Reviews (4)

It's the edge of the world as we know it
2006 has been a good year for Newbery sequels.First Louis Sacher comes out with, "Small Steps", his follow-up to "Holes".Then Avi does the same with the second part of his Crispin series."Crispin: At the Edge of the World" begins at the precise moment that "Crispin: The Cross of Lead" ended.Like its predecessor, the book is chock full of intelligent contemplations on the nature of "good" and "evil".More importantly, with this book Avi is taking the time to show that a human being is a tricky changeable thing.That said, this is the weaker of the two books and feels very much to be the middle section of a three part series.There's much to admire in Avi's writing here, but I had a hard time gettingpast some of the story's sadism to truly think it worthy reading.
A rare second book in a trilogy that's better than its predecessor
This is a sequel to Avi's Crispin: The Cross of Lead. This series is set in the year 1377, during a period of political and social crisis in England. The protagonist is Crispin, a poor orphan. Crispin grew up in a small village, but had to flee due to persecution from the local steward. In the first book he threw in his lot with Bear, a traveling entertainer and father figure.
Richie's Picks: CRISPIN: AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD
"What kind of men -- I wondered -- were these that killed by day, drank by night, but prayed each morning?"
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Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure - General    2. Avi    3. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - General    4. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    5. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    6. Family    7. Family - General    8. Fiction    9. Historical - Medieval    10. Historical Fiction (Young Adult)    11. Juvenile Fiction    12. Middle Ages    13. Voyages and travels    14. Juvenile Fiction / Historical / Medieval   

Editorial Review

A Victorian boarding school story, a Gothic mansion mystery, a gossipy romp about a clique of girlfriends, and a dark other-worldly fantasy--jumble them all together and you have this complicated and unusual first novel.Read more

Reviews (218)

Entertaining gothic fantasy
A Great and Terrible Beauty is a fascinating book. It's a gothic novel and the somewhat typical fantasy about the protaganist developing supernatural abilities and finding a special destiny, but it's also a coming of age story and one about four girls trying to find a place in a society that doesn't value them for who they are.
interestedreader
This is the book that got me interested in reading it is one in a million, and i can't begin to say how much i enjoyed it. In the first chapter someone is killed which leads to other interesting events. The main character is loveable. If you are not into reading this will definately get you reading especially if you like historical fiction. although it is more fiction than historical.

A Great and Beautiful Book!
After reading my favorite book the North Kingdom, I found it difficult to find another book that I wanted to read. Luckily, I came across A Great and Terrible Beauty and what a treat it was to find. It is set in my favorite era the Victorian Age and takes place at a school for young ladies to help them become society's women and marriageable prospects. Gemma quickly finds herself on the ins with the popular girls. There is the usual mischief that adolescents find themselves in drinking sneaking out, but Gemma and her friends soon learn about a secret order that used to exist at the school many years before until a terrible fire occurred resulting in two deaths. And Gemma has the power to bring it back as she is able to enter the realm. This novel is both intriguing and a delight to read. I had trouble putting it down and even before I was finished with it I went out and bought the sequel. So read A Great and Terrible Beauty today, you won't be disappointed! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Boarding schools    2. Children's 12-Up - Fiction - General    3. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    4. Fiction    5. Historical - Europe    6. Historical Fiction (Young Adult)    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Magic    9. School & Education    10. Schools    11. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic    12. Supernatural    13. Juvenile Fiction / Historical / General   

Editorial Review

Newbery Medal-winning author Jerry Spinelli (Read more

Reviews (58)

Dylan' Review
Milkweed is a good book for people that like history and survival. It has enough action to keep you interested in it, and makes you feel this is happening to you. I really liked that it wasn't in the war, but it tells what happening to the other people. I really recommend this book to people who are into these kinds of stories that make you feel all the good and bad stuff is happening to you.

