FIRST CHAPTER PLUS January, a Blank Page, a Blank Screen “The Big Resignation,” the beginning of change?
Location Takes the Lead
The Barefoot Librarian Corner Do You Have a Hobby? You Should!
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January, a Blank Page, a Blank Screen Page 5 Featured Books and Authors Page 3 “The Big Resignation,” the beginning of change? Page 8 Indie Books! Pages 6-10-1418 - 26-30. Interview with Britt East Author of “A Gay Man’s Life To Life” Page 20 Location Takes the Lead Page 12 Do You Have a Hobby? You Should! Page 15 Book Videos Page 22-23 IHSTSP Books Launch Video - Page 26 Inside Scoop Live Podcast of the Month Page 23 The Barefoot Librarian Corner Page 28
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Table of Contents - Featured Books and Authors
14 Prophecy Written in the Stars There hasn’t been a book written on this subject in over 125 years. Do you know the real meaning of your Astrological sign? Haven’t you ever wondered why God made all the stars and constellations? Did you know each one has a purpose, other than light? God wrote prophecies concerning the gospels in the stars, long before man could read or write. Be amazed at what you learn as we ride through the galaxy.
6 Marjorie L. Anderson author of “The 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 gradute of the Wharton’s School agement Program Manate 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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January, a Blank Page, a Blank Screen I Love January, the same way I love a blank Page on my planner, or a blank screen in my laptop. Something blank or empty needs to be filled, and I will be the one with the power to fill my planner with, dreams I want to come true and my blank page with dreams I just enjoy visiting in my mind to put them on paper. The hope of a better year fills the air with optimism, and the relief than ending a year brings peace and acceptance, especially when the past year is like the past two years! This January issue I want to remind everyone that what has happened has also passed, and today we have the power to dream of a better year. Take advantage that it is the beginning of 2022 and allow yourself to dream, set goals and plan. Below are some tips on how to make your new year an organized one to keep you focused on your goals. • Get a planner that is simple, and easy to follow for you. It doesn’t need to be expensive, just one that you know you can keep up with. Even a Notebook will do, if you use it to plan your days, and is easy to follow to see how good you did with the tasks you set yourself to do. • Take time to reflect on what you wish to accomplish this new year. Then set your intentions for the year on front of your New Planner. Make sure you can see and read your intentions regularly to keep them on your mind. • Feel free to color code, scribble, doodle and mark those pages away as you go. What ever you didn’t accomplish today, transfer it for tomorrow on your planner. • Praise yourself when you finish something, when you get closer to your goal, and keep going. It doesn’t matter up if you are moving slower than what you intended, or if you didn’t accomplish one of the tasks…just stay focus…and, suddenly you will realize you not only completed what you had set out to achieve, you are now reaching for a higher star!
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Featured Authors Marjorie L. Anderson 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 gradute of the Wharton’s School agement Program Manate 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
“The Big Resignation,” the beginning of change? by Susan Violante
I have been very interested in ‘the big resignation, phenomenon the American Corporations are currently experiencing, and while it is causing a high price in the current economic system, and most articles focus their analysis of the ‘quitting trend’ in the financial point of view; I rather look at it through a different lens. Having lived in south America, Italy, and the US, I have always been asked about the difference in lifestyles of each country. My answer has always been that in the US we live to work while everywhere else people work to live. I think that one of the positives of the pandemic for the US is the awakening of the workforce on the quality of life they’ve had especially in the US. The lockdown and abrupt loss of so many lives have forced us to think about what is important and make choices we would have never dared to make before. I think that although there are still economical and financial factors influencing people to resign their jobs, people have a new vision of what their lives should look like. Being in lockdown, out of work, furloughed, afraid, working from home, sick, isolated, confused, sad, divided…etc. since 2020 has empowered us to find purpose, set personal priorities, self-care, find hobbies…etc. Because of this newfound empowerment a change to our past system was imminent. I believe, “The Big Resign” is not just a consequence of what we went through. It is something that was bound to happen, the pandemic just accelerated the process. In the end if we pay attention to history, we can see that all socio-economic systems evolve through big events. If the system can adapt to the new needs of its members it evolves, if not it perishes and is substituted by a different one that promises to satisfy those needs. The change of systems is not pretty, and can originate chaos so my hope is that corporations, politicians, and financial institutions recognize the signs and adapt to allow our capitalist system to evolve organically.
