Phil Groia focused on a truthful review of street corner music. Not only did he give actual locations, group names, pictures etc but he did not glamourize the events associated with the groups (often teens with problems). This book made me appreciate my collection even more and wonder what would it have been like had Street Corner Harmony (Doo Wopp Music) not been pushed aside by the "British Invasion". THEY ALL SANG ON THE CORNER is a must read book for all Doo Wopp aficionados and the curious.

Paley once again turns out a superb account of her observations as a kindergarten teacher. In "Boys and Girls", Paley focuses her attention on gender. She experiments with changing the way they play and in their P.E. classes. She comes up with some very good points about both the differences and similarities in young boys and girls. Most importantly though, she tells how play is the work of young children and the way that boys and girls approach that work in different matters. While she is speaking about gender issues, she is careful not to over-generalize because there are always exceptions to the rules of a classroom.

Why 4 Stars?: I have always enjoyed Paley's books and her comments about the development of kindergarten children. She truly has a gift for getting inside the minds of 5-year olds. Her books serve as a guide for teachers, parents and any adult who has any interaction with children. Many of her statements can also be applied to adults and the society at large not just her classroom.

Paley continues with her success in capturing the world of her kindergarteners in this treament of gender differences among younger children. She explores the comments made in class, providing the reader with an in-depth look into the kindergarteners' lives and how they see one another, especially in terms of gender. You'll laugh at what the kids have to say and wonder about Paley's observations concerning gender exclusion and segregation, as well as the children's general ideas of what it means to be a boy or a girl.