Milkweed

Milkweed
Jerry Spinelli manages to describe the experience of surviving in War ravaged Warsaw as a young Jewish boy, who does not even remember his own name. It is a tale of the triumph of human kindness and love over fear. The horrors of the second world war are seen through the innocent eyes of a little boy, who interprets the situations in his own, often surprising way. I highly recommend this book for adults as well as children. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books - Young Adult Fiction    2. Children's Books/Baby-Preschool    3. Children: Grades 4-6    4. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    5. Fiction    6. General    7. Historical - General    8. Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945)    9. Juvenile Fiction    10. Poland    11. World War, 1939-1945    12. Juvenile Fiction / General   

Reviews (4)

Education to those not knowing
This book explains the depth the Nazis went to get rid of whole nationalities,races and religions. It teaches readers young and old of how awful the circumstances where and how some survived. They have beautiful pictures, and vivid accounts of survivors. I would recommend this for schools and young children. Some children dont see the importance of this and they will learn that they should not repeat this cruel history, we teach them to learn from past mistakes to prevent the end of the future.

One of the Best Holocaust books to read
This book gives a good explanation of the Holocaust with pictures and everything. I've read many a Holocaust book and this one is one of the best so if your looking for a Holocaust book look no more this is the one.

An inncredible book
To start of this is an very inncredible book. It is ashamed it had to happen, but that is how life is. The book explains great detail of the Holocaust. When I first read this book I wanted to cry it is so emotional. If I had the chance to go back in time I would run away for all of this hatred.I really enjoyed this book, and I really like how Susan wrote it. Next time I will by another good book from her. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children    2. Children's 12-Up - History - General    3. Children's Books/Young Adult Misc. Nonfiction    4. Children: Grades 3-4    5. History - Holocaust    6. Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945)    7. Jewish children    8. Juvenile Nonfiction    9. Juvenile literature    10. World War, 1939-1945    11. Juvenile Nonfiction / History / Holocaust    12. The Holocaust   

Reviews (1)

Beware that movement that generates its own songs.
Doggone it, Katherine Paterson, stop making me cry!Under normal circumstances the number of books that make me tear up is a slim number that could be counted on one hand.And most of those books, if I was going to be honest with you, were probably written by Katherine Paterson.Ms. Paterson is a bit of a wonder.Year after year, decade after decade, she churns out consistently well-written meaningful pieces of children's fiction.The last book of Ms. Paterson's that I read was her rather remarkable, "The Same Stuff As Stars".Now, however, she's decided to traipse back into the world of historical fiction, alongside all the other authors this year, and produce a bit of fascinating history that can show a situation clear distinctions between good and bad, and yet leave enough room for people with nebulous motives.If complex narratives is the name of the game, consider Paterson a player.
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Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure - Survival Stories    2. Children's 12-Up - Fiction - History    3. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    4. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    5. Fiction    6. Historical - United States - 20th Century    7. Historical Fiction (Young Adult)    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Labor unions    10. Strikes and lockouts    11. Survival    12. Textile workers    13. Juvenile Fiction / Historical / United States / 20th Century   

Reviews (9)

I did not like this book at all.
I just did not like this book at all.Children should not be having parliments.What foolishness this all was.All it does is prove the point that children cannot and should not rule.They are imature!The ending was bad too.I hate books with bad endings.Don't waste your money like I did.

The hidden wisdom behind the adventures of "King Matt the First"
If a wise man wanted to share his wisdom with children, he would write "King Matt the First".
Aboslutely GREAT
Anyone can love this book, it's exciting, sophisticated, and is overall fantastic.This book should be lined up as a classic, and should be at the top of childrens literature with books such as 'A Wrinkle In Time', 'Holes', 'Number The Stars', and many more.It's that good.
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Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    2. Children's rights    3. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    4. Fiction    5. Historical Fiction (Young Adult)    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. Kings, queens, rulers, etc    8. Kings, queens, rulers, etc.    9. Royalty (kingsqueensprincesprincessesknightsetc.)    10. Social Issues - General    11. Juvenile Fiction / General   

