The incredible audacious life story of Michael Caborn-Waterfield, otherwise known as Dandy Kim. A series of entertaining adventures from wartime Bermuda to the post-war high societies of London, Manhattan, Havana, Tangiers, Florida and the Cote d’Azur. Some of his antics are truly mind-blowing and unbelievable.
His list of friends was an eclectic Debrett’s mixture of the World’s most influential, rich, powerful and notorious icons. His list of lovers is a bedroom guide to some of the most fascinating and beautiful women of all time.
There were many heated discussions about him from Hollywood to the White House, from Interpol to No 10 Downing Street and Scotland Yard.
Kim had a happy knack of being in the right place at the wrong time. The tales of his escapades and the intriguing characters he encountered, often in the most compromising situations, are wonderfully entertaining. Some of his stories including the infamous ‘Jack Warner’ robbery are truly mind-blowing and unbelievable.”
He was a rakish mix of Don Juan and Don Quixote, an incorrigible adventurer. For the second half of the 20th Century his debonair and devilish schemes and scrapes, captured headlines worldwide.
This book incorporates many controversial delicate subjects including the abdication of H.M. King Edward VIII and a possible alternate heir to the British Throne as well as questioning the involvement of Royalty in the gruesome murder of Sir Harry Oakes in the Bahamas. It moves on to Bermuda, Cuba and Florida detailing the connection between the mafia leader, Meyer Lansky and President Batista of Cuba.
This biography describes Kim’s involvement with both gun-running to Cuba for Batista and the smuggling of contraband from a nightclub/ski school in Tangier for Britain’s most notorious villains Billy Hill and the Kray twins. Kim was one of the founding members of ‘The Chelsea Set’ and the book will narrate some of the many bizarre stories involving politicians, aristocrats, actresses and gangsters. The book will move on to address the infamous robbery of the movie mogul, Jack Warner’s sumptuous villa on the French Riviera and Kim’s subsequent imprisonment in Paris. It will also reveal Kim’s zealous attraction to the opposite sex including his special relationship with the actress Diana Dors and describe his creation of the UK’s largest sex supermarket, Ann Summers.
“Dandy Kim” by Nigel Hamilton-Walker is available in paperback from Amazon at:
This incredible biography can also be downloaded in e-book format from:
Press/Media Contact Details:
Darin Jewell Managing Director The Inspira Group Literary Agency E-mail: darin@theinspiragroup.com
“27 Days in November – Daisy’s Story” could not be written by Daisy herself. During her life, Daisy has recovered from a malignant brain tumour, a fat embolism in her lung that developed after a simple broken leg, which caused acute respiratory failure resulting in a 27 day stay in an Intensive Care Unit (much like what happens to the worst affected COVID-19 patients) and twenty years later, a stroke. Her survival, achievements, and triumph of character in the face of such experiences are remarkable. Our society doesn’t usually see or acknowledge lives like Daisy’s, and stories like hers are rarely told.
Daisy’s story moves back and forth in time to show how the past continues to resonate in the present day, and its fragmented structure reflects the incalculable effect of serious illness. There are letters, hospital literature and excerpts from medical papers to show the complexity and strangeness of Daisy’s experiences, and of the person who tells her story, her mum.
This is the story of what happened to our daughter, Daisy. It is a story of illness, of treatment, of recovery, of collapse, of the aftermath. It is an attempt to answer the question - what did happen to Daisy? And it is a tribute to Daisy, the survivor.
Excerpt from the Book:
“Tim picks Daisy up from the farm. It’s very strange. She doesn’t seem to recognise him properly. At home in Brighton, we lie her on the sofa downstairs in case she gets out of her bed upstairs and falls. She’s not fretful, or troubled. As usual, she’s happy to be home but is strangely subdued, almost peaceful. She sleeps.
The next morning, she wakes up puzzled, almost surprised but pleased to find herself at home, pleased to find William our dog has been sleeping beside her downstairs too. She is cheery, quite Daisy again, and wants to go shopping. Daisy and Tim go into Brighton together and have a good day out, with many stops for coffee, of course.
