Where's Milo's Ball

I read Where's Milo's Ball, in exchange for honest review from Edelweiss. The book was written by Mike Austin. The Book was published by Blue Apple

First, I did have to adjust my settings a bit to be able to read the book. The initial font on the e-reader was too small. Every other page was blank and some of the story was missing. Was not sure if I received a blank copy of the book or a book with a lot of blank pages and hardly no words or graphics. This was a quick read to the kiddies. They enjoyed the pictures.

I chose this book to read to the kids. The book is about Milo the Cat, who is looking for a ball of string.  The book was in panel format. Good for a traditional book or a Kindle Fire, but I used Adobe Digital Editions to read the book. I hope the board book is better than the electronic edition.

The Facebook Diet

I read the Facebook Diet, in exchange for review from Netgalley.com. The book was wrote by Gemini Adams. The book shows cute pictures about Facebook Addicts. The book is hilarious and funny. The book also gives helpful hints on finding other things to do besides Facebook, like fall in love or Google Plus (yay Google). Or use a thesaurus and look up synonyms for "like" This book was a quick read and brightened up the last 30 or so minutes of my life.

Divided we Fail

I read Divided We Fail, in exchange for review from Netgalley.com. The book was written by Sara Garland and published by Beacon Press.

The book discusses how schools used to admit (or not admit) students based on race. Students would be bussed to other schools to receive a sub-par education. For example, the book discussed Central high. Local students were being bussed to a different, sub-par school, while the higher quality school in the neighborhood, was set for closure.  To maintain an open status, Central high had to have a Caucasian majority, but the school did not attract enough Caucasians. According to the book, no school in that district could have more than 42% African-American population to ensure compliance.

 The African-American parents were upset. Send the kids to the closer, better school. A lawsuit followed and the school was allowed to remain open. The Caucasians also sued because their children could not attend their school of choice.

The book basically discusses the Central High case because it was brought together by an African-American community. The African-American communities were facing teacher firings and school closings once desegregation ended. The firings and closings led to an increase in protests and lawsuits.

I also enjoyed the story of Dionne. Dionne wanted to be a lawyer and thought Central High's law magnet program will be a starting point to achieving her dreams. She applied for admission to the school around 1996. She been wanting to be apart of the program since middle school. The letter said she was being considered for admission to Central High. Her mother received another letter, asking about first and second choice schools, just in case Central did not accept Dionne. Dionne already had to be bussed  over an hour away to attend Elementary and middle school, even though another elementary school was in walking distance. Dionne was rejected for Central high because the middle school sent her transcripts to her house, instead of the school. She was placed in her regular high school but she missed orientation because the letter arrived late. Dionne was an interesting story and chapter to read.

I highly recommend this book to anyone, wanting to hear more about desegregation and how this community fought to end it.

The Joy of Sexus by Vicki Leon

 I reviewed the Joy of Sexus by Vicki Leon, in exchange for review from Netgalley. The book was published by Walker and Company. The book discussed the history of sex throughout the ages. I enjoyed reading about the different aphrodisiacs and anti-potency remedies. Some of the aphrodisiacs included mandrake roots, satyrion, red coral, and wormwood. People also used herbal potions and plants; amulets and rubs; and also inserted hair, excretions, and nail clippings to improve potency. 

On the other hand, sometimes people wanted to lower their mate's sex drive by using hippo forehead; mouse dung; wine, in which a mullet has drowned in; or male urine in which a lizard was killed. 

The book was an interesting read. I loved reading it. Definitely am thinking about buying a print edition. 

The Church Sign

I read The Church Sign in exchange from honest review from Library Thing Early Reviewers Program. The book was written by Anne Robey-Graham and published by Kirkdale Press.

The book was Robey-Graham's last book before passing away in 2011.

The book starts off with a man and a dog, stopping in front of a church. He is looking for someone. The first scene really grabbed me. It was dramatic and intense, even if it's a few short sentences. Robey-Graham did a good job opening up the first scene.

