The Trojan Horse by Emily Little, Illustrated by Michael Eagle

STEP INTO READING (5) SERIES

The Trojan Horse by Emily Little, Illustrated by Michael Eagle

Random House

Published in 1988

ISBN 0394896742

48 Pages

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Review/Rating:

2 out of 5



A simple retelling of the Trojan War and how the Greeks won this war. The city of Troy lives in wonder, with a stone wall protecting it, while the Greeks live on rocky land and can't grow wheat. In order to get wheat, they have to trade with Asia, but they get past the channel because Troy won't let them pass without paying the toll (gold). After the Trojans kidnap Helen, Menelaus' wife, the Greeks declare war on Troy. The war goes on for years, until the Greeks finally have a plan to defeat Troy, which involves a wooden horse.

It is so simple with the facts and there is no really interesting facts put into the book --- in order to make it more engaging. They pretty much had all the information that you should remember from school. And it feels longer than what the history books mention for the age group of this book. And from what I remember from that age, they mentioned the same information in the history book, but less pictures. Also, even though the illustrations seem to be pretty, there seems to be less than the previous Step Into Reading book I have read. They also look a little bit more bland than the Trail of Tears' illustrations.

I think it would be more interesting if I read it myself, but the purpose of the children's book is to have your children read it to you. However, you help them when they having trouble with a word or page or have questions. Basically, you need to definitely participate reading with them with this one because of the names, but I found it boring. It had too many details of the history for little kids, at least to me, and I would have liked it better if it was told more fictionalized. >.>" Also, go over the pronunciation guide with your child, which is at the book of the book, FIRST before having them read it since most of the words will be hard for them.

Other Reviews/Author Site:

Emily Little
Goodreads: The Trojan Horse by Emily Little, Illustrated by Michael Eagle
Library Thing: The Trojan Horse by Emily Little, Illustrated by Michael Eagle
Collingswood Public Library: The Trojan Horse by Emily Little, Illustrated by Michael Eagle

The Trail of Tears by Joseph Bruchac, Illustrated by Diana Magnuson

STEP INTO READING (5) SERIES

The Trail of Tears by Joseph Bruchac, Illustrated by Diana Magnuson

Random House

Published in 1999

ISBN 0679890521

48 Pages

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Review/Rating:

3 out of 5



Through simple explanation, the author explains the history behind the Trail of Tears and the challenges that the Cherokee Nation faced during this time period. Chief of the Cherokee Nation, John Ross, and his people (17,000) must leave their homes and go west. During this trying time period and journey, a lot of deaths and hardships will befall them.

The information given is pretty much interesting, which one of the reasons why I like the book, and even some of it that I don't even remember. The hardships that they are faced and the history facts are not really watered down, but phrased in a way that won't have your kids ask questions you wouldn't really want to answer when they are still kind of young. If your kids doesn't understand that we have done bad things in the past, you might have some explaining to do. Now some of the interesting information they give are about Cherokee legends of how their people came to be, the legend of the Cherokee Rose, which is thought to come from the Trail of Tears, the Cherokee written language and the newspaper, and some other pieces of information. Basically, it is kind of like a miniature history book with fun and interesting information, but I wouldn't count on it for tests and things like that. Why? Because most schools depend on their history books for making tests. It's also great if you want to give a head start for your kids about the subject before they start on it in school. Another reason why I like this book is because of the illustrations inside the book. They are some pretty, and I liked looking at some of them. :D

The only thing I didn't like the book is the fact that it is non-fiction and why mostly boring in some of the parts, which is the main reason why I rated this book a 3 out of 5. I would have liked the book better if they had a little bit more fiction in it like the Dear America books. However, it is a good little book that will tell your kids about the Trail of Tears before they learn it in school.

I would recommend this book for kids who are having difficult time learning about the Trail of Tears and need a little bit easy way of explaining the basics of what happened during that time. However, I wouldn't depend solely on it for their school projects. Also, make sure you read it with them because some of the words they will have trouble with like the Cherokee language, some state names, some of the names, and that's pretty much it. But, it is pretty much easy to understand.

