5 comments about No Place for Magic (Tales of the Frog Princess).

1. This was a present for my Granddaughter and so far she has not complained about this product.
   
   I received this delivery in time for Christmas as I ordered it rather late. That is good.



2. This is a adorable romantic comedy. The writing style is simple yet elegant. The characters are lovable and strong. The story is lighthearted yet not shallow, and a lot of humor is achieved by parodying traditional fairy tale elements. This novel is the best so far is the Tales of the Frog Princess series. If you like this book try Runaway Princess by Kate Coombs.



3. No Place for Magic is the fourth book in the Tales of the Frog Princess series. It is a Fantasy book written by E.D. Baker. No Place for Magic takes place in a world where magic, giants, and dragons are nothing out of the ordinary. The story follows the life of a young princess of Greater Greensward named Emma. The thing is that she's also a very powerful witch. She's known as the Green Witch and is responsible for protecting the land with her magic. Her fiancé, Prince Eadric, lives in Upper Montevista, a kingdom that is not as accepting of magic as Greater Greensward. Eadric's parents, especially his mother, disapprove of Emma because of her powers. But when Eadric's younger brother, Bradston, is kidnaped by trolls Emma and Eadric must set out on a quest to find and bring him home.
   E.D. Baker has a way of writing where she challenges your thinking in some way or another. In one of the scenes in particular she tests your trust. Aldrich and Emma had just arrived from a long journey to a small town very close to the trolls' castle. They needed rest and one of the residents invited them into their home to eat and stay the night. Emma immediately finds it odd that they live so close to man-eating trolls and when one keeps eyeing her quite suspiciously, she and Aldrich discover their true identity. After finding this they are forced to choose whether or not to trust someone they know who could potentially kill them, or ruin their friendship with one of their companions. This scene made me feel like I was the one who had to choose and kept me completely glued to the book.
   No Place for Magic was very fun to read. It flowed easily, but kept me interested. Unlike many fantasy books I've read it really was a comedy. It made me laugh, but also worry. Reading the previous books in the series gives a much better understanding of the characters, but you can follow it either way. Anyone in the mood for a lighthearted book that's not too long or short, and enjoys the "once upon a time's" and "happily ever after's" will enjoy this book.



4. No Place for Magic was a magical book. The ordeals Emma and Eadric have to face are both funny and frightful. Even though I'm a little old to be reading these books I can't help but continue. Eadric and Emma find that they are still in love even after all the trials they face. A perfcet read for someone who likes magic, romance, and tons of fantastic creatures.



5. Princess Emma and Prince Eadric have been through a lot in their relationship over the last three books. Their friendship began as frogs, when Eadric's Frog Prince curse backfired on Emma when she kissed him, and they joined forces to escape the swamp, as Emma finds that learning to hop and catch flies is harder than one might imagine. Next came the quest to turn her aunt's love back into a human (he was an otter at the time), and after that the curse that was destined to turn Emma into a mean ...uh... *witch* after the age of sixteen if she ever touched a flower.
   
   That last one involved a bit of time traveling to fix. Along the way, Emma and Eadric have come to realize their love, as well as find a few odd friends, such as the bat, Li'l Stinker, her vampire mate, and a young dragon named Ralf.
   
   After all of that, even Eadric's parents' hatred of magic isn't going to be enough to stop these two from getting married. Still, Emma would like to have their permission, or at least be able to say that she tried. His mother is less than pleased, however, to find out that her son is still determined to marry her. There are bigger problems in Eadric's kingdom, though, as his younger (and rather obnoxious) brother has apparently been taken by trolls. Afraid to use magic because the trolls can track her through it, Emma must help Eadric find his brother through the use of her wits instead.
   
   This is the fourth book in the Frog Princess series. While the book is very enjoyable, I would recommend reading the first three books before this one. The series has maintained an entertaining tone through four books now, and each book does stand on its own. This one is no different, but there are lots of little things that will be more enjoyable if you know the series.
   
   One thing I appreciated about this book and the series in general is that the romance is well constructed, even after four books. There are some side couples, but the central two are Eadric and Emma, who met in the first book as frogs, and now in this book get married. Their friendship and relationship progress through the books and reads as realistically as a romance can when you're turned into a frog, sent back in time, and suffering from curses.
   
