education

"On Christmas Eve, many years ago, I lay quietly in my bed. I did not rustle the sheets. I breathed slowly and silently. I was listening for a sound -- a sound a friend had told me I'd never hear ...." And so begins one the of the most beautiful stories of all time. Although I am now a senior in college, The Polar Express has remained the most valued and cherished book in my ever-expanding library. A childhood Christmas gift, Chris Van Allsburg's timeless masterpiece has become a fixture at our family gatherings each and every holiday season. Every member of the family, from the youngest to the oldest, appreciates it's simple but elegant story-telling style illustrated by the soft and soothing silhouettes of Van Allsburg's full-color art. The Polar Express is the story of a young boy and his magical journey aboard a mythical train to the North Pole. The reader is taken along this incredible ride and rediscovers the true joy and pure spirit of a child at Christmas. Van Allsburg's beautiful illustrations become as important to the story as the words themselves. These life-like pictures encourage children of ALL ages to explore their own imaginations and to become active participants in the young boy's journey. In the end, the young boy has grown into an old man, but the spirit of Christmas still rings for him, "... as it does for all who truly believe." I hope you enjoy this book half as much as I do.

The Polar Express. By Chris Van Allsburg. Illustrated by Chris Van Allsburg. Houghton Mifflin Company, 1985. 32 pages. What could be more familiar to young listeners than the Christmas Eve ritual of anxiously awaiting Santa's arrival? Multiple Caldecott Medal Award recipient Chris Van Allsburg capitalizes on such shared experiences. His text invites readers to identify with the restless narrator "listening for a sound. . . the ringing of Santa's sleigh." Van Allsburg doesn't stop there, and neither does his Polar Express as the drama of turning the page intensifies with every passing wolf-infested forest and ice-filled desert. Van Allsburg temps taste buds with sensual similes like "candies with nougat centers as white as snow" and "hot cocoa as thick and rich as melted chocolate bars," while his surreal masterpieces break out their frames to extend text. Emotions implied through words become unmistakably explicit through full-colored illustrations. Why read between the lines to discover the feeling of shock that overcomes the young passengers (as a result of the narrator's loss) when one can experience first hand the children's horror-enveloped faces by glancing at the accompanying pastel drawing? Similarly, the narrator's wonder-filled features while receiving the first gift of Christmas juxtaposed with Van Allsburg's manipulation of shadow and light articulate the tales sense of awe perfectly. Van Allsburg's use of perspective takes the reader beyond the confines of the Polar Express as glittering specks of light from the North Pole are detected beneath the majestic arcs of a passing bridge. This spectacular tale can be enjoyed by anyone who still truly believes, but its sumptuous wording- "thundered through the quiet wilderness" and "hissing steam and squeaking metal," is most satisfying when read aloud by a fluent reader to younger listeners.

It must be nice to have written a real holiday classic. I imagine that author Chris Van Allsburg must be tickled pink by way his book, "The Polar Express" has slowly gained increasing attention and praise as the years have gone by. Though not my favorite Van Allsburg (a tip of the hat grants his miraculous "The Stranger" that honor) this book is perhaps more perfectly his style than any of his other texts. And in that way, it is truly wondrous.

In this story, a young boy travels at night by a train bearing the book's title to the North Pole with a host of other antsy children. This combines the dual pleasure kids would feel in getting to staying up late AND taking a train all by themselves. Once at the North Pole, our hero asks Santa only for a silver bell from his reindeer's sleigh. Santa complies and though the boy looses the bell on his way home, Santa returns it to him. For years afterwards, only those who truly believe can hear the bell's magical ring (which, actually, explains why adults cannot hear Santa fly overhead at night, I suppose).

It's a lovely story, complimented nicely with Van Allsburg's realistic (but not photo-realistic) illustrations. Particularly nice is how the story does not date. Though it clearly takes place at a time when children wore dressing gowns, it does not feel as if it is a period piece. The kids traveling on the train are slightly multi-cultural and the waiters on the train delightful in their white puffy hats.

