Reviews (738)

Evil inevitably appears
The year is 1943. War is raging across Eastern Europe and Northern Africa. Italy joins the battle, and so does Japan. Peace seems improbable. War is war, and its savage and horrific reality leaves tons of thousands of sodiers and civilians either dead or maimed for life.
"Classic" doesn't improve with age
Like many other readers and Amazon reviewers, this book was assigned reading for me in high school. I read it again recently when the kids got it...and found it has not improved with age. One wonders why generation after generation of teachers continues to tout this book as a "classic" when it's really far from enjoyable.
Are you reading this for class...?
If this book was assigned to you as a high school student, you may have a tough time liking it. Your high school teacher either doesn't like it but teaches it anyway, or else loves it so much that he/she can't understand why you don't.
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Subjects:  1. Classics    2. Fiction    3. General    4. Literature - Classics / Criticism    5. Fiction / General   

Editorial Review

After reading this book, I guarantee that you will never visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art (or any wonderful, old cavern of a museum) without sneaking into the bathrooms to look for Claudia and her brother Jamie. They're standing on the toilets, still, hiding until the museum closes and their adventure begins.Such is the impact of timeless novels . . . they never leave us. E. L. Konigsburg won the 1967 Newbery Medal for this tale of how Claudia and her brother run away to the museum in order to teach their parents a lesson. Little do they know that mystery awaits! ... Read more

Reviews (270)

Great Book
This book is great so far. It is full of mystery and adventure. Twelve year old Claudia has run away with her brother Jamie to the Metropilan Muesum of Art. Claudia decided to bring along her brother Jamie with her because he has a lot of money. While they are there at the muesum, Claudia and Jamie come across a great mystery in the muesum that is all over the newspaper. If you would like to find out what this great mystery read this book! Teachers it is also a great book to read with your class. Also edutactional!

Not mixed-up about how good this book is
This Newbery award winner is about Claudia and Jamie, two kids who run away from home. They leave the suburbs and head to New York where they stay in none other than the Metropolitan Museum of Art. They sleep in an old bed in the French section. They hide in the bathrooms. They even take baths in a fountain (and get paid for it, sort of)!But when a new exhibit comes in, the fun really starts. The Angel is beautiful, exquisite, and mysterious. The question: is the sculpture really done by Michelangelo? Claudia and Jamie will do anything to find out. I think I loved the book mostly because I really liked the idea of living in a museum. This book is good for all ages, but I expected it to be longer.
Wonderful Story
I remember this from my own childhood favorites and am now reading it with my daughter--
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Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure    2. Action & Adventure - General    3. Art (paintingsculptureartistsarchitectureetc.)    4. Brothers and sisters    5. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - General    6. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    7. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    8. Classics    9. Fiction    10. General    11. Juvenile Fiction    12. Metropolitan Museum of Art (Ne    13. Runaways    14. Self-reliance    15. Juvenile Fiction / Mysteries & Detective Stories    16. Modern fiction   

Editorial Review

There is no one in contemporary literature quite like BarbaraKingsolver. Her dialogue sparkles with sassy wit and earthy poetry; herdescriptions are rooted in daily life but are also on familiar terms with theeternal. With Read more

Reviews (409)

Couldn't stand it
This is the first book I have tried to read by Kingsolver, and I couldn't finish it.The first 100 pages (as far as I could get) read like a romance novel, with all the smelling of pheromones and aching pubic bones.I just couldn't stand it.This is a character driven novel, and I did not like any of the characters.For a story about a woman's sense of place (and insects, for that matter), I liked Margaret Drabble's "The Peppered Moth" a whole lot better.

