As sixteenth-century Europe experienced an explosion of new ideas during the Reformation and High Renaissance, Florentine artists like Leonardo, Raphael, and Michelangelo flourished and influenced a multitude of others, not only in... Read More

One of the best things about this poetry collection is the “chop wood carry water” stance of the poet who focuses on ordinary experiences objects and emotions eschewing elevated language and purple prose. She knows how to handle a... Read More

Anna Marie Hahn was one of the most notorious serial killers of her time. There was even a rumor circulating that she “had spread arsenic on her ample breasts, which her male victims sucked.” She was sent through the “Good-Bye... Read More

While most kids his age are out playing 12-year-old Billy Harshburger is helping his brothers Floyd Kevin and twins Joe and Jim string up their alcoholic father for nearly killing Kevin with a buggy whipping. A sad day for the boys even... Read More

For those who are familiar with French and who enjoy making pastry The French Words to Say it: Pastry Making is a brilliant concept. Not only are there 30 tasty French dessert recipes—from marble cake (marbre) to the Yule log (buche de... Read More

When Anna learns that her beloved grandfather has died, she wishes for one more day with him. Her wise mother asks, “What would you do in that one day?” Anna replies that they would play checkers, and her little brother, Joey, says... Read More

If children need a new superhero, they should skip Hollywood’s fictitious offerings and learn about China’s real Su Dongpo. “He was the best,” concludes the author. Demi builds her case by sharing the quality of the man, not just... Read More

Red Fox’s dinner plans involve a visit to old McCloskey’s farm in this delightful story, filled with action and such noisy movements as chickens flapping their wings and a howling dog. Old McCloskey hears the turmoil and adds to the... Read More