Children's Books

This has been one of the few excellent books i have ever read. It is actually real, it really happened, so it makes you feel as if this was happining before your eyes. It was sad, and well written. i actually heard David Faber, the author of this book, speak. He was an incredibly powerful speaker, and his book places you in his position, just as his speech does.

David faber visited our high school last week, and had told us about his horrific ordeal during the holocaust. And I was utmost touched and embraced him. I could see those fear he told us in his eyes. And some of us left the auditorium in tears. I recommend this to anyone, because there is a dark side of humanity we taken for granted, and people had suffered more than anyone who had to go through.

I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Faber as he spoke at the middle school I attended when I was in 7th grade. He spoke to us about his experiences and encounters during the Holocaust that took part in Europe during WWII. Our history teacher read us "Because of Romek" as it was part of our curriculm. I have not been the same since. This is an incredible account of what he went through in keeping of his promise to his mother to stay alive. I would recommend this to a more mature audience being that it does have some parts that are somewhat rough to handle...or so were for myself but overall is an incredible read...as he takes you through his experiences.

This book explains how David's encounter with the Holocaust and yet his story is sad but a good book to read. This is one of the best holocaust memoir I've read! I highly recommended. When I was starting to read the book, I couldnt but the book down...( I ended up finishing the book in 2 days!). I loved it and highly respect the holocaust survivors and of course, David Faber.

Had I thought it was fiction, I would have thought the author went over the top with this farfetched tale. To know that it is authentic is horrifying and at the same time captivating. If you are into the holocaust, then you will find this book absolutely fascinating; and if you aren't a history buff I recommend this book as enlightenment. My utmost respect to anyone that has been through this nightmare. And David Faber my deepest gratitude for having written this book.

Follow the further adventures of Sita the oldest vampire on the planet.

After breaking a promise and making her partner a vampire, Sita and Ray try to live a somewhat normal life. Until they hear of some murders in LA.

It seems that someone is killing people an terrible ways. Dismamberment, limbs torn off, and in some cases even drained comepletly of blood. In otherwords the killer is making it look as if another vampire is loose on the world.

Did Sita succeed in destroying her maker or is he alive and finding ways of making her pay?

Is this some new sort of vampire? If so, from whence did it come?

Can it be stopped before the world knows about vampires?

To find out you will have to read this book.

I especially liked...

How the book explained they new vampire. Normaly the peson is a real creep, but with superpowers he is even more of a menace. Quite scary acually.

When I finished reading this Book I wanted to...

Everyone says that they read it again. Not me I went out dressed in black looking for vampire victims......J/K

The author of this Book...

Christopher Pike

He has written a whole slew of teen thriller novels and this is one of his best ones.

I recommend this Book because...

It is packed full of action and vampires and a real cool way in which to make them.

I loved the first book in the series. This may better then the 1st book if possible

I don't recommend this Book because...

There is nothing about this book that I do not recomend.

Further Comments...

The beginning starts with Sita stating that she is not afraid of blood. What she is afraid of is what it can do.

I relly do not like reading but this book got my attention because it is trilling I think it is thrilling besause the vampires are relly strong,fast, smart, and they can hear and see relly good beter the any thing.

Absolutely love this book, and the entire "The Last Vampire" series in general. Following Sita's journey is an exciting and wonderful adventure, and this book is no exception. Sita is 5,000 years old and thought all vampires (aside from herself and her lover Ray) were gone, until a series of unusal murders force her to realize she was mistaken. She must meet this new foe, destroy him, and try to do so without destroying herself. A great (and quick) read.

This book is great. It's a nice sequel to #1, though it does become boring in some points.. There's small sub-stories that get told inside by the characters that dont really seem like they need to be there, but nonetheless, they add to the overall effectiveness of the plot.

I read this whole book last night. I just couldn't put it down! It was about a 3 1/2 hour read without too many breaks.. I found it took me 4 chapters to realize i had to go to the restroom and to actually get up to go.

The bad guy's mother is a bit off her rocker, being as old as she is.. Really sick minded, its no wonder that the boy turned out the way he was.

