FIRST CHAPTER PLUS A WORLD OF DIFFERENT POINTS OF VIEW - PLEASE LISTEN! The Whole World Watched in Silence
The Barefoot Librarian Corner
A Brief Intro on Reviewing Comic Books
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A World of Different Points of View - Please Listen! Page 5 Featured Books and Authors Page 3 The Whole World Watched in Silence Page 10 Indie Books! Pages 6-8 -1217- 18-19- 22-28- 29 - 3236 - 38-39 Interview with Payal Burnham Author of “Silent Sally Speaks” Page 24 A Brief Intro on Reviewing Comic Books Page 16 Book Videos Page 26-27 Indie Books As Education Tools For Diversity Page 38 Inside Scoop Live Podcast of the Month Page 31 The Barefoot Librarian Corner Page 34
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Table of Contents - Featured Books and Authors
12 Becoming an Angel of Change Through a collection of inspirational stories, Bineta Ngom details her journey exploring her life’s purpose, helping others in need. From her beginnings as an eight-year-old philanthropist in Senegal, to her adult life establishing outreach programs in the United States, Areaders will be inspired to discover their strength, uniqueness, and purpose in her recent memoir “Becoming an Angel of Change.”
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Marjorie L. Anderson author of “La Clave”
Marjorie Anderson is a native Virgin islander, retired bank executive, co-funder and former executive director of the Greater Philadelphia Minority Business Strategic Alliance. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Morgan State University, a Master of Science in Management from La Salle University, and is a graduate of the
Wharton’s School Management Program of the University of Pennsylvania. Her book “The Key” is a Reader Views Literary Awards Winner. Marjorie currently lives in Liberty Hill, Texas.
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Editor’s Note Born and raised in Venezuela of Italian immigrants, Susan completed a BA in Political Science and Business Administration before moving to the US . Although she built a career as a Business Analyst/Accountant, she also kept herself active as a freelance writer in the US; publishing articles, poetry, children’s stories, and illustrations since 1996. She published her first book in 2009, and released her revised edition: Innocent War: Behind An Immigrant’s Past – Book 1 in 2011. Her picture book: Tuma: The Tribe’s Little Princess was published in early 2013 under her own label. Currently, Susan Violante is the Managing Editor/CEO/ Partner of I Have Something to Say Press and Book By Book Publicity, Author, Reviewer, Publicist and Publisher. She resides in Austin, TX with her husband Michel and her dogs, Canela, Karina, and Nutela. Susan is mother of two adult daughters, Arianna and Nicolette, and caregiver to her father. She enjoys cooking, reading, knitting, painting, writing, gardening, and any outdoor activity.
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A World of Different Points of View - Please Listen! All my life I have been hearing people say “It’s a small world” but never thought much about the meaning of the phrase until now. Think about it. The world changes every day as it evolves. But its evolution doesn’t happen a country at a time separated by borders. If you haven’t noticed, what happens in one side of the world will be felt eventually on the other side because we are all connected in the system that is planet earth. Each country is a different but essential part of the planet and although its culture and points of views are different, they all are needed by the system. That is why it is so important to listen to different points of view, get to know different cultures and understand others’ backgrounds! On this issue I have included a point of view from a young woman about what has been happening in Afghanistan. Her speech at a protest event in Austin although bold, it was heart felt and reveals the suffering a whole nation has been suffering for multiple generations. I hope listening to what she said gives you an understanding of her people because not all Afghans are terrorists. Please listen to their point of view. It is only by understanding each other that we can get along and keep our small world happy!
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Featured Authors Marjorie L. Anderson Marjorie Anderson is a native Virgin islander, retired bank executive, cofunder and former executive director of the Greater Philadelphia Minority Business Strategic Alliance. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Morgan State University, a Master of Science in Management from La Salle University, and is a graduate of the Wharton’s School Management Program of the University of Pennsylvania. Her book “The Key” is a Reader Views Literary Awards Winner. Marjorie currently lives in Liberty Hill, Texas.
View Book Video Here
La Clave shares the author’s financial knowledge and experience to help teens get a head start in life. The book presents readers with basic financial knowledge and life changing know-how tips on how to manage money to make the most of their income to build a successful future. But Anderson does not stop there, she also teaches young people to invest in their communities by buying local products and donating to help others. La Clave is the Spanish translation of Marjorie L. Anderson’s Reader Views Award winner “The Key.”
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La Clave Marjorie L. Anderson I Have something To Say Press (2021, 2022) ISBN 9780985430825 Tradeback - 100 pages - $16.00 Nonfiction - Spanish/YA-Teen
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he skills teens develop in this workbook can be applicable to all aspects of their lives, not just finances.
— Nico Neak Social worker/Children and Teen Therapist
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. his is an invaluable resource
for the financial preparation of our adolescents to ensure an economical, stable and successful future.
— Juliana Leal-Belloso Preschool teacher and mother of a teenager
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Read First Chapter Here View on Amazon Here
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Featured Authors Joab Russo For more than 25 years, Joab Russo has been investigating and corroborating Absolute Truth. Through expressing and sharing of this transformational journey, Joab enjoys helping others in discovering, understanding and applying Absolute Truth towards self-discovery, awareness and fulfillment.
