No comments about The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid: A Memoir.

3 comments about A Forever Family.

1. There is such a need for books that are applicable to families that adopt children beyond infancy. It is a shame that this is out of print. I was able to find it at the library, though.



2. This story is perfect for children who were adopted, particularly those adopted at an older age. The simple text is accompanied by photographs of the co-author, Jenny Jordan-Wong, who was adopted in the early 1990s at the age of eight.

   Her life with her Mom and Dad, an inter-racial couple, is normal and loving in every way. Jenny plays and runs and reads like other kids. (She especially likes Nany Drew.) She takes piano lessons and plays Hula Hoop.

   But she is different from other friends who want to know what it was like to be adopted. She explains that her biological parents had a lot of problems and could not take care of her. So when she was three, she moved to a foster family, a temporary family who "take care of you until you are adopted." Of course, Jenny knows that not everyone gets adopted.

   Jenny has pictures of her second foster Mom and Dad, who took her in when she was 6. She still visits them, as she does the social workers who helped find her parents.

   "It was scary meeting my new mom and dad," she writes. But after visiting on several weekends with her family, "We knew we wanted to be a family. They wanted to adopt me and I wanted to live with them. We would become a forever family."

   The story also includes photos of the court session which made the adoption final and of Jenny's extended family--aunts, uncles, cousins, and her friends.

   This book helps kids realize that others have been through the same thing, that new things take some getting used to, and that questions are okay. Alyssa A. Lappen




3. As an adoptions professional I am continually searching for books that reflect the experience of children who are adopted after they have been removed from birth parents. Many of these children are between the ages of six and ten when adopted. Kids I have shared this book with have not wanted to give it back. It is a very useful tool in helping children understand adoption. Jennifer's journey from instability to having a forever family is not sugar coated but presents what is true for the majority of adopted children. I am very disappointed that it is out of print. I think this is a great loss for our kids.

2 comments about Threads of Colours.

1. I enjoyed reading this book very much, there is a richness and quality that is sincere. The family came to life in a humerous and sad way, but throughout there was the spirit of God guiding them. One of those books that you don't want to put down until you have read it from cover to cover!



2. This book is easy yet interesting reading for all ages. The events dipicted about the South are very true to life. The personalities come to life and cause one to feel a part of the activities. It tells of an interesting mix of events that are both funny and sad. The people are vivid and easy to indentify. Underneath the different stories and historical events remains an unusual spiritual conviction that is a feeling rather than a written statement. All in all an entertaining and meaningful book.

No comments about Growing Up Three Hollers from Lake Wobegon.

1 comments about As It Was: Sin Mar a Bha : A Ulva Boyhood.

1. This slim volume is a pleasant history of Ulva, off the coast of Mull, and the memories of someone who has lived there. (Current population:12) Of primary interest to those curious about Scottish history and culture. Not for the general reader I wouldn't think.

5 comments about The Joy Cart.

1. This book wonderfully documents the incredibly tough life of this amazing boy and shows why he changed so many lives (mine included) with his grace and strength during his short life. Having the opportunity to meet Jarrett Mynear before his death changed my life forever. Reading this book will surely have the same effect on you. Marvin Bartlett does a wonderful job capturing the true spirit of this extremely strong boy and his family. A MUST read.



2. The Joy Cart is a magnitude of inspiration and witness to helping and reaching out despite pain and devastating turns. Even as an author, I have no words from being humbled other than that every one of us should take Jarrett as our shining example. We, as a public people, should be thanking the author, Mr. Bartlett, for taking the opportunity to share this tremendous character of one who rises above and reaches out to love. Let every one of us examine ourselves and strive to gain more of Jarrett's character in our daily lives. Let us not pass up the oppportunity to read and pass on The Joy Cart! -- reviewed by Stephanie S. Sawyer, author Facing Me



3. It can't be easy for an adult to write the true story of a youngster. Even if that youngster has achieved some manner of celebrity status, it must pose special problems for an older generation to write accurately and insightfully about its focus. And if that celebrity status has resulted from that youngster's caring humanity and unselfish acts in the midst of an ongoing life-threatening disease, writing the story must prove all the more difficult. Yet author Marvin Bartlett, anchor for the Bluegrass Region's Fox affiliate, has successfully overcome those difficulties in telling the story of Jarrett Mynear, an extraordinary young Kentuckian who, when faced with a disease that would eventually steal him from all those who loved him, chose to better the emotional and mental well-being of others who suffered like himself. Bartlett knows the story is so strong and moving that editorial commentary from himself is minimalized, and he maintains his discipline even in the secondary matters. For example, when campground owners hosting a group of children, all of whom are seriously ill, deny them the fun of shooting at each other in a squirt gun battle because these owners abhor war and violence, Bartlett merely reports the fact, confident that his readers will shake their heads. This is the story of a remarkable boy, and reading it, I suspect, will bring some relief to those distressed, and joy to all. Despite the sadness.



4. Marvin Bartlett invites the reader to the world of an incredible child. If only we would have an ounce of Jarrett's heart the world would be a better place! While it is sad that Jarrett has gone to a better place he left us a legacy of giving and this book is his record. It gives the reader a glimpse into the mind of a child that battled daily with his demons but acted like an Angel!



5. I want to thank Mr. Bartlett for writing a book that allows the world a glimpse into Jarrett Mynear's life. What an inspirational story! It captured my heart. I could not put this book down once I started to read it. Although it is a story about a young boy with cancer, it is more....so much more than that.

   Jarrett is wise beyond his years. His kindness, compassion and perseverance should be a lesson for all. Whatever the future holds for Jarrett, he has already managed to touch more people with his courage and his Joy Cart than most of us will ever accomplish.

   This book is an absolute treasure. I would highly recommend it. I would especially recommend it for anyone that has forgotten what life is really about. Jarrett's life is all about caring, love, sharing and paying it forward. What a wonderful legacy he has created.

   I truly expect to see this book hit the best seller list.

No comments about Pinhoe: As Used to Was.

2 comments about The Assault of Laughter.

1. Melissa Hart has written a book that should be required reading in every school in America. She has written from the heart, a true story, of what it is like growing up with prejudice from a father, friends and adults. All for being a child of a lesbian mother. Melissa has entertained us as well as made us look at the judgemental world we live in. She has told her story from a time when she, her brother and sister were young. Melissa writes with innocence and humor. As adults we can see what children have to bear from a disfunctional justice system.



2. Melissa Hart takes us along for the ride as she and her siblings cope with having her mother come out as a lesbian and the resultant divorce and hate war between the angry father and the resolute mother. We see the father's rejection of the son, who has mental difficulties but is full of fun, and father's inner violence under minimal control at times. Melissa grows up, dealing with these issues along with dating, teen peer pressure, racism, and coming to know herself. The most amazing thing about this book is the laugh-out-loud funny passages that are interspersed with heartbreaks. I couldn't put it down.

No comments about My Boyhood.

No comments about Over My Shoulder.