Editorial Review

Have you ever played the "if only" game? Well, Read more

Reviews (28)

Squashed by Joan Bauers
I picked up this book because I have enjoyed Bauer's previous books, and the cover design with a big pumpkin on it got my curiousity up.I wasn't disappointed.Ellie, the main character, is very lovable.She has faults, which she realizes, but also has good qualities, which she has more trouble realizing.Richard, her cousin, is a "partial baseball star," a sophomore who lives like he's a step away from the big leagues and relates everything back to baseball.Ellie's father is a motivational speaker, and has a winning line for everything.And then there's Wes, the new kid in town, who is a award-winning corn grower and immediately attracts Ellie's attention.So this cast of characters come together to try to convince Max, a giant pumpkin, that he can go all the way and win the annual pumpkin weigh-in. But unfortunately there's a competitor, Cyril Pool, who has won the past four years and has no intentions of handing the title over to a 16-year old.Adventures ensue, the characters grow along with the pumpkin, and the whole story is very relatable.I'd be surprised if you weren't cheering Ellie on as the competition draws nearer.

The Great Giant Pumpkin
There is a girl named Ellie she is 15 years old.She lives in the country in Iowa.Her dad grew up in the country and hated growing things and farming.Ellie's mom died when she was younger.Her mom loved to grow flowers and take them to the fair.Ellie's Grandma loves to grow things to.
A triumph
Before the Sisterhood's pants started traveling, before princesses started keeping diaries, Joan Bauer was touching hearts with her novels. Her novels are about young people who are vulnerable but courageous and find pride and strength in a central focus in their life. In 'Hope was Here,' Hope strives to be a uber-professional waitress in the diners where her Aunt Addie cooks. Jenna in 'Rules of the Road' can fit and sell shoes better than anyone else on the planet.
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Subjects:  1. Children's 12-Up - Fiction - General    2. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 10-12)    3. Country life    4. Fiction    5. Girls & Women    6. Humorous Stories    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Lifestyles - Farm Life & Ranch Life    9. Pumpkin    10. Pumpkins    11. Social Situations - General    12. Juvenile Fiction / General   

Editorial Review

Funny young adult writers are a rare treasure, and Joan Bauer is one of the funniest. Critics and young readers rejoiced at her three previous novels--Read more

Reviews (124)

Rules of the Road
This was a very enjoyable and engaging young adult novel. The main theme deals with drawing on your inner strength to overcome obstacles and standing up for what you believe in. Humor was used appropriately to decrease tension during stressful times in the story. The characters have colorful personalities and even though there is a significant age difference there is a nice balance. Girls will especially appreciate Jenna's concerns and self-doubts due to their universal appeal. Anyone who has been touched by alcoholism will relate to the effect this disease can have on a family. Statistics show one in four families in this country are affected in some way by alcohol abuse, so this topic should also have quite a wide reach. This reading could be used to open a discussion on the topic. Both main characters struggle with themselves and other people, but in the end each overcomes their struggle and becomes stronger, happier, and wiser from their experience.
Good, but...
First, I had read Hope was Here by Joan Bauer.I liked that book so much that I decided to read this book, Rules of the Road.It was a nice story, except it had the exact same basis as Hope was Here.Talk about no creativity!Here are some reasons why this book and Hope was Here was exactly the same (HWH=Hope was Here. ROTR=Rules of the Road.)
any sequals?
this book is just great, for all ages, the begining can be a bit blury butafter that its smooth sailing. A nice book on life, the road, and everyday shoes ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Automobile driving    2. Children's 12-Up - Fiction - General    3. Children's All Ages - Fiction - General    4. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    5. Fiction    6. Girls & Women    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Old age    9. Social Issues - Adolescence    10. Social Issues - Emotions & Feelings    11. Social Issues - General    12. Stores, Retail    13. Juvenile Fiction / Girls & Women   

Features

• Audiobook

Reviews (1)

A valuable resource
As a teacher of English as a Second Language, I have used many different picture dictionaries. The Oxford Picture Dictionary for Kids is very well organized and uses a group of characters that provide continuity throughout the dictionary.These characters provide a continual story line so that I use the dictionary not only for "finding words," but also as a base for teaching content-area information.The pictures are clear and well-defined and cover a large vocabulary spectrum. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. English as a Second Language    2. Foreign Language - Dictionaries / Phrase Books    3. Foreign Language Study    4. Language    5. ELT graded readers    6. English    7. English Language Learning (ESL) | Picture Dictionary Programs | Oxford Picture Dictionary for Kids    8. Foreign Language Study / English as a Second Language   

Reviews (4)

