How does a privileged, eighteen year old end up in prison, convicted of one of the rarest of crimes--matricide? The literary nonfiction Stranger to the Truth explores the fatal intersection in the lives of Noura Jackson, her circle of dissolute Memphis friends, and the death of Noura's mother, Jennifer, on the eve of a popular outdoor festival. The brutal attack seemed to reflect personal and exponential rage. Tragedy stalked Noura. Her father was fatally shot when she was seventeen. A mystery never solved. A year later an auto accident claimed her best friend. Both mother and daughter were reeling from shock, grief, and confusion. The tension between them escalated until Noura's difficult teenage years yielded to something much darker. More than a whodunit, this fact-based account tells a spellbinding tale of impetuous youth and a single parent who too late assumes the role of disciplinarian, saying no to the demands of her daughter who will not listen. Weaving multiple points of view, back stories, and extensive research, Stranger to the Truth corrals a timely, complex story in an absorbing narrative. Praise for Stranger to the Truth "In Stranger to the Truth, Ms. Hickman has taken a local tragedy and, with eloquence and empathy, given it universal application. The reader will find not only a gripping story, but also a moving exploration of the shadows that dwell within us all." --Howard Bahr, author of The Black Flower, The Year of Jubilo, and The Judas Field

The title tells it all You can, for once, actually tell something about the book by its cover. Author, Tony Arangio, Ph.D., takes the phrase, "I'm Going To The Media And Getting A Lawyer" from angry parents who were upset with their kid's school, and turned it into an entertaining, thought provoking, stimulating and, at times, very funny and poignant first person account of his 17 years as the Director of Parent Relations for a very large (over 65,000 kids) public school district. Written in a conversational style without technical jargon and devoid of footnotes, this book immediately hones in on many issues which help to give insight equally to parents of school age children from K-12 and school district administrators and teachers. Full of richly described, sometimes hysterical recollections of actual events with gently offered layers of advice, suggested guidelines to follow, thought provoking observations and insights into how to avoid possible flashpoints, this book is subtly instructional without being didactic. Dr. Arangio deftly carries you from his earliest remembrances as a student in public schools, setting the tone of his passion with education and quickly engaging us in a dialogue about all participants in any bureaucracy needing to understand themselves in order to be able to communicate with others. He does not shy away from subjects of race, socio-economic status, religion, discipline and consequences and even the always daunting subject of cheerleaders. While cases are interspersed throughout, 16 memorable cases were added. The concluding epilogues provide an appropriate balance to the beginning passages giving the reader a very satisfying ending. Anyone who has anything to do with a child's education: parent, school employee, school trustee, college of education student or professor, even state legislator, should find this book a stimulating and a fun read.

This book explores many of the problems, adventures, lessons, obstacles, life-learning processes, life-healing processes, and lifelong achievements and successes of raising a child as a single parent from a male's point of view. It also explores some of the major challenges and heartwarming experiences of raising a child in life today, only in my case I rasied my child as a only parent due to my wife passing from breast cancer. It also embraces the successes of giving your children knowledge, support, and an undeniable belief in themselves that will prepare them to have strong self-esteem. This strong self -esteem will allow them to succeed over all life's obstacles and achieve the success they want to, no matter how high their aspirations may be.

