White Books

Doug White's look at the state of charities and fundraising in our country is insightful and well-thought out. This book, which is easy to read, does an outstanding job of enlightening all of us on what happens behind the scenes of charities. Even experienced fundraisers, dedicated board members and long-time donors can benefit from the wisdom and observations in its pages. As entertaining as it is informative, it is a breath of fresh air in the non-profit world.

Doug offers an excellent look at the real issues faced by non profit organizations. Administration and fund-raising are reasonable functions with real expenses. However those costs are rarely an indicator of effectiveness. There is no practical standard to measure efficiency or success comparable to "for profit" organizations. His book is helpful to the discerning donor to attempt to identify those who will take your money and hopefully use it to help those we cannot help directly. To make to biggest difference you can.

As a donor to a number of charities, I found this book to be enlightening. After reading it, I understood better how to look at charities with a more critical eye. In so doing, I can make certain my money is best spent. This book is a must for anyone interested in being a more focused donor.

As an Executive Director of a large inner city Social Service Agency this is a great book. Most of us all agree you have to have a vision where you want to be, and how you want to get there. Mr. White clearly has a vision that all charities should strive for the highest ETHICAL and not just legal standards. His book has a lot to offer in helping us keep our minds on that job, while we also try to keep our eyes on the prize. Donor Accountability is not to be taken lightly and this book is right on target for today's post Enron Era. Every CEO, CFO and ED's should read this book.
It should be required reading in any MBA field and certainly for anyone involved in the Fundraising Profession. Stephen Providence RI

As a baby boomer who writes lots of checks to charities, I found this book to be enlightening and enormously helpful. The author clearly has the information donors need to ensure that the money they give is used for the purposes they intend. Although he pulls no punches, Mr. White's heart is firmly in the world of charities. He wants to weed out the bad ones so the good ones succeed.

Do you like books that leave you hanging? If you do this is the book for you. This book is based on a farmer who is about to kill a pig, but the pig... Wait a minute. You didn't believe I was going to tell you. Did you? The pig met a spider named Charlotte. Charlotte was helping save Wilbut too. This book is recommended for 8 year olds and up.
By Heaven

As a child I used to weep when reading this book. I felt so sad that a pig becomes humen food. The straight forward acceptance of death made me afraid to die. As an adult I read the book to my children and realize they need to accept the fact that we use animals for bacon and ham. Some fear it is cruel and turn into vegetarians.

As for death, it is inevitble we have to accept it. We need to value our friendship and make most of ourselves. Life does not go on forever. Our friendship with others will.

Charlotte's Web was a great book. It was touching. Some parts of it were sad but the characters fought through it. My favorite charracter was Charlotte. Charlotte had a great personality. She always was in the best mood she could be in. Thats why i gave this book 5 stars.

I like this book because the spider Charlotte and Wilbur the pig are good friends. It all began one morning when a girl, Fern, was in the kitchen eating breakfast and her dad went out the door with an ax. My favorite part is when Wilbur meets Charolotte. (...)

(...)
`'Where's papa going with that ax?'' Wilbur the main character grew up as a runt and a wonderful girl named Fern helps him. Charlotte is a very kind spider, that meets up with Wilbur and becomes friends with Wilbur. Avrey, not the nicest boy, which is Fern's brother is a typical boy and he isn't nice to nature. Templeton, a nasty rat, likes to collect things.
Charlotte's Web is about a girl who discovers and saves a pink little pig from being killed. Then Wilbur gets into trouble and Fern's family puts him in the barn. Then Wilbur meets Charlotte. After that other trouble happens to Wilbur. Like Wilbur trying to get loose, and Wilbur trying to save Charlotte. Also when Wilbur is about to get killed in the beginning.
I would recommend this book to someone that likes sad stories. Also I would recommend it to people that like adventure. Also maybe to someone who likes happy and powerful stories.

This hardback edition is a fantastic value; grab this over the paperback edition. My four year-old daughter loved it. It was her first "real" chapter book. We'd read a series or two of the Rainbow Fairies and a Disney collection of princess stories, but this (along with Wind and the Willows, also superb) was the first classic. She balked at first (complaining that there weren't enough pictures), but soon she was begging for "just one more chapter, please!" The afterward is more geared towards adults, but is still a nice bonus. Good stuff.

