How To Keep Being A Parent When Your Child Stops Being A Child: A Practical Guide To Parenting Adolescents was written to help parents understand the developmental issues of adolescence and assist them in facilitating the teenager's transition into healthy adulthood. Nic Cooper and Rick McCoy successfully collaborate to present practical strategies for creating positive relationships with teens who are testing their limits, and include worksheets to help parents examine their own family histories and personal issues. Practical, "reader friendly", insightful, and at times even inspirational, How To Keep Being A Parent When Your Child Stops Being A Child is ardently recommended reading for any father or mother trying to cope with, guide, and support their teenage son or daughter.

This is a great book! It gets to the Heart of things...the exercises and techniques are simple and practical without being artificiality or head games. You and your child can be as close to each other's hearts as you ever were, even while they are flying away.

The book "How To Keep Being A Parent...When Your Child Stops Being A Child" is such a reader friendly book. The vocabulary is such that parents of all ages and educational levels can benefit from the advice. Although I am an educator, I found the book useful in my important role as a parent of an adolescent. The strategies tried have proved useful so far. The authors were outstanding with their examples to illustrate their points. All who read could identify. One example would be when Rick referred to a parent "letting go" with the visual of water skiing. If you don't let go of the rope when you fall, you can get hurt. As a parent it is often hard to let go of your child. As a teacher, we don't know all of the answers to raising children, especially in their teenage years. The authors provided a valuable resource for all parents to be successful during those adolescent stage.

"I Have Heard of a Land" was inspired by the stories Joyce Carol Thomas heard about her great-grandparents harrowing journey to the Oklahoma Territory in the late 1800s. Thomas tells the story in lyrical terms which are matched by the glowing paintings of Floyd Cooper. What I love about this book is that if you took away the pictures of African-Americans building a homestead on their own land in Oklahoma, you would not know the people or place involved. Thomas has created a hymn to the American pioneer spirit that truly transcends race. No wonder "I Have Heard of a Land" received the Coretta Scott King Award. An Author's Note at the end of the book provides more personal notes on the settling of African-Americans in Oklahoma which teachers and students will find interesting as well.

BECAUSE OF ITS BEAUTIFUL POETRY, I THINK I HAVE HEARD OF A LAND IS EXCELLENT READING FOR YOUNG AND OLDER PEOPLE

Everyone should read this story.I HAVE HEARD OF A LAND is very informing and inspirational. I personally love the poetry along with the images.

I could imagine myself walking alongside them as they went through some of their experiences. A great read!

It was interesting to experience the early Big Bend daysthrough one of the original pioneers. I altogether enjoyed it.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It was entertaining and fun to read. It was very well written and I found it difficult to put down. I would recommend it to everyone. A delightful story!

Open Hands, Open Heart was one of the best childrens illustrated books I've read since Dr. Zeuss.

Ms. Diedra Robinson's book about Biddy Mason was inspiring to those young and old. I really enjoyed reading this book and I others will enjoy this book just as much as I did.

I found this to be a delightful book with accurate historical information and a story reflecting Biddy Mason's strong Christian values. It has a warm friendly tone and the story is anchored in the history of early Los Angeles as well as of the United States. All ages could learn of Biddy Mason from this book and find it an enjoyable experience.

I found this book to be very good and highly recommend it to teachers who have children from Ethiopia or any other African country in their classroom. They will find an appreciation for their country or continent in the reading of this story. Many times Americans tend to put down the African continent and dissolve it into stereotypes. Kids from Africa need support that where they come from is appreciated and that they are welcome in the US too.

The story upon which this picture book is based changes depending on the locale--it might be a tiger in Indian tales or a bear, as I have heard it told in a Native American version. In all, the story is a tale of patience and love discovered, and Kurtz paints this theme beautifully in LION'S TAIL.

In this version, set in Ethiopia, the story is told from the point of view of a little girl who feels left out when her father takes a new wife. The girl gets advice from her grandfather, and thus the tale is set in motion. What sets this apart from the traditional tellings is the strong character development, as well as the point of view.

