Boys Books

great books for the kids and adults alike...reminds us of how easy things are today. cars tractors lights computers ect....

My daughter loves this book series. It was also much cheaper then buying it from the bookstore which I love, I have gotten several books and things from Amazon.com and have always been very pleased.
Thank you

This is a very substantial paperback book set, with beautiful color illustrations, and well worth the price tag. However, I have just two comment regarding this set: 1) My 9-year-old daughter told me she prefers not to have pictures so she can imagine the characters the way she wants to, and 2) compared to the other Little House series, these books are much heavier (thicker pages), which is hard for her to hold up for long periods of time when she is reading in bed. The other books are much lighter, less tiring for her to hold. If you are looking for a library quality paperback that you are going to read to your children, then I highly recommend this quality set. If you are looking for a set for a young reader to read on her own, you may want to consider a less weighty set.

The books and color pictures really are wonderful. The downside to this set is, and it's been mentioned before, that these are only the first five books.

Giving this to our daughter for Christmas. Nice to pass along to our kids.

This is a must read for all African Americans. Dr. Blacks artistic creativity shines in this novel the Sacred Place. I espescially enjoyed the creative twist he placed on the factual event of the murder of Emmett Till. This is a powerful book that deals with many elements of black life.This is an immensely satisfying read showing the hurt and humiliation that African Americans suffered at the hands of Whites and what can happen when they stand together collectively. His accurate presentation and clarity of the characters ability to endure the raping, and murder of their loved ones is outstanding. His true artistic talent, wisdom and knowledge is seen when he show their recovery from such tragedies. And decided that enough is enough. Reading this book was like having a history lesson along with a bible study. I laughed, cried and said a few other choice words. This book will definely be on my christmas list as gifts to friends and family. The african American community is thristy for your wit and knowledge, if you write we will read.I look forward to many great novels from this young man. D. Young

I truly enjoyed this book until near the end. Some of the characters were just a waste, like Edgar Rosenthal. I supposed he went crazy, but too many pages were spent on his descent into madness. After that, the book became to preachy. I enjoyed reading about the characters but the author went too far with the mystical spirituality.

This was seriously and amazing book, definetely the best that i have read on civil rights. I loved the way it was written and the way the story played out. Even though it was set so long ago, it makes me sad that it is still somehow relevent today. Like you said, everyone just sweeps everything under the rug until it gets so bumpy that we are going to have to face it. It is now one of my favorite books, Mrs. Mary is one of my favorite characters of all time, I loved her. This book couldn't be better, couldn't be truer.

This book speaks a truth that most are not willing to address and serves as an eye opening experience to the realities of racism. Daniel Black has a talent to make you feel a relationship between yourself and the characters, which forces you to see the horrifying reality of prejudice and pure hatred. Daniel Black's visit with my school, West Forsyth, is a memorable experience and I can honestly say that I had learned a lot from him. He spoke to us in a way that captivated everyone in that room and made us feel like he was sitting down with each of us having a personal conversation. This is also how it feels when you read his novel. Thank you so much for coming to talk to us Dr.Black, it was truly a remarkable experience and we greatly appreciate it. There are points you made in that conversation that have reshaped my views of the world and how we handle racism, and I am willing to take the steps toward a better day where we can truly say that we have achieved Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream. Thank you again.

I loved the book: I rejoiced when there was vengeance, understanding, love, and final human triumph at the end for the family, and justice: they are all an example of human suffering beyond any tragic figure/s can imagine. And having the faith to go on, well, is more than God could even expect. I personally understand how Jeremiah and everyone else views God: he puts our wills into our own hands, that we are God, and God is us(we..I know, I know). It reminds me of the Quentin Compson in me at the end of Sound and Fury: "I hate the South" as he declares. Sadly, racism is still here and hidden, and lurking. This story needs to be told over and over and over so that justice can be done. I want to say King's dream has been achieved, I want to say that and believe it, and while it has gotten a little better, I think people just hide it better. This book reminds us and forces us to look at what is inside us, even still.

Geoff Wellum joined the RAF as a boy just out of secondary school. From there, "First Light" chronicles his training, survival from the Battle of Britain as well as fighter sweeps into France, and his participation in Operation Pedestal (the rescue of Malta). What is unique about this memoir is Wellum's literary style. This book is exceptionally well-crafted, full of imagery, and told with such devotion and love that the reader actually feels transported back in time to the cockpit of a Spitfire and as a eyewitness to squadron life. A truly marvellous read; one of the very best memoirs of its kind.

