Boys Books

I am an English teacher who has been looking for YA books to read in the classroom. I used to teach ninth grade but am now moving down to eighth grade, which is incredibly disappointing because I won't be able to read this book with the younger students. I loved, loved, loved Iggy! There are moments of beauty so poignant that they almost brought tears to my eyes. I found myself talking to Iggy--"No, Iggy, don't do that!" Rarely do I get that involved in even adult literature books. I think any teacher who deals with difficult students should be required to read this text. I wish young adult writers would take the swear words out of their books so I could read them with my eighth graders!

I LOVED "Saint Iggy", and I don't say that lightly. Iggy was lost from the start. He was born to a drug addicted mother and an alcoholic father. Although there was no physical abuse he was raised in a roach infested drug house and basically left to raise himself. He didn't have the good fortune to be intelligent or talented and was never taught to think before acting. His impetuous nature gets him into trouble so many times that he gets kicked out of school. With no place else to go, he goes to get help from an adult friend that needs help even more than Iggy.
This book should be required reading for every teacher, or other adults who have contact with young people. It does a great job of portraying how a young man from unfortunate circumstances views the world and himself and will help you view some of these kids with different eyes.

Randy "Igmund" Corso is a third-year freshman with a colorful track record at school. When you have a record like he does, teachers can lie about you, and no one believes you, especially not the court system that's supposed to decide if you're expelled from school or not. With the way everyone treats him, you'd think he's a bad kid, but he's not. He attends class, sometimes. He doesn't use drugs, even though he was born addicted. He does his best to stay away from his father's drug dealer Freddie, who is always knocking on their door looking for money.

With his dad most likely passed out drunk or high at home and his mom "visiting someone" somewhere, Iggy doesn't have anyone to tell when he gets indefinitely suspended from high school for an offense he didn't commit. Even the social worker can't get through because the phone has been disconnected.

With a few days until the hearing, Iggy turns to his friend Montell, a law school dropout from the rich side of town who is investing his time in pot and philosophy. Iggy needs a plan to straighten out his life, but that's more difficult done than said for a 16-year-old with no skills or money who has just been kicked out of school. His makeshift plan is to:

1) make a plan
2) get out of the projects
3) do something with my life
4) change everyone's mind about me
5) get back into school

During the week before Christmas, Iggy drags himself around the city looking for answers and enlightenment. He keeps thinking about his principal, who told him to "do something that contributes to the world." That seems like such an easy thing to do until he tries it.

How exactly can one kid do something to contribute? What if he's never had any examples to follow? What if the only differences he can make are too small for anyone to notice? And does it even matter if people notice?

Author of the Printz Honor Book FAT KID RULES THE WORLD, K. L. Going has put together another enjoyable read. The contrast of Iggy's dark urban world against Mo's posh lifestyle provides the story with an ideal backdrop for a grim hero like this to emerge. An entertaining novel with more depth than you'd imagine at first glance, SAINT IGGY takes the life of a fringe-living outcast from the projects and makes him someone unforgettable.

--- Reviewed by Jonathan Stephens

Randy "Igmund" Corso is a third-year freshman with a colorful track record at school. When you have a record like he does, teachers can lie about you, and no one believes you, especially not the court system that's supposed to decide if you're expelled from school or not. With the way everyone treats him, you'd think he's a bad kid, but he's not. He attends class, sometimes. He doesn't use drugs, even though he was born addicted. He does his best to stay away from his father's drug dealer Freddie, who is always knocking on their door looking for money.

With his dad most likely passed out drunk or high at home and his mom "visiting someone" somewhere, Iggy doesn't have anyone to tell when he gets indefinitely suspended from high school for an offense he didn't commit. Even the social worker can't get through because the phone has been disconnected.

With a few days until the hearing, Iggy turns to his friend Montell, a law school dropout from the rich side of town who is investing his time in pot and philosophy. Iggy needs a plan to straighten out his life, but that's more difficult done than said for a 16-year-old with no skills or money who has just been kicked out of school. His makeshift plan is to:

1) make a plan
2) get out of the projects
3) do something with my life
4) change everyone's mind about me
5) get back into school

During the week before Christmas, Iggy drags himself around the city looking for answers and enlightenment. He keeps thinking about his principal, who told him to "do something that contributes to the world." That seems like such an easy thing to do until he tries it.