   Unlike the earliest book in the series, No Place For Magic doesn't draw on any particular fairytale origins. Instead it takes place in a world that works by fairytale rules. Fairies attend the wedding, trolls kidnap Eadric's brother, and witches practice "good" and "bad" magic.
   
   This book takes Emma into Eadric's kingdom where magic is feared and gives her new prejudices to deal with. Back home, she is the Green Witch and respected by the citizens-they know she will protect them in times of need. Here magic is avoided, and she must hide her normal usage of magic and learn to rely on herself instead. In typical fairytale fashion, Emma and her magic skills are accepted once she saves the kingdom, just like Rudolf got to play with the other reindeer once he saved Christmas.
   
   On the downside, the series is not overly unique. It takes fairytale conventions and turns them around, sometimes in different ways, and other times in the same old ways. Emma is your standard "doesn't want to be a passive" princess and Eadric is a sweet, "charming" prince, who cares as much about where his next meal is coming from as fighting, and likes to flirt with Emma (though the flirting might be as much for the fact that it unsettles her and makes her blush, as for other reasons). The other characters that surround them are also fun, but this is a fluffy book. It's a "having a bad day and need something to escape reality" read. I do think that as the series goes on, the books find more interesting turns and twists to throw in, and the characters grow a little.

5 comments about Daddy's Roommate (Alyson Wonderland).

1. During my own childhood, my parents tried to instil open values in myself and my younger brother. We were regularly encouraged to read books about groups outside of our own and develop a strong sense of fairness.

   While we did not have a chance to read this book during our own childhoods, I can vouch it is an important library addition for any parent wanting their child to grow up secure enough with themselves so they do not pick on others and/or deal with personal problems.

   In his age-appropriate text (although the 'roomate' terminology is confusing after the depth of description), Willhoite demonstrates there are all kinds of good families. Both Daddy and Frank are very interested in providing a safe and stable enviroment for the youth---and enjoy an apparently supportive relationship with the mother (finding out you are the spouse of a GLBT person is not an easy position in our society) making his own growth an innately easier journey.

   Not fancy by today's computer-pumped standards, the illustrations help reinforce the true meaning of caring. It is ultimately how you treat yourself and others which should determine what happens. Thus, the book purposefully ignores the possibility of daddy and Frank being hate crime and/or discrimination victims, a scenario which may worry older children after a parent's disclosure.

   Realizing there are other families across the USA for whom the journey is nowhere near as smooth, I appreciate the candor attempting to end the cycle of hate-depression which takes a heavy toll on our youth. Like GLBT people themselves, the children of GLBT parents (a growing category!) have few 'safe' resources to utilize.

   That many school districts and libraries outside of 'GLBT mecca's' do not presently stock this title unless a battle ensues ultimately reveals more about their fear of the 'different' and unfamiliar, than any inherent flaws within this book (and simmilar titles). Isolating the children of GLBT parents and potential heterosexual alies is much more simple than recognizing and overcoming our own bigotry.




2. As a child of gay parents, I wish I had this book when I was growing up in the 70's. !!! It is perfect! Thanks soooo Much! Hopefully, we'll soon be able to embrace love and do away with our violence praising culture....



3. I'm not sure that the books message that "gay" is a different kind of love is exactly right, I think this might be more simplistic than necessary...the author might have gone a bit further in this and added that many couples are a man and woman, but that some people fall in love with people of the same gender. Additionally, while I appreciate the humor in the use of the word Roommate to mean lover, this book is aimed at very young children (up to age 5) and the use here could be confusing to them when it comes to people living as actual roommates without being lovers. It might have been more prudent to use a different word here, to avoid confusion for children down the line. I positively love the books portrayal of the couple in this story as carrying on the same daily routines as everyone else (shaving together, eating meals, sleeping, reading the paper) and enjoying a strong and loving relationship with his son, which brings home that this is just as normal a way to live and be as any other romantic configuration. Ovearall, I think Daddy's Roommate has a wonderful family friendly message and I'm quite pleased to have had the opportunity to read this to my children! I'd recommend it in a heartbeat!



