These books are the best books I have ever read. They capture your imagination and intrest.
They are about Sam. He runs away from home and has to survive on his own. His sister comes and lives with him and in the third one Frightful, his perigrine falcon gets taken away and it is about her.

I buy this trilogy set for almost all the birthday presents that we give to kids. I even enjoyed reading these books myself and I am 37 ! The audio version of them are excellant for long car trips !

This trilogy is great for kids 7 and up . The first story is about how Sam Gribley an old boy,built a home in the woods and survied.the other two books just make you want to read more and more!

I have always loved reading, but when my first grade teacher gave me this book when i was six, I read a little of it, then put it down. It wasn't until six years later, I was browsing my book shelves filled with my childhood books that I found this book again. It was a school morning, but I picked it up anyways and started reading it. I couldn't put it down! Sure, it wasn't my reading level, but it was a sweet book, written in a way that makes you want to know what happens next. It's about a little boy named Nick who gets an Aussie puppy named Aleasha instead of his wish-a sister. Aleasha wants Nick to play with her like he would a real little girl, but he doesn't. So she comes up with a plan. She will turn into a human. What happens next? Read the book to find out, or read another review that theaches you more about it. Whatever!! But it's a really sweet book.

The Puppy Sister is a fantasy to be enjoyed by young or the young at heart. Alesha, a Aussie puppy doesn't understand why Nick (her owner)doesn't treat her like a person. Then, as she realizes that she isn't human, she decides that she can become a human. A true masterpice!

This is a very funny book that is sure to make children laugh. Even the student who doesn't like to read will enjoy this book. The illustrations that are included in the book help the reader visualize exactly what the puppy sister looks like. I would recommend it for anyone, ages 8 and up, especially animal lovers. The theme of the book evolves around dogs, brothers and sisters, and family life. After reading this book, readers will never look at their pets in the same way again. The Puppy Sister is the type of book that can be read either privately or aloud to an entire class. This would be an excellent book to use during a discussion of brother and sister relationships. It could also be used with students who are planning on getting a new pet. After reading this book, students will realize just how closely animals sometimes resemble people - both in their actions and looks.

Scorpio's Child brings out the truth as only the south lives it. A story that will appeal to all ages. The main character, Afton, is buffeted from one pillow to the next as heartbreak, mystery, amd murder find their way into her young life. You must read Scorpio's Daughter to savor the true flavor of a young girl growing up in the south.

I read Kezi's first book, "John Riley's Daughter." I loved it! Her style of writing is so unique and keeps the reader very interested. Now comes, "Scorpio Child," which is written in that same unique manner. You just have to keep reading until you finish the book. There's no putting it down. I recommend it highly for readers of all ages. "Thanks Kezi, can't wait til your next book comes out!"

Scorpio's Child is a book for all age groups, not just teens.It was difficult to put down from page one. Kezi Matthews has created and intriguing and moving story with unforgettable characters. If you want to read a good book filled with warmth, mystery and words that truly become pictures in your mind, don't miss Scorpio's Child.

No poems this time around, folks: prose that gets under your skin and into your head. The late, great Audre Lorde, known primarily for her poetry over the years, wrote what is one of the most compelling books on sociology, sexuality, racism and the nature of human character and existence in the last 20 years. Her charges are damning, but dashed with more than a spoonful of hope when appropriate, and it is impossible to walk away from this book unchanged.

No New Age-isms, no agendas...just common-sense reactions to everyday experiences told in a way that not only everyone can understand, but in a way everyone SHOULD understand.

This book is a compilation of material Lorde wrote in the 70s 80s. Lorde is one of the foremost writers on the subjects of patriarchy, sexism, homphobia and race relations that the West has ever seen. She talks about how to make change and helps the reader truly understand the situation of people who are underprivileged and discriminated against in our society. Of all the books I read in my Women's Studies classes, this is the one that stayed with me. It is at once intellectually challenging and accessible. I particularly enjoyed her "Notes from a Trip to Russia" and "An Open Letter to Mary Daly." The piece that has had the most impact on my life, however, is "The Masters Tools," which is a blueprint for change. She is giving us the keys we need to not only improve our own lives, but the world as a whole. Lorde's words ring as true today as they did when the book was first published. A must read!!!

