Black Books

Black's "Impeachment" is the ideal guide for the average citizen who hasn't studied constitutional law. Black gives a thumbnail sketch of the impeachment process' mechanics and explains what we know about the framers' intentions. He discusses the most often debated impeachment issues, and he offers his own interpretation of the process in general and comments on Nixon's impeachment.

The main points I took from this book are that impeachment gravely frays the fabric of American society, and that partisan politics has no place in the process; the linchpin of impeachment is the solemn statesmanship of our congressmen. If another impeachment comes about in my lifetime, I'll let my congressmen know early in the proceedings that I'm counting on them to act without partisan bias.

Black's book is now a bit dated, and his treatment is certainly more broad-brush than that of, say, Michael Gerhardt's "The Federal Impeachment Process" but this is still a wonderful book. A classic and, like all Black's works, beautifully written. If you're interested in impeachment (and who isn't these days?) this ought to be the first book you read.

Black's book is remarkably relevent to the current impeachment situation, even after 25 years. Though his examples are comtemporary to the Nixon near-impeachment (and prior to his resignation), it is refreshing to read a treatise on impeachment that does not constantly refer to Starr, Lewinsky, Tripp, et al. It is not written for the lawyer, so it has a popular flavor that made it a quick read while still imparting a great deal of information.

'The process of presidential impeachment and trial thereon, culminates in a judgement of the Senate, either that the president is not guilty, or that he is guilty on one or more of the Articles of Impeachment voted by the House, and is to be removed from office. Is this judgement of conviction final, or is it in some manner appealable, to the United States Supreme Court or elsewhere'?

Good question, huh? And so begins Chapter 4 of Charles L. Black's marvelous essay on the subject of impeachment. Black wrote this book when President Richard M. Nixon occupied the White House, yet the clarity of his writing, the reasonableness of his arguments and the vigor of his analysis, still hold true today nearly a quarter of a century later. This edition, republished in 1998, includes an impressive new forward by Prof Akhil Reed Amar of Yale University. If you're looking somewhat bewildered by the goings on Capitol Hill, and by implication, the lead stories on the news, rest assured you're not alone. One moment you hear the House of Representatives' Judiciary Committee recommending four Articles of Impeachment and the next moment you see the House vote to send the President to be tried by the Senate. What gives? You ask.

Black's book takes the reader on a journey in search of the facts relating to impeachment: what it means, where it originated and how we apply tests to determine the case for or against an impeachable offence. Black also examines the role of lawyers and of the Courts.

The author's objective throughout is not so much as to provide the reader with solutions, rather it is to illuminate why certain answers are incorrect. He does this by laying the evidence before the reader, so that the reader has every chance to examine both the evidence and his conscience, prior to arriving at a determination. As in other aspects of life, the book highlights that not all issues are clearly defined, and there is indeed room for some interpretation Irrespective of whether you're keen to turn the first sod in the political grave of the President William Jefferson Clinton, or whether you'd prefer to stand at his side as the United States Senate charges him; Black's essay is lucid, elegant and entertaining. As a contribution to the debate it is invaluable.

Black's book is now a bit dated, and his treatment is certainly more broad-brush than that of, say, Michael Gerhardt's "The Federal Impeachment Process" but this is still a wonderful book. It ought to be brought back into print and -- given political events at the moment -- maybe it will be. A classic and, like all Black's works, beautifully written.

I think everyone of any ethnic background could appreciate this beautifully illustrated text. It has even given me some historical context for a book I'm writting. I love it.

In Praise of Black Women is one of my alltime favorite books, beautifully illustrated and colorful, it does an excellent job at presenting ancestrial and legendary African women as leaders, smart, beautiful, sexy, brave, talented, spiritual, mystical, five dimensional...Every type is represented, from warrior to diplomat and everyone in between. Included, are the average everyday persons who performed extra-ordinary acts of faith and deeds. Purchasing this book new will set you back a bit, but it is worth every dollar...A home library staple and heirloom

"In Praise of Black Women" is a gorgeously illustrated volume relating the lives of ancient African queens, rulers and warriors from pre-historic Africa through ancient Egypt up to the 19th century. Twenty-eight remarkable women are profiled here, all of whom had a lasting impact on their time. Here you will find Queen Tiye, the consort of Pharaoh Amenhotep III; Makeda, the legendary Queen of Sheba; Nandi, the mother of Shaka Zulu, and a host of other fascinating women. Superbly narrated by Simone Schwarz-Bart in the tradition of the oral historians of Africa, there are also historical sidebars on each page to bring the time and place into fuller perspective. This book is a magnificent tribute to the women of Africa and to all women of the African diaspora.

