Issues Books

book! The pictures are wonderful, and the story itself is sweet and simple with lovely rhyming. My son loves it! He is now 3. If I could just give a 1/4 star less I would. I still believe this is a book worth adding to your children's home library. The only problem I found is the illustrator decided to draw a lioness instead of a lion. His roaring lion has no mane. The story indicates a lion in 'his den.'

My kids and i loved this book. The illustrations are great, the rhyming is fun, and the story is adorable. You'll love it.

A bored emu named Edward in a zoo envies his seal neighbours and decides life would be a lot more exciting as one of them. He hops the fences of both enclosures in this poorly designed zoo and lives life as a seal. The customers and staff at the zoo aren't the brightest and don't notice any difference between him or the other animals let alone return him to his own enclosure so he's all set being a seal. Only he overhears a member of the public say that his favourite animal is a lion so Edward decides to hop the fence again. Hanging out with the lions (who don't eat him for some reason) someone else mentions snakes are their favourite so he decides to become a snake. Is it really a desire to be different Edward is after or is it something else. Read this book and find out!

The illustrations are very well done with minute attention to detail resulting in very realistic colour sketches. My only criticism is that it would be nice if Edward had visited a few more animals but that's the only bad thing I have to say about this book.

There's also a sequel available called Edwina the Emu.

Edward the Emu is sick of being an Emu, so he tries out being a few other animals at the zoo, only to discover that the visitors have many favourite animals.
The story is told in a lovely verse and the illustrations are one of the best I have seen in any children's book. Edward The Emu is funny and engaging with a simple message of valuing oneself.
Highly recommended.

Edward the Emu is just a precious story with the funniest illustrations! My kindergarten students love this book! It is one we keep out all year and read lots of times. Edward makes us all laugh, especially when he is trying to be a snake, they think that is a really funny thing for an Emu to be a snake! You will enjoy this book.

A great book to stir a kid's imagination. This books shows actual playing, and not just watching a toy/video game that does something. A great way to teach creative play and get get kids thinking.

It has very well-done illustrations. It clearly shows a boy going through his day in a normal way, full of realistic fantasy play. I like how he includes his baby sister in everything, and how his mother participates a little in his play. The language is realistic and appropriately detailed.

But we don't read it very often, and I think I know why.

Firstly, this is a *very* long, *very* wordy book. It's definitely better suited for children closer to 8 than to 4, and even then - it's a long book. You have to really make time for it, you can't just fit it in there. This isn't in and of itself a problem, plenty of the books we *do* read a lot are long, but it definitely doesn't make me more likely to want to read it.

Secondly, the mom in the book is... well... just a little needy. By the middle of the book her desperation for a hug starts to weird me out. I understand that kids go through that no-hugging stage, and you do start to really miss them - but I can't help thinking that she'd get more cuddles if she'd just SHUT UP about it already! I know if I want a hug, all I have to do is ostensibly refuse them and the next thing I know I'm being smothered! (And I'm not that needy for them, either.)

It's just not my thing. I know a lot of people sympathize with the mom, and I feel for her, but... it goes a little overboard, and not in the funny way that I like.

It might just be me.

My 3 year old is crazy about firefighters and this is one of our favorite books! Very creative, and although a little long it holds his attention until the end (then he always laughs and gives me a hug). Very good book!

We ordered this for our son who was graduating from the fire fighting academy - Cute paperback book. Only issue at all was with the delivery. It was left outside of the house and in the rain -- could have ruin the book but fortunately it was only damp by the time we got it.

This book is very interesting. My 3.5 boy loves all the role games described in the book. Language is ok.

I really enjoyed reading this book. It helped put my life into perspective. Sometimes we all run fast and live hard until we realize that there comes a point when we need to rest and come back home-----to God. I want to thank Lisa Whelchel for writing such a fine story. The title caught my eye since so many of us are familiar with the show that started off with so many memories. For me it was the beginning of the end of my elementary school life and the beginnings of my High School days and til It's last year (1987-1988) of my first year in college. I hope that with all of our memories and best times we also find the time to read Lisa's Book. Great book! Go get it! :)

I enjoyed this book and was moved by it. I am a fan of Lisa's since her "Facts" days; I did my research first and I knew that the book did not have a lot of detail about her work on the show, so I didn't have those expectations. The book is religious in nature but in my opinion it was a very accessible, breezy read and I think there is something in it for everyone. In fact, I read it, and then I read it AGAIN as soon as I finished it! It really made me stop and think. I laughed, I cried, I said, "oh yeah, I know *exactly* what she's talking about!" Give it a look, it will be worth your time.

