Across Five Aprils

Customer Reviews:

My Students Always End Up LOVING This Book!!.......2007-09-14

I teach 8th grade and my students and I LOVE this novel. There are several good twists,turns, and nice surprises along the way. It may require some thinking on their part to "get into it", but I have never had one student tell me that they didn't like the book when they were finished. In fact, students would get angry if we had to skip a day! This is a great historical fiction that really sparks a great deal of discussion about he Civil War. When I read other kids complaining about this book I thought of something Eleanor Roosevelt once said. "It takes curiosity to gain intellegence." So, if you're curious about the Civil War, this is a good read!

didn't like it at all.......2007-03-17

I feel bad rating this book so low but I also don't want to rate it higher because I hate this book. The only reason why I read this book was because I had to read it for my english class at school. If it wasn't for the class there is absolutely no way I would have read this book. the teachers thought that we should read a civil war novel for english because were doing a civil war unit in social studies. Before we even started the novel I thought we were doing plenty of civil war, but no we have to do even more civil war. I probably wouldn't have such a hard time with this book if I didn't have to do school work with. I had such a hard time understanding some parts of this book because the family had so many people in it. I struggled to read this book every night not only because it was boring, but because I had to try to understand it so I could do the work that went with it. The only thing that happens in this book is in the begging the civil war is about to start and then some people from this family fight in the war and then they write letters to the family. Thats litteraly the only thing that happens in this book. In my opinion this book was boring and I would not recomend reading it, unless you really want to because you have nothing else to do.

Fabulous Civil War historical fiction for 5th - 6th graders!!.......2007-01-02

I can't say enough good things about this book!!

I was an insatiable reader as a child and this was one of my favorite books! I read this with 5th graders as a teacher and fell in love with it all over again! Many of my students had NEVER read a chapter book on their own, let alone read for pleasure, but they became captivated with reading as a result of this book and went on to read non-fiction books about the Civil War, biographies about Abraham Lincoln, Rifles for Watie, etc., on their own. This is significant since I taught in a low socio-economic area (95% free or reduced lunch). If kids find this boring, it is because it is over their heads - I read this WITH my students. They each had a copy and we read it aloud together in unison, stopping to clarify and discuss. Using historical fiction to introduce history makes it interesting and "digestible" for young people. It also sparks a desire to know more. A teacher can't tell a student everything, s/he must inspire them to investigate further. When students endeavor to learn more on their own, they are on the road to becoming educated. Abraham Lincoln himself only had one year of schooling - he educated himself with BOOKS!

Specifically, this book is about a farming family in Civil War times torn apart by the war. It helps students understand the realities of the war that pitted "brother against brother" when the oldest son goes to fight for the "other" side. When he discovers that his brother was killed in battle, this big, hulk of a man sends word to his "mama" that he did not fire the shot that killed his brother. The book makes real the pain each family member must have felt. It helps students understand that the war was not just about slavery, it was also about states' rights and whether or not the people of the US wanted the federal government to be able to tell them what to do. The future of our government depended on the outcome of the war. It also helps them understand human rights and the fact that there are many gray areas in the complex world of politics and that issues rarely have an easy black or white answer.

PARENTS, this book is worth reading with your child line by line if necessary! It can be tough, but it helps young people grow up a little and see the world more clearly, giving them a glimpse of a world outside of themselves.

Books can change you and this one will for the better, without the shocking slap in the face that sometimes accompanies life lessons. You will notice deeper understanding, more maturity, a sense of accomplishment when your child masters this book. THAT is how you develop genuine self-esteem.

For other character developing books, try The Secret Garden, The Diary of Anne Frank, and Anne of Green Gables. I can't explain why, but my 6th grade boys liked these as much as the girls, although they would never have picked them up on their own. Sounds crazy - I wouldn't believe it if I hadn't experienced it myself!

Was this secretly a "get to sleep" medication?.......2006-12-10

I had to read this book for school. My favorite part was when I got to the end and the torture was over. I'm a HUGE reader and I absolutely love books, but I think this is the only story I can say that I didn't like it AT ALL.

I did find one good thing about it. I'm a person who has problems falling asleep. I started reading the assigned chapter right before bed, and it was a very good sleep medication; it was that boring.

It had no story line whatsoever besides a detailed account of Civil War battles (and letters home that had such bad grammar and spelling it was painful to read them). All the characters were flat and unrealistic. It was the worst book I ever had to read.

Please don't waste your time on it.

187 pages of total blah.......2006-12-09

Sometimes when I read a review by someone who's just raging about the book, I think, "Well, why didn't they just quit?"

I'll dispel that notion. I had to struggle through this book for a literature class, so I had no choice to quit. Now, here's my idea of what this book would look like if it had chapter titles.

Chapter 1: Talking on the farm
Chapter 2: A war starts
Chapter 3: Battle junk and some letters and some boring stuff happens
Chapter 4: Battle junk and some letters and some boring stuff happens
Chapter 5: Battle junk and some letters and some boring stuff happens
Chapter 6: Battle junk and some letters and some boring stuff happens
Chapter 7: Battle junk and some letters and some boring stuff happens
Chapter 8: Battle junk and some letters and some boring stuff happens
Chapter 9: Battle junk and some letters and some boring stuff happens
Chapter 10: Battle junk and some letters and some boring stuff happens
Chapter 11: Battle junk and some letters and some boring stuff happens
Chapter 12: The war ends and a president gets shot, happily ever after (NOT), the end.

