Education Books

I read the book in one day. It was very engaging and I went through the whole array of emotions as I read it. Reliving alot of similar moments for I am a Mom with twin boys that have been diagnosed with ADHD. I love to read, however the books on ADHD that I have read have been of little value. As Robert shares his story and his perspective it helped me understand my boys even better. The book may not have all the answers, but it did share some of the discoveries that Robert made on his own. In order to find ways to improve their self esteem, it helps to understand how society tears it down. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to understand a person with ADHD traits.

This book was phenomenal!! It is the story of my life and I am glad I am not alone.
I encourage all adults who think or know that they have attention deficit to read this.
The book encouraged me to accept me for who I am and start my own chapter for ADHD in my own city.

The Little Monster: Growing Up With ADHD
The Little Monster by Robert Jergen is a great read! The book takes the reader inside the head of Dr. Jergen, who has ADHD, and lets the reader see and feel what is like to have ADHD. This story will both touch and delight you as you read it. Most importantly though, this book will both teach and give you hope whether you have ADHD or are a parent or teacher for someone who has ADHD. Dr. Jergen gives the reader workable solutions to everyday problems as well as other referral sources for parents and teachers. When Dr. Jergen entered into his doctoral program, he discovered and wrote this, "The question became, not how to "cure" my ADHD, but how to utilize it."

I found this book to be very useful in seeing the world from an ADHD child and adult's perspective. But the author seems to feel that the entire world needs to shift to accommodate what seems natural to him. It seems that everyone must tolerate and indeed celebrate behavior that makes life unpleasant and difficult for the non-ADHD person who has the bad luck to work with an ADHD adult.

I came away from the book feeling sad for ADHD children and their parents and their poor teachers who have delivered into their classrooms the "gift" of an uncontrolled child. And I am profoundly grateful that I don't work with an ADHD adult.

It would have been nice to read more about how the author tries to accommodate others and less about how the world must warp to fit him.

I highly recommend this book to parents, teachers and anyone interested in learning more about ADHD. I am actually currently taking my Masters in Special Education and this book was a wonderful source of information. It is a very powerful book where the author talks about his personal experience growing up with ADHD. All parents of kids with ADHD should read this book because after this experience they will definitely understand better their kids' behavior. I congratulate the author for sharing his personal experience and for showing through his writing how parents and teachers have a crucial role in developing kids' self - esteem

I remember reading these books years and years ago! I'm in 10th grade and it's been more 5 years since I was in elementary school and yet when I go work at my old school I go back and read them again!

A fun (and funny) book which will delight kids with Amelia's well-intentioned but mistake-laden chores. Kids feel empowered because they are 'smarter' than the character and are able to cheer her on. In the end, Amelia's good deeds overpower any mistakes she makes.

I recommend this book for any child who is beginning to read on their own!

This is surly a kids favorite since I was a little girl! We join Amelia Bedelia as she starts her first day of work for the Rodgers. They rush off shortly after she arrives, but they've left her a list of things to do. Should be a snap, as all the tasks are simple and clearly stated...but that's what you think...Amelia Bedelia begins completing each chore in quite a literal fashion...drawing the drapes and much, much more! Younger kids (1-4) will like the silliness of it and beginner readers and more savvy grade schoolers (5-8) will like that's it's simple and clever/silly too! I recommend it without reservation! I'm sure Amelia will be with us, teaching fine lessons about the words we use and the many means they can have for generations to come!

A great, witty book that my 4-year old loved. Made her think about the different meanings of words.

In a language where so many words and phrases have multiple meanings, there's no doubt that the literal-minded Amelia can be kept busy through many a book. The fact that it's funny is just the thing to get young readers hooked.

Amelia, beginning her new job as maid for Mr and Mrs Rogers, makes a pie and then tackles her to-do list. Dust? Well, at her house, they un-dust, but she's going to do as she's told - so she finds sweet smelling dusting powder in the bathroom and spreads it throughout the living room. Draw the drapes? Not much of an artist, Amelia does her best. The pie is done just in time for the return of her employers. Mrs Rogers is surprised at Amelia's interpretation of such simple directions as "trim the fat"... and is about to fire her when Mr Rogers offers her a taste of Amelia's wonderful lemon-meringue pie. Mrs Rogers will just have to learn to say things Amelia's way, because they certainly don't want to lose someone who can make a pie like that!

