I first came across the cookbook when I checked it out at my local library in Salinas, CA many years ago. It was the first cookbook that I had ever come across of it's kind. About three years ago I came across it again in an Afrocentric bookstore in Chicago and the memories I had of reading the family memories and testing the recipies came rushing back! I immediately bought one for myself this time. Since then, I have given it as gifts to several of my own family members and I am teaching my own children to make delicious food from the book. Now, I can proudly say that my sweet potatoe pie is to "live for" and is much requested by family & friends. Even more important than the recipies is the passing on of a rich family legacy and a perfect example of what a loving, supportive, strong family life is all about. "Spoonbread" relives the African American experience of yesteryear. One, which should not be forgotten.

I came across this book over 12 years ago while searching for a book on southern cooking. I was trying to duplicate a friend's recipe for Southern Fried Chicken (she would not divulge the ingredients in her granny's recipe to anyone)! When I saw this book with its wonderful recipes and family remembrances I knew this was it. The first recipe I tried was the fried chicken, ofcourse - and - it was even better than my friend's. What a lovely book. The family remembrances are so touching. My copy was lost several years ago and I hope that the publisher will re-issue the mass market paper back again.

I truly loved the book. It was difficult to focus on the recipes without reading the autobiography of an affluent Africian American family. I learned to make those down-home mouth-watering dishes like "Big Mama" or Granny. It was truly an experience given the reason my older brother purchased the book for me in 1978 (Hardback). He said he needed to help a brother out since I could not cook. The recipes were delicious and very easy to follow.

The autobiography helps us to understand that in spite of what we hear and often see -- there was and still is many, many A-A who achieved a dream inspite of societal dictates.

Since 1978, I have purchased several paperback copies. The first paperback editions did not keep the autobiography and recipes separate. I am going to purchase the latest edition of the paperback for myself SINCE the hardback grew feet and disappeared to one of my loving family members home. Maybe that is their way of learning to cook incognito.

I loved this book. All four stories take 4 women, strong and independent, and create a beautfuil romance for each. It's perfect for that Christan romantic, and just makes your heart jump. Doris English's story was so very touching, and Brenda Bancroft creats a very deep charecter. All 4 stories are worth reading again and again. They never lose that sparkle that makes you want to cry everytime the girl gets her guy.

These wonderful short stories are great. My favorite was by Brenda Bancroft. The charactor had real flaws that endeared her to the readers. The plot was fanatatic, kept me so engrossed I could not put it down. This is just the book for those stressed out because it can be read in short intervals. I have enjoyed this collection of stories as much as the first two. If you really like this there are also a collection of historical short stories by the same publisher.

I love these 4 novels! I'm always going back to them. If you have never read them, you must do it as soon as you can. It is a perfect collection for the Christian who is a hopeless romantic. They're interesting, inspiring, romantic. Four great novels in one great book!

ill never look at a paper plate the same.....we havent put it down yet ..creative well imformed, one of the best hands on craft books yet ....

I have a four year old son and he was so excited to do the crafts in this book. We started the day we got it and it has been wonderful. All of the projects use simple household items and are simple yet fun. No Martha Stewarts required! I am buying 3 more for friends and to donate to the preschool we attend. ENJOY!!

Well organized with original ideas for children's paper plate projects. Clear illustrations with lists of tools and time required. Hats, Masks, Flowers, Bugs, Toys, Games and Dinos. Great little craft book that will spark your own ideas on new paper plate arts and crafts. Kids will love it!

I really wasn't sure what to expect when I first picked up this book. It looked interesting enough. I started reading it and by the fourtieth or fiftieth page I was hooked. I love anything that debunks the fifties illusion. I've always known their was more to the myth then "I'm completley happy living for you and our kids. I need nothing else." Norma Jean, despite the fact that it had no relation to my immediate dilemas or problems made me stop and think. It was a guidepost for me. The title charater's caustic wit and her attitude towards the mundaness of life made me realize there's a little bit of a 1950's housewife in all of us.
I recommend reading this book if your in the midst of a life decision or if you need words of wisdom from someone other than your mother. The only real fault to this book is after reading it you may swear off having kids for the rest of your life.

