Young Adult Books


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

Young Adult
Sister Light, Sister Dark
Published in School & Library Binding by Tandem Library (2003-09)
Author: Jane Yolen
List price: $15.60
New price: $15.60

Average review score:

Jenna
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2002-04-16
This book was very good. I liked just about all the characters in the book. Jenna the main character had a way of taking you off, i fealt realy bad for her in some parts of the story. The only thing that i dident quite like about the book was that after a "story" it then told you the truth behind it... It was sometimes a bit difficutlt to udnerstand or get through... But it was intersting... Now if only i can get a coppy of White Jenna to spur my minde a bit more....

Awesome!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2003-04-09
I read the book about a year ago and still remember it in detail. A wonderful read!

I liked this book
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2001-03-01
This book was really cool. I liked the simpleness of it. I liked how she got to the point and didn't describe everylast detail. I also liked Pynt. She was my favorite character. She was mischivious, yet she had a loyal quality to her.

Lovely
Helpful Votes: 12 out of 12 total.
Review Date: 2000-04-24
"Sister Light, Sister Dark" and its sequel, "White Jenna," hold places of honor on my bookshelves.

The story is about Jenna, a thrice-orphaned girl of the Dales (a fictional region) being raised by followers of Great Alta, the Goddess. These women--mostly unwanted daughters of local peasants--train for years to call up their "dark sisters." Jenna, who was born with completely white hair, may be the Anna foretold in prophecy.

Stuff happens.

Interspersed among the actual narrative chapters are ballads and myths of the Dales, as well as a pretentious contemporary historian's interpretation of the events of the story. Through his impeccable application of scientific method to historical research, he manages to get just about everything completely wrong. It's hilarious.

The third volume in this trilogy, "The One-Armed Queen," was a disappointment to me. While it was a good book in its own right, to me it didn't feel related to the other two--it worked on its own, but it was not part of the series. It concerns Jenna's one-armed adopted daughter Scillia, who seemed much less interesting than Jenna. Oh, well.

I highly recommend the first two books.

Unique epic
Helpful Votes: 15 out of 15 total.
Review Date: 2004-03-04
One of the best reprints produced by Starscape books has been the reissue of Jane Yolen's Alta trilogy, the first of which is "Sister Light, Sister Dark." While it takes awhile to get going, this unique and imaginative fantasy book introduces us to a fantasy story that's both familiar and innovative.

Jenna was orphaned three times: Her mother died in childbirth, the midwife died while taking her away, and the warrior woman who adopted her was also killed. She's taken in collectively by the follows of Great Alta, a benevolent goddess. They're somewhat Amazonian -- there are no men in their "hames," they are warriors, farmers, priestesses, and everything else that they need to be.

But Jenna is different from the rest. There's a prophecy that a white-haired child who lost three mothers is the Anna, a savior who will change everything. Events are set into motion when Jenna and her friend Pynt encounter teenage prince Carum in the woods, who is being hunted by a vicious warrior. Killing the warrior and saving Carum leads to destruction for Jenna's home and family...

Jane Yolen crafts a wonderful, believable place in the Dales. Not only is it very detailed and plausible-sounding, but she also sprinkles it with songs and historical studies. While the Alta series is often labelled "feminist fantasy," there's no preaching or two-dimensional male characters. Yolen simply shows us Jenna and Pynt operating on the same level as Carum, and leaves it at that.

Her writing is earthy and has plenty of detail without bogging itself down. The concept of "dark sisters" (sort of a nighttime-only spiritual twin) is an unusual and well-crafted one. The only problem is that it takes quite some time for the plot to get moving, and it's a jolt when it finally does; we go from no action to all-action in an instant.

Jenna is an excellent reluctant lead. Her mixed feelings (she both wants and doesn't want to be the Anna) are quite plausible, as are her strength and gutsiness. She's not some sort of supergirl; she cries, feels pain and loneliness like anyone else. Pynt is a good sidekick, with her mischievous attitude. And Carum is a strong counterpart (and romantic interest) to Jenna.

Since "Sister Light Sister Dark" ends on an unfinished note, readers will want to check out the second volume of the trilogy (also available from Starscape) "White Jenna." A unique epic fantasy.

Young Adult
Spellcraft: a Primer for the Young Magician
Published in Paperback by Eschaton Productions Inc (1997-11-19)
Author: Lilith McLelland
List price: $9.95
New price: $7.50
Used price: $3.93

Average review score:

A great intro!!
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2000-11-03
This was the first book I read on the subject. It was clear and informative. It is meant for teen agers but could be enjoyed by any beginner.

i love this book
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2000-05-13
This is the best book i have ever read it is the best way to begin witchcraft. This book is mostly for teens but adults may enjoy it also.

One of the best books for the younger set and for beginners!
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2002-09-25
I have had the pleasure of knowing Lilith and still try to keep in contact with her.

This book is one of the best books I have read that is geared to the younger set. Also I feel this is a must-buy for beginners or just the curious.

It was a very welcomed addition to my library! It is also one of the books I often recommend to people contacting me for more information on Wicca.

