Bridge to Terabithia

Product Description

Jess Aaron's greatest ambition is to be the fastest runner in the fifth grade. He's been practicing all summer and can't wait to see his classmates' faces when he beats them all. But on the first day of school, a new kid, a new girl, boldly crosses over to the boy's side of the playground and outruns everyone.

Amazon.com

The story starts out simply enough: Jess Aarons wants to be the fastest boy in the fifth grade--he wants it so bad he can taste it. He's been practicing all summer, running in the fields around his farmhouse until he collapses in a sweat. Then a tomboy named Leslie Burke moves into the farmhouse next door and changes his life forever. Not only does Leslie not look or act like any girls Jess knows, but she also turns out to be the fastest runner in the fifth grade. After getting over the shock and humiliation of being beaten by a girl, Jess begins to think Leslie might be okay.

Despite their superficial differences, it's clear that Jess and Leslie are soul mates. The two create a secret kingdom in the woods named Terabithia, where the only way to get into the castle is by swinging out over a gully on an enchanted rope. Here they reign as king and queen, fighting off imaginary giants and the walking dead, sharing stories and dreams, and plotting against the schoolmates who tease them. Jess and Leslie find solace in the sanctuary of Terabithia until a tragedy strikes and the two are separated forever. In a style that is both plain and powerful, Katherine Paterson's characters will stir your heart and put a lump in your throat.

Customer Reviews:

Makes You Feel Like A Kid Again.......2007-09-29

Katherine Paterson, with vividly beautiful prose, tells a story about the friendship between a young boy and a young girl, and how that friendship transforms the life of that boy from something dull and normal to something as spectacular as a imaginary fantasy land. The book itself is short and an easy read, but what the book really says to the reader is quite a bit bigger than its page count. Much like growing up, this book is both sweet and painful, and Paterson truly has a great handle on what its like to be a ten year old, fifth grade boy. So for all those readers who aren't afraid of a book that will make them cry (for both sad and warmer reasons) than I recommend this book. It doesn't matter if you're a child or an adult, "Bridge to Terabithia" is universal.

10/10 Classic.

Bridge to Terabithia CD.......2007-09-27

Love the CD. It is done very well. You may need to be aware however that there are curse words in the book.

Read this one with your child.......2007-08-22

There are some pretty heavy subject matters within this beautiful work of fiction. Yet, they are subjects that need to be dealt with, and what better conversation starter than a response to something you've read together? This is the story of Jess and Leslie, two outcasts of their 5th grade class (although I found both to be interesting). They become neighbors and fast friends, and make up an imaginary kingdom deep in the forest, called Terabithia. There, they have the confidence and control which eludes them in the real world. But an amazing thing happens in that they begin to see the world in a different, more favorable light. They find that people are not who they seem, and this makes them better and more compassionate individuals. The first time I read this, I was absolutely stunned by the tragedy that takes place. Even still, after several times rereading it, it tears at my emotions. I commend Katherine Paterson for bravely venturing into such sensitive matters, ones that will make children better capable of dealing head-on with their own emotions.

What was this book about?.......2007-08-10

I did not understand why this book was written. What was it all about? The only point it seemed to make was Leslie's death at the end of the book. Overall I thought that it was exteremly uneventful. Terabithia seemed to have a small role to play in the book. 'Much ado about nothing' fits this novel.
I cannot, however, ginve this book only one star. Giving it one star would be hating this book. I did not hate it I just thought that it never did get to the point. If it was a memior I would have liked it. As a memior I would have thought it was a good book because I would have expected this. (I wouldn't have picked it up though. Memior isn't quite my style.) I liked the characters and was sad when that girl died. I think that that is why I haven't given it one star.
Not a ringing endorsement, but if memior is what you like I'd give it a shot.
-cdm

A wonderful tale of friendship and loss.......2007-08-09

This book digs deep into the lives of two children just trying to make it in a world where everyone sees them as outcasts. The slow start to friendship is quite clear and gripping as we see Jesse struggle with his ability to allow a girl, someone that beats him at something he is supposed to be the best at, enter his life and transform his world.

This is a great book about a friendship that goes slowly, and ends too quickly. Wonderful fantasy lies within which will surely make your children want to create their own Terabithia.

The Book Thief (Book Sense Book of the Year Children's Literature (Awards))

Average customer rating:

good book
Insightful...
Riviting and Emotionally engaging
Fighting against the Reich
My truly favorite book of all time.

The Book Thief (Book Sense Book of the Year Children's Literature (Awards))
Markus Zusak
Manufacturer: Knopf Books for Young Readers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Historical Fiction | History & Historical Fiction | Teens | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0375831002
Release Date: 2006-03-14

Book Description

It’s just a small story really, about among other things: a girl, some words, an accordionist, some fanatical Germans, a Jewish fist-fighter, and quite a lot of thievery. . . .

Set during World War II in Germany, Markus Zusak’s groundbreaking new novel is the story of Liesel Meminger, a foster girl living outside of Munich. Liesel scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can’t resist–books. With the help of her accordion-playing foster father, she learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement before he is marched to Dachau.

This is an unforgettable story about the ability of books to feed the soul.

Customer Reviews:

good book.......2007-10-10

The book was in good shape. The print was large enough to read comfortaby. I liked the book.

