Children Books

I have read 10+ books on the Holocaust, visited the concentration camps of Auschwitz, Majdanek & Treblinka, taken classes on the Holocaust & in my opinion, this is one of the best books on the subject, ranking with Elie Wiesel's "Night". Her detail & descriptions are astounding and really bring alive her experience during the Holocaust. She also does an amazing job of making the audience truly feel her despair, anger, sadness & frustration towards her situation. This is a short book, but it packs a wallop & I would highly recommend it for anyone interested in learning about the Holocaust. This would also be appropriate for a high-school English or Social Studies class because the author is a teenager (which the students could relate to) & her descriptions are realistic, but not too graphic, which can be an issue with books that describe concentration camps.

I have read this book twice and it never gets old. It is very sad to know that people actually had to go through that. I would recommend this book to everyone.

This was my 8th grade son's summer reading. He could not stop reading it and it caused him to initiate a lot of conversation with us about the holocaust. Since it was from the perspective of a girl his own age, he really identified with it.

I have just started reading more accounts of World War II and really enjoyed this survivor story. It is a big account in a small package. It is not about the gory details, but more about the emotions behind them. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

this book was awesome. i read it in a day. very hard to read, but you have to do it. buy!!!!

It's rather tragic that this is the trilogy that nabbed me right into the world of Animorphs back in the day. Applegate wrote this with such fun and style, an alien that thought so much like us despite how he denied it. KA had fun with perspective of humans and used it to weave a fantastic and addicting backstory to the Animorphs series. Yay for her! It has all the necessary ingredients of drama, action, humor, and even a little bit of romance. Oh, to be in jr. high again!

We've got a problem here. On one hand we have...The Andalite Chronicles, far and away the best book in the Animorphs series. Mixing in elements from different genres (plenty of science fiction, a little adventure, a sprinkle of romance (!) and just enough twist to make it superb,)it cumulates in an interesting truth that I never would have guessed, but makes the series so much better. I'd love to tell it here, but no spoilers :(

On the other hand, I would never recommend this series because of the anticlimaxes in the last book. This makes for Elfangor, Loren, Alloran, and Tobias being cheated, but this bright star doesn't balance out book 54 (you can see my review there).

The Andalite Chronicles was one of the best books I've ever read!
When Elfangor and a fellow artish are called to board a Skirt Na ship,he finds two humans,Lorren and Chapman (ring a bell?).Before they return the humans to Earth, they must first go after a second Skirt Na ship which holds the Time Matrix, a deadly weapon.Through their adventure to retrieve the Time Matrix, Elfangor And Lorren fall in love. In the end, Elfangor goes to Earth with Lorren,morphs to human, and marries Lorren. But it soon ends when the Ellimist takes Elfangor back to his people so that one day, he may give the Andalite Morphing power to five human kids.

This book is my favorite of the Megamorphs Alternamorphs etc. except for the Hork-Bajr chronicles. I loved hearing Elfangor's story and learning about Tobias's mother. You also get part of Visser Three's story, and an inside scoop on Arbon and the Taxxons. (The Answer #53)

I think that it is a definate must-read in the series, and it explains a lot. For some parts of it, it helps if you have read a few other books in the series.

"Just give the humans over to the captain,they aren't your problem." I was wrong, the humans were my problem. Infact,I was about to have alot of problems.' These are the words and thoughts of Elfangor Sirrinial Shamtul,an Andalite aristh or cadet in training to become a warrior. The Andalites and the Yeerks have been at war for many years. Neither side seems to be able to destroy the other. Arasth Elfangor has has been called to the battle bridge, to be sent on a mission within the hour. The mission that will change his life forever. This is a colorful book in which Applegate throws in some good descriptions of what is happening at the time. *A thrilling book that keeps the pages turning. Visser Three's story is also told in this story. It tells who is responsible for creating the abombination that calls itself Visser Three,the only Yeerk to have aquired and Andalite body. Let us hope he is the last. When danger rears its ugly head, Elfangor puts his hoof down and stands up to the Visser. A must read.

I gave this book to my niece for Christmas. She wanted to read it the second she opened it, even with a pile of toys next to her. The illustrations are great and the story if fun.

My daughter absolutely adores this book. I love it too. We even had a Fancy Nancy b-day party, it was lots of fun.

I think what makes us love Fancy Nancy, is not her fanciness (although to my daughter that's definitely a plus), it's how much she loves and cares about her family and those around her. This book illustrates how much the family loves Nancy back and it's really wonderful. My daughter loves the whole series and I could read it over and over again.

