Marbles Books

This book shows how to cope with the difficult but all too common problem of being bullied by a so-called "friend." A must-read for children (and their parents) who have--or know someone who has-- struggled with this experience.

Great book. It's about time this subject was brought to the forefront. Bullying starts so young and the younger kids are when parents and teachers talk to them about being a bully or being bullied, the better. What a wonderful way to start a discussion at home or in the classroom.

This book helped my daughter tremendously. It strikes a chord regarding "friends" that are subtle and some times not so subtle bullies. It helped my dauther see some friends in a different light and to deal with the problem in a better way. A must for any child who is bullied or maybe a help for the bully too.

Again, well done. Too often children, and even adults, are affected more than we realize by bullies. I bought all three of her books after seeing the author's school presentation. Thank you Amazon for having these books available through your many book dealers. My copies were in good condition and arrived quickly.

Literature like this is invaluable to teach children about this ever-present issue of bullying.It is so empowering for children to know they are not alone. Read and do the activities with your child. Additionally a must-read for every parent or teacher of a school-age child...even pre-schoolers is Bully-Proofing Children: A Practical, Hands-On Guide to Stop Bullying...filled with stories, scripts, classroom -tested lessons and activities to raise empowered children who will not became bullies nor victims!

A well-written book with all the fascinating ingredients: twists, turns, computers, gadgets and bodies (dead ones and those very much alive!) I shall eagerly await the sequel. Will it be titled "Trading in All the Marbles"?

Wonderful summer and winter read. I loved absorbing into the rich flavors of Houston and Texas. Earl Brewer brings to life the intriquing worlds of high tech, wealth, and ambition, taking us down a fascinating path of mystery, romance, and travel. It makes me want to book a trip to Aruba right now!

This story is unique and different. Not so much because of the story line, which is fresh and interesting, but the author has a fresh style. I enjoyed the suspense and mystery very much. Good quick read.

Completing a Masters Degree is a grand way to begin pleasure in a different area other than what I have studied for the past nine years. Picking up the Marbles has captured my interest by an action, adventure, and love story surrounded by the technology of the computer world. I believe that when one can relate to the towns in which the story is depicted, there becomes an excitement and curiosity creating quick page turning. Five stars for the author and Luck for the reader - for every new experience in literature and in life is a "lucky day" for all of us.

Strap yourself in and take a ride with Earl Brewer and his dynamic sleuths as they tackle a world of international and informational espianage. What you learn only takes you deeper into what you'd do to keep your secret safe - or profit by it. This is a great read. The foundation of the story is based on the genesis of a universal computer language. However, its what people would do with, and for, such a powerful tool that becomes the mystery our sleuths must unravel. This book will spark your imagination and tickle your intrest. I highly recommend it.

Ooka the Judge was a real judge who tried cases with fairness and justice long ago in Japan. These timeless stories capitvate children's interest and pique their imaginations. There are at least 10 stories by I.G. Edmonds about this Japanese judge - you should really read them all. The stories are great springboards to lively discussions of fairness and justice, and honor. This book belongs in everyone family's library!!

There was a Judge named Ooak, he was sent to resolve some issues. He was asked to judge 3 of the following problems:
1. Should he punish a man for stealing a smell?
2. Order a barber to give an ox a shave?
3. Call in a willow tree as a witness to a crime?
One day there was a very poor student that could only afford plain rice to eat and a small apartment, which was above a tempura shop. One of the days he was eating his plain rice he smelled the food when the owners caught him. He demanded monies for stealing a smell. They went to court and you will have to read the book to find out what happened next!
Two men walked into the court room who were arguing over a contract. If the barber would give haircuts to the worker and his helper in return for all the wood the worker's ox brought in.
The Judge is faced with a tuff descion if this one man is guilty, he pleads that he never has been to the place they accused him of going. to be continued

