My 4 year old "hockey-nut" son absolutely adores this book. It makes bedtime easier because he knows we get to read this book. As a first grade teacher, I applaude the way that the authors have also made this a "teaching" book. My son is now recognizing the alphabet as we read the book. I plan on buying several more and giving it as a gift! A++++++

I was absolutely first-line, rookie-of-the-year impressed by "Z is for Zamboni." I don't think there could have been much more crease-crashing, glove-wearing, hockey-spelling hockey in this book. Everyone I've shown it to has been impressed both by the amount of hockey in the book, and also by the fact that all 26 some-odd letters have a rhyme specifically written for them, relating to the "old stick and puck." I would recommend this book to anyone interested in hockey, or the alphabet.

I recently bought this book for my niece. She just loves the illustrations, and likes to read along. I think she almost has it memorized!!! A great gift for any child.

This is another in the American Girls series about Addy Walker, a nine-year-old African-American girl living in the America of 1864. In this story, Addy and her mother arrive in Philadelphia and freedom. Unfortunately, Addy begins to learn that freedom in the North is not what she expected it to be. Racism pervades this new world, and even the African-American girls of her own school are not all friendly. Along the way, though, Addy learns about friendship and perseverance.

The final chapter is a look at education for African-American children in the America of 1864. This book is another great Addy book, teaching some great lessons, against the backdrop of real hardships. My eleven-year-old daughter loved this book, and so do I.

I Liked this book because a girl in my class did the same thing to me as Harriet did to Addy. Addy learned not to trust her fake friends but her real ones. I really liked this book and I can't wait to read Book 3 Addy's Surprise.

This is a wonderful story that brings a part of the past back to life. It is told from a view point that is not often heard from, a young black girl who was a slave and has escaped, but doesn't know how to read or write. It also tells a story of the hardship of a black family during this time and the story of friendship that applies to all races. I think the character Addy is one girls will enjoy reading about, I don't think boys will like it very much. The story is told in a way that children can easily read and understand. At the end of the book is a short description with actual pictures of life at that time for a young black girl and what school was like back then for black children.

This is another in the American Girls series about Addy Walker, a ten-year-old African-American girl living in the America of 1864. With Christmas coming up, Addy spots the perfect gift for her mother, a bright red scarf. However, when their church puts out a plea for money for those arriving from slavery with nothing but the clothes on their backs, Addy and her mother decide that their money should go to those less fortunate. In this book Addy learns a lesson on giving and receiving, and hope.

The final chapter is a look at Christmas for African-American children in the America of 1864. This is another great Addy book, with a great lesson and a moving story. My daughter loves this book, and yours will too.

Addy's Surprise is my favorite Addy book. In the story, Addy and her mother are just getting setted in freedom. They're saving up for a gas lamp so their room well be better lit. And Addy finds a scarf that she wants to get her mother for Christmas as a way of saying thanks. Addy and her mother are especially looking forward to their church's Christmas celebration. But when the pastor at Addy's church preaches a sermon about helping those in need, Addy and her mother forgo their own Christmas plans to help the freedmen. But even so, there's a big surprise for them on Christmas day. A very, very nice book about Addy and her family during Christmas. In my opinion, the best book Connie Porter wrote about Addy!

Addy, an escaped slave, lives during hard times with her escaped mother. She wants Christmas to be happy. Will Christmas be a disappointment? Will they find Sam and Poppa, who were sold before Addy and her mother escaped, or Addy's baby sister, whom they had to leave behind? Get the questions answered in this beautiful tale of hope in hard times.

I have never read any Native American literature before but, I had to read these stories for a Literature class and I thoroughly enjoyed them.