Nancy is sweet, cute, fun and fancy!! This book is perfect for any girly girl- big or small! It's also a great way to teach your little ones BIG words!
Mommy's High Heel Shoes

This book is adorable especially for little girls who like to dress up and look fancy. The story is heart warming and funny but in the end, it teaches about love and family. Nancy's search for way to sound fancier also teaches children wonderful new vocabulary words(sometime in French as well).

My sister has owned this book for 5 years, but I just got around to reading it. It is SUCH a good book! It was fascinating to be able to peek into the ancient Egyptian culture. The drama and the plot are SO GOOD! I was disappointed when I finished the book...I could've started it over again right then and there! If you are looking for a good book to read...this is it!!!

I was actually taken back to the time of ancient Egypt! I shivered, got the chills, and laughed out loud at certain parts of the book. It is a REALLY good book. When I borrowed it from the library, I must of renewed it twice to keep it for 2 months! Excellent.

Mara, a young slave girl in Pharaoh Hatshepsut's Egypt, is this center of this cute, fast-paced and worthwhile novel. Although this novel was meant for YA, it's very enjoyable for adults as well. Egypt comes alive as Mara navigates the intrigues of the royal palace, acting as interpreter due to her skill with languages. I won't give anymore away, but if you want a quick read, this will do nicely.

Wow, I must've read this book a hundred times as a teenager. I still pull it off my shelf from time to time and read it again.

This was one book that I remember reading when I was in fourth grade. I bought this copy for my daughter, who is a total bookworm. If you are interested in Ancient Egypt, this book is wonderful.

What a wonderful magical read this is! This second book picks up right after the events in the first book. You immediately know what happened and understand the larger canvas the author is painting. I was surprised to find I enjoyed this one even more than the first. And what an amazing place this is filled with shapeshifting creatures, trolls, giants, evil kings, scheming queens, magic and adventure. Mr. Stanek is a truly talented writer who does a terrific job of drawing his readers into his charater's worlds. To immerse yourself in the expansive fantasy world created by the author, I also recommend Illustrated Encyclopedia of Ruin Mist: The Essential Reader's Guide and Keeper Martin's Guide to the Fantastical Beasts and Faerie Peoples of Ruin Mist. All I can say is WOW! BRAVO!

If you went gaga over Potter, Fowl, Narnia, or Eragon, for goshsakes upgrade already to this fantastic series -- you won't regret it. If Robert Stanek isn't America's Tolkien, he surely is America's C S Lewis. Inside this second, book you'll find a story full of magic, adventure, and mystery. Only a true master of the craft could make it read so easily yet be so full of depth. As an adult reader, I found the story fascinating, and it truly took me several readings to truly appreciate all the nuances. If you don't want to go so deep, don't worry you don't have to to enjoy the story, but there is so much more to discover once you understand it all. Like several others, I also recommend the Illustrated Encyclopedia of Ruin Mist: The Essential Reader's Guide even to the casual Stanek reader. I also enjoyed Keeper Martin's Guide to the Fantastical Beasts and Faerie Peoples of Ruin Mist. With so many editions, it's hard to know which to choose. Any of the deluxe editions are good as are the special illustrated editions, but the editions I'm envious of are the reader's choice editions (which I wish I picked up the first time). Amazon has these linked wrong for some reason. The first is The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches (Reader's Choice Edition, Keeper Martin's Tales Book 1) (Keeper Martin's Tales). The second is The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches II (Reader's Choice Edition, Keeper Martin's Tales Book 2) (Keeper Martin's Tales). The third is The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches III (Reader's Choice Edition, Keeper Martin's Tales Book 3) (Keeper Martin's Tales). The fourth is The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches IV (Reader's Choice Edition, Keeper Martin's Tales Book 4) (Keeper Martin's Tales).

Without a doubt, this is an excellent, well-written book with superb illustration and craftmanship. As a part-time bookseller and full-time parent, I was surprised at just how much I enjoyed these books, and they are some of the rare ones that I've reread. For those who don't know, The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches is four books, the books are numbered sequentially #1, #2, #3 and #4, and this is the complete series. The sequel series to the books is In the Service of Dragons, also a completed series of four books.

The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches #2 continues right from the cliffhanger ending in the first book and the reader immediately learns what has happened. As a bookseller, I constantly hear that people love or hate these books. The dividing line here is simple... the Kingdoms/Dragons books are fantasy. They are not literature, just like Harry Potter isn't literature either. Not everyone gets there kicks on reading about the exploits of elves, wizards, dragons, and evil villians. BUT THESE ARE FANTASY BOOKS AND WIZARDS, DRAGONS, AND EVIL VILLIANS ARE THE MAINSTAY OF FANTASY.

