Young Adult Books

My children read this book over and over and talk about the darling little creatures they have come to know and love. Very nicely illustrated and interesting.

My older children read this book to themselves and were not impressed, BUT when I read it outloud with a british accent they were mesmerized. It's now one of our favorites. The pictures are delightful. Now my five year old is a Redwall fan too!

This book shows the talent of Chris Denise. Being the cover illustrator of the American Redwall books, he shows his work again in this very neat picture book. All the animals are so cute in this book, like hamsters, and it shows you how they prepare, what to prepare, and what to do in the abbey feasts. I recommend this book for all ages.

Fabulous illustrations occupy most of the page in this 64-page poem of 101 six-lined stanzas with an AACBBC rhyming scheme. The story incorporates many of the series' favorite characters, including Matthias and Cornflower, and depicts not only the preparations of a wonderful Redwall feast by hares and mice and otters, but includes a riddle as well.

This book is really beautiful and should be read aloud.

I bought this book because my oldest son (5 years old) saw a part of the Redwall series on PBS. He loved it but the book series is too old for him yet. This book is a great introduction! The pictures are gorgeous and the language and imagery are exquisite. I highly recommend this book and I hope there will be more like it!

This book is about a girl who partnered with a shy artist, uses thought to convey messages to him to draw what she sees, They end up going through time in a sorts, back to the time when woman were persecuted for being "witches" This book is a great read and i really enjoyed it. I picked it up when i was in middle school from the library (im going into college now) so my memory of it is a bit warped. But the title of the book and what it was mainly about has stuck with me for so long its in with my favorites, and if i ever come across it again i will be sure to pick it up.

it was an awesome book i read it 4 times then when i moved i lost the book and i cant find it anywhere (...)

I first read this book in 6th grade and instantly fell in love with it. It was one of the very few books I was not only able to get through, but couldn't put down. I woke up early to read it during breakfast before school, I read it during recess, and then hurried to the library after school to read it in privacy. It isn't the kind of book I can go back to now as a college student and enjoy as much, but at the time I was happy to read it over and over. It really is a very imaginative story with many interesting subjects intertwined. I would especially recommend it to girls in 6th - 9th grade who are interested in history and the fantastic.

I picked up this book from this book sale, and from the sound of it, it seemed pretty exciting. But once I started reading, it didn't sit well with me. ESP and medieval 'time travelling' is great and all that, but it didn't have the emotional aspect of it. The 'link' Juniper and Dylan shared weren't exaclty expressed properly. Overall, it wasn't what I was expecting. You may like it, but it wasn't my type of book.

I bought and read this book about eight years ago. I still have it and have read it many times. The mind is a wonderful tool and this book was one of the first pieces I ever read that had anything to do with the ways of the it, and the ignoring of the norms associated with the use of the mind. Spirituality and mind and body energies are essential to many people today. I fell in love with the personality of the characters... I have since reading this book, made a promise to myself to name my first daughter after Juniper.It is a great book for any ages.

Madapple is truly a very different sort of novel from what I'm used to reading. I really enjoyed it, though, finding myself getting wrapped up in the story, desperate to know more.

Each chapter alternates between the past events and the present jury trial. I really liked this aspect because it gave us a glimpse of what would be happening in the future chapters. Those events would then turn out to be totally different from what I was expecting from the information given during the trial chapters. I thought this was clever and an interesting new way to tell a story.

While I enjoyed the trial chapters, some of the legal jargon during the objections from the lawyers was confusing and I wasn't sure how it fit with what the witness was testifying. It didn't really affect the reading, but was just a minor annoyance that I wasn't able to fully grasp what was going on during the trial.

The characters in the novel were another part I thought was executed really well. While I hated pretty much every character apart from Aslaug (the main character) and Phalia, I thought they were well written and developed. I was able to understand why they were all a bit psychotic along with their extreme behaviors, even while hating them for it.

All in all, a wonderful first novel. I can't wait to see what Christina gives us next. She really is an author to look out for with her originality and great writing style. I literally ate up this 400 page book in 2 days (technically 3 but since I didn't really read the day inbetween, I don't count it :P ).

Christina Meldrum has written a beautiful page turner. i learned so much about botany, law and mystic religions. i enjoyed the book and would rate a book 8/10 anytime Im crying within the first two chapters. thank you. Keep up the good work.
mary white

Book clubs can be wonderful. Wine in hand, you'll get to say "I quite liked that" or "couldn't get through it". Sometimes, and sadly, that's all you'll have to say about the club's latest selection. If we submit this as true, and as a shame, then may I suggest, 'Madapple', by Christina Meldrum. It is, very simply, a fantastic book.

It about how we come to believe - in anything at all. Madapple is from the inside out. It explores identity, heritage, religion, isolation, herbology, mythology, justice, and miracles. If that sounds like a tall order, it won't feel like it.

