Reviews (1)

Beware that movement that generates its own songs.
Doggone it, Katherine Paterson, stop making me cry!Under normal circumstances the number of books that make me tear up is a slim number that could be counted on one hand.And most of those books, if I was going to be honest with you, were probably written by Katherine Paterson.Ms. Paterson is a bit of a wonder.Year after year, decade after decade, she churns out consistently well-written meaningful pieces of children's fiction.The last book of Ms. Paterson's that I read was her rather remarkable, "The Same Stuff As Stars".Now, however, she's decided to traipse back into the world of historical fiction, alongside all the other authors this year, and produce a bit of fascinating history that can show a situation clear distinctions between good and bad, and yet leave enough room for people with nebulous motives.If complex narratives is the name of the game, consider Paterson a player.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure - Survival Stories    2. Children's 12-Up - Fiction - History    3. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    4. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    5. Fiction    6. Historical - United States - 20th Century    7. Historical Fiction (Young Adult)    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Labor unions    10. Strikes and lockouts    11. Survival    12. Textile workers    13. Juvenile Fiction / Historical / United States / 20th Century   

Reviews (11)

Beautiful Poem
This is a wonderful book for any age. The Desiderata, an inspirational poem, was written long ago. This book illustrates the words using simple, yet striking, photographs. I have bought this book for teachers, students, and as gifts for graduates. I always keep a copy in my collection. Words we can all live by.

Perspective on life's big picture
One of my favorite poems, a comforting and refreshing perspective on life's big picture. It purports to have been discovered in a church in the seventeenth century, but in fact it was written by a man named Max Ehrmann in the first third of this century. I have kept a copy around since elementary school (ever since I learned that Gene Roddenberry, the creator of Star Trek, kept one in his office), and now keep one in my office at home and one at work.

Words for Life
Wonderful and simple words for life written in 1927 by Max Ehrmann.This 2003 version has photographs by Marc Tauss.I received it as a wedding present 2 years ago and it makes a perfect gift for anyone experiencing some kind of change in life as a reminder of some ancient wisdom.It is wonderful for yourself, but is also great for all types of events and stages of life... a graduation, new parents, a wedding, a loss, a need for peace or sanity, anything. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. American poetry    2. Children's 9-12    3. Children's poetry, American    4. Children: Grades 3-4    5. Conduct of life    6. General    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Juvenile poetry    9. Poetry    10. Westerns    11. Juvenile Fiction / General   

Editorial Review

Doctor De Soto is a well-respected mouse-dentist who runs a successful practice with his wife (and able assistant) Mrs. De Soto. The De Sotos are friendly and professional toward all their patients, from chipmunks to donkeys to cows, the exception being "cats and other dangerous animals," as stated clearly on the sign outside the office. But the De Sotos are tender-hearted rodents, so when a miserable fox shows up begging for treatment, they agree to have a look (perhaps against their better judgment). As it turns out, this fox, with "a rotten bicuspid and unusually bad breath," manages to behave himself while tiny Doctor De Soto is standing mid-molar inside his gaping jaws. When the wily fox returns the next day to get his replacement gold tooth, however, he has mouse-flavored snacks on his mind. Luckily, Doctor De Soto and his wife have anticipated such despicable canine intentions, and find a way to outfox the ungrateful fox. Read more

Reviews (18)

