Young Adult Books

Exhaustive variations, small printing and illustrations, pages jam-packed with examples. Good for the price; some readers will probably prefer a more modern volume. Talented author. Worth a look.

This the best cartooning book around. A classic. A must for entry level cartoonist or professional.

I'm always looking for the perfect book of whatever variety, & speaking as a former library employee, a cartoonist & art teacher, Jack Hamm has written THE book on cartooning. It is so packed with examples & not so much text, as it should be, it has tips & then TONS of examples. The style ranges from early American cartooning style to 50s/60s modern style. Fantastic examples of different expressions, hand positions, walking positions, drawing women, all of it. All good. If you want a great guide for old fashioned American cartooning, this is the one to get. Then get the Preston Blair book from Walter Foster.

This book is full of great ideas and tips. There's plenty for the beginner, like little tutorials on highly-stylized eyes or noses or mouths, or straightforward examples on common poses, but it's not just a book for beginners. There are a lot of highly-finished drawings as well, and examples of moving from simple to more complex drawings. Plus tips on various penciling and inking techniques, and various cartoon genres. All in all, there are literally thousands of examples and sketches, enough material to keep anybody busy for a long time. I've pulled this book down from the shelf more often than any of my other numerous drawing books, and I've filled page after page with exercises based on the material. A classic and worth far more than its price.

If you're a cartoonist this is a book you have to have. It has been in publication for quite a while but nothing better has been created in the way of a great, all-purpose reference book. I've gone through a couple copies of this book and no matter how many times I looked at it I was still able to come up with ideas. Whether you're just starting out or have been doing cartoons for years you should have a copy of this book.

This book was an exquisite read and anyone who loves action and suspence will absoulutly love this book. Darren Shan is a half vampire who helps his best friend harkat find out who he once was by entering a different dimension. The author Darren Shan was bornin London, Ireland. His favorite hobbies as a kid were wacthing horror dracula movies and reading spoky comics. Darren Shan wrote twelve books in this series. And is the author of a new series called; The Demonata series.

Cirque du Freak: The Lake of Souls is about Darren Shan and his friend Harkat Mulds. Desmond Tiny has sent them to an alternate world to find out who Harkat used to be in the Lake of Souls. First they must find and kill the black panther, steal the gelatinous globes, and cross an unnamed lake, but they get sidetracked by a dragon attack. They manage to escape. Then they meet Spitz Abrrams and travel across the land. They meet the kulashkas, see the grotesque, and manage to reach The Lake of Souls. I won't say anymore for it will ruin the story if I do.

I am 38 and I have to guiltily admit I have thoroughly enjoyed the entire series. Quick read, good characters, and just enough twists and connections to other books in the series to keep a series reader interested.

Holy cow! The Lake Of Souls, book ten of the Cirque Du Freak series, is like the others, wonderful! It is so captivating! I finished it in less then a few hours. I just couldn't put it down. Author, Darren Shan (or so he says) has an imagination we could only wish for. With all the twists, turns, and flips that go on in this book, you'll be so to get your hands on the next one! Hopefully, book eleven will be just as great. (of course it will, what am I saying?) Just read the book. Trust me on this one, you'll love it!

Holy cow! The Lake Of Souls, book ten of the Cirque Du Freak series, is like the others, wonderful! It is so captivating! I finished it in less then a few hours. I just couldn't put it down. Author, Darren Shan (or so he says) has an imagination we could only wish for. With all the twists, turns, and flips that go on in this book, you'll be so to get your hands on the next one! Hopefully, book eleven will be just as great. (of course it will, what am I saying?) Just read the book. Trust me on this one, you'll love it!

This book is awesome for any developing students, students striving to be at their best, or anyone looking for new ideas. This book combined with a presentation from John Beede will change your life now and forever. BUY THIS BOOK, YOU WON'T REGRET IT!

