Schools Books

It was a great book! i read it when i was 11. I could really connect with Zoe (the main character). It doesn't talk about boys. so, if you want a kind and nice friendship book you should get this one!!!! I loved it, so, so will you!!!

I read this book when I was 13 years old. I absolutely loved it at the time. I could relate to all of the characters because they were just like my friends. And the plot completely reflected life as a preteen or how I wished my life could be. I will be 20 next month and I still remember this series of books being one of my favorites as a young teen. I would also recommend the California Diaries to anyone who enjoyed this series as they were also a favorite of mine.

on reading this book you would seriously have the feeling that you are actually reading a secret diary of a 12yr old. anybody from age 10-14yrs can relate to zoe's character of being tomboyish and feeling clumsy & unpretty at some stage or the other.this is a must read for all the teenage crowd who have less than sqeaky clean lives.rachel vail is the best!

This book was awesome. It is about a girl who was always considered one of the guys. All of a sudden, she finds herself becoming attracted to Tommy Levit, her next-door nieghbor, and wearing tight tops to school. She asks Tommy who he likes, and it turns her life upside down, because CJ Hurley, who she wants to be her best friend, likes him too. Did she make a big mistake?
I think that Rachel Vail is an awesome author. If you like this book, you should read all the books by her.

"When you're the yougest of five girls,nothing's your own" that's the first sentence of the book.Zoe Grandon is the fifth child in the Grandon family. she has heroldest sister,Anne Marie's mouth, her second oldest sister Bay's hair. But unfortunately, she has her mom's behind. Zoe is friends with everyone.Even boys.Zoe is kind spirited and friendly.Zoe has a crush on herf riend,Tommy. But her almost best friend, C.J,has a crush on him too! Zoe can't decide whether to she should go after Tommy or let C.J have him. But she finally decides that since C.J liked him first,C.J should have Tommy. But does Tommy like Zoe? Or does Tommy likeC.J? What if he doesn't like any of them?

I first chose this book when I saw my friend reading it. The cover was a picture of a girl holding a tennis racket in her hand.I read the blurb and I was hooked. But I was confused too. In the blurb,there was this word, hormones.What does it mean?I asked my teacher, Mr.Carbone.I found out that hormones means something in your body that makes you act differently and behave differemtly.I was still puzzled.As I read more, I understood what it meant.I really like this book and I want to read the other books in the series. It's a very good book and I know other people would enjoy it.

When Zoe let CJ have Tommy, I was angry.If Iwas Zoe, I would go after Tommy. After all, so what if CJ liked Tommy first? Zoe KNEW Tommy first. Zoe is just too friendly to hurt CJ's feelings. Another book, "Kitty in High School" is about the same thing. Kitty likes a boy named Skip. Kitty wasn't sure if she should ask Skip to the dance, and when Kitty makes up her mind, Skip is taken by her best friend. So if Zoe doesn't go and try to win Tommy back,she'll never get the chance!

My favorite part in this book is the whole book, so there's not much to explain, is there?

I would recommend this book to people who are ready to learn about growing up. If you are like zoe and you have a crush on someone, read this book and you might learn something.

This is a copy for our 3 year old because our 10 year old wants to keep his forever!
What a fun story to read to any child!

My two nieces and I read this one all the time.

Gritch the Witch needs piggies to make the piggy pie she craves. But pigs are very clever animals (trufax!), and they quickly disguise themselves.

Every time Gritch asks one of the (disguised) animals where the pigs are, they hilariously quack quack, moo moo, and cluck cluck her all over the farm! Eventually she stops before the Old MacDonald, the man himself, for him to look look here, look look there, etc. and tell her the same as everybody else - no piggies!

All her tantrums don't help. She can't have piggy pie :(

Even the Big Bad Wolf sympathizes, while both of them plot, at the end, to eat the other.

Very funny book. Every page, every word and illustration. My nieces (5 and 2.5) even act this one out!

Only thing is that sometimes they get scared of it, occasionally for a week or two at a time. Other times they bring it out to me and request it, but sometimes they're scared and won't have anything to do with it. Kinda like a roller coaster, maybe?