In Praise of Black Women: Ancient African Queens is an astonishingly rich, gorgeous jewel box of information, artwork and the voices of women who changed the world interwoven with the words of "ordinary" women. This is a mission of true love and commitment--the work that went into it is evident on every page, and from that loving tribute flows the wonder of our Ancient African Queens and their inspring legacies. Everyone who is or knows or loves a Black woman will find this book a very rewarding read.

This is a beautiful book for all generations. The book is broken down into short stories. There is extensive use of pictures and historical diagrams which makes each story interesting for adults and children. This book provides the reader with a true sense of who these women were. It is a wonderful book for all families, especially those with young girls and teenagers. I wish all students and teachers had access to this book. This is not just for the African-American population. American children receive too much of their learning from "acceptable history" books and the movies, both which perpetuate an inaccurate picture of much of the rest of the world. I know this book opened my eyes and expanded my view of history.

Just finishing reading book, the author grips you from the first page to the last. You feel what the young character feels upon loosing his father, then having to give up his beloved cat.
The author brings forth the 1950's when society was very pejuidiced against inter-racial marriage and how a young boy doesn't understand why people look at them differently. He brings forth the love and kindness of his step-father who is black and the torment and how a family becomes dysfunctional trying to deal with society. The tragedies in one family and the sad ending.

Is Your Father Black?
This dramatic telling of a story starts with the author building action in the title by asking a simple yet thought provoking question, "Is Your Father Black?" As a reader you are challenged from the start to seek answers.

The story begins and ends with the events surrounding a thirty four year journey of a family's sorrow, pain and tragedy into a world of a black and white interracial marriage and how it affected each of the children's lives. The setting was in New York starting in the 1950's. Some dialogue is used with vivid character building and language to show the nature and direction of the story. I found it amazing how the author was able to use first person narration to tell such a touching story of how a mother was able to keep her dysfunctional family together.

For me, the events toward the end were so profound that I couldn't put the book down. The protagonist Joseph Brault was the hero and many lessons were learned. This was a good and informative read for me and I recommend it to others.

Joseph Baraba's book "Is Your Father Black" is a sad story about dysfunctional family.

We meet little Joey Brault at the age of seven when his father dies. Joey's mother who at the time of her husband's death is only 29 years old is overwhelmed by her changed circumstance. Instead of giving reassurance and stability to her five children she undermines their equilibrium by distancing herself from her children and telling them she might give them up to a foster home.

Life for the Brault family is not easy and when Joey's mother meets and marries her second husband Barney Douglas the problems only increase. Barney Douglas is a kind man but he is black. As history shows, every society has discrimination based on skin color, social status, and political or religious preference. Life for an interracial family in Brooklyn NY in 1950's and 1960's was not any different.

Brault family is dysfunctional on every level. Maria Brault's children are angry, selfish, disloyal, dissatisfied, hateful and envious. It leaves the reader wondering what made these people to turn out the way they did, to turn at each other instead of to turn to each other for comfort and support.

Apina Hrbek
author: Pandemonium a Journey to New World

Joseph Frank Baraba's style of writing makes for easy reading and accentuates the rawness of his story. The author not only describes what it is like to grow up in Brooklyn, New York, in the 1950's and 1960's, he also gives a deep insight into the troubled minds of the dysfunctional Brault family.
When Marie Brault's daughter, Maggie, wheedles her way back into the family home after marrying a layabout young man, who fails to keep a roof over his young wife's and daughter's head, she fails to show her mother any love or respect. Maggie, who respects no-one, seems to be incapable of love and, of Marie's five sons, Joey, Alfred, Bill, John and Barney Douglas Jr., only Joey shows any real affection for his mother.
The title of the book, "Is Your Father Black?" suggests that the Brault family's problems are caused by Marie Brault's second marriage to Barney Douglas but the narrative shows that the Brault children's biggest problem is themselves.
"Is Your Father Black" is a story of constant bickering and fighting among adults who never really grow up and, even at the end of the book, the reader is left wondering why these people turned out the way they did.
But then again, isn't that a true reflection of life?

