( P ) Books

Brisingr (Inheritance, Book 3)

Christopher Paolini

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Editorial Review:

OATHS SWORN . . . loyalties tested . . . forces collide.

Following the colossal battle against the Empire’s warriors on the Burning Plains, Eragon and his dragon, Saphira, have narrowly escaped with their lives. Still there is more at hand for the Rider and his dragon, as Eragon finds himself bound by a tangle of promises he may not be able to keep.

First is Eragon’s oath to his cousin Roran: to help rescue Roran’s beloved, Katrina, from King Galbatorix’s clutches. But Eragon owes his loyalty to others, too. The Varden are in desperate need of his talents and strength—as are the elves and dwarves. When unrest claims the rebels and danger strikes from every corner, Eragon must make choices— choices that take him across the Empire and beyond, choices that may lead to unimagined sacrifice.

Eragon is the greatest hope to rid the land of tyranny. Can this once-simple farm boy unite the rebel forces and defeat the king?

Hatchet

Gary Paulsen

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 1145 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Hatchet... The most interesting book in the world! 4 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

Do you like adventure books? If you do you should definiatly read this book Hatchet by Gary Paulsen. Hatchet has a little bit of comedy, some cliffhangers, and a bunch of adventure. Brian Robeson is on a plane to go visit his father in Canada. On the way his pilot has a heart attack and unfortunatly dies. Brian doesn't know how to fly a plane which means it crashes. Brian is stuck in the wilderness with only the hatchet his mother had given him earlier that day. Will Brian find shelter? Will Brian find food? Will Brian survive? Read Hatchet by Gary Paulsen to find out!

Editorial Review:

ALONE

Thirteen-year-old Brian Robeson is on his way to visit his father when the single-engine plane in which he is flying crashes. Suddenly, Brian finds himself alone in the Canadian wilderness with nothing but a tattered Windbreaker and the hatchet his mother gave him as a present -- and the dreadful secret that has been tearing him apart since his parent's divorce. But now Brian has no time for anger, self pity, or despair -- it will take all his know-how and determination, and more courage than he knew he possessed, to survive.

For twenty years Gary Paulsen's award-winning contemporary classic has been the survival story with which all others are compared. This new edition, with a reading group guide, will introduce a new generation of readers to this page-turning, heart-stopping adventure.

His Dark Materials Trilogy (The Golden Compass; The Subtle Knife; The Amber Spyglass)

Philip Pullman

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 1085 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Dark Materials a Triple Threat or Three Times a Charm? Awesome Novels! 5 out of 5 stars.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful.

When I saw the Golden Compass movie The Golden Compass (New Line Platinum Series Two-Disc Widescreen Edition) and the excellent acting of Nicole Kidman and Daniel Craig (much different than his 007 role that same year, obviously), I wanted to read the book. Then I saw the reviews of the trilogy written by Phillip Pullman and was taken aback by the lower star reviews, accusations of religious suppression and not allowing these books to be read by children (winner of the British Book Award for Children amongst other top accolades!). Gosh, where was I, back in Puritan New England?

To be a brief review, The Golden Compass was much richer than the film. Lyra Belacqua is a brat of the girl, knows the ropes and has street smarts and is a compulsive liar. She lives in an alternate reality where one wears ones' soul, which is in the form of a "daemon", an animal that lives as you live and takes on a personality that reflects your own. Wolves for soldiers, snakes for lawyers, that kind of thing. Someone is kidnapping children. When her best friend is kidnapped as well, she searches for him, has a run-in with Mrs. Coulter (quite the nasty b*tch with the nasty smile, which Kidman captured well in the film), giant bears in armor and the discovery of a secret lab up north that would make Frankenstein jealous. An ending that could mean the end of all dimensions. Kinda reminded me of Crisis on Infinite Earths (comics story) mixed with Harry Potter, sort of. Slow slogging, but picks up the pace quite well. The movie ends about three-quarters into the book.

