Customer Reviews (1)

pinballs by betsy byars
This is a good book for children as well as those who work with children in foster care or DFCS situations.Our daughters enjoyed it when they were young, and I use it as a resource to give to folks in care-giving situations for foster children ... Read more

Product Description
When Pete was a young boy, a tornado struck his family farm, and brought with it a doghouse 'complete with a dog inside! Now another twister is on its way, and as a new family of farmers takes shelter from the howling winds, Pete passes the time with story after story about the amazing dog named Tornado. By the time the last story is told, the storm has passed'and Tornado has brought joy to anoher generation of farmers.
‘An excellent book to read aloud, and dog lovers of any age will find it irresistible.'ALA Booklist.

00-01 Minnesota's Maud Hart Lovelace Book Award Masterlist

Customer Reviews (21)

Tornado
My 8 year old daughter had to read this as part of the 3rd grade summer reading list.She enjoyed.It was a much better book than some they are required to read.

Betsy Byars never disappoints
Tornado is the story of a boy and his dog with a few twists. Farmhand Pete corrals the family into the root celler when a tornado appears in the distance. He takes their mind off the storm by telling stories of a dog that dropped down into his life during another storm-a dog he named Tornado.

Tornado by Betsy Byars
I use this book every year with my third grade class when studying a unit on tornados.They do a storyboard summarizing each chapter.They laugh all through the book.The LOVE it!I am glad I found it on Amazon because it is very difficult to locate for purchase.

There is a tornado that causes a farm family to retreat to their storm cellar.To keep the children from thinking about the danger, their farm helper tells them stories about a tornado and a very special dog from his childhood.

Tornado
Ithink this book was okay because I like to read about tornadoes and twisters.Pete was a very nice man. Pete'sdog did what he was told.I like Tornado because he did a lot of card tricks.I like Mary Lou because she fed the turtle a lot.

Tornado Review
This book is about a dog named Tornado. He can do all sorts of things. Things that a dog cannot usually do. Pete tells stories about Tornado the dog and the adventures they had.Like the one with five thirty,or the one with the turtle,and the very sad part at the end.What will happen to Tornado? Find out in this book. ... Read more

Product Description
Can Little Horse find his place in the big world?

After accidentally falling into a stream, Little Horse fights the swift current that carries him farther and farther from the valley where he was born.

When he finally manages to scramble ashore, a giant bird swoops down on him. Little Horse runs for cover in a forest of flowers only to have a giant paw pin him to the ground. But a hand gently lifts him up and tucks him inside a warm cave-just like the cave he used to share with his mother.

This tender, fast-moving tale, written by master storyteller Betsy Byars and enhanced by David McPhail's beguiling illustrations, is a true cliff-hanger.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Stories for Children Magazine 5 Star Review
REVIEWED BY: Wayne Walker

When I first read Little Horse on His Own, which has been reviewed in a previous edition of Stories for Children, I did not know that it was a sequel until I did some research for writing the review.While in the library not long ago, I found the original.Like its sequel, Little Horse is an early chapter book and tells the story of how Little Horse, who lives in a valley with other little horses, accidentally falls into a stream that carries him away from his home.He first lands on an island where a giant hawk swoops down on him.Heading back into the water, he reaches land again and finds himself in a forest, but instead of the little trees with which he is familiar in his home valley, it is a forest of colorful flowers.Frightened by a dog, he tries to flee but is picked up by a hand which tucks him inside the dark, warm pocket of a pair of overalls and takes him to a farm where there are other horses, but they are giants compared to him. His new home is a toy stall in a little boy's room.However, he is already dreaming about his journey back to his home.This is obviously a quasi-fantasy book, but small children, who have to live in a society where so much is made for larger adults, should be able to identify with Little Horse's predicament of finding himeself in a world where everything is huge.

My daughter loved it
I have been trying to find stories my 8 year old will enjoy reading.This was a winner and she wants the next book.She usually doesn't like to read , this gave her confidence since the words were simple and the "chapters" were short enough to not intimidate her.Just what she needs to work up to her potential.

Great book
This is a great book for beginner chapter readers. IT is also good for children with Visual problems for the words are large enough and the Book has enough space between sentences which is a bonus. ... Read more

Product Description
At the eerie Hunt mansion, Herculeah Jones has been readingaloud to Lionus Hunt, an elderly stroke victim who can only communicateby blinking his eyes (once for yes, twice for no). Mr.Hunt seems to be trying to tell Herculeah something, but hisgruff nurse won’t allow her to ask any questions. What is Mr.Hunt trying to say? Is it related to a murder that took place in themansion’s black tower years ago? And who is the creepy old ladywho lives in the mansion? Herculeah’s friend Meat thinks shemay be asking for trouble, but Herculeah Jones won’t quit untilshe gets to the bottom of this mystery. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Good mystery and characters
Amateur sleuth Herculeah Jones takes a seemingly innocuous job reading to an elderly man incapable of movement or speech, but she quickly realizes nothing is what it seems. The man tries to communicate clues to Herculeah that something is amiss. With the help of her nervous friend Meat, Herculeah uncovers a plot concerning hidden sisters, family friction, fortune, kidnapping, and murder.

This was my first introduction to Herculeah, and while this book is not the first in the series, it was easy enough to read as a stand alone story. A few references were made to character developments made in previous books, but no major plot points were spoiled and there were no gaps. Herculeah and Meat made for a fun duo, with Meat's scaredy-cat tendencies nicely balancing out Herculeah's recklessness. Chapters are short and often end on cliffhangers, so the story moves rapidly making this a good pick for reluctant readers.

