I don't like THE KING'S EQUAL because the characters were horrible. I don't think Raphael should close the school and higher taxes. The story was about a prince who tried to be a king but he has to marry someone his equal. But the prince was arrogant . The girlwas poor but she was smart and intelligent and little rich than him. I learned you shouldn't be arrogant because no one will like you.

I like this book. It was fun because in the kingdom the prince looks stupid. In the beginning of the book I don't like this book but as I keep reading it was fun and exciting. Rosamund told him "I am rich and intelligent and beatiful." I wonder how come she is intelligent, rich and beautiful .Raphael was very very very very very bad because Raphael closed the schools and took gold and money and some really important things. And then Rosamund told him, "You must go to the mountain and live with goats for 1 year." He came back to the castle and married with Rosamund and lived a good life. I learned your mind has to be open not closed.

I liked The King's Equal. The story had cool characters. Rosamund told the prince to be nice because the prince took everything from the town people. I think people should read this story. The story is about Rosamund and Raphael, the prince who wants to marry Rosamund because Raphael can be king then. I learned lots of things from The King's Equal, things about Rosamund, said she has no food. I learned about the wolf. I think the wolf was a magical wolf. People shouldn't be selfish.

The End

Don't get me wrong, this book wasn't bad. I just felt that it never got the spark that distinguishes an "okay" book from a really good book.

First of all, it seemed to me that the book was really slow-moving. It didn't take me that long to finish the entire book, but I think it was halfway before I felt that the book really got moving.

Robbie was a problem for me as well. There are some characters that you come to love, and some that you just want to hate, but Robbie just seemed lukewarm to me, and it took me awhile to even like him enough to care very much what was happening. Besides this, Robbie can take the time to become philisophical, much older for his years, such as in his musings about how "Violet" got changed to "Vile", etc, but can't seem to figure out up from down in other instances.

There are quite a few things that seem extraneous, and don't help to move forward the plot very well.

The other thing that irks me is that Robbie's father is JUST TOO PERFECT. I know that he's the preacher, etc, but nobody is THAT perfect.

A book by Katherine Paterson is always difficult to judge. The main reason is because she has written a truly great book--"Bridge to Terabithia"--and a number of others that are nearly as great. Because of this, there is a tendency to be a tougher judge of her books as if every new novel should be a masterpiece. Fortunately, Ms. Paterson lives up to the challenge time after time.

I am constantly amazed at how well Ms. Paterson is able to write in the voice of young person, creating very realistic characters. Though a bit older myself these days, I can identify very well with Robbie as he stuggles with the difficulties in his life. I am particularly impressed with the depiction of Robbie's relationship with his father and how he struggles to understand him. Also, the difficulties he has in being himself while at the same time trying to be the son of a good man who has an important and public job in his hometown.

Though I don't think any good book is really gender-specific to an active reader, I can see where young boys would find this book speaking to them a little more. Still, I would encourage anyone with a love of good literature to read this book. It is a stong depiction of an interesting character.

At first I was skeptical about this book because in the beginning of the book Robbie and Willie just play pranks on the other townspeople. I soon realized I was wrong. It was jam-packed with action,adventure,love and care. It made me feel as though I was joining Robbie on his big adventures. This book is thrilling and is a must-read. I would recommend this book to anyone of any age. This was a swell read.

Though I have heard much praise of Jane Austen, this is the first time I've actually sat down and read one of her books. I was impressed. Though the plot would seem shallow now (it centers around marriages); then that was central to most women's hopes and desires. Besides the plot, the characters are amusing and Elizabeth is finely drawn. She is very self-confidant and will not allow others to look down on her for her ill upbringing. I don't believe men would enjoy this book, because the male figure is not drawn very realistically. I seriously doubt that all men thought or talked about were marriage and love. Walter Raleigh phrased it correctly by saying that "Austen's men wouldn't be allowed in any club in England!". I didn't find it to be at all boring, rather, a page-turner to see how everything was going to turn out (though in the end it became predictable). The formal language is confusing at times, but provides a bit more color with it's detail. Though many parts of the book are obviously contrived, and I feel as if Austen is trying a little too hard to invoke emotion within me, in many ways the book is ahead of it's time, and for that, it is commendable to be certain.

