Penny from Heaven (Newbery Honor Book)

Book Description

It’s1953 and 11-year-old Penny dreams of a summer of butter pecan ice cream, swimming, and baseball. But nothing’s that easy in Penny’s family. For starters, she can’t go swimming because her mother’s afraid she’ll catch polio at the pool. To make matters worse, her favorite uncle is living in a car. Her Nonny cries every time her father’s name is mentioned. And the two sides of her family aren’t speaking to each other!

Inspired by Newbery Honor winner Jennifer Holm’s own Italian American family, Penny from Heaven is a shining story about the everyday and the extraordinary, about a time in America’s history, not all that long ago, when being Italian meant that you were the enemy. But most of all, it’s a story about families—about the things that tear them apart and bring them together. And Holm tells it with all the richness and the layers, the love and the laughter of a Sunday dinner at Nonny’s. So pull up a chair and enjoy the feast! Buon appetito!

Customer Reviews:

A Gem of a Book.......2007-08-20

Being a Newbery Honor book, I had to give this book a read. I definitely wasn't disappointed! This was a beautifully written coming-of-age story that children and young adults will be able to enjoy for years to come. Jennifer Holm, author of the Newbery Award winning book, Our May Amelia, is back with another lovely book about children growing up faster than they should have too, but enjoying themselves on the journey.

Penny, a half-Italian girl living with her mother and grandparents in New Jersey, longs to know more about what happened to her father. Her died when she was very young and her mother never speaks of him. The only time Penny is able to hear his name mentioned is when she is over at her Italian grandparents house, where her myriad of Aunts, Uncles, and cousins never fail to talk about her dad. Penny loves spending time in this boisterous household where food is always delicious and her best friend and cousin Frankie spends most of his time.

Unfortunately, Penny's mother doesn't get along with her in-laws and doesn't like Penny spending all of her time over there. As her mother begins dating, Penny tries to break up the dates in order to matchmake between her mother and her father's brother, Dominic. Penny, more than anything, wants her two families to love each other as she loves them. After a tragic accident that puts the use of Penny's arm in jeopardy, the true colors of her family members really begin to shine.

Set in the 1950's this book is so much more than family problems. It has exciting baseball games, friendships, and a mystery of buried treasure. The characters are incredibly real and lovable. Uncle Dominic was probably my favorite of the cast, because of his quirkiness and mystery. This is a true gem of a book.

Strong Female Protagonist - strong writing.......2007-07-06

This delightful piece of historical fiction set in New Jersey in the 1950's explores the life of "Penny" who lives with a single mother and grandparents, but who has a whole other life on Sundays with her father's family, a large Italian American one with uncles who dote on her. The mystery that threads itself through this story is that no one will talk about her father, and how and why he died. Or, why the families do not intereact, except through her.

Strong writing, a strong female protagonist, and interesting sub-plots all make for a delightful coming-of-age story, very appropriate for the upper elementary and middle school audience.

Courtesy of Teens Read Too.......2007-06-23

PENNY FROM HEAVEN, a new offering by author Jennifer L. Holm, is an excellent pick for middle grade readers. Set in the early 1950's, it tells a story of everyday life and rich Italian heritage.

Penny lives with her mother and her grandparents. At the start of the novel, she's almost twelve. Most of her time is spent hanging out in the neighborhood with her cousin and best friend, Frankie.

Bike riding would be fun, but Penny's bike was unfortunately backed over in the driveway. Going swimming in the city pool or taking in an afternoon matinee sounds like quality entertainment, but Penny's mom believes those places are breeding grounds for the dreaded polio everyone seems to be contracting. That doesn't leave much to do, but Penny and Frankie always seem to find something to get into. It might be an attempt to fix the leaky toilet that turns into a major repair job, or the secret mission to discover if great-grandma Nonny wears black underwear to match her old-fashioned black dresses.

Penny is surrounded by tons of Italian aunts and uncles, but she misses her father. His death years ago is still shrouded in mystery, one that Penny seems unable to uncover. Her mother is becoming interested in Mr. Mulligan, the milkman. Penny's attempts to pair her mother up with favorite Uncle Dominic fail miserably.

Day-to-day life is pretty predictable for Penny and her family until the unthinkable happens. After a tragic accident, Penny finds herself making plans for a very different life. Readers' emotions will be tested as Penny's story unfolds.

Jennifer L. Holm is also known for Newbery Honor book Our Only May Amelia (Harper Trophy Books) and her Boston Jane Series: An Adventure series, which is my personal favorite.

