Girls Books

As RED's editor, my policy is never to be the one posting these--even when readers email to tell me they're too young or don't have/can't open Amazon accounts. No one wants to hear it from me. Ewwwww. But in this case, an exception because I love that a boy was moved enough by RED to be bothered to spread the word. Plus, it's the 4th of July and I'm all for more generous American relations with the rest of the world. Here's what James Shepherd, a 23-year-old MALE fan in London, posted two days ago on Amazon UK (no account for the US version):

"An enjoyable and educational read for all teens! The book contains 58 essays by young American women. All the essays are accounts of real events from the viewpoint of the author. From how the events of 911 affected some, to hurricane katrina, from bullying to boys and beauty.

I originally got this book because of one essay in it that i wanted to read...i ended up reading the whole thing! (in about 4 days i might add)
This book is so amazing! I think all young women should read this book, which is why i am making my sister read it. I hope she learns from it. I just wish i had read this when i was a teen i might have had a better understanding of you lot lol."

Posting this review on behalf of my 13-year-old daughter who doesn't have her own amazon account:

"Books written by older generations to ours about being a teenager are
stupid and irritating. Finally here is a book from our generation
telling it like it is."

The world really is a different place for our girls than it was when we were growing up. This book has helped this particular irritating mother get a clue.

From the introduction by editor Amy Goldwasser, Red: The Next Generation of American Writers provides countless insights about today's adolescent women, through the eyes of 58 essayists from around the U.S.
Goldwasser, a long-time editor and free-lance writer, culled the collection from more than 800 entries she received after sending out an e-mail to a group of friends, asking them to put her in touch with teen-age girls who might be interested in contributing to a collection of essays. She edited very little and found the essays fell into eight, natural categories: body image (the vast majority of essays fell into this category), family, school, friendships, crushes and sex, extracurricular, media and pop culture and a chapter she subtitled "Battle Cries."
"As opposed to a collection held together by adult writers on a single theme," Goldwasser writes, "the essays in Red have, really, only one thing in common. It's their heart."
Indeed, these girls open their hearts wide, pouring out love and anger and frustration and attitude in a riotous, ever-widening stream of consciousness. Some voices seem polished and thoughtful, others carve words from raw emotion. They discuss subjects as intimate as a sexual relationship, as excruciating as suicide attempts and eating disorders, as touching as a tribute to a lost friend and as hysterically funny as the kind of incomprehensible behavior that comes with having a crush.
Three of the essays come from Michigan girls, including twins Hannah and Sarah Morris, who confront not only their similarities, but their differences. Though biologically identical, they seem quite different in outlook and voice; according to Sarah, they look different as well. She worries about her sister's weight and the toll she believes it will take in the future. Hannah focuses more attention on their family relationships and what it means to be a twin. What they share in sisterhood, however, far outshines any differences.
These glimpses into the hearts of young women show us not only how today's generation differs in its dependence on technology and its powerful impact on relationships and education, but also how much these young women share with previous generations. We all fell in love with boy-out-of-reach, we all came to terms with our first bras, we all loved/hated our mothers.
And in Red, we now have a platform upon which to share these memories, these bits and pieces of the female collective.

RED is the most truthful book on my shelf. These girls' stories are potent, there is no watering down--everybody can find a piece of her(or his)self in here.

This collection of essays compiled by Amy Goldwasser is nothing less than a masterpiece, as it eschews the typical teenage bubble-gum-book syndrome in favor of a richly detailed, complex, emotive and, above all, substantial body of work from an array of teenage young women as diverse as their topics.

A standout is Carey Dunne's hysterical essay, "Gym at Riverton," about surviving gym class at private school. Also exceptional: Kathryn Pavia's essay "The Fourth Floor," which is an account of her brother's ilnness, but done in an incredibly subtle, heartbreaking way that unfolds in a dream-like manner, showing the mundane, unlikely things we notice and react to, in times of sadness. It's stunning in its maturity and restraint. This writer, as with others in this book, will go far.

The book goes from specific to broad, serious to comical, abstract to photographically-detailed. In sum, both teenagers and their parents will find it richly rewarding, and conversation-provoking. Gimmicky book concepts, especially for teens, come and go, but classic essay writing like this is something that will endure. -S.