With the birth of my daughter right around the corner my wife and I have been doing a lot of thinking about the books we want to read to her. Now, despite the fact that `Charlottes Web' may not necessarily be a book she'll be read right out of the womb; it was the first book that came to my mind. The greatest thing about this literary classic is that it's approachable to all ages, boys and girls, and it serves up some of the most memorable scenes in children's literature. I can still remember reading this book as a class when I was in Grade School and I loved every minute of it.

The story, as some have already explained, revolves around Fern, a young girl who is devastated when Wilbur, the runt pig of the litter, is going to be killed. After pleading with her father to spare him she's again devastated when her father forces her to sell Wilbur to her Uncle only to have him plan to fatten Wilbur up in mind to slaughter him. But then Charlotte comes up with a plan to save Wilbur's life, and well, the rest is classic!

To anyone familiar with the story of Wilbur the pig and the girl who loved him, this edition will be a must have for the family. Filled with wonderful illustrations that bring this tale to life, this is sure to be a favorite of everyone in the house, the children as well as their parents. My wife and I are always talking about how we want our daughter to watch cartoons that we can enjoy and read books that we can stand, and let me tell you, I have yet to meet someone who doesn't absolutely love `Charlottes Web'.

One wonderful aspect of this book is that it's not just about a pig, for, like a lot of children's book destined to teach morals and goals and principles, `Charlottes Web' succeeds with flying colors to teach children the power of love, acceptance and being yourself. `Charlottes Web' shows children that they can be anything, do anything if they put their minds to it. E.B. White hand wrote a masterpiece here, a beautiful piece of children literature that's loved by all and worth every penny.

Fern Arable has always been an animal lover. However, she had never saved a pig from an untimely injustice until the day she learned that her father planned on shooting a runt, just because he had been too small. Begging her father for a chance to save the little oinker, Fern wins the battle, and is given the opportunity to raise the wriggling piglet as her own. Promptly named Wilbur, Fern falls in love with her new charge, and can't get him off her mind, even while at school. But as he grows bigger and bigger each day, things begin to change. Soon, Mr. Arable refuses to allow Wilbur to sleep in the house, then her father reprimands her for taking Wilbur for walks in her doll carriage. Soon, Fern is forced to sell little Wilbur to her Uncle Homer, where Wilbur is quickly swept away, and forced to live. Fern doesn't mind the arrangement as long as she can still see her beloved friend. But when she learns that Uncle Homer plans to fatten the little piggy up and then kill him, she's devastated. As is Wilbur. Confiding in the other farm animals, Wilbur begs everyone for their help in saving his life. Sadly, none of the animals seem to know what to do to keep Wilbur from meeting his fate. No one, that is, except for an intelligent spider known as Charlotte. Charlotte lives right above Wilbur in his tiny alcove, where she spends her days and nights weaving beautiful webs. When she decides to help Wilbur by spelling words and phrases such as "Some Pig" and "Terrific" in her webs, the county becomes interested in visiting this amazing pig, leaving Uncle Homer in awe, and giving him the chance to spare little Wilbur's life.

CHARLOTTE'S WEB has been one of my absolute favorite stories since I was 6-years-old, which is why this Signature Edition of the tale instantly caught my eye. Yes, it is the same tale that we all know and love from years ago, however, this particular edition features some exclusive content that is absolutely essential for CHARLOTTE'S WEB and E.B. White fans. Aside from the gorgeous, colored illustrations by Garth Williams; and the wonderful large font of the story, this lap-sized edition features an entire Afterword by Peter F. Neumeyer, which features black and white photographs of E.B. White himself, as well as a brief biography about the famed author, pictures of his home, information about his other books - such as STUART LITTLE and THE TRUMPET OF THE SWAN - and even has an exclusive area devoted to the illustrator, Garth Williams. Even more interesting are the illustrations of Zuckerman's Barn - which White modeled after his very own - and the various first drafts and changes to the tale that did not make it into the actual novel. Each and every one of these Afterword pages is an absolute marvelous addition to the tale, and gives the reader an even more in-depth into the man who created an array of lovable, unforgettable characters. Even if you already own a copy of CHARLOTTE'S WEB, the Signature Edition is a must-have item!

