The Hammer of Witches is adapted in this GN. First published in 1486 this was the witch hunting manual that sent countless woman to be tortured and exThe Hammer of Witches is adapted in this GN. First published in 1486 this was the witch hunting manual that sent countless woman to be tortured and executed. This is a classic work of projected misogyny; women are tempted to become witches and then they tempt men to sin. Witches also have sex with demons and the Devil himself. The simple fact of the matter is that the author(s) had a lot of sexual fantasies that they could not deal with - and so they just vented their frustration on the poor and uneducated. This book is written in a humorous way, but there is much to meditate on here....more
This GN is heartbreaking. A bird comes to visit a Palestinian man in an Israeli prison. The bird brings tales of what is happening to the prisoner; taThis GN is heartbreaking. A bird comes to visit a Palestinian man in an Israeli prison. The bird brings tales of what is happening to the prisoner; tales of despair, rejection and abuse. The man longs for the freedom the bird has; but he understands that his role is to record what is happening to those who are suffering more than he is. No politics here - just a simple statement from the heart: please think of the children... consider reading the poem Upon the Infant Martyrs by Richard Crashaw - all of those involved in what is happening in Gaza should read this short poem. Highest recommendation....more
Informative first book on the life of Cesar Chavez. Along with Dolores Huerta he was the co-founder of the National Farm Workers Association (NFWA). TInformative first book on the life of Cesar Chavez. Along with Dolores Huerta he was the co-founder of the National Farm Workers Association (NFWA). The NFWA later merged with the Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee (AWOC) to become the United Farm Workers (UFW) labor union. The book focuses on the March to Sacramento in 1966. Important event that should be remembered as we try to address issues of economic equality today. ...more
The story of Hugh Bennett, now considered the father of soil conservation. Hugh had to convince politicians that soil erosion was a problem that was jThe story of Hugh Bennett, now considered the father of soil conservation. Hugh had to convince politicians that soil erosion was a problem that was just going to get worse for the whole country. Due to his diligence he was able to help end the Dust Bowl. Thanks to Hugh America finally realized how important soil was to the future of the country....more
Really nice first book about Kamala Harris! Traces her life from childhood to VP of America. I really like this 'new wave' of LGB that introduce imporReally nice first book about Kamala Harris! Traces her life from childhood to VP of America. I really like this 'new wave' of LGB that introduce important figures to young readers; there are several more that I am going to look for. Still the same LGB 'vibe' I remember fondly from my childhood - a great book for the little future politicians in your life!...more
Very hard book to write: how do you introduce the topic of atrocities to grade school children? This book does a fantastic job of introducing the topiVery hard book to write: how do you introduce the topic of atrocities to grade school children? This book does a fantastic job of introducing the topic while not going into the grisly particulars that may not be appropriate for this age group. Jim Crow and lynching are brought up in a very thoughtful overview of racial justice in America....more
This GN adaptation of the Chinese classic novel of the same name tells the story of the dispotic and debauched last ruler of the Shang dynasty (King ZThis GN adaptation of the Chinese classic novel of the same name tells the story of the dispotic and debauched last ruler of the Shang dynasty (King Zhou) and his bewitchment by a vixen spirit named Daji. As King Zhou falls further under the spell of the beautiful Daji the people suffer more and more everyday. I am sure I would have more to say - but my knowledge of the Chinese classics is very limited - and many of the characters were unfamiliar to me....more
As a young boy Rabbi Joachim Prinz bravely spoke up against the Nazi oppression of Jews. When he came to America he saw that African Americans were beAs a young boy Rabbi Joachim Prinz bravely spoke up against the Nazi oppression of Jews. When he came to America he saw that African Americans were being treated oppressively and became friends with MLK. A wonderful book that teaches young children that when you support other groups who are being oppressed you build a strong coalition of justice that ultimately benefits everyone....more
A little boy is excited when he is selected to play MLK and recite the I Have a Dream Speech for a school celebration. The word 'king' is used to makeA little boy is excited when he is selected to play MLK and recite the I Have a Dream Speech for a school celebration. The word 'king' is used to make a point: MLK was a spiritual 'king' to so many people - and as such he influenced many more that a mere king ever could who had been given a hereditary title. Very clever look at how young children interpret the meaning and legacy of MLK. ...more
I can not think of a more timely book than this: the resurgence of fascism and the future of Europe. There are those who think that it will be anotherI can not think of a more timely book than this: the resurgence of fascism and the future of Europe. There are those who think that it will be another man with a funny moustache who will be the future avatar of this philosophical position; and that will be to the benefit of many embryotic movements - looking for that which has changed - while the alchemical propaganda that encourages silver lined clouds after a storm of hate looms on every horizon. Rob Riemen understands this - and his book is a warning that 'peace in our time' may come only to the dead....more
