Nonfiction Books

The reason I liked this book was because it described the life of a soldier in great detail. The main thing I enjoyed was that it really made me feel like one of the soldiers and described a soldier's life in a way that felt real. There was one thing I didn't like, however. It took too long sometimes to get to the next point, making me wonder, "When will I ever get to the next interesting part?" But the good news is you'll never be too far from the next one. One part I liked was when his friend died, because it reflected on the sorrow many people faced from loss of friends family, and possessions. Overall I really liked the book.

Crane, Stephen. The Red Badge of Courage. New Jersey: Transaction
Publishers, 1997.
Review by Miraya Potter

The Red Badge of Courage is a novel about the character of a soldier named Henry during the battle at Chancellorsville in 1863. This novel shows you the emotions of the soldiers families, the heartache of death in a war, and how the soldiers felt and the thought process they went through. At the beginning of the novel it reveals the strong and emotional feelings that Henry's mother felt about him leaving. Her face "was stained with tears" when he left for war. His mother is a very strong character and cared for her son deeply. Another strong character is Wilson. Wilson is one of the main reasons as to why Henry became brave and courageous. Once Henry realized that Wilson had doubts and fears, he felt comfort in knowing that he was not the only one with fear. That moment was a tremendous turning point for Henry. Henry entered the army with romantic feelings about the war, however once he was confronted with the reality of war he became scared. As time passed he began to get more and more used to the ideas of war and soon became a "wild cat" in battle, according to his lieutenant. I would strongly recommend this book because it was excellent at showing the human side and the thought process's of a soldier in the civil war.

I remember this book being recommended reading when I was around junior high school age, and I also remember trying it and putting it down more than once.

Now, at a considerably more mature stage in life, and having opted for an audio reading, I have finally gotten to this classic, and I now appreciate why it is a classic.

The heartless and utter pointless gore of battle, and the profligate waste of human potential, are the kinds of things you'll probably encounter in any war novel, and they can be pretty hard to stomach. But Crane's real object in this work is the human mind and spirit, especially human capriciousness, vanity, and the powerful instinct to constantly justify and elevate oneself and one's actions in one's mind. This work is a blow-by-blow study in the human ego, its folly, and its ultimate vacuity. What is probably even harder to take than watching one's comrades drop in agony like flies to no good purpose is recognizing, though a fickle fighter's internal monologue, one's own deeply entrenched patterns of defensiveness, rationalization and self-justification, along with our constant scramble to seize the credit for anything at all, things we constantly indulge in whether objective circumstances warrant them or not.

Herein lies for me the great value of this exposé of what we futilely try so hard to do in all we do, down to the most mundane of everyday transactions. For this reason, I recommend this book highly, whatever your age, and regardless of your preconceptions about war novels.

As a British reader, I just recently read and reviewed this book over on Amazon.co.uk, and I thought I'd have a look at the US reviews for comparison - and immediately realised that this is obviously a "set book" in US schools. I can see the logic - the book is about a young person, it's short and (superficially) exciting, with lots of action, and it has some good moral/ethical themes ripe for class discussion.

Nonetheless, I was not surprised to see a number of negative reviews from kids. I don't think I would have appreciated it as a 13 (or whatever) year old. The writing style (deliberately) reflects the state of mind of the protagonist - confused. This in NOT an "adventure" story, it's a blood-and-guts account of a dirty day in a dirty war. As such, it reminded me very much of some of the recent first-hand accounts of infantrymen in WWII, Korea, Vietnam or even Iraq. It's about the way the mind can obsess on tiny details in the middle of chaos - how sights, smells and sounds become almost hallucinogenic as the mind approaches breaking point. As such, it is astonishing.

But if you want a REAL adventure story (not suitable for the under-13s!) read a biography of Crane himself. Hemingway meets James Dean is the only way to describe it.