Way better than "Teen Witch"!
Helpful Votes: 5 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2001-10-29
This is an excellent book for young people, written with a sense of humor and style. McClelland refuses to talk down to her audience, and offers ethical advice without preaching. Don't take my word for it - I'm just an old grownup. Real teens love this book: I lent my copy to a teen-age neighbor and he carried it everywhere in the inside pocket of his coat for a month!

True magick for the young witches among us
Helpful Votes: 8 out of 8 total.
Review Date: 2001-12-14
I purchased this book for my 9 year old son, a second generation Witch, and was fully expecting that I'd have to edit it for his consumption. After reading it I joyfully handed it over to him with no censorship and said "Go for it!" He is thrilled to have his first magick book and he has spent hours reading aloud to me from this text - an unexpected bonus. Leave trash like Teen Witch on the shelf, purchase this book and pass it on to your young ones, you won't regret it. Blessed Be

Young Adult
The Stones of Mourning Creek
Published in Library Binding by (2008-04-18)
Authors: Diane Les Becquets and Diane Les Becquets
List price: $15.95
New price: $15.95

Average review score:

What happens when two girls of diffrent races in the 1960's become best friends?
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2005-10-31
The Stones of Mourning Creek is a really good book. It's about a girl in the 1960's living in Alabama. Her mom dies in a mysterious accident one night when the girl (Francie) is about 13. Francie is left with just her and her dad, who has a big drinking problem. One day Francie meets a girl named Ruthie and they become best friends. But, Ruthie is black and Francie is white and in Alabama in the 60's that was almost unheard of. As the girls become closer and closer and the community tries harder and harder to pull them apart, the mysterious death of Francie's mother begins to unfold and things are linked together like they never imagined. People they've known and trusted all their life become complete strangers. Francie also meets Ernest, a guy a little older than her who is also connected in the mystery. He contributes greatly to Francie's life.

My favorite character was Mama Rae. She is Ruthie's mom. I liked her the best because she seems like one of those people that just being in the room with them make you feel good and happy. She is funny and always has good advice. Her cooking sounds really good too.
The only part I didn't like was part of the end. It makes chills go up your back because you think, I wonder if that could actually happen to me.
The only question I have after reading the book is what happens with Earnest and Francie?
My favorite passage in the book is when the girls are at the creek:
"'I wanna go home, 'I told him. He told me to shut up and raised his hand up over his head like he was going to hit me hard. That's when I saw the angel." she(Ruthie) said.
"Do you remember what she looked like?" I(Francie) asked. She nodded her head.
"Like an angle," she said, "with red hair, like you."
You sort-of have to read the book to get that part though. The book makes you think about the 60's and it's really cool how it's all linked together, and 'it makes you laugh and it makes you cry' like they always say.

The Stones of Mourning Creek AKA The best book ever!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2005-01-30
Wow! I just finished reading this book today. I started yesterday, but I couldn't put it down. I loved how it took place in Alabama in the 1960s. I think that that time period showed the segregation between blacks and whites. The story was magnificent and I hope Diane writes a sequel. Uhhh, it's so good! Anyways the story is written from Francie, a white girl's, point of view. It showed how hard it was to be friends with a black during the '60's. I cried a few times during this book especially during the end. I don't have time to write anymore, but if you have a question, just email me at Spangs234@hotmail.com

Enumclaw Adventure School Review
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2004-11-02
When the mother of thirteen year old Francie allegedly falls and hits her head, Francie is grief striken, and her life changes drastically. No one is home to cook her and her father dinner, no one is there to look after her father when he drinks, except her. She wishes her mother was still alive, and it is a blessing when she meets Ruthie, the girl who saved Francie's life when she was bit by a rattle snake. Ruthie and Francie become friends, but will they be able to remain close as the mystery in the past of their lives becomes more clear? Between family, rumors and neigbors, the girls no longer know who to trust. Racial division in thir town may tear apart their lives, and their friendship.

Read THE STONES OF MOURNING CREEK.
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2004-07-29
I've always liked mysteries but I'm not too fond of sappy "let's all have a good sob" novels. So when I read THE STONES OF MOURNING CREEK, I was puzzled. What was I to think of this emotional novel entwined with a mystery? It turns out the novel wasn't what I expected.

Francie is a quiet girl with brilliant red hair. Since her mother's death, Francie lives alone with her father and has few friends. It is the 1960s, when racism is rampant, but when Francie meets Ruthie, a young black girl, the two become almost inseparable. That is until the rest of Spring Gap begins to notice. As the town grows more conscious of the tight bond between the girls, people become more intent on splitting them up.

Meanwhile, new developments about the death of Francie's mom keep popping up. How did she die? Nobody is really sure about that night, and not many people want to find out. So Francie embarks on a journey --- with Ruthie, of course. The two become trapped as they try to untangle themselves from a web of lies. They find that nothing is safe and they can turn to no one in their quest for the truth.

