Young Americans Books

Sure, this biography is targeted to a young readership, and covers only briefly the incredible range of exploits of this resounding American. Nonetheless, the style is delightful and straightforward, giving a readability unmatched in presidential biographies. Proves that not all such texts need be dry, complex or exploitative in nature. I'd recommend this effort hands down as the ideal starting point for any age of reader seeking Teddy Roosevelt background. One of the most concise yet informative presidential bios of the dozens I've read across the spectrum. Even includes interesting photos and period cartoons frequently overlooked in the usual tedious biographical fare. Try it.

The choice of Teddy Roosevelt is a good one to get kids to read about this raucous period of American history. Well illustrated with period photos and cartoons, the text is engaging and fast-paced. Perfect gift for that young teenager on your list, I can't wait until my daughter is old enough to read this!

I really can't imagine why this work is indicated as a grade-school level selection ("grades 5-8"), even being tagged as "juvenile" in the Library of Congress Cataloguing-in-Print metadata backing the title page. I found the work to be balanced, well-written, extremely engaging, quite informative, and visually attractive. Maybe only dry, stuffy biographies that present eight hundred odd pages of extraneous details--what TR ate for lunch on 1/14/1906, how much the train fare to Syosset was--rate as "adult" works, but they bore me to tears. (Plus, having scored 12+ on the standardized New York State reading tests when I was seven, I believe I am competent to speak with authority about both adult-oriented and putatively juvenile texts.) Of all the myriad works about TR, this is the one that I would gladly choose in exclusion to all others.

Even the Presidency did not take the boy out of Theodore Roosevelt. A century ago, when Washington was a simpler place, TR engaged in such youthful sports as wintry swims in the Potomac. President Roosevelt showed similar courage in tackling financial tycoons or forcing Spain out of Cuba. TR was a significant figure on the political stage from the 1880s through World War I. He was an active, early conservationist. Betsy Kraft's well-paced, illustrated biography will engage young (and older) adults. The author brings this man and his era to life. Public libraries and high schools should find it valuable.

Ten year old Erna Anderson and her sixteen year old sister Alfreda lived lives of poverty in Sweden. Their father went to America seven years ago, and finaly sent for Mother and their little brother Karl. But Karl had died, and Mother was ill, so Erna and Alfreda would have to make the journey to America alone, in third class on the Titanic. The two sisters, seperated at first by poverty and sorrow, soon become friends. But when the Titanic hits an iceberg and begins to sink, can they survive?

Erna and her sister live in Sweden where they are very poor. Their little brother dies and their mother gets sick. Their father is in America and he sends tickets for the sisters to come to America. They will sail on the "Titanic." What will happen to the sisters when the ship sinks? A really cool author! She describes everything so well!

This book was EXCELLENT!!! It was so intersting, I couldn't put it down!! It starts off a little slow, but stick to this book, you won't regret it!!

Erna and Alfreda Anderson were two real passengers that traveled third class on the Titanic, but nothing is known about them, except that Erna survived, and Alfreda did not. The author of this book has written a novel that imagines who Erna and Alfreda Anderson were, why they were on the Titanic, and how Erna made it out of the tragedy alive when Alfreda, her relative, did not. The Erna of this book is a ten-year-old dreamer living in the Swedish countryside, often at odds with her realistic, sixteen-year-old sister Alfreda. Their father has been in America for several years, and sends tickets for the family to join them. But their mother must remain behind, so the sisters set off without her, arguing along the way. They board the Titanic in England, and they're on their way. Along the way, they finally manage to become friends. And how Erna survives, and her sister does not, happens in a tragic plot twist that was painful to read and had me nearly in tears. I highly reccomend this book. It goes along well with Voyage on the Great Titanic, from the Dear America series.

My mother gave me this book on our Mother Daughter weekend at school. When she gave it to me, she made me read the very first poem and I Will Always Love You, My Child. These both brought tears to my eyes, because I knew how much I was truly loved and missed.

