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Librarian Reviews

Teacher/Librarian Comments - 2010/2011

 
            “My students read Under the Black Ensign, If I Were You, The Great Secret and Spy Killer. They were able to visualize the stories better with the audio books. They really liked the adventure aspect of the books.  I have recommended these books to other teachers in my school for their reluctant readers.”  - A.W., San Bernardino, CA
 
            “The students like the characters and action.  I really think these would fit in good for teachers using them as part of their Reading and Comprehension classes, Silent Reading Classes. I recommend them for reluctant readers for sure.” - A.S., Montebello, CA
 
            “I would recommend it to the 6th, 7th and 8th grade students in our school That is who had the best time with the stories. They liked the sound effects and this helped them to visualize the story better – A.A., Mc Allen, TX
 
            “My students loved the audio book listening. They liked the move quality sound effects and action. The audio actually kept the students engaged in the book.”      – C.A., San Benito, TX
 
            "We love these books. Since my class are reluctant readers, it is helpful to have the audio!" - Julie Kloster, Oneota Middle School
 
            "My students loved reading the book and listening to the audio together, they were better able to visualize the story." - Annette Wilson, San Bernardino, CA
 
             "All our students loved the adventure. They enjoyed listening to the different voices and the music which added to the suspense." - Eduardo Anguian, King Drew Magnet, Los Angeles, CA
 
            "The students who read the books enjoyed the suspense. Many of them struggle at reading and so enjoyed listening. These were just fun to read." - Paul Dorrise, Central Middle School, Kokomo, IN 
 
            "I noticed that the kids were interested in the cultural information and liked the characters and suspense. I had several reluctant readers really enjoy the books. I'm so glad I found these." - Kristin Barkman, NACS, Ellenburg, NY   
 
            "I would recommend these books to any reading teacher. The book was easy to read and really interesting. These would also help lower level readers or struggling readers because they can listen to it at the same time." - Sabrina Morgan, Westside Middle school, AR   
 
             "My kids really enjoyed listening and reading. It helped the students to understand and pronounce some of the words. I would recommend these books to other schools for sure. We really enjoyed reading and listening." - Aaron, South Sioux Falls   
 
            "I recommended this to many 8th grader teachers in my school. Being able to listen along is a real plus for the students." - Katie Van Arman, Northern Adirondack Central School   
 
            "This helped the student learning disabilities as they were able to access the stories through the audio books." - Michala Koch, Ridgely Middle School
 
 
Student Comments - 2010/2011
 
            “Tom Bristol was my favorite character because him and me are alike! I don’t think the author could do anything better to the books to make them more fun or interesting than they already are.” -Student, San Bernardino, CA
 
            “My favorite character in the book Under the Black Ensign was Lady Jane, because she stands up for herself in the story. I liked listening to the audio book as it helped me to keep my place while reading and I could understand the story more clearly." -Student, Kokomo, IN
            "I think you should make the books longer because I just want to keep reading.  You need to make more and more books like this.  I love them." - Student, Rigley Middle School, MD
            " I think this book is really great.  To be honest with you, I think this is the best book I have ever read." - Student, Rigley Middle School, MD
            “This book helped me to understand life. The midget was brave and he reminds me of myself. I would like to tell the publisher that these books show us how life can really be and I love them.” -Student, Montebello, CA
 
            “I loved Kurt Reid as he was adventurous and courageous. The audio really helped me to concentrate on the story. I loved it. My message to the publisher is that I would like them to keep these coming. They are awesome!” -Student, Montebello, CA
 
            “I liked Tom Bristol because he makes a great leader and sets a good example.” -Student, La Crosse, WI
 
            “I liked If I Were You, because the story shows that people can follow their dreams no matter what their size is, and that their size really doesn’t matter." -Student, McAllen, TX
 
            “I really liked this book If I Were You because it made me imagine.” -Student, San Bernardino, CA
 
            “I liked these audios. They are easy, short adventure which helps to break up long drives." -Student, North Vernon, WI
 
            “This book was great. I liked the way Little Tom Little finally realized that being small wasn't so bad." -Student, Hominy, OK
 
            “Spy Killer was a good book. I learned about the relationship between China and Japan at that time and that was enlightening for me. I also liked that it was short." -Student, Baldwinsville, NY
            "I loved it.  The publisher did a very very very good job.  He could send more to everyone else in my class! Your #1 reader (smiley face)" - Student, Rigley Middle School, MD
            "What I liked about it was that everyone can fight their fears." - Student, Westside Middle School, AR
            “I read Under the Black Ensign and it was an interesting story with neat words. I knew a lot of the words and said them right. My favorite character was Little Tom Little because he is brave and strong." -Student, Kokomo, IN
 
            “What did I like about Spy Killer? Everything! I liked the lady spy as she was so mysterious like me." -Student, Signal Mtn, TN
 
            "The glossary in this book Spy Killer was great. It helped me better understand the story." -Student, Ellenburg Depot, NY
 
            "I enjoyed listening to the audio book (Spy Killer) while reading. The voices and background sounds help me to better enjoy the book. The glossary was also helpful and the book was exciting!" -Student, South Sioux City, NE
 
            “These books help me to see that anything is possible. They have brave characters. I would like to tell the publisher to publish more stories like this that help teach kids to dream and try to better themselves in life.” -Student, Montebello, CA
            "I like the book as it teaches Tommy the lesson that he should just be himself because that is how god made him." - Student, Westside Middle School, AR
            "I listened and read the Iron Duke. The audio book helped me with the book as I could hear the voices and that helps my understanding!" -Student, South Sioux City, NE
            "I hope we can read more of the books in the series, as it has made reading more fun." - Student, Rigley Middle School, MD
            “My favorite character was Little Tom Little because he learned that being big doesn’t make you a strong person within!” -Student, San Bernardino, CA
 
