Children Books

One Day She'll Darken: The Mysterious Beginnings of Fauna Hodel

Audrey Hepburn loved her children and all the children of the world...Sean honors his mother...we all honor his mother...a mother to so many...indeed...an elegant spirit...

The photos here are lovingly chosen by her son, and the entire book is an absolute joy.

This book was pleasant and thoughtful, as is its subject. Though admittedly the writing was far less enchanting than I would have expected; I like to think it was kept simple to further emphasize the simplicity and sincerity of Audrey herself. This book did not add any revelation for the reader about her life; but instead, allowed for a glance at Audrey Hepburn's everyday existence. I was constantly amazed at how strong and genuine her character when faced with life's sometimes complicated decisions. This book shows Audrey as a person who effortlessly put others before herself, and seemed to never question her sense of what is right.

Even the idea of such simplicity has become a fairytale in our lives, and it is so refreshing to read about someone who was capable of remaining so solidly pure, that I cannot help but read a little more. One need only look to her work with UNICEF to know how first-rate she truly was.

She has allways been one of my favorite stars.The book has a beautifull
lay-out and is a pleasure to read.Lots of photographs never seen before
and beautifull passages about her work for Unicef and what a wonderful mother she was.I can highly recommend this book.

Bought this as a gift for my daughter as she is a fan and thought that the personal insights were revealing and poignant.

(from the back of the book)

Ichigo Kurosaki has always been able to see ghosts, but this ability doesn't change his life nearly as much as his close encounter with Rukia Kuchiki, a Soul Reaper and member of the mysterious Soul Society. While fighting a Hollow, an evil spirit that preys on humans who displey phychic energy, Rukia attempts to lend Ichigo some of her powers so that he can save his family; but much to her surprise, Ichigo absorbs every last drop of her energy. Now a full-fledged Soul Reaper himself, Ichigo quickly learns that the world he inhabits is one full of dangerous spirits and, along with Rukia-who is slowly regaining her powers-it's Ichigo's job to protect the innocent from Hollows and help the spirits themselves find peace.

I recomend trying this book out, one of my favorite manga books!

You can also watch Bleach the TV series on [adult swim]

Ichigo "Strawberry" Kurosaki is just your average teenage boy... except that he can see spirits wherever he goes. Ghosts, evil spirits, accident victims, all kinds.

So it's not exactly surprising that he gets involved in wild, dangerous adventures, at the start of the humorous, action-packed "Bleach." Since this is just the first volume, Tite Kubo's art and plotting experience some basic growing pangs, but the stories are fast-paced, amusing and sometimes incredibly poignant. And the spiky-haired Ichigo has the makings of a great manga hero.

One night a strange girl appears in Ichigo's bedroom, and is shocked when he can see her. She explains that she's a Soul Reaper, who helps the dead pass on to the Soul Society (a sort of afterlife... thing), and purifies evil spirits called Hollows.

But when Rukia is injured in a fight with a Hollow, all her powers are transferred to Ichigo -- and with them, the responsibility of killing Hollows all over his town. Ichigo is not enthusiastic about his new role, but he can't pass up the opportunity to help innocent spirits. And he finds out that it isn't easy juggling his new responsibilities with his everyday life -- especially since the powerless Rukia is now attending his school in a fake body, and living in his closet.

Even worse, his extra duties with Hollows are affecting his friends. First pretty, flaky Orihime is stalked by a Hollow she is very familiar with -- someone who was closer to her than anyone else. And Ichigo's enormous, mostly-silent pal Chad is given a "cursed parakeet," and immediately dangerous things start happening to him -- what is the parakeet's "curse," why is a Hollow pursing Chad, and why does his new pet seem to be intelligent?

The first volume of a manga series is usually the bumpiest ride, since the author/artist is busy introducing the characters and the main storyline. So it's not surprising that "Bleach's" first volume has a few bumps in the road, especially in the first couple chapters -- getting Ichigo into the whole Soul Reaper situation, introducing about half of the main cast, and to the whole worldview of this particular series. Things get much more complex later on, but at this point Kubo is just laying out the groundwork.

