Nonfiction Books

This book is great. My son loves the bright colors and I love the message.

Good work, Mr. Dyer!
We love you and your work! Wonderful books for children!

This was a good book. It had a good message. My son thought it was boring, though (age 6). Recommend for 2-5 years old. Parents reading book to child and talking about the things mentioned.

This is a beautful book full of beautiful pictures teaching us how to let our lights shine through. Reminding us of the great gifts we have and how to be all that we are.......a must for all children!

This book might mention "God", but it leads children (and adults) to believe they are their own gods. (So why do bad things happen to good people even if they think positive and are "good"? Face it, no matter how much New Age self-help you indulge in, it will not ultimately save you or help you live forever.)

I was given a copy of this book for my kids. Looked benign, but I read through it myself first before reading it to them. It's got a feel-good message to it that lacks deeper wisdom of the REAL world and REAL solutions to the world's problems, even at the close community level. It's dangerous New Age poison packaged sweetly for children. Satan wants your children too, you know. This subtle, seemingly sweet and positive book is a wolf in sheep's clothes.

Everything about this book tells your child, "The world revolves around you." Does it really? People, you do not have to love yourself before you love someone else. The world would be better off if we concentrated on others instead of ourselves. . .

Sure, I want to teach my children they are loved unconditionally and help them to see the true fount from which self-esteem comes, but this book is not it. The self-help, New Age books from this publisher are making someone rich at the expense of our common desperation to find answers and unconditional love.

I threw this in the garbage without showing it to my children. I'd prefer reading some real character builders that entertain and challenge my kids to think and act than read them this oversimplified New Age poison.

Straight in the trash.

While at times Howard Zinn puts forth interesting theories, facts occasionally get in the way. For example, he claims on page 209 that "The beginning of the Declaration of Independence says that 'We the people'..." 'We the people'? In the Declaration of Independence?

I'm not sure if this is just an issue with Rebecca Stefoff's adaptation, or Zinn's facts, but it's clearly an issue. This isn't a history book, but more a political opinion book which happens to use history to support the author's arguments.

--13 year old history buff

For an older adult who can remember the fifties, this is a history that informs me of historical currents that were not obvious at the time. For young people, this is a very readable supplement to the twentieth century US history that is taught in schools.
I highly recommend this. Further similar reading might include Loewen's Lies My Teachers Taught Me.

This book and its companion Volume 1 are the perfect introduction to US history. Based on Zinn's larger work, this focuses on a younger audience. It is informative and provides prospective that is different than the material taught in schools. Every child in the US should read these books.

I was given this book by someone with the most sincere intentions...

Opening it was was giddy.. i was in my car and almost crashed trying to read of new positions and take my sex life to the next level...

I'm not sure what pulled the other reviews in and why they are so excited about this book because it was one HUGE DISAPPOINTMENT. Half this stuff is obvious... the other half is really ridiculous. I'm assuming the target audience is for women who are pretending to be a lesbian - or maybe those who want to sample it out bc their husband is interested in a 3some...

for the hardcore lesbian who has had a time rolling around in teh sack - this isnt the book for you. Been there done that... its not going to take you to the next level.. at all. You're imagination is alot better than this book. Its for amateurs and belongs in a photography book. Only positive is the pictures are beautiful in an artistic kind of way. Who needs art when she is trying to get a girl sprung?

I found this to be far more than I was guessing it would be. I had no idea that there would actually be 101 lovemaking positions, but guess what...there are. It's going to be fun trying them all out.

I also highly recommend a very funny lesbian work of fiction. Jennifer Parello's Dateland is a hoot!

Why is this so expensive via amazon.com? Is it rare or something? The actual price is around 17.00 canadian. I could've bought this at McNallys for that price. Oh well lesson learned, don't just shop on Amazon.com. Maybe I'll sell it here for 100.00 bucks. Geez what a rip off. Not that the book is not good, I'm just saying it's not worth $100.

I gave this to a friend and her partner as a wedding gift (in the hope that some day our state government will treat all people equally). Be aware that this book is very small, so the photographs are correspondingly diminished. The portrayals themselves--of two young, Caucasian women--are R-rated, as no actual sexual activity is portrayed. It is *suggestive*, which of course is what this little book is intended to be--offering creative suggestions about how two women might enjoy passion and tenderness with each other. It's a nice book, and makes a good present for someone you know well enough to give it to.

