Product Description
This digital document is an article from Cities of the United States, brought to you by Gale®, a part of Cengage Learning, a world leader in e-research and educational publishing for libraries, schools and businesses.The length of the article is 441 words.The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase.You can view it with any web browser.Provides a wide range of hard-to-locate data to answer questions concerning American cities. Includes thorough coverage of the area's largest or fastest-growing cities, or those with a particular historical, political, industrial or commercial significance. ... Read more

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United States Capitol Cities Fact Files




Too many people? Look it up here.
Average income, look here.
Poverty rate? It is here.
And so much more……

What do you need to know???


... Read more

Product Description
In the late 1870s, many young teachers traveled West to earnmoney and make a new life for themselves, despite the schools beinginadequate at best. Some returned home, unable to endure the hardshipsof prairie life, but others were more committed to their work. SarahJane Price stayed, braving the rough conditions of the West. Writtenby Newbery Honor Author Jim Murphy, this is Sarah Jane Price's story. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (25)

another dear america book...great!
Love all dear america books!Thanks for getting it to me without a mishap!

Face to the Wind
Again, my Scottie dog decided she wanted to eat this book that my daughter had checked out from the school library. Did I meantion their copy was in MINT condition. Well to my surprise this one was too & I was very pleased with it.

Lemonade from Prairie Lemons
My Face to the Wind / 0-590-43810-7

Another wonderful addition to the Dear America series, "My Face to the Wind" is certain to engage both children and adults as the fictional diarist strives to make a living in the harsh prairie lands of America.

When her father, a professional school teacher, dies unexpectedly from a plague that sweeps through the new town, Sarah Jane Price finds herself completely alone and orphaned. Although the lady she boards with is kind and solicitous, she is eager to be rid of Sarah Jane and considers it her "Christian duty" to ship the young girl off to an orphanage, where she will perform hard labor six days out of the week and wear herself thin with weak meals and little love. Sarah rebels against this plan and audaciously suggests that she replace her deceased father as the new school teacher - she has, she argues, the proper credentials and she is, she lies, of the appropriate age.

This novel follows closely the trials she faces. She is lonely, without a father or family, and she is despised by many of the townspeople who do not believe she is "humble" enough, and that a woman should not be a teacher. Many of her students refuse to take learning seriously, believing that farmers don't need education. Sarah wins over their hearts, surviving in impossible teaching conditions (including a sod school house which is literally falling apart), and winning over her students and their parents with her indomitable spirit.

More than anything, this book reminded me strongly of the "Little House on the Prairie" books, particularly the ones that feature so strongly Laura's days at her school. This diary realistically portrays the daily life and dangers on the prairie - the disease, the hard work, the scarce wood, the transient towns, the traveling ministers, and the colorful characters that graced our country's history.

~ Ana Mardoll

Dear America Diary of Prairie Teacher
A young 14 year old becomes a teacher after her teacher father dies and leaves her in Broken Bow, Nebraska without support.She learns to support herself and to be a good teacher.Good book but not outstanding story.As with many of these diary books, the actual historical account at the end of the book is more interesting than the fiction.

Flawed but informative
I'm a fan of the Dear America series of book yet found this to be one of the weaker ones. Firstly, there are some plot deficiencies - a 12-year-old girl passing herself off as 16 and being accepted as a teacher seems rather far-fetched to me [though for the time it was set in, this may not be so implausible after all]. The character of Sarah Jane Price seems rather flat and didn't engage me as much as some of the other protagonists in other books in the series.

However, the story itself is one worth taking a look at for it covers an interesting time - a prairie town in 1881 Nebraska called Broken Bow with vivid descriptions of prairie life. Sarah Jane's determination to make it as a teacher and overcome adversities is worth admiring.