Average customer rating:

Spiderman at a Crossroads
Spider-man cuts a fine figure in the major Marvel Comics Event
SPIDERMAN IS GOOD
Great Read - One of the Best in the Series
Peter Parker's decisions through Marvel's main event

Civil War: Amazing Spider-Man
J. Michael Straczynski
Manufacturer: Marvel Comics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

General | Graphic Novels | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

Superheroes | Graphic Novels | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

Marvel | Publishers | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

Spider-Man | Characters | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0785122370

Book Description

Life couldn't be more complicated - or more dangerous - for Peter Parker. After rushing to the aftermath of the Stamford Massacre to offer aid to its victims, Peter travels with Tony Stark to Washington, D.C., and the White House - where the enactment of the Super Hero Registration Act appears imminent. As the Marvel Universe braces for the implications of legislation that will forever change the societal status of super heroes, Peter is forced to make an important personal decision - maybe the most important decision of his life. As Civil War tears apart the super hero community, will Spidey stay true to that decision? Collects Amazing Spider-Man #532-538.

Customer Reviews:

Spiderman at a Crossroads.......2007-09-02

Spiderman has always been my favorite Marvel charachter. I hand't read his book in about 20 years- way back when he first got his black costume during the Superhero Secret Wars. I recenly saw he was "Back in Black" and got curious for some backstory, so I picked up this and other Marvel Civil War tie-ins.

Great Story! The theme of government Superhero oversight registration and the secret of Peter Parker's secret identity are directly at odds. Peter has some serious soul searching to do and it tears him apart. Once you read this, you will want more.

Spider-man cuts a fine figure in the major Marvel Comics Event.......2007-08-30

There are good reasons to sympathize with both factions in Marvel Comics "Civil War"--those led by Iron Man and those led by Captain America. But when posed with the question "Whose side are are you on?" I have to stand with the Amazing Spider-man. Where most of the other heroes allow the conflict to quickly degenerate into a fist-match aimed at sticking it to the other guy, Peter Parker is ever willing to reevaluate the situation based on new information. As always, his character is compelling because of his ongoing need to find out what is the right thing to do, and then doing it, no matter what it may cost him.

Constrained by the massive crossover plot of the Civil War story arc, writer J. Michael Straczynski's doesn't shine quite like he has before, but is nevertheless an asset to this major "Marvel Comics Event"; the core storyline just seems to ring a little hollow without Straczynski's fleshing out of Spider-man's perspective. Ron Carney's art is good--the webslinger cuts a fine figure in both his new and old costume. There's some good action sequences with Spider-man fighting against either side ... and we also see more of the unmasked hero, Peter Parker.

SPIDERMAN IS GOOD.......2007-08-18

OPTED FOR THIS ABOVE PETER PARKER TIE IN SO ONLY ONE SIDE FOR THIS REVIEW.I LIKED THIS STORY BUT AFTER ROAD TO C/W AND THE MAIN C/W STORY THERE ISNT MUCH LEFT TO TELL.DOES LET YOU SEE A BIT MORE ABOUT PETE DECIDING HIS FATE AND HE ENDS UP FIGHTING EVERYONE,SO NO REAL PROBLEMS FOR ME.THE BEST PART IS THE "LONG" ENDING THAT KEEPS YOU WANTING TO GET TO THE END,JUST GOOD WRITING I GEUSS.CANT WAIT TO GET THE NEXT TPB IN THE SPIDERMAN SERIES,DONT TELL ME WHAT HAPPENS!!!!SHAME SPIDEY GETS RID OF STARKS DEADLY OUTFIT,THOSE ARM THINGY'S ARE PRETTY COOL

Great Read - One of the Best in the Series.......2007-07-23

The Civil War series had great stories and flops - this is not a flop. The Spider-man story line is one of the best to read since it digs so deep into the personal life of a character most of us know pretty well. Spidey ends up going back and forth throughout the story which really keeps things interesting. Pick it up if you are a fan of Spidey or the Civil War story.

Peter Parker's decisions through Marvel's main event.......2007-07-08

Forming one of the most important crossovers of the Civil War event, this reveals the hows and whys of Peter's life altering decisions. We see him struggle with Tony's request to unmask, and with the consequences of all of his actions and allegiances throughout the Civil War. This is one of the few crossovers that can stand on its own. Highly recommended.

Civil War On Sunday (Magic Tree House 21, paper)

Average customer rating:

MY BOY LOVES READING
The Real Life Books
CIVIL WAR ON SUNDAY
best of the series
Great Reading

Civil War On Sunday (Magic Tree House 21, paper)
Mary Pope Osborne
Manufacturer: Random House Books for Young Readers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Action & Adventure | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

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

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

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

General | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | 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: 067989067X
Release Date: 2000-05-23

Amazon.com

Traveling back in time from the rumbling thunderstorms of present-day Frog Creek, Pennsylvania, to the booming of Civil War cannonballs near Richmond, Virginia, Jack and Annie set out on their 21st Magic Tree House adventure. The mysterious Morgan le Fay, magical librarian of Camelot, the long-ago kingdom of King Arthur, has left the brother and sister a message in their magic tree house, asking for their help saving Camelot. "Please find these four special kinds of writing for my library: Something to follow, Something to send, Something to learn, Something to lend." Jack and Annie enthusiastically transport themselves to a field near the fighting, and soon are enlisted as volunteer nurses assisting none other than Clara Barton, legendary "Angel of the Battlefield," as she drives her horse-drawn ambulance right onto the battlefields to help save wounded soldiers--including one with a very special connection to Jack and Annie.