How exactly can one kid do something to contribute? What if he's never had any examples to follow? What if the only differences he can make are too small for anyone to notice? And does it even matter if people notice?

Author of the Printz Honor Book FAT KID RULES THE WORLD, K. L. Going has put together another enjoyable read. The contrast of Iggy's dark urban world against Mo's posh lifestyle provides the story with an ideal backdrop for a grim hero like this to emerge. An entertaining novel with more depth than you'd imagine at first glance, SAINT IGGY takes the life of a fringe-living outcast from the projects and makes him someone unforgettable.

Reviewed by Jonathan Stephens

Copyright 1997-2006, [...] All rights reserved

There's something about Christmas in the city. The lights, the shopping, the darkness. December is the darkest month of the year. KL uses wonderful imagery to describe the life of Iggy, who you care and root for, but it is December, and Iggy is surrounded by darkness.

Yet, around every corner, a light.

It's refreshing to read a book where drugs play a role, but don't get a hundred pages in the protaganist's head or with his/her friends trying to decide what to do. For Iggy, there is no decision. The answer is simply no.

Having been born addicted to crack, he spent his whole life watching drugs destroy his parents. Now, as a teenager, he sees his worthless dad, strung out on the couch each day, and his mother - missing because she is possibly with the local dealer, Freddie.

Iggy wants to do something "good". After a misunderstanding at school in which Iggy's so called reputation causes a teacher to vastly misinterpret his intentions, Iggy is kicked out of school. But first he is given a lecture by the principal which sticks in his thoughts. Haunts him. Wakes him up to the world in which he is perceived, and makes him ache for an answer.

He doesn't have access to things others take for granted, namely money. World peace would not cross Iggy's mind. In his world, he imagines himself saving a kid from a drug dealer. Or, perhaps he could simply find his mother, and with her, the world itself would be good once again.

So, Iggy forms a plan...

Iggy Corso is one of the most detailed characters I've ever read. I would swear if I were to visit the city I would find him walking down the street, or sitting at the barber's getting his hair cut.

This book isn't the typical teeny bop pink fantasy. It's a rare literary masterpiece for the teen market. I hope it gets the attention and the audience it deserves.

Maynard's SCREAMING WITH THE CANNIBALS takes on the next stage in the life of the narrator of CRUM, which has a large following of enthusiastic readers.This one picks up the story where CRUM left off. Fans will leap at the opportunity to find out what happened to Jesse- and yes, the narrator of the first book finally gets a name! Jesse is presented as a sort of archetype of all those young adventurers who need to see what is on the other side of the next ridge. He wants to move on, to escape from everything in his old life. In the final part of this book, he gets as far as South Carolina where he experiences racism, the ocean, and forgiveness. The long scene in which Jesse escapes a Kentucky revival meeting with his soul unsaved and his skin intact is worth the price of the book. He doesn't find everything he's looking for, but there is more than a hint that Maynard isn't through with his story.

First, forget the review that said women don't enjoy Crum. Anyone can and will enjoy both of Lee Maynard's books if they have a good sense of humour and aren't a prude. I loved Crum. It was hilariously raunchy and accurate in its portrayal of country life.

Screaming With The Cannibals may even be better than Crum. Where Crum was a country boy's wild adolescence, Screaming With The Cannibals is a young man's cross country adventure. It's funny, sexy, adventurous, human, exciting, ...and a whole lot of other adjectives!

A modern classic. So much life and imagination is packed into this small book. Life in the country, road trips, strange Mountain folk, scary Southern folk, tent revivals, crazy preachers, skinny dippin', train jumpin', [hot] lifeguards, murderous cops, car chases, and sex smothered in home cookin'.