Well, there was a Judge that was named Judge Ooka and he was left with three big decisions on should you punish a man for stealing a smell should he order a barber to give an ox a shave and to call in a willow tree as a witness to a crime Well fisrt. It all started with a poor student and he rented a room they fries food becuase onder was a food shop but all he could afford was plain rice everyday all day when finally the store keeper caught him smelling the food and then he yelled thief I think you should pay him then the student said no I can not because he only has enough money to pay the rent so he took him to court and the judge said he should pay the same price so then he told the student to take out a dollar bill and crunch it as he did that the judge says there you go your payed back.
One day they went to court to settle an argument they barber said he would give a free shave to him and his helper if he gives all the wood that his oxs brings and then that also means the cart but then the worker said he gave him a shave but not his helper but then the barber said he did then the worker said no the ox is my helper and the judge ordered the barber to shave the ox or no deal so then the barber had to shave the ox or no wood.
There was a man and there was a big crime and they new he was guilty and he pleeded he never had been there so then the plantiff said lets postpone a week to bring the willow tree in for a witness the the defendent said it was inpossible because the tree was on the cliff it would fall in the river if cut then at that moment they clearly shown he was guilty he had been there before and had committed the crime.

Well, there was a Judge that was named Judge Ooka and he was left with three big decisions on should you punish a man for stealing a smell should he order a barber to give an ox a shave and to call in a willow tree as a witness to a crime Well fisrt. It all started with a poor student and he rented a room they fries food becuase onder was a food shop but all he could afford was plain rice everyday all day when finally the store keeper caught him smelling the food and then he yelled thief I think you should pay him then the student said no I can not because he only has enough money to pay the rent so he took him to court and the judge said he should pay the same price so then he told the student to take out a dollar bill and crunch it as he did that the judge says there you go your payed back.
One day they went to court to settle an argument they barber said he would give a free shave to him and his helper if he gives all the wood that his oxs brings and then that also means the cart but then the worker said he gave him a shave but not his helper but then the barber said he did then the worker said no the ox is my helper and the judge ordered the barber to shave the ox or no deal so then the barber had to shave the ox or no wood.
There was a man and there was a big crime and they new he was guilty and he pleeded he never had been there so then the plantiff said lets postpone a week to bring the willow tree in for a witness the the defendent said it was inpossible because the tree was on the cliff it would fall in the river if cut then at that moment they clearly shown he was guilty he had been there before and had committedthe crime.

This book is a wonderful book. The Case of the Stolen Smell is quite interesting in how it is solved. This book is highly recommended.

I found this guide full of interesting places to visit, sparking my interest and desire to see more of the world. I would love to discover the same type of pleasure that one would get from being immersed in a different culture, especially one as appealing as the one painted in RV in NZ.

It's my dream to have a holiday in NZ. This humerus discription of the adventures of the motorcaravan experience makes me want to go even more! A fun read for the traveler and nontraveler alike.

I have to admit, I had not thought about RV'ing through New Zealand. A friend once invited us to Australia and he and his wife actually do this RV thing in the States: they buy a motorhome, travel around the US (they are missionaries on furlough) then sell it and return back to Australia. Here, Carolyn Harris tells you how to purchase an RV and how to survive the North and South Islands of this beautiful country.

The book actually assumes you know a bit about RV's--there is terminology and technical discussion that someone who already toured in an RV might be more familiar with. Carolyn advises you on motor memberships (AAA and KOA), money, dealing with the Kiwis, where to go, what to eat and even, how to talk--there is a glossary of Kiwisms in the back of the book.

I enjoyed reading the glossary as much as the book and was interested in how a country so remote can be so like us and so unlike us in every way. If you are considering an extended stay in an RV down in the Roaring Forties (fortieth parallel south and beyond) this book is a worthy guide.

I found this travel book extremely informative. As an aspiring trans continental RV traveler, I have always dreamt of one day exploring New Zealand. I have traveled all across North and South America, and after reading this woman's humorous details of discovering the Kiwi lifestyle, I am confident New Zealand will be my next destination.

RV In NZ: How To Spend Your Winters Freedom Camping South-Way South In New Zealand by Carolyn Harris (a veteran of touring New Zealand in winter mootorcarvans) is the definitive guide for anyone wanting to explore the beauty and excitement of a New Zealand excursion. Readers are definitively provided with solid information and invaluable advice on everything from buying a motorcaravan and getting the motorcarvan on the road, to finding free and/or low cost parking as well as meeting and traveling with New Zealand "movaners". If you are planning a trip to New Zealand and want to explore that wonderful country first hand -- then give a careful reading to Carolyn Harris' RV In NZ!