Mary Pope Osborne's tremendously popular Magic Tree House series launches into a new realm, as Jack and Annie are challenged to save Camelot. Young readers will effortlessly learn the basics of Civil War history, while losing themselves in another gripping tale that has turned many a nonreader into a bookworm. (Ages 5 to 8) --Emilie Coulter

Book Description

In the newest Magic Tree House adventure, Jack and Annie are whisked back to the Civil War where they meet Clara Barton and save the life of their very own great-great-great-grand-father.

Customer Reviews:

MY BOY LOVES READING.......2007-01-07

My 1st grader hates to put it down, he would rather read Magic Tree House books, than play video games. He even reads them to his class and explains the story for show and tell. In his kindergarten class the teacher would also let him read the Magic Tree House books out loud, not to give her a break, but to promote reading out loud. Great books!

The Real Life Books.......2006-02-26

I liked Civil War on Sunday because they helped America's first nurse named Clara Barton. I liked when they rescued the drummer boy from the war. The author did a very good job writing the book. That is why I have a lot of Magic Tree House Books.

CIVIL WAR ON SUNDAY.......2006-01-20

THIIS IS A VERY GOOD BOOK MY FAVORITE PART IS WHERE JAKE AND ANNIE SAVE THE DRUMMER BOY.

best of the series.......2005-12-31

If you are looking for a book that explain the Civil War and the pros and cons from each side, please go else where. The book has a Northern slant since Jack and Annie as behind Union lines. Book has a different feel to it and gets away from some the fantasy stories lines for a refreshing change of pace. Enjoy!

Great Reading.......2005-08-12

Civil War On Sunday is a Great book and educational. My grandson and I love reading all of these books.

A History of US: Book 6: War, Terrible War 1855-1865 (History of Us, 6)

Average customer rating:

Wonderful Book!
The History of US series gets the story of the Civil War
The History of US series gets the story of the Civil War
Horn Book couldn't be more wrong
War Terrible War

A History of US: Book 6: War, Terrible War 1855-1865 (History of Us, 6)
Joy Hakim
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Military & Wars | History & Historical Fiction | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

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

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

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Children's Books | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Teens | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0195153294

Book Description

Riveting, moving, and impossible to put down, War, Terrible War takes us into the heart of the Civil War, from the battle of Manassas to the battle of Gettysburg and on to the South's surrender at Appomattox Court House. Follow the common soldiers in blue and gray as they endure long marches, freezing winter camps, and the bloodiest battles ever fought on American soil. Off the war fields, War, Terrible War captures the passion and commitment of abolitionists and slaveowners alike in their fiery debates throughout the land. With profiles of Abraham Lincoln, Robert E. Lee, Ulysses S. Grant, John Brown, Harriet Tubman, Jefferson Davis, soldiers on both sides, slave owners, abolitionists, average citizens, and others, War, Terrible War is the compelling story of a people affected by the horrors of war during this tragic and dramatic period in A History of US.

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful Book!.......2007-04-20

We used this book as a supplement to Ken Burns Civil War DVD set (which is wonderful). They follow each other nicely! This has become a valuable part of our homeschool classroom. Well laid out, easy to read and understand.

The History of US series gets the story of the Civil War.......2003-08-04

"War, Terrible War: 1855-1865," the sixth volume in Joy Hakim's A History of US series, tells the story of the Civil War, although the author points out that there was nothing civil about it. Instead, Hakim favors Lincoln's notion that the purpose of the war was to give the nation a "new birth of freedom." Within these pages young readers will learn about the bloody conflict, beginning with Fort Sumter and the battle of Manassas to Lee's surrender at Appomattox Court House and the assassination of President Lincoln.

However, I have to admit I was a bit distracted because while I understood 1865 was the year the Civil War ended I was not sure what 1855 was supposed to signify as a starting point. The previous volume in the series, "Liberty for All?" set up the slavery issue and created some overlap in covering the years 1820-1860. But why the year 1855? The Compromise of 1850 was in 1850, Harriet Beecher Stowe published "Uncle Tom's Cabin" in 1852, the Kansas-Nebraska Act was in 1854, the Dred Scott decision in 1857, the Lincoln-Douglas debates in 1858, and John Brown's attack on Harpers Ferry in 1859. Off the top of my head I would say that the Republican Party might have been founded in 1855, since they put up their first candidate in 1856, but that is not mentioned in this volume.

In fact, after a preface that sets the stage for the Civil War by recalling the infamous dinner in 1830 when President Andrew Jackson and his Vice President John C. Calhoun quarreled over the issue of Union, the first chapter of this book is devoted Southern states leaving the Union after Lincoln's election in 1860. The war begins in the second chapter with the Confederates firing on Fort Sumter and the battle of First Manassas (note Hakim lets the winning side name the battle). Then Hakim goes back in time to Harriet Beecher Stowe's "Uncle Tom's Cabin," the story of Harriet Tubman, and the mythological political career of Abraham Lincoln. Chronology continues to become a secondary consideration as Hakim devotes a chapter to Jefferson Davis, president of the Confederacy, before looking at the slavery issue and the story of John Brown. Only after establishing Lincoln's problem in trying to hold the Union together does Hakim return to a chronological account of the major campaigns and battles. But never a mention of why 1855 is the starting point for the volume.

