Editorial Review

Eloise has always had a rather festive air about her, but when Christmastime rolls around, well, it's "Fa la la la fa la la la lolly ting tingledy here and there," of course. The bunchy-bloused, spindly-legged scamp is speaking in rhyme this time, and in typical Eloise fashion, the verse simply Read more

Reviews (18)

This Book Would Make Almost Anyone Happy
Celebrate Christmas (no, not "holiday" folks, CHRISTMAS) year-round with New York's favorite poor litle rich girl, Eloise! Inside this book we not only get to re-visit the ball of energy that is Eloise, but we're treated to an always more-insightful-than-it-seems view of life and society, circa 1950, as the Plaza Hotel girds itself top to bottom for that most festive of celebratory occasions. Eloise is in high form here, and so is Nanny. The usual cast of characters is back and it's a rawthur cheerful read that has made me smile since I was knee-high to a grasshopper.

Christmas at the Plaza
Now that the Plaza Hotel has closed for renovations and will never be quite the same again, is all the more reason to buy this book about a little girl named Eloise who lived at the Plaza in its glory days.Eloise makes friends of the hotel staff and in spite of her dear nanny who is supposed to be in charge, Eloise manages to have many adventures within the Plaza during the festive Christmas season. The surprise ending is delightful. A book for all ages, but especially nice for someone who grew up in the 1950's.
Not a read out loud book. Good for a child that can read.
At the risk of having millions of Eloise fans hate me I'm giving this book one star. At my request myRead more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    2. Children: Kindergarten    3. Christmas    4. Fiction    5. Holidays & Celebrations - Christmas    6. Hotels and motels    7. Hotels, motels, etc    8. Hotels, motels, etc.    9. Juvenile Fiction    10. Lifestyles - City & Town Life    11. Stories in rhyme    12. Juvenile Fiction / Holidays & Festivals / Christmas    13. Picture books   

Features

• Audiobook
• Unabridged

Reviews (5)

Great CD. Sound is no problem.
This is the definitive reading of some of the best, wittiest children's stories ever. Kipling delights in playing with language and Karloff highlights the author's literary gifts. The sound is nowhere near as bad as other reviewers have suggested. On an ordinary stereo, the volume simply needs to be turned up a couple of notches. Another thing: this is Edwardian literature, so the elephant's child is spanked - a lot. While some parents might not wish their children to be exposed to this, it is worth noting that the spanking is portrayed (with some irony)as being both ineffective and a knee-jerk response by ignorant adults to natural curiosity in children.

The CD has poor sound
The sound on this CD is barely audile. We need to have the volume at the highest level. We like the stories from our old 331/3 record and were very disappointed!

A wonderful classic, brilliantly read.
The Boris Karloff readings of Kipling's stories are one of the great treasures of childhood.This is a long overdue CD release of the originial record of Just So Stories. It includes "How the Whale Got His Throat," "How the Camel got his Hump," "How the Rhinoceros Got His Skin," The Elephant's Child," "The Sing-Song of Old Man Kangaroo," "The Beginning of the Armadillos," and "How the Leopard Got His Spots."
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Subjects:  1. Animals    2. Children's Audio - 9-12    3. Children's audiobooks    4. Children's stories, English    5. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    6. Classics    7. Fiction    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Short Stories    10. Juvenile Fiction / General   

Reviews (6)

GREAT NON-VIOLENT FOLK TALE
This story is about a phrase that if said near a magical rock makes animals fall to the ground and then wake up shortly after. No one gets hit, they just have to say the phrase for the rock to make the faint. It is a great illustration of one of the many great tales from the Ashanti people about the mischevious Anansi. KIDS LOVE IT! I don't know how to explain it, but they think it is so, so funny. If you want to make your kids LOVE a book, get this one. And don't worry there is absolutely no violence.