Doctor DeSoto book
You can call me StoryMaker. "Doctor DeSoto" is not my favorite book, and I especially don't like the end. I like how they are animal people, but are the size they are supposed to be. What I mean is, they are animals that talk, walk on 2 legs, and live in their own house, but unlike most people animals, they are the size they are in real life. It would probably be a book a young child would adore (probably most children ages 3-5) but I don't fall into the "Dr. DeSoto lovers" category or the "children ages 3-5" category. This book is where a mouse named Dr. DeSoto (a dentist) finds out a fox is seeking dental care. Dr. DeSoto never let an animal that might eat him come in before (that's where them being the size they are in real life is important), but the fox really wants that dental care so Dr. DeSoto's wife lets him in. The part I hate the most is the end when Dr. DeSoto gives the fox his so-called special treatment so he won't eat them. That so-called special treatment causes the fox to not be able to eat anything, even if it isn't a DeSoto family member at all. He could DIE if it dosen't ware off! I actually don't have a lot of complaints, but this book is not very exciting. Overall, perhaps you may like it, but if you like foxes, this book will not please you. Signed, StoryMaker. "Gotta trust the kid's review!"

Funny, critical thinking perspective
Consider things from the point of view of the dentist and his patient . . . you'll be laughing out loud while reading this to your kids.

An entertaining story
Dr. Desoto is a humorous well illustrated story of a mouse dentist and how he solved a problem in an unexpected way. I have read this book to several children 5-8 yr. age range and they all loved it and wanted to borrow it. Parents will appreciate Dr, Desoto's desire to maintain his professional integrity. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals    2. Animals - Foxes    3. Animals - MiceHamstersGuinea Pigsetc.    4. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    5. Children: Grades 4-6    6. Dentists    7. Fiction    8. Humorous Stories    9. Mice    10. Juvenile Fiction / Health & Medicine   

Reviews (6)

Fun Book
This book is very fun and imformative.It gives us information, but in a fun way...I recomend this book to anyone under the age of 13, and who enjoys history...if you get this book in school, dont be scared it is fun!

The English establish thirteen colonies in the New World
"Making Thirteen Colonies: 1600-1740" is the second volume in Joy Hakim's "A History of US."The first volume covered how the first Americans crossed over from Asia to become Indians and the first Europeans, mainly the Spanish but also the French and English, began settling the New World.This volume focuses on the narrow string of settlements established by the English that became the thirteen colonies whose people began moving westward and who also started to question the relationship they had with England (there is a small amount of overlap between this and the next volume, which covers period of American history from 1735-1791). Excellent resource
I love this series!! Told in story style, you get details and interesting tidbits that you wouldn't get inordinary text books. I have always felt that history was a vital part of our school curriculum and these books make the going easier.Even if you are just a history buff, instead of student, you would enjoy these! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1600-1775, Colonial period    2. Children's 9-12 - History - General    3. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    4. Children: Grades 2-3    5. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    6. Colonial period, ca. 1600-1775    7. History    8. History - United States/Colonial & Revolutionary    9. History - United States/General    10. Juvenile Nonfiction    11. Juvenile literature    12. United States    13. History, American    14. Juvenile Nonfiction / History / United States / Colonial & Revolutionary Periods   

Reviews (3)

Textbook is good, amazon description bad
I had the same experience as another reviewer here (Todd) who received the 2nd in a series of two texts instead of the 1st, after ordering - because of incomplete information on Amazon's page. Fortunately, my professor will be assigning the 2nd text in the near future. However, given the lack of a photograph on Amazon's page, it is very difficult to determine which book one will receive after ordering. Will someone at Amazon please fix this?

Imcomplete information for the item listed
I hate to be negative, I'm an eternal optimist with Captain Crunch and all, but this item, not featuring any sort of cover photo or volume number, is misleading. I really needed the Human Record Vol. I, 5th Ed., but was sent Human Record Vol. II. I can imagine it was an honest mistake but I will now have to buy the book for a far greater price at my college's book store. I suppose this is what happens when you try to get your education at a reasonable price hey?

