Being Bad will change the way you think about the social and academic worlds of Black boys. In a poignant and harrowing journey from systems of education to systems of criminal justice, the author follows her brother, Chris, who has been designated a “bad kid” by his school, a “person of interest” by the police, and a “gangster” by society. Readers first meet Chris in a Chicago jail, where he is being held in connection with a string of street robberies. We then learn about Chris through insiders’ accounts that stretch across time to reveal key events preceding this tragic moment. Together, these stories explore such timely issues as the under-education of Black males, the place and importance of scapegoats in our culture, the on-the-ground reality of zero tolerance, the role of mainstream media in constructing Black masculinity, and the critical relationships between schools and prisons. No other book combines rigorous research, personal narrative, and compelling storytelling to examine the educational experiences of young Black males. Book Features: The natural history of an African American teenager navigating a labyrinth of social worlds. A detailed, concrete example of the school-to-prison pipeline phenomenon. Rare insightsof an African American family making sense of, and healing from, school wounds. Suggested resources of reliable places where educators can learn and do more. “Other books have focusedon the school-to-prison pipeline or the educational experiences of young African American males, but I know of none that bring the combination of rigorous research, up-close personal vantage point, and skilled storytelling provided by Laura in Being Bad.” —Gregory Michie, chicago public school teacher, author of Holler If You Hear Me, senior research associate at the Center for Policy Studies and Social Justice, Concordia University Chicago “Refusing to separate the threads that bind the oppressive fabric of contemporary urban life, Laura has crafted a story that is at once astutely critical, funny, engaging, tearful, dialogue-filled, profoundly theoretical, despairing, and filled with hope. Being Bad is a challenge and a gift to students, families, policymakers, soon-to-be teachers, social workers, and ethnographers.” —Michelle Fine, distinguished professor, Graduate Center, CUNY "Perhaps more than any other study on this topic, this book brings to life the complicated, fleshed, lived experience of those most directly and collaterally impacted by the politics of schooling and its relationship to our growing prison nation.” —Garrett Albert Duncan, associate professor of Education and African & African-American Studies, Washington University in St. Louis
One convenient download. One bargain price. Get all April Harlequin Blaze with one click! Everybody's got the fever...spring fever, that is. And here are six sizzling stories of passion so hot it's guaranteed to make your temperature rise. Bundle includes One for the Road by Crystal Green, Sex, Straight Up by Kathleen O'Reilly, French Kissing by Nancy Warren, Drop Dead Gorgeous by Kimberly Raye, No Stopping Now by Dawn Atkins and Putting It to the Test by Lori Borrill.
Sometimes it takes hurt to open your heart... At twenty-two, Thane Wells is the highest-paid pitcher in Major League Baseball—and he owes it all to his adoptive Mama, “Queen” Elizabeth Sommerville, a wise, beautiful, entrepreneurial African-American woman who always encouraged him and his two white brothers to reach for the stars...the woman Thane still talks to daily. He never dreamed their most recent conversation would be their last. With his beloved supporter suddenly gone, Thane is grief-stricken, shaken, and vulnerable—especially to a woman like Kari Meyers. Kari’s had her eye on Thane for a while, but strictly for business. As a junior sports agent, she’s hungry to sign him, especially when she hears his current agent will be retiring soon. When she finally locates Thane, she’s shocked to discover he’s attending his mother’s funeral—and he’s shocked to find Kari in his hotel room. Assuming she’s an escort is just the beginning of their misunderstandings. But one thing that’s clear is their mutual attraction. As a single mom with an NBA ex, Kari has a rule against dating athletes. Yet as circumstances bring the two closer together, they just might find they’re on the same team, heart and soul...
This is the perfect spicy book to curl up in a bubble bath with." —USA Today Bestselling Author Ruby Dixon "Will have readers hanging on the edge of their seats . . . Hand Johnson and Vaughn’s (Spellbound) latest to readers who love quick whirlwind romances that feature lovable characters, a ton of humor, and favorite tropes such as forced proximity, fake dating, and only one bed." —Library Journal Desideria is looking for true love... When your father, the king of demons, tells you to find an eternal partner in ninety days, you do it—because the alternative is worse. Jace’s heart is shattered and guarded...All I asked for was a quiet roommate to help with the bills; instead, I got a sassy demon princess. Cannon wants everyone to be happy, but ... Sure, I want to help my friends, but I’ve got ambitions too. Infernis help them. A visit to the human realm is Desi’s last-ditch effort to find the partner of her dreams—she wants to marry for love—but with only three months to fall head over heels and take someone home to her chaotic family in Infernis, it seems impossible. When every date Desi goes on ends in disaster, she enlists the help of her two handsome roommates. While one is friendly and fun, willing to help in any way he can, the other is stern and impenetrable, resolute in his theory that everlasting love isn’t possible. But as much as she’d like to deny it, Desideria is an agent of chaos, and she quickly starts knocking down walls and crossing boundaries–in every aspect of her romantic life... Maybe it was kismet that landed Desi in Denver, but the choice she and her new friends have to make will define not only their futures, but that of an entire realm.
