To Love The Wind And The Rain

An analysis of the relationship between African Americans and the environment focuses on three major themes: African Americans in the rural environment, African Americans in the urban and suburban environments, and African Americans and the notion of environmental justice.

An American Bookseller "Pick of the Lists"

We might think humans have control over our environment, but Mother Nature has proven us wrong again and again. Earth, Wind, Fire, and Rain: Real Tales of Temperamental Elements tells the story of five of America’s deadliest natural disasters that were made worse by human error, ignorance, and greed. For example, in the fall of 1871, loggers and farmers chopped trees and burned brush in the vast forest around Peshtigo, Wisconsin. Fire was a tool they believed they could control. But on October 8, 1 million acres burned in the deadliest fire in American history. Later that century, meteorologists mistakenly predicted clearing skies for New York City on March 10, 1888. Then, two devilish storm fronts collided in what was called the Great White Hurricane. The blizzard brought New Yorkers to their knees and unprepared city leaders were powerless to help. Powerless too were the residents of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, on May 31, 1889. A private club of wealthy businessmen owned a dam upriver from Johnstown. The club modified the dam to improve recreation on their private lake, but these changes weakened the structure. When heavy rains fell, the dam burst, flooding Johnstown with 20 million tons of water. Residents of San Francisco had no warning when a massive earthquake struck on April 18, 1906. It toppled buildings, ruptured gas mines and ignited fires. Years of political corruption had underfunded the fire department, leaving it without the equipment or training to quench the inferno, and San Francisco burned. In the 1920s, farmers transformed the dry, windy southern Plains by digging up the buffalo grass and planting millions of acres of wheat. But nature fought back by turning this breadbasket into a Dust Bowl. On April 14, 1935, Black Sunday, a 200-mile cloud of dirt buried fields, livestock, and people. Peoples’ choices did not cause these disasters, but they did give the forces of nature an extra nudge. However, tragedy sparked reforms in weather forecasting, soil and forest management, and emergency preparation. But remember—no one can control nature. So be prepared to get out of the way when disaster strikes. This is the tenth book in a series called Mystery & Mayhem, which features true tales that whet kids’ appetites for history by engaging them in genres with proven track records—mystery and adventure. History is made of near misses, unexplained disappearances, unsolved mysteries, and bizarre events that are almost too weird to be true—almost! The Mystery and Mayhem series delves into these tidbits of history to provide kids with a jumping off point into a lifelong habit of appreciating history. The five true tales told within Earth, Wind, Fire, and Rain are paired with maps, photographs, and timelines that lend authenticity and narrative texture to the stories. A glossary and resources page provide the opportunity to practice using essential academic tools. These nonfiction narratives use clear, concise language with compelling plots that both avid and reluctant readers will be drawn to.

The Epic of Karolan is a grand adventure on the scale of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings -- but with a very different style and emphasis. It has the heroism, adventure, and wonder that characterize classic fantasy, but manages without dragons, wizards, or elves. The characters and the world seem much closer to reality than is usual in fantasy. Hurt and weariness, and betrayal fall on the people of Karolan as they fall on us and there are no spells or wizards offering an easy way out.Rain, Wind, and Fire - book three in the epic several pivotal climaxes are reached. The courageous warrior-blacksmith Jonathan, who has repeatedly proved himself willing to die for his ideals of honor and justice, finds he has unwittingly broken his most sacred promise. The young King of Karolan slowly accepts his high position. He works hard to understand how best to aid his people while at the same time coming to terms with the limitations of his power.Yet just as the king, Jonathan, and the war-weary realm of Karolan itself begin to find their feet, a new threat emerges that may destroy them all. Driven by despair over his broken promise, Jonathan accepts an almost suicidal mission yet one that must be achieved if Karolan is to have a future. Will his despair drain him of the strength and courage that have made him a hero of Karolan? Or will he do the impossible yet again and if so, at what cost? And can the breach of his promise ever be forgiven?

A heart-wrenching but deeply funny and ultimately uplifting story of family, love, loyalty, and hope--a captivating look at the wonders and absurdities of human life . . . as only a dog could tell it

A seductive memoir of a life-changing affair during a time of revolution as it unfolds over a decade and across three continents, surprising both lovers with the power and urgency of love.

Inspired by Beauty and the Beast and the myth of Hades and Persephone, this lush and enchanting enemies-to-lovers fantasy romance is perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Jennifer L. Armentrout, and Scarlett St. Clair. Wren of Edgewood is no stranger to suffering. With her parents gone, it’s Wren’s responsibility to ensure she and her sister survive the harsh and endless winter, but if the legends are to be believed, their home may not be safe for much longer. For three hundred years, the land surrounding Edgewood has been encased in ice as the Shade, a magical barrier that protects the townsfolk from the Deadlands beyond, weakens. Only one thing can stop the Shade’s fall: the blood of a mortal woman bound in wedlock to the North Wind, a dangerous immortal whose heart is said to be as frigid as the land he rules. And the time has come to choose his bride. When the North Wind sets his eyes on Wren’s sister, Wren will do anything to save her—even if it means sacrificing herself in the process. But mortal or not, Wren won’t go down without a fight… The North Wind is a stand-alone, enemies-to-lovers slow-burn fantasy romance, the first in a series sprinkled with Greek mythology.

In mid 1980s Yugoslavia, 18 year old student Ana has to flee her family home after she snaps and confronts bigotry head-on. She is recruited by two strange men to join a secret group that fights anti-Romani prejudice. A newspaper article about looted Nazi artwork leads the group across Europe to hunt Albert Tremmick, a notorious Auschwitz eugenicist, known as the Butcher of Dieselstrasse.Ana has to find the strength to confront the very depths of human depravity in Cold War Berlin. Does Ana possess the conviction to apply brutal justice before Tremmick disappears forever?