Youth Books

I am glad that one of Dev's Sons came forward to write about thier father.The book was excellent, but some things needed more explaining, for example, the criticism that Dorothy Macardle leveled at article 41 in the Irish constiution, what was the true meaning of article 41;I think I know, but I would like to have heard it from Terry. And he also needed to explian what article 41 stated. I am also glad to see that Tim Pat Coogan got some of his facts wrong, this makes his work on deValera suspect. The book is a must read for all who admire Eamon deValera. I am also glad to read more about Sinead deValera, she truely was a remarkable Woman.

As the youngest son of the President of Ireland, Terry de Valera experienced first hand the politics and struggles his famous father managed on a daily basis. In this amazing book, the author shares intimate details of Ireland throughout the 20th century. Events leading up to the Easter Rising of
1916, the Civil War of the 1920s, and World War II are thoroughly documented as de Valera weaves a rich and fascinating tapestry of the times. For this information alone the book is priceless, and yet the author gives readers so
much more than simply a lesson in politics.

Born in 1922, the youngest of seven de Valera children, Terry grew up in a very different Ireland than exists today. Charming, chatty anecdotes reveal fascinating tidbits of everyday life in the twenties and thirties when the
atmosphere and standards of Irish society were far removed from what they are today. Formality of dress and social interaction, rudimentary treatments for medical conditions, experiencing death and funerals, and listening to news on the wireless radio are but a few reminiscences adding interest to this book. The author also shares tender memories of childhood
in an unspoiled and undeveloped countryside, as well as his years at Blackrock College. His recollections of rugby games, struggles with Latin, and trips to the confessional enlighten and entertain. But the meat of de Valera's memoir concerns the life and times of his father.

The author clearly states one purpose of his memoir is to correct long held beliefs about his father. For example, Eamon de Valera has been portrayed rather unsympathetically as a man without humor or humanity. Information from those who knew him best proves the one time President of Ireland and the League of Nations to be a man of great strength with passionately held
loyalties and beliefs, a man quick to apologize and forgive.

Through the notes of Terry's mother, Sinead de Valera contributes powerful commentaries about the life she shared with Eamon. She tells of his many imprisonments due to hard stands against British controls of Irish freedoms. Of particular interest were details of their friendship with Michael Collins and why Collins signed the treaty in de Valera's absence. Her notes address in detail the Gaelic League, Sinn Fein, and secret plans the Allies devised
to pressure Ireland into joining them in World War II. I found Mrs. de Valera's contributions to this book to be invaluable.

It's impossible to cover in review the information found in Terry de Valera's memoir. In essence, the author looks back with grace on a long life lived with humor and honesty, providing pieces to a picture of his famous father who was President of an Ireland long gone.

Terry de Valera, the youngest son of Éamon and Sinéad de Valera, was born a few short weeks before the start of the Irish Civil War in June 1922. This book details his recollections of an interesting life as solicitor, and the people he encountered, but concentrates principally on his memories of his parents. Terry de Valera witnessed some of his father's most important actions in his political life, and was in a perfect position to give details that historians will find most interesting.

For example, it has often been said that de Valera refused an offer by Winston Churchill to reunite Ireland in return for the use of Éire's ports during the Second World War; Terry de Valera throws serious doubt on this contention. He also gives insights into his father's views on important Irish and world issues, which is important as Éamon de Valera wasn't given to airing his opinions openly, although it seems that he did when in private.

One of the main reasons for writing the book, according to the author, was the memoir by Sinéad de Valera that Terry persuaded her to write, and which is included almost in its entirety. Sinéad was a children's writer, but was also a language activist and amateur actress before her marriage. In addition, her experiences of the revolutionary period give a good idea of her great courage, and her opinions are also often edifying (for example, her insight on why Michael Collins signed the Treaty).
Terry sets out to correct some erroneous ideas put out in recent times as part of the campaign to undermine Éamon de Valera's reputation. (Many English academics of recent times have painted a misleading and often completely false picture of de Valera and his achievements. For example, I have seen allegations that he admired Mussolini - Terry de Valera shows this is false - that he encouraged the Italian invasion of Abysinnia - also the opposite of the truth - and that he was a terrorist.) In doing so, he gives insights into his parents' personalities, and demonstrates the integrity for which de Valera was internationally known, and which many today try to obscure.

From what he says, he had a happy upbringing, far from the terror that certain biographers have recently suggested that de Valera inspired in his children. (According to these wise men, when de Valera's children praised him, they were in denial.) He also goes into detail about his father's geneaology, into which he did a good deal of research, and lays to rest the old chestnut that his (Éamon's) parents weren't married. This is done convincingly, and I would like to see what de Valera's erstwhile, hostile biographer Tim Pat Coogan has to say to that. (Though I'm not hopeful he'll admit he was wrong.) A very interesting result of his research is that de Valera was related to the famous Spanish writer - and diplomat - Juan Valera.

