Schools Books

I was supposed to read one of Jordan Sonnenblick's books this summer as he is coming to visit next year. I wasn't too excited at first as I had never heard of him and that usually means a red "X" in my book. But this book is one the best I have read so far this summer. I almost cried several times, like when Jeffy sent Steven that note and when Samantha had died. Jeffery was such a cute and generous brother, yet I still understood how he was annoying. Steven was an engaging character with a ton of wit and sarcasm up his sleeve. I enjoyed how he and Annette got together at the end(but who didn't see that coming?)and liked how Renee (who had a really big ego)became friends with Steven and cared about him. I found the scenes where Steven was suffering and crying the most painful to read, and I began to ponder about life and how lucky we all are. This book really opened a window for me, and I'm thankful for that. I only have one problem,and that is how much the author uses "rents" in his book. I have never heard any kid my age use that in reference to their parents. But I think that Mr. Sonnenblick caputured the speech and actions of the teenager well, so that's a plus, considering how little I can relate to a lot of the teen/real-world fiction books that pervade the market. In all, this book was so enjoyable and so good that I'll probably read all his other books. Well done!

Sorry, I just didn't find this book realistic at all. The author tries very hard, but does not succeed in writing a well written book about childhood cancer.

It is extremely hard to do and the author was very unsuccessful with this book.

Skip it!

This book is about an 8th grade kid trying to deal with life: school, girls, and playing in the band. He is the lead drummer for the all-city band. However, this all changes when his brother gets cancer. His whole life is turned upside-down. now he has to deal with school, girls, band, and a brother with cancer. It is an intriuging book and easy to read. I would reccomend it to someone in middle school or, maybe, in the early years of high school.

Drums, Girls and Dangerous Pie is a realistic- fiction book where a kid named Steven finds out his little brother has leukemia. On top of that Steven has school, drums, and girls to think about. I gave Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie a rating of 5 out of 5 stars because it was one of the best books i have ever read. It makes you cry and laugh at the same time. I like books were i can not predict the ending and this was definitely one of those books. Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie is a heartwarming book that left me thinking about the difficulties of having someone with cancer in your family. I mean imagine having cancer or the medical bills that need to be paid. What about the family falling apart? Find out about this and much more in Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie by Jordan Sonnenblick.

As if being a 13-year-old, eighth grade male isn't bad enough, (there's girls to impress, homework to catch up on, drums to practice), try finding out your five-year-old brother has leukemia. It started the morning Steven left his little brother, Jeffrey, on a stool while he made his "moatmeal." Jeffrey fell and the bleeding started. Their mother races out the front door to take Jeffrey to the emergency room with an ice pack on his nose. Steven dreads the lecture he knows he'll get once he's home from school. Instead he's told his mother and brother will be leaving for Philadelphia and tests.

Steven tries to hold it together. But before long, he's feeling invisible, left out, guilty, angry. lonely, helpless, and wondering "what's the point?" His mother is totally wrapped up in caring for Jeffrey, his dad has become a worried zombie, and there's nothing Steven can do to help. Or is there?

For me, the single most important criteria for a gold star book is that it must make me "feel". It must make me reevaluate life as I see it, and wonder if I'm doing all I can to 1)appreciate my own blessings, and 2)make life better for others. This book does that and more. Jordan Sonnenblick gives the reader an honest, gritty look into the life of a family dealing with childhood cancer. He does it with amazing sympathy and humor. My 13-year-old son recommended this book to me. Two of his friends read it as well. If you haven't had the chance to read DRUMS GIRLS & DANGEROUS PIE, I highly recommend it.

I thought this book looked more like how to be a feminist than anything else. I was so disappointed that it doesnt deal with issues my daughter cares about. She wasnt even interested in flipping through it. What a waste of money.

Finally a book that addresses womens' issues and presents them in an easy-to-read and fun format for young women! It's important that girls know about these issues at an early age to help them realize their potential. This book is full of facts, quotes and stories, making it interesting to read and easy to pick up where you left off. Stories from real women help make the author's points credible and understandable. The book doesn't just talk about issues, it actually gives girls ideas on how to put their beliefs into action. I found The Girls' Guide to Life very inspiring, informational and empowering! I can't wait for my daughter to read it, and I plan to recommend it to all of the young women in my life. - Dale Salvaggio Bradshaw, co-author of Firestarters: 100 Job Profiles to Inspire Young Women

The Girls Guide to Life by Catherine Dee contains a plethora of information and anecdotes for young girls and budding teens that are both entertaining and empowering. This primer for young girls deals with issues such as self esteem, empowerment in the workplace, social rights and obligations, and general life 101 lessons. The guide celebrates the empowerment of young females through a variety of activities and uses real life examples to address the issues that all young women face today. A great field guide to life's basics that every girl should read!