Well, we use it.
This is the book we use in my history class.The nice part of this text is that the authors give samples of literature from many cultures.You cansee the contrasts of each civilizations and the diffrences in their beliefsof mortality, and their views on justice and social class.In all the textis well written, however the time spent on each specific culture could havebeen more informative.An example is the Egyptian civilization.Myopinion is that more detail should have been paid to this civilization. Ifthis book is required reading for your class, I would encourage you to buythis book through Amazon, as I paid more for my copy and it was used atthat! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    2. History    3. History - General    4. History - General History    5. Juvenile Nonfiction    6. Methodology    7. Sources    8. World - General   

Reviews (34)

Cute pictures, very appropriate.
I wanted a book that not only I could read to my son, but one that I would feel comfortable letting a baby sitter read to him. This gets the point across and doesn't go into a lot of detail about what body parts are named. I can read this as a regular story without my son even knowing I am "teacing" him. I like that.

Love It!
I had purchased the Potty Book for Girls for my now almost 6yo daughter.It was great.She loved it.Now its my boys turn.I have begun reading the book for them and they love it.It is just like the Girl one but blue with a boy.They like "reading" it themselves.The pages are coated and much more durable.Great tool to begin potty training.

Catchy, and Fun.
We read this to our twin boys every time we sit them on the potty. It helps them relax, and get excited to go. I don't think this is useful as a guide to potty train your child, but it is a cute little book that will encourage them, and keep their interest. Both of my sons have learned to recite the book themselves they love it! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Boys / Men    2. Children's Books/Baby-Preschool    3. Children: Babies & Toddlers    4. Fiction    5. Health & Daily Living - Toilet Training    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. Preschool Picture Story Books    8. Stories in rhyme    9. Toilet training    10. Juvenile Fiction / Social Situations / Toilet Training   

Editorial Review

Every Robert Sabuda pop-up is a marvel, but Read more

Reviews (41)

Stand up and take notice.

This is a work of art!
I had purchased several of Sabuda's books for my grandchildren, the Cookie Countdown is amazing and what a surprise at the end!I have a friend who loves toys and gadgets and other mysterious things who was being given a fairly prestigious award for his work across the country.I got a copy of America the Beautiful as a gift for him because I knew he would love it.Both he and his wife were just amazed.He sat for hours opening and looking at each page.He still tells me he finds something new each time he looks at it.I knew he would love these books as much as I do and as much as my grandchildren do.Sabuda makes little works of art!

Collector's Item
These Pop Up Books are incredible, something you would want to collect.I am trying to buy all of Robert Sabuda's books for my grandchildren to enjoy when they come to my house.They are delicate books so they are not ones you would let kids play with everyday,but they are extra special books that you sit down with them and show the creativity and ingenuity that it must of taken to create these works of art.I have 6 of his books so far and hope to gradually collect them all. Jean Ferenc Kokomo, In ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure    2. Action & Adventure - General    3. Art (paintingsculptureartistsarchitectureetc.)    4. Children's All Ages - Fiction - General    5. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    6. Children: Grades 1-2    7. Classics    8. Historical - United States - General    9. Juvenile Fiction    10. Juvenile literature    11. National songs    12. Patriotic music    13. People & Places - United States    14. Specimens    15. Toy and movable books    16. United States    17. Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure    18. Picture books    19. Pop-up & lift-the-flap books   

Reviews (1)

Deeply, deeply disappointed
This volume seemed like an excellent resource for a world history course.
Read more

Subjects:  1. General    2. History    3. History - General History    4. History: World    5. Sources    6. World - General    7. World history    8. History / General   

Reviews (10)

A2007NEWBERY winner?*Dear Miss Breed* has my vote!
Can we stand firm for JUSTICE in wartime?HOW CAN WE NOT??
Why don't we learn about this?
I was assigned the topic of Japanese Americans and the internment camps for my final paper.First of all, I think this book accounts for my great grade. The book is full of information and photographs. Ms. Oppenheim also makes the story of what happened so clear.I am ashamed that my country did such a thing to their own citizens.It's scary really.It's also weird that not that many people my age even know about it.This should be taught more.

