Baker Books

While Mary Ellen Mark and husband,Martin Bell,were filming
their haunting masterpiece,Streetwise,in 1983,Mary Ellen was
also busy taking their snap-shots...and what a worthwhile effort
this was!
Anyone who viewed the film will recognize each photograph of
the runaways of Seattle found in Mark`s same-titled book.
The Streetwise kids lived in a sad world of uncertainty,many
having fled from their abusive homes.They searched for love and
happiness in a place which offered neither.
Mary Ellen developed a kin-ship with many of her young subjects
including Dewayne and Lulu.Dewayne hanged himself in 1984,and
Lulu died in a fight with a man in 1985.Mary Ellen has dedicated
this book in their memories.
Like every other work that she has ever published,this book
is definitely a keep-sake.I highly recommend it to everyone
who is interested in the documentary film and in Mary Ellen Mark.

While Mary Ellen Mark and husband,Martin Bell,were filming
their haunting masterpiece,Streetwise,in 1983,Mary Ellen was
also busy taking their snap-shots...and what a worthwhile effort
this was!
Anyone who viewed the film will recognize each photograph of
the runaways of Seattle found in Mark`s same-titled book.
The Streetwise kids lived in a sad world of uncertainty,many
having fled from their abusive homes.They searched for love and
happiness in a place which offered neither.
Mary Ellen developed a kin-ship with many of her young subjects
including Dewayne and Lulu.Dewayne hanged himself in 1984,and
Lulu died in a fight with a man in 1985.Mary Ellen has dedicated
this book in their memories.
Like every other work that she has ever published,this book
is definitely a keep-sake.I highly recommend it to everyone
who is interested in the documentary film and in Mary Ellen Mark.
Jeffrey Bryan
White Oak,NC

Good book, but there are not nearly as many pictures as one would hope for. Lots of "intro" pages with interesting background details (and some nearly blank pages as well), followed by a relatively short (but admittedly stunning) collection of photos, many or most of which are not in the film or taken from the film. The last third of the book is taken up by a script transcription from the movie -- Why? Why? What a waste, when I wanted to see more of Mary Ellen Mark's amazing work. If I wanted the film, I would watch the film. Who in their right mind wants to *read* the film?

Also, it's not a complaint but this book appears to be very difficult to find -- long out of print and expensive. I'll give the book four stars for the sheer incredible art of Mary Ellen Mark's black and white photographs. As a book (particularly at the prices often asked) it leaves a good deal to be desired.

While Mary Ellen Mark and husband,Martin Bell,were filming
their haunting masterpiece,Streetwise,in 1983,Mary Ellen was
also busy taking snap-shots of the runaways...and what a worthwhile effort this was!
Anyone who viewed the film will recognize most of the photographs of the Seattle runaways found in the same-titled book.
The Streetwise kids lived in a sad world of uncertainty.Many had fled from abusive homes.
Mary Ellen developed a closeness with many of her young subjects,including Dewayne and Lulu.Dewayne hanged himself in 1984,and Lulu died in a fight with a man in 1985.Mary Ellen has dedicated her book in their memories.
Like every other work that she has ever created,this book is a keep-sake.I highly recommend it to anyone interested in the film documentary and in the author`s work.
Jeffrey Bryan,White Oak,NC

I am the kind of person that is not going to buy or "buy into" a book unless it is supported by some reasonable evidence. If you're like me, then you'll love this book. It is based on a study recently conducted at the Tufts University. In short, the study used a program of exercise and nutrition to combat arthritis. The results? Pain was reduced by a whopping 43%!

Key to their program was strengthening exercises which have been shown in other studies as well as being extremely beneficial for arthritis patients. I am very pleased with books like these that offer sound treatments based on research. If you like these kind of books too and also suffer from back pain, I can recommend "The Multifidus Back Pain Solution" (available here at amazon.ca too) that is based on randomized controlled trials and involves only one exercise you do at home that strengthens your multifidus muscles found to be abnormal in many people with back pain. So start reading, start exercising, and start getting better!

I was recently diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis, and I started following the nutritional suggestions in this book. I think it's already starting to help! Plus it tells you how to perform strengthening exercises for your aching joints. I am a big fan of Dr. Nelson's other works. I like how she explains the science and the applications. I plan to share this with my mom, who also has osteoarthritis.

