Junior Books

The gender roles and language is a little dated in this series but it's my daughter's favorite and makes a nice tie in with the TV shows.

My two sons (5-year old and 4-year old) have enjoyed this book for a couple years now. They imagine themselves as "little bears" and enjoy adding their own imagination to the book's different stories.

I really liked the "Birthday Soup" chapter best and have used it to teach my sons that no matter how little you have, you always have enough to share.

The book is a classic and you can add it to your storybook collection with Amazon's 4-for-3 special offer. I suggest you pick up "Little Bear's Friend" (see my review), too.

This is a warm, nurturing view of childhood. My children and many others have loved it for years.

I purchased the Little Bear (An I Can Read Book) for a first grader that I mentor and she had asked for this book. I have given her other books and can't wait to give her this one

My kids and I came to know Little Bear through the cartoons on TV first. Perhaps part of the appeal of the books for my kids is that they know these stories well from the cartoon, but the books are much more engaging!

Best of all, unlike the cartoons, you have the amazing illustrations of Maurice Sendak. They give the books a timeless appeal.

Perfect to read to little ones, and an excellent reader for K-2.

Other titles in the Level 1 - Beginning Reading series are:

- "Father Bear Comes Home"

- "A Kiss For Little Bear"

- "Little Bear's Friend"

- "Little Bear's Visit"

Living Literature: Using Children's Literature to Support Reading and Language Arts

The prior reviews on The Wednesday Wars are astonishingly positive, and with good cause. If anyone knows Gary Schmidt's writing from Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy, the no one should be surprised. Schmidt is masterful at metaphoric language. In both novels, I found myself pausing in my reading at times, simply to reread and savor something amazing in the writing.

Set in the 1960's, The Wednesday Wars is both funny and heartwarming. Readers rally for, and sympathize with Holling who, because he's the only non-Catholic and Non-Jew in his class, is left alone every Wednesday afternoon when all other students are at Hebrew school or catechism. He believes his teacher must hate him. After all, without him, she'd get a planning period. Somehow Holling gradually falls in love with Shakepeare - an unlikely happening for a 6th grade boy in the 1960's. And, that his peers will not understand makes perfect sense if you lived through those times (as I did).

It would be an understatement that I think this book is terrific.

Wendy C. Kasten, Ph.D., Professor
Kent State University
Co-Author (with Kristo and McClure), LIVING LITERATURE (Pearson Ed, 2005).

It was somewhat entertaining. It's not one of those novels that you simply can't put down, but I still enjoyed reading it.

Holling Hoodhood is Presbyterian. Normally that isn't a problem, except on Wednesday afternoons when the Jewish and Catholic kids go to religion classes. That leaves just Holling in Mrs. Baker's 7th grade class at 2pm, much to her chagrin. Initially she tries to send him back to 6th grade math, but when that fails she puts him to work. She has him pounding the chalk dust out of the erasers (they used to do that back in 1967) but that ends up in a minor disaster. So she decides they will spend their time more productively by reading Shakespeare. Holling isn't convinced this is a productive use of his time, but he learns to appreciate it in different ways and learns a few other - more important - things as well.

Told from Holling's perspective, this is the kind of book I loved to read as a kid but doesn't come along often enough. It'll have you alternately laughing out loud and drying your eyes as he goes through the 7th grade year. He's convinced Mrs. Baker hates him, his older sister wants to be a "flower child," his dad is consumed with building his achitectural business, and his friends are mad at him because he got a creme puff. And wait till you hear what he has to wear! Whether you grew up in the 60s or are growing up now, this book will resonate with some of the ridiculous situations we occasionally find ourselves in, and the sometimes painful process of finding our way in the world. Parents and kids alike will love this book and I'm planning to get it on audiobook for the car on our next family trip. Very highly recommended!

I loved this book! I bought it because my kid will be on the Pentathlon Team at school and she needs to read it for competition. I thought I'd start reading it just to get an idea of what she would read and I couldn't put it down! It gives a great feel for what life was like growing up in the sixties (that's 1960s) through the eyes of a middle schooler. If you lived through the 60s, it's a great look back, and if you weren't there in the 60s, it gives an idea of what life was like.

I went to a presentation by the author, I sat next to a kid who probably didn't think reading was cool, and going to see the author was less cool. I asked him which book he'd read, he said the Wednesday Wars. I said what did you think? He said it was good, you know, for a book. After the author finished discussing the Wednesday Wars and his inspiration for the book I elbowed the boy next to me and said What do you think now? He said I think I like, you know more than before.

