N Books

This commentary (I have both old and new testament) is great. It has really made my bible reading and study easy.

A down to earth, line-by-line!, bible based commentary which brings the Word of God to light in a way that I would have never understood on my own. It's great for bible beginners. The intermittant sermons are spectacular.

You won't be disappointed. Get one for a friend!

Jon Courson's commentary is wonderful. It is easy to read and gives great insight. It helps me to apply every verse of the Bible to my daily life.

Jon Courson's commetary application of the Bible is easy to understand and puts itin terms we relate too today. I advice you to purchase this and read it.
Laura E

good but test it to the word...also not fully detailed like some. John beleives in the gap theory as well as a few other small areas that are somewhat stretched. He is great, but like any teacher, we must test what they say to the word and its context. Also, this is not a full concise commentary - it is more of a devotional type with information. It does not go heavily in depth but is a great starter or application study bible. Thanks Pastor John for your time, effort, and servants heart.

Have you ever felt like you were torn between two worlds? Like, you want to fit in with this one group of new friends but in order to do that you kind of have to leave your old friends behind? Because the new friends and old friends are in way different places? Yeah. Same with Lafcadio.

He wants to be a good lion. He does. But then he gets all wrapped up in the world of humans. And the world of humans is not as simple as the world of lions, is it? No, it is not. So he can do some fun things, like have a marshmallow coat made for him because he just LOVES marshmallows, but life is not all marshmallows and roses. Lafcadio loses his identity. And at the end, he's conflicted about which world is his real home.

This is an awesome story about knowing your true self and being the person (or lion) you know you should be.

"'Make up your mind,' they all said together, and poor Lafcadio the Great, he couldn't make up his mind; he wasn't really a lion anymore, and he certainly wasn't really a man..."

Lafcadio is a wonderful book about trying to figure out who you want to be and then, finally, who you are. I give this to every graduating high school senior who appreciates metaphor.

I hadn't heard of this book until a few years ago, when I came upon it and read a few pages in the bookstore. WOW!!! Although I appreciate Shel Silverstein's other stories and poems, nothing at all is like this one. And, that's a disappointment, because after reading this one to my children, we wanted MORE.

In my kids' schools, the Giving Tree was always considered such a classic, and praised as such. Lafcadio? Never mentioned! How disappointing, and oh, what those students are missing. Lafcadio isn't even in the school's library catalogue!

Lafcadio tells the story of a lion who comes to the city and becomes a gentleman--losing his lionly ways. But, Shel Silverstein tells this story so hilariously, I can barely read it aloud without laughing hysterically. I used to read this to my son, and literally could not get the words out without laughing uncontrollably. This, of course, caused my son to laugh as heartily without even knowing why. . . begging me to stop laughing and to tell him what was so funny. Lafcadio is an experience, that's for sure!

That said, this isn't a completely gentle book. It's probably the only book I've read to the kids that talked about eating people--and, made eating people funny. However, the unexpected quirkiness of the story is also what made it so hilarious. This is really a classic. Your kids will love it and you will love it.

This book is about a lion named Lafcadio, who learnt to shoot using a gun and began shooting back at hunters - hence the name of the book! The story started when Lafcadio got hold of a hunter's gun and began learning to shoot. He practiced shooting day and night, and he got better and better as the days go by. He is never short of ammunition. To get more ammunition, he just eats up hunters who come into the jungle !!

Then one day, a man from the circus came and offered him a job in the circus. He accepted it with the condition that he get lots and lots of MARSHMALLOWS !!

So, off goes Lafcadio to the city. At the city, Lafcadio tried many different things. He had a haircut at a barbershop. He had a suit made of MARSHMALLOWS for him. And as the days passes, he came more and more human. He learnt to dance, swim and even bowl..

The story is full of wit. If you are looking for a gift for your little one, I would highly recommend this book!

