Book Description

Tomás is a son of migrant workers. Every summer he and his family

follow the crops north from Texas to Iowa, spending long, arduous days in the

fields. At night they gather around to hear Grandfather's wonderful stories.

But before long, Tomás knows all the stories by heart. "There are more

stories in the library," Papa Grande tells him.The very next day,

Tomás meets the library lady and a whole new world opens up for him.

Based on the true story of the Mexican-American author and educator

Tomás Rivera, a child of migrant workers who went on to become the first

minority Chancellor in the University of California system, this inspirational

story suggests what libraries--and education--can make possible.Raul

Colón's warm, expressive paintings perfectly interweave the harsh

realities of Tomás's life, the joyful imaginings he finds in books, and

his special relationships with a wise grandfather and a caring librarian.




... Read more

Reviews (4)

A Hearwarming, True Story.....
"It was midnight. The light of the full moon followed the tired old car. Tomas was tired too. Hot and tired. He missed his own bed, in his own house in Texas. Tomas was on his way to Iowa again with his family..." Tomas' family were migrant workers. As his parents toiled in the fields during the day picking corn in the hot Iowa sun, Tomas and his brother, Enrique, tried to stay cool under the shade of trees, listening to the old stories told by their grandfather, Papa Grande. "Tomas, you know all my stories, " he said. "There are many more in the library. You are big enough to go by youself. Then you can teach us new stories." The library was large and cool, and had more books than Tomas had ever imagined. But more importantly, the librarian was very kind and took the young boy under her wing. And with her help, opens up a whole new world for Tomas; the love of books and learning..... Based on the story of Tomas Rivera, a migrant worker who grew up to become an educator and eventually chancellor of the University of California at Riverside, Tomas And The Library Lady is a heartwarming and inspiring story. Pat Mora's sweet, simple, and quiet text is complemented by Raul Colon's gentle and evocative illustrations and together word and art detail the joys of reading, and the wonderful impact one person can have on a young life. Perfect for children 4-8, Ms Mora includes a short biography of Tomas Rivera at the end to complete the story.

inviting-like the library!
This is a short story of a boy named Tomas, who needs more stories than his grandfather can tell, and so he goes to the library. Poor, migrant and Hispanic, he finds a friendly, caring librarian who provides him with the books he needs to nurture his spirit. The illustrations are warm and textured, lending a rich (almost biblical) quality. The experiences of Tomas, and his fertile imagination, are easily recognizable to children of all ages. The historical note on his later success in life is added incentive to keep going to the library for good books, like this one!

Tomas makes reading a life changing experience
This book is the wonderful true story of Tomas Rivera who was the son of migrant workers and became the chancellor of the University of California at Riverside.

My sister and nephews were in town and they took a trip to the library with their Nana(my mom). I believe that my sister grabbed this book, because it mentioned the library lady. I liked the fact that the author dedicated this book to Tomas Rivera and "for librarians who lure us in."

I read this book to my oldest nephew while he was here. He was absolutely mesmerized by this book. The author draws you in with the tale of Tomas Rivera's life and how his life changed when he discovered the library. The illustrations in the book were beautifully drawn and colorful.

Tomas lived with his Mama, Papa, Papa Grande and his little brother, Enrique. His parents were migrant workers. They picked fruit in Texas in the winter and in Iowa in the summer. They were on their way to Iowa for the summer.

Tomas had always enjoyed listening to his Papa Grande's stories, and he knew all of them by heart. So, Papa Grande encouraged Tomas to go to the library in Iowa and tell them more stories. The next morning when he reaches the library he becomes very intimidated by the big library. Well, things change once he meets the library lady.

She is so warm and inviting to Tomas that Tomas spends the whole day at the library reading. Using her own card, the library lady checks out two books for Tomas to take home and read. While reading, Tomas gets lost in adventures with dinosaurs.

During the course of the summer, Tomas teaches the library lady some Spanish, while she encourages him to read more books. There is a tearful goodbye as Tomas gives the library lady some pan dulce(sweet bread) and she gives him a book.

I'm glad that the author put a note about the story at the end of the book. The note gives a brief synopsis of Tomas Rivera's life.

The major reason I liked this book is the fact that it is encouraging children to read. Reading is the big key to education and success. Also, I think that it is encouraging adults to read to their children, which is definitely important. This book is definitely designed for four to eight year olds.