I think this is a good present for most teenage girls because it opens the door to further thought and purposeful decisions. Even if one is not a feminist, one could appreciate the information on topics like why sports are important, how to stay safe at home/school/street, and why math & science equals a bright future.

I appreciate the topics on self-esteem, what is physical beauty, and understanding and handling sexual harrasment.
Honestly, I wish this author would write similarly empowering and informational books for boys!

How refreshing to read a book which helps to elevate, educate and emancipate young girls of the world. This book speaks to young girls in a very human and comprehensible way. It teaches them how to be strong, yet not overbearing, healthy not bulimic, educated, self-motivated and just all round good citzens of the world.

The book is full of historical facts showing how females took on the world against all odds and succeeded. In the book readers are also treated with humorous cartoons, for instance their is a young lady who takes on the form of a puddle. At the end of the cartoon she is standing upright and shouting "I am not your doormat!" Its a beautiful evolution....

Also what impressed me are the worksheets and life exercises in the book. What a clever way for a young girl to track her progress, in addition getting life pointers and hints.

Help a young girl become a confident young lady - Give her this book!!!!!

Hats off to you Catherine!!! Keep em coming.....

I never did have the chance to read much of the Xanth novels, but this is a sheerly adorable story that fits the wit and humor of Xanth as well as good ol'fashioned romantic comedy. Our heroine is a strange, beautiful creature, the daughter of a harpy and a gobling--therefore, she isn't quite sure what she is and if she will find her life's companion. The book is full of funs, whimsical fantasies, and some of the most charming characters one will ever come across. Anthony's writing is sparkling and funny, and leads out his unconventional romance with plenty of confidence.

Gloha's quest to find a suitable husband leads her across several areas of Xanth. She interacts with a number of characters from previous novels in the series, as well as many new ones. As usual, the Good Magician's Answer is initially unclear to the main characters, but figuring out what he meant is a mini-quest that connects her to people she will need to complete her primary quest.

If you've enjoyed other novels in the Xanth series, you'll like this one too. If you haven't tried Xanth yet, and are willing to endure many puns, you'll find an enjoyable trip through a magical land. The story works its way into being a fine light romance with some interesting twists.

I love the Xanth series, and this was no exception. I don't recommend this book for anyone who hates puns, though, as it is chock full of them, just like the others. As usual, Mr. Anthony provides characters who are fantastic, yet we Mundanes can indentify with. Who hasn't felt that they don't belong? Or wondered how they will find a sould mate? We have all had a crush we know can't work out. But most of us have not had to deal with these things while on an adventure through a magical land while solving riddles and running from dragons. If you liked other Xanth novels, you'll like this one. And, best of all, this series can be read out of order. I don't recommend it, but it can be done. Pick up any Xanth book, and you will enjoy it.

Harpy Thyme is beautiful beyond the amazing illustrations on the cover. Piers Anthony takes the story of a Xanth maiden who is alternately accepted and rejected by both species of her family. When she goes in search of a suitable mate, the young goblin-harpy gets more than she bargained for from Good Magician Humphrey. If you love Xanth and/or a good yarn, check this book out!

This book was recommended to me by a friend, and so I decided to check it out. I wasn't expecting it to be a spectacular read. boy, was I wrong! This is one of my favorite books of all time and I'm really eager to read all the other Xanth books. There a so many bad puns including a sar-chasm, Com Pewter, and a great deal of having secs (as in the abbreviation to seconds)! Harpy Thyme is a cute, funny, romantic book, and it's hilarious and fun to read! I'd recommend it to anyone!

A book I saw when working at the library and thought, someday, I'll need this book. 11 years later I did. Now, it's on a table in my family room, in honor of my father, Nick and yellow lab, Sammy, who both passed early this year, a few months apart and who were best buds.

