Sarah Jean's great Uncle Jed has a dream of opening up his own
barbershop. Sarah Jean explains to the reader that Great Uncle Jed is the only black barber in their county during segregation. He goes on horseback from house to home cutting Afro-American people's hair. One of Sarah Jean favourite thing is when Uncle Jed pretends to cut her hair. He would place the clippers next to her neck and then put on some great smelling lotion . One day Sarah Jean becomes very ill and the doctors will only operate if they had the three hundred dollars up front. Uncle Jed saves Sarah Jean's life when he gives her family the three hundred dollars he had been saving for his barbershop. Uncle Jed suffer another setback when the Great Depression hits and the bank holding his three thousand dollars fails. He has to start again from nothing in the middle of the Depression. Now Uncle Jed's customers can only paid him in food and clothing. Uncle Jed's dream is finally realized on his seventy ninth birthday. Uncle Jed attains his dream through unruffled courage and dignity. He does not allow racism or injustice get in the way.The realistic illustrations add to this wonderful book. A wonderful picture book for five to nine year old with the quiet message of following your dream no matter how long it takes.

This story is an historical fiction account of an African American family who struggles during the Depression. This is a great book to teach: economics--scarcity of money affects decisions; perseverence; work ethics.

I USED THIS TEXT WHEN I DID AN PROGRAM AT MY 5 1/2 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER'S SCHOOL FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH. THE TEACHER WAS SO IMPRESSED THAT SHE ADDED THE BOOK TO THE LIBRARY INSIDE THE CLASSROOM. THE BOOK ILLISTRATES THAT NO MATTER HOW A SITUATION LOOKS AT ANY GIVEN TIME, YOU CAN REACH YOUR DREAM. AFTER READING THIS BOOK IN THE BOOKSTORE, I HAD TO BUY IT BECAUSE EVERY YEAR, I INTEND TO USE IT IN MY PROGRAM.

A hiking guide by the "elder statesman" Wind River mountain man. One of the highlights of this short book is the autobiographical sketch. Finis Mitchell has hiked the Wind Rivers since 1909, taken 105,345 pictures and has scaled 244 peaks. The book provides short descriptions of numerous hikes, gives directions to trailheads, and, for fishermen, describes the fish species that the lakes along the trails contain. Scattered throughout the book are poems and sayings by Mitchell. Only 144 pages long, the book lacks details found in other Wind River trail guides, but nonetheless is a gem.

Finis Mitchell is the real thing; a true nature lover who hiked the Wind River Range so many times, that he can actually give you landmark by landmark directions to hikes, fishing and scaling peaks. He has a no-nonsense wisdom paired with a poetic nature. The story of how he stocked many of the lakes with trout is fascinating. Very clear routes to Gannet and Dinwoody Pass.

Finis Mitchell (Author) is known as the ultimate authority on the Wind River Range (Wyoming). He began exploring the Wind Rivers as a teenager (1920s), later worked as a guide and outfitter there, planted most of the lakes with fish. Book is small (fits in backpack). Has maps (including USFS/USGS references), photos, very detailed written descriptions of trail systems in Wind Rivers. Marvelous detailed accounts of how he planted hundreds of lakes with Fish back in the 30s. Great detail on which trails are best for which purpose, etc. There are other, fancier, newer-style books on the Wind River Range, but only this book is written by a man who literally walked every single inch, scaled every peak, fished every lake in the entire range....the book is sort of a novelty item as well, in that it is actually printed in what looks like his original typewriter font...the maps are hand-drawn, but are actually more reliable in some ways that actual USGS maps of same area. FANTASTIC BOOK...A COLLECTORS ITEM..AND A VERY USEFUL TEXT AS WELL.

