Issues Books

The kids were so surprised by the ending and it helped them understand that their first day of school feelings were normal - even the teacher has them! :)

I read this book to my middle school students at the start of every year. They just love it! They giggle and laugh about my use of a picture book, then they really get into it. It's a wonderful icebreaker!

The book arrived quickly and was exactly as described. My class enjoyed the story. It was very cute and funny.

we got the book in great shape and in great time. Good book for my daughters first day of school.

My nieces haven't read this one yet.

The book runs through the excuses Sarah makes to avoid going to her new school (note that she's nervous about switching schools), and she's steadily cajoled into the front of the class where our Surprise! Announcement! reveals (and I admit, I was surprised - this is really well-done) that she's the teacher.

Well, no doubt teachers do get nervous on the first day of school, same as anybody else does :) Kids are likely to be surprised and laugh at the ending too, maybe even not believe it.

I do find it a little off-putting that Sarah's husband and boss essentially talk to her (and, in the beginning, treat her) like she's a child, but that's necessary to make the reveal an actual surprise.

I found the conversation between Sarah and the other characters to be very realistic (maybe a little less so for an adult, but, remember, we have to be surprised at the end), just like the conversations I had with my parents as a kid about school some days.

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.

We give children's books as presents for new babies. This is a special book that will be reserved for our daughter at the event (if) of her first child.

Absolutely love all the Kevin Henkes books we have, This is especially cute because we have a boy who loves his blankie. I know a lot of little girls who love Lilly...but I would definitely recommend this and Chester's Way for the boys!

for a child of any age that has a favorite blanket (blankey)
a plot a young child can follow and relate to.

I read Owen. I would recommend this book. The reason I would recommend it is because it was funny and it made me crack me up. In the book Owen, Owen and Fuzzy were playing captain plunger. They looked silly. This helped me convince me that it was a grate book.

This is a review/evaluation of the book as part of an in depth study on children's picture books. I am a third grade teacher and I use this book in my classroom because no kid is ever too old to read a great story like this. I truly think it is a classic!

Evaluation: In addition to the wonderful illustrations, this Caldecott Honor book is also a heart warming story that is very appropriate for young readers. The illustrations and the story are very appealing to children and allows readers to easily identify with the main character and the situation he is in. The illustrations add to the meaning of the text because they emphasis the personality of the characters. They highlight Owen's playfulness and the love that he has for his blanket. They also add to the worries of the adults in the story because their concern shows in the illustrations. The illustrations also extend the text because they are so clear that a student could understand the story without actually reading the text and rely only on the clues from the illustrations. The background settings are also nicely illustrated and accurately detailed because it is easy to compare and contrast when they are in places in their house that is shared by all of the family members and when they are in Owen's room and his play area in the background. Henkes also adds specific details to the setting that compliment the fact that the main characters are mice. This is reflected in the art work they have in their house and the statues they have outside. The illustrations are done with watercolor paints and black pen for the full-color art. This compliments the mood of the book because the illustrations are very colorful and vibrant. Henkes varies the size and number of illustrations on each page to compliment the plot and to reflect the sequence of events that take place. Each illustration is within black outlined boxes that make it easy to follow the progression of the story. The jacket and cover design expresses the theme and spirit of the book without giving away too much detail. The cover design gives some questions as to why a lady may be looking for the small boy and will spark children's curiosity making them want to read the book. The bright yellow and bold title stands out against a bright blue background. This book is very similar to Kevin Henkes other mouse books. All of his characters face some type of childhood problem that teaches them about growing up. His books are easily recognized by children because the title always contains the name of the main character. Readers also become familiar with the characters because they are in several of his books, even if it is only a picture of them with no reference in the story. The illustrations are all very similar in that they are fun and engaging and add to the story. Henkes commonly includes text in the illustrations that may be a character's thoughts or something they are actually saying. The added text is often more humorous than the story itself. Since Henkes is both the author and illustrator of his books, he has the liberty of making his text and illustrations become one and perfectly balance each other. This book is appropriate for the preschool level, but older children will also enjoy it, especially if they had a blanket or other comfort item that they adored in their childhood. Parents will also like the book if they are trying to teach their child the same lesson. This book is a very nice read aloud and should be part of classroom libraries. It should be on a booklist as a must read for students who are about to start kindergarten.

References:
Henkes, K. (1988). Chester's Way. New York: Greenwillow Books.
Henkes, K. (1996). Chrysanthemum. New York: Greenwillow Books.
Henkes, K. (1996). Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse. New York: Greenwillow Books.

I got this book for my granddaughter when she was pregnant. She has read and referred to this book so much, it's showing signs of wear and tear. She loves this book. Her husband has read it too. They find it very informative and a great guide for first-time parents.

