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Francesca S. - , - Reviews

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The 13 Clocks
The 13 Clocks
Author: James Thurber, Marc Simont (Illustrator)
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 2.8/5 Stars.
 8
Review Date: 6/12/2006
Helpful Score: 2


How can anyone describe this book? It isn't a parable, a fairy story, or a poem, but rather a mixture of all three. It is beautiful and it is comic. It is philosophical and it is cheery. What we suppose we are trying fumblingly to say is, in a word, that it is Thurber.

There are only a few reasons why everybody has always wanted to read this kind of story, but they are basic:

Everybody has always wanted to love a Princess.
Everybody has always wanted to be a Prince.
Everybody has always wanted the wicked Duke to be punished.
Everybody has always wanted to live happily ever after.

Too little of this kind of thing is going on in the world today. But all of it is going on valorously in The 13 Clocks.


Accidents May Happen
Accidents May Happen
Author: Charlotte Jones, John O'Brien (Illustrator)
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 4.3/5 Stars.
 6
Review Date: 8/27/2006


"Jam-packed with stories, facts and black and white cartoons, this is a well-conceived introduction to science that will pique the interest of younger readers." - School Library Journal


The Andalite's Gift (Animorphs Megamorphs, Bk 1)
The Andalite's Gift (Animorphs Megamorphs, Bk 1)
Author: K. A. Applegate
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 3.9/5 Stars.
 32
Review Date: 6/7/2006


We never should have done it. But we needed a break. You know, some time off from the superhero stuff. A chance to act like normal kids. Well--as normal as four kids who can morph, a hawk, and an alien can be. Everything should have been cool.

Now Rachel is missing. And there's this...this thing that's after us. But it's not up to me to tell the whole story. Tobias, Cassie, Marco, and Ax were there, too. Even Rachel has some info to add. So go ahead and check this out. And remember not to tell anyone what we're about to tell you. It could mean the difference between life and death....


The Android (Animorphs, Bk 10)
The Android (Animorphs, Bk 10)
Author: K. A. Applegate
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 3.8/5 Stars.
 32
Review Date: 6/5/2006


When Marco runs into his old friend Erek he doesn't think too much of it. He's got a couple of more important things to do. Like helping to save the world. But then Marco finds out Erek's been hanging with the kids at The Sharing. And he starts to think that something just a little weird is going on.

So Marco, Jake, and Ax decide to morph and check old Erek out. Just to see if he's been infested with a Yeerk. The good news is that Erek's not a human-Controller. The bad news is that Erek's not even human....


Are You Terrified Yet? (Goosebumps Series 2000, No 9)
Are You Terrified Yet? (Goosebumps Series 2000, No 9)
Author: R. L. Stine
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 4/5 Stars.
 3
Review Date: 6/12/2006


"Go, Craig! Go, Craig!" Amy chanted, urging me on.

I lowered my hands to the coffin lid. The wood felt cool and smooth, my heart pounded so hard, I could barely breathe.

It's no big deal. A coffin is just a big wooden box.
It's no different from lying down on a bed.
I took a deep breath. Pushed with all my strength.
The coffin lid slid open. I gazed inside--and started to scream.


Attack of the Graveyard Ghouls (Goosebumps Series 2000)
Attack of the Graveyard Ghouls (Goosebumps Series 2000)
Author: R. L. Stine
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 4/5 Stars.
 6
Review Date: 6/12/2006


The fog shimmered up over the dark grass, over the bent, scraggly trees. Covering the hill, covering the old graveyard.

And then I heard the horrifying moan. Through the windowpane, I heard a long, low moan floating from the hill.

Human and animal at the same time.
So cold. So sad.
So near...


Avoiding Prison and Other Noble Vacation Goals : Adventures in Love and Danger
Review Date: 6/26/2006


From salsa dancing in a rum-induced haze and struggling to exercise in Colombia ("the guerillas were using the track again today"), to crossing international borders unconventionally and dodging bombs in Lebanon ("the good news was that they were 'small bombs'"), Wendy somehow manages to find herself in the midst of hysterical, adventurous, and often illegal situations. Case in poing--every time she heads to Costa Rica, she is forced to visit another prison. Although a jail may not be everyone's idea of a place to find a date, Wendy soon falls in love with a man, a country, and its people and risks everything she has to clear his name.

Avoiding Prison and Other Noble Vacation Goals is a bumpy and hilarious ride in which Wendy discovers that a successful vacation--much like that elusive thing,happiness--can be found in some of the most unlikely places imaginable.


Badger in the Basement  (Animal Ark, Bk 6)
Badger in the Basement (Animal Ark, Bk 6)
Author: Ben M. Baglio
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 4/5 Stars.
 12
Review Date: 6/13/2006


At Animal Ark, Mandy Hope helps her parents treat animals of all shapes and sizes. Even outside the clinic, Mandy can't resist helping any animal in need.

When James leads Mandy to a badger nest he's been watching, they find that it has been deliberately destroyed. All that is left is an orphaned badger cub.

Can they discover who did this cruel thing--and will they be able to find a new home for the cub?


The Beast #2 (Fear Street)
The Beast #2 (Fear Street)
Author: R. L. Stine
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 3.4/5 Stars.
 9
Review Date: 6/26/2006


Ashley just wanted one more ride...

But when The Beast stopped, she was gone!

So where was she? I couldn't find her anywhere in the park. And I wouldn't leave without her. There was only one thing to do. Get back on The Beast and follow her...on the most terrifying ride ever!


Beneath Wimmera Skies (Harlequin Romance, No 2947)
Beneath Wimmera Skies (Harlequin Romance, No 2947)
Author: Kerry Allyne
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 3.3/5 Stars.
 8
Review Date: 5/11/2006


Mallory said goodbye to the glamorous life.