In THE STONES OF MOURNING CREEK, Diane Les Becquets shows the reader what life in the '60s was really like. She also reveals aspects of the mother-daughter relationship. It is clear that when Francie's mother was alive, the two were almost inseparable --- much like Francie and Ruthie.

The mystery got the best of me, and I felt myself falling for the "lets all have a good sob" part, as much as I didn't want to. If you're fond of mysteries, and you don't mind sappy novels, then read THE STONES OF MOURNING CREEK. You just might like it.
--- Reviewed by Lisa Marx

Great Book
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2003-05-28
This is an excellent book. And our town is very supportive of Diane. I know who she is, she lives in our town of Meeker. Diane is a great auther and she has done an excellent job writing this book. Its definitely a book that you are not going to want to put down.

Young Adult
Taking Chances (Heartland (Econo-Clad Hardcover))
Published in School & Library Binding by Tandem Library (2001-03)
Author: Lauren Brooke
List price: $13.50
New price: $13.50
Used price: $11.29

Average review score:

Heartland Series
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-12-31
My daughter is a homeschooled 6th grader. Her passion is horses or anything that has to do with horses. I have her on a reading regimen with the Heartland series. She is really enjoying them. I am also excited that they are age appropiate with much detail. She is getting a lot out of them.

I Love This Book
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-04-18
THis book is amazing! Amy fleming's mother died and now amy has to run a farm called Heartland for problem horses along with her grandapa Jack, older sister Lou and the only stablehand Ty. Amy cured Lisa Stillman's horse and now she has sent her nefhew to help them around the stable and she is also paying for him to be there. Lisa is a famous Arabian breeder and makes alot of money. Her nefhew's name is Ben. Ben has a secert that Amy knows and isn't supposed to know or tell anyone. 't tell anyone she is not allowed to tell Ty which angers him and may leave Hearland to work at Amy's worst enemy's farm. Ben and Ty don't get along and since Ben's past has been rough Amy doesn't want to have to fire him and also his aunt is paying for him to be there. In the end they become happy and stop fighting, and telling lies but inbetween alot of things happen read the fantasic book to find out what.

I Love this series!
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2004-09-26
I am 11 years old and i just started reading these books. The book is about Amy and Ty. They are haveing an over flow of work so they hire Ben. Ben is not how he seems. He abuses is horse and treats Ty like dirt. Amy goes against Ty's wishes of firing him for one reason. The afull truth about bens life is somthing Amy has to keep from Ty no matter how hard it is. If you are a horse lover than you will love this series.

heartland; 4
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2002-07-22
when in book 3 amy cures Lisa stillmans horse promise ,she sends her nephew ben to help at heartland .He has a faboulos show jummper RED he has to come to with ben ,ben takes things to far as working him to much ,when ty sees him he goes mad and trys to get him sent back but amy woun't tell lou becaues she knows bens dark secert which ty doen't near the end amy goes past the kitchen and hears ty on the phone to ashleys mum who owns the ruivel stable asking about a job ,amy walks away and trys carries on like normal ty sees something s wrond she start shouting i hate you and storms out,.later s out inthe traing ring with red geting angery now AMY had enough she jumps out in fornt of a jump to stop him then ty grabs red andstops him .fealing ashamed of him self ben takes red back but some things the mater with red,will amy help red or will ty leave heartland for good youll have to read it to find out

I knew it!
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2002-09-16
At the time I read this book, I thought that this would be a romance, but it was nothing like that, just dramatic. This book is about Amy, still trying to get over her mothers death, has had one person to always lean on, Ty, the stable boy, but everything just gets thrown! A new stable boy (Ben) comes to Heartland to help Ty out but that doesn't happen. Between Ben beating his horse and Ty anger against Ben nature, Amy is forced to be an enemy to Ty because of the secret that Ty shouldn't know about Ben's life. Amy knows that her relationship with Ty is burning and she never realized before how much she took him for granted. Read and find out what Amy should do!

Young Adult
A Teen's Guide to Going Vegetarian
Published in Paperback by Puffin (1994-12-01)
Author: Judy Krizmanic
List price: $10.99
New price: $10.00
Used price: $0.62
Collectible price: $18.90

Average review score:

Excellent!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2004-07-19
This book helped me a LOT. The style and writing explain everything clearly, so it is an easy reference for me if I need a quick idea for lunch, or if I need to look up nutrition information. By having this book, it has helped be me able to defend myself when I get questions thrown at me about staying healthy, especially from my parents. I would reccommend it to anyone, not just teens, and not just beginners.

Good introduction for those new to vegetarianism
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-11-21
I first read this in junior high, when I tried being a vegetarian the first time. I loved it and I learned a lot from it. When I returned to vegetarianism as a young adult, I read it again. Although I'm not a teenager anymore, I feel the book is still a handy guide for making the difficult transition to being a vegetarian a lot easier. When people question the food you eat or don't eat and challenge your beliefs on the subject, it can be hard -- this book offers advice for what to do and say in all sort of situations, educates you on nutrition, and gives you basic ideas for meals. "A Teen's Guide to Going Vegetarian" doesn't assume you have a lot of money, time, or resources for food shopping and meal preparation (as teenagers and adults alike usually don't), so it's great for anyone who needs to be frugal or doesn't have a lot of time to search for unusual ingredients. But it does introduce you to foods you might not of heard of or tried before, which is important.

