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The Art for Young People Series is a wonderful way forchildren to get to know the people behind the paintings. Throughcolorful narrative, pictures, maps, photos, and more, kids willdiscover that art is an exciting and interesting way to explore theworld.

Bold strokes and colors swirling off the page distinguish the style ofVincent Van Gogh. He was a passionate and tormented man, a fact thatis reflected in his paintings. Follow the painter through the rollercoaster of his life, and watch his paintings change with his state ofmind. Meet Van Gogh's beloved brother, Theo, and his good friends andfellow artists Paul Gaugin, Emile Bernard, and Toulouse-Lautrec.Visit Arles in the south of France, where Van Gogh lived andworked. It was there that he grew lonely and depressed, eventuallybecoming mentally ill. As his mind began to weaken, his paintingsbecame more distorted. In a way, they are a window onto what Van Goghwas seeing in his mind's eye. While he was living, he never sold asingle painting. Today Van Gogh is known as one of the greatestartists of all time. Enjoy his story through entertaining narrative,colorful pictures and photos, illustrations, maps, and more. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (8)

AN IMPORTANT ADDITION TO THIS SERIES.THE ART IS ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL!
I cannot think of a better way to introduce the poetry of Edna St. Vincent Millay than this small volume.The selection is excellent and of interest you the young reader.The commentary is quite relevant as are the pictures which accompany it which by the way are worth the price of the book alone.I find that often now, our young people go all the way through the early grades in school and many of them have never heard of Millay much less read her poetry.This was the sort of stuff my generation and the generation before it grew up on and cut our teeth on.I do not feel I am any worse for the wear.I am fearful that we are bringing up an entire generation (rightfully or wrong, although I feel it is the later) of young folks who will have no appreciation to this great art form and will miss a lot.This book helps.This entire series helps, as a matter of fact and I certainly recommend you add this one and the others to your library.Actually, it is rather fun reading these with the young folk and then talking about them.Not only do you get to enjoy the work your self and perhaps bring back some great memories, but you have the opportunity to interact with your child or student.It is actually rather surprising what some of the kids come up with.I read these to my grandchildren and to the kids in my classes at school.For the most part, when I really get to discussing the work with them, they enjoy it.Recommend this one highly.

Beautiful.
The illustrations and the poetry create feelings and emotions which go beyond the pages. Mike Bryces illustrations pull you into the poetry with a style that is breath taking. The poetry will linger in your mind the illustrations in your heart. You will find yourself going to it time and time again.

Great... but not the best for a young reader...
This will be a reallly personal review.
I first discovered Edna in my senior high school humanities class.When I first read it I thought, "That's so real! That's me! I can relate to that!"She so eloquently put what I wanted to say but was not capable of in my late teens and early 20's into words.
Now that I am past the dating years and finally read a short bio on the author I realize that all I really liked about her writing was that she was a modern day "fast girl" (if you catch my drift).I really feel betrayed because I thought I was so literate and now I wonder what liking her poetry so much said about me.
So now I feel for the author beacause she chose to live in the fast lane and then dull the pain and escape into drugs and alcohol... which maybe was the better choice for her if infamous was on her list of things to become.
Though I do recommend her reading strongly in general because it's romantic and interesting and delightful, I don't think it's appropriate for "young people" with lines like "What lips my lips have kissed"... Unless ofcourse instilling Catholic schoolgirl guilt into your child is at the top of your priority list... or you want to give her poems to read to her boyfriend... or something... use your discretion...

Poetry, Art and a Life all in One
I opened this book at weekly Storytime...my son likes to play with the trains while my daughters listen to the story.. I thought, "I'll just look at this for a moment" and I was transfixed for the entirety of storytime.

Yes, as the other reviewers have stated the illustrations are amazing, the poetry.... mind opening.Another facet of this book is the brief and compelling biography of Edna St. Vincent Millay.

I knew very little about her... now that I know the little that I know from this book, I am hungry for more of her work as well as more of her life.

Excellent book -- I am going to look into other titles in this series as well (The Poetry for Young People ) to see if the others are as above average as this one.

Each illustration could be the focus of additional conversation: I see myself reading these poems repeatedly with my children. They are simple, elegant and timeless.

