History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)

Book Description

Recorded history is a finely-woven magic fabric of intricate lies about events predating the sixteenth century. There is not a single piece of evidence that can be reliably and independently traced back earlier than the eleventh century. This book details events that are substantiated by hard facts and logic, and validated by new astronomical research and statistical analysis of ancient sources.

Customer Reviews:

Calculations are only as good as your numbers.......2007-08-03

Yes, we can all agree that mainstream history is nearly 100% BS due to politics, economics, ego, problems with dating techniques, and various conspiracies. Agreed. But, I've been researching the distinct possibility that human history (in terms of civilizations) are much more ancient than we've been told, so coming across this book was very interesting to me. I wondered how Fomenko could be wrong (if at all) because he is very persuasive in his presentations. Then it dawned on me. If at previous times in prehistory, due to the various catastrophies that are well documented (comets, asteroids, planetary disruptions, plasma discharge, pole reversals, etc) the Earth was in a different position in relation to the sun, different tilt on its axis, different orbit, different rotation (in terms of velocity and DIRECTION), and the continents were in different positions, then would this not cause the ancients to see the sky (constellations) differently? In other words, is Fomenko making erronious assumptions about the physics of the Earth in pre-history, which then corrupt his data with regards to dating the relevant astrology? The last event to seriously disrupt our planet occured roughly 3500 years ago, according to other good researchers, so is it possible Fomenko has been confused by this? The vastly different physics of our planet in the not so distant past may explain this confusion, which is not to say the "mainstream" version of history is correct; on the contrary. I am not an expert in these fields, but wanted to see if this idea could spark discussion.

Pants on fire?.......2007-07-19

Will people ever read before spamming? Yes, Jesuits could not rewrite world history alone, they had help. Anyway, Dr Prof Acad A.Fomenko does not point to jesuits as the driving force of world wide history manipulation in published volumes 1,2,3;, actually he barely mentions the poor devils. Check it with 'Search inside' feature, please. China is rarely mentioned either, in fact, Dr Fomenko is completely eurocentric. Right, his theory contradicts all mainstream schools of history, because in their actual state they are all built on blatantly erroneus chronology. You don't need a mysterious cabal (conspiracy) to falsify history, the falsification is its modus operandi. It is inherent to history(ians) to falsify (distort) events, as it is inherent to humans to boast as it is inherent to power (authority) to legimize itself by referrring to glorious past made to its own order. Dr Prof Fomenko and team have identified scores of instances of such manipulation in Russian, European, etc.. history, and delivered valid statistical proof thereof. His own 'reconstruction' is completely another story. Forget c14 as a valid method of dating. W.Libby has initially discovered a brilliant method of INDEPENDENT dating. Too bad, c14 method has become a joke after a forced marrige with dendrochronology with consensual chronological scale inbuilt. Radiocarbon method can't stand blind tests, but is so very productive as a rubberstamp.

Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed. .......2007-04-09

There is no doubt that history as most know it is a sham, & institution's version of History both University & Church is fradulent & inaccurate. Everything was established with an agenda, The real "Dark Ages" are now when we have access to incredible amounts of information past authorities & more important 'common folk' didn't have but our institutions & educators are slow to evolve because of what has ignorantly & arrogantly been taught for too long. This is on many subjects not just Chronology.

For anyone to question "Why would a Mathematician have anything credible to say of History?" The answer is from Dr. Fomenko's preface in the book: "It would be worthwhile to remind the reader that in the XVI-XVII century Chronology was considered to be a subdivision of Mathematics." These volumes could possibly be some of the most important works to date & should be read by everyone with an interest in History, especially professors & educators who have a duty to the public. I have read both books & must say that 'Chronology 1' has some very eye opening & revolutionary information. Even if these volumes are part true the implications are profound & opens the doors to further investigations & questions which must be done. I speak several different lanquages & must say the logic Dr. Fomenko uses with "inflection" of words & words being read from left to right in one region & right to left in another then written backwards, the removal of vowels & get down to basics of words, or different cities & locations having the same name etc. is correct. Vowel usage has always been optional & varied, actually complicating linquistics & study. The first thing one has to understand is that words never had a fixed spelling in history like we do now, the spelling of words was mutable & regional, as well as names & titles of people were vast, varied & changed, NOTHING WAS FIXED or understood linear. Matters of Life & Death as well as financial profiteering yesterday & today were & are made with ignorant, illogical & conspiratorial views of history & reality, it's time people get closer to the Truth & society collectively grow up.

Very Interesting.......2007-03-07

It is a good proposal and I believe it will mature into something even better in the future. I think it deserves to be read.

