The Bromeliad Trilogy: Truckers, Diggers, and Wings

Book Description

In a world whose seasons are defined by Christmas sales and Spring Fashions, hundreds of tiny nomes live in the corners and crannies of a human-run department store. They have made their homes beneath the floorboards for generations and no longer remember -- or even believe in -- life beyond the Store walls.

Until the day a small band of nomes arrives at the Store from the Outside. Led by a young nome named Masklin, the Outsiders carry a mysterious black box (called the Thing), and they deliver devastating news: In twenty-one days, the Store will be destroyed.

Now all the nomes must learn to work together, and they must learn to think -- and to think BIG.

Part satire, part parable, and part adventure story par excellence, master storyteller Terry Pratchett's engaging trilogy traces the nomes' flight and search for safety, a search that leads them to discover their own astonishing origins and takes them beyond their wildest dreams.

Customer Reviews:

A children's book for adults.......2007-05-15

These stories have everything. Humor, imagination, satire, an exciting plot, plucky characters, adn philosophical musings. Pratchett gently makes fun of religion and pomposity, making you laugh all the way.

As good as Discworld.......2007-05-12

I say this with a caveat. Some discworld novels just are not for kids. Also, I had no idea what these books were about when I bought this anthology so if it seems strange for a 34 year old to burst out laughing at a children's novel, just forgive me.

The fact that Terry Pratchett was the author was the reason I bought this and by the second page I was in love all over again. It was like finding a new discworld, this "store." Some of the absurdities that we adults take for granted in our crass commercialized world get a good seeing to from a child's point of view.

Pratchett's wit once again has bowled me over and I would recommend this to any child or adult that I know.

Great Terry Pratchett!.......2007-03-26

This book is a great read. Very interesting writing and yet simple enough my 3rd grader could read it too!
I highly recommend it to those that love sci-fantasy with a lot of humor.

Inventive, endearing, great read-aloud. .......2006-09-26

When we finished "Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince" I read this trilogy to my 11 year old daughter. What fun! The plot is lively, the characters are endearing and Pratchett gets his point about religion across with precise use of analogy. The story drags in places, but never for long. The witty dialogue and thought provoking ideas more than make up for it. I enjoyed it at least as much as my daughter did, if not more.

Oh my Gosh!.......2006-02-09

My teacher who has over 3,000 books in her classroom reccomended this book. And I also like Terry Pratchett. bUT THIS WAS A FLAT OUT DISSAPOINTMENT. I quit after the 1st 30 pages. He was very slow in his writings. And he overloads a tad on his British sense of humor.
If you like it thats great. But it was very dull and boring for me. No offense to all 14 or some 4 or 5 star reviews. But I do reccomend Only You Can Save Mankind ( Terry Pratchet). It it's a great book about a computer game with connections to aliens. I also reccomend any book by Cornelia Funke. Inkheart and The Theif Lord are my personal favorites. And 2 of my most favorite series are A Series of Unfortunate Events and Harry Potter. Reading Rocks. Get off the computer and read a book!

The Bromeliad Trilogy : Truckers, Diggers, and Wings

Average customer rating:

The Bromeliad Trilogy : Truckers, Diggers, and Wings
Terry Pratchett
Manufacturer: Guild America Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000LZBZU8

The Bromeliad Trilogy - Truckers, Diggers, Wings

Average customer rating:

The Bromeliad Trilogy - Truckers, Diggers, Wings
Terry Pratchett
Manufacturer: Doubleday 1960
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000NGUYTS

Customer Reviews:

Sibling Rivalry.......2007-06-20

Seventh-grader Megin and her ninth-grade brother Greg have always been at odds. In fact, they have pretty much hated each other for years and are driving their parents crazy with their fighting. This year they are constantly at odds about the attention of their little brother and the state of cleanliness of Megin's room. Both feel that the other one is getting the better deal and better treatment from their parents.

But Megin and Greg have other things on their minds, too. Megin is struggling to deal with the fact that there is a new cool girl in the seventh grade, from California, and Megin's best friend can barely talk about anything else. Greg spent all summer working out and getting himself looking good to impress the girl of his dreams, only to find that she moved away over the summer. However, one of her friends who still keeps in touch with her obviously likes Greg and might be able to help him get close to her.

This story follows Megin and Greg through the first half of their school year, showing what a brother and sister relationship is really all about.

