Camps Books

My son took the class with Ms. Manning and also used this book to prepare for the SAT. Both are excellent and we are thrilled with the results... he went up 180 points from his PSAT! The material is presented in a very usable manner and keeps the student interested. I highly recommend this book!

this book was very beneficial for helping me with my SAT score. It goes over everything you will encounter in your SAT.

This book was a key factor in helping our daughter increase her SAT scores by 160 points! I strongly suggest any high school junior making the investment of time and money!

Anyone preparing for the PSAT or SATs should read "Boot Camp". My daughter studied the book and her SAT jumped "300" points to a near perfect score. After studying the book and taking Marcy's course, my son's PSAT score went up 350 points. The book is concise, easy to read, and fun. It tells you what you need to know. You won't regret buying this book.

My daughter bought this book in early fall. She also attended Ms. Manning's classes. The book teaches students how to prepare for the SAT and make improvments on their scores. A strategy is given. My daughter's scores for PSAT given later in the fall went up significantly! She now has confidence that she can handle the SAT this spring. Recommend this for anyone wantint to increase their SAT scores.

This is a book that must be read by all; especially our younger generation so that they can continue to spread the truth about what really happened during the those horrific times of the holacaust. EXCELLENT BOOK!

Hello Mr Wiener, I am Paula, the British lady, whose daughter's house you honored in Hillsboro. I read "From a Name to a Number" in one day; --- I couldn't put it down. I have read other books on the Holocaust, but Mr. Wiener's account was especially poignant because it effortlessly brought out the characteristics of so many people involved, with such a simple but honest touch, that I felt like I was there. There was devastation of course, but also moments of reaffirmation of human kindness. This book took the reader through the war years, through the years after liberation in Israel, and up to the present time in America. I am grateful to be told, for once, "the rest of the story" in a Holocaust account. Mr. Wiener shares with us how his story has touched many lives. I pray for peace all the time too, Mr. Wiener. May your book be one of the stepping stones to that end.

Bracing for a depressing read, I picked up this book which I had purchased months before. Once I started reading it was difficult to put down. Mr. Wiener has suffered unspeakable sadness and cruelty at the hands of the Nazi regime. It is difficult to comprehend the life he enndured while in labor camps. However, decades later through the pain and sense of loss that he still endures to this day, he has overcome hatred with a willingness to tell his story and help us understand what occurred in the past and what must not be again. His tale touches our hearts and reaches us with a very special message: Through love and faith there is hope. I thank Mr. Wiener for this important and passionate book.

Alter Wiener's book, From A Name to A Number, is a powerful life story of a man who has walked through hell and lived to tell about it. I call Alter a hero because he is someone who's lost so much in his lifetime, yet is still so giving.

This book is a straight forward account of Alter's young life where he literally was ripped from his home as a teenager and forced into a Nazi labor camp. The stories Alter describes are hard to fathom because they expose such cruelty that Hitler put upon such a large group of people for insane reasons. Despite all that Alter endured, he still pressed on and held on until he was liberated by the Russian army.

Once Alter was released from camp, I figured his troubles were over, but in reality the scars of the Holocaust never heal. It was amazing to learn that Alter still had a positive attitude towards life and humanity in general. He is a very humble man who seeks the best in people and helps others see how precious life is and to appreciate everything that's in it.

Although the backdrop for this story is a depressing one, I found this book to be very uplifting with many detailed examples of how there is good in the world. The book describes incredible acts of kindness whether it be an encouraging letter from a stranger helping Alter piece his life back together after the war or the generosity of a German woman who risked her life to give Alter a sandwich.

I have had the honor and privilege to meet Alter Wiener in person. He spoke to 110 of my 8th grade students and left a lasting impression. One quote, they will never forget is "Without hope, you lose everything." They will never forget the day they met a living hero, nor will I.

I have had the opportunity to hear Al tell his story at least a dozen times and with each time my sense of hope for humanity has been strengthened. When I first found out about Al's publication I was immediately relieved because I knew that his stories would be carried on to those who may never get to hear from a man who has lived through such unimaginable atrocities and has found the means to love and forgive. I am blessed to know Al...we have shared meals, long car rides, and even a game of Scrabble. And now, thankfully, Al is available to so many more people through From a Name to a Number.

