"All but My Life" by Gerda Weismann Klein was one of he the most emotional books I've ever read. It's not fiction, it's reality, and the author told it like it was in the Europe in the forties; depressing, stressful, and very, very horrifying. This book tells a story no one should avoid; the story of anti-semitism and hate for other human beings and above all, the fact that everyone has different beliefs. I think the author is very brave for letting the world in on what really happened in Nazi Germany, and I suggest that you read or buy this book. It is touching and educational, but is a rather high level of reading and I suggest it for people 11 and up, if not 13 and up. This book doesn't just tell a story, it tells life.

These lasts words, Gerda Weissmann hears ring out over the crowd of Jews as they are herded away like cattle to an uncertain end. The person shouting them is her mother who is about to be ripped from her life. The Nazi's have taken everything she holds dear, family, home, friends and now she will fight for all that remains, her life and dignity.

This book is a remarkable slice of time and life, written by a true survivor who lived through the times that tried men's souls. As she wades through the atrocities of a Nazi occupation, concentration camps, and a death march amidst freezing temperatures, to be liberated by her one true love, she is true to her mother's request. This is an amazing story that will stay a part of you forever. I am astonished at her strength of spirit and her continued belief in the future. A book doesn't get much better than this. Kelsana 6/19/01

I read this book very recently as part of my school system's summer reading program. I had expected it to be an intriguing and saddening story about a girl's experiences in the Holocaust, but I did not expect it to be so moving, inspirational, and relateable true story. This book opened myself, and my friends to what these women must have felt. The fact that Gerda was our age at the time of her captivity and was going through the exact same experiences that we were help us to understand what was going on and how she must have felt about personal problems and boys, and basically everything that teenage girls still go through. We realized how truly lucky we were to live our lives free and have all of our friends to go to when we need help, and not have to worry where and if we are having our next meal. I recommend this book to anyone, any age, and sex, any race. Although she is a teenage girl, anyone can profit from this book.

I really regret not being in the age group this book was written for when it first came out. Think of all the extra years of dreams and imaginations it could have inspired! I'm sure _Wise Child_ would have become one of those very few books that I read until the bindings fell apart, then had to buy a fresh copy as an adult. As it was, I didn't run across the book until I was "all grown up", but that didn't stop me from loving it immediately, nor from buying a copy for my best friend. When Wise Child's grandmother dies, she is taken in by Juniper, a very wise and gentle woman who is rumored to be a witch. In truth, Juniper is a *doran*, a person who takes her power from the natural world and works magic only for the good of all. With Juniper, Wise Child learns the ways of such magic, and begins to understand her own inner powers. Then the black sorceress Maeve appears... Magic and adventure is written into _Wise Child_'s every line. But there's a lot of wisdom too. Tolerance for diversity is a big theme, as well as respect for nature. And Juniper is about as good a role model as a young woman can ask for. If you're a parent, buy this book for your child and borrow it when they're not looking-- there's a lot in it; you won't regret it. If you're a kid, trust me, this book really is worth spending your allowance on. (You'll want to make sure your flashlight has extra batteries.) And for everyone else who loves a good fantasy, _Wise Child_ is as good as it gets. I hope you'll give it a try.

Wise Child, and is a unique and magical story by Monica Furlong. I can't begin to explain the way it affected me through its glorious array of descriptions and distinctive characters and colorful plot. Wise Child is about a very young girl who's mother, Maeve the Fair, abandoned her to persue other endeavors and who's sea faring father, Finbar, is away. She is therefore left in the care of the 'medicine' woman Juniper. Through the care of Juniper, Wise Child learns the holistic uses of plants and herbs and becomes one with nature and magic. Unfortunetly, Maeve the Fair returns, and Wise Child is forced to make the desicion between living an affluent life with her evil sorceress mother or stay with her new found friend Juniper. When she makes the wrong desicion, she finds herself in terrible trouble. I would definitely suggest this story to anybody, as I have found it wonderfully magical and imaginitive!