The story had sufficient excitement, fright, suspense, and mystery to entertain juvenile readers. The contrast between Herculeah and Meat gives this book wide appeal in that bold kids, shy kids, boys, and girls can all find something with which they can relate. As an adult, I found the story cute and not overly predictable. The length, while longer for a younger kid, made this a very quick read for me more on par with a short story. I read this book to see if a little girl I know might like it ( think she will), but I might even pick up a few of the other books in the series for myself for when I'm in the mood for a short and sweet mystery.

Great, Thirlling, Funny Mystery
This was a very well written mystery book for kids.Better than many well-received mysteries I've read (or tried to read) for adults.Great dialogue.Great characters.Great cliffhanger chapter endings.My kids loved it.Especially the character Meat.My kids thought he was hilarious.

It says for 9+ years but I read this to my 6 and 5 year-old and they both loved it.Too hard for little ones to read but fun to read to them.A bit scary for them but, like a good roller coaster ride, they liked being a bit frightened. ... Read more

Product Description
Little Horse had never known the sky to be so black, the air so still. He heard the big horses whinny again. Little Horse's fear grew.

The adventures of Little Horse continue as he makes his
way back to the valley of little horses and his mother

The storm sets Little Horse free from the fence holding him captive, free to do what he has wanted to do since the day the river carried him around its bend and away from his home-find his way back to the valley of the little horses and his mother.

But where should he turn, and how will he ever return home alive with all of the obstacles facing him?

Travel with Little Horse as he struggles against unfriendly horses, a malicious bird, a pouncing cat, a smoky fire, and more to find his way home.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Stories for Children Magazine 5 Star Review
REVIEWED BY: Wayne Walker

I have not read the first book of this series, Little Horse, in which Little Horse, who lives in a valley with other little horses, accidentally falls into a stream and is swept away from his home. After he fights the swift current and struggles onto an island, a giant hawk swoops down upon him and frightens him back into the water.Back on land, he runs for cover in a colorful forest of flowers and falls asleep, but a hand gently picks him up and tucks him inside a warm place like the cave he used to share with his mother.His new home is a miniature stall in a little boy's room.
In this sequel, Little Horse had never known the sky to be so black and the air so still, but a storm sets him free from the fence holding him captive, so that he can try to find his way back to the valley of the little horses and his mother.But where should he turn, and how will he ever get home alive with all of the obstacles facing him, such as unfriendly horses, a malicious bird, a pouncing cat, a smoky fire, and more?Betsy Byars, who is the Newberry Medal winning author of The Summer of the Swans, has created an enjoyable chapter book fantasy that provides more complex sentence structure than what is normally in easy readers.Young children should find it delightful.

Great Book
This is a great book for beginner chapter readers. IT is also good for children with Visual problems for the words are large enough and the Book has enough space between sentences which is a bonus.

cute little story
Little Horse is enjoying the day as he grazes in the field near his home.All of a sudden a storm comes up.He is swept down the river and he finds himself all alone.He faces all sorts of obstacles such as a fire and a dangerous bird!Will he ever find his way back home?Read Little Horse on His Own to find out.
I liked this book because it was easy to read.Kids who are just staring to read chapter books will enjoy this horse story.
Yes, I would definitely recommend this book to children of all ages. Especially those who have a great interest in horses.They will enjoy getting to know the main character of Little Horse.

Adorable New Children's Book
Little Horse is happily enjoying his time grazing in the field, when a storm, complete with dark black clouds, and torrential rains sets him free from his holding. This, in turn, allows him to do what he was wanted to do since the river carried him away from his true home, find the valley of horses and his beloved Mother. However, Little Horse soon finds that his journey is to be far more dangerous than he could have ever expected, for the outside world holds many new obstacles that he must overcome, in order to find himself safe at home with his family. From smoky fires, to vicious birds, Little Horse must find his way around anything the enters his path.

Betsy Byars has created an enjoyable new book for young readers. Little Horse is a fun character, whom children will easily sympathize with, as his moods change from lonely to happy, and from sad to mad. The obstacles he encounters on his way back to the Valley are enjoyable, and will have readers rooting for Little Horse to complete his journey and be reunited with his Mother in the end. Overall this is a wonderful new read in the world of children's fiction, that will be cherished by all, whether you're a horse lover or not.

Erika Sorocco
Book Review Columnist for The Community Bugle Newspaper ... Read more

Product Description
"Faced with the imminent danger of attack by marauding Indians while both his parents are away, twelve-year-old Dewey Martin prevails upon his grandmother to escape by means of his homemade log raft."--Booklist. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (32)

Brave Kid
If you like excitement and adventure then Trouble River is the book for you. It's about a boy who builds a raft to help him and his grandmother escape. I give it 5 stars.

The Fifth the Smart
This book is very adventurous. It is exciting and fun. I really love it. This boy is really brave and has a big heart to save his granmother. I love it because I love excitement. The most exciting part that shook me was when he braved up to those wolves like it was nothing to be afraid of.

The Smartest Around
I liked Trouble River because itis entertaining and it also has adventure in it. Plus I also liked when the boy saved his grandmother, that was really cool. If you like adventure, then this is really the right book for you.

The Trouble River Review
I think that the book is a very good book and this book helps you read more. It is exciting to read. The grandma was rocking in her chair sewing her clothes while the boy and his dog were standing by the old lady protecting her. They liked to discover adventures.

Patrick Review 10
I am going to give this story 5 stars. I like this story because it has lots of excitement. Also because it is a great book for kids. Everybody should want to read this book because it is a good book. If you want excitement and action you should read this book. I think this is the best book I have ever read in my whole life. My favorite part was when he saved his grandmother from the Indians. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (3)

Hooooooowling fun!
We love this book!We have had a great time reading this together, and talking about OUR dog and his possible adventures.A fun read!!

An adorable kid's book-- a spoiler review.
I borrowed this from the library because I spotted it on the new shelf and saw that it contained some dogs I knew I was going to like. ;)
This cute little work of juvenile fiction is a collection of biographical short stories by dogs, read by other dogs assembled in a meeting of the WOOF Society--Words Of Our Friends, a new canine literacy organization for enlightened pooches. It's run by a noble old Irish Wolfhound called Beauregard.