There is a historical note at the end that elaborates on prairie life, as well as historical photographs of prairie settlers, schools, towns, even recipes and a poem. This book will appeal to history buffs. ... Read more

Product Description
For general Middle School Methods courses.Based on the belief that effective middle school teaching practices must be developmentally responsive, this core text provides an insightful introduction to young adolescents ages 10 to 15, and to the middle school and middle school movement. Coverage balances the practical and the theoretical to provide all of the essential knowledge today's middle school teacher needs concerning the development and characteristics of adolescents; principles, goals, and attributes of the middle school movement; and, organization, curricula, strategies, and concepts of contemporary middle schools. The authors emphasize the diversity of adolescents - in development, culture, gender, and sexual orientation - and the importance that these differences portend for educational experiences and guidance efforts. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Teaching in the Middle School
Used as a textbook. decent enough, but not worth keeping. not much unique information to refer to later. resold as soon as class ended.

wrong book and no help
They sent me the wrong book twice and the edition I needed and paid for they did not have, which led them to give me an edition that was torn up and not the one needed. When I wanted my money back they would not contact me, so I would not use them again or ever.

Very Informative
I needed this book for a class to complete my degree in an effort to prepare for my teacher certification examination.The book arrived quickly and in good shape. It was the correct edition of the book as well!I am very pleased.Thanks a lot! ... Read more

Product Description
This digital document is an article from Cities of the United States, brought to you by Gale®, a part of Cengage Learning, a world leader in e-research and educational publishing for libraries, schools and businesses.The length of the article is 508 words.The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase.You can view it with any web browser.Provides a wide range of hard-to-locate data to answer questions concerning American cities. Includes thorough coverage of the area's largest or fastest-growing cities, or those with a particular historical, political, industrial or commercial significance. ... Read more

Product Description
As told by historian Debra Faulkner, Emily Griffith's life story is an intriguing as it is inspiring. From teaching in a one-room schoolhouse on the Nebraska prairie to founding Denver's ongoing and thriving Opportunity School, Miss Emily pursued her vision for all who wish to learn.

The book received the highest recognition from Colorado Independent Publishers Association (CIPA) with an EVVY Award in 2006. Judges described Touching Tomorrow as "A page-turner. A must for historians of women and education in North America."Touching Tomorrow was honored as Finalist for the WILLA award from Women Writing the West. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Griffith lives on through Opportunity School
The story of Emily Griffith follows her life and the establishment of the Opportunity School -- which I personally attended and have only the highest praise to give.The ideas the school is based upon are truely revolutionary even today and would make good reading for teachers and admisistrators.The author has written a very enjoyable and readable book which includes some picture and the mystery of Griffiths death.

Inspiring story, smart local history
The test of a good local history book is whether it conveys an interesting true story as well as fills a gap in the knowledge of a place's past. Debra Faulkner's 'Touching Tomorrow' does that and more. Her account of the life and tragic death of pioneering educator Emily Griffith not only delivers a highly researched but readable biography, it also puts Griffith in the context of her time and place. And, face it, how often do you finish a local history book and feel like you just read a murder mystery? I recommend this book highly for anyone who wants to know more about the evolution of Denver and the people who made it happen, but it's also an inspiring book that every teacher should read.

life of a pioneer in education
After going to a fantastic book reading by the author, I picked up the book because I was interested in hearing more about Faulkner's theory on Emily Griffith'smurder. I was not dissapointed in the least at Faulkner's eloquent yet lively interpretation of this amazing woman's life and her murder theories. You will read this book in 2 days. It is well worth the purchase, as Emily's life is testament to lessons applicable to today's educational system.

Griffith biography brings depth to educator's life
"Touching Tomorrow" represents a thorough and detailed history of Emily Griffith and Denver's Opportunity School. The transition from prairie schoolmarm to influential innovator is inspiring, entertaining and well documented.
Obviously a great admirer of Ms. Griffith, Faulkner still manages to create a mostly unbiased account of the teacher's life. While some details are either glossed over or merely alluded to, this can easily be attributed to the lack of verifiable information. Other specifics tend to be overstated, making the book at times read like a collection of serialized installments. However, the author's ability to create a timely and relevant backdrop helps place Griffith's life in historic perspective and adds to the enjoyment of this biography. ... Read more

Product Description
During the late 1800s, many homesteaders were attracted to the middle of the country -- including young Grace McCance and her family. Settling on the lonely, windswept prairie of central Nebraska, they lived in a one-room house, fought off crop-destroying grasshoppers, braved winter blizzards and summertime droughts -- and grew into spirited, self-reliant pioneers. Grace's personal story is skillfully woven into the history of America's great westward migration to create a vivid portrait of childhood on the prairie. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Review for young granddaughter
It took about 2 hours to finish this book. I enjoyed it but didn't realize it was for a young middle-school ager. Definitely gave a good look at the life. I will use her book listings in the back to read more....

