Child Health Books

Adam Selzer's HOW TO GET SUSPENDED AND INFLUENCE PEOPLE tells of a class project where a teen's class is chosen to make educational videos for younger grades. Leon's determination to create something outrageous changes to a genuine desire to make sex education something real - until the program's director suspends him for its disturbing content. Real issues are revealed in a novel about sexuality and censorship.

I read this book last March, but since 2007 is almost over, I can honestly say that of the hundreds of books I've read all year, this was one of the most enjoyable. As a past member of the gifted pool, I had many a flashback to all the crazy stunts that inevitably seep out when a bunch of intelligent smartasses get together. Leon is so engaging and worth rooting for, and Selzer's writing is just plain hilarious. It's refreshing to find a writer who doesn't feel the need to condescend to young readers. I can't wait for Pirates of the Retail Wasteland.

Eighth-grader Leon Harris takes on an assignment to create an "educational" video and decides to make it artsy and avant-garde in order to spread the message that what pubescent kids are feeling is normal. And that goes double about masturbating. He thinks it'll change the world. One of his teachers thinks he's a Satan-worshipping immoral miscreant who should be expelled and thrown in jail. Suddenly the entire student body rallies around Leon and it becomes an issue of free speech and artsy subversion vs. what should and shouldn't be taught in public schools. It's hilarious and, if not totally realistic, at least very human.

I harbor perverse love for misfit adolescent main characters - adolescent either physically (Stephen Chbosky, The Perks Of Being A Wallflower) or emotionally (Mark Spitz, How Soon Is Never?) - and Leon is immature, smartassy and sassy, bless him, and they need to make more kids like him.

Eighth-grader Leon has a project in his class for gifted and talented students. Each student must make his or her own educational video to show the lower classmen. What subject do you think a hormonal teenager will choose? Of course, sex education.

Despite his wanting to see pictures of naked people, Leon wants to show the kids that puberty is normal. Hair grows, things change, you have certain urges, and everything's like a big explosion. With his friend, Anna, Leon creates an avant-garde sex ed. video, which is informative, but kind of weird.

Before showing it to the lower classmen, Leon first debuts it to his teacher, Mrs. Smollet, who finds it immoral and disgusting. Naturally, she goes to the principal, who suspends Leon. During his suspension, the townspeople debate over Leon's sex education video. Is it too graphic for sixth and seventh graders? After this huge debate will Leon be allowed to show his video and come back to school, or be expelled forever?

Adam Selzer creates a funny and enjoyable book. The characters are well-written and defined. You'll enjoy this book and laugh throughout; this is a book you don't want to miss!

Reviewed by: Jeremey

Adam Selzer clearly remembers what it's like to be in the "gifted" class in middle school -- and an outsider. The hero of "How to Get Suspended and Influence People," Leon Noside Harris, reminds the reader of the gifted kids they knew in their junior high days: smart-alecky, disheveled, ahead of their age, and out-of-step with the cool kids. And that's the way they liked it. These are the kids you used to describe by saying, "He's either going to be a great success or end up in jail."

Leon is supported at school by a gaggle of like-minded friends, and by teachers who want to lift him up and slap him down. At home, Leon's lovingly dysfunctional family will remind you of Bill Bryson's parents in "The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid" (Selzer and Bryson both grew up in Des Moines, albeit 30 years apart -- was there something in the water there?).

Young readers will relate to Leon's efforts to "fight the power" and make La Dolce Pubert. Adults will laugh as they remember their junior high days -- or the junior high days they wish they had.

This is a great book for girls, encouraging them to get into sports. Shows a group of about 8 girls (and 2 boys) learning yoga. The kids look to be around 8 years old, but my 3 year old loves looking at the pictures and trying the poses. The photography is beautiful and the text is very informative. The book does not "talk down" to the kids, as some kids books on yoga do. Two other great books in this series are I Love Gymnastics and I Love Tennis. Highly recommend all three of them.

I take teen classes with Mary Kaye and enjoy them a lot! All of my family and friends have purchased the book and love it! I think the book is a great way for kids to learn yoga. The classes and the book combine balance poses and hip openers and end with relaxing poses. I always feel great after yoga, and I am glad I discovered it early in my life!

Great book. Excellent photos and poses. My kids and I love this book and we now do yoga everyday. We can't wait for her next book.

