North America Books

I interviewed Jacqueline Duheme when she was promoting this exquisite book, and one thing remains in my mind that she said about "The Grand Dame, Jacqueline" - that she could have been a painting woman!!!

As an ardent admirer of Mrs. Kennedy for the past 40 years, I have read every book on her that I could get my hands on. "Mrs. Kennedy Goes Abroad" is a refreshing change from the repetitive narratives and recycled photos that are the mainstay of so many other books about her life. Ms. Duheme's illustrations are elegant and sumptuous but also embrace a childlike purity and simplicity which capture the essence of Mrs. Kennedy's persona and mystique. The commentary has the simple charm of a beautifully written children's book. It is obvious why Mrs. Kennedy chose Ms. Duheme to accompany her on her more memorable trips abroad as First Lady. A truly enchanting book.

Mrs. Kennedy Goes Abroad is an adorable little book filled with colorful Fauvist-like illustrations. Anyone who likes Laura Stoddart's simple-chic illustrations for Kate Spade will probably enjoy it. Fans of the recent exhibition at the Met that highlighted Jackie's White House clothes may appreciate it too. The commentary is kept to a minimum and black and white photos from Mrs. Kennedy's travels are included, but the focus is on French artist Duheme's amusing miniature paintings that capture Jackie in all those great pink sleeveless dresses and crisp suits in Paris, India, London and Italy.

As a side note: Duheme and Jacqueline Kennedy became friends who shared similar painting styles, and Duheme was invited to Cape Cod to give the First Lady an art lesson.

This book has wonderful pictures that captures the "facts" from actual photographs and transforms them into scenes of "fantasy". I really enjoyed the background information that accompanies each picture. A real treat of Jackie fans.

"Mrs. Kennedy Goes Abroad" is a beautiful book. The illustrations are lovely to look at, and the book is fun to read. A good choice for anyone to add to their library; especially recommended for those interested in the Kennedys and Jackie in particular. Evokes the fun mood of Jackie's scrapbook written with her sister Lee, "One Special Summer".

This book is amazing. It saved my relation with my children. I have two teenagers and one pre teen. I had lots of problems with them. A friend of mine gave me this book almost three years ago as a gift. I read it more than once and started using the tips to treat my children. It worked like a charm. I'm really thankful to my friend and those authors. I recommend this book for any parents who have teens. As a matter of fact you don't have to wait till you have teens to read this book. It provides you with great advices to use with your young children to avoid future problems

In the well chosen title and subtitle for their book,the Beshirs' have succinctly encapsulated the essence of their message to parents and their teenage children.Whilst the focus of the book is Muslim Teenagers -the principles of parenting which the authors clearly delineate have relevance for all parents and teenagers.Yes ,the teenager is paradoxically the source of much concern and at the same time represents the hope for the future.It is this dichotomy that the Beshirs with their characteristic clarity and pragmatic approach help us to understand the teenagers life-world-a world charecterised by conflicting values,of tremendous peer -pressure and a world in which these young adults have to live in,undrestand and to establish a solid foundation on which to build the society of the future.This book makes for compelling reading because it is intelligible,practical and it is not esoteric or theoretical.It tackles real concerns and fears.The overriding message one gets is that with wisdom,compassion and meaningful intervention ,parents can effect positive behavioural changes.
Following on their very succesful book Meeting the Challenge of Parenting in the West;an Islamic Perspective,the Beshirs contextualise the situation for parents and children by emphasizing the need to understand teenagers and the bewildering changes that take place during this phase,and their socio-cultural environment which is often diametrically opposed to the values and norms of religion.The six practical signposts offered in their Road Map clearly point out steps that all concerned parents can follow on the journey leading their teenagers to responsible adulthood.We are shown how to nurture and develop a strong personality in our youth and how to transform them from passive apologists to confident young men and women who willingly and joyfully are convinced about their way of life.The principles derived from Koran and Sunnah underpin the practical advice and guidance offered.
As in their previous book,I found that the typical case studies very aptly illustrate the dilemma that confronts parents and their teenage children.How to analyse a situation,how to evaluate the options and how to arrive at acceptable solutions present the reader with many valuable insights.For me personally ,the 'cherry on the top' is always the contribution of the Beshirs' own daughters.In relating their personal experiences,they provide a refreshingly authentic perspective on thr pressures that confont them and the manner in which their parents'meaningful intervention has helped them to make the right choice.Here then is positive proof that even in this day and age ,it is possible to raise Muslim teens who despite being today's concern are yet tomorrow's hope.
Finally,this book is a must for parents and teenagers alike.

