Readers Books

Let me start by saying that I am a HUGE Dr. Seuss fan. We have almost all of his books and love reading them. I bought this one as a Christmas gift for my 2 year old son and we were so excited to read it. The story starts out super cute with a moose that has uninvited guests in his horns. But the ending is disgusting. The guests all end up stuffed up on a wall. The last picture is of the animals mounted on a wall with little Xs for their eyes. I did not want to get into a whole discussion on hunting and taxidermy with my 2 year old! Again, we LOVE Dr. Seuss and read at least one of his stories every day. I just thought this one was a little nasty.....

Dr Seuss comes through again. Fun to read, good morals, excellent story.
Lots of fun!!

This is my favorite Dr Seuss book (even though I discovered it only a few months ago). The story and pictures are excellent and (importantly) it is particularly easy and fun to read aloud.

Unfortunately, this book is advertised as being suitable for 5-8 year olds only - NOT TRUE! This book is for ANYONE of ANY AGE who enjoys stories.

This book is so appropriate today, maybe more than when it was written in 1948 (a response to the New Deal, perhaps?)! I'm sure I appreciate the message (beware of freeloaders!!) more than my kids, but they enjoy the story and the pictures (as always) are priceless. Dr. Seuss was a national treasure and his books are all terrific.

I first read this book when I was a little girl. I was really impressed with it then, of all the Dr. Seuss books I thought it was the best because of the message. The poor moose is so soft-hearted, he lets everyone take advantage of him. It has a wonderful message for children to learn about "users". If you only read one Dr. Seuss book to your children, read them this one.

NEW EDITION, PLEASE!! Why are great kids' books like this allowed to fall out of print? All of my kids spent hours pouring over every page of this thing, seeking all the exciting little details that were hidden in the illustrations. The story is fun, the illustrations ravishing-- it's a joy to read to a 4 or 5 or 6-year-old, and older kids will enjoy reading it themselves. Seeing the prices on available copies, I'd better hang onto our tattered copy for eventual grand-kids....

I have always loved this book. It is for anyone with a vivid imagination. I first saw it fifteen years ago and still read it today. It is one of those classic books like "The Battle of Otok" "Trumpets in Grumpetland" or any other great children's adventure.

The illustrations are really good in this book. I especially liked the keys on some pages that explain the many details in the pictures. I like the hidden faces in every picture. I like the Grumpets and Trumpets and their battles between bad and good. I like the maps. All aged kids would like this book and its companion, Grumpets in Trumpetland.

hello my name is nick thomas,
When i was a younger child (i am now a teenager) i owned the book trouble for trumpets. Recently i have remembered the book and realized i have lost it and have not looked at it for a long long time. it was always my favourite book and i still wish to find another one, but the sad part is that it is now too much for a book i once owned. i highly recommend this book for anyone that has a superb imagination. this book inspired my life deeply. I am still tempted to find that book and for anyone looking for one go for it , that book was amazing.
thank you for your time.
Nicholas James Thomas

The English cultivate a talent that we Americans, for all our inherent charms, lack. Consider for a moment the picture books of artists like Graeme Base or Peter Cross. In both their works, lush full-color illustrations are filled to overflowing with hidden details, small clues, and minor hilarities on almost every page. Of course, for all Base's charms, he can't hold a candle to Cross's work on the "Trumpets" series. I've never run across a picture book, no matter how beautifully illustrated, that sported the illustrator's name before the author's on the book's cover. "Trouble For Trumpets" is the first I've seen to do this, and deservedly so. Fairly reeking of its own Englishness, the story tells of a battle between good and evil in a fairly Redwallian manner. It's not for the plot that you'll be reading this book, however, but for the journey that takes you through its pages.

Podd welcomes you right from the start. He's a Trumpet, which is to say that he's a rather adorable creature that enjoy the summers and hibernates during the winters. Trumpets have a well-organized society and must continually protect themselves from the opposing Grumpet army. Grumpets are like Trumpets but they prefer the cold and dark and are intent on conquering the Trumpet land. In this particular tale, Podd and his friend Livingstone are on a bit of a vacation when they come across a Grumpet submarine. While the rest of the Trumpets are traipsing off to hibernate, Podd is intent on discovering what the Grumpets are up to. He spies on them and is captured rather quickly before he can ascertain the nature of the Grumpet "secret weapon". Fortunately, Podd is able to make a daring escape, warn the Trumpet army, and participate in a truly epic battle between Trumpet and Grumpet forces. In the end, the Trumpets win and Podd is allowed a much-deserved nap of his own.