Reviewed by: Sally Kruger, aka "Readingjunky"

I like this pennie girl very much.......2007-05-24

She is a lot like alice, a girl in anothr book I like very much, only her mother died insted of her father. Pennie is very kind, and a little bit funny and a little bit sad. I like the way she thinks things over. I think I might read it again, if my sister will let me borrow it again. If I can think of something to trade. Books are like gold and chocolate around my house, people keep it for themselves. If you are thinking of buying this book, do it. You'll love it.

Just Like Being Home Again.......2007-05-05

Since both my sets of grandparents came from Italy, I'm usually wary of books that contain Italian families; they are either ga-ga over the Mafia or do not seem authentic. I was in love with Penny's wonderful Italian family immediately; I knew all these people in my own family. My dad's mother even did her cooking at a gas-converted coal stove in the basement because it was cooler in summer and she didn't want to "mess up" the nice kitchen upstairs! The food (sfogliatelles!), the homes, the loving uncles, the men torn between pleasing their mothers or their wives, the one male cousin who's always in trouble, Grandma dressed in black making homemade macaroni and homemade gravy (not "pasta" and "sauce," which are "Med-i-gone" terms!)...wow, it took me all back. Holm has the early 50s atmosphere down pat...I wished I could open a door and go back to meet all her characters, visit the Sweet Shoppe and the family butcher shop, and listen to "Dem Bums" on the radio. I also was drawn into the growing mystery about Penny's father, which exposes a chapter in history that most people have never heard of. I'm glad I decided to purchase this book; if you are Italian, this is a must have.

Average customer rating:

Highly Recommended
the relatives came
One of our all-time favorites
the relatives came
1986 Caldecott Honor Book

The Relatives Came
Cynthia Rylant
Manufacturer: Aladdin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0689717385

Book Description

In a rainbow-colored station wagon that smelled like a real car, the relatives came. When they arrived, they hugged and hugged from the kitchen to the front room. All summer they tended the garden and ate up all the strawberries and melons. They plucked banjos and strummed guitars.

When they finally had to leave, they were sad, but not for long. They all knew they would be together next summer.

Customer Reviews:

Highly Recommended.......2007-08-01

We found this book second hand somewhere - and when we read it, we knew we had discovered a treasure. We took it to my sister's - read it outloud to only adults. We read it to our grandchildren. It is a lovely book filled with what something very good about life on earth. Transcends these people - hits us all.

the relatives came.......2007-05-13

Such a great story! I've read it to my kids at least 5 times and also the kids I work with in the school. It's such a wonderful/funny story of family, and making those long trips just to be together in the summer.
It's a must have in a childrens library.

One of our all-time favorites.......2007-01-03

We first received "The Relatives Came," our first book by Cynthia Rylant, as a free paperback in a Cheerios box. We have cherished it so much that we've purchased it for friends and also bought a large hardback version for our family. It is a precious story about the love of family and how they work and play together during their much-anticipated, lengthy family reunions. The illustrations are incredible and truly fun. We love this book so much that we've bought other Cynthia Rylant books, "Christmas in the Country" and "When I Was Young in the Mountains," and they are also fabulous and highly-recommended. Ms. Rylant's books are treasures to our family because they speak of simpler times and the sweetest things in life.

the relatives came.......2006-07-04

THE BOOK IS WONDERFUL. I AM AN ADULT AND THOUGH THE BOOK IS MEANT FOR CHILDREN, I PURCHASED ITFOR MYSELF. THE RELATIVES SEEMED SO REAL AND REMINDED ME OF WHEN OUR RELATIVES VISITED US FROM WEST VIRGINIA WHEN I WAS A CHILD. I LIVE IN VIRGINIA AND SOME OF THE ILLUSTRATIONS REMINED ME OF MY OWN NECK OF THE WOODS.

1986 Caldecott Honor Book.......2005-07-15

I am an elementary education major at West Virginia State University. I am currently taking Children's Literature with Prof. Roger Samples where we just completed a project on a Caldecott honor book. For my book, I read The Relatives Came. I thought that overall, The Relatives Came was a great book. It was a great story about the closeness of a family and the joy and excitement that is felt when they are together. Not only was this a great story, but it had some very nice and detailed illustrations. Stephen Gammell's illustrations are like an added bonus that goes along with Cynthia Rylant's great writing. Some books can often tell the story either without the pictures or the words present. That is not the case with The Relatives Came. They both play a key role in the telling of the story.