Tomas and the Library Lady should be a part of every child's life.

A story inspired by a true-life hero!
Attention teachers! Add this one to the classroom library. All students will find a true hero in this story. Many of my ESL students identified with Tomas and his struggle for literacy. This book invites the reluctant student to read ... Read more

Book Description

A English grammar text and reader for ages 7 - 9. Includes drills and exerpts from great writers of our English literary heritage. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A Gentle Introduction to Grammar For First and Second Grade
I bought this book because I had heard such wonderful reviews from the homeschooling community. When I received it, I was not disappointed. The lessons are thorough and my daughter enjoys doing them! The author uses picture and nature study as well as classic poetry and prose to teach the basics of grammar. There is no teacher preparation time required, and no complicated teacher's manual to follow. This gentle grammar introduction is a joy to use for student and teacher alike. There are two years of engaging lessons for the beginning grammar student, so it's a great buy! You'll love this one.

Extensive practice
Emma Serl created a practical and varied grammar book. I purchased this unsure of what I really was going to be getting. I am pleased. Our homeschooled children find the book's requirements easy to understand but challenging to accomplish. It is recommended for second and third graders, but I simplify the assignments for our first grader, as well. They are learning some grammar basics but don't seem to realize the amount of their effort.

No expensive teacher's guide is needed. This is a good price for a practical and easy-to-use format. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

EXCELLENT RECOMMENDED READING
This wonderful book of elementary school life poems was a recommended summer reading for my 5th grader. I thank the one who recommended it. She loves it. I recommend it for all ages...I love it too and I'm a few decades past the 5th grade. Get this one for your child and he/she will thank you with their pleasure of the book and their reading to you.

If You're Not Here, Please Raise Your Hand
This book, so acurately subtitled "Poems About School," is a hit with students and teachers alike. Ms Dakos takes everyday elementary school situations and problems, and -- through her poetry-- manages to pinpoint the goings on in every classroom in America using humor and sensitivity. The student with the messiest desk, the boy who cries at the drop of a hat, the new kid who hates math, the child who comes to class with more alibis than homework assignments, the children who just can't follow the rules, are all members of the class in Ms Dakos' first book, "If You're Not Here, Please Raise Your Hand-- Poems About School." This is truly a "class" anthology! ... Read more

Book Description

This book contains L. Ron Hubbard's breakthrough study methods written in picture and word form so that children 6 and up can understand it.

Designed for parents and teachers to help children recognize commonly found barriers to learning, this book also gives the practical knowledge to overcoming these barriers which every child experiences. The result is a child who can read, understand and apply any subject he is studying, and when he can do this he can think for himself and he has strong self-esteem.Learning How To Learn is like having a teacher there whenever a child needs help.

*Also applicable to English as a Second Language programs. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

learning how to learn
The book helped me really to learn and study. I get better grades. I like to learn now. Learning is now fun for me. My mom is reading the book. She loves it and it helps her. I took the book to school for show and tell. My teacher likes it.

The first book in education
This is the first piece of "curriculum" I teach my children once they know how to read. I don't know what I would have done without this book!

Ever get to the bottom of the page and can't recall what you just read? Or do your eyes ever start to hurt when studying? Ever get confused about something you're trying to learn?

Does your child ever experience these problems in his or her schooling?

The causes of these problems may not be what you expect - and the solution for each situation is so simple and effective!

This book has been so helpful to me in teaching my children, that I credit it with the fact that my son (who is 9) can read anything he wants. Currently he is reading Where the Red Fern Grows, which is generally read by teenagers. My 8 year old is reading Little House on the Prairie and she, too, has had great success in applying the techniques set forth in Learning How to Learn in her own study.

If you only purchase one book for your child's education, let it be this one.

Learning how to learn
There is nothing that is more important to any body's survival than to be able to learn. This ability is not only important for our kids but for anyone of us, if only to keep up with current technology. This technology will get you to be able to eradicate the barriers that exist between you and the ability to study. I have recovered the ability to study through this technology and I am extremely grateful to L Ron Hubbard for this. It is very much worth the investment!