This is a must-have for teen vegetarians
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2005-03-29
I have been a vegetarian for almost two years but I had never really read any books about it. Before I buy something, I always read the reviews, and this book had such good reviews. It is so helpful and fun to read. It has a lot of information such as what they really do to animals at slaughterhouses. It is really sad and it made me become a vegan, but it is necessary that aspiring vegetarians/vegans are aware of it. In every chapter, it has things that you can do to help. It also gives the titles of other books that you can read to find out more. I would definetely reccomend this book to anyone who wants to be a vegetarian or who already is one.

Great Book for teen vegetarians
Helpful Votes: 10 out of 11 total.
Review Date: 2002-10-19
This is a great book for teen vegetarians, or teens thinking about becoming vegetarians. This book has 13 chapters, each full of information.
1. What is a vegetarian, anyways?- This gives straight forward answers, and describes different kinds of vegetarians and why people are vegetarians.
2.For The Planet- About how being a vegetarian benifits the planet.
3. For The Animals- You guessed it, all about how being a vegetarian helps animals.
4. For Your Health- About how being veggie helps you. This part also dispels many myths not-vegetarians have about a vegetarian diet.
5.Making The Switch- About going from meat-eater to vegetarian.
6.What will your parents say?- I think this is one of the best chapters, as it gives lots of information about what parents may be thinking and how to convince them without being rebelious.
7. What will your fiends say?- Yet another concern to teens, this chapter deals with dealing with friends.
8. Sticky Situations- This is another great chapter for teens, that answers all those nagging questions. What about at friends houses? How about when I'm traveling?
9. Surviving at School- All about cafeteria blues, science class diesection, and ways to make changes in your school.
10. Some Nutrition Basics- Another great chapter. All the nutrition you need to know, written in a clear way for teens to understand.
11. Fabulous Vegetarian Foods- All about vegetarian foods to try.
12. The Makings Of A Meal- About what to include in yummy and healthy meals.
13. Some Recipies To Get You Started- I'll be honest, I haven't tried any of the recipies yet, but they sound great. They are written in a ay great for beggining cooks.
This book is written in a non-judgmental, just facts way, but after reading it you will probably want to be vegetarian, if not vegan. I love the way the author talked to real teens, and included their quotes, knowledge, and tidbits of information about being vegetarian. This book includes a good concrete basis on all information nessecary to a teenage vegetarian, and is written in a engaging, interesting, funny, and informative way. I wish I could give this book 10 stars, it is such a great reference for the teenage vegetarian.

Great guide for teens
Helpful Votes: 5 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2004-03-24
I became a vegetarian almost ten years ago, and this book was released soon after I made the switch. It could not have come at a better time. I originally found it at the library, but I checked it out so many times, I knew I needed my own copy. The book really set me on a great path, and helped me deal with a number of different situations.

I became a vegetarian while I was still living at my parents' house (where every meal revolved around meat) They initially dismissed my new vegetarianism as a "phase". I was so happy to prove them wrong! This book really helped me gain confidence, and gave me the will-power and drive to stick with the vegetarian lifestyle.

Young Adult
This Hallowed Ground
Published in Paperback by Pocket (1986-10-02)
Author: Bruce Catton
List price: $5.95
New price: $4.49
Used price: $0.01
Collectible price: $14.95

Average review score:

Good overview of the civil war
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-26
I was half way through the first volume of Foote's epic 3 volume "The Civil War: a narrative" when I paused for a breather and read Catton's Hallowed Ground.

So, compared to Foote's 3 volume The Civil War, Catton's Hallowed Ground provides a good overview of all the major battles in the Civil War. He had also included quotes from letters soldiers had written to family which I thought was a nice touch as it provided a different view of the civil war and illustrated how tough things were for them. What I also liked about Catton is that he had referenced the quotes and pointed to other books if you were interested in that particular regiment or battle.

For someone new to the civil war, I would definitely recommend reading Catton's Hallowed Ground first then refer to Foote for more detailed description of the more interesting battles. However, as another reviewer here points out, there is a hint of bias in favour of the confederacy in Foote.

Review - This Hallowed Ground
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2006-08-07
Bruce Catton is one of the best history writers of the Civil War. He writes in a fashion that is easy to read yet leaves no doubt what he is saying. Very good way to enjoy history. It is almost like reading a novel.

Rather Misleading Subtitle
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-01-14
I have been a reader of Bruce Catton's Civil War histories for years (I own 10 of them). I agree with the reviewers about Catton's vast talent as a storyteller and as a narrator of events. It was through reading his works that I first became aware of some of the lesser known colorful characters of the time, such as Gen. Phillip Kearney, Gen. D.H. Hill, and Robert Toombs. In fact, it was the writing of Bruce Catton that first turned me into a Civil War buff.