The story, such as it is, is nothing much to crow about. Traces of "The Borrowers", "Redwall", and "Brambly Hedge" come to mind in its narrative. None of this is to say that the story is poorly written. I'm just pointing out that the real winner here is illustrator Peter Cross. I spent literally half an hour inspecting as many little tiny details as I could in a single picture, and I probably haven't even scratched the surface of what there is to find here. Cross makes references to Magritte and M.C. Escher, places little numbers all over the pictures with a corresponding key at the bottom of large color spreads, and is shockingly accurate when it comes to the flora and fauna of the British countryside. Mice, birds, insects, and reptiles are rendered completely realistically here. You can make out every little feather on his English Robin's breast and for some it will come as no surprise that starlings are the birds most used by Grumpets. And just in case you're feeling particularly in need of entertainment, Cross has hidden 22 faces amongst his illustrations throughout the book, as well as including a Grumpet alphabet for translating secret messages. Whew!

It's very sad to say, but the nearest American equivalent to Cross's work would have to be Martin Handford's, "Where's Waldo" books. And like "Waldo", I'm more than certain that if the "Trumpets" series achieved the same level of popularity, it would be banned just as quickly for the same reasons. Do you remember when some overly protective parent got "Waldo" banned because in one of the pictures featured a woman leaping out of her bikini top? Well, should a reissue of "Trouble For Trumpets" ever come to America's muddle-headed attention, the two pictures of topless female Trumpets (they're pin-ups and not grotesque or even particularly noticeable) would undoubtedly turn a few heads. By the way, don't go picking up this book if you're looking for strong female characters. The only gals you're going to find here are nurses, mothers, ladies on the wireless (tip o' the hat to World War II), and little girls. No fighters nor independent gals. We're talking 1940s roles for women. So eschew the book if you don't dig the archaic use of ladies.

I've hardly scratched the surface of what there is to find in this book. If you look at the cover you'll see references to future illustrations, a ladybug processional, Celtic Trumpets, machines to bowl over Rube Goldberg.... the list goes on and on. Undoubtedly some people will claim that the "Trumpet" series is too British for Americans. I disagree. If Alfred A. Knopf will do Mr. Cross the honor of republishing this title, I think we might all be pleasantly surprised by the reception it receives. In case that never happens though, let's just enjoy the book for what it is. A rousing gem to be treasured by those few who know about it.

This is the first book in Terry Pratchett's Bromeliad Trilogy, and it gets the series started well. It is about a group of nomes who live in a department store--but they have lived there so long that they have forgotten there is a world outside. The only problem is that the store will be demolished in 21 days. It's up to a group of just 8 outside nomes to convince thousands of stubborn people to leave a place they think is the entire universe, then hijack a truck and leave. This book has a perfect blend of humor, mystery, and plot, but the in my opinion the greatest element is the characters. The seemingly emotionless yet somehow smug spaceship computer known only as the Thing provides a touch of science in a world whose inhabitants don't even know what the word "thousand" means. Dorcas del Icatessen, the mad scientist of the nomes, who has complete control over the store elevator system. Angalo de Haberdasheri, who is fanatic about the possibility of life outside the store and has a pet rat named Bobo, and finally Grannie Morkie, the annoyingly apocalyptic nome elder. The final scene, in which hundreds of nomes wielding levers, pullies, and wires manages to hijack a truck and drive it on a chaotic romp through the city, might be one of the cleverest and funniest scenes in the history of fiction. One of the greatest quotes: "Give me a big enough lever, and a firm enough place to stand, and I could move the Store." The next two books in the trilogy are even greater, and do a good job of developing the already marvelous characters.