This book is so well loved that it has actually inspired whole communities to create their own makeshift Polar Expresses. On these trains, kids are served hot cocoa "as thick and rich as melted chocolate bars" while grown-ups read them the book. They then meet Santa and go home contented and happy. Unfortunately, as charming as this may seem, it may be greatly exploited with the late 2004 release of the CGI film version of the book. My advice is to grab this book right now, regardless of whether it's Christmas or not, and read it to your kids thoroughly. Such nice stories as this deserve extensive attention. Let us all hope that this story sinks deeply into the canon of picture books beloved by millions of kids the wide world over. It's a class act through and through.

I am in a novel class at my high school, and The Lords of Discipline is one of the best books I have read so far in that class. Pat Conroy gives a vivid, harsh display of life in a military school and how it can change anyone, even in the slightest way. There is trust, brotherhood, love, tragedy, and betrayal, and when you can effectively work with all these things at the same time, you are definitely a fine writer. The main character, Will Mclean, goes from being a boy to an "Institute" man in a very difficult way. While trying to help the first black student to go to the Carolina Military Institute, he comes across a mysterious group known as "The Ten", who set out to rid those not worthy of the Institute. This ultimately leads Will to discover something about his school, his friends, and himself. All in all, Pat Conroy gives a realistic view of military school life with poetical and lyrical passages that are what every writer should try to emulate. From its humble beginning to its shocking ending, The Lords of Discipline is a book you will not want to put down as soon as you begin reading it. Take it from a Southern girl!

I was required to read this novel for an elective English class. Little did I know that it would become one of my favorite books ever.After finishing the first chapter, I was drawn into the story and imediately a fan of Pat Conroy's. He has a style of writing where he, just as most passionate writers, get caught in the moment and lyrically write from the heart. McLean's experience through military school is something that everyone should read. Even if you are not the least bit interested in the military or it's politics, one can still learn something from this novel morally based on honor, entrapment, betrayal, friendship, and life change. I reccomend this book to both men and women who want to be moved by a page turning, eye watering, and heart opening novel.Thank you,Pat Conroy for giving me the knowledge of how brutal life can be, and thank you for an experience I was able to learn about. You are a brave soul.

Lord's of Discipline was my first introduction to Pat Conroy's work, and it has turned out to be his best. Compulsively readible, you will want to fly through this story. And even when you've read it once, you'll be able to go back for an enjoyable re-read. With the exception of Prince of Tides, I have enjoyed all of this author's work. This book takes you back to the deep South of the late 1950's. Conroy's evocative style is thoroughly engaging. This book translated exceptionally well into the movies. Unfortunately, the movie did not do that well at the box office, but I think it might have been hard for the viewing public of the early 80's to connect with the story. If Hollywood will just put Lords of Disipline out on DVD . . .perhaps it will develop the following it really deserves.

In the third novel of her epic Harry Potter story, J.K. Rowling weaves an even LARGER and more complex tale of mystery, betrayal, magic and fantasy. Far more gripping than the first two novels, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban will leave you on the edge of your seat as Rowling takes you on a magical ride of mystery and shocking betrayals as Harry and his friends, Ron and Hermione, battle the forces of evil and search for the truth. As has become her M.O., not all is as it seems. The ending will leave you in complete shock and surprise.

The Main Story:

Harry's third year at Hogwarts of Wizardry and Withcraft is marked with danger as the infamous Sirius Black, believed to be the second most evil and dangerous Dark Wizard in the land and the right-hand man of Lord Voldemort, escapes from Azkaban, the Wizards prison, leaving a cryptic message, "He's at Hogwarts!!!" behind. Tensions rise as Black continuously sneaks into Hogwarts, leaving the students, faculty and even the government paralyzed with fear.

Supporting Stories:

-What is the mysterious power that the dementors hold over Harry?

