Siblings Books

Doug Wilhelm's FALLING tells of teen Matt, who was expected to be the star player on his junior high basketball team - and now won't even touch a ball. Nobody knows why - until he meets Katie, becomes close to her, and eventually reveals a secret that will change more than his world.

Falling by Doug Wilhelm

If you would like to read a book that combines friendships, romantic and otherwise, in today's teenage world then I would highly recommend this book. The characters are strong, appealing, and they are dealing with the world around us in an authentic way by using the technology that surrounds us. Although we have every type of communication available to us it does not mean that we know what to say, how to react, and what decision is the correct one. The plot unfolds through the struggle the characters have with finding the right words, whether they should become involved, and the effects those decisions have on others. The theme is not uncommon, but the author's observations in how teenagers interact through computers, text messaging, and cell phones as well as keeping the story seemingly effortlessly fast paced, is truly masterful.
I would recommend Falling and Doug Wilhelm's earlier book The Revealers for every town and school library. They are extraordinary additions to our young adult sections as they touch on difficult subjects with empathy and hope.

Matt has a huge secret that causes all kinds of problems in his life.

Once the star basketball player in a small city that lives for sports, he now refuses to go out for the team. Instead, he keeps to himself and creates a barrier between himself and the rest of the world. He avoids going home after school so he won't have to deal with his older brother and his "friends."

Neal used to be the basketball star, but now he spends his days locked in his room doing drugs. Matt aimlessly walks around town after school until his clueless parents come home.

No one asks Matt to explain, until he meets a girl online. Katie goes to his school and has a passion for asking questions. Katie's hit upon something in Matt.

Soon the two of them are hanging out after school. Katie's friends balk at the idea of them as a couple. No one knows the reason behind Matt's changes, so they all assume that he's in trouble. Now Katie's asking questions, and it's only a matter of time until the truth tumbles out.

FALLING asks the question of how far would you go to protect someone you love? There also comes a time when everyone must make the decision at least once in their life: yes or no to drugs? Katie and Matt wrestle realistically with this issue throughout the book.

Reviewed by: Jennifer Rummel

Falling is a compassionate book. Wilhelm never places blame, but rather presents very real situations and feelings: parents who are doing their best, people who simply get lost, and not because they are "bad." There are friends who change and evolve and who are deeply human, people who have high expectations for themselves -- and turn the hurt inward. This is so true for most of the good folks I know. This compassion is essential because we are flawed, but we need to learn, and forgive -- possibly most importantly -- ourselves.

Falling reminds us we are not alone, and that as adolescents the errors we make can be fatal or life changing. It also presents hope -- through believing in something so wonderfully symbolized (or not) in Katie's rock collection. We all have that story or object or something deep inside of us that keeps us moving forward (or we need it). Wilhelm reminds us of this,without a lecture, but by wrapping us up in the lives of these people, who we grow to love and empathize with.

This is an important book because students can identify with the characters, and see how easy it is to get lost. The very fact that Wilhelm does not place judgement on anyone, including the parents, is so important. There is also Neil, the drug user. Neil has let himself down; we cry for him the most.

How many kids out there are hiding something, and feel that they are alone? Aren't books meant to keep us bonded? Falling is this kind of book. I highly recommend Wilhelm's lastest look at adolescent life.

True, this is a story of deep loss, but mostly it is a story of hope -- not the sappy everything-works-out-in-the-end kind of hope, but a believable real-life strand of hope runs throughout the main character Mickey's life. And it's not because good things happen to her, it's because of the undying goodness within her and her ability to see the good in others. Just the kind of thing I want my 13-year-old to read. It's moving, it's artful, it's easy to enter and hard to leave. The story and characters come alive and were more than enough of a "hook" to keep me reading; but even if it that weren't the case, I would have kept reading for the artful and powerful prose alone. Charlton-Trujillo has a gift and I'm sure glad she's sharing it with the Young Adult (and not-so-young adult) world.

