Product Description
What could be more fun for kids than to have the kind of rip-roaring good time that harkens back to pre-video game, pre-computer days? Introducing 64 valuable science experiments that snap, crackle, pop, ooze, crash, boom, and stink! From Marshmallows on Steroids to Home-Made Lightning, the Sandwich Bag Bomb to Giant Air Cannon, The Book of Totally Irresponsible Science awakens kids' curiosity while demonstrating scientific principles like osmosis, air pressure, and Newton's Third Law of Motion.

Kids will love performing these experiments, which use common household ingredients and equipment, in front of an audience or for themselves (though many require adult supervision). Entries are categorized into seven chapters according to scientific theme and are written in a simple-to-follow recipe format. each includes a detailed explanation of the scientific principle involved and a "Take Care!" section with special tips. The book's design and illustrations recall the pulp fiction look of science magazines from the days when space travel was still considered sci-fi, while the author's voice is wry and a bit conspiratorial. He assumes his readers are clever and never coddles them. Drop Mentos into a bottle of diet soda and stand back as a geyser erupts! Launch a rocket made from a film canister! Encase your little brother in a giant soap bubble! For young scientists—and the young at heart—this book is a blast. Literally. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

Terrific Book
Every parent and grandparent should have this book. The kids are so fascinated and excited while performing each experiment. AND they learn something, too. Our grandson used the Frankenstein's Hand for his science project at his pre-K class. The kids thought it was great and he won first place. These are projects using everyday materials...they're easy. Buy one now!

Scary Fun!
Turn 'em loose and stand back.But beware......harmless and scary at the same time.Good bet for filling up those rainy days.

What a great book!
I picked this up because I found the layout and design of the book enticing...and discovered that it's a really fun book for kids (and adults)! My 8 year old paged through the whole thing, earmarking experiments he wanted to try. Most can be done with things already around the house and if something does need to be purchased, can be picked up at the grocery store. I think it would make a great gift with a few of the required "ingredients."

fantastic!
This book is just what I needed to get children to love the words "chemistry" and "science". It is good for quick distractions as well as longer projects. Everything can be made with household products and objects and beyond the explanation how to do it, there is a scientific explanation for why it works.
It is wonderful!

NOT a hit with 11 Year Old Nephew ~ but I thought it was Neat!
Always at a loss what to give our nephew for a Christmas present, came across this book at a local hobby store and found a better price on Amazon. I thought it'd be really fun as the science experiments require stuff usually found around the house! I also thought it'd get a kid away from computer games,nurture some science exploration, and avoid the "gift card" commercialization of Christmas giving! Well...not. The kid sorta threw it to the side like..."another loser gift for Christmas" attitude. I don't know if it's because he's 11 and already passed this, or just a Playstation/Wii guy, but this was definitely not a good gift for him. (As a MOM I would buy this for MY kids if I was still at that stage in the game. I'm a Gram already though so would consider it for my own grandkids now and do the experiments with them myself). I WISH parents would nurture this kind of hands on learning more often versus letting kids sit at pc/tv games, but...oh well.

As for the book itself, I think it was nicely written, fun and silly drawings to keep kids interested and amused, short and sweet directions, easy to find materials, real science theories... and I pictured it being a real hit. Can't figure it out : / ... Read more

Product Description
Stan Smith has the world's dullest name, and the world's dullest life to go with it.At 17, the former junior chess champion turned "Town's Laziest Register Monkey at the Town's Only Video Store" has no car, no college, and, of course, no girl.If that weren't pathetic enough, he's got an organic-food-freak vegan mother, an eccentric inventor father, a dead-end job, a dog with a flatulence problem, and a former classmate threatening to kill him.With a 165 IQ, Stan was expected to Be Something and Go Somewhere. But when all he has is a beat-up old bike that keeps getting vandalized, he's going nowhere, faster. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

