Dragon of the Red Dawn (A Stepping Stone Book(TM))

Book Description

Merlin the Magician will not eat or sleep or speak to anyone in Camelot. What can be done? The enchantress Morgan knows who to ask
for help: young Jack and Annie of Frog Creek, Pennsylvania! The brother-and-sister team quickly head off in the magic tree house on another magical and historical adventure.

Their mission: discover one of the four secrets of happiness.

Their journey: to a land of fierce samurai and great beauty, the capital city of Edo (now the city of Tokyo), in ancient Japan in the 1600s.

Their tools: a research book to guide them and a magic wand with three special rules.

In Dragon of the Red Dawn, Mary Pope Osborne transports readers back to the splendor, rich culture, and magic of traditional Japan.

Customer Reviews:

great book!.......2007-09-01

This book I loved when I was reading the pages, and how it gives you a little passport in the back of the book like it was actually a real passport. The books description of the garden when they first get out of the tree house in Japan just gives me a picture of what it looks like in real life. This book had a bit of humor and that adds coolness to the book. Buy this book!!!!!!!! I'm 11.

Mary Pope Osborne: Never A Disappointment........2007-07-23

Osborne forever captures history, folklore and imagination into the minds of many young and old alike. Her books are ever a delight to read to my son (even though he's able to read by himself) and more, a delight to hear when they come out on audiocassette!

I recommend this book.......2007-06-10

I liked it because Jack and Annie travel to Japan which is a really cool place and I think more people should read this book. It is better than any other book because it is the newest of the series.

Dragon of the Red Dawn.......2007-05-27

This is a wonderful book for kids. I love it, so much that I bring it with me everywhere I go. I have read this, and like it. It takes place In old Japan. Jack and Annie meet a poet named Basho, and spend the day with him. I have learned about Basho in school and most of the things the book told about him I knew. I was thrilled reading about the Samuarai, and when the fire came around I was so excited I almost screamed! Dragon of the Red Dawn is a good book to read.

Hard for parents to suspend belief, but the kids loved it........2007-05-14

Another classic Magic Treehouse installment, this time in imperial Japan. The haiku and deatils of life in Edo made this book informative for the little ones (4,6) and a little more interesting for the parents reading it. The fact that it involves a dragon was a big plus for both of them. The rating is only relative to other magic treehouse books, and not to the vast choice of better children's literature out there. All that said, I am sure it would make a good read for 7-8 year olds delving into books on their own for the first time.

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

Average customer rating:

a must have
Teaching Attitude
HAVEN'T WE ALL BEEN THERE
Still a favorite as an adult
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
Judith Viorst
Manufacturer: Aladdin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0689711735

Amazon.com

"I went to sleep with gum in my mouth and now there's gum in my hair and when I got out of bed this morning I tripped on the skateboard and by mistake I dropped my sweater in the sink while the water was running and I could tell it was going to be a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day."

So begin the trials and tribulations of the irascible Alexander, who has been earning the sympathy of readers since 1972. People of all ages have terrible, horrible days, and Alexander offers us the cranky commiseration we crave as well as a reminder that things may not be all that bad. As Alexander's day progresses, he faces a barrage of bummers worthy of a country- western song: getting smushed in the middle seat of the car, a dessertless lunch sack, a cavity at the dentist's office, stripeless sneakers, witnessing kissing on television, and being forced to sleep in railroad-train pajamas. He resolves several times to move to Australia.

Judith Viorst flawlessly and humorously captures a child's testy temperament, rendering Alexander sympathetic rather than whiny. Our hero's gum-styled hair and peevish countenance are artfully depicted by Ray Cruz's illustrations. An ALA Notable Book, Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day is a great antidote to bad days everywhere, sure to put a smile on even the crabbiest of faces. (Ages 5 to 9)

Book Description

Alexander knew it was going to be a terrible day when he woke up with gum in this hair.

And it got worse...

His best friend deserted him. There was no dessert in his lunch bag. And, on top of all that, there were lima beans for dinner and kissing on TV!

This handsome new edition of Judith Viorst's classic picture book is sure to charm readers of all ages.

Customer Reviews:

a must have.......2007-10-03

Great books for boys or girls. And for a bed time even better, when parents (who had a bad day themselves) have to read it. I love it.

Teaching Attitude.......2007-09-24

Great little book that I use to tutor children to read - and at the same time teach about attitudes. They love it!

HAVEN'T WE ALL BEEN THERE.......2007-09-17

Young, old or somewhere in the middle - we've all experienced a day like this. Heck, some of us have found a week or a month of having a "terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day!" I find this to be charmingly written, easy to read for a child, a quick bedtime story and a great lesson of life. It's OK to be upset, to have a bad day - tomorrow - you start all over. Helps to explore feelings that are natural and needed in all of us.

Still a favorite as an adult.......2007-09-15

i remember my teacher reading this book aloud to my class. I adored it then, and still do. sometimes I consider moving to Australia! I can't say enough about this wonderful book.

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.......2007-09-11

This is by far the best of the two Alexander books. It's funny and lets kids know everyone has bad days. I read this to my grand son for years, until he could read it to me. I bought this copy for a child who is having trouble with reading. It's one of the books I'd reccomend to help keep reading fun!