Check this one out at the library, see if it suits your child's temperment, and consider that it might be better meant for an older child.

Also, be aware that Gritch, being a Wicked Witch, isn't a very nice person. Aside from her tantrums, she insults nearly everybody in the book when they give her the bad news - dumb duck, lousy seed spreader, walking milk machine - and threatens them as well. If this sort of thing concerns you, please be aware of it.

This is one of my favorite children's book and I love to give it as a gift.
As a Kindergarten teacher it is my pick!

My family loves this book. My husband reads it to my children, ages 13, 5, and 1. They love it, he does the voices of the characters, which is great fun for everyone. My oldest says this is her favorite book from when she was little. I'm buying copies for my toddler aged neice and nephew.

This fractured folktale is about a witch that is craving some `Piggie Pie.' She goes through her pantry and finds she has everything she needs except for that all important ingredient--PIGGIES! At first she is outraged but eventually composes herself and devises a plan. Where can she find a piggy? The zoo? The circus? She finally decides that the best place to secure some pigs would be on a farm. After looking through the yellow pages, she travels to Old MacDonald's farm to grab the missing ingredient. She gives her victims a warning as she writes in the clouds, "Surrender Piggies!" The pigs devise their own plan; they plot to outsmart the witch by dressing up as other farm animals. They fool her by disguising themselves as ducks, cows, chickens, and even old MacDonald. When the big bad wolf happens to come along, he offers advice to the witch and tells her to give up--after all, he remembers those 3 pig brothers! Now, her taste changes from piggie to wolf and she graciously invites him over for `lunch'...
Piggie Pie is a delightful story that incorporates several classic folktales including The Three Little Pigs, Old MacDonald nursery rhyme, the traditional evil witch as the villain, and the famous three little pigs. Due to the structure of this book, students will improve their understanding of the different subcategories of traditional literature. The author includes descriptive language such as repetition, alliteration, expressive language, and affective adjectives that highlight the text and bring the story to life. Such examples include the witch describing her tasty meal options with phrases like "boiled, black, buzzed feet" and "plump, juicy, pink piggies." This whimsical, witty story will capture student's attention and can be used as a model to enhance their understanding of what it means to read like a writer.
Throughout the book, Palatini's text enhances student's vocabulary and contains repetitive phonemes that enrich their growth as a reader. As Cunningham describes, tongue twisters, like ones found in the text, play a crucial role in developing students' phonemic awareness. For example, "eight plump piggies for piggie pie" is a silly and fun phrase that the students will enjoy saying and simultaneously will develop their oral language. Students will be exposed to new vocabulary words, such as curdle, passel, and muttered. Encourage students to use elements of Palatini's writing and transfer her techniques over when creating their own literature.

this story was somewhat reminiscent of the alanna series, what with the cross dressing to fulfill a dream. i'm not all that well versed in arabian culture, but from what i know of it this story seemed to be a valid representation. Buran is one of seven daughters, and of course in a patriarchal society this is not the best of luck as your daughters can't work or (in this case) even go out into public. She was her father's favourite and as there were no sons, her father taught her to read and write and play chess, basically educated her, and spent time with her in place of the son he never had. when buran's father gets sick he realizes that his family will be in trouble if anything happens to him, and as a result he allows buran to go out into the world, as a man, to try to better their family's fortune. she's a clever and courageous heroine. she comes up against several obstacles and approaches them with her strength of will and sharp wit.
the story was set up well and the characters were discussed in sufficient detail, or enough so that a reader of the target age wouldn't be left wondering anything. it was well written.

This book is flat out exhilarating. The suspense is so high that it keeps your eyes glued to the book from the first page all the way to the last. The plot is rock solid and I would recommend this book to anyone.