-Harry continues to see images of a mysterious Black dog. What does it forebode for him?

-For the third year in a row, a new Defense Against the Dark Arts instructor, Professor Lupin, joins the Hogwarts faculty. A beloved and able instructor, Professor Lupin himself, however, holds a mysterious secret with his frequent illnesses. Is his illnesses caused by the strange potions Snape is giving him?

-After an elusive two years, will Gryffindor finally be able to capture the House Quidditch Cup?

-Hermione's new cat Crookshanks has an unusual and deadly interest in Ron's deteriorating pet rat Scribbles, leaving tensions high between Ron and Hermione.

-How exactly is Hermione managing to keep and maintain her impossible school schedule?

-Harry, Ron and Hermione come to the defense of Hagrid's hippograff who is sentenced to death

What We Find Out:

-We take a step into the past of Hogwarts as Fred and George bestow upon Harry the Marauder's Map, authored by four students from Hogwarts past.

-We learn a little about Harry' parents days at Hogwarts and the friends they had, and more importantly, the enemy they made.

-We discover the TRUE story behind Harry's parents' death and the startling story of betrayal behind it.

-We take a look beyond the walls of Hogwarts as the third year students visit the purely magical town of Hogsmeade.

-The mysterious Divination instructor, the seer Professor Trelawney makes a shocking prediction about the return of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named!!!

Far more gripping and engaging than the first two novels, fans of Harry Potter will love and enjoy this third chapter in his epic story. Rowling continues to expand upon the world of Harry Potter at a great rate, slowly revealing more about his mysterious past and the world around him. At a little over 400 pages, the book reads fast.

Harry Potter mania has swept the nation, if not the world, for the past several years. Rowling's gripping stories of mystery, suspense, shock, fantasy and magic are a true treat. This book is another shining example of why her characters are beloved by both children and adults the world over.

My total read time: 11 hours, two evenings.

Highest Recommendation

This is the third book in the wonderful Harry Potter series (7 total, only 4 are published at the moment). Harry is to begin his third year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. During the summers, he lives with his aunt and uncle. They are not at all fond of magic and keep Harry away in his closet, forbidden to use magic (by the school) or have any contact with his friends. Harry's parents were murdered by an evil wizard when Harry was only an infant. Harry survived, mysteriously, unscathed except for a scar on his forehead. Harry arrives at Hogwarts having learned that a man named Sirius Black has escaped from the wizard prison Azkaban. Presumably he wants to kill Harry Potter. Black was a convicted murderer and worked for the wizard who killed Harry's parents.

The school is almost in a lockdown with the frightening Dementor guards looking for Black and guarding the school. Harry, of course, gets into mischief anyways and winds up involved in finding Sirius Black. There are plenty of surprises and Rowling writes this book with fast pacing and an interesting story.

This is one of the strongest books of the four, and with this book, the series is beginning to get noticeably darker and less for children than it was before. While not very frightening for an adult, the book may be scary for a young child. Though these are marketed for children, the Harry Potter series is as much for adults as it is for children. Excellent reading.

I loved it. Simply LOVED it. I really liked the anticipation.

Ms. Pierce has managed to write yet another absolutly fantastic book. I have read all of the Alanna books; the Immortals quartet; and the circle of magic quartet. I am falling in love with this series, I bought The first test yesterday afternoon and begged my mother to go buy the sequel that night. Today I have read THE PAGE twice and THE FIRST TEST once more. I have fallen for both Neal and Cleon and am looking forward to hopefully something more between one of them and Kel in the next novel. Joren continues to puzzle me and I am dying to see who picks Kel for a squire in the next book. Owen is such a sweet heart, u cant help likeing him! Kel possess's the charm of all Ms. Pirce's other characters plus an sweet personality that makes me want her as my best friend. The only slight complaint I have is that Kel has not yet discovered who her sedret gift giver is...its SO obvious! Anyway it was a wonderful book and I cant wait for the next one!