In one line, the letter from the doctor at Sturts Farm was to be the basis for many years of drug misery for Daisy. Disturbingly and amazingly, it can still appear in Local Authority documents.
Here’s a note about epilepsy and the aftermath. Again, we took as little notice as possible of this, far too absorbed in other things, and probably still believing, hoping, that Daisy had had enough serious illness: we didn’t want any more.”
“27 Days in November: Daisy’s Story” by Sue Hodlin is available in paperback at:
Press/Media Contact Details:
New Generation Publishing Tel. 01234 711 956 E-mail: info@newgeneration-publishing.com
Book Title: The Mirabal Sisters: From Caterpillars to Butterflies by Raynelda A. Calderon Category: Children’s Non-Fiction (Ages 8-12) Genre: Children’s Book Publisher: Cayena Press, Inc., 48 pages Release date: March 2022 Content Rating: G. Suitable for all readers.
Born in a small town in the Dominican Republic, the Mirabal sisters lived at a time when the country was under the merciless rule of a dictatorship. Their deaths on November 25, 1960 (at ages 36, 34, and 25), have received international coverage. In their honor, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women is observed annually on November 25.
I chose to read this book after receiving a free copy from iRead Book Tours. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.
The Mirabal sisters lived in the 1950s when the Dominican Republic was under a dictatorship. When they grew up, they realized that the people of their country deserved freedom, and they fought for that freedom. Three of the sisters were jailed several times and finally killed by government assassins on November 25, 1960. The deaths of the three sisters inspired others to rebel and just six months later, the dictator was executed, and the citizens of the Dominican Republic were free!
The Mirabal Sisters is an important piece of history for children to learn about. It is well written and at the end is a useful glossary and more information about the sisters.
“If they kill me…I’ll reach out through my tomb, and I’ll be even stronger.” —Minerva Mirabal
About the Author
Raynelda A. Calderón, a Dominican native who lives in Queens, NY, is a children’s book author who has worked in public libraries for more than 15 years. She holds a doctorate in leadership in higher education, and she has taught Information Literacy at various colleges, most recently at Bronx Community College. As a librarian, working with children inspires Raynelda to write about the accomplishments of Hispanic women in history. She hopes to inspire young readers to follow their passions and never take no for an answer. Raynelda is the creator of the first Hispanic Heritage wall calendar that honors the accomplishments of Hispanic Americans in the United States. She lives with an untamed Shih Tzu, Toby, and a much attached Chihuahua, Maya. She spends her free time thinking (and drafting) about books to write, or painting, crocheting, or crying over abused dogs.
NELSON RIDDLE was possibly the greatest; one of the most successful arrangers in the history of American popular music. He worked with global icons such as Peggy Lee, Judy Garland and many more. And in a time of segregation and deep racial tensions in the US, he collaborated with leading black artists such as Nat King Cole and Ella Fitzgerald, forming close, personal friendships with both. He also wrote successful TV themes and Oscar-winning film scores.
A complex and often forlorn genius, he will forever be remembered for his immortal work with FRANK SINATRA, but like fine wines his later vintage was just as palatable, if somewhat of a surprise.
This biography of Nelson Riddle is pretty interesting. I had never heard of him, but I’m not one to pay attention to who composed what. The information about Frank Sinatra and the relationship he had with Nelson Riddle was particularly interesting.
A lot of the details in this biography are given by Nelson Riddle’s son Christopher and some by other siblings. Christopher was also a composer and has been the leader of the Nelson Riddle Orchestra for over 30 years, so he knows a lot about what happened behind the scenes as he got older.
One tidbit I never knew is that the Rat Pack that was so famous with fans wasn’t the original Rat Pack! Frank Sinatra was the only member of the original Rat Pack, and he didn’t like the “new” group being called that.
Nelson Riddle worked with Frank Sinatra for over 25 years but he also worked with Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole and Linda Ronstadt among many others. He was obviously an amazing composer.
I’m sure anyone interested in 40s and 50s music and/or 50s and 60s Hollywood would appreciate the information in this book.