In the well chosen title and subtitle for their book,the Beshirs' have succinctly encapsulated the essence of their message to parents and their teenage children.Whilst the focus of the book is Muslim Teenagers -the principles of parenting which the authors clearly delineate have relevance for all parents and teenagers.Yes ,the teenager is paradoxically the source of much concern and at the same time represents the hope for the future.It is this dichotomy that the Beshirs with their characteristic clarity and pragmatic approach help us to understand the teenagers life-world-a world charecterised by conflicting values,of tremendous peer -pressure and a world in which these young adults have to live in,undrestand and to establish a solid foundation on which to build the society of the future.This book makes for compelling reading because it is intelligible,practical and it is not esoteric or theoretical.It tackles real concerns and fears.The overriding message one gets is that with wisdom,compassion and meaningful intervention ,parents can effect positive behavioural changes.
Following on their very succesful book Meeting the Challenge of Parenting in the West;an Islamic Perspective,the Beshirs contextualise the situation for parents and children by emphasizing the need to understand teenagers and the bewildering changes that take place during this phase,and their socio-cultural environment which is often diametrically opposed to the values and norms of religion.The six practical signposts offered in their Road Map clearly point out steps that all concerned parents can follow on the journey leading their teenagers to responsible adulthood.We are shown how to nurture and develop a strong personality in our youth and how to transform them from passive apologists to confident young men and women who willingly and joyfully are convinced about their way of life.The principles derived from Koran and Sunnah underpin the practical advice and guidance offered.
As in their previous book,I found that the typical case studies very aptly illustrate the dilemma that confronts parents and their teenage children.How to analyse a situation,how to evaluate the options and how to arrive at acceptable solutions present the reader with many valuable insights.For me personally ,the 'cherry on the top' is always the contribution of the Beshirs' own daughters.In relating their personal experiences,they provide a refreshingly authentic perspective on thr pressures that confont them and the manner in which their parents'meaningful intervention has helped them to make the right choice.Here then is positive proof that even in this day and age ,it is possible to raise Muslim teens who despite being today's concern are yet tomorrow's hope.
Finally,this book is a must for parents and teenagers alike.

This book is an excellent guide for helping parents raise their teens in today's society.
I found that the book highlights many of the family values and principles that are missing from our modern society. The information in the book is complemented with input from professionals in various fields on the psychological, physical, and spiritual aspects of growing up as a teen.
I enjoyed very much reading the case studies and practical examples; I thought they were very informative and helpfull in highlighting solutions and recommendations to many issues.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who has young children or teens, whether they are Muslims or non-Muslims.

I really enjoyed reading this book for many reasons. It was comprehensive and practical, covering many of the real-life issues we may face raising teenagers today. It was also simple and easy to follow, while still educating me on some issues that are quite valuable, such as the physical, psychological, spiritual and emotional changes that teenagers go through.

The one thing that I liked the most about this book is the case studies, because they gave me the chance to see the application instead of just the theory, and they really helped me bring to home all the issues discussed in the book.

...to receive this fine book! Trying to identify the birds visiting my backyard feeder with old field guide books was not working. They simply had too much information geared for experts. This book is nicely laid out and clear, offering tips for attracting, feeding, watering and identifying the birds visiting your backyard, as well as instructions for building bird houses, feeders, and so on. I put several of the ideas to use immediately! If you are an amateur backyard birder, this is the book for you!!

This lovely DK (Dorling Kindersley) has the trademark vivid photographs on every page. Detailed information on discouraging squirrels, plans for making your own feeders of different types and lists of various birds you can attract using various methods.

