Blair Books

The Mom's Choice Awards® honors excellence in family-friendly media, products and services. An esteemed panel of judges includes education, media and other experts as well as parents, children, librarians, performing artists, producers, medical and business professionals, authors, scientists and others. A sampling of the panel members includes: Dr. Twila C. Liggett, Ten-time Emmy-winner, professor and founder of Reading Rainbow; Julie Aigner-Clark, Creator of Baby Einstein and The Safe Side Project; Jodee Blanco, New York Times Best-Selling Author; LeAnn Thieman, Motivational speaker and coauthor of seven Chicken Soup For The Soul books; Florrie Binford-Kichler, Founder of Patria Press, Inc.- an award-winning independent publisher and Member of The Children's Book Council; Tara Paterson, Certified Parent Coach, and founder of The Just For Mom Foundation(tm) and the Mom's Choice Awards®. Parents and educators look for the Mom's Choice Awards® seal in selecting quality materials and products for children and families. This book has been honored by this distinguished award.

This book, written in rhyme, tells the story of a magical cap that flies around the country giving young ballplayers the ability to fill their dreams and build their confidence. The Magical Baseball Cap begins its journey by flying off the head of an old pro. The magic begins when the magical cap flies to New York and lands on Steven's head as he steps up to bat. This gives Steven the confidence he needs to knock the ball out of the ballpark. Then, just like that, in the blink of an eye, the cap was gone as it took to the sky.

It soars past the Statue of Liberty, heading to Maryland. It lands on the head of Bobby Dunn. Bobby tries but can't seem to catch a fly ball. He shuts his eyes tightly and starts to pray. Now with the cap on, he opens his eyes, and picks the baseball out of the sky. Since his hidden talents at catching were found, the cap left Maryland without a sound.

It flies to Florida to sit on Allison's head giving her the courage to watch the pitcher make his throw. With a grip and a grin and a swing like no other, she got her first hit to the cheers of her mother.

It flies to Missouri and circles the Gateway Arch. Then on to Iowa where it lands on Cory who plays second base, but his throws often went at a slow pace. Well he reached up and touched the cap with his hand, and his very next throw traveled where he planned. All the players on both teams began to cheer, shouting Cory's name for the whole town to hear.

The story ends as the baseball cap returns to the old pro. This magical book will open the door for discussion between you and your child concerning confidence and self-esteem. Parents, teachers, and coaches can use this story to hit home the power of positive thinking to young ball players.

If you're like me and absolutely love cook books, you've got to have this one. It has 300 pages of recipes, from main courses to desserts.

The author's old book "Country Cakes" has been reprinted with the new title "Everyday Cakes". It's a small hardcover and is well worth the money. She used to sell it on QVC along with another called "Everyday Pies" up until a year or two ago.

Table of Contents

*Appetizers and Beverages
*Breads
*Cakes, Fillings, Frostings, Icings
*Candy and Cookies
*Cereals, Eggs and Cheese
*Desserts
*Fish
*Meat
*Pastry and Pies
*Poultry
*Salads and Salad Dressings
*Sandwiches and Soups
*Sauces, Pickles and Relishes
*Timbales
*Vegetables
*Measurements and Equivalents
*Helpful Hints
*Index
*Order Blanks

I have used this book since it first came out. I also have "Country Cakes" and it is just fabulous. I understand the author plans to reprint, due to popular demand, and the books will be available in early November. Two cookbooks worth having in your collection!

Robert Brandt's book is a "Must Have" for anyone who enjoys hiking the trails in Middle Tennessee. In addition to an accurate, vivid description of the trails and the hiking conditions, Mr. Brandt also includes a very informative history lesson of the area as well as discussing it's geology, botany and wildlife. "Middle Tennessee On Foot" now accompanies my wife & I when we lace on the boots and strike out on a new hiking adventure. Thank you, Mr. Brandt.

Simply the most enjoyable hiking book on Middle Tennessee one can buy. It is informative, with plenty of maps and photos, and the text is conversational, something you'll want to read again and again as you plan your trips or reminisce on trails already covered. I've done about 100 miles of the trails in this book and have yet to be disappointed. Virgin Falls, South Cumberland, Radnor Lake, Cedars Of Lebanon, Cardwell Mountain...other books cover more concentrated natural areas of Tennessee with more depth, but not as much charm. If you live in Middle Tennessee or are planning a visit, this book is the perfect starting point. Thanks, Mr. Brandt!

I really like "Mixed Feelings". I have "Mixed Feelings", "Face Off", and "Odd Couple". Those are the only books I have of Girl Talk. But I've read more Girl Talk books than that. I really like "Mixed Feelings". Scottie is my fav. Michel is O.K., but Sabrina likes him.

Book synopsis: When a gorgeous Canadian boy moves to Acorn Falls and joins the Bradley Junior High hockey team, life suddenly turns pretty interesting for Katie Campbell - especially when she discovers that her best friend, Sabrina, has a crush on the new boy.

