Book Spotlight: The Gift of Haley

Meet Haley, a lovable Labrador puppy ... and an unstoppable thief!

A heartwarming children's book about a black Labrador named Haley and her Friend Emily. Laugh along with Haley as she steals her way into Emily’s heart, while also stealing everything else she can get her paws on along the way!

"A fun fantasy about a child’s puppy problems. The cuddly ending is also sure to please its 4-to-8-year-old target audience." - Kirkus Reviews

www.haleysworldbooks.com

Available on Amazon.com

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Book Spotlight: Loukas and the Game of Chance

Calling all readers!

A Reimagined Greek Fairy Tale From Award-Winning Author Anthony L. Manna

The story tells of Loukas, a flute-playing boy who befriends a magical talking, dancing snake that bestows fortune and favor upon him. Some years later, tempted by greed and pride, Loukas loses all his riches and even his family. He now embarks on a treacherous journey filled with suspense and intrigue to find Destiny, the Sun, and the Moon. They’ll surely allow him to reverse his misfortune, restore his honor, and win back all that he loves and treasures, won’t they?

"Perseverance is a key theme—when Loukas thinks about giving up, he is driven by hope. Readers will discover that only those that are willing and brave enough to enter the depths of their despair will be healed. Donald Babisch’s pen and ink illustrations add to the level of mysticism with their alluring tangled patterns.” - The Children’s Book Review

“With a goodhearted serpent, a benevolent goddess, and a flawed but determined hero, Loukas and the Game of Chance offers excitement, magic, and, most of all, hope that it is never too late to make things right.”  - 4-Star Clarion Review

Purchase a copy today!

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www.anthonymannabooks.com

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Book Spotlight: Family Time - Who Do You Love

What lengths would you go to in order to recover what was taken from you?

Meet Ashlon, a smart young lady with a very active imagination. When she returns home from school she quickly discovers that her most prized possession has been ... stolen! Who could have done this, and most of all, why?

“It is great to see a comic book that boys AND girls can enjoy. What makes this unique is that it’s totally relatable. I loved that it has a Christian foundation but it isn’t overt or in your face. It is interwoven seamlessly into the storyline. They allow the reader to take a immersive visual journey. Having a story unfold visually, frame by frame before you ever read a speech bubble can be a powerful literary tool.”

Allegory Publishing, LLC

We strive to help create an environment where the family can come together to laugh, to smile, to cheer, to cry, and most importantly, to grow.

Purchase a copy today at www.allegorypublishing.com

Follow author Brandon Foster on Instagram @bfosterauthor

SCBWI Join Forces with Local Nonprofits to Give Books to Readers in Need

by Patricia J. Murphy

Members of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators joined forces once again as part of the organization’s 3rd Annual SCBWI Books For Readers book drive and literacy event to collect, curate, and donate new books created by its members to its two 2019 recipients: the Madison Reading Project in Madison, WI. And REACH, Inc in Norfolk, VA.

The SCBWI Books for Readers literacy initiative grew from the organization’s desire to create an opportunity for its members to make an important impact in the lives of readers, to increase book access to local communities nationwide and internationally, to expand its literacy advocacy, and to support the work of the many grassroots organizations working to improve literacy. 

“We know that there are many book deserts in which underserved communities have as few as one book per 300 children. Our hope is to change these numbers and make high-quality books available to all children,” said Lin Oliver, Executive Director of SCBWI. “Our talented members create books of hope, and they’re committed to bringing this hope to readers—especially to those in great need. Our SCBWI BFR literacy initiative continues to advance our organization’s mission as children’s book creators and literacy advocates to build hopes and dreams.”

This year’s hope-filled recipients, chosen from over 300 nominations, received donations of nearly a thousand of SCBWI members’ books each, plus a literacy celebration given in their honor. 

Both of this year’s 2019 recipients and couldn’t wait to get these books into their readers hands and invite them to partake in the event’s literacy activities.

“When we got the call, I couldn’t believe that SCBWI was recognizing our small organization in the middle of Wisconsin,” said Rowan Childs, founder and executive director of Madison Reading Project, “Everyone is thrilled and honored to be part of this recognition—the staff, board, volunteers, and kids! It’s a tribute to what we are doing, and to the kids we serve. We are wowed that the authors and illustrators who created these books are supporting what we are doing, and helping to get their books into these kids’ hands. It’s also an intrinsic pat on the back—a belief in what we are doing to increase literacy rates, and will encourage all of us to do more!” 

REACH’s executive director, Dr. Jennifer Goff couldn’t agree more. “We are thrilled to be partnering with SCBWI as one of the recipients chosen, and humbled by the recognition for what we are working so hard to do: to end illiteracy!” said Goff. 

But, it was only the beginning. In addition to the donation of the carefully curated library of books, each recipient received a highly-anticipated literacy celebration with a star-studded line-up of local SCBWI authors and illustrators, five celebration stations including interactive storytimes, art demonstrations, book-plate making, photo memory sharing, and refreshments. But, the absolute high point at each of the events was the moment when all children in attendance received a book of their own to take home. 

“The books that were donated to us are unlike any others that our children have received before,” Dr. Goff enthusiastically added, “because they’re donated by the very people who created them. These books will allow our children to see worlds outside their communities, to offer them experiences they’ve never had, and to see what can be—and what they can achieve. Like that famous quotation says, ‘A reader lives a thousand lives—a non-reader only one!’ These books will give our kids a thousand lives, and then some!”  

Childs says that books and the event will have lasting effects on her readers and her organization. “Our kids loved the party, but this was a special one that they will remember for a long time. A party where they were able to meet real, live authors and illustrators, enjoy literacy stations, and of course, take home a free book of their choosing, and we were able to give our 100,000th book to a child!” 

Oliver and SCBWI couldn’t be happier to have partnered with both of the Madison Reading Project and REACH. 

"These organizations were nominated because of the good work they are doing at a grassroots level.  It’s time that worthy organizations supported by dedicated volunteers, receive the recognition and support they deserve.  It is these people--lending their helping hands and hearts, that bring hope to our children and our country. We cannot wait until next year to find two more worthy recipients--and keep giving books, building dreams, and changing lives.”

For more information about SCBWI and SCBWI Books for readers, visit scbwi.org.

A Special Classroom: Hitting the Slopes

by Dawn Menge, PhD

“Hey, Ms. Dawn, can you see me?” waved Amanda from atop her perch in the ski lift chair. Growing up in a small mountain community has its perks and its drawbacks. The biggest one would be that everyone knows you and everyone knows who your parents are. We had to move out of the city because I had asthma, and the doctor said it’s either the mountains or the beach. I started fifth grade in a very small school and we actually walked to school in the snow. But, every Wednesday we all left school and went to take ski lessons at our local ski hill. These lessons were built into the curriculum. The ski hill was owned by a local family and in the summers we worked there painting, moving hay, throwing rocks off of the ski runs and fixing the equipment. The younger children were assigned to the older workers. It felt like one huge family.

“It snowed last night! It’s a snow day and they’ve closed the roads. Let’s head for Holiday Hill to try out the new powder,” my best friend Debbie would call and off we’d go. Having the ski hill to ourselves was magical and only a small-town person would understand. As we grew older our social networking was on the ski hill. We could be found there on the weekends and at night after school. Most of us worked there at some point in our teenage years. I couldn’t ask for a better experience as a youth.

When I became a special education teacher for students with severe cognitive delays, teaching within the same schools that I, my children, and now my grandchildren attend, I wanted my students to experience the same kind of upbringing that I was fortunate to have. I applied through our medical funds to provide our students with adaptive ski Lessons at our local mountains. The purpose of these lessons are to build physical stamina, develop fine and gross motor skills, increase social interactions while integrating with the general population during a leisure activity, learn to follow directions from the instructors, and to have an amazing time building their self-esteem and confidence.

“Lynne Haile, the ski school director, states that many of the special needs students that are able to attend these lessons have a mindset change. ‘They begin to do more at home, and many parents see a positive change in their children.’” - Mountaineer progress, 2005. Each student would be assigned one or two instructors to spend the morning with them. All students were included from my class, and their skis were tethered to the instructors to provide extra support.

“Ms. Dawn, you always tell us we have to try something first to see if we like it. We tried snowboarding and we love it. Why don’t you try with us?” asked Joshua as he swished by me on his snowboard, throwing fresh powder onto my legs. Wanting to be a good example for my student, I tried snowboard lessons on our next trip. I was unsuccessful and only made it a few feet. Muscle memory for skiing and a bad knee from a car accident made it too hard for me to accomplish. “Great try Ms. Dawn. We’ll see you when we are done!” encouraged Randall as he jumped onto the ski lift to head back to the top.”

“Now, I can ski just like my brothers can!” said Brian proudly, as he did his famous pizza stop and slightly ran into my legs with his skis. “I’m getting hungry, when can we have lunch?” Brian took off his skis with his instructor’s help and headed towards the restaurant to order pizza.

Being in the very fortunate position of educating the same students as they transition through their educational career from elementary through the adult center, we had developed a special bond. My staff and I are very invested in their outcomes and work diligently to provide for them the very best that we can to ensure that they transition into adulthood with as many skills as we can offer. Parents who have special needs children have the daunting task of keeping their children safe and strong, but also having to let go and allow them to make mistakes and learn. It is a task that only a few can truly understand. The students became very skilled as the season progressed; they achieved new skills, physical fitness, assertiveness, made new friends and had a lot of fun.

Dawn Menge, PhD has won 29 national awards as the author of the Queen Vernita's Educational Series. As an educator, she holds a Master's and a Clear Credential in moderate/severe disabilities and a Bachelor's in human development. Dr. Menge has been teaching severely handicapped students for 16 years.

Book Spotlight: You See Me

Like all teenagers, Ella Heart has it all figured out…

But when Ella is severely injured in an accident caused by her brother, she must go through the hellish years of high school with a disability and resentment. During her senior year, Ella meets a drop-dead gorgeous stable hand, and her perspective on who she thought she could love begins to change. Then a legal case is brought against her brother for wrongful death, and Ella must decide if she can forgive the person who stole her dreams—and if it’s still possible to create new ones.

“. . . an excellent look at the joy and agony, the triumphs and defeat, and the overall wonder that is teenage romance.” - Brian Katcher, Author of Almost Perfect 

“Heart, beauty, and courage merge in this tale of what could be and what is.” - B. Lynn Goodwin is the author of Never Too Late: From Wannabe to Wife at 62

“Everyone can relate to some aspect of this story. It is an authentic portrayal of human emotion, vulnerability, and courage. A rich blend of suspense and romance.” - Dr. Rivkah Eidex, PsyD, Psychologist

“Great book for older teens and others who enjoy that genre. A complex story that feels very real with great characters. Stayed up all night to finish it in one go.” - Shiri Berzack

Purchase a Copy Today!

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 www.devswriting.com

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An inspiring tale of courage and friendship...

Book of the Week!

Zina is a golden-haired princess who loves playing with her friends. Among them, Peggy, the sweet unicorn. But, far away to the north, Mallery’s awful plan starts taking shape…

A terrible plague decimated the memory of thousands of Citadel’s citizens and Zina is in great danger. But who will save her?

Read this captivating story to find out!

Zina’s name is inspired from the Romanian noun “zână” (meaning “fairy”).

Available as Premium Paperback Edition and as Collector's Hardcover Luxury Edition.

Printed on glossy paper with a hardcover designed by BogD

Hardcover Collector’s Edition available on Lulu!

Premium Paperback Edition available on Amazon!

Text and illustrations made by Bogdan Papandopol (aka BogD). Text and illustration copyright (c) Bogdan Papandopol, 2019. BogD (TM) is a registered figurative trademark owned by Bogdan Papandopol. All rights reserved.

2019 Royal Dragonfly Book Award Winners

Grand Prize Winner:

 I'm Your Daughter, Julie: Caring for a Parent with Dementia by Julie A. Gorges

$100 Drawing Winner:

The Toronto Embryo by Judith Fournie Helms

Activity Books

1st Place: Albert by Beth W. Roberts

2nd Place: Myself, My Responsibility: Tools to Self-advocate by Lori Ciccarelli Stotko, MPS, Jeremy Brooks

Honorable Mention:

Chloe Counting Workbook by Suzan Johnson, Tiffany Doherty

 
Aging/Senior Living

1st Place: I'm Your Daughter, Julie: Caring for a Parent with Dementia by Julie A. Gorges

Animals/Pets

1st Place: Coco & Olive: The Color of Love by Michelle Madrid-Branch with Eviana Tiblet Branch, Erin Darling

2nd Place: The Magical Journey Bob Crane by Karen Nicksich, Pam Sharp

 Audiobooks

1st Place: Shadowed by Death: An Oliver Wright WWII Mystery by Mary Adler

2nd Place (tie): Trail of the Warrior by R.H. Pfeiffer

2nd Place (tie): Code 7: Cracking the Code for an Epic Life by Bryan R. Johnson

Honorable Mention:

The Right Staff by Debra Spence

Best Cover Design

1st Place: Cami Kangaroo Has Too Much Stuff! by Stacy C. Bauer, Rebecca Sinclair

2nd Place: The Wonderful Adventures of Wandering Willy & Wendy: Willy Visits Japan by Charles Winslow and Brandon Taylor

 
Best Illustrations

1st Place (tie): Albert by Beth W. Roberts

1st Place (tie): Ellie and Her Emotional Dragons by Joseph Goodrich, Traci Van Wagoner

2nd Place: Cami Kangaroo Has Too Many Sweets! by Stacy C. Bauer, Rebecca Sinclair

Honorable Mention:

Relay by Roy Lieberman                              

Jet & Scoot: A Story About Us by Stephanie Smith-Kenny, Lauren Looney

Tex the Explorer: Journey Around the Earth by Ellie Smith, Eyen Johnson          

 Best Interior Design

1st Place: Kia and Klondike's Adventures by Anna Grob

2nd Place: One Little Bella by Georgina Schroeder, Sam Balling

Honorable Mention:

The Magical Journey Bob Crane by Karen Nicksich, Pam Sharp

 
Biography/Autobiography/Memoir

1st Place: How Languages Saved Me: A Polish Story of Survival by Tadeusz Haska and Stefanie Naumann         

2nd Place: Mother of Souls: The Story of a Holocaust Survivor by Adena Astrowsky

Honorable Mention:

Midpoint by James Hill 

 
Book Flyer

1st Place: Yazzy's Amazing Yarn by Cathey Nickell, Emily Calimlim          

2nd Place: Trail of the Warrior by R.H. Pfeiffer

Book Trailer

1st Place: Your Body's Environmental Chemical Burden by Cindy Klement         

2nd Place: The Sheriff's Catch by James Vella-Bardon

Honorable Mention:

Spreading Her Wings (Butterfly Princess) by Alisa Hope Wagner, Albert Morales

Yazzy's Amazing Yarn by Cathey Nickell, Emily Calimlim               

Bookmark

1st Place: Trail of the Warrior by R.H. Pfeiffer  

Business & Finance

1st Place: RetireSMART! by Mark Anthony Grimaldi

2nd Place: The Right Staff by Debra Spence

Chapter Books

1st Place: Growing Up Behind the Scenes by Deborah Smith Ford, Susi Galloway

2nd Place: On The Little Apple by Deborah Smith Ford, Susi Galloway

Honorable Mention:

A Little Goat in Africa by Deborah Smith Ford, Susi Galloway   

Children’s Poetry

1st Place (tie): Whinny Nicker Neigh: Equine Interviews by Shellby Young         

1st Place (tie): Whinny Nicker Neigh: Mountain Mustangs by Shellby Young     

1st Place (tie): Whinny Nicker Neigh: Pony Poetry by Shellby Young

2nd Place: Gibber, Animal Acrostics by Raven Howell

Honorable Mention:

YOU - ME: Poetry for kids by kids by Gabriela Aliaga and Adrian Aliaga

Coffee Table/Gift Books

Honorable Mention: Mondays in October by Sheree K. Nielsen             

Cultural Diversity

Honorable Mention: The Wonderful Adventures of Wandering Willy & Wendy: Willy Visits Japan by Charles Winslow and Brandon Taylor

Educational

1st Place: One School's Journey by Eleanor K. Smith and Margaret Pastor

2nd Place (tie): Myself, My Responsibility: Tools to Self-advocate by Lori Ciccarelli Stotko, MPS, Jeremy Brooks               

2nd Place (tie): Careering: The Pocket Guide to Exploring Your Future Career by Tamara Raymond

Honorable Mention:

The Awesome Reading Adventures of Super Sammy and Marvelous Megan by Vanessa Caraveo

Greater the Expectations...Greater the Achievements! by Shirley Gholston Key, Ed.D.                

Queen Vernita Conquers the Volcanic Islands by Dr. Dawn Menge, Pamela Snyder

Fiction: Collection of Short Stories

Honorable Mention: A Way Out of Nowhere: Stories by Nancy Gerber              

Fiction: Novel

1st Place: The Crossroads of Logan Michaels by James Roberts

2nd Place: Running with the Wolves by J.E. Reed

Honorable Mention:

Solid Steel Knife by Michael Minton                      

At a Homeland Dell: Where's the Lost Key Kell? by Alene Adele Roy

Mikey and Me by William Andrews                       

In the Shadow of War by Patrick M. Garry                         

The God Child by Stuart Rawlings                           

Dead Men Don't Cry by Emory Cosgrove

Fine Art/Photography

1st Place: Mondays in October by Sheree K. Nielsen     

Graphic Novel

 1st Place: F'lorna of Rodesh by Alisa Hope Wagner, Albert Morales

Green Books/Environmental

1st Place (tie): And The Trees Began To Move by Lisa Gammon Olson, Lauren Rutledge             

1st Place (tie): Your Body's Environmental Chemical Burden by Cindy Klement

2nd Place: At a Homeland Dell: Where's the Lost Key Kell? by Alene Adele Roy

Historical Nonfiction

1st Place (tie): And Then They Were Gone: Teenagers of Peoples Temple from High School to Jonestown by Judy Bebelaar and Ron Cabral

1st Place (tie): How Languages Saved Me: A Polish Story of Survival by Tadeusz Haska and Stefanie Naumann

2nd Place: Killing Pat Garrett, the Wild West's Most Famous Lawman - Murder or Self-Defense? by David G. Thomas

How-To

 1st Place (tie): The Mystery Shopper Training Program by Bethany Mooradian

1st Place (tie): I'm Your Daughter, Julie: Caring for a Parent with Dementia by Julie A. Gorges

Humor

 Honorable Mention: Horror at Terror Creek by Regan W. H. Macaulay               

Middle Grade Fiction

1st Place (tie): Hidden Scales by A.M. Robin

1st Place (tie): Life in the Grand Pause  by Frank Saraco

Mystery

1st Place (tie): Shadowed by Death: An Oliver Wright WWII Mystery by Mary Adler

1st Place (tie): Bones of Skull Island by M.A. Duvernet and Chase Stevens

2nd Place: The Red Hand by Michael Stephen Daigle

Honorable Mention:

At a Homeland Dell: Where's the Lost Key Kell? by Alene Adele Roy

Dead Men Don't Cry by Emory Cosgrove                            

Saxxons in Witherston: A Witherston Murder Mystery by Betty Jean Craige     

Tigers Love Bubble Baths & Obsession Perfume (who knew!) by Mary K. Savarese, Kellie Emery

 
New Author: Fiction

1st Place: The Curse of Purgatory Cove by Pete A. O'Donnell

2nd Place (tie): No Fish For Charles by Tracy Detz, Monika Suska

2nd Place (tie): Being Small (Isn't So Bad After All) by Lori Orlinsky, Vanessa Alexandre

Honorable Mention:

The Crossroads of Logan Michaels by James Roberts    

Bailey Brings Her Friends Together with Music by Kali Bate

Where Does the Man In The Moon Go During the Day? by Jared Jackson

Ellie and Her Emotional Dragons by Joseph Goodrich, Traci Van Wagoner

Mikey and Me by William Andrews                       

Jet & Scoot: A Story About Us by Stephanie Smith-Kenny, Lauren Looney

Trail of the Warrior by R.H. Pfeiffer

Tigers Love Bubble Baths & Obsession Perfume (who knew!) by Mary K. Savarese, Kellie Emery           

The Wonderful Adventures of Wandering Willy & Wendy: Willy Visits Japan    Charles Winslow and Brandon Taylor

 New Author: Nonfiction

1st Place: Midpoint by James Hill

2nd Place: The 50-Year Secret by Julie MacNeil

Honorable Mention:

How Languages Saved Me: A Polish Story of Survival by Tadeusz Haska and Stefanie Naumann

Other Nonfiction

 1st Place: And Then They Were Gone: Teenagers of Peoples Temple from High School to Jonestown by Judy Bebelaar and Ron Cabral

2nd Place: The Wrongful Conviction of Oscar Pistorius by Brent Willock

Honorable Mention:

Kia: A Puppy's Great Adventures by Anna Grob

Parenting

 1st Place: Autism Uncensored: Pulling Back the Curtain by Whitney Ellenby      

2nd Place: Raising Independent, Self-Confident Kids: Nine Essential Skills to Teach Your Child or Teen by Wendy L. Moss, PhD, and Donald A. Moses, MD 

Honorable Mention:

Strong Roots Have No Fear by Aditi Wardhan Singh

Philosophy

1st Place: Trail of the Warrior by R.H. Pfeiffer  

Picture Books 5 & Younger

1st Place (tie): Cami Kangaroo Has Too Many Sweets! by Stacy C. Bauer, Rebecca Sinclair

1st Place (tie): Cami Kangaroo Has Too Much Stuff! by Stacy C. Bauer, Rebecca Sinclair

1st Place (tie): Ellie and Her Emotional Dragons by Joseph Goodrich, Traci Van Wagoner

1st Place (tie): No Fish For Charles by Tracy Detz, Monika Suska             

1st Place (tie): Winston Versus the Snow by Savannah Hendricks, Liliya Todorova

2nd place: Tex the Explorer: Journey Around the Earth by Ellie Smith, Eyen Johnson

Honorable Mention:

The Cows Go Moo! by Jim Petipas                         

The Shapes That Tried To Escape by John McCoy, Anna Williams

Coco & Olive: The Color of Love by Michelle Madrid-Branch with Eviana Tiblet Branch, Erin Darling     

The Mustache Fairy by Adrianna Ahern Donat, William G.A. Roth

The Little Apple by Deborah Smith Ford, Susi Galloway

Just The Way That I Am by Tanya Fraser

Picture Books 6 & Older

 1st Place (tie): Ellie and Her Emotional Dragons by Joseph Goodrich, Traci Van Wagoner

1st Place (tie): I'll Always Clap for You by T. Lynn, Marty Petersen

1st Place (tie): Yazzy's Amazing Yarn by Cathey Nickell, Emily Calimlim

2nd Place (tie): Older by Emmanuella Macri

2nd Place (tie): Woulda Been by Penny Ledbetter, Krystal Smith

2nd Place (tie): My Name is Curly by Andi C. Kryszak, G.C. Schlea

Honorable Mention:

The Man Who Wanted to Pet Every Dog in the World by Bradley Holley, Emese Aalto

Another Tuesday at popcorn elementary teamwork by Meeka Wojo, Ivan Wojo

Albert by Beth W. Roberts                         

Chasing the Sun by Sirui Li, Kiki Kang    

When Kids Switch Houses  by Lauren Gould, Mary Biswas         

Esie Explores Beneficial Bacteria by Smiljka Kitanovic   

No, No, Elizabeth by Carmen K. Jimenez, Claudia Tenorio Pearl

On The Little Apple by Deborah Smith Ford, Susi Galloway

Tex the Explorer: Journey Around the Earth by Ellie Smith, Eyen Johnson

The Happiest Birthday Ever by Stephanie Berger

The Warrior Princess by D.L. Murphy                   

Monica and Michelle Travel the World by Vera Harris, Gaurav Bhatnager

No Fish For Charles by Tracy Detz, Monika Suska           

She Was Anacaona, The Golden Flower Queen by Viviana S. Torres, Maria Ocampo

Spreading Her Wings (Butterfly Princess) by Alisa Hope Wagner, Albert Morales           

The Little Apple by Deborah Smith Ford, Susi Galloway               

Imagine That: The Magic of the Mysterious Lights by George Yuhasz, Egle Bartolini

Charlie Wants to Play! by Alison Mays, Evan Clagg        

A Little Goat in Africa by Deborah Smith Ford, Susi Galloway

One Little Bella by Georgina Schroeder, Sam Balling     

Queen Vernita Conquers the Volcanic Islands by Dr. Dawn Menge, Pamela Snyder

Mighty Mommies and Their Amazing Jobs by Donald Jacobsen, Graham Evans

Jet & Scoot: A Story About Us by Stephanie Smith-Kenny, Lauren Looney

Oscar Goes to School by Meaghan Fisher and Emma Rose Fisher-Rowe, Timothy Rowe

Poetry

 1st Place: Mondays in October by Sheree K. Nielsen     

2nd Place: Walking on a Moonbeam And Other Views from the Creekbank by Bill McDonald

Honorable Mention:    

A Dime is a Sign by Sherrill S. Cannon, Kalpart  

Confessions of a Barefaced Woman by Allison Joseph 

Psychology

1st Place: Trail of the Warrior by R.H. Pfeiffer                  

2nd Place: The Wrongful Conviction of Oscar Pistorius by Brent Willock

Relationships

1st Place: At a Homeland Dell: Where's the Lost Key Kell? by Alene Adele Roy                

2nd Place: The Dancing Clock: Reflections on Family, Love, and Loss by Nancy Gerber

Religion/Spirituality

 1st Place: Trail of the Warrior by R.H. Pfeiffer  

2nd Place: Platinum Faith by Michelle Medlock Adams and Bethany Jett

Honorable Mention:

The God Child by Stuart Rawlings

 
Science Fiction/Fantasy

1st Place: Dragon's Truth by Leanne Pankuch

2nd Place: Running with the Wolves by J.E. Reed

Honorable Mention:

The God Child by Stuart Rawlings                           

F'lorna of Rodesh by Alisa Hope Wagner, Albert Morales           

A Foreign Shore: The Company of Women by Forrest Johnson, Liz Clarke

Self-Help/Inspirational

1st Place: I'm Your Daughter, Julie: Caring for a Parent with Dementia by Julie A. Gorges          

2nd Place: You Are Loved by Antonia Aviles, Lovyaa Garg

Honorable Mention:

The 50-Year Secret by Julie MacNeil      

Trail of the Warrior by R.H. Pfeiffer

Special Needs/Disability Awareness

 1st Place (tie): Autism Uncensored: Pulling Back the Curtain by Whitney Ellenby            

1st Place (tie): Myself, My Responsibility: Tools to Self-advocate by Lori Ciccarelli Stotko, MPS, Jeremy Brooks

2nd Place: To Root & To Rise: Accepting Brain Injury by Carole J. Starr, M.S.

