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The Earth Kingdom Chronicles #6
The Tale of Katara
I'm Katara. I'm traveling through the Earth Kingdom with my brother, Sokka, and Aang, the Avatar. After Aang and I studied Waterbending at the North Pole, we set off to find him an Earthbending teacher. The journey has been kind of rough on all of us. I'm having trouble getting along with Aang's new Earthbending teacher, Toph; Aang's struggling with his Earthbending lessons; and we're being chased not only by Prince Zuko, but his sister, Princess Azula, too! But I know we'll make it through this, as long as we all stick together!
96 pages, Paperback
First published April 8, 2008
46 people are currently reading
814 people want to read
About the author
Michael Teitelbaum
563 books52 followersMichael Teitelbaum has been a writer and editor of children’s books for more than thirty years. He worked on staff as an editor at Golden Books, Grossett & Dunlop, and Macmillan. In addition to The Scary States of America, Michael’s fiction work includes The Very Hungry Zombie: A Parody, and The Very Thirsty Vampire: A Parody both done with artist extraordinaire Jon Apple, published by Skyhorse. His non-fiction work includes writing Jackie Robinson: Champion for Equality, published by Sterling, and The Baseball Hall of Fame, a 2-volume encyclopedia, published by Grolier. He is also the series editor of Great Escapes, true-life acts of incredible courage, published by Harper Collins.
Michael has always had an interest in the paranormal, despite a rather normal childhood in Brooklyn, NY. These days, Michael lives with his wife, Sheleigah, and two talkative cats in an (as yet unhaunted) 180-year-old farmhouse in the beautiful Catskill Mountains of upstate New York.
Michael has always had an interest in the paranormal, despite a rather normal childhood in Brooklyn, NY. These days, Michael lives with his wife, Sheleigah, and two talkative cats in an (as yet unhaunted) 180-year-old farmhouse in the beautiful Catskill Mountains of upstate New York.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
September 6, 2009
More Kataang (Katara and Aang together) :D
April 7, 2024
The Tale of Katara started off somewhat boring with nothing new. However, it improved a little as the story progressed but not in any way that was largely unknown to me.
We get a lot of insight on Katara's feelings for Aang and her inner struggle with trusting people. In my interpretation of Katara, she trusts too quickly and her own insecurity on her trusting nature clouds her judgement. She therefore acts out against Jet without actually hearing what he has to say. This is clearly contrasted to Sokka and Aang who are willing to hear what he has to say and assess the validity of his information. Later on, her interaction with Jet clouds her mind in thinking that Zuko is changing sides. She projects onto Zuko a bit which makes her misunderstand her interaction with him and think he will change sides so she feels betrayed. Zuko never says anything about siding with her. She simply interprets his change to mean that he is doing when it does not have to mean that.
Katara's interaction with Toph was interesting but does not really give anything new. I know that she and Toph are not the best duo even though they had their moments. They are opposites and it is no wonder they clash so much. However, it does make their more friendly moments more meaningful. You don't always have to agree or have a lot in common with someone to be friends.
We get a lot of insight on Katara's feelings for Aang and her inner struggle with trusting people. In my interpretation of Katara, she trusts too quickly and her own insecurity on her trusting nature clouds her judgement. She therefore acts out against Jet without actually hearing what he has to say. This is clearly contrasted to Sokka and Aang who are willing to hear what he has to say and assess the validity of his information. Later on, her interaction with Jet clouds her mind in thinking that Zuko is changing sides. She projects onto Zuko a bit which makes her misunderstand her interaction with him and think he will change sides so she feels betrayed. Zuko never says anything about siding with her. She simply interprets his change to mean that he is doing when it does not have to mean that.
Katara's interaction with Toph was interesting but does not really give anything new. I know that she and Toph are not the best duo even though they had their moments. They are opposites and it is no wonder they clash so much. However, it does make their more friendly moments more meaningful. You don't always have to agree or have a lot in common with someone to be friends.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 4, 2024
"No. Not me. I'm not running away from Aang. I'm going right through the tornado funnel. I don't care how dangerous it might be. Aang needs me and I'm not letting him down. Just reach up and-got him! See, he's coming back down. He just needs to know I'm here for him. After everything he's done, everything he's meant to me, it's the least I can do. I am not letting go."