WOW!! Finally a great yoga book for kids. Some of the other instructional books out there seem boring to my children...and me! This book is so well done. Some of my kids do yoga regularly and some don't, but they all enjoy looking at this book and trying the yoga poses. The pictures are very self explanatory. For the non-readers, the children are able to look at the pictures and do the poses. For the older children, they can see how to do the pose and then read an explanation in very easy to understand text. We look forward to another book from this author for teens!!! Namaste.

My children are too young for the yoga classes offered in my area (and there are very few studios). This book was suggested by my sister who lives in the NE, my 3 and 5 year old children love it! It is a great resource for learning the basics of yoga at home. It's also something different and fun for my kids who are now tapped out on the "sameness" of the classes offered....gymnastics, ballet, etc. We now love yoga!

Everyone with a family should read this book. It has excellent examples and you will recognize the conversations and situations because you have heard or participated in very similar communication fiascoes.

I found this book to be helpful in understanding some of the language that goes on between my family, to know we are not the only ones out there with problems in relating to each other.

I have used the information in this book to enhance my communication and relationship skills with my family and others I work with. I believe the book is worth the time reading!

I cannot express how much this book has helped me understand what's going on in my family. A lot of arguments in my family center around who said what, how they said it, and why they said it. And Tannen provides almost all of the tools necessary for us to even think about reconciling.

This really is an enlightening book. What it does do, is explain what goes on in a particular aspect of any family - she explains how family arguments and conversations work, why some things are said but other left unsaid, and provides some suggestions and advice for going back and fixing some of those misunderstandings. She provides a really comprehensive overview of whole family setups, organizations, and tons of possible situations.

She doesn't say "here's how to fix your problems - they shall all be solved". She can't - she's not your own psychologist. But there is so much information to work with, that for a majority of families this will definitely provide a really good and solid basis for reconciling, and even allowing family members to start talking to each other civily again.

Tannen has done tons of research, and provides many examples from all types of families throughout the whole book - grandparents, partners, families with children, families without children, cross-culture families, etc.. I do have to completely agree with another reader that the examples Tannen gives could have been plucked straight from my life. I found one line in particular that could actually explain away years of misunderstanding between two whole branches of my family, myself included. It's also a very fast read - I read it through in just a few days, and I'm a slow reader.

If anyone in your family is even remotely having difficulties talking to others in your family, you should buy this book. I can't tell you how much it's helped me already. Had to buy two more copies of the book for other family members to "borrow".

This makes a mother stop and isten to herself when she is talking to her adult daughter. Why does the daughter not like to visit her? Well, in this book may be the answer, the way the mother talks to her grown daughter. The book should go both ways in helping the daughter learn how to talk to her mother, who is wanting a close relationship to her grown daughter now. This is a very good book, one that can help people grow in their communications with each other.

The author writes with a vivid readable style. He takes us along with him on his quest to help his son learn. Along the way, we meet a variety of clinicians, educators and other experts. Professionals might do well to read these sections to help them understand how strongly their words and actions may affect a distressed parent.

Dr. Roseman had decades of experience compensating for his own AD/HD and learning disabilities. When he discovered that his oldest son had similar difficulties, he determined that his son would have a different experience from his own. Watching his son's struggles and triumphs was an intense experience, unearthing many varied emotional reactions. Dr. Roseman recounts his own memories of the pain and humiliation he experienced as a child when his school and his parents expressed frustration. At the same time, Dr. Roseman remembers how he had been able to use his energy and creativity to find unique ways around his disabilities.

This book emphasizes the need for individualized approaches for AD/HD and learning disabled children. To Dr. Roseman's credit he does not give blanket dismissals to legitimate treatments that did not work well for his particular child.

Not every parent can or should do what this parent did. Many readers will not have the energy, the time or the financial resources to teach their own child. This intense identification between parent and child can be a powerful positive force so long as the parent is able to allow space for other family members and friends.

When Dr. Roseman talks about his long intense periods with minimal sleep, I could understand the rationale of the psychiatrist who wrote a prescription for Lithium. On the other hand, I think of the intense bond between Helen Keller and her teacher. Often intense, passionate involvement enriches our world.