The book focuses on Alicia Zimmerman, a researcher for an University. She makes a mistake and ends up hiding. She meets Eric and a friendship develops, but she has her past to worry about.

Alicia also had faith in God. She desired a relationship with God. "If only she could soak in his stained-glass presence, she knew her problems would shrink. Surrounded by others as their prayers floated towards heaven, she just knew she would be able to breathe again". This was a wonderful passage early into the book.

Next, the church signs help guide Alicia and Eric in the book. The cute, creative signs are wonderful such as "Why not pray about it?". I have seen church signs, which have seriously helped me. I remember one night I leaving work and had to go pick up my son from the babysitter. I was driving down one dark country road to get to his aunt house. I was not in the best mood. As I was approaching the road into Pike County, two churches had posted two church signs, which got me out of my funk. I don't remember what each sign said, but I remember I was happier.

I highly enjoyed reading this book.

More than a Bucket List

I read More than a Bucket List, in exchange for an honest review from BookSneeze. The book was written by Toni Birdsong. The book was published by Thomas Nelson.

I chose this book because I have so many dreams, but I am not working hard on making them a reality. The book started off good. The first section discusses laughter. God gave us the power of laughter. Laughter can heal souls. Birdsong encourages us to find friends, clean comedies, and other things, which makes us laugh. Then, the next section focuses on living your dreams. Write a book. Go skydiving, whatever it is, Live your dreams.


The book also discusses honoring people for their strengths, instead of their appearances, stereotypes, or personal prejudices. Get to know people for who they are, instead of who you think they are or who you want them to be.

Other suggestions in the book include:

• Fighting for love
• Being a good samaritan. Be merciful. Help others, who are going through something. 
• Practice being positive, instead of negative. Practice forgiveness. Laugh. Surround self with positive people. 
• Trust God in all things. 
• Practice Compassion. Help others. Volunteer. 
• Learn to quit. Quit cursing. Quit enabling others. Quit lying. Quit selfish behaviors. Quit living for others. Quit being late. 
• Stop comparing yourself to others. 

The book provided good suggestions for creating a new bucket list for living. The suggestions are based on love, faith, and forgiveness. Not to mention, developing a relationship with God. At the end of the book (for those, who purchase the print edition), there is a fill-in-the-blanks bucket list. I will definitely continue to peruse this book this year, especially when I lack motivation. 

Bible Stories, that end in an hug

I read Bible Stories, that end with an Hug, in exchange for  an honest review from Tyndale House. The book was written by Stephen Elkins and illustrated by Smon Taylor-Kielty. Tyndale House provided me with a complimentary, print edition of the book.

I chose this book for the children. I have the responsibility to teach my kids more about Christ. It is my responsibility to help them develop a relationship with Christ, despite their development level. Another reason, I chose this book was because it was easy to read and the stories are short. I can read a story to the kids and not lose their attention and focus. I did not want a book, where I lose the kids. I have been looking for a children' bible for kids with special needs. Every bible or set of stories I found online was above their understanding. I truly love the simplicity of the book. Each page tells a bible story. Each page also has a bible verse for reference. The book does not use big words. Each story is simplified so the children can gain understanding. The stories are not comprehensive. They explain the important facts. Each story takes a few minutes to read.  And at the end of each story, parents (or whoever is reading the book) gives their children a nice, big hug. 

Stacie hugging her two boys and her great niece. 

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The Problem is You by John Burke

I read the Problem is You by John Burke, in exchange for review from Library Thing. The book was part of a giveaway, in exchange for a review.  The book was published by Empowerment Nation. The book was a quick read.

The book discusses how to conquer self-defeating behavior, which I have plenty of. I will talk my way out of some situations because I am afraid of the outcome. I also can rationalize and project with the best of them. When you feel like a failure, you do things that will not make you a success, like procrastinate. Life is still moving forward, while you are stuck in the past.

Some of my self-defeating behaviors include eating; procrastination; blaming others; obsession with perfection; taking things out of proportion; keeping grudges; trying to please people; wanting to be right; and lack of willingness, yet I still have the same problems once I am done. Life still moves forward and I am left further behind.


