Vacations Books

Mattie was a very remarkable young man with an insight to life that very few people ever obtain. I would recommend this book for any young adult. It was an experience I will never forget. When Mattie died the world became a darker place - his beautiful thoughts will never be read again. Rest in peace Mattie.

"We need to stop.
Just stop.
Stop for a moment.
Before anybody
Says or does anything
That may hurt anyone else"

by Mattie

Mattie never labeled himself a poet - it was others who did that. He simply wanted to share some wisdom from his heart. Focus on this when reading the books and you'll find them beautiful and amazing.

Practice his messages in your life and you'll suddenly find you have no need or desire to debate his merits as a poet because that's his message underlying all: don't judge and label, just accept others for their beauty and difference. Just love one another.

Peace on Earth

Tam

They have not been able to inspire me.
Mattie has, deeply so.

Enough said.

I believe Mattie was a great inspiration and a talented poet. At age 11, he sincerely new how to inspire and express his thoughts from the heart. He enjoyed sharing peace and giving the gift of hope. Anyone who enjoyed this book would also enjoy the newly release book of poems, entitled Unscrambled Eggs. It is about living your dream and finding purpose. I would recommend both book for poetry lovers and even those who don't read poetry much.

I admire Mattie for having the strength and personality that he did. Seeing himself as a peacemaker make me respect him even more. He had a very hard life, and he tried to make the world better. However, in all honestly, some of the poems in this book look like something that would come out of my third grade writing portfolio. If he hadn't been disabled, and didn't have all of the publicity he had, he never would have made it as a poet. This is another example of how society isn't fair. I've been writing poems my whole life, and none of them will ever get noticed or praised, because I'm not, as you would say, 'special.' like Maddie was. R.I.P Maddie. I mean nothing offensive by what I just said, I'm just stating the cold hard facts about society and fame.

Madison Finn is sooooo bored! Her friends are off at summer camp and she is here, in Farhills, New York, all by her herself! When she makes a new friend, Fiona Walter, and a keypal, Big Wheels, her summer plans become better and better. A great new series that has begun, and many readers. I read this book two years ago and yet I still read Madison Finn books because they are awesome!!!!!!

Love it is the best book you can buy for your kids

This book was great. Madison is so bored. Her two best friends, Aimee and Egg, are of at camp. It is summer vacation. Madison is just about to start seventh grade...she is so nervous. Then a new girl moved to Madison's neighborhood. They become friends. Then Aimee comes back from summer camp and the three of them become best friends. I would say that if you are a Madison Finn lover then you should read this book. If you are not a Madison Finn lover you should read the book too.

This series by Laura Dower is a great series for girls ages 8-12. I used to be obsessive about these series!!! I own every single one up to "All That Glitters"...I'm now older and am not as enthusiastic about this series as I used to be, but from what I remember about them, they're great for kids under 13. Madison is a nervous, down-to-earth girl who loves computers. Her BFFs are Aimme, Fiona, and Egg. Get a great read and pick up some IM lingo on the way!

The first book in the Madison Finn series is about a girl named Madison Finn and her friend Aimee. Aimee is away at ballet camp for the summer, and Madison is bored. Madison goes online and meets a girl named viki ( a.k.a. Big Wheels) When a new girl moves in down the street will Madison not be only the lonley any more?

Find out in this book Only the Lonley. ( I reccomend this book for kids 8-11)

Written in the 1980's, the 3rd world political references are a bit dated but his experiences in these countries and witty, irreverent observations are still relevant and entertaining. A good, light read with some quotable quotes.

Ok, O'Rourke has this style of being intentionally very scholarly and distant to add to his entertainment value, but in my opinion the constant tongue-in-cheek-I'm-just-an-outside-observer-documenting-the-kookiness writing gets a little tedious after a while. Maybe it was fun in the 80's.

I have no problem with his humorous approach to serious issues if that's what you're thinking. Being a strange foreigner and all. I don't think it's offensive at all. But his stories read like all the crappy western travel anecdotes you've already heard combined. Like the ones Finnish dads are so excited about. Getting stuck in the Russian customs and bribing them with ballpoint pens. Problems with hygiene in all the poor countries. And France. And such. Not just funny anymore.

I know this book goes back to when Reagan was president and the commies were one-upping one another in Siberia, but "Holidays in Hell," now more than ever, is still a freaking hysterical book!