Insightful..........2007-10-10

It is a romance with a historic background...some would say the other way around, where the author talks about the 2WW thru the personal drama of this little girl, Liesel and her peculiar way of getting satisfaction on a life full of difficulties. What I most liked about it was the way the author talks about the 2WW using an unusual perspective.

Riviting and Emotionally engaging.......2007-10-10

I haven't been so emotionally engaged in a book in I can't remember how long. The only fault that I find is that reviews keep saying that the target audience for this book is teens! While I find the story and the historic significance important, I would argue that the reader who gets more out of this book is a reader who has experienced more out of life. I loved all of the figurative language and the perspective that Zusak wrote from. And although I was a bit annoyed that Death was a blabber-mouth, in the end it didn't take away from how I felt reading the last 80 pages of the book. This book was our community book for 2007 (a grant provides them at no cost to anyone who wants to read one). Everyone I've talked to has literally sobbed through the ending, feeling everything that Liesel does along the way.

Phenomenal. I recommend it to everyone.

Fighting against the Reich.......2007-10-08

Wow. First of all, my 12 year old daughter also read this book, and she cried for a while towards the end and after finishing it. I was already reading it also, but having several books going at once, I kept putting it down, until finally on a Saturday afternoon I plowed through to the end. So emotionally wrenching and heartbreaking, this book (and the book thief) deserves nothing less than your full and undivided attention.

A story of loss, courage and love, the subject of this book, while written for the "young adult" audience, is very mature. But it is subject matter we all need to be reminded of so we never forget it. The book thief is a young foster child, growing up with a new family after losing her parents to circumnstances surrounding the start of WW2 in Germany. Not all Germans were blindly following Hitler, as Liesel and her neighbors stand up to do the right thing for their neighbors and themselves. Her "Papa," Hans, is a WW1 veteran, who is prevailed upon by the son of someone who he knew back then for help, and Hans does the right thing; and then some. Liesel's best friend, the lovely Rudy Steiner and his family are the same. Brave people who know in their hearts what is wrong and right, and that listen to their hearts as well. Fear is rampant, but these are brave, enduring souls.

I don't want to give away the ending, but this is a book I am encouraging all my children to read, and I will also recommend it to my friends. I will never forget Liesel, Rudy and the Steiner family, Max or Hans and Rosa. A story with a bittersweet ending.

My truly favorite book of all time........2007-10-07

Simply and to the point, this is the most moving and beautiful book I can ever remember reading. I'll be buying this for many, many people.

Average customer rating:

Wonderful healing tool for dog lovers who have lost their pet.
Dogs enjoy Heaven
To help a bereaved dog owner
Dog Heaven
This book should be in every vet's waiting room

Dog Heaven
Cynthia Rylant
Manufacturer: Blue Sky Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Short Story Collections | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Pet Death | Issues | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Baby-3 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0590417010

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful healing tool for dog lovers who have lost their pet........2007-10-06

This book offers peace as well as humor to those attempting to deal with the loss of their beloved dog. The illustrations are priceless, and the dialogue reminds us that dogs do, after all, go to heaven. I have bought numerous copies for friends in need, and they have all been so grateful!

Dogs enjoy Heaven.......2007-09-24

When my two young friends, boys aged 6 and 10 lost their lifetime friend, Charlie-the beagle, to illnes, I purchased several books to help them formulate their own feelings and perhaps talk about their loss.
This book stimulated the most conversation. The idea of 'Charlie' going to a special, dog-friendly, place in Heaven brought a few smiles as they read. This was a good 'read together' book for those under 7 years of age.

To help a bereaved dog owner.......2007-08-09

I first saw this book mentioned in the AKC magazine as an appropriate title for a bereaved dog owner. I am sure that, for an owner who had lossed a loved canine, this book would be a simple affirmation of the dog's importance. The book would also call up memories of precious times.

Dog Heaven.......2007-07-16

It was sweet, but I had expected and hoped for more. We just lost a dog after over 11 1/2 years and were looking for a book to really help the children cope. It was just alright.

This book should be in every vet's waiting room.......2007-06-25

Found this book in the veterinary ER waiting room the night we took in our 16 year old dog, and had to put her down. My 8 year old son couldn't stay in the exam room while they did the procedure, but found this book and read it out loud to me while it was happening, and then went into the room afterwards and read it to his dad and 2 sisters. I was so impressed I bought us a copy for my pastor-husband's office, and then 2 more copies for family members who responded to my email about losing our dog and my son reading this book to the family. I cannot say how much this helped our family.