Cooper's expressive illustrations set the mood for the story setting, as well as the images of the characters, beautifully. With Kurtz's well written prose, illustrations are hardly necessary, but wonderful icing on the cake.

My son (age 7) brought this book home from library day at school. We read it together and while I think the lesson of the story might have been lost on him, I don't believe it would be lost on children who face the difficulties of negotiating new mom's, dad's, foster parents, etc. I work with children that have emotional problems and the issue of acceptance (giving and getting) in step and foster families can be dealt with powerfully and sensitively with this book.

This wonderful period mystery unfolds like a rose, beautifully. Every SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism) mystery reader should read this book. Mary Ellen Cooper's writing made me feel as though I was walking the streets of Bologna, Italy in 1489. Avisa, the female locksmith/sleuth has the exact qualities to mesmerize the reader and to connect the ensemble cast of characters that Mary Ellen has written into one story. Avisa is feminine, strong, kind, resourceful, and intelligent. Mary Ellen thank you for giving us this character, my words come nowhere near yours. Read this book!

M.E. Cooper has three published crime books to her credit: Unlikely Assassins, Blood & Pity, and Fatal Trust. She has also published two mysteries written in the cozy tradition: The Wright Special and Murder At The Locksmith Convention. Key Deceptions is her first historical mystery novel.

Set in the 15th Century Italian Renaissance, Key Deceptions features Aviva, an attractive young widow who is a member of the locksmith guild. Aviva has a heart of gold, and takes in a young Jewish boy, Bernardo, against all prohibitions against Jews. When Aviva, her friend Lucia, and Bernardo attend a feast at the Duke's palazzo, the theft of donated silver intended for use for new bells for the city places them in direct danger, since the authorities suspect Jewish involvement. To make matters worse, Ippolito, the Mayor's nephew, has been using threats and intimidation to gain sexual favors from Aviva. Ippolito tricks Aviva into a bad section of town using subterfuge, forcing Aviva to kill him by shutting him in a trunk. His subsequent death by suffocation presents a big problem of how to dispose of the body for Aviva and her friends:

"Avisa thought of her friend, the mendicant friar. 'What is we went openly to the cemetery. Very early in the morning, before most people are up. If we had Brother lead a group in prayer?' Avisa paused. She twisted a strand of her hair, while thinking aloud at the possibilities. 'If we had several brothers chanting loudly, the noise would cover the sound of our digging, and they could stand in a circle, concealing our actions."

Key Deceptions isn't exactly a whodunit. It is more of an adventure story that eventually winds its way towards a murder. M.E. Cooper does a nice job of creating a sense of tension throughout the story, using historical conventions. 15th Century Italy is a dangerous place indeed for women, especially a young widow with an unusual craft.

Cooper weaves a few subplots into the matrix, incorporating the story of a beautiful young aspiring artist who has come from the village to participate in court politics. She is determined not to be "shackled" by a marriage. Her story parallels Aviva's, and at times their paths intersect, creating even more danger and tension. Key Deceptions is a sweetly written entertainment.

Shelley Glodowski, Reviewer

Key Deceptions is the first in a cleverly created historical mystery series set during the 15th century Italian Renaissance Period. The place is Bologna, Italy. The year is 1489. Avisa Boylatoni and Lucia Colascco, the only female locksmiths the Street of Guilds, are the main characters. Together they attend meetings at the Guild Hall, work their crafts, and solve mysteries. Others who join in the mystery are Avisa's apprentice and an injured solider.

The Duke and Duchess arrive back in town with some extra company. The Duchess brings with her a poor relation who pursues not a man, but a professional skill for her future. The Duke allows a gentleman, who will cast the perfect bells for Bologna, collect the silver from the people. When the Duke's best solider is killed and the silver is taken, Avisa's fear of being sucked into the intrigue of the rulers is brought to life. She and her locksmith skills maybe the only way to protect those she cares most about.