I discovered this treasure after reading Shel's poetry books to the kids. I read it to them on a long flight across the country and had the people in the seats around me listening in discreetly. It has some great morals and gems in it. About knowing who you are inside and finding your way in this world. And about the absurdity of hunting from the lion's point of view. The kids just love the bit about every lion having their own hunter's rug.

This was a very supportive book,and had very useful information. Heal Your Headache by Dr. David Buchholz helped me more.

After living with Migraine Disease for 22 years (I am now only 26) this book has provided me with some answers. I have been suffering from chronic daily headache for the past four years. I picked up this book one weekend and could NOT put it down. Within a week, I was on the recommended Web sites, found a recommended doctor in my area and got in to see him. I've been headache-free for 2 days now! That might not seem like much to some people but to me, it feels like forever! Thank you Teri!

I have had migraines for over 20 years. I thought I knew it all and could write the book on migraines, but this one actually taught me some new tricks! I have shared it with 3 other people and even bought it for my sisters who suffer from migraines.

I enjoyed this book far more than I expected. Since the author also experiences migraine attacks, she writes with a great deal of empathy for the sufferer. Reading the stories of the author and others who have experienced attacks at least as frequent or as "bad" as mine reassured me that I am not alone. This book makes two main points: Nearly all migraine patients can be helped, and we should not settle for inadequate medical care. I recommend this book to anyone who experiences migraine attacks, or who cares about someone who does. The book provides both information and encouragement.

This is the book that changed my life! It gives you comprehensive information, guides on how to help yourself in an ER situation, doctors that don't listen, and how to get the best care possible for yourself or your loved one.

Teri writes with such knowledge and compassion. Every single medical term is explained. She speaks from the heart and you can tell this book was a labor of love.

Thank you Teri! You helped me get my life back!!

Sometimes I read parenting books for inspiration, other times for nitty-gritty advice. In a tone that's respectful of parents as well as children, Samalin delivers both. She is terrific at empathizing with a parent's perspective (she understands what it's like to be an overwhelmed parent), yet keeps the child's well-being in clear focus. I appreciate the specific, solution-oriented advice (for setting limits while remaining supportive of your child, for example), as well as the pat on the back from this friendly, often humorous author. As usual, Samalin contributes to the fun of becoming a well educated parent.

I read this book a few months ago and immediately took it to heart. It absolutely changed the way I think about discipline. The most interesting thing is that recently, I picked it up to browse through again, and was amazed at all the thoughts from the book that I have adopted as my own. So many tips I've used...so many anecdotes I've repeated to friends...so much GOOD STUFF that I've internalized since I read it the first time.

My husband read the book, too. He has for the past 4 years been a believer in the style of discipline promoted by John Rosemond: very authoritarian and a strict disciplinarian of the old school, "just like your grandmother." This style has become very popular lately, as American children seem to be more insolent, violent and disrespectful than ever before. A reversion to that old-time discipline seems, at first blush, to be the answer.

Although we certainly want our children to be well-behaved and respectful, we also want them to be happy and well-adjusted, not sneaky and defiant. After reading Samalin's thoughtful book, my husband and I have decided that we agree with Rosemond's goals, but not his methods. Samalin will give you options, and ways to be an authoritative parent, instead of an authoritarian one. THAT INSIGHT ALONE IS WORTH THE PRICE OF THIS BOOK, and there are many more.

I've never found one parenting book that has all the answers. In fact, the longer I'm a parent, the more convinced I am that there are no clear-cut instructions on discipline that are right for every child. But this book -- with its wonderful anecdotes, sample dialogues and calm, pragmatic suggestions -- is the one book I recommend above all others. I certainly wish my parents had read it.

Finally, a book I can actually use everyday! So many parenting books are great "in theory" but never work in practice. Nancy Samalin's book, Loving without Spoiling, saves my family from upset on a daily basis. I read parts of it over and over again, and it never fails to amaze me. I especially follow the "pick your battles" advice--this is so effective. Her simple suggestions to change the way you phrase requests are incredibly effective!