Most childhood development books, while informative, tend to be as compelling as an encyclopedia. Not A Kid Just Like Me. Bruce Roseman's first person account of teaching his learning disabled, ADD son to read is inspiring and enjoyable reading. I think all parents can learn from Dr. Roseman's story. Dr. Roseman has been blessed with a wonderful son, Joshua, whom he loves dearly. Throughout the entire ordeal recounted in the book of dealing with educators, administrators, etc., Dr. Roseman never, ever forgot the love for his child, he never gave up, he always was his child's strongest advocate. While people were telling him and his wife that Joshua would never learn to read, he took control of the situation and taught his son to read. Dr. Roseman is also honest about himself in this book--he admits many time that he was a bit of a pill to those he encountered--again, though, all for his son. Dr. Roseman sent me this book, and asked me to review it. I am so thankful he did. It is a wonderful work that I recommend all parents read. It contains a compelling, heartwarming (although also sometimes heartbreaking) story that will inspire all parents.

I suspected I had ADD for sometime, but never allowed the suspicion to become concrete in my mind. Then I found 'A Kid Just Like Me'. I could not put the book down and finished it less than 24 hours after buying it. I realized that I had read - or sometimes attempted to read - too many books dealing with ADD in abstract terms; I could not recognize myself in those pages. With Dr. Roseman's book the situation was different: His honest, accurate and detailed description of ADD and learning disabilities opened my eyes to my condition. I consider myself lucky to have found this book and wholeheartly recomend it to those who suffer from ADD, kids and adults, and those who love and want to help them.

Dr. Roseman has earned his stripes in parenthood and medicine. This book is inspiring and helpful. He and his son are courageous and capable people. Everyone can learn from this book. It is also well written and lively. I hope learning specialists and teachers at a variety of schools read this book and learn from it. They should really try to understand how parents feel about their children and how they hope for their children, and thus, how dedication and faith can win in the long run.

When I began to read this book, I thought it would be very technical. However, I found it to be a book that I couldn't put down. It is a wonderful story about a father and son and their journey through heartache, love and striving to live in a normal world. I highly recommend this book.

As a father and a physician I have seen many guides written for new parents. I have been disappointed in most because of their redundancy and, often, lack of practical informatioxn. This book stands out as absolutely unique both in the quality and clarity of the writing but also because of its intuitive and almost uncanny relevance to the actual experience of being a parent. I would recommend no other resource to people who find themselves in this joyful and terrifying situation.

Being a teacher I have often utilized the KidsHealth website and found it to be an excellent and trustworthy resource. Now that I am an expecting parent I was pleased to find that the KidsHealth pediatricians recently published a guide for parents: pregnancy through age 5. The book is wonderful. The text is clear and easy to understand and the information is current. I especially liked the section on breast-feeding. I highly recommend this book to any parent or parent-to-be!

I got this book for my sister for her baby shower. This is her first baby and she really liked it!

The KidsHealth Guide for Parents is a comprehensive and user-friendly guide that is a must-have for parents (the grandparents like it, too). It's filled with practical information that cover everything from basic baby care, breastfeeding & sleeping to routine health care and safety for kids through age 5, common illnesses, behavior and development, play, parenting tips, and more. A pleasure to read, and nicely organized - lots of interesting sidebars, charts, and brief sections that make the book easy to browse through and read in between feedings and changings (and the occasional nap!). Thank you!

As a father and a physician I have seen many guides written for new parents. I have been disappointed in most because of their redundancy and, often, lack of practical informatioxn. This book stands out as absolutely unique both in the quality and clarity of the writing but also because of its intuitive and almost uncanny relevance to the actual experience of being a parent. I would recommend no other resource to people who find themselves in this joyful and terrifying situation.

I had this book when I was a child and I remember really enjoying it. So when I saw this book cover with the little bunny's tooth in the chocolate pudding, I just had to get it for my daughter. She really enjoyed it in first grade. She's in second grade now and still likes it, but getting a little less interested. Then again, she hasn't lost a tooth in a while. I am sure once another one gets loose that this book will be making frequent appearances at bedtime again like it did last year.

The is one if the books I loved as a child, and someday if I have a child, I will be reading this to her/him! I remember getting lost in the illustrations...and reading it again now, it has a lot of humor.

This was the first book that my wife learned to read as a girl. Now we read it to our little girls. I had forgotten how funny the story is both for the kids and the adult reader.

This was such a joy to find! When my child lost the first tooth I looked every where for this book but couldn't find it. Within the past two weeks I found it here. Once the book arrived I read it to my child & my husband. Both loved it as much as I do. If you can get a copy of this hard to find book I would encourage you to do so. You won't be sad as you explain to your little one where their teeth go once the tooth fairy picks it up.

