Fitzgerald Books

Our boys, 5 and 7 love the book series. It is informative on various
subjects and creates their curiosity to know more about for example the Civil War.

My four year old son is in love with this chapter series! A friend suggested it to us since he seemed ready for a more advanced reading material at bedtime. My husband reads him a chapter every night...sometimes more because they don't want to stop. It's become a great tradition for them, and something they both look forward to. We love that there are so many in the collection! Start with number 1 and just continue. :)

Revolutionary War On Wednesday (Magic Tree House 22, paper)This book was a great way to introduce our daughter to the American Revolution. While she completed it within a few hours, I would highly recommend it along with American Revolution: A Companion to the Revolutionary War on Wednesday (Magic Tree House Rsrch Gdes(R))To start studies for homeschoolers, or to have a great set of books that help explain Why the American Revolution began. The resource guide has the true facts of the Revolution and is something we returned to several times throughout our studies.
And at the price it definitely was an added bonus!

My 1st grader hates to put it down, he would rather read Magic Tree House books, than play video games. He even reads them to his class and explains the story for show and tell. In his kindergarten class the teacher would also let him read the Magic Tree House books out loud, not to give her a break, but to promote reading out loud. Great books!

COME ON PEOPLE! First of all this book and the entire series is meant for KIDS NOT ADULTS so go with the flow. Imagine you are a boy or girl who is 5 or 6 and is just starting to enjoy stories and reading. You will love it! The whole point of a book is to have children begging for more. This book and the series does just that! ENOUGH SAID! My 5 yr old loves this book and as a result he has become interested in American History. This appetite he has led us to purchase many more books on history. In my opinion, the book has accomplished what I wanted. AN INTEREST IN LEARNING! AN INTEREST IN HISTORY! AND AN INTEREST IN READING! The text should be simple! The text should be silly at times! Thank you to Mary Pope Osborne for creating a wonderful series which I believe has turned my child into a history buff eager to learn everything about America!

What more can we say about the magic tree house books! They are as exciting in our house as the newest Harry Potter. This book was a hit for our 8 year old.

I started reading this series to my 4 year old son and recommend it to anyone who wants to broaden their kids adventure geography.The research guides accompanying many of them are very informative and concise...rather they are a must have.

This one has a better storyline compared to the rest and covers various l aspects of the Ice Age Apart ..starting with the habitat of the CroMagnon man and how that they made their clothes from reindeer skin and lamps for visibility by hollowing out stones,how they had to hunt other animals like wooly mammoth by making traps in the ground as there were no supermarkets in the Ice Age.

For a younger audience (4-6),these books are informative .

My 1st grader hates to put it down, he would rather read Magic Tree House books, than play video games. He even reads them to his class and explains the story for show and tell. In his kindergarten class the teacher would also let him read the Magic Tree House books out loud, not to give her a break, but to promote reading out loud. Great books!

The book was really nice because you got to learn about things and animals and people. This book is good for grade 1-3. This book was one of the best books I ever read. I learned that people in the ice age used a mammoth bone flute to scare away sabertooths. This is why you should read this book.

I read the book Sunset of the Sabertooth.

This book is fantastic.

Jack and Annie traveled to the Ice Age in their magical tree house. They were searching for something that started with the letter "M". During their search they met a sorcerer that helped them find a flute that was made from a mammoth bone.
I learned some interesting facts. I learned that cavemen made flutes out of mammoth bones. I discovered that the cavemen were also called Cro-Magnons. I also learned that bears back then were much larger than they are now.
I would recommend this book for three reasons. This book has very interesting facts. The book was exciting to read. I also liked this book because it has unique animals.
Sunset of the Saber tooth is a great book.

this is one of these books that you just have to read over the summer. there's something about the writing style that is both classic and highly orginal, and the story itself is very enjoyable.

it's one of those young adult books about a rural childhood that is so unassumingly well written that its characters and story are beyond believable. details like the uncle who plants a garden with nothing but rows of onions and roses lend a kind of surreal pleasure to the book, and still leave you sniffing the air for a ghost of summer earth and sky, even if you're reading this book indoors.

the character of Arthur is so recognizable and disarmingly bright and observant that i think young readers will instantly identify with him. there's something of an unbreakable wonder in the way that Arthur sees the world, but he's bright enough to still be somewhat guarded. all the characters are wonderfully written, really.

this is a great, well written young adult's book, and should not be missed.