Shelagh Watkins author Mr. Planemaker's Flying Machine

I just finished reading new author Joseph Frank Baraba's new book titled "Is Your Father Black?". I couldn't put the book down. He writes with his heart,you feel you're right there with the characters. At times I found the book sad,yet cheering on the young Joey. I've never seen one family that was so dysfunctional as in his book. Even though the book was sad and had tragic events,I give him 5 Stars for his first effort. I can see this being made into a Tv movie !
Toni Lawson
Santa Fe, NM

Have you ever read a book and felt like the person said exactly what's been in on your mind? That's how Sherman A. Jackson's Islam and the Blackamerican is for me. As a "Jamerican" (Jamaican and African-American), I feel this book can also apply to Black Caribbean Muslims who are unwittingly converting into "Modern Islam" and becoming Salafis.

I sincerely hope to be a part of the "Third Resurrection" Mr. Jackson so eloquently discusses in this book. If I had my way I'd require every Muslim in America to read it.

Dr. Sherman Jackson's book is concerned with the "third resurrection" of Islam among Blackamericans. The first resurrection refers to the period before the death of Elijah Muhammad and his proto-Islamic movement, which was essentially a "holy protest" against white supremacy and anti-black racism. In the period of the second resurrection, it was charismatic leadership rather than "any objective method for scriptural interpretation that made or unmade doctrine." The third resurrection would hopefully be characterized by the "appropriation and mastery of the Islamic tradition." Dr. Jackson defines "appropriation" as the "enlisting of a set of non-indigenous ideas or doctrines for one's existential or ideological struggle." In other words, Blackamericans will not come to a foreign Islam that looks to the world through the prism of others' historical experiences ignoring their own experiences and predicaments, nor to a domesticated Islam that appeals to the dominant groups rather than combating supremacy and striving for a just peace.

In order to clear any misunderstanding, Dr. Jackson spent considerable time detailing his vision for the third resurrection. The protest spirit of Black Religion must be maintained but not to the detriment of the moral and spiritual. Put simply, what is required is a balance between protest and piety, activism and spirituality, the pursuit of secular goals and the quest for eschatological success. Black religion must rid itself of the exclusive obsession with race and the insistence on eliminating the evil of white supremacy without an attempt to contribute good to the world. Blacks, and the other Muslims, must understand that they need to recognize the US constitution and embrace America "in protest," something that Dr. Jackson authenticates and justifies using the Islamic sources and tradition, and not to destroy themselves by victimology, glorification of ignorance, and rejectionism. At the same time, the last thing needed is a theology of accommodation, dictated by certain tendencies in Immigrant Islam especially after the catastrophe of 9/11, where Islam is domesticated and used to bolster the assumptions of the privileged groups and to beg for their recognition.

Dr. Jackson deals with aspects of the relationship between Blackamerican and Immigrant Islam focusing on the monopoly exercised by the immigrants over the interpretation of the faith and the determination of the substance and priorities of Islam in America. His analysis is elegant and deeply objective. This is clear from his refusal to make one historical experience the sole determiner of the goals and objectives of Islam in the US and his refusal of "false universals" where a version of Islam is considered to be the "true" Islam without paying any attention to the particularities of the various Muslim communities. Rejecting "false universals" does not at all mean compromising anything essential to the doctrinal integrity of Islam; it means taking the historical experiences and customs of the different Muslim groups into account while formulating a vision of Islam that helps them in this life and the afterlife.

Despite his correct and convincing critique of Immigrant Islam, Dr. Jackson also deconstructs the assertions of "Black Orientalism"---a tendency by some Blacks to consider Islam the (main) enemy of Black people. The fundamental problem with Black Orientalism is that it analyzed the historical experience of Black people through the prism of American slavery. Dr. Jackson did not deny the presence of anti-Black sentiments in the Islamic tradition. Backing his arguments with historical facts, he calls for an objective assessment of these since there is a huge difference between societies which produce expressions of racial and color prejudice and societies that are founded on notions of racial superiority of some people and the utter inferiority of others who do not have the same skin color.