The artwork is also rather sketchy in the first few chapters -- Ichigo looks almost prepubescent and a bit thuggish in the first chapter, and the action panels look abrupt. Fortunately by the time Orihime's storyline rolls around, Kubo's art has settled into a smoother, more even style -- if still a bit rough around the edges.

Primarily this is an action manga, with lots of monster-slaying with swords (in Ichigo's case, a freakishly huge one) and a complex battle between Ichigo and a grief-maddened Hollow. But Kubo fills these scenes with a sense of pathos, such as Chad's fondness for the little parakeet, or Orihime's fond memories of her older brother, who saved her as a baby from their horrible parents.

Don't worry, there are a lot of comedic moments too -- Rukia's awful drawing skills, Ichigo playing baseball with pepper bombs, and Ichigo's kooky classmates and family. Not to mention Chad's quiet explanations ("Yesterday... I collided with a motorcycle").

This is our first introduction to the various characters, but Ichigo "Strawberry" is a pretty good hero, albeit in the mold of most action-anime heroes -- rough, fight-prone, determinedly lonerish, but very good-hearted. He doesn't want to go out and just be heroic, but he can't pass up a person who needs his help. The smart, prickly Rukia and sweetly flaky Orihime round out the cast, although gentle giant Chad hasn't been explored much yet.

The first volume of Tite Kubo's "Bleach" is a warmup for the bestselling series, but Kubo really hits his stride -- with art and story -- in the second half. Definitely worth getting, if nothing else to acquaint you with the world of the Soul Reapers.

Ghosts are everywhere. Ichigo Kurosaki knows this because he can see ghosts. But his life takes a huge change when he runs into Rukia Kuchiki, a Soul Reaper, and he learns about the spirit world. In fact he joins it to protect his family. For the first volume it packs a lot of details, setting up the world within the book and the characters who live within it.

I really enjoyed to whole concept of this series. This book does a good job in setting it up.

the first bleach book, it takes you into a fantasy world that is impossible to put down.

i have read all of the daughter of the moon books several times
they are all totaly awesome.serena is getting possessed she is not acting like her self.you will not regret readingthese books i've allready gotten friends to read the books and one of my teachers wanted to read it!!!!!!!!!!

i thought this book was amazing ! it was so good but it was also really sad with stanton...i think serena is just so cool and i lyk that she has that dark side which cna keep her with stanton

This book was good. We find out in the end that Serena has a 3rd choice, unlike the other Daughters. You have to read the book becasue I am not telling you what it is. This book is also revloving around Serena and Stanton again. Hopefully thought her next one won't be.

I really like the Daughters of the Moon books and i think that this is one of the best ones. My favorite parts are the interactions between Stanton and Serena because they still love one another inspite of everything. That fact really seems to shine through in this book. That's why i give it 5 stars!

Payasa


Possession was an AWSOME book, like all of the other Daughter of the Moon books! It was about a girl named Serena who can read minds. All of her friends have powers too. She was running away from Jerome, a boy who has a total crush on Serena, but she tottaly hates him, and she bumps into this old lady who gives her some potion stuff. She wakes up hours later and walks home, but a black Lexus follows her. She went to sleep with an awful headache. She wakes up to find herself in the kitchen with words writen in her own blood'"YOU'RE NOT ALONE ANYMORE". Her friend, Catty's, mom invited them to read the future in a coffee cup, and she saw snakes, which means "an enemy has come to visit". Serena gets spaces in time where she can't remember anything. She starts to get really freaked. She finds the old woman and she is able to undo the curse by fighting the followers that the old woman is leading along with Lambart.This is a great book and I highly recomend it for readers that have read the rest of the series because it just gets better with every book. For those who haven't read any other books in the series, I recomend it if you like present day fantasy based in Los Angeles.

Mr. Batson brings his trilogy to a satisfying conclusion here (though I would like to have learned what became of Faethon) in this finale to The Door Within and The Rise of the Wyrm Lord, in the process having King Eliam issue a call to a character I did not expect to receive one. The cataclysmic events set in motion during The Rise of the Wyrm Lord continue at that relentless "Batson pace" so familiar to readers of Isle of Swords and Isle of Fire until the (somewhat literally) Earth shattering conclusion!