I have seen better books that Patricia MacLachlan has written, but this book was okay. It's about a boy who was sent to his geat aunt and uncle. They are very strange. They sit on very tall trees, speak french to their chicken and sing to their pig who is pregnant. It was an okay book

Arthur For The Very First Time is a good book for various reasons. The plot is one of them. It is a funny, wonderful book for all ages. It all started when the main caracter Arthur's parents sent him to his greatuncle Wrisby and his great aunt Elda who have a huge house which changes his life. He writes it all in his journal.Later, he meets Moria and starts liking her.It is a very funny book that has crazy characters who will make you laugh.

"Arthur for the Very First Time" by Patricia Maclachlanis about a boy called Arther, and his adventures at his uncles andaunts house. He met a chicken called Pauline, a girl called Moira and a pig called Bernadette and Moira's dad Moreover. Once Arther lost Pauline the chicken but he and Moira accidentally took YoYo's goose when Pauline was sleeping in the tree outside Arther's window. one day Moira and Arther wanted to take care of Pauline when she was sick and uncle Wrisby gave them the toxic(the medicine)for Pauline. Arthur said to give it a try first so they both tasted it and said grapefruit, Moira had to go home to meet the social worker, Arther and Pauline decided to come with Moira, so they drank some of the toxic the way, they were drunk and didn't ever know it when they went to moreover's house. One day Arther and Moira built a pen for Bernadette, but she didn't like it, until one one stormy day Bernadette was nowhere to be found! Arther checked everywhere until the only place was the pen Arther and Moira Built for Bernadette. She was there all right, but she wasn't breathing! Arther rapped his coat around Bernadette until they got to the place the other pigs. I think this is a very excenticly interesting book, because there are funny things, adventures, friendship, and it's like a biography for the summer at his aunts and uncles house.

In Arthur for the very first time, Arthur's parents fight somuch that they have to send him away because they don't want him tohave to listen to them fight. So they send him away to his aunt and uncle's house .At his aunt and uncle's house he has a weird summer. His aunt and uncle talk to chickens in French, his uncle sings to pigs, and his uncle grows roses and onions. He writes things down in his journal. I recommend this book becasue it has a lot of humor throughout the story. The story also has a beautiful writing style.

I haven't finished this book. But so far I like it.
I have to say, I would be a little freaked out if I
had to go to some strangers house like Sam did. Even
if she was an old lady.
I like it alot, so far, I like them all.

A very wonderful story! This author amazes me every time. This is a sad story, but has a unique and heart-warming finish. Anyone can enjoy this book, and I've read it dozens of times. One of my favorites. If anyone likes young animals, this is for you!

Phantom Stallion is a great book series. Faith a blind filly comes to Mrs. Allens ranch that Samatha Foster (Sam) renvates into a usful system. Mrs. Allen a new charter introduced to the series was mean at first and Sam changed all that. You will find the epic adventure of Faith, Sam, Trudy Allen, and of course the beloved phantom. Its a great book series for any girl into horses. So I hope you like the book and have fun with the adventure of Faith and Sam.

I have read the first thirteen of the Phantom Stallion series, and Free Again is one of my favorites. Like all the Phantom Stallion books, a lot of different story lines are presented throughout the book. You get to know not only the human characters, but also the horses, each of which have their own personality as well. I highly recommend the Phantom Stallion series for any horse lover!

