Koncocoo

Best Children's Books on Bullies

Wonder
Soon to be a major film starring Julia Roberts, Owen Wilson and Jacob Tremblay. WONDER is a funny, frank, astonishingly moving debut to read in one sitting, pass on to others, and remember long after the final page. Homeschooled all his life, August heads to public school for fifth grade and he is not the only one changed by the experience--something we learn about first-hand through the narratives of those who orbit his world. What is essential is invisible to the eye.” From The Little Prince and R.J. Palacio’s remarkable novel, Wonder .-- Seira Wilson August, nicknamed Auggie, is a 10-year-old with a facial deformity that causes others to avoid and even shun him.
Reviews
"I'm a 54 year old grandfather who served in the Marine Corps (just for a little context). Palacio...I can't believe how she so accurately and consistently pegs human nature."
"The most emotional moment for me came toward the end of the book when Auggie's father tells him that he loves the way Auggie looks, because that it exactly how my husband and I feel about our son."
"Author R.J. Palacio writes the book in multiple voices -- Auggie's, some of his friends', his sister's -- and the different points of view are mostly very well-realized and show the inner feelings of the different characters."
"I would recommend all young children to read this book and I would certainly recommend adults to read it because it will certainly change that "judgement of others" into "an acceptance of others.""
"The author did a really good job of putting the reader inside the heads of the characters in the book, helping us to really get to know them and to see different perspectives of the same situation."
"I'm a Special Needs teacher and I love how this book teaches "typical kids" to accept someone who looks different in their school; it makes the child who's different feel special as well."
"On a recommendation from my daughter (35), I read it after I saw the movie."
"Friends said to read the book before seeing the movie."
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The Outsiders
But not on much else besides trouble with the Socs, a vicious gang of rich kids whose idea of a good time is beating up on “greasers” like Ponyboy. S. E. Hinton's classic story of a boy who finds himself on the outskirts of regular society remains as powerful today as it was the day it was first published. " The Outsiders transformed young-adult fiction from a genre mostly about prom queens, football players and high school crushes to one that portrayed a darker, truer world." Praise for The Outsiders "The Outsiders transformed young-adult fiction from a genre mostly about prom queens, football players and high school crushes to one that portrayed a darker, truer world." "What it's like to live lonely and unwanted and cornered by circumstance...There is rawness and violence here, but honest hope, too." A New York Herald Tribune Best Teenage Book. A Chicago Tribune Book World Spring Book Festival Honor Book. An ALA Best Book for Young Adults. Winner of the Massachusetts Children's Book Award.
Reviews
"I always have and always will love this book."
"She is 13 years old and doesn't know about the movie, otherwise I think she'd just skip the book."
"The Outsiders contain everything; family, friendship, love, death, grief and just about anything else."
"This book turned my non reader son into an avid reader in 5th grade he read this book and did not put it down and has not stopped reading since."
"My grandkids are reading this book at schools and were so surprised that it was one if my favorite books from my high school days."
"Using this book to teach an 8th-grade language arts class, kids still relate to the characters even after 50 years."
"I read this book in class and at first, I really didnt like it, but honest to God this book changed my life for the better."
"I think is was about 12 when I first read it."
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Auggie & Me: Three Wonder Stories
Auggie & Me gives readers a special look at Auggie’s world through three new points of view. More than that, Wonder touches the heart in the most life-affirming, unexpected ways, delivering in August Pullman a character whom readers will remember forever. Entertainment Weekly: "In a wonder of a debut, Palacio has written a crackling page-turner filled with characters you can't help but root for." The New York Times : "Rich and memorable...It's Auggie and the rest of the children who are the real heart of 'Wonder,' and Palacio captures the voices of girls and boys, fifth graders and teenagers, with equal skill." The Wall Street Journal : "What makes R.J. Palacio's debut novel so remarkable, and so lovely, is the uncommon generosity with which she tells Auggie's story…The result is a beautiful, funny and sometimes sob-making story of quiet transformation.”. - Patricia Reilly Giff , two-time Newbery honor-winning author of Lily's Crossing and Pictures of Hollis Woods. Starred Review, Publishers Weekly : “Few first novels pack more of a punch: it's a rare story with the power to open eyes--and hearts--to what it's like to be singled out for a difference you can't control, when all you want is to be just another face in the crowd.” Starred Review, Booklist : “Palacio makes it feel not only effortless but downright graceful, and by the stand-up-and-cheer conclusion, readers will be doing just that, and feeling as if they are part of this troubled but ultimately warm-hearted community.”. Starred Review, School Library Journal : "Palacio has an exceptional knack for writing realistic conversation and describing the thoughts and emotions of the characters...A well-written, thought-provoking book. ". But one day several years ago, a chance encounter with an extraordinary child in front of an ice cream store made R.J. realize that the perfect time to write that book had finally come.
Reviews
"In Auggie & Me, Palacio delves into three secondary characters from Wonder: Julian, Christopher and Charlotte. We get to understand Julian, how his nightmares affected the way he reacted to Auggie, how his mother kept making excuses for him as opposed to helping him take responsibility for his actions. Charlotte's story, in Shingaling, shone the most brightly for me, perhaps because her insecurities resonated with me, or perhaps because her friendship struggles were separate from Auggie's and so more fully developed as a standalone story."
"this book tells the perspective of Julian, Chris, and Charlotte of their lives and crisess."
"A really good companion book to "Wonder.""
"This book is a thought provoking look at how understanding things from someone else's perspective can make all the difference in the world."
"I feel these stories are beneficial to children and will hopefully open their eyes to how they treat others and understand what true kindness is."
"Definitely a must read."
"Bought this for my granddaughter."
"Amaing books!"
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Best Children's Nonfiction Sports Books

