Bridge to Terabithia

Newbery Medal Winner, 1978

The classic Newbery Medal–winning title by beloved author Katherine Paterson, with brand-new bonus materials including an author's note by Katherine herself and a foreword by New York Times bestselling author Kate DiCamillo. 

Jess Aarons has been practicing all summer so he can be the fastest runner in the fifth grade. And he almost is, until the new girl in school, Leslie Burke, outpaces him. The two become fast friends and spend most days in the woods behind Leslie’s house, where they invent an enchanted land called Terabithia. One morning, Leslie goes to Terabithia without Jess and a tragedy occurs. It will take the love of his family and the strength that Leslie has given him for Jess to be able to deal with his grief.

Bridge to Terabithia was also named an ALA Notable Children’s Book and has become a touchstone of children’s literature, as have many of Katherine Paterson’s other novels, including The Great Gilly Hopkins and Jacob Have I Loved.

Supports the Common Core State Standards

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Book Review: Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

by Gail Pruszkowski

I may not be a young adult but "Vampire Academy" is a book I could definitely sink my teeth into. It's the first in a series by Richelle Mead. The author puts a new and unique spin on the vampire legends of old. Forbidden love, friendship, loyalty, romance, intrigue, this one has it all.

St. Vladimir's Academy in Montana is no ordinary school. It's a boarding school for vampires where they are taught magic and teens who are half human, half vampire are trained to protect them. Lissa is a mortal Moroi Vampire Princess and her best friend and bodyguard is Rose Hathaway, a Dhampir, who is trained to combat the immortal Strigoi, who are dangerous rogue Moroi. Two years ago Lissa and Rose ran away but they were found and brought back in disgrace. The academy has become a dangerous place for them. Gossip, peer pressure and forbidden romance are the least of their problems. Lissa has secret powers that are growing and affecting her in different ways. Now she is getting anonymous warnings from someone who knows her secret.

Rose and Lissa have a great relationship and it's the focus of the story. The plot starts when the girls are caught and returned to the academy and it takes off from there. Good secondary characters and intriguing subplots make the pages fly. There's a forbidden romance between Rose and Dimitri which adds another dimension to the story. Mead doesn't talk down to her readers. She describes a dark contemporary setting and includes some strong language and sexual content that some readers might find offensive. It might be a supernatural tale but it deals with teenage issues that are relevant to most teens. If you like "Twilight" and "House of Night" you'll probably like this series as well. It's an engaging mystery with an unpredictable ending and it is definitely worth a read.

Reading Level: Young Adult
Publisher: Razorbill (August 16, 2007)
ISBN: 978-1595141743
Paperback: 336
Price: $8.99

Gail Pruszkowski reviews for "Romantic Times BOOKreviews" magazine and her work has been published in the "Cup of Comfort" Anthologies.

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"Twilight" Book Review

by Lily Andrews

Twilight is a wonderfully imaginative and believable fiction novel written by author Stephenie Meyer. Bella, a teenage girl hailing from Phoenix, makes the decision to leave her beloved home town and all of her friends. She heroically sacrifices her happiness for that of her mother, because her new and adored step-father Phil, is a professional baseball player. She moves to a town called Forks, on the dreary Olympic Peninsula to live with her father, Charlie, so that her mother can be free to travel with her new husband Phil.

The town of Forks is where the story truly begins. As it unfolds, we find Bella being highly agitated, annoyed and frustrated , but also extremely attracted and curious about the mysterious Edward Cullen, who attends her new high school. There is something strangely curious about Edward and his four other siblings. They are all remarkably beautiful. They always sit alone in the cafeteria, and never eat or drink anything. His hands are so cold, and his eyes dramatically change color.

Edward warns Bella that it is not safe for her to be around him, but does not heed his own warning. Edward realizes that the intensity of their passion could drive him over the edge and put Bella's life in danger. He lusts for her blood because he is a vampire! They share an irresistible attraction for each other, and cannot keep apart from each other, despite the danger. It is through this dangerously necessary relationship that Bella and Edward fall in love. She learns Edwards family guarded secret. They are all vampires! Despite the blood-lust that Bella arouses, she is safe with Edward and his family not only because of Edwards love for her, but because the family patriarch has sworn the family to renounce human prey.

Edward and his family become entwined in a desperate struggle to protect and preserve the life of the fragile human Bella, when a group of rogue tracker vampires fixate on her. They will do anything to taste her blood, and will stop at nothing until they have her.

Will Edward and the members of his family be able to control the instinct aroused within them? Will they be able to save Bella from the rogues?

This novel is highly suggested with a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. If you enjoy reading Harry Potter, you will enjoy the imaginative brilliance of Stephenie Meyers' Twilight . It is a fantastic read that is hard to put down once you start!

By: Lily Andrews
To Get You Copy Of "Twilight", please visit:
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Book Review of the Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

by Bob Morse

Over two decades ago, Neil Gaiman truly revolutionized the comic book industry with his amazing work in the comic book industry. Roughly 8 years ago, Gaiman made the transition into novel writing and his work has been nothing short of spectacular. This is evidenced in the release of his novel, The Graveyard Book.