I am an English teacher and I have a great love of poetry. I was very moved by the collection of poems in this book. It brought tears to my eyes. It is a very appropriate book for anyone that has a child about to leave home for any reason. The poems say things we forget to say and things we have trouble putting into words. Since I have two sons I have to be careful how sentimental the book sounds, but I was very pleased with it.I recommend this book highly.

I found this book says the things that I feel in my heart. I gave it to my daughter for Christmas and then ordered one for myself. Buy it, read it and give one to your child.

Each of the poems in this book express my thoughts, desires and hopes as a parent when my children were young and now that they are adults. It is an excellent collection of poems and a wonderful gift for your children. I would recommend that every parent read this book first and then give another copy to every one of your children. Keep your copy and re-read it often.

One of the best books I have ever read. Its a childrens book, but hey, "If not, why not??" You will love it I promise.

As an adult I hesitated to purchase this "juvenile" book but the description was enticing. This isn't just a book for juveniles. Rockwood describes a young girl's journey into adulthood in a time period & setting we seldom give any thought. Wonderfully told, this story gives a good sense of the native world view and the terrible destruction wrought on Cherokee society by European diseases. Even though filled with foreboding the story is heartwarming and inspiring.

A wonderful heartbreaking story of native americans in the 16th century. A book that will touch your heart and tear at your soul. It's the untold side of the Europeans coming to settle America. It is about their ruthlessness twards the native Americans. It made me feel horrible about what my ancestors did to the native americans. We choose to ignore this side of history because we knew what we were doing was and is wrong but we did it anyway. In short we are ashamed of what we did which we should be but instead of saying we were sorry we lied and said untrue things about the native Americans already living here when we came. You can't discover something if people are already living there. I for one am ashmed of who I am and what my ancestors did to the native Americans. It is a wonderful story that tells the untold sisde of history which had been chosen to be ignored untill now. I give it five stars!!!!

This is the first book I read, and it started my love affair with books. I was 11 when my mom bought it for me, after reading it 15 time the book finally fell apart. Now I'm looking for a copy to buy for my daughter. Plus, I'd love to read it again.

I have 14-month-old twins and two school-aged children and my husband was out of town when I bought this novel. Yet I read it in three days. I couldn't put it down. Though abuse at the hands of The Daddy runs thick through the novel, the story is also a coming-of-age of 13-year-old Karina, the daughter and stepdaughter of Hatian immigrants who struggles with physical pain at home and the emotional pain of middle school. It is a mystery, a thriller and a romance all in one. It is also a celebration of the joys of sisterhood. Touching Snow is M. Sindy Feline's first novel. I can't wait to read her next.

"The Daddy" is known for his violent temper in New York, just like he was before the family moved from Haiti. Karina is glad that he has to work so many hours as a taxi cab driver. Otherwise the beatings would happen more often. And the beatings were horrendous.

"The Daddy" went ballistic over things such as the children not eating all of their dinner. Karina and her siblings often hid under the table or locked themselves in the bathroom when "The Daddy" began the beatings. Karina felt like a coward, but knew that "The Daddy" would beat his kid of choice just as hard if she didn't hide. Plus, then she'd get a beating, too.

When Karina sees her sister, Enid, hurt so badly that she may be dead, Karina vomits so forcefully that she thinks she herself might die. But then she hears her younger twin cousins calling for her. Karina couldn't die and leave everyone else to deal with "The Daddy" alone.

When "The Daddy" finally gets found out and put in jail, Karina thinks that maybe they will be safe at home. That is until she has to be interviewed individually by the authorities. Does she tell the truth about the atrocities "The Daddy" has created in their home? Would she be safe if she told the truth?

You'll need to read TOUCHING SNOW to see what Karina decides.

As if Karina's life isn't complicated enough, just as in real life, many things happen in our lives at the same time. In addition to dealing with this heartbreaking home life, Karina is the victim of bullying at school, struggles with her grades and learning the English language, and her evolving development as a young woman. How many things can one person juggle at a time?

Read this book to see how yet another resilient adolescent deals with adversity and finds her voice.

