Books with author M. LaVora Perry

Set in Japan during and after World War II, PEACEBUILDERS is the story of the evolution of a child of war into a seeker of peace who goes on to lead millions. It's the heartfelt story of the mentoring relationship that inspired this transformation. PEACEBUILDERS is available in paperback w/ black/white photos; paperback w/ color photos; hardcover/black and white; hardcover/color; and as a color e-book.### Long before Soka Gakkai leader Daisaku Ikeda befriended Rosa Parks, Mikhail Gorbachev, Nelson Mandela and over 1,600 other world figures, before he was awarded U.N. citations and more international and academic honors than anyone in human history, before he founded schools, universities, and cultural institutions on four continents, became the beloved teacher of millions of Buddhists worldwide, and became a culture icon throughout Asia...he was a young student. Daisaku Ikeda's teacher stood up against war and spoke out for human rights. His teacher was Josei Toda, a visionary elementary school principal.###PEACEBUILDERS: DAISAKU IKEDA & JOSEI TODA, BUDDHIST LEADERS opens on Tokyo Bay. One evening, nine-year-old Daisaku is playfully roughhousing with his oldest brother, Kiichi. The next morning, Daisaku waves good-bye as Kiichi leaves to fight in the war. Daisaku feels so proud of his brave big brother. Time passes. War turns Daisaku into a teenager in mourning. He wonders if everything he has believed is wrong. He is full of questions. Daisaku seeks a teacher who can answer them. In PEACEBUILDERS, readers discover how Daisaku met his teacher. They discover how a simple meeting changed a young man, and how that young man set out to change the world. PEACEBUILDRES includes a personal timeline with historical references, photography references, a bibliography, and a reader-friendly index.### PRAISE: "By showing how the transformation of the consciousness of an individual child can lead to him becoming a transformational leader, Ms. Perry has reconnected the openness of childhood to the possibilities of the world." -Roy Craft, Director, Martin Luther King, Jr. International Chapel, Morehouse College ### "...[a] carefully documented chapter book [that] makes Ikeda's story accessible to younger readers...a user-friendly resource." -Yana V. Rodgers, Director, Rutgers University Project on Economics and Children ### "The book [is] fascinating." -Suzanne Lieurance, author, writing coach, and host of Blog Talk Radio's "Book Bites for Kids," www.bookbitesforkids.com

Fifth grade isn't exactly easy for 11-year-old Taneesha Bey-Ross. For one thing, she’s getting tired of being her best friend Carli Flanagan’s personal bodyguard. Carli wears a leg brace and she’s white, and when Taneesha does stand up for Carli in the face of a local bully — a giant of a girl with big fists and army boots — she’s told to expect revenge. Taneesha's also running a loser’s race for class president, and her love-hate interest Rayshaun has learned that Taneesha is a Buddhist, so now he’s taunting her, saying that she’s going to hell. Her mom may have told her that Taneesha’s got heaven in her heart, but it doesn't feel that way. And just in case she forgets it, there’s always Evella, Taneesha’s evil imaginary twin, to remind her that she’s a total failure. This beautifully written novel presents vivid characters and a timely story about the big issues that every child faces.

Ages 8 to Adult :: Illustrated :: Black/White :: Synopsis: A creative goal-setting workshop in book form. The book helps readers use their own writing, art and imaginations to envision and bring the future of their dreams to life by choosing to create the thoughts, words and deeds that will lead them there. Includes historical and contemporary stories and quotations to highlight concepts. Also includes 28 supplemental sets of work pages. Additional stories, quotations and work pages are available in the companion book on which "Daily Pages" is based, "Pictures of My Days-An Art & Writing Workbook for Creating the Life You Want. See "ictures of My Days" (ISBN: 0-9759251-3-X) for endorsements.

Fifth grade isn't exactly easy for eleven-year-old Taneesha Bey-Ross. For one thing, she's getting tired of being her best friend Carli Flanagan's personal bodyguard. Carli wears a leg brace and she's white, and when Taneesha does stand up for Carli in the face of a local bully--a giant of a girl with big fists and army boots--she's told to expect revenge. Taneesha's also running a loser's race for class president, and her love-hate interest Rayshaun has learned that Taneesha is a Buddhist, so now he's taunting her, saying that she's going to hell. Her mom may have told her that Taneesha's got heaven in her heart, but it doesn't feel that way. And just in case she forgets it, there's always Evella, Taneesha's evil imaginary twin, to remind her that she's a total failure. This beautifully written, fun, and instantly engaging novel presents vivid characters and a timely story about the big issues that every child faces.

Teen Sisters' Health addresses many of the concerns, challenges and victories girls can have. This guide provides facts about girls' bodies, relationships, and the pressures of today's world. On these pages, real girls share their stories and youthful readers can gain the knowledge they need to make educated decisions and wise choices. Girls can rely on Teen Sisters' Health as a source of medically sound information and empowerment. This book is also an invaluable resource for parents, teachers, and anyone who cares about and works with African American girls.