Beloved author-illustrator Patricia Polacco’s holiday story is a wonderful ode to the magic of family, Christmas, and giving the right kind of gifts—gifts filled with love. Richie and Trisha want to buy Christmas gifts for their family, but they don't have enough money. Enter Kay Lamity, a new housekeeper . . . but is that all she is? She comes into their lives like a whirlwind, brimming with positive energy and a can-do attitude. Kay not only straightens them out when it comes to whether or not Santa Claus is real, she teaches them something about gifts: the just-good-enough kind that come from the pocketbook and the unforgettable kind that come from the heart. Because of Kay, Trisha and Richie—and the family—have a Christmas morning they will never forget. Celebrating the joy of homemade gifts, Patricia Polacco introduces readers to a new character who is truly a force of nature in this story reminiscent of Christmas Tapestry and An Orange for Frankie. This is a magical Christmas story the author swears is true, right down to the sleigh tracks on the farmhouse roof!

Helps learn, practice, and improve ten fundamental communication skills needed for any long-term relationship. Grounded in specific, manageable, and directed activities designed to immediately enhance relationships.

HASSAN TETTEH'S powerful novel is an inspiration and gift. Dr. Kareem Afram, a young military physician and heart surgeon, comes of age in the desert of Afghanistan. He survives trial, challenges, destruction, illness, and death to overcome the impossible and provide instructions for life-a blueprint for living one's life to the fullest. The story of the doctor lures you in with riveting scenes of life and death hospital emergencies and combat surgery, but it is learning about the life of the doctor that causes you to stay and get comfortable. You will see reflections of your character, your flaws, your strength, and your own vulnerability. As you stay for the journey and share in the doctor's life you learn of triumph over struggle and see reflections of your strength, your power, your will, and your own conviction to ask yourself life's most urgent question. The message within is universal, a gift of the heart, an education in freedom, and touches your soul to make an undeniable impression that stays long after the last page is turned.

Simple ways to make your family's Christmas more meaningful.

The 13 thematic chapters include biblical examples, ideas for sharing with someone special, brief meditations and/or poems for the reader and frequently a recipe.

Gifts from the Heart is a friendly, concise, and easy-to-read book that helps students learn, practice, and improve ten fundamental communication skills needed for any long-term relationship. Each skill is presented as a “gift” for students to give to others, rather than as a behavior to implement, empowering students to participate more fully in their relationships. With a conversational and student-friendly writing style, each chapter focuses on one essential communication skill that can dramatically enhance students’ connections with their romantic partners, family members, and friends. The book uses simple language, memorable concepts, and practical exercises to present communication techniques that can be used by those hoping to improve specific relationships and by all those who want to offer “gifts” to others in their lives. The third edition of Gifts from the Heart includes new material on using digital technology to enhance and strengthen interpersonal relationships, while minimizing technological barriers to face-to-face interactions.

These ten short chapters are packed with ways to bless family and friends during the holidays.