Dr. Jackson's book is a must-read for anyone interested in the future of Islam in America. The most important thing about his prescriptions is that they can be embraced by all Muslims regardless of their background. First, they are faithful to the definitives of Islam. Second, they are balanced and take the different aspects of the Islamic faith into account. Third, they are based on the emphatically tolerant and pluralistic Islamic tradition---something that should promote intra-Muslim tolerance and, most importantly, prevent any particular group from laying exclusive claim over the divine truth.

a very interesting book- extremely analytical- especially in its critique of Black Orientalism- while unlike regular Orientalism which misinterpreted the Muslim world in order to dominate it, misinterprets the Muslim world in order to protect black identity from influences which supposedly threaten the African core. He's very adept at making comparisons- and highlights some issues that are certainly the most pressing towards the Black Muslim community today; now that Black NAtionalism is no longer a common rallying point for black Muslims, and now that immigrant influence has seen to be obnoxious and domineering, it is indeed time for a "third resurrection"- for blackamerican Muslims to appropriate the mainstream Muslim tradition for themselves so that they are neither dominated by Muslim foreigners nor simply using Islam as a protest ideology without an authentic religious connection. To become more in a sense like the West African Muslims who so impressed Blyden- deeply Muslim, yet dignified having appropriated it for themselves, not having been dominated by non-black foreigners. Sherman Jackson's solutions are interesting (it is after all just a book meant to start off discussion)- his consideration of Sufism interesting- I certainly hope to see more such discussion in this direction- but of course- it will be long before the masses see the issues above as lucidly as the academics.

Sherman Jackson has delivered a powerful piece on the history and current situation of religion in the Blackamerican community. Jackson dispels some myths as to why Islam has found such popularity in the Black community. He also provides poignant insight into the nature of how Islam has come to operate in the West. Alternative choices are outlined and provided to the Black community in reconciling with their uniquely Black and Western heritage. I cannot recommend the book enough. A must read for anyone who has religious, social or anthro-social interests.

Dr Jackson write a remarkable summary of the condition of Islam in America, specifically as it relates to the Blackamerican (a term he justifies using early in the book) and Immigrant Muslims. For academics and laypeople, the insights he draws from his research and his own experience as a Blackamerican Muslim are eye-opening, especially as he relates the challenge of indigenizing Islam in America.

He concludes the book with a chapter on Sufism, Muslim spirituality, and the Blackamerican struggle. While I disagree with some of his conclusions, he nonetheless offers Blackamerican Muslims a natural entry point into Sufism, a part of Islam that is greatly maligned in some Muslim circles.

Overall, a must read for Muslim Americans, immigrant, white and black!

If you call yourself a Janeite then you must have this book! It is a great recipe book from the period with many that can be easily reproduced in your own kitchen! (How better to experience the times than to try to recreate a touch of it?) The commentary is interesting and useful and each author, I find, sheds some light on the life and times of Jane in a way that no one else has quite managed, and Ms. Black is no exception. I am just beginning my culinary jaunts using recipes from this book, and I have already highlighted a great deal of "Must tries". If you like cooking, experimenting in your kitchen, vintage recipes, or JA herself, you will truly appreciate this book!
Linore Rose Burkard
Author, Before the Season Ends
(A Regency Romance)

While this cookbook may not be exactly suited to the demands of every day dinner making, it does serve as a great lesson in early 19th century custom and way of life. The recipes it contains are fun as well as elegant, and many of them are taken right from the pages of EMMA, PRIDE AND PREJUDICE and the rest of the Austen classics. Most of the ingredients are simple and relatively easy to find, and you'll find that making Mrs. Norris' Strawberry Creme Pudding is worth every effort. So, put on some Madrigal music, don a linen frock and your best English country accent and fall into the real world of Austen-- as only food can create it!

I haven't tried any recipe yet, but any Jane Austen's reader will enjoy such a fun way to get into her world. It's a good reading and I hope it'll be practical too.

This cookbook is charming. It has useful recipes in it, along with modern-day interpretations of the recipes, and interesting stories about food. It even explains how people preserved and bought food in Jane Austen's day. That is quite interesting, I love to learn more about lifestyles in different historical eras. It's not only a cookbook, it's a history book. It's worth it, you won't be disappointed!

This is a lovely and shortish introduction to cooking and culture of eating and entertaining for the late Georgian period when Austen was alive. I loved the fact that this was about cooking and eating rather than some of the less universally approachable subjects (letters, literary criticism). Maggie Black and Deidre Le Faye have both written Jane Austen style and culture type books before so both understand the period and are able to draw on a large resource of appropriate information.

