Harriet Rochlin has given us a gift: three stories about feisty Freida Goldson and her ambitious husband, Benny, as they settle and struggle in Arizona during the 1880s. Readers of Rachel Calof's story by Jacob Calof and the Diary of Mattie Spencer by Sandra Dallas will be equally intrigued by Rochlin's Desert Dwellers Trilogy. On Her Way Home can stand on its own, but to really appreciate Frieda's strength--and Rochlin's achievement-- read The Reformer's Apprentice and The First Lady of Dos Cacahuantes in sequence. The stories are wonderful for book clubs, for readers who like historical fiction, and for anyone who appreciates how much women had to overcome to reach their present equality. Frieda is Jewish so her story reveals little known information about the Jewish experience in the West. Rochlin's research is outstanding.

"On Her Way Home," the third novel in the Desert Dweller's Trilogy, deomonstrates Harriet Rochlin's uncanny ability to enter the hearts and minds of her 1880s characters. A wonderful, rollicking read, the book is as contemporary in its psychological insights as it is historically accurate. I highly recommend this book to all those interested in reading a good story about interesting people living in a vivid, vital slice of time.

This fascinating story gives us a dark view of pioneer life in the form of the criminal justice system and its distructive effect on women who are caught up in it. Women do not count. Unless the woman is Frieda Goldson whose ferocious will takes her far from home to the side of her abducted and abused younger sister. When the girl is falsely jailed for murder Frieda pits herself against a primitive justice system that shows little mercy. Author Harriet Rochlin once again gives us the experience, superbly rich in the details of sight, sounds, taste and smells, of living in an earlier, harsher time. Excellent writing.

I agree with those who say that this is the best book out of the four. It's definitely the most complex, and has the most character development. Mark, who was an abused child long before that became a catch-phrase, is sketched out wonderfully. Oren's sister, who he mentioned early on, must have been a good influence on him, because he's resilient, kind and intelligent, despite what he has to put up with from Oren. I agree with Rush when he said the Melendys were the lucky ones, to get Mark for a brother!

Although I did think Rush was pretty rude, barging in every day while the girls were canning, and demanding to be fed immediately! Did he think that just because Mona and Randy didn't have a five-course meal ready and waiting, that they were going to let the guys starve? And it's not like they'd been doing nothing! God bless Mr. Titus for helping them out!

My favorite bits were when Rush and Mark spy on Oren and his pals at the still---that was real adult talk, but still appropriate for a kids' book: not easy to bring off---and the auction and fair. I loved when the Delacey brothers showed up and bid on the boar. "The three of them should be very happy together"---good one, Willy!

And I felt so bad for Oliver when he fell down the well! That was a good device, too. For so long, he'd gotten so little attention because he didn't demand any, and look what finally happened. It forced the other kids to realize how much they cared about him, and show it, and they handled it themselves, showing how capable they were. Good for them!

And I also liked when Cuffy was leaving to visit her cousin and had to cram weeks worth of nagging into an hour. "Close the windows whenever it rains! (Duh!) Call me long distance if anything goes wrong! (And that will help, how?) Don't forget to feed the DOGS! (Like they'd let you!)"

The third Melendy novel has a darker undertone than the preceding two, with the introduction of Mark Herron, a lonely orphan befriended by Rush and Randy, and his guardian-cousin, the fearsome Oren Meeker. There are thrills and heart-clutchers a-plenty--Rush and Mark spying on an illegal whiskey still, a vividly described house fire--but they're nicely leavened by the lighter incidents like the character of Mr. Jasper Titus, rural gourmand, and the resolve of Mona and Randy to undertake the canning of the family's victory-garden produce. And in the end everything comes out right, as it should in a juvenile. This is the book to which Enright was leading up with the previous two, and perhaps the best she wrote. The whole trilogy would make a splendid miniseries on TV (is any executive reading this? I'll even do the script!).

This excellent children's book (and at 24, I still enjoy it!) is superbly written and quirkily illustrated by Enright herself. She brings to life once again, the four Melendy children -- Mona, the beautiful, vain, Shakespearean actress in training, Rush, the erratic piano prodigy, Randy, the kindhearted painter/dancer and Oliver, the chubby young entomologist in the making. It's hard to describe the continuing ability to fascinate, the mesmeric hold these pleasantly told, often quietly funny pages have for the reader, even when one reads the book over and over again. The addition of a new member of the family makes for great adventure and an unexpected element of danger in a book by Enright.