Great Book
My eight year old daughter and I took turns reading this book out loud. we loved it, and we can't stop thinking about it. We loved following this family through their ups and downs. This is a great book for all ages.

Shelby 8- I found this book very inspiring. My great great great grandmother Traveled west as part of a wagon train. We love to read about pioneers and this was the best book we have read. I loved learning about Grace McCance Snyder.

Wonderful Book for All Ages
I read this book on a whim and thoroughly enjoyed it.The writing is first-rate, and the story of this amazing woman is inspirational.The book does an excellent job of describing what pioneer life was like.Great bookfor kids, but I enjoyed it, too.

One of the best books my daughter ever read, she says.
According to my 11-year-old daughter, this is a classic case of "Don't judge a book by its cover." "I thought it would be boring, since there is only grass on the cover, but it was the best book Iever read," she said. She was fascinated by the details about thenitty-gritty of prairie life, by the size of the families and the constancyof the chores. She's looking forward to reading Warren's book, "OrphanTrain Rider," and wants the author to hurry up and write more.

The story of a real pioneer girl.
This is the story of a real pioneer girl, Grace McCane. When Grace wasjust three years old, she moved with her parents and two sisters toNebraska to homestead a claim on the lonely prairie. Grace grew up on theprairie, and she loved her life, although it was hard. If you liked theLittle House on the Prairie Books, you will love Grace's story - the storyof a girl and her family striving to make their dream come true despiteinnumerable hardships. ... Read more

Product Description
Discusses the elements of the human body. Includes suggestions for related experiments and projects. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great for Reluctant Readers
This book meets National Standards for 5-8 Human Body Standards. It is great for ALL students at the middle level because it is kid friendly, readable, and has great simple lab activities that add to learning. ... Read more

Product Description
In 1923, Hank and his brother, Peter, take the Orphan Train to Nebraska, where they become virtual servants on the Olsons' farm.Soon Peter runs away, leaving Hank to bear the Olsons' sharp tongues and violent anger. He is sure the loneliness will kill him.Then he meets Molly McIntire, who, like Hank, trusts animals more than people.With Molly's help, he learns that orphans have rights, too-even if they have to fight for them.

"Heart-wrenching and gripping." (School Library Journal) ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Simply story with a wonderful Protagnist
Hank is a great character.Readers will cheer for him.The story is straight forward but the author does a great job conveying Hanks emotions.Readers will feel his physical and emotional pain from hard work, the cold, and sorrow.A short, great, young adult read.I'm 23 y/o and loved this book.The target readers would be 5-8 graders.Teachers, recommend this book to your students.

Hank discovers new hope when he befriends a recluse
Jane Buchanan's Hank's Story explores the life of a boy who rides the orphan train to a life of hardship. Hank discovers new hope when he befriends a recluse and earns the friendship of a fellow orphan in this moving story of the past. ... Read more

Product Description
"Brigham/Houston: A Classic, redefined...because a classic never goes out of style."The market leader, Brigham/Houston, continues to grow in reputation and amount of users as the most effective approach for teaching the first undergraduate corporate finance course. This Concise version of the extremely successful, Brigham/Houston-Fundamentals of Financial Management, contains the same level of topical rigor while also reflecting the latest in theory, research, real-world examples, and use of technology as Fundamentals.The seamless, integrated ancillary package, still painstakingly prepared by the authors, is a hallmark of the Brigham/Houston package which reduces course preparation time for instructors and makes the subject more accessible for learners. New for this edition is the addition of iLrn Finance, an online student assessment and tutorial resource to help improve student performance. Additionally, access to Thomson ONE - Business School Edition, an online financial database that students can use to complete projects or select end of chapter exercises, is included with each new text. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (27)

great!!
the product was a used one but looked perfect and was like new. It arrived perfectly on time!!!!