This is an excellent work on the alternative medicinal and
conventional medicine protocols for arthritis. Dr. Nelson
mentions various Vit C dietary combinations utilizing
orange juice, strawberries or grapefruit to provide Vit. C.
Next, the authors cite important anti-inflammatory combos;
such as, Omega 3 fish oil and flaxseed oil. Sunflower oil
has the requisite Omega 6 ingredients. Sulfasalazine and
methotrexate are important protocols for treating seronegative
spondylarthropathies. In addition, the lungs, heart and eyes
may be impacted by ankylosing spondylitis and related diseases.
For instance, Iritis may impact the eyes. Calcification of
the heart valves and electronic problems with the heart have
been noted. Decreased lung capacity is another important
resultant of ankylosing spondylitis.

The authors point out that Chronic Juvenile Arthritis stunts
growth. In addition, the SED RATE (sedimentation rate) and
rhematoid factor are the gold standard for blood tests to
detect arthritis. In my own experience, the MOST- micro-oxidative
stress test may be helpful in articulating the yeast component
as an aggravating factor in arthritic conditions.

The authors provide an important series of exercises which
may be helpful for arthritic patients. The physical therapy
training consists of moderate squatting, toe stand
(standing erect on your toes), moderate push-ups by pressing
the wall, back extensions by facing the floor and raising the
head, modified sit-ups, knee extension flexing, full range
motion employing light weights in torque motion, face flat on
the floor raising the back legs, the lunge stretch,
cross-over hips, placing one knee on the chair and standing
upright or erect, shoulder stretches and a host of others.
Dr. Nelson indicates that excess joint fluid is a sign of
inflammation. In addition, surgical intervention can be
helpful. For instance, an artificial joint may last 15-20 years.
Acupuncture helps to stimulate endomorphins and change blood
flow patterns. There is evidence that acupuncture relieves
arthritis, although there is less evidence for Chiropractic.
This book is worth the price. It provides important alternative
medicinal protocols for arthritis as well as classic physical
therapy exercises aimed at preserving joint mobility and
elasticity. I would supplement the exercises with Alpha
Lipoic Acid to enhance bodily elasticity. In my own experience,
Northern Polar magnets may be helpful if strategically placed.

...Extremely informative for all, regardless of your health. Miriam Nelson has done it again not only with her easy reading style, but with very educational and informative text. I'm going to send as a gift to a friend.

This book is truely fantastic. This book outlines the three gospels side by side so you can easily compare them. The book gives indepth explanations that are easy to read and understand. A good book for the person studying Theology or doing a church project, or just for your personal development.

Studying the Synoptic Gospels serves as an introduction to the study of source criticism, form criticism, and redaction criticism of the Gospels. It is not intended to be a primer on exegesis or general hermeneutics of the Gospels, but to teach how they were formed, what components were involved in their construction, and how the distinctive theologies of the evangelists can be determined.

Stein writes his book serving "as an introduction and a work manual" (13) and it sufficiently accomplishes both. The work is comprised of three major divisions: (1) The Literary Relationship of the Synoptic Gospels, (2) The Preliterary History of the Gospel Traditions, and (3) The Inscripturation of the Gospel Traditions. The first section, which is nearly half the book, deals with literary or source criticism. It seeks to answer the questions posed by the Synoptic Problem. What is the literary relationship between Matthew, Mark, and Luke? Which Gospel was written first? Which Gospels are dependent upon other Gospels? Et cetera. Ultimately, he argues that there is interdependence within the gospel tradition (chapter 1), that Mark was written first (chapter 2), and that Matthew and Luke independently used Q (chapter 3). Though there are some problems with this paradigm (chapter 4), the solution to the Synoptic Problem is best found in the two-source theory (chapter 5). He also discusses the value of source criticism (chapter 6).

The second major division deals primarily with form criticism. Stein first addresses the rise and presuppositions of form criticism (chapter 7), then the general reliability of the transmission of oral traditions (chapter 8), as well as discussing the value of form criticism.

