Customer Reviews (1)

A strong biographical coverage
Young adult and pre-teen audiences alike will relish Ray Bradbury, a strong biographical coverage of one of the most influential figures in science fiction writing. A little over a hundred pages includes black and white illustrations throughout and coverage of not only Bradbury's life and influences, but his notable works. ... Read more

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Eighty-seven well-known American and English authors describe their life and work. ... Read more

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When a shaggy mutt saves the life of six-year-old Mark, the Petersons adopt the stray dog. ... Read more

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This is an EXACT reproduction of a book published before 1923. This IS NOT an OCR'd book with strange characters, introduced typographical errors, and jumbled words.This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process. We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide. We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book. ... Read more

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Profiles the lives and innovative work of the following popular authors: A. A. Milne, C. S. Lewis, E.B. White, Dr. Seuss, Roald Dahl, Maurice Sendak, and Judy Blume. ... Read more

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Writers in the Kitchen: Children's Book Authors Share
Not everyone knows that writers are real people. Writers eat, sleep, write and cook much like everyone else. But even with a mouthful of one of their favorite recipes, writers also have the gift of gab. With roughly twohundred recipes, readers will be able to fill up on pages of good food andgreat stories in WRITERS IN THE KITCHEN.

You'll be able to look for yourfavorite author or find a new one as you read children's book authorsshared recipes and memories in this flavorful and unique cookbook.This bookbest served at room temperature. ... Read more

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From the editors of From One Experience to Another comes a new collection featuring celebrated writers for young adults. Contributors include Newbery Medal winners Jerry Spinelli and Betsty Byars, Paul Zindel, winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and Jon Scieszka, author of The Stinky Cheese Man & Other Fairly Stupid Tales, a New York Times "Notable Book of the Year." Other authors include T.A. Barron, Tamora Pearce, Mary Ann McGuigan, Lois Metzger, Mel Glenn, Joyce Hansen, Rich Wallace, Joan Abelove and Eleanora E. Tate.
Amazon.com Review
When reading a book or story by one of our favorite authors, who among us has not asked the question feared and loathed by every writer: Where do you get those great ideas? Here is the book that provides the answer, at least for those lucky readers of contemporary young-adult fiction. Editors M. Jerry and Helen S. Weiss have gathered together some of the finest writers for teens today and challenged them to define their inspirations. Their responses are as varied and fascinating as the authors themselves. Adele Griffin (The Other Shepards) remembers the '80s and the attempts by her peers to pattern themselves after skeletal supermodels in "As Skinny Does," while Rich Wallace (Wrestling Sturbridge) infuses "Final Cut" with all the pain and delight of first love and basketball tryouts. Comedic Jon Scieszka reveals the evolution of his writing with incredibly droll nursery-rhyme variations in "Thirteen Diddles," and the usually funny Paul Zindel takes a serious turn as he spins a multicultural tale of real and imagined monsters in "Rachel's Vampire." Joan Abelove, Mel Glenn, Joyce Hansen, and Tamora Pierce contribute to this collection as well.

Because many of the writers draw on events of their own adolescence, these stories will be all the more significant to teen readers. Each piece is accompanied by a short explanation as to where and when the muse struck, describing how the seed of each experience germinated into a story. A superb choice for aspiring young authors and discriminating readers alike. (Ages 11 and older) --Jennifer Hubert ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Good Book!
As a teenager, I can relate to almost all of the fiction in this book. Every story provides at least one bit of comedy. I recommend this book to anyone purchasing a gift for a teenager.

Dear Author: How and Why do your stories grow?
Do you know a teen who would like to be a writer?Or do you have ambitions to write?I highly recommend this book for both groups, as wellas for young adults who just love short story collections.The first storyabout a high school fencer, by Jerry Lubar, was my favorite.It appeals tothat part in all of us that loves to root for the underdog, and see himcome out on top.It's also delightfully funny!It reminded me very muchof Chris Crutcher's writing. Not all of the stories are as strong asLubar's, but I love the collection anyway.Each story is prefaced by anote from the author, telling what inspired the author to write THISparticular story.It helps budding authors to see where writers get theirideas and, perhaps more interesting, WHY they get their ideas.It alsoshows the aspiring writer that there are many different ways to tell astory - whether in a straight forward format (most of the stories), a prosepoem interview (Mel Glenn's Kids in the Mall), or an unconventional nurseryrhyme (John Scieszka's Thirteen Diddles).The prefaces also allow thereader to see the authors as real live once-upon-a-teen people, who justhappened to grow up and make their living by writing. A word of warning,however - THIS IS NOT, as a previous reviewer said,a book for the HarryPotter lover.I love the Rowling books, but this is not designed to servethe reader in the same way.Don't buy it thinking that it is similar inany way to the Potter books.Do buy it if you are intrigued by the processof writing, if you like short stories, or if you enjoy learning about howauthors work their magic on readers.

Great collection for young readers
Thirteen authors of books aimed at adolescents contributed a story based on a true event in their lives when they were in school or, as in one case,observing students as an adult.The tales center on showing how thewriters get an idea for a story based on an experience even if thatincident(s) is turned into something supernatural or science fiction innature.