Another true delight from a master writer.
In Prodigal Summer Barbara Kingsolver tackles in the novel format many of the topics she typically hashes out in her essays, issues relating to the damage we as humans seem intent on inflicting on our environment.The tactic of using an ideological underpinning as the basis for a novel often is a story killer but Kingsolver is such a master writer that she, for the most part, manages to pull things off.
Make sure you get the audio book, too!
I read Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kingsolver as required reading in school. I am definitely not the type who enjoys reading, however, I truly enjoyed Prodigal Summer.
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Subjects:  1. Classics    2. Fiction    3. Fiction - General    4. General    5. Fiction / General   

Reviews (357)

Kingsolver's soapbox
I loved The Poisonwood Bible because of its beautiful prose and complexities (minus the few stereotypical assessments of missionaries).
The Bean Trees
THE BEANS WRITNG BY BARBARA KINGSOLVER WAS A VERY WELL DEVELOPED BOOK. IT STARTS OFF ABOUT A YOUNG GIRL IN HER MID 20'S AND HER QUEST FOR A NEW LIFE. WELL SHE IS ON THIS QUEST FOR A NEW LIFE. SHE HAS TO OVERCOME CERTIAN OBSTACLES INORDER FOR HER TO ADVANCE ANY FUTHER. SHE ENDS UP WITH RESPONSIBILITIES SHE DOES NOT WANT TO HAVE, BUT SHE KNOWS THE RIGHT THING TO DO IS TO COMPLETE THEM. ON THE ADVANTURE SHE MEETS NEW PEOPLE AND THEY BECAME HER BEST AND CLOSES FRIENDS.WHEN BEFORE SHE HAD PROBLEMS KEEPING THINGS IN HER LIVES NOW SHE DOESNT HAVE THAT PROBLEM ANYMORE. SHE HAS TO LET GO OF ONE OF THE THINGS SHE LOVES THE MOST WHEN SHE JUST GOT IT A BABY GIRL NAMED TURTLE SHE HAD HER FOR ABOUT THREE YEARS. IN THE END SHE LERNED TO KEEP FRIENDS AND TO NEVER GIVE UP ON WHAT SHE WANTS OR BELIEVES IN. SHE ENDS UP LIVING WITH HER NEW AND YET OLD FRIEND MS.MADDIE AND SHE ENDS UP LIVEING WITH HER.

The Bean Trees
Just moving away from home after high school is a girl named Taylor Greer.Now graduated can you imagine throwing all your plans you made for the future away for a child that's not even yours?As Taylor starts her long journey she is accompanied by a new friend she makes along the way named Lou Ann and her son Dwayne Ray.Her opinions and morals soon change once she gets a taste of how life really is.
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Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - General    3. Literary    4. Fiction / General    5. Modern fiction    6. Reading Group Guide   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (1334)

a favorite
this book is beautifully written. i would reccommend it to anyone. not only is the fictional story compelling, the historical background is woven in without distracting or feeling "educational". i finished this story completely in love with these characters and with a better appreciation for all the american luxuries we take for granted.

Fabulous page-turner marred by simplistic historical analysis and moralizing
Barbara Kingsolver's THE POISONWOOD BIBLE is a mesmerizing narrative spanning about 40 years, chronicling the clash of African and Western history and culture by narrating the adventures of the Price family.
Perceptive and engrossing
Told from the points of view of five American women, and providing engrossing insights into colonisation from the victims side, I loved this book especially its willingness to explore the difficult personal and political questions encountered when Americans journey into the world taking with them inter alia their goals of either economic exploitation, spiritual guidance for the barbarians,ideological sanctions via the CIAor the benefits of "the American way".Quite sensual in its attention to the physical details of space, touch, sounds, sights, smell - who can forget the African mages of the Eastern green mamba with its open mouth a sky blue or the squidgy mud underneath bare feet or the elegance of the erect women carrying goods on their heads.Or the cleanliness and odourlessness of the American suburb in comparison.Captivating and memorable. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - General    3. General    4. Historical - General    5. Religious - General    6. Fiction / Literary   