On the surface, this book appears to be a horror novel but upon reading the first few chapters, it becomes obvious this is more than a run of the mill horror yarn. This is an incredibly multifaceted work that is truly one of the more unique and interesting works of dark (and, for that matter upbeat) fantasy on bookstore shelves.

The plot of this work is one of the more original narratives to come down the proverbial pike in many years. The novel is the tale of Nobody Owens. When Nobody was born, his family was murdered by an assassin. Nobody, however, was spared in a very unique way: he found himself in a cemetery where he immediately fell under the protection of the ghosts that inhabited the cemetery. These ghosts not only protect Nobody. They raise him from a newborn through his adolescence. Of course, this makes for quite the unique upbringing since the dynamic between ghosts and humans is quite different.

Therein exists much of the allegorical components to the tale. The differences between ghosts and humans are a microcosm of the differences between people in general. The irony of the relationship between Nobody and the ghosts centers on the fact that humans share many of the same differences. From this, we can watch the interaction between the characters from a different perspective that allows us to examine human relationships within a framework that includes spiritual, astral beings. Yes, Gaiman is a creative author and that is what makes his work so engaging.

Of course, the ending of the novel yields a confrontation between Nobody and the assassin that murdered his family. While the confrontation does follow some of the conventions of a traditional revenge tale, there are enough "spins" present that the confrontation never becomes predictable or derivative. No, Gaiman is a far more talented author than one that would deliver little more than "the same old, same old".

What makes this an engaging work is that it harkens back to the days of gothic, grim children's literature. In time, children's literature - which was quite dark in previous centuries - began to soften and lose its bite. While this book is clearly written for and marketed to adults, Gaiman still is successful in bringing back the weird genre conventions of dark children's fantasy. This is why it stands out as such a unique work which further contributes to its popularity.

Those looking for a thoroughly original and engaging work of dark fiction will certainly enjoy reading The Graveyard Book.

Far too often, fantasy books are cut from the same mold. With Gaiman's work, this is certainly not the case as his innovative and visionary style is among the most original a reader could discover.

(The Graveyard Book which came out in October 2008 has won the Newbery Award which is one of the most distinguished awards for children's books. The book has also been nominated for a Hugo Award. First editions of the book should prove to be very collectible. Signed first editions have already appreciated considerably.)

Bob Morse has been collecting books for 11 years. His website http://www.book-collecting-tips.com contains collecting tips and a list of books he has been collecting recently. Also, each month a collectible Book of the Month book is selected for its appreciation potential.

Review: Buffalo Song by Joseph Bruchac

by Lori Calabrese

Who will ever forget when they saw a buffalo for the first time? I'll always remember the sight of them lounging in the grass on a hot summer day at the zoo, batting the bugs away, swinging their tails side to side. Joseph Bruchac's own interest in buffalo grew when he was a child, standing in front of a pen at the Catskill Game Farm in upstate New York. Because of it, he brings us this powerful tale about how this American symbol was saved from extinction.

For thousands of years massive herds of buffalo roamed across much of North America, but by the 1870s, fewer than fifteen hundred of these animals remained. Hunted to the brink of extinction, the buffalo were in danger of vanishing. Thanks to the efforts of a few individuals, we are able to gaze at these amazing creatures today.

The story begins as a confused, hungry, and frightened buffalo calf has lost her mother and the rest of her herd to white hunters. Rescued by two members of the Nez Perce tribe who happened to pass by and find her, she is taken to a small refuge for buffalo orphans started and run by Walking Coyote and his wife Mary. They nurse the calf back to health, and along with several other buffalo orphans, make the dangerous journey across a large mountain pass in order to deliver the buffalo to a larger sanctuary and pasture for grazing. The orphans ultimately wind up at the Flathead Indian Reservation in Montana where, together with other buffalo that Walking Coyote and other like-minded individuals rescued, they prosper and grow into a herd of about seven hundred.

You can't help but feel close to the main character, Walking Coyote. You feel for his family who is poor and on a mission to save these creatures one by one. You're also pulled in by the story of the calf who loses her herd and eventually becomes a leader herself. The story reminds us just how important these animals are to America and it gives us an idea of the individuals who took on such a huge undertaking. If it wasn't for Walking Coyote and others, we wouldn't have our memories of watching those Buffalo bat their tails at the zoo. For that alone, I recommend everyone to read Buffalo Song.

Read Booktalk with author, Joseph Bruchac.
Author: Joseph Bruchac
Illustrator: Bill Farnsworth
Publisher:Lee & Low Books, March 2008
Reading level: Ages 4-8
ISBN-10: 1584302801
ISBN-13: 978-1584302803

Lori Calabrese is a freelance writer who specializes in parenting and children in both her personal and professional life. Lori's publishing credits include Boys' Life, Odyssey, Appleseeds, Focus on the Family Clubhouse Jr., Stories for Children Magazine, and The Institute of Children's Literature's Rx for Writers. Lori is a graduate of The Institute of Children's Literature and a member of The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators.