Brilliant history of the game. I grab and read anything I can by Brian Glanville. Excellent.

well the book was the best and i love to play soccer when i want to. It's my to play.I want to go to collage soccer some were were they play really good and to be a good thing for me. well maybe i will be able to go and play with the big boys.

Glanville brings wit, humor and a critical eye to his history of the World Cup. More than simply a dry rehash of scores and stats, this book almost has a literary flavor, painting pungent, vivid and memorable portraits of the players and their times.

You get a feel for the drama, the excitement and the raw energy of the World Cup. For example, it is not simply stated that the Brazilians cultivated Mexican fans in 1970, but Glanville adds such memorable lines as "The Brazilians pursued a shrewd policy of 'beads for the natives..'.

Glanville's description of players, even obscure ones, shows dry wit, a keen eye and someone who has done his homework. Most writers would have dashed off a conventional 3-word blurb. Not Glanvile. For example, in describing sturdy Russian sweeper Chesternev(?) Glanville speaks of him "sweeping up diligently in his crouching bird-dog style.." Likewise another player is described not merely as a fast winger but " a strongly-built, moustached, and melancholy figure, with fabled control and finishing power."

And indeed, so he was. You get the sense that this is soccer as it should be played- with supreme confidence and absolute conviction. Despite the literary flavor, this book has meat, solid meat. Who wants a simple rehash of what went down? Glanville begins every chapter with a background to the Cup- the sometimes unsavoury politics and posturing, the jealousies, the disappointments of good players who didn't make the cut. Then he breaks down the detail of the contenders- their strengths and weaknesses. Like I said, this is meaty analysis, not another
rehash of stats we already know.

The viginettes and scenes are amazing, Puskas eating monkey nuts in Chile, grousing about Hungarian football, Pele's audacious attempt to beat Viktor from 50 yards out in 1970, the father of Spanish player DiStefano in 62 flying in with a mysterious "magic linament" to heal his son, the "spontaneous" 1970 Mexican crowd that conveniently and noisly gathered outside the English team's hotel, keeping the players awake all night, before the match with Brazil, the blazing speed and mesmerizing moves of the deformed winger- Garrincha of Brazil, the cheeky "street" caper of Maradona's infamous "Hand of G-d" goal, the brave comebacks of Germany in 1982 and 1986, the redemption of the scandal-smeared Paolo Rossi, and so on.. You almost get the sense of being there on the field.

Those expecting a cheerleading tome for soccer officialdom would do best to look for another book. Glanville is not afraid to expose the seedy side of the game, nor criticize the FIFA bureaucracy, hooligan fans, coaches and abominable refereeing where warranted, nor do the cynical players and tactics escape his censure.

There are some minor quibbles. In his 1966 edition, Glanville correctly describes Brazil's swift right winger Garrincha as a mulatto, but in the 1970 edition, he is transformed into a South American Indian. In fact, Garrincha was part black, and this is confirmed in Joseph Page's book "The Brazilians". Of course with Brazil, racial categories are fuzzy, but Glanville does correctly point out that the introduction of black players in that country transformed the game. Some might object to Glanville even mentioning race, but it is interesting nevertheless to see the width of the Black Disapora, and the increasing blend of cultures in sports, and how sports can, in its own limited way, bring people together. Thanks to Glanvile, these glimpses range from "the Black Diamond" Leonidas of Brazil back in 1938, to the swift black winger Andrade of Uruguay circa 1950, to Gatejens, scorer of the shocking goal that upset England in 1950 (yes, the segregated, Jim Crow US had "colored" players), to the pantherine Eusebio and silky smooth Coluna of Portugal in 1966, to the corruscating Teofilo Cubillas of Peru of 1970, to the powerfully built sweeper, Tresor, of France.

Glanville's book is also invaluable for its many pictures of past players, particularly the older editions. The newer editions chop out a lot of interesting detail- after all the book can only keep expanding as the years pass. But all in all, a must read for every true soccer fan. Something for everyone- the young fan looking for heroes and pictures, the educated dabbler, or the hard-core afficionado.

Objectivity is absent at times in this very thorough history. I generally find Paul Gardener, Keir Radnedge, & Terry Crouch to be more objective. He inflates the importance and success of British Footballers. But, since England has never won the European Cup and last won the World Cup in 1966 I guess few readers will find his bias surprising. However, he does have a computer chip Knowledge of the "World's Most Popular Sport." He gives the most detailed accounts of the World Cups of the 1930's and 50's that I have ever come across. In depth analysis , vivid portraits of great players and games are in abundance. From the offensive oriented decades of the 1930's-50's, the defensive mania of the 1960's to Holland's "Total Football" philosophy of the 1970's.

