Triplets Books

This is an inspiring and compelling story of two women, Elizabeth and Kaki, who moved into a multiracial community in Philadelphia in order to improve the lives of those living there. As they embarked on this unique and moving journey, they were forced to confront their own personal issues, motivations and philosophies.
The author, Elizabeth, has constructed a beautifully written memoir detailing the joys and difficulties of meshing two cultures in on household. Tahija and Lamar, both young teenagers from dysfunctional families were invited to live with Elizabeth and Kaki before and after they gave birth to triplet boys. However, the author and her partner soon found themselves dealing with young parents whose entire methods and beliefs about parenting were vastly different and foreign from theirs. Only by learning to understand, confront and accept these difference while establishing necessary boundaries, were Elizabeth and Kaki able to hold the household together. It is a tale of love, and the accompanying compromises that has much to teach us all. The book also brings the reader into a world of racism, poverty, drugs, alcohol addiction and mental illness detailing both the harsh realities and the desire of all to protect the young, vulnerable boys. Although the families eventually separated and moved on, their mutual love, concern and support continues to evolve and grow.
This book is a must read for anyone in our everchanging culuture, particularly for those who have or care for children of any age. It has challenged me to relfect on and question my own attitides and judgements. Although I consider myself a liberal, it has forced me to think about how much I truly understand about other cultures or other people who hold different beliefs and engage in different life-styles,and how I would handle myself in a similar situation. The two women mentored this family deserve tremendous credit for their devotion and persistence in helping Tahija, Lamar and their three boys survive, develop and grow. I thank Elizabeth for sharing her story.

"Walk with Us" by Elizabeth K. Gordon is an important true story about what happens when two middle-aged white women, two inner-city African-American teenagers, along with their triplet sons, all come together as one big family. Kathryn (Elizabeth), Kaki, Tahija, Lamarr and the triplets, along with many other people, learn how to get along with each other despite obstacles and challenges that could easily separate them. There are many obvious differences between the individuals -- race, religion, age, economic class, sexual orientation, etc. -- but there are also many commonalities. Rather than just emphasizing "otherness," the author addresses issues that motivate readers from all backgrounds to make connections between their own experiences and the issues that are presented in the book. In telling her own story, the author establishes the universality of the human experience. Because the United States today is a nation composed of people from all over the world, with diverse religious, racial and ethnic backgrounds, it would be impossible to describe a "typical American." It would also be unrealistic to stereotype a single, homeless, Muslim, African-American, teenage mother like Tahija. She is an independent young woman who is determined to make a life for herself and her family, despite her troubled background. In this book the reader is encouraged to explore -- from different points of view -- issues common to many different people who live in the United States and beyond. The stories from the book also remind us of the diversity in American society. It reminds us to be sensitive to the experiences of all Americans. As a transplanted Philadelphian, Kathryn learns that the experience of growing up can differ from one part of the country to another, from one ethnic/racial group to another, and from one era to another. Tahija and Lamarr's experiences growing up are dramatically different from Kathyrn and Kaki's experiences. Kathryn discusses her awareness of these differences and how she is shaped by it. The idea of family and identity is also explored by the author. The traditional nuclear family is getting harder to find today. Instead, new patterns are developing -- patterns which reflect changing attitudes about what defines a "family." Gordon also discusses the use of language and how it not only gives us the means to express our thoughts, but it also shapes the way we think and the way we look at the world around us. Kathryn and Tahija both speak English but they don't always speak the same language. That's what happens in a family sometimes, isn't it?

Elizabeth Gordon invites readers into a world of self examination, the kind needed to recognize and solve problems in human relationships, especially those tainted by racial stereotypes and cultural divide. Walking with Gordon and her make-shift family is a trip to a literary candy shop set on the deteriorating concrete steps of despair. I really enjoyed agonizing, laughing, and learning and yearning with this family. The book is a first course offering for young, old, Black, White, blessed and cursed. Don't pass it up!

In this little miracle of a book WALK WITH US Elizabeth K. Gordon has managed to tell a story that encompasses or addresses many social problems, problems with our health care system, problems facing minority groups such as African Americans, Muslims, Lesbians, Quakers, et al, problems with teenage pregnancies, and universal problems of human relationships. The story she relates is true, is sometimes harsh to read as it exposes thorny problems, is one that vividly depicts life in the ghetto areas of all of our cities. It is also a story so powerfully told that it brings light to dark realities and results in an appreciation of the importance of understanding and acceptance of the many differences among the people that make up this country.

