American Eagle Books

I have had the distinct pleasure of knowing Ralph and Carrol Moisa (AKA Mom and Dad on the powwow trail!) for several years now, and I am always amazed by the fact that Ralph really does walk the walk that he writes about in his books!
This book is great for kids of all ages, and it shows that character, not appearance is what really matters. This is a corner stone of Native culture.
Ralph's stories trancend racial boundaries, and help to carry on the message that his deceased son, Ralph Jr. (AKA White Eagle) wanted to share with all races, all over the world.

My family had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Moisa and his wife at a YMCA resort in Colorado. His message made such an impression on my family we still read the books all the time 2 1/2 years later. Not many books have that kind of staying power.
The themes fit right into our school"s current emphasis on "Character Counts" and are an invaluable addition to any library.

Education is a top priority in our home and Great Eagle and Small One has made a wonderful addition to our library! My six year old son, Jacob, and my 12 year old daughter, Christine, both enjoyed this book and learned from it. Page 41 sums up one very important lesson taught by this book. It states, "So, my young friends, when you see people who are not perfect in body or mind, remember the story of Great Eagle and Small One. The Creator loves them each in a special way." Chapters 6 and 7 explain all about the four kinds of Eagles and have beautiful pictures! Lisa Hader President of School of the Osage Lower El. PTA

I've read two of Wills books' and wish to read more. Her prose is beautiful and her pain envelops the reader. As a mother who has lost a child, I could relate to her pain. But, I'm amazed that she was able to write this book and feel the pain all over again. And as a writer myself, I know how many times she had to edit that book and feel the pain over and over. She tells a beautiful story of a family trying to stick together. Of a son who has a vision, and a father who has a hard time understanding his vision. When son Bobby finds hs way, the reader rejoices. As the family joins in on his high-flying hobby, the book takes on a wonderful rhythm. Unfortunately, the story takes us along with the family and its sorrow also. Thank you, Maralys for a great read.
Dodie Cross, author of A Broad Abroad in Thailand: An Expat's Misadventures in the Land of Smiles at [...]

I bought this book back in '92, when Maralys Wills visited our small club (the Marin County Hang Gliding Association). I sort of bought it to just make her feel better, put it on my shelf and forgot about it. I've lately been catching up on the last 1.5 decades worth of backlogged reading, and her book, "Higher Than Eagles," happened to be next. What a wonderful surprise! I laughed, I cried, yadda yadda - it really brought me to understand that though they were sky gods to us mere hang glider pilot mortals, they were also humans. People just like me, or anyone else I've ever known, with all our faults and strengths, tradgedies and triumphs. Being a hang pilot, myself, Maralys' telling was of particular interest, but besides the early history of the sport, it was also just a damn good slice of life story of important pioneers in the sport I love. This was far more enjoyable than I thought it would be, and am very glad I *finally* did read it. Thank you, Maralys!

Being privileged to know the author and some of her family members I may be the least critical reviewer; that said, this book raises our hopes for the American family to continue to function beautifully in spite of crises and loss. The author has a way with words that take you into her heart and let you see the beauty therein. I would highly recommend this as required reading for one and all. Enjoyable, well written, and oh, so full of love and joy in spite of travail.

"If I were an Eagle Book One" deals with teenage pregnancy and secrets. When a young girl (Karen Quincy) loses her virginity for the first time, she is later faced with pregnancy. In addition to her pregnancy, Miss. Quincy struggles to hide it from her strict parents. She knows that she cannot hide the secret too long since she would soon begin to show.

This story takes place deep in the Tennessee Mountains. It will keep you reading with each turn of the page. "If I were an Eagle" is a gripping and emotional story with many twists and turns. At times, you may laugh, and other times you may cry. The characters that Mr. Hale has created in this book are very realistic.

I enjoyed Mr. Hale's book very much. He done a wonderful job writing the story and developing his characters. I believe that "If I were an Eagle" has the potential for a movie. It is one that you're sure to remember even after you have put it down. I give Mr. Hale five stars for wonderful writing, a memorable plot, and great character development. This is one you just have to read!

Highly recommended

The first installment of a trilogy, IF I WERE AN EAGLE tells the story of Karen Quincy. A vivacious, attractive young lady, Karen yearns for popularity and love, filling her needs in the arms of her boyfriend. She uses friends, lies and opportunity to escape her strict home and spend time with Hank. But when he goes off to college, Karen finds herself left behind.