Each bird page has a detailed photo of the bird, a map of the United States showing where and when you can see the bird, behavior and description of sounds and songs, nesting habits, and the best kind of food to attract and benefit the birds you want.

Information on bird baths and nesting boxes is also provided.

A great resource for those who love to have God's creatures in their yard, but don't know the best way to attract them.

I am a beginner backyard bird watcher and I really enjoyed this book. It has some great pictures to help you identify birds, or even just to look at. The book doesn't stop there, however, it gives you nice detailed information of bird behavior, sounds, nests and habitat. I recommend this book to beginner or intermediate bird watchers.

This book is a really nice reference book for the backyard birdfeeder. It's not just a bird identifier book, it has chapters on bird survival and behavior. I'm glad to have it my small bird library and refer to it often.

This revised edtion will make an excellent gift for the beginning or intermediate backyard birder. Photographic plates thoughout serve as good visual aids. Photos are exquisite in detail despite the size of some color plates. This book also contains plans for feeders of various types. Overall, a good addition for any birding enthusiast.

As both an instructor of adult learners and one of the interviewees in the work (who faced many stereotypical situations growing up in New Jersey...there are Cherokees in New Jersey?!! Amazing!), I can say that a book like this should be mandatory in the school systems of America. Without it, teachers proliferate the same unintentional prejudices they have, and kids receive that and pass it on as adults.

The book was clearly laid out, with seemingly much thought into how the information could be displayed in an informative and easy to understand fashion. As an educator, I rely on such layouts to make classes easier to design, and I appreciate the work the authors did in making my job of teaching adults how to teach to diverse groups a little easier.

To Yvonne and Arlene... wado! (thanks in Cherokee)

Donada!

As a teacher concerned with intercultural realations, I was so excited to find a book that would finally tell the truth about Indians. They exist today and are involved in all kinds of things from Tai Chi to engineering. As a social studies teacher, I am relieved to finally have a book that gives an accurate picture of Indians with easy activities that I can use with any age. Although this book is a teaching guide, grades 4 - 8, it can be used with all ages and in a variety of subjects from sports to science to career exploration to current events. Not only does this book celebrate Indian culture, but it compares similiarities with other groups, finding the strength in all.

There are web sites, resources on books, films, curriculum units in the appendices and at the end of each chapter. All of the chapter titles are interesting and witty like "Where We Live" which includes a brief history of how Indians were moved about and map exercises on identifying where Indians live today. Another chapter is "Paying the Bills" which has photos and mini-biographies on Indians in a variety of professions and activities on tribal businesses. Students can learn what is offensive to Indian people and what problems confront them today in "The STruggle Continues." Art projects, writing projects and even games for the classroom are all in here! This is a fantastic book! Every classroom needs it!

I am a Cherokee New Yorker (Nuyagi Tsalagi) who volunteered for ten years working with the Native American Education Program for New York City as a member of the Parent's Committee. It was during this time that I met Yvonne Beamer and the other dedicated men and women who worked so hard to identify and help Native American children in the city. It was humbling to understand that every time we identified a new child for our program we found a damaged child, one who had been hurt by the mistaken stereotypes perpetuated in the larger population of the city. A large part of our struggle as an institution was to get appropriate information in the hands of teachers so they could be accurate and informative when they augmented their lessons with Native American materials. After too long, Yvonne and Arlene Hirschfelder have put together a book with many activities and resources for teachers grade 4-8 to use in their classrooms. The material is appropriate sociologically and pedagogically and fills a gaping void for teachers. It was always our experience that once we talked to teachers and showed them materials to use in their classrooms all their students become better, not simply the Native Americans in their midst. There is a deep hunger for accurate, relevant information about Native Americans in the youth of today. This book is a giant first step at feeding that hunger.