Set in the early days of the war, this is the story of a young man's efforts to join the fight and parttake in what we now know as The Battle of Britain. Geoffrey 'Boy" Wellum managed to join very young as many did just like him, go through training and then be sent to the front where he aquitted himself well. Having myself joined up at the same age but a few generations later, it is not difficult to imagine the challenges laying ahead, nor being one of the youngest, and always the youngest... But unlike our times, in a battle of life and death, where the protection lay in the early anticipation of the other's moves, ability to outfly and the size of the petrol tank of your opponent, proximity to your own base, even sheer luck in fact, was the wand that decideded the cause of events. I recommend this book but even more so recommend you to go to one of the events given in the U.K. each year to meet with the airman in person. That is the best ending to the book. Any book for that matter - given the tumultuous circumstances of when it took place and the subsequent years. I could only wish he would write yet another - of those years fought in Hawker Typhoons - as a test pilot and I am sure...more!

Simply put. I could not put this book down. i felt i was in the cockpit at times with geoffrey.I finished the book wanting more.

I have read many flying books including many dealing with WWII. First Light is outstanding and one of the best.

The author brings life to an incredible odyssey from a young college student to RAF ace. In a matter of a few months he went from an aviation cadet to reporting to a front line fighter squadron. Wellum brings life to arriving at the Spitfire equipped squadron without ever having seen one up close much less having any flying experience in them.

His arrival occurred at the same time as the desperate struggle to evacuate trapped British and French forces from the beaches at Dunkirk. Within a couple of days of his arrival 25% of his new squadron members lay dead at the bottom of the Channel or on the beach.

What some may find redundant is really the exhausting, terrifying daily routine of continuing aerial combat over England and then the Continent. Wellum's descriptions of aerial combat are fascinating. Some battles are against vastly superior forces of ME 109's while in others weather becomes a deadly enemy.

The author's humble writing style makes all the more impact. For those who fly or are history buffs this is a must read.

I served in the RCAF durin ww2. I later flew fighters in th USAF, served as captain on USAirways for 28 years.I have written 5 books on aviation.Jeoffrey Wellum's book is a master piece.His breath -taking descriptions of aeral battles puts you right in the cockpit of his BEAUTIFUL Spitfire.
" The narrow legs of it 'undercarrage give it a delicate apperance.It has the air of a thoroughbread---It's ellipitical wings and sleder body give it an air above all other fighters,the sound of it'sRR Merline engine produces a sound ,like nothing else in the air.I firmly believe that the Spitfire was the most beautiful fighter of ww2, and I as jeoffery said ,I would also give my arm to fly it.
I don't know which was his most dangerous flying conditions were,weather flack, or bullets. He did a yomans job in all these instances.
I have read dozens of books by RAF fighter pilots, This book is at the top of my list.Great job " BOY"

Slow Way Home is really a nice read. Light, easy, sweet in spots, slice of life story and interesting. It is an important fiction since it deals with the issue of an absent parent, grandparents raising a young boy, a parent who has a wilder lifestyle - not necessarily condusive to raising a child, and legal issues.

It's not my style to write a review that is a book report but instead to give some simple facts and advise if I believe it is worth reading.

With the above in mind and simple facts given, I believe this is worth reading. WHile it isn't a challenging read and is a little predictable, it is new territory for fiction and well done overall.

Borrow it, read it.

Enjoyed it thoroughly - THANK YOU!

Slow Way Home by Michael Morris is a good Southern novel with an extremely strong little boy as the main character. The author does a terrific job at capturing Brandon's anger and helplessness as he is pushed around from one family to another. Brandon Willard is abandoned by his mother to his grandparents, but when she decides she wants him back, they take him on the run. Poor Brandon is moved again and again before finally finding his way home. There are Christian elements to this book, but they aren't overemphasized. The way Brandon clings to Jesus is a strong testimony to the power of the Spirit. The episode with the Ku Klux Klan in Florida seems a bit odd, but much of the book is made up of short, odd episodes in this little boy's life, perhaps it was intentional. The one complaint I have about Morris' writing style is his overuse of metaphors and similes. Many paragraphs end with one or the other, and while some are powerful, the amount of them makes the reader immune to their power.