Welcome to the world of ancient world of witchcraft that was true and not what so many people see it as today. Furlong has created a place of magic from the land of the druids. Taken in by the town witch whom everyone in the village suspicious of, but does not get rid of because she cures their ills after her cousins give her up. Now considered an orphan, the spoiled Wise Child learns much about life and her future from the slightly omniscient Juniper, her witch-teacher who teaches her to read books, the stars, and people. But when temptation of a better life lures the young girl away, she is forced to choose between a woman who has become her best friend and the mother who gave her up long year ago.

Deep and beautiful, enchanting and full of stirring thoughts and passageways into an ancient cutlture, you won't want to put this book down. Five stars because there is nothing that compares to this book. -Lia

Book two began exactly where the first left off! Cassie was part of the Circle. Faye was blackmailing Cassie to help her become the Coven's leader when the votes were next cast. Cassie, torn between what she felt for Adam and her loyalty toward Diana, would do almost anything to keep Faye from twisting truths into believable lies!

Meanwhile, more dark energy escapes from the crystal skull and more kids are found dead from the high school. Cassie will lose a loved one, find her working stone, learn some shocking family secrets, and her grandmother will reveal who Black John is and where he is now!

Lastly, all secrets of all the Coven members are about to be revealed!

***** This one is not as gripping as the first was, but still exciting! (Cassie is finally getting a back bone!) I am left eager to dive into the third book! Thank goodness I purchased all three books of this trilogy at once! Terrific series! *****

Book two began exactly where the first left off! Cassie was part of the Circle. Faye was blackmailing Cassie to help her become the Coven's leader when the votes were next cast. Cassie, torn between what she felt for Adam and her loyalty toward Diana, would do almost anything to keep Faye from twisting truths into believable lies!

Meanwhile, more dark energy escapes from the crystal skull and more kids are found dead from the high school. Cassie will lose a loved one, find her working stone, learn some shocking family secrets, and her grandmother will reveal who Black John is and where he is now!

Lastly, all secrets of all the Coven members are about to be revealed!

***** This one is not as gripping as the first was, but still exciting! (Cassie is finally getting a back bone!) I am left eager to dive into the third book! Thank goodness I purchased all three books of this trilogy at once! Terrific series!

Book two began exactly where the first left off! Cassie was part of the Circle. Faye was blackmailing Cassie to help her become the Coven's leader when the votes were next cast. Cassie, torn between what she felt for Adam and her loyalty toward Diana, would do almost anything to keep Faye from twisting truths into believable lies!

Meanwhile, more dark energy escapes from the crystal skull and more kids are found dead from the high school. Cassie will lose a loved one, find her working stone, learn some shocking family secrets, and her grandmother will reveal who Black John is and where he is now!

Lastly, all secrets of all the Coven members are about to be revealed!

***** This one is not as gripping as the first was, but still exciting! (Cassie is finally getting a back bone!) I am left eager to dive into the third book! Thank goodness I purchased all three books of this trilogy at once! Terrific series! *****

Bennett and Gottesfeld have taken what we think of as an oft-told tale and invigorated it by giving the Anne Frank story a dynamic link to contemporary youth. A generation of young Americans who were born well after the end of World War II -- to whom Anne Frank is not a household name -- will discover a world, and a heroine, that they will identify with and will be unable to forget. And without being preached to, they will come to realize that Anne's story is not circumscribed by years, miles or religious orientation. Adults familiar with the story will see it in a new light, and will be reminded of how courage and optimism in the face of impending tragedy are characteristics that span the generations. This is the kind of book that goes beyond mere storytelling; once read, it cannot be forgotten, and I urge both parents and their children to read this book and to talk about its implications. It is not merely history...it is LIVING history: compelling and well-written, and a must addition to every home and school library.

