Educational Books

While working through my thesis I was required, and also elected, to purchase several books. Johnson's book is by far the easiest to read and puts this sometimes daunting process into a manageable perspective. It's not enough all by itself, but it is a must have addition.

This book is required for a graduate class in special education research. It is a practical and simply-written guide to producing decent research in the field of education. While action research is not as "rigorous" as traditional, scientific research, there are benefits for trying a strategy and measuring results. Whatever we can do to measure what we're doing, and report/share it, is good!

This book will tell you exactly how to conduct an action research project in your school or classroom. It takes you through ever step of the process and describes how reports and papers should be presented. It presents a variety of ideas for data and data collection, and describes how to analyze qualitative data. the most important chapter for me was the chapter that described how to use action research for a thesis or disertation. The author describes what would go into each chapter.

Teachers, administrators, human service personnel are often encouraged to be engaged in action research. However, obtaining a sound, thorough but readable text to assist such professionals in conducting action research has been very difficult. This book fills this void wonderfully. The book lays out the steps of action research, provides practical examples all in a way that is scholastically sound but engaging and interesting reading. No mean feat for any book on research! I would highly recommend this for working practitioners and for guides for students involved in masters and even doctoral projects associated with action research. An excellent resource!!

I bought this book to have a glimpse at what was awaiting me in my upcoming Action Research class for my masters program. I found the samples much better in comparison to the custom book that my program offered for this class. It gives a step by step directions, I know I will have to use it for further classes in my upcoming Doctorate degree. This book is a good place to start if you have no idea of where and how to start your project for research.

Edward F. Prichard, Jr.'s life makes for high drama; this excellent biography makes for engrossing and informative reading. "Prich" was yet another of the terribly bright Frankfurter students at Harvard Law School in the late 1930's who gravitated to Washington, first as a Supreme Court clerk to Frankfurter, and later with involvement in New Deal and wartime public service. The Greek chorus appears when Prichard returns to his home state of Kentucky to practice law. The book superbly recounts his conviction in connection with a 1948 vote-tampering scandal, his incarceration, and his eventual return to the practice of law and a role as respected educational reformer in Kentucky. Unfortunately, serious illness inflicted near blindness and other frailties which ultimately caused an early death at the age of 69. The reader can only sit back and wonder as to why one with such unlimited promise and talents chose the course he did. Nonetheless, as the book traces Prich's life, it provides an fascinating perspective on Harvard Law, Frankfurter, the wartime FDR administration, the early presidency of Truman, and the rise of the super lawyer-lobbyists such as Thomas Corcoran. One's time is well invested in reading this volume.

Ed Prichard was called "the brightest of our generation" by no less than Katherine Graham. He was Felix Frankfurer's first law clerk, and served ably and brilliantly in the Roosevelt and Truman administrations.

Then came 1948. In Texas, Lyndon Johnson won a Senatorial election, as the saying goes, by the votes of 49 dead Mexicans. That same year, Prichard helped stuff ballot boxes in his home county, Bourbon County, Kentucky, for a forgettable Senate candidate who had the election locked up anyway. But, hounded by J. Edgar Hoover for his "socialist" views (such as championing civil rights for blacks and an eight hour work day, with a decent minimum wage), Prichard, not Johnson, went to prison and was disbarred.

This short, but imminently well researched book is his story, recounting all his sparkling brilliance, the arrogance that helped bring him down, and his ultimate redemption as the father of the education reform movement in Kentucky. This is an elegantly written and masterfully documented history from a first rate young historian. The biggest revelation is the story of J. Edgar Hoover's targeting of Prichard, which was gleaned from declassified documents, and never previously reported.

If this book teaches us that we are all flawed, it also teaches that we are all capable of redemption. This is one of the finest biographies I have ever read.

This book tells well of a brilliant student, high in the ranks of his class at harvard Law, law clerk to Justice Frankfurter, holding responsible positions in the Government in wartime Washington, who by an unbelievably reckless and stupid act destroyed his career, then , after years of struggle redeemed himself before his death in 1984. This is a most worthwhile read for anyone interested in the law or in Kentucky politics,or in the shakers and movers in Washington in the 1940s.

