For most Americans the Spanish-American War boils down to the battleship Maine exploding in Havana harbor and Teddy Roosevelt leading the Rough Riders up San Juan Hill. In this "Cornerstones of Freedom" volume Mary Collins not only provides more details about the war, but she does an excellent job of explaining the context for the war. The first third of the book is devoted to the history of Cuba and the conditions that led to a series of revolts against Spain in the last half of the 19th-century. Collins covers how the yellow press turned the destruction of the Maine, which was probably an accident, into the spark that ignited the war. The battles of Manila Bay in the Philipines and Santiago de Cuba effectively win the war for the Americans, despite the fact the army was woefully organized or supplied.

Collins argues that "The Spanish-American War" marked the beginning of the United States's role as a world power. She also points out that the despite winning their independence from Spain, the people of Cuba were not much better off after the war. This book provides a more than adequate introduction to this topic, although there are certainly more details students will be able to find from other sources. For example, the book does not mention Hearst and Pulitizer, the editors behind the two New York newspapers arguing for the war, and you will learn the names of more Spanish admirals than you will American generals. But overall this is another excellent book in the Cornerstones of Freedom series, the first place teachers should send young readers to look for additional information on subjects that are only briefly touched upon in American history textbooks. Final Note: If your class is looking at the Spanish-American War in any detail, check out the video "The Splendid Little War," which uses archival footage and photographs from the war to tell its story.

The title only hints at the wide range of fascinating stories in this collection. I read some of his work a few years ago and was hooked. Now with this book I was able to enjoy his very early stories. I didn't realize he'd been writing for so many years and that Ross Macdonald and Sue Grafton both recommended his novels and stories. They're right. Anyway, my favorite story is PART OF HISTORY, the final one in the book, because it shows how the real world of war and espionage works. My second favorite is OCCUPATIONAL HAZARD. It has an utterly surprising twist at the end that I'm still thinking about. And finally, FREEDOM FIGHTER is haunting. It was named one of "Best American Short Stories" when it was first published in 1964. I highly recommend this collection. It's a gourmet feast from a master of crime fiction.

The characters in the book were funny and the stuff they did was exciting. I'm a 9 year old boy who doesn't love to read, but this book really kept my interest.

Not only have I read and used the strategies suggested in this book, my classroom research is reported in it. What makes this information so invaluable is that it is immediately useable. Any teacher or parent with a struggling student can work with that student to capitalize on strenghts and take the anxiety out of the writing process. Students will quickly realize feelings of success and accomplishment. The case studies presented clarify the concepts and demonstrate their effectiveness. Teachers across grade levels and subject areas will be sorry they haven't been utilizing writing strategy instruction all along!

This collection is much more interesting *and* funny than a more recent anthology of bad poetry, because it draws so heavily on great poets--Wordsworth, Byron, Poe et al. Laughing at semiliterate amateurs is a cheap shot. The wonder is the follies of the talented, and Stuffed Owl displays these. The introductory matter and editorial comments are also brilliantly funny, and the index--yes, the index--is a scream. THIS TITLE SHOULD BE READILY AVAILABLE (publisher please note.)

Tom Collins' is the pen name of Joseph Furphy, and it's no coincidence that 'furphy' is an Australianism for a story of dubious accuracy. This book, written in the early years of the century, is funny, moving and full of 'the real Australia', but unlike many such yarns, it's also a genuine piece of literature, with a complex plotline and surpisingly modern construction. After The Magic Pudding, it's the best book to read if you want a glimpse of Anglo-Celtic Australian heritage.

The colors in this book make my kids busy for hours on end! Parents, if you like me and need some time with your spouse then GET THIS BOOK!! the words are very easy to learn and my kids love for me to read to them and gives us a chance to get together after a hard days work.

SEEING IS BELIEVING
When Alexandra Prescott's innocent sketch made her and her son targets for murder, the independent-minded widow needed someone to depend on. The most unlikely candidate? Luke Quinlan, new neighbor, pin-striped lawyer - and definite preference of her adolescent son, badly in need of a father...

Luke Quinlan had been attracted to Alexandra Prescott since he first laid eyes on her, but he knew that with his reassuring horn-rims and conservative suits, he was hardly her type. Still, he found it hard to stay away from her and her son - and not just because they needed protection. The closer he got to Alexandra, the more he realized she wasn't the only one in danger...

I really liked Kari it was a very faced pacedc plot and kept me very interested. I found it quiet easy to relate to. Everyone is embaressed sometimes, and if you haven't wait until your bf comes over to pick you up for your date. I also found Kari a very likable person, but personally i really liked lucy a lot better.

No matter how you feel about Columbus, his story, which is also the beginning of America's story, is too important not to be introduced to younger children. This book is excellent: it reads like a story, yet it is filled with details while remaining fair to both sides. Of course, in many American history books, the "Indian" side is virtually ignored. This book has it all - the good, the bad, and the ugly - and it is suitable for children, and adults, of all ages. Another excellent book about the Tainos people is "Morning Girl" by Dorris.