Unbroken (The Young Adult Adaptation): An Olympian's Journey from Airman to Castaway to Captive
In this captivating and lavishly illustrated young adult edition of her award-winning #1 New York Times bestseller, Laura Hillenbrand tells the story of a former Olympian's courage, cunning, and fortitude following his plane crash in enemy territory. On a May afternoon in 1943, an American military plane crashed into the Pacific Ocean and disappeared, leaving only a spray of debris and a slick of oil, gasoline, and blood. Ahead of Zamperini lay thousands of miles of open ocean, leaping sharks, a sinking raft, thirst and starvation, enemy aircraft, and, beyond, a trial even greater. Featuring more than one hundred photographs plus an exclusive interview with Zamperini, this breathtaking odyssey—also captured on film by director Angelina Jolie—is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the ability to endure against the unlikeliest of odds. Gr 9 Up—Adapted from the best-selling adult book of the same name, this riveting account tells the story of Louis Zamperini, a thief turned track star, Olympian, airman, castaway, and prisoner of war. Though this is a strong, well-written work, the adult version is accessible and engaging; students are better off sticking with the original.—Stephanie Farnlacher, Trace Crossings Elementary School, Hoover, AL “This adaptation of Hillenbrand’s adult best-seller is highly dramatic and exciting, as well as painful to read as it lays bare man’s hellish inhumanity to man.”-- Booklist , STARRED. "This captivating book emphasizes the importance of determination, the will to survive against impossible odds, and support from family and friends.
Reviews
"The changes were immediately apparent: On the first page, the previous version read: Somewhere on the endless expanse of the Pacific Ocean, Army Air Forces bombardier and Olympic runner Louie Zamperini lay across a small raft, drifting westward. The new version read: Somewhere on the Pacific Ocean, American military airman and Olympic runner Louie Zamperini lay on a small raft, drifting. In a nutshell, Hillenbrand deleted "the endless expanse of," and simplified Zamperini's title from "Army Air Forces bombardier," to "American military airman." He is easily the bravest, most remarkable person I've ever read about, and a fine example of what we hope our young people will choose to emulate."
"I would recommend this book specifically to younger audiences because if you are an adult you should read the more complex version as it is more deep."
"Read at school, good for young adults."
"He was one of the most remarkable men I have ever read about. The recounting of their time in the raft, that they survived is due to the courage of the men, especially Louie."
"Good book, my son (12) loves WWII stories."
"Here is a hero who changed his life from a boy always getting into trouble to a high school athlete, Olympic athlete, and outstanding member of WWII armed forces."
"It shares such am amazing story with so many things to learn and to apply to our own lives."
"Got this book for my 11 year old."
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Best Children's Nonfiction Computer Books