History as Science Fiction.......2007-01-10

Anatoly Fomenko has written a very intriguing book, full of pictures, charts, and computer 'proof' of his thesis: backwards of AD900 we don't really know what happened or when. Between AD900 and AD1600 there is more certainty, but there is still a lot of fuzzy ground, and things don't get reliable until we get past the 1600's where the printing press made it very difficult for the perpetrators of this timeline manipulation to change anything that had been committed to print. The Dark Ages did not happen. Books were burned for a reason. One organization has doubled the actual length of its existence by expanding the real chronology. Read why.

I had always wondered why Christ died about AD33 and yet men waited until the 11th century to form the Knights Templar, the Cathars, etc and go after the Holy Land by force. Why the 1000 year gap? Turns out there wasn't more than a 10-12 year gap and he proves it using astronomy. This also implies that the planet is not as old as we have been told, and current Christian and other creationist scientists are already championing that idea without being aware of Fomenko's book. The two groups, creationist scientists and the Russian mathematical analysts corroborate each other. Fascinating.

Of course, all this flies in the face of what we have been told traditionally is the 'proper' chronology of western civilization, and most readers will experience 'cognitive dissonance' in reading this book. It means that our history going backwards from AD1600 becomes progressively more incorrect and unreliable until it cannot be trusted at all... in the space of 700-800 years.

Naturally, the curious, open-minded reader will want to know WHO did this, WHY, and did any of the events we think of as really ancient ever happen?
Dr. Fomenko is a respected scientist/mathematician at Moscow State University who has already answered these questions to the satisfaction of his initially skeptical colleagues. Most of them are now believers, a few still refuse to believe (the usual diehards), and of course the western press has ignored Fomenko's work -- for obvious reasons when you read the book. The ones who perpetrated this chronology ruse have a lot to answer for. They are still with us. That's why this book is a well-kept secret.

I gave the book a 4-star rating because I was unable to check out some of his claims; those I checked were as he said. But if even 1/3 of his claims are true, this punches a big hole in what we think is our history, the meaning of western civilization, our educational process (for repeating the ruse as gospel), and the trustworthiness of the organization that perpetrated this ruse, well-intentioned or not.

This book relates to current research into a Young Earth paradigm, to John Keel's discoveries about our planet, and Fr Malachi Martin's insights (in his now out-of-print books). We are indeed sheep who are manipulated and kept ignorant -- for a reason. While knowing what these men have to say may be the "booby prize" (as in: 'what can you do with this knowledge?'), it will provide interesting reading. Didn't someone say: "...and the Truth will set you free."?? For you to judge if this book contains the truth.

Dog Train: A Wild Ride on the Rock-and-Roll Side (Book & CD)

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Fun and funny
Dog Train
Hip music for tots to hop to
Love It!
Can't live without Pots and Pans

Dog Train: A Wild Ride on the Rock-and-Roll Side (Book & CD)
Sandra Boynton
Manufacturer: Workman Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0761139664

Book Description

Boynton rocks! So does Blues Traveler, who perform a stomping version of the title song, a moody rock journey that Boynton wrote especially for them. And then there’s Alison Krauss with “Evermore.” And Steve Lawrence & Eydie Gorme—really—who do the “Boring Song.” The Spin Doctors, who channel rock’s rebellious side—with a taste of punk—for “Tantrum”: “No No No, I don’t want to, I don’t want to./No no no, I don’t want to, no no./Leave me alone. Leave me alone./LEAVE ME ALONE.” And the sweetly unexpected pairing of “Weird Al” Yankovic and Kate Winslet (yep, Kate Winslet) as a duet singing “I Need a Nap.”

Full of attitude, full of fun, all lit up with star power, and boasting a variety of Top 40 styles—rock and roll, blues, hip-hop, and power pop— Dog Train is the third book-and-CD production by Sandra Boynton, following the #1 New York Times bestselling, Grammy-nominated Philadelphia Chickens and the recently re-released Rhinoceros Tap. Like Philadelphia Chickens, features all original songs recorded by a mix of big-name acts and great voices, for the pleasure of the parents as much as the kids. Packaged similarly to the previous Boynton & Ford recordings, Dog Train is also a full-color book that features a portion of each song’s lyrics set as a little story, accompanied by Boynton’s irresistible hippos, cows, dogs, and more dogs. Full lyrics appear in the back.

Customer Reviews:

Fun and funny.......2007-10-04

In my opinion, it's not quite as good as Boynton's Philadelphia Chickens... but we still love most of the songs in this book.