4. The themes of adult selfishness, divorce, and same-sex union converge in "Daddy's Roommate." This story is particularly sad. The little narrator here has no name! This isn't surprising, since children in these books exist to affirm their parents. What is alarming is that the educators, who stand firm behind these books, and who routinely tout the self-esteem catechism in schools, overlooked the sagging sense of self exhibited by the books' tots.
   
   The nameless narrator tells us his parents have just divorced. With nary a reference to the sadness of this event, he blurts out; "Now there's somebody new at Daddy's house. Daddy and his roommate Frank live together, work together, eat together, sleep together." From here on in it's pretty much detailing the good times the dwarfed child spends with the two larger-than-life men.
   
   Mommy, like the child, is a conduit in the service of the men's outing. She tells no-name boy that Daddy and Frank are gay and that "being gay is just another kind of love." "Daddy and his roommate are very happy together," chants the child, "and I am happy too!" So long as Dad has found his true self, so will the boy arrange his feelings accordingly. It's a cruel farce that has a child spouting homilies in the service of a parent's project.
   
   What would I have considered an honest narrative?
   
   "My name is Ben. I am very sad. My mom and dad are divorcing. Frank is my dad's new friend. My mom and dad held me tight. I told them I wanted my old home back again, and I cried."



5. Apparently they (she) didn't manage to ban this book, but it seems that activists are taking out the book on loan and defacing it. Some people don't know what public libraries are for. If you don't want a copy in your god's church, that's your decision. If you don't want a copy in our public libraries.....write a letter. Or just get over it.
   
   This is a book that is meant to help people living in the real world, where people really are born both gay and good.

5 comments about Difficult Questions Kids Ask and Are Afraid to Ask About Divorce.

1. A wonderful Guide for any parent faced with their Childrens questions, at any age, at the time of a divorce. When you bearlty know the anwers to some of your own questions concerning the divorce,"Difficult Questions Kids Ask About Divorce" is a must have for you.

   It answer questions the cover a wide range of subject and ages. I f you are going through a divorce or concerning one due yourself and your children a favor and get this book.




2. I spotted this book in the library and picked it up. As I began to read, I felt as if the authors knew my own 8-year-old daughter. I was very impressed. So many of the topics covered hit very close to home. It was very reassuring to read.



3. Kids are the ones that hurt the most in a divorce. They don't have the coping skills to deal with the trauma some of these cherubs experience. They can't comprehend the various facets of divorce. Therefore, this book will help parents and grandparents explain about divorce and resolve those difficult feelings or questions the children may have.



4. This book is great. I didn't realize what exactly was going on in my situation, so I didn't start reading these books until my husband was out of the house, living with his girlfriend. It would be a great book to read prior to anyone moving out, but also good for my situation. Very helpful.



5. I am a clinical psychologist, and have recommended this book over and over again. Its the one guide I have seen that covers how to answer questions in developmentally appropriate ways for all ages of children. The author understands how kids of different ages think and what they are likely to be feeling most intensely. What a wonderful guide, and well written!

5 comments about Relationship Rescue: A Seven Step Strategy for Reconnecting with Your Partner.

1. Dr. Phil just lately has been known in the Middle East through his program "Dr. Phil". I got to know Dr. Phil from quite some time.
   
   This book is, as its name, a rescue procedure that the couples should follow. It starts with an inventory that each partner should do alone; evaluating him/herself independently, what were the weaknesses, how did I contributed to the failure/success of the relationship.
   
   Then the real work begins..!!! Where the couple meets together and reviews the result. They should apply certain communication techniques. It is really very effective. At the end, the couple should agree and maintain certain techniques throughout the way.
   
   It is not a book that you read for educational purposes, it is a life curing surgery.
   
   For the best results, both couple should have the interest for the rescue. My advice, maintain the passion throughout the way, try to influence your partner if he(she) is not the driver for this process. It is a surgery...but very effective...
   
   Wish you all the best while reading and applying this book...!!!!



2. "When you own your relationship, you must hold up the mirror to look at yourself. You will finally realize that whatever your partner is doing, you are either eliciting, maintaining, or allowing that behavior." ~ 97
   
   It is difficult to work on your relationship by yourself. That said, Dr. Phil believes you have a lot more control than you think. By analyzing your relationship you learn about the areas that need improvement. The book begins with a questionnaire of sixty-two sentences. You choose true or false then instantly find out if your relationship is in distress.
   