I had been hearing rave reviews about the play "Anne Frank and me" and I was excited to have a chance to read the novel version. I was not disappointed. It was the most witty, intelligent, honest Young Adult novel I have read in a very long time, if not the ever. Cherie and Jeff have done a fantastic job not only conveying the angst teen girls all over the world go through on a daily basis (unrequited love, the mind-numbing spirit destroying hell of high school, not being able to connect with your parents) but they were able to deal with one of the most serious subjects in history--the Holocaust. I feel that this book should be put on to the reading lists of schools all over America--it really brought the horrors of an old historical event that isn't extremely relevant to a middle-class Protestant young adult to life. Buy this book--you won't regret it!

This is one of the best books I have ever read. And that is saying something, because this school year I read over one-hundred books. I am half-Jewish and very interested in the Holocaust. I have seen books that tell everything you need to know about it- the important people, who won and why, what Hitler's idea of a perfect German woman was, who was on which side, and what happened to the poor gypsies and jews.
But, excluding THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK (which I am not yet allowed to read)this is the only book I have come across that tells you what it is like to be there, scared.

The main character is named Nicole. She loves to dance, has average looks, and has a major crush on a boy named Jack, who in turn likes her friend Suzanne, who is sweet and has strawberry-blond hair. Being so typical, it is pretty obvious that she spends Literature class thinking about Jack the hottie instead of listening to Mrs. Litzer-Gold, a Holocaust survivor. (Note that I say Holocaust, not WW2. It is so much more than a war). But then she, along with some family and friends, gets warped back into the Holocaust. She becomes Jewish.

This is a book of sadness, of death, of fear, of friendship, of hope, of faith in God (or G-d, sorry)and of love. If you read this book you will never forget it. Please take my word for it that this book will touch you heart more than any Jacks of the real world will. Keep this book on your bedside table. Keep it for whenever you need a laugh, an adventure, or a little touch of mechalony.

I have read many books on Stonewall Jackson and have found this book to bec clearly the best researched biography that I have found on this great Civil War General. He clearly strips away in a documented fashion, many of the myths about Jackson, leaving you with a better understanding of this impressive field General. You honestly feel after reading this book that you know Stonewall Jackson. A absolute must for Civil War collectors. Thank you Mr. Robertson for the years of research and the excellent presentation of your findings

James Robertson has written an extensively researched life of Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson, acknowledged as one of the finest military tacticians of the Civil War on either side. He covers Jackson's ancestry, childhood, West Point career, early military service during the Mexican War and afterwards, his tenure at the Virginia Military Institute, his family life, and his Civil War service in the Shenandoah Valley, the Seven Day's Campaign, and in Northern Virginia/Antietam. He includes a short epilogue which discusses the conclusion of the War after Jackson's death at Chancellorsville, his legacy, and the subsequent lives of his family and fellow Confederates after the surrender at Appomattox.

Throughout the book, Robertson devotes much attention to Jackson's strong Christian faith both in his beliefs and in his actions. Some other reviewers have found fault with this emphasis but given the predominance of his faith in his daily life, Jackson's religious beliefs could no more be ignored than could an author ignore anti-semitism in a life of Hitler. Jackson's faith was not an ASPECT of his life, in many ways it WAS his life and everything else he did was incidental to his faith.

Contrary to some others, I don't think Robertson has glorified Jackson at all. Although a pious man and a military genius, all of Jackson's many shortcomings as a man and as a commander are brought out in the book. Jackson was a hypochondriac, a contentious subordinate, an incredibly boring and ineffective teacher and a man who saw everything in stark black and white. As a commander, he was hard on his men, compulsively secretive about his plans and movements even with those subordinates who needed to know and a harsh and unsympathetic taskmaster who constantly quarreled with and berated his staff. On at least one occasion, he had EVERY ONE of his major subordinates under arrest for one or another offense in his command. Although harsh with his underlings, he was popular among his men and in the Confederacy because of his victories, his acceptance of hardship along with his men and his single minded determination to drive the Yankee invaders out of the South.