A very good textbook
Clear, concise, and with plenty of examples of the applications of the principles it covers. Also contains real-world descriptions of firms dealing with the issues covered. A fine textbook.

Great Condition and Fast Shipping!!
The product was in better condition than expected and arrived very promptly. Would use seller again

Great deal
I paid $136 for the 6th edition used book. Fortunately, my instructor allowed us to use the 5th edition so I bought this book online for $6.00. It looked totally new and was delivered earlier than I expected. Can't complain anything.

Fundamentals of Financial Management
Bought this book for an MBA program, it is real easy to follow with real world examples and complete introduction of understanding today's corporate finance and financial management. there are also examples using excel so that we can understand how to apply it in real life situations. if you need the solutions manual, email me at nugraha69@yahoo.com. it is pretty useful...

... Read more

Product Description
FOR USE IN SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES ONLY. After marrying Will Deal and moving to Nebraska, Abbie endures the difficulties of frontier life and raises her children to pursue the ambitions that were once her own. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (46)

A Lantern in Her Hand
This book was recommended to me by a friend who considers it her most favorite of all time.I agree with her and have ordered other books by the Bess Streeter Aldrich.The author has the knack of making the past seem so relevant to the present day experience while maintaining a most entertaining and historically accurate story.

my favorite book
This book is great for all ages.each time i read it it see it from a different perspective - first as a young woman, then a married woman, then a young mom, now a mom in the midst of having teens, and each time i come to appreciate it more.

looking back, reading this book influenced the kind of mother i was.it is an easy read, and interesting.

historical, based on real pioneers, a good story.

an excellent book.i would recommend it to anyone.in fact i just bought several copies to give away.

Very Good Purchase
I have had very good luck purchasing books through Amazon, and this is no exception.The book is in excellent condition for used and has a mylar cover that has kept it nice.I chose this title because of a movie I saw on television, based on this story.I have quite a library of aged copyright books and always look for hard cover.They are usually within my price range at Amazon.I am looking forward to reading it.

One of my most loved books
I read this book when I was 12 or 13, perhaps younger.I loved this story so much I'm sure I read it a dozen times or more as a kid.And it was so memorable that I've never forgotten it.No longer having my original copy, I ordered it again recently from Amazon so I could re-read it.I was surprised at the negative reviews, but can only conclude that if you read this for the first time as an adult, perhaps the magic isn't quite the same.I think it's sad that someone can't appreciate this story, butI think it was well enough written, and the magic was in the detail and the story.I'm not sure if kids today would appreciate the story line, but in 1960 when I first read it, it obviously made quite an impression on me.I gave the book to my daughter when she was 12 or so, and she loved it as much as I did and has also remembered the story vividly now that she's an adult.I'd still recommend it for young girls in particular, perhaps in the age range of 9 to 13 or so.

A Lantern in Her Hand
For all Mothers that are devoted to their children, as my mother was. Bess Steeter Aldrich has a way with describing things that makes one relive all of the experiences of settling the West.I love all of her books snd wish she had written more. ... Read more

Product Description
FOR USE IN SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES ONLY. Moving to their new home on the prairie, Zoe sees that her mother is unhappy with their desolate lifestyle. But while on a ride to the nearby town, Zoe sees something special that may make her mother happy once again. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

A Beautiful Story of Courageous Hope
Zoe, traveling with her family to Nebraska, knows her mother has doubts about moving to an unsettled territory, but her father is unable to provide for them back in Illinois where they lived with her grandparents.When they arrive at their staked-out territory and commence to digging a well and building their sod house, Mama's doubts continue to weigh on her and she pines for her old home.On Mama's birthday Papa takes Zoe to town for supplies and a small gift.As they leave the town, Zoe spies a clump of dandelions to be her gift.They carefully transplant them to the sod roof, but when morning comes the flowers are wilted and sad.Zoe pleads, "They'll bloom, Mama -- they're strong, just like us."Mama is quiet, and Zoe knows that somehow the conversation is about more than the flowers.Mama tells her she must be patient, it's hard for flowers to be transplanted, and the story ends with a visual scene of a little sod house on an open prairie, roof covered in yellow blooms.