   It takes quite a lot of time to answer all the other questions including sentences you complete and analyze. You may think you have a pretty good relationship until you see what the test results are. This book may even temporarily make your relationship worse, especially if you try to get your partner to take any of the tests. The 17 page family history evaluation did seem a little over the top.
   
   This book requires you to make a commitment to making your relationships work. It is an extremely detailed program designed to improve your relationship in a matter of weeks. You learn to agree to disagree or to argue more effectively. You develop relationship skills instead of relying on the feelings (infatuation) you felt at the start of the relationship. Dr. Phil then delves into the dark side that can sabotage a relationship.
   
   Dr. Phil completes the book with questions he thinks you might want to ask him and then in conclusion he writes a separate letter to women and then to men. For the most part this book is complicated yet engaging. The tests are fun to take if you have the time and they do reveal aspects you might not uncover in a more casual conversation. Dr. Phil takes on all the difficult subjects and puts the ball in your court. In one sense it can be discouraging to work on a relationship by yourself and on the other hand your partner might actually get involved in making the relationship work. "Relationship Rescue" is one of the most intense relationship books I've ever read.
   
   ~The Rebecca Review



3. The Doctor focuses on The Reader, and hammers away at making the point again and again that it is The Reader, not their partner, that must embrace change and improvement. It's a strong book. I laughed at how he puts into light how good my relationship is by his standards of trouble. My reasons for buying and reading this book are the same as anyone's for buying a self-helper: uncharted territory and the wish of self-improvement.
   
   My only concern is that this book would most likely never help those who are the ones who really need it. It makes strong points to this itself: You cannot control or change other people. And those who need this book are probably not smart enough to even consider reading it or seeing the need to change and modify themselves.
   
   Thanks Dr. Phill. I am glad I read your book. It is strong and helpful.



4. From what my husband and I have read so far, there is a lot to learn from Dr. Phil's Relationship Rescue. We also bought the workbook to go along with it and would highly suggest that people do that as well. The two resources put together are wonderfully productive. Just don't expect a "how to get your spouse to change" book, this is a book designed to help you better yourself. You realize what you are doing wrong so that you can begin doing the right things. Eventually, your spouse will come around based on your actions. The old proverb that goes something along the lines of kill meanness with kindness definetely applies here.



5. This book is not what it is hyped to be, Not very informative and not what I thought it would be.

5 comments about Your Divorce Advisor: A Lawyer and a Psychologist Guide You Through the Legal and Emotional Landscape of Divorce.

1. After reading many, many studies on the subject of divorce, support and custody, and also personally being a single father for 13 years with sole custody of 3 children and also being a non-custodial parent of one younger child I feel I can comment objectively on this book.
   
   First off, it is clearly very well written, covers almost all aspects of its subject and uniquely combines views from an emotional point of view as well as legal point of view. It also strives to be unbiased and provide clear representation of both parents. I do recommend this book but do so with one caveat (hence my rating of 3 stars rather than 5).
   
   The book is riddled with hidden biases in favor of Mom rather than Dad and the reader should be cognizant of that. Also, it is not clear that all aspects of studies are clearly represented. i.e., both sides. The tricky thing is that both sides are mentioned but even when there is a preponderance of studies favoring one side, it seems the authors may lean towards the other side. A fairer presentation of studies supporting both sides would be really beneficial (particularly on child custody, visitation, overnights, bonding, etc.). Many of the studies are represented in summary form and as such remove a lot of important context.
   
   A good example of a hidden bias:
   
   "The Paradox requires that parents take into careful consideration how well their children are able to tolerate separation from their mother, the child's temperament, and the strength of the father-child bond prior to divorce, and weigh all this against the likelihood of the father staying in the child's life...." Page 203 - determining custody arrangements.
   
   This seems like a very objective statement but upon closer examination it is clear that the authors are concerned with whether the child(ren) can tolerate separation from mom but never question whether or not the child(ren) can handle the separation from dad or what that impact might be. In addition, it questions the father-child bond but never suggestions that the mother-child bond should be evaluated as well in such a determination. The phrase ends with us weighing all of this against whether or not it is likely that dad will stay in the picture - again, what about mom. Studies are increasingly showing that even when mom has full custody of her children she can be less than a model parent for a variety of reasons.
   