The story of young Henry Flemming, who joins the Union army during the Civil War, despite the wishes of his mother to the contrary. Initially, he is consigned to endless marching, seemingly without purpose, amid arrogant boasting and complaints from those in his regiment. Henry wonders how he'll react once he actually sees battle: will he stand and fight, or turn and run. He does both - firing wildly and prematurely in the initial skirmish, but running scared during the second push when he perceives danger and defeat. He seeks to justify his actions (mostly to himself) and eventually winds up being hit in the head by another soldier before being reunited with his regiment, a wound he portrays to his fellows as having been "shot in the head." But when the second battle comes, he uses his false courage (as well as an insult from a General) to stand and fight, and even surprises himself in the fray as he manages to lead a charge. At the end of the story, he feels he has earned a measure of courage and manhood.

While I found the story strangely compelling and at times hard to put down, I also found it rather difficult to understand and follow. And I don't mean the "rural dialect" which was very well done. What I found confusing was the chaotic descriptions of the events. Often I couldn't understand or follow if what was being described was happening to Henry or if he was witnessing it elsewhere or merely imagining it. Nonetheless, this is a book that tugs at your emotions. From Henry's fear to his shamefulness at running from the battle, to his immature boasting (when he hadn't really done anything), to his eventual courage under pressure, it left me feeling quite troubled by the story. It probably didn't help that I kept expecting him to earn a "red badge of courage" and some horrible ending. I suspect that this is a novel that requires a more careful and considered reading than I gave it, and I may read it again in the future to get a better understanding of the story.

This is the companion workbook for The 7 Habit of Highly Effective Teens book The 7 Habits Of Highly Effective Teens

This combination is very good for middle and high school age kids. It gives them a direction and a way to plan how they live and interact with other teens and adults. Used together they are very effective.

Nice workbook with alot of interesting information. Nice guide for ANY teenager who wants to do something with their life.

I use this book in my clinical practice. It allows my clients to make positive changes in thier lives. It is user friendly and easy to use and understand.

This book provides a great opportunity to discuss with young teens important habits and goals in life and how to achieve them. The format and approach are appropriate for younger teens to appreciate and enjoy. The examples are helpful and relevant. OVerall a good discussion book for and with younger teens.

This book is fantastic! Was great assistance for my neice who is getting ready to finish High School. Very well written and easy to read.

Historical novels are one of my favorite types of text, and I have been an avid reader of Stephen E. Ambrose through his World War II works. Every American child knew about Lewis & Clark and the Louisiana Purchase (Thank you Schoolhouse Rock), but this book brings to life the true and amazing task these men went through to help open America into the vast and great nation she is now.

After the 1803 Louisiana Purchase from France, President Thomas Jefferson, a man of knowledge and curiosity himself, issued a continental exploration Corps of Discovery to travel to the Pacific Ocean. If you could imagine walking across your own state, now imagine walking (horse/canoe allowed) across the country, no roads, no cellphone, no Walmart, no bathrooms, no electric lights, wild animals...the grizzlies read like monsters, potential attacks from hostile natives, the weather...it is unimagenable that any human could have survived or endured such hardships!

It is important to realize that Lewis and Clark were the leaders, but also traveled with a large group of brave men, unique and talented in their own respects, including the female Native American Sacagawea and her baby, plus the sad tale of York, Clark's slave who shared the pain, dangers, and loyalty, but received none of the rewards, promises, or respects afterwards...this subject raises my ire, so I will not continue on York's betrayal by Clark.

Regardless of whether you read this as pure history, this book reads like an adventure tale like Krakauer's Into Thin Air, a testament of man versus nature, the book is also a cultural exploration as the "White man meets the Red man" no disrespect meant. On so many levels this book will offer insight, information, and entertainment that few books balance so well. So you might as well read a good tale and actually improve your own academic knowledge.

Thank you and keep reading.
John Dae Min

What I liked best about this book is that it reads like a neighbor telling you all about his favorite nephew. Ambrose's descriptions and judgments and asides have almost an avuncular feel. If this is not your thing, the book will probably bug you.

What I liked least about this book is Ambrose's unquestioning high regard for Jefferson, but since Ambrose's attitude reflects that of Lewis's, I can go with it.