Dog Train.......2007-09-06

This is a great musical experience. We got it for our one year old son and ended up buying one for all his friends' first birthday presents. The songs are fun and peppy. They are really understood by parents. As a two year old my son now plays drums and dances to his very favorite song "Pots and Pans." I highly recommend this product.

Hip music for tots to hop to.......2007-09-04

We too, were new to Boynton albums. Both of my children were raised on the books, but the album was stumbled upon in a used book sale. It was a huge hit with both my 5 and 9 year olds. I'm so glad that Ms. Boynton has used artists with recognizable styles to do some children's songs. The lyrics are catchy and the songs are grown-up without being boring ('cept the "Boring Song" - Grandma loved THAT!)

Spin Doctors, Five for Fighting, and Weird Al are some of my favorite artists, anyway!

It's family fun for all.

Love It!.......2007-08-28

The music on this cd is great for both parents and kids! Great lyrics. Both my 3 year old and 1 year old sway to the music. My 3 year old picks the book for bedtime and we have to sing the songs to him. A hit in our house!

Can't live without Pots and Pans.......2007-08-19

The song Pots and Pans is worth the price of the album alone. Throw in the Penguins, and Steve and Edie poking fun at themselves and you get 5 stars. Lots of people like Philadelphia better, but I think it depends on which CD you first heard. We heard Dog Train first and so it was Chickens that was a tiny bit of a let-down. Highly recommended. ("End of discussion," as Pots and Pans puts it.)

Healing Crystals and Gemstones: From Amethyst to Zircon

Average customer rating:

Great service
grab this and Judy Hall's "Crystal Bible" and nothing else...
Beautiful Reference
Good Crystal reference
Healing Crystals and Gemstones

Healing Crystals and Gemstones: From Amethyst to Zircon
Flora Peschek-Bohmer , and Gisela Schreiber
Manufacturer: Konecky & Konecky
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Accessories:

ASIN: 1568524420

Product Description

A comprehensive listing of the therapeutic uses and healing effects of the most important crystals and gemstones.

Customer Reviews:

Great service.......2007-08-11

The book arrived in a timely manner & no shipping damage. Item was just as described. Thank you.

grab this and Judy Hall's "Crystal Bible" and nothing else..........2007-08-04

excellent, excellent book with vivid pics and of course all the wonderful sections and advantages already mentioned, but consider this...I have used the chapter "The Magical Connection between Stone and Star" to create healing bracelets/anklets for others and for myself made from the stones listed for our particular birth signs-very cool! The wealth of information at the tips of your fingers is just astounding...I refer to this and Judy Hall's "The Crystal Bible" and "Crystals and Healing Stones" for more obscure stones daily. I found it on a clearance rack and bought 3 copies-two sisters love crystals and two friends, so I was one short since I had my copy already...I am in the dog house because I mention it alot! IF YOU SEE IT GET IT, you won't regret it!

Beautiful Reference.......2007-07-12

If you're looking for an in-depth reference book on crystal therapy, this is NOT the right tome for you. If you're looking for a book that handily serves as lightweight resource, historical reference and coffee table volume, this is perfect.

Author Flora Peschek-Bohmer incorporates stunning photography in this beautiful epistle, laying her narratives over glossy pages and lush images. The hardback version, at approximately 7 x 9.5 inches, is a generous size without being too large to tuck into a suitcase. The text contains a blend of history and crystal lore, presented in simple-to-follow terms. Stated metaphysical attributes frequently takes a back seat to historical references, where Peschek-Bohmer provides an intriguing look at how mankind has employed stones for various uses.

While the primary thrust is the metaphysical properties of crystals, this book also includes a good rundown of care, cleansing and other tools for anyone who wants to carry or use or just collect examples of the featured stones.

Good Crystal reference.......2007-05-20

This is a great little book - has all the main details on most crystals, including a lot of the more recently discovered ones. However, does not for example include a fairly common crystal such as howlite. The pictures are very good though and there is enough basic information to satisfy most.

Healing Crystals and Gemstones.......2007-05-07

Great pictures and illustrations! The book really helps me to feel like I know how to use crystals and gemstones like a pro! I think that it is very good for a beginner.

Bone Volume 5: Rock Jaw Master of the Eastern Border

Average customer rating:

more fun adventures
Good Series -- Too Slow to Release
My son loves these books
Amazing
Once Again, Great Color with a Hitch

Bone Volume 5: Rock Jaw Master of the Eastern Border
Jeff Smith
Manufacturer: GRAPHIX
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 043970636X

Book Description

In this fifth volume of the BONE saga, Fone and Smiley Bone strike out into the wilderness to return a lost rat creature cub to the mountains. It doesn't take long before they run smack into Rock Jaw, "Master of the Eastern Border," an enormous mountain lion with a none-too-friendly disposition. Life gets even more complicated when they befriend a group of baby animals who are being orphaned by rat creature attacks. Everything comes to a head in an earth-shattering clash between Rock Jaw and Kingdok, the leader of the rat creatures.