This book is just what I like, it makes you laugh, it makes you cry, it makes you think and it makes you smile. I read Macbeth for the first time in 7th grade, I had to read a play for school, and my dad handed me MacBeth and said I think you'll like this, I groaned heavily, but I read it, and then I read the rest of Shakespeare's plays. I got an A for being the only kid to tackle Shakespeare. I will leave all the other reviews to disect the plot for you. I think to really benefit from a book this good both the young adult and the parents should read it. As for Mr. Schmidt he is still one of my very favorite writers for young people, and I hope he writes for a very long time!

Reviewed by Anne Marie Medema (age 12) for Reader Views (7/08)

Mary O'Hara is an excellent author because she ties in real things that happen into a fictional family. The breeds of horses O'Hara writes about are real and it is obvious she is educated in each horse's individual characteristics. O'Hara writes using authentic western language terms. In "My Friend Flicka" the story comes alive to the reader as O'Hara writes with much description about the farm, the horses and life out West. O'Hara weaves into her story punishment and reward in real times -- the reward of a boy's joy when he finally receives his filly.

Can you tame a wild heart? The cover states it well. This question explains "My Friend Flicka" to the reader. It is a book about taming both a young boy and a horse. The storyline begins with Ken on a horse ride. While riding, Ken loses many different horse articles. Ken's father had been an army officer and thus raised Ken with firmness and strictness. He demanded respect. Ken has always been dreaming of a horse of his own.

Due to poor grades in school and a missed assignment about horses Ken must repeat a grade in school. His father requires Ken to complete an hour of homework a day throughout the entire summer. Ken's brother gets him in trouble by asking many questions that Ken must answer and tell the truth.

One day Ken scares his father's horses towards a landslide. One horse cuts the other horses off so none of them fall off and are saved. Ken's mother encourages his father to give his son a horse. Ken's father finally gives him a chance to care for a colt or filly. Ken chooses a colt that is a yearling. Since there are many yearlings to choose from, Ken anxiously awaits to make a choice.

The doctor arrives at their farm because four horses need to be gelded. Gelded means the horse can not reproduce and is done to the stallions. The procedure was so horrible and so much blood lost that one of the horses dies due to the gelding. The colts act sad after the gelding. Ken is greatly disturbed by it. This incident means Ken will choose a filly for his horse.

Rocket is a wild horse who has a filly named Flicka. Ken sees Flicka and falls in love with her and wants her. Flicka is caught for Ken. One day Flicka falls sick. After she is sick, Ken finds Flicka in a river lying down ill on a cold night. By the morning, Ken is sick and Flicka's fever is gone. Ken's father wants to kill Flicka but decides against it. Flicka turns into a well-bred horse and a companion for Ken. Flicka and Ken grow up together and learn life lessons from each other.

"My Friend Flicka" by Mary O'Hara is a great book I would recommend for young and old alike. Boys and girls who have a love for ranches, horses and the outdoors would particularly enjoy the storyline. I have read many books in my life time and I rank this one as one of the best. Break-in a book called "My Friend Flicka" and gallop away from the world.

I have to give this book 5 stars. Mary O'Hara wrote an incredibly beautiful story about a struggling family. Many of the details of the story are so true to life. As an adult reading this story, I found the details about the parents to be more interesting than the story of the horse and the boy. O'Hara really understands the concerns of a parent for a struggling child and it's very true to life in the book. Many important issues are touched upon in this book too; responsibility for our domestic animals, love for people and animals, doing our duty in our every day life are all there with out being mushy and sentimental. O'hara also paints a vivid picture of Wyoming and old-time ranch life. It makes me wish it was still like that, so I could visit it. This is another great book for a read aloud family time.

This is a very good book. My granddaughter really enjoyed it.

Although he made his audio book debut just two readings ago, stage, screen and television actor Michael Louis Wells is in full command of the metier with his narration of the classic My Friend Flicka. Many will remember the story as a film with Roddy McDowall, as a TV series or as a current film. Wells is on a par with all of the actors who have undertaken bringing this touching tale to life. The reason for the story's many incarnations is obvious - it is one of our best-loved books and well deserves its place among others that are enjoyed from generation to generation, such as Treasure Island and Mutiny on the Bounty.

