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• Book Reviews by Jackie Igafo-Te'o

• Videos & CDs Reviewed by Jackie Igafo-Te'o

• Bridges4Kids Review Panel

• Jackie's Review of the 1-2-3 Magic Program

• Books Reviewed by Tricia Luker and Attorney Calvin Luker

• Book & Product Reviews by Home Schooling Mom, Penny Ray

• Book Reviews by Kim Murphy

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Bridges4kids Featured Book: The Art of Learning - Josh Waitzkin knows the road to excellence. Catapulted into a media whirlwind as a child, the subject of the book and movie Searching for Bobby Fischer, he has mastered both the rigorous mental game of chess -- winning his first National Championship at the age of nine -- and the strenuous physical challenge of martial arts, becoming a master of Tai Chi Chuan and earning the title of World Champion. His phenomenal success is due to the learning techniques he developed to bring both his mind and body to peak performance. In a riveting narrative that takes readers on his journey of discovery, conquering the high-pressure challenges of intensely competitive chess face-offs and heart-stopping martial arts wars, he reveals the inner workings of his methods, from systematically triggering intuitive breakthroughs to mastering the art of performance psychology. The Art of Learning is essential reading for those who want to reach the highest levels of achievement.

Spotlight Book: On Becoming Fearless: ...in Love, Work, and Life by Arianna Huffington - It's hard to believe that Arianna Huffington --- bestselling author, Internet entrepreneur, journalist, and mother --- is not fearless by nature. But as she reveals in her new book, she has learned to overcome the fears that have at every step threatened to impede not only her professional success but also her personal wellbeing. Smart, candid, and inspiring, this book is, as Arianna says, "a road map for achieving fearlessness in every aspect of our lives, a straight-to-the-point manifesto on how to be fearless." Available now at Amazon.com.

Bridges4kids Book Spotlight

My Brother Has Autism:

"In My Brother Has Autism, 8 year-old Melody describes experiences with her brother Michael who has autism. When we read Melody's book, we were surprised to learn how she views her brother. We were also surprised to learn that Michael, a talented artist, illustrated the book. My Brother Has Autism is useful to therapists, teachers, parents, and others who work with siblings of children with autism. As children read and discuss this book, they recognize things they have in common with their sibling - and discover positive qualities about their brothers and sisters with autism. My Brother Has Autism has been published as a paperback book and as an electronic book." - Review by Wrightslaw

Alpha Girls: Understanding the New American Girl and How She is Changing the World

In his new book, Dan Kindlon, PhD turns the notion that adolescent females are "psychologically disadvantaged" on its head.  Kinlon's research actually finds the opposite: today's young females are better equipped to succeed, athletically gifted and driven, have a stronger sense of self, and are often academically superior to their male peers.

We are sorry but we are unable to do reviews at this time. Thank you.

Documentary Review: Murderball
Deborah K. Canja, Bridges4Kids, January 10, 2006
“More intense and nerve-racking than anything you’ve ever seen on Sports Center.” - Details
This gripping documentary chronicles the ongoing rivalry between Team USA and Team Canada in “murderball” – the original name for wheelchair rugby. Filmmakers were given a two and a half year all-access pass to the locker rooms, bedrooms, families and churches of several of the American athletes as they trained for and competed in Athens at the 2004 Paralympics. These are unforgettable athletes. As one filmmaker said, “The guys we got to know get up earlier, exercise longer, eat healthier, travel more, get hotter girlfriends, and most of them can kick our a**es.” Many are now training for the 2008 showdown at the Summer Olympics in Beijing. This is a great movie that will have you on the edge of your seat. Now out on DVD. Warning: Contains graphic language and some frank sex scenes.