E.E. Charlton-Trujillo's FEELS LIKE HOME tells of a girl who grows up in a dead-end Texas town whose life falls apart when her brother abandons her to her drunken father. Now Danny is back - a different person - and Mickey's newly-rebuilt life is threatened. The past haunts her in this moving story of family relationships and renewal.

I've been taken back in time and relived moments of my teenage years.

Memories have come flooding back in the characters of this story of facing the past. I see my own hometown in this story set in a small town in South Texas. I see it's streets, places, and people. I remember wishing at times that nobody in town or at school knew me or my family secrets and problems.

By the end of this book I wanted to know what Mickey will do after high school, has a relationship grown with the high school football hero, will she ever forgive her brother? My eyes are welled up!

In the interests of fair disclosure, let me say I know (and like) e.E.Charlton-Trujillo. I know and like a lot of authors, but I seldom want to review one of their books. This time I do.
I defy you to read the stunning first chapter of "Feels Like Home" and then be able to put the book down. What an inspired opening for a novel! 17 or 18 year old Micky is at her father's funeral, along with almost (but not quite) everyone important to her story. Practically the whole town of Three Rivers, Texas, population 4,043, has turned out - gringos and Mexicans alike.
Gestures, snippets of conversation, Micky's private observations, all these quickly and indelibly delineate the characters. There's Christina, Micky's best friend, "wiping her streaking mascara"; Uncle Jack, giving Micky "this look he was so good at, the one that asked, 'You okay?'"; Albert Trevinoon, still carrying the smell of the garage on him, "a good smell. Like Dad." And finally, the last person Micky expects to see there, her brother Danny with his "unwrangled hair," Danny who used to be "gold," Danny, who left Three Rivers and Micky years ago.
Micky's voice is presented so flawlessly the reader almost slips into her skin as the story progresses. Scenes unfold like scenes in a movie. Charllton-Trujillo has a director's eye for detail and a director's sense of pacing. And over and above these, she writes with a wry and loving sensibility that makes us care deeply for her characters -- for Micky and Danny, of course, but also for the rest of the population of Three Rivers, Texas. There are no unloved characters in this story, not even Mrs. Alvarado, the school counselor, whose "door is always open," except that it never is. By the time you come to the end, the town of Three Rivers will feel like home to you too.
A word of warning: If you haven't read S.E. Hiton's "The Outsiders," you'll find yourself running out to get a copy. That book plays such an important role in Micky and Danny's relationship it almost becomes a character itself.

I really liked this book because you really did not know what was going to happen next. The beginning was a bit slow but the end was very fast moving. The beginning was as fast as a bullet, the middle was as fast as sound and the end was fast as the speed of light. I especially liked the part when they were flying the jets and chasing the Max-1.
H. Gregory Moore IV.

Not many people realize that this is the story that the popular comedy classic film Airplane! parodied. So if you loved Airplane! you should read the original story.

The book, Flight into Danger,is the perfect book for those who love adventure stories and have extra time on their hands... because you won't be able to stop reading it!

Flight Into danger is captivating and has a lot of action capable of capturing even the most reluctent readers.

We bought this book last year through my daughter's scholastic book club. I didn't really know anything about the book when we ordered it and it is THE BIGGEST HIT at our house with both of my kids. The two penguin brothers play a game called Boomba where the bounce on their bottoms! It is really hilarious and my son giggles everytime we read it. At our house, this book is called "the Boomba Book" and a frequent request!Mommy's High Heel Shoes

This book is a great story for families with small children, especially families where younger children are always trying to copy everything that the older ones do. My daughter was given this book by her preschool teacher. My wife and I thought it was funny at the time, but it perfectly describes the relationship between our two oldest daughters (both of which LOVE this book!)