I was so pumped when I received this book. I ran into my room and started flipping through it... It's just amazing! The pictures alone are something to enjoy. I love how there are no strange off the wall positions that I could never acheive... it's a really down to earth and I love the little list in the back made for marking things off. Great book to have on my shelf.

Our children used Saxon from 54 to 87, then moved on to advanced math, calculus and physics and they have excelled with this method. Although my background doesn't include an emphasis in math, my husband's education and professional life is steeped in mathematics. He's enthusiastic about Saxon because it creates a strong foundation in the subject.

Admittedly, solving 30+ problems a lesson can be a challenge, however, this process increases one's speed and accuracy over time and as my daughter said, it helped her "to make peace with math." Math is like learning how to play a musical instrument; it takes practice and self-discipline, but it's well worth the effort. Understanding math, like being proficient at reading and writing, is one of those practical skills that make life so much easier.

Using this incremental method of learning made homeschooling through high school a breeze and our college-age children sailed through their college math courses as well. In hindsight, it would be easy to choose it again.

The negative reviewers have a common thread. Words like dark, macabre, evil.

These people obviously did not come to consider buying a math book, or even to relate their experience with them, because they have none with Saxon, but instead came to do a hatchet job on books, methods and people who dare to rise up out of the herd.

My children missed the part about endless rote, and dead love of math. They learned with Saxon. They do mental math better than myself, in fact better than anyone I know.

The public school and progressive math books and teachers killed my 'love of math', if there ever was a 'love' of math. Most kids hate math. Even now. Even in public school. Even with pictures and fun teachers.

These books break down the math learning process into easy step by step pieces. Saxon gives a kid time to master basics before the whole class moves on leaving the ones who did not get it behind.

And if they're homeschooled like mine they can go at their own pace. Having succesfully taught four kids math may not qualify me as a 'professional' educator, thank god, but at least my kids did not have to suffer through under one of those.

I have gifted sons that used Saxon Math from 3rd grade through Advanced Math. Both boys did great using Saxon. My now 20 year old is a math Major in college. He was taking calculus in 10th grade. Highly recommend Saxon for gifted or not.

Ok so if you have a child who has a problem in math, or even if they don't but they like math, this is for you. actually this book is even good for parents and adults. You learn a lot and it's fun. Here is an equation that is not in this saxon math book or any other math book, here it is: saxon math=fun=learning lots of math and info.
this book is worth it. The first time that I saw this book I was in school and I got into a higher math gruop, I loved this book at first site!The other reason I love this book is beacuase you don't concentrate on one thing for a long time then move on, you learn it in the begining of the lesson and you do some of those problems but every thing is mixed up there is multiplication,division,subtraction ect.
If you buy this book you won't regret it! ;)

The entire Saxon math series is full of step by step instructions on how to solve problems. Whether you find this dull or not, the books do not offer the critical problem solving kids need to reach their full potential.

Its a decent book if you need something to teach formulas - especially for home schooled kids whos parents are not A+ math students - but it should be accompanied by REAL critical thinking word problems, not plug-and-chuggers.

Alone, this book falls well short of the bar, and you're likely to find your child hating math.

Ralph Fletcher is a wonderful author with great ideas for teaching writing. His books are infinitely readable!

Similar to other Fletcher writing books
Excellent to use with writing lessons--esp. at the beginning of the school year

This charming little book offers a solid, user-friendly introduction to the fundamental steps of the writing process. Fletcher uses a clear and simple prose style to lead young readers through the creative writing process, from generating an idea and writing the first draft, to rereading and revising, to proofreading, editing, and publishing. Along the way, he discusses the importance of finding a suitable place to write, strategies for brainstorming, and methods of overcoming writer's block. Also included are several author interviews to provide alternative approaches to the writing process as well as a bibliography of recommended fiction and writing-related nonfiction. Beginning writers of any age may find inspiration in the practical strategies and encouraging sentiments set forth in this simple but elegant guide.

This book is unique in that it talks directly to kids about writing, in a personal rather than a "textbook" manner. I can't think of any other books for kids that do this (other than the others by Fletcher listed at the end), and it is so valuable! The book is also simply very interesting and well-written.