Reviews (10)

A2007NEWBERY winner?*Dear Miss Breed* has my vote!
Can we stand firm for JUSTICE in wartime?HOW CAN WE NOT??
Why don't we learn about this?
I was assigned the topic of Japanese Americans and the internment camps for my final paper.First of all, I think this book accounts for my great grade. The book is full of information and photographs. Ms. Oppenheim also makes the story of what happened so clear.I am ashamed that my country did such a thing to their own citizens.It's scary really.It's also weird that not that many people my age even know about it.This should be taught more.

Dear Miss Breed
In many ways, "Dear Miss Breed" may be the best way to share the JA WW II experience with middle and high school students as the letters leave a personal touch to the story; yet there are plenty of accurate historical references about WW II events that affected the JA community.Even if you have read every book about life in Camps for JAs, Miss Breed's story just may move up the list and become your favorite book on this topic...everyone should read "Dear Miss Breed." ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography - Historical    2. Children's 9-12 - History - Military / War    3. Children's Books/Young Adult People & Places    4. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    5. Evacuation and relocation, 1942-1945    6. History - United States/20th Century    7. Japanese Americans    8. Juvenile Nonfiction    9. Juvenile literature    10. Military - World War II    11. People & Places - United States - Asian American    12. Personal narratives, American    13. World War, 1939-1945    14. Juvenile Fiction / Biographical / United States   

Reviews (17)

GOOD, WELL RESEARCHED WORK FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
A person could well pontificate for several pages here over this particular work.I will spare you that. This is a well researched book and should be read by any young person in the study of WWII and that era.No, this work does not go into some of the agonizing details of this particular Nazi program, it was not meant to do so.This is an introduction for you young reader and is a wonderful tool to stimulate further reading and research on the readers part.If a young person is bright enough to read this work, the same young person is bright enough to ask all the right questions upon it's completion.The photographs in this work are quite good.Recommend this one highly.

Mesmerizing Account
This is a very gripping book. It is good to hear some stories from the other side. Objective in nature but walking on thin ice per its subject matter this book is still good reading.
A must read for students studying World War II
This book gives new perspective to the Hitler Youth movement, but particularly for those youth who rebelled against the movement with great risk to themselves.After reviewing the book you feel as though the issue is much more complex than your previous assumptions. It accurately shows both the underground as well as the public view of the movement with riviting pictures included. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Children's 12-Up - History - General    3. Children's Books/Young Adult Misc. Nonfiction    4. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    5. Germany    6. History    7. History - Europe    8. History - Holocaust    9. History - Military & Wars    10. Hitler-Jugend    11. Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945)    12. Jewish youth    13. Juvenile Nonfiction    14. Juvenile literature    15. National socialism and youth    16. Juvenile Nonfiction / History / Europe   

Reviews (4)

Very engrossing story
This is a short book that can be read in a day or two. It is very well written with an interesting setting and plot line. You can see, hear and smell the authors description of Hong Kong, and the references to Viet Nam during the war are very haunting. This book would make a good gift.

sensual prose- compelling characters
I LOVED this book.The language of the author is so beautiful- it feels like poetry.It is also very sensual- I could feel all of my senses participating in this book.Having never been to Hong Kong, I feel like I have experienced this city because of how beautifully this book is written.Not only was the book carefully crafted by its author in terms of its sensual descriptions, but the characters she created were compelling as well.Kate was someone I liked and Frankie was too- even with their flaws.I wanted so badly for things to be different for these girls (through the course of the story), but I was satisfied with how things ended.A beautifully crafted book with a good story and human characters- what more could a reader ask for?

