Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Hey there!!!  The summer is starting and it's time to relax, stretch out in the sun, and open a awesome book.  Here are a few to start your summer off right.

Beautiful Girlhood


The transitioning years between girlhood and womanhood are an exciting time for a girl, as well as tumultuous and confusing.  Beautiful Girlhood, revised and expanded by Karen Andreola, is a lovely guide that will help the young girl understand the changes she is going through emotionally and physically and also guide her in the proper behavior befitting a young woman. A must read for all young girls but recommended for ages 9-12. (Summary by Laura Caldwell)


 
The Bondwoman's Narrative


The Bondwoman’s Narrative chronicles the life of its author, a young house slave named Hannah Crafts, who discovers that her new mistress is descended from slaves but is passing for white.  Hannah decides to flee to the North where she and her mistress can be free.  The bulk of the novel traces the hardships which Hannah experiences in her flight through the South and highlights the overwhelming physical and emotional anguish that typified life among slaves in the antebellum American South. A Must read for all women. (Summary by enotes.com)


My Grandfather's Son


My Grandfather's Son A Memoir is the 2007 memoir of Clarence Thomas, an Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court.  The book spans all of Thomas's life to the present, beginning with his early childhood in the Deep South and his mother's decision to send him and his brother to be raised by her father and stepmother as she felt unable to care for them. He tells of his upbringing by his grandparents, his time in college and law school, and his career in government. Particular attention is focused on his Supreme Court confirmation hearings.  It's father-son read, but fathers must indeed read!!!! (Summary by wikipedia)

*Disclaimer- All books are recommended or suggested for your personal perusal.  Please use your good judgement when choosing books.

Monday, June 4, 2012


How do you define Friendship?


What would be the first word to come to mind when you think of your bff? Kind? Loyal? Trustworthy? Funny? Smart? Well all these words describe the 3 amigos in this month's NBHE's bookclub selection.

We Beat The Street is the New York Times Best Seller, and true story coauthored by the three African American male doctors: Sampson Davis, George Jenkins, and Rameck Hunt with Sharon Draper. 

This book chronicles the lives of 3 friends who when faced with numerous obstacles held one another accountable and refused to give up on themselves and each other.

This is an excellent family read. You will explore the meaning of TRUE friendship, goal setting, and being an overcomer!! Below is a link that will enhance your family's discussion time and bring forth topic not commonly discussed. You will feel emporwered and ready to encourage everyone to go after their dreams, especially young boys!! 

Don't forget to share your comments on the blog!!:-)

http://www.readinginthemiddle.com/Novels%20Study/8th%20Student%20Activity%20Guide.pdf

Happy reading my friends,

Charron Smith

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Drum Roll Please

I am happy to announce the April family reading selection:

The Mighty Miss Malone
written by Newbery Medal-winning author
Christopher Paul Curtis

He is the author of two other bestselling classics:
Bud, Not Buddy
The Watsons Go to Birmingham-1963

"We are a family on a journey to a place called Wonderful."

In this story Deza Malone takes us along the journey with her family as they deal with life's twist and turns during the Great Depression in Gary, Indiana. The trials come as Mr. Malone leaves home to find work. Unfortunately many of us are facing the same dilemma today. I hope this book will shine rays of hope.

Let's get started reading. I'm sure this book will be as delightful as the author's other classics.

Where did I find this book? at my local public library
Kudos to Public Libraries!

Happy Reading!

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

When the Saints Come Marchin' In



Happy March to you!

This month's selection is an excellent reader for a family project. The book is a celebration of African American spirituals which are expressed through beautiful calligraphy and art influenced by quilting patterns from Gee's Bend in Alabama, African art forms, and inspirations from urban living. It is an exquisite book to browse, use as a hymnal, or share as a starting point for your own art journaling creations.

Artist Timothy R. Botts and author Patricia Raybon balance this book with inspiring words and design. You will be glad you read it.

March Selection:

Bound For Glory: Celebrating the Gift of African American Spirituals through Expressive Calligraphy

by Timothy R, Botts with reflections by Patricia Raybon

Happy Reading!

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Happy February!

This month we have three selections for you.

1. Life Upon These Shores: Looking at African American History. Henry Louis Gates, Jr (2011)

2. Never Forgotten. Patricia C. McKissack/artwork by Leo and Diane Dillon (2011)

3. The Hallelujah Flight. Phil Bildner/illus. by John Holyfield (2010)


I believe you will be delighted with each of these titles. I am very impressed with Mr. Gates' book. It is very inviting and user friendly with numerous documents, paintings, and portraits to enhance the learning experience. The sections are divided into easy to read bites for all ages.

