Books with title Because I Can

It's 1958 and eleven-year-old Peter Wolf lives in the war-rubble squalor of East Germany which is ruled with an iron fist by the Soviet Communists. In Peter's world, soccer matches in the cobblestone streets are interrupted by Russian tanks clattering through their midst and live hand grenades still lie rusting in the dirt in vacant lots. People stand in long lines to buy rancid meat, water pails are kept on toilet lids to prevent sewer rats from invading apartments and, worst of all, every citizen is encouraged to spy upon every other citizen and report any suspect behavior to the hated Stassi (Secret Police). It is an existence so mind-numbingly desperate and deplorable that Peter's father commits suicide rather than face the hopelessness of his life. Then Peter's older sister defects to the West leaving Peter and his mother, Johanna, behind to be labeled "traitors to the state." The future is bleak and Johanna knows their only hope for any happiness is to plan and execute a daring escape. But after risking their lives escaping East Germany, surviving a kidnapping attempt, enduring six long months in a refugee camp and crossing the Atlantic in steerage, Peter discovers America is not the paradise he had envisioned. Peter is enrolled in a school that is 95% Jewish where he is reviled by a group of bullies intent on making the "Kraut's" life miserable. Then Peter learns of the Holocaust, a subject of which he had absolutely no previous knowledge and, suddenly, he understands why he is hated. But then one gangly, awkward boy, Leon Stern, befriends Peter and teaches the rest of the school a lesson in tolerance no one will ever forget.

It's 1958 and eleven-year-old Peter Wolf lives in the war-rubble squalor of East Germany which is ruled with an iron fist by the Soviet Communists. People stand in long lines to buy rancid meat, water pails are kept on toilet lids to prevent sewer rats from invading apartments and, worst of all, every citizen is encouraged to spy upon every other citizen and report any suspect behavior to the hated Stassi (Secret Police). Risking their lives escaping East Germany, surviving a kidnapping attempt, enduring six long months in a refugee camp and crossing the Atlantic in steerage, Peter discovers America is not the paradise he had envisioned.

When you can read, you can do almost anything! Pat Nicholson, author of I Don't Like Spiders But They Seem to Like Me and Sometimes My Friends Don't Look Like Me...Sometimes They Don't Look Like You, brings this delightful book for those 'little ones' who are discovering the wonders of reading. Because I Can Read contains simple words and concepts which will become familiar to the child entering the pre and elementary school years. Back page includes a 'Write Your Own Book' section for your budding author!

Because I Can captures the heart of every parent, guardian, grandparent and relative who has experienced the enchanting, mesmerizing effect of “cuteness” in a young child. The humorous words, and adorable, funny illustrations will keep readers entertained and in stitches. A little girl can make a mighty big mess when she knows she can get away with it by her “cuteness.” And she’s not finished yet! Recommended for ages 0-5 years.

Robert had reached the summit of many mountains. His adventures took him to unimaginable heights, yet his greatest achievements were not in conquering these majestic beauties, but in his ability to reach people in need. That is, until he's the one facing the toughest climb of his life.Roberto Sanchez is living the dream; one could say the man had it all. He is blessed with a beautiful wife and daughter who complete him. A career that reaches at-risk kids that brings him true joy. Then a tragic accident leads Robert to a chasm of dark despair. Although his interventions have reached many, he found he is incapable of helping himself off the edge of a cliff, jeopardizing his career, his marriage, and himself.because takes us on a journey of two Roberts as he struggles to find a way to once again believe.

