Bernardine Books

In his compelling new history of "Juvenile Justice in the Making", David S. Tanenhaus has accomplished what many scholars considered all but impossible: a fresh historical interpretation of the development, operation, and enduring importance of the juvenile court. Scholars, lawyers, child welfare workers (or children's advocates), and policy pundits will wrestle with the significance and perhaps even more with the lessons of Tanenhaus' bold new opening. (author Harvey J. Graff)

"Juvenile Justice in the Making" captures the timeless lessons of the early juvenile court and applies them intelligently and passionately to the complex challenges it faces today. Tanenhaus carefully reconstructs the early history of this resilient institution to remind us how a separate court for children evolved through swirling social contexts and political cultures to give a recurring institutional voice to our enduring notions about children and the law."--

From the Publisher: "In this time of despair over the very possibility of achieving juvenile justice, David Tanenhaus makes a compelling case for understanding the present by looking backward. "Juvenile Justice in the Making" reminds us of the persistent power of the belief that the young deserve a separate system designed expressly for them. And he insightfully explains why we must understand that the American juvenile justice system did not emerge full born, but evolved over time out of determined attempts to realize its critical mission. By giving juvenile justice back its past, Tanenhaus pens a persuasive argument for rethinking its present and reimagining its future." --Michael Grossberg, Professor of History & Law, Indiana University

From the Publisher: "Juvenile Justice in the Making" is a must read for anyone concerned with children. David Tanenhaus suggests that our view of childhood has changed quite radically in recent years. With the storytelling skills of an historian and the clearheadedness of a law scholar, Tanenhaus takes us back to the founding of the juvenile court to illustrate how far we've strayed from our faith in childhood as a separate province from adulthood."--Alex Kotlowitz, author, "There Are No Children Here"

I am a history teacher and wanted a story on the Underground Railroad that my students would enjoy. This book tells a wonderful story and has beautiful illustrations.

This is an excellent story of escape from slavery using the Underground Railroad. It explains the song and its symbolism. It also explains the fears of families during slavery -- they might be sold and separated from one another. The accompanying CD or Cassette, narrated by Morgan Freeman with music by Taj Mahal, makes this book/CD unforgettable. Kids will be spellbound.

THE PICTURES ALONE ARE WORTH MUCH MORE THAN THE PRICE OF THE BOOK-HAVING BEEN TAKEN BY A SHUTTER BUG--MR. HAGAN. THE BUILDING
OF THE HOUSE IS DESCRIBED IN DETAIL IN WORDS AND PHOTOS-FROM BARE
LAND ON A KNOB TO THE FINISHED PRODUCT. GREAT READ IN ALL PHASES.

Kentuck Knob: Frank Lloyd Wright's House For I.N. and Bernardine Hagan is the author's personal and detailed story of what it was like to be a client of and to work with the legendary Wisconsin architect to build the home known as "Kentuck Knob" and her life in this rural and idyllic location. Kentuck Knob is replete with stories, more than 150 b/w photos, 8 pages of color photos, insightful correspondence, and informative observations. Written by one of the last people still living who actually knew Frank Lloyd Wright and the experience of being a client of the great and controversial American architect, Bernardine Hagan's Kentuck Knob is "must" reading for devotees of Wright's work, as well as a seminal contribution to professional and academic Architectural Studies reference collections and supplemental reading lists.

As an adult Historian I actually enjoyed reading this book, finding it a great resource on a topic most history books only touch base on. Not so here and though it's an excellent book for children, adults might enjoy it if you're not into heavy reading as it's works well for a handy resource, too. Though not a thick book by most accounts, it does however cover information on various crats used during the earliest Colonial era in America, ranging from the tools and techniques used by such tradesmen like coopers, joiners, woodworders to masons, sawyers, bricklawyers, builders, metalworkers.

Bernardine S. Stevens includes sections about silversmiths, blacksmiths, farriers, and leather workers, and papermakers, printers, bookbinders, and more. Stevens didn't leave out the knowlege shared by Native Americans either, and how they assisted early settlers - something I found of interest while researching my family history. His thoughtful writing skills would be an easy read for any child, yet older adults might find this book substantial, or even one new to genealogy. As an American, I love my country as this book actually helped me understand about traditional skills this countries pioneer settlers brought with them which helped them survive in unknown territories which Stevens investiges for the reader. I especially enjoyed the various line art depicting colonial craftspeople working at their trade and there is descriptive parts explaining various roles such as indentured servants and enslaved workers. This part actually helped me comprehend a bit more (in more simplier terms) about this type of labor because my 8th great grandfather was indentured, himself.