The well-written stories are clearly designed for theyounger reader.This collection would make a wonderful follow-up to fansof Harry Potter (the most influential books in many years by virtue ofbringing literature to youngsters).This anthology provides a writer'sfocus within interesting stories to that same Potter age group.Along withthe Weiss' previous book (see the award winning FROM ONE EXPERIENCE TOANOTHER), young readers will gain another perspective on thenon-programming written word.

Great book!
Here is a great book that uses wonderful authors and their talents and combines their real life story with a pinch of fiction. I liked this bookbecause it keeps you going, a book that is hard to set down. A wonderfulbook to tease your mind and give it inspiration! :) ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

A Beautifully Told Story of an Interesting Life
Isabel Allende by Mary Main is a most interesting book. Ms. Allende has lived a fascinating life and triumphed over adversity. What makes this book so special is its balance between talking about Allende's work, and the telling of her life story. The author's tone is informative, interesting and compelling. This book would be an excellent choice for anyone- adult or child- interested in learning more about Isabel Allende.
I highly recommend it.

Isabel Allende
Mary Main knows how to tell a story-an especially valuable gift when it comes to writing biography. The author captures the spirit of Isabel Allende, from her early years in Peru and Chile to her life in America. And along the way, she shows us what it is like to create a great novel and how it is possible to overcome suffering and live with grace. This is a compelling and stunning book, one that's guaranteed to intrigue young readers.

Well-written, interesting biography
This biography is easy to read and very interesting.Allende has led an unusual life battled by political conflicts, and personal growth.I think anyone would find her life story of interest even if you are not a fan of her books.I read the book in a few hours, it is fast paced and easy.Good for kids and will keep an adult's interest as well.

Intrigue, Love, & Tragedy
Isabel Allende was born in 1942, in Lima, Peru, and lived in many countries, until becoming a permanent resident and citizen of the United States.After twenty years as a journalist, Isabel became an award-winning author of children's fiction, memoirs, short stories, and novels that run the gamut from enchantment to tragedy.

A stanch feminist viewpoint and intimate family bond became Allende's inspiration for writing.Tragic events such as the sickness of her adored grandfather and a coma that imprisoned her beloved daughter stirred Isabel to write daily about her life and family.Isabel's boundless enthusiasm is evident in the magic of her writing.

With skill and candor, biographer Mary Main portrays Allende as a passionate woman, loving mother, and gifted author.This biography entices the reader to explore the books of Isabel Allende. ... Read more

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A giant wants to fight an Israelite soldier. When young and small David offers to fight Goliath, the giant laughs! Can David beat the giant? Find out in this Zonderkidz I Can Read! book for early readers. ... Read more

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Outstanding
I must admit I have heard many of these authors speak on numerousoccassions.They are not only powerful, but they are great role models.Iwould like any of them to be an influnence in the lives of any children Imay have.This book is a must have for any professional working to empowerteens to be all they can be. ... Read more

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Courtesy of Teens Read Too
To call this book a "Narnia movie tie-in," as some of the publicity has, is selling it short. The sixteen essays in this book cover all seven of the CHRONICLES OF NARNIA, and although there are several that deal exclusively with Prince Caspian, the movie of which is to be released this May, there are also insightful essays about the other novels in the series. In fact, one of my personal favorites dealt solely with THE VOYAGE OF THE DAWN TREADER (which was always my favorite book in the series, as well). And the depth of these essays moves them beyond the realm of the typical movie tie-in into a place of enthusiastic scholarship.

This is not a book for those unfamiliar with the Chronicles, but if you've ever fallen in love with Narnia, the perspectives these authors offer will be a nice complement to your enjoyment. The essays are at their best when their authors start with a personal obsession and go from there to discuss its thematic relevance to the Chronicles as a whole.

Diana Peterfreund's "King Edmund the Cute" starts by discussing her childhood crush on Edmund, but goes deeper than that to trace his character through the Chronicles to show why Lewis intended him to be an attractive character; having once turned traitor but understanding the error of his ways, he can now lead others on the right path. Diane Duane, a self-proclaimed "foodie," tackles the topic of "Eating in Narnia" from a background that discusses both Lewis's own experiences with rationing during the wars but also goes further to suggest the impact food can have, not just on the body, but on the soul.

I really enjoyed the essays' treatment of Lewis's Christian background. While many of them acknowledged Lewis's goal to create a moral allegory that could lead people to a better understanding of Christianity, this was not the focus of any of the essays.

Sarah Beth Durst's "Missing the Point" argues that Lewis's stories would be compelling even without the allegorical component, and O. R. Melling's "Being Good for Narnia and the Lion" discusses how the series presented her with a picture of being good that was more attractive than that posed by her childhood experiences with church. While I think it's impossible to say that a book on Lewis's work has been written from an entirely secular perspective, the treatment of the religious aspect of the Chronicles was deftly done. I was also impressed with the book's willingness to tackle difficult topics, like the accusations that Lewis's Calormen represents a racist depiction of the Middle East.

But above all, every essay in this collection reminded me why Lewis's works are worth reading for both children and adults, and why every foray into the land of Narnia is a grand adventure, for the reader as well as the characters.

Reviewed by:Candace Cunard ... Read more