I read this book for the first time in the 6th grade, and now, 20 years, later, it is still as hilarious as ever. All ages can enjoy this wonderfully funny book! If you like to laugh, then give "I Want to Go Home" a try. You won't be disappointed!

I've probably read this book about 20 times (over the past 20 years) and it never gets old. So many funny characters and situations. It's kind of surprising it never got made into a movie, but maybe the camp movie genre is already saturated.

If you haven't read it already, it's worth the time and effort to hunt down a copy of this book.

I had this book when I was a kid. I lent it to my friend and never saw it again. It was my favorite book, and I wanted a copy for my boys. I just rolled with laughter when I read it as a child, and when I read it with my wife and kids, they did the same thing. It is a shame this book is out of print, because kids love it. You will not be disappointed.

and this would be one of my favourite books by him!

it is laugh out loud funny and I read it over and over again.

I am an adult, and I adore his books. If you are looking at buying something for kids who don't like to read, something like this should get them hooked!

This is one graet book! It is about a boy named Rudy Miller, who is not very socialized, being sent away to summer camp. He does not take part in any sports, though he is a true Olympic champion back at home. He meets a shy friend, Mike Webster, who is a very bad liar, unfortunatly! With Mike as his companion, Rudy plans a million ways that he could escape this summer camp he dreads. In class, our teacher read "I Want to Go Home" to us. It was hilarious reading about Rudy and Mike's impossible escapes! Read this great story about Chip, the cabin councsiller, Harold, a mean campmate, Pierre, the arts and crafts teaacher, and of course, Rudy and Mike! You will love it!!!

This book has been super helpful in preparing my husband for boot camp- physically and mentally. The only problem is that we've learned that after the publishing of this book a lot changed in army boot camp. At first my husband was interested in joining the national guard, but in order to go to a boot camp like what is described in this book, he has to choose a different branch of military.

My son will go to marine boot camp in July. I read this first and it was a great help for me to understand what will happen and what he needs to do before he goes. I highly recommend this not only for our "new" military but for their parents as well.

Get this book it has a world of knowledge in it. Are you to call a DS "yes sir or Yes Maam" ? What is a DS hat called? get the book it will HELP you.

This book was packed with info that will benefit anyone interested in going into the militry. My hubby went through boot camp a few years ago and said that all of the info would have made life a little easier then...lol.

This book has helped me in so many ways. I knew nothing about the military before I left for boot camp. Now, I feel I am completely ready. The book has an easy to understand fitness routine and told me what to expect mentally from a drill sergeant, even the other recruits. This book even contains a packing list so I know exactly what to pack for boot camp.
Before I was scared to leave for basic, now I cant wait.

Have you ever wanted to read a good romance with a little tragdey mixed in that will knock your socks off? Well, "Reach for Tomorrow " will by Lurlene McDaniel does just that. The main character in this book is Katie O'Roark. Katie is a college student with an athletic scholarship. She has recentally had a heart transplant.Which has changed her life dramatically.During her summers she attends the Jenny House.The Jenny House is a camp for kids with medical problems to go relax and meet people with the same problems. One summer Katie recieved a letter from The Jenny House. She was thrilled to know she was choosen to be a counselor. Along with some of her friend from the former years she has attened The Jenny House. Last year The Jenny House was burned dwom due to a fire. Katie was excited to know it was being rebuilt. Katie's ex-boyfreind, Josh Martel also is going to be a counselor. Being around Josh brings back so many memories and emothions that Katie just can't handle.

This book revels flashback and realistic detail. Some of the flashbacks that are mentioned are of when Katie was in the hospital and when her and Josh was still together.The realistic detail is amazing. For example, when Eric and Meg go for a canoe ride together the author gives details on everyhting surrounding then and what they do exactly. Also, the author uses a lot of humor in the book. Such as whe nthey have a tug-a-war challenge and the girls lose.They get pulled into a mudd puddle and Lacey says, " I've always wandered what i'd look like as a brunette.

This book is a really good book to read. When I started reading this book I didn't want to put it down. It shows realationships and friendships. If I had'nt read this book and someone had just told me about it I would read it in a heartbeat. That says a lot because i'm not one to read that much. So therefore, this book is a great book for romance and tradgey.

