Stripey Scarf, Ponytail Roll-Brim Hat, Heartfelt Roll-Brim Hat, DIY Leg Warmers, Music Player Cozy, Soda Cozy, Text-Messaging Mittens (trendiest), Downtown Messenger Bag, Lacy Double-Diamond Scarf, and Nakiska Alpine Headband. My favorites are the Downtown Messenger Bag--sturdy, yet sleek and attractive--and the Text-Messaging Mittens which open up just the thumbs of the mittens for quick messages to your best friends.

Okey was able to provide a variety of small, yet imaginative projects by inviting guest designers to contribute to her compilation. That may account for the variety and ingenuity of most of the projects. The only project which looked completely dorky to me were the headphone covers, in pastel stripes. The model looks really happy wearing them, but most of my middle school students would be too embarrassed to wear them, as they look pretty weird.

Next, the beginner knitting instructions. The step-by-step photos of the knit and purl stitches are quite nice, and clear enough for someone trying to teach herself. The slip knot photos must have been edited for space, though, as they do not illustrate the crucial step of pulling the working yarn through the loop. I wouldn't be able to teach myself the slipknot with only the two photographs they offer.

There are lots of "extras" beyond your basic knitting instructions, answering questions like Why Knit? What kind of yarn girl are you? How do I care for my handknits? as well as a list of yarn companies, books, on-line info, and knitting magazines. [...]

This is an attractive, imaginative, hip book for young teens entering the knitting scene and looking for lots of support and ideas for small knitting projects. The only teens who may find this book lacking would be more serious, ambitious, and intermediate level knitting teens who are searching for more advanced projects, such as sweaters and socks.

All in all, if I were the mother of a middle school teen and wanted to interest her in knitting, this would be an excellent choice.

At first I thought the title 'Knitgrrl' was a misspelling, and I don't quite understand it. The instructions are clear, but the young person needs adult help. The choice of patterns is great. It would be good if it came with a set of needles and some yarn to start off the beginner knitter.

Thoroughly enjoyed the layout and excellent photos of the projects and the other interesting items included in the book

Having just recently 'graduated' from making scarves and just about anything else square or rectangular that didn't require patterns or gauge concerns, i was feeling a bit intimidated and confused over some knitting basics. i have a generous assortment of knitting books, and some are more helpful than others. this is one of the best ones.

i find these instructions to be extremely friendly and clearly expressed. the pictures are clear and accurate. and finally a book that shows and describes that mysterious process of weaving in ends!! this book covers all the basics - yarn fibers, yarn labels, gauge, color chart, needles, etc. and includes a cute and fun 'quiz' which i got a kick out of.

there are great tips throughout the book, colorful photos of the patterns, cute drawings, a nice section on felting (fulling), and even a wonderful recipe for homemade hand salve!

the patterns are defined well by the subtitle of the book "fun and funky". it could be argued that they may be most appealing to the younger crowd, but i think a beginner knitter (or a former knitter in need of a refresher course) would be pleased with the selection. who couldn't use a hat, handbag, scarf/stole, or pair of leg warmers? on top of that and several other items, there's a cool pattern for 'text messaging mittens' that feature thumb panels you can flip off. and dont forget your cat! - you can whip up some cat toys using the adorable wonton and eggroll patterns.

this is a fun book offering very helpful instructions for your foundation in knitting. you will find the cool, beginner-friendly patterns will not only help you learn the basics, but you will also find that they become items that you will use for yourself or as gifts for friends/family/felines.

happy knitting!

Shannon Okey is a designer and loves knitting. She features yarns you can find in stores or online and has plenty of resources for new knitters. Fun items in this book include a kitty dim sum (fill with cat nip) for your cats and ideas for knitting parties. Each book stands alone with all the information you need to get started. So, whether you start with the first or second book, there is enough information to finish all the projects.

For winter, there are unique text-messaging mittens that will be appreciated by anyone who loves to be outdoors and answering their phone in the cold. Also helpful for iPods and would be a great gift along with the music player cozy that works as ear muffs and a CD holder.