I remember reading it after I got hooked on O'Rourke in college. I had to put the book away for the weekend, because I'd be sitting in British Lit and remember something O'Rourke said, then I'd start snickering like an extra in Reefer Madness. Dangerous book to read and try to keep your mind on anything else.

P.J. O'Rourke is a humor god, as far as I'm concerned - and as for Borat, he obviously plagerized "Holidays in Hell" for his movie!

I've read everyone of PJ's books, this one is his signiture writing if there is such a thing. Its up on the night stand with Catcher in the Rye and a few others that I pick up and re-re-re read every year. Holidays in Hell is a bit dated now but still the best thing he's ever done. I wish PJ would do a 21st century version of this book. Unfortunatly it doesnt seem that he talks about his travels much anymore. Lately, some of his books are getting a bit heavy and intense to read and seem to have less of that usual built in fun. Thats OK. Thats where his heads at now I guess.. I think PJ may be turning into (or already is) a crotchity old man who likes to complain alot. He is, however, the best writer in satire journelisem there ever was. I'm always looking on the book shelves or Amazon for a new PJ.

PJ O'ROURKE WAS AN INTERNATIONAL editor for ROLLING STONE for years-- he's a dude from Ohio who has traveled the world especially as he says the 'hell holes' -- that's why it's called Holidays in Hell...he revisits some of the war zones he's been too -- Lebanon, Panama, Post-Marcos Philippines, El salvador and then throws in a whole slew of controversial trips -- to such amazing places as Seoul, Korea, Heritage USA, At sea with the America's Cup, Africa in the 'old days' a Mexico border patrol experience, the Holyland and even Epcot Center. You must read his stuff-- he may just be one of the best writers of our time. -- This guy has an amazing droll, dark comedy sense of humor or is it irony or sarcasm? His world goes behind the scenes where we would not want to go. He sees what we might not and talks about what we would never dare to -- at least without some brewskis in us. In the preface he talks about this being a takeoff of Mark Twain's Innocents Abroad-- and it is but it is also a cross between Chevy Chase National Lampoon Vacation and RV with Robin Williams and a bit of Updike (for the people) Steinbech for the locations/places vs spaces and the sarcasm of a Philip Roth -- and it appears to be non-fiction. Terrific read-took it on my vacation trip and it's easy to carry around and easy to read because each chapter is short -- 20-30 pages max and about one subject-- bit like a short story...yet it all flows together. No matter what happens to you -- restaurant closed, flat tire on car, plane delay, yearning for a fresh apple instead of peanuts-- it all looks like a day in the park compared to his hellish experiences. BUT THEY WILL make you laugh and think. The sad part is the headlines today read like they did 25 years ago-- so it helps us come full circle with some history on the hot spots like Lebanon and Israel and even Seoul. GREAT BOOK

For a moment after the student had gone, Bergstrom sat back staring at the door. Behind him the snowflakes swirled and landed, making small drifts on the thin-lipped sills. He rolled the talisman through his fingers, rubbing his thumb along the lenght of the shafot as if he was shaping a lump of clay. And then he muted voice, he spoke,"Stay close to them. Follow their auma." And what had been amorphous suddenly took shape. And the shape it made was that of a bear.
this story takes Place in the Artic the small house of the Pennykettles in #42 Wayward Cresent. Here lives Liz, her 11 year old daugter Lucy, and their tenant, David Rain who has just finished writing the book Snigger and the Nutbeast. David is a smart 21 year old that does not really believe in all the dragon stuff. Lucy is a very naive 11 year old that acts like a 6 year old. And Liz is a widowed landlord that carves dragons out of clay for a job. She also teached david and Lucy About Dragons.
After living at the Pennykettles for a while, David becomes acustomed to all of the dragons and the cat Bonington. but when he accidentally brings his classmate Zanna to the house,her auma causes all of the dragons in the house start to go haywire. David now must work together with LIz and Lucy to fight against any evil that comes their way.
The Title Ice fire comes from somthing in Liz's past that helps her create all of the dragons.
I loved this book! The pacing goes really fast from the very beginning. This book is different than most fantasy books because it has mystical creatures in the real world. The theme would be just like the first book to not judge things by how they look. This book is not in a Christian perspective because they talk about dragons and polar bears having to do with the creation of the world. I rank this book 5 out of five stars and think that any one who loves dragons or fantasy genres should read this book.