The introduction is very much about how people ate - what was available, how it got to houses, and why this was so. There is some division by class (upper class, middle class and lower class are all discussed) but also the divisions by Geography - whether coastal with access to fresh fish, or inland - how food was transported, and even in terms of access to market towns. Even 5 miles away was almost impossible for those trying to get up a dinner from 'scratch' so to speak if someone was coming around.

The introduction also talks about the types of food and dishes which were eaten, and that the whole culture of dining was completely different. Not only were meal times different, but how they dined. The explanations are simple and there is good use of quoted material throughout, the diaries and letters of the time providing a strong and occassionally humourous voice.

Where possible leFaye and Black have used diaries and 'receipts' from Austen's friends and family and point out that in the days before recipe books were published these books of receipts would be handed down from mother to daughter and one family's speciality would be renowned - they were truly heirlooms.

The last section of the book is a collection of recipes - these are taken from books of reciepts. The original receipt is usually fairly interpretative, that is the measurements are not generally noted, nor how to put them together or cook them. So there has been experimentation and the recipe is re-written with the details put in. These essentail details would have been handed down in a practical manner, but in the days before temperature gauges you would have needed to rely on simple temperature variations, quick, moderate and slow oven to dictate just when to cook it.

Most of these recipes are actually very useable for today - they don't have many potted meats, but mostly roasted meats, cakes, egg dishes and still room crafts. There are some things we dont' see these days like Syllabub - which is quite tasty

There are other books of this kind around - Margeretta Ackworth's cookbook for instance, which is interesting too - but I would recommend this is a good modern cookbook and an interesting historical look at the culture of food in this period.

The reason to read this book isn't that it gives you the closest thing to a day-by-day accounting of Hendrix life (which it does). The best reason to read this book is the diversity of perspectives that it gives you on Hendrix. You hear from people who loved him, who just randomly bumped into him, and even a couple who could have done without him. There's no author's bias that you have to tease out on your own. There are an assortment of takes on Hendrix. You can judge for yourself what is valid and what isn't, based on whether it is corroborated by other accounts of the same event. A truly fascinating way to look at the life of a legend.

This book on legendary guitarist Jimi Hendrix takes an unusual turn, gathering eyewitness recollections of his life through the words of his admirers, friends and close observers. From his childhood experiences through adulthood, this uses quotes from documentaries, books, newspapers, TV and Internet sites as well as new interviews to provide a well-rounded view of the man and his career.

Jimi Hendrix was undoubtedly one of the most distinguished and most talented guitarists ever to walk the planet. His life started out in the gutter: no mother, a father overseas, and nothing to rely on but himself. Soon however, he found his true calling, the guitar. One of his father's friends had an old Stratocaster and one night while he was drunk, he sold it to Jimi for hardly anything. From this point on, his life changed drastically; he took his guitar with him everywhere he went, even going as far as sleeping with it. His guitar took him all over the country, to England and back, and then back to London. On his last visit to London, he passed away. Jimi Hendrix was and will always be one of the best guitarists ever.

This book opens the wounds of Jimi's death anew. The author pieces together, as best he can, with recollections from family, band mates, and contemporaries the crushing price fame held for Jimi Hendrix. One can feel the pain, and I actually felt rage against all who seemed out to destroy him. True, he had his own demons, but there seemed noone who was really there to care about the "person" Jimi, only what they could get out of him. Of all books out, this one seemed most objective, if that is possible.

This unique day-by-day account of Jimi Hendrix's life succeeds in driving home the relentless pressures of being a rock star. Drawn from a variety of sources, the book manages a feat rarer than a Hendrix guitar without teethmarks...a coherent recollection of the sixties music scene! An excellent read.

This book gives a personal look into Jeremiah Purdie's life and struggles from childhood, through the Marine Corps, and into his retirement days. His Christian experience gives this book a motivational perspective and should be used to encourage any reader. From the time Jeremiah was born, he set high goals for himself and with the help of God, he was able to accomplish what he set out to do. Along his journey through life, Jeremiah's character seemed to make a positive impact on the people who came into contact with him. Even after the many distinguished military awards and honors, Jeremiah humbly put God and his family's welfare first and foremost in his life. The inspirational poem written by Sandra Morrisey at the back of the autobiography eloquently sums up Jeremiah's life by stating, "He was a true soldier of the cross". This book comes highly recommended as a tool for motivation for military personnel, Christians, or just any person who enjoys reading an inspirational true story of one of America's true Christian heros. "The Journey That Brought Me To Glory" exemplifies determination, integrity and character to the tenth degree!!