Mr. Batson has created a fascinating world in the Realm, with similarities to but not quite like any other fantasy world I've ever seen, with Biblical references that are quite obvious to those who are looking for them but no stumbling block to those who are not. I bought this book shortly after I bought The Door Within and The Rise of the Wyrm Lord as part of a promotional deal, but I never got around to reading them until now.

Note: Other than a lower price the chief attraction of the paperback edition is the inclusion of the so-called "Lost Chapters", basically earlier draft versions of some chapters accompanied by author's commentary. The most interesting addition is "Timera's Den", an untold story that takes place between The Door Within and The Rise of the Wyrm Lord.

A great display of faith and courage, as Robby learns about the truth of King Eliam, and joins the side of Alleble, even to the end, along with his best friend Aidan.

Imprisoned in the fortress of Paragor, Antoinette Reed still tries desperately to convince Kearn that Paragor's promises are empty. Meanwhile, Aidan loans the Scrolls to Robby in hopes that they will convince him that The Realm is real and that King Eliam is the one to follow. But Robby is not easy to convince. In The Realm, Kaliam readies Alleble for the assault by Paragor's forces that is sure to come, bringing all of those loyal to King Eliam under the protection of the city's walls. But with the ancient Wyrm Lord and the Seven Sleepers on Pearagor's side, will the walls of Alleble be enough to with stand the storm?

"The Final Storm" brings together the best characters from the two previous books and introduces us to still more. Each of the three travelers from the Mirror Realm--Robby, Antoinette, and Aidan--have their own strengths and weaknesses keeping them from becoming copies of each other. The Glimpses too are clearly defined. While the characters retain their boisterous natures from previous books, the looming war tempers them making this my favorite of the trilogy.

Amid the darkness of war, there is hope. Beneath the shadows of ruin, there is life. These concepts and more are a foundation to this story of Alleble's great stand against the evil of Paragor. I love the way Batson illustrates the fact that though evil times will come, there is only one place to put our trust--In the King of kings. He will see to it that the evil will be used for good, no matter how bleak things may be. "The Final Storm" reminds us all that the end is only the beginning. Teenagers will love this gripping conclusion to the Door Within trilogy.

Adventures are funny things
They always begin with the unexpected,
but they always end with the promise
of adventures yet to come"
~The Final Storm
All books and series must come to an end, and the Door Within is no exception. But what will the future hold? Will Robbie succumb to Pargor's promises of power? And will Antoinette and Aidan remain true to their king in the face of death? The ending is amazingly powerful.

The Final Storm was a great conclusion to the Door Within trilogy. It is definitely my favorite book in the series.

Rae, a girl on the verge because she thinks she's going crazy starts out trying to ignore all of the weird thoughts that keep coming to her brain, that aren't hers. She thinks she's going insane, but in truth she's getting an amazing gift. With the help of Anthony, a guy she meets in her group meetings that are for stepping out of the thought of being crazy, she finally realizes what's happening to her. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this series!!!! It is SSSSOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO good that you can't put it down and you simply HAVE to get through it without putting it down! That is something to say for me, because I've read so many good books out there. So PLEASE experience the feeling of going into Rae's mind and getting the feeling that makes you feel like you ARE the characters in the book! This series is a total MUST-READ!!!!!! So, what are you waiting for?!?!?!?!?!?!?! Go read it!!!! PLEASE!!!!

I own the whole Fingerprints series. It is literally impossible to read one and have no desire to read the others. You just have to. Rae finally resolves one problem, then at the end of the book another pops up. Melinda Metz keeps the reader feeling for Rae, rooting her on. And Anthony is adorable. The chemistry that Metz builds between the two is just right, and satisfies any hopeless romantics out there. The books should also satisfy those searching for mystery, suspense and good old science fiction. It's a great series, and definitely worth the time.

Imagine being able to read the thoughts of others just by touching their fingerprints. Awesome, but freaky right? This series is about a girl named Rae with just that ability. This book documents the day she discovers her ability and how her lie changes afterwards. First of all, everyone back at her school thinks she's a nutcase. SEcond, she's being forced to go to group therapy (where she meets Anthony and Jesse who help her understand her gift). Third... someones out to kill her!

