Reviews (2)

Tough and Strong
The book, Tusk and Stone, written by Malcolm Bosse, is, overall, a good story. As the main character is forced to travel all throughout seventh-century India, you learn about the country's many cultures.The story teaches you how to be strong during hard times in life.I would recommend this novel to just about everyone.
Interesting fiction for avid YA readers.
What I found most interesting in this title was the relationship of young Arjun to the elephant he trained and rode into battle. Admittedly, I know little of seventh-century India, and cannot vouch for historical accuracy,but this was an interesting book in time and place. I also enjoyed Arjun'scoming to maturity through hardships and valor. For 12 years and up whoenjoy reading about faraway places and long-ago lives. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure - General    2. Children's Books/All Ages    3. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    4. Historical - Asia    5. Juvenile Fiction    6. Juvenile Fiction / Historical / Asia   

Subjects:  1. Awards    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography - Historical    4. Biography & Autobiography - Political    5. Children's 12-Up - Biography / Autobiography    6. Children's Books/Young Adult Biography    7. Children: Grades 4-6    8. History    9. Juvenile Nonfiction    10. Juvenile literature    11. Nobel Prizes    12. Pacifists    13. Peace    14. History, Other    15. Juvenile Nonfiction / Biography & Autobiography / Political   

Reviews (16)

'' The Magical Page Turner''
The Master Puppeteer is a mysterious thrilling book about a bandit named Saburo who robs the rich and helps the poor! There also is a boy in the story named Jiro who devotes his life to learning puppetry.Meanwhile the puppet theater crashes by a mob of rioting peasents.Jiro becomes aware of his responsibilities greater than his craft.He schemes to safe his friend Kinishi and his parents.While he does this he stumbles upon a great and powerful secret.

Buy this book! (AC)
This outstanding book takes place in Osaka,Japan. The main characters are Jiro, Yoshida, and Kinshi. Jiro, a thirteen year old young boy, is determind to find out who Saburo is even if it takes risking his own life! Saburo is a mysterious robber who robs from the rich and helps the poor. Meanwhile Jiro is learning puppetry. Kinchi is the master puppeter's son. The master puppeteer is Yoshida who tutors Kinchi. When his sheltered life at the theatre is ruined, Jiro stumbles into a dangerous and powerful secret!

The Master Puppeteer
This book called The Master Puppeteer is about a poor boy name Jiro.Jiro is trying to help is father, so the family won't starve to death.The family needs money to keep alive because back then, things were not that well.A lot of people were in hunger, it is up to Jiro to help out with business.Jiro and his family are in the city of Osaka, that is in Japan.Jiro tris to at a theater and make puppets for the a theater, but sadly Jiro is too clumsy for the job.Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 12-Up - Fiction - History    2. Children: Grades 4-6    3. Fiction    4. Historical - Asia    5. Japan    6. People & Places - Asia    7. Puppets    8. Toys, Dolls, & Puppets    9. Juvenile Fiction / Historical / Asia   

Reviews (93)

One of the best books I have ever read
My friend brought this book to church one day, and I asked her if it was good. She said yes, but I didn't really think it would be that great. But I was really bored, so I asked her if I could read it while she was doing something else. I started to read it, and it was everything I thought it wouldn't be. Just the first few pages captivated me and made me want to read more. Unfortunately, I was only able to read a few pages, because my friend had to take the book home, but she said she would bring it next Sunday. I couldn't wait that long and luckily my library had it, so I checked it out after school was done.I started to read it and couldn't stop. There was a party that night and since I was still reading the book, I told told my mom I was too tired and skipped the party. This is very unusual for me, because I love parties. But the book was just so good. It is about a princess named Torina who's father(the King of Archeld) brought war upon the peaceful land of Bellandra. He killed the King of Bellandra and enslaved the now orphaned Prince Landen of Bellandra. The king gave Landen to Torina as a slave, but she sets him free. The king gives her another present: a crystal ball . When she looks into it she finds that she can see the future. That gift leads her to become best friends with Landen. When they grow apart she falls in the hands of evil. This book is filled with action, evil, romance, death, and so much more. It has a wonderful plot and is one of the best,if not the best book, I have ever read. My friends and I enjoyed this book immensely, and we also enjoyed all of Hanley's books and hope that she will write more.