If you have little ones in your life—in your family, church, school, or neighborhood—then Our Daily Bread for Preschoolers offers a fun way to introduce them to God. Part of a kid-friendly new series based on the beloved Our Daily Bread devotional, these brief, engaging, and colorfully illustrated devotions are just the right size for preschoolers. Each daily reading features a Bible verse that’s easy to understand, a practical question to help children apply what they learn, and a short, rhyming prayer to help them talk to God. Captivate the hearts of little ones with God’s truth and love!
A vital resource for scholars, students and actors, this book contains glosses and quotes for over 14,000 words that could be misunderstood by or are unknown to a modern audience. Displayed panels look at such areas of Shakespeare's language as greetings, swear-words and terms of address. Plot summaries are included for all Shakespeare's plays and on the facing page is a unique diagramatic representation of the relationships within each play.
To support his family, Billy Crystal's father, Jack, worked two jobs, having only one day a week to spend with his family. Based on Crystal's one-man Broadway show of the same name, "700 Sundays"--referring sadly to the time shared by an adoring father and his devoted son--offers a heartfelt, hilarious memoir.
Steven Pinker meets Bill Bryson in this landmark exploration of language. In the author's own words, "How Language Works is not about music, cookery, or sex. But it is about how we talk about music, cookery, and sex-or, indeed, anything at all." Language is so fundamental to everyday life that we take it for granted. But as David Crystal makes clear in this work of unprecedented scope, language is an extremely powerful tool that defines the human species. Crystal offers general readers a personal tour of the intricate workings of language. He moves effortlessly from big subjects like the origins of languages, how children learn to speak, and how conversation works to subtle but revealing points such as how email differs from both speech and writing in important ways, how language reveals a person's social status, and how we decide whether a word is rude or polite. Broad and deep, but with a light and witty touch, How Language Works is the ultimate layman's guide to how we communicate with one another.
When Rev. Nedra Davis shocked her congregation by engaging in a torrid love affair with sexy bad boy Sinclair Reasoner, no one would have guessed the outcome. Four years later, and happily married, their world revolves around their passion for each other and their love of their three adopted children. The sudden appearance of a sinister stranger and a deceptive woman sets into motion a chain of events that threatens the couple's marriage, their family and their lives.
On the outskirts of Sin City there’s a rough and tumble saloon where the women who are brave enough to enter can mingle with men that are equally magnetic and dangerous. And in this town, no one’s afraid to get a little dirty… Billionaire playboy Bennett Hughes’ black sheep reputation is well-earned, but that doesn’t stop him from wanting the respect of his family—even if it means tracking down his brother’s gold-digging one-night-stand to earn it. But when Ben finds his intended target to be the opposite of what he expected, his chance at redemption ends in an accidental quickie marriage. Despite her history, ex-showgirl Liz Palazzo believes in love at first sight, something she thought she experienced with Ben. Determined to put her party-girl reputation behind her, Liz vows to be the best wife ever—even if her husband seems set on keeping their union a marriage of convenience. But as the sparks fly and their connection grows, Ben starts to wonder if Liz might be the one person who can make him a better man—or if the former bad girl just wants him for his money… Includes a preview of Rough and Tumble. Praise for the Novels of Crystal Green “Green’s Texas romance is full of humor, including catchy, kitschy quotes, and it keeps the pages turning and the love story fresh, sweet and funny.”—RT Book Reviews (4 ½ stars, Top Pick) Crystal Green is a RITA nominated romantic fiction author. As Chris Marie Green, she has written fantasy novels including the Vampire Babylon series and the Jensen Murphy, Ghost for Hire series, as well as the upcoming new adult SHE CODE books. As Christine Cody, she wrote the supernatural post-apocalyptic western Bloodlands series.