Touching poetry accented with gorgeous illustrations
Picked up this up recently while browsing my local bookstore and was taken aback by the beautiful artwork found in this collection of Edna St. Vincent Millay's poems. I bought it on the spot! Not only are poem's heart-wrenchingly personal and affecting, the watercolor's are a feast for the eyes. I've shown this book to many of my peers who share my enthusiasmand have consequently picked it up as well. Strongly recommended! ... Read more

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Compiled from the original documents of Sir William Young who headed a commission to the island after it was annexed to Britain in 1763, this history shows an independent people in their struggle against the Red Charaibs and then against the British settlers. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Can You Believe an Official Writing 100 Years after the Fact
This is a reprint of a book assembled from a number of documents in 1795, as William Young speculated over where St. Vincent was for former African slaves, who intermarried with the indigenous people, the Caribs, or the Europeans, should have rights to the land of a small Caribbean country. More recent writers have another take on the real origins of the Black Charibs...where they from a single wrecked slave ship, or were they slaves who escaped from neighboring islands to hide in the remote mountains of St. Vincent ?

In any case it is jarring to read the conclusion of this book, written so many years ago, when Young stated that either the Black Caribs or the Europeans must go, and the decision was to send these people off their home island.

In order to appreciate the book, some reading in the history of the Caribbean and colonialism is in order, and a 2002 book by St. Vincent author, publisher and book store owner, Adams, called People on the Move would be a useful bit of background reading.

It could also be used for study in a university level course in historigraphy

Too bad the book is so expensive.

HONDURAS GARAFINA VIA ST VINCENTS AND AFRICA
This is the first book I have ever read which speaks to the origin of both St. Vincents Island and what today we call Honduras. The majesty of precolonial East African people lives on through the African slaves who were washed ashore on St. Vincents and lived to grow and thrive.So successful were they, that the mighty English military had to physically capture and deport them to Honduras, where they again grew and thrived.

The descendents of those very people now populate much of today's Honduras and St. Vincents Island.They fashioned their own language, which has survived and is now known as garifanu.This book is must reading for those who are serious about the real Central American History. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (5)

Learning from the Past
There was a great deal to learn from a story that is over 100 years old.I was unfamiliar with the story of racism at the military academy and this thoroughly researched book provides a great deal of context and thought provoking observations that are useful today.

The author is challenged with finding authoritative resources long after the trail has gone cold but does a great deal of first-hand reporting unearthing historic letters and photos.

I understand there will be followups to this edition which should be a welcome addition to what appears to be a rather small bibliography on the subject.

Uphill Battle
Most biographies are about extraordinary people who accomplish extraordinary things.But the story of an ordinary person who makes the most of everything he has can be even more compelling.This is why Black Cadet in a White Bastion is well worth reading.It is a tale of accomplishment through simple perseverance, not complex genius.Brain Shellum details the slave community of Young's birth, the freeman's community of his youth, and the West Point environment where Young struggled for social and academic survival.

Charles Young lived a century before there were television ads selling the Army as the place where you can "Be all you can be."He was ahead of his time, and his story is an inspiration to anyone who seeks to follow in his footsteps, to overcome the odds against them.Author Brian Shellum performs a great service by portraying Young's faults along with his strengths so that we can fully appreciate how hard he had to work to earn his stripes.

Praise for Shellum's Style and Accuracy
My book club recently read this insightful biography of Charles Young's birth through graduation from West Point with unanimous praise for Shellum's writing style and solid research. While many military bio's are dense and slow, this book reads with ease and quick pace. As two of our club members are alumni of The Academy, I was not surprised to learn from them that the descriptions of campus life and traditions were accurate and much the same for Young as those from late this century.

Charles Young is the Colin Powell of his time.
What an inspiring story!Luck, pluck and a narrow window of opportunity all lined up for Charles Young, a young African American teacher from Ohio, who knocked on West Point's doors in 1884 and found them open to him.I'm amazed that West Point enrolled Blacks in that period.But as historian and author, Brian Shellum, tells us in BLACK CADET IN A WHITE BASTION, for a short period after 1884, a few African Americans were accepted at West Point.Soon after Young graduated, the military school barred African Americans for fifty years!

