Search results for ""Children""

Freedom, adventure, romance; a spellbound audience, bright-eyed children, rolling drums, a brass band playing lively music; intrepid acrobats in colourful costumes and garishly made-up clowns. The same old stereotypes about the world of the circus are trotted out on many occasions. Over a period spanning more than 15 years, the photographer Oliver Stegmann visited different circuses to take photos of what happens behind the curtains. His muted images attempt to break the usual stereotypes. Again and again, the photographer captured protagonists in moments of unawareness, showing scenes that the audience would normally never get to see from the edge of the ring. Above all, Stegmann is interested in the atmosphere of tense expectation and utmost concentration when the artists are about to perform their hair-raising acts. Using neither colour nor flash, he creates an enigmatic atmosphere reminiscent of expressionist films. For his circus series, Stegmann develops a kind of imagery that has rarely been applied to the small world of the circus as consistently and confidently as in this case. In terms of subject-matter, design, and production, Circus Noir takes a different approach to this genre by adding an entirely unromantic perspective that focuses on the true essence of what it means to work in a circus. Text in English and German.

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From the bestselling author of TIN and THE MONSTERS OF ROOKHAVEN comes an unforgettable story of family, magic and home ... 'A fantastical tale of monsters and grief, family and love, and a thrilling middle-grade adventure with real depth and heart.' THE BOOKSELLER, Book of the Month 'Poignant, strange, full of folkloric menace and delight, Pog fulfils the promise of Kenny's extraordinary debut, Tin.' GUARDIAN 'A terrific book with echoes of The Spiderwick Chronicles and Five Children and It, I loved it!' IRISH INDEPENDENT After their mother dies, David and Penny move to her family’s old house in the forest. Dad says it’s a fresh start but it feels sad and empty without Mum. And there are noises in the attic ... A small furry creature is living in the roof. There are other creatures too – less friendly ones – that seem to be multiplying. Only with Pog’s help can David and Penny save themselves – and goodness in the world. If they can resist promises from the darkness ... A wonderful gentle fantasy novel from the bestselling author of The Monsters of Rookhaven and Tin Packed with fantastical monsters, vibrant characters and tonnes of heart Explores grief in a highly original way, as two siblings process the death of their mother with the help of an unforgettable, magical creature: Pog

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For as long as there have been vaccines, there have been those who oppose them. As the world continues to grapple with the impact of COVID-19 and the challenges of managing an effective vaccination programme, this book shows that our experiences have more in common with those of previous generations than we may so far have understood. Vaccination Wars examines the history of vaccine objection in nineteenth-century Cornwall, looking not only at the reasons behind resistance to the smallpox vaccine, but at the lives of Cornish parents who steadfastly refused to have their children inoculated. Exploring the earliest phases of the anti-vaccination movement, the rise of middle-class resistance and organized opposition societies, and the influence of propaganda, the book presents a more nuanced understanding of the ways regional and cultural differences affect the reception of state-mandated medical practices. Ella Stewart-Peters challenges existing notions of the nineteenth-century debate by shifting the focus away from major urban centres to the struggles concerned with enforcing compulsory vaccination at the peripheries. Distinct parallels can be drawn with the anti-vaccination movement of the twenty-first century. This book will appeal to anyone who has ever wondered about the origins of the modern anti-vaccination movement, or is more generally interested in the history of medicine.

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The everyday practices, policy ideas, and ideological and political battles that have shaped Egyptian education, from the era of nation-building in the twentieth century to the age of digital disruption in the twenty-firstFrom the 1952 revolution onward, a main purpose of formal education in Egypt was to socialize children and youth into adopting certain attitudes and behaviors conducive to the regimes in power. Control by the state over education was never entirely hegemonic. National education came increasingly under pressure due to a combination of the growing privatization of the education sector, the growth of political Islam, and rapidly changing digital technologies.Educating Egypt traces the everyday practices, policy ideas, and ideological and political and economic contests over education from the era of nation-building in the twentieth century to the age of global change and digital disruption in the twenty-first. Its overarching theme is that schooling and education, broadly defined, have consistently mirrored larger debates about what constitutes the model citizen and the educated person. Drawing on three decades of ethnographic research inside Egyptian schools and among Egyptian youth, Linda Herrera asks what happens when education actors harbor fundamentally different ideas about the purpose, provision, and meaning of education. Her research shows that, far from serving as a unifying social force, education is in reality an ongoing battleground of interests, ideas, and visions of the good society.

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The Silver Tsunami is upon us as elder care and crisis management reaches a tipping point with the graying of America. By 2020, 54 million people in the U.S. will be over the age of 65; by 2030, that number will top 80 million. Feeling the squeeze of multi-generational home demands, children of aging parents are struggling to learn innovative eldercare management strategies and often find themselves overwhelmed by the many facets of caregiving. Eldercare 101 is the answer to making order from chaos. As a guide covering all aspects of aging and end-of-life in one place, caregivers will no longer spend endless nights trying to decode the Internet trail--confused, uncertain, and fearful of what they’re missing. Whether they are proactively planning ahead or need to have fast answers, this comprehensive, technology-rich resource presents steppingstones for the Sandwich Generation as they navigate caring for aging parents, grandparents, friends, and other family members. Eldercare 101 is a well-researched, organized, easy-to-understand guide for families desperately in need of help as they care for their aging loved ones. The book is organized into “6 pillars of aging wellbeing”: legal, financial, living environment, social, medical, and spiritual. Each pillar is explored by an expert and offers best practices and tips for evaluating choices, making decisions, and living well wherever the road might lead.

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Sisters Lili and Dori Ackerman are deaf. Their parents-beautiful, despondent Anna; fearsome and admired Alex-are deaf, too. Alex, a scrap-metal collector and sometime prophet, opposes any attempt to integrate with the hearing; to escape their destructive influence, the girls are educated at home. Deafness is no disability, their father says, but an alternative way of life, preferable by far to that of the strident, hypocritical hearing. Living in a universe of their own creation, feared by and disdainful of the other children on their block, Lili and Dori grow up semi-feral. Lili writes down everything that happens-just the facts. And Dori, the reader, follows her older sister wherever she goes. United against a hostile and alien world, the girls and their parents watch the hearing like they would fish in an aquarium. But when the hearing intrude and a devastating secret is revealed, the cracks that begin to form in the sisters' world will have consequences that span the rest of their lives. Separated from the family that ingrained in them a sense of uniqueness and alienation, Lili and Dori must relearn how to live, and how to tell their own stories. Sly, surprising, and as fierce as its protagonists, Yaara Shehori's Aquarium is a stunning debut that interrogates the practice of storytelling-and storyhearing.

