African-American Books

Diane Shore and Jessica Alexander created a superior recount of the Civil Rights Movement for children of all races and ethnicities. With the talent of illustrator James Ransome, children actually experience the Civil Rights Movement through a child's lens. Each page skillfully paints real-life history with such effectiveness, children will never forget the importance of equal rights.

Shore and Alexander complement the beautiful pages with poetic verses that are exact, visual, and very telling of a race crisis in American history. Their action words help break that cycle. The peaceful demonstrations are captured powerfully with vivid colors of mustard, sugar, and ketchup being poured on top of the heads of African-Americans wishing to eat at a "Whites Only" lunch counter. To watch a child's interpretation of this visual alone is worth owning the book. That is because they see, feel, and taste discrimination based on the color of someone's skin. Children can then easily learn that racism should not be.

If there is one children's book for all races that delivers Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s message of peace and justice for all, Shore and Alexander, together with James Ransome, mastered it for all times. That makes THIS IS THE DREAM valuable to children for reading and discussing all year long.

The inside-covers' dream board is exceptionally unique and promotes Dr. King's dream for humanity.

Reviewed by Swaggie Coleman
for The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

This book is an excellent teaching source for young students to learn about Martin Luther King's dream and how it inspired a nation to change. I have used this book to teach civil rights, comparison/contrast, and voice using Six Traits.

Having grown up during the civil rights era, I find this book has great teaching potential for the non-violent movement. Today so many children see the violence on TV and in real life and this book depicts the historical highlights of the era. James Ransome's illustrations are a complement to the clever rhymed verse and his collage technique on the front and back covers and the inside covers tells the story in pictures. I think the sequence of the book portrays the main events of the era that ultimately changed the way of our nation. This is a book for everyone. The rhymes convey the message in a concise manner which the youngest reader can understand. I think this book should be in every school library.

Many of the reviews already state this, but let me just reiterate: What a fine classroom tool you will find in "This is the Dream"! The story of the civil rights movement is summarized in simple, effective rhyme. It is perfect for all ages. The beginning pages clearly portray the injustice of "separate but equal" and Jim Crow laws. The middle of the story displays the tremendous strength of those who fought, not with guns and fists, but with walking, sitting, marching. Finally, we see the today we have taken for granted. It is a powerful witness to children of what once was and what could be again if we let predjudice take hold once more.
What I particularly enjoyed was the authors' choice to not reduce the movement to the hard work of a handful of people. History books tend to single out Rosa and Martin as the impetus and the leader of the movement. Such status is misleading for children. It was a peaceful militia of millions, a team effort. This book shows the bravery of the many nameless people who changed our country.
I believe this book would be a very worthy Caldecott winner. James Ransome is a "due" illustrator. If you haven't seen his work in other books-especially "Visiting Day" and "Under the Quilt of Night"- I'd encourage you to check it out. He is a master of depicting the subtle emotions of the human face. In "This is the Dream" his rich oil paintings brings history to life once again. And his use of photographs in his artwork is daring and innovative.
This is a suberb, important book.

As a first grade teacher, it is sometimes hard to find a book about the civil rights movement that is age appropriate. This book has a simple rhyme and beautiful pictures. These pictures simply show the differences before, during, and after the movement. The students in my class were speechless. As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words!

Twenty-eight-year-old attorney, Sunday Adams survived adoption, foster care, college, and law school. She was handpicked to work for a prestigious law firm in Georgia. But, she is not fulfilled; she never had a real family and relatives. A visit from a handsome stranger, Jonas Blake, turns Sunny's life inside out, but might prove to be her deliverance.

Representing his stepmother and famed movie star, Audra Kane, Jonas visits Atlanta to invite Sunny to meet her biological mother. Jonas, whose wanderlust has never allowed a relationship, can barely finish his stepmother's agenda before he starts formulating his own. Sunny is beautiful and strong-willed and has captured his interest. The timing is not right, Sunny is in the throes of a high profile murder case and her life may be in danger; Jonas grabs the opportunity to stay and protect her.

