Expertly translated from the original Italian by Arthur K. Bierman, Sealed In Stone is the English-language rendition of Anno 1424, a haunting and dramatic novel by Toni Maraini. Set during the Hundred Years' War and based on the historical figure of Alix la Bourgotte, Sealed In Stone is the story of a young Parisian recluse who lives within a cell located in the wall of the Cemetery of the Holy Innocents and observes a boisterous, turbulent, and dangerous world of thieves, scoundrels, rebels, intellectuals, heretics, and pilgrims. Enhanced with an introduction by Alberto Moaravia, Sealed In Stone is very strongly recommended, literate and dramatic story of love, passion, and death amidst a bygone world of violence and change.

This is the first book I read as a child. I loved it then and now that I am older I have read it again and still adore it. The characters are amazing. Animals that talk, their attitudes all different and in a magical way suit every one. The grand Father with his warmth, and sunlight. This book is only for the humans with imagination. If you have grown up and forgotten what it is like to be young then I would tell you to read this book for the following reason. You will be taken to a place in your mind that you could never even dream of, You will imagin things that you could only have imagined if you were 5 years of age. The author has to have one of the most vivid imaginations in the universe or he did a lot of drugs. This book is and always will be my fav. All I can say is thank you for writting it!

By reading the intentions in this book, I have changed the way I think about myself and my impact in world. Intending for the well being of others creates gratitude for life.

I heard Ruth Stone read from this book back in 1988, an event sponsored by the International Poetry Forum in Pittsburgh, PA. I screwed together all my teenaged courage at the reception afterwards to approach her and say, "I just wanted to let you know, I loved your poems when I read them, and you look exactly as I'd thought you'd look, and your voice sounds exactly as I'd thought it would sound." And she stood up and gave me a hug.

The 'new' poems in this collection are not many, but they're really excellent; and the selections from her previous books (Cheap, Topography, and In an Iridescent Time) are the best poems of those collections. These are tremendously lucid and humble - not to say ordinary or spare - poems about aging and loss, but also about tenacity and determined hopefulness. Nothing I write here can do them justice! This is one of my very favorite books, and if you can find a copy I highly recommend you seize hold of it with both hands and not let go.

With similarities to The Elves and the Shoemaker comes The Secret of the Stones, a folktale based on African and African-American narratives. The illustrations transport the reader to the Ozark mountains. Each day from sun-up to sun-down a childless couple, John and Clara, tend the cotton and vegetables before retiring to their simple meal--peas, okra, corn bread. One evening on the long walk home, Clara stoops to pick up two white stones. She plans to use them to whet her knives and instead brings a mystery into their home. The next evening they find the clothes ironed, wood sawed, floor swept, corn pounded, fire made, and the supper things laid out. Not even a footprint is left. Aunt Easter sends them on an errand to solve the mystery and possibly change their lives. An enchanting book to share.

The car accident leaves Arlis Petcher dead and Jessica Caulfied in a coma. The teens failed to use seat belts and were thrown from the vehicle. Beer cans were found inside the car and Arlis's mother accuses Jessica of stealing her vehicle and killing her baby. Jessica's parents, six months divorced, are stunned by the accusations. Even more shocking to Mattie and Stephen is that their daughter Jessica was pregnant, the baby dying in the crash.

Stephen begins to provide comfort to his former wife and their other daughter. He wants to reconcile, but though Mattie has turned to him for solace, she has other needs too. She needs to know the truth including any other secrets Jessica hid from them.

THE SECRET STONES is a powerful relationship drama that leaves the reader in awe of author Dee Holmes while digesting disturbing thoughts about loved ones. The well written, angst-laden plot belongs to the prime characters especially Jessica and the comatose Mattie. Elementary, Dr. Watson, anyone who relishes a complex realistic soul searching novel will want to read Ms. Holmes latest gut wrencher.

Harriet Klausner

"Secrets in Stone" is the fascinating story of the Maya and the hieroglyphs that made up their language. Written by Laurie Coulter with illustrations by Sarah jane English, this book begins with two explorers in 1839 who first began studying the Mayan ruins on the Yucatan peninsula, and looks at the first clues that helped them unravel the mystery of the hieroglyphics. Along the way we learn about Mayan culture, their creation myth, calendar, sports, chocolate drink, and other fascinating aspects. If this book was about just the aspects of Mayan culture or about their hieroglyphics it would be first-rate, but combining the two together this well is very impressive.

There are nice color photographs of ancient Mayan ruins and treasures, as well as the dozens of glyph drawings. Finally, to cap things off, there is a specially embossed GlyphMaster in the back of the book that allows you to make your own glyph rubbings, just like real archeologists. Special activities throughout the book show young readers (and interested adults) how to use the GlyphMaster to send secret messages, create signs and cards, and even host a Maya celebration. "Secrets in Stone: All About Maya Hieroglyphs" is wonderful interactive learning and just like the ancient Mayans does not involve the use of a computer.

Gorgeous illustrations, beautiful story. This book is well worth the money. Only a warning - references to "ghostly spirits" and "spirit world".

In the beginning it's like they talked about the people. There are kings one is a King and one is a Lord. There are kids and it seems lie some are bothers and sisters and also some are friends and they all live in like a little kingdom. It talks about where they go on this big nice hill and it tells sercets.

As a former student at Nueva, a school that included Self Science in their curriculum, I was constantly amazed while reading this book by its accuracy and specificity. The book clearly, with many examples and guidelines, lays out a year-long (or two-year) curriculum that allows students to learn about and make connections with others as well as themselves. Self Science is one of the most valuable classes I've ever taken.