Dogs of various breeds and mixes are present (and cutely illustrated in a black and white cartoonish style by Erik Brooks) at the WOOF meeting, from Dobermans, Jack Russells, and Basset hounds to Dalmatians, Poodles, Chihuahuas and Borzoi.

The stories read start about as far back in domestic canine history as possible, with Abu, the feathered Saluki who is the mighty Pharaoh of all Egypt, a swift hunter, a courageous warrior--and has an interesting relationship with the Royal Cat, a constant shadow looming over his otherwise illustrious reign. No breeds are specified in the stories, but most can be known.

Next, a little Pekingese discovers the power of names and that the naming of dogs, like the naming of cats, is an important matter.

Then, a Cocker spaniel makes enemies with the animal under the sink that gets all the delicious, moldy food scraps that he craves.

In "Dawg Strikes Gold," well written in the narrator's dialect, a droopy hound dog and a horse make a discovery that helps their poor master. (Stories with specific historical settings have them listed under the title--for instance, this one is Colorado, 1892.)

Following that, a sweet little mutt named Tidbit tells of how he came to perform at the Grand Ole Opry with Johnny Cash. The story also includes Dolly Parton. Hmm, dogs singing at the Opry--reminds me of The Fox & the Hound 2 in December of 2006! =)

Next up is the intense tale of Marcus, an Italian Greyhound who miraculously escapes Pompeii as Vesuvius erupts. This one is a bit more serious and scary than most.

Then there's Roscoe, a pretty wise young pug-faced Bully pup concerned with impressing Venus, the Poodle next door--if only he didn't have Tiger the monstrous cat to worry about.

Miniature Poodle Mimi from Paris then offers essential advice on such practical matters as bathroom protocol, hiding, and table manners.

The stories get a little more intense again at the end. First, a mutt named Bo (possibly a Lab/Great Dane) accidentally leads a bank robber to his home during his quest for school lunches. Fortunately, the escapade ultimately leads to the crook's downfall.
In a bittersweet and almost very sad story, a mixed breed named Jip (maybe part Beagle, Spaniel, and/or some other things) accompanies his boy into war and winds up playing guide dog, leading him back to the place he thought he'd never see again.

And finally, a Labrador named Lucy nurses two abandoned kittens and adopts them into her now-blended family.

All of these Dog Diaries stories are extremely well received by the WOOF congregation, and by the time the meeting adjourns, they're all eagerly awaiting the next meeting, where they're to be joined by a like-minded group of felines...except perhaps for that one disgruntled Doberman. But naw, I think he learned his lesson.

So, what to make of the book in the end? Hey, at 20 I found it an entertaining, humorous, interesting, touching little quick read, so I can only imagine that for kids it'll be equally fun and particularly pleasing to the young dog lover.

A delightful, fun light read
Dogs are gathering for the first annual meeting of the WOOF Society, chaired by an Irish wolfhound, to listen to the secret diaries of dogs from around the world and through history...the result is a hilarious dog's-eye view of the human and animal world in a series of short story vignettes spiced with black and white photos throughout by Erik Brooks. A delightful, fun light read sure to attract leisure readers seeking easier chapter book formats beyond the very basic stage. ... Read more

Product Description
Have you ever needed to call 9-1-1, but you couldn't get to a phone? Have you ever needed to run, but your legs were like spaghetti? Have you ever needed to yell "help!" but your throat was dry with fear?

Laugh, cry, and panic with Mr. Magro's class as they listen to twelve exciting SOS tales

Throughout the year, twelve of Mr. Magro's students have written about their biggest emergencies and tucked them into the SOS file. Now it's time to read the stories out loud and try to guess whose contribution has not earned extra credit. Sit back and enjoy twelve humorously illustrated stories that are sure to keep your heart thumping.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Good book
The cover was a little messed up, but it did not hurt the quality of the book.My students are loving it and I look forward to doing it as a read aloud next year.Thank you for quick shipping.

SOS is the tops!
As a fourth grade teacher, this book was useful on so many levels. First of all, I read it aloud, chapter by chapter to my students. They were enthralled! Then, we conducted our own "SOS" Writing contest in the classroom. The book addressed many of what fourth grade writing teachers experience in the classroom: the personal narrative. This book will answer the frequent kid question, What do I write about? Enjoy! This is a keeper!

Fun to Read Outloud
My second grade son enjoyed hearing me read this to him.I liked the different format.Each chapter is a story in itself. We give it two thumbs up!

Texas Bluebonnet Award Nominee
"Mr. Magro invites his students to write about the biggest emergency in their lives. From riding in a go-cart out of control, to being the last at-bat when you need a run to win, each essay interprets "emergency" differently." (summary by Texas Library Association)

SOS FILE ROCKS OUT LOUD!
If you like people in trouble you will love this book ... Read more

Product Description

The Moon that inspires Betsy Byars's memoir isn't the one in the sky, but a huge, harmless blacksnake she finds in the rafters of her porch. This meeting begins an exploration of the writing process. With energy, wit, and delight, the Newbery medalist shows how "the good scraps" of her life, from a bully named Bubba to a gift-wrapped dime, weave into her work.

Customer Reviews (4)

the moon and i
this book has absolutely nothing to do with the moon.this is a story about betsy byars life.she tells about some points in her life that inspired some ofher books.and she explains how a snake made her think about it all.this is the first book i've read by her.if all of her books are writen like this, then i would love to read others.

The moon and I review
"The Moon and I" is an excellent book that tells the life of the famous author, Betsy Byars. It is a good autobiography. It has vivid descriptions. Betsy writes about her life and how she met a black snake,Moon.I like this book because it makes me feel like I'm with her in herlife. What I dislike about this book is that the title was a littlemisleading.I thought it was about a moon! I recommend this book toanyone; it is for all ages.