I really loved thsi book. Especially how all the characters from the other stories get together. The scenes with Josh and Katie were heart-breaking and wonderful at the same time. And if you want to know what ahppens between Katie and Josh once the summer's over, you gotta read this book!

Ok.....i have read all of the One Last Wish books and this one by far is the greatest!! Katie and Josh's ending was fantastic...i think Lurlene McDaniel should write more of the OLW books about Katie and Josh's future together...and Lacey and Jeff and Meg and Morgan. The book does leave you at a loss with what happend to Meg and Morgan, Jeff and Lacey, Eric, and Chelsea..it would be great to find out what happens to eveyone. I loved all of the other OLW books too! I couldn't put any of these books down they were great. And Lurlene McDaniel should defiantly write more books about OLW and Jenny House!!!

I really like romance novels. The way Lurlene McDaniel explains the character's emotions is unbeliveable! My favorite book by Lurene McDaniel is "Reach for Tomorrow," the second in this McDaniel series. It is about a girl named Katie and she goes to a camp where sick kids go to have fun. Katie meets up with a bunch of friends including her ex-boyfriend,Josh. When they saw eachother, they freaked out. Then she found out that he has been in an accadent and they didn't know if he was going to live. She and all the campers are all worried. She goes down to the chapel and prays for him. A couple of weeks later they got married in the chapel. Katie's favorite camper,Sara, was supposed to be in the wedding but....If you want to know what happens, read "Reach for Tomarrow." I really like the book "Telling Christina Goodbye," also by Lurlene McDaniel.

in my opinion, Reach For Tomorrow is Lurlene McDaniel's best book.It was great how she put in Eric, Megan, Sarah, and Morgan from the other one last wish books. The only OWL character missing was Dani from Mourning Song. I hope Lurlene writes a sequel that describes what happens to Josh and katie now that they're married, if meg and morgan stay together, and what happens to the other characters. YOU GOTTA READ ABOUT THIS FABULOUS JENNY HOUSE REUNION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I just started reading this book yesterday, and I must say I am completely intrigued! I do like this type of memoir reading and I love to read about the atroscities of the holocaust. This book is a very easy read and it really captivates you; I haven't wanted to put it down yet!!

This is an incredible story of sisters in a concentration camp. I've done a great deal of research into the Holocaust, but never have I come across a book quite like this one. It literally changed my life. I found myself thinking about it for days afterwards, little things reminding me of Rena's story--eating a potato, walking outside with a coat on, seeing a young child playing. I found a distinct connection with Rena, even asking myself if I could do what she did.
Rena is an astonishing woman who is responsible for her sister surviving Auschwitz. The critic got it wrong when s/he said that Rena's promise was made to her mother to protect the baby; Rena's promise is to her sister, that if her sister is to die in that terrible place, she will not die alone. Rena went through a terrible ordeal to keep them both alive, and to attempt to recount it here would be a great injustice to Rena's story and spirit.
Read the book. It will change your life.

I came away from Rena's Promise with a new found respect for people who have experienced racial discrimination. Rena Korneich Gelissen and Heather Dune Macadam did an excellent job of reconstructing Rena's life prior to the Holocaust and what happened as the Allied Powers were beginning to win. Although I never read a novel about any historical issue, Rena's Promise seemed to portray an acquire example of many historical events within that time period. Even though I came away from the novel very pleased, it did possess some limitations. In my opinion the pictures within the book should be at the end of the novel because it takes away from the suspense of surviving her terrible ordeal. If this was put into thought, then the reader would have enjoyed her escape or her survival even more. I also enjoyed the author's use of diction because the reader is able to learn Polish or German words while they are reading, although they may have been hard to pronounce. Nevertheless this is an excellent book about a courageous young lady who went through some horrendous events during the Holocaust, although it was a little far fetch.

I had to pick holocaust memoir book for a college report and while all my classmates did memoirs of men I wanted something different. I found this book at my local bookstore & wasnt too sure about it but decided to try it anyway. I fell in love with it. Her discribtions make me feel like I'm with her in her horror. I felt her emotions as I read the book. I would spend many nights up late reading wanting to know what was going to happen next.