Not everyone lives for fantasy. I however, grew up with Middle Earth, Narnia, Prydain and appreciate Stanek's addition. I also appreciate that his work is helping to pave the way for the efforts of other authors who are taking the traditional and twisting on its ear like he has.

Bravo, Mr. Stanek! This is one of of the most richly imagined fantasy worlds I've ever encountered.

My wife, my sons, and my daughter rarely agree on anything, but we ALL agree on this one. "The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches" delivers jolting twists, heart pounding tension, and a satisfying ending. The book opens a window to your imagination and brings the reader on great adventures. Whether or not you are an avid fantasy reader should make no difference in being able to enjoy this story - this is truly a great one.

I read this author's other books and my kids recently discovered this wonderful series. In the second book, the action and adventure continues and leads to a breathtaking conclusion as the evil shapeshifting queen's plans are revealed. With the shattering of alliances, a great war begins that threatens to sweep away Great Kingdom. I'd also recommend Keeper Martin's Guide to the Fantastical Beasts and Faerie Peoples of Ruin Mist and The Art of Ruin Mist: Heroes and Villains. The best editions of these books are The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches (Reader's Choice Edition, Keeper Martin's Tales Book 1) (Keeper Martin's Tales), The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches II (Reader's Choice Edition, Keeper Martin's Tales Book 2) (Keeper Martin's Tales), The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches III (Reader's Choice Edition, Keeper Martin's Tales Book 3) (Keeper Martin's Tales), and The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches IV (Reader's Choice Edition, Keeper Martin's Tales Book 4) (Keeper Martin's Tales).

I am now 31. I read this book about 16 years ago. Of all the books I read as a little girl, this one is the one I remember most. I loved everything about it. The story is well told and I clearly remember finishing the book in about 2 days. Then I read it again. I took a chance to see if I could still find the book for my 7year old baby girl. I am amazed to see how popular this book is. IF YOUR CHILD LOVES TO READ......GET HER THIS BOOK!!!! SHE'LL LOVE IT.....I ONLY WISH THE COVER WAS THE ORIGINAL ONE.

I loved this book when I was a pre-teen. I now have an 11 year son who has read and loves this book, and now we are reading all of her books. Obviously, these are geared toward kids, but I have to say that I am enjoying the books as well. The plus of course, is that we're reading, we're doing something together, and making memories that will last a lifetime. Mary Downing Hahn is a well-crafted story teller!

This is an amazing book! Get it- you will love it and want to read more of Mary Downing Hahn's ghost stories!

I first read this book when I was about eight. I had gone to the library and was first captivated by the cover art. I read the book and fell in love with it.
I became so involved with the story and the setting. I grew up always wanting to be an artist who lived in a converted church in the country with a cemetery in my back yard. (I am currently in artist who lives in a small town with a cemetery a block away...so it's close.)
After I read the book, I searched the library for other books by this author and found The Doll in the Garden (which I also quite enjoyed). For about 2-3 years, I checked this book out of the library every other week (alternating with the Doll in the Garden). I probably read it over 100 times. When I was in high school, I saw the book at a bookstore and bought it instantly. It has since become a book that I read at least once every other year.
I don't really know how to explain it, but there is something about the story/writing that just captivates me.

When Molly and Michael's mother remarries, they move to a renovated old church out in the middle of nowhere. Neither is happy about the move, but it is made even worse by their spoiled stepsister, Heather. She doesn't want to share her dad with anyone (her mother was killed in a fire) and does everything she can think of to try to break up the family.

Heather soon begins visiting an old graveyard on the property and Molly overhears Heather's conversations with Helen, a girl who died on the property years ago and was buried in the graveyard. Heather warns Molly and Michael that they'd better be nice to her. "Wait until Helen comes," she taunts. Michael is sceptical, but Molly is convinced that Helen is a ghost who means to harm them all.

The suspense builds into a delightfully creepy tension for most of the book, though I was a bit disappointed in some rapid developments (especially with Heather's character) towards the end. Overall, a creepy read that will appeal to fans of ghost stories.

This is an AMAZING series!
i've recomended it to so many frends and family members i can't count and they have all come back begging for more!

If you haven't read this series yet... DO SO NOW!

John Marsden has done an excellent job creating a great and exciting story about friendship, war, and love. I have read all the books in this series and I was so mad when it ended. You feel so close to the charactors that when it's over, its heartbreaking. I wish I could meet every one of the charactors on the book. This series truly has changed my life. I've learned so much and it has changed the way I feel about a war. Now that I know first hand what people go through in a war, I'll never doubt the affects again.

