The Balloonist: The Story of T. S. C. Lowe---Inventor, Scientist, Magician, and Father of the U.S. Air Force Review

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(More customer reviews)I love a good biographical novel ... And this is it! They bring history and personalities to life in a way a traditional history book is unable to do. Stephen Poleskie, in his first novel, "The Balloonist," shows a great affinity for the genre'.
Convincingly bringing history to life on the page is an art. Done well, the reader enjoys a great story, and learns something as well. Poleskie's grasp of the history and minutiae of the Civil War period shows he has done his research thouroughly.
"The Balloonist" tells the life story of Professor Thaddeus Lowe, a dynamic and significant personality in American history. Yet, he is unknown to most people, even though his accomplishments and inventions touch our lives today. The book centers on Lowe's innovative tenure as the founder of the United States Balloon Corps during the American Civil War.
His story is presented in such a way that the general reader can learn something about the Civil War while enjoying a fascinating and well paced story. The reader, well versed in the topic, can enrich their knowledge about this little known, but historically significant facet of America's greatest conflict. Both will finish the book and be thankful for a good read, and hopeful that Stephen Poleskie is busy at his keyboard crafting his next book.

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The Book of Virtues for Boys and Girls: A Treasury of Great Moral Stories Review

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(More customer reviews)I absolutely LOVE this book. Every morning I read a story and send my kids off to school with something of value to think about and pattern their day after. I am hearing the talk about the stories more and more, and they always want to hear more! Yeah! The OLDIES are the GOODIES!!!

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Read-Aloud Poems for Young People: Readings from the Worlds Best Loved Verses Review

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(More customer reviews)My six-year-old son begs me to read from this collection every evening--and he asks for poems by name. He asked for Tiger, Tiger (William Blake), and we have also shared Walt Whitman, Maya Angelou, Shel Silverstein, Emily Dickinson, among others. The reason I bought this book is that it has an incredible selection (more than 400 poems) at a great price. (list @$13.). My son howls with laughter, and recites lines back to me. While his four-year old brother does not share this infatuation, I find this to be a marvelous collection for someone just learning to read and understand how words work.

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The Bark Of The Bog Owl (The Wilderking Trilogy) Review

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(More customer reviews)There is a distinct lack of good fiction geared toward young people, specifically ages 10-14. Harry Potter isn't an option for some families. Artemis Fowl isn't nearly as well-known (which is unfortunate).
Now there's another option. Jonathan Rogers has written The Wilderking Trilogy, and offers us a series for young readers that is fun, exciting, and based on Christian ideals and principles.
Book 1, The Bark of the Bog Owl, was actually released back in 2004. The premise is familiar to Christians -- a young boy, Aiden Errolson, tending his father's sheep, is chosen by a mysterious prophet to be the next King -- the Wilderking, who comes to lead his people back to prominence in the world, and to reclaim the traditional ideals that the people have forgotten.
The only real weakness in this first book is that the main plot is far too predictable. Once I read that Aiden was a shepherd, I had a feeling that this would be the story of King David retold. Then the Phillist -- I mean, the Pyrthens -- show up with their "peace treaty," which leads to war. Then Aiden goes to his brothers at the front carrying cheese and other food. And guess what? There's this giant ...
That said, I really enjoyed this book. The subplots involving the aboriginal "feechies" is very enjoyable, especially the Feechiefeast that Aiden enjoys. The characters are familiar, but still deep. It's going to be interesting to see Aiden mature over the course of the next two books, and it's a relief to read about a boy who is actually boyish -- he likes to roam, play, and have adventures. He's a twelve-year-old who writes to the King volunteering his services as "an adventurer." And suddenly, he's got a huge responsibility dropped on him. He reacts the way any normal kid would react.
Rogers has a Ph.D in 17th Century English Lit, but this book reads as if he'd spent his academic career studying 18th Century American literature instead. The differences in dialect between feechie and 'civilizer' are distinct, American dialects, and the setting certainly reminds me of the American southeast -- fitting, since Rogers grew up in Georgia. The series has promise, and after I finished this book I was relieved that I'd gotten the second one to review as well. THAT review will be up in a half hour or so ...

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McGuffey's Fifth Eclectic Reader (McGuffey's Readers) Review

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(More customer reviews)I purchased the first two readers and after reading through them decided to buy the rest of the series. This is a wonderful reading program and my two children, ages 6 & 8, love reading these short little stories. Both of my children are good readers so we use the readers to increase their fluency and for me to "test" them by having them read out loud to me. They enjoy reading to Mamma and I enjoy hearing them progress in their reading ability. I also love the life lessons that the children are reading about and appreciate the fact that they are reading some profitable, substantial material instead of much of the "fluff" reading that is available at the library.