I loved the ideas this book suggests. I've been dealing with my daughter's tantrums due to the new baby, and this book has been extremely helpful. It not only gives me ideas on how to calm my daughter down, but it also shows me how to calm myself down. I think every parent knows what I'm talking about.

"Perfect Parenting" is not about being a perfect parent. As a mom of two, I've come to realize we do the best we can with what we've got, and there's no such thing as perfect. Elizabeth Pantley's book is a solid guide that offers a nurturing hand in moments of distress or cluelessness. She's a mom of four. And she REALLY knows her stuff!

I found the book especially helpful in dealing with issues of lying or rough behavior. Kudos to Elizabeth for another job well done.

~Christine Louise Hohlbaum, author of DIARY OF A MOTHER and SAHM I AM: TALES OF A STAY-AT-HOME MOM IN EUROPE.

I bought this book after reading the rave reviews here, but I was somewhat deceived by it.

I think that some the deception stems out of the fact that I already owned a book by E. Pantley ( Kid Cooperation, which I recommend) and I found the author repeating itself in this book.

Also, I do not like the title, which I find lousy .

Moreover, unlike Kid Cooperation, this book places issues in alphabetical order so that you can browse through them, and does not dwell much into details ( psychological insights etc) . This can be great if you already know the basics of healthy parenting, but in the hands of the average parent, many of the hints could actually do more harm than good.
I don't like that much the "user's manual " style and I did like Pantley before reading this book more than I do now.

I've come to believe that before facing parenting issues and "misbehavior" most parents should work it out with THEIR own issues. Books like this may deceive into thinking that parenting is a matter of knowing the "right tricks" instead of a matter of attitude... Actually it is both, but the right attitude comes first, and without it the tools provided by this book will not work consistently.

I still give 3 stars to this book because it actually has some good hints and ideas ( although almost all of them, plus interesting insights on parental issues/behavior, can be found in Kid Cooperation). It can be useful as a reminder or a quick fix for those parents who are already "perfect" most of the time.

This is a great handy book to keep around to pick up a few tips anytime you have an issue with your kids and you don't know what to do. Once you look up your topic you get various options -- one of which is bound to work. The A to Z format makes it a snap to find what you're looking for. Includes typical stuff like sibling fights and dawdling to more unusual like won't eat vegetables or doesn't like her hair being washed and shoplifting and being a poor sport and even typical but weird things like nose picking. I keep it on the counter and use it often.

This is the first Omartian book I have read, and I love it. The breakdown is short easy chapters, so I can read a few minutes and still cover a topic. Great advise and insights are on every page. I also plan to use it as a reference/refresher when I need advice.

Don't order from Caesureus I hear the book is very good. Still have not recieved shipment though ordered over a mont ago!

This is an excellent book. It was recommended to me by a friend and worth every penny. Extremely motivating. I have two other books in the series that I enjoy just as much.

I am pleased at how fast that I have received this book. I have been using this book with my weekly Bible study. It is a wonderful book and a great resource for women who want to become better prayers.

If you're looking for more of a closeness and intimacy with the Lord, this is a good book to read. I also recommend the power of a praying wife.

All the abuses discussed in this book are accurate, and the author does a fine job in bringing them to life. But the books leaves the reader with the impression that all black workers in the South were virtual slaves, who were forced to stay with the same employer year after year. This is simply not true. Many African Americans switched jobs year after year, to the frustration of planters. Others migrated, sometimes alone, sometimes en masse (e.g., the Kansas Exodus, the Edgefield Exodus) to other parts of the South. Labor agent Peg-Leg Williams moved over 80,000 people from the Carolina southwest all by himself. And so on. The real history is bad enough, no need to exaggerate it. For the relevant sources, see the footnotes to David E. Bernstein, Only One Place of Redress ch. 1 (Duke U. Press 2001), which discusses one way planters tried to limit black mobility, through laws banning labor recruitment.

I am pleased that the book came in a reasonable amount of time.

-Not what I learned in school. But this book opened my eyes to the truth of our American History, and caused me to think about what I see in society today, differently. I would recommend it highly!

There were times when I read this book I was in a fury with rage, when I was completely dumbfounded, flummoxed, horrified, disturbed (deeply) by another chapter of our good country's history. Yet there were also times when I was proud of those portrayed here who were moral and just -- folk who sought to cleanse the countryside of those who thought nothing of life, except to take advantage of it until there was nothing more to give. This richly researched, sharply written book is an essential read.

As an historian, I have long been aware that slavery did not end the evils perpetrated on black people in this country, but I never realized the full extent. Although this book is at times repetitious and disjointed, it is a powerful narrative of a period in American history arguably more disturbing than ante bellum slavery. It's as though all the humane slave masters have been replaced by Simon Legrees and Bull Connors. The complicity of corporate America and the emergence of industrial slavery make the situation even more problematic. This book needs to be read by all who want to fully understand the ramifications of history on race relations in this country and should be required reading in high school and college classrooms.