Average customer rating:

Exactly what I thought it'd be!
Another atrocious Aeneid translation by an unpoetical professor
Terrific translation
sound and action
Aeneid

The Aeneid
Virgil
Manufacturer: Viking Adult
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0670038032
Release Date: 2006-11-02

Book Description

Robert Fagles's translations of both the Iliad and Odyssey have sold hundreds of thousands of copies and become the standard translations of our era. Now, his stunning modern verse translation of Virgil's Aeneid is poised to do the same. This beautifully produced edition of the Aeneid will be eagerly sought by readers desiring to complete their Fagles collection—and the attention it receives will stimulate even greater interest in his translations of the Iliad and the Odyssey. BACKCOVER: Praise for Robert Fagles's translation of the Odyssey:
“Wonderfully readable . . . just the right blend of sophistication and roughness, it seems to me.”
—Ted Hughes

“A memorable achievement . . . Mr. Fagles has been remarkably successful in finding a style that is of our time and yet timeless.”
—Richard Jenkyns, The New York Times Book Review

“Remarkably seductive . . . In Fagles's hands, this `perennial poem of adventure' is again a work of entertainment, of majesty and epic beauty great enough to stun the senses.”
—The Philadelphia Inquirer

Customer Reviews:

Exactly what I thought it'd be! .......2007-09-22

The book is new, just like I ordered it, and it came within a week of my online order. Great job, Amazon!

Another atrocious Aeneid translation by an unpoetical professor.......2007-05-29

I should preface this review by saying that I am fluent in Latin (or at any rate I read it about as easily as I read English or French.)

This particular translation of the Aeneid is the worst I have ever seen. The so-called blank verse is devoid of metre, and amounts to nothing more than prose - very awkward, uninspired prose - artificially chopped up into lines of a more or less constant length. This sort of travesty has been common in English translations of the classics since the 1940's or so, but Fagles adds his own inexpressible sense of bad taste. The result is absurd rubbish.

For the benefit of monolingual anglophones, I observe that Virgil is at least equal to Shakespeare as a poet. As a stylist he is far superior. Does anyone imagine that some professor in say, Egypt, could translate Shakespeare into say, Arabic, in a way that could give Arabs a sense of just how wonderfully beautiful and moving Shakespeare is at his best? Of course not. The only example in English of a great poet being translated into really great English verse is Fitzgerald's Omar Khayyam. And Fitzgerald was a great English poet, not a professor.

In American culture however, only professors get the chance to translate the Greek and Latin classics any more, for only they know the originals well enough to attempt this. Further, English poetry is virtually dead - very few people read poetry, and even fewer have any idea of what poetry is, or how it differs from prose.

The result is the worst possible cultural climate in which to translate a sublime poet like Virgil. The translators are dull professors with no real knowledge of English poetry, no knowledge of metre or rhyme, no knowledge of the resources of English poetry, and certainly no ability to innovate in English poetry without making fools of themselves.

If you really want to gain some idea of the poetical beauty of the Aeneid, don't bother reading any modern translation, or even any of the older translations like Dryden or Gawain Douglas - they are all miserable failures - though not as embarrassingly bad as Fagles. Instead, get an English interlinear of the Aeneid and a Latin grammar, and invest a few years of your spare time in learning Latin.

Or wait for my own translation of the Aeneid....

Terrific translation.......2007-05-13

The original author was great; this translator is superb...as exciting as anything yhou can imagine. Don't get it if you think it will put you to sleep at night.

sound and action.......2007-05-07

Fagles's Aeneid is swift, vivid, and sonorous. With his translations of Homer behind him, Fagles enjoys a surety of reference that allows him--and the reader--to concentrate on the visual and auditory and intellectual action. Fagles gets a lovely running-before-the-wind feel by alternating fourteeners and hexameter, trimming the course with pentameter. Some transitional phrases seem too smooth, as if perhaps Fagles has stolen the ball, and occasionally I missed the poetic precision in the English that more delicate translations e.g. C.Day Lewis's achieve at points. Bernard Knox's introduction is interesting and moving, if hastily written. The glossary of persons/gods and places is useful and ample and in the back of the book where it can be ignored as desired. This reads wonderfully aloud, perhaps 1/2 to 1 book per evening, aloud with friends or family or by yourself. This is delectable action poetry, to take you lands away--to Rome no less.

Aeneid.......2007-04-10

I found this translation to be very engaging and entertaining. The stories are developed in a fashion that is very familiar and contemporary but still retains the pleasure of the earlier telling. I highly recommend this book to everyone from high school up.

The Sea of Monsters (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 2)

Average customer rating:

Wow. . .what an ending!
Percy's Odyssey is another fantastic trip into modern Greek myth
The series continues with the fun where it left off..
A place in my home!
exciting mythology

The Sea of Monsters (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 2)
Rick Riordan
Manufacturer: Miramax
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1423103343

Book Description

Percy Jackson's seventh-grade year has been surprisingly quiet. Not a single monster has set foot on his New York prep-school campus. But when an innocent game of dodgeball among Percy and his classmates turns into a death match against an ugly gang of cannibal giants, things get . . . well, ugly. And the unexpected arrival of Percy's friend Annabeth brings more bad news: the magical borders that protect Camp Half-Blood have been poisoned by a mysterious enemy, and unless a cure is found, the only safe haven for demigods will be destroyed.

