Town Books

This book was great, it was a little more interesting then the first one, and has many enjoyable chapters I think. I find all the characters in the Quiner family cute and enjoyable expect for the oldest sister, Martha.
I also admired Caroline's mother's strength as he strives to run her family after her husband's tragic death. Her detirmination, her never ending courage and love really make me fond her and her entire family, particulary at he end of the book when they learn they are going to have to move from their home. The mother and everyone really show courage and I like that. I'm glad I got this book.

This is where Caroline, and her family are in Concord Wisconsin, but they along with the rest of the families who have habitated along this town, are working at building the small dwindling town, into a town that everybody would like to live in.

I'm currently reading this book and its great from what ive read! Id reccomend this book to anyone! Its very enjoyable book and i cant put it down! Take my advice and read this book! Im sure you'll love it!

Little Town at the Crossroads is a great book! Caroline, age six, is excited as she watches the town of Brookfield grow and grow. She gets to see a circus that comes to town and marches in her first Independence Day parade. But then her family finds out that they might have to move to another farm. Will Caroline have to leave Brookfield?

Title:Little Town at the Crossroads Author:Maria D. Wilkes Little Town at the Crossroads is a great book for grades 3-6. I recommend this book because I enjoyed and I couldn't put it down. Children and adults alike will love this book.

This is a beautifully designed book. Makes a great gift item. The ecclectic collection of scrapbooks is sure to inspire anyone interested in scrapping.

I loved this book because it provided a glance into lives of scrapbookers who are not the stereotypical "soccer mom" type of scrapbookers. It was truly a breath of fresh air to see scrapbooking pages from strippers, a woman in a rock band, tattoos, and a woman in a burlesque show. Another great thing about this book is that not only does it have a wide variety of scrappers showcased, but it also relies on creativity of the scrappers rather than "cutesy" embellishments and other mass produced scrapbooking products. I would definitely recommend this book because you can see layouts from "conventional" scrappers and the not-so-conventional scrappers all in one book.

This book is really fun and funny to read, and opens creative doors in your mind. IT's time for a scrap booking book that isn't about "beautiful people" living in perfect suburbs! I like the different lay out and art ideas. My critique is that I wished for better "how-to's". This is a compilation of pages and suggestions from the scrappers who made the pages, and their stories are interesting. The pages are not shown step by step, like in other scrap book books, and some additional guidance of achieving the art effects would have been good. Overall, an inspiration to make scrapbooks that are about more than my own face or my kid's first tooth ;-)

Remember those really cool kids in high school? I mean the REALLY cool ones, the ones who weren't afraid to do their own thing and go their own way? Here's your chance to peek at some of their scrapbooks!

What I really like about this book is that the artists aren't concerned with being "on-trend". The lay-outs are cool and vary so much from artist to artist, it refreshes your brain after seeing the magazines where it's hard to distinuish one artist from another. The variety inspires me to do things my way and encourages me to shake things up a bit.

Bravo!

(Disclaimer: If in high school your main aim was to be exactly like everyone else, this might not be the book for you. But you should give it a try, you just might see something you like. :-)

I am a non-traditional scrapbooker. Don't fit the typical scrapbooker demographic whatsoever. I live in a huge city, have no kids, eclectic interests, and somewhat of an alternative lifestyle. I tried, and tried, and tried to get excited about other idea books, magazines, etc... but could never really relate to the layouts and themes featured within. I saw "Scrap City" on a rack of idea books in a store, opened it, and was immediately taken with the colors, the themes, the textures! And more than anything, the way I could totally relate to the themes of the layouts and other projects. Finally an idea book that resonated with my soul and validated my love of scrapbooking by showing projects and layouts I could truly relate to. Aside from scrapbook layouts, the book features other projects, including handmade books, altered art, and more. At the back of the book there is some good information on the basics of scrapbooking, techniques and tools and the like. And ideas on how to inspire your creativity. Definately the book I will be referring back to most often to spark my creativity and inspire new ideas.

As I started to read Slaters Fall I was automatically enticed. You wanted to know what everyone was talking about. What happened?? I wanted to read more. I couldn't put it down. It left you wanting to know more. What was Carl trying to say to the officer??? Will definitely buy to see what will happen. Slaters Falls - Official ABNA Entrant

I enjoyed the preview of Slaters Falls. It made me laugh with some of
the references such as those to the board game Clue and to the priest
watching Passions & Guiding Light.