This book (based on an ancient tale) is amazing. While it is on a reading level for younger children, as a 21 year old I feel that a lot of the themes are better understood by those who are a little older. Still, unlike others who have posted before me I don't believe that anything in the books is inappropriate for younger readers. You've got to accept the material in context. This book was wonderful because it has a wonderful revenge plot, a love story, and overall theme of female empowerment. It also gives a look into a completely different culture. If you enjoy The Count of Monte Cristo (this book shows someone getting even in much fewer than 1400 pages), Pride and Prejudice, or the legend of Mulan I PROMISE you will enjoy this book. I picked it up in new condition at a thrift store and couldn't put it down once I started reading. :) I was so glad to discover it, as I'm in a reading slump because I'm caught up with all my favorite authors and definitely searching for something new!

My favorite quick read of the year! A very entertaining, romantic story.

Some of the observations about business are still true today. Venture capitalists are still looking for that unique product that will make a fortune.

There was one page I could have done without: at the point in the plot when the main character decides she's tired of pretending to be a man and is ready to be a woman, the authors got a little carried away, even risqué for children's literature, in describing the main character viewing her feminine body. I understand what they were trying to achieve, but we "got it" with a lot less ink.

I loved the "lesson" at the end of the book: you can't always just sit and wait for blessings to "fall into your lap". Sometimes you have to be willing to seek, to risk, and to work for them. Catherine Marshall encouraged the same kind of action in her book Adventures in Prayer, in the chapter entitled, "The Prayer That Helps Your Dreams Come True."

Buran is the fourth of seven daughters, living with her parents in Baghdad. She has no brothers, which is unfortunate for her parents. In the days of this story and in the place she lives, girls are not permitted to work for a living and only end up costing their parents more money, as they need to be fed and housed and clothed. Girls also need wedding dowries if they are to be married to the right sorts of men. Buran has always been her father's favorite and although she is a girl, he taught her to read and write and to play chess, and he talks to her seriously about his business affairs.

Buran's uncle is a very rich man, who has seven sons. He enjoys bragging about them to his poor brother, and describes how they will go abroad to different cities, where they will become businessmen who will bring great weath and honor to him. Buran is upset because her father is upset, but she seems to have few options to help him. When her father is suddenly struck ill, though, Buran chooses a desperate solution. She convinces her parents to allow her to disguise herself as a man and go to a distant city to set up a business.

Soon Buran's business is thriving and she is very wealthy, sending home money to her family. She has even become friends with the prince of the city in which she works, and in the evenings she often walks and talks with him, covering much distance and all possible subjects of conversation. But the prince grows suspicious and then discovers her secret. She must leave the city and go home where she will be safe. She can't stop dreaming of her prince, though.

I liked that this story was about a girl who refuses to let anyone tell her she can't achieve what she wants. I liked her relationship with her father, and I especially liked the way she was able to take revenge on her cousins and her uncle. Although this story was very empowering in one way, though, it still ended with the ultimate goal being winning over the prince.

Each book contains a new, exciting adventure!
The story just keeps getting better every time a new book comes out!
And i continue to love Bobby Pendragon more and more every adventure.

Starting at this book, the entire series takes on a very dark overtone. Just who is Saint Dane? Why does he want everyone dead? After his last victory, what powers has he gained? And most of all, how will this effect the very boundaries of the territories?

The book starts where the creepy ending of the last book left off. Bobby returns through the flume to see that Saint Dane had made a change of look in front of Mark and Courtney and given them Gunny's disembodies hand in a bag.

After this, Bobby is thrown into a world full of people who are DEFINITLEY not human, and where humans are nothing but poorly treated slave animals to the dominant spieces. Did I mention that a mysterious plague is going to wipe out this entire territory and the only way to stop it is to cross items between the territories, one of the biggest Traveler rules?

Will this have an effect on everything? Will Mark and Courtney have a special task from now on? Who are the acolytes? How does the mysterious old man connect to Uncle Press? All of this is answered in this book of the Pendragon Series!

I was given a gift of the first Pendragon book. I groaned because I NEVER read science fiction/fantasy. I felt I should "try" to read it because, after all, it was a gift. Keep in mind that this series is for teens and I am a grandmother! You guessed it: I couldn't put it down. I am about to start Book # Seven - The Quillan Games. These are so very entertaining. I would highly recommend them to anyone over the age of 10!