Love to ice skate? There is a pattern for leg warmers complete with embroidery, French knot and straight stitch. This book also includes a recipe for homemade hand cream. Knitgrrl has 15 fun projects to try and seems to focus on winter hats, scarves and purses. Knitgrrl 2 has a fun summer theme. Both seem essential!

~The Rebecca Review

Fred Neff wrote Lessons from the Art of Kempo, a book that is as much about a philosophy of life as it is about a martial art. According to the author, "the ultimate aim of Kempo practitioners is not only to grow in power, but to improve themselves and learn to live in harmony with others." Kempo, as explained by Fred Neff, is a beautiful method of harnessing a person's abilities to be in tune with nature. The author says, "Kempo teaches not only how to efficiently protect yourself, but also how to flexibly combine techniques in a smooth free flowing action that seems almost effortless to the viewer." The book explains Kempo as a form of continuous energy that changes as it flows. The Kempo practitioner's goal is to strive to perform in such a manner as to promote harmony. Implicit within Fred Neff's book is the message that energy can move in a linear manner, at an angle or a circular manner. While Lessons From The Art of Kempo shows linear and angular moves there is a definite underlying emphasis on softer circular movements that do not directly oppose force, but rather redirect it. The Kempo book has clear explanations and photo illustrations that make learning easier and more enjoyable. Consistent with the book's philosophic leanings that emphasize the use of the mind is the chapter on "Effective Kempo Strategy." The lessons on strategic approaches to the use of Kempo are easy to understand, practical and further solidify in the reader's mind potential uses of the fighting moves taught earlier in the book. Fred Neff's Lessons From The Art of Kempo is a thinking person's martial art book that transcends just teaching how to fight to that of a holistic approach to improving oneself through the study and practice of the Art of Kempo. The book's point that a Kempo practitioner should strive toward developing harmony with nature and other people is a positive social concept that appears consistent with the author's own approach. The author Fred Neff has done extensive community work as a teacher and lawyer, which has resulted in his receiving the city of St. Paul Citizen of the Month Award, a Commendation from the Sibley County Attorney's Office, the WCCO Good Neighbor Award, The HLS Justice Award, Lamp of Knowledge Award From The Twin Cities Lawyers Guild and the Presidential Medal of Merit. Fred Neff's Lessons from the Art of Kempo is a gem of a book that I very strongly recommend.

"Kempo is an art of philosophy, physical culture, and self-defense that develops the body, mind, and spirit. It includes meditation, punching, striking, kicking, throwing, and locking techniques. Also included are dodges, blocks, and sticking techniques for tying up an opponent with his or her own arms. Kempo moves are both linear and circular, allowing for a smooth flow of action from soft to hard movement. There is a continuity of action that make it exhilarating to practice, irresistible to watch, and difficult to defend against."

"Ultimate aim of kempo practioners is not only to grow in power, but to improve themselves and learn to live in harmony with others. Kempo teaches not only how to efficiently protect yourself, but also how to flexibly combine techniques in smooth, free-flowing action that seems almost effortless to the viewer."

Kempo principles: 1. Don't worry, instead focus on the solution. The byproduct of relaxation and comfort is the path to finding solutions. 2. You can do whatever you believe is possible. 3. Use your opponent's actions against him or her. Any action creates a weakness or an opening for counterattack. Even an opponent's strength can be manipulate and turn it to your advantage. 4. Concentrate on what you do well 5. Be flexible in your approach. Learn to use techniques that will work in a situation and discard anything that will not. A Kempo practitioner learns to expect the unexpected, and varies the self-defense to fit the situation. 6. Preserve. Fighting is not about show but perseverance to survive and win. 7. Dedicate yourself to continual self-improvement. The quality of your training determines the success of failure. Kempo philosophy teaches that knowledge is endless. Practitioners of kempo never become conceited because they know that kemp is an endless way. 8. Take advantage in adversity. Every crisis has two elements: danger and opportunity. If you do not despair, if you see the opportunity and work hard to overcome the difficulty, you will gain from every experience. You must overcome the feeling of doubt caused from self-seeking validation. A kempo practitioner stands alone in his skills. 9. Try to live in harmony with nature and its ways. Unity of action creates harmony and strength.