Cool Book!
In this excellently written book, Betsy Byars describes her friendship with moon (a snake she finds),tells bits of her childhood adventures, and gives helpful writing tips.A book that most anyone will enjoy.BetsyByars has an amazing way with words! I had never read any of her books,but now am rushing to the library to check some out.I really enjoyed thisbook because it is well written and interesting.It is also inspiring as Iwant to be an author.

Light-hearted autobiography of Betsy Byars
It all starts with a black snake and goes from there.Betsy tells you how she writes books and why she does it. ... Read more

Product Description
Three lonely foster children learn to care about themselves and about each other. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (79)

Mom liked it, kids didn't
I bought the audio version at a library sale.After the first ten minutes, in which we learned that Harvey's drunk stepfather had refused to take him to an awards night and broke both his legs by running over them with the car, the kids begged me to turn it off.Too heavy and dark.Mom was intrigued, though, so I continued listening when they weren't around.

This is not light reading, and it contains many disturbing themes--child abuse, death, separation, serious injury, etc.Very different from "The Not-Just-Anybody Family," which we had just finished. At times I thought, "This is a psychodrama," but still I couldn't stop listening. The characters were well-crafted,as was the web of relationships between them, and this drew me in.Carly seemed to be the dominant character, the leader of the foster children and the one who displayed the most significant change, but I was most fascinated with the story of Thomas J., the foundling who had been raised by elderly twins who hid him in their farmhouse until they broke their hips and could no longer care for him.This could make a novel, in and of itself.

I wasn't really satisfied with the ending--it left me with a lot of unanswered questions, and I wish there were sequels so I could know what happened to the characters.Was Harvey able to go home?Did Carly ever have contact with her family again?Was Thomas J.'s identity ever established, and how did he fare at school?(Since the twins were hiding him, I can assume he had never been to school before.)

It is also interesting that this book, written in 1977, contains numerous dated references to 1970's T.V. shows--"Sonny and Cher," "Tony Orlando and Dawn" and "The Waltons."Amusing for me, but wouldn't mean much to this generation.

Overall, a very well-written novel with multiple layers of plot--just too dark and disturbing for my kids.

The Pinballs
When I heard the title, "The Pinballs," I wasn't really sure what to expect out of this book. From the cover of Betsy Byar's book you can infer that maybe it has to do with children living in a neighborhood that may or may not be friends. You don't really understand what pinballs has to do with the book until you get a couple chapters in and one of the characters mentions it. The book would be a very nice book for fifth graders to read, I think there are some touchy situations in the book but overall it talks about a huge reality in some children's lives and I believe students would enjoy reading it.

The book takes place in a town where there are three children living in a foster home. The children are, Carlie who seems to have a feisty personality and has no trouble making fun of someone. Carlie is the one that relates the three children as pinballs. Carlie describes it to Mrs. Mason as, "Harvey and me and Thomas J are just like pinballs. Somebody put in a dime and punched a button and out we came, ready or not, and settled in the same groove. That's all."(p.29). Carlie uses being mean to people and acting like she doesn't care as a defense mechanism because of all the times she's been let down in life and treated badly. She's the oldest of the three foster children and has been abused by her step father. Thomas J is another child at the foster home who is known for being quiet and not speaking much. He was abandoned when he was just a toddler and grew up with a set of old twins. The two twins were elderly and they were the ones who gave Thomas J his name because their names were Thomas and Jefferson. Their father really liked presidents, therefore when Thomas J was left on their door step they decided to keep him and name him after themselves. Sadly the two twins had fallen and broke their hips, therefore they could not provide for Thomas J with what he needed at this age. Harvey is the third little boy who is in foster care because his father who was an alcoholic ran over his legs and broke them. Harvey's mother was not around either because she felt she needed to "find" herself, so she left Harvey with his father.

Mr. & Mrs. Mason are the foster parents who take in children because they've never been able to have their own. They've had over seventeen foster children not including Carlie, Harvey, and Thomas J. Mr. Mason and Thomas J really take to each other because Thomas J feels he can relate to Mr. Mason on a personal level from shared childhood experiences. Carlie really takes to Harvey and wants him to be happy and will do whatever it takes to make sure he is.
The setting of this novel takes place in a small neighborhood that seems child friendly. I felt that the Mason's foster home was very welcoming and cozy. I also felt that living in the foster home the children became closer and was able to realize how to respect each other and care for each other as well. Betsy Byers incorporates helping behavior in this book by showing how Thomas J and Carlie helps Harvey get in and out of bed, and they take him his food as well, since both of his legs are broken.

The genre of this book would be considered being an adventure. I feel this way because I feel like all three kids are having to go through problems in their life that could and are traumatic which and throughout the book they are going through things that are helping them get through the problems that they were faced with.
Betsy Byers is very children oriented, considering she was a teacher, plus she has children of her own. I feel that she wrote this book based on how children go through home life situations which are sometimes not the best situations and how they cope with their problems to become better people.

As you end the story you see that all three children have grown in their own lives and controlling their future. Carlie takes back what she says about them being pinballs and realizes that they've worked together and that they weren't pinballs after all.

The Pinballs
When I heard the title, "The Pinballs," I wasn't really sure what to expect out of this book. From the cover of Betsy Byar's book you can infer that maybe it has to do with children living in a neighborhood that may or may not be friends. You don't really understand what pinballs has to do with the book until you get a couple chapters in and one of the characters mentions it. The book would be a very nice book for fifth graders to read, I think there are some touchy situations in the book but overall it talks about a huge reality in some children's lives and I believe students would enjoy reading it.