I have a rather strong objection to the subtitle of this work, which the late historian would never have approved were he alive today. This book is not "the Union side" of the Civil War; it gives BOTH sides. In fact, the author is more sympathetic to men like Gen. Robert E. Lee and Jefferson Davis than I would have been. For many years, some influential historians have sought to label any history that seems to hint that the right side won the Civil War as biased. (Over four score and seven years, actually.) This work is a balanced account, and one of the best one-volume histories of the war ever written, both on the battle front and at the home fronts. It deserves to be thought of as such.

Excellent Title and Narrative
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2004-10-07
If you're interested in the Civil War enough to browse this book, go ahead and snag it. To get a grasp on this period of our history, you must read Catton. He tells the overall story in the style almost of a novel. He is accurate and factual. Never fear. But this isn't reading history as you might remember. Catton will get your attention, draw you in and help you to feel some of the myriad of emotions that coursed through our ancestors on both sides of this conflict. He made me understand that wherever they trod was indeed hallowed ground after their passing.

Romance and Realism in the Civil War
Helpful Votes: 8 out of 9 total.
Review Date: 2005-09-05
Of all the heartbreaking, sacrificial, and exhausting wars that the United States has encountered, the Civil War is the most upsetting of all. Bruce Catton, part of the last wave of a generation of romantic historians, paints a vivid portrait of the Union side of the conflict. Like all war historians, he is impressed by the elements that are found in the crucible of a long fight: the pageantry, brilliant tactical moves, feats of individual courage, and the inexhaustible source of stories. But on the other, he has enough judgment to temper his own writing with accounts of casualty lists and useless battles.

Catton's main thesis is that although the war did not begin over slavery, it became so through the force of the war's tide, and that the tide only became inexorable after a series of poor decisions on the Union side. He is especially adept at tracing the threads of the various campaigns - the Army of the Potomac's stalemated situation in Virginia, for instance, is contrasted with Grant's quick thinking out west with the Army of the Tennessee. As the title would imply, the book focuses on the to and fro movements of the Union side. Lincoln, Lee, and the particularities of the situation prior to the war are not dealt with in any depth.

Nor is this is a book with a list of laundry items for the typical soldier and a slew of footnotes, although it is well-researched and thorough. Catton is more interested in quickly sketching an army as they march through the heat of the Mississippi and the lush countryside of Georgia. He unabashedly plays favorites with his "cast of characters" - Grant and Lincoln are praised, McClellan is not - but in most cases his biases are justified.

One could argue Catton's taste for drama and humorous anecdote overrides his ability to assess rationally the Civil War, but perhaps his romantic/realistic view of history is more in keeping with the age it is describing. The Civil War was fought by stubborn men who refused to cede a tenet long past its due date - and that in itself is the true tragedy.

Young Adult
To the Far Blue Mountains (Sacketts)
Published in School & Library Binding by Tandem Library (1999-10)
Author: Louis L'Amour
List price: $13.50
New price: $13.50

Average review score:

The Far Blue Mountains
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-09
Barnabas Sackett's life from his evasion of the Queen of England in Europe to fighting and befriending different tribes of Indians North of Jamestown and South of Plymouth. Makes a long drive seem much shorter! John Curless has a perfect voice for this story. One of Louis Lamour's best!

Commuting couldn't be easier
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-09-30
I discovered books on CD from a coworker. Having a one hour and ten minute commute each way makes listening to books on CD a great way to enjoy the travel time.
I found this book very well written and very well spoken. One person having to read the voice of many characters is probably not the easiest thing to do. This reading is well done. I found myself sitting in the company parking lot just to finish a chapter before facing my workday. This was my first L'Amour book on CD and it was very enjoyable.

Think of this as Sackett's Land: Part 2
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2006-08-13
Sackett's Land and To the Far Blue Mountains make a complete story of the life and times of the Sackett progenitor. The combination is entirely satisfactory. L'Amour had the ability to tell the story well, and he developed that ability with years of work and research. It is probably fortunate for Sackett enthusiasts that he wrote the first books in the series later in his writing career. We benefit from his seasoned skills.

As in his westerns, in this book L'Amour focuses on what he finds interesting and what he thinks the reader will like to know. For the most part, he doesn't go into the technical detail that some authors pursue, but he paints a clear picture. The reader has a feeling of being there, or the strong sense that they could be there, right along with our hero.

The Sackett family saga is the story of an American family. Like all of L'Amour's work, it is wholesome and educational. He consistently hits on themes that his readers recognize, the importance of education and critical thinking, respect for our fellow creatures and the world in which we live,loyalty to family and friends, and taking positive action to shape one's own life. All that and a fun story too, for the cost of five bucks.

A superbly written adventure story
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2004-04-05
Dramatically narrated by John Curless, To The Far Blue Mountains is an flawlessly recorded audiobook presentation of yet another of Louis L'Amour's classic western novels featuring the hardy endurance of the Sackett clan as they addressed the challenges of life in the Old West. To The Far Blue Mountains follows Barnabas Sackett, who is on the run with his steadfast wife Abigail and his only escape is to the west. This is a superbly written adventure story of earning a life for oneself on the frontier, surviving all manner of hazards both human and environmental, and eventually prospering despite the hostilities of nature and man alike. To The Far Blue Mountains is an enthusiastically recommended audiobook for personal and community library collections!