This book is not about the craft and mechanics of writing, but about how to establish that all-important *habit* of writing. It's about all the elements that enable and support a person to actually write. I don't know whether this book or "A Writer's Notebook" by Ralph Fletcher should be read first; they are both so important. I'm thinking of having my students read them concurrently.

I love the fact that Fletcher does not teach "the process," but rather encourages kids to find their own process. He cautions students not to "prewrite the life out of their topic" through excessive prewriting. It is also made clear, through the book's inspiring interviews with children's writers, that the processes that these successful writers use differ greatly from each other. One of the authors says she would never talk about her topic before writing about it, because "ideas bring with them an energy to write them. If I talk about them instead, I lose that initial energy that's crucial." I am a prolific writer, have almost never written an outline (before writing) in my life, and have always disagreed with requiring kids to do so (see Peter Elbow books for more on the process I use - freewriting).

Some of the topics this book goes into are where to write, finding an idea, brainstorming, getting started, amount to write, rereading, handwriting vs. using a computer, research, rough drafting, revision, and the proper place of grammar and spelling (definitely never "disturb the flow," when you're writing well, to deal with them). In all these topics, a variety of options are given, with liberal use of quotes from both kids and adult authors.

Fletcher makes it clear that "getting an idea" and "getting started" are two distinct activities, and not necessarily related. It's common to have a great idea that you never bring to fruition, and even more common to just start writing, with no ideas initially. In fact he goes into the value of writing "just a bunch of slop," and valuing it as a form of "exercising."

His overall message is that although some people are born or inspired writers, for most people, writing is hard work. You have to live a full life to have material; be conscientious in capturing those inspired thoughts and moments in your writer's notebook; do the tough work of writing something bad as a first draft; be open to "radical surgery" type revision; reread your own work incessantly; solicit feedback; be a careful editor; and look for appropriate places to publish.

Lastly, I read this book as a mother of three and a teacher who supervises homeschooling families. Since reading this (and Fletcher's other wonderful books: "A Writer's Notebook" and "Live Writing"), I haven't been able to stop writing poetry myself (which is not something I normally do)!

Mr. Fletcher wrote this book as a how-to for younger students, but anyone can get something from this book. It does a great job of walking the reader through a step-by-step process of how to be the best writer possible with an easy to follow format and many helpful ideas to accomplish the process. I think the point Mr. Fletcher is trying to convey to his reader is that writers are not mysticals who exist in a far off wonderland; they are everyday people, and anyone can be a writer-all it requires is releasing the energy of talking on paper. I think this book would be a beneficial part of any classroom library because it's a quick read and packed with ways to start out even the youngest of writers. The section of this book that is dedicated to expaining what students do when they are facing problems writing, will help other students relate to this book.

I am messy, theres no denying it. My mom is always on my case about my room or the kitchen or the living room and so on. But as a high school student I have so many more IMPORTANT things to do than to spend my time trying to clean up my house, only to have it get messy again. This book had so many good ideas about how to be organized, not only at home, but at school too! Now my mom doesnt yell at me anymore, and I have more time to focus of my life. This book rocks!

I got my 12-year-old son to read this by assigning little parts of it that applied most to him. We talked about what he read, and it seemed to really be opening his eyes and giving him ideas. We were able to get right to what was hindering him, both in attitude and in his physical space. It's a simple book to read, very basic, but full of basic truths and fun ideas that work.

This spiral bound book is a gift for our grandson. It is perfect for the teen who could use a little help organizing themselves at school as well as at home. I particularly like that is mentions teen on the front of the book so young people feel it is written with them in mind. Lots of good ideas that might click with a teen and ultimately prove to be beneficial without making a big deal of things.

This book actually came out in good time for me. It really helped me organize my room after just having it redone. also the fact that this book was able to help me organize my school stuff was good too. Junior year is kinda hectic as far school work and this book was able to help show that it's not as impossible to stay organized as it looks. I really enjoyed the great tips that this book gave also on how to organize your room. I actually took a day this weekend to Really organize my room the way that this suggested and so far it's working really well!!
Definitely recommend it for someone who thinks its just about impossible to get organized, much like myself! haha
-Lisa, age 16, New York

This book has really helped me stay organized. Tells me where to keep my papers how to have folders and keep on track. It's also a great way to learn tactics you never heard of before. definitely get this book to keep on on the right track and not suffer another F.

