Review:as we are from Joplin my kids had to have this book. There were a few mistakes, such as: it says we are from Southeast MO, but we are in Southwest MO. There wasn't 150 some people that died in tornado, ended up 161 that died. I wish people were more careful about their facts before they publish. it would be 5 stars but for not fact checking i'm giving it a 4 start Read more

Review:There are some very strong parts of this book and others rather weak. I am not sure I enjoyed the way it was organized and I keep feeling as if there were things missing. Was I glad I read it? Yes, for the language was lovely. Read more

Review:I loved how the author described each character while also inserting the town of Eden & the country. This made me feel I was there in beautiful Colorado & experienced all the trials, the awakening for the love of the town, its people, the 5 Sisters Ranch, & witnessed blooming love plus Forever Love! Read more

Review:I would have rated this higher, but I found the first torture scene very disturbing. Some friends convinced me to continue with the book; and I am very glad I did, but I was always waiting for that next torture scene with immense trepidation. I liked the role of women in WW2. Read more

Review:Out of the Dust, by Karen Hesse, is a heartwarming story that will leave no eye dry. It touches a chord that children don't see very often in children's literature, a good reason for receiving the Newbery award.
The style of this book is very unique. Fourteen year old, Billie Jo, shares in a diary of sort everything that happens to her, how she feels, and what her dreams are. By the end of the book children will feel that they really know her. They can put themselves in her difficult sit... Read more

Review:I do not recommend this novel for children under the age of 18. The main character is a ten year old girl, psychologically and physically abused by her mother and possibly sexually exploited. For 10 years, she knows nothing beyond the four walls of the family apartment. She and her brother are then moved to the country before London is bombed. While morbid curiosity kept me reading to the half way point, this novel raises so many flags. Read more

Review:I must admit that I had no idea what this book would be about before I began. No one had given me a clue as to what adventure I would be taking as I read, so I am inclined to say as little as possible while convincing you this a "must read." Children have a remarkable way of creating and imagining another world and set out to act out life in that world of make-believe. The main character, Hannah, does just that. Except that her world is choked by the holocaust. Though this subject can be... Read more

Review:WONDERFUL book! I could hardly put it down.......mostly trying to figure out who he would actually marry. But I enjoyed the history surrounding the two Worlds' Fairs in Seattle. Very interesting reading. Read more

Review:I thought Dodger was a good read, a little simplistic at times but still well written. I always enjoy his books and I'm a huge fan. It was a little corny though when Mr. Dickens would "write something down for later". Looking forward to the next one. Read more

Review:This was the first time I ever heard of an underground hidden community in the woods where resisters and jews lived during WW2. It was compelling reading, and though it was a fictitious story, it represented what the people did endure as the years passed and they were forced to leave their families and hide away during the day in underground huts, coming out at night. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in history or the WW2 period. Read more