Though its most famous battles were waged in the East at Antietam, Gettysburg, and throughout Virginia, the Civil War was clearly a conflict that raged across a continent. From cotton-rich Texas and the fields of Kansas through Indian Territory and into the high desert of New Mexico, the Trans-Mississippi Theater was site of major clashes from the war's earliest days through the surrenders of Confederate generals Edmund Kirby Smith and Stand Waite in June 1865. In this comprehensive military history of the war west of the Mississippi River, Thomas W. Cutrer shows that the theater's distance from events in the East does not diminish its importance to the unfolding of the larger struggle.

A Silicon Valley entrepreneur takes on the challenge of a lifetime: teaching in one of California's toughest high schools. Entrepreneur Steve Poizner has run a billion dollar company, but the greatest challenge of his life was the year he spent teaching twelfth graders at San Jose's Mt. Pleasant High School. On many days, like the one when a student's boyfriend was arrested for bank robbery, his managerial and entrepreneurial skills seemed irrelevant. But on others, they helped him demonstrate how exciting it is to learn. Playing Jeopardy with the class and inviting speakers into the classroom, Poizner motivated his students by expanding their horizons far beyond their high school's walls. Poizner writes, "Often I came to ask myself one question: What exactly are you doing here? As it turns out, I was receiving one hell of an education." Mt Pleasant is ultimately a success story, as Poizner wins Rookie Teacher of the Year honors and, more important, ensures that all his students graduate.

Colorfully known as the "Greyhound Division" for its lean and speedy marches across thousands of miles in three states, Major General John G. Walker's infantry division in the Confederate army was the largest body of Texans -- about 12,000 men at its formation -- to serve in the American Civil War. From its creation in 1862 until its disbandment at the war's end, Walker's unit remained, uniquely for either side in the conflict, a stable group of soldiers from a single state. Richard Lowe's compelling saga shows how this collection of farm boys, store clerks, carpenters, and lawyers became the trans-Mississippi's most potent Confederate fighting unit, from the vain attack at Milliken's Bend, Louisiana, in 1863 during Grant's Vicksburg Campaign to stellar performances at the battles of Mansfield, Pleasant Hill, and Jenkins' Ferry that helped repel Nathaniel P. Banks's Red River Campaign of 1864. Lowe's skillful blending of narrative drive and demographic profiling represents an innovative history of the period that is sure to set a new benchmark.

STARRED REVIEW! "This sweet, fun read-aloud drums up nostalgia for all the rhythms, noises, and dreams of the city. —School Library Journal starred review Based on the story of an internationally renowned violin prodigy of color. One bright city morning, Penelope and her mom make their way to the farmer's market. On street corners and train platforms, musicians and performers enchant Penelope, speaking to her through their floating, booming notes. The noise of the city keeps the pair moving—until Penelope hears a sound so magical she knows she has to play the instrument that makes it.

Ann Lee, founder of the Shaker movement, offered this guidance to her followers, "Hands to work and hearts to God". The furniture of the Pleasant Hill community shows her philosophy brought to life in every piece. With its beauty and simplicity, Shaker furniture has inspired generations of furniture makers like no other style in the world. This book details the construction and design of some rare and never before seen Shaker furniture created in the village of Pleasant Hill, Kentucky. Painstakingly illustrated with drawings and photos of the furniture, this book reveals the joinery and design secrets that make Shaker furniture timeless. You'll find full-scale details of the joinery and special details about the furniture as well as a charming history of the village of Pleasant Hill.

Relationships can be mind boggling difficult for the intellect to comprehend. Why does love have to hurt? Why can't we seem to choose a mate that best suits our innermost desires, needs, and longings? Well, if we listen to Spirit perhaps love stands a chance. If we apply spiritual principles to our expectations, then deliverance from the torment that comes from "love gone sour" is rightfully ours. Historically, in woman's desire to have equal rights to men, we may have lost some elements that are essential to her survival, existence, and ability to flourish. Our government has produced many proclamations and documents for quality living of its citizens. Our forefathers wrote with irrefutable, God-given authority, wisdom, and foresight. Since early history, many amendments have been offered in order to seek full protection for the innocent, blameless the pure. Women's rights require special treatment. It's more than fair pay and voting privileges. Within the pages of this book, an illumination of brighter light appears. The seven divine rights revealed no longer lie dormant. They are being exposed as a guidepost to pursue new personal happiness and intimacy in woman's love relations. The feminine spirit will find them familiar. Her head will nod with affirmation. She will call up things within that had no name. Questions will begin to form answers. Ladies, being the "givers of life" through the process of birth, His Majesty speaks specifically to us. Here, you will get a glimpse of the revelation that He has provided us. We have divine rights in relationship. These rights, ordained by God, can take us from pain to sheer pleasure and delight. Let No Man Put Asunder: 7 Divine Rights for Every Woman holds the keys to a newer freedom. Let us embrace them. Protect them. Demand them knowing nothing less will suffice.