This beautiful story captures the courage of Americans who risked everything to settle in unknown lands.It features a strong female protagonist who supports her father's leadership and shows genuine love toward her mother and sister.In a book of this length much is necessarily left out -- you will have to read On the Banks of Plum Creek (Little House) or Sod Houses on the Great Plains to learn how a soddie is built -- but Bunting's spare text gives just enough detail to evoke the feelings these settlers must have experienced, leaving the reader with the desire to learn more about this piece of American history.

The complex emotional themes of hope, loneliness and fear, with the symbolism of transplanted flowers to stand for Mama's loneliness, may require explanation for younger readers.This book is probably best suited for ages 5-8.

Not just any book but a piece of great literature
On its face, this is a wonderful story of a pioneer family that moves to Nebraska to claim vacant land that is being given away for free.But it is so much more than a quaint story, as the author adeptly paints for the reader a picture of who each character is, how they feel about the move, and the subtleties of how they interact with each other.The transplanted dandelions are a beautiful symbol of the difficulties of moving to a strange place and starting anew.And all is done through the eyes of one of the children.

A word of caution, though.Because of the subtleties and nuances of language in the book, I would not recommend the book for young children.Without an understanding of what is suggested and not expressly written, only the basic story can be grasped, which by itself would be a bit boring and would struggle to maintain a young child's attention.

dandy dandylions
Dandelions is one of the best books I have ever read. It tells about the historic events about everybody moving to the Great Plains. It shows the hardships the people back then had to go through. I was a very true book.

I also liked the characters, too.They had cool talents and were funny like when Rebecca said, "We really dug a hole to China?", the author made me feel sad for them. He explains the characters well, too. It is one of the best books I have ever read because of how good the author writes this book.

Tucker DME

Dandelions Rule! :]
My favorite book buddy book is called "Dandelions".I like it because alot because it really makes me realise what i have.It's very touching story to read.I realise that how much I really have! I need to be greacous,I need to spend more time with my family,too.
It teaches me I need to work and play less.I don't need to ask for everything I see.Now I realize how much I have and that I need to love my family more and more,also appreciate them.This book is great.I love this book.
By:Gracen Kerr

the dandelions of adventure
How you ever felt good of what you have accomplished? Well I have!The book Dandelions was very touching to me because people like me at my age should be thanking God because we don't have to move around and build sodies.It's sad because they had to dig a hole to get some water in a little water bucket.It is a lot of hard work to dig up a hole and get some water every day.Their house was made out of mud and water, sometimes snakes would come out of the walls!

It would be awesome to meet the people in the book if they were real.It would also be awesome if wagons were still here in modern time.If you sell it to someone who likes old history wagons,they would be interested.I think the book was inspiring to me because it would want to make me a better person. Papa said'Mama and I have to talk things over with you'.When I read that it made me want to read it again. It was very interesting.

Ruth
DME ... Read more

Product Description
The #1 New York Times bestselling authors of the blockbuster Rich Dad Poor Dad series reveal their groundbreaking financial advice to teens. This special just-for-teens edition based on Rich Dad Poor Dad builds a foundation of self-confidence from which readers can realize their dreams of financial security in an increasingly challenging and unreliable job market. Teen-friendly advice, examples, sidebars, and straight talk will supplement all of Rich Dad's core advice: Work to learn, not to earn. Don't say 'I can't afford it'-instead, say 'How can I afford it?' And, don't work for money-make money work for you! No matter how confident or 'good in school' readers consider themselves to be, RICH DAD POOR DAD FOR TEENS makes financial intelligence available to all young people with its streamlined structure, clean design, and accessible voice. Here's a book that teaches teens what they don't learn in school-and what many of their parents have yet to learn. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (41)

Avoid this
Don't bother. Read the fine print - or the little thing that says miniature and it IS. Overall, one book by this author is sufficient to know everything he thinks about money and investing. More than one is a waste of your money

Don't buy this book!
This is a waste of money!I know it says miniature in the title, but be warned this book is so tiny it is not worth the money (2.5 by 3.25 inches).I was so disappointed I didn't even want to read it.But my son read it anyway and there is not a whole lot of info in it.Save your money for something else.