Hilarious, warm, and thoroughly entertaining
What a character!Stan is all at once hilarious, heartbreaking, and a hero.His perspective brings back memories for those of us who are well past the late teen years...that combination of raging insecurity and a mistaken illusion of omniscience; the author captures it very well!In addition, Sean Beaudoin creates a wacky and warm set of family and friends to surround the ill-named Stan Smith; and yet the absurdity of some of their characteristics still rings true enough to remind you of the creative souls in your own life.Bottom line - I really enjoyed this book.There was just enough "typical" teen heartbreak with which we can all identify (e.g. boys wants girl who doesn't want him); but seen through Stan's eyes, it's anything but typical.The author creates emotional depth (e.g. Stan's love for his little sister Olivia) without forcing the reader to stray too far from what makes the book so entertaining (Stan's hilarious POV).Lastly, the chapter titles (which I thoroughly enjoyed) and the interspersed screen play pitches punctuate Stan's journey in a unique and entertaining way.Lots of fun...I started rooting for Stan in the first few pages and was not disappointed that I did!

Courtesy of Teens Read Too
I'll admit I picked this because of the title, GOING NOWHERE FASTER. Aren't there times when we all feel that way?

Stan Smith has more problems than you can shake a stick at.One problem is his name - "Stan."Who names their kid Stan?But then his parents aren't exactly your normal, run-of-the-mill parents.They are another one of his problems.His dad is a crazy inventor and his mother is an over 6-foot-tall Amazon vegan who attempts to run an organic food market.

Another sore spot in Stan's life is Prarash, his mother's smelly yoga and meditation partner, who practically lives with them.There's also Chopper, the family dog who produces more "gas" than the oil fields of Kuwait.The only normal one in the family is Stan's little sister, Olivia.She's the one bright spot in his existence.

Stan should be thinking about college, but instead is working a dead-end job at Happy Video.It at least gives him the chance to watch endless videos in an attempt to prepare for what he hopes is a future in writing movie scripts.In the meantime, he is stuck riding his ten-speed, helping out in the family business, and hoping for a chance to date the girl of his dreams, Ellen.

As if Stan doesn't have enough problems, he believes he has a stalker.The victim of high school taunting and bullying, he was threatened by Ellen's ex, Chad Chilton.Now the evidence is mounting and points to Chad as the probable driver of the speeding car that almost ran Stan off the road one dark night, as well as the twisted mind that left a mutilated Barbie doll on Stan's steps.These acts of terror, plus slashed bike tires and vandalism at the Happy Video store, are sending waves of fear through the frustrated Stan.

Sean Beaudoin uses witty dialogue and hilarious descriptions to grab readers and get them cheering for poor Stan.The first person style helps readers understand Stan's above-average intelligence and his passion for movies and scriptwriting.This is definitely one I found difficult to put down once I started reading.

Reviewed by:Sally Kruger, aka "Readingjunky"

A Great Book About Growing Up!!!
Going Nowhere Faster
by, Sean Beaudoin

Little, Brown
2007, 300pp
ISBN 0-316-01415

Going Nowhere Faster, by Sean Beaudoin is an excellent book.Its theme is about growing up and finding out who you are.The main character's, Stan, best friend is the most popular kid in his grade.Stan falls in love with a girl who will kiss anyone, any where.She just happens to kiss Stan's best friend, while she is on a date with Stan.These are only a few of the many problems that Stan run's into, while on the journey of growing up.

This is a funny, yet touching book.After you get to know the characters, they are easier to understand, but, despite that, there are still unexpected twists.I think this is a great book, and I highly recommend it.

*ANB*

A Great Book About Growing Up!
Going Nowhere Faster
by, Sean Beaudon

Little,Brown
2007, 300p
ISBN 0-316-01415

Going Nowhere Faster, by Sean Beaudon is an excellent book.Its theme is about growing up and finding out who you are.The main character's, Stan, best friend is the most popular kid in his grade.Stan falls in love with a girl who will kiss anyone, any where.She just happens to kiss Stan's best friend, while she is on a date with Stan.These are only a few of the many problems that Stan run's into, while on the journey of growing up.

This is a funny, yet touching book.After you get to know the characters, they are easier to understand, but, despite that, there are still unexpected twists.I think this is a great book, and I highly recommend it.