I have been a fan of fantasy and science fiction for all of my life. I stumbled upon this series and have enjoyed each of the books. As you progress with Bobby from book to book it hooks you into waiting for his next journal. The books are written for teens, but adults can enjoy them as well. The moderation is well done and consistent between each of the books so no different voices to piece together for the same character. I've found that as each book in the series builds upon each other, the storyline keeps getting better. I would recommend this series to both young adults and adults. As good does not always win in the books, as in real life, the storyline of perseverance and making hard choices parallels decisions that our youth face in their lives. A good series for anyone to read.

The first time I started reading "The Merchant of death," I loved it. I thought how could it get much better than this. Well, it just did. Black Water is the most "Spiff" book yet. When Bobby Gets to Eelong, he is instantly engulfed in exciting adventures and risks being eaten and killed in pretty much any way you could imagine all to stop Saint Daine from sending the territory in to chaos. This is a great book you'll love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Mitch Huckaby

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. A new twist on the classic superhero story it raises some interesting questions about power.[...] The author does a good job of describing the setting and the characters a very well fleshed out.

Just ordered this book yesterday but am a HUGE fan of the podcast version. This is the type of book you could only dream of finding on your local bookstore shelf. Superheroes, teenage angst, and a smidgen of morality, you can't beat this mixup. Mr. Selznick, thank you for adding this tome of brilliance to our posterity.

Did you like the X-Men movie? Did you like The Breakfast Club, Pretty in Pink, etc.? Then you will love these two great tastes mixed together. The protagonist, Nate, is a gangly misfit in the hateful-of-the-strange world of high school. And yet, the things that make him strange makes him fascinating. Makes me nostalgic and I am cheering Nate along the whole time.

This is the first experience I've had with Matthew Wayne Selznick's work and I must say that it was a pleasant one. I didn't really know how the book would be when I picked it up. I really loved the characterization and felt that the characters and the story were really well written. If I were to relate this to the X-Men as so many people do, I think this is the story of mutants who are just discovering that they have special abilities. Even though the story is set in the 80s, I don't think that the elements of the story are limited to any one decade. What would the world be like if all of a sudden we found out that there were superhumans among us? I did feel that it took a bit too long to get to the tension in the story (the story really takes a turn about halfway through), and it was much too short. I wish it had been about another 100 pages longer. Hopefully this will just be the beginning of a much longer storyline.(Please! Please!) There are just so many directions Selznick could take it.

I listened to the audio version of this book and absolutely loved it. It begins with a perfect sense of time and place, set in a small high school during the 1980's, then adds well-developed, compelling characters, and a genuine mystery. From there it develops into a fascinating alternate history, a remix of superheroes, an adventure story, and a emotionally honest coming of age story with some real surprises. I loved it.

Recently I bought Ed Emberley's Drawing Book of Animals for my five year old daughter who loves art, but wanted more formal training. This book is *perfect*! Everything about it is tailored for children who can draw some shapes and it progresses from simple animals to the lovely, elaborate dragon at the end. My daughter is learning how to draw better shapes (and animals) without getting frustrated. The step-by-step simple instructions capture a child's attention and makes them more focused on the process than the end result. Overall, a really wonderful book!

I had this book as a kid and loved it - no written instructions, just step by step pictures that are easy to follow. My 11-yr old and 7-yr old both like it. The final pictures are full of character and are really fun. This may not be a book for a kid who's really serious about drawing, but it's great fun for the average artist, adults included.

I bought this book for my 4 yr old son. He has learnt to draw many animals from this book. He is able to follow directions and draw all by himself. He has been doing a pretty good job too. This is a good book if you or your child need step by step instructions to draw animals.

I bought this book for my 4 1/2 year old but really for myself since I'm a horrible artist! This book allowed us to draw the animals together and he was able to follow the steps easily. If you can write the letter "D", "C" and stright and squiggly lines you can duplicate any animal is this book. Pretty cool since my son used to not like art of any sort but now he is in this drawing phase. I'm going to buy some other of these books in the series.