Sports

 1st Place: Pace: A Book about Running, Not Running, and Taming My Inner ******* by Ann Mandt Hall           

STEM

1st Place: Esie Explores Beneficial Bacteria by Smiljka Kitanovic

Travel

 Honorable Mention: Yes, the World is Round, Part I, Sailing in the Wake of Early Explorers and History Makers by Donna Hill          

Unpublished Manuscript

1st Place: Get Your Life Together, Girl by Danielle Vann

2nd Place: The Land of Sugary by Arthur C. Morton

Honorable Mention:

Jon and the Toymakers by Arthur C. Morton                    

Four Days by William Andrews

Young Adult Fiction

 1st Place: Shards of Light by Susan Miura

2nd Place: Remeon's Quest: Earth Year 1930 by J.W. Garrett    

Honorable Mention:

Neffatira's First Challenge by Tom Xavier                           

Dragon's Truth by Leanne Pankuch                       

The Crossroads of Logan Michaels by James Roberts    

At a Homeland Dell: Where's the Lost Key Kell? by Alene Adele Roy

Below the Moon: The 8th Island Trilogy, Book 2, A Novel by Alexis Marie Chute

Lizardville: Jimmy's Curse by Steve Altier, Philip Benjamin

The Toronto Embryo by Judith Fournie Helms                 

F'lorna of Rodesh by Alisa Hope Wagner, Albert Morales

Bones of Skull Island by M.A. Duvernet and Chase Stevens                                       

Saxxons in Witherston: A Witherston Murder Mystery by Betty Jean Craige     

 Young Adult Nonfiction

1st Place: Careering: The Pocket Guide to Exploring Your Future Career by Tamara Raymond

Youth Author Fiction

 Honorable Mention: Bailey Brings Her Friends Together with Music by Kali Bate

* E-Book Award Winners *

Best Cover Design

1st Place: The Sheriff's Catch by James Vella-Bardon

Best Illustrations

1st Place: Lacy's Magic Tree by L.F. Sarrouf, Lion Farrington

2nd Place: Pirate Bear by Sonya Song, Javier Ratti           

Biography/Autobiography/Memoir

1st Place: Not a Blueprint: It's the Shoe Prints That Matter - A Journey Through Toxic Relationships by Nina Norstrom

Children’s Poetry

1st Place: Lacy's Magic Tree by L.F. Sarrouf, Lion Farrington

2nd Place: City of More by Sonya Song, Daniel Howard

Cultural Diversity

Honorable Mention: Halloween at Lukes by Priya Pasumarthy

Green Books/Environmental

1st Place: Your Body's Environmental Chemical Burden by Cindy Klement

2nd Place: Lacy's Magic Tree by L.F. Sarrouf, Lion Farrington

Fiction: Novel

1st Place: The Sheriff's Catch by James Vella-Bardon

Historical Fiction

1st Place: The Sheriff's Catch by James Vella-Bardon

New Author: Fiction

Honorable Mention: Splish Splash Born in the Bath by Michelle Eliason, Katherine Olenic

Picture Books 5 & Younger

1st Place: Relay by Roy Lieberman          

2nd Place: Splish Splash Born in the Bath by Michelle Eliason, Katherine Olenic

Picture Books 6 & Older

1st Place: Relay by Roy Lieberman

2nd Place: Persephone by Simon Spence

Honorable Mention:

A Family Dinner by Cory Q. Tan                               

A Dream by Cory Q. Tan                              

Theodore the Unfortunate Bear by Cory Q. Tan                              

City of More by Sonya Song, Daniel Howard

Poetry

1st Place: Cinema Stanzas Two: Poet Laureate of the Movies by Betty Jo Tucker

Special Needs/Disability Awareness

1st Place: Bipolar Disorder: Etiology and Treatment Overview: Mindfulness, Medication, Digital Psychiatry and Classroom Accommodations by Maria Santiago-Valentín                           

Young Adult Fiction

1st Place: Where You Lead by Leslea Wahl         

2nd Place: The Unity: A Predictive Fantasy by H. Barton Wilson

Honorable Mention:

The Secrets of Elimeare: Wielder of Light by Suzy Rosenow

To enter the Story Monsters Approved or Dragonfly Book Awards programs,
visit dragonflybookawards.com.

Sponsored by Story Monsters LLC

A Family’s Journey to Olympic Gold

Go, Gwen, Go: A Family’s Journey to Olympic Gold (Meyer & Meyer Sport), co-authored by Gwen Jorgensen’s mother Nancy and sister Elizabeth, chronicles the family’s experience as Gwen left her job as a CPA to pursue and ultimately win Olympic gold in triathlon. We asked Nancy and Elizabeth, both teachers, a few questions.

What compelled you to write the book? When did you decide to do it?

Nancy: When USA Triathlon first recruited Gwen, she told them she wasn’t interested. Gwen was a standout runner, but a poor collegiate swimmer and she had never owned a road bike. USA Triathlon eventually convinced her to train and then within two years, she qualified for the Olympics. After suffering a flat tire in London 2012, she announced her intent to win gold in Rio. We thought her path to success was unique and that it could be an inspiring story. That’s when we started writing about our family’s experience with her Olympic journey.

Elizabeth: I tell my high school creative writing students to scour their lives for dramatic moments, emotional scenes or frightening experiences and to write their own stories. I tell them if they write well, a publisher may want to share their stories with the world. When my sister qualified for the 2012 Olympic Games, suffered a flat tire, and proclaimed her goal to win gold in 2016, I took my own advice. But the tale was so big I needed a book. I partnered with my mom, Nancy Jorgensen, who had published two books in the field of choral education (From the Trenches: Real Insights from Real Choral Educators and Things They Never Taught You in Choral Methods).

You both have strong writing styles and careers. How did you decide to team up and do a book in two voices and with two opinions? Why about Gwen?

Elizabeth: Some of my earliest memories are of Mom writing on a yellow notepad. She published her first books when I was a teenager; and during high school and college (I was a journalism major at Marquette University), she was my go-to editor. I enjoyed learning from her and having her point to places where my writing could improve. When I graduated and began teaching writing in the same school where Mom taught choir, I returned the favor and proofread her work (concert flyers, playbills). She retired a few years later and continued to write; naturally, we continued our partnership. After Gwen qualified for the 2012 Olympic Games, going from average accountant to world-class athlete, we wanted to share our family’s story. Because of our different perspectives, we decided to alternate the memoir between us, sharing what it’s like for both sister and mom. We joined a writers’ group and began polishing our memoir. Gwen assisted us with interviews, fact-checks, and suggestions. The process brought us together—we collaborated daily … writing, editing, polishing. The result is a family story we are excited to share with the world.

How can you see other teachers using Go, Gwen, Go in their classrooms?

Elizabeth: I see Go, Gwen, Go having a place in sports literature or modern literature classes—or any class that highlights diverse voices. This is a story written from the perspective of two women (from different generations) cheering on another woman. It is a story that emphasizes all dreams are possible if you set goals, surround yourself with supportive people, and work consistently each day. As teachers, we try to find high interest reading materials to engage even the most reluctant readers. In this story, students will enter the secret world of Olympic training, professional coaching, international travel, sponsor funding, anti-doping requirements, athlete nutrition, and sports physiotherapy. This book takes readers inside the personal life of a professional athlete, complete with family crises and holiday celebrations. In this inspiring story, students will see how one family grew together, from average to Olympian.

Elizabeth and Nancy Jorgensen

What part of Gwen’s career have you most admired? What have you worried about?

Nancy: Every time Gwen competed in a triathlon, I was terrified the minute she got on her bike. At first, I didn’t realize how common crashes are. But once I saw her go down a few times, I couldn’t watch that part of the race. When we streamed events from home, I just listened to the bike portion and distracted myself by cleaning the kitchen or doing other odd jobs. Once she got off the bike, I returned to the screen and watched the run leg. Gwen’s approach to the bike is also one of the things I admire. She knew nothing about cycling and did not own a bike. She had to learn a brand new sport—and master it within a very short time—and then perform at the elite level.

When Gwen was growing up and on the swim team and then on the track and field team, how, as a big sister, did you guide her and what did you see in her that may have helped you in your own career?

Elizabeth: Gwen went from average accountant to world and Olympic champion. But it didn’t happen overnight or in a linear fashion. When she was a freshman in high school, I was a senior. My track and field coach was the one who convinced her (with my encouragement) to run. I have always been Gwen’s biggest fan: in the pool, on the track, in triathlon. No matter how small or large the stage, I’m cheering as loudly as I can. I want her to win, but that’s not really why I cheer. What I’m happiest about is how Gwen’s career has created a community of friends and family. We are all on TEAM GWEN. Watching her set and publicly declare her goals has inspired me. I’ve learned from Gwen and her husband Patrick that the only way to reap large rewards is to take large risks. Writing this book was a dream; Gwen setting lofty goals and using daily practice to improve her craft encouraged Mom and me to do the same with this memoir.

The book includes themes of music and food. Why did you think those were important to add?

Elizabeth: Gwen and I grew up playing violin, Mom accompanying us on the piano. Although Gwen and I didn’t love music as much as sport, it taught us dedication, grit, and the daily practice skills necessary for success in any undertaking. Our childhood was built on music and food. Our gatherings start with everyone in the kitchen—we learned early how to delegate, give clear directions, collaborate. We also learned how to celebrate and share in the rewards of our labor. Our story would not be complete without both food and music.

Several athletes have tried multiple sports and multiple games. How is Gwen’s training going and what is she doing now? Is her goal a 2020 pursuit or a 2024 pursuit?

Nancy: So much is new since Gwen won the Rio race. She transitioned from triathlon to marathon, gave birth, had surgery for Haglund’s deformity, and is now raising a son. I think with all of that she learned to take the journey one day at a time. She trusts her coaches and other team members to monitor her progress and advise her on next steps. We no longer ask when her next race will be or what the long- term plan is because she taught us those things will be determined with time and training. 

For more information about Go, Gwen, Go: A Family’s Journey to Olympic Gold, visit lizjorgensen.weebly.com and nancyjorgensen.weebly.com.

Author Spotlight: Shana Gorian

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in the 1970s and 80s in suburban Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I spent a lot of time outside as a child playing with my sisters and the other kids in the neighborhood.

Did you read a lot as a child?

Yes. I absolutely loved reading from the moment I knew how and read a lot as a child. It was a treat to read, not a task.

What were some of your favorite authors and books?

Some of my favorite books as a child, in no particular order, were Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst, The Black Stallion by Walter Farley, Otherwise Known As Sheila the Great by Judy Blume, The Littles series by John Peterson, The Cricket in Times Square by George Selden, The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein, and The Black Cauldron by Lloyd Alexander.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

When I was a child, I wanted to be an artist when I grew up.

Tell me about some of the jobs you’ve had before you became a writer.

Before I became a writer, I worked as a web designer, starting in the late 90’s. So I did become an artist of a sort. I was also a junior reporter at a business newspaper right out of college following an internship. And as a teenager, college student, and twenty-something, I was never without a job! Over the course of those years, at various times I delivered pizzas, bussed and waited tables, worked as a restaurant hostess, served frozen yogurt before it was self-serve, made coffees at a French pastry shop before there was a Starbucks on every corner, and nannied for a few families, part-time in between classes and homework. And I started working early in life! As a 12-year-old, I delivered newspapers and started babysitting. But my favorite job ever, besides being a full-time mother, was being a camp counselor. I worked at summer camps during my high school years and for several years during college. I taught arts and crafts and archery, among other things, and met people from all over the world who’d come to work there.

How did you get started writing?

I kept diaries as a kid, was the writing editor for my high school yearbook, majored in English Writing in college, and unlike most kids, I always preferred essay questions on tests! I still prefer explaining anything on paper rather than out loud. But I got away from writing for many years when I decided to pursue a career in graphic design. Later, after I’d married and had children and had taken my kids to the library on a weekly basis for years and years for books and storytimes, I decided I definitely had gained some knowledge about what makes a good children’s book. So I tried my hand at writing them. By 2013, I had almost finished what was supposed to be a picture book but didn’t really know what to do with it. Almost a year later, when my youngest was off to first grade and I had a little more time on my hands, I decided to turn that story into a chapter book so it would appeal to him at his current reading level. With some help, I began to dip my toes into the sea of self-publishing. Then, once I’d written and published one book, I realized I was hooked and decided to turn my ideas into a series.

Why do you write books?

I first wrote because I wanted more books for my then first-grade son and other fast readers like him to read—academically challenging novels with content that’s entirely appropriate for an innocent 6- to 8-year-old mind. Today, there are a lot more titles in this realm but I couldn’t find enough of them at the time. My kids were both very fast readers and tore through series aimed at their levels in first, second, and third grade, so I started writing books for their type of advanced young reader. When I eventually learned that children as young as four and as old as eleven were enjoying my books, my desire to write books for them only intensified.

Now, with my latest two titles, I continue to challenge readers with the use of a slightly more complex sentence structure laced throughout the text, some more advanced vocabulary than you’d usually see in books for this age group, and multiple points of view for the characters. But I provide a glossary in the back of the book, and I try to explain new ideas within the context of the story so most readers will understand what’s going on without help from an adult. I want a child to feel a sense of accomplishment when he or she has finished one of my books, as well as a sense of having loved the story.

What do you like best about writing?

I like that it gives me something positive to contribute to a child’s life. I also like the freedom of writing fiction—you can create a whole new world of any sort and make things turn out however you want! What other job lets you do that? I also love attempting the mastery of it—writers can always, always get better at what they’re doing and I feel like I’m always making progress in little ways, with a greater goal in sight.

What do you find the most challenging about writing?

How much time it takes to write a great story! It really takes a great deal of time and great focus. And even just reaching that focused state each day takes a lot of time!

What makes a good story?

For a children’s novel, I think several things are required to make a good story. 1. A main character that deserves the reader’s admiration, yet isn’t perfect so that he or she is relatable and real. 2. A difficult problem with a clear motivation to solve it. 3. A dramatic build in tension. 4. A happy ending that ties up all the loose strings.

Where do you get your inspiration?

Since the title character in my series is based on my real-life dog, a German shepherd who is so intelligent and aware that I’d swear he’s really a person inside, I’m constantly seeing things from his perspective, and what I imagine is often rather comical, like when he chases a squirrel down the driveway as if his life depends on it. Yet he’s such a big, strong, protective dog that I can imagine things from the heroic angle, too. This contradiction between goofball and fearless leader provides me with a steady stream of new material. Rosco the Rascal always manages to find trouble in every book, but then he always turns it around to become the problem-solver.

Tell us about your latest book.