I bought this lovely book for my grandson after he lost his first tooth, but haven't given it to him yet at the request of his parents. Little Rabbit is pretty self-aware for someone so young. She is not sure if she is going to buy into the Tooth Fairy story. So if you want a child to absolutely believe in the Tooth Fairy, no questions asked, please keep in mind that the book can be "thought provoking."

Support World Alzheimer's Day (September 21st) and become a Champion in the fight to end Alzheimer's Disease. Sign up, get involved and HELP the more than 5 million Americans currently living with Alzheimer's. It's your move.
http://www.actionalz.org/move/
info@alz.org

Help raise awareness of this devastating disease while supporting our goal to reach $1 million in donations. Whether you host a party using our exclusive tips from David Tutera, host a sporting event, like Round to Remember, or get your co-workers involved in the cause. All donations will be matched dollar-for-dollar by The Harrah's Foundation. Your help is sure to go a long way. Together we can put an end Alzheimer's.

There are more than 5 million people in the United States living with Alzheimer's. The seventh leading cause of death in the United States, Alzheimers' is a common, progressive, and deadly disease. You probably know someone who suffers from it. Every 72 seconds, someone develops Alzheimer's. The direct and indirect costs of Alzheimer's and other dementia amount to more than $148 billion annually.

The time to act is NOW. Click the link below to help make a double difference in the fight against Alzheimer's.
www.actionalz.org/fundraising/
info@alz.org

The Alzheimer's Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research, to provide and enhance care and support for all affected, and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.

www.alz.org
800/272-3900

This book is fascinating reading, and very inspirational for anyone who desires to make the most of the time remaining with their loved one with Alzheimers. This is not a "Stage of Alzheimers" primer, but a fascinating memoir of a daughter caring for her mother with Alzheimers. Elinor Fuchs' story is unique because she finds ways to turn the difficulties of her mother's Alzheimers into opportunities for love, care, and family healing.

Elinor Fuchs, a professor of drama at Yale University, seems so comfortable in her mother's fractured world, and finds the laughter within always. One very poignant moment occurs when the author is trying to determine whether her mother would rather return to her home of 30 years, or stay in an assisted living facility. Her mother responds: "Why go back in life when you can go forward."

This book will bring tears, laughter, and wisdom to those who take the time to savor it.

Gerry Puhara

Elinor Fuchs writes of navigating the long-distance caregiver role, first with the help of part-time paid caregivers and then live-in caregivers. Care eventually moves to an assisted living facility and finally a nursing home. Fuchs marks each transition with mixed feelings over meeting her mother's dependency needs while trying to preserve her independence. Fortunately, her loving uncle was available to make decisions with her until his own death. Fuchs' intelligence, good humor, and compassion enable her to enjoy her mother in spite of her limitations. She begins to reframe the meaning of her mother's fractured language: "I see Lil not only as a `patient' and `sick.' But as an artist, spinning poetry of a private world, and I began to carry a little tape recorder to catch these exchanges." As a result, each chapter of the book begins with an excerpt that reveals their playful, wacky, and sometimes profound conversations. This memoir is filled with funny anecdotes that show how her mother retained her essential self well throughout the disease.

This book is a joy to read. More than a narrative about aging and loss, it is a story of love's triumph. "The last ten years," writes Fuchs, "they were our best." If only more family caregivers in the midst of such adversity could grasp such an unexpected gift.

This is a wonderful book. It's about a downer subject-Alzheimer's---but manages to be funny, inspiring, hopeful and informative about the process of AD. Other reviewers are right---it is a page turner.
So what an achievement---an upbeat, engrossing book about a human tragedy. I've read a lot of first person accounts about the dementia of a relative and this is the best. It should become a classic. And now the author Fuchs, who teaches at the Yale School of Drama, should make a play of this.

Laughter is the key to surviving a mother with Altzheimers. This story is so full of laughter and love that it eases the pain of the adventure, maybe not while its going on, but certainly after the "exit." It's a non-stop read at any stage of the experience even if you got along with your mother just fine.

Meet the Veggies is educational and fun. What a great to learn about vitamins. It is a book that can be read again and again by and to children. Kudos to Charlotte Raybon with her first book.

Meet the Veggies is a wonderful children's book. Parents along with their children will have a great time reading this book.

Little ones will find it hard not to eat healthly after viewing these cute little colorful illustrations of the veggies.

The lively and colorful characters of Miss Mae's kitchen will keep you entertained as they share a few details about themselves. They'll have you smiling and your mouth watering. This is a story people of all ages can enjoy. You'll also love the colorful illustrations. Great debut! I'm looking forward to Ms. Raybon's next book.