Customer Reviews:

more fun adventures.......2007-08-17

The Bone series just gets better with every volume. This volume follows the adventures of Fone and Smiley as they travel to the eastern end of the valley and the difficulties they encounter along the way. As in the previous volumes, the characters are wonderful and fun, and the plot takes many twists and turns, making for great reading. I love Bone!

Good Series -- Too Slow to Release.......2007-05-07

This is an alright series, somewhat enjoyable, but not as exciting as say Harry Potter. But, I have found that it has been a great way to get my kids interested in reading a bedtime story. I want the whole set, but Scholastic really needs to re-evaluate this release schedule of only one every six months. I bet they wind up losing a lot of their early audience that drops off after the first one or two.

My son loves these books.......2007-04-03

My seven-year old literally jumped for joy when we received book 5. He loves these books, and I had great difficulty not reading the entire book to him in one sitting. As it was, he looked at every page of the rest of the book. At bedtime, he went to sleep with the book beside him.

Amazing.......2007-03-11

I go to the bookstore and find a book that looks good by the cover. I enver read it. I am very picky about finding the "perfect" book. And i just found it back in early March of 2007. I was on a band trip [took 3 hours] and my friend pulled out the 3rd Bone series book. I was curious and started to read it. I got a little bit confused because I didnt read the 1st or 2nd one. The coloring is amazing! It must of took forever to make it! It has alot of adventure, and keeps you wondering. I finished the 3rd book [175 paages] before we even got to our destination. I couldnt put it down! It is such an AWSOME book! on March 9th I bought book 4 and 5... I read both of the books in 3 strait hours! I cant wait untill the 6th book comes out so I can start to read it!!! If your kid wants a exciting book.. This is the book for you!

Once Again, Great Color with a Hitch.......2007-02-04

The fifth and middle installment of the Bone series returns to the epic's beginnings, temporarily putting aside the Valley's violent political upheavals for a fast-paced and funny story of Fone Bone and Smiley Bone encountering an assortment of cute talking animals as they try to return a baby rat creature to its home in the mountains. On the way, they run into the opportunistic Rock Jaw, a giant mountain lion, and the two stupid rat creatures, who are still bent on baking Fone Bone into a quiche.

Probably the weakest of the Bone series, Rock Jaw: Master of the Eastern Border is nonetheless exciting and entertaining, and does contribute further development to the story's unfolding mysteries.

Steve Hamaker's coloration is again bright and pleasing, but once again he mixes up the two stupid rat creatures. Physically identical but with distinct personalities, the rats are color-coded (brown and purple) in the color version, but at one point Hamaker switches them, causing some puzzlement.

Everybody Needs a Rock (An Aladdin Book)

Average customer rating:

Great book
Great for Earth Science teachers!
enjoyable lesson and artwork
Everybody Needs This Book
Everybody Needs a Rock

Everybody Needs a Rock (An Aladdin Book)
Byrd Baylor
Manufacturer: Aladdin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0689710518

Book Description

Everybody needs a rock -- at least that's the way this particular rock hound feels about it in presenting her own highly individualistic rules for finding just the right rock for you.

Customer Reviews:

Great book.......2007-09-30

I bought this book for use in an early childhood classroom for 3 to 5 year old children, and the children and I just love it! It's a relaxing story to use and lends itself well to a variety of themes and activities. I wish I had this one when my own children were small. They would have LOVED it!

Great for Earth Science teachers!.......2006-04-15

I teach 6th grade and one of the things we learn about is rocks. I bought this book based on the reviews, but after reading it I felt compelled to write one too. I try to get my students excited about rock collecting. This book is so simple, yet so inspiring. It begins by saying "I'm sorry for kids who only have tricycles, bicycles, horses, elephants, goldfish, three-room playhouses, fire engines, wind-up dragons and things like that - if they don't have a rock for a friend." It then goes on to list 10 simple rules for finding your rock...not just any rock. A rock that you will keep forever. The rules include where to find your rock and remember "You should choose your rock when everything is quiet. Don't let dogs bark at you or bees buzz at you." The book concedes, "Don't get a rock that is too big. You'll always be sorry. It won't fit in your right hand and it won't fit in your pocket. A rock as big as an apple is too big. A rock as big as a horse is MUCH too big." This is the perfect book to get your rock collectors started and excited about geology.

enjoyable lesson and artwork.......2004-07-02

Under the guise of giving ten rules for choosing one's "special rock", the author advises kids (and adults who read to them), to connect with nature and to act with deliberation. The line drawings are muted in color yet evocative and filled with imagination, and will be of interest to kids who have seen only traditional artwork.

