Chicken Boy

Book Description

Meet Tobin McCauley. He's got a near-certifiable grandmother, a pack of juvenile-delinquent siblings, and a dad who's not going to win father of the year any time soon. To top it off, Tobin's only friend truly believes that the study of chickens will reveal...the meaning of life? Getting through seventh grade isn't easy for anyone, but when the first day of school starts out with your granny's arrest, you know you've got real problems. Throw on a five-day suspension, a chicken that lays green eggs, and a family feud that's tearing everyone to pieces, and you're in for one heck of a ride.

Customer Reviews:

See the world through new eyes.......2007-02-13

Chicken Boy, by Frances O'Roark Dowell, sounds very childish and silly, but is a very true and can almost be sickening. The boy, Tobin, lives with is brothers and sisters in an old house behind a gas station. They live in pretty much a pig sty. This is mainly because Tobin's mother died of cancer and since then, their house has been a mess and his Grandma and dad will not talk to each other. This book gives you a real life feeling, it shows you how other people's lives can be. Tobin goes back to school and he doesn't have any friends. There is only one class he likes, and that is English. His teacher really believes he can do great things when no one can. One day, he gets in a fight with a boy and another boy, Harrison, helps him. Tobin and Harrison become good friends. Harrison raises chickens and is using them for a science extra credit project. Tobin gets to know all the chickens and soon gets involved with taking care of them. He buys his own chickens and takes care of them. He gets very close to them and learns that he can relate to them more than some humans and they give him a new outlook on life. This book is really touching because even through all Tobin is going through, he always goes to see the chickens.
By Grace

Am I just missing the charm?.......2007-01-11

I've given this book two tries---- once with my eyes and once with my ears (iPod). I just can't get through it. Sometimes the starred reviews in SLJ and Booklist completely mystify me-- this is a book that needs some filling in. The characters have the complexity of line drawings. I bet there's a good book here; it just needs a few more drafts.

For example, the protaganist's new friend--- I'm sure there are less believable characters in literature, but I can't think of any at the moment. And the little goofy bits of description--- the father remarks that the boy's school smells like every other school, like chalk. Ok, who here can dredge up the odor of chalk? Have I just missed the odor of chalk all these years working in a school? It all reminds me of narrators who refer dramatically to the smell of blood-- when really that's a remark that only a vampire character is justified in making. Have I been missing the well-known smell of blood all these years, too? Good lord, the smell of chalk. Granted, the father character also says the school smelled of gym socks, and that smell would apply to the locker room. Quibbles, yes. But when the characters are so dull, my mind drifts to the little annoying flaws of language. Whose doesn't?

When I saw Chicken Boy was up for a 2008 Grand Canyon Reader Award, I thought I would just chime in here. Different strokes, I guess--but kids will be bored by this book. Librarians, be ready to contend with the smell of boredom.

Another Winner from Dowell.......2006-02-02

Frances Dowell is one of the finest young people's authors
out there today. From the masterful and gripping Dovey Coe
to the canny Secret Language of Girls, to the thoughtful
and gripping world of Chicken Boy, Dowell shows again and
again that she understands kids and their concerns. Her books
have both strong storytelling and a moral code. She makes characters that provoke lively discussion between parents
and kids and teachers. There's so much gloss out there today,
books that seem more concerned with showing girls how to be pretty and boys how to be cool. Dowell's books show kids and grownups how to be loving, responsible, kind human beings.
And she does it with grace and style and wonderful stories.
Her characters seek to improve and expand their hearts and
minds.
Dowell's books are essential.

Discovering the real Chicken Boy.......2005-11-23

Chicken Boy tells the story of young Tobin McCauley who comes from a bad family and who is just sure he will end up the same way. People do not expect much from him and he does not expect much from himself. His world changes when he enters the seventh grade and begins to form his own identity rather than accepting the one forced on him by his family's reputation. He is surprised when he makes a friend and together they learn how to raise chickens so as to discover if the birds have souls. Tobin begins to recognize that his family does not have to be the way that they are and he makes small efforts to alter their lifestyle. He is torn between staying with his father who only attempts to provide a home life after a Social Services visit and his granny who called Social Services because she resents Tobin's father, but Tobin is sent to a foster home instead. He realizes how much he loves his family when they gather for counseling sessions and he learns that the good things in himself come from his family as well and not just the bad. The character of Tobin is well written with a "who cares" attitude because he knows what the world thinks of him. He surprises himself when he feels strangely good inside for sticking up for a teacher and for giving an extra credit oral report to the class about the soul of a chicken -- a feat never attempted by a McCauley. He does not like how his family lives up to their public image and longs to be away from them until he is forced into the situation. Chicken Boy captures the time in a boy's life when he feels most alienated from his family but his situation makes him realize how much he never wants to be away from them. He learns about himself while trying to figure out the nature of chickens and forges his own identity rahter than becoming just another lowdown member of the McCauley family.

Average customer rating:

beautiful book
Heart-warming Story
Definitely In the Top 5 of All Children's Books
Touching, beautiful, full of love
Passing on the things we love

All the Places to Love
Patricia Maclachlan
Manufacturer: Joanna Cotler
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0060210982

Book Description

Within the sanctuary of a loving family, baby Eli is born and, as he grows, "learns to cherish the people and places around him, eventualy passing on what he has discovered to his new baby sister, Sylvie: 'All the places to love are here . . . no matter where you may live.' This loving book will be something to treasure."'BL."The quiet narrative is so intensely felt it commands attention. . . . a lyrical celebration."'K.

Customer Reviews:

beautiful book.......2007-01-10

Wonderful story and a pleasure to read over and over. Makes me teary every time, very touching. Rhythm of the story seems to help my son go to sleep.

Heart-warming Story.......2006-11-29

This book is a great family read. It covers three generations on a family farm. This illustrations are awesome. Patricia MacLachlan has written a great book for young children along similar lines as her Sarah, Plain and Tall series. I would recommend this book to anyone.

Definitely In the Top 5 of All Children's Books.......2006-08-24

Almost everyone else has said it already--this is as good a book as you can read to your kids. Not, contrary to what an isolated review suggested, stilted at all. Just beautifully evocative of a family living complete and joyful lives, with their ties to the land still unbroken.