Dear Miss Breed
In many ways, "Dear Miss Breed" may be the best way to share the JA WW II experience with middle and high school students as the letters leave a personal touch to the story; yet there are plenty of accurate historical references about WW II events that affected the JA community.Even if you have read every book about life in Camps for JAs, Miss Breed's story just may move up the list and become your favorite book on this topic...everyone should read "Dear Miss Breed." ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography - Historical    2. Children's 9-12 - History - Military / War    3. Children's Books/Young Adult People & Places    4. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    5. Evacuation and relocation, 1942-1945    6. History - United States/20th Century    7. Japanese Americans    8. Juvenile Nonfiction    9. Juvenile literature    10. Military - World War II    11. People & Places - United States - Asian American    12. Personal narratives, American    13. World War, 1939-1945    14. Juvenile Fiction / Biographical / United States   

Reviews (3)

grain of salt
While this book does make interesting connections and presents history as a narrative, it struck this reader as having a strong white Christian bias. Isabel, who expelled Muslims and Jews and then sanctioned the Inquisition to hideously murder and torture those that were left, practically has a halo over her head (the inquisition is mentioned, but she doesn't get nearly enough credit for it). Prince Henry's exploration motives are purely based on his desire to better the lives of savages by spreading Christianity; hubris, greed, and material gain apparently never entered into his equation. Meanwhile, while I commend Foster for devoting a quick chapter to African emperor Mansa Musa, ignored by mainstream children's histories until fairly recently, I have to say that her portrayal of Africans leaves something to be desired; probably the less said the better. I recommend checking the book out of the library prior to plunking down the bucks for it. I will say that it's a decent starting place, but please encourage discussion, hopefully from the non-Western and non-Christian point of view.

grain of salt
While this book does make interesting connections and presents history as a narrative, it struck this reader as having a strong white Christian bias. Isabel, who expelled Muslims and Jews and then sanctioned the Inquisition to hideously murder and torture those that were left, practically has a halo over her head (the inquisition is mentioned, but she doesn't get nearly enough credit for it). Prince Henry's exploration motives are purely based on his desire to better the lives of savages by spreading Christianity; hubris, greed, and material gain apparently never entered into his equation. Meanwhile, while I commend Foster for devoting a quick chapter to African emperor Mansa Musa, ignored by mainstream children's histories until fairly recently, I have to say that her portrayal of Africans leaves something to be desired; probably the less said the better. I recommend checking the book out of the library prior to plunking down the bucks for it. I will say that it's a decent starting place, but please encourage discussion, hopefully from the non-Western and non-Christian point of view.

Intriguing Concept
Genevieve Foster's books are based on an intriguing concept: a horizontal approach to history; a view of the world and the people who lived during the lifetime of the main character--in this case Columbus. Charlotte Masonwould have us delve deeply into an era; these books help us do that.Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography - Historical    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    4. General    5. Juvenile Nonfiction   

Features

• Box set

Reviews (12)

It's great
Addy is so great.It is a 6 serie book set and it is really great.Addy is a amegenary girl who lives right after the civil war.It is filled with amotions.It uses no bad words at all.It is the best for kids ages 10-12
My 7 year old loves this book
This story is set in 1864 during the Civil War.The book prompted discussions about race, slavery, the Civil War and life during that time, prejudice behavior, the privledges we take for granted and inner strength.We first read about slavery in Kaya, which my daughter also loved.My daughter talks about the characters (Addy, Kaya, Samantha and others) as though they are part of our extended family.She has set a goal to read all of the American Girl books and is well on her way there.
Best American Girl!
I really liked this book out of all of the American Girls books. Addy is my favorite. I haven't read this book since I was about in the second grade, I'm in seventh grade now. I really need to get the whole Addy set. I recommend Addy for everyone! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    2. Children: Grades 3-4    3. General    4. Historical - United States - General    5. Juvenile Fiction    6. People & Places - United States - African-American    7. Social Issues - General   

Reviews (27)

Loved It
I loved this book and highly recommend it to anyone who loves adventure.It is a very exciting tale about a young girl named Ellen Toliver who smuggles an important message through enemy lines to help win the war for independence.