This book was awesome....it was funny, entertaining, but also very spiritual and uplifting. I've been a huge fan of the TV show "The Facts of Life" since I was very young, and adored "Blair". Lisa Whelchel is a wonderful writer and I highly recommend this book.

This book basically told the story of Lisa's life, from her childhood, to acting, and then about her marriage and parenthood. The chapters were well broken down into various aspects of her life, with her telling us what God has taught her at the end of each chapter. I loved the humor in the book, especially the words of wisdom from Lisa's mother.

This book was a great read, and I have learned things from Lisa that are actually helping me get through the days. I didn't want to put it down until I finished it, and I want to get a copy for all my friends. She may have been a star, and she's different from me in plenty of ways. But she's also so much like me as a Christian woman, wife, and mother. When I'm having a rough day, I just remember reading about how she went through something similar and how she got through it, whether it be a major life struggle, or just dealing with my kids when they're having a particularly bad day.
I went to one of her Mom-Time conferences a couple of months ago, and there I learned that Lisa is so down to earth. The book shows that about her even more. It has been such a blessing to me already, and it's a book I plan to read at least once a year.

"Lean" with Allen "Pooney" Richards as he jumps into the gang life; struggle with him as he tries to maintain a double life of school and sports as a young man and the gang life as a Crip. You will grow with Mr. Richards as he realizes the life he has chosen may put him and his family in harms way and decides to make a turn on the right path. Rochan's story is unique in the way the content is handled, gangs are often a staple in some novels, but never before has it been explored in this way. The plot and action was steady throughout, the characters were well-developed and distinct, the only thing more I could ask for is maybe a bit of history on some of the characters.

1. What did you like best about this book?
I liked how the author addressed an issue that is very prevalent amongst youth. Although a bad situation the author showed that redemption is possible if you want it.

2. What did you dislike about this book?
There wasn't anything I disliked about the book.

3. How can the author improve this book?
The author could give the reader some more insight into the characters with a little more back information.

Okay so let me tell you this book is about a boy named Allen a.k.a. Pooney he just joined the Deuce-Nine Crips and he's loving it at first. He thought he had it all money,respect,power, and lets not forget about the women, but then one of the highest ranking members starts taking a liking into Pooneys little sister Sheila and let me tell you shes only 13 years old Pooneys love for "the family" starts to crumble and he wants out, but it's much harder to get out of this gang then it is to get in so what is Pooney to do

Regina Richards knows how hard it is being a young adult in such a corrupt world. Her kids father have been locked down for years and he will not see the light of day on the outside again. Regina knows that her young son Pooney will need the structure of a strong man to make it in an increasingly violent world. Hopefully, someone else doesn't decide to take the stand for the father Pooney once had.

Sheila knows that one day her lies of trying to hide Pooney's ways are going to catch up to her. She loves her older brother and fully understands that he is caught up in something that is hard to get out of. If she is trying to watch out for Pooney, who is watching out for her?

Pooney loves the life of money, cars and respect. His fifteen year old mentality ensures him that the "street life" is more important than being a good student, a responsible son and a helpful older brother. After reaching great levels in the notorious street gang, Deuce-Nine Crips, Pooney realizes that it is not all fun and games.

Gangsta Lean takes you from the heart of a young man to the bold streets of Galveston, Texas. There are pages that will make you laugh, cry must mostly understand. You understand how hard it is to raise two children as a single parent and also to raise a teenage son. You also begin to see that peer pressure and the streets are easily something that we call could fall victims to. Great story for all to read.

