Difficult Memoirs

Stories drawn from the life and music of French composer Melanie Bonis and her "Femmes de Legende" pieces for piano. An exploration of seven legendary women in brief revisionist form and an appreciation for one woman composer, who was not allowed by the society in which she lived to fully explore her creative potential. This audio version allows listeners to hear Bonis' music and judge for themselves her place in musical history.

Raised by a mother who turned to drugs to relieve past pain, Valencia had to grow up fast. Being welcomed by gangs, being shunned by her family, and finding motherhood early should have sealed Valencia's fate, at least according to all the statistics. Open, honest, and often raw, Motherless Child exposes a falsehood far too many of us have been led to believe - that those raised in addiction will fall victim themselves. Instead, she found an inner strength born of determination, resolve, and forgiveness.

The Girl Who Could Write and Unite pays tribute to one of the greatest modern American poets, Gwendolyn Brooks. Brooks was the first African American to win a Pulitzer and received over 70 honorary degrees from universities for writing and teaching. Her story teaches children that language is a powerful tool for change and championship.