literature

I remember reading The Mad Scientists' Club for the first time when I was only about eight years old. I must have read and re-read that book from cover to cover over a dozen times since. It is a collection of stories about the escapades of six boys in the town of Mammoth Falls who use their wits and scientific knowledge to get in (and out) of all kinds of fun mischief, including "haunting" a house, creating a lake monster, and entering a hot air balloon race. Essentially, these six young men dive head-first into all the kinds of adventures that I longed to have as a young man. Brinley's book influenced my own adventures and ideas as I grew up, and my own stories and writings have been heavily influenced by the memories I have of this book. If you ever get a chance to read this book - DO IT!!! You will discover the adventures you always wanted to have become real in The Mad Scientists' Club.

I remember reading The Mad Scientists' Club aloud with my dad and mom as a child. We'd alternate chapters, pausing only long enough for the laughter to subside. Later I re-read the book in my mid-twenties, simply for nostalgia's sake. I discovered that the humor had lost none of its charm, and that the characters were still the same gang of ornery, creative geniuses that I'd remembered from youth. So much fun, and such a great introduction to reading. It's not tragic or soul-searching or brilliant prose; it's BETTER than all of these things: it's a page-turning series of adventures -- almost a '50s-era Tom Sawyer -- that celebrates intelligence, curiosity, and youthful imagination. Order this fantastic book for every child you know. (And don't miss The New Adventures of the Mad Scientists' Club, either!)

I remember seeing this book as a movie when I was a kid and I would love to find out the name that it was released under. I remember seeing it in school then on TV a little while later. The actors were British or Australian...that type of accent. I don't remember if I saw the movie or read the book first. It was probably around 1974 when I saw it.

"The Road to Guadalupe" is a heart-warming and healing treasure. Author Eryk Hanut weaves the timeless tale of the enormously revered Virgin of Guadalupe with his experiences as a modern day pilgrim in Mexico City. The fragile, poignant and miraculous story of the Mother's appearance to an illiterate peasant runs counterpoint to Hanut's dusty, wise and scintillating account of the host of eccentric characters, from charlatans to diamonds in the rough, that surround her shrine. It is this mixture of earthy and Divine that makes the book so utterly unique and delicious.

I marveled at Hanut's use of English (not his first language) in "I Wish You Love", the story of his relationship with Marlene Deitrich. In both books, he delights the reader with stunning metaphors. Although "The Road to Guadalupe" is a narrative, the author's disarming observations as poet and photographer dominate the vivid writing style, leaving his audience breathless and eager to turn the page in search for more of his jewels. His lazer sharp sketches of unforgettable characters will blaze in your memory, long after the book is reluctantly closed.

At last. At last a book that is what it claims to be. At last an author whose congruency shines in every word and between every word. At last a HUMAN journey for, with, and in search of the divine. No detail is missed, no simple solution or candy-coated solace is sought, no doubt is shirked, no one and nothing is spared his scathing scrutiny and wit. This is it. This is Mexico. This is the journey of the thoughtful and the faithful. It is all seen and told with an acute sensitivity, a true and wicked sense of humor, a brilliantly refined and down-to-earth sensibility, and with a rare congruency that includes the reader in every emotion, every taste, and every spell on so many levels that it fills your senses and your heart with every word. I believe this writer. I believe his faith. I believe his struggle. I believe he could not have written this story, this way, without being exactly who he is on the pages. This book manages to BE a pilgrimage. It does not describe a journey to the sacred tilma in Mexico city. It IS the journey. Mr. Hanut managed to evoke the place, as if casting one of the spells, he includes from his journey. This book is a magical adventure that does not end. And Mr. Hanut is a practiced and effective guide in the land where story becomes myth, myth becomes religion, and religion becomes daily life in all of its darkness, as well as its light.

This book is just superb! And I mean- SUPERB!!!!!!!!!Poetic,funny, acerbic- and so full of wisdom. I like his style- so irreverent and so deep at the same time. I will reread it often and will give it around.
I strongly recommend it- you got the point, right?
I met Eryk Hanut once- many years ago. I attended an opening for his artwork in Virginia Beach. I was with a friend (who was already sick and has died since)who admired and praised one of Mr. Hanut's Art pieces . She told him so and joked that she couldn't afford it; He left us and came back with the framed photograph that he had just took off the wall- and gave it to my friend. That's the kind of man he is.
Long live authors of his talent and originality!