As the first ever compilation of the most undistorted existential information to date, Absolute Truth provides you with the unequivocal, undisputable and everlasting answers to your personal questions, challenges and life events. By redefining your life, reality and existence with meaning of Absolute Truth, you are taken on your ultimate journey of self-discovery and self-trust, for this meaning explains the simple, generic principles by which only you choose and create all of your own reality.
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AbsoluteTruth By Joab Russo Joab Russol (2020) ISBN 9780359067619 Tradeback- 386 pages - $24.94 NonFiction - Self-Help
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real eye-opener. Russo covers pretty much the entire construct of your perception of reality, from birth to death, and everything in between. I particularly enjoyed the sections on emotions and interpersonal communication. And in every word it is clear that Russo is highly passionate about his work. It's a passion that is infectious. You can't read Absolute Truth without feeling Russo's passion for his work. — Paul Harrison The Daily Meditation.
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Read First Chapter Here
View on Amazon Here
rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. This is not light reading, but I would consider it essential reading. It's not a religion, and it's not a science or a cult. It's finding you. The real, you. — Onlinebookclub.org
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The Whole World Watched in Silence
Stand with Afghanistan Protest Speech at Austin, TX event. Salaam everyone, We have gathered here today because 2 weeks ago our beloved homeland, Afghanistan, once again fell into the hands of the Taliban.
Attia’s photo by featuringdallas 8/28/21 Stand with Afghanistan protest Autin,TX
On the morning Kabul fell, I woke up to chaos and disbelief of what I was watching on TV. I had never seen the Taliban roaming around in Kabul before in plain sight. I had never witnessed them entering the presidential office and terrorizing the streets of Kabul.
I had only heard about the cruelties of the Taliban in the 90s from my family members, especially the women. Those stories always seemed beyond comprehension to me. How could such a world exist where my bright, beautiful, and brave Afghan women were so violently targeted and yet the whole world watched in silence. They photographed them, wrote books about them, even made movies and did nothing to stop it. I couldn’t imagine a world like that. The last time I was in Afghanistan was a decade ago. That’s the last image I have of my country. My family had just moved back to the country to rebuild their homes destroyed during the war, and the city of Kabul felt like a city finally able to dream and move forward again. One of the oddest memories I have is my mother taking me to show her old house, which was now just rubbles after the Soviet and the former Taliban regime, she pointed to the only wall standing in the rubbles. “Look, that’s my bedroom wall,” she said proudly, “It survived it all.” I did not understand how she could be boastful of something so tragic, one wall still standing in the neighborhood rubble, but I now understand that that’s just the Afghan way. Afghans are resilient and find pride in surviving. Rebuilding is just in our nature. We have been unsuccessfully invaded so many times by the Mongols, Alexander the Great, the British, the Soviets, Taliban, and the United States, that the Afghan people know that in the end, after it all ends, we will always survive, rebuild, and rise above.
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President Biden cowardly addressed the nation and said that the Afghans simply did not have the will to fight. What a slap to the face? Afghans have aided America in the war against terror for 20 years. His comments were not only disgusting but lacked any self-accountability for the unorganized and outlandish military pull out tactics that drove Kabul into a state of utter destruction and chaos. Abandoning not only Afghan allies but Americans, destabilizing the economy and leaving Afghanistan a vulnerable ground for terror attacks. According to a study by Brown University, more than 71,000 Afghan civilians and 66,000 Afghan military police forces have been killed in the war in the past 20 years. Those numbers suggest otherwise about our will to fight against terrorism. We have been betrayed by the people we allowed to stay in our country in hopes of a better future. The US intervention was a self-serving political tactic to hold a crucial geographical location in Asia and the minute they did not need us, they abandoned us to be killed. An image that has haunted me in the past few days is of a young teenage girl crying to the American soldier through the barricaded airport wall, “Help me, you are my family. Help me. The Taliban are coming for me,” she says through tears. “The Taliban are coming for me.” The United States has broken all its promises. 20 years of American occupation and 40 years of war for nothing. With a heavy heart and pain beyond words can describe. I want us to take this moment, and honor the victims that died in the Kabul airport bomb explosions just two days ago. Most of these deaths were children. At least 170 civilians and 13 US service members have been killed and hundreds have been severely injured. The blood of these people are not only on the terrorists but the Biden Administration, The Trump Administration, The Obama Administration, and the Bush Administration. I hope you never sleep peacefully again. This was after a week of people who were desperately trying to escape the country, sleeping on trash and dirt, being shot at and tear-gassed by the American troops, and taking lashes from the Taliban on the other side. Continues on page 14...
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Featured Authors Bineta Ngom Bineta Ngom was born in Senegal, West Africa in 1964. She grew up without her father, who died when she was a little over four years old. She was raised by her mother who taught her how to appreciate life and serve people in need even when the family was enduring hardship. She came to America in 1994 to pursuit her dream, to give her children the opportunity she never had as a child, and to empower the global community She never stops learning and always strive to be best role model to her children. She decided to write her book “Becoming an Angel of Change” to share her stories with the world to inspire parents, immigrants and women to make positive change within themselves, their homes, their work places as well as their communities.