Anyway, it was a good book and i just couldnt put it down. I reccommend this read to anyone who is a fan of Christopher Pike. :)

Ray is adjusting to being a vampire. He is depressed about having to sever contact with his family and friends, and appalled at having to drink human blood. But Ray doesn't have too much time to figure things out. There has been a series of brutal murders in LA. Sita knows a vampire is responsible.
Sita and Ray are going to LA to investigate and look for the one who is creating vampires. The First Vampire, Yaksha, is supposed to be dead. Even if he survived the explosion at Sita's home, he swore a vow to God not to create any more vampires, and to destroy all other vampires. Sita has not made any more. So who is making the vampires?

A new character comes in: FBI agent Joel Gray. In charge of the murder investigation, he zeroes in on Alisa. Will she have to kill this well-meaning man if he gets to close to the truth?

This story is a better read than the first one in the series. A lot more action for one thing, a compelling enemy, and less of Sita musing on what a hottie she is. Pikes writing is a little better. Still, Pike throws in gems like "I like horny men. I feel they are true to their nature." Riiiiight.

My book was about the senior year when the guys finally meet the girl of their dream. This guy name Jeremy meets the girl of his dream her name is Jessica Wakefield, who has a twin sister name Elizabeth Wakefield. But their is a little problem that jeremy has everytime he wants to go out with Jessica something has to go wrong. they never get to see each other until the last minute. this book is very interested for young girl like me, i guaranteed that you will enjoy reading this book. if you really want to know what your senior year will kind of be when you finally get there or if you are already their you make think its kind of what you went thru.

This book is a great book. It is about highschool students and their lives. If you like this book you will like the other SVH books. There are lots of other Books like Sweet Valley university and elementary and you get the idea.

I love the whole jessica and jeremy thing, i think he is really good for her. i just wish she would get over will, he is a jerk. i feel bad melissa tried to kill herself, but i mean over a guy? really... melissa is supposed to be super cool, but why is it everytime her and will break up she goes mental? she is not exactly stable... conner is annoying and liz is annoying for trying to be with someone like that. he isn't worth her or maria's time.

This was a really good book. It just didn't have enough Liz/Connor interaction for me. I think Connor is being a jerk at the end. I like how it ended with Jessica and Will makin up and Jessica and Jeremy getting together though. I also like the friendship developing between Ken and Maria. Overall, a very good book.

Following the events in "Your Basic Nightmare" (#6), "Boy Meets Girl" (#7) makes some interesting changes in the main character's lives. For starters, Jeremy Aames finally asks Jessica Wakefield out on a few dates after their first kiss in the previous book. However, their dates never seem to go as planned, and they both begin to have their doubts about whether or not they should continue seeing each other. Plus, there's that added tension with Will Simmons showing up on one of their nights out. His appearance would seem harmless (after all, Jess swears she's over him), but if you read on, you'll see why it's not.

Next up is Melissa Fox, who is hospitalized after trying to kill herself in book #6, right after Will Simmons broke up with her. Most everybody feels guilty about this incident, especially Jess and Will, yet that's not stopping either one of them from thinking about each other. Could there still be some possible chemistry between these two? (I hope not. Jess seems happy enough with Jeremy, without Will ruining things.)

And lastly: Maria Slater had caught Elizabeth Wakefield and Conner McDermott kissing, and now she's not speaking to either one of them, mostly Liz though. And not surprisingly, Conner is now avoiding Liz, too, so she can "work things out" with Maria. More like so he can leave the "relationship" quietly.

There were some really good lists, journal entries, and assignments in "Boy Meets Girl", in particular Liz's freestyle writing assignment about the meaning of love and Maria's "Why Books Are Better Than People" list (my favorite). This is probably one of the better books I've read so far in this series. Jessica is finally back to her old self, worrying about boys and appearances, plus being more assertive, which was the biggest character trait missing in the previous six SVHSY books. "Boy Meets Girl" is worth reading if you finally want to see Melissa get her comeuppance and Jessica land on her two feet again. For readers age 12+

I found this book in an old bookstore by the beach and thought, action fantasy, why not try it? So far it has to be one of my top favorite books. I plan to read the whole series even though now they're alot harder to find.

On a scale of 1 to 5, I give it a 7!!