"What a strange moss-covered--" KPOM!
My kids (ages 8 and 5) think this book is hilarious -- I just now finished [re]reading it to my daughter, who made me repeat the schtick between Anansi and the little mule deer about six times in a row, ending up with us acting out the two parts. A little boisterous for bedtime, maybe, but we had a ball. The idea of a strange moss-covered rock that knocks out anyone who says "what a strange moss-covered rock!" is pretty surreal, but if you suspend your disbelief the rest of the tale, and its moral lesson, follow like clockwork. Anasi a West African Trickster
Eric A Kimmel cleverly retells the an story Anansi folk tale in his book Anansi and the Moss-Covered Rock, which is illustrated by Janet Stevens. It is a clever story based on the folk tradition of West Africa with Anasi the spider as a trickster hero.Anansi is a true mischief maker and after finding a magic moss-covered rock decides to use it to his friends disadvantage.In the end it is Anasi who is taught a lesson, maybe.Read more

Subjects:  1. Anansi (Legendary character)    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 1-2    4. Fairy Tales & Folklore - African    5. Folklore    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. Legends    8. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic   

Reviews (5)

Born to Rock
I thought this book was great.Overall Gordon Korman is a wonderful author and knows how to add humor to his writing.The concept of Leo being a Harvard scholarship student and having a biological father who is the leader of the "Angriest Band in America" caught my attention.The relationship Leo made with the members of the band and the truth about who is real father was, was a key part of the book.My favortie character was Leo because he was the one who endured all of this chaos on the Concussed Tour with the band.In addition, he made a relationship with a girl he thought would always be his friend, and realized that the boy who ruined his Harvard scholarship wasn't such a bad guy.All students over the age of 11, READ THIS BOOK!Trust me, you'll enjoy it.

Born to Rock
I thought this book was great.Overall Gordon Korman is a wonderful author and knows how to add humor to his writing.The concept of Leo being a Harvard scholarship student and having a biological father who is the leader of the "Angriest Band in America" caught my attention.The relationship Leo made with the members of the band and the truth about who is real father was, was a key part of the book.My favortie character was Leo because he was the one who endured all of this chaos on the Concussed Tour with the band.In addition, he made a relationship with a girl he thought would always be his friend, and realized that the boy who ruined his Harvard scholarship wasn't such a bad guy.All students over the age of 11, READ THIS BOOK!Trust me, you'll enjoy it.

insulting to punks (like me) but kind of cool
THe book was pretty good, and i like the concept! When i read this book i was shocked, when it said that punk music was just people screaming to cover up there lack of talent. That is so not true!!!!! And i was so unhappy when i found out that King was not his father! That just wasn't right! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 12-Up - Fiction - General    2. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    3. Family - Parents    4. Fathers and sons    5. Fiction    6. Identity    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Korman, Gordon    9. Performing Arts - General    10. Performing Arts - Music    11. Punk rock music    12. Social Issues - Adolescence    13. Social Situations - Teen Lifestyle    14. Juvenile Fiction / General   

Reviews (1)

Regards to the Man in the Moon
Louie is upset that his friends call his father "the junkman." But his father explains to him that all it takes is a little imagination to transform "junk". So with the help of his parents, Louie builds the spaceship Imagination I. The next morning, he and his friend Susie blast off into the wide expanses of space. At first they are a bit afraid, but that changes when they see wondrous things and discover new worlds. A mini adventure occurs when Ziggie and Ruthie---who have followed the two into space---run out of imagination and get stuck. This book introduces children to the mystery and beauty of outerspace. Keats' illustrations done with a combination of paint and collage are truly fantastic. However, I find that most importantly "Regards to the Man in the Moon" teaches children to let their imagination soar and transport them places they've never been, and where they can be anyone and do anything. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 4-8 - Fiction - General    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Preschool    4. Fiction    5. Imagination    6. Play    7. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic    8. Early learning / early learning concepts    9. Juvenile Fiction / Science Fiction, Fantasy, Magic   

Subjects:  1. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Kindergarten    4. Classics    5. Costume    6. Girls & Women    7. Humorous Stories    8. Interactive Adventure    9. Juvenile Fiction    10. Preschool Picture Story Books    11. Specimens    12. Toy and movable books    13. Juvenile Fiction / Classics   

Reviews (24)

Faviorite book of all time
I first read this book when I was in third grade (27 years ago!).Then, I was proud of just learning the name of the title by heart!It is definitely one of my favorite books from childhood.I can't wait to share it with my daughter (who is only 2 years old now).I recommend it for all young girls.