Everybody Needs This Book.......2003-12-09

I bought this book for myself at Rocks and Stuff in Chelan, Washington. We visit this store on our annual vacations and are always awed and fascinatated by what we find there.

This book is a gem, telling us the importance of rocks, all the things they can be for us. More importantly than that, it tells us about our sense of self and our place in the bigger world. All that in a kid's book.

This book will be part of a gift, along with some cool rocks, for my niece, who picks up rocks wherever she goes.

Everybody Needs a Rock.......2003-03-17

This book has a very special meaning. When I look as this book it tells me that making a decision of any kind big of small takes time. It takes thought and concentration. As you are to pick a rock you have to look at it from al sides, just like you would have to in any decision you would make.
Decisions even as small as picking out a rock are important. Maybe you could apply these 10 rules that are read in the book and use them to solve everyday dilemmas or situations.
I think this book also tells us that the materialistic thing in life are no always what you need. Sometimes it takes just a rock to be your best friend. I would highly recommend this book to children who just think that toys or material possessions are what they need. There is a beautiful would of nature out there, and if you use your imagination even a rock can be your friend. ~ Kellie~

Average customer rating:

I T CAME TO PASS
Repetition Galore
Warriors Don't Cry
"With All Deliberate Speed . . ."
Very good book

Warriors Don't Cry (Archway Paperback)
Melba Patillo Beals
Manufacturer: Simon Pulse
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0671899007

Book Description

You've gotta learn to defend yourself. Never let your enemy know what you are feeling.
-- The soldier assigned to protect Melba

Please, God, let me learn how to stop being a warrior. Sometimes I just need to be a girl.
-- Melba's diary, on her sixteenth birthday

In 1957 Melba Pattillo turned sixteen. That was also the year she became a warrior on the front lines of a civil rights firestorm. Following the landmark 1954 Supreme Court ruling, Brown v. Board Education, she was one of nine teenagers chosen to integrate Little Rock's Central High School. This is her remarkable story.

You will listen to the cruel taunts of her schoolmates and their parents. You will run with her from the threat of a lynch mob's rope. You will share her terror as she dodges lighted sticks of dynamite, and her pain as she washes away the acid sprayed into her eyes. But most of all you will share Melba's dignity and courage as she refuses to back down.

Customer Reviews:

I T CAME TO PASS.......2007-08-13

sO MUCH OUR RACE OF PEOPLE HAVE BEEN THROUGH , AND THE BOOK TELLS A LOT OF THE TRIUMPHS WE WENT THROUGH, AND STILL SOME OF THOSE THINGS STILL ARE GOING ON TODAy. So the title it came to pass is the right title because god said in his word nothing but the rightous.

Repetition Galore.......2007-07-05

Melba Pattillo Beals' "Warriors Don't Cry" was amateur at best. While the purpose of the memoir is inspiring, Beals just appeared to be a broken record.

Upon reading other reviews, I thought this memoir was going to be heartbreaking and inspiring. Yet as I began to read, a pattern developed. The book dragged on and on yet there seemed to be no progression. I found myself void of emotion throughout the whole recount. Needless to say, this was a disappointment, and extremely poorly written.

Warriors Don't Cry.......2007-06-27

We are coming up on the 50th anniversary of the integration of Central High in Little Rock. This book is written by one of the courageous students who braved a racist mob to claim the equality and justice we are all promised in a democracy. The photographs of one student, Elizabeth Eckford, facing the abusive and threatening crowds became iconic, part of history and public memory. What is not as well known is what life was like for the nine students inside the school everyday. Everyday they were threatened, physically attacked, suffered abusive language and attitudes from the white, segregationist students. The author, Melba Patillo Beals, is an extraordinary writer, storyteller and she is blazingly honest. As a way of celebrating July 4th, read this book and give it to every young person over the age of 10 that you know.

"With All Deliberate Speed . . .".......2007-05-15

Melba Joy Pattillo Beals was at the heart of a vortex of history as one of the "Little Rock Nine" who integrated Arkansas' preeminent public school in 1957. In the wake of the landmark 1954 Supreme Court decision, "Brown v. Board of Education," schools throughout the United States were ordered to integrate "with all deliberate speed."