I highly recommend this book to anyone wishing their children or even their family members to understand a bit more on the subject of early colonial period trades, and why they should be referred to as skills - they were. The lessons of Native Americans helping pioneers is invaluable as it lead to very foundation of our labor force today - to them they're hard-learned labors were "crafts," like an "art." At the very least, you and your child will walk away with a much higher respect and appreciation about our early pioneer settlers and just how intelligent, and crafty they were.

Bernard Kielty has compiled great artists in one book categorizing them by locale. You will find the artists works along with historical information on their life and times. It is a wonderful addition to any artist or historians library. A must have.

Teachers, administrators, parents, and taxpayers should read this book. As a criminal justice student, this was not my first encounter with studies that show corporal punishment, humiliation-based punishments and exclusionary tactics work against rather than for the safety policy makers, board members and principals hope to achieve. Zero Tolerance polices grew largely out of fears of violence associated with gangs, drugs, and school shootings. While none of these things are desirable in schools, none are prevented by zero tolerance policies. School shooters, in particular, tend to be suicidal and thus not deterred by the prospect of exclusion from educational opportunities. Gangs offer family, support, and protection to children who often feel they cannot get such things elsewhere.

What we really are creating with zero tolerance polices is an increased need for prisons, racial and socioeconomic disparities, and a future without hope for a great many students. This book offers alternatives that have been tried and proven, accounts of misuse of zero tolerance policies, study findings showing disparities along race and class lines, legal ramifications and oppositional options.

I'm very happy I discovered this little-known book; I don't even remember how I first came across it. Regardless, it's one of the best "new" things I've read: a novel-in-verse from 2001 by Bernardine Evaristo about a young African woman in Roman London. This is a book filled with witty anachronisms, a deep heart, and lively poetry. Sadly Emperor's Babe appears to be out of print in the US, but used copies can be had for cheap. If you head over to Amazon's UK page you'll find the book is still in print on that side of the pond, and you'll also find two great reviews from Kirkus (great save for the comment by the Kirkus US reviewer, who loglines Emperor's Babe as "An episode of Sex and the City written by Ovid," apparently not realizing that Ovid wrote Amores and Art of Love, both of which ARE "Sex and the City written by Ovid").

Evaristo is a good poet, and her verses can easily be read as prose for those who are not poetically inclined. She keeps the narrative moving even though there isn't a whole lot of story. In a nutshell, we open in 204 CE with 11 year-old Zuleika, who's grown up on the streets of Londinium. As an African she stands out in a crowd; Zuleika's parents are immigrants from Sudan, and have come here to reap the benefits of a blossoming economy. Mostly ignored by them, Zuleika hops around town with her same-aged galpal Alba and her older friend Venus, a transvestite who runs Mt. Venus, a club which caters to fellow trannys.

One day Zuleika's spotted by Felix, an uber-wealthy Roman who has a villa in London (as well as several others around the Empire). After an arranged marriage which Zuleika's none to fond of, she withers away for a few years, a kept woman, sequestered in Felix's villa while the man himself is out gallivanting about the provinces. The story picks up a few years later, in 211. Zuleika, now 18, is close to the boiling point, frustrated with her boring life, missing her youthful exploits with Alba and Venus. Then one day at a theater performance she's spotted again, this time by visiting emperor Septimus Severus, who throws ga-ga eyes her way. Soon they are engaged in a torrid affair.

What makes the book so special is the anachronistic verve with which Evaristo writes. The gulf of time disappears between Zuleika's era and ours when we read that she's sent flowers from "Wild @ Heart, a trendy flower boutique," when Zuleika and pals watch a proto-punk band (complete with lead singer "Mad Marcia") perform at Mt. Venus, when we meet an African poet named "Manumittio X" who writes revolutionary verse which always begins with "Take these chains from my heart" and ends with "I just wanna be free." Not only this, but playful references to Armani and current pop culture and current British slang pepper the book, and rather than coming off as annoying it instead puts a big smile on the reader's face.

