Children's Space Books Books

Wendy Mass's A Mango Shaped Space is an enlightening book about a girl with a condition called synesthesia which heightens the senses and "crosses" them, allowing people to taste sounds, see noises, give colors to letters and words, etc. The book is very informational, in fact, it gives the readers several pages of factual information about the condition through the voice of a university researcher. In addition to promoting understanding of a condition that the book says impacts 1 in 500 people, it also deals with the theme of coping with death, the theme of the importance of friendship, and the theme of first love/romance. The ending of the book is satisfactory, and it ends on a positive message. There is little in the book that would be terribly controversial, so it could be used as a classroom accompaniment of a book of similar theme without too much concern.
The information in the book about synesthesia occurs during the main character Mia's first trip to the neurology department at the University of Chicago's medical center. Mia has been to her pediatrician, who referred her to a psychiatrist, who finally referred her to the University. She has kept the secret of her synesthesia for 13 years, until just recently, and is dealing with her peers and family not understanding it. The information that the neurologist, Dr. Jerry Weiss, gives Mia is in depth but easy to understand. It is a good resource for a student with synesthesia, or friends of the student because it not only gives scientific facts about the condition, but also gives a first person account of how it manifests, and what to expect when talking to people about it.
The saddest part of the book deals with the death of Mia's beloved cat, Mango. In the excitement of flirting with a boy, Mia forgets to give Mango a pill that allows him to breathe properly, and accidentally leaves him outside on a rainy night. She deals with the guilt of the thought that her actions caused the death of her pet (who she believes is a reincarnation of her deceased grandfather), but it is later revealed that Mango's health was failing before Mia's forgetfulness was even factored in. The theme is also touched on in the life of Mia's best friend, Jenna, an only child who lost her mother to a terminal illness. Jenna's father is starting to date again, and Jenna is still coping with the death of her mother, a few years prior.
The themes of first romance and importance of friendship are pretty common themes of coming-of-age stories, and are thoughtfully incorporated into the thread of the story. Of two love interests, Mia picks the kind, caring boy, Roger, who helps her deal with the death of Mango, after recently dealing with the death of his own dog.
The writing itself flows nicely through most of the book. Most characters have believable ideas and dialogue, and Mia's family, though quirky, is believable. One character, however, Mia's younger brother Zack, speaks in sarcastic, overly "cool" comebacks. He is written as an eleven-year-old, but his dialogue is reminiscent the overly sophisticated banter of the characters on Dawson's Creek. When Mia asks Zack about his teaching their sister, Beth, about superstitious beliefs, Zack snaps, "Hey, the Voodoo Vixen came to me, not the other way around"(75). The dialogue of Dr. Jerry Weiss is also obviously used to inform the reader. The information, though, isn't tiring or unnecessary, but it does seem pretty obvious to the reader that it is there for a reason.
The book was an entertaining read, and it was easy to feel sympathetic for Mia's character, especially at the death of her cat. I'd recommend this book to 9th grade readers, possibly a lower tier 10th grade reader, or anyone interested in learning about synesthesia. Thematically, it could pair with a classic book with the theme of coping with the death of a loved one.

Seeing shapes and colors when ever you hear sounds would be amazing! But it could get in the way of trying to go through your normal everyday life though. Mia, the main character in the novel A Mango-Shaped Space does. This book, by Wendy Mass, tells you about the little known condition called "synesthesia", as it gives you the point of view of someone who has the condition. This book is great for readers of all ages and genders. It is also a quick read with a surprise ending that could interfere with Mia's "colors"...

By making this a young adult/preteen book, Wendy Mass has almost written herself into a corner (but not really). Mia (the main character) has a voice that is simple and somewhat bland, which is to be expected of someone her age. That she says certain things she says, does others, and acts the way she does only works because she's an eighth grade girl. It makes the story both more realistic, but also a bit simpler and emptier, like it's been watered down. Basically, it makes the story younger and more appropriate for younger readers as well, who will relate to Mia with ease.

Other than that, though, this is an excellent book. Nobody can ignore the originality factor. In an age where many books have extremely similar subject matters, "A Mango-Shaped Space" is both intriguing and fresh. Few people know of synaesthesia's existence and while this will not be the greatest read for older readers (uninterested in the drama of fourteen year old girls), it will not only appeal to teens, but will get them interested and aware.

The characterization is also very good. I liked that everybody was really believable, from Mia's older sister and younger brother, to her parents, to her friends. It was refreshing to find that Mia was not a flawless person (she "cheats" (or, for her, cheats) on a math test). In general, the book is just so readable and the story so interesting, one can't help but get sucked in.

An intriguing story, a casual, easy read, and a really wonderful book for the aforementioned age group. Highly recommended!

This book is an amazing story from start to finish. I just couldn't put it down. And I'm far from a being a kid, at age 49!

Here's what I like about A Mango-Shaped Space by Wendy Mass: The plot is extremely interesting and really, for lack of a better word, new. Mass talks about a condition that most people have never even heard of and she just runs with it.

Here's what I don't like: Mass is at pains throughout the novel to make sure everyone knows her narrator is young. I also have mixed feelings about it winning an award (the Kaplan award I believe) for artistically representing life with a disability.

