Reviews (94)

Wolf Rider
One day a fifteen year old boy named Andy Zadinski got a suspicious phone call from a stranger. The stranger told Andy that he just killed a girl named Nina Klemmer. Andy told the police right away, the police treated the report as a joke. After trying the police Andy turned to his father. Andy's father told him that it was just a prank call and to forget about it. After a couple days Andy saw Nina just as the stranger described her over the phone. Andy tries to warn her about the man that wants to kill her, but she takes his warning as assault. After hearing the police's response he decides to take matters into his own hands. This book is great for ages 12-15 years of age, because of the dramatic storyline and characters.
THE BEST
I thought this book was awesome for my age. I am a big fan of thriller books and its takes a really good book to please me and this book is on my list of the best.

Wolf Rider
Wolf Rider is a well written book with a lot of suspense and drama. Avi does a nice job of getting the reader's attention in the very beginning of the book, drawing him/her in with a extremely mysterious phone call. Aside from a few confusing parts in the middle and towards the end of the book, Wolf Rider's plot is almost flawless. Avi uses deductive thinking skills and almost unoticable clues to help stregthen the story line and make the novel more interesting. I would recommend Wolf Rider to anybody who really likes to see or read about mysteries unfolding or those who just are interested in critical thinking problems in general. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books - Young Adult Fiction    2. General    3. Non-Classifiable   

Features

• Large Print

Reviews (656)

Nothing but the Truth
The story was about a boy named Philip Malloy and he got suspended for humming during the Natinal Anthem.The teacher Mrs.Narwin had asked him to stop the first time but Philip Malloy refused.I think that Mrs. Narwin should have waited till the end to tell him to stop, but instead she was interupting to.She asked him to stop but he still would'nt do it and finally the third time she asked him she sent him out of the room.Then the principal said that he could either say sorry or get a 2 day suspention.And Philip refused to say sorry so he got a 2 day suspention.They thought that that was a rule but the super adendent saod there was no rule agenst singing during the Natinal Anthem.Then the word got out and then philip got letters from other schools that said about how he could go to their scholl because they have nothing agenst singing.Then Mrs.Narwingot letters that were not true and quit her job and went to live with her sister.

Excellent Young Adult novel
A powerful topic and engaging format. A great read for any young adult.

Not the whole truth
This story isn't really about truth as much as it's about communication and integrity. The problem is that all the characters make multiple unnecessary mistakes and compound the problem, demonstrating only the wrong way to do things and never the right way. I wonder if young readers will understand this? I was amazed to find no positive role models. Even the victimized "heroine," Ms. Narwin, was strangely ineffectual, as were the "heroic" Philip and his parents. And worse, Avi paints with a cynical brush all characters involved in education politics and media. There is nothing profound or thought-provoking in this story; the "good, bad, and ugly" are obvious. Some young readers may benefit from obvious points, and as such this might work as a cautionary tale. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Avi    2. Fiction    3. Fiction - General    4. General    5. High schools    6. Large Print    7. Large type books    8. Schools    9. Young Adult Large Print Fiction   

Reviews (6)

On the Edge of your seat
This is a very good book that keeps you on the edge of your seat. i tell all my friends to read it!

one of the best
A wonderful novel by Avi. It has the comedy, horror and drama of all Avi's books roled into one. Not only kids but teens and adults would love this book. Everyone has one person in the book that they can relate to. Weather it be Conrad, Nancy or even the parents. This is definitly one of the better books by Avi.

Good book!
I read this book as a child and it had a profound effect on the way I view my relationship's with others.This is a great book for people of any age who would like to read a good story about what happens in relationships. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books - Young Adult Fiction    2. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 10-12)    3. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    4. Emotional problems    5. Family - General    6. Fiction    7. Friendship    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Parent and child    10. Social Issues - Adolescence    11. Juvenile Fiction / Social Situations / Adolescence   

Editorial Review

Genre-jumping author Avi clocks in here with his 50th book, Read more

Reviews (187)

Crispin: The Cross of Lead
I read this book first in sixth grade, and now I read it again and I loved it more now than I did then. Crispin goes from being a thirteen year old boy growing up in historical England with no name, to being Crispin who can play the recorder, knows who he is, and has made a friend. This was great, and I got many good quotes from it. It has a lesson to be learned, and it is exciting and smart. Love it.