Up & Down New York (New York Bound Books)

Average customer rating:

Delightful
Irresistable
A Jazz Age portfolio of the Big Apple
Classic New York at it's finest

Up & Down New York (New York Bound Books)
Tony Sarg
Manufacturer: Universe
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Travel | People & Places | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0789315483
Release Date: 2007-03-27

Book Description

Originally published in 1926, Up & Down New York is an imaginative, charming, quirky, and delightful period piece-but it is also timeless. This facsimile edition of the nostalgic classic reproduces Sarg's delightful illustrations of the dynamic and vibrant streets and famous places in New York. The surprise is in finding how much remains the same in many New York neighborhoods after 80 years, including Grand Central Station, Times Square, The American Museum of Natural History, City Hall, the Stock Exchange, the Great White Way (Broadway), the shuttle in the subway-not to mention the busyness and vibrancy that characterizes the city. The places that do not exist anymore, including the aquarium at the Battery and Washington Market, give us a glimpse of New York in its first heyday. This new edition of Tony Sarg's Up & Down New York will appeal to kids of all ages, to designers, illustrators, and book collectors, as well as anyone interested in New York or 1920s-era drawings.

Customer Reviews:

Delightful.......2007-08-16

I love New York and this amazing collection of late 1920's illustrations reinforces my rapture. Sarg not only captures the architecture of some great landmarks, but also infuses them with vibrancy by populating the scenes with human vignettes out of Breughel, or Where's Waldo if you prefer.

I find the material dazzlingly contemporary, but believe it makes a tremendous gift for parents or grandparents who can use these images to bond with their progeny.

It's fun to view the citizens on the streets in their jackets and ties as a picture of the past; and elders will have a grand time pointing out the way things were (as in "that's the old look of the Museum of Natural History" or "I remember the Metropolitan Museum when the knights in armor were in the main hall."

Get it or give it. It's grand and at a bargain price.

Irresistable.......2007-07-14

Every time I pick this book up I am drawn into a NYC gone-by that feels so much like the NYC of today. I love to get lost in its world.

A Jazz Age portfolio of the Big Apple.......2007-07-05

This attractive book packages a compendium of Tony Sarg's humorous, bird's-eye perspectives of 1920's New York. Each page of the oversized volume yields the Where's Waldo variety of delights for people watching, but also beautiful architectural renderings of the city's most famous historic landmarks.

But how much money do you want to pay for what amounts to 23 full page prints (and a couple of pages of studies)? There's the (charcoal) rub... but I suggest that if you think of this volume as a bound portfolio, it is worth every cent.

Classic New York at it's finest.......2007-05-13

If you love this town, you'll love this book!

Average customer rating:

Hysterical Fiction
Excellent Teen Novel
Great read for adults too!
Great Story
A Pleasure to be savored...for Adults as well

A Northern Light
Jennifer Donnelly
Manufacturer: Harcourt Paperbacks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Historical Fiction | History & Historical Fiction | Teens | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0152053107

Amazon.com

It's 1906 and 16-year-old Mattie Gokey is at a crossroads in her life. She's escaped the overwhelming responsibilities of helping to run her father's brokedown farm in exchange for a paid summer job as a serving girl at a fancy hotel in the Adirondacks. She's saving as much of her salary as she can, but she's having trouble deciding how she's going to use the money at the end of the summer. Mattie's gift is for writing and she's been accepted to Barnard College in New York City, but she's held back by her sense of responsibility to her family--and by her budding romance with handsome-but-dull Royal Loomis. Royal awakens feelings in Mattie that she doesn't want to ignore, but she can't deny her passion for words and her desire to write.

At the hotel, Mattie gets caught up in the disappearance of a young couple who had gone out together in a rowboat. Mattie spoke with the young woman, Grace Brown, just before the fateful boating trip, when Grace gave her a packet of love letters and asked her to burn them. When Grace is found drowned, Mattie reads the letters and finds that she holds the key to unraveling the girl's death and her beau's mysterious disappearance. Grace Brown's story is a true one (it's the same story told in Theodore Dreiser's An American Tragedy and in the film adaptation, A Place in the Sun), and author Jennifer Donnelly masterfully interweaves the real-life story with Mattie's, making her seem even more real.