In this accessible, informative biography, Campbell presents the tragic story of one of the brightest stars on the 20th century American political scene. A man of acknowledged genius, fragile ego, and an almost childlike attitude, Prichard was seen by many as the most gifted and promising of the new generation of liberal politicians that arose out of the New Deal. Though his hopes for political office were ended by J. Edgar Hoover's irrational vendetta against him, Campbell makes it clear that the person who ultimately brought about Prichard's downfall was Prichard himself. This is an excellent book about the lofty heights and tragic depths that a man could sink to, and I highly recommend it to any history buff or political wonk.

Who would of thought that here in the third millennium we would still take time to read about Ed Prichard, whose life story will be linked through eternity with a third rate felony-and a blundering, ham-handed felony at that? Prichard is dead more than 20 years now, as are almost all those who loved and hated him. He never held public office-indeed, more generally, never came close to fulfilling the promise of his admirers. Why would anyone care?

To this question, it is possible to give an uncharitable reply. Kentucky, one might say, is a place with more past than future. To dwell on a footnote may be read as saying: we almost amounted to something, we could have been a contender.

And yet, and yet. And yet we have the testimony of the best and the brightest that Prich himself was the best and the brightest; if not as an actor, perhaps as a thinker and certainly as a talker.. Indeed, I had the privilege to observe Prich in what might be called his rehabilitation phase: the early 60s when his friends were trying to ease him back from obloquy and exile onto the political stage. I will add my testimony to those of legions who swore that Prichard in full spate was simply the greatest three-ring oratorical circus of which a simple country boy might dream, his whooshes of insight keeping easy company with his flashes of savage wit. No wonder he won the affection of Felix Frankfurter, of Phil Graham, of-good heavens, is this true?-of Sir Isaiah Berlin.

Indeed: Berlin was once his roommate and like so many was stunned and horrified when Prich was convicted by a Kentucky jury The details are there Tracy Campbell's account, along with a great deal else one may have remembered or forgotten about the politics of Kentucky in the last Century. Campbell tells it all earnestly and unflinchingly, and a strangely compelling story it remains.

Is there a larger context for Prich's story? Probably not a great one, but by a stretch, you could fit it into more general story of the history of the New Deal. It was here, after all, that Prich occupied center stage: as the brilliant young scamp who enchanted Felix Frankfurter, and who put himself at the elbow of Robert Jackson, of Fred Vinson, of Jimmie Byrnes (although both Jackson and Byrnes stayed aloof, and even Vinson saw Prich's limits). One can, at least with caution, take Prich as a kind of symbol for what was right and wrong with those years: the brilliance, the optimism, the energy, together with an overlarge dose of self-admiration, bordering on downright narcissism. Prich was, after all, as dazzling as they say he was. But he was an appalling abuser of friendship, a serial shirker of duties, and at best no more than a mediocre husband and father. Even after he started taking fees from the strip miners, he never really paid his taxes. Indeed, one of the remarkable parts of the Prich story is the way so many people were taken in by him-not merely by his skills at rhetoric and dialectic (which were indisputable) but by the notion that these virtues somehow translated into political gravitas.

Campbell does a conscientious job of surveying the evidence surrounding Prichard's pivotal bout with ballot-stuffing in 1948. Laudably, he hesitates to draw any grand conclusions. I will indulge myself a bit more. Prich came back to Kentucky touted as the next governor, senator, president-offices to which (says Campbell), absent his "lapse" he "would certainly" have risen. But by Campell's own testimony, this is nonsense. Campbell himself says that Prich "had not the ambition or the personality for such posts." Quite right: probably nobody knew this better than Prich himself. His friends saw him as the next Roosevelt; he knew he was closer to Peter Pan. By sticking his hand in a ballot box, he relieved himself of all these impositions: he may have left his friends bewildered and disappointed, but he gave himself the freedom to remain forever young.