Native Americans Today is a sensitive comprehensive and imaginative education activity book that helps teachers and students dispel stereotypes and explore diverse realities of modern Native Americans. This book works nicely with multi-cultural studies and Native American studies for middleschoolers. Lessons are divided into 8 chapters/categories: Ground Rules, Where We Live, Growing Up, Growing Old, å Day In the Life, Communications, Arts (Walk In Beauty), Economics, and The Struggle Continues. Each lesson is carefully organized and clearly presented with grade level materials, time, objectives, activities, and enrichment/extensions plus reading and resources. The lessons on Native American terminology and stereotyping are particularly good. Field trips to the community and crafts and research projects flesh out the classroom discussion exercises. Students learn to define respect as well as racism. One of my favorite sections is the chapter on Indians in Careers/employment under Paying the Bills/Economics. There are 32 biographical sketches of Native American individuals and their employment along with black and white photos. Careers range from teaching/research, social work, casino poker dealer, computer instructor, and bank president to massage therapist, aeronautical engineer, repatriation director and osteopathic physician. The objective is that students will learn Native Americans are employed in many vocations and locations,become familiar with credentials required for certain careers, and use mapping skills. Another interesting lesson is Burial Ground Desecration and Repatriation. Students read "No Peace For Indian Burial Grounds" and discuss related issues. An energetic approach encompasses many ideas and stimulates the students. Also useful are the appendices on web sites, Native News Radio Stations, and other resources. As a teaching guide and multicultural studies resource, Native Americans Today is a rich resource, carefully and authentically created. But it is more than just effective. It is a clear labor of love.

Nancy Lorraine Reviewer

As a teacher concerned with intercultural realations, I was so excited to find a book that would finally tell the truth about Indians. They exist today and are involved in all kinds of things from Tai Chi to engineering. As a social studies teacher, I am relieved to finally have a book that gives an accurate picture of Indians with easy activities that I can use with any age. Although this book is a teaching guide, grades 4 - 8, it can be used with all ages and in a variety of subjects from sports to science to career exploration to current events. Not only does this book celebrate Indian culture, but it compares similiarities with other groups, finding the strength in all.

There are web sites, resources on books, films, curriculum units in the appendices and at the end of each chapter. All of the chapter titles are interesting and witty like "Where We Live" which includes a brief history of how Indians were moved about and map exercises on identifying where Indians live today. Another chapter is "Paying the Bills" which has photos and mini-biographies on Indians in a variety of professions and activities on tribal businesses. Students can learn what is offensive to Indian people and what problems confront them today in "The STruggle Continues." Art projects, writing projects and even games for the classroom are all in here! This is a fantastic book! Every classroom needs it!

"Neighbors" is a book I read after living around, and learning the places and people of New Mexico. "Neighbors" does something neat. It transports you to the dirt roads, the yards, the homes of people living simple, straighforward yet spiritual lives in the Southwest. Not unlike "Shiloh", her latest work, Woodruff succeeds with her invitation for you to visit and learn from her story. And a great story "Neighbors" is... Intelligent, entertaining... I like Woodruff's work because it is extremely true to the Southwest - and the people who could possibly be your "Neighbors".

A hilarious and heartfelt detour through New Mexico's hinterlands. Its portrayal of the protagonist's pueblo neighbors leaves more stereotyped "colorful native characters" whimpering in the dust.

Joan Leslie Woodruff writes with a voice that warms the heart and makes the reader smile. I couldn't put this book down. The characters are quirky and entertaining and the story held me in its grip from page one.

Joan Leslie Woodruff is one of the most refreshing, original voices in current American fiction. Her books rank well in the company of such writers as Barbara Kingsolver and Amy Tan. "Neighbors" is a quirky story, humorous yet spiritually deep. The Native American sensibilities are authentic, derived from the writer's ancestry and her experiences in New Mexico. The heroine, Dana Whitehawk, moves from Los Angeles to New Mexico, where she discovers that some of her 'neighbors' are not ordinary folks. The beauty of Woodruff's tale is in the language. She explores the boundary between magic and reality, leaving readers to make up their own minds about some of the book's questions. Both comparatively short and generally upbeat, "Neighbors" is a good read for someone with a tight schedule who would like a "feel good" book. If you like this one, try "The Shiloh Renewal" -- it's topically different, but told with similar skill.