Erika Sorocco

I never read this book as a child because I was a teenager when it was published. Our book group decided to read a good piece of children's literature for a change and we chose Charlotte's Web. We all loved it. Those who had read it as children welcomed the chance to read it with adult eyes. Nobody gave it less than and eight (out of ten) and I gave it a 9 1/2 because in my mind it is an almost perfect book that succeeds on many levels. It is amusing, instructive and also makes you think about how important values are in a life well lived. I hate spiders, but was almost in tears when Charlotte died. I guess I'll have to think twice before I try to squash one. I hope the new movie doesn't cheapen and trivialize this real treasure of children's literature.

Charlotte's Web Signature addition brought back all my childhood memories. The illustrations bring to life a story that is touching, imaginative and provides entertainment for all children, both male and female. The presentation of the book itself captures your attention with great use of colours which is continued throughout the book. The wonder and delight that this book has provided for my niece and nephew allows us as adults to see childhood innocence and wonder at its best.

A wonderful and inventive collection of stories with a gay twist. A great summer or weekend read, you can pick up, read a few stories, and put it down for another time.

Long-time spiritual writer Toby Johnson and publisher/writer Steve Berman have put together a much-needed collection of essays and stories about gay men and spirituality. So often, anti-gay activists go out of their way to malign gay people, and homophobes in mainstream churches often block gays from worship and religion. This collection offers an alternative to those small-minded persecutions.

What Johnson has been saying for years in books like GAY SPIRITUALITY and GAY PERSPECTIVE is that the spiritual consciousness expressed by gays--indeed, by all GLBTQ people--is a vital and evolutionary step forward for everyone on the planet. No longer need we be trapped in meaningless, dogmatic, fear-based, or male-dominated religious practices. There's hope and inspiration to be found by, for, and about homosexual lives.

Berman and Johnson have managed to get stories and essays from many literary lights: Mark Thompson, Malcolm Boyd, Perry Brass, Victor J. Banis, Jeffery Beam, Mark Abramson, and many others. The inspiring work of educators, community activists, and religious experts such as David Nimmons, Mark Horn, Dan Stone, Michael Sigmann, Bill Blackburn, and Donald Boisvert are also featured.

CHARMED LIVES is a Lambda Literary Award Finalist in the category of Best Anthology, and it's fully deserving. Every story, every essay is a gem that reveals the beauty, strength, and value of gay voices.

As Bert Herrman writes in his essay, "Grace is not really magic, it is a natural state of being, but for those who reach it, it works like a charm." Reading these pieces will comfort, inspire, and charm anyone seeking to learn more about the wonder of gay spirit in storytelling. Highly recommended. ~Lori L. Lake, Midwest Book Review

Regardless of your sexuality, these are works of art that collectively make a wonderful addition to any library. The authors are clear and well versed in their craft making us, the reader excited to anticipate the next and the next, like a multi-course meal at five-star restaurant.

You'll find a favorite; mine was "This I know" by Dan Stone about a journey through a spiritual awakening. There is a part of us in every story but Dan's captured me most. This is some of writing's greatest moments by men who happen to be gay written for anyone who happens to be human.

I go online to shop, and the title's intriguing, and it's only $10.88 and over 300 pages, So I buy it thinking, that's such a bargain, and I read just two of the 35 short stories in it (`Musuko Dojijo' by Mark Horn and `The True and Unknown Story of Albert Gale' by Andrew Ramer) and I felt like I went to a yard sale and found a box filled with sundries among which I have already found a diamond and an emerald. Excited by other possible treasures that may be found there. And reassured that felt [..] literature continues alive and well.

Victor Banis' "Canals of Mars" is one of the most beautiful love stories I've read in many a moon. I may be a straight woman but this story is universal. How refreshing to have such a story about those of us who are no longer young...

Banis is well-known - and deservedly so! - for his "Man from C.A.M.P" series, but his current writing is far stronger. It's wonderful to see him tapping such a deep well of feeling.

My children love this book! It was given to us as a Christmas gift a few years ago and we still read it on a weekly basis. We love to do the voices and laugh at the wonderful illustrations. They find new aspects of the story all of the time and relate to both feeling a little competitive with each other, but loving their family enough to work together. All in all a fun story with a good message.