Mattie's frank voice reveals much about poverty, racism, and feminism at the turn of the twentieth century. She witnesses illness and death at a range far closer than most teens do today, and she's there when her best friend Minnie gives birth to twins. Mattie describes Minnie's harrowing labor with gut-wrenching clarity, and a visit with Minnie and the twins a few weeks later dispels any romance from the reality of young motherhood (and marriage). Overall, readers will get a taste of how bitter--and how sweet--ordinary life in the early 1900s could be. Despite the wide variety of troubles Mattie describes, the book never feels melodramatic, just heartbreakingly real. (14 and older) --Jennifer Lindsay

Book Description

Sixteen-year-old Mattie Gokey has big dreams but little hope of seeing them come true. Desperate for money, she takes a job at the Glenmore, where hotel guest Grace Brown entrusts her with the task of burning a secret bundle of letters. But when Grace's drowned body is fished from the lake, Mattie discovers that the letters could reveal the grim truth behind a murder.

Set in 1906 against the backdrop of the murder that inspired Theodore Dreiser's An American Tragedy, Jennifer Donnelly's astonishing debut novel effortlessly weaves romance, history, and a murder mystery into something moving, and real, and wholly original.

Includes a reader's guide and an interview with the author.

Customer Reviews:

Hysterical Fiction.......2007-08-09

The Amazon reviewer writes that "the book never feels melodramatic," and the SLJ writes that "Donnelly's characters ring true to life," and, "an outstanding choice for historical fiction fans." Perhaps the reviewers at Amazon and the SLJ are young teenagers?

A Northern Light is not a bad book, it's just not what I hoped or expected it would be, based on descriptions and reviews. First, it's a YA book through and through. Some might call it a coming of age story, but it is so chock-full of "lessons" for adolescents that it seems more like a classroom than a story. In almost every chapter, and every week, of young Mattie's life, there is an eye-opening and paradigm-expanding "experience," all of them methodically sequenced in order to help Mattie - and the young readers of this book - step into less-than-innocent adulthood. There are all the usual lessons of coming of age YA novels, such as boyfriends, girlfriends, kissing, desire, sex, and love. There are additional lessons in pregnancy, birth, postpartum depression, disease, lust, adultery, greed, and racism. And then there is a rather odd and protracted lesson in masturbation and exhibitionism.

As I said, the lessons get in the way of the story, or rather, the story is the vehicle for the lessons. I do not consider this historical fiction, as there are precious few lessons in history, and the characters do not "ring true." For example, there is one black character, Weaver. Weaver and his mother are the only two black people that Mattie has ever seen or known. Weaver's father was lynched. Weaver is Mattie's best friend and he is the smartest kid around, on track to go to a fine university on scholarship. Everyone likes Weaver, he is friends with all the white folks, he goes to the same schools, is welcomed in everyone's home, and works at the same jobs as the white kids. But Weaver brandishes physical rage against anyone who shows him any kind of disrespect. Weaver always manages to escape the consequences of his destructive behavior, because everybody, including the sheriffs and the judges, like him so much. This hardly rings true to life.

The real mystery of this story is the murder, the real-life murder of Grace Brown. At the end, I wondered why the author included it. The murder and its investigation do not play an important role in the story. For most of the story it's barely in the background. And yet, Mattie has letters from the victim showing that Grace was murdered, and even after Mattie realizes this, she goes on with her adolescent life as if she didn't know. She decides to give the letters to the sheriff only at the end, but there's no explanation as to why Mattie waited that long. I think perhaps the best parts of this book are the real-life letters that Grace Brown had written, which are included in the story as Mattie reads about one each day. Given that we know Grace's fate, the letters evoke even more empathy, and make this book worth reading, almost.

Excellent Teen Novel.......2007-08-06

This novel is probably one of the best coming-of-age novels I've ever read. It details accurately the life back in the twenteeith century, as well as giving two stories at the same time. This book is recommended to everyone out there; I know you're going to love it because I did. Excellent teen debut novel from an excellent author.

Great read for adults too!.......2007-07-27

I loved A Northern Light. Mattie is a fully drawn main character and the author paints a compelling picture of life in the Adirondacks in the early 1900s. The first chapter really draws you in.

My only (minor) complaint is that the jumping back and forth in time got a little confusing. The book starts out only about a day before the point where it ends. Almost everything in between is in the past, but it's hard at times to know for sure what is in the past, and what is real time in the chapters between the beginning and the end.

Other than that, it's a great read for older young adults and just plain adults as well!