Here's some information so you can actually understand what I'm going on about: Okay, so the book follows thirteen-year-old Mia. Mia has synesthesia, a neurological condition that allows her to see letters and numbers in color. As the blurb on the back of the book states, Mia named her cat Mango because that is the color of his breathing. That is, you will agree, pretty cool. The action of the story starts when Mia realizes she can no longer keep her condition a secret from her friends and family because it's starting to interfere with her schoolwork. So Mia starts going to doctors and she finally meets people just like her.

So, on one level, this story is about dealing with synesthesia. But it also has a lot more going on. Mia's grandfather has recently died and, as readers will learn, Mango's place in the story is intricately tied to that of Mia's grandfather. At the end of the day, more than being about dealing with a disability (I'm not even sure I like calling synesthesia a disability) A Mango-Shaped Space is about accepting who you are and coping with the harder parts of life.

I read this book back-to-back with Sherman Alexie's The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian so comparisons are inevitable. What I found really interesting is that Alexie's narrator is only a year older than Mia, but the story is clearly appropriate for teens--I'd never give it to a ten year old for instance. Mass' novel, on the other hand, could just as easily be cataloged as a Children's book rather than Young Adult (left to my own devices I think I would do just that). Why? Well, like I said, Mass makes sure we know how young Mia is. Revelations like Mia never previously sitting with a boy at lunch or attending a boy-girl party abound in the narrative--sometimes unnecessarily.

At the same time, the material is just less heavy. The tone is lighter and the characters are a little less developed so that their hurts never quite hit home. I'm not sure if this is a bad thing though--it just makes it clear, while reading, that the book could be appropriate for a younger audience.

I'd definitely give this book a look though. The prose is easy to digest and the story is really interesting. And, surprisingly, the story features a lot of characters who are just as interesting to meet as Mia (with her synesthesia)--Mia's little brother Zach is a particular favorite for this reviewer.

When Aidan had to move from his best friend in Maryland to live with his Grandpa in Colorado Aidan thought it would be the worst summer of his life, but he was wrong. While searching his grandpa's basement he found three ancient scrolls that, with the help of his grandpa, lead Aidan on the adventure of a life time.
Aidan entered the Realm and found that a city was endangered be the evil knight, Paragor. After Aidan became the 12th knight the Elder guard set of to save Mithegard.
This book is a great picture of the love of God for men and the hatred of those against him. This is a great book if you are into adventures and knights. I recommend this book to everyone who loves to reads books and to those who do not.

"Aidan was certain that before him stood The Door Within, and it was time to open it. Hands slightly trembling he grasped the silver ring and tugged it to open the door. It was difficult to budge, at first. But Aidan looked up at the graven image of the sun rising between the twin mountains. The image seemed go inject hope into Aidan's heart. Its all true, Aidan thought. And in that moment, the door came free and vegan to swing open. Brilliant golden light streamed out as if millions of stars were hiding behind it. Aidan released the ring and the door opened the rest of the way on its own.
Aidan shielded his eyes with both arms from the fierce, pure light.
He had a strange feeling that Grampin was watching him. Aidan smiled as he walked through The Door Within."
Aidan is a very artistic teenager and being barely overweight he was considered the "weird kid" who collected midieval figurines at his school, until his best friend, Robby Pierson, moved to his school. Robby Pierson was the "cool kid" and for some odd reason wanted to be Aidan's friend. Then his life turned around and became a lot better living in Maryland until he moved to California to take care of his grandfather, Grampin. Aidan hated his grandpa for that and wanted everything to get away from him until he found scrolls in the basement talking about the Kingdom of Allebe and the evil Paragory and how King Eliam was killed by Paragor to save his people. Aidan believed in the story, that it was real, but the only person who believed as well, was his grampin. Grampin showed Aidan the way to the door within where he went into another realm of knights, dragons, and glimpses who can travel in and out of the worlds. He then becomes a knight in training and must complete a mission with 11 other knights before he can return to his own world.
This fantacy fiction book teaches you that even in the hardest of times and the toughest problems God is always with you and all we need is to trust God. King Eliam is representing God for He died to save us. Wayne Thomas Batson adds exitement and suspence to this story by leaving readers to find out what will happen with Aidan and his quest to see where he is headed and the scary obsticals that lie ahead. I would recommend this book to readers who like fantacy with dragons and knights and also to people who love suspence and action. The Door Within was one of the greatest books I have read and I am eager to read his sequels to this book.

I just finished rereading "The Door Within" and discovered once again why I have become a HUGE Wayne Thomas Batson fan! From the very beginning of the book you are hooked into an amazing fantasy adventure! This book is filled with thrills and most importatly contains a very strong Christian message.

The Door Within was recommended as an advanced reading option to my son the summer after grade 4. We both read it, and then ordered the other three the complete the trilogy. The read was facinating, challenging and entertaining to both of us (ages 10 to 40). The only drawback was the shipping time which had my son RUNNING to the front door each day to see if the books had arrived.

If I could give the trilogy more than five stars, I would! The adventure was perfect to keep a boy's interest, and the storyline was an inspiration and helped put abstract concepts into a better perspective for our generation.

Long live the One True King!

