Cole Books

This book is for anyone in a life transition: illness, birth/adoption of a child, wedding, caregiver, bar or bat mitzvah or any other celebration of life!! This is filled with awe-inspiring photography of the shawls/stoles/tallis and lap robes. The prayers and magnificent stories are uplifting and inspirational. There is a reverence for people, life and the Creator in the selection and assembly of the materials for this book. And if you love to knit, the patterns are breath-taking. Don't be intimidated, though, all skill levels are in this masterpiece.

I've been making prayer shawls for a couple of years now and even though I'm a crocheter (whose attempts at knitting are quite sad), I was drawn to buy this book.

The book offers a great variety of patterns for those who knit, but it also offers inspiration, stories, prayers and helpful hints for all who are involved in prayer shawl ministry no matter which craft they use. The photos are beautifully done and the shawls themselves are inspiring. And I'm already musing on how I might crochet a couple of the knit prayer shawls. This is a wonderful and spiritually inspiring book.

What a superb book this is! It is more than a volume of knitting patterns, even though the patterns are great and most very original. (Also, many of the shawls are breathtakingly beautiful.) It is also a collaboration of heartwarming stories and inspirational prayers. The whole experience of this book is uplifting. Thank you Bristow/Galo for this transformational book.

I have been knitting prayer shawls for almost 5 years, and bought this book only because I had met Bristow/Galo and was curious about what they would put into it. I am impressed...they have patterns that I am not familiar with! Great photos, clear patterns, and new prayers! Worth every penny.

This is an amazing book that all educators and parents should read who are concerned about the travesty being forced on schools in the name of science and leaving no children behind. Coles carefully, objectively, yet with a passion for children underlying all, reviews the research findings that supposedly underlie the push for rigid, sequential, skills without meaning instruction being demanded of schools that serve low income children. Coles makes it clear that, while the present regime uses the public relations language of 'scientifically-based research', the fact is that such claims are more fiction, more the product of advertizing than truth. He further makes it clear that the real truth, real science has been both ignored and suppressed to further the ideological aims of those in present power. Michael Peterson, Ph.D. Professor, Wayne State University, Detroit.

A central theme of this book is the insight that the claims of superiority of intensive phonics instruction and phonemic awareness instruction rest on studies in which one group does heavy phonics or phonemic awareness instruction and the comparison group does either nothing at all, or an activity that has nothing to do with reading. Coles points out that it should be no surprise that the phonics or phonemic awareness group will read better after such a comparison. But Coles concludes that even this is not true: When the trained group is better, they are typically only clearly better on low level tests, eg tests of phonemic awareness and phonics. There is hardly any evidence that they actually read better. Coles has taught us that we always need to ask this question when somebody says a reading method is better: Better than what?

Coles provides extensive documentation of this point. This book, along with Garan's Resisting Reading Mandates, pulls the rug out from under the National Reading Panel's claim that heavy skills training is called for in teaching children to read.

This is a very important book for anyone interested in literacy and learning. Bureaucrats (and others) who follow dictates blindly need to know the weaknesses of the NRP and the realities of the research involved.

When the National Reading Panel was being convened and the names of the people to be on it were announced, I couldn't believe there were no primary classroom teachers. I thought, what's up with that? How can they have a national panel on how children learn to read and not represent the teachers who are in the trenches every day? They are the real experts! But the report made us out to be victims. Their selections seemed to point to the fact that teachers are no more than ignorant pawns who really "don't know what they don't know."

Gerry Coles in his book, Reading, the Naked Truth; Literacy, Legislation and Lies asks the same question. Where are the teachers? He once again shows his support for the knowledge of the classroom teacher as he questions the theoretical underpinnings of the findings in the National Reading Panel Report. All teachers base their teaching on theory. Our theory is based on what we see working and not working with the students in our classrooms. Apparently the members of the panel, even though many openly admit they are failures at teaching children to read, don't trust teachers' knowledge and abilities. Gerry does. Carefully analyzing the findings of the report and spelling out its serious flaws, in a book that is easy to fit into a teacher's busy life, he shows us that what we always believed to be true about teaching children to read, is still true.

This was the first of many books I have read by these two authors. Being an former Airborne Ranger the details and thoughts they give their characters and the events which surround them are scary in how realistic they are.