Neighbors, an enchanting book about a woman from California who moves to New Mexico, captured my interest from the outset.. Her adventures take the reader into realms of the psyche and ancient times which sparkle with contemporary dialogue and surprises on nearly every page.The author's handling of the characters in the wonderful New Mexican landscape color the scenes with easily imaginable situations even when you are not sure if you are in present time.

Jake George's previous book Grandfather's Song is a marvelous work. He continues the Lenape Indian saga in this fantastic and soulful sequel out of which beautiful and richly crafted characters leap into our hearts and imagination. As he guides us like an accomplished tracker and warrior through the wilderness and seasons of the new world, we come to find ourselves enveloped by a warm yet admonishing Native American spirituality...one in which we learn to commune with nature, awaken to our responsibility and love for each other, and which ultimately causes us to reflect on our own inner being. I truly loved this book. As long as Jake George keeps writing, I will keep reading!

I read this some time ago and still think this is one of the most fast paced, interesting and exciting books that I have read. I thought it ranked right in there with "The Da Vinci Code" as I couldn't put it down. Excellent story line, character development and vivid descriptions that place you in the midst of the story, scene and characters. It is a very "visual" book with descriptions so well written that you really feel like you are right there walking the paths with the characters. Along with native lore, there are some steamy sections so get out your fans too. Ron Howard, this would make for one dynamite movie!

'A New Dawn' - Jake George defines what Native American culture is. It is not the same today as it was a thousand years ago - even a hundred years ago - where in Native American life, justice is served for an evil.

The saga continues from Jake George's book, 'Grandfather's Song'.

Using authentic Native words, 'A New Dawn', Jake George forges a successful alliance between the Above World and the Old World. Jake gives his Native voice to his People.

Character development is very strong. The relationship between Running Woman and Crying Woman holds a very special place in my own heart. Custom is true to the instructions given; how to survive in harsh climates, a sense of community, herbal medicine and doctoring and authentic Native tools of survival.

Jake incorporates a spellbinding transformation, a guise of human to animal and back to human shapeshifting through the characters Elder Fawn and Elk Caller.

Jake George has written a phenomenal account of a Native American adventure. 'A New Dawn' is rich in spiritual energy which reflects old-world Native values and survival ties with the land to restore peace to a troubled world.

'A New Dawn' makes its way into modern-day Indian communities to emerge a new generation to sustain cultural identity and respect for being Native American.

The name on this book, 'A New Dawn' in the absolute highest spiritual sense, is an educational gift on behalf of all Native American tribes.


~Sage Sweetwater, firebrand lesbian novelist, author of Blue Corn Woman, edited by Jake George

I found this book a delight. The story was strong as were the characters, with excellent and compelling writing. It was fascinating to be caught up with the native American Indian way of life and quite an eye opener for a Brit like myself who normally only writes and reads thrillers. Well done Mr. George.

'A New Dawn' is a smooth transition from the novel 'Grandfather's Song' by Jake George. We plunge into the 'Old World' where the Lenape and other tribes have chosen to travel to in order to help return the balance between man and nature that has fallen apart in the 'Above World'. The tribes must struggle to adapt, for many have forgotten the old ways or long for the life they left behind.

There's an environmental and 'life lessons' theme pulsing through the novel, but it is far from being preachy. The interaction between the characters is fast-paced and extremely engaging. Those who have returned to the Old World do not have a completely peaceful existence. In fact, there are brutal murders and deep seeded problems that must be solved, many of them involving great sacrifice by some members of the tribe.

I thoroughly enjoyed this sequel! The setting, characters and blend of Native American traditions simply flows along in a swift current of vigorous language. Jake George has a vision and an obvious love for the Lenape People that shines through in his writing. His tense action scenes and tight dialogue has an edgy quality that reminds me of some of my favorite westerns. The graphic torture scenes, erotica, and some harsh language, etc. cautions 'mature audiences only'. Adult readers new to Jake George novels will find their appetites craving more...