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This guidebook provides clear, easy to follow route directions for the 60 and a half mile-long Richmond Way, passing through a unique area of Northern England. This is a linear walk starting from the main gate of Lancaster Castle and ending below the great keep of Richmond Castle in North Yorkshire. The walk encompasses sections of the Lower Lune Valley, the limestone country around Ingleborough and Whernside, the moorlands and fells of the central Pennines and the central and northern valleys of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The Richmond Way does not exist in a formal sense; it does not have the status of an officially recognised trail and the walker will not find any reference to it on any waymarkers or signposts. Nevertheless, the route, devised and tested by the author over a number of years is along public rights of way that in the main are well waymarked. The route is almost entirely along field, woodland and riverside paths, ancient tracks and quiet country lanes. A strong walker could complete the walk within two days, though more realistically an average walker even if accompanied by children should be able to complete the walk inside five days. The book includes 58 maps and 167 colour photographs, information on local public transport, accommodation and facilities, and features historical, archaeological and geographical information along the route.

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Karenin Sings the Blues is a meditation sparked by the actors in Tolstoy's 19th-century masterpiece, Anna Karenina. Entering this famous saga of derailed love, McCartney explores the repercussions and unintended consequences of Anna and Vronsky's passion. Here, Anna Karenina's cuckolded husband "sings the blues," but Count Vronsky, too, bemoans his disappointed expectations. McCartney imagines the anxieties of Anna's children, the self-absorption of busybodies and in-laws, the ambivalence of servants and friends sucked into Anna's romantic vortex. Set at the height of the industrial age, the roar of the train and the pounding rhythm and flying soot of the steam locomotive epitomize the vigour of McCartney's poems. The same vigour and clear vision characterize the "California" poems, which deal with McCartney's youth in urban southern California. Domestic chaos amid cultural inanity creates turmoil and fear. How is it possible to love a distant mother, a father off somewhere with a third or fourth wife, a wounded and angry brother, a terminally ill sister consuming everything? How is it possible not to? How can an adolescent know the difference between self-preservation and self-destruction? These concerns continue into adulthood and motherhood in "Persuasion," the third section of Karenin Sings the Blues. Accessible and always forthright, McCartney combines plain-speaking revelations about family and domestic life with literary criticism and witty cultural play.

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This collection of stories is, like Petesch’s previous work, distinguished by its brilliant lyrical intensity and by characters who are stunningly alive. It is a powerful collection about impassioned cultural conflicts in present-day Spain and Mexico; it is also a book about ourselves—how we have failed to love the Earth and have squandered our resources. In the title story, it is Justina Olivia who breaks the moral law of her village in an unforgettable love story. In \u201cSenior Coloma’s Class,\u201d a mother of grown children learns to read, and learns, too, that the Tree of Knowledge bears unpredictable fruit. In a story set in Monterrey, Mexico, Dr. Melindez Gutierrez dedicates his life to the barrios of the poor, while in another story also set in Monterrey, \u201cManolo’s Secret,\u201d an Indian street beggar shares her life with a young immigrant from Spain. These remarkable characters can only add to Petesch’s wide reputation not only for creating people out of pathos and courage, but also for a prose style throughout that is luminous and captivating. Justina of Andalusia and Other Stories is well suited to American literature classes, to Women’s Studies courses, Latin American Studies programs, and to American Studies programs in the United States and abroad. It would be particularly useful as a text in cross-cultural programs.

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When award-winning journalist Dave Jamieson rediscovered his childhood baseball card collection he figured that now was the time to cash in on his "investments." But when he tried the card shops, they were nearly all gone, closed forever. eBay was no help, either. Baseball cards were selling for next to nothing. What had happened? In Mint Condition, the first comprehensive history of this American icon, Jamieson finds the answers and much more. In the years after the Civil War, tobacco companies started slipping baseball cards into cigarette packs as collector's items, launching a massive advertising war. Before long, the cards were wagging the cigarettes. In the 1930s, baseball cards helped gum and candy makers survive the Great Depression, and kept children in touch with the game. After World War II, Topps Chewing Gum Inc. built itself into an American icon, hooking a generation of baby boomers on bubble gum and baseball cards. In the 1960s, royalties from cards helped to transform the players' union into one of the country's most powerful, dramatically altering the business of the game. And in the '80s and '90s, cards went through a spectacular bubble, becoming a billion-dollar-a-year industry before all but disappearing. Brimming with colorful characters, this is a rollicking, century-spanning, and extremely entertaining history.

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The name Montessori is widely and inextricably associated with an entirely child-centered and careful pedagogy and education of children. Maria Montessori (1870-1952) was an Italian physician, reform educator, and philosopher whose ideas and work have remained influential throughout the world ever since the 1910s. Her educational concept covers entire development from infancy to young adulthood. It is based on the image of the child as a “builder of his or her self” and therefore uses for the first time the form of open teaching and free work in a prepared learning environment. Montessori schools became trend-setting educational institutions early on, and their concept strongly reflects in their architecture and equipment. Montessori Architecture is the first book that comprehensively addresses architectural design, construction, the use of materials in and the furnishing of educational spaces according to Montessori’s ideas. The book’s first part explores spatial and design principles that make up good kindergarten and school buildings. In the second part, nine case studies are featured in detail through photographs, plans, and concise texts. These examples are located in Europe (Netherlands, Belgium, Great Britain) as well as in tropical countries (Burkina Faso, Tanzania, Bangladesh, Sir Lanka). Thus, this highly illustrative volume offers practical advice and a wealth of information that is of utmost importance for the design of school buildings in general.

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Between 2012 and 2019 Francis Meslet photographed several hundred places of worship across Europe. Over time, these places have became enveloped in silence, the only thing heard there now an occasional gust of wind whistling though broken stained glass, or the rhythmic drip of water leaking through the dilapidated roof above a nave. Nevertheless, these muted places still draw an occasional visitor. Once upon a time, prayers could be heard recited in Latin in a German church; and in a French Catholic college, the voices of children once resounded to the sound of the bells. But who can imagine what sounds might be concealed behind the walls of a crypt in the heart of the Italian mountains, or within a tomb in a former convent in Portugal? In his spare time Francis travels the world in search of places that have fallen into disuse -- religious buildings where time has stood still since their doors were closed for the last time. He returns with incredible photographs, each a time capsule, a record of a parallel universe. They prompt us to let our imaginations wander and ask ourselves questions. With the greatest respect for the faithful who regularly visited them long ago, he offers us an opportunity to immerse ourselves in places that have been abandoned by faith, to seek a divine light.