The book is available on Amazon.com

The book discusses self-defeating behavior; characteristics of self-defeating behavior; origins of incorrect beliefs; recognizing and minimizing self-defeating behavior; and creating a path to success (5 chapters, 36 pages). The book will teach you how to change your attitude from negative to positive, provided you are willing to change. The book discusses how self-defeating behaviors may start from behaviors and actions, not going according to plan. We expect a particular outcome, but get something else. We go into depression, anger, frustration, hurt, instead of refocusing and trying again. Just because something failed, does not mean that is the end. We can start over again.

We don't have to please everyone. We don't have to sacrifice morals and values. We don't have to feel like a total failure because something did not go as planned. . We can not control what other people do and say. We do not have to live our lives for someone else. We can say no. In doing this, we develop a more mature, positive attitude towards life, especially our self. I read this book in a few hours. Loved the book.

Trusting God

I read Trusting God, in exchange for an honest review from Blogging for Books. The book was written by Sharon Jaynes, Gwen Smith, and Mary Southerland. The book is a Girlfriends In God, faith Adventure. The book was published by Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group. (Multnomah Books).

I chose this book because I need to trust God more. In church today, we had a speaker on ADHD. He also came to our Sunday School class on ADHD too to answer questions. My question was on patience. How do I have more patience to deal with my kids? I thought it would be an easy answer, but he got religious. He said I need to trust God more. Read the bible more. Increase my faith.  Instead of thinking my kids are the problem, I need to work on my spiritual life. His words touched me deep. I do have a weak spiritual life. He also gave me practical suggestions. Take time for self. Get a babysitter sometimes.

The book talked about putting your trust in God versus people. People will let you down and it is not always intentional. People are human, flawed, and they make mistakes. People can cause frustration, disappointment, and hurt. People need to learn to put their trust in God. God does not fail. You may not understand his methods, but God is 100% trustworthy.

The book starts out with a definition of trust and the goodness of God. God does not change. God love does not waver. God is the same, yesterday, today, and for the future. We should learn to trust God in the good times and bad times. It is easy to trust God when things are going good, but you still have to trust him when things are falling apart.

I read Week 1 a few weeks ago. It was an amazing story about a grandma and her granddaughter. Her son showed granny a trick, which caused Granny to be concerned. The granddaughter did not care because she felt safe in her daddy's arms. She knew her daddy would catch her when she fell. The grandma wanted to have that kind of trust in God--unconditional trust. Knowing that no matter what she going through, God will always catch her when she falls. Having no fear, just complete trust.

The book is a devotional. Each week provides a story and ends in a prayer. Each story shows an example of how people put their faith and trust in God. I definitely will continue to read this book all year. This was a good read.

Why was I blessed with two special needs children?

Why Was I blessed with two special needs children:

I been asking myself this question, since Brad was diagnosed. Why was I chosen to handle this task. I thought again about this question in church today, while Dr. Walter Larimore was speaking. I was not blessed with two normal kids or 1 normal and 1 special needs kids. I was blessed with a 12 year old, Autistic, ADHD, sensory issues, currently pre-pubescent child. I was also blessed with a 20 month old, no talking, no walking, fine motor delays child. These are the thoughts I jotted down.

I am not normal.  I do not understand normal people. I am an outcast. I know what it is like to be excluded. I like things in a certain order, in a certain way, at certain times. I don't like extra disruptions (maybe I got ADHD too). My mind wanders through millions of thoughts daily. I am a misunderstood, creative soul.

I don't know exactly why God blessed me with my boys. I was the child (and adult), who never thought about having kids. I did not want them, yet I had four pregnancies and two live births. Kids irritated me immensely. Some talk too much. I am a loner, an introvert. Not a people person.

I had to learn to love and protect my babies, despite my non-existent maternal instinct I used to have. In fact, people, who have multiple kids, and seem to have a balance on life, are my heroes. I admire you. Here is my salute.