The third and final section covers redaction criticism. Here the author elaborates on the rise of redaction criticism (chapter 10), its method and practice (chapter 11), and its value (chapter 13).

Stein addresses the order in which one should perform source criticism, form criticism, and redaction criticism, but notes that there is not a clear-cut order because they all interrelate at different points (243-244).

There are a number of factors that make Stein's work very helpful to the student. The back of the book contains a glossary with over forty frequently used terms like, "ipsissima verba," "pericope" and "Sitz im Leben." But the glossary plays only a minor role. There are also many figures and charts. The charts depict the synoptic parallels in a helpful line-by-line comparison, which makes it easier to compare the texts. Not only do the charts exist for visual aid, but they are intended to be used as an exercise for the students to do hands-on work with the parallel passages following Stein's color-coded methodology (29-30). The table of contents is also neatly formatted, outlining both major and minor sections for reference. Additionally, at the end of nearly every chapter is a conclusion or summary of the discussion designed to solidify the material (46-47, 94-96, 119-123, 141-142, 152, 169,193-194, 216-221, and 279).

One aspect of this book that can be viewed both positively and negatively is the fact that it is based on the English text of the Gospels rather than the Greek. The obvious advantage is that is accessible to a larger audience. Students who are not trained in the Greek can utilize this as a textbook. Since Stein uses the Revised Standard Version (RSV), the more literal nature RSV makes the parallel passages easier to compare. It was a smart move for the author to retain the RSV rather than use the more popular updated versions such as the NIV and NRSV that are less literal (and thus harder for synoptic comparisons). Yet how useful is such a book like this to people who have not studied Greek? Obviously one cannot truly engage in such matters as redaction criticism without a good grasp of the Greek text. Yet Stein does refer to Greek words every now and then when he deems it necessary to make specific claims about the text. Nevertheless, I think that the English text is appropriate because Stein is not seeking to train redaction critics, but to get students' feet wet in the disciplines of these criticisms. Ultimately, the English text is helpful because it helps the reader quickly move through the text to get the big picture of what is happening. After one reads Stein's book and is interested in the various disciplines of Gospel study they can study the Greek text of the Gospels for themselves. After all, this book is merely an introduction to such matters.

There are several theories that take a stab at solving the Synoptic Problem that the author does not address. This should be understood as an advantage. The book does not intend to describe a thorough history of the Synoptic Problem and reference to the countless solutions would only bog down the reader. He does deal in greater detail with the Griesbach hypothesis and the two-source hypothesis (to which he subscribes). More interaction with the Farrer theory would have been a welcome addition to this book with its recent advocates like Mark Goodacre (yet even this second edition is already five years old). Stein also writes in a non-technical manner and includes a healthy dose of redundancy, both of which contribute to accessibility of the work.

Throughout Studying the Synoptic Gospels, Stein generally writes with a pragmatic approach. He does not get so caught up with the theoretical that he loses touch with real world matters when approaching the issues. Along this vein, he also questions the limits to which some have taken Q: "In light of the hypothetical nature of the Q source, the wisdom of various attempts to do redaction-critical work on the theology of the Q document or on the Q community must be questioned" (121).

He acknowledges that it is "impossible to know what was going through the mind of Luke when he wrote and why he might have omitted this or that account from his Gospel" (112). He similarly states: "We can never reconstruct with certainty the mental activity of the Evangelist when he wrote his Gospel" (147). This is an important point since so much of source criticism is based on the intentions of the Gospel writers, especially Matthew and Luke.

On the other hand, there are times when biases come to the forefront of the text. When discussing the Griesbach hypothesis Stein emphatically states that it is impossible for Mark and Luke to have changed Matthew's text ("Why do you ask me about what is good?") to Mark's ("Why do you call me good?") (146-147). This seems strange in light of his earlier comment that it is impossible to know the mind of the Evangelist.

In the end, the book stands out as a fine introduction to such matters. The book's order is nicely organized, and the student is not lost--even though there are some difficult concepts to grasp. Ultimately, Stein encourages the students and reminds them of the importance of such pursuits with quotes like the following: "Thus for many scholars, especially in the nineteenth century, the solution to the Synoptic Problem was a prerequisite for a proper study of the life of Jesus" (154).

