Reviews (99)

Absolutely captivating and brilliant!
When I first heard about the book, it was because a friend recomended it. She said it was one of the best books she ever read, and after reading it myself I completely agree. It is about a girl growing up in the Chinese Cultural Revolution and facing the challenge of growing up in a family with a bad reputation according to the government. I liked this book because it really made me think about how kids are living. Also, because I like books about people with a realistic life, not a fairytale. I would reccomend it to any of my friends!

Stinks
Don't like it at all. Don't even waste your time reading it. i was forced to read it!!! Two thumbs DOWN :-(!!!

The Depth of Mankind...
This is not the first and probably not the last 'Cultural Revolution Memoir' that I have read.I must admit feeling a bit numb to the stories and account of this tragic point in Chinese history.It has been over a year since that last 'memoir' that I have read, and a friend passed the book on for me to check out.It was time to be reminded of the pain that so many around me have faced in their lives.What is remarkable about Ji Li Jiang's story is not the uniqueness, but rather the commonness of her experience among millions of others.This in no way should negate her or others struggles, yet rather serve to deepen compassion for the many who have experienced destruction at the hands fellow humans.
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Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography - Historical    2. Biography & Autobiography - Political    3. Children's 12-Up - Biography / Autobiography    4. Children's Books/Young Adult Biography    5. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    6. China    7. Cultural Revolution, 1966-1969    8. History    9. History - Asia    10. Jiang, Ji-li    11. Juvenile Nonfiction    12. Juvenile literature    13. People & Places - Asia    14. Personal narratives    15. Human geography / peoples of the world    16. Juvenile Nonfiction / Biography & Autobiography / Political    17. Politics & government   

Reviews (58)

Writing so-so but loved the message of the book
I was appalled to read some of the ignorance in the reveiws of this book about someones experience. I think he captured the spirit and importance forcamps for people with special needs. THe point of the camp wasn't trying to "make' these kids be normal at camp the point was they were haveing a great summer despite their challenges.It wasn't about saying "all the things your suppose to say about handicapped persons" as one review read it was about sharing the initial fears and concern that often people deal with when faced with such a task and showed how it turned to great blessing.I didn't feel this book was about the children but about the change and growth within the writer because of the children.Its a beautiful message that is just a little rough around the edges with the writing skills of the author.

From a special needs camp counselor!
Very realistic! Your opinion of campers can change in less then a day. The very first time you see campers getting out of the car you do wonder what the heck you have gotten yourself into but then by the time you have dinner you have already realized what is special about each one of them. This was an excellent book to quickly describe children with various different disabilites.

The Acorn People
Camp Wiggins was not a place for medically sanitized facilities, safety rails, or strict activity schedules. It was a place for memories to be made, accomplishments, and fantasies to be fulfilled. By no means were the handicaps of the teens attending this camp would burden this in any way. The Acorn People, by Ron Jones, tells a story of how a camp of handicap teens grow together and accomplish more than they could ever dream of doing at a camp made for boy scouts. In this true story, Ron Jones, the camp counselor of a group that goes above and beyond the expectations of camp, ables these teens to work together to climb Mountain Lookout, swim for the first time, and then struggle with getting the approval of the camp owner Mr. Bradshaw. Over all, this story was emotionally filled as well as giving you a new look on people not as fortunate as those not handicapped.
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Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Camp counselors    3. Camps for the handicapped    4. Children's 12-Up - Sociology    5. Children's Books/Young Adult Misc. Nonfiction    6. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    7. History    8. Juvenile Fiction / Social Situations / General   

Reviews (17)

Great for teenage girls
I bought this book for my 16 yr. old daughter and her mind set has changed. After reading this book, all on her own she started journaling and recently asked to be baptised. I thank GOD for Rachel Joy Scott and her parents.

Inspiring
This book will change the way you view life and its meaning. I also recommend you read Rachels Tears as well!