Dr. Larimore discussed how God gave special parents a gift--which we need to unwrap. We need to love, appreciate, and teach our special kids. We also need to teach them about God and help them discover their talents. The kids can also teach me patience, understanding, love, sympathy, caring, appreciation, hope, and joy. The kids can also teach me not to take life too seriously.

Stains on the floor will happen. Even immediately after I clean the floor. One of my kids will pee or spill food or juice on the floor.

My room will not stay mostly clean.

I will always find food hidden behind bookcases, cribs, beds, computers, tv stands, etc.

I may never get a full night's sleep.

I will spend multiple days per month in therapies and dr.'s offices, with no energy in the tank.

I will be changing diapers for a long, long, time.

I may have to give up control over things.

Getting angry at the kids and myself DOES NOT help.

1/20/13. Dr. Walter Larimore

Today at Fallbrook Church, the church invited Dr. Walter Larimore to speak today. He is an ADHD specialist. Some things I learned today include: (regular service and Sunday school notes combined)

1. Some kids have been painted over with a mask. Keeps you from seeing who they really are. 
2. ADHD kids have multi-track cognition
3. ADHD kids have awareness of surroundings
4. ADHD kids search for stimulation
5. ADHD is not a learning disorder. It is not a myth. It is not caused by bad parenting. 
6. ADHD kids are not retarded or lazy. 
7. ADHD does not mean disaster.
8. The true measure of success occurs when your kids find their passion. 
9. 
   

5 Tips for handling ADHD children:

1. Put God First- People run to the internet, books, and other people first, but don't consider allowing God to tell you what tod do. Psalms 50:15 says to Call on God in times of trouble and God will deliver you. 
2. Love your children unconditionally. Your child is a gift from God. Your kids are filled with energy, spontaneous, alert to changes, or even have a novel approach to problem solving. 
3. Get right diagnosis and educate self. Get the right diagnosis. Some doctors are quick to diagnose children with ADHD and other behavioral issues. Then, educate self on your children's issues. 
4. Seek wise counsel: Seek out other parents. Learn from each other. Share successes and mistakes. Pray for each other. Seek out counseling from psychologists, if needed. 
5. Pick a coach to help you: Pick a coach for guidance and information. My first coaches were Saffiyah and Crystal (Rest in Peace). Saffy and Crystal were the first Autistic parents I met. I thought I was alone in this. Saffy and Crystal have been a tremendous help over the years. 

Balanced Parenting: In Sunday School, Larimore presented this model of parenting

ABC                                                                                                                           D

___________________________________________________________________________

                                                                   /\

A-Affirmation: Be the best cheerleader for your kids. This requires both parents. If both parents are not available, find good people to influence your children

B-Blameless Love-Love your children unconditionally. They do not need to earn your love

C-Connection: Develop a connection with your kids. Spend quality time with them. Consider quantity of time as well. There is no quality without quantity. The children need a connection with three people: 

1. Parents
2. Friends
3. Creator

D-Demandingness. Discipline. ADHD kids need discipline. structure. discipleship. Don't use the 1-2-3 method because Kids will learn they do not have to stop until you count to three. 

Parents, who are ABC parents, are golden retriever parents. They want to be the kids friends. They bribe the children. Parents, who are D parents can be too authoritarian, militaristic. Grizzly Bears. Parents need to strive to find balance. Find a support group. Get away from time to time to recharge, without the kids. Find a babysitter and take a night out. Develop a closer relationship with God. 

Out of the blue by Vanita Oelschlager

I read Out of the Blue by Vanita Oelschlager, in exchange for honest review from Edelweiss. The book was published by Vanita Books, LLC. The book was illustrated by Robin Hegan.

Vanita described color idioms such as ticked pink and green with envy. Each page also had wonderful, vibrant graphics. The author also explained what each idiom means, in small print, in the corners of each page. The last page also explains what idioms are (probably should have been the first page). The book was a quick read. Enjoyed it.

The Tragedy Paper

I read the Tragedy Paper, in exchange for review from Netgalley. The book was written by Elizabeth Laban. The book was also published by Random House Children's Books. The book is geared towards young adults.