A.N.B.

very funny
stan smith makes weird lists, has a weird house, a weird mom and a weird dad.it's no wonder stan himself is weird.i look up to stan's mom and wish i could be her with all of her convictions.
the characters in this book are well written from the main to the peripheral and you can't help but love them.
the mystery element in this book is shockingly funny.it makes fun of stereotypes while being a stereotype.i laughed out loud and i'll be recommending it to everyone. ... Read more

Product Description
"As the Young Allies are well aware, when the Bastards of Evil strike, they strike hard! Separated, scrambling, and with lives on the line, can the Young Allies pull together fast enough to survive?" ... Read more

Product Description
Gravity's dark obsession mounts, Firestar's life threatens to implode, Toro's frustrations grow, and Nomad and Ara?a make a shocking discovery about the origins of the Bastards of Evil, whose plans to follow up on their vicious debut get underway. ... Read more

Product Description
He's come to do a job.
A job that involves a body.
A body wrapped in duct tape found hanging from the goal posts at the end of the football field.

You Killed Wesley Payne is a truly original and darkly hilarious update of classic pulp-noir, in which hard-boiled seventeen year-old Dalton Rev transfers to the mean hallways of Salt River High to take on the toughest case of his life. The question isn't whether Dalton's going to get paid. He always gets paid. Or whether he's gonna get the girl. He always (sometimes) gets the girl. The real question is whether Dalton Rev can outwit crooked cops and killer cliques in time to solve the mystery of "The Body" before it solves him.

Sean Beaudoin (Going Nowhere Faster, Fade to Blue) evokes the distinctive voices of legendary crime/noir authors Dashiell Hammett and Jim Thompson with a little bit of Mean Girls and Heathers throwin in for good measure. It'll tease you, please you, and never ever leave you. Actually, that's not true. It's only a book. One that's going to suck you in, spit you out, and make you shake hands with the devil. Probably. ... Read more

Product Description
The patriotic girl without a world in need of a home. The insecure newbie striving to be a better super hero. The illegal immigrant with a tortured past and a dream. The disillusioned Midwesterner desperate for direction. The veteran team player given a second lease on life. Five heroes against tyranny in all its forms. Five students pushing to make the grade. Five friends together on the road to adulthood. They are NOMAD, ARAÑA, TORO, GRAVITY and FIRESTAR--the YOUNG ALLIES! But even their combined might may not be enough to take on the team of teen terrors known as the BASTARDS OF EVIL!

Collecting:

Young Allies #1-5, Captain America 602-605 (Nomad backups), Age of Heroes 2 (Gravity backup)

... Read more

Product Description
When his son Sean was three years old, John Lennon drew a series of magical, whimsical animal illustrations to help him learn to read. These simple reflections of John's love, humor, and affection for his young son have never been presented to the public before. Random House is honored to present Friends, a collection of forty drawings by a man who was one of the great cultural icons of the twentieth century--poet, songwriter, artist, activist, and the most outspoken member of one of the greatest rock groups of all time.Amazon.com Review
John Lennon had twoopportunities to be a father. His first son, Julian, was born in1963 at the dawning of Beatlemania. The impactof the Beatles' success on John and Julian's relationship? Suffice to sayPaul McCartney wrote"Hey Jude" as a gesture of sympathy to a forlorn young Julian. Fatherhoodfit John Lennon far better the next time around when the indulgent daddy,then in his late 30s, put his musical career on hold to indulge hissecond son, Sean.Evidence of Lennon the doting dad can be found in this 48-page collection of sun-drenched illustrations sketched out to entertain atoddlingoffspring. The once-caustic ex-Beatle betrays not a hint of his scathingside in these vivid drawings. Rather, the witty punster who was dubbed the"smart Beatle" after he published the prose collection In His Own Write in 1964is in full flower here. An illustration christened "Collieflower" shows abudding plant with the face of a canine; "A Frog Pondering"displays a reflective amphibian overlooking a puddle. RealLove is the kind of book that will capture the attention of Beatlescollectors, but it should also spark the imaginations of its intended audience--little Lennonists in the making. --Steven Stolder ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

John's art & humor in a kid's book
Beautiful, colorful illustrations, a few clever puns, and silly captions. This is more a picture book than a story book, but the drawings and plays on words can lead to rich discussions with a young child.

Wonderful Book and Collector's Item
I received this out of print first edition in mint condition.I was going to give it as a gift, but when I opened the box and saw what a wonderful book it is, I couldn't give it up!