I liked the fact that for the most part the relationship between Greg and Megin was honest, instead of being sugarcoated like in most books. Perhaps they actually liked each other, but, as is the case with most siblings, that feeling was deeply hidden away.

I didn't like the parents in this story. They didn't always seem fair, and they didn't seem very involved or very interested in the lives of their kids.

Who Put That Hair On My Toothbrush? .......2007-05-25

I would recommend this book to someone who enjoys seeing two very different people talk about the same subject. You can really focus on this book and connect with the characters. Every couple of chapters, there was a surprise that grabbed your attention even more. There are a lot of funny scenes and weird but believable events. A few of the chapters end with a cliffhanger. For example, on of the chapters where Megin is the narrator, it ends with `It was a long time before I looked up and finally, finally saw the girl from California." I really enjoyed reading this book and would read other books by Jerry Spinelli because I like his style of writing.

This Is a great book but I'd give it 3 and a half stars.......2007-02-28

I have really enjoyed reading this book and I would definitely recommend this book to any Jerry Spinelli fan. It's not his absolute best work though. The central characters, Greg, (a.k.a. Grosso) and his little sister Megan (also known as Megamouth or Dimpus) are always bickering. Megan's a slob; Greg's a neat freak. This simple difference is the source of trouble in the story. The fighting between these two is nonstop; will it remain unresolved?

I love the way the book is written- how each chapter alternates between perspectives, Greg to Megan, Megan to Greg. Each chapter leaves you hanging, wanting more as you see the same events through different eyes. The fighting and bickering will seem familiar and realistic to anyone with a sibling.

Jerry Spinelli writes his books like a delicate art. Each chapter in any of his books leaves you with emotion from the book, as if holding on to you. Every book he writes is pure poetry and art. He is definitely my favorite author.

As the story opens, Greg has been working out all summer to impress a girl named Jennifer.
When he gets back to school he finds the girl he has devoted his entire summer to, sacrificed every dessert for, has moved ten miles away.

When Megan get's back from school she's in for a little surprise too. There's a new girl from California. She's extremely flashy wich makes Megan's best friend Sue Anne really want to meet her.
But Megan isn't as inclined to do that. Both Megan and Greg start their school year on a bad foot, fueling their bickering and fighting.

Every day coming home from school Megan goes to her "job" at a doughnut place. She gets paid in doughnuts.
One day coming home from her job Megan hears a voice telling her to pass her one. The voice is that of an elderly woman in a retirement home. The woman,- Emily becomes Megan's best friend. Every day Megan would bring Emily her favorite doughnut of all: French Crullers.

Meanwhile, Greg is determined to meet Jennifer one last time. You might say his quest was in vain and you might not. He is beginning to really like a friend of Jennifer's. Both Megan and Greg love hockey. Then one day on the rink Megan confronts the California girl. You'll never guess the end their conflict.

I think this book is one of my favorite books for it's ability to put you on the edge of your seat and for how real and sincere the story is.

Inappropriate material .......2007-02-02

This book is poorly written, disgustingly inappropriate, and crass. The characters are rude to each other. It references periods, maxi pads, virgins, groupies... it clearly shows the problems in today's society including lack of respect for each other, lack of dignity, forget grace, that's long gone... Do anything with your money other than buying this book.

The Cobra vs. The Mongoose.......2006-07-15

Growing up in a family with five kids, I am very familiar with the topic of sibling rivalry- the constant squabbles, the nasty name-calling, and the occasional all-out brawl. However, the occasional fights between my siblings seem minor when compared to the non-stop warfare between the brother and sister characters in Jerry Spinelli's "Who Put That Hair in My Toothbrush?"

"Who Put That Hair in My Toothbrush?" details the lives of two suburban Pennsylvannian middle-schoolers: ninth grader, Greg Tofer, and his seventh grader sister, Megin. Spinelli gives each character a viewpoint with alternating chapters to allow Greg and Megin to discuss their lives. Greg's life revolves mainly around girls- his desire to impress his crush, Jennifer Wade, with a body toned and tanned by a summer of weightlifting and healthy eating, and his relationship with a much more available girl, Sara Bellamy. Greg also details his friendships with immature loudmouth, Valducci, and fourteen years old going on thirty, Poff. On the other hand, Megin's chapters present her as a hardnosed tomboy- whose life revolves around hockey, donuts, and a friendship with a lonely old woman. Megin has friends her age too- flighty chattermouth, Sue Ann, and the "exotic" Californian, Zoe.