To learn more, please visit http://www.loricalabrese.com

Book Review - Fab Girls Guide to Friendship Hardship, by Phoebe Kitanidis

by Susan M. Heim

Why won't anyone sit with me at lunch? Why aren't I in the popular crowd? These are the types of questions that cause tremendous angst for middle-school girls. When I was in junior high (our term for "middle school" back in the Stone Age), there weren't many places to go for the answers to the questions I had during those years. My parents had very few resources to consult, but today's parents are much more fortunate. The publishers of Discovery Girls magazine have developed a series of books called the Fab Girls Guides to help girls navigate the ups and downs of middle school.

So, who are the Fab Girls? They're fraternal twins, Carmen and Dallas Fabrulezziano. They may be twins, but they are totally different. They tell readers, "Discovery Girls asked us to help you through these crazy, confusing middle-school years. And who better to go through them with than a couple of fun Fab Girls who know exactly how you feel? We'll give it to you straight and tell you everything you need to know . . ."

I got hold of a copy of Fab Girls Guide to Friendship Hardship, by Phoebe Kitanidis, and it was filled with some great information for middle-school girls, such as how to tell the difference between good and bad friends, how to be the best friend you can be, how to meet new people, and how to find the friendships you truly deserve. Creative quizzes and sidebars make for fun and easy reading so that girls feel like they're chatting with a friend, not reading a lecture. The first four books in the series are:

Fab Girls Guide to Friendship Hardship (ISBN 978-1-934766-00-2)

Breaks down the solutions to friendship problems step-by-step, helping your middle-schooler identify poisonous friendships and showing her how to be the best friend she can be.

Fab Girls Guide to Sticky Situations (ISBN 978-1-934766-01-9)

What do you do when your deepest secret is blabbed to the entire school? Or when you tell your crush you like him and he doesn't like you back? By the last page, girls will be ready to deal with any situation.

Fab Girls Guide to Getting Through Tough Times (ISBN 978-1-934766-03-3)

True stories written by girls about their most private struggles--being betrayed by a friend, dealing with their parents' divorce, a death in the family.

Fab Girls Guide to Getting Your Questions Answered (ISBN 978-1-934766-04-0)

In this collection of real letters to Discovery Girls' advice columnist, girls will find answers to their most troubling questions about everything from family to friends to school to boys and more.

The books are $9.95 each or $29.95 for all four, plus shipping and handling. They may be ordered at DiscoveryGirls.com. There's even a coupon in the back of the book for a free issue of Discovery Girls magazine. This is a wonderful new series for middle-school girls (or those soon-to-be)!

Susan M. Heim is a former Senior Editor for the bestselling "Chicken Soup for the Soul" series. Her published books include "It's Twins! Parent-to-Parent Advice from Infancy Through Adolescence"; "Oh, Baby! 7 Ways a Baby Will Change Your Life the First Year"; "Twice the Love: Stories of Inspiration for Families with Twins, Multiples and Singletons"; "Boosting Your Baby's Brain Power"; and, "Chicken Soup for the Soul: Twins and More." Her articles and essays have appeared in many books, magazines and websites. Susan writes a regular online column for Mommies Magazine called "Loving and Living with Twins and Multiples."

She is also an expert on twins and multiples for AllExperts.com and ParentsConnect.com, and a parenting expert for SelfGrowth.com.

Susan is the founder of TwinsTalk, a website about twins and raising twins (http://www.twinstalk.com). Susan shares her parenting wisdom on her blog, Susan Heim on Parenting, at http://www.susanheim.blogspot.com She is the mother of 4 sons -- two teens and twin preschoolers.

Review: Three Shades of Green

by Binay Srivastava

If emotionally charged stories portraying love, selfishness, betrayal, female foeticide, or even immortality of the soul have ever moved you to know what lies ahead, or the shape of things to come, here is a book that will tease your most fertile imagination. You could say it is a thematic production of feminine reactions to occurrences in the ordinary course of living. A truly unforgettable and un-put-down-able book from start to finish.

As we all know, the colour green represents life-force. 'Three Shades of Green' is a work of fiction carrying three true-to-life stories symbolizing life in different hues, contexts and textures. Each story is materially different from the other in its setting, relationships, emotions and outcomes. The characters, no hero or heroines but ordinary humans, face everyday situations in a way that shows human frailty - strong at one moment, and weak at the other.

The first story -Sandy and Pearl- involves two friends, both women facing different problems. They are ridiculed by family and society, face the troubles and chose a courageous path. This story heralds the inner strength of them. The idea to write originated when, in the words of the author, 'I heard the news of nearly twenty fetuses having been found in a well in a doctor's backyard'. The second story of the book - A Fine Line- in contrast to the first one is about the inability to harness inner strength at weaker moments of life of human nature. This is about the impulsiveness, wrong choices, and above all, betrayal, all in the name of love. The last story, Peetam, is a small suspense thriller filled with magic, miracles, and near personification of soul itself. The whole story revolves around a single line from Bhagavad-Gita, which describes the importance of a soul and its immortal nature.

This book is Manasa Rachapalli's debut work in fiction. Though fairly young in age, she has acquired a considerable experience in writing and copyediting. An active blogger, poet, and above all, a dancer, Manasa is currently engaged as a technical writer in one of the largest IT firms in the world.