The Broken Sky series attracted the attention of my 12 year old non reader. Finally a series of books he would read and continue to read. He is on book 6 now! Thank You Chris Wooding.

Broken Sky is one of the best series I have ever read. After getting this book I was hooked I knew I had to have them all. It is filled with action I will tell you only this it is about Two twins whos father died at the hands of their king

The Broken Sky series is the best young adult series yet! I am an upper level freshmen in high school so the series is a bit beneath me, however the battles in the books still captivate me. It's an easy read and each book should take only a couple of hours with the exception being the last book, book seven, which is sort of a combination of books 7, 8, and 9. The writer, Chris Wooding, has stopped the series ( a dissapointment to his fans) and even stopped writing totally! A shame it is, but maybe he'll start writing again soon. I know I speak for many others when I say I hope he does!

This is the first of the seven broken sky books. The twins, Ryushi and Kia, have lived their sixteen-winter life shelted from the outside world. Each of them have six spirt stones(stones that give the bearer magical powers and are placed by a deliverer in a ceremony called a pah'nu'kah) placed down their spine. Ryushi has sky blue stones of force, while Kia has stones with the power of the earth. They each have spent their years sharpening thier skills to prepare for when their father lets them into the outside world when they come of age(18 winters). One day their father, Banto, returns from Tusami city with their 18 winter brother, Takami, after Banto introduces Takami to the outside world. But Banto brings them a little suprise, an 8 winter child named Elani. Just days later, Ryushi's curiosity and impatiance gets the best of him. But when he asks his father about the truth, Banto just makes him promise to guard Elani with his life. Soon after, their home, Osaka Stud, gets attaked. Ryushi keeps his promise and guards Elani from a odd mummy-like creature. Ryushi and Kia manage to escape the destruction of Osaka Stud on a dragon-like wyvern. But as they head towards Tusami city to find Banto's friends, something is on Ryushi's mind. The mummy like creature called his father a traitor. But they always were told King Macaan was the best thing that happened to the dominions. Something is brewing, and there's only one way to find out what. For the survivors of Osaka Stud, it's onward to Tusami City to find some awnsers.

This was an important resource, when I was trying to help my in-laws understand Asperger's Syndrome. I found it to be a huge help when I was attempting to explain to my husband why my son needed to be treated a little differently than our other children. This is a short concise book, taken from the perspective of a child with Aspergers. Very easy to read.

This book is a god send. My son has read this book and is now doing so much better. He has even stated that Asperger Syndrome won't hold him back.

I bought this book because my 11 year old daughter has been diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome. Not only did my daughter find it interesting to read a book that told about other people similar to her, but it also came in handy explaining AS to my mother-in-law as well. It has lots of great points for family, friends and teachers. My daughter's principal borrowed it as well to use as an educational tool at school. I would highly recommend this book if you are looking for a simple, easy to understand book about Asperger Syndrome.

this is a must read for all friends and family of children with Aspergers and teachers too. highly recommended

Short and sweet, and very suitable - this simple story helps us expalin AS to our son (12) in a way he can understand, and has provided an uncomplicated way to introduce AS to family and friends. It is a really good springboard for more detailed discussions with those who either want to know more, or need to know more about AS.

This is a storyline with a unique plot, although I did find some flaws within the story that made this somewhat difficult to read. This is the first Patricia A. McKilip book that I have read and so I am not sure of her writing style as of yet, however the characters were rather empty. If she didn't state plainly that one character was in love with another, by the story surrounding them, I wouldn't have known. The protagonist is even distant as well and reading this story felt like taking a peek at snipets of the lives of others and drawing my own story from what I saw and coming to my own conclusions. This is common in books for young adults however, and being an adult reader used to epic novels, I don't know if I would be fair in faulting it for that. The character dialog was also hard to follow and at times it was hard for me to tell who was speaking. This is makes for a very choppy read at least to me.

