Boys Books

My brother's book has 6 stories about me. I drew illustrations. This stories is true. I stole a french fry are McDonald's and cut my own haircut. Other stories about Cheez Puffs, our dog Duke, my bicycle and flying beetle. The people where I work like my book. There is a poem about Mrs. Post, my aide at my old school. I drew illustration of her. I drew a dogs, my family, animals and my own cartoon characters. I like how the book is turn out. It's nice when the people read about me and see my illustrations.

Hats off to Richard and Kevin Carlson! This book is a must read for families who have loved ones on the autism/Asperger's spectrum, educators, all professionals. In short, this book is for everybody. This book serves as a bridge linking people and knocks down walls that were once said to enclose people on the spectrum. Like Joshua with the ram's horn, the walls are knocked down by the brothers Carlson.

This collaborative effort features several anecdotes involving Richard and Kevin. Kevin's illustrations bring the world as he knows it and the sensory issues he confronts on a daily basis into sharper focus. Richard provides an equally clear and strong voice. The bond between this pair is very heartwarming.

Please read this book. You will be so glad that you did.

Suggested for young readers age 6 to 10, yet involving and highly recommended reading for all ages, Poems And Short Stories About My Brother Kevin Who Has Autism by Richard W. Carlson Jr. is a unique and compelling collection of six true stories and six poems about the author's autistic younger brother, Kevin. Fifty simple black-and-white line drawing illustrations by Kevin illustrate and enhance this straightforward, heartwarming account which offers young readers a unique perspective into what it's like growing up with an autistic sibling, and the special challenges and responses therein. "Most boys would like bugs a lot./Because he has autism he does not." Also strongly recommended for school and community library collections is Richard Carlson's previous book: My Brother Kevin Has Autism.

Richard Carlson is to be commended, along with his brother Kevin. The drawings throughout this book are delightful, as are the stories told with such direct simplicity. This book, along with others in the Richard Carlson collection, should be required reading in schools. Children will love it. Every one of the stories will grab their interest. It will make a terrific present.

Carol Kluz is a coauthor of Carol Randy suspense and solo author of fantasy.

This book was great! It has some poems and short stories from MY
BROTHER KEVIN HAS AUTISM and there are new ones. I
felt lots of emotions reading this book like when Kevin fell in the icy
cold water and he couldn't swim. I felt really bad for him.
There were funny stories too. There was a lot of information about what
Autism is and now I understand it a little better. I would
like to meet Kevin to tell him what a great job he did with the
illustrations. I think this is a wonderful book for kids of all ages. I really enjoyed it, you will too!

This book is very easy to read. I couldn't put it down. Hopefully, Brown will write another novel.

Jim Brown is an extremely original and unique writer and artist. I found Chappy to be a very interesting and adventurous young man, as well as Red Murphy. I found myself many times right there with them and feeling their emotions and the atmosphere of each incident. This is a book containing true life experiences that should never end; stories of two boys who never really wanted to leave the wonderous, exploritory years of adolesence and brotherhood. Best friends of this such should never lose touch with each other. The humor and wit is excellent - I've never laughed so hard in one chapter and then cried in the next. I look forward to Brown's next work of art. Best wishes to him and his publisher. This is a perfect example of growing up in the South where life was so free and innocent. Thanks Chappy for taking me home.

This book is very easy to read. I enjoyed every part of it, and I hope Brown will write another book.

What a great summer read! I burst out loud laughing in a few occasions while reading this funny but touching tale of a young boy growing up in the South in the 1960's. You won't be dissapointed.

Jimmy Brown has written a coming-of-age novel that will bring back powerful memories for any male who ever attended public schools. You get bonus memories if you: 1)Grew up in a small rural town. 2)Ever saw a large textile plant in operation. 3)Knew a veteran of close combat. 3) Had a "best friend" and a major crush on a girl.

If you have missed any or all of those experiences, Mr. Brown now gives you a chance to live them, real and close-up. Readers of this book are guaranteed to nod their heads in recognition, laugh out loud, and keep turning pages until (sadly) there are no more.

This book is a book about timeless virtues and friendship. It is book about rising to find one's place in society. With newer books today attempting to push political special interests, this is a personal message. The story shows how one can rise with a simple positive character and persistence. These stories should be brought to the forefront in today's education. A simple warm and inspirational story for young and old alike. I wish I had the power and will to bring these to all middle schools and other young people.