This is the most heart touching autobiography that I have ever read. It made me laugh, cry and rejoice in his triumphs of overcoming the trials and tribulations of being a black boy growing up in a poor southern family. He withstood the hurdles of segration in the Marines and went on to represent his nation in Vietnam, the most devestating war. He was honored with the highest citations during a time when the country was not honoring most black heroes. His courage led him to persevere and become a God fearing man. Believing in God kept him on the right path in his leadership of his fellow man and in becoming the great inspiration that he was. He recognized God for all of the glories that he accomplished in his life. I will say that Jeremiah Purdie's journey was truly a journey to glory.

Heart felt

Devon Powell

This book is a MUST read for every man, woman, or young adult. The content talks about a young man that went through certain stages in his life that equated to him going to heaven. I wonder do other boys today have the same problems, but in a different way. His road to heaven was not easy but along the way he touched several people. I have learned how to treat my wife better and show her how much she really means to me as I consider her and I to be a team. I learn not to give 50%, but to give 100%. Therefore, she and I will be blessed more abundantly. Jeremaih Purdie talked about always being a good servant. I am sure he is being served with all the riches of heaven. I can truly say, I have found my modern day hero. What a life experience he had as a little black boy, a marine, and a Christian.

Jeremiah Purdie's "The Journey That Brought Me To Glory", is a MUST READ !! Purdie, a highly decorated (3 Purple Hearts/Bronze Star) Gunnery Sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps tells an inspiring story of his personal and professional journey through life. Purdie invites us into his meager childhood growing up a poor Black boy in Virginia and with the help of Christ, surviving racial obstacles, military challenges, and eventually finding his "glory" through his Christian experiences and with his wife and family. Purdie's autobiography eloquently tells of his intriguing experiences with explicit details which led up to his famous Vietnam War photo, which has been featured in numerous Time/Life magazines. This book captivates your attention and makes you feel as if you were a part of the action as well. Believe me, once you begin reading Purdie's book, you will be compelled to finish it from cover to cover, and often refer to it as a source for inspiration. Purdie's life story truly illustrates the fact that he was a Christian man of character and integrity, and I would highly recommend this book to any person (military or civilian) who needs inspiration while going through life's daily challenges. DEFINITELY WORTHY OF A 5-star RATING !!!!

In times of fame, pride, lies, and misdirection, comes this book of honor and servanthood. Everywhere you turn, one finds the self nature of men and women. This book describes the selfless nature of Jeremiah Purdie and the road that brought him to glory. This is an excellent read. It describes the life of a man of God, a deacon, a soldier, a husband, a father, a brother, a grandfather. In these times of pride and lovers of self, it is encouraging to have a man of principal and honor share his story. A MUST READ!!!!

As a retired, long-term public school educator and former librarian, I was extremely impressed with Journey to a Free Land. Theda Robertson makes history come to life by re-creating the story of her own personal encounter with an elder in the neighborhood who taught the community's children about their brave and honorable legacy. She weaves a historical tale about newly-freed slaves with a lesson for us all in a way that is engaging, entertaining, and educational all at the same time. And as one who has always believed that children must be exposed to an extensive vocabulary, I must say that the glossary in the back is excellent! I highly recommend this book.

It was a thrill finally to be able to read Mrs. Robertson's book on Nicodemus, KS. The story is a compelling one, especially for children learning more about what made the USA what it is today. A special commentary on a treasured aspect of black history. The illustrations are appropriate, colorful and in a few cases, poignant.
Thank you for making this available to your public.

This is a beautifully written story of the first black town west of the Mississippi-- Nicodemus. Its characterizations of the people and the times are so vivid it makes you feel like you are sitting at your grandmother's knee and listening to your family history. When you read it to young children, you not only have the aid of the beautiful illustrations but a glossary to help explain the unfamiliar words or concepts that have been italicized in the text.

Theta Robertson sets the stage within the first few pages and captures the reader's attention throughout. This historical account of the first black settlement of former slaves west of the Mississippi, works well as a "read aloud" book for elementary and middle school children as well as for independent reading. One can't help but feel the excitement of little Sally as she enjoys all the fun a carnival can bring to a small country town. The reader can identify with Sally and reflect back at how excited they were when stories were read to them by a person who seemed larger than life with a "glint" in their eye, just like Mrs. Goins. Certain key words that may not be part of a young persons' vocabulary are written in italics and lets the reader know that further attention and explanation is needed and will follow. The glossary is very informative and provides further incite into the context. The research information, including websites and bibliography provide authenticity to the story and perhaps could be explored before or immediately after reading this historical tale. As a Library Media Specialist for over 30 years I know that this story is a much needed addition to African American historical collections for young people.