Christina Meldrum draws you through your paces and you'll never resent the lessons examined, or the introspection it demands. The narrative makes it all go down smoothly, but I won't call it a spoonful of sugar. It's too complex for that. It's the twining story of a girl on trial for multiple murder and her reminiscences of her cloistered upbringing.

I had the very distinct pleasure of speaking with Christina Meldrum about 'Madapple', her fantastic array of credentials, and how things are not always what they seem.

'Madapple' is absolutely a recommended read. Please visit PsychJourney dot com for our interview.

Madapple, a beautifully written novel by Christina Meldrum, tells the story of Aslaug, a girl who lives with her mother, secluded from the outside world, and what happens to her when she is unexpectedly pushed into that world. Aslaug's mother has taught her to come to know the world through the eyes of science, and Aslaug knows all that is necessary to survive. When her mother dies, however, the young woman is forced to go out into the real, modern world, where science is not accepted by all. There, she is reunited with her aunt, Sara, and cousins, Susanne and Rune.

Aslaug is determined to find out who her father is, but is horrified when Sara tells her a terrible secret. Her confusion increases when Susanne, who has learned how to blend science with religion, tells Aslaug that she was born of a virgin birth. Meanwhile, Aslaug finds herself strongly attracted to Rune, and her life ends up taking an unexpected turn.

The tension mounts when Aslaug is accused of murder, and she must go to trial to prove her innocence. Things don't look so good for her, unless someone will speak up and tell the truth.

Christina Meldrum writes atmospherically, and she beautifully portrays her characters, peeling away the layers of the onion until we see their very core. With a page-turning plot that will keep you up long past midnight, Madapple (which will be published in May) will stick in your mind long after you have finished reading it. There are some mature themes, and the perfect reader age for this book is high school and older.

Check out the rest of my reviews at []

Madapple isn't for everyone. Beyond the gripping mystery setup, there's also a lot of references to religious texts, botany, languages, and mythology, and unless the reader is interested in those topics, the whole book may go right over their heads. Moreover, there are certain themes herein some consider wrong, amoral, sinful. It's not a light read, nor should it be treated as such.

Personally, everything in the above paragraph makes the book even more appealing to me.

The book begins with a prologue of sorts set in 1987 where it's determined a woman, Maren Hellig, is pregnant, though she has no recollection of ever being with a man. Next is a courtroom scene set in 2007, in which the defendant, Aslaug Datter (daughter in Danish), is being tried for the deaths of her mother, aunt and cousin. Next we go back to 2003, to Aslaug and Maren picking some plants (jimsonweed, among others, which is also known as madapple) from the woods near their isolated home. The book is told in alternating chapters, between the past and perceived present, and it's not until the very last page is flipped the reader can conclude the magnitude of this unnerving tale.

Pushing the insanely genius plot aside, the next thing that struck me speechless about this novel is Meldrum's prose. She keeps the reader on the edge, and yet she controls your entire spectrum of emotions as you read, and also of how much you perceived with each scene. The book is gripping not because of the plot, but because the reader has to read all the way through to figure said plot out. The characters, while for the most part unlikable, are magnetic, attracting your interest whether you want to read about them or not. Their development is unusual, yet effective. It is truly, immensely hard to believe this is Christina Meldrum's first novel, judging by the masterful way in which she handles this novel's writing, pace, plot, characters, voice--in short, this novel's being.

Madapple is by far one of the most unorthodox YA books I've read to date. It forces all I've read out of the water. It's original. It takes a whole different approach to young adult fiction. It's thought-provoking. It may disgust some people. It may appal others. Hell, it may even bore some. But to tell you the truth, very rarely has a book struck me the way this one did.

Where the young adult genre has dimmed in content over the recent years, Madapple sparkles brilliantly for readers looking to be challenged. Similar to the hunger with which the reader moves through Madapple, is the anticipation they will feel for Christina Meldrum's next offering.

I could not recommend this book more.

Gaia's in Europe. Sam is being accused of a crime he didn't commit. And things between Ed and Heather are starting to get rocky...

Plot developement... even more! I am pleased with the way this series is turning out... beginning to wonder where everything will get solved though, because I'm not sure I want to read all thirty-something books...

I picked up Fearless books in bookstores for a while before I finally bought one and I am now hooked. This girl is so much like me it is scary the way I think and the way I physically look, the books decribe me perfectly. I even had a friend read her decription and he agreed. If the made a movie I could so play her. I have read up to 14 in about a month in a half. I look forward to reading more.

after a rocky start, gaia finds herself on a plane with her father and not her uncle. they talk and finally make up and go
to paris to live happier than they have in 5 years. meanwhile
back in new york ed is given the chance he has always wanted.
a chance to walk again. sam is being harrassed by police officers
over the death of his suite mate and this story is just too good
to put down. can't wait to read number 15.