Pratchett is best known for his off-the-world Discworld yarns, but he also has produced a number of highly engaging, wryly funny, and thoroughly humane novels for younger readers. This one, the first of the "Bromeliad" trilogy, introduces the "nomes," four-inch-high people (well, humanoids) who live on highway medians and under the floors of buildings. They live fast (ten years is a very advanced age for a nome) and humans strike them as slow and stupid. Masklin, in escaping danger in the back of a truck with the last remnants of his tribe, finds himself in the Store -- "Arnold Bros. (est. 1905)" -- where there are thousands of nomes. These are divided into contending tribes by store departments, live a good life in the Food Hall, and worship Arnold Bros. And then he becomes aware that the store is about to be demolished. The strength of the story is Masklin's struggle to convince everyone else of the danger when most of them don't even believe in the existence of Outside, and then to organize an exodus by stealing a truck and learning to operate it. (Think lots of long levers, pulleys, and bits of string.) But the nomes turn out not to be "little people" at all. The nomes' interpretation of the signs they see will give you thoughtful pause, as will their unthinking belief in a nome-centered God in the sky. Or on the top floor. Pratchett fans will enjoy this, regardless of their age.

These books (Truckers, Diggers, and Wings) are a fun romp! Well thought out, well told, with a liberal dose of humor. If you have read any of Terry Pratchett's "Disc World" books, you'll love this light hearted series....

Terry Pratchett's Bromeliad trilogy is a mix of childlike fantasy and offbeat SF. While the opening book, "Truckers" lags in places and takes quite some time to really get moving, it's imaginative and very funny. Certainly it's a good place to start off with Pratchett's fiction.

Masklin and the other nomes are tiny people who scavenge on the streets, and now there are only a handful of them left. In an act of desperation, they climb into a lorry and ride to... The Store. Also known as Arnold Bros (est. 1905), where a complex civilization of nomes (about two thousand) live in semi-peace and prosperity. They either are dazzled by the idea of "Outside," or insist that the whole world is in Arnold Bros (est. 1905).

Seemingly, everything is fine for Masklin and his friends, especially when the mysterious Thing (a black box that is a spaceship's flight computer) comes to life and tells them more about their history. But suddenly their world is disrupted by the news of "All Things Must Go -- Final Sales." Now the nomes must escape the Store and find yet another place to live.

Tiny people living in a department store? Who are from another planet? That is something that could have bombed easily and hideously. But it doesn't, at least not in "Truckers." Clever plot elements like the sign-based religion (they take "everything under one roof" seriously!) and the department-based clans (Stationari, Corsetri) keep this unlikely plot afloat.

While "Truckers" is a self-contained story in itself, it has plenty of loose threads (mostly involving the Thing and the origins of the nomes) at the end, for the second and third books of the trilogy. The writing has Pratchett's usual sparseness and wit; the only problem is that it takes forever for the nomes to do anything. At least it's a fun slow ride. The wacky truck drive near the end is one of the best parts of the book.

Masklin and his nome band (especially the indefatigable, vaguely frightening Granny) serve as a good window into the nome civilization, since they're learning about it too. The better-off nomes are a bit snottier but eager to explore the Outside. But the Thing steals the show; despite being just a computer, it has a better idea than the nomes what is going on.

"Truckers" will delight fans of Pratchett, but you don't need to be a fan already to enjoy this story. While the plot takes awhile to go anywhere, the quirky characters and wonderful worldbuilding make it worthwhile.

Truckers is the first book of the Bromeliad trilogy (followed by Diggers and Wings).

Masklin and his family are the last ten nomes of their warren, devastated by cold, predators and hunger. Desperately, they set out on a last chance journey and climb up on one of the lorries of the humans.

What they'll soon discover is that this lorry has lead them to the Store of Arnold Bros (est. 1905), the home of thousands of other little nomes who, having never left the Store, think of the Outside as of nothing more than just another fairy tale. The coming of Masklin will be a great upheaval in their quiet lives. And as they learn that the Store is to be demolished, they make plans for their escape.

Although Truckers was originally written for a young audience, it's an enthralling adventure but also a story about understanding other people's ways and helping each other, and no doubt grown-ups will love it too. Because Terry Pratchett's unique sense of humour is lurking round every corner, especially when nomes try to interpret our human world... and what's more to make sense of it!

Great illustrations, characters and an amazing setting make Tut, Tut (Time Warp Trio) a fabulous find for young readers. There's plenty of laughs here for parents as well in this very well written novel.

