Young Adult Books

This book is a must-read mainly for this lesson--a week in paradise can be ruined by nonsense caused by unnecessary misunderstandings. There Christy and her long-time friend Paula are treated to an all-expenses-paid trip to Maui with her family. How does Christy pay Bob and Marti back for their generosity? By endless whining, crying, throwing silly temper tantrums over imagined tragedies--Todd likes Paula better than me--GIVE ME A BREAK!! Had I been Christy's parents and family, I would have told her that's it, until you change your childish ways, until you learn to get along with other people who may feel different from you--that's the last trip we're ever going to take you on. True, Paula's behavior was not perfect,either, true, she took to flirting with Todd at every chance. What Christy needed to realize that Paula was her guest; it was not a small thing for Paula to fly across the country to spend time with her best friend. Also, religious beliefs are not something you push upon your loved ones, true Christianity is accepting your friends for who they are and respecting their beliefs no matter how different they are from yours. And if Todd was truly in love with Christy, it wouldn't have mattered how hard Paula tried to "win him over" As the series progresses, Christy's overall personality does not show much change, as you'll read in "I Promise" it is evident that she still has a lot of growing up to do. She's still throwing fits with certain things not going her way, as with her indecisive nature. If nothing else, as a grown woman, the Christy Miller series was an instrument in teaching me what kind of woman I do not wish to become. Katie Weldon, Tracy, and Sierra serve as prominent role models for my continuing journey of developing into my own person.

I am a hopeless romantic when it comes to books, even though I am 15, so these are perfect. This is probably the best out of the sereies. I am a Todd fan so I enjoyed him being in this book the whole way through. Paula did get on my nerves by always trying to steel Todd away from Christy and copying ever thing Christy did, but it all turned out fine. I recomend this bood for sure! Its great. I think this book deserves 5+ stars... well maybe Im excaturating a little... but I still love it.

Christy Miller's long-awaited 16th birthday has come and gone, which means one very important thing --- she can finally date! However, in A HEART FULL OF HOPE, the sixth installment in Robin Jones Gunn's Christy Miller series, Christy starts to realize that life was far less complicated before she acquired so much freedom.

Christy's age is a very big deal to school heartthrob Rick Doyle. He has had her birthday marked on his calendar for months, having been guaranteed a date as soon as she turned 16. Making good on her promise, Christy decides to give Rick a chance, although she is still a bit preoccupied with on-again off-again love interest Todd. Despite warnings from her friends, Christy is soon under the spell of Rick's romantic words and gestures, which she never got from Todd. Before she knows it, their single date turns into an all-out relationship. Things are moving way too fast for Christy, but now she's not sure how to backtrack.

After an awkward run-in with Todd, she's confused as to where he now fits in to her life. He seems to answer her question when he announces that he will be leaving California to join the pro surfing tour, making her more upset than a girl with a steady boyfriend should be. To make matters even worse, Christy's parents are insisting she get a job to help pay for her driving expenses.

As she works long hours on the weekends she was supposed to spend with Rick, her new boyfriend's less-than-romantic side starts to emerge. She begins to wonder if Rick really is as wonderful as she once thought. He always seems to be "accidentally" getting her into trouble, bringing her home late for curfew and interrupting her at work --- not to mention the angry outbursts he has whenever she can't spend enough time with him. Christy has lots of questions: Should she be dating Rick, or anyone for that matter? Is Rick even worthy of being trusted? It soon becomes clear that the independence she had so long desired is coming at a high price.

A HEART FULL OF HOPE starts a new chapter in Christy Miller's life and is certainly different from its predecessors. In previous installments, we saw Christy long for the freedom that her parents always seemed to deny her. However, now that she is able to drive and date, things have changed. The book sees Christy beginning to become an adult and realizing that with all of the privileges come many responsibilities --- and complications.

Fans undoubtedly will note a change in the focus of the series, with long-present Todd moving far away and a new love interest overtaking Christy's life. While it may be different, A HEART FULL OF HOPE is much on par with the quality of Gunn's previous work and will readily please readers.