In this fresh, funny, and hugely anticipated follow up to The Lightning Thief, Percy and his friends must journey into the Sea of Monsters to save their beloved camp. But first, Percy will discover a stunning new secret about his family -- one that makes him question whether being claimed as Poseidon's son is an honor or simply a cruel joke.

Customer Reviews:

Wow. . .what an ending!.......2007-09-28

This is a fabulous sequel to Riordan's first book. It is full of action, adventure, and it sparks some curiosity about future events. . . not to mention the ending will wow you!

Percy's Odyssey is another fantastic trip into modern Greek myth.......2007-09-13

In the second book of the modern Greek-mythological Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, Percy discovers that Camp Half-Blood is in danger as their borders are weakening. Even worse, his cross-dressing satyr best friend Grover is in danger of getting married. Percy, his friend and daughter of Athena, go on a quest to save Grover and retrieve the Golden Fleece, doing a great impression of Odysseus along the way. While the book isn't as imaginative and strong as the first in the series, it continues Riordan's witty prose and clever updating of Greek mythology and Greek hero quests (I just go geek for that stuff). Percy's issues with his absent father are compounded with the discovery and shame of his half-brother. Percy's father-issues reflect a very grown up issue: that of feeling abandoned by our God. At heart, this intelligent series isn't just about the greater and universal truths of Greek mythology and the problems of identity and growing up, but about family and the bonds of blood, even the most dysfunctional family in history: that of the ancient Greek divinity. Grade: A-

The series continues with the fun where it left off.........2007-08-29

The next edition of the Percy Jackson series, picks up a few months after the first book The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 1)left us. This time Percy, our young half-god hero, has to deal with even more problems then ever.

The half-blood camp is now in danger of being attacked and over run by monsters who were once held out of it's grounds by a tree. The tree has been poisoned and time is running out before the camp will be over run for good. It's up to Percy and his friend Annabeth to get the golden fleece from an evil cyclops who has also captured Grover, his satyr friend.

Joining Percy this time is a young cyclops, Tyson who turns out to be more then he seems, much to Percy's surprise. His great strength and immunity to fire will come in more then handy for Percy on his quest to stop things before they even get worse. Now with Charon banned from camp, his rival daughter of Ares being put on the quest instead of him and Luke, his former friend still out there causing trouble things have gone from bad to worse over the short summer break.

The follow up is pretty good and continues the story nicely. It was lacking in a few places that the first book did deliver on. Like the variety of monsters and fun that seemed to flow through the first adventure. This time it was mostly focused on cyclops and lacking of the character development that was fun the first go around. But that is minor problems if anything. The book delievers the same fun and situations that we fell in love with the first time around. The action is constant as are the refernces to mythology that Rick Riordan uses nicely in a cute and fun twist to relate it to modern times. The explanation for why there are so many Starbucks around was just one of many weird notions that Riordan came up with and for some reason in this universe as we are reading it, we don't question the logic we accept it and want more of it.

If you enjoyed the first, this is must get. It picks up the characters and adventure where it left us and adds in even more twists and turns then we were left with the first go around. Its a never ending story that keeps building up to more and more to look to and figure out. Slight bits of info are leaked to us in this book that will come into play later but are still left open for interpretation.

I can't say this book is better then the first but it is just as good and will most certainly leave you wanting more. Riordan seemed to plan everything out quite well and the reader will also realize that this is getting quite good and deep. As an older reader I can say this book is fun for people of all ages. Check it out, its an adventure you will love to continue on gladly.

A place in my home!.......2007-08-26

An extension of the first book in this series, Rick Riordan truly finds a unique perspective of a young boy trying to fit in the Olympian world and finding his comfort and power in the sea. Needless to say, it took a short day for me to read this book from cover to cover and left me looking forward to the next book. Definitely not for children only - adults will love this book as much as young adults; maybe even more!

exciting mythology.......2007-08-13

I have been a teacher for 50 years. After reading Rick Riordan's spin on the adventures of Percy Jackson, I am thrilled that someone has chosen to present mythology in such an enticing format.
I would like to have had these books way back then to make the stories more alive.
For me personally this trilogy renews my facination with greek mythology.

The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 1)

Average customer rating:

Meh
An awesome book that you have to read
My eight-year old daughter loved this series!
A Second to Harry Potter!
Great book for all ages

The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 1)
Rick Riordan
Manufacturer: Miramax
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0786838655

Book Description

Percy Jackson is a good kid, but he cant seem to focus on his schoolwork or control his temper. And lately, being away at boarding school is only getting worsePercy could have sworn his pre-algebra teacher turned into a monster and tried to kill him. Percys mom decides its time that he knew the truth about where he came from. She sends Percy to Camp Half-Blood, a summer camp for demigods (on Long Island), where he learns that the father he never knew is Poseidon, God of the Sea. Soon a mystery unfolds and together with his friendsone a satyr and the other the demigod daughter of AthenaPercy sets out on a quest across the United States to reach the gates of the Underworld (located in a recording studio in Hollywood) and prevent a catastrophic war between the gods. But to succeed on his quest, Percy will have to unravel a treachery more powerful than the gods themselves.