A mixed bag
Helpful Votes: 5 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2003-04-21
I picked up this book because the intro on the back cover sounded good and I've liked almost every L'amour book I've read. Its written in a first person narrative as though he was sitting across from you on the couch telling the story.

The first half of the book is terrific, following his escape from England. We learn of his thirst to be out in the wild open spaces of the newly discovered America, he is falsy accused and is running from the law collecting people to join him as he describes the new beginnings they can have in the New World. Its very tightly written (though I think his escape from prison was way too easy) and you really love the character.

Once the group got to America things changed. In an effort to show the WHOLE life of Barnabas the whole story changes, now we have 50 years of history in 100 pages. So the narrative changes from a day-by-day upbeat story where friends are joining the group to a list of significant events, usually where one of the group dies from an indian raid. It becomes a series of "we built a fort", "xxx died in an indian raid", "the fort burned down", "we went down to sea and traded our skins for supplies", "yyyy died in an indian raid", "we built another fort", etc.

I didn't like the ending either, I think the whole story basically got pretty depressing towards the end with all the group dying or leaving to go off and do other things. All the next generation were grown up and strong but we don't have the emotional connection with them that we did with the first group.

Young Adult
TOTALLY JTT: JOHNATHAN TAYLOR THOMAS: TOTALLY JTT: JOHNATHAN TAYLOR THOMAS
Published in Paperback by Simon Spotlight Entertainment (1996-01-01)
Author: Michael Johns
List price: $3.99
New price: $59.94
Used price: $0.01

Average review score:

WOW
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 1998-04-22
THIS BOOK IS GREAT!! I CAN READ TH BOOK FOREVER AND NOT GAT TIRED OF IT!! WELL MAYBE BUT AFTER ALL IT WAS A GOOD BOOK YOU SHOULD BUY IT RIGHT NOW!!!!!!!!!!!! OK THATS ALL I HAVE TO SAY BYE!

JTT is the best!
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2002-02-05
For anybody considering to buy "Totally JTT", this book is excellent. It goes through with you everything in great detail, including how his work got started, up until Tom and huck. The book was published in 1996, so obviously you will not get all of his credits, because he has done such a lot more since then, but it does have a fabulous chapter on "girls". You can compare how matchable you are with him, and also a very interesting chapter on his character, Simba in the Lion King. The best part about this book is the eight pages of exclusive pictures included, and pages and pages about his T.V. series Home Improvemnt, which began in 1991, and ended in 1999. All in all, you get a great package of his achievements, and a fact file at the end to finish it off. There is a second book to this one after you have read this, but I cannot find it anywhere. It is called "Just when you knew everything about JTT". Anway, i've rambled on way too long, Happy Reading!

Totally JTT is the best book i have ever read
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 1998-06-01
this book includes gobs of intresting information that can catch any readers attention even if you hate jtt it has articles on other stars such as tim allen and pitricha richerdson

Old information on Jonathan but definitely interesting.
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 1998-01-05
This book has everything on Jonathan Taylor Thomas from birth to age 14! It even tells you his daily schedule from when he wakes up until he goes to sleep! A must-have for JTT fans! Now if only the author would write up-date book on Jonathan!!

Perfect for the school girl in all of us
Helpful Votes: 9 out of 9 total.
Review Date: 2003-04-18
Whether it's his adorable hair styles, or his puppy dog smile -- what's not to love about Jonathan Taylor Thomas ("JTT" to his fans, like me)?

"Totally JTT" does a wonderful job of covering every aspect of JTT's personal life and career. From "Home Improvement" to "The Adventures of Pinocchio", you'll learn a number of exciting facts (he secretly resented "Home Improvement" co-star Zachery Ty Bryan), and some shocking revelations (he likes musical theater and interior decorating).

If you've ever wanted to know what it's like to be JTT, "Jonathan Taylor Thomas: Totally JTT!: An Unauthorized Biography" is the book for you.

Young Adult
Truckers
Published in Hardcover by Delacorte Books for Young Readers (1990-01-01)
Author: Terry Pratchett
List price: $14.95
New price: $42.65
Used price: $0.41
Collectible price: $18.95

Average review score:

Very nice and noncondescending writing for younger readers
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-10-18
Pratchett is best known for his off-the-world Discworld yarns, but he also has produced a number of highly engaging, wryly funny, and thoroughly humane novels for younger readers. This one, the first of the "Bromeliad" trilogy, introduces the "nomes," four-inch-high people (well, humanoids) who live on highway medians and under the floors of buildings. They live fast (ten years is a very advanced age for a nome) and humans strike them as slow and stupid. Masklin, in escaping danger in the back of a truck with the last remnants of his tribe, finds himself in the Store -- "Arnold Bros. (est. 1905)" -- where there are thousands of nomes. These are divided into contending tribes by store departments, live a good life in the Food Hall, and worship Arnold Bros. And then he becomes aware that the store is about to be demolished. The strength of the story is Masklin's struggle to convince everyone else of the danger when most of them don't even believe in the existence of Outside, and then to organize an exodus by stealing a truck and learning to operate it. (Think lots of long levers, pulleys, and bits of string.) But the nomes turn out not to be "little people" at all. The nomes' interpretation of the signs they see will give you thoughtful pause, as will their unthinking belief in a nome-centered God in the sky. Or on the top floor. Pratchett fans will enjoy this, regardless of their age.