You will learn about the most classic matches. From the exciting first final in 1930 between Argentina & Uruguay, the first overtime final in 1934 between Italy & Czechoslavakia, the "battle of Berne" in 1954 between Hungary & Brazil, to the formers shocking loss to West Germany in the final.

Other more well known games from the incomparable Pele against France in the 1958 semi-final, the controversial England win against West Germany in the 1966 final, to the match of the century between Italy & West Germany in the 1970 semi-final, & lastly Italy's unexpected triumph in the 1982 finals where they started as a 25-1 shot to win. The true fan will feel like you have just been at the stadium having viewed a classic match.

Finally, a literary and creative man writing about soccer! Mr. Glanville's encyclopaedic knowledge of the game and his plethora of behind-the-scene anecdotes make this book deliciously enjoyable. Each World Cup is peppered with authentic style making the reader feel like he is smelling chalupas inside Azteca Stadium or bratwurst in Munich's Olympiastadion. The poetic narrative of legendary games such as 1970's Italy vs West Germany or 1982's West Germany vs France is almost Nobel Prize material.

However, his British twist is conspicuously ubiquitous in the form of inflating paragraphs about obscure Scottish and Welsh footballers that most international soccer hounds don't know or care about... or in lambasting on Maradona time and time again! Objectivity may not be his forte, but Glanville's epic writing of a World Cup history is second to none.

The boys in our class thought the story was great - the girls thought the frogs were gross but still liked the story. And they all thought the belching was funny! The only negative comment was that there wasn't more books to read about the characters to learn more of their adventures. Write another one of these funny books!

A delightful adventure book about 3 boys. One has cerebral palsy and the other two have Tourette syndrome. They find a magic marble with magic powers and accidentally it becomes aimed at the bullies. I recommend this book to any child who has a disorder that makes them feel different from their peers.

My 11 year old son loved this book. In fact, when asked to do a book report for school on a fantasy book, he picked this. I think that he could really empathize with the characters. Having TS he knew exactly how those children felt. He laughed through the whole book and I remember how it made my heart lighten to hear that hearty laugh. I'm sure there are quite a few bullies that he would like to turn into frogs, also. I hope this author decides to write another book......I know one person who would be sure to scoop it up!!!

This is the single most powerful publication or source of information that has been presented to my son who was recently diagnosed with Tourette's Syndrome. He identified completely with "Adam" and his difficulties. His conclusion from reading this book was that if "Adam" can deal with and overcome many of the obstacles that present with this disorder, then he can too. A very deep heartfelt *THANK YOU* to Adam Beuhrens and his mother for writing this book.

I read this book to my 8 year old son. He loved it - I loved it! We couldn't put it down - read it all in one day. It seemed to make him more at ease with his Tourettes and helped him see there are worse things. I highly recommend this book to anyone affected by a child with Tourettes.

As a professor of children's literature, I find this book to be sensitive, authentic illustrations and a wonderful addition to life narratives of famous women. Well written and thoughtful.

A great introduction, both to the life of the world renowned ballerina and to the world of ballet, Anna Pavlova, Jewel of the Ballet, explains in clear, simple, direct language, suitable for young readers that through determination and drive, achieving one's goals is a very possible dream.
- Linda Wilson, Queens Gazette, NY Dec 3, 2003

A great introduction, both to the life of the world renowned ballerina and to the world of ballet, Anna Pavlova, Jewel of the Ballet, explains in clear, simple, direct language, suitable for young readers that through determination and drive, achieving one's goals is a very possible dream.
- Linda Wilson, Queens Gazette, NY Dec 3, 2003

In her smooth story-telling style and with her beautiful watercolors, Elizabeth Uhlig shares with children and young peole the life and art of Anna Pavlova. She introduces to her readers a part of our history and culture that many adults have forgotten and to which many young people have not been introduced.
- Philip Sadler, Professor Emeritus, Children's Literature, Central Missouri State University

In Anna Pavlova, Jewel of the Ballet, author Elizabeth Uhlig recreates the enchanting world of a little girl who dreams of becoming a ballerina. My two young daughters and I were mesmerized by the beautiful illustrations as well as the descriptive prose that transported us back to the old world of Imperial Russia. The story is a timeless one about childhood fantasies that come true after much hard work and perserverance, but it is much more than that, too. It is set against the backdrop of Russian political upheaval and teaches important lessons about the history of world. Uhlig writes with much love and reverence for Pavlova and the ballet itself. She teaches us about the rigors of touring in those days and the tales of far flung travel are fascinating. Anna Pavlova, Jewel of the Ballet is a modern day classic with all the magic of a fairy tale.

