The Night Before Christmas

It Christmastime at the Burges' Estate. On Christmas Eve, my daughter and my wonderful granddaughter were baking gingerbread cookies for their Santa (Daddy Burges). I walked into the kitchen and sneaked a taste of strawberry flavored icing. My hands were spanked (gently) by little grammie, "Gramarie, you are going to make me mess-up my gingerbread man" she smiled and said. But, "I love red icing." As I turned around to look at the stove, my daughter was focused on bringing out another batch of hot cookies. Mmm, I thought. How can I snatch one. I moved in for the snatch...As I tasted my hot cookies and sipped my hot apple cider I was drawn to a book lying on my rolltop desk. I reached for the book and begin to read, 'Twas the Night Before Christmas - An African-American Version. Based on the original poem, the retelling is charming. You see, many African Americans often retold tales they heard to make the stories all their own. The first page showed a cozy sitting room. This reminded me of when my children were very young. I would sit by the fire late at night with some kind of stitching as I thanked God for the blessing of the day. As I read each page I showed the children the detailed illustrations. Their faces gleamed with pride as they saw the family snugged in their beds awaiting the glorious day. The father in the book was of strong character and displayed a wonderful involvement in his children's lives. It seemed like his delight would jump off the page. This turn of the century family encouraged me to continue to build upon what God has blessed. My little girls were enchanted by this warm family story. I encourage you to read it next year.

December Book Selections

Book Selections for the month of December:

First, a Burges family favorite, perfect for all ages:

The Bells of Christmas By Virginia Hamilton

Children: Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U.S. Marshall By Vaunda Micheaux Nelson

Youth: The Cruisers By Walter Dean Myers

Teens/Adults: Extraordinary, Ordinary People: A Memoir of Family By Condoleezza Rice

I believe you will truly enjoy this month's selections. Pictured is my son feasting on the true story of Bass Reeves, Deputy Marshall. It is a fascinating account of his life as a "feared and respected" lawman in the territories. While on a recent field trip at our regional National Archives, the educational specialist mention that researchers had validated his presence in the Oklahoma Indian territory through documents at the facility. Of course that made it all the more thrilling to read the book.

The Cruiser, the first book of another wonderful series written by Walter Dean Myers for youth, is bound to be a hit. And or course, Condoleezza Rice captures your attention immediately and draws you in to hear the story of her extraordinary parents, John and Angelena Rice.

So take time this month to read a selection, and let us know what you think.

Happy December Reading!

Book Fair Success in Texas

This weekend was amazing! It was so wonderful to see all the support of the community and the NBHE families at our Barnes and Noble bookfair down here in Texas. We decorated ..cupcakes, had ....story time, and played games. The two hours in the store seem to fly away as we purchased books and enjoyed each others company.

During story time we read selections from the book club's November list. As I listened to Flossie and the Fox, it reminded me of how my daughter would drive her brother up the wall by simply saying, "No it's not". No matter what he said, whether it was true or false, she always remarked, "No it's not" in a very matter of fact tone. Doesn't that remind you a little of Flossie? That poor fox, as well as my son, was about out of his mind with confusion. Now in our house, this same child developed a little Flossie in himself. I hear him telling the kids wild stories that just could not be true, but they believe him. His reply is, "It is a matter of speaking with confidence."

Enjoy the books and support NBHE with a purchase from any Barnes and Noble location or online by visiting bn.com/bookfairs from 11/19/10 to 11/25/10 and entering our Bookfair ID 10292993 at checkout.

Talk with you again soon.

Book Selections for November

Be sure to check out our great reading selections for the month of November:

Teens and Adults:  Same Kind of Different as Me

Youth:  Amos Fortune, Free Man

Children:  Flossie and the Fox

Books....A Way to Travel

Books are a great way to travel.   When my children were young my husband and I would read each Sunday after dinner.  We would read about a country that we all wished to visit some day.  I clearly remember reading about Africa...the land of Ghana.  During that time some friends of ours were missionaries.  They spoke about the natives (young men) and how they could run faster than a rabbit, and how they could catch a fish with their bare hands.  We found this fascinating.  One of our sons tried to catch a fish with his bare hands during a fishing outing with a friend.  It didn't work!  The Republic of Ghana intriqued us greatly.  For one, Ghana is the second largest producer for cocoa.  Cocoa is very important to our family because we enjoy this warm and smooth beverage during the Christmas holidays.  The word Ghana means, Warrior King.  This is significant because, as families, the protection of our children is crucial.  We must war in prayer to save our children's minds.  Teaching our values is important because our children need a point of reference so that they can become great parents to their children.  Theodore Roosevelt knew that the fundamental task of parents is to teach their children well so that the future generations would not be evil, but one that upholds biblical principles.  Just like the country of Ghana gained its independence we should continue to pursue liberty for ourselves and our posterity.  Although, we have not visited this great country, yet, we still travel through the pages of wonderful books...Beam us up Scottie!      

-J. Marie

Sunday Dinner

Homemade love on a plate...fried chicken, collard greens, and sweet potatoes. It was an old fashioned Sunday dinner like the one at Grandma's house.

I hope you all enjoyed reading, Having Our Say. What an interesting life! If your library has a copy of the book on tape, there is a special treat at the end of the reading..... a interview with the sisters. Camille Cosby also produced a Broadway production of the book. Google the play to see additional pictures of the Delaney sisters.

Well, youngsters this month is yours. Here are the picks for October:

Teens - The Bond: Three Young Men Learn to Forgive and Reconnect With Their Fathers

Youth - Gifted Hands, the Ben Carson Story

Children - Ziggy and the Black Dinosaurs (series)

Have fun reading!

Sunday Dinner on the Road

     This Sunday was my sister Candra's birthday. We were on the road visiting my Brother Eric in  North Carolina and speaking with new homeschool families...so we celebrated her birthday on the road trip.  
     We stopped at Applebees to have dinner.  Then my Dad pulled into a Wal-Mart.  We had cake and ice cream in the car.  While driving I finished,"Having Our Say" in the backseat. I read about the Delany's move to New York City and the hard times they endured. I think Bessie is my favorite Delany. I Like her fiesty spirit. When Bessie heard that Hersheys didn't hire colored people, she would scold colored people who were eating Hersheys chocolate bars.  :)


         -  Victoria Burges

Are We There Yet?

Hello,

October is here!

We have enjoyed "listening" to Bessie and Sadie reminisce. Their stories are better than a dry textbook any old day. Although their life and family were not average, we have a good peek into what many African Americans overcame in order to possess the American dream.

Our family is not completely finished reading. We are close. But come Sunday dinner time, it will be a done deal. (Texas talk) Any one want to stop by and help clean a bucket or two of chitlins? (Arkansas heritage)

Remember to post pictures from around your table. Together we will be one big happy family.

As Jacqueline Woodson wrote, "We had a picnic this Sunday past. You should have been there." In this case, there is still time.

Sonja Gaddy and crew

Fort Worth, TX

Who has inspired you? How?

We find ourselves being so inspired by Mama and Papa - there love story, strength, commitment to their family, foresight and pride. We are certainly challenged to incorporate more of that into our daily lives.

Smith Family
Missour City, TX

 Wow!  Perhaps the Delany sisters discovered the key to becoming centenarians  - healthy exercise, like yoga!   I think I should try it...since I do plan to live to be at least 100 years old!
    

Great Read

    Wow!  Enjoying the book.  This is our second time reading it....I enjoy it so much each time!  I plan to live to be 107 years old!!   What do you think of the book?  Getting ready to go back and read....   Joyce Burges

Getting Started

      We hope everyone has their book and is getting started ...we can't wait to hear what you all think of it!

Make It Special

Hello, we're excited in Fort Worth about reading together. The books are off the shelf and ready to go. I think we will plan our Sunday Dinner menu first. The kids will choose their specialities. Someone around here mentioned chittlins. I don't know about that. But I did buy hot chocolate to give us our "Starbuck" mood while we read. Hopefully, it's not too hot outdoors to enjoy it. So what are you planning to do to enjoy your time reading together?

The Gaddy Family of Fort Worth, TX

Welcome to the NBHE Book Club Blog

Hello Families,

I am excited about this year's book club, and looking forward to exchanging feedback about the books we'll be reading.

Happy Reading,


Charron