The full title of the book tells the basic story: the author and her partner Kaki are a happily adjusted Quaker couple who happen upon a fifteen year old pregnant African American Muslim girl Tahija and her boyfriend Lamaar, and out of genuine caring and generosity befriend the homeless girl (and family!), adapting their life style to the traditions and quirks of their guests, accompanying Tahija through her pregnancy of triplets, and the aftermath of conflicts of life style and philosophy of child rearing. But that is only a brief outline of what this book is about. Gordon weaves her story with the flavor of the poorer Philadelphia neighborhood populace, a neighborhood comprised of every minority group imaginable, finds the languages that without condescension make the story flow in an unbiased, very realistic manner, and almost casually and inadvertently opens windows of understanding without preaching but with her gift for recording sensitive issues in an open and nonjudgmental manner.

Given the story is one so interesting and involving that once the reader begins this book, putting it down before discovering the interesting conclusion approaches the impossible, the overwhelming impression at book's end is the brilliance with which Elizabeth K. Gordon writes! This is an important writer, one with skills so polished that she makes every brief chapter a rhapsody. Her 'Introduction' alone reads like an epic poem. She is able to plainly draw from personal experiences that reveal her own beliefs: 'We're together. It echoed back from some hillside of intuition within me. It felt, as Quakers say, rightly ordered'. Her observations of events come from the heart: 'Tahija Ellison was about as far from humble and grateful as you get without leaving the solar system. She was a bane to residents, nurses, and doctors alike. She was an arrogant, selfish, ill-tempered adolescent. To share my house, my money, my time, my best friend and lover with this ornery stranger, this pretentious child, this hurt and angry woman so in need herself of mothering, who carelessly and without means to support them was bringing three innocent lives into the world...' It is with this degree of honesty that makes the transcendence of this story more moving and more completely credible.

The obvious 'lesson' behind WALK WITH US is message of co-habitation of all peoples of this country. And not simply co-habitation but acceptance of differences and likenesses that connect us as fellow citizens in this country wholly comprised of Immigrants, whether historic or current. With the recent election breathing hope (an in some places continued despair as in California's voter response to human rights) this is a timely book to read just now. But it is such a beautifully written book that it will remain on the shelves reserved for frequently re-read books for many years. Highly recommended. Grady Harp, November 08

"Walk with Us" is a deeply moving true story about a white middle-aged woman, her partner Kaki, and their commitment to Tahija, a pregnant African American adolescent. We are introduced to Tahija through Lamarr, Tahija's boyfriend and the father of the triplets they are expecting. He had asked Kaki if she she'd let Tahija move into her home until the babies' were delivered, because Tahija's mother was in rehab at the time and she needed a place to live.
Gordon walks us through the streets of Philadelphia, and the affect racism has upon each member of this newly constructed family. While Elizabeth and Kaki let us in on their struggle with the bazaar chain of privilege their whiteness has assured them, Tahija gives us an intimate view of the world that she, as a young Muslim woman of color, inhabits. Given their hertories few of us can be surprised at the vast differences between them.
As a result of Gordon's character the sensitivity and strengths of each individual in "Walk with Us" is remarkable. The constant thrust of obstacles set before them is heartbreaking. The birth of the triplets leave you in the midst of the most fragile and often troubling conflicts known to pose problems between parents and caregivers. For ex: How does one let a mom be a mom with minimal judgment or interference from other household members? How does one respect a very young mother who is still growing-up, her need for boundaries and her right to mature in her own time when you are certain that her inexperience and troubles may be hurtful to her children? Those are some of the questions Elizabeth must ask herself. And letting one's conscience be her guide may not be enough in this situation for there are multi-cultural considerations to be made as well.
Elizabeth and her partner often pause to be sure they are not crossing lines that include imposing racist norms and assumptions about their power on Tahija, Lamarr and their own family values. However, natural differences between the wisdom of one's elders and the naivete of the young must also be considered while the urgent care needed for the triplet's leaves very little time to draw lines between right and wrong. And when in doubt about boundaries, Tahija makes it clear to them that they need to step back and follow her lead! Make no mistake, these are her babies. Her children will be raised to be strong enough to face a world that will go out of its way to harm them and no one knows that better than Tahija. Why? They are of color.
Tahija is convinced that one strengthens their babies by resisting the urge to come to their aid when they cry. Just as she is convinced she must prepare them for poverty by feeding them less no matter how hungry they are. Exactly what kind of stress is Tahija dealing with? Are the accumulative pains of poverty, rejection, fear and depression a mental health problem that she may need treatment for or a staple affirming her capacity to endure extreme deprivation that must be handed down to her boys'? And will these concerns wipe out the good times? There are good times. There is also a lot of love between Tahija, her mother and other family members too. So, we often wonder where they are.
In "Walk with Us" everyone, including the reader, is called upon to question their own motives and prejudices.
Tahija and Gordon's honesty leaves us receptive if not longing for resolutions and even happiness for the children and the adults who love them. Yet we would suspect the changes they must undergo together, will lead them further into the complexities of adulthood, the inevitability of disappointments and the rigorous demands of cross-genernational family life and they do.
Ms. Gordon's writing leaves no stone unturned. Once you finish reading "Walk with Us" you realize that you have come to know Tahija as daughter, as mother, as partner and writer. You have also come to know Lamarr as brother, as father, as son and partner. The triplets are sweethearts. Kaki is kind. The love and respect she and Elizabeth have for one another which they so freely share with others is courageous. You also realize that the department of social services continues to be as flawed
as the spirituality of Tahija, Elixabeth and Kaki is inspired.
"Walk with Us" is a gift for you and a gift for others. Open it up and let the healing begin.