Toliver's Secret
worst book ever. never read this book!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! it doesn't make sense. Do not I repeat do not read this book!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Toliver's Secret
This book is about a ten year old girl who has to send a secret message baked in bread to her grandfather's friend during the Revolutionary War. She has never seen him before, and he is in a town she has never been to before. She has to do it for her grandfather because he hurt his foot. It sounded easy at first. She has to dress up as a boy and sail with a fisherman across a bay and go to Mr. Shannon and give him the bread, then come home. But on the way she gets into many troubles.
Read more

Subjects:  1. 1775-1783, Revolution    2. Action & Adventure    3. Action & Adventure - General    4. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - Historical    5. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    6. Children: Grades 4-6    7. Fiction    8. Historical - United States - Colonial    9. History    10. Juvenile Fiction    11. Revolution, 1775-1783    12. United States    13. Juvenile Fiction / General   

Reviews (7)

Well done for children's fiction
I admire the author for taking such a catastrophic story and telling it in a way that children can understand and learn from.I consider myself a collector on all things "Quake '06" and this is one of my prize possessions.I highly recommend it.If you're looking for a DVD that tells the non-fiction version of the quake and fire, I'd recommend "Disaster by the Bay" also here on amazon, easily the best documentary on the subject.

Son Loved This Book!
I bought this book for my 9-year-old son, and he thought it was "awesome."He said it was one of the best books he has ever read.It truly prepared him to understand a disaster of an enormous magnitude; after he read Quake, the Pakistan earthquake hit and he understand the devastation and fear that people were experiencing.That, to me, is what the best books for kids do.They open up the world and teach them what they could not learn for themselves (such as experiencing an earthquake).Learning and loving to read at the same time - what a great combination.
COULDN'T PUT THIS BOOK DOWN!
I live near San Francisco and have read all the adult books about the devastating San Francisco earthquake of 1906.WOW! HOW FRIGHTENING THAT WAS.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/All Ages    2. Children: Grades 4-6    3. Historical - United States - 20th Century    4. Juvenile Fiction    5. Juvenile Historical Fiction   

Editorial Review

If the first thing that comes to mind when someone mentions a mummy is aghastly, bandaged creature staggering forth from a tomb, it's time to take alook at Read more

Reviews (6)

I liked it alot!
This book was really fun! What I learned from this book is about the tomb robbers. And that Egypt is in Africa.
Great Book!
This was a great book. I finished it in 1 day. I thought it was the best reasearch guide you have ever written. (Steven)

Researchers Don't Believe Pyramids Built By Slaves
This is a very good book for children.It contains a lot of great information about Ancient Egypt.I read another review by a reader who was offended by the thought that the Pyramids weren't built by slaves.This was obviously a surprise to him but I had heard it elsewhere so it was no news to me.There were slaves in Egypt and I'm sure they were badly used in other jobs.They could have also been used to help build the pyramids, I doubt we will ever know exactly.This is a good book and no reader should pass it up over one shocked review.There's plenty of good information here and it is very interesting. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    2. Children: Grades 3-4    3. Civilization    4. Egypt    5. History - Ancient    6. Juvenile Nonfiction    7. Juvenile literature    8. Mummies    9. Pyramids    10. Social Science - Archaeology    11. Juvenile Nonfiction / History / Ancient   

Reviews (6)

SHH, Here Lies the Librarian
It's 1914 in Hendricks County, Indiana, and Jake and PeeWee McGrath run a garage for those newfangled automobiles. PeeWee, aka Eleanor, doesn't plan to go to high school. She will stay with her older brother and help run the garage, only her brother is a better mechanic. Then four sorority sisters from Butler University in Indianapolis arrive and plan to reopen the town library. Excitement abounds with a rival garage attempting to destroy the McGrath's business and an automobile race that makes NASCAR look like a Sunday drive. If you enjoyed Peck's The Teacher's Funeral, you will love this one. The relationship between Jake and Eleanor is strong and loving. This is a nostalgic and humorous look at the early 20th century.