Initially, Sunny is skeptical about his intentions, because number one, there is no way Audra Kane is her mother; no way. Secondly she has long since sworn off pretty men, and Jonas is definitely a 'long drink of water'. Jonas convinces Sunny to talk to Audra, and the result is bizarre. In a just a few days Sunny has gone from being completely alone to having both of her biological parents, relatives, and a potential lover. All the particulars, surrounding these revelations, suspend Sunny in an emotional abyss.

THREE WISHES is a well-written story which gives readers the hope that a second chance can produce sweet restitution and a new beginning. But this story is not all sunshine and roses, Ms. Sims deals with the AIDS virus, the flamboyant lives of rappers, the effects of unwed motherhood, and adoption. There are serious messages, which are manifested with a mature storyline and mature characterization. I loved how the primary and secondary characters handled their issues. In true Sims fashion, this is another strong romantic read.

Reviewed by aNN
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

Janice
I believe this is better than the rest...............
These people worked for a living they had hurts, disappointments
and they had money but the reader did not realize this, because
the story had you crying, fussing, and cheering...............
Sunday, Jonas, Audra, Vernette,Tom, Norman, Kaya are 3-D
real and they are good this is the best read...........Stop
do not pass Go please pick up this book it is a page turner
Eddie will make you sick then you will cry
Joy Chambers had me in tears then I got angry
Janice you gave lessons in this story...........................
Don't know how you will top this................Debe

In Janice Sims' "Three Wishes", Hollywood actress Audra Kane longs for a relationship with the daughter she gave up for adoption. In a heartwarmingly told tale, that wish eventually comes true. But the lead characters in the novel, Sunny Adams and Jonas Blake are granted wishes that neither of them really ask for - in the beginning. Jonas is a globe-trotting consultant, and Sunny is a brilliant defense attorney. Neither seems to have given much thought to the idea of settling down with a soul mate. But, after the heat is turned up in this relationship, they both realize what's been missing in their lives. This novel has several well-thought storylines which adds a lot of interest! I'm even wondering why it wasn't called "Five Wishes" - it seems to me that Norman Blake and Tom Chapman got their wishes granted too!

As always, Ms. Sims gives us cast of secondary characters that are well defined. One of my favorites was Caesar the cat!

Three Wishes is a must read. I delayed finishing it because I wasn't ready for it to end. LOL I loved the book and will definitely read it again and again..... I admired Sunny's strength, she didn't let her past - her adoption, loss of adoptive parents or foster care - make her bitter. She grew stronger from it all. Caesar, the cat - was a trip. And I liked Vernette and Audra's relationship, the way Vernette supported Audra. I'm glad Constance came around, I wasn't liking her too tuff after the comment about Sunny's outfit and THEN to slap Audra.... I was kind of peeved. LOL And Jonas..... (sigh). LOL

to say how wonderful "Three Wishes" is! Ms. Sims' careful research, particularly into the legal systems, makes for vibrant background detail. Her artful manipulation of the plot, contrived so that amour and friendship escalate in tandem (an none too quickly), reaffirms her ability to deliver entertaining fiction. Her characters are very believable and thank goodness she didn't write Sunny Adams as some weak-willed woman! Sunny has had a very hard life (given up for adoption, orphaned at a young age, and forced to live in foster care), yet is strong without being brash. I wanted to break out in song, "The sun will come out tomorrow . . .", but I can't carry a tune across the sidewalk!

Jonas is so manly that he doesn't need to smother Sunny, yet he becomes her rock. When he leaves her to go to Haiti, my mouth dropped open! When have you read a novel where the main characters aren't glued to each other throughout the story?

Both characters (and their parents) stand on their own without being stick people (one dimentional). What a rare combination! But it's typical of a Janice Sims' novel.

Five cheers, Ms. Sims!

I "stumbled" across this book at the library. The title caught my attention--it captures my vision AND I was 55 years old at the time. I like another reviewer am taking my time reading/"listening" to Ella and Henry as they share what we get so little of in our culture: a real, deep and truely satisfying basis for marriage to another and to the world--true love.