The outtakes of the journals, the excellent maps, and the good-natured commentary combine to make me LIKE the characters. I feel familiar with them after reading this book. I am impressed by their accomplishments, and feel I know them as people much better.

It is also clear that Ambrose knows the areas where Lewis and Clark explored. Many of his notations tell how the area described look to present-day canoers or hikers, and he gives highway exits and directions to some of the less-remote campsites and overlooks. Ambrose's love for the beauties of western America comes through, and they add to the fond tone of the book.

I will keep it simple. Next to the Holy Bible ~ best book I ever read. I have since then read several of Stephen Ambrose's books and highly recommend them. He and his family put many years of research in before writing any book. I have travelled across the country all the way to Cape Disapportment as a result of reading the book and following the trail. Everything Mr. Ambrose claimed in the book is accurate, very interesting, and provides us a heritage for our country that everyone should be proud of.

The history of the Voyage of Discovery is one of the outstanding feats in American history. No one has told it better than Stephen Ambrose. This is a must read even if you don't enjoy history.

I got this book for my birthday, picked it up, and enjoyed every page. It is a great way to learn more about the founding fathers of this country and have some real-life adventure as well as tragic thrown in throughout. Those things that we now take for granted once required risk of life to achieve. Great Read!

Anything from Abraham is great stuff. And this is a great set with a lot of information at a very good price for people new to the material. Lots of information about working with your emotions and a greater understanding about how to truly help people in the healing process.

This CD set provides explanations as to why 'things happen to us' and gives us some guidance as to how to have, be and do anything we want in this life. Abraham manages to provide clarity in a very simple and easy to understand way. Many questions are answered, and once the teachings are put into practice.... well..... the possibilities are endless! There are NO limits to what can be achieved!

I give this the highest recommendation. Esther is phenomenal, Abraham is, well, earthly worlds do not hold enough praise. We are very lucky to have them and these tapes are beyond fabulous. The price was great and it got here fast. Don't wait!!!

Nothing else in the world has resonated with me so profoundly and powerfully as the works of Esther and Jerry Hicks have. I received this collection a few weeks ago and I have listed to it in its entirety twice. I am ready to manifest one of their cruise workshops into my life for next year.

I would like to expand on the first reviewer's comments. Abraham is loving and does have a whimsical sense of humor. Abraham takes you on a guided tour of how to raise your vibrations to the higher levels. This is also called "the emotional journey."

The basic message in this collection is to always be reaching for better feeling thoughts with regards to the situations that are most important to you. Rather than focusing your attention on the lack of something, you always want to be moving toward what it is you want. Look at it this way, does feeling rotten get you anywhere? You might as well reach for thought that will help you feel better rather than dwell upon what you do not like or want. The side effect of being more positive is everything you ever dreamed or hoped for yourself from monetary abundance to relationships to healthy body weight and good health in general.

Today, Friday the 13th of all days, I finally "get it." This could be the luckiest day of my life! I think I have finally moved into the vibrations of positive expectation and knowing. This means that my manifestations are not far off. It's kinda strange to feel and KNOW inside that everything is going to work out the way I want. My affirmations have changed for the positive. I have people at work calling me Suzie Cream Cheese and telling me to shut up because they believe I'm too positive! WOW! What a difference and what a blessing Abraham-Hicks has made in my life. It will be interesting to see what unfolds for me over the next couple of months. I also believe that I can actually HEAR the higher vibration in my ear and I have been able to for the last week!

I wish you much love and success in your lives and I know that you will enjoy listening to Esther as she channels Abraham.

Blessings!
~Kitty Kellie

This is spectacular. I am familiar with the Abraham work and philosophy and have all the major recordings and books. I thought I'd heard their message but this is better and clearer and every second is well spent.

My son is 3 years old and he just recently started to show interest in tracing. So, I started him out with Kumon maze book and this book. He absolutely loves it!! The pages in the book are easy to understand and very simple. Simple enough for a child of the indicated age on the front cover of the book. The quality of the paper is very sturdy, it doesn't rip easily and you can erase over and over, there would be no wear and tear on the sheets. The colors of the pages are not super bright (like alot of books I've used before) but nice light colors that are gentle and not overwhelming to the eyes. The only thing that I don't like about the book is that they can't tear out and as you get further into the book, it gets a bit annoying to have to hold the previous pages down. But, over all it's an excellent book and I would continue to use and purchase their products.

