Reviews (12)

User friendly and nicely organized, adults or kids.
This book is organized in a manner which allows for easy use. Signs are grouped into related categories, and the illustrations are clear and simple. I've used many books on signing, and this one is tops for adults as well as kids.

Not right for kids
I purchased this book after taking a course in signing for my twins. I was looking for a short book with basic signs that we could use everyday. The publisher seems to have missed the mark on what signs kid would want or need in a simple signing book. For example the section titled "Snacks and Food" has 42 signs, but doesn't have the word vegetable, or any sign for any vegetable. Instead, what they do have is a section of 30 signs on religion, including such everyday usage words for children as "resurrection", "missionary", and "devil". A number of words in this category are helpful including "God", "church", and "prayer", but for the most part the book has a lot of words that adults think children should learn and not nearly enough words that children would use everyday. My suggestion would be to buy a real dictionary from a different publisher that has all the words you will be looking up.

Great for Beginners and Parents Teaching Children
I ordered this book to help teach my two year old sign language, as a way to communicate better. The pictures are easy to understand and the discription is very helpful. You are also able to find the signs quickly. I love it and haven't been able to put it down. I hope that the whole family will be signing soon.

Helpful for Toddler Signing
We started our son at 8 months learning sign lanquage with Baby Signs. A friend had this book and I liked the illustrations and the number of different signs that were available. At 18 months our hearing son has over 50 signs and is learning new ones everyday. I do not have anyother books besides Baby Signs to compare with, but the illustrations are large and clear which is helpful.

Cool Book! By Em
Not 5 stars because I have nothing to compare the book to.
Signing for kids- neat book, and good pictures. I've learned all of the food words-I skipped animals. The animal section doesn't really need to have so much detail, maybe instead just cat, dog, pet, zoo, etc. Obviously tons of words aren't in it, but overall it's worth it! When you understand a group of signs, you feel great. Fun for kids who have no relation to the deaf- I don't!
You'll be satisfied if you get the hang of it! (If you don't TRY, you won't have fun...you can't just think you'll understand it all once you use it once-or twice-or...) ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Extremely well written
I love that this book does not focus on labels. Rather the focus is on overcoming challenges with pragmatic methods in an easy to understand and digest format. Careful attention was paid to the student-reader's capabilities and frustrations.

Dr. Levine creates a hopeful atmosphere in this book but does not lessen the critical importance of achieving academic potential.

He discusses brain function and describes how those functions differ to affect memory, spelling, math and even social relationships. The most important aspect to me is his embrace of all contributions from all strengths.

A parent or other adult dealing with the challenges of a student affected by learning disorders would benefit enormously from not just the information in this narrative but the patience and conversational tone and tenor the book uses to get the points across.

If you know a child struggling with a learning disorder and want to provide a little loving guidance - this is a great book to direct his or her way.

Helping Kids Meet Academic Challenges
_Keeping A Head in School_ is designed to help students with a wide range of learning disorders "gain a realistic insight into their personal strengths and weaknesses."

The book is targeted at adolescents and pre-adolescents. It can also be used effectively by younger and older students, however. Dr. Levine makes information accessible to young people by presenting it in small chunks with frequent headings. His style is conversational, and he uses familiar metaphors to explain physiological concepts. Attention, for example, is described in terms of channel selection and filtration.

Levine heartens his readers -- not only by demonstrating a clear understanding of their difficulties but also by providing hope for the success that everyone needs. While he recognizes that people succeed in different areas -- academics, athletics, and art, to name just a few -- he acknowledges that during the school-age years, lack of success in the academic area can have far-reaching
consequences.

After explaining how the brain functions normally to help a person focus attention, use language, and employ memory, Levine discusses various problems that might arise in these areas. He then relates performance in reading, spelling, writing, and math to those disorders. Levine even addresses social skills, recognizing that school has a very strong social component.

Levine celebrates the many strengths that people with learning disorders might have. He encourages them to appreciate and bolster their strengths even as they are attempting to understand and bypass their weaknesses. He empowers students to advocate on their own behalf, and he reassures them that they are likely to be more successful in life after school -- when they are free to work in their preferred area rather than in one assigned to them by someone else.

_Keeping A Head in School_ is most effective if readers with learning disorders have the opportunity to discuss concepts presented with parents, teachers, and/or other adults.

The book can also provide valuable insight for those who interact with people who have learning disorders: siblings, friends, parents, teachers, and others. Understanding the problems will help people to be more compassionate and encouraging.

Finally, a book for students!
As the parent of two learning disabled students, I wholeheartedly recommend this book to all the kids out there who are in need of a wonderful guide not only for school, but every day problem solving. My son refers to this book often, for reinforcement, for reassurance, and for guidance. There are many books written about learning disabilities, but this one stands out as a wonderful guide for your child to use.