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Designed for parents and elementary-aged students (grades 1-5) to share together, The Story of the World, Volume 1: Ancient Times history set builds historical literacy, improves reading and comprehension skills in both fiction and nonfiction, and increases vocabulary--all in an enjoyable and entertaining story-like format. The Story of the World paperback text offers 42 narrative chapters, told in chronological order and spanning the entire globe, that begin with the earliest nomads and end with the last Roman emperor. Independent readers can easily enjoy the stories on their own, or parents can read aloud to younger students. The Volume 1 Activity Book offers a whole variety of hands-on projects to complement each chapter in the paperback text--map activities, coloring pages, games, cooking experiments, crafts, board games, science experiments, puzzles, and more! Extensive booklists, both fiction and nonfiction, accompany each set of projects and give parents and children the opportunity to read more about the fascinating people and events in each of the 42 chapters. The Volume 1 Test Book & Answer Key rounds out this history resource by providing simple tests and answer keys for each chapter in the text. A combination of multiple choice, matching, fill-in-the-blank, and short writing samples allow parents to evaluate the child’s comprehension, and gives young students a simple, low-pressure way to practice test-taking skills.

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Discover 15 stars, planets and constellations, and learn how to spot them in this spellbinding introduction to the night sky for all budding astronomers and astronauts. Understand the phases of the moon, learn to navigate by the North Star and discover how to travel through space and time from your own window. Follow the accessible descriptions of how to locate famous constellations and asterisms, including Orion's Belt, the Plough and the Great Bear. Then read the mythology and folklore associated with the night sky - from the man in the moon to Orion the Hunter - as the book uncovers how humankind has its history woven into the constellations that light up our skies. This book has stunning illustrations throughout and is theperfect introduction to the night sky for children everywhere. The perfect introduction to our solar system for readers aged 5+ · Discover famous constellations including Orion, the Great Bear, the Little Bear and the Plough and discover the mythology associated with them · Learn how to spot the North Star and all the planets · Explore curriculum science: understand the phases of the moon and the difference between a solar and lunar eclipse · Written by NASA science writer Noelia González · Gorgeous artwork on every page from bestselling illustrator Sara Boccaccini Meadows Words of praise for this book: "This book is stunning! It's wonderfully tactile and the illustrations are sumptuous and opulent" - Juno Magazine

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Winner of the Costa Children's Book Award 2019 Winner of the Times/Chicken House Children's Fiction Competition 2017 Shortlisted for the Waterstones Children's Book Prize 2020 Longlisted for the Jhalak Prize 2019 Chosen as one of the Guardian's Best Books of 2019 'This book is such a light-filled, huge-hearted delight of an adventure.' KATHERINE RUNDELL 'An evocative debut novel ... satisfyingly classic in feel' GUARDIAN 'A heartfelt and mystical children's adventure story.' TELEGRAPH Asha lives in the foothills of the Himalayas. Money is tight and she misses her papa who works in the city. When he suddenly stops sending his wages, a ruthless moneylender ransacks their home and her mother talks of leaving. From her den in the mango tree, Asha makes a pact with her best friend, Jeevan, to find her father and make things right. But the journey is dangerous: they must cross the world's highest mountains and face hunger, tiredness – even snow leopards. And yet, Asha has the unshakeable sense that the spirit bird of her grandmother – her nanijee – is watching over her ... A gorgeously original and magical adventure set in India, for children aged 9 and up. From the author of Tamarind & the Star of Ishta – longlisted for the Blue Peter Book Prize. Explores themes of faith, family and friendship while capturing the wild, rich heart of contemporary India.

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How did we conclude that the best way to prepare kids for the future is to cluster them into classrooms by age and grade, forcing them to learn the same things, at the same time and pace, seven hours a day, five days a week, for twelve years? We trust the school system to prepare our kids for the future. We get excited when they get good grades, or disappointed if they don't. But we rarely stop to question whether school is teaching our children the right things in the right way. Kids could get good at playing the game of school, but are they really learning? Teacher-turned-edupreneur Ana Lorena Fabrega, known by her students as Ms. Fab, invites us to rethink education. In The Learning Game, she reveals how traditional schooling has gone wrong, and proposes a series of actionable strategies to help kids learn. What if we guide kids to think for themselves? Should we encourage kids to take risks and tackle projects of their own? How do we help kids learn to love learning? Answering these questions and many more, The Learning Game will arm you with practical tools to design a new approach to learning-one that leaves behind the game of school and prepares your kids for the game of life.

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In this second installment of the Family Spies series, set in the bestselling world of Valdemar, the children of Heralds Mags and Amily must follow in their parents' footsteps to protect the realm. Mags, Herald Spy of Valdemar, and his wife, Amily, the King's Own Herald, are happily married with three kids. Their daughter, Abidela, dreams of building upon her parents' legacy by joining the Artificers, hoping to offset her seeming lack of a Gift. But when Abi senses the imminent collapse of a bridge only moments before it happens, she saves countless lives, including that of her best friend, Princess Katiana. The experience, though harrowing, uncovers her unique Gift-an ability to sense the physical strains in objects. Intrigued by the potential of her Gift, the Artificers seek to claim her as their own-but so do the Healers. Through training with both of them, Abi discovers unique facets of her Gift, including a synesthetic connection to objects that allows her to "see" as well as feel the strains. Her Gift may also grant her a distinct advantage as a spy-there won't be a building in the entire kingdom of Valdemar with a secret room that she doesn't know about. With the help of her mentors, she must hone her gift to uncover the hidden secrets in the depths of Valdemar.

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The 1960s, known as the ‘Swinging Sixties’, are recognised as a landmark decade both by those who lived through them and those who look back in awe at the revolutionary changes in fashion, style and sexual freedom. Continuing interest and appreciation of vintage fashion mean that 1960s styles, hair and make-up have seen a huge increase in popularity and the need for detailed information on this period has never been so great. The ‘Swinging Sixties’ saw young designers such as Mary Quant producing exciting new clothes modelled by the likes of Jean Shrimpton and Twiggy. New clothing styles were created – like the miniskirt – and new materials came to prominence including PVC and Perspex. But achieving the ‘1960s Look’ is not just about the clothing but also the hairstyles, make-up, shoes, and many other accessories, all of which Mike Brown covers in detail. Using contemporary sources, photographs and meticulous research ‘The 1960s Look’ walks you through the decade telling you how men, women and children dressed - and why they looked the way they did. Lavishly illustrated throughout this book takes you back to a decade of fab miniskirts, groovy Beatles’ jackets, swinging Edwardian military uniforms, Mods in parkas and Rockers in leathers, plus the hairstyles, jewellery, make-up, and so much else that went to make up ‘the 1960s look’.