"Old Jack holds himself as the god of war, giving short, sharp commands distinctly, rapidly and decisively, without consultation or explanation, and disregarding suggestions and remonstrances. Being himself absolutely fearless...he goes ahead on his own hook, asking no advice and resenting interference. He places no value on human life, caring for nothing so much as fighting, unless it be praying. Illness, wounds and all disabilities he defines as inefficiency and indications of a lack of patriotism. Suffering from insomnia, he often uses his men as a sedative, and when he can't sleep calls them up, marches them for a few miles; then marches them back. He never praises his men for gallantry, because it is their duty to be gallant and they do not deserve credit for doing their duty." Genl Alexander Lawton (c20,n120)

"He is the idol of the people and is the object of greater enthusiasm than any other military chieftain of our day... notwithstanding the fact that he marches his troops faster and longer, fights them harder, and takes less care of them than any other officer in the service...This indifference to the comfort of his men is only apparent, however--not real. No man possesses a kinder heart or larger humanity; but when he has something to do, he is so earnest, so ardent and energetic that he loses sight of everything but the work before him." quote in Southern paper. (c22,n64)

Robinson has done with Jackson what Shelby Foote did with the Civil War: generate an incredibly well researched work that is a requirement for any student not only of the Civil War, but of military history, tactics, and doctrine in general, Southern history in general, heroes in general. Robinson adeptly debunks old myths and explains in a very clear way why this man rose to the status he did in the South, in the United States, and in Europe. Additionally, Robinson paints such a clear portrait that by the time Jackson is killed, one cannot help but feel, at the very least, a twinge of pain at his loss. Jackson's youth, adolescence, VMI years, and war years are all presented in great and honest detail that does not attempt to praise Jackson, but generates praise nonetheless. Still, though, the General's faults are recognized, explained, or accepted, whichever is appropriate. Totally unadulterated. Aside from (but not beneath) Foote's Civil War Narrative, the finest work relating to the Civil War I've read to date. One of the finest books I've read. Don't miss this one!

The Betrayal is the book that starts the entire Fear Street Sagas (although it's part of the Fear Street Saga trilogy). It takes place mainly in the 17th century (with Nora Goode telling the story in the 1900s), and revolves around Susannah Goode and Edward Fier, who are in love. Edward's father is evil (of course) and won't let Edward marry a commoner, so he frames Susannah and her mother for witchcraft.
The rest of the book revolves around William Goode (Susannah's father) and his need to get revenge on the Fier's. Time goes on and Edward has another family, and sure enough there are plenty of nasty deaths.

Deep in the heart of Shadyside, a small, but lovely town, lurks a terror, far beyond those ever imagined. Fear Street. Murders, ghosts, Betrayal, Revenge and Dark secrets thrive on this infamous Road. But why DO so many terrifying things happen on Fear Street, and where did it gets it's name? The Evil goes far back in time, a story Nora Goode knows far too well. A story of Evil, an evil that has cursed the Fear family for generations, an Evil that destroyed Nora's one true love. Now Nora must tell her story. This is the first (and probably the best) of the Three Fear Street Saga books. Nora is the Narrorator, and her story goes all the way back to Wickham Village,Massachusetts, to Susannah Goode, a girl who is burned at the stake, accused of witchcraft because the father of the man she loves sees her unfit to wed his son. Susannah's father, a real witch, puts a terrible curse on the family, that will follow the Fiers (later changed to FEAR) through generations, will destroy the Fear family. Personally, this is the best book in the Fear Street series, beautifully written, it's best to have the second and third parts on hand, because once you start, you won't want to stop.

"The Betrayal" is the first book in The Fear Street Saga, chronicling the start of the Fear Street curse. The story begins in 1900 with the Fear mansion burning to the ground, killing everyone inside. Nora Goode is the only survivor, but she witnesses a horrible image through the window of the house--a young woman is tied to a stake and burned alive.

The book quickly flashes back to 1692 in Wickham Village, Massachusetts Colony, where the latter young woman lives with her family. She is 16-year-old Susannah Goode, and she's in love with Edward Fier. However, his family forbids him to marry a poor girl like Susannah. To prevent them from eloping, Edward's father accuses Susannah of witchcraft, along with her mother.