Since reading this book I have enthusiastically read ALL of their other works, though I must say the STEN series is at the top of the "must read" list. I have read this entire series at least seven times.

I read this book back when I was in the Army in 1987 and took it with me to the field. The rhythms, the people and the language struck me as being authentic - albeit to a Peacetime soldier born on one of the days detailed in the book - and I am sorry to see that it is out of print. I've read it 3 times, every few years, and the scenes, characters and action stay sharp in my memory.

Find it. Read it. Keep it.

An honest, brutal betrayal of the VietNam Conflict as seen by members of the US Army, the VietCong and the North Vietnamese Army. This book isn't about heroes and villians, it is about the soldiers sent to die in a war they don't understand for people who don't deserve their sacrifice, and for the soldiers who die defending their homes against those who would take away their land, their freedom and their honor. This is a book about courage and carnage and should be read by anyone who's tired of the typical saber-rattling, patriotic garbage that is usually pumped out of Hollywood on a yearly basis and is ready to read a thoughtful novel on what it takes to stand up and throw down.

Like one of the other reviewers I was actually born at the tail-end of the Tet Offensive. My father had been there and served his tour of duty in 65-66. But this book is on the mark. I first read it in 87 when I was in the R.O.T.C. program at Boise State University.

Just young cadet fascinated by all things having to do with the Army.At the time I felt that the book captured the feel and the rythms of Army life. Whether that be the peacetime Army or the wartime Army. At the time there were still many Vietnam vets in the service and I gave this book to one of the cadre members(a sergeant major) to read. He had served two tours over there and when he finished reading it he told me that the authors had done a better job of capturing the war in all it's nuances then all the other Vietnam novels he had read. No weird musings on the nature of man and no bizzare drug induced fantasies that so many other authors were turning out in the seventies and early eighties. Just a straight forward story.I've since reread this novel twice. The first time was about three years ago and then just last week. I'm older now and my attitude towards things have changed.I have found that often those things which seemed so impressive to me at the age of nineteen are diminished at the age of thirty-three. Well this novel hasn't lost anything. It's still wonderfully detailed, suspenseful, humorous and intelligent. One could do far worse this summer then reading this book. Unfortunately it's out of print, but I still see copies floating around in used book stores - both in paperback and hardcover. Good luck and, when you get a copy,enjoy.

As someone who has experienced the loss of loved ones several times in life, I found this book hard to put down. I read it in two sittings. Mr. Cole seems to open himself up completely in a way we can all relate to and understand, in an emotionally revealing way. None of us know for sure what happens at the time of death or afterward, but Cole provides personal experiences which demonstrate the reality of spiritual involvement in the process, while at the same time leaving readers with a sense of peace and a sense of calm in life's design.

I highly recommend this book as an inspirational story of faith, hope and love. This would be a very comforting book to read and be shared among a support group going through the grieving process of losing a loved one. A true story that hits home and makes a lasting impression as the author surrounds the reader with heartfelt experiences that affect all of us ~ a soothing and cleansing of the soul read. It makes one look beyond death and look for a meaningful relationship with our loved ones. Recommended reading for Hospices, Cancer Support groups and anyone caring for an aging parent.

In August of 2005, my 97 year old mother passed away. Prior to her death, my wife and I had the opportunity to read "Returning Home" and found comfort in the knowledge that her journey was so similar to that which was traveled by many others who preceeded her down that path. We experienced the same events and reactions as did Mr. Cole and his wife.

Since her passing, and now having to deal with my mother-in-law's failing health, we have, on several occasions, returned to the author's experiences and have again found comfort and a sense of joy.

For anyone who finds themselves in the midst of a dying loved-one, we highly recommend this book as a source of answers to those difficult questions, a helpful tool in accepting the inevitable while providing a great level of personal assistance in the grieving process

This is a warm, wonderful TRUE story that will touch your heart on many levels. A daughter reconnects with her Father and helps him in the process of dying. But this story shows that death is not the end. Jeff takes us by the hand and shows us the experience that he and Audrey shared and what is possible for all of us. A powerful story of faith in the unknown, hope for the future and enduring love.