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This book invites kids to expand their imaginations more than ever before, with eight unique themes ranging from popular vehicles and practical projects, to imaginative fairytale fun and a thrilling spy mission. This time around, Sarah includes chapters for mini projects and LEGO art, both of which have been popular categories on her blog but never explored in her previous books. Younger kids can follow along with the simple step-by-step instructions that have made Dees's books the success they are today-they'll delight in making tiny zoos with unique animals, a classic diner complete with a soda fountain and a school classroom they can customize to look like their own. Older children will love building such action-packed pieces as a rescue mission helicopter, an air hockey table, and a surveillance car with rear-hinged getaway doors. For LEGO lovers of any age, there are instructions for making your own around-the-house gadgets, such as desk organizers, picture frames, and even lock-and-key safes. The Big Book of Amazing Lego Creations will be a top gift pick for every kid who craves variety in their LEGO crafting. If your kids would be excited to build epic kingdoms one day and sprawling super-spy headquarters the next, this is the book for you.

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Sleep training isn’t recommended until your baby is 6 months old, but that doesn’t mean you’re powerless to help them (and you) sleep better now. For the past three decades, Kim West, known around the world as The Sleep Lady®, has personally helped over twenty thousand families gently teach their children how to fall asleep—and fall back asleep—without leaving them to cry it out alone. Now, in The Sleep Lady®’s Gentle Newborn Sleep Guide, she offers gentle, research-backed, easy-to-remember and easy-to-apply ways to help your newborn sleep. In month-by-month chapters that are easily digestible (even in the middle of the night!), West and her Gentle Sleep Team share: The key developmental milestones from birth through 5 months, and how they impact your baby’s sleep F.A.S.T. (Feeding, Attachment and Soothing, Sleep, and Temperament) strategies specific to each age Safer co-sleeping guidelines Stories from real families Ample advice for parents of twins Plus, what you need to know to make sure you’re taking care of you, too! It’s easy to get overwhelmed by conflicting advice on sleep training, nap coaching, sleep schedules, and more. The Sleep Lady®’s Gentle Newborn Sleep Guide provides clear guidance and a safe haven free of judgment, guilt, and criticism for parents seeking options that align with their parenting values and beliefs.

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Brilliant illustrations of the first battle cry for American independence spring from the pages of Paul Revere's Ride, illustrated by acclaimed artist Charles Santore in this newly redesigned edition of the classic poem.Listen, my children, and you shall hear Of the midnight ride of Paul Revere… So begins the classic poem of devoted patriot Paul Revere's midnight ride on April 18, 1775. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote the poem in 1860 as a tribute to the revolutionary hero who rode his horse through Medford, Lexington, and Concord to warn the American patriots that the British were coming to attack.This Classic Edition of Paul Revere's Ride features: A beautifully designed hardcover Original poem from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Historically accurate illustrations by renowned artist Charles Santore, the critically-acclaimed illustrator of multiple classic tales, including The Night Before Christmas, The Velveteen Rabbit, The Classic Tale of Peter Rabbit, and Aesop's Fables Is a wonderful gift for birthdays, holidays, or a Christmas present Charles Santore’s works has been widely exhibited in museums and celebrated with recognitions such as the prestigious Hamilton King Award, the Society of Illustrators Award of Excellence, and the Original Art 2000 Gold Medal from the Society of Illustrators. He is best known for his luminous interpretations of classic children’s stories, including The Little Mermaid, Snow White, and The Wizard of Oz.

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All of us need positive affirmation throughout our lives. As children, these powerful messages helped us to know that we were worthwhile, that it was all right to want food and to be touched, and that our very existence was a precious gift. The messages that we received from our parents helped us to form decisions that determined the course of our lives. If we were raised with consistent, nurturing parents, we conclude that life is meaningful and that people are to be trusted. If we were raised with parents who were addictively or compulsively ill, we determine that life is threatening and chaotic--that we are not deserving of joy. These are the crucial decisions that impact our lives long after we have forgotten them. Unfortunately, childhood judgments don't disappear. They remain as dynamic forces that contaminate our adulthood. When childhood needs are not taken care of because of abuse or abandonment, we spend our lives viewing the world through the distorted perception of a needy infant or an angry adolescent. The more we push these child parts away, the more control they have over us. This collection of daily meditations is dedicated to those adults who are ready to heal their childhood wounds. It is through this courageous effort that we will move from a life of pain into recovery.

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A SUNDAY TIMES BOOK OF THE YEAR A TIME 'MUST-READ' 'An extraordinarily thought-provoking memoir that makes a controversial contribution to the fraught debate on race and racism . . . intellectually stimulating and compelling' SUNDAY TIMESA reckoning with the way we choose to see and define ourselves, Self-Portrait in Black and White is the searching story of one American family's multi-generational transformation from what is called black to what is assumed to be white. Thomas Chatterton Williams, the son of a 'black' father from the segregated South and a 'white' mother from the West, spent his whole life believing the dictum that a single drop of 'black blood' makes a person black. This was so fundamental to his self-conception that he'd never rigorously reflected on its foundations - but the shock of his experience as the black father of two extremely white-looking children led him to question these long-held convictions.It is not that he has come to believe that he is no longer black or that his daughter is white, Williams notes. It is that these categories cannot adequately capture either of them - or anyone else, for that matter. Beautifully written and bound to upset received opinions on race, Self-Portrait in Black and White is an urgent work for our time.

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What do you do when you wake up in your mid-forties and realize you've been living a lie your whole life? Do you tell? Or do you keep it to yourself?Laura James found out that she was autistic as an adult, after she had forged a career for herself, married twice and raised four children. This book tracks the year of Laura's life after she receives a definitive diagnosis from her doctor, as she learns that 'different' doesn't need to mean 'less' and how there is a place for all of us, and it's never too late to find it.Laura draws on her professional and personal experiences and reflects on her life in the light of her diagnosis, which for her explains some of her differences; why, as a child, she felt happier spinning in circles than standing still and why she has always found it difficult to work in places with a lot of ambient noise.Although this is a personal story, the book has a wider focus too, exploring reasons for the lower rate of diagnosed autism in women and a wide range of topics including eating disorders and autism, marriage and motherhood.Odd Girl Out gives a timely account from a woman negotiating the autistic spectrum, from a poignant and personal perspective.