Chrissy K. McVay
Author of award winning novel 'Souls of the North Wind'

Harvey Arden has once again written a superb piece of work. Along with several of his other works, Arden continues the tradition that he, along with Steve Wall, began many moons ago; a tradition of listening and learning. Arden has stimulated my own path and for that, I am truly grateful. I also highly recommend his book, "Have you thought of Leonard Peltier Lately." A sad episode in U.S. history to make the ultimate understatement. Brother Arden, Keep Hope Alive!

Very good and truly authentic..

This is one of the best books written about Native American spirituality. It is a book I shall treasure always. My one regret this that I was not able to meet and talk with Mr. King (Noble Red Man).

"We Lakota people have our giveaways. When something important happens we celebrate by sharing what we have," said the late Chief Mathew King, known as Noble Red Man in Indian Country. "Even the poorest among us share what we have....The more you share the more you're given to share."

Which is precisely what editor Harvey Arden has accomplished with his passion for keeping alive the wisdom of the American Indian. In this book, Arden, a former senior editor for National Geographic, has compiled a comprehensive volume of the thoughts, philosophy, humor and spirit of the great Oglala Lakota (Sioux) chief.

Noble Red Man was born Mathew King in 1902 in Grass Creek, S.D., a small community of Indians from different bands. He died in 1989. In the long stretch of time in between, he absorbed knowledge, wisdom and experiences that molded him into a sage and respected leader.

After three years in military school, his parents enrolled him in the Springfield Indian Seminary to become an ordained Episcopal minister. Hunger, more than faith, was his motivation.

"If you converted you ate better," said Noble Red Man. "To help feed the starving Lakota my father and uncles became missionaries." During training, he concluded that - despite being very spiritual - that the clergy was not his calling. He had misgivings over Christian theology. "I have always believed in the Great Spirit and worshipped Him in my own way," he said. "These people don't seem to want to change my belief in the Great Spirit, but to change my way of talking to Him."

Instead, Noble Red Man set out to do the Great Spirit's work by teaching Indians to "earn their bread by the sweat of their brow," finding work and securing labor rights for thousands of Indians over the years. He became a voice not only for the Lakota people, but American Indians everywhere, taking their case to court, before Congress and even overseas. His passion was fighting to regain South Dakota's Black Hills, sacred land promised the Lakota by the Fort Laramie Treaty of 1868, but swindled from them five years later when gold was discovered.

The federal government belittled the Indians' claim to this revered land in the 1970s by offering them $100 million. Noble Red Man retorted: "The Black Hills aren't for sale. What if we offered you a hundred million dollars for the Vatican, for Jerusalem?" The money still sits in escrow, unclaimed.

Arden first met Noble Red Man in 1983, on the 10th anniversary of the Lakota occupation of Wounded Knee, S.D., a reservation hamlet that was the site of the American Indians' last stand in 1890, as federal troops massacred over 350 Indians. The 1973 occupation - which was met with an FBI siege for 71days - was staged by the American Indian Movement (AIM) in protest over the government's harsh treatment of Indians. He and venerated Chief Frank Fools Crow provided moral support to the occupiers, while placating armed FBI agents.

As Arden attempted to explain to Noble Red Man why he'd come to Pine Ridge, the chief shot back: "I know why you're here! White Man came to this country and forgot his original Instructions. We Indians have never forgotten our Instructions.... I can't tell you what those were, but maybe there are some things that I can explain...."

That is what Arden has done. Culled from his interview notes and tapes, Arden felt that he didn't have enough material to compile the book that was Noble Red Man's unrealized dream. After the chief's death, Arden visited his daughter, Lavon King, who had kept her father's old reel-to-reel tapes in a trunk. In a labor of love, by 1994 Arden finished the job he began 11 years earlier. With this book, he has put into print Noble Red Man's credo, reflections, recollections and hopes.

There is even a good measure of humor, which captures Noble Red Man's keen sense of irony. My favorite anecdote was how he became a smoker at age four (!) by rolling cigarettes for his grandmother, Cane Woman. She "was blind, and I had to guide her around with her cane. People really laughed when they saw us....We must have been quite a sight, the two of us, both smoking Bull Durham cigarettes while I led her around by the elbow."