From the first sentence spoken by Brandon to the last one written by the author in the acknowledgement section, this book had me spell bound. I was lost in the world of Brandon, a boy I saw as a modern day Tom Sawyer. Having lived most of my life in New York (moved to south Florida six years ago) I enjoyed the 'old south' setting of the panhandle of Florida. There are lots of characters to savor in this book but by far the young narrator Brandon outshines them all. A beautiful story. Today I'm going to the library to see what other books I can find by this author.

A young boy is a pawn in a custody fight between his grandparents and his broken mother. While at first it appears that there is one victor in this case, the author draws out the complexities involved in such cases and adequately shows how no one wins when the custody of a child is at stake.

I found this story to be one of heart felt redemption. While the opening scene pulled me into the book, it is the young boy's voice that forced me to keep reading. This novel is tragic, tender, and most of all very real. The writing is artfully crafted and the plot, while sometimes predictable, does not disappoint.

I saw this show on Broadway and then went and bought the memoir. So powerful! It's a book about forgiveness, trespass and love. Anyone who's suffered abuse in a power-unbalanced relationship can find something great here to help get them through.

Highly recommend!

What a gorgeous and searingly honest book. I love how he does not make himself out to be guiltless in all of this, or a victim--- even though clearly, he could have. It's such a rich book, not only about abuse but about childhood, Catholicism, sex, guilt, desire, love, attachment, forgiveness, family. It's so full of life. I saw the play in NYC and that was amazing, too.

How does he do it, show the light in darkness? A story of a boy as he says falling from trespass into grace. A boy exploited, given too soon to the knowledge of the body--betrayed, as he felt, by his own body. And this man, the one who showed him his strength and wonder, then used his beauty like a Kleenex for his disposable desires.

Grace, then. No, first, despair, the attempts at suicide, the empty hours in the echoing school hallways full of crosses, holiness, and distance. Even in those places, an occasional light and this is what he shows gorgeously--the old nun telling him, at the kitchen table, that everything he does is already blessed. No disclosure, no healing stories, but this Light poured upon him.

More despair, more thoughts of killing himself. Then the tryouts for the school musical. A voice is found, a wonder arises in his soul--what is this miracle? I am seen and loved. The lights pick me out, the people laugh and clap. Maybe I should put off my suicide until after the fall production. The voice teacher witnesses his singing in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, she urges him to take lessons. She has to repeat her urging at the next musical in the next season before he takes it seriously, then goes trembling to her house.

Voice lessons, lessons in projection of spirit. She says, this is you in the universe, this is your soul coming out of your mouth. You have a gift to give to the world, Marty. You have a beauty of soul.

How does he do it, this Martin Moran? The light and love pouring through a living room with grand piano in Colorado are made manifest in the lines she says, the wonder he feels. Not uncomplicating anything, he holds the lust, the love, the exploitation, the forgiveness, the unfolding all in his hands.

Writing! Is there any more powerful act in the world? Well, there is acting. The first I knew of Martin Moran was his one-man show of The Tricky Part--painfully, beautifully open.

Thank you Martin Moran. Thank you for living into a full life as an actor, singer and writer. Thank you for showing us how you made it by the grace of what we might call God except that invokes the catholic Big Guy in the beard, the one whose church and sense of sin helped to make this story into a near-tragedy. But can we wish it had happened otherwise? No, that's the Tricky Part of the title of the book. We can't exactly wish it had happened differently.

As many here have stated this book was captivating. I work with sexual abuse survivors and found many of them in this book. Mr. Moran really knows how to put his finger on the pulse of the issue as he did here throughout the book many different times. I also like how the perpetrator, Bob, is not portrayed as all evil because as we know so many perpetrators are charming, smart and suave. Hence, their success. I also thought it realistic that it was pointed out that Bob provided something for Mr. Moran. I have clients who are "messed up" because of their experiences but they are able to discern the positive they were reaching for, or as in the case here, what kept him going back. This is at a price, of course, but generally kids don't realize then the depths they have already been to, and the effects it will have on them as adults.

I just finished the book a few moments ago. I realize I'm feeling kind of sad. This book is very good, and it's real, but it's not a light summer read. So, I chose to read it over Christmas. Go figure!

PS - Another book I read in a similar vein was The Abomination. I have a review on Amazon about it. It also involves a similar situation but shows more about what the "relationship" is doing for the kid in the beginning. Then later it all changes. My book club of 2 straight women, 2 lesbians, and 2 gay guys gave it a unanimous thumbs up.