Shellum explains that Young struggled at West Point because of intolerance as well because of its challenging curriculum.But Young was a man who never gave up, depending on hard work, tutors, mentors, friends and family to carry him to graduation.

The author outlines the challenges of writing about an individual whose color relegated him to a shadowy existence at West Point.Yet with some diligent and creative research, Shellum pieces together a biography of a hero who clearly became the Colin Powell of his time.

I look forward to Shellum's next installment of Charles Young's extraordinary journey.

Inspiring Story of Perseverance
I've just finished reading this skillfully researched book about Charles Young's life.From his birth to parents with roots in Southern slavery to his graduation from West Point, it's a story that reflects a strength of character and purpose against the many odds of the time in which he lived.His struggle against the racism of the time is a story that begs to be told. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A book of timeless poetry for young people
As librarian of a small, private school, I am continuing work this summer in processing and automating all the books in the library. Today I came across two copies of "Edna St. Vincent Millay's Poems Selected for Young People," with both copies needing repair and new mylar protectors from all the wear and tear. However, neither has been checked out in the three years I have been in the school. This fall that will change.

A good librarian sets up situations that allows students to make acquaintance with particular books and particular writers. It is time they met Edna St. Vincent Millay. It is ironic in my own life circumstance because friends recently were discussing Ms Millay.

This book of sixty poems are gathered from four other volumes, making it a book of favorites from the foremost poet of the publication period, 1917. It includes the poem that first made her famous when she was fifteen years old, "Renascence." Also, "The Harp Weaver," that gave me cold chills the first time I ever read it years ago, is found here. Sonnets and nature poems are also included.

Millay grew up in Rockport, Maine and earned her degree from Vassar College. She won a Pulitzer Prize in poetry. Please refer to Wikipedia for more biographical information. Millay led a fascinating life.

This is the second stanza from "God's World"--

Long have I known a glory in it all,
But never knew I this;
Here such a passion is
As stretcheth me apart,--Lord, I do fear
Thou'st made the world too beautiful this year;
My soul is all but out of me,--let fall
No burning leaf; prithee, let no bird call.

And "Ebb," a short poem about lost love:

I know what my heart is like
Since your love died:
It is like a hollow ledge
Holding a little pool
Left there by the tide,
A little tepid pool,
Drying inward from the edge.

Will fourth and fifth graders understand this love-lost poem? Unfortunately, yes, but they will also thrill to the exquisite beauty of nature in early Spring in "God's World."

There is good reason that this book of poetry is beloved. The illustrations of Joseph Paget-Fredericks adds simplicity and charm. ... Read more

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For all of the continuity of African-American history, including the long history of struggle, the years between 1945 and 1970 represented a new moment. It was a time of new possibilities and new vision, a time when black Americans were determined to be the architects of an inclusive America that championed human rights for all. In ^IWe Changed the World^R, Vincent Harding, himself a participant in the Southern freedom movement, documents what was perhaps the most critical chapter in African-Amer ... Read more

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An author reminisces about her childhood and that of her two famous brothers. ... Read more