Join Joe, Fred, Sam and Anna (Joe's sister) as they travel back to ancient Egypt through a book that lands them in quite a situation. The problem is that they need that same book to get back home, and they lost it!

There's non-stop adventure and some wonderful history that may well encourage young readers to seek out more information about this period of Egyptian history.

Recommended!

Time-traveling is not as cool as you think. Being mummified, being trapped in a secret room and having your friend almost eaten by a crocodile is not cool. But what is cool is being treated as a royal guest in Thutmose III's palace, sailing in his boat and teaching him basketball. So, if you like things that are cool and not, you should read this hilariously funny book.

The book was about three boys and a girl who go to Egypt through a book that one of the boys uncles gave him. They have to travel through Egypt and find the book to get back home and meet a little challenge along the way named Hatsnat. I liked this book because we had just learned about Egypt so that made it better to understand.

This book is exciting. You always want to turn the page. It is funny and interesting.It takes place in ancient Egypt.In Tut Tut there is a girl named Annie. She is 6 and two brothers. I would tell you to read it.The name is Tut Tut.

I give this book five stars because it is very funny. It is also adveturous. The characters in this story (Joe, Fred, Sam) get in a lot of trouble and Sam almost gets eaten by a crocodile. I don't want to say more because I want you to read it for your self. I don't want to spoil the surprise.

This is a sweet loving story about how despite her little brother's disability an older sister sees nothing "wrong" with the way he is.

Poignant yet simple book for teaching siblings about Down Syndrome. My students loved it!

We'll Paint the Octopus Red is a book about a little girl named Emma, who is going to become a big sister soon. Through the first half of the book Emma and her dad talk about all of the things, she is going to be able to do with her new little brother. She wants to kick the ball, go on safari in Africa, and paint the octopus. Then when her little brother is born, her dad tells her that he has Down Syndrome. She then thinks of all the things she wanted to do, and tells her dad she guesses he will not be able to do those things after all. Then her dad and her go through each thing and decide that if they are patient and take time with her new brother, he will be able to do all of those things in life. Therefore, Emma decides that Downs will not be that big of a deal, and goes to see her little brother at the hospital, and tells him that she will teach him to paint the octopus red when he is older. The end of the book also has questions and answers for children about Down Syndrome.

A little girl eagerly anticipates the birth of her little sister and she pictures all the things they will do together. When her sister is born with Downs Syndrome, she must realize that they won't be able to do all of those things, but there are still fun things they can do together and be loving siblings.

This is a very positive book that is excellent for a child with a special need-learning to love your sibling no matter what and finding things to do with her has to be one of the hardest parts for any big sister, and this book lovingly shows how to do that. Excellent for read aloud and early readers, up through about 3rd grade.

I bought this book while pregnant because I'm sure that someday my daughter will have questions about her big brother who has Down syndrome. I'm hoping that this book will help both of them understand why when the day comes that she is able to do things that he hasn't learned yet. Being only 23 months apart, I felt the need to be prepared as soon as possible.

This is a beautiful book that very sweetly explains that delays don't mean that someone will never be able. I like the fact that this book doesn't dwell on the negatives of a Down syndrome diagnosis, but also includes the idea that Mom & Dad may be sad. I hope that my daughter someday cherishes the book and why I bought it for her.

The author takes the reader into the lives and experiences of Alvaro & Shawn. This is a very moving story.

It took me longer than usual to read this book. Not that it wasn't good, because it was; I just didn't want to continuously read and cry at the same time! I'm usually sensitive to matters like this but the fact that this story is realistic made finishing the book at my two day record time...difficult. I was so pleased to read Alvaro and Shawn were able to heal and live their lives. I commend the writer for going through the depths of the healing process with these young men and bringing that experience to the readers. Excellent book! I recommend this to others but make sure you have tissue handy!

Purchased this book for my husband who was burned 42 years ago. He really enjoyed the book and re-living thru this book everything that he had gone thru--only technology was not as good then. He read the book in 2 days he was that interested in it. Recommend it to everyone to see just how terrifying being burned really is.

I couldn't put the book down!

Be prepared to feel the full range of emotions: love and hope for the two young men, awe and gratitude for the medical staff, and rage towards the arsonists (and towards their family/friends who covered for them).