Jennifer and Elizabeth
This story was about Elizabeth, the new girl that just moved in town. On Halloween, while Elizabeth was walking to school, she met Jennifer, a strange and weird witch. Elizabeth became Jennifer's witch apprentice. They met at the library every Saturday. Elizabeth became a journeyman (the next step to being a witch). They were trying to make a flying ointment. One day, Elizabeth gets invited to Cynthia's birthday party. Her mom makes her go to the party. She got permission from Jennifer to go. At the end, Elizabeth and Jennifer fight, but they became friends again.

Jennifer and Elizabeth
The story is about two girls. One girl is a witch and the other girl has just moved to the town. Elizabeth was walking to school one day and saw a shoe hanging off a tree. The shoe looks very old and Elizabeth's shoes' look new. So Elizabeth told Jennifer your shoe is about to come off. Jennifer jumped off the tree and talked to Elizabeth. Jennifer and Elizabeth would meet every Saturday at the library first and then they would go to the park. Elizabeth became Jennifer's helper. Jennifer would tell Elizabeth to eat a weird food every day of the week. At the end of the story of the story Elizabeth finds out that Jennifer isn't a witch she just wants to be one. Elizabeth and Jennifer are best friends ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    2. Children: Grades 4-6    3. Fiction    4. Friendship    5. Juvenile Fiction    6. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic    7. Social Issues - Friendship    8. Witchcraft    9. Juvenile Fiction / Social Situations / Friendship   

Reviews (47)

Eleanor of Aquitaine; So. Cool.
Before reading this book, I wasn't too interested in Eleanor of Aquitaine. I knew who she was, and dimly remembered reading about her somewhere, but nothing made an impression. At that time, I wasn't particularly interested in British or French history. This book completely changed that. I found Eleanor a fascinating woman, and instantly dove into a pile of books to learn more about her and her real life.
A perfect introduction to some great figures in history
I read this as a student in the seventh or eighth grade more than a decade ago, so I don't have a detailed enough memory of the book to comment on the quality of the writing.But I do remember that this book introduced me to characters such as Henry II, Eleanor of Acquitaine, and all their sons, and I found it all very interesting.Later in life these people would be brought back to my attention by James Goldman's play "The Lion In Winter" and it was largely my memories of this book that made this play one of my favorites I've ever read.This book is a great way to introduce any young person to some of the most interesting figures in Medeival history.

A Stylish Eleanor
Written from the viewpoint of four different persons who have shared the life of Eleanor of Acquitane, Konigsburg's book gives the reader an insightful look into the life of this regal lady.I went back and rewatched "The Lion in Winter" after having read this book and enjoyed both the movie and the book even more. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1122?-1204    2. Biographical - European    3. Biography & Autobiography - Historical    4. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    5. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    6. Eleanor,    7. Fiction    8. Great Britain    9. Historical - Europe    10. Historical - Medieval    11. History    12. History - Medieval    13. Juvenile Nonfiction    14. Juvenile fiction    15. Plantagenets, 1154-1399    16. Queen, consort of Henry II, King of England,    17. Juvenile Nonfiction / Biography & Autobiography / Historical   

Editorial Review

No child should be allowed to grow up without reading Read more

Reviews (33)

What magic lies between the covers of this book!
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading these wonderful stories again, and it was a bonus having all of Rudyard Kipling's stories together in one volume.This book has all the Mowgli stories, plus other favourites like "Riki-Tiki-Tav", "Toomai of the Elephants", and many more.Reading these again affirmed my belief of Kipling's great skill as a storyteller.These stories had appeal for me when I was younger, but they have a different appeal for me now.Kipling's descriptions and characterizations are wonderful, and they put the reader right there in the jungle with Mowgli and Bagheera, and all Mowgli's other friends.We who love to read should not forget to read these wonderful stories once in awhile.Modern short story authors still have to go some to even begin to match these classics by a great author.