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From an early age, Vincent Roth kept a detailed account of his experiences, often illustrated with sketches and later by watercolors. It was from these handwritten journals that his son-in-law edited this book. The first volume covers his early yeas as a child abandoned to relatives in France, Scotland, and London. It also covers his reuniting at the age of 12 with his father and stepmother in Australia, his arrival in British Guyana, and the first 15 years of his work in the interior. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A life in the Guyana of the Twenties
I was about nine when my father took me to the zoo of the Botanical Gardens in Georgetown, capital of the then British Guiana. Near the entrance and the bullocks' paddock stood a slim, grey-haired man who my father told me was "my old friend Vincent Roth", the founder of the Zoo. My father told me that he had worked with Roth when, a quarter of a century previously in the late 1920s, they had been surveyors in the Bush, also known as "the interior". Born in Australia in 1889 and arriving in B.G. at the age of 18, Roth was the only son of W.E. Roth, Protector of Aboriginals in north-eastern Australia. Vincent Roth had a succession of jobs: newspaper reporter, land surveyor, mining expert, geologist, district administrator, manager of a coffee and rubber estate.
Described by Arthur and Elma Seymour in their Dictionary of Guyanese Biography as "one of the great facilitators of culture", Roth eventually wrote and had published several books on British Guiana, and around 1964, when he and his wife left Georgetown to live in Barbados, he began to write his memoirs, based on journals kept up to 1935. Unfortunately, he was only able to elaborate from these his life in Queensland, Australia, before he became too frail to carry on. It was left to his son-in-law, Michael Bennett, to edit the journals and bring the memoirs up to the time of Roth's resignation from Government service in 1936. The result, despite a number of typos, is highly readable and full of information about the Guyana and especially, the interior, of those days. Standard fare in the Bush was salt pork (hence the word `porknocker') but there was - apart from the abundant fauna - a plethora of fish, as well as such delicacies as the maam bird and labba pepperpot. Bush lore there is aplenty, such as how to split a 15-ton boulder (keep a fire going under it for a few days then tackle it with a sledgehammer) and many beautiful images, as that of a swarm of pale yellow butterflies of well-nigh a quarter of a mile wide fluttering westwards that Roth says must have been between 40 and fifty miles in length. There is little scandal or sensationalism, for Roth was after all a Victorian and in fact writes that he generally tried to steer a course that would gives as little offence as possible to old friends and acquaintances. However, the astute reader will gain much of the information that has been left out. No account of life in Guyana would be complete without the abundant humour and Obeah (a form of magic known colloquially as `jumbi') stories to be found there, and there is some of both in these books. An Obeah man, in front of the local parson, challenges a villager to pick up the little stickthat he has thrown to the ground if he doesn't believe in Obeah. The villager is adamant that he does not beieve in Obeah, but says that he will not pick up the stick. Roth, who comes across as a man with few illusions, himself has a story to tell that will raise the hair on the back of your neck.
... Read more

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A selection of poems by Edna St. Vincent Millay especially chosen for young people. ... Read more

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In these days when the old civilisation is crumbling beneath our feet,
the thought of poetry crosses the mind like the dear memory of things
that have long since passed away.In our passionate desire for the new
era, it is difficult to refrain oneself from the commonplace practice of
speculating on the effects of warfare and of prophesying all manner of
novel rebirths.But it may be well for us to remember that the era
which has recently closed was itself marked by a mad idealisation of all
novelties.In the literary movements of the last decade --when, indeed,
any movement at all has been perceptible -- we have witnessed a
bewildering rise and fall of methods and ideals.We were captivated for
a time by the quest of the golden phrase and the accompanying
cultivation of exotic emotions; and then, wearying of the pretty and the
temperamental, we plunged into the bloodshot brutalities of naturalism.
... Read more

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TO ROSEMARY

If I were sly, I'd steal for you that cobbled hill, Montmartre,
Josephine's embroidered shoes, St. Louis' oriflamme,
The river on grey evenings and the bluebell-glass of Chartres,
And four sarcastic gargoyles from the roof of Notre Dame.

That wouldn't be enough, though, enough nor half a part;
There'd be shells because they're sorrowful, and pansies since
they're wise,
The smell of rain on lilac-bloom, less fragrant than your heart,
And that small blossom of your name, as steadfast as your
eyes.

Sapphires, pirates, sandalwood, porcelains, sonnets, pearls,
Sunsets gay as Joseph's coat and seas like milky jade,
Dancing at your birthday like a mermaid's dancing curls
—If my father'd only brought me up to half a decent trade!

Nothing I can give you—nothing but the rhymes—
Nothing but the empty speech, the idle words and few,
The mind made sick with irony you helped so many times,
The strengthless water of the soul your truthfulness kept true.

Take the little withered things and neither laugh nor cry
—Gifts to make a sick man glad he's going out like sand—
They and I are yours, you know, as long as there's an I.
Take them for the ages. Then they may not shame your
hand.

"... For there groweth in great abundance
in this land a small flower, much blown about
by winds, named 'Young People's Pride'..."
... Read more

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Friendships confront the force of authority in these raw, powerful stories.

When the new kid from Afghanistan is put in Martin's class, Martin ridicules his clothes and nicknames him "Taliban." But the two realize they have more in common than they thought and unexpectedly become friends -- until a brutal drug bust at school tears them apart . . . maybe forever. Descent into Paradise confronts the hypocrisies of Western society and questions whether we aren't all just strangers in a foreign land.