About the Author
Geoffrey Littlefield is a baby boomer born in London, England, whose lifelong passions include football, films and music. His first magazine article was published when he was just 13 years old, featuring interviews with Chelsea FC and England soccer players. His love of music grew simultaneously, with particular focus on the Great American Songbook.
Geoffrey eventually moved into professional music management and record production, and his written works include an exclusive interview with singer Vic Damone, who was described by Frank Sinatra “as having the best pipes in the business”.
2021 sees the centennial of the birth of iconic US arranger Nelson Riddle. Geoffrey has penned the authorised biography NELSON RIDDLE: Music With a Heartbeat, published on 26th February 2021.
Geoffrey has been the subject of several radio and television interviews about the Great American Songbook, both in the U.K. and U.S. He continues to write, produce and direct. He has two movie screenplays in development and a documentary set for release later in 2021.
Christopher Riddle has contributed several first-hand accounts and memories to his father’s biography
About the Book:
NELSON RIDDLE was possibly the greatest; one of the most successful arrangers in the history of American popular music. He worked with global icons such as Peggy Lee, Judy Garland and many more. And in a time of segregation and deep racial tensions in the US, he collaborated with leading black artists such as Nat King Cole and Ella Fitzgerald, forming close, personal friendships with both. He also wrote successful TV themes and Oscar-winning film scores.
A complex and often forlorn genius, he will forever be remembered for his immortal work with Frank Sinatra, but like fine wines his later vintage was just as palatable, if somewhat of a surprise.
About the Author:
Geoffrey Littlefield is a baby boomer born in London, England, whose lifelong passions include football, films and music. His first magazine article was published when he was just 13 years old, featuring interviews with Chelsea FC and England soccer players. His love of music grew simultaneously, with particular focus on the Great American Songbook.
Geoffrey eventually moved into professional music management and record production, and his written works include an exclusive interview with singer Vic Damone. He has been the subject of several radio and television interviews about the Great American Songbook, both in the U.K. and U.S. Geoffrey continues to write, produce and direct. He has two movie screenplays in development and a documentary set for release later in 2021.
Excerpt from the book:
“We delve deep into an extraordinary musical legacy that saw Riddle win one of the first Grammy’s, an Oscar (after five nominations) for The Great Gatsby and spawned countless hit singles and albums.
Through family personal photographs of recording sessions, live performances and interviews with those who knew him well, my book explores the musical genius behind some of the greatest popular tunes of the 20th Century. My own knowledge and expertise in that field has been greatly enhanced by this journey of discovery.
But, like so many creative souls, Riddle was a complex and troubled figure; his marriage to Doreen, with whom he had seven children, was rocky to say the least. The maestro led a complicated and troubled personal life – perhaps never really finding the kind of peace or success in his private life that he enjoyed in his professional one. His marriage was constantly under threat by his numerous affairs.
And in spite of the mutual admiration, Sinatra always had a wandering eye. When Frank chose to have his own ‘professional sleeping around’ with other arrangers in the late 1950s, Riddle began another fruitful collaboration, recording with Ella Fitzgerald. Their work together included three of her landmark “songbook” albums, devoted to George and Ira Gershwin, Jerome Kern and Johnny Mercer.”
“Nelson Riddle: Music with a Heartbeat” by Geoffrey Littlefield is available in hardback from Amazon at:
This book is also available in paperback from Amazon at:
Schoolboy Alex is transported to a magical island faraway and thus begins the adventure of a lifetime
A dull, wet school holiday which has been so disappointing, is drawing to a close for Alex. All this changes when an unexpected visit to the Great Museum of History with his eccentric aunt sets off a fantastic chain of events. Alex finds himself transported to a fantasy place called Blue Sky Island, in the midst of talking creatures, a kindly wizard and a magnificent golden eagle called Orion, as the legacy of The Magic Orb is revealed.
Pitted against the dastardly schemes of The Grizzly Grumpot, find out what happens to Alex and his new friends when you step into this colourful world of adventure, mystery… and spells that don’t always work!