Very funny, and it exposes young minds to the various meanings of words in English - easily one of the most complicated languages ever, and one that you just don't think about if it's your first language until you read a book like this! The book is rather old (copyright 1963) but is timeless and this is a great time to read it with your kids. As the Spanish-speaking population grows in the U.S., it's a great opportunity for kids today to realize just how hard English can be!

This book was my favorite (as written by a homeschool mom) to describe the Charlotte Mason philosophy and how one can use it in a practical way to teach their own children at home.

It is not only easy to read but a charming book. I have passed it on to my oldest child, who has begun homeschooling her daughter and son.

A book that makes the ideal childhood including education feasible and practical to implement. It shows that education does not have to take place in a chair and behind a desk. It shows that learning takes place all the time and the most important lessons are taught outside of textbooks.

This book gave me more inspiration, enthusiasm and direction for homeschooling than I ever expected to have with my oldest child still just two years old. Written by Karen Andreola, an intelligent, well-written and passionate mother who has homeschooled three children Charlotte Mason-style, the thrust of the book is not how to mold intellectually superior children (though that may be a natural result :) but rather how to nurture their natural curiosities and cultivate in them a love of learning. Reading "whole" or "living" books is foundational to this method, that is, books written by authors who have a personal passion for the subject, an enthusiasm that the reader may catch. Charlotte Mason is critical of most textbooks as they are over-stuffed with information compiled by committees aiming to meet generalized standards of what a child should learn in a particular grade. Charlotte felt that to know about something was not the same as knowing it personally. "Children are educated by their intimacies," was an oft-repeated theme which Charlotte was convinced of. A necessary partner to the reading of whole books is the "narration" of them, when a child is asked to re-tell what they have learned in their own words. Naturally the child will begin to incorporate the words of their authors into their own vocabularies. As they get older, they may narrate in both written and oral forms. In a child's early years (the first 6), no formal schooling is recommended but rather abundant play and exploration in nature, that they might experience the world through the five senses, as well as songs and books and practice at helpfulness in the home. Most importantly, Charlotte Mason recognizes Christ in her theories, placing spiritual formation as central to the child's education "...because knowledge without virtue is nothing to God."
A perfect compliment to this book in its emphasis on spiritual formation in the home: "Family Driven Faith," by Voddie Baucher.

If you've read the Charlotte Mason 6 volume set, there is no need for this companion book. My hope in reading this book was to get a modernized take on Miss Mason's educational theories. I was sadly disappointed. I find this book to be just about as victorian as the original. I do believe that the CM method will work in today's homeschools, but let's be honest, my children (and my home for that matter) look nothing like the rosy picture painted by Karen Andreola. I was hoping this book would break down the meat of CM's philosophy into what works for the modern home. I guess I'll have to do that myself.

I first must start of by saying that I am not a Christian, but I do find bits of wisdom and truth in a combination of different world spritual and religious beliefs. I very much enjoy and relate to the ideas espoused by Charlotte Mason, Edith Schaeffer, and Susan Schaeffer Macauly on education and family. That being said, I find Karen Andreola's book beautiful to read, but a bit... surrounded in a bubble (naive), and less worldy in tone in comparison to the other authors mentioned above. Even the Victorian illustrations within the text, although giving a sense of tranquility, paint a picture of family life as mostly seen through rose colored lenses, and imply a very homogeneous idea of humankind. Some of the judgments laced throughout may be a bit of a turn-off to non-Christian readers, but if you are able to dismiss them, or interpret them in another light, this book may work for you. It is not the best homeschooling book that I have read, that would be, "Homeschooling and the Voyage of Self-Discovery", by David H. Albert, but it is an inspiring look at a way of home life that many people aspire to.

I received 3 new books from Amazon with the super saver shipping. When they arrived, they were in a large box with only a little bit of that inlatable packing on the top-nothing to keep the books from shifting around. Nothing around the books or between the books.

A christian's Secret to a Happy Life arrived with the binding crushed on one end from not being adequately protected in the box.

Love the book, not happy with the shoddy packing.

So many Christians struggle with every day life--just like the rest of the world. While some secrets place all the power on "self," which fails us more often than not, this one places all the power in God's hands where it belongs. This timeless classic stays relevant because it communicates biblical truths that make a difference for all eternity.