Since I gave "First Test" 5 stars, I really need 6 for this one. It's even better! The second book in the Protector of the Small series, "Page" covers Keladry's last three years as a page in knighthood-training school. We meet several new characters: Lalasa, Kel's maid, whom Kel hires in order to protect her from ill treatment by others; Owen, the young page whose favorite word is "jolly"; and a new animal friend (in addition to Kel's cranky yet loyal horse, Peachblossom, and her helpful flock of sparrows), the faithful dog Jump. Kel continues to stand up to bullies and works to conquer her fear of heights. Her mysterious benefactor bestows more gifts on her. Keladry of Mindelan is an admirable and likable heroine, and in this book she shows her courage, resourcefulness and leadership ability. If you haven't read the two previous Tortallan series, The Song of the Lioness Quartet and The Immortals, don't delay! These are all well-written, exciting, fun fantasies that can be enjoyed by both young readers and grown-ups.

You should really read it. Specially if you have read other Tamora Pierce books in the past. This is not the first book in the series though so I would recomend that you read the first one before reading this one, you dont have to but the background makes the story much more enjoyable. The story is a very captivating one, and it will make you want to read the rest of the series. I had to wait for the fourth one and I nearly died. So, yes, please read it. I love Tamora Pierce and I have converted a number of my friends. This book is just one example of her brilliance, and it will not dissapoint you.

I'm a die-hard Roswell fan so it's hard for me not to like this book, but people who do not watch the series will like it too. The book is aimed at a young teen audience and because of that, the writing can be very simplistic. I still enjoyed it. I didn't need an elaborate writing style to evoke the world of Roswell for me. Metz has wit and writes her characters very well. One of the wonderful things about the Roswell High books is the humor. You will never run out of one-liners! The romance and sci-fi and action elements are balance perfectly - by the end you will have no choice but to buy the 2nd one. Trust me...I tried to resist, but ended up getting all ten. (I suggest buying 2 or 3 books at a time...you'll get through them pretty fast.)

If you love the TV show you will love this book. There are a few differences such as name changes or the Pod-squad's mythology. The only thing that I didn't like was the fact that Max Evans had blonde hair! (I read it and change it to brown in my mind - I know...what can I say? I'm a fan.) All in all it's a great read - A lot of fun.

This book is about Isabel, Max, and Michael being a little diffrent from ordinary teenagers at their highschool. Little did Maria and Liz know that they are about to be in to this big secret. That Max, Isabel, and Michael had survived the Roswell crash in 1959. The were incubated in a a hard substance and were put up for adoption at a young age. Now still living in Rosewell, New Mexico they want to learn more about their past lives and meet their real parents. Until Sheriff Valenti comes to town and has a wierd feeling about these three teenagers. How will Maria and Liz handle this news when they find out this big secret? How will they react? Read the book and you will find out! I think that this book is a most read for all people that enjoy the TV show on Wednesday nights. If you read the books you will have a better understanding of the plot of the show. If you love Science Fiction books this is also a most read. But I think that for now I'll stick with the TV show.

"The Outsider" was an awsome I could not put it down. It is really interesting how they mix alien life and human life together. And it is very action filled. I would read it a second time just to get the juice going. And the characters are very intersesting and the author Melinda Metz is a very good writer. I would say that readers anywhere from 12-25 could read this cause it is interesting.

In March of 2001, I "just happened" to be listening to a radio station to which I normally do not listen at that time of day. I heard Ellie Kay being interviewed about how she saves money on groceries. My ears perked up, because up to that time, I had been struggling to stay within my food budget. I am a mother of six children (ages ranging from 2-20). After hearing Ellie on the radio, I purchased Shop, Save, and Share. This book has been very instrumental in helping me save money on my grocery bill. Since I have been using Ellie's suggested methods of saving, I have had enough to occasionally share with two single moms, as well as sending a variety of items to a children's home. I am very thankful for being led to hear about Shop, Save, and Share.