"Aidan was certain that before him stood The Door Within, and it was time to open it. Hands slightly trembling he grasped the silver ring and tugged it to open the door. It was difficult to budge, at first. But Aidan looked up at the graven image of the sun rising between the twin mountains. The image seemed to inject hope into Aidan's heart. It's all true, Aidan thought. And in that moment, the door came free and began to swing open. Brilliant golden light streamed out as if millions of stars were hiding behind it. Aidan released the ring and the door opened the rest of the way on its own.
Aidan shielded his eyes with both arms from the fierce, pure light.
He had a strange feeling that Grampin was watching him. Aidan smiled as he walked through The Door Within."
Aidan is a very artistic teenager. He was considered the "weird kid" who collected medieval figurines at his school, until his best friend, Robby Pierson, moved to his school. Robby Pierson was the "cool kid" and for some odd reason wanted to be Aidan's friend. Then his life turned around until he moved from Maryland to California to take care of his grandfather, Grampin. Aidan hated his grandpa for that and wanted so much to get away from him until he found scrolls in the basement. They described the Kingdom of Allebe, the evil Paragory, and how King Eliam was killed by Paragor to save his people. Aidan believed the story was true. However, the only other person who believed was his grampin. Grampin showed Aidan the way to The Door Within where he traveled into another realm of knights, dragons, and glimpses who could travel in and out of the worlds. He then becomes a knight in training and must complete a mission with 11 other knights before he can return to his own world.
This fantasy fiction book teaches one that even during the most difficult times God is always with you and our only need is to trust God. King Eliam is representing God in that He gave His life to save us. Wayne Thomas Batson adds exitement and suspense to this story by leaving readers to find out what will happen with Aidan and his quest to see where he is headed and the scary obstacles that lie ahead. I would recommend this book to readers who like fantasy tales about dragons and knights, and also to people who love suspense and action. The Door Within was one of the greatest books I have read, and I am eager to read his sequels to this book.

I read this book for the first time when I was in middle school (about 13 years ago) and I was hooked. I read it a million times throughout the next couple of years and enjoyed it each time. I was drawn in to the point that I thought I was living the book. Recently, I wanted to read this book that I loved long ago and searched for it on Amazon. I am so happy to see that many people love this book and feel the same way that I do. I just became a mom to a little baby girl, and I can't wait for her to enjoy this book as much as I did.

This is the most amazing book!!!! I don't even know how many times I've read it! It's my favorite book ever and I've read alot of books!!! Strongly recommend!!!

My book, Time Windows, by Kathryn Reiss was mysterious and full of suspense. It was so great it kept me up for hours after my bed time. The main character, Miranda, moved to an old house in the middle of nowhere from New York City. At first she doesn't like the house. Then she entered the attic and found a dollhouse that can reveal a secret about her house's past. This book made you feel like you were sitting in the attic with Miranda peering into the windows of the doll house. By Nicole

I AM ONLY ON PAGE 100 AND ALREADY I LOVE THIS BOOK. I LOVED IT FROM THE FIRST WORD THE END IS EXCITING! [I ALWAYS SPOIL IT BY READING THE END FIRST BUT I WILL NOT TELL YOU ABOUT IT!] I AM 25 AND THE GIRL IN THE BOOK IS THIRTEEN SO I COULD TELL THIS IS FOR YOUNGER PEOPLE BUT I STILL LIKE IT COME AND READ THIS BOOK... IT TAKES YOU FOR A RIDE AND A RIDE OF MYSTERY AND SUSPENSE IT IS SO IF YOU LIKE MYSTERYS AS WELL AS SUPER NATURAL STUFF LIKE I DO COME READ THIS! I JUST WANTED THE AUTHOR OF THIS BOOK TO KNOW THAT SHE DID AN AWESOME JOB!!

I was fourteen when I read this book. I am now 22, and the impression that this book left with me is still fresh. I would not advise someone under the age of tweleve to read this book. It's a seamlessly weaved tale where the heroine, Miranada, is well prepared by the recent events in her life to take on this mystery. Even so, it is an intense mystery. Although it is a "children's" book, Dorthy's murder is awful. It is necessary to explain why her character is not at rest, but it leaves a haunting impression with the reader long after the book is over.

This is a re-read from my youth and I am glad that it has been reissued. I love all of Engdahl's work and I only wish that she would write more after her long dry period. A well-writte intelligent and charming female protagonist learns and grows within a setting much like early (good) Andre Norton- reminiscent of Ice Crown, in fact.

This is an interesting book. I like the three different voices she uses to narrate the three different worlds, and the way the most advanced world, being the most self-aware, is done in first person.

Interesting questions are raised and about truth, right/wrong, etc. I do not agree with everything the author seems to believe, but this book would be a good springboard for discussion of questions like, "What is truth?" and "What/who is God?" and "Is there anything beyond what we can see and study with traditional science?"

There are a lot of other interesting questions that can be pondered that the book raises but does not answer. For instance, was Alana's father exploiting her young heart and propensity to fall in love in order to save the world of Andrecia and, if so, is that a morally defensible thing?

Not the absolute best book I have ever read, but worth reading, and probably worth reading more than once.

Having read Sylvia Engdahl's excellent novel, The Far Side of Evil, several years ago, I approached this book with a positive outlook that it would be just as thought-provoking and well told. I wasn't disappointed, though this novel is indeed different in tone.