Reading his words, I was struck by how senseless the gulf between American Indians and the Americans occupying their land is, for they aspire freedom in the truest sense. However, more than any other people, American Indians have been systematically denied that freedom.

Yet, Noble Red Man kept optimistic. He counseled his fellow Indians to stay true to their heritage.

"Only one thing's sadder than remembering you once were free, and that's forgetting you once were free. That would be the saddest thing of all. That's one thing we Indians will never do."

This book enlightened me with the wisdom of the original Americans. It's hard to believe the Christians were trying to convert a people most likely much closer to God than themselves. Several Indians performed acts that would be considered miracles by those of other faiths. Wonderful book.

I gave this book to my husband. He is a rangeland management major and he is in love with the book. I do not know anything about plants, but he seems to love it and find it extremely useful. Compare to the expensive "weeds of the west" this book is relatively cheap for the amount of plants it has.

As a Range Conservationist in WA State a great book for all range mgrs, range techs., however, I was surprised to see Thurber needlegrass taken out of the most recent issue.

This is a great reference book for North American Range plants. It includes a detailed description of each plant along with sketchs and a maps to show distribution. Grasses, forbs and shrubs are included. This book also closely follows the lists for university range plant identification team contests. An excellent reference or study book for North American plants.

This book contains 200 of the most common range plants in North America. Each entry contains a detailed illustration, range maps, scientific and common names, complete written description, growth habit, origin, livestock value, and medicinal uses of the plant. I found the illustrations to be the best I've ever seen, especially the detail included in the grass spikelets. This is an excellent reference for anyone trying to familiarize themselves with common range plants.

North American Range Plants is a great book for any beginer, taxonomy student, layman, and expert alike. It is easy for the novice, because it's not in a key format, which may disappoint some more serious plant collectors. It contains 200 of the most common, and important plants found in the United States, Canada and Mexico. I have had this book for sometime now, and it has become an invaluable resource in my studies at Texas A&M University, where I have come to know one of the co-authors, Stephan Hatch. He has an unparralled knowledge of plants and a dedication like no other to put forth a good product, so i know from experience that this book was written by folks who are the top in their field of study. Being from Texas, i have worked internships in the plains of central North Dakota and the desert "outback" of eastern Oregon and have found the book to most useful, oftentimes referring to it before trying to "key out" a plant in a more technical publication. It just doesn't get any better than this.

For somebody who appreciates exceptionally fine photography and writing that is definitely a cut above today's standard, I highly recommend Pacific in My Soul. Seldom does a "picture book" do it for me, but this is an exception. Having acquired my first copy as a gift, I've now found it an excellent way to communicate that majesty we here on the Northwest Coast are lucky enough to call "home". I've not yet read any of Anne Chadwick's other work, but am looking forward to doing so. Her descriptions are accurate, vivid and most of all, readable. She is an author who knows both her subject, and has a way of delighting her readers with the simplicity and the depth of her understanding of nature captured in both word and photography.

Looking at the pictures in this book took my breath away! The photography is so wonderful, I felt as if I could reach into the pictures and feel the water. I would love to have many of these framed in my house. I loved how Ms. Chadwick used her personal experiences in the book to tell me how she took them. She gave information about the animals and locations in such and easy to read and relateable way. A lovely book to keep around!

I picked this up while I was on vacation up at Sea Ranch this August. I love finding local books. I've been going to Sea Ranch for the past 5 years or so and this book is like bringing a little bit of that life home with us. I have read it and loved it, but leave it out on the coffee table, where just a glance is like a whiff of ocean breeze that calms my soul and soothes me.