I got this book at the Future Business Leaders of America National Leadership Conference. It's packed with helpful strategies for planning your life so you get where you want to go. Highly Recommended! Marie

This is a great story to encourage teens to reach for their full potential, trust in the adults that love them most, and strive to help others in return. Leadership, teamwork, and self reliance are major themes throughout. Mr. Beede presents a compelling story, good reading for kids older than 12 years. At his motivational presentation he creates an atmosphere of excitement and positve participation from his audience. I have heard the thunderous applause and cheering from transfixed young audiences on several occasions. Only two questions...when will John Beede's next book be published and where can I hear him speak again? E. Manning, teacher

I took a group of middle and high school students to a convention where John was the guest speaker. They LOVED his ideas and what he had to say, and couldn't wait to read the book! I read his book to my students and use his techniques with my classes and student councils. It's a WONDERFUL, no excuses, get-it-done approach to life and is so easy for them to understand and relate to!! I would recommend it to anyone!!!

Climb On! Dynamic STrategies for Teen Success is a great book that tells you how to get everything you want out of life. By using the Climb On! philosophy, John Beede helps teens overcome any struggle that comes their way. It helps anyone set goals and achieve them. Every teen should read it!

This ias a great book, better than the first, and i love it! I can't wait until the third book in the series comes out in june!!!! :-)

This is a great book for 6th grade through 9th grade girls. Even some boys may enjoy this book. This book does not contain any inappropriate words or content. Teachers can feel safe about adding this one to their classroom libraries. It is as good as the first book about Galagher Academy Girls. It contains all the adventures of spy school with a little romance thrown in. I am looking forward to reading the 3rd book in the series.

Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy is the second book in Ally Carter's Gallagher Girl series. It is just as cute and well-written as the first book.

It's a new semester at Cammie's spy school. But getting through the next part of her Covert Operations class isn't her only challenge; the school is also keeping a secret from its students, a secret called Blackthorne. Soon, it's up to Cammie and her genius friends to save the school.

In my opinion, some parts of this story are predictable, but the storyline is cute, so I read it anyway. In fact, this is one of the few series that I collect. I was disappointed that the sequel to I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You wasn't longer, because I really enjoyed reading about a spy-in-training's love life. The good news is, Gallagher Girls is not going to be limited to a two-book series.

This is a quick and light read. I recommend this book for fans of action and romance novels.

[...]

In the first book, spy-in-training Cammie "The Chameleon" Morgan dealt with boy trouble in the form of her first boyfriend, normal guy Josh. Now, after being debriefed by the CIA about her relationship with Josh, Cammie experiences a new kind of boy trouble: the Blackthorne Boys, students from a top-secret spy school for boys. While most of the Gallagher Girls are excited to have boys in their usually all-girls school for a semester, Cammie is not so sure. Especially since one of the Blackthorne Boys is Zach Goode, a cocky but sweet guy who she first meets when he bests her in a training exercise. Adding to her confused feelings for Zach, Cammie becomes suspicious of the Blackthorne Boys' motives when a Code Black threatens the entire school after their arrival. With the help of her friends, Cammie tries to uncover the truth--and decide what to do about Zach.

I read the first book in this series and found it a quite enjoyable young adult novel. I read this book and became a devoted fan. Everything that was fun in the first book is still here: Cammie's wry narrative, her great group of friends who don't hesitate to use their spy skills to do something like bug the boys' dorm, a dash of romance and, of course, the wish fulfilment of going to an exclusive spy school. Like before, Cammie must deal with very normal teen situations--the awkward run-in with an ex-boyfriend, a school dance, etc.--where her spy skills can't always help her (although they do often lead to funny commentary or creative/unconventional solutions). Added to all this is the great addition of Blackthorne and, especially, Zach who I absolutely love--I've got a weak spot for rascals-with-a-heart-of-gold in fiction.

I absolutely cannot wait until the third Gallagher Girls book comes out. The author has said that she is currently envisioning six books total in this series and I will read every one. I really want to read more about Cammie and her friends' exploits and see what happens with her relationships with both Zach and Josh (which is shaping up into a juicy romantic triangle). Highly recommended and one of the best non-fantasy YA series I've come across.

"Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy" is the awesome sequal to "I'd Tell You I Love You but than I'd Have to Kill You" both featureing Cammie Morgan in Ally Carters books.
Cammie finds her and her friends wondering why one of the corridors of the school is shut off to students. So, like good spys, they investigate.
They find the corridor stocked with stuff for students dorms.
Meanwhile Cammie's mom, headmistress of Gallagher Acadamy, shows Cammie a picture of her dad, who died while on a mission. In the picture he's with Mr.Soloman (who works a Gallagher now) and Mr.Soloman's shirt says BLACKTHORNE BOYS.
Cammie might of found out about another spy school for boys, has she.
All together add some romantic scenes, with another boy and Josh (Cammie's old boyfriend), Cammie's bra almost coming off, and the school almost closing and you have a really good story from Ally Carter.

Hope this review helps!!!!!
-Lainy-
ps. i spelled my name wrong when i created my account. How dumb!!!!!!

I never wanted to 'get into' dancing or acting as a child, but this book makes the
world of a child theatrical performer (70 years ago) come alive. I read this so many times. It was just so entertaining. Great book!

"Ballet Shoes" is probably the most popular book in the "Shoes" series, but "Dancing Shoes" is also very good. It tells the story of two girls, Hilary and Rachel, who are training to become dancers on the stage. It is similar to "Ballet Shoes," but for anyone who enjoyed any of the other of the "Shoes" books it is worth reading.

I've been wanting these books for years now. I'm glad I finally got 2 of them. They came very fast and I love them. Thanks.

I received this book when I was about 8 years old. I took one look at it and thought, "I am NOT going to read this. It's a BABY book!" I never touched the book again until 3 years later, when I was 11 years old, and decided just to try out the book. OMG! Was I wrong! This was not a baby book! The story of Rachel and Hilary Lennox and their lovable (in a villainy way)conceited cousin, Dulcie Wintle, is a charming book that every one (and I mean EVERYONE) will love.

Rachel and Hilary come to live with their Aunt Cora, who runs a dancing (ballet, acrobatics, musical comedy, etc.) school, when their mother dies. Aunt Cora is set on making them both "little wonders" but Rachel finds that she disdains it, having no talent for those types of things. Hilary, however, finds that she loves it, and has a real talent for it, too! But Rachel doesn't want Hilary to be a "little wonder," let alone love it! Hilary was going to go to the Royal Ballet School of Dancing before their mother died, and Rachel is set on making her go after her mother's last words for her were to make sure Hilary went on with her dancing.
Misunderstandings will get in the way, as Hilary grows more and more with the "bad" type of dancing, becomes competition with Dulcie, and Rachel comes to find that dancing may not be her thing, but that doesn't mean that stage is not...

Dancing Shoes is a similar formula compared to Streatfeild's other books. After Rachel and Hilary's father dies, they are sent to live with their Aunt Cora, who owns a talent school and troupe. While Hilary is a very talented dancer, she wants nothing more than to have fun. Her sister, Rachel wants nothing to do with dancing, but she does want Hilary to go to the Royal Ballet School to study proper ballet, as her family and old dance teacher wished for, even though Hilary doesn't want to. So everyone, including their mean and selfish Aunt Cora, believe that Rachel is jealous of Hilary. Meanwhile, Aunt Cora's talented, and conceited, daughter now has competition with Hilary.

The book is full of the same charm as her others. While not as endearing as Ballet Shoes and Theater Shoes, maybe only due to the nastiness of Aunt Cora and how mean she is to Rachel, it is still a wonderful read. Any fans of Streatfeild's other books will surely love this book as well.

Robin Jarvis's Dark portal is an exiting, action filled thriller.Some might say it is a weird and an odd topic,but the characters being mice and rats gives the story an extra push, rather than cats and dogs.Everybody reads about cats and dogs.I like this book mainly for 2 reasons:1.there is lots of violence and action. & 2.when you read certain parts where she refers to other events it kind of makes you reread the event she is talking about so you can completly get understand what is going on.
Children 10 and younger probably shouldn't read this book because of the major violence and gore(fighting and blood).

