Fiction Books

Freak The Mighty (Scholastic Signature)

Rodman Philbrick

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 525 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

"Freak The Mighty "by Rodman Philbrick 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

My son who is fifteen came home in the beginning of the school year 07 and was wild about a book, but couldn't remember to tell me its proper title. It has been a struggle to get him to read anything other than the covers to the next PS3 gangster/ mafia blue ray game.
I purchased this book on a lark that maybe he might read something about an odd friendship, seeing as he is forever dragging home misfit types to befriend. When the book arrived he saw it and his face lit up,while yelping "this is the book I told you about", my heart sank thinking I had wasted my money, he had already read it.Promptly he took the book upstairs to his room and didn't put it down until it was finished. It has got to be interesting and well written. Best of all it actually proved to be more powerful and captivating to a fifteen year old than a PS3 game.
Now my son has asked me if there are anymore books by the same author, smiling I answered "of course my boy of course"

Editorial Review:

A stunning young adult novel by Rodman Philbrick that tells the heartwrenching story of two ³special ed² boys who pair up to form a unique and empowering friendship. Two boys‹a slow learner stuck in the body of a teenage giant and a tiny Einstein in leg braces‹forge a unique friendship when they pair up to create one formidable human force. Made into the film, The Mighty.

Gathering Blue

Lois Lowry

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 277 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Lois Lowry's magnificent novel of the distant future, The Giver, is set in a highly technical and emotionally repressed society. This eagerly awaited companion volume, by contrast, takes place in a village with only the most rudimentary technology, where anger, greed, envy, and casual cruelty make ordinary people's lives short and brutish. This society, like the one portrayed in The Giver, is controlled by merciless authorities with their own complex agendas and secrets. And at the center of both stories there is a young person who is given the responsibility of preserving the memory of the culture--and who finds the vision to transform it.

Kira, newly orphaned and lame from birth, is taken from the turmoil of the village to live in the grand Council Edifice because of her skill at embroidery. There she is given the task of restoring the historical pictures sewn on the robe worn at the annual Ruin Song Gathering, a solemn day-long performance of the story of their world's past. Down the hall lives Thomas the Carver, a young boy who works on the intricate symbols carved on the Singer's staff, and a tiny girl who is being trained as the next Singer. Over the three artists hovers the menace of authority, seemingly kind but suffocating to their creativity, and the dark secret at the heart of the Ruin Song.

With the help of a cheerful waif called Matt and his little dog, Kira at last finds the way to the plant that will allow her to create the missing color--blue--and, symbolically, to find the courage to shape the future by following her art wherever it may lead. With astonishing originality, Lowry has again created a vivid and unforgettable setting for this thrilling story that raises profound questions about the mystery of art, the importance of memory, and the centrality of love. (Ages 10 and older) --Patty Campbell

Tangerine

Edward Bloor

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 461 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Excellent book - especially for middle school boys 5 out of 5 stars.
8 of 8 people found this review helpful.

I'm a 46 year-old Mom and I bought this book because of the great reviews, but I didn't know which son to give it to. My 4th grader falls into the age-range mentioned here at amazon, but based on the plot synopses here I felt it was more a book my 7th grader would like.

So I read it myself first. I LOVED it. What a great, moving, inspiring, different book. As stay-with-you as Hoot, or Terabithia, or Stargirl, or... to date myself ... as The Outsiders.

It's well-written, it's gripping, it's multi-layered, and it manages to keep track of multiple story arcs within itself without dropping any or using any sort of deux ex machina to get out of any. It presents it's villains without caricature, and it's heroes without pandering. It surprises you at nearly every turn - but not in a forced we-need-a-plot-twist way.

I won't describe the plot as it as been so well-described here. I'll just reiterate that this is an amazing young adult novel that I thoroughly enjoyed for myself as well.