I wouldn't have gone for this book if it was pitched to me: a group of teens laugh, fall in love, and grow up in the context of suddenly having to survive as guerrillas. Yeah, right.

But I think Marsden held this together surprisingly well - there are a few strengths to the book (I was about to continue this sentence along the lines of, `that explain the popularity of the series', but there are way too many examples of popularity not reflecting quality).

Ahoy - spoilers ahead.

I liked the very deliberate way Marsden gave us several chapters of these teenagers simply being recognisable Australian kids. Admittedly he did open with the teaser - the hint of something big and dark - rather than totally selling this as a teen romance/coming of age story before the shocking twist. I could have coped without the early promise of more, but tell me he wasn't consciously thinking he didn't want to lose some year nine boys before they got to the shooting (`Is this a kissing book?'). Actually, you don't have to tell me: he's totally open about consciously writing for this market in his preface. That being said, he does only hint, and then spends some time on getting his target audience of Oz juveniles to identify with the main characters. Hence the greater potency when their world is changed in a moment. It probably resonates far more with old folks like myself who already subscribe to this notion, but it would be great if even a few complacent Australians were woken up to the fact that wars don't happen to qualitatively different people - people that you somehow think, you know, them having their homes bombed and being refugees is the sort of thing they just take in their stride. Reminds me of Steely Dan's potent `Third World Man', where Fagan twists familiar suburban images into those of war, for example, "Johnny's playroom, is a bunker filled with sand," "I saw fireworks, I thought that I was dreaming, `til the neighbours came out screaming'" (OK, it works better with Larry Carlton's exquisite solo). So, sure, hats off to Marsden for putting more of a familiar human face in something usually seen as alien.

But once the invasion occurs our plucky kids don't suddenly morph into a crack military unit (well, they do a bit), nor does the book simply shrink into an ugly Tom Clancy/Chuck Norris jingoistic potboiler. Somehow he keeps the teen (dare I say, the `girly' teen) thing happening: introspection with occasional passable insights (eg. people don't really see things because they give them names - once something is named - such as the canyon `hell', they only perceive their projections in the misleading word; animals aren't so easily fooled), and classic - but realistic - boy/girl confusion over infatuation (save me from the appalling romance of just about any fantasy writer: McCaffrey, Kerr, Goodkind, Kay ... ugh. A legion of teenage readers swallowing supposedly profound relationships that haven't a hint of authenticity or beauty). Marsden doesn't play it for voyeurism, but you do get lines you might expect in Grey's Anatomy preceding a jet firing missiles. There's even time for a little historical detection with regard to the enigmatic hermit - who would have thought it? There's also a usable range of characters with far more depth and room for development than many purportedly adult novels. What? A Christian and a stoner that can't merely be summed up in those words. Blimey.

Realistic? Well, sure it's a bit of the old villain saying, "We could have succeeded in our evil plans if it wasn't for you pesky kids!", and that's attractive to some of his audience - it makes for a more enjoyable story than the naked realism of fly-ridden bloody corpses. But while he crosses the line here and there Marsden quite deliberately has the kids lower their expectations from movie ones, and will have a hero go into shock after a near miss rather than rip off their shirt and run unscathed through a hail of bullets slaying faceless hordes (this would also be problematic as some of the more central fighters are girls). This is refreshing. While he's also been careful not to demonise the enemy, I'd be interested to find out if the rest of the series goes as far as the leap to realising the `enemy' may actually have had as little choice as you about being in this dangerous situation.

The book is not a breathtaking achievement, but it is a solid one on a hazardous premise. A lot could have gone wrong that didn't, and there's a lot that goes right.

Ellie is so articulate, bright, and caring that she makes what would have been an average story into an amazing and believable account of eight young adults out to save their families and ultimately their homeland.

Once I got used to the Australian vernacular, I read this book at an amazing pace because I simply couldn't put it down.

I can't wait to hunt down the rest of this series.

I really enjoyed this book and plan to buy the rest of the series. It has a good mix of adventure and romance so it will appeal to most of my high school students. The characters have distinct personalities and all of them show strengths in the story which could be a great jumping off point for a discussion on how we are all different and how our differences make society function better. Aside from thoughts about teaching, I simply couldn't put the book down because I wanted to know what happened next.

My son loves this book! The rhythmic words and pentameter make it fun to read and fun to listen to...Sandra Boynton is one of our favorite kid authors! This book is a 'must have' for any child.

This is a favorite with kids - infant to kindergarden. Also fun to read since it is easy to read with a rhythm like a square dance anouncer.

My son loves this book. He likes music, and when we make this into a song for him, he bops his head to it!Mommy really likes the book too!