Karen's family reflects the strict morality and staunch religious fervor of her era. Dancing, dating, and especially public shows of affection are forbidden. Karen's rebelliousness leads to a break with her family when they learn of her pregnancy. Hank has disappeared from her life, leaving her to face devastation alone. She decides upon an abortion during a time when it was both illegal and very dangerous. Following her doctor's referral, Karen makes the arrangements. Since the novel begins with her labor, she obviously has second thoughts.

Author David Hale enriches the background and people of IF I WERE AN EAGLE with his own intimate knowledge of the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee. With the crispness and clarity of a snapshot he captures the attitudes and the nuances indicative of this novel's time and place, especially the deep spirituality governing the attitudes of Karen's family. Karen's rebelliousness is aptly portrayed not as a deliberate flaunting of her family's morality, but as restlessness and sincere for something "more" that allows the novel to speak to the universal truths that drive some children away from their families even as others remain close under the same circumstances. Hale's crisp writing style and complexity of characterization promises great things ahead for this talented author. IF I WERE AN EAGLE comes highly recommended.

If I Were an Eagle--Book One
D.L. Hale

In his riveting first novel, If I Were an Eagle, David Hale takes us on a journey through the life of a young girl coming of age in the mountains of Tennessee. In Southern Appalachia in 1948, there wasn't much for a spirited young woman to do, besides going to church and to school. And for Karen Quincy, daughter of devout, Southern Baptist parents, there wasn't a soul she could talk to about her dreams and desires. But she was a beautiful young girl, well endowed for her age, and it wasn't long before she attracted the attention of the most popular guy in school.
By the time Karen discovered that she was pregnant, her boyfriend headed off for college, leaving her behind to bear the burden of her condition all alone. Hale spins a tale of woe, for not since the Perils of Pauline has so much misfortune befallen a young damsel, in so short a time. But it was 1948, and the good folk of Karen's rural community, were either piously unyielding in their adherence to what they understood about the teachings of the Good Book, or they were too hypocritical and haughty to let on that they'd ever been anything but perfect. Then there was Frank, who took advantage of her situation to use and abuse her; and Harvey Beason, whose good heart would not see Karen utterly cast down.
The plight of Karen Quincy was not unlike that of many young women in the rural south-- betrayed as much by their own carnal awakening as by the young studs and dirty old men who seduced and abused them.
Worse than a scarlet letter, Karen had to endure the knowledge that she was carrying an illegitimate child, and that she would bring shame and embarrassment to her family. When she went to work in Frank's diner he exploited her vulnerability and raped her. She suffered in silence, telling no one of her pain and humiliation.
Harvey Beason offered her a job in his hardware store, and once again, she found a modicum of happiness, but when her parents discovered the irrefutable truth of her pregnancy, she was turned out of the house-- sent packing down a dark, dusty road on Christmas Eve! What irony.
Beason came to the rescue again, this time, sending Karen to live with his Aunt Flo until she delivered, But fate intervened again, and the house caught fire, stranding Karen on the upper floor. While Aunt Flo succumbed to the smoke and the fumes, Karen jumped from the second floor to the ground in a desperate attempt to save her child's life, if not her own.
David Hale skillfully weaves the details of Karen's bleak existence in this story with a foreshadowing of events to come that leaves the reader anxiously anticipating what might happen next, And that makes for a good read every time.

*The Ledgerbook of Thomas Blue-Eagle* is a beautifully designed and constructed book that harkens back to the ledgerbook storytelling of the Plains Indians, especially the young students of the Carlisle Indian School in Pennsylvania. From the marbled endpapers to the ruled and "textured" pages that are the backdrop of this book's storytelling, this is a well executed picture book for all ages.

This book is the fictitious story of Thomas Blue-Eagle, a young student at the Carlisle School who uses "the white man's language" to relate who he is and where he comes from. Illustrated in a pictograph style, Blue-Eagle's story is a poignant imagining of the real-life stories of the Plains Indians at the end of the 19th Century.

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A Guide to my Book Rating System:

1 star = The wood pulp would have been better utilized as toilet paper.
2 stars = Don't bother, clean your bathroom instead.
3 stars = Wasn't a waste of time, but it was time wasted.
4 stars = Good book, but not life altering.
5 stars = This book changed my world in at least some small way.