In my opinion, some of the descriptions were a little long (that's the
quibble I mentioned in the headline), but that can be easily fixed with
minor editing.

I really liked the tone of the excerpt being a "dramedy." (I don't
know if the whole novel is like that because I only read the excerpt.)
I think it works well in this kind of material because it gives a good
balance to the different aspects of the story.

I'm interested in seeing the rest of the novel because I want to see
what happens to the interesting characters that have already been
introduced and find out what other personality types the author is
going to create.

Mr Grant knows how to hook a reader. He gives you a reason to get into the story right away. Some books start out with so much back story, by the 10th chapter its starts getting to the point. I dont want to know everyting right away, who killed who and why, and now lets all go catch the killer. All of the ending is at the begining. I feel that when Mr Grant writes, its like watching a rose bloom. You see the outside petals slowly open up and cant wait for the whole rose to open. Thats how I felt when I started to read this novel. I cant wait to buy it and see how it unfolds.

Gripping right from the start never giving the reader a chance to get bored. I was so disappointed when I realized there was no more to read. I want to know what Carl whispered to the cop, what happened to Jeremy and what "secrets" are hiding inside. I can't wait to read the rest. Fantastic job!

If the synopsis doesn't grab you, the opening lines will. We get a picture of the character of the small town through brief points of view of its inhabitants as a life-and-death drama unfolds.

Of course, some of the townsfolk blame it on the music the kids are listening to nowadays. Then, there's the movies....

The inhabitants of Slaters Falls are gathered at the Bank, waiting for a tragedy to unfold:

"In a small town, bad news travels fast, but potentially tragic news travels at a speed second only to lightning."

My personal shero is the librarian, Ruth, who's at first the only one with any sense in the crowd. The descriptions of her are priceless as "prim and proper but capable of telling it like it is" and "able to quell a rowdy group of fifth graders with a single glance." Then, there's her dirty little secret:

"if they knew their prim and proper librarian had once, while she was a student at Wellesley College during a protest in the 1960's, removed her bra on Boston Common, marched topless through the streets, and burned the bra on the Massachusetts State House lawn at the foot of the statue of Captain Myles Standish."

Then, there's the priest. I've wondered what men of the cloth think in confessionals, too. Fr. Mulroy's ponderings gave just enough of a good laugh before the action started up in earnest.

Matthew W. Grant can dish and he does in this great small town mystery. He depicts his characters with accuracy and humor. His narrative seldom wonders off the point. His timing, both tragic and comic, is close to flawless. If the rest of the manuscript is as good as the excerpt, a quick polish would have "Slater's Falls" ready for submission.

Matthew, I very much enjoyed the excerpt so far and I'll be waiting for the book in earnest. I can't say I'd want to live in Slaters Falls, but I've very much enjoyed my visit. Thank you and good luck.

We thing Spike In The City is a very good book for kids because all kids like adventures and this book is one big one. Ms. Bogan put a lot of detail in to this book and she put a lot of time into her pictures. Spike In The City is written so well that it makes you want to read on and on. So, check out your local library and read this and the rest of the series.

I love the pictures because they are so beautiful and I like the writings because they are easy for me to read. It is so much fun to
read.

Spike in The City is just plain fun to look at and fun to read. This story is perfect for its intended audience, children. The illustrations are as vibrant and fun as in all the Spike books. The little goofy dog gone to the big city is a perfect fit in the Spike series.

Spike is at it again! My kids love this book from Paulette Bogan. At the turn of every page, they are delighted with the colorful illustrations and laugh at the expressions from their favorite dog, Spike! We hope he keeps on going on new adventures to entertain us!

Spike In The City is a blast both for the adult and the little one listening (or reading) with you. We take it off the book shelf often and laugh and laugh about how life in the city must be or we reminisce about our own experiences in the big city. How many times have you been splashed by someone who doesn't even notice or step in disgusting gum left there by someone who didn't even care? Then, you discover that the city is actually a pretty neat place, a great place to meet new friends and do some of the same things you might just do at home.