I loved this book.....I liked how the main character Pookey wasnt like the other street guys that are portraied in other books.....the author didnt try to make him seem like he was a normal street hustler....and was doin the things that he did since he was 9 years old as others are seemed to be in other street novels........it showed how a normal young male got into the wrong things and making the wrong decisions......the author Rochan Morgan made him like a regular teenager.......I liked how he was a virgin in the beggining of the book unlike other books make the teenage guys have sex with every girl that pops up in the book........I loved the relationship between him and Taye and loved how it came about....he didnt step to her she stepped to him......regardless of her dangerous ex Lil Arthur.......this book had me in tears at the end......everybody should read this book.....I cant wait til Rochan Morgan releases his next book

Allen Richards aka "Pooney" was just a 15 year old trying to fit in. A proud new member of the Deuce Nine Crips, Pooney is faced with the seemingly easy street life. As naive as Pooney was he knew it was time to call it quits when his gang leader, Mo is building a relationship with his sister. But how can he just quit? It's Deuce Nine 4 life--right? With a tough predicament at hand how can Allen do whats right?
This book has it all. Action,love,suspense,gangs and murder. It showed all the characteristics of the street life. The book was outstanding. If you haven't read this yet you should jump it up in your to read list. Trust me, you wont be dissappointed.

this book is a great heartfelt story about a teebage girl who feels like she is less than what the world hopes for. Jess, the main character of this novel, is theaverage girl who has always felt like she isnt enough. she is best friends with the prettiest girl in school and has a crush on her seemingly perfect match. This story brings to life the precarious uncertainty of teenagerhood end the decisions made inthat time. it is a wonderfuk book and expresses the trial and error that lfe is.

The book Girl 15, Charming But Insane is an amazing book about the life of an 15 year old girl going through many problems teens do today. Jess(the main character) is faced with many problems, such as boy problems, family problems, and friend problems. Next to her best friend Flora; "the goddess" as Jess calls her, Jess obsesses over finding many things wrong with herself. When things could not get any worse, Jess' grandmother comes to move in with her. Jess still tries to focus on trying to get her "eye candy" Ben Jones and trying to start a new band.

What i liked about the book is that it was easy to relate to and gives great advice. Also, before every chapter started, it gave a funny horoscope for the sign virgo. One of them is "You will realize that the laundry basket is possessed by the devil". I think these were fun to read. This book is manly targeted toward 14-15 year old girls, but anyone can enjoy and relate to Jess' decisions and problems she faces everyday.

I absolutely loved this book. I read it until 4:00 a.m.

Think of it more as a comic book (well, it's not) rather than a piece of literature. You will laugh through it and certainly enjoy it a lot.

That's excatly how the book was. A great read, and very real. I had a great time reading this book, and at one part, was nearly dying of laughter! (The part where Jess goes to the band's rehearsal). A Fabulous book recommended for everyone.

This is one of the funniest books I have read in a long time. It's full of laugh-out-loud humour...yes, I was actually laughing out loud!

The story is about Jess, a budding comedienne who has been trying without success to gain the affection of her long-time crush, Ben. Unfortunately, she is constantly being overshadowed by her "perfect" friend Flora. As a result, she'll go to any lengths to get his attention, including stuffing her bra with minestrone soup-filled bags! The result is a whole lot of craziness and laughs.

This book is definitely insane and charming. While some of the events seem a little too crazy to be real, you will definitely get a kick out of reading about them.

When Sabrina catches a twenty-four hour virus called Spellfluenza, her powers transfer to the nearest mortal - Libby, Westbridge High's richest and snobbiest person! When Libby realizes her magical powers, she wants nothing less than global domination. Therefore, she makes a plan to steal the powers of Drell, head of the Witches' Council. Once done, Sabrina, her aunts, Salem, and a now mortal Drell must pass three tests or the universe will become one big shopping mall dedicated to Libby!

***** I was enchanted immediately! I found myself giggling aloud at some points and committing unladylike LOUD laughter at others! Don't miss out on this one! ****

I read this book two times, cause it was so good! Sabrina gets a serious case of spellfluenza, and she sneezes her powers into Libby! Well, Libby also gets Drell's powers, and now Sabrina, Hilda, Zelda, Salem and Drell have to complete three tasks in Libby's infinite shopping mall (In the Other Realm) to get to meet her and get her powers back! I recomend this book for everyone! IT'S GREAT!

Sabrina's got spellfluenza, a nasty little witch virus. Every time she sneezes her powers pop out of her and into the next person. Another sneeze & they're back again-whew! It's not bad at first-Sabrina only sneezes in pairs. But then Libby Chessler gets in the way of a solitary achoo and...uh-oh.

It doesn't take Libby long to figure out she's picked up some powerful magic. Now there's just one thing she wants...more! After all, world domination isn't out of the question!

Sabrina's challenge is clear: follow Libby on her search for bigger & better powers and stop her. But can she do it as a mere mortal?