A fun romp!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2001-07-27
These books (Truckers, Diggers, and Wings) are a fun romp! Well thought out, well told, with a liberal dose of humor. If you have read any of Terry Pratchett's "Disc World" books, you'll love this light hearted series....

A Fabulous and Hillarious Adventure
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2001-05-02
Truckers is the first book of the Bromeliad trilogy (followed by Diggers and Wings).

Masklin and his family are the last ten nomes of their warren, devastated by cold, predators and hunger. Desperately, they set out on a last chance journey and climb up on one of the lorries of the humans.

What they'll soon discover is that this lorry has lead them to the Store of Arnold Bros (est. 1905), the home of thousands of other little nomes who, having never left the Store, think of the Outside as of nothing more than just another fairy tale. The coming of Masklin will be a great upheaval in their quiet lives. And as they learn that the Store is to be demolished, they make plans for their escape.

Although Truckers was originally written for a young audience, it's an enthralling adventure but also a story about understanding other people's ways and helping each other, and no doubt grown-ups will love it too. Because Terry Pratchett's unique sense of humour is lurking round every corner, especially when nomes try to interpret our human world... and what's more to make sense of it!

Big problems for little people.
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2000-10-14
Another race also inhabits this Earth, a race four inches tall that lives and moves very quickly, and they are called "nomes." Masklin, the leader of a dwindling band of nomes, decides that a better life must be found, so they stowaway aboard a truck, and find themselves taken to a huge department store. This department store, Arnold Bros. (est. 1905), is populated by thousands of nomes, something the humans above then never suspect. To Masklin and his band this place looks like heaven, but what is the meaning of the signs that read, "Final Sale: Everything Must Go?"

This book is a laugh-riot. Terry Pratchett succeeds is making the Nomes so different, and yet so human. This book is the first of a trilogy; with the other two entitled Diggers and Wings.

"Truckers" away
Helpful Votes: 7 out of 8 total.
Review Date: 2004-04-19
Terry Pratchett's Bromeliad trilogy is a mix of childlike fantasy and offbeat SF. While the opening book, "Truckers" lags in places and takes quite some time to really get moving, it's imaginative and very funny. Certainly it's a good place to start off with Pratchett's fiction.

Masklin and the other nomes are tiny people who scavenge on the streets, and now there are only a handful of them left. In an act of desperation, they climb into a lorry and ride to... The Store. Also known as Arnold Bros (est. 1905), where a complex civilization of nomes (about two thousand) live in semi-peace and prosperity. They either are dazzled by the idea of "Outside," or insist that the whole world is in Arnold Bros (est. 1905).

Seemingly, everything is fine for Masklin and his friends, especially when the mysterious Thing (a black box that is a spaceship's flight computer) comes to life and tells them more about their history. But suddenly their world is disrupted by the news of "All Things Must Go -- Final Sales." Now the nomes must escape the Store and find yet another place to live.

Tiny people living in a department store? Who are from another planet? That is something that could have bombed easily and hideously. But it doesn't, at least not in "Truckers." Clever plot elements like the sign-based religion (they take "everything under one roof" seriously!) and the department-based clans (Stationari, Corsetri) keep this unlikely plot afloat.

While "Truckers" is a self-contained story in itself, it has plenty of loose threads (mostly involving the Thing and the origins of the nomes) at the end, for the second and third books of the trilogy. The writing has Pratchett's usual sparseness and wit; the only problem is that it takes forever for the nomes to do anything. At least it's a fun slow ride. The wacky truck drive near the end is one of the best parts of the book.

Masklin and his nome band (especially the indefatigable, vaguely frightening Granny) serve as a good window into the nome civilization, since they're learning about it too. The better-off nomes are a bit snottier but eager to explore the Outside. But the Thing steals the show; despite being just a computer, it has a better idea than the nomes what is going on.

"Truckers" will delight fans of Pratchett, but you don't need to be a fan already to enjoy this story. While the plot takes awhile to go anywhere, the quirky characters and wonderful worldbuilding make it worthwhile.

