I have not read this book yet, but it won the 1999 Modern Language Association Prize for Independent Scholars, a great honor.

I think my mom's the best writer at Amazon.com. Everyone should buy this book!

Dr. Casey presents compelling anecdotes of the real experiences of many children who have been transformed by the use of the "talking computer." That's what makes this book stand out from the pack of other comupter-in-the-classroom works. She espouses an even higher technology which replaces and surpasses the use of computers as alternate work papers. The word-sound connection, which has been proven to be of paramount importance in several recent studies, is experienced in realtime with visual, kinesthetic and aural feedback. Not content to stop with her own observation and experience, which is impressive, she collaborates with colleagues from several countries in Europe to prove the efficacy of her methods across cultural and language barriers. The outstanding results should raise some eyebrows, not only among classroom teachers, but in the hallowed halls of administration, and at the state government level. Many current problems such as bilingual education, increasing functional illiteracy and dropouts could be easily solved by the methods presented here. A useful appendix ennumerates websites, online sources, software and reviews. Highly recommended for those dedicated to the belief that Johnny CAN read, if given the right tools.

Dr. Casey, a leading researcher and professor in teaching reading, presents a compelling argument for the implementation of technology in classrooms as early as pre-school. While this is not a revolutionary idea these days, the approach she advocates is. Many schools still use the computer as a glorified typewriter or calculator, or as an electonic "ditto sheet." Not so here. With the help of colleagues throughout the world, Dr. Casey has studied real-life situations in which children, who might otherwise fail and join the ever-growing ranks of the functionally illiterate, not only learn to read, but experience the joy of success. This is accomplished through the use of the "talking computer", a learning machine which gives immediate feedback to children in all learning modalities, visual, kinesthetic, aural, and oral. Many practical problems are addressed, such as funding, and the resistance to change in the "corporate culture" of many schools. A helpful appendix ennumerates online sources, software and other technology resources. Specific advice for teachers is given in the form of a checklist. My only disappointment with the book is a lack of illustrations; this is no doubt attributable to the publisher's budget restraints. I highly recommend this book as a starting point for school districts and staffs, as well as parent advocacy groups. Many state school boards would also be well-advised to heed Dr. Casey's words.

At last, a quick reference guide to writing real letters for real life exists! Whether you're expressing personal sentiments or composing personal business correspondence, Casey Fitts Hawley offers tools for effective communication. For the unskilled or time challenged writer, endless hours of researching rules of etiquette, thumbing through the thesaurus, and dictionary dependence vanish with the use of this cleverly condensed "one stop letter shopping" guide. Consider adapting information and ideas presented in this book for real conversations in real life for positive results. Deliver your personal statement with the style and panache suggested in Effective Letters for Every Occasion for an effortless yet lasting expression.

This is a very helpful tool for anyone wanting to enhance their communication skills.

Catherine Odell has done a wonderful job telling the story of the life of Father Solanus Casey who was declared "venerable" in 1995 by Pope John Paul II. The story of his life as a Capuchin priest who served as a porter is so inspirational, reminding us all that no matter what our calling in life, there are many ways in which we can all serve God. Many people sought healing and counseling from him and this humble man was truly an instrument of God on this earth. Father Solanus tells us that we should not pray for tasks equal to our powers, but for powers equal to our tasks. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning about a modern day person who may very well become a canonized saint.

The story starts out rather slow and monotoneous, but before long you will find yourself completely emmerced in the psyche of this modern day saint. A touching story of one man's decision to say yes and to compleely surrender his life and his will to God's plan for his life. This humble man possessed those attributes that we all desire and seek, but somehow find elude us. This is a story of struggle, hope and the fullfillment of God's will in the very simple things of our lives. We are all drawn to this mindset and you will see the hunger and desire that we all have a hunger for by the unlikely attention that this man of God draws to himself without the desire to do so. If this beautiful story of real "life" brings a tear to your eye, you will have crossed that wonderful divide that seperates the spiritual from the secular, and you will in a very real sense find the hidden beauty of inner peace in the simple. I highly recommend this book for I believe it has set the roadmap for the true longing of the human spirit. The final words of Barney Casey are words that reverberate through the Centuries and words that should be readily on the tips of each of our tongues as we draw our last breath.