Editorial Review

A powerhouse sixth-grade Academic Bowl team from Epiphany Middle School; the art of calligraphy; the retirees of Century Village, Florida; a genius dog named Ginger; and a holiday production of "Annie" all figure heavily in the latest book by E. L. Konigsburg, who has produced a Newbery Medal-winning children's tale to rival her classic Read more

Reviews (250)

One of the most moving books I have read in a long time!
So I had this crazy idea: I'm going to read the Newberry Awards books. I was at my fiancé's school and they had a poster of past Newberry Award books and I had this epiphany: I was going to take some time and just read great young adult books!
Teamwork Pays Off
I really liked this book because it was about different kids that worked together to meet a common goal. The characters were kids that I could relate to, and the plot moved along so you won't get bored. I would like to read other books by this writer and see if they are as good.

Great writer
This is the second middle grade book by Konigsburg that I've read. She's such a wonderful writer.
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Subjects:  1. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - General    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 4-6    4. Classics    5. Fiction    6. Friendship    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. School & Education    9. Schools    10. Social Issues - Friendship    11. Social Situations - Friendship    12. Teacher-student relationships    13. Juvenile Fiction / Social Situations / Friendship   

Reviews (149)

A Truly Remarkable Book!
I was given this book by a friend at work and she insisted that I read it. Once I started the book I just couldn't put it down. I found Codi's story to be compelling and as the layers unfolded I couldn't help but cry as I realized what this girl must have went through. This book shows the steps Codi goes through to realize that she has been loved all along and it just took opening herself up to figure that out. This was one of the best books I have read in awhile and I highly recommend it and I cant wait to read more books by this author!
Worth rereading
I first read Animal Dreams ten or twelve years ago, and at the time put it on my "read again someday" list.I just went back to it, and found that decision to be wholly right--this is a lovely novel that bears rereading.I find that I want to quote specific sentences here to explain why Animal Dreams is so good, but there are so many that are either brilliantly insightful or wonderfully funny that I don't know how to choose.But here's one from the first page, as a father watches his daughters sleep:"Dr. Homer Noline holds his breath, trying to see movement there in the darkness, the way he's watched pregnant women close their eyes and listen inside themselves trying to feel life."Kingsolver has a keen eye for detail and uses figurative language the way it should be used:not only to create an image but also to create a deeper resonance.
beautiful, beautiful, beautiful
that says it all, really. there are moments in the narrative that simply took my breath away. everyone should read this exquisite book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - General    3. Literary    4. Romance - General    5. Fiction / General    6. Modern fiction    7. Reading Group Guide   

Editorial Review

Readers familiar with Barbara Kingsolver will find that Read more

Reviews (80)

worst book i've ever read
This book was required reading for my advanced placement english class. I consider myself a lover of the written word. I dream of someday becoming a novelist, or at least an english teacher. It usually takes me 3-5 days to finish a book, especially a good book. It has taken me 2 months to read this book. It is not only boring, but often times repetetive. Barbara Kingsolver relates everything to September 11th. Granted, this was a tragic day for our country and should always be remembered. But I dont see why Ms. Kingsolver found it necessary to write a whole novel about it. I find even less necessary for this to be required reading. Every once in a while Ms. Kingsolver finds the need to express herself with words that are a little more complicated than need be. It was a less than pleasent read and I wouldnt recommend it to my worst enemy.

A thought-provoking book......a place for reflection and solace.
I agree with the reviewer who cautioned to take this book in small doses.I was moved to tears by the second page, and realized I needed to pace myself.On that second page, Kingsolver was describing the story of a lost child in Iraq (who was found)....her point of view was from the parents of this child, and the heart-wrenching terror they must have felt as the babysitter came running towards them in tears, without their son.This story has an incredible ending, and an incredible message....as does each essay.Some essays are heavy and may provoke thoughts or ideology that makes you uncomfortable, or disagreeable.That is okay.....that is the point of these essays.(As for the reviewer who noted the author's "sexist" remarks - tell me how many women have started a war.Hello?Open your eyes.That is not a sexist statement, it's a fact).If more people would take Kingsolver's gentle, thoughtful manner of considering how our actions affect the global community and our future generations, maybe we could really improve upon our reputation as uncooperative, self-serving, greedy and over-consumptive Americans. Maybe.
Be prepared to leave your baggage at the door...
When you embark on this journey with Ms. Kingsolver, if it doesn't make you squirm, you're not paying attention.
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Subjects:  1. Essays    2. Literary Collections    3. Literature - Classics / Criticism    4. Literature: Classics    5. Literary Collections / Essays    6. Reading Group Guide   