Thirteen-year-old Samantha (Sam) Forster, is absolutely ecstatic when she finds a great home for a group of so-called "unadoptable" mustangs. In fact, she feels like an absolute hero, and is filled with so much strength, she feels like she can do anything. But when she promises to help care for each and every horse, especially the beautiful little blind filly she names Faith, she realizes just how much responsibility she has now. Between school, chores, homework, friends, taking care of her own horses, and helping to take care of the mustangs, Sam feels completely overwhelmed. But when the little blind filly wanders away alone during a horrible snowstorm, Sam blames herself, and knows that it's up to her to save the filly before something terrible happens to her. And maybe, just maybe, her beloved Phantom will help her save the day.

This is my first ever PHANTOM STALLION book, and I am not in anyway disappointed. I found the character of Sam to be full of wonderful spirit, determination, and intelligence. Her outlook on life, and her love for animals (especially horses), is absolutely wonderful, and her courageousness in searching for the blind little filly in the middle of a snowstorm was utterly remarkable. The supporting characters, such as Sam's friends, Jen and Jake, and her guardians, her Father and her Grandmother, make the story so much better, and keep it flowing well, while at the same time capturing the readers' attention. Overall this was a wonderful book that will be cherished for years to come by horse lovers.

Erika Sorocco
Book Review Columnist for The Community Bugle Newspaper

The part that I like the best is when they wreck the ships. That was funny! But the funniest part is when everybody looks awful and throws up. It is good and I like it the best. I wish I could read it again.

Mr. Scary's first grade class is about to put on a play about Christpher Columbus, and Junie B. Jones wants to be the big star. With all her usual misunderstandings of life and language, Junie B., First Grader: Shipwrecked will take young readers on a voyage filled with laughs and learning.

Barbara Park has some amazing insight into the thinking of a child, and her target audience loves her for it!

Well done.

I teach first grade so Junie B. is a fan of all of us. I just finished reading Shipwrecked, the newest Junie B. book in the series. This series continues to be entertaining for both my students and myself. The author does an outstanding job of placing everyday children's issues in an exciting way. These books have made my students realize the importance of helping each other and thinking of others needs before their own. In Shipwrecked it covers the topics of germs, sharing, and teamwork in a way that everyone can enjoy and learn from. I will continue to read Junie B for years to come and enjoy reading the new books as they are published.

This book is about Junie B. Jones and a play. Junie is a ship in the play. The play was about Christopher Columbus and Junie says he didn't discover America. Read the rest of the book to find out what happens!

I think that junie B. Jones realy made it sound like she was going to be the star of the play! But then everything turned around,when her part was picked she thought she got a dumb old boat. And then William sneezed in the middle of the show. It was confusing because too many things were going on!

I bought my Complete Triathlon Book ( Matt fitzgerald) in 2007. I compete in many Duathlons and a few Triathlons.I also run competively 1 or 2 times per week. In general im pretty competitive, like to be near the front, so was looking for lots of new tips etc . I would rate the book as ok. The cover looks great. To get my higher rating I would hope to see many more pictures ' preferably in color' to illustrate various beneficial tri techniques, equipment and ways to save those vital seconds.
I'm still looking for the perfect Tri Book.
To date I have found my best advice in seperate swim , bike and run books.
Gerry K

A decent book. I wish they would have left out a lot of the mind mumbo jumbo stuff. Was looking for a basic training/equipment quide.

This book is full of information about training for any kind of a triathlon, from sprint to ironman. Very informative

I found this book very good. I first got it from the Library and then decided it was a book I wanted on my shelf. It covers all the bases for learning about, training for and performing in Triathlons. It is very up to date and very practical in it's approach. I am a novice and this book has made me feel quite competent in how to approach, prepare for and perform in triathlons. It is chock full of information and I highly recommend it if you're at all serious about improving your performance.

This book is by far the best scientific guide to the science of fitness and nutrition associated with triathlon. I have always had unanswered questions about carb consumption and storage, oxygen usage, aerobic, and anerobic thresholds. This book gave me more answers than any other I have ever read.

