Junior Books

I found this book much more interesting than the average classroom textbook. It seems to be the best answer I've seen so far in the battle against illiteracy. I believe this book should be required reading for aspiring literacy specialists!!

I found this book to be a refreshing and enlightening view of the challenges these middle school kids face and the love they receive from their teacher. Reading this book was like an invitation into the lives of these kids trying to overcome their literacy challenges and it was truely heart warming to see the adoration Kyle has for these children. She truely has made it her life's work to help these kids become better readers and better members of society. It's refreshing to see a teacher who cares so much. Each of her students are special people to her, not just names on a class roster and it's obvious that the kids feel that open love. She cares that she has made an impact on their lives, not just their middle school experience. Everyone has had that special teacher that they'll never forget and it's abundently clear that for these children, that teacher is Kyle Gonzalez.

I used the strategies in this book with my 8th and 9th grade students, and suddenly I found ways to get students to read who had never read a book before because they hated reading. Now, they are voracious readers. Give it a try and don't worry about age limits. We CAN hook them all if we are patient and try a variety of strategies.

I found this book rather by accident and was amazed at the insight and experience that the teacher, Kyle Gonzalez, was gaining by creating a literacy program in her classroom. The area she charted with assistance from Janet Allen was completely new territory to her and the students.

Kyle's skill in crafting this wonderful story, really bringing me into the classroom, was wonderful. I am not a teacher and I still found this book very useful in understanding group dynamics as well as bringing me back to the classroom when I was a student. Kyle managed to compile a list of resources, how-to-guides and step-by-step instructions on how to create a literacy project in your own classroom and home as well for the interested parent. Literacy is such a problem in our society and Kyle's book is really a great stab at understanding why and how to address it.

I do have the good fortune to meet her when I was in Florida one time and she is as wonderful a person as she is a writer. Truly a unique, intelligent, and interesting person.

I hope for future books and find myself interested in pursuing this type of career if not only to see what a joy it can be when you see the individual impact you can make in learning.

What can I say, the author is my revered grandfather. His is a remarkable story of personal courage and fortitude, only a part of which is told in the book. As a personal memoire of combat experience, "Through Hell and Highwater" compares favorably with Guy Sajer's the Forgotten Soldier. In his book, you'll find how my grandfather faced exhaustion, fear, cold, confusion and death with the taciturn resolution of a man who had no other choice. In the process he became an exemplar of leadership and a hero to his country. When men like my grandfather are finally gone, we may never see their like again. As for the book, as a source of history, it's been good enough to figure prominently in Pulitzer Prize winning historian Rick Atkinson's new Liberation series on the U.S. Army in World War II.

An honest, realistic and introspective account of war. This book was given to me as a present from my grandfather almost ten years ago. In classic youthful, ignorant fashion, I dismissed it as the ranting of a nostalgic old man. Recently, I discovered the book in the sweater drawer of the clothing dresser in my room, the cover and binding still in immaculate condition and the text largely unread. I was surprised at what a quick and enjoyable read it was, full of important lessons. This eloquent account of a young man's experience in a war all but forgotten among those in my generation has brought me to realize that it is foolish not to listen to the old wartime stories of our grandfathers. Thanks Grampy!

An honest, realistic and introspective account of war. This book was given to me as a present from my grandfather almost ten years ago. In classic youthful, ignorant fashion, I dismissed it as the ranting of a nostalgic old man. Recently, I discovered the book in the sweater drawer of a clothing dresser in my room, the cover and binding still in immaculate condition and the text largely unread. I was surprised at what a quick and enjoyable read it was, full of important lessons. This eloquent portrayal of a young man's experience in a war, all but forgotten among those in my generation, has brought me to realize that it is foolish not to listen to the old wartime stories of our grandfathers. Thanks Grampy!

An honest, realistic and introspective account of war. This book was given to me as a present from my grandfather almost ten years ago. In classic youthful, ignorant fashion, I dismissed it as the ranting of a nostalgic old man. Recently, I discovered the book in the sweater drawer of a clothing dresser in my room, the cover and binding still in immaculate condition and the text largely unread. I was surprised at what a quick and enjoyable read it was, full of important lessons. This eloquent portrayal of a young man's experience in a war, all but forgotten among those in my generation, has brought me to realize that it is foolish not to listen to the old wartime stories of our grandfathers. Thanks Grampy!

We (7 year old and I) have read the first five parts of this series. Interesting emphasis on psychological development of the main characters, not just a shot-'em-up series. Somewhat spiritualistic in orientation, might upset some conservative types who want to outlaw Halloween, etc. My son likes part 2 (Ltric's World) the best. Will Uldir come to his senses?