Violent opposition to the integration of Central High led to the garrisoning of Little Rock by the 101st Airborne Division, the first (and thus far only) active-engagement use of Federal troops in the South since Reconstruction.

Ms. Beals (now a journalist) has a journalist's eye as she recalls her experiences at Central High that year. Drawing on her memories and on the copious and detailed diaries she kept, Ms. Beals puts us right into her well-shined saddle shoes, and right into the halls of Central.

At first glance, Melba Pattillo would have seemed to be the wrong sort of person to be on the front lines of the Civil Rights Movement. At fifteen, she was a girl given to romantic daydreams, a girl seemingly perfectly content to listen to Buddy Holly on the radio while cuddling with her stuffed animal collection amidst her flouncy white comforter and matching pillows.

But deep inside, Melba Pattillo had a core of steel. Her mother held an advanced degree in Education, and her gentle, stern, and unyielding Grandmother India had an unshakeable faith both in God, and in Melba, a faith which she transmitted almost by osmosis to her granddaughter---"God's warriors don't cry, child."

If other members of Melba's family and community did not share these ideas, ideals, and values, at least they all understood that this remarkable young lady (and her eight fellow classmates) was doing something that needed to be done, something that portended a sea change in the world.

But for all the fine rhetoric, life at Central was a hell of crowded corridors, shadowy stairwells, and constant terror. From day one, avowed segregationists in the school, in the community, and in the government (including Governor Orval Faubus) tried to break the back of the integration by means foul and fouler. Adult members of Little Rock's White Citizens Council educated their charges at Central in the ways and means of torture.

Anyone stunned by the constant reports of current-day "violence in our schools" will be shattered by Ms. Beals' seemingly endless recitation of the horrors inflicted upon the Little Rock Nine in the halls of Central High. Being cursed at, spat upon, and called a "N****r" was nothing much; open threats with weapons, violent beatings and stompings, stabbings, scaldings with near-boiling hot water, dousings with unspeakable liquids, strangulations, attempts at immolation, and acid sprays in the eyes were commonplace. These were not just hurtful acts. They were often life-threatening, and the passivity (or even gleeful acquiescence) of most of the CHS school officials in the face of such ongoing abuse of these children put in their care is enough to enrage the reader.

The lack of direct adult interest in what the Little Rock Nine were going through is paralyzing to consider. Little was done to protect them, even by their supporters. The 101st was pulled out of Little Rock in a deal brokered by Beltway Bandits, and what was actually happening to the Little Rock Nine was abstract to the politicians. The price these nine black teens paid for our freedom is beyond valuation.

And if the constancy of the violence portrayed in the telling of the tale somewhat blunts the reader's emotions after a time, it is harder to feel blunted when Melba Beals talks about the wrenching changes that went on within herself. Her fame (or notoriety among segregationists) meant that her home became a fortress-prison from which she could rarely escape. Drive-by shootings and bomb threats kept most of the lifelong friends she had made among "our people" (as she calls the blacks in her community) far away, and she was not invited to parties and outings. Holidays passed without the usual gaggle of friends and relations. The sad retelling of her unattended Sweet Sixteen Party is a heartbreaking moment in time, and her sorrow still reaches across the years to touch the reader.

But there are the finer moments as well: Every day spent at Central is at the end a day of victory; her meetings with remarkable men such as Thurgood Marshall are treasured moments in her life; her gratitude to the brave men of the 101st Airborne and the task they undertook to uphold the law of the land just so a girl could go to school where she chose, is inspiring; her first few tentative friendships with some white Central High students gives us cause for hope. Melba Pattillo traded her childhood for adulthood too soon, and her innocence for a hard-honed survival instinct by force.

We live in a far different society today, and in part that is due to Melba Beals. We can thank whatever Spirit moves us that she was given the talent to write this incredible memoir. This is an essential read.

Very good book.......2007-03-30

I loved this book. It was very sad to hear about all the hardships that the 9 students had to endure to integrate Central High. I think it made them better people and I feel sorry that they had to go through those things. The description used by Melba Pattillo Beals was excellent and very useful when you were trying to get a feel for how they felt. You almost felt as if you were there with them and were going through the same things. I would definetly recommend this book to other readers. I would avise that the reader be a little bit older so that they can understand the things that the blacks were going through. Other than being a harsh book because of the things that needed to be describe it was an amazing book.

Average customer rating:

Jarret Krosoczka is the MAN...Buy Punk Farm
Funny HA HA!!
Great Book
old mcdonald rock out
punk farm a big hit in preschool!