My latest book is a Christmas-themed story released in December 2018. The story centers around a neighborhood holiday lights contest which the main characters’ block has won, so they will be hosting hundreds of visitors every night throughout the month of December. (I have three main characters—the dog, and his owners, a ten-year-old boy and his seven-year-old sister, so the stories are actually just as human as they are canine.) The families now have to pull off a seamless opening night of the holiday lights tour and everyone is in high gear to do just that. But when Rosco misreads a situation while trying to make up for a bit of trouble he created earlier that week, things backfire and chaos ensues. The story is adventurous yet real and dramatic yet humorous. It’s my longest book yet and weaves together a story for each of the main characters, each one from his and her point of view.

What’s next for you?

Right now I’m writing my sixth book in the series, a Wild West adventure in which Rosco and the kids visit a ghost town! I hope to publish it by the fall of 2019 if not sooner.

Is there anything we didn’t ask that you’d like people to know about you and/or your books?

Yes, and thanks for asking. I want people to know that the series is written so that the books don’t have to be read in any particular order, and I have a book for every season of the year with more in the works. I also offer free short stories on Wattpad.com so kids can keep up with Rosco between releases.

For more information about Shana Gorian and her books, visit shanagorian.com

Author Spotlight: Carole P. Roman

Carole P. Roman is the award-winning author of over 50 children's books. Whether it's pirates, princesses, or discovering the world around us, her books have enchanted educators, parents, and her diverse audience of children.

Where did you grow up?  

I was born in Brooklyn, New York, but moved to Queens when I was three. At eighteen, my parents moved us to Long Island, so I grew up in three very different parts of New York. They say you can leave Brooklyn, but Brooklyn never leaves you. It was there I learned about family and community that shaped my entire life.

Did you read a lot as a child? 

My grandmother lived with us and I still have the fairy tale book she used to read to me. It was my mother’s book. Those wonderful stories became a part of my imagination. She was a terrific storyteller, my grandmother, and she gave me the love for personal histories and how they are affected by world events. I grew up on her stories about pre-war Europe and trench warfare of World War 1. I started reading Nancy Drew books in second grade in a friendly competition with my best friend. We raced to see who would finish all 100 books first. I think she did, but I went straight into adult fiction by fourth grade and read whatever was laying around the house. My mom and grandmother were avid readers and there was always something. Interesting fact, I still trade books with that same friend 58 years later. 

What were some of your favorite books/authors? 

I love Tracy Chevalier, Bernard Cornwell, Allison Weir, Phillipa Gregory, anything with history in it. My favorite book of all time was ShoGun. It was the perfect mix of history, adventure, romance, and intrigue. However, I love some of the newer books coming out written by Colson Whitehead, CS Harris, and so many others. I can’t go to bed at night unless I read first.

What did you want to be when you grew up? 

I wanted to be an actress, but my parents told me I had to get a practical degree. I took acting, singing, and dancing lessons and was in many amateur shows, but got my degree in secondary education. I taught for a hot minute and my husband asked me to help him build our business. I did and we became one of the largest players in our industry. We employee hundreds of people and I still work there as the CEO. Writing came to me later in life. I started this second career at 58 and haven’t looked back. I have a podcast and founded a magazine. I write under two pen names and am very active in the indie community.

Tell us about some of the jobs you’ve had before you became a writer. 

I sold high-end jewelry. I was a social studies teacher. I have been a dispatcher, reservationist, saleswoman. I have sold children’s coats and babysat for other people’s children. I have worn many hats!

How did you get started writing? 

My mom and I were very close. We did almost everything together, especially read. When she passed from lung cancer, I was in a funk. My sons wanted to help me get out of it, and created a contest to see who could come up with the best story. I brought in Captain No Beard, based on playtime with my grandchildren. It not only won first place in our contest, it was named to Kirkus’ Best of 2012. 

What do you like best about writing? 

I love creating characters. I enjoy hearing how people were entertained by something I created. I love when I hear how a book made them happy or helped them get through a troubling time. It’s intimate to share your writing. It makes the world a smaller, friendlier place. I also like the challenge of doing something new, pushing myself to try new things, new genres.

What do you find the most challenging about writing? 

Getting all the errors corrected. I don't see my mistakes no matter how many times I read it. I see what I intended to say, and those pesky errors irritate me. I put all my books through three professional editors and there are still things that slip through.

What do you think makes a good story? 

A good story is selective to the person reading it. I like human stories. I enjoy reading about a person’s experience in a world I may or may not recognize. I just finished The Nickle Boys and it left me sad, but it was important to be left unhappy. The purpose of the book was to expose injustice in the world. Reading informs and teaches us about what we don’t see. It teaches me never to take my life for granted. It leaves me thinking, there for the grace of God go I. I can only relate the experiences of my life. Reading opens up a whole new world and helps me understand others.

Where do you get your inspiration?

I get my inspiration from everyday life. They say to write about what you know. That is always where I start. It makes the book authentic. 

What is your favorite reading/writing snack? 

Popcorn is not only my favorite snack, it’s my favorite food. 

Do you have any quirky writing habits?

I can talk and write at the same time. I can have a conversation with my brother, who is blind and never realizes that I am working on something. I also write horror under the name Brit Lunden, which is weird. I have never watched or read anything that is horror. I hate to see blood, and they said my debut book as Brit Lunden was very scary. It’s funny. I have no idea where it came from. Must have been all those gory fairy tales.

What writing advice do you have for aspiring authors?

Don’t get discouraged. Get on a good thread on Goodreads and talk to other authors. If you pay for anything, make it an editor and a good cover.

If you could spend a day in any imaginary world from a book you’ve read, where would it be and why?

Regency England, having tea with Jane Austin. 

Tell us about your latest book/project. 

I just published The Big Book of Silly Jokes and am delighted with the reviews it is receiving. I think the world needs more laughter and I am happy to accommodate. The book is a good way to teach children how to break the ice. It has 800 jokes, plus a chapter on how to write your own. It can be used as a reading tool, and in the case of my granddaughter, it’s a great way for her to practice speech. I also just finished a book on spies during World War II, for kids. It was fascinating. Lastly, I am publishing my latest book in the Bulwark Anthology for the adult readers.

For more information about Carole and her books, visit:

Facebook Twitter Instagram Blog Website Amazon Author Page

Teaching Toolbox: A Digital Classroom

by Larissa Juliano

More and more teachers and librarians are utilizing digital magazines in their classrooms, including me! Let’s explore all the different ways you can make the most out of each issue of Story Monsters Ink! Be sure to head to your library and do a “book hunt” after learning about your students’ favorite authors, newly released books in the Book Reviews section, and dozens of books and authors featured across the colorful pages of each and every issue. Most have active links so you can hover your mouse over the text and you will quickly see what links are available to you.

When I open a new issue or look through a back issue, my first stop is the table of contents to see which articles and books are being featured, and how I can incorporate them into my class:

Do an author study

Every issue will have someone for you and your students to meet. Jeff Kinney, Sandra Boynton, James Patterson, Lauren Child, Tomie DePaola, Kate DiCamillo, and so many others have all graced the covers. Choose one to research further and follow along in their writing journey, or have your students write the author a letter.

True life inspiration

Real-life heroes with wisdom and insight into life’s challenges (big and small) which will certainly motivate and personally connect with readers.  

Fresh ideas for tweens  

Ann M. Martin’s Babysitters Club is featured on the August 2018 issue and will surely generate interest for a whole new generation of Kristy, Mary Ann, Stacey, and Dawn followers. Stars like Kelly Clarkson, Ruby Jay, Danica McKellar, and more can be real role models for girls learning to find their voice and navigate through the complexities and challenges of middle school relationships and academics.

Classroom projection devices

Bring up your magazine on your Smartboard, Prometheum, or other computer/projector device and ask questions for children to come up and click, or circle with computer pens, to get them moving and interacting! There are extra fun and interactive pages to bring up on your projection device, such as the reading guide, book reviews, author websites after reading the article, videos, and movie reviews. With so many districts using computer projection technology, many classrooms will have the ability to project this literary resource for all students to see!

Nonfiction scavenger hunt

Focus in on the magazine for a high-interest resource to begin a nonfiction feature scavenger hunt (prep ahead of time). Explicitly teach what nonfiction text features are (they are to nonfiction what story elements are to fiction!) and what purpose each one serves (this can be open-ended!)  Text feature examples: captions, table of contents, headings, photographs, quotation marks, bold words, graphs, charts, glossary, index, and more.

Bonus things to ask children/tweens/teens as you flip through the magazine…

*What genre of books are featured in this section?

*What is the theme of this author’s work? What is their inspiration? Find out if the author Skypes and set up a visit with your class! I have done this multiple times in my school district and in my graduate studies! Same with real-life heroes!

*Follow Story Monsters’ social media pages to stay up-to-date of upcoming articles and writing contests

Explore the Monster’s website

The Story Monsters team is constantly updating their site with so many features and tools for teachers/students to access on their own. Teaching guides are available as PDFs to go along with each issue. Questions in the teaching guide can be modified depending on the child’s age—use your teaching experience and love of literature to make Story Monsters come alive in the hands of your students!

Feeling nostalgic

When Mister Roger’s and Levar Burton’s familiar faces pop up on your screen, take that opportunity to share some of their magical and inspirational shows, find books about friendship and kindness, and even act out some puppet shows!

Student writers

One of my favorite links on the website is “Student Writers Wanted” which gives our readers monthly opportunities to feature their own writing pieces—book reviews, articles, essays, poems, and drawings! This would be a dream come true for me as a middle schooler in love with writing!

Share with us!

Send us pictures or comments of how your classroom and children are using the digital version of Story Monsters Ink! Email or go on Facebook @StoryMonsters and tag us or Twitter and use the hashtag #teachingtoolbox. We would love to feature them in future Teaching Toolbox columns and/or Story Monsters social media! Let’s learn and grow together with this literary resource at our fingertips!

Download our helpful classroom questions for teachers to use as a supplement when reading interviews and articles about their students’ favorite authors.

You'll never look at middle school the same way again.

Warning!

Anyone caught reading this notebook without my permission will be tossed in the bayou with a rabid snapping turtle! Seriously, I mean it!

My name is Russell Weinwright and if you think you've got problems in middle school, try being a half-kid, half-algae swamp creature who's terrible at sports! It's not easy. I eat sunlight for lunch, I've got duckweed for hair, and I think a frog might be living in my tree trunk arm. I'm literally pond scum! Some kids call me Swamp Kid, but my best friends Charlotte and Preston keep me sane.

I wish I could let you read this notebook to get the real scoop on being an eighth grade outsider (please ignore the doodles and ketchup stains!), but things have gotten a little crazy lately. Men in black are spying on me, my science teacher might be an evil mastermind, and a hulking beast in the bayou may or may not be my super swamp mentor. Believe me, you don't wanna know! Turn back now!

“Kirk Scroggs is one of my favorite author/illustrators.” —Dav Pilkey, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Captain Underpants series

“A comedic win with appeal for fans of Tom Angleberger and DC's Teen Titans Go!” —Kirkus review

Get your copy today!

Comic Shop Locator Service

Amazon.com

BarnesandNoble.com

IndieBound

Published by DC Zoom

Can Superman keep Smallville from going to the dogs?

Book of the Week!

Acts of awesomeness are happening around town. People are being rescued, runaway tractors stopped, and fires extinguished. This is all in a day's work for the hero known only as "Superman." But who is he, really?

Thirteen-year-old Clark Kent knows. He has a super-secret--one his parents are constantly worried will get out. Clark promises to be extra careful, but when random objects begin to take flight and disappear, his parents threaten to ground him. Except he's innocent! If Superman isn't responsible...who is? Join Clark in this hilarious adventure as he sniffs out the real culprit. 

 From New York Times bestselling and Eisner Award-winning creators Art Baltazar and Franco, comes a fun, whimsical story featuring young Lana Lang, Lex Luthor, and of course Clark Kent.

Age Range: 7 and up

Grade Level: 2 - 3

ISBN-10: 1401283926

ISBN-13: 978-1401283926

Get your copy today!

Published by DC Zoom!

A Special Classroom: Sea World Includes Us in their World

by Dawn Menge, PhD

Joshua helped me draw a huge thermometer onto the poster board. “Can we go outside today and collect recyclables so that we can fill in the thermometer to the top?” Our students with severe cognitive delays had a small business making Christmas trees and recycling on campus. They had voted to use their money to take a trip to Sea World in San Diego and swim with the dolphins. This project began during the last school year and was continuing into the New Year.

Mid-year we ran into a small glitch that turned into a huge issue. A person who wanted to start a recycling program wrote negative articles about our students recycling. This issue accelerated with my parents accompanying us to attend a school board meeting. The school board offered to give our students the money for the trip, but the parents and I were adamant that they had a right to feel pride in their accomplishments and earn their way to Sea World. We were allowed to continue our work and the thermometer was soon filled.

At that time, in addition to my classroom responsibilities, I was home schooling Stephanie, who suffered from a temporary paralysis due to an illness. I visited her home each week and we invited her and her little sister to join us. “Ms. Dawn, I’m going to work very hard to get strong enough to go with you,” she said. Because of her weakened state, she had to work especially hard to build up her strength and stamina to attend with us. But, she was determined to fight and accompany her classmates on this adventure and have an experience of a lifetime with her family. Each week, we would talk about her physical therapy and occupational exercises to see if she was gaining enough strength to come. At times, there were setbacks. “I was sick this week Ms. Dawn. I didn’t get to work with my teachers,” she would say. “I’m very proud of all your hard work and I know you will make it for our trip.” I’d encourage her each week, although I wasn’t really sure if it would be possible for her.

The exciting day arrived and we boarded the bus early in the morning for the three-hour drive to Sea World. The park had generously offered to allow the parents to attend for free with their children. The Sea World employees escorted us back to the Dolphin encounter area and handed each one of us a wet suit to wear. Managing to put these on was an adventure in itself. But, we all managed this feat in the end and put our water shoes on and walked outside to the pool. The dolphins were jumping and swimming around in anticipation of their trainers’ commands.