In Small Steps: The Year I Got Polio by Peg Kehret, Peg has plenty of friends, a brother, and two loving parents. She's the average middle school girl. How much more normal can you get? One day while in choir class, she has this terrible muscle spasm. That's the beginning of what made her unique.
Peg's temperature rises, and is taken to the hospital, only to find out she has polio, the only case in her town of that year. Peg is immediately put into isolation, where she becomes paralyzed from the neck down, and cannot breathe properly. She develops not only one type of polio, not two, but three types. The author made me feel like I was there, witnessing Peg's discomfort.
Read about Peg's feelings as her polio worsens, then gets better. Share her triumphs and disappointments. You'll be caught up in this book, and you won't want to put it down.
Peg Kehret tells what happens in Peg's fight against polio. The author really makes you feel like you're there. I think people of all ages looking for a good drama will really enjoy this book. It teaches you what happens when you're willing to try anything to get things the way you want them. This book takes you away from your world, and into Peg Shulze's.

MorgTC & CBTherese

Book Review
Small Steps: The Year I Got Polio

The book I read was called Small Steps: The year I got polio. It is an autobiography about peg Kehret, and when she got polio in the seventh grade. It started on homecoming morning; she was building the seventh grade float. Then in the hallway, by her locker she all of the sudden she fainted and woke in the hospital not remembering how she got there or who changed her clothes. Then she went home and fell asleep on her bed for about two hours than woke up and she couldn't move her parents took her back to the hospital to get tested the doctor asked her parents to leave after her parents left the doctor said "After multiple tests... we have came to the conclusion that you are paralyzed from the neck down". What they did to find out if she had polio was to drain some fluid from her spin and tested it for the deadly disease. This all happened in the late 1940's back when there wasn't a vaccine to prevent polio. In 1949 Peg Kehret turned 13. In her long years at he Sheltering Arms hospital she eventually took therapy and started to move her fingers, then parts of her arms then she could move both of her arms. After she could move her upper body she started to exercise her upper body. After about two or three yeas of therapy she started to move her feet and her legs. After another year of therapy she started to walk a little, then a little bit more each time she had therapy. I believe she got to meet Shirley Temple in the ten to twelve years at the Sheltering Arms hospital. I really enjoyed this true story of Peg Kehret

I read this book earlier this year and it still lingers in my heart as a touching story filled with courage and hope. The seccond I picked up this book I couldn't set it down! This book makes you realize how hard the patients that have or have had polio had to suffer and how hard it is to recover from this deadly virus. I would reccommend this book to anyone at the drop of a hat.

Review of book: The Village Poet is a philosopher who is highly favored among the chief villager and villagers. His speech challenges people to overcome their evil contention with good intentions. First, he mentions fear as example for putting a halt on their spirtual growth. Fear takes place when you're running from failure, rejection, and humilation. Therefore, change must emerge from "I can" to " I can't" in our hearts. His next step of becoming a true soldiers is realizing the love for oneself and others. Love doesn't downplay or dictate a person's self-worth for living. You know that God made everything beautiful, so accept who you are and others too. Also, he tells them to about helping others and having a forgiving heart towards mankind. Lastly, he gives God's instructions, "Seek ye first the kingdom of heaven and all else is yours." If you believe that, then all your struggles are just temporary. Either, you're going to do two things, follow the works of evil doers or follow God. Following the instruction of God may seem long, but the journey will always be rewarding.

Overall Opinion: The "Village Poet" is a great story of encouragement for all people. It can serve as a guide for our daily struggle. The story makes you think about the consequences of right and wrong. Although the sources remain unknown, God is truly represented throughout the whole story.

The Village poet is a philosopher who is highly favored among the chief villager and villagers. His speech challenges people to overcome their evil contentions with good intentions. First, he mentions fear as example for putting a halt on their spirtual growth. Fear takes place when you're running from failure, rejection, and humiliation. Therefore, change must emerge from "I can't" to "I can" in our hearts. His next step of becoming a true soldier is realizing the love for oneself and others too. Also, he tells them about helping others and having a forgiving heart towards mankind. Lastly, he gives God's instructions, "Seek ye first the kingdom of heaven and all else is yours." If you believe that, then your struggles are just temporary. Either, you're going to do two things, follow the works of evil doers or follow God. Following the instructions of God may seem long, but the journey will always be rewarding.

