Education Books

In Straight, Francis gives us another of his honorable and vulnerable heroes who find themselves in trouble through no fault of their own. True, part of Derek Franklin's problems stems from not getting to know his much older brother, Greville, but the rest of his problems just seem to happen. Being in the wrong place at the wrong time is never in one's favor.

Derek is a successful jockey whose ankle is broken in a fall in a race. Just after he learns that his brother has been killed in a freak accident. Now, Greville was a gemologist who tended to be more than a little paranoid. He loved gadgets and puzzles and lives in a house outfitted like a fortress. Unfortunately, the strength of the house does not prevent Derek from being pummeled and otherwise abused nearly to the point of death. The worst thing is that he doesn't know why. This is a story of many mysteries most of which have nothing to do with one another. True to form, though, the villain once identified, proves to have no compunctions about doing whatever it takes to get what he/she wants and for self protection. Or is that villains?

As the story unfolds, the reader finds out as much about the deceased Greville as Derek, his brother and sole heir. (There are two sisters who live abroad.) It's difficult not to care about both and to feel the regret about not getting to know someone before it's too late.

Straight is a typical Francis novel in that it's a fast read, one cares about the protagonist, and pretty much despises the antagonist. Few surprises when it comes to it, but one of Francis's good ones.

I hve been reading Dick Francis books for at least 15 years. My father introduced me to them. When I go on vacation this summer, some of them will accompany me. "Straight" will be one of them.

Greville and Clarissa had concealed their love affair for three years.

Greville was a middleman, who had traveled the world to search out reliable sources of semiprecious gemstones. The successful London company he founded would have the stones cut in Antwerp, Tel Aviv, New York, or elsewhere, then distribute the gems in quantity to creative designers and producers of fashionable jewelry. Greville also owned racehorses, starting when someone had given him one in settlement of a debt.

Clarissa was the attractive wife of an older British lord, who had pursued her. Greville became Clarissa's first love, as she became his. When he was not on a trip, and she could come to London, they would meet. When apart, which was most days, they had agreed to pause at a set time of day to think of each other, knowing that each was doing the same.

A sudden accident ended all this. Greville had been walking down the High Street next to a construction site, when collapsing scaffolding from high up, struck him, sending him to the hospital, where he never regained consciousness and soon died.

Here are Dick Francis's very first words of the story: "I inherited my brother's life. Inherited his desk, his business, his gadgets, his enemies, his horses and his mistress. I inherited my brother's life, and it nearly killed me."

The speaker is Greville's brother Derek, younger by nineteen years. Too tall for flat racing, Derek is a steeplechase jockey, which is especially dangerous because of the jumping. In the story he is, in fact, on crutches recovering from a broken left ankle injured in a race.

Derek's racing world and Greville's business world collide throughout the book. Derek must pick up the complex gemstone business traces, while undergoing continuing pressure from racing owners and trainers to hurry up and heal.

The company employees tell Derek that Greville did not deal in diamonds. In going to the bank, Derek discovers otherwise. The manager tells him that three months earlier the bank had loaned Greville a million and a half U.S. dollars, specifically to expand into diamonds, and would soon be looking to Derek to start repayment.

Where are the diamonds? Stolen? Who are the customers who wanted them? Greville's company business and his house are broken into. Derek is assaulted and shot at. The action is nonstop. The book is a fascinating, literate page-turner.

Note: Probably all of us readers like to notice where a book's title appears in the text, and to see the meaning in context. I frankly lost count after more than a dozen instances, many of them different -- from Intensive Care Unit monitor lines going flat, to straight thinking versus labyrinthine, to honest test reporting versus shadiness, just to name a few. And a big one near the end of the book, which I wouldn't want to reveal here. Your reading will have to decide which of the many applies most strongly. Or perhaps they all do?

This has to be one of my all time favorite Dick Francis novels. It has everything a mystery should have in it - murder, missing jewels, mayhem... In my opinion, it's going to be difficult for Francis to top this one, but I can't wait while he keeps trying!