My son normally isn't thrilled about reading, but he takes these two books to school every day and reads them at their reading time!

Finally books to come out for kids with adventure based on some old school stories.....

i thought these books were great they have so much imagination and are jam-packed with adventures and fun!! children will love them as much as adults !! this was written by my daughter so there's you're point!!

This is the best book I ever read, it is amazing, I thruly recomend this book to all the action fans and childrens.

Signals from the Child offers terrific insight into the emotions of a child. Since children often cannot verbalize or even understand their emotions, drawings are the expression of their subconscious and Signals from the Child gives meaning to this expression. A must for a child therapist or a parent! [...]

Signals From The Child: Learn To Read The Secrets In Drawings And Refrigerator Art by forensic handwriting expert Jean Coles is a "parent friendly" psychological guide to interpreting how a child feels from the drawings and artworks he or she creates. A tool for learning to what to expect and what to extrapolate, Signals From The Child is very highly recommended reading for parents, grandparents, teachers, and counselors seeking to facilitate better communication and understanding between themselves and a child.

Read it twice and found it more interesting the second time. I'm certain to read it again not only for the information and interest I've gained in drawings (all - not only by children)and I appreciate Jean's humor and style of writing.

As the saying goes: a picture is worth a thousand words, & when working with children, especially those in distress, images are so much easier for them to portray than words or sentences.

SIGNALS FROM THE CHILD is engaging & informative with masses of drawings to view. Jean Coles ably ties together what she teaches. I learnt a lot about the way children of all ages draw, what the symbols mean, & also when a drawing is simply a drawing!

Rebeccasreads recommends Jean Coles' SIGNALS FROM THE CHILD as a valuable tool for anyone who works with children. Certainly for grandparents, parents, teachers, day care centers, medical clinics, religious schools, aunts & uncles, babysitters & nannies.

Very well done!

Fourteen-year-old Steven Trapp's photographic memory earned him the nickname "Steel" because anything and everything he sees gets locked down in his brain like a steel trap. While his talent comes in handy when trying to impress teachers or distract his mom, he doesn't feel it's enough to make him intelligent. But that's where Steel is wrong, because he's incredibly smart --- ingenious even. He's definitely brainy enough to compete in the National Science Challenge held in Washington, D.C.

So now Steel sits on a train bound for the Challenge with his mother, his dog Cairo and an invention of his own called FIDOE. Like dogs, his computerized robot singles out a specified scent and then tracks it; FIDOE is short for Fully Integrated Digital Odor Evaluator. While he's not worried about the invention itself, or even so much his presentation (the speech is locked in his memory), he's concerned about his father. Originally, his dad was the one planning to go with him to the Challenge, but for some strange reason --- one that his mom refuses to discuss --- his dad was delayed while on a business trip. But Steel is starting to believe that his mom isn't telling him something. Are his parents heading for divorce?

When his mom walks to the other end of the train for yet another private phone call, Steel notices something. A woman who boarded the train with a briefcase is now leaving without it. Steel jumps up and grabs the briefcase out of the overhead bin and chases after her. When he finally catches up with her, she defiantly refuses ownership of it. But Steel knows he's right; the image of her boarding is stored in his mind. Why would she lie? Not knowing what else to do, he turns the abandoned briefcase over to the conductor, yet he can't stop thinking about it.

Steel does find some comfort in having Cairo along, though she is locked in her travel crate in the baggage car. He finally manages to track down a conductor to let him in the secured car, and while he's happy to visit with his dog, he quickly becomes distracted by the lost-and-found section next to her crate. The briefcase is there! He decides to take a peak inside for more information, and what he finds leads him into a life-and-death international espionage adventure with the FBI.

Ridley Pearson has a list of published books a mile long, so he obviously knows what he's doing with his clever imagination. STEEL TRAPP: THE CHALLENGE has every ingredient needed to serve up an exciting adventure. The pages turn with fast-paced action, revealing the interlocking mysteries piece by piece. His characters offer a variety of personalities --- from secretive FBI agents to ultra-intelligent teens, all battling with right and wrong, and making choices. Pearson wraps up all the ingredients with his sense-awakening descriptions that really bring the surrounding scenery to life. Another winner from this bestselling, award-winning author.