Yet before their death sentences are carried out, they're given one last glimmer of hope. Edward's uncle promises to arrange for their release if Susannah's father will pay for their freedom. Of course he does, but when the next day arrives, his daughter and wife are still burned. Apparently, the Fiers had fled the town that night after robbing everybody in it. Vowing to avenge his family's death, he invokes the Evil One (ironically, he was the one practicing black magic, not his daughter and wife) and sets out to create a vendetta between the Goodes and Fiers.

I highly recommend this book to Fear Street fans. Once you've read "The Betrayal", you'll definitely want to finish this saga out with "The Secret" and "The Burning".

This is the second book in The Lost Years of Merlin series.
In this book, Merlin has been entrusted with the Flowering Harp, which can bring life to the dead lands that had been destroyed earlier. Merlin, in a fit of Hubris, shirks his duty and brings his mother to the island of Fincayra, a place she had left years ago. But upon her arrival, she is struck by a dark magic that will kill her in thirty days, unless Merlin can master the seven songs of wizardry and journey to the overworld.
This book was a little bit of a disappointment for me, for the characters, but was as good as the others in the series. The main grip for the series is Merlin in the beginning. He was acting very, very dumb. He flaunted his power and as a result, brought his mother to near death. This is a very typical thing for a hero to do, and because he heard many greek stories, I would have guessed that he would have known better.
Other than that, the story was excellent. The neat thing is the songs. Reading them, I realized that they have a consiterable relevence to 'real' life.
This is another good character changing story. Barron takes us slowly as Merlin is brought down a bit after learning some things about friendship, all the way to mastering the songs and becoming all the wiser for it. The Merlin in the beginning is different from the Merlin in the end.
The plot line about the two gods, good and evil, struggling for power is in a little more clearer focus now. Merlin actually talks with them in the story.
Lastly, we get to see more of Fincayra's residents, and more of the island.

After reading the entire Lost Years of Merlin series cover-to-cover in less than a week, I was absolutely enchanted with them all. However, one stood out to me, and that was The Seven Songs of Merlin.
Like a typical race-against-the-clock book, but with a little twist; the main character in this book is young Merlin, the greatest wizard of all time. As he hurries to find the soul of seven songs that were written by Tuatha himself, time is running out, for his mother, Rhia, and also himself. After swallowing the Dark Shadow, Merlin's mother is battling death and has one month to live. The only thing that can cure young hawk's beloved Elen of the Sapphire Eyes is the Elixer of Dagda, the blood of the great spirit himself. All over the island of Fincayra he searches, finding the magic within the songs and also himself.
A great read for nearly any age, The Seven Songs of Merlin is the 3rd book in this enchanting and wonderful series for young adults by T.A. Barron.

I think this book is an excellent book because of all the fantasy and amazing lessons Merlin learns in this chapter. It teaches him his own skills in magic and he also learns more about himself and about his past. It contains mystical creatures you probably have never heard before and many perilous journeys that happen on the mystical island of Fincayra. If you are about to read this book, be prepared to hold this book for hours and read it like a movie going through your mind. This book is so much like Harry Potter but much more better. Harry Potter is just simple childish magic. Merlin is a more interesting and powerful magic that can keep you reading for hours and hours straight.
This book is about Merlin, about 12 years old, and he has just defeated an evil king that happened to be his possessed father. He has just found out that is mother is about to die and he must save her by going to the Otherworld and getting the elixir to heal his mother. He must first solve Seven songs that will then show him where the way to the Otherworld is. He performs all of these tasks well and finds out that his friend, Rhia, is his sister. So he finds out more about himself and his unknown powers and he gets the elixir from the god, Dagda. Now his mother is still weak but alive. Merlin then continues on with his life now knowing more about himself.
I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did.