I have always loved the style and social politics of the Regency period (the time of Jane Austen.) But when I read "Sense and Sensibility" in 7th grade I found the first few chapters lifeless, dull and hard to read. Two years later I was encouraged by a friend to give "Pride and Prejudice" a try. I did and have since become a complete Janeite. I am now able to peruse joyfully through "Sense and Sensibility" with a new understanding and appreciation of Jane Austen. The reason? "Pride and Prejudice" is fresh, witty and is a great introduction to Jane Austen's writing style without the formality of some of her other novels (unlike S&S and Persuasion Austen does not give us a 10 page history of each family and their fortune.) If you have never read Jane Austen or have read her other novels and found them boring, read Pride and Prejudice. The characters, and the situations Austen presents to them, are hysterical and reveal a lot about Regency society and morality. This book perfectly compliments a great writer like Jane Austen and is essential to every reader's library. The Penguin Edition of the book is stellar and I personally recommend it not only for the in-depth and indispensable footnotes, but also for the cover that is non-suggestive of any of the characters' appearances. In summary "Pride and Prejudice" is a great book for beginner Austen readers and seasoned fans, and Penguin Classics is a great edition for fully enjoying and understanding the book.

I always have trouble reviewing my very favorite books on Amazon. It always seems as if nothing I can write does the book justice. Pride and Prejudice is one of those novels. I don't remember a time when I've enjoyed a read so much (and I read a lot).

It's a well known story. Of course, it's that Jane Austen world (which Austen pokes endlessly at) with the social artifaces, the endless gossiping, and clever schemes on how to get married, particularly to someone rich. Here, it is the Bennet sisters trying to get themselves hitched, and the central character is the spirited Elizabeth who clashes with (sometimes) arrogant, stuffy Darcy.

Pride and Prejudice is so entertaining on different levels. It is so funny! The characters (especially Mr. and Mrs. Bennet) are so eccentrically funny, and some of the situations Elizabeth gets into are hilarious. Austen's little asides about the local society are subtly cutting, too. Then, there are all of the brilliant characterizations and their changing relationships. Also, I'm always drawn to Austen's little theme of love's ability to break through the mess of a shallow society. I truly love everything about this little novel. It'll certainly alway keep a special place on my bookshelf (or by my bed).

The beginning of the book is great but towards the end it begins to drag a little. However, it does reveal facts about Chinese culture during the 1850s. Overall, it's better than average and is a good book to read. Fifteen year old Wang Lee is kidnapped at the beginning of the novel by bandits. He travels with them for awhile but is sold to a girl named Mei Lin. She is unlike the other women in China during the time because her feet are not bound and she is a high ranking officer in the rebel group so he falls in love with her. Wang Lee joins the rebels and they fight in the holy war against the oppressive Manchu overlords. The ending is expected so this book does not deserve 5 stars.

well, truth to tell, i haven't finished it yet, but i am over half way done with it, and it is so far very good!

Katherine Paterson's BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA won the Newbery Award when I was in grade school. Yet I never read it during my childhood. Recently, I re-read some of my old childhood favorites with more than a few being Newbery Award or Honor winners. These books reminded me how fantastic some children's literature can be. Looking for further reading, I checked Amazon.com's list of Newbery books and I came upon BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA. I was just amazed at the overwhelming number of positive reviews for this book. Needless to say, I had to read it for myself.

The reviews were right. BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA is a terrific and truly moving reading experience. Of course, since so many reviews contained spoilers, the emotional climax wasn't the big surprise it is supposed to be. However, it still packs a powerful, emotional whallop. Through the character of "Jess," the reader experiences joy, sadness, and the realization of how wonderful, however brief, the gift of friendship can truly be. BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA is a fantastic story on the value and joy of life.

