Ellen Schwartz's writing often centers on children's literature, though her pieces have also appeared in adult magazines and anthologies. Her style is frequently characterized as accessible and engaging, ensuring her work is both readable and comprehensible for younger audiences. She emphasizes themes that resonate with childhood and education, drawing from her prior experiences teaching special education and primary grades. Her diverse career, including communications consulting and teaching creative writing, lends depth and breadth to her literary output.
The narrative explores the author's transformative experiences as a back-to-the-land hippie homesteader in the Kootenays during the 1970s. Through her reflections, she captures the idealism and challenges of that era, offering insights into a lifestyle rooted in simplicity and self-sufficiency. The memoir delves into the lessons learned and the vibrant community dynamics, painting a vivid picture of a time marked by social change and personal growth.
It is 1947 and Yankee fever grips the Bronx. Nine-year-old Joey Sexton joins the neighborhood kids who flock to the park to team up and play. However, Joey is of mixed race and his skin is lighter than the other kids’. He is seldom picked.When Joey’s mother dies, he is sent to live with his mother’s estranged family. Joey is whisked away to Brooklyn. Though it’s just across town, it might as well be a different world. His grandfather, his aunt Frieda, and his ten-year-old cousin Roberta are not only white, they are Jewish. Joey knows nothing about Brooklyn or Judaism. The only thing that’s constant is the baseball madness that grips the community. Only this time, the heroes aren’t Joey’s beloved Yankees. They are the Brooklyn Dodgers, especially Jackie Robinson, a man whose struggle to integrate baseball helped set the stage for black America’s struggle for acceptance and civil rights.Joey’s story takes readers to a time when America’s favorite pastime became a battleground for human rights.
Abby makes an unlikely friend in her neighborhood--her elderly Japanese neighbor, Mrs. Naka. All spring and summer, the two delight in the robins that live in the maple tree that straddles their yards, following the birds' progress as they nest and the babies hatch and learn to fly. Mrs. Naka teaches Abby how to make tori--origami birds. Later, when Mrs. Naka has an accident, will Abby be able to use her new skill to conjure up a surprise to comfort her ailing neighbor?
Focusing on the challenges faced by young vegetarians, this book offers a comprehensive guide to maintaining a healthy vegetarian lifestyle. It covers the history of vegetarianism, provides dietary balancing tips, and includes delicious recipe ideas. Additionally, it addresses common social dilemmas, such as navigating meals at burger joints or family gatherings, and counters misconceptions about the strength derived from meat. This resource is essential for both current vegetarians and those considering the transition to a meat-free diet.
A group of five cousins embarks on a summer vacation at their grandmother's cottage, unaware that it could be their last due to a mining company's interest in the land. With their grandmother unable to locate the deed proving her ownership, the children believe clues may lie within their family's cherished recipes. As they navigate this culinary mystery, they must race against time to uncover the truth. Ellen Schwartz not only crafts an engaging adventure for young readers but also includes easy, delectable recipes to enhance the experience.
The story follows Gwen, a passionate dancer eager to join an intensive course away from home, despite knowing her parents will likely disapprove. During a skiing trip, she attempts to persuade her father to support her dream, but their conversation escalates into a heated argument. Their conflict takes a harrowing turn when an unexpected avalanche threatens her father's life, forcing Gwen to confront her ambitions and the fragility of their relationship amidst a life-altering crisis.