Today is Alyssa's first day at Lee Ponder Intermediate School, and along with learning new names, faces, and classrooms, she has to maintain her secret. One that she doesn't want anyone to know, not even her new best friend, Onika. You see, Alyssa and her mom are homeless. When Alyssa has an assignment (to write a letter to a student in Alabama whose school and home have been destroyed by a tornado), she bears her soul. However, when the note is lost and believes the school's bully, Marcus has found it, that things drastically change for Alyssa and her mom. Readers have enjoyed this book as young as second grade, and the comments from parents, educators, children, counselors, and more may be summed up in this one sentence, "Although Alyssa and her mom are homeless, they are not hopeless." The book may be used in conjunction with classroom Standard of Learning subjects such as Language Arts, Health, Social Studies, Government, and Public Speaking. There's No Place Like My Own Home has been found helpful for Social-Emotional Learning to include (but is not limited to) kindness, gratitude, sufficient conflict resolution, positive self-image. The reader will also learn how to reduce aggressive behavior, demonstrate self-control, manage emotions, set positive goals, engage in positive relations, and learn to solve problems effectively. Lastly, the book has an anti-bullying message. A MESSAGE FROM THE AUTHOR As parents, we see so many distractions vying for our children's attention, challenges that may cause them to disconnect from humanity. We want them to understand the power of gratitude and empathy without feeling as if we are forcing it upon them. Age-appropriate books have a way of emerging our children into worlds that represent the qualities we know will make them kinder, more caring, and compassionate. This is what I had in mind as I penned the words to my book, "There's No Place Like My Own Home." I have to confess; I didn't set out to write this book. It was born out of a conversation I had with Christine Bush, the Valoha Giving Movement founder. She told someone I had written a children's book on the subject of homelessness; I had not. But from that conversation, this beautiful book was born. Reading it with your child will open the door to honest, sincere dialogue about those less fortunate, empathy, compassion, and the power of hope, faith, and friendship. I cannot wait to read your reviews on this work of love. Stay tuned, the sequel, "Home is Where the Heart Lives," is in production.

'Beautifully written and both heartbreaking and heartwarming' Jessica Redland Isabel, Izzy to her friends, has got nothing left to lose when she makes the bravest decision of her life. A month living under canvas on the Yorkshire Moors with five strangers wouldn’t normally be her idea of a good time, even if there is prize money to be won at the end of it, but she’s all out of options. Joining her in this wild goose chase, being filmed for a TV show, are farmer Seb, whose marriage is creaking but who is desperate not to lose his family. Sheltered Ruth who needs an opportunity to show she can make her own decisions. Glamorous socialite Kanga, who has been living a lie. American Junior who has his own secret that has led him there. And last but not least, mysterious and brooding Mac, who Izzy can’t help but be drawn to. As the fickleness of nature tests them all to their limits, this disparate group come together to face the challenge. But when Izzy finally tells them the truth that has brought her out on the Moors, will that be the end of their adventure, or the beginning of her future? Because what Izzy really needs is a place to call home, and someone to share it with could be even better... Praise for Jane Lovering: 'I adored the dual timeline aspect of this gorgeous story and discovering the secrets from the past. Beautifully written and both heartbreaking and heartwarming' Jessica Redland 'A funny, warm-hearted read, filled with characters you'll love.' Matt Dunn on A Country Escape What readers are saying about Jane Lovering: ‘A heart-warming, entertaining and uplifting book about the importance of human connection, self-acceptance and making the most of any opportunities that come your way! I absolutely loved it and could not fault it.’ ‘I love Jane Lovering’s books, all the quirky lovable characters she creates and the situations she puts them in. I think she is a really talented storyteller and she never fails to make me smile.' ‘Superb writing style, masterful use of the language, witty humour, unforgettable characters. Add suspense, plot twists, a beautiful love story and you have another amazing book by the super talented Jane Lovering. I am repeating myself, but she’s outdone herself. Again.’ ‘Jane Lovering knows exactly how to write the perfect story. Her novels cover a multitude of subjects, some a little more difficult than others, but all are sensitively done with the most perfect endings. ‘Jane Lovering has that ability to choose exactly the right words and images to make you laugh, with a wonderful touch of the ridiculous, then moving seamlessly to a scene of such poignancy that it catches your breath.’ ‘Fall in love with reading all over again with this cracking tale from Jane Lovering. An excellent reminder, if one is needed, of the absolute pleasure of losing yourself in a good book.'

This collection of essays addresses the lack of shelter—one of the most basic elements of human adaptation—now experienced by many Americans. Based on the presupposition that shelter is a basic human right in the world's richest, most advanced nation, the authors of these essays look more closely than others have yet done at the causes of the current low-income housing crisis and homelessness. Ten anthropologists and a mental health worker use participant observation and other ethnographic methods to observe and document the experiential and geographic diversity of U.S. homelessness. Each chapter focuses on a specific geographic area—urban, suburban, or rural—and a specific category of homeless people—families with children, solitary adults, or both. Based on their findings, the authors also present policy recommendations to ameliorate the housing shortage and prevent homelessness at local, state, and federal levels.