A good story and fun read but don't expect much from the sword
This is the story about the Princes Torina and Landen who was the Prince of another Kingdom that was taken over by Torina's father and inturn gains the Sword of Bellandra. The reader watches as the two characters grow and Torina learns of her seer abilities with the crystal her father gave to her. Once Vesputo takes over the Kingdom, Landen and Torina flee though seperately into Desante where the adventure takes off as they try to stay alive and keep this kingdom from the hands of Vesputo.
Awesome Book!
I was not expecting this book to be such a good read when I saw it at the library. I just skimmed the back and found it was interesting and so I borrowed it.
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Subjects:  1. Children's 12-Up - Fiction - Fantasy    2. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    3. Fantasy    4. Historical - Medieval    5. Juvenile Fiction    6. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic    7. Juvenile Fiction / Historical / Medieval   

Reviews (80)

Soldier Boys
Soldier Boys
Watch out for Soldiers Boys
Soldiers Boys is about two young soldiers that are on different sides during World War II.One of these boys is named Spence, and he is an American paratrooper.Across the ocean is a boy named Dieter.Dieter is a Hitler Youth leader and is no more than 15.Dieter went into the German Army so he could show everyone how brave and courageous he is.Low and behold. These two boys will have many hardships and might meet before this war is over. Soldier Boys was a very adventurous and exciting book.There was always something around the corner waiting to grab you and pull you into the book.I really liked this book because it reminded me of all the war movies that I have seen in the past.This book reminded me the most of "Saving Private Ryan" because of all the violence and action that occurs.I would recommend this book to any one that likes war books and action.
Good read for boys
My son is nine and I'm always trying to get him to read books. He's fascinated by war and weapons and loves playing the war type video games. He can't put this book down, great and interesting read for him. Also, he gets to learn real history and what war is like from a more real perspective.
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Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure - General    2. Ardennes, Battle of the, 1944-1945    3. Boys / Men    4. Children's 12-Up - Fiction - History    5. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    6. Fiction    7. Historical - Military & Wars    8. Historical Fiction (Young Adult)    9. Juvenile Fiction    10. World War, 1939-1945    11. Juvenile Fiction / Historical / Military & Wars   

Reviews (59)

My Life in Print
I too re-read this book upon learning of the death of its author. I loved it as much now as I did when I read it 50 years ago. It described perfectly my own youth, the days of peaceful languid summers, Sunday dinners with the family, the wonder of having a boy like me, having to get mom and dad's permission for each date, living with two older sisters and a younger one. Angie's life was my life. Was she naive? Yes. Was I? YES!That to me was the utter charm of the book. It pictured so beautifully a time when young people could be naive, when they could be charmed by the ROMANCE of first love. I feel badly that today's youth will never know that charm, burdened are they are with modern sexual demands. Kids today move right on to sex, and cheat themselves of love. Very sad; a true loss of life's more affirming experiences. I'm glad Ms Daly wrote it down. Wonderful for those lucky enough to have lived it; great for those who can at least read about it.

I will always remember this book.
I read this book when I was a teenager (many many years ago) and I loved it.I was feeling very romantic about love, and told myself "This is how love will happen to me."It was such a happy book, and it made me feel so good.
the good and bad
I loved this story I thought it was a good book with a plot line that everyone could understand and relate to. What I did not like was the vagueness of the book. In some parts it would never say "they kissed" or "she broke up with him" it would just kind of end or tries to describe it using weird metaphors that made no sense. I think in other scenes of the book and less important ones their was too much description and made u lose the story. So I loved the plotline and idea but the way it was carried out was not the best. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Children's Books - Young Adult Fiction    3. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    4. Fiction    5. Fond du Lac (Wis.)    6. Girls & Women    7. Historical Fiction (Young Adult)    8. History    9. Juvenile Fiction    10. Love    11. Love & Romance    12. Social Issues - Adolescence    13. Social Issues - Dating & Sex    14. Juvenile Fiction / Love & Romance   

Reviews (2)

An impossible read
Victoria McKernan's book is a disappointing read.I have already enjoyed Jennifer Armstrong's Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World : The Extraordinary True Story of Shackleton and the Endurance and found it a much better telling of this extraordinary tale.McKernan's writing did not flesh out the characters and her choppy pacing did not convince this reader to finish the story.

A Wonderful Story....