There are very few treatises on the Christian life written with more insight, humility, and honesty.

It is not an easy read, Ms Smith is writing in the language of her day, which is above the eighth grade level used in today's books. It is worthy of your efforts, however. The exercise for your brain, soul, and spirit will do you some good.

Kudos to Whitaker House for keeping this important book in print.

This is a wonderful book - written in a simple, clear style yet filled with deep insight. The author has a true heart for God, and writes with compassion for her brothers and sisters in Christ.

Of the reviews listed here as of this date, only one departs from a laudatory amen.

Ms. Smith has offered a perspective which I believe could be an advance for some but possibly a snare for others.

With only a an uncertain grasp of her life gleaned from surfing the net, these thoughts present themselves:

Much like Christ himself, she grew up in a religious tradition (Quakerism) that her spiritual journey required her to depart from. It is fairer to say the book has been written by a religious rebel than by a Quaker.

Again, like Christ, she looks to God the Father.

Like Christ, she attracted followers and supporters.

Like Christ, within the boundaries of loving God, she offers faith and hope. I come away from Christ with more of a sense of the importance of charity than I do after reading Ms. Smith.

Again, assuming that biographical material perused after reading the book is true, the encouragement and success of the book is understandable. However, material is never confronted which might have been had the book title been 'The Joy of Being Crucified With Christ'

All I can say is....Excellent book. It made a computer technician out of me. Tnx

If you are tired of all the PC how-to books that can't write a sentance in English, this is the book for you. Easy to follow with screenshots from the PC itself, this a guide even my mom can follow. It covers the basics of owning a computer from Windows 98 and SE, ME, and XP. How to keep them in tune and how to save some money doing it with free programs that are available online. What to take some of the mystery of the beige (black, grey, whatever) box on the desk, The Healthy PC will go long ways towards that end.

The first time I sat down with this book, I couldn't stop. I'm not a PC guru, nor am I a "tin horn." I think anyone who uses a computer from power users to novices will find it one of the most practical, easy to understand texts you'll find.

I also "googled" his name and found his website CareyHolzman.com. What a treasure trove of advice and help.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn how to use a computer or increase the knowledge they already have.

I absolutely love this book!!! I read about it here on Amazon and ordered it right away. I have been reading through it and using it on my computer for the past three hours... I can't put it down!!! My computer already seems more reliable, and I fixed little problems that I wasn't sure how to (i.e. The annoying send error file reports).
One of the great things about this was how explanatory it was... Although I knew what a lot of computer jargon means, I understood it after reading this book.
I HIGHLY recommend this for anyone looking to take care of their computer!

When you work or deal with young people, talking about computers
is a big challenge and most of the times you feel like a "dummie or an idiot". This forces you to run to Barnes & Noble or the local Library to end up more confused and frustrated not knowing which book to pick.
"The Healthy PC" is not as tedious as other computer books,
on the contrary once you start reading you will not stop, and if you follow the steps Carey recommends you'll feel very comfortable.
This is a great book, to bad he does not have any publications about hardware, but I understand his next book will be about "networking" available next year, I can't wait to buy it.

This book was really good, except maria needs to get over conner because she is just sad and it's getting annoying. I think she and ken should hook up. conner and liz make a really good couple. ever since the 1st book i thought they should hook-up. i think that they will last a long time. and jeremy seems like a really sweet guy.

This is one of the best SVH Senior Year books written!I am glad to see that Jessica got over the rumors...Connor and Liz+Perfection!