My 9 yr old son loves the Magic Tree House series. I've purchased every book and have also pre-ordered books that will be released in Sept. When he's finished with each story, he gives my husband and I an oral book report. He has also learned various interesting historical facts concerning the book's theme. According to my son, there are clues throughout the stories and always a moral/lesson at the end of each story. The thing that I find funny is that he has learned that boys AND girls can actually be buddies and it's not creepy!

My four year old son is in love with this chapter series! A friend suggested it to us since he seemed ready for a more advanced reading material at bedtime. My husband reads him a chapter every night...sometimes more because they don't want to stop. It's become a great tradition for them, and something they both look forward to. We love that there are so many in the collection! Start with number 1 and just continue. :)

My daughter could not put this book down once she started reading it. She loves the MAGIC TREE HOUSE series so much!

We paired this with the Discovery Kids Magazine on Pompeii and found out that this book is a great way to find out about Pompeii and what happened, not just as a tourist attraction. It really puts kids in the moment of the time period. Every detail, down to the arrangement of the city was accurate. You can actually find a map replicating Pompeii and show your child where Jack and Annie went. Wow. Talk about subject integration! You know it is a great book when you can go down the list of Bloom's Taxonomy and use the book to create activities for every level.

We are leaving today to buy every book in the series.
Perfect for homeschooling.

My 1st grader hates to put them down, he would rather read Magic Tree House books, than play video games. He even reads them to his class and explains the story for show and tell. When he was in kindergarten, the teacher would also let him read the Magic Tree House books out loud, not given her a break, but to promote reading out loud. Great books!

I've read Watson's Jedi Apprentice and loved it, so I thought I might wanna try the latest books of her.
I just loved it and can't stop reading. These books are addicting.

Former Jedi Padawan Ferus Olin has been captured by Inquisitor Malorum. Now, imprisoned on Dontamo, he faces certain death--unless his friends find a way to help him escape.

Once again, Jude Watson has given us a great Star Wars story: simple enough for younger fans to understand but with enough complexity to keep adults interested. The book is nicely paced, with early chapters alternating between Ferus in prison and his friends back on Coruscant fighting a battle of their own. Later on, the action moves to Naboo where Ferus and Malorum face each other in a dramatic confrontation. The book ends with a startling cliffhanger that will leave you scrambling to get your hands on the next installment.

I purchased this to complete our Last Jedi series in the high school library where I work. These are always hot items for the Star Wars devotees.

WARNING = this is a Kids book. Not a normal star wars novel!

Pretty good SW EU series. Although it's a Scholastic book writtn with kids in minds, it's an easy read that puts you in the SW universe.

I'm looking forward to Book 6.

Junie B. Jones has five good reasons to be scared silly by Halloween, and to the surprise of none of her fans, these "reasons" are mix-ups and misunderstandings that she's picked up from her first-grade classmate, Paulie Allen Puffer!

Will Junie come out at the end all the wiser? Thanks to Barbara Park, you know that she will.

This series is my daughter's favorite. Junie B. is a great character and reminds me of my own childhood. We love these books.

My Granddaughter adores this - passed it on to her brother and her cousin...good reading.

My 9 year old, son is a reluctant reader! I"m lucky to get him to sit and read for 15 min. per night. He started to read this book and couldn't put it down! One hour of straight reading! The author has a charming writing style. My son and I giggled throughout the book. My son said,"It was a very fun book to read."

Hands down this is one of the best Junie B. books ever. I would say it is tied for first place with my other personal favorite, Junie B. Jones is a Beauty Shop Guy. This one will have you laughing out loud non stop! We have the book, and the recording, and we have listenend so many times, we all repeat the funny one liners along with Junie B.-even my husband! "If candy corn isn't corn, then what kind of vegetable is it?" If you don't have this one in your collection, get it!