The Subtle Knife is a knife that can cut a hole into any universe. Its acquisition of it requires physical loss and despair. Will feels he's up to the task. With a father who abandoned him long ago and a mother who is one card short of a full deck, he meets up with Lyra from the last book. This is their story. But it's also a story of the Church. The Church in this universe is suppressive, and wants to stop Lord Asriel, who wants to start a new war against "The Authority". Complete with angels and vampires that suck your soul out of your body, I can understand why a narrow-minded, shortsighted evangelist might feel offended. But come on! It's a fictional story. A fantasy with angels and demons. The author `s message is not kill all religion and destroy God. It's a story of hope, honor and integrity, friends and foes. What struck me is wondering who the bad guys really were. A bit long on plot and short on realism, but hey, it's a fantasy.

The Amber Spyglass introduces a scientist from our own time who slips into a third dimension. You see, there are holes into other universes that some people forgot to close up. She finds a race of creatures who live by an interesting code of honor and cooperation. The Amber Spyglass is an instrument that can see Dust, this stuff that seems to be composed of the "stuff" of the universe. The "kill God" plot is secondary to the fate of Lord Asriel, Lyra and her love for her parents and Will. Definitely lessons learned here would be satisfactory for any parent to pass onto their children.

So is Phillip Pullman trying to create atheists from his novels? No. No more than J.K. Rowling is trying to create witches and promote potions and spells with Harry Potter.

These stories won awards for their language, integrity and merit. God is Love and that's what the story's about. Can't be simpler than that. I'm no stranger to religious bigotry and intolerance. This set of books is far from that conclusion.

Overall, 5 stars for the bravery of the author to tackle controversy through the instrument of fantasy stories and the development of Lyra, a character who learns there's more to life than lying and street smarts!

Editorial Review:

In the epic trilogy His Dark Materials, Philip Pullman unlocks the door to worlds parallel to our own. Dæmons and winged creatures live side by side with humans, and a mysterious entity called Dust just might have the power to unite the universes--if it isn't destroyed first. The three books in Pullman's heroic fantasy series, published as mass-market paperbacks with new covers, are united here in one boxed set that includes The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife, and The Amber Spyglass. Join Lyra, Pantalaimon, Will, and the rest as they embark on the most breathtaking, heartbreaking adventure of their lives. The fate of the universe is in their hands. (Ages 13 and older)

Nation

Terry Pratchett

Amazon Price: $11.55 List Price: $16.99 Not yet published By: HarperCollins

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 32 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Change of pace for Mr. Pratchett 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

Most readers will know Terry Pratchett from his Discworld series. This book is in its own setting on an island that has been ravaged by a tidal wave. The writing is excellent and the story is well paced. The wit and humor of the Discworld series is toned down a bit for this book. Overall it was very enjoyable, although it might be a little intense for younger readers.

Editorial Review:

The sea has taken everything.

Mau is the only one left after a giant wave sweeps his island village away. But when much is taken, something is returned, and somewhere in the jungle Daphne—a girl from the other side of the globe—is the sole survivor of a ship destroyed by the same wave.

Together the two confront the aftermath of catastrophe. Drawn by the smoke of Mau and Daphne's sheltering fire, other refugees slowly arrive: children without parents, mothers without babies, husbands without wives—all of them hungry and all of them frightened. As Mau and Daphne struggle to keep the small band safe and fed, they defy ancestral spirits, challenge death himself, and uncover a long-hidden secret that literally turns the world upside down. . . .

Internationally revered storyteller Terry Pratchett presents a breathtaking adventure of survival and discovery, and of the courage required to forge new beliefs.

Junie B. Jones's First Boxed Set Ever! (Books 1-4)

Barbara Park

Amazon Price: $13.57 List Price: $19.96 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Random House Books for Young Readers Amazon Marketplace: 50 new & used starting at $7.99

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 162 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Poor Grammar is Fun--shameful 1 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

If you want your child to learn poor English then the Junie B. Jones series is for you.