This was a good book, but I didn't like it as much as the other books in the series. For one thing, I wish Uldir would stop being such a brat, can't he see Anakin and Tahiri only want to be his friends? I guess not. However, he does get better as time goes on, so that's a good thing. :) I also don't think that Mage Orloc is a worthy foe for Anakin and Tahiri. Granted, this book is meant for younger children than myself, but even when I read it for the first time at age eleven I didn't find him very intimidating. I mean, these kids have fought the dark lords of the Sith and come out alive, so in my opinion they shouldn't have any problems defeating this wimp. But that's just my opinion. All in all, it was a fun book and I would recamend it to any kid who loves Star Wars.

I liked this because of the interaction between Tiione and Tahiri. They seem a lot like mother and daughter, which surprised me because Tiione is an instructor--not her mother. It brings out a loving side to these two characters--especially Tahiri. Instead of gushing all over Anakin all the time, she talks to other people, too. This makes her seem more social. At first, I thought she had a crush on Anakin (that's why she talked so much to him), but now I think that talking to people that way is her nature. This book brings out Tahiri's social side. And later, her serious side too . . .

Vader's Fortress is a wonderful book about the discovery of the lightsaber previously owned by Obi-Wan Kenobi. It is very exciting and also extremely captivating

I was given this book as a birthday gift many years ago. It is filled with beautiful pictures depicting our lovely city of Vicksburg along with the most delicious recipes. I now use this as my standard wedding gift. I also purchase one for a hostess gift when staying with someone out of town.

I have owned a copy of Vintage Vicksburg for over 15 years. It is my primary source of recipes. This compilation is diverse and delicious. I know that when I choose a recipe, I will not be disappointed. I haven't been yet!

I have this book and have given it as a gift many times. Everyone raves about it. All recipes have been tested and the color pictures are lovely. Many exceptional & unusual recipes, as well as basic Southern recipes. Book also offers menu & garnishment ideas, quick appetizer ideas, a Table of Equivalents, & a Substitutions List. This book is a must for anyone who enjoys cooking and entertaining.

Received this as a gift, and enjoy searching these for those outstanding, unique recipes you'd never find in other sources.

There are some good ones in here, besides all the collection of basic, good food with southern emphasis. Finds include: Collection of recipes from former Miss Mississippi, Hostess Twinkie Dessert,Shrimp-stuffed Catfish, Bass and Artichoke Supreme, Oysters Bienville, and Fruit Tea.

this holiday i decided to make the recipe for monkey (pull apart) cake from this cookbook. it's been a hit everywhere! (so far i've made 4 cakes for 4 different functions).

the best thing, is that it's super easy to make. i don't cook, so i appreciate easy to understand recipes.

that's the good thing about all of these recipes. they're simple and straight forward. with all the recipes i've tasted from the JWC cookbook, i haven't been disapointed yet. yum!

The Virginia Hostess is a fabulous guide for anyone! Whether you are an experienced chef or a novice, this cookbook is more than the average collection of recipes. It features themed chapters with beautiful historic sketches from Virginia. Each chapter has complete menus for different occasions, including showers, children's parties, formal dinners, picnics, holiday occasions and more! An educational and comprehensive wine selection section is included. I highly recommend this beautiful and resourceful cookbook and entertaining guide!

The menus ideas are terrific! I enjoyed all the recipes and was glad to have a cookbook that covers most any occasion. The layout is superb and makes a great bridal or hostess gift. This book has really made my life a lot simpler when I am called to entertain. I own a lot of cookbooks but this one is well worn and used often.

I've owned this book for a couple of years now, and have reallyused it alot! It has great recipes in it, but in addition, it hasmenu and entertaining suggestions, a list of Virginia wineries, and even ideas for kids' parties. (Who knew how to make face paint?) I also like the fact that it comes from a community service organization, so I know part of my purchase price went to a good cause.

Using his Pychon-esque writing capabilities, his clever, but not flashy wit, and unbelievable narrative abilities, Eric Kraft has shapen one the most unique and interesting books I have ever read. It was recomended to me by a friend. I was reluctant to start, but I wound up reading it in about two days.
The series of books are the memoirs or a fiction character, and his life on long island. Within the narrative, there are simple clues that begin to tell you the this Fictional character isn't alwaystelling whole truth. But, he's fictional to begin with, so does it really matter. The book is filled with great quirks like that, not to mention that it is one of the funniest things you will ever read. Eric is one of the few authors who truly understands the mind of an 11 year old boy. He offers a wonderful glimps of life as a child during the 1950's, and touches issues such as race, funding in public schools, and ratio of beer to lemonade creates the perfect shandy.