Students can learn to manage their own learning disorders
We all have learning disorders, as Mel Levine's Keeping A Head in School points out. The difference in Dr. Levine's approach is that students can learn to identify and remediate their own problems, giving them greater power over their own lives.

In this book Dr. Levine models the strategies he advocates that students learn: Lots of diagrams, webs, illustrations, as well as case studies, fill the pages, helping all readers to better grasp his techniques.

Written with humor and "reader-friendly" language, the handbook explains the complexity of learning disorders in terms all readers can understand. Parents, teachers, counselors, as well as students, will better understand learning and how to maximize their potential after reading this book. The reader will recognize his/her own learning disorders and how to overcome them--whether or not diagnosed as a problem learner. A must read for anyone dealing with this condition. ... Read more

Book Description

This newly updated edition of Growing Money answers every question a budding investor might ask: How do you read stock pages? What's the difference between stocks and bonds? Why do stocks go up and down? How can I keep track of investments? Can kids invest?

There has never been a time when the world of finance has been so much a part of kids' daily lives. Today's kids want to know everything about money-especially how to make it grow. This completely updated guide explains savings accounts, bonds, stocks, and even mutual funds! Included are fun quizzes to reveal a young investor's risk tolerance, stories of success and failure, a behind-the-scenes look at the New York Stock Exchange, and best of all, an imaginary fund of dollars to invest, along with suggestions for selecting companies compatible with kids' values. New to this edition are chapters on financial responsibility, true-life tales of other kid investors, and step-by-step instructions of just how to buy stocks. Tell your parents-investing isn't only for grown-ups anymore! ... Read more

Reviews (8)

This book is helpful and useful
Let me explain to everyone who says otherwise, the point of this book was NOT to make children think that stock marketing was the only way to get money. No, the book was just trying to teach children about stock marketing so they could understand it and could possibly use it no or when they get older. I think the book had great details and explained the stock market very accurately.

A superior and highly recommended introductory guide
Gail Karlitz's Growing Money: A Complete Investing Guide For Kids is an exceptional investing guide in that it is written specifically to teach children (and adults!) how to make their money work for them. Covering savings in a bank, bods, stocks, and how to read the financial pages, Growing Money is a superb guide - and since it's written simply enough for a young person to learn from, it also makes excellent starter reading for adults who have never dabbled in investing before. The prose text is in large type and very straightforward, but does not talk down to the reader. Growing Money is a superior and highly recommended introductory guide, especially for the young people growing up in this brand new era of electronically transmitted investment capital.

Great book for getting children interested in investing
Reviewed by Ted Lea, author of "When I Grow Up I'm Going to be a Millionaire (A Children's Guide to Mutual Funds)". Many adults wish they had started investing when they were younger. This book provides a good framework for children to start understanding the concepts of investing, which will serve them all through life. When your children grow up to be financially secure they can make a difference in society, hopefully by helping others or protecting natural areas. This book is easy to read and provides a great introduction.

EYE OPENER
TODAY WORLD NEED TO ENLIGHTEN KIDS AND ADULTS. THIS BOOK IS IT. I GAVE IT TO MY NEPHEW .ALSO I READ IT A LITTLE AND IT WAS WELL WRITTEN WITH EXMAPLES ALSO THINGS I DIDNT KNOW.

Limited!
This book althoug colorful and cheery...is based purely on one thought. The stock market is a vehicle, and only one vehicle, amongst the mass of options available for children to grow and secure their money. It is truly an unhelpful and wasteful book and I would not recommend this to anyone who is serious about training their children what money is really all about. Shame on this author. From a parent of five children. ... Read more

Book Description

Following the success of 100 Words Every High School Graduate Should Know, the editors of the American Heritage® Dictionaries have developed this new book of 100 words tailored especially to high school freshmen. This second book in the 100 Words series focuses on the kinds of words that a successful middle school graduate can learn from rigorous coursework in a variety of subjects and that nearly every freshman will encounter over the course of the school year.
The words have been chosen with various criteria in mind. Some represent key concepts in important areas of the curriculum, while
others are more familiar in meaning but present challenges of spelling
or usage. All are words that students can expect to see regularly in their high school reading and beyond. And each word is fully defined as well as shown in typical contexts with example sentences and quotations, many of which are taken from award-winning authors such as Harper Lee, George Orwell, Katherine Paterson, and John Knowles.
Together, these 100 words represent the increasingly sophisticated and complex vocabulary that freshmen must master as they continue their education at the next level. To learn them is not only to gain useful knowledge — it is to step into a broader world. ... Read more

Book Description

This guide to idioms provides the student with an opportunity to bring color to their speech every day. Included are idioms from Native American and African American speech as well as the Bible, Aesop, and Shakespeare. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

I LUV THIS BOOK!!!!
Back in around 97 or 98, I was crazy about these two guys in a movie and started setting up funny situations in a roleplay where one guy would use idioms and the other would take them all literally. I was sooo happy to find this book to use as an idiom reference!!! I tried a couple of other idiom books, but this one is by far the best! ^_^ So warm and friendly, and I luv the cartoon kids who host the thing :) I am totally hooked on this book! ^_^ Buy it, BUY IT!!!