The book left me thinking long after I had finished it.

The book "After the fire" is one of the most heartfelt, moving stories that I have ever read. It is the story of the fire at Seton Hall University's (in New Jersey) freshman dormitory that left 58 people injured and 3 people dead. Among the 58 people injured were roomates Shawn Simons and Alvaro Llanos. The book concentrates on them and their comeback from being severly injured. Both were severely burned, and required extensive stays in the hospital (Alvaro also went to a rehabilitation center)before they were able to return to society. Their casual friendship turns into a deep bond as they encounter their setbacks in re-entering the world together.
This book moved me to tears several times as it described what Alvaro and Shawn had to go through to get to where they are today. There is a special place in heaven for the victims of burns, as well as for the Doctors and nurses who choose to treat burn victims. "After the fire" introduces you to many memorable characters in the hospitals who are truly unsung heros. It also discusses the story of the detectives who finally bring the arsonists to justice in their trial in 2007.
This book has been my favorite read of 2008 so far. You will not be able to put it down. I hope the author, Robin Gaby Fisher, writes more books. Her first one has been unforgettable.

So pleased with the product, the company I purchased it from,the prompt delivery everything was first rate.

My husband is one of Betty's nephews.All of the sisters had an incredible wit about them - probably because of their mother Sidney Bard. She did a wonderful job raising her children with out her beloved husband Darcy. It's too bad the children and grandchildren didn't learn lessons from Betty's books. She would be sad to see the way the family turned out.

It's just so heartening to know that others love Betty MacDonald's books as much as I do. I've been giving Anybody Can Do Anything as my female gift book of this year.

we get the story of what she and the children did with themselves.

Her father had been a mining engineer, and although he died fairly young he had been able to save quite a bit; her mother had come from a 'good' East Coast family--not REALLY rich, but apparently quite well off. Betty and her siblings had grown up in large houses with music and dance lessons. However, the Great Depression reduced the family's portfolio to wastepaper. The children had never been taught to actually *do* anything, and actually going out to work for a living was something that they (especially the daughters) had never thought that they would have to do.

The story of how they scrambled to make ends meet during the 1930s would have been grim, but the Bard family despises self-pity above all other faults, and Betty is able to find humor in any situation.

After women having to work to survive during the 1930s, and having to work in the 1940s when all the men were off to war, is it any wonder that the women of this generation and their daughters wanted to retreat into domesticity during the 1950s?

This book is hard to find, so if you get the chance, snap it up!
This is a hilarious account of the author's life post-"Egg & I."
Betty moves from the chicken ranch back to her family's home in Seattle.
Sister Mary, undaunted by the fact that Betty has no experience, eagerly launches Betty's business career and social life.
The mishaps that ensue are absolutely hilarious.
Skillfully written, this book makes the Depression a laugh riot.
BUY IT!
I only wish that Betty had written more books.

My second grader who is a struggling reader had no problem with this book. He really enjoyed reading it. He was amazed at how much Ben Franklin accomplished, even at a young age. It inspired him to create his own invention book. I guess we will be buying more books in this series.

Ben Franklin and the Magic Squares
Author: Frank Murphy

Reviewed by: Brianna - a Stockbrideg Central School 3rd Grader
***


This book is about Benjamin Franklin. Benjamin was a very successful inventor. Ben invented: flippers in 1717, the Franklin stove in 1742, and found out that lightning was made of electricity. He all so started: America's first library, America's first fire station, and first hospital too he even helped Thomas Jefferson write and rewrite the declaration of Independence in 1776.
There is narration through out the book and on every page there is information. There is very little text so it is easy to read. The book is told as a story it starts when he is a boy and goes through his life. I like this book because it gives a lot of information. I recommend this book to children who would like to learn about Benjamin Franklin. So read the book or you will be missing out!!!

I love this book! It introduced me to magic squares. Sometimes they're hard but not always. I read the book in 3rd grade. We were doing math groups and Mrs. Wrigely said" Today we are doing Magic squares."
What is a magic square?" I asked.
"It is 9 cubes that all have to equal the same number." Mrs. Wrigely
And that's how I was introduced to magic squares. I recommend this book for kids 6 and above. I think that because some words may be a little challenging for kids that are 5 or 4.