Dr. Stein has provided an excellent source for the study of the synoptic gospels. He writes in an easy-to-understand manner while still providing a great amount of detail. There are several useful charts and diagrams, and the parallel synoptic passages are written in neat, vertical columns for easy cross referencing.

The first section of this book discusses the literary relationship of the synoptic gospels. After establishing the clear literary dependence between the synoptics, Stein provides a very compelling argument for the priority of Mark and its subsequent utilization as a source for Matthew's and Luke's gospels. Those unfamiliar with Markan priority will learn a great deal from this section. The existence of Q as a written work is the next topic tackled. Objections to Markan priority and the existence of Q are handled well.

The second section covers form criticism and the oral transmission of the gospel materials prior to their use in written form. This area will again be very informative to those new to the topic. In the final section, Dr. Stein discusses redaction criticism and its applicability to hermeneutics. Stein comes from a conservative theological background, so I'm sure some conservative readers may be questioning whether or not critical scholarship is of any use. Clearly the author believes that it is, and I would agree. As for the issue of biblical authority, Stein believes that although Matthew and Luke used Mark as a source, and also that they altered their source in some cases, Matthew and Luke provide an inspired interpretation of Mark in those parallel passages where one writer differs from another.

This is an excellent resource for anyone interested in studying the relationship between the synoptic gospels. I know I'll be referring to it for a long time.

Stein, perhaps as well as anyone in the field, shows a mastery of the critical issues surrounding the gospels. The breadth of the topics he hits - Markan priority and source criticism, form criticism, redactional patterns - somehow manages to achieve depth.

Readers will find his parallel text layouts helpful. His readings are stretching at times (e.g. he believes that Matthew redacts Jesus' teaching on the lost sheep to be a parable for the church, which gives us an example of inspired hermeneutics).

The second edition is almost identical to the first. While a couple minor mistakes still slip through, this should be seen as a first-rate resource for the teacher, pastor, and student.

My (10-year-old) daughter brought this book to me with a request: "This is what I want to buy all of my friends for their birthdays this year!" She loved the sense of adventure and risk-taking that Beth Baker describes in this approachable biography of an American heroine. Baker's wonderful writing is complemented by terrific underwater photos of Earle in action. Baker's book captures qualities in Earle that many kids--boys and girls alike--will find inspiring. A terrific read-alone for 4th-7th graders; also an engrossing read aloud text.

Kudos to Beth Baker for writing a book that is not only inspiring but informative and entertaining. Sylvia Earle, Guardian of the Sea, is a well written documentation of the life of a most interesting pioneer. Ms. Baker expertly captures the experiences of a woman, who plunged into the undersea world of exploration -- a field that has long been male dominated. Like Jacques Cousteau, Earle is curious about the wonders of the ocean, and undeterred about what her perceived role should be in the world, she successfully becomes a noted scientist, marine biologist and deep sea diver.

Her life is a shining example for all to strive and achieve their highest goals. It is of particular significance to young girls, who can read about Ms. Earle's pursuits and enter arenas that they might have thought were closed to them. Although the book is geared toward 9-14 year olds, it is an enjoyable read for all who have ever dreamed.

If you'd like your children to learn the rewards of perserving against great difficulties for what they believe in, the intrinsic value of the ocean and all living things, the adventure of Sylvia Earles life is an inspirational tale not to be missed. She was a true pioneer whose passionate quest for knowledge of the ocean and its inhabitants ran head on into societies reluctance for women to pursue professions beyond telecommunications and restuaranteurs(operators and waitresses). Author Beth Baker starts the book with Sylvia out of air, deep in the ocean, and keeps your attention throughout. This superbly crafted account, complete with color photos, is a delight for young readers.

this is an absolutely wonderful book for young readers about an important american woman. Baker's writing is lucid and informative, telling the too-little known story of this great explorer. Inspirational for girls and boys alike!

I love Jane Austen, but like most English novelists she was only writing about a very small slice of English society. The same can be said for most other great English novelists. Fielding's acheivement stands in utter contrast- In Tom Jones we see full blooded characters from across the entire spectrum of English society- in all of their full blooded vanity, goodness, ugliness, courage, cowardice wisdom and foolishness mixed together. This is England before the Victorians spoiled it. And the wonderful story told with such humor, irony and wit. The observations range from dry wit to bawdy burlesque - the product of a man who had lived the fullest possible life and is now determined to share all of it with his reader. This is absolutely one of my favorite books. You will love it too.

