A Book to Span the Ages
340779
I am sorry to have waited so long to read this masterpiece. F. Scott Fitzgerald's crowning achievement is a relatively concise, easily readable gem of a story, which goes much deeper than the average genre fiction (obviously), but not in a dull way.
It is very easy to picture oneself as Nick, the protagonist, attempting to piece together this strange character, Jay Gatsby, and the elaborate world he inhabits. Character development is beautifully accomplished as the book progresses, and there is no wasted scenes or characters. In fact, there is a great deal of substance to the entire story, despite its focus on the lack of substance for the characters presented.
The Great Gatsby will help you understand the lives of the fabulously wealthy in the 20s, but more importantly it will help you begin to understand the real world, and what is really important. Gatsby's "Green light" is each of ours as well, if we would only see it.
If you have a soul, you will love this book, and either way, it will certainly make you think.
2420754
An absolutely beautiful book. Don't believe the upper limit on the age requirements - this book is good for everyone. Doesn't matter if you're a small child or a grown adult.

Indeed, it's worth noting that small children may need help understanding some of the concepts that the series presents. Read it with your kids if you get it for them.
1040755
In the classic DK manner, this book takes a subject that could be unbelievably tedious and makes it fun with the spectacular use of images.  And don't believe the "age range" - this book is good for all ages.

Each of the 118 recognized elements is covered in from 1/2 to 2 pages, with illustrations of the forms it exists in and then plentiful images of the uses each element has been used for.  There are many elements, and not just the newer ones, that are largely unknown to the average person, and many are used in ways that we do not realize.

One thing that might bother people is that the elements are not listed alphabetically or by atomic number; instead they are arranged in groups as they appear in the periodic table.  But if you need to look up a particular element, you have both the table of contents and a useful index at your disposal.

I think that every well-informed household should have a book about the elements, and I think that for the layman, this book is the best available for that purpose!
2158647
This is a beautifully illustrated book for those 8 years old and older.  It challenges the young reader to appreciate just what freedom is.  One reviewer suggests that this is aimed more at the adult by the Amnesty International group, and yes, it is true that adults will be impressed by the book's message.  However, I believe even an 8 year old and certainly those 10 and over will get understanding through reading it.  I recommend this highly as a book of beauty and of wisdom.
2041389
The words of Michael J. Rosen and watercolor illustrations by Stan Fellows combine into a lovely 64-page (32 sheets) book that is a delight to the eyes.  At age 59 I love picture books and this is definitely a picture book that adults and children will appreciate.  I purchased a copy for my private library.
4581250
What a great way for kids to learn history and good for a broad range of ages. My eight year old has loved reading it but a friend with an 12 year old actually recommended it.
703594
Great summer read for old and young!
When I was a kid, I loved this kind of a story as is told in "No Trail Behind Me" because of the adventure and the heroism of the characters and being transported into a different place in the world. The story manages to convey a message and stay exciting from beginning to end, it would make a great movie too.
To my kids, I read Harry Potter and loved the adventure and heroism and magic,  which every reader will quickly get into the thick of it in this book, but we find ourselves in modern multicultural America and its history.
This is book is better than my favorite epic novels in childhood, because a young woman is one of the lead characters and the boys are tough, and grow into their own from unlikely circumstances.
As an adult I started out very skeptical of these unlikely heroes, and then could not put the book down, because of the rich thoughtful dialogue and story telling full of suspense and empathy, which takes you to LA and a different world in history, perhaps half forgotten and still so much an issue of modern times.
But hey, don't let me tell you everything start reading and you will be transported.
1374827
A book to be read by young and old and anyone in between. The author portrays a family's experience and those of others involved over the course of 5th grade.
3314475
An excellent read.  Consistant storyline.
A book for all ages.
480851
Carole P. Roman has written and produced quite a number of childrens books over the past few years.  These books are not only entertaining but all have one thing in common; they teach, and they do a wonderful job of it, I might add.

The book being reviewed here deals with what it would be like to be a child living during the Middle Ages, and is one of her most ambitious efforts so far and in my opinion, one of her best works. At over 90 plus pages, this one is for children a bit older than her normal targeted readership.  She covers all classes of people during that day and time; the nobility, peasants, landowners, shopkeepers and those between.  The author does not stray away from pointing out that life for everyone was not all that ideal and that living condition, even for the very rich, left much to be desired.  She does in a gentle and mater of fact way which while telling how it was, does not leave the young reader horrified and depressed.

The author does a wonderful job in describing food, clothing, housing, recreation, work (sometimes rather brutal), family life for all classes, schooling, and law and touches on religion.

Now I am not a professional historian by any means; no, I am a life long reader of history and have for years specialized in this era.  For the life of me I could not find any misinformation in the pages of this book.  I was very pleased with the portrayal of clothing and housing.  The illustrator (artist in this case), Mateya Arkova does an excellent job with her lightly done pastels and overall washed look.  This was quite fitting for the subject matter of this book.

The text is clear and precise and many, many new words are used. Actually, these are not new words, merely archaic and words that modern children will not know as they are seldom used but words they will need to know as they continue their education.

The author, per usual, has given us a great glossary of term and has included a brief gallery of famous people of that time.

I very much recommend this one and the others in this and previous series by this author.
3956831
This book is excellent for all ages.  It is broken down by different levels Easy, medium and hard.  The hard ones are head  scratching and require a lot of looking and thought. But they are very stimulating.  I think you would be impressed with the way the pictures are put together. Get some for the entire family.  All will enjoy!
1251108
I loved this book. Animals play such a big part in our lives, especially when we are children. This book touches on companionship, family, changes that we expierence, loyalty and adventure. This is a wonderful book that anyone any, age would enjoy.
3323047
I'm ten years old and in the fourth grade as well, and I love this book. It has so many great details that you can always go back and find a nother great part to read about. I read this book at least three times a week, it seems like it just doesn't get old. Parts can be laugh out loud hilarious, bringing tears at times, but can realate so well to other kids' life it is almost spooky. I highly reccommend this book for all ages.
3793376
What a beautiful book!  I want to use the book as a coffee table book, matter of fact, its on my coffee table now because the illustrations are striking and the book is informative, well researched and entertaining.  Although classified for the 9 to 12 year old reader, a younger reader will enjoy looking at the pictures and, with instruction, can play the enclosed game. The author defines and provides pronunciation hints for unfamiliar words.  An adult is guaranteed to expand their knowledge of an ancient culture and time period.  This is truly a book to be enjoyed by the entire family.

On a Beautiful Island captures a day in the life of Taino, a Puerto Rican boy who lived some 500 years ago.  His adventures bring to life a culture strong in family, faith and society.  Each person in the tribe has a role and a responsibility to each other and to nature.  The writing is lyrical, the illustrations are colorful while the overall tone is light and joyful.
3656540
What a fantastic book! A delight for readers of any age. I, personally, happen to be 42 years old. And loved it.
355737
A wonderful book that needs to be read by everyone.
3034798
Significant literature makes good sense on many levels.  This is a significant book.  I read portions to my wife. She enjoyed it.  This weekend I read to 3 (ages 9, 6 & 3) of my 5 grandsons. The virtues of understanding, interest, acceptance, helpfulness, enjoyment, adventure, inquisitiveness and fun are vividly pictured in word.  Additionally, the illustrations are beautiful.  The book was a gift to me.  I anticipate giving some as gifts to relatives and friends.  Great literature is not bound by age.  It made good sense to me and my grandsons.  I have some books that I affectionately refer to as "re-read" books.  This is a re-read book for me.