This book reminds me of when I was little and how my brother and sister and my neighbors and I would set up our own town. We had a jail and a market and a toy store and a gas station and we would use our bikes for our cars.
This book allows children to make up their own towns and rules on how they would like it to be. It allows their imagination to wander.
The story is based on the author's mother's childhood. Roxaboxen is a real place on the corner of Second Avenue and Eighth Street, in Yuma, Arizona. The author was able to write this story by getting information from diaries, memories from relatives, and letter and maps frm inhabitants of Roxaboxon.
I would highly recommend this book!

I love this book! It reminds me of summer, when mom had to beg us kids to come inside after a long day of imaginary play in our 'pine-tree village'. What fun we had creating homes, shops, schools, using rocks, pinecones and anything else we could find to make our little village like home. This book is so similar I could just eat it up! It tells the tale (a true one at that) of a group of children who create their own village with rocks and boxes (get it? Roxaboxen?). The thing I love about this book are the illustrations---simple, yet beautiful, and of course the wonderful story of how the children used their imagination and creativity to create a timeless adventure. In this day of gameboys and computer games, this book is a refreshing change of pace. My four year old loves this book as much as I do, and we can't wait to create our own Roxaboxen this summer. Buy this book for your kids...or yourself! You won't regret it!

The sky in Arizona is like looking into God's eyes. In its quiet way, this powerful book takes us directly into the realm of imagination and play that resourceful children inhabit. There is a cozy, dreamy drift to the tale, which describes the imaginary town of Roxaboxen, and the activities of the children who created and peopled it. The real gift of this book is how it illuminates that magical realm's fundamental importance to the spirit of both children and adults. Not one of the children from Roxaboxen ever forgot about it; it stayed with them for life. And it should for us all. Barbara Cooney works wonders with colorful, evocative illustrations that are even more beautiful and touching than those in Mrs. Rumphius. This marvelous book demonstrates that the best children's literature is equally enjoyable and valuable for adults.

I suspect this book is better in the original German as it tends toward long-windedness, but even so I couldn't put it down. It is very much geared toward German readers but is very applicable to the rest of the world as well, especially those of us in the US. Alice Miller explores the roots of violence as the violence imparted to children, and who were not allowed to express the pain and suffering caused by the violence. She covers in great detail the child-rearing methods prevalent in Germany from the 1700's thru this century; and of course there are many parallels to the "methods" advocated in the US then and to this day. The explicit, stated reason of these methods was to break the will of the child, beginning with infancy. Yes, infancy. And how was that done? By depriving children of thier voice, their joy, their anger, sadness, the ability to listen to their body's cues such as hunger. She really drives home the way that the cycle of violence in families is perpetrated, and why it is so very important to break the chain. I will never again hesitate to empathise with a child who is being 'swatted' or otherwise humiliated by a parent. Children need to know that their emotions are valid, and we have an obligation to allow them to express these emotions. If you have any doubt that children are being deprived of their voice, read "On Becoming Babywise" by Ezzo and Bucknam. They begin at infancy by scheduling feeds for children and telling the parents to decide when playtime is. They do not respond to the cries of their children. They are also responsible for an overtly Christian (sort of) parenting method entitled "Preparation for Parenting". No disputes with the mentors are allowed in these programs, which is exactly what the parents are to be passing on to their children. As far as beating children, 20% of Coloradans recently surveyed said that is is fine for parents to beat their children with a wooden spoon. Focus on the Family actively advocates such beatings as a method of "discipline". Sadly, violence against children is still occurring around us.

This is one of those rare books that has the power to change the way you look at the world. I would highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in learning more about how people's childhoods can and do affect their adult selves. The sections exploring the childhoods of a German serial killer and Adolph Hitler offer convincing evidence that people are not born evil. And if people are not born evil, then this has dramatic implications in the way we all raise our children. A must-read book for all parents and educators alike!

Data: I am 51 years old; 2 sons, 10 and 13; married 15 years; and I have been on a path of healing and growth since 1994. I read 'Drama of the Gifted Child' 5 years ago. Since then I have read dozens of inner-work book. Lately, I had have been feeling that I have learned all I needed to know about my wounds and it was time to move on. "Time for action, not reflection," I say to myself. I doubtfully picked up 'For Your Own Good,' last week in a used book store. After all, revisiting 'childhood' issues was wasting my time.

