First in violence, deepest in dirt

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Johann Christoph Arnold

There's hope for childhood. Despite a perfect storm of hostile forces that are robbing children of a healthy childhood, courageous parents and teachers who know what's best for children are turning the tide. Johann Christoph Arnold, whose books on education, parenting, and relationships have helped more than a million readers through life's challenges, draws on the stories and voices of parents and educators on the ground, and a wealth of personal experience. He surveys the drastic changes in the lives of children, but also the groundswell of grassroots advocacy and action that he believes will lead to the triumph of common sense and time-tested wisdom. Arnold takes on technology, standardized testing, overstimulation, academic pressure, marketing to children, over-diagnosis and much more, calling on everyone who loves children to combat these threats to childhood and find creative ways to help children flourish. Every parent, teacher, and childcare provider has the power to make a difference, by giving children time to play, access to nature, and personal attention, and most of all, by defending their right to remain children.

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Daniel Woodrell

"Alma DeGeer Dunahew, the mother of three young boys, works as the maid for a prominent citizen and his family in West Table, Missouri. Her husband is mostly absent, and, in 1929, her scandalous, beloved younger sister is one of the 42 killed in an explosion at the local dance hall. Who is to blame? Mobsters from St. Louis? The embittered local gypsies? The preacher who railed against the loose morals of the waltzing couples? Or could it have been a colossal accident? Alma thinks she knows the answer--and that its roots lie in a dangerous love affair. Her dogged pursuit of justice makes her an outcast and causes a long-standing rift with her own son. By telling her story to her grandson, she finally gains some solace--and peace for her sister. He is advised to "Tell it. Go on and tell it"--tell the story of his family's struggles, suspicions, secrets, and triumphs."-- Dust jacket flap.

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Maria Trozzi, with Kathy Massimini

"As much as we'd like to, we can't shield our children from loss. But we can provide them with consolation, comfort, and constructive ways to deal with life's sorrows--encouraging both strength and sensitivity and preventing the problems that can arise when feelings are denied or remain unresolved. We can help children bounce back from loss due to the death of a beloved family member, a divorce, the disabling of a sibling or parent, or saying "goodbye" to a faithful pet--if only we know how. Through captivating stories and thoughtful analysis, Maria Trozzi explains how to handle the difficult job of talking with children and adolescents about loss. Book jacket."--Jacket.

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Lynn Shiner & Nancy Chavez with Nancy Eshelman

Two mothers with their only children murdered uncover a focus, drive and commitment to helping others in the aftermath of their loss. Through the power of their stories, understand the impact of crime, the stages of grief, the struggles they endured on their unique journey and the importance of family and friends.