Stances: Natural Stance, Back Stance or Cat Stance, Front Stance (R or L Cover), Horse Stance, Reverse Cover

Hand positions: low guard, Mid guard, high guard (preferred)

Foot patterns: slide step (shuffle), step 45 degrees, side step, circle step, cross over (forward and back), and half turn (crescent step).

Blocks: Inward block, Outward block, downward block, upward block, upper and lower block, and fan block (parry and chop or parry and simultaneous backfist)

C1: L knife block, R vertical punch to solar plexus
C2: L knife block, L punch to the bridge of nose
C3: R cover, step forward R punch to groin (opponent left downward block), R backfist to face (R upward block), R grab and pull down trapping opponents L arm over R arm, finish with L punch to face.
C4 : Opponent throws a L and R punch. From a R cover, left outward block, grab, and pull and R outward block the opponents R punch, grab and cross Opponents R over L arm, finish with a L uppercut to the opponents R ribs.
C5: R cover, R rear kick plant back, L and R punch
C6: R cover, L front snap kick, R side kick thrust
C7: R cover, shuffle forward, L backfist, half step CC, R punch, R sweep kick to the legs
C8, R cover, L punch, L backfist, R punch
C9: R cover, L side kick, R round kick
C10: L cover, R backfist, left cross behind towards opponent, step behind, two hand sweep the opponent over the R knee
C11: L cover, L side kick, R round kick, L spinning backkick.
C12: R cover, L front snap kick, spinning R back kick
C13: R cover, L outward block, shuffle, R uppercut, L punch

Basic strategies:
1. Keep calm
2. Use your mind. Fight intelligently. Fight passionately. Feel the power and speed of the technique without thought. Fight with an empty mind. Fight without fighting.
3. Control the situation. Try to maneuver into a place where you can best take advantage of your skills and strengths. Close the gaps and Fight in close and decrease the chances the opponent will kick you from a distance systematically. Do fight for show or flash. Fancy techniques are abandoned as injury and risk increases. Use what works.
4. Watch the opponent's actions. Watch for the signals an attack is coming. Don't be presumptuous about the opponent's abilities or inabilities. Watch for shifts in weight that indicate the opponent is preparing to kick. Take the simple technique for protection, such as an inward block. An inward block by itself can break bones in the forearm. Less is more.
5. Consider range in select a technique. Be care not too seek demonstration of skill but think about why the technique will work and what gates it will open. The flow into the gate should be natural and predictable. Find the obvious opening.
6. Disrupt the opponent balance. The best technique is always to put the opponent on the ground on his back. This is the most vulnerable position to be in for the opponent.
7. Use movement as a defensive weapon.
8. Keep the techniques simple
9. Use the element of surprise.

Kempo is a passion of mine that has not abated in the fourteen years I have been practicing it. In my continuing quest for more knowledge I have tried to learn everything that I could on the subject. After reading numerous books on Kempo and other martial arts books with discussions of Kempo, I find that my favorite martial arts book is "Lessons from the Art of Kempo." This book in a straightforward and useable way lays out REAL Kempo--not what you see in the movies or the useless open hand waving movements that some have tried to pass off as Kempo. Lessons from the Art of Kempo shows you the fundamentals of REAL Kempo and how to apply them. Even after practicing Kempo for years, I still find this book has strong meaning and appeal for me. I enthusiatically recommend this book not only to others with a passion for learning Kempo, but for anyone who wants to learn about the REAL art of Kempo.

