Young Americans Books

March 5, 2000 On reading this book, I reconnected with the tremendous love felt for my mother and the rich experiences she provided me and my siblings. Throughout, I smiled on recognizing the churchgoing experiences and other events also present in my childhood and the southern expressions incorporated in my speech. Thank you for a book that not only celebrates Ms. Young's outstanding African-American mother, but also, my mother and many other unsung mothers who shared special, loving relationships with us, their daughters.

I always like to read about the lives of other people. Especially one as famous as Jean Young. Her daughter has written a lovely biography as well as life lessons that were taught to her by her mother. A wonderful gem of a book to be read by young and old alike.

This book of Jean Young's lessons is a tribute to all mothers. They are valuable life lessons for any woman. These may not be the exact lessons your mother taught, but if you add them to your mother's loving lessons of life, you are sure to have a great map to follow.

This book was a well written guide for how everyone, male or female, should aspire to live there life. Through stories of Jean Childs Young, the author's mother, you learn how to conduct day to day life with eloquence and grace. With these stories you have a handbook for everything dealing with people of all classes to presenting yourself with your best foot forward. This book is a great gift for a teenager about to become a women or and adult female who wants to be a BETTER woman. This book is a great find.

This book is a must read for children to get a proper perspective of history. Public school textbooks will not reflect our Christian roots. Parents should read the regular version. My 9 year old granddaughter says this is her favorite book.

Great and educational book. My son loved it and he does not care to read. This is a must for all out there.

This is a good book for Christian homeschooling moms. I bought it for my daughter, who is homeschooling her children.

Like the adult book of the same title, The Light and the Glory for Children examines evidence for America's Christian roots. The authors reveal a past that is not at all smooth. The challenges of settling this land and building a new nation are shown in their harsh reality. Equally, the faith that strengthened the people for these challenges is presented as inspiration for tomorrow's citizens and leaders. Review questions in the back of the book helped my children explore their own values and beliefs about their country. There could be no better way to raise responsible citizens than to have them investigate our Christian heritage through this book.

Beautifully illustrated and with all of the girly frills, A Little Girl After God's Own Heart is an attractive and sweet story that is sure to reach every little girl's heart. Characteristics of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control are the focus of the story.

Elizabeth George brings the meaning of those traits to life in a poetic form, and by using practical illustrations and catchy rhymes that a child can easily memorize. Short prayers are inserted where they fit and demonstrations of how to better handle situations are highlighted. For example: (on gentleness) "When things go wrong, take a step back--calm down, be thoughtful, and please, don't attack!" These are words of wisdom to live by. I recommend this book as an instruction guide for children as young as 18 months old, and up through about second grade. - Michelle Sutton, Christian Book Previews.com

This book is timeless, and beautifully illustrated! I purchased this book before my daughter was born 6 mos ago in hopes of giving it to her when she is able to understand it and appreciate it. The book offers, simply, the attributes that we should be teaching our little girls so that they grow into fine young women. This would also make a wonderful baby shower gift for the parent who knows the sex of their baby. (The boy version, by Jim George, is also available and makes a great gift.)

This review was written for Christian Book Preview's site.
Beautifully illustrated and with all of the girly frills, A Little Girl After God's Own Heart is an attractive and sweet story that is sure to reach every little girl's heart. Characteristics of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control are the focus of the story. The author brings the meaning of those traits to life in a poetic form and by using practical illustrations and catchy rhymes that a child can easily memorize. Short prayers are inserted where they fit and demonstrations of how to better handle situations are highlighted. For example: (on gentlesness) "When things go wrong, take a step back--Calm down, be thoughtful, and please, don't attack! Words of wisdom to live by. I recommend this book as an instruction guide for children as young as 18 months old and up through about second grade.

