( Y ) Books - Page 6

Young Fu of the Upper Yangtze

Elizabeth Foreman Lewis

List Price: $18.95 By: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) Amazon Marketplace: 19 new & used starting at $0.96

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 19 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

This is a great book! 5 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

I was sorry to see that many kids had trouble reading this book.
It's true that it may seem to bog down in spots, but only to build up to the next interesting bit that comes along.
This book is very well written, but, alas, it is not geared towards the younger set. One could compare it to, say, the Hornblower novels, or A Single Shard...
Perhaps the problem is with the Chinese culture being so different, but the main thrust of the book is a rags-to-riches theme, much like Horatio Alger's books, but not so simplistic.
People who have read the other works I mentioned should enjoy this book with little or no problem. But I know that there are cultures which I don't want to read about, maybe the Orient isn't your cup of tea (pun?)...
I wish it had been longer, as thick as "Shogun" or something...

Editorial Review:

This lively story of a coppersmith's young apprentice--rich in drama and light humor--was awarded the John Newbery Medal in 1932, and has entertained readers ever since. Handsome, authentic drawings by Ed Young enhance this edition, and the background notes provide a contrast between China as it was in the 1920s and as it is today. Contemporary young Americans will enjoy Young Fu's experiences with artisans, bandits, scholars, boatmen, and soldiers, and their understanding and view of China's past and present will deepen.

The Flying Latke

Arthur Yorinks

List Price: $6.99 By: Aladdin Amazon Marketplace: 7 new & used starting at $2.25

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 6 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Secret in-jokes in the book explained 4 out of 5 stars.
7 of 9 people found this review helpful.

Pssssst.... while many of the characters in the book look like photos of stock characters, upon closer look you may notice that some of the roles are played by the children's book publisher David Saylor; famed artists Maurice Sendak and Vladimir Radunsky; the illustrator William Steig; and the publisher Judith Rovenger.

Blooper mars otherwise charming story 3 out of 5 stars.
2 of 3 people found this review helpful.

A Jewish holiday, a funny and fanciful Jewish story make this book in many ways utterly charming. Even nominally traditional Jewish dietary laws are ignored, however, when the author serves the story's assembled family latkes, sour cream, and chicken (among other things) for dinner. An unfortunate error in judgment, in this reader's view.

Editorial Review:

When Danny's family gets together, it's always a mess. It's no different this Chanukah when an argument over a car erupts at the table. Arguing. Shouting. This. That. Oy, enough already!

But it only gets worse! When Uncle Izzy throws a latke out the window, the chaos really begins, as the FBI thinks it's a UFO and the air force tries to shoot it down!

And all over a Buick. Go figure.

Armageddon Summer

Jane Yolen, Bruce Coville

Amazon Price: $16.35 List Price: $16.35 Usually ships in 7 to 12 days By: Topeka Bindery Amazon Marketplace: 6 new & used starting at $11.95

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 71 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

A Unique Book 5 out of 5 stars.
6 of 6 people found this review helpful.

Novels written in the first person aren't very common; good novels written in the first person are even less so. This YA book is narrated by its main characters, Marina and Jed, who meet each other at a mountaintop encampment to await the end of the world. This style allows the authors to develop them into deep, likeable characters (and it takes a while to do so).

Realistic settings are vividly described and neatly merged with actual places. After Marina and Jed tell this story, you might be tempted to search for the (fictional) events in old newspapers!

Yes, this is a love story, but it's not junior chick-lit. It's an adventure, too. After about the middle of the book, the plot tightens. Although the climax occurs shy of the end, what comes after salvages hope from the ashes of the "armageddon."

The coauthors have done a fine job presenting the religious aspects of this story in a very non-judgmental and inoffensive way. It does not appear they are pushing a particular view--something to consider when choosing a young adult novel.

Most anyone with a young heart will enjoy ARMAGEDDON SUMMER.