About the Author:
Antonia de Winter is a children’s author, poet and songwriter. She lives in northwest London with her husband. She has been surrounded by colour all her life, having been involved in the family’s soft furnishing and interior design business in Notting Hill. Antonia has two married children and four grandchildren. She enjoys swimming, walking, narrow boating and taking photos, particularly of family and the changing seasons. Her dream would be to once again take a skidoo across the frozen wastes of Lapland, which is an awe-inspiring experience!
Orion’s Messenger lay on the back burner for over 30 years, waiting to be published – whilst all the above took priority. However, it is never too late to print a magical story which will let children’s imagination fly – and so, finally, here it is…
Antonia is currently working on the sequel to Orion’s Messenger and on a collection of poetry to be published in the near future.
The colourful characters and all the illustrations in Orion’s Messenger are brought to life by talented artist Daniel T. Sullivan.
Excerpt from the book:
The room was in dark shadows once more.
“I must be seeing things,” whispered Alex under his breath.
“I’ve been calling you for such a long time,” said the Voice.
There was another flash of lightening, this time with a loud clap of thunder. It nearly made Alex jump out of his skin!
“I can’t believe what I’m seeing. Is it really you?” he gasped.
“Oh yes, I assure you I am quite real,” said the Voice.
Alex was shaking as he stuttered, “I – I – I don’t understand…”
“Come closer Alex,” said the Voice.
Alex took two hesitant steps forward. Another flash of lightening lit up the loft brilliantly. Alex’s eyes became as big as saucers for there, perched on the back of the old dining chair, was an enormous bird.
“Who, who … who are you?” he asked, but he knew the answer already.
“Orion’s Messenger”by Antonia de Winter is available in hardback from the Book Depository at:
Margaret Beaufort of Bourne, Collyweston, Maxey and Deeping: The Tudor Dynasty
Exceptional biography about the mother of Henry VII who had a profound impact on English history
An amazing woman from Bourne, Collyweston and Maxey who had a profound impact on history but has been virtually forgotten in our Lincolnshire locality.
Read tales of her survival from the traumatic birth of her son (Henry VII) when aged only thirteen, her ever-changing fortunes in the Wars of the Roses, being condemned as a traitor by Richard III and her eventual triumph, which saw her become the matriarch of the Tudor dynasty.
As the only blood link from the Normans to our present Royal Family, her legacy through her symbols and academia is still far-reaching today.
About the Author:
Margaret has always had a deep love of her hometown of Bourne. She can trace her paternal ancestry back to the 1660s in the Bourne Abbey registers. She attended at the Bourne Abbey Primary School and was later educated at Bourne Grammar School; it was here that her interest in history began, with her history teachers, J. D. Birkbeck and his wife, Margaret.
Margaret’s husband, Ken, also a teacher at the ‘Robert Manning School’ is keen to preserve the heritage of Bourne and is in the latter stages of constructing a model railway of Bourne Station that will soon be ready for exhibition.
Both would admit that their main hobby now is singing, being members and soloists in ‘Stamford Gilbert and Sullivan Players’ and the ‘Stamford Singers Concert Party’. They are members of the ‘Bourne Abbey Choir’ and perform in their own entertainment group, ‘Tinderbox’.
Having become fascinated with the life and achievements of Margaret Beaufort and seeing her as one of the most influential women in history, Margaret was confused as to why little to no mention has ever been made linking her to their local area, and in particular, Bourne. She hopes this biography will help rectify this and give the mother of the Tudor dynasty the recognition she deserves.
Excerpt from the book:
“Margaret’s life was a roller coaster of wealth and poverty, stability and frantic disaster. So many of her family were either killed in battle, executed or, like her father, had committed suicide. Throughout all this, Margaret had to steer a course of diplomacy and humility in order to survive but at the same time had to keep her strong resolve and courage. What an achievement then in her finest hour, to see her son crowned on the battlefield by non-other than her husband Thomas Stanley.
Margaret’s family always had to face the fact that their line was illegitimate. John of Gaunt produced his line of Beauforts whilst still married to his first wife, even though he did eventually marry his mistress, Katherine Swynford. Richard II, John of Gaunt’s nephew, did legitimise them but with the proviso that no-one in their line of descendants could ever have a claim to the throne. Margaret would know this and must have wondered when this question of Henry VII’s legitimacy could rear up and deprive him of the throne she had fought so hard to gain for him.