This is a great book. It is easy to see why Katherine Paterson won the Newberry Medal for it. I think children as well as adults will enjoy this book, even though it deals with death.

Jesse's main ambition is to be the fastest kid in the fifth grade. He practiced all summer, only to have a girl beat him. The girl is Leslie. At first Jesse refuses to be friends with Leslie, but after he sees how much they have in common they become best friends. Leslie is a very intelligent and imaginative girl who teaches so many things about life to Jesse, an average farm boy. They build a secret and magical kingdom called Terabithia. The only way to enter this magical kingdom is by swinging across the gorge on a rope.

One day, when Jesse returned from a trip to Washington D.C. with a teacher, he learns of Leslie's death. The rope broke as Leslie was swinging over the gorge into Terabitha. At first, Jesse refuses to accept her death. Then he almost feels happy because he is now the fastest kid in the fifth grade. He finally comes to terms with Leslie's death as he goes to Terabitha to perform a funeral ceremony. He then builds a bridge across the gorge so his sister can come and enjoy the magical kingdom of Terabitha.

Paterson develops the characters so well that they seem real. She gives an accurate description of their lives and of the events that occur on the playground. The reader can relate to the things that happen to Jesse and Leslie and how they handle these things. Paterson shows the reader that a boy-girl friendship can happen and that it can be a great one. She does an excellent job of making this story come alive for the reader.

Wow, this is one of the most moving books I've ever read! I am only sorry I waited until I was an adult to read it. This is a wonderful piece of literature. How easy it is for the reader to reach out and take the place of either Jess or Leslie. A wonderful book of friendship, childhood and love. The use of imagination between Leslie and Jess is bound to hit home with every reader. How many of us didn't have a secret place to call our own when we were children? Many of the readers may very well have grown up in a rural area, so the setting may have seemed very familiar to them. Once again, this makes it easy for the reader to step right into the book. Again, Paterson deals with the issue of death in this book. She has done an excellent job of showing the emotions and feelings wrapped up in a child's mind. The theme of friendship is outstanding in this book. I would highly recommend it for all readers, young and old!

I think this book was a great example of historical fiction and Japanese literature. It gave great insight into the life of a typicla Japanese boy during this century. It discussed the social ills of that time period and the problems the average Japaneese family faced. It showed the hardships that this young boy faced. More importantly however, I think it gave a good description of the Japaneese theater and its operations.
The only drawback to this is that for most readers who are unfamilar with the Japaneese customs and cultures, it doesn't proovide much insight. it was difficult to relate to some of the situations faced by the young boy. I think if you have a background that suits Japaneese culture you can appreciate this book a lot more.

This book called The Master Puppeteer is about a poor boy name Jiro. Jiro is trying to help is father, so the family won't starve to death. The family needs money to keep alive because back then, things were not that well. A lot of people were in hunger, it is up to Jiro to help out with business. Jiro and his family are in the city of Osaka, that is in Japan. Jiro tris to at a theater and make puppets for the a theater, but sadly Jiro is too clumsy for the job.

There are also friendships and courage along this story...I enjoy reading this book, because he shows me more about Japan and the people who lives there...

Katherine Paterson has written a fantastic novel. The Master Puppeteer receives high marks! Winner of the National Book Award and by an award-winning author, The Master Puppeteer is a great mix of adventure, loyalty, history, tradition and truth in a mound of pages. The book is about a Japanese boy who goes to work in a traditional puppet theater to earn money for his family. The story tells of his adventures, friendships, and how he has to deal with life. I have never read a more captivating book of historical fiction that was so uplifting, yet mysterious. The book was very inspirational when bad incidents were resolved positively. Many problems occurred in the book; the reader is always on the edge of his or her seat. It is also appealing because it is a mystery. During the book the reader becomes curious about the mysterious culprit and becomes more and more involved with the book. The Master Puppeteer is a wonderful piece of literature to cherish forever. Although this book encouraged extreme curiosity, some might say that parts of the book are tedious, because there are breaks in between actions. However, the break points give the reader a chance to actually put down the book down even though they might not want to because these actions are enthralling and hold suspense. As a whole, The Master Puppeteer is an excellent example of a normal Japanese boy's life.

