As any historian will agree, to write a "brief history of the Western world" is a daunting task, even for a stable of collaborators. Amazing, then, that Prof's Greer and Lewis display expertise even regarding the most mundane of subjects. Granted, from time to time, their focus on western Europe leads them to use words such as "church," "Christian," and "Europe" as if the west were all (as when they discuss the conflict between the Enlightenment view of human perfectability and the dogma of "the Church" by which they mean that of the Roman Catholic/Protestant offshoot of Christianity's main, Greek-speaking trunk), but it's a swell text despite such predictable failings. The prose is good, the p.c. trendiness is limited (Maya Angelou the only contemporary author on their timeline, e.g.), and the bases are covered.

I can't imagine an eight-year old more talented or beautiful than the young Laura Hughes. The rich textures and lovely colors of her illustrations are a delight to the eye, but the finest part of this elegantly constructed narrative is the clever, subtle way it tackles gender stereotypes in mid-90s America under the mask of 19th century Native American culture. Since this book, Laura Hughes has become a daring young artist, a prolific playwright, and a world-renowned webmistress, as well as a graceful and charismatic young woman; the seeds of her talent are apparent in this fine freshman effort.

This book is for students but I found it easy to read and very interesting indeed. It gives you a good and balanced account of the development of early British settlement in Americas. Well worth reading and referring to.

In this historical written for young people (but probably enjoyable for older readers as well), Gessner tells of a boy, his widowed mother, retarded little brother, and uncle, who become stranded in the Arizona desert on their way to a new life where the mother was to have worked as a cook. A Navajo man finds them, and they travel to a nearby reservation, where the white man who runs the trading post helps them to recover from dehydration. They learn more about not only the Navajo's traditions and changes that have come with the white people, but also about the place where the mother was to have worked and their talents. Then they must make a decision about how to build their future life. Gessner has lived in Arizona (she came to speak to students when my sixth-grade teacher read this and another book to my class, through our librarian's arrangement), so her depiction of the setting comes from firsthand observation. Finally although there is definitely a romance or two in this story, its being told from the older son's viewpoint should keep it from putting off readers who don't think they want to read a romance. It is unfortunate that this title has gone out of print at the time of my review, but it is worth either trying to order or looking for at your local library.

Children love adventure, and Buck Wilder is a wonderful character that inspires the spirit. Even if your children have never ventured to the lake or stream with a fishing pole, Buck will make them wish they could find a favorite pond today. My children loved the characters and even had an adventure reading dozens of tips that are written along the borders of the book.

This is the second edition of "Buck Wilder" that I have purchased, the first being worn out after only a few months. This book is written in a clear, concise manner easily understood by both adults and children. I found valueable information and earned some real "quality time" with my sons through reading this book. The illustrations are quite enjoyable as well.

this small book is a treasure. the photos are stunning, there is a broad range of subjects and the text is informative. its a pity it is out of print.

Beverly Brodsky's new children's book, Buffalo, is a beautiful work of art. Unique and expressive paintings and prints colorfully illustrate the Native American buffalo with strong poetry weave together a 'big hit' for children and as a collectible for adults alike. I've never seen anything like it. My copies of Buffalo signed by the author/illustrator will be cherished for years to come.

See a camel, think of the Sahara; see a kangaroo and think of Australia; see a buffalo and your mind will wander to the American West. No other animal is as emblematic of the region -- and (to the best of my experience) no other book offers as thorough an exploration of this animal as does The Buffalo Book. This is excellent reading in several fields: zoology, wildlife conservation, history, Native American culture, and -- by no means least -- plain old entertainment. If your literary tastes lean towards any or all of the above topics, don't miss The Buffalo Book!

BUFFALO DREAMS is grounded in Native American (Sioux) spirituality including a retelling of the legend of the White Buffalo Calf Woman. The newborn white buffalo calf is the focus of the story, but Sara, the protagonist, learns something about herself as she touches the magic of the calf. Sarah says, "Maybe magic doesn't make you do something special. Maybe you do something special, and it makes magic." Young readers, with an adult's help, can make a dreamcatcher using Doner's clear instructions. The illustrations are delightful, particularly the buffalo clouds. Doner states in the author's note: "For a culture to thrive, Story must be breathed into the mouths of the next generation and ever passed on." BUFFALO DREAMS is a such a story.