Boom! This book has invaded my soul and my heart. Alice Miller has touched on one of the greatest 'family secrets' in the world as she describes the devastating effect of 'child rearing.' (If you like John Bradshaw, Miller will touch the same raw nerve.) The hurt we pass on to our children, that I have passed on to my children, will haunt me for the rest of my days. It is so clear and so obvious once we step back and look at how we parents treat our children. I can see clearly how I dumped my frustration, hurt and pain on my kids...minute by minute, day by day. As they grow into adolescence I see all of this more clearly. While Miller's ideas, and this book, are uncomfortable for adults, she has empowered me to proceed more consciously for the rest of my life in all my dealings with my kids. For that I feel blessed.

What is a mystery, as others have noted, is why Miller's simple and direct ideas have received so little welcome in our world. Instead we build more prisons, hire more police, pass more laws, and express total bewilderment at the behaviour of the children whom we have tried to manipulate, mold, and control since their births. Who is accountable here? Let any person with guts and the desire to know the real truth about who he/she is tackle this book. It WILL be painful...and it WILL be liberating.

Inspiration for Student Leaders is a concise, intelligent read, ideal for both students and professional staff who work with student leaders. Stories, poems, quick quotes and other works combine to make this publication live up to its goal of inspiring student leaders. Student Activities professional should give this book to incoming student leaders to help them broaden their perspectives on leadership. Established student leaders whose energy may be waning, can draw encouragement from the passages written by other students. This book should be on the resource shelf in every Student Union in America.

This book is phenomenal! A collection of stories, poems, quotes, and real experiences for student leaders. The book has many applications to leadership studies and personal motivation and inspiration.

As one of the co-authors, I'm extremely proud of the finished product. In addition to getting a great resourse for your library, every purchase of this book gives a $1 donation to the National Association for Campus Activities (NACA) Educational Foundation - NACA provides scholarships for college students across the US.

This is simply the best book anywhere for campus leaders.

I admit that I'm one of the co-authors. But keep this in mind-- as editor of Student Leader magazine, I don't lend my name and reputation to just any project.

I was, and am, proud to be associated with this uplifting and inpsiriational book. It's written similiar in style to the Chicken Soup series, including lots of heartwarming stories written by campus leaders themselves nationwide.

This book is perfect for leadership retreats, workshops, and seminars. It would be the perfect addition to any leadership classes as well.

If you're the parent, friend, or relative of a student government leader, resident assistant, Greek leader, or other campus leader, this book would be the perfect easy gift!

This beautiful cookbook is organized by season, with four fresh produce items featured for each season. This allows even the most novice cook to find simple recipes using the freshest of ingredients. This book is a great place to start to add seasonal produce to your menues.

The recipes are not limited to those contributed by Junior League members, but also include recipes from notable California restaurants.

A bonus: this book is so attractive that it could practically be a coffee table book. The photographs and information about Northern California are exceptional.

I originally received this cookbook as a gift. I was so delighted with it, I subsequently ordered four additional copies to give as gifts. The recipients are still thanking me! First, the recipes are creative and delicious -- fully enhancing the flavors of bountiful, diverse, fresh ingredients found in the San Francisco Bay Area and Wine Country. (It's hard NOT to eat well in this region!) Second, the cookbook itself is uncommonly successful in evoking this spectacular setting with gorgeous photos, sidebars of interesting sidetrips, local restaurants and wineries, and mind-boggling facts regarding the abundance of local agriculture. Food preparation tips, background information on local food and wine festivals/events, and delicacies such as Meyer Lemons are also highlighted. While it's fun to simply browse through this beautiful cookbook, it's even better to sample the Junior League's trade-mark "home cooking with flair." Full menus are offered here. My personal favorites are the Baja Guacamole, Savory Polenta w/Asiago Cheese, Garlic-Roasted Chicken, Pork Tenderloin w/Apricot Ginger Sauce, and Cherries & Berries Compote w/Crispy Puffed Pancake. The Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Bars are worth the price of admission all by themselves! I'm not surprised this cookbook is winning national rave reviews and awards. They are very well deserved! It is so beautifully rendered, it puts most commercially-produced cookbooks to shame.

Absolutely a phenomenonal cookbook! Just purchased on vacation in Cape May, New Jersey at Love the Cook. Gorgeous pictures, wonderful recipes......California at it's best! A real winner...a real find.

This book is excellent and dispells the myth that lowfat is boring and not tasteful. The recipes in this book are actually better than some "full-fat" recipes I've tasted. A very practical approach to reducing the fat without reducing the flavor. Start with the "Chocolate Pound Cake" and work your way up to some of the more involved recipes... although the ones I've tried so far are not difficult. I brought some of the results of her recipes in to my co-workers, and they were amazed. A highly-recommended choice.