Straight takes the reader behind the scenes of the jewel trade and it's not an industry that's always on the up and up. Derek Franklin has been on a roller coaster ride of late as his steeplechase jockey career is nearing the end with him sustaining yet another injury. During his forced leave to heal, Derek finds out that his older brother, Greville, has been attacked and is on his deathbed. After his brother succumbs to his injuries, Derek is told that he has inherited his brother's business. Too late to protect himself, Derek realizes that his brother was a target and Derek suspects it has something to do with a fortune in missing diamonds.

This isn't a direct "who dun it" but also has a few subplots that are enjoyable in their own right. When Derek is summoned to his dying brother's hospital bed, the interaction (or lack there of) made me very thankful for the close relationship I have with my brothers and sisters. This thankfulness was reinforced throughout the story, as Derek learns more about his older brother and begins to understand him.

One of my favorite parts of the book is when Derek is sure that a clue is hidden in his brother's computer, but he is unable to access the correct password. Greville's secretary comes to the rescue. After hearing the clues left by Greville, followed by a brief mind struggle, she comes up with the correct code word and up pops a message on the computer screen congratulating her and promising her a raise. Now that's the kind of boss I want - he sounds fun!

The only negative some may have with this book is that it is a detour for Dick Francis. As most of his books revolve around horseracing, his devoted fans have come to expect that background. In Straight the only reference to horseracing is the fact that Derek is an injured jockey.

Want to read a mystery that will have you guessing until the end? If so, then this is the book for you to read next! It's very enjoyable and will have you wondering until the very end.

A reader knows what they are getting with a Dick Francis book. The mystery will be well plotted, the hero (usually a jockey or former jockey) will bravely face whatever trials that face him overcoming his troubled past and/or secret sorrow and the action will center around the some part of the racing world. Every once in awhile though a surprise pops up, this time the jockey is thrust into the totally alien world of gems.

Jockey Derek Franklin has been sidelined by a broken ankle, shortly after his brother Grenville is murdered. As Derek tries to settle the estate he finds himself drawn more and more into his brother's world of finance, gems and quirky little gadgets. Gradually he begins to sort out the mysteries surrounding Grenville's life and death but soon discovers that there are others who are determined to keep him from the answers. In the end, of course all is revealed.

This is a well plotted and clever mystery. The clues are all there for the reader to follow. The characters are well written, and draw the reader into the story.

I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed this book, "Teacher Under Construction". I am seeking my first teaching position right now and this book was a huge help in my preparation. This book will be a great reference resource for me.

This is an AWESOME overview of teaching in a junior high! Spend 2 days reading this, and you'll save yourself 5 years worth of trial-and-(lots of) error!

NOTE: Review written by Jim T., (K-12 instructor), Orange County CA. I used Donna's status.

I taught 7th grade for the first time last year as a veteran high school teacher and learned by trial and error some of the things discussed in this book. While experience is the best teacher, it was great to read it from someone who really knows what they are doing. A Must.

NOTE: I am submitting this as a copy of the review from AvanteGuard Teacher's website, since it is what I might say.

TOP PICK: If I'd had Teacher Under Construction, a book written specifically for middle-school teachers, I suspect I would have gotten more sleep, fewer headaches, and organized my time more effectively. This book is a must-have gem for the new or initially-licensed middle-school teacher. Your pedagogy classes don't cover this stuff, and it seems that too few resources are dedicated to the squirrelly (but infinitely fun) middle schooler. (TOP FIVE AvantGarde Teacher Review)

Dr. Parks' book "Teacher Under Construction" is great! I am currently in college now to major in mid-level social studies and English. This little book really opened my eyes to the things I should prepare for. I am quite nervous about teaching but now I am more confident. Thank you for writing this, Dr. Parks! Tessa Suzanne White

This is an easy to read and understand book. It has many great tips for me to use at home with my child and in the classroom. I love it! I have already recommended this book to a friend/fellow teacher who has a child with this condition also.

Chris Zeigler Dendy understands ADHD/ADD to a significant degree and she does an exemplary job in providing a useful and valuable resource. Every teacher must have this one, too (along with her other books).

This book is a must for parents of ADHD children and the teachers who teach them. As a parent and a teacher, this book is a valuable resource.
Chris Dendy is a great person as well.

As a guidance counselor, I am always interested in obtaining good resources to use and share with others. I have recommended this book to parents and teachers. It has a wealth of information about ADHD teens.