First published as the third entry in the Narnia Chronicles, "Voyage of the Dawn Treader" offers one of the best extended metaphors in the entire series, as well as a wonderful storyline. Edmund and Lucy are joined by their cousin Eustace on an expedition with King Caspian on the good ship Dawn Treader, in search of Caspian's exiled ancestors. At their first stop, Lonely Island, they need to overcome the corruption of the local governor Gumpas and restore the Narnian rule. After weathering a storm, they retreat to Dragon Island for repairs, where the beastly Eustace is shown his true self by being turned into a dragon. Next is Deathwater Island, which shows the folly of greed as objects are turned to gold. On the Island of the Voices, the invisible Dufflepuds need to be freed from their enchantment. The Dark Island (where dreams come true) results in horrifying real nightmares. And the last Island (called by some "World's End") brings the adventurers to Aslan's table. After a multitude of wonderful adventures, the travellers finally arrive at the Very End of the World, where Aslan's own country is. It's a touching story, and when combined with memorable characters such as the gallant mouse Reepicheep, this has to be a strong contender for the best in the series.

As with all the Narnia Chronicles, on the level of children the story functions as a perfectly comprehensible and exciting fantasy adventure, but on an adult level it imparts powerful spiritual truths about Christianity by means of numerous recognizable Biblical allusions. "The Voyage of the Dawn Treader" presents the beastly Eustace as a vivid portrait of a sinner as a helpless dragon that needs Christ to take off the scales of his old nature and dress him in the clothes of a new nature (p.115ff). Eustace' post-conversion confession that "I'm afraid I've been pretty beastly" is true in more ways than one. Aslan's table has eucharistic overtones. But the highlight of the book and one of the highlights of the series is the metaphorical journey of the Dawn Treader. By portraying time as a place, Lewis uses the geographical journey to the end of the world as a metaphor for a journey to the end of time, where water is "drinkable light" (p.248), and where the dawn of the day of Christ's kingdom awaits. Appropriately in keeping with the Biblical significance of the number seven as a number of fulness, it is after visiting six islands that the Very End of the World is reached.

This book also contains the key to the spiritual significance of the whole series: the role of Aslan. This becomes evident when Aslan says "This was the very reason why you were brought to Narnia, that by knowing me here for a little, you may know me better there." About the real world, Aslan observes "There I have another name. You must learn to know me by that name." (p.270). This is an apparent inconsistency in the Narnia Chronicles, because none of the characters actually seem to know Christ in the real world - Eustace doesn't even know Adam and Eve ("The Silver Chair" p.40). Yet it is clear that Lewis wants our understanding of Aslan in the world of Narnia to lead to a growing knowledge of Christ in the real world.

Aslan is of course symbolic of Christ: "He is the great lion, the son of the Emperor-beyond-the-Sea, who saved me and saved Narnia."(p.118) As always, in all the upheavals and conflicts of Narnia, Aslan is the one constant, and it is his vital involvement that enables the children to complete their Narnian quest, just as it is Christ who inspires, comforts, guides, and saves in the real world. Narnia may exist only in Lewis imagination and ours, but these underlying truths about Christ ensure that a journey to Narnia is never without profit for the real world.

After reading the very first line, "There was a boy called Eustace Clarence Scrubb, and he almost deserved it," I realized that I had made a huge mistake beginning "The Voyage of the Dawn Treader" half an hour before bedtime. More exciting and adventure-packed than the two preceeding books (in the original ordering, of course), "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" and "Prince Caspian", it is hard to put down.

The main characters that readers will recognize are King Caspian, Edmund, Lucy, and Reepicheep. Sadly, Peter and Susan have since become too old to reenter Narnia; but the story does amazingly well even without them. Here, Eustace, who will reappear in "The Silver Chair", is introduced for the first time. They are an interesting bunch, all providing something essential to the story, especially Reepicheep (whose character and personal history are developed further) and Eustace (who experiences a wonderful kind of redemption).

The Dawn Treader is a ship King Caspian built in order to fulfil an oath made on his coronation day to find the seven lords and friends of his father that his uncle Miraz had sent to explore the Eastern Seas. Every two chapters or so, the Dawn Treader stops at an island, where its crew and passengers have a small adventure-within-the-larger-adventure, discover the fate of each of the seven lords, and learn good moral lessons. For instance, one island, called the Dark Island, is a place where dreams come true. It may sound wonderful, until you realize that the dreams that come true are not the pleasant daydreams, but the nightmares. After the last island, the passengers even reach, or very nearly reach, the End of the World.