One may, of course, argue that this is a one-sided account, but the author's obvious strong loyalty and affection for his father is balanced by his meticulousness in details; his statements are convincingly argued.

I read this at a local library, and then went out to buy it. I warmly recommend it to anyone who is interested in recent Irish history or some of its most remarkable figures.

Eloquently written, this small book is packed with stories and wisdoms that shaped this great man's life. One particular chapter on gratitude struck a chord in my own life as he wrote of remorse of not being able to thank those teachers and mentors that had passed on. Schweitzer's life was an example of supreme service to mankind, and he coined the words "Reverence for Life" which spearheaded a movement to remember that all life is sacred. This book will burn a desire in the reader's heart to live life with greater awareness and gratitude for all people with whom we come in contact.

In order to fully understand the philosophy of Reverence For Life to its full meaning one must understand the man behind the legend that is Albert Schweitzer. This book gives us a glimpse of a youthful Schweitzer from his humble beginnings in Gunsbach. As this Nobel laureate reminisces about his childhood days he reveals the poignant moments that forever shaped one of the most brilliant minds of the last century. Delightful and readable, Memoirs is a treasured classic among those who study the great philosophers. I highly recommend this book for all ages but particularly for youth as a starting place for Schweitzer study- you won't be disappointed!

This superbe little book is a simple and engaging introduction to Schweitzer's life and thoughts. He has a knack for describing, with directness and humor, the thoughts and feelings of himself as a child learning some of life's tough lessons. For anyone interested in Albert Schweitzer, what a perfect place to start!

Sari covers a wide range of topics and provides information helpful for twenty-somethings and those older and younger as well. The book is a lot of fun to read and provides great suggestions as well as clever commentary. It is especially great for those of us who miss seeing Sari on Late Date with Sari and who currently see her on CBS news.

awesome read it

This was a very enjoyable and informative read. I recommend it to every 20-something. It addresses a lot of topics that most of the time go unsaid/unacknowledged.

For those of us born in the late '30s and early '40s, Larance has magically rekindled a time that while not free from complication and struggle, certainly was more secure in many aspects. It centered around family, work and church, and an often unspoken but universally applied set of values -- love, charity, honesty and integrity.

This cocoon of safety provides a perfect foil for the natural curiosity of the young boys looking for adventure as a part of their initiation into manhood, and Larance captures this environment with warmth, humor, and generosity toward the characters described.

The social tensions of racial relations in Arkansas and elsewhere had yet to erupt, and Larance treats them fairly from the eyes of a child, alluding to both the coming storm and his bewilderment.

The setting may be Arkansas, but Larance aptly described my childhood in a western suburb of Chicago. In it, and perhaps characteristic of communities nationwide during that era, neighborhoods reigned and everyone was your parent, doors were left unlocked, people shared their bounty, money was tight but poverty was negligible.

It would be a shame to characterize Miss Myrtle's Boy as only a regional memoir. In truth, in addition to heartwarming episodes of a child's coming of age, in a larger sense, and without preaching or nostalgia for an age gone by, Larance instructs young and old alike on the values that are the great promise of America -- perhaps somewhat out of focus now, but worthy of redemption.

Stylistically, Larance speaks to us directly, clearly, intelligently, with charm and understated humor -- in a way we're sneaking a peek at his diary. Miss Myrtle's Boy is an excellent read that will leave you smiling and musing on your own life look after you've finished it.

"Miss Myrtle's Boy" is a story elegant in its simplicity. It serves as a good reminder of the importance of the journey over the destination, and of what's special about everything in life that is ordinary. If you like the style of Mildred Walker's books, taking us back to a time and place we all know a bit of -- where values endure, common sense rules, and land shapes the people -- then you'll love "Miss Myrtle's Boy." Its lessons are timeless. Charles L. Larance has delivered a delicious bedtime read, as effective as cocoa and a slice of pie to ensure sweet dreams (but with none of the calories)!

"Miss Myrtle's Boy" is a series of vignettes about growing up and coming-of-age in an idyllic small-town Arkansas community in the 1940s and '50s. If you are a male in, approaching, (or exceeding) mid-life and you want a quick nostalgic escape back to your youth--no matter where you grew up or what your family circumstance-- this book IS for you. I grew up in a large city in the Northeast, the product of a divorced home and still virtually every chapter "pinged" me and brought me "home" again. The simplicity, the reality and the honesty will touch you. And this book isn't just for men in their 50s. If you are married to one, or you are the child of one and you want to better understand where he came from, read the book. If you still have an appreciation for the American values of the 1950s, read the book. If you feel stressed out by the pace and pressure of of the world around you as we rush into the next millenium and you want to slow down a bit, read the book. It would be very easy to read this book in "bite-size" pieces whenever you have a few minutes, since each chapter is a story unto itself. But, if you're anything like me, once you enter the world of "Miss Myrtle's Boy," you'll want to linger a while longer. If you'll soon be getting on a plane for a business trip, or if you're headed for vacation, or if you're able to take a "time-out" at home on an evening or weekend, do yourself a favor and pick up "Miss Myrtle's Boy." You will be glad that you did!