The Arrival
In this wordless graphic novel, through magnificent illustrations, Tan captures the disorientation immigrants may feel toward their new surroundings. It depicts the journey of one man who seems both accepted and rejected by his new country. The only writing is in an invented alphabet, which motivates the viewer to feel confused just like the immigrants must feel when they encounter a strange new language and way of life. A feeling of tolerance and acceptance is presented throughout the story and transcends race and ethnicity. The youngest readers and the most sophisticated will find this book interesting. This book is an excellent conversation starter in any mainstream or ESL classroom.

What else can I say which isn't mentioned by others and that I've already summed it in the title of this review.

The quality of the book is fabulous...hardcover with good texture and layout. The art (computer art) is provoking and Shaun had mastered the saying "a picture tells a thousand words"

It brings the reader (viewer?) into the shoes of the immigrant visiting a "world" that is totally strange to him (as possibly depicted by the weird things he encountered) as what a stranger will feel as the reader/viewer will feel the same way too.

What more can I say, its a classic and a book worth collecting and keeping.

If you are a "Guest":

ANYONE WHO HAD TRAVELED away from their family, culture and land, will find comfort in this book. It provides with rich metaphors and imagery of departure, culture shock, misunderstandings, confusion, adaptation--you name it!--all of those experiences an immigrant or a long-distance traveler is going through.


If you are a "Host":

Likewise, ANYONE WHO'D EVER MET A FOREIGNER, and had difficulty communicating, or had ever occupied oneself with a thought of what it means "to arrive somewhere" and what an experience of arrival to a land of no known customs and language may be like--will also benefit greatly from this presentation.



Book presentation:

The medium of the story delivery through a series of pictures (wonderful illustrations in their own right!!!) allows for multiple interpretations of the content and is adaptable to any travel/immigration situation. The story itself has depth in its many layers, depending on whose side of it you are following: the Daughter's, the Wife's, or the Man's, or perhaps--some other character in the book :-)). Detailed illustrations make me return to these pages again and again, finding some new twist, or making new interpretations.

Both, children (as young as 4) and adults I have shared this book with, loved at least something about it. Younger children, unless familiar with the experience, will probably not understand all the complexity of it, however, the very idea of presenting these experiences through pictures allows them to stay with the story and enjoy it just the same. As far as adults, I cannot think of anyone whom this book may leave untouched or indifferent.

This is by far one of the most MOVING, THOUGHT PROVOKING, INSPIRING, and beautifully done books! I never stop hunting for good volumes out there, and this one is A TREASURE for book lovers and collectors alike.

Shaun Tan's "The Arrival" is an enormously engaging book that captures solely through illustration, the pathos, despair, joy, longing and tenderness of leaving one's country and family to come to a new land. In this new land of fantasy architecture, peculiar pets and wonderfully bizarre foods, the protagonist discovers many friends who give him comfort and share their knowledge with him. In an underlying theme, the reader experiences the tension of political upheaval and conflict through Tan's evocative presentation of chaos, war and armies on the march. Especially to be treasured and pondered over are the wonderfully drawn, ethnically diverse faces that the artist portrays on the book's endpapers. Even traversing the surreal landscape and environment Tan creates, it is easy to feel that is as familiar as a dream.,

I reached the last page of this wordless book wanting only to go back to the first page again. It leaves a warm whirl of different impressions, none in conflict with each other but never wholly fitting together, either.

The drawing itself leaves many of those impressions. These delicate monochrome images, possibly pencil drawings, range from sepia to cool grays. Their beautiful, literal style works equally well at showing the joy of a little girl or the confusion of immigration to an alien culture. Despite realism approaching photographic, Tan's fantasy world fills with strange beasts, impossible architecture, and foods almost too baffling to eat. Tan's invented written language clearly carries meaning, but meaning that the reader can not penetrate. Then, in another reversal back from fantasy to reality, it conveys the newcomer's new life in a new world with insight and sympathy. Tan's afterword says that this story derives from four years of research on the immigrant experience, research that paid off in every page and panel.

As you can see, the imagery and story tie inextricably into each other. That visual storytelling reaches its peak in nightmare metaphors of war - I won't even try to describe the emotional truth of those dark, impossible pictures. This ends on a high note, though, with the family reunited in their new land. I won't spoil it, but it brings a quote charmingly to life: "When you've reached the top, it's your responsibility to send the elevator back down."

-- wiredweird

This book really shows what Christianity is all about. I read it to my 3 year old everyday. It is relatable for a 3 year old and he loves it!!!

I had the old version of this precious children's book from my childhood. I love the new, colorful illustrations. The products arrived quickly and in perfect condition! Thank you!