Pivotal to O'Hara's story is Ken and his seeming laissez faire attitude. Where his mind is his father, Rob, certainly doesn't know. He's a young boy who would much rather just look out a window than study his arithmetic. He should have studied because his report card is so poor that he's doomed to repeat a grade. Rob undoubtedly wonders whether he'll even catch on the second time around.

Their home is Wyoming's Goose Bar Ranch and Rob is working hard to make a go of it. He doesn't need a son who seems given to daydreams. Then, along comes Flicka, a beautiful chestnut filly, with a wild streak inherited from her sire. Ken is certain he can tame Flicka, and so begins the unforgettable relationship between a boy and his horse.

O'Hara wrote a follow-up to her story, Thunderhead, but it never achieved the popularity of My Friend Flicka, a timeless story to be enjoyed over and over again.

- Gail Cooke

I am in the middle of lstening to this book. Its detailed descriptions of ranch life and horses are quite compelling. But what surprised me was the absolutely accurate description of a boy with ADD. This book was written some two decades before attention deficit disorder gained anyone's attention, but O'Hara's descriptions of Ken's behavior are absolutely consistent.

And then O'Hara answers the question of what to do about the condition: give the kid something he really wants to do and stand back. Of course, it helps that Ken has two wise and good-hearted parents; but then, maybe that is the start to solving most problems that children have.

A fine book on many levels, and a fine companion on the road for adult and child.

My daughter is 2 years old and had a problem with biting other children while at daycare. We tried "reasoning" with her - but it didn't seem to help. So, we decided to try buying a book hoping that perhaps it might help the situation. She loves this book. Surprisingly, after reading the book to her, she has not had any reported problems of biting anymore. Coincidence? Perhaps. Perhaps not. This book sure is worth trying it for yourself.

Teeth Are Not for Biting (Best Behavior Series)

This is a great book to read to toddlers to teach acceptable and unacceptable behavior. It has colorful pictures and using simple words easy to understand. This book also offers tips and advice at the end for parents and caregivers.

I wish I would have seen this book four months ago when my now 17 month old toddler was in his biting prime. Nevertheless, I still purchased it (his biting had already significantly decreased) and I'm very happy I did. Once in a while his biting will "resurface" and home we go after day care to take a look at his "Teeth Are Not For Biting" book. The words are very simple and catchy, the illustrations are perfectly colorful for a toddler (white and bright teeth being the focus) and he actually gets the hint that "teeth are not for biting"! I highly recommend this book to any parent of a baby/toddler. Good to have, especially before the problem begins.

The best behavior series is tackling children's less than desirable behaviors one by one;preventing kicking, hitting, the sharing of germs, tail pulling, and now, biting. The text highlights the benefits of teeth for activities such as chewing and smiling as well as acknowledging situations where children might want to bite and alternatives to biting. A variety of well-drawn illustrations present a variety of children in multiple environments. The text does not follow a predictable pattern-while some phrases are used repeatedly, the pattern changes a few times over the course of the text, from "Teeth are not for biting" to "Biting hurts" and back again, which may be confusing for the 0-3 year old audience. Parents may appreciate the resources for discouraging biting and assistance with teething available at the end of the book.

My son had a real problem w/ biting, but after reading this book over and over, I really saw a reduction. It's a cute book, great pictures. Def would buy it!

I recommend this book for all little girls of color. This includes biracial and adopted girls who can also become quite conflicted about their amazing locks.

Even though they may be surrounded by friends and immediate family with similar hair, sometimes they stop seeing the rich beauty of their own hair. They start comparing themselves with their family members with different hair.

This book was perfect for us. A godsend.

I think this book should be given to every family that adopts across racial barriers and recommended to every African American and biracial family (where one parent is of African descent).

Even better it should be read in every elementary school in America. The beauties of long, straight (especially blond) hair is extolled throughout children's literature. So should people of all cultures hear the beauty of African hair extolled.

I loved Ms. Tarpley's comments about her own hair journey. I am so grateful that she wrote this book. I wish it had been around 60 years ago so that many generations of girls could have seen the beauty of their hair affirmed in print.

I have loved every book written by Ms. Tarpley. I find them educational and uplifting. This book is no exception.

My older niece loves this book, all about a black girl who, as you expect, loves her hair.