            "I liked the beginning of this book Spy Killer a lot because so much happened to the characters so fast. I liked Varinka the best of all as she caused a lot of trouble for Kurt, hahaha!." -Student, Signal Mtn, TN
 
            "I read Six-Gun Caballero and the only thing I would say to the publisher is "SEND MORE BOOKS!" -Student, South Sioux City, NE
 
            "I read Branded Outlaw and I enjoyed it. I liked that there was action and a bit of romance in it. My favorite character was Lee because he was brave."- Student, Sarasota, FL
 
            “I loved Tom Bristol in the story Under the Black Ensign, as he is a brave and adventurous guy. I really like the audio books too as they helped me to get through the story and understand it!” -Student, San Bernardino, CA
 
 
            "I read Dead Men Kill and I thought the mystery behind the plot was interesting. I enjoyed the audio too as the visuals drew in my mind as I was listening. I would like to read more books in this series." Student, Town & Country, MO
            "Yes I would recommend these titles to my friends because they like adventure -- like this book!" - Student, Rigley Middle School, MD
            “What I liked about this book was the story and how it covered the distinction between China and Japan and the political situation between them. This was an excellent example of the genre. I might want to read some of the westerns too." -Student, Baldwinsville, NY
 
            “I liked this glossary and used it because it made the book more fun! The story was detailed and very fast action." -Student, Hominy, OK
 
            "The book and audio combination was great for me. I was able to focus on the character more than the words. I thought it was also helpful in pronouncing the words. I think the story is wonderful the way it is and will help anybody receive a fun learning experience. Please keep publishing such wonderful works." Student, Sarasota, FL
            "I like Little Tom Little because little people can do big things." - Student, Rigley Middle School, MD
            "I would recommend this book because it teaches you no matter how big or small you are, you just have to believe in yourself." - Student, Westside Middle School, AR
            “The glossary in the book helped me to understand the words and the story. The audio book helped to explain the story to me too. I would recommend these to other classmates, as they are fun!” -Student, San Bernardino, CA
 
Teacher Comments
 
“Fantastic display. The special education students were most drawn to them. They listen to the audio book while reading the book. They can do independent reading programs with the supplemental tapes. I occasionally teach a detective fiction elective and I can use them.” - M.S., Averill Park, NY
 
        “This material I read is just awesome. It's very unusual to find such material that is not only entertaining and useful to keep the kids engaged, but also can classify as great literature.” - K.L., Boston, MA
 
         “I've made these books required reading in my class, and I have other teachers that want these books and audio books as well. I'm passing them along.” - J.P., – Quincy, MS

          “I played and audio book for my class and my students were really moved. I don't think any of these students have been exposed to live theatre in their lives. This is what it was like for them.” - B.Q., – Wilmington, CA
 
“High Interest level, focused works! I use them in all of my language arts classes. Keep them coming! I recommend these titles to students who are daunted by large novels. The westerns and air adventures are a big hit with the kids. History classes only go so far in 8th grade (up to WWI) and these titles give my students the flavor of that time period that text books don’t have time to delve into.” – P.H., Fontana, CA
 
 "I am using these for my independent reading literary recommendation list. These books are helping to get students interested in reading.” - M.B., Brooklyn, NY
 
“I just got the box! Thank you so much for these materials. I have several different classes that I can fit these into and will get them into use right away.” - K.G., Copenhagen, NY

      “These books appeal to students because of the ease of readability. Some of the plots were really interesting for the student readers. However, the real interest came mainly from the students who were unfamiliar with this historical setting.” - J.W., Brooklyn, NY

 
“Your gift could not have arrived at a better time. This morning's paper announced that our governor is withholding 10% of funding promised to schools in order to have enough money to make a payment to the state that is due tomorrow. Sadly, our school budget mandates that when a shortfall arises, the purchase of books for the school is to be suspended. It seemed there would be no new material coming to our library. Imagine my surprise when I opened this box to find this gift. How amazing! Our 9th grade English teacher is very excited and cannot wait to use these items with her students. She teaches a curriculum unit on the writing of mysteries and adventures and these books are just perfect for her. The audio books are particularly helpful; our resource room is in desperate need of more audio book choices for their students. These are often the most expensive purchases I make, therefore, our selection is limited. The students in the class will be joining me the week after our Christmas break for a book talk that will help them select a work of literature for independent reading. I will most definitely make these titles a centerpiece for this demonstration. Please accept my sincere thank you for your assistance in maintaining our ability to build lifelong readers and learners at Canajoharie High School. We will make great use of the Stories from the Golden Age in our library and classrooms. Hopefully, when funding is restored, we will be able to expand on your generous gift!” - T.J., Canajoharie, NY
 
            “I have made a display using items and materials from the different areas. I then displayed the books and encouraged students to read them. They were a big hit. We do not have the funds for many new books. The students went crazy for these books.” - J.L., Whiting, IN
 
            “Oh yes I am using these. The display is colorful…has the Reading Counts, Accelerated Reader & YALSA logos clearly identified. It has the catalog for students to flip through for additional titles. The audio books are perfect. I’m planning on play these CDs through my school bus audio system.” - J.W., Chicago, IL
 
            “These were perfect for reluctant readers. They were first interested in the cover art which drew them to the books. They also really enjoyed listening to the audio books.”       - J.R., East Liverpool, OH
 
           “I was able to use the materials as listening and comprehension and reading skills improvers. I had the students listen and read at the same time. They loved it.” - C.M., Dayton, OH