Reviewed by: Dianna Geers

Karina is that part of us which feels stuck and resigned with the yet undiscovered sense of personal power. Touching Snow draws us intimately and passionately into Karina's journey of self-discovery, and through her story allows us to experience our own sense of power in situations which seem insurmountable.

the daddy hammers them. he beats them. he insists they do things his way. quiet, clean, eat everything on their plates or they will be punished. the act of revenge that throws him in jail is supposed to keep them safe. but it doesn't. he comes back.
i cried my way through this and reveled in my tears of triumph on the last pages. what a great book!

Christy Miller is a wonderful series for teen girls today. Christy's character faces many of the same challenges teens do today & she stands strong in her Christian faith. She remains pure & is a great testimony!

I agree with the other reviews of Ms. Gunn. I simply love her stuff. I'm writing this review because I am an author. It is difficult to find Christian books for teens that are both realistic and appropriate. She is the first YA writer I can admire and also love to read. Her books show the reader how the subtleties sneak in. Get your kids on these books around age 12. There are plenty of books to follow.

In a day and time when it is becoming increasingly difficult to find age appropriate reading for Christian Teens...Robin Jones Gunn has fit the bill with her Christy miller Series...My 14 year old is hooked, and I read them and loved them too. I bought all 12 books for our church library!

It is beautifully written with a wholesome approach to life and love. It is the story of a young girl's progression from early adolescence to young adulthood. The story chronicles her understanding of true love and at the same time shows her development as a christian and her increasing passion for her love of Jesus Christ I highly recommend it!

When I read Kristen Dabrowski's Twenty 10-Minute Plays for Teens it made me wish I was a teenager again.

The writing is extremely witty and as every good actor knows, you need to have a character that goes on a journey, a character that changes through the course of the play. Some playwrights find this a hard graft when they have an hour and a half to prove their point, so it amazes me that Kristen Dabrowski can do this in ten minutes.

Teens won't be disappointed.

A lot of the plays are about about trying out for plays and seeing if you got the part, etc. That made it easy to get into the parts and a lot of characters are like people you already know. I liked the plays that were more dramatic, that are harder to do but more rewarding. I think high school students will like the book for these plays especially since they have more serious themes. Not all of them are dramatic -- the comedy plays are good for aspiring actors and actresses because the dialog is fast and the timing is really important to get down.

I purchased this book for my sister who teaches drama to teenagers. She loves this work. It's funny, touching and speaks directly to the kids. I would recommend Dabrowski's books to anyone who wants to introduce quality material to young performers.

After reading Ms. Dabrowski's first book, I was intrigued to see what else she could produce, especially for an age group that's difficult to please when it comes to finding material that both they like and that adults can appreciate too. While many kids are starting to read Shakespeare, Arthur Miller, Tennessee Williams and the like at this age, it's hard for them to associate completely with those works. Having short plays, on subjects that are close to home and that they can relate to, makes more of an impact, and Ms. Dabrowski doesn't disappoint with this latest installment. She hits a lot of home runs - 20 of them, in fact, with this book. I highly recommend reading-- and acting -- the plays in this book.

I bought this book for my daughter at the recommendation of her drama teacher. It has been very useful for both school performances and competition meets. Has some very fun monologues in it.

What a good series. I have read a great many pieces which purport to be written for this age group and unfortunately as a result am also painfully familiar with the dull subject matter or condescending manner which tend to emerge from a usually leaden series of diatribes. It is of great credit to the author that she not only puts words in the mouths of children which can be spoken with genuine interest, but also without losing the natural rhythm and swing of speech. A consistently good and deceptively skillful enterprise.

Over the years I've purchased a variety of monologues to use with my students in a summer theater program. Most of them are edited books that are okay but not very good to use with young teens. This is the first book that I must admit provided a lot of fun for my students. If anything, this is a review which reflects their impressions as well as my own. From my students, I heard comments like the following: "This is so much fun.", "Oh, I can identify with this." and "I want to do this one, you do the other."

In short, my students identified with the subject matter because the monologues truly captured the essence of the teen years. The author, Kristen Dabrowski, used words to paint colorful images that provoked laughter, giggles and uproar. They are funny monologues.