A Masterpiece!
Finally, a book that explains idioms in a way my son can understand-clearly and unambiguously. Because he has an autistic spectrum disorder, he tends to be very literal. He has read this book from cover to cover and is starting to incorporate idioms, usually correctly, into conversation. In addition, the author presents the history (if known) of each idiom, something children(mine) who enjoy factoids love.

This book should be required reading for speech therapists, teachers, the language-delayed, and those learning English as a second language.

Excellent book to aid kids understand grown-up talk!
My husband and I often unconsciously speak in idioms to our kids. Now, when we say things like "don't burn your bridges"; "I'm tickled pink"; or "snug as a bug in a rug", and the kids can find out what we are talking about! ... Read more

Book Description

This kid-friendly dictionary has more than 15,000 perfect, imperfect, and slang rhymes for the student poet or songwriter. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

YO........Yo................check it
Thanks to this book, I finally got a record deal.
I'm sign to "Boy don't walk through thte scrren door records."
I was really lacking lyrical skills at first.
I would rhyme, but wouldn't make sense.
I would make sense, but wouldn't rhyme.
Than I found myself by reading this book.
I found out you can make anything rhyme by adding "izzle" at the end.
I even wrote a poem.

Title: A Tree that grew from the sidewalk

tree that grewizzle/
than people knewizzle/
the key to the lockizzle/
people could not walk in the sidewalkizzle/
my spirit's within my treasured heartizzle/
than the man looks out the windowizzle/
searching for the moonizzle/
than the man saidizzle/
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(sudden pause)
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"oh baby" "oh baby" .....Hot Shizzle!!!!!!!

Wonderful Beginners Rhyming Dictionary
With over 15,000 words, it has enough for an aspiring poet to be very useful without overwhelming a reader. Although more advanced poets should turn to Sue K. Young's other rhyming dictionary, The New Comprehensive American Rhyming Dictionary, it is perfect in a classroom. I originally bought this book from my 7th grade literature teacher and immediately found good use. For the past five years, it has been of great convenience and has been one of the books I keep at the side of my desk.

When writing a poem for school assignments or merely to express my own emotional state, or convey a story, it has definitely come in handy. Although I am currently looking for a new, more comprehensive rhyming dictionary, this book is great for beginners.

A great book for poets of all ages
I bought this book to use when I teach poetry to children, and ended up using it for my own poems, too. This book is useful and lots of fun.

Good for poems
When you need to make up a poem, a story, a song, a rap, a slogan, or a greeting card, this book comes in handy!

A more useful reference book than you'd imagine...
Wow! I was really surprised with the quality of this book - It is a very well organized book of rhyming words, which is a handy thing to have around! The rhyming words are listed alphabetically by number of syllables. I bought 3 of these for friends of mine who are going into University journalism courses, and they were thrilled. These things aren't just for "ages eight and up" as it states on the back; everyone can have fun with a rhyming dictionary!

It's also really fun to just read the rhyming words out loud quickly in front of a group of people. It's an excellent "coffee-table book" in that sense! More fun than a barrel of monkeys! ... Read more

Book Description

"The true stories I've written in this book are my living nightmares. My greatest hope is that the lessons the stories offer will help you make better choices than I did." Stanley "Tookie" Williams, cofounder of the notorious Crips gang, is a death-row inmate. But in his two decades of incarceration, Williams has also become a respected author and activist whose dedication to ending gang warfare in the lives of inner-city children has earned him a 2001 Nobel Peace Prize nomination. In this award-winning book--which has drawn praise from educators, government leaders, and families alike--Williams describes the brutal reality of being an inmate. He debunks myths of prisons as "gladiator schools" with blunt, riveting stories of overwhelming homesickness, the terror of solitary confinement, and the humiliation of strip-searches. Williams' words are a frank challenge to adolescent readers to educate themselves, make intelligent decisions, and above all, not to follow in his footsteps. ... Read more

Reviews (13)

prison life
The author has been imprisoned at San Quentin since 1981, on death row. He was sentenced to die for the murder of four committed during a convenience store robbery. As hard as it is to imagine caring about someone who has done such a thing, reading Tookie's book makes you feel sorry that his life has been wasted behind bars. You wonder what he could have done with his life if he had not gone down the road he chose.
This crime was not all Tookie did before he was arrested. He and a friend started the street gang the Crips, which has flourished and spread all over the world. What a legacy!
The purpose of Tookie's book was to dispel some of the street myths surrounding prison life. He had no fear of prison, which was considered a 'gladiator school' by kids on the streets. Once he was in the system he saw the reality and wanted to spread the truth.
Obviously Tookie is intelligent. The book is written in an easy-to-read format. He's aiming his message at young people who may not be the most sophisticated readers. The book is full of details that paint a realistic picture of all aspects of prison life. He also has a website where readers can communicate with him.
By the time you have finished this book you feel you know Tookie well and have shared his prison experiences. He has written other books, and reading this one makes you want to read more.