The story of the peace symbol and how Gerald Holtom designed it. I doubt that even he had any idea how universal it would become. A great introductionThe story of the peace symbol and how Gerald Holtom designed it. I doubt that even he had any idea how universal it would become. A great introduction to this iconic symbol and how it transcended what it was originally designed to represent. Now more than ever I think it is important to understand what a given symbol really means - vibrant and engaging illustrations!...more
Excellent introduction to Daniel Boone and his expedition through the Cumberland Gap. Children will be delighted to learn new facts (a 'buck' is calleExcellent introduction to Daniel Boone and his expedition through the Cumberland Gap. Children will be delighted to learn new facts (a 'buck' is called a buck because a buckskin sold for a dollar long ago). While I do support STEM I feel that history has (often) been neglected in out grammar schools; perhaps there is no consensus on how controversial issues should be addressed at this level. Books like this really do fill that 'gap' as far as balanced information. ...more
What do you get when you cross Lord of the Flies with Red Dawn? This book that follows the children of 'preppers' who decide that if they kill their pWhat do you get when you cross Lord of the Flies with Red Dawn? This book that follows the children of 'preppers' who decide that if they kill their parents there will be more food for them to start a 'Brave New World'. Chilling look at how cults start with a charismatic leader who is able to 'filter' communal fear through a new ideology: should be on the reading list of anyone studying sociology. Stark but effective illustrations....more
Wonderful introduction to Ben Shahn and how he used his art to address issues of social justice. There are so many people who were trail blazers in thWonderful introduction to Ben Shahn and how he used his art to address issues of social justice. There are so many people who were trail blazers in the fight for social equality; Ben Shahn was always aware of the intersection between art and the ability to influence the masses. But he suffered when the powers that be decided that he had gone 'off script' as far as his message. A book that is pertinent today as we all try to navigate the intersection between art and politics. ...more
Kwame Nkrumah's Midnight Speech is often compared to Dr. Martin Luther King's I Have a Dream speech. It always amazes me how little we know about indiKwame Nkrumah's Midnight Speech is often compared to Dr. Martin Luther King's I Have a Dream speech. It always amazes me how little we know about individuals who struggle for years in the shadow of oppression; even more amazing is how we fail to learn from the legacy they leave us. This book is of particular interest given the new waves of conflict cresting across Africa right now....more
Nice first biography of President Biden. I think it is very important to get young children interested in politics - it is not going to get any easierNice first biography of President Biden. I think it is very important to get young children interested in politics - it is not going to get any easier trying to get balanced information on candidates in the future. I also believe that the next generation of voters is going to make some of the most important decisions any generation has ever been asked to make. Books like this will get them thinking....more
The story of Cleve Jones and the AIDS Memorial Quilt is told in this book. Going back to those dark days when politics and public health collided (lesThe story of Cleve Jones and the AIDS Memorial Quilt is told in this book. Going back to those dark days when politics and public health collided (lesson not learned) we are there as a few people try to connect through shared tragedy. There are lessons here we can still learn from - hopefully we will - as we all try to knit our frayed hopes stronger after COVID....more
Part autobiography part cinematic review part technical methodology - the contributions that Spike Lee has made to nuanced reflection on the African APart autobiography part cinematic review part technical methodology - the contributions that Spike Lee has made to nuanced reflection on the African American experience (in my opinion) are still woefully underappreciated. Do the Right Thing should be required viewing for all police candidates - and it should be followed with the video taken of George Floyd. Lots of behind the scenes stories/pictures that will add even more depth to the movies/actors....more
Understanding Taoism is very hard: as soon as you 'conceptualize' or 'give form' to it there is a very good chance you have lost it. The Sayings of ZhUnderstanding Taoism is very hard: as soon as you 'conceptualize' or 'give form' to it there is a very good chance you have lost it. The Sayings of Zhuang Zi help you see where you might be tempted to go astray; simple stories help illuminate your way on this pathless path - past looking for footsteps you will never see....more
Excellent first book on Thurgood Marshall. It is so important for small children to read about people who have helped society move forward due to theiExcellent first book on Thurgood Marshall. It is so important for small children to read about people who have helped society move forward due to their commitment to equal justice for all. This book had just the right amount of information; timeline and list for further reading are provided in the back of the book....more
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