Stealing thunder is a great book about a horse called thunder and a girl named libby and libby's friend, Griff.
Thunders owner is abusing him and libby wants to help. But what can she do? A helpless girl scared out of her mind of this guy but extremly angry with him too. Well, with the help of Griff she devises a plan that fails. But Libby won't give up and in the end she gets to keep thunder.
Personally, I like the part where Griff almost gos swimming:) that was really funny.

In this story you get to know the people really well. Libby is a girl who loves horses and when the drunk owner abuses him she get scared and mad. She also forms a friendship with a boy named Griff. They save the horse together. This book is a great book for all ages. Take an adventure with Libby and Griff, I'm sure its one you'll never forget!

This compelling adventure is sure to attrack horse lovers as well as kids who crave adventure. Libby is appalled to discover that her neighbor, Mr. Porter, is abusing the horse that she has curried and cared for, in exchange for lessons from his wife. Now Jolene Porter has left town, and Mr. Porter is taking his wrath out on Thunder. Libby is determined to save Thunder before he is maimed or killed, but Mr. Porter is lurking and has plans of his own. Will Libby succeed? You won't be able to put this well written, cleverly plotted book down!

A reader from Pa.

A fun adventure with great illustrations! The animals actualy pout when they can't come along! My three year old loves it!

"I set off one morning in my little red canoe. My dog wagged his tail. "Can I come, too?" "You bet," I said. "A trip for two-just me and you..." Down the river paddles our young narrator and furry friend. Soon they come upon Beaver building his dam. He stops chewing just long enough to ask if he can join the trip. "There's not much room. It's a one-dog canoe." But that doesn't deter Beaver, and he jumps right in. And as the trip continues down the river, so do Loon, Wolf, Bear, and Moose. But when Frog insists on joining the fun and hopping in... Author, Mary Casanova's playful and engaging text is filled with rhyme, rhythm, energy and marvelous onomatopoeic sound effects that begs to be read aloud. Illustrator, Ard Hoyt's captivating pencil and watercolor artwork tickles the funny bone with endearing characters, hilarious facial expressions, and clever, eye-catching details. Perfect for youngsters 3-7, One-Dog Canoe is an entertaining, chain-of-events treasure. So grab a paddle and hop aboard. It's time for a fun-filled ride.

We entered this book into our library system today, and I laughed like crazy when I read it. The pictures are adorable, just watch that dog's face. A delightful book I will buy for my grandchildren.

Wolf Shadows taught me that friendship is very fragile and no matter how close you are it can still break. Wolf Shadows is a good book about friendship and adveture. I really loved Wolf Shadows.

In this highly involving sequel to MOOSE TRACKS, Casanova tackles the issue of wolf-human cohabitation. Seth, age 12, and his best friend Matt, age 13, are the focus characters in this readable middle grade novel. The boys are integrally involved in a conflict over the wolves Matt's family wants to hunt and Seth's Game Warden father is charged to protect. Seth's family value system makes him serious about protection of animal rights, even when it means putting his best friend's physical well being on the line. Perfect for discussion and for reluctant readers hungry for an adventure story with a message.

In San Diego, thirteen-year-old Alexis Castille-Reed attends a pool party where the alcohol flows. An accident occurs, but fortunately no one dies. However, her upset mother "banishes" Alexis for the summer to live with her father in International Falls, Minnesota.

Alexis' dad is the authority on the bald eagles. Currently, he leads a study that is banding eaglets to gain research on their natural habitat. Alexis is put to work, but though she loves the birds, she remains angry with her father for deserting her. On a nearby island, Alexis climbs up a tree to remove a fish lure from an eagle's nest. However, when she lifts an eaglet out of the nest, she drops the bird. That error is compounded when she finds herself stranded on the island protecting the injured eaglet from nasty weather and a bear.

This is a wonderful preadolescent to young teen novel that focuses on Alexis, a person in trouble. She needs closure on her younger brother's death from cancer, but at first is not able to find a way to grieve without guilt for living and without alienating her parents also mourning in their own ways. Through the eaglet rescue, Alexis attains an understanding especially of her father whom she previously loathed as well as personal comfort. Though her parents talking with one another following their estrangement feels strained, WHEN EAGLES FALL is a strong survivalist tale that the young at heart will enjoy soaring with.