Average customer rating:

Good but DEPRESSING!
An amazing first novel
Wonderful story about a boy we would all love
Heartwarming
Best of the genre since Go Ask Alice

The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Stephen Chbosky
Manufacturer: MTV
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Being a Teen | Social Issues | Teens | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0671027344

Amazon.com

What is most notable about this funny, touching, memorable first novel from Stephen Chbosky is the resounding accuracy with which the author captures the voice of a boy teetering on the brink of adulthood. Charlie is a freshman. And while's he's not the biggest geek in the school, he is by no means popular. He's a wallflower--shy and introspective, and intelligent beyond his years, if not very savvy in the social arts. We learn about Charlie through the letters he writes to someone of undisclosed name, age, and gender, a stylistic technique that adds to the heart-wrenching earnestness saturating this teen's story. Charlie encounters the same struggles that many kids face in high school--how to make friends, the intensity of a crush, family tensions, a first relationship, exploring sexuality, experimenting with drugs--but he must also deal with his best friend's recent suicide. Charlie's letters take on the intimate feel of a journal as he shares his day-to-day thoughts and feelings:

I walk around the school hallways and look at the people. I look at the teachers and wonder why they're here. If they like their jobs. Or us. And I wonder how smart they were when they were fifteen. Not in a mean way. In a curious way. It's like looking at all the students and wondering who's had their heart broken that day, and how they are able to cope with having three quizzes and a book report due on top of that. Or wondering who did the heart breaking. And wondering why.

With the help of a teacher who recognizes his wisdom and intuition, and his two friends, seniors Samantha and Patrick, Charlie mostly manages to avoid the depression he feels creeping up like kudzu. When it all becomes too much, after a shocking realization about his beloved late Aunt Helen, Charlie retreats from reality for awhile. But he makes it back in due time, ready to face his sophomore year and all that it may bring. Charlie, sincerely searching for that feeling of "being infinite," is a kindred spirit to the generation that's been slapped with the label X. --Brangien Davis

Book Description

Standing on the fringes of life...

offers a unique perspective. But there comes a time to see what it looks like from the dance floor.

This haunting novel about the dilemma of passivity vs. passion marks the stunning debut of a provocative new voice in contemporary fiction: The Perks of Being a Wallflower.

This is the story of what it's like to grow up in high school. More intimate than a diary, Charlie's letters are singular and unique, hilarious and devastating. We may not know where he lives. We may not know to whom he is writing. All we know is the world he shares. Caught between trying to live his life and trying to run from it puts him on a strange course through uncharted territory. The world of first dates and mixed tapes, family dramas and new friends. The world of sex, drugs, and The Rocky Horror Picture Show, when all one requires is that perfect song on that perfect drive to feel infinite.

Through Charlie, Stephen Chbosky has created a deeply affecting coming-of-age story, a powerful novel that will spirit you back to those wild and poignant roller coaster days known as growing up.

Customer Reviews:

Good but DEPRESSING!.......2007-09-21

I had to read this for school and let me just say, you will probably feel pretty depressed at the end of this book. The whole book has this cloud of dead always surrounding it. Another than that, it's a pretty good book. It's got alost of teen issues and sexual things in it, so I really wouldn't recommend it to anyone under the age of 14 or 15.

An amazing first novel.......2007-09-01

I had heard of "The Perks Of Being A Wallflower" for a long time from people on the internet. I had also seen it awhile and I eventually decided to buy it on Amazon to read it.

When it came in I didn't expect much of it. It was a small book and the whole story was a bunch of letters. Or at least that was my first impression.

After reading it, I've officially stated it as my favorite book. Although it was a first novel from Stephen Chbosky, I must say he truely did an amazing job writing it. It was so easy for me to relate to the main character Charlie. And all of the other characters seemed so real. I read it in two sittings. I won't give the plot because plenty of other reveiwers have posted it.

But I will tell you that after reading it my look on life was completely changed. If you ever have read it or will read it, you will understand what I mean.

Just so you know if you're considering to buy it, this is coming from a thirteen year old. And although I may be young, I can still tell you quite honestly that I highly recomend buying no matter your age. Some of the topics included though may not be sutible for a younger audience.

Wonderful story about a boy we would all love.......2007-08-30

Chbosky has revealed a great deal about youth and their problems, and does so sensitively and with empathy. You have to read it closely because he weaves his facts into the story so subtly that you might miss them.

Heartwarming.......2007-08-25

For some reason I decided to check out the audio book for a mild distraction. As a woman in her 30's, I was moved how the author did a wonderful job capturing the feelings of lonliness, anger, happiness, despair and the basic need of being love and loving others that most of us experience.

In my opinion, it almost takes someone with some life experiences to really see just how fragile we can be, whether it was yesterday or almost twenty years ago.

Best of the genre since Go Ask Alice.......2007-08-24

I wish I'd discovered "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" when I was still in high school. The main character is stunningly real and gives an authentic literary voice for millions of young adults. He goes through typical youthful indiscretions without the gloss of so many other stories featuring teens. Its short enough to finish in one read and powerful for readers of all ages.

Average customer rating:

an excellent gift for those grieving the death of a beloved pet
Wonderfully Sweet
Wonderful Book
A very special book for children and adults.
The sweetest and most heartfelt book for anyone suffering a loss of a pet and/or loved one

The Forever Dog
Bill Cochran
Manufacturer: HarperCollins
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Picture Books | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Pet Death | Issues | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0060539399
Release Date: 2007-04-03

Book Description

No one knows exactly what kind of dog Corky is, but if you ask his owner, Mike, the answer is simple: "He's my dog."

Mike and Corky are best friends; they do everything together. In fact they even make a plan. Mike tells Corky that they will always do everything together—forever. It is their Forever Plan.

And it works well. From one year to the next Corky is right there with Mike. Until one day, when Mike comes home from school and Corky isn't there . . . The story of how Mike comes to accept Corky's death forms a simple, poignant portrait of a special friendship that both celebrates the joys of owning a pet and becomes a heartfelt guide for anyone who is coping with the loss of a loved one.

