Junior Books

Practical, concrete suggestions for teachers (and to a lesser extent, parents) who want to understand how to promote children's social and emotional skills and knowledge. There are so many programs and perspectives 'out there' - this book helps to make sense of it - As a practicing teacher, I loved it and found it actually helpful in my classroom work.

Jonathan Cohen, the editor of this book, believes that social-emotional learning (SEL) is the heart of good education. The reason? Human beings grow in their social environments. When children care about each other, and feel cared for, they learn--a lot more than in environments where they feel anxious, frightented, or "out." Unlike "self-esteem" advocates, however, Cohen believes that positive school environments can "challenge" students to grow, so he is not simply dispensing bromides to children.

Cohen believes there are about 300 SEL curricula available in the marketplace. This book gives teachers and administrators a perspective from which to choose. The contributors also point to implementation of SEL curricula. The belief is that it takes 3 years, with consistent support to teachers and administrators, before SEL really "takes hold" in a school, although the results are faster in smaller schools and in younger children. Cohen believes that thoughtful teachers can implement SEL in their classroom, even if the school administration is not implementing in other classrooms.

I particularly liked Stuart Twemlow's chapter on the bully-victim-bystander "drama" in school, and various approaches to intermittent power struggles in schools. Another very interesting approach is Myrna Shure's I Can Problem Solve (ICPS), which is a cognitive-behavioral approach to early high-risk behaviors.

There are other books that are more "exercise" and "unit" oriented that can help teachers more directly. Look on Amazon's book search for any writings by Ruth Charney (Northeast Foundation for Children), Roxann Kriete, Maurice Elias, and others that Amazon will pop up for you.

Great book! Intended mostly for educators, this book is useful for all the "special disciplines" in school (psychologists, social workers, guidance counselors, administrators) as well as teachers interested in SEL.

This book from the world of Pokemon tells the story of Celebi, a legendary Pokemon that has the ability to heal forests. Celebi gets into trouble, and naturally Ash, Pikachu and friends help save it.

My 6 year old son and I really enjoyed this book. At about 40 pages, it's the perfect length for a child just beginning to tolerate chapter books. The illustrations certainly weren't extensive, but a small picture of each Pokemon appeared as it was introduced and that seemed to be enough to keep my son's attention. As a parent fan of Pokemon, I was pleased that the plot line seemed pretty decent, too! We will definitely be looking for more books from the Battle Frontier series.

The book is in great condition and I received fast shipping. Will shop again.

I've been waiting YEARS for this book to get reprinted. Like other Junior League cookbooks from across the country, each recipe has been tested (and tested) so you know they're good.

Not only do you get fantastic recipes that you know will be a hit at your next party or family gathering, you're also helping further the cause of an organization that has done amazing work in the community.

This book is fantastic. Not only are the recipes delicious, but beautifully illustrated and presented in the book. However, I just priced the book locally and found it $3-5 cheaper than Amazon.com

Fred Birkett is not just writing about charter schools. He runs the first charter school in Harlem, New York. He is a committed instructional leader with hands-on knowledge about how to make charter schools work. Buy this book and take it from a pro.

Charter Schools, by Frederick A. Birkett, is a well-written and informative guide for anyone considering an alternative solution to traditional public school education. Like the subtitle implies, the book includes "everything you need to know to make the right decision for your child." Debate over quality education (or lack thereof) in our nation's public school system is finally drawing the attention it deserves. Although my own two children are grown and have completed their schooling, I was interested in knowing what charter schools were all about. The concept, barely 10 years old, was not in existence when my sons were in school. But, what about the next generation?

To find out about this new trend in education, I searched for that one "perfect" book that could answer all my questions. Birkett's Charter Schools was the ideal choice. In a simple, straightforward manner, the author addresses everything from "what is a charter school?" to the wide range of flexibility permitted under the charter system, and the different approaches that make each facility unique. Birkett's step-by-step process of what to look for in a system that best fits your child's needs, includes: individualized instruction, class size comparison, and overall quality. In addition, he is careful not to overlook important details as transportation and before- and after-school programs. Finally, the author offers three appendixes of valuable resource material, including--basic facts and figures; state charter granting agencies, websites, publications; and, a complete list of "existing" and "newly approved" schools. I highly recommend this book to everyone interested in the subject!

I have been graced with the opportunity to experience Chicken Soup for the Soul in the Classroom by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, and Anna Unkovich. I am a Spiritual Leader and the Youth Ministry Coordinator for Unity Church Five Cities in Arroyo Grande, California.

We are constantly on the hunt for worthy educational materials to teach and support our children. Also, it needs to be something interesting enough that not only keeps the children's attention but the attention of our Sunday school staff.