I can see why this book won the Newbery
Crispin: The Cross of Lead is a historical novel set in 1377, during a time of great crisis in England. At the start of the story, the hero doesn't even know his own name. He's been raised in isolation in a small village, and has only ever heard himself referred to as "Asta's son". Even among the villagers, Asta's son has been isolated, never treated like one who belonged there. His own mother often seems to resent him. He thinks of himself as being "nothing".
Let Me Have a Soul, That I Too May Sing and Dance
"I keep asking myself if I felt different, if I was different. The answer was always yes. I was no longer nothing."
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Subjects:  1. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    2. Fiction   

Reviews (362)

A suprising twist!
When the reader starts Chapter 1, they think this is going to be another, long, dull pirate ship with lame "adventures." (Trust me, that is what I thought)
Absolutely Delightful!!
I first heard about this book when my son was in 3rd grade back in 1994 and the teacher was reading it aloud to the class. I then, this year (2006) remembered it and took it out of the library. I was mesmerized by the story (even as an adult) because I am a sailor! I could just imagine Charlotte donning her sailor's garb and climbing the rigging!I love how she started out prim and proper, then she became Captain of the ship! I too am a Captain, and this story (although fiction) is a great role model for young girls today. I especially loved the ending where she leaves her stuffy life behind, arrives at the dock and the boat "sails with the morning tide". I imagined the boat pulling out of port at first light and watching the sun rise over the horizon.The writing is so vivid, and the story is so alive, that I could almost smell the salt air!I loved the book!

Great Story
I loved this book because it drew you into the 19th century lifestyle at sea.
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Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure - General    2. Avi    3. Children's 12-Up - Fiction - History    4. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    5. Fiction    6. Girls & Women    7. Historical - General    8. Historical - United States - 19th Century    9. Juvenile Fiction    10. Mutiny    11. Self-perception    12. Sex role    13. Juvenile Fiction / General   

Reviews (7)

Devil's Race review
This is a pretty good book for people who like mtstery's.The plot is easy to follow and is a book you will not wont to put the book down untill you finish.If scary books are the kind of books you like then you will love this.So got off that chair and get this book in your hands now! Which means stop reading this review and start reading Devil's Race by Avi.

The Devil's Race
The Devil's Race by Avi was an amazing and interesting book. Each time you open the book to read it, it will take you on a fabulous and exciting adventure. This book is really good and I recomend it to anyone who loves scary but to scary books. If you are an 5-7th grade student then this could be the book for you.
Devil's Race
Devil's Race is a great horrer/mystery book by Avi.It's about a 16 year-old boy named John Proud.One day he went to his uncle, Dave's house.
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Subjects:  1. Children's 12-Up - Fiction - Suspense    2. Children: Grades 3-4    3. Devil    4. Fiction    5. Ghosts    6. Horror & Ghost Stories    7. Juvenile Fiction / General   

Subjects:  1. 1834-1903    2. Architecture    3. Art - General    4. Artists    5. Biography    6. Biography & Autobiography - Art    7. Children's 12-Up - Architecture    8. Children's Books/Young Adult Misc. Nonfiction    9. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    10. Criticism and interpretation    11. Fine Arts (Young Adult)    12. Juvenile Nonfiction    13. Juvenile literature    14. Whistler, James McNeill,    15. 20th century    16. Art / Individual Artist    17. History of art & art styles    18. Painting & paintings    19. c 1800 to c 1900   

Subjects:  1. Animals - MiceHamstersGuinea Pigsetc.    2. Holidays & Celebrations - Christmas    3. Juvenile Fiction    4. Lifestyles - City & Town Life    5. Spanish: Grades 4-7    6. Spanish: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)   

Subjects:  1. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    2. Classics    3. Juvenile Fiction   

Subjects:  1. Children's 9-12 - History - General    2. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    3. Juvenile literature    4. Mosaics, Ancient    5. Mosaics, Byzantine    6. Mosaics, Greek    7. Mosaics, Roman    8. Pottery & Ceramics    9. Ceramic arts, pottery, glass   

Reviews (6)

On the Edge of your seat
This is a very good book that keeps you on the edge of your seat. i tell all my friends to read it!

one of the best
A wonderful novel by Avi. It has the comedy, horror and drama of all Avi's books roled into one. Not only kids but teens and adults would love this book. Everyone has one person in the book that they can relate to. Weather it be Conrad, Nancy or even the parents. This is definitly one of the better books by Avi.