It has that timeless, country humour and atmosphere of Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn, with a bit of On the Road, Stand by Me, O Brother Where Art Thou?, and 9 1/2 Weeks thrown in the mix. All written in simple, straight forward, but still somehow poetic language. I didn't want it to end.

If you haven't read Crum, don't bother getting this book. This is the sequel to Crum, and although it's not quite as good as the original, it's a great story.

Crum is a book that very few women would enjoy. If you're a guy with a sense of humor you should check it out. It's one of the funniest books I've ever read, about a kid growing up in a small town in West Virginia. The book is full of the adventures of this kid and his friends, and of his quest to leave the town of Crum. If you enjoy that book, you will also like this one.

Lee Maynard is an outstanding writer, and I'm constantly looking for anything new by him. I was thrilled when I found this book earlier this year and not at all disappointed when I read it.

This is another great book by Lee Maynard that should be made into a movie.Jack Nicholson would be great in this movie and ofcourse it should be filmed in West Virginia!!

Screaming with the Cannibals(SWTC)is action packed and often hilariously funny. The novel is a page-turner filled with downright descriptive sex, and the language men and boys might use when at war. It is the story of an intelligent young boy, Jesse Stone, coming of age and coping with feelings of aloneness, repressive religion, racial turmoil, etc.

The 2nd in a series, SWTC takes up where Maynard's first novel Crum left off. However, the author skillfully incorporates information from Crum in the form of flashbacks and each novel stands alone.

SWTC opens with Jesse, a rough and tumble 50s era football playing, book reading kid, finishing Crum High School. He is determined to see the world he has experience only through the books in the school's library.

Short on specific goals but high on self-reliance, Jesse packs his favorite book, a change of clothes and about thirteen dollars and "lights out" for somewhere.

He hitches a ride and briefly end up a farm hand in nearby Kentucky. There he gets interested (that's putting in mildly)in a neigbor's wife and contributes to a near riot at the farm community's yearly Fundamentalist revival. On the run, he heads south on an unlicensed Triumph motorcycle he rebuilt from used farm equipment parts.

Testesterone in high gear, Jesse finds more trouble with a South Carolina Sheriff before he lands a job as a lifeguard at Myrtle Beach.

Jesse runs smack-dab into racial trumoil and segregated beaches, the same Sheriff, responsible work, plus hoards of nubile girls and a Mrs. Robinson-type older woman.

If you ever wonder, "What goes on in the minds of teen aged boys?" this is the book to read.

The novel is extremely well written and easy to read. I especially like Maynard's writing style.

Readers who remember Myrtle Beach in the "old days" will enjoy the scenes set there.

I love this book. I have tried to read books on raising your child on your own but found them dull, preachy, not applicable, etc. But this book is wonderful, light hearted, humorous, inspiring and insightful. There are many ideas that I am going to use and I also found a closer bond in my faith. I am reassured and a little less worried after finishing this book. It's nice to know I am not alone and I am not the only one who thinks and worries over little things!

great advice. very encouraging. one of the best books I've read for encouragement as a single mother with a son.

Wow, it's about time somebody wrote a book about this! I have experience in trying to raise my boys without their dad in the house, so I can immediately relate to this author.

I was surprised by how much humor is here --- plus how much help. It's nice to know that we don't struggle alone, other people have been here too, and they've learned some things to pass along!

See below for my choice of "best book" about single parenting.

Lauren Hodge
Apple Valley, California
I highly recommend: Raising Great Kids on Your Own: A Guide and Companion for Every Single Parent

If you're raising a son without a man around, Dana's insightful book provides help and hope with a lot of humor. Dana reminds us as single mom's that with God's help and sheer resilience we can raise our sons to be well-adjusted, responsible young men. Pick up this book and you'll be a better parent for it.

Cassandra Mack, host of The No More Drama Hour of Power and author of, "The Single Mom's Little Book of Wisdom: 42 Tidbits of Wisdom To Help You Survive, Succeed and Stay Strong."

This book captures single-motherhood from a whole new angle. There are plenty of books on surviving single parenting, but none that approach it from the perspective of God in the Father's seat. Chisholm's first-hand experience makes her an ideal author and her unique insight is an asset to single mom's everywhere.