This is the book I would like to hand every new parent as they begin their journey. Nancy Samalin has provided a map for parents to help them navigate the bumps and blind curves on the road to raising happy, responsible children. Experienced parents will recognize and appreciate the jewels of wisdom in this practical and wise guide to parenting.

Maureen Murphy, Director of The Children's School, recognized by the Ford Foundation as a leader and innovator in early childhood education.

This book has become my most often referenced parenting book. Its format is ideal for 3-minute refresher courses on strategies. Today, I just re-read "End Morning Madness" and "Jump-Start the Dawdler" to help get ready for the first week of school. When you feel like there must be a better way to deal with a situation, but you are too stressed, distracted, or busy to calmly think it through, give yourself a time-out and run for this book.

If you like gymnastics you'll love this book! It tells about the lives of the seven gymnasts on the 1996 gold medal winning U.S. Olympic gymnastics team, Shannon Miller, Dominique Moceanu, Kerri Strug, Dominque Dawes, Jaycie Phelps, Amanda Borden, and Amy Chow. There are pictures of each girl from their very young life to the 1996 Olympics.

After the Magnifecent Seven's wonderful performance at the '96 Olympic Games, I decided to read this book to find out more about these talented young women. I thought it was terrific! There are biographies of each of the seven members along with really cool pictures. This book was awesome. These seven are really magnificint and it shows!

The book was pretty good for writing a book. Gave good information but it was a hard book to just sit down and read but I would for sure buy the book!

A must read with lots of good pictures. Gives good info. on all the athletes, with quotes.

This book is what really got me interested in gymnastics.

I had gotten introduced to gymnastics through a book about Mary Lou Retton I had picked up at a thrift store, but I didn't become too interested until I saw a picture of Kim Zmeskal in an Encyclopedia Annual. I looked her up on the Internet, and the rest they say is history.

Through the Internet I discovered the Magnificent Seven, and I found this book at our library. I couldn't have been more satisfied!

The Magnificent Seven was a team of US girls that consisted of Amanda Borden, Amy Chow, Jaycie Phelps, Shannon Miller, Dominique Dawes, Dominique Moceanu and Kerri Strug. These talented gymnasts won the very first Olympic Gold team medal in US. Gymnastic history.

This book has very informative biographies about each girl, complete with full color photos. It is very well written, and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to learn more about the Magnificent Seven, or just want to see some great pictures about them.

Dennis Griffin once again weaves a spellbinding story of intrigue, corruption and nefarious schemes. The investigator
John Grant is immediately likeable and following his search is what mysteries are all about. I highly recommend this book.

Dennis N. Griffin has done a wonderful job with his first book, The Morgue. He brings the characters to life and you feel you are with John Grant, as he investigates crime and corruption in the Medical Examiner's office. The story is full of suspense and intrigue. I look forward to reading more of Grant's investigative skills through the writing of Mr. Griffin.

Dennis Griffin writes with such ease that he makes the words flow.He tells his story in a very natural form without adding filler words as some authors seem to do, just to add pages. In his books The Morgue and Red Gold he keeps you on the edge of your seat with suspense, yet making you want and almost lust for more. Grffin brings to light some deplorabe human acts that may of and still can be done in this society, all for the sake of money, power and greed.

Dennis Griffin writes with such ease that he makes the words flow.He tells his story in a very natural form without adding filler words as some authors seem to do, just to add pages. In his books The Morgue and Red Gold he keeps you on the edge of your seat with suspense, yet making you want and almost lust for more. Grffin brings to light some deplorabe human acts that may of and still can be done in this society, all for the sake of money, power and greed.

My husband and I plus my daughter have read the Morgue. It held our interest right up until the end. Dennis Griffin has all the right credentials of becoming a well known writer. We look forward to his next novel.

A very cute book. The images are dated but cute. While I think that this book was meant for a younger child, my 6 year old is still excited by it. She thinks that it's great to have a baby book of her own to fill out!