As more of a taoist than a christian, my experience with Ella and Henry is a bright light as I continue to re-frame the "how and why" of connections with others, signals that have long term promise. They demonstrate how we can create love each day in our actions. Thank you for giving voice to my hopes for the future.

How refreshing in a culture that touts Gone With the Wind as a wonderful love story.

This book is absolutely wonderful. It is such a wonderful encourager for married couples. I 've been reading this book since September 2001 and have not finished it yet (now April 2002). This is by choice because I try to savor every bit. In addition to the bible, this book was the only book I was able to read as I was going through the loss of my unborn child. It lifted my spirits, comforted me and encouraged me oh so much as a wife and a mother. This will be the first book that my marriage group will read.

I recommend this book for both spouses to read and reflect.

Praying for a Part II.

Henry and Ella Mitchell have given us a beautiful gift: their love story. This book, chronicling their fascinating lives in New York, California, and Atlanta, is a testament to their love of each other, their love of family and friends, and their love of God. It is a tribute to their talents and tenacity in the face of considerable challenges. The format of the book keeps the reader engaged by alternating perspectives from chapter to chapter. Henry and Ella take turns providing their unique perspectives on the adventures they experienced in fifty five years of marriage. Each voice provides a slightly different interpretation of events. Their personalities, different but complementary, are revealed through their words. If you relish love stories and biographies of living saints, this book will thrill you. It provides a testimony to the enduring potential of a relationship grounded in mutual respect, trust, affection, and spirituality.

In a day when so many social institutions have lost their luster, "Together For Good" provides a sterling testament of the enduring virtue and value of a "vibrant" lifelong commitment. The Mitchell's unique recollection of their more than half century journey together holds forth a hopeful note amidst our hi-tech concerns of alienated households, fragmented families and ruptured relationships (in every regard). It is a highly recommended reading for those who would contemplate the gift of mutual companionship at it's very best!

Thank you Dr's. Ella & Henry Mitchell for this timeless treasure!

The Mitchells speak straight from their hearts to ours and provide practical help and open honest means for healing the hurts of those of us who are in new or long term relationships. The book is a tender dialogue between them spanning a half century of changes, crises and challenges; reminding us that all of life is indeed dialogue and that something mystical and magical happens in relationships when we truly see, hear and tenaciously embrace the other. Their story is a special gift.

As a middle-aged, college educated, white man I find it amazing that I cannot find critism with Rev. Farrakhan. After all the propaganda against him I was prepared to hate the man. Then I actuallly read him. And I listened to his entire sermon on C-SPAN, not just once, but twice. The man speaks with righteousness- not self-righteousness, but the righteousness of God. From my own studies and sources I know that he speaks the truth. If he has a hidden agenda, other than speaking truth to power, I do not see it. This man has the Spirit within him and there is no guile to his words. I could have remained anonymous here, but I choose to acknowlege a great man. And no, I am not a Muslim, nor do I plan to convert....

When Americans express their concerns about the Nation, and what they want for future generations, they want safe streets, quality education and the freedom to pursue the joy and happiness that this World can provide. At the 1995 Million Man March, Minister Farrakhan urged all to refrain from drug abuse, not to disrespect self or others, and not to harm any person. Coincidentally, the U.S. crime rate has dropped since the Million Man March to it's lowest rate in over 10 years. A Torchlight for America offers the same guidance in a clear, straight forward context.

This book was amazing as I read through the captivating pages. As a social scientist living in Japan I believe that this is a must read as well as one to be translated. As a student and teacher I found the statistics to be quite informative, concise and worth adding to my bibliography for an upcoming book I am finishing. This book is a must read for any any nation desperately trying to survive (including America) in this 21st century!

My name is Matthew. I first read A Torchlight For America while a college student. The book is clear, concise and well-written.

If you are even a little interested about Min. Farrakhan, read this book. This is a good chance to hear him without the media or anyone else interjecting. Min. Farrakhan has a track record (more than 45 years at the time of this writing ) of teaching the truth to the powerless. He has a proven track record of reforming people. He has a proven methodology for teaching Islam to people who have no knowledge of the faith. He has a proven track record of unifying Muslims, Jews and Christians (see: http://www.noi.org or http://www.finalcall.com ). He is a guiding light for people.