Ridiculous
I saw nothing that stated this book I purchased was the size of a match book!!!I would not think that they even published books in such a manner.What a joke!!I guess you learn something new every day.Erik in NJ

Excellent Information for Everyone
My husband teaches finance to high school kids and is always looking for interseting ways to reach kids and help them understand how money works...or doesn't. This is a perfect "little" tool to use as it does not read like textbooks do. Great information for ALL ages really.

I did not see that it was the miniture book and was greatly disappointed.The message was great though, just wish my grandson
Was greatly dissapointed that my grandson received the miniature sized book.Neither one of us remembered reading that when we purchased the book.Maybe you should make it more visible next time. ... Read more

Product Description
Highlighting the importance of friendship, family, and social networks in girls' sense of themselves, this book suggests that literacy plays an important role in maintaining friendship groups and in the construction of self. This provocative new book questions many common assumptions about early adolescence, most importantly, the "good girl" role so often assigned to and reinforced in female students Pub: 4/97. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Just fine
As an ethnography, Just Girls describes the literacies which provide means and vehicles for adolescent girls' expressions of their conformity and nonconformity to social codes and norms. Finders classifies the girls atthe high school on the basis of social, economic and, to a lesser degree,behavioural characteristics. Isuspect that the process of classificationsomewhat shaped the ethnographic report. Finders' use of language and herdescriptions of the cookies and the queens frequently belie a bias infavour of the former and against the latter. Though this is helpful intruly bringing alive the power games that are played at the school, as wellas justifiable to some degree, it was rather disturbing: the queens are,after all, young girls and not hardened, exploitative capitalists. Thelanguage used in some cases borders on the offensive: to take only oneexample, the queens "traveled in packs," like beasts of prey. Sheassociates the queens' busy social lives with a severance of or distancingfrom parental ties; I am uncertain as to why greater involvement with one'speer group cannot be taken simply as part of normal behavior, rather than aform of violence. Finders appears to agree with Dottie's mother, whoassociates adolescent social activities with this distancing from one'sfamily: my father also perceived the choice as being one between family orfriends, due to which I believe that as an adolescent I was deprived of anormal social life.Through "rich description" and carefulselection of circumstantial detail, Finders identifies what modalitiesalign students with particular status groups: she shows how the cookies'inability to participate in co-curricular activities (because they do nothave transportation) accords them low visibility and establishes them aslow-status members of the school community. By and large, the social usesof literacy are emphasized; I would personally have also liked to explorethe individual psyche of the girls further. It is fascinating to me how thequeens use their cultural and linguistic literacy to establish status andpower. They play with words and cultural images that are considered"out of the control of adolescents." It also serves to establishnorms of "cool" which they apparently derive from popularculture, for which they are the custodians at school. As a teenager whonever knew the cool thing to say, much of what Finders has to say about thecookies' lack of integration in the school community certainly does strikea chord with me. What is most interesting to me, however, is Finders'analysis of classroom roles in Chapter Five. Her critique ofstudent-centred pedagogy rings true in the light of my own experience ofteaching; I am disturbed by the concern that "[a] pedagogy built oncomfort, built on students' experiences, will, of course, continue toprivilege those who feel most at home in the classroom." It have cometo question my role as an instructor who demands participation in classroomdiscussion and bases some grade value on the same. I have indeed noticedthat it is always the same students who are prepared to contribute todiscussions, and it is always the same students who appear unable to do so,who perceive their experiences as not belonging to the accepted scheme ofthings. How far am I privileging the already-privileged? Yet how is it thatclassroom discussion comes to be perceived, by those who do not speak out,as the domain of a particular type of student? The "Myth of FreeChoice" reminds me also of school strategies in writing. Our seniorEnglish teachers were European nuns; by and large I do not recall choosingto write about my life and experiences in Pakistan. I vividly rememberwriting stories about heroines named Sally, Amanda and Muriel, but I do notremember many attempts at writing about poverty, class-based behaviour,religious practice, or my own developing religious commitment. Studentshave an intuitive understanding of "what you're supposed towrite" (Cleo's words, page 120). Having been an extremelyserious, rule-conscious and spiritually intense (and lonely) adolescent, Iam glad to read Finders' questions about the myths of universal adolescenceand of adolescence as a negative period. I had trouble identifying andsocializing with my peer group, since I did not fit the stereotype of thedefiant adolescent. I wonder if this was related to the fact that I wasless in touch with popular culture than my peer group: I did not watch muchtelevision, I stopped listening to pop music at the age of fourteen, readno pornographic literature, watched few movies, and did not have muchinterest in keeping up with fashion. I wonder if my lack of exposure topopular culture and the media had anything to do with the fact that I neverdeveloped according to the norms of a typical adolescent. This may be thereason for Cleo's and Dottie's rather fierce independence of thought andpractice.