The character of Margaret cannot be fully explained without an examination of her part in the Wars of the Roses.”
“Margaret Beaufort of Bourne, Collyweston, Maxey and Deeping: The Tudor Dynasty” by Margaret Wainwright is available in hardback from Amazon at:
Press/Media Contact Details:
Grosvenor House Publishing Tel. 0208 339 6060 E-mail: info@grosvenorhousepublishing.co.uk
ISBN: 978-1631528668 Available in Print and ebook, 237 pages
Dizzy with grief after a shattering breakup, Kristen did what any sensible thirty-nine-year-old woman would do: she fled, abandoning her well-ordered life in metropolitan Boston and impulsively relocating to a college town in North Carolina to start anew with a freshly divorced southerner.
Dismissing the neon signs that flashed Rebound Relationship, Kristen was charmed by the host of contrasts with her new beau. He loved hunting and country music, she loved yoga and NPR; he worried about nothing, she worried about everything. The luster of her new romance and small-town lifestyle soon―and predictably―faded, but by then a pregnancy test stick had lit up. As Kristen’s belly grew, so did her concern about the bond with her partner―and so did a fierce love for her unborn child. Ready or not, she was about to become a mother. And then, tragedy struck.
Poignant and insightful, From the Lake House explores the echoes of rash decisions and ill-fated relationships, the barren and disorienting days an aching mother faces without her baby, and the mysterious healing that can take root while rebuilding a life gutted from loss.
A deeply moving and absolutely heartbreaking tale of one woman’s struggle to cope with loss and change in her life and to keep moving forward.
Kristen Rademacher suffered a lot of tragedies in a short amount of time. Kristen was deeply affected by the attacks of 9/11 after having lived in New York during her childhood and then living in Boston but the grief was compounded by the fact that her serious boyfriend left her on that day.
After coping with that and trying to get back on her feet emotionally, Kristen met a new man while staying at her brother’s house. Jason was everything that Kristen is not, conservative, southern, a lover of guns and country music to Kristen’s liberal, Boston-dwelling self. They were almost polar opposites, but of course, as the saying goes, opposites attract. Shortly after they started dating and at the age of 39, Kristen became pregnant.
After nine months of excitement and anticipation, Kristen missed her due date and soon found out that her baby, though previously strong and healthy, had died in the womb. Kristen’s account of her delivery of her stillborn daughter and the despair and depression that she suffered afterward were heartbreaking to read. I would be lying if I said I didn’t tear up when she gave birth to her little girl and had to say goodbye to her only one hour later.
This book almost felt like an exorcism for the author, in a really healthy way. Kristen’s writing was very beautiful and I felt for her on such a deep level while reading. She truly made the experience of giving birth to a stillborn baby so devastatingly real for the reader in these pages. This is one to read if you love stories about overcoming life’s toughest circumstances and the enduring love of a mother.
Advance Praise
“Over the course of this book, in well-structured, descriptive prose, Rademacher effectively leads readers through a gradually withering romantic relationship that culminates in a tragedy . . . Some of the most painful sections of the book are her loving letters to the little girl whom she held for but an hour, and whom she named Carly. It soon becomes clear that these missives helped to lead her back from a precipice of despair, so that she could finally face her future. A poignant and painful remembrance with comforting messages for the grieving.”-Kirkus Reviews
“Kristen Rademacher’s achingly honest memoir about her losses of place, partner, and much-anticipated baby daughter Carly resonates with courage and an abiding gratitude for the preciousness of life. A truly tender reflection about loss that illuminates the devastating experience of baby loss.”-Janel Atlas, writer and editor of They Were Still Born: Personal Stories about Stillbirth
“From the Lake House is an intimate, inspiring story of surviving in a world where blessings and tragedy walk hand in hand. Written with tender honesty and luscious language, it is a joy to read, even amidst the pangs of heartache and loss. As a bereaved mother, I found myself nodding in agreement with so many of Rademacher’s experiences of life after the death of a child . . . This book is for memoir-lovers and anyone who finds themselves in a turbulent relationship or who has said goodbye to a dearly loved child . . . Rademacher champions solitude for its healing capacities and the wholeness birthed from dogged, hard-earned resiliency. Perceptive and endearing, it is a moving saga of motherhood.”-Alexis Marie Chute, award-winning author of Expecting Sunshine: A Journey of Grief, Healing, and Pregnancy After Loss
“In this beautifully written and poignant memoir, we learn that though people and dreams die, relationships don’t. If we’re attuned, the dead can transform our lives, offering enduring love and guidance―and hope.”-Carol Henderson, author of Losing Malcolm: A Mother’s Journey Through Loss and Farther Along: The Writing Journey of Thirteen Bereaved Mothers
About the Author
Kristen Rademacher has lived in Chapel Hill, North Carolina since 2002, which is when she began writing. FROM THE LAKE HOUSE is her first memoir. With a Master’s Degree in Education and a Professional Coaching Certification, Kristen is an Academic Coach and ADHD Specialist at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She also leads trainings and presentations at national conferences on the topic of academic coaching.