The book takes place in a town where there are three children living in a foster home. The children are, Carlie who seems to have a feisty personality and has no trouble making fun of someone. Carlie is the one that relates the three children as pinballs. Carlie describes it to Mrs. Mason as, "Harvey and me and Thomas J are just like pinballs. Somebody put in a dime and punched a button and out we came, ready or not, and settled in the same groove. That's all."(p.29). Carlie uses being mean to people and acting like she doesn't care as a defense mechanism because of all the times she's been let down in life and treated badly. She's the oldest of the three foster children and has been abused by her step father. Thomas J is another child at the foster home who is known for being quiet and not speaking much. He was abandoned when he was just a toddler and grew up with a set of old twins. The two twins were elderly and they were the ones who gave Thomas J his name because their names were Thomas and Jefferson. Their father really liked presidents, therefore when Thomas J was left on their door step they decided to keep him and name him after themselves. Sadly the two twins had fallen and broke their hips, therefore they could not provide for Thomas J with what he needed at this age. Harvey is the third little boy who is in foster care because his father who was an alcoholic ran over his legs and broke them. Harvey's mother was not around either because she felt she needed to "find" herself, so she left Harvey with his father.

Mr. & Mrs. Mason are the foster parents who take in children because they've never been able to have their own. They've had over seventeen foster children not including Carlie, Harvey, and Thomas J. Mr. Mason and Thomas J really take to each other because Thomas J feels he can relate to Mr. Mason on a personal level from shared childhood experiences. Carlie really takes to Harvey and wants him to be happy and will do whatever it takes to make sure he is.
The setting of this novel takes place in a small neighborhood that seems child friendly. I felt that the Mason's foster home was very welcoming and cozy. I also felt that living in the foster home the children became closer and was able to realize how to respect each other and care for each other as well. Betsy Byers incorporates helping behavior in this book by showing how Thomas J and Carlie helps Harvey get in and out of bed, and they take him his food as well, since both of his legs are broken.

The genre of this book would be considered being an adventure. I feel this way because I feel like all three kids are having to go through problems in their life that could and are traumatic which and throughout the book they are going through things that are helping them get through the problems that they were faced with.
Betsy Byers is very children oriented, considering she was a teacher, plus she has children of her own. I feel that she wrote this book based on how children go through home life situations which are sometimes not the best situations and how they cope with their problems to become better people.

As you end the story you see that all three children have grown in their own lives and controlling their future. Carlie takes back what she says about them being pinballs and realizes that they've worked together and that they weren't pinballs after all.

The Pinballs
I liked this book because I learned a lot about what it is like to have family that didn't want you.My favorite character is Carlie because she thinks fast on her feet, she is funny, she can be mean but we learn later in the book that she truly has a heart of gold.She reaches out to Thomas J. and Harvey and is able to make them trust her.You should read this book because you can learn about what foster care is like.You can also learn about the realities of child abuse and neglect.PEACE.

Kosciuszko 7th grade ELA, 2nd hour

The Pinballs
i think students would enjoy reading Pinballs. I think kids would enjoy it because it is funny. Also, it could happen in real life. Pinballs is a great book for kids. In the book the kids are normal, but they are just in a foster home.The kids all become friends and realize they are just like pinballs. I liked the book a lot. I bet other kids did too! So, I recommend all kids read this book.
... Read more

Product Description
Tom dislikes spending the summer on his aunt's farm until he discovers a black fox in the forest and tracks her to her den. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (27)

Don't know if this book is supposed to be funny but it sure is to me!
This is my all time favorite children's book.I first read it when my then 3rd grade son bought it home from school.I found it to be so funny that I couldn't read it aloud without laughing. I have read it at least 3 times since then and finally decided to buy it.I absolutely love it!

A great read-aloud
As a fourth grade teacher, I always searched for good read-alouds that would appeal to both girls and boys. Betsy Byars is such a gifted author that when I saw her name on this book I gave it a try. It was such a favorite that I read it to twelve years' worth of classes.... and never got tired of the story myself! One of Byars' great talents is making her characters believable. There wasn't a false note in any of the characters of this book. A seemingly minor character, Petie, contributes great "laugh out loud" humor to the story. The story itself has deep felt emotions, tension, interesting characters, suspense, descriptive sense of place - all the qualities of a book you'd enjoy and remember. Each of the other reviews of this book have given the plot line, so I won't repeat it. I consider this one of my favorite childrens' books.

Growing Taller in Moral Courage
Ten-year-old Tom resents being obliged to spend the summer at the farm of his relatives, while his parents bicycle through Europe.As an only child he amuses himself making models and indulging in crazy games of imagination with his bet pal, Petie.Sure that the two months will prove a washout, Tom arrives with quiet dignity and is outwardly obedient, but he harbors privately gloom.He rarely speaks, shows enthusiasm for their attempts to amuse him, or even gratitude for their welcoming efforts--preferring to play the role of the loner.

A loner, that is, until the day he spots a rare, black fox dancing and leaping in the luxuriant green grass.Instantly the boy is fascinated by her grace and beauty, her kinship with the freedom of wild nature.Seeing her again and finding her secret den become Tom's personal obsessions.Then--to his secret horror--his uncle announces plans to track her down and shoot her, as she poses a serious threat to Aunt Millie's poultry,

Literary tension builds like an inevitable summer storm, climaxing one stormy night--when Tom defies common sense and respect for his elders and his hosts. Determined to rescue not one but both foxes from certain death, he seizes the opportunity to grow tall in moral courage, by acting
upon his conscience and then bravely accepting the consequences of his actions. Related as a detailed flashback this story grabs the reader's attention from the outset; but which of several possible endings will prevail? Can a Fox learn wisdom along with a young boy?An excellent read for kids of all ages.

