Product Description

The #1 New York Times bestseller is a thinking person's Life's Little Instruction Book, with simple yet inspirational messages about living.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #26319 in Books
• Published on: 1993-05-12
• Released on: 1993-05-12
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 112 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780060975463
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

From Publishers Weekly
To help parents chart a course for their children based on traditional values--self-reliance, family, hard work, justice, the pursuit of knowledge and of brotherhood--Edelman, founder and president of the Childrens Defense Fund, effectively recounts her experience and vision in essays variously addressed to her own children, to all children and to parents. Edelman, who grew up in the segregated South and was the first black woman admitted to the Mississippi bar, recalls the community of her childhood where one child's accomplishments gave joy to all, where neighbors took care of each other and where parents instilled a sense of responsibility in their offspring. In the introduction the author's son Jonah examines the value and pressure of being raised by an African American mother and a Jewish father. 40,000 first printing; $40,000 ad/promo; author tour.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal
YA-- Edelman passes on the values of hard work, service, responsibility, and faith that her parents not only preached, but also lived. Her 25 lessons for life eloquently distill the essence of her rich heritage. Intended for her sons as they approach adulthood, the book is uniquely applicable to all races and creeds. The author's style is warm, personal, uplifting, and easy to read. The book has several uses: for personal searching for answers, guidance, or reassurance; for a curriculum unit on child-care; for a book discussion group. It should be required reading by anyone in a position to influence or change the future of America's most valuable resource, its children.
- Judy Sokoll, Fairfax County Public Library, VA
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal
"And so the children--my own and other people's--became the passion of my personal and professional life. For it is they who are God's presence, promise, and hope for humankind." These compelling words come from a woman who has been a civil rights attorney, who is a wife and mother of three sons, and who is the founder and president of the Children's Defense Fund. In this provocative, slim volume, Edelman shares with us her strong beliefs on child rearing and moral values, which grew out of her rural South Carolina childhood and her years of public service. She includes a personal letter to her three sons, who were born into a family with a shared African American and Jewish heritage, and offers 25 lessons, or "road maps," for life. Citing statistics on the tragic state of this nation's poor and neglected children, Edelman admonishes all of us to become aware of the mounting crisis facing our children, families, and nation. So what is the measure of our success? According to Edelman, it is "hard work, initiative, and persistence" and being "decent and fair." This is a profound and moving book. Highly recommended for all collections.
-Angela Washington-Blair, Brookhaven Coll. Learning Resource Ctr., Farmers Branch, Tex.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Customer Reviews

The Measure Of Our Success.
This book is truly one of the most oustanding books on success, Life fufillment and child care. The author gives some really powerful principles on success and achievement, such as never stop learning and improving your mind, Setting goals and working quietly and systematicly to achieve them and never giving up no matter what happens or struggles that you face.This book really inspired and motivated me to succeed and I believe anyone who puts it's principles to work will succeed to.

A MUST FOR EVERYONE
I was moved deeply by this book. I have never felt so strongly about a book. I feel that it is a must for all members of my family and it is certainly on my wish list for all my friends and family. I'm sorry I did not learn of this book earlier.

A message we need to pass along to the next generation
Drawing from inspirational experiences from her own childhood, Dr. Edelman talks to (not at) her own children, urging them, in whatever occupation they may choose, to serve the community at large. This is also a book for adults (parents, educators, and religious and community leaders) to read, to live a life of principles and a desire to somehow make the world a better place - in short, to serve as the strong, positive role model that so many of our children have had to do without.

The book is also an indictment on how American society and political leadership do a great job at paying lip service to the needs of children but fails miserably in their actions. Complaining, however, is not enough; if children are to grow up to be conscientious and caring citizens, adults must set a good example.

It's a small book with a big heart and a great message. I strongly recommend it to anyone who cares about children and social justice in general.