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The unmissable finale to New York Times bestselling YA fantasy series THE GILDED ONES, set in an ancient West African-inspired world and perfect for fans of CHILDREN OF BLOOD AND BONE and BLACK PANTHER.Deka is a goddess-in-waiting with the potential to save her people from the brutal ancient goddesses who terrorize her kingdom of Otera. But first she must find the source of her divine power - and if the Gilded Ones find it before she does, they will drain her power and tear Otera apart.Alongside her army of friends, Deka faces the hardest battle of her life - not just with the goddesses but with her own doubts. What if becoming a goddess makes her as evil as the Gilded Ones? And is she ready to leave her earthly life and loves behind? THE ETERNAL ONES is the final thrilling instalment of the epic fantasy series in which a young heroine fights against a world that would dare tame her.Praise for THE GILDED ONES:"Namina Forna could be the Toni Morrison of YA Fantasy." - Refinery 29"The Gilded Ones redefines sisterhood and is sure to leave readers both inspired and ultimately hopeful." -Stephanie Garber, #1 NYT bestselling author of Caraval"Debut author Namina Forna's created a fierce female protagonist you'll root for and a captivating world that feels so real you can step inside it." - Bookriot

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'Gripping and wonderfully informative' Tom Holland, New Statesman Adored by children and adults alike, Tyrannosaurus is the most famous dinosaur in the world, one that pops up again and again in pop culture, often battling other beasts such as King Kong, Triceratops or velociraptors in Jurassic Park. But despite the hype, Tyrannosaurus and the other tyrannosaurs are fascinating animals in their own right, and are among the best-studied of all dinosaurs. Tyrannosaurs started small, but over the course of 100 million years evolved into the giant carnivorous bone-crushers that continue to inspire awe in palaeontologists, screenplay writers, sci-fi novelists and the general public alike. Tyrannosaurus itself was truly impressive; it topped six tons, was more than 12m (40 feet) long, and had the largest head and most powerful bite of any land animal in history. The Tyrannosaur Chronicles tracks the rise of these dinosaurs, and presents the latest research into their biology, showing off more than just their impressive statistics – tyrannosaurs had feathers and fought and even ate each other. This book presents the science behind this research; it tells the story of the group through their anatomy, ecology and behaviour, exploring how they came to be the dominant terrestrial predators of the Mesozoic and, in more recent times, one of the great icons of biology.

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'Once I started reading The Immortalists, I resented every moment I had to spend away from the book until I'd finished' Stylist'A compelling and utterly absorbing read with virtuoso storytelling on display' Sunday ExpressIt's 1969, and holed up in a grimy tenement building in New York's Lower East Side is a travelling psychic who claims to be able to tell anyone the date they will die. The four Gold children, too young for what they're about to hear, sneak out to learn their fortunes.Such prophecies could be dismissed as trickery and nonsense, yet the Golds bury theirs deep. Over the years that follow they attempt to ignore, embrace, cheat and defy the 'knowledge' given to them that day - but it will shape the course of their lives forever.Readers love The Immortalists:'I read this book over three days and will remember it for a lifetime' ***** 'This is a book that I never wanted to finish reading. I truly enjoyed each single word of it' *****'A book of epic proportions. . . mystical and hugely memorable . . . I can't praise it highly enough. A must read!' ***** 'Deserves all the noise around it' *****'One of those books I wish I could un-read so I could read it all over again for the first time' *****'A perfect book club read' *****

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Some Luck is the first novel in the dazzling Last Hundred Years trilogy from the winner of the Pulitzer Prize Jane Smiley; a literary adventure that will spans a century in America.1920. After his return from the battlefields in France, Walter Langdon and his wife Rosanna begin their life together on a remote farm in Iowa. As time passes, their little family will grow: from Frank, the handsome, wilful first-born, to Joe, whose love of animals and the land sustains him; from Lillian, beloved by her mother, to Henry who craves only the world of his books; and Claire, the surprise baby, who earns a special place in her father's heart.As Walter and Rosanna struggle to keep their family through good years and hard years - to years more desperate than they ever could have imagined, the world around their little farm will turn, and life for their children will be unrecognizable from what came before. Some will fall in love, some will have families of their own, some will go to war and some will not survive. All will mark history in their own way.Tender, compelling and moving from the 1920s to the 1950s, told in multiple voices as rich as the Iowan soil, Some Luck is an astonishing feat of storytelling by a prize-winning author writing at the height of her powers.

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A modern-day classic, this picture book is loved by thousands of children around the world. 'You must be brave, Mr Grinling, think of your poor little Hamish all alone in the dark. Think of all the ships that might be lost because your light isn't shining.' There's a lighthouse emergency! Hamish the cat is locked inside the lighthouse! And not just that - if Mr and Mrs Grinling can't get the door open, then who will turn on the light to warn the ships in the bay? This calls for a clever rescue plan... but will they get there in time? Full of thrills and giggles, rediscover the enchanting story of the lighthouse keeper 45 years after it was first published! Lush illustrations that capture the hilarity, warmth and adventure on every page This special 45th anniversary edition is the perfect gift for fans of the series THE LIGHTHOUSE KEEPER - COLLECT THEM ALL! The Lighthouse Keeper's Lunch Picture book paperback eBook The Lighthouse Keeper's Rescue Picture book paperback eBook The Lighthouse Keeper's Christmas Picture book paperback eBook The Lighthouse Keeper's Picnic Picture book paperback eBook The Lighthouse Keeper's Cat Picture book paperback eBook The Lighthouse Keeper's Catastrophe Picture book paperback eBook The Lighthouse Keeper's Breakfast Picture book paperback eBook The Lighthouse Keeper's Tea Picture book paperback eBook The Lighthouse Keeper's Mystery Picture book paperback eBook

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A hilarious picture book about of friendship and determination - and that you're never too old to learn a new trick with a bit of help from your friends! Sea dogs like me are never too old to learn new tricks, I just haven't found the perfect one yet. Mr Grinling is bored and in desperate need of a new hobby. He LOVES to eat but cooking is far too messy for him, and when he tries birdwatching, rollerblading and flying a kite... well, he just seems to end up getting into some sort of trouble. So what will he do? Full of giggles and adventurous fun, rediscover the story of the Lighthouse Keeper 45 years after it was first published Teaches children about the value of determination and a bit of help from your friends Lush illustrations that capture the hilarity, warmth and adventure on every page THE LIGHTHOUSE KEEPER - COLLECT THEM ALL! The Lighthouse Keeper's Lunch Picture book paperback eBook The Lighthouse Keeper's Rescue Picture book paperback eBook The Lighthouse Keeper's Christmas Picture book paperback eBook The Lighthouse Keeper's Picnic Picture book paperback eBook The Lighthouse Keeper's Cat Picture book paperback eBook The Lighthouse Keeper's Catastrophe Picture book paperback eBook The Lighthouse Keeper's Breakfast Picture book paperback eBook The Lighthouse Keeper's Tea Picture book paperback eBook The Lighthouse Keeper's Mystery Picture book paperback eBook

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Teach your child to walk in faith, act justly, and lead with kindness and humility with this 365-day devotional for kids. A Saint a Day includes fascinating historical stories as it introduces young readers to over 300 saints who did extraordinary things for God.Mother Teresa left her family at age 18 to become a missionary. St. Patrick helped spread Christianity to Ireland. St. Jerome translated the Bible into Latin--and also had a pet lion!Written for ages 8 to 12, A Saint a Day inspires young readers with remarkable stories of people who made extraordinary choices to love and serve God. Featuring popular saints such as Teresa of Ávila, Francis of Assisi, Juan Diego, and Thomas Aquinas, each of the 365 devotions includes: A Scripture verse and prayer A short summary or inspiring story of a saint A notable fact Artwork with a fresh, kid-friendly design This daily devotional for kids is: An ideal gift for First Communion, Confirmation, or Advent A unique book for strengthening a child's faith A great way to share Catholic Church history with kids A Saint a Day will help your child realize the long history of people of faith. As you journey through this yearlong devotional, your children will grow in their understanding of Church history and better understand how they can love and serve God.