In this incredible sequel to The Fire Within By Chis D'Lacey, David has to learn more about what happened along time ago to the last living dragon Gawain and where his fire tear(scale) is. At the beginning of the book David is trying to find a publisher to publish his book Snigger. David is a college student living with two people Liz and Lucy. While David is living with them, Lucy makes David a wishing dragon. Then David goes to a professor named Dr. Bergstrom gives him and essay to write about dragons. Lucy and Liz are telling David stories about dragons from along time ago. They tell him about one dragon named Gawain that lost a scale. Then David wishes with the dragon that he could find the scale. Then he meets a Goth girl names Zanna. She becomes David friend she knows a little about dragons. If David does the best on his essay he will get to go to the Arctic for free and not have to pay the $700. After Zanna comes in Liz's mother or Aunty Gwyneth comes over. Then David has to live with the neighbor Henry Bacon. Then David learns that Dr. Bergstrom went to the Arctic. Will David find the scale? Why has Aunty Gwyneth come? Will David go to the Arctic? You will have to read the book to find out.

this book was thrilling and exciting, and i would highly recommedt it to children between the ages of 9 and 14!!!!!!!!!!!!!

this fantastic book provides more informations on davids knowledge of dragons. He even learns how to speak dragontoungue which provides more suspense to this action packed adenture

My 10 year old loves this series. Quick enough to get through without frustration but big enough to last longer than a day. He uses the books to complete his reading journal for school as it is easy to review.

My class of 3rd graders thoroughly enjoyed this book. It fit right in with the teaching of the writing trait "conventions."

This was a great book. It really shows how important punctuation is when writing. Punctuation takes a break from its work in a classroom and soon the students find that their world is a little more crazy without the marks to make it mind. The story line was well thought out and the list at the end of the book is a great teaching tool. The illustrations are wonderful. I also enjoyed the personality traits given to the individual marks of punctuation.

Good book to emphasize that punctuation is important. It didn't easily lend itself to punctuation activities for the classroom, which is what I was hoping for...

I like to use literature whenever I can to teach lessons. This book is a fun way to show the importance of punctuation. It is a cute book but not exactly what I expected. I thought the main focus would be what would happen if punctuation took a vacation and have more examples of what confusion it could start. Instead it was based on a class borrowing the punctuation from the class next door...

Pictures great! Fun idea.

I must come to the aid of poor Sheila who has been unfairly attacked for having an unpopular opinion (and for her spelling--now, that's just rude!).

I bought this book based on the many positive reviews and actually assumed that the perceived racism was probably blown out of proportion. But, as a middle school teacher, when I got to the page where Mr. Rongo appeared, I was a bit taken aback. Yes, Mr. Rongo is African-American while Mr. Wright is Caucasion, and yes he is called Mr. RONGo. That is probably bad enough, but his outfit is also somewhat clownish, and the poor guy really seems to have no control over his class (or at least over his punctuation). I'm white, and it bothered me. I actually checked the copyright date and thought there was some mistake!

No, the color of the two teachers' skin is not the focus of this book. But, if I read it to my sixth-graders, I would feel compelled to discuss this issue with them. I certainly don't want to propagate a stereotype, especially in a school system that is already quite "diversity challenged."

That said, I enjoyed the book, especially the postcards from the punctuation marks. It could be fun to have the kids figure out which ones sent which postcards. Of course, we would have to take time out to give colons some respect. Timekeepers? Honestly! If I were a colon, I'd be insulted.

Well I never used any of the coupons in here but it did have good tips and reading in it. It was prompt on getting here.

We bought this book before our last trip to Vegas. It was well worth it just one coupon for dinner paid for the book. We always rent a car so getting to the different places was easy. The two for one buffets at Green Valley, and the Silverton were great. If you only go to the big hotels on the strip you wont get the full benifit of the book.

Loads of good info and a ton of coupons. If you are planning a trip to Vegas this book is a must have. You won't find offers from many of the large resort casinos but you will find enough free play, free gift, and food coupons to pay for this book a few times over in just one trip!

Bought the book on a friends advice. If it saves you one night in a campground, the book has paid for itself

Some interesting reading information in the book, but we found ourselves going out of our way to try to use the coupons, just to try and get our money back. Spent too much time going to casinos that were out of the way and less time just relaxing and enjoing ourselves. I wouldn't suggest that people buy this books before going to vegas, usually hotels will give better coupons anyway.