Diary of a Minecraft Zombie Book 1: A Scare of a Dare (An Unofficial Minecraft Book)
In the first book of this hilarious Minecraft adventure series, we get to read the diary of an actual 12 year old, Minecraft Zombie.
Reviews
"The ten year old read this book. His review is, "It was good but short." Here is the question and answer session that followed in order to elicit more information: What's it about? A zombie who has troubles at schools and goes on a couple of adventures. Is there any bad language or violence in it?"
"Obviously the premise of the story is based on the Wimpy Kid series, so you're basically getting a point-of-view story in diary form. There are little black and white pictures scattered throughout, so it breaks up the story and makes it more entertaining for the reader. I also have to add that we were given a free copy of the book from the author in exchange for a fair review, but I went ahead and purchased another copy for myself as well as book 4 in the series for my son - we loved it that much!"
"He got it for Christmas and spent that afternoon reading it--and this is a kid who didn't really read on his own for fun!"
"Overall I think it is a great book- especially good for encouraging boys to find the love for reading."
"My 6 year old read this in one day, he thought it was so entertaining!"
"It is for a younger group but I have been reading the freebie digital copy on my tablet and I have to admit, I am amused with it."
"Great gift for 10 yr old grandson!"
"My son loves being read to and we read to him every night, but this is the FIRST book that he has read independently!"
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Best Teen & Young Adult Classic eBooks

The Hobbit (Lord of the Rings)
Bilbo Baggins is a hobbit who enjoys a comfortable, unambitious life, rarely traveling any farther than his pantry or cellar. Bilbo reluctantly joins their quest, unaware that on his journey to the Lonely Mountain he will encounter both a magic ring and a frightening creature known as Gollum. Bilbo, along with his friend Gandalf the Wizard, embarks on an adventure with a band of dwarves that sends them into the wild and the depths of the earth to reclaim the Lonely Mountain from a dragon. What transpires as a game of riddles and escape from the creature Gollum in the Hobbit is, in fact, the foundation for an entire adventure for the whole of Middle Earth in Bilbo's later years. Inspired by the author's time serving in World War I, The Hobbit builds to a climactic battle in which many characters met throughout the book reappear.
Reviews
"I did a ton of research and decided upon this version (ISBN 116-1749849-2513827), illustrated by Alan Lee and published by Harper Collins in June 2014 (I am adding these details because the Amazon.com site does not make it clear what this version is). The only drawback is that the facsimile pages of the Book of Mazarbul was not included, which I found to be surprising and a bit disappointing Also, the ring inscription and the Gandalf "rune" are printed in black rather than silver and red. Probably the main issue is the clear plastic slipcover, which is barely bigger than the book itself, and it is difficult to slip the book back inside it after taking it out."
"I'll keep it brief, this is not a review of the actual story but of this specific edition."
"I'd never read these books all the way through before, and was determined to try, despite remembering what I had read as being tedious and somewhat purple-prose-ish."
"The font size seems to be based on the length of the books, the longer the books are, the smaller the font is (I suppose this was in order to keep them pocket-sized as well as consistent with the sizes of the other books throughout the set)."
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Best Teen & Young Adult Bullying Fiction