Editorial Review

Characterizing the adolescent experience as monstrous is not exactly a new idea. M.T. Anderson's woefully confused teen vampire in Read more

Reviews (273)

Blood and Chocolate
This was soooo exciting. It's a book about one girl who tries so hard to fit in with everyone else, but everything just turns on her.
Put Your Paws Together
This was a fantastic book, I found this in my local school library, which I was suprised to find it there after I actually read it. It took me two or three days to finish it, I could hardly put it down!
Well...
I have to say that i really liked this book. Not my favorite. But good. Was kinda annoying when she actually turned right in front of him. I mean, what was he going to do besides scream? Take her into his arms and kiss her. Hairball. But whatever. Never fret. Had satisfying ending. Or so i thought.
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Subjects:  1. Children's 12-Up - Fiction - Fantasy    2. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 10-12)    3. Fiction    4. Horror & Ghost Stories    5. Horror stories    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. Love & Romance    8. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic    9. Teenagers    10. Werewolves    11. Juvenile Fiction / Horror & Ghost Stories   

Reviews (173)

Pigs In Heaven
I just read Pigs in Heaven by Barbara Kingsolver. This book is a sequel to The Bean Trees. Pigs in Heaven follows up with Taylor and her "adopted" daughter, Turtle. I fell in love with this book because of the author's use of imagery and figurative language. The author's writing style helped me visualize vivid pictures in my head which made me feel like I was in the book. This book shows that family is very important as well as addressing the conflict between the Cherokee Nation and the American culture. I learned while reading this book that family is very important and people would do anything for their family members. As you can see, I not only loved this book but it also taught me that family is important and to never give up on the ones you love. I would recommend this book in a heartbeat to anyone who loves stories about family and trying to stick together. This was a fantastic book and I rate this four stars.
Could have been better.............
Over all I would have to say this is a good story. It touches on so many issues present in today's society: interracial adoption, preserving Native American culture, being a good parent etc. I found myself frustrated with the main characters throughout the text, but figured that the frustration was very much a part of the story. The ending was a letdown. It was almost like a fairytale ending, way too off balance for the seriousness of the story.

Great Read
I was amazed by Barbara Kingsolver's brilliant writing. Her figurative language gave new dimensions to the story. The imagery provided vivid pictures that allowed my mind to grasp on to the surroundings and become a part of the story. In "Pigs in Heaven" she brought about the importance of family and the culture clash that threatens to break it apart. Through this book I saw how much appreciation the Cherokee Nation had for their environment and I became disgusted with the capitalistic society that is America today.
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Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - General    3. General    4. Literary    5. Fiction / General    6. Reading Group Guide   

Reviews (118)