The Enchantress of the title is Elana, whose exact age is never given but can be assumed to be in her late teens or early twenties. Elana, looking for adventure and real life experience, stows away on board a starship that is sent to Andrecia, a medieval planet that is currently being colonized by a more advanced society. Once her presence is known, her father and boyfriend decide that Elana can indeed help with the plan to oust the invaders, which will allow Andrecia to continue to develop at its own pace. Elana becomes the "Enchantress"; she befriends two locals who are off to fight the "Dragon" (a massive rock-chewing machine), and helps them by awakening their own skills so that their quest will be successful. In the process, Elana finds herself falling for the local known as Georgyn, and in her inexperience, putting them both in grave danger.

This book moves seamlessly between points of view, which gives it a much more universal feel than had we only known Elana's side of the story. When Georyn's voice takes over, the story almost becomes a fairy tale; indeed, that is how he sees Elana and the invaders who have come to his world. Elana is, of course, young and inexperienced but desperate to do the right thing; and Jarel is the lone voice of the invaders, unsure of his world's plans but unable to do anything to stop them.

I enjoyed this novel but did feel that at times it was a bit on the fantastic side. I felt the plans Elana's father made to dupe the invaders weren't necessarily believable, but I was able to keep in mind that this is indeed a fantasy. Elana could be infuriating in her lack of knowledge and her headstrong ways, and her poor boyfriend Evrek is relegated to the background while Elana forges ahead with a relationship with Georyn. Overall, however, this is a well-written novel and Engdahl has a gift for telling a tale that will pull you in from the first pages. Over thirty years since its debut, this thought-provoking novel holds up well and is just as relevant today. Recommended for lovers of fantasy.

When Elana's mission gets put in jeopardy she faces a lifetime of torture and imprisonment. Will she be able to save herself and the mission? Elana, the Enchantress, and her father were agents of the Federations Anthropological Center and it was their assignment to stop the Imperials from taking over the planet Andrecia. They led Georyn, a woodcutter's son, to believe that a stone was the source of his new magical powers; however, the truth was that they had taught him telekinesis and he wasn't even aware of it. Georyn was supposed to use his "magic" to defeat the dragon (a mechanical weapon used the Imperials). Elana and Georyn were on their way to the Imperials camp when natives captured them. The natives took them to the Imperials camp where they were locked in barracks. The Imperials planned to send them to a research center to be studied. Elana persuaded one of the guards, Jarel, to help them and he let Georyn out of his cell when no one was paying attention. When it appeared that the dragon was going to defeat Georyn, Elana decided to sacrifice herself to try to end the whole ordeal. As she ran and laid in front of the dragon, a flood of courage surged through Georyn. He used his magic powers to save her, stop the dragon, and scare away the Imperials. Georyn went to the king to announce that the dragon had been killed and to get his reward. He decided to explore the rest of the planet he lived on while he had the chance. Elana left Andrecia after accomplishing her goal and traveled back to her own planet. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone and everyone who enjoys reading a great book.
This book is written with loads of details. Georyn was the youngest of four sons born to a poor woodcutter, who lived on the planet Andrecia. Elana was a young woman in the First Phase of her training to be an agent. Jarel was an Imperial medic who was determined to prove that his civilization was not right in trying to colonize Andrecia.
Even though this is a science fiction book some of the things in it are realistic to our own world. The cool, green, peaceful planet, Andrecia is the third planet of a medium sized yellow sun. The Federation tried to prevent weaker nations from being taken over by stronger nations. Some types of people tend to be better at some things than others.
This book will stretch the reader's imagination. The Imperials used a huge machine that resembled a dragon to clear an area on Andrecia for the colony they were planning to establish. Georyn was taught telekinesis on a subconscious level, therefore he didn't even know about it. The Federation was an organization meant to save weak planets from the more powerful ones trying to colonize.
I recommend this book to everyone. It is a great read. It is very imaginative but some of the elements of the book seem somewhat realistic. Even if you are not a big fan of science fiction books this is a story that everyone should read.
~V. Newberry

Please keep in mind that I really liked this book. "Enchantress" is well written and enjoyable. That being said, I could not entirely enjoy the story because I had a problem with the heroine. I know this probably says more about me than her but...

The heroine, as thoughtful and insightful as she is, is a bit of a hypocrite. She "suffers" enormously with guilt about even the smallest of lies she is forced to tell her "poor primitive" lover.

On the other hand she only feels a twinge of condescending pity for her fiancé whom she has been more-or-less betraying by concealing her "forbidden love" for the "primitive" for most the book.

And when it comes to lying to her father and sneaking around behind his back; forget about it! She doesn't even hesitate a second and even takes a certain pleasure in it, even when, inevitably, her "disobedience" endangers entire civilizations.

There are only four main characters in this book. The heroine, her male father, her male fiancé, and her male lover. I found myself many times wishing she had a mother, sister, or best friend to whack her upside the head and tell her to stop acting so ridiculous.

The one woman who COULD and WOULD have set her straight was killed as the book opened. (Actually there WAS one other female in the book; a practically-unconscious sacrifice victim being "delivered to the dragon.")

Anyway enough about my problems. If you didn't even notice the things I had issues with, (and you probably didn't) "Enchantress" is a good read.