Three Shades of Green
Format: Paperback
Author: Manasa Rachapalli
ISBN: 9788122310337
Page: 167
Price: INR 195
Publisher: Cedar books
Edition: 2008

Binay Srivastava

Review: Call of the Tree by Darryl Markowitz

by Stephanie Ehmen

Stephanie and Vaughn find themselves living in a futuristic country that has been stripped of all freedoms, as we know them, their thoughts, actions and every aspect of their society controlled by those who govern. Their lives, and the lives of those around them are void of meaning and purpose. The government-sponsored church gives them no comfort, and the corrupt government "Keepers" watch their every move.

When Stephanie meets Vaughn, she sees something different in him. He dares to think! Together they defy the "system" as Vaughn encourages Stephanie to think deeply about herself, as well as about the world in which they live. Spending time together in their secret places, they explore the age-old questions of what Life and Love mean. They try desperately to hold onto the Goodness they discover within themselves, while at the same time they must fight off the dreams and visions of darkness.

Always lurking in the background, unbeknownst to them, are the one-eyed monsters, Master Grrragagag and his student underling, who use their orb to watch all past and present happenings. They discuss various ways of manipulating and controlling their human subjects in order to kill the glow of goodness within them. Hovering above them all are the wise King Mafferan and Queen Yinauqua, always watching, all-knowing.

A good book is one that you can't wait to get back to, and when you are finished, you wish there was more. This book is well written, with a well thought out plot. It is easy to read and yet deep enough that you find yourself reading it again in order to understand the full meaning and depth. Attention Harry Potter fans - here is a new series for you!

This book presents the ages old good vs. evil story in a new way. It is written by an author who has a great love for the kids he has met and come to know. It confronts the subjects that all teens, no matter their background, think about and discuss with each other. Drugs, alcohol, sex, feelings and emotions, right vs. wrong, good vs. evil, the characters in the book explore in great depth and in such a way that all who read it can follow and understand. It doesn't matter if kids come from high income homes with religious upbringing, or from a life of poverty on the streets, they all think about these issues and must at some point work through them in their own minds, deciding for themselves what choices they make. Every teen, young adult, parents and those who work with kids in any way should read this book. Having a deeper understanding of what our youth face today is a must if we are going to guide our kids in the right direction. No one, no matter their Faith or Religion can put their head in the sand and assume that their kids will not face, think about, discuss and confront these very same issues. This book offers them a guide, with no "preaching", only the morals that we want out children to aspire to.

Review by
Stephanie Ehmen
author of
"Angels and Quilt Pieces...Our Journey with a Katrina Family"
http://www.eagleswingspublications.com

Walk Two Moons - Book Review

by Carma Dutra

Walk Two Moons is the tale of thirteen year old Salamanca (Sal) Tree Hiddle and her trek from Euclid, Ohio to Lewiston, Idaho with her zany grandparents. Through humor, wit and poignancy Walk Two Moons addresses dying, loving and grieving. I loved this story. The plot twists, satire and charming characters come alive on every page. Another great facet about Walk Two Moons is how the main character, narrates a parallel story of grief and love while she sorts out her own heartaches.

Sal's mother leaves home without warning and Sal experiences a feeling of abandonment even with all the post cards her mother sends to her. When Sal's father announces her mother will not be coming home, Sal is devastated. Still, she and her father move to Euclid, Ohio against Sal's desire.

Sal's grandparents, Grams and Gramps Hiddle are determined to help Sal get to Lewiston, Idaho before her mother's birthday. However instead of following a direct route they follow the scenic tour bus route.

In order to pass the time and keep her mind off of her Gramps crazy driving, Sal narrates the story of her friend Phoebe's mother who also left home. Phoebe is adamant her mother did not leave home on her own accord rather Phoebe believes her mother has been kidnapped by a lunatic who delivers notes with strange messages like "Don't judge a man until you've walked two moons in his moccasins."

Additionally, Walk Two Moons provides a glimpse of how families can react differently to similar circumstances and still hold on to a solid foundation of love and warmth. As you begin to learn about Sal's grandparents and the deep love they share you also learn about Sal's friend Mary Lou and her family who are openly rambunctious and affectionate with each other in comparison to Phoebe's family who are uncomfortable with outward signs of affection.

Author Sharon Creech's talent to write two storylines simultaneously is the essence of Walk Two Moons. There are so many things to admire about this book that a mere few lines of plot description will not do it justice. However, just when you think you know where the plot is headed, Creech drops a few surprises on you and a curve ball is thrown right between the pages. Walk Two Moons speaks on a level that all middle grade students can relate too. The plot unfolds nicely and yet the end is still a surprise. Don't be surprised if a small tear trickles down your cheek too.

Learn more about children's writing tips and award winning book reviews by visiting Carma's Window at http://carmaswindow.blogspot.com. Download the free EBook, "Unite to Write," a compilation of thirteen top expert authors as read on Ezine article directory and "Free Tips on Freelance Writing."

Review: Window Boy by Andrea White

by Neha Kashmiri

Bright Sky Press (2008)
ISBN 9781933979144

To me, "Window Boy" was a sad, but strangely uplifting, novel in hectic times. Sam Davis is a twelve-year-old boy with cerebral palsy. His father has abandoned him; his mother is too absorbed with her new boyfriend to notice Sam most of the time. In all this, his three beams of light are his prim, if talkative nurse, Miss Perkins, the imaginary voice of Winston "Winnie" Churchill, and the basketball court almost in his backyard.