I read this novel years ago and was amazed anyone could write that well. Ms. Ballantyne's book is hilarious, heartbreaking, and renewing. I'm glad it's back in print again, because I lost or gave away my paperback copy years ago. I had almost memorized it at that point, but I need to renew my acquaintance of Norma.

Norma predates Anne Lamott's nonfiction journal "Operating Instructions" (diary of her son's first year), by decades, but in fiction you can be incredibly honest and outrageous and say the things society doesn't want to hear - such as taking care of kids can be a pain in the ass. That when you have kids, you give up a large part of yourself and your life (and it's usually the woman). In this year, 2000, I don't know if women are any better off than Norma was. I'd like to think so...............but I doubt it.

But as with Norma, you don't stop hoping, you don't stop working towards it.

This is a soul-affirming work.

This achingly honest portrayal of the lot of women and mothers will particularly resonate with those of us who remember the 50's and 60's, but anyone literate enough to read it should find its humor and anguish impossible to resist. I'm reading it for the third time, and it's as fresh, funny, and captivating as it was the first time I read it over ten years ago. Norma Jean is a 30-something, suburban wife and mother of three, struggling to define a life that is her own after 7 years of drowning in the demands of children and babies. Interspersed with Norma Jean's daily trials in the kitchen and carpool, are her dreams, snippets from books on motherhood and Egyptian mythology, and her conversations with the shrink. Ballantyne's skillful storytelling gives us a novel that is both hilarious and profound. If you want to smell the poop and feel the snot, if the idea of a pre-schooler with an imaginary friend named Fokey Fuckerhead makes you laugh, if you want Norma Jean's hilarious and devastatingly accurate commentary on everything from doctors to door-to-door salesmen, take the time to find a copy of this book to read and to keep. You won't regret it.

Teachers and parents, don't miss this art resource for your kids! The author has done a wonderful job of compiling a variety of activities using a variety of materials, at a range of skill levels. I have completed a few of these projects with students aged 6-16, and they have turned out great. The materials are easily obtained, the projects generally uncomplicated, and the instructions clearly illustrated and easy to follow.

Projects include designs and pictures made with paint, glue, string, sand, cut-out paper shapes, markers, foil, beans, macaroni, glitter, plants, fabric. Techniques include drawing, experimenting with shape, line, texture and color, contrasting shapes and colors, stamping, splatter and spin, weaving, shadowboxes, 3-D sculptures of various materials, crayon resist, sponge painting. Not only can all these projects keep your kids being creative, they really turn out attractive. I have several art books for children by this same publisher and they are all excellent.

Fabulous and fantastic!!! I teach K-8 at a Catholic school and this book is an invaluable resource. The projects are incredibly fun and easy to understand ( with step-by-step instructions and illustrations also rated with a level for different ages and abilites) and at the same time very educational in teaching color, design, and texture.

Picking the most infamous traitor in American History for a volume in the Revolutionary War Leaders series might seem strange, but there is a certain logic to it. First, the rule of thumb had always been that during the American Revolution one-third of the colonists supported independence, one-third remained loyal to Britain, and the last third pretty much wanted to be left alone. So in one regard Benedict Arnold represents the majority of Americans who, technically at least, did not desire independence. But the second and more compelling reason is that although Arnold's act of treason is usually mentioned in American History textbooks the exact motivation for his action is usually ignored. In this juvenile biography by Norman Jean Lutz young readers will learn why Arnold did what he did.

The young Benedict Arnold was admittedly a coward, who turned this failing into a dramatic impulse to be the center of attention. Although he would later be known as a solider, Arnold made his initial reputation in shipping. However, at the battle of Concord he was a captain of militia and then joined forces with Ethan Allen to seize Fort Ticonderoga. But after the fort was seized, Arnold was outraged when another man was sent to be in command. This sense that he was not getting his due reward would, of course, be key in his decision to betray his new country. Because he was headstrong and reckless, Arnold's heroism in battle was negated by his disobedience to orders. In Lutz's perspective, the desire to be a "hero" again was what ultimately prompted Arnold to offer his services to the British.