"I can't wait to see the look on Aang's face when he sees me in this fancy getup-it's nothing like my usual robes. I wonder what he'll say..."
"Oh my gosh, is he going to tell me he loves me? I've thought about it, lots of times... What will I say? I mean, I love Aang as a... as a-"
"I can't wait to see the look on Aang's face when he sees me in this fancy getup-it's nothing like my usual robes. I wonder what he'll say..."
"Oh my gosh, is he going to tell me he loves me? I've thought about it, lots of times... What will I say? I mean, I love Aang as a... as a-"
August 29, 2020
Love it
July 31, 2021
I loved it! Katara is great! I get to know what she was thinking about Zuko at the final moments.
January 29, 2022
I personally don't like Katara so I did not enjoy.
Read
December 9, 2023Do not read this. This is completely useless. If you have seen the original series, you will learn nothing from this. This book adds nothing to the story or to the lore of the avatar universe.
April 22, 2013
OMG I just realized this while filling out each and every field I could on Goodreads for the first time ever. It took me literally 1 whole year to read these. I bought them last April 18 and to the day finally got around to picking up the book from my shelves (real ones) and read at work. What an utter disappointment.
At least the last books about the water "book" had pictures, trivia, forms, ugh this time around they've thrown all that out the window.... along with the COLOR! I'm now copying and pasting this review onto each of the books I had just read. If you think I'm being lazy try reading these books. Yes it's getting docked now that I've suffered through them all.
True there is a tiny section in the back, with color photos and 3D glasses that focuses on one scene from the Earth book but I swear to God almighty 3D is never going to make things better for me anymore. Unless it's the full on immersion of Michael Jackson's Captain Eo or Honey, I Shrunk the Audience! I'm out. I putting my hand to heart and telling you I am past the 3D phase. My kids will just have to suffer through good ole 2D. If they want 3D they can go the fuck outside! Believe you me you can't get any more realer than that!
This is absurd. What a big pile of smoking hot turd balls these books have become. The worst part about it is you are confused by me calling it a book when the books are already books. Yup. Following me now? Nope? Aww well it doesn't matter. Once you bought these books and power through reading them to find out you've been played odds are you aren't able to return them anyway so...whatever.
I am telling all Avatar fans. F you movie folks, you make me sick! But reals fans A:TLA and A:LOK fans, buyer beware, this one is a pass, a seriously hard pass. Just pick up the Earth Book on DVD. Honest. You'll fair better. Get the boxed set, it comes with an "exclusive" (noticing all the quotes... that tells you how much BS I have to stomach to try and get through this - exclusive here just means you can't get it unless you buy the boxed set. It doesn't mean special, limited or otherwise, in any other way...) extra disc with bonus content, splurge a little, if you bought all those discs individually - yeah you guys are screwed too, you can't get your money back for being the excited fans Nickelodeon knew you were either. I'm sorry I feel for you all.That bonus disc is great. All the interviews with Sifu Kisu and Jessie Flower make it so worth it. Do skip the shama lama ding dong garbage - yes I said it - you all know the movie was full of fail and should've been killed with fire but... Get the boxed set.
As of today it's hovering around $30 USD. If you're really cheap or hurting for cash Neflix and Amazon Prime Instant Video offer it up included in the price. If you're really strapped for cash... well, I'm sure you've been thinking this entire while reading the review what you're thinking now so I'm going to say, I am one of you, I watched my illegally downloaded TV rips of Avatar and I then I went and bought the the damn DVDs. They're worth it. Support the great world Bryke have created. Don't act like you're too good for that. When the crapy crap comes along and you're paying 20 bucks to see Transformers number whatever in fakey IMAX 3D don't lie to me and tell me you ain't got the green. Also don't get in my face and try and tell me the movie was great, I will laugh and/or punch you square in the jaw. Not kidding. Quote me on it all you'd like. Spend your money wisely. Soapbox done.
Skip on these books. Not even for your kids. They're going to know what being played feels like at a very young age. Keep them sheltered. Don't expose them to this mess. Peace.
At least the last books about the water "book" had pictures, trivia, forms, ugh this time around they've thrown all that out the window.... along with the COLOR! I'm now copying and pasting this review onto each of the books I had just read. If you think I'm being lazy try reading these books. Yes it's getting docked now that I've suffered through them all.