We are a family who has always had hard times financially. My husband barely makes enough to keep us fed and some weeks we panicked because we didn't have enough money for food. Then I heard this seminar and read the book called "Shop, Save and Share." Ellie showed my, step by step, how to cut my food bill and save money in other areas, too. Within the first two months, I cut my food bill in half and have a ton of extra food! Now I can afford health insurance for the first time in many years. I have a medical condition that we couldn't afford to get medication and tests to treat. We didn't feel that morally we could go on government assistance. But now, we have health insurance and can pay our own way thanks to Ellie Kay. She is really a God send. Last week, we had no money for food (again) but we didn't panic. because of this book, I had extra groceries in my stock. God used this book to improve our lives, get me the medical help I need and maybe even save my life. Thank you, Ellie Kaye.

When you're facing financial difficulty, the last thing you should be doing is buying consumer products like books, right? Except maybe this one and one by Mary Hunt on managing money. I remember my mom cutting coupons but I never exactly studied the science of it. Ellie Kay breaks it all down for you. you get taught about ways to save money I had no idea existed. It's a quick, easy read that you can gain skills from and immediately apply. It is the kind of lesson where you can use the tools you gain slowly then apply on a larger scale after you master some steps. It is definitely worth owning, reviewing, and referring to. I actually was directed to this book by another of Ellie's books I received upon becoming engaged--The New Bride Guide. That was a surprisingly refreshing, honest, and useful book--and believe me I read dozens of them! That one was not cliche either. Anyways, definitely pick up Shop,Save,and Share. It is worth your money and time--I promise whether you plan on cutting brand buying out of your habits or not. The beauty of learning the actual science is that you can apply it to your lifestyle at a level of stringency that is comfortable for you and your family.

A couple of months ago, I asked my ten year old grandnephew Joe what he'd been reading lately. He proceeded to tell me about an unbelievable game called 'Quidditch', a wondeful place called 'Hogwarts', and an out of place but very special person, Harry Potter.

OK, it's not Tolkien, Tolstoy, Shakespeare, Gabaldon or Uris. J.K. Rowling communicates a remarkable perception of childhood fears, and the abdurd, out of place, self-defensive nature of early teenagers in an upsetting, unknown, uncertain and very dangerous world.

Sorcerer's Stone is a fun read, replete with magical family heirlooms, talented sturigiforms and other family 'pets', plot twists that are interesting and unexpected, and solid, growing friendships between characters of very different age, size, likes, personalities and abilities.

Remarkably, diversity and respect for the individual play a strong part in this and later Harry Potter adventures. Harry gets pushed, but doesn't push back too hard. His response to negative people and events is to wonder why, not to strike out - even when facing a deadly enemy.

The recommendation for 9 to 12 year olds must be based entirely on the reading level, rather than the content. Adult readers will enjoy Sorcerer's Stone as a relaxing 'between book' as much as young readers enjoy it as recreational reading.

But beware! If a group of kids sees you reading this book, expect to be quizzed on every detail!

While Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone doesn't really need yet another glowing review, I'm not going to let that fact stop me from reviewing a book I happen to love. I was a tad late catching Harry Potter fever, coming in about the time the first movie was released on DVD, but I'm now a quite devoted fan of J. K. Rowling and the magical stories she has given to us all, dazzling young and old alike in a manner quite unheard of before. Actually, I don't think I would have recognized Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone as a children's book had I picked it up with no previous knowledge whatsoever about the phenomenon. It's a rip-roaring good story filled with amazingly lifelike characters set in a truly captivating setting. Harry Potter is, in a way, the ultimate underdog despite the fame he suddenly finds himself enjoying on the day of his eleventh birthday. Ron Weasley is the perfect sidekick, self-conscious of his family's modest means and forever moving along underneath the large shadows of his more successful older brothers. Then there is Hermione Granger, my favorite character in the Potter universe, a smart yet captivating know-it-all who eventually becomes the unlikely yet essential third member of Rowling's intrepid trio of heroic friends. All of the characters are rich and alive: Professors Dumbledore and McGonagall, the unforgettable Hagrid, the fearsome Snapes, the incorrigible Draco Malfoy, etc. This book is so compelling that I can't imagine ever forgetting even the most seemingly unimportant of characters.