My mother read this book to me many, many times in preparation for my little sister's birth. I still think of it every time my sister (now 25 years old) gets on my nerves. It really taught me that, even though she could be annoying, that we both truly loved each other and could depend on each other no matter what...If you have a daughter and are expecting another one soon, you have to get this book!

I remember checking this book out of the library when I was 6, and thinking that this story must have been written for me and my little sister. We even looked like the girls in the book! I rediscovered this book recently, and found that the story rings true with me today, just as much as it did in 1977. I think anyone who has a sister could relate to this beautiful story.

This is perhaps one of the greatest picture books ever written, and is much, much more than a tool for assuaging sibling rivalry in two girl families. With a perfect ear for read-aloud prose, and a finely balanced sense of the perspective of a child, Zolotow invites the youngest listeners to savor the pleasures of literature.

We are introduced to big sister at the outset, who always takes care of little sister. But the heart of the story lies in little sister's small act of rebellion on a day when she grows tired of big sister always telling her what to do. Although the story is nominally about a little sister learning from her older sister such that "the two of them can take care of each other", it is the heart of the story that moves this tale out of the usual wretched and formulaic child's self-help lesson and into the realm of true literature. For not only does little sister run away from big sister, but when big sister comes calling for her in the meadow, little sister doesn't respond at all. Not only that, but we get a full two pages of little sister's quiet, existential reflections on the nature of being alone and in pondering what she has just done. This is the true heart of the story. How can a reader/listener not respond to the willfulness of little sister's unkindness, and yet fully understand the joys of being alone and feeling the grass under your knees while bumblebees buzz overhead? It is in identifying with these conflicting and ambiguous feelings that the young reader feels, perhaps for the first time, a frisson of bittersweet pleasure that will hook them on the joys of reading good books for life.

Of course little sister finally relents after she sees big sister break down and cry, but thankfully Zolotow doesn't give an adult resolution to the story. The answer to big sister's reproach, "Why did you run away?" is immaterial, and lemonade is the order of the day.

Don't Bug Me
By: Pam Zollman
Reviewed by: J.Lau
Period: 6
This book is about a girl named Megan and how she needs to find twenty-five bugs for her science project. She also has a little bother that steals her bugs and buries them. One of her classmates, Charlie, has a secret crush on Megan but also make fun of her when she has a shortage of bugs. One day Megan finds out that Charlie is afraid of bugs and can get him back but decides to help him instead. Megan's little brother ends up helping Charlie start to like bugs. At the end both Megan and Charlie have bugs for their science project and they become very good friends.
I liked this book because it is both funny and touching. The funniest part of this book was when Charlie and his friend pull a prank on the girls. Charlie and his friends had put a rubber bug in one of the girl's soup and lots of candy bugs in Megan's lunch box. Then one of the teachers picked up a candy bug and sniffed it, then- to our horror- bit it. We did a group shudder as she smiled. Those really made me laugh because all the girls thought that the bugs were real.
The other part that I really liked in this book is when Charlie gives Megan a present on the bus. The morning Megan's science project was due; she gets on the bus and finds out that Charlie has a present for her. "This is for you," he yelled above all the chatter and noise. Then he passed forward a small box wrapped in tissue paper with a note attached. Then all the boys on the bus made kissing sounds. When Megan opened the present it was a dead wasp.
My favorite part was when Charlie told Megan that he liked her. When Charlie was talking to Megan one afternoon after they took Megan's little brother to the park, Charlie was telling Megan a lot of things that he didn't even tell his best friend. Megan asked Charlie why he was telling her all these things and Charlie said that he never really cared about who he made fun of but when he made fun of her it felt different. Then Charlie told Megan that he liked her and asked if she liked her back. Megan was so stunned that she didn't know what to say so they just decided to be friends until Megan was old enough to date. I think that's the sweetest thing.

We read Don't Bug Me at school and I like how Megan and Charlie became friends. I liked it when Charlie went to the park with Megan and Alexander. He told them why he didn't like bugs. I thought the best part was in the cafeteria. That was so funny! I really love this book. I wish it was a movie and then I could watch it all the time.

I really liked this book. I gave a report on it in school and itmade everbody laugh. I liked Alexander a lot. I have a little brother that is kinda like that. I wonder what will happen with Megan and Charlie? I wonder what candy bugs taste like. I think everbody should read this book.