Mitchell S. 4th grade

I THINK BEN FRANKLIN AND THE MAIGIC SQUARES IS A REALLY GOOD BOOK FOR KIDS. AND MAYBE PARENTS TOO. I READ MOST OF HIS BOOKS. HE WAS MY TEACHER IN 4TH GRADE. HE IS A VERY GOOD WRITER I THINK. HE WRITES AMAZINGLY AMAZING BOOKS. HE IS A REALLY GOOD TEACHER.


RYAN .B
HOLLAND

what other book can make math interesting? and funny? Mr. Murphy has done it once again with his fabulous work! A++++++++++++!
-Stephanie
Connecticut

I love fairy tales and I love when they are reimagined even though I am 32 ! This one was very well done except it does lag a bit at times! If you are looking for a classic Jack and the Beanstalk you will be sadly disappointed because while all the elements are there they are very different ! This book was fairly enjoyable and would have got 5 stars but for the lagging but it is not enough for people to skip this book because if you do you will be missing a enjoyable book!

Crazy jack was good I thought it wasn't bad. I couldn't put the book down I just keep reading it until I finish it. I thought the character was hard working and every happier. But one summer there was a drought and every farmer on the village was desperate for rain. The rain never came and jack family couldn't grow anything so his father made a trade with the other farmer for half of their farm. Jack mother was kind of angry but their nothing she can do. One day Jack was talking to his father and say that there is a plot of gold at the end of the rainbow. If they would get the gold they wouldn't have anything to worried about. So one raining night Jack father say to Jack that if Jack want to plot of gold his father will get it for him. So he left and Jack went after him trying go stop him from going to try to get the gold but he couldn't stop his father. His fathers walk of a cliff and climb the cliff until he disappeared Jack follow him, but stop half way the cliff father that he never seem his father again. In the morning he found him self-back at his house with his mom and flora. For the next seven years around autumn his would go to the same cliff and try to climb the cliff by slamming his body to the cliff and people started to call him crazy Jack. During the celebrating of autumn his mother told him to go and trade their cow for some thing good. But he trades the cow for some bean. He grows the bean and climbs the tree to the top and fined this beautiful lady up there the lady gave him a chicken. The second time a plot of gold they're more but u have to read.
I think this book is a good book to read

This book by Donna Jo Napoli is a very good twist on the classic, Jack and the Beanstalk. It's really well written. I liked this book a lot.

Crazy jack was good I thought it wasn't that bad. I would recommend this book for the fifth and sixth graded. I just keep reading it until I finish it. I thought the character was hard working and every happier. But one summer there was a drought and every farmer on the village was desperate for rain. The rain never came and jack family couldn't grow anything so his father made a trade with the other farmer for half of their farm. One day Jack was talking to his father and say that there is a plot of gold at the end of the rainbow. If they would get the gold they wouldn't have anything to worried about. So one raining night Jack father say to Jack that if Jack want to plot of gold his father will get it for him. So he left and Jack went after him trying go stop him from going to try to get the gold but he couldn't stop his father. His fathers walk of a cliff disappeared into the midst Jack follow him, but stop halfway the to cliff his father was gone. That was the last time he ever seem his father again. For the next seven years around autumn his would go to the same cliff. Jack tries to climb the cliff by slamming his body to the cliff and then people started to call him crazy Jack. During the celebrating of autumn his mother told him to go and trade their cow for some thing good. But he trades the cow for some bean. He grows the bean and climbs the tree to the top and fined this beautiful lady up there the lady gave him a chicken. The second time a plot of gold that not gold but stone the third time his found a harp.