All myths about prison life is ended in this book.
In this book, Life In Prison, Stanley "Tookie" Williams cofounder of the crips gang and Death Row inmate for sixteen years, offers a testimony that ends all myths about prison life in this book. In straightforward, honest prose, Williams out about what it's really like in prison-- and challenges all young people to choose the right path.

Told in first person, this realistic picture of prison life is meant by the author to serve as a cautionary message for youngsters who may be misled into thinking, like he did, that prisons are so called 'gladiator', a cool and manly place to be. He does a magnificent job in describing his caged feelings, the danger, humiliations, and crime of being held in prison. Stanley Williams, convicted of four murders, does not deserve to be compared to Nelson Mandela, in my opinion for being arrested for almost no reason. While Williams says he's sorry for dropping out of school, and so on.. he never once said sorry about killing four people.

I feel that Life In Prison is an outstanding bibliography of the life of Stanley Williams. I also think this book's theme is that you should watch who you hang around, and always think about what you're doing and where it could lead you to in the near future. Read Life In Prison to find out what happens on the other side of the prison wallsnd how inmates are really treated, or if you just want to learn more about The United States Justice System, Juvenile System, Law and Crime, 9-12 Sociology then this is the book for you.

The strengths which this book possesses is that it's very descriptive and really tells how he feels in a formal way. The one thing that I have against this book is that it only tells one side of the story. the author, Stanley Williams, also needs to further consider the age recommendations for this book. I think that it should be 12 and up.

So ask for this book and look for it in your local library. I still want to know how it is to live in prison for the rest of your life, don't you?

Tyler Cook, Grade 6 newburg Middle School

WOW
I never read the books or heard of Stan Tookie Williams, he was already in prison about time I was born. So I had no idea what his life was about till I saw the movie. I got an understanding who he was and what he was about. I really wish I could turn back the hands of time for him so he could get a second chance. Then I realize he is getting a second chance. By getting his stories out there and his movie he's changing someone life from alife of crime. And I'm glad he turned his life around.

Wow
I'm sitting here watching this movie, and wow...it is amazing. I have not read the book, nor have I ever heard of him. THis story is truly amazing. You do get to a point where you feel sorry for him. I hate to say that, but it is true. I'm ordering the book right now... I bet it will be better than the movie.

Seen The Movie
I haven't read the book, but I am going to search the nearest store for it. Even though it's said "Tookie" may have killed 4 people, his movie, played by Jamie Fox, touched my heart to believe Stanley is trying or has already changed His life to pattern His ways as a Man of God. I have and always will follow the path of God as so will my Mother, who is a pastor and has been for 17 years. I strongly believe Stanley has tried to make a change in His life and is truely sorry for ALL the wrong He has done over the years of His youth. I know of several youth at the time, now going older in prison, started out similar to the way Stanley started His life of hate against not having a father, drugs, and fighting. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Fantastic Resource
It's a shame there is no image of this encyclopedia set because it is one handsome set of encyclopedias!It is a photo-realistic blue set with a photo built into the spine when you put the set together side by side (like you do on a bookcase).Fanciness aside, this is a terriffic set of encyclopedias that I bought when they came out in 2004.My 11-year-old has turned into an encyclopedia afficianado!There are tons of great entries and high-quality printing with many color photos.I'd recommend this set to anyone (and have recommended it to all my family and friends with kids).It's the kind of encyclopedia set you would expect from Grolier (Scholastic).Without a doubt, this set is worth every penny! ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (27)

Weigh your options
Nobody's going to kid you, AP U.S. History is a tough class. If you're looking to do really well, you're probably going to have to work hard all year preceding the exam. Choosing a test-prep book is a confusing process, considering the myriad options. Your first step to doing well is buying this book. I've flipped through every other test-prep book out there; none come anywhere close to being this comprehensive. Instead of memorizing facts that may or may not be on the test (your sorry luck if they're not!), this book will give you enough information to understand the course of events, making it easier to deduce a correct answer within the options presented. If you give yourself enough time to actually review all of the material in the book, there will be no surprises on the test. The practice tests will over-prepare you if anything (I wasn't doing particularly well on any of them, but I managed a 5 on test day). Just a note, if you're looking to save a few dollars, consider the edition without the computer software. It might be easier to point and click while you're reviewing, but that option won't be there when the proctor hands you the test.

Concise and Effective
With one week left before the 2001 A.P. U.S. History exam, I picked up a copy of this book at a local bookstore. The most helpful feature of this book is the outline of all of the important material that you need to know for the test. The textbook used in school was very wordy; with the outline, I got the bottom line right away. I ended up with a 4 on the exam, so I was very satisfied. Now, I did have to work throughout the school year, but this book definately made it easy to review.