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Since 1836, children have been delighted by these volumes filled with exotic adventures, exciting stories, beautiful poems, and funny fables. The Fifth Eclectic Reader includes selections from Washington Irving, Daniel Webster, Charles Dickens, Samuel Johnson, and Bret Harte.

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Physik (Septimus Heap, Book 3) Review

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(More customer reviews)I've waited so long for Book 3 that you would think I was in the 9 to 12 age group - but I am not. I am a grandma. I've read all three books because I like to keep up with my grandchildren's reading - AND because Angie Sage is an excellent author. These are fairy tale books in the true sense of enjoyment. It is not a Harry Potter - which I thoroughly enjoyed - but it is a curl up on a windy, rainy day and get lost in another realm book. They are excellent for your children and fun for yourselves. I'd advise this as a wonderful birthday gift or a "surprize!!!" on a vacation gift. You should buy, read and enjoy.

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The Sea Singer Review

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(More customer reviews)The Sea Singer by Craig Moodie is about a young Viking named Finn and his journeys as a stowaway on Sea Sword, Leif the Lucky's mighty ship. When the story begins, Finn and his mother are on their farm. Finn's two brothers and father have set out to go a-viking, in search of a distant, unexplored land. Finn is left behind to tend the farm. Unfortunately, years pass and Finn's father and brothers have not returned--in fact, not one sign of them has been discovered. Twelve-year-old Finn is growing restless on the farm. He is tired of tending the flock and wants to go voyaging with his father, like his older brothers did. Day after day, he keeps watch for the return of his father and brothers. One day, Viking captain Leif the Lucky's ship sails into the harbor and docks there. After replenishing the ship's supplies and food, Leif's crew is ready to set sail. Finn, desperate to find his father--and some adventure--stows away on the ship. When Leif finally discovers Finn, it is too late to turn back. And too late to turn from the mess they are sailing into!
The Sea Singer is a decent, enjoyable book. It starts a bit slowly but really sparks about midway through. It gives interesting details about Viking life, and many of the characters are real historical figures, such as Leif Ericsson and Bjarni Herjolfsson. The Vikings' journeys to "Wineland" and their encounters with the "Skraelings" are based on the actual voyages of Ericsson and Herjolfsson to North America--many years before Christopher Columbus arrived there. I would recommend this book to most kids ages 9-12 who enjoy adventure stories, and especially those who enjoyed the book Midshipwizard Halcyon Blithe.
Reviewed by Flamingnet Book Reviews
www.flamingnet.com
Preteen, teen, and young adult book reviews and recommendations.


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The Last of the Sky Pirates (The Edge Chronicles, Book 5) Review

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(More customer reviews)When I finished book 4, "The Curse of the Gloamglozer", I realized that the stage had been set for an incredible book 5. Thankfully, the books in this series come out much more quickly than the ones from J. K. Rowling , so I didn't have long to wait for "The Last of the Sky Pirates", the best in the series so far.
Set fifty years after "Midnight Over Sanctaphrax" (book 3), it doesn't continue from book 4, the first chronologically in the series, which sounds awfully confusing, but actually isn't. The Edge is a totally different place, with the mighty sky ships unable to fly, and New Sanctaphrax barely teetering on wooden supports after the dreaded stone sickness destroys the buoyant floating rocks. The Librarian Academics have been driven underground into the sewers, where they have constructed a vast library of scientific studies, and are forced to send worthy young scholars on covert and perilous missions for training, before they complete their life's quest by studying and documenting their chosen field of nature study.
In this book we follow the trail of young Rook Barkwater, a clever young under-librarian who is destined to become a Librarian Knight, doing research on the secret gatherings of banderbears, to whom he feels an unexplainable connection. His mission is dangerous and exciting, filled with wonderfully named, described and illustrated creatures that would otherwise defy the imagination.
During his thrilling adventures, he meets Captain Twig, who was thought to have perished with his crew in book 3, and begins a whole new adventure to rescue Twig's friend Cowlquape from the prisons of the Most High Guardian of Night, the villainous scoundrel of this episode.
Just as dark as the other books, but with a lot more action and adventure, I recommend this one heartily to fans of the series, but would advise newcomers to read at least books 1 to 3 first.Amanda Richards, August 8, 2005


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The Children's Treasury of Virtues Review

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(More customer reviews)If you are looking for a good set of stories to read to your children, look no further! This is a collection of 3 other titles edited by Bill Bennett, and illustrated by the phenomenal Michael Hague. The stories are a good length for reading to young squirrly children, and are well written. They are heroic and thoughtful. This edition would also make a welcome gift for a family you care about.

