Under Whose Influence?
A Decision Is Yours Book (Decision Is Yours, Book 5)
By Judy Laik

ISBN 0943990971

November 1993
Publisher: Parenting Press
http://www.parentingpress.com/

"The Decision is Yours" series of books addresses common issues faced by elementary and middle school children. These books are interactive, and the reader is given a chance to make a decision that will affect the outcome of the story. After making their choice, readers follow the story to its conclusion, based on their decision. In Under Whose Influence? a young girl’s friends get into their parents’ liquor cabinet and begin drinking, placing the girl in the awkward position of having to make difficult choices.

This book was reprinted in Chinese a few years ago, which is kind of fun. I get a real kick out of going to my bookshelf and seeing two versions of the same book: English and Chinese.

REVIEWS:

“5 Stars - Does not sugar-coat difficult ethical decisions. Some books would have everything turn out perfectly if the protagonist makes the "right" decision. This particular book supports good choices, but also makes it clear that good choices do not always have perfect outcomes. I have recommended this series to an elementary school that was developing an ethics curriculum ...” - Carol Watkins, Psychiatrist, 5/01

“Under Whose Influence with its page-by-page challenges offers the reader opportunities to think about what is happening, consider obvious consequences, and then make a decision.” –Louise Tracy, 8/94

The Mysterious Delaneys
from the anthology - A Horse's Tale: Ten Adventures in 100 Years
By Judy Laik

ISBN 0943990505
December 1988

Publisher: Parenting Press
http://www.parentingpress.com/

A toy horse takes a journey of 100 years, passing down through the decades to 10 different children growing up in Washington State. The story begins in the 1890s with an eleven-year-old on a wheat farm. It includes stories about such diverse children as a Native American girl sent to boarding school, a logger's son who conquers his fear of heights, a polio victim who meets President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and a Laotian immigrant settling into an American school. This book continues to be used extensively by elementary schools and home-schoolers throughout Washington State.

REVIEWS:

“This is ideal for state history in grades 3-6.” - The Home School: Books and Supplies, 5/97

“This book is a wonderful way to introduce young readers to children their own age who experienced history and the changes brought about by time.” - The Bulletin, 11/89

“Enduring themes of childhood fears, friends, and family bring history closer to today's children.” - Washington Heritage Bulletin, vol.10 #5, Jan./Feb. 1989

Around the Circle Gently – A Book of Birth, Families, and Life

Edited by Judith Laik and Lynn Moen

ISBN 0890877661

September 1995
Celestial Arts/Ten Speed Press

Around the Circle Gently is a lovely book of quotations that I co-edited with Lynn Moen. I use quotes from this book on my home page.

REVIEWS:
“What a feast! Around the Circle Gently is a book that you will not only find hard to put down, but one which will keep you looking for opportunities to share its gems with others. The wise and witty quotes delightfully capture the wide range of emotions and experiences that are common to all families. A unique and inspiring volume.” - Marian Tompson, founder and former president of La Leche League International

“This [collection] is like a box full of small treasures that come from the wisdom of the heart and the grit of real experience.” - Suzanne Arms, author of Immaculate Deception, coauthor of Bestfeeding: Getting Breastfeeding Right for You

“Around the Circle Gently captures the wit and wisdom, the joy and pain, of the tapestry of life. The quotes are like bold line drawings, indicating so much more than they actually say. A real delight!” - Rahima Baldwin, midwife and author of Special Delivery

“A magnificent compilation of thought-provoking, humorous, and poignant truths. They tend to linger and shed just a bit more light on the mysteries and wonders of the life cycle.” - Penny Simkin, author of The Birth Primer

“5 Stars - Wonderful quotes about life from beginning to end. This book was beautifully constructed and edited following the family life cycle. It belongs on everybody's coffee table.” - Reader review, Amazon, 11/96