Thirteen Reasons Why
THE #1 NEW YORK TIMES AND INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER. **THE BOOK THAT STARTED IT ALL, NOW A NETFLIX ORIGINAL SERIES** “Eerie, beautiful, and devastating.” — Chicago Tribune “A stealthy hit with staying power. thriller-like pacing.” — The New York Times “ Thirteen Reasons Why will leave you with chills long after you have finished reading.” — Amber Gibson, NPR’s “All Things Considered” You can’t stop the future. Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a strange package with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers several cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker—his classmate and crush—who committed suicide two weeks earlier. Asher’s novel asks us to look at how petty cruelty can deal crushing blows.” — Miami Herald “Wonderfully realistic in his writing, Asher offers teens and parents alike a great story on an important topic.” — Green Bay Press-Gazette “It is a brilliant debut that will leave readers feeling a sense of remorse for Hannah, guilt for Clay, and hope for the lasting lesson of the story.” — Bookazine “Breakneck pace and dizzying emotion.” — School Library Journal “[Hannah’s] pain is gut-wrenchingly palpable. WINNER OF Association of Booksellers for Children’s “Best Books”. American Library Association’s “Best Books for Young Adults” and “Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers”. Heartland Award for Excellence in Young Adult Literature. Florida Teens Read Award. California Book Award. Kentucky Bluegrass Award. Book Sense Pick. International Reading Association’s “Young Adults' Choices” Finalist. Chicago Public Library’s “Best of the Best Books”. Kansas State Reading Circle’s “Recommended Reading List”. New York Public Library’s “Book for the Teen Age”. 16 State Award Master Lists. Jay Asher’s Thirteen Reasons Why is one of those books, and is at the very top of my personal Must-Read list.” —Ellen Hopkins, bestselling author of Tricks , Identical , Crank , Burned , Impulse , and Glass “A spectacular first novel.
Reviews
"For the longest time it was the only representation I had for mental illness, I connected with a dead girl because she had so many emotions I also shared sometimes to my own fright. The ending always shook me because she wasn't coming back, you had such a strong narrator for these tragedies but she wasn't going to get up and say ha! Now as an adult reading it, it's still heartbreaking and terribly tragic and I still connect so strongly to this story. Clay was the perfect perspective to put it in because I can't think good things about any of the other characters, as hard as the tv show wants you too. This book will always hold a special place in my heart, and I'm sure once the shock of the show wears off it will too."
"The story revolves around Clay, who finds a box of cassette tapes waiting on his doorstep one day. As he listens to them, he is drawn into the story of Hannah, his crush that committed suicide just a couple weeks earlier. The tapes share the thirteen reasons why she made the choice that she did, one for each person that contributed to that decision."
""Thirteen Reasons Why" is a novel that examines teen angst, bullying, suicide, and relationships, in the context of a story about a conflicted high school girl who chose to end her life, rather than continue confronting classmates whom she perceived to be her tormentors."
""Thirteen Reasons Why" is a novel that examines teen angst, bullying, suicide, and relationships, in the context of a story about a conflicted high school girl who chose to end her life, rather than continue confronting classmates whom she perceived to be her tormentors."
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Best Teen & Young Adult Fiction

Looking for Alaska
The award-winning, genre-defining debut from John Green, the #1 international bestselling author of Turtles All the Way Down and The Fault in Our Stars Millions of copies sold! His whole life has been one big non-event, and his obsession with famous last words has only made him crave “the Great Perhaps” even more (Francois Rabelais, poet). He heads off to the sometimes crazy and anything-but-boring world of Culver Creek Boarding School, and his life becomes the opposite of safe. ★ Michael L. Printz Award Winner. ★ Los Angeles Times Book Prize Finalist. ★ NPR's 100 Best-Ever Teen Novels. ★ TIME Magazine 's 100 100 Best Young Adult Books of All Time. ★ An ALA Best Book for Young Adults Top 10. ★ An ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Readers. ★ A Booklist Best Book of the Year. ★ A Kirkus Best Book of the Year. ★ A SLJ Best Book of the Year. ★ A New York Public Library Book for the Teen Age. ★ “Miles is a witty narrator who manages to be credible as the overlooked kid, but he's also an articulate spokesperson for the legions of teen searching for life meaning (his taste for famous last words is a believable and entertaining quirk), and the Colonel's smarts, clannish loyalties, and relentlessly methodological approach to problems make him a true original....There's a certain recursive fitness here, since this is exactly the kind of book that makes kids like Miles certain that boarding school will bring them their destiny, but perceptive readers may also realize that their own lives await the discovery of meaning even as they vicariously experience Miles' quest.” – BCCB , starred review. Going, author of Fat Kid Rules the World , a Michael L. Printz Award Honor Book.
Reviews
"His books go so into detail and can reach out to young teens with his words through the story."
"I wanted to give this book less stars, but I realized it was for a personal reason."
"The description of Alaska made her a bookworm, however, the antics and social circle she inspired left me thinking of her as less of a reader and more of a leader."
"Vast, beautiful, full of discovery and awe inspiring."
"This author is really worth reading , I was fascinated by his account of these teens lives.There must be something about a prep school that brings out the craziness of teens. Craziness seems to go with being a teen.However I think of my teens and friends and we didn't hide smokes and wine , we liked most teachers and even respected authority."
"I LOVE John Green's writing. This story was very different from what I usually read."
"You are a potential buyer of said book I am reviewing. Because I see no other fit way for the review of this book. You see, by the end of this book, Miles is a changed person."
"A quote Alaska contemplates throughout this book is “how will I ever get out of the labyrinth of misery?” I believe Alaska didn't think she deserved to escape the labyrinth and that’s why she rebelled so much and she wanted Miles to rebel with her because she was so lonely."
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Best Children's Books on Manners

