Contests Books

Romantic and fun from page one! This is a wonderful book because it is silly and sweet at the same time, in the best possible way! What teen-age girl doesn't dream of being as gorgeous as a beauty queen, with a handsome, rich Prince Charming to boot? Well, Wendy gets the chance to live out this fantasy as Spencer, the boy of her dreams, mistakes her for a beauty pageant contestant. Soon, Wendy must keep up all her lies about her true identity (plain Wendy with her normal, happy, unglamorous life) so that Spencer doesn't think she is a phony! Plus, Wendy is an awful liar. Ironic, hey? In a way, this story is not only one about ROMANCE, but also one with an UNEXPECTED TWIST in it! Sound confusing? Not really; it's just a lot of FUN and the clues are really easy to miss! Until the very end of the story, the reader will have no idea what the surprise is. Reading it again will elicit a response of "Duh?!? Why didn't I think of that?" Well you will---if you read it time and time again, like I do!

On the news just last night, a U. S. Congressman stated that competition among health care providers would insure better and cheaper health care for senior citizens. In our country, competition has been championed as the "cure" for a growing variety of problems. It is touted with such unquestioned conviction that we ordinary citizens assume it must have a solid foundation in some irrefutable Law of Economics. Recently, however, it has become increasingly apparent that this "survival of the fittest" approach is not conducive to effective schools, compassionate health care, or even efficient energy policy. Dr. Roseneau dares to challenge America's "romance" with competition using --- the facts! She even disputes whether it is accurate to attribute America's successes singularly to competition when other attributes of American workers may play larger roles. Even better, she sites evidence that groups working cooperatively can actually be more productive than groups embracing the competition paradigm! With a barrage of data, she sites research exposing the negative side to competition, being careful to differentiate some competition as more "destructive" than others. Beginning with the obvious effects of stress on individuals, she expands her analysis to include the negative effects on quality, morale, and safety within organizations, the community and, ultimately, the global village. The last two chapters deal with the problem of reversing the competition paradigm, and Dr. Roseneau acknowledges that this presents an enormous challenge without any simplistic solution. In my view, this objective, dispassionate analysis of the competition paradigm is an excellent first step toward reeducating the public. Although every page is packed with supportive data, the book is written in a style that is amazingly easy to read, even for the non-academic. The more you read, the more you sense the pure, clear sound of "common sense"!

Competitions for Talented Kids is a straightforward listing of more than 140 competitions in academics, fine and performing arts, leadership, and service learning. Each listing is 1-2 pages in length and includes details such as address, website, and contact information for the contest; a brief description; which children are eligible; how to enter; judging criteria; winner notifications; awards; general advice; and more. A small part of Competitions for Talented Kids is consumable, inviting kids to write down goals for a competition, lists of things they need, and more. A supplementary list of helpful resources rounds out this practical and useful reference guide for helping kids get involved in honing their talents and becoming the best they can be.

This book is full to the brim---a Leprechaun's pot of gold, if you can just catch the Leprechaun! If you like writing contests you will find many here that will appeal to you, and the sooner you get started the better you will do! It is, of course, a given, that often entering writing contests puts one at a disadvantage in some cases, where the prizes are large and professionals are more apt to throw in their shining entries; however, here we have so many with such a variety of prizes that anyone with any ability whatsoever should be able to win in one or more of the contests. The variety of possibilities is an aid, as well; from the short poem or brief essay to the novel, a niche may be found for one's work. The descriptions of the entry requirements are clear and easily understandable, and the closing dates well marked. The helpful hints included are a boon to veteran contesters as well as newbies, and I would suggest a thorough study of these before putting quill to parchment, as it were. I heartily recommend this illustrious collection of contests for all, and it is a welcome entrant into the lists of contests, of which there are all too few at this point in time. Let us hope it becomes an annual directory.

Summary: Even though Mike has cerebral palsy, he shows the children in his class that he can play to win when he gets the chance.

In the 34 pages of "A Contest," author Sherry Neuwirth Payne and illustrator Jeff Kyle show how Mike, a fifth-grade CP student, has a rough time coping with a transfer from a special-ed school to a "regular" school. The other kids there act as if they've never seen anyone in a wheelchair before, and Mike has a little trouble with a bully. No one takes the first step to include Mike in their activities.

His parents sympathize, but offer no practical advice aside from his father's figurative, "Suck it up."

It takes a perceptive teacher to draw out Mike's feelings and find out what he's good at in order to challenge the other kids to interact with him.

The author's language is plain, simple and straightforward throughout. The illustrator, with his realistic style, is to be especially commended for showing the proper arm wrestling grip in one of the contests, as children who don't know it are liable to injure each other's thumbs.

I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK HIGHLY for all elementary school age children.

I have seen this book years ago and didn't buy it. Now after searching and searching I turned to amazon.com and I found the book. I have never purchased anything from the internet before so I was a little hesitant. I am totally pleased with the Mile-A-Minute Afghans. The book is in very very good condition and I received it within two weeks. I am impressed!!

This book is a wonderful thing for me. Because, I'm working on "the Relations Between Muslims and Christians at the Period of Almoraides-Almohades in the Medieal Spain". I'm very glade to the author of the book and thanks. I hope that the book would be very useful for mankind on the earht.. LUTFI SEYBAN, SAKARYA UNIVERSITY-TURKEY

The Contest Of Language: Before And Beyond Nationalism ably compiled and edited by W. Martin Bloomer (Associate Professor of Classics, University of Notre Dame) is an intricate and in-depth study of many perspectives of language evaluations drawn from the contributions of numerous specialists organized into sections on "Approaching the Political History of Language", "Studies in Speech Politics", and "Literature and the Preservation of Native Tongues". Enhanced with an Afterword on the specific topic of philosophy and its language, interested readers will discover an endlessly interesting and invaluable reference in The Contest Of Language for its remarkably informative content. The Contest Of Language is highly recommended to all students of Linguistic Studies as well as the general reader who has interest in the cultural and political implications of language.

Proving that "Attitude is everything", this guide on using positive mental energy is a winner! Although the title leads you to believe that this book is only about winning contests (and there is certainly lots of contest-winning information), the contents of the book can be applied to any situation. It certainly convinced me that positive thinking is the single-most important change you can make in your life.

The Contests at cowlick is a very cleverly written book, even adults still enjoy it. The whole book is written so artfully that it is easily characterized by the most un-dramatic readers. It is a great book for both children and adults, it makes for great drama too. Ever want a skit for kids, thats not a cheesy one, but simple enough that they can perform it in a little under a month? The contests at cowlick is a multi-purpose book. I reccomend this book to anyone looking for great wholesome entertainment.