We split up into groups based on student needs. The higher-functioning students who were physically stronger were grouped in a larger area with several teachers and parents. My brand new administrator was in this group being christened as my boss in a very adventuresome way. We all lined up and the first dolphin swam up and landed on the ledge. “She feels soft,” Giggled Ashley, as she ran her hands along the stomach of the dolphin. “Look how fast they can swim and jump in the air. I wish I could do that,” laughed Jasmine as she pointed to Samantha the dolphin.

Ms. Judy was holding onto Amanda’s wetsuit as she petted the dolphin. Little Amanda was visually impaired with a seizure disorder and very determined to interact with the dolphins. She was so excited she held onto the dolphin’s fin and she tried to swim away.

“Come and shake the dolphins’ fins Freddie,” the trainer asked our youngest student with Down syndrome. The trainer held onto his shoulders as Freddie held the dolphin’s fins. They turned around and the dolphin gave him a big kiss and in turn Freddie hugged the dolphin so tight he almost didn’t let go. I’d never seen him with such a great big smile on his face. We all gathered ourselves sadly together and headed back to the changing rooms. It was filled with excited voices of students and parents alike trying to peel the wetsuits off and enjoy the rest of their day at Sea World.

Our last group included our school nurse Melinda for Stephanie as her physical health was still very fragile. The staff at Sea World helper her mother take Cindy out of the wheelchair and place her in the hoist to be lowered into the pool. Stephanie and Brianna were beyond excited. Stephanie leaned over and gave the dolphin a kiss as he swam by her. “Oh, my goodness there were tears in my eyes, she was so excited when she touched the dolphin,” remembers Melinda. “I will never forget that experience. It was so awesome.” Their dolphin swam up and perched on the ledge so that they could feel her sleek body, shaking her head as her trainer pointed for her to swim around the pool and jump high into the air twisting as she came back down, a big splash landing on the girls. The complete joy in their faces was more than enough reward for our staff. The memories of the hard work and struggle we had endured to make this happen washed away and was replaced by these irreplaceable memories for these students with severe cognitive delays and their families.

In our small groups, we continued to enjoy the Sea World park watching the shows, feeding the animals, learning about our world’s oceans and how important it is to protect our environment. Our recycling program not only helped our students accomplish this incredible goal on their own, but also helped the environment. As part of our functional curriculum, our students learn life skills such as counting and budgeting, communication skills in ordering their own meals and then paying the employees for their meals. “I was so impressed at the way the students were able to go to the cafeteria at Sea World. They were able to order their own food, figure out if they had enough money and pay on their own,” recalls Melinda. A lifetime of educational benefits came from this experience. All too soon, it was time to pack up and get on the bus for our long drive back home. The day may have been over but the memories and experiences gained would last a lifetime.  

Dawn Menge, PhD has won 29 national awards as the author of the Queen Vernita's Educational Series. As an educator, she holds a Master's and a Clear Credential in moderate/severe disabilities and a Bachelor's in human development. Dr. Menge has been teaching severely handicapped students for 16 years.

Is a toad a frog, or a frog a toad?

by Conrad J. Storad
photos by Meghan Nichols and Laurie Storad

Young children are naturalists without the formal training. The environment outside provides laboratories of many kinds. Learning can take place at the pond across the street or in the woods around the block. Advanced study is always ready and waiting at a vacation beach with family, or near a summer camp lake with friends and classmates.

Kids are notoriously curious. They ask endless questions and perform primitive experiments just to find out how and why things are the way they are. Do you remember the many questions you had growing up in your world of outdoor play? Hopefully, you enjoyed playing outside and weren’t afraid to get your hands and clothes dirty.

I did, and I wasn’t. And I do remember a few outdoor explorations and questions from those early days with friends, brothers, and a sister. How deep a hole can we dig on this beach before it fills with water?

What kind of creatures do you think live under this rotten log? Will that bug bite or sting me if I grab it?

What does that toad’s skin feel like? How far can I see from the top of this tree? How long will it take for this tadpole to grow legs?

Luckily, I’m getting lots of chances to relive my early days of exploration through the eyes of my grandchildren. My granddaughter Hadley, a kindergartner-to-be, is way ahead of her older brothers when it comes to curiosity about Nature’s little secrets. She routinely peppers me with questions. For her, I’m a walking, talking “Google search.”

She nailed me with a good one during the annual Memorial Day fishing derby at our neighborhood pond. The day was beautiful, but the bluegill and bass were not cooperating. Patience is not the strongest trait for preschoolers or kids of elementary school age. The cane poles and bobbers were quickly left on the grassy banks. Of much greater interest were the swarms of tadpoles in the green algae near the pond’s mucky edge.

Some of the kids already knew that tadpoles were young “frogs-to-be.” Others even knew that they were a stage beyond eggs. Hadley took it a step further with her question. But first, some background for context.

A week earlier, Hadley had caught a toad at her babysitter’s home. Of course, the toad had to go home with her. Toads make great pets with the proper habitat and care. A large glass jar and an occasional worm does NOT meet the criteria. With some prodding, Hadley’s mom was able to convince her that the toad was better off with its “family.” She reluctantly returned it to the spot where it was found. Days later, her aunt bought her a small frog to keep as a pet. Again, frogs make great pets with the proper habitat and care… But, back to the pond story.

Hadley’s bucket was filled with tadpoles. Her hands covered with gunk, she looked at me and asked, “Toppy (my grandpa name), is a frog a toad? She paused, then added, “Or is a toad a frog?”

Do you know? Turns out, this question does not have an easy answer. For the people who study them, there is no real scientific difference between frogs and toads. However, there are lots and lots of physical differences between the more than 7,000 known species of frogs and toads living on Earth today. So the complete answer is a bit more complicated.

Scientists classify animals based on lots of different characteristics. For example, frogs and toads belong to the same big animal group. Both are amphibians. These are cold-blooded creatures that spend the early part of their lives in water. In the water, they breathe with gills, like fish. When older, amphibians will live on land, but often stay close to water. They breathe air through lungs, like us.

Most frogs and toads look and act quite differently. But don’t be too quick. Some look very similar. It can get confusing. Following are some of the most common ways to tell them apart.

Frogs:

Must live near water to survive.

Have smooth, moist skin. They appear slimy.

Have a long, narrow body with bulging eyes.

Have long, strong hind legs that help them jump high and far.

Are food for many predators.

Toads:

Live on land, but often near water.

Have rough, dry, bumpy skin.

Have short back legs. They take small hops instead of long jumps.

Don’t have many predators. Glands behind a toad’s eyes produce toxins that give a bitter taste and smell. The toxins burn the eyes and nose of predators.

The list goes on and on. Both female toads and frogs lay their eggs in water. But a frog lays eggs in a cluster or clump under the surface of the water. A toad will lay its eggs in a long chain. Some toads don’t lay eggs at all. They give birth to live young.

For me, one of the most interesting parts of a frog or toad’s body is its tongue. Both have long, sticky tongues that shoot out of their mouths like a New Year’s Eve party favor. A frog tends to have a longer tongue.

Frogs and toads use their tongues to capture insects, spiders, minnows, and other small prey. A toad has a shorter tongue. It needs to be closer to its prey. Toads rarely miss a six or eight-legged meal.

There are other differences as well. But what about this one: Is a tortoise a turtle…or is a turtle a tortoise? Hadley will have to wait. That’s a question for another day and column.

Some hoppin’ fun facts:

• Toads have rough, bumpy skin. But those bumps are not warts. They are actually special camouflage that helps them blend into their habitat.

• Frogs or toads live on every continent except Antarctica.

• A baby toad is called a tadpole, or toadlet.

• World Frog Day occurs in March each year. Save the Frogs Day is the first Saturday of April each year. National Frog Jumping Day is in May. And the Gary Diamond National Admire a Frog or Toad Day occurs on July 1st.

Resources to learn more:

Books:

From Tadpole to Frog by Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld

National Geographic Readers: Frogs! by Elizabeth Carney

Frogs and Toads Discovery (Discovery Book for Kids) by Kate Cruso

Websites:

Lang Elliott Music of Nature
musicofnature.com/calls-of-frogs-and-toads-of-the-northeast/

All About Frogs.org
llaboutfrogs.org/froglnd.shtml

Easy Science for Kids – Frogs and Toads
asyscienceforkids.com/all-about-frogs-and-toads/

The award-winning author and editor of more than 50 science and nature books for children and young adults, Conrad J. Storad expertly draws young readers into his imaginative and entertaining “classroom” to help them better understand and appreciate the natural world.

Titan Gabrielse is Recruiting Heroes for a Special Club

by Melissa Fales
photos by Crystal Kneeland Photography
Story Monsters Ink, August 2019 issue

Titan Gabrielse may be a little boy, but he has big plans. Recently diagnosed with dyslexia, this 7-year-old has taken his struggles with reading and writing, the extra school work he needs to do, and the weekly private tutoring he requires all in stride. One day, Titan casually told his mother, Tiffanie about an idea he had. “He said, ‘I want to create an army of friends with dyslexia so we can beat up dyslexia together,’” says Tiffanie, who came up with the idea of turning that army into an afterschool club. Thus, the idea for Read with the Titans was born. Now Titan and his family are working to make his vision a reality. “With any luck, Read with the Titans will be functioning by the next new school year,” Tiffanie says. 

Titan will be entering second grade at Swansboro Elementary School in North Carolina. Tiffanie recalls the anguish she felt last year watching him struggle to read. “You could tell it was painful for him,” she says. Tiffanie says she was confused but not surprised when she got called into his classroom to talk to the teacher about his below-grade level reading skills.

Fortunately, Titan was diagnosed with dyslexia early. Too often, says Tiffanie, dyslexia is not diagnosed until third grade. “By then, you’re so far behind,” she says. Titan is currently reading at a Kindergarten level, but he’s also participating in an extended school year so he won’t lose any of his progress over the summer. Every week, Titan travels over an hour each way for his lesson with a private tutor who specializes in dyslexia. “He gets motion sickness,” says Tiffanie. “But he doesn’t complain.” 

Once the Gabrielse family had the word, “dyslexia,” to describe why Titan was having such a hard time with reading and writing, they started using it often. “I wanted him to own it,” Tiffanie says. “I have dwarfism. I own that. I’m small. The grass is green. The sky is blue. By owning it, you take the shame away from it.” The fact that dyslexia is an invisible learning disability made it a little harder for Titan to understand. “My son doesn’t have a physical disability like I do,” says Tiffanie. “Wrapping your head around something when you can’t see it is hard.” 

“In stories, titans are strong. They have superpowers and they help people. They are heroes. They have to work hard to be a hero just like other kids like me with dyslexia have to work hard to read and write. ”

Titan is already compiling a list of things he’d like to do with his “army” after school, including playing word games and practicing reading and writing through activities such as sending letters to pen pals. Titan has also recently started talking about having his Read with the Titans club create graphic novels since the image-heavy genre helps give the words context for dyslexic readers.

A key component of Read with the Titans will be to encourage self-acceptance among these young people. Dyslexia is hereditary, and Titan’s father, Marine Ssgt. Eric Gabrielse, endured it without ever knowing that there was a word for the issues he was experiencing. "I struggled with my own dyslexia for years as a child,” he says. “I still struggle with it. It's not just the reading and writing, but the thoughts that there's something wrong with you. I saw everyone else read and write easily and I figured I was just stupid.”

Perhaps most importantly, says Tiffanie, she and Titan hope Read with the Titans will spread the word about dyslexia. “October is dyslexia awareness month,” Tiffanie says. “That seems like a good place for us to start.” She believes that even a simple, inexpensive campaign can be effective. “Things like wearing t-shirts,” she says. “Wristbands. Talking about it. Confronting it. Embracing it. You can't have an army if you don't have recruits.”

Titan has expressed concern about dyslexic kids who don’t have the type of loving, supportive family and friends that he has been blessed with. “He said, ‘I don’t want them to be alone and dyslexic,” says Tiffanie. “He is the most sensitive, loving little boy. He’s come so far and he’s worked so hard.”

Titan didn’t choose the name “Read with the Titans” for his club because it’s his name, but because of what it means. “In stories, titans are strong. They have superpowers and they help people,” Titan says. “They are heroes. They have to work hard to be a hero just like other kids like me with dyslexia have to work hard to read and write.” 

Tiffanie is beyond proud of her son and all he has gone through. “I think I named Ty correctly,” she says. “He is a true titan because of his ability to persevere … I’m not shocked he wants to help others. It’s who he is. That’s why I want to help his idea come to life any way I can. Especially if that means by doing so, he'll see being dyslexic is nothing to be ashamed of. It's nothing to be embarrassed over. Everyone has something. And dyslexia is certainly nothing that will ever hold him back.”

For more information about Read with the Titans, contact titanreads@hotmail.com, and follow on Instagram @titanreads or Facebook at Titan Reads.

Riding Horses at the Deuker Ranch

by Marie A. Fasano

The Deuker Ranch Equine Assisted Adaptive Riding program is located in Star Valley, Arizona, about 10 minutes from Payson. They teach riding and horsemanship skills with a focus on participants who are challenged physically, cognitively, or socially. Their instructors and volunteers work with youngsters to safely develop independent skills and confidence from horses.­

“I’m really riding!” beamed Charley as she sat astride Autumn, the 850-pound Halfinger. This was her first time riding around the paddock. Dennis, the owner and instructor, walked beside them, quietly giving Charley directions. Prior to this, the little, 9-year-old was petrified to go near a horse. Autumn stands over six feet tall at the shoulders. Her strong, sturdy build provides a safe and stable ride for the children.

“Charley, you are doing so well, tomorrow you can ride big Rex,” Dennis said. He is a Belgian draft horse who weighs in at over 2,000 pounds and over six feet tall at the shoulders, but a gentle as they come.