Through a collection of inspirational stories, Bineta Ngom details her journey exploring her life’s purpose, helping others in need. From her beginnings as an eight-year-old philanthropist in Senegal, to her adult life establishing outreach programs in the United States, readers will be inspired to discover their strength, uniqueness, and purpose in her recent memoir “Becoming an Angel of Change.” View Book Video Here 12
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Becoming an Angel of Change Bineta Ngom I Have Something To Say Press (2021,2022) ISBN 9781647751784 Tradeback - 186 pages - $16.00 Nonfiction - Memoir / Self-Help
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ineta shows us all how we, too, can develop the spiritual depth to become angels of change. A fast-paced, inspiring read!” .
— Donna Winters author of the Great Lakes Romances Series®
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. resented in three parts,
‘Becoming an Angel of Change’ is a fascinating story and one that encourages hope, positivity, and gratitude…
— Sheri Hoyte Reader Views
Read First Chapter Here View on Amazon Here
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...Continnuation from page 11
They handed their babies over the Kabul airport wall so they will have a chance at survival. In hopes that at least their child might escape the atrocities that await them. One of the deceased, A 17-year-old soccer player, was one of the dozen people that lost their lives clinging on to the US evacuation plane. He saw no future for himself in his homeland. Many of the young Afghan athletes, musicians, scientists, health-care workers, speakers, journalists, and artists have now had their dreams shattered and their future’s are now uncertain. The Taliban claim they have toned down their extremist ideologies, especially their violence against women. But just in the past two weeks, women have disappeared, been displaced, appeared dead, assaulted, shot, banned from schools, fired from their jobs, and burned alive. This is not a group that can be trusted with our lives. Frankly, how shameful for those of you, lawmakers, religious scholars, and supposed international human rights organizations, who are silent while this group of terrorists brutalizes our people. In the 90s, the Taliban made life unbearable for Afghan women: • Women were forced to be covered from head to toe, and always accompanied by a man in public. Failure to do so ended in physical violence against them. Even wearing sandals resulted in getting a public beating, • They were banned from schools, the mosques, from receiving an education, receiving healthcare, and even the simplest joys of life such as listening to music. • Music and art were punishable by death. Journalism was punishable by death. Being gay was punishable by death. • Not to mention the hundreds of young girls, as young as age 10 and 11 married off to men four times their age. • The Taliban heavily targeted the Shia community and carried a Hazara genocide. The Hazara community once again faces the same future of being killed for being born in their skin. • They have terrorized all ethnic and religious minorities of Afghanistan in the past years. They will not stop this time.
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Three Reasons We Are Here Today And These Are Our Demands: 1. The United States is under a moral obligation to accept as many refugees and asylum seekers as possible. There are currently 80,000 visas waiting to be approved. Seeking asylum is a human right internationally recognized. 2. Immediate humanitarian aid needs to be sent to the Afghans injured, starving, and displaced by the hectic and unorganized pull of the US military. 3. The US and the International lawmakers, organizations, and community need to maintain surveillance over Afghanistan to ensure women’s rights.
They have tried to erase our identity and our flag. We need to be proud of this flag. A lot of people have died defending it. They want us to forget who we are. We must remember our land, our ancestors, our languages, and our flag. We will make sure we are not erased and they don’t win. After all, we are the descendants of great poets, artists and scientists. They cannot take away the potential, talent, innovation and courage that runs in our blood. Today, We don’t have the luxury of losing hope. The Afghan people are dying in numbers everyday and it will only get worse from here. We have to fight to let more refugees in the US, to provide aid to the Afghan people on the ground and to ensure women’s rights in Afghanistan. We have to end this cycle of Intergenerational trauma. A trauma that is scientifically proven to pass down from one generation to another even if the new generation has not been exposed to the violence and the war. This trauma will stay with Afghans for generations to come 20, 30, 40 years or more. We are here because we’ve had enough and we have to actively fight to break this cycle.We are here because there are people in Afghanistan fighting everyday. Every morning they wake up and rebuild what others have broken the night before, a year before, ten years, twenty years, forty years before.
We’ve had enough. Afghanistan wants peace. We deserve better. Our youth and the children of Afghanistan deserve better. Thank you so much for being here today. Long Live, Afghanistan!
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A BRIEF INTRO ON REVIEWING COMIC B O OKS By Skyler Boudreau
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ne medium of storytelling I’ve fallen in love with in the past few years is the comic book. As much I enjoy reading a novel and imagining the scenes on my own, there’s something special about seeing someone else’s interpretation of the story. As I’ve been reading more comic books, I’ve also been getting better at reviewing them. Today, I want to provide a little insight on how I go through that reviewing process. While I still take into account the plot, the characters, and the setting, there are a few additional aspects that must also be considered.
The most glaring difference between novels and comic books is in the visual presentation. While novels rely on prose, comic books have both an additional advantage and an additional challenge. The imagery they use to tell their story must portray everything, as a comic book cannot fall back on pages of description to convey what the author wants. Instead, the artist and author must work together to find an accurate way to depict the story. When assessing the artwork in a comic book for a review, I ask myself a few different questions: Does the artwork match the tone of the story? Does it add to the story? Most importantly: Does it offer something visually interesting to look at? It doesn’t necessarily have to be appealing; a lot of horror comics offer very dark and gory art that, while a little spooky, still provides something eye catching. While a comic book may rely more heavily on imagery than prose, the words the author does provide must carry a lot of weight. While sometimes novels can get away with having awkward dialogue, a comic book can’t. The majority of the language in a comic book comes in the form of dialogue, and it’s much more difficult to hide lines that feel stilted or out of place when there isn’t any other prose to transition into.