Though I compared this book to Homer's "Odyssey" in the title of this review, I must add that it can also be likened to John Bunyan's "The Pilgrim's Progress". This voyage is not guided by fate and devoid of reason, but is blessed by Aslan (who symbolizes Jesus) and is full of meaning and purpose. It does not merely represent the passage through life, but the passage through life _as a Christian_. That may be why one reviewer complained that this novel is overly preachy. Yet we readers are human, after all, and in need of being preached to now and then. Another thing that may surprise readers is the chivalry with which Lucy, the only girl on the ship, is treated by the men. Though it not "politically correct," as Eustace himself points out at the beginning, it has a certain rightness to it.

Remembering how the March girls in Louisa May Alcott's "Little Women" played at being good in imitation of the character Christian in "The Pilgrim's Progress", only to realize that their game was really a way of life, I can say that it would be wonderful if children today could apply the allegories in "The Voyage of the Dawn Treader" in the same way. Parents, take note: it is easier to ask a child, "What would Edmund tell you about forgiving someone who has done wrong, like Eustace?" than to launch into a weary sermon about forgiveness that they may not remember anyway. There are more archetypes in this book, and in all stories about Narnia, than C.S. Lewis himself must have realized: and children can only benefit from knowing them as they grow up.

The very BEST of the regin of Caspian X (King of Narnia, etc.)'s regin as King. A very detialed account of the voyage of the Dawn Treader, the ship that upon are Caspian, Lucy, Edmud, and somewhat revolting cousin, Eustence Scrubb.

First written as the third CHRONICLE OF NARNIA, I believe it is better read as the fifth, because of the timewise order. But the account can be read anyway wished, and the reader will still get much out of it. But I'm getting ahead of myself, so I shall slow my pace and begin where it is proper to begin--at the begining.

In PRINCE CASPIAN (Book #4 new order, Book #2 old order) a false king holds Narnia's throne, and while he held it, he sent seven Narnian Lords looking for land beyond the eastern Lone Islands. To the false king Miraz's intent, none of them returned.

When the true king, Caspian X, took the throne, he took an oath to set out for a year and a day to find the seven lords and bring them back to their homeland of Narnia if they are alive, or, upon finding them dead, avenging them if possibble. And this story is that story, of the voyage to find the Seven Lost Lords of Narnia, during whitch the crew encounter dragons, water that can turn anything to pure gold, merpeople, magicians, and the whole assortment of magical creatures out there in the utter east, where they not only search for the Lords, but also for Aslan's country because "where the water grows sweet, that is the utter east."

As Hollywood prepares to unleash yet another dreary, mangled version of a classic book, I found myself sitting down to read "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" yet again.

The Grinch, for no apparent reason, REALLY hates Christmas and the Whos of Whoville love it. Angered by their holiday festivities and happiness, he plots to steal their presents and decorations, under the assumption that Christmas can't/won't exist without them. So he sets off with faithful but much-kicked canine Max to destroy Christmas. But is Christmas only presents and ornaments?

Dr. Seuss's delightfully-skewed rhymes and names are as enjoyable as ever, making the important message of Christmas infinitely more palatable than if it had been a much-regurgitated, cliched book. I admit it--at the beginning the Christmas season I tend to act Grinchish, and I felt much better after reading this book...

If you like this book, then check out the old cartoon special (though not the live-action one). "Grinch" is a treasure in kid's literature and can be enjoyed by anyone...

My 9 year old took a look at the face of Jim Carey, as the movie Grinch, and said, "That's not the real Grinch!"

He's right, of course. It's hard when a book you've been reading faithfully every year is made into a movie, and you see who Hollywood gives the lead part to. (Then again, who else would anyone cast in this rubber-faced role?)

