Values Books

Horton Hears A Who!

Dr. Seuss

Amazon Price: $10.17 List Price: $14.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Random House Books for Young Readers Amazon Marketplace: 68 new & used starting at $2.99

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Subjects -> Children's Books -> Animals -> Elephants -> Fiction

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 64 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Surely among the most lovable of all Dr. Seuss creations, Horton the Elephant represents kindness, trustworthiness, and perseverance--all wrapped up, thank goodness, in a comical and even absurd package. Horton hears a cry for help from a speck of dust, and spends much of the book trying to protect the infinitesimal creatures who live on it from the derision and trickery of other animals, who think their elephant friend has gone quite nutty. But worse is in store: an eagle carries away the clover in which Horton has placed the life-bearing speck, and "let that small clover drop somewhere inside / of a great patch of clovers a hundred miles wide!" Horton wins in the end, after persuading the "Who's" to make as much noise as possible and prove their existence. This classic is not only fun, but a great way to introduce thoughtful children to essentially philosophical questions. How, after all, are we so sure there aren't invisible civilizations floating by on every mote? (Ages 4 to 8) --Richard Farr

The Giving Tree

Amazon Price: $11.55 List Price: $16.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: HarperCollins Amazon Marketplace: 169 new & used starting at $4.35

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Subjects -> Children's Books -> Authors & Illustrators, A-Z -> ( S ) -> Silverstein, Shel

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 610 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

To say that this particular apple tree is a "giving tree" is an understatement. In Shel Silverstein's popular tale of few words and simple line drawings, a tree starts out as a leafy playground, shade provider, and apple bearer for a rambunctious little boy. Making the boy happy makes the tree happy, but with time it becomes more challenging for the generous tree to meet his needs. When he asks for money, she suggests that he sell her apples. When he asks for a house, she offers her branches for lumber. When the boy is old, too old and sad to play in the tree, he asks the tree for a boat. She suggests that he cut her down to a stump so he can craft a boat out of her trunk. He unthinkingly does it. At this point in the story, the double-page spread shows a pathetic solitary stump, poignantly cut down to the heart the boy once carved into the tree as a child that said "M.E. + T." "And then the tree was happy... but not really." When there's nothing left of her, the boy returns again as an old man, needing a quiet place to sit and rest. The stump offers up her services, and he sits on it. "And the tree was happy." While the message of this book is unclear (Take and take and take? Give and give and give? Complete self-sacrifice is good? Complete self-sacrifice is infinitely sad?), Silverstein has perhaps deliberately left the book open to interpretation. (All ages) --Karin Snelson

Have You Filled a Bucket Today: A Guide to Daily Happiness for Kids

Carol McCloud

Amazon Price: $9.95 List Price: $9.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Ferne Press Amazon Marketplace: 32 new & used starting at $5.29

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 33 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Guess what? Kids are not naturally kind! 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I was sucked into the whole bucket thing because the corresponding program is what my elementary school is doing this year. We have the posters throughout the school, the assemblies, and the books.

Sure, the cynical part of me was perfectly willing to mock this (and yes, we did have a little "don't shoot holes in Mike's bucket!" banter during faculty meeting).

But, when it gets down to it, this simple little book packs a message that every kid needs to know. Because, despite what we think, too many kids need lessons in how to be kind.

The book is not preachy or moralizing. It is what it is, a quick explanation on what happens if we fill or dip someone's bucket.

Editorial Review:

Through simple prose and vivid illustrations, this heartwarming book encourages positive behavior as children see how rewarding it is to express daily kindness, appreciation, and love. Bucket filling and dipping are effective metaphors for understanding the effects of our actions and words on the well being of others and ourselves.

The Giver

Lois Lowry

Amazon Price: $6.99 List Price: $6.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: INGRAM BOOK & DISTRIBUTOR - Model: ING0440237688 Amazon Marketplace: 208 new & used starting at $1.20

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Features:

• CHILDRENS BOOKS & MUSIC
• Childrens Books
• Language Arts

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Subjects -> Children's Books -> Issues -> General
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Subjects -> Children's Books -> Literature -> Science Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery & Horror -> Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 3090 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Amazing. 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I read this in 7th grade and loved the book. I recently ran out of books and I read it over again (I'm a college freshman) and loved it even more. The plot is amazing, the characters make it even better. This is truly a piece of art, and the meaning behind the book is astounding. I would definitely suggest this book for a good page-turner to all ages.