I love this book. I had this book as a child (in the 80's) and I was so excited to see that I could purchase one for my daughter. My child is in pre-school and has been practicing drawing basic shapes. Ed Emberley's book teaches children (and adults) how to draw animals by piecing together basic shapes such as squares, circles, triangles, etc. The directions are easy to follow, and show you step-by-step how to combine different shapes into a final product. I would recommend this book for any age group, from a child who is just learning to draw to an adult who loves to doodle.

I grew up (in the 1940's and 1950's) about 50 miles from where Silas House now lives, and I can vouch for the authenticity of his picture of life in these mountains. He's an excellent writer, and I highly recommend his work to anyone interested in the people of the southern Appalachians.
In addition, I highly recommend his work to anyone interested in the relationships among people. House's narratives aren't about the region - they're about people (as any good literature must be).

I read this book along time ago, but I can still remember it. It is an awesome story about the struggles of life years ago in the appalachian mountains. This story left me on the edge of the bed every night until I finished it. I want to read it again soon.

Silas House has written a beautiful book that is so descriptive that you'd swear you could smell the wet leaves as the characters walk through the woods after a spring rain. This love story between Irish Saul Sullivan and Cherokee Vine is not to be missed. Wonderfully drawn characters, (my favorite is Serena, the wild midwife who befriends Vine), and lyrical, evocative writing make this a story not to be missed. If you enjoy this as much as I did, read House's The Coal Tattoo next, followed by Clay's Quilt. This will follow the whole family's saga from start to finish. All of these are wonderful stories, but this is the best of the batch, followed closely by Clay's Quilt.

This is a beautifully written, beautifully told story of Vine, a young Cherokee woman in Kentucky of the early 1900's. Vine is a three dimensional character, well-defined and very real.

While the story is slowly paced, it does not lag in any way. House does a great job of describing what "Holler" life was like during that period of time, and especially what life was like for Native Americans. Esme, Aidia and Serena are also well written characters and add a great dynamic to the story.

I did find that the characters of Saul and Aaron needed a little bit more defining for me. Why did Aaron become the type of person that he did? Other than Saul being described as a man of few words, I never got a good sense of him. I'm not sure it was an entirely good idea to have written him out of so much of the book. I would have liked to have read more about the relationship between him and Vine. Regardless, this is still a great book that I highly recommend.

Silas House writes beautiful novels. He teaches rich American History many of us would never learn if not for his books. I love to read about the Appalachians.

Following right where they left off, Wonder is flying through her training once she gets the right handling. I think alot of horse people out there can relate with ashleigh about the frustration of watching someone push a horse to far but we can also relate with her never giving up. Good read, reccomend for any horse lover.

"Townsend Prince and Mercy Man are running nose and nose, straining to catch her. What a finish! Can the filly do it? Can this courageous little filly hold them off? They're coming down to the wire..."

In book three Ashleigh, Wonder, and Charlie are headed for the biggest race of their lives. The Kentucky Derby. This book is one of my favorites because of the way that it is written. We learn so much about Brad Townsend, and I can't help but glare when I think about him. Campbell does an amazing job creating a "villain" that has depth and character. You really grow to hate Brad! We also get glimpses of characters that will play a major role in the future of Thoroughbred, like Mike Reese.

Probably the best asset of this book is the race scenes. Each race that is written seems to come alive to me as I read. I can picture Wonder and Jilly struggling down the stretch in the Blue Grass trying valiantly to hang on to the lead under the onslaught of Townsend Prince and Silverghost. The climax of this book is the Kentucky Derby where Wonder is pitted against the greatest colts in the country and her own half brother Prince (who is Brad's colt). This race is one of my most favorite in the whole series. I was on the edge on my seat as I read. I couldn't seem to turn the pages fast enough! Every time I read this book I get excited all over again.

Wonder's First Race is one of the finest books in the series. When I think of how great this series is, I'm terribly saddened at the fact that Harper Collins is planning to end the series after #72. Unfortunately the faithful readers will not get the chance to experience another race as gripping as Wonder's Derby if the books will no longer be printed...Please reconsider Harper! If you want to HELP SAVE THE THOROUGHBRED SERIES, go to www.whitebrookfarm.com to find out more. Please help keep the spirit of Ashleigh and Wonder alive! PLEASE SAVE THOROUGHBRED!!