I am an educator who works one-on-one kids with ADD and I recommend Chris' books to all my clients - I really am a really a big fan! She has even inspired me to start writing my own book on how achieve Academic Success with an ADD child.
I read all the recommended books on ADD and I have yet to find anything as comprehensive, useful and well-written as Chris Dendy's books. Once you start, you can't put this book down!

PS- you will want to read this book cover to cover - don't let the title fool you! ("reference guide")

TOP TEN USES FOR AN UNWORN PROM DRESS
TINA FERRARO

Rating: 4 Enchantments

Nicolette `Nic' Antonovich was dumped two days before the prom. But to her, that's all in the past, except for the fact that her unworn prom dress hangs behind her bedroom door and she might still, on occasion, slip it on. It is the perfect prom dress after all.

But things are starting to change. Rascal, who was the dumper to her dumpee, is suddenly starting to pay her an awful lot of attention. Her best friend doesn't want to hear another word about Rascal, let alone that Nic might be starting to fall for him all over again. Jared, her best friend's brother, is turning weird big brother on her. And even weirder, it almost looks like Rascal and Jared are fighting - over her!

Nic's a great character, a typical teenage girl who finds herself caught between two guys, her dream guy in Rascal and her friend Jared, whose behavior she just can't figure out lately. This book was a definite page turner, with several great scenes that stick in your mind once you close the cover.

TOP TEN USES FOR AN UNWORN PROM DRESS is Tina Ferraro's first young adult novel.

Reviewed by Lisa
YA Director
Enchanting Reviews

Nicolette, a savvy, likable, down-to-earth sophomore, was asked to the prom by Rascal, the hottest boy in the junior class, which is something the reader wonders about for the whole book. Why would an upperclassman hottie scope out a lowly sophomore. That bit of information is disclosed in the end, and anyone who is or was a teen will recognize this typical teen behavior. In the meantime, Nic purchased the perfect pink vintage dress, and two days before the event, she was dis-invited because Rascal's old girlfriend moved back to town. Nic doesn't take it too hard; Rascal's explanation is plausible, and besides, she still has a mad crush on him. She hangs her dress on the back of her bedroom door and tries it on from time to time. Her mother suggests that Nic post a list to the refrigerator door to help work out her frustrations [Use #6: Use the beautiful pink material as a shroud after you die from complete and utter humiliation]. Narrated by Nicolette, this story is warm, funny, sparky and realistic. The main characters are simply captivating. Like having a second dessert, this is a girl/boy page-turner with a heaping of romance just the way we like it. You'll immediately recommend to your friends!

What a great cover!! ...and the perfect color to describe this sweet book!Prom Dress does not disappoint YA readers of any age. I would recommend it to many who would like a quick, delightful YA read. The strong writing and moral character of the book will please moms (it's not preachy, but Nic is definitely a good girl), while the cute story and modern language will keep the younger ladies' attention. Looking forward to How to Hook a Hottie.

There is something to say about a to-die-for pink prom dress and Tina Ferraro tells it perfectly in Top Ten Uses for an Unworn Prom Dress. Ferraro spins a story filled with laughter and tears as we follow the lengths one teen will go to keep her normal life from falling apart. This novel is any girl's guide to best friends, hot guys, and one fabulous prom dress!

Tina Ferraro's TOP TEN USES FOR AN UNWORN PROM DRESS tells of Nicolette, dumped two days before prom by the hottest boy at school. But getting past the disappointment of no prom and an unworn dress brings Nicolette to more troubles: a best friend's problem brother, their changing friendship, thwarted romance, and challenges at home. The result's a fine, realistic story perfect for teen leisure readers.

Highly recommended for anyone who wants a true grasp of the power that drug cartels wield on the national and even international arena.

When one reads this book, it is like dropping into the hole of Alice in Wonderland, or falling into one of Carlos Castenada's peyote trances never to come out again. One arrives unprepared at a station in a new dimension of human existence. It is an odyssey "across," "within," "through" and ""around" the world of where drugs, and the drug Kingpins that traffic them, meet with our non-existent "shadow government."