Sam gets the chance to go to school with the other children. At first it is a disaster but Winnie tells Sam to keep a stiff upper lip. Soon, as his teacher starts to understand him, Sam writes an essay on his hero, Winston Churchill, for a contest. On his twentieth and last day of school, he gets out the words to tell the captain of the basketball team to appoint Micky Kostov, a Russian boy no one likes, as point guard. Then he is taken to an institution by his mother who is leaving to Europe to marry her boyfriend.

Sam starts to slowly fade away when the news reporter comes to take his picture and write an article about him. The essay he had written long ago had won him the contest and $1,000. Finally, his mother, betrayed and deceived by the man she was about to marry, comes back and saves him. Later Sam goes on to become a basketball coach to the team he helped become tournament champs.

No words I could say or write could convey the impact of the book on me. As a librarian's assistant, I had read to special-need children and this book made me feel incredible guilt and anger at myself for the revulsion I felt at the sight of some of them. "Window Boy" by Andrea White is meant for kids and teenagers, but I think adults could benefit just as greatly from it. I give a high, high recommendation to someone looking for a break from action/horror/fantasy.

http://www.readerviews.com/

A Wrinkle in Time Book Review

by Tonia Jordan

I recently read A Wrinkle in Time for the second time in my life. Meg Murray's father is a scientist, and he's missing. Along with the help of her brother (Charles), a school friend (Calvin) and some other-worldly friends (including Mrs. Who, Mrs. Which and Mrs. Whatsit), they're seeking to find and retrieve the missing scientist.

The three children must travel through time and space and confront many opposing forces, including one another.

Children will love this book, especially those with interests in science fiction. I read this book when I was young, and to this day I can remember exactly where it sat on the library's shelves. I re-read it as an adult, and I can still feel its magic!

I like the very basic introductions to physics ideas in this book. Time travel is just one of the ideas touched upon here, and it's explained in a way that children can begin to understand some of the larger forces in the universe. A Wrinkle in Time presents an interesting story with complex vocabulary and ideas in such a way as to introduce them to children.

Meg Murray is an outcast with a strong will, a child who feels like she doesn't belong. She does have a very supportive family that encourages curiosity and intelligence and one that sticks together no matter what. A Wrinkle in Time can be a great book for any child (especially a girl) who feels like they aren't quite "normal" or the perfect fit for mainstream society.

A Wrinkle in Time is just the first book in this interesting universe. The saga continues with A Wind in the Door, then A Swiftly Tilting Planet and finally Many Waters (which follows the adventures of Meg's younger twin brothers). It's obvious that the first novel in the series was a successful one. It's a classic amongst children's literature and is re-read by many adults who wish to recapture the magic of their childhood reading.

When I read A Wrinkle in Time as a child, I remember feeling its magic, thinking the book was fantastic. Reading it again as an adult, the book seemed very simple. I found the story to be lacking just a little, but I still enjoyed it. If you're reading this for the first time as an adult, remember that it is a book intended for a younger audience. If you can stay in touch with that magical feeling of being a child, you'll see the magic of this book.

Tonia Jordan is an author on http://www.Writing.Com/ which is a site for Writers. Her portfolio can be found at http://www.Writing.Com/authors/spidergirl so stop by and read for a while.

Review: The Princess Academy

by Nola Redd

After hearing a number of people recommend Shannon Hale's The Princess Academy, I couldn't resist trying it out myself. I found it to be a delightful read, perfect for children and young adults, and rather engaging even for us 'big people.' More than your average fairy-tale, the novel creates a protagonist that exceeds the usual boundaries.

The premise of the novel is fairy-tale typical. When the priests of Danland determine that the prince's bride will come from the slopes of Mt. Eskel, an academy is set up to permit potential brides to learn the knowledge and manners of the court. Young Miri is one of the twenty girls taken from the quarry-rich village down the mountain. As she learns more about life beyond what she has yet experienced, she finds herself struggling with her desire to marry the prince. She wants to help her family to have a better life, but she also loves her home and does not wish to leave. When bandits capture the school, Miri must use not only her book knowledge but also the knowledge she has gained about herself to rescue herself and her friends.

Although the novel has a fairy-tale premise, Hale goes beyond the simple story and creates three dimensional characters that are both realistic and engaging. The headmistress appears cruel and overly harsh, but by the end of the novel we recognize her motivation. Miri's desire to "marry the prince" and leave he rhumble home is both typical and human, but she also struggles with her love of Mt. Eskel. And though the motivations of one of the more spiteful girls is rather psychologically typical - bad childhood and all that - it is also presented in a credible light that makes it not completely trite.

What I most enjoyed about this novel, however, was the way that Miri uses the knowledge gleaned from the academy not just to acquire a husband, but instead to improve life for her village and her family. Through her studies and desire to read, she finds that the villagers have long been cheated, and uses that information to improve life for all. When she realizes that her older sister and the boys (and even the parents!) also wish to learn, she sets up an academy in her village so all can study. In doing so, she teaches young readers that even children have power to apply what they learn, if they but seek it; that knowledge and study both have real-world applications and can make life better now instead of just 'after graduation.' The young women are empowered by their mind and by exploring and expanding on their natural gifts and talents, and these are the things that really matter.

