Books published by publisher Family Communications, Inc.

This book chronicles the unforgettable account of one of the most severe child abuse cases in California history. It is the story of Dave Pelzer, who was brutally beaten and starved by his emotionally unstable, alcoholic mother: a mother who played tortuous, unpredictable games--games that left him nearly dead. He had to learn how to play his mother's games in order to survive because she no longer considered him a son, but a slave; and no longer a boy, but an "it." Dave's bed was an old army cot in the basement, and his clothes were torn and raunchy. When his mother allowed him the luxury of food, it was nothing more than spoiled scraps that even the dogs refused to eat. The outside world knew nothing of his living nightmare. He had nothing or no one to turn to, but his dreams kept him alive--dreams of someone taking care of him, loving him and calling him their son.

A WWII naval thriller in the tradition of the Hornblower series ...October, 1942. The United States and the Empire of Japan are at war. Charlie Harrison, a young and ambitious lieutenant, reports for duty aboard the S-55, a worn-out WWI-era submarine. While the Battle of Guadalcanal rages on land, air, and sea, the captain plans a daring attack against Rabaul, the heart of Japanese power in the South Pacific. There, the hunter will become the hunted.With a foreword by John Dixon, author of Phoenix Island.

Hidden far from sight, deep in the thick underbrush of the North Florida woods are the ghostly graves of more than thirty unidentified bodies, some of which are thought to be children who were beaten to death at the old Florida Industrial School for Boys at Marianna. It is suspected that many more bodies will be found in the fields and swamplands surrounding the institution. Investigations into the unmarked graves have compelled many grown men to come forward and share their stories of the abuses they endured and the atrocities they witnessed in the 1950s and 1960s at the institution. The White House Boys: An American Tragedy is the true story of the horrors recalled by Roger Dean Kiser, one of the boys incarcerated at the facility in the late fifties for the crime of being a confused, unwanted, and wayward child. In a style reminiscent of the works of Mark Twain, Kiser recollects the horrifying verbal, sexual, and physical abuse he and other innocent young boys endured at the hands of their "caretakers." Questions remain unanswered and theories abound, but Roger and the other 'White House Boys' are determined to learn the truth and see justice served.

From the moment they met, Marjie's heart has belonged to handsome Captain Stanley Jonquil, younger brother of the Earl of Lampton. But six long months ago, when Stanley's sense of honor required that he do as he had sworn and return to the Continent to fight in defense of King and country, neither Stanley nor Marjie could have dreamed what the cost of his service would be. It has been ages since Stanley last wrote, and Marjie and the Jonquil family are plagued by his unknown fate—until the day he unexpectedly reappears. Marjie's joy, however, is quickly shadowed by confusion—the aloof, battle-worn soldier before her is not the man he once was. In the wake of Stanley's blatant disinterest in renewing their acquaintance, Marjie's devastation turns to determination as she vows to help him find peace. But his scars run far deeper than anyone realizes. Despite his feelings for her, Stanley believes Marjie deserves a man whose hands are not stained with the violence of battlefields and whose mind and heart are not haunted by the horrors he has seen. Honor requires Stanley to return once more to the life he has grown to despise, one he knows will destroy him in the end, even as his heart beckons him to stay with Marjie, the only woman he could ever love, and the promise, at last, of redemption.

Death is not the end of our existence just a change in our being. It is something that has been partially experienced and thoroughly documented by many individuals around the world. In this inspiring look at near-death experiences, authors Brent and Wendy Top illustrate how numerous recorded accounts of near-death experiences relate to Latter-day Saint teachings. More than just a collection of interesting near-death stories, this book is rich with scripture as well as commentary from Latter-day prophets, creating a doctrinal lens through which to view the near-death events shared by various people from differing cultural and religious backgrounds. From the amazing characteristics of our spirit bodies to the incredible love and learning that will take place, you ll find encouragement and peace regarding that next step we will all eventually take, which is, in reality, the beginning of a beautiful new phase of life. You will be fascinated with reports from those who have seen the other side of the veil: a being of light who greeted them in the spirit world; a sense of having a perfect, vitalized spirit body; the rapid, graphic review of one s mortal life; meeting with loved ones; communication by thought transference; spirits in radiant white robes; travel at phenomenal speeds; expanded comprehension and memory powers; gorgeous scenery and vegetation;and an all-encompassing, overwhelming light and love. While emphasizing how we must critically examine these accounts, the authors say, We were amazed at the similarities and consistencies between near-death accounts and the doctrines of the restored gospel. God lives and loves each and every one of us, and what is waiting for us is inexpressibly amazing and wonderful.

It's been 10 years since the last book in the Teen Ink series Written in the Dirt was published. Now, a whole new batch of teen writers has emerged with their own unique voices. Leave This Song Behind features the best poetry submitted by those writers to Teen Ink over the last five years. The pieces in this book were chosen because they were so powerful that they stood out from the rest. Teen Ink editors took a deep look into each poem's strengths then divided Leave This Song Behind into seven sections based on the poetic techniques or qualities that moved them most. Vivid sensory details made some poems shine; others caught their attention with simple, sparse language. Still others were chosen because of their thoughtful use of form; compelling stories; strong figurative language; unexpected connections and wit; and fresh writing about familiar topics. Dig in and let these brave young voices capture your heart and mind with their passion, their pain, and their amazing poetry!

Introduce Japanese language and culture the fun way! With 23 traditional and contemporary melodies, children will enjoy learning basic vocabulary and pronunciation through popular themes such as numbers, family, animals, colors, and more. You can provide an important head start for children as learning another language has proven to stimulate greater mental development.In the seperately sold book, each song is written in Kana (Hiragana and Katakana), the romanization of Japanese, and the English translation. Includes pronunciation guide, English-Japanese glossary, and instructional and cultural notes For all ages. Paperback book. 8.5"x 11". 32 pp. Songs include: 1. Doko desu ka (Where are you?) 2. Ko bu ta nu ki tsu ne ko (Piglet raccoon fox cat) 3. Kuma-san (Bear) 4. Bun bun bun (A flying bee) 5. Kaeru no Uta (Frog's Song) 6. Te o tatakimashoo (Let's clap our hands) 7. Akai tori kotori (Red bird, little bird) 8. Zoo-san (Elephant) 9. Tulip (Tulips) 10. Tsuki (The moon) 11. Ippon bashi nihon bashi (One chopstick, Two chopsticks) 12. Ouma (Horses) 13. Ookina taiko chiisana taiko (Big drum, Little drum) 14. Amefuri (A Rainy day) 15. Daruma-san (Daruma-san) 16. Yuki (Snow) 17. Umi (The Ocean) 18. Ookina kurino ki no shita de (Under the Big Chestnut tree) 19. Katatsumuri (Snail) 20. Atama to Kata to Hiza (Head and Shoulders) 21. Musunde hiraite (Close your Hands) 22. Kirakira hoshiyo (Twinkle twinkle little star) 22. Sayonara (Good-bye)

C Is for Christmas Tonya Skousen Arenaz What is Christmas? Find the answer in twentysix simple yet meaningful verses, one for each letter of the alphabet. From singing angels and jingling bells to quiet reflections on Nativity scenes, these vibrant pages celebrate all the festivities of the season while reminding us that the greatest Christmas gift can't be found under the tree. Featuring stunning art by renowned artists Howard Lyon, Sandra Kuck, Joseph Brickey, Jean Monti, and Ben Sowards and introducing beautiful art from newly discovered Mark Missman, this richly illustrated book renews favorite family memories and inspires new ones.