This is such a sweet (and sad) book. I have it in my school library and it is a wonderful book for children to read. I love how the little boy loves his dog and the depth of his feelings. My son and I have reread it everytime we have had to say goodby to one of our beloved pets. I gave this book to our family vet recently and this is the one he liked best for his young son. I highly recommend it.

Read it cried as usual. Great for my daughter. Did not do much for me on the healing process.

Of the three books I purchased for my two young friends (boys, aged 6 and 10) who was experiencing the loss of their life-time friend, Charlie-the beagle... this was the BEST BOOK of the three.
The pictures are wonderful, the text simple but meaningful, and most of all.. it tells us all that we should love and express that love while our 'friends' are with us. "I'll Always Love You" brought tears to even the adults reading it with the children; also a good lesson that it ok to cry and grief for our four-legged friends even if we are a grownup.
I'd recommend this book for any age child.

Sweet story. The best book I've seen so far to handle, in a children's story way, the death of a dog. The kid moves on pretty fast. That was the only discordant part for me, but i think i understand where the author was going with that...we don't need things to help us remember (except for me, i have the worst memory ever). Extremely cute illustrations. I am 36 years old and I cried when I read it. I had a best pal like the kid in the book, who lived with me for 13 years until July 2007. The ham hitting the floor reminded me of my buddy. Other books I found helpful, as an adult, before and after having to choose the time and day to let my best friend go. The authors give some contacts and advice if you are hitting a wall with your grief and how to take care of yourself. The Loss of a PetandGrieving the Death of a Pet, i also saw a journal for remembering that i am planning to buy. My Personal Pet Remembrance Journal.

Fantasy. Young elementary.

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

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

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

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

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

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

I read this book when I was about 12 or 13, it was soo good that I actually read it 3 times. I highly recomend this book to anyone who likes adventure.

This book is about a dog named Kävik who gets in a air plane crash and survives but the crude doesn't and a boy named Andy finds this wolf-like dog abandon from the plane crash and saves him but Kävik is very badly injured with broken rids and his back left leg. The doctor of the town called Copper City fixes Kävik.

This book takes place in Alaska. Kävik gets taken away from is loving family. My favorite part of this book was when Kävik finds his way back to his way back up north through impossible Glaciers and rugged trine and had to travel 2000 miles to find his loving family in Copper City. In the book the Theme I personal think its never give up hope cause Kävik never gave up hope on finding his family even with a dislocated hip didn't stop Kävik . I liked all the hard ships Kävik had to go through like fighting another wolf to win his mate (who dies in the book) and traveling 2000 miles I would change nothing.

Hi Kavik

I am doing a report on Kavik The Wolf dog. Written by Walt Morey . It takes place in Alaska and Washington State ; the main characters are Kavik, Andy, and George Hunter

Bye Kavik

Kavik the Wolf dog is about a dog that just won a big sled dog race a rich man named George Hunter (who lives in Seattle) he wanted him because he won. A man named Smiley John came to pick up Kavik and put him on the plane. Kavik got put in a big cage. The plane ended up crashing. The men died. But Kavik was still alive, until Andy found him.

Do you like this book?

I like this book because it is full of action like shooting and dog fights. This book is very good. It is sad sometimes. There are parts were you feel like you are right with Kavik like when Kavik was very sick in the first part of the story. This book has a lot of heart jumping parts in it, like when Andy was going to shoot Kavik and Kavik was still alive. Also when Kavik got a girlfriend I think that Walt Morey did a very good job in the middle of the story I liked the middle of the story.

Recommend or not

I like this book because I like dogs and stories that keep your eyes glued to the pages. I would recommend this book to all my friends and give it a five star

This book is the most exciting book I have ever read. It had four things that I loved, the author uses colorful words, I was on the edge of my seat, I wanted to read more books of this author, and last but not least I always have a clear picture in view. I love this book and I hope you will too!

Kavik won the north american and George C. Hunter wated to buy him. So George bought him and put him on a plane. The plane crashed during a storm. The crash killed the pillot and threw Kavik from the plane. An almost dead dog lie there in an iron cage when Andy Evans found him. Andy took him home and nursed him back to health. Kavik was physicaly fit but not afraid of a lot off things.Grorge came back to Alaska for his dog. Andy didn't want to give him up. George took Kavik on a boat across the bay. Kavik was so sad.I enjoyed this book so much but the ending could be better. You dicide.