I was so happy to learn today that this book is still in print as I have had occasion over the years to recommend it to many, many fiction writers I have coached in the writing of their novels. I first read it more than 20 years ago, and in pulling it down from my shelf I find that it still seems to me to have exceptionally clear explanations of point of view -- a hard concept for many first-time writers to get right -- and of theme -- a nebulous but important concept. If you want to master fictional technique, study this book. One of the best investments of time and money you could make! - Marcia Yudkin, Writing Coach and Author of 11 Books,

Certainly if you have little writing experience or skill you will need more than just this book. But you have the talent and desire, but not the discipline, then you'll want this book. I put my amorphous novel idea through almost every chapter and by the end, it had solidified into a detailed outline.

The other great thing about this book is that if you can be truly honest with yourself, you will find out quickly whether your idea can stand on its own as a novel, which beats finding out 400 pages later.

Would be novelists most often write novels that never see the light of publishing day. The reasons for rejection are as many as the number of things the writer can do wrong. There are many books that teach How To Write a Novel (and I've read most of them), but only STRUCTURING YOUR NOVEL by Meredith and Fitzgerald discuss how to do it well. Both authors know what works and what does not work in getting a novel published. They recommend that after the novelist thinks of His Bright Idea, he ought to look at his idea in the way that an agent or publisher will. They recommend concepts as basic as the following:
1) Can the intention, attitude, and purpose be written as one
sentence each?
2) How can the conflict be developed?
3) Who or what is the protagonist, setting, significance?
4) How will the author create causally related events?
5) Is there a dramatic driving device for the protagonist?
6) What is the viewpoint? Omniscient? (avoid) First Person?
(Maybe) Third Person (best bet)
7) How will the author inform the reader about the relevant
details of the novel?
8)What about dialogue? (when/how much) Characterization? (how)
The above points are usually omitted by rookie authors, and their ignorance of them is the most common reason for rejection.
The value behind forcing a writer to think like a publisher is to anticipate pitfalls and correct them before too many hastily written words hit the paper. This book should be required reading for anyone who hopes to write and publish novels, and not have to wonder why their career is going nowhere.

First, this book is not about structuring your novel. It is a general book on fiction writing. Second, it is very basic, for beginning writers only. That said, if you are just starting out, this book has it over the other beginning books in that, at least, it says what it has to say and doesn't beat around the bush. If you need a cookbook approach, this is it.
It is very brief. Also, its format is to say what it has to say in bold characters, then repeat the same thing in a couple of paragraphs, as though you were hard of hearing or as though teaching a class of bored students whose minds may have been wandering when he said it the first time. For instance: "The protagonist in a novel can be singular (just the main character) or plural (more than one of the leading characters)." (p.11) Then, just in case that statement was too difficult for you, he spells it out in the next half-page. And so it goes. "To set the stage for the basic conflict..., place the protagonist in conflict with his own environment or the environment of others." (p.14) Again, a half page to repeat that. In other words, you can get all there is in the book just from reading the statements in bold print. That way, you can finish the book in one hour.
All this might be safe enough, except that some of these bold statements are debatable. For instance: "The basic conflict cannot be developed or sustained unless the author exaggerates the reaction of the protagonist to the stimulus of the environment." (p.20) "The event...that starts the chain of causally related events may or may not be presented in the first chapter." (p.128) Beware of such advice unless you have a good friend who is an acquisitions editor!
The author touches all the bases: idea, conflict, plot, viewpoint, theme, exposition, description, narration and action, characterization, symbolism. He also has two brief chapters on "craftsmanship" in which we are told to "Make every word count" (p.164) and that "The motivation of everything a character says and does in a novel must be established in the reader's mind." (p.158) And in a chapter on style we are told that "Style in novel writing cannot be taught." (.p.187)
As long as you go on to read several other beginning books on fiction writing and take many of the proclamations with a grain of salt, it might be safe to read this book. Certainly, it will get you started quickly.

Ever sat in front of the blank page or screen with an idea mulling around and thought GEE WHIZ where do I go from here?
This book guides you out of the mire and through to the safe haven of the goal.
Onward through the fog!