Both are overlapping "nether worlds" that we are told do not exist, but exist they do: as partners in crimes at some place well above our heads. Not only do they exist, but if one can believe the expanded paradigm of the U.S. government put forth by Berkeley Professor, Peter Dale Scott, the drug cartels and those agents and agencies of government that intersect with them -- which promote or passively allow them to ply their trade -- make up the "Sixth Estate" of our government (with the "Press", the mob and other organized crime cartels being the Fourth and the Fifth).

This book is a tale of such staggering proportions that were the facts not all in perfect alignment with the reality we see in the ghettoes where the drug trade is mostly plied, one would believe it to have been invented: made from whole cloth like a fairy tale. However, once the motive of money, unimaginable amounts of money, enters the picture, then our senses begin to tell us that this is not fiction, no fairy tale at all: but the outer limits of what can happen when greed and the pursuit of money are let loose, unbridled, unrestrained to seek its own logical path and endpoint.

As but two examples, during the 1970s, before the "real" drugs crisis with "crack cocaine" ever got off the ground, there was so much money in marijuana trafficking that the drug kingpins bought, all along the Atlantic coast, from New Jersey to Miami, all of the available multi-million dollar beachfront mansions they could find. The purpose of this vast investment: To use them as storage houses for transshipments of the vast amounts of marijuana: A whole class of U.S. property was used only as storage sheds for marijuana.

As another example, in order to support their defensive needs, the drug Kingpins, would "let" contracts for the development of new equipment needed to support their smuggling efforts. Things like new guns, radar equipment, night goggles, submarines, excavation equipment, poisons, etc. were procured through private contractors just as the military does with new weapon systems.

And as always, their biggest problem was never finding buyers for their product, but how to transport and launder staggering amounts of money, which with the advent of cocaine, weighed more than the drugs that were sold, and was much more difficult to conceal and dispose of. The sophistication with which large sums of money was laundered and otherwise invested in the normal economy, even in the days when this book was written, still are enough to amaze the best Phds in economics: setting up and "breaking out" bonding houses, issues stocks, setting up shell companies, etc., ad infinitum. During the 1980s, for instance, 85% of all Miami paper money tested positive for trances of cocaine.

Given that the amount of money involved is enough to destabilized even the largest governments in the world, it is easy to see why governments were able to rationalized being and staying involved in the drug trade: better to regulate and give order to it than to allow random criminals to destabilize the entire world.

This book tells the complete story of how a handful of drug cartels and renegade drug entrepreneurs, did almost that.

Five stars

This is the best book written so far on illegal drugs in America.I am surprised this book is out of print. It would make an ideal book to study in a college class. This book goes far beyond the simple minded mainstream media "reporting" and takes investigative journalism to a higher level. This book will chill you and amaze you in its thoroughness of how dangerous illegal drugs and their dealers are to our society.

Wow, this book should be required reading for an educated adult, this could be used as a university text. This book is hard hitting, realistic and well written about the illegal trade and alliances between Narco-trafficers and governments, whether willing or not. This book exposes the facades and uncovers startling and incredible truths about the impact of illegal drugs on America that the mainstream media just glosses over. I wish this book was still in print. There needs to be more investigative reporting like this to resurrect journalism.

The Writer's Toolbox is fun and engaging-- not only for me, but for our weekly writers' group! The group of six to eight of us come to the table with a variety of backgrounds and experiences. The Writer's Toolbox inspirational and fun exercises are relational and help us to jump 'write' in with our warm-ups! Thanks for sharing your fabulous ideas and instruction, Jamie!
Tanja Moriarty, "Encouraging Words", Haddam, Connecticut.

This is truly a wonderful product! Simply put, the Writer's Toolbox is a necessity for every writer. Who among us has not been faced with a blank page at one point or another during our writing careers? The writing exercises in this package are perfect for moving beyond "I want to write" to "I am writing." In fact, it was a writing exercise from Jamie Cat Callan that inspired me to write my novel, due for completion in August 2008. Kudos to Ms. Callan for a brilliant creation!

Jamie has been one of my most inspiring writing mentors, and it looks like she literally "picked up" her classroom and placed it into this clever and eye-appealing keepsake! How ingenious that she put her creative teaching techniques INSIDE a box in order to motivate writers to think OUTSIDE of it. The only thing missing from this toolbox is a badge that says, "I am a writer," as the person who utilizes her time tested techniques will certainly be able to make this declaration after using it!