If there is a test for a book, it is how an actor and his/her audience reacts to the material. Well, this had an extremeful positive raction from my students. They all had their favorite monolgues. Like them, I also have some favorite monologues that I think are very creative. If you purchase the book, get a laugh by reading these particular ones: "The Smartass of Stratford," "Nickname Calling,"Family Vacation to Hell,"Woo-Hoo" and "Literature Losers." A great buy!

As a teacher, director and coach for young actors I was thrilled to discover Kristen Dabrowski's 111 One-Minute Monologues for Middle School Actors. I have been very frustrated in the past by the substandard material out there for kids. For example, many other books attemps at modern slang has been laughable and I end up spending class time helping my students find ways to make the language conversational rather than on the work itself. Dabrowski's monologues use the vernacular of today's middle schooler and the kids immediately relate to the conflicts she presents in her work. The monologues are fresh, funny and completely unique. And for young character actors there she provides a number of "period" monologues from such historical figures as an adolescent Martha Washington, Annie Oakley or William Shakespeare. My students enjoys these monologues so much they find it difficult to choose only a few to work on in class. I am eager to get my hands on more of Ms. Dabrowski's exciting new works! Two thumbs up!

When you read as much as I do, you relish finding authors new to you who have the knack of creating characters that are not characatures and putting them in situations that are far from ordinary. I discovered Sarah Bird thanks to amazon surfing, and marvel that I've never heard of her before. As opposed to the cookie cutter plots so prevalent in chicklit offerings so "hot" today, her approach is truly original. She deserves a much greater readership. I love passing her books around and introducing her to others.

While I can't say this was a wonderful book, it certainly was a lot of fun. I truly enjoy reading Sarah Bird... her characters are so real, yet so unique.

My favorite book of hers, the Boyfriend School was so great, I looked everywhere to find more by her. And it was only when I found her on Amazon that my thirst was sort of quenched.

If you like reading fun stories, that stand apart from the usual stuff, her books are it.

This humorous and touching tale captivated my attention and had me searching through the dictionary. The heroine's vocabulary is impressive to say the least. I enjoyed the search for her father even though I had a good idea of who it would be. This book is as good as the author's others and I only want to know one thing...When will we be lucky enough to read a new novel by Sarah Bird?

Sonja K. Getz, a young woman in search of her father, dismantles the shrine to him on her closet floor, packs all her important belongings in one suitcase, and leaves her mother and new step-father. Forcing her big-shouldered way into the company of Prairie James -- a man well on his way to being a has-been trick roper and whom she half-suspects as being her father -- Sonja starts her journey as a quest for an unknown man only to have it become a discovery of the unknown woman she has been suppressing. All of her formidable education can not prepare her for what she is about to learn on the small town rodeo circuit. A great cast of characters abound -- misfits, superficially, but each the star of a little morality play.

Rarely does a man have an impact on society like Martin Luther King Jr. As an acknowledgment of his achievements, the Choral Arts Society of Washington has orchestrated a collection of hymns that were loved by Dr. King, and that represent the ideals he stood for.

In addition to the music CD, this boxed set includes a book of memorable quotes that describe him and his actions. Several of his most important marches and speeches are shared by those who witnessed them and supported him in his efforts.

Martin Luther King Jr.'s tragic death cut short his mission before it was completed, but his vision continued to carry others forward in working for equality. He and his dream should never be forgotten, and Voices presents a moving tribute to a truly great American.

Reviewer: Alice Berger, Bergers Book Reviews

Costco originally featured this cd set with book in their monthly booklet...I searched for it at 3 different stores...they finally told me it was probably only in the southern states...so dumb...but good old Amazon came through once again...I ordered 2 sets...awesome purchase! Thanks!

For many too young to remember him, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is, unfortunately, seen simply a figure from "ancient" history for whom we have a day off from work or school. And for many who did live through the Civil Rights Era, Dr. King is frozen in time in 1963, roaring "I have a dream!" to 200,000 people in front of the Lincoln Memorial. Dr. King deserves much more than either of these views.