How do you write a review on what may be the best novel ever written. Charming and wonderfuly written and still hold up almost 300 years later. Funny, thought provoking as Fielding shines light on morale hypocrisy. I did not want this book to end, can there be a better commentary on a book then that?

1: Fielding is really funny!
2: It takes about 100 pages to really get rolling.
3: He's written a more approachable book that Sam Richardson (Pamela tends to go on a bit... And Clarissa just goes on and on -- great villain though)
4: Henry created one of the great names in literature, Mr. Blifel! Say it a few times and it makes you feel grubby enough that you'll need a shower!
5. Skip the first chapter of each book during your first read, it probably won't be on the test and it's always just Henry's latest blog on his most recent rant.

Jane Austen liked the book, although she seems to have preferred Richardson -- I suspect Sam wrote the first Chick lit while Henry wrote guy noir, so 'of course' Jane would prefer Sam's stuff -- or does she! (add scary Shadow type laugh here...).

You see, before Jane A (except, maybe, for Daniel Defoe [of Moll Flanders fame]), most novels (well, English novels, anyway) used the exchange of letters as the method of progressing the story. The entire novel would be in the form of letters and journals by the varioius protagonists (Bram Stoker used this in Dracula). Fielding utterly drops this conceit and sticks with straight narrative. And he seems to have been completely aware of how extreme this was for his time. Ms Austen made the same decision. So, you see, she may indeed have been more intrigued by the 'bad boy,' Henry Fielding, than we have believed. But let's let the English majors sort all this out. OK?

Oh, one last thing: If you want a bit more blood and thunder in your literature you might try one by Mrs. Ann Radcliffe (I liked The Mysteries of Udolpho); and if you REALLY want some truly serious goth try The Monk by Matthew Gregory Lewis. The Monk also has the advantage of being a frequently banned book and it's always good to support whatever "they" don't like, aye?

Although Tom Jones is one of the first English novels, it remains my all time favorite, which is saying a lot since I majored in English and have read too many pieces of fiction to count.It is the only novel I have read more than 2 times. The plot is quite inventive, the characters vivid and the romp through 18th Century England engaging. The style of writing may take awhile to get used to for a modern reader, but perserverence will pay off. Enjoy!!

This is one of the BEST reads I have had in long time (and I have done a considerable amount of reading).Ms.Dorrell had given us a real gem here.I could totally imagine every scene as I went through the book.The story is touching and you find yourself rooting for the characters.I was lost in this story.In a time when we are told that only sex,violence and crude behavior is what sells,I am glad that there are still some people who are giving us product that moves us and entertains us without those things.I recommend this book to anyone who longs for a book that will give you a cozy feeling.

I checked this book out at the local library and enjoyed it so much until I had to order it for my own personal library. The relationship between the main character and the minister was admirable. I have recommended this book as a read for my book club and recommend it for others as well.

This is one of the best stories that I have ever read. This a must read not only for Christian women but women everywhere. A true story of love and faith.

Linda Dorrell's True Believers is the riveting and highly recommended story of Peggy Nickles, a Southern woman whose work of charity results in harsh family confrontations, social expectations, and racism in her 1950s rural community. Woven into the fabric of a compelling story are timeless lessons on the human spirit and the spiritual/emotional resources of the Christian gospel in the face of physical and cultural obstacles to establishing loving relationships and nurturing communities of faith.

The American cruiser was an odd ship for the United States Navy. The cruisers most Americans know of are the "Treaty Cruisers" which first started with the Pennsicola class (or egg shells armed with hammers) and the cruiser class ended with the USS Long Beach, the first and last true missle cruiser for the US Navy.

Dr. Friedman makes it clear the first cruisers were inspired by the old American civil war frigates. The first cruisers were designed as commerice raiders, scouts, and minor capital ships. This is not much different than the initial days of the US Navy in the 1790 era.

However, the US Navy takes a different view of the Spanish American war and produces a group of post-war cruisers that have interesting design characterists. They are slower, more expensive, and have greater weight than foreign ships.