We use this book as one of our read alouds during story time in the library. The audience is 3rd graders and all (girls included) love it. Without exception, however, every boy can relate and they eagerly wait to read the next installment each week. Highly recommended.

My 8 yr old is a very good reader but I think has been a bit intimidated by chapter books when I've tried to get him to select some to read. But he dove right into this one (and the rest of the series as well). I think there's just enough small pictures here to make this a great transition book for him.

My 6 year old (1st gr.) is a bit of a reluctant reader, but he liked us reading these books to him enough to give them a shot at reading them himself. There's a number of big science-ey words that are beyond him, but the material seems to keep him interested and trying, a couple pages at a time.

I bought this on the recommendation of the first reviewer and I'm so glad I did. My 8 year-old loved it. When I told him it was about a boy named Alex who has an annoying little brother and likes to invent things, he agreed to pick it up. But the story kept him hooked and I soon noticed him scribbling in a little notebook his own inventions and asking for cardboard boxes. And he asked for the second book. That's quite an achievement.

So, Mr. Asch, please keep them coming!

Alex got 10 boxes of cardbord. He started to build a star jumper. then he went into the atic and got himself a space suit. then he got into his sta-r jumper and blasted off!

I like this book because it was about space. I would recommend this book to a 7 year old who is an advanced reader. Anyone who is interested in science and space will like this book. review written by a 7 year old boy

I am a teacher who thought my boys book club for 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders would like "Star Jumper". They loved the book from page 1, even the boys who are usually reluctant readers!!! Their parents commented on how eagerly their children read this book. By the way, we were inspired to build our own cardboard spaceship. A real winner!!

"Stepping Out of the Bubble : Reflections On the Pilgrimage of Counseling Therapy by James P. Krehbiel is an amazing and outstanding book that provides help and direction to the many people that are suffering from problems described in this book.

I was amazed at how many of the problems and challenges, that the author writes about, are problems and challenges I have seen many people suffer with.

The counseling theory and practice information in this book provides a direction for people that have a problem and are willing to go to counseling and risk moving forward in their journey toward finding personal growth and development, and eventually stepping out of the bubble.

Many people have problems and challenges that they never seek help for and they and their loved ones continue to suffer. This book goes a long way in bringing the thought of counseling to people and helping people to better understand the counseling process.

To author James P. Krehbiel thank you for writing your great book. I am convinced your book will help many people and because of your book many more people will step out of the bubble. I recommend this book very highly and also feel it would be a great college text.

After reading Stepping Out of the Bubble a year ago, I went back and read it again for a second time. I was able to pick up even more information this time around that helped me understand and overcome some of my own internal conflicts. This is a book you can read at any point in your life and always find information that pertains to that particular moment. Krehbiel has a way of explaining things that others may consider unexplainable. Whether you are a student, a teacher, or just a guy like me, this book can and will change your life.

For me, "Stepping Out Of The Bubble" was reminiscent of the renowned books of author, M. Scott Peck, in the style of presenting profound insights into sensible, easy-to-understand language and clear ideas an average person can relate to. Practicing Licensed Professional Counselor and Nationally Certified Cognitive-Behavioral Therapist and author of "Stepping Out Of The Bubble", James Krehbiel proficiently shares a portion of his expertise, condensing great weight into accessible and workable solutions for a more fulfilling life's plan.

The "bubble" represents our security and comfort zone, but it is also the inner place where we store the pain of our past experiences and the unpleasant reality of that not being made conscious which keeps us bound in unhealthy and self-defeating patterns. Staying within this bubble limits our emotional responsiveness as we numb ourselves to the coexistence even as unresolved issues unconsciously filter forth. To step outside of the bubble is to courageously examine the contents in all honesty and to face life's reality outside of the bubble. Once outside the bubble, one can move forward to experience life in more emotional depth, fullness and passion. "Being a fully functioning individual is about being true to whom you are and letting things be the way they are," explains author, James Krehbiel.