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Braille Literacy Month (honoring birth of creator of the Braille writing and reading system) Braille Alphabet:
Check out the Sponsors for the 2021-2022 Reader Views Literary Awards!
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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 10
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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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Location Takes the Lead Setting is never a waste of time. The rain was pouring; the windshield wipers were doing their best to allow the driver to see. Up ahead, as if an oasis jutted from the darkness, a neon “VACANCY” sign flashed. Sighing in relief—not knowing the end was near—the weary traveler pulled over and walked into…The Bates Motel. The pale, creepy twins stood at the end of yet another long hallway encased inside the huge building. A writer sat in front of a keyboard and ‘spoke’ about the stale odor wafting from the kitchen. About how quiet the mansion was, now that the ‘season’ was over and no tourists would be venturing to the ominous locale for many months. Only a soon-to-be twisted man and his small family would be watching over it, joined by the evil demons that lurked inside…The Overlook Hotel. The woman was tired, scared, starving to death. Her stunning gowns, the lavish parties, the Southern hospitality…everything had been snuffed out by the hideous war. Then, the sun began to rise. Her eyes grew wide with fear. She prayed that the only place she’d ever loved would still be there—that it had not ended up like the estate of her closest neighbor which was now nothing but a burnt-out pile of rubble. When the sun’s brilliant rays unveiled the home, tears filled Scarlett’s thankful gaze…Tara was still standing. There were so many humans, all wearing their ‘given’ robes and matching scarves emblazoned with the familiar logos, milling about the hallways. Taking a look out the ornate stone windows, you could see even more of them flying about, chasing after a barely visible ball that led them racing through the monstrous turrets like out-of-control rats through a maze. No one knew then what would be experienced inside these magical rooms. But it was soon known across the globe… Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry held the ultimate adventure. Whether speaking about a location that came from the depths of a writer’s imagination; or talking about a very real building that became famous when a writer used it to insert their own thrills and characters, certain locations became etched in a reader’s mind for
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the rest of their lives. So when writers ask: Can a location be an actual physical character that improves a story? I reply with a resounding, YES! Learning may be an arduous process, but it’s also one of the most exciting when it comes to creating novels. For writers, dialogue rears its own ugly head; characters and their backstories take time to develop and understand before you can share them with readers. But when it comes to location, choosing a setting is a skill that should be mastered. It’s part of the author’s commitment. In just one scene, a building can end up not only supporting the humans and their ‘events’ perfectly, it can also become a famous piece of the project that draws generations of readers back to your tale. Amy Lignor “Being the daughter of a research librarian, Amy was hooked on books from the moment she could open one. She has been the editor of Suspense Magazine for over a decade; she also reviews and interviews artists and authors for various websites, while continuously helping up-and-coming authors by editing their work. Amy is also the author of the bestselling “Tallent & Lowery” series; the award-winning YA trilogy, “The Angel Chronicles,” and the historical fiction novel, “The Heart of a Legend.” A member of International Thriller Writers (ITW), she is currently at work on her first horror novel, “The Wake.”
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The Three Tree By Madison Farkas Friesen Press (2021) - ISBN 9781525591563 Early Reader - kindle- 28 pages - $3.99 ”Our three has been stolen! How will we ever be able to count to five again?”The residents of a peaceful town love nothing more than to count to five. But when the Evil, Mean, Mad Magician sneaks into their town and steals their magical number three, someone must journey to his castle in the clouds to rescue it. A little girl will decide if she is the strongest, bravest, smartest person in the land. Then she’ll have to prove it – to her people and to herself.
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Prophecy Written in the Stars By Dr Larry Anderson Outskirts Press (2020) - ISBN 9781977231970 Religion/Christianity 111 pages - Tradeback - 111 pages - $19.95 There hasn’t been a book written on this subject in over 125 years. Do you know thereal meaning of your Astrological sign? Haven’t you ever wondered why God made all the stars and constellations? Did you know each one has a purpose, other than light? God wrote prophecies concerning the gospels in the stars, long before man could read or write. Be amazed at what you learn as we ride through the galaxy.