Imagine being able to read the thoughts of others just by touching their fingerprints. Awesome, but freaky right? This series is about a girl named Rae with just that ability. This book documents the day she discovers her ability and how her lie changes afterwards. First of all, everyone back at her school thinks she's a nutcase. SEcond, she's being forced to go to group therapy (where she meets Anthony and Jesse who help her understand her gift). Third... someones out to kill her!

Great storyline, a little slow and frustrating for the reader who understands Rae's ability even though Rae, the narrator, does not. And I must warn you, although the early books in the series hint a relationship between Rae and Anthony, it won't develop until later on in the series... so stick with it. (thats the only reason I rated the book 4 stars)

Happy Reading!

Rae, a girl on the verge because she thinks she's going crazy starts out trying to ignore all of the weird thoughts that keep coming to her brain, that aren't hers. She thinks she's going insane, but in truth she's getting an amazing gift. With the help of Anthony, a guy she meets in her group meetings that are for stepping out of the thought of being crazy, she finally realizes what's happening to her. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this series!!!! It is SSSSOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO good that you can't put it down and you simply HAVE to get through it without putting it down! That is something to say for me, because I've read so many good books out there. So PLEASE experience the feeling of going into Rae's mind and getting the feeling that makes you feel like you ARE the characters in the book! This series is a total MUST-READ!!!!!! So, what are you waiting for?!?!?!?!?!?!?! Go read it!!!! PLEASE!!!!

The Fingerprints series has got to be one of the best series i've ever read! from the very beginning of book one, Gifted Touch, i can't put them down, even when i've read them so many times i've memorized them! They are the perfect combination of sci-fi, suspense, and romance, yet they still convince you that they could happen. melinda metz did a spectacular job writing these books! i reccomend them to anybody who loves a good cant-put-it-down read.

Rae starts out as a normal teenager and she is living a pretty good life. That is until she starts having thoughts that are not hers. She begins to think that she is going crazy, like her mother did before she died in an insane asylum. Then finally Anthony, a guy she met at one of her support groups, figured out that she had a wonderful and amazing gift. But somebody doesnt like this whole amazing gift idea. They want Rae dead and fast. With her gift she starts to investigate who wants to kill her and why. Rae and Anthony go through sad, happy and angry times. These books are great because at the end of each book they leave you hanging so you cannot put it down, but you have to keep reading each book within a matter of days! I recommend this book to people of all ages. It doesnt even matter what kind of book you like, this one has mystery, suspense, romance, and fanstasy all put together. If I had to choose one book to read over and over again I would definitely choose this one!

I own the whole Fingerprints series. It is literally impossible to read one and have no desire to read the others. You just have to. Rae finally resolves one problem, then at the end of the book another pops up. Melinda Metz keeps the reader feeling for Rae, rooting her on. And Anthony is adorable. The chemistry that Metz builds between the two is just right, and satisfies any hopeless romantics out there. The books should also satisfy those searching for mystery, suspense and good old science fiction. It's a great series, and definitely worth the time.

Love, Ruby Lavender is a delightful mix of sensitivity and fun. This book is an absolute delight to read out loud. While reading the book you can feel the rhythm of the dialogue. This book is silly, this book tugs at your heart, this book can teach you to appreciate the really fine things in life. You know the simple free stuff in life. You will be happy if your kids choose a Deborah Wiles book, they're good for you.

It is summer time in Hallelujah, Mississippi and Ruby Lavender has a lot to deal with. She is taking care of some recently "liberated" chickens, missing her grandmother Miss Eula, who is on an extended visit to her son in Hawaii, and dealing with a nemesis, Melba Jane, all while trying to come to terms with a recent family tragedy. The heart of this story is the correspondence between Ruby and her grandmother while they spend this summer apart.
I can not praise this audio book highly enough. This wonderful children's book is just made to be read aloud. Judith Ivey gives a memorable performance and brings the book to life in a way that I have rarely experienced. The accents and voice pitch she employs are truly remarkable and convey many different emotions and ages, It has been days since we finished this book and it still sits vividly on my mind.
Don't be mislead by the cover of this book. The colorful watercolor style picture along with the cozy font led me to expect a light and airy kids book that would keep the kids happy for a few hours as we drove around , but have little depth or meaning beyond light entertainment. It is so much more than that. This is a very deep and affecting story which sucks you in from the beginning and really grabs you by the heart.
Half way through the book my kids said with such feeling" I HATE Melba Jane!" I love it when they get emotional about their "reading". I wondered aloud whether they would feel the same about that character by the end of the story and a great conversation ensued and continued when the book ended. Not only was there great character development in the pages of this book there was also some positive growth and empathy occuring in my car. This book will tear at your heart
Take my advice and hear this book. You will not be sorry.