Deeply felt academic research
As an ethnography, Just Girls describes the literacies which provide means and vehicles for adolescent girls' expressions of their conformity and nonconformity to social codes and norms. Finders classifies the girls atthe high school on the basis of social, economic and, to a lesser degree,behavioural characteristics. I suspect that the process ofclassification somewhat shaped the ethnographic report. Finders' use oflanguage and her descriptions of the cookies and the queens frequentlybelie a bias in favour of the former and against the latter. Though this ishelpful in truly bringing alive the power games that are played at theschool, as well as justifiable to some degree, it was rather disturbing:the queens are, after all, young girls and not hardened, exploitativecapitalists. The language used in some cases borders on the offensive: totake only one example, the queens "traveled in packs," likebeasts of prey. She associates the queens' busy social lives with aseverance of or distancing from parental ties. Finders appears to agreewith Dottie's mother, who associates adolescent social activities with thisdistancing from one's family. I would not favour the queens' excessivepreoccupation with social activities, and their inability to stand or speakalone; however, it is also difficult not to notice Finders' bias in favourof the traditional, "sensible," family-values sort of attitude ofthe cookies, which is juxtaposed with the air-headed, vacuous socialfluttering of the queens. I think that to some extent, Finder's thesis -that the characteristics of adolescence are less a developmental stage than"ideological constructs that are fostered by the schedule andstructure of the junior high school" (p.46) - is applicable in manysituations, but ends up being stretched too far. I felt that there shouldhave been somewhat more reflexiveness in Finders' account, and a littlemore uncertainty regarding her interpretations of what she observed. At the same time, one must acknowledge that through "richdescription" and careful selection of circumstantial detail, Findersidentifies what modalities align students with particular status groups:she shows how the cookies' inability to participate in co-curricularactivities (because they do not have transportation) accords them lowvisibility and establishes them as low-status members of the schoolcommunity. By and large, the social uses of literacy are emphasized; Iwould personally have also liked to explore the individual psyche of thegirls further. It is fascinating to me how the queens use theircultural and linguistic literacy to establish status and power. They playwith words and cultural images that are considered "out of the controlof adolescents." It also serves to establish norms of "cool"which they apparently derive from popular culture, for which they are thecustodians at school. As a teenager who never knew the cool thing to say,much of what Finders has to say about the cookies' lack of integration inthe school community certainly does strike a chord with me. What ismost interesting to me, however, is Finders' analysis of classroom roles inChapter Five. Her critique of student-centred pedagogy rings true in thelight of my own experience of teaching; I am disturbed by the concern that"[a] pedagogy built on comfort, built on students' experiences, will,of course, continue to privilege those who feel most at home in theclassroom." It have come to question my role as an instructor whodemands participation in classroom discussion. I have indeed noticed thatit is always the same students who are prepared to contribute todiscussions, and it is always the same students who appear unable to do so,who perceive their experiences as not belonging to the accepted scheme ofthings. The "Myth of Free Choice" reminds me also of schoolstrategies in writing. Our senior English teachers were European nuns; byand large I do not recall choosing to write about my life and experiencesin Pakistan. I vividly remember writing stories about heroines named Sally,Amanda and Muriel, but I do not remember many attempts at writing aboutpoverty, class-based behaviour, religious practice, or my own developingreligious(Islamic) commitment. Students have an intuitive understandingof "what you're supposed to write" (Cleo's words, page 120). Having been an extremely serious, rule-conscious and spiritually intenseadolescent, I am glad to read Finders' questions about the myths ofuniversal adolescence and of adolescence as a negative period. I hadtrouble identifying and socializing with my peer group, since I did not fitthe stereotype of the defiant adolescent. I wonder if this was related tothe fact that I was less in touch with popular culture than my peer group.I wonder if my lack of exposure to popular culture and the media hadanything to do with the fact that I never developed according to the normsof a typical adolescent. This may be the reason for Cleo's and Dottie'srather fierce independence of thought and practice ... Read more