Great gift
I bought this for a teenager I know and she loved it. She is a quiet teen but she made sure she brought this book to church to show it off. It is a thought-provoking book, very well written. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. (Rachel Joy)    2. Biography    3. Children's 12-Up - Inspirational    4. Children's Books/Young Adult Religion    5. Christian teenagers    6. Christianity - Christian Life - General    7. Colorado    8. Columbine High School (Littleton, Colo.)    9. Religion    10. Religion - Inspirational    11. Scott, Rachel    12. Students    13. Biography/Autobiography    14. Calendars/Journals    15. Christianity    16. Religious life & experiences    17. Youth Interests    18. Youth Ministry   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (166)

Highly recommended autobiography
Chinese Cinderella is a heart-wrenching and sorrowful tale of a young girl growing up in a classic Cinderella setting. Treated harshly by her step-mother and ignored by her father, Adeline's life seems doomed to perpetual sadness. Every time something arrives to lighten up her life, it is taken away from her. She has to deal with loneliness and despair, but throughout the story she never gives up hope, that someday, somehow, things will get better.

The Best Book I've Ever Read!!!
I first read this book when I was in the 3rd grade. It was a fantastic true story (I'm mostly all about fantasy) that I enjoyed reading. I have read that book at least once a year every year since it was published. Each time I'm drawn into her world and remember how blessed my life is.

Great memoir
Adeline theoretically should have everything she wants in life- her father is very wealthy, she is able to attend prestigious college schools and afford an education, and she is extremely intelligent, remaining at the top of her class through the years of her youth.While she presents the fa?ade of having a happy family life, however, she is the despised child of a large family.Her mother passed away as a result of her birth, causing her father and four older siblings to blame her for their mother's death, considering her unlucky and barely a member of the family.When Adeline's father remarries, life continues to deteriorate- she, as well as the rest of her siblings, are scorned by their step-mother, who favors her own two children highly.Adeline struggles first to find acceptance in her family, and later to at least escape her family by putting her brilliant mind to work, immersing herself in her schoolwork so she will one day be able to support herself and her aunt, who is her only faithful friend.
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Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography - Cultural Heritage    3. Biography & Autobiography - Ethnic    4. Biography & Autobiography - General    5. California    6. Children's 12-Up - Biography / Autobiography    7. Children's Books/Young Adult Biography    8. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    9. Chinese Americans    10. Family - Stepfamilies    11. Juvenile Nonfiction    12. Juvenile literature    13. People & Places - United States - Asian American    14. Women physicians    15. Juvenile Nonfiction / Biography & Autobiography / General   

Reviews (14)

Good Stories and Good Message
I bought this book after I'd read The Circuit because I needed to find out what happened to the family.I was intrigued by both books, found them fairly easy reading, and believe that they open up opportunities for discussion with teens.Thought provoking, well-written, very descriptive, somewhat depressing although I found the characters' spirit amazing and inspiring, and all together a very good read.Great for young adults as well as adults...highly recommended.

What's Happening?
Francisco's family gets sent to Mexico, because they were in California illegally. When they get to come back legally the family gets a little split up, due to work and such. Roberto has to return to their barrack because of his janitor job. Papa can not work because of his back so the rest of the family goes to visit family and get Papa's back checked. Will Papa get better? Roberto gets replaced on his janitor job. Will Roberto get a job? What can the family do without the little money they must earn in long hard hours? That would be something to think about.
breaking through
I recommend this novel Breaking Through because it is a good novel.It has excellent word choice.The characters in the novel are believable the setting are believable.The setting is good it is not great because the setting is a little foggy because the people are move a little fast.The novel has a good starting and ending.
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Subjects:  1. Agricultural laborers    2. Biography & Autobiography - General    3. California    4. Children's 12-Up - Literature - Classics    5. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    6. Classics    7. Fiction    8. Juvenile Nonfiction    9. Juvenile fiction    10. Mexican Americans    11. People & Places - United States - Hispanic/Latino    12. Juvenile Fiction / Ethnic / Hispanic & Latino   

Reviews (3)

Disney Fans Must Have
This is a must have for the Disney fan.This book gives in depth detail into the man who created the "happiest place on earth", from the people who knew hime best.His family, friends, and employees.I have read many books on Disney, and this ranks in the top 2(along with Imaganineering).It tells the stories of his triumphs as well as his tragedies.I highly recommend this book.

NIce story about a true genius
This book is not a complete and detailed biography, but is a nice tribute to Walt Disney. It has a lot of photos, and the most interesting parts of the book are "personal side" sections.