Love, Ruby Lavender, is a realistic fiction book. It was written by Deborah Wiles. The story took place in Halleluiah, Mississippi, in the early 1900's. The characters lived a simple life and had ordinary problems, just like we do, today.

Ruby was a nine year old girl, who lived on a chicken farm with her mother and grandmother, who Ruby called Miss Eula. Ruby and her grandmother were very close and spent lots of time writing notes to each other. Ruby loved her three hens very much and spent time in the hen house, which she called the pink palace. Tragedy happened to Ruby's family when her grandfather died in a terrible wreck. He drove his truck off a bridge, killing himself and another man. The other man who died in the wreck had a little girl named Melba Jane. She did not like Ruby and tried very hard to make Ruby's life miserable.

I thought, Love, Ruby Lavender, was a good book to read. I liked it because it talked about family, friendship, helping others, and caring for animals. Ruby's life was not perfect and she learned to work through problems, forgive others, and find happiness in her life. I think girls, ages 9-12, would like to read this book. We can relate to different topics in the story.

All About Ruby
Love Ruby Lavender was the most outstanding book I ever read. I liked this book because it has excitement drama and a whole lot of other things to. The reason I did not like this book was the part when they put the diary entrees in there I did not like them because I do not want to know why they miss each other. Another part I did not like was when Ruby's grandpa and Melba Jane's dad died and Melba makes it seem like its Ruby's grandpa fault and that makes Ruby sad and like it her fault.
This book takes place in a beautiful city, Halleluia Mississippi. It is a small city with a lot of heart. The conflict in this book is Ruby's grandma Miss Eula is going to Hawaii and Ruby is jealous and misses her and does not what to have a new cousin. She fixed that problem by growing up and went on with her life even though she missed her grandma. I did not like how Ruby acted when her grandma left.
I think this book had a really good ending. It was about how Ruby grew up and made other friends. I like this ending because she starts to act more mature and acted more like her age.
There is this one event that happens at the beginning of this book that I think is really cool when Miss Eula and Ruby steal chickens and drives them away in a get away car to rescue them so they can have little chicks.

Here are some of the things that happened in the book are Ruby mom always cooks the same food over and over and Ruby does not like that food. Melba Jane and Ruby be come friends and they help each other all the time. One of the chickens had eggs but then they all died but one of them lived and had a good life by its self.
They wrote lot of letters to each other here is one of them.
Dear Ruby
I am flabbergasted! I am stupefied with joy! Bemmie has laid an EGG?? Oh joy and happy day! How lovely that Bemmie and Herman are sweet on each other-Bemmie is woman after my own heart. (Of course, Herman seems to be sweet on just about anybody. Somebody's going to have to talk to that man. He has no decorum.)
Love,
Your (so happy I could go surfing-I think I will!) grandmother,
Miss Eula
So as you can see they really missed each other and keep in touch with each other.
Here are all the main characters in this book:
Miss Eula
Ruby Lavender
Melba Jane
Ruby's Grandpa
Melba Jane's Dad
Uncle tater
Aunt tot
Bemmie
Herman
Dove
Miss Mattie
This book was outstanding and I hope there is another one the author of this book has a good use of words. By. Anthony Brown

It's been three years since I first read this book and I can't say "I love this book!" enough. An amazing novel for young girls that teaches independence. The author has a great sense of humor that shines through the story. Ruby Lavender is a perfect character for the plot and fits in expertly. The setting is described wonderfully and is also a fun environment for the character's to interact in. The author makes the read more whymsical by adding the letters that Ruby writes, instead of just saying "Ruby wrote a letter saying..." It also provides for a more realistic feeling. I don't have any suggestions for improvements that could be made on this masterpeice. I have read this book four times in the past three years and am still discovering new details. Anyone who ventures out into the magical world of "Love, Ruby Lavender" is on the right path and will enjoy the walk thoroughly.