This book is about Lyddie, a farm girl, her father has a debt on the farm, and she must work at a factory to earn money for the debt. Her father disapeared and her mother went insane. Lyddie works at the factory and meets new people like, Bridget, Diana, Betsy, and others. Her friend Diana has helped her alot and she wants to repay her back. Lyddie finds out later that Diana is pregnant with a baby and the man is already married. Diana leaves the factory and tries to work everything with the baby and the man. Lyddie says her good-bye and Diana is off. Mr. Mardsen tries to rape her, but she puts a pan on his head. He makes up an excuse that she was a bad influence to the girls, and he fired her. She decided to go to college after that.
I liked this book because it tells a story about a girl that works at a factory with all girls. It tells a story that the girl must be able to work off a debt on the farm where she lived. She is left alone to take care of her siblings. Her mother has gone insane, and thinks that the world was going to come to an end everyday. It is both emotional and tough, the way Katherine Paterson writes the tone of voice Lyddie uses. The way Lyddie talks, is very interesting.
My favorite part in the story was when Lyddie receives the letter from Luke Stevens to marry him. Lyddie is suprised and is so mad that he would ask that kind of question at this period of her life. She tears the letter apart into pieces and burned it in the stove. The nerve that Luke Stevens had to ask her to marry him. He knew that Lyddie had all kinds of problems with the farm and her family. He just had to ask her, he didn't even understand what she was going through.

Lyddie Worthen lives with her mother, brother Charlie and two sisters in a small cabin on their farm. Her mother is not a stable person and Lyddie has to take on paying the farm debts. She looks for work in the factories in Lowell, Mass. Factory life is hard but her goal is to one day return home with all the debts paid and live on the farm with her family.
While reading the book i felt as though i was living life in the 1800's right alongside Lyddie. The story seemed so real and i felt some of the same emotion as the characters. I thought the book was very interesting in that it drew you in and let you see what life was really like for the women who worked in those factories. This book is written on a level that would make it easy for students to read and understand.
I think that teachers will find this book to be a great accompaniment to History or Social Studies lessons pertaining to the industrial revolution, the factory system in America or as a testament to everyday life at this time in the history of our country.

While I knew about the mills in Lowell in the 1800s, I'd never read a book about them. Katherine Paterson's wonderful novel tells all the details you'd want to know, from the broken warp threads on the mechanical looms to the crowded boarding houses where girls normally slept four or even six to a room. The book also touches on other issues like abolitionism, labor reform, women's rights and sexual harassment in the workplace.

Thirteen-year-old Lyddie was essentially sold into slavery in 1843. Her father, who had disappeared years before, had debts and Lyddie and her younger brother Charles had to work to pay them off. Meanwhile their mother had fled to her sister's house with her two youngest children. For a year Lyddie worked as a kitchen girl for an inn. It was dreadful work, sixteen hours a day or longer. The inn's owner sent fifty cents a week to Lyddie's mother when she could remember to do so.

Lyddie met a girl staying at the inn who wore a silk dress and seemed very rich. The girl worked at the weaving factories in Lowell, she told Lyddie, and got paid two dollars a week. Fascinated by the sum, Lyddie left the inn to work at the factories and hopefully fulfill her dream of paying off the debts and getting her family farm back. That's where the story really began.

The working conditions, by modern standards, were horrible. The machines made such a terrible noise you could hardly hear yourself think. You were on your feet most of time, tending three or four looms at once, for thirteen hours a day starting at 5:30. There were only half-hour breaks for breakfast and lunch. The lint that floated thickly in the air of the factories affected the workers' health, giving many of them potentially fatal lung problems from inhalation. Also, there was always the danger of a shuttle flying off the loom and hitting a worker on the head. Girls also got their long hair caught in the looms. It could pull the scalp clean off.