So nice to share the input of the Swedish culture with my grandchildren! This series of books for girls and boys (Snipp, Snapp, Snurr), is delightful....wonderful stories and messages to share. Thank you Amazon for offering these choices. Will buy more..

Was delighted with this nostalgic purchase. The condition of the book was as advertised. and it arrived sooner than expected.

this is such a wonderfully simplistic and sweet book. i spent quality time with my dear younger sister reading the book to her. it helped to teach her how to read and within time, she was reading it to the rest of the family. everyone enjoyed it. buy this treasured book and be like us in finding all the love in it and other books of this fabulous series. oh and dont miss the delightful boys series by the same incredible author!

Flicka, Ricka and Dicka, the three Swedish girls, are given new red dresses with white dots that their mother made for them. They then go out to play.

While playing they meet and old woman carrying firewood. As their mother has taught them to always help others, they offer to help. The woman accepts but is concerned about getting the dresses dirty. But the girls wish to follow their mother's teaching.

Soon they are at the old woman's cottage and helping with all sorts of chores late into the day. As they return home their dresses are dirty and even torn. Their mother is happy that her girls were so helpful.

The next day the girls wash and mend their dresses and their mother gives them new advice. Next time they help the old woman, they should wear overalls.

Another wonderful and charming story. One never knows what Flicka, Ricka and Dicka will get up to, but it is sure to make an enjoyable tale. Each pair of pages has the story on one side and a beautifully painted illustration by the author on the other. If you like Flicka, Ricka and Dicka, check out Snipp, Snapp and Snurr.

We bought all the F-R-D books that are available in paperback for my daughter's third birthday. She loved them all. She will be turning 6 soon and she still enjoys them alot. The illustrations are charming and story topics are sweet. The illustrations especially can encourage talking about life in the past such as using baskets for things instead of the paper/plastic rut we are in. One thing to keep in mind is these books were written some 40+ years ago and times were different. We would not encourage our children to wander off in the woods to help a stranger without adult supervision. This plot can lead to some good conversation about what is/is not safe now. Keeping that in mind the books are awesome!

I was shocked & amazed that I could find this old book, purchase it & have it delivered to my home in 2 days for less than $10. It was not available ANYWHERE ELSE! What service & what a deal. My class of 1st graders was pleased with the reading of this specific book which went hand-in-hand with our study & class project.

I bought this book to read to my childrens classrooms and it was a big hit.

These books are absolutely wonderful. I remember reading them as a little girl, and now I am sharing them with my two little girls. The Flicka, Ricka, and Dicka books by the same author are also GREAT. Highly reccomended.