I picked this book up because I love penguins and enjoy reading children's literature. I found the story to be quite engaging. The book is filled with bright illustrations that enliven the normally drab colors usually associated with polar bears and penguins. The story is about two brother penguins. The older brother is 5 and is named Flip and the younger brother is 2 and is named Flop. They enjoy playing games and having fun together and they love each other very much. However, sometimes Flip finds Flop annoying and wants to do his own thing. The story is somewhat sad at this point, but soon turns around as Flop meets a new friend and is eventually reconciled with his brother. This would be a great story to read together to siblings. It made me think of all the times I spent playing with my youngest brother. A good story.

We came across this book by accident but haven't put it down since. It is just perfect. The pictures are adorable, the colors are bright but even moreso it's the story that we love. It doesn't have anything scary like so many kids books, esp fairy tales. It doesn't tell some long lesson that goes over the childs head. It just tells the story about 2 little penguins who are brothers, 2 and 5, and the silly games they play and how sometimes the older brother wants to play with his own friend instead. But it's ok because the little penguin finds a new friend his own age. And in the end they all play together. Usually when I read children stories to my little guy, I change a lot of the words to make them engaging to him but this book was exactly right, and I didn't need to change a thing.

I bought this for my 16 year old stepdaughter because I heard it was a good book on teenage angst. She loved it and says it has inspired her to want to be a writer. I then read it and agree. I loved Marcella's writing style and really enjoyed the book.

I have a special affection for books where the character is bullied. Of course, the love affair began with what I consider the first book about bullying: Blubber. Remember Blubber? They picked on the fat girl, the nice girl stood up for the fat girl, and then the nice girl got bullied, too.

This affection stems from the fact that I have been both the victim and giver (only once) of the bullying. It's a universal thing that happens to everyone at one point or another. Isn't it interesting that the victims of bullying usually end up being amazing people. They just happen to not conform to the usual patterns of other kids. And the bully ends up having problems of their own.

Miriam is known by many names. Her parents call her Miriam. Her friends, Artie and Rosie, call her Shakespeare because of her dramatic presence. But the kids at school call her Freak. Why? For the usual non-reasons bullies have. She doesn't have breasts yet. Her nose is too big. She journals. She likes Shakespeare. All together, the cumulative points of Miriam make her a freak. She gets bullied by a triumvirate of popular, pretty girls that smell like watermelon. In addition, Artie, the crush of Miriam's life has moved in with their family while his parents are on sabbatical. And Artie is getting hot and heavy with Miriam's older sister.

It's pretty standard bullying fare, but I still liked it, mostly because of Miriam's character. She is the kind of girl that will rock the world someday, but she is in that middle stage which is so painful. You know by the end of the book that if Miriam was older and not in the ugly middle school phase of her body, it would be a no-brainer who Artie would like.

Recommended for grades 6-8.

In school there are a number of social groups and nicknames that define you and your achievements. There are others that just haunt you. Miriam Fisher is well-known throughout her middle school; however, she is known as "Freak."

Miriam is no ordinary seventh-grader. She reads the dictionary for fun, writes poetry, and doesn't really mind that she doesn't fit in with the popular kids. Until this year she has had the friendship and support of her older sister, and fellow dictionary reader, Deborah. But suddenly, Deborah has turned into one of the "pretty girls" and has decided that academic pursuits are getting her nowhere. Deborah barely speaks to Miriam anymore, and when she does, it's with disgust.

This year, Miriam is also struggling with first love. A family friend has moved in for the school year. Artie Rosenberg is one of the hottest seniors in high school and Miriam is convinced that they are soul mates. Artie shares Miriam's love of poetry and pays more attention to her than anyone else. The problem is that ever since Artie moved in, he's been spending more and more time with Miriam's sister, Deborah.

In addition to her problems with Deborah and Artie, the teasing at school is getting worse every day. One girl in particular, Jenny Clarke, has taken the taunting to a level that is just cruel. How long can Miriam endure the teasing before she strikes back?

Marcella Pixley has created a character and a story that are filled with raw emotions. The sense of isolation is thick as you read deeper into Miriam's story. You will never forget Miriam or the lessons she manages to teach as she confronts the pain of being isolated. This is definitely an inspirational story for anyone who has ever been or known a "Freak."