Touching, beautiful, full of love.......2006-06-05

I love this book! I bought this book for my son (then 3) when I was expecting my daughter. Admittedly, this is MY favorite book. My son would much rather read something silly than poignant. But this book is GORGEOUS! The illustrations are achingly beautiful. The love in this multigenerational family leaps off the page. There is a home birth, love of the land/ nature/ farming, and sibling love. The boy in the story is taught by his mother, father, grandfather and grandmother about "all the places to love." The story closes with him teaching these things to his new sister. Every once in a while, my son asks me to choose the books I like best for our reading and I always choose this one. Don't get me wrong, he likes it too (he's now 5) he just doesn't usually choose it. You won't regret buying this book!

Passing on the things we love.......2006-04-17

I am not only a Book junkie, I am a grandma who wants to pass on the Passion. I fell in love with this book not only because I grew up in rural Michigan, on a dairy farm, with my grandparents up the road. But because this book captures the love and family bond that I want to pass to my grandchildren. Mike Wimmer did an exceptional job of bringing this lovely story to life. I Dare you to read this out loud to any child you love .. and not shed a tear!

Average customer rating:

One of my top reads this year!
Mary Lawson has done it again!
Mary Lawson does it again
Great storytelling that "moves" you...
in a nutshell

The Other Side of the Bridge
Mary Lawson
Manufacturer: The Dial Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0385340370
Release Date: 2006-09-26

Book Description

From the author of the beloved #1 national bestseller Crow Lake comes an exceptional new novel of jealously, rivalry and the dangerous power of obsession.

Two brothers, Arthur and Jake Dunn, are the sons of a farmer in the mid-1930s, when life is tough and another world war is looming. Arthur is reticent, solid, dutiful and set to inherit the farm and his father’s character; Jake is younger, attractive, mercurial and dangerous to know – the family misfit. When a beautiful young woman comes into the community, the fragile balance of sibling rivalry tips over the edge.

Then there is Ian, the family’s next generation, and far too sure he knows the difference between right and wrong. By now it is the fifties, and the world has changed – a little, but not enough.

These two generations in the small town of Struan, Ontario, are tragically interlocked, linked by fate and community but separated by a war which devours its young men – its unimaginable horror reaching right into the heart of this remote corner of an empire. With her astonishing ability to turn the ratchet of tension slowly and delicately, Lawson builds their story to a shocking climax. Taut with apprehension, surprising us with moments of tenderness and humour, The Other Side of the Bridge is a compelling, humane and vividly evoked novel with an irresistible emotional undertow.

Arthur found himself staring down at the knife embedded in his foot. There was a surreal split second before the blood started to well up and then up it came, dark and thick as syrup.

Arthur looked at Jake and saw that he was staring at the knife. His expression was one of surprise, and this was something that Arthur wondered about later too. Was Jake surprised because he had never considered the possibility that he might be a less than perfect shot? Did he have that much confidence in himself, that little self-doubt?

Or was he merely surprised at how easy it was to give in to an impulse, and carry through the thought which lay in your mind? Simply to do whatever you wanted to do, and damn the consequences.
–from The Other Side of the Bridge

Customer Reviews:

One of my top reads this year!.......2007-10-07

This book is so beautifully written and I just finished it so the words are still fresh in my mind. I think this author has a wonderful talent to create images and can write bringing it all together. This book defiinitely makes my top- rated books for this year. It is not a long book but it took me a while to read (a couple of weeks) because I found myself rereading beautiful passages and really absorbing some of the most well-said dialog. Five Stars!!

Mary Lawson has done it again!.......2007-10-02

This will be one of my favorite reads for 2007. Mary Lawson is quite a talented writer, and again has kept my attention until the very last page. Lawson accomplished excellence in developing the personalities in this story. This book was a page turner, hard to put down, and I definitely was not disappointed after reading Crow Lake.

Mary Lawson does it again.......2007-10-01

Crow Lake was a wonderful first novel and I was happy to see that Mary Lawson is not a one-hit wonder. The Other Side of the Bridge is an engaging story with beautifully drawn characters. It grabs you right from the beginning and holds you until the end. It's hard to find a book that you don't want to finish but this is one.

Great storytelling that "moves" you..........2007-09-16

Terrific storytelling in a story of a rivalry between brothers beginning in the 1930's and passing thru the great wars and the depression. Author captures the severe beauty of Northern Canada, the fragile aspects of life, the mistakes of youth and living with decisions, mistakes and consequences. Lawson brings to life this small isolated town. Scenes are authentic. The pain, hurt, happiness and goodness are felt as one turns the pages even thought the core aspects of the plot are somewhat predictable. I loved this book.

in a nutshell.......2007-08-28

i know this is said a lot and i usually don't like the word, but this book is captivating. it really is. u dont come across this kind a lot.

Rainbow's End: A Memoir of Childhood, War and an African Farm

Average customer rating:

Life in Rhodesia
Been there, done that.
Rainbow's End
Another Farm in Africa...
Rainbow's End review

Rainbow's End: A Memoir of Childhood, War and an African Farm
Lauren St John
Manufacturer: Scribner
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0743286790

Book Description

This is a story about a paradise lost. . . . About an African dream that began with a murder . . .

In 1978, in the final, bloodiest phase of the Rhodesian civil war, eleven-year-old Lauren St John moves with her family to Rainbow's End, a wild, beautiful farm and game reserve set on the banks of a slowflowing river. The house has been the scene of a horrific attack by guerrillas, and when Lauren's family settles there, a chain of events is set in motion that will change her life irrevocably.

Rainbow's End captures the overwhelming beauty and extraordinary danger of life in the African bush. Lauren's childhood reads like a girl's own adventure story. At the height of the war, Lauren rides through the wilderness on her horse, Morning Star, encountering lions, crocodiles, snakes, vicious ostriches, and mad cows. Many of the animals are pets, including Miss Piggy and Bacon and an elegant giraffe named Jenny. The constant threat of ruthless guerrillas prowling the land underscores everything, making each day more dangerous, vivid, and prized than the last.

After Independence, Lauren comes to the bitter realization that she'd been on the wrong side of the civil war. While she and her family believed that they were fighting for democracy over Communism, others saw the war as black against white. And when Robert Mugabe comes into power, he oversees the torture and persecution of thousands of members of an opposing tribe and goes on to become one of Africa's legendary dictators. The ending of this beautiful memoir is a fist to the stomach as Lauren realizes that she can be British or American, but she cannot be African. She can love it -- be willing to die for it -- but she cannot claim Africa because she is white.