This is a beautiful book that would be a great gift for any big brother or sister. What a wonderful way to encourage love for a younger sibling.

This book is really adorable. I can't wait for my 3 year old to fill it out with me. It has really great checklists and places for pictures for your older sibling to fill out.

This is a great product. I have been really worried about how my 3 year old daughter is gonna take being a big sister. She has been very spoiled her whole life. When we got this book in the mail she was so happy. I am only 13 weeks so she has plenty of time to wait until she can use the book but she thought it was really cool. I think this a good idea to keep them involved.

I bought this book for my three kids. It is actually for one child to fill out about the new baby. I have adapted it for all three kids to share. It makes them feel involved and adds to the excitement of the new baby. I think all new brothers and sisters should have this book.

The story takes place in the early 1800s, in a remote fishing post on the Bonavista peninsula in Newfoundland. The Andrews family, having been evicted from their home in England, bribed the captain of a French merchant ship to drop them off in the northwest Atlantic territories. They are dropped off at a place about 100 miles from St. John's, Newfoundland, a place called Cape Random. The only inhabitants of the cape are the Vincent family and a man named Thomas Hutchings, who keeps the books of account for the St. John's businessman who owns the fishing rights for the cape. A severe winter is approaching and the Andrews are entirely at the mercy of the Vincents and Thomas Hutchings. The story follows the lives of the Andrews, the Vincents and Mr. Hutchings for about twenty years.

We follow the story mainly through the eyes and the journal of young Lavinia Andrews. About two-thirds of the way through the book, Thomas Hutchings becomes the narrator. It is a tale of ice, snow, death and deprivation with little or no hope of escape from this harsh place, isolated from the rest of the world. In the meanwhile, they work hard at salting and curing fish and hunting seals, most of it for the benefit of Caleb Grosse, the St. John's businessman who sends a boat twice each year to pick up the salted fish and to drop off provisions such as flour, salt, molasses and, sometimes, one or two goats. In the spring, some of the men go to St. John's to join the large-scale seal hunting expeditions.

From time to time, the book shifts its focus from one member of the subject families to another, thereby giving the reader an idea of what each of the characters is thinking. It is an engrossing narrative of what life must have been like in these remote places 200 years ago. Over the twenty years of the story, interest is kept alive by many twists and turns involving births, deaths, illness, domestic and economic crises and the ever-present cold.

It is a book that holds your interest. Just when you think you know what to expect, the narrative takes a sharp turn in the other direction. It is easy to read and very entertaining. It helps me understand why my grandmother used to say, that she "t'anked God" the day she left that place.

As I traveled through Newfoundland in June 1999, this book was in the racks of every shop on my route. At first, I thought it must have been Newfoundland's version of "Anne of Green Gables", but I picked it up and discovered that the story of its characters actually had more in common with Jamestown or even the Donner Party than those of Lucy M. Montgomery's children's tale.

Addressing hardships of maritime living, displaced class struggles and faith-based separations, Ms. Morgan progresses her story of the lives of outcast English family members and their fellow re-settlers at the Cape (Random). Once ashore on Newfound Land, their survival, conflicts, and cultural shifts make the reader shiver and shudder with the cold, fear, hunger and pain as felt by the characters. Morgan's story is depicted through a tactile understanding of the topography, climate, flora, fauna and cultural history. This not only leads readers through this fictional account of a past settlement in Newfoundland, but sets up how these characters' challenges and beliefs are still reflected in the culture of present day Newfoundland, as shown in the pride, warmth, persistence and humility of the people of "the Rock". A worthy read.

