In responding to Elaine Lisandrelli's book Ignacy Jan Paderewski Polish Painist Patriot (Champions of Freedom) I would like to first say thankyou to the author for giving me this wonderful book. I have known Mrs. Lisandrelli for a very long time and in that time I have been left with a very wonderful impression from her that will never leave me. Mrs. Lisandrelli came into my life as my 7th grade English Teacher. She is a fantastic teacher and a wonderful friend to me. In regaurds to her book the book was the most fantastic story I ever read. I extremley enjoyed the use of words and the story behind it.

When I was in 7th grade and in her classroom her teaching was so perfect in every way. She knew how to build a students life and courage up into the clouds to study well and be the best that person could be. I for one am one of them. I am a person who will never forget her. Mrs. Lisandrelli means the world to me and always will.

When I graduated in the year 2000 I knew then it was a time to go on with life and leave my childhood years behind me. My school, my friends there, ETC. But the one person I kept in my heart and still have there to this day is Elaine Lisandrelli who taught me everything I know. I have had other English Teachers thru my school years but not one of them was like her.

It is now the year 2002 and soon to be 2003 and I can still hear her voice teaching me and facing all the troubles I had right along with me. She never left my side and was always there when I needed her.

So I say this now and will never forget it. Thankyou Mrs. Lisandrelli for all U have done for me. I grew up and I became one of a kind and that is with all thanks to you. My teacher, My Friend

Love Brooke

I would recommend this book for a comprehensive and easy to follow activities students enjoy. I used this guide for a Saturday Enrichment class for high school students failing in one or more classes. After completing the STUDY SKILL WORKOUT the students improved in their classes and had a better understanding for a acquiring good study skills and habits. I am ordering a copy of the book to use at a new school in the fall since I am leaving my current school that uses this curriculum.

My review of this book is it was a good book and it showed me how one afican american woman in the united state can do so much with her life and. I will like to see more that she show words that will make you fell them and think about what she is saying this book showed me alot of things and show me what I can do things in life even though the bad times and the good times.

This biography on Maya Angelou shows how various trials and accomplishments have shaped her life. What has it shaped her into? More than a poet. Maya is more than a poet and yet human, down to earth. Maya has a very diverse background and diverse accomplishments that many students would be able to relate to. The obstacles she has faced include prejudice, sexual abuse, teenage pregnancy, and failed marriages. She is an accomplished writer, poet, playwright, activist, and performer. More Than a Poet moves chronologically throughout her life, showing important events that have made her an influential figure in today's society.

We would recommend this book because of its in-depth and realistic perspective on Angelou's life. We feel that the true-to-life depiction of Angelou's life and accomplishments would bring readers young and old to connect with Angelou as a human being. We would use the book in the sixth grade classroom as it has some mature content (well-handled) and its use of language would be well suited to the sixth grade reader. Perhaps the most effective use of this book would be in a biographical unit, including the study of victories in the face of hardships.