Customer Reviews:

an excellent gift for those grieving the death of a beloved pet.......2007-10-05

The Forever Dog helps children [and the child within us all] feel the painful loss of a beloved pet and move on. Cochran is a masterful wordsmith who makes us chuckle at how such a mangy puppy could become such a beloved and loyal friend to his young owner. And the mother speaks words of profound healing as she gently helps her son understand that his inner pain can be transformed by love into something that he will have forever, just as promised.

This book belongs on the book shelf along with "The Fall of Freddy, the Leaf" [Leo Bussaglia] and "The Dead Bird" [Margaret Wise Brown], to give to someone who is suffering with grief after the death of a loved one.

And veteranarians across the country will be wise to stock many copies of this book for their clients [of all ages] who lose their beloved pets!

Caroline Boynton, LMSW, MA
New York City

Wonderfully Sweet.......2007-08-19

Corky was the best dog ever. Mike got him as a puppy and taught him all he knew. They took walks, Corky slept on Mike's head, and lots of other fun stuff!

One day, Corky got sick and had to go to the veterinarian's clinic. The next morning, Mike's mom had sad news: Corky was too sick for the doctors to save.

Inspired by his own experience, Bill Cochran brings children a gentle story about losing a favorite pet. For many people, this is the first time they must deal with death and grief. As children, it can be hard to understand that a beloved friend isn't going to return, and even more difficult to understand the onslaught of emotions. Cochran's approach takes young readers through the steps without letting on that it's what adults call the "grieving process." All the kids know is that they can identify with how Mike feels about losing Corky, and then see how he comes to accept it.

Hand a box of tissues over with this book when gifting it to a grieving child. Tell them it's perfectly okay to cry, and even a good thing. And if they're not ready, they will be. This is a wonderfully sweet book for such an occasion. Of course, it's a nice story even if there hasn't been a loss, as it can also encourage children to learn compassion toward others who are having a hard time.

I highly recommend THE FOREVER DOG to anyone who has feelings.

Reviewed by Christina Wantz Fixemer
08/18/2007

(This review is dedicated to Dandy, Tinker, Chrissy, Dillon, Middie, and Alice.)

Wonderful Book.......2007-08-14

What a wonderful book, perfect for anyone suffering a loss, young or old. When Corky dies Mike is sad and angry. His mother gently reminds him of all the wonderful things he shared with Corky and that the memory of those things will live in his heart forever. Lovely illustrations also.

A very special book for children and adults........2007-08-01

After reading this book several times to my 4-year-old daughter, I am starting to believe this is a children's book for adults. I challenge any current or former pet owner to read this book without shedding a tear. This book is beautifully written and illustrated. It is the rare children's book that touches both kids and adults. Believe me, as a father of two I have read hundreds of children's books, and this one is special. My 4-year-old has been asking about heaven and what happens when people get sick. This book helps answer some of those questions in a very touching, memorable and thoughtful way.

The sweetest and most heartfelt book for anyone suffering a loss of a pet and/or loved one.......2007-07-25

This is the sweetest book for any age group from child to the elderly. When my cat Magic died, this book helped me to remember that she is always there in my heart--that she never has fully gone away. I think that anyone who has suffered loss of either a pet or loved one would benefit from this sweet book.

Average customer rating:

Tear Soup helps teach kids that it is OK to grieve
Excellent
Very helpful in teaching my son how to deal with his grief.
A comfort book & for dealing with loss
A Grieving Mother

Tear Soup
Pat Schweibert , Chuck DeKlyen , Pat Schwiebert , Chuck DeKlyen , Taylor Bills , and Pat Schwiebert
Manufacturer: Grief Watch
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0961519762

Customer Reviews:

Tear Soup helps teach kids that it is OK to grieve.......2007-10-06

Tear Soup has been a great instrument in helping our family deal with the death of my sister. It reaches to all levels from the kids to the parents. Some parts might be a little over the heads of younger children, but in all it has helped each one of us in the grieving process. The author even touches on the differences in how each of us grieves. I have recently sent a copy to my nephews after their father passed away suddenly. I feel it is one of the best books on grief that I have seen.

Excellent.......2007-10-03

At 1st I decided not to leave a review b/c already there are so many, but PRAISE is always due for this book. I will quote an earlier reviewer that so far, this bk is "...the best, truest book on grief I have ever read..."
I also highly recommend it for times of sudden & tragic losses. It was here on Amazon(over a yr ago) that I 1st learned of the bk, yet since then I read & given it as a gift and have seen this book referred to others by "word of mouth" many times over. I hope this bk provides the support & guidance you all are seeking. Peace & Strength.

Very helpful in teaching my son how to deal with his grief........2007-10-03

This book was very helpful in teaching my son how to deal with his grief over the loss of his grandpa. There were a few parts that I thought were a little too mature for him (he's 9 years old), but for the most part it was a great book.