And I personally would not give this to my 4th grader. Not that the reading level is too difficult, but I think the content is too dark and the layers perhaps too subtle for a 10 year-old. I'm giving this book to my 7th grader tomorrow (I just finished it tonight!) and I know he'll devour it.

Editorial Review:

So what if he's legally blind? Even with his bottle-thick, bug-eyed glasses, Paul Fisher can see better than most people. He can see the lies his parents and brother live out, day after day. No one ever listens to Paul, though--until the family moves to Tangerine. In Tangerine, even a blind, geeky, alien freak can become cool. Who knows? Paul might even become a hero! Edward Bloor's debut novel sparkles with wit, authenticity, unexpected plot twists, and heart. The writing is so fine, the story so triumphant, that you just might stand up and shout when you get to the end. Hooray!

Since We're Friends: An Autism Picture Book

Celeste Shally

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 14 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

Children with autism struggle to make friends and navigate social situations. However, one child can make a significant difference in the life of a child with autism by offering compassion, understanding and friendship.

Since We re Friends is about two boys. One has autism, the other does not. The story of their relationship provides practical examples of how to make such a friendship work. It will help children see that their peers with autism can make a fun, genuine contribution to friendship.

From the publisher:
The prevalence of autism has skyrocketed in recent years. One in every 150 children is now living with this pervasive developmental disorder. The handful of autism children s books on the market represents the most severe cases of autism. However, most children with autism are much less severe. These misunderstood children struggle in social situations and have difficulty making friends. Since We re Friends will appeal to family members, friends, teachers, therapists, doctors, neighbors, and anyone who seeks to know and understand more about children with autism.

The Door in the Wall (Books for Young Readers)

Marguerite De Angeli

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 79 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

WARNING: ONLY READ THIS BOOK IF YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY FORCED TO! 1 out of 5 stars.
2 of 9 people found this review helpful.

I'm sorry for having such a negative comment but after reading this book, I thought, "WHY WOULD ANYONE WANNA READ THIS?" My mind began wandering off after reading just the 2nd page. I certainly do not believe that this book is for children younger than 12, especially if you have no historical knowledge of the background of this story. I think that adults would enjoy this book much more than a child or a student. I would not recommend this book to anyone.

I think that the main reason I did not enjoy this book was the way that Marguerite de Angeli worded or wrote this book, such as the way that she used the terms, 'twill and thee. Who uses those words anymore?

-THIS WAS WRITTEN FROM A 12 YEAR OLDS PERSPECTIVE OF THE BOOK.

Don't remember 3 out of 5 stars.
0 of 1 people found this review helpful.

unfortunately i don't remember much of this book...I think the style of writing was dry. Or perhaps it was the subject matter.

audio books 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

These audio books help children that are having trouble with the written word. I also use them in the car, so each trip we hear more of the story. The kids love them and I think it makes them interested in reading.

Editorial Review:

Set in the fourteenth century, the classic story of one boy's personal heroism when he loses the use of his legs.

Things That Are

Andrew Clements

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 2 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

THINGS THAT ARE good to read 5 out of 5 stars.
9 of 9 people found this review helpful.

A new book by Andrew Clements is a book which won't remain long unopened in my house, and this one I snapped up in one short afternoon. THINGS THAT ARE is Clements's third book in his YA series (after Things Not Seen and Things Hoped For) and reintroduces us to a world inhabited by invisible people. It's certainly a cool sci-fi concept, but this series is made even more captivating by the author's sensitive portrayal of his lead characters. Andrew Clements, a school teacher for many years, is mainly a writer of stories targeted for middle grade children, and he's quite wonderful at it. The THINGS... series is his stab at reaching a teen audience and, naturally, he emphatically succeeds. The caveat to all this, of course, is that his readership actually spans from those in childhood to those like me, who are this much closer to dotage. Pretty much anyone, however old, is susceptible to being ensnared by Andrew Clements' warm and perceptive brand of storytelling.