Pacific in My Soul by Anne Chadwick is a remarkable effort. From the gray whales of San Ignacio Bay in Baja to the brown bears of Katmai in Alaska, the book examines the Pacific coast from a naturalist's keen and insightful perspective. It's a surprisingly big view of a big place in a compact 96-page package. More than 40 illustrated essays cover fauna (seals, otters, sea lions, whales, raccoons, deer, bear, elk, eagles, cormorants, swans, butterflies); flora (azaleas, rhododendrons, lilies, amanita); phenomena (waves, storms, fog, moon); and moods (sunrises, solitude, morning dew, sunsets). The writing is engaging, entertaining, and enlightening. The style is crisp, fresh, and lyrical. The voice is contemplative and reverent, and not a bit shrill or strident. The photography is stunning. Pacific in My Soul is practically a clinic in combining the visual with the verbal to evoke a powerful sense of place. Highly recommended.

Whether you have been there and want to reminisce or just want to understand the draw of the northern Pacific coast you will enjoy the beautiful photography and personal narrative of Pacific in My Soul. Pelicans, elephant seals, egrets, waves, sea otters, solitude, rhododendrons, herons, tidal pools, gray whales, redwoods, raccoons, ospreys, wildflowers, fog (beautiful picture), sea lions, lily, orcas, butterflies, elk, bald eagles, sunsets and other subjects are addressed in the book. Written as a personal sharing of the author's favorite things about the Pacific Northwest, it is both a beautiful and intimate work. Pacific in My Soul is highly recommended for nature enthusiasts of all kinds.

The book Pasquala is about a brave girl who suffers because her dad and mom die. Pasquala is a strong character because her uncle who adopts her isn't very kind to her. For example, he doesn't let her go to the mourning ceremony or be in the ceremony changing kids into adults. Pasquala is the book's narrator, and she is a good one because she helps others. She saves the padres when she runs for 3 days and nights to warn them about an attack, and that's why she dies. I think that the book is good and it teaches a valuable lesson: we need to help others and then they are going to help us back when we need it. Pasquala even got her name from a padre who calls her that because she helps others. I like this book a lot, and think most kids my age would enjoy reading it. I learned many things from this book, such as how Yokuts Indians collected salt.

The book Pasquala is about a brave girl who suffers because her dad and mom die. Pasquala is a strong character because her uncle who adopts her isn't very kind to her. For example, he doesn't let her go to the mourning ceremony or be in the ceremony changing kids into adults. Pasquala is the book's narrator, and she is a good one because she helps others. She saves the padres when she runs for 3 days and nights to warn them about an attack, and that's why she dies. I think that the book is good and it teaches a valuable lesson: we need to help others and then they are going to help us back when we need it. Pasquala even got her name from a padre who calls her that because she helps others. I like this book a lot, and think most kids my age would enjoy reading it. I learned many things from this book, such as how Yokuts Indians collected salt.

The genre is historical fiction. The story began when Pasquala and her mother were hiding in a cave because they saw soldados coming to their village. Pasquala was scared when she sees shadows near the cave opening so she closes her eyes and then feels a hand touch her; when she opens her eyes her father is right in front of her. Her father said the soldados had gone. After a couple days they go to the Pacific Ocean and on their way back Pasquala gets sick, so they have to take her to the mission to save her life. After a while they start living at the mission. One day her father finishes a beautiful saddle, so now the soldados want him to take it to the presidio where the soldiers live. When he gets back he is sick and dies. But before he dies he tells Pasquala and her mother to leave the mission. When Pasquala and her mom go back, the other villagers don't really like them anymore, because they had to do their work while they were gone. From this book I learned a lot about the Yokuts Indians who lived in the Central Valley. The book was short (about 90 pages) and easy to read. I liked the ending because usually most books have a happy ending; this one was sad. Read this book, it's enjoyable and a great way to learn about Califoria history and geography.

I found this guide easy to follow, well organized and practical. It probably is most useful for 2nd - 5th grade.

The authors have done a fabulous job in bringing to life what it must have been like to be a little Yokut indian girl living in California's Great Central Valley 200 years ago. It teaches a great deal about the Yokut way of life and how things started to change when the Spanish arrived with their missions along California's coast. This is a fast read! You won't be able to put it down! Each turn of the page brings little Pasquala to a place in your heart where she will remain long after you finish the book. It is a fantastic book for 4th grade teachers to read aloud to their classes. It is also an excellent book for anyone who simply enjoys reading a well-written compelling story.