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Discover the wonders of God's creation! Bestselling author and pastor Louie Giglio presents Indescribable for Little Ones, an interactive board book that will introduce the littlest readers to God's amazing world. Young children will be awestruck as they pull tabs and turn a wheel to reveal that everything, from the ants on the ground to the stars in the sky, was made by God.Louie's popular kids' devotional, Indescribable: 100 Devotions About God and Science, has touched hundreds of thousands of families by sharing incredible scientific facts alongside the wonder of God's majesty. Now this same message is made easy for little ones, focusing on four areas of God’s creation: Space: the moon, sun, and stars Earth: the mountains, the ocean, and everything in-between Animals: from elephants and cheetahs to birds and bees People: the senses, the body’s muscles, and what makes us unique Following the creation story outlined in Genesis 1, this STEM-themed board book is perfect for little hands and motor-skills development with interactive pull tabs and spinning wheels; would be a brilliant gift for baby showers, birthdays, Easter baskets, and holiday gifting; and includes fun facts about space, earth, animals, and people as well as Bible truths. Check out Louie Giglio's bestselling science devotional series for kids ages 6–10 years old: Indescribable How Great Is Our God The Wonder of Creation Indescribable Atlas Adventures

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The Sound of Gravel is Ruth Wariner's unforgettable and deeply moving story of growing up in a polygamist Mormon doomsday community. The thirty-ninth of her father's forty-one children, Ruth is raised on a farm in the hills of Mexico, where polygamy is practiced without fear of legal persecution. There, Ruth's family lives in a home without indoor plumbing or electricity and attends a church where preachers teach that God will punish the wicked by destroying the world. In need of government assistance and supplemental income, Ruth and her siblings are carted back and forth between Mexico and the United States, where her mother collects welfare and her father works a variety of odd jobs. Ruth comes to love the time she spends in the States, realising that perhaps the belief system into which she was born is not the one for her. As she enters her teen years, she becomes a victim of abuse in a community in which opposition toward men is tantamount to arguing with God. Finally, and only after devastating tragedy, Ruth finds an opportunity to escape. Recounted from the innocent and hopeful perspective of a child, The Sound of Gravel is the remarkable true story of a girl forced to define a place for herself within a community of misguided believers. This is a gripping tale of triumph, courage, resilience, and love.

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Tune in to how music really works Whether you’re a student, a performer, or simply a fan, this book makes music theory easy, providing you with a friendly guide to the concepts, artistry, and technical mastery that underlie the production of great music. You’ll quickly become fluent in the fundamentals of knocking out beats, reading scores, and anticipating where a piece should go, giving you a deeper perspective on the works of others — and bringing an extra dimension to your own. Tracking to a typical college-level course, Music Theory For Dummies breaks difficult concepts down to manageable chunks and takes into account every aspect of musical production and appreciation — from the fundamentals of notes and scales to the complexities of expression and instrument tone color. It also examines the latest teaching techniques — all the more important as the study of music, now shown to provide cognitive and learning benefits for both children and adults, becomes more prevalent at all levels. Master major and minor scales, intervals, pitches, and clefs Understand basic notation, time signals, tempo, dynamics, and navigation Employ melodies, chords, progressions, and phrases to form music Compose harmonies and accompanying melodies for voice and instruments Wherever you want to go musically — as a writer or performer, or just as someone who wants to enjoy music to its fullest — this approachable guide gives you everything you need to hear!

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This extraordinary book can be read on several levels. Primarily, it is the story of Joseph Jacotot, an exiles French schoolteacher who discovered in 1818 an unconventional teaching method that spread panic throughout the learned community of Europe. Knowing no Flemish, Jacotot found himself able to teach in French to Flemish students who knew no French; knowledge, Jacotot concluded, was not necessary to teach, nor explication necessary to learn. The results of this unusual experiment in pedagogy led him to announce that all people were equally intelligent. From this postulate, Jacotot devised a philosophy and a method for what he called "intellectual emancipation"—a method that would allow, for instance, illiterate parents to themselves teach their children how to read. The greater part of the book is devoted to a description and analysis of Jacotot's method, its premises, and (perhaps most important) its implications for understanding both the learning process and the emancipation that results when that most subtle of hierarchies, intelligence, is overturned. The book, as Kristin Ross argues in her introduction, has profound implications for the ongoing debate about education and class in France that has raged since the student riots of 1968, and it affords Rancière an opportunity (albeit indirectly) to attack the influential educational and sociological theories of Pierre Bourdieu (and others) that Rancière sees as perpetuating inequality.

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'A sweet reminder that being honest about your feelings yields kindness and understanding' — Kirkus Reviews There is a cat. A cat that couldn’t be bothered to do anything … anything at all. His friends ask him if he wants to play but he doesn’t feel like it. They invite him on adventures to far-off places, but he would rather stay at home. Until one day, a friend asks how he is doing, and the true reason why he’d rather do nothing is revealed. He is feeling sad. This is a story about feelings, friendship and the importance of speaking to someone when you don’t feel right. This beautiful socially aware story: Reassures kids that feeling sad sometimes is normal Helps them understand others’ behaviour and promotes empathy Encourages them to be more in touch with their feelings Provides a sense of fun while also broaching a tricky topic Both children and adults will love the quirky and hilarious cat’s refusal to take part in anything and the sweet and important message behind this story. It’s never been more important to introduce kids to the importance of mental health. This bright children’s book is an easy way to talk about feelings and looking out for others. It provides an excellent jumping-off point for at-home and classroom discussions about emotional wellbeing and caring for others.