--- Reviewed by Jennifer Crosby

This book is really awesome just like all of Robin's books. I have read all of the Christy Miller series from the church library and i am buying my own set now. I have read all the Sierra Jenson series and many other books by Robin Jones Gunn. I would recommend this book and all of her other books to anyone. They really help you in your walk with God and teach you many great lessons. I think it is amazing the way God is working in my life through this wonderful author. Thanks

This book was one of the best books I've ever read in my entire life! I am 12 years old, but I realize the concept of the story line and plot. Paula, no offense, reminds me of a "cheerleader" at my school. I'm going into middle school this fall, and I need a really good book to help keep me not so nervous, and believe me, these help alot. I recommend #1-5 in the Christy Miller series and #1, 8-10 in the Sierra Jensen series b/c that's all I've read so far!

When I was in 5th grade (25 or so years ago), our teacher, Mrs. Smith had a reward system where if the class got enough checks, we could redeem them for various treats. Time after time, once we got enough checks, we'd beg her to read to us from this book. I don't recall our class ever asking for anything else. I'd strongly recommend this one to parents of kids of any age. This, to me, is as good as American fairy tales get.

This book is very dear to my heart. The stories told in this book came from my family, R.M. Ward. I grew up hearing my grand parents, father & Richard Chase tell these tall tells. I read them to my kids now and I hear my relatives in my head so I begain tellin-um like they told me.My hope is that these stories live on through the generations of my family as well as other families.I love hearing my daughter ask for just one more just like I did.

I remember reading an earlier version of this book as a child. The collection of folk tales is as enjoyable to read as an adult as it was years ago. In fact, I can now bring my children the tales of the Appalachian Mountains and let their imaginations run wild with giants, witches, talking animals, and a witty little scoundrel like Jack. The tales are preserved in a very close "mountain vernacular" language. There is a noticable difference between some stories in the use of terminology, but this helps me to envision another storyteller spinning the yarn in his/her own fashion, which is part of the fun of listening to folk tales. My only complaint is that the collection is not larger.

I had this book as a child, and loved it so much that I bought it for my own children and read them a story out of it every night until they had heard all the stories it offered, and they loved it, too.

I heard about this book from a teacher who used to sub. in inner city schools. She said kids always remembered her for it. It's a compilation of short stories that are supposed to be told orally. They use HEAVY Appalachian dialect and I had thought that might be a problem for my second language learners, but THEY LOVED THEM. The stories tell of how Jack (from the beanstalk) outsmarts giants in different situations. His tricks often have a violent description, but because he's doing it to giants, it's not very traumatizing. A terrific oral language developer, and a whole lot of fun!!

Jessica writes in her Diary about her secret romance with Todd,even secret Phone calls and letters.She even secretly Meets him.Elizabeth doesn't know anything about this.Jessica even pretends to be Elizabeth in front of Lila not to make Lila Suspicious. It is from Outcast to I can't remember.

I loved this book! I just bought 2 of Elizabeth's secret diaries today. i recommend this book cause it is very suspenseful and a good book to read.

i think this was a great book. at first i read elizebeths diary and it was great.i could not put it down.i have about 15 pages left and i think i will finish it right now!!!

This book is one that will never get dull. I read over and over again and each time, something new stands out. It was just like reading my diary. I could really relate to the character's reactions and problems.

In this one, Jessica turns down a chance at stardom because the movie producer seems more interested in her than her talent. She's too dedicated to her relationship with Sam to risk it all for 15 minutes of fame. Then (as all REAL fans know) Sam dies in a wreck.

It's true that you will remember this book for a long time. I first read it 27 years ago and I still fondly recall the lead character and her ability to overcome the hardship of being a teenager struggling with blindness. This is a great story for any juvinile struggling with hardship or "being different." Also it would help foster empathy in those without such difficulties. I think adults would still enjoy it, they would just find it a bit of a quick read. The sequal is also very good.

This book is about a girl named Cathy, who has severe glaucoma. She has surgery and it makes the problem worse than it already is and makes her blind. Throughout the book she copes with the blind lifestyle. She gets a seeing eye dog named Trudy who leads her around everywhere. This book teaches you a lot about the morals of life. I highly recommend this book because it also makes me appreciate not being blind and having 20/20 vision.

I read this book when I was in fifth grade, and I absolutely fell in love with it. I am now in ninth grade, but I can remember the stroy perfectly. Kathy's struggles have made me see that I am so lucky to be healthy, and the book has broadened my perspective on life. My teacher recommended this book to me, and I cried when I read it. This book will have a lasting effect on your life, and you will remember it forever. I am so glad I had the chance to read this book.