I would recommend this reading to anyone who is somewhat interested in the history of Native America or who is interest in great story telling. The stories are so visual and Zitkala Sa takes the reader through her childhood memories with passion, emotion, depth and sincerity. Her stories shed light on what happened in that era for those who aren't as familiar with the history of Native Americans. Her experience compels us as humans to take a closer look at our actions and strive to preserve the beauty and differences of all cultures not just of the Native American. Zitkala Sa emerges from her tragic experiences and her loss of culture and spirit to become one of the most notable Native American Activists fighting for the rights of her people and stressing the importance cultural preservation.

All these short stories are beautiful and moving.

I have never read any Native American literature before but, I had to read these stories for a Literature class and I thoroughly enjoyed them.

I would recommend this reading to anyone who is somewhat interested in the history of Native America or who is interest in great story telling. The stories are so visual and Zitkala Sa takes the reader through her childhood memories with passion, emotion, depth and sincerity. Her stories shed light on what happened in that era for those who aren't as familiar with the history of Native Americans. Her experience compels us as humans to take a closer look at our actions and strive to preserve the beauty and differences of all cultures not just of the Native American. Zitkala Sa emerges from her tragic experiences and her loss of culture and spirit to become one of the most notable Native American Activists fighting for the rights of her people and stressing the importance cultural preservation.

All these short stories are beautiful and moving.

Zitkala-Sa (Gertrude Bonnin) collected her autobiographical narratives from the Atlantic Monthly (1900-1902), and some fictional folktales, in this 1921 book. Obscure and out of print for decades, it was rediscovered in the 1970s and in 1985 was issued in this facsimile of the first edition, with a helpful forward by Dexter Fisher. It's tempting to call Zitkala-Sa the Native American Zora Neale Hurston, but Zitkala-Sa is too original to be seen as a version of anyone else. The story of her upbringing, and the deceptive luring of her to a missionary-sponsored school in the east, where she found herself held down as her hair was cut (a scene that reads with the intensity of a rape), is riveting and heartrending. Although bitter about her experiences, she achieved a full education in English, expertise on the violin (she performed in Paris), and finally the presidency of the National Council of American Indians, which successfully promoted a law making Native Americans citizens of the United States. The book as a whole reflects her empowerment, but also speaks eloquently in a conquering culture's language of what it is to have no power over your destiny or selfhood. Her integration of several competing selves led her to write this, in "The Great Spirit": "The racial lines, which once were bitterly real, now serve nothing more than marking out a living mosaic of human beings." I for one feel richer for having read this book, and knowing the story of an American hero in her own words. Very highly recommended to all.

I cannot describe how thrilled I am to have arrived at the Amazon online reader review site. My name is Matthew Pennington, the book I was searching for is Peter Tangvald's "At any Cost" which I did read in a frantic fashion in 1994. I was not able to read at leisure since it was the only copy available and its owner "Thomas Tangvald" would be setting off on his modern day adventures within a week of my first page. Not only was I able to sit back and imagine the adventures of a certain Peter Tangvald but I was amongst few who could enjoy the stories told from experience by his son Thomas. I had never been inspired by the knowledge and approach to life by any other person to such an extent and doubt that I ever will again. It was a truly remarkable first year at Leeds University.
What a delight! A work lunchtime, during which I enquired via the Amazon web site with regard to the book, revealed that it was now available through this facility but also that my room mate of 1994/1995 had actually written a review on this site. Indeed, many mornings I would wake less than an arms length from Mark Blackburn in our twin room at the Bodington Hall of Residence to see Thomas walking past the window on stilts, climbing the 60 foot building in bare feet or playing his didgeridoo amongst other activities which other students could only mimic in an effort to appear different to the rest of society. Thomas really was different. He was and probably still is a one in a million "Geezer", friendly, understanding, incredibly clever but most of all eye opening in his "genuinely" unique charisma.