Wow Book
The Jungle Book is a story about a young boy whose life is paid for with a bull brought down by Bagera, a black panther.Mowgali lived his life in the pack until a tiger (Sher Khan) convinced the pack to hate Mowgali because he is a man cub and is a potential threat to them in the future.So Mowgali makes his life among men in the village and then is threatened once again by Sher Khan and after Mowali destroyed Sher Khan he took the pelt to the pack and told them off.I really liked this book but it used old English that was hard to get the hang of at first.
Altering Kipling's prose?!
Just read the previous review (about 'simplifying' the
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Subjects:  1. Animals    2. Children's stories, English    3. Children: Grades 4-6    4. Classics    5. Fiction    6. Jungles    7. Literature - Classics / Criticism    8. Classic fiction   

Reviews (8)

My Christmas nightmare
Now I have to read both this book along with "Santa's Twin" to my grandchildren every Christmas. What a delightful chore for this grandfather. I want to thank you for the opportunity to share the joy with them.

Koontz' poetry is not improving.
Dean Koontz, Robot Santa: The Further Adventures of Santa's Twin Brother (Harper, 2004)
Great kid's book!
Dean Koontz - what can I say - one of my favorite writers. The story has a different spin which is what makes it so unique. The illustrations are great. I have to giggle. Dean - great job! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    2. Children: Grades 2-3    3. Christmas    4. Family - Siblings    5. Fiction    6. Gorilla    7. Holidays & Celebrations - Christmas    8. Humorous Stories    9. Juvenile Fiction    10. Juvenile Humor    11. Robots    12. Santa Claus    13. Juvenile Nonfiction / Poetry / Humorous   

Reviews (39)

One of the best story books ever
I have been looking for a copy of this book for years.It was the 2nd book I read by Koontz and fell in love with it.I had read it over several times and fell into the story and art work everytime.Even though it's been over 10 years since I've last seen or read the story, I remember it as if I read it last week.I only wish it was more available for others to enjoy as well.This is definately a story for those who are still a child at heart.

Childhood Favorite
I remember reading this book when I was 10, it's stuck with me ever since. Now with kids of my own I can only appricate the story's plot more.I love this story and am only sadden to know that it is no longer in print for other adults and children to enjoy cheaply.

Fable for kids
It is a nice story, with a definite "good" advise for kids.I think it would make a good introductory book for youngsters into the "suspense/horror" genre. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. American Science Fiction And Fantasy    2. Fantastic fiction    3. Fantasy    4. Fantasy - General    5. Fiction    6. Fiction - Fantasy    7. Juvenile fiction    8. Toys   

Reviews (4)

Dive #2
This first book was very exciting and had you at the edge at all times.This book a bit boring, and I could tell it was just filler for the end of book three.Because of that it was a disapointment to me.

Dive Book 2
In Dive Book 2 Kaz Adriana Star and Dante` are looking for a treasure.While Star is swimming thier boat gets secretly blown up.what is Star going to do.
The Depts of the Sea
This book is about a group of 4 divers (3 amuture divers, 1 handicaped diver) who are looking for a sunking Spanish vessel that has a huge treasure aboard it. But they have to find it behind everyone's back and before a treasure hunter finds it first.
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Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure - General    2. Buried treasure    3. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    4. Children: Grades 4-6    5. Diving    6. Fiction    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Adventure stories    9. Juvenile Fiction / General   

Editorial Review

What happened on Wednesday, November 25, 2:43 P.M., Eastern StandardTime, to cause Branwell Zamborska to become mute? All anyone knows is that hecalled 911 because his baby sister, Nikki, had stopped breathing, and when hewas unable to speak to the operator, Vivian, the English au pair, came on theline to say that Branwell had dropped the baby and shaken her. His best friend,Connor, begins visiting him at the juvenile behavioral center, where he has beensent while Nikki remains in a coma at the hospital. Working out a code they bothcan use, Connor begins the long process of trying to communicate with his friendto find out what really happened. With the help of his own half-sister and somecanny detective work, Connor uncovers a complex, multilayered tale of humandesires, adolescent confusion, and a touch of menace.Read more