Proof That Walt Disney Was The Original Dream Worker!
Walt Disney is well on his way to becoming the most written about creative talent in American film.Read more

Subjects:  1. 1901-1966    2. Animators    3. Biography    4. Biography & Autobiography    5. Biography & Autobiography - Performing Arts    6. Biography/Autobiography    7. Children's 12-Up - Biography / Autobiography    8. Children's Books/Young Adult Biography    9. Disney, Walt,    10. Performing Arts - Film    11. Rich & Famous    12. United States    13. Biography & Autobiography / Entertainment & Performing Arts    14. Disney, Walt   

Reviews (6)

Autobiography of a Canadian-Anglo-Indian

Excellent
You will feel the urge to keep turning the pages of this book, not just because of the incredible events of his life, but because of the humility and candor of Ravi as he shares his life story.The power of the gospel is woven through the fabric of his life and every life he touches.I began following Ravi's ministry and writings when I was 18 and have never lost interest.He has a tremendous passion to reach every mind with the gospel.Please read this book - you will be very glad you did.

You Will Probably Enjoy This as Much as You Enjoy His Radio Shows. Ravi Listeners will Enjoy This Autobiography!
I really enjoy hearing Ravi Zacharias on his weekly radio show. He is probably the most intellectual of any of the radio preachers that I hear broadcast on Christian radio in my area. Ravi is from India, but he converted to Christianity as a teenager in India, and his missionary career consists of intellectually applying logic to support Biblical concepts, to audiences across the globe. That's my explanation of what he does, at least. So when I heard he had an autobiography out, I was curious enough to check it out.
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Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Canada    5. Children's 12-Up - Religion - Christian Living    6. Christian biography    7. Christianity    8. Christianity - Christian Life - General    9. Christianity - Theology - Apologetics    10. Faith    11. General    12. India    13. Religious    14. Christian Interest    15. Christian theology    16. Religion / General   

Reviews (20)

The way to write history for children
Jean Fritz is one of the best writers of history for children. She doesn't romanticize or simplify to the point of distortion, and she really puts the story in history. Fritz looks with an intelligent and sensitive eye into the heart and mind of Pocahontas, and with an unflinching and respectful eye to Native Americans and the English. The Pilgrim's landing on Plymouth Rock gets more attention, but it all started at Jamestown and this book is an excellent introduction.

Short Biography
This is a short, less than 100 pages, biography of what is know about Pocahontas.I rated it 5 stars although I would have preferred a longer book. However the book is priced right for it's size. the worst book ever
You should NOT buy the Double life of Pochahontas.There is barely any dialog. It's really d u l l. Its about the english at Jamestown.It is more of a text book than a story book. It is barley about pochahontas at all. It all starts when the English build Jamestown... ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography - Historical    2. Children's 12-Up - Biography / Autobiography    3. Children's Books/Young Adult Biography    4. Girls & Women    5. People & Places - United States - Native American    6. Fiction / Historical   

Reviews (1)

Inspiring
I read this book 2 chapters per night with my children, and they loved it!I did have to skip over the part that talks about the loss of her family because they would not have stuck with it after such horrible events.The stories about the children coal miners, factory workers and families affected during the labor struggles of the late 1800s and early 1900s are stories that children need to hear about to inspire them to continue this work. They were particularly moved by the chapter "The March of the Mill Children." It may not have been necessary to detail so many different campaigns when children were the target audience, but my kids were attentive and interested nonetheless. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1843?-1930    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography - Political    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Child labor    6. Children's 12-Up - Biography / Autobiography    7. Children's Books/Young Adult Biography    8. History    9. Jones,    10. Juvenile literature    11. Mother,    12. United States    13. Women in the labor movement    14. Women labor leaders    15. Jones    16. Jones, Mother   

Reviews (173)

Very Touching
I really enjoyed this book.It is in my top favorites.It's a very touching story you will never be able to forget Nancy.