Written by Elizabeth George with paintings by Judy Luenebrink, A Little Girl After Gods Own Heart is a picturebook written especially for Christian little girls, listing positive qualities to strive for in one's heart. Love, Joy and Peace, Patience, Kindness and Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control are all extolled as precious virtues to cultivate in God's eyes, as revealed in quotes from holy scripture. The illustrations reveal the adoration and wonder of the artist, in this giftbook meant to be cherished as an uplifting source of inspiration for young female children.

i bought this book a year or more ago based on a recommendation in a review (in some magazine). of all the fiction i've read in the past month or so, this was BY FAR my favorite.

the book is narrated by the sister of an adult male (i'm always impressed when a male author can write convincingly from a female narrator's perspective) who meets, marries, then loses an amazing wife to cancer. really the book is about his "long way back" to life, through and semi-out of a deep and massive grieving process.

as an added bonus, the brother is a catholic youth worker who mostly loses his faith through this process. but the narrating sister keeps her faith (so it's not a slam on religion or faith). there's a good splash of punk rock and band stuff thrown in the mix, which added fun. lots of great reflections on dying and death (the sister is also a hospice nurse), grief, families, faith, healing, and how events can completely redirect our lives.

i highly recommend this great book!

Ever met someone who's life was saved by punk rock? You will if you check-out the book I just finished!
In Long Way Back, the author, Brendan Halpin, narrates the life-recovery of Francis Kelly, a devout Catholic who loses his beloved wife and then abandons his faith. The story is told through the eyes of his older sister, Clare, a practicing nurse who serves God through the nursing profession, always seeking jobs that require nearly as much altruism as professional acumen. Her faith exists because of Francis, who had an unmistakable "religious experience" as a teen that left a lifelong impression on her, direct proof that there is a God.
And as they grow older, Francis becomes a devout lay minister in the Catholic church, directly impacting the life of many teens in the youth group he sponsors. In time, he meets and marries the love of his life, Lourdes, an oncologist, who is one of those rare humans who is just as wonderful as she seems. Their love fulfills Francis, completing him in a way that not even his faith could.
But Lourdes is struck down unexpectedly and dies after lingering in a coma in spite of the earnest prayers of her husband. After losing her, Francis grows bitter towards God and hostile towards the church, especially in light of the recent pedophilia scandals in the Boston area where he lives and works.
It is the author's accurate and gripping portrayal of losing a loved one unexpectedly -- in spite of praying and religious devotion --that is the strength of this novel. The reader is drawn into Francis' love for Lourdes as her character develops, and then is shattered along with Francis as she dies. Halpin keeps Francis' newborn cynicism on an even-keel, however, in the scene at the funeral reception, when Francis lashes out at well-meaning boobs who offer trite, religious clichés that hurt him more than explain the reason for tragedy and unanswered prayers.
In the second half of the novel, Francis loses his old life and finds a new one in an entirely different manner but without losing his altruistic zeal to ultimately help others. Although he never returns to the lay ministry or Mass, he finds a way to heal himself and other emotionally-needy people through the unexpected outlet of punk rock, a major influence in his and Clare's life. Any reader who is a fan of the Ramones or the Who will find kindred spirits in the fictional Kelly household.
Although harrowing and sad at times, Long Way Back is ultimately uplifting. Highly recommended.

I absolutely loved Long Way Back. Written in a totally original voice, this story of love, loss and ultimately, redemption, is tender and poignant and thoroughly enjoyable. I could completely relate to the characters. I mean, who hasn't questioned their faith after bad things have happened, or wanted to totally reinvent themselves when the old version just didn't seem to be working out anymore? Bottom line: You gotta get this book. Also, a warning--read the last chapters somewhere private...I was in a public place and everyone wondered why I was crying.

I have read most of Mr Halpin's books and find they all have that same haunting realism that you know is not fiction. This is an author who writes from the heart not only his own but through experiences that have touched all of us in our own lives one way or another. This is a book you want to put down while reading to savor it but you can't put down because you need to be "in" it to the end. So, give yourself some me time,a nice warm beverage and just enjoy.

As a teenager, I can relate to almost all of the fiction in this book. Every story provides at least one bit of comedy. I recommend this book to anyone purchasing a gift for a teenager.

Thirteen authors of books aimed at adolescents contributed a story based on a true event in their lives when they were in school or, as in one case, observing students as an adult. The tales center on showing how the writers get an idea for a story based on an experience even if that incident(s) is turned into something supernatural or science fiction in nature.