As the 40th anniversary of Dr. King's death approaches, this handsome book-and-CD boxed set provide a highly-readable and highly-listenable history lesson for some - and a bittersweet reminder for others - as to how his life changed our lives. It helps to explain why Dr. King is (as New York Times editor Howell Raines puts it in the book) "a fully credentialed member of the American pantheon that starts with the Founding Fathers."

As the title discloses, this is largely a collection of "reflections ... through words and song" on Dr. King's life and work. Placed in context by brief, well-written narratives and references to key events in the history of the Civil Rights Movement, the collection includes personal remembrances and moving observations not only from legends and luminaries (such as Dr. Dorothy Height, Rep. John Lewis, Marian Wright Edelman, Julian Bond, Rosa Parks, Harris Wofford, Norman Scribner, Roy Wilkins, Bobby Kennedy, Archbishop Desmond Tutu) but also equally eloquent words from less extraordinary people and even schoolchildren. These reflections are organized into five musically-themed sections: "Discord" (1954-59), "Crescendo" (1960-63), "Harmony" (1964-67), "Elegy" (1968-69), and "Symphony of Brotherhood" (1970-present). Each section includes wonderfully evocative photos of Dr. King and his world.

My favorite section, "Crescendo," builds to the triumphant August 1963 March on Washington. Among other entries, poet Nikki Giovanni recalls Mahalia Jackson urging Dr. King to abandon his prepared speech and just preach spontaneously: "Tell them about the dream!" she says. The chapter ends, chillingly, with the deaths of four young girls less than three weeks later in the bombing of the 16th Street Baptist church in Birmingham, Alabama. (For a much more comprehensive, but fully readable, account of the era, I highly recommend Diane McWhorter's Pulitzer-winning "Carry Me Home: Birmingham, Alabama: The Climactic Battle of the Civil Rights Revolution," available from Amazon.)

As a Birmingham native who witnessed part of this history, I eagerly read "Voices" while listening to the accompanying 75-minute CD that well complements the book's words and photos. The 17 songs - each recorded live at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts during 19 years of annual MLK Choral Tribute concerts - are performed by the Grammy®-winning Choral Arts Society of Washington, as well as by various church choirs that each year comprise the MLK Tribute Choir, and talented youth ensembles. The CD appropriately begins with "Lift Every Voice and Sing" (often called "The Negro National Anthem") and ends with Thomas Dorsey's "Precious Lord, Take My Hand" - one of Dr. King's favorite hymns which, just moments before he was killed, he requested be played at an event he was to attend that evening. Between those two are 15 selections that include spirituals, classical choral pieces, hymns, and a solid dose of foot-stomping gospel. The live recordings of this diverse "symphony of brotherhood" are moving - sometimes exuberant, sometimes mournful -- and often make the listener want to join the audiences' cheers.

Recalling Dr. King's "I Have A Dream" speech, Atlanta Constitution editor Gene Patterson observes in the book: "He might as well have been singing." It's an apt metaphor, given the powerful role that music played in the Civil Rights Movement. Indeed, the book's introduction quotes Dr. King as saying, "The freedom songs are playing a strong and vital role in our struggle. They give people new courage and a sense of unity. I think they keep alive a faith, a radiant hope in the future, particularly in our most trying times." In our own "trying times" of today - when peace eludes us and genuine heroes seem especially difficult to come by - this book and CD "sing" of just such a hero's ideals of non-violence, faith, dignity, basic humanity, righteous struggle for a righteous cause, brotherhood and sisterhood among all peoples, and peace.

The release of this book and CD comes at a particularly good time to help keep Dr. King's legacy and ideals alive in the public consciousness. For an affordable 16 bucks, the book and full-length CD offer a great choice for those who would like to give inspiring, meaningful gifts to family and friends - whether for Christmas, Kwanzaa, Chanukah, or even MLK Day - to genuinely celebrate and promote peace on earth and goodwill to all.

For many too young to remember him, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is, unfortunately, seen simply a figure from "ancient" history for whom we have a day off from work or school. And for many who did live through the Civil Rights Era, Dr. King is frozen in time in 1963, roaring "I have a dream!" to 200,000 people in front of the Lincoln Memorial. Dr. King deserves much more than either of these views.