Reviews (144)

Silent to the Bone
Silent to the Bone by E.L. Kongbigde is about a boy, Banwell, who is put in a juvenile detention center for purposely dropping his new born sister, Nikkie, and putting her in a coma.Branwell has not said a word scene the accident.Connor Kane, Branwell best friend, is able to find a way to communicate to enter view certain people that Branwell tells hem.
moving, smart story
Branwell Zamborska's baby sister Nikki is in a coma.No one knows what happened except Vivian, the English au pair, and Branwell.Vivian got on the line that day and said that Branwell dropped the baby, so he's in a juvenile detention center.Branwell hasn't said anything since the Nikki stopped breathing.Connor, his best friend, doesn't believe that Branwell is really guilty, so he starts visiting and trying to communicate with him.Piece by piece Connor finds out what really happened that day, but he has to find enough evidence to get Branwell out of there. This is a great "serious" book that's light enough to appeal to young adults.

A Must Read
This exciting novel makes you want to read it over and over again, to make sure you didn't miss a single clue or hint when the story is unraveling.Konigsburg writes a suspenseful lead by beginning the story with a 911 call where Branwell, a thirteen year old boy is struck dumb.Just after reading those first few pages, the reader is compelled to read the rest of the story to see how it will unfold.Since this story is told from Connor's point of view, it makes it easier for children to relate to when they are reading it.This book portrays the realities of life for some of today's children since many children today have nannies or au pairs and many children are dealing with troubled friendships and families.It discusses serious issues, such as emerging sexuality that mature middle school children and high school students could relate to.The author touches on those issues in a gentle but mature manner.Konigsburg also focuses on the meaning of friendship and family throughout this book. Connor and Branwell rekindle their friendship and realize how important it is to have a true friend you can trust telling your deepest thoughts.Both teenagers realize the importance of supporting and relying on their family members, especially in a time of need.This book is definitely a "must read." ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Babysitters    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    3. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    4. Emotional problems    5. Family - Siblings    6. Family - Stepfamilies    7. Fiction    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Mutism, Elective    10. Social Issues - Physical & Emotional Abuse    11. Juvenile Fiction / Family / Siblings   

Editorial Review

"I can't believe it. Me. Max Stravinsky in Paris. Picasso. Paté. The opera.Ballet. The crème de la crème. The city that gleams. That romantic, extravagantic city of dreams. Oh pluperfect Paris, just give me a chance and I'll toast your beauty, oh Paris of France." So begins Maira Kalman's boldly painted, wildly designed, linguistically playful masterpiece Read more

Reviews (13)

Ooh La La We Love It!!!
This book will be a favorite for years to come. It is interesting for kids and adults alike. (Grown ups: you know how awful some books are to read. This one is fun!)
So you think you're an artist...
Max, starry-eyed romantic poet, goes to Paris where everything is absurd and wonderful, like watching Salvador Dali's clocks tick forward, backward, and melt into eternity on funky mushrooms. Swanky, smart, and just plain bizarre, this book is suitable for everyone with a twist. It made me laugh. It made me cry. My honey goes wild every time I read it aloud in my wretched French accent.

the best book ever
I'll give this book five stars because I just loved the way Mira Kalman used so many details. In this book Mira Kalman uses her creative and funny illustration to express her writing.Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    2. Children: Grades 2-3    3. Dogs    4. Fiction    5. General    6. Humorous stories    7. Juvenile Literature    8. Love    9. Paris (France)    10. Juvenile Fiction / Humorous Stories   

Reviews (3)