I thought it would be actual tracing, but it was basically just drawing a line from point A to point B, kind of like a maze that's super-easy. My daughter is turning 4 in a month and is not excited about the book. It was fun for a night, but now it just sits there.

This book has a very fun way to practice cutting, my daughter just love it because there are some projects that she can do by herself and then she decors her room with them. Very good book.

I guess I waited to long to get these books. My son who just turned four found this one rather easy but he enjoyed it very much. He finished over half of it in one day. He kept asking for more! He is doing the cutting book now and is doing well at it. He really likes all the pictures. The cutting and pasting book is a lot of fun as well. The only thing I would like is if they made these books "wipeable" so I don't have to toss them after they are used. I'm thinking of putting laminating sheets over them and using washable markers.

I have a preschooler with fine motor delays and he HATES to do anything which requires use of his hands. I was told by his teachers that this will lead to issues in school when he is expected to write and participate in art projects. If he can't write, it will affect his academic future.

Therapy provided only so much help, as he was frustrated with the tasks. But then I learned about Kumon's excellent reputation for learning through their local tutoring center - I purchased all of the workbooks.

My child just LOVED this book, and he dislikes anything to do with writing. He loved the book simply because of the cute pictures. He asked what they meant, what was he supposed to do, and why? I would say that we were going to draw lines to "help the bunny get to the other side" etc. I'd make up little stories about each character and pretty soon, he was doing the tasks without any hesitation at all!

I kept it to 3 pages a day or less. At first one might wonder, so what, straight horizontal/vertical lines? But his teachers said a child can't write his letters until he can draw straight and curved lines. Makes sense!

If you want to help your child develop fine motor skills while keeping them happy - this is the book for THEM!

What issues did the Founding Father face and how did they see and approach them? In "American Creation" author Joseph Ellis focuses on the setting, ideas, arguments, dilemmas, and solutions to some of the key issues that faced Founding Fathers during the early period from the 1775-1776 debates leading to the Declaration Independence up to the Louisiana Purchase in 1803.The book is more of a lecture series or one-way conversation to the reader than an historical account of the era. Ellis works to get us in the minds of the Founding Fathers as they struggled with the steps of breaking ground and building a revolutionary republic. During the period leading up to the Declaration of Independence, we see how individual rights came to be guaranteed by the Federal government rather than only the States. Later in the Valley Forge period, Washington and his officers came to see the budding nation as one entity and developed the "War of Posts" strategy, a Fabian approach that took advantage of the huge space available and wore the British down. In fact the concept of "space," both in terms of the large geographical territory and also separation from European conflicts and entanglements is one of the reasons for the success of the new nation. Upon the successful conclusion of the Revolutionary War, the argument of Federal versus States supremacy continued through the Constitutional Convention, Indian policy, the formation of political parties, and the Louisiana Purchase with the arguments unresolved. Although Ellis despairs over the failure to reach a lasting and just Indian treaty, the most harmful failure was the continuation and advance of slavery to new territories. Ellis theorizes that the preservation of slavery provided a powerful unspoken impetus for the States Right movement and the rise of the Jeffersonian Republicans. With the Louisiana Purchase, Ellis advances makes the point that the kindling to start the Civil War got its spark when the new territories were not closed to slavery. One chapter describes how Alexander Hamilton and James Madison collaborated on the Federalist Papers and efforts to ratify the constitution. That the Virginian Madison then joined Jefferson's camp seems to leave Ellis dissappointed and dismayed. Thomas Jefferson has taken quite a beating in recent years and "American Creation" continues the trend as Ellis believes his progressive ideas seemed to be for White people only. However, I am sure there are more sides to the story and will soon read a sympathetic Jefferson biography. Perhaps this is just a swing of the historians' pendulum and we will see rehabilitation in the future. I enjoyed "American Creation," and found it stimulating, but consider it just as much a series of "Op-Ed" pieces as history. Nevertheless, Ellis is an excellent writer and makes his case well.