THINGS THAT ARE focuses squarely on Alicia Van Dorn, the teenaged blind girl so memorably featured in THINGS NOT SEEN, the first book in the series. In that book, Alicia proved to be as important a character as the main protagonist, Bobby Phillips. Her heartfelt letter to Bobby at the end of THINGS NOT SEEN is one of the best, most moving parts of that book. THINGS THAT ARE tracks two days in the lives of Alicia and Bobby. It begins shortly after the events in THINGS HOPED FOR, as Alicia awaits Bobby's return from his college auditions in New York (Bobby's a musician).

Firstly, I admit to Alicia being my favorite character in this bunch of books. I admire her courage and fierce independence, and how she always strives to live life as fully as she can, despite her blindness. THINGS THAT ARE probes her feelings for Bobby and the first brief chapter opens with her determining to talk out their relationship with him, once he arrives. But the mushy stuff is rapidly put on the backburner as William, the invisible fugitive from THINGS HOPED FOR, shows up and has a disturbing conversation with Alicia. Not too long after, Alicia and her parents are visited at home by FBI agents. Then there are Alicia and Bobby's fathers, who are up to their necks in covert lab experiments...

At 167 pages, this is yet another excellent read by a guy who knows how to write. Again, the characters come to life. With Alicia narrating in first person, we get to know her even better. Andrew Clements goes into good detail about how Alicia copes with her blindness, the constant battle she wages to remain positive and keep pressing on. She receives invaluable help from her sweet-natured guide dog Gertie. It's awesome, as well, to see Bobby, who again displays his resourcefulness and talent for mimicry. There's not too much that's off-kilter with this book, but I guess if there were something which nagged at me, it's that Alicia's poetry and Bobby's music aren't much in evidence here. This is a bit disappointing because poetry and music are so much an integral part of Alicia and Bobby's respective makeups. There's also a deus ex machina element which enters the picture later in the book. It didn't put me off, but it did make me think: "That's a bit of a lucky thing there."

One of the things I enjoy about Clements' writing is that he takes these unexpected paths. One character from THINGS HOPED FOR does a 180 in terms of how that character's perceived. Trust is a big theme in THINGS THAT ARE, and how this book ends hinges largely on a crucial decision which Alicia makes, a decision which if left to Bobby would have marked a different resolution to the story. THINGS THAT ARE isn't much in the action-adventure department, so readers expecting bang-out suspense will be disappointed. This isn't that kind of a book. Oh, there's an aura of peril and tension here, and several anxious moments. But Clements doesn't much invest in epic storytelling. What he excels in is breathing life into those little moments, which then become signature moments. Which is why you grow to care so much for his characters.

I get the feeling that this isn't the last entry in the series, not with how some things are left unresolved (mainly the FBI subplot). This is fine with me. I can't wait for the next one. I think it's being titled THINGS THAT ARE TAKING WAY TOO LONG FOR ANDREW CLEMENTS TO WRITE. But that could be my impatience talking.

Editorial Review:

Alicia may be blind, but that doesn’t mean she can’t see what’s happening right in front of her eyes. Like how her parents try to give her freedom. Or how Bobby—now Robert—has returned to figure out their relationship. Or even the invisible man, William, and just how dangerous he is to Alicia, to Robert, to their whole family—or so the police say. Or is Alicia wrong this time? If her normally sharp instincts are wrong, the results could be disastrous.

From award-winning author Andrew Clements, here is a novel full of adventure, romance, and mystery, which at its heart is about trusting—even things we know but cannot see.

Small Steps (Readers Circle)

Louis Sachar

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 102 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

Two years after being released from Camp Green Lake, Armpit is home in Austin, Texas, trying to turn his life around. But it’s hard when you have a record, and everyone expects the worst from you. The only person who believes in him is Ginny, his 10-year old disabled neighbor. Together, they are learning to take small steps. And he seems to be on the right path, until X-Ray, a buddy from Camp Green Lake, comes up with a get-rich-quick scheme. This leads to a chance encounter with teen pop sensation, Kaira DeLeon, and suddenly his life spins out of control, with only one thing for certain. He’ll never be the same again.