The Never War is the third book in the Pendragon series. I thought this book was amazing this book I think was the best of all of the pendragons. This book brings back the characters Mark, Courtney, Spader, and Bobby and a new traveler Gunny. This book brings you back into 1937 on first earth. At the start of world war two and ends with a big ending that may shock you.
I would totally recommend this book because it envolve your own world and it makes you brush up on your history. This book is definitely the greatest sci-fi I have read. The Never War is a book that you never want to stop reading it keeps you on the edge of your seat through out the whole story and this book always has you thinking of what could happen next.

This is a really interesting book for probably one reason: the historical fiction.
This book takes you to First Earth, where life is eternally 40 yeaers behind our Second Earth. The plot of this story is where Saint Dane is trying to alter things that have already happened to cause chaos throughout Halla. This is about the Hindenburg. Saint Dane offers Bobby a chance to save the Hindenburg from crashing but what will happen if he doesn't?
This is book is chalk full of good historical fiction. I liked it, A LOT!

For this book review I read Pendragon: The Never War. The author of this fantasy book is D.J Machale.

This book is mostly about Bobby Pendragon who is a traveler and Gunny and Vo Spader, another two travelers who go through the flume that killed Uncle Press. Vo Spader and Bobby Pendragon come out and see two gangsters who have machine guns pointing right at them. The gangsters take them but they both escape and that's where they meet Gunny. Gunny takes them back to his hotel because he is a hotel bellboy. He lets them stay on the sixth floor. They meet a gangster named Max Rose but Max Rose makes them go see Winn Farrow. Winn Farrow catches them and ties them up and he burns the place down, but they escape. A big blimp called the Hindenburg comes in with Max Rose's money in it, but Winn Farrow fires a rocket at it and blows it up and Max runs into the blimp and he dies. They all go back to Second Earth and see their friends.

I think this book is a really good book because it didn't get boring or anything. It was a really exciting book. This book would be best for people who like good adventure books and exciting books.

The book that I read for my report was called The Never War by D.J. MacHale. The Never War is a fantasy book. It was very, very good.

My book is about a boy named Bobby Pendragon who is called a Traveler. Travelers can go to distant universes to fight off a very evil Traveler named Saint Dane. So, Bobby warps to New York 1937, where he is chased down by gangsters and has to deal with, of course, Saint Dane. As he explores this new, or old (to him), New York, he comes along the First Earth Traveler, Gunny.

Bobby also comes along a man named Max Rose, who was a rich gangster and was working with the Nazis in Germany. He finds out Rose has an enemy, Winn Farrow, a very dangerous gangster. But one thing that really makes Bobby mad is that Winn is planning on destroying a blimp called the Hindenburg. But, this blimp is from Germany and is sending Rose his payments for working with them. Should Bobby stop Winn from blowing it up? Or should he let him destroy it so history can play out the way it was supposed to?

You should really read this book. It is filled with excitement and adventure. I would recommend this book to people who like adventure and action. This was a very, very good book. It was probably one of my favorite books because the book flows and never leaves you hanging. The book is also suitable for people who like history. It is going on in 1937 and that's when World War II started.

D. J. MacHale wrote for television for years before turning his attention to novels. He created ARE YOU AFRAID OF THE DARK?, a long-running series on Nickelodeon in the United States, but it also showed in Canada on YTV and Cinar.

For the last few years, he's been writing the adventures of Bobby Pendragon, a boy who's destined - hopefully - to save the world. Several worlds, actually. Bobby is a Traveler, one of those who have the power to "flume" from world to world. He's brought into the adventure by his Uncle Press. As Bobby was growing up, Uncle Press also took Bobby scuba diving, mountain climbing, to martial arts, driving, and several other things that gave him skills he needs to survive against enemies he encounters. All during that time, Uncle Press was training Bobby to be a Traveler.

Bobby's greatest foe is a villain called Saint Dane. Saint Dane has the ability to change his appearance at will and constantly hides in different worlds while working his nefarious plans.

THE NEVER WAR is the third book in this exciting series. In it, Bobby travels to First Earth, which takes place in the year 1937. The gangster era isn't new by any means, and I was slightly let down when I discovered I wasn't being taken to a new world. I especially loved Cloral, the world Bobby went to in the second book, THE LOST CITY OF FAAR, and I look forward to returning there hopefully in one of the later books.

Still, I'm older than the average Pendragon reader. The 1930s and the Hindenburg are familiar to me through several other books I've read as well as history I've researched.

For all the familiarity with the time period, though, MacHale tells a fascinating and fast-paced tale. Bobby and his new best friend Spader land in the 1930s while pursuing Saint Dane. They're immediately met by machine-gun toting thugs that try to kill them. Bobby figures out how to escape and gets Spader out as well. Spader is way out of his depth because he's never seen anything as "technologically advanced" as the 1930s.

One of the best things about the Pendragon books is that Bobby usually gets to save the day in a down-to-earth manner. He doesn't have any really special skills or powers that help him. At this point, he's fourteen years old and can do what most kids that age can. This makes the series more believable in some ways, and I think it draws the Pendragon audience in a little closer.

MacHale's sense of timing and pacing is excellent. The story moves quickly, and I got a real sense of urgency throughout the book as Bobby tries to figure out what Saint Dane is really doing. Many of the chapters end up on cliffhangers that will draw you rapidly into the next chapter. The dialogue is fantastic and sounds real.

One of the other facets of the series that I really enjoy is Bobby's friendship with Mark Dimond and Courtney Chetwynde. The closeness they share, even through Bobby's journals, feels real.