The above quote from Shakespeare expresses a kind of numinous awe; a feeling of inadequacy at having to express the character of this book. I was moved to order it by the unstinting praise given by previous reviewers here. Mr. Moran has managed to transcend the terrible pain he endured through the medium of his art; to me it seems miraculous.

The confusion and suffering that took Mr. Moran the better part of thirty years to work out was not least because he was--and is--gay. This overlays the story with yet another dimension of complexity. The author notes the sexual and emotional longings on his part that were not only picked up on by his abuser, but that kept him returning to this man for three years despite his guilt and confusion. That guilt and confusion would continue to hobble Mr. Moran's sense of intimacy for many years to come.

In my own circle, I know two gay men who suffered abuse when they were scarcely more than boys--one of them from a member of his extended family. The abuse did not make either of them gay; rather, it seems that in each case (as with Mr. Moran) the abusers sensed both the sexual orientation and the vulnerability of their targets.

Despite immense changes in society over the past twenty years, too many boys sense a secret within themselves that they cannot tell anyone--frequently not even themselves. The derision and stigmatization of gays by ignorant religion and ignorant people alike do nothing to prevent anyone from becoming gay--only serving to set up gay kids to be taken advantage of by their abusers. Those who have been abused will find this book a fount of insight, courage and (hopefully) healing. Anyone imagining that using a vulnerable young person sexually does them no harm will have much to consider after reading the book. All readers will discover the wisdom and pathos of a man who could have ended up as an abuser or a misanthrope, but through (dare one say?) some mysterious grace did not. This book deserves every bit of the praise that reviewers here gave it.

This is an excellent, straight-forward, sensitive book that deals with a topic that is difficult. It is written so that it can be easily understood and is incredibly helpful to victims as well as therapists who treat them. The author validates the victim's world and encourages the victim to get help and talks about the many males who have survived and are healing.

A thoughtful book re sexual abuse of people who are trying to get past the victim ideology. The writer has had much experience in treating these people and his suggestions are helpful.

As a spouse of a survivor, I read this book which also offered advice to partners and spouses. This book gave way too many examples and other info for the first 4 chapters. Most of us already have an idea of what sexual abuse against boys can entail, there were just way too many stories of survivors that were disturbing and difficult to read. It did however give important insight and ways to get help and help yourself but it came along with a lot of unneeded information. If you have the time and patience it is a good tool towards recovery.

I gave this wonderful book to my husband who is in recovery from childhood sexual abuse by his father. He cried and read , cried and read from start to finish. The book is empowering, healing and filled with truth that heals. I recommend it as an essential read for those in recovery and for those who love them. Kate

If you or a loved one have been the victim of childhood sexual abuse then this book is an excellent resourcee. It deals primarily with Male Survivors and provides great insight into how coping mechanisms have become a way of life. It allows survivors to carefully examine their feelings and relationship choices in a positive and affirming manner, and begin to make changes to a healty lifestyle. If you have decided to read this book, well done!!! You have taken the first steps to reclaiming your life!

HE TELLS WHAT HOLLYWOOD IS ALLBOUT. HE WRITES GREAT AND TELLS WHAT HIS LIFES ALBOUT.

This book is a great journey of someone's life. Skip E. Lowe is a true show business character--as much a part of the town as the Holllywood Sign and the billboards of Angelyne. His life is filled with pathos and happiness. From cover to cover the book is a pure joy. You'll find yourself wondering who could possibly play Mr. Lowe in the movie that undoubtedly will come from this fabulous life memoir.

Okay, I'll admit it. I bought Skip E. Lowe's memoir with the idea that it would be a horrendous hack-job full of celebrity groveler and rampant name-dropping. Needless to say, I was floored when The Boy with the Betty Grable Legs turned out to be a compelling autobiography written with panache and a good deal of humility.

Lowe's book is difficult to put down. Lowe does well to balance his personal tragedies (Lowe seemed to attract molestation the way flowers attract bees) with his career as an entertainer. While his brief mention of his part in BLACK SHAMPOO is akin to Orson Welles skipping over CITIZEN KANE, Lowe's book manages to stand tall on its own shapely legs. (ISBN: 0964963582)

LOVE THIS BOOK IT TAKES YOU EVERY ALL OVER THE WORLD AND FEEL LIKE I WAS THERE.ITS SO GOOD LOVE IT THANKS FOR THE JOURNEY .. WHAT A LIFE.