In short, rather than just being a fairy tale where the prince is astounded by beauty, The Princess Academy encourages young adults - especially young women, who are the most likely target audience - to apply themselves and to seek benefits from that application now rather than later. Between this premise and the engaging and excellent writing style that makes the story live in the reader's mind, this is a book I would recommend to anyone.

Nola Redd is an author on http://www.Writing.Com/ which is a site for Fiction Writing.

Review: American Diaries - Janey G Blue, Pearl Harbor 1941

By Carma Dutra

American Diaries: Janey G. Blue, Pearl Harbor 1941.
Author: Kathleen Duey

Janey is a 12 year old girl who has recently moved from Kansas to Hawaii with her family. Her father is a civil service worker at Hickam Field in Pearl Harbor. Her experiences and impressions of December 7 take place from Sunday, December 7 at 7 a.m. to Monday December 8, 7 a.m.

Janey loves the trees, fresh fruit and all the people on Oahu but she misses Kansas and her best friend Tilly even more. Besides, all the talk of impending war makes Janey nervous and scared. The evening before December 7, 1941 Janey writes in her diary "Last night after the Christmas concert the grown-ups got going about the war again. Holy Golly, I am sick of hearing it. Its bad enough we have to listen to the planes from Hickam Field drill all the time. Some pilots pretend to be invading and the others practice defending the harbor and the airfields and they all pretend to fight. It's so noisy that Pokey (dog) hides under the bed."

After the bombing of Pearl Harbor begins confusion spreads like wildfire. No one knows what is happening or where to go. Janey believes she must stay calm so her four year old brother will not be scared and her mother can concentrate on finding out what is happening at Hickam Field.

Through the words of Janey G. Blue, Kathleen Duey captures helplessness, fear and anxiety many people must have felt that fateful day; December 7, 1941. Kathleen Duey is an award winning author who has written more than 50 books for children, YA and adults. Thirty-three of these books have been historical and adventure fiction. She also novelized the DreamWorks movie Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron.

American Diaries is a collection of books written in a similar fashion as a series except the characters do not repeat nor does the historical events. American Diaries books are about 140 pages in length and are written through the eyes of a twelve year old within a twenty-four hour period portraying some historical event or period.

Learn more about children's writing tips and award winning book reviews by visiting Carma's Window at http://carmaswindow.blogspot.com. Download the free EBook, "Unite to Write," a compilation of thirteen top expert authors as read on Ezine article directory and "Free Tips on Freelance Writing."

Review: In Search Of Molly Pitcher by Linda Grant De Pauw

By Lillian Brummet

Peggy MCAllister receives an assignment from school that could lead her to win the Rattletop Award. Each year the winner's name is placed at the top of the list of engraved winner's names on a bronze plaque for the town to see for all time. Peggy is determined that she will have her name on this list, however she makes an unpopular choice for the competition that will involve more work than the other options she was presented with, disappointing her teacher immensely. But something about this name stood out for her and she followed her heart.

Peggy soon discovers that Molly Pitcher's historical documentation is difficult to locate and entire sections of the story of Molly's life are missing or contradictory - forcing Peggy to interview people who have studied this era. Peggy's mother isn't well and is overworked, however, since they live with Peggy's Grandfather, she has ample support for the research project. His former career as a private investigator proved to be invaluable for Peggy in finding contacts and learning how to follow leads.

The research techniques and journey through the mystery of who was Molly Pitcher and what Molly's story was, can actually serve educators and parents well in that it shows the pleasure of a good mystery and the pride of solving the puzzle. The author also reveals the importance of good resources and contacts for research projects. The storyline also allows for small lessons on what an essay is, tips for doing a research project, detailing the work involved and the joy of finding answers. Another interesting educational aspect to the story is learning about the famous historical character in the US known as Molly Pitcher. The book has several images of historical war paintings and a few illustrations as well.

Author and award winning historian Linda Grant De Pauw has written 4 published historical non-fiction novels, 2 fiction novels and 2 other books for young readers. Peacock Press of Casadena (Maryland, USA) published her most recent book for young readers, In Search Of Molly Pitcher in 2007. The eye-catching cover design for this book, created by Kim Jacobs, held my attention repeatedly while trying to read the messages there.

Unfortunately, there is no information in the book itself as to the eco-printing or eco-publishing options that many conscious publishers are embracing today. For this reason alone, I have deducted a half star. Overall I think this book will be a wonderful adventure for young readers.

ISBN#: 978-1-4357-0607-1

Rating: 4.5-out-of-5 stars

~ Lillian Brummet: co-author of the books Trash Talk and Purple Snowflake Marketing, author of Towards Understanding; host of the Conscious Discussions radio show (http://www.brummet.ca)

Review: Journal Buddies: A Girl's Journal for Sharing and Celebrating Magnificence

By Susie Cortright

Parenting during these "tween" years is more complicated than I had imagined. My daughter and I are still close, but her friends are starting to play an increasingly large role in her life. I want to help her understand the importance of creating friendships that nurture her, as well as helping her to see how much of her daily life can be improved simply by focusing on the positive. I'm constantly saying to my kids, "What you focus on expands," and "what you appreciate, appreciates." I'm convinced that this is one of the most important and rewarding lessons a young person can learn.