When Sabrina catches a twenty-four hour virus called Spellfluenza, her powers transfer to the nearest mortal - Libby, Westbridge High's richest and snobbiest person! When Libby realizes her magical powers, she wants nothing less than global domination. Therefore, she makes a plan to steal the powers of Drell, head of the Witches' Council. Once done, Sabrina, her aunts, Salem, and a now mortal Drell must pass three tests or the universe will become one big shopping mall dedicated to Libby!

[5 stars]I was enchanted immediately! I found myself giggling aloud at some points and committing unladylike LOUD laughter at others! Don't miss out on this one!

Sabrina has a comen cold for witches. it makes her powers go from her to someone in the room with her until she sneezes in his presence. (No fake sneezes or with pepper) the docter say to stay home from school but Sabrina does not want to miss the try-outs! so she going to school-and gives her powers to Libby!! OH NO!!

This is masterfully written, solid, proven, best of the best, based on Scripture and years of God confirming His Word with signs following,just as He promised in His Word. The proverbial Philadelphia lawyer could not have laid out a more airtight case. Don't miss it. I sent a copy to a friend just diagnosed with cancer. He could not thank me enough.

I highly recommend this book for anyone , especially for those who need Physical or Spiritual Healing.

I am enjoying the book as a bibile study with my church. The book is easy to follow and understand.

A great book! If you only half believe that Jesus wants to heal you, read this book. If your faith in divine healing is wavering, read this book. One of the best ever written on this subject.
If you want to balance it with someone else's teaching, grab The Real Faith for Healing by Charles S Price and read that as well.

This was a life changing book for me, as were FF Bosworth "Christ the Healer" and Norvel Hayes "How to Live and Not Die". I actually read the latter two first. While reading the scriptural teachings in those two books, I received healing and cancelled a scheduled surgical consult. While reading the scripture in "Healing the Sick," I received healing again from a different condition. Praise His Holy Name!

The latter two books are available on audio tape or CD.

A foundation from the Bible and the Holy Spirit, with the combination of teachings in these books, along with Kenneth E. Hagin Sr, Kenneth Copeland, and Keith Moore (all his are free on his website) have been invaluable healing resources for me. I pray you are blessed as well. Peace to you.

We used this book for summer reading this summer which was to catch a reading bug. It is a fun book to read out loud esp if you can do voices for the charaters. I would recommend the book .

This is the best book! I use it in my Kindergarten classroom when we do a thematic unit on bugs. We act out the story then talk about the ending.

I loved this book and the intention the author had to encourage children to consider the moral of the story. Also for a children's book it is well written with amusing rhymes. The kids also loved hearing this story. The only problem was this - they got absolutely the wrong message from it!

The book presents two arguments - the ant pleading for its life, and the boy who questions the value of the ant's life. But the author wrote the boy's side of the story so pleasingly that my kids far more enjoyed siding with the boy than with the ant, despite explanation, to my complete despair! My young listeners were quite young, ages 2-3, so perhaps this book would be better for a slightly older child.

I am a 3rd grade teacher, and I use this book in my classroom to teach about bullying, peer pressure (the boy's friends are encouraging him to squish the ant), and empathy. My students love it! I wish I could find a poster of the page where the ant is looming over the boy and asking "If you were me, and I were you, what would you want me to do?" What an incredible lesson for kids! The best part is that the book ends with the shoe looming over the ant and leaves the ending up to the reader. Kids love writing (or just inventing) their own endings! GREAT BOOK!

This is an excellent book about an ant who has to convince a boy why he should not squish him with his shoe. It sends a wonderful message to children that you should treat others how you would want to be treated. This rhyming text is very comical to read and the illustrations are excellent. It is a wonderful book for elementary students!

This book has got to be the best book I've ever read, I couldn't stop I read it in 6 hours continously! This is amazing for me because I'm usually the guy who never reads anything. I'm sure this book is a best buy and I can't wait for the second book to come out!!! For all you kids like me, pick up Hoopster today!

The book i read was 'The Hoopster" by Alan Lawrence Sitomer. My book was about a young African Amercin man named Andre. Andre is really good at basketball, maybe even good enough to play proffesional ball. His nickname is the Hoopster. His long life dream is to become a magazine writer. He is a vary talented writer but no one knew it yet. He worked at a magazine editorial, but he was just an errand boy for the writers. Until one day someone had seen an artical that he wrote just for fun and thought he could be good enough to write an article for them, so they offered him an oppertunity to write about racism. The article was spectacular. but not everyone liked it. A man kept herassing Andre, telling him to stop writing or else they would hurt him. Andre didn't listen so one day after work he was walking to his car and a van pulled up next to him. A group of white men came out and beat him, they also kept crushing his hand in a car door. i liked this book because it was about basketball, it also showed that racism is bad and still around. And you shouldn't let people bring you down.