It takes all kinds to make a fascinating sub-genre and Ms. Cooper is doing her part in historical mysteries. I found the historical atmosphere intriguing and simple, and the characters perfectly imperfect, which makes them more believable. As the characters are introduced and settle into their places, I am captivated by the subject matter and settle myself into the fact that this is a winning new series with a very interesting amateur sleuth as lead character. I liked the way the story ended with "and this is just the beginning feeling". Look for Key Confrontations and Key Confessions coming soon from M.E. Cooper and Padlock Mystery Press.

This book is the best up-to-date introduction to lunar development, focusing on the primary technical infrastructure necessary to expand from an initial base via In Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) to global development of what the authors term "Planet Moon". The book makes a clear case first for why we should do this, and then in quite detailed outline, how. While some technical components, such as remote robotic tele-operation, or lunar materials mining and processing, still require research and development work, nothing in this project is far from mundane things we already know how to do. The book isn't entirely self-consistent and the logical separation of topics sometimes seems a bit odd, but the range of material covered is satisfyingly broad: lunar topography and composition; railways, telecommunications and materials transport; requirements on construction and chemical processing equipment; human-suitable habitats, life support, agriculture, and "cislunar" transport and logistics, and more. Beyond the technical discussion of the physical, chemical, and engineering issues are several sections of the book dealing with lunar government, including a proposal for creation of a "Lunar Economic Development Authority" (LEDA) following a port authority model, which looks extremely promising. At least as valuable as the 10 main chapters are the 20 appendixes, to which over half the book's pages are devoted. These appendixes, based heavily on work published elsewhere, bring a lot of information together in one place available for ready inter-comparison. Perhaps the most interesting is also the longest, Appendix E, which thoroughly covers the proposed processes for lunar oxygen extraction and related chemical processing. This book is an essential guide for anybody hoping to work on lunar development and participate in, as the authors phrase it, the "Planet Moon Project".

Take your pick of "must buy", "immediate classic", or "ambitious Primer with Vision and Scope". Not a few people have taken a hard in depth look at what it will take to establish a permanent outpost on the Moon - as if that was an end all and be all goal in and of itself. In this new volume, Schrunk and his team are clearly out to do more. Seeing the Moon in the much wider light as a world with considerable mineral resources and its strategic location on the shoulder of Earth' gravity well, they outline a feasible, realistic scenario for the coming century. Their goal is not "a" moon base. It is a global integration of the Moon into Earth's economy. Looking at the Moon's resources, where they are located, and at which parts of the Moon have special advantages, they take us from a first south polar outpost step by step into a future when humans will be busy all over the Moon, and making money doing so. Their vision is grounded on established technologies, never depending on developments or breakthroughs that may or may not ever happen. On the airless Moon, good old fashion electric railroads (eventually MagLev) will be the principal way of moving goods and materials from one part of the globe to another. Relying solely on solar power, they manage the long lunar nightspans by setting up grids that loop both poles at approximately 85° N and S, latitudes, depending on the terrain, of course. The Moon will produce power for Earth, and become the principal spaceport by which we open the rest of the Solar System and beyond. By the turn of the next century, hundreds of thousands of people, and maybe more, will live and work on the Moon. Profusely illustrated with B/W sketches, the authors take us through every well-reasoned and grounded step. For all of us interested in the Moon, this book is a must read. Do buy it!