One warning...while the sample tests are helpful in reviewing, don't use them as a guide to determine how well you'll do on the test. The ones in book tended to be more detailed than the actual test.

AP sophmore
i took this as a sophmore and we didn't have an official class but i had a pretty good teacher, the book was pretty good for looking up events and the tests were really helpful because they explained all the answers and essays. there wasn't any index though so you have to look up things using the chronology. i don't reccommend buying the version with the CD Rom because some of the tests are the same. i passed the AP anyways =)

Not what they seem to say!
Alright, everyone has been praising this book and it is obviously because they have a LOT of dedication. I bought this book from amazon and was extremely excited. I opened it up and my jaw DROPPED! It is comprehensive, but that's not why I was shocked. IT IS DOWN RIGHT BORING. If you're like me, you need something to keep you awake. I love test prep that works and that's is why I am warning you to stay away.
Yeah, it has information, but not even as comprehensive as Peterson's or Princeton Review's. The sections were very minor and didn't have much detail on certain events. There were no practice questions after sections! I guess I would buy it for the practice tests but even those weren't great. Check out Arco, Kaplan, of Princeton Review. Any Barron's or REA book is horrible (even the format was boring:just plain paragraphs, no margins, sidenotes, concentrated material, jokes, pictures).

Best one out there!!!
this book by far is the best US AP review book out there! I took the AP class and didn't have that great of a teacher... we were on WWI during AP time.. and by reading this book, I got all the necessary info on WWII, veitnam/coldwar also, that we hadn't covered in class.
Personally speaking you don't even need to read the textbook ( I had bailey's American Pageant) which was simply bad. This book overs all the needed info, and nothing that is not required!
Buy it, read the whole thing, take one or two practice tests and you are sure to get atleast a 3/4!
believe me you won't regret getting REA. ... Read more

Amazon.com

In a wise and witty manner, brothers David and Tom Gardner, founders of the multimedia investment company The Motley Fool, impart their investment strategies to the adolescent masses with The Motley Fool Investment Guide for Teens. In eight teen-friendly sections, the brothers Gardner and writing partner Selena Maranjian demystify the stock market by describing and defining mutual funds, banking practices, IRAs, and drip investing. The authors also include numerous quotes from money-savvy adolescents who detail some of their rookie market moves in an attempt to help their peers steer clear of similar mistakes. Parents will approve of the strongly worded sections on credit card debt and the costly financial and physical tolls a smoking habit takes on both wallet and health. In fact, parents would do well to pick up this investment primer for their own edification, if they find the stock market a confusing and chaotic business. Loaded with worksheets, helpful Web sites on a variety of financial subjects, a concise glossary, and a comprehensive index, this is one investment guide that both generations can and will turn to again and again.

Traditionally, teens have been known for having a hard time seeing the proverbial Big Picture. But the Gardners respond admirably to this characteristic, by constantly emphasizing the fortune teens can make in the future by investing now and reminding them that investing money is the least labor-intensive way to make more of the desirable green stuff. A perfect gift for the burgeoning Warren Buffet in your life. (Ages 12 and older) --Jennifer Hubert ... Read more

Reviews (7)

A book they will read
Although it contains some information that my daughter thought was unrealistic, like the amount she should be able to save each week, she thought the book had some great ideas. I especially liked that they didn't talk down to the teenagers yet told them about the true financial cost of smoking, the good use of credit cards, ATMS and the fiancial mistakes many people make. A good book that tells it to them straight in a format that they will read.

Getting Closer to Financial Independence
I thought this was an excellent book for teenagers. It not only shows them how to intelligently invest, but it also provides funny examples of what not to do in the stock market. I think it would be an excellent asset for people in their early twenties as well because it gives a great deal of advice on money management. In college, most students are not "rolling in the dough", so why not invest what little "dough" you do have and make some money for the future. It can also persuade kids to become healthier because the book outlined what cigarette smoking can do to a person's wallet. As if cigarette smoking isn't already bad enough. I also found the worksheets within the book extremely helpful, and I will continue to use them as guides as I take my first steps towards financial independence.

Good Book for Teens Who Really Wanna Know It All
After reading the other reviews here about this book, I decided to go out and get it myself. I wanted to know everything there was about money after I've seen my parents struggle with things like credit card debt. I was very happy with the book! It teaches everything from the ever complicated stock investing, to checks and credit cards. The only thing bad about it was some of it was harder to understand at times. And that some of the topics got boring at times. But other than that, I was very pleased with the book. It taught me all I needed to know about money.