In my personal opinion, I don't like the Holocaust. When I was assigned to read this book, I just wanted to die. When I was reading it, everything seemed so repetitive. At 4 a.m., Raus. Raus. Then you stand in line to get counted, afterwards you receive your food, and back in line to go work. I'm pretty sure that this is what was really going on at the time and that made me really like the way the story was written. One could really get engaged in the story because of this. The way the author wrote made the readers get into the lives of the workers.
At the beginning of the story, the reader is reading about an interview that is taking place with a reporter and a holocaust survivor, which is a dead giveaway that the prisoner was going to survive every tragic event that would occur. There can be no surprises because we already know that the main character will always live to tell the tale. There are also pictures of the main character and her sister side by side at a very old age in the middle of the book. By the time the readers get to this point of the novel, the main character's sister seems as though she will get killed at any moment and it is at a very climactic point of the story, but the pictures ruin it all.
There are also some events in the story that seems a little suspicious and unbelievable. Throughout the entire novel, there is a scarce amount of food, but Rena, the main character, is always giving her food away or sharing it with everyone. Rena always remained looking fit and healthy, even though there was a lack of food intake.
Being as unbiased as I can be, the book does have its good points. If you are a holocaust fan, you would thoroughly enjoy this story because you really feel like a prisoner. The repetition and the boredom they felt, you will feel. Reading how gruesome the murders took place, your stomach will cringe. The sadness they were going through, you will empathize.
Personally I didn't like the book, but this was already known because I don't like the holocaust in general, but I still would recommend this novel to anyone. This book was very educational with footnotes of facts that acted like a timeline as the story went on. It is an easy read and very easy to become captivated. If you are a Holocaust enthusiast, I highly recommend this for your collection. If you are like me and don't care for the Holocaust, then this is a book you can do without.

True life events .. so well told .. The story is riveting from beginning to end .. I wish I could feel that this will never happen again but I worry that it can and that it will.

Seren Tuval is my new heroine. Born ahead of her time, she was an independent force to be reckoned with. Having the sense of not wanting to be married too young and finding a career to support herself (which she did, hence the title) this brave woman not only fought her way through the Holocaust and survived, her intelligence, quick wit and sense of humor saved the lives of her sister and and close friend as well. She never lost hope that she would be reunited with other family members and her sheer will to survive is a true inspiration. I was always proud of my Eastern European descent, but now Seren Tuval makes me even prouder.

Although I have an interest in Holocaust memoirs and have read dozens to date, I found Bernstein's story both unique and compelling.

Bernstein begins by providing a full picture of her life, starting from childhood. Then known as Seren, the young Bernstein was happy, growing up as one of the youngest children in a large blended family in Hungary. Her father, a mill supervisor, never failed to provide well for his plethora of children, in-laws and grandchildren.

However, even he couldn't stop the forces that wanted to annihilate the Jews. In the early 1930s -- well before many people even had an inkling of the depth of trouble brewing -- Bernstein, her family and friends were forbidden from working or socializing normally. Before long, the huge extended family was unable to keep in contact, though geographically close by; and Bernstein and her father were imprisoned.

Bernstein's troubles, though, were only just beginning. Over the next few years, as she and her sisters struggled to maintain some semblance of normal lives -- young Seren working as a seamstress -- the Iron Guard began to close in upon them.

Bernstein details the long months when she, her youngest sister Esther, and their friends Lily and Ellen struggled to survive at a little-known all-women's work camp. Although Jews were only a small number of the prisoners, they were treated the worst.

Bernstein, who had a friend amputate her big toe after gangrene set in from the cold, and literally became a walking skeleton, was considered one of the luckiest ones -- she survived.

Told in a manner that is simultaneously human yet matter-of-fact, Bernstein's story of survival against all odds is magnificent. It's impossible to read it and not feel incredulous, let alone to ever forget how one woman could possibly survive so much.

This is one of the best books I have ever read. I was unable to put it down and finished it in two sittings. It was simultaneously fascinating and appalling if that is comprehendable.
The horrific and degrading treatment of Seren and her fellow prisoners is beyond anything any of us can imagine and their ability to survive against all odds is truly heroic. Man's inhumanity to man is portrayed in all it's shocking detail. I found myself moved to tears several times, but could not stop myself from finishing the book as quickly as I could. It is definitely worth reading. You will never forget it.