A comfort book & for dealing with loss.......2007-09-28

Practical guidance for dealing with loss presented in an illustrated story form as though it were a children's book. Charming and helpful with comforting words and advice that helps well past the point when your acquaintances may begin to tire of your grief and mourning. This book gives you permission to grieve and also give you permission and guidance in going on with your life. This is a book for all ages.
There is a list of resources in the back for those dealing with different kinds of loss. Though they do not have a resource specifically for people who have lost someone in War they do have a large range of support groups etc.

A Grieving Mother.......2007-09-22

My daughter died suddenly 6 weeks ago and a friend, who lost her son last year, sent this book saying that it would help me understand the unknown and confusing physical, emotional and spiritual things that were happening to me and our family as we come to terms with the new, now much less perfect, world we inhabit. Many friends have given many books, but this is the only one that I will pass on. The book is perfect in every way from the illustrations to the end-notes and advice for friends and family of the soup cooks. It is touching, profound, funny and affirming in just the right combination.

Average customer rating:

Excellent Young Adult Book With A Memorable Message
Whirligig's right review
Brents Journey
Whirligig
Whirligig YAHHHHHHHHH

Whirligig
Paul Fleischman
Manufacturer: Laurel Leaf
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

General | Literature & Fiction | Teens | Subjects | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0440228352
Release Date: 1999-11-09

Book Description

Brent Bishop longs to have the popular Brianna strolling around school on his arm. But when she rejects him at a classmate's party, Brent's hopes for popularity are instantly shattered. Devastated, he tries to destroy himself in a car crash... but instead kills an innocent girl named Lea.

Instead of sending him to jail, Lea's parents challenge Brent to create four whirligigs modeled on a picture of Lea and position them at the four corners of the United States. Lea's mother hopes that the whirligig that used to delight Lea will be a fitting memorial for her precious daughter. She sends Brent off with an unlimited bus ticket, a few pieces of wood, and the tools to memorialize Lea. On his mission to preserve his victim's memory, Brent ultimately rediscovers his own love of life.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Young Adult Book With A Memorable Message.......2007-06-20

WHIRLIGIG starts out like so many other young adult books. Brent is a shallow high school junior who really wants to fit in with the popular crowd. He drinks too much at a party, a pretty girl he has a crush on publicly humiliates him and as result he makes a stupid decision that results in the death of a teenage girl in another car whom he has never met. Then the book takes a highly unusual and creative turn. As part of his probation he meets with the dead girl's mother and she makes the strange request that Brent travel to the four corners of the United States (Florida, Maine, California and Washington) and erect a whirligig in each state in memory of her daughter. This request does strain credibility and the book takes a turn to fable instead of realistic fiction at this point. In nonlinear chapters Fleischman has a person (one from each state) whose life is changed by seeing one of Brent's whirligigs narrate their story. In other chapters Brent's cross country Greyhound bus tour is described with special focus on the cirumstances in which he builds and places the four whirligigs. There is a strong theme throughout the book of how the consequences of one's actions effect others. In continuation of this theme Brent briefly meets numerous people on his travels who influence him in their short time together and help him grow to be a good person. This is a very quick read and though I can see how it could be confusing to some the patient reader will soon see the book's pattern and be well rewarded. Highly recommended for middle school students and up as well as adults.

Whirligig's right review.......2007-03-26

The Novel Whirligig by Paul flesh man is a very interesting story; this story is for people around the Teen age. It's about how a drunk driving teenager tries to kill himself, but instead he kills a young high school student. Instead of going to jail, the killed students mother asks him to make whirligigs of the student and put 1 on each corner of the United States.
I read this book as a book project for my class, it's very interesting on how the main character's thought (Brent). At the beginning, was very arrogant, he did not thank of consequences, but at the end, he changes and becomes a very good person, as he became more mature.
As he started, it was a bit hard for him to make whirligigs, he was scared, he didn't know what was going to happen to him, but towards the end, he was very confident of himself. I think that this was very good for him to go through this, it was like a vacation
As he travels, he faces many things on his way, some good, and some bad. Two people almost thieve him, which was a scary moment for him, but at the end he met an artist that was very nice to him, he told her he had accidentally killed someone but then, she said that he does not look like the killer type of person. This made him feel a lot better.
I would rate this novel a four out of five stars because I think that this book is really worth it. And that it has a very good setting, theme, and dialogue. The only thing missing in the story would be that I think it's a bit short for a novel.
Last but not least, I would recommend this book for any person around the ages twelve and twenty, because the main character in the story is in that age group. This is the kind of book that is exciting and also teaches you many things in life and how you can change.

Brents Journey.......2007-03-23

I chose to read the book Whirligig by Paul Fleischman because I thought that the cover of the book was interesting. I read the back of the book and thought that it was an outstanding concept for a book. This was a plot that could happen to anyone that is my age. I like to read books that have things that can actually happen to me in them.

This is a compelling story about a young boy named Brent who makes a terrible mistake. He loses control of himself at a party he was at and left in a fit of rage. This would be the worst decision that Brent would make. He wanted to die and closed his eyes while behind the wheel. He was unsuccessful in his suicide attempt, but it in the process, struck and killed a young girl named Lea.

Brent was crushed by this tragic event and wanted to do everything he can to try and make up for the damage that he caused to Lea's family. Lea's mother does not want him to pay with money or physical labor, he wants him to continue to spread the joy and happiness that Lea had when she was alive. His assignment is to construct and put up four different whirligigs in all four corners of the nation so that Lea could be remembered for what she was and try to bring joy into the lives of many more people.