Just as I wish Eric Kraft was my junior high language arts teacher, I also wish I had Miss Reingold for 7th grade general science. As with his other books, Kraft once again takes me back to childhood - this time to adolescence - during a time when my mind was a bit more open, and on occasion would be challenged by a caring teacher who tempted me to think outside the textbook.

This book is a joy to read; so entertaining in fact, that the reader can easily lose himself in the anecdotes, and later have the full meaning of the book sneak up on him. In 7th grade science class, Peter must answer the question "Where do you stop?" With little specific direction from his teacher, he is forced to abandon his encyclopedias and open his mind, and finds himself applying the meaning of the question to various parts of his life. As a result, this novel modestly approaches the grand subject of how the individual fits into the universe - how infinite is each of our effect on each other and the world? and where does it stop? or does it stop?

As with his other works, it is difficult to do this book justice in a review as its contents can be enjoyed on so many levels (from the scientific and philosophical to reflections on childhood fantasies). For my sake, and the sake of other readers who love Eric Kraft, I hope the words "to be continued" were not merely symbolic of the book's title, but that the story will continue...Here's hoping he does not stop.

Who but Eric Kraft could write a novel about diffusion? "Where do you stop?" is the question assigned to 11-year- old Peter LeRoy by his science teacher as the molecules of her perfume pervade the room. The image of diffusion per- vades the novel, from Peter's childhood memory of mixing peas and mashed potatoes, to racial intergration in the fictional community of Babbington. Memory itself is a series of vignettes suspended in the "Zwischenraum" of time. And of course we can't really tell where one of Mr. Kraft's novels stops and the next one begins as he chronicles Peter's life. The story ("to be continued") is told with Mr. Kraft's usual humor and digressiveness. We learn more about Babbington of the 1950s, clam capital of the world, and catch Peter at a time between childhood and awakening sexuality (that perfume). Grandpa Herb, the Studebaker salesman, makes another great invention, an automatic garden sprinkler.

Take one ten-year-old boy going on eleven, quantum physics, the mysteries of sex, grown-ups and an apparently ever-widening world to know and you have the ingredients of this entrancing novel by Erik Kraft. I recommend it highly to all readers as a painless and entertaining way to get a genuine feel for the the non-aristotelian approach implicit in quantum physics as filtered through the brain of a wonderfully curious youth.

The book is written in the form of a memoir by middle-aged hotel owner and memoirist, Peter Leroy, and continues the recounting of his nineteen-fifties childhood in Babbington, Long Island, "Clam Capital of America," which began with the previous Kraft novel, Little Follies.

The present title, refers to a question for a science paper assigned by Peter's new seventh grade "general science" teacher Miss Rheingold, who has distracting legs, a passion for quantum physics and a disconcerting way of asking discumbobulating questions.

The science paper must answer one of the six questions that the children pick out of a glass bowl on the first day of class. Their paper must include a demonstration or experiment and diagrams and has no deadline. You might wish to try your hand at them yourself:
Where does the light go when the light goes out?
When is now?
What is the biggest question of all?
Why are you you?
What really happens?
Where do you stop? (p. 43)

Peter picks the final question and with some of the other members of his group finds that he gets taken over by the question:
"If it seems like a simple question to you, try thinking about it with a ten- or eleven-year-old brain. Well, where are the edges of things? Where in space-time, for instance, does one phase of your life end and another begin? Where do you mark the onset of an idea, a discovery? Where do you mark the end of a belief?" (p. 5)

The novel follows Peter's discoveries during the school year as he becomes aware that the distinct boundaries that separate people, `ideas' and things may not appear so clearly when examined closely.

The scientifically and sexually-awakening Peter takes particular delight in realizing that smelling anything involves taking molecules of that substance into ourselves and that at a sub-atomic level some of the electrons from one thing or person may overlap with those of another.
He explains this to Ariane, a seventeen-year old woman, for whom he has developed a crush:
" '...You think you stop here, at your skin--'
I touched her. Without thinking about the liberty I
was taking, I put my hand on her leg...Apparently I was too close, because she slapped my hand and said, 'Down, boy.'
'Sorry,' I said, though I was not sorry at all. 'But
the thing is that you don't stop here.' I hesitated a moment, then touched her finger, just barely touched it, to show her what I meant. "This isn't the edge of you. It looks like it, but it isn't. Little bits of you are spreading out. All over the room. I know they are, because I can smell them.'
'That's sick.'
'No, no. it's not,' I said, 'You smell great, I love
smelling you.'
'Peter!' she said with a grimace. 'If you don't cut this out, you're going to have to go home.' " (p.151-152)

We see Peter and his world expanding in other ways as he becomes aware of the dark-skinned people who live on the other side of Babbington. He befriends one of them, Marvin, another member of his "where do you stop" group. Through Marvin he realizes that the boundaries that have been set up between the whites and blacks of Babbington have less rigidity and that he and Marvin have a great deal more in common than some adults suppose.