This is one of my son's favorites. We stomp our feet and clap our hands, do the dance with the book. He picks this book over most! He gets ready to stomp right when he hands the book to me, I love that;)
You can't go wrong with this book. You will love this book as much as your child will.

What a treat to buy this for a friend's baby. My youngest child LOVED this book because as others have pointed out, it is fantastic! Just reading the words results in a great rhyme and makes you dance. You can't help it. Babies love it, toddlers love it, and parents love to read it, even the 4,999th time. It makes everyone smile. We wore the cover off and had to buy multiple copies. What a great author, love all her books but this is by far our fave.

Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul Volume 2 is an inspirational and enlightening book. Being a teenager myself I can relate to a lot of the stories told in this bestseller. The first time I read this book I was younger and didn't understand what the authors in the book were saying, but when I revisited it this year I actually understood it and connected more to the stories. This book has inspired me to write about my personal experiences and really look back at the good, bad, or in between as a way to learn from my mistakes. Instead of breaking down I decided to write. This book has taught me and helped me through some rough times. This book is great and I recommend it to anyone. Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul is not just for teenagers, I have even read some stories with my friends and family. This book has been a real joy and inspiration on all aspects of my life. Thanks Chicken Soul and I hope all readers out there will get a chance to read this delightful, motivating, and wonderful book.

This is a great book for every teenager. Every teen goes througha tough time at least once in their life and this book can really help. It has stories on things from teenage romance to suicide. This is a great book for everyone from teenagers to adults.

Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul 2 is a great book for teens because it is something we can relate to. It is filled with short anecdotes written by teenagers or once-teenagers about their adolescent experiences. It is inspirational and teaches us about who we are, about people, and about life in general. I recommend this book for all teenagers.

I think that this book was a very good and fun book to read. Anyone who enjoys hearing about different teens telling their own stories would greatly enjoy this book. While I was reading it, there were times when i felt like laughing and other times when I felt like crying too. The things that teenagers go through are so hard and alot of adults do not understand this, that is why this book is so helpful. It is a very good book to read and I would recommend it to anyone, espically teens.

Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul ll is a great book written by teenagers and some adults about life. It teaches us about life and how to deal with it. It shows us that no matter where you came form, what you look like, or how you act, almost all teenagers are the same. This book is an inspiration to everyone.
This book influences me because it inspires me to become a better person. Before I read this book I thought, "Oh this book is just some boo full of made-up stories", but as I continued to read into it more, I thought" Wow this is a really great book". This book tells you that all teens go through the same stuff. It shows you that your not alone, and with faith and courage you can overcome most obstacles. This book is filled amazing stories of love depression, and hope. I encourage everyone to read this book.

I loved these books as a child and am now passing them on to my daughter and nieces. Even today I enjoy sitting with my daughter and reading the adventures in the Little House series.

I bought this boxed set of Little House books for my wife's birthday. She absolutely LOVES them! She said that it was the best gift she had ever gotten. We are both rabid fans of the television show and the books are even better. We will be passing this set down to the next generation when the time comes.

Excellent value. Superior Illustrations. Well constructed books. Over ALL an excellent value.

I read some of these books as a child and bought the set for my own daughter and started reading it to her, and my son, when she was five and he was four. Both children loved them! I'd like to say they loved them all, but the truth is, they really loved the first two books, when Laura was closer to their own age; enjoyed Farmer Boy; and from there, my daughter continued to enjoy the books, but not as much, and my son lost interest.

I thought the long descriptions of how to roast a pig or build a log cabin would be too much for them, but they didn't mind. Soon after we started, I heard them re-creating scenes from the book while playing the back yard. Suddenly, my son was talking about Pa having a "gum" (gun) for killing bad animals. Not exactly the effect I intended, but it didn't turn him into a gun nut.

I will say, the Long Winter was really, really long. We almost dropped the series. My own interest flagged, and we ended up taking a bit of a break before picking up the book again.

I was so into the series that I went to the library and checked out Laura's diary about moving to Missouri (On the Way Home, The Diary of a Trip from South Dakota to Mansfield, Missouri, in 1894) and her and her description of visiting Rose in San Francisco (West from Home: Letters of Laura Ingalls Wilder). My daughter said she was interested in those, too, but she really wasn't.

Still, we loved the Little House series - and my daughter still listens to the early books on CD. Highly, highly recommended.

I purchased these books for my eight year old daughter. We read all of them already. She loved them, and so did I. I was a little disappointed that there were no pictures at all. In the older version, there were some very beautiful pictures that helped bring understanding to some of the concepts of being a pioneer. Overall, this was a great purchase.