I have made several of the recipes, and they range from excellent to just stunning. Her chocolate decadence has all the rich chocolate taste any lover of dark chocolate could ask for, and it has one fourth the fat of the standard chocolate decadence. You never feel as if you are giving anything up. I am not a chef, but the recipes worked fine for me. A beautiful book, well-suited for gifting. Everyone I've shown it to (or fed from it) says "I've got to get that book!"

These are not excellent low-fat desserts. They are excellent desserts that are also low-fat. Whether or not I am watching what I eat or cooking for people who are watching what they eat, I always look here first, and no one ever, ever misses the fat and calories. Alice Medrich has done a fantastic job of lightening the dessert tray without resorting to artificial sweeteners, fat-free dairy products, "light" margarine, etc. She emphasizes ingredients of the highest quality, but stretches the fatty stuff (for example, she decreases the amount of nuts in a biscotti recipe, chopping them coarsely to make them go farther and toasting them to maximize flavor). If a recipe can't be lightened successfully, it's not in the book (for example, you won't find shortbread, although somehow, miraculously, she has found a way to lighten whipped cream!).

I have made many of these recipes and have never been disappointed. I'll recommend the Kahlua Fudge Cake, Frozen Hot Chocolate, Lime Cookies (yes, even the handful of non-chocolate desserts are heaven), Michael's Brownies, Fallen Chocolate Torte, Chocolate Hazelnut Biscotti, Genoise, Hot Ginger Cookies, and Buttermilk Chocolate Sauce. I have not tried a recipe that I cannot recommend. You will not be disappointed.

The book is illustrated beautifully and divided, helpfully, according to recipe type (fancy desserts, everyday desserts, individual desserts, etc). It includes nutritional information. The desserts obtain 30% or less of their calories from fat, and although not all are low-calorie, most are (Michael's Brownies, for example, have around 150 calories each and are sinful).

Though this is a book for young children, at the age of 30, I found, after seeing the movie, it helped me to understand the characters, planets, weaponry, and so much more. Do you know what determines the color of a light saber? Or how a Jedi is determined and at what age they start training? That and so many other answers are given in this book, it's packed full of great photo's and even gives a little lesson on the people who brought the film to being. Highly recommended!

this is the best book you can look at to see all the details put into episode 1! there are pictures, quotes, and much info about each character! it truly is a good buy!

I just bought this book and I just can't get over how amazing it is. I learned who played Darth Maul finally and I found out a lot of things about the movie I really didn't noticed when I watched it.

An excellent annual reference book for writers and Illustrators. Very informative; with publisher, magazine, club and workshop listings; business sections; how-to articles; to first-time authors who share their experiences and advice to beginning writers & illustrators. A true necessity. I've been a loyal reader/fan of Children's Writer's & Illustrator's Market since 1989.

I had to laugh when I read the review complaining about the lack of gender balance in CWIM. I am a male children's book editor, and I know that it's a simple fact of life in my profession that most other editors and most writers for children are, in fact, women. So it's perfectly reasonable to use "she" to refer to a generic editor or writer. It's also perfectly reasonable to interview mostly or all women for a feature in the book.

OK, but what about the book? This is a valuable standard reference for a children's writer or illustrator. For the publisher listings alone, you have to have CWIM on your desk. It also has good basic information about the business, and interviews with a wide spectrum of practitioners. This year's edition includes an interview with Linda Sue Park, who won the Newbery Medal for 2001. (It also includes an interview with me, which I mention to provide full disclosure.)

2002 Children's Writer's & Illustrator's Market is a very highly useful and authoritative guide for both aspiring authors and artists to getting their work published in the specialized area of children's books. From finding the best markets, to writing effectively for the age index of one's choice, to preparing professional submissions, 2002 Children's Writer's & Illustrator's Market is packed from cover to cover with solid wealth of tips, tricks, and techniques on how to stand out in a highly competitive field. 2002 Children's Writer's & Illustrator's Market is an absolutely essential reference, especially for new writers and novice artists looking to break into the children's book market.

If you love cookies and brownies, and who doesn't, then you'll love this book!

Even if you're not a cookie cooking professional, you'll be able to whip yp the best desserts on the block! (Be sure to share them with your neighbors, they'll be wondering what that wonderful smell is coming from your kitchen)!