My sons get a kick out of the hilarious illustrations and my little one learned to read with it. How much fun is to make a huge growling sound when you are 5 years old? Nothing beats that.

Few books make ancient history come to life as brilliantly and as completely as this one. When they do, they are usually military books. The evryday life of ordinary people is hardly ever described. More than just a survey, it offers a great insight into the real conditions of life and the details we often don't even think about. Inspiring.

Most books with really good illustrations are usually a little weak in the next. Not The Ancient City. The excellent text in this book is completmented by beautiful illustrations of what is being told.

I wanted a basic overview text on Greek and Roman civilizations. Luckily I stumbled upon this book by Connolly and Dodge. The book is terrific. The layout is excellent. The writing is succinct and the text moves along smoothly. I now have a basic knowledge of Greek and Roman eras. I got a lot more out of this book by also reading Edith Hamilton's The Greek Way. However, I must confess, this book is far more interesting and keeps one glued. A joy to read. Very highly recommended.

The past is another country, and the farther back in time we try to go, the harder it is to get there. If it is difficult to understand daily life in Rome and Athens today, even if we are there in person, able to see the sights and walk the streets with a native guide, then imagine how much more difficult the task to go back several thousand years. The natives are long gone, and only the shattered remains of marble buildings and monuments remain to guide us.

"The Ancient City" shows us, with a wealth of pictures and artistic reproductions, what life may have been like when Rome and Athens were the centers of their respective empires. Illustrator Peter Connolly draws on the latest archaeological finds to recreate buildings that range from the well-known, such as the Parthenon and the Colosseum, to tenements, temples, public baths and latrines (of the one in Rome -- dedicated to topping any other city -- boasted of one that featured an open-air design and over 100 seats).

Connolly also recreates statues, reliefs, frienzes and pottery, sometimes adding the original color scheme, creating a startling effect to an eye used to seeing plain white marble. The text, co-written with Hazel Dodge, describes daily life, how the people dressed, wed, entertained, worshiped and died.

Short of building your own time machine, "The Ancient World" is a worthwhile passport to the past.

I teach Classical Studies from the junior school to the senior student and am always on the lookout for resource material which can make the subject more inherently interesting. This book has it all-a wealth .of information presented in a great format with brilliant illustrations. I have posters by the author hanging in my classroom but in this production he outdoes himself. I can now readily picture what the great Panathenaic procession might have looked like , what happened in bathing establishments and how the average citizen coped with the problems of everyday life.
If anyone ever thought the Classics were dull, I would encourage him or her to peruse this book. A new adventure awaits the reader.

This book is part of the Betsy-Tacy series by Maud Hart Lovelace, a heartwarming saga featuring Betsy Ray, a girl growing up in small town Minnesota at the turn of the twentieth century. The books follow her from kindergarten to marriage. In this particular book, Betsy is twelve and on the brink of high school, but she and her friends Tacy and Tib are still enjoying childhood and all that comes with it. Betsy's interest in writing is blossoming, and her world is expanding yet still endearingly safe, composed of seeing plays in downtown Deep Valley, seeing the town's very first automobile, meeting a long-lost uncle, befriending a lonely former actress whose daughter died, and visiting the new Carnegie library. Visit Deep Valley if you want a refreshing respite in the innocence and charm of Betsy's world.

We first meet Betsy, Tacy, and Tib's school friend Winona Root in this book, and the four of them make a wonderfully real crowd of friends. I especially enjoy Winona's addition to their group.
Where the first two BT books were almost little collections of stories, from Big Hill on, there are larger themes to them. Betsy's writing and her uncle, Keith Warrington, are tied up together along with her friendship with Mrs. Poppy in this story, giving a great purpose to the book.

These are the perfect books to read with my granddaughter. The times they lived in were much like my childhood. My granddaughter still relates to their adventures and it givbes her a glimpse of the world I grew up in.

I first read Betsy Tacy Go Downtown over 40 years ago. This book and all the Betsy/Tacy books have had a huge impact on my live. Imagine, finding out I was not the only one. Through the wonders of cyberspace I have found a whole communinty of Betsy/Tacy fans. There have been trips to "Deep Valley" and discussions of the books and characters. It is wonderful to find others who love the books as much as I do.

