Heartfelt, powerful, and sincere; should prompt serious reflection by teachers and coaches alike.
A debut book exhorts teachers to be better coaches—and vice versa.
Retired high school English instructor/basketball coach Anstett intentionally blurs the line between teaching and coaching in an inspirational, instructional manual that takes a holistic view of secondary education. Sections of the unusual, engaging guide alternate between addressing the specific concerns of each group as the author offers plenty of advice to both teachers and coaches. But he reinforces the basic concept of the book repeatedly: “One should teach more on the court and coach more in the classroom.” Early on, Anstett provides a spirited discussion that contrasts “whining” with “winning,” using examples of both students and teachers/coaches to demonstrate the difference. For example, when a student whines about deserving an A, the author notes: “High expectations are fine, as long as the work ethic supports those goals….Deserving can become a toxic mental detour.” He follows this observation with a few key winning strategies for teachers to deal with the notion of “deserving” good grades. This is the kind of no-nonsense, straightforward advice doled out by Anstett throughout the volume. Parents and the role they play in their child’s development do not go unnoticed either. In a “Letter to Parents,” the author presents several ideas, among them: “Discuss your child’s goals—a great conversation for a Sunday evening each week” and “Stay positive about your child’s teachers. Your kids will lean a great deal on your attitude.” There is a fair amount of autobiographical meandering, but it is not without purpose; for the most part, Anstett’s own story is woven in to make salient points about teaching or coaching. Interestingly, the author is always coaching as he writes, whether it’s “eleven ways teachers can instill and excite dedication” or his bulleted list of “Growing ‘Vitamins’ ” that includes such aphorisms as “Never cheat,” “Measure people by the size of their heart,” and “Don’t major in minor things.” At various points in the text, a blank page titled “Your Turn” is inserted to encourage readers to share their own thoughts.
Heartfelt, powerful, and sincere; should prompt serious reflection by teachers and coaches alike.Pub Date: April 4, 2017
ISBN: 978-1-941478-36-3
Page Count: 298
Publisher: Windy City Publisher
Review Posted Online: Jan. 15, 2018
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2018
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
This is not the Nutcracker sweet, as passed on by Tchaikovsky and Marius Petipa. No, this is the original Hoffmann tale of 1816, in which the froth of Christmas revelry occasionally parts to let the dark underside of childhood fantasies and fears peek through. The boundaries between dream and reality fade, just as Godfather Drosselmeier, the Nutcracker's creator, is seen as alternately sinister and jolly. And Italian artist Roberto Innocenti gives an errily realistic air to Marie's dreams, in richly detailed illustrations touched by a mysterious light. A beautiful version of this classic tale, which will captivate adults and children alike. (Nutcracker; $35.00; Oct. 28, 1996; 136 pp.; 0-15-100227-4)
Pub Date: Oct. 28, 1996
ISBN: 0-15-100227-4
Page Count: 136
Publisher: Harcourt
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1996
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
An extravaganza in Bemelmans' inimitable vein, but written almost dead pan, with sly, amusing, sometimes biting undertones, breaking through. For Bemelmans was "the man who came to cocktails". And his hostess was Lady Mendl (Elsie de Wolfe), arbiter of American decorating taste over a generation. Lady Mendl was an incredible person,- self-made in proper American tradition on the one hand, for she had been haunted by the poverty of her childhood, and the years of struggle up from its ugliness,- until she became synonymous with the exotic, exquisite, worshipper at beauty's whrine. Bemelmans draws a portrait in extremes, through apt descriptions, through hilarious anecdote, through surprisingly sympathetic and understanding bits of appreciation. The scene shifts from Hollywood to the home she loved the best in Versailles. One meets in passing a vast roster of famous figures of the international and artistic set. And always one feels Bemelmans, slightly offstage, observing, recording, commenting, illustrated.
Pub Date: Feb. 23, 1955
ISBN: 0670717797
Page Count: -
Publisher: Viking
Review Posted Online: Oct. 25, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1955
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