book Review
The book that influenced my life is called "you don't know me" by David Klass.The book is about a boy named John.His mom's boyfriend beats him.Sometimes he beats him for the smallest reasons.He even beats their dog.The boyfriend must be really awful because throughout the whole book John refers to him only as "him" or "he" never a name. It has also led him to think of his home as the "war zone",a place where he has to "survive" in.The setting is not at all clear which I think that the author did on purpose;to show that what is happening to John could happen to anyone,anywhere, at any time.In the story John plays the tuba,he is really good.But when his band teacher notices that something is wrong at home he tries to get John to tell him if anybody beats him at home.Then at the end of the book John finds out that his mom plans to marry her boyfriend,John decides to go to a dance with a girl and have fun instead of being home something his mom's boyfriend had told him to do.his thoughts were that he didn't care what happened to him when he got home as long as he went to that dance with the girl and had fun.When he gets home after the dance John's boyfriend attacks and starts to beat John.Then John starts to fight back! Something that he had never done before.He then starts to lose consciousness and the last thing he remembers is his band teacher hitting his mom's boyfriend and the police arriving.The boyfriend goes to jail,John gets a girlfriend,and John's school has a special assembly in john's honor.So the story has a happy ending.
Hilariously Wondrous
I love this book. I normally read long books about non-sense fantasy. However, i respect the humor, seriousness, and absurdity of this book.
Named after a toilet!
This is one of those unique, unforgettable books that is both heartbreaking and funny.John, who thinks he was named after a toilet, is a 14 year old with an active imagination and a low self esteem.With an abusive stepfather-to-be (not sexual but physical and mental), John must cope with the hardships of the early teens along with the hardships of a battered home life.I think that unfortunately, many kids can relate to this story, and Klass makes it seem very realistic.The writing is crisp and very conversational, and you slowly grow to like John more and more as you hate his mother's boyfriend more and more.I loved the minor characters, especially the nicknames John gives them, like Billy Beezer (because of a big noise), Glory Halleljuh (nicknamed for the pretty popular, Gloria), his teacher Ms. Moonface, Violent Hayes (a big girl named Violet), and Norman Cough (a boy who constantly coughs).I think with these nicknames, we can relate more to John as we know people who are like this.This is a very touching story that will have you rooting for John while at the same time feel that his world is hopeless.I don't want to give away anything but this has a very good ending.Buy this book and you will not be disappointed (I got lucky and bought it at the library for 10 cents!). ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Child abuse    2. Children's 12-Up - Fiction - General    3. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    4. Family - Parents    5. Fiction    6. High schools    7. Interpersonal relations    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Self-perception    10. Social Issues - General    11. Social Issues - Physical & Emotional Abuse    12. Juvenile Fiction / Social Situations / Physical & Emotional Abuse   

Reviews (24)

Faviorite book of all time
I first read this book when I was in third grade (27 years ago!).Then, I was proud of just learning the name of the title by heart!It is definitely one of my favorite books from childhood.I can't wait to share it with my daughter (who is only 2 years old now).I recommend it for all young girls.

Jennifer and Elizabeth
This story was about Elizabeth, the new girl that just moved in town. On Halloween, while Elizabeth was walking to school, she met Jennifer, a strange and weird witch. Elizabeth became Jennifer's witch apprentice. They met at the library every Saturday. Elizabeth became a journeyman (the next step to being a witch). They were trying to make a flying ointment. One day, Elizabeth gets invited to Cynthia's birthday party. Her mom makes her go to the party. She got permission from Jennifer to go. At the end, Elizabeth and Jennifer fight, but they became friends again.

Jennifer and Elizabeth
The story is about two girls. One girl is a witch and the other girl has just moved to the town. Elizabeth was walking to school one day and saw a shoe hanging off a tree. The shoe looks very old and Elizabeth's shoes' look new. So Elizabeth told Jennifer your shoe is about to come off. Jennifer jumped off the tree and talked to Elizabeth. Jennifer and Elizabeth would meet every Saturday at the library first and then they would go to the park. Elizabeth became Jennifer's helper. Jennifer would tell Elizabeth to eat a weird food every day of the week. At the end of the story of the story Elizabeth finds out that Jennifer isn't a witch she just wants to be one. Elizabeth and Jennifer are best friends ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    2. Children: Grades 4-6    3. Fiction    4. Friendship    5. Juvenile Fiction    6. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic    7. Social Issues - Friendship    8. Witchcraft    9. Juvenile Fiction / Social Situations / Friendship   

Reviews (3)