A vital tool for anyone!
All of us went through schooling. Most of us have some sort of degree, diploma, or the sort. But how many people come out of high school, college even university as competent as they should be in the subjects they just studied? Not many. The main problem is that most people don't know HOW to study so that they will actually understand, and thefore remember and learn for real the things they are studying. This book teaches exactly how to do that. I got though this book when I was a little girl, then I reviewed it later on when I was starting high school, and I am so thankful for having had this technology made available to me! I got through my studies without problems and with great success, thanks to knowing the data in this book. While my schoolmates tried the various "learn by heart" and "listen to it while you are sleeping" techniques to get through tough chapters, it only took me a distraction-free environment, a good dictionary and a few little objects (nothing specific, just little things found around the house). How easy is that? Very easy! And how good are the results you'll get? VERY GOOD!

Amazingly Simple and Effective
As a tutor for the last 8 years, I'd be lost without this book in my arsenal against illiteracy. Amazon does this book right by displaying this with other homeschooling textbooks. Despite the age range, I've found this book to be a good start for anyone having difficulties with reading and writing. Without a doubt, and with no hesitation I can honestly recommend this book to everyone and anyone...a full five stars! ... Read more

Book Description

Readers of all ages will want to enroll!

"On the first day of kindergarten, my teacher gave to me...the whole alphabet from A to Z!" Drawing on the rhythm and rich repetition of the familiar carol "The Twelve Days of Christmas," The Twelve Days of Kindergarten is a welcoming introduction to school. Upbeat text celebrates the new adventure of school, and hilariously detailed illustrations showcase kindergarteners that every child, teacher, and parent will recognize with glee. Youngsters will enjoy singing along as the teacher's gifts accumulate, building to the twelfth day-the day the new students settle in and discover they love school!

As an added bonus, The Twelve Days of Kindergarten teaches both cardinal (one, two, three) and ordinal (first, second, third) numbers. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Great Gift for your Kindergartener's teacher!!
My son, Luke, who is in Kindergarten this year loves this book! He laughed so hard at the boy who picks his nose all the way through the book, no matter what he is doing. The teacher is lovable and makes you want to hug your own child's teacher after reading this. Singing the tune makes it even more fun and has your child singing with you by the end! If your child is getting ready for Kindergarten, this book has some fun ideas of how it may be on any given day.

Five Gold Stars!
5 Gold Stars
4 Puzzle Shapes
3 Pencils
2 Picture Books
And the whole alphabet from A to Z!
Remember the class cut-up who always made a mess? The weird kid who picked his nose? The girl who wore frilly dresses each day? This multicultural kindergarten class has that and more. You can't help but hum, or even sing, the melody of the popular Christmas carol as you read this book aloud. There are numerous counting books on the market, but the comical illustrations rendered by Carey Armstrong-Ellis elevate this to a class by itself. My daughters (ages 3 years 9 months and 2 years) enjoy a picture book all the more when the pictures provide plenty to look at while Mama reads. Be sure to watch class pets Chuck and Joe Gerbil and the fish as the story progresses! Poor teacher cracks by Day 12. We were cracking up by the end of the book. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Excellent Resource
This teacher's guide for the Josefina series of six books is an excellent resource for teachers and other adults who want to use this program for educational purposes. It contains an overview for the series, which includes a map and the historical context for the books. Each book is addressed individually with plenty of teacher's notes. Plot summaries and themes are explained for each book, and margin notes bring in additional information. There are vocabulary words for each book, and the teacher's introduction includes suggestions for working with vocabulary.

Worksheets cover "Before Reading", "As You Read", and "After You Read", which is a common process used for going through literature in the classroom. There are four worksheets for each book and each worksheet has three to four thought provoking questions. Charts, diagrams, and other word mapping graphs are used on some of the worksheets. For those who believe that hands-on learning is best, there is an extended idea section at the back of the guide. "Give a Tour of Josefina's Home", "Interview Abuelito and Patrick O'Toole", and "Make a Model of Josefina's Home" are three of the five ideas presented.