Great storyline, a little slow and frustrating for the reader who understands Rae's ability even though Rae, the narrator, does not. And I must warn you, although the early books in the series hint a relationship between Rae and Anthony, it won't develop until later on in the series... so stick with it. (thats the only reason I rated the book 4 stars)

Happy Reading!

The Fingerprints series has got to be one of the best series i've ever read! from the very beginning of book one, Gifted Touch, i can't put them down, even when i've read them so many times i've memorized them! They are the perfect combination of sci-fi, suspense, and romance, yet they still convince you that they could happen. melinda metz did a spectacular job writing these books! i reccomend them to anybody who loves a good cant-put-it-down read.

Rae starts out as a normal teenager and she is living a pretty good life. That is until she starts having thoughts that are not hers. She begins to think that she is going crazy, like her mother did before she died in an insane asylum. Then finally Anthony, a guy she met at one of her support groups, figured out that she had a wonderful and amazing gift. But somebody doesnt like this whole amazing gift idea. They want Rae dead and fast. With her gift she starts to investigate who wants to kill her and why. Rae and Anthony go through sad, happy and angry times. These books are great because at the end of each book they leave you hanging so you cannot put it down, but you have to keep reading each book within a matter of days! I recommend this book to people of all ages. It doesnt even matter what kind of book you like, this one has mystery, suspense, romance, and fanstasy all put together. If I had to choose one book to read over and over again I would definitely choose this one!

From the early morning wakeup by the Birthday Bird and special Katroo birthday aso-see-eye-ation handshake to being flown home asleep from the "Birthday Pal-alace" on a soft pillowed platter, this special day story delights readers young and old. From as far back as I remember this was my main birthday treat, and then years later I enjoyed reading it to all my children as much as they loved hearing it (and then having it read to me! when they could do the honors). This is the good Doctor at his best - great story, fine graphics, wonderful rhymes! (I'm amazed anyone would have a spare copy to sell as used....)

My children---ages three and five---request this book over and over all through the year and quote it on numerous occasions. It's one that I truly don't mind reading over and over as well. The incredibly colorful illustrations are fantastical and yet the small, wondering boy who experiences all these grand events somehow keeps them almost believable. My favorite part is when the birthday boy stands atop a mountain and shouts, "I am me! I am I! I may not know why but I know that I like it." It teaches children to celebrate their special individual quality without being selfish about it. The book is simply overflowing with a sense of love and nurturing without being maudlin in the least.

I ordered this book for my grandaughter, and she loved it. It was a little long for her, but I enjoyed it as much as she did.

Review by Sherry North, Author, Because You Are My Baby

When I was a child, this book took my breath away. I felt like I was living the incredible adventures in the story, from riding the Birthday Bird to choosing the tallest pet to eating the giant cake. I think this story inspired the adventures I try to create in my own writing.

Now that I'm a mom, I still love this book. It is a little long to hold the attention of toddlers or preschoolers, though, so I recommend it for Kindergarten & up.

I bought this book for both my youngest daughter and our cousin, both who were turning one.

Of course this book is way too advanced for them but I brought it to their 1st birthdays and had everyone who was in attendance sign it. I love looking at all the adorable things people have said and can't wait to show it to them as they get older.

This book was really good, except maria needs to get over conner because she is just sad and it's getting annoying. I think she and ken should hook up. conner and liz make a really good couple. ever since the 1st book i thought they should hook-up. i think that they will last a long time. and jeremy seems like a really sweet guy.

This is one of the best SVH Senior Year books written!I am glad to see that Jessica got over the rumors...Connor and Liz+Perfection!