Excellent advice covering all teen money matters
This book offers intelligent and very well supported advice for teens and their money. I liked the book so much I finished it in a few days (234 pages), and I'm going to buy it for my brother for Christmas. This book offers a wealth of financial advice for teens, not just what to look for when investing stocks. It really emphasizes knowing why you are making certain moves, not just what moves to make, which is great. All in all, the book manages to teach a fairly large amount of information without bogging the reader down with financial jargon (and it has a glossary in the back anyways).

great book
The Motley Fool investment guide for teens is a great book to buy not only if your a teen but also if you're in college. It teaches you how to save for your retirement. most people don't think about that until there thirtys.
I rented this book from the library and now my mom's getting it for me for Christmas so i can read it again ... Read more

Book Description

Maybe you've heard before that poetry is magic, and it made you roll your eyes, but I believe it's true. Poetry matters. At the most important moments, when everyone else is silent, poetry rises to speak.

I wrote this book to help you write poems and to give practical ideas for making your poems sound the way you want them to sound. We're not going to smash poems up into the tiniest pieces. This book is about writing poetry, not analyzing it. I want this book to help you have more wonderful. moments in the poetry you write. I want you to feel the power of poetry. it's my hope that through this book you will discover lots of ways to make your poems shine, sing, soar...

Reviews (2)

This is a Great Book for learning how to write poetry!
Hi, I really enjoyed reading Ralph Fletcher's book "Poetry Matters: Writing a Poem from the inside out." He gives lots of good examples. He has interviews with two other poets in the book for ideas on poetry. He makes poetry interesting and fun to learn! I also enjoyed his poetry!

Well Done
If you feel like you are a real poet within, this book will help you get it out. One word of caution, everyone thinks he or she is a poet. Yes, everyone is a bad poet and every once in a great while a great poet will emerge. ... Read more

Book Description

Based on the newest edition of America"s favorite college dictionary, The American Heritage® High School Dictionary, Fourth Edition, contains more than 7,500 new words and senses, along with 2,500 photographs and illustrations. Expert usage guidance from the renowned Usage Panel and extensive special features such as notes on synonyms, regionalisms, and word history make this the ideal reference for any student or family. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Never lost!
My young daughter was forever losing the paperback dictionary in our home. I purchased this book for her birthday. She nows enjoys looking up words and this book can take her through middle school, high school and into her college years. Plus, it is difficult to misplace such a substanial book.

Dictionary to see my son through college
I was looking for an Amarican dictionary that could see my 7 year old son through college. I scanned the Amazon and read in detail about all available dictionaries and made this choice. Now I am using it myself also.

It presents works broken into syllables and the pronunciation key is provided on every page. This makes correcting pronunciation easy.

It is partially illustrated. This makes it pleasant to read.

Although it is thick, it is light. This is an important consideration for students.

The binding is strong, so is the paper. I am sure it will see my son through college. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Who invented numbers? What are prime numbers? How do you do longdivision? How do you calculate percentages? If your child is asking for help with these questions, and you're feeling a little rusty, this is the perfect book to have on hand--for yourself and your inquisitive fourth- tosixth-grader. Colorful and accessible, this clear guide defines math terms and concepts with both visual and written description. For example, authors Anne Zeman and Kate Kelly describe a fraction as "one or more parts of a whole or a set," and they also offer the image of a necklace of beads to show how each bead is part of a set. The book is divided into the followingsections: "Numbers and Number Systems" (ancient number systems, the decimal system);"Basic Math Functions" (math symbols, addition and subtraction, multiplication and division, fractions, rounding and estimation, averages and medians, properties and orders, story problems); "Measurement" (measuring length, distance, weight, perimeter and area, volume, temperature, time); "Geometry" (geometric shapes, symmetry, congruence, similarity); "Money and Monetary Systems" (U.S. currency, other currency systems); "Graphs" (plotting information, four kinds of graphs); "Statistics and Probability"; "Computers and Calculators" (the abacus, simple calculators, the computer); and a complete index. Information for the Scholastic Homework Reference Series wasgathered from current textbooks, national curricula, and the assistance of the UFT Dial-A-Teacher staff. (Ages 9 and older) ... Read more

Reviews (6)

A Parent's dream come true
This was an excellent book for me, the parent, AND for my child. We referred to this book many times throughout the 4th, 5th and 6th grades. I only wish they had one for high school!

Needs to Be Re-Edited for Errors
I am now reading this book and have completed the first 41 pages. I have found at least three content errors so far, which would certainly confuse someone who did not already understand the topic in question. (1) On page 35, at the top of the page, in an example of multiplication, the text lists "190". This should be 180. (2) On page 38, while discussing integers, it states "The product of a positive integer multiplied by another positive integer will always be a positive integer." So far, so good. But then it gives a series of examples, including 1/2 x 3 = 3/2. Integers are whole numbers, negative or positive (1,2,3,4,-1, -2, -3, etc., and zero), and do not include fractions. So the illustration is not apt and is confusing. (3) On page 41, in a sideabar discussing equivalent fractions, it says "To reduce a fraction to its lowest terms, divide both the numerator and the denominator by their greatest common denominator." This should read "by their greatest common factor." As I am less than a third of the way through the book, I suspect other errors exist. I still think this book could still be useful because some of the material is good, but be aware that if something does not make sense, it may be the book, not you, that is the problem.