This is still a special story that should have been written in novel form and not short story from, as there is som much more potential for it. Peri is the main character of the story and The Changeling Sea begins by describing her hatred for the sea that stole her father's life and captured her mother's soul, spellbinding her. Peri is an unkempt teen who works at the local bar/inn scrubbing the floors and keeping the inn clean. She never dreams of adventure or excitement at all, only wanting to one day escape the sea that so destroyed her life. Peri, no longer receiving the affection and caring from her mother, spends many nights at a village elder's home. The old woman looks after Peri and teaches her spells and hexes. Then one day the woman is gone, no where to be found or heard from again. Most likely lost to the sea, Peri thought. She had had enough of losing people she cared for to the sea and decided to hex it. The story builds from here with adventures of the Prince who becomes her friend and a lost sea-dragon and his mysterious appearance and trying to find answers as to his sudden apparition. She receives help from a mage and works at putting everyone's life together again, fitting in all of the pieces of the puzzle. At the end of the story she succedes in putting the pieces of her own life together as well.

I would reccomend this book for the young adults who have minds capable of seeing and reading between the lines where an adult's can't with a fantasy such as this. Although the story is a little slow throughout the telling, and the tale is implanted with a constant need to "just finish" the story so that one can see what is really happening, this is still a unique story and it is enjoyable. A collector of her works shouldn't pass this book up.

this was a great story. i love this author, she just has a certain style that brings whatever she says to another level. this said, the story isn't perfect. the major relationships between the main character and those around her aren't very strong, not strong enough anyways. at the end, not to spoil it, but she asks someone to come back for her, but the relationship between them wasn't strong enough for her to ask that of him... or at least we the readers weren't privy to it. they don't have to be ridiculously close or anything, the perceived distance between the characters is fine, but the draw between characters must make sense to the reader. if the author spent more time fleshing out relationships i think the story would've been better, because the relationships are very compelling, we just know too little of them. peri says she enjoyed certain people's company because they needed her. unless she is so weak and needy that someone recognizing her existence would make her go crazy, which i don't think she was, there is a part of the story the readers don't know about, or have to fabricate for themselves. so in a way it felt like she was grasping at straws, and the introductions of some characters, namely the workers at the inn, were kind of awkward.
criticism aside, it was a wonderful story. the plot was well thought out and kept me interested. i thought the author did a great job of characterizing the sea. Kir was a great emphasis for this because he was half of the sea himself, so we had the sea both as itself and humanized in Kir. periwinkle was ok, not the strongest heroine but compelling in her own way. i liked her name though, periwinkle, you get few characters with such whimsical names.
it was a great story though. it was short, i read it in a couple of hours, and it left me feeling kind of whimsical .

This is the first book I ever read of hers and it remains one of my all-time favorite books ever. It enchanting and beautiful, haunting and wonderful. I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys fantasy. McKillip's writing is so fluid and beautiful, she transports you to her worlds effortlessly and you don't want to leave.

I'm still at a complete loss as to why I had never heard of this book before. The storyline is delightfully complex for as short as it is. The descriptions are lush and beautiful, but not so much as to bore. As a new English teacher, I plan on using this book for my classes during our study of fantasy-based romance. The characters are deep and very profound, and it would be an excellent read for people of all ages. Don't be deterred by how thin and short it seems, it's length doesn't make it any less powerful. I, myself, am extremely picky about what I ready and even more so when I'm reading anything with romance in it. I prefer a strong central female character, which Peri truly is, and of course a strong male central character who isn't questionable in his morals. This book checked all the blocks for my standards and I've put it promptly among my favorites.

I just adored McKillip's novel. A wonderful story, combined with excellently developed characters, and descriptive wirting that takes you soaring through her world, make this novel one of the most memorable you will ever read. For lack of a more fortified adjective, it was amazing. I've read McKillip before and been a bit disappointed, to be honest; but this was just a lovely, lovely, lovely book, one to cherish forever.

The sixth book, The Vampire Prince, is great compared to the last two. It's a bit slow, but it picks up a bit about halfway through. I had a little trouble understanding the end, but I have a good enough grasp. As for the end...I'm not sure if I like the decision. But I'm sure there are people out there who feel differently. The next one seems good, and I'm hoping we get to see more of the title! (Cirque du Freak)

The Vampire Prince is about a half-vampire named Darren. He was beaten up by Vapaneze, barely survived a treacherous river down Vampire Mountain, and then was treated by roaming wolves. When he was better, he made his way back up to Vampire Mountain. He was trying to find Kurda, the soon-to-be Vampire Prince, to stop him from tracking all Vampires with the Stone of Blood and killing them all! Darren tells everyone what Kurda is up to, but it was too late.The Vapaneze were after him.There was a big fight between Vampire and Vampaneze.Many were killed,some were wounded.In the end,the Vampires won and everyone made Darren into a Vampire Prince.