The fifth book in the SVH Senior Year series will not leave you disappointed.I love the way the book has been set out with diary-like excerpts,lists,e-mails,senior polls,stories and homework all done in a certain handwriting font for each character.It is seriously cool and helps make Senior Year that much cooler than all other teen series.
In this book Melissa did not get the cheerleading captaincy she so desired.Will instead of feeling the need to comfort his girlfriend feels like a trapped animal.The absolute best part is when he goes to see his friend Angel(I know you're thinking'what were his parents thinking?')who says the most hilarous thing on Page 69.It is so funny.
Anyway this book mainly focuses on Jessica and Jeremy.Jeremy really likes Jessica and Jessica likes him(and I think they're the perfect couple)but everytime Jeremy asks her out she refuses because she doesn't want to fuel the rumours that are going around.She finally agrees and goes to a party but unfortunately for Jess,Melissa and her obnoxious friends appear and try once again to ruin her reputation.You'll have to read the book to find out what happens and it ends up as a bit of a cliffhanger.
Elizabeth and Conner can't hide their attraction to each other but they might have to because even after being brutally dumped by Conner,Maria still has feelings for him and is trying to get him back-with the help of Elizabeth.You'd think friends would be more honest as it saves all the silent treatment they have in Book 7.But once again you'll have to read the books to find out who's ignoring who.
As a another addition to the story Maria has to work with Ken on a project but Ken's still moping over the fact that his girlfriend Olivia died.In the most unexpected turn of events Maria succeeds in getting through to Ken.
I really love these books.They are great!!!They look every part the teen drama they are but you have to read them.If you like this you'll be sure to love the rest of the series.I think that reading about the lives of melodramatic teens is the best medicine.Pretty soon you'll be wanting to know everything about Elizabeth,Jessica and the whole gang.
It'll be interesting though to see how they tie the end of this series to Sweet Valley University as it is already so different!
Happy Reading!!!!!

I think "If You Only Knew" is the best book in the series so far, even though the "Melissa Loves Will, Will Loves Jessica" thing is getting old. But it's cool that Ken's back.

At the beginning of the book, here's what's happening:

-Conner is confused about Liz.
-Liz is confused about Conner.
-Jeremy thinks Jess hates him.
-Jess thinks Jeremy hates her.
-Maria thinks Conner wants her back.
-Melissa thinks Tia and Jess told on her.
-Will never wants to leave Melissa.

At the end of the book, here's what's happening:

-Conner has kissed Liz again.
-Jeremy has found out about Jessica's reputation and something bad has happened to his father.
-Maria saw Conner and Liz after they kissed and knows something's up.
-Will wants to leave Melissa.

Confused?

After their first kiss in "I've Got a Secret" (#4), Conner McDermott and Elizabeth Wakefield are struggling with their emotions for each other, especially since Liz's friend (Maria Slater) is still hung-up on Conner, even though he dumped her a week ago. Nevertheless, Maria aims to win him back no matter what.

Meanwhile, Jeremy Aames is still infatuated with Jessica Wakefield, but she's trying to brush him off. That's not going to stop Jeremy from trying though, even though he's swamped with school activities, sports, and a part-time job that will hopefully improve his family's financial situation.

"If You Only Knew" is the fifth book in the Sweet Valley High: Senior Year series. This is another great addition to the teen romance drama that's been building since the beginning of the school year. Worth reading if you're 12+ and a fan of Francine Pascal's Sweet Valley books.

I love this series. Besides being silly and fun to read, they also point out that it is ok to be different. This is a great message for kids, especially with the terrible shootings that have plagued our country. A message of acceptance is needed for all. Of course, my class just loves Tacky. He is a character everyone must get to know.

Very cute story, very engaging with hilarious illustrations. This is a great book - we travel alot so I tend to purchase a lot of paperback picture books (portable!) and this is one of our favorites.

It's been many, many years since I read this book, the last time being in my childhood. It's been a while, but I still remember Tacky with fondness. In fact, I was just thinking about him earlier today. I loved this book sooo much when I was a child, and highly recommend it for both kids and parents alike.

My son from an early age marched to a beat of a different drummer. We discovered this book when he was 5, and it was a great thing in his life. I was recently asked to name the most influential non-religious book in our lives and believe it or not this was it. Tacky helped our son believed that there was a place in the world for both the straight-laced run-of-the-mill kids and the more creative types. He is leaving to college today, his third year , and I just had to write this review in thanks. Our son has a lot of self-esteem and this book helped him find it. If you have a quirky kid, this book is a must. If you have a 'normal' kid, but they have a quirky friend this is a good book too, because it doesn't put down either sets of people, or penguins as the case may be. We of course have the whole book memorized and can make any of us smile by starting any of the phases in the book. If we save one of the children's books in our library, Tacky would be by FAR it.

My little sister was "Tacky" in a school play in about 4th(?) grade. (they put it on for the little kids) Now we're grown and have kids of our own and NEED this book because it's ingrained in our heads... Gotta love TACKY!