With brilliant and compassionate understanding, Mr. Krehbiel briefly details methods used and pertinent case examples within his therapy practice. "Self-regulation is a goal of therapy. I educate people in the fact that all the answers are ultimately within." "Stepping Out Of The Bubble" strives to do the same, by giving information on how we become trapped in the bubble and how beneficial the making of conscious choices to leave, can be.

Some of the many topics included within this book are: being assertive, characteristics of an "authentic" person, the integration of each of our different personality parts, the difference between true guilt and false guilt, setting boundaries, addictions and addictions to "manic" relationships, awareness (staying in the moment or mindfulness), grounding, honoring one's inner voice, panic attacks, OCD and mood disorders. The section regarding kids and parenting was exceptional, in my opinion, and I found many points about discipline that made much sense. Also appreciated was the section relating to religion (dogma) versus faith (spiritual) as well as what needed to be said about pop culture.

I enjoyed reading "Stepping Out Of The Bubble" and would recommend it to anyone. It is enriching and inspirational.

James P. Krehbiel's Stepping Out of the Bubble was a fascinating read. I found myself underlining various passages. His explanation of how we get stuck in the bubble (comfort zone), and how we find our way out is powerful. It provided me with hope as I move through my own personal journey. I found myself experiencing an emotional reaction to many of the case examples and concepts he explored. He definitely hit some "hot buttons" in my life. But Mr. Krehbiel also provided specific guidelines and tools for stepping out of the bubble. At one point he says, "Courage can be defined by those who live outside the bubble as opposed to those who live in it. I like to compare stepping out of the bubble to wading into the water."

His chapter which includes ideas on multidimensional thinking is appropriate in today's political climate. He indicates that true dialogue takes into consideration the appreciation for differences in opinions. He makes some profound statements about pop culture's affect on the lives of today's children. He also gives parents tools and resources for assisting their children in bettering their behavior. The book ends with a resounding "yes" to life with a hopeful, powerful way of perceiving and reframing life's problems. This was an excellent book!

Stepping Out Of The Bubble by James P. Krehbiel, Is an outstanding book on Counseling Therapy. Krehbiel, is able to put life patterns and fears into perspective so that the lay person can fully understand the mystery that most think is behind counseling. His approach to show that so much of what we seek answers for is within ourselves and with the right counsellor we can become free and step out of the Bubble or Bubbles that a lot of us are in.

This book should be a gift to every teen and their parents, no home should be without it.

This book, written for the elementary grades, offers a glimpse of what autistic children face and feel. It would be a good book for teachers to use for disability awareness or to read to classes during autism month (April). As autistic children participate more in classroom activities, it is important for other students (and their parents) to understand how they think and react.

Another book worth reading after this book is "The Boy Who Ate Stars" by Sarah Adams (recommended for ages 9-14).

This book is an ideal teaching tool for young readers about autism. The drawings are especially delightful and I just love the grid the young author makes of herself and Matthew. She applies several adjectives to Matthew with a corresponding drawing with the last one being "Matthew is autistic." She emphasizes other aspects of Matthew and his personality; autism is a part of identity. It is not his ENTIRE identity.

I like the way questions for young readers are included, e.g. "when was the last time you helped somebody?" This delightful book focuses more on commonalities than differences; Jeanette and Matthew will certainly teach you a lot regardless of age. This is the ideal companion book to ALL ABOUT MY BROTHER by Peralta.

Sundays with Matthew is a wonderful, whimsical book emphasizing "how to be a good person", and focusing on areas that autistic kids sometimes have problems with. By drawing out abstract concepts, visual kids can understand these ideas more fully. There is a great section of sketchbook tips at the end that encourage others to find their own sketchbook buddy, and use drawing as a form of communication.

Not only is this book full of delightfully entertaining drawings, it's also bursting with gems of wisdom about relationships and life in general. The perspective of an autistic child adds a poignant message about what truly matters in life. The Sketchbook Tips at the end of the book can be used by anyone who wants to start drawing but isn't sure how. "Sundays with Matthew" is a wonderful read for kids and adults of any age. It should be required reading in any school that has autistic students. I highly recommend it!