Not seeing Jesus in the reillustrated version of "If Jesus Came To My House" took away the entire meaning of the book. I have purchased many copies of the original volume and I was very disappointed to see the illustrations in the revised edition. Nothing was improved upon in the reillustrated volume. Make no mistake, it is the original for me.

Lola J. Sell
Indian River, Mi

I have purchased this book and the new updated version for our son and have purchased this one for 4 of our friends. I love it and know our son will one day, too! It is not only a great book to read at bedtime, etc., but also to use in a children's Sunday School Class. A classic. I love this copy because the cover looks somewhat "vintagey" and I have it displayed on my son's shelf. It helps remind me that I want Jesus at our house!

I would highly recommend this book to any Christian parent and those that would pick and choose various books from the BFIAR series. My kids loved it and so did I. Its one of those timeless classics.

This book is a must read for Christians who are not satisfied with their spiritual life and a MUST READ for those in churches considering major capital expenditures that will serve only the members. It will change the way you think about how you and your church can best serve Jesus.

For many years I have felt disenfrancised from the church, even though I have spent my entire life in it and even raised my family in it. Now that I am nearing fifty, I have found myself seeking ways to spread my faith that are real and substantive. This Present Future has given verbal affirmation to what I've felt all along, and to what I've always known to be true. But in Churchian circles, the only truth is the one they tell you, and to think outside the box is frowned upon. But now I understand why, and I understand what I must do to change and effect my world for Christ.

Thank you Reggie McNeal.
Lonnie Friesen
The Homeless Heart

Reggie McNeal writes a thought provoking book that will either excite and challenge you or anger you. Not everyone is ready for the truth that is laid out in his book. But it is the truth none the less. The American Church has lost the right to be heard and this book gives us some tough questions we need to ask ourselves in doing a self-evlaution and earning the right to share the important message of Jesus Christ and be heard by those who need to hear it. This book was a great confirmation for our church in who we are and why we don't seem to fit in with the other churches in our community. God is doing a new thing and this book has shown our church we are part of it. I am now taking our entire church leadershipo through the book. I highly recommend every Christian who is tired of "doing church" and maintaining the status qou read this book.

Fantastic book. Really makes you reflect on your ministry and the questions the book asks gives a structure for evaluating the overall focus of your church. I would highly recommened this book for someone seeking to bring about revitalization within their congregation and personal ministry.

Excellent book which speaks to the problems the modern church faces. Gives specific information and direction to deal with current issues. I have found this work tremendously useful in advocating change for the church I serve as pastor.

This book clearly explains what wellness and how to achieve it. Yes, it may seem like an ad for chiropractors, but not many people know how chiropractic is beneficial outside of neck and back pain. It also is a one stop resource for healthy eating habits, exercise habits, and a good way to restore you mental vitality. THIS IS WHAT WELLNESS IS ABOUT.

After reading Discover Wellness, even the most casual observer can recognize how painfully obvious it is that making better/smarter lifestyle choices will result in an overall improvement of health and well-being. What I like about this book is that it puts all of this information into perspective and makes it not only easy to understand, but actually easy to implement and follow. I can - and now want to - do this! I can AND WILL be healthier!

The information presented in Discover Wellness has been included in some of the hottest discussions in corporate America and is an important part of the platform in the 2008 Presidential Election. It is an easy read intended to provide as much information as possible so you can educate yourselves, family and friends and community about the magnitude of America's health care crisis. Unfortunately, this isn't an issue that we can ignore because it's NOT going away. If you want to keep up on how "staying health can make you rich" then this book is a must read!

Written by Dr. Bob Hoffman and Dr. Jason A. Deitch, Discover Wellness: How Staying Healthy Can Make You Rich is a guide to not only improving one's health and quality of life, but also foster pocketbook savings in the process. Chapters are filled with simple, time-tested methods for fostering improved health, from consciously applying better posture to promote spinal health to simple stretches ideal for engendering flexibility to guidelines for proper nutrition and exercise, the value of eating organic foods, and much more. Discover Wellness is simply a no-nonsense guide to help more people become less sick through inexpensive and easy-to-follow guidelines, and while not a substitute for a doctor's care, is decidedly invaluable for its practical preventative measures. Highly recommended.

When I first opened this book, I thought it was just going to be another "cookie-cutter" health and fitness "how to" book. Boy, was I wrong! This book is filled with things I never even thought about! I've always heard the saying, "you are what you eat" but I never heard "you are what you THINK!" The bottom line is, if you want to have a healthy body, you have to have healthy thoughts and emotions. Just as it's important to avoid toxic chemicals, it's important to avoid toxic thoughts. Easier said then done, but I'm practicing what I learned in Discover Wellness and I already see some impressive improvements.