Publisher: Sunbury Press, February 2019 Category: Memoir, History, Military, WWII, and Biography
ISBN: 978-1620061145 Available in Print and ebook, 284 pages
Daily Life of a Utilities Engineer at AFHQ in Europe During WWII; or, What to Say in Letters Home When You’re Not Allowed to Write about the War
Most people don’t realize that during the war in Europe in the 1940s, it took an average of six support soldiers to make the work of four combat soldiers possible. Most of what’s available in the literature tends toward combat narratives, and yet the support soldiers had complex and unique experiences as well. This book is based on personal correspondence, and it is primarily a memoir that creates a picture of the day-to-day realities of an individual soldier told in his own words [as much as he could tell under the wartime rules of censorship, that is] as well as giving insight into what it was actually like to be an American soldier during WWII.
It explores the experiences of a non-combat Army utilities engineer working in a combat zone during the war in Europe and takes the protagonist from basic training through various overseas assignments—in this case to England, North Africa, and Italy as a support soldier under Eisenhower and his successors at Allied Force Headquarters. It also includes some reflections about his life after returning to Oregon when the war was over.
The soldier involved is Captain Harold Alec Daniels [OSU, Class of 1939, ROTC] and most of the letters were written to his wife, Mary Daniels [attended U of O in the late 1930s]. They are the author’s parents, and she inherited the letter collection, photos, and all other primary source materials after her mother’s death in 2006.
The author of this book, Rebecca Daniels dedicated it to both of her parents and I can’t think of a more fitting tribute to two people who led such extraordinary lives. In the 1930’s, two people, a man and a woman lived in the same town and attended the same high school without ever meeting each other. The two did not meet until college, when Alec, a reserved and quiet engineering student and Mary, a journalism major who longed to be a mother one day, were set up on a blind date by a mutual friend.
But, of course, every good story has to have a little heartbreak, and shortly after the pair were married, the United States entered World War II. Like so many men during that time, Alec was drafted into the war. But, rather than being sent to the front lines, he was sent to a position in a support troop. Being an electrical engineer and a member of the ROTC meant that Alec had a special set of skills that were best used in one of the many troops that provided support to the combat soldiers on the front lines of the war.
These troops covered things like administrative, logistical and infrastructure duties that made it so the soldiers in the trenches had an easier time staying alive. It’s a seldom talked about aspect of the war effort, and one that Rebecca Daniels covers beautifully not just from the perspective of a daughter but, through the usage of letters and cards between her parents from that time, from the perspective of Alec himself. Though Alec was not able to discuss much about his whereabouts or his work in the letters that he sent home to his new wife, his love for Mary was clear and it is through these letters that the narrative gains a very sweet and humanizing element.
I highly recommend this incredibly touching read! You can’t go wrong with this one! I give it 5 stars, more if I could.