Miss Mae's Kitchen is very entertaining. Children will find it hard to put this book down and will enjoy reading it again and again.

As a minister, this is a great daily devotion for couples who are longing for children. Garrett has pulled together an enormous amount of scripture and insight to help the reader walk through this process and understand that they are not alone on many levels.

I loved this book. We are at the beginning of a journey we never wanted to take. This book has provided sound biblical advice and encouragement for both me and my husband. The writer has found a wonderful way of writing just what I needed to read at just the right moment. I have shared many of the devotions with my husband and he has enjoyed it as well. I recommend it highly. The author truly has a devotion to encourage you during every step of the journey. Moreover, if you have a friend or are in ministry this makes a very comforting gift. The author doesn't make any foolish guarantees or empty promises but manages to give the reader hope and points to Christ as our ultimate source of peace.

THis book offered everything I needed to guide me emotionally and spiritually for getting through trying to conceive. Every time I started to feel hopeless, a friend getting pregnant and me still TRYING, another negative pregnancy test, etc. I could turn to this book and find a moment that I could relate to. SHe covers it all - there's something in this book for everyone. Her journey is inspiring and comforting, giving hope for your personal infertility struggles. The prayers are written out and help guide your personal time with God. I recommend this book to ANYONE who is hurting and desires to find peace and comfort through God.

I am not extremely religious, but definitely believe in God and that "everything happens for a reason". I found this book to be most comforting to put things into perspective and put my mind at ease while trying to conceive. Whether you are impatiently waiting or suffering from a physical impairment blocking your ability to get pregnant, this book is great.
Also recommended: "Healing Mind, Healthy Woman" by Alice Domar.

In my struggles with infertility and miscarriage, I have found Ms. Garrett's book the best one out there. My husband and I use this as a devotional each night before we go to bed. The short stories have hit right on the mark of feelings and situations we are experiencing, and give practical, Biblical advice on them. It is great to hear what God says about our struggles, and I am so glad that this book is available. Highly recommend it to everyone who is searching for comfort on their most awful days.

I found this to be a wonderful book for toddlers faced with the trauma of having a parent on bed rest (whether it's due to pregnancy, an illness or accident). I ordered it on Amazon when I was up all night with insomnia from worry about my 2-year old daughter's difficult time dealing with my long-term (26 week) complete pregnancy bed rest. The day we received it, she asked me to read it to her five times. Our 2 year old related to the tender way the book explains--in a toddler's voice--how a child feels when her Mom is ordered to stay in bed. I couldn't agree more with the quote on the back of the book, "This delightful and poignant book fills a gap in children's literature....Beautiful illustrations and lifting verse will make this a favorite among children and give parents ideas for creative and enjoyable activities to be shared between Mother and Child. Mothers and children in this [bed rest] situation will praise and thank Annette Rivlin-Gutman for addressing their need so eloquently."

If you have a parent who is bed ridden the is a must have book if there are young children in the home. There are very few resources out there to help tell a child about a bed-ridden mommy. This book is a great help.

If you've ever wondered how to deal with a child who needs to understand the reality of an at home -in- bed mom or dad, then consider this a must read for that child along with the parent who cares enough to help that child
grow and understand the reality of the situation. I know it helped my daughter and myself when we needed it most.
Simple and to the point, a great book with a great message!! Kudos to the educator who knows how to communicate with the chilld. Please write more!

A wonderful children's book!
Beautifully illustrated, lovingly told, Mommy Has to Stay in Bed offers comfort to a child facing the issue of a parent confined to bed rest.
Through colorful images, and in terms a young child can understand, this book will help a child cope with a parent's illness. Sensitively written from the viewpoint of the child, I found the book to be full of terrific ideas to help the young reader bond with their parent during a difficult time.
Mommy Has to Stay in Bed is a thoughtful gift for any mother facing a long illness or recuperation. I loved this book and would highly recommend!!

Mommy Has To Stay In Bed is a small, simple softcover picturebook written by a mother who personally experienced the dilemma of having to explain being on bed rest during her pregnancy to her then 1 1/2 year old daughter. The simple rhyme and the warm color illustrations complement one another perfectly in this superb book for helping little ones understand a difficult time in a parent's life. "Sometimes I get so angry. / I just want to shout, / 'I don't like having Mom in bed / day in and day out.' // Mommy tells me to scream, / hit a pillow, have a cry. / If I'm angry, she understands / and accepts the reasons why."