I enjoyed Random Passage. I couldn't put it down. Only when I read it, it was called Cape Random. What goes? I actually started to read Random Passage but soon realized that I had already perused these pages as Cape Random

I truly enjoyed this book. The author has woven the history of Newfound Land in a story rich with authentic and passionate characters. Bernice Morgan has a way of bringing the characters alive, so that I could not put the book down once I started it. This story is a testament to the endurance of human nature, but also to our capacity to love and to marvel at the world around us. I am ordering the sequel, and once I've read it, I am going to look for the videos. I also want to read more books by this author.
Sincerely, Francine Noiseux

On a visit to Newfoundland's Avalon Peninsula, this book's title always surfaced when I quizzed locals on cultural and historical points. It was about a 12-hour read, and I found it very easy to justify putting distractions aside to read this involving book. I felt that having two separate accounts of events, each through the eyes of two of the book's characters, really added to the depth of the story. No wonder why Newfoundlanders are so proud of the heritage that grew from the struggles on "the rock."

An interesting work which is probably too subjective to be acceptable to the academic community as such. Coupled with books on killology such as "on killing" it paints an interesting picture of human nature, violence, domination and submission.

The inference about the banality of evil (referring explicitly to the [...] Govt of Germany) has caused a furore amongst those who like their "bad" people evil and exceptional.

This book clearly illustrates that good people do bad things.

An important work and I am sure that it is going to be one of the first books to be put on the bonfire by those who simplify the social interaction of those who commit atrocities.

I also think that it reveals a real insight into American atrocities in Viet Nam and Iraq (amongst other locations that Americans have insisted on using military "assistance" upon).

If your looking to find the blind spot in the American Psyche then this is a great start. Take a look at "words that work" after you read this if you really want to be scared of Americans.

Primary sources are as important in psychology as they are in history. This book gives great insight into the thinking of Stanley Milgram, one of the most famous names in the world of social psychology. The book has some technical passages since he is describing research studies, but overall did not require great effort or time to read--a plus for those of us in the teaching profession. My students will benefit from the background information I learned about Milgram's research, much more information than is included in most textbooks.

Are you and I any different from Heinrich Himmler or Adolph Eichmann? Of course, we want to believe that we are made from entirely different clay than those evil monsters, but reading Stanley Milgram's book, _Obedience To Authority_, will make you wonder.

The book describes an experiment that was conducted in the 1960s by Yale University psychology professor Stanley Milgram. Milgram placed advertisements in local newspapers, soliciting volunteers for an experiment in human psychology. The volunteers were told that the experiment was about memory and learning, but in reality, the experiment was about the conflict between conscience and authority. The volunteers were told to read sets of words to a man, and then test him on how well he remembered them. They were further instructed to administer an electric shock whenever the man made a mistake in remembering the words. The shocks began at 15 volts, and proceeded by 15-volt increments, all the way up to 450 volts. At the 150-volt level, the man screamed in agony and begged to be set free. At each shock level from that point up to 300 volts, the man let out a horrifying scream. At the 300-volt shock, the man stated that he would not answer any more questions. The volunteers were told to treat each non-response as an incorrect answer, and to continue with the shocks. After the 330-volt shock, no further sound was heard from the man.

Happily, the victim of the shocks was an actor who wasn't really being shocked at all. The real purpose of the experiment was to observe how the volunteers would behave when confronted with a choice between cruelty and disobedience.

The results of this experiment were amazing. Two-thirds of the volunteers continued to shock the man, all the way up to the 450-volt shock. Even after the 330-volt shock, when they had good reason to think that they might have killed the man, they continued administering shocks all the way to 450 volts. Only one-third of the volunteers defied their instructions and refused to continue the experiment due to concern for the man receiving the shocks.

This book presents insights into human nature that you will find both highly disturbing and quite fascinating. Think about the implications of Milgram's experiment. Now ask yourself... did Henry Wirz get a fair trial? Did Adolph Eichmann get a fair trial? How can we make sure that there will never be another Holocaust? Did Nelson Rockefeller do the right thing at Attica? Was justice done in the case of William Calley? These are some of the questions raised by this magnificent book. They are questions worth pondering and discussing.

Everybody should read this book.