Of the many excellent reviews of this book - starred in PW, for example - why did you choose the Kirkus Review's? The Ledgerbook was supervised, vetted and blessed by Arthur Amiotte, a Sioux Elder, with more credentials than you can count. A leading advocate of the power of education, Mr. Amiotte 's approval of and great delight in the authenticity of this book has obviously been overlooked in the KR reviewer's research. Throughout the entire country, this book has been cited again and again by educators and parents alike as being the most powerful, interactive teaching tool they've come across in years, not to mention being an extraordinry feast for the eyes. Please research your reviews before choosing the one that will (incorrectly in this case) represent the book to your many readers. Subjecting an extraordinary book to bad PR out of ignorance should be beneath you

Won the Christopher and International Readers Awards in 1995 because it is an authentic history, fictionalized, with stunning illustrations in the style of Plains Indians. We found it in the museum stores of the Southwest, where it was a favorite of the librarians. There is also a cd-rom called Journey of Thomas Blue Eagle, done by the illustrator.It is a favorite gift book of ours and hugely appreciated by the recipients

I found this book 7 yrs ago when I was in 8th grade. I've read it about 5 or 6 times since then. This book has continually opened up my eyes to experience God in different ways. It is full of wisdom and power. Every time I read it I learn something new, and I am reminded of things I've learned once before. I've never been so moved by a book next to the Bible. Flying Eagle's wisdom is relevant for everyone who wants to learn more about how God moves in the world. It's an awesome reminder that God is the God of every creature, and that everyone/everything experiences Him in a different way. Many of the ways this book has moved me are undescribable in words. I suggest that it is read with an open mind and with lots of prayer that the Holy Spirit will speak to your heart as you read it.

Fabulous book, couln't put it down. A Christian man with a big heart is taught the mysteries of the Great Spirit by an Indian Medicine Man. He is taught to channel his anger to become a warrior. "The warrior does not fight against evil; the warrior stands firm at the boundaries." Nature and God are love. All creation comes from Love. Each person's battle is in learning to love and accept their dark side. This book is Truth in a very distilled form.

I did not want to put this book down but needed to and did after each chapter to digest the very content. I belive it was written so we can see our journey with new eyes, I believe occasionally religion has a way of coming between us and God and this author confirmed this for me. The author spoke of broadening the boundaries and refrain from rigid beliefs but to listen for truth in the silence between the words and to consider that everything belongs.

Ludwig's Third Paradigm brings much-needed conceptual insight and simplification to politics. The governments of past and present fit into one of three categories: monarchy, where an individual determines law (the codification of right and wrong), representative government (republics, democracies), where individuals collectively, through voting, make the law, and theocracy, where divinely revealed law is the standard of morality.

Anyone trying to think through the principles of human organization from a foundational viewpoint should read this book.

Mark A. Ludwig is a brilliant scientist who lends credibility to the word of God, and shows from an intellectual and historical perspective that biblical Christianity has not failed. It simply has never been tried. The book is logical and analytical, and shows how this world's perplexing problems will eventually be solved.

This great book is about how the first paradigm (divine monarchy, or god-kings) has failed, how the second paradigm (representative government, which we are currently using in America and other countries) is failing, and how the third paradigm (theocracy, or God's law) will work once implemented. Author, Ludwig, describes how a government truly under God will operate, how self government will be implemented, and more!

First, he gives you a brief history lesson on how the first paradigm operated, was implemented, and how it was finally discarded for the sake of the second paradigm. Then he shows how the second paradigm began, and where it is heading. Sooner or later people will lose respect for the second paradigm just like they did with the first paradigm, and will begin looking for something better. That's where the third paradigm comes in. Under the law of the Bible, criminals will be punished fairly according to their crimes. There will be no more need for jails, or even police. For example, a thief would have to repay the owner 4-5 times the item's value if the item has been sold or damaged, but if the item is found unharmed and still in his possession he will only have to restore double. This creates a strong deterrent against stealing something, and giving incentive both to take care of the item and to confess. But changes like this won't happen overnight. It will take a reformation of people's hearts and minds before it can truly be implemented.

I thought reading this was a very worthwhile use of my time. I learned some history that I didn't know before. It is really interesting how God's laws will work, and how, unlike some people think, His laws have not passed away. I would highly recommend it to someone who is tired with where representative government is leading us, and is wondering if there is anything better to be had. There is.