I love this series of 5 books!! Each one offers a different perspective on the Christmas story. This one is told by Granny Mouse and the animals in the stable Christmas night. Each book comes with a CD with all the music and spoken lines on it. All children do is act along with what is being said on the CD. Audience members are encouraged to participate through singing as well. The costumes are super easy to make and there are great tips for adjusting the program to fit the number of actors. I love all 5 of these books and HIGHLY recommend them to anyone looking for an easy to do, fun and professional looking Christmas Pageant for children!

This is one of the cutest and easiest Christmas programs that I have seen or been involved with. The children also found it enjoyable to be a part of.

I really liked this instant Christmas pageant skit book and CD. It is very clear to follow and has all the info for costumes, sets and props. All the narration and speaking parts are pre-recorded on the cd with full sound effects so the kids don't even have to memorize the lines. They do need to know when they speak and you should spend time teaching them how to be animated without actually talking but there is no need to worry that there will be dead silence because someone forgot a line or cue... which nervous kids tend to do! I also really liked that the print was very large so when you make copies for the kids to practice with (which is allowed) they can read it clearly. It includes time for the audience to sing along which is nice for family participation. This skit is designed for 22 or more children but many roles can be combined. It is very flexible for any size church. Because the kids don't need to memorize the lines all ages can participate and the book does a good job outlining what the roles are.

The story is told from the point of view of Grandma Mouse who was in the stable on the first Christmas day. All the characters are animals so the costumes may be a bit more involved than the other story choices. It does work well with a traditional living nativity, though. Other titles from the same publisher with the same format include...

Instant Christmas Pageant: Live from Bethlehem with CD (Audio)
Instant Christmas Pageant: The Fumbly Bumbly Angels (Instant Christmas Pageant)
Instant Christmas Pageant: The Not So Silent Night (Instant Christmas Pageant)
Instant Christmas Pageant: Operation Baby King (Instant Christmas Pageant)

I would highly recommend these 30 minute skits for an alternative or variation on the traditional Children's Christmas Nativity. Great outreach event as well.

"My Life in the Trenches" fits the criteria of being a labor of love, since it took 7 years to complete as it was interrupted by 11 major operations.On numerous occasions I wanted to cease writing this book but thanks to family and friends, I was given the support to carry on.
"My Life in the Trenches" details my years teaching in one of this nations most dangerous neighborhoods. The reader will laugh, cry and at times feel that what they are reading,is beyond the realm of reality.I guarantee the reader that every word of this tome is the truth. Every name in the book, including yours truly, was changed, due to the possibility of physical reprocussions.
Our greatest natural resource, our children,are being cheated out of the quality education they deserve.This book will tell you the truth about what is occuring in our educational edifices. It may leave you with a unsavory taste in your mouth, but the truth must be told!
It is this system, that basically destroyed my life and my family unit, as I once knew it.It is a gut wrenching account of what is going on in our schools today. When drugs, sex,violence and so much more,were encapsulated in our country's "Ghettoes," few people cared. Now that these cancers have permeated every neighborhood in this great country of ours, our people are crying out for solutions which still have not been addressed. I, Sam Ross, will address these issues. You might not like what I have to say, but at least you'll know it came from an insider who cared, and still cares, about our kids.
It is time for a change or we will be remembered as the generation that failed our children's educational needs. Read this book! I guarantee you that you will never forget it!
Sam Ross

A heart felt autobiography that will keep you amazed at the things that occur in the public school system. Written in a way that will have laughing one minute, infuriated the next. I recommend this book to all.

Incredible book about this man's journey through his teaching career. Filled with funny stories, heart-wrenching tales, and encouraging words. Best book I have read in quite some time.

No one in my reading experience has captured and conveyed so poignantly and persuasively the joyous and liberating effects of youthful summers spent in Provincetown and environs.Not only Is Mrs McGuiggan a skilled chronicler, but a talented stylist as well.She acknowledges the changes that have recast the demographics of Provincetown without being judgemental and wistfully recalls the diversity that gave Provincetown it's distinct character.I shall certainly re-read this wonderful recollection again. Probably every spring before embarking on our annual trip to Cape Cod.

