Someone should write their PhD dissertation on how an obscure group of mercenary spies in feudal Japan became the global standard of stealth and assasSomeone should write their PhD dissertation on how an obscure group of mercenary spies in feudal Japan became the global standard of stealth and assassination. This book does a very good job of introducing this shadowy group to small children. Just a warning: make sure you 'vet' ninja books for small children. In this case reality is much more violent than fiction....more
Very consise introduction to the conflict between King George III and the Founding Fathers. Does a very good job of looking at the perspective of bothVery consise introduction to the conflict between King George III and the Founding Fathers. Does a very good job of looking at the perspective of both sides, laying out the reasons that war eventually happened. All the famous and important battles are outlined nicely. Small children will get a very good introduction to this world altering conflict....more
Excellent introduction to this pivotal event in early US history. Gives the reasons why the duel took place and the aftermath of the of the duel. ThisExcellent introduction to this pivotal event in early US history. Gives the reasons why the duel took place and the aftermath of the of the duel. This book does a great job of pointing out how personal/political differences crossed lines with deadly consequences. There are still lessons to be learned from this tragic event....more
A little girl helps her grandmother make latkes and is told the story of Hanukkah. The grandmother explains that this is how she learned to make latkeA little girl helps her grandmother make latkes and is told the story of Hanukkah. The grandmother explains that this is how she learned to make latkes, and that this is how the recipe has been passed down from generation to generation. A wonderful introduction to Hanukkah for people who may not be familiar with this important Jewish holiday....more
"The words of the prophets are/Written on the subway walls/And tenement halls..."
This book brings these lines from The Sound of Silence by Simon & Gar"The words of the prophets are/Written on the subway walls/And tenement halls..."
This book brings these lines from The Sound of Silence by Simon & Garfunkel to mind. Bombed out buildings that have been painted over with murals that depict symbols from the past now ready to fight for tomorrow. Heartbreaking scenes of devastation that are used as a way to inspire hope and resistance. Highest recommendation. ...more
A very informative first book on jiu-jitsu (JJ). Explains the evolution of JJ and the difference between Japanese JJ and Brazilian JJ. If you have a yA very informative first book on jiu-jitsu (JJ). Explains the evolution of JJ and the difference between Japanese JJ and Brazilian JJ. If you have a young child interested in the martial-arts I strongly suggest you do research before you let them start to take classes. Some styles may not fit with your personal philosophy of self defense. Very hard to take a child out of a style once they start and are progressing. ...more
Unbelievably painful story. As soon as gold is found all treaty agreements disappear; Red Cloud is forced to fight for the land his people were told wUnbelievably painful story. As soon as gold is found all treaty agreements disappear; Red Cloud is forced to fight for the land his people were told was their home. It is amazing to me how the United States constantly broke treaties made with indigenous peoples. If other countries were to do the same as far as treaties they signed with the United States there would certainly be repercussions....more
Biographies of US.G and RE.L that examines how their paths eventually crossed during the Civil War. Brief descriptions of all the major battles they fBiographies of US.G and RE.L that examines how their paths eventually crossed during the Civil War. Brief descriptions of all the major battles they fought are looked at from the perspective of both leaders. Tactical concepts are explained in a way young readers will be able to understand. A very impressive book on this defining point in America history....more
More tales adapted from the Panchatantra. A hungry jackal hears a war drum and assumes that there is danger. But when he goes to investigate he finds More tales adapted from the Panchatantra. A hungry jackal hears a war drum and assumes that there is danger. But when he goes to investigate he finds that it is just the sound of the drum, the battle is over, and there is food everywhere! Insightful and relevant still to this day, I really like these tales very much! ...more
Exceptionally well written first book on Ike! Sets his rise to power through the military to become POTUS. Ike is on many 'greatest presidents' lists Exceptionally well written first book on Ike! Sets his rise to power through the military to become POTUS. Ike is on many 'greatest presidents' lists I have seen; usually in the top 10. One of the reasons I like this book so much is because it places him in context to the chaos after WWII. Just enough information with lots of pictures....more
Paco Roca tells the story of his mother, Antonia, in this heartbreaking story about growing up in Franco's Spain. Centered around a picture taken at tPaco Roca tells the story of his mother, Antonia, in this heartbreaking story about growing up in Franco's Spain. Centered around a picture taken at the beach in 1946 we learn that this family has been broken by war: a war that the country survived and a war within the family. The title of the book refers to the focus on returning to Eden after death - the only way to look for a happiness that will never be taken away....more
