We have used the book several times and have not been disappointed. We discovered one place that is a real treasure. Would like to see the places rated for cleanliness though.

Great ilustrations and easy to find references for each species of trees. Gives prefered climate, soil and light conditions and the full growth size fore hundreds of trees. Often gives a list of several varieties of an individual species as well.

Dr. Ward's book is the best in its class since Langston Hughes' and Arna Bontemps' THE POETRY OF THE NEGRO. The volume is a must for every high school and college in the country. This book is so beautifully organized that it becomes more than a cronology of African American poetry, but a history of Blacks in the United States through poetry. Dr. Ward has left no one out who deserves to be heard, and has wisely included several brilliant, often neglected, Southern poets. If the publishers of this book realize what a goldmind it is, they would see to it that it is placed in every school and library in the country.

One of the best regional Americana cookbooks published in the 1990's, this book (now out of print) features a unique selection of Northwest and international cuisine recipes as well as practical cooking techniques and tactics. The breakfast recipes are among the most sought after and acclaimed.

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow is the best book I ever read.And when Icibod Crane hears the storys about the HEADLESS HORSEMAN! He got really scared and falls in love with a girl named KATRINA the doughter of a rich farmer. But Icibod had some compittion,a man named BROMBONZ.He was tough but Icibod was sure that he would be the one to marry the lovely KATRINA.

Bravo to Ms. Washington for blowing the lid off a problem that is talked about constantly in private but only rarely in public.

A very enjoyable book covering the Union Pacific RR in the PacificNorthwest area. Well researched, and full of historic information, outstanding B&W photographic work and period track diagrams. Highly reccomended for anyone interested in the UP or northwest railroading.

The "Cornerstones of Freedom" series does an excellent job of providing in depth information about historical events for students in upper elementary or junior high school. "Valley Forge" starts with the American Army avoiding barely avoiding being annihilated at the Battle of Brandywine. In the brutal winter of 1777 the colonial army limped into Valley Forge a disorganized and low on supplies and morale. The two things R. Conrad Stein's book focuses on are the severe conditions the troops faced and how they were transformed into a more professional fighting force. Students will learn about not only the leadership shown by commanding general George Washington, but also the efforts by Nathanael Greene to provide better equipment and Baron Friedrich von Steuben to drill the troops in marching and shooting. The improvement was seen the following year at the Battle of Monmouth. This book is filled with paintings and etchings from the 18th and 19th centuries along with contemporary photographs of the National Park. One of the strengths of this book is that Stein often uses quotations from the ordinary soldiers and military leaders of the American army to flesh out the narrative. I found these quite effective in giving young readers a better sense of what things were like at Valley Forge.

So you like a good mystery, but McGees long gone and Spenser sounds more like a bad cliche with every passing title. Take a look at Thomas Black - Seattle's number one detective. In this, the third installment in a trilogy beginning with Yellow Dog Party and The Portland Laugher, our intrepid hero is attempting to deal with the loss of the love of his life - Kathy Birchfield. It seems Thomas killed her fiance and that put a damper on Thomas and Kathy's relationship. Imagine that. A mutual client sets up a meeting - between Thomas and Kathy unbeknownst to them and the story is off and running. Thomas is thrown into an investigation that leads him on several dangerous twists and turns as he encounters assorted unsavory characters. Emerson's gift for dialogue reminds the mystery buff of the best of Robert Parker in the early Spenser stories. The characters are well developed, and the tale zips along to an unexpected conclusion. If you haven't read any of Emerson's Thomas Black books, this may not be the best place to start. The dynamic between Thomas and Kathy has been cultivated slowly over the series. Yellow Dog Party makes more sense as a staarting point for new Black fans, but The Vanishing Smile is an excellent addition to the series. It appears Emerson has found a publisher who appreciates him and recognizes his talent. He has even been all the way to Texas for book signings, and was well received. Black is a true man of his time, and Emerson's social commentary right on. Political correctness is not Thomas's strong suit, much to the delight of the reader.

Washington state contains some of the most poignantly beautiful things I've ever seen. As a resident, I cherish all these sights and am very grateful to Chris Jacobson for documenting them. He does a fine job of capturing Washington's memorable beauty, including a San Juan sunset and Seattle with the Cascades. I'd highly recommend this collection for anyone, especially if you, like me, love the sights of the Emerald State.