The Village poet is a great story of encouragement for all people. It can serve as a guide for our daily struggle. The story makes you think about the consequences of right and wrong. Although the sources remain unknown, God is truly represented throughout the whole story.

THE VILLAGE POET AND COLLECTION OF WRITINGS is a series of stories and a play written when Leon Newton was about ten years old. The stories and the play show an amazing amount of knowledge, caring and kindness for a child so young. In the play, Emperor Titus is rather taken with himself, arrogantly referring to himself as the great emperor. He is also very loyal to his Chief Administrator because he had been a good administrator to the emperor's father. His son attempts to get him to see how corrupt the Chief Administrator is but his advice falls on deaf ears. The results, of course, are predictable.

In his short story "The Newspaper Boy," Newton successfully illustrates what is important in life. He shows us that it is not money, fame or worldly success, but what we do as human beings for others less fortunate than us. He also deals with the issue of racism in America and how debilitating it really is to all concerned.

It is amazing how appropriate his writings are for today's America. If only all of us could take his stories to heart the world would be a much better place. It is a short, easy read and well worth the time spent...

Pam Munoz Ryan is a wonderful writer. I love the book The Flag We Love. I love all the interesting facts about our flag. My favorite page is when she explains Betsy Ross who created the American Flag. I really enjoyed reading about our flag.

I enjoyed the book The Flag We Love. I found out by her, and Ralph Maseillo the true meaning of the book. It's about the history of the Flag. It's a very sad book, but also very interesting, fun facts, and just great to feel how many lives were lost so we could have our freedom! My favorite part in the Flag We Love is when I saw the wall of all the soldiers that died in the Viet Nam War. I just don't think elementary students would like this book, but also a higher grade! It's an educational book, but it is also a very wonderful book! I think if you have not read The Flag We Love then you should try it!!

This book is a great way to teach children about the Amnerican flag through rhyme and pictures. You can focus primarily on the rhymes for younger children and then focus on the factual information given as a sidebar on each page for older children. Wonderful resource!

The classic childrens story of a new toy - The Velveteen Rabbit, and a little boys love for it. Also it was the story of toys and how they become real; when the boy truly loves them. Without giving away too much of the story, I do sense a sadness to the story whenever I read it. Perhaps its in the writing. Yet, nonetheless, there is a classic story here thats been told and retold many times, and this is one of the times that its told well and honestly. Highly reccomened to children and adults.

This is my all-time favorite children's book! A little boy receives a stuffed rabbit for Christmas, and they love each other until one day...This book is so true and honest in its emotion, you will not be able to read it without shedding tears. It deserves much more than 5 stars. Read it aloud with your child...share the beauty and the love.

Most youngsters have a favorite toy, which may be why they have always loved The Velveteen Rabbit or How Toys Become Real.

Today small eyes and ears will respond just as eagerly to the
reassuring story of a stuffed rabbit miraculously transformed by love.
First published in 1922, this classic tale loses none of its power in today's brightly illustrated abridged version which is more accessible for a younger audience. Ages 3 and up.

Marguerite Henry took great license in telling the story of the Godolphin Arabian, but it's likely there were two reasons she did so; first, because she based the majority of her novel on heavily romanticised reports like that which appeared in Western Horseman in 1949; second, to illustrate to young children what could happen to perfectly good horses that were considered worthless because of prejudice or unwillingness to see what was there.

The real Sham was born in Tunis and given by the Bey of Tunis to King Louis XV with a group of other horses. But there's no evidence that he was reduced to pulling a cart in the Paris streets before rescue by Edward Coke. Coke probably got him from the Duke of Lorraine, who'd gotten him from the King.

A contemporary described Sham as "beautiful but half-starved", so the rough sea voyage with the greedy staff is likely true, even if the cart-horse story is not. He also said that Sham (he spelled it Shami, and other accounts have "Scham") was temperamental and generally disliked by the stable hands. A vet who cared for Sham in his last years said he was built to sire champions: "his shoulders were deeper, and lay farther into his back, than those of any horse ever yet seen. Behind the shoulders, there was but a very small space ere the muscles of his loins rose exceedingly high, broad, and expanded, which were inserted into his hindquarters with greater strength and power than in any horse I believe ever yet seen of his dimensions, viz fifteen hands high."