   Here's another:
   
   "The amount of time between father and child is important because it facilitates a closer parent child relationship. But time does not automatically equal closeness. The quality of time spent and the level of involvement .... are ... more important." Also Page 203 - determining custody arrangements.
   
   Again - sounds objective enough but actually why is this represented only in terms of dad. Isn't this statement true for moms as well? Phrased as written there is an assumption that mother time does equal closeness and that it is automatically quality otherwise why point this out only for fathers during a discussion on custody which should be gender neutral. If the term was written with parent in place of father then it would be truly objective. As written it supports the notion that moms are custodial parents and dads are visitors - and not to worry about the amount of time dads spend - but worry about the quality of time they spend. So to be fair, don't worry about the time mom spends with the children, just the quality of time she spends - thereby freeing up large amounts of time for dad and children.
   
   These are only 2 examples but please read this book with caution, such biases are sprinkled all through out the book (perhaps because the authors are both moms) and amongst a backdrop of authority, general objectivity and mastery of the subject matter which makes them all the more dangerous.



2. Divorce is one of the most grueling experiences anyone can go through, and this book is a great guide for easing the challenges. The book is packed with information on the legal and emotional issues that are likely to arise -- and how to deal with them. The topics span the board, from making the initial decision, to preparing for trial, to how to talk with the kids about it all.
   
   THe authors have a section on negotiating with your spouse, and I think that that is essential. They mention the work of Harvard's Roger Fisher, who just published a new book that you don't want to miss if you're dealing with divorce. The book is 'Beyond Reason: Using Emotions as you Negotiate.' (The chapters on autonomy and appreciation struck a chord with me and offered great advice.)



3. Interesting book coming from both the perspective of the divorce lawyer and a psychologist. Some good, solid advice here. While going through a divorce you should gather as much information as possible and know how to protect yourself both emotionally and financially.
   
   Seven Secrets to a Successful Divorce



4. I know the author of this book and she is an expert. If you are contemplating a divorce or going through one, definitely get this book. It's written for you.



5. This is the single best, most complete divorce book on the market. It took me from start to finish and saved me from making some expensive mistakes. Because there's a psychologist who's writing, too, and not just a lawyer, the book tuned me in to some things I hadn't thought about, like how my kids feel if I say something bad about my wife in front of them, or why it's hard to get my financial records together (because it symbolizes that my marriage is actually really over). All in all, this was a super helpful book and a bargain.

5 comments about How to Avoid Falling in Love with a Jerk.

1. The best How to ...book I've read on relationship building. Well documented and thoroughly researched.



2. This is the exact same book as How to Avoid Marrying a Jerk, only with a slightly different title and a new copyright date. Don't be fooled into buying the same book twice.



3. There are definitely lots of jerks out there and you certainly don't want to waste your time on one, especially on a potential life partner! VanEpp's practical and prescriptive advice is accessible to everyone. This is a great book!



4. I thought this book would be funny because the title is kind of funny. But it's actually a much more substantive relationship book than I expected -- I was pleasantly suprised and so happy that I picked it up. John Van Epp's take on love and trust made me think about the choices that I've in a whole new way. I highly recommend this book.



5. To the point; a very tactful and assertive description on this time the "how not to's"

5 comments about Split: A Memoir of Divorce.

1. As a divorced parent myself, I was struck by the subtitle of this book ("A Memoir of Divorce"). Even though (or perhaps just because) the book is written from a woman's perspective, I decided to pick this up.
   
   In "Split: A Memoir of Divorce" (255 pages), author Suzanne Finnamore gives us her perspectives on how her husband (who is named "N" in the book) leaves her and their small son (named "A" in the book), and leaves her blindsided. The book is divided in 5 parts that are supposed to reflect the grieving-and-healing process (Denial/Anger/Bargaining/Grief/Acceptance). I was surprised how long the author seemingly clung to the notion that somehow she'd gain N back, even though it is clear it will not happen. But when the realization comes, grief sets in. Writes Finnamore: "Much like trains in India, grief is a circular, irrational process with no discernible rhythm or timetable. Here it comes, there is goes." Towards the end of the 'bargaining" phase, when all that is left to do is to figure out go gets what, and other legalities are taken care of, Finnamore is better adjusted. She observes dryly: "'How could you ever forgive me?' N asks, plaintive. I have no answer. Pass. Then I don't hear from him for a week."
   