Betsy Tacy Go Downtown is a sweet book and colorfully paints a picture of a simpler, gentler time. These books have stood the test of time and are a wonderful read for all ages. I read them out loud to my daughter when she was 4, over 17 years ago. She enjoyed them and I am sure most people will.

I first read the "Betsy" books 4 years ago and am currently re-reading the series. Is there not a more delightful set of books for any age? 'Downtown' is my favorite of the younger Betsy books. So many plots and subplots wind their way around in this wonderful book. For those who love the theatre there several chapters on that theme. Do you enjoy Christmas traditions? A chapter on that. And how about Betsy's short story in chapter 9 "The Pink Stationery"? Hey, Robert Ludlum--move over! The relationship between Mrs. Poppy and Betsy is my favorite theme of the book. How mercy and compassion can transend the difference between age, cultural upbringing and social status. A sweet, sweet book. If you read only one Betsy book (and that will be impossible!!!!) this is the one to read.

Former Disney artist Bill Peet brings a Disney-like feel to his books, especially this one which features a great story about what one wishes for and what one sometimes winds up with. The drawings are works of art, and the story gives parents a chance to talk about railroads and wishes. No robots, no monsters, no computers, just a gentle story and fabulous art.

Another of my family's all time favorites. This story is filled with so much excitement and adventure. It is a sheer joy to read out loud. The illustrations are timeless and stunning in detail and humor. This book along with all Mr. Peet's others should be compulsorily stocked on every household's bookshelf!

Great artwork combined with a good story makes this an all time favorite and makes Katy a hero. All of my kids (especially my boys) loved this book. There are always big smiles when I finish reading how "Katy did."

The Author Bill Peet has the gift to spark the imagination of all children. His stories are amazing. There are over 30 kids books by him and I recommend them all!The Caboose Who Got Loose (Sandpiper Books)

This is a children's book with a complete plot, in rhyming prose, like no other! It deserves to be a classic on every American boys list. Featuring a caboose that transforms above regretting her role, and then obtains her ideal. With a full double-page drawing of like say 10 workers rehabilitating a locomotive! How could it get better than that! Warning: my 2 year old Thomas-lover won't let us put him to bed without reading this book, too. 2nd Warning: the same 2-year-old is petrified of the picture of the searchlight shining on the moose on the second to last page. He makes me try to skip that page. Something about the expression of a moose in the headlights that bothers him, I suppose.

This is a good book to just sit back and enjoy. It tells a unique story of adult and teenage interaction. Well written. Well worth the cost.

I originally purchased Chestas Way because my daughter is a teen in 4-H. As a mother of teens myself I can identify with the teenage angst and the way this book is written you just get right into it. I figured my daughter would appreciate this book not only because she raises animals for her 4-H project but because of the ages of the girls in the story. She is still reading it (I have finished),my daughter has read books in the past that spring to mind when reading Chestas Way.It has a "Sarah Plain and Tall" quality to it and though it is set in a different time the values remind me of "The Little House" series of books.I believe if Michael Landon were alive today he would be able to do justice to this wonderful story in the form of a mini-series. I hope Disney gets wind of it and makes a movie out of it,I think teens need all the good role models they can get and this book was so good it just left you hoping for a sequel (hint, hint).Please consider writing another book to give us fans of Chestas Way an update.God Bless you Mary Jacobson,and thank you again for a beautifully written story that tugged at these heartstrings.I would highly recommend this book to anyone with teens, anyone who loves animals or anyone who works with teens. Chesta can teach a lot and it really helps you to understand and have compassion for troubled teens.There is a wealth of knowledge in this book.

I sat down to skim Chesta's Way one night, being too tired to really read it. Well, much later, wiping tears from my eyes I was thankful I'd taken the time while my family slept and the phone didn't ring to complete the book. As a Registered Nurse who has often dealt with obnoxious teen patients I was enchanted with Chesta's determination and her approach. It made me reflect on my own sense of compassion ( or occasional lack thereof!). Thanks, Ms. Jacobson.

