Book Description

While current events have focused the public"s attention on Korea once again, many veterans of the conflict that occurred there half a century ago worry that their time spent fighting in this "Forgotten War" will not be remembered or understood unless their story is told. Award-winning nonfiction author Linda Granfield has collected the personal accounts of thirty-two men and women who served with the U.S. and Canadian forces in Korea during the years 1950--–53 and has written her own introduction describing the main events of the war.The veterans in this book represent a variety of service areas, including medical, supplies, infantry, and naval, and their moving, sometimes graphic, recollections are illustrated with their own personal photographs. As commemorative ceremonies mark the 50th anniversary of the end of the Korean War this year, attempting to understand the human face of war is more important than ever. Timeline, glossary, bibliography, Internet resources, index. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The decency that lurks in all of us -- even in war
If Napoleonic warfare shattered concepts deeply rooted in the past century, this fact does not inavlidate reasons for studying warfare as waged in that earlier era, Col. Thomas E. Griess, of US Military Academy, wrote in July 1969.

Griess, head of the Department of History at West Point, wrote the foreward to "The Art of War in the 17th and 18th Centuries" which analyses the tactics of King Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden, the "Lion of the North" in the Thirty Years War. Linda Granfield, in "I Remember Korea" about the 1950-53 Korean War, is a "historian in arms" fit for the company of any other military writer. Her book is a gem.

In contrast to the mob armies of his time, the army of King Adolphus was carefully trained, thoughtfully administered, well equipped, splendidly led. In contrast to the mob army the US sent to Vietnam, "The Art of War . . ." is a blueprint for the awesome military machine the US created after its defeat in Vietnam. The quality of American men-at-arms hasn't changed; but there is a vast improvement in leadership.

Granfield presents us with 31 poignant and telling snapshots of those who served in Korea, drawn from the experiences of the veterans of that war which ended 50 years ago. It is a reminder of the basic good nature, generosity and compassion of Americans and Canadians in the military as well as civilian life. One element of military history covers the Captains and Kings, which is part of training leaders; Granfield writes of the ordinary folks who are commanded by Captains and Kings, which is also part of training effective leaders.

Instead of writing like Napoleon, Granfield writes like Abraham Lincoln who believed, "God must love the common people, because he made so many of them." Today, any officer who doesn't respect and learn from the sergeants has zero future in the military; Granfield presents example after example of those fine qualities of the "common people."

She doesn't analyse the tactics and strategies and advances and retreats and blunders and triumphs of the war, the favorite pastime of armchair generals and obsession of real generals. Instead, her inclusion of stories such as "Lima Beans? No, thanks!" ought to be required reading for anyone and everyone, political or military, who wants to command. She has a superb sense of what matters to real people.

Unfortunately, some people may classify this as a "children's book" because of its straightforward style and concise clarity. If so, we should all be children. It's not a book to be read by freshmen at the Royal Military College in Kingston or West Point, they're still too young for it; instead, it should be assigned reading for the Senior Class with the admonition, "This is the type of people you want to command; now, as an assignment, find someone about whom you can write a story that matches Granfield."

It would be part of a useful graduation exam. If an officer-to-be cannot find a story to match these memories of a grim experience, are they really capable of seeking the best in commanding others?

As for the rest of us . . . . . it is a reminder of the decency that lurks in everyone, even under the rigors of war. She has written a gem. ... Read more

Book Description

Kids shouldn’t have to wait until they’re old enough to vote to get caught up in the excitement of presidential elections! From the first primaries, through the party conventions, to the final count at the polls, the race for the presidency is a whirlwind of passionate speeches, sensational campaigns and new beginnings that every American can be a part of! ... Read more

Book Description

A timeless tale about a beloved animal

One of the world’s most beloved and reclusive animals, the panda is almost as mysterious today as it was thousands of years ago. The original Chinese folk tale of how the panda came to have its distinctive black-and-white coat is a story of love, bravery and the sacrifice of a young shepherdess. Illustrator Song Nan Zhang has drawn upon his experiences touring the silk road region of Tibet to create the gloriously colourful illustrations that depict the ancient Wolong Valley in Sichuan province. As retold by master historian Linda Granfield, The Legend of the Panda is augmented with fascinating information about panda bears and the efforts to save them. A book as beautiful as it is informative. ... Read more