I found that this book was very well written. The only problem with I had with it was that the author, after every chapter that involved Brent and his quest, would put in a story with a random character but in the end it showed how his whirligigs affected their lives. When I first read this kind of chapter I was confused. I thought I had missed an important part of the book but I did not. Once you realize the purpose of these chapters, it is much easier to read and comprehend.

I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a quick read. It isn't a book that you need to get really into in order to keep going. Throughout the book I wanted to know what would happen with Brent and what his next adventure with the whirligigs would be. I would give this book 4 out of 5 stars. It is overall a great idea for a story and very well put together. I felt myself feeling the same way as Brent did in the book in certain situations.

If anyone asked me what I thought about this book I would tell them that it is a fantastic story and a great book to read. This is a book that is full of twists and turns in the life of Brent and the journey he takes.

Whirligig.......2007-03-23

I read the book Whirligig by Paul Fleischman because I was assigned it. It's a very interesting story and is a good, easy read. This book is about a boy named Brent who goes to a party and then when he drives home, he is so depressed, because a girl he asked out doesn't want to be around him, he wants to kill himself. So he takes his hands off the wheel and lets the car go freely when he accidentally kills a girl. The girl's mother then asks Brent to place four whirligigs on each of the four corners of the U.S., in Maine, Florida, Washington, and California. This book also talks about the lives of some kids living in each of the states Brent visits.
This book relates to the real world because a lot of teens like to go to parties and a lot of teens will attempt suicide, which can have dramatic consequences. Also a lot of teens are killed in car crashes. Many teens also commit crimes and are taken to court. This book is good to read because it talks about the lives of teenagers and what they go through. I would recommend it for teenagers to read since it talks about a lot of struggles teenagers go through everyday.
You'll probably find this book very interesting because in every other chapter, it talks about the life of a random teenager living in one of the states Brent is supposed to build a whirligig in. I think this book will make you very conscious of what is happening in the world of today and how people are making up for it. I'd give the book four stars out of five. It's a good rather easy book to read, but it is definitely not an honest to goodness piece of literature. It's not a whole lot of heavy reading, but there is a lot of figurative language in it.
Some interesting quotes in the book were, "The world itself was a whirligig, its myriad parts invisibly linked, the hidden crankshafts and connecting rods carrying motion across the globe and over the centuries." It's saying that everyone in the world is connected someway. Another quote that was interesting was "This is the afterlife, he told himself. To be crowded in with a collection of strangers, plunging through a foreign landscape, headed toward an unknown destiny." Brent thinks he is dead and is now entering the afterlife, but he is really being driven to court.
It would be a good book to check out in the library. This book can be read really quickly and easily, but there are certain parts that contain vocabulary words that you might not know. I, personally, wouldn't buy the book since the book wasn't extremely moving to me. The stories about the teenagers in every other chapter don't really fit in with the story because they have nothing to with what Brent is doing. It's definitely not a classic but it would be a good book to read just once.

Whirligig YAHHHHHHHHH.......2007-03-23

Whirligig, written by Paul Fleischman, is a very interesting story. I read this book, because the title sounded so intriguing, it just popped out at me. After reading this book I would definitely recommend this book to people of all ages. If I were to rate this book I would have to give it a 31/2 stars out of 5 stars. I would give it this rating because I don't believe it is the best book in the world but it is still very good and enjoyable. I would recommend this book to other people of all ages because it is a very good read, there is not any complicated words and time just kind of passing while you are reading this book.

This book is very exciting, u never really you know what is going to happen next. This book is about a kid named Brent who has moved to a new town. Here Brent longs to walk around school with Brianna by his side, but at a party Brianna publicly humiliates Brent forcing him to dash out of the party. This was not a good thing driving with he alcohol Brent consumed and all of the emotions he had, Brent was trying to kill himself. In his attempted he ended up killing a young girl named Lea. Upon meeting her parents Brent was sent on a quest around the world.

I think that this book connects to the outside world in many different ways. One way would be that there are many suicidal people in the world though u may not want to believe it there is people out there that are like that. Also another way to connect this to the outside world would be that there are many of car accidents that are fatal to some people. Another way that this book is connected to the outside world is that there is kids out there are drinking underage as Brent does in the book at the party. Lastly there are people that travel around the country for various reason as Brent travels around the country to the four corners of the United States.

This is a very good read and it as very entertaining. If you are looking for a good book with a lot of interesting mind bozzling entertainment this would the book to read. There are many interesting things happening in this book that keep you on the edge of your seat.

Average customer rating:

grief book
Important Lesson
Great for young children!
touching filled with sensitivity
GREAT little book about death

I Miss You: A First Look At Death
Pat Thomas
Manufacturer: Barron's Educational Series
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Education | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

General | Education | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Accessories:

ASIN: 0764117645

Book Description

When a close friend or family member dies, it can be difficult for children to express their feelings. This book helps boys and girls understand that death is a natural complement to life, and that grief and a sense of loss are normal feelings for them to have following a loved one's death. Titles in this sensitively presented series explore the dynamics of various relationships experienced by children of preschool through early school age. Kids are encouraged to understand personal feelings and social problems as a first step in dealing with them. Written by psychotherapist and counselor Pat Thomas, these books promote positive interaction among children, parents, and teachers. The story lines are simple and direct—easily accessible to younger children. There are full-color illustrations on every page.