Okay read
I looked for this book specifically for a library science assignment, and was excited about reading it.I really wanted to enjoy and like it!However, once I got into it, I found it disjointed with no visible plot.The setting, the early 1900's, is one I'm not sure children will understand.The language often seemed contrived and difficult, with a lot of dialect, and I often had to go back and re-read sections in order to understand what had happened.I wonder if the age group it is intended for will take the time to go back, or put it down for a more comfortable read.Unfortunately, I wouldn't recommend this book to my students.Even though there were a few humorous moments, they were few and far between.As my students are fond of saying, "I just don't get it!"

Wherein chauffeurs collect library fines
Do you ever get the impression that an author is trying just a little too hard to get the attention of their librarian readers?I don't think this happens much in the world of adult literature, but when it comes to kiddie lit, writers sometimes verge on the shameless.Now I was willing to look past Kimberly Willis Holt's paean to the glory of librarians everywhere in "Part of Me", and the non-fiction true tale of librarian heroism, "Dear Miss Breed" by Joanne Oppenheim could certainly slip by on my watch.But recently I've been doubling back and rereading some of the children's books that came out in early 2006.Of those books, one that I missed early on in the game was Richard Peck's, "Here Lies the Librarian", courtesy of Dial Books.Mr. Peck has written a wham-bam, rock `em, sock `em tale of hard core drag racing librarianship.Though still better (as anyone who reads his books regularly will tell you) than 92% of the schlock printed yearly, Peck's latest venture carries with it the faintest odor of familiarity.Basically, if you perused and enjoyed his previous book, "The Teacher's Funeral", then there's probably little reason to go on to this title as well unless you like to regularly douse yourself in Peck's pleasant wordplay.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Automobile racing    2. Automobiles    3. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - General    4. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    5. Children: Grades 4-6    6. Fiction    7. Historical - United States - 20th Century    8. Humorous Stories    9. Juvenile Fiction    10. Librarians    11. Social Issues - General    12. Social Situations - General    13. Juvenile Fiction / Historical / United States / 20th Century   

Features

• Box set

Reviews (7)

I Loved them as a Child
When I was a little girl, I would take my Kirsten Collection home from the library and read them over and over again. I adored them. Kirsten was such a spunky, loveable character, and I eventually grew up to love historical fiction. The short but sweet series is all about a young, Sweedish immigrant girl, Kirsten Larson, and her family.
Too Bad They Didn't Have These When I Was Younger
One of two American Girls books I've read and probably the more enjoyable of the pair. I liked the descriptions of the raw, open country of Minnesota, and how the family faces it after a long journey from Sweden. This series can teach a lot about history and life in other times, and it also serves up some lessons in an admirably non-preachy manner. Kirsten was spunky and I hope readers noticed how hard children in the past worked compared to today. There wasn't always a lot of free time and people then were more appreciative of what they had. I like the American Girls book series (the endless merchandising of its themed products notwithstanding) and hope it stays popular for a long time.