   I enjoyed Finnamore's writing style. She has a sharp pen, and clear observations. Yet I had trouble connecting emotionally with the book, and with the story. Maybe it is because this is written from a female perspective. I realize that every divorce is unique in a sense, and the divorce described in "Split" certainly very different from what I went through. "Split" is not a bad book, but neither is it the memorable, once-in-a-lifetime read on what it's like going through a divorce.



2. I loved this book. I am in the middle of a VERY similar situation in my own life, so this came at the perfect time. I felt validated in my feelings while I read. I want to thank the author personally for the friend she became as I read along. I will keep this book forever to show that we can all recover from a hard situation, regardless of what is thrown at us. And... so will our children. I say... buy this book, you will love it.



3. I left my husband 25 years ago this month, at his request. The child we shared was biologically only his, so I felt he needed to keep the house - and the law figured he needed to keep our daughter. This book - oh, my, it nails it! Every emotion, all the way! I, too, have been blessed - the child was 11 at the time, and my ex allowed me to have joint custody. Today we share a pleasant friendship, chatting occasionally by phone and enjoying family events together. But all those other chapters - I remember them well, and Finnamore couldn't have described them better!
   
   Which, by the way, is another beauty of this book - her great writing style!
   
   If you've been there, if you're there now...if you want to understand what someone you care about is going through - Split is perfect!



4. I have read every book on this subject (divorce). Although it came out a bit late in the day (decade) for me - or rather for my own divorce - it still provided still needed succor. Funny and beautifully written and studded with sentences you will want to write down. Highly recommended.



5. In any break-up, especially one precipitted by deception, one would excuse any level of bitterness. Yet, Finnamore manages the difficult balance of anger, humor, hurt and bewilderment. She gives hope to those in the same unfortunate situation.
   
   Plus, I loved imagining the second wife's realization that she snagged a man who will never seemingly stop cheating.

5 comments about Divorce Casualties: Protecting Your Children From Parental Alienation.

1. read some of the reviews and I seem to hear the same things over and over from women...
   
   I am the parent the kids go to etc etc, I am the one being abused...
   
   Women have a bottomless pit when it comes to self pity.
   
   This book will help those dads in situations where the mother is completely unaware of her very bad behavior.
   
   I have seen mothers "steal" the kids and relocate but cry to me that the "dad" doesn't see his kids.
   
   Or the mother bringing a new boyfriend at every mutual kids event completely obvious of the repercussions on the.
   
   Or the mother changing medical appointments becasue the father is not relevant, in her mind - but complain if he doesn't show up at the makeup
   
   So, dads, buy this book. Mothers alienating their exs is a epidemic.
   
   Raise your vioce, fight for your kids... record and document all bad behavior...join a mens right group.
   
   Do NOT run away and let these bad mothers get away with this.
   
   BUY this book.



2. This book has a lot of good common sense approaches to how to help children of divorces have a better life. I saw lots of similarities to what has happened to me. Good advice book that shows good examples. I would recommend it.



3. 'Divorce casualties' give many versions of what can happen during hostile child access cases. FAMILY COURT HELL, available on Amazon, actually goes inside a real life child access battle that went on for ten years. Reading FAMILY COURT HELL after Divorce Casualties brings the scenarios to life in a way that should stop any caring parent from trying to deny their children a loving and full relationship with the other parent. Both are a 'must read', not just for Dads, but mothers too.



4. Very useful. Tendency to a bias to the mother, but has been helpful in personal situation.



5. Working as I have for 29 years as a therapist, treating families of divorce, this book is very important. The author discusses things all parents going through a divorce, all divorce attorneys and family court judges should be aware of.

No comments about Divorce with Decency: The Complete How-to Handbook and Survivor's Guide to the Legal, Emotional, Economic, and Social Issues (A Latitude 20 Book).

5 comments about Bird Lake Moon.

1. This is a great story about two boys who come together one summer at the lake. Both are dealing with tragedies that have occured in their lives. Spencer is trying to figure out about the death of his brother that occured when he was little and why noone talks about it. Mitch is dealing with the recent seperation of his parents. A great look at how they handle the situations and how they spend time together. Would highly recmmend this book.