Other Reviews/Author Site:

Joseph Bruchac
Diana Magnuson
Goodreads: The Trail of Tears by Joseph Bruchac, Illustrated by Diana Magnuson
Library Thing: The Trail of Tears by Joseph Bruchac, Illustrated by Diana Magnuson
Back to Books: The Trail of Tears by Joseph Bruchac, Illustrated by Diana Magnuson

Snakecharm by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes

THE KIESHA'RA SERIES BOOK 02

Snakecharm by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes
Delacorte Press
Published in 2004
ISBN 9780385734936
167 Pages

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Review/Rating:

4 out of 5



Danica and Zane have achieved a lot in their aim of peace between the avains and serpiente. However, when Danica becomes pregnant, will the peace last long? Also, a falcon named Syfka comes and that causes more problems, so is the falcon just there to find their missing falcon? Or, is she there just to stir up trouble amongst their people?

Another supernatural book, however, this time it is about shapeshifters, again. Yay. \o/

As a second book of series, Snakecharm was very well written, but I like the first book a lot more than this one. It's not as good as the first book, but it is still a good book to read. The plot of the second book is a little common, but that doesn't make it any less special. This book has suspense, romance, betrayals, and shapeshifters. Finding shapeshifter books, just on their own, are rare, so that makes this book even more wonderful.

I just love the main character Zane and Danica, but unlike the first book there is hardly any clashing between them. Also, the way all the characters develop in this book is great, but they could have grown a little bit more than what they did. The descriptions and events are also very well done, but a little bit more about how the other characters look like would have made it a little bit better. Also, unlike the first book, the narrator for this one is Zane, not Danica.

Even though the plot is typical --- two separate group at war, two people characters marry to stop the war, peace comes, the ruler gets pregnant, but then the heir issue comes up --- you should go ahead and read this book/series. Though, like I said before, I didn't really like this book. I like how the main characters are still Zane and Danica, but not how the focus is not completely on them. To me, it would have been better just to end it with the first book, and not this one. I just hope the other books in this series doesn't ruin how I view the series right now.

Anyways, go ahead and read the book, even though it doesn't have the same spark as the first one.

Other Reviews/Author Site:

Amelia Atwater-Rhodes
Goodreads: Snakecharm by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes
Library Thing: Snakecharm by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes
Kathleen's Book Reviews: Snakecharm by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes

Hawksong by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes

THE KIESHA'RA SERIES BOOK 01

Hawksong by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes
Delacorte Press
Published in 2003
ISBN 9780385734929
243 Pages

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Review/Rating:

5 out of 5



The avains and serpiente have been at war for longer than anyone can remember. However, is peace at hand when Danica Shardae holds her people's enemy in her arms and sings to him about peace as he dies? When Zane Cobriana hears about this, he moves forward with plans on how they can earn peace. But, when a neutral group mentions merging the two royal families, will they be able to set aside their differences for the peace they both desperately want? Not only that, but when they decide to merge it, will their people believe it is the best thing?

Another supernatural book, however, this time it is about shapeshifters. Yay. \o/

For a first book of a series, Hawksong was very well written. Though, what really counts is if the author keeps up and makes each in this series better than the previous one, which is almost impossible for most of the authors who write series. The plot of the first book is a little common, but that doesn't make it any less special. This book has suspense, romance, betrayals, and shapeshifters. Finding shapeshifter books, just on their own, are rare, so that makes this book even more wonderful.

I just love the main character Zane and Danica, and how the author makes their personalities actually work together, even though they clash at certain points. Also, the way all the characters develop in this book is great, but they could have grown a little bit more than what they did.The descriptions and events are also very well done, but a little bit more about how the other characters look like would have made it a little bit better.

Even though the plot is typical --- two separate group at war, two people characters marry to stop the war, peace comes, and then everyone lives happily ever after --- you should go ahead and read this book/series. Though, like I said before, I haven't read all of the books in this series, but that looks like what it going to happen. Though, I hope there will be some interesting twists in order to get to the peace.

Anyways, go read the series. ;)

Other Reviews/Author Site:

Amelia Atwater-Rhodes
Goodreads: Hawksong by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes
Library Thing: Hawksong by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes
Sandy Shin: Hawksong by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes
Literary Mancandy: Hawksong by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes

Royal Blood by Ellen Schreiber

VAMPIRE KISSES SERIES BOOK 06

Royal Blood by Ellen Schreiber
Katherine Tegen Books (Imprint of Harper Collins Publishers)
Published in 2009
ISBN 9780061288876
195 Pages

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Review/Rating:

4 out of 5



Alexander's and Raven's late, romantic nights are coming to an end, and not just because summer is almost over. When a mysterious letter shows up at the mansion, they discover that his parents are coming to town. Excited at the prospect of finally meeting Alexander parents, Raven waits for the moment she will finally get to meet them. But the problem now is the whole town has seen them before seen them before her, his girlfriend! Why hasn't Alexander introduced Raven to them? Does he want to hide something from her? Or, hide something from his parents? When Raven finally does meet Alexander's parents, she finds out something that might stop their relationship? Will their love be able to grow after this event or...?

