Gary Paulsen: Real-Life Reader Biography

Real-life Reader Biography: Gary Paulsen was written by Ann Gaines and published 2002.

This biography was written for the elementary age reader who has become interested in the distinguished writer named Gary Paulsen. The book begins with Mr. Paulsen's experience in the Iditarod. Three of the chapters cover his younger years and the years as a struggling writer. The last chapter skims through the 1990's when his career as a writer skyrocketed. The children's author by the name of Gary Paulsen became well known by the students and teachers connected to the grades 6th - 10th.

MY TWO CENTS WORTH
As a young reader who wants to know more about the life of Gary Paulsen, this is a great introductory book. In fact, although I have read other biographies and autobiographies on Gary Paulsen, there were a few new bits of information I either didn't read before or simply skipped over them in the past. For example, I did not know the first book he wrote was The Special War. Now that I know this information, I will search for a reasonably priced hardback book. As of this writing, I have been unable to locate a hardback copy available.

The Glass Cafe

The Glass Cafe or, The Stripper and the Sate: How My Mother Started a War With the System That Made Us Kind of Rich and a Little Bit Famous was written by Gary Paulsen and was published in 2003.

The Glass Cafe was written in the style of an autobiography, however, it was not written about Gary Paulsen. The main character is Tony or formally known as Anthony Henson. The whole story has been written from his perspective and through his voice.

Tony is your typical elementary age boy who likes a girl and has a good buddy. He is average in school and enjoys reading. He lives with his mother who is raising him all on her own (no help from the state or local agencies). Tony's mother works several nights a week but always makes him breakfast in the morning, puts him on the bus to school, is home when he gets home, helps him with his homework, and eats dinner with him before she goes off to work.

One day a teacher of his, an art teacher, has a discussion about artists. The teacher mentioned that many artists sharpened their skills by drawing the bodies of people, specifically women. Tony decided he was going to practice drawing so he could become a talented artist. With his mom's permission as well as all of her coworkers permission, Tony went to work with his mom and stayed in the rehearsal room. Ms. Henson worked at the Kity Kat Club and was an exotic dancer. With the club's permission, Tony sat in the rehearsal room and began drawing. The pencil drawings were simple yet told a story. He visited a few more times and completed approximately 10 drawings.

The drawings were given to his art teacher, the drawings were fantastic and submitted in an art show. Someone noticed the age of the artist and made a formal complaint to the child protective services agency. The agency over stepped their authority, things went bazerk in the court room, and through the settlement the Henson's life had changed a little bit. Ms. Henson no longer was an exotic dancer, she reentered the doctorate program, started to date Mr. Miller, and Tony is still a kid who likes to draw.

MY TWO CENTS WORTH
Gary Paulsen has to be one of my favorite all time authors. I can pick up one of his books and find myself easily lost within the setting and life's of his characters. He has a way of transporting you from your world into the created world of his words. Mr. Paulsen has a way with words that pull young male readers in. From my limited perspective, Gary Paulsen's main audience is the young male (ages 9-18) who not only struggle to read but don't like to read. He has a way with identifying with this audience and pulls them along.

The Glass Cafe was written in a different style of writing. Due to my lack of knowledge and/or writing exposure, I don't know the technical name for this style of writing. It was written as if it was an autobiography but it is not an autobiography. I guess I would classify this as a fictional autobiography.

The one piece that intrigued me in this book was the concept of The Glass Cafe. In the last chapter (chapter 6) when we were in the courtroom scene, Ms. Henson used The Glass Cafe concept in her defense. Although I know little about this concept or line of thought, I do know that the Glass Cafe was a place in Beirut, Lebanon where they served coffee and people came to listen to professional story tellers. These storytellers were highly skilled. As they would tell their story, they gathered information about audience and matched their story-telling to the needs and wants of the audience. They knew when to hesitate and hold their audiences at bay until the people would place money in their cups so the story would continue or come to an end. The Glass Cafe concept sounds more like the art of reading your audience and responding to their inner needs and/or unannounced desires. The art of the Glass Cafe is something many of us can use when working with an audience of any age.