Must-read of a highly talented debutant
This is a jewel of a book. From the first paragraph I was drawn in by Greenway's beautifully light and succinct language. Having lived in Hong Kong myself, I could instantly see, smell and hear the mystical atmosphere of the former colony. But "White Ghost Girls" evokes Hong Kong's role as a sensuous backdrop even for those readers who don't know the city. The beauty of the book lies in its shortness. Every phrase is written, every word is chosen with extraordinary talent. The wonderfully poetic language might be perceived as inconsistent with the cruel and heartbreaking events that take place. Yet, it is essential to portray the fragile paradise in which the girls live their carefree lives as well as their relationships to their dreamy yet neglectful mother and their warphotographer father - all of which inevitably leads to disaster. "White Ghost Girls" is both a haunting story of two American teenage sisters experiencing an excruciating incident that changes their life forever, as well as an artistic portray of the cultural, political and social Hong Kong during the Vietnam War. I savored every single page. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. American Historical Fiction    2. Americans    3. China    4. Family relationships    5. Fiction    6. Fiction - General    7. Historical - General    8. Literary    9. Runaway teenagers    10. War photographers    11. Fiction / Literary   

Reviews (36)

Loved it!
I absolutly loved this book! I recieved for my birthday a year ago and I still look at it! It is not just a reading book, its a hands on book with fasinating information. Great gift for kids, my younger sister collects the series and loves them.

For Egypt Lovers!!!
Although this was a children's book, it was amazing!I am 21 years old and it captivated me really fast.I'm gonna admit that I am not much of a reader.But, I am very fascinated by Egyptian stuff.So, when I saw this book, I knew that I had to have it! I t was a great buy!Now I want the other books in the serie! It was a great book for children to read.But, if you collect books about egypt, this might be an interesting one for you to pick up!

WOW!
This book is utterly amazing! It has many things you can pull out and open and read. For example, the game Senet is in there! Plus the story of Miss Sands is very interesting. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in egypt! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    2. Children: Grades 3-4    3. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    4. Civilization    5. Egypt    6. Historical - Exploration & Discoveries    7. Interactive Adventure    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Juvenile literature    10. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic    11. Social Science - Archaeology    12. To 332 B.C.    13. Juvenile Fiction / Interactive Adventures   

Editorial Review

Anne Frank's diaries have always been among the most moving and eloquent documents of the Holocaust.This new edition restores diary entries omitted from the original edition, revealing a new depth to Anne's dreams, irritations, hardships, and passions.Anne emerges as more real, more human, and more vital than ever.If you've never read this remarkable autobiography, do so.If you have read it, you owe it to yourself to read it again. ... Read more

Reviews (560)

'Anne Frank, better than ever'
'The Diary Of A Young Girl: The Definitive edition' is more or less the un-cut version of the book that was originally published in the late 1940's. it contains approx. 30% more material, and in my opinion makes Anne more relatable than ever, particularly to adolescents.
Diary of Anne Frank
Anne Frank "The Diary of Anne Frank"
Unbelivable story
I have just finished the Diary Of a Young Girl and i have the strong feeling that i was moved back in time, as if it was 1944.
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Subjects:  1. 1929-1945    2. Amsterdam    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Diaries    6. Frank, Anne,    7. Historical - Holocaust    8. Holocaust    9. Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945)    10. Jewish Holocaust Personal Narratives    11. Jews    12. Netherlands    13. Persecutions    14. Personal narratives    15. Women    16. Frank, Anne    17. History / Holocaust   

Reviews (70)

great book
This is a story based on the true story of Mary Jemison. I found the fact that it was true very interesting, especially since you can really visit some of the places she lived. It is sad and disturbing and(like the one review said)she is separated from everyone, but it's true! She was terribly sad, the Indians did do horrible things, and she was separated from everyone she knew. Even though this book is true, it is still very entertaining. I think it does a good job of developing the interior conflict: Is she and Indian or a pale-face? I think this book will be loved by all who appreciate historical-fiction.
The Wonders of Indian Captive
The book Indian Captive was a very interesting book. What I liked about the book was that the autor told a lot about the Indain way of life, the author showed great emotion in his writing, and described the scenery very well. The only reason that this is not a five star book is because I thought that the author asked too many questions in the story, not in dialoge but in the story. Sometimes the author didn't even answer the questions. I really enjoyed Indian Captive and hope whoever reads this, buys the book, and reads it!