This is my second year of teaching 5th grade, and both years I've used this book in Language Arts. The kids LOVED it, both years we've read it. It's also a breeze to pull out spelling words and vocabulary words from.
The kids can totally relate to Gib, his relationship with Ash, Rainy, his little sister, and of course, the dreaded 'Ol Shrapnel. The book has the kids' attention the whole time, and it's great to be able to watch my students actually WANT to read and see what event is going to happen next. I even caught a few students who just HAD to read ahead.
I'd say that this book is a classic for 5th and 6th graders, and my students and I would love to see it made into a movie soon! A+

Gib realizes that the odd machine he was given by a strange old man may hold the key to undoing the most devastating day of his life. He quickly learns, however, that there are consequences for every single action, however insignificant they may seem, and that trifling with such power is a huge responsibility. Who WAS that old man, and why did he seem to have such an interest in Gib and his family?

Etchemendy has done a brilliant job of leading the reader to consider some questions even larger than, "What would you do if you could travel across time," or "If you could change an event from the past, what would it be?"

I am a fith grade student at Waldron Mercy Academy.(AMN)

Gib Finney is not your average kid. He is a kid who likes to cause frustration at school by shooting spitballs at people and messing around with science experiments. But soon he finds a device that can change his life forever. He can erase all mistakes he has made in the past with this device. But then there is a terrible disaster that he can not erase no matter what he does it will still be there in some way. Then he has to find out what mistakes are worth erasing and which ones are not. I thought that this was a really good book. You should read it too!

Jessica Wakefield was almost raped by her former boyfriend, James Montgomery. In this book she deals with it, and finds the effort to speak up. Her ex-husband, Michael McAllery has some kind things to say to her. Elizabeth Wakefield supports her also. Meanwhile, Lila and Bruce fall in love, and Alexandra falls in love on the campus hotline. Maia Stillwater gets the courage to speak up. It sends James down. This book deals with rape and sexual assault greatly. This book is excellent!

This is one of my favorite Sweet Valley University books. It deals with serious issues, and I reccomend it to anyone. Jessica Wakefield, who was assulted by her former boyfriend, James Montgomery, is wondering what she should do about it. Maia, who was raped by James, is afraid to speak up. Jessica was afraid, at first, but eventually spoke up. Also, she has a trial with James in court. Elizabeth totally supports her, as do Steven and Billie. Also, her former husband, Michael McAllery says a few kind words to her. Anyway, Jessica deals with the fact that James almost raped her, and hopes that people will believe her. Meanwhile, Alexandra Rollins fidns love on the campus hotline, little does she know who he really is. Lila and Bruce fall madly in love and are rescued. Anyway, back to the Jessica/James trial. It was so beautiful! The way Jessica felt confident was so wonderful! And when Maia testified, I was so proud of her. Also, the march was awesome! The way it built up Jessica's confidence was great. The trial was awesome, too. This book deals a lot with date rape and sexual assualt. Jessica and Maia helped save a lot of people. Also, Mike McAllery is so sweet to Jessica. Anyway, this book is a must have!

I think the first 11 SVU books are the best ever-written. this particular book follows Jess/James' trial, and has a relieving, courageous (Maia) outcome. It deals with the outcome of rape-assault, and I think the book emphasizes the importance of speaking out! I think the male reactions in the book are pretty realistic...and Jessica's fear, the whole thing is just so REAL! I also like the march on-campus, I know a lot of colleges are doing those nowadays.

I am more into the science fiction and never found the romantic stuff that intresting.....i happened to borrow "Deceptions" from my friend just to kill time....now its one of my all time favorites...i bought the book and its sequel too,which is not inleast disappointing(as sequels generally are). "Deceptions" is just not a light hearted romantic 'story' its the best in its kind that touches every aspect of our dialy routine in the most amazing way.we come accross a lot of little details we experience in our everyday life and yet fail to recognise and enjoy them.We are taught to make the best of what we have and be grateful for all the good things in our life.It describes the subtle emotions between two indivisuals with an amazing scrutiny.Its a master piece a "not to be missed" novel.Highly recommnded.

I have read the book 3 years ago and I still can tell the deepest details in the story, It's really breathtaking, every new page holds passion, love, and care within its lines......I'm planning to read it again and wish it never ends...I highly recommend it.