-Mike Kelley,
Author of "Violent Night"

Editorial Review:

The world will end on Thursday, July 27, 2000. At least, that's what Reverend Beelson has told his congregation. Marina's mom believes him. So does Jed's dad. That's why they drag Marina and Jed to join the reverend's flock at a mountain retreat. From the mountaintop they will all watch the Righteous Conflagration that will end this world--and then they will descend and begin the world anew. But this world has only just begun for Jed and Marina, two teenagers with more attitude than faith. Why should the world end now, when they've just fallen in love? Told in alternating chapters from both Jed's and Marina's points of view, this first-ever collaboration between two masters of children's literature is a story about faith and friendship, love and loss . . . and the things that matter most at the End of the World.

Where Have the Unicorns Gone?

Jane Yolen

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 9 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Where Have the Unicorns Gone 3 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

I bought this book for my kindergarten daughter who loves unicorns. She is expecting a story and gets disappointed since there is no story line in this book.

Awesome book! Beautiful! 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

I absolutely loved this book! I picked it out as a birthday gift for my 4 years old son. It is beautiful! The art is exquisite! Ruth Sanderson uses amazing colors and symbols to put Yolen's poem into pictures: the unicorns are running away trying to survive in a world where the coldness of steel, the darkness of pollution are slowly creeping into their dreamy perfect universe. Although I agree with another reviewer that the book is missing that poetry, fairy tale fragrance usually connected to unicorns, I have to admit that I like Yolen's interesting twist. It is perfectly true that a fast pace heavily industrialized world leaves very little room for poetry, fairy tales and everything that used to represent a mystical childhood dream. The unicorns are running away from all that, becoming one with the water and the waves.
This book is definitely a must have.

Editorial Review:

Long ago unicorns lived in a haven of sun-dappled glades and flower-filled dells. But as civilization spread over the ages -- with its fierce knights, its chugging trains, its thick smogs -- unicorns had to find a new sanctuary. But where?

Jane Yolen finds a magical answer in the traditional unicorn myth. Her rhythmic, rhymed text is irresistible to read aloud. And Ruth Sanderson's brilliant artwork gives unicorns a bold reality in everything from ancient cave paintings to their secret, present-day home. After reading this tribute to the mystical, mysterious unicorn, children will enjoy looking for these elusive creatures in the world around them.

The Barefoot Book of Ballet Stories

Jane Yolen; Heidi E. Y. Stemple

Amazon Price: $19.59 List Price: $19.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Barefoot Books Amazon Marketplace: 41 new & used starting at $4.71

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Subjects -> Children's Books -> Arts & Music -> Performing Arts -> Dance -> Nonfiction

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 4 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Overcooked prose 2 out of 5 stars.
7 of 12 people found this review helpful.

Evidently this book was meant to appeal to adults as well as children through its use of grown-up language, and while I can't speak for my kids (to whom I read a couple of the stories), I found the writing off-putting. The prose put me in mind of what I imagine one would find in a supermarket bodice-buster. The authors demonstrate a distinct fondness for one-word sentences, breathy declarations of undying love between characters, and the word "gossamer." For me, too much gossamer lends a certain heavy quality to the text. Pretty pictures, though.

Editorial Review:

Let yourself be drawn into the magical world of the dance with this sumptuous anthology. Love, laughter, betrayal, adventure and tragedy intertwine to create stories that will reach deep into the heart and dreams of the reader. The story of "The Sleeping Beauty" will whisk you away to the thorny castle where Princess Aurora awaits her prince; the comedy and confusion of "Coppélia" will delight you, and the magical adventures of Clara in "The Nutcracker" will entrance you.

Featuring a brief history of classical ballet, as well as historical details of each dance, composition, choreography and early performances, this book will captivate anyone with a love of this awe-inspiring art.

Letting Swift River Go

Jane Yolen

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 7 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Deep book about dealing with loss 5 out of 5 stars.
6 of 6 people found this review helpful.

The best thing about this book is its refusal to play games with your child's mind. Rejecting the shameless tear-jerking of so much media aimed at children, this book embraces the grand tradition of children's books that takes children seriously. This is a book about dealing with loss about about letting go, but also a book that makes the reader reflect on what is good about life. Warts and all, life is sweet. As a historian, I really appreciate that Yolen tries hard to show what her valley was like AND what it is like after the dam is built. Kids are frightened when they see orchards being ripped out for suburbs; this is a book about dealing with that kind of loss.