I am near sighted and one of my worst fears in this world is going blind. This book, however, showed me that most of our fears are only fed by the society we live in. Cathy's triumph in overcoming this obstacle is a sure way of showing anyone the true meaning of living. Enjoy this book and cherish it...Share it but don't give it away. I bet you'll need it again some day!

I read this book when I was in junior high school, and loved it. When I was recently diagnosed with glaucoma, I remembered the book, and re-read it. Even at age 44, I still loved it!

I read this book when I was about 8 years old (I always read at a higher level) and this book had such an impact on me that I still remember it. The Locker was so horrifing and the characters were so real, I couldn't put it down and I read it multiple times. I'm now 23 years old and I'm ordering this book so I can enjoy the thrills again and again. A must have for any library.

i just finished reading this book, and just had 2 tell someone how good it was. it was a bit slow, but the ending was so good. u never see it coming! richie tankersly cusick is my favorite author, ive bought almost all her books, and im making it my goal 2 read them all by the end of the year. her books r so good, i recommend them to older ages though, maybe 12 at the least because it can be bloody @ sometimes. very very good book :)

oh my god, i'm 12 years old and this was one of my favorite books RTC wrote and it was GRADE A+ TYLER WAS SOOOO SWEET hahaha i wasn't really surprised at the ending though sorta... i did a book report on this book and got an A+ defenate reading book, read this book, you won't be mad

The Locker was great! It is the only one of her books that I've read that was written in first person. It makes you more invovled in the book and more involved with the characters. Cusick creates excellent, believeable characters.

This book is in one word amazing! I have always found richie the best author out there and this book explains to me again why. She is the only person who knows how to scare you like hell. She makes it seems so real that you feel like, you yourself are the main character and you are living the situation yourself and that is frightening. Especially the bit in the kitchen of Suellens house was so frightening I felt chills go down my spine, I was there I was in that kitchen and I felt the fear the main character felt. Richie has this incredible way of describing things, describing it so real that sometimes you've got to stop reading. This book was amazing!

This book was really good. In this book Jessica is with the mysterious Mike McAllery. Her friends, Isabella, and her brother Steven warn her about Mike. Saying he drinks constantly and has a diffrent women around for every day. But is all of that true? And when Jessica and Mike are alone together, does Jessica do something drastic? Elizabeth is still trying to recover from her horrible breakup from her x boyfriend, Todd Wilkins. But now Todd has a new girlfriend, Lauren Hill, and life is going good for him. But when Elizabeth uncovers a scandel about the athletes, how will it efect Todd. And could he possibly be involved? And does he also do something with his new girlfriend?The thing liz wouldin't have with todd...sex? This time Liz and Jessic look diffrent. Liz has turned to food for comfort and has packed on the pounds. But does she actually have feelings for someone? Tom vowed never to love anyone again but when he meets Liz will everything change? Winston is living it up at college. But in a all girls dorm! All of his faternity pals are treating diffrent, well of course they would since they want ot meet all of the girls Winstion knows. And what happens between Denise and Winston. Is there something going on between them. Snobby Celine, Liz's roomate, is up to some tricks. She wants the mysterious Wiliam White to herself but she might be a little to late. Could he actually have a thing for Liz? This was a really great book so get it. You won't be disapointed.

This book was really good. I love Liz, and feel sorry for her now that she is pudgy and
can't fit any of her clothes from when she was The Liz Wakefield. Here are changes:
Depressed, tubby, looks like a sassuage in her sheath, on a diet. I hate Todd for
doing this to her! All the things he dated her in and thought she looked beautiful
in can't fit! I will look forward to a time where she will be fit and happy.

Aaaaaahhh. Frachine knocks off the Wakefields-are-perfect stuff. As Elizabeth puts it,
''only one of the Waefield twins were a perfect size six, and it wasn't Elizabeth.''
In SVH, Liz was always thin. Jessica was aways dieting. But now Liz is on a diet, because
she put on so much wieght. I roared my head off when Liz was trying to get into the
sheath! On to Tom. Liz sounds perfect for him. They've had their worlds turned upside down since the got to college, so their a little scared approach their new selves.
I love this book.