What If Everybody Did That? (What If Everybody? Series)
Using humorous illustrations rendered in mixed media, these questions are answered in a child-friendly way and show the consequences of thoughtless behavior. The narrator commits a series of seemingly minor offenses, such as feeding popcorn to the bears in the zoo, throwing an empty soda can out the car window, sneaking a lick of frosting from a wedding cake, and interrupting the librarian during storytime. Madden's experience as a greeting-card illustrator is evident in the variety of expressions shown on the faces of the multicultural cast in the colorful mixed-media drawings.
Reviews
"The school I work at is a "Leader In Me" school, and this book fits in perfectly for teaching students about the habits and taking care of themselves and others!"
"I gave this book to my two small grandsons and it motivated them to clean up the park they enjoy going too."
"I used this book as a lesson about rules and laws to teach a social studies unit."
"Made an impact on my daughter."
"Great book."
"Great for teaching kids about how small things make a different."
"Not only is this book fun, it has a very important social message."
"This book teaches children to be responsible and respectful of people and our world."
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Best Children's Books on Friendship

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
Then, on Harry's eleventh birthday, a great beetle-eyed giant of a man called Rubeus Hagrid bursts in with some astonishing news: Harry Potter is a wizard, and he has a place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. He is left only with a lightning-bolt scar on his forehead, curiously refined sensibilities, and a host of mysterious powers to remind him that he's quite, yes, altogether different from his aunt, uncle, and spoiled, piglike cousin Dudley. Of course, Uncle Vernon yells most unpleasantly, "I AM NOT PAYING FOR SOME CRACKPOT OLD FOOL TO TEACH HIM MAGIC TRICKS!" So far it has won the National Book Award, the Smarties Prize, the Children's Book Award, and is short-listed for the Carnegie Medal, the U.K. version of the Newbery Medal. After 11 years of disregard and neglect at the hands of his aunt, uncle and their swinish son Dudley, Harry suddenly receives a visit from a giant named Hagrid, who informs Harry that his mother and father were a witch and a wizard, and that he is to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry himself.
Reviews
"SPECIAL NOTE: For U.S. customers purchasing the illustrated edition of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, you will notice the text has NOT been converted to the "Americanized" version of the original U.S. releases (with the exception of changing all "Philosopher's Stone" mentions to "Sorcerer's Stone"). Good or bad is naturally for each reader to decide--just know, if you plan to read the books while listening to Jim Dale's audiobooks, you'll notice a few superficial differences. The quality of this new illustrated edition is phenomenal. All chapter intros are illustrated."
"IMPORTANT: For U.S. customers purchasing the illustrated edition of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, you will notice the text has NOT been converted to the "Americanized" version of the original U.S. releases. This difference isn't as prominent or noticeable as it was with Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's/Philosopher's Stone, but still something to keep in mind. Also, to answer a question that has come up quite a bit, this is the FULL BOOK and not an abridged or shortened version. Underneath the book jacket, the novel is bound in a sturdy orange hardback with green lettering on the spine."
"I was ravenous to get my hands on my copy as soon as it was delivered this morning, but was quickly disappointed. But when I took a close look at my dust jacket, I was extremely upset to find that the gold foil lettering for "Harry Potter" had been rubbed away and destroyed completely in some places leaving ugly, black matte in its place-- pock marking the otherwise handsome gold lettering. Needless to say I'm in awe how Bloomsbury has managed to put together such an incredible project, with JK Rowling's remarkable literature and Jim Kay's otherworldly illustrations-- and allowed it to be put together in a low quality binding! Not all alone in a box... Update (October 9th): I have finally received my new book and it was in much, much better condition. The cover and spine were tight, intact and falling apart from the binding like my original copy."
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Best Children's Books on Peer Pressure

Diary of a Minecraft Zombie Book 3: When Nature Calls (An Unofficial Minecraft Book)
Join 12 year old Zombie and all of his school friends, as they prepare to go on a Spring break "scarecation."
Reviews
"My 9-year old grandson loves this book!"
"Great little series that my 7 year old loves to read more than once."
"My 7 year old grandson read these out loud to me from cover to cover with enthusiasm!"
"It's difficult to find anything that a 7 year old boy wants to sit still long enough to read."
"Bought this book set for my 13-year old minecraft zombie, and I was highly disappointed in the reading level of the books."
"We love to read these at bedtime."
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Best Children's Boys & Men Books