An Old Favorite
My mother found this novel for me at a yard sale.My aunt was suffering from AIDS at the time, and I think she felt that by reading the book I might better understand her illness.
it happened to Nancy
Ages 14 and up. Nancy thought she was in love but didn't know that it could cause her her own life: It Happened to Nancy. Nancy was raped and infested with her new bestfriend's HIV. Never again did she think anything good could come out of this situation. But having AIDS taught her to be more careful in life and appreciate it more because she didn't have that much of it left. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. AIDS (Disease)    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography - General    4. Children's 12-Up - Biography / Autobiography    5. Children's Books/Young Adult Biography    6. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 10-12)    7. Diaries    8. Health & Daily Living - Diseases    9. Health - Diseases    10. Juvenile literature    11. Patients    12. United States    13. Juvenile Fiction / Social Situations / Death & Dying    14. True Stories   

Reviews (161)

WWII Japanese-American INTERNMENT through the eyes of a child.
2000+ American Sailors, Soldiers, and Marines (MILITARY PERSONNEL) died during the Japanese Air Attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, Sunday morning, December 7, 1941, and as a direct result, President Roosevelt issued Presidential Executive Order 9066, forcing 110,000+ Japanese-Americans into 10 Military Internment Camps (Concentration Camps -- complete with Armed Soldiers, Machine Guns, Barbed Wire Fences, Spotlights, and Guard Towers).Each person subject to EO-9066 could only take what they could carry with their own two hands (and nothing more), leaving eveything else behind.Oh yes, the Federal Government also froze ALL BANK ACCOUNTS of Japanese-Americans through to the end of the war, so they could not get any cash out of the bank nor pay any bills.As a direct result, Japanese-Americans lost her homes due to nonpayment of Property Taxes.In Jeanne's Dad's case, someone stole their fishing boat while they were incarcerated.Her dad was a fisherman, and the boat had been the primary means of support for their family.
Japanese Americans Internment Camps-WWII
This story delves into the culture of the Japanese and applies it to their life in the Manzanar interment camps during World War II. An insightful must-read.

YUCK!
No offense to the author or anything but this book was really boring!!! It just doesn't seem to stick with one situation. Jeanne's family leaves there home, goes to Manzanar, then kicked out of Manzanar, etc. It was just really boring and I was going to be put to sleep, this book couldn't keep my attention on it for long. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography - General    2. Children's 12-Up - Biography / Autobiography    3. Children's Books/Young Adult Misc. Nonfiction    4. Children: Grades 3-4    5. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    6. Evacuation and relocation, 1942-1945    7. History - Military & Wars    8. History - United States/20th Century    9. Japanese Americans    10. Juvenile Nonfiction    11. People & Places - United States - Asian American    12. Juvenile Fiction / Ethnic / Asian American   

Editorial Review

What do you do when you're being charged by a red-eyed furious wall ofbrown fur that is an insane moose? How do you make a weapon with your barehands? How do you sneak up on a grouse or a rabbit, kill it with a well-aimedarrow, and cook it over a fire--without a pot? All this and lots more isessential learning for Brian Robeson, the young wilderness survivor in GaryPaulsen's classic novel Read more

Reviews (47)

About this book
If you want to read this book, make sure you have read at least Hatchet if you want to understand the book well.
A Great Book!! :)
Gary Paulsen's book "Guts" is not only a book about the wilderness, but its about a young man's life. A man who was raised by alcholics, who left home when he was 12 years old, and from then on his life was changed forever. He lived in the wildreness most of his life (more like his whole life). He is one tough cookie. He has been trampled by moose and almost frozen. My over all opinion of this book would be, it's really eye grabbing and it makes you never want to stop reading it. I highly recommend this book to guys or people in general who have been through alot in their life.

Alright Book
This book is about Gary Paulsen in the wilderness, surviving for himself. This is what he chooses to do. He likes being with himself all alone hunting for food. In all of his chapters it says how he lives his life. He had alcoholic parents, that never cared for him. Basicly he was all alone most of his life.In each chapter it talks about what he did to survive.He also mentions what he did in Hatchet when the plane crashed,and he was the only one that survived. He was the only one on that deserted island. That really happened to him. None of this book is fiction, it all happened to him. This book is good for boys who are wanting to read about an adventure, Gary Paulsen's life. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography - General    2. Children's 12-Up - Biography / Autobiography    3. Children's Books/Young Adult Misc. Nonfiction    4. Children: Grades 3-4    5. Juvenile Nonfiction    6. Literary Criticism & Collections    7. Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure   

Reviews (31)

Not so boring.
Quite contrary to other peoples opinions on this book I found it engaging rather than boring.The main character (Amos) is an example good of patience.It is well written and an excellent book.

