The story of one womans life that will touch the heart of the reader. Born to alcoholic parents, her first years are filled with fighting and discord, and even a bit of incest, until she is nine and her parents divorce. In the following year, life disintegrates through several moves across the country, an alcoholic stepfather, and separation from her older sister, her only security. In that year, she attends five schools, and will attend fourteen before her school days are done. At ten, she and her sister are taken away from their mother, and Ruth moves through six foster homes, the last one quite oppressive. She then faces pregnancy and is forced to relinquish her baby. Upon marriage, life seems wonderful until an accident almost kills her husband. Her second daughter brings true meaning to her life, but due to her own divorce, she must raise her daughter alone. She goes on to begin to grow, searches and finds her first daughter and begins to face the demons of her childhood, finally achieving self worth and confidence, until one day her life is once again shattered.

List of members in 15th-

List of members in 15th-26th.

“[Diamond] has captured the world of the class—at times chaotic, always busy, usually inspired”— Essential reading for parents and teachers alike (Los Angeles Times). Hailed by renowned educator Deborah Meier as “a rare and special pleasure to read,” Kindergarten explores a year in the life of a kindergarten classroom through the eyes of the gifted veteran teacher and author Julie Diamond. In this lyrical, beautifully written first-person account, Diamond explains the logic behind the routines and rituals children need to thrive. As she guides us through all aspects of classroom life—the organization, curriculum, and relationships that create a unique class environment—we begin to understand what kindergarten can and should be: a culture that builds children’s desire to understand the world and lays the foundation for lifelong learning. Kindergarten makes a compelling case for an expansive definition of teaching and learning, one that supports academic achievement without sacrificing students’ curiosity, creativity, or development of social values. Diamond’s celebration of the possibilities of classroom life is a welcome antidote to today’s test-driven climate. Written for parents and teachers alike, Kindergarten offers a rare glimpse into what’s really going on behind the apparent chaos of a busy kindergarten classroom, sharing much-needed insights into how our children can have the best possible early school experiences. “As a classroom insider, Diamond pulls back the curtain and allows parents and others a view of how an effective classroom actually works.” —Library Journal “An extraordinary resource for parents and teachers at all stages. It is honest and masterful, engrossing and unique. And it is utterly real.” —Ruth Sidney Charney, author of Teaching Children to Care