Good book!
I read this book as a child and it had a profound effect on the way I view my relationship's with others.This is a great book for people of any age who would like to read a good story about what happens in relationships. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books - Young Adult Fiction    2. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 10-12)    3. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    4. Emotional problems    5. Family - General    6. Fiction    7. Friendship    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Parent and child    10. Social Issues - Adolescence    11. Juvenile Fiction / Social Situations / Adolescence   

Editorial Review

Genre-jumping author Avi clocks in here with his 50th book, Read more

Reviews (187)

Crispin: The Cross of Lead
I read this book first in sixth grade, and now I read it again and I loved it more now than I did then. Crispin goes from being a thirteen year old boy growing up in historical England with no name, to being Crispin who can play the recorder, knows who he is, and has made a friend. This was great, and I got many good quotes from it. It has a lesson to be learned, and it is exciting and smart. Love it.

I can see why this book won the Newbery
Crispin: The Cross of Lead is a historical novel set in 1377, during a time of great crisis in England. At the start of the story, the hero doesn't even know his own name. He's been raised in isolation in a small village, and has only ever heard himself referred to as "Asta's son". Even among the villagers, Asta's son has been isolated, never treated like one who belonged there. His own mother often seems to resent him. He thinks of himself as being "nothing".
Let Me Have a Soul, That I Too May Sing and Dance
"I keep asking myself if I felt different, if I was different. The answer was always yes. I was no longer nothing."
Read more

Subjects:  1. Avi    2. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - General    3. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    4. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    5. Fiction    6. General    7. Great Britain    8. Historical - Medieval    9. Identity    10. Juvenile Fiction    11. Middle Ages    12. Orphans    13. Social Issues - Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance    14. Juvenile Fiction / Historical / Medieval   

Subjects:  1. Animals - MiceHamstersGuinea Pigsetc.    2. Holidays & Celebrations - Christmas    3. Juvenile Fiction    4. Lifestyles - City & Town Life    5. Spanish: Grades 4-7    6. Spanish: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)   

Subjects:  1. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    2. Classics    3. Juvenile Fiction   

Subjects:  1. Children's 9-12 - History - General    2. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    3. Juvenile literature    4. Mosaics, Ancient    5. Mosaics, Byzantine    6. Mosaics, Greek    7. Mosaics, Roman    8. Pottery & Ceramics    9. Ceramic arts, pottery, glass   

Reviews (82)

boringsville the worlds worst book
This book is horrid dull and long. I won't reccommend it to anyone. Avi doesn't describe war the way it actually is. boooooooooooooooooooo

worst book I have ever read
I did not enjoy this book because it seems like Avi doesn't put thought into what he writes.another thing is that it doesn't hav actuall chapters so its hard to keed track of where you are reading.

The Fighting Ground
The Fighting Ground is a great book about a 15 years old boy named Jonathan who lived in Trenton, New Jersey.This book is set during the American Revolutionary war.America was fighting for its independence from England.
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Subjects:  1. Children's 12-Up - Fiction - History    2. Historical - General   

Editorial Review

As assistant to the king's chambermaid, 12-year-old Morwenna is hardly a likely candidate for wizardly inheritance. Yet there's something to be said for being in the right place at the right time--or is that the wrong place at the wrong time? Either way, with no warning, Morwenna suddenly becomes the recipient of five wishes when a 1,000-year-old ailing wizard, desperate to pass on his magical legacy, finds Morwenna at hand the moment before his dusty demise. Unfortunately, no guidance or advice accompanies this mysterious gift. Morwenna soon flounders in confusion and danger, as her best friend Swen, through a series of mishaps, comes to believe Read more

Reviews (11)

An Excitement
I normally don't like reading fantasy books but I picked it up because I'm a huge fan of Avi. I loved this book, it was just soo weird, like I don't know how Avi came up with this plot but it was mysterious and addicting. I couldn't put htis book down I just read on and on and when I stopped it was like hmm could there really be a wizard or a bunch of wishes lying around somewhere, I totally recommend this book especially if your down in the dumps this will surely lighten your spirits.

Bright Shadow- The best book you will ever read!
The Book Bright Shadow by Avi is an imaginative and adventerous Fantasy book.Morwenna is a servent girl for King Ruthvin.when she is at work dusting things, she becomes the holder of 5 powerful wishes.She goes on an adventure with her friend who thinks he has the wishes.Morwenna has to stay with a man who knows she has the wishes.He makes Morwenna use the wishes even though she doesn't want to.
Bright Shadow
How would you feel if you were a wizard, yet you had to keep it a secret from your best friend?Bright Shadow tells the story of a young girl named Morwenna who receives a gift filled with wishes, but cannot use them on herself.At first she is scared to hold the wishes because it is a big responsibility.Ruthvin, the nasty king, wants to catch Morwenna and keep her in captivity so he can have the wishes she protects. Morwenna has many challenges in this book because she can not use her wish to save her friend.Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books - Young Adult Fiction    2. Fantasy    3. General    4. Non-Classifiable   

Reviews (7)

Smuggler's Island
This book was set in the Great Depression on a small island in New York. Shad Faherty, a young islander, decides to do the forbidden, watch the known of but feared smugglers. The smugglers use the island to smuggle illegal alcohol, but the islanders dare not tell or watch, for if they do they're in danger. Shad decides to stop them with the risky evidence he collects and tells a man he trusts, but Shad trusts and mistrusts the wrong people. Shad will do anything, even put himself and his family in danger, to get justice. Avi has written better books, but this is still very good.

