Red in the Flower Bed: An Illustrated Children's Story about Interracial Adoption by Andrea Nepa

What an adorable book on interracial adoption. The only problem I had was, if it had not been for the cover, I would not of known it was a book about interracial adoption. We follow a poppy seed along it's journey until it finds a place to land. It is cared for and flourishes in a garden filled with many beautiful flowers. It grows into a beautiful red poppy. The red poppy completes the color that is needed to create a perfect rainbow of colors.

While this book is about adoption, it also applies to life in general. We all want to belong and to be loved by others. Especially children who have no family, or the ones who are of a different race. Color is what you see, and often times a childs heart and soul is never seen. There are times no one looks into a childs eyes to see what lays there. The fear and the longing to belong. I applaud all of you out there who see a child for what they are and not for the color of their skin.

Whispering Winds Book Reviews

The Legend of Lightning Larry by Aaron Shepard and Illustrator Toni Goffe

This book is set in he Old West where bad guys could be found on every street. In every nook and cranny you could find a rotten, no good outlaw. They feared nothing at all. After all they were dirty and mean. As mean as mean can get. That is until Lightining Larry rode into the town of Brimstone.

As he got off of his horse and entered the Cottonmouth Saloon, he had a smile as big as Texas on his face. As he walked to the bar and ordered a large cold mug of Lemonade everyone turned to see who it could be.

Now I know what you must be thinking--how in the world would any one fear a cowboy who drank lemonade? I had the same feelings myself when I started to read this book.

But then Mr. Shepard did what he does best--created a character that all children would love. A character that would teach us all a lesson.

Another big five from this reviewer-- who bought this book for her grand kids. That's right I bought this book. Now that should give you some idea how good this book is. As a reviewer we are use to getting books for free. When I saw this I had to buy it.

Whispering Winds Book Reviews

Call Me Kate: Meeting the Molly Maguires by Molly Roe

This is an amazing book that is part of our country's rich history. While reading this book I learned things, I had never known before.

While the book is a work of fiction, it is backed by historical fact. That is what makes "Call Me Kate" so fascinating.

I can honesty say, and suggest, that this book should be in all schools in the USA. It is a story of Irish immigrants and the struggles they faced in North Eastern Pennsylvania. Jobs were hard to come by during the 1860s. Coal Mining was about the ony way to support your family. But that came at a high price. The rich mine owners did not worry about the safety of the miners, they were just a throw away commodity.

The main character Katie McCafferty, is out to save her Irish friends and family from what would be a major battle that would cost many men there lives. You will grow to love her braveness, strength, and just plain old grit. Here are a few questions to ask yourslf to see if this book is for you.

1. Have you ever hear of the "Know Nothing Party?"
2. Have you ever wondered where the "rich man's war, poor man's fight was first heard in the states?
3. Do you know what or who the "Molly Mcguires" were? Or the " Ancient Hibernians?"

I wish I could tell you more, but I don't want to spoil the book for others. For all who enjoy reading the history of this country then this is a book you must own.

The author is a knowlegable, and gifted writer. She makes the words she writes come alive. You are taken back in time with her and given a history lesson you never knew before.

I have enjoyed this book so much, that I am going to buy a copy for my sister Paula. You know a book is good when some one has read the book, and then buy's a copy for others.

Excellent book Molly Roe.

Whispering Winds Book Reviews

Heal and Forgive II: The Journey from Abuse and Estrangement to Reconciliation

When ever I am asked to read a book, that has to do with some type of abuse of a child or adult, I can't help but cry. This book is no exception. What is different in this book from all the others? The author leads you along with her on her journey to healing.

I honestly do read every word of a book that has been sumitted to me. Here are a few things Nancy Richards has written, that I feel are profound in the nature of this book. Words that will help others to heal.
"There is a need to speak the truth-to honor our pain and our losses so we don't remain "stuck;" it is important to move on with our lives. Our injuries must be brought into the light--acknowledged, examined and understood if we have any hope of healing, breaking old patterns and moving on to the life we deserve."

I am so proud of Nancy Richards for putting her story of physical and mental abuse out there so that others can learn to heal. It must be hard to visit old memories once again. Perhaps feeling the pain she has before, and to do so, so other people will see there is life out there.
Ms. Richards wrote; "I cannot change other people; they walk their own path, and they live by what they perceive to be the truth. Only by changing my perception and awareness can I change my circumstance."

At the end of the book the author has you ask yourself questions, so that you will know if you are ready to forgive and reconcile with others that have hurt you or if you are not ready.

Excellent book that this reviewer would recommend to all without question, "Heal & Forgive" deserves my five star rating.

Whispering Winds Book Reviews