Morgan from Creston
The book The Midnight Fox is one of the most perfect books ever. It really caught my interest in the middle of this book. Between exciting and beautiful moments.
In the book, the characters were so trustworthy you could even be their best friend. That is one of the reasons why I liked this book so much. One of my favorite characters was Tom, though he was a really mean and argumentative with his family. Tom is a person who has one best friend and Tom's very caring. After he got sent to the farm his attitude changed. He became quieter and went and sat by the creek bed every day. He tried calming his cousin down. Her name is Hazline. She thinks she's really fat, but Tom doesn't. Tom helps do chores everyday, and then goes and plays.
In the book, Tom was an interesting person and no one really listened to him, until the end of the book. Betsy Byarscaught my interest in the middle of the book when Tom found out he had to go the farm. Byars , managed to catch my interest, by making it more dramatic.
After reading this novel, I learned manydifferent things. I also felt I could relate to Tom in a situation. The situation was when he ran out and saved the baby fox and set it free. I learned you have to do things in life you don't want to do, but this one, I did.

Midnight fox
The midnight fox is about a boy who goes to a farm and then sees the fox the fox is in danger can the boy save the fox from hunters or will he watch the fox die. this book is about courage and wisdom and sadness. But will tom be brave to stay at the farm in till there parents come to get him. Find out all you have to do is read the book. ... Read more

Product Description
Sara’s life has always flowed smoothly, like the gliding swans on the lake, until her little brother Charlie disappears. Then Sara is forced to see her life in a whole new way. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (192)

a gentle coming-of-age story
An engaging portrayal of teenage angst from another generation (mine, actually). This Newbery Award winner features three children living with an aunt -- their mother is dead and their father does not seem interested. Middle child Sara is 14 and restless. Everything seems wrong: her clothes, her shoes, her hair, her social life. She tells her sister that she feels awful: "not physically awful, just plain awful." She isn't popular or stylish, but she is fiercely devoted to younger brother Charlie, who is described as "retarded" though all his behaviors (muteness, no eye contact, repetitive movements) indicate autism.

The story takes place over a few days one crucial summer in Sara's life as she begins to emerge from an ugly duckling phase. The swans of the title live at a nearby lake, and are the somewhat obvious symbol of Sara's incipient transformation. Charlie, the autistic boy, is mesmerized by the swans, and wanders off one night to find them. He becomes disoriented and lost in the woods, and Sara, following an inner sense about where he has gone, eventually finds him. During the search, she befriends a boy from her school, and suddenly her future seems promising. All her discontent and frustration vanish during the worried search, and she also realizes that her aunt loves the three children and will care for them.

It's a gentle coming-of-age story, told with no vulgarity and no genuine disaffection. Drug, gangs, and teenage sex make no appearance. In short, this is not at all like The Outsiders (1967) or Go Ask Alice (1971), both contemporary stories of real teenage rebellion and alienation. The book has amusingly dated references to "record players" and to TV shows like The Newlywed Game, The Dating Game, and Green Acres. I did find one odd thing -- names kept appearing that I knew from pop culture: Thelma Louise (movie), Bull Durham (movie) and Dusty Rhodes (wrestler).

Adequately illustrated by Ted CoConis, whose name sounds almost exactly like the Spanish word cojones, meaning "testicles," so I wonder why he keeps it.

I didn't like this book
This book is about a girl named Sara and her brother Charlie.Sara is always thinking that she is ugly and sees only the bad things of her life.She is kind of jealous of her sister because she thinks Wanda is beautiful.She loves his brother but some times she is desperate with him. She wants to go away but at the same time no, but on day his brother go and gets lost. Sara is desperate looking for him, it seems that no one will find him but at the end Sara finds him. After that she realise that her father didn't go because he want to, but for what he thinks is better for his family. And at the end Sara changes her thoughts and feelings about her familly.

I didn't like this book
This book is about a girl named Sara and her brother Charlie.Sara is always thinking that she is ugly and sees only the bad things of her life.She is kind of jealous of her sister because she thinks Wanda is beautiful.She loves his brother but some times she is desperate with him. She wants to go away but at the same time no, but on day his brother go and gets lost. Sara is desperate looking for him, it seems that no one will find him but at the end Sara finds him. After that she realise that her father didn't go because he want to, but for what he thinks is better for his family. And at the end Sara changes her thoughts and feelings about her familly.

The ending does not wrap up the story-review by a 5th grader

This is a story about a lost disabled kid (with mental disability).The beginning of the book, the main character is a foolish girl named Sara. She thinks the world revolves around clothes, and she holds grudges forever. Now her brother is the disabled kid, Charlie. They go see these swans and Charlie simply loves them. Well, Charlie thinks he sees a swan in his backyard, so, he goes out of the house to go see the swan (which is really a cat). He decides to go to the lake to go see swans, and he ends up getting lost near a ravine. Now Sara hates her father who does not live with them. A lot of things happen that are not important, and Sara finds Charlie. All she does is find her brother. She still thinks the same way (by holding a grudge for an infinite amount of time and the clothes matter) and still hates her father. Things don't really change, but they need to change.The ending does not really wrap up the story.So I don't recommend this book.