Videos, Software & CDs Reviews

NEW! Kids on Wheels - a dynamic new magazine designed to “empower young wheelers” by building the self-esteem of children who use wheelchairs. "It’s about time. I loved this magazine just as I loved the documentary “Murderball” because it shows powerful visual images of people in wheelchairs leading active, fun lives. Each subscription includes a Kid’s Edition (to teach and entertain) and a Parent’s Edition (to inform and support) and each issue is packed with useful information. The 2006 Spring Issue features stories on service dogs, hyperbaric oxygen therapy for cerebral palsy, summer camp, building the perfect IEP, kids with osteogenesis imperfecta, the 2006 National Junior Disability Championships, interviews with regular “wheelers” and the coolest ads ever. My favorite? The one that shows a young girl in the midst of 3 other kids racing her chair out of the schoolhouse door and it says,” Even at my age I know what’s important in life. It’s not how many toys I have or how often I get to watch TV. What’s important is how many boys I beat to the playground!” Kids on Wheels is published quarterly by No Limits Communications Inc. A special introductory annual subscription is only $9.95. To order with a credit card call toll-free: 888 -850-0344 ext. 209 or order online at http://www.kidsonwheels.cc, or send check or money order to Kids on Wheels, P.O. Box 220, Horsham, PA 19044." Review by Deb Canja, August 4, 2006.
 

The Hidden Gifts of the Introverted Child: Helping Your Child Thrive in an Extroverted World - How can parents help their introverted children discover and cultivate these wonderful gifts? Help is here. Written by Dr. Marti Olsen Laney, author of The Introvert Advantage, The Hidden Gifts of the Introverted Child fully explains introversion as a hardwired temperament, not a disability, and tells just what parents need to do to help their child become the person he or she is meant to be—and succeed in an extroverted world.

Autism Asperger's Digest Magazine - A publication of Future Horizons, Inc. featuring original articles and material from sources around the world. Each issue covers the latest people, products, research, news & viewpoints emerging in the autism field.
 

Winners for Life: A Teenager's Guide to Success Using the Proven Power of Goal Setting -Winners for Life is a shining star in a seemingly dark world facing today's teenagers. This 86-page book sends a powerful message to today's youth: set goals and you will succeed! 

WordWindow (DVD) - WordWindow is a program designed to encourage infants and toddlers to discover and take part in early speech. Through the use of vivid graphics, sounds, human faces, voices and short video clips, your child will be delighted by this remarkable combination of sights and sounds.
 

eSchoolMaps: Editable Clipart Maps for Schools - This amazing cd-rom includes a complete collection of editable state, USA, country, regional and world maps in a variety of formats on CD-ROM for worksheets, lesson plans, school and web projects for teaches and students.
 

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations - Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs challenges families and professionals to help children with special needs to reach their full potential by using a proven motivational, how-to approach.

Being in Control: Natural Solutions for ADHD, Dyslexia, and Test Anxiety (Book/CD-Rom) - Being In Control is a method of helping ADHD LD dyslexia and test anxiety naturally. The concept combines Integrative biofeedback research, all natural nutrition, seated yoga and relaxation/focusing techniques especially developed for the student.

Intricate Minds 2: Understanding Elementary School Classmates with Asperger Syndrome - Interviews with elementary school students and demonstrations designed to promote positive interactions between classmates and reduce harassment, bullying and isolation.
 
Intricate Minds 3: Understanding Elementary School Classmates Who Think Differently - Interviews with elementary school students and demonstrations designed to promote positive interactions between classmates and reduce harassment, bullying and isolation.

Kids Coins Reward System for Children - Kids Coins is a delightful reward system for children. Designed to teach discipline and structure, Kids Coins also leaves much needed room - and encouragement - for pretend play. The beautifully illustrated, finely crafted coins are sure to delight your child while teaching valuable lessons.

The Discrete Trial Trainer (DT Trainer) Software - The Discrete Trial Trainer (DT Trainer) software is a highly customizable, independent learning package that is sure to meet and even exceed your expectations. Based on Discrete Trial methodology within Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), your child with Autism, or other learning/retention disorder, will learn concepts on everything from counting to money exchange to telling time and from letter recognition to reading to answering WH questions (ie. who, what, where).

My Turn Your Turn - Award-winning singer-songwriter, Cathy Bollinger does a phenomenal job all around on her newest CD, My Turn Your Turn.