This is a book I greatly enjoyed, and have referred to often in the 2 1/2 years we've been homeschooling. It covers homeschooling from vision to reality and everything in-between. How do we help our kids fulfill and become God's vision for them? The Davises are experienced homeschoolers and help you answer this question. Get this book--it will inspire you and strengthen you when times are good or times are tough!

I was shocked to see that there was only one review on this wonderful book! For those who have never heard of it, it is a compilation of articles written by Chris & Ellyn Davis in the many years that they ran The Elijah Company. My veteran homeschool friends hang on to their old catalogs like gold for these articles but you can find them all in this excellent resource. The title is based upon a quote from Michelangelo "I saw the angel in the marble and I carved until I set it free." I can't think of a better metaphor to explain why we carefully craft the individualized education that is right for each of our uniquely created children! I should add that it is also an excellent gift to pass along to those friends and family members who still don't get why you have chosen to homeschool. This book was a tremendous blessing for me and my whole family.

I've read a lot of homeschooling/parenting books. This one is the cream of the crop. I only wish I would have had access to the Davis' insight and wisdom 4 years ago. Each essay was full of wisdom and ecouragement, and "jewels" from their years of experience. They hit on some of the very core issues of the life of learning at home together, many that I had not even considered before. My favorite was essay #9-get a copy, it's wonderful! I especially appreciated the fact that they addresss the role of the father in homelearning. I would suggest reading this book, along with Educating the Wholehearted Child by the Clarksons BEFORE you begin a home learning lifestyle. It will undoubtedly save you from unnecessary anxiety and stress about "academics" and give you the tools you need to start learning together, and stay learning together.

This book is well-written and easy to follow. It not only explains the "why's" of homeschooling, but delves into various methods of homeschooling. It helps the reader explain better to others questions such as, "What about socialization?" and "What about the REAL world?"

This and Rick Boyer's book are better than the more "popular" ones you see at homeschool conventions and catalogs. Unlike many others, these folks have no agenda but to help you in your endevour to homeschool (we like "home educate" better) and do it well.

Remember the emphasis in on the HOME.

This is a wonderful book -- a must read. This is for those thinking about homeschooling, just beginning to homeschool, or a great review for veteran home schoolers. Chris Davis has the best advice for schooling and parenting.

The Marble Kite, by David Daniel, is the fourth in a series of mysteries which involve private investigator Alex Rasmussen. The plot is situated in the mostly-blue-collar city of Lowell, Massachusetts, an old mill town on the banks of the Merrimack River.

Troy Pepper is a carnival roustabout who is accused of murdering the woman he loved. He was raised in an orphanage, and through his life of solitude and rejection has lost his trust in people. He makes no effort to defend himself. Alex, perhaps from having experienced his own share of solitude and rejection, is determined to prove Pepper's innocence.

The book is filled with images of the downtrodden and the unspoken heroes of working-class America, which include: an old man that Rasmussen sees through a hotel doorway who is sitting on his bed in his underwear, staring at nothing; a woman who takes care of her elderly mother who is in the final stages of Alzheimer, who tells Alex "...eventually each of us ends up in the cemetery, flying a marble kite"; a black jazz guitarist who sacrifices his profession to save his drummer; a southeast Asian 14-year-older who lands in the hospital after trying to quit a gang; and waitresses "... on tired feet, looking for a snug harbor, however temporary, and some companionship to share the lonely stretches after a long shift..."

The plot weaves nicely, and Lowell is portrayed vividly as you follow Rasmussen through the streets, mills, and office buildings.

Very gripping mystery. Keeps you guessing until the end and then a surprise! Very fun. You really feel for these charactors. I highly recommend it.