This book is perfect for summer reading. I truly enjoyed every page. Ms. McGuiggan's story is delightful and immediately takes you back to a carefree time when we were kids. There are memories in our life that are strong enough to bring back feelings even sounds/smells. My summer vacations on Cape Cod are my most treasured memories. This book reminded me of all the little details of those precious times. Using words rather than watercolors, Ms. McGuiggan paints an amazing picture. I really enjoyed the inclusion of the historic content. There were many things I did not know. This book is perfect to recapture a small portion of your childhood. Even if you have never been to P-town, you will feel as if you knew it well. I have sent this book to several of my friends and relatives so that they too can remember those long summer days.

I found this book to be a light-hearted, but not light, read, rich enough in descriptions of people and places to make you think you'd been there! Ms McGuiggan's ability to see critical details in characters and events is finely tuned, but not too bogged down in detail. If you've ever been a kid and especially if you've ever been a kid on vacation, this will transport you back to that time. This is book is for anyone - your granny or the pastor and his wife, too. If you've ever been to Cape Cod, this should be of particular interest.

Submitted by the author on behalf of a reader. "...The reason for my e-mail is to express my gratitude to you for your writings in your newest publication: Newton Ave. I have laughed and cried, remembered things I thought I had forgotten and, in general, marveled at how you so adeptly hit the nail on the head...so to speak...in your descriptions of this marvelous little town and its wonderful people. I'm not quite finished with these emotionally deep and simultaneously uplifting articles, but I wanted to tell you how much I have enjoyed your work in case I get back to Clinton and am too busy to remember. See, your venture has already made a change in my life..." --N.A. from Clinton, MS

I absolutely loved this book. It's a must read for anyone from the 60's/70's as Rusty takes us on a trip down memory lane with references to great music and cutlure. It's also a journey into the pain of his life, as he celebrates it, at the same time.

I am amazed how relate-able these stories/essays are; no matter where you're from, growing up in this simple, yet magical time. The author weaves many wonderful yarns of memories and feelings brought together with poignant messages of reflective enlightenment and hope. I have read Rusty's other novels which are also captivating, but this is a more personal account that's truthfully uplifting! A well-recommended read indeed!

This book has so much to offer the Youth Worker and Professional person in giving insight into ways to deal with young people and the feeling that also affect you when dealing with young people in crisis

As a parent of two ADHD children, I found this book to be a milestone as a common sense approach to dealing with troubled kids. Appelstein shares his wealth of experience in working with children from the inside of the parent out. I have already found his insight to be invaluable.

Whether you are a professional or parent, you will benefit from the insight and pracitcal techniques Charlie Appelstein provides in "No Such Thing as a Bad Kid." Appelstein combines research, experience, and humor in this marvelous work on how to help kids grow and manage their problems. It is hard to believe that a book that is so easy and fun to read could be so helpful. As a therapist and staff development trainer in a residential treatment setting, I use the concepts and techniques in this book EVERY day.

Those who are hoping to find a flowing narrative will be disappointed. This is not a piece of journalism, but rather something that one might find in a scientific research journal. If you are not familiar with that format (especially psychology journals), this book may disappoint. However, if you are seeking a definitive summary of the most comprehensive research project on the subject of adolescent homelessness, written by two expert scholars in the area, then you have found your book! Their methods are outstanding, especially given the difficulties of working with this population. They cover topics comprehensively and present an excellent research-based look into the lives of these adolescents. This book is indispensible to anyone who hopes to work with this population. Even if a reader is not familiar with this format or population, there are still things to be gained by reading this book.

This is a very good book and I highly recommend that you read it if you are at all interested in run away/homeless adolescents. The writers of this book are sociology professors. As such, they do not base their account of homeless teens on anecdotal observations. Instead, their account is based on solid research. Specifically their conclusions about these youths are based on the writers' own scientific study and other academic studies.

Now, please don't think that this book is just a bunch of statistical numbers that can make even the most interesting subject seem boring and painful to read. NO! NO! NO! This book does give you the stats but it also gives you tons of interesting facts that captures the reader's attention and makes her/him want to keep reading to the end. Also, it is a fairly easy read.

An excellent work for anyone who works with troubled youth or just wants to learn more about the problems faced by teens on the streets. It focuses attention on the problems faced by children that leave them more at risk for running away, the factors that make it more likely for them to be victimized once on the streets, and what tools enable them to move on to a housed/jobbed future. The book does contain statistical analysis of the data they gathred in a multiple year study of homeless teens in small to medium sized midwestern cities, but is filled with lively writing accesible to the non-academic as well, topped off with sparkling and heartbreaking bon mots of life on the streets. A powerful work that looks at a little known face of homelessness, younger people in places where there aren't supposed to be any homeless. Quantitative Sociology with soul, statistical analysis with a human face.