I had a 3rd grade girl read this to me yesterday, and today I ordered 3 of them! What great illustrations accompany the creative story. As a transplant to Texas, I can truly appreciate all the descriptions from "15 gallon hats" to the big windy stories! I look forward to reading this to my children and sending the extra copies to relatives "back home" on the coast.

Comes a Wind is a story of two brothers who always over-exaggerate. Clement and Clyde try to outdo each other telling tales about winds that they have conquered. Their mother just wants them to get along for her birthday, a very hard task for Clement and Clyde because they fought so much when they were young. Clement and Clyde put their differences aside to help their mama when a Texas tornado hits and throws their mama on top of her barn.
This book was a 2002 Bluebonnet nominee. Linda Arms White also wrote Log Spirit and Too Many Pumpkins.

The DK INK logo on the cover blowing away along with the title characters, and all else doesn't prepare you for the tall tales of the windiest kind told by two brothers always trying to best eachother! This book is another perfect read aloud from Editor Melanie Kroupa! She develops every part of a picture book (from the blowing logo to the interesting author's & illustrator's bio on the flap - it all works perfectly!!) Buy this one before they all blow off the shelves!!!!!!!

These Texas-style tall tales about Texas-style wind are sure to make readers laugh--Although here in Texas we know these tales aren't so far from the truth! Everyone who has a sister or brother will recognize themselves in Clement and Clyde's constant competition.

The illustrations are wonderful--as funny as the text. (Take a close look at the cover--the title, author's and illustrator's names, even the publisher's logo, all are blowing away.)

Entertaining and packed with excitement the compilation offered on the pages of Coolhead Luke is intended for the middle grade reader. Writer White is a media consultant who strings words together for pleasure. In the back of the volume she incorporate a Glossary of expressions relating to poetry along with a collection of optional questions for teachers to use with groups of children.

Laughable compositions having titles which include -Coolhead Luke-, -Ebenezer Nooze-, and -The Eyes Have It- set the tone for this work of verses and whimsical imagery. While aboard the -Freaky Bus- the reader will meet Old Baldy Bob, whose nose is gigantic, Stretch Joe whose neck is eight feet tall or so, as well as Bewildered Bill and Eraser Head McGee. Other verse lead the reader to a serpent hat, the King of Mud or even a cuddly Cyclops.

The commencement of the book includes the writer's notes to parents as poet White explains how at an early age her illustrator son Colin was interested in faces. Even as a very young toddler Colin started to become aware of faces in the outlines on curtains or leaves on trees. He began sketching faces at age two.

As his depictions progressed the writer noticed the representation seemed to have a tale to tell, thus the stanzas to go together with the illustrations was born.

Professor Bickle, we realize is in a pickle for the reason that he has a mouse who is fickle. A Motley Three is made of up of she, he and me. We have Lunch with the Mussies. And, we discover, nothing upsets Coolhead Luke.

Illustrator White is an upper middle grade student in Massachusetts where he goes on with producing drawings and other art work.

In concert, the White team of Mother and son, have created a characteristic and thought-provoking anthology of verse and art. Writer White tells the reader that the drawings set down on the pages of Coolhead Luke were fashioned by Colin when he was ten years old.

I have found my own class of students take pleasure in poetry. I like the addition of the glossary explaining Haiku, Rhyming Couplets, Rhyme Scheme and Structure along with Limericks. Following the glossary are helpful suggestions telling how to locate some of the poetic forms in the works offered on the pages of the book.

While my First Grade students are a bit young to truly understand the whimsy found in Illustrator White's work, they do take pleasure in the tempo and pulse of the poems themselves as they listen while I read the verses aloud. We often sing My Country Tis of Thee as one element of our daily opening exercise and after I read Coolhead Luke are learning to sing My Country's Teeth I See for the fun of it.

Target audience is middle grade and older readers. Interesting work produced by Mother and son White family members, happy to recommend for the personal pleasure reading collection, as well as classroom, school and public library collections.