Awesome Book!!By Jamaca James
Kaz, Adriana, Dante, and Star.4 Divers.1 Treasure.1 Great Adventure.
One of the best books i have ever read
Dive Book 3 is one of the best books i have ever read. It is about these four teen interns that are in Cote St. Luce on a diving internship for the summer. They start off havinga good time and everything is running smoothly.But, after about three weeks of being there they find out that their captain is a treasure hunter and not a scientist trying to "learn" about the ocean. He is just using them for the treasure that they find.But what they werent expecting was a few deaths because of this situation. They get through the summer by sticking together. To find out what happens you will have to read the book, but the story makes more sense if you read the series!!!
dive 3: the danger
When the going gets tough friends stick together, right?Well these are pretty close friends if you ask me.Dante's colorblind, Star got the binds, and Kas is going on a 703 feet deep dive, as for Adriana, she's stuck on some internship while her brother and uncle are on some archeologist dig.Their friend and Captain died because of one person.Now they have found the Griffin with a hidden story behind it.The only thing that stands in their way is an 18 foot tiger shark, and Marina.
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Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure - General    2. Buried treasure    3. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    4. Children: Grades 4-6    5. Diving    6. Fiction    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Sharks    9. Adventure stories    10. Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure   

Reviews (16)

A Night with the Orchestra
First published in 1982, Karla Kuskin'sbook is such fun that our family is hoping to attend a Young People's Concert by the New York Philharmonic. We won't be able to see the orchestra members putting on their clothes, but because of Kuskin's words and Marc Simont's funny pictures, we'll know a little more about what happens behind the scenes. The picture book is set up so that children (especially ones who don't know recognize the word "philharmonic") will be guessing about what exactly these 105 people dressing to go to work are actually going to do. This witty, clever way to learn about the orchestra is one of our favorite books.

Details kids 4-8 don't need to be concerned about
I was very disappointed in this book.I, guess, as a musician I was hoping for more emphasis on music and not twelve pages on bathing, showering, shaving, putting on underwear...well, you get the idea.It's the first Reading Rainbow book I have not liked at all.I had planned to give this to a friend's children but I defintely will not.

The perfect addition to a musical child's library
I first read (or rather had this book read to me) when I was a young child, and it still has a place in my adult bookcase.Never have I read such a brilliant explanation of the lives of classical musicians in New York City: how they begin to get dressed for work while other adults return home from their day; how concert dress requires the standard basic black from both men and women; how large bracelets and dangling earrings just do not go with certain instruments.As the child of musicians, I can also note, with a wry smile, how the conductor is built up as this mysterious gentlemen who is the most important ingredient to the Philharmonic.With succinct prose and beautiful illustrations, this book is a must have for children of musicians or any child who has an interest in classical music and opera. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    2. Children: Grades 1-2    3. Clothing and dress    4. Fiction    5. Orchestra    6. Performing Arts - General    7. Juvenile Fiction / Performing Arts   

Reviews (25)

An American Archetype
There is a traditional story of the retired firehorse that responds to the bell. John J. Harvey is a true example of that. She and her crew answered the bell that day. It troubles me that so many reviewers want to "revise" this book to remove the horror of that day. You can not revise the events and remove the horror from them. It needs to be recalled, remembered and dealt with, both by children and adults. I love this book. As a firefighter and Naval Reservist I can't say enough good things about the story here. More importantly enough good things can not be said about John J. Harvey and the crew that saved her and then brought her back into service that day.

Great kids' book on an almost impossible subject
I was amazed at E. Bird "Ramseelbird's" negative review of this book.He feels that Kalman's treatment of September 11 was flippant and cutesy-pie??
Thank you, Fireboat, For Helping Me Discuss 9-11 with my Son
This is a book about heroes, an interesting tale that takes an obscure little boat and makes it the centerpiece for a story of the September 11 attacks.
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Subjects:  1. Boats and boating    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    3. Children: Grades 1-2    4. Fire extinction    5. History - United States/21st Century    6. John J. Harvey (Fireboat)    7. Juvenile Nonfiction    8. Juvenile literature    9. Preschool Picture Story Books    10. September 11 Terrorist Attacks    11. September 11 Terrorist Attacks, 2001    12. Transportation - Boats, Ships & Underwater Craft    13. World Trade Center (New York,    14. Juvenile Nonfiction / People & Places / General   