I really enjoyed reading this book and found it nearly immposible to put it down and I would think about it during the time I wasn't reading it. I don't generally enjoy books about animals, but this one was fantastic. The society of mice and bats and rats were fantasticily conciveed by Jarvis, who clearly delivered all aspects of the story. I plan to purchase the second one as soon as possible!

it is the first book in the trilogy and is a great book. the end leaves you thinking that there isn't anymore, but just wait till you read the Crystal Prison. anyway, this is one of the best book having talking mice and other animals. way better than what i have read of the Red Wall series.

The Dark Portal by Robin Jarvis is 5 stars for excitement and survival.
Albert's life is on the line and his daughter Audrey would risk her life to save him. Albert is very kind hearted and is near death in the scariest place that any mouse would want to go! Will Audrey be able to save her father or will they be eaten by those horrific rats?
I life this book because it shows us that mice have a life that is just like ours.
This book is recommended for all kids that love excitement and really dark places.

I just don't like rats. They are vile and digusting creatures. I don't like planet Jupiter either. It is a dumb name.

ELIZABETH CHANDLER IS AMAZING!!!! BUY THESE BOOK WORSHIP THESE BOOKS THEY ARE A GIFT FROM GOD!!!!!!!!!!

I thought this would be a BORING book. I had to find a book for my L.A. project and chose this randomly. I just finished reading it-and to my surprise-it was so exciting! It was very suspenseful, deep, and kept me on the edge of my chair! I couldn't help but turn the page continuously and read for hours. I am unusually like this unless I am reading a REALLY good book. And that's what this is--a REALLY good book and more!

This story is filled with unbelievable twist. It will keep you at the edge of your sit, and the ending was amazing. You won't believe what happens and you really will not guess who the killer is! I give this story five stars, a great job by Elizabeth Chandler.

Jenny's sister, Liza, was murdered while she was at drama camp and Jenny went there to find out if it really was a serial killer who did it. While she's there, Jenny keeps having these visions that are like memories of what Liza saw near to the time when she was murdered. Jenny is finding more and more clues and has many suspects. She doesnt think it was a serial killer, she thinks it was someone that knew Liza, and she needs to find out because they might try to kill her next. Jenny keeps touching things that give her chills and suggest that they had to do with the murder, like a hammer that she had a vision of being the murder weapon, and sometimes she has visions when she stands in a place that Liza was. Jenny doesnt tell the people there that she is Liza's sister and subtly asks around to find out more. Will she find out who the murderer is before they get her too? Read it to find out!!

This is a phenominal book, full of friendship and betrayal. It has captivating characters, even those who have "passed on" are intriguing and lead to a smooth flowing novel. Every detail helps pull the plot together in a superb ending.

This doodle book is great fun for my daughter. It is a good item to keep in the car so she can pick it up and doodle a page or 2. I would say take it on a trip, but it is soo big!?! My daughter is 11 and likes art; this would be great for young children as well.

This is our new favorite birthday gift for our seven-year old daughter's friends. We love this book! It has great starts for fun and creative drawings that children can make. Great for the "established artist" or non-drawers! We look forward to trying out more of these books.

This book is a must have. It is great for developmental learning and gives children directions that are easy to follow. I have worked with kids for several years and wish these books were out a long time ago so I could have spread the word sooner. Truly great books.

This is part of a series of books from Japan starting with Scribbles that has a bunch of interesting artwork and directs children to either color in or complete the pictures. My daughters find this book fascinating and we spend hours coloring. This is a great book for long trips either in the car or even in an airplane, though its size somewhat limits it's portability (it's a BIG paperback book). One other possible downside is that some (very few) of the pictures are a little morbid and appear out of place, but I wonder if some references to dead people are more related to a different culture regarding death. This doesn't bother my wife and I and our daughters really enjoy this book.