MacHale also mixes in adult heroes with his young champion. Vincent "Gunny" Van Dyke was an excellent grown Traveler in this novel. He was kind and gentle, and guided Bobby and Spader throughout the adventure.

I did miss the world-building in this novel, but I know MacHale gets back to it in later volumes of the series. But for kids who haven't researched the 1930s much, this should be a fun book and on equal footing with fans of Artemis Fowl and Alex Rider.

then by the God-Emperor's throne, READ THIS! I have never gotten into Warhammer 40K, but I read about this book because it coincided with the Dark Heresy RPG. On a whim, I decided to buy it, figuring that if I didn't like it, I could re-sell it. Well, was I SURPRISED. Fast paced and cohesive with characters that you really get attached to, it was like reading an action movie. First-rate, off-the-top-shelf writing makes this trilogy the best sci-fi I've read in a long time. It's dark, gritty, and lethal - everything you would expect from the Warhammer 40K universe. I loved it so much, that I bought a bunch of Abnett's other works. Moving on to the Ravenor series now. I can only hope that it is as good as Eisenhorn. My greatest disappointment is that the story ends. I wish I had drag in Hollywood, because I'd snap up the rights to this and start shooting tomorrow. Buy it, read it, sit back, and enjoy the ride. Just phenomenal!

Eisenhorn is a fantastic read from the best author in the Black library stable, Dan Abnett.
Previous reviewers have done fantastic job of reviewing and highlighting the books contained in this Omnibus so I leave you to check out others reviews, so I'm just adding my voice to the chorus.
Buy it, read it, enjoy!

I loved these books, they were well written and offered something I think is rare in the 40k universe; that is deeply engrossing characters in a very pulpy setting. Took me a while to get used to the style of writing though as I have never seen anyone use 1st person omnicent and that threw me for a bit. After I got used to that I just soaked up the flavor that Mr. Abnett put out and loved every second of the endless adventure. If you want a book in the 40k universe that is not totally over the top crazy all the time then this is your book. It is very grounded as you see things through the eyes of one particular Inquisitor. I wish Mr. Abnett would write more books of this idea, it was refreshing for the hero to not be the unfalliable space marine and just a man doing the Emperor's work. Buy this book you will not regret it.

I was looking for a good 40K novel to read and stumbled on Eisenhorn. The rave reviews gave me a reason to check it out. I admit that I have only just started penetrating the 800 or so pages, but I already can attest to it being a great read. When I was younger, I read a compilation of Warhammer Fantasy stories (the book was called Ignorant Armies) and I was dissappointed with the poor quality of the writing. Eisenhorn, however, is a much MUCH better book and it is a very good read. Dan Abnett is an excellent storyteller and he does a good job of carrying the reader along. I particularly like the personality of Eisenhorn. He is an Inquisitor, but you also have a chance to see his compassion and bits of humor. My hats off to this book, I can already see it deserves the full 5 stars.

Explores the tiniest depths of the Inquisition through the stories of Inquisitor Gregor Eisenhorn. Very good read.

If you've stayed up nights wondering about the inner workings of a Naboo N-1 Starfighter, or even occasionally contemplate the unconventional solid-fuel concentrate slugs that the strange society of the Neimoidian traders use to give their droid starfighters such powerful thrust, you'll want to read Star Wars Episode I Incredible Cross-Sections cover-to-cover. This handsome book - deservedly referring to its illustrations as incredible - shows us a vroom with a view; more than fourteen vrooms, in fact.

SW Episode I Incredible Cross-Sections is brought to us by the great people at Dorling Kindersly Publishing -- or DK for short - where just about any topic you might think of has already been turned into a beautifully illustrated right-brained adventure in learning. The illustrators for this masterpiece are Hans Jenssen and Richard Chasemore, arguably the two artists with the best job available in that field this side of Alpha Centauri.

Jenssen, who specializes in technical art, especially machines, lives in England but claims to spend his vacations on Tatooine (no accounting for taste in vacation spots) where he has been known to engage in "moderately disreputable pursuits (he goes all the way to Tatooine for that?)." Chasemore has worked as an illustrator in both the U.S. and Europe on a great variety of projects, one of which was another collaboration with Jenssen: DK's Star Wars: Incredible Cross Sections featuring intergalactic vroom-vrooms previously made famous by the vision makers at Lucasfilms. Chasemore says he enjoys "perilous sports involving boards and high velocities (now, maybe he's the one who should check-out Tatooine).

Rounding out the gifted team taking us on intricate tours of Gungan Subs, Podracers, Coruscant taxis and Republic Cruisers, is Dr. David West Reynolds who earned his PhD in archeology at the University of Michigan. His background as a lecturer, veteran of field expeditions on three continents and as an author of scientific archeological publications should make one thing perfectly clear: you don't have to be a dullard denizen of the local mall scene to be a StarWars fan. If his background doesn't make it perfectly clear, the intellectual acuity of his copy will.

This must-have addition to the shelf of any die-hard StarWars fan is equally enjoyable to tot and teen as to tottering sage. It's a picture-book nonpareil or a detailed account of mid-power repulsorlifts and hydrostatic bubble projector units (if you do more than look at the pictures). It's even a trivia-hunter's true treasure. For instance (be honest now), did you know any of the names of Anakin's co-contenders for the Boonta Eve Podrace? Sure, you say - Sebulba. But anybody knows that! True buffs will want this book so they can win rounds of Star Wars Trivial Pursuit with answers like Ark "Bumpy" Roose, Teemto Pagalies, and the ever-impressive Clegg Holdfast.