Best Book Forward
Have you ever been a great influence to your little brother or sister and then did something horrible right in front of them? Probably not, but in Best Foot Forward , by Joan Bauer, Tanner taught his little brother Webster how to read, write, and count. But then Tanner stole a pair of shoes from a shoe store right in front of Webster. He starts to work at the store he stole from to make up for what he has done. Maybe he just became his father for a little while, like the Incredible Hulk or Dr. Jekle and Mr. Hide, or maybe he is a real thief? (another thing to think about.) Jenna ,a girl who also works at the shoe store, helps him realize what's going on. Will he steal again, or will he become the best brother ever again. Do you think he will put his best foot forward? Read the book to find out.

good, but....
j is back in a good way and in a bad way.again, the dialog is snappy, the main character is fun and witty and likeable.however, the issues are huge and therin lies the problem.bauer tries to tackle an alcohalic parent, a (maybe) annorexic sibling, a grandmother with alzheimer's disease, a thieving co-worker, the issue of unethical overseas labor tactics and the maturing of her main character all at the same time.the book treads on all of these issues but fails to tackle them realistically.the theiving co-worker for instance does not feel like a real teenager.in fact, he comes accross almost as an idiot...i could have pulled off a better scam than that guy:)anyway, it IS still a fun read, just don't look for any realness in it.

Foot First, Heart in the End
One person can make a difference. That's the big lesson Jenna Boller learns outside of the classroom and it changes her forever. As she returns to school in the Fall, she immediately realizes how much she has matured over the summer. It's as if the other students were frozen in time.Jenna grew up at Gladstone Shoes. At first, she is consumed in her own problems, most notably fixing the strained relationship with a dysfunctional alcoholic parent she helped put in jail. A sister obsessed with her own appearance is also scarred by family problems but refuses to deal with them. At work, Jenna's boss, an elderly women, Mrs. Gladstone, seems out of touch and too gullible, giving the wrong people, like the troubled Tanner, a second chance. As Jenna learns, it was all a matter of having the right person redirect Tanner's high energy in a more positive direction - and Mrs. Gladstone make Jenna his boss, partly responsible for the transformation. Mrs. Gladstone knows that in her heart Jenna does not understand her methods. Jenna believes Mrs. Gladstone is soft, an easy mark.As the story unfolds, Jenna observes as Mrs. Gladstone takes on her own son, exposing the corruption that has infested Gladstone's new corporate offices. As her mentor, Mrs. Gladstone explains, "I want you to learn from this. I want you to write it in your heart."In the end Jenna intuitively creates her own mentoring role, helping someone else put the best foot forward.Joan Bauer has written a most enjoyable, uplifting book that will not only resonate with young reasons, but with all who read it.It kept me smiling. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business ethics    2. Business, Careers, Occupations    3. Children's Books - Young Adult Fiction    4. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    5. Family - Multigenerational    6. Fiction    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Old age    9. Shoplifting    10. Social Issues - General    11. Social Issues - Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance    12. Stores, Retail    13. Juvenile Fiction / Social Situations / General   

Reviews (28)

Thwonk
This is a very cute book. I recommend it for anyone who has had that one crush who you think doesn't even know you exist.That's how it is for A.J. Now don't we wish we all had a little cupid of our own.The thing I didn't like about this book was how AJ found love then turned on it.This book takes a lot of time and understanding to read,I suggest if you don't like to read and just decided to read this book because it was the only one left on the shelf, find something new because this book may not be for you.

Predictable and cute
The love story bits and the "true love/true friendship" preachiness bugged me a little, but the fairy-tale-NOT Jonathan the Cupid was amusing.Parts of the plot have been rehashed many times in teen literature.The story really gets good when A.J.,the main character, talks about her photography and her family problems-that is where the real heart and writing ability of Ms. Bauer come in.I can tell she did research on photography....The one problem is, A.J. seems altogether too self-posessed in other matters to fall head-over-heels, stupidly in love with Peter Terris, etc, etc.It was a cute little fluffy book, perfect for reading on a stormy or wintry afternoon (it will only take about one afternoon, seriously).It won't inspire you to find true love, but it may make you want to buy a camera and start snapping off shots in the early morning light...

Thwonk
It is a very funny, cute book. I think it connects with a lot of teens these days, and how we feel about love. It makes you never want to put the book down! i luved it! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)   

Reviews (11)

The War At School
There is a war going on in our schools. Although many people may not see it or many people may not be aware of it the war is there I'm talking about the on going fighting between "outcasts" and the "populars". Through some tragic events, some heart warming, and some that just want to make you stand up to anyone who gets in your way you see the realities of violence and harshness of some lives which are the victims of this so called war. Through theses collections of short stories with authors such as Jack Gantos many lessons can be learned.It is a book that will make think about the kids at your school and events that have happened in your community that have taken place I this book. Maybe this book may change the way you think and make you a better person.
A Great Book for Sharing
I used selections from this collection as read-alouds for my 8th grade language arts class (I end class most days with a read-aloud, while students keep a response journal). Because of the subject matter, these stories definitely engage the students and keep their attention. Do they all "get" the message? No, but I guarantee that when you look around the room and see the eyes of those two or three students who are themselves on the fringe, you will know it was worth it.