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As with every story, no matter the format, seeing everything come together is the best part of watching a story unfold. I love the feeling I get after I finish a novel or a comic book and I take a moment to admire how well each element worked to bring that piece of art to life. If the artwork doesn’t fit a story or the dialogue doesn’t suit the artwork, then a comic book can fall apart. Comics are such an innovative part of media. They fall into the void somewhere between movies and novels, and they’re a great way to get people interested in reading. While reviewing them can be challenging, they are quickly becoming one of my favorite type of story to read and I love offering recommendations for where to start with them. What are some of your favorite comics?
Aunt Tina, Church Secretary Be Careful What You Say Because She Writes By Lorrie O. Hewitt ASIN: B07Z31YTCS AUDIO BOOK - ©2019 Lorrie Oneita Hewitt LISTEN to Sample Here
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A Knock in the Attic John Russell Outskirts Press (2021) - ISBN 9781977239372 Tradeback - 170 pages - $15.95 John Russell, is a highly regarded professional psychic of almost fifty years, reading for thousands of clients around the world. A Knock in the Attic begins with his first paranormal experience at five-years old and highlights his development as a psychic and paranormal investigator into adulthood, explaining what it is like to grow up psychic, being inundated with spiritual experiences, and yes, sometimes even questioning your spiritual gifts and the guidance from the Other Side.
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Three Houses/Hou3zez Velma Price Smith Outskirts Press (2021) - ISBN 9781977223791 Tradeback - 680 pages - $49.95 The House of Pride, The House of Woe (Marriage) and My House examine Price’s childhood, young adulthood, marriages, 48-year career as a public speaker, English instructor and the interesting people who enriched her journey. Engaging stories & photos analyze the role of performance art and music, appearances on stage at Lone Star College-North Harris in Houston, TX. Price invites readers to explore their connectedness to others in the human family through communal experiences and traditions.
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Crabby Abby J. Naughton Harman Outskirts Press (2021) - ISBN 9781977237781 Tradeback - 30 pages - $26.95 What’s wrong with Crabby Abby? Will she need to go to the ogre doctor, or can she take some steps at home to help control her anger? Perfect for readers aged two to five, J. Naughton Harman’s picture book helps kids understand and manage their emotions. Tested over the decades, first with Harman’s daughters and then with the children they babysat, Crabby Abby offers a positive path toward a better attitude.
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Tales in Scales - The Empty Throne J.F. Gomez-Rivera Outskirts Press (2021) - ISBN 9781977240507 Tradeback - 393 pages - $25.95 Avalonia, One of the three Raptor Kingdoms of Cretatia is on the verge of war since the death of the Alpha-King. Vessel Silvus, a young First-Delta who just became a Mist Caster is forced out of his home by an Army of Rebels must recue his mother who stayed behind. In his journey, the young Raptor will uncover not only a conspiracy but also learns a secret that could save the Kingdom.
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Not for Profit Handbook Richard Cherry Outskirts Press (2020) - ISBN 9781977232045 Tradeback - 78 pages - $19.95 Interested in working for a nonprofit? Looking to volunteer or find a job? Want to donate money or time? Then this handbook is for you. Nonprofit organizations research, advocate & help the needy. Learn about the sector’s importance, the law, management, and finances. Understand the changes taking place in the sector today. Recognize the difference between for-profit and not-for-profit. This handbook provides an easy and quick reference to understanding all the essentials about nonprofits.
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Grossing the Goal Line- Football and the Inner-City Steve Axman Outskirts Press (2021) - ISBN 9781977234483 Tradeback - 390 pages - $14.95 Crossing The Goal Line is the story of two misfits who collide to take on the ills of a socially and racially troubled, inner-city high school football team that hasn’t won a game in four years. Dempsey fights off PTSD, gang wars, failing grades and poverty. Douglas, with the help of a befriended six-foot four, 300 pound offensive tackle, fights to lead the football team while protecting the sassy sister of one of the players.
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READER VIEWS B O OK OF THE MONTH Susan: A Jane Austen Prequel By Alice McVeigh Fiction - Novel Warleigh Hall Press (2021) ISBN 9781916882300 Reviewed by: Ashley Hooker for Reader Views (09/2021)
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uthor Alice McVeigh considers herself a Jane Austen fanatic. She has read all her books multiple times. When she began thinking about writing a story that would reflect her love of Jane Austen, I think she made the right decision. McVeigh’s story, simply entitled “Susan,” is a Jane Austen prequel to Austen’s novel, “Lady Susan.” Young Susan is in trouble at her school and promptly sent home. Because her parents are gone, Susan lives with her aunt and uncle. They have generously paid for an education that Susan doesn’t want. She has dreams of balls and concerts. Once returning home, Susan only finds a disappointed aunt and uncle. Susan becomes the companion to the wealthy Lady Catherine in London. When she takes leave to holiday in the country, Susan goes with her. While in the country, Susan, and her beloved cousin Alicia, began planning a play with Mr. Collins, Mr. Churchill, and Mr. Johnson. This circle of friends meets regularly for play practice and flirtations develop. Susan plays a pivotal role in the relationships that are blossoming and the ones that will last forever... For the Jane Austen fans, this story does not disappoint. In Austen’s novel, “Lady Susan,” readers will notice that Susan is a sort of femme fatale. She is cunning and manipulative. A far cry from the other characters Jane Austen writes about. Author Alice McVeigh has kept her story true to character. Young Susan is quite sneaky. She can come up with a perfect plan of deceit quickly. McVeigh uses the language, societal descriptions, and expectations of young men and women in London, just as Austen did. I appreciate how authentic McVeigh is in this novel. Readers cannot doubt her love for all things Jane Austen and her love of the written word. I hope that “Susan” will not be her last novel. Personally, I would love to read what she develops next. To read complete review click here or visit www.readerviews.com.