Jill Schoenberg has written a book for girls ages 8 to 14 that reinforces these ideas. In Journal Buddies: A Girl's Journal for Sharing and Celebrating Magnificence (there's a boy version, too) Schoenberg outlines a method of journaling that is all about focusing on the positive. It guides girls to identify the traits, qualities and talents that they like about themselves and others, because, as Schoenberg explains to her young readers in the book's introduction, when you practice looking for the positive things, it becomes easier to see the positive things.

To help kids comprehend journaling as something that isn't like homework and doesn't even necessarily involve writing, Schoenberg encourages self-expression not just through words but also through drawings, doodles, photos, collages, stickers... anything the child feels most comfortable using to express her ideas. To trigger the creative imagination, the author also includes 89 creative journaling ideas that spark some great insights, from "Research your hero (historical, musical, sports...) and find similarities between your hero and you" to "Imagine the world you wish you could live in right now and write about it or draw a picture of it."

Each of the book's thirty journal entries consists of:

-A "thought for the day"

- A place for the journal keeper and her journal buddy to write down what they like about each other (This journal buddy can be anyone: a parent, teacher, mentor, friend, or sibling, for example, and the journal buddy can change from day to day.)

- A word to focus on for the day (such as "magical," "joy," "possibilities")

- Blank pages for creative self expression

Following the thirty journal entries is a special section for reflection.

When I first picked up this book, I was concerned about the necessity of the Journal Buddy. As an introverted child, I used my journal to write about things that I wouldn't want to share with a buddy. But as I started working with it, I realize that the buddy concept is what sets this book apart. It takes creative journaling to a new level and helps kids recognize and appreciate the positive aspects of one another. The result is a book that the child will treasure as it contains lists of a child's positive traits, as identified by another person - as well as positive traits that the child has identified in her buddies.

In the book's introduction, Schoenberg writes: "If you choose to complete this journal, here's what I think will happen: You'll begin to feel stronger and braver day by day, and your kindness and creativity will expand too. You might even strengthen your character so much that the day will come when you will be able to be kind to anyone, anyplace, regardless of what they are doing. You may also become brave enough to openly share your magnificent self with anyone, anywhere, anytime!"

It's so nurturing when our daughters can build relationships built on kindness and building one another up, particularly at this age. The JournalBuddies.com website features free book excerpts for download, and you can purchase the books directly from the website. Both Journal Buddies titles are also available on amazon.com and bn.com.

Susie Cortright is the founder of Susies-Coupons.com and Momscape.com, a website devoted to helping moms celebrate life with children. Read more about Jill Schoenberg's book or enjoy amazon coupons or Barnes & Noble Coupons from Susie's websites.

Review: Rose's Journal, The Story of a Girl in the Great Depression

By Suzanne Lieurance

This book lets kids travel back in time to the 1930s with a young girl named Rose who lives on a farm in Kansas during the Great Depression. The pink pages of Rose's journal take readers on a journey to see for themselves just what life was like from month to month on the farm. It also includes information about what was happening across the nation back then. Historical black and white photographs make this journal seem more real and help to give kids a glimpse of just how bleak life was for a girl like Rose.

Rose's Journal is an enjoyable way for young readers to learn about one of the most fascinating periods in American history - when Amelia Earhart made her solo flight from Hawaii to California, yet times were so tough for most Americans that they lived by this motto for making do with what little they had: "Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without."

The journal is printed on lines which look like notebook paper, as if each page were handwritten by Rose. It includes drawings of important things in Rose's life, like her puppy, the radio (which was a big part of everyone's life back then), and her family, etc. Kids and adults alike will find this to be an entertaining read that leaves them with a good idea of just difficult the Great Depression, dust storms, and droughts must have been for someone like young Rose.

Title: ROSE'S JOURNAL: THE STORY OF A GIRL IN THE GREAT DEPRESSION (A Young American Voices Book)

Author: Marissa Moss

Publisher: Silver Whistle Paperbacks; reprint edition, $7.00

Date: March 2003

ISBN: 0-15-204605-4

Ages: 9-12.

For more children's book reviews, as well as articles of interest to children's writers, visit the National Writing for Children Center at http://www.writingforchildrencenter.com/ and sign up for the mailing list to receive a free e-book for writers.

Suzanne Lieurance is a fulltime freelance writer, children's author, and writing coach. She is also the founder and director of the National Writing for Children Center. Visit her author's website at http://www.suzannelieurance.com

Pre-order your copy of J.K. Rowling's "The Tales of Beedle the Bard"

The Standard Edition features all five fairy tales from the original The Tales of Beedle the Bard, a new introduction by J.K. Rowling, illustrations reproduced from the original handcrafted book, and commentary on each of the tales by Professor Albus Dumbledore.