The well-written stories are clearly designed for the younger reader. This collection would make a wonderful follow-up to fans of Harry Potter (the most influential books in many years by virtue of bringing literature to youngsters). This anthology provides a writer's focus within interesting stories to that same Potter age group. Along with the Weiss' previous book (see the award winning FROM ONE EXPERIENCE TO ANOTHER), young readers will gain another perspective on the non-programming written word.

Do you know a teen who would like to be a writer? Or do you have ambitions to write? I highly recommend this book for both groups, as well as for young adults who just love short story collections. The first story about a high school fencer, by Jerry Lubar, was my favorite. It appeals to that part in all of us that loves to root for the underdog, and see him come out on top. It's also delightfully funny! It reminded me very much of Chris Crutcher's writing. Not all of the stories are as strong as Lubar's, but I love the collection anyway. Each story is prefaced by a note from the author, telling what inspired the author to write THIS particular story. It helps budding authors to see where writers get their ideas and, perhaps more interesting, WHY they get their ideas. It also shows the aspiring writer that there are many different ways to tell a story - whether in a straight forward format (most of the stories), a prose poem interview (Mel Glenn's Kids in the Mall), or an unconventional nursery rhyme (John Scieszka's Thirteen Diddles). The prefaces also allow the reader to see the authors as real live once-upon-a-teen people, who just happened to grow up and make their living by writing. A word of warning, however - THIS IS NOT, as a previous reviewer said, a book for the Harry Potter lover. I love the Rowling books, but this is not designed to serve the reader in the same way. Don't buy it thinking that it is similar in any way to the Potter books. Do buy it if you are intrigued by the process of writing, if you like short stories, or if you enjoy learning about how authors work their magic on readers.

Here is a great book that uses wonderful authors and their talents and combines their real life story with a pinch of fiction. I liked this book because it keeps you going, a book that is hard to set down. A wonderful book to tease your mind and give it inspiration! :)

ONCE I GOT THIS BOOK I STARTED TO READ IT AND I SERIOUSLY SAT DOWN FOR FOUR HOURS WITHOUT GETTING UP TO EAT OR ANYTHING... AND IT WAS WORTH IT. I WISH I HAD READ THIS BOOK WHEN I WAS IN HIGH SCHOOL. GREAT BOOK. IT WOULD BE COOL IF THERE WAS A MOVIE MADE ABOUT IT TOO!

Maggie Castillo, a Cuban girl living in Florida, picks a jasmine every morning from the vine that grows outside her home. On the last petal on the flower reveals her fortune for the day. She is head over heals for this guy named Zach but maybe she will find out another boy id better. She is to shy to confide in her mother, a bust nurse, and her best friend is to busy with her new boyfriend to even listen to Maggie. Maybe she can confide in Mrs. Maxwell , the elderly lady she takes care of after school, about her new friend Justin. Mayeb she will find she has been asking her jasmine the wrong question all along?

I think, "Loves Me, Loves Me Not" is a really good story because I understand how Maggie feels. I mean, this is relatable and this happens with people.

Maggie Castillo likes this guy Zach Sherwood, only he doesn't really notice her. Maggie doesn't really see Zach's true nature because she's so blind thinking of him as a God. Then there's Justin Bentley, the new guy from a private school. When Maggie's with Justin she has fun and there is a certain thrill. But which guy does Maggie really like and can she recognize whom she really likes in time?

This book is not really adventurous but I really like it, because Maggie explores herself and learns more about herself. In a way, I think this is a powerful book because of how it shows people. There are some issues that this book explores and I would recommend this book to all readers!

this book is a great book if you are struggleing in a relationship or you are a young teenage girl who is lovesick, or in need of love. the book is about a cuban girl maggie and her life she incorperates other stuff into it but it is mostly a love story for teens, i know that i wanted it to keep going, in most romances there is way too much goosh but this one was not, it was perfect! i borrowed it from the library but as soon as i finished it i wanted to buy it so i could read it over and over again! i am not one to re-read books but i want to read this one billions of times.