Reviewed by Anne Marie Medema (age 12) for Reader Views (7/08)

Mary O'Hara is an excellent author because she ties in real things that happen into a fictional family. The breeds of horses O'Hara writes about are real and it is obvious she is educated in each horse's individual characteristics. O'Hara writes using authentic western language terms. In "My Friend Flicka" the story comes alive to the reader as O'Hara writes with much description about the farm, the horses and life out West. O'Hara weaves into her story punishment and reward in real times -- the reward of a boy's joy when he finally receives his filly.

Can you tame a wild heart? The cover states it well. This question explains "My Friend Flicka" to the reader. It is a book about taming both a young boy and a horse. The storyline begins with Ken on a horse ride. While riding, Ken loses many different horse articles. Ken's father had been an army officer and thus raised Ken with firmness and strictness. He demanded respect. Ken has always been dreaming of a horse of his own.

Due to poor grades in school and a missed assignment about horses Ken must repeat a grade in school. His father requires Ken to complete an hour of homework a day throughout the entire summer. Ken's brother gets him in trouble by asking many questions that Ken must answer and tell the truth.

One day Ken scares his father's horses towards a landslide. One horse cuts the other horses off so none of them fall off and are saved. Ken's mother encourages his father to give his son a horse. Ken's father finally gives him a chance to care for a colt or filly. Ken chooses a colt that is a yearling. Since there are many yearlings to choose from, Ken anxiously awaits to make a choice.

The doctor arrives at their farm because four horses need to be gelded. Gelded means the horse can not reproduce and is done to the stallions. The procedure was so horrible and so much blood lost that one of the horses dies due to the gelding. The colts act sad after the gelding. Ken is greatly disturbed by it. This incident means Ken will choose a filly for his horse.

Rocket is a wild horse who has a filly named Flicka. Ken sees Flicka and falls in love with her and wants her. Flicka is caught for Ken. One day Flicka falls sick. After she is sick, Ken finds Flicka in a river lying down ill on a cold night. By the morning, Ken is sick and Flicka's fever is gone. Ken's father wants to kill Flicka but decides against it. Flicka turns into a well-bred horse and a companion for Ken. Flicka and Ken grow up together and learn life lessons from each other.

"My Friend Flicka" by Mary O'Hara is a great book I would recommend for young and old alike. Boys and girls who have a love for ranches, horses and the outdoors would particularly enjoy the storyline. I have read many books in my life time and I rank this one as one of the best. Break-in a book called "My Friend Flicka" and gallop away from the world.

I have to give this book 5 stars. Mary O'Hara wrote an incredibly beautiful story about a struggling family. Many of the details of the story are so true to life. As an adult reading this story, I found the details about the parents to be more interesting than the story of the horse and the boy. O'Hara really understands the concerns of a parent for a struggling child and it's very true to life in the book. Many important issues are touched upon in this book too; responsibility for our domestic animals, love for people and animals, doing our duty in our every day life are all there with out being mushy and sentimental. O'hara also paints a vivid picture of Wyoming and old-time ranch life. It makes me wish it was still like that, so I could visit it. This is another great book for a read aloud family time.

Although he made his audio book debut just two readings ago, stage, screen and television actor Michael Louis Wells is in full command of the metier with his narration of the classic My Friend Flicka. Many will remember the story as a film with Roddy McDowall, as a TV series or as a current film. Wells is on a par with all of the actors who have undertaken bringing this touching tale to life. The reason for the story's many incarnations is obvious - it is one of our best-loved books and well deserves its place among others that are enjoyed from generation to generation, such as Treasure Island and Mutiny on the Bounty.

Pivotal to O'Hara's story is Ken and his seeming laissez faire attitude. Where his mind is his father, Rob, certainly doesn't know. He's a young boy who would much rather just look out a window than study his arithmetic. He should have studied because his report card is so poor that he's doomed to repeat a grade. Rob undoubtedly wonders whether he'll even catch on the second time around.

Their home is Wyoming's Goose Bar Ranch and Rob is working hard to make a go of it. He doesn't need a son who seems given to daydreams. Then, along comes Flicka, a beautiful chestnut filly, with a wild streak inherited from her sire. Ken is certain he can tame Flicka, and so begins the unforgettable relationship between a boy and his horse.