Ellis book is simply outstanding. He beautifully conveys a feeling of events without overburdening the reader with a lot of historical data. Where facts are necessary in the narrative, they are there. An exceptional accomplishment!

I read McCullough's 1776 after this book, and the letdown was considerable.

"American Creation" is a welcome continuation of "Founding Brothers" So if you enjoyed the latter, you will savor the former. "Creation" carries the same formula and extends from the Continental Congress to the Louisiana Purchase with emphasis on the handling of the problem of slavery and American Indian relations. Jefferson features prominently and some readers will find a bit of familiar ground previously introduced in "American Sphinx."

The great thing about Ellis' writing, in addition to his beautiful turns of phrase, is is his ability to get into the minds of the participants through thorough documentation and research and draw his conclusions thereby.

Highly recommended

The real triumph of Professor Ellis's new work is the close examination of key moments from the Nation's founding period in such a neat, succinct book.

While much of the material has been repackaged from other works, especially the prologue about the evolving process of the American Revolution, (see Gordon Wood's Revolutionary Characters, Jay Winik's The Great Upheaval among many others) other segments are more nuanced. The section about Valley Forge and its profound effect in shaping Washington's vision for a strong federal government and his support of an improbable Constitution is insightful. Additionally, the author provides compelling explanations for Madison's shift from staunch Federalist to resolute Republican. Another highlight is the section on the Louisiana Purchase in which Ellis reconciles Jefferson's grossly unconstitutional act of executive authority and his seemingly incompatible notions about a weak federal government.

In fact, a more accurate subtitle for this book might be Ironies of the Early American Republic. The triumph and tragedy theme seems forced and reminiscent of an unsuccessful bid for victory in the high school History Fair. Ellis focuses on Indian policy and slavery as the tragic acts of the Founders. While the Louisiana Purchase clearly established American economic dominance, but perpetuated slavery and Indian persecution, it is less useful to analyze the other events discussed in the book in terms of triumph and tragedy. In fact, Ellis's analogy about executive authority might well be applied to his adherence to the book's theme "it could expand or contract like an accordion, making the music required in different historical contexts." Although I do not usually appreciate the accordion, this book was enjoyable.

Together with the Civil War, the American Revolution continues to exert a great fascination for Americans. The historian Joseph Ellis has written many books making this period of our history accessible to lay readers. His most recent work "American Creation" is, in its scholarship and its lucidity, a thoughtful study of the founding of our nation.

The founding of the United States, for Ellis, occured in the 28-year period from 1775, with the shots fired at Lexington and Concord, and continued through the Louisiana purchase of 1803. But in a deeper sense, the process set in motion in these years continues to this day as Americans struggle and debate among themselves to understand, realize, and develop the government bequeathed by the Founders. Ellis argues that the American Revolution was unique in that it was a conservative, evolutionary process that resulted from a fortuitous combination of time, the Enlightenment era, and space, the large, apparently inexhaustible land mass of North America located far from the European powers. The evolutionary character of the Revolution, for Ellis, was the source of its stability and accomplishments, but it was also the source of its severe shortcomings in the perpetuation of slavery and in the treatment of Native Americans.

Ellis rejects the extremes in which the American Revolution has all-too-often been viewed. On one hand, he rejects viewing the Founders as iconic, larger-than-life figures somehow without the passions, weaknesses and blindnesses of ordinary mortals. On the other hand, Ellis also rejects a post-modernistic, highly critical assessment of the Founders which sees them as dead white males bound to their elite economic class and caring nothing for the rights of slaves, Indians, or women. For Ellis, the Revolution was the fortunate result of coincidence, opportunity, and genuine talent. The Founders, in their evolutionary approach to Revolution, improvised and temporized. They were remarkably successful, but at a price.