I just don't care for Junie B. Jones books 1 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

I have purchased several of these books for my daughter to read, hoping that somehow they might get better. They don't. I am not literary scholar but, Junie B. Jones does not talk like any 1st grader I know. I can't stand to read the books because of the stupid way this character talks. She talks more like a toddler. When my child reads, I want her to expand her vocabulary, not move backwards. I agree with the other one star reviewers. I would check one out of the library first to see if you like it, before you buy one of these books.

Editorial Review:

Outrageously sassy Junie B. Jones will make young kids crave their daily dose of reading. And with this handy four-volume boxed set, whether they start with Junie B. Jones and Some Sneaky Peeky Spying or Junie B. Jones and Her Big Fat Mouth, readers will laugh out loud at Junie B.'s hilarious mishaps and breathtakingly horrible grammar. Although the books should come with a caveat--Kids, don't try this syntax at home!--alert parents and teachers can use her malapropisms as learning opportunities for their impressionable charges. The set contains the first four titles in Barbara Park's extensive series (energetically illustrated by Denise Brunkus), including Junie B. Jones and a Little Monkey Business and Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus. All are great for reading aloud. (Ages 5 to 8) --Emilie Coulter

Eragon (Inheritance)

Christopher Paolini

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 83 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

LOVE IT!!! 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

I got this book when I was in 4th grade and I LOVED IT!!! It is very well writen and has a good plot. The only part of the book where I felt bored was at the start of the book. I also enjoyed Eldest, and am awaiting the release of Brisngr.

LOVE IT!!!!

Editorial Review:

Fifteen-year-old Eragon believes that he is merely a poor farm boy—until his destiny as a Dragon Rider is revealed. Gifted with only an ancient sword, a loyal dragon, and sage advice from an old storyteller, Eragon is soon swept into a dangerous tapestry of magic, glory, and power. Now his choices could save—or destroy—the Empire.

“An authentic work of great talent.”—The New York Times Book Review

“Christopher Paolini make[s] literary magic with his precocious debut.”—People

“Unusual, powerful, fresh, and fluid.”—Booklist, Starred

“An auspicious beginning to both career and series.”—Publishers Weekly

A New York Times Bestseller

A USA Today Bestseller

A Wall Street Journal Bestseller

A Book Sense Bestseller


From the Hardcover edition.

Beatrix Potter The Complete Tales

Beatrix Potter

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 41 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

A Book for All ages... 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

I bought this for my 14 year old niece. She has a slight reading problem, as some kids do and this book has helped her to want to learn to read more then prior to receiving it. Outstanding for family read alongs.

Beautiful book 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

I purchased this book for myself but ended up giving it to a friend for her new twins. I'm sure they will enjoy it as much as I did. Beautiful publication. I read Peter Rabbit as a child long ago and didn't realize it was Beatrix Potter. She's a special favorite of mine.

Wonderful book !! 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

This book is beautifully presented and a true gem for any library or child's collection. All of the stories are presented in the order in which they were written and published. All of the original illustrations are there as well.

I highly recommend this book....it is reasonably priced and complete.

Editorial Review:

This complete and unabridged collection contains all 23 of Beatrix Potter's Tales in one deluxe volume with all their original illustrations. The stories are arranged in the order in which they were first published so they may be read in their proper sequence. A special section at the end of this volume contains four additional works by Beatrix Potter that were not published during her lifetime. Beautifully reissued with a newly designed slipcase and jacket—a truly stunning gift.

Inheritance 3-Book Hardcover Boxed Set (Eragon, Eldest, Brisingr)

Christopher Paolini

Amazon Price: $42.49 List Price: $67.45 Not yet published By: Knopf Books for Young Readers

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Editorial Review:

WITH THE HIGHLY anticipated publication of Book Three in the Inheritance cycle, the hardcover editions of all three books will be available in a handsome boxed set!

Eldest (Inheritance, Book 2)

Christopher Paolini

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 1495 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

Surpassing its popular prequel Eragon, this second volume in the Inheritance trilogy shows growing maturity and skill on the part of its very young author, who was only seventeen when the first volume was published in 2003. The story is solidly in the tradition (some might say derivative) of the classic heroic quest fantasy, with the predictable cast of dwarves, elves, and dragons--but also including some imaginatively creepy creatures of evil.