Indian Captive Review by LEA
This book is about an amazing (...) girl named Mary Jemison aka Molly to her family and friends. The story begins at her home in March Creek Hollow. Honestly the beginning is boring,it doesn't get really good until she gets to the Indian village at least that is my opinion. Anyway after being taken from here family she must learn to be an Indian,but how can she give up her english ways? All through the book she tries to escape only to fail time and time again but when she is given the chance to leave can she really leave the her Indian brothers and sisters? Read the book to find out!
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Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure - General    2. Biographical - United States    3. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    4. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    5. Fiction    6. Historical - United States - Colonial    7. Indians of North America    8. Seneca Indians    9. Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure   

Reviews (53)

Good Book that discusses life for a Jewish family druing WWII
Friedrich is a great book that discusses what one of the many Jewish families during WWII had to deal with. Friedrich is the main character of the story but the story is told by one of his friends, who's family is lending them an attic room for a hide-away shelter.
A Very Moving Book
This is a very moving stoty about Friedrich a young Jewish boy that lived during the Holicost as told through the eyes of his German best friend.I think it is a very good story for people to read because it teaches them how bad raceism has become.There is no difference between a Jew and a German. This is also a good book because it shows how Jews really were treated during World War II, and how families were so easily split apart. Altho it is a sad story, we all can learn from it.

Excellent Story!
There are so many great stories out there that one can find about Holocaust Europe. Although this story is written for younger ages, it is a great story none the less. Richter tells this story as a first person narrative writing in a simple but elegant way. It depicts the childhood of Richter and his friendship with his Jewish friend Friedrich. One really gets a good idea of the way Jews were treated in the 1930's and 40's by others influenced by the new Nazi party. Richter's story also gives you an idea of how the Holocaust tore apart families and friendships. This is an excellent story, that will really take you away with the author's excellent story telling and very personal narrative. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1933-1945    2. Children's 12-Up - Fiction - History    3. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    4. Fiction    5. Germany    6. Historical - Holocaust    7. History    8. Jews    9. Juvenile Fiction / Historical / Holocaust   

Reviews (5)

Great Second Novel
Cynthia Kadohata's first novel, Kira-Kira, was an impressive book. And Weedflower is equally impressive. This time the novel is set in the Southwest before and during World War II. Sumiko is a typically happy twelve-year old. While she feels awkward that she's the only Japanese-American in her class at school, she has not yet felt the harsh stings of discrimination...until a vicious birthday party. Soon after, I believe the same weekend, Pearl Harbor is bombed. Her normal life vanishes, no more school...no more social life...only fear and anxiety as they wait to see what will become of them all.
Flower Child of Japanese Ancestry
The loving family of this child and her love of flowers get her through the devastating interment during World War II.She over comes losing everything and going on to see the world in the eyes of others.

A powerful story about growing up amidst racial struggles and war
For Sumiko, it all starts with the birthday party of one of her classmates. When she arrives at a party to which the entire class has been invited, she is quietly and firmly ejected for being Japanese.
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Subjects:  1. Children's Books - Young Adult Fiction    2. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    3. Evacuation and relocation, 1942-1945    4. Family - Multigenerational    5. Fiction    6. Historical - Exploration & Discoveries    7. Historical - United States - 20th Century    8. Historical Fiction (Young Adult)    9. Japanese Americans    10. Juvenile Fiction    11. People & Places - United States - Asian American    12. Social Issues - Prejudice & Racism    13. United States    14. World War, 1939-1945    15. Juvenile Fiction / Family / Multigenerational   

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