It was also great to see this latest collaboration between Patricia McKissack and the Dillons. I pulled it straight from the new books collection at my library last week. I will have more to say soon.

The Hallelujah Flight is the story of James Banning. I, like the author, did not know he was the first African American to complete a transcontinental flight.

"All aboard!" Let's journey through new territory this month in the covers of a good book. Check these titles out.

Happy Reading!


Sunday, January 1, 2012

Heart and Soul



Happy New Years NBHE family!

January is a time that we reset our goals and hopes for the year. We invite you to make reading a priority this year for yourself and your family. Begin this year with us with our first selection of 2012. I'm sure it will not disappoint.

Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans by Kadir Nelson

When I saw the cover of this book, I was spell bound. The artwork captures your full attention before any of its words are read. Author and Illustrator Kadir Nelson has given us a book of portraits that makes the reader proud and curious as he turns each page. Heart and Soul is a introductory narration of the history of America and African Americans from the first president, George Washington, to the election of our first African American President, Barack Obama. Our guide, “Everywomen”, recounts the stories of her family as they lived through the eras. Be care to pay attention because she is only going to tell you this story once. Mr. Nelson presents Americans who are proud, hardworking, caring, resilient, determined, honorable, and wholly human. I believe this is a book that the NBHE families will appreciate and cherish.

You can read an additional book review by Walter Dean Myers for the New York Times on November 13, 2011.

So what else are we reading at our house:

The Root of Riches by Chuck Bentley

Martha's Entertaining by Martha Stewart

The Invisible Man by H.G. Wells

Look Now published by Dorling Kindersley(DK)

One in a Million by Priscilla Shirer

Let us know what you think of our book choice this month and what are you reading. Talk to you soon.

Happy 2012! May God bless and prosper you.




Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Need some new easy readers?

  A few months ago NBHE received an e-mail from a sweet lady telling us about a series of new books she had published for children.  She offered to send us a few copies to review.  As soon as we opened the package, we fell in love with the fun illustrations!  The stories are very sweet and easy for children to read.
   Mrs. Marion McKenney is the author of a number of books.  She has been writing since 2005.  She writes adult fiction, young adult fiction, and children’s books.Marion earned her BS in Elementary Education from Bradley University, Peoria, IL. She lives in Huntersville with husband, Joe.  They have three children and two grandsons.She attributes her ability to write to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
    Some of our favorite titles include: "Cinnamon is Jealous", "The First Day of Kindergarten," and "The Twins: Hailey and Bailey." 
    To find out more visit her website at: http://www.freewebs.com/mwmcken59/
3 girl friends2 signature.JPG

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Books to Movies

"Two-slice Hilly."


Those three words had us rolling on the buttered covered floor of the movie theater.  The Help, the recently released #1 box-office movie, originally a book written by Kathryn Stockett, centers around the plight of two African-American women and an aspiring young writer in Mississippi.  This book appeals to those interested in the gritty reality of African-Americans in the south, prior to the Civil Rights movement.  The book establishes an emotional connection to the characters and evokes disdain towards the antagonists.  Conversely, the movie does not provide the viewer the emotional backdrop of the characters in the story.  This story is about the ability to create change in the context of challenging racial boundaries.  We recommend reading the book before seeing the movie.

Happy reading!

Ellisse, Mijolae, and Carmela Wright 


Rating: Teen/Adult


We love to read!  Our team is reading...

The Bible, New Living Translation

The New Jim Crow, Michelle Alexander

The Black Pearl, Scott O'Dell

Our Kind of People, Lawrence Otis Graham

I Had A Favorite Dress,  Boni Ashburn

Superhero ABC, Bob McLeod

Family Driven Faith, Voddie Baucham

The Middle Passage, Tom Feelings



Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Great Historical Fiction

  Looking for an exciting book to get your middleschooler started on for the new school year? 

Check out: 
      Private Cathay's Secret by Rebecca O. Hayes

The inspiring and adventuresome story of a young sixteen year old girl who disguised herself as a boy and succeeded in sneaking into the army.  The story is set during the Civil War.  Based on the true life of Cathay William's this book provides a great peek into the life of an unknown hero of our country! Read this book aloud as a family, or hand it over to your child for a thrilling read.


Saturday, July 2, 2011

July's Book Club Selection

Summer is here, and it's H-O-T!!