Amazon is also thrilled to offer a luxuriously packaged Collector's Edition (available exclusively at Amazon) designed to evoke the spirit of the handcrafted original. It is housed in its own case (made to resemble a wizarding textbook found in the Hogwarts library). The Collector's Edition includes a reproduction of J.K. Rowling's handwritten introduction, as well as 10 additional illustrations not found in the Standard Edition. Opening the cover of the case reveals a velvet bag embroidered with J.K. Rowling's signature, in which sits the piece de resistance: your very own copy of The Tales of Beedle the Bard, complete with metal skull, corners, and clasp; replica gemstones; and emerald ribbon.

Review: Astro Socks

by Lillian Brummet

Astro Socks is a wonderful little juvenile action adventure fiction with a little space and astronomy thrown in. The lead character, Chris, is a young boy who wants to find a solution to socks continually falling off his infant sister. Chris shows us some of the creation process, how to take notes, the things to consider when creating a new product and reaching out to others for their expertise.

Author Leigh M. LeCreux shows how being smart and having unique interests is nothing to be ashamed of; it is something to celebrate. The young boy's journey through the invention process was very realistic. I thought the inclusion of frustration and feelings of inadequacy are realistic no matter what age one might be, but that perseverance will always win in the end.

The most appealing aspect about this book is the impressive and inspiring idea that a young person could invent a product that would be taken seriously by the corporate world. That reminds me of a guest on my radio show from the Green2Gold organization - Alan Tratner told me then about a young person who had invented a compostable golf tee that would prevent damage to the golf range and equipment but also would prevent injury and a horrible death for animals who mistake golf tees for food. This invention is now patented and like the main character of Astro Socks, this child will not likely have to worry about the cost of University in the future.

As a writer myself, I am impressed with the way that Leigh LeCreux was able to put so many elements into the book, yet simplifying the storyline enough to keep young readers interested. The 90-page paperback does not state any modern eco-printing or eco-publishing options being employed, however environmentalists may be appeased by the fact that it was printed in the US - reducing fossil fuel expenditure during transport. The illustrations created by numerous youth were very interesting and added an element of real-life to the story.

Rating 4 out of 5 stars.

~ Lillian Brummet: co-author of the books Trash Talk and Purple Snowflake Marketing, author of Towards Understanding; host of the Conscious Discussions radio show (http://www.brummet.ca/)

Great Moments In Hardy Boys History

by Robert Gould

Long before reading was fundamental or Harry Potter and Captain Underpants burst onto the scene with magic and scatological humor (respectively), there were The Hardy Boys - the well-groomed, good-natured, parent-friendly siblings who attracted heinous crimes like Curious George attracts malfunctioning candy factories.

First authored by Leslie MacFarlane (and then by a legion of ghostwriters), the Hardys have become a world-wide phenomenon in their 80-plus years of existence.

Here are a few great and not so great moments from the history of the Hard Boys:

The Tower Treasure released

Even now, cynical and crusty at the age of 54, seeing the cover of this book gives me goose bumps. It was cool then and it's cool now. In a preview of themes from just about every book in the series, The Tower Treasure begins with the boys chasing a stranger who is up to no good and ends with the somewhat death-defying hope that "another mystery would soon come their way." And indeed it did. The 57 volumes that followed would represent the canon of classic Hardy Boys mysteries, as well as one of the greatest selling literary series of all time.

The boys go "PC"

After 1959, editors, concerned about the rather WASPy nature of the lead characters, gave Frank and Joe a couple of ethnic sidekicks to help out the crew in a more socially acceptable way. Young readers growing up in Middle America were now exposed to the Italian and Jewish cultures via new side-kick characters Tony Prito and Phil Cohen. Elie Weisel it wasn't, but it still represented an admirable effort, during that time, to expose young minds to different American cultures.

Giving birth to a genre

The success of the Hardy Boys paved the way for additional popular youth-oriented titles. The Hardy's original publisher, the Stratemeyer Syndicate, went on to sell tens of millions of copies of The Bobsey Twins, Tom Swift, and of course Joe and Frank's female counterpart, Nancy Drew (with whom the Boys would team up in countless popular stories over the years).

The Boys become a world-wide phenomenon

As of 2007, The Hardy Boys have been translated into over 25 different languages, including Spanish, German, French, Dutch, Russian and Japanese - thus proving the universal appeal of a sinister figure, a hidden key and a creaky grandfather clock.

An important place in education

Perhaps the most prominent place the Hardy Boys hold in history is that they have kick-started a love of reading with generations of boys. In a world where boys lag significantly behind girls in reading skills, these simple mystery books geared towards young males have stood out like beacon. One can only imagine how many great students and authors have achieved success thanks to their entry - via the Hardy Boys - into the world of reading. There's no denying their place as one of the best literary on-ramps for young men who have gone on to bigger and better things.

What does the future hold for the frères Hardy? One can only hope that, like Lincoln Logs and Raggedy Ann, this is a timeless childhood classic that will never truly go away - even in the face of PlayStation 6's or Virtual Rubik cubes. The Hardy Boys are a classic, and classics never go out of style.

Robert Gould is a children's literacy advocate and the Creator/Author of 19 books for boys, including the popular new "movie-style" Time Soldiers® adventure books and "Father and Son Read Aloud Stories." You can find more information on books and reading for boys at http://www.bigguybooks.com/ For a FREE dinosaur book to get your reluctant reader jump started on a life-long love of reading, go to http://www.freedinosaurbook.com/