NICE BOOK FOR THE YOUNGER POPULATION. DESCRIPTION INDICATED THAT ADULTS WOULD LIKE IT ALSO BUT WHEN I REC'D IT I FELT THAT IT WAS TOO BASIC FOR ADULTS AND MIGHT BE SEEN AS AN INSULT IF I GAVE IT TO ONE.

Oh my God!!! The twists in this book were amazing. I found myself screaming in excitment while reading this. It was so great... just like all the rest of them. This one made me cry at the end:(( I highly recommend the series!

i read this book in year 7 this year and it is soooo cool! It is full of action as well as sad and happy emotions combined excellently. i think everyone should read it even people who don't read much will love this book. It is one of the best book i have ever read in my life!!!

This book is amazing, (like the other 5) the hardest to get a hold of i must say, but this series really makse you think, and the ending in the last book just blew me away, i won't say any more though... I applaud pike for his writing, he realy makes you sympathize for a character that would be seen as the horror in most books, i loved it i think you should read it too, and if you plan to read the whole series (which you should) I suggest you read the collectors editoins, because the transitions between books is much less jerky. Read this book it is amazing!

In fact I LOVED the entire series! I think I read every book over at LEAST 4 times! I especially loved the character Kalika, loved the way he described her, loved her fathomlessness... I feel speechless right now, I don't even know what I say! That's how good it is... The book is religious, yet not so seriously so that you will punished if you do not agree or w/e, but simply, you'll be sucked so deep into the book you might even smart believing Sita's believes...

The Last Vampire 5 is an excellent book. It can be grusome at times, but that is what makes it a good book. Buy it or you will regret it.

Amanda suspects that there is something very wrong about Chrissy. She wants to make her parents believe that she is evil because she claims that she killed her pets. But Amanda's parents think Chrissy is very responsible, kind and sweet.

This book was pretty exciting, Kinda sad when the certain charactors died. But other that that it was good. I read this book in february and its definatly worth buying.

i think this was da frist fear street book i read,and it was [great!!!] Amanda is a belivable charcther,and tat helps da book,it is also pretty orinagle and it is full of thrills and chills,and action!!!!This is prob is my top 5 along wit The thrill club and The overnight!!!lol,check it out!!!

In the book one evil summer Amanda Conklin's mom is looking for a mother's helper. She sends out an ad in the Seahaven Daily. Amanda can't help her mom because she is failing algebra and has to go to summer school. A girl named Chrissy answers the ad. As soon as she walks through the door, Amanda's cat, Mr. Jinx, starts to hiss at Chrissy. Also Salt and Pepper, her birds, stop singing and they usually sing. Little do the Conklins know that Chrissy is perfect, perfectly evil!! This book is perfect reading for anyone 10 and older. R.L. Stine has many climaxes and rising actions throughout the story. I highly recommend this book.

Title: One Evil Summer
By: R.L. Stine
Reviewed By: ...

One Evil Summer is truly a thriller. When I was reading it, I got chills up m y spine. It is about a girl named Amanda. During the summer, she comes to a small town called Seahaven. Since she can't baby-sit her brother Kyle and her sister Merry, her mom hires a babysitter, Chrissy. She seems like miss perfect, but Amanda finds her a bit unique. The truth is that Chrissy wants to kill Amanda and her family. There were many things that I liked and disliked about this book. R.L. Stine made the book so interesting that you couldn't put it away. He described the events in such a way that you felt as if you were actually there. I also loved the way he described Amanda. She had such self confidence. She would stick up for what she saw. " You were floating!" she shrieked. "Don't deny it! I saw you!" She tried to tell her parents, but they wouldn't listen to her.
There were also many things that I disliked about the book. For example, I disliked the way some of the events were a little juvenile. At those points of the book, I would start to think what the author was thinking when he wrote this line. " Chrissy was floating closer! Closer!" The book could have been better.
My favorite part f the book was the ending. It unraveled everything. I thought that the end of the book was the scariest. It was hard to believe the ending....BR>This was a scary but great book.