Synopsis of the description from Amazon: 

The book's main character is Tim, who starts attending a fancy school. Tim does not want to be noticed, let alone make friends. He starts dating one of the popular girls in secret, which could ruin her reputation. The students also have to write a dissertation/thesis during their senior year, called the tragedy paper. Amazon also has an amazing interview with LaBan shortly after the pricing and general information about the book. Amazon also provides a map of the school.

My opinion of the book:

First and foremost, I love the cover. I used to attend graphic design school and this cover is simply amazing. The use of light and dark.

I also liked the concept of the tragedy paper. The kids had to define a tragedy, in the literary sense. I also feel the students' frustration in writing the paper. I am in the process of completing a masters project. I also have a dissertation during the doctorate portion of this program.

The book started out with Duncan, a senior, who is entering the dorms, waiting his surprise, from the last senior, who occupied his room. Tad is Duncan's friend. Duncan's gift was very interesting and made me want to read more. You definitely have to buy the book to determine his gift.

Chapter two starts the story of Tim. Tim is an Albino, starting his senior year of high school at Irving. Tim has already graduated and Duncan stays in Tim's old room. The gift really comes into play here and for the next few chapters. I had read about 50 pages at this point. Tim provides backs story of how his father died and information about his mother and step-father. Tim is an outcast and never really fit in. Going to the high school was supposed to help Tim fit in and find his self.

Enter Vanessa: The Popular Girl, the It girl. Vanessa and Tim met at an airport, during a flight delay (snow storm) Thanks to Tim's mother's travel agency connections, Tim was able to secure a room at a hotel quickly before they sold out. Tim invites Vanessa back to the hotel. Tim did not know at this point that Vanessa attended his high school. He had an inkling after seeing her in a shirt, with the school's mascot but couldn't id if it was for his school or another school. Vanessa also has a boyfriend.

The book was a very interesting read. Boy meets Girl. Boy invites Girl back to hotel. Boy likes Girl. Girl has boyfriend. Boy and Girl start a secret relationship.

The book is 9.99 on Amazon (kindle). It is also available in hardback and audio book.

Getting Better in Parenting Two

Getting Better in Parenting Part Two

• Troubled Kids is an ancient problem

1. Jacob (Israel) had four wives. Rachel had trouble conceiving. Jacob did love Rachel. 
2. Adam and Eve had to bury a child. 
3. 
   
4. Troubled kids have been around forever. God been helping parents forever. We run to everyone else but God. We need to know what God wants us to do with our kids. 
5. 
   
6. Drinking, fornication, and dis-respectfulness occurred in biblical days too. 

• Trouble in the house don't have to ruin the house. 

1. Reuben had sex with father's concubine
2. Simeon and Levi were mass murderers. 
3. Jacob's sons started the 12 tribes of Israel. 
4. Don't let troubled child influence the other children
5. Porn, drugs, and alcohol usually introduced by family members. 
6. Don't let anything foreign or domestic to hinder home. 
7. Example: If you go to the store to buy pork chops, and there are maggots on the chops, do you still buy the chops? No, you want fresh chops, instead of maggot (sin-filled) chops. 
8. Make strategic decisions concerning kids. If you know your child drinks, don't leave him around the youngest. 

• Trouble should be addressed

Part A: Addressing the truth

1. Tell children the truth about themselves. The unadulterated truth. No ballerina, tip-toeing around the truth. 
2. Jacob went from general to specific, when addressed his kids. he was transparent. 
3. truth with love can be liberating
4. Remember the three B words: Bad, Belt, Bottom. Leroy was bad. He needs a belt on his bottom :-)
5. Tell kids their behavior is bad and unacceptable. 

Part B: Truth about consequences

1. Tell them what they aint gonna be if they do wrong. 
2. It's a sin to know the right thing and do not do it. 
3. There are different paths to being a bum. What are we going to do if we see kids on that path?
4. Parents are scared to tell kids what's coming. Let them know what happens if they don't change lives. 
5. People should help with the kids, but there is no replacement for the bible. 