Choice Outstanding Academic Title 2018 The Wizard of Oz brought many now-iconic tropes into popular culture: the yellow brick road, ruby slippers and Oz. But this book begins with Dorothy and her legacy as an archetypal touchstone in cinema for the child journeying far from home. In There's No Place Like Home, distinguished film scholar Stephanie Hemelryk Donald offers a fresh interpretation of the migrant child as a recurring figure in world cinema. Displaced or placeless children, and the idea of childhood itself, are vehicles to examine migration and cosmopolitanism in films such as Le Ballon Rouge, Little Moth and Le Havre. Surveying fictional and documentary film from the post-war years until today, the author shows how the child is a guide to themes of place, self and being in world cinema.

In the 1950’s and 60’s, Kansas farm life meant milking cows, gathering eggs, and butchering hogs and steers. It meant raising a garden, preparing meals from scratch, sewing clothes, and churning butter. It meant living close to the earth. It was a special time when children could wander the pastures and fields without fear and come home dirty after a day of hard play and harder work. Farmers produced much of what they needed to live, and were almost completely self-sufficient. Farm life was basic, simple and sweet, and family was the most important thing. There’s No Place Like Home is the story of a Kansas farm family. It is the unique story of life in a different time and place, before technology and automation changed how things are done on the farm. It was a time when a farm life was a family project, and everyone contributed. A collection of anecdotes and oral histories, this story includes the tales of a childhood on a Kansas farm in the mid 20th century, and the joys and regrets for generations of such a life. It is the story of a life on the Kansas prairie, a celebration of the land and people of Kansas and a re-telling of the histories of one family, recounted around the kitchen table. It tells of the struggles, hopes and disappointments of life in a simpler time and place.

When author and teacher Jane Bedard shifted from working mom to Stay-at-Home Mom, her eyes opened to a brand new world, so different from the one she returned home to each night. With her autopilot control turned off, she was surprised to find a vegetarian, a carnivore, a pescetarian, and two nuggetarians at her kitchen table. When did that happen, and what else awaited her? Join Jane as she addresses daily dilemmas so many of us face, such as: When is it a good idea to tell a stranger to stick a piece of garlic up her ass? Why is Batmom better than Supermom? If you unexpectedly find yourself in a Thai brothel for a massage, how much do you tip? Is it irresponsible parenting if a game of catch accidentally lands your kids at the edge of the Grand Canyon? How do you say goodbye to the people you love? THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME celebrates that most domestic and exotic of all professions: The Stay-at-Home Mom, yet embraces women from all vocations with poignant and hilarious commentary on motherhood & childhood, sisterhood & daughterhood, wifehood & friendshiphood... all from within Toronto’s hood and beyond.

Stylish and practical designs for real families From the many room makeovers he has done for magazines, newspapers, and television shows, designer Stephen Saint-Onge has a very real sense of what everyday families want and need from their homes. Unlike other decorating books on the market, his features products and projects that are accessible for everyday homeowners who are looking for stylish and practical designs. Now, his scores of fans will thrill for No Place Like Home. With home designs that are budget-conscious, family-friendly, and beautiful, these inspiring projects mix traditional American style with modern comforts and convenience. Introduces creative tools and tricks that make a big impact on rooms Educates readers on various materials, furnishings, and accessories Stephen's style secrets for every room of the home Full of creative advice, design tips, and renovation ideas, No Place Like Home shows real families how to create spaces that work in the real world.

Some place where there isn't any trouble. Do you suppose there is such a place, Toto? There must be. It's not a place you can get to by a boat or a train. It's far, far away. Behind the moon, beyond the rain. -The Wizard of Oz (1939) A long time ago, a famous young woman set out to find the Emerald City and an entire generation grew up dreaming of the Yellow Brick Road, and the Wicked Witch of the West. As it turns out, the Emerald City is really not so far away. In her inspirational book No Place Like Home, Jamie W. Thompkins explores how every individual must follow their own Yellow Brick Road and understand the true meaning of a relationship with God, and find his own way to the true Emerald City. Through the dark forests of life, and despite the witches we may encounter, there is a brilliant path that God has laid out for each of us, which we must inevitably follow to find our way to our heavenly home. Join Jamie Thompkins on this incredible journey over the rainbow, and find your way through a winding world.

The Quinn family thinks they have found their dream house in their quaint hometown, but little do they know that the historical home holds a dark and sinister secret. As they uncover the chilling history of the property, a tragic fate becomes intertwined with their own. Harper, a protective mother, must navigate the eerie occurrences and mysterious happenings that revolve around the home and an antique grandfather clock the original homeowner left behind. As Harper and her best friend Nancy dig for clues and search for a lost diary, the more danger the Quinn family fall under. With help from a ghostly presence, will they unravel the terrifying mystery it before it’s too late?