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Subjects:  1. 1894-1949    2. Adventure and adventurers    3. Antarctica    4. Blackborow, W. Perce,    5. Children's 12-Up - Fiction - History    6. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    7. Discovery and exploration    8. Fiction    9. Historical - Exploration & Discoveries    10. Historical - General    11. Historical - Other    12. Juvenile Fiction    13. Stowaways    14. Survival    15. Juvenile Fiction / Historical / Other   

Reviews (5)

2005 'Gold' Medal Winner!
Congratulations to Lilli Thal on her first place 'Gold' win in the 2005 ForeWord Magazine's Book of the Year Awards! Translated from Thal's native German by John Brownjohn, 'Mimus' is a prodigious tale of a young prince who is forced to become a Fool when tricked by his father's old enemy, King Theodo. The experience is humbling for the sheltered Prince Florin, who doesn't understand why King Theodo loathes his family so deeply. Revenge is taken upon the entire kingdom of Moltovia and Florin's father, King Phillip.
Surely you jest!
ha ha. Sorry. I couldn't resist.
Unusual and good
This is a good read--similar to many novels of heroic fantasy.The hero is a 12 year old prince who is betrayed by his enemies and must survive to win back his kingdom.But a number of things make this novel unique.First of all, the book is quite good at showing the character of the young prince.He has to endure and survive.
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Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure    2. Action & Adventure - General    3. Apprentices    4. Children's 12-Up - Fiction - General    5. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    6. Fiction    7. Fools and jesters    8. Historical - Medieval    9. Historical Fiction (Young Adult)    10. Juvenile Fiction    11. Kings, queens, rulers, etc.    12. Juvenile Fiction / Historical / Medieval   

Editorial Review

The third novel in a series which started with Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, Read more

Reviews (56)

?????????????
Is there a sequel? What happens to Moe? Do Moe and Cassie ever get married? What does Soloman do next? Does Moe ever come back?

Good Book
This book was great, but why did Cassie like Mr. Fredrick? The author never says who she ends up with. Does anyone know?
Wonderful
I read the book over the summer it is extremely sad and I would not recommend it for an audience under 12. It was even better than the first book "roll of thunder, hear my cry" (I fell in love with both books). The whole problem in the book was that Moe, a black guy striked these white people with a crow bar when he got angry at them. This was an action unheard of for black people to do in those times so Moe had to run. Cassie Logan narrates you through this sad sad book. By the end of the book I was so attached to the characters that I cried because several unfortunate things happened in the end. I would STRONGLY recommend this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. African Americans    2. Children's 12-Up - Fiction - General    3. Children: Grades 4-6    4. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    5. Fiction    6. Historical - United States - 20th Century    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Mississippi    9. People & Places - United States - African-American    10. Prejudices    11. Race relations    12. Social Issues - Prejudice & Racism    13. Social Situations - Prejudice & Racism    14. Juvenile Fiction / Ethnic / African American   

Reviews (28)

Healing and thought-provoking
I'm surprised that none of the other reviewers have mentioned this, so I'm including my own review. I do not usually encourage my teenage daughters to read "young adult" books that include scenes of rape (for some reason, there seem to be many of them), but this book is very different. It goes beyond presenting the horror of rape and addresses how a young girl might recover from such an awful experience. I applaud Aidinoff for tackling this sensitive subject. She presents a loving, healing process full of hope, compassion, and the constant support of an understanding mentor. For that reason alone, I think this book is phenomenal. All of the philosophical questions the book raises (what happens when we die? what is the soul? what does it mean to worship our Creator? what makes our lives meaningful?) will certainly appeal to teens who are already full of similar questions about their own existence, but her handling of a young woman's first sexual experiences (first as rape, then as the loving, sensual act it is meant to be)is reason enough for reading this book and passing it on to our daughters. (And perhaps if our sons read it as well, there might be fewer incidences of "date rape.") I'm giving copies to my friends and family.

A Really New Beginning
This book does such a great job of explaining the inconsistencies I've found when studying the Bible.I am very hopeful that Ms. Aidinoff's ideas (she makes it clear that her book is fiction) will lead to discussion and better understanding of the human condition.I've been too busy to read much for years, but this book was one I couldn't walk away from.I was completely absorbed by the book and its characters. I am WAY over the age of 13.I would appreciate it if you could pass on my appreciation to the author.This is a truly fine book, and there is already a list of friends who will be borrowing it.