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Called "The Black Pope" by many of his followers, Anton La Vey began the road to High Priesthood of the Church of Satan when he was only 16 years old and an organ player in a carnival: "On Saturday night I would see men lusting after halfnaked girls dancing at the carnival, and on Sunday morning when I was playing the organ for tent-show evangelists at the other end of the carnival lot, I would see these same men sitting in the pews with their wives and children, asking God to forgive them and purge them of carnal desires. And the next Saturday night they'd be back at The carnival or some other place of indulgence. "I knew then that the Christian Church thrives on hypocrisy, and that man's carnal nature will out!" From that time early in his life his path was clear. Finally, on the last night of April, 1966-Walpurgisnacht, the most important festival of the believers in witchcraft-LaVey shaved his head in the tradition of Ancient executioners and announced the formation of The Church Of Satan. He had seen the need for a church that would recapture man's body and his carnal desires as objects of celebration. "Since worship of fleshly things produces pleasure," he said, "there would then be a temple of glorious indulgence ..."

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‘A read-through-the-night thriller that mesmerizes to the final page’ Samantha Downing, author of My Lovely Wife You’ll NEVER see this twist coming! Their lives seem golden, but they’re hiding some very dark secrets… Joanna and Leo seem to have the perfect relationship. Two adorable children, a beautiful house in a chic area of Connecticut – they have the kind of life people envy. Then Piper moves to town. Piper is young, attractive, flirtatious. It’s almost no wonder Leo is tempted away… Devastated, Joanna starts digging into Piper’s past, and discovers some very disturbing secrets – not least that Piper’s previous two husbands ended up dead. But Piper dismisses Joanna’s fears for her family as paranoia. Who is telling the truth? Joanna? Piper? The only certainty in this web of lies is that no one is who they appear to be…and no one will escape unscathed. ‘Impossible to put down!’ Megan Miranda, author of ALL THE MISSING GIRLS ‘Tense and deliciously twisty’ Gilly MacMillan, author of THE NANNY ‘Wickedly entertaining’ Riley Sager, author of LOCK EVERY DOOR ‘I promise you won’t see it coming’ Kimberly Belle, author of THE MARRIAGE LIE ‘Keeps you riveted from the first page to that explosive, jaw-dropping twist’ Jennifer Hillier, author of JAR OF HEARTS ’A twisty, engrossing house of mirrors’ Lisa Unger, author of CONFESSIONS ON THE 7:45

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Baron Munchausen’s absurd adventures have entertained adults and children alike for more than two centuries. First published in England in 1785, his traveller’s tales soon became as well known as those of his near contemporaries, Gulliver and Robinson Crusoe – but are a great deal funnier! The real Baron Münchhausen was a German aristocrat whose colourful military career and sporting experiences provided ample material for the after-dinner stories for which he became notorious. One of the guests at the Baron’s table was Rudolf Erich Raspe, librarian, scientist and writer, who later, hard-up in London, turned the Baron’s astonishing life-story to good account. Raspe’s fictional Baron adopts the same tone of nonchalant exaggeration apparently characteristic of the original as he tells how he turned a wolf inside out in Russia, rode on a Turkish cannon ball, danced a hornpipe in the stomach of large fish which had swallowed him alive, mended his horse which had been severed in two by a portcullis, lent his friend General Elliot a hand at the siege of Gibraltar by nipping into the enemy camp and destroying all their cannon, and even visited the moon – twice. The more preposterous the subject, the more earnest and deadpan the narrator’s manner. Though many artists have been inspired by the Baron’s fantastic escapades, Gustave Doré’s illustrations (1862) are by far the best

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This is the first book on counselling skills to look in detail at the practical interventions and tools used to establish the therapeutic relationship. Step-by-step, the text teaches the reader exactly how to use these skills with clients to address their concerns and achieve therapeutic change. Integrative and pluralistic in approach, the text covers the key techniques from all the major therapeutic models, placing them in their historical and theoretical contexts. Techniques covered include empathic responding, experiential focusing, Gestalt, metaphors, task-directed imagery, ego state therapy, solution focused therapy, cognitive behvioral therapy, narrative therapy and self-in-relationship therapy. The book: - presents each technique from the perspective of its underlying theory; - gives practical instruction on how to deliver each intervention; - provides extracts from counselling sessions to demonstrate the technique in action. This book is crucial reading for all trainees on counselling and psychotherapy courses or preparing to use counselling techniques in a range of other professional settings. It is also helpful for professionals who wish to acquire additional skills. Augustine Meier, certified clinical psychologist, professor Emeritus, Faculty of Human Sciences, Saint Paul University, Ottawa, Ontario and Founder and President of the Ottawa Institute for Object Relations Therapy. Micheline Boivin, certified clinical psychologist, Psychological Services of the Family, Youth and Children′s Program at the Centre for Health and Social Services, Gatineau, Québec.

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'It's okay, lovely,' I soothed. 'You let it all out.'She sobbed and sobbed as all the fear came tumbling to the surface.Foster carer Maggie Hartley is finally enjoying a well-earned holiday from fostering, savouring time with her brand new baby granddaughter. One night, though, the peace and quiet is interrupted by an urgent call from Social Services. A man has been stabbed, and Social Services need to find an emergency placement for his little girl. Maggie is used to children arriving on her doorstep at all times of the day and night, but nothing can prepare her for the sight of eleven-year-old Nancy. The little girl arrives in her pyjamas, covered in blood, and mute with shock. With her mother missing and her father in intensive care, the police are desperate for answers. Who stabbed Nancy's father? Where is her mother? And what is Nancy hiding about her seemingly perfect family? The longer Maggie spends with her little girl, the clearer it becomes that all is not as it seems. Can Maggie discover the terrible truth of what's been happening behind closed doors?A true story of hope from Sunday Times bestselling author Maggie Hartley, a foster carer for over 20 years.'A moving read, very well-written' 5* Amazon reader review

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'Intriguing characters and a finely tuned sense of drama...' - Library Journal on The Innocent Mage'A writer who seems to set the rule for the genre' - Waterstone's Books Quarterly'The Innocent Mage is come, and we stand at the beginning of the end of everything'Being a fisherman like his father isn't a bad life, but it's not the one that Asher wants. Despite his humble roots, Asher has grand dreams. And they call him to Dorana, home of princes, beggars . . . and the warrior mages who have protected the kingdom for generations.Little does Asher know, however, that his arrival in the city is being closely watched by members of the Circle, a secret organisation dedicated to preserving an ancient magic. Asher might have come to the city to make his fortune, but he will find his destiny . . .One of bestselling fantasy debuts of the last decade: enter the world of Kingmaker, Kingbreaker - a wildly fast-paced fantasy series brimming with action and adventure.The Innocent Mage is book one in the Kingmaker, Kingbreaker series.Books by Karen Miller:Kingmaker, Kingbreaker SeriesThe Innocent MageThe Awakened MageA Blight of MagesGodspeakerEmpress of MijakThe Riven KingdomThe Hammer of GodFisherman's ChildrenThe Prodigal MageThe Reluctant MageTarnished CrownThe Falcon ThronePrince of Glass