Punk Farm
Jarrett J. Krosoczka
Manufacturer: Knopf Books for Young Readers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0375824294
Release Date: 2005-04-26

Book Description

After a long day of work, Farmer Joe goes home to bed.

But meanwhile, back at the barn . . .
Cow sets up her drums.
Pig plugs in his amp.
Goat tunes his bass.
Chicken sets up her keyboards.
And Sheep checks the microphone.

They are Punk Farm and tonight they're ready to ROCK!

With adorable farm animals - and a surprise tribute to Old MacDonald - this rollicking tale is sure to have kids cheering--and singing--along.

Customer Reviews:

Jarret Krosoczka is the MAN...Buy Punk Farm.......2007-05-28

I recently attended Art All-State in Worcester and Jarret Kroscozka was one of the Artist Mentors for the program...At the end of the mentor slideshow he got up and did a life-changing reading of Punk Farm. E-I-E-I-OH!! The pictures are adorable and it's basically and amazing kid's book, buy it!

Funny HA HA!!.......2007-04-12

Must be willing to sing it and act it out, if so, this is the one for you!!! Storytime Fun.

Great Book.......2007-04-01

We originally got this book at the library, but my daughter (2) loved it so much, we had to buy it for her. It's really a fun book and we enjoy reading & singing it to her. I can only recommend it!

old mcdonald rock out .......2006-07-04

initially, we borrowed this book from the library and we loved it so we had to buy it. my daughter loves the song "old mcdonald" and jarrett j krosoczka puts a rocking twist to the whole thing. when we read the book together, i sing punk farm's rendition and she wiggles/dances in my lap!:0D an added bonus--you can download the song from the website! good times!

punk farm a big hit in preschool!.......2006-03-15

My preschool class just loved this book! Future rock and rollers will adore it! Has a cute website for kids, too. Just a rock and roll twist on Old MacDonald, but clever and funny and sweet. Enjoy it!

Average customer rating:

Great Surprise!

Rock, Brock, And the Savings Shock
Sheila Bair
Manufacturer: Albert Whitman & Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Library Binding

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ASIN: 080757094X

Book Description

Rock and Brock may be twins, but they are as different as two twins can be. One day, their grandpa offers them a plan-for ten straight weeks on Saturday he will give them each one dollar. But there is a catch! "Listen now, for here's the trick, each buck you save, I'll match it quick. But spend it, there's no extra dough, so save your cash, and watch it grow." Rock is excited-there are all sorts of things he can buy for one dollar! So each week he spends his money on something different-an inflatable moose head, green hair goo, white peppermint wax fangs. But while Rock is spending his money, Brock is saving his. And each week when Rock gets just one dollar, Brock's savings get matched. By the end of summer, Brock has five hundred and twelve dollars, while Rock has none. When Rock sees what his brother has saved, he realizes he has made a mistake. But Brock shows him that it is never too late to start saving.

Customer Reviews:

Great Surprise!.......2006-11-27

I bought this as a baby shower gift for a friend whose boy baby name is Brock. I wasn't thinking too much of it from what I saw, but when I got it I was pleasantly surprised. It is a great rhyming tale of two twins, and how one saves while the other spends. Really cute! I especially liked how the last two pages give a comparison of how money compounds and gives advice to kids on how to save. As a parent and a teacher, I highly recommend this book to share with children to teach monetary values!

Painting on Rocks for Kids (Creative Kids)

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Painting on rocks for kids
Great crafts for all ages
One of the best books we've ever bought!
Kids paint on Rocks
Excellent book for beginning or low-skill painters!

Painting on Rocks for Kids (Creative Kids)
Lin Wellford
Manufacturer: North Light Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1581802552

Book Description

Lin Wellford, the original "rock artist" shows kids how to create amazing creatures, incredible toys and wild gifts for their friends and family. All it takes is some paint, a few rocks and a little imagination! Easy-to-follow pictures and instructions show kids how to turn stones into everything from racecars and lizards to teddy bears and flowers!

They'll learn how to draw each design on a rock with a pencil, then paint the details in whatever colors they choose. Kids can decorate their rooms, make doorstops or bookends, or just paint something for fun. They can make each project look just like the real thing or wild and wacky. The choice is theirs-and so is the fun!

Customer Reviews:

Painting on rocks for kids.......2007-06-20

Fun & cute. Have inght eyes to bring the rock to life. Step-by-step detail instruction & ill. Fine publication.

Great crafts for all ages.......2007-05-14

I bought this book to take camping with a Brownie Troop of Girl scouts. They had a lot of fun with it! I really liked the ideas and it has easy to follow instructions. Skill level is varied in this book so everyone should be able to find something they'd like to paint. I particularly liked the lizard rocks.