David Daniel continues to thrill readers with intelligent stories, crisp prose, and intriguing characters. Marble Kite is no exception--the carnies are fascinating and PI Alex Rasmussen as sharp as in Daniel's earlier novels. A great read.

David Daniel continues to please with Alex Rasmussen Mystery series. His latest, The Marble Kite is his finest, in fact. Set entirely in the hardscrabble Industrial Revolution town of Lowell Mass, Marble Kite is edgier that its predecessor, Goofy Foot. At once, this is a gripping whodunit and a great police story. PI Alex Rasmussen effectively weaves his way through the mean streets and bars of the low-rent (and fascinating) Acre section of Lowell in route to solving his most problematic case.

Daniel is particularly impressive developing the characters, especially Nicole and Pop. You can visualize what they might look and sound like through his words. While PI Alex Rasmussen is not as testosterone fueled as Parker's Spenser, he is certainly as quick-witted and tough enough. Daniel's good karma comes through in spades and it shows in Alex's moral fiber.

In addition, the ambiance of Marble Kite is a cut above most PI Mystery novels. At one point, as Alex is nursing a beating and contemplating why he should continue on the case while his life is failing apart around him, you can almost hear Gil Scott Heron's Pieces of a Man playing in the background.

Daniel has developed into a first-rate storyteller and Marble Kite is a top-notch mystery. Just in time for the real carnival coming to the Regatta.

In Lowell, Massachusetts, private investigator Alex Rasmussen is enjoying his fourth date with Phoebe Kelly at a carnival. He is on the verge of winning her a stuffed animal when a scream occurs. Dropping the mallet, Alex rushes to the locale of the shriek only to find a small growing crowd surrounding a dead woman.

The next day local attorney Fred Meecham informs Alex that the carnival owner Pop Sondry hired him to represent the prime suspect in last night's carnival murder Troy Pepper. The lawyer further explains that Pop is convinced that his employee is innocent. Fred hires Alex to make inquiries into Troy, the victim Flora Nunez, and other carnival employees. Alex puts aside his insurance work to conduct a field investigation into the murder of Flora.

THE MARBLE KITE is an entertaining regional private investigative tale starring a delightful protagonist. Alex seems very realistic as he is a bit annoyed that his date was ruined just when he is just getting back into the scene having been divorced, waiting for a reconciliation and finally watching his ex remarry and have someone else's child. The who-done-it is cleverly devised so that the audience wonders why Pop thinks Troy is innocent as the circumstantial evidence points heavily towards him. David Daniel provides a fabulous murder mystery that will send newcomers seeking previous starring roles of Alex (see GOOFY FOOT).

Harriet Klausner

wonderful photos', informative narrative, the new guy can't go wrong. And the speed of shipping can't be matched. Thanks all around.

Marble Mania will prove to be the standard to which other marble related books will be compared to. A thorough, comprehensive view of all aspects of marble collecting. Graphically superior with detail that will be utilized by not only the beginning collector but the advanced collector also. Mr. Block has taken the time, performed the research and compiled this vast amount of information into an enjoyable, eye and mind satisfying beautiful book. Mr. Block is clear in his intentions to continue to be the leader in an area of great challenge, I can't wait for Mr. Block's next marble book. The bar has been raised!

Marble Mania has fine photographs of every imaginable marble from pebbles found alongside streams to the Industrial Revolution in Germany & Austria. Here the cutting of agate cubes & polishing them into marbles for export all over the world became a huge cottage industry. You have to see the beauty of all the clay, pottery, crockery, china & porcelain globes. It was fun to read this big book. Found myself chatting at the local recycle shop about the blue canning jars in their windows filled with marbles. Eyeing them eagerly, with a little more knowledge & a few more names.

I bought this book for my husband (from Amazon) for Xmas. Not only is the book very beautiful, but he has become an expert in his own right. With a year-2000 interest in things retro, marbles are enjoying a boom. We now have jars of them everywhere, looking great and, according to this great book, appreciating in value as we watch. With the help of the pricing guides we discovered that we already owned some very valuable marbles, and have since acquired more. In fact, the book paid for itself about 10 minutes after we got it, with the discovery of an unrecognized treasure.

i loved this book because it gave you funny expample of how to play i also loved it because it gave you marbles that you can play with.
from,
caroline