Being an international model had lost its appeal. She wanted only to go home--to Avalon, the family farm in Australia. Then she discovered, if she wanted to stay there, she'd have to manage the place on her own.

But, there was a major obstacle: Bren Dalton, the insolent representative of the corporation who owned the farm. He refused her application on the grounds that as a woman she was not capable of real managemant responsibility.

His arrogant assumptions made Mallory furious, but she was certain she could change his mind....


The Best School Year Ever (Herdmans, Bk 2)
The Best School Year Ever (Herdmans, Bk 2)
Author: Barbara Robinson
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 4.1/5 Stars.
 37
Review Date: 6/12/2006
Helpful Score: 1


They're Back!

The Herdmans are the most famous kids at Woodrow Wilson School. In fact, they are the most famous kids in the whole town--and they are the worst kids in the history of the world. They are dirty, rotten, lazy, and ornery. They tell lies and smoke cigars and set fire to things. They stay away from school whenever they want to and cause all kinds of chaos when they are there.

Every September the students and teachers gear up for another year of dealing with the Herdmans. But no matter what precautions are taken, they manage to cause mayhem all year round. Their wild behavior always leads to disaster for someone--but never one of the Herdman clan! They always escape getting the blame. Will this school year be the same?

Fans of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever will laugh out loud reading about the wild and crazy antics of the Herdmans.


Bid For Independence (Harlequin Romance, No 2922)
Bid For Independence (Harlequin Romance, No 2922)
Author: Yvonne Whittal
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 3.3/5 Stars.
 7
Review Date: 5/11/2006
Helpful Score: 1


He was being overprotective...

Maura was determined to strike out on her own. Her decision to teach school enraged Clayton, her stepbrother, and the administrator of the family's considerable wealth.

Ten years older than Maura, Clayton had always shared an affectioinate relationship with her. He'd respected her intelligence and recognized her independent spirit.

But now his affection was eclipsed by fury, and Maura was at a loss to understand why.

One thing was becoming increasingly obvious. His feelings went beyond brotherly protectiveness and affection....


The Big Book of Tell Me Why
The Big Book of Tell Me Why
Author: Arkady Leokum, Howard Bender (Illustrator)
Book Type: Hardcover
  • Currently 4.3/5 Stars.
 8
Review Date: 8/27/2006


Concise, accurate, illistrated answers to hundreds of questions children ask


Big Book of Tell Me Why Answers to Hundreds of Questions Children Ask
Review Date: 8/27/2006


concise, accurate, illustrated answers to hundreds of questions children ask.

This is Book #2 of the series.


Birthday Surprises: Ten Great Stories to Unwrap
Birthday Surprises: Ten Great Stories to Unwrap
Author: Johanna Hurwitz
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 4.3/5 Stars.
 2
Review Date: 6/21/2006


Why would a beautifully wrapped birthday present hold nothing but an empty box?

Ten leading authors give us ten deliciously different answers to the same question. Is someone playing a trick or teaching a lesson? What if the box isn't as empty as it first appears? Savor these original birthday surprises, then see if you can come up with your own solution to the mystery of the empty present.


Brain Juice (Goosebumps Series 2000, No 12)
Brain Juice (Goosebumps Series 2000, No 12)
Author: R. L. Stine
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 3.4/5 Stars.
 6
Review Date: 6/12/2006


Carefully, the alien poured the purple liquid into the bottle. "Our only supply of Brain Energizer Fluid," he muttered. "Let's hope it works."

"Hurry, Morggul," he said, giving his fat partner a push with all four tentacles.

Morggul gazed at the purple bottle. His lower mouth frowned. His upper mouth said, "No human has ever drunk this formula. How do we know what side effects it will have? Maybe it will kill them!"


Brave New World
Brave New World
Author: Aldous Huxley
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 4.1/5 Stars.
 150
Review Date: 1/27/2006
Helpful Score: 2


A fantasy of the future which sheds a blazing, critical light on the present--considered to be Aldous Huxley's most enduring masterpiece.


Bunnies in the Bathroom (Animal Ark, Bk 15)
Review Date: 6/13/2006


At Animal Ark, Mandy Hope helps her parents treat animals of all shapes and sizes. Even outside the clinic, Mandy can't resist helping any animal in need.

Mandy's new friend John has his heart set on buying two baby rabbits in the local pet shop. But before he has a chance, Barney and Button are gone!

Mandy and James decide to get the bunnies back for John. But will they be able to find the new owner?


Cancer Schmancer
Cancer Schmancer
Author: Fran Drescher
Book Type: Hardcover
  • Currently 4.1/5 Stars.
 36
Review Date: 7/26/2006


Boy, has she been through a lot. It is truly an eye opener regarding all she went through just trying to get the right diagnosis! A quick read.


Catch a Dream (Harlequin Romance, No 2945)
Catch a Dream (Harlequin Romance, No 2945)
Author: Celia Scott
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 4/5 Stars.
 4
Review Date: 5/11/2006


Jessica had to prove she only wanted justice.

After hearing Jessica Firbank's story, wealthy Andros Kalimantis immediately accused her of blackmail.

Jessica, a sensible Brighton barmaid, was outraged but determined to get a fair settlement for her hapless cousin, Kitty. When Kitty disappeared after pawning the Kalimantis emerald ring, Jessica's credibility with Andros vanished too.

Despite their stormy relationship, Jessica was attracted to the fiery Andros. And when he asked her to work for him at his remote tower in the rugged Greek countryside, she accepted with a sense of unquenchable excitement!


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