Book Description

With photos, memorabilia and anecdotes, Linda Grandfield brings us face-to-face with people from all walks of life who risked everything for their country during World War I. These painstakingly-gathering bits and pieces are the remnants of conflict on a scale never before witnessed. Hastily-penned letters, noted written in cod, and prayers for deliverance from eloquent portrait of humanity, and startling comment on the devastation of war. ... Read more

Book Description

Author Linda Grandfield has interwoven the lines of celebrated poem with fascinating information about the First World War, details, of daily life in the trenches, accounts of McCrae’s experience in his field hospital and the circumstances that led to the writing of "In Flanders Fields." ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Every child should know this poem
Growing up in Canada, I and every other child knew this poem inside and out. Every Rememberence Day[Nov.11th], we recited it, wore our poppies and then walked down to the cemetery to commemorate all the soldiers who died during the different wars. We talked about it in class for a few weeks.I gave it to my children after I found the book at a Canadian bookstore the week of it's release. They in turn took it school and their teachers read it to their classes. As a education major, I will use it in my studies and then as a teacher for my class to learn about the World Wars. The art work is beautiful and the story enclosed is lovely too, if ever can be of a book about war. It's too bad this isn't used over here in the States.

The story of McCrae's "In Flanders Field"...lest we forget
"In Flanders Fields" is the most celebrate poem dealing with the subject of war written in the 20th century. The poet was John McCrae, an idealistic army doctor who wrote the "In Flanders Fields" during the terrible Second Battle of Ypres in 1915. The poem derives its simple but potent power from combining a respect for the fallen soldiers with a longing for peace. It is, in simple terms, an anti-war poem.

Author Linda Granfield breaks McCrae's 15-line poem into three parts, each line illustrated by Janet Wilson's paintings. In between Granfield provides information about World War I and details on what life was like in the trenches for the soldiers, as well as McCrae's experiences in his field hospital and the story of how the doctor came to write "In Flanders Fields." This book is also illustrated with archival posters, postcards, photographs, and other artifacts that put the poem in historic context.

McCrae's poem is short, but by giving each line its own page and illustration, Granfield and Wilson insure that the poem itself is not overwhelmed by background information. In fact, more pages in the book are devoted to the actual poem than the story behind it. The result is a book perfectly composed to provide young students with an appreciation for both the poem and the fallen soldiers it memorializes. It would certainly be nice to see this idea extended to other poems, but it might not have the same effectiveness as this nice little book.

In Flanders Field
I read this book while resting my feet at Book Expo 2000. At least three people stopped to ask me about it because they were so taken by the illustrations. This picture book for young people intersperses breathtaking illustrations for the poem "In Flanders Field" with background on World War I and the story of the writing of this poem. A deeply affecting and touching book, it will give young people a personal view of war, particularly this war. Unfortunately, many children as well as adults know nothing about World War I. This book is a fine introduction and a good war to broach a painful topic. By any standard, it is well-well written and thoughtful. ... Read more

Book Description

Imagine growing up on Orchard Street in 1916. If you were a member of the large Confino family you’d be living in 325 square feet of space. The only fresh air and natural light would come from the two windows in the front room. No heat, no water, no bathtub, no shower. Toilet in the hall.

The Confinos’ apartment is only one part of the Lower East Side Tenement Museum, an extraordinary facility in New York City. The Museum has restored 97 Orchard Street to provide us with an opportunity to understand the immigrant experience shared by millions who have come to North America.

In text and with archival photos, Linda Granfield tells the story of four families, including the Confinos, who called 97 Orchard Street home, and provides information about the period, the history of the house, and the neighborhood, bringing to life conditions that were familiar to immigrants in many of North America’s big cities.The stories and archival materials are beautifully complemented by Arlene Alda’s sensitive photographs that evoke the hardship, the dignity, and the hope encompassed in 97 Orchard Street.

The book includes useful facts, information about the Museum and its efforts to help new immigrants who share similar experiences. Whether or not the reader can visit the Museum itself, this book is a valuable resource in understanding our own histories in North America. ... Read more

Book Description

“Amazing Grace! (How sweet the sound!)”