'Because I Can Read' is a favourite of parents and teachers who use this book to instill the pure love of reading and to illustrate the benefits which learning to read will bring. The "Write your own book" pages in the back of the book will encourage even the most reluctant children to become readers...and maybe even future authors! 'Because I Can Read' has been described by an elementary school teacher as "The first book I have seen that shows kids why they should learn how to read". Quote from bathroom scene in 'Because I Can Read': "I can read the signs that tell me just where I need to go. I can read because there are lots of things that are really important to know" Characters are multiracial and inclusive, including a visually-impaired woman with guide-dog. Words and scenes (museum, school bus, street signs) explain concepts which will become familiar to pre-K and elementary school children: Example: 'Please do not touch' sign in a museum. What to do when you see a 'STOP' sign. The French version of this book is called, Parce-que je peux lire. It is recommended for those who are simple trying to learn French or who might be attending a French Immersion school or lycée. The story's text is written in French, but words in the background remain in English...prompting bilingual discussions. For example: How do you say, "Please do not touch", in French?

Jack's mom may tell him that "because" is not an answer, but he disagrees. In fact, this almost-six-year-old thinks "because" is the perfect answer . . . to any question!Why did he cover himself in Band-Aids?Why is the dog wearing a cape?Why did he eat all the chocolate cake?Richard Torrey's endearing companion to Almost and Why? celebrates every child's favorite answer to life's trickiest questions.

Robert had reached the summit of many mountains. His adventures took him to unimaginable heights, yet his greatest achievements were not in conquering these majestic beauties, but in his ability to reach people in need. That is, until he’s the one facing the toughest climb of his life. Roberto Sanchez is living the dream; one could say the man had it all. He is blessed with a beautiful wife and daughter who complete him. A career that reaches at-risk kids that brings him true joy. Then a tragic accident leads Robert to a chasm of dark despair. Although his interventions have reached many, he found he is incapable of helping himself off the edge of a cliff, jeopardizing his career, his marriage, and himself. because takes us on a journey of two Roberts as he struggles to find a way to once again believe. e-SCRIBES, UK - November 10, 2016 "We find this a skillful, thoughtful and deeply moving novel... and it's an inspiration to anyone who knows someone in this situation, or whose physical life as they knew it has been unexpectedly curtailed. This book is a life lesson from which we will all extract our own, differing, narratives." INDIEREADER - February 15, 2016 "BECAUSE is a deeply moving, emotionally-powerful tale of intertwined lives, and of finding strength to go on in the face of utter despair. There are multiple stories braided into the main plot, as each of the characters has a voice and a tale of their own. Robert's story, therefore, is reflected in the stories of those he's helped as well as those who want to help him, giving the book a multifaceted perspective and adding deeper emotional and philosophical layers to the plot. This is a heartbreaking but ultimately uplifting book, and there isn't a character who doesn't have a substantial, painful tragedy to wrestle with... BECAUSE is a book full of both emotional intensity and real philosophical and psychological insight." MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW - Small Press Bookwatch November 2015 Issue "A deftly crafted novel and an absorbing read from beginning to end, "because" is a compelling and thoroughly entertaining novel that documents author Jack Langedijk's truly exceptional storytelling skills..." KIRKUS REVIEWS MAGAZINE - August 15, 2015 Issue "...Langedijk has lots to say about courage, compassion, redemption, and self-worth. Although those life lessons are more compelling than the actual drama unfolding around Roberto's post-Everest experience, they more than make the journey with him worthwhile. Meditations on some of life's biggest questions as told through some harrowing experiences."—Kirkus Reviews "The book has left me with a great impression. It made me feel that everything happens for a reason..." - Katarina "Langedijk explores the depths of human suffering in a realistic, uplifting way. His characters deal with real and relatable issues that affect so many people today, especially the young..." - Michael Head "I enjoyed reading this book, it had a truly inspirational ending." - Vicky Boackle

Even though Jack′s mom tells him that "because" is not an answer, Jack strongly disagrees. In fact, this almost-six-year-old thinks "because" is the perfect answer to any question! Why did he cover himself in band-aids? Why did he eat all the chocolate cake? Why is the dog wearing a cape? Because! This endearing companion to ALMOST and WHY?, from acclaimed author and illustrator Richard Torrey, celebrates every child′s favorite answer to life′s trickiest questions. Age: 4 - 8