Customer Reviews:

Life in Rhodesia.......2007-09-19

I grew up in Rhodesia and can relate to all the animals and the terrorists and see the Rhodesia troops know someone who was in the army. Fortunately for those who grew up in the Rhodesia Era, have a better understanding of the meaning of life. No computer games, but real life. One thing that I hope to pass on to my kids is the love of animals, and how to survive without all the time spend in front of the TV and computers and be a real kid. Living in Bannockburn, traveling to Bulawayo, or Salisbury, stopping in Gweru, the Victoria Falls, Kariba, and buying mealies cooked on the side of the road, the braais, Renaults, the food, the wildlife, the smells of freshly rain on ground, elephants crossing the road on the way to Victoria Falls, and Matopus, all the baboons and monkeys running around, the rhino, giraffe, the lizards stealing food. The good life.

Growing up in Rhodesia makes me live life, like it were overflowing. The good times, the best of times, the real times.

Been there, done that........2007-08-23

I lived in Rhodesia in the time period this book was written. Although some minor facts are not quite correct, it gives an excellent feel for what it was like to live there and experience the multitude of changes.

Rainbow's End.......2007-08-14

This book is very good. I was a teenager in America when this was happening in Rhodesia. I remember it changing names and I remember there being some type of war, but I don't remember much else. I was shocked at some of the things that happened, but I really enjoyed the book. It should be required reading for anyone studying histories. I have passed this book on to some one who was born in that country and was just a few years older than the author and she has other memories, but she also said it was good. I definately recommend this book for anyone who likes books about history. It was very personable. The author made you really visualize the scenes as she described them.

Another Farm in Africa..........2007-07-30

Lauren St. John's tale of family life, strife and growing up in Rhodesia during "the War" -- the guerrilla war that lead to the creation of Zimbabwe and Mugabe dictatorship, is beguilling and frustrating. She talks several times about her unprounouncable Dutch name, but I'm not sure if I ever saw it in the book. She says that the entire family changed names by deedpole, but they all took different surnames, hers being what she now uses, St. John. Wha? Everybody in the family changes their names and no details? After black rule is established, St. John undergoes an eleventh hour realization/guilt trip about her previous life. She feels sympathy toward her black African compatriots and understands some of their excesses after "liberation." But the book glosses over the real twists in the plot. Something is going on between mom and dad, Mom is always getting on a plane and flying around the world, but we dont find out until almost the end of the book. Even then, she doesn't do more than hint until the last few pages. Dad was unfaithful. Why all the secrecy? She tells us anyway, but makes us roll our eyes first. For all her tiptoeing around family disputes, St. John is ultra-descriptive about her daily life, from the vanilla-licious Cerelac she had for breakfast, to her particular preferences in biltong. The book is a fascinating look at a white paradise that, in later years, became more threatening, but still pampering to those fortunate enough to be white. As Lauren undergoes her sudden realization about the Realities of Black Life in Rhodesia, she sees former heroes as less than noble...the Selous Scouts, honored soldiers during the war, are revealed to be something else indeed. The glitter comes off a lot of the gold, but the book is still a entertaining insight into a life, a lifetime, and a lifestyle. This book holds its own among the recent spate of books about the end of Rhodesia and its impact on white farmers and citizens.

Rainbow's End review.......2007-07-17

An excellent memoir of life during troubled times during the bush war in Rhodesia and birth of Zimbabwe.

Average customer rating:

One Girl's Moo-ving Story
Fav Teen Book of the Year
Good for teens
This book bored me
charming, yes, charming

Dairy Queen
Catherine Murdock
Manufacturer: Houghton Mifflin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0618683070

Book Description

When you don't talk, there's a lot of stuff that ends up not getting said. Harsh words indeed, from Brian Nelson of all people. But, D. J. can't help admitting, maybe he's right. When you don't talk, there's a lot of stuff that ends up not getting said. Stuff like why her best friend, Amber, isn't so friendly anymore. Or why her little brother, Curtis, never opens his mouth. Why her mom has two jobs and a big secret. Why her college-football-star brothers won't even call home. Why her dad would go ballistic if she tried out for the high school football team herself. And why Brian is so, so out of her league. When you don't talk, there's a lot of stuff that ends up not getting said. Welcome to the summer that fifteen-year-old D. J. Schwenk of Red Bend, Wisconsin, learns to talk, and ends up having an awful lot of stuff to say.

Customer Reviews:

One Girl's Moo-ving Story.......2007-09-24

Refreshing and wholesome, Catherine Gilbert Murdock's DAIRY QUEEN stands like a tall glass of cold milk in a crowded YA soda cooler. Examples that set it apart: the setting is Wisconsin; the protagonist (D.J. Schwenk) is a 15-year-old tomboy who wants to play on the boys' football team; and D.J. falls in love with the quarterback of her hometown's archrival (of all people).

The first-person point of view provides an intimate, even folksy bit of country charm. Murdock keeps it clean, too, choosing to make this much more than a farm girl-meets-privileged boy tale by highlighting the strange family dynamics of the Schwenks. Like many of us, this family has its secrets. For example, sons Bill and Win, who have left the nest (OK, farm), are not talking to the dad; the youngest boy, Curtis, is not much talking to ANYone; and nobody seems to know how to talk the words "I'm sorry" to each other.

D.J.'s curmudgeonly dad can no longer run the dairy due to physical limitations and her mom is subbing as the principal at a local school. That leaves D.J. and Curtis to milk the cows and run the farm. When archrival Hawley's coach (a good friend of D.J.'s dad) sends quarterback Brian Nelson to the farm to work, D.J. falls udderly in love and takes on the improbable (and some readers might complain, unbelievable) role of Brian's personal trainer.

The Brian-D.J. relationship takes front seat, but D.J.'s place in her family is equally compelling. Then there's her best friend Amber. More secrets. (And you thought life was all cheeseheads and sausages in Wisconsin. Who knew?)

Reluctant readers will probably balk at reading this book (or perhaps only "skim" it, if you'll pardon some dairy bad word play), but readers with an appreciation for characterization and not just plot should enjoy it. And while it is more a girl's book, DAIRY QUEEN has just enough football to intrigue, perhaps, a guy who likes to read as well. Or maybe not. Four stars for novelty and psychological drama. And pass the cookies.