That is a minor concern, because I prefer a solid argumentative structure to mere chronology. Consequently "War, Terrible War" can be seen as having four distinct sections. The first (Chapters 1-2), establishes the spark that started the Civil War. The second (Chapters 3-10) goes back and provides key background elements that will help young readers to understand the issues and personalities that are played out in this particular drama. The third (Chapters 11-25) covers the Civil War through the Battle of Gettysburg and includes both the Emancipation Proclamation that made this a war to free the slaves and the Gettysburg Address that reestablished the idea that "all men are created equal" as the supreme American principle. The final unit (Chapters 26-31) covers the end of the war and the brutal irony of Lincoln's assassination once the threat to the Union was ended.

Throughout the book Hakim not only relates events, she captures the passion and commitment of abolitionists and slave owners through a series of profiles of politicians and soldiers on both sides, slave owners, abolitionists, average citizens, and others. These books are richly illustrated with historic photographs, etchings, political cartoons, maps, and the like. The margins are crammed with definitions and mini-biographies, as well as quotations from both historic figures and contemporary historians. As always, the major strength of this series is that Hakim keeps her young audience first and foremost in mind. Constantly asking her readers to think about these events from the perspective of the participants, she also does a marvelous job of anticipating questions from them as well. For example, if anyone has seen the Ken Burns documentary on "The Civil War" or the film "Gettysburg" and is wondering why Hakim does not talk about Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, there is a note in the margins to check out the book "The Killer Angels."

If there is a better juvenile American history series out there for young students who are being home schooled, then I have yet to see it. This is a superb series that does an admirable job of adapting a wealth of information and historical details to its audience. Hakim knows that her readers have grown up on computers and the Internet, but she does not sacrifice her subject matter on the altar of stylish presentation.

The History of US series gets the story of the Civil War.......2003-08-04

Horn Book couldn't be more wrong.......2002-02-17

Both my sons are reluctant readers, and I've never seen them respond to books like they have to War, Terribe, War. I've read them too, and it's the most engaging, honest, and informative history of the Civil War I've ever encountered. Horn Book (above) says the pictures are "gruesome"--wasn't the Civil War gruesome? When are these educators going to realize that kids are far more saavy and capable of thinking about tough issues than they think? That's why my children are usually so reluctant to read. Hakim treats them with respect and the results are amazing. As for the writing not being clear and true, did the reviewer even read the book? I can't believe they did if that's what they're saying. I highly recommend this book to curious readers of all ages. We're going to order all the other History of US books.

War Terrible War.......2000-04-24

I have been teaching American History for the last five years. In my experience, I have found the History of US series by Joy Hakim, to be a great supplemental resource to educational textbooks and curriculum. In particular, I have found War Terrible War to be one of the finest books of the series. I highly recommend this book and series to students, parents, and people who enjoy history.

With Every Drop of Blood: A Novel of the Civil War

Average customer rating:

from an adult's perspective
The Ultimate Tale of Friendship
Good
grrr...
With Every Drop of Blood Book Review

With Every Drop of Blood: A Novel of the Civil War
James Collier
Manufacturer: Laurel Leaf
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

War | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

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

ASIN: 0440219833
Release Date: 1996-12-01

Customer Reviews:

from an adult's perspective.......2006-11-30

I was browsing in the children's section of the library, found this book, and thought it looked interesting, so I borrowed it. Generally I enjoy historical fiction and this was no different. It even got me interested enough to check out some of the details mentioned in the book--General Early, Mr. McLean, etc. (From wikipedia: "It is said that the American Civil War started in Wilmer McLean's back yard and ended in his front parlor.") This is an excellent book to get kids interested in the Civil War, if they don't see reading it as a "chore".

Aside from friendship, which other reviewers spoke about, I like the way Johnny does what needs doing. He doesn't complain about all the work he has to do while his father is away fighting. He just accepts it. The whole concept of responsibility is foreign in our culture. Maybe Johnny's attitude will rub off on readers.

One con--I could see how a kid could get bored with the book early on. Parts of it may seem weird to kids--mules?! butchering pigs?! hard work?!?!?! and therefore make it hard for them to relate. Still, I definitely recommend this book.

The Ultimate Tale of Friendship.......2005-11-29

What would you do if you were captured in the Civil War? Whould you make friends with your captor?
Johnny lives in Virginia during the troubling times of the Civil War. While battling for the Rebels,his Dad is shot and later dies at home.
In order for his family to survive, Johnny must take a dangerous job delivering goods to the Rebel army. As soon as the wagon train is underway, it is ambushed by a large number of Federal troops.
Although Johnny is one of the few lucky ones to still be alive,he is captured by the Federals and follows them through the war.
By reading the book, you will learn how Johnny struggles to stay out of Federal prisons with his mind set on returning home to his family.
I loved how this book not only showed the pysical hardships endured by the young people ate the time, but the mental ones as well.
I would recommed this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction and also enjoys a wonderful book about friendship.
Christopher and James Lincoln Collier also wrote My Brother Sam is Dead.