The husband and wife writing team of Judith Michael have produced certain popular novels which are NOT the typical, superficial, and forgettable reads that flood the market. Although in Deceptions, they do lure readers with a soap opera plot (twins switching places), and the reliability of glamorous and exotic locations such as London and China, the authors have included sharp and witty insights and observations in several of the novel's scenarios. We learn about the strong bond between identical twins, Sabrina and Stephanie, and how they developed into two different women leading two different lives. Thankfully, this is not a good twin/evil twin plot. We become immersed in Sabrina's exclusive world of London high society, antique dealerships, and exquisitely designed townhouses. Her more brazen personality allows her to survive quite nicely and make astute dealings among London's elite. Stephanie lives more obscurely in a small university town in the States with her professor husband, Garth. Their domestic, suburban life with their two children and supportive neighbors is surprisingly realistic and at times endearing. The major premise is that the sisters tire of the complications in their lives and decide to switch places. The novel is well structured as the reader flows from Stephanie's adjustment to Sabrina's jet-set life while Sabrina brings her strength and determination to life as a suburban professor's wife. Deceptions is definitely escape literature, but an intelligent read. If you enjoy reading good descriptions of the finer things in life and excellent character development, this book comes highly recommended

What a cute story! Charlie is in charge of little sister Lola and decides to play a trick on her. With Charlie giving silly names to foods that Lola claims she doesn't like, Lola plays along and tastes foods she has insisted she will never, ever eat. My 6-1/2 year old loves this book; it's a bit too old for my almost 3-year old.

What I like best about this book are the real photographs of the foods (peas, carrots, fish sticks, etc.) that are incorporated into the fun cartoon illustrations.

This is a engaging, slightly offbeat story which makes it stand out from the zillions of other children's books out there.

"I have this little sister, Lola. She is small and very funny" These opening lines set the sweet and gentle tone for a tale about two sisters. One (Lola) with a very long list of foods she will not eat, and the other (Charlie) with the task of feeding dinner to her fussy little sister.

It could be a recipe for disaster -- I'm certain this situation would have played out quite differently with me and MY little sister -- but Charlie's creativity and sense of fun save the day.

My seven-year old fussy eater nearly fell out of his chair laughing when we read this book. He clearly identified with, and enjoyed, Lola and her reasoning (for example, peas are "too small" and "too green"). While I'm pretty sure my son will not change his eating habits because of this story, it did give him a sense that he is not alone in the world with his funky tastes while reinforcing the idea that his tastes may change.

Great story, cute illustrations, good lesson.

Thanks to the mealtime antics of Charlie and Lola, my kids now ask every day if they can eat carrots, tomatoes, potatoes and peas. It's magic!

The books' pictures, typesetting and storyline are all fantastic, whether you are a child or adult. This and 'My Uncle is a Hunkle', also by Lauren Child, became instant favourites with the pre-schoolers and the adults the minute they entered our house.

On the surface, Stopping to Home seems simple. Two children who have lost their family find a new one. But they do so within the confines of an 1806 Maine seacoast community, and ten months in which they, and the reader, experience life in early 19th century Maine. The heroine, Abbie, is strong and resourceful, and her brother Seth is a delight. Highly recommended.

I'm a lot older than 12, but I loved this book, and shared it with several friends who grew up in Maine, as well as with my grandchildren. The story is moving and credible and has more complexity than meets the eye ... but the beauty is in the background details about early nineteenth century Maine. Layering pine boughs around houses in fall to protect against snows ... high church pews that keep out drafts ... cooking fiddleheads and dandelions in the spring .... I loved this book, and so did my three grandchildren. Although they were amazed at what children of 4 and 11 were expected to do in those days! It inspired some interesting talks about the past. Definitely recommend this book.

Abbie & Seth Chambers are memorable characters who I really enjoyed reading about. They live in a world far from today's, but cope with problems (like figuring out their own futures,) that kids today also struggle with. I've recommended Stopping to Home to lots of my friends!

Goldie Locks has Chicken Pox is a well-written, funny story that I would recommend every parent read to their child when they have Chicken Pox to keep their mind off of them. One thing I really liked about this book was that it mentions other children's stories like Henny Penny, Little Red Riding Hood and Little Bo Peep. My very favourite part was the illustration that went with this line:
"Let's Connect them!" shouted Brother.

Erin Dealey and Hanako Wakiyama did a very good job together on this book. The illustrations are hilarious.

I just had to get this book, and I'll figure out what child to give it to later. I want to enjoy it myself first! The story idea is fun, and I can't stop looking at the marvelous 50's retro illustrations.

The story is told in clever unsentimental rhyme and includes characters from other fairy tales. My favorite aspect of this book is the 1950's retro illustrations which are a pleasant departure from the plethora of realism in today's children's illustrations. Part of enjoying children's literature includes the transportation into a fantasy world and celebrating imagination. This book has roots of 1950's in the furniture, clothing, and style of drawings, but the context of the drawings to the story is the most creative and progressive approach to a picture book that I've seen in a while.