As an educator I have worked with several autistic students over the years and this book is a perfect model for what can be accomplished by these talented children with a little guidance. The book is an inspiration for all those working the field of education as it helps us imagine the possibilties for success that all exceptional learners possess. I read this book to my class and we came up with the idea of "response journaling" through art and text as a classroom project to issues we face daily and throughout the year. This book has given my class the motivation to create similar products. The book is well done and would be a welcome addition to any classroom library, especially if the class includes an autistic student. This book will help the other students in class more clearly understand autism and some issues that surround it. Great read-aloud.

An uplifting account of one boy's struggle to overcome a disadvantaged life. If you liked this, definitely check out "The Wanderer" by Ken Grant of Massachusetts (1993)

How many broken windows and hearts can one family endure? Obviously for the Miniter's there is no finite answer to that! What a family! I picked this book without having any clue of what it was about. Saw the jacket, the title caught my eye and that was all it took. I was drawn in almost immediately. I am a 20-something woman, that is not married, has no children and is not adopted. I have not encountered many, if any, foster children and I still found this book to be an incredibly moving story. To Richard and Sue and the entire family- you have most certainly earned my respect and admiration. If only we could all be as patient, understanding and as loving as you are! What a great testimony to the good in the world- thank you for sharing your story. I truly hope that you encounter only good fortune in the future, no one family deserves it more than you!!

This book is not only for those who are adopting or work with disturbed children, but it can serve as a valuable lesson for those who have never been in these situations. It is necessary to know that trouble derives from the early years of a child's life and how important it is to show affection, trust and caring to children at all ages.

This book is the best personal account of fostering/adopting an older child that I have ever read. It is a natural for a "made for TV" movie, with its dramatic story, picturesque setting, and cast of "characters." I laughed, I cried, I sobbed. In Miniter and his wife, we see the mixture of naivete/ignorance, denial, and audacity that goes into the decision to bring a "disturbed" youngster into one's family. The book also reflects the reality that formal treatment plans are limited (and sometimes unrealistic) and that "real life"-- honest emotions and reactions, normal expectations, natural consequences-- can be a strong motivator in turning around dysfunctional behavior. To the reader who is NOT an experienced foster/adoptive parent, I would offer a few minor cautions: 1) Miniter makes no mention of receiving any kind of training before taking the boy into his family. If that was indeed the case, that's a major flaw in the "Harbor" program. Prospective foster and adoptive parents of kids in the child welfare system should receive fairly extensive training in areas such as what to expect when the children come into your home, how the system (and particular agency) works, and how to manage difficult behavior. 2) Miniter would probably be one of the first to point out that this book is not a blueprint for others but is instead ONE case study, of ONE youngster, in ONE family. The Ministers' experience notwithstanding, psychotropic medication and/or psychotherapy are important-- if not essential-- components in some youngsters' healing, and respite care and parent support groups can be lifesavers for some "therapeutic" parents. 3) Miniter says he ignored some of the safety precautions recommended by his agency, and suggested that (hunting) guns were readily accessible in his home. Having weapons easily available in ANY home with kids (even "normal" children!) is foolhardy, and most agencies REQUIRE pretty sensible safety precautions.

This book teaches many lessons. First and foremost that the husband-wife relationship plays such a major role in raising children, and it showed in this book. The relationship between Rich and Sue is an admirable one, one that not is not so common after so many years of marriage. With that bond of love, they raised a house full of kids and later in life, were able to take on one more kid, very different from their own. They gave it 1000% and stuck with it through thick and thin. What they did for "Mike" is untouchable, precious and blessed. God Bless the Miniters and the best of luck to "Mike" in his future endeavors to become a chef.........This book more than once will put a lump in your throat and a tear or two in your eye...To learn more about children, about sacrifices, about life, you must read this beautiful story !!