Since leaving University I have not seen or heard from Thomas or Mark Blackburn as both left with ambitions of travelling the world, Mark by plane and foot, Thomas by one man yacht. I did read an article in a National Newspaper which concerned Thomas leaving his yacht and swimming to shore through 15 foot waves during a storm in the River Humber. Believed dead, Thomas was later found by the coast guards to their amazement. Since then he has phoned my parents' house when he reported to my mother that he was in a phone box in the Isle of Man. I am quite sure that he will now be much further afield possibly the bahamas or other distant waters which he spent many hours recollecting tall stories to myself and Mark. I hope he is safe and that one day we will be able to meet again!

As for Mark, through Amazon I now hope to at least obtain an e-mail address and look forward to resuming a long lost friendship without the dirty socks and University studies!

Having shared student accommodation with Thomas Tangvald, son of the author, I was fortunate enough to read this book. Thomas studied Mathematics at Leeds University from 1994-1997. Living next door to him, I learnt lots about his life and I was able to read his copy of this epic book. Thomas was one of the most popular characters at University and was a genius. I lost contact 3 years ago but I have a feeling he might be with his guardians in Andorra. On the other hand, he may have ventured back to the seas. Who knows ?

Peter Tangvald was a man with great courage and a true seaman. I could not put "At any cost" down, and would wonder from chapter to chapter what Peters fate would be from port to port. He had much heartbreak in life loosing his wives and yet bringing up his children and putting their welfare first made you understand how all the women in his life must have seen the wonderful qualities in him, as a man as a father and husband. He definately was supplimented with his wives being very strong and determined women. It was shocking to learn that he and his daughter perished at sea and we will never know what or how it even happened. I am wondering how Thomas Tangvald survived and what he went on to do with his life and how it was he found his fathers writings. Did he ever see his step mother Florence and sister Carmen? It was wonderful that he did and a great tribute to his father to have them published.

A world apart from his words, movies, and actions, this team effort with the famed japanese photographer will surprise. The centerfold image with a sledgehammer starting straight up at the lense is chilling. Black and white photos are offset with unique use of monochormatic coloring to further shock the eye. 10 years after finding this one I am willing to part with it. If you are a interested collector contact me at mmurd@hotmail.com

Sorry, I could not find the correct format to advise all interested that I have this book for sale. ebay@waymedia.hypermart.net

It took a long time for me to find this book (courtesy of Amazon.com) but it was definetly worth the frustration! This book of photography is a MUST for serious Mishima / Hosoe collectors and fans - it offers not only a set of beautifully taken photos but a deadly and not insignificant insight to both the photographer and his tempramental subject. Buy, beg, steal but whatever you do dont borrow it because you will be a sad man when the day of parting comes........

Elizabeth( Betsey ) Zane has lived with her great aunt since her parents died. She longs for her home in Virginia where she can ride her horse freely instead of being told to act like a lady in crowded Philedelphia. When her great aunt dies Betsey makes the daring journey back to Virgina and her home. However she didn't get the welcome she wanted. Her oldest brother is strict and wants her to act like a lady. The story livens as she starts a budding romance with a soldier from nearby Fort Henry. Her world crashes down though when the Indians decide to attack Fort Henry and Besty and her family must flee to Fort Henry for safety. Everything holds up until Fort Henry runs out of gun powder. It looks like Besty is the only one who can get it. Can Besty prove to herself and her brothers that ladies are brave too and can do anything a man can? This was a great book and I highly recommend it. If you like the Dear America Series you will love this book!

This books shows how independent Betsy Zane was. If you are a Dear America fan then you will like this book a lot. It's mostly the same as the diaries only not in diary form. Betsy Zane was a young woman who moved from a city onto the Ohio River. She meets new people and her brothers prize their possessions at first more than Betsy herself who took the long journey to her homestead with a family who used to be slaves. Betsy has embarrasing moments on the way to the Zane homestead when she accidently brings up the subject of slaves to the former slaves! Betsy also gets to meet a boy named Johnny whom she likes. The author really put effort in this book!