The structure and the type of materials in this book will be familiar to teachers. This curriculum would work well in the classroom. I did not see a grade level recommendation for this guide, but I have taught all elementary grades first through fifth, and I would not use it before fourth grade. My recommendation is for fourth through eighth grades. Adults instructing second or third graders may find the information useful, but the materials inappropriate (unless you want to use it with gifted third graders). But, as all teachers know, you take the information and materials that are appropriate for your group, and leave the rest. If you are using the Josefina books with a group of students, though, you won't want to leave this guide behind. ... Read more

Book Description

Just in time for back-to-school book bags, here is a collection of limericks about a very unusual school. From the superjock who is so shy he can barely say hello to the weird teacher whose students are mysteriously turning into statues, readers will laugh themselves silly at all the fun that makes up one very odd school year. ... Read more

Book Description

When former Richmond High School basketball legend Ken Carter agrees to take over his alma mater's floundering team, he has the players sign a contract that demands good grades, perfect class attendance, and suits on game days. With Coach Carter at the helm, the Oilers' record soon stands at 12 and 0. But when the coach learns that some members of his team are cutting class and failing academically, he locks them out of the gym, incurring the wrath of the players, the school, and the community. Coach Carter's determination to adhere to his convictions puts his philosophy and his players' trust to the ultimate test.

Book Description

A is for Atom, B is for Black Hole, C is for Clone—hang on to your test tubes, we’re covering a lot of ground here! But both the science-curious and the science-phobic are in for a treat as the author of one of the wittiest math books around takes on a new topic. Ranging freely from DNA to jet-propelled squid to proof that it’s much easier to prepare dragon tonic using the metric system, this smorgasbord of science topics makes a great classroom resource or gift for the budding scientist. By the time kids plow through all the quirky pictures and funny captions we’re sure they’ll agree that W is for Wow! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

EXCELLENT PEAK AT SCIENCE
An excellent peak at science for both children and adults. Although rather simplistic, it does a good job explaining basic science concepts. I specially liked the parts on T for Think, where the author explains how scientists use the Scientific Method as a tool for testing observations, making inferences and weed out erroneous beliefs; and O for Occam's Razor, again as of useful tool for reasoning. I sure hope there is a sequel.

Only one observation: The publishers should have chosen a more portable book format (paperback) so you can take it anywhere and either enjoy it by yourself or share it with someone else.

AC.CHB ... Read more

Book Description

This is the guide to the entrance exam for New York City's top public high schools!Every December, thousands of New York City's brightest eighth and ninth graders compete for admission to the Bronx High School of Science, Brooklyn Technical High School, and Stuyvesant High School--and this teacher-recommended book is the only guide to the entrance exam! Now revised to cover the latest test format, it includes 10 sample tests, explanatory answers for all questions--plus practice tests for the Hunter Junior/Senior High School Entrance Exam.Stephen Krane is a former teacher at Bronx High School of Science. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

SSHSAT Book review
There are a few prep books in the market, I woul rate them as below
1. Barron's How to prepare for SSHSAT ----4 stars
2. Kaplan's SCI-Hi------------------------3 stars
3. Princeton Preview SSHSAT---------------3 stars
4. Arco Specialized science High exam-----2 stars

I GOT INTO STUYVESANT!!!!
I bought this book preparing for another exam. When it was time to prepare for the Specialized High school exam I picked up this book again. My friends thought I had no chance. They were paying $1,000 for courses. While I was just using this book. And now Im in Stuyvesant and they're not. It's all thanks to this book!!!

I MADE IT INTO STUYVESANT JUST BY USING THIS BOOK!
I made it into Stuyvesant High School. I didn't use any other book (I couldn't find any). This book really helped me.

Spend your money wisely
I was accepted to Stuyvesant High school. To prepare for the exam, I used almost all the books available on the market, including Arco.

Do not plan to rely on Arco books as a primary source of test preparation. The questions are not challenging enough. The reading passages do not share the same depth of analysis like those found on the exam. The math questions are much too simple and require almost no thinking skills whatsoever. The logic questions do not encourage the reader to reason through a situation. As a result, the user of Arco books is mislead about the exam's degree of difficulty.

Tried and True
ARCO's Specialized Science High Schools Admissions Test guide was a staple when I was preparing for the big test. It explained the exam format, gave test-taking strategies, and provided ten short sample quizzes. It gives a wide variety of sample questions, and explains why the right answer is correct. Using this resource, I made the Bronx Highschool of Science! If you are serious about the science high schools, the ARCO SSHSAT book is a must. ... Read more

Book Description

This story of the friendship between child and teacher is a mustfor all first-time students ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A must for teachers of the very young!
If you teach early childhood (includes grades pre-k through third) this is a book you will definitely want to add to your collection. From greeting the children each morning to walking them to the bus in the afternoon, this book thoughtfully outlines all the reasons a teacher is a child's friend. In addition to viewing the teacher as a friend, this book is great to read at the beginning of the school year because it highlights the fun activities found in most early childhood classrooms (i.e. star of the week, storytime, holiday fun, and more). P.K. Hallinan is a master at being able to identify with the young child, as well as being a gifted poet. ... Read more

Book Description

You have to write! It's a class assignment. But you have nothing to write about. All the other kids seem to have something to tell because they start in right away. What can you do? Stop and think. No one else can tell your stories -- about your family, your dog or cat. No one else can tell how it was when your library book got soaked in the rain.