One of the best books we've ever bought!.......2007-01-09

We bought this book for our four year old Granddaughter for Christmas. She absolutley LOVES this book. She loves rocks and loves to paint. It is an excellent family activity also. We got the rocks at our local garden center although, we live in the country and have gathered rocks from the creek too which added to the fun. We've painted on both and they are wonderful. The first time she came over after Christmas is when we used the book. We spent hours painting and she felt really good after seeing what she had created. We even got her Uncles (ages 18 and 19) involved and we all had great fun with this. I would recommend this book for all ages!

Kids paint on Rocks.......2006-03-22

It was in great condition and arrived in a timely manner.

Excellent book for beginning or low-skill painters!.......2004-05-22

This is a great book for people who aren't really very good at painting. Of course the ideas, patterns and methods would work for anyone, but it also shows you step-by-step which color to use, what to draw on the rock, etc. The little rock cars and rock town are darling and the lizards are cute and very realistic. This would be a fun summer project to do with your kids!

Children of Alcatraz: Growing Up on the Rock

Average customer rating:

disappointing
Generations grow up "on the Rock" . . .and tell the tale . . .
A fascinating survey adults as well as kids will want to pursue.

Children of Alcatraz: Growing Up on the Rock
Claire Rudolf Murphy
Manufacturer: Walker Books for Young Readers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Library Binding

Law & Crime | Reference & Nonfiction | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0802795781
Release Date: 2006-09-19

Book Description

Alcatraz Island is one of the most infamous places in American history. The maximum-security prison on the “Rock,” once home to criminals like Al Capone, Machine Gun Kelly, and the Birdman of Alcatraz, has long since captured our country’s imagination. But what few people realize is that during the past 200 years, Alcatraz was not only home to criminals—it was home to many children, too! Over the years, the island has been home to the children of Native Americans, lighthouse keepers, military soldiers, and prison guards.
Imagine playing hide-and-seek in the prison morgue, having a convict as your babysitter, or having Al Capone as your neighbor. This compelling photo-essay profiles generations of children who had the unique opportunity of growing up on this isolated island in San Francisco’s shadow. With personal anecdotes, revealing interviews with the surviving Alcatraz Kids, historical documents, and archival and family photographs, Children of Alcatraz reveals a one-of-a-kind childhood sure to fascinate readers young and old.

Customer Reviews:

disappointing.......2007-07-04

I had expected a bit more in depth description of the life of the children, so was disappointed. It was purchased for my grandson as he hopes to visit Alcatraz and felt it would give a new dimension to his understanding. It will, but not as much as I had hoped.

Generations grow up "on the Rock" . . .and tell the tale . . . .......2007-04-27

Every reader who enjoyed "Al Capone Does My Shirts" should be steered to this book. Claire Rudolf Murphy gives a fascinating survey of the progression of "communities" at different times in history in her book about the "Children of Alcatraz." Following native Americans, the earliest families to live there were those of the lighthouse keepers in the 1850s, then the military came. When the island was transformed into a high security prison in 1934, the families of guards lived there until 1963. It isn't known whether any prisoner ever survived an escape attempt; the prison was considered a fortress, and the Bay formidable.

There was another stressful period from 1969 to 1971 when Native Americans occupied the island to protest the injustices of U. S. law. This protest lasted eighteen months. The stories of each group are of great interest and pictures are particularly helpful in implementing these. Reviewer mcHaiku is always surprised at the very small acreage of the island & the many buildings, including cell blocks, in close juxtaposition. Living in such extraordinary circumstances brought about close friendships and later reunions strengthened those unique relationships.

Alcatraz Island is not so much a symbol of the city's past but more a multiple historic marker. Today, of course, it is a destination for curiosity-seekers, but all visitors will be surprised by the wide interest generated which can also stimulate many enthusiastic searches for more information via a computer or library. Author Claire Murphy may have inspired many readers to discover why the island was originally named "Pelican" - - and it had nothing to do with the "Birdman of Alcatraz" either.

A fascinating survey adults as well as kids will want to pursue........2006-12-10

CHILDREN OF ALCATRAZ: GROWING UP ON THE ROCK doesn't focus on the usual prison history of the island, but on how it also served as home to many children, from Native Americans to lighthouse keepers, prison guards and beyond. Photos of generations of such children who grew up there blend with memoirs, interviews with the surviving Alcatraz Kids, and history to provide a fascinating survey adults as well as kids will want to pursue.

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