Fav Teen Book of the Year.......2007-09-20

Dairy Queen is simply the most unique teen book I have read in a while. Lately it seems that all the storylines for teen books are the same boring girl/boy romance. I was in a desperate need for a bit of fresh air, something to clear my muddy thoughts. And then I picked up Dairy Queen, and it just took my breath away. After reading Dairy Queen, I learned the importance of stepping up to the plate when the time came to. You know when a book is going to stay with you for a long time when some phrases play back in your head at night: "When you don't talk, there's a lot of stuff that ends up no getting said."

Happy readings :)

Good for teens.......2007-09-01

This book made me smile, made me frown, and made me care a little bit about football. Overall tone and voice were fitting for the audience and the main character is very likeable.

This book bored me.......2007-08-31

I know some like reading about the farm life, but I didn't. I found it a bore. The book is 274 pages and seems to DRAG on. Like you keep thinking "is this book ever going to end". And I definetly don't think that with all books- I've read books with 400 pages and up (and liked them). Anyway, It takes FOREVER to finally get to the main plot of the story.

This book can be funny, "ha ha" funny not "laugh till you cry" funny, but I still didn't think it was worth it.
Two stars.

charming, yes, charming.......2007-07-21

The word "charming" is too vague, and it makes me think of smarmy real estate descriptions, but...I...can't...stop...myself. Dairy Queen is just so darn charming that I am forced to momentarily succumb. Catherine Gilbert Murdock has taken a traditional coming-of-age story about a tomboy in a small town and wrung some feisty new life out of it. Her character, DJ Schwenk, is a fifteen year old girl living on a dairy farm and learning about boys, football and family ties.

The first few pages of Dairy Queen are a little disconcerting. DJ speaks in the first person with a simple style and slangy dialogue, and she definitely sounds like a fifteen year old from Wisconsin. Once I settled into her voice, though, I was hooked. DJ is disarmingly honest, naïve, observant and witty - Gilbert Murdock's voice is spot on. DJ's mixed feelings toward her family are a realistic combination of humor, angst and love, but they aren't overdone or corny.

Gilbert Murdock also skillfully addresses some of the issues female athletes face. DJ gets called a "dyke" on the football field, but what upsets her more is that the opposing player pinches her butt as he says it. DJ describes herself as "big" and "strong," but she has no more than an occasional pang of jealousy for the thin "girly girls." She may not be free from insecurity, but she is comfortable in her skin. I found DJ's healthy body image and appetite to be a refreshing departure from teen weight and popularity obsession. More importantly, DJ's focus on training and competition rings true to anyone who has ever loved to play. When that focus begins to clash with a budding summer romance, DJ is forced to make decisions she has been putting off all summer. By that point I was praying for a sequel as charming as the debut.

Average customer rating:

Caleb's Story
Touching Story
Sarah, Plain and Tall and Skylark Sequel is Heartwarming
I'm not impressed
Caleb's Story by Patricia MacLachlan

Caleb's Story (Sarah, Plain and Tall)
Patricia Maclachlan
Manufacturer: HarperTrophy
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0064405907
Release Date: 2002-08-06

Book Description

Anna has done something terrible. She has given me her journal to fill.

In Anna's journal the words walk across the page like bird prints in the mud. But it is hard for me. It is hard for me to find things to write about.

"It's your job now," Anna says as she hands Caleb her journals, asking him to continue writing the family story. But Sarah, Jacob, Anna, Caleb, and their new little sister, Cassie, have already formed a family, and Caleb fears there will be nothing left to write about. But that is before Cassie discovers a mysterious old man in the barn and everything changes. Everyone is excited about the arrival of a new family member except for Jacob, who holds a bitter grudge. Only the special love of Caleb, and the gift he offers, can help to mend the pain of the past.

Caleb's Story continues the saga begun by the Newbery Medal–winning Sarah, Plain And Tall and its sequel, Skylark, spinning a tale of love, forgiveness, and the ties that bind a family together.

Ages 8–10

Customer Reviews:

Caleb's Story.......2006-02-20

This book in the 'Sarah, Plain and Tall" series has the same brilliant ability to draw readers in as the original, this time through Caleb's eyes.

Touching Story.......2004-03-13

Caleb's Story, the third of a series by Patricia MacLachlan, shows how a family can be brought closer together. Caleb, a teen coming of age, meets his grandpa who is sick. Taking place on the prairie this story show a struggle between generations. Read more to understand the struggles between the generations, and possibly solve some of your own.
Two good reasons you must read Caleb's Story are you could find more about grandpa, and find out more about Caleb and Cassie. You could see if their grandpa could make it or not. You could see if they started to get a long. Calob's Story is a MUST READ because you will learn about relationship. This book Calob's Story has a happy ending. You will love Calob's Story.
Patricia Maclachlan is a great writer. You will love her books. Patricia was a English teacher. She has a daughter who is helping her writer a book. She lives on the top of a mountain in Massachusetts. Calob's Story is the best book out of the series.

Sarah, Plain and Tall and Skylark Sequel is Heartwarming.......2002-04-09

Caleb's Story picks up where Skylark and Sarah, Plain and Tall leave off. For the countless readers who fell in love with Sarah as she learned to be a mother to Anna and Caleb, and a helpmeet for Jacob, this book is a wonderful addition. For the reader who lacks "Sarah background," Sarah comes from Maine to a prairie farm after responding to an ad placed by Jacob, who is looking for a woman to replace his recently deceased wife. While he is not necessarily looking for romance, Sarah and Jacob ultimately fall in love, and their next years as a family is chronicled in the sequel, Skylark.

In Caleb's Story, Anna leaves for town to help with victims of the influenza epidemic of 1918. A stranger is discovered in the barn, which turns out to be Jacob's estranged father, John. John wishes reconciliation with Jacob, who stubbornly continues to deny him the forgiveness he desires.

Journaling is a major theme in this book, making it a perfect companion to teaching the importance of recording events and feelings. Caleb picks up journaling for the family, a job which Anna had done until her departure. In trying to encourage Grandpa John to learn about the family he knew little of, Caleb offers the journals to him. Ultimately, in an extremely touching scene, Caleb presents Grandpa John his own journal, whereupon he learns that John never learned how to write.

What a touching story this is! A perfect read-aloud for the classroom (if the teacher can harden the heart enough not to cry!), students do not need to have a lot of background of the previous parts of the story. This reviewer found the characters believable; their reactions that John's arrival caused the family were extremely believable. MacLachlan's ability to convey emotions in an easy-to-understand way for intermediate readers makes this the perfect addition to any school or family library.