As a homeschooling parent with a high school age daughter, I bought The Writer's Toolbox to use as part of our writing program. After years of focusing on sentence structure and grammar rules, I was afraid I had completely destroyed my daughter's desire to write. Jamie's toolbox provided the breath of fresh air that our writing life needed. With just the right amount of instruction and loads of room for creativity, the exercises offered quickly restored to my daughter the joy of writing. When we break out the Tool Box, the spinners, cards, timers and sentence starting sticks have us feeling like we're playing a game. When learning and fun are synonymous, both teacher and student are winners. Thanks, Jamie for this great writing tool!

I'm an English teacher and a part-time, professional non-fiction writer. I walked past "The Writer's Toolbox" in a bookstore this past weekend, sniffed at the creative packaging, and muttered, "All fluff, but no substance, I'll bet!" And yet, I found myself going back to it. Finally, I bought the damned thing, hoping to scratch the itch.

At home, I opened it, expecting buyer's remorse. No way!!! This kit is amazing. I plan to use it in the classroom next year, both during school hours with my writing students and after hours with my Writers Guild. I especially like the sample story -- in the directions -- that is essentially the result of the toolbox games.

My favorite device? The non sequiter sticks. I plan on using them to help keep some of my non-fiction writing dynamic. Of course, I'll have to modify the items to my own research and reality, but that strikes me as half the fun.

A very clever little box full of games, ideas, and methods for creative writing. Thanks!

Scott Snair

Peter Elbow has chapter after chapter techniques to get you through the writing process from start to finish. He helps you to create your most powerful writing. Whether you write fiction or non-fiction, are a beginner or seasoned writer, this book is a "must have" in your writing library.

Elbow is the known authority for writing techniques and this book is a classic. Easy to read and understand, Elbow creates a world where writing is not only important but rewarding. I have tried many of the suggestions and after years of frustration with writing papers, I have found tools that are very useful.Best of all, Elbow is so excited about the writing process, I actually look forward to sitting down and getting started.

The Institute I am currently taking a writing course through, encourages the students to collect other points of view toward achieving our goal. I learned of this book from my neighbor who also took a writing course. I am enjoying the use of it very much. Thank you.

I first came across Writing with Power in our university library when I was starting my thesis in my final year of my Architeture Degree in 1991.
Up to then, my essay writing or writing generally - was lousy!!!!. So I was looking for a book which may help me.
Well what a surprise.
Peters suggested that writing be broken into 2 stages -
1. writing of ideas,
and then
2. editing

This new process provided for me , a creative person , a breakthough in a how to write that was contrary to how I had been taught to write ( writing and editing at the same time) which quite frankly didn't work for me.

Now armed with this more creative process, I was able to write and draw my thesis, graduated with 2nd class honours - much better that barely passing.
I reckon this ought to be a basis text book introduced to all students, at any level of schooling.

Now that I have found this book available on the web, after 15 years, I going to get myself a copy -Thanks Amazon and Peter.
ps didn't help my english though.

At one time, writing was slow and awkward for me. My college assignments forced me to write, but each essay and paper was an excruciating ordeal. Peter Elbow's book, recommended by one of my professors, turned my writing life around.

Writing With Power explains how the writing process works (and why it sometimes doesn't work). With those insights in hand, and using Peter Elbow's simple techniques, I began to write faster, more often, and less fearfully. And now, years later, I'm a full-time professional writer -- something that would have been unimaginable before I read Writing With Power.

Both my sons love this book and with its clean, cheerful and fun images - I think it is a winner. I wish there were more books like this for kids!

This is the only book that my daughter has ever made a place for on her night stand. She loves the graphics in it, they get her imagination really going. She says she wishes she could live in the book!

I picked up Nicole Wheldon's "1,2, 3 Bees" and couldn't put it down till I was finished! That took all of 90 seconds - not because I am a speed-reader, but because it's the easiest book I've read in years -- about 49 years, to be exact. It's The 1,2, 3 Bees, A Counting Book, beautifully illustrated by Diana Zourelias-Noro.

You'll like "Bees", too! But I don't think quite so much as will our more precocious two and three year olds. I took it to a local bookstore to get a professional's opinion of the 22-page soon-to-be-classic. (There's a sales girl there that reads to the toddlers on the weekends.) Her reaction: "This is such a cute little book! How sweet!!!"...