Perfect reference for 4th to 6th grade math
This is exactly what the title says it is... Everything you need to know about math homework.

My daughter and I used it all last year when she was in 5th grade. At first, I was the user; later she would start looking up her own answers. For homework, she was given math worksheets that would reference something just covered in math class, such as, the associative, or the commutative property, or the formula for finding the area of a triangle. If she didn't remember the rule or formula from math class, she had a ready reference. It covers the same material as her math textbook, but this was always on her desk. The math textbook was sometimes sitting in her locker.

This book is well written, and edited. It includes clearly laid out examples, with colorful graphics. The index and table of contents are complete, and make this reference quick and easy to use. Well worth the money... I highly recommend this book.

A Great Reference Guide!
This little gem continues to amaze me! Everytime I get stumped with my son's math terminology or the mechanics of a math problem I turn to this reference book and the answer is always there. If there is one book you should own to help your children with their math, this is it!

A Life Saving Book For Students
This book takes the mystery out of math. It's a must for any student reference library. As the home schooling mom of three, it's important to have quality references close at hand and this book makes explaining and mastering math a breeze. Each section is color coded for quick, easy reference. All basic math functions are explained in clear language and completed with easy to follow diagrams. There are numberous table including a table which shows Greenwich Mean and U.S. Standard Time Equivalents. This book is a must have book for all math students. ... Read more

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As Robert Kiyosaki writes in Rich Dad, Poor Dad, the poor and the middle class work for their money, but the rich make money work for them. Now this phenomenally popular financial philosophy is explained in a style that's perfect for teenagers. Rich Dad, Poor Dad for Teens distills the principles of cash flow, assets and liabilities, saving and investing money, and how to find opportunities to "create money" by presenting these points in a voice and format geared toward younger readers. Best of all, Rich Dad's advice is accessible to all teens, no matter how "smart" or confident they feel about money. Parents and teachers seeking creative, accessible ways to teach "financial intelligence" to teens will also find this book a useful tool. More than ever, teens and parents are realizing that it's never too early to become financially literate, and this book gives them a means to get started. ... Read more

Amazon.com

This encyclopedia can make anyone feel like a scientist! Not only does it have fascinating facts on everything from atoms to zephyrs, it also shows how scientists work--describing, measuring, and asking questions about the world. Filled with detailed, sharp illustrations and eye-catching photographs, this book could keep a curious kid (or adult!) occupied for weeks. The one- and two-page entries are thematically organized--much more useful than alphabetical entries for making connections and thinking about whole systems. Some of the best categories are "Reactions," "Materials," "Weather," "Space," and "How Living Things Work." But every entry has accurate, well-written text cross-indexed to related pages and to the "Fact Finder" section in the back, with charts, tables, and maps to use with each section. A glossary and index round out this thorough package. You may grow so attached to this fantastic encyclopedia that you never want to leave it behind.... For portability, we recommend the pocket version, which weighs less, but is jam-packed with great science. And for budding biologists who can't get enough of the "Living Things" section in the Science Encyclopedia, the The DK Nature Encyclopedia is sure to please. (Ages 9 to 12) --Therese Littleton ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Typos
This book covers almost everything school children will learn in science class. My children refer to it often to look for those extra new details concerning their classes. However they have discovered some errors (and this is the revised ed.)which I will call typos especially in the Periodic Table, which did dampen their enthusiasm with the book and shook their trust a little.

Compact Visual Encyclopedia
This is a kid-size book even adults will love. It is small enough to toss in your purse or put in your pocket. There are over 1,000 full-color photographs, diagrams, charts and cutaway artworks. The information is organized into four key sections and packed with scientific facts, figures and statistics.

This book explains the basic concepts of "matter," "Kinetic Theory," "atoms," "elements (including the Periodic Table)", "Metals" and much more. A Timeline of Scientific discoveries is fun to read and lists discoveries up to 1995.

The Geography section will help children understand the planet more and it explains volcanoes, earthquakes, rocks, minerals, mountains, rivers, lakes, climate and weather. The Gemstone section was quite pretty with rubies, emeralds and turquoise in their natural state. The section on animals gives cutaway pictures that show the insides of each animal so children can understand how a cow chews its cud or how other animals digest their food. How does a whale trap krill in its mouth? This type of information was very interesting.

All I have to say is..."If God didn't design and create our wonderful world, I am not sure who did!" This book will give a child a basic understanding of main concepts, but some parents might want to consider explaining their own views about evolution and creation.

"All Men by Nature Desire To Know." -Aristotle, a quote found in: The Story of Philosophy by Bryan Magee

The inquisitive soul will enjoy reading this book!