Great Story.......2007-07-16

When I picked up this book at the half price bookstore, I did not realize it was a young adult book. The book summary on the back of the book got my attention. I read the book, and what a surprise! A very good story. I like that it tied into a true story. Makes me want to read more about the real story, An American Tragedy (Signet Classics) I loved the character development. Jennifer Donnelly is a great storyteller. There were sad moments, happy moments, laugh out loud moments and just good thinking about "life in general" moments. I really enjoyed her style of writing so much, I went and bought The Tea Rose. Once again, the prologue already got me wanting more!. I have read 80 pages of this book and I am throughly enjoying every page. I was lucky enough to find a copy of the next book, The Winter Rose which is difficult to get at the moment. Cannot wait to read it, and I understand that there will be a third book, The Wild Rose. (Triology). I highly recommend this author. Great summer reading.

A Pleasure to be savored...for Adults as well.......2007-07-03

This was a wonderful story. I loved the characters and the time period and the setting.

I loved the Mattie Gokey, our 16 year old narrator, who struggles to make choices that will shape the rest of her life. She is a bright and gifted young woman who is the eldest sister in a farming family.

The story takes place in the Adirondack Mountains in upstate New York. Where Mattie eventually goes to work at the Glenmore Hotel on Big Moose Lake serving the rich tourists in the dinning room.

She waits on a young couple there and sadly before the end of the day the woman, Grace Brown, is pulled from the lake, dead. Earlier in the day she had given Mattie a bundle of secret letters. Mattie realizes that they hold the answers to what really happened to Grace and her missing companion.

Why this was marketed as a young adult novel I don't know...I thought it was well written, rich with detailed narrative and dealt with serious issues; adultery, marriage, feminism, parenthood, racism, death and murder. There are several different story lines with conflict and tension, all realistic and realistically resolved.

I also liked the fact that the story line revolving around Grace Brown was inspired by historical facts.

I thought this was a really enjoyable read. The only criticism I can make is that I thought Jennifer Donnelly could have added more physical descriptions of the many different characters in this story. Otherwise is was just perfect.

Average customer rating:

Still Remember the Warm Feeling
Wholesome doesn't have to be boring
Loved it as a child...and as an adult.
excellent book
Wonderful

All-of-a-kind Family
Sydney Taylor , and Helen John
Manufacturer: Yearling
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0440400597
Release Date: 1984-12-01

Amazon.com

There's something to be said for a book that makes you wish you'd been part of a poor immigrant family living in New York's upper east side on the eve of World War I. Sydney Taylor's time-honored classic does just that. Life is rich for the five mischievous girls in the family. They find adventure in visiting the library, going to market with Mama, even dusting the front room. Young readers who have never shared a bedroom with four siblings, with no television in sight, will vicariously experience the simple, old-fashioned pleasures of talk, make-believe, and pilfered penny candy. The family's Jewish faith strengthens their ties to each other, while providing still more excitement and opportunity for mischief. Readers unfamiliar with Judaism will learn with the girls during each beautifully depicted holiday. This lively family, subject of four more "all-of-a- kind" books, is full of unique characters, all deftly illustrated by Helen John. Taylor based the stories on her own childhood family, and the true-life quality of her writing gives this classic its page-turning appeal. (Ages 9 to 12)

Book Description

Meet the All-of-a-Kind Family -- Ella, Henny, Sarah, Charlotte, and Gertie -- who live with their parents in New York City at the turn of the century.

Together they share adventures that find them searching for hidden buttons while dusting Mama's front parlor and visiting with the peddlers in Papa's shop on rainy days. The girls enjoy doing everything together, especially when it involves holidays and surprises.

But no one could have prepared them for the biggest surprise of all!

Customer Reviews:

Still Remember the Warm Feeling.......2007-09-29

I read these books during "library class" 40 years ago in elementary school - over and over. I couldn't remember the title but found it on the internet. I plan to get a set for my daughter, who will begin teaching elementary school next year and is building a collection of lovable books for her future students.
The wonderful description of family life and quaint traditions left an indelible impression and a wish to be part of this family's time and place.

Wholesome doesn't have to be boring.......2007-08-28

Sydney Taylor gave each girl a well-rounded personality, with both strengths and weaknesses. Henny was both vivacious and selfish. Ella was talented and also imperious. Sarah could be both generous and a bit of a crybaby. Charlotte was loving but scattered and impulsive. Gertie was sweet but still babyish. They triumphed, got into trouble, celebrated, shared, sacrificed, learned and grew together.