This book made me want to cry I was so happy! It took me about 4 hours to read it, I could NOT put it down.
In this edition of the Fearless series, Gaia gets everything she's ever dreamed of. She gets her beloved Sam, and she gets her father, Tom. Tom and Gaia rebuild their relationship in Paris, while Sam struggles with the death of his close friend, Mike Suarez, not to mention the constant visits by the police. Ed and Heather's relationship is on the rocks (yes!) and Ed finds himself yearning for Gaia, yet again!
Ever since the first Fearless book, I've been obsessed with Gaia and Sam getting together, and in this book they finally do. I was so happy! And for those of you who can't stand Heather(she is pure evil!), you might find pleasure in her struggles in this book. I know I did.
Every Fearless book I read leaves me wanting more. Keep up the good work Francine!!!

Gaia Moore has finally made the life-changing decision to leave New York, and board a plane to Germany with her Uncle Oliver. However, while onboard, she finds that she is actually on a plane headed to Paris with her biological Father, the one she thinks murdered her beloved Mother, Katia, in cold-blood. During the course of the flight, Gaia's Father explains the entire story to her, and when they finally land, Gaia is happier than she's ever been in her life, and knows that she can easily put the last five years behind her. Meanwhile, back in New York, Sam is being harassed non-stop by police officers who believe that he is responsible for the murder of his roommate; and Ed is given the chance that he has only been able to dream about: he may be able to walk again.

In this fourteenth installment of Francine Pascal's FEARLESS series, readers are treated to various wonderful surprises, that will have long-time FEARLESS readers jumping for joy. We are able to finally see Gaia happy, and I mean really happy, as she usually is so angst-ridden, and full of hate due to the hardships she has had to endure in her past, but in MISSING she is all smiles. We also see Ed ecstatic about his newfound progress in walking, and a new, even more conniving Heather than ever before. And Sam. Well, Sam is Sam. He's a great guy, but in MISSING we see him meet up with a new someone who may or may not be too good for him, and we also see a different side to him. One that's more angry, and for a good reason: he's being accused of murdering his friend. Overall, this was a wonderful book, that can easily be labeled as one of the best installments in the FEARLESS series. A must-have for anyone who has adored reading about Gaia's previous adventures.

Erika Sorocco
Book Review Columnist for The Community Bugle Newspaper

A friend of my Mom's gave me this to read when I was about 14. I was just in love with all the characters and didn't realize the story was a little mature for me. Luckily my Mom loved the book as well. I gave it to my 15 year old daughter last summer so it's 3 generational.

The characters are so beautifully defined, the story gentle yet dramatic, the scenery is as real as my own yard; it is just a perfect book. How sad Ms. Carleton never wrote another.

I was so hopeful Oprah Winfrey would discover this when she was doing her original book club!

This is one of my all-time favorite books. I am a librarian and have read many books. When I read the reviews already written, one I thought I must have done myself, and yet I didn't. I also read this book in the Readers Digest condensed book while a teenager, during a hot summer in the country in Oregon. I think I related so much to it because it was weather-wise, the same. Lazy summer days, reading. I read it again every summer for years and need to get back to it again. I agree, the people were very realistic, from Mathew the father, who as a teacher falls in love with a student, to Callie who falls into the situation she does, as a result? I think so. What a wonderful family story.

Yes, it IS a "girls" book and yes, it IS a slowly paced book but, for all that, I found it to be utterly charming and the characters to be so real and wonderfully drawn. These aren't namby pamby,goody-two-shoes people but all too real with their faults and flaws, yet they are so thoroughly likeable that you'll want to read slowly.Matthew, a mainly self taught school teacher and Callie, his warm,intelligent, yet illiterate wife, raise their four daughters in a tiny farming community, with firm yet loving hands.It's almost a tragedy that this was M/s Carletons only book as she writes with such warmth and compassion for human weaknesses. It's a feel good book that I've just reread after buying and reading it in 1965...knew that I'd want to read it again one day!

I found this book in 1969 and have probably read it dozens of times. I actually wore out my first copy and was lucky enough to find a second. I love the way the stories intertwine, but you don't realize it until you read it the second time. I become a part of the Soames family each time I read it. Jetta Carlton may have only written one book, but it's a book not to be missed or forgotten.

I have re-read this book probably more often than any other book in my adult life. The story unfolds in rural Missouri over the first two-thirds of the 20th century, but its themes and its allure are timeless: family, faith, rebellion, secrets, love, independence, and time. Matthew and Callie Soames raise four daughters: Jessica, Leonie, Mary Jo, and Mathy. The book tells their stories one lifetime at a time, starting with the oldest daughter, Jessica, who introduces us to her parents and siblings and their life growing up in the Ozarks. Then we meet Matthew, the father, whose inner life and story -- and whose foolish heart -- are a far cry from the stern schoolmaster who rules his home and his daughters' lives with an austere and lonely love. ("To his daughters as they grew up, Matthew Soames was God and the weather." His character has often reminded me of the father in Robert Hayden's poem "Those Winter Sundays.") Mathy, the youngest daughter, is the family's most vivid and most tragic character, a free spirit who flies a little too close to the sun. Leonie is her father's daughter, but also a child of her era, and through her Matthew is ultimately reconciled to Mathy.