And this is a science book?!
This book has a very good section on nonbiological science, but when it gets to the biology, it has, in my opinion, a very wrong premise. It assumes macroevolution is a biological fact, when it is, in fact, quite the opposite. This premise saturates the book, and in doing so, biological facts do not fit together nicely at all. Microevolution has been proven by science to be a true, and normal, scientific occurence, but macroevolution, as presented in this book, is a mixture of very good imaginations (as manifested by their colorful illustrations), outdated theories,and a few observations twisted to fit their outlook on science. But as to the section on the non-living aspects of science, I commend this book. This part is unslanted and it has helped me understand many matters of science. Its illustrations make it voluminously easier to understand.

Excellent combination of graphical and textual learning
This book can clearly teach you the core basics of every branch of science. This book is a joy to read and see.

This book will appeal to old and young alike.

This book does not dwell on any subject for too long so don't expect exhaustive information on a particular category.

For people who like comics this book is especially suited.

With this book alone, anyone can have obtain an extensive understanding of the world of science and nature. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Ages 8-12. Fans of Harriet the Spy who want to try keeping their own writer's notebook will appreciate this inspiring handbook. Written in a direct, non-condescending style, writer-to-writer, it offers realistic, experienced advice on how to keep notes and use them to create stories and poems. Fletcher, author of the ALA Notable children's book Fig Pudding, fleshes the book out with numerous examples from his own notebooks and from those of other writers, child and adult. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

A Book That Should Be In All Classrooms
This was a wonderful book. After attending a great seminar where Ralph Fletcher spoke, I was curious about his book. I can't even begin to tell you how refeshing and honest his ideas are. He helps to break down some of the stereotypes and fears that students have about writing. While doing this, he opens up the door for all different student writers so that they can feel comfortable with their own ideas. He gives their never ending thoughts a place to live while providing colorful examples that are easy to follow. Fletcher takes the often mundane task of journal writing one step further and provides an innovative tool that will help students begin to flourish as writers and poets in the classroom. This book is a must read for teachers and students. It will leave you wanting to create your own notebook as soon as you are finished reading.

Great Inspiration for All Ages
While this book is written for a Young Adult audience, I just love reading about writing (of course hoping to jump in someday and do it) and this is a very good book to get you going.

Fletcher takes you step by step into the hows and whys of creating and keeping a Writers Notebook, and discusses the birth of great ideas from little notes on life. He also touches on great tips like writing with honesty, including about things that hurt the most.

While I believe this to be an inspiring book for all (I now have 2 notebooks for my writing observations) I see it as an impressive gift, along with a small nice notebook, of course, for that little someone in your life who may have the gift to see, and write, life as it is to them. If you enjoy the idea of writing your self, this is a great place to start.

our "other writing teacher"
I teach second and third grade, and I use this and Ralph Fletcher's other books in this series, regularly in my classroom. I read parts of them out loud to my students, then we discuss how we can use Fletcher's ideas in our own writing. Fletcher writes to his young audience with a great deal of respect. He addresses them as authors in a way that both makes them believe that they really ARE authors, and also gives them the tools to really BE authors.

This book influenced how I helped my students set up their writing notebooks, and has also influenced how I have set up my own.

While these books are written for upper elementary-middle school students, I find that as read alouds they are accessible to younger kids; they are also helpful to anyone beyond middle school age who wants writing to become more a part of their own life.

Writing teachers - Excellent for classroom use!
I am studying how to better teach writing as part of my Rank 1 program (the highest level teachers in our state can achieve), and this is one of the books I highly recommend to other writing teachers. The best way to use it is to buy a classroom set (if possible), and read 4 chapters a week the first month of school. Each chapter Fletcher has something for the kids to try in their Writers Notebooks, so by all means, have them try whatever it is. Let kids decorate their Writers Notebooks too before you begin, so it's personalized and it feels more important to them. One of the chapter is about making lists...any kind of lists. He gives lots of examples from kids, which is one of the strong points about this book. It is aimed at kids, not adults. Another chapter is about snatches of talk that you overhear in a store or the mall. Write down these snatches and later they might form the basis of a story idea or poem. Again, he gives excellent examples that kids can relate to. After using the ideas in this book, all my kids want to do now is WRITE! What a great thing that is.

Bully Frog
Once upon a little girl was running ana suddenly she saw a mean frog and the frog was saying mean words to to little girl that her name Eliza and eliza got grumy and mean ,too. So the little girl said "Hey what are doing?"

The End ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A great overview for kids AND adults
I was very pleasantly surprised by this book. As a teacher I thought I had a pretty good grasp of world religions. This book enlightened me even more. Easy to read without being condescending or patronizing. Excellent photos and graphics throughout. And it covers a broad range of religions from all over the world, even some that are no longer being practiced. Every page has internet links where you can research more information. A worthwhile purchase! ... Read more