This novel about a young girl forced to confront adult issues latched onto my heart and refused to let go. Mara struggles to find answers we take for granted. Longing for love and a real home, she probes until those around her finally tell the truth.

Mary shows us Mara's heart, her courage, and her determination to survive. The theme of God's answers to a child's prayers weaves it way seamlessly throughout the book.

I can't wait to read the sequel, as well as Mary's other works. Don't miss this classic example of the triumph of good over evil.

I read this book a few years ago, but I recently ordered a few copies when Amazon was having a sale. I realized I'd given mine to somebody at church and that I really needed a copy for my library because it's worth reading twice - or more. I love DeMuth's lyrical style and how beautifully she writes about human emotions that are difficult to talk about, let alone admit they exist. This is one you should add to your library.

The whole time I was reading this book I kept wondering if this was intended for adults or children? The subject matter certainly did not seem appropriate for children but I found the book "childish". The characters are portrayed as either evil or good without exception and Mara is not a believeable heroine.

A disappointing book.

This novel so accurately described a child's thought patterns when forced to deal with a situation beyond her wisdom and age. I suggest that every parent, educator and neighbor read it to learn to be aware and protect the innocence of those who are most vulnerable. It is both a tragic and beautiful story made more poignant that it reflects the authors own story and her desire to use her experiences to help others (shared in her non-fiction "Building the Christian Family You Never Had"). Thankfully, there is hope and assurance at the end, but left enough hanging to look forward to the sequel.

In her debut novel, Watching the Tree Limbs, Mary DeMuth introduces us to Maranatha, a creative girl who longs to color her world and to belong. As nine-year-old Mara struggles to cope with life-changing circumstances and rejection in her small Texas town, she falls prey to a neighbor boy who sexually abuses and terrorizes her. Although her story is heart-wrenching and painfully sad at times, it is not depressing or hopeless. Mara's story is also sweet and funny, especially her interactions with her best friend, Camilla, and her guardian's housekeeper, Zady. DeMuth gives the reader a beautifully written tale of grace and hope, transformation and deliverance. Mara plays real-life Nancy Drew with Camilla to solve the mystery of her past, which adds an unexpected element of suspense to the novel. As she grows, so does her faith, not only in God but in those He puts in her life to help and love her. The faith DeMuth portrays is not full of simplistic, pat answers and platitudes. Mara rages at God and wonders how He could allow such a thing to happen, even as she views her abuser as having almost supernatural powers to see inside her head and know her every thought and action. I look forward to continuing Maranatha's story in the book's sequel, Wishing on Dandelions.

Hi, how are you all? Well I know this book is wonderful! Acually i never read the book charmed but i did read the book so little time, which is by the same author. That was a very good book. So if that was a good book that she wote then this should be good also. The book is very intersting and tells you alot of information and some good heads up and tips. Kids my age would like the book, i would belive..... I might not be giving alot of information right now but the more information you want is right inside the book. So i would suggest to read the book and i think you will injoy it! I also think Charmed is a good book to read too.!.!.!.!.! Well i hope i at least helped you out a little bit. And i hope you read BOTH books because reading is good for you , and just enjoy them! Thank you for taking your time out to read this.

I have a penchant for time-travel stories, as they are striking, interesting, not to mention compelling. This book is inevitably one of them. Phoebe being abducted into past by a time-demon during the times of the Salem Witch Trials was huge (amazing)!! I'm not going to reveal details of the story, but what I don't get is that how on earth could the Charmed Ones use their powers in the past, and how the Law of no coincidences is oblivious to the author.


But as this is not the tv show, I suppose authors are able to use their imagination freely. My fave bit of this book is how Piper and Prue was under the evil influence of the root tea Prudence drank, given by Hugh, and they acquired amazing powers, which included being "evil" themselves and coming in handy to rescue their sister. I especially like the fact that Prudence did not succumb to the tainted root tea to nearly kill her own descendant, as the power of good always prevails!!! Also, its nice to involve the Charmed Ones' ancestor to this book, as readers somewhat know more about certain witches from the Warren line. Rosalind Noonan did a good job portraying each sister's characters, and how all their different and unique personalities combined together can pack a huge wallop. True to the series, with dry humour added and the Power of Three situation makes Whispers from the Past all the more enjoyable. And the fact that poor Phoebe, despite "stuck playing cinderella", she was determined to stay focused on the path to solving the problem, is also rather warmth-evoking.