I picked up Skip E. Lowe's book on the recommendation of a friend, but had no idea that I was in for such an amazing read. In addition to having some unforgettable stories to tell, he is able to share them with complete emotional honesty, which provides surprisingly human insight into this larger-than-life world in which he has lived. I recommend this as a "must read" to all who are interested in learning about the Golden Days of Hollywood, the truly fascinating character once known as Sammy Labella, and the ups and downs of an unconventional life. By relating his madcap adventures and the lessons he has learned, Skippy does the best job I've ever seen at creating a road map for the road less travelled.

I cannot get on the bandwagon of praise for this work. Perhaps I was expecting more, but received less. It is interesting, but really nothing new, or nothing that I did not know before. There are a few photos I never saw before, so that is a treat; however, the authors seem to concentrate on Al Capone, and he is pervasive throughout the book, giving other gangsters less. There is an alphabetical listing of MOST gangsters; I say most, as not all, not the majority, are listed, and as for the molls, a couple of very, very brief pages and nothing of much substance.
The book is a large volume, but not very deep. Thankfully, I bought it for a ridiculously low price. I will gladly resell it. Not recommended.

I was given this book as a birthday present... This book is a must have for any organized crime geek... Its meticulously written in a straight forward manner. Covering a wide range of topics from Prohibition era gangsters like John Dillinger, Baby Face Nelson, and others like Al Capone and other wild gangsters of Chicago... Most of the focus is in the Chicago area and Outlaw Prohibition type bandits... It does have some dates concerning happenings in Detroit, Cleveland, New York, etc...

In the beginning of the book it has brief bio's of most of the major gangsters of the 1920's era... In the back it has two pages covering the dates various gangsters died... Over all its a well written book complete with other stories woven in with the almanac... This book is a must have for your organized crime library whether your just a mafia buff, amateur crime researcher, or just into reading about Prohibition era crime...

wonderful book.informative.makes good late night reading.i love reading about local gangsters/crimes.what an era!and this author really dug out the details.

Like a lot of people, I first became interested in the gangsters and outlaws of the 1920s and 30s after the film "Bonnie and Clyde" appeared. Hundreds of books and articles were published at that time. Unfortunately, most of them were highly dubious. Many well-intentioned but clueless authors merely skimmed through the often inaccurate newspaper accounts of the day (or mined "quickie" books published back in the outlaw era). Others interviewed survivors of the era with mixed results, buying every tall tale sold by their interviewees and rarely doing independent research. In the last few years, though, we finally seem to be getting some decent books on the era, for example Paul Maccabbee's wonderful John Dillinger Slept Here: A Crooks' Tour of Crime and Corruption in St. Paul, 1920-1936.

This book is a particularly fine place to start reading about the era. It divides the subject into themes and periods. Each section gets a day-by-day chronology and a series of feature articles. The features make great reading -- the one on John Dillinger's Crown Point escape is worth the price of the book by itself. The authors chose subjects about which they had something interesting to say, or which were interesting but little explored in previous books (e.g. the development of police radio). Each feature is a little gem.

Coverage is split fairly evenly between Chicago and New York and between organized criminals and outlaws like Dillinger. Other cities such as St. Paul, Hot Springs, Arkansas, and even Toronto get their due.

One of the ways I judge a book like this is to look at the treatment of known myths, foolishness, and commonly repeated errors. These guys really get it right. The book is well edited, and the annotated bibliography is extremely useful. I found lots of pointers for future reading.

Highly recommended.

So far many of the names I've been reading in the newspapers are coming to life in this fun read! Just enough mayhem to wet your appetite for more! The format makes it easy to read and pick back up and I find myself using it as a reference book at this point as I'm going through various newspaper articles. I'm still in the process but am learning quite a bit about mobsters outside of the Chicago area. Must have for those getting started like myself!

This was given as a gift to son on his first birthday. He's almost two now and has invariably brought this book to me when to read. He has many books (secular and spiritual) but this one is THE book for him.
The authors pick out a character trait that they see is very godly and good, and then they make a rhyme out of it. They then find a verse to support this (or maybe they did this the other way 'round?). Each page has a different trait.

The illustrations are wonderful - capturing many things you see boys doing and quite possibly encourges little boys to be like-minded. The pictures have a lot of detail, unlike many modern children's books where the artists often settle for simplified drawings with little or no interesting ambience. I really appreciate that they keep a more traditional method of book-writing for children.
The rhymes are very cute and the idea of encouraging character in children, right from the beginning, may have far-reaching effects! I hope this is so.
Also, my son likes to help and he beams ear to ear when I say, "Thank you, Isaac, you're beeing Helpful - God's little boy is helpful! (Just like one scene in the book)"

I would change two things - for my preferences, however, and those are:

1. I would have quoted from the KJV - the version that the authors use is very watered down and when I compared it with KJV, NIV, or even NASB, the meaning almost changes completely. The ideas are cute, but sometimes is is almost unbiblical.

