This book is not only a must read for children. However, it can serve as a valuable source of information and reference for couples with children, and who may find value in its reference to parenting. There's no myth in the fact that within the African-American community, a lack of education is responsible for it rapidly decaying. Without intervention, there is little hope in reversing the current trends plaguing these communities, and our nation. What affects a few of us, affects all of America. Thus, in order for us to move forward as a nation, we must come together for this great cause. For the benefit of all Americans, the ultimate goal should be to educate, re-direct, and uplift the African-American community. Reading through chapter one The Pitfalls of the African-American Community, one can clearly see that it is rapidly decaying. For example; Black-on Black crime across America is rampant, out of control, and continues to be at an all-time high. In addition, the mass-incarceration of Black men continues to be disproportionate to that of other ethnic groups across America. Chapter four offers valuable information pertaining to career planning. Like education, career planning is a valuable component of success, and is the key to realizing the American dream. Couples who may be contemplating marriage will find value in chapter five The Financial Challenges of Marriage and in chapter six The Essence of Marital Reciprocity. Chapter seven reveals why ethnic loyalty is of the essence in the African-American community. While it emphasizes marrying someone of your own ethnic identity, it does not advocate alienation or separation. Chapter eight, Emancipation though Education, is included as a solution toward reversing the negative effects of black on black crime and subsequent, incarceration related to crimes such as drug dealing, bank robberies and other incriminating offenses.

Five boys from Napa, California, are doing their best to make it through middle school. This group of Grape Field Middle School misfits includes Blake "the Snake" Sloan, Jeff "the Nose" McCoy, Billy "the Mackster" Mack, Sy "Slo-Mo" Wilcox, and Wesley "Tex" Strait. Together, they get in and out of trouble, dealing with both school and romance.

Blake develops a crush on Rose, but he doesn't know how to talk to a girl. She's not like his buddies, and it's going to take an awful lot of work to charm her. Meanwhile, the boys get caught up in adventures, including a scary overnighter to Tex's parents' ranch and some dangerous neighborhood shenanigans.

Blake realizes over the course of his relationship with Rose that his friends can both help him and hinder him. Even so, girls may come and go, but true friends are forever. Middle school might not be big enough for Blake and his buds, but the boys aren't big enough for the real world-not yet, but they will be someday

Please join Calvin as he brings you along the journey he and his family took. Calvin greatly values his family's privacy and feelings and states so in his book. You will find, the book is not about him or his family, it's about YOU Calvin and his family's experience was bad enough that he decided it was time to do something good with it. He has written this book in the hopes that he can help even just one family get through their troubles. You will find a tremendous amount of facts and solutions from his experience. Calvin has even put an e mail address in the book for those who are extremely desperate to talk to someone who has been where they are. And, now, we invite you to join Calvin and his family on their incredible journey that will help you and your family get through these trying times. Good luck to you and use the experience that Calvin is sharing with you.

Memories from the Heart: Family, Love, and Survival presents an inspiring collection of memories recalling author Francie Rossi's life from birth to age seventeen. She describes her medical challenges in "Helen Keller and I," considering her role as the eleventh of twelve children in her large, loving family. "Sent Away to Las Vegas" shares unique personal stories in which faith, family, and love always prevail. "My Last Clothing Embarrassment" and "Fifteen/40" explores financial struggles, yet inspire humor and tenacity. "Dinner at My Friend's House" and "Family Night" compare the calamity of a smaller family living in a larger house to Francie's situation--a large family's love and laughter contained in a small house. Rossi alludes to an athletic adolescent with an eating disorder, and provides personal tips in a trio of stories, while "A Whole New World" expresses the strong connection between her and her mother. Finally, "My Diagnosis" reverberates like a sentence after a guilty verdict.Rossi's memories in this collection are vibrant; sprinkled with a dash of humor as she displays persistence and continues to live a life most people can only imagine in a large, boisterous family.

Grant Erikssen likes women, but he doesn't claim to understand them. He can only chronicle his encounters, and their long-lasting effects, as he seeks to unlock their secrets. In Adrift on the River of Love, author Erik Granstrom presents a collection of fi fteen fi ctionalized short stories as a tribute to many of the girls Grant knew as a boy, the women he met later as a Lieutenant in the army and, still later, the women he loves as a man.

In this work, covering more than sixty years, each vignette illustrates women who changed Erikssen's life forever, as they kindled his emotions and gave him rare insights into life. Combined with the themes throughout of affection and desire, Adrift muses about unrequited love-the kind of love that, as the days dwindle down, we come to cherish most of all.