However, the majority of the book deals with how much Greg and Megin literally hate one another. They battle over EVERYTHING and there is not one tactic they won't resort to in order to embarrass and annoy the other such as sticking a hair in a toothbrush. They won't even acknowledge each other's names- to Gregg, Megin is "Megamouth" and he's "Grosso" to her. They even use their four year old brother, Toddie, as an instrument in their warfare with each vying for the affections of the little boy. Oh, they also resort to violence against one another on occasion. Their good-hearted, jolly father and tired mother try to reconcile the two, but it seems hopeless because as Megin puts it the two of them are like a cobra and a mongoose- "natural enemies." However, events will prove that Greg and Megin do need each other.

Jerry Spinelli writes in an extremely humorous style which captures the emotional upheavals of the average middle-schooler so it was surprising to discover that he's a grandfather! In fact, "Who Put that Hair in My Toothbrush?" was first published over twenty years ago and it's age shows in spots- record players, leg warmers, Wayne Gretsky as an Edmonton Oiler, ect. However, it still captures the subject of sibling rivalry fairly well- although Spinelli at times paints the picture a little broadly and the characters little too unlikeable (Megin in particular can come across as an appallingly spoiled brat!) Overall, though, this is fairly amusing story and will keep one entertained.

Average customer rating:

A Bit Dated
Who Will Tell My Brother?
A Book That Will Stay In Your Mind
The Mascot
Beautiful!

Who Will Tell My Brother?
Marlene Carvell
Manufacturer: Hyperion
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

School | Issues | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature & Fiction | Teens | Subjects | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0786816570

Book Description

International Reading Association Children's Book Award Winner Determined to sway high school officials to remove disparaging Indian mascots, Evan assumes a struggle that spirals him onto a soul-searching journey and exposes him to a barrage of bullying, taunts, and escalating violence.Marlene Carvell's striking first novel is a timely look at a true story of a mixed-race teen caught up in an exploration of his past, his culture, and his identity.

Customer Reviews:

A Bit Dated.......2007-06-11

Evan is a high school student descended from Native Americans. His father's relatives still live on a reservation and Evan and his mother and brother visit them there. But other than this heritage, Evan is a pretty typical high school student.

But then, one day at a school pep rally, Evan finds himself really bothered by what he sees. His school's mascot is an Indian, a horrible caricature of Indian traditions. The mascot does clumsy Indian dances, wears a headband with feathers and shrieks out war whoops. The cheerleaders have their faces streaked with color to imitate war paint. Evan grows more and more embarrassed and upset as the pep rally continues, until he thinks he can't stand it anymore. He decides to try to do something about the situation.

Like his older brother did years before Evan when he was in high school, Evan goes to the school board to ask them to consider changing the school's mascot to something less offensive. Although he approaches them time and time again, they state that the members of the school take pride in their mascot and it isn't hurting anyone. Evan continues the fight, although he is harassed at school. Can one student win a battle against an entire town?

I liked that the story was told in poems, but each poem was detailed enough to give me a clear idea of what was going on. I liked the ending of this story, too.

I think this story is already a bit out of date, though. In our current state of political correctness, I don't think a school board would dare to refuse a request such as Evan's anymore.

Who Will Tell My Brother?.......2006-12-03

I think that this book is only ok. It is good because it helps people learn how to stand up for their race, and gain courage. But I did not like the author's style of writing which was in poem form, which made it difficult for me to enjoy the book.

A Book That Will Stay In Your Mind.......2006-04-25

Who Will Tell My Brother, by Marlene Carvell, is a thought provoking novel written in the Karen Hesse (Out of the Dust) blank verse style. It tells the tale of Evan, a high school senior of Native American heritage, and his struggle with the powers that be in an attempt to remove the offensive Indian school mascot. Carvell's vivid description of the "painted face with empty eyes" picture of the mascot brings the point home clearly that Native Americans are living people as Evan struggles with his heritage and the hatred from his fellow students. The school board also does not understand why Evan is taking this matter so seriously and tell him "Racism is matter of opinion."

Evan's older brother, Jacob, was the first student to attempt to change the mascot, but now is away at college. The title of the story is the main plot point as Evan must tell his brother about a terrible and violent act done to scare Evan away from continuing his struggle. The violence changes the opinion of the majority of the student body from supporting the mascot to silently protesting the mascot's presence at graduation.