I'm not impressed.......2001-12-10

I'm not impressed with this book.

Sarah Plain and Tall is a near perfect novel in it's simplicity and depth but it is evident that MacLachlan spent neither the time nor the care to develop this story. I felt jipped with the cliches and predictable unfolding. This is definitely not her best writing.

Plus, the way the father Jacob is portrayed (an angry unforgiving man) takes away from his character in the first book .. shy, strong, deep and wise.

This book is a classic example of an author monopolizing on something good (Sarah Plain and Tall) knowing her fans will buy it. In the book "Caleb's Story" MacLachlan leaves herself plenty of loopholes so we know there will be more books.

I'm disappointed and kinda disgusted.

Caleb's Story by Patricia MacLachlan.......2001-12-03

As a third grade teacher, I am always on the lookout for good literature for student reading or teacher read alouds. My class and I read together the first two books in this trilogy and I used Caleb's Story as a read aloud which I shared with my principal. We loved this poignant story from its opening pages to its final pages. The old characters come to life once again while the surprising introduction of some new characters give great insight into family life. Everyone could relate to one or more of the characters, they are realistic. Lessons on cause and effect, character traits and goals, predicting, and problem solving were ongoing. Class discussions were wonderful as this tale presents much to talk about. The fact that this book is told in a different voice from the first two, is an interesting change. Caleb, who didn't want to take his sister's place as the family historian, eventually continues the saga in his own journal. My class is writing to the author requesting that she continue the stories using Jacob and the new characters to tie some pieces together. Many of my students are reading it again. It is a beautiful chapter book and appropriate to read when studying the early prairie years of our country.

Average customer rating:

face stretching, rib hurting total fun
Harris and Me- a fantastic quick read choice
Harris and Me
Zac's Review
Another well-told story

Harris and Me
Gary Paulsen
Manufacturer: Harcourt Paperbacks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 015205880X

Book Description

A young city boy is sent to spend the summer on his aunt and uncle's farm. Though he has lived many places over the years, he has never experienced anything like farm life . . . and he has never met anyone like Harris, his daredevil of a cousin. If the two of them can survive wrestling three-hundred-pound pigs and mouse-hunting with toothless old Louie's fire-spitting pet lynx--which, unlike his master, has plenty of teeth--they just might make it through the summer!

Customer Reviews:

face stretching, rib hurting total fun.......2007-09-12

When my children were younger this was one book we read over and over again. I recently purchased six of the copies and gave one to each of my children. My son and his wife read it on their trip home and totally enjoyed it again. It has a few cuss words but is a very enjoyable read for any age. Make sure your boys don't try some of the "activities" Harris and his cousin participated in.

Harris and Me- a fantastic quick read choice.......2007-05-19

Wildly imaginations of Harris, the main character's cousin, can create a mess. But with Harris, everything is fun; starting from playing comme jap to writing a bike with a motor on, life in the countryside is full of excitements. Because of Harris' rude and violent use of language, the house is never settled, but the main character spends a great time at his cousin's house during the summer.

I recommend this book to probably a boy, even though I am girl, since it deals with some "harsh" languages such as swearing. I would think it's about the right level for 5-7th graders :) enjoy!

Harris and Me.......2007-05-14

The funniest book I have ever read. Shared with both my grandchildren (ages 12 and 18) and we laughed till we cried. Reminds me so much of when I was growing up.

Zac's Review .......2007-05-07

Harris and Me
By Gary Paulsen

The book Harris and Me by Gary Paulsen is a memoir about Paulsen going to live with his cousin, Harris, the summer he is 12 years old because his parents are alcoholics. The story is about all the things he does in his best summer ever. The boys have many crazy adventures with not as many consequences.
The book is a hilarious comedy about boys being boys. For example, they go out one day Gary Paulsen dares Harris to pee on an electric fence. The things that they think of will keep the reader on his or her toes. The book is best for middle school students and up.

Another well-told story.......2007-03-15

A young boy is taken from his drunken parents and sent to live with family. He ends up on a farm with family he's never met. His cousin Harris takes it on himself to teach the new kid about his special brand of country life. Harris is a kid full of energy, humor, and cuss words. Being smacked several times a day by his sister doesn't seem to help the latter. The two boys wrestle pigs and attempt to jump onto a horse from a barn loft like Roy Rogers did in the movies. Somehow, even after getting his business kicked by a cow, the boy and Harris bond over the summer.

The story moves at a fairly quick pace, taking the reader from barn loft to horse back to a field with a lynx for a mouse-hunting partner. The reader's interest is kept just wondering what Harris will get them into next and a smattering of kindness and true family heart will help him remember Harris and Me.

Be warned that there are several "hells" and "damns" in the book, and talk of some dirty pictures, though nothing graphic. Fast-paced and laugh-out-loud funny, this is one that the middle-schooler is sure to enjoy.

Armchair Interviews says: Sounds like a fun read.

Average customer rating:

an ok/good second story
It was great
The Secrets of Peaches

The Secrets of Peaches
Jodi Lynn Anderson
Manufacturer: HarperTeen
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 006073308X
Release Date: 2006-12-12

Book Description

Last summer, three very different girls—wild Murphy, perfect Leeda, and shy Birdie—etched their initials on a Magnolia tree at Darlington Peach Orchard to symbolize that they're friendship will last forever. But can it survive the less-than-peachy year ahead?

Murphy, more in love with Rex than ever, is torn between her big-city dreams and following her heart . . . all the way across the railroad tracks and into Rex's arms.

Leeda, nominated to be Bridgewater's Pecan Queen, basks in the rose-scented glow of her Ice Queen mother's sudden affection—until her sister, the princess, returns.

Birdie, happy for the first time, wants nothing more than to make time stand still. Too bad everything is changing, whether she likes it or not.

The sweet trio of Georgia girls that made Peaches a national bestseller returns in this delicious and satisfying sequel. This year, Murphy, Leeda, and Birdie discover that bitter endings can lead to sweet new beginnings . . . and that the orchard that brought them together will always be a part of them—even if they leave it behind.