Harriet Klausner

I enjoyed this book, every scrumptious word of it. From the first chapter when a woman falls off her horse to the court intrigue surrounding Louis XIV and his son and grandsons, I felt as though I had an excellent idea of what life was like in this time period. It's an INTERESTING book most of all, but I found myself liking Cecile and Phillip and Madame--I wanted to meet them all. Ms. Casanova does a great job of describing the time, the place, and the people, and the difference between the very wealthy and the very poor. I hope she'll write more books in this series.

Before you press the NO button on the bottom of this review saying that it is not helpful, please read my review because it is OK. This book is so horribly horible it is wonderful. The book begins at 12 year old Cecile Revel's poor village. She finds a woman (the king's sister in-law to be correct) who is injured and has her father help the lady. The lady then lets Cecile come with her, leaving her life as a peasant to be a servant of dogs at the kings palace. And of course even a servant to dogs at a palace is better than being a peasant in a shack. So then she goes to a life at court and recieves word that her father has died. So then she's all depressed and then she starts to fall for Phillipe, a boy her age that often escorts her around. Then she is accused of killing royalty, and then more royalty, and then again, another member of the royal family. She learns of her father's devestating past. She is not allowed to go to the Royal Christmas Ball. (What a shame that was, I was looking forward to her going with Phillipe) She is sent away to a boarding school at the end of the story. About all of the main characters die. It is a book that is so horrible, but, in a funny way, it is good. I would recommend it to all GIRLS aged 11 to 14.

This book is so good! I cried. I laughed. I felt like I was Cecile!! Mary Casanova is an excellent writer. I don't want to tell you anything about the book, then it'll spoil it and you wont read it!! I also suggest you read the other Girls of Many Lands books, although this is the only one I've read so far.

An historical fiction book set in sixteenth-century France. Marius' mother dies in childbirth when his brother Jean-Pierre is born on Christmas Eve. Her last instruction is for him to take care of his brother. This proves to be a difficult task since peopled believed that those born on that day are loup garou - werewolves. When his father is found guilty of reading (the Bible no less) he is burned at the stake as a heretic. A lot of historical background is packed into this book. The subject matter is dark and serious. Marius' character is well developed and leads the reader deeper into the story. This is the type of book that will encourage readers to read on to find out what happens next. This is also a perfect companion book for units on the Middle Ages.

In "The Curse of a Winter Moon", Marius deals with universal timeless issues of maturity by dealing with the unexpected death of his mother and consequently bearing the responsibility of his little brother, Jean-Pierre. That task wasn't going to be easy considering the townspeople had labeled Jean-Pierre as a loup garou (werewolf), cursed by his birth on Christmas Eve.

The plight of Marius and Jean-Pierre away from the ravage and hypocritical Catholic rule and superstitious villagers keep young adult readers at the edge of the page while dealing with age-old issues of good verses evil.

"Curse of a Winter Moon" is a historical novel set in 16th century France, a time when the Catholic church was ruling with an iron fist - condemning commoners who could read (and consequently think for themselves) as heretics, punishable by death. Marius displays to young readers a maturity that is able to discern right from wrong, strength to endure the villager's contempt for his family, and a hope-based survival mindset for a better future.

I used this novel as a read-aloud in my 10th grade classes. I strongly recommend this novel not only for its believable historical accounts, but also for the gripping story of Marius' eye-opening experiences to the harshness and cruelty of the world and the tenderness and loyalty of the bonds of family. My students would agree, this novel is truly a must read!

My daughter checked out Curse of a Winter Moon from our library and I was interested in the cool yet haunting illustration on the cover. After reading the book, I can say that the cover picture is enigmatic, dark, yet beautiful, and immediately captures author Mary Casanova's twin themes of danger and protection. Marius, a 12-year-old boy who lives in France in the 1500's must try to protect his younger brother, Jean Pierre from the fear and ignorance that often flared into violence in medieval Europe. Because Jean Pierre was born on Christmas eve, the people at that time believed he was cursed by the mark of the loup garou--the werewolf.

The book is filled with many interesting characters--the old woman who cares for the family, the quiet but strong blacksmith father who has more than one secret, Marius, who is so good at playing the lute (like an old form of guitar), and his uncle, Brother Gabriel, a monk who travels all around Europe and is now in the area.

Even after reading the book, I still wonder about some of the characters and what might have happened to them later. Did Jean Pierre stay safe? Did Marius become a professional minstrel? What about Brother Gabriel--did he continue to travel and have an influence on events during such a dark time in history? I hope author Mary Casanova will consider a sequel to this wonderful book. I am looking forward to talking with my 8 and 11 year old daughters about the book after we read it together.