Molly Martin
Reviewer

This is a great book! The illustrations by Colin White are original and sometimes profoundly insightful. The poems by his mother, Jen Lasker White, perfectly match the style, intent and wit of Colin's art work. Although this book is fun for everyone, books of poems that boys love are few and far between. This one truly delights and inspires my 10 year old son. And that ain't easy! Kudos to Jen and Colin!
Leslie O'Flaherty, writer, poet, singer, teacher

Coolhead Luke is a very special children's book for all ages. Jen White's humorous verses beautifully highlight Colin's original, entertaining drawings and at the same time teach important and meaningful lessons that children can easily absorb. Once you read this mother son collaboration with your child, you will want to buy books for all his or her friends, and so will your child! Coolhead Luke would be a great birthday or Christmas present for a grandchild, too. Tasha Halpert author of Heartwings: Love Notes for a Joyous Life

I read this book with my 8 year old son who LOVED it. The pictures remind my son of the silly books he likes to read. The poems that go with the pictures could not be more clever. Seriously!! We have our favorites picked out but found them all to be great fun.



The idea that this was written by a mother connecting to her son's art work is what clinched it. Something about that bond that speaks volumes.

Coolhead Luke is a fabulous collaborative effort between mother and son.
The son's wildly insightful drawings are perfectly matched by his mother's
lyrical verse-stories that delight with intelligence, insight, plain fun,
and wise moral endings outside of any overt religious bias. This is a
5-star book for middle-school kids and every imaginable adult! Read it out
loud (as all poetry should be read) and find yourself belly-laughing while
caught in the nets of surprisingly delightful insights in rhyme.

The White Pine Cronicles was first introduced to me by my mother. Scince then I have read the Covenant approximately 7 times and the other two following it at least 5 times.

The Covenant follows Jennet Cordell. Jennet leads a harsh life on Roman Havlicks farm until she is sold by her father to repay debt to her uncle. Jennet fears she will never be able to survive under Taits strict and cruel hand until one fateful day when Freeman Havlick saves her. She now believes she is free but she does not know that Freeman has other plans for her.

The Inheritance is the story of young Lark Baritt and Clay Havlick. Lark is an orphan who through a matter of events comes to be the guard of the Havlicks beloved white pines. Clay is now 25 so the Pines belong to him and Lark fears that Veda Thorne is planning to marry Clay so he will give her the pines and her fathers revenge will be complete against the Havlicks who made him suffer so long ago. Lark protects the pines so they will not be lost to the Thornes but in the process fears she is losing her heart to the young Clay Havlick.

The Dream is the last book in this Saga. The Havlick twins suffer horribly from hate. Trent and Emily, and Justin and Prisilla, must all work together to fufill Jennets dream. In the process they must release the hate and find the love they each have hidden in their hearts.

This is the most wonderful series I have ever read and I will undoubtedly read it again.

I like it becuse it is a love story and I love love stories and because fun to read and I think everyone should read it.

THE COVENANT was an excellent book of one girl's struggle to find a place in a world spinning wildly out of her reach but to eventually find peace in Jesus. It felt like I was really in the Civil War era....

I am very disappointed that these books are out of print. Why? They are probably the best Christian Romance books I have ever read. She is truley a compelling writer, and draws me into these books over and over again. I never, ever, get tired of reading the White Pine Chronicles. They have touched me in amazing ways, and have shown me the power of love through Jesus Christ in relationships. These stories are spiced with the perfect amount of healthy romance- which is very fulfilling. You finish these books wishing it never ended! Please take the time to read these books. You will not regret it. Hilda Stahl is an incredible writer, and these books should not be out of print!!!

This trilogy is the one of the best peices of literature I have ever read in my life. it touched my heart as well as my soul and I find it extremely sad that it is no longer available. I hope against hope that it returns to print very soon. The three different stories are all very different but tie together in the most charming ways. I give this book a 10. no doubt, if you read this trilogy, you'll never forget it.

Renegade was probably one of my most favorites, following Renno to England one minute and through the forests the next. I have a copy of each book of the series which I started collecting when I was 17 and have read each one at least 4 times. It really makes you feel like your part of the story.

I have read all the White Indian series. They were great. However, I would like to know if Donald Porter is going to continue the series or is it the end.

I have read only one other series that compares to this one. I feel like i am right there with these characters, the way he describes things. I love these kinds of books and would recommend them to anyone who likes history!!

One of the most exciting books/series I have read. It is like living as a brother to the White Indian. I could not put the book down. I wonder if there will be a follow up to this book.