The characters are all fully realized, especially Zuleika - though this should be expected, as she narrates, her voice carrying the story. Septimus Severus comes off like the harsh-speaking ruffian he most likely was, though the book (and its back cover blurbs) misleads by referring to him constantly as "The African Emperor." This leads an uninformed reader into believing Severus was black, when in fact he was as caucasian as Caligula, despite his African birth. (Please note I state this only for historical clarity.) Alba is a tomcat who bickers with Zuleika endlessly, and Venus is a mentor with a heart of gold and a cache of one-liners. Even Felix comes off as likeable, despite that Zuleika says he's "thrice my age and thrice my girth," despite that he sequesters our heroine into a boring world, and despite that he engenders the tragic ending which casts a pall on what is otherwise a candy-colored romp through Roman London.

So then, a poem-novel to be enjoyed by a wealth of readers, from Classics buffs to chicklit fans to those who look for anything out of the norm. The narrative moves at a brisk pace, the anachronisms delight, and the characters stay with you. Decades ago Fellini boasted that his film "Satyricon" was a science fiction movie, only taking place in the past rather than outer space; Bernardine Evaristo can lay a greater claim to having accomplished this: her story takes place in a world utterly alien yet somehow familiar. Seek out, read, and read again.

I had to read this book for a seminar I was going to attend. Not being a great poetry reader I did not expect to enjoy it. I read the book in one session, and after the first few pages did not remember that I was reading poetry. It flows really easily, the language making it very easy to dive into the strange world of the author's Roman London. The modern slang and approach make the setting familiar in some ways, and then the very different customs of the period bring the reader up short. The scene set at the local "games" needs a strong stomach to read. Highly recommended.

I bought this book with low expectation for both the poetry and the story. I'm happy to say that I was wrong. Emperor's Babe is sexy, stylish and just the most original book I've read in ages. The heroine is a tough little customer, a hip Afro Roman living in Londinium who meets the man of her dreams and loses everything else. By the time you come to last page I promise that you will be moved by her story.

It's been a while since I've been knocked off my feet by a book in way The Emperor's Babe did. Maybe not since I read Rimbaud at highschool... Proverbs keep flying through my head when I want to describe the book: funny, intelligent, sophisticated, heart-warming, etc. etc. What struck me first (of course) was the verse. Steady two line most of the time, but changing pace in more intimate sections and by that changing atmosphere at once. The book is somewhat of a classic lyrical epic and bc of that rhythm it grips you from the first pair of lines, and (I have to say this) it swings!!

Second: the main character, Zuleika, is a welcome apparition in present-day literature. Zuleika is tough, smart and gets what she wants. No whining like Bridget J. or all the other 30-ish single women-books and definitely nothing of the "I've lived through it all" Oprah-books. Zuleika's got a certain sense of girl-power (sorry for that word) and that makes you love her from the start.

And then the story: London 211. It's dirty, rotten and sexy. But that's all I say, just go and read. And after that go and look for her first book "Lara". You won't be sorry...

this book is well-written, well-organized, and very inspiring! it is crucial to bring forward the voice of young people in this day and age, the people who are so often unheard, but who are actually mobilizing to create radical change. i highly recommend that every parent, organizer, teacher, youth, and anyone who interacts with youth read this book.

Our society loves to gush about how 'pro-child' it is. Then it places youth in deplorable situations, and becomes surprised when those youth actually want a better deal out of their life. Even among some adult activists there might be a desire to 'protect' youth by doing community organizing for them as opposed to with them.

This is an anthology of writings by young activists trying to make the world a better place. I am impressed that this collection communicates with both other generations of activists and parents--letting them know that they are going to communicate their politics. Northwestern University Law Professor Bernadine Dohrn (a former member of the Weather Underground) provides an introduction giving her own experience with community organizing, but does not patronize the contributor perspectives.

It also acknowledges that inter-movement politics themselves are not as egalitarian as we sincerely want them to be. Because we have lived under the dominant society, activists also are prone to racism, sexism, classism, homophobia, and ableism despite our wanting to believe that we are automatically above it. Changing the world is impossible when the movement itself is not in order.

Reading their impassioned words took me back to my own burgeoning political consciousness and the frustration I felt at being the only one who 'saw' and cared about issues. A book like this is essential to inspiring youth and letting them know that they are not alone.

I've since found that my best activism comes from my first noticing problems in my own environment. Thus, it's not at all surprising that the youth are tackling the same issues which personally confront them. The best activism comes from something which you feel very strongly about, and it is going to differ among people.

Acknowledging young people's desire and capabilities to make the world a better place is very inspiring. This book is a great pick me up for anybody. It would be especially beneficial for a young activist to read. They are not alone.