I am thankful to God for Min. Farrakhan. God has used Min. Farrakhan to guide me into healthy personal, professional, and emotional relationships.

If you still think funny about him in spite of my testamony, read this book, and e-mail me about it: bro_matthew@yahoo.com .

I am sure reading this book will make you see differently. I am sure Min. Farrakhan's brilliance will illuminate everyone who reads it.

Peace. *Bro. Matthew

Every American should read Min Farrakhan's book. It answers the painful realities that must be addressed if this country is to realize its full potential and destiny. It is a book for all races, faiths, creeds and colors. Written in a clear, concise and direct language, "A Torchligh for America" is a must read for any progressive thinking person who is serious about solving America's problems.

Gospel stars are not born in Heaven -- they are made through the trials they face on Earth. These are real people who sing this glorious music--and they have overcome many personal problems to get where they are at. This book makes us feel that if we surrender to the Lord we can get to a very high place.

If you haven't read about Pastor shirley, you need to. she has come along way. She is my Idol. I look up to her. She is really a blessed woman with a very big and loving heart. I can't wait to meet her.

This book is Soul Good! Its encouraging, informative, and inspirational. I enjoyed this book so much I bought copies for all my friends.

the behind the scene lives of many 'famous' in the gospel industry gives hope to christians who struggle in life and are judged. they share real stories.

Gospel music's greats talk about the spiritual setbacks in their lives and how God entered the picture to point them in the right direction.

CeCe Winans, Kirk Franklin, John Kee -- you name the star and here is their behind-the-scenes story of spiritual strife and struggle. A very, very inspirational read for lovers of Gospel music!

This is without a doubt one of the best YA books of 2007. I was utterly convinced by Tyrell's character and situation.

I enjoyed reading this book. I could not put this book down. It is very detail and I understood it clearly.

I purchased this book for my son. He read the first page and wouldn't put it down. He finished it in two days and even read it while snacking at the table. Clearly an absorbing story, I highly recommend this book for your teenaged boy, especially those who have trouble finding an engaging read.
Slightly adult content but okay for older teens.

I read Tyrell in one day--I couldn't stop reading. This book accurately reflects culture, language, history, and values of an African American family living in a homeless shelter in NY. Some of my favorite issues in the book include: adolescence, relationships with family and friends, foster care system, homeless/poverty, keeping secrets, and struggling to stay in school.

On p. 127 Tyrell shares what teachers and school did for him. This was heartbreaking but true for many students across America.

I will definitely share this book with high school students (Grades 9-12) and encourage them to read it.

THE BOOK TYRELL IS ABOUT HIM,HIS MOTHER, HIS LITTLE BROTHER TROY, HIS FATHER, AND HIS GIRLFRIEND NOVISHA.TYRELL LIVES IN A SHELTER WITH HIS MOTHER AND HIS FATHER IS IN JAIL. TYRELL IS TRYING TO GET HIS FAMILY OUT THE SHELTER, SO HIM AND HIS BEST FRIEND CAL IS PLANING TO THROW PARTIES SO HE CAN MAKE MONEY.HIM AND HIS BROTHER DON'T HAVE ANY CLOTHES AND THEY BE COLD DURING THE WINTER.SOMETIMES NOVISHA MOTHER BE TAKING CARE OF TYRELL AND HIS FAMILY BECAUSE THEY DON'T HAVE MONEY OR FOOD TO EAT EACH NIGHT.TYRELL DOESN'T GO TO SCHOOL AND HES TRYING TO TAKE CARE IF HIS FAMILY AND ALSO NOVISHA AT THE SAME TIME.TYRELL MOTHER PUT TROY IN SPECIAL ED SO HE CAN GET AN SSI CHECK EVERY MONTH.THERES NOTHING WRONG WITH TROY BUT SHE WANTS THE SCHOOL TO THINK THAT SOMETHING WRONG WITH HIM SO HE CAN STILL GET HIS CHECK.TYRELL BECOMES REALLY CLOSE TO THIS GIRL NAME JASMINE THAT HE MET AT THE SHELTER BENNETT WHERE THEY BOTH LIVE AT.JASMINE HAD LIKE TYRELL SINCE THE FIRST DAY SHE SEEN HIM.THEY BE HANGING OUT SOMETIMES AND SHES BEEN TAKING CARE OF TROY WHEN HIS MOTHER WOULD LEAVE HIM IN THE HOUSE BY HISSELF. STARASIA

This book was one that opened my eyes to the welfare program and the problems it has. It has also illustrated the social gaps that have been created by gender, race, and poverty. Rosemary did an excellent job in description in the life that she lead, and to how she has overcome the many barriers in her life. A great read for all!

Unafraid of the Dark is a beautifully written, inspirational and deeply touching book. I was unable to put it down from the moment I read the first page. I admire Rosemary and feel that she is an inspiration to all African American women.

This woman knows how to write and she has something to say. She makes her point very effectively. For the cost of a paperback, you can give a copy to every Republican or other person who matters to you who doesn't understand or support Aid to Dependent Children or welfare, etc. Her book leads people to care about her and understand.

A deeply moving, inspiring story. I felt like I was right there with her when she described her brief childhood encounter with Martin Luther King. Her writing brings characters alive like the best fiction I've ever read. I would seriously consider trying to get my school to order this book (I'm studying to become a high school English teacher).

Rosemary Bray's memoir cuts through the anti-welfare hype and contempt for poor people, especially poor black women, that brought us "welfare reform." Her mother went on AFDC because her father was a violent gambler, and she had four kids to raise. Welfare enabled rosemary to grow up in threadbare but at least decent poverty--food on table, roof over head,school supplies and so forth. Far from promulgating the "culture of dependency," welfare helped Bray's mother get some independence. And far from passing welfare on to her daughter, Rosemary went to yale. Bray writes so perceptively about her family and her childhood, about the racism of l960s Chicago (and of yale). she made me think about all the little cruelties and deprivations poor people are expected to just accept, and how wrong this is. I wish every white person would read this book, and every person who thinks people are poor because they "don't want to work." Isn't it interesting that even in the midst of the "memoir boom," this book didn't get front page reviews?

Book Report
Until We Meet Again

The setting took place in the Wills's house, where there parents announces that they are going to try there marriage one more time.
The plot is about Darcey going to school telling Hakeem her boyfriend and Tarah and Cooper her best friends. That her parents are getting back into there marriage again and is moving for more space.
Next when Darcey hear bad news that Hakeem and his family is leaving in a few weeks after school break for summer to go to Detroit to stay with his uncle because his dad is sick and needs family support.
Last Darcey find another love out of nowhere, his name is Brian Mason they starts to date each other and Darcey later gets touched the wrong way by Brian along in the Mason's house by herself behind her parents back and kind of get hurt by him with a bruise on her arm.
The conflict is that Darcey's boyfriend Hakeem is leaving and she feels hurt because her summer is ruined without him on her side. But not until Brian Mason comes in and takes Hakeem's long gone place.
The Characters in the story are Darcey, Brian, Lislee, Jamee, Mattie, Carl, Grandma, and Hakeem.
Point of view of the story is omniscient that knows actually how Darcey feels and more.
Theme in the story is about separation with
relationships.

The Book Review of: Until We Meet Again



Title: Until We Meet Again
By: Anne E. Schraff


I fell in love the first time I read Bluford series book and this was just another I wanted to read.

Summary: Darcy Wills is an average girl who goes to Bluford High School. Darcy is really book smart, but had a few personal issues. Darcy had a lot on her shoulders to deal with. Her grandma being sick, her dad leaving them: and her boyfriend moving to another state because his dad has cancer. How will Darcy's life change will it go for better and worse, will she find another guy. You'll just have to wait and read this book to see all the directions Darcy's life takes the good, bad, and ugly.

I think people of all ages would like this book especially older kids to teenagers and particularly teenage girls.

Setting: Darcy goes to Bluford High School and has personal issues. Darcy is African American with long hair and she's kind of shy. Where Darcy lives is sort of old and not so suburban. You an really relate to her relationship life. This story is narrated.


Ups: This book is so good because you can actually feel the emotions she experience. Like when she meets this new guy and starts to like him. Once you start you can't stop, this book is so good that once you start reading it you can't stop because its so good.
Downs: I wanted more to happen at the end but its okay because they had a sequel. I was upset that the book didn't continue but they picked it up with a sequence.



This book was liked because it was really good and I could relate really relate to it. I really recommend this book because I think you could relate also.
Kelli N.

The Book Review of: Until We Meet Again



Title: Until We Meet Again
By: Anne E. Schraff


I fell in love the first time I read Bluford series book and this was just another I wanted to read.

Summary: Darcy Wills is an average girl who goes to Bluford High School. Darcy is really book smart, but had a few personal issues. Darcy had a lot on her shoulders to deal with. Her grandma being sick, her dad leaving them: and her boyfriend moving to another state because his dad has cancer. How will Darcy's life change will it go for better and worse, will she find another guy. You'll just have to wait and read this book to see all the directions Darcy's life takes the good, bad, and ugly.

I think people of all ages would like this book especially older kids to teenagers and particularly teenage girls.

Setting: Darcy goes to Bluford High School and has personal issues. Darcy is African American with long hair and she's kind of shy. Where Darcy lives is sort of old and not so suburban. You an really relate to her relationship life. This story is narrated.


Ups: This book is so good because you can actually feel the emotions she experience. Like when she meets this new guy and starts to like him. Once you start you can't stop, this book is so good that once you start reading it you can't stop because its so good.
Downs: I wanted more to happen at the end but its okay because they had a sequel. I was upset that the book didn't continue but they picked it up with a sequence.



This book was liked because it was really good and I could relate really relate to it. I really recommend this book because I think you could relate also.
Kelli N.

Until We Meet Again Until we meet again is about a girl named Darcy who goes to Bluford
High School and has amazing friends, and a boyfriend named Hakeem.
She lives with her mom, dad, grandmother, and her little sister.Hakeem's
dad is having problems with his back because he works with constuction
and he's an old man.So Hakeem's uncle says that he can have a job with him in Detroit. Now Hakeem may have to move.So he goes to school and
tells Darcy the bad news, she can't take the pain and forces him to live with his best friend, but he couldn't because family is more importanat. So he yells"THERES NOTHING I CAN DO" and so she starts to feel vulnerable,
tears start to come to her chocolate brown eyes.She gets this offer later to baby-sit and she took it because she thought it would keep Hakeem off her mind for a few days.Hakeem hasen't been answering his phone when Darcy tried to call.Then later in school she saw Hakeem and strolled over to him "hi Hakeem" she said but he didn't answer her "Hakeem" she said he turns around and looked at her and said "look i need to be alone I have alot on my mind". Darcy feels crushed and even further apart from Hakeem.
As Darcy starts to baby-sit Liselle's daughter she see's Brian, Liselle's younger brother and kinda likes him.When Darcy went back to school Hakeem came over to her table and said they need to talk after school.When the bell ranged at the last class Darcy sprinted straight to the parking lot and Hakeem said "Darcy we need to talk I don't think we shoulld see eachother anymore because I can't take the pain of caring for you and my dad so I think we need to take it slow and not see each other im sorry." so Darcy gets mad and starts crying and runs off.and gets a ride home from Brian. Later Brian asked Darcy did she want to go to the beach and he will bring her back home at 5:00 so yeah she went and he was saying how beautiful she was and she better around him.On the wednesday of the summer Darcy was at home with her sister Jamee and Jamee noticed the necklace that Brian gave her and said oooooh who gave you that Darcy said Brian.Then the doorbell ranged and it was Brian and he wanted to take Darcy to the park and she went. After the park he took her to the apartment and got dressed for work and when he was done he told Dacry he had a good time and kissed her.When she got home she heard a siren and when she got to the last step of her house the ambulance stopped at her house and said did you call an ambulance and Jamee said in here she wont wake up...Darcy's grandmother was ok in the hospital so she felt good then Brian called and asked did she want pizza she said yea she went to the apartment and the lights were dimmed. Then later he started kissing her pulling up her shirt she moved his hand "just relax" he said he started kissing her again and pulling up her shirt "STOP" she yelled he gripped her arms and she smacked him then he gripped her tight and she couldn't get out.Then Darcy's dad came and brought her food DADDY Darcy yelled he kicked the door open and started choking Brian and pushed him on the floor and him and darcy left. Liselle asked Darcy can she baby-sit but darcy said no. Later Darcy went in grandmas room and talked to her about how felt and cared for everyone and then Darcy's mom came in and hugged her and Darcy went to sleep in the morning mom called out "Carl, Girls". and grandma was laying in her bed smiling and her eyes were closed shut she was in a better place for good Darcy started to cry and the family hugged grandma and the birds sanged. At the funeral darcy got up and said what was on her mind and she saw Tarah, Cooper, and Brisanna. And she was happy to see them then when the funeral was over Darcy saw H akeem and hugged him and held his hand and walked down the sidewalk together and felt the start of a new familiar relationship.

Until We Meet Again
By: Anne Schraff
Review By: Marcia Reynolds

At Bluford High the craziest things happen. In the book Until We Meet Again , there is a girl named Darcy that is a sophomore who falls in love. Now she is getting five years ago she never wanted to get close to another guy again. So this guy name Hakeem likes her and she likes him. So she starts getting closer to him and her feelings get in the way.

So for the first time in five years Darcy starts to put her trust in a boy.


Darcy also is having other problems. Her father has returned home, her friends Tarah and Brisania is fighting. So Darcy has a lot on her mind.

Now something else has hit Darcy hard and when I say hard I mean hard.
A person who she really loves is in danger for there life.

This is the only person though the years that has kept Darcy together and going.

Now if you like books that have a twist to every part then you will like this book.
So I suggest you read it because you will enjoy it because I sure did.

Now that I have purchased Verismo, I have quite a few favorites and it was very difficult to pick just one UNTIL, I came across one that hit me like a brick. I have made it my very own special dedication to me!
There are many, many deep poem's in this book that I can relate to and am very much looking forward to buying Peals of Justice! I have been told that one is just as great, if not greater than Verismo.
Keep up the great gift you have Mr. Jones and keep 'em coming!
Thank you for making one realize the inner souls of our lives!

I have re-awaken, I have felt the power-the corporation of Decheonbae Jones writing's. They are trully rare and unique-a possesive trademark of collected growth and change. Understand This Book Verismo by Decheonbae Jones is Real and befit. Hey Just Buy It And Search To Feel The Joy On Top Of The Joy In A Way Too Felicitate Gracefully!

Verismo is a well-deserved poetic book that should belong in all poetry lovers bookcase. I was delighted with Decheonbae's style of poetry. He did not succumb to the norm in his writings. You have to be a deep spiritual individual to really see the beauty that he brings to light in his work. I am recommending this book to all my friends.

Verismo is a well-deserved poetic book that should belong in all poetry lovers bookcase. I was delighted with Decheonbae's style of poetry. He did not succumb to the norm in his writings. You have to be a deep spiritual individual to really see the beauty that he brings to light in his work. I am recommending this book to all my friends.

The Pragmatism's of a world of difference, Decheonbae Jones is profoundly the increment to Knowledge and truth. I am very moved by him and love his courage, vim displaying creative art for writing the esscence of the mind, body and soul. It is Absolute power to be felt in his books, and that is exactly what you get when you read. Decheonbae has a style of fortune that relates universal and is paramount to others, the POETICAL poet Decheonbae Jones is a book of choice/excellence!

WEB DuBois:American Prophet is an absolute gem for in the ever expanding field of religious history. Blum's ability to analyze his sources and to use them to discover the spiritual side of DuBois allows the reader to understand the real DuBois. Blum is able to dismiss the idea that DuBois was secular in nature. A must have for all religious historians!!!!