Another supernatural/vampire book. I read this book a long time ago, and I was just now able to recheck it out from the library again. :( So, here is the review. ;) I should have the seventh book of this series up soon, too. :D

This book, for young adults, is actually quite good — it’s even better than Twilight‘s sparkling vampires in the sun. Even though it doesn’t have the creativeness of changing vampires into something else besides the stereotype vampires, it has enough description, lovely-doveyness, and plot that will not leave you disappointed. ;D I know I have said that for the past couple of books for this series, but it is still true even in the sixth book of this series. Though, Raven pushing Alexander to change her into a vampire just so she's not different from him and his family is making her almost like Bella. >.>

Like the previous books, the plot becomes more exciting and develops the characters and events that will lead to what will happen with Alexander and Raven. It’s kind of like Twilight — since the main girl character (the mortal) is trying to get the vampire guy to change her into vampire, but he doesn’t want to. Another thing that is similar to Twilight is that Raven is pushing Alexander to make her into a vampire, just like how Bella pushed Edward to make her into a vampire. Though, those are pretty much the only things similar to Twilight. The rest of the Vampire Kisses series is original with the main lead character having spunk and courage, which most vampire books won’t give to their main girl characters.

The thing I like with the books now is that she introduces new characters to create a new air around the main characters. Reading about Alexander's parents and how they are like brings Alexander in a new kind of light. I hope the author will keep on introducing new characters from Alexander's life, so that he doesn't become even more mysterious. Also, I am kind of hoping the series won't end with Raven becoming a vampire. I'm hoping that the author will do something unexpected and pair her up with Trevor, or, leaving Raven mortal for a vampire Alexander, or even, finding a way to make Alexander mortal. :)

Other than that my feelings have change only a little bit from when I read the first book in this series, but it is still pretty good. And, it’s better than Twilight’s cheesy sparkling-in-the-sun vampires. So, I’ll stop wasting your time and just say, “Go read the series."

Other Reviews/Author Site:

Ellen Schreiber
Goodreads: Royal Blood by Ellen Schreiber
Library Thing: Royal Blood by Ellen Schreiber
Karin's Book Nook: Royal Blood by Ellen Schreiber
Bookish: Royal Blood by Ellen Schreiber

The Coffin Club by Ellen Schreiber

VAMPIRE KISSES SERIES BOOK 05

The Coffin Club by Ellen Schreiber
Katherine Tegen Books (Imprint of Harper Collins Publishers)
Published in 2008
ISBN 9780061288845
177 Pages

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Review/Rating:

4 out of 5



Summer vacation has finally started, and the only thing missing is her nocturnal boyfriend, Alexander. It has been a while since Alexander has left Dullsville to return Valentine to Jagger, and she is starting to worry about what's taking him so long. For summer vacation, she goes back to where her Aunt Libby lives to find Alexander. Though, while trying to find him, she can't resist going to the place where goths roam, the Coffin Club. However, she gets lost in the club and finds a secret door, the true Coffin Club. At the true Coffin Club, she makes friends with some of the members and is drawn to another --- a biker named Phoenix. This time the danger of being changed into a vampire is great, and what's worse, the fate of the humans in the town starts to look bleak, when Jagger starts planning to use the Coffin Club to run the mortals out of town.

Another supernatural/vampire book. I read this book a long time ago, so I had to reread it, in order to make a review. ^^;

This book, for young adults, is actually quite good --- it's even better than Twilight's sparkling vampires in the sun. Even though it doesn't have the creativeness of changing vampires into something else besides the stereotype vampires, it has enough description, lovely-doveyness, and plot that will not leave you disappointed. :) <--- I know I have said this for the past couple of books for this series, but it is still true even in this fifth book of this series.

Like the previous books, the plot becomes more exciting and develops the characters and events that will lead to what will happen with Alexander and Raven. It's kind of like Twilight --- since the main girl character (the mortal) is trying to get the vampire guy to change her into vampire, but he doesn't want to. However, that's the ONLY thing similar to the series Twilight. The Vampire Kisses is original with the main lead character having spunk and courage, which most vampire books won't give to their main girl characters.

The only thing I have to complain about is the fact that the author keeps on doing the "Alexander runs away to Raven's aunt's town, and Raven goes there to find him." That theme is getting a little overused in this series. Hopefully, it's the last time she uses it, but who knows.