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Psalty's Kids Bible Revised Review

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(More customer reviews)Over ten yrs. ago, the Sunday School teacher of our elementary kids ordered 10 Psalty Kids Bibles for her class. They have been a great asset for our church. I often borrowed them for my 12th grade English class when teaching the unit on classical heroes in the Bible. My students loved them. Today they are the Bible of choice for the senior citizens Sunday school class. In fact, some have ordered their own. I can only sing praises for the Psalty Bible because it is "good for any age." Janice, North Carolina

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Psalty's Kids Bible uses the most read, most trusted New International Version of the Bible.Includes 48 colorful, fully illustrated pages: -8 presentation pages-32 pages of Psalty's adventures-8 pages of basic Bible truths Also included are a subject, a song index, and a glossary of Psalty characters and inventions. Look for these exciting features: -'Psalty Says': Illustrated lessons throughout Scripture-'Words to Sing': Words to songs that Psalty and his friends have made popular-'Open Your Eyes, Memorize': Short verses from the Bible for memorization-'Psalty Introduces': Interesting information about each book of the Bible

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Kid's Life Application Bible NLT (hc) Review

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(More customer reviews)If you are looking for a Bible that is easy to understand (this is the New Living Translation which reads very much like the Living Bible) for a "kid," i.e., preteen, you might want to look for a different Bible than this. My wife and I both believe this would be a great first Bible for a young teen not raised in a godly home, but several of the themes in the "Sticky Situations" are a little to "sticky" for a preteen. (Our credentials for this assessment? A married daughter with 3 children, a 23 year old son, a 15 year old son, and 20 years of ministry combined with the academic ingredients, blah, blah blah!) :)
A few of the "Sticky Situations" from the approximately 50 that are found at various places in the "Kid's Bible" that make this Bible more suitable for a teen than a preteen...
Example #1: This one is placed in the Song of Solomon on page 730..."A few years ago, you weren't interested in the opposite sex. In fact, you didn't want anything to do with them. Lately, however, you've been changing and have even found yourself thinking about love and sex. The DJs on your favorite radio station talk about sex all the time..."
Example #2: On page 1012..."Lately, you've been having fun with some of the kids who live a few blocks away. You've spent some time with them after school and on the weekend. Recently, they have been talking about forming a club. The only problem is that there's an initiation..."
Example #3: On page 1221..."You are not allowed to see PG-13 movies. When you asked your parents if you could go to a movie tonight, they said OK because the movie is rated G. Your dad drops you and your friends off at the theater, and you all buy your tickets. But once inside, your friends walk past the G movie and head for one rated PG-13..."
The "Sticky Situations" vignettes are a helpful way to encourage the young reader to evaluate their heart in light of God's Word using real life situations, and for that it is very commendable, but not for a preteen.

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A fun-filled, feature-packed Bible that is designed to help children ages 8-12 get into Scripture. The Kid's Life Application Bible is the perfect choice for parents and grandparents searching for a Bible to give children that is as easy to use as it is fun to read!
Features:
Easy-to-understand text captures the imagination and brings God's Word to life
Sticky Situations help kids choose between right and wrong
Do the Right Thing notes give step-by-step suggestions for developing godly character
Life Then, Life Now helps explain differences between life today and during Bible times
Heroes and Villains--their lives become lessons for you in a fashion that rivals Saturday morning cartoons!
I Wonder notes help answer question about puzzling things in the Bible
Plus, memory verses, book introductions, amazing facts, timelines, maps and charts, two-color text, and NEW full-color inserts!

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The Story of Doctor Dolittle (Books of Wonder) Review

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(More customer reviews)I liked the story of Dr. Dolittle. However I would like to warn modern readers, that the full version of this book is Racist. So the Editors have carefully changed the story of the African Chief who wished to become Cacausion in appearance to one where he wishes to become a lion. Now, I agree that the story is better this way, but mucking around with books after the author is dead and can't defend or fix them is right out. So in that vein I can't recommend this edition of this book. The editors should have changed the title to "The Modern Dr. Dolittle" or some other name which implies that the story isn't the orginal. They do it all the time with the bible, "King James Ed.", "Good News for Modern Man" etc.
If you are going to read to children, books which treat people unfairly you should take the time explain why this was a poor idea even in its day. Or not read them at all. Or own up to the fact that you've changed the story.
On the plus side the illustrations are great, M. Hague is a great artist.