Although there are several Equine Assisted programs in Arizona, the rural Dueker Ranch, run by husband and wife team, Dennis and Kathy Dueker never charge a fee. It is a 501c3 charitable organization. The ranch began in 2015 after Dennis experienced the power of horses changing lives. Kathy has spent a lifetime around horses, even having worked at Disneyland in California taking care of the draft horses that pull the street cars on Main Street, USA.

I remember the first time we went to Deuker Ranch and how my niece, Charley cowered as we got near the horses. Kathy gently took her hand and said, “Charley, I have to feed all the horses and I need help, want to come with me?” By the end of the afternoon, Charley was feeding the horses out of her hand. Kathy is as gentle with the horses as she was with Charley.

This is what happens every week at Deuker Ranch with Kathy and Dennis and their volunteers. This Equine Therapeutic riding program is a treatment strategy that in­cludes equine activities or an equine environment. Through the miracles of horses, riders can overcome barriers through the unique power of love and friend­ship with the gentle giants or miniature horses. Their trained volunteers do several tasks. They can be sidewalker/coaches, horse leaders, barn hands, facility maintenance workers, or complete grooming and tacking. They enjoy being around horses.

Research, and the Deukers’ own experience, shows the benefits of therapeutic riding for the participant may include increased strength, flexibility, improved balance and coordination, improved coping and social skills (reduced stress and hyperactivity) and increased quality and quantity of communication.

The equine movement engages the sensory, neuromotor, language and cognitive systems that support functional daily living skills. Each participant needs a medical release before they are able to ride. The rider always has a volunteer walker next to them while they are on the horse for support, encouragement, and safety.

“I have seen children that were nonverbal speak their first words while sitting on a horse. I have helped children in wheelchairs feel freedom for the first time on the back of a horse. I have taught autistic children to focus and follow directions while riding.” said Dennis.

I spent an afternoon at the Deuker Ranch observing Dennis and Kathy following PATH (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International) guidelines working with three teens diagnosed as developmentally challenged, on horseback, each with a volunteer at their side. Adriana, Becky, and Jacqueline come for their riding lessons on Thursdays and call themselves “The Girls Club.”

“I’ll do anything to be around horses,” Adriana said. “It’s stress free, no drama.” Smiling as she mounted Merrigold, a pony breed, 14 hands with stout muscles and strong bones.

Becky had a big smile when Mat, the volunteer walking by the side of her horse said, “You’re directing Autumn really well today.”

“The horses make the girls feel alive,” says Susan, Becky’s mother. “She is shy, but around the horses she talks more.

When the girls were asked if they have a special horse, Jacqueline quickly responded, “We like them all. We mix it up and ride different ones.”

Jacqueline agreed to write a poem about her experiences at Deuker ranch.

Riding Horses

Riding a horse makes me relax.
Riding horses makes me brave and strong.
Riding is fun to do.
Riding is fast sometimes.

The in-depth following of directions has helped Jacqueline achieve gold medals in Special Olympic events. “I see more confidence and assertiveness in her, since she began riding here,” says her mom, Lucy.

Today Jacqueline is riding Ruby, who is over 1,800 pounds. These are work horses. Ruby and Rex, two Belgian Draft horses worked side by side pulling a tourist wagon around Yosemite National Park.

“They like to work,” says Kathy. “The Drafts are not so excitable. They are people friendly.” Kathy is the one at the Deuker Ranch who makes sure the horses are trained. 

The classes progress each week from getting up on a horse, handling the reins, balance, and various exercises.

The exercise on this day was balancing on the horse while drawing. Dennis asked each rider to pick a fun drawing that is on a clipboard. The teens are laughing a lot and look again and again at the papers trying to decide. Once they make their decision they move around the paddock directing the horses around the large round drums. They are very good at riding the horses around the drums as they have done it many times.

As they are riding, they get to pick crayons of their color choice that are on the drums. This takes thinking about choices. The volunteer working with each girl hands them their chosen crayons. Once they have gone around all the drums and selected their colors, they must stop the horse, and balance while drawing.

After stopping the horse with a “Whoa,” then holding the horse quietly, the girls start coloring. It’s a lesson in balancing and keeping the stopped horses in control so they can color.

Once they have completed the task, they continue riding. It was a pleasure to observe the teens exercising with the horses, practicing balance and having fun at the same time.

What about the horses? Children and adults alike fall in love with the herd. At the Deuker Ranch there are three miniature horses, Willow, her daughter Gracie and Kenny. Their small size makes them the perfect horse to meet with small children and those in wheelchairs.

Dennis and Kathy bring the miniature horses to programs and events so children can experience being around horses. One day, at the Payson Community Kids program, the children learn about being around horses by gently brushing them while a volunteer holds the reins. You can sense their calmness while they complete this repetitive task.

Recently, the Ranch acquired Hamish, a Clydesdale colt, its newest addition. Hamish, like their other draft horses, “has an instinct that they want to work and they want to help.” said Dennis. The other “gentle Clydesdale giants” at the Deuker Ranch are the ambassadors often  and used for the Veterans program.

“What makes us different is that our services are free! That’s how important we feel therapeutic riding is,” said Dennis. 

Dueker ranch is a nonprofit Corporation and a 501(c3) Arizona-qualified dollar for dollar tax credit charity.

For more information, contact the Deukers at 928-978-7039, DuekerRanch@gmail.com, or visit duekerranchhorsetherapy.com.

2019 Purple Dragonfly Book Award Winners

 Grand Prize Winner:

Always Anjali by Sheetal Sheth, Jessica Blank

$100 Drawing Winner:

Maria's Marvelous Bones by Dr. Carrie Kollias, Gill Guile

 Activity Books

1st Place (tie): BigFoot Visits the Big Cities of the World: A Spectacular Seek and Find Challenge for All Ages! by D.L. Miller

1st Place (tie): BigFoot Goes On Vacation: A Spectacular Seek and Find Challenge for All Ages! by D.L. Miller

1st Place (tie): How to Draw for Kids: Favorite Animals by Diana Fisher

2nd Place: If a Caterpillar Can Fly, Why Can't I? by Deedee Cummings, Erika Busse

Honorable Mention:

Journey to Cloud City by Eliot Kersgaard                                             

Nissa's *Mom and Me* Activity Book by BB Walsh, Mike Quinones                      

Charlie The Caterpillar: What Can I Be Today? by Andy Gutman

Animals/Pets

1st Place (tie): Cloud the Horse: Cloud and Patty Chicken by Elizabeth Goodman Hardwick, Lindsey Rowland

1st Place (tie): Oscar Goes to School by Meaghan Fisher and Emma Rose Fisher-Rowe, Timothy Rowe

1st Place (tie): Penny the Pink Nose Poodle: A Day with Zoey by Dana DiSante

1st Place (tie): Hickory Doc's Tales: The Pack: First Generation by Linda Harkey

1st Place (tie): The Moonlight Dancer by Lisa Calhoun-Owen & Matthew Scott Reilly, Jordan Wray

1st Place (tie): My Name is Curly by Andi C. Kryszak, G.C. Schlea

2nd Place (tie): Mom Shelley's Eggs by Linda S. Smith

2nd Place (tie): The Gift of Haley by Terri Bene and Rosemary Lyn, Marty Petersen

Honorable Mention:

The Puppy who Loved to Cuddle by Geordie Sabbagh, Yoshiko Harada                 

Little Cat Lost by Judy Bergman Hochberg                         

Quincy the Quail and the Mysterious Egg by Barbara Renner, Amanda Wells   

Unforgettable Neighbours by Anna Wing-bo Tso, Joanne Wai-nam Lo

Bubba the Purple Cat by Angelica Y. Rodriguez, Luis Perez        

D-Pug in New York by Janie Nugent                      

The Adventures of Samba Rat and Friends in Sherman the Last Dragon by Steven and Mary Munsie                   

Most Wanted! The Sock Thief by Nancy Binger                               

Oink and Gobble and the 'No One Can Ever Know Secret' by Norman Whaler, Mohammad Shayan     

Arts/Music 

1st Place: Anna at the Art Museum by Hazel Hutchins and Gail Herbert, Lillian Ruth Crump

2nd Place: Adventures in Boogieland by A.R. Bey

Honorable Mention:

Charlie The Caterpillar: What Can I Be Today? by Andy Gutman                             

Shy Little Monster by Stephanie Leavell, Sarah Pilar Echeverria              

Tevye the Magical Theater Cat: An Introduction to Community Theater by Peggy Sullivan        

Even by Andy Gutman 

Best Cover Design

1st Place (tie): The Mystery of the Lost Map by Jim Rhoden and Mickey Goodman

1st Place (tie): Ellie and Her Emotional Dragons by Joseph Goodrich, Traci Van Wagoner

2nd Place: The Secrets of Shannon-Berry Kingdom by Caroline H. Eklund, Karen L. Haynes

Honorable Mention:

The Tiny Tree by Norman Whaler, Polina Hrytskova      

Fortune Cookie Surprise! by Jacqueline Prata                   

Lion & Mouse, Aries the Sheep and other Fairy Tales by Oleg Kush, Vladimir Kush        

Moonlight and Molly by Maureen Harris                            

The Great Grace Escape by Pam Saxelby, Anne Saxelby              

Uncle Allan's Stinky Leg by Jennifer Somervell, Margery Fern

Best Illustrations

1st Place (tie): Mr. Mouthful Learns His Lesson by Joseph Kimble, Kerry Bell

1st Place (tie): Spring! Time to Build a Nest, A Story about Trumpeter Swans by Barbara Renner, Rita Goldner

1st Place (tie): Ellie and Her Emotional Dragons by Joseph Goodrich, Traci Van Wagoner

1st Place (tie): Lion & Mouse, Aries the Sheep and other Fairy Tales by Oleg Kush, Vladimir Kush

2nd Place (tie): Songbird's Friendship Scale by Marianne Savage

2nd Place (tie): Willoughby and the Terribly Itchy Itch by Pam Halter, Kim Sponaugle

2nd Place (tie): The Gold Egg by Ule B. Wise, Jaimee Lee

2nd Place (tie): Where Does the Man In The Moon Go During the Day? by Jared Jackson

Honorable Mention:

Tex the Explorer: Journey to Mars by Ellie Smith, Eyen Johnson             

The Puppy who Loved to Cuddle by Geordie Sabbagh, Yoshiko Harada               

Uncle Allan's Stinky Leg by Jennifer Somervell, Margery Fern  

Mirth Meets Earth: Discover the Continents with a Most Curious Space Pup by Michelle Glasser, Jaclyn Stein                

Wilhelmina's Wish by Lisa Reinicke, Analise Black          

The Bat Cave by Jonathan Walker, Rosaria Costa            

Scoop the Ice Cream Truck by Patricia Keeler                   

Big Cat, Little Fox by Cheryl Stephani, Margarita Sikorskaia       

forgiven. by Alison Smallwood                 

Jet & Scoot: A Story About Us by Stephanie Smith-Kenny, Lauren Looney         

The Great Grace Escape by Pam Saxelby, Anne Saxelby              

The Adventures of Samba Rat and Friends in Sherman the Last Dragon by Steven and Mary Munsie                   

The News about Jesus and How He Saved the World by Benjamin Morse                          

One Little Bella by Georgina Schroeder, Sam Balling     

My best friend, Dylan! by Angelica Rodriguez, Krystel Ivannie 

Petite Ga-Tor and The Musical Grande Bois by David Bertrand                

The Secrets of Shannon-Berry Kingdom by Caroline H. Eklund, Karen L. Haynes             

Best Interior Design

1st Place (tie): Lion & Mouse, Aries the Sheep and other Fairy Tales by Oleg Kush, Vladimir Kush

1st Place (tie): Uncle Allan's Stinky Leg by Jennifer Somervell, Margery Fern

2nd Place: Mr. Mouthful Learns His Lesson by Joseph Kimble, Kerry Bell

Honorable Mention:

The Legend of the Fairy Stones by Kelly Anne White                     

Big Cat, Little Fox by Cheryl Stephani, Margarita Sikorskaia       

forgiven. by Alison Smallwood                 

The Great Grace Escape by Pam Saxelby, Anne Saxelby              

Best Photography

1st Place (tie): Common Backyard Birds by Doris Dumrauf         

1st Place (tie): F is for Feminist, An A to Z Guide for Feminists of All Ages by Kim Collins, Jeff Bartee

2nd Place: Growing up in Alaska: A Baby Arctic Tern by Constance Taylor, Ben O'Brien

Chapter Books

1st Place (tie): Artemis and the Violin by Vanessa Chase, Jo Gershman

1st Place (tie): The Rabbit Princess: The Path by R. Chen, Ed Chen

1st Place (tie): Word Dragon by Tevin Hansen

2nd Place: The Enchanted Snow Globe Collection: Return to Coney Island by Melissa Stoller, Callie Metler-Smith

Honorable Mention:

The Adventures of Phatty and Payaso: Central Park by Marie Unanue, Edgardo Miranda-Rodriquez    

Hickory Doc's Tales: The Pack: First Generation by Linda Harkey

Finn Mouseson by Melody Gersonde-Mickelson                            

Digital Girl and the Greenish Ghosts by Pat Hall, Emmeline Hall Forrestal          

The Mystery of the Lost Map by Jim Rhoden and Mickey Goodman                     

Adventures Of Iyani: The Voyage West by Aunty Marcella, Stephanie Wilbanks              

Corallai by Michelle Path                            

The Secrets of Shannon-Berry Kingdom by Caroline H. Eklund, Karen L. Haynes             

The Determined Sofa by Caroline Leland            

Charity/Making a Difference

1st Place: Andre the Five-Star Cat by Alma Hammond, Carla Klosowski

2nd Place: Journey to Cloud City by Eliot Kersgaard

Honorable Mention:

One Too Many by Linda Grace Smith, Emmi Ojala          

The Sheep Who Could Not Leap by Chirine Alameddine, Andy Kefford

The Bully Who Learned to Love by Claudia Villarreal, Michael Koch      

My Name is Curly by Andi C. Kryszak, G.C. Schlea           

Squire With Fire: A Happy Dragon Tale by Joseph Cassis                             

No Head Fred Said Help Others by Stephanie Keegan                  

You Can Call Me Katelyn by Keri T. Collins, Marcia Adams Ho   

Another Tuesday at Popcorn Elementary: Teamwork by Meeka Wojo, Ivan Wojo         

Another Tuesday at Popcorn Elementary: No Bullies by Meeka Wojo, Ivan Wojo

Children’s Nonfiction

1st Place: F is for Feminist, An A to Z Guide for Feminists of All Ages by Kim Collins, Jeff Bartee

2nd Place: You Call Everybody George by Kathleen Cummings, Colleen Jaeb

Honorable Mention:

The Knock...a collection of childhood memories by Carolyn Watkins, Lindsey Erickson                 

Tom Max in the Wild West by Tomás Maximiliano Benavídez, Luciano Martinez                            

H is for Hummingbirds by Merry Bradshaw, David Boyarski                      

Not A Purse by Stephanie Dreyer, Jack Veda                    

The Summer of 1997 by Anna Wing-bo Tso, Joanne Wai-nam Lo                           

Coral Reef Animals Book 1: Invertebrates by Eve Heidi Bine-Stock                                         

Snowballs For Severance: The Terrifically True Story of Dane Best and the Snowball Ban by Richie Frieman     

The News about Jesus and How He Saved the World     by Benjamin Morse                       

A Promise by Rosa M. Campbell, Jun Junica

Cultural Diversity

1st Place (tie): Always Anjali by Sheetal Sheth, Jessica Blank     

1st Place (tie): The Bully Who Learned to Love by Claudia Villarreal, Michael Koch

1st Place (tie): The Tiny Tree by Norman Whaler, Polina Hrytskova

1st Place (tie): This is the Earth by Deedee Cummings, Charlene Mosley

2nd Place (tie): Just Like You by Keosha Sath, Yasushi Matsuoka

2nd Place (tie): Spencer's Adventure: An Unexpected Friend by Jacquelyn Francis, Nicoleta Stavarache

Honorable Mention:

Super Satya Saves the Day by Raakhee Mirchandani, Tim Palin               

The Adventures of Little Miss Crazy Hair: The Girl with Curl by Christopher and Alejandro Garcia-Halenar, Sophia Jin

Ahmed's Journey: A Story of Self-Discovery by Jill Apperson Manly         

Indi-Alphabet by Shobha Srinivasan, Christy McCreery

Amazing Africa: A to Z by Dr. Artika Tyner and Monica Habia, Reyhana Ismail 

Taming Babel by Anna Wing-bo Tso, Joanne Wai-nam Lo           

Dorje the Yak by Caryn Hartman, Lexi Vay         

Little Hope Big Hope by Anita Kissi                        

Mommy Do My Hair by Yesenia Hernandez, LeVar J. Reese      

Tom Max in the Wild West by Tomás Maximiliano Benavídez, Luciano Martinez            

Bubba the Purple Cat by Angelica Y. Rodriguez, Luis Perez        

Through the Eyes of Om: Exploring Malaysia by Sonny Tannan, Agus Prajogo  

Mirth Meets Earth: Discover the Continents with a Most Curious Space Pup by Michelle Glasser, Jaclyn Stein
  

Educational

1st Place: F is for Feminist, An A to Z Guide for Feminists of All Ages by Kim Collins, Jeff Bartee

2nd Place (tie): Jimmy, the Nature SMART Ninja: A book about Howard Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences by Mary R. Massey, Ed.D., April Bensch

2nd Place (tie): Meet the Pops by Belinda Barbieri

2nd Place (tie): My Adventures in Alphabetland by Nathaniel P. Jensen

Honorable Mention:

Writing to Respond to Text and Tests by Martha Joseph Watts, Ed.D                   

The Alphabet Thief Who Stole The Vowels by Claudia Villarreal, Michael Koch

Meet the Pops: Flag Day Every Day by Belinda Barbieri                               

Little Katie Explores the Coral Reefs by Carmela Dutra                

Dirty Birds by Madge H. Gressley

               
Family Matters

1st Place (tie): Happy Tears & Rainbow Babies by Natasha Melissa Carlow, Keevyn Mohammed and Kyle Stephen

1st Place (tie): Tillie & Clementine & Mikey by Dan Killeen

2nd Place (tie): Feel Better, Mommy by Risa Kirschner, Anna Kubaszewska

2nd Place (tie): I Didn't Ask To Be Creative by Dontavious Pittman, Max Rambaldi

Honorable Mention:

The Great Grace Escape by Pam Saxelby, Anne Saxelby                              

The Knock...a collection of childhood memories by Carolyn Watkins, Lindsey Erickson 

Even by Andy Gutman

 Fiction: Collection of Short Stories

Honorable Mention: Kevin & Colin's Tales of Mischief & Mayhem by Robert Prior-Wandesforde

Food Related

1st Place: What am I? Fruits by John Benzee

2nd Place: Culinary Charades by Anna Wing-bo Tso, Joanne Wai-nam Lo

General

1st Place (tie): Puffy Gets Angry by Rich Pfeiffer, PhD and Susie Post Roberts   

1st Place (tie): The Gold Egg by Ule B. Wise, Jaimee Lee

2nd Place: Mr. Mouthful Learns His Lesson by Joseph Kimble, Kerry Bell

Honorable Mention:

JACK by Norman Whaler, Nina Mkhoiani                            

Princess Monroe & Her Happily Ever After by Jody Vallee Smith, Glynise Martin                            

Meet the Pops by Belinda Barbieri                                         

Meet the Pops: Flag Day Every Day by Belinda Barbieri                                               

What Do You Do in Winter? by Jennifer Baxter, Sarah McGinnis                             

The Amazing Adventures of Cheechako-Fette by Kelsey McDaniel, David Riley                               

Terence the Space Tomato by Jennifer Baxter and Thomas O'Brien, Mercedes Buckingham     

No Head Fred Said Stay Safe by Stephanie Keegan                        

Green Books/Environmental

1st Place: Taking Flight (The Nature Club) by Rachel Mazur       

2nd Place: Little Katie Explores the Coral Reefs by Carmela Dutra

Honorable Mention:

Where's Winter? by Erin Rounds                            

Flash and Fancy -  More Otter Adventures on the Waccamaw River Book Three: A Dolphin Rescue by Christine Thomas Doran, Nancy Van Buren           

The Butterfly Trap by Lee-Ann Matthews, Katerin Juretic           

Growing Pains

1st Place: Scoop the Ice Cream Truck by Patricia Keeler               

2nd Place: One Little Bella by Georgina Schroeder, Sam Balling

Health

1st Place (tie): Maria's Marvelous Bones by Dr. Carrie Kollias, Gill Guile

1st Place (tie): The Sofa Sloths by Miriam Kay, Jenny Dang

2nd Place: Sam Finds the Sugar Gram by Diane Lash Decker, MS, Doina Paraschiv

Honorable Mention:

No Head Fred Said Get Healthy by Stephanie Keegan                  

Like Rainwater by Deedee Cummings, Charlene Mosley                      

Your Incredible Liver by Edwin Lee, M.D. and Jim Huth, Lauren Coney

Historical Fiction

1st Place: The Oregon Trail: Ollie's Great Adventure by Melanie Richardson Dundy

2nd Place: Meet the Pops: Flag Day Every Day by Belinda Barbieri

Honorable Mention:

Petite Ga-Tor and The Musical Grande Bois by David Bertrand                

Uncle Allan's Stinky Leg by Jennifer Somervell, Margery Fern

Holiday

1st Place: The Secret of Santa's Naughty-Nice List by Pat Hall, Tamara Campeau

2nd Place: Meet the Pops: Flag Day Every Day by Belinda Barbieri          

Honorable Mention:

Festeva's Holiday Cheer by Molly McCluskey-Shipman                

The Legend of Dragonfly Pond: Book Four by Alene Adele Roy                

Elves on the Naughty List by David Smith, Marilyn Jacobson    

A Christmas Carol by Norman Whaler, Bianca Milacic   

Humor

1st Place (tie): Hooray, I Farted! by Shana Chartier, Karissa Hunter

1st Place (tie): Uncle Allan's Stinky Leg by Jennifer Somervell, Margery Fern

2nd Place: Mr. Mouthful Learns His Lesson by Joseph Kimble, Kerry Bell

Honorable Mention:

Silly Animal Rhymes and Stories A to Z by Anil, Kalpart

Bubble Trouble by Marianne Savage

LGBT

1st Place: The Butterfly Trap by Lee-Ann Matthews, Katerin Juretic

2nd Place: Fire Song by Adam Garnet Jones       

Middle Grade Fiction

1st Place (tie): Britfield and the Lost Crown by C.R. Stewart

1st Place (tie): The Castle in the Mist by Amy Ephron

1st Place (tie): The Crow Child by Sherrie Todd-Beshore

2nd Place: Bubba and Squirt's Big Dig to China by Sherry Ellis

Honorable Mention:

Terror in Boring Town: A Sam and Rex Adventure by Hoot N. Holler                                     

The Rabbit Princess: The Path by R. Chen, Ed Chen                       

The Crowns of Croswald: The Girl With The Whispering Shadow by D.E. Night                                

Curse of the Komodo by M.C. Berkhousen                                        

90% Human by M.C. Berkhousen                                           

Squire With Fire: A Happy Dragon Tale by Joseph Cassis                                             

Greg's Fourth Adventure in Time by C.M. Huddleston                                  

The Legend of Dragonfly Pond: Book Four by Alene Adele Roy                                

Thumperino Superbunny and the Laser of Doom by Amber L. Spradlin, Ron Borresen

Mystery

1st Place: Terror in Boring Town: A Sam and Rex Adventure by Hoot N. Holler

2nd Place: Who Ate the Moon? by Darlinda Jacobs, Tara Salar

New Author: Fiction

1st Place: What's Your Favorite Color? by Amber L. Lassiter

Picture Books 5 & Younger

1st Place (tie): My Daddy is Always There by Charles Trimble, Meghan Fox

1st Place (tie): Ellie and Her Emotional Dragons by Joseph Goodrich, Traci Van Wagoner           

2nd Place (tie): Starfish Gazing  by Patricia Gleichauf

2nd Place (tie): The Puppy who Loved to Cuddle by Geordie Sabbagh, Yoshiko Harada

Honorable Mention:

Anna at the Art Museum by Hazel Hutchins & Gail Herbert, Lillian Ruth Crump              

Bradley and the Magic Carpet by Julian Hilton, Jacqueline East               

Skyla and the Snowflake Fairy by Reina Bonici-Mompalao-Lee, Sarah-Leigh Wills           

The Good Mood Book by John Arvai                     

The Real Farmer in the Dell by Sandra Sutter, Chantell and Burgen Thorne       

Garden Party: A Counting Adventure Book by Tania Guarino, Emma Allen        

Be Happy to Be You! by Diane Hull, Jan Dolby  

What Wonderful Things in the Darkness Creep by Vjolca Capri                               

Willoughby and the Terribly Itchy Itch by Pam Halter, Kim Sponaugle  

Gracie Jane by Janet Squires                     

Little Cat Lost  by Judy Bergman Hochberg                       

The Gold Egg by Ule B. Wise, Jaimee Lee             

Wilhelmina's Wish by Lisa Reinicke, Analise Black          

Even by Andy Gutman                 

Pixie Problems: A Nissa the Woodland Fairy Book by BB Walsh and Kyle Ann Robertson, Mike Quinones                          

The Adventures of The Floating Baby Cloud by G.V. Conners, Ed Olson               

The Great Grace Escape by Pam Saxelby, Anne Saxelby              

Lion & Mouse, Aries the Sheep and other Fairy Tales by Oleg Kush, Vladimir Kush        

Charlie The Caterpillar: What Can I Be Today? by Andy Gutman                             

Jitterflies by Joanna Rosner, Mariia Andrieieva

Shand the First Sailor by B. Boscacci                      

D-Pug in New York by Janie Nugent                      

Fortune Cookie Surprise! by Jacqueline Prata                   

Piccadilly and the Jolly Raindrops by Lisa Anne Novelline, Nicola Hwang            

Sarah Buttons, Master Doll Maker by Joe Moore, Mary Moore               

French Fries in the Park by JM Sheridan, Jamie Forgetta             

Scoop the Ice Cream Truck by Patricia Keeler                   

The Sheep Who Could Not Leap by Chirine Alameddine, Andy Kefford

In the Land of Ireland by Lynda Suwala, Claudio Icuva 

Growing up in Alaska: A Baby Arctic Tern by Constance Taylor, Ben O'Brien     

I Am Worthy by Cachet Allen                    

Tex the Explorer: Journey to Mars by Ellie Smith, Eyen Johnson             

What's Your Favorite Color? by Amber L. Lassiter          

Picture Books 6 & Older

1st Place (tie): Always Anjali by Sheetal Sheth, Jessica Blank

1st Place (tie): Dorje the Yak by Caryn Hartman, Lexi Vay

1st Place (tie): I Am Worthy by Cachet Allen

1st Place (tie): I Used to be a Fairy...a True Story by Granny by Cynthia Kern OBrien, Rosemarie Gillen

1st Place (tie): I'll Always Clap for You by T. Lynn, Marty Petersen

1st Place (tie): Most Wanted! The Sock Thief by Nancy Binger

1st Place (tie): Mr. Mouthful Learns His Lesson by Joseph Kimble, Kerry Bell

1st Place (tie): Percy: The Racehorse Who Didn't Like to Run by M.J. Evans, Gaspar Sabater

1st Place (tie): Super Satya Saves the Day by Raakhee Mirchandani, Tim Palin

1st Place (tie): Tied In by Anthony Tucker, Charlene Mosley

1st Place (tie): When I Fly With Papa by Claudia May, Jena Holliday

2nd Place (tie): It's Just a Bunnypalooza by Brenda Faatz and Peter Trimarco

2nd Place (tie): Andre the Five-Star Cat by Alma Hammond, Carla Klosowski

2nd Place (tie): Birdham Dream Bear by Lynne Healy, Sarah-Leigh Wills

2nd Place (tie): Freddy Follows by Melanie Quinn, Andrew McIntosh

Honorable Mention:

John's Johns by Eytan Nicholson, Spike Stone  

forgiven. by Alison Smallwood                 

Angel's Forever Home by Rita Gigante, Bobbie Sterchele-Gigante and Donna McDine, Renie De Mase                               

Ellie and Her Emotional Dragons by Joseph Goodrich, Traci Van Wagoner                         

Ready, Set, GOrilla! by Melissa Stoller, Sandy Steen Bartholomew                        

Why Should I Walk? I Can Fly! by Ann Ingalls, Rebecca Evans                   

Wilhelmina's Wish by Lisa Reinicke, Analise Black                          

Even by Andy Gutman                                 

Lion & Mouse, Aries the Sheep and other Fairy Tales by Oleg Kush, Vladimir Kush                        

Charlie The Caterpillar: What Can I Be Today? by Andy Gutman                                             

The Adventures of Connor the Courageous Cutter: Mystery of the Baffling Blackout by Scott McBride & Rod Thompson, Brian Martin             

The Real Farmer in the Dell by Sandra Sutter, Chantell and Burgen Thorne                       

Meet the Pops by Belinda Barbieri                                         

Sam Finds the Sugar Gram by Diane Lash Decker, MS, Doina Paraschiv                               

Uncle Allan's Stinky Leg by Jennifer Somervell, Margery Fern                  

Willoughby and the Terribly Itchy Itch by Pam Halter, Kim Sponaugle                  

Team Natural by Crystal Chante, Marco Bernard                            

Think of it Like This! by Deedee Cummings, Erika Busse                         

Tom Max in the Wild West by Tomás Maximiliano Benavídez, Luciano Martinez                            

What's Your Favorite Color? by Amber L. Lassiter                          

Coral Reef Animals Book 1: Invertebrates by Eve Heidi Bine-Stock                                                                       

Pixie Problems: A Nissa the Woodland Fairy Book by BB Walsh and Kyle Ann Robertson, Mike Quinones                          

Scarlet's Magic Paintbrush by Melissa Stoller, Sandie Sonke                     

The Bat Cave by Jonathan Walker, Rosaria Costa                            

The Gold Egg by Ule B. Wise, Jaimee Lee                             

The Legend of Dragonfly Pond: Book Four by Alene Adele Roy                                

Come with Me by Tracy Ahrens                              

Meet the Pops: Flag Day Every Day by Belinda Barbieri                                               

Indi-Alphabet by Shobha Srinivasan, Christy McCreery                

Gracie Jane by Janet Squires                                     

Piccadilly and the Jolly Raindrops by Lisa Anne Novelline, Nicola Hwang                            

What If Mercury Had Marshmallows? by Jarrett Whitlow, Daniela Dogliani                      

Tex the Explorer: Journey to Mars by Ellie Smith, Eyen Johnson                             

Big Cat, Little Fox by Cheryl Stephani, Margarita Sikorskaia                       

The Adventures of Mimi and Lulu: The Fallen Star and the River Mystery by Hayde Romero, Lauren Curtis                      

Ahmed's Journey: A Story of Self-Discovery by Jill Apperson Manly                        

My Name is Curly by Andi C. Kryszak, G.C. Schlea           

Oink and Gobble and the Men in Black by Norman Whaler, Mohammad Shayan                           

The Cows Go Moo! by Jim Petipas                                         

The News about Jesus and How He Saved the World by Benjamin Morse                                          

Jet & Scoot: A Story About Us by Stephanie Smith-Kenny, Lauren Looney                         

The Sofa Sloths by Miriam Kay, Jenny Dang

Poetry

1st Place: Designed to SHINE! Read Aloud Rhymes for Any Size Heart by Joy Resor, Lauren Connell

2nd Place: I Am Worthy by Cachet Allen

Honorable Mention:    

Take a Hike by Brett Fleishman, David Harston

  
School Issues

1st Place (tie): Ally Alone by L.S.V. Baker, M.E.B. Stottmann

1st Place (tie): Quigley the Quiet Hedgehog by Claudine Norden, Bonnie Wiegand

1st Place (tie): Sideways Fred by L.S.V. Baker, M.E.B. Stottmann

1st Place (tie): The Bully Who Learned to Love by Claudia Villarreal, Michael Koch

1st Place (tie): The UGLY Bug Club by Gail Abbitt, Rosie Venner

1st Place (tie): There's A Norseman in the Classroom! by Grayson Smith, Timothy Banks

2nd Place: Songbird's Friendship Scale by Marianne Savage

Honorable Mention:

Ellema Sneezes by L.S.V. Baker, M.E.B. Stottmann         

What A Tree It Will Be! by L.S.V. Baker, M.E.B. Stottmann         

Leonardo the Lion: A Leap of Faith by Jessica Sinatra                    

Clod Makes a Friend by David Pedersen                             

Am I Black or Am I White? by Norman Whaler, Jasmine Mills   

Gerome Sticks His Neck Out, L.S.V. Baker, M.E.B. Stottmann    

Thiago the Tiger and the Light Within by Vanessa Caraveo                        

It's Just a Bunnypalooza by Brenda Faatz and Peter Trimarco                   

Oakley in Knots by L.S.V. Baker , M.E.B. Stottmann        

Demetrio Says "No" by Linda Griffin, Jill Dubin

This Is Who I Am by Jessica Herndon                    

Being Small (Isn't So Bad After All) by Lori Orlinsky, Vanessa Alexandre              

The Knock...a collection of childhood memories by Carolyn Watkins, Lindsey Erickson 

You Can Call Me Katelyn by Keri T. Collins, Marcia Adams Ho   

Flabby Abby Beach Ball by George Neeb                            

It's Perfect Being Me by Robert O. Martichenko, Blueberry Illustrations             

Jitterflies by Joanna Rosner, Mariia Andrieieva

Myrtle the Purple Turtle by Cynthia Reyes, Jo Robinson

Science Fiction/Fantasy

1st Place: The Crowns of Croswald: The Girl with the Whispering Shadow by D.E. Night

2nd Place: Clod Makes a Friend by David Pedersen

Honorable Mention:

The Bee Maker by Mobi Warren                                             

The Lights of Time by Paul Ian Cross                                     

The Rabbit Princess: The Path by R. Chen, Ed Chen

Special Needs/Disability Awareness

1st Place (tie): Let's Go by Brenda E. Koch          

1st Place (tie): Let's Play by Brenda E. Koch       

2nd Place: Oswald the Onion Finds a Friend by Michael Lackey

Honorable Mention:

The Adventures of Team Super Tubie by Kristin Meyer, Kevin Cannon                

Matthew Rides Into "Space" by Erika Rutley, Basil Millevolte                   

A Song for Birdie: A Child's Journey with Autism by Cindy Shirley, Cleoward L. Sy

Spiritual/Religious

1st Place (tie): Abigail's Search for God by Kelly Coulson, Julie Sneeden

1st Place (tie): Happy Tears & Rainbow Babies by Natasha Melissa Carlow, Keevyn Mohammed and Kyle Stephen

2nd Place: Tiny Tim and The Ghost of Ebenezer Scrooge: The sequel to A Christmas Carol by Norman Whaler

Honorable Mention:

The Little House Who Didn't Lose Hope by Nita Brady                 

How Do I Know God Loves Me? by Melanie Richardson Dundy               

When I Fly With Papa by Claudia May, Jena Holliday     

The News about Jesus and How He Saved the World by Benjamin Morse                          

forgiven. by Alison Smallwood                 

The Light of Hope by Basma El-Khatib                  

Annabelle & Aiden: What Happens When We Die? by J.R. Becker, Max Rambaldi          

I'll Always Clap for You by T. Lynn, Marty Petersen       

Sports

1st Place: Go-Cart Gertie by Cindy Shirley, Cleoward L. Sy

2nd Place: I Love To Watch You Play by Beanie Hazelton, Tara J. Hannon            

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math)

1st Place (tie): Just Like You by Keosha Sath, Yasushi Matsuoka

1st Place (tie): Maria's Marvelous Bones by Dr. Carrie Kollias, Gill Guile

1st Place (tie): The Curious Little Snail by Ashley M. Young

2nd Place: Scampers Thinks Like a Scientist by Mike Allegra, Elizabeth Zechel

Honorable Mention:

Where Does the Man In The Moon Go During the Day? by Jared Jackson                                          

Little Katie Explores the Coral Reefs by Carmela Dutra                                

Dr. Brainchild & Radar: A Popcorn Discovery by Cole Williams, Laura Acosta

Unpublished Manuscript

Honorable Mention:

Mr. Mouthful Has Mighty Big Trouble by Joseph Kimble

Young Adult Fiction

1st Place (tie): The Chronicles of Henry Roach-Dairier: The Inception of the Combined Colonies by Deborah K. Frontiera

1st Place (tie): The Rabbit Princess: The Path by R. Chen, Ed Chen

2nd Place: Remeon's Destiny by J.W. Garrett

Honorable Mention:

Sophia's Journal by Najiyah Diana Maxfield                      

The House of One Thousand Eyes by Michelle Barker 

Fire Song by Adam Garnet Jones            

Youth Author Fiction

1st Place: Fortune Cookie Surprise! by Jacqueline Prata

2nd Place: The Elephant Dentist by Elizabeth-Jade Beattie, Amanda J. Beattie

Youth Author Nonfiction

1st Place: Paloma's Dream by Paloma Rambana and Hillary Ring

 
* E-Book Award Winners *

Animals/Pets

1st Place: Quincy Freckle Paws Sings in the Forest by Gloria Hartmann, Al Margolis

Honorable Mention: Pirate Bear by Sonya Annita Song, Javier Giménez Ratti      

Arts/Music

1st Place: The Lemunion Tree by Cynthia Morrison

Book Trailer

Honorable Mention:

Shand the First Sailor by B. Boscacci

The Great Grace Escape by Pam Saxelby, Anne Saxelby

Best Illustrations

1st Place: Persephone by Simon Spence, Colm Lawton

Chapter Books

Honorable Mention:

Carmilla by Fiza Pathan                                                               

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Fiza Pathan                                                    

Through the Looking-Glass: And What Alice Found There by Fiza Pathan                           

Historical Fiction

1st Place: The Other Side of Freedom by Cynthia Toney

Memoir/Autobiography

Honorable Mention:

The Reclusive Writer & Reader of Bandra: Essays by Fiza Pathan                            

Outdoor Recreation

1st Place: The Fishing Lure by Greer Bacon         

Picture Books 5 & Younger

1st Place: The Traveling Javelinas by Laura Bullock, Rondi Kutz

2nd Place: The Present is a Gift by Elchanan Ogorek

Honorable Mention:

Never Take the Skwerdlock to the Doctor! by John Jamison

Picture Books 6 & Older

1st Place: My Teacher Dad by Sonya Annita Song, Kate Fallahee

2nd Place: Persephone by Simon Spence, Colm Lawton

Honorable Mention:

Pirate Bear by Sonya Annita Song, Javier Giménez Ratti      

Science Fiction/Fantasy

Honorable Mention:

Mylee in the Mirror by Ellie Collins        

Young Adult Fiction

Honorable Mention:

Mylee in the Mirror by Ellie Collins

Youth Author Fiction

1st Place: The Infinity Pendant by Poem Schway

To enter the Story Monsters Approved or Dragonfly Book Awards programs,
visit dragonflybookawards.com.

Sponsored by Story Monsters LLC

Alzheimer’s Disease: The Importance of Minimizing Change

by Patricia M. McClure-Chessier

June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month—a time for people of all ages to get involved to fight against the disease. It doesn’t matter if you’re 5 or 95. One of the important facts that should be highlighted this month for anyone that is impacted by this disease is how change can have a tremendous impact on a person with Alzheimer’s or Dementia. The more prepared the family/caregiver is, the better.

The main underlying cause of memory loss and confusion is the progressive damage to brain cells caused by the disease. Sometimes your loved one may remember an important date about one person and not the other. Sometimes they may remember something significant about someone who they aren’t close to, but can’t remember something significant about the caregiver. There is no rhyme or reason in most cases. The human brain is very complicated, and the condition presents other challenges that scientists still cannot fully answer.

Your loved one may even lash out at the person taking care of them for no apparent reason, and the caregiver may not understand the precipitating factors. The person may get upset easily, use bad language, scream, or hurl insults. Your loved one might even throw things, or resist your care by pushing and/or hitting you. This behavior could be a symptom of the disease, or just a response to them feeling confused. Aggressive behaviors can be verbal or physical, occur suddenly, and could be the result of anxiety and/or confusion. While aggression can be very difficult to cope with, it’s important for you as the caregiver to understand that your loved one is not behaving this way on purpose. Behavior is a form of communication. Aggression can be caused by many factors, including physical discomfort, environmental factors, and poor communication.

Environmental factors play a huge role, but are often overlooked. Caregivers have to be careful with making changes in the environment. For example, modernizing a home could create some significant challenges for the person with Alzheimer’s. Changing from a rotary phone to a touch-tone phone could deter the person from using the phone. We have to give a lot of thought to upgrading microwaves, stoves, refrigerators, dishwashers, etc. Changes could have a negative impact on the person’s independence and quality of life. The more they can continue to do for themselves, the better. As caregivers, please consider the impact the change could have on your loved one. Even simple changes can complicate their world, and cause them to regress. So be careful and minimize change!

Award-winning author/speaker Patricia M. McClure-Chessier, (MBA, MPA) is the author of Losing a Hero to Alzheimer’s The Story of Pearl and A Caregiver’s Guide for Alzheimer’s & Dementia Nine Key Principles. She has worked in the healthcare industry for 25 years and is available for presentations. For more information, visit www.patriciammcclure.com or contact Patricia at pmcclurechessier@yahoo.com or www.authorbookings.com/members/patricia-m-mcclure