Product Description
Part One, The End of a Career, isn't just for school teachers or administrators, it's for anyone in a position of authority who has a job where there are risks involved with youth or the other gender. It's for anyone working in a location where you will need witnesses, or someone to back-up your version of the story. Part Two, The Qatar Edge, isn't just for airmen or even the military. It's for anyone who appreciates good humor under strange circumstances. If you fit one category, read both parts anyway. It won't take long, and you'll be glad you did. At the worst, you'll learn something about the risks in education, and the lighter side of today's military. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Don't insult your intelligence by reading this book.
I don't review books often, but I was so offended by this book that I felt I had to weigh in. This book has two sections, one detailing how either naive or duplicitous the author is concerning coaching young girls.

The second half, where the author describes his posting in Qatar, once again details his inability to understand rules, morals, or even appropriate behavior. As someone working in Qatar at the moment, which is a country on the brink of being as well known as Dubai,I was hoping for some insight into the country and it's culture. Instead I was overwhelmed by the ignorance and chauvinism of this author.
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Product Description
Paper Edition. In this practical book filled with the stories of real children, Shelley Harwayne invites readers to explore the diverse roles literature plays in any writing workshop. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Practical and enjoyable
Shelley Harwayne really captures the importance of exposing children toliterature, involving them in it, and relating it to their lives. Sheencourages sharing their family stories, forming a bond with a literateadult and reading together. She says you should let the children laugh,cry, support, and gently nudge one another to build a community of learningand sharing. Her book is best summed up in her words, "Fill them up.Read aloud, read silently, recite, do choral readings, tell stories,dramatize, sing. Fill them up some more. Then step back and watch whathappens"(page 1). She goes on to discuss literature as a seedbed fordiscovering topics and for the writer's notebook, listening, mentors,booktalk, confering and record keeping, and mini-lessons. A great book! Amust buy! ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (2)

Exceptional Mind
One of the best books on psycholgy and society in the last fifty years. Great food for thought and better understanding. I can not suggest this work enough for the positive developement of the mind.
Mr. Charny is years ahead of the pack in his thinking and insight, a humanist head and shoulders above the rest.

Five plus stars.

A wise and good read
This is a significant book. Charny outlines the differences between fascist thinking, which leads to unproductive overcertainties in one's personal life and society, and democratic thinking, which centers around respect for others and the understanding that life is complex and often ambiguous, and that we cannot always get the answers when and where we want or need.

Democratic thinking leads to opportunities for growth and humility and fascist thinking leads to repressive totalitarianism. His focus is not so much on the social side, since we all know how that plays out, instead he emphasizes personal responsibility for being democratic with others and with ourselves. he teaches how to overcome our own fascist tendencies, since we all default to them on occasion.

This book is fascinating and built on his experience as a shrink and a genocide scholar. If you are interested in psychology, spirituality, politics,sociology or anthropology this is an excellent choice. ... Read more

Product Description
This anthology traces the evolution of the United States from a collection of small agricultural colonies to an industrial giant -- a development that radically changed how Americans worked and lived. ... Read more