The Long Haul (Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Book 9)
Gas station bathrooms, crazed seagulls, a fender bender, and a runaway pig—not exactly Greg Heffley’s idea of a good time. Gr 5–8—When Greg's mom, who's obsessed with family time, insists on a road trip, things are bound to get interesting. Will the Heffley family make it home?
Reviews
"We loved this as a family."
"Whole series is great."
"Great series-Introduced it to my teens years ago and passed them down to my 8 year old."
"fun story."
"It really surprised me it is one of the best Diary of a Wimpy Kid books I have ever read."
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Best Children's Money Books

Go! Stock! Go! A Stock Market Guide for Enterprising Children and Their Curious Parents*: *everything you were afraid your kids would ask
A storybook follows the Johnson family as they learn the fundamentals of stocks and bonds, the mechanics of investing, and important lessons on risk and reward. A refreshing way to teach people the basics of the stock market." - Laurie Itkin, Author, Every Woman Should Know Her Options: Invest Your Way to Financial Empowerment "One is never too young to learn about the value of money. Teaching children how to understand and take control of their finances can be a daunting task. will become the single best purchase you can make towards educating yourself and yourchildren about the pateient dynamics required for success in the stock market. Bennett Zimmerman is a businessman-author who believes that the disciplines of business offer ways to measure 'top-line' improvements in the quality of human, economic, and political rights throughout the world. Zimmerman has worked for BMG Music, the strategy consulting firm of Bain & Company, and studied at Harvard Business School, Dartmouth College and Newcomb School -- a Long Beach, California institution he credits for top education in American politics.
Reviews
"Makes it simple so you come away with the ability to actually try it out -- invest in a few stocks and watch what happens. I bought the book to read with my son because he was interested in investing. He could have read it on his own but I wanted to learn how to invest as well."
"I was so happy when my son started to develop an interest in investing his allowances."
"I just finished the Go Stock Go book and it is WONDERFUL!"
"Awesome book to spark kid's interest!"
"A lively, illuminating introduction to investing in stocks and bonds for the novice."
"Daughter loved it and it has given her some ideas on how to get to a million after college."
"It's a must-have book for the library of every home with children (or adults who are young at heart)..... right next to Dr. Seus' "Oh The Places You'll Go!""
"Excellent book that clearly and easily explains the stock market to a novice or potential in the investor in the stock market."
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Best Children's Books on Emotions & Feelings

The Pout-Pout Fish (A Pout-Pout Fish Adventure)
Fish swims about. With his fish face stuck. In a permanent pout. The bright and bold cartoon illustrations by Dan Hanna accompany Diesen's amusing rhythmic text. —School Library Journal.
Reviews
"First, that how we see ourselves can become a self-fulfilling prophesy... if we compare ourselves unfavorably to others in our circle (i.e. so-and-so can do such-and-such much better than I, such-and-such comes so easily for others but not for me, I'm not as loveable as so-and-so), and keep re-playing that tape in our heads (perhaps reinforced by how we feel others view us), then what we "see" in that mirror is who we'll end up being. The other is that we are capable of influencing others in positive ways by demonstrating simple acts of kindness and compassion, much moreso than using words to point out faults or telling people how they "should" be, "should" feel, "should" act."
"Receiving and giving kisses without asking was a big deal for me, afterall we don't want our daughter to think this sort of behavior is acceptable."
"It teaches a good lesson about setting you mind in a positive state rather than being glum."
"My 7-month-old daughter smiles when we get to the blub, bluub, bluuuuub part."
"Started reading this to my grandson when he was about 8 months old,,,, he loves it!"
"My daughters favorite book."
"Bought for my kid as a Christmas present."
"Such a cute rhyming story!"
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Best Children's Girls & Women Books

Number the Stars
As the German troops begin their campaign to "relocate" all the Jews of Denmark, Annemarie Johansen’s family takes in Annemarie’s best friend, Ellen Rosen, and conceals her as part of the family. On September 29, 1943, word got out in Denmark that Jews were to be detained and then sent to the death camps.
Reviews
"I never really knew about the Holocaust before I read this book and I certainly wouldn't have picked up a boring nonfiction history book."
"I would give it 10 stars if I could, and also the book smells really lovely."
"Donated to my granddaughters 4th grade classroom."
"It is a glimmer into history and it teaches many lessons about humanity, ethics and doing the right thing."
"This book perfectly captured the holocaust in vivid detail from a less common point of view."
"This book is a fast and easy read!"
"From my daughter: "Recommend to all friends and family story of passion and bravery and war the story wants the heart and opens your mind.""
"I enjoyed this book and believe that the students will as well."
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Best Children's Issues in School Books