Customer Reviews:

Meh.......2007-09-27

This book is a little elementary. Also, it seems like a lot of concepts were taken from Harry Potter. I think there is even a blatent reference to the Potter novels in the book. I like the concept and the use of Ancient Greek themes, but I think the market of people who can enjoy this book is rather small: 8-12 year olds with a comprehension of Ancient Greece.

An awesome book that you have to read.......2007-09-20

The Lightning Thief is without a doubt one of the best books I have ever read. If you have not read this then you have to get this book right away. This book will keep you reading for hours, as you read unexpected twists in it. Percy goes on adventures with his other half-blood friends and every one is very interesting. So, if you are looking for a book to read, then this is definitely one that you have to read.

My eight-year old daughter loved this series!.......2007-09-05

I heard Rick Riordan being interview on NPR and was intrigued enough to go to our neighborhood bookstore with my eight-year old daughter and find the first book in the Percy Jackson series. Before buying, I had my daughter apply the Richard Back Book Test: opening the book at three random spots and reading one or two paragraphs.

She loved all three sections. I would have been in serious jeapordy if I had not then bought the book... We actually bought the Book 1 and Book 2 at the same time.

My daughter just ate up the books. Even though she's only eight, she loved the characters and the story.

A week later I bought Book 3 which she promptly devoured. We are now eagerly awaiting Book 4!

Just wanted to provide some input to those with somewhat younger kids.

A Second to Harry Potter!.......2007-08-26

I wasn't planning on buying this book but the display caught my eye. "If you loved Harry Potter, you will love this book! Perfect reading while waiting for the 7th book!" Bought and read; I couldn't put it down. From cover to cover it was a fantastic book on a young boy's quest to find out who he truly is and to prove himself worthy of the Olympian gods. It was definitely worthy of this reader and this book has now been passed onto 4 other individuals in my family for a great read! Definitely not for children only!

Great book for all ages.......2007-08-17

I picked up this book used for 35 cents when my local library was having a sale. The plot looked interesting and I've always loved Greek myths, but first I thought I was too old for this book. Still I'm so glad I decided to give it a shot! I finished it in two days.

the author weaves classical elements of mythology into the modern world rather seamlessly, which is always a good sign. I was impressed that the author actually knew his myths very well. There were some obscure little tidbits in this book that only someone who's really interested in mythology would know. But that was just a bonus. The plot was straight forward but original and the store had great humor and heart.

I particularly liked that Percy is not the perfect hero. He's just a regular kid who happens to have some extraordinary heritage. But he messes up like any other kid and has to rely on his friends to help him. His relationship with his mother is also very endearing. Parents can most likely enjoy the book with their kids who, by now, are probably getting bored with Harry Potter.

I'm off to the bookstore for the second one, and as a final note, let me just say, it's nice to see a great children's book again.

Average customer rating:

Great for philosophy enthusiasts of any age (and anyone who likes big pandas)
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE THIS BOOK!!!!
Gentle way to raise issues w/ kids
A review by a five year old
Beutiful Zen Moments

Zen Shorts (Caldecott Honor Book)

Manufacturer: Scholastic Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0439339111

Book Description

"Michael," said Karl. "There's a really big bear in the backyard." This is how three children meet Stillwater, a giant panda who moves into the neighborhood and tells amazing tales. To Addie he tells a story about the value of material goods. To Michael he pushes the boundaries of good and bad. And to Karl he demonstrates what it means to hold on to frustration. With graceful art and simple stories that are filled with love and enlightenment, Jon Muth -- and Stillwater the bear -- present three ancient Zen tales that are sure to strike a chord in everyone they touch.

Customer Reviews:

Great for philosophy enthusiasts of any age (and anyone who likes big pandas).......2007-09-22

Zen Shorts is a picture book written and illustrated by Jon J. Muth. But it's also a short story collection. And it's also a philosophy book. And it has a giant panda. Oh, and it is a Caldecott Honor book too.

The story starts when siblings Addy, Michael, and Karl meet Stillwater, a large Panda who wanders into their backyard to retrieve his umbrella. I love the opening scenes of the story. Karl, the youngest sibling, is looking out a window and telling Michael he sees a huge bear. Eventually all of the kids go out and say hello to Stillwater. Addy introduces Karl, who is "shy around bears he doesn't know." I find that phrase so enchanting. This kind of charm continues throughout the book.

The next day Addy meets Stillwater for tea. Then Michael and Stillwater hang out. Then Karl goes swimming with Stillwater.

Each outing is accompanied by an appropriate short story. The first is about a man (panda) who gives a gift to a robber. Another is about a man who knows that luck is a many-faceted thing. The final story is about a monk carrying an unnecessary burden. I'll never explain the stories as well as Muth tells them, so you should just read the book.