I often refer to it and always find it to be full of insight and wisdom.

I just finished reading it and it is a hoot and a delight! By the way, the author's name is Kathleen "Casey" Null, and I don't know why the title is not in caps up there, it is on the book cover and it is a CAPITAL book! This is a great book to give to a friend who is turning 30-40, or 50! It is like commiserating with your best friend, but it is even more than that. There are great vignettes (I think my favorite is "Eternally Seventeen") and fun stuff like, "The Care and Handling of the Middle-Aged." Casey has a fun sense of humor, but she is also inspiring and even spiritual. I really enjoyed this book and I pick it up when I need a little perspective!

As a first year middle school teacher, I am constantly looking for resources that will help me make my class more meaningful. I have found a great resource in this book. It has great activities for those higher kids who finish their work before the others. It is also great for reinforcing activities that you have already done in class. This is a great book to have in my beginning classroom library!

As a first year middle school teacher I am always searching for books that will help me make my classroom more meaningful. This book has really helped me to set up my class. It has great activities for those higher kids who finish their work before the others. This is a wonderful resource for my new classroom library!

Patricia Casey has combined simple text with illustrations that completly capture the motions and moods of a cat to create a captivating and amusing book. The repetitive text makes this book perfect for emergent readers, but it is truly a delight for readers of all ages--especially anyone who loves cats!

The pictures in this book are delightful! They're whimsically realistic and portray what a cat really does. The text is large and easy to read with simple, descriptive words that beginning readers will have little trouble reading (or at least little trouble figuring out the words from the pictures). I highly recommend it-- especially to ANYONE who likes cats!

I was featured in this book along with my mother(pg.22)and I remember when it was just a homework assignment in elementary school. When I was told it was a book I was amazed to see all of the people I knew and the moving stories it consisted of. I enjoy that book everytime I pick it up. It is especially easy for children to read because it was written by people aging 10-14. I especially love the foreword that was written by Rosa Parks herself. Very insiteful.

There are many wonderful stories told within the context of this rather difficult subject. For those who use writer's workshop . . . this is an excellent example of the use of interviews and other nonfiction techniques.

I gave this a present for my 3 yr old nephews and it immediately became one of their favorites. (In fact, I liked the book so much I got another copy for myself.) It is illustrated with a mix of photo-collage and drawings, and almost every page is a story within itself. This is much richer than the simple linear style of many children's books.
Separately, I'm an animal lover, and I love that it shows the shelter as a place of warmth, caring and dedication. A percentage of the book's profits is being donated to the Wood Green Shelter, so when you buy it everybody wins.

Come spend a day with Patricia Casey at Wood Green Animal Shelter. "It's a place in the city where sick, stray, or abandoned animals are taken care of." First let's meet the staff and their own pets who like to come to work with them. Then, let's get the shelter and clinic ready for business...preparing the waiting and examining rooms, feeding and attending to the animals who are staying there because they're sick, injured, or homeless, and need help. Finally at noon the clinic opens and the vet is ready to see patients. When the day is over, the staff feeds and prepares the animals for the night, and then go home, themselves, to eat and rest, because tomorrow is another busy day..... Patricia Casey has written a charming and informative picture book, full of fascinating and engaging stories about both the people who work at the shelter, and the many different animals who've come to stay or live there. Her simple and straightforward text is interesting and entertaining to read, but it's the busy collage artwork that really makes this book stand out. Ms Casey combines photographs, watercolors and colored pencil drawings to create a detailed smorgasbord of visual fun, and youngsters will enjoy poring over the illustrations and finding something new and exciting each time they open the book. Perfect for kids 5-9, One Day At Wood Green Animal Shelter is a clever and innovative story that your little animal lover will want to read again and again.