"If I had my druthers, I would make every parent of a young child read Mitten Strings for God. Then when their child went off to school, I would hand the parents Stopping at Every Lemonade Stand to read next.

"But I wouldn't stop there. I would ask everyone who ever comes in contact with kids and cares about the world they live in to read this book! It's fantastic. Empowering and positive about how we all can bring change to this world, Stopping at Every Lemonade Stand is the best book I have ever read on creating real change in our children's world.

"Author Vollbracht shows us how to create change right here, right now. He isn't asking us to spend a lot of money or lose our lives by donating all of our time away. He is saying to pay attention, show up, listen. When kids come to your door selling something, talk to them, buy their cookies, be there, learn their names. He offers hundreds of ideas in this book about how individuals can bring change in simple ways. He encourages readers to take simple steps that lead to stronger neighborhoods and communities. He isn't asking for the moon here; he is talking about saying hi to your neighbors, learning their names. The book is filled with inspiring stories of things that are already working all around the country. He is asking us to notice what is right with our world and support that, rather than always focusing on what is wrong. His point is well taken. Why do we pay so much attention to the minority of children who use drugs in middle school? Why not focus on the fact that the majority of kids don't. Let's work on making it cool to be drug-free by noticing and empowering the kids who are. And by acknowledging all the ways our kids contribute to this world, not just through academics and athletics. Every child has something to give! Vollbracht so eloquently makes the point that our children want our attention and will do anything to get it. Why don't we give them the attention for all that they do right instead of the little they do wrong.

"This is a fabulous book. I know it is going to make a difference in my life. And I am betting that it will in yours too. Let's do this! Read the book, try out a couple of ideas. Our kids deserve a better world."

"James Vollbracht offers a selection of the teachings of Confucius in The Way of Virtue: An Ancient Remedy to Heal the Modern Soul. Vollbracht says that Confucius was 'one of the most remarkable individuals to walk this earth.' Reducing the philosophy of Confucius to clever fortune-cookie type of sayings is a serious loss of wisdom.

"Vollbracht, a leadership and personal development trainer, says that the teachings of Confucius, 'when examined seriously, are recognized as profound expressions of the human spirit. The universality of his message, when understood in the context of his lessons, can yield infinite satisfaction, both personal and national, to those who endeavor to follow his path.'

"Confucius lived and taught in China more than 2500 years ago, during a time of repressive political regimes, heavy taxation, and near-rebellion from the masses. He believed that virtue was 'the most powerful force in the universe.' If people acquired virtue, then they could reform their families, their communities, their nation, and eventually the world. Confucius taught 'that whoever wished to change society should look within, to the personal acquisition of virtue.'

"Vollbracht starts each lesson with brief background information, which leads to a question from a student. Confucius then answers the question. Often his answers lead to further questions from the student.

"Lessons include discourses on the power of the individual to change the world, how to live a virtuous daily life and follow the path of virtue, the power of music, and self-discovery.

"Each lesson is accompanied with drawings taken from ancient art depicting the life of Confucius.

"Vollbracht ends with the observation that the teachings of Confucius 'affirm that all men and women are created equal and that by cultivating virtue within the soul, each and every person can make a profound contribution to the world.'

"The Way of Virtue is an excellent resource for all those interested in cultivating the virtue within them."

"Don't just stand there worrying about "kids today," Vollbracht urges; "Do something!" Having spent more than a decade working with kids and with adults who want to help them grow up strong and healthy, Vollbracht has plenty of anecdotes that show how much good even a small commitment of time and effort can do. The book is organized around 'six circles of community': the individual, family, neighborhood, community, business and government, and elders. A chapter is devoted to each circle, telling stories; defining, for example, what a neighborhood looks, sounds, and feels like; suggesting steps people in each circle can take; and describing Vollbracht's own experiences around the country. Each chapter includes sidebars, to-do lists, quizzes, and anecdotes that will produce a chuckle or perhaps bring a tear to the reader's eye. But Vollbracht isn't moralistic in urging adults to take action: as with his own stop at the lemonade stand that gives the book its title, Vollbracht reminds readers that spending time with kids can be 'the most fun I've had in a long time!'"  
     

"Please pay attention to this book. It logically and profoundly reminds us that each of us can protect and nourish our most important resource, our children."

"Anyone who needs a boost of energy to renew their commitment to kids needs to read this book."

The Way of the Circle
Reviewer: Midwest Book Review

"Sun Li wants to be rich when he grows up. On his journey to find wealth, however, he must first cross the Great River. There he meets a wise old man, who teaches him that life offers much more than beautiful jewels and fine clothes. The Way Of The Circle is a gentle tale of an old man's wisdom and a young boy's lessons in harmony, kindness, and love. Set in ancient China and beautifully illustrated, the story helps young readers recognize the timeless truth of 'the Way of the Circle' -- every kind act you do will one day return to you. James Vollbracht's masterful telling of this superb story for young readers is beautifully enhanced with the artwork of Chris Folen."

"Small Acts of Kindness is a beautiful children’s tale that reminds us once again of the extraordinary power of kindness; that is can start from the simplest act of the heart and grow ripple by ripple into a magnificent power capable of transforming the world."

"Celebrating the power of kindness, this charmingly illustrated book, Small Acts of Kindness, shows children how one small and loving act has the most amazing power and potential.

"Intended for pre-school children through eight years of age, this inspiring little book offers a traditional message filled with spiritual richness. Small Acts of Kindness leads us willingly from one boy’s small hug to the power of God’s love for each one of us. Parents and children alike will be inspired by this timeless story."