The illustrations of Stillwater and the children are beautifully rendered watercolors. The coloring is subtle with quite intricate line work for the drawings. The stories between the "real" story are printed on pastel backgrounds and illustrated with silhouettes so that they have a clearly different look from the rest of the book.

When you're finished you should also check out the afterward which explains the underlying philosophy for each story. (Muth has a lot of Buddhist/Taoist influences.)

This is a great book to read with older children because even if they don't get the philosophy, the stories are approachable and they'll get something from it. (Even youngsters will enjoy the pictures.) It's a great introduction to philosophy, a fact that becomes clear after reading the afterward, for "students" of any age. Muth does an admirable job creating a picture book that children and grownups can enjoy together.

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE THIS BOOK!!!!.......2007-09-19

this book has it all, great watercolor paintings (i am a classically trained artist so this is important to me), great story, and meaningfull messages. i read this to my two year old daughter who is a book fanatic and can sit quietly for more than an hour and listen to long stories. for those of you with very small kids who may just be begging to read longer stories hear is some advice 1.don't give up if your child does not sit through the whole book the first time you read it small children, like my daughter, like farmiliar things and sometimes it just takes a few passes for them to reconize and chose a certain story, 2.don't chose to read a book when your child is bubbling over with energy, and 3.with longer stories it can also help to use a lot of inflection and tone to create intrest before your little one starts turning the page. this book is moderate in wording, not super long but not as simple as short verses or ryming stories. this book has a certain eligance to it that reflectes its message. it is just beautiful.

Gentle way to raise issues w/ kids.......2007-09-18

I like to treat my kids with respect and gentleness. Books that help me are a treasure. Jon Muth is a regular source of those kinds of books. Zen Shorts is not overdone or watered down. It is simple and beautiful and useful. It makes great literature more accessible to young folks. It helps parents and kids trying to live a more mindful or aware life.

A review by a five year old.......2007-09-15

My son Tyler says:

"This book is really great. From this book I learned about friendship and kindness, even though I'm already a kind boy. And I learned that good luck and bad luck are all mixed up. Please buy this book for your child. Bye."

Beutiful Zen Moments.......2007-09-13

Finally a children's book that not only entertains but also make the child (at least my son) raise questions and discuss. I picked up the book on a wimp from the return cart in the bookstore and I have enjoyed reading it with my son ever since. We are waiting anxiously for the next Zen book from Jon Muth.

Average customer rating:

Pendragon rocks!
Great Book
Very good!
review by A Tran
Pendragon book

The Pilgrims of Rayne (Pendragon)
D. J. MacHale
Manufacturer: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1416914161
Release Date: 2007-05-08

Book Description

When Bobby Pendragon first arrives on the tropical world of Ibara, he finds

paradise. As he works to uncover clues about the turning point this seemingly

idyllic territory will soon face, all he can determine is that the people of

Ibara are blissfully happy. It's not long before Bobby discovers, however, that

they are also blissfully...oblivious.

The leaders of Ibara are keeping a devastating secret from their people, one

that gives Saint Dane all the opportunity he needs to launch his final assault

on Halla.

While Bobby struggles to learn the truth in time to thwart Saint Dane, Courtney

Chetwynde desperately searches for Mark Diamond. On the heels of a shocking

tragedy, Mark has disappeared. Worse, he seems to be under Saint Dane's

influence. It's up to Courtney to find Mark and stop him from making a grave

mistake that could change the future of all existence.

Customer Reviews:

Pendragon rocks!.......2007-09-20

Another exciting chapter of the Pendragon adventure, the Pilgrims of Rayne continues to follow Bobby Pendragon, now a 17 year old boy, as he attempts to save another territory from being thrown into utter chaos by the very evil Saint Dane. As with the previous books, the twists and turns never stop! At times, what is revealed was so surprising that I had to stop and take a breather! The tone of this book shifts from the other books in that Bobby is starting to realize that his mission is about all of Halla, not just one territory. Things start to blend and shift. Victory is not as clear-cut as it was before for Bobby, and neither is defeat. And the motivations behind Saint Dane's evil acts are revealed more. Plus more time travel fun!

D.J. McHale is the master of surprise, white-knuckle suspense, as well as laugh out loud fun. This is possibly the best adventure series of all time, for both kids and adults. In my opinion, it is even better than Harry Potter. Grab all of his books today!

Great Book.......2007-08-31

This is a great addition to the Pendragon series. I highly recomend reading the first books first.

Very good!.......2007-08-17

Ok, this is book 8 and I can see major events unfolding but I'm a little frustrated as to where this whole thing is going. The territories are all mixed and there are indications of a huge grand scheme. I would like more glimpses into the grand scheme. We can go to 1000 territories and have adventures but it gets a little boring after a while when the stories don't culminate into meaning. I think it's time we enter more into Saint Dane's world and experience that a bit.

review by A Tran.......2007-08-12

You have got to read this book! When you think something will happen, the story does something totally different. I have read the whole series and I love it. It has a sense of adventure when Bobby goes to the different territories. Plus you never know what will happen. The author also uses what happens in the previous books as an effect of something a character in the story might do in another book. I strongly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys science fiction or action books. Also the author builds the energy in the story then lets it all out towards the end. Unlike other authors who build until the middle of the story, then the rest is boring.