The fifth book in the SVH Senior Year series will not leave you disappointed.I love the way the book has been set out with diary-like excerpts,lists,e-mails,senior polls,stories and homework all done in a certain handwriting font for each character.It is seriously cool and helps make Senior Year that much cooler than all other teen series.
In this book Melissa did not get the cheerleading captaincy she so desired.Will instead of feeling the need to comfort his girlfriend feels like a trapped animal.The absolute best part is when he goes to see his friend Angel(I know you're thinking'what were his parents thinking?')who says the most hilarous thing on Page 69.It is so funny.
Anyway this book mainly focuses on Jessica and Jeremy.Jeremy really likes Jessica and Jessica likes him(and I think they're the perfect couple)but everytime Jeremy asks her out she refuses because she doesn't want to fuel the rumours that are going around.She finally agrees and goes to a party but unfortunately for Jess,Melissa and her obnoxious friends appear and try once again to ruin her reputation.You'll have to read the book to find out what happens and it ends up as a bit of a cliffhanger.
Elizabeth and Conner can't hide their attraction to each other but they might have to because even after being brutally dumped by Conner,Maria still has feelings for him and is trying to get him back-with the help of Elizabeth.You'd think friends would be more honest as it saves all the silent treatment they have in Book 7.But once again you'll have to read the books to find out who's ignoring who.
As a another addition to the story Maria has to work with Ken on a project but Ken's still moping over the fact that his girlfriend Olivia died.In the most unexpected turn of events Maria succeeds in getting through to Ken.
I really love these books.They are great!!!They look every part the teen drama they are but you have to read them.If you like this you'll be sure to love the rest of the series.I think that reading about the lives of melodramatic teens is the best medicine.Pretty soon you'll be wanting to know everything about Elizabeth,Jessica and the whole gang.
It'll be interesting though to see how they tie the end of this series to Sweet Valley University as it is already so different!
Happy Reading!!!!!

I think "If You Only Knew" is the best book in the series so far, even though the "Melissa Loves Will, Will Loves Jessica" thing is getting old. But it's cool that Ken's back.

At the beginning of the book, here's what's happening:

-Conner is confused about Liz.
-Liz is confused about Conner.
-Jeremy thinks Jess hates him.
-Jess thinks Jeremy hates her.
-Maria thinks Conner wants her back.
-Melissa thinks Tia and Jess told on her.
-Will never wants to leave Melissa.

At the end of the book, here's what's happening:

-Conner has kissed Liz again.
-Jeremy has found out about Jessica's reputation and something bad has happened to his father.
-Maria saw Conner and Liz after they kissed and knows something's up.
-Will wants to leave Melissa.

Confused?

After their first kiss in "I've Got a Secret" (#4), Conner McDermott and Elizabeth Wakefield are struggling with their emotions for each other, especially since Liz's friend (Maria Slater) is still hung-up on Conner, even though he dumped her a week ago. Nevertheless, Maria aims to win him back no matter what.

Meanwhile, Jeremy Aames is still infatuated with Jessica Wakefield, but she's trying to brush him off. That's not going to stop Jeremy from trying though, even though he's swamped with school activities, sports, and a part-time job that will hopefully improve his family's financial situation.

"If You Only Knew" is the fifth book in the Sweet Valley High: Senior Year series. This is another great addition to the teen romance drama that's been building since the beginning of the school year. Worth reading if you're 12+ and a fan of Francine Pascal's Sweet Valley books.

Words cannot express how completely awesome and spine-tingling this book is. I saw Marshall Ball on the Oprah show several years ago and was so in awe of him that as soon as the show ended I got in the car and drove to the bookstore to buy the book. It will make you smile, cry and laugh; it really left me with the lessons of 'miracles do happen' and 'you never know what someone can do until you give them a chance'. It's a definite must read.

Marshall Ball is exquisite. With the simplicity of a child and the wisdom of the ages, he speaks with a profound understanding that could only be Divine. Marshall cannot speak, so he uses an alphabet board to point to each letter. This is a painstakingly long process. He was born with a disease that keeps him confined to a wheelchair. At age nine, he was evaluated at school with a twelfth-grade reading level. I was pleasantly inspired by Marshall and eagerly await more writings from him. My favorite quote from Marshall is: "Can we free the world to think perfectly about the listening and marvelous children?" I highly recommend this book.

