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
So happy to have come across this book! I think it is very important that we start conversations about racism with children, that we take the time to So happy to have come across this book! I think it is very important that we start conversations about racism with children, that we take the time to explain why it is so important to address this issue. I have a fear that grade schools are becoming 'STEM blind' - that STEM subjects are now becoming the only focus of education - to the detriment and diminishment of social issues. Books like this can open the eyes of children in a very age appropriate way....more
Very informative first book on Tribal Governments (TG). does a good job of explaining the concept in terms that small children will be able to understVery informative first book on Tribal Governments (TG). does a good job of explaining the concept in terms that small children will be able to understand (especially with the help of an adult. What the book does not go into is how often TG laws are broken by the United States (US) government - even to this day. Time for an 'indigenous' Treaty of Versailles? ...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
Very nice introduction to this very controversial issue. I was somewhat surprised to find a book on this topic for young children. For the most part IVery nice introduction to this very controversial issue. I was somewhat surprised to find a book on this topic for young children. For the most part I agree with everything said in this book: however it is my belief that calling for the end of all prisons is a very disingenuous stance to take. I do agree that there is much work to be done in America when it comes to the cause/effect of incarceration and equal access to the legal system. ...more
Nothing wrong with this really, just not to my taste. Definitely for adults, there were some funny parts, but there is also lots of bits that I just dNothing wrong with this really, just not to my taste. Definitely for adults, there were some funny parts, but there is also lots of bits that I just did not find that funny. Really hits Jimmy Carter pretty hard! If I were to read this at a different time then my rating might be different. Very much have to be in the mood for this type of humor....more
Very nice first book on Finland! Just enough information and filled with lots of pictures. In my opinion Americans really need to learn more about othVery nice first book on Finland! Just enough information and filled with lots of pictures. In my opinion Americans really need to learn more about other countries in the world; there is no reason why our children should not be taught more about other countries and the way that they deal with challenges that are common throughout the world. ...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
Stories that teach you how we are often the cause of our misfortune. By using animals to teach important lessons the stories told in this book appeal Stories that teach you how we are often the cause of our misfortune. By using animals to teach important lessons the stories told in this book appeal to children, but can be read by adults to find deeper meaning. For me that is a true mark of a classic; a work that can be revisited throughout your life that continues to teach you important lessons....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
Wonderful meditation on predicting the future by Octavia E. Butler (OB). If you have not heard of OB look her up; she was a pioneering voice in the geWonderful meditation on predicting the future by Octavia E. Butler (OB). If you have not heard of OB look her up; she was a pioneering voice in the genre of Afrofuturism. In this short piece she reminds us that the future we are expecting may not happen - that so often we do not look to historical patterns to predict the future, but base our views on misinterpretations that arise out of collective forgetting. Sound familiar? ...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
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
This is an intelligent version of the movie franchise Taken. Yigal Zur takes you behind the curtain of transnational crime and places you alongside DoThis is an intelligent version of the movie franchise Taken. Yigal Zur takes you behind the curtain of transnational crime and places you alongside Dotan Naor (an Israeli private investigator who use to work for Shin Bet) as he tries to find Eden, a 12-year old girl who has disappeared in Thailand. What follows is a 'mosaic' of corruption that includes members of Eden's own family and organized crime. Dotan soon finds himself in a labyrinth of greed and deception - and there are those who never want him to find a way out. Highest recommendation. ...more
Biting political cartoons from (mostly) the 1890's. Uncle Sam is used as a central theme in many of the cartoons; being the personification of AmericaBiting political cartoons from (mostly) the 1890's. Uncle Sam is used as a central theme in many of the cartoons; being the personification of America he is put in situations that are very revealing as far as the 'state of the state'. Numerous references to Tammany Hall are made here - must confess that I feel I need to learn more about the references and the politicians associated with this aspect of American history. ...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
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