THIS IS THE GREATEST BOOK EVER. i couldn't but it down til i finish it. i love how Alan kept us on the edge of our seat when Andre was getting beat up. i can't wait til the next book comes out.

This is the type of book one can never let go. It is an excellent book and I am 99.9% sure that teens will like it. Well, yeah good job Alan Sitomer. Buy. Read. Re-read. Enjoy. Don't bother me.... I'm reading.

The Hoopster


The Hoopster, by Alan Sitomer, is a compelling book that allows you to see arguably the toughest year of Andre's life. Things look good at first; he has a hot new girlfriend, Gwen, just received a promotion in his job working for a magazine, and is his usual dominant self on the basketball court. Andre's new assignment is to write each month an article about race. Since he is a very bright African-American, his input on the topic becomes meaningful to nearly all the subscribers. One group, however, does not think so highly of his writings. One night when Andre is leaving work, his life forever changes...
The Hoopster is the book for you if you enjoy fast-paced, action-packed, sports thrillers with many unexpected twists. This book is not for a sensitive reader and I would not recommend it to anyone below the middle school level, because the content is not always G or PG. Overall, I think anyone over 12 would truly enjoy this book, and it would open up anyone's eyes about and make the reader think twice before stereotyping another African American.

the story is about a girl named ava, who just lost her boyfriend, jackson in a trajic way. after jackson dies she keeps seeing him everywhere...she doesnt know the reason that he keeps haunting her, and belives he is doing it because he is mad at her for the way he dies. when she finds the reason for why he is haunting her she is overcome with his true love for her and finally lets him go.

this is one of the most beautiful and saddest books i have ever read. the good thing about this book is that its so short you can read quickly. i cried so hard when i read this. it touched my heart and made me feel ava's love for jackson and made me sad that she will never see him again.

i recommend this to anyone. its a great book and one you wont regret reading.

This book was very coherently and beautifully written. It was focused and poetic, magical and real, all at once.
Ava really touches readers as she is so human-- she wants to be more of something, she wishes she were something, and she both loved and lost, and let go.
The author conveyed the essence of true love very effectively-- emphasizing that Ava loved her boyfriend not only because of what he was, but because of what she was when he was with her. The book also explores the question of letting go and when to do it and how to know when you are ready to do it. And anyone of any age is capable of love, for there are so many types of love.
I highly recommend this touching, tear-evoking novel!

Ava's boyfriend was perfect, he understood her. But when their game of dares goes to far and he is killed, Ava is guilty.
She misses him and stays home all the time, she won't talk to anyone, but then one night when she is finally starting to get better Jackson appears to her (in his own way).
He can't leave the house, so she stays home too.
He can't touch her or talk to her, but he's there and he still loves her.
But will Ava become a prisoner of her lost love or be set free by his presences?
I thought it was a great haunting read. The free verse really adds to it and it is the kind of book you can read over and over.
I really can't think of any negative feedback for the book. It is a beautiful, haunting book.
Warning: keep tissues near by.

Ava can't see him or touch him, unless she's dreaming. She can't hear his voice, except for the faint whispers in her mind. Most would think she's crazy, but she knows he's here.

Jackson. The boy Ava thought she'd spend the rest of her life with. He's back from the dead, as proof that love truly knows no bounds.

This is a touching story, written in free verse, about a teenage girl whose boyfriend dies, and we see her go through all the different phases of this loss. She's grieving and feels she is to blame for his death. But Jackson starts to appear to her in her home, as a ghost. This book is a wonderful read for teenagers who have lost someone close to them, and even those who have not. It's all about healing, and moving forward with your life after a tragedy.

It is recommended for grades 9 and up. There are mild references to sex, but I don't think it's something an 8th grader should be kept from reading. Its beautiful poetry, and a easy read.

My friends recommended that I read this book, and when I did, I was amazed by how incredibly touching it was. I cried a few times while I read it, which is unusual since I usually don't do that. The writing style that the author used really contributed to the emotions in the story.

Read it =]