Lutz does a good job of keeping the focus on how despite his many successes Arnold was almost always dissatisfied. Feeling that he was not being appreciated, Arnold used his position to try and gain wealth and honor. By the time it was clear to him that he would never be a hero to the colonists, Arnold decided that he would become a hero to the British, although being a spy was never considered an honorable role in war. However, the important thing in regards to this juvenile biography is that Lutz makes it clear from the beginning that Benedict Arnold was a deeply flawed human being. The man loses the reader's sympathies well before he decides to turn traitor. Consequently, Lutz does a nice job of presenting a psychological profile of how Arnold went from hero to traitor.

Norma Jean Lutz's History Of The Black Church provides an excellent survey of the development of various Christian denominations and the role the church has played in the lives and civil rights of black people. From leaders to post-war changes, this covers religious and social aspects alike.

This masterfully written book stands alone and is a definate, must have for any book shelf collection. This story about Josh's comming of age and having to deal with the death of his beloved younger brother Toby. He now has to face the truth of his brothers death. Pick this book up, and throw it into your shopping cart because it is a must have!

Jean Giono's inspiring story of the "man who planted trees" reached me some days ago as a birthday gift from my two sons.They thought it an appropriate gift for me probably because I am now engaged in an effort to grow trees in some land which I bought as a barren waste land. I found the book extremely inspiring.The interesting thing is that there indeed are unsung heroes and heroines in many parts of the world who do do such inspiring work without thought of reward.Some months back I read in Indian newspapers about a poor couple in the Karnatak state of India who decided to plant trees to assuage their sorrow in being childless.As they had no land of their own they decided to plant trees on the roadside.And ended up with magnificent avenue trees on miles and miles of the road near their village. There still seems to be hope for mankind!

This is a wonderful read. It makes a great bedtime story and it is also beautiful (the wood carvings) and inspiring. This is good for people tired of reading what is wrong with the environment. The Man Who Planted Trees is kind of like a sophisticated Lorax book. Anyway, buy this book and enjoy it!

"The Man Who Planted Trees" is a wonderful short story about the fictional life of a man who singlehandedly restores a valley to life by becoming the Johnny Appleseed of Trees. More importantly, its about a man who, having suffered the loss of his wwife and only child, chooses to live a simple life in anonymous service with little but his own resources and his love for trees. The short-term effect is almost unnoticeable; long-term its staggering.

The wood engravings that accompany the text stand out and mirror the book's theme of asutere simplicity quite beautifully. Its a wonderful book for children, nature enthusiasts, gardeners and those looking for hope that follwoing one's heart and living out of love, rather than fear, can ultimately make a difference.

This book provided hours of fun for my four-year-old. We were pleased that we always had simple household items and paper to complete the projects.This book can be used as ajumping off point to many other creative projects.

All that is needed are these three items, and you can make the cutest crafts! Because of the easy supply list, we use this book so much more often than other books that you might not have the needed supplies on hand for. This one we keep right in the kitchen and the children can make things whenever they like! we just got it for Christmas and have already made lots of the projects! and there is room to be creative - just using the ideas as examples and taking it from there.

For the last several years my summer school has included art every day for students whose ages range from 6-13. This book has an excellent selection of art projects that are appropriate for all these ages. Everything is made using construction paper, scissors and glue, which are readily available in the school supply room, are inexpensive and easy to work with. The projects turn out bright and colorful. My class has just completed a lively mural of a pond habitat after making fun frogs, fish, turtles and other aquatic creatures and plants, using ideas from the book.

I love the instructions and lay-out of the book. The steps and resulting project are clearly shown in large drawings with minimal text, so it just takes a few minutes to read through each project.

Some of the projects feature geometrical designs and patterns, which allow substantial room for creativity, some fold and curve paper to make them three dimensional. There is a good variety of themes including animals, seasons, nature, a still life, a robot, and a couple of cultural items. Although I haven't done it yet, the Panamanian mola looks like it will turn out stunning.

If I want to stick to using paper, glue and scissors for my art classes, this book will give us plenty of fun and attractive projects to do for several weeks. Parents will also find it a great source for young artists at home.