No worries though...this month's book selection is sure to be a cool, refreshing breeze to your heart, mind and soul. As you reflect upon the past home-schooling year, pondering those amazing moments and those not so amazing ones. July's book club selection will remind us of what every home-schooling parent needs to know.
1. Your labor is not in vain
2. You are not alone in the struggle
3. It's okay if your kids (or you) get upset - you will be fine. 
     
July's Book Club Selection:

Paula Penn-Nabrit's
Morning by Morning - How We Home-Schooled Our
African-American Sons To the Ivy League


I'm sure every home-schooling family will be able to relate to the Nabrit's experience on some level. More importantly this inspirational and practical memoir will teach us all something in our quest to provide the best education for our children.

Happy Reading Family!!

Monday, May 30, 2011

June's Book Club Selection

Greeting my NBHE Family,

Summer is almost here, but in Texas it feels like its here already!! I'm assuming that your family is like mine, and June is the month that you all embark on "chilling out" a bit from your typical homeshchooling routines. Your mind now shifts to planning family vacations, attending reunions graduations, and weddings. Whoo!

With that being the case we will only have 1 book selection for the months of June, July, and August. Each selection will be a book for the entire FAMILY to read together and then share your comments on the blog.

                                        And the JUNE selection is..................
                        Gifted Hands The Ben Carson Story by Ben Carson. 

This an inspiring story of how Ben Carson triumphs inspite of enormous obstacles to become one of the greatest pioneers in neurosurgery.

There is also a movie for this one (same title).


Happy Readings My Friends....

Monday, May 2, 2011

Let Go Outside


Happy May NBHE! This month we introduce three delightful picture books that are sure to be a hit at your house. These books are beautifully illustrated and feature important African Americans: Dr. George Washington Carver, Southern Chef Edna Lewis, and every "little brown baby with sparklin' eyes". (I couldn't resist.) I hope your family enjoys them as much as we have.

What's Special About Me, Mama?(2011)
Words by Kristina Evans
Pictures by Javaka Steptoe

Do you remember Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters or She Came Bringing Me That Little Baby Girl(Eloise Greenfield/John Steptoe)? Well, this is Mr. Steptoe's talented son. His collage/papercutting illustrations are amazing!

In the Garden with Dr. Carver(2010)
By Susan Grigsby
Pictures by Nicole Tadgell

Dr. Carver and his "movable school", a wagon filled with plants, tools, and seeds, arrive after church to teach the children of a small Alabama community the importance of renewing the soil and turning simple foods into usable products. This book is an inspiration for doing nature studies. You will want to pick up your color pencils and pads and head outside.

Bring Me Some Apples and I'll Make You a Pie: A Story about Edna Lewis(2009)
By Robbin Gourley

My first encounter with Edna Lewis was in our library's southern cooking section. In her book, The Taste of Country Cooking, I fell in love with her down home recipes and the history of her Freetown, Virginia. Her stories of home celebrate each season with the bounty of the simple harvest. Being a southern girl myself, I could share the memories of hog killing time and fresh berries for pies and cobblers. This book seeks to capture Edna Lewis, the girl. Do look up her cookbooks. They are great sources when studying the time of free black townships.

Happy Reading!



Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Spring is Here!



Hello NBHE. March and April have been months of wonderful celebrations for my family. My son celebrated his becoming an Eagle Scout, and my daughter, four days later, celebrated her sixteenth birthday. Both events were like planning for weddings. I hope this is an acceptable excuse for posting late.


April Selections:

Family: Color Struck by Pamela and Joel Tuck

Children: Fort Mose by Glennette Tilley Turner

Adult/High School: American Uprising: The Untold Story of America's Largest Slave Revolt by Daniel Rasmussen

We continue this month with the second portion of an interview with authors, Pamela and Joel Tuck. It is not too late to order a copy of their book, Color Struck, a classic for every African American library. Their story sheds light on the damage caused by drawing destinctions between the darkness and lightness of skin color. As difficult as that is to survive when you are the target, we see grace and mercy reflected back through the life of a grandmother who changes the course for her family. Don't miss out on this intriguing read. Order your copy at www.pamelamtuck.com.

Fort Mose: It is the story of Francisco Menendez who built the first free black settlement, Fort Mose (Mo-say) in colonial America just north of St. Augustine. The book is filled with maps, pictures, and drawings to demonstrate what life would have been like for slaves and free black in a Spanish colony. Including an Afterward and Author's Note, the book is forty-two pages of excellent non fiction reading.