O'Hara wrote a follow-up to her story, Thunderhead, but it never achieved the popularity of My Friend Flicka, a timeless story to be enjoyed over and over again.

- Gail Cooke

This is a very good book. My granddaughter really enjoyed it.

I am in the middle of lstening to this book. Its detailed descriptions of ranch life and horses are quite compelling. But what surprised me was the absolutely accurate description of a boy with ADD. This book was written some two decades before attention deficit disorder gained anyone's attention, but O'Hara's descriptions of Ken's behavior are absolutely consistent.

And then O'Hara answers the question of what to do about the condition: give the kid something he really wants to do and stand back. Of course, it helps that Ken has two wise and good-hearted parents; but then, maybe that is the start to solving most problems that children have.

A fine book on many levels, and a fine companion on the road for adult and child.

What a great book! I don't think it could have been written any better! I wish Pride's career didn't have to end, but it all worked out. I almost cried at the end, thinking that there was no more racing Pride to look foreward to. Pride did have an amazing career, and it came together in one amazing book!

Pride runs in the Breeder's Cup Classic and beats Lord Ainsley, Brad Townsend's horse. Just about to begin his racing season as a 5-year old, Pride almost dies because of complications from colic and is retired.

Will Pride have another great year? Wonders Pride has had the greatest year of his life. He has been winning big steak races all over the country. But deadly illiness are wating. First, Ashleigh Griffen and Mike Reesse, owner of Whitebrook Farm get married but not everything turns out right. Wonder has had her second foal, Townsend Princess. But on Ashleigh and Mikes wedding party, Charlie Burke, head trainer at Whitebrook Farm, who has helped Ashleigh and Samantha Mclean train Ashleighs Wonder, one of Townsend Acres best horses in her racing days and now a great broodmare. Wonders Pride, Wonders first foal. Pride has had a great racing career soo far, but can he keep it up?, Fleet Goddess, Ashleighs special mare. Won many stake races in her racing days. Everyone is devistated about Charlie's chances. If it wasnt for him, Ashleigh would have never been a great jockey and the first female to win the Kentucky Derby and Preakness. But Charlies death leads to more terrible things. Second Mr.Townsend wants Pride to be put as a stallion, but Ashleigh and Samantha convince him not to but Pride comes down with colic. A terrible disease that kills more horses than any other disease. Pride is rushed to the clinic where the doctor say Pride might not last the night. But Samantha wants Pride to live more than anything. So Samantha sleeps in Prides stall all night to keep him company and help him if he needs it. But when samantha wakes she scared, she wasnt with Pride. Read this book to find out if Pride made it or not. U can find me at Blades60@aol.com

Im soo happy Pride didnt die and Im also glad he wont be over raced no more and lives at Whitebrook. Pride is a great horse. How he wins and tries his hardest in his races and fights through the colic. He is one of Wonders best offsprings I know. He really has Wonders heart to win and please the ones he loves. I kinda wish he would still race but this will be best 4 him after he had a great racing career.[...]

This is a truly rare book in children's fiction; a well-written equestrian adventure that takes you into the fast-paced world of horse racing. There are parts of this book that will move you to tears, others will have you cheering on the edge your seat - even if that seat is an armchair. Unfortunately, Harper Collins has decided to end the series abruptly after #72. With such a dedicated following and online fan base with members from all over the world, this is a classic and beloved series that has inspired many people and provided horse fans with vicarious thrills and adventure. Ashleigh saved Wonder, now it's up to you to help save Thoroughbred. Go to www.whitebrookfarm.com and join the effort.

This is a cracking good Agatha Christie Miss Marple mystery. The plot of Miss Marple's helping to solve a mystery that is many years old and hinges on a young women's long-suppressed childhood memories is different and surprisingly believable. It kept me guessing right up til the end. Vocal characterizations are good, this is one mystery that will not disappoint fans of Dame Agatha.

The plot of Sleeping Murder revolves around New Zealander Gwenda and Englishman Giles, a young, newly-married couple. While Giles is traveling on business, Gwenda is charged with finding a house in the English countryside for the pair. She jaunts through the country on the errand, enjoying being a tourist as well as a house hunter. (She has never visited England before.) Gwenda finds a charming Victorian villa where she immediately feels at home, purchases it, and begins to decorate and renovate it in preparation for Giles' arrival.

