At 17, I was living a charmed life, and on a beautiful Sunday afternoon, I found myself face down in the water, paralyzed from the neck down after having taken a deep dive in shallow water while skiing. I was certain that I was headed straight to eternity, yet I was completely astonished at what I was thinking. Best When Broken is the testimony of my life. But is it possible to write a book about my life, and communicate the truth that the story is not about me? I would not have a story if it were not for the Grace of God, and the grace given to me by the people He has put in my path. Love, prayers, encouragement and expectations of others produced the miracles in my life.

"Recovers Coleman's life and literary legacy"

One of the most distinctive and prolific writers of the Harlem Renaissance, Anita Scott Coleman (1890-1960) found popular and critical success in the flourishing African American press of the early twentieth century. Yet unlike many of her New York-based contemporaries, Coleman lived her life in the American West, first in New Mexico and later in California. Her work thus offers a rare view of African American life in that region.

Broader in scope than any previous anthology of Coleman's writings, this volume collects the author's finest stories, essays, and poems, including many not published since they first appeared in African American newspapers during the 1920s, '30s, and '40's. Editors Cynthia Davis and Verner D. Mitchell introduce these writings with an in-depth biographical essay that places Coleman in the context of the Harlem Renaissance movement.

The volume also features vintage family photographs, a detailed chronology, and a genealogical tree covering five generations of the Coleman family. Based on extensive research and written with the full cooperation of the Coleman family, "Western Echoes of the Harlem Renaissance" gives readers new understanding of this overlooked writer's life and literary accomplishments.

THE GIRL WITH MANY FACES is specifically written to encourage children who may have some difficulties in making friends because they look different; but all children can benefit from this story. It can remind anyone that the world is full of many different people and that we are all different in our own special way. It also teaches children not to judge friends by the way they look *********** This story is based on my first book, BREN-DEE: A Child Who Survived on Bookmarks, about the challenges I faced as a child with facial differences. This book tells about my experiences in school that made social interaction difficult and academic respect hard-won, and how I survived my most heartbreaking adversity. My Love & Prayers to ALL Brenda Scott-Coleman

SHE ENDURED ADVERSITY! Just imagine, as a child and living with a face quite different from other children...school days were "hell" and a hospital became "heaven." The adversity she faced has helped her to be a more kind, sincere and loving person to others. She loves people and upon reading this story you will find that people love her.