The book is good,because it is not boring. The book keeps you interested. It is probaly a book most kids would like to read or understand. It is probaly a book most kids would read,because it is kinda scary. You never know what is gonna happen. Every time, there seems to be a knew problem. The character are vampires, so you would expect there to be alot of action. If you lik action books this is the book for you. But the best part about the book is that it has sequels. So, if you like the book, there are plenty more.

This a great book full of gore and excitment. Darren Shan captures you in a world of horror and blood. VAmpire lovers will love this book. All people thinks about vampires as they turn into bats and suck blood. But, Cirque Du Freaak makes it seem really real and that they do not turn into bts as some books put them. it will capture anyones attention. Get the book, trust me it is great!!!

The Vampire Prince
By: Darren Shan
Reviewed by: J. Zhu
Period 6

Darren Shan, a half-vampire, is barely surviving this treacherous river down Vampire Mountain. When he finally stops to a place where the current is slow, he rolls onto his back and he swims toward land. Darren, on his way to Vampire Mountain, meets up with his old pal Rudi. Soon after Rudi howls and Darren is reunited with his wolf friend Streak. One day, Darren sees Mr. Crepsley, Arra Sails, Kurda Smalht, and three other vampires are searching for Darren. After searching all night, the vampires decide to go back to Vampire Mountain. Darren thinks for a while what Kurda might be planning and figures out that he is going to use the Stone of Blood to track and kill vampires when he becomes prince. After Darren finds out, he realizes that he must go back to Vampire Mountain to tell the other vampires about Kurda. When Darren gets to Vampire Mountain, a guardian of the blood sneaks Darren into the mountain undetected. After Darren is actually in the mountain he realizes that if he dies then no one will know what Kurda is planning. Darren then decides to tell his trusted friend Seba Nile. After he tells Seba Nile the story, Seba is outraged and decides that he should do something about it. Finally the investiture began and Seba had men positioned in areas during the ceremony in case any one had a weapon. When Kurda was about to be blooded to become a prince Darren shouted stop and Kurda's men saw him and tried to kill Darren. Luckily Seba's men reacted quickly enough and took Kurda's men out. A while later, Darren finally got to tell the princes about Kurda. It took a while for the princes to agree with Darren, but after a while they finally agreed with Darren and knew that he was not lying. Finally, the vampires went down into the tunnels and had a fierce battle with the vampaneze. One vampaneze took out Vanez's only eye and now Vanez could not see at all and had no eyes. In the end, the vampires won and everyone decided to make Darren into a Vampire Prince!

I really enjoyed this book. I enjoyed it partially because Darren Shan is a wonderful writer. In the book he has many descriptions that gives you a good mind picture such as this quote from the book: " Darkness - cold - churning water - roaring, like a thousand lions - spinning around and around - bashing into rocks - arms wrapped around my face to protect it - tucking my legs to make myself smaller, less of a target." I also like this book because there is a lot of action in The Vampire Prince such as this quote from the book: "Its OK," I lied. "It's only a fresh wound, you'll be up on your- " Before I could say more, he coughed. Blood pumped out of his mouth, a huge torrent of it. His eyes widened, then closed. He groaned softly, fell back, shuddered then died."

My favorite part of the book was when Darren was chosen by the Vampire Princes to be one of them! This was my favorite part because I was really into the book and I felt that Darren deserved to be one. I think he deserves to be a Vampire Prince because after he knew that if he went back to Vampire Mountain, he would be killed and he went back just to warn his fellow vampires of Kurda's evil plot.

Unfortunately, this isn't the full-sized book I remember from my childhood (it's a rather cheap imitation that probably won't hold up to multiple readings). But the pictures and story are still the wonderful ones I remember.