This Holocaust survival memoir is both unique and remarkable and ensures we will never forget the tragedies suffered at the hands of the Nazis. This story in particular evinces the notion that no two Holocaust stories are the same- so many people suffered in so many different places and in so many different ways.

Seren's story teaches us that survival for so many depended upon connections with others- friends/ relatives, etc. Seeimingly so many Holocaust survival stories depict this idea of surviving for others or because of others. Hence, her story teaches us not only of love and relationships but of what it takes not to give up or give in.

I have read a few times that reviewers found the tone of this novel "detached," and/or "irreverant," and I wholeheartedly disagree. I was extremely connected with the characters and felt Seren's emotions throughout the various stages of her life. Indeed, in contrast to so many survivors who can not speak of the atrocities they witnessed and suffered, the very fact that Seren was able to tell her story shows a great deal of strength and her ability to connect with her past on an emotional level.

I HIGHLY recommend this book, and believe it should be required reading in all schools. It would make an excellent book club selection, and would greatly enhance any courses on the Holocaust, WWII, women's studies, history, etc.

This story is about David, a boy who has spent most of his life in concentration camps of Eastern Europe. When he is given a chance to escape, he does so with the expectation that he will be caught and returned to the camps at any moment. Eventually, he accepts that he has finally gained his freedom. His journey to this realization and beyond is one of enlightenment and revelation as he discovers the things about the world and its inhabitants that he never knew before. Most touching are his prayers to God for help to get through his the various trials that come his way. This book made me appreciate all that I have and I think it will have the same effect on anyone who reads it. Highly recommended.

An amazing story from the 'inner world' of a lost boy. When one wants to feel its heart touched? than read it!

The movie was wonderful and the book was even better, filling in details the movie had to leave out. I especially was touched by his growth in faith that was absent in the movie. A wonderful book for young people to develop character, but for adults as well. I was a little disappointed in the abrupt ending.

I Am David shows the horror of a country without freedom and what living in a country that holds no love for freedom for all men, shows what is done to men and children "they" find subversive. David is a special child given the strength to trek through difficulities and the unknown looking for what he knows in his heart to be something "lost" and so much better. Even though this is a book aimed for the primary younger crowd, this grandma couldn't put the book down until young David experienced the bad and good from those that journeyed with him in his search.

"I Am David" by Anne Holm depicts years of the tragic concentration camps. A young boy with no parents, in a concentration camp, has to escape or die trying. David meets an older women that is very kind to him. As David asks the older women about some books people are carrying around. The older women explains the book. David realizes the author of this book is his mother, who he thought was killed when they were separated to go to concentration camps. David and his mother are soon reunited at once. this is a good book, I think this it is a god page turner because this book will keep you guessing; what will happen next? Who is he going to meet next? I don't recommend this book to a 13 year old, I would recommend book to 11-12 year olds because it would be more thrilling ate that age. this book is a page turner but I thought it wasn't very exciting. If you are someone who loves happy endings then this would be a great book for you.

Incredible book! Can't stop reading once you start. This books is the prove "THIS SHOULD NEVER HAPPEN AGAIN!!!" Very heartbreaking. It will change your life.

One of the top few books I've read about the holocaust. Riveting. Couldn't put it down. One of those "stories" that really hook you - you can't wait to see what happens next and you're a little horrified that you're reading it so avidly and enjoying it. At the same time you feel such sadness for the people who lived (and didn't) through it.

I was captured by this book. It is amazing what the human body and mind can endure. Also appalling what horrors humans can put upon each other. I was afraid it would be too graphic or depressing but it was quite the opposite. You get a very good idea of what it was like, i.e., the point is made. This book is a lesson about civilization and I could not put it down.

We know it happened; many of us have read books by others on the same subject--and yet it is hard to believe what went on. People gassed and tossed into ovens (even though some weren't even completely dead...) Then you've got your so-called Dr. Mengele who performed castrations on patients (male as well as female) without anesthetics. It goes on. It's gut-churning, but needs to be read. Because if we don't read about what happened, and if we don't see films about it--not only to honor all the innocent who were murdered (six million of the Jewish faith, and another six million non-Jewish), but as a reminder to remain vigil, keep alert...because you've got wannabe little Hitler jerks all over the place who'd love to do a re-peat of what their sorry and confused, not to mention mentally imbalanced "hero" set out to accomplish back in the 1940s--and, thankfully failed.