Beautiful.
It isn't surprising that hardcore Christians would bad-mouth this book. Any source that makes them second-guess the Bible is, of course, evil.
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Subjects:  1. (Biblical figure)    2. Adam    3. Children's 12-Up - Fiction - History    4. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    5. Eve    6. Fiction    7. Free will and determinism    8. Historical - Prehistory    9. Juvenile Fiction    10. Religious - General    11. Snakes    12. Juvenile Fiction / Religious / General   

Editorial Review

Imagine being beaten for learning to read, shackled and whipped for learning a few letters of the alphabet. Now, imagine a man brave enough to risk torture in order to teach others how to read; his name is Nightjohn, and he sneaks into the slave camps at night to teach other slaves how to read and write. Celebrated author Gary Paulsen writes a searing meditation on why the ability to read and write is radical, empowering , and so necessary to our freedom. These skills threaten our oppressors because they allow us to communicate--to learn the real status of our slavery and to seek liberation. In this tightly written, painful, joyous little novel is a key that may unlock the power of reading for even the most reluctant teens. ... Read more

Reviews (62)

Andy's review

Nightjohn
Night JohnGary Paulsen
Nightjohn is the best slavery book.
Do you like slavery books? If you do, you got to check this out. This may be the best slavery book ever. This book is called Nightjohnby: Gary Paulsen. This book has lots of excitement in it and very interested in. You would like this book as much as I did. I mean when I saw the cover, I didn't really thought that it looks so cool, but you know how they say don't judge stuffs by its cover. This book has sadness, full of meanness in this book. If you read this book, you'll know how it felt or was back then.
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Subjects:  1. Children's 12-Up - Fiction - History    2. Fiction    3. Historical - United States - 19th Century    4. People & Places - United States - African-American    5. Reading    6. Slavery    7. Juvenile Fiction / Ethnic / African American   

Editorial Review

Nancy Kington, a wealthy merchant’s daughter living in Bristol, England in the early 1700’s, is sometimes lonely but enjoys the privileges her father’s business brings. Minerva Sharpe is a penniless slave’s daughter living and working on the Kington’s Jamaican plantation. These two young women, united through a set of extraordinary circumstances including a brutal murder, an arranged marriage, and set of ruby earrings, find themselves sailing the high seas in search of love, adventure and freedom—as pirates!Read more

Reviews (73)

Pirates!
Nancy was born in the 1700's, and ever since she was a child she was put under limitations, since she was a woman. Even when she was a young lady, her father wouldn't let her father marry who she wanted. When he dies, she is sent to her inherited Jamaican sugar plantation. She meets Minerva, one of the slaves her age, and soon they are fleeing, trying to get away from a Brazilian man who is determined to take Nancy as his wife.
Pirates! Yo Ho!
I have been going through a bit of a pirate phase lately, so I couldn't resist this book. Pirates! is the story of Nancy Kington, the impetuous daughter of a wealthy 18th century sugar merchant and slave trader. Nancy grows up in Bristol, England, more or less untamed after the early death of her mother, and in love with her childhood friend William, a sailor. Upon her father's untimely death, however, Nancy's brothers and stepmother conspire to marry her off to a wealthy and sadistic older man. She is sent to the family sugar plantation in Jamaica, where her suitor, Bartholome, plans to seek her hand.
A great Pirate Adventure- a must read for everyone!
Wow! I loved this story. It was wonderfully written with great descriptions. It makes you feel like you are right there with Nancy and Minerva. It starts out a bit slow as Nancy goes back to where the story began with her and Will as childhood friends and then her stepmother taking over the household and pruning her to be married off when she is of age. A turn of events occurs and Nancy has to sail to Jamaica to the family's plantation where she is going to be married off to the Brazilian. Nancy and Minerva make plans of their own and find themselves dressing in boy's clothes and becoming pirates. Once this occurs they have a great many adventures on the high seas all while the Brazilian is still trying to hunt Nancy to be his wife and she is trying to find her beloved Will. After reading this book I wanted another good book to read (you know how you feel once you finish a book and are longing for another good one to start) so I recommend reading The North Kingdom by Jordan N. Danniels next (it is my favorite book and Pirates is my second favorite book). ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure - General    2. Blacks    3. Children's 12-Up - Fiction - History    4. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    5. Fiction    6. Girls & Women    7. Historical - General    8. Historical Fiction (Young Adult)    9. Jamaica    10. Juvenile Fiction    11. Pirates    12. Slavery    13. Social Issues - Friendship    14. Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure   

Editorial Review

The dramatic and bloody siege of Troy is one of the oldest and best ofhuman stories, and in Read more

Reviews (30)

Boooooring!
This was the most boring book I have ever read in my life! The one thing I did like about this book is that it made me fall asleep!