If you enjoyed the movie but haven't actually read the original novel, you really owe it to yourself to pick up the book. The movie is amazingly faithful to Rowling's novel, with only a few rather minor changes, yet the book offers so much more to the Harry Potter story. For one thing, his life on Privet Drive with the Dursleys is actually much worse that it appears in the movie. The story behind Snapes' immediate dislike of Harry is told in these pages, as is Harry's first and highly significant meeting with Malfoy early on in Diagon Alley. It's really quite amazing to see how many little tidbits of future significance are scattered throughout this original story, giving one the impression that Rowling had a pretty clear vision of Potter's future in mind quite early on. Perhaps most importantly, the ending works so much better in the novel; the movie ending just seemed to lack a little something, but the book not only fills in some gaps, it describes a much more trying set of warding charms and traps Harry, with the help of Ron and Hermione, must pass through in order to save the day. Not only is this story enjoyable from start to finish, it is also both inspirational and educational. Children can learn a great deal from Harry Potter and the way he fights for good against evil no matter what the risks, remains forever loyal to his friends, and never gives up under the most trying of circumstances. Brave, noble, and true even at the worst of times, yet humble and shy in his moments of success and achievement, Harry Potter is truly a hero for the ages.

...J.K. Rowling's debut is a fanciful one and will be rightfully regarded as a classic even 100 years from now. It is timeless. It speaks to the adventurous child in all of us; young, middle-aged or old, it doesn't matter. It is an especially fascinating read for a child, no doubt; however, it is also works for us adults as well. It is far more entertaining than some of the old British classics, such as THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS, but it offers the same timeless feel. Indeed, we can easily place ourselves in the young titular hero's shoes because, as he himself says at the beginning, "I'm just Harry." Just an ordinary kid--could be any one of us. Of course, he isn't just any one of us--but what if...??

Obviously, it would be a complete waste of time and energy to write a full-on plot summary of this or any Harry Potter books, so I will not do so. I do want to point out that I saw...the film version of HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER'S STONE first. I loved it and thereby became anxious to read the book from which it had been adapted. Of course, I was already aware from others of the fact that the film had stuck very closely to the book; however, it still amazed me as to how close the filmic adaptation actually was. Not that it mattered in the slightest; HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER'S STONE is an extraordinary debut novel from a very gifted storyteller. Especially coming out when it did, on the heels of the mindless Pokemon craze, it accomplished the seemingly impossible task of getting kids to read. That is the most monumental legacy that a book can ever have. The story of Harry Potter is timeless and--thank God--not merely a passing fad. Now I just need to catch up on the other books...

Firstly, as an adult reviewing Harry Potter, I must say that any book which gets children to read over 600 pages with such excitement and joy is a wonderful thing and must be applauded.

The reason for the success of the Harry Potter series is very simple - these are great books, and Goblet Of Fire is no exception. A thrilling read with lots of plot twists and moments of great joy as well great anguish.

J K Rowling has made it quite clear that this fourth book is vital in terms of the overall themes and plot of the Potter saga - one of the reasons for its great length. It certainly does develop the story but this is also the weakness of the book. You get the feeling that Rowling is focussing on the bigger picture here and I think the central story in this book suffers (albeit only slightly) as a result.

There are too many loose ends and unresolved issues for this to be a truly rewarding read but that is a small gripe. It is still an excellent story and it sets the next three books up wonderfully. It isn't in any way a disappointment and is a worthy instalment in the series.

I guess what I am trying to say is that I loved this book but preferred the others in the series.