2. Reviewed by Brianne Plach (age 10) for Reader Views (7/08)
   
   Have you ever been convinced something is wrong and found out later that it wasn't that way? Imaginations are great things, except that sometimes your imagination can run wild and make you think something entirely different than the truth.
   
   Spencer is spending his summer vacation at Bird Lake. He is sure that there is a haunted house nearby. The house is rundown and he keeps finding clues that the house is haunted; but, is it just his imagination running wild, or is someone setting him up? Spencer makes a new friend in Mitch. Spencer spends a lot of time trying to convince Mitch that the house is truly haunted. But Mitch seems too skeptical to come around to Spencer's way of thinking. Does Mitch know something that Spencer doesn't?
   
   "Bird Lake Moon" is a great summer read. The two boys are spending the summer at Bird Lake. They are doing all the normal stuff that boys do during a vacation but there's a mystery to be solved while there. There are many adventures around the lake to keep the boys occupied.
   
   If you like mysteries and spooky old things, you will love "Bird Lake Moon" by Kevin Henkes. I'm sure he talks from experience when describing young boy's adventures. It is no surprise that Mr. Henkes is an award-winning author. He will keep you on the edge of your seat and entertain you from cover to cover. When you see the moon out in the sky this summer, think of all the fun you could have if you visited Bird Lake!



3. Twelve-year-old Mitch Sinclair just found out that his father has left him and his mother for another woman. Torn apart by the news, he and his mom go up to Bird Lake to stay with his grandparents for a while. Unfortunately, his grandparents seem to feel very uncomfortable with their two houseguests, creating an edgy atmosphere.
   
   To stay out of their way, Mitch spends as much time as he can away from the house, including swimming in the lake and exploring the empty house next door. Desperate for something solid to hold on to, he decides to claim the empty house as his own. He carves his initials into the railing and moves a few belongings under the porch. He begins dreaming that he and his mom might buy it for real and move in together. But then they arrive.
   
   Ten-year-old Spencer Stone has a seven-year-old sister named Lolly who annoys him to no end. They used to have an older brother, Matty, but he drowned when Spencer was two. Spencer doesn't remember him, but he can feel the sadness emanating from his parents, even after all this time. Then one day, his mom and dad announce that they are going for a little vacation, up to the house on Bird Lake, where Matty died. After avoiding the house since the accident, the family is finally going to decide whether to keep it or sell it.
   
   Mitch feels angry toward the Intruders. Another thing that's important is being taken away from him, and he decides to fight. He hatches a scheme to scare the family away with a ghost infestation. But then he has to start dealing with the guilt feelings sweeping over him. Just because his parents are causing him pain, does that give him the right to cause pain to others?
   
   Spencer loves the house on the lake, but he can see how stressed his mom is at being there. And then he begins witnessing strange occurrences. Are they messages from his dead brother?
   
   Award-winning author Kevin Henkes brings us another touching novel that dives into the emotional storms of family loss. He handles the fragile subject with honesty and sensitivity, offering it up through realistic characters. The chapters cleverly alternate between Mitch and Spencer, sharing different perspectives of the story. Henkes has a beautiful writing style and descriptive elegance that adds a special touch to this charming book.
   
   --- Reviewed by Chris Shanley-Dillman, author of FINDING MY LIGHT and THE BLACK POND



4. This piece of Contemporary Realistic Fiction contains several deep themes including death, the development of moral character, sibling relationships, and friendship. The story would be a classic person vs. self conflict, but also contains a bit of person vs. society because of Mitch's current family situation.
   
   I could relate to Mitch's inner struggles as he attempted to right his own wrongs to save his friendship. I think everyone has experienced the remorse that follows bad choices and the inner tug-of-war that follows. We've all asked ourselves, "How do I make this right?" I also thought the contrast between the two families' dynamics was intensely interesting and thought provoking. The differences in the personalities of the two main characters could often be traced back to their prior family experiences.
   
   This book would be perfect for literature circles in the classroom. Small groups of students would benefit from discussing Mitch's struggle to develop moral character and the implications of his impulsive decision making. In addition, I woud keep this book handy for students encountering divorce and encourage them to think about how Mitch grows and develops through his family's changes.