Easy reading 4 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I got through this book in one sitting. It was quite captivating. If you are a fan of "The Outer Limits" or "The Twighlight Zone" you might really like this book since it was like reading an episode of a story from one of those shows. The only reason I give it only four stars is that it felt as if the author could have done more with it in the end. It was like he got bored writing the story and punctuated with an ending.

Beautiful Read 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

This book is beautiful. I had to read it in middle school, and then read it again multiple times when I was in high school and college. I suggest it to anyone. It really makes you think and it is so easy to relate to the main character. The world portrayed by this author is so vivid! Read and enjoy!

Editorial Review:

When Jonas turns 12, he is singled out to receive special training from The Giver--who alone holds memories of pain and pleasure in life. Now there can be no turning back from the truth. Paperback.

My Little Girl

Tim McGraw, Tom Douglas

Amazon Price: $11.55 List Price: $16.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Thomas Nelson Amazon Marketplace: 35 new & used starting at $9.66

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Subjects -> Children's Books -> People & Places -> Family Life -> Parents -> Fiction

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 46 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

A sweet book for dads and daughters 3 out of 5 stars.
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My Little Girl is a very sweetly written story best shared by dads and daughters. The book could have used a bit more transition between activities, but for children under 10, it doesn't matter too much. This may not be a good choice for families who have experienced divorce or remarriage and have family members for whom not having a nuclear family is a sensitive subject.

My 10 year old daughter absolutely loved the book and did not want to let it out of her sight. She read it to her stepdad, and although it caused us both to choke up a bit, she couldn't have been happier.

The artwork was sweet and whimsical, as all little girls books should be. Overall, it was a good choice.

Editorial Review:

Ordinary days are magical when spent with those you love.

Dad and his little girl, along with their very large bloodhound, set off on an ordinary day and turn it into a wonderful adventure. From dancing by a duck pond to swinging on a tire swing, lots of laughs and love are shared in time spent together. The day ends with a sweet "Goodnight, I love you" from Dad. And a whisper, "I love you more" from his little girl.

This book is a delightful reminder that spending time together really matters. Simple moments, laughter and knowing you are loved builds lasting relationships.

Impulse

Ellen Hopkins

Amazon Price: $9.99 List Price: $9.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Simon Pulse Amazon Marketplace: 46 new & used starting at $5.95

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Subjects -> Children's Books -> People & Places -> Social Situations -> Self-Esteem & Self-Respect -> Fiction

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 44 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Impulse is a hit! 4 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I just love reading Ellen Hopkins books. Although Crank and Glass are my favorites, Impulse is a very close third. I love that we get three perspectives in this novel. The way that Ellen is able to reach teenage audiences impresses me every time. I will continue to buy and recommend all her books to my high school students. Thanks Ellen!!

Editorial Review:

Sometimes you don't wake up. But if you happen to, you know things will never be the same.

Three lives, three different paths to the same destination: Aspen Springs, a psychiatric hospital for those who have attempted the ultimate act -- suicide.

Vanessa is beautiful and smart, but her secrets keep her answering the call of the blade.

Tony, after suffering a painful childhood, can only find peace through pills.

And Conner, outwardly, has the perfect life. But dig a little deeper and find a boy who is in constant battle with his parents, his life, himself.

In one instant each of these young people decided enough was enough. They grabbed the blade, the bottle, the gun -- and tried to end it all. Now they have a second chance, and just maybe, with each other's help, they can find their way to a better life -- but only if they're strong and can fight the demons that brought them here in the first place.

The Three Questions

Jon J. Muth

Amazon Price: $12.23 List Price: $17.99 By: Scholastic Press Amazon Marketplace: 52 new & used starting at $9.50

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 62 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Charming and Beautiful Story to Share 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

I was delighted by Muth's 'Zen Shorts' and when I read a review for 'The Three Questions' I looked for it immediately and was just thrilled.

Not only is this a lovely story to share with a child, opening the way for discussions about being truly present with the people around us, but this makes for a beautiful gift for an adult friend. I have been so delighted by this retelling of Tolstoy, paired with Muth's beautiful watercolors, that I have purchased this book twice now... and have given each copy away to friends!