Jessica moves in with Mike McAllery and sleeping with him,She has sex with him the first time,Alexandra is now one of Jessica's friends[Sound familiar] kind of like Amy Sutton from 6th Grade She was Elizabeth's best friend,then when she moved away,then when she returned to Sweet Valley,she and Elizabeth had nothing in common as 11th graders,She was boy-crazy as Jessica,and a Cheerleader. Alexandra is in Theta Sorority,and she and Elizabeth drifted apart.Why Can't I find friends so easy at Mott? Elizabeth meets Nina Harper,a black student. Todd dates this girl named Lauren,and has Sex with her.

This book raises alot of questions about what will happen to Jessica and Elizabeth. Jessica is looked down on for sleeping with and over at Mike's House.

The monologues are very good, but they are shorter than two minutes, so that didn't help us find an appropriate monologue for the high school musical. It would probably be a good book for junior high school.

Want to make a lasting impression at an audition? Then buy this book! It is written in a format that is accessible to all ages and the material is easy to memorize, which will help your performance be more relaxed and natural. The monologues in this book are also structured in a way that allow young actors to put their unique stamp into their performance. Now go and break a leg at your next audition ... that is if you have the book!

I am always asked at auditions where I got that monologue from! Most books for teens and kids are just comedic, yours have comedic and dramatic so I can be prepared for any audition.

Excellent!! Great collection of monologues that helped me get an LA agent. Would recommend it to someone if they could only buy one monologue book.

Chamber's monologues are so realistic and the characters come to life with minimal effort and it has a lot to do with the talented writing he puts forth in this.

This is an excellent first book to give a teen who is not sure about investing as a good place to put his or her money. It is written with teens in mind and has tons of real-world examples to which teens can relate. It is a good start to get teens exciting about making their money work for them. I got it for my 16-year-old nephew who was skeptical, but is on board with taking control of his own financial future.

This book has reinforced what I have been preaching to my 17 year old for years......1) save and invest your money early, 2)live within your means as you get started in life (used vs new car), 3) attend the local university (keep student loans to minimum) and 4) practice a healthy lifestyle and you will soon learn that by the time you are 30 you will have more financial freedom and less debt than 90% of Americans.

I wish I had been taught the discipline for the first two items as it wasn't until age 40 that I reached financial freedom. Fortunately for him, he is a believer after reading this book. Maybe along the way he will guide others in the right direction.

This book will basically focus on the way the stock market works and how to invest in it. It also tells you how much you can save in the future. It is the meat of the book when it comes to the stock market, but the book will also teach you the cost of bad habits such as smoking and the upsides of credit cards if used right. The book teaches you how to get your money's worth in the bank, teaching you everything from how they make money to what a cd is. The worst thing about this book that annoyed me so much, I took off a point, was that they try to write the book in a type of slang format. Going from saying the word dawg and writing rock lyrics about the book. This is very annoying, but the tips this book gives are just too valuble to detour you alway.

I recommend it to anyone of any age.

This books gives the true value of savings: a life worth dreamings about and investments we make for it to see it happen. This is a sweet and funny little book that makes money look exciting as a tool and token. I see this book as the clues to playing a cool video game. (More, like the hint book.) It's so casual that you think your reading Reader's Digest. You never feel confused! Math teacher's, parents, middle schoolers, high school students, college students, retirees: you'll love this book.

I only skimmed this book (after all, I own almost all the other TMF books!), but I think this book is by far one of the best financial books for **any** new investor, regardless of age. While other books may have more content, this is one of the most approachable financial and investing books I've read. (Plus, its worksheets **force** you practice what you read!) Readable by adults, too!

This book is hardly at a "young adult" reading level, but it still ROCKS!! It's got the cutest little pictures and info in it, and you can take it anywhere!! I love Nick so this little book comes in handy when i'm feeling down or something! Backstreet FOREVER!

This book is great!! Not to mention it's about Nick Carter, a major babe from the BSB. I think this book really talks about his life, and to all thoseNick Carter fans out there, READ THIS BOOK!!!

it's very interesting indeed even though it's unoffcial so far i have nick, brian, aj and howie and i still have to get kevin but it's a good very interesting facts!!!