Amos Fortune Free Man
This book was a bit slow starting but then picked up towards the middle and end (so much that I wish it hadn't of stopped.)Even though the print and layout of book seemed kind of juvenile it's content and vocabulary was fitting for up to a 14 or 15 year old.
Rewrite!
This terrific story deserves a rewrite.This books is so good, and yet so bad.The middle is so dull I can't find a word dull enough to describe it.The amazing thing is that despite the horror of the dull bits you still feel compelled to finish the story.You still feel awed by the triumph of Amos Fortune.I've even reread it because the story and the characters are so strong.I recommend reading this book despite it's faults.Hang in there.It really is worth it, though you won't believe me until the end. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1709 or 10-1801    2. African Americans    3. Biography    4. Biography & Autobiography - Cultural Heritage    5. Biography & Autobiography - Historical    6. Biography & Autobiography - People of Color    7. Children's 12-Up - Biography / Autobiography    8. Children's Books/Young Adult Biography    9. Children: Grades 3-4    10. Fortune, Amos,    11. Juvenile literature    12. Massachusetts    13. Slaves    14. Fortune, Amos    15. Juvenile Fiction / Ethnic / African American   

Reviews (140)

verry touching
I myself am the same age as annie (in the diary), so just reading about the things that she goes through and how fast she is forced to grow up, really shows me how careful we must be and we cant just go through life thinking "it wont happen to me".
janesha
I think that annie is going to be a good mom I hope she take care of her baby. And always love her mother because she was their the whole way. And dont think about danny cause all he wanted from you was sex.

Good Book
I thought this was a pretty good book.It was very depressing to read, but honestly, the girl is stupid.The story was drawn out and the ending sucked!It left me hanging, I just didn't get what she decided to do. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography - General    2. Children's 12-Up - Fiction - General    3. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 10-12)    4. Juvenile Nonfiction    5. Social Issues - Pregnancy    6. Social Situations - Pregnancy    7. Juvenile Fiction / Social Situations / Pregnancy   

Reviews (18)

The Greatest boxer ever
The Greatest: Muhammad Ali (The Greatest)
Good book for kids
I bought this book for my fifth grader for a report he did on Ali.He enjoyed the book and pictures very much; to the point that he became quite interested in Ali's life (beyond just boxing).The boook was easy to read, not too long, and had some great, famous photographs.

2-B Massoudou Barry
I really like this book because , it had many things about his life. It had many details on his liftime and what he achieved.I would advise people to read it , becaus eit's a really good book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. African Americans    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography - Cultural Heritage    4. Biography & Autobiography - People of Color    5. Biography & Autobiography - Sports & Recreation    6. Boxers (Sports)    7. Children's 12-Up - Biography / Autobiography    8. Children's Books/Young Adult Biography    9. Children: Grades 4-6    10. Juvenile Nonfiction    11. Juvenile literature    12. People & Places - United States    13. Sports & Recreation - Miscellaneous    14. United States    15. Juvenile Nonfiction / Biography & Autobiography / General    16. Picture books    17. USA   

Reviews (19)

Nancy Drew, Facts and Feminism
If you're looking for behind-the-scenes info on Nancy Drew, this is a pretty good source. It's fairly light-reading while still being informative on Edward Stratemeyer (the force behind the book series syndicate that brought us "The Bobsey Twins", "The Hardy Boys", "Nancy Drew", etc), on his daughter Harriet (who, along with her sister, took over the syndicate after his death), and on the feisty ghost writer behind the creation of Nancy Drew, Mildred Wirt Benson. The author presents the two women, as well as the fictional Nancy Drew, as feminist icons (sometimes, straining mightly against the facts). Still, a great deal of research seems to have gone into this book which makes the turbid wade thru feminist waters worth it.

Nancy Drew-- the inside story...by a sleuthing author....FUN
Amazingly fun reading. Melanie Rehak is very detailed and did her sleuthing research on Nancy Drew and the women (and men, YES) who created her. This is Rehak's first book -- but she's known in NY circles for her articles and reviews etc....she does a terrific job tracing Nancy Drew's history and role in popular culture from 1930 to today....80 million books later-- she (Nancy Drew) is a cultural phenom that seems to transcend age and the web. Just in time for summer reading -- did you know the new Nancy Drew movie starring Julie Roberts niece just wrapped and will be heading for theatres soon...The info on the STratemeyers including Ed the dime novel genius and his daughters such as Harriett is fascinating. Kudos to Mildred Wirt Benson-- originally from Ohio I believe....who ctually wrote unde rthe pen name of Carolyn Keene....from The Secret of the Old Clock to the latest incarnations such as Papercutz American Anime Nancy Drew Versions ([...]-- and yes I do know the guys there) you'll find a version and tale of Nancy Drew for everyone. Great gift. Don't worry the book looks old but that's the cover design...There's also a discussion guide available at [...] so you're reading club can add this to your collection....great cocktail party chatter or fun shower gift or Bridesmaid token....enjoy.....!!!!!