Although Audre Lorde distinguished herself as a poet, her prose writings are an indispensable part of her overall literary achievement. "Sister Outsider" is an excellent collection of her prose from the late 1970s and early 1980s. This book brings together essays, speeches, journal entries, and an illuminating dialogue between Lorde and sister poet Adrienne Rich. While each piece stands alone as a complete and thought-provoking gem, the book as a whole constitutes one of the most extraordinary intellectual testaments of the 20th century.

Lorde writes from her perspective as a Black woman, a lesbian, a feminist, a poet, a mother, a teacher, and a cultural activist. Her voice is forthright and unsparing in moral outrage, yet filled with hope and poetic beauty. One of the core themes unifying this collection is her incisive analysis of the interlocking, overlapping axes of difference, privilege, abuse, and resistance. As she deconstructs such phenomena as homophobia, racism, and sexism, Lorde is both intellectually ambitious and down-to-earth; in her arguments with academic figures, she never forgets the real impact of discrimination and violence upon those who live outside the relatively privileged worlds of academia.

Each piece in "Sister Outsider" makes a unique contribution to the overall impact of the book. "Notes from a Trip to Russia" is a fascinating historical document from the Cold War era. "Poetry Is Not a Luxury" serves as an important part of Lorde's artistic manifesto. "An Open Letter to Mary Daly" offers an illuminating glimpse into some of the tensions within the feminist movement of the 1970s. And "Grenada Revisited" is a powerful counterpoint to the Reaganite view of a military action in the Caribbean. The other eleven pieces are equally thought-provoking.

In the essay "The Master's Tools Will Never Dismantle the Master's House," Lorde expands upon the title statement by adding, "They may allow us temporarily to beat him at his own game, but they will never enable us to bring about genuine change." Lorde's powerful writings may just give us readers some real tools that we can use to bring about "real change"--both within ourselves and in our society.

I was reading E.Lynn Harris's book "A Love Of My Own", in it was mention of this book so I went on line to make sure it was a real book and guess what I went brought it and it is just wonderful. I can not say enough. I intend on buying copies for my sisters and my close friends and giving them as gifts.

This is a touching and inspiring book, even for a man. I really enjoyed all of the essays and the photos were beautiful.

This book is inspirational for me because I grew up with six brothers and no blood sisters. I have grown to know that my sister friends are more of a blessing to me, than I initially realized. I have girl friends that fill that void, and it's okay. My friends are also my sisters!!!! I recommend this book for anyone that's ever felt like they didnt have anyone. You realize you have more that you know. Nicole

Carol Haefner's Sisters Of The Circle: One Woman's Journey To Wholeness is an emotional and highly recommended collection of compelling free-verse poetry, embracing the power of courage, survival, and ongoing steps in the journey of life. God (2/21/02): When I think of you/I draw a blank//I try to pray/but I don't think I know how//The formula prayers I was taught in school/never touched my heart/and now seem just as cold and/lifeless as I feel//Can you answer the prayer I don't know how to pray?

In this book of poems the author, Carol, allows us to particpate in her journey of healing. Her powerful words and honest, raw emothions touched me - even though her story is not an exact match for my story. I found renewed strength in myself by reading Carols's poems of her innermost fears. I think her honesty will give anyone something to connect to and hope for.

The dedication page of Sisters of the Circle reads: "...to all who have the courage to begin the journey and find their own voice."

In this book, the author shares with the reader her process of awakening from behavior patterns that were disempowering and self-effacing. Through her own courageous process of poetic journaling, Carol has shown others a way to connect with, and give voice to, the exhilarating, frightening, and inspiring path of self-discovery.

Some of the poems are written in the mystical ecstatic surrender style of Hafiz and Rumi; others are written in a style that expresses child-like fears and wonderment; still others are frank, raw expressions of coming to terms with a woman's first intimate relationship: mother / daughter.

I have been moved by Carol's honest and bold sharing to once again reflect on my own life journey and to play, dance, laugh and cry with the joy of re-storying my impressions of self.