Hits too close to home 5 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

Simply outstanding book which perfectly captures the unbearably devastating situation. The author writes with simplicity and heart, easy enough for children to comprehend but also with the intelligence for adults.

My family settled in the Swift River Valley and were raising their young children when Boston's attitude about "those people" destroyed their way of life. I grew up hearing stories about the life lost and, in most cases, never regained. The friendliness of neighbors, picnics and social events at the churches. Gram would know when it was time to start supper because she'd hear Grandpa's lumber truck shifting gears as it descended into the valley.

Imagine being a child (as were my uncles) and, not only losing your home, but watching everything you knew being demolished. And attending the very last community get-together where people cried and hearts were broken. The residents that Boston politicans and establishment so cruelly cast aside were forced to find homes in usually rural areas, and never again regained sense of support and community.

Readers of this important book should someday take it with them on a visit to the Quabbin, particularly when there is a dry spell and the water is low. From Route 202 walk the old dirt roads and see the foundations of homes long ago, and continue on down the road until it dips down into the water -- and look at more relics of the past through the clear Quabbin water.

Better yet, take a ride in a boat.

Editorial Review:

Relates Sally Jane's experience of changing times in rural America, as she lives through the drowning of the Swift River towns in western Massachusetts to form the Quabbin Reservoir.

Mightier Than the Sword: World Folktales for Strong Boys

Jane Yolen

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 2 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Great Folktales for Boys & Others! 5 out of 5 stars.
20 of 22 people found this review helpful.

This is a great collection of folktales specifically selected for the author's sons and grandson. The stories are interesting and exciting - they'll hold the attention of the most reluctant reader. Disguised under the fun tales are great lessons of character and integrity that boys today need so desperately to hear. I highly recommend it to parents, teachers, and kids!

Stories of clever boys 4 out of 5 stars.
16 of 17 people found this review helpful.

This is an excellent collection of folktales featuring heroes who overcome adversity using their wits rather than brute force. My six-year-old son absolutely loves this book, his favourite story is The Devil with Three Golden Hairs, but he loves them all. I enjoy reading most of the stories to him myself, though I admit I found a couple of them a little dull, but most of them are wonderful. The stories come from many different cultures, but all feature clever, likeable heroes .This book should appeal to any boy with imagination.

Editorial Review:

From China to Burma, Afghanistan to America, this collection of fourteen familiar and little-known stories tells the tales of sons, brothers, kings, and trolls--men and boys united by a common heroism that comes from strength of character, wisdom, and compassion. These stories show that brains trump brawn every time.
Renowned storyteller Jane Yolen has created an exciting companion book to her Book Sense 76 Pick Not One Damsel in Distress. An inspired collection of dramatic tales, Mightier Than the Sword will inspire boys and girls alike.

Wham! It's a Poetry Jam: Discovering Performance Poetry

Sara Holbrook

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 3 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Another Great Book for Students to Steal From Your Shelves! 5 out of 5 stars.
9 of 9 people found this review helpful.

Of course, I am not advocating robbery, but all of the books that I put on my shelves by Sara disappear. This book will be another of those. I teach high school English to 9th graders and her books have broad appeal with my struggling readers and to my honor students. She speaks to the adolescent in all of them including me. It, however, is a great book for teachers to use to begin working on the art of performance poetry and poetry slams with your students. So if you are not afraid of a little noise, enthusiasm and excitement in your class then Wham ---get your own copy to jam with Sara and your students!

GREAT 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 4 people found this review helpful.

Her daughter is my teacher and we did an activity at the end of the year with this book. It really is top quality. Very Good!

Beginners to Poetry Jam's Start Here 4 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

Holbrook, Sara. 2002. Wham! It's a Poetry Jam: Discovering Performance Poetry. Honesdale, PA: Wordsong Publishing. ISBN 1569379885.

"Show the world that poetry was never meant to simply lie quietly on the page, any more than kids were meant to sit quietly in their seats to read it." With this closing line Holbrook encourages teachers and librarians to try out the exercises outlined in this work to get kids up and performing poems from favorite poets and their own creations. The author includes her own poetry in this work to demonstrate performance poetry and include tips and advice to adults and kids on how best to perform certain works.