Customer Reviews:

an ok/good second story.......2007-04-09

The only reason I'm rating The Secret of Peaches three stars is because it is nothing compaired to the first book! Right from the start, the auther tells us that things have changed in the girl's lifes, and that the magic between them is gone. Although I like the fact that these characters do not have the perfect friendship to start (like in real life), with fights, disagreements, etc, it seems that in the second story their friendship is unlikely, and they have grown apart. I also didn't like that auther tried to make The Secrets of Peaches so much more dramatic then (the origanal) Peaches. Truthfuly, the second story is never as good as the first, (in any case). But, I do have to say Jodie Anderson has done avery good job with The Secret of Peaches. Her characters are all well developed.
The story picks up where the first left off, and continues on. Each character has her own part of the story that is totally different from the others, but at the same time each point of view connects.

Birdie: is having a great year with her boyfriend Enrico, until they're relationship takes a turn that Birdie is uncomfortable with. Things get even worse when the house worker Poppie (who is like a mother) starts acting strange. Birdie is overwelmed with anger guilt and sadness. What if things aren't really as they seem?

Leeda: realizes her mother is in fact not perfect. She get's pampered by her mother until older sister Danny comes home from colage with some big news. Leeda's mother forgets her, and Leeda has to figure out how to learn how to do what she wants and follow her own path.

Murphy: has always known she belongs in the city, but when the time comes to move on Murphy is not so sure she's ready. She thinks her boyfriend Rex can come with her, but Rex knows better. Will Murphy follow through with her life plan, or cave in and stay in Bridgwater forever?

It was great .......2007-01-04

This book was really good. Granted i liked the first one a lot also. I don't know it was a quick read and it was fun and interesting. The writing style of the author is also really good. I really enjoyed this book.

The Secrets of Peaches.......2007-01-04

Somehow, I think I loved this book more than the first. The first one took awhile to get exciting, but this one just jumped right into it.

Leeda gets attention from her mom for awhile, but it's not long before she leaves the house.
Murphy and Rex are having problems, because of Murphy's desire to go to NYU and leave Georgia behind.
And Birdie, she's worried about Poopie, worried that she's leaving. And everything is wierd between her and Enrico.

I loved it. This reminds me of The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. I am very glad that I bought this book.

Average customer rating:

A Real "Feel Good" Book
Great Read
A surprising, sentimental, but readable Baldacci
Baldacci portrays a wonderful, moving story
A heart warming story

Wish You Well
David Baldacci
Manufacturer: Grand Central Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0446527165
Release Date: 2000-10-24

Amazon.com

The year is 1940. After a car accident kills 12-year-old Lou's and 7-year-old Oz's father and leaves their mother Amanda in a catatonic trance, the children find themselves sent from New York City to their great-grandmother Louisa's farm in Virginia. Louisa's hardscrabble existence comes as a profound shock to precocious Lou and her shy brother. Still struggling to absorb their abandonment, they enter gamely into a life that tests them at every turn--and offers unimaginable rewards. For Lou, who dreams of following in her father's literary footsteps, the misty, craggy Appalachians and the equally rugged individuals who make the mountains their home quickly become invested with an almost mythic significance:

They took metal cups from nails on the wall and dipped them in the water, and then sat outside and drank. Louisa picked up the green leaves of a mountain spurge growing next to the springhouse, which revealed beautiful purple blossoms completely hidden underneath. "One of God's little secrets," she explained. Lou sat there, cup cradled between her dimpled knees, watching and listening to her great-grandmother in the pleasant shade...

Baldacci switches deftly between lovingly detailed character description (an area in which his debt to Laura Ingalls Wilder and Harper Lee seems evident) and patient development of the novel's central plot. If that plot is a trifle transparent--no one will be surprised by Amanda's miraculous recovery or by the children's eventual battle with the nefarious forces of industry in an attempt to save their great-grandmother's farm--neither reader nor character is the worse for it. After all, nostalgia is about remembering things one already knows. --Kelly Flynn

Book Description

David Baldacci has made a name for himself crafting big, burly legal thrillers withlarger-than-life plots. However, Wish You Well, set in his native Virginia, is a tale of hopeand wonder and "something of a miracle" just itching to happen. This shift from contentiousurbanites to homespun hill families may come as a surprise to some of Baldacci's fans--but they canrest assured: the author's sense of pacing and exuberant prose have made the leap as well.The year is 1940. After a car accident kills 12-year-old Lou's and 7-year-old Oz's father and leavestheir mother Amanda in a catatonic trance, the children find themselves sent from New York Cityto their great-grandmother Louisa's farm in Virginia. Louisa's hardscrabble existence comes as aprofound shock to precocious Lou and her shy brother. Still struggling to absorb theirabandonment, they enter gamely into a life that tests them at every turn--and offers unimaginablerewards. For Lou, who dreams of following in her father's literary footsteps, the misty, craggyAppalachians and the equally rugged individuals who make the mountains their home quicklybecome invested with an almost mythic significance:They took metal cups from nails on the wall and dipped them in the water, and then sat outside anddrank. Louisa picked up the green leaves of a mountain spurge growing next to the springhouse,which revealed beautiful purple blossoms completely hidden underneath. "One of God's littlesecrets," she explained. Lou sat there, cup cradled between her dimpled knees, watching andlistening to her great-grandmother in the pleasant shade...Baldacci switches deftly between lovingly detailed character description (an area in which his debtto Laura Ingalls Wilder and Harper Lee seems evident) and patient development of the novel'scentral plot. If that plot is a trifle transparent--no one will be surprised by Amanda's miraculousrecovery or by the children's eventual battle with the nefarious forces of industry in an attempt tosave their great-grandmother's farm--neither reader nor character is the worse for it. After all,nostalgia is about remembering things one already knows. --Kelly Flynn

Download Description

In 1953, a young family has a devastating car accident which leaves twelve year old Louisa (Lou) and her seven year old brother Oscar (Oz) with their Pulitzer Prize winning father dead and their mother a bedridden, invalid who has completely withdrawn. Their only relative is their father's grandmother who is a stranger to them but who is willing to take the children in and care for their mother. So they move with their mother from their home in New York City to their great-grandmother's remote farm in rural southwest Virginia. As Lou and Oz get to know Louisa, they also get to know the harshly beautiful land that has sustained their family for generations and is the source of their father's acclaimed novels. It's a hard life for two kids from New York City, getting up at five in the morning to start working the farm, no electricity, no phones, an outhouse. But with the help of their new best friend, Diamond Skinner, and the kindliness of town lawyer, Cotton Longfellow, they thrive under their great-grandmother's care until one day a mining company makes an offer for the land that Louisa refuses to sell. To keep their farm, with the mining company and their own greedy neighbors against them, Cotton must try their case in court. Lou and Oz pray for a miracle...and their prayers are answered in undreamed of ways.