If you enjoy reading fun series books, I suggest you check out the Girl Talk series. I have a number of them, and I really enjoy reading them. All of the stories in this series are lots of fun and I'd reccommend them to anyone who likes to read!

Another fun book by Kerry Blair. The characters are quirky, but believable. Great mix of mystery and humor!

My wife loved it. It was funny. The main character, Samantha Shade is ditzy and lovable.

Gary Ryan Blair has created a book that gets to the core ofgoal setting. I have purchased many books on goal setting. Gary'sbook captures the essence of goal setting in a concise easy to read format. If you want to really learn how to set goals and live within the realities of goal setting, then read The Myths and Realities of Goal Setting. I highly recommend all his work.

I was really suprised by this book. It provided an excellent overview of the 15 most common myths that people experience when it comes to goal setting. On one side, the myth is identified and on the other, Gary Ryan Blair provides the correct reality.

I liked the format and direct approach that was presented. Each point is relevant for both my personal and business. In fact, I gave a presentation on each point to my team members just the other day. I highly recommend this book!

Who knew that there were so many interesting and accessible areas to explore along the NC coast? We look forward to taking some of the trips described in this unusual book.

I bought this guide to the North Carolina coast at a book signing by the author while I was at the Outer Banks. It was very useful with an interesting and different slant from the typical guidebook. It makes me want to come back and spend more time exploring other parts of the area in more depth. I highly recommend it for anyone who loves the natural world and North Carolina.

This is a very challenging and rewarding book. In this day of political correctness, all too often we do not want to acknowledge this contradiction in the formation of our nation. This book is the product of a government project to preserve first-hand accounts of slavery before the last surviving slaves died in the 1940s. As terrible as these accounts are the book acknowledges that many personal accounts were toned down so as not to offend. The resiliant spirit and courage of these slaves who are now free will both encourage and at the same time make you angry. It is encouraging because in spite of the horrific lives of many of the former slaves they were unwilling to allow this to destroy them. At the same time this is maddening as we consider how many intelligent and talented men and women were enslaved with many also being abused or even killed all for the greed and profit of some.
Some of the accounts have been challenged because they are personal accounts based totally on the memories of the now freed men and women with little or no collaboration. However this is also what makes these accounts so valuable. This is their story about their life and what they endured. No amount of legal documents can relate how this affected these courageous men and women.

"The Negro In Virginia" is a book the American School System must include in their History classes! They have done a disservice to the American student! After reading the book, it brought me to shame and pride. Shame on Americans who caused slavery to be part of a nation who was supposedly a "Godly nation". Shame on all the other people, who involved themselves in the trade of slavery: Africans, Dutch, French, British, Spanish etc. Shame on those who preached of God's Love and who held slaves themselves; and on the politicians who wrote the Consitution and held slaves, and for those who used them for their own personal sexual satisfaction.

The biasness of the "white" man is conveyed so eloquently, without offense. Many people who have many fears, misconceptions and are misinformed of African Americans, may thank their ancestors.

I take pride in knowing that although, many innocent men, women and children died as a slave, those who prevailed, helped the cause for Ameican Freedom, not just freedom for the "negro", did so honestly. Many Slaves who fought in the Civil War and other "wars" did so valiantly! The contributions from African American is so well described.

The book allowed me to see through the eyes of the former slaves who survived. The pain of fathers who were separated from their family. The mothers whose children were taken away and sold. The children who never knew who their parents were. For those families who searched for each other after the Civil War. It described how blacks were not only used as commodoties but, used against each other at times.

The strength of the African American is so alive and descriptive in this book; and so is the fear of the Anglo-Saxon. For many Anglo-Saxons who contributed to the freedom of slaves described their, compassion, love, and boldness and perhaps their the true "Godly Fear".

Everything from the American Presidents' African Kings, and Foreign Rulers involvement in slavery to economics to education of African Americans is in this book.

It's a book you cannot put down, especially if you thought you knew American History, as I did. It brought tears at times and amazement, but most of all it has enlightened my knowleged and appreciation for the continual struggle of African Americans.

If you have compassion...It's a must read book!!

It's been six years since Cade Merrill's cousin, Heather, disappeared in the Black Hills Forest. Cade has spent all this time searching for answers. His research on the Blair Witch has ruled his life. He is walking the line between dedication to finding his cousin, and total obsession. When Cade receives a mysterious email from a psychic who claims to be able to channel the Blair Witch, he's not sure what to believe. The psychic, who goes by the name of Chris, promises him all the answers he's been looking for, but may just be a fraud. Chris sends Cade three tapes, supposedly of the Blair Witch telling her story. The story told is one of a young girl named Annabeth, growing up in a small English village in the eighteenth century. Forced to burn at the stake her own mother, accused of witchcraft, in order to prove her innocence, Anna is still blamed for the village's misfortunes. Sent off to America, she takes the name Elly Kedward and settles in the town of Blair, bound by her promise to her mother for revenge, a promise that will bring her face to face with her dark and evil destiny. Although several of the books in this series have been disappointing, I thought this was one of the better ones. I am sorry to see it is the last.