This is the original story, in a classy cover for the Seuss lover or favorite grandchild(ren) on someone's Christmas list. Of course, as the story tells us, material things aren't as important as the intentions behind them.

If the price seems a bit high, amazon offers another version that's a little less expensive and still has the real face of the scowling, mean-spirited Grinch.

That face changes from bad to worse, and then to tender when he finally "gets" the meaning of Christmas. But before he does, children and adults will read (and reread) in delight and shock as the Grinch disguises himself as Santa. The innocent townspeople of Whoville never seem to catch on as the Grinch forces his poor dog Max to help him steal all the toys and ornaments. He's so sure that once he's done away with the material goodies, the Christmas spirit will be gone.

A wonderful story with a message we can't hear enough. Add this deluxe edition (sure to last for another 40 years!) to a child's Christmas bookshelf, or give it to that special someone who's ba-humbuging around.

This book is the classic (accept no substitutes)!

From the beginning of my time, Dr. Seuss has been one of my favorite authors, be it because of his rhythmic rhymes or his tasteful tongue-twisters I do not know, but he has always found a place into my home. One of Dr. Seuss' more famous books, How the grinch stole Christmas, is yet another great illustration of his great work. "All of the who's down in whoville liked Christmas a lot, but the grinch, who lived just north of whoville, did not!" The grinch thought he could take this time of joy and happiness away from the who's, take away their who-pudding, and even their roast beast. He traveled down to whoville on Christmas, just before dawn. He took all of their presents, everything was gone. Once he had accomplished this great but horrible task, he stood on his mountain waiting for them to moan. All he could see, even with their presents not there, was a city full of who's singing their Christmas cheer. He wondered and wandered and thunk and thought, but he could not figure out how they could be happy even without their presents. Then it finally came to him. Christmas isn't about the giving, it's about the love and happiness behind the presents. So the lesson this teaches is that it's not the gift, it's the thought that counts. The book was excellent and is recommended for every reader weather big or small, because it can teach a lesson to us all.

This was the first book I ever read by Ann Rinaldi and I have read many of her books since. I first read this book in fourth grade, I'm now in seventh and I still love it. It is a great story with history and romance woven together. I love most of her books because of the great romances they include. This one is no different, it also makes the civil war come alive to the reader. It is an excellent book.

For anyone who loves this book already:If you ever visit Washington D.C. you can visit nearby Mannassas and see for yourself the breathtaking view on Henry Hill, the feild where Benjamin Chinn's mules grazed, and Lucinda Dogan's house. At the Mannassas visitors center you can get a map of selfguided walking or driving tours. There is also a museum in Manassas which has information about Mannassas during the Civil War. One disapointing fact though is no one knew the location where the McLeans actually lived but seeing where this book took place is still highly enjoyable.

This is a great book for a person who wants to know what a war can do to a family. Ocie Mason faces a lot of changes during the war. She gets a new pa. She loses a sister and gains a brother all in the beginning.The war comes to Ocie's house,her fathers house. There she finds her first love. She's made to move when the first battle is fought on her front yard. Ocice and her family go threw a lot of changes. Her sister falls in love with a Yankee. Her mother has 2 more childeren. After living in Richmond for a while the family is moved to Appromattox. There Will Mclean thinks his family is safe.Ocie once again falls in love. This is a great and wonderful and should be read. I might be young,but I enjoyed it fully. And I thnk others would to. Rinaldi shows a lot of historical value in this book.

In My Father's House was the first book I read by Ann Rinaldi. It got me started on a long string of her books. This book is about a strong-willed young girl named Oscie Mason who happens to be the only one in her family who has the guts to stand up to her strict step-father. And yet, even though they have their fights, it seems that there is a mutual respect that they gain for each other in the end. There is a strong flow of romance throughout the book, (which is ALWAYS good) and I enjoyed the Civil war setting. It depicts the tragedy of the deaths of the war well and throughout the story, the war seems to follow Oscie wherever she goes. So between the war going on outside, there is a war going on in her household and it becomes Oscie's job to hold everyone together. I loved this book, I definitely believe that you will too!