Then the odd things start to happen. She asks the gardener to move some steps from one place to another. Upon beginning the work, the gardener discovers that the new location for the steps was actually original to the house. She requests that a door be cut from one room to another. The workmen begin to carry out her wishes, and they find that, once upon a time, there WAS a door there, exactly where Gwenda pointed out. As these types of "coincidences" accrue, Gwenda feels sure that something is amiss. Is the house haunted, perhaps? Then, she has a frightening vision of the body of a young woman at the foot of the steps in her new home, strangled.

As the mystery begins to unravel, who should happen upon the scene but our dear Miss Marple? Naturally, she lends clarity and caution to the proceedings, and before long, our young couple is in the thick of a decades-old murder investigation.

I love reading Agatha Christie mysteries! They are such fun, and I never see the RIGHT ending coming. (Red herrings everywhere, which is what makes them so tricky to figure out.) Plus, they give me a hankering for scones (Miss Marple and her compatriots are always talking things out over tea.) which I am only to happy to satisfy.

What improvements have been made for the "Miss Marple's Last Case" edition? There are already major differences in punctuation, word choices, and scene breaks between the original Collins and Dodd Mead editions of this novel. There are further differences between the Dodd Mead editions republished by Random House/Avenel and the Dodd Mead editions republished by Simon & Shuster/Pocket. There are further additions still in the Signet, Berkley, and Black Dog & Leventhal editions. For every publishing house putting out her works, there seem to be a new batch of editors altering Agatha Christie's words and the sound of her voice. What's the matter with these publishers? Whose voice do they think we want to hear when we sit down to a novel by Agatha Christie? And what will she sound like twenty years from now? It's frightening that her estate has failed to see the importance of guarding her words as she wrote them. Please tell me I'm not the only one here who senses that a crime has been committed.

Amazingly, I actually liked Miss Marple in this story. She's the likeable, feisty woman I remember from my childhood, not the snooty, condescending know-it-all from the last few books I've read. Still, I think the plot of this one is a little over-reaching, but it a faster paced mystery than most of the Marples - especially the ending. And even though it's on the short side, you still get a good sense of the characters and setting, and nearly enough details to solve the mystery yourself, if you're so inclined.

A must-read for any old-school mystery enthusiast, and one of the better Marples I've read of late (though Poirot is still better in my book!).

It was a nice mystery, but it didn't stick in my head long after I was finished with it. In fact, I had to review the plot again to write this review! That says something, because I have a good memory for books that really draw me in. However, I would recommend this book for any Christie fan.

By Lorenzo Contreras, age 13, White Plains, New York

Have you ever wanted something so bad you would do anything to get it? This is the case with the realistic fiction book EVEREST, book three the summit. The author Gordon Korman makes you feel like you're on the mountain with the climbers.


This book is part of a three part trilogy; it is a story of Dominic Alexis and four other young climbers who are trying to be the youngest person ever to summit Everest. He is going on the trip with a team of other kids who won a contest to get a spot on the team now that the summit athletic team is on Everest as they start to climb for the second time as the first attempt failed. Many obstacles occur and one of the other climbers is trying to sabotage Dominic and when the the news about the storm comes even more problems arise. My opinion of this book is that it is great for all ages because it keeps you asking questions and on the edge of your seat. It made wonder if they would ever make it to the summit in time before the climbing season ends.

This book reminds me of two others I have read one is called Everest Book One The Contest. And Everest Book Two The Climb these are the other two books in the trilogy. The theme of this book is being that being over competitive can be dangerous. You will learn how this theme makes sense if you read this book.

I highly recommend this book because it is very interesting and is filled with action and will keep you guessing. The target audience is ages 9-13.

Everest. The climber's ultimate dream. Four teens are about to climb it to become the youngest person ever to summit the highest point in the world. The climbers names are Sammi, the only girl, age 15, Perry, age 15, Tilt, age 14, and Dominic, the youngest, age 13. If Dominic is to summit he would crush the record by almost 3 years. Unfortunately, there midnight summit try is ended early because of a rescue mission. The kids have to go back to base camp where the Nepal government comes and says it is "too dangerous" for Dominic to climb, so he will not be able to climb with the team. However, the story takes an unexpected turn when Dominic climbs with Ethan Zaph, the current record holder. If you want to find out what happens next, read Everest Book Three: The Summit.
In Everest Gordon Korman pulled me from my beanbag to the Lhoste Face where I was climbing with Sammi, Perry, Tilt, and Dominic. I thought Everest was an amazing book. Unfortunately, one of the climbers is sabotaging the others. The book ends with a happy and sad ending. There is a record broken but also it ends with a funeral. If you want to see what happens to Ethan and Dominic, or see who breaks the record, read Everest Book Three: The Summit.

