I love this book. I wish I'd gotten it when my son was little! It provides great information about how to teach kids with DS to read, but also has great stories of real kids and their accomplishments. I'd recommend that anybody with a DS child buy the book early (when their baby is little), and read the first few chapters. It'll inspire them, mitigate some of the worries they have about their child's future, and introduce them to the important concept that although people with DS are generally slower to develop, their learning disabilities can be mitigated by teaching them in a way that is effective for the way they think (e.g., kids with DS are visual learners), rather than the "standard" way. My four year old has actually had better success with the Love and Learning videotapes and books than the flash card approach described in the book, but the principal is pretty much the same.

it is extremely helpful, in only 2 months my daughter at 6 years old was up to 30 site words without picture cues. (Her first attempt at actually reading) The book contains alot of helpful activities, simply spelled out in step by step directions for anyone to understand.

I have taught 5 children with down syndrome how to read, based on the information I recieved from this book. I work in the school district with children with DS and tutor them after school as well. I could never have had the success I have had without the information the author provides in this book.

This is the most clearly written book I have read on spiritual warfare. Too many books get bogged down in theology and cerebral arguements. Jim Logan explains exactly what spiritual warfare is, how the believer and non-believer alike are affected and what to do about it. He backs up what he says with Scripture. This is a must read for anyone interested in or dealing with spiritual warfare!

After having read some 30 books on the topic, I can say this is the very best I've seen. Sane, practical, no sensationalism, and solidly biblical. Forewarded by Dr. Charles Stanley and recommended by Dr. Erwin Lutzer of Moody Bible Institute. You can't get much better than that. This is a book that needs to be in every Christians library.

This is very sound, practical, "liveable" teaching on the matter of spiritual warfare. Unfortunately, most of us from evangelical backgrounds get very limited teaching on the reality of the battle. Dr. Logan's book is particularly valuable in that it not only acquaints the reader with the concept of spiritual warfare, but gives practical, measurable steps to apply it to their daily walk. The "Higher Ground" segments between chapters are especially helpful in this regard. I'm ordinarily hesitant to recommend books too quickly, knowing that for most people it requires an investment of days or weeks to finish a book. Dr. Logan's book is a notable exception; this is worthwhile reading for any believer who's hungry to see genuine change and growth. This is life-changing material. What gift to the body of Christ!

This summer we enjoyed our first stays in some of the national park lodges. Not knowing much about the lodges prior to the trip, we located this guide in a bookstore in a nearby town. It provided enough information that we were able to make good choices on which lodges to choose in each park we visited. In particular, we were having difficulty picking lodges in both Yellowstone and Glacier. Both parks have several lodges and we didn't know much about any lodge other than Old Faithful Inn until reading the information in this book. We found the information accurate and helpful.

If you like to stay in National Parks, this is the book for you. It provides all the detail needed to weigh all your options for lodging in our National Parks (price, location, views, room options, restaurants). In some cases it even gives recommendations for certain rooms because of the view or the size of the room.

Even if you never thought about staying at a National Park Lodge get this book. There are some wonderful places to stay and staying in the park, even if it costs a little more, adds so much to the total park experience.

I will not be without this book when I travel. I just wish the authors would write a similar book for State Parks.

As a frequent visitor to the national parks, I found the information in this book to be accurate and useful. We had stayed in several of the lodges mentioned in the book but found out about some places we never knew existed. The lodge in North Cascades is one of our favorites. I recommend this book to both experienced and novice travelers.

Although this book is significantly longer than your typical "escapist" novel, and for me it was somewhat slow to get into, Spirits of the Revolution is definitely worth the effort. The book is filled symbolism and rich imagery. Contemporary Cuban history and culture are woven throughout the story. Characters are well-drawn, complex, and Gonzalez has a unique style of having them build and build upon each other. I got caught up into their lives and wanted to know more about them than was even presented in this voluminous novel. I must also say that, even though I know this book is "part one" of a trilogy and the story will continue, for me I needed somewhat more closure. I would have liked it if some of the issues had been resolved more before the book ended in the lives of the main characters, especially Alejandro. But I guess that must be the nature of a trilogy and why I'm so looking forward to the next installment.

This excellent first novel from Luis Gonzalez is a absolute "must read" for anyone interested in contemporary Cuba and the Cuban-American experience. Unlike many of the novels with "Cuba" in their titles that have appeared in the recent past, this novel provides genuine insights into the at times tortured relationship that exists between La Patria and the Cuban diaspora. To the extent that a non-Cuban (or non-Cuban/American!)can determine, the aspirations, motivations and actions of the characters all ring true. The novel is well written, interestingly constructed and very readable. Don't let its length or the fact that it is but the first of a trilogy put you off. I guarantee that once begun, it will seem all too short!