Steve Biddulph's Raising Boys was a global phenomenon. The first book in a generation to look at boys' specific needs, parents loved its clarity and warm insights into their sons' inner world. But today, things have changed. It's girls that are in trouble. There has been a sudden and universal deterioration in girls' mental health, starting in primary school and devastating the teen years. Raising Girls in the 21st Century is both a guidebook and a call-to-arms for parents. The five key stages of girlhood are laid out so that you know exactly what matters at which age, and how to build strength and connectedness into your daughter from infancy onwards. Raising Girls in the 21st Century is both fierce and tender in its mission to help girls more at every age. It's a book for parents who love their daughters deeply, whether they are newborns, teenagers, young women - or anywhere in between. Feeling secure, becoming an explorer, getting along with others, finding her soul, and becoming a woman - at last, there is a clear map of girls' minds that accepts no limitations, narrow roles or selling-out of your daughter's potential or uniqueness. All the hazards are signposted - bullying, eating disorders, body image and depression, social media harms and helps - as are concrete and simple measures for both mums and dads to help prevent their daughters from becoming victims. Parenthood is restored to an exciting journey, not one worry after another, as it's so often portrayed. Steve talks to the world's leading voices on girls' needs and makes their ideas clear and simple, adding his own humour and experience through stories that you will never forget. Even the illustrations, by Kimio Kubo, provide unique and moving glimpses into the inner lives of girls. Along with his fellow psychologists worldwide, Steve is angry at the exploitation and harm being done to girls today. With Raising Girls in the 21st Century he strives to spark a movement to end the trashing of girlhood; equipping parents to deal with the modern world, and getting the media off the backs of our daughters. Raising Girls in the 21st Century is powerful, practical and positive. Your heart, head and hands will be strengthened by its message.

My Kids Are Trying to Kill Me is a hilarious, yet honest look at parenting. Mittelstet shares stories of her own parenting mishaps to help encourage other parents. She offers insight that she's learned from her journey, not only as a parent but as a former teacher as well, to help other parents who might be struggling. My Kids Are Trying to Kill Me reminds you to laugh with your kids, give yourself a break from the stresses of parenting, and make God the main priority in your life. If you've ever felt like your kids will be the death of you, then this book is a must read.

Being a youth minister is not for the meek
Youth ministry is difficult and you need every useful resource you can get your handson. "The Whole Youth Worker, 2nd Edition" is advice straight from the heart of a guywho has been in the youth ministry trenches for over a decade. Whether you are a youthminister rookie or a seasoned pro, "The Whole Youth Worker, 2nd Edition" should be onyour resource shelf. Inside the new 2nd Edition, you will find advice on: Being a professional inside the officeDealing with criticismBalancing family and ministryChallenging your congregation's definition of successCreating a more parent-friendly ministryCreating a clear vision for ministryMinistering to others when your spirit is strugglingStaying health as a form of worship
And new insights available only in this edition include:
Advice on interviewing wellHow not to let an event become bigger than GodCelebrating successesWhen good kids make bad choices
Youth Ministers and Pastors Acclaim for "The Whole Youth Worker"
"Here is a brass-tacks companion for those who would aspire to being not a masterbut a servant, one who is willing to put forth great effort on the young, even thoughnot all the recipients will be appreciative. Jay Tucker is the opposite of preachy, he ispractical and instructional with down-to-earth language that brings a smile."--Most Rev. Heyward B. Ewart, PhD, DD, Metropolitan Archbishop, Holy Catholic Church International
"If you want to hear from the heart of a youth worker who struggles to enjoy the Monday-to-Friday part of youth ministry and wants to help you get through it too, then you need to read The Whole Youth Worker."--Mike Kupferer, Youth Ministry Exchange
"In The Whole Youth Worker, Jay gives us a glimpse at what it's like to be in the trenches--both good and bad. You will read this book and say, 'Been there--it's good to know I'm not alone '" --Rev. Bill Fisackerly, IV, Gulf Cove United Methodist Church
Learn more at www.JayTucker.net
The Spiritual Discovery Series from Loving Healing Press www.LovingHealing.com

Carla and her husband Dean fought for custody of Dean's 2 children, Annie and Peter, following the news that they were living with their mother and a paedophile. The children had been damaged beyond repair following their treatment and what ensued was a tesing time rebuilding the lives of 2 children and a court battle that would take 2 years to get through. Following the lengthy residency battle, they hoped that all their troubles were over, however, their troubles were only just beginning.....................