This is a realistic book about a young boy doing "good" and in turn he has many lucky breaks. It is supposed to be a child's book, but I don't know how many children would voluntarily read this. I read it for my Children's Literature class and I loved it! It deals with a less severe form of didactism, which is a nice change. It is a fast read also.

Great writing and an excellent read. Truly a delight. I highly recommend it.

i have read Ragged Dick in paperback recently and found it to be a very well written book that is fast paced and easy to relate to as wellas understand.i highly recommend Ragged Dick;to all school children,as well as adults.

Published in 1867, RAGGED DICK was both Horatio Alger Jr.'s first and most popular work. Like all Alger's novels, it is extremely diadactic and exists to promote specific values: hard work, thrift, honesty, integrity, and bravery. Given this, one would expect it to be a dry read, but Alger takes pains to paint his story in bright colors: the novel swirls with shops, crowds, and a range of characters, and while it could not be called exciting in any modern sense it nonetheless remains unexpectedly readable to this day.

The title character is Richard Hunter, better known as Ragged Dick, an orphan living on the streets of New York and scraping a living as a shoe shine boy. Although he is quick witted and has a basic morality, he lacks direction--but when he is employed to act as a guide to the city to Frank Whitney, a boy of his own age, he is impressed with Frank's manners and education and determines to better himself. Dick later meets Henry Fosdick, an educated youth who has fallen on hard times through no fault of his own, and Fosdick agrees to tutor Dick. They take a room together and, with the aid of kindly Mr. Greyson and a sudden twist of fate, are soon on the road to financial security and social respectability.

Throughout Alger's career critics frequently complained that the ultimate success of his heroes actually depended more on pure luck than upon any of the values Alger so carefully preached. This is certainly true of RAGGED DICK; although he faces considerable adversity, at his worst moments he is always fortunate enough to find a sympathetic older man who is willing to reward him--and some times spectacularly so. This may arise from the fact that Alger himself tended to be fortunate in precisely this way throughout his life, and when success came to him, he made an effort to help boys in exactly the way that his many novels describe.

This may not have been entirely altruistic. While his defenders dismiss it as so much gossip, various records pertaining to Alger's brief work as a Unitarian minister indicate that he was removed from the ministry due to questionable relationships with teenage boys, and other documents include comments by Alger which seem to support this. Interestingly, however, once fame placed him in the public eye no further scandal arose, and it may be that he was able to subliminate his sexual interests into artistic ones. Still, it would be very easy to turn a Freudian eye upon his novels, which inevitably involve a young boy being rewarded in some form or fashion by an older man.

Whatever the case, RAGGED DICK--and indeed all the Alger novels--are perfectly harmless so far as young readers are concerned, and the quality of writing is very good indeed. Teenagers brought up on what passes for youth-fiction these days will likely to find it tough going, but most adult readers will find it a mildly amusing return to innocence.

GFT, Amazon Reviewer

I must say that I was very apprehensive about purchasing this book because I didn't get a chance to preview any pages. However, the title alone caught my attention. I recommend this book for any woman or man raising a black child (especially a boy). You should get this book before your son or daughter turns 12 because they WILL try you and this book is a good guide on getting and keeping them on the right track.

Just in case you're wondering what's inside the book here's a heads up:

a)Women you will see why you shouldn't attempt to raise your sons to be men alone or keep them from seeing their (possibly dead beat) dads.

b)Women you will also be able to question youselves on whether you are raising you sons to be future husbands and fathers or a 40 year old boy that will (pimp you)live with you forever.

c)Dads it will give you a good follow up on how to father and be a man even if you never had instruction in your own life growing up.

Lastly, it is helpful material on not giving up on your child; sons, nephews, or male neighbors.
Jawanza Kunjufu did a great job with this book. I'm taking a trip with my son and nephew to Morehouse and practicing his methods effective immediately!!

THIS IS A MUST HAVE FOR THE SINGLE MOTHER! IT IS AN INTERESTING LOOK INTO THE LIFE OF YOUNG BOYS. I WILL DEFINITELY INSTITUTE MANY OF HIS RECCOMMENDATIONS INTO MY PARENTING STYLE.

This is an excellent parenting handbook for parents of all children - regardless of the color of their skin! The suggestions and insights apply to all boys ... not just "black" boys! I would highly-recommend this book for any single-parents raising young boys. I only wish I had read it 9 years earlier ... I would have done some things differently!

Service was fast and the product was in excellent condiditon, like new! The price was reasonable as well.

Wow, what a wonderful read!!! To any parent raising a black boy you must get this book. I plan on giving this book to several men for christmas!!!! It is indepth and touch on every subject! It should be titled the bible for raising black boys!