Agba was real; there are portraits of the little horse with a handsome dark-skinned young man in flowing Arab dress and turban. Whether or not he was mute is debatable. Again, many of the later accounts have been greatly romanticised. But Grimalkin the stable cat was real too, according to early records which report his presence in the famous portrait.

There is no record of the apocalyptic battle with Hobgoblin. We can look at that, and Sham's subsequent exile to Wicken Fen, as symbolic of the prejudice felt by the complacent English toward this relatively small, strange-looking newcomer. The truth is that Sham did mate with Lady Roxane and sired Lath. He sired 116 others in his long lifetime.

With all the interest in Seabiscuit of late, one would like to point out that as a direct descendant of Man O'War, he was also a direct descendant of the Godolphin Arabian. Just another horse who seemed worthless, but was not, and came from behind to prove the superiority of Arabian blood.

Look up "Davenport Arabians" to learn more about this proud line.

I decided to read this book because I have heard about this book from my friends. I also read this because it had been awarded a Newberry Honor award. The day I was introduced to it, I thought it was boring. How I was wrong! Instead, the book was very interesting.
The main character of this book was a young, mute boy called Agba, but the most important main character is a horse called the Godolphin Arabian, or Sham. Agba is a kind boy who took care of Sham from when he was born, and after Sham's mother died. Sham becomes known as the fastest horse in his stables. Sham is a spirited horse that only listens to Agba, and no one else. I feel sorry for Agba because he ia a mute.
I enjoyed reading this book. It was fun reading about Sham and his descendants. The story plot was great. It also talked about what happened to Agba and Sham, and about their trip to France, and then England. This story was told by the owner of Sham's descendant. That's why this book received a Newberry Honor Award.

King of the wind is a great book. I am not a hores book person but I really liked this book. Sham was born with a singh of bad luk witch was the weat ear but he was also born with a white spot on his hind leg withc was good luk and that he would be a fast running hores. Sham, Agba,(is the mute boy who takes care of him) and a cat. Thoes three go through many things to gether and live many places. The book has a pretty happy ending and you should read it. I am going to give you about ten words of advice, GIVE THIS BOOK A TRY AND GO READ IT.

This book reminded me that siblings have the longest relationship with a person with any disability and need support - the parents lives overlap with their children to a certain extent, but a sibling's life overlaps for the whole of their lives. The sibling is just as affected as the person with a disability and their lives are changed too. The Sibling Support Project of the ARC is a great resource for kids who ahve a sibling with a disability ...

The Man Who Loved Clowns is about a girl named Delrita Jenson and her Uncle Punky. Punky has down syndrome so Delrita dosen't have many friends because she doesn't want people to make fun of his disability. It is a heart warming story and you they grow on you as if you were really friends with them. I really like June Rae Wood. She is a really good author and i love how her book are so interesting. I really like the story. It makes me feel bad that some people would actually make fun of other people because of a disease they were born with. I have read her other books and they are just as good as this one. I really like this book. Its is one of my very favorite books I have read it a lot of times. It is a really good book you should think about reading it. The only thing I would change is I wouldn't have had both of her parents die. I think it was to dramatic. It is a good book for anyone who likes a sad story.

The man who loved clowns is about Delarita Jenson and her uncle "Punkey". He has Down's Syndrum and therefore Delerita wants to remain invisible. But when a terrible car crash claims Delaritas Parents, she and Punkey are forced to live with her aunt, and her world turns upside-down. While reading this book, I couldn't help but crying. I would recommend this book to every one and any one with a heart.

Leaping lizards! No, it's flying frogs! One evening frogs begin to fly and experience the nighttime from a different perspective. Caught up in the adventure, the frogs startle people and chase animals until their power to fly disappears in the morning.

Wiesner's extraordinary illustrations tell a story which words could not do justice. He develops the tale of the frogs in detail through pictures.

Upon reading Tuesday, it will likely become one of your favorite books, whether you are a child or an adult.