The hymn’s composer, John Newton, led a successful life as a seafaring trader, sailing from Liverpool to Africa and on to Antigua. His cargo was a lucrative one, for he traded in human beings. It was the height of the slave trade, and he made his terrible journey many times. But one night a storm raged. His ship was almost lost. He prayed that if only salvation would come to “a wretch like me,” he would leave the slave trade and work towards its abolition.

That night was a turning point in Newton’s life. He became an ardent abolitionist and a Methodist minister. But his greatest legacy is “Amazing Grace.”

This unique book is an excellent introduction to the history of slavery and also contains the original text of the hymn, music, and map endpapers. ... Read more

Book Description

Royal Canadian Air Force Pilot John Magee was only nineteen years old when he wrote the poem “High Flight” in 1941. Born in Shanghai and educated at Rugby School in England, Magee showed early promise as a poet. Impatient to take part in the war raging in Europe, Magee gave up a place at Yale University to enlist in the RCAF. Not long after writing “High Flight,” John Magee was killed in an air accident in Britain.

Since its publication in a church bulletin, “High Flight” has become the anthem for all who love to fly. Linda Granfield tells the story of Magee and the terrible air battles of the Second World War in a book lovingly illustrated by Michael Martchenko. A fitting tribute to the 75th anniversary of the RCAF, and a heartfelt reminder of the beauty of the skies for all members of the USAF. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Very few of us live a more perfect life
This delightful children's book, well worth reading by any adult whose imagination has risen above a stepladder up to some leaf-clogged eaves, is about the Royal Canadian Air Force pilot and the greatest poem ever written about the joys of flight.

Magee, an American born in China, went to school in England, joined the Canadian air force and died in a training accident in England just four days after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour launched the United States into World War II. Like all great timeless literature from the realm of combat -- the Funeral Oration of Pericles, Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, and McCrae's In Flanders Fields -- it is about ideals instead of ideology.

In 114 words, dated Sept. 3, 1941, he celebrated the sheer joy of flight. He could have had a scholarship to Yale in the fall of 1940 to study the classics; instead, that October he went to Canada. By then his father was assistant minister at St. John's Church in Washington, D.C., popularly known as "the church of the presidents." His parents hadn't been thrilled about his decision to fly instead of going to Yale, but they gave him their reluctant support.

The poem, written on the back page of one of his letters from England, may have been his explanation of "this is why I like to fly" to his parents. Having spent hours in the cockpit of many aicraft, from sailplanes to bush planes, and executive jets to a Flying Fortress, I understand the feeling. I can't say "share," because the single engine fighters of World War II created a brief era in flight that will never be repeated. Today's jets are pure power, simply point and go anywhere; World War I aircraft were sadly limited by a lack of power. Magee flew when the sheer joy of piston engine power matched but didn't eclipse the nerve and ability of a pilot's feelings, reactions, skills and dreams.

In only 28 pages, superbly illustrated by Toronto artist Michael Martchenko, Linda Granfield book tells how the spirit of a young man -- somewhat rebellious and undisciplined to start -- soared like the high flight he describes so memorably. I first found the poem when I was in the seventh grade, some 50 years ago, and memorized it as part of the 200 lines of memory work that were required every school year. It's the only poem from those years that stayed with me.

This book is the first account I've read that describe's Magee's background, and how the poem came to be written. In school, we were told it was "written on the back of an envelope." The real story, admirably told by Granfield, is more inspiring. Truth is always better than fantasy or imagination.

It's called a children's book. Don't be fooled. It's too good just for children. Anyone who understands the soaring adventure of the human spirit will love it. Magee made his dream come true. Very few of us get to live a more perfect life.

Much more
"High Flight" is the brief story of the poem of the same title and its author, John Gillespie Magee, Jr. Often thought to be British, Magee was an American who served, and died, in the Royal Canadian Air Force during World War II. This book, for readers ten years and older, recounts Magee's life as a child of missionaries in China, his studies in Rugby school in England, his life in America, and his career in the RCAF. Interwoven with his story is the story of his famous poem and the events of WWII. The story is beautfully told and illustrated. It brought tears to my eyes and will be a joy for boys young and old. ... Read more

Book Description

A glorious celebration and comprehensive look at the history of life under the Big Top!