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READER VIEWS KIDS B O OK OF THE MONTH The Mystery at Moz Hollow
By A.K. Hicks Young Reader - Ages 8 to 12 Anne K. Hawkinson, Living Trust (2021) ISBN 9781732017542 Reviewed by Grady (age 8) for Reader Views Kids (03/2021)
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“he Mystery at Moz Hollow is a thrilling 5-star book in which Emma and her best friend, Laura travel to Moz Hollow, where they meet Raza, whose dad is the director of a movie being filmed there, and where Emma’s mom is serving food to the actors. Emma is going to summer school if she doesn’t pass social studies, so she, Laura, and Raza decide to make a movie about Moz Hollow as their social studies project. They soon find an Easter scavenger hunt filled with puzzles and clues that the owner of Moz Hollow’s dad made for her over 50 years ago, and decide to put that in their movie too. One feature I liked was the clues, which I thought A. K. Hicks made up superbly! They were difficult, wellphrased, and mysterious, which made them exciting and challenging! Emma, Laura, and Raza definitely had a hard time figuring them out, especially as they became increasingly difficult. One thing I think the author did very well was make you really feel for the characters. For example, Hicks made me feel sad for Raza, because he moves a ton and never really sees his friends for more than a week! I have a hard enough time going to Maine for the summers, and not having friends there (don’t worry, I still love it up there). I can’t even imagine how Raza must feel! And not only was there a recipe for Granite Boulder Cookies at the end, but there was a bit of cooking woven through the book as the trio frequently helped prepare the meals! A connection I can make is the fact that my dad and I LOVE to cook, and Emma, her mom, and Laura love to cook as well! I recommend this book to 7.5-12-year-olds who love cooking and mysteries! However, there is a pretty depressing bit in the middle. (If you don’t like books with parts about kids getting in trouble, be warned!) In conclusion, “The Mystery at Moz Hollow” is a book with mystery, cryptic clues, and adventure, all packed into one great story!.
To read more kids’ reviews click here or visit www.readerviewskids.com.vgv4
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Featured Authors B.A. Bellec A graduate of Lights Film School and a proud recipient of a grant from The Canada Council for the Arts, B.A. Bellec has shown a knack for utilizing his skills and background to cast a wide net and attract talented partners. He has completed two very different novels and produced an eclectic mix of songs to accompany them. Come find him on YouTube, Twitter, or Instagram to keep up-to-date with his projects.
Someone’s Story is literally Someone’s story, as in a first-person narrative of a teenager that calls himself Someone.
As he struggles to find a new footing in a new space, we encounter the many ups and downs of modern teenage life, the difficulties that adjusting to adult feelings bring, and a few tear-jerking surprises along the way. The endearing debut novel from B.A. Bellec is a coming-of-age story you won’t forget anytime soon.
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Someone’s Story B.A. Bellec B.A. Bellec (2020) ASIN B089M43TS2 eBook - 328 pages - $3.99 Fiction - YA-16
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A. Bellec has crafted a masterpiece of emotive and well-rounded young adult fiction.
— K.C. Finn Author
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. A. Bellec has truly created
a masterpiece that deserves worldwide recognition, awards and so much more.
— Rebecca Ryan Reedsy
Read First Chapter Here View on Amazon Here
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INTERVIEW WITH PAYAL BURNHAM AUTHOR OF “SILENT SALLY SPEAKS”
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ayal Burnham is an optimistic and dedicated speech therapist who continuously focuses on the individual needs and interests of her clients. With the release of Silent Sally Speaks, the first published book of the Teach to Speech series, she hopes to provide insight on a range of speech and language challenges. She also hopes that parents, teachers and professionals alike will use this book as a teaching tool and help students with their communication needs and support them in becoming confident speakers. Hi Payal, Welcome to Reader Views Kids, we’re delighted to talk to you today! Tell us a bit about “Silent Sally Speaks.” Silent Sally Speaks is about a young girl, Sally Smith, who is reluctant to speak to her classmates and teachers. At home, this is not the case. Sally is extremely comfortable speaking to her parents. This story follows Sally on her journey to becoming a brave speaker. This Teach to Speech book helps guide children who are reluctant speakers or selectively mute to become bold, brave and resilient, like Sally in this story. This book also helps parents and teachers to understand what students who are selectively mute or reluctant speakers may be going through or may experience
on a daily basis. In addition, since this book touches upon the topics of courage and bravery, it may also resonate with children who are a little shy or nervous about going to school on their first day. What is Selective Mutism and how common is this disorder? Selective Mutism is a childhood anxiety related disorder where a child may not speak in some situations but will be more comfortable with speaking in other situations. This condition affects less than 1% of the population and affects girls and boys equally. What was your inspiration behind writing a storybook for kids on this subject? This story was inspired by the children that I work with who demonstrate challenges with speaking in various social contexts. As a Speech Pathologist by profession, I have worked with several reluctant speakers or students who have been diagnosed with Selective Mutism, and have been inspired by how brave and resilient these students have become over time. Imagine you had to deliver a presentation or performance in front of a large audience or crowd every day for long periods of time. The feelings of nervousness and anxiety would really impact your behaviours, attitudes and socialization. Consequently, for our students