She describes it in various poetic and imaginative terms - her hair can be like a globe, or be spun into a braid; it's curly like a vine winding into space; she likes to wear her hair in "ponytails like wings".

There are some unnecessarily didactic elements - kids at school teased her, so her teacher talked to them about having Pride in Your Heritage (a good concept, the whole book is about that, but that page wasn't so well-handled, I think), and her mother starts talking to her directly about how she's "lucky to have this head of hair" when she complains that haircombing *hurts* sometimes.

Also, some of the illustrations have odd perspective - I'm thinking specifically of one where she's going down the street with beads in her hair.

However, overall this is a really great book. And my nieces (aged five and 2.5) agree. They love reading this book.

My daughter loved this book as it has vivid illustrations and really helps to promote a love for African American hair!

IF YOU WERE THINKING OF BUYING THE BOOK "NAPPY HAIR", GET THIS ONE INSTEAD. ITS BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN.

This is an excellent book for building confidence in African-American girls about the natural beauty of their hair. The pictures are wonderfully done and contribute to the feeling of pride you get when reading this book. My daughter especially related to the part where the little girl makes music with the beads in her hair, and I try to remember to be as compassionate as the mom in the book when I comb her hair.

Wonderful resource for preparing my lessons as Music Teacher. I highly recommend this book to anyone who would like to be a more effective teacher.

This approach develops incredibly sophisticated musicians at an early age. Kodaly Today provides thorough guidelines for the music educator throughout the calendar year. Lesson planning runs smoothly which allows me more time to be creative and teach a in step by step, cognitive way. But it also provides specifics like key phrases and terminology to help you communicate in the classroom. It is an essential to my planning time.

I found that this book had great information and really took the time to explain the reasoning and philosophy behind the ideas presented. It almost contains too much information. I plan to use it as a reference to supplement the Kodaly training I'm receiving at Capital University, and hope other will use it as a reference and not a replacement for training.

If you are a Music Educator, this book will help you to be a more effective teacher and will keep you from going crazy trying to figure out how to present all those music concepts on your list. The book is well organized, relevant and easy to understand. Believe me, everything you need to teach wonderful music lessons is in this book. There are song suggestions for every part of your lessons and many ideas for making your lessons more creative and powerful. After almost 30 years as a Music Educator, I am so grateful to have this tool and support for my teaching.

I bought this book after hearing about it on the MENC boards. It is packed full of great information about organizing curriculum, and offers many ideas that you can incorporate immediately into the classroom. Worth every penny!

This is an excellent cookbook, not only in content, but in the quality hard cover and readable print. I am so happy to have had it recommended for my cookbook library! Being a member of a local Herb Society, and having published our own books in the past, this book rates right at the top.

I have found every recipe created from this book to be so delicious and crowd pleasing. A staple item that I make at least three times a week are the Whipping Cream biscuits. Looking for healthy dishes to serve my family, I am fond of the Whipped Carrots and Parsnips dish as well as a rich and delicious Baked Spinach (a favorite often made for potlucks by a dear friend who is also a fan of this book). Each recipe is quite easy to prepare with readily available ingredients. An excellent book, highly recommend.

This is my favorite cookbook. Because the recipes are very thoroughly tested, unlike many cookbooks, I can trust that the recipes are accurate and easy to follow. I also love that all the recipes call for fresh ingredients, and it is an excellent book to use when cooking for company or holidays.

Absolutely wonderful cookbook! A must have for the kitchen! Beautiful bith in pictures and recipes!

I have collected cookbooks for the past 45 years, and this is absolutely one of the BEST!!! It is beautifully illustrated and full of unusual recipes. So far every one I've tried has been delicious and easy to follow. I'm ordering five more to have on hand for gifts.

What to learn how to recognize the most important concepts/patterns and how to plan ahead? "More Unbeatable Chess Lessons" provides 24 complete games that have been tried and tested in actual lessons by one of the most successful chess teachers of all time. This book is most suited for a player who is well beyond the beginning stage (it is more detailed and more advanced than "Logical Chess" by Chernev, and intended as a next book from the same author's best seller "Unbeatable Chess Lessons For Juniors", which is recommended to start out with if you are rated under 1200).