Just finished reading Obedience to Authority for a graduate seminar, and must say that it is one of the more relevant and insightful books I've read during my training. In this highly ambitious book, Milgram, motivated in large part by the large-scale and gruesome acts against humanity that occurred during WWII, sets himself to the task of identifying the conditions under which "people would defy authority in the face of a clear moral imperative". To his (and this reviewer's) surprise, he finds that when ordinary individuals are commanded by figures of authority to carry out morally reprehensible acts, they lack the intrapersonal resources required to disobey. While his method of inquiry may be shocking by today's standards, I find his experimental designs, variable manipulations, and theoretical contributions as elegant in their simplicity and highly illuminating.

To that end, I strongly recommend this book to scholars and engaged citizens. Not only is it a fascinating read, but it reminds the reader of the importance of moral autonomy in today's world, as well.

The results of the experiments in this book are astounding and make you think about what your own reaction would be.

This powerful work is at once inspiring, frustrating and captivating. Kozol draws the reader into a world called Mott Haven that is filled with substance, love, service and hope. He poignantly describes the lives of children while blasting the manner in which we have chosen to deal with our most needy sectors of society. Kozol's gifted and powerful storytelling reminds us of several truths:

1. Segregation is potentially a bigger problem today than ever. White flight, private schools, school choice, home-schooling, virtual schools and lack of equitable access to technology are widening the gap.
2. Inequities in education must be addressed with the underlying belief that every child has the potential to achieve his/her dreams. Society must be responsible and held accountable for creating conditions ensuring that this occurs.
3. Teachers and students must all be able to work and learn in optimum conditions that safeguard and ensure dignity.
4. Although children appear to be resilient, we must protect their innocence, ensure they have the chance to dream and be inspired by their eternal optimism and hope. The real heroes of today are those who spend time with our children, listening to and nurturing their dreams.
5. We spend too much on our prison system and must figure out a way to divert that funding to education and healthcare so we can be proactive rather than reactive.

Kozol manages to convey the realities of inner city education by illuminating the complexities behind the daily challenges facing teachers and parents. His manner of connecting the problems to the institutions and practices that society has created to deal with those who do not "fit the system" provides a wake-up call to all of us who are working to make a difference in the lives of children. Kozol shows us that the system we have created is nurturing itself instead of helping people to break out of the vicious cycle characterized by lack of quality education, health care, meaningful work opportunities and dignity. We can no longer ignore the problems in the inner cities of America, not just because it makes economic sense but because it makes human sense to individually develop our most precious resources - our children. Community leaders, parents, educators, and corporate leaders should put this compelling book on the top of their "must read" list.

In Ordinary Resurrections, Jonathan Kozol deviates from his usual "gloves off" attack of the issues facing minority children. Instead of building the case against the inequitable system with facts and figures, as he has in previous work, he has chosen the subtle but effective approach of a storyteller. He paints a very descriptive portrait of the victims of continued segregation and racism that may inspire those in positions of influence to make more compassionate decisions regarding the lives of the children they serve.

Things that scream out to me from Kozol's book(s):

1) Incarceration vs. Education (do the math!)
The incarceration industry is thriving on blind public support. If taxpayers knew they were paying on the average ten to twenty times more to incarcerate supposed perpetrators of victimless crimes than it would cost to educate them, I'd bet they might even overlook their racist fears. The corporate/federal mentality that chooses to decide early on what these children will bring to the economy seems to prefer them as a product in this system versus potential contributors to something greater.

2) Resilience (despite our conditional "help")
In their innocent naiveté the children neglected by the system remain courageous, hopeful, and resilient. This resilience may diminish as they weather the inequities of the system that oppresses them, but it is often the attribute that enables them to succeed regardless of our preaching and teaching. Just imagine what heights they might reach if they continued to be nurtured as they are by the caring individuals in their lives now.

3) Compassion (essential)
As a beneficiary of white male privilege his reflections from the other side of the gap are poignant and insightful lessons for those of us too far removed from the reality that exists in many of our cities. Even after this racial inequity is acknowledged it is difficult for most of us to express empathy in ways that ring genuine. Kozol does! He is trusted and welcomed by the culture and community he strives to serve. His stories reflect a model for learning and practicing compassion which, in my opinion, may be the single most important factor in saving ourselves from extinction. Kozol repeatedly demonstrates the importance
of compassion in his work. Listen to him!