Cute Book
I was very excited to find this book, but unfortunitely it was damaged in the mail.This seller was very helpful in resolving this problem.I was satisfied with the outcome and would buy from her again.Thank you.

Great book
Cover was a little scuffed but in overall good condition.Such a cute book!

Beautiful Boy - With Love From John to Sean
This book makes me think of the Frank Sinatra classic, "You Make Me Feel So Young."The lyrics to that 1951 classic are startlingly a propos in re this book.

This is an ideal book for all ages.Many people have been inspired to do a "John Lennon's Musical Parade" for a nursery theme have done their children a service by exposing them to high culture early.This book is the loving collaboration of a father and son.John's love for playing with words and stacking them in odd configurations much as young children enjoy stacking blocks is evident in this book as was the case in his 1964 book, "In His Own Write" and his 1965 follow up with "A Spaniard in the Works."

The drawings that accompany the writing are gentle and direct; people of all ages will certainly appreciate the collaborative creativity that went into this book.Yoko Ono said that their son Sean came up with many of the titles and John would then work around those titles to create the imagery.This is truly a delightful book that all will love, regardless of whether or not they are Beatle fans.(Although no doubt Beatle fans will derive an especial amount of pleasure from this one). ... Read more

Product Description
A simple text, supported by diagrams and colour photographs, will describe the history and explain the workings of the Criminal Justice System. It will examine the function of the CJS within the context of British law and order. How does it work in today's world? What is its relationship with society at large? Illustrated with quotes from members of the crown prosecution service and other officials, the book examines whether the CJS does its job or needs to be reformed. ... Read more

Product Description
When a young girl in a London boarding school is impoverished by her father's death and made to work as a servant, she struggles to remain a "little princess" on the inside, no matter what her position. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

a great read
a great book for little minds that are learning as fast as they can.

The Usborne Book of Trucks
My 27 month old was captured by this book.He not only loved having it read to him but would sit for record time paging through it. ... Read more

Product Description
Sophie Blue started wearing a black skirt and Midnight Noir lipstick on her last birthday. It was also the day her father disappeared. Or spontaneously combusted. Which is sort of bad timing, since a Popsicle truck with tinted windows has started circling the house.

Kenny Fade is a basketball god. His sneakers cost more than his Jeep. He's the guy all the ladies (and their mommas) want. Bad.

Sophie Blue and Kenny Fade don't have a thing in common. Aside from being reasonably sure they're losing their minds.

Acclaimed author Sean Beaudoin's wildly innovative novel combines uproarious humor with enough plot twists to fill a tube sock. Part thriller, part darkly comic philosophical discussion, and accompanied by a comic book interstitial, Fade to Blue is a whip-smart romp that keeps readers guessing until the last paragraph. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (18)

Great concept, not as stellar execution
On Sophie Blue's last birthday, her dad disappeared. Since that day, she's worn all black. Now, her birthday is approaching again, and Sophie thinks she might be losing her mind. She keeps having these weird dreams that she's going to get run over by an ice cream truck with tinted windows, and there's one just like it that keeps circling her house, which also keeps getting broken into. Then there's this whole thing about a lab and an evil Nurse. Of course, no one but Sophie seems to know about these things, but Sophie knows that they must be real. Her attempt to find out the truth will be a hilarious and strangely dangerous romp through a world she never knew existed.

If the summary to Fade to Blue sounds confusing, it's with good reason; the story itself is very convoluted. The book starts with a bunch of separate narratives, but most importantly Sophie's and Kenny Fade's. This is interesting and easy enough to follow--until the reader finds out that one of these characters isn't quite real. Then Beaudoin proceeds to reveal a series of strange new developments in the story, each of which is more twisted than the last. The effect is startling; though most readers will be thoroughly baffled, they will still want to read on to see if they can figure out the rest of the story. I am sorry to say that I was unable to do this. Beaudoin's writing, particularly toward the end of this novel, reminds me of a TV show's season finale just before cancellation in the sense that writers try to cram the answer to almost every plotline; the result is that while the story undoubtedly comes to a close, too many details are neglected in the process. This is what happened with Fade to Blue, and though I was very impressed with the start of the story and Beaudoin's ideas for the Virtuality, I was disappointed that this wasn't done is a clearer manner.