She is still a wonder and this book is a marvel!

I started reading the Harry Potter series after my nine year old son, who read the three book series five times, said he was "simply addicted." I soon too became addicted to these books and "Goblet of Fire" has just fueled the addiction! This book is superb! I read the book straight through for ten hours and did not want it to end. The plot twists and character development are phenomenal! You will cry as you reflect upon the inherent goodness in Harry and his friends as they battle evil. Rowling's images are rich and powerful and quickly draw the reader into an absolutely stunning world. Buy this book and then share it with the children you love--you will give them an unforgettable gift! If you can, buy additional copies and donate them to a deserving school library or children's literacy program--there is no better way to encourage a love of reading! Now I ask can we survive waiting 365 for Book Five? :)

This is the best Harry Potter book out there so far.... Its so full of excitment and action and clever situations, I simply loved it, cant wait for the movie!

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is the second in the hugely successful series about the boy wizard. In this book, Harry Potter has just finished his terrible summer vacation with the Dursleys and goes back to Hogwarts for his second year of wizard training. He is visited by a strange goblin Dobby, who warns him not to go back to Hogwarts. Despite this unpleasing warning, Harry Potter is ready to start his new school year and Quidditch practice. However horrible things soon start to happen. The annoying cat of Filtch is attacked and petrified. Then a boy is attacked in the same way. Soon the whole school is in big fear. However some Hogwarts students are attacked and petrified- even one of Harry¡¦s best friends, Hermione, becomes a victim. The only thing that the victims have in common is that they are all Muggle-born. Can Harry solve the mystery and rescue his friends and Hogwarts? The reader follows Harry through his exciting adventures in which Voldermort must be outwitted again.

The plot is definitely full of interesting twists that pull the reader right into the story. Everything Harry Potter does is so heroic that makes the reader love him. However there is one part I am not much satisfied. When Hogwarts people find out that Hermione is attacked and petrified. Harry thinks of Hogwarts will be closed and he needs to go back and live with the Dursleys again, which his unfortunate future days can be imagined. That is why, as the book says, the reason why Harry needs to find out who is the headmaster of these terrible events, stop him and rescue the victims. But in my opinion, it is better for him to consider of his best friend rather than his own life. He should be more miserable and grieve when he sees the cold and stiff body of Hermione.

The first one of Harry Potter ends in a pretty unexpected way. The mastermind appears to be a man who is not suspected in the first place at all. So while reading the second one, I was thinking of somebody else to be the bad guy, not Molfoy. However I was wrong this time. The Molfoys is still the bad guys, just the big bad one shows up in a very surprising way. Dobby's ending is fun and brilliant too. I just cannot stop praising Harry, our young hero.

This book is certainly interesting. I could not stop reading it till midnight, though the finals were coming. It just stuck on my hand.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling is a charming, imaginative, magical confection of a novel. The Dursleys are so mean and hideous over the summer that all Harry wants is to go back to the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. For in Harry's second year at Hogwarts, fresh torments and horrors and some minor annoyances arise, and then the real trouble begins.

Readers don't have to be a wizard or a kid to appreciate the spell cast by Harry Potter. Harry himself is the perfect confused and unassuming hero. Any willing person will be interested in all the adventurous moments throughout the book. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is a delightful romp. J.K. Rowling leaves the door wide open for a third book or a series; bedazzled readers will surely clamor for one. Anyone looking for a fun novel will love this brilliantly imagined and beautifully written fantasy. Believe it or not , Harry Potter is destined for greatness.