Ellis offers a narrative, story-like account of the American Revolution, a form that has been much-criticized by academic historians adopting an interest-based approach to historical writing. The four individuals Ellis considers to be most instrumental in bringing about the American Revolution are George Washington, John Adams, James Madison, and Thomas Jefferson. He portrays these characters well throughout his narrative, with attention to their virtues, shortcomings, and idiosyncracies.

Ellis develops his theme through six chapters, each of which is short enought to be readable and detailed enough to avoid superficiality. The thread of the narrative -- the evolutionary nature of the American Revolution -- is sustained through each chapter with attention to the uniqueness of the individual historical events he describes.

Ellis discusses the beginnings of the war for independence which culminated in Jefferson's Declaration of Independence in 1776. He gives great weight to the writings of John Adams as well as to the famous "self-evident" truths Jefferson proclaimed which ultimately became the basis of the American vision. In the second chapter, Ellis describes the winter at Valley Forge and how it helped create both a military strategy and the basis of a nation. Ellis describes the Constitutional Convention and the ambiguities created in our founding document, with special attention to the role of James Madison and to Madison's debates with Patrick Henry in the Ratification Convention in Virginia. Chapter four considers early attempts during the Washington Administration to devise a humane Indian policy. Ellis reflects on how the structure of Federalism established by the Constitution helped to cause these attempts to fail. In chapter 5, Ellis discusses the beginnings of the two-party system in Jefferson's criticisms of Alexander Hamilton and the Federalists. Jefferson is roughly treated in Ellis's account. The final chapter describes Jefferson's Louisiana Purchase of 1803, which rested uneasily with Jefferson's own professed principles of limited government. This purchase was a climactic event, doubling the size of the United States, and irrevocably establishing the power of the national government. But it also laid the basis for the extension of slavery and for the Civil War.

In the opening chapter of this book, Ellis summarizes the accomplishments of the Revolutionary generation as including 1. a successful war for independence; 2. establishing a nation-size republic; 3.creating a secular state; 4. creating a government with divided sovereignties 5. creating political parties and providing a forum for organized dissent. The ambiguities and compromises of the Founders created a system that is fluid by its nature and that continues to be developed and argued about by subsequent generations.

Without minimizing the tragedies of the Revolutionary generation, Ellis explains well the origins of the American system of government and why it has been able to survive and develop. Ellis has written an excellent book which will help its readers understand their past and think creatively about their future.

Robin Friedman

BUY IT BUY IT BUY IT! It was recommended to us by a reading specialist.
It makes it very easy to recall definitions. I actaully bought it for my
6th and 3rd grader. They will read it for fun. LOVE IT!

I am very happy with this book. It's fun and easily to read, my grandson love it. He read it almost every day.

I bought it becuase the reviews are so positive and it's great! it's really easy and fun to recite words with these cartoons and I acutally color them when looking at them make more fun as well as keep me concentrated. I'd definetly recommend it if you consider yourself as a visulizer...just types of people who read best to learn!

This is a fun and easy way to learn vocabulary words. Who doesn't want to learn effortlessly? Now you can "read" cute cartoons and expand your vocabulary at the same time! I've been using this book with my students for years -- always good for a memborable laugh!

I have used these Vocabulary Cartoons since the first editions were available. I think the students enjoy this type of study. I have loaned many of my copies to students and colleagues. I am glad to see the extra vocab in the 2nd edition. I even have some of my own that I have added. This also makes a good project for the "talented artists" who may not enjoy studying vocab, but who learn as they provide cartoons. These students have fun as they learn. They work with students who provide the meanings and links. We highlight a synomym.The name Burchers comes to mind when I think of Vocab Study. You should invite students and teachers to submit their ideas. (I am retired, but I know this would be such a good project.)

This book is as wonderful today as it was years ago! I agree about the missing Burpers - I want them back! But still a wonderful and fun way to instill principles of courtesy in the reader. A wonderful reminder of years gone by and if we are lucky a promise of what we can be in the years ahead. Just be nice to one another! Ann Clarke, author of People Are So Different! based on tolerance and understanding.