True there is a tiny section in the back, with color photos and 3D glasses that focuses on one scene from the Earth book but I swear to God almighty 3D is never going to make things better for me anymore. Unless it's the full on immersion of Michael Jackson's Captain Eo or Honey, I Shrunk the Audience! I'm out. I putting my hand to heart and telling you I am past the 3D phase. My kids will just have to suffer through good ole 2D. If they want 3D they can go the fuck outside! Believe you me you can't get any more realer than that!
This is absurd. What a big pile of smoking hot turd balls these books have become. The worst part about it is you are confused by me calling it a book when the books are already books. Yup. Following me now? Nope? Aww well it doesn't matter. Once you bought these books and power through reading them to find out you've been played odds are you aren't able to return them anyway so...whatever.
I am telling all Avatar fans. F you movie folks, you make me sick! But reals fans A:TLA and A:LOK fans, buyer beware, this one is a pass, a seriously hard pass. Just pick up the Earth Book on DVD. Honest. You'll fair better. Get the boxed set, it comes with an "exclusive" (noticing all the quotes... that tells you how much BS I have to stomach to try and get through this - exclusive here just means you can't get it unless you buy the boxed set. It doesn't mean special, limited or otherwise, in any other way...) extra disc with bonus content, splurge a little, if you bought all those discs individually - yeah you guys are screwed too, you can't get your money back for being the excited fans Nickelodeon knew you were either. I'm sorry I feel for you all.That bonus disc is great. All the interviews with Sifu Kisu and Jessie Flower make it so worth it. Do skip the shama lama ding dong garbage - yes I said it - you all know the movie was full of fail and should've been killed with fire but... Get the boxed set.
As of today it's hovering around $30 USD. If you're really cheap or hurting for cash Neflix and Amazon Prime Instant Video offer it up included in the price. If you're really strapped for cash... well, I'm sure you've been thinking this entire while reading the review what you're thinking now so I'm going to say, I am one of you, I watched my illegally downloaded TV rips of Avatar and I then I went and bought the the damn DVDs. They're worth it. Support the great world Bryke have created. Don't act like you're too good for that. When the crapy crap comes along and you're paying 20 bucks to see Transformers number whatever in fakey IMAX 3D don't lie to me and tell me you ain't got the green. Also don't get in my face and try and tell me the movie was great, I will laugh and/or punch you square in the jaw. Not kidding. Quote me on it all you'd like. Spend your money wisely. Soapbox done.
Skip on these books. Not even for your kids. They're going to know what being played feels like at a very young age. Keep them sheltered. Don't expose them to this mess. Peace.
Want to read
July 4, 2016Roughly 3 pages into this boo0k, and I already feel like I shouldn't have bothered.
Thankfully I got it on a book swap website, so it was really pretty cheap. And as a collector(/person who is obsessed with) Avatar, I will probably even get the rest of these books, but I can't imagine I will care for them at all beyond collection's sake.
My issue is largely two-fold.
1) Redundancy
2)HORRIBLE writing
1. The books are just a retelling of the same events as the show (I've had this problem recently). And each book is from a different character's perspective. But that said, none of the books provide new information or really do anything interesting. I can get behind novelizations of shows or movies that I love, but it seems a bit pointless when they are the same thing that I already watched. Then I sort of feel like, well why did I bother, I already watched the show. Now I suppose in some cases, if you're a big enough fan of something (and I am), that you absolutely can't get enough, and you can even enjoy a retelling from another person's perspective. But I think when that happens, at least for me, it is because the retelling is creative and different enough to stand on it's own, and not crumble without having the first/original thing to back it up. I feel as if any piece of literature should be able to be enjoyed on it's own, but if all it is a dull re-hashing of something you've already watched, that doesn't offer any entertainment of it's own or have anything of it's own to offer, then it kind of fails (if that makes sense. Not sure that it does).
Beyond that, the writing in this book is AWFUL. Just plain awful. And I am generally far more liberal about writing styles than most people on goodreads (at least that's what I gather from reading their reviews. People will talk about how bad someone's writing is, but I'll be able to adjust to it, and short, choppy, disjointed sentences won't bother me, poor use of third person perspective won't bother me, nor will repetitive writing, or simple, childish writing. I just don't really mind different writing styles, even if they don't seem all that sophisticated.)