Any ideas on where i can find this book? Email me at Jirzy@aol.com this is one of my most favorite books that I have ever read AND hilariously funny Unfortunately it is out of print:(

I have read this book over and over through the years since I was in Jr. High! I love Bob Stromberg. He is an awesome song writer and story teller. He has an awesome testimony and you need to get this book!

This book of short stories has the reader rolling with laughter on one page and crying crocodile tears on the next. One cannot help but examine his or her own walk in life after reading this lovely group of tales. It is a reminder that God fills our lives with much humor, awesome color, amazing miracles, and sometimes brings us through unbearable pain. This is excellent and uplifting. It is a shame that it is no longer in print! I have let so many people borrow mine for encouragement, and now it has not been returned--it's that good!

This is the first textbook I have encountered in the field of martial arts, and it's great for martial artists and lay-persons alike. Traditional martial artists will find this an excellent reference, depicting stances, the traditional Pal-Gwes (katas), black belt forms, a history of ten extention tools, self-defense techniques, and a variety of other general martial arts information. It is full of great photographs and descriptive text.

This is a great book for a lay-person who may be interested in the martial arts because it explains the traditional philosophy of the martial arts and general principles that many schools have in common. This makes it a good place to begin learning about the martial arts in general.

The textbook also includes tests at the end of each chapter so you can see what you learned and review some of the most important principles of that particular chapter. Finally, it is probably the first documented American style. I would HIGHLY recommend this book for anyone interested in the martial arts.

I own two copies of this book and have photocopied some of the katas to use where the books might get damaged. In addition to information specific to the American Martial Arts Institute, there are Korean, Japanese, Chinese and American forms, practical self defense techniques and a series of basic blocking and striking techniques.

In these respects, the books cover for an American Style what Richard Chun covers in "Tae Kwon Do" and "Advancing in Tae Kwon Do." Like those books, it covers skills as basic as stretching, making a fist and executing basic kicks to the structure of advanced katas. This book goes farther by covering introductions to weapons such as bo, tonfa and sai, some complex self defense series and training exercises like ippon kumite and circular self defense.

While no single book can cover all aspects of the martial arts completely, this is an excellent, well rounded reference for the martial artist.

I acculy know Mr. Colman, he came to my school to talk about his book before it was published. This is a really great book and fun to read because it's not just. In 1942, the bla bla bla of bla bla bla blaed throught the bla bla. The people were bla bla and bla bla. Bla bla was a professinal bla bla and bla....... It is better than that. It is great! and It's his first book.

This book will bring information on several levels. Not only do you learn facts about the American bald eagle, but important times of U.S. history plus pictures of actual American postal stamps that tie in with the story. A great book for 3-5th grades.

This was assigned reading in a Native American Literature class I was enrolled in a few years ago. I have come back to the book twice since then, finding great enjoyment. The character Edgar Bearchild is an enchanting protagonist with the best of intentions and a terribly misguided soul. The opening of the book reveals this--during his first experience with tribal psychedelics intended for serious use, but approached by Ted and Edgar with less-than-pure interest. The book gives its readers a good idea of what reservation life has been like throughout the middle of the 20th century, how institutions have failed the dwindling and seemingly suicidal societies they are meant to serve.

While this book it technically autobiographical (or so a few libraries I've visited have said), there's obviously something to be learned. However, you will not be left hungry for entertainment. "Black Eagle Child" is a journey wrought with comical run-ins and slip-ups, heavy alcohol consumption, drug consumption and rock-and-roll. Since the characters are teenagers, these elements should be expected. And while they come up often, they do not surface without the rightful ponderings that should result from contact with such items in a teenager's life.

Lessons are learned, laughs are had, and ultimately there are truths revealed in this book. I am stunned that this is only the 2nd review posted here on Amazon for this wonderful book. It's truly an enjoyable read.

This is a great read! Ray A. Young Bear's book is not as difficult to penetrate as some of Gerald Vizenor's stuff, but is just as smart. It isn't quite the way Louise Erdrich weaves her stories together, but his use of language and his ability to tell a story is just as good. He's poetic, magical, honest, and can paint pictures with words you won't forget.

What is it about? Well, it's about life. It is about the lives of a group of people from the heartland of America.

If you like Native American literature, get it. If you like poetry, get it. If you enjoy staying up and night and laughing with the characters in the books you read, and feeling their pain, I think you won't be disappointed.