Pendragon book.......2007-07-30

Even though there was some difficulty recieving this book the seller handeled it promptly and with Grace.
Outstanding

American Shaolin: Flying Kicks, Buddhist Monks, and the Legend of Iron Crotch: An Odyssey in the New China

Average customer rating:

An American's delightful stay among the Shaolin monks
Six of one, half-dozen of the other
Go to CMAOD dot com to learn Shaolin and any other martial arts style for cheap, and avoid imposter martial arts teachers!
A special book - warm, funny and thoroughly enjoyable
Already a Favorite

American Shaolin: Flying Kicks, Buddhist Monks, and the Legend of Iron Crotch: An Odyssey in the New China
Matthew Polly
Manufacturer: Gotham
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1592402623
Release Date: 2007-02-01

Book Description

Bill Bryson meets Bruce Lee in this raucously funny story of one scrawny American's quest to become a kung fu master at China's legendary Shaolin Temple.

Growing up a ninety-pound weakling tormented by bullies in the schoolyards of Kansas, young Matthew Polly dreamed of one day journeying to the Shaolin Temple in China to become the toughest fighter in the world, like Caine in his favorite 1970s TV series, Kung Fu. While in college, Matthew decided the time had come to pursue this quixotic dream before it was too late. Much to the dismay of his parents, he dropped out of Princeton to spend two years training with the legendary sect of monks who invented kung fu and Zen Buddhism.

Expecting to find an isolated citadel populated by supernatural ascetics that he'd seen in countless badly dubbed chop-socky flicks, Matthew instead discovered a tacky tourist trap run by Communist party hacks. But the dedicated monks still trained in the rigorous age-old fighting forms—some even practicing the “iron kung fu” discipline, in which intensive training can make various body parts virtually indestructible (even the crotch). As Matthew grew in his knowledge of China and kung fu skill, he would come to represent the Temple in challenge matches and international competitions, and ultimately the monks would accept their new American initiate as close to one of their own as any Westerner had ever become.

Laced with humor and illuminated by cultural insight, American Shaolin is an unforgettable coming-of-age tale of one young man's journey into the ancient art of kung fu—and a funny and poignant portrait of a rapidly changing China.

Customer Reviews:

An American's delightful stay among the Shaolin monks.......2007-09-28

American Shaolin is an amusing and insightful memoir of a young American's experiences while training with Shaolin monks in the 1990s. It is the kind of book that you will read in a few hours. I especially like the author's mostly positive attitude toward his environment. I compare it favorably to Paul Shirley's memoir as a basketball player, in which Shirley mostly complains and puts down his fellow athletes. In this book, the author has respect and awe for the monks, and it is satisfying to watch him approach their level of expertise. While it is nonfiction, the book follows a narrative structure and is essentially a coming-of-age story. Frankly, I'm suspicious of his success as a kungfu kickboxer. It is hard to believe that someone with months of training can defeat someone with years of training. However I do not think that he fabricated any of the stories. Rather, he chose the anecdotes that fit his storyline of physical (as a martial artist) and personal (as a man) growth. Thus, he starts with a few missteps and then describes a few more successes. I have one slight quibble: at the end, he refers to his respect for China's devotion to its culture, which I thought he could have referenced earlier in the book, to show his progression to that respect.

Six of one, half-dozen of the other.......2007-09-06

As a travel narrative, the book is excellent. It's easy to learn a lot about the Chinese culture from this period of time, and the local characters are likable, well-written, and complex. If read as a memoir, however, it's difficult for me to get over the fact that the author just isn't very likable. He begins as a self-centered college student, and never really evolves all that much. Sure, he gets stronger and more skilled at his art, but I was never able to sympathize with him. No matter why this is the case, the book is mildly recommended if read for what it is--a light travelogue for those interested in China or martial arts. Those looking for an example to follow or a character for which to root ought look elsewhere.

Go to CMAOD dot com to learn Shaolin and any other martial arts style for cheap, and avoid imposter martial arts teachers!.......2007-08-26