But each lifetime is only a piece in the puzzle of the Soames family until Callie, the strong, understated matriarch, who keeps the hardest secret of all; not until her story is told do all the others finally come together into a whole portrait, even though each story before hers seemed whole enough on its own. The book's title comes from the flowers that bloom for one night a year in the Ozarks, when the family reunites to watch them bloom for such a short season. The last chapter of Callie's story, when she suddenly finds herself an old woman and the reader suddenly discovers that half a century has passed with the Soameses, is one of the most penetrating insights into aging that I have ever read.

"The Moonflower Vine" contains as many tragedies as a family could normally expect in half a century, but not too many, and overall it is an affirming and empowering novel. But its saddest fact doesn't appear in the novel at all -- that Jetta Carleton, whose literary debut is a masterpiece, never wrote another book. "The Moonflower Vine" was an overnight sensation when it was published in 1962 -- a Literary Guild selection, and a Reader's Digest Condensed Book in 1963. But four decades later, Jetta Carleton and her book are nearly forgotten. Jetta Carleton Lyon lived a full and happy life, moving in 1970 to New Mexico, where she ran a small publishing company until her death in 1999. "The Moonflower Vine" was reprinted by Bantam in 1984, and by Buccaneer in 1995.

My grandmother collected Reader's Digest Condensed Books, and I discovered "The Moonflower Vine" as a child at her home years later (in the same volume with "The Shoes of the Fisherman" by Morris West). Soon afterward, I had to read the whole novel. A quarter century has passed, and I still can't pick it up without reading it again. And I never put it down without a catch in my throat.

The concept of this book intrigued me and so I was anxious to read it when it came in. I started and finished it in the same day because I just couldn't put it down. I was impressed with the subject matter (the supernatural has always fascinated me, but it is very difficult to find supernatural writing from a Christian perspective). The characters are well written and believable and I must say that the settings are pretty amazing as well. It starts in one part of the world and ends in America and I felt like I took the trip with them. I did figure out one of the mystery parts in advance but that didn't take away from the rest of the story.

I am really looking forward to the next book in the series which is supposed to come out this year. If you like the supernatural or have teens that do, then you would love this book!

"Never Ceese" is the tale of a vampire and a werewolf who seek what we all seek deep down in our souls...redemption. Both were cursed unwillingly, and both have fought all their VERY long lives to never pass on that curse to another, but to cling to their beliefs that were ingrained in them as children.

Ceese finds herself lured to the castle of Penelope and Richard against her will, not certain what she will find once she arrives there. Richard isn't fond of visitors of any kind, and especially not visitors of Ceese's nature.

But Penelope persuades them both to accept one another and that they can help the other break the curse that binds them, thus giving them the ability to choose their own final destiny.

I know it sounds so far fetched that two of the most unimaginable creatures and most make-believe beings could have such strong desire for the things of God...but believe me, IT WORKS! And it makes the lure of God's redemption all the more powerful to see it played out in a work such as "Never Ceese".

This book will stretch your imagination to its farthest reaches, and almost make you believe...but not quite, because believing in something Sue writes so well is just, well, not something I find myself wanting to do!!

I'm giving "Never Ceese" five out of five bookmarks, with a tiny cross as a charm...because that is where our destiny changes, no matter who we are or where we're from. It all starts and ends at Calvary.

Happy Reading!

Deena

Richard has been cursed so long he can't even remember his life before he became a vampire. He spends his days with his long time friend, Penny, in his luxurious castle in Britain. Richard's world is forever changed when a young werewolf named Ceese arrives at his door claiming to be old friends with Penny. Ceese has also carried her curse for ages and she wants nothing more to be rid of it once and for all. Richard has long ago given up hope of ever being free from his curse and Ceese must convince him to hope again. Now vampire and werewolf must work together to discover a cure for the immortal curse that binds them both.

Sue Dent has done what few have dared to try, mixing elements of vampire and werewolf lore with themes of faith and spirituality. The result is an intriguing and exciting piece of fiction that is obsessively readable and entertaining on every level. Richard and Ceese are cleverly crafted characters who face insurmountable odds in their quest for redemption. Dent adds to the richness of the story by giving equal balance to both werewolf and vampire mythology. Many of these elements were familiar to me, with a few surprises that only added to the mystique of each character. The incorporation of faith is never forced and fits seamlessly into the storyline, making the messages of sacrifice and redemption that much more powerful in the end.