In his first major novel since Holes, critically acclaimed novelist Louis Sachar uses his signature wit combined with a unique blend of adventure and deeply felt characters to explore issues of race, the nature of celebrity, the invisible connections that determine a person’s life, and what it takes to stay on course. Doing the right thing is never a wrong choice–but a small step in the right direction.


From the Hardcover edition.

The Thing About Georgie

Lisa Graff

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 12 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

One of my favorites! 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

The Thing About Georgie by Lisa Graff is about a boy (Georgie) who is a dwarf and his mom is having a baby. Georgie refers to the baby as "Baby Godzilla." To make things worse, Georgie and his friend (Andy) get into a fight. Georgie thinks that nothing can get worse but some how or rather it does. How will Georgie's life get better?

Also in the beginning of some chapters Lisa Graff asks you favors so you can understand about what dwarves can and can't do.

Do you want to hear more? Well, read the book to find out more.

I really think Lisa Graff has a talent. I recommend The Thing About Georgie.

Review by G.C.

Editorial Review:

As far as Georgie is concerned, everyone has a "thing"

The thing about poodles is that Georgie Bishop hates to walk them.

The thing about Jeanie the Meanie is that she would rather write on her shoe than help Georgie with their Abraham Lincoln project.

The thing about Andy's nonna is that she kisses Georgie's cheeks and doesn't speak one word of English.

The thing about Georgie's mom is that she's having a baby—a baby who will probably be taller than Georgie very, very soon.

The thing about Georgie . . . well, what is the thing about Georgie?

Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key (Joey Pigza Books)

Jack Gantos

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 222 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Joey Pigza has problems. Big problems. He was emotionally abused by his grandmother. He has never met his dad. He can't get along in his elementary school classroom because of his mood swings and his "dud meds." We gradually see that Joey must have Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), which is not being effectively controlled with his current medication. Joey's life is a terrifying roller-coaster ride, and Jack Gantos, author of the Rotten Ralph books, drags the reader along to see what life is like with ADD. The story is written from the boy's point of view in a sharp, worried style that veers out of control when Joey does. Joey's control of his own behavior slips away as we read, horrified to see this boy trying to get a grip on his life and failing. He disrupts the class field trip; he puts his finger in a pencil sharpener and injures himself; he swallows his house key. Then he runs through the classroom holding open sharp scissors. When he trips and falls, seriously injuring a classmate, he is transferred to a special-education program in another school. Here, thankfully, he encounters a caring teacher who recommends further medical evaluation, and Joey is eventually able to return to his former school. There is hope for Joey on the last page--he sits in the Big Quiet Chair to read. Gantos has achieved an unusual feat with this book. We want to turn away from Joey's shifting prison of emotions. But for those who stick with him, he shows us what his life is like. We walk a mile in his shoes, our feet hurting all the way. For young readers touched by ADD--and for their teachers and parents--Joey gives us the key to his world. (Ages 10 and older) --Marcie Bovetz

Things Not Seen

Andrew Clements

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 210 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Teens, especially those not in the über-popular set, know all about feeling invisible. But what would happen if you actually did wake up invisible one day? Fifteen-year-old Bobby is faced with this curious predicament in Andrew Clements's compelling novel Things Not Seen. Doing his best to adapt, Bobby informs his parents and grows more and more frustrated as they try to control his (unseen) life. Attempting to take matters in his own hands, he ventures out--naked--to the library, where he meets a blind girl who becomes a natural confidant. The ensuing drama, involving a nationwide search for other invisible people and a break-in to the computer database at Sears, Roebuck legal department headquarters ("News flash: Invisible people make excellent spies and thieves") is authentic enough in detail to allow readers to overlook the nuttiness of it all. Teens will identify with Bobby's experience of being essentially invisible. Highly recommended. (Ages 11 to 15) --Emilie Coulter