If you like schematics (or even the word schematics - it's such a great one, isn't it?) you're going to want to pour over this book like hot fudge on a sundae. Featured is a dual fold-out center page affording a panoramic view of the Trade Federation's Droid Control Ship. The resultant artistry of this and the other detailed drawings was generated when the DK team worked directly with the film production art department at Lucas's Skywalker Ranch, mapping out the anatomy of each craft as it was being created. This book comes from the source, folks: from the source ... of the Force.

My ten-year-old loves taking turns with me reading sections of this book aloud and I can almost see his gray matter expanding (hasn't hurt his imagination too much, either) while we huddle by the lamplight. Only problem I'm left with now is what to do with all these detailed schematics of his own left lying about the house - outlandishly labeled creations from foreign worlds contemplating an invasion of Earth, no doubt. Hmm. Maybe I should call George Lucas.

This edition is devoted to the Spaceships and Craft from The Phantom Menace.

As with Star Wars Cross Sections it is very well detailed and even better with todays print technology. Great for children and first generation Star Wars fans alike.

I wouldn't call this the greatest technical book of all times. I wouldn't be suprised if this book wasn't nominated for any kind of award. But Episode 1: Incredible Cross-sections is captivating enough to stand on its own. I enjoyed it because I got to look through the insides of some of the film's most enigmatic ships and vessels like Darth Maul's Sith Infiltrator and the Gungan Bongo. It's good for those who were still puzzled about the ships after the end of the film.

One of the missing points is the Chancellor ship which appeared in the movie and it was not displayed in this book.

It is more complete than the former book, even considering it is only for one movie and the other is for all three.

Other missing point is the lack of a picture of the ship without the cross-section. It is important to compare.

I recommend.

I always wanted to see more and to be able to look inside of the vehicles more closely, and this book provides that information (and more more) in great detail. I really like the mini illustrations of where in the vehicles that events from the movies took place, it helps to "put a name to a face".

Fantasy. Young elementary.

Summary
Jimmy's mother won't give him a moon pie and mil, before dinner. So, Jimmy uses his secret project--his jalopy--to go to the moon. The man in the moon-moon maker gave him 1000 pies. Then he went to the Milky Way for milk. He had an accident and landed on Mars, where it was raining milk from his accident. When a Martian monster came, he made friends with the food. The Martians made a giant moon pie wrapper balloon so Jimmy could get home. He arrived home in time for dinner, and his mother gave him a moon pie and milk for desert.

Illustrations
The pictures seem to be of an older time, but they have a modern look, boy-humor, fun, colorful, and enchanting.

I first discovered this book at my sisters house. My son loves it. Amazing illustrations, fun story with a little nod to the 50's lifestyle. Encourages imaginative play with a little mystery that every kid will love. I can't give this book enough praise. makes a great gift.

A clever, imaginative book. I bought it for my husband, who loves moon pies, and he read it to our daughters, ages 5 & 9. This book has everything: action, adventure, great illustrations, and moon pies for dessert! Eight thumbs up from my family!

This incredibly charming book has fabulous illustrations that will remind some of a 1950s kids book BUT kids won't find it old-fashioned at all! It is a fabulous journey w/ Jimmy Zangwow. I've given it for birthday presents... complete w/ a box of Moon pies from Cracker Barrel. My three year old little girl adores it... as does her 8 year boy cousin! Don't miss it!

It is an absolutely fabulous book! My son has been asking to read this book every night for the past month. We have flown to the moon, Mars and the Milky Way. We have become good friend with the Grimble Grinder, an of course gotten more than our share of moon pie. Yes, it is always shared with the Mars men. This book is on our all time favorites list!

This is a good book. I don't agree with all it says but that is ok it still has a lot of thought provoking information

This book is a great resource for any astronomy lover who wants to know more about the background and history of astronomy. It has lots of information on historical people in astronomy as well as great stories about their discoveries. Great book, must have for history of astronomy.

Excellent chronology of physics from Aristotle to the present. I will use it as a reference. Excellent index and other aids to finding what you want in physics and other sciences.

An Excellent exposition of the history of astronomy and astrophysics. Mr. Ferris writes with a lucidity and thouroughness not often found in books on this fascinating subject.

What a story! And yes, I said story because the author has taken subjects most of us take for granted (the size of the heavens, the age of the Earth, the intricacies of the atom) and turned these into a wonderful almost joyous tale of intellectual achievement. I am still stunned at the depth of scholarship, the vast research and the almost magical manner in which Ferris manages to make what appears to be an arcane dry topic into an intriguing saga.

Ok, I admit it. I love science books written for the educated layman - from "The Singularity is Near " to "Wonderful Life" to the philosophical tomes of Pagels and Hardison. But this is more than science - it is also a history of who we are and our physical, mental and dare I say it, spiritual evolution. In this sense it reminds one of "The Discoverers" by Boorstin with its chronological structure, emphasis upon individual genius and captivating storyline. Beginning with the ancients, we see how our ideas fashion our intellectual quests. The overwhelming success of Western culture depended on our ability to break with age-old traditions, to absorb ideas from the outside and most importantly, to challenge the traditional religious beliefs. Very few cultures have been able to accomplish this and their lack of scientific prowess is evidence.