Never Ceese was a pleasant surprise to me and if it wasn't for Eric Wilson's Amazon review, I never would have picked it up. It's a shame that major CBA publishers aren't willing to pursue more "outside the box" fiction like Never Ceese. I'm glad to know there are publishers out there (like Writers' Cafe Press) who are willing to give these types of stories the recognition they deserve. I can't wait to sink my teeth into the sequel, Forever Richard.

I just finished reading Sue Dent's tale of Never Ceese. I think the other reviews have already covered just about everything that can be revealed without giving too much away, so I will have to be satisfied in saying I thoroughly enjoyed the book. Normally, I am not one to read about vampires and werewolves; not my cup of tea. Other people, however, gave rave reviews that had me very curious. I was suspicious, but Ms. Dent has successfully blended the creatures of horror stories with sound Biblical principles. It teaches about faith and love without being preachy. Much of the subject matter is dead serious (forgive the pun), but Ms. Dent has included plenty of comic relief. Really, I love her offbeat sense of humor. I read it rather quickly since I couldn't put it down for long.

At first? Reluctant. Next? Intrigued. By the second page? Thoroughly engaged. Sue has brought the urban mythos of vampires and werewolves to the spiritual plane. She causes her readers to delve into tragedy while hoping for redemption. Bravo! I eagerly await the promised sequel.

I really liked this book. Patty is a hapa (half white, half Taiwanese) and she's always wishing that she could fit in... She feels like her brother is better than her because he is the Good Child in her strict mother's eyes.

I like how this book deals with family issues, fitting in... such sensitive issues for some people but they were dealt with in a good way.

I had the chance to talk to Justina Chen Headley briefly before she gave a reading from Nothing But the Truth (and a Few White Lies). She was very cool, grounded and an absolute pleasure to talk to. So, it should be no surprise that her narrator, Patty Ho, is equally enjoyable in every way in Headley's first novel written for young adults.

Half-Taiwanese and half-white, Patty feels like she doesn't belong anywhere. This fact is confirmed when, instead of going to the last school dance of the year, Patty's mother drags her to a fortune teller who discerns Patty's future from her belly button. Things get worse from there when Patty realizes that sometimes dream guys are anything but and finds herself enrolled in Stanford math camp for the summer.

This novel is a classic coming-of-age story. As the plot progresses, Patty learns that sometimes you have to find people like you in order to appreciate the value of being really unique. Now, that might sound a bit pat and cliche--but I can assure you this book is anything but.

Headley writes with a style unlike any authors I've read recently. The narration is snappy and spunky--as is fitting for a teenage girl as vibrant as Patty. I also like that Headley doesn't take the easy way a lot of the time. The story doesn't follow any typical girl-meets-boy formula. In fact, Headley has quite a few twists thrown in along the way.

It's also really interesting to read about Patty and her mother. The subject doesn't often come up in teen literature, where often the characters are immigrants if they are not white. Headley's dialog between Patty and her mother seems realistic (not being Taiwanese at all I can't really say). Her incorporation of slang and certain speech mannerisms bring to mind Amy Tan's writing in The Hundred Secret Senses (another book about a half-asian, half-white character, incidentally). Honestly though, everything in the book is interesting. Even math camp, which some readers will view as warily as Patty does in the beginning, turns out to be a cool environment to read about (with minimal time spent on math in the narrative).

In a lot of reviews you'll see me complaining that the characters come off as flat. Happily, I can say that is not the case here. Patty and her myriad friends (and enemies too) jump off the page. Furthermore, Headley artfully negotiates Patty's changing sense of self throughout the novel.

It's weird to be saying this about a novel that isn't a thriller, but it was really a page turner. I couldn't put it down. Headley has a lot to say here about identity and family and self-confidence. All of which she manages like a pro.

The term "new classic" is bandied about a lot for modern books and movies. I'm going to go out on a limb and say that Nothing But the Truth is going to get that label if it doesn't have it already.

I wasn't sure what to expect from this book but wanted to read it because there was so many good reviews for it.

It was a nice change of pace from the typical teen lit books I read and that was a big plus. I loved that the main character, Patty Ho, was half Taiwanese and half white. What also brought the story more depth than your average fluffy teen book was that she hated who she was and wanted to be caucasion to fit in with everyone else. She couldn't understand why her Taiwanese mother acted the wasy she did. What she comes to realize through a summer of growth and maturing is that the truth of the matter is, she's perfect the way she is.

I'm looking forward to more from Justina Chen Headley.