While skimming through the pages, you try to imagine how could any person come up with such remarkable ideas. A massive serpent, a diary that writes back to you, and a secret chamber that opens from the girls lavatory. The majestic scenery and the wondrous incidents make the Chamber of Secrets an outstanding novel.
There is so much wonder and history behind this magical universe, and J.K Rowling sucks you right into it. Witchcraft and wizardry is such an interesting topic to write about, and Rowling approaches it in such an unusual way. She lets you learn and grow with the characters so by the end of the first book, you have to read on. Harry, Ron and Hermione are regular kids, but withhold a little secret. All born witches and wizards, they await their year spent at Hogwarts, the school that they attend. But every year strange, mysterious things happen to the trio, which cause the to take matters into their own hands. And this year it's the Chamber of Secrets, a very sensitive subject, no one is willing to talk about. Rowling's description and detail bring you right into Hogwarts, as if you are student enrolled there.
The Harry Potter books are definitely a read that you don't want to miss out on. Once you finish The Chamber of Secrets you will be anxious to start the next book. If you're feeling dull and want to jump into a new novel, I would strongly recommend Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. But be careful, you don't want to get too obsessed.

Like most Roald Dahl books (for me, at least) I thought this was a pretty good book (...), but by only a few years later I've come to really hate it. For a Roald Dahl book Matilda is pretty good-it has an interesting plot, at least.

Unfortunately aside from that I hate it. The characters are all either Mary-Sue's or horrible cardboard villains. Matilda is so annoyingly perfect, she taught herself to read as a baby, soon read the kids section of the library, is a complete genius, quite nice, and has telekinesis. Miss Honey, her teacher, is annoyingly sweet and smart. Headmistress Trunchbull and Matilda's parents are ridiculously mean with no attempt whatsoever to make them human and realistic, and no one bothers to explain why Trunchbull got her job or wasn't arrested for her horribleness. And the little humor it has is all dark.

(...)

I'm 15, and I still love to read Roald Dahl, namely, Matilda. Matilda ranks in my top five favorite books ever, and I have to wonder, how did Dahl do it? In all his books, he creates worlds and characters so far-fetched that to make them make sense in our messed up world today, is something not many authors can claim.

Matilda is the story of a neglected girl, with easily the two most rotten parents in the history of literature (Rivaled only by the Dursleys of Harry Potter). She has amazing intellectual skill. She's only, what, five or six, and can tell you what 14 times 396 is two seconds after you ask it. She's reading books by Charles Dickens as well. But, because her parents are nitiwts (Or, in tribute to Dahl, Twits) she goes unnoticed. So she plots revenge in hilarious ways. She dyes her fathers hair platinum blond, glues his hat to his head, and fakes a ghost in the house.

Then comes payback on Matilda in the most terrible school. She is enrolled in Cruncham Hall, a bleak, dark academy run by *Duh Duh Duh* Miss. Truncball, who was in the Olympics for Shot Put and javelin. Hmm...Thats scary enough right there. Her policy is "A school with no children is the best kind of school" She uses kids for throwing pratice. She hangs them upside down, the throws them over spiked fences, she locks them in the chokey, which is a small chamber, about a foot wide, and nails, glass, and other sharp objects so you can't lean, sit or move.

Anyway, she develops psychic powers to fight back against the tyranny of Mrs. Trunchball, and along with her friends help and her wonderful Teacher, Miss Honey, she wins.

Without a doubt, one of Dahl's best books, if not the best

The book is about the little girl Matilda. She's about five years old. Her family doesn't care much about her, they mostly care about money, the TV and bingo. Matilda is very talented, she can read already and she loves it. Her first day at school her teacher, Miss Honey, notices that Matilda is very talented. She goes to the Headmistress to ask if Matilda can jump to the final grade. But Miss Trunchbull (the headmistress), who doesn't like children, doesn't believe Miss Honey.

I don't want to reveal all of it but the bok is about the "war" against the Trunchbull, because nobody likes her. I think it is a nice end to the book anyway.

It wasn't too hard to read the book because it is a children's book. It is easy and fun language. The characters are also funny. Like the father who is selling broken cars, the platinum blonde mother and the Trunchbull, who hates children and usually swing girls by their pigtails above her head and then throws them out the window.

It is a good book and well worth reading.