You'll learn cookie details, cookie decorating, and how to eat the cookies you've made before anyone else in your house finds out -- only kidding!

Recipes include: shortbread, butter cookies, chocolate cookies, classic cookies, my favorite -- biscotti, along with cute sketches, great quotes, and a listing of ingredient and equipment how to's to keep you occupied while waiting for your treats to finish cooking!

Yes, the book is about cookies. But it also has biscotti and brownie recipes. I bought this book last summer and I have to agree with one reviewer. For our family's 4th of July celebration, I made the Snickerdoodles. WOW! These redefined my definition of Snickerdoodles (sorry, Grandma)! This cookie was chewy, buttery and perfectly golden brown. I've never tasted anything like it before. I've made several other batches like the rugelach, lemon ginger wafers, bridget's oat-raisin-coconut cookies and the chocolate chip cookies. They are all works of art. What I like is that Ms. Medrich explains the secrets of WHY these cookies turn out so well. For example, some batters need to be refrigerated, some don't. Yes, this book is somewhat pricey but so worth it. It is more than just the author's personal cookie collection. You will need no other cookbook for cookies (or biscotti) any longer. As for me, the seach has ended.

I bought this book because Ms. Medrich did a presentation at the bookstore where I worked. Needless to say, the "samples" she brought were devoured in minutes.

Following her careful, yet simple, instructions and tips, will make for wonderful cookies and brownies. These are the best chocolate chip cookies I have ever made, and I have tried several recipes, and the apricot/lemon bars were also a big hit. I am going to make several of the recipes here for Easter sunday with the family, and I am confident that they will be well received.

Ms. Medrich's other cookbooks are on my wish list because her recipes are to me, the standard in dessert making.

I enjoyed this book so much. I was in a deep reading rut when i came across this one in my pile of boooks to be read and it immediately grabbed my attention and wouldn't let go. What a wonderful story about sisters' relationships and self discovery! I will be reading more by Mary Alice Monroe.

This book really captured my heart and attention!! I tried to identify with one character and found myself in every one of these woman. Such a moving story; the pages turned too quickly. The 'looking back' required to write and read this book is challenging and poignant. Everyone who is interested in famiy dynamics and women's relationships with the important people in her life should read this book. The resolution is realistic as well as life affirming. I wanted to be there with the sisters and come to grips with some of my own stories. Bravo Mary Alice Monroe for giving me a window to look at life's events from a different point of view.

Mary Alice Monroe is a skilled storyteller. Her prose is beautiful and her understanding of human nature profound. I was toally absorbed in the lives of these sisters. This book is what good writing is all about.

This is an exceptional book. Carter has meticulously documented three significant women in the history of American art and illustration, Jessie Willcox Smith, Elizabeth Shippen Green, and Violet Oakley. It is a must have for anyone interested in the entwined lives and careers of America's first and most successful female artists as the country entered the 20th century. I found the book to be thoroughly researched and thoughtfully written. The Red Rose Girls does a fine job fully

detailing their outstanding contributions to the art world and of their life long intimate love. Inspiring are the pages upon pages of lavish reproductions which display their paintings, sketches, research materials, and the revealing personal photographs. Carter's complete documentation satisfies my needs as an artist, educator, and as a witness to America's ever changing social history. This book is the definitive account of the Red Rose Girls' role in American art and I am elated for the long due recognition they so fully deserve. You will not be disappointed in this wonderful book.

My partner and I are thrilled with this excellent book on these major players in the history of American art and culture. It is an extremely valuable book that brings their remarkable lives to public attention after too many years of neglect. We feel Alice Carter finally does justice to their true story of love and success. These women provided the foundation for so many others in the 20th century and this book finally gives them the recognition they deserve. We love the way the book covers their dramatic struggles to be successful and to have a loving, fulfilling, relationship. The reproductions of their work are some of the best we've seen and there are many images that we've never seen anywhere previously. Only one of us is an artist but we both think that the book will be enjoyed by anyone. It is thoughtfully written and a sensational page turner that we rate at 5 stars.

This extraordinary book combines the traditional biographical format with the visual splendor of color reproductions traditionally found in a museum style art book. "The Red Rose Girls" is in a league all its own, combining history, biography, and art in order to recreate the lives of this amazing group of women. This book brings the reader into the world of these talented artists and goes further to explore the complexities faced by women striving for professional execellence. Carter's book definitely hits the mark, recounting the past and presenting themes that reverberate into present day society. Great!