October 2011 | Self Reliance Summary

The Trouble Begins Review

Average Reviews:(More customer reviews)is exceedingly difficult to stop myself from jumping up and down as I talk about THE TROUBLE BEGINS, a unique and fun tale of a young boy who has journeyed to contemporary America to rejoin the parents and siblings he hasn't seen since his infancy. In fact, if you are within a half hour of Sebastopol,...

First Daughter: Extreme American Makeover Review

Average Reviews:(More customer reviews)Here's a feel good book just in time for the election season. But it's more than just that. Perkins weaves an exquisite cultural sensitivity into her Presidential election drama, drawing on personal experience and what I can only describe as a really big heart. The characters: An adopted South Asian...

Brooklyn Rose Review

Average Reviews:(More customer reviews)When Rose Frampton begins a diary on her fifteenth birthday in December of 1899, she doesn't expect her life on a South Carolina plantation to change much, although she is excited about the approach of a new century. And she certainly doesn't expect to marry yet. But Rene Dumarest, a wealthy silk importer...

Max and the Dumb Flower Picture Review

Average Reviews:(More customer reviews)The late Martha Alexander wrote over 70 children's books in her long career, many of them addressing issues which she felt were important to young ones. Before she passed away she shard her feelings about this book with author/illustrator James Rumford:"She believed that children need to feel the freedom...

Gracie Goat's Big Bike Race (Barnsville Sports Squad) Review

Average Reviews:(More customer reviews)I thought it was very good. I like the animals. And I think Gracie is a bit like me. And I liked that Grandma was scared to get her ears pierced.Lucy - 7 (with her Dad's permission)Click Here to see more reviews about: Gracie Goat's Big Bike Race (Barnsville Sports Squad)When Howard Horse invites his...

Beauty Shop for Rent: . . . fully equipped, inquire within Review

Average Reviews:(More customer reviews)BEAUTY SHOP FOR RENT represents what's missing in a lot of current YA fiction - good old-fashioned storytelling that doesn't need some sort of gimmick to make it stand out. The quirky cast of characters feel like real people, and not devices created to perform the plot. Abbey's voice sparkles right from...

Out of Control Review

Average Reviews:(More customer reviews)Valerie Michon is just an ordinary highschool girl. And "Rollo", "Brigg" and "Candy" are just ordinary highschool guys. Until the day that the guys decide that Valerie's a little annoying and that they might have some "harmless" fun teasing her. But the guys don't know how one thoughtless moment can...

Calli Be Gold Review

Average Reviews:(More customer reviews)Overall Review: Poor Calli. She feels like such an outcast in her family. It seems that everyone is a superstar, but she just can't cut it! She's tried just about everything, and nothing seems to fit. Her parents are determined, though. After all, isn't that what life is all about? Being busy and being...

Finding Stinko Review

Average Reviews:(More customer reviews)You know those books that are great stories but the writing is sort of lame? (You know which ones I mean). And then there are books that have really good prose and thoughtful turns of phrases, but they require a shock-collar-zap to make you turn the page because they are dullsville. And then there are...

Think Big (Nancy Carlson's Neighborhood) Review

Average Reviews:(More customer reviews)This book is much loved by my 3 year old. The main character is a frog that is smaller than his friends. The grown ups overlook him and his peers pick on him due to his size. He uses a positive attitude to have better interactions with everyone.Click Here to see more reviews about: Think Big (Nancy Carlson's...

Black Tuesday Review

Average Reviews:(More customer reviews)Jayne Thompkins lives a charmed life. She gets straight A's, will probably be chosen captain of her tennis team, and plans to go to Harvard. She has a rather annoying younger sister, but her mother is somewhat of a local TV celebrity and her father is supportive and sensitive. Life couldn't get much...

Scarred (Lorimer SideStreets) Review

Average Reviews:(More customer reviews)Becky, a once hopeful, competitive figure-skater, has stopped competing. She knows she has disappointed her parents, especially her mother. When not out selling real estate, Becky's mother is absorbed in health magazines and planning meals that are designed to "help" her daughter keep the weight off....

It's Time to Sit Still in Your Own Chair (Transition Times Books) Review

Average Reviews:(More customer reviews)The concept is good, but did not work for my daughter, who was about 2 when we got this. Even now that she's a bit older, I don't think the method in the book would work. She wasn't even that interested in the story and she LOVES reading. She's old enough now to enjoy conversation while eating.Click...

A Small Surprise Review

Average Reviews:(More customer reviews)The little bunny looked like a little hobo with his bindlestiff over his shoulder. He was looking at a circus poster with a crudely made sign advertising for jobs. "Jobs available apply within. Small animals need not apply." Gee, he was very small, but he was also very much in need of a job. There were...

Sheetzucacapoopoo 2: Max Goes to the Dogs Review

Average Reviews:(More customer reviews)What can I say for Joy Behar's newest book? It is a joy to read and kidsof all ages will enjoy it. Max is quite the character and keeps everyoneon their toes (paws) with Max's antics. In the end, Max learns how to getalong with all his fellow pals in his day care environment. Ms. Behar'sexperience as...

Kathleen O'Byrne Review

Average Reviews:(More customer reviews)The text is good. A little girl doesn't make the stepdancing cut. She throws her own recital instead and everyone enjoys the show, especially her. This story is good and the lesson is universal. The illustration could be improved upon.Click Here to see more reviews about: Kathleen O'ByrneKathleen wants...

Being a Girl: Navigating the Ups and Downs of Teen Life Review

Average Reviews:(More customer reviews)Kim Cattrall, who left home at sixteen to go to acting school in New York City, won a Golden Globe for her role as Samantha in the Sex and the City television show. Cattrals writes in a chatty style for late tween and teenage girls about sex, bodily changes, boys, parents, school, self-esteem and a whole...