The Biggest Snowball Fight

A snowball fight leads to a new dance and starts a new town tradition.

This is a narrative and interpretive history of a major institution of higher education. In it, the authors want to avoid the pitfalls of too many other "college histories," which are sometimes either painfully detailed encyclopaedic catalogues of "one damn thing after another" or panegyrics praising one damn president or construction project after another. Obviously, they want to tell an interesting story, focusing on the people who inhabited the institution, from powerful presidents like John R. Emens to boisterous students like David Letterman, whose fame as a late-night talk show host makes his name a household word. And they trace the history of the institution and its people from the local business people who pushed to establish higher education in a small Midwestern city in the late-19th century to a 21st-century president who spent most of his life in the South.But this is not simply a series of stories. The authors emphasise two crucial themes that run throughout Ball State's history. First, more than most American colleges and universities, Ball State has had extraordinarily close ties with the community of Muncie, especially its elite. From the fact that it was named after a local industrialist, to vital community participation in its latest fundraising campaign, Ball State and Muncie-East Central Indiana are inextricably linked.Second, in many ways Ball State is a "representative," even paradigmatic American university. Targeting mainly students from its region, Ball State has had virtually open admission standards for most of its history. It has lived what we call the "Jacksonian" vision of access to education. It has also followed a trajectory similar to many other American universities as it moved from normal school to teachers' college to comprehensive university. Indeed, the authors argue, it is the Ball States of America that best define this nation's "genius" in higher education, separating this country's system of higher education from those of other countries. Ball State University, then, is both distinctive and representative - a fascinating case study in educational history.

It's only a few weeks into the summer vacation, but Johnny and Joey have already discovered a magic elevator, battled a three-headed dragon, a barracuda, and a terrifying monster named Ogre, and have met the nicest octopus around.But now, in this third installment of the Johnny and Joey adventures, the brothers find themselves on a very important mission: To save Animal Land from the clutches of Teron.And this time, the boys are not alone. Darus has come to bring them back with him. But which button is it? They can't remember.Small Land? Snow Land? Loud Land? Which button will help the heroes Return to Animal Land?"Pol McShane has a way of making the reader a part of the adventure, with his vivid detail, writing style, and his ability to tell a story." Rob Farr-Author

A recent surge in people’s reconnecting with nature has resulted in numerous reference books for outdoor program leaders, but—until now—there has been a dearth of books aimed at wintertime pursuits. The Get-Outside Guide to Winter Activities unlocks the door to a wealth of fun and adventure in the snow. Activities have been compiled by keepers of the trail, experienced winter trekker leaders who know how to lead people in outdoor winter activities that are safe and fun and help people experience the joy of being active outdoors during the cold months of the year. This guide offers activities and games that have the following features: • Appropriate for multiple age groups • Easily modifiable to adapt to varying skillsets • Designed for a variety of locales, such as schoolyards, community trails, urban and remote parks, and wilderness settings The guide offers activities that are suitable for groups of varying skill levels and experience. Most activities are simple and quick and require little preparation and few props. Those interested in doing more can explore snowshoeing or Nordic skiing activities and even exploratory outings and winter day trips from a base camp to overnight or extended camping excursions. The book includes tactical snow games and activities and even has icebreakers for games. In addition, solo winter trekkers can use the activities and lessons as a launching point to prepare them in leading groups in winter outings. Leaders are shown how to build in activities that call on typical age-level skills of participants. The essential-skills progression built into the activities helps leaders offer instructional strategies that allow all participants to take part within their ability, and leaders are provided with ideas to modify all approaches and activities to ensure inclusion for all in their group. In addition to the game and activity modifications, the book offers winter facts that enhance participants’ knowledge about the science of snow and winter as well as charts and graphs that focus on safety in winter. The Get-Outside Guide to Winter Activities offers a planning framework that balances winter fun with skills and safety and prepares leaders to guide others in enjoying activities in the snow. You will learn about activities that require little or no props, adaptive snow games, tips based on actual winter excursions, gear requirements, and leadership suggestions shared by winter experts: • How to stay warm and dry while winter camping • What and how to eat, drink, and cook in the winter • What gear you need for a snow expedition • What games and activities are great for campsites • How to teach basic snowshoeing and Nordic skiing skills • The keys to managing groups outside in winter You’ll also learn how to make the most of winter opportunities through tried-and-true ideas, skill progressions and games, and activities that open up an entire season’s worth of enjoyment, learning, and adventure. “People shy away from outdoor winter activities for three reasons,” says Andrew Foran, one of the book’s authors. “There’s an overemphasis on the skills that are thought to be required for participation. Granted, in some cases skills are essential, but it’s how you approach the teaching and practicing of those skills that makes the difference. “Then there’s a belief that the wintertime outdoors is to be feared rather than embraced. And finally, people are lacking a bank of ideas, of things to do, to keep them engaged and having fun outdoors in the winter.” The Get-Outside Guide to Winter Activities addresses all three misconceptions—and in the process shows you, as a leader, how to help your participants have fun in the snow, build skills, and create lasting memories that will keep them looking forward to the next big snowfall.

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Over 85 stellar, totally do-able desserts and other fun-fueled treats for kids (or adults!) to make, from the founder of Milk Bar and host of Bake Squad! NAMED ONE OF THE BEST COOKBOOKS OF THE YEAR BY THE NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW AND FOOD NETWORK Dedicated to the next generation of young bakers, Milk Bar: Kids Only presents more than eighty-five fun and empowering recipes to inspire imagination in the kitchen, from Apple Pie Waffles to PB&J Cereal Treats to Strawberries and Cream Cupcakes to marshmallowy Choco Crunch Cookies. This is a cookbook that teaches kitchen skills—perfect for kids as well as anyone who’s learning to bake—and reminds newbies and veteran bakers alike that a little personality adds a whole lot to the mix. Whether they’re transforming a donut into a milkshake or creating their own flavored butters for smearing onto biscuits, readers will have plenty of opportunities for mixing and matching within recipes to help their creativity run wild.

What? You have more questions? BRING IT ON! Ask Me EVERYTHING! Really! This book is chock full of lists and quips, stats and quotes, and will keep readers of all ages asking questions for hours. No topic is left unquestioned, no question is left unanswered. This brilliant follow-up to Ask Me Anything will bring joy and edification to the whole family.

From the author of Carols and Crushes, another wintry, sweet romance perfect for the WISH line! Mia can't wait for the Winter Festival -- it's what her hometown, Flurry, Vermont, is famous for. Plus, maybe she can work up the courage to show the cute new boy, Yoshi, how much fun snowball fights can be. There's just one problem: the weather forecast isn't predicting a single snowflake before the big day. And what's the Winter Festival without snow? Canceling the festival would spell disaster for the local businesses, including the cozy inn that Mia's family runs. With the town in chaos, Mia is suddenly at odds with Yoshi and with her best friend, Lark. Can Mia save the festival in time . . . or is she in for a wintry mix of troubles?