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with Selective Mutism or extreme anxiety, these situations can make communication very challenging. I am truly honoured and extremely lucky to have had the opportunity to work with these students. It is an amazing experience to watch them slowly come out of their shells and become shining stars. I admire their courage in developing the confidence to communicate across different settings and with different people, as it’s not as easy as one might think! What motivates the young female protagonist? Sally is motivated by her parents in the story. She recognizes that the most important people in her life are worried about her, as she doesn’t speak to anyone else but them. Recognizing this and not wanting them to worry any longer, Sally realizes that she needs to find courage to slowly begin to speak. With time, Sally begins to mouth words without her voice and then begins to whisper as she becomes comfortable
and recognizes how supportive her classmates and teacher are by giving her time and making her feel comfortable to communicate with them. Does Sally encounter any bullying or teasing from other kids? How does she rise above this? Sally does experience some teasing because she doesn’t speak. When other students try to speak to Sally, even before she gets a chance to respond, students often jump in and say “Sally doesn’t speak” or “Sally can’t talk.” Unfortunately, these comments only make Sally more anxious and reserved in the classroom environment. Over time, I think Sally comes to find a few students in the class and her teacher who show her support and don’t make her feel different or bring attention to her lack of speech. These situations and the support from those around her ultimately helps her develop the courage to speak to other students in the class.
By Sheri Hoyte
Read the full interview with Payal Burnham
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B O OK VIDEOS The best way to check out a book!
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ometimes we need a little bit more than an endorsement, book review or book cover to get a feeling for the story and decide on whether to purchase or not a title. For me, the little something is a book video. A book video not only brings to life the main story or topic for the reader, it can also portray a feeling on who the Author is and what message he or she wants to share. Below are some things I get from book videos that help make the decision to read the book but also gives me insight on its contents, improving in many cases, my reading experience. • The images – unlike movie trailers which use previews from the movie, the book video images could be off putting when reading the story, as the characters looks and settings will be a combined result of the descriptions, and the readers’ imagination. But images that do not mess with such specifics and instead reflect the message, topic, or plot are perfect as a preview of a book, because it helps us to visualize in a short time the content of the book. • Background music and narrator’s voice – The sound allows the possible reader to feel the mood of the story. Is it thrilling? Mysterious? Romantic? • Finally, but not least is the script of the slides or voice narration. Here is where we learn what the book is all about, and other information like endorsements, Author website, and where to get the book. What is awesome about book videos is that we get all the above information in one minute or less! Check out some book videos we included here by clicking on the cover!
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Book Videos on this page were provided by https://www. youtube.com/user/ReaderViews - For information on how to place your bookvideo here email us at admin@firstchapterplus.com
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When God Does Not Answer An Honest Prayer By Daniel Jappah Outskirts Press (2020) - ISBN 9781977228345 Tradeback - 138 pages - $13.95 For Christians with or without strong religious practices, encountering life’s crises, praying & finding no answers. The spiritual doubt that follows is the most difficult kind of doubt to overcome. How does a Christian deal with God, faith, and prayer when in a life-crushing situation, an honest prayer goes unanswered? When prayer fails, why still believe in God? Why continue to pray? If you want honest answers, this book is for you.
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Jimmy Donald Provance, Jr. Outskirts Press (2020) - ISBN 9781977228147 Tradeback - 199 pages - $17.95 Jimmy is the story of a boy growing up in the Ozarks, 1969. He and his dad love baseball and the outdoors until a terrible accident. Inspired by childhood friends, Ozarkian Donald Provance Jr. shows us the natural beauty of the region through Jimmy’s eyes, reminding us that friends bring joy to life and soften the pain of loss. Jimmy is a baseball story; a tale from the Ozarks which captures the triumph of positivity.
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Riding with Ghosts, Angels, and the Spirits of the Dead By John Russell Outskirts Press (2020) - ISBN 9781977233288 Tradeback - 165 pages - $14.95 As an internationally known professional psychic, John Russell has experienced a host of compelling and sometimes spine-chilling paranormal adventures. His book Riding with Ghosts, Angels, and the Spirits of the Dead is an episodic collection of really good ghost stories...all of which happen to be true!
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Duets with My Daughter By Kathie Wennes Taitano Outskirts Press (2020) - ISBN 9781977232144 Tradeback - 156 pages - $18.95 Rachael was a vibrant, joyful young woman of twenty-three when devastatingly diagnosed with stage IV cancer. Characteristically, she faced it with unwavering hope, determination and courage. How do you honor a beautiful life, whose time on the planet has passed far too soon? The answer is to share her story, to look for the lessons she unknowingly taught and to cherish the time we are given, no matter the length.
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Check out the Sponsors for the 2021-2022 Reader Views Literary Awards!