My idea!
I think that this was an excelent book filled with mystery and suspense,for example when Shad and his brother are in the marsh and neither can swim.A boat goes by,but Shad suspects them to be on Kinlo's side.I think that it also taught that you should never judge a person by their first appereance,like when Shad believes that the guy who is going to help him turns out to be on Kinlo's side.I think that a lot of people would enjoy this book.

My idea!
I think that this was an excelent book filled with mystery and suspense,for example when Shad and his brother are in the marsh and neither can swim.A boat goes by,but Shad suspects them to be on Kinlo's side.I think that it also taught that you should never judge a person by their first appereance,like when Shad believes that the guy who is going to help him turns out to be on Kinlo's side.I think that a lot of people would enjoy this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    2. Children: Grades 4-6    3. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    4. Fiction    5. General    6. Islands    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Smuggling    9. Juvenile Fiction / General   

Features

• Unabridged

Reviews (103)

4 stars for Edmund; none for Poe
The main reason I read this book (actually, I listened to it on cd), is because Edgar Allan Poe, both the man and his writings, has always intrigued me. I have read many books featuring Poe as a character and have enjoyed most of them. However, the character of Poe in this book is extremely unlikable and tiresome. I felt very sorry for Edmund, who, after all, was only eleven, and had only Poe to depend on. I don't think anyone familiar with Poe would expect him to be affable and cheery, but this portrayal of Poe made him so unappealing that it really affected my enjoyment of the story. Poor Edmund; half the time Poe couldn't seem to remember who Edmund was. When he did remember, he was more concerned with how Edmund's plight could become a Poe story than with actually helping Edmund. I know he was suffering from alcoholism, but I still wanted him to redeem himself in some way. He was one of the most self-absorbed characters I ever remember reading about.
Flashback!
I read this book when I was in middle school (I'm 25 now!), and I remeber LOVING it. I want to go back and read it again just to see if I still find it entertaining. Any kids out there thinking of picking up this book, please do! And look into the real works by Edgar Allen Poe, America's greatest author, although know that this book is 100% fiction.

Okay
Reading this book in English class last semester was great. Avi did a great job with showing what she thought of Edgar Allen Poe. The book is a real page turner. I was suprised at how it ended. The only problem I had was when it was revealed who kidnapped Sis and what happended to Auntie. It was a little confusing.
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Subjects:  1. Audio: Juvenile    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Children's Audio - Young Adult    4. General    5. Reference    6. American English    7. Dictionaries of biography (Who's Who)   

Reviews (10)

What the Irish had to go through
Beyond the Western Sea lets one see what terrible trials the Irish had to go through in the eighteen hundreds. They were tortured in Irealand by the English landowners, and in America, by the "Know Nothings"( A secret society of people who wanted America to remain Puritan and would stop at nothing to keep it so. They got their name because when ever they were asked about their group, they would say, "I know nothing" ). The Irish were treated like dogs by most of the people in America and England. All through the story though, the characters remain proud of their heritage and their religion. They do not wield to the will of their persecuters.This is a book that will inspire people who feel descriminated, to stand strong against their oppressors.
This series needs to be a trilogy
The second book in the group begins as the major players from "Escape from Home",finally board the ship for Boston.It remains fast paced and interesting, although a sea voyage might seem to have the potential to be boring.
Page Turner, will keep you hooked!
This book has many characters so it would be hard for me to summarize a review of what it's about. What I can tell you is that I hadn't read the first book and I thought I would be confused while I read this book, but I drifted along with everything that happened. Much suspense and everytime on thing happens it is quickly changed by someone else. In the begin I thought it wasn't worth my time, but when I reached the middle I knew that it had to be 5 stars and nothing less! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adventure and adventurers    2. Children's 12-Up - Fiction - History    3. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    4. Emigration and immigration    5. Fiction    6. Historical - General    7. Stowaways    8. Voyages and travels