Phillip Done portrays life as a teacher in a humorous, enjoyable manner. His writing style is engaging and easy to read. As a teacher, it's easy to relate to many of the stories he shares. I enjoyed the book so much, I bought a copy to share with my co-workers. A fun, must-read for all teachers dedicated to the task of helping children build upon their self-esteem as well as grow academically.

As a third grade teacher I just want to say that Mr. Done has put my classroom into words-thank you, it makes me feel good to know that all third grade teachers are in the same boat, and enjoying the ride....most of the time.

If you want to laugh until you cry, then read this book! Phillip Done captures all the joys of teaching and expresses it in a way that is hilarious. As I tried to share passages with my family, I couldn't get it out because I was laughing so hard. Anyone who has taught or is starting their first year of teaching should definitely read this. You will be truly inspired!

If you teach, this is a MUST read!

Mr. Done was my fourth grade teacher. I was positively THRILLED when I realized he had written a book. He was, by far, one of my most memorable teachers to this day. His book is amazing, and brought back a lot of awesome memories I have of elementary school. Excellent read.

As the mother of a special needs, medically fragile child, I appreciate the honest writing of the essays in the book. Most of them are great. However I found a couple offensive--and I'm not easily offended. A couple parents assume that having kids with physical and easily recognizable disabilities is easier than having a child with an "invisible" disability. Even going so far as to say it's easy for schools to accommodate a child in a wheel chair. Anyone whose dealt with the public school system knows that's not true. I know there is a tendency to feel like your child's disability is worse than any other and that the grass is always greener. But we are one big special needs family and perhaps divisive essays should not have been included.

As a parent who contributed a personal story to this book, I was so delighted to read what all the other parents who contributed had to say. I could find a piece of myself or my child in every story. I agree that this should be required reading for all educational professionals before they enter a classroom.

Lorie B.

This book is a must have for any parents with special needs kids. The stories are riveting and triumphant and heartbreaking all at the same time. True to life stories of how parents deal with these kids. You go from one story to the next. I found it impossible to put down and I don't even have children!

Gerard Zemek
husband of author of "My Funny Dad, Harry"

I never write reviews but felt the need for this one. I recommend this book for any parent who is struggling with the ups and downs of raising a special needs child. This book has many stories about many real people, stories you relate to, or make you cry in happiness, or even sadness when you look at the gravity of your own situation. The strength of other parents is inspiring. This is a great book. I wish there were more of these!

This book, "The Elephant in the Playroom" is a true portrayal of exactly how "special" all these kids are! Each family and child described is wonderfully unique and interesting. As a special education aide, I laughed, commiserated, and understood each of these stories! This book is a valuable resource for anyone in contact with special needs children!!

Harry the Dirty Dog was undoubtedly a favorite of my children 25 years ago. I read it over and over. Despite the repitition, I also love this book. There is a rhythmn to the prose that makes it as fun to read as it is to listen to. I'm thrilled to see it again so that I may purchase it for my grandchild.

Our household has the whole series of the Harry books and I wouldn't have it any other way! I found an old copy at the local library and the first night I read it my daughter didn't make a PEEP she was utterly captivated and shes 2 and a half for 3 months she'd call "Harry Harry Harry" just like in "Harry by the Sea". If you love dogs, you'll love Harry!

This was one of my favorite books as a child in Australia. Now as a father in America, it has become on of my childrens' favorite books too. Give your children (and yourself) a lifetime of smiles and warm fuzzies with this one.

I bought this to replace the one from my childhood. Timeless book. No child should be without.

Poor Harry, he likes everything but taking a bath. He's got white hair with black spots. One day, he meanders around town and finds nothing but dirt. By the time he winds up home, he is filthy and no one recognizes him -- he's now got "black" hair and white spots. Harry can't believe they don't recognize his tricks and then he decides to get the dog brush and race up to the tub. Lo and behold, a little soap and water, and suddenly the family realizes its Harry. Boy, are they happy he's home. This is a fun book with wonderful illustrations. We have an original first edition of the book and my three children and I love reading about Harry. The little one, 2 1/2, loves pointing at a dirty Harry and asking "is that Harry?". When I answer yes, he is always quite relieved.