But what if you don't like what you write? There are all sorts of ways to change it, to make it better. Keep on playing with your words, putting them together in different ways. You want whatever you write to be good. It will get better and better as you work on it.

This is an encouraging book, sympathetically illustrated by Teresa Flavin's charming pictures, for all young readers who worry when they're told to write something. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A must have for classrooms
I used this book in a 3rd grade classroom where I am student teaching. The students hate to write, but they loved this book. They realized that they really do have a lot to write about. We brainstormed a list of possible writing ideas for the days when they are stuck. They love to get out their list and pick something to write about. This book is a must have for any classroom!!!!!! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Creativity Booster
In April I sent my daughter to a day-long activity at a local college, where Kerry Madden led a writing workshop for girls. I imagine many of the exercises came from WRITING SMARTS. My daughter enjoyed Ms. Madden's class and now can't put her pen or pencil down. She's always writing something for me to read or look at. We now own the book. I think my daughter is on her way to becoming a writer because of Ms. Madden's book and the workshop. This book is a must have if you have a daughter and want to boost her creativity and voice.

writing Smarts
This book rules!!! it is an awesome book for any future writer. It has great tips, quizzes, and activities to stretch your writing skills. ... Read more

Book Description

What your older sister won't tell you...
What your parents don't know...

Do grades really matter?
Where's the cafeteria?
How do I get to my next class, with all the right books, in under five minutes?
Which clubs do I join?
What do you mean I have to take another language? Isn't english enough?
If I get stuffed in my locker, how long will it take someone to find me?

From cliques to class schedules, electives to extra credit, cafeteria food to combination locks, you'll fing everything you need to know right here. This book has the latest scoop, the coolest quizzes, and the best advice around if you're about to take the middle school plunge.

Reviews (3)

Good advice
I like this book about middle school because I like books that actually give you real advice. This book is packed full of advice about choosing classes and clubs, finding your way around and other helpful things.

Real help
Ok... your leaving elementary school about to enter middle school/jr. high and your dead afraid. What do you do? Well, you read Middle School: the real deal. I bought the book during the summer before 6th grade while at Barnes & Noble during a family vacation and it was actually pretty helpful.You can't really expect to read this and have no troubles though,because you have to learn somethings yourself, but for the most part it was good. I just bought the one for high school........

Awesome Job Well Done!
I am just entering middle school this year, and my mom had gotten, Middle School the Real Deal, for me.I started reading it and had already been helped! It was great!!! When I finished the book, two days later, I was already ready to start the new year of school again. This book is great for kids who feel like they need help with what to do in middle school. Thank you for writing this awesome book! I love it!!!! Thank you so much!!!!! ... Read more

Book Description

Classroom-tested! Shows readers how turn courses, activities, natural abilities, and accomplishments into resumes that get results. Includes resume examples, tips, and case studies. ... Read more

Book Description

This invaluable guide to studying covers everything students need to know about tests, including how to study for quizzes, tests, and exams and how to prepare for all the major standardized tests -- from the CAT to the Stanford Achievement Tests. Crammed with practical tips and sound advice -- plus a wide range of sample questions -- How To Do Your Best on Tests helps students approach every test with confidence. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

In case you didn't know...
If you're reading this, it's no news to you that test-taking is a skill apart from learning. The better one knows the subject, the more likely that person will score well. But a second--and important--factor is how well one knows how to prepare for and take a test. This brief book provides a nitty-gritty compendium of such vital skills.
I used this book in conjunction with the excellent, and broader, "What Smart Students Know" (Adam Robinson) to teach a small college orientation week class on school survival skills. This book is valuable in its directness and scope. At its price, it's really a "no-brainer" purchase (sorry, pun intended).

(...)

How to do your best on tests
I thought this book was very good. Since i have read this book i've improved in my test taking skills and i also plan to do better on them in the future. I think this book can help people of all ages-young and old- read this book and you'll never fail a test agian. ... Read more