Napoli is a master at her work, so that every time I pick up one of her books, I am astounded by its beauty and characterization, its personality and reverence for the human soul.
The Brothers Grimm will tell you what happened to Jack when he climbed up the beanstalk, but Donna Jo Napoli will actually take you there. I marvel at her well-placed words, her ingenious ideas, her deeper meanings. For example, in Crazy Jack, there is a continual allusion to rainbows, and when Jack plants the famous beanstalk, the beans he got from the fairy are violet, indigo, blue, green, yellow, orange, and red. After the drought in the beginning, rainbows come and dance across the sky. When Jack climbs up the beanstalk for the second time, he sees a rainbow that no one else there can see because of a former curse on the giant by a fairy whose gold he tried to plunder. The giant's domain from then on was to be only seen in varying shade of grayish-gold, to remind him of his foolish greed. But Jack can see the rainbow, indicating indirectly to us that gold is not all Jack cares about. Invariably, that rainbow above the clouds on Jack's second visit leads to a pot of gold, which Jack then steals from the giant and hurries with back down the beanstalk. We come upon a very strong symbol in every instance. Rainbows are crazy hopes and crazy dreams and a crazy wish that will never be: to find that eluding pot of gold!

Jack's father also plays a pretty big role in the story. He had worked hard, and taken wagers (gambling) when odd jobs weren't enough, but still it was not sufficient to stave off the hardships of a farmer's family during drought. When 9-year old Jack see his father climb the cliff singing and never return, he was near to driven mad by greif. Years later, he still fights against his confusion and despair, and seeks a way to, somehow, follow his father to the clouds.

The reason I so admire Ms. Napoli is for the ingenuity and passion with which she writes. Her words have such conviction, that when you are through, you are sure the whole tale must really have occurred in that far off little place in England because by that point, you are too drawn in for common sense. Once you enter into Jack's world, you won't want to put down the book for fear of missing what he might do next. You'll be rooting for him all the way up the beanstalk!

Since Amy Candler was built in a lab, she was made specially so that it was impossible for her to get sick. For all her life, Amy has never had a single disease--not even a cold. And whenever she gets a scab, it instantly fades away. But now, things are a little different. After visiting a mysterious teens' club, Amy begins to feel odd. Her special abilities aren't working, she can't think straight, and she's always passing out. Tasha and Eric are worried for their friend. They have no idea how to cure her. And if they don't figure out a way to make her better soon, their closest friend might not be able to live.

This Replica book can only be described in one word--chilling. Throughout the whole novel, you feel "chilling" as you wonder if Amy will survive and what could possibly be making her sick. I was pretty surprised at the end, although some people will easily be able to figure it out. The plot was good, but there's one scene in this book that's absolutely amazing where Amy has a vision of all the dead people she's experienced in her life. I don't know why, but that part really made me enjoy what I was reading. You should read it too!

This was an excellent book. I was glad it was so good, since the last two, I didn't care for particularly, but this one renewed my interest in the series. My guess at what was going on was totally wrong. I liked the way Amy thought everyone was against her, that was cool. I recommend this book, without a shadow of a doubt, to anyone who is into this series. You can't miss it.

This is a great book in the series.So great I can't put down. Amy,the "perfect" clone gets a fever.what is this all about? Is it the new club in town which might be giving kids drugs?Or maybe something is affecting her in a way or another?

The nineth book in the Replica series. Amy is a perfect human clone with superior hearing, smelling, seeing, and health. She has never been sick, shes never even had a cold! But in this book Amy catches a deadly virus and her friends and family believe a tycoon guy who just opened a teen nightclub may have been putting drugs in the kids drinks. That is the only explaination and since they have never seen drugs in Amy system (she doesnt go to regular doctors) they dont know what is going to happen. But there is more that I cant tell you! Youll have to read it. But it was a great story and I would recommend it for anyone.

Amy and Tasha are excited - Nancy Candler's very good friend and colleague Dr. David Hopkins has come to Los Angeles. And he has agreed to pierce the girls' ears! The girls are thrilled - but Amy is puzzled when it hurts her so much, especially since pain is never a problem for her. Soon after, Amy starts to get a bad fever and starts hallucinating. Tasha, although she knows Amy is a clone and shouldn't be seen by anyone who could figure it out, calls a doctor to take some blood from Amy. Soon after, Tasha realises it was the wrong decision. She needs to think of something fast, so she pulls Amy into the closet and gets into her bed, and even though she hates needles she doesn't make a sound when the doctor arrives and gives her the shot, and luckily, Tasha's quick change of mind produces a "normal" reading on the tests - something the orginization was hoping would show something of Amy's special genetic makeup! --This is one of the three best books in the series! I was impressed! Marilyn Kaye did a fantastic job on this one!