Kirsten is a good character, but not one of the best
In the Kirsten boxed set, you will read six books about Kirsten Larson, a pioneer girl growing up in 1854.In "Meet Kirsten" Kirsten and her family are coming to America.Kirsten is one of the few characters in the American Girls Collection that stays the same.All the other characters change in some way, but I did not see this in the Kirsten books.The next five books in the boxed set show how Kirsten and her family try to combine Swedish and American traditions.In "Kirsten Learns A Lesson"Kirsten has difficulty with school and meets an Indian girl named Singing Bird.In "Kirsten's Surprise"Kirsten tries to keep some of the Larsons' Swedish traditions alive by planning a secret Saint Lucia celebration with her cousins.In "Happy Birthday, Kirsten!" Kirsten does extra chores after her mom has a baby, and then gets a special birthday party.In "Kirsten Saves the Day" Kirsten finds treasure in the woods and nearly gets herself and her brother killed when she tries to bring the treasure home.In "Changes for Kirsten" Kirsten's family loses thier home to a fire and must find a way to get a new one. The Kirsten books are good.When I was younger, "Changes for Kirsten" was my favorite of Kirsten's stories.When I went back and read it again later on, as a teen, I discovered something.In the story, the Larsons lose their house--but that is because Kirsten disobeys her mother and brings an injured raccoon in the Larson's cabin, knowing full well the mischeif they are capable of. To date, I can't pinpoint which of the Kirsten books is a favorite, but I know that "Changes for Kirsten" is not one of them. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - Historical    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 3-4    4. General    5. Historical - United States - General    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. Social Issues - General    8. Social Situations - General   

Reviews (16)

Internment from a child's point of view
This was interesting to me since my mother was about Yuki's age when she went to "camp".My mother doesn't talk much about that time, maybe because some things you just want to forget.It helped me understand some of the fear and prejudice towards Japanese Americans during the war.I have mixed feelings about the internment.It was horrible how so many people lost their livelihoods, but on the other hand, in camp, they were sheltered from the hatred and hostility they may have experienced at home.This was wartime, so everyone was feeling some kind of unhappiness.I give this book 4 stars and 5 stars to Uchida's "Journey Home", the story which follows Yuki's family out of camp.

My Review
Yuki Sakane is a Japanese-American girl, who lives a normal life in Berkeley, California. In her school, kids make fun of her for being Japanese. They also call her "Jap" which is insulting for Japanese.
Yuki's Adventure
Yuki and all the other Japanese living in California have to evacuate after the Japanese attack Pearl Harbor. Yuki and her family have to leave their pets, friends, and furniture behind and head to a camp in Topaz, Utah. People have to live in horse stalls and share bathrooms with people, but Yuki manages to be optimistic about it. Yuki gets a new friend named Emi and they always pal around together until Emi has an unfortunate illness. It is sad at parts when Yuki loses a loved one, but it has a happy ending. I liked this book because it taught me a lot about Japanese concentration camps in the 1940's and I thought the characters were very likeable and unique. This is a good book and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to learn about the Japanese concentration camps. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 4-8    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 4-6    4. Evacuation and relocation, 194    5. Evacuation and relocation, 1942-1945    6. Fiction    7. General    8. Historical - Military & Wars    9. Historical - United States - 20th Century    10. Japanese Americans    11. Juvenile Fiction    12. People & Places - United States - Asian American    13. Social Issues - Prejudice & Racism    14. United States    15. World War, 1939-1945   

Reviews (3)

Best study guide
This is one the best study guide for the Praxis II 0014.It is well worth every penny.

Easy to read material, but very incomplete
Some things about this book I really like. The pages are large, the text is big, the illustrations are very colorful. The stories are easy to read. It's so less overwhelming than the average history textbook, and presented in a much more interesting format.
Great for homeschoolers!
As with the whole "Complete Book of..." series by American Education Publishing, it is completely wonderful. I have also used their Complete Book of Phonics, Maps & Geography, Arts & Crafts, Math, Time & Money, and both Complete Book of Science books. I look forward to trying their Complete Book of World History too. The book is in story-telling style, has full-color photos and illustrations, maps, charts, timelines and a great reference section. Each section has a great "Show What You Know" at the end to ensure your child has learned what they've just read. Thank you American Education Publishing. I hope you continue to provide books of this nature. My kids love them!!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children: Grades 3-4    2. Education / Teaching    3. History - United States/General    4. Juvenile Nonfiction    5. Teaching Methods & Materials - Social Science    6. Juvenile Nonfiction / History / United States / General