I love this book with its delightful rhyme, odd characters and colorful but disgustingly icky illustrations. Kids of any age are sure to love it. Just don't try to serve me any of that jam made out of rattlers. No thanks.

It's about time someone wrote a boys book! Disgusting and fun all rolled into one story that kept my son demanding more. We want more of the same and I'm hoping there will be more to come. There is a world of kids waiting to wake up to books and this slimy, goopy, and horrible plot is the way to do it.

Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R3MKGDZKFE3JB3 Rattlesnake Jam

Rattlesnake Jam is a hilariously funny children's picture book about an old couple who share an irresistible affection for rattlesnakes. There's only one problem: While Pa would rather have the rattlesnakes turned into fritters or pie, old Gran prefers them turned into jam... disgustingly green, sweetened, gooey rattlesnake jam!

So no matter how cold the weather is, there goes brave Pa hunting after the snakes. And as he hunts them, he fantasizes about the various ways Gran could cook them--hot on a plate, fried, sliced on white rice, hmmm... But no way will his dreams ever become a reality, for as readers will learn "...snake cooked for Pa was not in Gran's plan. She dreamed of them sweetened and made into jam." Though Gran swears her special jam can cure colds, gout and wheeze, not to mention "troublesome knees", everyone dislikes the taste of her ghastly creation. Will Gran ever stop? And what would happen to Pa, if she ever did?

Colliers's colorful, wacky illustrations complement Finke's humorous rhyme perfectly. Gran is grossly comical with her toothless grin, warts, bell pepper nose, and tough exterior. The reader will feel sorry for Pa, who seems completely under Gran's control. The book has 28 pages in all, and each story page has an illustration with a short text at the bottom--a two or four line rhyme, like this one:

Drop in chunky slices, stir well with a spoon.
Add mysterious spices! Gran hummed a wild tune.
The way to Gran's heart was through rattlers galore--
Making rattler jam bubble, `til it flowed on the floor.


The song-like cadence will be enjoyed by kids and adults alike. Snakes are reptiles that inspire both fear and fascination, especially in children, and it was clever of the author to use them as victims instead of villains in this book. This is a fine addition to Finke's series of rhyming books about animals. Whimsical and amusing, Rattlesnake Jam is one of those books young children will beg their parents to read to them again and again.

"Whoever heard of rattlesnake jam? Horrid! Disgusting! And how perfect for the imaginative child with a sense of adventure! This rhymed and well-metered tale of a grandma set on making rattlesnake jam, as if it were on everyone's breakfast menu, will have youngsters squealing and squirming with delight. They'll follow the hapless Pa into the field in search of the critters, and back into Gran's kitchen where she cooks up a rattling brew for folks near and far.

Rattlesnake Jam? Naturally! Children will ask for second, third and fourth helpings of this lively story. Enchanting illustrations by Kevin Collier."

[...]

Very original, haven't ever read anything in a POV like that... and I like the plot :)

Fantastic Book! I enjoyed every page of it. It's a tightly, well though out and well told tale. The ending was a nice suprise too.

I should have paid more attention when I picked up this book. I thought it said "a ghost story", "not a ghost's story". This book is told from the point of view of the ghost (Frank). Frank's brother, Herbie is about to begin his senior year and he has decided to go out for two sports--football and cross-country. He is now the same age as his brother was when he died.

The premise of the book is that there are some things that must be done while yet alive. It is a book that really gets you thinking about your own life and what you are doing with it.

While there are no objectionable words, I would recommend this for readers over age 12 due to subject matter. Definately one of the better books I have read.

Author Wallace is a natural at writing exciting, realistic sports action. However, RESTLESS is about so much more than sports. It's a surprising mystery filled with real teens. The dialog is amazing! It's how real people talk. Here are three non-sports reasons you'll love this book:
1. Everyone would like to be like Herbie, the main character.
2. Everyone would want a big brother like Frank.
3. Everyone knows someone like Eamon the Ghost.
Wallace's book is honest, funny and dramatic. I can't wait for the next one.

Herbie: When Herbie is running through the graveyard, building his endurance for his heavy sports schedule, he knows almost immediately that there is a presence with him. Even when he thinks about all of this afterwards, he knows he will not be able to stay away from the graveyard and the spirit that beckons to him.

Frank: Eight years older than his brother, Frank died of cancer at seventeen. He was not ready to leave and fought hard to hang onto his body, but it finally just gave out. He misses Herbie, his parents and all the passions that he could never have. Frank needs to let Herbie know that things are finally going to be all right and that he can move on. But something else is happening in the graveyard, and even Frank can't understand who the spirit is that is reaching for him.