An irresistible weave
Author Melanie Rehak does a superb job of weaving together the threads of social history, an enduring character, the women who created the character, the business that sold the character, the woman who ran the business, and the man who started it all. I relished reading all the "inside stories" of how the Nancy Drew and her series came to be. More startling but equally delightful was realizing how thoroughly--and positively--my adult outlook on life was influenced by all those girlhood hours spent in the company of the spunky girl sleuth. Bravo, Melanie Rehak. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 12-Up - Biography / Autobiography    2. Children's Literature - General    3. Editors, Journalists, Publishers    4. Juvenile Literature    5. Literary    6. Literary Criticism    7. Popular Culture - General    8. Women In Literature    9. Social Science / Popular Culture   

Reviews (50)

sounds very catchy
now the question to my title- is :
Bad Boy
Walter and his family live in Harlem New York.They think Harlem is a very unique place because of the people and the music going on in Harlem.Walter likes all sports and school but has a tendency to get into trouble.Growing up in Harlem witha poor family made Walter realize the racial and class struggles that surround him during his life.When I read the book I liked how the author could relate the situations in the book to the real life problems that are happening around us in 2006.I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys reading about history but also having fun reading it.This book does not have a very hard reading level and word-choice so it would be good for ages 8 to 12.I think some equally good books are River thunder and when Zachary beaver comes to town.

A Motivating Memior !!!!!!!!
Bad Boy is a motivating memoir in many ways. wriiten by Walter Dean myers, this book has positive values and an interesting story.i really loved it because the book had situations which i could relate to easily.for instance "Walter, go directly to the principals office!" go to the principals office was a very familuar statement to me when i was young.
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Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. African American authors    3. Authors, American    4. Authorship    5. Biography    6. Biography & Autobiography - Cultural Heritage    7. Biography & Autobiography - Literary    8. Biography & Autobiography - People of Color    9. Boys & Men    10. Children's 12-Up - Biography / Autobiography    11. Children's Books/Young Adult Biography    12. Children's stories    13. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    14. Juvenile Nonfiction    15. Juvenile literature    16. Juvenile Nonfiction / Biography & Autobiography / Literary   

Reviews (3)

A Little Boy, A Big World
I read Gary Soto's "A Summer Life" while I was writing my first book in order to educate myself in the creation of vibrant, evocative scenes that come out of ordinary, every day experiences. For example, in Soto's essay, "The Shirt," he shows how the tragic, post-Korean War existence of Uncle Shorty seemed magical and special to a young Soto who covets his uncle's shirt: "I used to slip it on when he was asleep, and at the age of five I knew the smell of a man who went and came back from war....It was the shape of muscle, the anger of a tattoo panther hiding behind cotton, the hair in the collar, the small hole where a bullet could have entered and exited without his dying." Or, with the simple first line of "The Weather," Soto can set the stage for the mysteries of climate: "January doesn't show its true face until you can scratch a cold window with a finger."This little book will make you smile (and sometimes wince) as it brings back your own personal memories of growing up. This is a wonderful collection that offers everyone, including new writers, a chance to enjoy and learn from beautifully crafted essays.

A Summer Life por Gary Soto
A Summer Life explores a young boys life as he grows up in Fresno, California.In a three partbook, broken into thirteen short chapters in each part, Gary Soto covers everything from "TheColors", to "The Chicks", to "The Computer Date". (names of chapters). Mischeivness wasdefinitely a part of this boys life, just as it is for most young boys.In just the first chapter, "TheBuddha", the boy killed ants with his Buddha toy, and ran underneath a moving semi-truck.The boy would do such silly things as taking old bicycle handle bars and imagining that they would slow him down and keep him from reaching a high, unc