Nick Carter is definitely a major babe with an inspiring story. Of course he is the object of many girls affection (especially mine), but for good reason. Not only is he HOT!, he is someone's whose story is so uplifting it helps everyone get through what they think will be hard to overcome. He has come a long way from where he started out and I commend him for it. I LOVE YOU NICK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I thought this book was the best because it was about Nick Carter. This book had all the facts about him that somepeople didn't know. There were really great stories in this Pocket stories Nick. It told everything about his babyhood & growing up. Also tell how Nick got into the backstreetboys, what it took, how long, & what he had to do. Nick's storie helps all kinds of people who want to get into the music business. Who ever wants to be a singer should read this because it tells everything that Nick had to go threw like the excitement of being a singer, the heart brakes because he didn't make it, & the other rough times that he had gone threw. Nick I hope that you keep making books about yourself & the group to let all of your fans know what you guyz are doing, & how your doing. I love this book so much I really hope that other people enjoyed it as much as I have!! Love Ya Nick.......<3/your #1 fan-tracey.<3.<3.<3.

I have been a closet Pat McManus fan since the 80's. His short stories always make me laugh out loud, no matter what mood that I am in before I start reading them. These stories are for everyone. You don't even have to fish or hunt and you'll still get it. Anyone who has ever spent any time outdoors will be able to relate to his adventures.

The names of the stories in this book are:
Sequences
The Dumbest Antelope
Out of Sync
Kid Brothers and Their Practical Application
The Fried Flies, Please, and Easy on the Garlic
At Loose Ends
Getting It in the Ear
Garage-Sale Hype
How to get Started in Bass Fishing
As the Worm Squirms
Scoring
A Road Less Traveled By
Gunkholing
Blips
The Night the Bear Ate Goombaw
Water Spirits
Letter to the Boss
Scritch's Creek
The Tin Horn
Cupidity, Draw Thy Bow
Whitewater Fever
Never Cry "Arp!"
Visions of Fish and Game
A Brief History of Boats and Marriage
Boating Disorders
Try Not to Annoy Me

First let me say I found the Patrick McManus stories funny each month as I got that magazine. Maybe it was Outdoor Life,,,,,
Then I read there that I could get books full of his stories.
WOW, I bought all of them.
I must say though that I like this one best.

BTW, If you ever read a story by Pat about being lost in the woods by all means believe him. I am way up here in NW lower Michigan.
A man I know who is a regular fisherman was fishing a local river. He was away from any road when he happened to find a man that had been fishing, but was asking how to get out of there back to a road. After he had told the guy to just follow the river that way for about two more miles the guy introduced himself,,, Guess who? Patrick McManus of course. 8>))

Now, I'm actually from Idaho where this book is actually based off of. Despite all of the Sarcasm, you got Idaho. HAHA LOL. I know this is bad but I hate to read. I had to read this book for an english assignment. But I really like this book. It is non-stop laughter. I think I am going to read all of his books now. I hope that is enough for you to be convinced that this book really is good and should be read by anyone who loves humorous books. HAPPY READING! :)

This book is hilarious. We like to read it to the middle and high school kids. You can hear them laughing about the fur coat, etc. outside the building. It has sparked many a boy into getting Partick's other books and reading for themselves. As a library director I know how hard it is to get middle and high school kids to read for pleasure. Patrick McManus is sure a pleasure. When I read the Goombaw story, and I have numerous times I still can not get through it without tears running down my face.

I have always thought that Patrick McManus is the funniest writer on the planet. I read his stories when I need to laugh or relax. Sometimes I irritate my wife by reading it in bed. I try not to laugh out loud, but I only succeed in sounding like I am trying to muffle continuous sneezes.

However, not everyone gets it. I have been shocked by watching people read McManus without so much as a smile (though most start snorting like wild pigs on acid) . My only guess is that getting McManus requires a couple things. First, it requires some understanding of his experiences. He absolutely nails all of the stupid things 'outdoors men (outdoors people)' do and think, but don't want anybody to know about. Second, you have to see the self-deprecating aspect of his humor. Third, you can't look for great literature in integrated books. Patrick McManus is an excellent writer, if you see these as independent stories simply collected in a volume. They are meant for adults who want to laugh at themselves. So, If you are willing to or already meet the above three criteria, you will love this book.

By the way, I am a professor of clinical psychology and (other than worrying a little about McManus) I sometimes recommend this and other McManus books. I do this with people who have racing thoughts and anxiety at bedtime, and when I believe they have the necessary experiences to find it funny. It often works quite well. I think of his stories as little pieces of happiness. (Oh, that even makes me sick to hear. Sorry)