As she did in her previous book, The Beaded Moccasins, Lynda Durrant tells the exciting story of a real 18th century girl. This time her heroine is Elizabeth "Betsy" Zane, whose courageous actions saved an American fort during the final battle of the Revolution in 1782. Thirteen-year-old Betsy has lived in Philadelphia ever since her parents died six years ago, and she longs to return to her Virginia frontier home. She gets the chance when her only relative in Philadelphia, her great aunt, dies. Betsy packs a few possessions and returns to her childhood home. But everything is different. One of her brothers lives among the Indians. Her oldest brother has strict ideas about how a young lady should behave. At times, life seems almost as boring as it did back in Philadelphia! A romance with a young soldier livens things up. But when the Indians and British come to attack, Betsy and her family must flee to nearby Fort Henry. And it will be Betsy's own heroic actions that change the tide of battle. I highly reccomend this to historical fiction fans, particuarly girls. It's a great read for fans of the Dear America series.

The authors have managed to extract the very pith of the Buddha's teaching and presented in way that is both informative and challenging. Given the potential complexity of the subject matter, this is an extraordinary achievement. Any reference to extraneous issues has been eschewed and the 'plain facts' of the title turn out to be the only facts needed to come to a complete understanding of the path to enlightenment. Highly recommended.

Bouddhism, plain facts explains you the precepts of Buddha, in a plain and simple language, always going back to down to earth explanation, without jargon, or a lingo to difficult. This book is a great start for anyone who wants to know more about The Buddha, and the meanings of his teaching. It explains clearly Buddhism is a personal quest. Very good, simple and well written.

This elegant book is the ideal volume for anyone who wants to know about Buddhist meditation - from hesitant enquirer to committed meditator. I first read it on a six day meditation retreat and was bowled over by its lack of jargon and they way it deals with the path to enlightenment in every-day language. The short chapters make it easy to dip into. But then it is difficult to stop reading, as each page has some really useful advice or brilliant observation on every aspect of the path. It is obviously written by people who write from many years experience of meditation and meditators, and who know all the pitfalls and all the joys of following the Buddha's path to enlightenment. If you want to do away with suffering - read it!

I wish this book would go back into print. It is a very high-quality puzzle-type exercise. Took a couple of weeks and was never boring. Complete with a King Kong... Used to keep my completed version in my office until the cleaning lady smashed it by accident...

At over for feet high, the finished building is one of my prized possessions. I found mine at a flea market and, as the book was old, the center crease in the pages needs particular attention to avoid a pronounced ridge at about the fortieth floor. Reinforce the crease from behind and press it flat and it should come out ok. The addition of some foil trim at the top make for a really sharp model of the landmark.

this book has everything you need to have a hard days work using your hands....alot of fun, and well worth the effort in the end! great book and author!

Yellow Roses is an anthology of Christian romances set in 19th century Texas. Each novella is a stand-alone story of plucky heroines and Texas Ranger heroes. All four novellas are good, short reads, but two are outstanding: Serena's Strength and Saving Grace.

DiAnn Mills skillfully weaves a tender romance between Serena Talbot and Chet Wilkinson while portraying their spiritual struggles in an unobtrusive, believable way in SERENA'S STRENGTH. Her historical and cultural accuracy blends an engaging story line and an authentic narrative of life as Texas Ranger in the developing Republic of Texas.

Kathleen Y'Barbo narrates the story of a tenacious Texas Ranger widow, Grace Delaney who struggles to keep her home and family together and Jedadiah Harte, ex-Texas Ranger turned preacher in SAVING GRACE. Their spiritual journey with God and to each other is a well crafted, uplifting read.

While all four are well-written and wholesome romantic stories, I'm sure you'll want to read other titles by both DiAnn Mills and Kathleen Y'Barbo.

Each short story is a satisfying read by itself, to get all of them in one book is a real treat. If you love fun heroines, good heros and love based on Faith, you will HAVE to read this book!

These tales of a bygone day, when Texas Rangers struggled to tame the young state, are exciting, romantic, and uplifting. These wholesome stories touched my heart.