In the inside of the cover, Wiesner claims these events actually happened one Tuesday and... "all those in doubt are reminded that there is always another Tuesday." Beginning at 8:00pm, we see a three-part picture of a pond that changes perspective to focus on an alarmed turtle. Frogs on lilypads have taken flight and begin to chase after birds, intimidate a dog and confuse a man eating midnight snack. As morning approaches, the frogs return to their pond, leaving their lilypads and the curious detectives behind. The story ends with the words, "next Tuesday" and the shadow of a flying pig.

I've used this book in primary classrooms. It is a very cute story with only a few words. It also provides a wonderful opportunity for children to tell or write their own words. This enables students who cannot read yet to engage in a literate activity.

Why 5 stars?:
This book tells a cute fantasy story with very few words. It lends itself to having children make up their own text, which will support their emerging literacy skills. The illustrations are incredibly lifelike and it is no wonder it won a Caldecott.

David Wiesner's, almost wordless, book, "Tuesday," gives the reader a vivid story about a group of frogs who take their lily pads for a ride. Their lily pads fly through the air and through the neighborhood. The frogs' adventure ends when the sun begins to rise. However, the next Tuesday, another animal gets to take a similar adventure.

In the book, "Tuesday," David Wiesner uses watercolor on Arches paper for the illustrations. The illustrator uses dark colors to represent the time of night in this story. The dark colors also give the viewer a sense of mystery as they flip through the pages. However, the illustrator also uses light colors to represent the light from a house, the glow from a television set or the time of day. David Wiesner uses line to show the action of the frogs, by guiding the viewers' eye through the frogs' adventure on their lily pads. Wiesner's choice to make the frogs in the book, "Tuesday," makes the frogs seem friendly and happy.
My favorite aspect of the illustration was that color. The light and dark differences found throughout the book made the story seem very real, even though the plot is very, "magical." The use of blues and grays make the frogs flying through the air seem mysterious. While the fluorescent lights of the kitchen give a very drastic change to the frogs flying in the night outside. I also think that it was very cute for the frog to be waving at the man in the kitchen. I think that is a minor detail that a child will most likely pick up on and appreciate.
The lighting of the television room was another favorite for me. I like how the artist let the glow of the television shadow the frogs and the old woman. I enjoyed the fact that the frogs made themselves at home with the remote control and the cat looking on, in the background.
I think this is a book that a child would definitely enjoy to, "read," especially since they do not have to read. The child is free to let their imagination do the storytelling.

Misty of Chincoteague by Marguerite Henry is a great book. It's about a boy named Paul and a girl named Mureen.They lived with thier Grandpa and Grandma on a ranch. Paul and Mureen tried to raise enough to by a wild horse named Phantom on Pony Penning Day. But on Pony Penning Day Paul went to find the Phantom. When he found the Phantom she had a colt. So he brought them both in. Every one was so happy because no one had ever cought her because she was to fast. But Paul and Mureen didn't have enough money so they tried to raise more money to buy both of them.It is one of my favorite animal books. I think it's fun, and a great family book. So you should read it for yourself, and find out if they have enough money to buy both of them.

Misty of Chincoteague is a wonderful book for all ages. The Phantom is the wildest horse on the Island of Assateague. The "map" of the United States on her whithers and the fact that she ran like the wind made the lead mare of the Pied Piper's herd the most desirable horse on the entire island. Paul and Maureen Beebe want the Phantom, and work hard to earn the hundred dollars to buy her if she is caught. But no one can catch the Phantom, right?
Surprises are in store for the young reader, and old friends will enjoy coming back time and time again to this book for all, Misty of Chincoteague.

This book takes place both in Assateague and Chincoteague islands. Maureen and Paul Beebee happen to go to Chincoteague Island with Grandpa Beebee. As they are there they come across the beautiful wild herd of horses! Suddenly the most wild mare, The Phamtom comes racing across! As Pony Penning Day is nearing both Maureen and Paul decide to raise enough money to buy the Phantom. When Pony Penning day arrives Paul not only rounds up the Phantom herself...but her filly Misty too! As Maureen and Paul are ready to buy both the Phantom and Misty, tradgedy strikes. Misty is sold!!! How can this be? Will Maureen and Paul ever have their wish? Read and find for yourself!!

A fast paced book that you will not be able to put down! A little too predicting and easy but a great book for any horse lover. I definatly suggest you buy this book today!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~MISTY OF CHINCOTEAGUE~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~