I have read twenty seven of Porter's White Indian Series and have been enthralled with the content. I have not read Creek Thunder because it has been unavailable. Porter's methods of entwining history and Fiction is facinating. I am now re-reading the series for the third time, and like other reviewers it is very hard to put them down

This is a must read for internet online dating men and women- the information in this book will make you educated and be able to know when you have come upon a scammer.

Knowledgeably co-authored by Anna Alden-Tirrill and Jonathan van Helsing, Cyber Love's Illusions: Exposing The Romance Scams Of Internet Dating is an in-depth study of, and guide to, the commonly encountered schemes of internet-based romance scams. Deftly exploring internet dating and romance scamming from the perspective a professional directly involved with such scams, Cyber Love's Illusions compiles and presents a complete understanding of the modern and progressive theft of billions of dollars and thousands of broken dreams and expectations yearly. Cyber Love's Illusions is very highly recommended reading, especially and particularly for those who are searching for a safe and sound approach to internet-romance and true love.

For anyone who has been scammed, knows of someone who has been or is in doubt of their cyber love, this is the book for you. The authors have dug deep into the research of this book and it explains all that you need to find out if you are dealing with a scammer. It gives you places to go and information about where to send or research your scammer. The stories in this book are real and it is going to make you stop, look and listen. The Nigerian/Russian scam is so large that it will overwhelm you that so many people have been victims. Buy this book, read it and refer to it over and over again...You will not be sorry. Spend the money for the book before you send your "cyber love" any money it is well worth it.

This is an excellent book, for anyone who is using an online dating site, chat room and any other online public group or forum. Online safety and awareness of these types of scams are vital in today's tech world we live in. I have purchased this book for myself and my teenage daughter in the hopes her friends and herself will not fall victim to these scams. This book is an easy read to understanding the history of 419 Nigerian Scams, and how these Romance Scams work. The stories are real, personal and truly heartbreaking on how these scams have touched many innocent people. I am amazed at the detailed information this book has to offer along with the resources to keep your friends and family safe from these online predators. Moderator Linda http://groups.yahoo.com/group/romancescams/

Excellent read, a must for everyone that utilizes online dating sites or chat rooms! The stories are true-life experiences from members of the Yahoo group Romancescams, complete with verification by our Nigerian "deep throat". This problem is more widespread than most people realize and this book does an outstanding job of describing the booming business of scamming, how much money is being lost to foreign scammers, how dangerous this "game" is and how certain dating sites are choosing to react. Definitely an educational tool...learn how to spot the scammers, learn the ins and outs of how they operate, learn where to go for help and what you can do to spread the word. You will truly be amazed! Moderator Rhonda http://groups.yahoo.com/group/romancescams/

As a national speaker and writer to parents, The Birth to Five Book: Confident Childrearing Right from the Start, I applaud -- and highly recommend -- this book! Written as a dialogue between parent and child, we hear the innocence of a child and the wisdom of the parent. For each naive question the child asks, the parent gently shares an applicable scripture in today's language.

The pictures are beautiful and engaging. This is a lovely book for any child's library.

When I speak on nurturing a child's spiritual development I always recommend "Does God Know How to Tie Shoes?" to my audience. Not only can it help parents relate to their child, but it can help us adults relate to our loving Heavenly Father.

Books that are easy to read were often difficult to write and it's a gift to communicate truth in simple ways. You may think this book is too simple, but there is depth in each page.

I know from experience, the research and labor that goes into writing, and have tremendous appreciation for the profound simplicity of "Does God Know How to Tie Shoes?"

This book is beautifully illustrated and gives thoughtful answers to questions kids ask. I especially like the references in the back. I would reccomend it for the illustrations alone and would love to see some of them available for framing. Kids may not be so enamored but the parents and grandparents who saw it bought it! It opens a door to deeper discussion with a younger child. Buy it you will love it! I am a teacher and a grandma.

This is a beautiful book that shows children all the ways that God helps us and what he wants us to do to help others. My 2 year olds love the pictures and the story.

This was a awesome book, the world needs more books like this. It is so nice to know that authors are taking the time time to write books like this for children. This pictures and words in this book are beautiful. I love this book!

A masterfully written book showing ways to see God in our world. Exquisite artwork. My kids enjoyed the story, laughing at the unique way it talks about God, and immediately asked for a re-reading. We have many Christian children's books in our family library -- this is one of the most refreshing and visually stunning.