Eamon: Killed in a tragic accident in the late 1800s, Eamon has not found his peace. He is looking for a way out but does not know where he really is. He has found a great energy in the running boy and a possible channel to another world.

RESTLESS is one of the most original YA books to come along in recent years. While there are themes of spirituality and time travel, what lies underneath the ongoing story are the themes of love and endurance. Author Rich Wallace has done some detailed research into theories about the afterlife and expresses this information beautifully through his characters and the story line. His characters are chained together in their common theme of grief and loneliness. Frank (who has been dead for eight years) narrates most of the story, which gives it an entirely fresh perspective.

This book grabs you from the first page and won't let you go until its exciting and rewarding climax. Get ready for one of the best reads of the season!

--- Reviewed by Sally Tibbetts (stibbetts@maine207west.k12.il.us)

It's actually been 3 years since I've read this book and wrote an email to the writer. I loved her stories, and I loved her books. To an aspiring writer like me, she gave me hope and strength not only through her books, but even through her kind words in her emails. Trust me, the story is good not only because the plot and the storyline, but also because of her kindness and sincerity poured into the books. Trust me, you cannot find any better book then the Virtual War chronologies. You must read it at least once in your lifetime.

(To Mrs. Gloria Skurzynski, My late review that I've promised for this wonderful book.)

The Revolt starts right where The Clones left off throwing you back into the storyline that was built up through the last two books. This fast paced sequel explains more about the characters and their mental as well as physical growth. It's actually one of the most interesting pieces of this book is how the chracters grow and change through the series. The triangle formed by three of the main characters (Brigand,Sharla and Corgan), is constantly developing and improving. The seperate and smaller triangle formed by Corgan, Ananda and Cyborg/Seabrig (They're the same person). The seperate thoughts and actions in these triangles always seem to effect not only the people in the triangle, but the people outside more than anyone expected. This also added to the effect this book will have on readers just because they'll feel the need to find out what happens next.. . This book also increases the terms of the connection between the clone twins, Cyborg and Brigand which only adds to the appeal of the book. Overall the book was an amazing read due to its plot, character development, psychological games and sheer suspense that will keep readers hungry for more and awaiting the next adventure in the series.

I read the book,The Revolt by Gloria Skurzynski, and thought it was AMAZING!!!Alot of cool and interesting stuff happens and everything is explained very clearly.After you finish the book,It leaves you wanting more,and fast!It's interesting with the whole battle with one character and differnt characters betraying eachother and turning on eachother.It is a good book for everyone and what I liked most is that one character, Ananda, is from India.I'm Hispanic and hate seeing the same race in every book like the main characters are usually white (no offense).It made me happy that there is a different race in this book other than just on race.

This book puts an end to the theory that sequels are never as good the original. Virtual War is an incredibly engaging book that allows readers to relate to characters while at the same time allowing them to experience highly unusual and exciting events. The Revolt is no excepion, following the pre-laid pattern of page turning suspense, action and sentiment. I couldn't put it down!

I Enjoyed Reading this book, I love the plot of the series, I finally understand what it means to be seating on the edge of your seats while reading. The last couple of pages had me really going.Plot-wise I think the Virtual War series beats practically almost all the books. It's amazing how practically the last half of the book is the climax, The Revolt will not disapoint anyone, and will leave them craving for more. Because this is a series it is good to read all three of the books in the series out so far by Gloria Skurxynski.

Virtual War
The Clones
The Revolt

Thank you for republishing the book I remember from my childhood (back in the Jurassic)! I read it out loud to my sons (12 1/2 and 8 1/2) and they love it!

Gramercy! This is one of the best books I have read in quite some time. From the first page, the slightly archaic English prose lends an air of authenticity to the book (or at least makes it feel a little more old-fashioned). Nathless, I never had any difficulty keeping up with Robin's many adventures--and there are many of them in this book! For the most part, each short chapter contains an isolated episode, making this a great book to read anytime, anywhere. Occasionally, a lenghty episode may be split among two or three chapters. The Robin Hood of this book is a wonderfully believable character--well skilled at archery, but less so at some other activities. In sooth, while he seems to have good intentions, he can come off a bit arrogant at times.