Dr. Gimbell's book is a must read for not only principals, but for educators at every level of academia. What I gleaned from it that should be highlighted is the aspect of an educator's interpersonal skills. Today many school boards hire administrators with the major goal of improving test scores, with little concern about the myriad of issues that face educators in these challenging times. By only looking at this aspect, committees inadvertently hire educators who lack good interpersonal skills, otherwise known as exceptional emotional intelligence;the cornerstone of running a smooth operation. Good interpersonal skills and a common commitment to children's learning are the key to building the trust necessary to create a caring an learning environment,and one geared to acheiving excellence.
Dr. Gimbel's book will assist educators in this pursuit of excellence.

I enjoyed reading Solutions For Promoting Principal-teacher Trust.

I found it so engaging, as I read how you described your personality. Since I know your engaging effervessance, I can imagine how devasted you must have felt to be "shut out" in the teachers lounge.

I am so happy that other principals and administrators will have the opportunity to benefit from your years on both sides of the fence. I am hopeful that you will finally be able to evoke some real school reform.
I am so proud of you, BRAVO!!!
Love,
Harr

Thanks, Phyllis. I'm really enjoying your book!

Marcia Bromfield, Ph.D.
Director, Division of Field Placement and Professional Partnerships
School of Education
Lesley University
Cambridge, MA 02138

I found the excerpts of your book on the website, down to earth,using common sense when working with a staff,to foster communication, shared respect and learning "the ART of listening"...you expressed the painful but necessary lesson for growth, about moving from teacher to principal and how this seperated you from your staff ...You convey that it can be lonely during the transition,as you learned that you cannot be a good manager and a best friend too....You share the message, to be a great manager and principal, you must learn to step back, see the whole picture,be a good listener ,think about the ideas being shared, take the good parts ,fix the bad parts and blow the rest to the winds...You share,to be a success, you do what you must as a principal,to open communications,while fostering mutual respect with your staff, so as a team ,you can meet the challenges of educating our children.. "

The presence of a climate of trust in a school determines the success and efficacy of that school. Dr. Gimbel's book clearly and succinctly describes ways to establish and build trusting relationships between principal and faculty. There exists only a small amount of literature on this important topic. This concept holds the key to real school improvement, affecting teacher satisfaction, retention, creativity, and enthusiasm. I recommend this book wholeheartedly!

Stone Pizza is a great romp with animals and the familiar tale of Stone Soup. Each curious critter shares a bit to create a yummy pizza enjoyed by all. Who knows what's for dessert? They're thinking about it right now!

My 5 year old says: "I love it!" She wants it read over and over. The characters developed by artist, McNevin Hayes and writer, Susan Michell, tickle her and make her laugh. We love them all, especially the doubting Horned Toad. We can't wait to see more books from both Mr. Hayes and Ms. Michell.

My three children ages 6,4, and 2 all LOVE this book. GREAT find!!

"Stone Pizza" is a children's picture book for children ages 4 to 12. A hardback book with a cover that is beautifully illustrated with a coyote on the cover wearing a purple bandanna with yellow polka-dots, a pair of green sunglasses and holding a stone pizza.

A delightful tale involving the critters of the desert where food is hard to find. Coyote finds no hospitality when he wanders into that stretch of the highway in the desert. The story of Stone Pizza focuses on team work and sharing. The book is engaging and a pure delight and offers a wonderful cast of characters.

The pages are filled with bold and vibrant imaginative illustrations, the art work is superb to ignite the child's imagination. I highly recommend this children's book, both you and your children will enjoy reading this story together time and time again all while delivering a great lesson of sharing and team work.

This a an excellent book with very unique illustrations. Hopefully they'll be more!

This book opens a door to a world I never knew, or if I did, I chose to ignore it, hoping that it would go away. I will never look at inner-city children, the same way I did before. Their loss of innocence is an American tragedy...Oglesby actions as a teacher, as a humanitarian and a courageous woman, is a triumph over a seemingly hopless situation.
I am most interested in reading more books by this author.
Jorge Nuñez.

It should be required reading for all teachers and those who are planning to be teachers, social workers, law enforcement, and anyone who works with inner city kids. Margot Gillin, Waukegan, IL

Fun! I couldn't put it down. This book gave me a greater respect and understanding for children who live in the ghettos and for teachers who work with them. Karen Helman, Charlotte, N.C.