Nothing but the Truth is about fifteen-year-old Patty Ho, daughter of a controlling Taiwanese mother and a long-absent American father. Patty struggles to find her place in a world where she's not fully Asian, but not fully white, confronting both egregious and subtle prejudices from both sides. She also struggles with something I could personally relate to, being good at math, but also wanting to write. Her struggles come to a head when her mother sends her to Stanford for the summer for math camp (a month-long program for gifted high school students). While there she encounters humiliation and heartbreak, but also gains self-confidence, friends, and insight into her own family history.

Nothing but the Truth is a joy to read. Patty practically leaps forth from the page, fully three-dimensional. I refuse to believe that she isn't real. Every paragraph reveals something about her, or her family, or what it's like to be hapa (the Hawaiian word for someone who is half-white and half-Asian). Her mother, with her strengths and weaknesses, temper tantrums and quirks, feels real, too. Life at Stanford during summer session is also fully realized - the book is chock full of insider information about the university.

I particularly enjoyed the writing style in this book. Humorous, yet lyrical, and dripping with (frequently Asian-tinged) metaphors, and the angst of a teenage girl. For example:

"Mama breathes in sharply. She must be smelling my exasperation polluting the air. (page 13)"

""O-kayyy." Anne drags out the last syllable as if it's a hoe, raking through the intractable soil of my rudeness. (page 76)"

"I'm here because I don't want to be up in the Pacific Northwest where it's always overcast with disappointment and showering anger. (page 108)"

"Under the Dish that scans planets and distant galaxies, I know that the world -- the universe -- is bigger than high school and Mark Scranton and Steve Kosanko and their edamame-bean brains. That it's bigger than Mama and math camp. That maybe I am Zebra-woman, trapped behind black-and-white bars of my own making. (page 110)"

Despite the tremendous depth and authenticity that Justina Chen Headley brings to her hapa and Asian characters, this is a book that will resonate with teenage girls from all sorts of backgrounds. Because what it's really about (as is clear from Patty's essay at the end of the book) is the struggle to balance the conflicts in yourself, whatever they are, and find your place in the world. This makes it a perfect first book for the readergirlz discussion group, focused on celebrating gutsy girls in life and literature. An example of Patty's place as a gutsy girl is this passage, in which she muses about facing down her fears.

Is attitude truly the only thing separating embarrassment from triumph? That a little sass could turn you from a social zero to a social hero? (page 174)

I highly recommend this book for anyone who revels in reading about strong girls.

A slightly longer version of this book review was originally published on my blog, Jen Robinson's Book Page, on March 4, 2007.

A great strength of Nothing But the Truth is the interaction of its female characters. Patty, our protagonist, is at the heart of the story, but we see how the other girls and women in her life help her grow and change. When we discover why Patty's mother is the way she is, for us as much as for Patty, life takes on new levels. When Jasmine pushes Patty outside her comfort zone, we wonder what exciting opportunities may lie outside our own. And what is most reassuring is that after this transformative summer, Patty hasn't had to give up any of her former self; she's only added new dimensions.

In Nothing But the Truth (and a few white lies), we see how a girl can grow and change and find out who she is, without losing a sense of who she was. We can be in the present, look to the future, and remember the past. And I think Patty's most important discovery, and mine too in reading this book, is that the events that shape us do just that - they shape who we are and what we become. But they don't determine it. That's up to us.

Tyler is incredibly focused. He is determined to make baseball his life. Even though he is only thirteen, he already has a plan to get noticed at home in his California high school during the school year, but then to also make a name for himself during the summers playing in a New York City league with his cousin. He is certain this summer he will make the New York all-star team and begin getting noticed.

Right away, though, there is a problem. Tyler has a terrible temper that causes him to get into fights with other players, on the other teams as well as his own. When something gets to him or he feels he's been treated unfairly, he simply explodes. He thought his abilities on the field would get him onto the all-star team, but the coach almost immediately pulls him aside and tells him that unless he can show a little maturity, he has no chance.

At first Tyler is even more furious at the coach for telling him he's not in control. But then he decides to do something to change the coach's opinion of him. It's not easy to reign in his temper, and a lot of the time he's just acting relaxed instead of really feeling it. But then he begins to reflect more on his life and the lives of his family members and their connections to violence and war. Eventually he begins to view himself and those around him in entirely new ways.

I liked the connection to the Vietnam War, although at times I thought the book lost its focus and the author couldn't decide between a story about baseball and a story about the effects of the war.

Unfortunately, I really didn't like the character of Tyler. I found him irritating and wasn't really rooting for him to be successful.

I started reading "Over the Wall" on a Saturday, and could hardly put it down until I finished it on Monday.

Like John Ritter's other books, "Choosing up Sides" and "The Boy Who Saved Baseball," this is a well written and very entertaining story. I especially identify with Tyler's struggle to replace anger with empathy, despite what other people might think about him. I tend to react with anger, at least at first. Anger is the "easiest way out." Identifying with people and understanding their side is much more difficult

Tyler strives to become a better baseball player to compensate for his parents' mental absence and to rekindle their interest in his life. Tyler's strenuous quest is expressed with foreshadowing. This occurs early on when he disputes the umpire's bad call when he knows he was safe.

