Average Rating:

.

The Basketball Diaries

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Social Issues: Fiction
by: Jim Carroll

January 30, 1997
As a basketball player,this book was interesting. As a homosapien, this book was excellent. Not only does Jim Carroll have a talent for basketball but he also has a talent for writing. In the book, he describes everything he feels in such a way that would make you feel as though you were there with him. This book is funny, entertaining, and leaves you drawing up a perspective on life in the same way that Carroll does. I also reccomend the music of 'The Jim Caroll band' which has as much feeling as his words do. A great book for just about anybody!

Average Rating:

.

Good Night, Mr. Tom

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Social Issues: Fiction
by: Michelle Magorian

1986-11
A truly wonderful book that had me in tears on more-than-one occassion (including on a crowded rush hour train out of London Bridge station one evening). it may not be 100% believable - but who cares. It's well written and should appeal to young and old. I love it.

Average Rating:

.

No-no Boy

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Social Issues: Fiction
by: John Okada

1978-06
In this novel,the nisei drama is sincerely depicted by J.Okada. By penetrating the characters' inner life, we readers not only witness about the conflicts and difficulties they share, but also their struggle to find a way out of this vicious circle. Within this vicious circle there are significant characters like Ichiro (the protogoinst) and Kenji. Kenji served America during WWII. He lost one of his leg in the war, but also he lost his masculinity. However, what bothers him most is the feeling of being deceived by his country. Of course, what is behind of this is the idea of racism, and Okada carefully marks this point. However, things are not same for Ichiro. He refused to fight not only for US. ,but also on behalf of Japan. ... Read More:

Average Rating:

.

Good Moon Rising

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Social Issues: Fiction
by: Nancy Garden

1996-10
Wow! Ms Garden does it again. It has one thing in common with Annie On My Mind - Annie and Liza (AOMM) and Janna and Kerrie (Good moon Rising) both have there ups and downs of their relationship but unlike a lot of lesbian stories the relationships are still as strong as ever at the end of the books. Ms Garden has a good writing style and has good strong characters. If you liked AOMM then you'll love Good Moon Rising. Even if you've not read AOMM you'll still love Good Moon Rising.

Average Rating:

.

My Brother Sam Is Dead (Point)

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Social Issues: Fiction
by: James Lincoln Collier, Christopher Collier

December 31, 1989
My Brother Sam is dead is perhaps one of the most boring books I have ever read. Perhaps it would have been different if it were not an English reading assignment, but I doubt that I would ever actually read this book out of my own free will.

This book is set in a time you cannot relate to, and modern day young adults like myself will find it incredibly dreary. The main character Tim's obvious immaturity and stubborness is frustrating, and ultimatey results in poor character development on the author's part.

Over 120 children at my school are reading this book, and I have not talked to one that actually enjoys it, in fact, many groan when the time comes to read it.

My one warning is: if you are a teacher looking for ... Read More:

Average Rating:

.

Buried Onions

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Social Issues: Fiction
by: Gary Soto

1997-09
Soto delineates nineteen-year-old Chicano boy who has no luck in his life despite his continuous efforts to improve it. In contrast to the serious plot, Soto's narrative tone is modest, restrained, and, at times, humorous, similar to less serious books he has written before, and his insight is vivid and precise. His challenge in this work has been triumphant!

Average Rating:

.

The Watcher

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Social Issues: Fiction
by: James Howe

1997-05
This book was awful don't buy it or read it you would be wasting your money and time. It's boring nothing ever happens. I continued on reading it thinking that something would happen but nothing did.

Average Rating:

.

Always Running

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Social Issues: Fiction
by: RODRIGUEZ

January 01, 1994
When I opened 'Always Running' for the first time, something deep inside me snapped and I couldn't ignore recalling the memories of my long past days in East Los Angeles. --IT READ LIKE POETRY-- The memories sang out with laughter and tears; with heartache and celebration. It was as if someone else was there along with me, sharing the same experience. Suddenly, I wasn't alone. Not anymore. I pondered the idea that someone had stolen snapshots of my life. From high school moments at Garfield to running thru shadowed streets in White Fense territory that tempted only a fool to venture down. I experienced that life! That dark tragedy of twisted fate! Luis, you have helped me to bridge a gap between the past I desparetely wanted to forget. Ashamed, ... Read More:

Average Rating:

.

Children of the River (Laurel-Leaf contemporary fiction)

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Social Issues: Fiction
by: Linda Crew

August 01, 1999
I loved this book so much, next to Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech, and the sequel to it, Chasing Redbird, Children of the River was my favorite book. I had to read it for school and usually I hate to be forced to read. I hate having a deadline, but I just could not put this book Down!!! I got burried so deep into it, I felt like I was there! I felt for the characters. The only complaint I had was that I wish that the author had given me a better ending! She left me hanging! I wanted to know more about what happened to her parents and sisters and brothers! I was left unfufilled and curious, and I was disappointed. In all other aspects though, I loved it!!!

Average Rating:

.

Jubilee Journey

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Social Issues: Fiction
by: Carolyn Meyer

1997-08
I loved this book so much, next to Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech, and the sequel to it, Chasing Redbird, Children of the River was my favorite book. I had to read it for school and usually I hate to be forced to read. I hate having a deadline, but I just could not put this book Down!!! I got burried so deep into it, I felt like I was there! I felt for the characters. The only complaint I had was that I wish that the author had given me a better ending! She left me hanging! I wanted to know more about what happened to her parents and sisters and brothers! I was left unfufilled and curious, and I was disappointed. In all other aspects though, I loved it!!!