Praise for Keeping the Lights on for Ike
“The book moves swiftly along, while at the same time capturing the frustration of their prolonged separation. The historical timeline provides just the right bit of historical context to these war years behind at the tail of the army. This is not the typical WWII combat book.”- The Montague Reporter
“The lack of military detail — the focus on everyday life and on the relationship between Alec and Mary — ends up being one of the book’s greatest assets. Many works of history detail the story of great battles. Fewer dwell on individual wartime experiences. The book is also strengthened by the affection expressed in Alec’s relatively inarticulate yet moving letters to his wife on the home front.”- Tinky Weisblat, Greenfield Recorder, author of “The Pudding Hollow Cookbook,” “Pulling Taffy,” and “Love, Laughter, and Rhubarb”
“Carefully researched history and a beautiful remembrance of one soldier’s letters home. A poignant and personal look into the lives of two very private people and an extraordinary first hand example of why it’s called the Greatest Generation. In detail and in truly first class research one is left with the sense that they know these two people very well. Not only is this a well written historical account of World War II, it is a touching and gentle love story from a remarkable author with a most deft touch and turn. Got five stars from me. So worth it.”-W. Richards, Amazon
“This book made me feel almost like I was right there with Alec and Mary as they experienced that time of their lives. My parents, being the same age, also had a similar experience and I thought of them as I read every word. The author cleverly brought to life their story and for that I shall be forever grateful.”- Sunbury Press Reader Review
About the Author
Rebecca Daniels has been a university professor for many years who has also simultaneously had a vital creative career in the theatre. Throughout her career, her work has always been a mix of performance, teaching, and her own writing.
Her groundbreaking book on women directors and the effects of gender on their work is currently still in print [Women Stage Directors Speak: Exploring the Effects of Gender on Their Work, McFarland, 1996], and she has been published in several theatre-related professional journals over the years as well. After her retirement in the summer of 2015, she was finally able to focus all her energies on this book.
This giveaway is for 1 print copy open to Canada and the U.S. only. There are also 2 pdf copies open worldwide. There will be 3 winners. This giveaway ends August 1, 2020,midnight pacific time. Entries are accepted via Rafflecopter only.
Discover the life of Jane Goodall―a story about curiosity, passion, and saving animals
Jane Goodall is a celebrated scientist for her studies of chimpanzees in the forests of Africa. Before she observed chimps and helped save them from losing their home, Jane was a curious kid who loved learning about animals. She showed people that women could be scientists, just like men, and fought to follow her dream of working with wild chimps. Explore how Jane Goodall went from being a young nature lover in England to the most important chimpanzee expert in the world.
This Jane Goodall chapter book for kids ages 6-8 includes:
Word definitions―Discover helpful definitions for the more advanced words and ideas in the book.
Test your knowledge―Take a quiz at the end of the book to make sure you understand the Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How of Jane Goodall’s life.
A lasting legacy―Learn about how Jane made the world a better place for future generations of both humans and animals.
How will Jane Goodall’s strong will inspire you?
My Review
I chose to read this book after receiving a free copy from the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.
I think everyone knows the name Jane Goodall and associates her name with chimps. There’s so much more to her life story than that, though, and this book fills in the blanks.
The Story of Jane Goodall is written for young readers, but I found it interesting as well. I recently watched a documentary about her, but there were still some facts in this book that I didn’t know.
There are some extras in The Story of Jane Goodall that are included in all of the books in this series, and they will encourage children to learn. Some of the words are bold which means they are in the glossary in the back. There are also family trees, time lines, and graphics called “Myths vs. Facts.” Occasionally, there’s an arrow with “Jump in the Think Tank” suggestions, which encourage children to express how they might feel in the same situation. There’s a quiz at the end as well as additional Think Tank questions.
It’s important to teach youngsters about Jane Goodall. She not only did some amazing work with chimps, but she did so when women’s options were limited as far as their careers. This is definitely a book that should be in every child’s library.