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls of all ages...step right up and discover...Circus celebrates the evolution of this glorious spectacle, from its early days of Minoan horn-vaulting and medieval street performers through its heyday in Europe and North America with P.T. Barnum and the Ringling family, to the circus of today. This remarkable book captures the magic of performance as well as life behind the scenes. Readers will discover the music, training, costumes and daily routine of circus families, as well as circus legends. They'll meet performers who have thrilled crowds around the world, turning basic routines into art. Handsomely illustrated with paintings, photographs, postcards, and even ticket stubs, this informative book provides a fascinating inside look at one of the world's most daring and dazzling entertainments. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

100 years with the circus
I am a acomplished acrobat as well as juggler this book lets me learn about the circus and its past.

100 years with the circus
I am a acaplished acrobat as well as juggler,and i enjoyed this bookit took me through a trip in time.The book gave me a feal for the backround of the circus,and what it comes from. ... Read more

Book Description

"A clever slant on a timeless subject. . .This collection of excellent-quality archival photographs, art reproductions, news clippings and letters help Granfield to provide a lively history of cowboy life on the trail. She describes equipment and accessories . . . and finally profiles the modern cowboy and the surrounding pop culture." --School Library Journal, starred review ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A must for any "Cowboy", or "Rodeo" enthusiast
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's a book with only about 100 pages but it very informative and fun. It tells the story of the birth of the Cowboy to Cowboys today and the New Old West. It is packed full of interesting pictures. I have this book on my coffee table and have given this book as a gift to several of my friends who enjoy rodeo and the cowboy way of life. I highly recommend it. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Excellent Introduction
I read this book because although I'm 20, I've never really understood how government and voting works here in Canada. I am shamed to admit this but it was partially because I didn't understand it in school and partially that I didn't TRY to understand it in school. Nevertheless, this was a very good introduction to voting in Canada. The author is Linda Granfield and the illustrations are by Craig Terlson. The illustrations are hilarious and definitely add character to the book. Topics include The right to vote, who can vote, getting on the voters list, voting map (ridings), parliament, History of voting, the different parties, fraud, and much more. With lots of little facts, this book is an excellent introduction. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A Fun Way to Learn about Canada
The authors have developed a great set of questions that teach AND entertain. The solutions include additional information related to the original question helping kids increase their depth of knowledge...a super idea.

An incredible product which is fun and educational for kids
Brainquest Canada is a great product to not only keep your children entertained, but have them learn at the same time - without them even knowing it! The trivia questions will also show most parents that it is not just kids who have a lot to learn about Canada. A must for anyone with children. ... Read more

Book Description

Between 1928 and 1971, Pier 21 was the gateway of Canada. As the landing port for immigrants, it greeted more than one million new Canadians. It also saw many Canadians leave, including 368,000 soldiers who sailed overseas during the Second World War.

This is the story of Pier 21 and the many people who passed through it, the war brides and their children, the returning warriors, and the refugees from war-torn Europe and beyond. It examines the importance of Canada’s “Ellis Island” and its role today as a historical center. ... Read more

Book Description

As amazing as it seems, one of the world’s best-loved Christmas carols may have been written because of ravenous mice! Right before Christmas, 1818, in a church in the small town of Oberndorf, Austria, the mice were so hungry they chewed a hole in the church organ’s leather bellows. To provide his parishioners with music on the holiest of nights, the priest jotted down the words for a Christmas song, and he asked the church organist to write a melody for two solo voices and a guitar. That evening “Stille Nacht,” known as “The Song from Heaven,” was born.

Silent Night: The Song from Heaven presents the story of the carol, accompanied by beautiful and intricate gold scherenschnitte (cut paper art) illustrations. Today, “Silent Night,” the gentle anthem born of necessity, is sung around the world in nearly one hundred languages – thanks to a few hungry mice! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Silent Night: book review
This book is a wonderful Christmas story about how the song Silent Night came to be. The pictures are made of cut paper and are just marvelous. I hope you will read this book and enjoy it as my family and I did. ... Read more

Book Description

Brain Quest, America's #1 education bestseller, covers Canadian history in the new edition of BRAIN QUEST CANADA.This new edition is up-to-date with 50% new questions, covering Notable Canadians (from Wayne Gretzky to Joni Mitchell), History, Provinces & Territories, Arts & Literature, Science & Technology-all Canada, all the time.Suitable for ages 7-12, Canadian kids and students everywhere will love BRAIN QUEST CANADA. ... Read more