Trivia Queen, 3RD Grade Supreme (Ruby and the Booker Boys Series #2) is a great book. Since my daughter was not excited about reading like I would have liked I decided to start a kid's book club for her and her friends about a year ago. They have read many books and right now they are thoroughly enjoying the Booker Boys Series. We are about to begin the 3rd book in the Series called the Slumber Party Payback. Along with our next book club we will have a slumber party for the girls....anything to promote a love for reading. My daughter and friends now enjoy reading and they really seem to identify with the characters in Mr. Derrick Barnes' books. I'm hoping once we finish this series we can find more books like his for our girls. The girls came up with the name "RED HOT Readers Book club." As a mother of a 10 year old this didn't set well with me but once they came up with what it stood for I was ok with it:-) Read Enjoy Discuss Highly Observant Thinkers.

We will be buying the next books in the series. It was excellent and my 3rd grader read it in a couple of days.

She's the trivia queen,the 3rd grade supreme.So she enters a trivia contest.and wins it.
I was exited when the princapal told her that she could be in the contest. She deserved it because she really is the trivia queen.
I can't wait until the next Ruby book!

The author makes "Ruby" stay alive in book #2! The writer makes this character as if she is a real little girl. I can actually see Ruby in my head.

The book had me reading it aloud and acting as if I were "Ruby" A children's novel hasn't move me like this in years! I felt as if I were an 8 years old again. Excited to read!

Ruby rocks & I'm waiting to order the next book. This book should be on the top seller list for children.

Teachers please order this book for your students. It's a must!

Ms. Stacker
Chicago-5th Grade Teacher

I am so glad that to find an interesting book with such a colorful character such as Ruby Booker. My daughter loves to read and is excited to add all of the Ruby books to her collection. The writing of Mr. Barnes will keep the reader turning the pages in full anticipation of the next interesting thing Ruby does. It is written at a level where elementary age students can read, understand, and enjoy. I am excited about the success of Ruby books.
Thank you Derrick Barnes!

This book felt real, it wasn't written with the condescention that often accompanies books written about small southern towns, nor was it written to the other extreme- the glorification of all things Southern.

Instead, it was written honestly, showing both the faults and the joys of a Small Town, and both the faults and the joys of each character-- each one realistic, each one evoking his or her own sympathies. Mr. Riggs writes so well, easily describing the landscape and natural beauty of N.C. and just as easily describing emotions that even the young boys in the book find hard to pin-point.

It leaves the reader stirring, just a little bit uncomfortable, but wondering what life will bring to the two boys who felt so alive and so real in the book.

Jack Riggs did a wonderful job in capturing the struggles of Palmer and Raybert. The greatness of having a best friend that loves you unconditionaly was very well written in this book. Growing up in a mill town in the early '60s in disfunctional families made Palmer and Raybert depend on each other even more. What a great book!

I was drawn to this book by the recommendation by Lee Smith on the cover. Anything that Ms. Smith endorses, I will be glad to try. And When the Finch Rises turns out to be well worth the price. Yes, this book is about friendship and love, but it is much more than that. Mr. Riggs delves into issues of taking responsibility for ones actions and willingness to face life head on. Strangely enough, it is the children who are the strongest characters since they have not succumbed to their weaknesses as the adults have. This book is both charming and thought provoking.

The only negative comment I have is that each chapter, although linked by plot, seemed almost like separate short stories. This is not necessaily bad, but it does keep the book from flowing quite as smoothly as it could.

But this is only a minor criticism. It is well worthg reading. Enjoy!

I had to force myself to meter out the 234 pages of "When The Finch Rises". What a wonderful story. In it, we meet Raybert and Palmer, who live in a mill town in a small rural town.

The main characters develop a relationship that is amazing to behold. It is a pure love that Jack Riggs captures perfectly. Ray struggles with the knowledge that his father was involved in a notorious lynching, and Palmer finds happiness in Ray, when none can be found in his home life. While both characters are but 12 years old, in this story, they learn life lessons beyond their years.

Read this book. It will warm your heart.