Murphy's Trail

Murphy's Trail was written by Gary Paulsen and Brian Burks. Murphy's Trail is one book in a series of books about a sheriff named Al Murphy. As of the writing of this blog, I believe there are seven books in the Murphy series. The first book in the Murphy series is simply titled, Murphy (1987). Murphy's Trail was written in 1996. I am not sure what number this book is within the series. The Murphy books have been written for those of us who like to old West, Gary Paulsen's humor, and his detailed story telling.

Murphy's Trail must be somewhere in the middle of the series of books. Although the book is a stand-alone book, one can tell that Al Murphy has had some tough experiences in the past and that there where more in the future.

This story begins in a small town named San Patricio. A friend from the past, Risa, pleads for his help to find her husband and two boys. A rich and powerful man has begun to muscle his way into the lives of the people in many of the small towns within territory. Ben King is his name. He has many people working for him both on the surface and under the surface. In other words, there are those who openly work for him and those whom get paid by him under the table. Ben King has been buying up businesses in the surrounding area. Not just in one town but in many of the small towns surrounding the area. Typically when his men come into town, the town's people shy away and let the men do their thing (i.e. drink, get rowdy, bully).

Risa takes some time to explain to Mr. Murphy what happened prior to her husband and son's disappearance. Murphy agrees to help investigate. Murphy soon discovers that Ben King has a silver mine operation and has enslaved many Mexicans and Apaches to work the mines. Ben King catches wind that Murphy is on his trail so Mr. King sets him up. In a very short period of time Murphy becomes a wanted killer, a fugitive, and horse thief. With the help of an unexpected foe and a group of town's people, Murphy shuts down Ben Kings operation and frees the people of his tyrannical rein.

MY TWO CENTS WORTH

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. In fact, I liked it so much that I went on-line and bought four more Murphy books. Gary Paulsen is a talented writer. He is able to bring his readers "into" the story with his tremendous talent character development and attention to detail. If you enjoy Western type books about the old west (1800's) that are filled with action and a sense of realism, the Murphy series is highly recommended.

Launching, Floating High, And Landing -

In 1979, Gary Paulsen wrote the words to the non-fiction book entitled Launching, Floating High, And Landing: If Your Pilot Light Doesn't Go Out. This book was written for children who are interested in ballooning but know little to nothing about it. Gary Paulsen's humor oozes from the pages, thus it is a delight to read.

The story line of the book is simple: the balloon starts on the ground, you heat the air, the balloon goes up, you float, then as the air in the balloon cools you come down.

The pictures in this book where taken by Heinz Kluetmeier and they definitely date the book. The hair styles and clothes let you know the book was written in the late 60's to mid 70's.

MY TWO CENTS WORTH
Ever since I read the book Hatchet by Gary Paulsen I was hooked. I think I have read every book he has published; however, there are those rare times when I come across a book of his I have not read. Thus, Launching, Floating High, And Landing: If Your Pilot Light Doesn't Go Out. I discovered this book one day when I was walking through our school library in the P section. Thrilled and ecstatic, I checked out the book and went straight to my office. Much to my chagrin, I zipped through the book in less than 4 minutes.

If you or a child you know has become interested in ballooning or would like to learn some basic information about ballooning, this is a fun book to begin your journey.

The Essential 55

The Essential 55 was written in 2003 by Ron Clark. Mr. Ron Clark is an educator who teaches elementary school students on the East coast. He has taught since 1995 and along this journey he developed, implemented, and enforced fifty-five essential rules for his students (and himself) to follow. These 55 rules have enriched the lives of his students, colleagues, and educators throughout the United States. A few years into his journey of educating children, Mr. Clark became the recipient of the 2001 Disney's American Teacher Award.
This is an excellent common sense book for the beginning as well as the seasoned teacher. Ron Clark does not claim to have all the answers nor all of the "right" rules to make life in the classroom perfect. However, Mr. Clark offers these 55 rules that have been tried, tested, and proven to bring out the successful student in every child.