Customer Reviews:

grief book.......2007-10-03

Was age appropriate for my 4 yr old. My Father died a week after I ordered this book. It was useful for my daughter.

Important Lesson.......2007-09-28

Just what I needed at a difficult time with my niece and nephew. I highly recommend.

Incredibly Lonely, That's Me (Express Yourself Series)My Friend, Matilda (Express Yourself Series)From Here to There (Express Yourself Series)

Great for young children!.......2007-09-21

We recently lost my father-in-law quite suddenly and at a young age....We have 3 girls (6, 4, and 1) and this book was a wonderful help! The explanations and pictures were clear and concise while still being sensitive to the tender emotions of the young child.

touching filled with sensitivity.......2007-07-12

Helped me to explain the recent lost for my Grandson of bothj greatgrandmothers and his great grandfather whom we lost in close proximity to each other also it helped explain it to my heart.

GREAT little book about death.......2007-06-13

I'm a child psychologist and got this book for my office. I am very impressed. It is simple, straightforward book full of warmth and empathy. The illustrations are very nice, and it has little "what about you?" discussion-starter boxes on several pages. I would highly recommend this book for young children who have questions about death.

Help Me Say Goodbye: Activities for Helping Kids Cope When a Special Person Dies

Average customer rating:

Very helpful
Help me say goodbye
For a child with a loved one who is terminally ill
Great for younger children
The MOST INVALUABLE book for a child facing an IMPENDING death

Help Me Say Goodbye: Activities for Helping Kids Cope When a Special Person Dies
Janis Silverman
Manufacturer: Fairview Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Death & Grief | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Grief & Bereavement | Death & Grief | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Developmental Psychology | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Inspirational | Spirituality | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

General | Health, Mind & Body | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 1577490851

Book Description

An art therapy and activity book for children coping with death. Sensitive exercises address all the questions children may have during this emotional and troubling crisis. Children are encouraged to express in pictures what they are often incapable of expressing in words.

Customer Reviews:

Very helpful.......2007-10-10

I bought this book for my best friend's 5 and 7 year olds while their grandpa was dying from cancer. They often asked to work in this book when things were getting bad. I think art is a fabulous way for children to deal with grief, because they have such a hard time expressing their feelings. I definately reccomend this book for grieving children.

Help me say goodbye.......2007-10-03

I was eager to use this book with my four yr. old daughter. She enjoyed some of the activities and drew nice pictures about her Poppa.

For a child with a loved one who is terminally ill.......2007-07-05

This book starts out helping the child while the parent or "special person" - to use their words, is still living. Its an excellent book to get for children who have a terminally ill loved one. It takes them from feelings they experience when a loved one is sick, right now, all the way through to handling the funeral and the death of someone so close. It is also helpful for the adult, who may be grieving as well, because it gives names to the feelings and also offers activities, such as creating a feelings book, to help the child express themselves now and even later on.

Great for younger children.......2007-03-14

This is a great outlet for younger children who don't have the words or ability to express their feelings of loss. They can draw them instead.

The MOST INVALUABLE book for a child facing an IMPENDING death.......2006-07-02

This book is an absolute must have for anyone with a child who is about to face the loss of someone special and close -- due to an illness, accident, or age, -- Children have such difficulty expressing their emotions because in times of such sorrow and anxiety, they are experiencing things they have NEVER felt before. They are confused, distraught, fearful, and so terribly hurt - and when all the adults around them are suffering too -- it makes it all the harder to discuss such delicate and sensitive things -- we want to be strong for them, we don't want our angst to invoke their own.....
But we don't realize that hiding our emotions teaches them to hide their own, or worse, feel theirs are WRONG.....
That is why books like this are so precious and so very priceless -- because it gives the child an outlet to express themselves in the way they do best -- their own drawings, - and their own writings..... not only are these activities that children enjoy - it offers them such amazing therapy - a release.... It encourages them to express and emote, reflect, feel, cope, and most of all -- through creating what is essentially a journal of the child's journey through the impending loss, to the death, to the mourning that follows ---- it gives your child a keepsake for relection, - spiritiual growth, emotional strength, - and a grand tribute and memoir of the intense love and connection they shared - a book that will honor their love, -- and remind them as they grow through the years of the strength and courage they found within themselves, -- and the compassion and tenderness that blossoms from these things.
I gave this book four stars because, I felt misled, in that rather than it being a book for coping with death -- over one third of this book deals with PREPARING the child for what will happen and what to expect; asks them to discuss the changes the see in the person/pet, prompts talks about the hospital, the differences they notice in how the person looks,feels, behaves - what they are limited to now, versus how active or vibrant they were before, etc etc.... --- so it was actually written for those who have knowledge of a tragedy rounding the bend, - For a death is IMMANENT AND APPROACHING =
And I was searching for something that deals with death itself, when it is sudden, tragic, there is no time to explain - the chaos in the days preceding the funeral, everyone suffering so much themselves, -- we are certainly not in any state to find our own way to understand - how can we make our children? -- we are not all so blessed to have the time to say goodbye, to know, - to prepare....
My husband died beside me in the car two weeks before Thanksgiving on the way to his mother's house - I am 26 years old, - he was only 30. He fell asleep, and never woke up -- a brain annuerisym.... By the time I knew something was wrong, it was too late. I couldn't save him -- he made it to the hospital -- but neither could they.
This book can't really help all the beloved nieces and nephews he left behind, heartbroken, -- or me,
But again, -- if you are searching for a way to help prepare your children for a loss, which - if I had the time to prepare -- I WOULD HAVE BOUGHT THIS BOOK - this is essential to their health, stablity, strength, and courage for the days ahead.
This book is unmatched in its subject matter and theraputic value. And it is something filled with memories of love they will have forever.