I read this book as a child and instantly fell in love with it. I was able to find a few copies of it while I was in college and shared them with my pre-teen relatives. Over the years I misplaced my copy and have been seeking it feverishly. (Thank you Amazon.com.) I'm now a veteran Language Arts teacher and have decided to share this exceptional novel with my 7th grade students. I'm confident they will cherish it, as did I.

Ludell is a wonderful preteen book. I read this book as well as Ludell and Willie and many many more when I was 11yrs old. Of all the books I read as a young girl, this was my very favorite. It really helped me to understand some of the things I was going through at that time in my life. Once I picked it up I couldn't put it down until the last page. I cant wait to give it to my girls. Anyone looking for a charming coming of age book for youngsters glued to the television should consider this book.

When I was 10 years old I was an avid t.v. watcher. Much to my mother chagrin that's all I did everyday. After many arguments and threats she decided to take matters into her own hands. She put me on punishment. No t.v. for a month. This was beyond punishment to me. She might as well had told me not to breathe again. I refused to talk to her for days. One day out of the blue she came into my room and handed me a book. We were very poor and to 'waste' money was something that was frowned upon. So she gives me this book and tells me that books are what she used to 'watch' when she was a kid. I grudgingly took the book. I quickly lost myself in Ludell's life. She reminded me of my mom. She's curios and full of life. Ludell's freinds became my frieds. At 10 years old I finished reading Ludell in less than a day! A couple of years later walking aimlessly around the public library (I now 'watched' more books than I watched t.v.) I found Ludell and Willie. I shouted as loud as I could I was so happy. I knew Ludell and Willie belonged together. Now at 21, I'm looking for Ludell to pass down to my cousin. We have similar taste in books. It's a shame that Ludell is out of print. I wish I would have kept the one I had but sadly it got mixed up in some things that were donated to the Salvation Army. Whoever was the lucky person to receive Ludell, I know they loved that book as much as I did.

Ludell, was the first book that I read through my school RIF program. It was written by a black author and I told everyone I knew about it. I was in sixth grade and this book changed and enhanced my thoughts. It is a book I will cherish always. I continually passes it on to young ladies and they all have their own personally experience about this book. I have lost my original copy however, I was able to order it again. I lost Ludell and Willie, however, I do have Ludell New York adventure. My first and favorite author will always be Ms. Brenda Wilkenson, she open my eyes to the art of Reading. Please ask you local bookstore to order this book for you. It has some much of pleasant memories of when a Child could really be a Kid.

I just received this book in the mail, (i ordered it off here for .50 cents for the book) it was brand new looking and i think my daughter will love it for Christmas. Great deal specially since they dont print these books anymore!

I have been reading Pooh stories to my children for many years. When my oldest son was little, Pooh was his nickname. How great to have these wonderful stories to give to my grandchildren. It is like passing on part of my sons childhood to their children. Both of my grandchildren love Pooh just as much as their Daddy's did. Pooh, Tigger, Piglet and the rest will never go away. I have to confess, I'm the Nana, but I love reading these stories to my grandchildren. They are my favorites too.

My 2 1/2-year-old discovered Pooh on the Disney video. However, she wanted to hear about his adventures at bedtime, so I bought this book. Now she actually prefers it to the video, which makes everyone happy. Of all of her Pooh books, this is her favorite.

We bought the movie for my daughter's 2nd Birthday. She loves the movie so much that she has almost the whole thing memorized, but the real fun started when we found the book. She sits down and "reads" the book herself. This book is so close the the movie that she can repeat the story as she looks at the pictures in the book. What more could a parent ask for than a book that children can relate to and encourage them to read instead of watch TV. Thank You.

This book is not just for people who do drugs, but for anyone who wants the violence that the illegal drug trade brings to stop. It has some conspiracy theorys, but they are backed up by facts. I found this book inspirational, because while reading it I wanted to go out and alter the drug laws. I recommend this book to everyone, because it helps clear up some of the propoganda that the government has been feeding us for many years. There also is a web site www.maximizingharm.com with more information (it's free, go there now!)

Steve Young explains in an easy to understand format, how US drug policy is clearly responsible for everything it is supposed to prevent. The book is a treasure trove of facts, which paint a stinging indictment of America's most terrible pork-barrel disaster and exposes those who cash in at the expense of a nation, the drug war profiteers.