--- Reviewed by Chris Shanley-Dillman, author of FINDING MY LIGHT and THE BLACK POND

This book is a definite winner! Ridley Pearson is just incredible! I started off reading his wonderful mysteries, then got hooked on the Peter Pan series -- the very best of his stories in my opinion!!!! Because I love his writing, I purchased this book too. I am so glad that I did... the story grabs you and keeps the action coming! I couldn't put it down! Although geared to teens, the book is a great read, no matter what your age. Enjoy! It really is worth reading! (Then try his Peter Pan books -- WOW!)

Challenge, The Per usual, Pearson is exciting. Difficult to put down. One of his better books and fast reading.

I am 13 1/2 and read this - the latest by Ridley Pearson. He is probably my favorite author. His books are not for little kids and not for adults, although my mom enjoys reading all of his, even my books. I think this is a super book for all kids, ages 10+ to read! It's full of adventure, fun and mystery! It is a quick read - I read it in 2-3 days going to/from school and soccer. It's hard to put down like all of Ridley's books. Get it! Read it! Enjoy it!

I know Mark Cole. He is a great teacher and now author. He is also a part time body builder. This book is well written and well researched! I love the pictures! The authors certainly have put a great deal of time into making their book a superb work of art!

I new the Coles from when I was a kid growing up in Stone Harbor.
We lived across the street. I miss it too! I was a tight nieghborhood back then. I stumbled across this book by accident and loved it Very well done.

A well written and well researched book! I love the pictures! The authors certainly have put a great deal of time into making their book a superb work of art!

This is one of the best books I've read on the subject. It proves to be well-researched and very well written. The pictures are outstanding and well done. It brought back fond memories of fun times with family and friends. I hope Mark follows up with another.

Sagans book makes representation theory easy. The book first covers representations using modules and then choosing a basis to show the matrix approach. With every new topic he develops it using what Doron Zeilberger has dubbed the Gelfand Principle ([...]) The principle is: "Always chooses the smallest example to make a point". It isn't easy to find the smallest example when Sn grows as quickly as it does, but Sagen always manages to do it.

The ensuing chapters follow in the same vein. Ideas are introduced and explained, sometimes with pictures, sometimes with calculations, but always as clearly as can be.

To read this book does require a firm grounding in linear algebra, as well as abstract algebra. Time reading it is time well spent.

This book has 4 chapters.Chapter1 is about general theory of representations of finite group.Chapter2 is about representation of symmetric groups.chapter3 and 4 are about combinatorial topics and symmetric functions. Though I haven't read all of the book,I highly recommand this book because this book shows us introductive part of representation theory with easy words.I think it is worth to read for all who are to begin the study of representation theory.

This book has 4 chapters.Chapter1 is about general theory of representations of finite group.Chapter2 is about representation of symmetric groups.chapter3 and 4 are about combinatorial topics and symmetric functions. Though I haven't read all of the book,I highly recommand this book because this book shows us introductive part of representation theory with easy words.I think it is worth to read for all who are to begin the study of representation theory.

This book is excellent. The material is presented clearly and concisely. It makes the subject matter accessible and interesting. I used it as the text for a one-semester graduate subject. I completed all of the exercises, so it is well-paced for this kind of study. I started with only an introductory knowledge of group theory, so it is self-contained. The only drawback is that there are no solutions to any of the exercises. If it had this, it would be a perfect bok.

If you like sailing and physics this book will make you enjoy on a fourth dimension.

While written some 12 years ago this book is as fresh as a daisy. Some of the topics are still breathtaking in their implications for the future of sailing such as sailing dead downwind faster than the wind.

Already practical yachts have sailed straight into the wind, and it just awaits the technology to acheive this down wind trick.

As well there are straight forward guides as to how to handle a yacht in the real world of racing, as well as sobering discussions on the effects of breaking seas.

All in all it has made me a far more aware sailor with the knowledge to plan for exciting sailing and future fun.

Garrett goes all out in describing the real physics behind sailing. A great book for anyone with a serious need or want to understand the intricacies behind a wonderful sport. The book is very technical, especially in the latter parts. Very well written, and much less overwhelming than Marchaj.

good book for the intermediate and expert in yacht design/construction and yachting who wants to check the knowledge.