Customer Reviews:

A Real "Feel Good" Book.......2007-10-05

Want a book that captures you into a region, time and place? One that makes the reader re-evaluate the true value and meaning of life? If so, this is the book! The reader is allowed to experience each character via emotions and personality expressed in excellent narrative and dialog. It is very enlightening on a number of levels: the southern mountain culture, personal relationships and corporate exploitation of natural resources and people.

This excellent book is definitely one to recommend to friends of all ages. They will thank you for it.

Great Read.......2007-08-21

At first I was I dreaded taking this book from my cousin. But now I am so happy I did! I grew up in the Georgia Mountains and this book felt like home! It made me miss everyone I grew up with and especially my great grandfather!

A surprising, sentimental, but readable Baldacci.......2007-08-16

I'm used to David Baldacci's thrillers, which are never less than good. This was somewhat of a surprise, an affectionate tribute to the Virginia mountains from which his family came. Occasionally that affection tips over into melodrama, and the final chapters are indeed contrived with rather too much maudlin sentimentality and fairy-tale ending. A reviewer elsewhere described it rather nicely as "The Waltons in honey", and I can understand why. Yet the story is told with style and flair, with generally nicely-caught characters and places. Sure, it's a fairy tale, but we could all use a fairy tale now and then, and this one will melt all but the hardest of hearts.

When you read it, you'll find that the title is an especially neat touch.

Baldacci portrays a wonderful, moving story.......2007-08-01

I have read several of Baldacci's books. i.e., Total Control, The Simple Truth, and Saving Grace and I have enjoyed all these novels. This book, if you are not aware, is a major departure from his normal genre. I suppose he is following in the paths of Grisham, Patterson, Hiaasen, and Parker by stepping out of their genre to create human interest, and young adult type stories. I think it's great that these gifted authors are creating such wonderful stories, (A Painted House, by Grisham comes to my mind) especially those stories for the young adult group.
I thought this book was a wonderful, relaxing tale. It has its sad parts but it is still a heartwarming story. The author's descriptive scenes of the beautiful rural Virginia during the 1930's were terrific. Don't expect any mysterious killers, car crashes, love scenes, just a homegrown country story that is very enjoyable. There's no need for me to detail the characters and plot as there are numerous reviews already. In summary, I think it's a moving story with richly portrayed characters that I encourage you to read.

Another novel that has its roots in human drama is Tommytown by Robert L. Saunders. This author is outstanding as he heralds the story of motherhood as 35 year old; Helen struggles to raise 7 children in sheer poverty during the 1950's. It was a time when there was no public assistance and laws protecting women's rights were non-existent. Saunders holds nothing back as he takes the reader into this hamlet and makes you part of Helen's desperate situation. He deals with serious issues with a light-hearted spirit and splatters bits of humor to make Tommytown an exceptional story that all mothers should read. I highly recommend this novel. You won't be disappointed. Have a Good Read.

A heart warming story.......2007-06-29

this is a story of love,strength, courage, humor and most importantly...family

Average customer rating:

dorky
Difficult narrative voice, depressing content, but vibrant characters. Suffers from lack of meaning. Moderately recommended
Don't be turned away by "icky" themes.
Too much; not enough
A Great and Interesting book for Young Adults and Plus

How I Live Now
Meg Rosoff
Manufacturer: Wendy Lamb Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0553376055
Release Date: 2006-04-11

Amazon.co.uk

Possibly one of the most talked about books of the year, Meg Rosoff's novel for young adults is the winner of the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize 2004. Heralded by some as the next best adult crossover novel since Mark Haddon's The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, who himself has given the book a thunderously good quote, this author's debut is undoubtedly stylish, readable and fascinating.

Rosoff's story begins in modern day London, slightly in the future, and as its heroine has a 15-year-old Manhattanite called Daisy. She's picked up at the airport by Edmond, her English cousin, a boy in whose life she is destined to become intricately entwined. Daisy stays at her Aunt Penn's country farmhouse for the summer with Edmond and her other cousins. They spend some idyllic weeks together--often alone with Aunt Penn away travelling in Norway. Daisy's cousins seem to have an almost telepathic bond, and Daisy is mesmerized by Edmond and soon falls in love with him.

But their world changes forever when an unnamed aggressor invades England and begins a years-long occupation. Daisy and Edmond are separated when soldiers take over their home, and Daisy and Piper, her younger cousin, must travel to another place to work. Their experiences of occupation are never kind and Daisy's pain, living without Edmond, is tangible.

Rosoff's writing style is both brilliant and frustrating. Her descriptions are wonderful, as is her ability to portray the emotions of her characters. However, her long sentences and total lack of punctuation for dialogue can be exhausting. Her narrative is deeply engaging and yet a bit unbelievable. The end of the book is dramatic, but too sudden. The book has a raw, unfinished feel about it, yet that somehow adds to the experience of reading it. (Age 14 and over) --John McLay

Book Description

“Every war has turning points and every person too.”

Fifteen-year-old Daisy is sent from Manhattan to England to visit her aunt and cousins she’s never met: three boys near her age, and their little sister. Her aunt goes away on business soon after Daisy arrives. The next day bombs go off as London is attacked and occupied by an unnamed enemy.

As power fails, and systems fail, the farm becomes more isolated. Despite the war, it’s a kind of Eden, with no adults in charge and no rules, a place where Daisy’s uncanny bond with her cousins grows into something rare and extraordinary. But the war is everywhere, and Daisy and her cousins must lead each other into a world that is unknown in the scariest, most elemental way.

A riveting and astonishing story.

From the Hardcover edition.

Download Description

“EVERY WAR HAS turning points and every person too.”

Fifteen–year–old Daisy is sent from Manhattan to England to visit her aunt and cousins she’s never met: three boys near her age, and their little sister. Her aunt goes away on business soon after Daisy arrives. The next day bombs go off as London is attacked and occupied by an unnamed enemy.