American cruiser design goes into a sort of hybernation from about 1906 until 1918 when the Omaha class is invented. American cruisers in WWI were left over ships from the Spanish American war or oddly designed ships, such as the over gunned & over armored USS Pennsylvania & Tennessee class armored cruisers.

The Treaty cruisers of the 20s and 30s are the halcyon days of cruisers. Actually, a proper technical term for cruisers are "small, light, very fast battleships".

Dr. Friedman writes that none of the Treaty cruisers are bad designs. Yes, there is stability problems but that is from treaty limits on warship weight and not from bad designs from the US Navy. Indeed, the Cleveland & Baltimore class cruisers are some of the most outstanding designed cruisers from WWII. The incorporation of the Combat Information Center (CIC) was the point where the US Navy was able to integrate the full use of ships, weapons, command, and control and beat the Japanese navy in every battle post 1943.

The cruiser mission largely died after WWII. Basically, most of the cruisers were either converted to missile cruisers, a job that was taken over by the later frigates. Else, cruisers were used for shore bombardment.

Dr. Friedman takes a reader from the start of the New Navy, the 1900s era of cruisers, the treaty cruisers, the war production cruisers (basically, improved Brooklyns), the non-treaty cruisers which become the Alaska battlecruisers (the only new battlecruisers made during WWII), the post war cruisers, and ends the book on cruisers with a near chapter devoted to the Long Beach.

It's almost with sadness that Dr. Friedman writes that the augmented Spruance destroyer - the Ticonderga class cruiser - is a successor to the real cruiser. The destroyer & the frigate have taken over the job of the cruiser. And the true cruiser had been with the United States Navy since its inception back in the founding days of the republic.

Yes, this book is 10 out of 10. A novice will go away with a understanding of Cruisers. A Navy man will appreciate his roots.

Dr. Friedman is one of the best writers of technical material in America. If you buy this book, like I did, it will start to show wear from constant use.

If you are a cruiser fan throw away all of your other reference books and get this one. The book traces the history of the U.S. cruiser and it's development with great pictures, drawings and charts. Every class of cruiser is treated in detail with particular emphasis on the many WW2 classes and variations. Especially intresting is the detail given to the modificiations of pre Dec.7 1941 ships after experience in fighting those ships. If you are a modeler this book will be of great assistance in getting the detail you want on any particular ship. The book is worth every penny of the cost. I strongly reccomend for any admirer of some of the most beautiful ships this country has ever produced.

The Illustrated Design History series should be part of the collection of any naval enthusiast, and "Cruisers" is no exception. The book includes a detailed description of the evolution of each cruiser design in the modern U.S. Navy (which, as "enthusiasts" know, began in the last quarter of the 19th century). Those not familiar with the series should know this is not a mere picture book. You will read it from start to finish -- not just page through it -- and you will be rewarded.

Of particular value are the descriptions of hundreds of little-known alternative designs. The author is quite free with his pungent, well-informed and largely negative opinions concerning U.S. warship design. This too will keep you interested, through a sometimes highly technical volume.

The line-drawings included in this book are helpful -- and beautifully executed. Yet, one wishes for more of them, particularly as to the Lexington-class battlecruisers and other prominent alternative designs. The drawings of classes actually constructed are, again, well-done but not as comprehensive as the text.

The numerous black and white photographs are generally well-chosen. Some of the details mentioned in the captions are difficult to discern, however. The quality of photographic reproduction would have been better had the book been printed on glossy paper.

Overall, this is the best book of its kind, and yet it might have been better.

Part of an amazing series (Battleships, Destoryers etc.), this book captures the history of the Cruiser in the US Navy.
The discussions of evolution of Cruiser design through each class, along with a discussion of the external factors in the design (the Washington Treaty, budget, Navel Politics...) is fasinating. Any Big ship/big gun fan will return to this book over and over again. The photos are incredable, especially when you have the pre war config, early wartime config, battle damage and analysis, and detailed photos of refit.