There was curiosity in the air in the Navy in 1939 on who President Roosevelt was going to choose as the next Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) to succeed Admiral William D.Leahy. Roosevlt met with an assortment of head officer's abroad the USS Houston in the Caribbean before making his decision. After Roosevelt returned to Washington he made the announcement that Rear Admiral Harold R. Stark was to be the next (CNO). Stark was completely surprised by this, especially when there were over 50 admirals senior to him. Stark`s appointment did not cause bitterness in any of the senior officers, because Stark was well known, and regarded as a good likeable person. It was said that Roosevelt met Stark for the first time in 1914 aboard the USS Patterson, when Stark was a Lieutenant ordered to take Roosevelt, then Assistant Secretary of the Navy, to his summer home. The trip itself must have sparked something because Roosevelt immediately became fond of Stark, which might have played a part in the Presidents decision in 1939. After Stark`s appointment he quickly realized the challenge that was before him, he accepted the challenge with his head up and determined to do the best job he could. But Stark`s term as (CNO) was hit with many hardships, the hardest would be his being at fault for not being ready when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941. Admiral Stark`s life, especially the fruits of his hard work, would have been locked away forever in the military archives of history if it weren't for the endless work of B. Mitchell Simpson III resulting in his book, Admiral Harold R. Stark: Architect of Victory, 1939-1945. B. Mitchell Simpson III (1932-) spent 20 years researching the life of Admiral Stark, focusing on the controversial years of his term a (CNO). Simpson graduated from Colgate University, received an LLB from the University of Pennsylvania and a Ph D in history from the prestigious Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy (Tufts University). Simpson was also a Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy, which fueled in his love of Navy history. Simpson`s other books showing his love of Navy history, the best know being War, Strategy, and Maritime power (1977). Simpson also co-authored with John B. Hattendorf and John R. Wadleigh, Sailors and Scholars: The Central History of the U.S. Naval war College (1989). Simpson's main thesis for the book is to shine a new light on Stark, removing the image of him only being remembered as the "guy" who was at fault for the many deaths of American soldiers at Pearl Harbor. The book starts by jumping right into Stark`s career as (CNO) in 1939, and only gives a very brief summary of Stark`s achievements before 1939 in the Preface. The book goes though a chronology World War II, with every move and almost every thought of Stark`s from before we entered the war until the victory over Japan. The book ends with the U.S. investigations of the top military officers who were in control during the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor. Simpson never fails to mention how Stark always had the Japanese on his mind before the attack, and how Stark kept his cool during the grueling questions of the investigations. Many important characters in this book included: President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Admiral Husband E. Kimmel, General George C. Marshal, and Admiral Ernest J. King were all friends and colleagues of Stark who all worked together in that difficult time in American history. Simpson tries to paint a different picture of Stark by describing in great detail Stark`s Plan Dog memorandum, which helped persuade Congress to fund a two-ocean war. That act was described as one of the most important and strategic documents of World War II. Simpson also goes into great detail about Stark`s work during the war instigating the BAC-1 conversations in 1941, being responsible for training and supporting the naval units involved in the 1944 Normandy invasion, and acting as an ambassador to Charles de Gaulle throughout most of the war. Simpson fails to capture the true essence of a complete biography by mostly writing about Stark's term as (CNO) till his retirement. Simpson's writing points more toward the good of Stark`s administration than writing about any of the bad, which gives the reader the feeling that Simpson's sympathizing with Stark rather than just writing about his life. Many history reviewers agree that the downfall of this book is Simpson trying to clear Stark of blame for the attack on Pearl Harbor. A positive for the book is the accurate events of naval history and behind the scene accounts during the war. This makes the book highly recommended for college, university, and public libraries. Although Stark did his part throughout the war, he was not the Architect of Victory that Simpson states in the title.

Harold R. Stark was my great uncle. It means so much to me that I have the honor to be related so closely with a man that is so special. He was a wonderful person. He even has a great ship named after him. Unfortunatly, the ship was hit by a missle from Iraq or Iran a couple of days ago. I will forever admire my great uncle because of his courage and bravery. He has been thanked for his duties with the honor of being baried in the Washington National Cemetery along with his wife.

My favorite book is Dealing With Dragons and ever since reading it I have been on the look out for similar books. I was very lucky to find The Adventures of Princess Nightshade. Not only does it feature a unusual princess, but also it takes place it a fairy tale world, which i love. Although it is not as funny as Wrede's series, it is still humorous in areas. Fuzbud is especialy funny. My only other coment is that this book isn't action filled, however it still moves along at a steady, if somewhat slow pace.

In the kingdom is Malaria all the subjects have blond hair. So when the princess Nightshade was born it was a huge shock to every one to find that she had black hair. Ever since then she has been marked as differant. As she grew older the Nightshade developed into a perfect princess. She was sweet tempered, beautiful, and never threw a fit. It was never neccisary becasue she always got what she wanted, almost before she knew she wanted it.

However the princess eventualy got bored and started to wonder about the world around her. So when she turned seventeen she decided to go on a quest. Togather with her new friends Fuzbud and Hannah Princess Nightshade, now called Shad, travel the world and see many new things, and meet many new people.

This is a great book that I would recomend to everyone. I can't wait to read the sequals!

I loved the book. It has lots of great action and adventure. Mitchell describes many magical places so well that I felt like I was there. I liked the different characters (especially Fuzbud). The Princess' different adventures and travels kept me turning the pages and wanting more. I also really liked the dragon, Hepzibannah. That had to be one of the funniest dragons I have ever read. Overall, the book was so much fun to read. I hope MJW Mitchell writes another one soon.

This profusely illustrated text will give residents in radiology the basic anatomy needed to form a solid foundation for a complete radiologist.It however does not contain tables for easy reading and review.
The pictures are explicit and help to further reinforce understanding of the text.

A very well organised and profusely illustrated text which provides information on anatomy as related to and conventional radiology and more sophisticated radiological forms of investigation like the magnetic resonance imaging. First year residents would find the book useful as it provide the basic anatomic knowledge needed in making diagnosis. This book is a must for radiologists!

I picked the book for my nephew and ended up reading it myself. I thought it was an excelent book that lendsa bit of insight and history into the crews of the "Enterprise" and Calhoun's "Excelsior". I've been reading all of the Star Trek Starfleet Academy TNG Series.