As power fails, and systems fail, the farm becomes more isolated. Despite the war, it’s a kind of Eden, with no adults in charge and no rules, a place where Daisy’s uncanny bond with her cousins grows into something rare and extraordinary. But the war is everywhere, and Daisy and her cousins must lead each other into a world that is unknown in the scariest, most elemental way.

A riveting and astonishing story.

Customer Reviews:

dorky.......2007-09-28

Obviously a smart, hip author. But overall the novel was annoying, unsatisfying. Like reading a disturbed, precocious teenage girl's diary scrawl crossed with a dorky, untenable 'future war' scenario, laid out all artsy so it doesn't have to deal with anything to completion. Also, I found the poetic/indirect/romantic talk about sex particularly annoying--I wanted to know what happened. Felt the same about the eating stuff.

Difficult narrative voice, depressing content, but vibrant characters. Suffers from lack of meaning. Moderately recommended.......2007-09-11

Some day in the near future, Daisy leaves Manhattan and moves in with her aunt and cousins in their farmhouse in the English countryside. Her cousins adopt her immediately, and Daisy falls in love with one, beginning the few idyllic weeks that pass before, while her aunt is away on business, war breaks out. With the country in chaos, Daisy and her cousins must fend for themselves through increasingly dismal, difficult times. Told in an immature adolescent voice and focusing on, not the political issues, but the daily life of war from a teenager's point of view, How I Live Now deals with everything from eating disorders to love to the dystopic wasteland of the abandoned countryside. The voice is difficult to adjust to and to read, the subject matter is dark and almost hopeless, but Rosoff conceives her modern war in gritty detail and brings it to life through the vibrant young characters. A different, odd, but fast-paced read, and moderately recommended.

I come into this review without a strong opinion one way or the other on this book, and still confused as to why and how much I gained from reading it. The book is difficult to adjust to at first. Told in Daisy's voice, it is stripped of almost all punctuation, heavy on capitalized words, and thick with immature adolescent sarcasm. However, as the reader adjusts, the voice begins to contribute to rather than detract from the book by becoming one of the many factors that bring to life the vibrant young narrator and characters. Many of the book's features follow this contradictory path: they are odd, strange, or even off-putting, but are ultimately crucial to creating the book as it is. From the love between the cousins Daisy and Edmond to Daisy's eating disorder, to the deaths, days of starvation, and terror that populate the latter half of the book (expressed, often, in gritty and unforgiving detail), the book rides the line between hopelessly depressing and distinctly, vitally alive. It is an odd combination that makes for an even stranger read, but with Daisy's well-paced narration remains an engrossing book.

Unlike many post-apocalyptic or dystopic texts, however, How I Live Now does not offer a concrete warning or message for the reader to take away at the end of the book. This, too, plays a dual role: in some ways, the lack of a greater message makes the narration more engrossed in and authentic to itself; in all other ways, it limits the lasting impact of the book. With young narrators, without a political slant, without a thematic message or warning, the book falls somewhat flat at the end. Once the shell-shocked daze of reading it wears off, the text seems pointless, hopeless, and messageless--begging the question: Was this a worthwhile book?

Rosoff's world is realistic, her characters vibrant and human despite their telepathic traits, and the horrors of her war are unforgiving. The book is a compelling read, difficult to put down, constantly leading into the next struggle, difficulty, and sometimes triumph. But it is more unsettling that it is memorable or meaningful. I cannot say that I enjoyed reading it, but I do appreciate both the skill and the content of the work. I wish it had more to offer once the reading were done, but I am still glad to have read this book. Post-apocalyptic/dystopic fans may enjoy the concept and the setting; all readers will be drawn into Daisy's world. This is not a must-read, and it left me feeling unsettled, but I do nevertheless moderately recommend it.

Don't be turned away by "icky" themes........2007-08-17

Let's get right to the point. There are plenty of things in this book that may bother you--underage sex, incest, violence, eating disorders. But the *point* is that none of that matters. How I Live Now is a beautifully written book, with universal themes. It's told from the point of view of an American, Daisy, who comes to England to live with her cousins just before war breaks out. On the way, she falls in love with one of her cousins, Edmund, and finds a family in the rest of them. It's a ocming-of-age, a romance, and a gorgeously told story. You'll be missing out if you avoid it just because of one of the plot points.

Too much; not enough.......2007-07-18

I'd like to enjoy this book, but I am finding too much borrowed information from the past blearing the lines of today.

Am I in 1940 or 2007? Eating disorders, incestious relationships, English manors and countrysides, Absentee parents, Terrorists, Cell Phones and Email...and who is the small group capable of killing so many people and disabling a nation?

And the Capitals Used In mid-sentence drive me bonkers. Is it emphasis? Am I supposed to be getting it? What the heck is IT? Am I Just An Old Lady now Too Stupid to comprehend today's GENERATION? Is the point that The Past is The Present? See what I MEAN?

Well, I'll pass it on to my teen for her Interpretation.

A Great and Interesting book for Young Adults and Plus.......2007-06-28

My 14 year old son and 16 year old daughter read the novel first. My son thought it started out okay, but then went down hill. He thought Daisy was a loose character that he hard time understanding. In summary (his own words) he wasn't crazy about the book. My daughter on the other hand, enjoyed the book. She said she felt sorry for Daisy, rooted for her throughout the story. Overall she enjoyed the book very much. I read it over the course of the next two days.

Overall, I thought the novel was an excellent read, and it kept my interest as I followed 15 year old Daisy's move from New York to England to live with her aunt and cousins; her sudden relationship with cousin Edmond; England during the horrible war period and then Daisy and Edmund's separation. The story moves along at a quick pace and I felt it was an interesting read. The reviews are numerous on this tale, so there's no need at this point to recap the story further, else I may give away more of the story for those folks that haven't read it. In my opinion the book leans more to the 15+ year old age group. It's a great book for young adults.

For another great Young Adult novel consider the outstanding author, Robert L. Saunders. He has written several novels for young adults (and Mothers) on SERIOUS ISSUES with a light-hearted spirit. His Tommytown series are exceptional. He has dedicated these novels to all the poor children in the 7th and 8th grades, that longed to have their beauty accepted, only to find that they had to endure the constant snickering and rejections by those classmates that had never really known "want." However, even when living in the ugliest of places, the brothers and sisters in these novels maintain a mix of humor and good cheer; despite the outside world's announcement that, "Poor Folks won't amount to nothing." These are super novels and worthy of your attention.
Please, don't miss these books.

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