The Color Kittens (Little Golden Book) I am so excited!!! This was my favorite book my mother read to me in the late sixties. I have searched garage sales, etc hoping to someday find a copy. I searched for it on amazon.com and sure enough I found it. I felt like a little girl again when I opened the package containing this book! The cover is the same as I remember. I quickly read it to my little girl. It has it's own special spot in my china cabinet amongst many antique and childhood favs.

I was positively excited to get this book for my friend's Christmas present. When the seller said excellent condition, they should have said absolutely perfect! She will be thrilled! Thank You!

I have my original book from the 50s and another copy I found maybe about 10 years ago. You will never forget it. I am buying this one for my niece. It is my favorite book to this day. The best childrens' book I have ever seen.

Great book for any cat lover

author of "Hobo Finds A Home"

Do Hard Things by Alex & Brett Harris is an amazing book by two amazing young men. These teenage twins are determined to shatter the image of teenagers as irresponsible and lazy. They've already interned at the Alabama Supreme Court and worked on political campaigns. They have a top-rated blog at The Rebelution. This book is a powerful read, not just for teens, but for their parents as well. All too many teens, and even those in their twenties, are underachieving with society's permission. Alex & Brett use examples from the Bible and history like King David, Timothy, George Washington, and Clara Barton to prove that young people can do amazing things by listening to God and trusting Him. They also include several stories from young people they know who have made a difference in their community and the world. Along with these anecdotes they include lots of Scripture and encouragement to find your own calling and do your hard thing. This inspiring book should be required reading for all Christian teens. I'm impressed by the Harris brothers aside from their book. Alex just joined Shelfari on Saturday, and I was one of the first people he asked to be his friend (probably because I had Do Hard Things on my reading list), and he included a warm message. These are young men who are going to do not only hard things, but great things as well.

The Harris Brothers have written a book that is truly connected to the seeking hearts of the Millinial Generation. It is written by teens, for teens. My 13 year old son reads a few chapters then chews on what he's read. He's sharing with us (his parents) what he's reading. He is inspired to step out of his comfort zone and go against the flow of culture and society to do what God has put on his heart to do which is generally not "popular". Oddly enough, many follow his leadership because it is trustworthy and right - which is what this generation is craving - righteousness.

As a parent I am so thankful the Harris brothers chose to live out their calling by delivering this imperative message to their generation. Parents, get this book for your teens.

"Do Hard Things" is written by Brett and Alex Harris. Both are only 19. And both speak the language that teens speak.

I JUST got done reading "Do Hard Things" and it was one of the most inspirational books I have read. Alex and Brett's story is one that makes your jaw drop. But, then they tell the story of other teens who have done "Hard Things". The stories are incredible. It makes you realize that not only can teens make a difference but we CAN affect the world.

The Harris' brothers approach the teen years with the mind set that most teens have. Most teens say, "Hey who cares? I'm a teen I'm supposed to be reckless!" Teens think that since we turn 13 that we can now throw our lives out the door until were 20. Alex and Brett correctly show that not only is that wrong but un-biblical. Teens were leaders in the Bible's days(but we weren't called teens). We are supposed to be the influence for the older and younger. These years make or break our lives!

Alex and Brett prove to so many teens that have the "I can't do it" attitude that, YOU CAN! If God calls you to do something than do it and don't worry about the obstacles that will face you. Have faith and you shall overcome it!

Alex and Brett correctly approach the Take A Stand attitude. They tell the story of one teen who insted of joing the group and seeing Beerfest, goes with his friend to see Invincible. That is the examples kids need. That is something that evryday teens can do. To say "No" isn't shameful but prideful in God's eyes! Go against the crowd!

"Do Hard Things" is a book I will not only pass around but tell people about. Every teen, parent and/or church member should pick up this book. Join the Rebelution! It's never too late to do Hard Things.

I am a mom of 4, so what am I doing reading a book by teen boys?

Well, I have an "almost" teen age daughter. Hannah will turn 13 this year, and let me tell you, that life is wild for tweens and teens. They are crossing lines, dressing older, dating younger, and facing the challenges we may have faced in our late teens in their junior high years.

I was very intrigued when I heard of thios book by two twin brothers who are 19 years old. What could they have to say?