When I went to Hawaii I read this book. It shows pictures Junie B. took along the way. They are very funny. If your looking for a funny book this is the one for you!

Junie B. Jones is not for everyone, that's for sure. But, not being a grouchpot, I'd follow her anywhere Barbara Parks takes her -- especially a great trip to Hawaii, documented Junie-style!

Junie B., First Grader: Aloha-ha-ha is a super laugh-fest for both kids and parents, possibly the funniest one to date.

Just wonderful!

Aloha-ha-ha

The book I am reviewing is Aloha-ha-ha written by Barbra Parks. I think this book deserves 5 stars. It's terrific because it is funny. This book is about Junie B going to the Bahamas. I recommend this book to Junie B lovers hope you enjoy the book.

aloha-ha-ha


This is a very good June B. Jones book. I love chapter five when she was going on vacation and at the hotel they went to the big gift shop. June B. got a tube and she went into the pool. She got stuck in the tube so her parents had to cut the tube of.


So I recommend this book if you like June B. Jones books. I would give this book a 5stars because it was really funny and interesting book. This book is written by: Barbra Parks

This is the first book I've read of the Junie B series to my son and I found the book to be annoying "I tell you". Junie B's behavior wasn't funny - it was atrocious. I don't know if I'm brave enough to try another Junie B book.

Jessica who is going to be a 8th grader in the fall,and The Unicorns,It is the last Summer of the Unicorns,Kimberly Haver who is going to be in high school in the fall,joins them and Kimberly's 7th grade cousin Marissa. Lila just won't shut up about her new boyfriend,Wiley Upjohn,who Janet Howell[Who was president 2yrs ago] fixes her up with Wiley.Janet and Lila are cousins.The Newest Unicorn is Rachel Grant.

I have read this book numerous times, and the one thing I have always appreciated about it was that Jessica finally is growing more mature in this book and realizing how she and her friends actually act with their cruelty to others and superficial thinking. The book, along with the diary of Elizabeth, is a great novel to read and to learn from.

This is a Terrif' book in which Jess and her Unicorn Club friends take a trip to Hawaii and have to hang around a pain in the asse called Marissa.I wouldn't have been able to stand that girl myself.Another book involving Jess and the Unicorns and a trip to Hawaii is The Unicorns Go Hawaiiaan.Jess'a is very nice in this book.

this book is about Jessica and her friends the Unicorns, going on vacation in Hawaii for the summer before eighth-grade starts. But when she and her friends go there, they soon find out that Kimberely, whose a Unicorn, has an annoying, nerdy cousin Marissa.
In this book, I actually feel sorry for Marissa. For the first time in the series, Jessica actually matures and actually is loyal to Marissa. You know, feeling sorry for the Unicorns hating her.
This book is about friendship, life, cute Hawaiian boys, and Jessica finally not being a snot like the other Unicrons. She's not sure if she's changed or her friends. But I won't tell you if she does in this book or her friends. I guess that the answer should be obvious.
While on this trip in Hawaii, Jessica meets this very cute guy named Jason. But he ends up with Marissa in the end. You could probably guess of why the Unicorns loathe Marissa. Because she's annoying, nerdy, and a year younger than them. (Well, most of them.)
I am glad that Miss Jessica Wakefield finally matures. Well, she should. Because since she's a teenager, this is like the time of year to finally grow up and realize about your life.
I'm not even a teenager yet, but I know this teen stuff a little.
So, you should read this book of Jessica. It explains about the changes of Jessica before 8th-grade.

Four Words: I love this book! I have read it over and over again numerous times. Anything Hawaii or Sweet Valley Twins interests me, and Jessica was sort of my pre-teen idol. I wanted to be just like her, I wanted to BE her. I know that sounds kind of silly, since she's a fictionial character, but she just sounded so pretty, popular, and perfect. She had the life and the looks that I wanted so bad. Anyway, this book is very good, I like the diary style format. There aren't any "scenes" in this book, so, parents, it's a kid-friendly read. I'm fourteen and I still love this book, even though I was like ten when I first got it. I highly reccommend this book to everyone!

'The New Key to Costa Rica' is the best guide/travel book on this Central American country I've found yet. I'm contemplating moving to Costa Rica and am planning my first trip later this year. Beatrice apparently updates this guide every other year to keep it current. There is a great focus on eco-friendly traveling and she can personally help you design a trip to your specifications. This book is chock full of practical information on everything you could ever want to know about Costa Rica. Look no further if you want the best guide for this country.