"Maximizing Harm" is a must read. Makes a great gift, for those who just can't seem to see through the smoke and mirrors of the drug war facade.

Meticulously documented scholarly treatises are supposed to be dull. Not this time. In making his case for ending our government's 25-year war against drugs, Stephen Young has written a book that is fascinating, shocking, frustrating, heartbreaking, sometimes downright horrifying - but never dull.

Young tells us that dozens of attempts to eradicate the use of drugs have been documented throughout the ages - including executions of tobacco users in 17th century Russia. All of them failed.

Lest you think that we have become wiser and more civilized in recent times, Young points out that as recently as 1989, William Bennett, the nation's drug czar at the time, while appearing on the "Larry King Live" show agreed with a caller who suggested that drug dealers be beheaded

In such a climate, Young argues, it is not hard to understand how our civil liberties have been among the first casualties of the drug war with mandatory harsh sentences for drug users, resulting in the overcrowding of our prison system. The eighth amendment is supposed to stop "cruel and unusual punishment," yet we are now seeing multi-year sentences for possession of small amounts of illegal drugs.

Ever hear of Melinda George? Neither did I until I read this book. She is serving a 99-year prison sentence for the sale of one-tenth of a gram of cocaine!

To relieve the prison overcrowding caused by prisoners such as Melinda George, we have seen reduced sentences and early releases for non-drug offenders, including violent criminals. This puts career criminals back on the streets sooner, ready to commit more crimes.

Young poses the question, why does this counterproductive drug war continue? He suggests the answer: That certain powerful special interest groups benefit by its continuance, like large pharmaceutical companies that would suffer financially if certain of their drugs were forced to compete with a cheaper and more effective medicine such as marijuana.

I urge everyone to read this book!

This is the first book I've read on this topic, and the author was able to sway me to believe that the war against drugs is not only harmfull, but worse than the actually drugs themselves. I really don't have time to write more, because I'm suppost to be writing a 5 page book report, but this book was worth every penny. It is a wide collection of data from a variety of sources and it brings up ideas that aren't even thought of in our "just say no" generation. I really wish people would take time to read a book like this, because its really easy to just sit back and think "the drug war is a neccesity" when you have the information the government keeps spewing out. The truth is that the drug war doesn't stop drug use, it increases drug use and the harm associated with it..

I'm not 100% converted, but this book has got me off to a great start. Thanks.

-Seth

Ms. Agins has written a fascinating portrait of one of America's premier writers. She's included details about Angelou's childhood; her amazing life as an entertainer, novelist, and poet; her search for her roots and heritage; struggles with racism, and warm generosity as a mother, friend, and literary icon. Crisp photos, interesting sidebars, extensive chapter notes, and an approachable writing style. Nominated for an NAACP Image award, the book is a must for young people and adults seeking to know more about Maya Angelou.

This biography's nomination for an NAACP Image Award is well-deserved. Maya Angelou's life is filled with challenges and achievements and will inspire readers of all ages. Donna Brown Agins writes a fast-paced biography that is as compelling as a suspense novel, as she relates how Angelou tackles the many obstacles in her life with wit and courage and in the process blesses the world with her prodigious talent and her love for humanity. An inspiring read for both children and adults.

Readers familiar with Maya Angelou's much-loved writings will be amazed and delighted by this fascinating portrait of the life of a great American woman. Angelou learned to believe in herself and found her true calling through years of challenge and adversity. Against the odds, she taught herself to sing with courage and love. Read this inspiring life story and discover the remarkable achievements of one of today's most admired and influential poets.

Donna Brown Agins has painted a strong picture of Maya Angelou and her many talents--dance, writing, teaching, social action, and more. (Hey, the woman can cook!) I own most of Angelou's books and once heard her in person as she spoke to a graduating class. No corny intros for her--she strode onstage and began to sing. Agins has captured the verve and courage of Maya Angelou, tracing her life from her roots in poverty in the American South to reading her poetry at the White House. A remarkable tale and a strong intro for young readers to a woman whose ideas resonate with readers. Clear photos; each chapter is footnoted; a chronology and further resources are included.