“These stories . . . offer a peephole into a distinct fictional world . . . they attest to the author’s gift as an observer and archivist of emotion.” —The New York Times The thirty-four stories in this seminal collection powerfully display what have become Lydia Davis’s trademarks—dexterity, brevity, understatement, and surprise. Although the certainty of her prose suggests a world of almost clinical reason and clarity, her characters show us that life, thought, and language are full of disorder. Break It Down is Davis at her best. In the words of Jonathan Franzen, she is “a magician of self-consciousness.” Praise for Lydia Davis “Davis is one of the most precise and economical writers we have.” —Dave Eggers, McSweeney’s “An American virtuoso of the short story form.” —Salon “The best prose stylist in America.” —Rick Moody “[Davis has] a capacity to make language unleash entire states of existence.” —Siddhartha Deb, The New York Times

This series offers essential curriculum support for struggling readers on the topic of the human body and how it works. Amazing facts and statistics are used throughout, along with stories and photos that link to the content. Readers are encouraged to think about their own bodies as they read to connect with the subject matter and make it relevant for them.

Heres a witty, engaging, and dynamic interactive guide that uses sparkling dialogue, riveting characters, and appealing graphics to pique and hold the interest of students even those who dont like to read to help them in college-level reading comprehension. Break It Down! tries to improve and sharpen the students study skills, critical thinking, and test-taking strategies in a fun, funny, and refreshing way. It introduces unique steps, methods, and approaches like Brainups -- to aid them in college. Educators and authors Vicki Vernon Lott and Clifton Estus Laird aim to provide students good strategies for life-long learning. Start discovering them now! What Students Are Saying About Break It Down! It really made English fun! Not only did it help in English, but it also helped to improve my study habits for other classes. -- Jacqwese Stephens. Established a new and easy way to learn at a level I could enjoy. -- Jessica Smith. Helped me understand a subject that I couldnt comprehend. -- Devon McVea. Its the primary reason why I changed my major from Criminal Justice to English. It helped me expand my vocabulary and think more critically. -- Danielle Cooper. Improved my college-level comprehension 100%. -- Tristain Bell. An amazing book that, I believe, all students should read. Because of this book, I now know how to express myself properly in a society full of confusion. -- Asia Terry. What Instructors Are Saying Students respond to Break it Down. The books tips and tricks are presented in a way that encourages students and helps them not only improve their reading and writing skills, but also offers an accessible approach to academia. Michael Salerno. Break It Down does a great job of preparing students to meet the various academic challenges they will face throughout their college years. The book truly earns its name and is a wonderful tool for standardized test preparation. -- Randolph Walker

"Everyone involved in the performing arts, from professors to casting directors to actors to students, especially those just starting out, should read this eye-opening work." Library Journal, Starred Review A practical guide that shows BIPOC actors how to break down the audition process rather than being broken down by the entertainment industry and its practices of exclusion and bias. Working in an environment that often stereotypes or attempts to “universalize” experiences, it’s more important than ever that actors consider how culture, race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, and ability are inseparable and important parts of their identity that should not be minimized and can instead enhance their work. In Breaking It Down: Audition Techniques for Actors of the Global Majority, Nicole Hodges Persley and Monica White Ndounoushare real-world audition strategies that centers the experiences of actors of color. They combine practical advice, cultural studies, Black feminist perspectives, and lived experiences to offer intersectional approaches to auditioning. The ten steps outlined in this book aid actors across racial lines seeking to develop the necessary skills to break down a character and script while affirming their full selves into the audition to book the role. Building on the momentum of the #BlackLivesMatter, #MeToo, and Time’s Up movements, Breaking It Down emboldens actors of the global majority to embrace every aspect of their identities rather than leaving themselves behind in an effort to gain entry and access to the entertainment industry

One of the last divas of jazz, Nina Simone (1933-2003) was one of the finest songwriters and musicians of her day. Jazz lover and music journalist Hampton met and befriended the soul diva in the 1950s. After that they corresponded regularly throughout Simone's career. Hampton and her brother delve into their memorabilia to create a vivid portrait of the singer.

More food is thrown away than any other trash item. But we can keep food out of the landfill by turning it into compost! Discover how real people are out there making change to better the world we all live in. Break it Down will give readers an in-depth look at how we can turn garbage into greenery, with features that include a glossary, index, environmental awareness activities, and list of sources for further reading.

Presents a collection of short stories which feature young black women who discover their identities and emotions through relationships with men.

The New York Times bestselling author invites you to discover the thrill of control as one couple wrestles for power in and out of the bedroom... A Loving on the Edge novel perfect for fans of Fifty Shades of Grey.

In Helen Keller: Break Down the Walls!, students will meet a remarkable woman who rose above the challenges of being deaf and blind to become one of the most respected speakers in America. Children will read how Keller worked with her teacher, Anne Sullivan, to learn to communicate when most people in the late 19th century held little hope for the deaf and blind. Full-color photographs, timeline, and a compelling biographical narrative will engage and enlighten readers as they learn about Keller's triumphant life.

The days are long, but the years are short. No matter if it’s your child’s first step, first day of school, or first night tucked away in a new dorm room away from home, there comes a moment when you realize just how quickly the years are flying by. Christian music artist Nichole Nordeman’s profound lyrics in her viral hit “Slow Down” struck a chord with moms everywhere, and now this beautiful four-color book will inspire you to celebrate the everyday moments of motherhood. Filled with thought-provoking writings from Nichole, as well as guest writings from friends including Shauna Niequist and Jen Hatmaker, practical tips, and journaling space for reflection, Slow Down will be a poignant gift for any mom, as well as a treasured keepsake. Take a few moments to reflect and celebrate the privilege of being a parent and getting to watch your little ones grow—and Slow Down. Nichole Nordeman has sold more than 1 million albums as a Christian music artist and has won 9 GMA Dove Awards, including two awards for Female Vocalist of the Year and Songwriter of the Year. Nichole released a lyric video for her song “Slow Down,” and it struck a chord with parents everywhere, amassing 14 million views in its first five days. She lives in Oklahoma with her two children.