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Peter and the Sword of Mercy (Starcatchers) Review

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(More customer reviews)I loved, loved, loved this book! I was so excited that the authors had gone ahead and written a part 4, and it was in no way a disappointment. The adventure was uniquely different from the other books in the series, and there was lots of action and many sinister characters. Thanks for another wonderful book!

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The House of Sixty Fathers Review

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(More customer reviews)I read this book as a child and, in turn, read it to my children. It has a permanent place in our hearts. It is the well written story of a young Chinese boy and his beloved pig, "Glory of the Republic", who get separated from his family and caught behind Japanese lines when Japan invaded China in the late 1930's. It has some very scary moments. It also has tragedy. I think your child should be about 5th or 6th grade to be able to fully appreciate it. But the book will open your eyes as to what it might be like as a child to be caught in a war. The boy does get reunited with his family, but have your kleenex handy. As a parent you will definitely need it at the end.

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Goddess: A Celebration in Art and Literature Review

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(More customer reviews)I picked this up on a whim and am absolutely ecstatic that I did. Not only is the artwork varied and beautiful, but the (albiet shortened) myths are nicely told. As the book itself points out, there is the idea that a particular myth will spark something in you and make you research it further. Don't expect to use this as a reference manual, the myths are too shortened for that, but as a general overview it's great, and beautifully done to boot.
Another nice bonus is the quality of the book itself. The pages are thick, the binding is well done, and even the "paper" cover is pretty sturdy - a pet peeve of mine is wimpy throwaway paper covers on hardbacks. This book will survive the many readings which it will certainally experience on my shelves. And at the outlet price...absolutely worth every penny!!

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In this elegant volume the editor has compil ed a unique and culturally diverse anthology of literature a nd art to reveal the many guises of the goddess. '

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D'Aulaires' Book of Norse Myths Review

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(More customer reviews)Several years ago my husband and I were disappointed to find that the d'Aulaire's book had gone out of print. (We wanted to be able to read it to our children.) We found a very used copy and bought it because, despite this copy's poor condition, the book was very hard to find. Now we will be able to replace it with a copy that is in one piece.
The stories are well researched and well told. The illustrations are great--if you are familiar with other works by the d'Aulaires you will know what I mean. This is a great Norse mythology for children.

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The Norse myths are some of the greatest stories of all time. Weird monsters, thoroughly human gods, elves and sprites and gnomes, with grim giants nursing ancient grudges lurking behind—the mysterious and entrancing world of Norse myth comes alive in these pages thanks to the spellbinding storytelling and spectacular pictures of the incomparable d'Aulairse. In this classic book, the art of the Caldecott Award—winning authors of d'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths, a longtime favorite of children and parent, reaches one of its pinnacles. It offers a way into a world of fantasy and struggle and charm that has served as inspiration for Marvel Comics and the Lord of the Rings.

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Favorite Poems Old and New: Selected For Boys and Girls Review

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(More customer reviews)This amazing poetry collection is so comprehensive and well organized that you may never need another anthology of children's poetry. I have many very good poetry books (101 Great American Poems, F E G stupid Poems for Intelligent Children, being a couple of other recommendations) but this one is without question the most complete, nostalgic, and well organized. I appreciate that they aren't put in alphabetical order, as many others are, since often you can remember the subject better than the title of the piece in question. As we homeschool, I can flip through this MASSIVE collection quickly and find the perfect poem to compliment our current study. Our home is filled with books and this one is out "on display" to encourage browsing by meanderers...with this book around there will never be a dull moment (okay, there aren't many here anyway). I agree with another post that it is DEFINITELY not just for children. If you're buying this for a gift for someone who doesn't live with you....you'd better get two!

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Over 700 classic and modern poems written by poets from William Shakespeare to J. R. R. Tolkien, Emily Dickinson to Langston Hughes, and covering a range of favorite topics—pets, playtime, family, nature, and nonsense—ensure that there's a poem to please every child. A truly comprehensive collection that is the ideal way of introducing children to the joys of reading poetry.Helen Ferris edited 17 books for young readers and was editor-in-chief of the Junior Literary Guild from 1929–1959.Leonard Weisgard was one of the foremost illustrators in the children's book field, with more than 200 books to his name.

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