Other than that my feelings have change only a little bit from when I read the first book in this series, but it is still pretty good. And, it's better than Twilight's cheesy sparkling-in-the-sun vampires. So, I'll stop wasting your time and just say, "Go read the series.

Other Reviews/Author Site:

Ellen Schreiber
Goodreads: The Coffin Club by Ellen Schreiber
Library Thing: The Coffin Club by Ellen Schreiber
Karin's Book Nook: The Coffin Club by Ellen Schreiber
Bookish: The Coffin Club by Ellen Schreiber

Dance with a Vampire by Ellen Schreiber

VAMPIRE KISSES SERIES BOOK 04

Dance with a Vampire by Ellen Schreiber
Katherine Tegen Books (Imprint of Harper Collins Publishers)
Published in 2007
ISBN 9780061132230
179 Pages

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Review/Rating:

4 out of 5



When Jagger's and Luna's little brother, Valentine Maxwell, comes to Raven's town, she has to find out why this latest intruder has befriended her brother, Billy. With all of these stakes, she has another problem --- attending the prom with her boyfriend. However, when Valentine reads Raven's real and innermost feelings about becoming a vampire for her true love, his appearance proves to have even further threats. What will she do if Alexander finds out about her true feelings...?

Supernatural book~~~ :) Again~~~ ;)

This book, for young adults, is actually quite good --- it's even better than Twilight's sparkling vampires in the sun. Even though it doesn't have the creativeness of changing vampires into something else besides the stereotype vampires, it has enough description, lovely-doveyness, and plot that will not leave you disappointed. :)

Since this is the fourth book in this series, I'll try to say what is different between the first two books and this book. All I have to say is that as you read this series, you will notice the amount of adventure and plot deepens --- and becomes a lot more interesting. :) It also gives Raven some new things to conquer over -- like Valentine trying to turn her brother and prom with Alexander. Though, at the end of the book, Alexander leaves (again). :(

There is really nothing that I didn't like about this book, so just go ahead and read the book and series.

Basically, my feelings have change only a little bit from when I read the first book in this series, but it is still pretty good. And, it's better than Twilight's cheesy sparkling-in-the-sun vampires. So, I'll stop wasting your time and just say, "Go read the series."

Other Reviews/Author Site:

Ellen Schreiber
Goodreads: Dance with a Vampire by Ellen Schreiber
Library Thing: Dance with a Vampire by Ellen Schreiber
Bookish: Dance with a Vampire by Ellen Schreiber

Vampireville by Ellen Schreiber

VAMPIRE KISSES SERIES BOOK 03

Vampireville by Ellen Schreiber
Katherine Tegen Books (Imprint of Harper Collins Publishers)
Published in 2006
ISBN 9780060776251
176 Pages

PLACES TO BUY FROM:

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Review/Rating:

4 out of 5



Raven finally has a boyfriend, but going out with him is really complicated, especially because of Alexander's secret of being a vampire means that they can only see each other only at night time. Though, their relationship gets even more complicated, when Alexander's rival, Jagger, comes to town. If Jagger coming wasn't enough, his sister, Luna, has also come to Dullsville and seems to have her sights on Raven's nemesis, Trevor. Now Raven and Alexander must begin to search for Jagger and Luna's hideout and take their coffins, so they can drive them away. Will they be able to do that? Or is it already too late to save Dullsville from turning into Vampireville?

Another supernatural book. :) I love supernatural books, don't you? ;)

This book, for young adults, is actually quite good --- it's even better than Twilight's sparkling vampires in the sun. Even though it doesn't have the creativeness of changing vampires into something else besides the stereotype vampires, it has enough description, lovely-doveyness, and plot that will not leave you disappointed. :)

Since this is the third book in this series, I'll try to say what is different between the first two books and this book. All I have to say is that as you read this series, you will notice the amount of adventure and plot deepens --- and even becomes a lot more interesting throughout the book and series. :)

There is really nothing that I didn't like about this book, so just go ahead and read the book and series.

Basically, my feelings haven't change from when I read the first book in this series. It's better than Twilight's cheesy sparkling-in-the-sun vampires. So, I'll stop wasting your time and just say, "Go read the series."

Other Reviews/Author Site:

Ellen Schreiber
Goodreads: Vampireville by Ellen Schreiber
Library Thing: Vampireville by Ellen Schreiber
Bookish: Vampireville by Ellen Schreiber