As heralded by such masters as Eckhart Tolle and Don Miguel Ruiz the earth at this time is graced by a number of awakened divine flowers of consciousness which grace us with their tremendous healing power and gentility. Marshall Ball is no doubt one such light in our world. His healing gift is through the power of his words. In these important documents of our time [Kiss of God & A Good Kiss] Marshall Ball uses his gentle and seemingly simple use of the English language to incite a healing effect that evokes deep emotions and directly effects the heart. Short of a miracle, both of Marshall Ball's books are a collection of communications poetically expressed and clearly echo teachings from A Course in Miracles, Eckhart Tolle's Power of Now and Stillness Speaks, and the Conversations with God books, none of which have been a source of study for this young man of 17. It seems Truth is spoken again by another source of pure love, but here, with heavenly gentleness and a poetic voice that can lift and heal the coldest of hearts. I highly recommend reading and studying both "Kiss of God" and "A Good Kiss" as material for spiritual study and personal growth. May this gentle heavenly force continue to grace us with his divine wisdom and healing voice.

This book will touch you. There is a simplicity and purity of thought, but there are deeper more profound meanings there for you to discover on your own. Marshall is a special child of God, as we all are in our own way. Love and listening are prevalent themes in Marshall's short poems and prose. I am a grown man with grown children, and I am not prone to tears, but many of Marshall's words brought tears to my eyes. I know God talks through Marshall. Share this book with your friends and family.

Recommendation:
A great book for traveling on a journey with a special child. If you have a special child, get this book, because you may learn more about your child, and their own journey and thoughts. If you don't have an special child, then get this book and learn about the blessings that come with the pain and challenges of the journeys that parents of special children travel.

Book Review
Marshall writes, with physical assistance, of things we cannot see, or imagine in our busy and cluttered lives. Yet, these are the important, and permanent things that life is determined on, not the urgent and unimportant.

His poems are very good (fantastic considering his age and issues) and offer a mature, yet spiritually innocent viewpoint that remains objective and not caught up with our worldly challenges.

Marshall is here and suffers in order to fulfill God's purpose of helping us, and those who need spiritual assistance.

How Marshall Helped Us Learn of Our Daughter's Thoughts, and Experiences:
We have a daughter with severe cerebral palsy who cannot speak or walk an had just finished two weeks of therapy in Chicago and were catching a plane for the ride home. This was two years ago, so she was four at the time. By accident, I packed her reading books, so we stopped in the book store to find a book to read. We accidently came across Marshall's book and I explained to my daughter that Marshall was like her, and could not speak or walk, and was just a few years older. Then, I asked her if she wanted to get Marshall's book, she got very excited (happy).

On the plane we read the first few pages and came across this part of Marshall's poem...

Even though my individuality finds
sweet knowing perfection, I listen
for the answers to wishes from above.

So, I asked my daughter if God spoke to her about her wishes and prayers. She just about jumped out of her skin!!! It was like finally!!!! Someone knows my secrets!!!! Yes, I speak to God and He speaks to me!!!!

I was startled, and asked her some poorly developed questions. After a couple of months, I thought about the questions I asked and also her answers, and I realized that I really did not learn what I thought I had learned. (We have to ask her questions, with two or three answers for her to choose from, then ask additional questions to further determine her correct and precise answers).

Because I only want the truth, regardless of the issues, I spent some time to relaly think about the questions, and alternative answers that could be gleaned from my technique, then began to ask her more precise questions to nail down her responses.

What I found is that she did speak to and hear from God every night. That she did remember her personal journey (died at birth for 35 minutes), and remembered seeing God when she died. She did not remember being in the hospital, being taken off life support, or anything else.

But, when she died, she went to heaven, and was not given a choice, but was told to return to her Mommy and Daddy (which she wanted); and she was told that her purpose was to help a lot of children who were in need. (...) She came back to us - obviously - and now is a bright 6 year old who goes to full inclusion school, has many friends and lots of fun. Yet, she cannot speak, or walk, yet. (But is making great progress!)

Without reading Marshall's book, I would never have thought to ask these questions, and would have never have learned my daughter's secrets.

I read the book in one day. It was very engaging and I went through the whole array of emotions as I read it. Reliving alot of similar moments for I am a Mom with twin boys that have been diagnosed with ADHD. I love to read, however the books on ADHD that I have read have been of little value. As Robert shares his story and his perspective it helped me understand my boys even better. The book may not have all the answers, but it did share some of the discoveries that Robert made on his own. In order to find ways to improve their self esteem, it helps to understand how society tears it down. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to understand a person with ADHD traits.