The book has been written in a basic format. Each rule is numbered. The rule is stated, then a brief story and/or an explanation. The structure and purpose of this book is similar to Mr. Swanson's leadership booklet entitled, "Swanson’s Unwritten Rules of Management". The only difference has to do with the audience. Both books provide insight on leadership and how to become more efficient and effective in the job.

The fifty-five rules range from communication (to fellow students, teachers, other adults) to personal responsibility (honesty, hygiene, organization).

When you look at the rules and begin to analyze them, character building comes to mind. Each of his rules molds and builds productive character traits in all of his students. It has become evident through the stories Mr. Clark has shared in his book, that these rules have helped an enormous number of his students experience academic and social success beyond his classroom.

I highly recommend this book for anyone new to the profession of education. Additionally, I think those of us who have been teaching or working with children for a huge number of years could also benefit from this book. Although the fifty-five rules may seem tedious, at times silly, and overwhelming to consistently enforce, children need to have guidelines. These rules serve as a foundation to build upon and/or a stepping stone to the essential rules/guidelines you will establish in your classroom. Students will perform at the level of the teacher's expectations. If the teacher's expectations are low, then the students performance both inside and outside of the classroom will be low. However, if the teacher's expectations are high, then the students performance both inside and outside of the classroom will be high. Children can and will rise the level you have set the bar. Set the bar at a height that will provide them with the best opportunity of being successful inside as well as outside of the classroom.

This book should be on the professional book shelf of every new and seasoned teacher in the education field.

NO AR

Swanson's Unwritten Rules of Management

William H. Swanson is the author of Swanson’s Unwritten Rules of Management. He wrote this thirty-three unwritten rule management booklet in 2004. Mr. Swanson joined the Raytheon Company in 1972 as an engineer on the shop floor. As of the writing of this management booklet, he has become the chairman and CEO of Raytheon Company. Throughout his journey, he has jotted down his thoughts and bits of wisdom on how to perform more effectively. This booklet is a product of his journal writing as well as effective practices.

Mr. William Swanson has compiled thirty-three rules he operates by on a regular basis. Each rule begins with the rule and then a brief story justifying the purpose of the rule. These justifications and/or insights are filled with humor, wisdom, and raw, yet practical experience.

Of the thirty-three unwritten rules, I have a few favorites. Rule number 4 has to do with looking for what is missing. This makes a lot of sense to me, especially in a meeting. Typically, presenters provide the audience with needed information or information they have a deep understanding of. Often times the most important message are the things unsaid and/or avoided. Rule #8 encourages you to put forth your best efforts, especially when new to the organization, on all assignments. A good supervisor and/or individuals in influential positions are always watching up-and-coming team members. They observe as well as remember how you handled those menial as well as those difficult tasks. Often times, it is those menial and trivial assignments that define as well as spell out an employee’s working character. Lastly, rule #28 states that “you remember 1/3 of what you read, ½ of what people tell you, but 100% of what you feel.” This rule makes a lot of sense to me. I try to read plenty but I find it difficult to remember the things I read. Thus, I write these brief reviews on the books that have been exposed to my eyes. Throughout the day, many people talk to me. Remembering what they say has become an arduous task. Thus, I carry a little 3X5 note pad in my left shirt pocket and write down the things I need to remember. I started this practice when I first became a vice-principal and had to remember all the “promises” I would make. To this day, I write down messages, phone numbers, birthdays, work orders, and special announcements in this little notebook. Lastly, we all have feelings. I work with teachers, students, parents, and family members. They all have feelings. When I interact with any one of these individuals, it is important that they will remember 1/3 of what they read, ½ of what they hear, but 100% of what they feel. If I come across angry, upset, happy, joyous, dull, boring, uninterested, or energetic, that is what they will remember. It is vital to always be cognizant of how I present myself to others so that their feelings will match what they read and/or heard from me.