Good.......2005-06-09

I had to read this book for a social studies historic novel project. It was slow in the beginning, but as it progressed, it became increasingly more intersesting. If I didn't have to read it for school, I definately would not have read it.
This book gives you a lot of information and it seems to be very realistic and at some points you feels as though you yourself are in the scenes and there with the main characters.
This book is very understandable and I recommend it for children ages 11 and older because there is death and violence all throughout the story.

grrr..........2005-05-20

This book was a waste of time. I am forced to read in my L.A. class and it is the most boring book I have ever read!!!!! I also have to do assignments along with this book. Grr...I'm not even half done with it! I have to finish the book now..

But,....i gave it a star since the author put so much effort into this book and really worked hard on it as most authors do. But they could've done better by making this story a bit more interesting!

With Every Drop of Blood Book Review.......2004-04-23

Mallory Book Review!

I hurried outside. Ma had got the mules out of the harness and into the stalls.
"I'll do that, Ma. You go on in and tend to Pa."
"What did he want to tell you?"
"He made me promise to stay here and help with things."
"I figured that was it, " she said. "Did you promise?"
"Yes."
"I'm glad," she said. "It'd kill me to lose another one."

In the book With Every Drop of Blood by James Lincoln Collier and Christopher Collier, 14-year-old, Johnny, finds out his father dies after fighting in the war for three years. Johnny has to find a way to help his family, but he goes to fight in the war without his mother knowing. A black Union soldier captures Johnny. Somehow these two must find a way to conquer their differences and try to get along. On the way, they form an unlikely friendship that keeps growing each minute.
I think this book is mostly for boys, but girls will like it, too. It is good for boys because it has a lot of action. It is good for girls because a friendship forms, as the story gets deeper and deeper into the plot. I think this is a good book for children 10 and older.

Book Description

One member of the Fantastic Four lies hospitalized, a casualty of the Civil War that has fragmented the superhuman community! Another member of the team is secretly helping the opposition. It had to happen: Amid the tumult and tensions, the Fantastic Four break up! Who will toe the line, who will join the resistance, and who will leave the battlefield altogether? Is this the end for Marvel's First Family? Collects Fantastic Four #538-543.

Customer Reviews:

I HEAR VIOLINS.......2007-08-18

THIS BOOK HAD SOME COOL MOMENTS,THE THING ON VACATION WAS THE OBVIOUS HIGHLIGHT,FUNNY STUFF.THE SUSAN/REED/JONNY STORIES ARE OK BUT I DIDNT REALLY EXPECT SUCH DRAMA,EVEN AFTER READING C/W AND KNOWING THE MAIN IDEA BEHIND THIS BOOK.GOOD STORY WITH AN INTERESTING END THAT LEAVES MORE QUESTIONS FOR FF FANS.COUPLE"BONUS STORIES" TO FILL UP SPACE,DIDNT ADD ANYTHING BUT CHEAP LAUGH AND SHIPPING WEIGHT FOR MY BOOKS ROUND WORLD TRIP.THE CIVIL WAR ISNT A "FUN" STORY ,ITS A HARD TIME FOR THE MARVEL UNIVERSE SO THE EMOTIONAL TRIP IS WORTH THE TIME BUT DID AT TIMES MAKE ME FEEL LIKE IT WAS SOMETHING MY WIFE WOULD READ....I DIDNT CRY..GOOD STORY ALL ROUND BUT NOT THE ACTION OF OTHERS

"Fantastic" Civil War Tie-In.......2007-07-22

Johnny Storm in the hospital! Ben Grimm in France! Reed obsessed with his work and neglecting his family! Sue taking the opposition side in Civil War against her husband! It's just another day at the office for the Fantastic Four.

J. Michael Straczynski follows up his first two collections with this final installment. It's much stronger than his opening arc and on par with the second collection, the equally entertaining Fantastic Four: The Life Fantastic TPB. The final story in this Civil War collection is the epilogue written by Dwayne McDuffie, who promises more high octane excitement (with two surprise guest stars temporarily replacing Sue and Reed!). It's probably necessary to read the Civil War TPB to understand everything--but if you're a comic book fan you've already read that, right? No? OK, then start there and then pick up this collection to fill in the gaps on your favorite family. Collects Fantastic Four #538-543.

The FF in the Civil War.......2007-05-07

As the title implies, this TPB finds Marvel's first family torn asunder in the midst of the Civil War. With Reed "Mr. Fantastic" Richards working with Tony Stark to ensure the superhero registration act is a success, the rest of the Fantastic Four is tearing at the seams. Johnny "Human Torch" Storm is beaten badly and recovering in the hospital, while Sue sees first hand the destruction the war between the heroes is causing, and makes a decision that will alter the future of the team and her relationship with Reed. Since Babylon 5 creator and longtime Amazing Spider-Man writer J. Michael Straczynski took over scripting duties on Fantastic Four, he's made the book the most enjoyable it's been since the early days of Mark Waid's run on the title a few years back. That along with the great art from Teen Titans penciler Mike McKone makes this Civil War tie-in one of the best tie-in's to see print. Naturally there are some plot holes and gaps in the story that can be found in the main Civil War storyline (along with some other tie-in's), but that doesn't stop this TPB from being surprisingly good. All in all, if you feel the need to pick up the best Civil War tie-in's, this is a good place to start.