A story told with historical facts that are interesting.
After reading this story you want to travel to Nicodemus to meet
the characters. The glossary, people and places at the end of the
book are features that teachers and students will appreciate.

Mrs. Robertson tells the story as if the characters are/were personal
friends of hers and her family. This book should be read by
all elementary and middle school students.

It tells the story of the hardships, friendships and resources needed to
build a town from scratch.

This is a great book, I can't wait to try every recipe! The book is unique in that it encourages kids to learn about and celebrate holidays from all over the world. The recipes are easy and fun and the illustrations are cute. YUM!

This cookbook is so much fun, and very easy to follow because it's for kids. I love using it, and the recipes are delicious! It has something for every holiday.

I received this book as a gift and LOVED it. The recipes are easy and very delicious! It's also so informative to read of the origins and tradiditions of such varied holidays.

I am planning to simplify my upcoming holiday shopping by giving "The Kids' Holiday Baking Book" to all the moms on my list.

This book is perfect for curious kids and adults who like to learn and eat. The recipes are delicious (especially the chocolate fondue and the banana bread), and you get to learn about cultures, traditions and religions around the world while cooking. It's a fun--and delicious--way to learn about other people and other parts of the world. It also gives you a great excuse to have lots of fun parties, like Cinco de Mayo and Chinese New Year. (Now you don't have to wait for St. Patrick's Day to roll around!).

I love to bake & around the holidays in particular I love to bake with my kids. We have lots of tried & true recipes but finding new ones -- like the great assortment in this book -- is also fun. There is something here for every concievable holiday and most are not complicated. You and the kids will both have fun and then enjoy great things to eat. Check out the marvelous selection today. This book also makes a great gift for bakers with kids.

I had a History professor who assigned this book for reading no matter what course he was teaching. I didn't understand why until several years after I finshed college. Ms. Smith describes the "ghosts" of the consciousness of the American south, the mythical fears that separate the races, in a way that is literate, poetic and unflinching. If you want to understand the history of the South, this book will fill in the gaps for you.

Upon reading the very first page, I knew I had a very special book in my hands. This is one of the most beautifully written and insightful books I have ever read, with an honesty and moral awareness one would find in the writings of Robert Coles.

Part One, "The Dreamers" chronicles Ms. Smith's life, as well as what she observed of the South as a Southerner herself.

Part Two, "The White Man's Burden," Ms. Smith explains how segregation shuts out not only blacks, but also whites.

Part Three, "Giants of the Earth," discusses how the powers to be, men in politics and business leaders, created the current situtation of segregation in the South and the reasons they wish to maintain the status quo.

Part Four, "The Dream and Its Killers," explores how the very future of humanity, "the Dream," depends on a willingness to embrace positive change and challenge those aspects of the status quo that aim to keep that from happening.

I'd give it more than five stars if it was possible. What a courageous woman to have published this in 1949! I am so glad it was re-issued in 1994!!!! Smith provides insights on, and discusses in depth, things that are basic underpinnings of race relations in this country, but are rarely mentioned. The book is a must for anyone trying to gain insight into the foundations of white privilege and its implications, as well as improving race relations. An absolutely *incredible* book.

Ms. Smith's honesty and eloquence in telling a profoundly American story about the perfidy of the South of her childhood is a literary tour de force about an immensely important slice of American history. It is a profoundly American tragedy fashioned from the most basic of human materials, human fallibilities, many of which still consume us as Americans--black or white, north or south. This book is the most sombering account of who we Americans are--as opposed to who we wished we were--anyone is likely to ever encounter. Unfortunately, since her death, Ms. Smith's story of about race, sex, religion, politics, economics and deception in the south has become the American way of life, writ large.

The lucid and careful telling of Ms Smith's story is a great contributions to understanding our time and place. The hidden issues of race and injustice continue to plague our country. So much of it seems incomprehensible because it is wrapped in Christian Theology. Ms Smith reveals the secrets that keep the evil and pain alive.