Take your pick of "must buy", "immediate classic", or "ambitious Primer with Vision and Scope". Not a few people have taken a hard in depth look at what it will take to establish a permanent outpost on the Moon - as if that was an end all and be all goal in and of itself. In this new volume, Schrunk and his team are clearly out to do more. Seeing the Moon in the much wider light as a world with consi-derable mineral resources and its strategic location on the shoulder of Earth1s gravity well, they outline a feasible, realistic scenario for the coming century. Their goal is not "a" moon base. It is a global integration of the Moon into Earth1s economy. Looking at the Moon1s resources, where they are located, and at which parts of the Moon have special advantages, they take us from a first south polar outpost step by step into a future when humans will be busy all over the Moon, and making money doing so. Their vision is grounded on established technologies, never depending on developments or breakthroughs that may or may not ever happen. On the airless Moon, good old fashion electric railroads (eventually MagLev) will be the principal way of moving goods and materials from one part of the globe to another. Relying solely on solar power, they manage the long lunar nightspans by setting up grids that loop both poles at approximately 85° N and S, latitudes, depending on the terrain, of course. The Moon will produce power for Earth, and become the principal spaceport by which we open the rest of the Solar System and beyond. By the turn of the next century, hundreds of thousands of people, and maybe more, will live and work on the Moon. Profusely illustrated with B/W sketches, the authors take us through every well-reasoned and grounded step. For all of us interested in the Moon, this book is a must read. Do buy it!

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight was an interesting book to read. The imagery of nature throughout the book played an important role in Gawain's quest. There was also more focus on Gawain's struggle between being a man and a romantic hero than in other tales. His inner conflict came out in little actions and words and Harrison really tries to let the reader see the emotional conflict while Gawain is searching for the Green Knight. The twisted ending also makes the book appealing because it is unlike most Arthurian literature which directly glorifies the knight. In comparison to other Arthuirian literature, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight praises Gawain in the end not only for his combative skills but also for his beliefs and strong dedication to honor and faith. He comes out a hero not only because he accepts a quest but also because of his beliefs after he fails in his faith.

Arthurian literature is laced with double meanings and allegories, especially in The Green Knight. It's a great representation of what medieval literature focued on and the basis of great knights. In comparison to Wace's Roman de Brut, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is a much better read. :)

Over the years I've read versions of this poem by numerous people: Brian Stone (the best before this), Tolkien, Raffael, Silverstein, and the archaic and almost unreadable version by Marie Boroff, and more. This is by far and away the best I've come across so far. For one thing, it's astonishingly accurate. Second, it's in a highhly crafted and subtly alliterated modern English. It SOUNDS like someone telling a story not putting on a literary manner and trying to sound important. I despaired of ever being able to introduce my students in reading groups to a convincing translation of this marvelous tale, and here it is. I listened to this version on Public Radio years ago and was captivated. Now I have the book and will delight in sharing the story with my students with a confidence I never had in any of the other translations. Fine introduction too - by the author and by Helen Cooper. Very highly recommended.

Many would-be readers are put-off by the word "classic," inferring that anything tagged with that label is necessarily dry, inaccessible, and out-of-touch. Sadly, they're often right. But the immortal tale of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is one book from Oxford World's Classics no fan of Arthurian literature can afford to miss. You want it, it's here: action and romance, mystery and suspense, a heroic quest and a seemingly diabolic villain, and some of the most beautiful word-play ever put to paper, all wonderfully rendered in a fine easy-to-grasp translation by Keith Harrison.

Readers expecting the same Gawain from Malory's Le Morte d'Arthur may be in for a bit of shock. The titular hero of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is far more valiant than later writers chose to present him. Indeed, even the mighty Lancelot pales next to Gawain here. When the inscrutable Green Knight thunders into Camelot to challenge the King, none but Gawain dares step forward to accept the challenge on Arthur's behalf. It's clear that in the eys of this poem's author, Gawain--not Lancelot--was chivalry's greatest champion.

Though a story told in verse, Harrison's Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is actually easier reading than any edition of Malory I've seen, while the strong introduction and explanatory notes take care of most of the trouble spots. Acccessibility was clearly a major priority.

Like all the best stories, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is never the same twice. I first encountered this timeless tale years ago in college, but reading Harrison's edition was a whole new experience. The poem is full of symbolism and raises many questions about the nature of chivalry, heroism, courtesy, sin, success, failure, and duty--someof which the poet leaves to the reader to answer for himself.