The only downside to this book is that you don't want to leave it to do things like take your kids to school and your other daily duties. This book is heartbreakingly beautiful. It reads like a dream and the story is haunting and soulful. I can't think of a comparison for any potential reader. Discovering this writer is like reading Kaye Gibbons for the first time. It is just so good on all accounts. My understanding is that the author has a cache of short stories about the two little boy protaganists of this book. I want to read each and every one of them. I want to know what happens next....not only with these two little boys, but with Jack Riggs as well!

Do you know one reason why authors write books? To find out what they think about something. That's one reason why we read books, too --- to find out what we think about something. WHERE HEROES HIDE is a book that deals with an important question: what is a hero? If a man receives a war medal, is he a hero, or is he just a man who acts bravely sometimes?

In 1956, Junior's father is a decorated veteran of World War II. Junior wasn't even born when his father came back from the war; Junior's sister was only six years old. She remembers the nightmares their father used to have. She tells Junior that their father is a good man, even though he behaves badly sometimes. Junior's mother tells him the same thing. All Junior knows is that his father yells a lot, and he especially yells at Junior for being friends with Lenny.

Lenny got polio. Although he couldn't go to school for years and spent lots of time in the hospital, the doctors have said he isn't contagious anymore and can go to school again. He has to wear a brace on his leg, but he's nice, lots of fun, and he and Bobby are Junior's two best friends. Junior's father, however, believes Junior could die if he hangs around with Lenny, and he tells Junior to stay away from him. He orders Lenny off his property. Then he even humiliates and hits Lenny.

He doesn't apologize for this even when Lenny's father confronts him. Lenny's father tells him that other men served their country. Even winning a medal is no excuse for mistreating a 10-year-old boy. Lenny couldn't help getting polio, he says, but Junior's father is lots sicker than Lenny is --- and he can help it.

Junior tells his father that he hates him. Does he really? Is a man who would throw things at a child and humiliate him until he cries a good man? Could there be an excuse for it? Read this book and decide for yourself.

--- Reviewed by Tamara Penny

Helen Recorvits' second middle reader's novel compassionately deals with prejudice, a child's fear of war and the value of friendship. Recorvits reveals a child's thoughts in 1956 aren't so far from those of their contemporaries of today.

BOOKLIST:

"World War II has been over for 10 years, but Junior Webster's father, a veteran, is still angry and anxious much of the time. And he's very afraid of polio--so concerned, in fact, that he forbids Junior to play with Lenny,who is a polio survivor,and literally chases the boy out of the house...When Junior discovers his father's wartime memorabilia, he learns the sad story that underlies his father's pain. Mr. Webster eventually proves that real heroes don't require wars when he and Lenny save the life of Junior's friend Bobby. A slice of life that gives a sense of the mid-1950s."--Catherine Andronik

..."World War II has been over for 10 years, but Junior Webster's father, a veteran, is still angry and anxious much of the time. And he's very afraid of polio--so concerned, in fact, that he forbids Junior to play with Lenny,who is a polio survivor,and literally chases the boy out of the house...When Junior discovers his father's wartime memorabilia, he learns the sad story that underlies his father's pain. Mr. Webster eventually proves that real heroes don't require wars when he and Lenny save the life of Junior's friend Bobby. A slice of life that gives a sense of the mid-1950s."...

In the summer of 1956 ten year old Junior is trying to have fun with his buddies Bobby and Lenny. The only problem with this is that his father a highly decorated World War II Veteran is irritable and holding on to the past. Juniors father believes that Lenny, who is a polio survivor, is still contagious and he forbids Junior to be with him. Juniors father comes upon the boys playing with toy soldiers in the back yard and starts to yell and throw things at Lenny running him off. One day Junior happens on some pictures form World War II, he learns that his dad became a Hero rescuing some men from a plan crash. The only problem with this is the He could not rescue his best friend. Discussing this with Junior allows his father to come to grips with some of the problems in his live. He also comes to grip with his problem with Lenny when the boy rushes out to stop a fire engine to save the live of his friend Bobby who is trapped in a burning house caused by a local factory fire. This is an excellent book I enjoyed reading it. The authors use of words propelled me back in to the 1950s. I enjoyed how the author important aspects of history into her book.