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
Then, on Harry's eleventh birthday, a great beetle-eyed giant of a man called Rubeus Hagrid bursts in with some astonishing news: Harry Potter is a wizard, and he has a place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. He is left only with a lightning-bolt scar on his forehead, curiously refined sensibilities, and a host of mysterious powers to remind him that he's quite, yes, altogether different from his aunt, uncle, and spoiled, piglike cousin Dudley. Of course, Uncle Vernon yells most unpleasantly, "I AM NOT PAYING FOR SOME CRACKPOT OLD FOOL TO TEACH HIM MAGIC TRICKS!" So far it has won the National Book Award, the Smarties Prize, the Children's Book Award, and is short-listed for the Carnegie Medal, the U.K. version of the Newbery Medal. After 11 years of disregard and neglect at the hands of his aunt, uncle and their swinish son Dudley, Harry suddenly receives a visit from a giant named Hagrid, who informs Harry that his mother and father were a witch and a wizard, and that he is to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry himself.
Reviews
"SPECIAL NOTE: For U.S. customers purchasing the illustrated edition of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, you will notice the text has NOT been converted to the "Americanized" version of the original U.S. releases (with the exception of changing all "Philosopher's Stone" mentions to "Sorcerer's Stone"). Good or bad is naturally for each reader to decide--just know, if you plan to read the books while listening to Jim Dale's audiobooks, you'll notice a few superficial differences. The quality of this new illustrated edition is phenomenal. All chapter intros are illustrated."
"IMPORTANT: For U.S. customers purchasing the illustrated edition of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, you will notice the text has NOT been converted to the "Americanized" version of the original U.S. releases. This difference isn't as prominent or noticeable as it was with Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's/Philosopher's Stone, but still something to keep in mind. Also, to answer a question that has come up quite a bit, this is the FULL BOOK and not an abridged or shortened version. Underneath the book jacket, the novel is bound in a sturdy orange hardback with green lettering on the spine."
"I was ravenous to get my hands on my copy as soon as it was delivered this morning, but was quickly disappointed. But when I took a close look at my dust jacket, I was extremely upset to find that the gold foil lettering for "Harry Potter" had been rubbed away and destroyed completely in some places leaving ugly, black matte in its place-- pock marking the otherwise handsome gold lettering. Needless to say I'm in awe how Bloomsbury has managed to put together such an incredible project, with JK Rowling's remarkable literature and Jim Kay's otherworldly illustrations-- and allowed it to be put together in a low quality binding! Not all alone in a box... Update (October 9th): I have finally received my new book and it was in much, much better condition. The cover and spine were tight, intact and falling apart from the binding like my original copy."
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Best Children's Self-Esteem & Self-Respect

Wonder
Over 6 million people have read the #1 New York Times bestseller WONDER and have fallen in love with Auggie Pullman, an ordinary boy with an extraordinary face. "Wonder is the best kids' book of the year," said Emily Bazelon, senior editor at Slate.com and author of Sticks and Stones: Defeating the Culture of Bullying and Rediscovering the Power of Character and Empathy . Homeschooled all his life, August heads to public school for fifth grade and he is not the only one changed by the experience--something we learn about first-hand through the narratives of those who orbit his world. What is essential is invisible to the eye.” From The Little Prince and R.J. Palacio’s remarkable novel, Wonder .-- Seira Wilson August, nicknamed Auggie, is a 10-year-old with a facial deformity that causes others to avoid and even shun him.
Reviews
"I'm a 54 year old grandfather who served in the Marine Corps (just for a little context). Palacio...I can't believe how she so accurately and consistently pegs human nature."
"The most emotional moment for me came toward the end of the book when Auggie's father tells him that he loves the way Auggie looks, because that it exactly how my husband and I feel about our son."
"Author R.J. Palacio writes the book in multiple voices -- Auggie's, some of his friends', his sister's -- and the different points of view are mostly very well-realized and show the inner feelings of the different characters."
"I would recommend all young children to read this book and I would certainly recommend adults to read it because it will certainly change that "judgement of others" into "an acceptance of others.""
"Friends said to read the book before seeing the movie."
"I have told everyone I know that this is a must read."
"The story was heartwarming and showed positive ways to deal with disabilities."
"I could think of a lot more substance for a book to show this story."
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