Hi. This was one of the most interesting and by far the best book from the Blair Witch Files,(besides The Prisoner which was the scariest). To me it had all the answers to why and how the Blair Witch got started. In the book,Elly Kedward tells her life story,you get to read the story through her eyes,from when she was just a kid to when she was setup,and band from Blair town , how she felt, who she met along the way, how and why she came to be evil,(Elly Kedward was not even her real name).And it had an unexpected,great,ending.This book was not really scary as some of the others from the files ,but it was so interesting that it did not matter. So if you want to know about the Blair Whitch,from her own words then get this book. You wont be disappointed!

Anthony and Joan both could not put this book down! Anthony read it first, then read parts of it to Joan, then Joan read it. In the spirit of The Work and the Glory series by Lund, Standing on the Promises, combines factual history and characters with an outstanding story. The characters really come alive and the reader can truly imagine themselves right in the story and experiencing the events portrayed. The actual events and research are documented after each chapter and provide a wonderful historical review of the evidence. After, becoming acquainted with Elijah, Jane and Isaac in other publications, being able to read their stories was truly inspiritational. We are eagerly awaiting the next book in this series!

The following review appeared in November 2000 online in "Dunbar on Black Books" (http://www.queenhyte.com/dobb/dobb_archives/dobb_00/nov_00.htm ):

One More River to Cross by Margaret Blair Young and Darius Aidan Gray (Bookcraft, ISBN 1-57345-629-2) is the first of a trilogy entitled Standing on the Promises. It is a historical novel about black Mormon pioneers. With it "Dunbar on Black Books" (DOBB) makes an exception to its custom of reviewing only nonfiction books. We do this for two reasons. First, this book, albeit a novel, observes canons of history more dutifully than some works that hold themselves out as pure works of history. In the author's notes, the reader is told: "We have been true to all the facts that we could find but have freely fictionalized the spaces between the facts." Second, this book deals convincingly with an important subject about which very little has been written: black Mormon adherents whose membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake City dates back as far as 1832.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints makes much of the point that this book is not an official publication of the church. Bookcraft, its publisher, states that the book does not represent its position. One must know that Deseret Books publishes doctrinal works by Latter-day Saint leaders, biographies, and "enlightening" church historical books and that Bookcraft is a registered trademark of Deseret Book Company. It is in this context that DOBB reviews One More River to Cross.

When we overhear Delilah Abel whispering to her sleeping son Eli[jah] on the plantation just before they flee, we may think that they are fictional characters. We later learn from citations of the records of baptisms in the Nauvoo Temple Church of the Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake City that they were living people and that Eli[jah] Abel was baptized there. So that while we may have reservations about the dialogue between the persons in the book, or even the accounts of events that took place on the journey to Salt Lake City from Maryland or from Alabama, or from wherever, we know that Elijah Abel made it to Salt Lake. More than that, we are provided with evidence that he was one of the very few blacks to receive the priesthood in the early church and that he was ordained by the Prophet himself.

This book is one of the first, if not the very first, that this reviewer read by starting with the end notes. Quite frankly, to me the notes are a most significant part of this book. The authors make excellent use of records in the Missionary Record Books of the church, of information from conversations of Joseph Smith, as reported in Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, from U.S. Census records in Salt Lake City, and from Brigham Young's Journal, to mention a few of their sources. They have given us a book providing information about African Americans in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that is not widely available.

A word about the authors is in order. Heber G. Wolsey, former managing director, public communications, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints says of Darius Gray, the black co-author, "I know of no one who can express a more objective, more compassionate, more honest portrayal of blacks in the Mormon Church than Darius Gray." Gray is a former journalist and presides over the Genesis Group, an official arm of the Mormon Church. The Genesis Group was organized in 1971 to support church members of African descent. Coauthor Margaret Blair Young is a lifelong white member of the church, "with pioneer heritage," Mr. Wolsey points out. "She has felt deeply over the past few years the inspiration of her pioneer forebears, many of whom knew the Saints of color portrayed in this novel," he says.

This is an important book. It ought to be read by everyone as it throws light on some little-known facts about the history of the membership of African Americans in the early Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In this era in which Protestants are looking to their roots after decades of ecumenism, Darius Gray, as a black Mormon should not be on the defensive because of widely held, erroneous perceptions of the history of black membership in his church.

If this book were a nonfiction work, I would make the observation that an index would have been useful. The bibliography is excellent. William G. Hartley, associate professor of history, Smith Institute, Brigham Young University, says it all when he says, "In a way that pure history cannot do, this story attaches us to black Saints who deserve to be known about and appreciated by our generation."

With two more volumes to come, the contributions of African Americans to the Mormon Church should be well documented for the general public. It has been said that the best way to keep information from black men is to put it in a book and classify it as nonfiction. Perhaps Margaret Blair Young and Darius Aidan Gray have found a formula to set this situation right.