All of these writer's craft techniques: foreshadowing, comparing and contrasting between characters, and having the minor characters take control of the greatest part of the plot, are brilliantly expressed. "Over the Wall" by John H. Ritter was one of the greatest books I have ever read. Now I can't wait to read "Under the Baseball Moon" next.

Tyler is a great shortstop and a terrific all around baseball player. He only has one flaw, he has anger issues. After every bad call he gets angry and is involved in a fight. Sometimes he gets in fights because people make fun of his bright orange hair. Tyler's coach, Coach Trioli, tries to help him by showing what happened in the Vietnam war. Now Tyler knows his coaches secret past and why he is so nice, but will Tyler get over his anger problems or will he be kicked of the and kicked off the league forever.

Hi, my name is A.C. Murphy and I thought that "Over The Wall" by John H. Ritter was a good book. My Favorite character would have to be Tyler's cousin Louis. Louis is my favorite character beacuse he plays 2nd base just like I do. In the beginning of the book, Tyler comes from San Diego and goes all the way to New York City. While Tyler is in New York City, his cousin asks him if he wants to play on his baseball team. So Tyler decides to play. They have a really good team. But in one game, Tyler gets in a fight and is kicked off of the team and reuins his chance on making the all star team. Towards the end of the book, Tyler apologizes to his coach and his coach gives him a spot on the all star team. If I were to rate this book on a scale from 1-10, I'd rate it a 10 because baseball is my favorite sport, and I've playing since I was three years old.

I think that John H. Ritter is one of the best authors and I really liked Over The Wall. The reason why I liked the book was because it's about baseball, and it's my favorite sport to play. I think that my favorite character would have to be Tyler's cousin Louis because he was tough and he played 2nd base. I play 2nd base also. If I were to rate this book from a scale of 1-10, I'd rate it a 10 because it was a really good book.

The book was a gift and it came in time for Christmas.

Struggling to find her love Rye, Poppy (a mouse) has to stop the beavers from making dams. She also has to stop them from turning the beautiful little pond to a big and dirty lake. Rye (a mouse) is trapped inside a dam and cannot get free. So Poppy is not only trying to stop the beavers and set free Rye, Poppy has a wild adventurer with her friend the porcupine, Ereth to tell Ragweed's parents (Rye's brother) is dead. Can Poppy stop the beavers as well as set free Rye and deliver the news? To find out, the call number is AVI and the author and illustrator is Avi and Brian Floca. You need to read this book along with the other great adventures with its series. "Ragweed," "Poppy,' "Poppy and Rye," Ereth's Birthday" and "Poppy's Return." This author has written many great books especially this one. So please, read this book. "Poppy and Rye" is a book for anyone. It has adventure, describing and wow words and many more! Here are some describing and colorful weird words said by Ereth. "Oh, fox flip," the porcupine growled. "Sticky roach toes," Ereth muttered. "Crabgrass up their snoots," Ereth snapped. Avi has a great word choice that makes you picture everything but with words. He really uses his imagination when it comes to writing words. This book I think everyone should read. So please try it!

An absolutly stunning childrens book, Avi makes it an exciting and addicting read. Very powerful read aloud to young children. It is the best book in the series, in my opinion. I highly recomend it.

Poppy has done it again ! Not onley does she save Ragweed's brother ,Rye , from a nasty batch of beavers ,
but she also saves Ragweed's family as well. I'd say this book is for someone who likes animals that's
proabaly why I like it so much.

Wow, What an Amazing Book
Hi, the book I'm reviewing is Poppy and Rye. The authors name is Avi. The location were the book mostly takes place is the brook. Another location is the beaver's lodges which you will find out were that is later in the book.

Things from the story
One of the very important things is when Poppy the mouse was about to make a trip to Ragweed's old house so she could tell Ragweed's parents why Ragweed would never return. Poppy called her best friend Ereth the porcupine old because she was apologizing because Poppy had been begging Ereth to come with her. Then Poppy said she was sorry for not respecting the elderly. Then Ereth got the impression that Poppy was calling him old. Another thing was when Poppy and Rye met. They met when Ereth was sleeping and Poppy was supposed to be sleeping. Poppy was dancing with a daisy and Rye asked if he could join. There's a beaver who's named Cas and he's got plans to make the brook into a lake. They have also captured Rye! What will happen to him????

Things I Liked
Some of the things I liked about this book are that the author gave so many details for example: the author described the grass in Dimwood as moist, the trees leaves delicious and the stars dancing in beauty and grace. When I read this book I couldn't stop reading until I figured out what happened to the character that was in distress. The book is a very good book. I also liked how the mice were braver than humans at times
For example: a 3 inch tall mouse has the courage to go in a beaver lodge when the beaver's are 2ft. and have giant tails. I thought it was pretty much fiction but, it was still fun to read.