Well, a lot! And it is exactly what I want Hannah to hear. And I can guarantee that she will listen more to these two teen boys quicker than me.

Do Hard Things is a must read for every mom or grandma with a tween or a teen. I am almost done reading it, and will pass it on to Hannah to read next, Then she and I can go out to dinner some night and talk about what she learned.

This is a book that gets to the heart of the matter - living for Christ no matter what your age. As a forty year old mom, I learned a lot myself, about what teens go through, and about some of my own struggles as well.

As a 40 year old mom, I want to know more about what is in my teenager's heart, how I can help her through these tough years, and point her to Christ.

And, as a 40 year old mom, I want to Do Hard Things, Too!

Trish Berg
Mother of 4, Book Reviewer, Author
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Rattled: Surviving Your Baby's First Year Without Losing Your Cool

The Great American Supper Swap - Solving the Busy Woman's Family Dinnertime Dilemma

I don't mean to have a dig, but this book is so much more superior to any emerging church book written, and it is written by teenagers.

Alex and Brett Harris discuss the issue of low expectations which are not just laid upon teens but is accepted by teens and teen culture of play and fun. For the Harris' enough is enough. They want to blow away the notion that teens are unable to understand anything complex or important - that they can't do things which is vital, or make a difference. The Harris', who have clerked for a supreme court have show that not only is it good to have higher expectations, but that it is biblical.

They write on page 50 "We are convinced that the teen years are the primary time God has given to us for strict training....Prov 20:29, "The glory of young men is their strength."

The book is very challenging - they ask questions such as "Are we doing things now that will equip us for the greater things God may have for us to do? These are the fundamental questions for this season of our lives."
And the bulk of the book focus upon the five different kinds of hard things which they encourage teens to do:

1. Things that are outside your comfort zone
2. Things that go beyond what is expected or required
3. Things that are too big to accomplish alone
4. Things that don't earn immediate pay off
5. Things that challenge the cultural norm

Let me end with a quote from them:

"We've noticed that the fence that keeps us from breaking out of our comfort zones is nearly always built of fear - fear of weakness, discomfort, failure, humiliation. We've noticed something else too: you can't live by fear and live by faith at the same time. As Paul wrote in 2 TIm 1:7 "God did not give us a spirit of timidity but a spirit of power, of love and of self discipline." And when we read the Bible heros who accomplished big, hard things for God, we discover the main job requirement: "Without faith it is impossible to please God." (Hebrews 11:6)."

This is a book which we will give to every member of our youth ministry!

I loved this book a kid and bought it for my own children. Each of the three joined my enthusiasm for our dear friend, Dominic.

My son is in the Army and now has a son of his own. I used to read "Dominic" at bedtime, until I knew the story by heart. If I tried to skip a line or a paragraph, my son would interrupt and tell me I had missed a part! Recently, he asked if I would get the book for my grandson. Now my son is reading to his son. I love it! Christina

Throughout my life, I'd always remembered the "first book I ever read" as about some dog who played the piccolo and traveled around with his possessions in a sack on a stick. I remembered it so fondly, like one of those few, golden memories you hold onto from childhood, when you still believed in the tooth faerie and unicorns.

I never remembered the title, though, and the book had long since disappeared from my parent's house. One day I did an extensive Google search with only the words "dog," "piccolo" and "traveler" and managed to stumble across William Steig's website.

I just bought myself a new copy of "the first book I ever read" and can't wait to read it again. It really is a book that has stayed with me my entire life. I just found it astonishing that so many other people wrote the exact same thing in their reviews. How can it be that one book has been the "first book" for so many people? I don't know, but I do know that if you can let it be your kid's first book, they will cherish it forever. I sure did.

I bought this book for my 7 year old because his name is also Dominic. I read it to him each night before bed. He really liked it. Dominic (the dog) is a very witty dog who gets through many different adventures. I actually enjoyed reading this book to my son. This book is positive and definitely gets kids to use their imaginations!

This was the first "real book" I remember reading as a little boy. I suppose I was about 6 or 7. I read and re-read Dominic many times and loved it more each time. I suppose it has be something like 35 years since I first read this book and I still remember it fondly. How many things can you say that about?