Editorial Review:

Nikolai is a boy who believes that if he can find the answers to his three questions, he will always know how to be a good person. His friends--a heron, a monkey, and a dog--try to help, but to no avail, so he asks Leo, the wise old turtle. "When is the best time to do things? Who is the most important one? What is the right thing to do?" Leo doesn't answer directly, but by the end of Nikolai's visit, the boy has discovered the answers himself.

Award-winning illustrator Jon J Muth's lovely watercolors are the most appealing aspect of this book about compassion and living in the moment. The simple Zen-based profundity of the boy's philosophical exploration may escape young readers, but they will enjoy the tale of a child who, in doing good deeds (for a panda and her baby, no less!), finds inner peace. Muth based his story on a short story of the same title by Leo Tolstoy. (Ages 5 to 9) --Emilie Coulter

The Dragon Heir

Cinda Williams Chima

Amazon Price: $12.23 List Price: $17.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Hyperion Book CH Amazon Marketplace: 49 new & used starting at $11.02

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

Editorial Review:

The covenant that was meant to keep the wizard wars at bay has been stolen, and Trinity must prepare for attack. Everyone is doing their part -- Seph is monitoring the Weirwalls; Jack and Ellen are training their ghostly army; even Anaweir Will and Fitch are setting booby traps around the town's perimeter. But to Jason Haley, it seems like everyone wants to keep him out of the action. He may not be the most powerful wizard in Trinity, but he's prepared to fight for his friends. When Jason finds a powerful talisman --a huge opal called the Dragonheart--buried in a cave, his role takes on new importance. The stone seems to sing to Jason's very soul -- showing him that he is meant for more than anyone guessed. Trinity's guardians take the stone away after they realize that it may be a weapon powerful enough to save them all. Without any significant power of his own, and now without the stone, what can Jason possibly do to help the people he cares about -- and to prove his mettle?

Burned

Ellen Hopkins

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 50 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

disturbing yet beautiful 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

If you are a religious person, and you can't believe how Pattyn's father treats her, or how their pastor thinks, you may cringe a bit. I know I did. Even though it is fiction. I couldn't believe some of the things. I loved it despite it was disturbing. I loved the relationship between Pattyn and Ethan. I'm glad she found someone. I wish that Pattyn would've put up a fuss, and demanded she stayed with her Aunt, when it was time for her to go home. I love Mrs. Hopkins work. I am anxiously awaiting "Identical" which is due out August 26th.

Editorial Review:

Raised in a religious -- yet abusive -- family, Pattyn Von Stratten starts asking questions -- about God, a woman's role, sex, love. She experiences the first stirrings of passion, but when her father catches her in a compromising position, events spiral out of control. Pattyn is sent to live with an aunt in the wilds of Nevada to find salvation and redemption. What she finds instead is love and acceptance -- until she realizes that her old demons will not let her go.

Forever Young

Bob Dylan

Amazon Price: $12.23 List Price: $17.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Ginee Seo Books Amazon Marketplace: 45 new & used starting at $10.91

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Subjects -> Children's Books -> Arts & Music -> Music -> Popular

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 9 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Unbridled Excellence 5 out of 5 stars.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful.

As a rabid Bob Dylan fan, it was important to share my love of his work with my children. I feel so lucky to have found this book! The illustrations are brilliantly executed and richly textured, suiting the lyrical content of the book perfectly. My kids can't get enough of it, and love to look at the pictures while I play the song for them on vinyl. This book is a wonderful way to bridge generations and an easy, fun bedtime tuck-in book. I highly recommend it!

Mr. Paul Roger's Neighborhood Forever Will be Young 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

Forever Young is Paul Roger's latest kids' book about the song Forever Young by Bob Dylan's 1972 album Planet Waves. It seems as of late Bob Dylan has found new fame and this book will introduce many kids to Bob's great body of work. Many will cringe at Bob's voice, however, his lyrical landscape of words have evoked many generations of writers and musicians. This brave step by Paul Rogers into kids' literature is a fresh approach on how Dylan's songs easily transcend into graphical interaction with kids. The art is reminiscent of beatnik art and a true send off to Dyaln who fancied himself as a Beatnik. This is one book you cannot afford to not flip through. You will have to buy it after reading it.

Editorial Review:

Since it first appeared on the 1974 album Planet Waves, "Forever Young" has been one of Bob Dylan's most beloved songs. Now award-winning artist Paul Rogers gives us a new interpretation of the lyrics. With images inspired by classic Dylan songs and pieces of his life, this is a bold and touching tribute to an anthem whose message will always stay forever young.