This is the most fanciful of the Snipp, Snapp Snurr books (or Flicka, Ricka, Dicka) that I have seen. In this one, the three Swedish boys would like some butter for their bread. But there is none in the house.

The boys go on a quest for butter and discover what it takes to create butter. Butter is made from milk witch comes from a cow that eats green grass that needs the Sun to grow. In order to get their butter, they must appeal to the Sun so that it will shine and make the grass grow green and etc. etc.

Each pair of pages has the story on the left and a painted illustration by the author on the right. A fun and fanciful story that helps teach about how things depend on one another.

This is the most fanciful of the Snipp Snapp Snurr tales (or the Flicka Ricka and Dicka stories). Snipp, Snapp, and Snurr, the three Swedish boys, are hungry one day and ask their mother for some buttered bread. But there is no butter. The boy must have their bread plain.

In order for the boys to get butter, they will need milk. but the cow isn't giving any because the grass is brown because the sun has not been shining.

Snipp, Snapp, and Snurr appeal to the sun and tell it that it needs to shine and make the grass green. Their appeal is heard and eventually there is butter for their bread again.

Each pair of pages has story on the left and an illustration painted by the author on the right. A rather amusing and fun tale. Read all of the Snipp, Snapp and Snurr books.

A classic children's book that has truly stood the test of time. I loved this book 50 years ago as I shared the adventure of three little girls baking a birthday cake for their Mom. The prose is clear and simple and poetic with the rhyming names. The detailed, colorful illustrations capture the interest of readers and non-readers alike. I am delighted that it has been reprinted (and the whole series) so that I can read it to my granddaughters.

This series of books allows children to be children and enjoy simple delightful innocent stories. We don't outgrow the excitement of baking a cake as we join these sisters!

This is absolutely my favorite children's book! Every little girl should have a copy.

Flicka, Ricka and Dicka, the three Swedish girls, are trying to decide what to get for their mother's birthday. Father says it should be something the make themselves. An Aunt suggests that they bake a cake and she has just the recipe.

The Girls shop for the ingredients, mix the cake, clean the kitchen and go out to play for a few minutes. But they play too long and the cake is burned. The girls must make another one. Once the cake is made and decorated, the girls and their father give the mother a memorable birthday.

Another fine book by Maj Lindman and it teaches the importance of paying attention when doing a job. Each pair of pages has the story on one side and a painted illustration on the other. Read all of the Flicka Ricka Dicka books (and check out Snipp Snapp and Snurr).

A simple story about a simple activity (baking a birthday cake for mother) that my children and their friends have enjoyed for several years. They repeatedly ask for me to read this book. The underlying messages in all the Flicka, Ricka and Dicka books (as well as the Snipp, Snapp, Snurr stories) encourage kindness to others and responsiblity. Not inspiring literature but a great book about somthing young children are interested in.

EXCELLENT SOURCE FOR A MOTHER EXPECTING TWINS!TELLS YOU EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW. PLEASE ALL THAT ARE HAVING TWINS~TAKE IT EASY~BECAREFUL WHAT YOU DO. I DID, BUT STILL LOST MINE AT 21.5 WKS. JENNIFER~MOTHER OF SAMANTHA & TRAVIS BORN ON MAY 15, 1999

This book helped me through the hardest time of my life. It exampled what I was going through and why I was going through it better than any other book I read on pregancy.

I thank God every day for my little gifts and having the strength to endore the pregnancy and the birth. This book helped me through both. I would recommend it to anyone expecting a multiple birth.

This book helped me out a lot, I found out I was expecting twins when I was 16 wks. It was a surprise. It also helped me with explaining to my husband that we were having twins. Excellcent book to read to explain everything you need to know about expecting and having twins.

My husband and I are expecting twins. We have read about five different books regarding pregnancy, birth and raising multiples, but this was the best book by far. It includes an incredible amount of practical information, including a great set of check lists that will help you prepare for birth. This is the book that I recommend to every couple that I know who are expecting more than one baby.

This book is full of helpful tips and hints. It's a no-frills design, but it packs a lot of information. Out of all the books on parenting multiples that I have read, this one has given me the most/best information. I HIGHLY recommend it.

Stephanie and Michelle had to watch the triplets that live around the corner. The three children seem like little angels. The two sisters thought this is going to be an easy job. Boy, were they wrong! On the day of the job,the triplets' mother took everyone to the Imaginarium -- a museum in town. And the triplets run wild! Can Stephanie and Michelle keep the triplets in line? Or will their babysitting job be a total disaster?