Getting Better in Parenting: Order in the House

Pastor Mike discussed having Order in the House, in this month's series on Parenting. The lesson focused on Authority: established authority; sensible authority; regulatory authority; nurturing; and instructional authority.

• Established Authority

1. Clear, established authority
2. How kids treat us is how they will treat others
3. Homes need a big parental authority. 
4. Small parenting equates to likability. Parents want to be liked. Parents want to be cool
5. Morals and opinions should not change, based on public opinion
6. We will still be in slavery if there was a public opinion poll. Parents will not always be liked

• Sensible Authority

1. Be sensible and not irrational. Do before thinking.
2. Don't provoke kids to anger
3. Don't be overly protective
4. Do think about actions. Can cause disrespect and withdrawal

• Nurturing Authority

1. Parents are responsible for spiritual and physical nourishment. 
2. Parents are also responsible for secular education and intellectual development. 
3. Can not blame development on school system or church or other third parties. 
4. Parents can develop own methods to teach kids
5. Parents are also responsible for kids health and social development.
6. Kids need balanced development. 
7. If you think your kids are doing good, don't brag, but give Glory to God. You don't know what the kids are doing behind your back. 

• Regulatory Authority

1. Be a regulator, not a follower
2. Set up boundaries
3. You control the rhythm and the flow of your house

• Instructional Authority

1. Identify false information
2. Stop and explain false information
3. May have to change child's teachers to prevent false information
4. Children need to obey parents. They are not that cute and funny. 
5. Stop laughing at stuff they do if they are wrong
6. Determine what type of information you are giving to the kids. 
7. Monitor information you are giving your kids.
8. Explain biblical stuff even when government or social and cultural norms says different. For example, the bible says homosexuality is wrong but social norms say different. 
9. Don't assume kids will know the difference between truthful and false information
10. The bible is the governing document

Two Poops

Yesterday, Brad took a poo in the toilet. I was eating downstairs and Brad said he stink. Got upstairs and there was no poo on him. Checked the floors but no poo. The poo was in the toilet. Yay. Hooray. He also did another poo in the toilet this morning. Now, I need to teach him how to wipe himself and how to dry his self off after a bath. Been woke up twice this morning for those two issues.

Everything is a work in progress. Last year, Brad would not bathe or shower without assistance. He mastered that, but still did not like soap. Some days he use soap and others he do not. Still working on that one. He also needs to learn to dry off. Brad will bathe on his own without telling anyone. So, I have been woke up plenty of times because he took at bath at 3 am and needs to be dried off. Yay me. I hope he will be fully potty trained and have decent bathroom skills (wiping, washing hands, brushing teeth, using soap).

 

Real Life, Real Miracles

I read Real Life, Real Miracles, in exchange for review from Bethany House. The book was written by James L. Garlow and Keith Wall. The book provides stories from real people, which also shows God's goodness and grace. The book is very inspirational. Steve may have died in a car accident, but he did not. The book also discussed Shari. Shari was boarding a plane from Australia and someone had taken her seat. Since the plane was already ready to depart, the attendant told her to sit in any empty seat.  Shari was in a plane crash. She was about to take some pills to sleep, but a quiet voice told her not to and to keep her wits on alert. The story had a beautiful ending.

The book also discusses cancer, drugs, diamonds, and MS. I did not get a chance to finish the book, but I am definitely planning to buy a paperback book in the future.

The prologue set the tone of the book and could applied to anyone-you got laid off and can not pay your bills; You been praying and can't seem to get ahead. One day, you walk to the mailbox, receive a letter from an old friend, and she sent a check. (reminds me of my mother. always looking for a mysterious check in the mail. The problem is--miracles occur when least expected. ) God still provides--even in our darkest hour, even when we feel despair, even when no one else is there. God will always be around. 

Unending Devotion

I read Unending Devotion, in exchange for review from Bethany House. The book was written by Jody Hedlund and published by Bethany House. I have the paperback version from Bethany House and also purchased the Kindle Edition from Amazon.