American Uprising: The Untold Story of America's Largest Slave Revolt: I have this book on hold at our local library. A friend mentioned it to me because of hearing a PBS blurb about it. The book deals with the cover up of one of the largest slave rebellions in New Orleans. I would recommend this read for adult and high school students. I have not read this one, so let me know what you think.

Enjoy the conclusion of our NBHE Interview with authors Pamela and Joel Tuck.

NBHE: What prompted you to tell the story in Color Struck?

PT: I was working on a picture book story about my father. I called my grandmother to interview her about a certain part. Somehow she began retelling me some of the struggles she faced within the family and accounts of her life as the despised, dark-skinned daughter-in-law. I took notes and remained quiet, asking questions only to fill certain gaps. My notes piqued my husband’s interest and one of his first responses was: “Let’s write about Grandma.” In doing so, we ended up with Color Struck. We were touched by my grandmother’s faith and forgiveness, and how she held her integrity, despite her oppositions. We were inspired by her story and hoped others would be enlightened and inspired by it as well.

NBHE: What was the hardest part to write?

PT/JT: We think the hardest part to write was the contemporary part. The notes gave us a start for a lot of the scenes we created for the “past” parts of the novel. We knew each chapter had to support each other, so trying to create contemporary scenes that would pick up from the past scenes and still move the story forward, was challenging. Our goal was to keep the warm, family-time tone of the book by seamlessly weaving the two stories into one.

NBHE: What tips would you offer to others who would like to publish family stories?

PT/JT: Decide what theme/message you want to convey to your readers. Are you writing to enlighten, entertain, inspire, etc. Then concentrate on the events that would work with your theme. A lifetime of stories can’t be told in a single book, however, if you want to write a picture book, focus on one aspect and build around that. If you want to write a longer work, organize your events and write each chapter as if it was a story within itself, making sure each chapter builds toward your theme. Once you have your story/idea..just write! If you don’t’ think you’re a good writer, then record your story on tape (there are people who can put it on paper for you). We would suggest joining a writer’s group, such as the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), or a local writing group. This will help you polish your writing, along with learning the rules of manuscript formatting and submitting to publishers. There are several reference materials on writing found in your local library and online. Surround yourselves with positive influences and learn to sift criticism: take what will help you become a better writer and let the rest go.


Happy Reading.

Monday, February 28, 2011

March 2011 Book Selections


One of this month's selections is Color Struck by Pamela and Joel Tuck. If you remember my January post, I had a picture of several books I wanted to preview. Color Struck was among my choices for completion. But before I could begin reading, daily life interrupted, and
it wasn't until a college road trip with my son that I began to read.

I became so engaged with the flow of Color Struck that I was quite disappointed when my son informed me that it was my turn to drive. Therefore, I had to pull out the midnight oil to complete my reading.

What a magnificent story! The Tucks explore the sensitive issue of skin tone within the Black community which has caused much heartache even among families. Grandma Bell, the central character and storyteller, reveals her family secret to her grand-daughters to preserve the family and expose the pain and suffering caused by being color struck. The story begins on Friday, fish night at Grandma Bell's, after a week of painful confrontations among the cousins. I found myself waiting and clearing the table with the cousins so Grandma could tell what happens next as she unveils the story of her life. I believe you will too.

You may order Color Struck at www.pamelamtuck.com. To learn more about this home schooling family, we are including a portion of an interview with the Tucks. The remainder of the interview will be posted in April. We are allowing time for all to order the book and enjoy the discussion together.

March Selections:

Color Struck by Pamela and Joel Tuck

Odetta, The Queen of Folk by Stephen Alcorn

A Nation's Hope: The Story of Boxing Legend Joe Louis by Matt De La
Pena and illustrated by Kadir Nelson

All of these selections are worthy of individual postings. Look for more details throughout the month of March.

Enjoy and be inspired by the first portion of the interview with Pamela and Joel Tuck.

NBHE: Tell us about your family. (Who are you/ how long have you been homeschooling/etc)

PT/JT: We are a Christian homeschooling family of 12, and live in Boyertown, PA. Our family consists of dad, mom, 6 boys and 4 girls, including a set of twins. Our oldest child is thirteen and our youngest is nine months. We’ve been homeschooling ever since our first child was born: reading, instructing, loving and nurturing. Our children have never attended public school; however we did Cyber Schooling for about three years. It was wonderful, but because of the growing family and needing more flexibility, we reverted back to traditional homeschooling.

NBHE: How long have you been writing?