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SEPTEMBER 21st 30
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INSIDE SCO OP LIVE POD CAST OF THE MONTH Bineta Ngom was born in Senegal, West Africa, in 1964. She came to America in 1994 to pursuit her dream, to give her children the opportunity she never had as a child, and to empower the global community. She decided to write her book “Becoming an Angel of Change” to share her stories with the world to inspire parents, immigrants and women to make positive change within themselves, their homes, and their workplaces, as well as their communities. Bineta currently lives in Los Angeles with her four children.
For more information about Bineta Ngom and her work, visit her website at: https://ihavesomethingtosaypress.com/ author-bineta-ngom/
Click Here To Listen to Podcast Topics of Conversation
• What is an Angel of Change? • Early Experiences in Senegal, West Africa • Immigrating to the U.S. • Passion for Philanthropy • The Family Bridge Foundation • What's next for Bineta?
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Featured Authors Kevin Kunkel Kevin Kunkel believes people are good. He hopes his books help unlock that goodness. He lives in Minnesota with his wife and two boys, which means he can never see a movie featuring snow without commenting that “Hollywood doesn’t understand real cold.” Kevin is a former stand-up comedian who is fully committed to fixing the screen door by fall or next spring at the latest.
Winner of The Book By Book Award for Best Children’s Picture Book 2020/2021 - focuses on the good things about our planet and encourages—and empowers!—kids to make our future even brighter. Cable news often reports on the bad things that happen every day, but we can choose a positive story and make it a reality. This uplifting children’s book reminds us all that we can choose a better world.
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The World We Choose By Kevin Kunkel Kevin Kunkel (2020) ISBN 9781643438962 Hard Cover - 24 pages - $17.95 Fiction - Early Reader (5-7 years old)
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ngaging, relevant, and fun. "The World We Choose" made a timely appearance and shines a much-needed light on the positive in our world.... — Eve Panzer Barefoot Librarian
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ncouragement, inspiration, and positive vibes fill these pages and remind that life is full of hope and just as many good things (if not more) than bad. — Tonja Dreckerw Bookworm for Kids
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BAREFO OT LIBRARIA N CORNER Eve Panzer reviews books for Reader Views Kids as well as her own business, Barefoot Librarian. Monthly she publishes the Barefoot Librarian Newsletter. She sells children’s books published by Barefoot Books and Usborne Books & More at book fairs, educational conferences, community events, and online. She earned her Masters in Library and Information Science from the University of Texas in Austin and worked as a school librarian before retiring to start her own business. www.barefootlibrarian.com Eve Panzer
Fall brings many changes: Make sharing new diverse books one of them! Labor Day – the acknowledged end of summer - will be over when this article is published, and fall will be just days away. In Central Texas, where I live, there will be only subtle changes. Eventually, the mornings will be not cool but cooler. And my and I will have a spring in our step again during our daily walks. Afternoon highs will no longer flirt with triple-digit numbers. TIn other regions, there will be notable changes. Having visited the Northeast during the fall, I know there will be a fresh crispness to the air. Trees will display a riot of colors. Leaves will liter the sidewalks, crackling and crunching as people donning warm sweaters trek through them. Piles of leaves will appear in yards, begging to be leaped into. The scent of wood burning in fireplaces will swirl in the air. And temperatures will drop significantly. Throughout the country, pumpkins will be popping up in windows, doorways, and yards. Ghosts and goblins will float about. Spicy smells of pumpkin pie and gingerbread and savory aromas of turkey, gravy, and stuffing will waft through our houses. It is a time when families spend quality time together celebrating holidays, offering a perfect opportunity to share stories! Personal family stories passed down through the years and books that are read year after year. This fall, I hope families will add new titles to the books they share books that include diverse cultures and characters. While following your family’s traditions during the coming seasons, why not learn about customs that may differ from yours? Reading a diverse title while cuddled up with your family makes this a fun learning adventure for everyone. Children can ask questions in a place they feel safe and supported. And parents can use books as a springboard to discuss their views about diversity in a non-preachy wayd. A final thought. The quality and authenticity of diverse books should not be taken for granted. However, resources exist to help find the books that are - a good topic for another month. Happy reading, Eve - Barefoot Librarian
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THE BAREFO OT LIBRARIAN B O OKS OF THE MONTH A Gift for Amma By Meera Sriram - Illustrated by Mariona Cabassa Barefoot Books (August 14, 2020) - ISBN 9781646860616 ( 5 - 6 years old ) - Hardback - 32 pages - $16.99
The author sets this tale in her hometown of Chennai in southern India. A young girl wanders through the local market hunting for a gift for her amma (mother) and experiences a “…vibrant rainbow of delights…” Each page features products from the market, grouping them by color. For example, the reader will find orange saffron and marigold flowers; brown terracotta pots and tea; indigo saris and bangles; and more. The illustrations are brightly saturated with color and depict various aspects of southern Indian culture. The endnotes include information about the products in this market and the locations and descriptions of other markets worldwide. The book ends with actual photos of the market in Chennai.
My Granny Went to Market By Stella Blackstone - Illustrated by Christopher Corr Barefoot Books (March 1, 2006) - ISBN 9781905236626
Age : 5 - 8 years old - Hardbacks $7.99
This delightful book combines counting skills and rhyming text with a journey around the world on a magic carpet – what child can resist that! Visit Istanbul, Thailand, Mexico, China, Switzerland, Kenya, Russia, Australia, Japan, and Peru, shopping for items representative of each country all along the way. The illustrations are done in vivid colors using a folk-art style appropriate for each country. Children will be quickly engage by entertaining text and vibrant pictures.