That all said, this writing is beyond terrible. It's literally all: "I wonder what's going to happen? OH LOOK, there's a person!"
"Sokka and I headed off to find Toph, but so far we've had no luck.
Hey, there's Aang!
He's battling that girl, the lightning Firebender, and someone else.
It's... PRINCE ZUKO! And there's Zuko's uncle Iroh.
And who IS this Firebending girl who can shoot lightning? Time to fight!"
I typed that verbatim from the book. And that isn't just one poor passage amongst plenty of other sufficiently written ones. No. That is how the entire book is written. To find a passage to quote to represent just how poor the writing is, all I had to do was open the book to a random page and read a few paragraphs. Sorry (and sad) to day, the writing really is that tragic.
Ending verdict:
If, like me, you really want these books, despite how sad they are, for collection purposes or something, save yourself some time and money, and buy the omnibus version, called Avatar: The Last Airbender (The Earth Kingdom Chronicles Collection) that includes all six of the different character's stories.
Otherwise, this is a set of books you can skip. Just give the journey to Ba Sing Se section of Avatar: The Last Airbender another watch and you'll basically have read these books (except minus the headache!)
Thankfully I got it on a book swap website, so it was really pretty cheap. And as a collector(/person who is obsessed with) Avatar, I will probably even get the rest of these books, but I can't imagine I will care for them at all beyond collection's sake.
My issue is largely two-fold.
1) Redundancy
2)HORRIBLE writing
1. The books are just a retelling of the same events as the show (I've had this problem recently). And each book is from a different character's perspective. But that said, none of the books provide new information or really do anything interesting. I can get behind novelizations of shows or movies that I love, but it seems a bit pointless when they are the same thing that I already watched. Then I sort of feel like, well why did I bother, I already watched the show. Now I suppose in some cases, if you're a big enough fan of something (and I am), that you absolutely can't get enough, and you can even enjoy a retelling from another person's perspective. But I think when that happens, at least for me, it is because the retelling is creative and different enough to stand on it's own, and not crumble without having the first/original thing to back it up. I feel as if any piece of literature should be able to be enjoyed on it's own, but if all it is a dull re-hashing of something you've already watched, that doesn't offer any entertainment of it's own or have anything of it's own to offer, then it kind of fails (if that makes sense. Not sure that it does).
Beyond that, the writing in this book is AWFUL. Just plain awful. And I am generally far more liberal about writing styles than most people on goodreads (at least that's what I gather from reading their reviews. People will talk about how bad someone's writing is, but I'll be able to adjust to it, and short, choppy, disjointed sentences won't bother me, poor use of third person perspective won't bother me, nor will repetitive writing, or simple, childish writing. I just don't really mind different writing styles, even if they don't seem all that sophisticated.)
That all said, this writing is beyond terrible. It's literally all: "I wonder what's going to happen? OH LOOK, there's a person!"
"Sokka and I headed off to find Toph, but so far we've had no luck.
Hey, there's Aang!
He's battling that girl, the lightning Firebender, and someone else.
It's... PRINCE ZUKO! And there's Zuko's uncle Iroh.
And who IS this Firebending girl who can shoot lightning? Time to fight!"
I typed that verbatim from the book. And that isn't just one poor passage amongst plenty of other sufficiently written ones. No. That is how the entire book is written. To find a passage to quote to represent just how poor the writing is, all I had to do was open the book to a random page and read a few paragraphs. Sorry (and sad) to day, the writing really is that tragic.
Ending verdict:
If, like me, you really want these books, despite how sad they are, for collection purposes or something, save yourself some time and money, and buy the omnibus version, called Avatar: The Last Airbender (The Earth Kingdom Chronicles Collection) that includes all six of the different character's stories.
Otherwise, this is a set of books you can skip. Just give the journey to Ba Sing Se section of Avatar: The Last Airbender another watch and you'll basically have read these books (except minus the headache!)
February 2, 2015
My god, this book series was just SO TERRIBLE, and is such a disservice to an incredible show.
December 31, 2024
Not the most interesting to read, and in all honesty I wouldn't suggest it to anyone else. Still a fun idea though and I'll never hate too much on any ATLA content.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews