Education Books

Being a student of Barry Gilmore's english course, i can honestly tell you that "G" is an astoundigly talented teacher and writer. In the class room Gilmore instills his lessons in an attractive and interesting manner, and his book is no different. This mass of pages will undoubtedly assist writers of any age to become more talented. Gilmore is where it's at, and if you can't dig it, then doom on you!

This book opened my eyes to the world of writing. I loved it and I want to marry Barry Gilmore, the hottest author in the universe. Marry me, Barry. Love, your secret admirer

Never before have I been able to learn so much by simply reading a book. Barry Gilmore's book with its stunning insights into the world of creative writing has taken my own writing to new heights. I would strongly advise all aspiring young writers to read this book. Even veteran writers would do well to read this book and learn a few new tricks.

Barry Gilmore is so Flush!!!! This is a super book, written by someone who had I Love Barry written on a trash can for him. If that doesn't show devotion, I don't know what does.

Barry's oxymoronic view of the aesthetic atmosphere drives liberally in a radical world of writing. His poignant and precise touch on the nebulous line that divides and encompasses the writing and visual arts and poetry, is a phenomenal explication on the spirit and presence that can strike us all dumbfounded when gawking and drooling at colorful oprah. He takes a painting and expounds on it thoroughly enough to encapsulate even the ignorant, and even his tone and rhythm musically provide a contextual creation. His work, in itself, is a piece of art.

This book was very informative, clearly written, easy to understand, and gave me new insight into alternative approaches to therapy. Dr. Hurd is direct and to the point, which is a writing style that I enjoy and benefit from significantly when I need to get a new perspective and some new ideas. I learned alot from the book and would recommend it highly.

Dr. Hurd's work is of incredible usefulness when seeking out a therapist. He looks at a few schools of thought on psychotherapy and rightly knocks them down-- and to my enjoyment, he does so by virtually mocking them. I have placed this book in the hands of a number of friends who were considering therapy and I am pleased that it resulted in positive results-- including saving the marriage of a couple who was going to a "bad therapist" and changed therapists as a result of reading this book. I can't recommend this book enough!

"Effective Therapy" by Michael J Hurd covers the field of modern psychotherapy, but does so in an unusual way. It examines the field of modern psychotherapy and the differences that the different schools of therapy have, but explains these differences by reference to the underlying philosophic ideas that shape each of them, and shows how these ideas shape the judgments and therapeutic techniques used by professionals who embrace them. The book's goal is to make the reader a smart psychotherapy consumer by being conscious of the malicious philosophical ideas that influence much of the profession today. Each of the prevailing schools of psychotherapy is discussed at length, with the discussion focusing on the philosophical views presupposed by each and how these positions guide their views of the human mind and of what constitutes mental health, and the means to arrive at it. Anyone who doubts the power and influence of philosophy would be well advised to read this work.

The author embraces what he terms "cognitive" psychotherapy, which is the view that it is the ideas and assumptions a person holds - whether they are held consciously or not - that guide all of his thoughts, emotions and actions. Emotions, according to the author, are nothing more than the automatic result of value judgments that have been made, with these value judgments being guided by the fundamental philosophical views that a person has accepted. They key to mental health is the harmonizing of one's ideas and ones emotions. But in order to do this a person must consciously identify the ideas that he has accepted, a task that it is the job of the psychotherapist to help him with.

"Effective Therapy" presents a strong case against the opposing schools of psychotherapy and offers a good defense for the position it recommends. It is edifying with respect to not only the profession of psychotherapy but also with respect to the influence of philosophy on the sciences. Hence the title of this work, it provides the reader with the tools necessary to pursue effective therapy

I just finished Dr. Hurd's book Effective Therapy and I love it. He eloquently put into words what I have been thinking for a long time...that therapists' individual issues that they "bring to the table" can affect their objectivity with their clients.
I really appreciate Dr. Hurd's insight, and this book has given me a "scorecard" I can use if and when I ever seek therapy or personal coaching.
After I finish this, I am buying his book "Grow Up America!" If it's anything like Effective Therapy, it'll be great.

Dr. Hurd's book offers the prospect of fulfilling the important and little-addressed need for a consumer-guide to psychotherapy. The author introduces the reader to the seven features of psychotherapy that he considers are essential to effective therapy. He then introduces the reader to a handful of the most popular psychotherapy approaches (a now slightly dated list). The remainder of the book consists largely of critiques of these approaches. The lay reader and the psychotherapy consumer need and deserve a plain-speaking and critical discussion of these various approaches. Sadly, that discussion is not to be found here. In fact, what is to be found here is a playful batting around of a handful of straw-man effigies that stand (and easily fall) in the stead of their namesakes. The straw-men are lined up and knocked down several times over (with the same glee, one imagines, that a toddler takes in stacking blocks and knocking them down - over and over). By the end of the book one is left with a small battlefield strewn with mangled straw bodies. In the middle stands the author's victorious approach - strong and undaunted. The `consumer guide' has `guided' the reader to the only logical choice available - the author's approach. This reader has no interest in defending any particular approach, or in critiquing the author's approach. But it must be said that the author - who purports to place a high value on rational thinking and objectivity - forgoes any claim to providing the reader with an `objective' guide by engaging in the easy and empty exercise of pretending to critique various schools of psychotherapy when in fact what he critiques are reconstituted, popularly received definitions of these approaches. They are unflattering, clichéd and grossly oversimplified. It's too bad, since a `real' version of this book would be of real use to many people.

Eric Jensen's new book is a must read for anyone who works with or is raising children. I am an educator and have read many resources on brain research and this one is by far the most comprehensive and interesting. Jensen makes the info about the brain accessible to all readers and the book is filled with many "Aha!" moments. I found the book so useful, I recently did a professional development presentation on it giving away a few copies as door prizes and lending out additional copies to colleagues. I even handed it to administrators to read too. This book is just outstanding.

Enriching the Brain should be required reading for educators, parents, and people who want to understand how to help others achieve at their highest levels. Eric Jensen is well-known in his field so I was expecting an authoritative and comprehensive presentation of the latest reserch about the brain. I was not disappointed. He also provided suggestions for how we can maximize the brain's potential and the importance of providing enrichment for everyone.

I read this as part of a graduate course and really enjoyed it. It talks about the latest findings in brain reserach and how humans' brains can change and are quite malleable. I was really intrigued by the information and findings. Any teacher or parent-to-be would really benefit from this book.

Jensen's theories of enrichment are based on research which he explains in jargon-free everyday language. The research confirms that the brain changes throughout the lifespan. The brain grows with positive experiences. Negative experiences, if they are not managed properly, stunt the brain's ability to grow.

Jensen's definition of enrichment is that of a result: "a positive biological response to a contrasting environment, in which measurable synergistic, and global changes have occurred."

He cites 7 factors that contribute to enrichment and throughout the book returns to them in his discussions of research, designs for school and parental enrichment efforts, and implications for forming public policy.

Unfortunately, public education is moving in a different direction. Teachers spend more time each school year documenting their every minute of student contact at the expense of more creative lessons, multiple assessments and IEPs for all. Students spend increasing amounts of time studying for and taking one size fits all tests. Until the "system" changes, schools will be measured in the public eye by their rankings on these tests. Vocal parents (who enrich their kids at home) will continue to pressure school boards and administrators for the short term fix (test prep.) in the classroom.

Research, and its accessibility through the writings of Jensen and others, helps those with the resourses and energies to reach the diffuse and quasi-anonymous constituencies that support this ever growing testing. Hopefully, as more and more people come to understand the research and its implications, the current direction of reliance on testing in the name of accountability can be reversed.

Eric Jensen has "done it again." He has carefully laid out reasons and suggestions for enriching all children. He carefully covers neuroscience research relating to the science of enrichment and provides practical suggestions to help every student reach his/her learning potential. Jensen stresses that the brain can and does change, bringing hope to caregivers, parents, and teachers. This is an important and powerful book written with integrity and wisdom.. If you want to make a difference in the lives of children, you HAVE to read this book.

This book is essential for student-teacher because it explain how to introduce and teach literature to children. In addition, you get all sort of ideas from reading this book and it prepare you in the subject of children's literature.

Excellent transaction!! I needed this book for a class and it arrived on my doorstop within 24 hours. Can't wait to order again!

Book in excellent shape and quickly shipped would definitly buy from seller again.

This text includes a great number of book lists for literature for each genre.
It provides a great description and numerous examples for each type of
literature. It highlights all the award winning books. Finally, this text provides
lots of ideas for promoting literature in the classroom.

This is one of the best overviews of children's literature I have EVER seen. I plan on using this book in my new job as a Library Media Specialist. Each children's genre is covered as well as outstanding books in each genre. A must have if you are working with children's or YA literature! BRAVO!

It came in good time and in great condition. I recommend it with no reservations.

I'm new to Economics and have done very well in the class so far because the book does such a good job explaining complex economic principles. My Professor follows the book exactly. He even uses the slides provided by the publisher. The student section the publisher provides is awesome too. It has flashcards, practice tests, powerpoint slides, etc.

One doesn't often come across a textbook that is as well written as this. I was able to understand the material; it presented everything clearly. The language/voice used was engaging, humorous, and easy to understand. I wish more textbooks were like this one. I give it an A.

This is one of the clearest--and certainly the most interesting--college textbooks I've ever had! I'm an older student returning to school and had to take econ as a prerequisite for an MBA program. I wasn't looking forward to it--tried it once in college years ago and dropped it because both book and class were so boring! I love this class (online, so no professor even!) and look forward to doing the reading each week. My school uses a "customized" version with with only about 2/3 of the chapters, and I'm buying the entire book so I can read the rest of it. Highly recommended!

This is a great book for Beginners in Economics. It has side notes and just about everything is explained very well. Perfect for the Econ101 Course.

A unique blend of introspection,philosophy, WWII adventure, and aviation.

In this autobiogrpahical tale, Antoine de Saint-Exupery ruminates at length upon the situation of men within mankind, France's gallant but failing war effort, and the general context of a life lived meaningfully. He includes relationship to God. He provides specific illustrations within the context of his occupation as a pilot in the French air corps. AND . . . incredibly, he narrates most of this story while at the controls of a French military reconnaisance aircraft on a seemingly hopeless mission to Arras and back.

As St-Ex is wont to do, he flits back and forth between his reflections on life, and the current situation piloting the aircraft. The effect in fascinating, dealing with his inner thoughts while on this hopeless mission, for example describing his feeling of old age as he starves for oxygen at high altitude, fighting against his frozen controls. There is tense combat, described at one point as, flying into a "wall of brass".

On a few occasions the heavy introspection came close to losing me. I suspect that the translation from the French contributed to this, although the Lewis Galantiere translation that I read was generally nicely done.

Great writing . . . adventure . . . thoughtfulness . . . history. Does he make it back to home base? I won't ruin it for you. His writing indicates that in a way, he "found himself" while on this sortie. I will add that, as recorded in history, Saint-Exupery died when his P-38 reconnaisance plane went down in 1943, returning from a mission.

How can an author do better than "The Little Prince"? He can't. And once the dull reader--myself--accepts that, Saint-Exupery's other wonderful books become what they are meant to be: special gifts from a memorable writer.
Read "Flight to Arras" to learn about the nature of warfare, the nature of defeat and, in the midst of all this overwhelming distress, the importance of the individual.

It took more than one try for me to really get into Flight to Arras. Saint-Exupery is not the easiest of writers to follow, despite a superb writing style, because of being so deep into philosophy. And, once I did finally reach the point of being ready for this book, I was astounded. Absolutely! As always, St-Exupery taught me So Much.


To anyone who likes Saint-Exupery and wants to read this, I would say: Go for it. Don't force yourself through it, though. Wait until you're really at the place where this book will take to you, on its own.

In this autobiographical story, Saint-Ex tells of the already lost battle he found himself in during 1940 in desperate, war-torn France. He and his crew get sent on a hopeless reconnoissance flight mission over the burning City of Arras. Faced with almost certain imminent death, he is brought to the point of where he can't help but ask himself: "Where's the sense in all this? What am I doing? Why am I doing this?" And as we live through the harrowing experience with him, he lets us see into his heart and mind as he tries to find some answers.. What he comes up with is defined by solid thought resulting from acute observation (Metaphysics my foot!) of man and mankind, certainly more poignant now than ever and therefore surely timeless... And since it's Saint-Ex who relates all this in his unique humble-but-not-so-humble and profoundly human style, this is not only an exciting read about a dangerous time, but it is infused with charme and humour like some superb wine with its unique flavour and aroma. A great little book by a great man.

the book is st.-ex's thoughts and reflections as he flies a suicide recon mission during WW2. it is not an action novel, but does have some exiting parts to it. it is a thoughtful look at life. the book is not just an interesting look into the mind of someone on a doomed mission, but is motivating, thougth provoking and insightful, and has some great lines to live by. i liked it better than his other book wind, sand and stars, and my copy is all marked up and highlighted and i refer back to it often. i would reccommend this book without hesitation.

Another great experience buying a child's book through Amazon. Books received timely and as advertised. My granddaughter loves the books. I read to her every night. I like them to. Grandpa Jim

This is a good ficton book. That's what I think. It has a good cover It was a good story, and it is especially funny when Flea popped out of Gray's head. Then they had to teach her how to fly. It didn't seem so exiting that Bullsnake was not moving. But it got exciting when he moved. This book has great excitement in it! I hope you have this GREAT Book like me!

This book is about a cat that adopts a baby bird that has fallen out of it`s nest because the cat, Gray, doesn't like to eat birds. (Whoever heard of a cat that doesn't like to eat birds?) And when the bird (Gray calls Flea) goes south for the winter Gray is sad because she taught her how to fly.

I thought this book was funny.

It might have taken me a little while to read this book, but it was fabulous. There wasn't a part that I really liked the best because I enjoyed the whole book. If you like cats, birds and funny stories you will love this book.

My nine-year old daughter loved this book. The Wallace's tell this story from the animal's perspective, and do so with great success. Being country-dwellers, and animals owners, we could totally relate to all of their thoughts and antics. Gray, the new cat, along with Callie, the older (and wiser) cat, and their yard-mate Bullsnake share their lives with Mama Bird, Papa Bird and their babies. Find out what happens to Flea, the baby bird, when he takes comfort on top of Gray's head! Find out what happens when Gray visits the barn full of rats! The illustrations add much to the story.

As a teacher of the gifted I find reader's theatre a creative avenue for teaching literacy and creative dramatics. Aaron Shepard does a great job providing interesting, well organized scripts with a rich selection of myths, folktales, and legends. I greatly appreciate this valuable resource!

I love all of Aaron's books. As a future teacher who believes today's students don't know enough of the world's folktales, I know I will be using this book in my future classroom. I especially like the story of "The Sea King's Daughter." It is a wonderful story and Aaron Shepherd has done a wonderful job of adapting it and the other stories in this collection for readers' theater. I can't wait to see what he will do next.

Do you want an engaging activity to use with elementary students that fosters reading, performing and listening skills? Aaron Shephard's book is a wonderful resource for K-8 teachers to use in the classroom. This book has a variety of texts adapted for Reader's Theater from all parts of the world. It has been a great addition to our reading lessons!

The grade and school where I teach stresses folktales, legends and myths. I also wanted to try to get this in a "Reader's Theater" format. This book does just that! Bravo!

As a teacher of children with learning disabilities, I rarely find an activity that relates to the standards, a child's IEP, and is one that students rave about. This is entertaining as well as educational.

My parents gave me this book when I was 3 or 4. I remember reading it over and over and over again for a very long time. The characters are very cute and very vivid. To this day, 20 years later, I still have my original copy that sits amongst the other classics in my bookshelf. It is even complete with my 4 year old handwriting on the inside cover: "This book belongs to..." written on the inside. I have loved this book for 20 years, hopefully you will too.

I found this book to be helpful in getting my daughter to realize that everyone is afraid of something and that fear is a natural emotion. This books helps to show how the characters deal with their fears. If your child is very fearful of the dark, I would recommend you read the book before sharing with your child. I had no problems with an increase in fears after reading this book but neither of my children are very fearful of the dark.

I GIVE THIS BOOK A FIVE STAR BECAUSE IT TEACHES YOUNGER KIDS BETWEEN THE AGES OF 1-6 ABOUT THE DARK AND HOW IT IS NOT SCARY.

This was our first Franklin book and my son really, really likes Franklin now. I had never heard of him before this book, which was a "gift" from the pediatrician for my son's pre-preschool check-up.

The Franklin books are great.

This one, however, I wish we had skipped.

The thing is, my son was never afraid of the dark. I don't think it ever occurred to him that you *should* be afraid of the dark. But after reading this book, he started to have nightmares. We can't get him to tell us what they are about exactly but they have something to do with Franklin and his small, dark shell.

This might be a good book to help a child who is afraid of the dark get over it. But unless our child is some sort of anomoly, it could also have the potential of giving bad ideas to a child who is not afraid of the dark.

Consider your child when you purchase this book.

This is the best of all of the Franklin stories, and the first one published. It's a wonderful read aloud story, a great story for children to act out, and an easy way to begin a discussion of "things that scare us". Children are amazed to learn that grownups can be frightened of things too. This book should be in every child's home collection and in every elementary teacher's too!

I am taking Spanish and we have a terrible book full of silly pictures. So I ordered this book and passed it around to our class to review. We all were impressed with the way Spanish is taught thru this book. Very comprehensive and easy to learn. This is a must!!!!

I'm still studying with this book, and it is extremely helpful! Vocabulary is quickly provided to the reader and before you know it you're spouting simple Spanish sentences instead of just given phrases to memorize. There are exercises after each new thing you learn, making it easier for content to stay in your mind and actually learning it. An answer key is provided at the end of the book to check your work.

Hoping to perhaps retire to Mexico, I am endeavoring to learn Spanish on my own after 30+ years has passed since I had to take Spanish in college. Although it certainly is not sufficient by itself (because one needs to actually hear the language being spoken), I find it is one of the best books I've purchased for learning the Spanish language. The material is very well organized, and I concur with those reviewers who rave about the book.

The vocabulary lists, especially, are very helpful to me. I find that, in browsing them as I work through the chapters, I can refresh myself on what I used to know and pick up new vocabulary. It's encouraging to realize that, even with my native English vocabulary, I forget the meanings of words I don't often use and a dictionary is always at hand if I don't understand something. I feel like less of a dufus, in other words. The lists in Fundamental Spanish are plentiful, but each list is not overly long, so I can literally review a list when I'm watching TV, when a commercial comes on, and pick it back up later. Having the book in Kindle format, of course, makes it very easy and convenient to always have the book with me, so I get far more instruction and practice than I would if it were sitting on a bookshelf.

Highly recommended.

Fundamental Spanish is excellent for students and teachers of Spanish. It provides an accessibility into particular grammatical subjects as well as providing excellent content for learning or reviewing Spanish grammar. Without a doubt, Fundamental Spanish could be used as a text for beginners (adults/college prep) who have a grasp of grammar in general.

The book was required for a Spanish Class, was received in a very timely manner, however, the price listed on the back of the book was $26.95. Amazon charged $29.00 in addition for the shipping. What was that about??