4) Racism, segregation, inequality (market view politics)
Racism is institutionalized in the United States despite the hope segregation was ending that the civil rights movements of the sixties inspired. "Kids notice that no politicians talk about this. They hear the politicians saying, "We're gonna have tougher standards in your separate-but-not-equal schools. We're gonna raise the bar of academic discipline in your separate-but-not-equal schools." But nobody says we're going to make them less separate and more equal. Nobody says that." - Kozol interview in Education World

5) Toxic environments (no one to litigate)
AIDS, asthma, drugs, violence, toxic pollution, poverty, malnutrition, lack of medical attention, apartheid economics, and neglect are common elements in the environment Kozol's children try to survive in. Basic needs must be satisfied before we can expect children to be receptive to that which we would have them learn. Kozol is issuing a wake-up call to the complacent masses that are either unaware or in denial that this situation is serious and threatens all of us socially, emotionally, and economically.

In my opinion, implications for educators that may be gleaned from Kozol's book include:
* The extreme importance of compassion in all aspects of dealing with children.
* Recognition that before we talk about diversity we need to spend a lot more
time in the conversation about racism.
* Locking people up is not rehabilitation and in the long run is socially,
emotionally, spiritually, and economically disastrous. Break the cycle of incarceration!

The Bronx has a long history. I'm always bumping into middle-aged and elderly professionals from the Bronx. Their mothers scrubbed floors; they went to City University. They now live in million-dollar condos in Manhattan. The ghetto is a conveyor belt for those who make up their minds to sacrifice their youth for future gain. Today's Bronx looks very much as Kozol describes. The very young are cute and inspiring, I suppose, but there must be a reason he leaves out the teens and their older brothers and sisters. The modern ghetto doesn't put a premium on discipline and learning. Kozol feeds into the victimology, seeing the community suffering from the failures of others to "do" right by them. Teachers know, however, that much would be improved if parents would simply make their children go to bed on time. Crime would be halved if kids were told to come in by 9. Early immigrants left the Bronx for the affluent suburbs, having devoted themselves to their children's education. Today it is rare indeed to meet a parent who has even one book in the house. Funding won't make up for this basic poverty of values.

Ordinary Resurrections is one of the most important books I've ever read and one of the most poignantly beautiful. It is an absolute must read for everyone who cares about children, the wide disparity in economic opportunity in the U.S., and who dares to hope for our future. Kozol movingly brings to life in his first-hand descriptive account the lives and conditions in their own words of children and their families who have been deliberately neglected, ignored, hidden away. This true story of their hope, strength, resilience, and beauty testifies to the dominance of the human spirit in the face of unspeakable abuse by government at every level and all systems that have failed them.

Jonathan Kozal has taken away the protective myth that America's school children are all treated equally, with dignity and given unvarying opportunities. In his latest book, ORDINARY RESURRECTIONS, Kozal's readers get a glimpse into a reality that replaces equal value with present day segregation to children of the poor. Although many in power would like to ignore the disgrace of how our underprivileged students are educationally treated in areas such as Mott Haven, New York, Kozal's first hand account of such inequality calls for a recognition and reformation of America's priorities. Told in the children's words, this book contributes awareness to the desperate need for compassion to and knowledge of the struggles of many American youth. The facts are both shocking and compelling, and will challenge the values one holds to necessitate action on our children's behalf. As Kozal states, the reality is that "...there are few areas in which the value we attribute to a child's life may be so clearly measured as in the decisions that we make about the money we believe it's worth investing in the education of one person's child as opposed to that of someone else's child." Once read, ORDINARY RESURRECTIONS destroys the bliss of ignorance. One is faced with the decision to powerfully act or despairingly ignore.