Reviewed by: JodiG.

I've been waiting a long time for a book that realistically chronicles the middle school experience for people who don't fit in. This book sucks you in to the life of Miriam Fischer and lets you experience with her the pain and confusion she feels as she attempts to find her place within her family and with her peers. It is powerful and raw but ultimately hopeful (not to give anything away). I can't recommend it enough for teens, adults who want to understand teens, and adults who have been teens. I think this will become a classic and I can't wait to see what Pixley writes next!

My nine-year-old loved this book, and has loved several in this series. Ms. Blume has a way of relating to the tween reader in a way that is funny and understanding at the same time. Excellent read.

Even as an adult, you will enjoy reading through this book and appreciating all the witty humor associated with this five year old and all that comes his way!
Blume is an excellent writer. Like most of her books, this book is packed with dialogue and never a dull moment with five year old Fudge!

This book is awesome and hilarious. Fudge-A- Mania is the kind of book that if you have a little brother you will understand how Peter Hatcher feels. In this book Peter's little brother, Fudge, meets a girl named Mitzi. Her dad is Peter's favorite pro baseball player. Peter tries to keep them together so he can meet Mitzi's dad. Oh did I mention they're all in Maine. It isn't a 4 star book because it is okay. But it was not as exciting as The Tales of the 4th Grade Nothing, but it is still a great book so go get this book now!

We used this book for our summer reading book club and all the kids loved it.
It was fun to read and very entertaining for our group of 9 & 10 year olds!

I was very happy with receiving it in the time That I was told I would receive it.

Beautiful,gentle bedtime read with lovely illustrations. Both my 18 month and 3 1/2 year old love this book.

My son got this book when he was about a year. He has always loved it. Now he's almost 3 and he still loves to "read" it! I like the way it flows, makes a great bedtime story.

I got a copy of this book from my local library to read to my grandchildren. The picture on the cover caught my attention and I read through it immediately. The pictures are nicely detailed, and the story is simple and easy to read and listen to. My grandchildren (ages 2 and 4) have enjoyed listening to this and pointing things out in the pictures. The 2 year old (a girl) has identified the children in the book with herself and her brother. I am now buying a copy for them as it has become very much an in demand item.

Excellent! I read this book to more than 70 elementary students (preschool through 6th grade - many with language and reading weaknesses. My students were glued to the story and beautiful illustrations! Written in both English and Spanish, this book is a great way to bring culture to the classroom. It also serves as a learning tool to help children think about their own goals and desires.

I have been following Gwendolyn Zepeda's writing for quite a number of years and ordered her new book, Growing Up with Tamales, as soon as it became available on Amazon. The five month wait was worth it!

I ordered a second copy for my niece who teaches a dual language kindergarten classroom because finding such wonderful books to teach with is difficult. I'm sure Growing Up with Tamales will become a favorite at Sheldon ISD as it has in my home.

This isn't your run-of-the-mill picture book. Gwen gives the character, Ana, an inspiring personality that kids can look up to.

We all know of the story of a younger sibling who wants to be just like their older brother/sister. This tale of Ana following in her older sister's footsteps, as she learns more about making tamales, gives the reader a sense of ambition that makes it a joy to read.

I recently saw Gwen at an event, reading this book to a group of elementary students and their reactions were very delightful. I witnessed the kids connecting with the character and being able to relate to, "wishing they were older," in order to experience something more grown up.

The illustrations have a unique personality about them that doesn't immediately scream out "kids book," but has an artistic quality that makes you want to find out what happens next.

This book would be great for any child, as the story is so relatable.

"Growing up with Tamales," Gwendolyn Zepeda's first children's book is a joy to read and to look at. I've read it to my seven year old daughter twice and my son has heard it once. The only reason he didn't hear it the first time was because he was already asleep. They both love it! So much so, that my daughter asked to hear it again the next night.