This book was phenomenal!! It is the story of my life and I am glad I am not alone.
I encourage all adults who think or know that they have attention deficit to read this.
The book encouraged me to accept me for who I am and start my own chapter for ADHD in my own city.

The Little Monster: Growing Up With ADHD
The Little Monster by Robert Jergen is a great read! The book takes the reader inside the head of Dr. Jergen, who has ADHD, and lets the reader see and feel what is like to have ADHD. This story will both touch and delight you as you read it. Most importantly though, this book will both teach and give you hope whether you have ADHD or are a parent or teacher for someone who has ADHD. Dr. Jergen gives the reader workable solutions to everyday problems as well as other referral sources for parents and teachers. When Dr. Jergen entered into his doctoral program, he discovered and wrote this, "The question became, not how to "cure" my ADHD, but how to utilize it."

I found this book to be very useful in seeing the world from an ADHD child and adult's perspective. But the author seems to feel that the entire world needs to shift to accommodate what seems natural to him. It seems that everyone must tolerate and indeed celebrate behavior that makes life unpleasant and difficult for the non-ADHD person who has the bad luck to work with an ADHD adult.

I came away from the book feeling sad for ADHD children and their parents and their poor teachers who have delivered into their classrooms the "gift" of an uncontrolled child. And I am profoundly grateful that I don't work with an ADHD adult.

It would have been nice to read more about how the author tries to accommodate others and less about how the world must warp to fit him.

I highly recommend this book to parents, teachers and anyone interested in learning more about ADHD. I am actually currently taking my Masters in Special Education and this book was a wonderful source of information. It is a very powerful book where the author talks about his personal experience growing up with ADHD. All parents of kids with ADHD should read this book because after this experience they will definitely understand better their kids' behavior. I congratulate the author for sharing his personal experience and for showing through his writing how parents and teachers have a crucial role in developing kids' self - esteem

Love, Ruby Lavender is a delightful mix of sensitivity and fun. This book is an absolute delight to read out loud. While reading the book you can feel the rhythm of the dialogue. This book is silly, this book tugs at your heart, this book can teach you to appreciate the really fine things in life. You know the simple free stuff in life. You will be happy if your kids choose a Deborah Wiles book, they're good for you.

Ruby Lavender has a lot going on her life, she's and her grandma are chicken liberators, Ruby's grandpa passed away last year, Ruby's about to be a cousin, and Melba Jane won't leave poor Ruby alone. Not too mention a new teacher coming in the fall, one of the liberated chickens is going to hatch some eggs, Ruby's grandma has to go to Hawaii for that new cousin, and a new friend on the horizon.

WHEW! Ruby and her grandmother write letters to each other and leave them in a special "post office" but when Ruby's grandma goes off to Hawaii for the birth of Ruby's cousin they have to send letters through the real post office. Ruby has a lot going on back in Aurora County that she needs to keep her grandmother in the loop on, and grandma helps guide Ruby from afar. There is so much going on in this book, and I would hate to spoil any of the fun.

It is funny, it is touching, it is brilliant!

It is summer time in Hallelujah, Mississippi and Ruby Lavender has a lot to deal with. She is taking care of some recently "liberated" chickens, missing her grandmother Miss Eula, who is on an extended visit to her son in Hawaii, and dealing with a nemesis, Melba Jane, all while trying to come to terms with a recent family tragedy. The heart of this story is the correspondence between Ruby and her grandmother while they spend this summer apart.
I can not praise this audio book highly enough. This wonderful children's book is just made to be read aloud. Judith Ivey gives a memorable performance and brings the book to life in a way that I have rarely experienced. The accents and voice pitch she employs are truly remarkable and convey many different emotions and ages, It has been days since we finished this book and it still sits vividly on my mind.
Don't be mislead by the cover of this book. The colorful watercolor style picture along with the cozy font led me to expect a light and airy kids book that would keep the kids happy for a few hours as we drove around , but have little depth or meaning beyond light entertainment. It is so much more than that. This is a very deep and affecting story which sucks you in from the beginning and really grabs you by the heart.
Half way through the book my kids said with such feeling" I HATE Melba Jane!" I love it when they get emotional about their "reading". I wondered aloud whether they would feel the same about that character by the end of the story and a great conversation ensued and continued when the book ended. Not only was there great character development in the pages of this book there was also some positive growth and empathy occuring in my car. This book will tear at your heart
Take my advice and hear this book. You will not be sorry.