In a nutshell: If you like Charmed, there's no doubt you will like this book. Not as excellent as Soul of the Bride, but close. One of my all-time faves. Well worth it!!!

Finally, a Phoebe episode [well book] that any Charmed fan can get behind. It's a time travel piece and a family get-together. Need I say more?

Fantastic addition to the Charmed series :) Not as good as 'Soul of the Bride' but up there with the best of the books.

I always love a good time-travel story if it's: 1) Well-Written, 2) Believeable. This book gets it on both counts.

The evil piper/prue angle was kinda amusing *ducks* The new powers they got were awesome too (though Piper's was kind of an extension on her stopping tme power)

This book does have a couple errors (Girls using their powers in the past to get home) but considering these books aren't written as fast as the series is ('least most of them seem that way)... we need to give the author's a break. We can't expect them to keep up with the pace/storylines of the show.

Considering SOME of the storylines 'Charmed' has taken, maybe the creators should look to some of these books for plot ideas.

I hope Miss Noonan puts in another contribution to the Charmed series again sometime.

This was the very first Charmed book I read and it was solid. I have now watched every episode of every season and there were no holes in it. I love all episodes that the sisters go back in time or forward or relive memories etc. If you are like me, then you will love this book too!

I really enjoyed this book much more than the first book in the series. It starts off with Rose explaining very briefly what happened in book 1 but then jumps right in where the story left off. There is more romance in this book, intrigue, mystery and I started to like Rose a lot better than in the first one because she is less "hostile" at times and seems to be coming into her own person. I can't wait for the third installment of this series!! I recommend for anyone who likes vampire novels or any type of "supernatural" stories. This is a different take on vampires than what we're used to but it becomes believable as the story unfolds. I found myself rooting for Rose and Dimitri and found their chemistry off the charts, which I loved. Can't wait for book 3!!

I thought this was a great follow up book and can't wait to read the next one.

The story picks up right were Vampire Academy left us. Rose and Lissa are still at St. Vladimir's. Lissa and Christian are now together and Rose is still in love with her mentor/tutor, Dimitri. When a massive Strigoi attack halts everyone's plans to travel home, St. Vladimir sends its students to a posh Idaho ski resort, so families can come together in a safe place.

But there seems to be a lot more drama happening on the slopes than Rose was expecting. Her good friend Mason has a huge crush on her, Rose's mom pops unexpectedly back into her life, and Dimitri seems to have eyes for someone else. Not to mention the Strigoi continue to cause problems.

When Mason and two other fellow students go missing, Rose knows they went to find the Strigoi. Joining forces with Christian, they head off to find the trio and end up way over their heads......

Let me just start off by saying that I love Richelle! I started reading Frostbite and I completely devoured it in one sitting! Is it her writing, the characters, the plot? Maybe it is a combination of everything, but I get so captivated in the story that I don't even see the pages getting thinner and the book coming to an end! In all seriousness, I really enjoy this series. It has everything that I like, vampires, humor, satire, action, romance, and suspense. I feel like I know the characters. I could defiantly see Rose growing throughout this novel and I can't wait to see her grow even more. While the plot had many twists and turns, Meade kept it going at a fantastic pace! I may even like Frostbite better than Vampire Academy! This is a great vampire series and if you haven't read it yet, I suggest that you do! I am anxiously awaiting the release of the next book Shadow Kiss, which will be available Nov. 13!

It's the holiday season at St. Vladimir's Academy, an elite school for Moroi and Dhampir. But for Dhampir Rose Hathaway, the approach of Christmas hasn't been very restful. Her mentor and secret crush Dimitri has been preparing her for a test with another widely respected guardian. But instead of meeting him, they stumble across the aftermath of a brutal Strigoi attack. The attack strikes fear in the Moroi community, and instead of splitting up for the holidays, all Moroi arrange to meet at secluded and high class ski resort--including Rose's formidable and detached mother. Sparks will fly as the two clash, and tension mounts as the threat of the Strigoi creeps closer and closer.

Richelle Mead's Vampire Academy series takes a darker turn in Frostbite as Rose matures and is exposed to more and more danger, and finds herself taking higher risks. Though there is less interaction between Rose and Lissa, it's believable as Lissa is preoccupied with a new boyfriend, Christian. Readers learn more about the Moroi and their magic in Frostbite as Christian begins campaigning for lessons in self defense by using his magic, adding the twist of political tensions between the Moroi.