in defense of this book
I'm writing this because I'm aghast at some of the other reviews of "On the Fringe." It's a bad book because of its length? Not necessarily. Most of its stories are shorter than the average New Yorker fiction piece, and there's no need to read them all to enjoy the book. Short story collections don't have to be read straight through like a chapter book.Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 12-Up - Fiction - General    2. Children's stories, American    3. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    4. Fiction    5. High schools    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. School & Education    8. Schools    9. Short Stories    10. Social Situations - General    11. Juvenile Fiction / General   

Subjects:  1. English as a Second Language    2. English language    3. Foreign Language Study    4. General    5. Juvenile literature    6. Language    7. Language Arts / Linguistics / Literacy    8. Readers (Primary)    9. Textbooks for foreign speakers    10. ELT graded readers    11. English    12. English Language Learning (ESL) | Picture Dictionary Programs | Oxford Picture Dictionary for Kids    13. Foreign Language Study / English as a Second Language   

Editorial Review

Breaking, bank shots, slices, and safeties—-fifth grader Mickey Vernoncan shoot pool better than some guys twice his age. His philosophy is simple: "Ithink a lot of the world's problems could be solved by a couple of guys shootinga few racks down at the local hall." But sometimes that's hard to remember whenhe's facing down seventh-grade bully Buck Pender. Buck is determined to beatMickey in the annual youth tournament down at Vernon's, the pool hall owned andoperated by Mickey's grandma Poppy. And he just might do it, too. ExceptMickey's got a secret weapon. Joseph Alvarez, a big rig trucker and familyfriend, has returned to town, and he was coached by the best pool player on thenine-ball professional circuit--Mickey's dad, who died shortly after Mickey wasborn. So with the help of Joseph and his two best friends, 10-year-old mathgenius Arlen and magician extraordinaire Francine, Mickey just might have a shotat the championship. Then Buck baits him into playing a game in which Mickeybadly sprains his stick hand, just three short weeks before the tournament. HasMickey just scratched the cue ball of his dreams?Read more

Reviews (10)

A Pool Story
Sticks isn't about pool sticks.This realistic fiction story explains about the ten-year old boy Mickey Vernon who is talented and wants to follow in his father's footsteps.It will take true confidence, "ganas". You will enjoy reading about friendship, courage to believe in yourself, and to never give up hope.Sticks explains a way to solve problems and learn about it.Mickey's biggest goal was to beat 13 year old bully Buck Pender and win the pool hall tournament.With his friends Arlen, Francine, and even Arlen's pet pgi Mangler helping, he is sure to succeed.With three problems between them all, they're going to find someway to solve their troubles and learn valuable lessons.Mickey has to learn pool from the only person he has left, his father's best friend Joseph Alvarez.Unfortunately, Mickey's mother has her concerns about this.Will Mickey win the tournament and once and for all will Buck stop bullying him?? Read this special pool story and find-out.If you lvoe any games, or sports, you'll love Sticks.

It's alright....
A story of a boy who tries to live in the shadow of his dead father.The main character lives with his mother as he tries to figure out who he is.His best friend is a whiz at math and helps him to learn and understand the angles of pool.An old friend of the boy's deceased father comes back into the picutre, much to the dismay of the main character's mother.Toward the end of the book the boy enters a local pool tournament and has to go up against some stiff competition.The book's end is so predictable that its like walking outside to see clouds in the sky.Still a fairly good read with a handful of boring sections.Get through the boring parts for a good book.

If you haven't read this book, READ IT!
For a person who likes to play pool, this is a good book to read. If you dont really like to play pool, this is still an incredible book. This book is by a fantastic author and she wrote this book like she was the main character. When I read this book I didnt really like to play pool but when I was reading this book I could veiw all the book and when they were playing pool in the book it seemed like I was one of the fans watching the game. It is kind of sad when it talks about the kids dad dieing but when his best friend comes and teaches him like his dad taught his friend it cheered the boy up and he got really good at the sport pool and started to win alot more games and their is this one boy who the boy hated he might of beat but your going to have to read the book to find out what happens to the boy and other awesome events. I will have to stop writing now or I'm going to spoil the book for you. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Boys / Men    2. Children's All Ages - Fiction - General    3. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    4. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    5. Fathers and sons    6. Fiction    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Mothers and sons    9. Pool (Game)    10. Social Issues - Adolescence    11. Social Issues - Emotions & Feelings    12. Social Issues - General    13. Social Situations - Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance    14. Sports & Recreation - Games - General    15. Juvenile Fiction / Sports & Recreation / Games   