Average customer rating:

Pink and Say
A better way to teach the consequences of war and hate!
Pink and Say
Pink and Say is a Winner
great for young and old

Pink and Say
Patricia Polacco
Manufacturer: Philomel
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Action & Adventure | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

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

Staff Favorites | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

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

ASIN: 0399226710

Customer Reviews:

Pink and Say.......2007-06-14

This is a wonderfully written book. I have always enjoyed Patricia Polacco books and the sneak peek into her life that she gives us. As a second grade teacher I will use this book next year to give my students a better understanding of what happened in our country not so long ago. This book should give them a better understanding of how the color of your skin affected how others treated you.

A better way to teach the consequences of war and hate!.......2007-05-26

I have read this book to 4th-8th graders for years now, and find it stirs deep emotions of compassion in the young and old alike.
A must to teach the unintended consequences of war and hate.
Unforgettable!
In Harmony,
Diane L. Donohue

Pink and Say.......2007-03-30

Triston Corriveau 3-13-07
Writing Book Review

The book Pink and Say is a bout tow boys that go to war .It takes place in the south during the civil war. Say got shot in the leg pink carried him to his moms house. She took care of him. They had to hide because the other soldier where coming to find them. Pinks mom got shot by the other soldiers that where looking for Pink and Say. A man from the war comes to tell them they have to go back. They go back in their uniforms and they are soldiers again.
I thought Pink and Say was a good book. It made me feel like what they felt like. It made me think of my uncle because he going to college for the Air Force. And I want to be in the Air Force.

Pink and Say is a Winner.......2007-03-08

This book is a combination winner - the text and the illustrations are excellent. The "hand" metaphor resonates clearly - and Polacco has immortalized Pinkus Ailey with her moving story.

great for young and old.......2007-01-10

My daughter brought this book home from her Elementary school library about 7 years ago. I read it to her and fell in love with the whole story. It was so good when I found it on Amazon I bought it, so that when I have grandchildren I will be able to read it to them too! My oldest daughter is using it in college for her classes in special ed. She used it for a report that she needed to write on a childrens book. If you have children, grandchildren or are a teacher, you and your "kids" will love it!

Average customer rating:

profound and poetic
Confusing and Sad
Review by Marcus
Day of Tears
Day of tears

Day of Tears
Julius Lester
Manufacturer: Jump At The Sun
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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

General | Literature | 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: 1423104099
Release Date: 2007-03-20

Book Description

Emma has taken care of the Butler children since Sarah and Frances's mother, Fanny, left. Emma wants to raise the girls to have good hearts, as a rift in morals has ripped the Butler household apart: Sarah and their mother oppose the inhumanity of slavery, while Frances and their father, Pierce, believe in the Southern lifestyle and treatment of blacks.Now, to pay off mounting gambling debts, Pierce decides to cash in his "assets." He hosts the biggest slave auction in American history, at the price of his humanity. During these two days, the skies weep on the proceedings below, for although Butler promises Emma's parents not to sell her: money, desperation, and greed enable him to justify his any misdeed. Through flashbacks and flash-forwards, and shifting first-person points of view, readers will travel with Emma and others through time and place, and come to understand that every decision has its consequences, and final judgment is passed down not by man, but by his maker.

Customer Reviews:

profound and poetic.......2007-08-23

I read this book to understand what my daughter had been assigned to report on. And since I've read it, I am so excited to have discovered a truly gifted author who has many more books I can explore.

Normally, I don't like dark stories about slavery because of how difficult it is to experience the senseless cruelty of it. This story truly illustrated that cruelty. However, the dialog format allows you to get more absorbed in a "conversation" than just experiencing a painful piece of history.

Lester explains that he wrote the book to give voice to those "who did not have an opportunity to tell it for themselves." Because history only tells of this incredibly large slave auction and the details of the white slave owners and sellers, Lester fills in the details of the experiences of the slaves during this incredible event and after.

I loved how he allowed us to peak into the minds, emotions and motives of parties from all sides: the slave owners, the southern people absorbed in the slave culture, the slaves, both old and young, as well as those who disagreed with slavery and how they walked out their beliefs. And just when you were reading an account of a "villain" or a some other character whose views you disagree with, Lester would hit you with a profound, provocative statement that would transcends all social, economic, or others barriers and speak to any human condition, compelling you to take stock of where you really are on your own "road to independence."

This book is no easy read though it is a fast read. It confronts you with the consequences of institutionalized hatred, ignorance and greed. It also forces the reader to search his or her own heart to discover what part they play in their own contemporary environment of backwardness and to open one's eyes to the residual effects of this often "forgotten" institution of slavery.

Confusing and Sad.......2007-07-30

This is NOT what I expected--I expected an actual story of slaves and their experiances but instead it is a book of a Play told in story form, where it gets confusing and frustrating trying to piece together who goes with whom. The author also leaves you hanging in the end--the final chapter starts out as if there is more then suddenly it ends and is over--nothing more. Many threads were left untied and hanging and those that weren't were short and not too sweet--very confusing but great on historical facts aside those which were also short not much to this book and certainly not worth buying--borrow it from the library instead.

Review by Marcus.......2007-05-30

Day Of Tears by Julius Lester is about slavery in the mid 1800s and how slaves felt about getting sold off at a slave auction. The book is also in dialogue. The characters in the book reminisce about their experiences with the slave trade, and what happened on the day of the auction, and also how they are feeling.

The book was very interesting. I think its good enough to read. It really shows how the slaves were feeling about having an owner, for example they didn't like getting sold off to mean owners.