Carvell's use of verse was very moving in describing Evan's emotions as he stood up for what he believed in. The act of violence is devastating and will stay with the reader long after they've completed the story. Evan's courage and inner strength will also stay with readers who stand up for what is right.

The Mascot.......2005-11-22

This book is about a typical boy named Evan. He is a senior in High School. At the school the mascot is an Indian. Evan's ancestors are Indians and he feels that the mascot is very offensive and racial. He tries to go to the school board many times to persuade them to agree that the mascot is offensive. Because Evan is trying to get rid of the mascot many of the other students at school taunt and bully him. HE is constantly being taunted because of what he thinks. You have to read the book to find out what happens to Evan and see if they get rid of the mascot.
In the book I liked that Evan never gives up, and he keeps on trying even though he is being taunted so much. In the book I didn't like he was bullied all the time. I also didn't like that when he was taunted only half the time someone would step in and help him.
I think that people that like books that are in poem form would like this book. I think that if you like books that are about people never giving up and are fighting for what they believe in would like this book.

Beautiful!.......2004-05-31

This is one of the most beautifully created books I have ever read in my entire life. It's sort of wierd how it's written in poetry, but once you start reading it, you can't stop, and you'll start to understand it more. I encourage every sing soul to read this book. Male and female both young and old--you will truly be blessed.

Average customer rating:

A Brother from the Detroit Michigan Area
A thoughtful look at an age-old subject-Christian fellowship
A Book Not Loved by Right or Left
The book seemed to actually encourage division.

Who Is My Brother?
F.LaGard Smith , and F. LaGard Smith
Manufacturer: 21st Century Christian
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0966006003

Book Description

F. LaGard Smith challenges Christians to think more critically about identity, salvation, and fellowship.

Customer Reviews:

A Brother from the Detroit Michigan Area.......2000-11-22

This book could be titled "Advanced Topics in Christianity". The book is real meat and potatoes and will really make you think in depth. I couldn't put it down it down.

Also, there are those that like to bash F. LaGard because he doesn't always preach what "itching ears want to hear". I have met him and heard him preach. He is not out to win any popularity contests nor compromise his beliefs to sell books. He is simply preaching the word and challenging us to think about what we believe and take action on those beliefs.

F. LaGard is a true intellect!

Put this on your must read list!

A thoughtful look at an age-old subject-Christian fellowship.......1999-09-14

This book caused me to re-think many of my ideas about Christian fellowship. I am looking at the subject in light of "Who IS my brother?" as oppossed to "Who is NOT my brother?".

I would highly recommend it to any Christian who is searching to find an answer to the question, "Who is really a Christian?" You may be surprised at the answer you come up with after reading this book.

A Book Not Loved by Right or Left.......1999-05-15

This book makes a very, very good case for the Biblical view of baptism. This is something many today do not want to hear. On the other hand, the author acknowledges God has the prerogative to save whomever he desires -- something that irritates those on the far right. This is an extremely thoughtful book by a man who is one of the best thinkers in Churches of Christ today. The fact that he has people shooting at him from both sides says a lot. While he does criticize Max Lucado in an appendix to the book, it is not done in a caustic, hateful way. On the other hand, he does take a shot (and a well-deserved shot it is!) at some of the more legalistic brethren who seem to suffer from a Diotrephes complex -- those who want to immediately label as a "false teacher" any who disagree with them on nearly any obscure point.

The book seemed to actually encourage division........1999-04-24

I picked up this book with enthusiasm, expecting to see a turn from the strict legalism so prominent in many churches of Christ (of which I am a member). Instead, I was very disappointed to see that Mr. Smith seemed to take a stand neither for the call for unity among all denominations, nor for the more traditional viewpoints of the church. Mr. Smith advocated that Christians may grow and learn from the teachings of men that he believes are not saved. I much preferred "In the Grip of Grace," by Max Lucado - a book which was, ironically, criticized by Mr. Smith in his book.

I Love My Brother!: A Preschooler's View of Living With a Brother Who Has Autism

Average customer rating:

as a teacher
A Very Unique Perspective

I Love My Brother!: A Preschooler's View of Living With a Brother Who Has Autism
Connor Sullivan
Manufacturer: Phat Art 4 Pub
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | Family Relationships | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books

Siblings | Family Relationships | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books

General | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Accessories:

ASIN: 0970658117

Book Description

The Perfect book for young siblings and as a guide for helping preschool and kindergarten-aged students better understand their peers with autism.