These books have been a God send. Not only are they fun and easy to use but they're inspirational as well. It is not always easy to find a curriculum that is systematized so that we may bring any of our teachers in and they will have a formula to follow. The Chicken Soup for the Soul in the Classroom books are just that.

With each story there is a not only a lesson plan, activities and questions for our teachers to follow, but each story comes with a positive life lesson... a life lesson, which serves our children's personal and especially their spiritual growth.

I would love to corner the markets on these books and keep them only in our Sunday school, but I must recommend them to anyone who has children or young adults.
Whether in a Sunday school setting such as ours, or public and private schools and especially those of us whom home school, these books are an excellent addition to anyone's curriculum.

Appreciating you,
Billy Mitchell

As a teacher of 42 years, I have taught the three R's Reading,Writing,and Arithmetic. Now here is a book for the fourth R Responsibility. Chicken Soup for the Soul in the Classroom gives teachers stories and activities to empower children to take responsibility for their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Children are taught many life lessons in the classroom. This book is a great aid to teachers. LoveGramma Shirah www.joysongcreations.com

This book revolutionized the way that I taught math in my classroom. I was a more informed instructor, and it allowed me to group, scaffold, and individualize my instruction. The year that I implemented these techniques into my fifth grade class, we made an average of two years growth in one year! Highly recommend this one!

Excellent resource for those wishing to guide students from informal understanding of solving word problems to problem solving. The authors' examples of the various problem types coupled with explanations and strategically placed video clips (CD included) guide even the most novice CGI instructor to a clear understanding of the problems and expected student strategies, classroom environment and expectations needed to implement this teaching strategy.

I borrowed this book from the library, and now can't wait to own my own copy. It is so full of great ideas.

Cathy Duffy is honest, dependable and reliable. I bought her first book years ago and several updates inbetween. I have always found that I could count on her to tell me the truth about homeschooling products--which made homeschooling much easier. I've been homeschooling for 12 years now and I couldn't have done it without Cathy Duffy. Way to go, girl!!

Tennis is a widely celebrated sport the world over and has numerous physical and psychological benefits for its players. "Coaching Your Tennis Champion: The Progressive Plan for Success" is a guide for those who would coach children of any age to become the very best tennis player they can be. Covering day by day plans, drills, rules, strategies and so much more that every aspiring tennis star would love to learn. "Coaching Your Tennis Champion: The Progressive Plan for Success" is highly recommended for community library sports collections and for any who want to teach their tennis students right.

This book is a must have for any parent or coach teaching youth tennis. Outside of the basic drills taught in schools and camps around the country, this book uses imaginative and extremely effective techniques for ensuring your youth are not only physically ready for competitive (and leisure) tennis, but also develop the knowledge to be "smart" players on the court. A truly phenomenal product and hats off to Mr Minihan for his efforts!

Augusta, Georgia author Elise Weston offers readers an intriguing mystery set during the time period of World War II -- August 1943 to be specific -- on the coast of South Carolina. The story begins when eleven-year-old Hugh, who is coastwatching with binoculars, spots a periscope that he believes belongs to a German submarine close to the beach.

Hugh continues to monitor the area where he's staying with his family in a beach house. A flashing light in an abandoned beach house dubbed "the spook house" by Hugh and his siblings catches his eye. As the plot unfolds, Hugh keeps a scrap book of the war, adding details and evidence that result from his coastwatching adventures.

Though this book is a perfect companion for a lazy afternoon at the beach, it is also a good reading choice for any time of the year. The plot moves fast, the setting will make the reader wish for the beach, and the historical accuracy and details bring this period to life for readers young and old. Well-drawn characters that literally step off the pages, sand, salt air, and a satisfying ending all combine to make this an outstanding read.

While scouting for books for my grandson I found Coastwatcher and read it less than 24 hours because I couldn't put it down. There is a fast paced plot which begins with a periscope sighting off the South Carolina coast by an 11 year old boy. He pursues his clues and there is an exciting conclusion. Of interest to me were descriptions of 1943 wartime America which I lived through - including rationing, radio news, blackouts, and the great volunteer war effort. It has historical interest for children and the book has useful information at the back for teachers. The descriptions of life in a south Atlantic coastal setting are beautifull and evocative of the place and time. It is wonderful to read about children playing together without so much adult supervision and the sedentary influences of TV, computers, and Ipods. All the characters, including the dog, are well drawn and charming.

This is a great cookbook - many of the recipes I've used have become family traditions that we can not do without! The Banana Birthday cake and coconut cake are fabulous. There is a great variety of recipes esp. with a taste of Texas. A must have!

A great cookbook that has many recipes that are simple, with few ingredients. All that I have tried have been delicious. The Rodeo Cake is one of the big favorites from this one. A must for every kitchen!