For those of you who haven't read this poem for a while, Harrison's translation is a great way to get reacquainted with an old friend. And to those who have never read it, fearful of yet another barren "classic," give it a shot. It's definitely worth it.

I recently stumbled across The Sleep of Stone in my local library and thought it looked interesting. My read of it turned out to be a predictable, but pleasant experience.

It is a very short novel about the origens of a local legend. The shortness makes it an enjoyable quick read and the legend, although influenced by various fairy tales, is fresh and captivating. The story is presented in a simple storytelling frame structure. An old man encounters a young couple in a local romantic grotto and ends up telling them the sadly romantic legend associated with it of a young couple from years before and of the creature whose consuming love of the young man tried to destroy them. It is a story sweetly told, but with a close eye to the deep emotions of the characters.

I found the actual tale of the Sleep of Stone to be the best part of the book. The frame story was cute, but it was distracting. It actually took me a few tries in starting the book because I couldn't get past that part. While the end part is good, the beginning part (which sets up the real story) is not very captivating.

The real strength of the book was the way as a reader I was able to empathize with the characters' emotions. The young love of the couple was evident, but most vivid were the feelings of the creature that tried to destroy that love. The creature's obsessive love of the young man completely consumed her. This burning desire pushes her to trick, murder, and unleash utter chaos at the young couple's wedding. The passion is so real, it is disturbing.

The book follows a typical plotline for a fairytale type story, but it still is a touching and enjoyable read. Pick it up for a short cozy evening and have fun.

The Sleep of Stone is marvelous. It's a simple story, but told with stunning beauty and depth. The atmosphere is dreamy and slightly surrealistic. This wonderful little treasure can be read on so many different levels-- The Sleep of Stone just goes to show that fantasy doesn't have to be of epic proportions to be excellent. This slim little volume touched me more than six or seven hundred pages of complex plots and myriad characters could have.

You have to read this book it was the best book ever to be written and one you simply just can't pass up. I rated it a ten only because there were no higher choices!!! There is just not enough words in the english dictionary to describe how wonderful a book this really was!!!

This book is another example of coopers excellent writing style. His wonderful world where life depends on what side your on. A must read!!

This book is the first volume to the 'Star shadow' trilogy which is a prequel to 'The time master' trilogy. I think the second and the third volume in the trilogy aren't yet available in the U.S.A. but I have the English edition and they are entitled: Eclipse (the second volume) and Moonset (the third volume). I give 10 to the entire trilogy because this volumes are also awesome. I think it's really interesting to read this trilogy before 'The time master' trilogy because you already have a background to the story and understand much better a lot of things. I think the story is very well structured and original and the characters aren't stereotyped. Chaos is ruling the world through the magi and the gods of order are exiled and can't reach the world, but there are people still loyal to the gods of order whom the magi call heretics. When the first magus dies, magus Vordegh becames first magus, but though he's a poweful sorcerer he's evil and insane and starts to take measures to erradicate the heretics that doesn't meet with a consensus among the magi... Iselia Darrow is loyal to the gods of order and was recently married to a man who's also loyal to her gods. She's captured by the chaos riders during a warp,(they don't know she's an heretic) and taken to the castle. Benetan Liss is the Captain of the chaos riders, he was captured when he was 12 and was betrothed to Iselia. When he discovers she's in the castle, feelings he didn't remember come back and he becomes divided between love and duty.... Louise Cooper's view of the eternal war between chaos and order is very interesting, and you get the idea that if the equilibrium of the world is to be maintained neither can rule forever!

As usual Ms. Cooper has outdone herself, stepping back into the artfully created world of her 'Time Master' trilogy. Going back into the recesses of history, she unveils some of the myth and legend of the time before the Lords of Chaos were displaced from their rulership. Good plot twists, excellent character development. If you found either of her previous Time Master trilogies interesting, this will be a must have series as well.