I found this book to be fascinating and informative. Its strength lies not in the fact that it pushes an agenda effectively, but that it doesn't have an agenda. Most books of this genre are written to try to convince the reader of their opinion, but this one isn't. Lightly edited, you get to see the way that things actually are instead of the way that an author WANTS you to see it. There are things here to encourage and infuriate both ends of the political spectrum. This actually makes sense, as both sides have valid points but carry them too far. It is often difficult (make that nearly impossible) to convey life in the projects in a way that enables people who are from a more normal environment to understand it. This book does so in a way that I have never seen before.

Teachah don't know nothin...and neither do we that grew up in a sheltered system until it's cracked open. This book cracked open a lot of beliefs that were rumored to have been true, but were too ugly to face. Dee Oglesby faced them squarely as a naive outsider-then as an insider that slowly gained the confidences of ostracized and oppressed individuals. And it's real. The freshness is amazing. The language is frank, sometimes jolting like a shot of harsh reality. The writing at first appeared simplistic, but in short it came out to be simple truth-as it really occurred. This is not about artifice, it's about actuality. And that's incredible. She weaved her way into their hearts and minds with time and honesty. She shed light in the dim arena of inner-city schooling and created bright spots in blemished futures. In short, she managed to 'educate' students despite an institution that rewards grades above learning. It's a good read. And a great education!

This pocket guide contains virtually the same information as the text, but in a handier size for quick reference. I have the book at home and the pocket guide at school, and I use both of them all the time.

G. Buermann, Middle School Principal

I ordered my book and received excellent service. Got it in perfect time as well! Thank you Amazon ~ keep up the good work!

It was required for a class, but it turns out it very good.

The Pocket Guide is an excellent, affordable resource for all administrators as well as teachers. It is easy to use and offers guidelines to stay out legal difficulties. The price is right and content parallels his textbook "School Law and the Public Schools".

As others have said, this is an excellent book. I picked it as a quick reference/study guide for my Education Law class. Law has always been interesting for me, but I don't get much use out of books that say things like 'X decision rendered in (year) was a landmark, upholding X principle (insert legal jargon).' A couple of my roommates in college were were law students, and I understand that junk, because I helped them study sometimes, and we talked about interesting cases they were studying, etc.
BUT, when I sit down to read about it, that's not what I want to know. I want to know what the court fight was about, what the court decision was, what it means, and how it affects my school and the classroom. That's exactly what Essex does in this book.
Most chapters are around 10-15 pages long, cover approximately 5 essential concepts or factors, including all the major cases or a description of the key ideas, identify which law is relevant (usually state or federal, though district or school board policies often come into play), a summary of the key players, roles, principles, or components of the concept being discussed. If an actual court case is discussed, it ends with a summary of the argument, the courts' decisions, and the final result. And each 1-3 page section finishes with a brief 'Guide' which provides a list of important things to consider, when addressing the policy or issue covered (Essex is usually very conservative with his recommendations, but at least you have an idea what needs to be considered).
It also includes handy things like a good index, a separate list of all the court cases discussed, appendices that include relevant sections of the Constitution, selected federal statutes, and descriptions of major organizations and how they can impact a teacher.
And finally, Essex is a good writer who makes the topics interesting by minimizing the jargon and focusing on why things are important. Several times, I've found myself reading for a while, after I looked something up, just because he makes stuff interesting.

First published in 1987, "Tending The Heart Of Virtue: How Classic Stories Awaken A Child's Moral Imagination" by Vigen Guroian (Professor of Theology and Ethics, Loyola College, Baltimore, Maryland) illustrated and illuminates how fair tales and fantasies educate the moral imagination throughout childhood. Now in a new edition from Oxford University Press, a new generation of parents and teachers can benefit from what Professor Guroian has to say about the beneficial ethical and moral implications and embedded teachings in such literary classics as Pinocchio; The Velveteen Rabbit; The Little Mermaid; The Wind in the Willows; Charlotte's Web; Bambi; The Snow Queen; The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe; The Princess and the Goblin; and Prince Caspian. Of special note is Professor Guroian's bibliography essay that concludes this seminally informed and informative literary inquiry and study. "Tending The Heart Of Virtue" is a welcome and highly recommended addition to academic and community library reference collections and supplemental reading lists in the fields of Literary Studies, as well as Philosophy & Ethics.