From Robin's bold meeting with Little John on a narrow foot bridge to his humorous first encounter with Friar Tuck from the opposite bank of a stream, we learn how many members of Robin's Merry Men came to join the band. We see how Robin's men fall in and out of favor with authority, and we watch his growing interest in the lovely Maid Marian. Packed full with knights, castles, bows and arrows, daring rescues, odds bodikins, and a host of unforgettable characters clad in Lincoln Green, this book provides a much needed escape from the hectic world of today to the English countryside of eight centuries ago. Highly recommended!

this book is a true life story of Robin Hood and his sweetheart Marian in England. the author had investigated a true life story and not a legend.and how Handsome robin hood met the charming fair maid marian met??? This biography in precise and accurate in every history happened in England for both of them. This book of Robin Hood and Maid Marian seems to be a heaven corresponded that these two birds shall meet when the ripe and right time comes.

McSpadden stays true to the Robin Hood legend and in my opinion this is the best portrayel of Robin Hood I have read and I recently read five other book about Robin Hood and find this one the best. If you are looking to buy Robin Hood then get this one you wont regret it, trust me on this one. I like how Robin Hood is the best archer in Sherwood bet is not as good in other forms of combat so it makes him seem more human, but not ordinary like many other book about him.

This is a delightful version of the classic Robin Hood. I especially love the illustrations by Greg Hildebrandt, and the timelessness of this leather bound edition. We see Robin hood as handsome and brave. The romance between him and Maid Marian is bitter-sweet. The book is divided in chapters, yet can be enjoyed by children and adults alike without being boring. I personally keep it on my bookshelf, away from little hands.

A profile of a real-life American Muslim boy and his family, depicted through simple text and photographs. This book introduces the five pillars of Islam, and cultural aspects of Islam such as hijab (women's headscarves) in an accessible way, as well as broaching the difficult topic of religious intolerance. My daughter was especially fascinated by the photographs, and flipped through the book again and again.

Simply beautiful, honest and real. I cannot think of a better book to share with young children, both Muslim and non-Muslim, to learn about and appreciate a culture lived by millions in the United States.

This is a disarming, affecting, simple story about a Muslim-American Boy. I like it also because it depicts a real family, not a "typical" family. I found the story easy to read, easy to understand, yet deeply affecting and interesting. It is a perfect story to read aloud to my ESOL students, some who are Muslim. A really, really good book.

This book is as must read for all folks no matter what age. It portrays the American dream only thru the eyes of a Muslim boy. It is sensitive, provacative, and has superb imagery of life. You must read this book.

This book is excellent for kids of all ages. I bought this for my 4 year old twins and I've read it to them several times. The photos are excellent and the writing is simple and beautifully written. Makes a great gift as well!

I teach Pre-K, and used this book along with other books by Kate Waters (The Mayflower,Sarah Morton's Day, and Tapenum's Day)to teach my November unit on the Pilgrims and the Native Americans. The photographs, which I primarily used, are an excellent source for my young students to visualize how things were. (I also left them in our library to look at at their leisure.) The text, which is understandable for this age, was a bit long for them to sit for during circle time. However, I wish I had these books when my own children were younger, because they would have had no trouble listening to them one on one. I remember how excited my children were when learning of this era. These books would have been some of their favorites, and I highly recommend them.

This is a wonderful, wonderful book. It will help you teach your children about hard work, perseverance, and family. My children want it read to them again and again.

Young Samuel Eaton (a historical character) is looking forward to his first chance to help his father bring in the crops. He finds the work incredibly hard, and the coarse grain raises bad blisters on his hands. But he perseveres, and at the end of the day when his father tells him "you did a man's work today, Samuel," we feel his pride.

Masterfully written, beautifully photographed, this is a gem in every way.

I used this book as part of the third grade curriculum. We are studying Massachusetts History. This book and its partner books about Sarah Morton, a Pilgrim Girl and Tapenum a Wampanoag Indian boy were excellent!!
The texts and pictures were well researched and presented. Plymouth Plantation and the reenactors there provide an authentic setting. Homes, clothing, work and play of children during this period are acurately shown. These books should be in every school library.

I am continually amazed at how children's books offer detail and insight into daily life that no stout history book can provide.

Writing the same review for the other two in this trilogy. Excellent all!

This book took us back to 1627. We learned all about Samuel Eaton's first day as a man. He told us all about the hard work he had to do in the fields. It was so interesting to read a story that used different words from long ago. The pictures were awesome! They showed us the clothing the pilgrims wore, what their house looked like, and the hard work everybody did. We thought it would be difficult to be a pilgrim boy! We think everyone should read this book because you can learn a lot about how the pilgrims lived. Read this wonderful book!