Another Wonderful book By Wayne Dyer who through his words and cool pictures helps children to remember to hold onto there non limiting thinking. Using his 10 lessons he shows kids how to be all that they are

What a great book for parents to read to their children and for children to read themselves. It continues to affirm their greatness and encourage possibility!

What a blessing to have Dr. Dyer teaching us along with our children and grandchildren. There isn't a book I wouldn't purchase from his collection for myself or my family

this is a great book to read to your children at night. Over and over again to imprint the positivity into their minds. Great parents will appreciate this book

Good work, Mr. Dyer!
We love you and your work! Wonderful books for children!

I love to brag about my daughter's talents but have to admit drawing is not one of them! My five year old daughter would not complete some work in school that had to do with drawing. One time she even broke down crying in school when asked to draw a book so I knew I needed something to help her. This book is great! Very basic. Makes it so easy to learn! I showed my daughter the book and said `Follow the steps and draw the cat' She drew the cat and started laughing! She was so happy she could draw and it was so easy, no frustrations! I love it so much I bought more of these books! So if your child has lots of trouble drawing you should really try this book!

This book is not bad, but it's very basic. My child already can draw most of what is in it. But for preschool or kindergarten kids, it might come in handy. Or for elementary teachers who have kids that hate drawing pictures because they think it's too hard or they don't know how. It gives some nice step by step instructions, but doesn't give a whole lot of variety.

All in all, not bad for those kids who are not up to drawing anything yet. But if your child can draw a cat and fish and such, this book might be too easy and useless for them.

This is a fun book to keep the kids busy and have fun with them. It has easy steps to follow and the kids learned a lot about circles and shapes, and coloring.

Hours and hours of fun! My 4 year old daughter and my 4 year old nephew received these for Christmas. They both use these books for hours and we also do it as a family. These (I Can Draw Animals, I Can Draw People, What Shall I Draw Today) are the only ones we have so far, but they are super. Not only are these books teaching my little girl how to draw, but reinforcing time alone drawing, group activity, sharing and "Please pass the yellow", etc... Every child should have these books.

From the day my 5 year old daughter got hold of this book and "I can draw people" she is stuck with these. She completed 4 drawings at one sitting and always wants to do more. The best part is the simple visual instruction that shows the way without any adult supervision. Great book!

My son is 4 and we use this dictionary to look up words he wants to know the meaning of. We also use the book as part of geography lessons. He is learning the states and their capitals. Of course that is just an example but I consider this a valuable book and love knowing I have a back up when Mommy does not know the true meaning of a new word. I see where this will help for Kindergarten and grades to come.

This dictionary is very well made and easy to use for a child. However, it did not have the first word we went to look up in it. Disapppointing. Other than that, good purchase for my second grader.

Its been great for my third grade granddaughter. She enjoys looking up words for herself now. It's easy to read and it helps her with her pronunciation. I will be buying another for my other granddaughter for xmas.

My daughter loves this dictionary. I think it helps that its very colorful and has plenty of pictures. Great choice for the money paid.

I researched several elementary dictionaries before I chose this one. I gave each of my first grade students this dictionary as a reward for participating in my year-long Whiz Kids decoding words game. The dictionary is very usable, colorful, appealing to elementary students. My students were so excited. They will find it useful for years to come. The hardback edition will take a lot of abuse. The section on how to find a word when you don't know how to spell it is so helpful! The Flags of Every Nation caught their attention right away. Excellent resource book!

I love this book. I am a homeschool mom who is using this for a history spine for our world history studies. This book is packed full of information with colorful photos. Each topic has two page spread. Timelines are made very easily with this book.

Do not...I repeat do not waste your money on this book. The information in it is so sparse, it's hardly worth opening the pages.

Excellent reference book. Spectacular graphics and handsome book. Glad I got this one!!!!

We love this book. It is full up with all sorts of great info. A nice addition to any home. Great for homeschooling.

Heather mama of 5

This book covers just about everything from "cavemen" to the Iraqi War (updated 2004 edition). The easy to read/understand narratives and the large, colorful illustrations make this book a great reference book for school reports/homeschool. Although we usually read it together, my 8 & 10 year old kids can both read & understand this book. A great resource for any family library.