The addition of a lecherous and preying older Moroi and a beautiful and scarred Moroi woman that gives Rose some competition for Dimitri's heart add a nice balance to the novel, and enable Rose to cause more chaos. But the ultimate ordeal at the end of the book will test Rose to her limits and give her a dose the responsibilities that will be required of her once she graduates...can she prove herself worthy to become her best friend's guardian?

From the first page of Vampire Academy (Vampire Academy, Book 1) I was hooked. By inventing a fresh, original take on vampires with a believable biology and a detailed world layout explained by more than simply "magic" I saw the start of a great series. By weaving in the beginnings of a forbidden romance and a intensely interesting conflict I knew that I'd devour the book within a day. And I did. I ordered Frostbite from three different places right away: Borders, amazon and the library. Then I paced around for a week and jumped whenever the phone rang. When I wealked to the end of the driveway and found it sitting innocently in the mailbox I ripped it open right there - talk about papercuts...and I must have had an adrenaline rush because that paper was thick - I actually sat down right on the lawn and read. Mmmm. Richelle can do a sequel! Quite possibly one of the best books I have ever read. And I've reread it many times. This book will not dissapoint. Read it. Devour it. Love it.

If you enjoyed Oke's "Love Comes Softly" series, you will surely love this book! This is my favorite of her books and I recommend this one to anyone who wants to read a good romance novel.

A gown of spanish lace is about a young women that is a school teach.
and a young man that has been raised by outlaws and without a mother.

its a wonderfull book about two young agult finding love..
and a young man finding out how he is... and coming to belive....
its a graet book full of mystery and Love and advetures. and a little acshon. graet graet book!
and I think you would enjoy it!
:-)

I loved this book it was wonderful they was they fell in love. Ariana and Laramie are perfect for each other. Ariana lived the life of a schoolteacher who was hungry for god's word. She wanted her students to feels the same. She loved her town and every thing it stood for. Well. She loved being a teacher. She was adopted. Her parents died in a raid on their wagon trail. All she has heft to remember her mother by is a dress, which she planes to wear when she gets married. That wont is for a while. Soon Ariana is kidnapped so that Laramie's father can get Laramie to kill some one. She is kept in a hut near the camp, the people that live in the camp our robbers and are horrible men. They are widely known. None of them know about Ariana being on there camp except for the boss and one of the other members of the camp. Sam, Sam told Laramie about his past, well at least as much as he knew. Gave him a trunk filled with Laramie's stuff. From when he was a baby. While Ariana is a captive her and Laramie fall in love by simple acts of kindness. Soon Laramie helps her escape. He almost kills someone for it. Once they escape there past begins to unravel, in a strange way the to lovers are connected very closely. Soon all is settled but the ending will take you by surprise. You don't see it coming.

This is the best book that Oke has written. I absoulty loved it and couldnt put it down until I finished it. Read it.

I really enjoyed this book.
My mom read it to me when I was three or four and recently
She recomended that I read it myself.
I am really happy that I did. It is about
a sixteen year old girl named Ariana who is a schoolteacher.
one day two men come to the school house and kidnap her during a blizzard.
She is taken far away to an old, small, dirty cabin and locked in. When she gets a new guard, Laramie, at first she is afraid of him, but then she starts to enjoy his company. He does not mistreat her and he buys her food and soap and all she needs. one day he decides to help her escape. It is a dangerous and risk, but Laramie is willing to take it and liberate her out of camp. Will they survive?
see for yourself. I think that you should definatly buy this book It has many twists that I did not mention. 5 STARS!

This is a wonderful story -- both my daughter and I love it. My daughter chooses it as the book she wants to check out on "library day" at her school time and time again! It is charming, beautifully written and illustrated, and includes important lessons for children (and adults).

My 81 year old mother is an avid fan of all Jan Karon's novels including the Mitford Cookbook & Patches of Godlight (all purchased from Amazon). I purchased "Miss Fannie's Hat" from Amazon to give her even though it is really a children's book. The message the book contains is ageless and worth a read, no matter how young or old you are! It is a beautifully illustrated book and one we intend giving to the first great-granddaughter to be born into the family. Regards Glenda from South Australia.

