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"Welcome Stranger," by Aaron Hoffman: a comedy about a businessman's fight against anti-Semitism; features a particularly engaging hero. "Counsellor-at-Law," by Elmer Rice: a fast-moving play that takes place in the New York law offices of its main character. "Awake and Sing!", by Clifford Odets: The story of a working-class family in New York City; full of colorful syntax and expressions. "Morning Star," by Sylvia Regan: a very moving play that follows a New York City family over the course of two decades; historical events like the Triangle factory fire are skillfully woven into the story. "Home of the Brave," by Arthur Laurents: the story of a Jewish-American soldier and his unit in combat in the Pacific theater during World War II; features some really harrowing scenes. "The Cold Wind and the Warm," by S.N. Behrman: A story of love, loss, and friendship; biblical law plays a key plot point. And finally, "The Tenth Man," by Paddy Chayefsky: A story of supernatural possession that takes place entirely in an orthodox synagogue on Long Island; a marvelous blend of dark comedy and creepy horror.
I've never seen any of these plays performed. But for the most part, the plays in this volume make excellent reading texts. "Awake & Singing" is one of those great anthologies that I would recommend for classroom use, for reading groups, and for the individual reader. Especially recommended if you're interested in 20th century American drama or the Jewish-American experience.
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young rebel named Gervase. But when Gervase ends up on the unpopular side, he must dive into fugitive status. And so
it begins, Beloved Rebel.
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To help other parents apply this advice, as a parent of four I consulted an expert, our youngest child, and asked her to share with me her favorite books that were read to her as a young child. Bob the Snowman was one of her picks.
One snowy day the children made Bob out of snow and added a carrot for a nose, a hat, and a broom. He liked being with the children. That night, the children went inside and Bob was lonely. A bird came and talked to Bob about her plans to migrate south for the winter. Bob dreamed about going south, too.
The next day, he walked to the train station and hopped into a baggage car. Pretty soon, he started to melt as the train went south. By the time he reached the south, he was just a puddle.
But the sunbeams called down to him, and told him to climb up to the sky where he turned into a cloud. A strong wind blew Bob back to the children's neighborhood, where he turned into snowflakes.
The children decided to build a new Bob. He was glad to be back, and never wanted to travel again. He had missed the children. And the best part was that the children built a whole snow family so he never had to be lonely again.
Even the thought of spring did not bother him. He knew that after they all became puddles, they could climb into a cloud and return the following winter.
As you can see, this story has many nice features. It encourages your child to use her or his imagination. What would happen if a snowman went south for the winter?
Your child also gets a chance to learn about how snow and clouds are formed, so the book is also an early science lesson.
The book also encourages the idea of being with others, whether they are the same (the snow family) or different from you (the children).
I also liked the way the book portrayed change as something to be handled rather than as an end. Many children (mine included) worry about what will happen the snowmen they build when the snow melts. This gives the whole concept a happy ending.
You can also use this book to launch off on developing a story with your child. For example, what would happen if a flower came north in the winter? You can use the outline of this story to have many good chats. Children love to make up stories with their parents. Having a model makes it easier!
While you are enjoying this wonderful book, also think about what other areas your child may be worried about (other than being alone or what will happen to the snowman). You can use this story to learn what some of those concerns are, and to help your child overcome them. Causing unnecessary fears and concerns to evaporate is always a useful thing to do.
Enjoy!
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