The book appears full of many tempting general-semantics-oriented nuggets. For example, Peter describes a method of demonstrating a chain reaction using mousetraps and ping-pong balls, illustrated on the book's front cover, that sounds tempting to try. Peter's discussion of "cumulative error" with his adult friend Porky provides an amusing analogy for time-binding, both positive and negative.

Indeed, with the demonstrations, diagrams and discussion of "Where Do You Stop," the adult Peter Leroy, writing years later, realizes that with his memoir of his seventh grade year he has finally completed his general science project for Miss Rheingold. Kraft has managed to meld his characters, story and theme together into 181 pages of artless-seeming art that truly conveys the sense of a bright and inquiring ten-year-old learning more about himself and his world. The book has another bonus as well. Before you finish reading you will probably discover, as I did, that you have joined Peter's group.

For some reason my little girl started worrying about the strangest things. Probably when her imagination really started going.

We noticed this book and thought "why not?"

This is a cute little story of a wombat, woodchuck, and a weasel that want to see the world which is at the end of the path. As they prepare each one has a panic attack and runs through a "what if" scenario. Each one handles the problem in a humerus way. After they finish packing; they head out and have a great kid adventure.

I don't know if this helped my girl on her worrying but I think it helped as she did not worry as much as she did. I think the outlandish "what ifs" and the pictures seemed to make sense to her.

However, it's a fun little book and has great artwork.

My family loves this funny book! The author is quite creative with the choice of "w" words throughout the story. The more we read it aloud, the more it grew on us. We find ourselves quoting lines from it!

What if you were reading a wonderfully wacky book about a wombat a weasel and a woodchuck who wanted to wander the world and your woefully weary wee-ones began wiggling under their wraps, wracked with guffaws?

If you are reading The Worrywarts, the scenario is not far-fetched!

Silly illustrations abound to accompany this truly innovative story line involving unheard of scenarios Wombat, Weasel and Woodchuck might encounter. Fortunatley, by thinking - and planning - ahead, they are able to thwart all of the scary things that may have awaited them.

The emphasis on the letter "w" is an added bonus to this addictive storybook.

We love The Worrywarts! This book immediately became my four-year-old's favorite storybook. We never get tired of reading about the adventures of Wombat, Woodchuck, and Weasel.

Caution and worry seem to be a big part of parenting a young child, but the three characters in Pamela Duncan Edwards' story remind us to keep our worries in perspective.

Wombat, Weasel, and Woodchuck venture out to explore the world. Each time fear starts to overcome one, the others use humor and practicality to meet any challenges they encounter.

The illustrations are bright and fun. Edwards' use of alliteration makes the book so entertaining to read aloud. (Not to mention a great book to share when studying the letter "W.")

I've used this book to cook weekday meals as well as for entertaining guests. Some of my favoites are very easy- The Spicy Corn Dip and the Roasted Red Pepper Dip are great examples. Guests always assume they were difficult because they are so impressive. This book is an excellent gift because it is so useful and attractive.

I cook from this book all the time. I love the menu and wine suggestions. It is very easy to cook an impressive, multi-course meal from "You're Invited."

This book has some great recipes that are very easy. The Peppered Pork Tenderloin with Cherry Salsa was a huge success at a recent supper club and everywhere I have taken the Spicy Corn Dip, folks have raved. The menus also help with entertaining.

I am one of those people that go to the cookbook section of a bookstore before browsing any other section. I have several shelves of cookbooks and enjoy "reading" them in leisure time. I have many books that I may have chosen one recipe from and was minimally satisfied with the results. However this cookbook is a GREAT one. I entertain frequently and I have cooked numerous recipes from this book. Not once have I made anything out of it that wasn't delicious. The pork tenderloin with honey beer marinade is incredible, the side dishes are wonderful and the ham crostinis are a huge hit, even with teenagers! I can't wait to try all of the recipes!