As we closed the book on the first reading, our preschooler announced 'Read it again, Mama.' We've since read it a number of times, each one a little slower, as s/he begins to study the illustrations in more detail. The story is really just a sequence of sentences counting out how many bees and what they do. It's the beautiful illustrations and the fun of sharing a read-out-loud book that make this great. The bees are cute and the pages are sturdy and will withstand frequent readings, too. Definitely buy this book if you want an art-quality counting book for your child's library.

Very cheery book - It's sure to hold the young reader's attention. The characters seem to all dance and play as the story lesson is being read. What a great tool to teach a young child numbers.

I haven't read an animorph book I haven't liked. And I've read them all. Too bad the t.v. show couldn't stick more closely to the books and get Spielberg to do the special effects.

In this book the Animorphs must tell the govener about the Yeerks before it's too late. Marco, Ax, and Tobias are chosen for the job. They fly to the capital to tell the govener. Will the govener beleve them, not beleve them, or is she already a Controller? Read the book to find out!!

Now that the yeerks have the Morphing Power,the Animorphs have a lot more problems...Everywhere they go,everytime they even try to morph,a team of morph-capable Yeerks cut them off...And now the "National Guard" has sent an army of tanks into town,but it kinda obvious for the animorphs to know that the National Guard has been infiltrated by the Yeerks,and those tanks will most likely be for rounding up hosts....But,they have an idea,What if they got the Govenor to back them up,and warn people of the Yeerk threat.....It could work,but then again,mabye not..........

i loved this book,like I aslo love almost all the Animorph books.This one is very exiting,and I loved the part where they tell the Govener that Earth is under attack......i think any Animorph fan will love this book,and i think You will like it even if You aren't really a fan of it...I also recomend the other books from the series,and any book by K.A. Applegate.......

this book is very pivotal in the whole animorphs plot, and has just the right amount of humor. if you like sci-fi books, or even humor books, buy this one. it isn't too expensive, either.

My son wrote the following mini-review:

The team could not be any more surprised than when news leaks out that the National Guard has been captured by Yeerks. This book focuses primarily on the Animorphs' struggle to first ensure that the Governor is not a controller and then to protect her from the Yeerks. Ax, Marco, and Tobias risk their lives to prevent her from being infested; they are successful.

With this installment, K.A. Applegate begins the countdown to the conclusion of this popular series.

The Raymer's book is a great title for airplane preliminary sizing.
The book is very useful with many tips about the subject.
The Torenbeek's book and Roskam's books is also recommended.

For any aspiring Aeronautical Engineer, this book provides indepth analysis and insights into design of Aeronautical Systems. Several design concepts have been demonstrated with real examples. A must read.

Great Great Great Great Book !!
An essential book. Every people who work in aeronautic and space industry HAVE to read this book. Very easy to understand. Should be the first book on airplane design that you read.

There are several stages to aircraft design. This book covers the first stage, conceptual design, which aims to find the best possible configuration for the aircraft prior to designing the aircraft in detail.

Arriving at this final design involves several layers of complexity. Initially the process involves creating several simple designs and performing a brief evaluation of their performance. This allows the designer to select the best design and develop the design to the point where it can be `fixed' and sent to the specialists who will design the individual parts for manufacture.

The conceptual designer needs to be a jack of all trades, he needs to understand all of the issues, but he doesn't need to be an expert in any of them. For this reason this book is makes it a great reference for people like me with a general interest. It gives an excelent overview of aircraft design, but doesn't go into fine detail.

This is an interesting and enlightening book (or rather tome) on aircraft design by a very knowledgeable author who knows what to say and how to say it. This is among the best books on the market dealing with aircraft design and is well written in a clear and easy to understand and follow format for those studying aeronautical engineering and design. It is also an excellent reference guide for aircraft design professionals.

This is a comprehensive book covering all the major topics in aircraft design including mission definition, initial sizing, structural and aerodynamics design, weight estimation, configuration layout, performance analysis and estimates. The author reinforces his teaching with tips, illustrations, explanations and equations and provide essential data for aircraft design.

Overally, an excellent book that is well worth investing in.