Games are arranged by opening, and there is a nice variety. You can really learn a lot about openings in this book, as the analysis is detailed and deep (some excellent new analysis in a variety of lines). Not that interested in the opening? Well, you can easily skip over some of the long analysis and move right into the middlegame if that is your choice.
Some of the openings with excellent detailed analysis are:
<<< Ruy Lopez, Petrov's Defense, Giuoco Piano, Center Counter, Alekhine's Defense, the Sicilian 2 b3, Pirc/Modern Defense, Queen's Indian and the Benoni >>>

The games were mainly selected to cover important positional and tactical ideas that the author has used in lessons for years. There are a fair number of the author's along with a nice balance of games by other players (i.e. GMs Karpov, Spassky, Korchnoi, Tarjan, Tal, Kalinitchew, Gurgenidze, Chigorin and Ivanchuk). A major difference, besides being designed for more advanced players, over the author's "Unbeatable Chess Lessons For Juniors" is that a lot of the games are newer (some being played after 2000). Together these books cover a massive number of openings and important concepts.

Perhaps understandably, as I have seen in a couple other reviews, the main focus is on openings and middlegames. However, it would be impossible to have too many games going into the endgame using a comment on every move without making the book very massive (and expensive). Though, there are several excellent games with good instruction in the endgame.

I appreciate the care, detail and accuracy that has gone into making this one of the best instructional/game collection books ever written.

If you are looking for a book that will greatly improve your game, and you are a solid chess player, then "More Unbeatable Chess For Juniors" is the answer!
There are a total of twenty four games with nice clear analysis, questions within the games to get you to think and analyze for yourself - and every move is explained.
This book will also help you improve your knowledge of many important openings with some very deep analysis (some games are like an opening book in themselves!). Middlegame strategy and tactics with the general rules being applied and explained is neat.
For a solid player this book is tops to continue to improve. On my Junior High School Team I am the top player rated over 1600 in the USCF (I started off with "Unbeatable Chess Lessons For Juniors" when I was rated about 1000, and a year later got this book with my rating going up to 1300, then improved in a year to 1600). These two books were by far the most helpful in helping me improve the way I analyze and plan ahead.

There are thousands of chess books to choose from, and this holds especially true for an established chess player. Narrowing down which books are the best to get isn't easy. I will therefore try and point out why I feel that "More Unbeatable Chess for Juniors" should be placed high on your consideration list.

"More Unbeatable Chess for Juniors" will greatly increase your depth of understanding of many very important concepts in chess. The author uses his extensive knowledge, based on many years of teaching, to create lessons that implant ideas and the techniques needed to use them. Pure genius is an understatement. Knowing just what the mind of a 1000 to 1600 rated player needs to be fed makes is one major factor that makes this book superior to all others that use a move by move comment.

"More Unbeatable Chess for Juniors" is an expansion on this author's "Unbeatable Chess Lessons for Juniors" (one of the most popular chess books written). If you are an average tournament player or above then having read the author's previous book(s) is not necessary to use this one.

Whereas, there is a heavy focus on opening concepts and lines, and important middlegame strategies there are several excellent endgames. Understandably, if you want to learn endgame technique, get an endgame specialty book. However, this book is packed with important opening lines not found in other books (some of the variations after 1. e4 c5 2. b3 - Sicilian, 1.e4 Nf6 2. e5 Nd5 3. d4 d6 4. Bc4, plus variations in the Nimzo-Indian, Queen's-Indian, Caro-Kann, Pirc, Modern, Scandinavian, Petrof's, Goring Gambit, Scotch, Ruy Lopez lines with the Marshall, Exchange, Keres, Birds and Steinitz variations, Benoni and Bird's Openings).

This book will also help you learn to plan ahead. Once again the words I will use to describe what you will find here - "pure genius".

Rated as an Expert by the USCF I at first thought, "a book for intermediate and advanced kids could never appeal to an experience adult player". I picked up the book for a couple of kids I have worked with but then started looking it over more carefully. And, soon I was deep into the analysis and games in this book! It isn't just a book for experienced chess kids - the analysis is deep where it needs to be, the analysis is clear and the author has great insight into how to teach. Games used in the author's actual lessons prior to writing the book has made the games and analysis tried and tested. This is one thing that makes this book different from the others that have analysis on a move by move basis (and I have seen about 3 others using this idea). This is the book that follows the author's "Unbeatable Chess Lessons for Juniors", which I have also got ahold of. And, actually though the book covers more basic ideas, it was still helpful to me as well.
Just darn good solid lessons and excellent games for instruction! A very solid FIVE STAR BOOK!