This is a beautiful book, lucid, passionate, rigorous, and engaged. Blum's pathbreaking consideration of DuBois as a key religious figure in America transforms the "black church" model that has needlessly constrained the story of African American spiritual striving, and powerfully dislodges the religious/secular dividing line that has likewise constrained scholarship on DuBois in all of the disciplines that claim him. This is the beginning of a new and needed conversation on prophetic faith in America, one to which historians and scholars who might otherwise have little truck with religion may join their voices without apology.

The spiritual dimensions of W.E.B. Du Bois is the subject of a new book by Edward J. Blum, a history professor at San Diego State University. Blum's compelling work goes against the grain of previous Du Bois biographers, who uniformly claim that Du Bois was either agnostic or atheist.

Blum's volume uncovers Bu Bois's multiple religious selves, and since the biographical details of his life are relatively well known, Blum resists a chronological approach and instead offers an innovative, thematic analysis that investigates The Souls of Black Folk (Enriched Classics Series), Du Bois's sociology of religion, his understanding of Christianity and Communism, the uses of religion in Du Bois's creative work, and the reception of the spiritual Du Bois among students, scholars, and cultural critics. Blum canvasses Du Bois's massive corpus, not only including weighty academic works, but also letters, literary expressions, and even prayers written for students at Atlanta University in 1909-1910, published in 1980 as Prayers for Dark People.

The result of this thematic investigation is a convincing picture of the multiple ways Du Bois engaged religion--and in particular Christianity. One of the book's major contributions is to show when, where, how, and why Du Bois brought spiritual insight to bear on global issues he investigated both historically and sociologically, particularly those related to black Americans. It is interesting to note that Du Bois's commetaries on the issues of his time still resonate deeply with today's concerns--something I suppose prophets are able to do.

Blum's book is clearly an academic work, but unlike many scholarly monographs, it also speaks to students and other curious, interested readers, a notable achievement and something for other writers to emulate. Blum's work is a must read for anyone interested in American history, religious history, or even world history.

There is no doubt _W.E.B. Du Bois, American Prophet_ will stand as one of the most important works for understanding this important historical figure. Be sure to pick up your copy today.

This is without question the definitive study of Du Bois and his relationship to religion, faith, and the church. Not only is the scholarship top notch, but the prose are thoughtful, rich, and compelling. It is so well written, so well-researched, and so engaging for anyone interested in religion in American history, race and religion, and the genius of WEB Du Bois.

Blum delves in to so much with respectable sensitivity, and his analysis and insights go much deeper than all other biographers concerning Du Bois's relationship to religion.

Brilliant. Highly recommended for students, professors, people interested in religious studies, history, identity, etc.

Like many others I had long ago gained enormous respect for W.E.B. Du Bois, one of the outstanding leaders in race relations in the hundred years immediately after the American Civil War. As a writer, lecturer, scholar, and teacher he was a persistent voice for equality of opportunity, integration of society, and the civil rights of African Americans. I had never thought of him, however, as a religious thinker. That is, until now.

In this marvelous new book by Edward J. Blum, an historian at San Diego State University, Du Bois emerges as a major thinker in Christianity and the social gospel. As Blum demonstrates, Du Bois was in no small measure motivated by the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, by the moral teachings of scripture, and by the thinking of theologians throughout the ages. And in this aspect of his life, like all others, Du Bois found ample scriptural and moral teaching advancing equality of all people. It is an eye-opening and unexplored aspect of Du Bois's character and one that all future investigators of his life and career will have to bring into the discussion of his other activities. As Blum shows, Du Bois's work cannot be understood absent his spiritual life.

This work is a fine analysis that progresses through a series of Du Bois's writings to probe the depths of his moral and spiritual beliefs. A major chapter on "The Souls of Black Folk," as only one example, demonstrates the significance of his seeking universal truth in religion. Part sociological analysis, literary criticism, and theological exploration, Blum's work on Du Bois offers a new avenue for understanding one of the towering figures in American race relations. It is a brilliant, authoritative, and seminal study that all scholars of U.S. religion, race relations, and the early twentieth century will find invaluable.