Spanning twenty years in the lives of a special young man and his mother, "Attics of the Mind" is a compelling account of Laura Lustig's journey in raising her son, Jesse, who has mental and physical challenges. Jesse seems just like any other child for the first few months of life. But as the ages pass when he should be achieving developmental milestones-crawling, walking, and talking-Laura knows something is not right. Jesse is soon diagnosed with cerebral palsy and its complications, changing the lives of everyone in the Lustig family. In "Attics of the Mind," Laura expresses her innermost doubts, emotional pain, coping strategies, and the strengths she developed in dealing with her child's needs within his home, social, and educational environments. She also introduces us to other families and to the hidden qualities of the children with whom she worked. For current and future parents as well as professionals, Laura's experiences provide an inside look at the courage and fortitude needed by parents and gives new insights to light the way. Dramatic, poignant, and tender, "Attics of the Mind" is a testimony to the truly heroic efforts of parents who cope with adversity, and the special bonds forged in caring for a child with special needs.

Saturday night: here come the blue-eyed soul brothers. Do all of them have to be that fine? I ask myself. The Palace was so crowded, but this night J was all about touching me. As I passed his table, he pulled my waist band and I lost my balance, landing in his lap. He put a hundred dollar bill in my waist band. I got to my feet and walked all the way across the ballroom floor before looking back --he was watching me. She wasn't accepted in his world, so he built her a world of her own that no one could touch --or so she thought. But when tragedy strikes Christina and the love of her life, she will come to rely on a mysterious stranger with a face all too familiar...

Written by a husband-and-wife team of researchers, this work outlines the current research that suggests the earlier autism is diagnosed and treated, the greater the opportunity for improvement.

Paul provides specific tools that parents can work with to make their children lifelong lovers of reading and writing. As a former teacher in the public school system, Paul is well acquainted with it, and provides parents with insights that will assist them in establishing an educational partnership with their children's teachers.

This guide is geared specifically to Black children from the perspective of an educator and parent. It provides a historical framework that gives a firm foundation upon which to build an understanding of literacy as potentially emancipatory and empowering. This guide includes an annotated bibliography featuring exemplary children's and adolescent literature.

A must-read book equipping you to better protect your child. Day after day the media reveal the latest cases of child abuse, but do we believe these could happen in our street, our church, our home? Policing Innocence is a ground-breaking book for any adult who cares for a child - family, professionals, church leaders and workers, friends, neighbours. Protecting children is a battle, and Policing Innocence is one of the most powerful weapons available to fight that battle. It empowers you by revealing the truth about the pervasive and invisible dangers children face in their everyday lives. Policing Innocence is the best armour you have to protect them; it is never offensive, always appropriate and totally practical. Drawing on her experience as a police officer in the Paedophile Unit, mother of two, and church member, Rebecca Andrews navigates us through a challenging yet vital issue with an entertaining style full of humour and honesty. This book is one of the most important you can read; it is unique in addressing such essential issues, and its easy-to-read style ensures that you will enjoy it. Policing Innocence has been acclaimed on nationwide BBC radio, and addresses crucial subjects like the Justice System, parenting, the Internet, grooming mechanisms, female abusers, the Sex Offenders Register and critically, why so many abusers target churches. Rebecca addresses the burning 'how does it happen' questions, and with refreshing honesty she tells us how she does her job. Policing Innocence is powerful, challenging, shocking, funny, revealing, un-missable - it is a book your child needs you to read

This book offers insight of a child that is struggling with the divorce of their parents. The material in this book is through the eyes and heart and voice of a child speaking to their parent. There is some humor and plenty of compassion written to express the battle of a childs heart. Expect sensitivity and simplicity and comprehensive for all parents to understand. You need to have an open mind and if you read it with the understanding what is best for your child regardless the situation then your child has a better chance of feeling loved and accepted by both parents and avoiding parental conflict will be the greatest gift you can give to your child. The goal is to be able to make improvements in your situation with the other parent and the importance on focusing on the child for the rest of your divorced life.