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READ First Chapter
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Do You Have a Hobby? You Should! Susan Violante
I can’t remember a time that I didn’t have a Hobby. That could mean I have always had too many ideas, or just too much time! According to my mom I had too much energy when I was little, and that is why she would have me do so many chores, volunteering, and extra curriculum activities. Some of those activities stuck with me and became lifelong hobbies. Some of my hobbies were cooking, martial arts, dog training, reading, knitting, roller skating, choreographing runways and dances and poetry writing, and journaling too mention some of them. In all honesty I don’t think I truly understood the benefits of having a hobby until I was in my 50’s. By then I not only had monetized some of them, I had also created a sustainable retirement career that would allow me the flexibility and consistency to leave my day job and enjoy an active early retirement lifestyle. I still knit, write, and read, for leisure among other things; but I also created a career based on my reading and writing skills obtained through all those years. I also had found a way to sell some of my knitting projects through the internet or consignment gift stores for extra change. Below are some benefits you will get by having a hobby. • Through hobbies we get to explore ourselves by finding out what interest us while getting some down time. • We also learn a new skill that might come handy at some point in our lives. • We add to our repertoire another topic of conversation. • We will meet like minded people through our hobbies, amplifying our social circle. Finally, in a world that our attention is taken away from us more and more, having a hobby might be the only way we visit with ourselves. Don’t be a stranger and reconnect with your mind, heart, and soul. Start a hobby!
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READER VIEWS B O OK OF THE MONTH Your Writing Matters By Colleen M. Story NonFiction - Writing Midchannel Press (2021) ISBN 9780999099148 Reviewed by: Amy Lignor for Reader Views (1/2022)
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’'m writing this review from both a reader standpoint and a writer standpoint – so you get the best of both worlds. Writing novels for over 25 years now, there are too many days to count when I was faced with writer’s block, self-doubt, worry, and the feeling that I most likely did not have enough talent to pen the instructions on a microwaveable meal, let alone the next literary blockbuster to hit the shelves. Along the way, however, I came across a book by Stephen King called “On Writing,” which helped me a great deal. Decades ago, this master of horror – a name everyone knows and one that generations follow no matter how old he gets – wrote about a wall he had that was covered in rejection letters from publishing houses. When he had about two “squares” left, he finally received a deal for his first book. But, up until that point, he went through every depressing emotion a writer can face during their early years, so to speak. Now, out of the blue in late 2021, I receive this book. And, I have to say, this particular woman gave instructions, presentations, and emotions—both professional and personal—that will no doubt help all writers out there continue on their quest, and not give up just because they’re having a bad day. From a reader’s standpoint, I must say her words and direction gave me insight into how difficult it would be to write and choose it as a career to pay the bills. From the author’s standpoint, she did a fine job by taking the book in a new direction and offering up information on how to create characters and their stories, as well as entirely imaginary worlds that could appeal to all the book lovers out there. Now, that’s important. After all, if J.K. Rowling had stopped because she convinced herself she wasn’t cut out for this, we would have never seen Hogwarts. And THAT would have been a huge shame.... To read complete review click here or visit www.readerviews.com.
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READER VIEWS KIDS B O OK OF THE MONTH Little Palm: An Earth Day Celebration By Lindsay Ann Fink Early Reader - Ages 6 To 8 Balboa Press. 2021 ISBN 978198227607 Reviewed by Lydia (age 7) for Reader Views Kids (01/2022)
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ittle Palm is the story of a palm tree who has some friends who help her dress up. Today, Little Palm has a party she needs to get ready for: an Earth Day party that is also her birthday! Good thing Little Palm likes to dress up, because her friends, Tavi and Tylee, like to make her colorful and sparkly. When you first see Little Palm, she already looks dressed up with a sunhat, earrings, and a necklace. The girls first decide to paint her with red and blue stripes and white stars, but then decide on another idea. Their next idea is to paint her like a mermaid – this one is really cool to see! Their third idea is the sparkliest and fanciest of all, but then their fourth idea is more simple but also more colorful. Which design will Little Palm like best? Will she get to stay painted and dressed up that way forever, or will there be any more surprise designs that the girls come up with? My favorite design is either the mermaid or the very last one because of how colorful it is and different. I liked the story because it was about people working together; Little Palm couldn’t decorate herself, so the girls helped. I like that they were celebrating a birthday, but also that they were celebrating Earth Day together. I like that I could read this book by myself if I wanted, but enjoyed my mom reading it to me most times. I really liked the extra coloring page at the end of the book to decorate your own Little Palm; I got two copies to make for my two best friends. A Note from Mom: Little Palm teaches about friendship, cooperation, and celebration of all things on the earth. Big themes are rolling with the punches and problem-solving; “Little Palm” helps kids understand that even when something unexpected happens, there’s no sense in getting upset; just figure out how to do what you originally wanted with what you’ve got. I enjoyed reading “Little Palm” to Lydia not only because it is a cute children’s book with a good message that includes a coloring sheet at the end for entertainment and creativity, but because reading it in the chilly winter makes things seem a little warmer around me!