Average customer rating:

Only her way of viewing the world may help her family
Good enough, I guess
Glittering, Shining
A Shining Book
Kira-Kira

Kira-Kira
Cynthia Kadohata
Manufacturer: Aladdin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0689856407

Amazon.com

In Cynthia Kadohata's lively, lovely, funny and sad novel -- winner of the 2005 Newbery Medal -- the Japanese-American Takeshima family moves from Iowa to Georgia in the 1950s when Katie, the narrator, is just in kindergarten. Though her parents endure grueling conditions and impossible hours in the non-unionized poultry plant and hatchery where they work, they somehow manage to create a loving, stable home for their three children: Lynn, Katie, and Sammy. Katie's trust in, and admiration for, her older sister Lynn never falters, even when her sisterly advice doesn't seem to make sense. Lynn teaches her about everything from how the sky, the ocean, and people's eyes are special to the injustice of racial prejudice. The two girls dream of buying a house for the family someday and even save $100 in candy money: "Our other favorite book was Silas Marner. We were quite capitalistic and liked the idea of Silas keeping all that gold underneath the floorboards." When Lynn develops lymphoma, it's heartbreaking, but through the course of her worsening illness, Katie does her best to remember Lynn's "kira-kira" (glittery, shining) outlook on life. Small moments shine the brightest in this poignant story; told beautifully and lyrically in Katie's fresh, honest voice. (Ages 11 to 14) --Karin Snelson

Book Description

kira-kira (kee ra kee ra): glittering; shining

Glittering. That's how Katie Takeshima's sister, Lynn, makes everything seem. The sky is kira-kira because its color is deep but see-through at the same time. The sea is kira-kira for the same reason. And so are people's eyes. When Katie and her family move from a Japanese community in Iowa to the Deep South of Georgia, it's Lynn who explains to her why people stop on the street to stare. And it's Lynn who, with her special way of viewing the world, teaches Katie to look beyond tomorrow. But when Lynn becomes desperately ill, and the whole family begins to fall apart, it is up to Katie to find a way to remind them all that there is always something glittering -- kira-kira -- in the future.

Customer Reviews:

Only her way of viewing the world may help her family.......2007-08-07

Cynthia Kadohata's KIRA-KIRA tells of Katie and her family, who move from a Japanese community in Iowa to Georgia, where younger sister Lynn teaches the family a special way of seeing the world, beyond the immediate future. When Lynn falls ill, only her way of viewing the world may help her family in the moving KIRA-KIRA.

Good enough, I guess.......2007-07-19

I honestly have never felt so let down by a Newbery book. As an English teacher, I usually love them. But this story just does not ring true in so many places that I have to give it three stars. Had its editor done his/her job better, perhaps it could have earned more.

I live in GA, where the story is set, and my husband has had cancer, which one sister also fights. Granted, some of the scenes about Lynn's cancer and its wearing on her caregivers are very well-written; however, I think it was implausible that the sister who so desperately wants to see the ocean never does. I mean, in southwest Georgia, they would not have been more than 5 hours from the Atlantic and less than that from the Gulf. Also, some of the scenes crash into each other with no transition at all--it nearly drove me mad. Also, the ex-best friend would have come to the funeral. They always do.

Parts of it were excellent, but many parts were not. For desperate AR readers, however, I'm sure this would be a quick last-minute read!

Glittering, Shining.......2007-07-08

I really liked this book. The author has great descriptions, and I felt like I could relate to the characters. Of course, there's the younger sister who wants things to stay the same, and the older one who just changes with time. This is one of those books that truly makes you cry. People call some books tearjerkers, when they aren't all that sad. But this book ... it made me cry and think. It gave me a different outlook on things. Life is short. This book will remind you of that. I recommend this one. It'll show you that there can be sad endings, but all in all, your world can still be kira-kira (shining).

A Shining Book.......2007-06-15

Kira-kira means glittering in Japanese, most things that glitter get the attention of the looker, and this book got my attention as the reader very quickly with a near-tragic meeting with a dog. Kira-Kira is the story, told through the words of Katie, a young Japanese-American girl, growing up in the 1950's in a small Georgia town, not overly populated with Japanese-Americans. Katie's story revolves around her family, with the main focus on her sister, Lynn, who she adores and believes is a genius. As is the case in life there are happy and sad times, just like this book where you can read about racial injustice,friendships,financial struggles,and a family's hopes, dreams, and losses.

Kira-Kira.......2007-05-13

Excellent story of a family that experiences hard times and death of a child. Well-written, well read!

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books