The themes of classic stories have not been improved upon over the years. As well as awaken a child's moral imagination, they also reinforce character traits with biblical origin and timeless application. I also recommend Storybook Mentors, Grown-up wisdom from children's classics for families, teachers and counselors, and all who love classic literature.

This book is a classic "must read" for all parents who want to instill solid character into their children. Guroian reviews many of the "classic" fairy tales and reveals the unbelievable distortion that has occurred with modern day translations, abridged versions, and animated movies. Time after time, Guroian traces the same awful conversion from the original Christian virtues and values to the quicksand-like obsessions with physical beauty, romantic love, and self. Reading his book gives parent's the truth about why fairy tales are so important for "tending the heart of virtue" in their children. For children reading the original fairy tales, they will see themselves and the deeper reality of things, complete with good and evil components, in a framework of an interesting and powerfully written story. In subsequently reading the original Pinocchio (covered in the book) to my two boys (8 and 10); we were all absolutely "stunned" by Collodi's brilliance, his language, and the truth that this great classic reveals about ourselves.

Don't miss this one. You and your children will benefit immensely.

Professor Guroian's latest work provides the reader with a challenging prescription for developing moral excellence. The framework of the Aristotleian notions of intellectual and moral virtue give an ancient and yet ever so modern perspective to his understanding of the practical science of ethics illuminated by fairy tales and modern children's literature. Those who are responsible for the young will do well to make frequent reference to this book.

I stumbled across this book a few years ago when browsing through the various sections on Amazon's web site (it was in the National Public Radio section). The reviews sounded interesting, so I took a chance. I am so glad I did.

Like most people, I have been bombarded with the "Disney-fied" versions of most of our children's classics, where all the characters are cute and there are several shades of gray when it comes to the moral or point of the story. I had forgotten how dark the original fairy tales were and how clear they were about good and evil. The part of the book about Guroian's college class and a fourth grade class' reading of Pinochio reminded me just how much children really understand and how clearly and, sometimes, simply they view the world.

Reading this book has prompted me to find copies of the original stories. What an interesting discussion it would be to compare adults' and children's understanding of the how the original versions of the stories differ from the more recent or animated versions.

I was looking for a gift that would serve as a momento of my daughter`s First Communion. This book hit the spot! It is a beautiful hard covered book with colourful illustrations. It explains the `process` of communion, reinforces the lessons taught during the preparatory course (the proper terms for typical Church items, for example), as well it has several pages for personal souvenirs: pictures, pages to be filled in regarding guests, priest`s name, etc.

This is a beautiful book!

Great! My niece loved this Book and couldn't put it down the entire day. We wrote in it together the day before and then on the day of she read it with other girls her age at her party. It will be a great memory for us to share in years to come!

I bought this book for my daughter's First Communion. I also bought 4 other copies to give to my niece and some of my daughter's friends who were also making their First Communion. My daughter and I have filled out the back memory section which is such a nice reminder of her special day. There is room for comments, feelings and pictures and mementos. I began reading the story to my daughter, but haven't finished it. She enjoyed looking at the map of the church and discussing it. The only reason I'm giving this book 4 stars instead of 5, is because the story didn't keep my daughter's interest. However, I believe this is because we have really discussed all aspects of the sacrament before Holy Communion. The children in the story are searching for the mystery of the Eucharest. My daughter already understood the mystery. This would be a great book for preparation and then used as a memory book.

This book is a must read not only for children who are about to make their First Communion, but for the parents of the children as well. It's an easy to read book that takes you step by step through the process of this special day in their lives. Children will love it not only for the writing, but for the beautiful illustrations. Parents will love it because it's a wonderful refresher course as they recall their own First Communion.

I bought this book as a gift for my daughter's birthday so she would have it before she made her First Communion. We read one or two chapters a week as a review of her CCD program (to ensure we covered any gaps). She enjoyed the story and loved filling in the memory pages at the back of the book. What a wonderful Catholic resource! Highly recommended. Also consider getting the companion book Today I Made My First Reconciliation.