For a seasoned leader or an up-and-coming leader, this is a worth while leadership booklet. All thirty-three unwritten rules by Mr. Swanson are practical and easy to put into practice. I have read this booklet a number of times and have discovered something new each time. After this recent read, I found many of the thirty-three unwritten rules to align themselves with the book entitled, The Leadership Challenge. The Leadership Challenge is an excellent text on leadership. With two plus decades of research supporting their position on leadership, The Leadership Challenge is a book worth exploring.

Controlling Cholesterol for Dummies

Controlling Cholesterol for Dummies was written by Carol Ann Rinzler and the practicing physician Martin W. Graf, MD. Carol Ann Rinzler use up-to-date health information with a twist of humor to inform her audience about cholesterol and how to control it.

The "...for Dummies" books have been designed to be informative and practical. Controlling Cholesterol for Dummies follows this practical, yet informative format. The book has been divided up into five parts and each part (or section) consists of 3-4 chapters.

Getting Up Close and Personal with Cholesterol is the title of part one. This section deals with the basics. It covers the basic biology of the heart, the good and the bad of cholesterol, and provides a quick self-rating assessment in terms of your cholesterol risk.

Eating Your Way to Lower Cholesterol is the title of part two. The three chapters in this section explains how all of America falls into one of three risk groups for heart attacks, how to build a cholesterol-lowering diet, and how the cholesterol-lowering diet has impacted brand-name diets.
Part three takes the reader through a journey of how to live a cholesterol-lowering lifestyle. These four chapters enlighten the reader a on a short but informative journey on how your cholesterol levels (mostly the bad cholesterol) has a correlation with your weight, exercise, smoking, and drinking.

Cutting Cholesterol with Nutrients and Medicine is the title of part four. The three chapters in this section deal with natural remedies (i.e. vitamins, minerals and other natural items) and prescribed cholesterol medication to reduce one's cholesterol levels. The last chapter in this section also covers the negative effects dangerous drugs can have on your body and cholesterol levels.

Lastly, part five consists of six chapters that expose the reader to important cholesterol web sites, nutritional web sites, deals with the top 10 myths about cholesterol, cholesterol landmarks throughout history, the top ten foods to AVOID, and lastly the top ten current foods to help lower one's cholesterol.

TWO CENTS WORTH:
I want to thank Brenda for being so patient with me. She spent a great deal of her precious time trying to help me understand lipoproteins, what is good cholesterol, what is bad cholesterol, how you should have a high "good" cholesterol count and a "low" bad cholesterol count. I'm sure I drove her to drink that night. Her patience and genuine concern drove me to purchase the one book I knew would explain this cholesterol stuff in a manner I could understand. Although Brenda is not the Nathaniel Bowditch of the cholesterol world, she certainly knows how to steer the boat and put wind in your sails. Without your patience, humor, and willingness to teach the common layman, I would still be adrift out in the sea of high cholesterol and those yummy McDonald's french fries.


This is an excellent book for those individuals who know little about cholesterol and what you can do about it. The book was an easy read. It is a nonfiction book that would meet the intellectual needs of the beginner as well as the "just above" novist(sp). Carol Ann Rinzler provides the readers with multiple resources to build upon the foundation she has set with her book.

How has this book influenced my everyday actions? I now know how to look at the printout the doctor gives me after my annual physical. I actually have a basic understanding of my cholesterol levels (both the good, bad, and total). Now I try to avoid eating at fast food restaurants and those six "small" donuts Saturday and Sunday morning. Also, I have become more aware of the foods I put into my mouth. The bottom line is quite simple, I want to live a long healthy life so I can experience growing old with my precious wife, enjoy my children, and some day grandchildren. On a selfish level, I am pretty confident that having a heart attack would be painful and possibly fatal.

This is a book I will keep on my book shelf and refer to for years to come.

NO AR: :(