The parents were also more multi-dimensional than many children's book parents. Both Mama and Papa were wise, but also human, having to deal with the stress of raising children while fighting their way out of poverty. They had to walk a fine line between creating a happy, loving home for the girls while keeping them from being so contented they wouldn't aspire to something better for themselves when they grew up. Mama and Papa had to come to realize their children's world would be different than theirs, but with a foundation of love, discipline, education, faith and trust, the girls could climb higher.

The stories woven into the book teach lessons great and small. Readers get a glimpse of immigrant life in early 20th-century America, and how New York wasn't so much a melting pot but a stew pot - each ingredient (Italian, Pole, Jew, Anglo) kept his or her own flavor while adding something to the mix. Non-Jews learn a little about Jewish life and culture. Readers get a glimpse of how children lived in a non-electronic, mostly toy-free world. Children learn from the girls' experiences - a first crush, being usurped as the baby, savoring life's little delights.

If you know a girl who likes the American Girl series, this would be a good book for them. There's history with spark, personality and warmth. And no overpriced dolls!

Loved it as a child...and as an adult........2007-06-08

These were some of my favorite books growing up--I wore the library's copies out checking and rechecking them from the collection. While raised a Christian, these stories really helped me to understand many of the friends I had growing up who were of Jewish faith. Excellent and highly recommended reading for little girls.

excellent book.......2007-05-09

This was a favorite book of mine 30 years ago and recently I shared it with my 6 year old daughter. She was captivated and we read each book in the series one right after the other. Taylor really captures the heart and sole of the Jewish experience on the Lower East Side and she transcends the cultural differences to focus on the similarities in all children and families.

Wonderful.......2007-01-13

This is a great book about family and family values. It's a simple life and everyone relys on each other. It is wonderful.

Refuel: The Complete New Testament (2nd Edition) (Biblezines)

Average customer rating:

The Bible is still the Bible, no matter the cover
Good bible!
An Engaging Presentation

Refuel: The Complete New Testament (2nd Edition) (Biblezines)

Manufacturer: Thomas Nelson
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0718013026

Book Description

Refuel is back!

Customer Reviews:

The Bible is still the Bible, no matter the cover.......2006-11-03

I have read many of the reviews here, and while I disagree with some of them I agree wholeheartedly with the majority of them. First, I don't feel that by "repackaging" the Bible in a different format is sacrilige. It was only a few hundred years ago that the Bible was solely copied onto individual scrolls. I am inclined to believe that the clerics of that time were horrified that the Bible was "lumped" together and made accessible to the masses. With that in mind; I have purchased five of these books, for my nephews and some young men that I mentor. I find it to be a very good translation, and it is a way to get young people who may not otherwise read the Bible to pick it up. As for the comments that it talks too much about music, sports, and dating, I must point out that the "regular" Bible talks about all of those things also. The side bars that mention those topics always refer the reader to the passages that the information is taken from. Most young people (and some "old" people for that matter) do not realize that the Bible talks about all of those things, and then some. No, we are not to bring Christ to people on "their terms," but we must always remember that Jesus himself ministered to people and taught in ways that were relevant to them. If there is any doubt, refer to the fact that Jesus did 99% of his teacher via parables. It is very important to make sure that people know and understand that while Jesus won't accept them on "their" terms, He will accept them as they are - imperfect human beings. My opinion is that if these Biblezines will get one person to read God's word that wouldn't have ordinarily read it, or if one person who has read other Bibles can read this and have a new understanding of God's word, then these Biblezines have served their purposes.

Good bible!.......2006-11-02

A new bible with the same message! It is great for every teen out there!

NOTE: This is for boy's...Men!

An Engaging Presentation.......2006-06-26

If there is anything important in life it is to walk in Christ. But to do that one must know Him and the only way to do that is to read His Word.

Blessed with the responsibility of raising an adolescent into manhood I've spent many days trying different approaches of getting my son to read the Word of God on his own. So when I saw this Bible I was extremely excited. This was exactly what he needed.

When he saw the book for the first time he thought it was a magazine and started reading it right away. Granted, it wasn't long before he realized that it was the New Testament but that didn't stop him from continuing to read it on his own. What is really enlightening is when he comes up to me and tells me something that he learned while reading it. "Dad, did you know.....?" "Dad, guess what happened to Jesus...." It is the most exhilarating feeling to know that your son is reading the Word on his own. HisAmbassador.com

Revolve 2007: The Complete New Testament (Biblezines)

Average customer rating:

Let us Rejoice
Any teenager would LOVE this Bible!!
Sparking a light in a dark generation.
It's a sad thing when stuff like this is published

Revolve 2007: The Complete New Testament (Biblezines)

Manufacturer: Thomas Nelson
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

ASIN: 0718016483

Book Description

Revolve is back, and more fresh and up-to-date than ever!