Day of Tears.......2006-12-13

The main character in the book called Day of Tears by Julius Lester is Emma. Emma is a young black woman, and she lives a life as a slave. Emma is faced with very many challenges. She is the nicest person in the book. In this story Emma is a slave for this man that has no name in the book except "master." Emma thinks he would NEVER sell her, so at the slave auction she told all the other slaves that they had nothing to worry about because he wouldn't do that to them. The master's daughter who is nine falls in love with the slaves and treats Emma like her mother. Master doesn't like that because his x-wife was a "slave lover" and he didn't want that for is daughter. Emma tries to run away with others but it doesn't work and they get caught. Master is very upset with Emma, and threatens to sell her. She can't believe her ears. I really like this book. Its non-fiction book and it's great. It was one of my favorite books. I would recommend this book to anyone.

Day of tears.......2006-10-12

This book is called Day of tears by Julius Lester. This book is VERY suspenseful. It is about the largest slave auction in ever held in America. It takes place in Savannah, Georgia. It is a non-fiction book and at some parts it can be really sad. Some of the main characters are Mattie, Will, and Emma. They are a family of slaves that work for a guy named Mr. Butler. Emma, is the daughter of Mattie and Will. She takes care of Mr. Butlers daughters, Sarah and Frances. Their mother, Mrs. Butler, died a few years back, and Mattie's job is to clean the house and greet guests. Will works with other men in the fields and in the stables.

A very unexpected thing happens. Mr. Butler decides to take one of the three people (Mattie, Will, or Emma) with him to the auction. He takes the chosen one not to get sold but to help him with his daughters. I was very scared when this happened because I was afraid because I thought he was taking this person to be sold.

I really liked this book. I could read it a thousand times. If I had to pick my favorite book I would definitely choose this book. I think this book was at a good reading level for me. I am not a great reader but not a bad reader so I think it is a good book for 4th- 7th graders. As long as the 4th graders parents approve. I think that when I am older or an adult I will remember this book and still encourage kids to read it! This book has some parts I know I would easily remember what they were or what they were about. I would encourage every one to read this book and I think every one would enjoy it!

If You Lived At The Time Of The Civil War (If You.)

Average customer rating:

Bigoted, Biased Ballyhoo!
Don't Waste Your Money
Unrealistic book
Shameful
Great kids book with nice illustrations.

If You Lived At The Time Of The Civil War (If You.)
Kay Moore
Manufacturer: Scholastic Paperbacks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | History & Historical Fiction | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 4-8 | 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: 0590454226

Book Description

Describes conditions for the civilians in both North and South during and immediately after the war.

Customer Reviews:

Bigoted, Biased Ballyhoo!.......2006-07-25

I would really like to know if Ms. Moore actually believes what she wrote, or simply did it for the money. Either way, the book is shameful and filled with inaccuracies, inuendo, half-truths and fabrications. If You Lived at the Time of the Civil War is a shining example of Political Correctness at its finest. Don't waste your money.

Don't Waste Your Money.......2006-05-02

on this book, unless you wish to follow the mindless politically correct rewritten version of history that you find pretty much everywhere these days. I am a teacher, a historian, and a woman whose ancestors fought proudly for the Union Army. That said, I recognize this book for what it is. If you're really looking for something historically accurate, then you would better spend your money on books which detail - even for this age group - the War Between the States in much more realistic and honest terms. They are out there. Though I'm not quite as passionate as some of the reviewers below, I agree with their sentiment entirely. This book is simply fluff with almost no historical value - actually, it's worse than that, because it does perpetuate false stereotypes. It's especially bad because it's done in the guise of educational fiction. Shame on Scholastic.

Unrealistic book.......2005-06-20

While I will concede that the book is an easy read, it does talk down to the child and the book constantly contradicts itself.
One example from the book:
Women and children in the South were not use to doing things for themselves. Then showing children with barefoot.
If a child is rich enough to not "do" for himself he would not be barefoot as only poor people were barefooted in those days.
Secondly very few people in the South actually owned slaves, something the book doesn't make clear.
The issue for many Southerners wasn't slavery as much as taxes.
Like a pervious reviewer I wish the book covered Sherman's march to Sea which an effort by the Union Army to just target the Southern Civilian population.
I also wish the book was be more accurate and stated that the Northern Army didn't treat former slaves well either.

The sad part that the book didn't bring out was the fact that during reconstruction there was little to no schooling allowed for children whose fathers served in the Rebel Army.

Shameful.......2005-06-13

This book IF YOU does not give the actual facts of why the Civil War was fought, such as the South was tired of paying unfair taxes, coastal water monopolies (by the North) and tariffs.
The IF You book goes with the party line of the South fought to keep slaves. Slavery while an issue of the Civil War wasn't a major issue; in fact some of the largest slave holders in the South were against secession as they felt slavery would be held safer in the Union then outside the Union [Even Lincoln wrote that Slavery would be held safer in the Union then outside the Union where the states who seceded would lose all constitutional guarantees).
Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation in hopes of starting slave revolts in the South (interesting note the Emancipation Proclamation was only for those slaves in the Confederate states it did not apply to the four Northern states that had slaves or to Southern states that were under Northern control).
The book makes the Southerners look like murdering thieves while the Union come across as the fighters for justice, it totally overlooks W.T.Sherman's march to the sea which was a war against the unarmed civilian population of the South particularly women and children who were thrown out of their houses in the dead of winter without their clothes on by the Northern troops, in many cases ganged raped and left without food to starve.
The justification of such treatment towards noncombantants was that the South started the war however, it leaves out the fact that women and children in that time era had no rights and were without a voice. Women couldn't vote, weren't allowed to work, could not serve on jury duty etc.
I found this book very uninformative and full of misleading information.