Customer Reviews:

as a teacher.......2004-08-12

I am a teacher for children with special needs and I have found using this book with the general eductaion population has helped them understand the disability. I have several students included into the general education classroom and this book helps the children understand the student with Autism. It has made the transition for inclusion so much smoother for my students.

A Very Unique Perspective.......2001-12-07

This book is an extraordinary resource for teachers and parents. Connor shares in a unique voice the realities of living with an autistic brother in an uplifting way. I am his Mom, but I have had people tell me that they cried the first time they read his book because it was the first one that they could share with the youngest of siblings. When you read it I am sure you will agree with my five star rating. And that you will learn something from this very insightful child.

Who Are My Brothers: Cleric Lay Relationships in Men's Religious Communities

Average customer rating:

A book that retains its relevance a decade later

Who Are My Brothers: Cleric Lay Relationships in Men's Religious Communities

Manufacturer: Alba House
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0818905336

Customer Reviews:

A book that retains its relevance a decade later.......1998-07-31

I am neither the publisher nor the author of the book, but am the editor whose name appears on the book.

Often works of this nature tend to become dated almost at once and are cast off by potential readers who have only now come into contact with the book and who, with a quick glance at the publication date, presume there is nothing relevant for them any longer in the contents.

Not so. The topic of this book--the state of relationships between clerical and lay religious men (i.e., between priests and brothers)--is as current today as it was when the work was commissioned by the Conference of Major Superiors of Men in the late eighties.

The chapters are comprised of topical articles written by experienced individuals expert in their field--theology, sociology, education, psychology, monasticism, canon law, history--and offer a broad perspective of issues at work in creating both helps and hindrances toward the smooth collaboration between clerical and lay vowed ! religious in congregations of the Roman Catholic Church in the United States and their expression of due respect and regard for one another.

The book is divided into three sections: studies of the development of relational situations existing today from several viewpoints; experiential and anecdotal narratives revealing elements contributing to relational situations; and a summary of a statistical study made at the time that delves into attitudes that help form relational situations between priests and brothers in either the same or different religious communities of men.

Because of the very deliberate pace at which Rome--the Vatican--marches in investigating and seeking resolution to matters proposed for consideration by the Church, the topic of EQUALITY of opportunity in elective congregational offices, at the heart of a good bit of the tension still existing between clerical and lay religious, has yet to be the subject of a definitive statement by the Pope, the Congrega! tion for Religious Institutes, or the Canon Law Institute. ! Opinion in some circles still holds that the sacrament of orders bestows certain juridically non-transferable capabilities upon its recipients, and therefore non-ordained religious, i.e., lay religious, cannot be juridically equal to their clerical confreres, and hence cannot exercise equal authority as congregational leaders, even in areas not related to jurisdiction. Rome continues its study of this issue.

In the meantime the arguments for and against total equality remain as urgently relevant as they were a decade ago. Today's reader may take up the book knowing that its contents likely could not have been to any significant degree updated except by peripheral and anecdotal material.

Average customer rating:
Letters on the subject of the Catholics, to my brother Abraham, who lives in the country
Sydney Smith
Manufacturer: Printed for Longman, Orme, Brown, Green, and Longmans, Paternoster-row
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B00088VFQM

Average customer rating:
"To my brother who did a crime ...": Former prisoners tell their stories in their own words

Manufacturer: DoubleDay
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Penology | Crime & Criminals | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
Sociology | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books | AIDS | Abuse | Adults | Aging | Children | Class | Communities | Culture | Death | General | History | Leisure | Marriage & Family | Medicine | Men | Occupational | Race Relations | Religion | Research & Measurement | Rural | Social Groups | Social Situations | Social Theory | Suburban | Urban | Women
ASIN: 0385077378

Average customer rating:
To My Brother Who Did A Crime...:
Barbara. HABENSTREIT
Manufacturer: see notes for publisher info
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000MX2D6E

Average customer rating:
To My Brother Who Did a Crime...; Former Prisoners tell Their Storie
Barbara HABENSTREIT
Manufacturer: see notes for publisher info
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000MXKHSK

Average customer rating:
The Welfare State: Who Is My Brother's Keeper?
Fred Krinsky
Manufacturer: Macmillan Pub Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 0024760404

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books