Tongue Fu! at School: 30 Ways to Get Along Better with Teachers, Principals, Students and Parents is a must read for everyone who works in a school. Sam includes a section in each chapter specifically for teenagers. This book would make a great textbook for a high school or college program in human communication. This book would also be an excellent read for school development teams. This book should be discussed in every staffroom!!
Keith Adey
School Psychologist

This is an immediately useful book. There are practical solutions to many problems in the school today.

It's obvious that Sam has kids and has been through trying times with their schools. Her practical advice is not like what I've read before. It offers simple yet effective techniques that can be mastered by anyone and can be used in many other life situations. We all want our conversations with teachers and principals to be productive and not blaming. Sam's do's and
don'ts about dialogue helped me "get it" quickly. I think it's going to help me in my talks with my children also. I hope their teachers read it too.

One of the things they don't teach in school is constructive, practical dialogue techniques that can help focus on solutions. I liked Tongue Fu! and I like Tongue Fu! at School for the same reason. These easy to learn techniques can literally change the dynamics of relationships between parents and coaches or teachers and vice versa. She doesn't waste time on theory and understands we need real life, right now help when we are trying to help our children. Perfect for educators at all levels and for parents who have children in school. Great value.

I just completed Tongue Fu @ school. This book was just what I needed to revitalize myself. I am a principal of a Catholic School in Colorado. Our parent community can sometimes be a bit of a challange. After reading your book I have decided to purchase copies for all of my teachers.

Dr. Cappel's book provides a comprehensive glimpse into the higher education system at work in America today. She clearly explains what her criteria for a "utopian" environment are, and then goes on to describe how each of the chosen colleges reflects these. Her mode of investigation is fascinating, and it is apparent that she made the most of her experiences at all of the institutions she visited. This book proves that, even among the widespread mediocrity that has become evident in American colleges and universities today, there are a few schools out there that still insist on following a dream and a vision, and creating the perfect learning environment that provides students with the finest education possible.

This book has a chapter about Goddard College, where I am a graduate student. This college (Goddard)is definately "Utopian" and progressive. These colleges have made higher education both interesting and challenging for individualized education. This book is helpful in focusing on this unique type of education.

As a young student in the late 70's, I attended what was then called an "alternative education" school for two years of my elementary education. The knowledge I learned in this progressive school is a valuable part of who I am and what I have become. My fondest learning experiences came from these two crucial years. I am a strong advocate for progressive education and feel that new methods need to be examined and implemented in order to give students a proper education; reading Constance Cappel's Utopian Colleges gave me a glimpse into some educational institutions that are doing just that. I found it to be both interesting and intriguing in showing how some colleges are trying to change how we educate young adults in our country. An easy yet informative read, Utopian Colleges will introduce students and educators to some alternative teaching methods and educational philosophies; more publications such as this should be offered so students can be aware of the different choices they have for selecting a college for their higher education experience.

Dr. Cappel's book addresses both the history of utopian education and its present incarnation in Utopian Colleges. Speaking from personal experience, I know many of the stresses that provide for both compromise and solidarity within a utopian educational community do exist and have been greatly affected by their manifestations. The underlying work ethic the author shows to be true in the diverse selection of educational institutions featured in Utopian Colleges is a very important aspect of education that is generally ignored in mainstream education. Utopian Colleges shows that the utopian ideal in American post-secondary education was not a counter-culture product of the 1960's, but a long-held tenet which has sought to nurture the creative and intuitive genius to be found within each willing student. The extensive background information provided as a prelude to the present-day and historical outlines of several utopian colleges, along with the discussion of the nature of "utopia" itself are of great enough value alone to offset the cost of this book. This is a great text with which to begin a critique of the American educational system.

At this time when large universities such as Harvard accept money from bin Laden, the need for smaller "Utopian Colleges" becomes evident. Not only are the missions of these colleges more ethical, but their history of progressive education and its values give hope to American higher education. This book examines these colleges that create independant thinkers rather than the corporate robots of the major U.S. universities.