Fade to Blue may appeal to fans of The Year of Secret Assignments by Jaclyn Moriarty and The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel series by Michael Scott.

Very odd and very confusing
One day Sophie Blue's father disappeared and no one knows what happened. Sophie has since noticed a Popsicle truck with tinted windows that seems to be everywhere. Kenny Fade is a popular basketball jock. He seems to have a normal life, up until he doesn't. The only thing linking Kenny and Sophie is that they are both starting to see and hear things that aren't really there.

It says that this book keeps you guessing until the last paragraph. It does because half the time you have no idea who's who and what the heck is going on. Why then did I give it a three star rating. Well, I liked it. I probably won't recommend it to many people and probably won't read it again; but I loved it's originality. One thing I'm wondering is how the title is pronounced. In the book the character Kenny's last name is pronounced fah-day. I'm wondering if these are the same? Anyone... anyone? It was a very interesting novel, something to do with death/virtual reality/reality/things not always being what they seem/fighting "the man"(not so much this last one *shrugs*). I'd say if you had already planned on reading it go for it, but be forewarned things get a little tricky to navigate once you're inside.

First Line:
"The place was packed."

Favorite Line:
"'Yo, dude, watch it, she's got and Uzi!'"

Bizarre & Confusing, but Hilarious
Reviewed by Maggie Desmond-O'Brien (age 14)for Reader Views (11/09)

Sophie Blue and Kenny Fade seem to have nothing in common: she's the goth, he's the school's dreamboat basketball star. But now, one year after Sophie's father mysteriously disappeared on her seventeenth birthday, nothing seems to make sense. First, a freaky popsicle truck begins to circle Sophie's house and follow her to school. And then Kenny starts to feel like his life...isn't really his life. Now they must investigate a very shady bio-lab and some dubious school experiments, all before a psychotic nurse and the Popsicle Man find out what they're up to...

I can honestly say that, perhaps for the first time ever, I was stumped by a novel. I loved it, I hated it; I was utterly confused by it. One part "The Matrix," one part "Donnie Darko" and the other just plain weird, it's a hilarious thrill-ride that shouldn't be missed by any teen fan of the offbeat and satirical. But it's also overcomplicated, too quick-moving and too witty for its own good.

From the constant plot twists, raunchy, snarky humor and comic-book sci-fi pace, everything about this book could be construed as either good or bad or both, depending on what you like to read -- which, of course, makes it a reviewer's worst nightmare. I literally felt listless and depressed while I was reading it, knowing that, at some point, I was going to have to face the dreaded blank page and dredge up the words to describe this sardonic little gem.

So now I've filled that page with four paragraphs of saying that I was confused. In "Fade to Blue" by Sean Beaudoin the writing was good, the story clever if a little unoriginal--so what was my problem? I don't really know. Something about it just didn't add up, and while a little mystery is the spice of life, this book had way too much. Part of me wants to read a sequel, if only for a little bit of closure, but the rest of me thinks that I'll only end up more nonplussed.

Way better than another vampire story!
Where were books like this when I was a teen? Smart, edgy and well thought out. It's science fiction, but not in the sense that most people think of these days. There are no spaceships, aliens or talking robots but instead Sean Beaudoin touches upon the themes of altered and separate realities in a way that's very reminiscent of the great Phillip K. Dick.

A fun book !
A little complex, perhaps, but full of sharp, self deprecating humor. I could see this book becoming a cultural touchstone for generations of young adults. It's that original in it's rigor and empathy. He captures the post-cynical sophistication of today's blossoming intelligentsia. He is writing UP to the young adults of today. ... Read more

Product Description
On April 6, 1970, Vietnam War photojournalists Sean Flynn (son of Errol Flynn) and Dana Stone set off on two rented motorcycles to cover one last story and were captured by Communist forces, never to be seen or heard from again. Their friend and fellow journalist, Perry Deane Young, tells their story here in a remarkable memoir first published in 1975. This new Press 53 Classics edition features photos by Flynn, Stone, their friends Tim Page, Nik Wheeler, and others, including a new chapter with updates on the lives of those involved and the ongoing search for two of the missing. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