In the author's words: "I am not after all a stranger
But a Child of the Light."

Patrca Polacco's My rotten redheaded older brother is a book on Patricia's childhood. It tells how rotten her brother Richie really is . Babushka doesnt seem to know how rotten her brother is. He can spit farther, climb the hihest, throw the farthest, sit the longest , get the dirtyest, and burp the loudest. Ithink this is a very good book. I liked the part when Richie said that he doesn't like rhbarb and he really does. Now he can eat more rhubarb than her.

A great book that shows the relationships between brothers and sisters, both good and bad. The author Patricia Polacco writes about her and her own brother and how she had always wanted to beat him at some thing. Trying as hard as she can, she fails every time, until one day she wishes upon a star, and her relationship with her brother changes forever.
This book has unique and colorful illustrations that help to show the sibling rivalry between Patricia and her brother. A must read for sibling of any age, and even adults who haven't spoken to their brothers or sisters in a long time.
by Jordan Miller

My daughter is a Patricia Polacco fan. She has read almost all the books Patricia Polacco has ever written. Rotten Red-Headed Older Brother is one of her favorites. Everyone can relate to a mean older sibling. Best of all, the book is based on the author's real brother.

Rosetta and her younger sister, Flora, were sent to Canada from an English orphanage. They dreamed of a loving family, but when this does not happen Rosetta endures cruelty, love, hatred, and happiness to get back what is left of her family. This book makes me appreciate my family, even when I am mad at them. It also shows me that being an orphan does not let you do whatever you want and that others will try to stop you from reaching your goal.

This is an absolutely wonderful book. It is historically acurate, interesting and very well written. Reading the trials and hardships Rosetta must go through to find her adopted sister that she loves so much makes you never want to put this book down. I loved this book, for more reasons than one! It's twists in the plot give it definition and color. Go out and get this book, it is definately worth it!

first of all i want to thank my friend Amy for lending me this book.I think we should all follow her good advice on reading this book.It was absolutely brilliant.I would reccemond this book to ages over 10.

Two sentences into the introduction I began to cry. Since then I've laughed, smiled, cried some more... and now I'm making a list of the friends who desperately need to read this book. Truly a blessing for any woman!

Before reading Soul Satisfaction, I had no idea that hearing only male language for God in church had affected my self-image. As Geitz states in her introduction, images of God and self are very closely connected and a change in one can bring about a change in the other.

This is really true!!! After meditating on the many feminine images of God in the Bible (which by the way I'd never even heard before) I have experienced a more positive sense of self than I ever thought possible. This book has been more helpful to me than therapy.

Meditating on the strong, courageous women in the Bible in Soul Satisfaction has also been very empowering for me.

My advice is this, "Put this book in your cart now!"

Soul Satisfaction comforts, challanges, and compels me to tell others about it. I never knew the Bible could be so affirming of who I am as a woman. Where has this book been all my life?? The brief meditations are heartwarming and gut-wrenching, but also instructive for women today. You will want one for yourself, and one for each of your friends

I never knew that other siblings felt this way! After years of dealing with guilt, jealously, and overprotectiveness, I finally realized that I was not alone. Best of all, knowing that other sibs experience the same things, I don't feel the need to justify these feelings anymore. This book is a great starting point for sibs who want to/need to understand how having a "special sibling" has affected their life. FYI: Your special sibling doesn't necessarily have to have a obvious physical special need. I belive that sibs of those who suffer from mental illnesses will also find this book comforting and familiar.

I bought this book because I have a child with a disability, and I wanted to do what I can to be helpful to my three other children. It was a wonderful read! It reassured me, which is something all mothers need a lot of. It also reminded me that vigilance about sibling excesses is in order. After reading it, I reminded my children that they don't have to grow up to be superstars in some kind of effort to compensate for what my one child lacks.
I enjoyed the author's willingness to be so honest about her feelings, yet even when revealing negative feelings, she asserted a positive spin by contrasting her feelings with more positive feelings of others. It's clear that much of her difficulty had to do with being raised in a different time -- when there was little help, and when disability was considered shameful and secret. My favorite section of this book is the discussion of the common phenomenon of siblings entering the helping professions as adults. She has a fresh and interesting take on this topic.