I am an avid student of Asian history and martial arts. For the last 12 years I have made a study of Asian fighting strategies such as described in Sun Tzu's masterpiece "Sun Tzu Bingfa" ("The Art of War"), which is the definitive work on strategy and Miyamoto Musashi's "Book of Five Rings." In "Lessons from the Art of Kempo" Neff has done an excellent job making practical use of Asian strategic fighting considerations. Chapter 12 of Neff's book on kempo strategy very favorably impresses me. This chapter includes principles from Sun Tzu, Miyamoto Musashi and others. The net effect of Neff's book kempo is that complex principles of strategy have been condensed into workable and usable ways for people to defend themselves. I applaud this book's easy to read straight forward manner. I highly recommend "Lessons from the Art of Kempo" by Fred Neff to anyone. It earns my most enthusiastic 5 star rating.

Kempo is the "fist way" as shown in Lessons From The Art Of Kempo by Fred Neff. Too many books that claim to be on kempo are nothing more than a collection of flashy movements that are impractical and have no usefulness in a real fight. Lessons From The Art Of Kempo gets down to what you need to know and need to do in order to win a fight. It shows conditioning exercises, how to position your body in a fight, how to hit, where to hit and winning strategies. I like Lessons From The Art Of Kempo because it is reality based and does not waste space on flashy movements that have no value and are a waste of time to anyone serious about self-defense. If you want to learn to fight better and--more importantly--smart, a good first step is to read this outstanding book on kempo written by Fred Neff.

I was recommended this book by a mom of 6 homeschooled children who ALL loved it. My 5 year old cant wait to read the next few chapters every day, and I am enjoying it immensely as well. Even my 2 year old doesn't mind sitting and listening. This is a book we will read over and over!

During my childhood nearly 40 years ago) I was utterly fascinated by this book. It stood out as one of the most interesting books of my childhood days, and it made an indelible impression on me. (Other favorites were C.S. Lewis' Narnia series, Little Princess, & Secret Garden). But back to Little Pilgrim's Progress: I'm not sure why this book was so intriguing to myself and my siblings, perhaps because the little pilgrem faced real dangers and even death??
Well, recently this book came up in conversation -- I hadn't thought of it for years -- and I dug out a copy, and started to read it. Moments later my nearly 6-year-old daughter came up and asked me if I would read it to her. My nearly 4-year-old son also wanted to listen. (I read freqently to my children, and they often are able to enjoy stories beyond their age level, but still I thought this would be too advanced to hold their attention.) But still, I decided to try. Of course, when I read I simplified or explained the language from time to time (some of the wording is old-fashioned). But to my astonishment, my children were absolutely riveted. The chapters in this book are short, and the children kept begging me to read more!! I was especially amazed that my 4-year-old remained totally engaged in the story (there are occasional illustrations, but it isn't a picture book; they were just listening). We finished the Christian part of the book in a few reading sessions over 3 days. (We later read the Christiana story, but the children didn't find it as interesting).
Conclusion: I'm not saying that this book would usually be of interest to such young children, but only wanted to comment that it can be a very exciting book and can provide much opportunity for thoughtful discussion with a parent.
Oh, I will add one more thing -- shortly after reading the book, one day my son asked if he could change his name to "Help" (like in the story). And later, he asked if he could be called "Greatheart". So now we jokingly have added those names to his middle name. Also, after reading the story concepts came up a lot in conversations over the following days and weeks.

One of my favorite books. A book that adults can enjoy while reading to their kids.

I teach grade 3 4 5 in my church and am very pleased with this newest version of one of the oldest best sellers. Very little if any meaning is lost in the transistion from an Adult epic to a children story book. I would highly recommend this book for all young readers and most adults will love it too!

I read this book when I was a child and remember being quite intrigued by it. It confronts some of the deepest fears and anxieties that go hand in hand with trying to be a God-fearing, moral human being. Although I didn't realize it at the time, this book provided (and continues to provide) excellent examples of the hardships and sacrifices that result from chosing the moral path in life, and as a result it introduces a view of Christianity that stresses not only redemption, but also the self-discipline and courage that is required to confront the evil around us every day. Persons of all ages can learn from this book.