The book is about Lily, who wants to find her sister, Daisy. She looks in hotels, while also rescuing women, from bad situations. The opening of the book, she is attempting to save Edith,  a prostitute, whose master has taken her coat and shoes.

The book took a minute to get into. I kept reading the beginning over and over again (not because the book was bad, but kept getting distracted with kids and other tasks). Lily had to deal with crazy men and Connell, a rugged man and Lily's protector. The book is a very good read.

Bob's Booger

I read Bob's Booger in exchange for review from Netgalley. The book was written by Scott Black  and published by Broccoli Press. The book was a quick read on the Kindle. The story was about Bob, who had a booger in his nose. He wasn't feeling well and had to go to school. The problem was no one would tell him about the booger. That's where the book gets interesting. Will his teachers and classmates tell Bob about the little green man?

CrosScan Puzzles

I reviewed CrosScan Puzzles, in exchange for  an honest review from Netgalley.com. It was written by Bill Cobb and Susan T. Brown. The book was also published by YouDoPr.Com Consultants.

I enjoyed the concept of the book, which is why I chose it, but the book did not work well on my Kindle Keyboard. I may have to order it in paperback form to truly enjoy the experience. I did solve some of the clues though. Definitely a mental challenge, which I love.

A disability history of the United States by Kim E. Nielson

I read A disability history of the United States by Kim E. Nielsen, in exchange for review from Netgalley. The book was published by Beacon Press. I chose this book because I have special needs children. I would not consider them disabled but delayed. (My oldest has Autism and ADHD; My youngest has developmental delays. He is not walking or talking yet. He also has fine motor delays. )

Nielsen starts out by discussing how Native Americans viewed disability. Native Americans do not have a word for disability. If you was able to contribute to society, then you were accepted. There was no stigma. For example, the book mentioned if the town needed water and a disabled man provided a well--he is valuable to the community. He shared his gift with everyone and the others will share their gifts with him (reciprocity.)

The book discusses the history of disabilities--from the definition to stereotypes--to laws--to even discussing the infamous R word (retarded) and other derogatory words.  The book also discusses temporary and permanent disabilities. Finally, the book mentions how we should embrace disabled individuals. Everyone has a gift, no matter the age or disorder or disease or disability. Everyone has a light to shine. The author has a daughter with a disability.

People with disabilities desire the same things, everyone else does--social interaction, relationships, acknowledgement, and thanks. I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to know more about disabilities.

American Literature by James Stobaugh

I reviewed American Literature (the student version) for review from New Leaf Publishing Group. The book was written by James Stobaugh.

First, American Literature: Cultural Influences of early to contemporary voices (description here) was an excellent book. The book had an easy-to-read format. The book also had simple charts and graphs. I also enjoyed the layout of the book. Each chapter has learning objectives and discussion questions. For example, Discuss if Old Testament Law should have literal interpretation to today's society? Each chapter also has weekly essay questions options, which links to the teacher guide. Finally, the book has mini-assignments for the student to fill-in with space to respond to the questions.


I also love the reading list, immediately after the TOC. The list has classics such as The Scarlet Letter; The Glass Menagerie; and The Crucible.

The book also came with the teacher guide.

The teacher guide (description here) came pre-holed, ready for insertion in a binder or folder. The information was priceless. The teacher guide has assignments for each lesson, in addition to tests. The book is for high schoolers and is written from a Christian Perspective (New Leaf Publishing focuses on Christian books). The assignments and discussion questions are also from a Christian perspective. For example: Is it possible for Christians to lose the culture war? How? Or How does Christian Theism differ from other worldviews?
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Candy Experiments

I read Candy Experiements, in exchange for review from netgalley.com. The book was written by Loralee Leavitt and published by Andrews McMeel Publishing.

The book was colorful. The graphics was amazing. The book showed children (and adults) how to use candy in experiments. Everything from sinking a marshmallow to removing the M off an M&M. The book talked about properties such as sinking, density, and floating. The book also discussed things like oil separating from water, in certain candy or peeling the waxy coating off a candy corn or tootsie roll. Maybe your kids want to paint with M&Ms. The book is wonderful and I recommend it.