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Featured Authors Sandra Brown Lindstedt Sandra Brown Lindstedt was born and raised on the south-side of Chicago. As a black girl growing up in poverty, with virtually no role models, she struggled. But with the help of her grandmother’s abiding faith in God and in her, she graduated from Lewis & Clark College with a bachelor’s degree in Theatre and English. Today she resides in Gothenburg, Sweden, with her husband Christer, working as the drama director for Smyrna International. Sandy has an invisible secret weapon. It’s activated by her grandmother to ward off the evil she’d face, moving to Chicago to live with her mother. Though it was tiny, it was the most powerful thing in the Universe. When darkness was out of control, it was strong enough to turn a bully like Gorilla Girl into her friend. It was the Firefly. If she could keep it glowing inside her, she could conquer anything. - A multi-award-winning children’s book: * 2021 International Book Awards Winner Children’s Mind/Body/Spirit * 2021 International Book Awards Finalist - Children’s Religious * Reader Views’ Grand Prize for Best Fiction 2020. * Reader Views’ Gold Medal - Young Readers Category 2020 * Reader Views’ Gold Medal - Teen Category 2020 * Reader Views’ Regional Awards - South Winner 2020 * Readers’ Favorite - 5-star Seal * The AME Award - Best Debut Fiction 2020
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Life of a Firefly By Sandra Brown Lindstedt Fiction - Juvenile / Young Reader (8-12 years old) Independently published by Sandra Brown Lindstedt(2020) ISBN 9798679133327 Tradeback - 157 pages - $9.85
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andra Brown-Lindstedt says simply and ingenuously that it is “particularly suited for ages 8–12.” I’m afraid that’s like saying To Kill A Mockingbird is at heart a children’s book just because it’s narrated by a child. So is Life of a Firefly. But the child, a young girl named Sandy Forte, is every bit the storyteller and every bit as literate as Scout. This book is every whit as powerful, as emotive, and as profoundly evocative and compelling as its more-famous classic cousin. Sandy Forte is one of the most appealing characters ever to appear in contemporary fiction. — Joel R. Dennstedt Readers’ Favorite I loved this book! When I first picked it up I was afraid it would be too “young” for me but Sandy is a character that captured my attention immediately and I soon found myself taking any chance I could to break away from everything and read. Sandy is hilarious and had me laughing out loud throughout the whole book. Her personality is as big as life – she says what’s on her mind and that often gets her into trouble, but sometimes it’s her inner thoughts that are the funniest. — Amy C. Reader Views Kids
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Running High School Cross-Country, The Southwest Way P.M. Hall Outskirts Press (2020) - ISBN 9781977230195 Tradeback - 118 pages - $14.95 Southwest High School’s cross-country dominance is outlined from 1942-1980 and the phenomenal success of the program explained. Follow the authors’ journey through his senior season, in 1972. See how he uses the “Southwest System” during his 30+ year coaching career to obtain many successes. The book has running tips for any level middle to high school runner. It also has coaching tips, anecdotes and a summary at the end of the book.
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The Cantrill Book One - Beginnings K. Raymond Zabielski Outskirts Press (2021) - ISBN 9781977232328 Tradeback - 228 pages - $17.95 When eleven-year-old Etob Sheerbain learns about the legendary history of his homeland, hears stories of good vs evil, bravery, family values and lore, his life will change forever. As Etob understands his calling as scribe and historian for his people, events are unfolding that will test him as never before. Warm, beautifully imaginative, and rich with detail, this is sensitive, insightful coming-ofage story is the first installment in a gorgeously woven epic fantasy.
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Spirral - The CORT Chronicles Book 2 David D. Bernstein Outskirts Press (2021) - ISBN 9781977238405 Tradeback - 176 pages - $24.95 Civil war rages on, a world is falling into deep darkness. Andy, John, Wendy, and Zack are on a quest to save their world from a powerful corporation named CORT and their new dangerous robot Spirral. In this second book of the CORT Chronicles, each young hero is given powers and tools to survive, guided by sages and past memories, they fight to save Earth. Will good prevail over evil or vice versa?
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Rebirth - The CORT Chronicles Book 3 David D. Bernstein Outskirts Press (2021) - ISBN 9781977238429 Tradeback - 100 pages - $18.95 After a journey through time and space and a nightmarish world, two young boys come home to find themselves under a new world order. The place they left behind has changed. A new threat is rising, and things look bleak. In Rebirth, the final chapter of The CORT Chronicles, Andy and Zack hope to alter the future by saving the present. But can our two young heroes bring back the world they knew before?
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Moscow Embassy - The Angara Club Thomas J. Mitchell Outskirts Press (2019) - ISBN 9781977214935 Tradeback - 315 pages - $20.95 2020 CIPA EVVY Award. Russian KGB agents have recruited American construction workers to plant listening devices and engage in espionage while the Moscow Embassy is under construction—and while US intelligence and Britain’s M16 agencies work to neutralize the Russian threat. With a cast of colorful characters and a plot filled with danger and political intrigue, Moscow Embassy “The Angara Club” is a fascinating novel about an industry most people never think about.
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Connecting Readers to Indie Books www.firstchapterplus.
e-magazine . September 2021 volume 12 . issue 9
Published by I Have Something to Say Press