This long, juicy book tells the tale of one visit of Group Volveremos to Cuba in the late 1980s. This organization of Cuban immigrants (the name means Group We Will Return) and Cuban-Americans is permitted by the Castro regime to come to the island once a year, work, meet with fellow comrades, and leave one member behind as a sort of reverse defection. The members of this year's Group Volveremos team are at each other's throats from the get-go, and author Luis Gonzales lets us into why each group member is there, how they relate-or generally don't- with the others, and what they hope to get out of this latest trip to the patria. The characters are complex, quirky, and highly opinionated, which makes for some very lively reading. Gonzalez has the gift of showing, not telling. It is through the characters that we see Cuban life and are left to make up our own minds about it. Like California social worker Alejandro Palante's aunt and cousin, everyone in Cuba seems to be arguing over whether to leave or stay. And no one in Group Volveremos is ever, ever allowed to ask what happened to earlier reverse-defectors. Only occasionally does Gonzalez overplay his hand (the story of Alejandro Palante's school experiences is way over the top) but for the most part, Spirits of the Revolution is a delightful intertwining of past and present, with a few glimpses of the future. The good news is that the trip to Cuba is just beginning, which means that another long and satisfying read is due sooner, we hope, rather than later. This is the first effort published by Colonnade Press in Los Angeles. They've put out a stylish book, but desperately need a new copy editor. May there be many more equally enjoyable books on their list in the future!

Mildred Taylor has written an outstanding novel. The Land is a prequal to Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry. It traces the life of Paul-Edward Logan. Paul-Edward is the son of prominent Edward Logan and his former slave, Deborah. This mix leaves Paul mostly unaccepted by the white community and the black community. Where does Paul fit in? The book recounts Paul's inner and outer struggles of growing up. It tells of his conflicts with family, friends and strangers. The novel is very well written and includes emotions by using the appropriate dialect that it allows the reader to become part of the story. I felt that I was there in the scenes as a bystander.
I think the novel is appropriate for a high school audience. The novel covers some very sensitive issues. Their maturity is needed to accept the struggles and prejuidices without becoming so angry and upset.

After reading "Roll of Thunder, Hear my Cry" and the two following books of the trilogy, I fell in love with Mildred D. Taylor's writing. I searched the library for more books by her, and when I was successful, sat down and read the books immediately, becoming more enchanted with each one. When I heard that there was a prequel to the books, I couldn't wait to get a hold of it. On the way home from the library, I started reading and didn't stop until the last page.
Paul-Edward Logan has a white father and a half black, half indian mother. Growing up on his father's plantation, he never quite knows his place. Although his mother is always warning him against it, Paul-Edward's best friend is his father's other son, born from a white mother. As Paul-Edward grows he learns of betrayal and watches his best friend abandon him for a group of rough white boys. When Paul-Edward is fourteen, he runs away with his new best friend, Mitchell. A book about racism, friendship and family, Mildred D. Taylor has created another masterpiece to be enjoyed for many years.

... The Land By Mildred D. Taylor

For the past month or so, my class has been reading The Land, by Mildred D. Taylor. I am not exaggerating when I say this is one of the greatest books ever! The Land is about an African American boy named Paul Edward Logan, who lives on his white father's plantation. Paul lives in the time of racism, slaves, and disrespect of black men and women. Even his very own father treats him differently than Paul's white brothers ' he cannot eat at the table when there are guests. Nor can he talk to white men the way they treat him. Paul begins to realize the truth of it all. However, he does not give up his dream ' to own his own land. He does not lose faith, even when his father denies him an opportunity to race a horse for cash. Denial only pushes him to accept the offer, but the owner of the horse refuses to pay him his winnings. Mitchell, his personal bodyguard, decides to take matters into his own hands and makes them running for their lives. The Land takes the readers on a journey of Paul's determination, hard work, and his daring and desperate decisions.
One reason I absolutely love this book is because of the plot! The way Paul and African Americans are treated helps me understand what it was like for people, like Paul during the 1800s. This book helps me realize how hard it was back then ' to treat others respectfully while they mistreat you, to try to be quiet when a white man was speaking! For example, in the book, Paul is not allowed to hit his brother when he has done something wrong because he is white. It makes me think about how unfair it was a century ago. People were treated unjust because of the color of their skin! I now appreciate my life much, much more, knowing how many lifestyles used to be.
In addition to this, I love the suspense! There is always something exciting happening ' from the horse race to the fights where Mitchell, Paul's bodyguard protects him. What makes this book so fascinating is the fact that there is always something incredible, simply amazing happening. This makes me want to read more! Not only is it entertaining, but also this book raises many intriguing questions. For example, what is going to happen to Paul, what dramatic decision will he make now, and how is Paul's father going to react to this chaos? As you can tell, many questions arise. This is one great aspect of The Land.
I recommend this book to readers who enjoy books based on history ' something that actually happened. The Land is based on true facts ' how people were considered, how lifestyles were for African Americans, and how there were many unjust, unfair laws. This book has a wonderful plot, which is not only entertaining, but also educational. You would have to read it yourself!
I can understand why this book won the Coretta Scott King Award!