The individual tales could occupy a volume themselves - mind-boggling examples of thought that are so rare we have trouble believing them. Not only are Darwin (Evolution challenged the prevailing age of the Earth) and Newton (the greatest human who ever lived?) are found but all the unknown heroes of the ages are given their due. The author has an uncanny way of simplifying tremendously dense concepts into language for the layman. This was never truer than his discussion on the weird world of quantum physics with its seemingly magical and nonsensical qualities. I would say that this should be required reading for all high school graduates except that a vast number would be bewildered by the concepts presented, unaware that science has a history of more than video games and cars. My grade - A+++

Like others reviewers before this, I'm rather surprised how obscure this wonderful, quirky book truly is.

The story revolves around Toseland, a young child who goes to live with Mrs. Oldknow. He goes to live in a big manor in a country estate (think the estate the Pevensies go to live on in Lewis' THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDOBE). He soon realises there's something odd about the house, and is puzzled why Mrs. Oldknow talks about the history and past inhabitents of the place like they were around only yesterday. It turns out the house is inhabited by children of the past, and he learns of an evil gypsey named Green Noah who he ultimately must confront. This final confrontation is rather scary, and Green Noah is one of literature's most memorable villains that I've encountered in a long time.

The book is a rather charming blend of supernatural meets reality, and there is something very delightfully English about the whole affair. The author's Catholocisim is rather apparent n the book, and she fits a lot of different allusions to literature, music, and history.

For those looking for good Children's fiction, this is a powerful story. It's too bad it's not well known.

I found this to be an excellent novel not only for children but also for adults. There is enough intrigue to hold the reader's interest throughout the novel as well as being a lovely, warm family story.

I first read this book when I was a child (in the 60's) and immediately fell in love with it. It has everything I adore in a book; a little magic, a little ghostliness; an English castle; lovely animal companions; characters from times past; people with manners, morals and down to earth values and last but not least--love. I have re-read this book many times and have just finished listening to an audio-version. This is forever a beautiful and enchanting book.

The book I'm going to talk to you about is called; The Children of Green Knowe, by L.M. Boston. I didn't really like this book. It was a little confusing and hard to understand. There just wasn't a clear point. There was not middle, or a climax and resolution. I thought this book was about a mystery or a ghost story, by the cover and the blip from the back. I was very disappointed in the ending, and that it was appoint-less fantasy, that bored me half to death!

The Children of green knowe was about a boy named, Tolly, who was the age of 8-11,whose parents die (they don't say how),so he was sent to live with hisGreat-Grandmother in Penny Soaky. Her house was called Old Knowe.
Three children, Alexander, Toby, and Linnet, died in Tolly's(the boy's name), Great Grandmother's house many centuries ago. They started appearing around the house just days after their death. They played with Tolly, and went on great Adventures. Enjoy one of Granny's stories every 20 pages, and learn about Tolly and Granny's love for the flute andthebirds.

Other reviewers have praised the book. But then, they also liked Harry Potter, and "Series of Unfortunate Events" as well, so that clearly showed me, as a College Prof, now HS dad, that I might not like this book, as the excesses of sardonic humor, death, magic, and evil, are all too prevalent in this day and age, to encourage the reading of fiction to stuff yet MORE garbage into my children's (or my!) head. As it is said, "Sufficient to the day is the evil thereof...".

But Green Knowe is different- perhaps because it was written in a gentler, kinder time. While there is fantasy, and a sense of the blurring of the dimensions (ghosts that are not evil, a world within our world that has connections to the past, and the interpenetration of them all) overall, this work has as much depth as Potter's does for the adult reader, without all the preachiness of 'PC' dogma which has so marred Rowling's later writings, and has influenced all of the film treatments. One really does not need to rehash Shirer's work on WWII in a Children's fantasy novel, which is all Rowling's works have become at the hands of her American editors...

Boston's world is alive- with literature, history, music, and artistry, which Rowling's is not. For adults, the references to the Restoration, Cromwell, Purcell's music, Anglican Church, and British Christmas customs provide a wealth for any HS parent discussing the period 1660-1700. But, as another reviewer noted, she never GOES anywhere- unless just BEING is enough. Her world is one to inhabit, not to holiday through, as if it were an itinerary of sights to check off. The ONE confrontation is scary, and could frighten younger audiences...but a vision of a redeemed world shines through. I was reminded while reading Boston, of Jame's novella, that Britten set to music in the opera, "Turn of the Screw." NOT "cheery" stuff, that!

If I seem ambivalent, it is because, while there is much to recommend in her writing, and the pictures she paints are very vivid, and full of life, the theological issues of the spirit world interacting with the real world, the malevolent curses of a gypsy long dead, and the subtle hints of either a strong genetic lineage, or a nascent reincarnationalism, coupled with clear Christian imagery and pious sentiment (Do ghosts really sing Christmas carols, without malevolent intent?) bothered me.

Is the book magical? oh yes, in many ways. Is it troubling, as say, Wind in the Willows is not? Oh, yes.. in equal measure. Is it a good read? Definitely. But the rest? I'm not sure....