This book is another really good book. For people who don't know, this is a book about Geordi (from TNG) as a cadet in Starfleet Acadamy. Overall, this is a very good read, although I believe Capture The Flag (#4) is slightly better.

No matter what I've cooked in my life I always consulted one of the multitudes of Betty Croker cookbooks. This one is no different along with the fact that most of these dish accully have tast to boot.

I've used this cookbook for almost a year now and just realized that most of the recipes were low calorie, low cholesterol, etc. It's great. The meat recipes we especially like. The marinades are easy. Haven't had one that didn't hit the spot yet. Great purchase.

Astutely written sociological study of the Spanish Corrida de Toros. This work takes you back behind the surface presentation of the Corrida to understand the historical and sociological context of the Corrida and perhaps why it continues to be more popular than ever in modern Spain.

This book is an extrodinary look at the Spanish corrida, and any bull-fighting aficionado, or even novice in the field, should read this!

Fictional account trying to explain the mysteries behind Borley Rectory, the most haunted house in England. Originally published in 1941, two years after the rectory burned to the ground under mysterious circumstances.

This is one of Mitchell's best, I think, combining what appear to be two of her favourite themes, children and weirdness. I'm only sorry she didn't throw in a few nuns, too, which would have enhanced the weirdness factor almost to the point it reached in _St. Peter's Finger_. This novel never ceased to intrigue and fascinate me, and it has one of her ghastlier and more surprising denouments, as well. Well worth an evening's read.

Both Philip Larkin and Patricia Craig considered this to be one of the best Gladys Mitchells, dealing as it does with old newspaper reports and a haunted house.

The supernatural elements come in from the beginning, when the reptilian psychologist (and witch?) Mrs. Bradley finds the diary of an acquitted murderess who later committed suicide in a pond - accused of pushing her cousin from the window of a haunted house.

The plot is one of Mitchell's best, involving one of the best uses of a haunted house in detective fiction (Mitchell uses the M. R. James approach), missing juvenile delinquents, an old woman choked to death on grated carrot. Mrs. Bradley untangles a convoluted maze of impersonation and insanity in her own inimicable fashion - "Mrs. Bradley is a far better detective than some who have achieved world-wide fame," said the Times Literary Supplement.

In short, one of Mitchell's best books, with a first-class setting, one of her best plots, and probably the nastiest murderer in the canon.

I enjoy the Meredith and Markby series very much and recommend them to all those who enjoy English mysteries. Please keep them coming.

To any one who is going to take the plunge, go back to the beginning so you can enjoy them all.

Until this year's Friends of the Tucson [& Pima County] Public Library book sale, I hadn't heard of this series. I picked up the first, second, and fifth books there. After I read them, I bought every book I could find in town. As soon as I learned there were more, I ordered them. I liked this book as much as the others. The bits of historical information we learn along the way were interesting,(especially how the people of the Regency period obtained a certain shade of pink paint). There are at least three separate mysteries: Who is the vicious vandal? Who committed the murder? What was the secret of the elderly recluse? and are they in any way connected? I can't feel too smug guessing the vandal's identity 32 pages before it was revealed or the recluse's secret 4 pages before Alan caught on because I missed a lot of clues and I didn't guess the killer. Furthermore, I didn't get even a whiff of the final revelation's coming. However, it wouldn't matter if readers could guess everything correctly. This series is worth reading just for the characters. Other comments: There's a very good lesson to be learned from the vandal's motive, but I don't know how many readers will heed it when it's so much easier to look the other way. On p.44, full paragraph 3, Alan says they're on the first floor, but they're upstairs. It was nice to learn that the game I knew as "gossip" is called "Chinese whispers" in England. The dust jacket wouldn't tempt me to buy the book if I were not already a fan, but it's rather pretty. Ann E. Nichols

Inspector Alan Markby and his girlfriend Meredith Mitchell share a holiday in Parsloe St. John where they learn that an old woman recently died when she tripped and fell down some stairs. Thinking of early retirement, Alan is very interested in buying the deceased's cottage while Meredith wonders if the rumors of murder are true.

Alan's disinterest in the senior citizen's death rapidly changes when the head of a handyman is found severed from the body. Other evidence of nearby satanic worship also exists. Instead of a laid back restful holiday, Alan and Meredith begin a working vacation as they investigate the rash of strange doings, that have rocked the tiny village and its eccentric people.

A WORD AFTER DYING is a very interesting entry in the Markby-Mitchell mystery series because the lead protagonists are not quite featured as much as in previous entries. Instead the local villagers seem to dominate the story line as Alan and Meredith propel their stories and the who-done-it forward. Surprisingly, this cleverly works, turning the story line into an invigorating, very interesting novel. Fans of the series and the English cozy need to read Ann Granger's newest novel (as well as the rest of the series) to enjoy some of the top books in the sub-genre.

Harriet Klausner