It's been called life's longest relationship, and our bond with our siblings usually is just that. Who else could witness our joys and sorrows and put their arms around us through all of life's seasons? With whom else will we share such conflicted feelings of love, hate, rivalry, and reconciliation for so long? To a large extent the biblical tragedy of Cain and Abel haunts every family and every generation. Therefore learning to navigate and face these intense and uncomfortable feelings is a passageway to a healthy adulthood.

As if hurt, resentment, anger, and rage aren't enough, the family crucible is even more complex when a sibling is born with or develops a disability. Parents struggle to be fair to the special and unique needs of each child. Typically developing children watch their parents struggle and feel their own grief as well for what might have been-along with embarrassment and guilt. In the new revised edition of Special Siblings: Growing Up with Someone with a Disability, Mary McHugh helps readers to understand that life's inequities are unavoidable.

"Children who grow up with a brother or sister with a disability learn early that life is unfair," says Mary McHugh, an accomplished writer and the sibling of Jack, a man with cerebral palsy and mental retardation. "They have to learn that often the child with the disability must come first; they must face the fact that not everyone will want to be their friend because of the sibling with the disability; they must learn to accept that people will often stare at their brothers and sisters.... My advice for them is all these things are hard lessons to learn but they make you strong enough to deal with anything life presents you with when you are an adult."

McHugh's research for this book included interviews with more than 100 siblings - in their teens, 20's 30's and 40's - of people with special needs in an effort to understand her own feelings. Her inquiries show that they share more than a brother or sister with a disability. "Growing up with a special sibling makes you compassionate and kind to every human being you meet; it makes you a good problem solver; it makes you tolerant of religious differences, racial differences, other disabilities, old people, etc. It often makes you an achiever who works to make the world a better place. In short, you will probably be the kind of person other people want as a friend."

As Don Meyer, director of the Sibling Support Project, at Children's Hospital of Seattle writes, "In her remarkably wise book, Mary McHugh masterfully blends her experiences and the experiences of others with insights from clinical research. Although McHugh doesn't shy away from the troublesome aspects of sibling relationships, Special Siblings also describes the remarkable attributes seen in many brothers and sisters of people with special needs."

Throughout the book, as Brookes Publishing outlines, McHugh explores the spectrum of feelings- from anger and guilt to love and pride - and helps readers understand the issues siblings may encounter in

· childhood - such as dealing with their own needs for attention and information, identifying with their parents' grief, understanding their sibling's disability, and coping with their own feelings

· adolescence - such as participating in family discussions, fitting in with peers, searching for their own identity, and talking to a counselor or therapist

· adulthood - such as building a support system, navigating adult relationships, deciding whether to have children, and planning for their sibling's future care

McHugh wants siblings to understand that they are not alone. She has included an extensive list of resources in the back of her book. She urges people to go to sibling support groups and talk to other siblings about our often-unacceptable feelings where they will find unconditional acceptance. The one thing Mary McHugh would like to assure every special sibling: "That you will probably grow up to be a very fine person: strong, compassionate able to cope with just about anything that comes along, loving, tolerant, an achiever who will make a difference in the world. The world will be a better place because you're in it."

Readers may wonder if things would be different for McHugh if she and her brother were growing up today. While attitudes toward people with disabilities have improved and access to services has generally increased, family dynamics have remained largely unchanged. The family is our most intimate social setting, and it is there that we are the most vulnerable. Communicating about our pain and resentment diffuses our anger and allows for healing and lifelong cooperation. These are lessons we all must learn, and in this regard children with special needs can be a catalyst.

Emotional, wise and intelligent, this book is a must-read for teen and adult siblings. This is also an indispensable resource for parents who are agonizing over how to do their jobs fairly-one of the most common questions I am asked in my role as a psychologist who specializes in the family life issues. Professionals who support people with disabilities and their families will be likewise enlightened in their roles. Complex matters are so often made clear by the simple yet profound reflections of children. Special Siblings by Mary McHugh is a special contribution that succeeds because it captures the essence of that voice from siblings of all ages including herself.