Wonderful Plot(s)
I finished this book, and thought it was great! It ends right there, which leaves the reader wanting to know more about what happens to the character. I really hope there's a sequel, cause i'd read the sequel if there is one no matter what. =)

Vicki's Review
Goddess of Yesterday by Caroline B. Cooney is a great book for all readers 11 or 12 and up. It is 244 pages (in very small print) and has a nine-page epilogue that tells what really happened in the time the story takes place, which is the beginning of the Trojan War. It is a historical fiction book with some but not a lot of fantasy. I would compare it to the book about the Trojan war, the Iliad, because it takes place in the same time and mostly the same place, and it is about the same subject.
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Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    2. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    3. Juvenile Fiction    4. Legends, Myths, & Fables - Greek & Roman    5. Social Issues - General    6. Juvenile Fiction / Historical / Ancient Civilizations   

Reviews (8)

A favorite returns
One of Rosemary Sutcliff's best books is back in print.Several of her titles have been unavailable for years: Dawn Wind, Knight's Fee, The Shield Ring, Frontier Wolf, Sword at Sunset, The Mark of the Horse Lord.
I would give 10 stars if I could
This is one of my all time favorite books,, I read it over 40 years ago, and still am spellbound by the story.

Little know treasure...
I stumbled upon this book in a local highschool and have since purchased a copy of my own.It is shamful that such an excellent book is currently out of print.Read more

Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure - General    2. Children's Books - Young Adult Fiction    3. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    4. Fiction    5. General    6. Gladiators    7. Historical - Europe    8. Historical - Military & Wars    9. Juvenile Fiction    10. Kings, queens, rulers, etc.    11. Slavery   

Editorial Review

"God wills it!" the Crusaders cry in battle. In this richly detailed and lovingly crafted story, Michael Cadnum explores the terrible paradox of holy war through the eyes of Edmund, a young apprentice metalworker, who finds himself unexpectedly rescued from prison and pressed into service as a squire to a knight. Without a bit of experience with horses or swords, Edmund goes off in terror and delight to help rescue the True Cross from the infidels in Jerusalem, and finds his manhood in surviving the siege of the sea-fortress Acre and the terrible bloody battle of Arsuf. Read more

Reviews (12)

Truly Enjoyable!
My first Michael Cadnum book will definitely not be my last! The depth of his research is apparent, as well as his grasp of the historical realism of the period. I particularly enjoyed the characterization of Edmund (the main character). His traits were well developed and personal. They helped me to identify even more with the story, as if I could feel what it would be like if I were really there.
no time sense
It was a ok book, telling the story of a young? apprentince coinsmyth.What I didn't like is no refrence to year, time of year or even what year.when he is first taken to the knight's household, and runs away, and captured, it seams like the following about him fixing the pots and such and becoming used to being there, takes days atleast if not weeks or longer, but is then called to see the Kinght, and you learn it was the same day.You don't even know how long they were at sea to the crusades.otherwize a good book about the not so nice life of the crusaders

The Book of the Lion review
I disliked The Book of the Lion because of the boring rising action.Michael Cadnum does a good job of giving details but in some parts of the book he tells the story in a boring and slow way.Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 12-Up - Fiction - History    2. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 10-12)    3. Crusades    4. Fiction    5. Historical - Medieval    6. Historical - Military & Wars    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Knights and knighthood    9. Middle Ages    10. Royalty (kingsqueensprincesprincessesknightsetc.)    11. Third, 1189-1192    12. Historical fiction    13. Juvenile Fiction / Historical / Medieval    14. World history: c 500 CE to c 1500   

Reviews (9)

The Silver Branch
Want a riveting historical-fiction novel with a plot that is better than most?If so, the Silver Branch is a book for you. Set in Roman Britan, over a century after the first book in the series, The Eagle of the Ninth, the book paints a picture of the life of two Romans, who seek to overthrow a tyrannical emperor who has separated himself, and Britan, from Rome. Rosemary Sutcliff has indeed woven a story whose plot is exceedingly diverse and well thought-out. The book gives the reader a gripping plot in which the reader is given a picture of the Roman world. The book paints a vivid picture of a Roman town, Legion, a gladiator fight, and the Roman's enemies the Saxon barbarians.Rosemary Sutcliff has the gift of being able to write very good historical novels.