Intricate Minds: Understanding Classmates with Asperger Syndrome - "As I sat and watched student after student with Asperger Syndrome (AS) describe their feelings, it dawned on me that this is something that EVERY student who has a classmate with AS should see. The kids featured in the video were candid, open and honest. They really hit home."

(DVD) Surviving Due Process: When Parents and the School Board Disagree - Learn how attorneys for parents and schools prepare for due process hearings. See exciting direct examination and dramatic cross-examination of witnesses, objections and arguments between counsel, and rulings by the hearing officer. Learn about rules that must be followed, mistakes people make - and why the parents' case was nearly dismissed. Surviving Due Process: Stephen Jeffers v. School Board is based on an actual case about a young child with autism. With different evidence and witnesses, this could easily be a case about a child with a different disability or a different legal issue.

Asperger Syndrome Dad: Becoming An Even Better Father To Your Child With AS - "This program covers ten secrets dads can use to help a child with AS reach his full potential - and have fun along the way. The program features Drew Coulter (a young man with AS now in college) and his dad, Dan. Through interviews, videos and photos, the program uses Drew's experiences from early childhood through the present to offer practical advice on being the dad to your son or daughter with AS." [Coulter Video, $30]

Manners for the Real World: Basic Social Skills - We produced this video to show students from upper elementary through high school how to act during some of the most common interactions between people. It features clear, straightforward demonstrations of appropriate and inappropriate behavior -- and we added a dash of fun to keep those adolescent attention spans engaged.

Asperger Syndrome:  Transition to College and Work - Narrated by Drew Coulter, a student with Asperger's Syndrome. 57-minute VHS video describes how people with Asperger Syndrome can prepare for college and/or prepare to enter the workforce.

Safe and Secure: Six Steps to Creating a Good Life for People with Disabilities - The authors of Safe and Secure: Six Steps to Creating a Good Life for People with Disabilities went to great lengths to make sure that parents are fully informed of the options and many steps involved in planning for the future of a loved one with disabilities. 

Your Health and Wellness Record and Document Organizer - There is finally an intelligent childhood health journal to help busy parents feel more confident managing their child's health and wellness. Your Child's Health & Wellness Record and the companion Document Organizer were created by a health professional who has three children who have had various health issues, one with a learning disability. Input was provided by many physicians, medical specialists, other health and wellness professionals, and parents, including those whose children have complex health issues. The result is a health journal for every child ... from pregnancy on!

Winners for Life: A Teenager's Guide to Success Using the Proven Power of Goal Setting -Winners for Life is a shining star in a seemingly dark world facing today's teenagers. This 86-page book sends a powerful message to today's youth: set goals and you will succeed! 

Special Needs Trust Administration Manual: A Guide for Trustees - The Special Needs Trust Administration Manual is an invaluable guide for anyone who is managing a Special Needs Trust for a person with disabilities.

Growing Up Too Fast - In her latest book Growing Up Too Fast, Child Psychologist Dr. Sylvia Rimm guides parents through the secret lives of today's middle schoolers. Thousands of children were surveyed in order to produce this compilation of wisdom and first-hand accounts from "tweeners" on what it is like to be subjected to peer pressure, sex in the media, bullying, and dozens more fascinating topics.

Understanding Sensory Dysfunction: Learning, Development and Sensory Dysfunction in Autism Spectrum Disorders, ADHD, Learning Disabilities and Bipolar Disorder - Understanding Sensory Dysfunction is a clear and comprehensive resource to identifying and addressing sensory dysfunction in children, using a range of practical strategies to help them reach their full potential at home, at school and in the community.

Planning for the Future: Providing a Meaningful Life for a Child with a Disability After Your Death - The completely revised and greatly expanded 5th edition of Planning for the Future: Providing a Meaningful Life for a Child with a Disability After Your Death discusses all the steps that parents should take to assure a secure and happy life for their disabled son or daughter.