Shaolin kung fu is without question beautiful and if you wish to learn complete kung fu forms for only seven ninety nine per video disc, or slightly more for English-Chinese DVDs, visit the website that begins with the first letters of "Chinese Martial Arts On Disc": CMAOD dot com. "CMAOD dot com" offers every kind of kung fu form and style you would ever wish to learn from beginning to end: traditional hong gar, almost all styles of Shaolin, Dim Mak, traditional hong fist, animal styles, many fighting self-defense videos, wudang, er mei, and dozens of other complete systems of kung fu, including weapons, forms, and self-defense. You name it, you can learn it, without having to spend thousands of dollars to learn from phony kung fu teachers. Many Americans don't know that this website allows you to buy the best instructional VCDs and DVDs available. Visit the "wushu for youth" section of CMAOD dot com and you can buy the wushu fundamentals VCDs or DVDs that will teach you from the beginning stages. Visit the Shaolin section and you will find more fundamental Shaolin VCds or DVDs taught by two allegedly real Shaolin monks called Shi De Juan and Shi De Jian. I don't know how real their monkhood is, but they are gifted martial artists, and you can learn complete forms in many styles of martial arts. You've got to see this website to believe it. The owner Bill is a great guy, and offers great discounts on his website. You've got to visit CMAOD dot com to believe it. There are literally thousands of kung fu artists here that are "at least" as good as the so-called real Shaolin monks in China and America, and many are far far better. With a few bucks, they can be your teacher. If you can't find a good teacher in person, here's your only chance to learn real Shaolin or other styles for almost nothing. Ever wish you could find "the secret kung fu manual" to teach you various styles? Well, here it is in video disc or DVD form. Buy these VCDs or DVDs and enjoy learning great martial arts from top Chinese masters without worrying about being fooled by phony kung fu masters. Finally, every American has access to real kung fu learning at his or her own pace! I have written three international cover stories for Inside Kung Fu and Wushu Kung Fu magazines (now Kung Fu magazine) and can vouch that CMAOD dot com is the best source for learning authentic Shaolin and other kung fu step-by-step without being bamboozled by and kowtowing to phony practitioners of fake kung fu styles or schools. Learn at your own pace, according to your own interests from the best Chinese masters and grandmasters for less than eight dollars for VCDs.

A special book - warm, funny and thoroughly enjoyable.......2007-08-20

This book will appeal to anyone who likes a good story and a good laugh. On the surface, the book seemingly appeals more naturally to men, but it is great book for anyone who welcomes adventure, likes rooting for the underdog, and loves great writing ala PJ O'Rourke and Christopher Buckley. Matt Polly is a great new writer -- I'm hooked.

Already a Favorite.......2007-07-27

A friend of mine who practices Kung Fu told me I should pick this up. He is a good friend. I practice Chon-tu Kwan Hapkido myself, an Americanized Korean art, so I was immediately intrigued. I'm only a few chapters in now but I am already sold. This is one of those books that combines personal anecdotes with delectable morsels of historical trivia. Matthew Polly weaves easily through both, stitching together an instant classic. His writing style is humorous and informative. Its sort of like combining the History channel with Comedy Central, then peppering the stew with some A & E biography. In just 3 chapters, I already feel like I've been schooled in Chinese culture, Chinese martial arts, Eastern philosophy, English writing, World history, and comedy. A fantastic read. Five stars.

Average customer rating:

Stands the test of time
Perfect
One of two books I'll be using for Greek myths
Highly Recommended For All Ages
Not Free SF Reader

D'Aulaires Book of Greek Myths
Ingri D'Aulaire , and Edgar Parin D'Aulaire
Manufacturer: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0440406943
Release Date: 1992-03-01

Amazon.com

No education is complete without a large slice of Greek mythology. And there's no better way of meeting that literary quota than with the D'Aulaires' book. All the great gods and goddesses of ancient Greece are depicted in this big, beautiful classic, lovingly illustrated and skillfully told. Young readers will be dazzled by mighty Zeus, lord of the universe; stirred by elegant Athena, goddess of wisdom; intimidated by powerful Hera, queen of Olympus; and chilled by moody Poseidon, ruler of the sea. These often impetuous immortals flounce and frolic, get indiscreet, and get even. From petty squabbles to heroic deeds, their actions cover the range of godly--and mortal--personalities.

The D'Aulaires' illustrations have a memorable quality: once pored over, they will never leave the minds of the viewer. Decades later, the name Gaea will still evoke the soft green picture of lovely Mother Earth, her body hills and valleys and her eyes blue lakes reflecting the stars of her husband, Uranus the sky. No child is too young to appreciate the myths that have built the foundation for much of the world's art and literature over the centuries. This introduction to mythology is a treasure. (Ages 10 to adult) --Emilie Coulter

Book Description

"For any child fortunate enough to have this generous book...the kings and heroes of ancient legend will remain forever matter-of-fact; the pictures interpret the text literally and are full of detail and witty observation."--Horn Book.

"The drawings...are excellent and excitingly evocative."--The New York Times.

From the Hardcover edition.

Customer Reviews:

Stands the test of time.......2007-09-18

I checked this book out of the library so many times as a kid. Now that I have kids, I checked it out once to see if they were interested. They weren't! But a little later they started catching on, so I bought a copy and now we are wearing it out! I find the layout handy- it leads from one story to another by way of family relations. That's a great natural story telling style. I also find that it serves as a gentle way to alert soft hearted kids to the possibility of violence in this world. It raises issues about life and death and the humor in all of it. We can read or not read as it suits us, and we can discuss and digest and ask questions. The colors and pictures give pause for thought all by themselves. The stories are in better detail than any other myth book I had come across, but then I am biased here.
It's great sharing reading with kids.

Perfect.......2007-09-15

For my money, *D'Aulaire's Book of Greek Myths* is *the* indispensable book of childhood. Every young person should have this in their home library.