I don't understand why Publishers Weekly gave this book such a poor review. I thoroughly enjoyed it, though I do have a few minor criticisms of it that deter me from giving it the 5 stars that perhaps it really deserves. While the majority of the essays are insightful and well-written, a few smack of a wishy-washy liberalism, rather than providing a more radical social analysis. For example, some argue for more government spending for public education, rather than advocating for homeschooling or freeschooling. (To learn more about the homeschooling movement, check out Grace Llewellyn's wonderful book, "The Teenage Liberation Handbook.") Likewise, while there isn't consensus among the young writers about gay marriage, some support it, rather than critiquing marriage and monogamy as oppressive, patriarchal institutions of social control. Moreover, there were not any essays written by young environmentalists, which surprised me, given the enormity of the ecological crisis we are in. Nevertheless, it's encouraging to read essays by activist youth interrogating issues of gender, race, class, disabilty and sexuality. Despite some of its flaws, I highly recommend this book for kids, parents, young adults and progressive youth allies.

The book starts off by telling you how the current government administration is deluding us with one sided facts. Fair enough, maybe they'll go on an prove this... nope. And thus, a major theme of the book has been unveiled: a one sided presentation of unsubstantiated opinion. Unfortunately, the perpetrators are the authors.

I couldn't say I read one convincing argument throughout the entire book. I realize these are informal letters, but it comes across more as whining than a plan of action, unified by a sense of need for change (which the editors purport it to be).

As an example:
"I believe it is the fault of the United States educational system that my mother has been on the streets since she was thirteen years old; that my parents and many other parents divorce; that I, and many other children, have been sexually molested; that incest continues to occur; that my mother, like many others, abandoned my siblings and me; that my mother, father, other parents, and youth have been in and out of prison, that my sisters and brother word at fast food restaurants; that my sisters get pregnant at a young age; that my cousins and friends are dying because of gangs; and that the cycle of violence continues."
-Jessica Vasquez

That's some belief. A lot of the letters, this one especially, ooze a total lack of self responsibility. Not to say that this isn't a bad state of affairs, and that schools can't be improved, but try to find any proof of the correlation in this article and you'll be wasting your time.

Don't let your children read this if you're worried about exposing them to poor ideals of self-responsibility, or if you're worried that their idea of what an argument (with facts...) might be negatively affected.

The author's name is Bernardine Kielty Scherman. This is part of a series of books for teenagers about world history (World Landmark books) in the 1950's. I read it with avidity when I was 14 years old, and I developed a passion for Byzantine history which never left me. It was only years later that I discovered that the entire text was borrowed from Gibbon's Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire.

A number of the Landmark books are written by people with strong socialist leanings and this is one of them. Marie Antoinette is belittled, mocked, and cannot do anything right.

Also to be avoided is the Landmark book "The Crusades" which contains outright lies.

This book, published in time for the 200th anniversary of Marie Antoinette's birth, was the one that gave me my first full-lenghth account of her life. I was 14 when I read it, and even in hindsight, I find this biography very appropriate for someone that age.
Aside from the droll illustrations, the wording of this book left me with an indelible impression as to why this queen's life became the tragic waste that it was; Namely, the lack of education among the overly self-satisfied upper classes of that time.
In Kielty's own words about the lives of the Hapsburg Children, "...They were spoiled, they were given a false set of values. They were entirely unprepared, even in a practical way for their destinies...."
In the grand tradition of babies of the family (especially a large one), Marie Antoinette was overindulged, and governed by a series of inept tutors who wrote letters out in pencil and let the future Queen of France ink over them, the result of this being that throughout her life, her handwriting remained childish and unformed. She spoke Latin to impress court visitors with no knowledge of what the Latin meant. When not being overindulged, she was a puppet on her powerful mother's strings, and at 15, with her grammar still poor, this frivolous, undereducated girl was sent off to France and married off to an equally dim-witted but less strong-willed Dauphin to secure an alliance.--A recipe for disaster.
I enjoyed the intricate descriptions of the places, costumes, political climate, and characters involved in this story. It is a sympathetic retelling, and dispels the myth of her having said "Let them eat cake!" to the starving Paris mob.
The tragedy of this woman's life is that she never really learned how to use the head on her shoulders until shortly before it was chopped off. But she made her exit from this life with queenly grace, and as has been observed in another biography on her life, the last sentance she ever spoke (to her executioner, Samson as she ascended the scaffold and stepped on his hand) should be her ephitaph: " I beg your pardon, Monsieur. I did not do it on purpose."