This is a revised and revamped reprint of a biography of Alma Spreckels who was a larger-than-life, turn of the century character . At home among the wealthiest and most powerful people in California and in Europe she moved within cultural circles on both continents, always living by her own rules. At six feet tall she was an imposing presence but her lifestyle kept her out of the inner circle of San Francisco society. She discovered Rodins sculptures in Paris and made them the centerpiece of her new museum, The California Palace of the Legion of Honor and in Union Square today a column rises with a female figure dancing at the top (Alma). both signature gifts to the City,
Alma de Bretteville Spreckels (1881-1968) rose from poverty to become one of San Francisco's most powerful women. Alma's humble beginnings and scandalous lifestyle would alienate her from the cream of San Francisco society: she became an artists' model, befriended European royalty, married sugar magnate Adolph Spreckels, lived in the grandest mansion in San Francisco, and at age fifty-seven chartered a plane and eloped with a cowboy. But that same larger-than-life personality was a fruitful asset in the many pursuits that claimed her passions, the most notable of which still stands high on the Golden Gate headlands. Big Alma celebrates the woman who brought Rodin's works to America and built the Palace of the Legion of Honor to hold them.
A 2019 Caldecott Honor Book What’s in a name? For one little girl, her very long name tells the vibrant story of where she came from — and who she may one day be. If you ask her, Alma Sofia Esperanza José Pura Candela has way too many names: six! How did such a small person wind up with such a large name? Alma turns to Daddy for an answer and learns of Sofia, the grandmother who loved books and flowers; Esperanza, the great-grandmother who longed to travel; José, the grandfather who was an artist; and other namesakes, too. As she hears the story of her name, Alma starts to think it might be a perfect fit after all — and realizes that she will one day have her own story to tell. In her author-illustrator debut, Juana Martinez-Neal opens a treasure box of discovery for children who may be curious about their own origin stories or names.
A hauntingly beautiful account of how women understand their purpose in life and use their power to transform humankind . . . In twenty-first century America, in a remote town nestled in the Sierra mountain forests, Alma Whitman lives secluded with her brother Edgar and with Fenway, Edgars golden retriever. Alma has never set foot in a church and draws her spiritual strength from the wilderness. She forges emotional and spiritual connections within a community of women called the Sisterhood. Within the community of sisters Alma seeks close relationships with Florence de la Rosa, Dr. Silvia Preston and Desiree Parker, whom she senses will strengthen, guide, and carry forward the work of the Sisterhood. Every Sunday Reverend Henry rushes to the Whitman cabin for his weekly chess game. Edgar and Henry grapple in the heat of mock battle, while Alma prepares lunch for her boys. Henry is an established minister of the cross. He holds great sway in the community of Abbeville, most of which attend his house of worship, Damascus Church. That is until Fredrika Handleys gossip mill links Reverend Henry to Anne Dean, the church secretary and wife of one of the church elders. Soon whispers are heard around town about Reverend Henry and other female members of his church. When Alma, who is almost four decades Reverend Henrys senior, reaches out to Henry, town gossip ignites and an all out battle for the streets of Abbeville begins. Reverend Henry resigns his position as Pastor of Damascus Church. Fredrika and her gossip mill paint Alma and the Sisterhood as forest enchantresses. Abbeville slips under the control of Reverend Jacob, who renames Henrys church, the Damascus Reformed Church. And, Abbeville is literally destroyed.
Alma's beautiful, hairy world is turned upside down by the arrival of a stranger. From the utterly original imagination of the author-illustrator of Ooko comes a story about celebrating differences and making new friends. For fans of Where the Wild Things Are and Wild. Alma lives happily in her hairy world, where she can braid the trees, comb the grass, pet the roof and feed her plumpooshkie butterfly. Until one day . . . a hairless, button-nosed beast appears in the garden! At first Alma is scared but when she realizes the beast is lost and misses her hairless home, Alma offers to help her find her way back. As the two take a fantastical journey through the red-headed woods and the bearded mushroom glen to the beast's bald abode, they discover that they are much more alike than different. This quirky and charming story about friendship, empathy and perspective invites readers into a surreal, fantastical world that evokes Alice in Wonderland, Where the Wild Things Are and The Lorax.
A stunning novel of hopes and dreams, guilt and love—a book that offers a resonant new definition of what it means to be American and "illuminates the lives behind the current debates about Latino immigration" (The New York Times Book Review). When fifteen-year-old Maribel Rivera sustains a terrible injury, the Riveras leave behind a comfortable life in Mexico and risk everything to come to the United States so that Maribel can have the care she needs. Once they arrive, it’s not long before Maribel attracts the attention of Mayor Toro, the son of one of their new neighbors, who sees a kindred spirit in this beautiful, damaged outsider. Their love story sets in motion events that will have profound repercussions for everyone involved. Here Henríquez seamlessly interweaves the story of these star-crossed lovers, and of the Rivera and Toro families, with the testimonials of men and women who have come to the United States from all over Latin America.