Great kids book with nice illustrations........2004-01-08

All of the "If you Lived at the Time of..." books are great for kids, and also a nice, quick read for adults! What I like about them is their layout, which is easy for readers to follow. Each page begins with a question, "Would you have seen a battle in the South?" for example. Nicely drawn illustrations accompany each answer. The book itself is small and lightweight enough to be handled easily by kids. Issues between the North and South are explained simply and, I believe, fairly.

Average customer rating:

An intriguing work of historical fiction...
Student with a review
My daughter says it is the best book she's ever read.
Ali's opinion
Turn Homeward Hannalee

Turn Homeward, Hannalee
Patricia Beatty
Manufacturer: HarperTrophy
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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

General | Issues | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | 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: 0688166768
Release Date: 1999-06-21

Book Description

During the closing days of the Civil War, plucky 12-year-old Hannalee Reed, sent north to work in a Yankee mill, struggles to return to the family she left behind in war-torn Georgia. "A fast-moving novel based upon an actual historical incident with a spunky heroine and fine historical detail."--School Library Journal. Author's note.

"There are few authors who can consistently manage both to entertain and inform." --Booklist

Customer Reviews:

An intriguing work of historical fiction..........2006-12-28

All 12-year-old Hannalee Reed has ever known is the mill. In her small Georgia town, everyone, from children to adult, earns his or her living in the factory.

Then Yankee soldiers come and burn the mill down to halt the Confederate war effort. To her horror, the soldiers take Hannalee, her 10-year-old brother Jem and her brother's teenage fiancee Rosellen away from their families and hometown, far up north, where they are auctioned off as servants.

Desperate to stay with Jem, Hannalee cuts off her braids to disguise her brother as a girl. But the ruse fails, and Hannalee finds herself alone in the home of a Yankee couple who hate her, simply because she's Southern.

Her mind on her widowed mama, who was expected to have a baby any day, Hannalee decides she's got to head home. She runs away from her master and sets out looking for Jem and Rosellen.

Readers will enjoy the adventures of Hannalee, who is both courageous and just a regular child like themselves. The pull of home -- as poor and war-torn as it may be -- is also touching.

If you enjoy this book, be sure to check out "Be Ever Hopeful, Hannalee," which picks up the Reeds' story just after the Civil War, when they struggle to build a new life for themselves in Atlanta.

Student with a review.......2006-03-24

This story is a bout a girl named Hannalee. Her older brother, Davey, breaks up with his girlfriend Rosellen to go to war. The Civil War. Hannalee is shipped away from her home is Georgia because she wants to go to war. Houses are burned, people are killed, and people blast cannons. Hannalee must face the hardships of her new life in war. Hannalee has to fulfill her promise to her mom about returning home to her nice and wonderful life back in Georgia.

My opinion of this book is that it was action filled. Nothing ever stopped happening and Hannalee is a very brave girl to go to war. Nothing in this book was boring or dumb.
I am writing from San Anselmo, CAlifornia

My daughter says it is the best book she's ever read........2005-12-15

This book was very good. My nine year old daughter loved it. She could not wait to find out what happened to Hannalee. Very good book! I also read it and liked it a lot.

Ali's opinion.......2005-10-18

This book has a very good story but it is boring in some parts.
Some one should read this book because it is a story that is sad,funny,and in between.Some one should not read this book is they are looking for something quick to read.A historical-fiction person should read this book because it's all about the Civil War!I don't want to give it away but my faverote part was when Rosellen & Hannalee put a bonnet on Hannalee's little brother,Jem.My faverote charater was Hannalee because she is determand and kind but she is also strong both fisacly and mentaly.

Turn Homeward Hannalee.......2003-10-19

What happened in this book you ask? Well I will tell you. Things that you imagined that would happen back then is not what it is compared to the book. What happened in the book was amazing. There is this 12 year old girl named Hannalee and her 10 year old brother Jem. They get kidnapped by the Yankees and get taken away from their mom who is pregnant. Once they get to their destination they are adopted for work. Hannalee runs away from the people who adopted her and travels from Ohio all the way to Hartford, Kentucky just to find her brother. Hannalee and Jem find their way back home safely.
The main character in this book is Hannalee. Hannalee is a very brave and determined girl. Hannalee is a girl that every girl would dream of being. She always thinks positive and never thinks negative.
The main conflict in this book is most likely the Civil War. Another problem that caught my eye was that the tone in which her voice seemed to be in was an unhappy one. The last problem would have to be being separated from her family in the war. And a whole lot more.
Hannalee resolved the problem by taking the lead being in control and she didn't let anything bring her down. The other thing is because she cared more about her loved ones being home and safe. She didn't believe they would get killed or sick or anything bad. She thought the whole time they were going to make it home.
My opinion of this book is a very good one. I am glad I got this book and that I had an opportunity to read this book. Would I recommend this book to others? Yes I would. The reason I would recommend this book to others is because it shows that even if you are a kid everything is possible.

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books