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“When I went to medical school, I never dreamt, that as a doctor, one day the biggest contribution I would make to people’s health, would be to hand out plastic sheets and blankets under armed guard.” Moved by the devastating media coverage of the humanitarian crisis in Ethiopia in 1985, John Tomlinson packed his bags to volunteer for the Save the Children Fund with the intent to help rebuild, and run, a small hospital in a Northern Somali town on the border with Ethiopia. However, faced with diminishing supplies, poorly trained staff and murmurs of civil unrest, the enormity of the task soon became clear. When the actions of a resentful colleague led to his wrongful imprisonment and the escalation of ongoing tribal conflicts drew ever closer, the safety of his staff and himself became increasingly compromised. Set in the context of a country that is not yet at peace, Noises After Dark offers first-hand experiences of historical events, and pays tribute to the unsung heroes working in conflict zones back then and today. Proving that humour and heart can still be found in the darkest of places, John’s memoir reveals the truth, both good and bad, behind the news stories and ultimately how his time there led to his realisation that health is not only about health care. With a Foreword by Bob Geldof.

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Little One - A Cat’s Tale is all about the adventures of an extremely intelligent and curious cat. As a little kitten, she finds herself abandoned without a home and the future looks very bleak. After a stroke of good fortune, she finds herself living with a kind old woman called Mrs Gray in a little flat by the sea. Over time they build a strong relationship filled with lots of exciting incidents as Little One grows up and starts to learn about the world around her. She gets up to lots of mischief indoors and starts to yearn for new adventures in the outside world. Eventually, she gets her chance and embarks on an exciting and, at times, dangerous mission, much to the dismay of Mrs Gray who has no idea where she has gone. Once outside, Little One meets lots of new animals, making friends and learning about how they live. She also hears of the dangers of their worst enemy, the cunning fox, and eventually finds herself in grave danger of becoming his next meal. Will she escape the clutches of the fox and find her way back to the warmth and safety of the little flat where Mrs Gray awaits? Little One - A Cat’s Tale is a beautifully written story of discovery, love, friendships, excitement and danger. An enchanting read for children and adults alike.

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What are your BIG dreams? Maybe you'd like to be a scientist, an award-winning journalist, play in a rock band, swim in the Olympic Games, groom dogs, own a bakery or even help to run your country? We all have different dreams, that's what makes us unique. But whatever it is that you want to do, the skills you'll need to achieve your goals are the same. This exciting new book helps children and young people to practise these core skills and provides a survival kit for them to dip into when they need extra help or motivation. Some of the themes explored are: goal setting, growth mindset, perseverance, getting organised and learning to fail well. No need to worry if you don't yet know what it is that you are passionate about or what 'success' means for you. Perhaps you just need some help with boosting your confidence, staying positive or some extra help with getting through the twists and turns of everyday life. Looking after yourself is an important theme of the book whether that be eating healthy food and exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, being kind to yourself or knowing how to deal with bullies. To 'be your best self' means loving who you are, feeling confident in your own skin and achieving the things that you want to do.

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Shortlisted for the HWA Sharpe Books Non-Fiction Crown AwardA work of investigative history that will completely change the way in which we see the Romanov story. Finally, here is the truth about the secret plans to rescue Russia’s last imperial family.On 17 July 1918, the whole of the Russian Imperial Family was murdered. There were no miraculous escapes. The former Tsar Nicholas, his wife Alexandra, and their children – Olga, Tatiana, Maria, Anastasia and Alexey – were all tragically gunned down in a blaze of bullets. Historian Helen Rappaport sets out to uncover why the Romanovs’ European royal relatives and the Allied governments failed to save them. It was not, ever, a simple case of one British King’s loss of nerve. In this race against time, many other nations and individuals were facing political and personal challenges of the highest order.In this incredible detective story, Rappaport draws on an unprecedented range of unseen sources, tracking down missing documents, destroyed papers and covert plots to liberate the family by land, sea and even sky. Through countless twists and turns, this revelatory work unpicks many false claims and conspiracies, revealing the fiercest loyalty, bitter rivalries and devastating betrayals as the Romanovs, imprisoned, awaited their fate.A remarkable new work of history from Helen Rappaport, author of Ekaterinburg: The Last Days of the Romanovs.

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From Perfectly Impossible author Elizabeth Topp comes an unforgettably searing novel about a band of mothers who are forced to reckon with themselves after the unexpected loss of one of their own. When beautiful and successful Susan Harris jumps from the roof of her apartment building, she sets a tremor through her New York City mothers’ group that forces them all to look at one another with new cynicism: How could this have happened right under their noses? To one of them? Between her death and the harrowing private school admission season on the horizon, these women are forced to explore the hard truths about themselves. Vic, a single mom with literary aspirations, is shocked and confused by the unexpected death of her best friend. Bhavna, a makeup executive, tries to process Susan’s death while sacrificing everything to get her son into the school of his dreams. Kara’s sister died by suicide years earlier, so she’s been down this road before—or so it seems. Penelope and Amy are navigating a business deal when Susan dies, but is it worth the toll on their families? And how will Chandice, battling cancer, come to terms with Susan’s death? For these women, the loss of a fellow mother forces them to reexamine who they really are while the futures of their children hang in the balance.

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"Theater such as Kenneth Koch cannot be simply paraphrased, and presents to the audience the classic Mennipean challenge: to ponder, to mull it over, to think."--Mac Wellman The Banquet brings together 144 plays, ten screenplays, and five operas spanning more than five decades of experimental work from a writer John Ashbery has called "simply the best we have." Witty, provocative, and playful, Kenneth Koch's work draws on poetry, musicals, improvisational comedy, satire, and other forms for their inspiration and touches on subjects ranging from the silly to the sublime. Kenneth Koch (1925--2002), known for his association with the New York School of poetry, wrote many collections of poetry, fiction, plays, and nonfiction. His books include Seasons on Earth, On the Edge, Thank You and Other Poems, The Art of Love, One Thousand Avant-Garde Plays, Hotel Lambosa, and The Collected Fiction, and several books on teaching children how to write poetry. Koch was awarded numerous honors, including the Rebekah Johnson Bobbitt National Prize for Poetry, awarded by the Library of Congress in 1996, as well as awards from the American Academy of Arts and Letters and the Fulbright, Guggenheim, and Ingram-Merrill foundations. In 1996 he was inducted as a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters. Kenneth Koch lived in New York City, where he was professor of English at Columbia University.

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