In this book Wonder is injured by Brad Townsend during an icy workout.Her Derby chances go downhill when she is injured. Ashleigh meets Mike Reese and he asks her on a date.Wonder and Prince make it to the Derby. Wonder makes it to the wire first with Jilly Gordon up. Unfortunately this most remarkable series is coming to an end at #72 Legacy's Gift.Please go to www.whitebrookfarm.com to find out how you can help to try to save this beloved series.

Wonder's First Race is one of my favorite TB books. I'm 20 and I still get a kick out of reading them.
This is where things start to get exciting. We see Wonder race for the first time, Ashliegh start to show an interest in boys and much much more!
Please, please don't end this series! The new books are not as good as this one was, but I still read them.

This was the first Thoroughbred book I ever read and still holds a special place in my heart. This is a truly well-written book that I have enjoyed upon many re-readings. 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. [...].

This book is beautifully written. The words on the page flow like musical notes. This book is a valuable addition to any home or school library and a great way to introduce children to the types of musical instruments. I love the way the book introduces the instruments one at a time and gives the vocabulary for the number of instruments in the orchestra each time a new instrument is added (solo, duo, trio, quartet, quintet, etc.). At the end of the book, the author shows how all of the instruments join together to create music "that we all adore."

Great picture book to use in the classroom from preschool through 4th grade. For 3rd through 4th graders, you could use this book as an engaging tool to discuss musical terms, context clues, alliteration, adjectives, prefixes.

This is my 4 y.o.'s favorite book. We had read it to her so many times that she has memorized it. She can name every instrument and tells me which ones she likes the best. A plus plus.

I purchased this for my Kindermusik class, and the only thing that would've made it better would've been a real violin. It is a charming book, and it wasn't too long even for 3 year olds.

My just-turned-3 year old likes this book, and so do I. It has deepened his curiousity about and enthusiasm for instruments and the music they make, and it has inspired him to play his miniature guitar both as a 'violin' and a 'cello' (though he knows he needs a bow!).

I like the illustrations very much, and the verse is also fun to read.

I was very happy that he liked the book so well--when the Amazon package arrived, he was hoping for a book about excavators--his other passion! I'm glad to say he was not at all disappointed, once he saw the pictures.

This book is one of my standard gifts to families with small children. It's a great way to introduce them to poetry, music, and art. It's a great vocabulary builder, too--I've read it to my 4th-6th grade choir and had to explain musical terms to them. Fun sounds and interesting pictures to explore!

I loved this one growing up. Really. Amelia Bedelia always choose the funniest possible interpretation of words, and her name rhymes! What's not to love?

The one thing I'd be concerned about is that a lot of the usages in this book are going to be unfamiliar to your young kid. I don't think many of us say "draw the curtains" anymore, and even if we do, we probably don't often talk about "trimming" steak (with or without lace!) or "dressing" chicken, at least, not around our kids. Maybe we should, but we don't.

So this book might be better saved for read-aloud time than read-alone time.

I remember reading these books years and years ago! I'm in 10th grade and it's been more 5 years since I was in elementary school and yet when I go work at my old school I go back and read them again!

A fun (and funny) book which will delight kids with Amelia's well-intentioned but mistake-laden chores. Kids feel empowered because they are 'smarter' than the character and are able to cheer her on. In the end, Amelia's good deeds overpower any mistakes she makes.

I recommend this book for any child who is beginning to read on their own!

This is surly a kids favorite since I was a little girl! We join Amelia Bedelia as she starts her first day of work for the Rodgers. They rush off shortly after she arrives, but they've left her a list of things to do. Should be a snap, as all the tasks are simple and clearly stated...but that's what you think...Amelia Bedelia begins completing each chore in quite a literal fashion...drawing the drapes and much, much more! Younger kids (1-4) will like the silliness of it and beginner readers and more savvy grade schoolers (5-8) will like that's it's simple and clever/silly too! I recommend it without reservation! I'm sure Amelia will be with us, teaching fine lessons about the words we use and the many means they can have for generations to come!

A great, witty book that my 4-year old loved. Made her think about the different meanings of words.