Young Adult
Wenny Has Wings
Published in Paperback by Faber Children's Books (2005-05-05)
Author: Janet Lee Carey
List price: $12.40
New price: $36.49
Used price: $6.68

Average review score:

Wenny Has Wings
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-03-02
Wenny Has Wings
By: Janet lee Carey


(1.) This book is about a young boy named, Will and his sister named, Wenny. Will and Wenny where walking down the street and got ran over by a truck. Wenny died and went to heaven. Will's heart stopped for 10 minuets. Will said he sped through a dark tunnel when he died. Then we flew around in the sky. After that he said he woke up in the hospital. Will blames he's self for Wenny's death. He thinks there must have been something he could have done so prevent the accident. His parents said to him
"Why did it have to be Wenny?"
Will got very upset because we thought they meant they would rather have him die then Wenny. They meant why Wenny had to die. Will's pastor tells him that when he's angry, he should write letters to god, but Will decides he'd rather write to Wenny, so will writes to Wenny every day, maybe even 2 or 3 times a day. In his writing we talks about many things. Most of the time when Will writes to Wenny he is talking about stuff he did that day and some times he talks about how much he misses Wenny. 50% of the time he writes he is in the hospital trying to get well, so he can go home and go back to school to see all of his friends. When he gets home he is very excited, but that is just until his parents seem very depress. Will thinks that talking about his near-death experience may comfort his and help heal his family, but no one seems willing to listen to him and talk to him about it.

(2.) This book was very exciting to read because you did not know what was going to happen next. For example one of the notes Will wrote to Wenny said, "How much Will wanted to see Wenny. The next thing you know he is saying his mom is pregnant and she is getting ready to have a baby, so they are taking every thing out of Wenny's room and painting the room and putting in stuff for the new baby. The only thing that I really was disappointing was the end of the story. I thought it was disappointing because it just had the last letter and said love Will on it. It did not say anything like I will miss you or I will write to you soon again. It just stopped. I did not really like that.

(3.) I really liked Janet Lee Carey's writing because it's not like a long story where nothing really exciting happens. It is written more like an AIM or like a journal. I really enjoy these kinds of writings because I can relate to them a lot and I really enjoy writing AIM to friends. I have not read any other books by this author but I am soon planning on it.

(4.) If I could rate this book 1-10 I would defiantly rate it a 9. I would rate it a 9 because I really think it is a fantastic book. I would recommend you reading it.





Kandace's book review
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-12-14
I thought that book was the best book that I have ever read. It was sad when Wenny died because of a truck. And it was just the way the book was made and I could proubly read this book any day. It was just the way the author had wrote the book alot of wondeful details in it and the book was just out standing. It was the the family was falling apart because of when Wenny died it changed everthing and then later through out the book it was like there family was like done the parents have been aruing alot and then at the end of the book well close to it they bacame a better family and Will felt like they were a family agian and the new baby was comming and there parents hated going into wennny room but they had to do it that was going to be the new babys room.Will made sure though to leave some of Wennys things in there for the baby and Will had been trying every thing to tell his parentsd about how he felt when he died and they would just nevr listen to him and will felt like he was just a nobody and he wanted all of that to change well it did and they alll became a great family agian and they were sill pretty happy except for when Wenny died

Kelseys Review
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2005-12-16
There is a brother and and a sister named Wenny and Will. Will is older than Wenny! One day they both go walking to the auto part-store to get parts for their derby car,when all of a sudden a truck came out from no-where and hits the two kids, because the brakes went out on his truck.It killed the little girl and broke his leg and ruptured his spleen.While they were operating on him his heart stopped for a whole ten minutes, he claimed he saw the white light. The boy has to stay in the hospital for a while. His mother and father hardley ever stay in the room with Will.His mother is expecting another baby soon the end

Allie's Review
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2006-02-10
This is a great book it tell readers to watch out and be careful when their crossing the road, but also they need to know the whole conversation before they start blaming people for doing stuff.
Will and Wenny were on their way into town to get a part for will cart thing when they got hit by a truck that tried to stop but it just wouldnt. They both died, but when they were dead Will saw Wenny flying ahead of him going to a light person in a big hole in the sky, then will felt a blast of energy and saw his parents in the waiting room while the dockter was reviving him. He woke up a while later with a broken legg and asked his mom if they used the paddle things on Wenny too. It was too much so mom started crying and left the room.Will starts writing letters to Wenny in a blank book that the youth minister gave him, and he gets into a lot of trouble trying to make his parents happy again. Icant tell you any more becouse that would ruin it so your just going to have to get the book.
This book makes readers lauph and cry its a great book you would enjoy it, I DID.

Wenny Has Wings
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2006-02-09
In the beging of the story Wenny and her brother was off to the craft store to get patches for the the scout troops so they can get badges made for the leader and the troop. Wenny's brother didn't like her following him, she never played barbie dolls or baby dolls she just wanted to play with his toys and do the things he wanted to do. One day they were on there way back from the craft store from getting the badges when the truck pop over the hill and the truck hit the 2 kids and there cat's tail. When the guy got out of the truck he notice that the little girl was nearly alive and the boy was atill alive so the boy was sent to the hospital and the cat got token to the vet but the sister died on the way there. The guy who was driving the truck sent him a card that was girly saying I'm sorry that i hit your kids and that i will do anything for to help you and your kid


Books-Under-Review-->Arts-->Literature-->Authors-->Young Adult-->64
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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