This book goes a long way in helping to undrestand the weeknesses of US Cruiser design that contributed to many of the problems faced early in the war, and the changes made as a result. Not being a Naval Officer, much of the thought processes involved in trading armor for speed or guns, stability issues, and armerment mix were a mystery. This book makes sense of these issues, and provides a look into elements of the Navy one might otherwise never consider.

A must for anyone seriously interested in warships!

This book is a must have for anyone who scrapbooks with children. The ideas are fun and very creative and the directions are clear and easy to follow. We have enjoyed making the different scrapbooks and projects from this book. It's a must have for your scrapbooking table.

Many scrapbooks feature children, but not many are CREATED by children. R. Lynn Baker has written a book that she hopes will remedy that situation. Her recently released how-to book, The Ultimate Guide to Scrapbooking with Children, offers hundreds of specific tips for how to get the most out of scrapbooking sessions, with children at the helm.

This book reflects Baker's years of experience working with school districts and leading professional development workshops for teachers. It is the result of numerous requests she's received over the years for a curriculum book, and it shows. What you get is basically a workshop-in-a-book. It's set up to be of most use to those who work with children: providing guidelines for developmentally appropriate scrapbooking, activities ideas for scrapping with homeschoolers and in groups, and suggesting how to connect scrapbooking with classroom curriculum. Baker provides tested techniques and tips for making scrapbooking sessions go smoothly. She has obviously done her educational homework, and teachers will find it a godsend for their lesson planning. Everything is all lined up in the pages of this book.

The author emphasizes that scrapbooking has its most advantages when it is "'applied' rather than `introduced'...Children begin to `own' what they have learned when they can apply it directly to an original product that they have successfully created themselves." This book abounds with ideas for "applying" scrapbooking to activities for children.

The book opens with a Beginner's Guide to Scrapbooking, which provides a solid foundation for adults who might be beginners themselves. It also acts as an outline for presenting an introductory session to children. Baker is wise to include this section, as many teachers may recognize the benefits of scrapbooking, without having any experience with the craft themselves. Laying out all the components of a beginner's guide also helps provide a basis for consistency, should multiple teachers from the same organization want to start scrapping with their students.

In this opening section, Baker also provides tips for successful scrapbook journaling. As the author of three books on scrapbook journaling, I particularly appreciated that these tips were offered up front. I believe that telling the story is the most crucial part of scrapbooking, so any book that offers suggestions to make it easier gets a "thumbs up" from me.

In Section 2, Baker suggests specific tips for scrapbooking with children - these are obviously her "Best Practices", gained from her own experiences. I found these especially helpful, knowing they have already been tested. I particularly appreciated her ideas for using photos with kids, sources for inexpensive materials, and gaining community support.

Section 3 presents specific hands-on projects with step-by-step instructions and ideas for incorporating the project with other activities. Even better than these complete project instructions, however, are some of the topics she suggests. Not only do you get direction for how to make a paper bag book, for example, but you also get ideas on what to use the paper bag book for, such as a home for artwork, a book on seasons, or an "All About Me" project. Other fun topical suggestions include a classroom recipes tag book, a "My Hometown" layout, and the life cycle of a butterfly.

Section 4 offers four projects for homeschool students: Portfolio of Student Work, Homeschool Yearbook Scrapbook, Local Community Organization Scrapbook, and a Family Heritage Album. Each activity lists suggested age levels, outcome learner goals, supplies, directions, tips, online resources, and a bibliography of related books. Section 5 follows the same format, presenting six activities for groups, clubs, and scrapbook store classes.

Section 6 provides 12 lessons plans for the traditional classroom. It follows the same format as Sections 4 and 5, adding information on Content Area Focus, Vocabulary Terms, Learning Assessment, and Learning Extensions. The lesson plans span curriculum in all age levels: early elementary, middle school, and high school.

The only thing that detracts from the overall impact of the book is the design. When I said that this book is essentially a workshop-in-a-book, it also kind of looks like one - it's basically a black-and-white handout, with some color inserts in the middle, and a colorful front and back cover. (Granted, it's 90 pages, so it's much more than a mere "handout".) I would like to see the color photos of the projects paired with the actual instructions to improve the flow of the book. But these design preferences are minimal in the face of the valuable content.