Great Book!!!
The Summer of the swans was a great book to read, I highly recommend it to my friends and family. I liked it because Sara has to go through hard things and it very intersting how she solves them. Another reason I liked it was that Sara's brother who had brain problems and couldn't speak also had to go thruogh very hard problems. Through out Sara's charcter I learned that looks don't matter and that what really matters is how you are from inside. I liked this book because the author kept us wanting to read the book because she kept the reader quessing what would happen next. Also Sara's mother had died and her Aunt Willie had to take care of Charlie, Wanda, and Sara and that was very difficult for her. ... Read more

Product Description
Mystery is in Herculeah Jones-s blood. How could it not be, with a father on the police force and a mother who-s a private eye? So when Herculeah notices a man hanging around the -Dead Oaks- mansion, she can-t resist doing some investigating of her own. Legend has it the old estate was the site of a murder, and now it looks like there-s something even more nefarious going on. Can Herculeah crack the case before the mystery man closes in on her? ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A magnificent first novel to a promising new series, that will have all young detectives grappling for their own copy
It's not a surprise that Herculeah Jones would be interested in detective work. After all, her mother is a private eye, and her father is on the police force. Solving mysteries is in her blood. Not to mention the fact that her name pretty much pinpoints her future: be strong like Hercules, and save the world. And that's exactly what Herculeah attempts to do each day, with the help of her pudgy, and slightly-wussy pal, Meat. This time, however, the detective work that Herculeah is fooling around with is certainly not a joke. When Herculeah and Meat spot a strange man lurking around the mansion in town known as "Dead Oaks," Herculeah immediately knows that something not-right is up. The fact that her hair is frizzing - something that happens whenever she's in danger - is only the tip of the iceberg. No, Herculeah can feel it in her bones, danger is around. While both her mother and father are looking into the case revolving around "Dead Oaks," Herculeah decides to begin an investigation of her own - much to her parents chagrin. "Dead Oaks," Herculeah soon discovers, was once the scene of a murder. A murder that was never solved, and in which a body was never discovered. Now, however, Herculeah thinks that something even more sinister is occurring around the old mansion. Something that could leave the whole town at risk. So, with her trusty new binoculars by her side, and the somewhat useless sidekick, Meat, Herculeah must go where no teen has gone before...inside "Dead Oaks," in an attempt to discover the truth. Hopefully, the truth won't leave her the next victim.

I have heard much about Betsy Byars over the years. However, I don't recall having ever read anything by her in the past. That changed the moment I spotted THE DARK STAIRS. Being a fan of mystery novels of all shapes and sizes, from Louise Fitzhugh's HARRIET THE SPY, to Amanda Matetsky's MURDERERS PREFER BLONDES, I could not pass up the opportunity to delve into THE DARK STAIRS. Herculeah is now one of my new favorite children's book characters. She is brave, independent, intelligent, carefree, strong, athletic, and determined; as well as nosier than any old biddy. The amount of time she spends staring out the window of her house, and snooping into other people's business is hilarious - as well as time-consuming, and a surefire way to discover wrongdoings. The crime laid out by Byars within the pages of THE DARK STAIRS is simply written so young readers are able to follow along; however, it features many twists and turns that will keep the reader on the edge of his or her seat, trying to figure out who the culprit is. A magnificent first novel to a promising new series, that will have all young detectives grappling for their own copy.

Erika Sorocco
Book Review Columnist for The Community Bugle Newspaper ... Read more

Product Description
Together with her best friend and reluctant sidekick, Meat, HerculeahJones meets a famous mystery author, Mathias King, aka the Murder King.King’s novels mirror gruesome, real-life murders, particularly A Slash of Life,which is about an unsolved local stabbing. Some people believe MathiasKing isn’t making up the details—could he actually be responsible for thecrime? Herculeah’s sure she can find out. But Meat seems too busy withhis new girlfriend to give Herculeah much of a hand. Can Herculeah solvethis mystery on her own, or will Meat’s dating be this sleuth’s downfall? ... Read more

Product Description
When Junior Blossom wakes up in the hospital, his last memory is of crouching on the barn roof with cloth wings tied to his arms, and of Maggie and Vern in the yard below, urging him to fly. That had been just before Junior spotted a police car approaching the farm in a cloud of dust.Meanwhile Pap, the children's grandfather, sits in disgrace in the city jail. He was arrested for disturbing the peace after his pickup truck accidentally dumped 2,147 beer and soda cans (worth $107.35) on Spring Street.With their mother away on the rodeo circuit, it's up to Maggie and Vern to find a way to rescue Pap and Junior. How will they solve their family problems? --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title. (From the Publisher ) ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

family
This book is personally not my favorite book. I don`t like it because of the theme. To me it is more serious than funny and I was interested in reading a funny book. There are some funny parts like when Junior does something not so smart and ends up in a wheelchair at a hospital. I would recommend this for students 3rd grade and above.

The Not-Just-Anybody Family
The Not-Just-Anybody Family was an extraordinary book. I didn't want to put it down, but the teacher said it was time to move on. I liked it a lot because Betsy Byars gives you different points of views of the Blossom family...even the dog's. I also liked it because it had a mixture of humor and sadness. My favorite part was all the different interactions between Ralphie and Junior in the hospital. It made me smile and giggle I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys stories about friends and family.

The Not-Just-Anybody Family
"Watch out below!" Thats the sound of the little boy named Junor Blossom about to jump off the top of the barn. This little boy has a lot of problems with his family, he has a big sister named Maggie. Her problem in the family is she has to take care of the family and run things but, she can't go shopping.(her favorite thing to do is shopping) Junior also has a big brother named Vern, a grandpa named Pap, and a dog named Mud. They have a mother too but, she's out on a rodeo circuit. His granpa and his big brother are in jail for disturbing the peace and their dog Mud has ran away. See...this family has a lot of problems. There's just one question to ask you? Do you think that the Blossoms will solve their problems? Now if you read this book I don't know if you wil like it or not but, to tell you I sure did. This book was put on my favorite book list after I got done reading it. The book is realistic fiction so if you don't like realistic books I wouldn't read this book. The author is Besty Byars. She has wrote a lot of books most of them are mystery and romance but, hey she is a really good writer. So are you going to read this book?

Fourth Grade Teacher Gives Five Stars
The Not-Just-Anybody Family is a book my whole classroom enjoyed.It has action, humor, a missing dog, an out-of-town mom, and a grandpa in jail.The children in the book are very real and my students could relate totheir feelings and difficulties. The settings change from chapter tochapter and Betsy Byars writes just enough about each situation to keep youwanting more. This book helped my students learn the meaning of"suspense"and almost all of them gave the book a rating of nineor ten on a one to ten scale. I plan on ordering the audio version for someof my students next year.