About the Author
Susan B. Katz is an award-winning, Spanish bilingual author, National Board Certified Teacher, educational consultant and social media strategist. As a former bilingual educator of over 25 years, Susan incorporates props, puppets and multimedia into her presentations making them interactive and engaging. Susan has eight published books with Scholastic, Penguin Random House, Barefoot Books and Callisto Media. MEDITATION STATION, about mindfulness and trains, comes out this fall with Bala Books (Shambhala). She has six chapter book biographies with Rockridge Press including THE STORY OF RUTH BADER GINSBURG, THE STORY OF FRIDA KAHLO, THE STORY OF JANE GOODALL and THE STORY OF ALBERT EINSTEIN. Scholastic published Susan’s book ALL YEAR ROUND and it was named “Best New Book” by The Children’s Book Review. She translated it into Spanish as Un Año Redondo. MY MAMA EARTH (Barefoot Books), won the Moonbeam Gold Award for Best Picture Book as well as being named “Top Green Toy” by Education.com. ABC, BABY ME! (Random House) debuted to rave reviews and sold out of its first print run in three months. ABC SCHOOL’S FOR ME (Scholastic) was illustrated by Lynn Munsinger and reviewed as “having verse that never misses a beat.” Susan is also the Founder and Executive Director of http://www.ConnectingAuthors.org, a national non-profit bringing children’s book authors and illustrators into schools and libraries as role models of literacy and the arts. Ms. Katz served as the Strategic Partner Manager for Authors at Facebook. When she’s not writing, Susan enjoys salsa dancing and spending time at the beach.
Discover the life of Alexander Hamilton—a story about working hard, blazing trails, and fighting for freedom
Alexander Hamilton became one of the most important Founding Fathers in American history. He helped win the Revolutionary War against England and invented our nation’s first banking system. Before that, he was a playful kid who loved to write and believed in hard work. Born on a Caribbean island, Alexander overcame many hardships to come to America and earn a name for himself.
Explore how Alexander Hamilton went from being a young immigrant boy with strong values to a celebrated American leader and icon.
This Alexander Hamilton chapter book for kids ages 6-8 includes:
Helpful definitions—Discover a glossary with easy-to-understand definitions for the more advanced words and ideas in the book. His lasting legacy—Learn how Alexander shaped the world for future generations—including you! Test your knowledge—Take a quick quiz at the end of the book to make sure you understand the Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How of Alexander’s life. How will Alexander Hamilton’s remarkable story inspire you?
My Review
I chose to read this book after receiving a free copy from the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.
Alexander Hamilton was one of our Founding Fathers. He was a very smart man who started life poor and was an orphan by the time he was around 10 years old. It’s amazing what he made out of his life, but, sadly, he’s best known for dying in a duel with Aaron Burr, an enemy who had once been his friend.
This biography is written for young readers, and it not only teaches about Alexander Hamilton but about some of the history of our country. There are some extras included in The Story of Alexander Hamilton that will encourage children to learn. Some of the words are bold which means they are in the glossary in the back. There are also maps, time lines, and graphics called “Myths vs. Facts.” Occasionally, there’s an arrow with “Jump in the Think Tank” suggestions, which encourage children to express how they might feel in the same situation. There’s a quiz at the end as well as additional Think Tank questions.
It’s important to teach youngsters about Alexander Hamilton and other historical figures like him. He proved that no matter what life has dealt you, you can come out on top. This is definitely a book that should be in every child’s library.
About the Author
Christine A. Platt is a historian and storyteller of the African diaspora. She holds a B.A. in Africana Studies from the University of South Florida, M.A. in African Studies from The Ohio State University and received her J.D. from Stetson University College of Law.
Her debut novel, The Truth About Awiti, was published under the penname CP Patrick and won the 2016 Independent Publisher Book Awards Gold Medal for Multicultural Fiction. The Truth About Awiti is currently used in high schools, colleges and universities to teach the history of the trans-Atlantic slave trade. Christine’s highly anticipated children series, Ana & Andrew, will be published on December 15, 2018 (ABDO Books/Calico Kids).
Christine currently serves as the Managing Director of the Antiracist Research & Policy Center at American University under the leadership of National Book Award-winning author, Dr. Ibram X. Kendi. She is a proud member of the Association of Black Women Historians and the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. She is also an Ambassador for Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. Additionally, Christine is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.
You can follow Christine on Instagram via @theafrominimalist, where she interacts with thousands of friends and fans on minimalism and, of course, books.
Bound 4 Escape 