My Ratings
I give this book, without a doubt, a 5 star rating because it's just a great book. I think this book is meant for kid's ages 9-13 years old.

The story starts out with Teresa running away with a change of clothing in her overnight bag. She picks up two hitchhikers which she wouldn't normally do. But, there was *something* about them. Coincidentially enough, they are all headed up north. Teresa is not exactly sure where she is going, but she wants to make a new start. As the story unfolds, you find that she is leaving an ex-boyfriend, and ex-friend, and unsupportive parents behind.

As the road stretches out before them, they have no need for "canned entertainment" as Freedom Jack puts it, they can tell stories to each other. He begins to weave the tale of Candy and John, as Poppy Corn sits in back, smoking her cigarette and correcting Free's story at various times.

Teresa feels that these two are connected in some way, but she is not sure how. Brother and sister? Scorned lovers? They reveal much about Candy and John, but little about themselves.

Teresa shares her own story about being the victim of betrayal, but she still holds secrets that she doesn't even know yet.

This page turning story takes place in one night as they head through California and encounter a castle with a fortune teller and a strange church at 5 in the morning where people are wandering around and the mass is in Latin.

Will Teresa find a place to go or is she on a "road to nowhere?"

The story was almost perfect for me. The buildup was amazing as it only took me three hours to read. The ending, though not as exciting as the story and something I saw coming, was still entertaining. I was impressed with Pike's ability to keep me enraptured the entire time.

Highly recommended as one of Pike's best!

Life couldn't have been any better. You have a caring, wonderful boyfriend, a awesome job, and a best friend that could have been no more perfect. At least that's how it seemed to Teresa until, she found the truth. Christopher Pike's Road To Nowhere is a book that can keep you guessing for miles. The events take place in the southern part of California on some back roads that hold no traffic. Most of the book it is raining and when it's not raining it still seems like it is. The three main characters are Teresa, Freedom Jack, and Poppy Corn. Teresa is running away from home and picks up two hitchhikers along the way to somewhere she doesn't even know. The three begin to tell stories. Teresa about her past relationship, Freedom of a boy named John and Poppy of a girl named Candy. The story gets deeper and deeper as the flashbacks go on.

Pike puts some hints to the end in the middle and the beginning of the story without actually giving the ending away. What seems to be a mystery soon turns into a horror. The action really doesn't kick in until the second chapter but it is completely worth the wait. Pike knows how to show the emotions of the characters to where he makes you feel the same way. This book makes you want to drop everything else and read until the jaw dropping ending. The twist and turns the book takes are just like road in the story...unpredictable.

I would recommend this to 7th grade and up. I would also recommend some of Pike's other books. Such as The Hollow Skull and Monster. So hop in the car and join the road trip as you let some harmless stories unfold on to your lap.

Christopher Pike has done it again, His Novels keep you reading untill the very last page, his story lines capture you and you know you just want to find out what happens in the end. Road To Nowhere is yet another one of these books I had to read it all in one sitting. The day it arrived in the mail I started to read and I couldn't put it down... Road To Nowhere rocks!!!

I am sure if any of you love this book you will love his other books the Immortal, Whisper Of Death,The Starlight Crystal, Execution Of Innocence, The Visitor to name a few and The Season Of Passage and The Listeners for Adults also by Christopher pike

I am not a fan of Christopher Pike because in most of his books it starts out good and then toward the middle he goes off subject and start talking about Aliens, Monsters and Outter Space. But this time Chis Pike actually STAYED on subject, and this book was out of this world!
The main character Theresa is a run away after finding her boyfriend cheating on her with her best friend. While driving in the rain, Therea spots 2 Hitch Hikers ( Poppy Corn and Freedom Jack) she desides to pick them up (big mistake)... I am not going to tell what else happened in the book because you have to read it yourself.
This book really makes you think about Life after Death, Heaven and Hell and Angels and Devils.

Ok, imagine this. Your just found out that your boyfriend is dumping your for your best friend. Your totally pissed so you decided to take off. You pack some clothes, grab some cash, and your gone. Then along the way you meet two peps with totally screwed up names Freedom Jack, and Poppy Corn. you agree to give the hitchhikers a ride. along the way the three of you beging to tell stories. You tell of your boyfriends betrayl, and they tell of a guy and girl they once knew.
Along the way you begin to feel an undeniable attraction for Jack which is finally consummated at his "mother's" House. You then procede to travel on and meet Poppy's "father" the priest. then you continue to drive despite the fact you now feel sick. Then the memories of what else happened that night slowly come back to you, and you relize that your two hitchhikers are not what they seem, that the stories they told are closer to them then you ever relized, and now you are in a battle for your very soul...