Nobody can beat Rosemary Sutcliff
I found this book to be fantastic. I love the time and setting, but it was much more than that. The characters are all so real and alive, the historical events are so accuratly portrayed, and, most of all, the writingis excellent. Rosemary Sutcliff has fast become one of my very favoriteauthors, and I would definately reccommend this book to almost anyone,especially if you have any interest in the Roman Empire or Britian/earlyBritish history. (I only might not reccommend this to some kids, becausethe writing isn't always so easy, and they might get bogged down orconfused)

Old Friend
I first read this book over 20 years ago--it was probably my first Rosemary Sutcliff. I loved it then and I love it now. It's a great read! I've always loved the way Sutcliff brings her ancient British settings tolife. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 0-1066    2. Children's Books - Young Adult Fiction    3. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    4. Fiction    5. General    6. Great Britain    7. Historical - Ancient Civilizations    8. History    9. Juvenile Fiction    10. Roman period, 55 B.C.-449 A.D    11. Roman period, 55 B.C.-449 A.D.   

Reviews (65)

Eh....
I had to read this book for school.
Sarah Bishop and Scott O'Dell
Sarah Bishop is a young girl of 15 in New York during the Revolutionary times who loses her brother and father.She ends up roaming the country side alone, running from the "red coats".The "red coats" are British soldiers who are after Sarah.Sarah was accused of a crime involving the slashing of buckets that were used to put out fires.Sarah happened to come upon a knife used for this crime and, thinking that it was valuable, she picked it up.Sarah is later accused of witchcraft because her hair was short.She had sold her hair to the wig makers for extra money.Sarah has many adventures.Some are dangerous, some teach her important lessons, and others just get her into more trouble.Towards the end of the novel, Sarah realizes how much courage and bravery was needed for the things that she went through.She realized how she had developed from a young, arrogant girl, to a mature, older woman.
OKAY
I had to read this book for school and at first I thought it was okay than it got boring than exciting than boring. not one of the best books i have read but i thought it was average. but historical events aren't really my thing. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure    2. Action & Adventure - General    3. American Loyalists    4. Children's 12-Up - Fiction - History    5. Fiction    6. Historical - United States - Colonial    7. Survival    8. Juvenile Fiction / Historical / United States / Colonial & Revolutionary Periods    9. Modern fiction   

Reviews (4)

It's a hit!
Due to Alan Gratz's magnificent SAMURAI SHORTSTOP, I went to sleep long after my bedtime. I couldn't stop reading! This intriguing book mesmerized me. I lost all sense of time. I was engrossed in turn-of-the-century Japan.
A Thought provoking page turner
Books that attract and hold the interest of boys are rare and in high demand. Alan Gratz's book, Samurai Shortstop, will do both. In his first 5 pages of text, the stage is set for this powerful, thought provoking YA novel. With well-chosen words Mr. Gratz promotes understanding of cultural differences in a fascinating, well-researched manner without once digressing from the thrill of his page-turning story.
Grand Slam!
What an amazing debut! Toyo's story grabbed me from the first page with his uncle's preparation for ritual suicide. I couldn't wait to get to the end of the book to see if Toyo could successfully apply bushido principles to baseball, to see if he and his father could bridge just a little of the gap between them, if he could ever forgive his uncle for leaving him.
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Subjects:  1. Baseball    2. Children's 12-Up - Fiction - General    3. Children's 12-Up - Fiction - History    4. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 10-12)    5. Family - Parents    6. Fathers and sons    7. Fiction    8. Historical - Asia    9. Historical Fiction (Young Adult)    10. Juvenile Fiction    11. Samurai    12. School & Education    13. Sports & Recreation - Baseball    14. Juvenile Fiction / Sports & Recreation / Baseball   

Subjects:  1. Fiction - General    2. General    3. Historical - General    4. Juvenile Fiction    5. Spanish: Adult Nonfiction    6. Spanish: Young Adult (Gr. 10-12)    7. Untranslated Fiction - Spanish