One room school house, the changing of the seasons and the farm chores for each one...a memior of one man's boyhood experiences. I liked this book and my husband liked it even more than I did. He was born and raised in rural WI, picking rocks, milking, and going sledding with his brothers. This book is well written and reads like a time capsule...the people & chores on a family farm. I would have given it a perfect 5 stars, but there is too much about bees. Less bee watching and the author would have a classic here. Great that his story goes full circle. We learn what happens to the people we've read and cared about...which is always gratifying to us readers.

This is one of those books I will always remember. My children were young when I read it and I felt that it contained many lessons on how to be a good parent. And all in the context of very enjoyable reading. The story about learning to use the horse drawn cultivator shows how a parents help their child develop self-confidence, which is something I see so many people lacking. I can't say enough good things about this gem of a book.

This book is full of humor and spends wonderful time on how a farm is run, explaining the land, the chores, the wonder of living on a farm. Ben's antics with his brothers are delightful, and his account of his evenings with his family are memorable. I read this anytime I need a lift, and share its richness with anyone who will listen.

This was interesting coming from Ann Martin, Queen of All Happiness. I used to read the BSC religiously, but now looking back on the books, I think this one was one of the better. I mean, most have absolutely no plot, and are totally unrealistic, but this one is a pretty good example of a breakup. I don't think it's quite completely what a breakup is, but coming from Ann, this is a better one.

Looking back on my youth and teenage years, I used to read BSC religiously. I have all the books that were made from the time I was in 5th grade, up until I graduated high school a few years ago. When I first read Mary-ann vs. Logan, I was shocked because I really didn't think that they'd really do it. I was heartbroken, and happy at the same time. I found this book the other day in a box while I was moving, and in the front flap of the book I marked off each time I read it, and I had marked it a total of 15 times, so that's how good the book was! I recommend it to any BSC fan.

You know, people are always saying that Anne's books are too unrealistic. I say that those people are just the "party poopers" as the eight-year olds would say. But look, she's a very positive person, in my opinion. Who wants to be writing about sex and drugs when you could imagine being happy on an almost-daily basis?I mean, come on! Which would be more interesting? I rest my case. I guess I'd better write my summary. This was a good book. It should that Mary Anne stood up for herself, and she knew that was she was doing was right; giving she and Logan some time to cool off. I think that that is what books are about; finding your problem, and your solution, even if your answer isn't the one you want to hear. Two thumbs up, Anne!

This book deals with Erin's family and how they went through difficult times when her sister, Dana was diagnosed with cancer. It was especially difficult for Erin and her sibblings as her parents had to pay full attention to her sister and neglected the rest of them and how each one of the family members need to come to term with Dana's illness. It was especially hard for Erin because Dana was her best friend and it was heartbreaking to see someone you love and care is slowly deteriorating and is suffering every day.

Slowly, Erin lost faith in praying and in God as she believed it was useless since so many people prayed for Dana and yet Dana was not recovering. It was touching for me, how Dana restored Erin's faith and how the family was able to go through Dana's illness with prayers and faith in God.

Also, I think this book gives a good picture on how it's like to have a family member who is being diagnosed with cancer as it drains out everyone who loves the patient. One of the quotes in the book said something like cancer is like a magnet, it draws one closer to God.

Very unlike typical Janette Oke, Dana's Valley is a wonderful modern-day story of a family struggling with the illness and death of their child. Oke and daughter Laurel have a way of making the reader empathetic with each and every family member, be it the angry, resentful older brother, or the exhausted, heartsick mother. The journey that the Walsh family takes through fear, denial, acceptance, and, finally, resignation will keep you riveted throughout. I could not put the book down.

I thought this book was very realistic and thought-provoking. It weaves an incredible story of faith, anger, love, death, and God's provision through the struggle of a young girl with lukemia. There are several parts in the book where I was crying so hard I couldn't turn the page. I think the authors did a great job of personalizing the story; and they made me feel like I was the one watching my sister die. I don't agree with the reviews that it wrapped up to neatly in the end; I think the reactions of the family members were normal. It would not be uncommon for someone to be angry at God for taking someone they love, and then realizing that God can use all situations for good. While this book is very sad, there is an important lesson to be learned within its pages.