The illustrations by April Ward are beautifully done and they really capture the feeling of Gwen's (and Ana's) words. As an adult, it made me feel nostalgic for simpler times when our life was ahead of us like a big easel waiting for us to throw our paint on it. Gwendolyn Zepeda makes her hometown of Houston proud. www.shoegirlcorner.blogspot.com

There is nothing halfway about this charming story. Another favorite with my grandchildren. Who doesn't feel out of step sometimes? Strangely different from the status quo? If you identify, you'll love Halfway Hank who finds a way not only to fit in, but to overcome and enjoy being who he is. Guaranteed hit with children of all ages.

Purchased based on rave review in AARP. Boy were they right! Outstanding book for kids. Great story about being "different" but it's OK. Outstanding illustrations that you will look at for a long time, taking it all in.

"Halfway Hank" is a book about a boy who literally does everything halfway. He keeps half of his room messy and the other neat. He only counts half his birthdays. So far, his halfway method of doing things is working out for him, but then he finds himself messing up everything at a field day.

Hank needs a solution and fast. This book shows that it's possible to achieve at life without compromising who you are and your own unique way of doing things. If there's one thing Hank isn't, it's a quitter.

"Halfway Hank" features funny illustrations. They match well with the text, with is probably a bit too advanced for younger readers, but would be good for readaloud or for those readers that are a bit more advanced.


"Halfway Hank" is the first picture book by Joe Fallon and Ken Scarborough, with illustrations by Jack E. Davis. Fallon and Scarborough are writers for children's television and have worked for such popular series as "Arthur," "Between the Lions" and "Little Bill." This book is a welcome entry into the field of children's picture books for them.

About a kid who always only does things half. (& don't we all sometimes suffer from this bug?)

It is in verse - which kids tend to love, so here you go:

It will be placed - no doubt at all -
on our most prom'nent shelf
For it can teach the wondrous art:
How to outwit oneself!

If I had to recommnd a book this would be one of the first book I would tell about.This book was a complete page turner, I would alawys try to find more time to read. If anyone read this book and called it boring I would be astonished because of the fact that I enjoyed this book so much.The plot of this book was really believable. I thought this because I hear about gang related murders and what they do to families on the news all the time

This item was received in excellent condition and very quick. The book is an excellent book for teens. A great gift for the Holidays.

Teddy Anderson is out for revenge. His little sister, Tina, was the victim of a drive-by, gang-related shooting. Her death is explained with the gang label RP, RT -- wrong place, wrong time.

Big brother Andre and older sister Tee-Ay are both away at college. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson are both grieving the death of their youngest child in their own separate ways. That leaves Teddy to deal with his emotions in the only way he knows how. He turns to the same violence that cut short his little sister's life.

Arrested for attempted murder, Teddy finds himself in the court system. Surprisingly, he is released to his parents, but the deal involves house arrest, wearing an ankle bracelet, and doing community service for some probation officer with a government-funded program to reform gang members. Teddy reports to Officer Diaz and meets Micah, a twelve-year-old gangsta' wannabe.

The arrangement is for Teddy to work with Micah -- help him with his homework, talk to him about his problems, and generally bond with him so he'll stay off the streets and out of trouble. Teddy is no slouch. He puts in his community service time, but also uses his considerable intelligence and computer skills to hack into the court system to further his plans for revenge.

HOMEBOYZ is the final book in the Anderson family trilogy by Alan Lawrence Sitomer. He brings the dangerous and deadly side of gang violence to life, and at the same time reveals the emotional and touching relationship that develops between Teddy and young Micah. Readers who enjoyed The Hoopster and Hip-Hop High School (Hoopster) will be pleased with this final book. It also works well as a stand-alone for those not familiar with Sitomer's other books.

Reviewed by: Sally Kruger, aka "Readingjunky"

I am a middle school reading teacher who has purchased 7 copies of this book and have a list of 50 students still waiting to read it. Students who hate reading or have never finished a book can't seem to put it down. It is, by far, my best book.