AMAZINGLY CONCISE and ACCURATE analysis turned using instructive games as the format best describes "MORE UNBEATABLE CHESS FOR JUNIORS". As a strong player I got this book, not for a kid, but for myself! I wanted to learn how to handle the Queen's Indian Defense as Black, to handle Marshall Gambit, Petroff's Defense and Sicilian as White and found that the analysis (with much being original and unpublished) on the openings was fantastic. The SNYDER SICILIAN (named after the author of this book), 1 e4 c5 2 b3 is a viable alternative to the more common lines for White to play against the Sicilian. And, the most complete analysis anywhere is found in "MORE UNBEATABLE CHESS FOR JUNIORS". Therefore - if you want to learn your openings, especially if you play 1 e4, this book is an absolute must for that alone.

Now openings aside UNBEATABLE CHESS FOR JUNIORS covers important concepts and themes that the author has in mind to teach. The selected games were tried and tested in actual lessons before being included in this book (I agree with the other reviewers that this is what makes this book unique among others for the great insight the author has in understanding the thinking process of those who will learn from these lessons). You can check out the other reviews for some of the details of the actual material that is covered (I don't have all day to go there!). Therefore - there author tries to focus largely on teaching the openings and middlegame, but there are several excellent endgames included as well.

"MORE UNBEATABLE CHESS FOR JUNIORS" is the most advanced book in the author's CHESS FOR JUNIORS series (about 5 books) and is a continuation of one of the best selling chess books of all time "UNBEATABLE CHESS LESSONS FOR JUNIORS", also excellent, but more basic (would recommend it for players rated between about 700 and 1600, with "MORE UNBEATABLE CHESS LESSONS FOR JUNIORS" recommended for those who have completed and understood the previous book, or as a stand-alone only for those rated 1200 and 2400 - yes up to 2300!). The tiered analysis is unique and allows both books to appeal to a wide range of playing skill (unlike "UNDERSTANDING CHESS", which I would recommend for players over 1600 - though I personally feel "MORE UNBEATABLE CHESS FOR JUNIORS is superior).

*If you have read "UNBEATABLE CHESS LESSONS FOR JUNIORS" or are 1200 up to 2300 ability, then this book is a MUST READ for you!

I began this book with some skepticism. I'm not at all a soccer fan and was afraid I'd find it boring -- or poorly written, given the author's young age. But Leah Lauber won me over by the second page! Her fresh voice, enthusiasm for the subject matter, and beyond-her-years writing skills make Soccer Dreams a pleasure to read. I was hooked by her chutzpah in dreaming big dreams and finding ways to make them come true. And I learned a lot about the sport and the women who play it. Lauber's book gave me a new respect for these outstanding athletes, not just for their prowess on the soccer field but for their character, loyalty, and sense of teamwork and camaraderie off it. Lauber's journey covers not only her trek across the country to follow the team through the realization of its dreams, but her own increasing skill and confidence as a writer. I expect we'll see more great things from this talented young author.

If you're a girl who dreams of writing books, check out this cool one by a 12-year-old. Read it from cover to cover. Look at the photos. See how it's organized. You'll not only get inspired and get a feeling for what it takes, you'll also learn alot about soccer. Good job, Leah!--Catherine Dee, author of The Girls' Book of Wisdom and The Girls' Guide to Life

As an author, I meet many, many people who tell me, "Oh, I'd love to write a book!" But they never do it. They need to take lessons from Leah Lauber. She wrote a book chronicling her amazing journey following the extraordinary accomplishments of the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team. Passionate about soccer, Leah attended many of the history-making soccer matches not just as a fan, but also as a reporter. She interviewed her role models: Mia Hamm, Lorrie Fair, Cindy Parlow, Briana Scurry, and many other team members. Leah incorporated these interviews and game coverage into articles she wrote for Florida's largest newspaper, the St. Petersburg Times.

These accomplishments are admirable. But there's more to this story ... Leah did all this when she was just 12 years old!!! By following her twin passions for writing and soccer, Leah first achieved her dreams of meeting and talking with her heroes, attending the Women's World Cup, and reporting for a major newspaper. Then she reached her dream of writing a book. And what a book! Colorful photos and vivid writing truly bring women's soccer to life.