One of two books I'll be using for Greek myths.......2007-09-14

I read four books of Greek myths to decide which one to use for my 7-year-olds. This book contains a much greater number of myths than most and the illustrations help to hold interest. The stories are detailed without being too detailed for children. I appreciated their use of language - it didn't feel dumbed down, and still retained an ancient feel. It can be used as a great read-aloud or given to a child to read on their own (I'd say 3rd grade at least). We'll be using this book along with Classic Myths to Read Aloud by William Russell.

Highly Recommended For All Ages.......2007-09-05

I read this book when I was very young. I was probably 8 or 9 years old. It was at a time when I loved reading about anything involving Greek mythology. Hands down, this had to have been my favorite book to read about the Titans, Hera's jealousy and even Heracles to name a few topics.

The book has a very unique illustration style. It's kind of plain but fits well with the content. The writing is awesome, and each story is conveyed to the nearest truth. Most if not all the major gods are present along with their biographies.

I've read many reviews saying it's mainly for the kids, but if you love Greek mythology as much as I do, then this book is ideal for you. I'm an adult and still love this book. If you're still a young person, pick up the book and discover the magic behind Greek mythology.

Not Free SF Reader.......2007-09-03

A reasonably gentle and good introduction to Greek mythology, with some pictures to add to the entertainment. Here you get the stories of Zeus, of Athena and Apollo, not to mention Hercules and all the other gods and goddesses and the mortals and others that they chase, fall in love with, do bad things to or any of that sort of stuff.

Average customer rating:

Got more than what I was expecting...
I Am Legend
A quick read. A little too quick.
Haunting...send in the chills
Believe the hype

I Am Legend
Richard Matheson
Manufacturer: Orb Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 031286504X

Amazon.com

One of the most influential vampire novels of the 20th century, I Am Legend regularly appears on the "10 Best" lists of numerous critical studies of the horror genre. As Richard Matheson's third novel, it was first marketed as science fiction (for although written in 1954, the story takes place in a future 1976). A terrible plague has decimated the world, and those who were unfortunate enough to survive have been transformed into blood-thirsty creatures of the night. Except, that is, for Robert Neville. He alone appears to be immune to this disease, but the grim irony is that now he is the outsider. He is the legendary monster who must be destroyed because he is different from everyone else. Employing a stark, almost documentary style, Richard Matheson was one of the first writers to convince us that the undead can lurk in a local supermarket freezer as well as a remote Gothic castle. His influence on a generation of bestselling authors--including Stephen King and Dean Koontz--who first read him in their youth is, well, legendary. --Stanley Wiater

Book Description

Robert Neville is the last living man on Earth....but he is not alone. Every other man, woman, and child on Earth has become a vampire, and they are all hungry for Neville's blood.By day, he is the hunter, stalking the sleeping undead through the abandoned ruins of civilization. By night, he barricades himself in his home and prays for dawn.How long can one man survive in a world of vampires?

Customer Reviews:

Got more than what I was expecting..........2007-10-03

I think the most difficult thing about writing is the ending. It can turn a great book into a so-so book and vice versa. Many books fall short of this, but not this one. The incredible ending makes this a very worthy story.

I will not waste my time on the other short stories... they do not measure up to I am Legend. Luckily, this story took most of the pages.

I Am Legend.......2007-10-01

This was a very interesting story, although not at all what I thought it would be. I expected more of an almost 'Resident Evil' style adventure. What it turned out to be was a brooding, introspective vampire story that took very little from the Bram Stoker world (and I mean that in a good way - I think 'Dracula' is an awful book).

I would recommend this to anyone. There are good story ideas here, it was well paced, it had a few legitimately frightening / tense moments, and it help my interest the whole way.

A quick read. A little too quick........2007-10-01

I bought this book after learning it was being made into a movie later this year. It wasn't as good as I expected it to be. Actually, I found boring and very nearly as exciting a read as others found it.

The main character spends most of the time in the book drunk, breaking glasses and consumed by self pity in a virus-vampire filled world. The only dangers he encounters are from situations he himself creates. The "vampires" are more like the retarded zombies from night of the living dead than the smart and fast creatures from other novels. They just sorta stumble outside his home-fortress and hope he comes out so they can get him. Very uninteresting stuff. With a lack of any other supporting character, and the main character being so unlikeable and unrealistic, I found the story falls flat. It also ends suddenly, just when something interesting looks like it's starting. "I am legend" is only half the book, the other half are a collection of short stories.

Hopefully "Hell House" is a little better. I can't recommend this book, it may have been scary when written but now it's outdated and a bore.

Haunting...send in the chills.......2007-09-30

This book is a real page turner and an absolute horror classic. I am familiar with quite a bit of Matheson's work and it is excellent. I am Legend is in a class by itself. I think this one will be remembered as a literary classic in the future like Dracula and Frankenstein. Highly recommended.

Believe the hype.......2007-09-28

This book is great, very interesting and you won't be able to put it down. Should make a very good movie, however the movie differs in a lot of aspects.
If you like vampire stories with a twist, GET THIS BOOK, you will not regret it.
After "I am Legend" there are other short stories in the book. They have no connection to "I am Legend". Kinda confused me a little because I thought they were part of the "I am Legend" story.

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