I was very pleased when I received the soft cover version of GLADIATOR. It is very well written with wonderful pictures that will remind you of how much you enjoyed the film. When you see the film it moves so swiftly that you don't have time to ask, "How'd they do that?" The historical facts are made clear in the book. Although there were liberties taken with those events, the film has the "feel" of the times. Ridley Scott, manages to let you in on secrets that made this movie so incredibly popular. It is a book you will wish to return to often, before and after seeing the film again. The star, Russell Crowe, a dynamite actor, tells how he learned the dangerous swordplay, that had to carefully choreographed so that no one was injured. Mr. Crowe had the magnetism necessary to make Maximus a great hero, and at the end you wish there could be more of the book, and more of the film. It's a beautifully put together book with lots of "inside" information. You will add this to your film library with pride.

This companion book to the movie will appeal to any fan of Gladiator, providing over 200 color photos and drawings and detailing the behind-the-scenes production secrets of one of the finest films of the year. Interviews reveal how the story was written and the movie cast and filmed, while color illustrations and photos liberally embellish every page.

Director Ridley Scott's epic, Gladiator, is my favorite film of the year 2000. It reminded me of the way movies in old Hollywood were made. I can remember watching films like Ben Hur, The Ten Commandments and Lawrence Of Arabia on television with my Mom, and being wowed by the spectacle of it all. Gladiator brought back that same kind of feeling for me.

The story behind The Making Of Gladiator is almost as epic as the film itself. The book is divided into 2 main sections. The first, talks about what it took to get the film to the big screen, while the second discusses the filming and post production. Scott provides a well written introduction, while Co-Executive Producer Walter Parkes pens a foreward. The main text of the book was written by Sharon Black. Thankfully, the text is very readable, and the full color photography is some of the best I have seen in a book like this. The usual cast and crew interviews are present of course. But the photos really tend to put the book over the top for me. Script excerpts, original storyboards, and a complete credit listing are also included.

Even if you already own the film, this book still makes a fine companion to it. This is a must if you like the film as much as I do. The book has 160 pages and is highly recomended

Catharine Carey Logan, or better known a Catey, is a Quaker girl living in the Delaware Valley, Pennsylvania. Catey and her family are frightened by reports of Indian raids, but they believe that the Indians will leave them alone if they show trust and love to them.
That all changes when Catey and her brother Tomas are captured while on their way to school.
Catey is determined not to keep the Indian ways, but she finds herself liking it after a while. And she falls in love with an Indian brave named Snow Hunter who was actually a captive white like her. But when given the chance to go back to her village, will Catey follow the leading of her heart?

I absolutely love this book. Even though it's sad enough to make you want to cry, it possesses a sort of charm that keeps you reading till the end.
I felt so sorry for Catey. And you will too, once you read this book. I won't spill the beans regarding the ending, so you'll just have to read it your self. I promise you, you won't be sorry!

Standing in the Light was a wonderful Dear America book, and one I could read over and over.

It tells, in diary form, about 13 year old Caty Logan who is growing up in her Quaker village in the 1760's. She is perfectly happy, with boys, learning housewifery, and schoolwork to keep her busy - but that all changes one day when she and her younger brother are captured by Lenape Indians.

At first Caty is desperate: she hates living with the rough Indians, who watch her diary writing curiously and force her to follow their Indian ways. But later, she learns that they are good people, though different than the Quakers, and she begins to make friends - and loved ones.

This was a great book! You really care about what will happen, if Caty will stay with them or return to her village. It was sad, but I love it!

I'd recommend this for ages 10 - 14, and I'd recommend some other captive stories: Trouble's Daughter, I Am Regina, Indian Captive, and Calico Captive.

The book called Standing in the Light by Mary Pope Osborne is a very good book. It is written in diary form. The story takes place in Delaware Valley, Pennsylvania in 1763. The main characters are Catharine Logan and her little brother, Thomas Logan. In Standing in the Light, Catharine realizes that she likes a guy who she's known for a long time. Later she finds out that there are Indiansnear where she lives that have beencapturing and killing people. One day when she and her brother were walking to school they get captured by Indians. They separated Catharine from Thomas. In Catharine's camp she meetsan Indian boy named Wine-lo-wich, which means Snow Hunter,who was also captured by Indians when he was young. Catharine laterrealizes that she loves Snow Hunter. Soon after that Snow Hunter disappearsafter he goes on a hunting trip. If you want to find out what happened to Snow Hunter and if Catharine and Thomas ever get home, you'll have to read Standing in the Light by Mary Pope Osborne. I thought that it was a wonderful book.