Chesta's Way is an inspiring and heartwarming true story that captured me from the beginning. Through smiles, tears and intense moments, this is an uplifting account of how one woman's compassion and perserverance helped fill the void in troubled city kids hearts. This book is a "must read" for anyone concerned about kids today, anyone who is called in their "own way" to make a difference in the lives of others, and for animal lovers everywhere who know and cherish the gifts animals bring to us through their need, companionship and love. City Kids and Calves...what a wonderful combination! Chesta's Way is beautifully written and it's story rekindles one's faith in the human spirit. It is the kind of book you will want to share with others. The perfect gift. I have given this book as gifts to others with the greatest of joy. Thank you, Mary, for sharing this story.

The author does a great job of catching the lives of the people in the book. From the troubled youth, the family with it's own internal relationships to the agency people working with the program. I enjoyed the book very much and would recommend it for all ages of readers. Additionally, it gives a perspective of 4-H that many people are not aware exisits. Maybe a screen play next for this story?

I remember reading this book almost 13 or so years ago, and I remember how much it meant to me then. This is a wonderful story of a boy with a hard life who begins to understand the bad path he is heading down, and his life is turned around by caring for a cat who needs his help.

I first experienced this story as a television film around 1969. It stunned me then, as a child, and I kept it in my heart for decades. Recently I came across a dog-eared copy of the novelization in a used bookstore and was stunned by the grip it still had on me. I am now a teacher and have presented the book to my students. They were similarly enthralled. It transcends generations, ethnicities, and economic barriers. It is a sublimely human story. I am so grateful to Jane Wagner for creating such a fine piece. It teaches so many things in so many ways.

"He's just gone bad, that's all...Stealin' and lyin' and I don't know what all." That's how J.T.'s mother felt. Yet this same J.T. secretly cared for a one-eyed, scrawny, junkyard cat full of cuts, scratches, nicks, and bruises from a recent battle. How could he be both good and bad? Why was he these two types of persons? Find out J.T.'s feelings--they're not too unusual. (A film was made of this book.)

A Non-Workbook, Non-Textbook Approach to Teaching Language Arts: Grades 4 Through 8 and Up

This book is a must read for all NYC students. As an educator I introduce it to grades second and up. I would like to purchase a copy of this on film. Amazon can you help locate a copy.

I loved this book as a child and I even remember having a little crush on the boy in the book and film (Kevin Hooks who went on to become a famous actor and director). My parents somehow got a hold of the film (on a reel!) to show at one of my birthday slumber parties in the late 70s. I'm now expecting my first child and can't wait until she's old enough to enjoy the story as well.

Andrew Winston's writing has almost an omniscient quality as he creates and inhabits these characters that dwell in his (and our) Chicago. With grace, he glides from one consciousness to the next, conveying each individual's moments of joy and suffering in vivid, penetrating language. Having set these fully realized and diverse characters in motion over a richly penned backdrop of the city, Winston spins together the stories as they take--greatly to his credit as a debut novelist--such natural shape. The result is this beautifully intricate yet intimate mosaic of Chicago stepping into the twenty-first century.

Of all the books I read this year, I'm happy to have made time for this one. The characters were engaging and their stories were carefully interwoven. The book reveals something insightful about Chicago and the people who live here.

Andrew Winston's brilliant freshman novel captivated me from the beginning. He creates an ensemble of characters whose lives engage and disengage throughout the first year of the millenium in Chicago. The city itself is an integral part of the story; Winston captures the essence of Chicago in his narrative. The characters, of various ages, races, socioeconomic status and sexual orientation, are vividly portrayed. Their tangled lives suck you in and make it difficult to put down the book. Winston's descriptive voice is masterful and lyrical. I truly found this book to be one of the best fictional works I've read in the past few years. Highly reccomended!

Andrew Winston so successfully captures the common threads of emotional and life dilemmas regardless of sex, race or relationships. Further, he skillfully weaves the crossing of the unsuspected paths of his characters, creating an interesting story -- one difficult to put down. Winston so deftly put into words thoughts and feelings I have had but failed to find the words for. While reading, I called my sister several times to read a passage to her until finally, I gave her a copy which she enjoyed as much as I.

Andrew Winston does a superb job with character development. Looped brings each person to life, vividly and realistically describes relationships and then masterfully connects all of the characters. I felt like a voyeur in the neighborhood and couldn't wait each night to see what transpired in the next section of the book.