The format of this work lends itself to adults wanting to include performance poetry and poetry jams in their classrooms or programs. Each poem is paired with explanations on how best to perform the poem out loud, alone or with a group. The instructions are included at the beginning and end of each poem, and additional cues are highlighted in colored boxes of various shapes on each page. The author includes open ended questions to encourage children to think about how the poem sounds when performed with different tones and emotions and ways to include movement in the performance. Each page of cues, instructions and poems give teachers ample information on not only performing the poem offered but also encouraging children to want to perform. The work begins with poems suited to more than one voice to give children the safety of performing as a group. Holbrook then moves on to solo performances and how to instill the courage in children to give this a try.

The most useful chapter for adults working with children is "Get Ready to Wham: A Word (or Two) About Contests. This chapter provides useful information in hosting a poetry jam that would be a contest between performers. Holbrook includes instructions for who can participate, how to keep score, who the judges should be, the rules to follow, who is in charge of the contest, and other information to ensure a smooth and fun poetry jam for all contestants. The inclusion of this chapter is clearly helpful to beginners in the poetry jam field.

Holbrook's enthusiasm for the subject comes through loud and clear. Unfortunately, her chipper tone and dramatic phrasing could turn some young teens off. This book is best suited for teaching adults. There are a lot of good solid pieces of advice, instruction, and tips in this short work for teachers and librarians. From the use of stage space to the tone, rhythm and emotion behind the words to the volume and strength of the voice, Holbrook offers the right information to inspire adults to give performance poetry a try in the classroom or library programs.

Sword of the Rightful King: A Novel of King Arthur

Jane Yolen

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 31 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

No one reads the review if the reviewer gives 4 stars. 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

This book was very entertaining, and surprising. I love books about King Arthur, I mean the legend is just so cool! Or is it history? HA-HA! Jane Yolen's book had a different twist to the King Arthur story. She had all the main parts of the legend--the sword in the stone, Merlin, Arthur as the Bear, the Round Table--but she had little details that made her story...more original in a way. There wasn't a whole lot of action, but it was still an interesting story. Gawen travels to King Arthur's court at the time Merlin is devising a plan to get Arthur's popluarity up and going. So us readers are kind of in the backstage of "Escalibur".

Editorial Review:

The newly crowned King Arthur has yet to win the support of the people. Merlin must do something before the king is betrayed, or murdered, or--worst of all--gets married. So Merlin creates a trick: a sword magically placed into a slab of rock that only Arthur can withdraw. Then he lets it be known that whosoever removes the blade will rule all of England, and invites any man who would dare, to try to pull out the sword.

But then someone else pulls the sword out first. . . .

Raising Yoder's Barn

Jane Yolen

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 4 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

The Amish Community in Raising Yoder's Barn 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

Jane Yolen has written a substantial number of picturebooks. She touches fantasy, the ghoulish, the comic, and also thecultural in her many titles. Some of her titles have struck me as too dark or gory for young children, and some have struck me as a little too political, but most of her work I have found quite enjoyable. Of all her books that I have read, however, Raising Yoder's Barn is the best.

It is an exploration of the Amish community way of life. The story is told from the point of view of a young boy, Yoder's son. He tells of a lightning strike that burns his family's barn to the ground, and the resulting "barn raising" that their Amish community holds to help the family recover from the loss. The text is beautiful, almost poetic, and Bernie Fuchs's paintings offer an emotional enhancement to the story. He uses slight blurring and an emphasis on light to make emotional statements with each one. It's lovely.

The story nicely conveys the religious faith of the Amish, with Yoder encouraging his family at the end of the barn raising to give thanks to God for His wonderful provision.

A poignant way to introduce children to the Amish lifestyle.

Editorial Review:

After the barn and windmill burn on an Amish family's farm, Samuel Stulzfoot is summoned with plans for a new barn, and a strong community allegiance is shown in how quickly the neighbors respond in the aftermath of the destruction. Full color.