Crystal longed for her father's love, but she felt only rejection. Added to that, she grew up in a home where incest and sexual molestation seemed "natural"-even from a very young age. But when her neighbor raped her and other men abused her she blamed herself. What have I done to make them do this to me? Her low self-esteem and depression led her into alcohol and drug abuse, sexual promiscuity, thoughts of suicide, self-destructive habits and dabbling in the occult. As an adult, she searched for her identity and purpose in life through being a wife, a mother and serving God. But miscarriages, failed adoptions and years of infertility kept her from her dream of being a mother. Crystal turned to adultery to find value in herself. But this only added to her guilt and shame. She believed she didn't deserve to be forgiven. At her lowest point, however, the heavenly Father filled her with His love and revealed her identity to her as Daddy's Little Princess. Crystal Narby served as a youth pastor for ten years and was involved with the Yokefellow Prison Ministry for many years. She was also a volunteer counselor for a domestic violence/rape crisis hotline. Presently she ministers healing and deliverance through Bible studies and speaking engagements. Her mission is to love the Lord and live a fasted life, according to Isaiah 58:6-7, and to go into all the world with the gospel of Jesus Christ, as commissioned in Mark 16:15-18. Crystal resides with her husband, Greg, and their son, Jayden, in Dubois, Pennsylvania.
Hilarious and heartfelt observations on aging from one of America's favorite comedians as he turns 65, and a look back at a remarkable career in this New York Times bestseller. Billy Crystal is turning 65, and he's not happy about it. With his trademark wit and heart, he outlines the absurdities and challenges that come with growing old, from insomnia to memory loss to leaving dinners with half your meal on your shirt. In humorous chapters like "Buying the Plot" and "Nodding Off," Crystal not only catalogues his physical gripes, but offers a road map to his 77 million fellow baby boomers who are arriving at this milestone age with him. He also looks back at the most powerful and memorable moments of his long and storied life, from entertaining his relatives as a kid in Long Beach, Long Island, his years doing stand-up in the Village, up through his legendary stint at Saturday Night Live, When Harry Met Sally, and his long run as host of the Academy Awards. Readers get a front-row seat to his one-day career with the New York Yankees (he was the first player to ever "test positive for Maalox"), his love affair with Sophia Loren, and his enduring friendships with several of his idols, including Mickey Mantle and Muhammad Ali. He lends a light touch to more serious topics like religion ("the aging friends I know have turned to the Holy Trinity: Advil, bourbon, and Prozac"), grandparenting, and, of course, dentistry. As wise and poignant as they are funny, Crystal's reflections are an unforgettable look at an extraordinary life well lived.
Come here, cowboy." Luminous gray eyes...long dark curls...come-hither smile. For months, Conn Flannigan was haunted by tantalizing images of a night he couldn't remember--and a woman he couldn't forget. He'd returned to St. Valentine to find her and recover his lost memories. The instant he spied Rita Niles, Conn knew he was in the right place. Could he prove he wasn't the footloose playboy he used to be...now that he was going to be a father? No more cowboys That was Rita's philosophy...until the single mom met that gorgeous Texas heartbreaker. Now she was having Conn's baby and the daddy-to-be wanted her to give him another chance. But who was the real Conn? Was she ready to trust her future to a man who could take off and leave her high and dry again?
This is the second installment of my personal journey, the first being Like Water. Join me as I make my journey on this trip we call life. Some of us “get it” early in life, and some of us have to learn the hard way. I’ve taken the latter. However, in The Magic Hour, I’ve begun to wake up and see that I have been engaging in some magical thinking by assuming that life is going to just drop my dreams into my lap, hoping against hope that my prayers will bring a change to my mother and my life when in reality, the person who needs to change is me. I am to learn this by living through harrowing hidden experiences with my family. Pushed to the limit, what decisions will I make? How will I turn things around? The lessons that I’ve learned as a child, which I thought were a bit archaic and cruel, will serve me well.
Lawmen and Ladies of the Old West Team Up to Track Down Outlaws Mistaken Marshal by Crystal L. Barnes Texas, 1875 First day on the job, Marshal Beau Bones accidentally interrupts a robbery and arrests an outlaw who is disguised as a man. Just as Jo Ross is hiding the God-fearing girl her parents raised, Beau is hiding that he can’t shoot and doesn’t deserve the town’s respect. Is there any way for Beau to free Jo without losing the faith the town has placed in him? On Track for Love by Vickie McDonough Missouri, 1875 A new job and a move to a new state put Railroad Agent Landry Lomax on track to meet Cara Dixon—a spirited woman holding a derringer on a train robber. This stubborn woman is not one he wants around his young sister, but then they end up in the same St. Louis boardinghouse. But could Cara’s gumption help him trap a gang of train robbers? Love Conquers Oil by Annette O’Hare Texas, 1901 When a murderous bank robber threatens Fern Fisher’s life, she accepts a mail-order bride inquiry and heads for Beaumont, Texas. Only problem is the proposed groom, Jesse Stewart didn’t send for her. His memaw did. Will drilling for oil together produce a “gusher” of love, or will their pasts trigger a “blowout” for their fledgling relationship? Rocky Mountain Regrets by Kathleen Y’Barbo Colorado, 1889 While posing as her niece’s mother, Eloise Broderick travels to Colorado to find her brother with the help of Zeke Potter, a man renowned for tracking skills. But when Zeke realizes the man Eloise seeks is the same man he blames for his family’s death, will he use Eloise to get vengeance?