Are you looking for an outstanding adventure book? Look no farther than Everest, Book Three, The Summit by Gordon Korman. Four kids, Dominic, Tilt, Perry, Sammi, and veteran climber Cap Cicero, take their chances to climb Everest. Two of them, Tilt and Dominic, are eligible to beat out Ethan Zaph and become the youngest to reach the summit. One of them will do anything to beat out the other, even if it means death. This book is realistic fiction; the realistic part coming from the places they pass, (i.e. Southern Col, The Balcony) which are real places there. The book shows determination of young teens who try to climb Everest. You may want to read the first two books, but when I did, I easily caught on. If you are a young teen or not and want to read about determination of kids to climb Everest, check out this book.
Everest, The Summit is one of the best books I have ever read. Dominic is my favorite character since he has such determination to climb. My favorite part of the story is when, well, maybe I shouldn't give it away. The last thing I'll add is the book ends with a funeral. I'm not telling you who. You have to read to find out!

It was thrilling and kept our son interested to the end. The book is just the right length to keep one reading but not too long to overwhelm a young reader.

This is truly one of my favorite books I have ever read. It is packed with action, has a very rich plot, and is very well written. The trilogy is approx. 440 pages, and can easily be read in less than 1 week. It has a lot of detail that, while it is very exciting to read, is easy to forget, which allows for it to be read over and over again without getting old. I am now reading it for the 4th time, and I am enjoying it as much as I read it the first time. I also love the trilogy setup, even though it means the books (especially 3) do not mean anything without reading the others.

If you are looking for a perfect mix of action and drama, this is the book you have been seeking. It also does an excellent job of bringing new life to the classic adventure theme of 4 children facing challenges against time and the elements. If you liked Korman's trilogy Island, then you will definetly enjoy this book. It is very involving, very vivid, and reading it will make you feel like you are on the mountain, climbing with the characters. You will grow to love them and feel like you are a part of the "family".

In terms of the mountain in reality, the book is extremely accurate, and I have learned quite a bit from it. If there is a downside to the book, it is the fact that it is addictive. Once you read it, you will not be able to stop; once you finish the book, you will be obsessed with Mount Everest. If you are already educated in Everest, then you will all the more enjoy the book because of its bullseye accuracy and vivid descriptions. It also leaves plenty of room to let your imagination run wild.

Here is a brief description of each of the 3 books in the trilogy:

The 1st book is themed around 20 kids at a boot camp in Colorado, training for a month to climb Everest. As the story goes on, the training becomes more harsh and intense, and as people are eliminated to form the final team of 4, freindships become increasingly strong. It also has a very exciting life-or-death climax at the end as the team goes through their final simulation of what they will be doing on Everest.

The 2nd book takes place on the mountain, as the kids are introduced to the world's tallest mountain. It is packed with drama and action together, as almost everything in relation to the climb is an uncertainty. Even more loveable (and loatheable) characters are introduced, and everyone's personality and goal on the mountain comes out even more as the freinds become a family. I love how the book introduces the 4 camps, at which they stay, one by one and how it shows the chances of successfully summiting the mountain going down as the summer monsoons approach. This book, like the 1st, also has an exciting life-or-death climax at the end, only it is much bigger and much more amazing.

The 3rd book is really 1 big scene, taking place in Everest's harsh early-summer weather. It is a breath-holding race against time as they try to get themselves up to the summit before the final blizzard arrives. Challenges they face include temperatures so low that they can freeze an eyeball solid, 200mph winds that can rip a climber off of a mountain like a napkin, and a 30% oxygen level that starves the brain and causes bad thinking. In the end, though, they do have to pay a huge price. The climb ends with a bitter moment that is in one way completely unexpected and in another way a necessary fate. The story has an excellent ending, though, and the story is polished off very nicely.

I would strongly recommend this book to any young reader, especially one who is interested in adventure/survival. It just might be the start of something new...