2. I would have liked to see various little boys of different ethnicicites being "God's little boy". I can imagine some darker-skinned and dark-haired children possibly not being able to identify with this boy. Then again, I was not a little boy, etiher. But you often hear about adults saying that they wondered, "Where's me?" in the literature.
I think the illustrator would not have lost anything by making each picture with a different little boy or alternatively, used a little boy with medium-brown skin and brown hair.

I give this book a four-star rating because of the lack of these two elements, otherwise it would be a five-star.
Thus:
Content: FIVE
Illustration quality: FIVE
Relevenace: FOUR
Biblical accuracy: Three to four.

I ordered this book for my grandson and when I received it I could not put it down until I read the whole thing. The cover instantly made me smile and the way it is written, well... my heart danced. I smiled through it all and felt warm and fuzzy. The pictures in the book are great to ask them questions about, get them thinking about what the boy might be thinking, or what will he do, that sort of thing. What a great way to make learning about God's wisdom fun and entertaining. It's a masterpeice and I plan on looking in to the rest of their books too.

This is a great book! It is a wonderful teaching tool of how God wants his little boys to be and how He loves them. Great gift for a godchild or baptism/christening/baby dedication.

Another great gift idea. Parents appreciate the character building aspects of this book. No little boy face in the illustrations but when you add a personalized picture in the frame of the book it makes it all about him. Good reading and personal applications.

This book offers beautiful, short snippits of character building stories and pictures about boys all inspired by passaged from Proverbs. Having 4 sons myself, I've come to cherish the little sticky fingers and dandelion arrangements given to me over the years. This book allows you to snuggle with your little one and appreciate what God has given you while enjoying the beautiful pictures and wisdom of Authors Jim and Elizabeth George.

As the other reviewers, I was given the book, by an aunt, back in the 60's when I was in seventh grade. She said she had been searching for a copy for me to read because she had loved it. I remember doing a book report on it for my 7th grade English class (I got an A)--and it was one book I never forgot. I thought it was out of print & had been looking for it for years at garage sales and used book stores. Now I will have a copy to pass on to my new grandson. It is a special treasure of a book!

This book is just awesome....one can read it over and over and it has such a simple , sweet ending that you're left satisfied and happy....

the characterization is just apt and there are not to many characters to confuse the readers... the best part is David himself...

this is a must read.. hope u all njoy

My mother told me about this book shortly after I began my studies to become a school teacher. It had been one of her favorite books and she had loved reading it to my older brother and sister when they were children. She tried to find a copy in local book stores but had no luck. My sister, upon hearing about Mama's search, got caught up in the nostalgia and located two copies of the book from the original printing in good condition and had them shipped right away. It turned out to be money very well spent.

David is a most unusually happy, contented, naive, talented and loving boy. Almost everyone tries to change him, but the only one to stay the same is 'Just David'. Not as famous as her great 'Pollyanna' but nothing more perfectly typifies this wonderful author's warm and tender work. Eleonar Porter writes characters that do not exist - but should.

When I was young my mother told me that I was named after the boy in the title of this book. My mother loved this book and wanted her only son to be like its title character, whom she admired greatly. It pleased me to be named after someone who was the subject of a book but, for some reason, I never bothered to ask my mother for details about either the book or its principal character, although she often spoke glowingly about the David for whom I was named. After my mother's death I regretted not having queried her for more details about Just David and its hero whom she so admired. When I found that Just David was available from Amazon.com I immediately ordered a copy and read it as soon as it arrived. To my pleasant surprise I found that I shared my mother's love both for the book and for its hero. I also understood for the first time why my mother had raised me as she had. I won't pretend to have all of the virtues possessed by the hero of this wonderful book, but I believe that I have more virtues than I would have if my mother hadn't used Just David's hero as a template for rearing me. I'm deeply grateful to my mother and to this special book which I recommend highly to others. I'm also grateful that in my career as a NASA scientist I had occasion to edit a book, Heterogeneous Atmospheric Chemistry, which is also available from Amazon.com. Although my mother was not alive when this book was published I like to think that she knows of its existence and is pleased by it.