Love, Ruby Lavender, is a realistic fiction book. It was written by Deborah Wiles. The story took place in Halleluiah, Mississippi, in the early 1900's. The characters lived a simple life and had ordinary problems, just like we do, today.

Ruby was a nine year old girl, who lived on a chicken farm with her mother and grandmother, who Ruby called Miss Eula. Ruby and her grandmother were very close and spent lots of time writing notes to each other. Ruby loved her three hens very much and spent time in the hen house, which she called the pink palace. Tragedy happened to Ruby's family when her grandfather died in a terrible wreck. He drove his truck off a bridge, killing himself and another man. The other man who died in the wreck had a little girl named Melba Jane. She did not like Ruby and tried very hard to make Ruby's life miserable.

I thought, Love, Ruby Lavender, was a good book to read. I liked it because it talked about family, friendship, helping others, and caring for animals. Ruby's life was not perfect and she learned to work through problems, forgive others, and find happiness in her life. I think girls, ages 9-12, would like to read this book. We can relate to different topics in the story.

It's been three years since I first read this book and I can't say "I love this book!" enough. An amazing novel for young girls that teaches independence. The author has a great sense of humor that shines through the story. Ruby Lavender is a perfect character for the plot and fits in expertly. The setting is described wonderfully and is also a fun environment for the character's to interact in. The author makes the read more whymsical by adding the letters that Ruby writes, instead of just saying "Ruby wrote a letter saying..." It also provides for a more realistic feeling. I don't have any suggestions for improvements that could be made on this masterpeice. I have read this book four times in the past three years and am still discovering new details. Anyone who ventures out into the magical world of "Love, Ruby Lavender" is on the right path and will enjoy the walk thoroughly.

All About Ruby
Love Ruby Lavender was the most outstanding book I ever read. I liked this book because it has excitement drama and a whole lot of other things to. The reason I did not like this book was the part when they put the diary entrees in there I did not like them because I do not want to know why they miss each other. Another part I did not like was when Ruby's grandpa and Melba Jane's dad died and Melba makes it seem like its Ruby's grandpa fault and that makes Ruby sad and like it her fault.
This book takes place in a beautiful city, Halleluia Mississippi. It is a small city with a lot of heart. The conflict in this book is Ruby's grandma Miss Eula is going to Hawaii and Ruby is jealous and misses her and does not what to have a new cousin. She fixed that problem by growing up and went on with her life even though she missed her grandma. I did not like how Ruby acted when her grandma left.
I think this book had a really good ending. It was about how Ruby grew up and made other friends. I like this ending because she starts to act more mature and acted more like her age.
There is this one event that happens at the beginning of this book that I think is really cool when Miss Eula and Ruby steal chickens and drives them away in a get away car to rescue them so they can have little chicks.

Here are some of the things that happened in the book are Ruby mom always cooks the same food over and over and Ruby does not like that food. Melba Jane and Ruby be come friends and they help each other all the time. One of the chickens had eggs but then they all died but one of them lived and had a good life by its self.
They wrote lot of letters to each other here is one of them.
Dear Ruby
I am flabbergasted! I am stupefied with joy! Bemmie has laid an EGG?? Oh joy and happy day! How lovely that Bemmie and Herman are sweet on each other-Bemmie is woman after my own heart. (Of course, Herman seems to be sweet on just about anybody. Somebody's going to have to talk to that man. He has no decorum.)
Love,
Your (so happy I could go surfing-I think I will!) grandmother,
Miss Eula
So as you can see they really missed each other and keep in touch with each other.
Here are all the main characters in this book:
Miss Eula
Ruby Lavender
Melba Jane
Ruby's Grandpa
Melba Jane's Dad
Uncle tater
Aunt tot
Bemmie
Herman
Dove
Miss Mattie
This book was outstanding and I hope there is another one the author of this book has a good use of words. By. Anthony Brown