Customer Reviews:

Let us Rejoice.......2007-08-12

I brings me tears of joy to see teen pouring over God's Word.I'm a Minister and Many have asked me challenging Questions that adults themselves have not asked.Teens are like sponges of knowledge,it is up to us what we allow them to feed on.They are becoming serious about their spiritual walk. This has given me hope for the future leadership of the body of Christ.I highly recommend it.

Any teenager would LOVE this Bible!!.......2007-01-24

New stories, hip design and very relative to teens. My oldest had one of these from a couple years back. Now my youngest has this one. And while they read their bible whether it's in this format or not, THIS FORMAT draws them in making them want to learn and search and dig and read and know their God. I recommend these bibles to any parent of a teenager.

Sparking a light in a dark generation........2006-12-28

I am a Youth Minister in a church full of kids who didn't know who David, Abraham and Paul were. I had copies of this Biblezine along with Revolve; Psalms and Proverbs, Refuel and Refuel 2 in my office. Kids who refused to talk about Christ are now begging me for their own copies of these Bibles for personal quiet times. Perhaps, fundamentalists believe this is dribble... I am spending eternity in Heaven with a few more teenage kids because they finally read the Bible. The scripture in these pages is still the innerant Word of God. The only thing added are stories and facts in the magins that keep the kids reading.

It's a sad thing when stuff like this is published.......2006-12-21

Yes, leave it up to the Christian Publishing Industry to keep distorting Christianity through stupifyingly misleading dribble like this. How the idea for this Bible was probably pitched: "Hey, since our fundamenalist theology isn't working anymore in a culture that increasingly values education and critical literacy, let's package our same old tired evangelicalism in glossy format and feed the already bursting world of "have it your way" burger consumerism with Bibles that misrepresent what the Bible is even for in the first place." Am I being a bit too sarcastic? I'm not really upset, just simply a bit sad that people would actually buy this book.

The Long Way to a New Land (I Can Read Book 3)

Average customer rating:

Excellent for the Classroom

The Long Way to a New Land (I Can Read Book 3)

Manufacturer: HarperTrophy
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0064441008

Book Description

"We will go to America!"

It is 1868, and Carl Erik's family faces starvation in Sweden. As their hopes fade, they must endure a journey over land and sea to reach a better life in a new country thousands of miles away.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent for the Classroom.......2000-08-03

The Long Way to a New Land and The Long Way Westward are companion books that chronicle a family's journey from their Swedish farm, which is suffering from an extended drought, to a new home in Minnesota. The books describe the difficulty and dangers of the journey in a way that is non-complaining and full of optimism for a new life in America. Teachers, these books are wonderful for integrating with other subjects and topics, such as immigration, westward expansion, steamships, trains, geography, and American life in the 1860s.

Jenny and the Cat Club: A Collection of Favorite Stories about Jenny Linsky (New York Review Children's Collection)

Average customer rating:

Great Condition, Fast Service
enjoyable cat story
A delightful read!
great stories for young children
We all cheered for Jenny

Jenny and the Cat Club: A Collection of Favorite Stories about Jenny Linsky (New York Review Children's Collection)

Manufacturer: NYR Children's Collection
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1590170474
Release Date: 2003-11-30

Book Description

In Greenwich Village an orphaned black cat lives happily with her master, a sea captain. Still, the gentle Jenny Linsky would like nothing more than to join the local Cat Club, whose members include Madame Butterfly, an elegant Persian, the high-stepping Macaroni, and stately, plump Mr. President. But can she overcome her fears and prove that she, too, has a special gift? Join Jenny and her friends, including fearless Pickles the Fire Cat, on their spirited downtown adventures and discover why The Atlantic Monthly called Jenny " a personality ranking not far below such giants as Peter Rabbit."

AVAILABLE FOR THE FIRST TIME IN DECADES, THIS COLLECTION INCLUDES ESTHER AVERILL'S FIVE FAVORITE CAT CLUB STORIES

Customer Reviews:

Great Condition, Fast Service.......2007-04-02

I am so glad they re-released this book--my mother was thrilled to receieve it. Seller sent the book in great condition and it arrived very quickly.

enjoyable cat story.......2007-03-08

I had never heard of these stories about a cat named Jenny Linski. My children (and myself as a child) though have another story by the same author that they enjoy and so I decided to give this chapter book a try. What a hit! Both my children ( 5 and 8) greatly enjoyed the story and were happy to discover it is one of a series.