Two boys, 5 & 7 can often forget the importance of manners. Being tired of preaching and threatening, I saw this book and thought I'd try it. While they sipped hot chocolate, I read this to them. Neither of them said a word, but were paying complete attention! I couldn't believe it! I wasn't sure my kids would be able to enjoy and/or process this. They did, and I am very pleased with this book. Looking forward to buying all the other editions.

I wish this book had been around for my children when they were little. Their great grandmother had told them about it, but it was no longer in print. I bought six copies... so they could read it to their chilren when the time comes AND one for my class of kindergartners. My K kids LOVE it!

I had Munro Leaf books when I was achild (I am 61 now) and loved them. This is a fabulous book. All kindergarten and first grade classrooms should have this book. It explains why manners are important in a way that children will understand that their life will be better if they use good manners.

I picked up my copy of this book at a yard sale. Many of the line drawings have been colored in, and in a few places someone is practicing her letters. It's that sort of ownership this book invites, with its childlike drawings and simple lessons on getting along with others, table manners, sharing, and cleaning up. Halfway through we also meet the Whiny, the Noisie, the Me First, the Bragger, the Sulker, the Bathroom Wrecker and many other undesirables. A great book for 3-7s.

This book is just what every parent of a preeteen needs. It covers all the "taboo" topics many parents are uncomfortable discussing with their kids. I feel better knowing my daughter is armed with facts as she enters her teen years.

What I love about this series of books (we also own "It's So Amazing") is that they give enough information to answer the questions your kids may have about growing up and sex, but they don't overwhelm them. The characters of "Bird" and "Bee" also reinforce the fact that learning about the subject matter can be both interesting (Bird's perspective) and kinda uncomfortable/gross (Bee's perspective)...and that either feeling is not only okay, but normal.

My daughter and I read this book together, so that I can answer any additional questions that may come up. I highly recommend this book as part of your child's sexual education.

Let me start off by saying that I'm a 26 year old guy, single, with no kids. I hear about this book from a conservative watchdog group and to satisfy my curiosity I read it for myself. I was surprised to find it in my local library in the juvenile section considering how controversial this book is.

The content itself is not that much different than what I learned in 5th, 8th, and 11th grade. It describes the biological differences between men
and women, the changes that occur in puberty, and the process of birth. The section on abortion is politically balanced -- which is surprising for a book promoted by Planned Parenthood. The author also reiterates thought out the book that sex can be dangerous and should only be done when you are mature enough for it. She says that the only safe and guaranteed way to avoid STD's and pregnancy is abstinence, which is what I learned in school.

However, the book has a lot of things that are inappropriate for 10 year olds. It gives way too much information on the use of contraception. It also graphically shows the naked male and female body, including an erect penis, repeatedly. It shows a boy and a girl masturbating. It also shows a couple having sex twice in the books. It condones homosexuality and makes no mention of marriage. I'd be concerned that kids mike think they are "mature enough" before they really are given this information and imagery.

Personally, I would not consider giving it to anyone under 13 or 14 to read, if even that. I would not want to have it in my personal library, and I might not even want my kids to read it at all. Other people might think that this material is appropriate for their children, and that's okay. That is their right as parents. In my mind the book doesn't necessarily deserve 1 star but it doesn't deserve more that two.

I ordered this book for my 5th grade daughter. The title of this book looked harmless and full of information that I was seeking, so I purchased it. I was not aware that is was considered "perfectly normal" to engage in homo sexual activities as a part of adolescence. Unfortunately this book was full of other "normals" that I was not prepared for, let alone comfortable sharing and teaching my 5th grader (or High School student for that matter!).

I ordered this from a book club, so I was unable to thumb through it. Had I been, I would not have boughten it! When I was age 10 (heck 17 for that matter), I didn't know what it looked like for two people to have sex or what a man's naked organs look like. I turend out okay. I was a virgin until age 18 and by then I learned enough in high school health class to know about birth control etc.. I agree with what others have said that this is a how-to guide and the pictures are way too graphic for a kid. I also don't see whats wrong with letting our kids be kids a little longer. Do they really need to see this at such a young age. Also, I am against abortion and homosexuality, which this book does nothing but promote!