A personal special exclusive
I have read other books and documents regarding Sean Flynn and Dana Stone - yet this is the first book I have come across where I feel like I actually now know some of the deeper layers that made them the people they were. This was made possible by the fact that the author Perry Deane Young knew Flynn and Stone personally. Also, Young provided excellent personal insights, including extracts from letters Flynn and Stone wrote, details of where they grew up and lived at various stages of their lives, and comments from family members. This is in addition to many of Young's own experiences with both Flynn and Stone in Vietnam. It is not often that a reader is treated to such a full account of events and Young certainly made this all the more complete by providing a new chapter in this edition of the book, which provides updates and details of current activities regarding himself and many of the other people who form part of this record, including the always colourful Tim Page. This book is the "must read" when it comes to forming an opinion regarding Sean Flynn and Dana Stone.

Nicholas R.W. Henning - Australian Author

"groovin' on the danger..."
This is an excellent book concerning the disappearance of Sean Flynn and Dana Stone,two photojournalist friends of the author,during the Vietnam war.Young provides a detailed back story,through interviews with childhood friends,family and acquaintances,that fleshes out the memoir,giving insights as to the kind of men Flynn and Stone were.The central piece of the book revolves around Vietnam,where the three men cross paths,become friends and indulge in experiences that shape their lives.It is obvious that Vietnam and all it entails resonates still with Perry Dean Young:however his feelings aren't excessively nostalgic,as he constantly makes one aware of the incredible suffering going on at that time.The writing is polished and insightful,yet Young never pretends to know all the answers to the big questions,choosing instead to concentrate on the human elements of companionship,loyalty and the joys of shared experience.
So many interesting characters drift in and out of the story,adding richness and diversity to the tale,with Tim Page in particular coming across as the ultimate '60s character.How ironic that this exemplar of counterculture hedonism not only survived the war,but has prospered since:it is hard to believe that Tim "there's an airstrike after you" Page is with us still,thereas Flynn and Stone are consigned to an unknown fate.
Young updates the book with a "where are they now" chapter,which fills in some gaps and offers an especially sad retelling of Louise Stone's subsequent life:her pain at losing her husband practically seeps off the pages.
The book is well packaged with many photos of Flynn,Stone and their Tu Do Street pals,and for anyone interested in the Vietnam experience I thoroughly recommend it.

Reporters in Vietnam
Very interesting story of the lives of two reporters in Vietnam and their disappearance. This is a good example of why we need to stop starting unnecessary wars in other lands and stay home, secure our borders and take care of the American people. Too many young lives have been lost in these wars.

Vietnam War as 'a happy childhood' for some
This book was written in the mid-1970s and mainly concerns the lives of photojournalists Sean Flynn and Dana Stone.They were captured in Cambodia in April 1970 while taking what was clearly a foolish risk of approaching a Viet Cong roadblock.They are assumed to have died in captivity.

I first read an account of Sean, Dana, and Tim Page (who also figures in the narrative) in Michael Herr's "Dispatches" and searched for this book for many years.(My tag line comes from Herr's comment about Vietnam being, for this group, "the happy childhood they never had.")Now, fortunately, the book is back in print.Those interested in the lives of the members of the journalistic community who become "war junkies" in Vietnam will find this a compelling read.Perry Deane Young probes the lives of Sean and Dana along with his own war experiences.He does not shrink from portraying his subjects as sometimes not particularly likeable.And he grapples with the fact that the members of this band of photographer brothers were caught in as many contradictions as the war they covered:they had to project the proper "war is hell" stance, but at the same time they were hopelessly emeshed in the romance of being young (non-combatant) participants in an exhilarating adventure in an exotic land.And there in lies the rub: Young returned to Vietnam during the last stages of the American involvement as a coda for his book. He writes of being upset at the human damage (mutilated Vietnamese veterans begging on the streets) as if it were a personal affront to his memories of the great times he had half a dozen years before.But that, after all, is simply a reflection of the honesty that permeats this account.The new edition includes a "What happened to..." chapter.Add this to the list of books that help illustrate how America, in it's perpetual haste to forget its past, seems doomed to never learn any lessons from its foreign misadventures. ... Read more