The land of Alagaesia is suffering under the Empire of the wicked Galbatorix, and Eragon and his dragon Saphira, last of the Riders, are the only hope. But Eragon is young and has much to learn, and so he is sent off to the elven forest city of Ellesmera, where he and Saphira are tutored in magic, battle skills, and the ancient language by the wise former Rider Oromis and his elderly dragon Glaedr. Meanwhile, back at Carvahall, Eragon's home, his cousin Roran is the target of a siege by the hideous Ra'zac, and he must lead the villagers on a desperate escape over the mountains. The two narratives move toward a massive battle with the forces of Galbatorix, where Eragon learns a shocking secret about his parentage and commits himself to saving his people.

The sheer size of the novel, as well as its many characters, places with difficult names, and its use of imaginary languages make this a challenging read, even for experienced fantasy readers. It is essential to have the plot threads of the first volume well in mind before beginning--the publisher has provided not only a map, but a helpful synopsis of the first book and a much-needed Language Guide. But no obstacles will deter the many fans of Eragon from diving headfirst into this highly-awaited fantasy. (Ages 12 and up) --Patty Campbell

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Meet Author Christopher Paolini
Christopher Paolini's abiding love of fantasy and science fiction inspired him to begin writing his debut novel, Eragon, when he graduated from high school at age 15.

"Writing is the heart and soul of my being. It is the means through which I bring my stories to life. There is nothing like putting words on a page and knowing that they will summon certain emotions and reactions from the reader. In my writing, I strive for a lyrical beauty somewhere between Tolkien at his best and Seamus Heaney's translation of Beowulf." --Christopher Paolini

Paolini talks more about the series, and about what inspires him in this video clip.
Watch the video (high bandwith)
Watch the video (low bandwith)

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The Eragon/Eldest Boxed Set


Want to learn more about the series? Check out our review of Eragon: Here's a great big fantasy that you can pull over your head like a comfy old sweater and disappear into for a whole weekend. Christopher Paolini began Eragon when he was just 15, and the book shows the influence of Tolkien, of course, but also Terry Brooks, Anne McCaffrey, and perhaps even Wagner in its traditional quest structure and the generally agreed-upon nature of dwarves, elves, dragons, and heroic warfare with magic swords. Read more

Order your copy of the boxed set today

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Learn the Lingo
Our quickie pronunciation guide will help you get to know some of the names and places in the Inheritance series.

Ajihad

AH-zhi-hod

The Leader of the Varden

Argetlam	ARE-jet-lahm	Elven word to describe Dragon Riders meaning "silver hand"
Arya	AR-ee-uh	A powerful elf who is both beautiful and a master swordswoman
Eragon	EHR-uh-gahn	A Dragon Rider from Carvahall
Ra-zac	RAA-zack	Evil creatures
Saphira	suh-FEAR-uh	Eragon's dragon

*Art copyright © 2004 John Jude Palencar

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Thank You, Mr. Falker

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 78 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Thank you, Mr. Falker 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

Wonderful book. My daughter brought it home from the library. I then took it to my school to read to my middle grades students who struggle with reading. Since the library wouldn't donate the book permanently to my collection :-) I elected to purchase my own copy. Highly recommended!

Editorial Review:

Patricia Polacco is now one of America's most loved children's book creators, but once upon a time, she was a little girl named Trisha starting school. Trisha could paint and draw beautifully, but when she looked at words on a page, all she could see was jumble. It took a very special teacher to recognize little Trisha's dyslexia: Mr. Falker, who encouraged her to overcome her reading disability. Patricia Polacco will never forget him, and neither will we.

This inspiring story is available in a deluxe slipcased edition, complete with a personal letter to readers from Patricia Polacco herself. Thank You, Mr. Falker will make a beautiful gift for the special child who needs encouragement&150or any special teacher who has made a difference in the child's life.