Stephanie needs a helper to babysit triplets. Michelle's helped with one, she's helped with the twins, it's easy, right? The problem - it's not in a home, but a crowded museum they must watch them. The bigger problem - Michelle brings a furry visitor which just adds to the hijinks.

this i very cool, i give it 5 stars and if you like "Full House" you will DEFINATELY like this book :)

After reading (and enjoying) "A Youth in the Argonne," I decided to pick this one up. I like Triplet's writing style. He has a self-effacing sense of humor and is pretty witty. Besides that, he was a good soldier and a respected troop commander. This book provides an interesting look into his experiences as a field-grade commander in both training and combat. I noticed a few minor mistakes in the footnotes and picture captions (as one of the previous reviewers commented), but overall, I enjoyed the book.

"A Colonel in the Armored Divisions" by William S. Triplet, Edited by Robert H. Ferrell, sub-titled, "A Memoir, 1941-1945". University of Missouri Press, 2001.

Robert H. Ferrill, Professor Emeritus, Indiana University, has again taken the writings of William S. Triplet, of Sedalia, Missouri, edited the writings and produced an excellent first person history of an Army colonel's experiences in the Second World War. William Triplet had served as a sergeant in the First World War, began West Point in 1920 and graduated with the class of 1924. This book is really a professional diary of the years from December 1940 up to the cessation of hostiles in Europe, May 1945.

The front half of the book is devoted to Triplet's experiences in weapons testing and in developing amphibious craft for the many beach invasions by General MacArthur. At the command for testing the effectiveness of various weapons and devices, Triplet recorded his efforts in examining the effects of the Molotov Cocktail, (ineffective against armor), the prototype for the Jeep and various forms of sleeping bags. With the amphibious craft, Triplet discovers that many (most) Navy personnel do not understand the effects of ocean waves and tells us, quite a few times, that the Navy makes strong coffee. "I sipped the black brew and got it down without wincing. ... tough people these navy types". P. 64. Again, no love is lost between Col. Triplet and "Admiral Buships", who questioned the veracity of Triplet's reports on the seaworthiness of the M8 howitzer-turret on the LVT(A-1) hulls. P. 84. The Admiral even "Declined my offer of a cup of coffee, which is the lifeblood of the navy". P. 84.

Perhaps of greater interest to World War II buffs is the last half of the book, recording the Colonel's combat experiences. Triplet appears to be one of the few higher-grade officers to actual go up to the front line during combat. For example, he recounts his surprising an Army sentry who calls back that there is a chicken colonel up here. Unexpected! Triplet mildly disguises his impatience with privates, or generals!, who are reluctant to advance or who appear to be bordering on incompetence. In many cases, he does not record the names of the offending parties. He received one excuse so often that it is used for the title of a chapter: "They've Got a lot of Stuff in There". At the very end of the book, Triplet recounts, in a matter of fact fashion, the gunfight he had with two German soldiers. After being blown out of his jeep, Triplet draws his .45 Automatic Pistol and shots at two Germans who thought they had finished everybody. Triplet is wounded in the thigh, but escapes and limps back to his command.

Professor Ferrell's editing is so unobtrusive that you are only aware, once in awhile, that you are reading the corrected and revised words almost fifty years or so after Triplet had been written down. For example, Prof. Ferrell will italicize the word "illegible" to denote that he could not decipher what Col. Triplet wanted. An excellent job of editing.

Tripp, as I am told he was called, wrote a wonderful triology of his military life from WW2 through the post ww2 period. He paints a wonderful picture of life in the army, and my regret is that it looks like some of the mid-war material may have been left out. (Oh yeah, and there are some errors in the footnotes - oh well.) other than that just a wonderful set of books. I am told by men that served with him, "Yup, he was like that, a great guy!"

This mother and daughter team really worked! This delightful book, written by Marilyn Sachs and illustrated by her grown daughter is about major changes taking place within a family.

Dorrie, a gifted and talented 5th grader has an assignment which is to write her life story for a school assignment. Dorrie has a lot to write about! She becomes the sister of triplets (2 brothers and a sister); she moves from an apartment to a large house with a yard; her parents become foster parents of two neighborhood children who have been abused and neglected and Dorrie herself isn't quite sure what to make of these changes. The delightful illustrations are such a welcome contribution to this story.