5. My knowledge of Kevin Henkes, the author, never extended outside of his picture books (and what picture books they are!). I thoroughly enjoyed his fun titles like Lily's Purple Plastic Purse, Owen, and Chrysanthemum and for the longest time, I thought this was all there was to Kevin Henkes. I hate to admit it, but it wasn't until recently that I realized his novel Olive's Ocean was a Newbery Honor Book. I didn't even know he wrote novels (he's written 8)! So when I saw that the Wisconsin native's latest novel, Bird Lake Moon, was being generously reviewed as everything from a ghost story, to an edge-of-your-seat page turner, to a suspenseful summer adventure yarn, I couldn't get my hands on a copy fast enough.
   
   The last thing Mitch Sinclair wanted to do this summer was stay with his grandparents at Bird Lake. If Mitch had it his way, his parents would NOT be getting a divorce and his family of three would be working out their problems together at home in Madison. Spencer Stone wanted nothing more than to come to his family's cabin on Bird Lake, but ever since his 4 year old brother drowned in the lake years ago, the getaway has lost its appeal. This summer however, Spencer is getting his wish as his family looks to return to Bird Lake and put their past behind them.
   
   I should tell you up front, I have A LOT to say about this book and that this review will be very long. If you'd rather discover some of the plot particulars on your own, you might not want to read on. Some people would maybe think I give away too many SPOILERS. But if you too, are wanting to read this book, and are expecting some of the very same things I expected (a ghost story, a mystery, adventure), please read on, because you'll find that nothing I discuss is truly worthy of a SPOILER WARNING. The thing is, there is no mystery or suspense or summer adventure in this story and what really upset me upon reading it, despite the expectations I set, is that there very easily could have been.
   
   I suppose I can maybe see where the "ghost story" comparisons come in. The only satisfaction Mitch gets out of Bird Lake is the uninhabited house that sits next to his grandparents'. When Spencer's family shows up, occupies the house, and ruins Mitch's own private hiding place, he feels that he can scare them away by making it look as if a ghost is haunting the house, unaware of the fact that the Stone's lost a family member in the lake years ago. This may sound a bit demented on my part, but that could serve as one heck of a premise, especially with the alternating point of view chapter style that Henkes uses here. I was excited about where this could go, but instead, it goes nowhere. In fact, Mitch confesses this and the cat is let out of the bag early on.
   
   I guess once the story got going, I found myself somewhat intrigued by one small mystery. What happened to young Matty Stone, Spencer's dead brother? How did he die and why is Spencer's mother still having a hard time dealing with his death many years later? I'm not saying that moving on from such an event is an easy thing to do. A tragic loss such as this, probably stays with some people forever. But Spencer's mom just acts so darn peculiar in the book, that something HAS to be up. It's as if she's hiding something from us, and the rest of the family. Do we ever find out about Matt Stone's death? Nope. To lead us to believe that there may be more to the story, only to leave us hanging, is maddening to me, high expectations or not. This coming from an author who has not just a Newbery Honor, but a Caldecott Medal attached to his name.
   
   So my last hope was in the `adventure' department. It was inevitable that these two troubled boys were going to meet, connect with each other, and have one good `ole rip-roaring summer. Wrong. In fact, nearly 70% of the book goes by before their paths even cross. And when they finally do meet, Henkes wants the reader to feel their friendship, but really gives us nothing. The boys play in the lake together. Once. That's all we get.
   
   No ghost story, no mystery, no adventure. Just two boys facing grown-up problems and handling them on their own. Don't get me wrong, Henkes' writing is pretty strong in some of these moments, particularly Mitch's struggle coming to terms with his parents' eminent divorce and his father's infidelity. I think many children will be able to easily connect with Mitch and will have shared many of his same thoughts. The alternating chapter style, bouncing back and forth between each boys' point of view, was unique but since I didn't find Spencer to be all that interesting, his half of the book really disrupted the flow of this story.
   
   In the end, I just couldn't get over my expectations, couldn't get over what this book could have been. I realize that I set those expectations and that if you come in with none, maybe you'll discover a nice little story about the effects of divorce on children. As for me, I hope the next time I read a Kevin Henkes book, that it stars Lilly and her purple, plastic purse.