Nevertheless, the pay was good. Lyddie was essentially a slave to her wages, saving every penny that she could. She made friends with Diana Goss, who was a labor reformer, but refused to have anything to do with the movement. "If we worked ten-hour days we'd be paid less," she said plaintively. "Don't you see? We'd be paid much less." Lyddie lived and breathed her dream of getting her farm back, but that dream was shattered when her mother died in an insane asylum and her aunt and uncle sold the farm and kept the money. Lyddie was entrusted with the care of her young sister Rachel, and put her to work in the factory as well, but when Rachel started coughing she had to be sent away. Lyddie did the work and her bank account grew, but she was a machine as much as the looms were. She thought nothing and took no enjoyment in anything.

Meanwhile, Lyddie was having increasing problems with the overseer, Mr. Marsden. He was making sexual advances to her and other girls. When Lyddie finally caught him attempting to molest a friend of hers, she threw a bucket at him and was fired for "moral turpitude". Only then was she finally free, no longer a wage slave, and realized how much money could buy. Her hard life had strengthened her character and she decided to pass up the safety of marriage and go off to get an education. The story ends there.

I really enjoyed it. The detail was excellent and the characterizations good. It's a nice change to read a book about labor reform that's not written from the point of view of a reformer. Most people were like Lyddie, keeping their heads down and just doing their job. Kathering Paterson wrote an excellent book!

When I got this book I thought it would be exiting, but it wasn`t.It was too BORING!I can't believe that I actually read this book.Maybe other kids would like this book, but I shure wont want to read this book again.

I read this book as part of an application project for Honors 9 Geography. This book talked about the culture and customs of theses people, the way they lived, and what the land around them looked like. I enjoyed the way that the author wrote the book from a fourteen year old girls point of view. This made it easier for me to understand where she was coming from. I thought that it was interesting how the Irish do not care for the English or how the English do not care for the Irish. The authors presentation of the subject makes me feel angry that the Irish and the English could not get along, they should at least try. I feel that this book was written at my reading level. I would recommend this book to anyone who would like to read a touching and an emotional story.

This book tells about a girl who who grew up in another country from her grandparents. She hated her mother, but by the end of teh book, she connected with her mother. I would recomend this book to anyone at it's reading level! This is a great book!

Katherine Paterson's book, "Come Sing, Jimmy Jo" tells a wonderful story, and really brings the characters to life. In this novel there are many triumphs and truths to overcome for one small, eleven year old boy. Jimmy Jo Johnson is really, James Johnson, a boy who was raised on a farm in West Virginia by his grandmother. Here he develops a gift of music. At the age of eleven he is a wonderful singer and guitar player. His family is in the business of singing and because of him they get a chance to play for a TV show.
After Jimmy Jo and his family find some sort of fame, things start to change. How his family members really feel about his success, and their singing careers. All in all, this book is a great book, which shows the true characters and feelings that often exist in family's who sing together. Jimmy Jo Johnson goes through a lot, with his mother, school, and when he finds out some interesting news. Jimmy Jo really finds out the people he can trust, and how life in the city really works. As his life changes, so does he, and along the way he discovers many things. I think his hidden friendship with Eleazer Jones is one of the best parts of this book.
End the end things work out for him, the best they can when any family faces problems. So without trying to give the whole book away, this was a very good read, and the author did a wonderful job, showing the real-life of this boy and his singing family

I liked the book by Katherine Paterson. It shows how a young kid is able to go through hard times on a farm and become a good player of the guitar to play in front of large groups. In this story the kid has hardships because of his loss of confidence of playing in front of people. As a hardship there are many lawyers that get into the story making his life horrible by making contracts and other confusing things to a country boy. At the middle he starts to get in fights that start to make him discouraged on playing again in front of people. This story touched my heart to every last guitar pluck.

Come Sing Jimmy Jo is about an 11 year old boy that sings at gigs and performs on national television. He has a lot of problems at home and at school. The best part of the book is when James's (Jimmy Jo) Father calls him and tells him that he is his real father. So, if you ever find the book in the library read; it is a great book.