As a former preschool teacher, I enjoyed reading The Ultimate Guide to Scrapbooking with Children primarily for all the specific techniques and suggestions Baker offers. Just paging through the hands-on projects section, my mind started whirling with possibilities. I could vividly imagine how easy it would be to incorporate her ideas into classroom activities, increasing the chances that children will become the authors of their own books, rather than just the subjects.

There are so many great ideas for projects that can be used for teachers (including homeschoolers) and for parents. The projects are explained well and cover a variety of areas. This is a fantastic way to introduce children to scrapbooking and other memory crafts!

I am a teacher and parent, and absolutely LOVE this book! The activities included are fun and inexpensive, and the directions are so easy to follow. I have used this book in my classroom and at home, and I don't think I will ever run out of creative ideas to use scrapbooking with my kids in class or at home thanks to this book!

As a teacher, I also found this book helpful when presenting the idea of scrapbooking in the classroom to my school administrators. R. Lynn Baker provides information that connects scrapbooking to key concepts of development, and shows how hands-on crafts can be used in the classroom to support learning and academic goals.

If you work with kids or just want to scrapbook with your own kids, buy this book! You will be thrilled with the activities that reach beyond traditional scrapbooking to include book-making, memory boxes, envelope books, tag books, paper bag books and even books made from ziplock bags!

I have been reading many c++ programming books now to learn programming. So far I have just started to read this book, and I have to say that this is the best book, i've read so far. The author does an excellent job in explaining everything step by step for the reader and he gives simple little examples in order to better understand the programming language of c++. I have no experience in programming at all, and this book is making it very easy for you to get to learn this language. Awesome book!!!

If you find c++ scarey, this is the book for you. My professor wasn't the best, but this book guided me to score an 'A'. It explains everything real well and provides mini examples along the way to ensure you understand what is going on. You wont be bombarded with details, since it isn't necessary at the introduction level anyway.

This is the best book I ever read in my entire life which gave me all the details about the c++ programming language. The author of this book professor Hennefeld are the best teacher and the writer in the entire world that is why I am taking him for the third semester in a row for my computer and info science major. The book is so clear that anyone who has no background in C++ can master this language and yet the best c++ reference book for any professional.

If you are looking for a well written easily understood C++ book, this is it. I've been in the MIS business for 15 years and am currently attending Penn State. This book as enabled me to recieve A's in all my C++ courses. The book starts off slow for the novice user, showing basic concepts. Within weeks the reader can master the most challenging C++ algorithms. I refer to this book as the C++ bible. Definately worth the investment!

Voice of a Soldier, Operation Liberty is a collection of heart warming stories about the ordinary and extra-ordinary lives of the ordinary heros who sacrifice so much so that we can all enjoy the freedoms guaranteed by the founders of our great country. Thank you all, and please buy the book, proceeds provide so much support to the families of these everyday heros. Jude Atkins, author of Anna's Secret
Anna's Secret

The stories in this anthology tell how brave men and women risked their lives to save fellow soldiers and equipment in their fight to keep America free. The stories give factual accounts of battles and show the grit of our fighting men and women in all branches of the service. If your heart doesn't swell with pride to be an American after reading this book, you better move! God bless America and praise the men who fought and died for freedom!

VOICE OF A SOLDIER: OPERATION LIBERTY is an anthology full of the sacrifices made by many brave men and women - veterans, America's finest! Grab the Kleenex box before you sit down to read this book. You will shed tears of joy and sorrow while reading these poignant stories of honor and bravery. These short stories and poems show the contributing authors' gratitude to Veterans in all branches of service. The stories are gripping, thought provoking, and real.

Americans enjoy freedom of speech, freedom of religion, the right to demonstrate, the right to bear arms, the right to vote for elected officials - all because brave men and women proudly serve their country. This book is a thank you to those who willingly risk their life for those of us at home.

This anthology gives the reader a feeling of the selfless contributions and sacrifices made by men and women whose only driving force was protecting the freedoms that the people of the USA still enjoy today. It evokes a feeling of intense patriotism in these times of global uncertainty. Makes me proud to be an American! After reading these stories, I wanted to run up the flag and sing the Star Spangle Banner! God bless America!

This wonderful anthology would make a great Father's Day gift. What a wonderful tribute this is to anyone who has served in the military.