Reviews (6)

READ ME!!!!!
Kidnappedby: Gordon korman
Great Book
This was a great book it was fun to read and i could not put it down. I have already orderd the next two. i would recomend this to any one who loves books it is worth the money

Great Begining
this book starts off with mystery and suspicion, and it ends with mystery and suspicion, setting the stage for the second book (Kidnapped: the search). Some background information before i tell you how much i loved this book:
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Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure - General    2. Brothers and sisters    3. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    4. Children: Grades 4-6    5. Family - Siblings    6. Fiction    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Juvenile Mysteries    9. Kidnapping    10. Mysteries, Espionage, & Detective Stories    11. Mystery and detective stories    12. Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure   

Reviews (5)

John Henry, Steel Driving Man
This was a good story.It added some life to the charachter that I was trying to portray to my students.

NIGHTLY
My 3 kids request I read this book every night. Its good enough that I don't MIND.

The Genius of Ezra Jack Keats!
Guess which is one of the books I'm using for Black History Month this year? ... Read more

Subjects:  1. African Americans    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 2-3    4. Folklore    5. John Henry (Legendary characte    6. John Henry (Legendary character)    7. Legends    8. Legends, Myths, & Fables - Other    9. People & Places - United States - African-American    10. United States    11. Juvenile Fiction / Legends, Myths, Fables / Other   

Editorial Review

Twelve year old Margaret Rose Kane is incorrigible. Not only does she refuse to bend to the will of her manipulative cabin mates at Camp Talequa, she stands up to and inadvertently insults the camp director and Queen-in-residence, Mrs. Kaplan. The intimidating and cruel confrontations that threaten to break Margaret's spririt only serve to strengthen her resolve, and everyone is happy when Margaret is finally banished/rescued from Camp Talequa. Luckily for her, with her parents in Peru, this means she can spend the rest of the summer with her delightfully eccentric Hungarian great-uncles, Alexander and Morris Rose. Margaret adores her great-uncles, and loves the house at 19 Schuyler Place--especially the three peculiar clock towers (tall painted structures covered in pendants made from broken china, crystal, bottles, jars, and clock parts) that the Rose brothers have been building for as long as she can remember. For Margaret and the Rose brothers, the towers represent beauty for beauty's sake--they sparkle in the sun and sing in the wind--they exist only to spread joy. Not everyone loves the towers however, and forty-five years after the birth of the project, the city council declares the towers "unsafe," and demands that they be dismantled and destroyed. Filled with the same fiery resolve that helped her survive Camp Talequa, Margaret (with the help of a handyman named Jake, a loyal dog named Tartufo, and few other unexpected allies) launches a plan to save the towers in the name of art, history, and beauty. Read more

Reviews (30)

Funny and cute, but it drags a little bit
The towers in Uncle Alex and Uncle Morris' backyard are beautiful works of art that took forty years of hard effort to make. These towers have always been loved by the the city because they have so much majesty, color, and feeling. But soon a selfish bunch of homeowners want to take them down because they are afraid that the towers will lower their property values. The uncles' niece, Margaret Rose, still loves the towers and knows she has to do something to save them.
A great summer reading book!
The Outcasts of 19 Schuyler Place is the story of Margaret Rose Kane, sent off to summer camp while her parents travel in Peru. A clique of girls and an unsympathetic camp director make Margaret's camp experience miserable. Fortunately, Margaret's Great-Uncle Alex rescues her, and takes her to the home that he shares with his brother Morris, at 19 Schuyler Place. Margaret loves her uncles, and their home. She especially loves the three whimsical and breathtaking towers that they have built in their back yard over the past 45 years. She realizes in Chapter 7 that "(l)ike a kiss or a walk in the woods, the towers were meant to be experienced, not inventoried", and she takes them as they are.