This is a good textbook. It is relatively easy to read. My only problems was that it lists materials to include in specific studies of science, but does not tell you where they can be found.

I only have one beef about this book: the price. This book is only 192 pages long but costs more than some 500 page hardback college books. Normally, it would kill this book's buying appeal. Fortunately, this is worth it. Hands Down.

Separated into three sections, this book begins in the most obvious place: understanding the scientific mind of child. It then moves to environment, curriculum, and stage-setting for scientific inquiry. Then it ends with the "how-to" about putting science in the early childhood classroom. Short. Sweet. Simple, but EXTREMELY Detailed.

You know the best part about this book? Again, its simplicity of words. You don't always need 600 pages to teach a teacher how to impliment a strategy in his/her classroom. Sometimes it takes a few pages (like this one).

Give it a try. It may be a little pricey, but I truly believe tha the superb content will soften that blow.

Even though the title of this book indicates an emphasis in early childhood education, any teacher can find useful, thought provoking ideas. It is well written, to the point and for teachers who believe that children construct their own knowledge, very supportive. I believe the ideas in the book can apply to any area of teaching.

This book is perfect for an elementary school teacher or science teacher. The book talks about the underlying processes that enable each child to learn in their own unique way. Teachers can take the information presented in this book and prepare science lessons that support the learning capabilities of the children. This book also presents numerous case studies and scenarios that give readers a variety of lesson plan ideas while at the same time explain HOW AND WHY the lesson plans best support the children. I am an education major and have found this book to be a wonderful resource for my studies. I know that I will also use this book when I become a teacher and need to put some wonderful ideas into practice.

About a year ago a teacher/performer friend asked me who my first guitar teacher was. Larry McCabe, quite a few years ago. My friend looked surprised, and told me he uses Larry's books in his own teaching, and that Larry had written something like 80 books to date. I had no idea, as Larry was in the process of writing his first book when I had lessons with him. So when it came time to brush up on some basic blues licks for a band I'm in I ended up obtaining some of Larry's books.

This book of blues turnarounds is where I started. What a great book - full of excellent turnaround licks. At this point I've only played through about half of them note for note, but have used those as a basis for coming up with my own licks. And to me, that is the mark of a great book - lots of useful information if read note-for-note, but can also be used as a springboard for creating new ideas.

The licks I've learned from the book thus far are all in the key of C, but can be easily used in other keys if one has a basic knowledge of the notes on the fretboard. I'd highly recommend this book for a beginner wanting to learn stock blues licks, or intermediate players who need to expand their blues vocabulary.

An Excellent Choice for the Early Intermediate Blues Guitarist

A turnaround is a lick played at the end of a section of music. A blues turnaround would be played in measures 11-12 of a 12-bar blues, or measures 7-8 of an eight-bar blues.

Electric urban blues turnarounds are fairly easy to play, and the difference from one to another is subtle. Having the ability to play a variety of turnarounds is an important skill in blues guitar playing. This is the best book I know of that addresses exclusively the subject of electric blues guitar turnarounds.

This a book for a VERY ambitious beginner, or an early intermediate guitarist who has an interest in Chicago blues in the classic style of Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Jimmy Reed, etc.

The licks are all arranged in the key of C. This is for ease of analysis and comparison. The user is encouraged to transpose the licks to other keys - a worthwhile project for exploring and learning the fingerboard. Very, very good practice for learning the art of blues phrasing.

Great book from one of our leading authors. My students (and myself) have consistently benefited from the interesting instruction contained here.

My students and I work from several of Larry McCabe's guitar books and find that the books produce consistently high results.

This book, like the others, is exceptionally well crafted, specific in intent, and the guitar lines are accurately written exactly as they are heard on the CD. Larry McCabe books are the work of a dedicated teacher who has achieved a high level of respect nationally in the field of music education.

Larry asked me to write a review for this book, and I am happy to do so. The object of this book is to teach the art of playing blues guitar turnarounds to a guitarist who has some prior experience but is just beginning to explore electric blues.

If a student knows how to bend the strings and perhaps play slurs, slides, and hammers, blues turnarounds are not difficult to play. What is important is to play them authentically and with conviction. This book does a very good job in advancing those objectives.

A component of this book that is quite effective is that every phrase is written in the Key of C. The student should then transpose each lick to other keys, a desirable skill that encourages individual incentive and ability to solve arranging problems.

The turnarounds sound exactly like the ones played on classic blues recordings by the great artists from Chicago and other urban areas.

I know other teachers who swear by Larry's books, and I am one of them. Great book- effective in its aims, ambitious content, fun to work through, and a great value.