A very good first book on Geronimo (G) for small children. Just enough information. This would be a great book for a book report for children in gradeA very good first book on Geronimo (G) for small children. Just enough information. This would be a great book for a book report for children in grades 1-3. Several very clear pictures of G - think it is so important to show young children what historical figures really looked like if photos are available. Sophie Washburne has done a fine job telling the story of G....more
Excellent first book on José Andrés (JA). Tells the story of how he became interested in cooking and the path he took to become a world renowned chiefExcellent first book on José Andrés (JA). Tells the story of how he became interested in cooking and the path he took to become a world renowned chief. Throughout the book it becomes clear that JA is trying to do much more that just serve food: he is trying to show those who have lost everything that they can still nourish their souls when hope seems far away. ...more
Sad Sack is about to learn that just because the war is almost over he still has a long way to go before he gets home. Written in 1946 this is a glimpSad Sack is about to learn that just because the war is almost over he still has a long way to go before he gets home. Written in 1946 this is a glimpse into what enlisted men must have gone through in the final days before returning to the US. Of particular interest is the way soldiers find themselves in the middle of an increasing chaotic situation as the engines of war slow down. ...more
Book of cartoons that are extremely critical of Copperheads (members of the Democratic Party in the Union who wanted to make peace with the ConfederatBook of cartoons that are extremely critical of Copperheads (members of the Democratic Party in the Union who wanted to make peace with the Confederates). Printed in 1863 this is a very interesting look at politics as the average person must have viewed them; a polarizing issue that was beyond any compromise....more
Propaganda leaflets dropped on Allied forces as they fought to get to Germany in (mostly) 1944. All the leaflets pretty much had the same message: whyPropaganda leaflets dropped on Allied forces as they fought to get to Germany in (mostly) 1944. All the leaflets pretty much had the same message: why are you dying in Europe while you girlfriend/wife is waiting for you to come back home? How long will she wait for you? Did you know that Jewish arms dealers are 'dating' you girlfriend back home as you fight in a war that you will not benefit from? Don't you miss going to the movies and eating out with your girlfriend? Will your girlfriend/wife still love you if you come back home maimed? Of particular interest is a Passierschien (safe conduct pass) that an Allied soldier could fill out and turn over to Wehrmacht officers to surrender: excellent way to identify who would be willing to divulge information if captured - if found on an Allied soldier I suspect there would be a heavy price to pay! ...more
Wonderful first book on the Hopi. Lots of information on their culture and the challenges they have had to face. Information on where the Hopi lived aWonderful first book on the Hopi. Lots of information on their culture and the challenges they have had to face. Information on where the Hopi lived and where they were forced to relocate to. Looks at the food they grew and the pueblos they built. Information on Kachinas and Hopi religious beliefs. A very interesting book....more
Incisive in intent and speculation; Nam Le is a true metaphysical escape artist - his ability to escape from the 'trappings' of culture is a rare taleIncisive in intent and speculation; Nam Le is a true metaphysical escape artist - his ability to escape from the 'trappings' of culture is a rare talent. His detailed eye is able to see past the curtain of inclusivity that immigrants coming to America often have to dodge, before they are allowed to find a role in a play never written with a part for them....more
This 5-In-1 hardcover includes the following comics: The Mouse Merchant, The Giant and the Dwarf, The Magic Chant, The Priceless Gem and Tales of MiseThis 5-In-1 hardcover includes the following comics: The Mouse Merchant, The Giant and the Dwarf, The Magic Chant, The Priceless Gem and Tales of Misers. Each of these books have been reviewed individually by me. A wonderful introduction to tales that can hold up to anything Aesop ever wrote - should have a much wider readership!...more
The Dwarf is an expert archer; but because he is a dwarf he knows that if he tries to become one of the king's archers he will not be considered for tThe Dwarf is an expert archer; but because he is a dwarf he knows that if he tries to become one of the king's archers he will not be considered for the position. He finds the Giant (a basket weaver) and goes to the king's palace, representing himself as the Giants servant. Under the guidance of the Dwarf the Giant accomplishes feats of bravery and is rewarded. Then the Giant decides he really is a brave warrior who no longer needs the advice of the Dwarf. Pride and stupidity soon reveal who is the real 'giant' to the king!...more