Who's missing now in the Blossom family?
When Pap Blossom goes into town that's when it all started.Breaking into jail, jumping off the roof, missing mom and lost dog are some of the interesting things that happen to the Blossom family.If I could I would give it a hundred stars.I think this book is a 4th, 5th, and 6th gradebook.Now you know what it is about so go get the book NOW!! ... Read more

Product Description
In this delightful follow-up to My Brother, Ant, Anthony comes face to face with a growling bear, pretends to be a dog, and hears a giant tapping on the window. These enchanting stories capture the relationship between Ant and his brother with warmth and humor.

"In the tradition of the award-winning easy readers by Sendak, Lobel, and others, Byars and Simont continue to make simplicity a delight." --Booklist, starred review ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

...
Ant is a little boy who never ceases to annoy his brother. In the first story, Ant insists his brother play bear with him. In the second, Ant pretends to be a dog, which aggravates everyone until the brother plays fetch with him. Ant finds this rude and stops the dog act. In the last story, And decides that he wants to be a man when he grows up.

To my surprise, this book actually made me laugh. The relationship between the two brothers is hilarious and adorable, and any older sibling could relate to the elder brother's plight. The three stories are short and easy to read, and the first-person point of view is kind of fun for a picture book. ... Read more

Product Description
"Organized in seven chapters, [here are] the comical doings of two friends devising treasure hunts for each other. [Newbery Medalist] Byars brings amused intelligence to this easily read story, effortlessly weaving lessons in logic, family dynamism, and creative play into a story that will be read 'just for fun.' Wryly comical drawings; eminently approachable format." —K.

100 Books for Reading and Sharing 1991 (NY Public Library) ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Good Chapter Stories
Held the attention of a 5 year old - this is not a early reader book - but is a chapter book that my 5 year old boy enjoyed.

The Seven Treasure Hunts
The book is about two boys named Jackson and Goat, and they have seven treasure hunts. Jackson has a bigger sister and likes to bother her.They also sometimes bury treasure so they can have fun finding it later.The seven chapters are very neat and cool.Chapter four is called The Hunt for the Missing Treasure.Read to find out what treasure they find.I would say that other kids my age will like to read this book it is funny and they will get a blast out of it.

A Total Delight!
My son and I thoroughly enjoyed this book.My son is entering third grade, but is struggling with reading at the level he should be at.Thisbook is aimed for his age, but is still an easy reader.It helped give himthe confidence he needs as it is aimed towards third and fourth graders andhe could read it!Thank you Betsy Byars for realizing not all childrenread at the same level, but still need books appropriate for their age tokeep their interest. The Seven Treasure Hunts is about two boys, Jacksonand Goat, who use maps and clues to find eachothers treasures.Each boytakes a turn hiding stuff of their own and gives the other either a map orclue to find it.Of course things don't always go according to plans. There is the stolen chocolate popsicle which will make kids want to keepreading to find out what happened with it.And then dealing with Goatssister, Rachael a.k.a the ogre, will leave kids laughing.It is writtenwith much humor for young and old alike.My son read this out loud to meand we both really enjoyed it. Thank you, thank you Betsy Byars. ... Read more

Product Description
Anna Bean may be the first Bean to be in a book if her poem wins a school contest. She needs a quiet place to concentrate, so she gets special permission to sit on the roof, which turns out to be anything but quiet when her sisters and brothers come to join her and write roof poems, too. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Inspiring and Fun
What a fun story. My children and I checked this book out at the library today. (My eight-year-old was going to read it alone. I found myself sitting in my van alone reading it. I couldn't put it down. So, this evening I read the book aloud cover-to-cover to my six-year-old daughter and eight-year-old son. Fun read. It made me want to climb up to the roof and write my own roof poem.

First Grade loves Beans on the Roof
The first graders at The Children's School loved this book. They thought it was funny and cute. They said that it "teaches us that having fun is better than winning." If they could, they would give it one thousand stars! A good book to read if you are interested in poems.

Good introduction to chapter books
This is a good book to use to introduce young children to chapter books.It contains nine short chapters.Good book to use when beginning a unit on poetry (teachers) or reading poetry books (parents) together.Poor George gets writer's block--something we all can relate to.Mr. and Mrs. Bean as well as Jenny and Anna have no trouble with writing--how frustrating! Family love and unity come into play. Children will be motivated to try their hand at writing their own poetry.

Betsy Byars Best Ever
I worked as a school librarian for a number of years and this is my favorite Betsy Byars book of all.It is a tender, yet funny, story of how every child has talents and is worthy of love. It's a great read-aloud or independent reader -- I used it for third grade on up. ... Read more

Product Description
Herculeah Jones finds herself in the middle of another mystery when herbest friend Meat barely escapes a hitman’s bullet. Someone must havemistaken Meat for someone else. But who? Herculeah is determined tosolve the mystery, before the assassin comes after her! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Haileys Christmas gifts
My granddaughter enjoys reading.Her favorite now is the Herculeah Jones books. I got her the series and she was thrilled.

Jordan's Opinion
If you like a mysteries,heartpumping, nonstop thrillers, then get Death's Door. Herculea tries to save her family from a killer with dangerous weapons. So what are you waiting for? Go and get this book today!

The Delight of Death
The Herculeah Jones Mystery series book Death's Door is a fascinating read.As the story goes, Herculeah finds out that Meat's Uncle Neiman ismixed up in some tricky business and somebody's out to get him.Of courseHerculeah comes to the rescue once again and solves the mystery.This bookwill make you want to read it from cover to cover.The vivid descriptionmake it as real as can be.If you enjoy mystery stories like Nancy Drewand Sammy Keyes, you will love reading this book. ... Read more