Subjects:  1. English as a Second Language    2. English language    3. Foreign Language Study    4. General    5. Juvenile literature    6. Language    7. Language Arts / Linguistics / Literacy    8. Readers (Primary)    9. Textbooks for foreign speakers    10. American English    11. English    12. English Language Learning (ESL) | Picture Dictionary Programs | Oxford Picture Dictionary for Kids    13. Foreign Language Study / English as a Second Language   

Subjects:  1. Cognition and culture    2. Cognition in children    3. Cognitive Psychology    4. Developmental - General    5. Psychology    6. Psychotherapy - Child & Adolescent    7. Social aspects    8. Child & developmental psychology    9. Psychology & Psychiatry / Developmental Psychology   

Subjects:  1. English as a Second Language    2. English language    3. Foreign Language Study    4. General    5. Juvenile literature    6. Language    7. Language Arts / Linguistics / Literacy    8. Readers (Primary)    9. Textbooks for foreign speakers    10. ELT graded readers    11. English    12. English Language Learning (ESL) | Picture Dictionary Programs | Oxford Picture Dictionary for Kids    13. Foreign Language Study / English as a Second Language   

Subjects:  1. English as a Second Language    2. English language    3. Foreign Language Study    4. General    5. Juvenile literature    6. Language    7. Language Arts / Linguistics / Literacy    8. Readers (Primary)    9. Textbooks for foreign speakers    10. ELT graded readers    11. English    12. English Language Learning (ESL) | Picture Dictionary Programs | Oxford Picture Dictionary for Kids    13. Foreign Language Study / English as a Second Language   

Subjects:  1. English as a Second Language    2. Foreign Language - Dictionaries / Phrase Books    3. Foreign Language Study    4. Language    5. American English    6. ELT workbooks, practice books & exercises    7. English Language Learning (ESL) | Picture Dictionary Programs | Oxford Picture Dictionary for Kids    8. Foreign Language Study / English as a Second Language   

Subjects:  1. Anthologies    2. Children's 12-Up - Literature - Classics    3. Fiction    4. Short Stories    5. Social Issues - General    6. Fiction / General   

Subjects:  1. English as a Second Language    2. English language    3. Foreign Language Study    4. Foreign speakers    5. General    6. Language    7. Language Arts / Linguistics / Literacy    8. Study and teaching (Primary)    9. ELT graded readers    10. English    11. English Language Learning (ESL) | Picture Dictionary Programs | Oxford Picture Dictionary for Kids    12. Foreign Language Study / English as a Second Language   

Features

• Unabridged

Subjects:  1. English as a Second Language    2. English language    3. Foreign Language Study    4. General    5. Juvenile literature    6. Language    7. Language Arts / Linguistics / Literacy    8. Readers (Primary)    9. Textbooks for foreign speakers    10. ELT graded readers    11. English    12. English Language Learning (ESL) | Picture Dictionary Programs | Oxford Picture Dictionary for Kids    13. Foreign Language Study / English as a Second Language   

Editorial Review

Tree is 12 years old and the tallest kid ever in his school: 6-foot-3and still growing. He's a pretty intelligent and sensible guy and he copes byhelping people, like his wonderful grandpa, a Vietnam vet who's just had a legamputated. But still, being tall leads to problems. Coaches always expect him tobe good at sports, even though he tries to explain, "I'm not real athletic."When he meets the father of Sophie, the independent-minded new girl at school,he has to show his birth certificate to prove he's not much older. "I'm tall formy age," says Tree. "You're tall for my age," says Sophie's suspicious father.And dance lessons--! Well, they're a nightmare, especially the tango, where heand Sophie have to replace hand-in-hand with hand-in-elbow, and cheek-to-cheekwith cheek-to-chest. Read more

Reviews (17)

Stand Tall
Stand Tall
Will Help You Stand Tall
Stand Tall, an excellent book, will make you laugh, make you cry, and make you take deep sighs of relief or deep gasps of awe. Joan Bauer beautifully combines the elements of a childrens book with confidence that you get from family. It was a wonderful story that teaches you to be proud of yourself no matter what. I promise that you will remember this book forever.

Do NOT buy the audio version!
This may be a good book, but it is impossible to tell from listening to the audio tapes--the worst narration I've ever heard. Mr. Mclarty's nasal, nasty monotone flattens descriptions, dialogue and characters' personalities into one long, l-o-n-g whiny earache. It appears for all the world to be his first-ever reading of the book, and a sloppy one at that (couldn't he read even a sentence ahead?): where the author helpfully supplies adverbs to indicate tone, this narrator completely ignores them, plowing and plodding ahead using the same annoying drone for every character and situation. All three of my kids--8, 10 and 12--were interested in the plot to begin with, but by now any game effort to finish the tape results in unanimous exclamations over the misery of trying to endure this narrative dentist's-drill. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - General    2. Children: Grades 4-6    3. Social Issues - General