A delightful read!.......2007-01-21

My son loves cats and he really enjoyed Jenny. He was disappointed when he finished the book!

great stories for young children.......2006-05-15

Great stories for young chldren told from the perspective of an orphan black cat, Jenny Linsky. Like young children, who are inexperienced and often intimidated by challenges, Jenny tries to do her best for herself, her owner, and her new cat friends. Delightful, gentle stories I highly recommend.

We all cheered for Jenny.......2006-03-04

My seven year-old daughter received this book as a gift. I read it to her and my five year-old son. We just couldn't get enough of Jenny. The stories are heart-warming and old-fashioned yet children today can relate to Jenny's fears and triumphs. From her anxiety about not being worthy of the Cat Club, through her triumph at her first party, to her generosity as she adopts two brothers, we couldn't help but cheer for Jenny!
I am a 1st and 2nd grade reading teacher. So, after reading the book to my children, I took it straight to school for my first graders. The students enjoyed it and I used it as a teaching tool. This book is a classic that should be on your bookshelf!

The Kids' Book of Questions: Revised for the New Century

Average customer rating:

Not Appropriate
classroom ice breaker
Great conversation kick-starters!
perspectives through kids answers
Much more appropriate for class than its predecessor

The Kids' Book of Questions: Revised for the New Century
Gregory Stock
Manufacturer: Workman Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0761135952

Book Description

Now more than ever, parents are told how important it is to talk meaningfully to their kids. This is the book that makes it happen. A revised and expanded second edition, The Kids' Book of Questions, with 634,000 copies in print, makes it easy to ask hard questions and fun to answer them. Questions to challenge, questions to provoke. Questions to entertain and expand young minds. Questions about right or wrong, about fears and hopes, ethics, religious beliefs, about why parents act the way they do--even about ruling the world.

Updated to include questions on subjects that have arisen since the book's original publication in 1988--from the internet to issues like school violence and terrorism--the book is a sure way to prod young people into discovering who they really are and what they really believe. There are inquiries into values: "If you knew you wouldn't get caught, would you cheat on a test by copying someone else's answers?" Intriguing fantasies: "If you could email any famous person and know they'd read and answer your note, who would you write to and what would you say?" Philosophical queries: "Have you had any personal experiences that lead you to believe in God?" Provocative scenarios: "After being given a truth pill, what would you say if you were asked to describe your family?"

Kids, and parents, will be amazed to find how far one little question will lead.

Customer Reviews:

Not Appropriate .......2007-05-16

Although intriguing, many of the questions in the book are not appropriate for classroom use.

classroom ice breaker.......2007-02-19

I use this book in my classroom with juniors and seniors each semester. I teach a career awareness class and we discuss various topics focused around life in general. My students go around the room and choose a number, I then read that question....some are not appropriate, I have put an "X" over that question and have written another in its place. It was only a few and made for a great ice breaker to get students talking about priorities.

Great conversation kick-starters!.......2005-08-18

My kids and I spend Sunday mornings taking hikes and having long discussions about life, religion, school, etc. We take this book along on our hikes as our springboard for discussion. I read the questions out loud and let the kids answer them, and sometimes add on my own opinions when they're done. It gives me a chance to chime in about what I think is important and it keeps us talking. I think these conversations also help build empathy, understanding, and listening skills, as well as helping us to all remember to think before we speak. Some of the questions are lighthearted and some are more serious, and none so far have proven to be offensive to my family's ethics. My kids enjoy the questions, especially my nine-year-old son, and look forward to our hikes & talks all week long. I'm thrilled to get glimpses into my kids' heads on topics that are well worth discussing but might not otherwise come up in conversation.

perspectives through kids answers.......2003-08-24

I've used this book with my own kids, and I've used it in my classroom. It was enjoyed by so many students that I hate to say it, but one student walked off with it at the end of the year. I work in a school where a lot of the kids are at risk, and this book was wonderful as a tool to help them examin their attitudes, their fears, and their feelings about things. It takes a little time to look through and evaluate what would be good for your classroom. That's a subjective thing anyway, and you have to know your students, but over all, I find this book to be worthwhile and fun at the same time.

Much more appropriate for class than its predecessor.......2002-05-22

I use this in my public speaking class to start discussion groups.

It's pretty good, and far more appropriate for my students than "The Book of Questions." Some questions are ba bit elementary for my high schoolers, but that's okay.

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