As you read "Soccer Dreams," you'll get caught up in the excitement of the sport and the thrill of the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team victories -- whether or not you're a fan. Leah's book makes you feel like you're right there in the middle of all the action. The book brims with added bonuses. Page 6 features reproductions of autographs Leah obtained from members of the national teams from both the U.S. and Norway. Section 3 is an absolute goldmine -- here's where you'll find Leah's unedited interviews with the national soccer team players.

Get this book for your daughters, it will inspire them to follow and reach their dreams. Get this book if you love soccer. Get it if you enjoy the thrill of a game, a good read, or a close look at sports history. I give this book 5 stars plus. An inspiring, motivating masterpiece!

-- Graciela Sholander (...)

Twelve year old Leah Lauber was more than an enthusiastic soccer fan -- she also landed a job as a Junior Reporter for the St. Petersburg Times covering the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cub. Soccer Dreams is the unique story of how for one year, a young girl covered the story of how the team prepared for the event, and how they went on to win this prestigious soccer event. Written with the help and assistance of her family (Leah's yonger sister Nicole and her grandmother, Nanny Pat Lauber, transcribed hours of Leah's interviews and recorded comments during seven different sessions with almost every member of the women's team, and her mother, Rya, worked on the book's cover design and her fahter sorted through hundreds of photos and scanned them into the computer for use in illustrating the thoroughly engaging text), Soccer Dreams is "must" reading for all young soccer enthusiasts and would be a popular addition to any gradeschool, junior high, or community library Sports collection.

When I got ready to read Soccer Dreams, I wasn't sure if it was something that would interest me. I'm not much of a sports person and know almost nothing about soccer. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that I didn't need to know anything about sports at all to enjoy the book.

While the book is about 12-year-old Leah's experiences reporting on the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team for the St. Petersburg Times, it is also about a girl following her dreams. Leah takes the reader with her as she applies to be a reporter for the newspaper's X-Press Team -- a select group of kids who write a special section of the paper on various topics for other kids. A soccer player since she was seven, Leah is able to meet the players, cover the team's practices and be there for their victory at the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup Championship. Like any good book, the story has its ups and downs, its victories and defeats, but it is real life, and seeing it through Leah's eyes makes it all the more real.

I very much enjoyed reading the book, as well as seeing the letters and newspaper columns she wrote, the tickets she saved, and the color photographs her father took of her adventures. Her writing style is clear and natural and she knows how to tell a good story. If she writes like this now, I can't wait to see what she will do in the future!

I received this cookbook for a gift and I love it. So many cookbooks you get have obscure items in the ingredient lists that cost a fortune once you find them. This cookbook has easy to follow recipes that my family will eat and I can find the ingredients at my local grocery store. I have bought this book as a gift four four friends and I am getting another one today.

I love this book! I've collected Junior League and other cookbooks for the last ten years, and this one is a gem! The recipes are easy to follow and use ingrediants I can find at my grocery store. My family especially loves the "comfort foods" section. The margin notes and stories make it interesting and personal. I'm enjoying my copy and have given many as housewarming and hostess gifts.

Texas Ties is incredible! It has a unique recipe for every occasion and draws compliments no matter what the dish. Whether cooking for friends, family, holidays or a week-night dinner, you and your guests will be delighted by the delectable treasures I have found in the Texas Ties cookbook!

I am a huge cookbook fan and love to cook. Texas Ties is my favorite cookbook. I received it as a gift and was pleasantly surprised to see that the recipes are easy to make, unique, and delicious. My all-time favorite recipe is the caramel oatmeal bars. I make these often (especially during the holidays) and will give them to family and friends. Everyone seems to always love what I make from this cookbook! I would definitely recommend this book!!

My daughter, Ali May, recently gave me Texas Ties as a gift. Shortly after that I had a small dinner party and decided to try some recipes from Texas Ties, keeping in mind I shouldn't try new recipes for a party, but I did anyway. These are the recipes I tried that day: White Texas Sheet Cake (a favorite of my entire family now), Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes (my guests all took seconds on this one), Black Beans,Corn, and Tomatoes (a juicy marinated salad which is now one of my husband's favorites), and Sumptuous Raspberry and Spinach Salad (a delightful change from lettuce/tomatoes). Just this past week our family came for dinner and I made Best Banana Pudding. I did add 1 t. of vanilla to this one. My grandson, Trent, asked for the first bowl and it was all completely gone by early evening. I am a cookbook collector and Texas Ties is now one of my favorites! Happy Cooking to you!