To read more kids’ reviews click here or visit www.readerviewskids.com.
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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 BRITT EAST AUTHOR OF “A GAY MAN’S LIFE TO LIFE”
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memoir, part self-help/inspiration – what inspired you to actually sit down and write a book? I’ve always wanted to serve our community in this way but had avoided it for years because I feared prostituting my pain. But a couple of years ago, I was working with a life coach who helped me flip the script: by putting the reader at the center of the story, I could make my story secondary, and focus on my recommendations for the reader instead. So instead of centering my history, I use my memoir to establish rapport with the reader, build credibility, and contextualize my recommendations. Can you share a bit of your experience with us today? What was your life like growing up? Coming out? I grew up in 1980s Nashville, which was rough. I suspect that my hometown had a vibrant local gay culture, but as a child that culture was inaccessible to me. So, I was left to fend for myself. But that’s not where it ended. Not only did I have to deal with the bigotry and homophobia of the straight community, but also the impact that the AIDS epidemic had my nascent sexuality, and the deaths of any would-be role models. To make matters worse, the abuse I experienced at the hands of my family increased my desolation. It meant there was
RITT EAST is an author and speaker who uses his experience, strength, and hope to challenge and inspire change-oriented gay men to get down to the business of improving their lives. With over two decades of personal growth and development experience in a variety of modalities, such as the 12 Steps, Nonviolent Communication, yoga, meditation, talk therapy, and the Hoffman Process, Britt is committed to building a personal practice of self-discovery that he can then share with gay men everywhere. He lives in Seattle with his husband and their crazy dog. Hi Britt, thank you for joining us today at Reader Views. Tell us about your book, “A Gay Man’s Guide to Life." This book is my attempt to serve the gay community, by passing down some of the knowledge I’ve accumulated over the years. It’s a life manual chocked full of timeless wisdom, designed to help gay people understand the culture they’ve inherited, the bigotry they will face, and the freedom they will crave to set their heart free and unleash their true power. And it also contains oodles of practical advice they can use on a daily basis to improve their lives. Your book is part 20
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no safe place for me to land in the world, and that I had to manufacture my own wisdom and experience. The template of my life went unwritten, and I moved through the world like a ghost. I could never “pass” as straight, and endured much homophobia from teachers, coaches, and classmates. But I officially started coming out in my late teens and have found that the process has never stopped. I come out each day to all sorts of people, on all sorts of topics and facets of my life. I’ve learned to approach each conversation with joy and care, because you can never be sure of the costs or consequences, no matter what you think you know about the other person. But the freedom on the other ends of those conversations is like a tonic to the soul and increases my fortitude each time. You make a few references to Twelve Step programs – love the inclusion of
the experience, strength, and hope maxim in your bio. What role do the Twelve Steps play in your life? Part of the cost of my then-partner’s sex addiction was the obliteration of everything I thought I knew. I was devasted. But part of the gift of his recovery was my recovery. After watching his life improve through his work in the 12 Steps, I joined a 12 Step program myself (Codependents of Sex Addicts Anonymous). What I never could have imagined was the amount of love I found in those rooms, or the thrill of togetherness I would experience in setting down my masks for the very first time, sharing from my heart with benevolent witnesses, and being emotionally joined in the process. That experience changed my life forever and forms the foundation of my personal practice of replenishment to this day. By Sheri Hoyte
Read the full interview with Britt East
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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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I HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY PRESS FIRST TWO BOOKS LAUNCH December was an exciting month for I Have Something To Say Press as we presented our first two books and their authors to the world though a virtual book launch even now streaming on social media and our website. "Becoming An Angel of Change" by Bineta Ngom and "La Clave" by Marjorie L. Anderson are our pride and joy as they represent the perfect example of mission. We invite to view the book launch by clicking the video below, and meet these two wonderful Authors and be inspired by their commitment to make change by sharing their life lessons. We also would like to invite writers with unpublished finished and edited manuscripts to query us by email at admin@ihavesometiongtosaypress.com. Please visit our website and learn about us and what we look for before emailing us at: www.ihavesomeyhingtosaypress.com
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INSIDE SCO OP LIVE POD CAST OF THE MONTH Jolly Walker Bittick grew up in Sequim, Washington and served in the U.S. Navy from 2005 to 2009. He is a freelance writer, avid historian, and passionate outdoorsman who has traveled extensively over the course of his life. He draws inspiration and literary prowess from his experiences in numerous career fields and a multitude of social environments. From his time in retail, military, sales, and civil service, as well as his time living in rural, suburban, and urban environments, Jolly has developed a unique literary brand that encompasses numerous aspects of contemporary society
https://jollywalkerbittick.com/
Click Here To Listen to Podcast Topics of Conversation • About Cape Henry House and the inspiration behind the story • Fictionalizing a story based on true events • Working with an illustrators and others to bring the best story forward • What he likes to read and authors who inspire him • Advice to aspiring authors • What's next for Jolly Walker Bittick?