PT: I would say my writing career started in elementary school, after winning my first poetry contest. I grew up as an only child in Greenville, NC, surrounded by a healthy array of cousins. I loved books even before I learned to read them. As a family member read to me, I would hold the words in my mind, and afterward “read” the book back to them. As I became older, I continued writing poetry, but ventured into short stories and plays. I used my writing as personal gifts or comfort for others or myself.

JT: I am a native of Philadelphia, PA, and unlike Pam, I grew up the youngest of seven. I did writing assignments in school, but didn’t consider becoming a writer. After seeing my wife’s love for writing, I encouraged her to do more with it. Once she became more serious about her writing, and learned more about the world of writing for children, I developed an interest as well.

NBHE: As homeschooling parents, how did you manage your time to write?

PT/JT: When we decided to write the novel Color Struck, we used the project as our “quiet time”. After dinner, we allowed the children to have free time. They entertained themselves for a few hours by reading, playing, listening to music, etc. while we wrote. Since the story is told as a frame story (a story within a story), switching from the contemporary to the past, one of us would work on the contemporary part, while the other worked on the past. We’d bring our ideas together and edit each other’s work. While we didn’t have a lot of time during the day to write, we covered at least two chapters at a time with this process. We continued off and on with this pattern until the novel was complete.


Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Let's Celebrate Black Heritage Month Together


Happy February!

It's cold all over the country. I would never have imagined wind chills below zero degrees here in Fort Worth, TX. Wow!

As one of the host cities of Super Bowl XLV, excitement has been buzzing for quite sometime. Our family will be watching the game on T.V. along with many other Americans. However, we stopped by the stadium to experience the scene a week before the big game day. So we were there!

The same goes for history. Yes, we were there. Many nameless African Americans were figures in the story of our wonderful nation. She has not always been good to our people. However, there is no place like the United States of America. African Americans have prospered from the cotton fields of the South to the Presidency of the United States of America. In between are many like ourselves that carry no special titles, but live each day enjoying the freedom of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

This month's selections are :

A Game of Character: A Family Journey from Chicago's Southside to the Ivy League and Beyond by Craig Robinson (2010) Michelle Obama's brother shares his journey from Princeton University to head coach of Oregon State University.

Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters by Barack Obama and Loren Long(2010)

Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave by Laban Carrick Hill, Illustrated by Bryan Collier (2010) For more information and pictures of Dave's pots follow link. http://www.usca.edu/aasc/davepotter.htm It's a beautiful book!





Saturday, January 1, 2011

Happy New Year!


Happy New Year to all! I am so grateful to God that he has given us a brand new year! I have spent most of this week preparing the house by dusting and washing clothes, light fixtures, and bed linen all in preparations of starting the new year clean. Well, I completed the task. So this morning after giving thanks to God, I joined my husband who had already prepared coffee and ventured out for a newspaper with my stack of books. What am I reading? Well, I'm glad you asked.

My Pile:

Heirloom Cooking with the Brass Sisters: Queens of Comfort Food
The Music of His Promises (Elisabeth Elliot)
Paula Deen's Savannah Style
Color Struck ( Pamela &Joel Tuck)
Some Sing, Some Cry (Ntozake Shange)
The Good Negress (A.J. Verdelle)
Built by Wendy: Dresses (Wendy Mullin)


I began The Good Negress this morning and could hardly put it down except for the need for breakfast and to call family to wish them all a "Happy New Year!"

With so many books to be read, this month's selection will be an audiobook.

NBHE January 2011 Book Feature: A Knock at Midnight: Inspiration from the Great Sermons of Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr.

It is one thing to read about a great person, but to hear their voice heightens the experience. I pulled out my tapes on a casual evening with my eleven year old. I knew he would enjoy listening, so I didn't bother to tell him what I was about to play. I was amazed at his contentment as he listened, commented, and continued to tinker with his Transformers. So I pray you and your family will find pleasure and enlightenment in the sermons of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, as well.

As I close my comments, my heart was stirred as I read Condoleezza Rice's Extraordinary, Ordinary People. What set my heart ablaze was the intentionality of her parent's choices to build community, hope, and opportunity for their daughter and the other children in the community. As home educators, we, too, choose to be intentional with our children. With this in mind, one of the book club's goals is to build a community of readers who will open the covers of books and find creativity, love, and passion for living. This year may your families go new places and experience new dreams within the covers of great books.

May God bless and prosper you!

Thursday, December 30, 2010

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.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

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!


Sunday, November 21, 2010

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.




Tuesday, November 9, 2010

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