We have been to CR for a visit and are now considering the BIG move. This book covers every you would need to know and surprises you with information you didn't think of. We have even shared this information with our family that has lived there for 5 years and it has helped them. It also gave a brief but interesting history of Costa Rica as well as current government, economics and culture. Does a good job of explaining the cultural differences which are most important to the person considering a move anywhere! One thing I might stress... the author states several times that English is taught in the schools. This might lead you to believe that you will have little problem with communication. In our trip last year to the Central Valley and the Pacific Coast we did not meet one person that understood us or could speak to us in English. I highly advise, begin you Spanish Lessons before your anticipated trip!

This guide was the better of the two I bought....and the other one was Fodor's. New Key was accurate, impartial, and covered lots of different kinds of stuff....

I used this book, and the community-based eco-tourism agency recommended in this book, to plan a two-week trip. I was alone, female, and non-Spanish speaking. I had the time of my life. Everything went off without a hitch. Great people, waterfalls, food, views, and adventures galore. Thanks to the author. None of the other guidebooks came close to the insight and accuracy of this guide.

[...]The 18th edition of New Key to Costa Rica improves upon a veritable classic.

2006 marks the 30th anniversary of the guidebook which guides travelers toward
tasteful family-run lodgings and communities that are actively protecting the rural environment.

Written in a style that feels like a conversation with a travel guide, the New Key provides countless insights about the culture, the environment and the people of Costa Rica.

First authored by Jane Wallace, the book was then updated by her daughter Beatrice Blake and Anne Becher. Beatrice prepared this edition alone, but it is easy to see that the text has been guided by a number of joyful souls.

In 1992 this book was the first guidebook to use a green-rating system. In this edition, the rating system is downplayed in favor of focusing on community efforts.

Focusing on family farm visits allows Blake to show travelers the connections among organic agriculture, appropriate energy technology and diverse ecosystems. She writes: "By visiting these communities, not only will you meet some lovely people, but you will be inspired by their ability to put innovative principles into practice."

For travelers wishing to experience tropical nature, there is no better immersion than visiting the communities that are at the forefront of conservation.

Exciting adventure sports are not omitted. One of the highlights of the book is a review of the country's best canopy tours. Additional "adventure reports" showcase innovative efforts throughout the country.

Among the informative sidebars are capsule reviews of the Talamanca Ecotourism Network, the Sarapiquí Conservation Learning Center and turtle watching at Ostional Wildlife Refuge.

New Key to Costa Rica covers all the bases - from the practical details of deciding when and where to go to tips on learning Spanish and volunteer vacations. For those seeking an eco trip, this book is a must.

I bought this book for my daughter who is a senior in college. She loved it, having already acted on some of the ideas. Much better than so-called college advisors.

The Renaissance Soul: Life Design for People with Too Many Passions to Pick Just One People with lots of interests often enjoy walking outside the beaten path. Just last night I was coaching a young woman who definitely wants to do something different this spring but has not yet been to college. Ideally she wants to be in a warm climate, earn rather than spend money, and participate in making the world a better place. The Back Door Guide was all we really needed. We just started with the geographical index in the back, picked locations of interest, and read the reports on what was available in that area. The book is so well-organized that I could check to see if a given program required being a college student and, if necessary, eliminate it without having to read anything else. Then I could check the pay/earn info, again without having to read farther if it didn't apply. So in a very short time we found several very exciting possibilities and all the URL info, etc. we needed to find out even more. Anyone who prefers variety and combination over doing just one thing should have this book on their book shelf!

"pretty good book. Wish there were more photos and that the photos were in color. Also I would have liked a few more animal short term job adventures. I noticed the book focused a lot on students and US locations but did include a section on global jobs and adventures abroad. loved how the book offered a good variety of jobs for all types of people with website and other critical info on each job!"

Excellent resource for the pure pleasure of doing something different. If you have the time, resources and an adventurous spirit, just go out and buy this book and then just do it!

What a great book! You could literally live your life with this book going from one volunteer opportunity to another. The book is basically a list of short terms jobs ranging from camps to dude ranches to museums. It tells you if they pay you anything, if they feed you, if they board you, how long the job is for, and it gives descriptions and contact info. This is an excellent all in one resources for jobs in the US so quit the desk job and travel around volunteering for a living. This will inspire you to do it!