Shadow dances
In many ways, the collected works of E.L. Konigsburg can be summarized quite simply.With few exceptions, her books feature children wise beyond their years.Whether you're skimming the self-aware musings of Claudia in, "From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler" or chancing across the adventures of the kids of, "A View From Saturday", Konigsburg excels at creating kids that embodythe statement, Know Thyself.And the best example of this, without question, is her 1979 collection of five short stories entitled, "Throwing Shadows".The bookflap for this work says of the characters that, "In each of these lives something happens that allows the hero to throw a shadow that is his very own, one that is sharp and has a shape as specific as a fingerprint".At its worst, this book seems like a series of writing assignments penned by the author.At its best, it tells unique tales about learning to be honest with one's self.
Everyone throws a shadow...
Konigsburg has written 5 short stories that each are designed to teach a lesson about life in a subtle manner.The stories are somewhat entertaining and beautifully written.While there is something that can be learned from life, none of these stories have large impacting moments; rather they are all lessons we learn from daily experiences with people.That was what I liked about it. More great reading by Kongisburg
This is a collection of short stories by my favorite children's author. Although I have "out grown" her books, I will never feel that way. She is an amazing author, and although I am not Jewish, I feel like I have learned about the Jewish culture through the characters in her books. A must-have for Konigsburg fans. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - General    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 4-6    4. Fiction    5. Identity    6. Juvenile fiction    7. Short Stories    8. Juvenile Fiction / Short Stories   

Reviews (62)

The issues
A white basketball player Jimmy Doyle from Granham , Minnesota is the best player in the area. He is so good that he gets invited to play on the American Dream Team that gets to play in Europe against other countries. Once he is on the team he soon realizes that the team is mostly black and some of his black teammates don't like that Jimmy is on the team. But the biggest problem for the team is the racism and prejudice that they face from the people in Europe. The people are saying hateful things to the black players and the players face bigotry throughout the whole time. And Jimmy who thought that the Dream Team would be all about playing basketball but soon realizes that it is actually about the hatred of his black teammates. So now Jimmy and his teammates have to find a way to get through this together.
Danger Zone: Taking on the Competition
Do you know what it is like to be in the zone? Jimmy Doyle is a small-town hero in Granham, Minnesota, but he wonders if he can play at the top. When he is invited to play in an international tournament in Italy, he must choose to stay at home and help in the family store, or to go and play in the chance of a lifetime. Jimmy feels that he must stay at home and help his family, but he ends up going anyway with his family's support. He flies out to Los Angeles and meets the other nine teammates for the first time. Some arguments between Jimmy and his teammates occur before they fly out to Italy. The team dominates the competition until a death threat from psychotic terrorists force the team into hiding. David Klass's novel Danger Zone, published in 1996, tries to tell the reader about bad race relations and judging without basis can be a bad thing for all people.
Are you in danger or in the zone?
Jimmy is a star in his hometown, but can he play with All Stars in the U.S? Jimmy is from Minnesota where he is the star in small town Granham. He can play Basketball, but can he compete with international teams as he joins the U.S. Teen Dream Team?They first travel to Los Angeles to practice with the team before the tournament. The top ten teen players in the country make the team and Jimmy is one of the two white players.Does his color make him look bad in the first practices?"Danger Zone" published in 1996 by David Klass shows Augustus' (black player on Jimmy's team) life in L.A. is very different from Jimmy's small town life.After Jimmy puts that and other conflicts behind him the U.S. Teen Dream Team flies to Italy for the tournament.There are more conflicts and a death threat is sent to them.Racism and loyalty take over the tournament.
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Subjects:  1. Basketball    2. Children's 12-Up - Fiction - General    3. Children: Grades 4-6    4. Fiction    5. Prejudices    6. Race relations    7. Social Issues - Prejudice & Racism    8. Social Situations - Prejudice & Racism    9. Sports & Recreation - Basketball    10.&nb