When a teenage boy starts making movies of his classmates kissing, some people think it's odd. But in A Place to Live, the aspiring filmmaker's project turns into a compelling protest against authoritarianism that could get him kicked out of school, and it also risks exposing his surprising feelings for his best friend.

These two provocative tales reveal the consequences of standing up for yourself -- and for your friends.

Annick Press is pleased to announce the launch of Single Voice, a groundbreaking and provocative new young-adult fiction series in which no subject is off limits. These tightly paced stories deliver blow after powerful blow with their unflinching honesty, original subject matter and startling twists. Told in the voice of teen narrators at crucial moments in their lives, each story explodes with the urgency, drama and confusion of adolescence.

Most importantly, these short yet finely honed literary works will appeal to both avid and less experienced readers. Each book consists of two separate but thematically connected stories with distinct inverted covers in an alluring "flip-book" format.

Under the guiding hand of series editor and award-winning author Melanie Little (The Apprentice's Masterpiece, Confidence), the series is comprised of works from distinguished writers whose fiction has been recognized internationally.

"There's an urgency to the stories -- they read in one go. Like a punch in the stomach. In your head. In your heart." -- Le Vif / L'express

Customer Reviews (1)

GreenBeanTeenQueen Reviews: www.greenbeanteenqueen.com
About the Book: Two stories-one book. Descent Into Paradise is the story of police going too far, immigration, friendship and standing up for what you believe. During a police drug raid at school, a new student who has transferred from Afghanistan is targeted-even though he's innocent. What do you do when the police cross the line?

GreenBeanTeenQueen Says: This is a very short story-just over 100 pages, but it does pack a big punch. It's easy to read, fast paced, and raises a lot of questions. I couldn't believe the police were so mean, yet at the same time I know that prejudice is still very much alive so part of me wasn't surprised.

There's not a ton of characterization, although the narrator grew on me throughout. The plot gets right to the point-it's short and there's no messing around with parts of the story that don't need to be there. But I did think it was a powerful short story and one that could start a great discussion.

I would give this one to reluctant readers or readers who don't want a massive novel, but still want a book with high interest. The readability is very easy, so it'd be a great pick for those high interest/low level readers in the library. If you have a big hi/lo readership and need to beef up that collection, I would recommend adding the Single Voice books to your collection. There are three out now, with more to come. Check out the Annick Press blog for the whole collection of titles and tour stops.

I do wish the covers had different colors though-the cover of my story was pink, and while I love pink, I think the story has a lot of guy appeal, but I don't know many guys who would pick up a pink cover on their own.

Since this book has two stories in it, The Book Muncher has a review of the other story in this book, A Place to Live.
... Read more

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With a plethora of advice and a slew of pediatric books in circulation, you need a handy reference book to look at before packing up your son or daughter to see the doctor.

Written by a recognized M.D. with his own pediatric office, The Everything Parent's Guide to Childhood Illnesses debunks the myths and offers you a trusted reference for recognizing and troubleshooting common childhood illnesses. With this book, you will feel confident that you can handle common ailments and gauge the seriousness of your child's condition.

This helpful guide covers newborns to adolescents, offering detailed information and helpful tips on:

• Diaper rashes and skin problems
• Antibiotics and vaccines
• When to worry about a fever
• Cold remedies for infants
• Bedwetting

Dr. Young gives you the straight facts, helping you avoid costly doctor visits and worrisome, sleepless nights. The Everything Parent's Guide to Childhood Illnesses will help you sleep better at night, knowing you have the tools and know-how to raise a happy, healthy child. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

About all the stuff you already knew about...
This is an awesome book - not just for parents. It's certainly made for parents who want to take better care of their kids (newborns to 18y olds), but it's also fun to read, as the author covers all the things that "you already knew from your grandma". I mean, who doesn't think that you catch a cold when you go out into the cold with wet hair? Who doesn't believe in "white snot is ok, but green snot is very bad"?

The author expertly describes all the common symptoms and treatments, so you can be sure to be able to take good care of your child. I very much enjoyed this book, even though I'm not a parent yet. Save yourself hours of waiting in the hospital when your kid gets a fever at two in the mornings. Be able to read the symptoms and know what to do - and get a good sleep. :)

... Read more