The theme of this book - that we are truly happiest when we give away that which we value most in order to help others, and that we get back what we give away ten times over - touches me each time I read this!

This is an adorable book that is a must for every little girl. It is my daughter's favorite. We have given it as a gift several times. The story is so personal and beautiful. We love to give voices to all the people which makes it even more real. The story is so lovely and the ending is a delight that makes us smile and cry with joy everytime we read it. A perfect story. Thank you!

My granddaughter loved the story and especially following it up with the reuseable stickers and storyboard. She still talks about Miss Fanny every time she puts on a hat for dress-ups.

This book was a joy to read. My daughter read it to her 3 oldest daughter's, a chapter at a time. They could hardly wait for "reading time" and begged for more at the end of each chapter. The life lesson in this book is so valuable. I am pleased that I have my own personal copy.

I loved this book when I was a girl. Now, reading it to my four children, I get quite emotional when I realize how much I was impacted by this story. It really did partially make me into the mother and home-educator I am today. It amazes me how deeply the wisdom of this book sunk into me. Everyone who homeschools their children should read this - for themselves and for their children.

This is a wonderful story for girls. Read it aloud, savor it, laugh and even cry over it.Whatever you do, though, just get it! You'll be glad you did.

I had never heard of this book until it was listed in the AmblesideOnline curriculum. We checked it out and my girls fell in love with it. I finally bought them their own copy and they treasure it. We read it again, and now they argue over who owns it, and who gets to keep it for their own children.
Great read!

Understood Betsy" was one of my favorite books from childhood and I was happy to see that it was available from Amazon. Even though it was first published in 1917, it is very contemporary in it's message about the importance of gaining self-esteem through accomplishment. In this day and age when parents tend to hover and worry over every small concern, this book show how Betsy, when sent to a farm to live, became a very confident and happy child due to the adults in her life who let her stretch her wings. Many of the ways in which these adults gave her a new life are very subtle but moving. Highly recommended for mid-elementary girls.

Wonderful! Age appropiate. My horse loving pre-teen is really enjoying them. She started with the #1 series. We are ordering 5 series at a time.

Bought this for my 15 year old daughter. She loved it and actually read it. Which is always nice to have a teenager read!

Amy has decided to take in a horse named Spartan, which is the horse that they went to save in the big storm. Spartan was in the same car wreck that Amy and her mom were in. Spartan is still scarred from the wreck. When he comes to Heartland he remembers Amy, and he doesn't like her because he remembers her from the wreck. Amy has to start working with Spartan, but it is dangerous because he keeps trying to hurt her because he is scared. At first Amy didn't want to work with Spartan, but then after a couple of weeks she decides that she will work with him. She goes into his stall and he starts kicking and raring up at her, but Amy doesn't get hurt. Amy's sister and grandpa just happened to see it all happen. They don't think that Spartan is a safe horse and they want to put him to sleep. Amy doesn't want that though, because she knows that Spartan will get better. Amy's Grandpa and Amy's sister decide to go to the movies and invite Amy to come. Instead Amy acts like she is sick and stays home so she can join up with Spartan, which means she is going to try to get him to trust her again. When they leave to the movies Amy goes to Spartans stall and takes him out to the round pin. She starts lunging him. Then she takes the lunge line off and Spartan doesn't do anything and he doesn't try to hurt Amy. When her grandpa and sister got home she showed them that Spartan wouldn't hurt her. That changed their mind about putting him to sleep. Amy started working with Spartan more and started taking him to some shows. At one show Amy finds Spartans old owner, Larry Boswell. Larry see's how good Spartan is doing and decides that he would like to buy Spartan for his grandaughter Hannah to show. And he did, and Hannah ended up showing Spartan after he was healed at Heartland by Amy.

Attention all Heartland Lovers! I have made a website dedicated to everything about Heartland. It is filled with info on all the books and the author. You also may review a book and log into the chat room. There is also a weekly poll that changes every week. I also have a little section for Chestnut Hill. The URL is http://www.freewebs.com/horse_lvr13/ . Come check it out.

This book is a very good but I think it could of had a better ending because it would be so sad to see someone read this amazing bookand end not finshing it because it is so sad and such a bad ending. Most people like a ending where the person who really wants something it better when they get it.So if you ever read this book you should finsh it to the end because there is no story better than a sad story because it exspress you r true emotions