As the 40th anniversary of Dr. King's death approaches, this handsome book-and-CD boxed set provide a highly-readable and highly-listenable history lesson for some - and a bittersweet reminder for others - as to how his life changed our lives. It helps to explain why Dr. King is (as New York Times editor Howell Raines puts it in the book) "a fully credentialed member of the American pantheon that starts with the Founding Fathers."

As the title discloses, this is largely a collection of "reflections ... through words and song" on Dr. King's life and work. Placed in context by brief, well-written narratives and references to key events in the history of the Civil Rights Movement, the collection includes personal remembrances and moving observations not only from legends and luminaries (such as Dr. Dorothy Height, Rep. John Lewis, Marian Wright Edelman, Julian Bond, Rosa Parks, Harris Wofford, Norman Scribner, Roy Wilkins, Bobby Kennedy, Archbishop Desmond Tutu) but also equally eloquent words from less extraordinary people and even schoolchildren. These reflections are organized into five musically-themed sections: "Discord" (1954-59), "Crescendo" (1960-63), "Harmony" (1964-67), "Elegy" (1968-69), and "Symphony of Brotherhood" (1970-present). Each section includes wonderfully evocative photos of Dr. King and his world.

My favorite section, "Crescendo," builds to the triumphant August 1963 March on Washington. Among other entries, poet Nikki Giovanni recalls Mahalia Jackson urging Dr. King to abandon his prepared speech and just preach spontaneously: "Tell them about the dream!" she says. The chapter ends, chillingly, with the deaths of four young girls less than three weeks later in the bombing of the 16th Street Baptist church in Birmingham, Alabama. (For a much more comprehensive, but fully readable, account of the era, I highly recommend Diane McWhorter's Pulitzer-winning "Carry Me Home: Birmingham, Alabama: The Climactic Battle of the Civil Rights Revolution," available from Amazon.)

As a Birmingham native who witnessed part of this history, I eagerly read "Voices" while listening to the accompanying 75-minute CD that well complements the book's words and photos. The 17 songs - each recorded live at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts during 19 years of annual MLK Choral Tribute concerts - are performed by the Grammy®-winning Choral Arts Society of Washington, as well as by various church choirs that each year comprise the MLK Tribute Choir, and talented youth ensembles. The CD appropriately begins with "Lift Every Voice and Sing" (often called "The Negro National Anthem") and ends with Thomas Dorsey's "Precious Lord, Take My Hand" - one of Dr. King's favorite hymns which, just moments before he was killed, he requested be played at an event he was to attend that evening. Between those two are 15 selections that include spirituals, classical choral pieces, hymns, and a solid dose of foot-stomping gospel. The live recordings of this diverse "symphony of brotherhood" are moving - sometimes exuberant, sometimes mournful -- and often make the listener want to join the audiences' cheers.

Recalling Dr. King's "I Have A Dream" speech, Atlanta Constitution editor Gene Patterson observes in the book: "He might as well have been singing." It's an apt metaphor, given the powerful role that music played in the Civil Rights Movement. Indeed, the book's introduction quotes Dr. King as saying, "The freedom songs are playing a strong and vital role in our struggle. They give people new courage and a sense of unity. I think they keep alive a faith, a radiant hope in the future, particularly in our most trying times." In our own "trying times" of today - when peace eludes us and genuine heroes seem especially difficult to come by - this book and CD "sing" of just such a hero's ideals of non-violence, faith, dignity, basic humanity, righteous struggle for a righteous cause, brotherhood and sisterhood among all peoples, and peace.

The release of this book and full-length CD comes at a particularly good time to help keep Dr. King's legacy and ideals alive in the public consciousness. This very affordable book-and-CD combo offers a great choice for those who would like to give inspiring, meaningful gifts to family and friends - whether for Christmas, Kwanzaa, Chanukah, or even MLK Day - to genuinely celebrate and promote peace on earth and goodwill to all.