Makes you wonder what Olga Lengyel's life was like after she survived her ordeal. How do you go on, knowing that your husband, your two kids and both of your parents were senselessly slaughtered? How was she able to endure?

I read somewhere that she died a few years back. Not much else about her on the internet.
All I can say is read the book--and pass it on to someone else.

R.I.P.

An accurate reference of the history of one persons life and the atrocity of the Nazi, Auschwitz death camp. One can only hope that this book remains in the public eye so that this kind of history is never repeated. We need to pass on this kind of information to future generations.

I have read several other books in reference to the Holocaust and what is different about this book is the matter of fact way the author dealt with the issues. I am not in any way critical of this author or her method of writing.(She did a wonderful job) I am simply saying that she does stay with the issues at hand and does not offer much in regard to a personal reflection of herself or her family.(She does respect the medical aspect of confidentiality) From the standpoint of a person who obviously was educated and cared for the well being of mankind, this had to be a difficult task for this author, to write this book. Consequently from a historical and reference standpoint this book tells the story and succeeds in relating to the reader the atrocities of Auschwitz. This is a must read for anyone who values life and questions the evil capabilities of mankind. A follow-up to this book would be to read: Auschwitz by Dr. Miklos Nyiszli. These two books and the authors will pretty much sum up the difference in professionals, their conduct in difficult situations, and the story of death at Auschwitz.

I loved this book as a kid and I still love it now!! It was great to read it again and share in this girl's view of the world and the things that scare her and how she overcomes them!!

This was my all time favorite book as a kid. I still will recall parts of it in relation to my life now (im 39) . My daughter is finally eight and I cant wait for her to read it. Love this book, I could not have made it through childhood without Judy Blume and this book.,

My fourth grade teacher read this book to my class over a course of several Friday afternoons. It was the second Judy Blume book she read to us, the first being, "Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing". I was introduced to Sheila Tubman in "Tales", and then we got a chance to really get to know her.

Sheila sounds a lot like me at ten, trying to figure out where I fit in and trying to appear "perfect". Unlike Sheila however, I loved dogs, loved to swim, and I had to kill spiders for my sister, who was deathly afraid of them. I thought Blume dealt with Sheila's story with a lot of love and humor and sensitivity. By the end of the story, Sheila soon learns that when she really puts her mind to facing her fears, they're not as bad as it seems. This is an important lesson for us all and the younger you can get it, the better off you'll be.

Since the fourth grade, which was over twenty years ago, I have read many of Judy Blume's books and have enjoyed all of them immensely. I'd recommend this book for boys and girls alike. If anything, it'll make you grab your side and laugh. :)

I read this story named "Otherwise known as Sheila, the Great," by Judy Blume. In my opinion this story is really great because there is a whole family which is the parents and two girls, shiela and Libby. The main character is Sheila. She is 9 years old and she thinks that she deserves everything because she is the smallest one in her family. And her parents dont belive that. There si ehr sister which is Libby she is 13 years old and she thinks that she is the best dancer vere. The whole problem in this story is evry similar in real life because many brothers and sisters do not get along at all and they are always fighting about something.
There is another main character in this story her name is Marry but many peopel call her Mouse. It turns out that Sheila and Mouse get along very well and they bacame very best frineds. Sheila and Moiuse do everything to together. One day Mouse scared so bad sheila that she couldn't sleep at night. Mouse scarred her by saying that there was a headless horseman in Tarrytown is where they live. By mouse telling Sheila she ot so scared that she got to go to sleep to the parents bedroon because. And whenever she hear a sound she thought that it was the hedless horseman. Mouse had told sheila many things that would freak her out and she makes alto of dome things. So if you want to find out what does Mouse tells Sheila and what kind of things she does you should get this book and read.

One of the things Judy Blume does in her writing is that she makes characters kids can easily and fully relate to, and this brilliant feature of her writing isn't missing in this funny novel that is a must read for all young readers.