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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.
View Book Video Here
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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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Read First Chapter Here
View on Amazon Here
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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
Book Banning/Censorship is Happening All Over Our Country When publishers, authors, libraries, schools, and bookstores are being urged to embrace diversity, we also face a rising rate of book banning of inclusive books. The great majority of books that are being challenged deal with people of color, racism, and LGBTQ subject matter. Most libraries and schools have procedures in place to review challenged books. But in increasing numbers, these procedures are being ignored. Instead, books are being withdrawn from the shelves or curriculum based on opinions of a few loud voices without being reviewed for their educational value. This is precisely what happened in a school district near me that recently removed 11 books from an optional high school reading list. There seems to be a curious trend. Conservative leaders are circulating lists of books for their followers to challenge, and those titles are the same ones being challenged by parents and banned all across the country. And what do these books have in common – they all primarily deal with people of color, racism, and LGBTQ subject matter. All children need to see themselves represented in books that they read. It gives them positive affirmation about their own identity and lets them know they are not alone. And studies show that all children benefit from having diverse books available to them. So why should this opportunity be taken away from these children because parents of other children feel a book is inappropriate for their child? If parents don't want their children to read certain books, then it is their right and responsibility to take them away. But it is not fair to deny other children access to these books. However, if those reasons are not enough to prevent the removal of books from school library shelves, it is also a violation of students' First Amendment rights. The Supreme Court ruled in Island Trees v. Pico (1975) that First Amendment rights bar "…a school board from pulling books from school library shelves, describing libraries as places of "-voluntary inquiry." Because Books Save Lives GLSEN Rainbow Library Stays the Course on What Matters by Kathy Ishizuka School Library Journal December 10, 2021. So, we all must remain vigilant and aware of what is happening in our communities. When we see this type of censorship - and that is what it is – we need to stand up to it. And it seems we will have to work harder to get more diverse books published and, once published, assure they are available to students. The organization We Are Teachers published a list of banned books, why they were banned, and why kids should read them. I have included two of these titles. Eve - Barefoot Librarian
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THE BAREFO OT LIBRARIAN B O OKS OF THE MONTH And Tango Makes Three By Richardson, Justin, and Peter Parnell Little Simon (2015) - ISBN 9781481449946 ( 4 - 8 years old ) - Paperback - 32 pages - $9.99
Two male penguins, desperate to start a family of their own, adopt an egg to hatch. It is often challenged because it features a same-gender relationship. Why kids should read it: This book sensitively addresses the questions of what constitutes a family. For the nearly six million Americans with an LGBT parent, it provides a mirror to see their families represented in the books they read at school. (FYI - This story is based on an actual case at the Central Park Zoo where two male penguins raised a chick.)
Nasreen’s Secret School: A True Story from Afghanistan Written by Jeanette Winter
Beach Lane Books (2009) - ISBN 9781416994374
Age: 6 - 9 years old - Hard Cover - 40 pages - $11.39
This inspiring book is about a grandmother who enrolls her granddaughter in a secret school for girls in Afghanistan. It has been challenged for its religious viewpoint and violence. Why kids should read it: It affirms the life-changing power of education that many Western students may take for granted.
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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
S
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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e-magazine . January 2022 volume 13 . issue 1
Published by I Have Something to Say Press