Sillwee Wobbert Picture Books - The new and impressive ‘Sillwee Wobbert’ series of inspiring stories about health issues for young readers. With his heart shaped head, Robert (Sillwee Wobbert) is an universally engaging caricature that shows kids it’s OK to live, laugh, be silly and have fun with friends while taking proper care of oneself. He is born with a heart condition, but that doesn’t stop him from meeting friends, playing and being silly. His whimsical antics allow him to help his friend Vivian with a problem and ultimately inspires his new name.

Take Charge! Educational Coaching Kit - Take Charge! Educational Coaching is a twelve-lesson, strength-based methodology that provides educational and motivational strategies and hands-on tools for students who struggle to learn.

I'm Not A Brat & There's A Dragon In My Wagon - These two books of silly poetry, written by 35-year teaching veteran, storyteller and author, Arnot McCallum, will encourage kids of all ages to pick up a book and read.

Love, Jean: Inspiration for Families Living with Dysfunction of Sensory Integration - Captured in correspondence written by sensory integration pioneer A. Jean Ayres to her nephew Philip Erwin, Love, Jean provides hope, insight, and inspiration to parents of children who have been diagnosed with dysfunction of sensory integration.

Autism: Heartfelt Thoughts from Mothers - Autism: Heartfelt Thoughts from Mothers is a beautiful compilation of personal stories from mothers of children with autism. The stories contain words of wisdom, details of challenges that each mother has faced, ways they feel that they have been blessed, and resources that they found useful during their journey. Readers will gain insight into the world of Autism, as experienced first-hand by moms from around the world.

Kids Law: A Practical Guide to Juvenile Justice - In the book KIDS LAW, Attorney John W. Biggers combines years of experience and a passion for children to make a once difficult topic transform into an easy-to-understand, enjoyable read. Biggers explains everything from the crime to the arrest and from the trial to incarceration.

Helping Children With Autism Learn: A Guide to Treatment Approaches for Parents and Professionals

by Byrna Siegel

Click here to read the Bridges4Kids review of this book.

Jackie's Review of the 1-2-3 Magic Program

Tiny Ears Compilation CD - Tiny Ears is a unique compilation CD of educational, developing, entertaining and soothing sounds for infants and small children.

The Man Who Would be Dad

There's a Boy in Here: Emerging from the Bonds of Autism

by Judy and Sean Barron

Click here to read the Bridges4Kids review of this book.

For Pete's Sake! and A Workbook For Pete's Sake!

by Linda Verville and Melissa Pelletier

Click here to read the Bridges4Kids review of these two books.

Spanish Resource for Autism: El Misterio del Transtorno Autista by Ismael Echevarria of Puerto Rico is an excellent Spanish-language resource for those seeking information about Autism.  Mr. Echevarria is the parent of a child with Autism who has vast experience in dealing with this disorder.  This book contains information per the DSM IV, how the family is affected, various articles on how to intervene with the autistic child and how to make the most of his strengths.  The main goal of this book is to assist in making sure that your child reaches his full potential.  El Misterio del Transtorno Autista was given high reviews by several professors at major Universities in Puerto Rico.  For more information about this book feel free to email Ismael at ismaeche@yahoo.com.  This book sells for $15.00 + $2.00 s/h.  Orders may be submitted to:  Ismael Echevarria, Jardines Del Caribe, 5278 Calle Rombiodal, Ponce, Puerto Rico 00728-3511

The Autism Experience: Stories of Hope and Love
In January 2003, Karen Simmons, the CEO of Autism Today invited people to submit stories, poems and articles for possible publication in a new anthology "The Autism Experience, Stories of Hope and Love".  Her inbox was soon flooded with hundreds of submissions to be read and reviewed. Countless hours were spent narrowing down the choices and finally the cream rose to the top. Autism Today wants to thank all those who submitted stories and is proud to announce the release of their very first publication ever.  The book is ready to be shared with every one, including YOU. Don't miss out on reading this "chicken soupable" anthology on Autism.  Book sells for $19.95 at AutismToday.com.  To order, click here.