Written as a first person narrative, this story will ring pure and clear and touch everyone who comes across it.

This is a gem that should be back in print. It is really good.

This remains a book I treasure today. This is without a doubt Marilyn Sachs' finest work.

Dorrie, a gifted 6th grader has to write her life story for a school assignment. Her story is certainly an interesting and worthwhile one because it is during that year her life changes in quantum leaps.

Dorrie's triplet siblings, Deirdre, Randolph and Raymond are born and she feels shunted aside. Her parents become foster parents to two neglected neighborhood children. The only thing I didn't like was the emotional blackmail they used on her when "consulting" with her about bringing these new children into their home.

The drawings, done by Anne Sachs are a bonus treat. The voice of Dorrie rings true; at 11 I could readily identify with Dorrie. Readers of all ages will enjoy this. I wish it was back in print. This is a classic.

I have been an admirer of the writings of Marilyn Sachs since I was a young girl. So naturally, when I had a daughter of my own, I wanted to share those reading experiences with her someday. And although she's only a year and a half old, I hope she, too, will someday appreciate the wonderful books as I did some 20 years ago.I was the age of this book's title character when I first read "Dorrie's Book." At age 11, her words resonated with me, even though my life was significantly less chaotic than hers! We are introduced to Dorrie as she prepares to write her own book for a class assignment. And we learn how her somewhat pampered life as a only child suddenly becomes upended with the arrival of triplets! Dorrie must deal with a myriad of emotions, ranging from envy to indifference to betrayal, as she tries to find some sense of order in her world. She must contend with the rigors of helping to care for three babies, as well as a move to a new home and dealing with a neighborhood "mean-faced girl." Just when Dorrie begins to feel a semblance of complacency, other events arise - some of which are obstacles, others victories.I would not dare to spoil any further surprises by releasing too much detail about the rest of this young girl's travails, but it is interesting to note that Dorrie herself has some control over the way the tale is presented, as she attempts to tidy things up in one pat ending.Anyone who is familiar with the works of Marilyn Sachs will find this book to be more raw and more introspective than most of her other writings. I feel that strategy is necessary and responsible for making "Dorrie's Book" the charmer that it is. I can truly say that I savored each page as much today as I did when I first set eyes on it long ago. As an 11-year old, I found Dorrie to be an intriguing, rather precocious girl. Today, my impression of her has changed little. Marilyn Sachs has captured all of the emotion of a unique situation and made me feel as if Dorrie and her family were real people.A lively reading adventure for young women and women young at heart!

I bought these books because as a child I would check them out at the local public library. I loved the books then so I thought they would be great for my grandchildren.

When I was a little kid someone gave us this book as a hand me down. It had crayon drawn all over it from the previous owner. It didn't matter though. It was my favorite book I owned. I don't know what ever happened to that book. So one day, years later, after much research on the internet, I found this book and ordered it for my children. They love it just as much as I did. I would reccomend it for any kid boy or girl. It is a true classic.

I have four year old triplets and we love reading this book and others by Maj Lindman. Good old-fashioned, wholesome childhood stories! Sheila Laut, Author of Raising Multiple Birth Children.

As a young child this story was read to me several times. Now as an adult I find this story to be just as good. As an expectant parent I belive that I will be reading Maj Lindman's writings to my children on a regular basis. The children Flicka, Ricka, and Dicka are very helpful children in all of the books. In this particular book they help Aunt Lotta. She longs to go visit her sister but can not find anyone to take care of her 6 hens and rooster. The children ask their father and they work it out so that Aunt Lotta can visit her sister. I recommend that if you enjoy this book you look into the other Flicka, Ricka, and Dicka books. Maj Lindman also wrote many stories about three boys, named Snipp, Snapp, and Snurr. I recommend all of theese books if you liked Flicka, Ricka, Dicka and the big red hen.

I originally bought this book as an antidote to the princess stories my 3 and 5 year old nieces were choosing to buy. It took some convincing but after a couple of princess stories they let me read it to them. It is now one of their favorites and they request it all the time. There is just the right mix of comfort, suspense and excitement for young children. They love it and I'm relieved to be reading something besides stories of pink ponies and princesses.