A cross between an autobiography and an introductory to linguistics which will serve multiple purposes and appeal to both students and the general reader alike. Crystal's engaging writing style makes this both entertaining and informative, a valuable combination Answers the all important question 'What is linguistics?' and 'What do linguistics do?' through the personal story of this hugely successul and popular linguist. Includes an 8-page colour plate section with over 60 photos.
Shakespearean author and actor Ben Crystal gives a unique introduction to King Lear with guidance on what to think about before, during and after you see or study the play.
The Democrat Party likes to pose as the party of compassion. But where is the compassion in "sanctuary cities" that allow foreign criminals to prey on innocent Americans? Where is the compassion in encouraging envy and lawlessness? Crystal Wright isn't falling for the liberal con job any longer. A one-time (2008) Obama supporter herself—and now a totally fearless "Conservative Black Chick"—Wright blows the whistle on the Democrat Party and its policies that are destroying America. In Con Job you'll learn why Democrat politicians have no problem with inner-city riots; why Democrats so fervently defend Planned Parenthood, how Democrats are remaking America through massive immigration and more. The 2016 presidential election is set to be one of the most consequential in American history—and Crystal Wright's book is the one you need to help friends and family avoid falling for the Democrat con job yet again.
A refreshingly honest and often amusing read about the process of change told in short but thought-provoking articles. If your life is evolving, this is a must read!
The story begins with the daily routine of a woman who is discovering who she really is. During her uncertain state of being, she just goes back in time and shares with the reader about every intimate moment in her life. Even more amazing, she takes you on this journey with her and God while revealing his presence in your life as well. She bluntly asks, "God, what did I do wrong?" She goes on to describe the ways that God speaks to her and the importance of having a relationship with God. Each chapter and each section within chapters offer a new experience, which might feel a bit like a reality show, yet this book is clearly about the presence of God. You will never read another Christian-based book such as this. The author demonstrates a very humanlike experience as a Christian. This book offers a realistic view of being a follower of Christ. The author's story is welcoming and thought-provoking. This book and the following six connectors to "The Relationship" was written with the hope that others become open and willing to be honest about their life journey and, ultimately, develop a relationship with God.
Change is a story about a young lady that has gone through obstacles but ends up in Atlanta. She finally has what she wants: her own family. However, the ghosts of her past have caused problems in her happy home. Can the family overcome these problems, or will they succumb to something bigger that they can never bounce back from? Naveah and Kalease are two college students who attend Clark Atlanta University. Although the two come from very different backgrounds, they form a very close relationship. Their friendship is tested, and it takes a turbulent turn for the worse. Can the two turn these events around and be what they once were? See how these five characters lives are eventually intertwined. Everything that appears isnt always the case. Life is full of many changes.
Are you a ministry leader who needs to reignite your fire and passion for leading God’s people? Author Crystal L. Williams seeks to help you light your flame and discover what godly leadership should look like. Learning to Follow the Leader When the Leader Is You offers a journey through the Word, citing the many examples of leadership—beginning with God himself, who is the ultimate leader. Leaders of all kinds can gain insight and practical knowledge from this easy-to-read guide, which combines experience, education in leadership, and the revelation of Word through the Spirit of God. This collision of theories and the Living Word presents a framework that not only will promote effective leadership in the church but can also be applied to leadership of any kind for a believer. Examining leadership from a biblical standpoint, this guide uses scripture to address the many areas of struggle that leaders often face, and offers assistance to those who want lead by following God.
What's it like growing up deep in a holler in Kentucky? No, this is not a Loretta Lynne bio. After reading some of these stories, you'll learn to appreciate the finer things in life such as inside plumbing, electric heat, and your car! Feel the loneliness of growing up as an only child in an addictive chaotic family. Feel the shame of being singled out at school by teachers and students just because you're poor and unkept style. Yet be amazed and humored by it all as well. These stories touch the heart and reminds us that God has us on a journey to a better life.
Discover how to cultivate the incorruptible beauty that is very precious in the sight of God with the practical guidelines and advice in The Modest Heart. Be empowered to fight the waves of cultural immodesty that have invaded the lives of Christians today. You'll find new ways to effectively champion modesty in yourself and those around you. Becoming a woman of godly grace is a journey that was never promised to be easy, but it can be one of the most joyful and fulfilling experiences of your life. Discover how the true beauty of your heart is reflected in the decency of your body. Crystal Garza is a young wife and stay-at-home mom who believes in challenging women to adhere to the high calling of Christ. She currently lives in Texas with her husband, daughter, and one on the way!
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