"The Hunter" is a Chinese folk tale retold by Mary Casanova, with illustrations by Ed Young. A note at the beginning of the book explains that the author first heard a version of this tale from an exchange student from China.

The book tells the story of Hai Li Bu, a hunter whose village is facing a drought and food shortage. But things change for the better after a magical encounter. Ultimately. Hai Li Bu faces a serious ethical challenge.

"The Hunter" is a well told story featuring a compelling hero. Kids who were turned on to Chinese culture by the film "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" will, I believe, really appreciate this book.

Ed Young's artwork is certainly striking: mainly shades of brown and black, with a splotchy quality. But I think the illustrations may be a bit too "arty" and impressionistic; I had the feeling that the art was meant to appeal more to adults than to kids. Still, I recommend "the Hunter" for those seeking to develop a multicultural library of children's books.

It is said that the stone statue of Hai Li Bu continues to be seen atop a mountain in China. Given the gift of listening to animals to become a better hunter and feed his starving village, Hai Li Bu is sworn to secrecy by the Dragon King of the Sea about his powerful gift. However, in order to save his village he risks his own life and becomes forever, a part of Chinese traditional folklore. Mary Casanova does a fascinating job of writing a simple folktale in a detailed and interesting manner. She uses descriptive word combinations to convey rich colors and exciting characters. Casanova's text reads like a poem, such as when the Dragon King of the Sea shows Hai Li Bu, "sparkling red rubbies, ocean blue sapphires, and shimmering pink pearls." The illustrations further, compliment the story, with their abstract style and earth tone coloration. The Hunter - A Chinese Folktale, is a great read for children of all ages.

I think the retelling of this story was an excellent choice. It has themes that are complicated dealing with selfishness, and the good of the whole, without spelling it out. Would be a great addition to my two little step-siblings book collection. I saw the Author reat this book at the Ruminator in St. Paul and enjoyed it.

Moose Tracks is a non stop action book about a boy named Seth who enjoys going hunting with his best friend Matt. Seth decides to go hunting for the first time without his fathers permision and gets his first kill. But when Seth pushes his luck a little to far Seth gets in trouble with some moose poachers that want to make sure Seth doesn't say anything about them. Towards the books conclusion Seth and his buddy Matt get stuck in the poachers abandoned mine, and have to find a way out of there jam while trying to save a moose calf and catch the poachers at the same time. Moose Tracks is a great book for anyone that likes a lot of adventure and action.

I am a fourth grade teacher and use this book in my classroom with my nine and ten year olds. I have to say that we all find the book very interesting and my students don't want to put it down. The plight of Seth and the moose-calf is so compelling that my students love to try to relate to both of these characters and predict what will happen next. Casanova uses some great language to really make the woods in Minnesota come alive.

As a teacher I love this book as an instructional tool. It shows my students how fun and informative reading can be. Also Casanova does not talk down to the students, or question their intelligence as so many contemparary young adult writers do. My students are also intrigued to look into the fact behind the fiction. Also, Seth's lifestyle is very different from that of my New England students and therefore it helps to show them the differences between children within their own country. I have just started using this book in my classroom and will continue to do so for years to come.

Our son is nine years old, is an active reader and has read many books. MOOSE TRACKS is his favorite book that he has ever read! It was fun as parents to watch our sons excitement of reading this book. He loved the mystery, the vivid descriptions of Seth and Matts journey, and how the good won over the bad. Their journey took place in the wilderness with natures wild animals and said he felt like he was actually there with Seth and Matt. Throughout the story he could not wait to see what was going to happen next. He was disappointed when the story finally came to an end. Our son cannot wait to use his allowance to buy the sequal book, WOLF SHADOWS. This is our first book we have ever recommended. We look forward to reading the rest of Mary Casanovas books!

This book is about a boy named Brian who finds himself stuckbetween his feelings and his dad. His dad is a paper mill woker whois on strike, and while the paper mill workers are on strike, their jobs have been temporarily taken by what the paper mill workers call "Rats". Brian finds that one day he saves the life of a "rat's" son and then soon discovers that the sister of the boy he saved is the girl he secretly likes. He now finds himself torn betweeen two sides, and doesn't know how to handle it. Brian then gets suspicious his father is committing illegal crimes that he denies being involved in. Bryan doesn't know anymore who to side with: his dad who's always been there for him or the girl that has started showing interest in him that he has liked secretly? Although this book is short, it has a complex story to it. If I were to rate it, I would give it 4 out of 5 stars, because it was a great book. The ending, however, leaves you hanging and it could've been longer.