The Undecided, by Robin Donaruma, has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

In the battle between good and evil Lucas Aarons is on the front-line.  Only he doesn't know it . . . that is until his 18th birthday.

Lucas, a high-school senior, has moved more times than he cares to remember.  Each move is preceded by a series of foreboding dreams.  But when his 18th birthday approaches, his parents finally fill him in on the inconceivable truth behind the dreams and their connection to his role in projecting light into a darkening world.  -- It would appear that Lucas is predetermined to be the leader of a White Army whose mission it is to save the undecided.  The undecided are neither good nor evil; they are the grays, those who have yet to choose between light and darkness.

The Undecided is an exceptionally inventive work of young adult fantasy fiction. Author Robin Donaruma has created a cast of characters that run the gamut from endearing and genuinely likable to downright chilling.  Her use of symbolism and spiritual parallels help forge a depth to this novel which makes it all the more praiseworthy.  This book is highly recommended and has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.


LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

Bubble Tubbie, by Epiphany Schwarz, has earned the CLC Seal of Approval

Bubble Tubbie is an interactive children's picture book offering up countless hours of educational and sensory fun for little ones.  Vibrant and engaging illustrations that seem to pop off the pages of this book are only the beginning of what makes Bubble Tubbie so terrific.  Lyrical verses shape a winning cadence that begs lots of wiggling and jiggling, clapping and tapping.  Float away, from bubble gardens to bubble jungles and even a bubble spaceship within the pages of this finely crafted book.  There are no limits to where some bubbly bubbles and a little imagination can take you.

Bubble Tubbie is available in traditional book format, or as a waterproof, bring-along-in-the-tub version.  Both options are highly recommended and both are of extremely high quality and built to endure lots of abuse from little hands The traditional book is constructed with a padded hard-cover and sturdy, high-gloss pages and includes stickers.  The waterproof bath version is also available in a gift set which includes two tubbie scrubbies and a waterproof LED bubble ball with soothing lights that glow and change colors

It appears that author Epiphany Schwarz hasn't missed a thing when considering all the many ways children and parents might utilize this book.  Bubble Tubbie is sure to become a favorite with little ones and is highly recommended for home libraries and as an excellent choice for gift giving.



LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

Book Teaches Sign Language - Earns Seal of Approval

Shelly Goes to the Zoo, by Kentrell Martin, is a children's picture book which serves to bridge the gap between the hearing and non-hearing.  When Shelly's father takes her and some friends to the zoo, the group encounters all sorts of fascinating creatures.  Shelly, who is very knowledgeable about animals, shares some interesting facts and then she shows them how to say each one's name in sign language.

Colorful and expressive illustrations, by Marc Rodriguez, help to demonstrate the sign language movements in a way that flows nicely within the context of the book.  This book is a fun and educational introduction to sign language that will appeal to children on many levels.   The side story is just as interesting as kids learn facts about their favorite zoo animals.

This book is recommended for home and school libraries and has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.


LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

Sons of the Sphinx earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

15 year old Rosa has an interesting, if not unusual, problem . . . ghosts talk to her.  It's troublesome, to say the least, to have dead people trying to carry on a conversation with her while she's taking a math test.  But one day her unique connection to the underworld takes her headlong into an adventure through time.

Rosa has a fascination with the Egyptian Dynasty, and in particular - King Tut.  So when she is given an assignment to do a project on ancient history she naturally decides to base it on the life of the boy king.  --That's when things really start to get weird for Rosa because for the first time ever an apparition appears before her, and the ethereal being is none other than the one-and-only King Tut.  Soon after, Rosa is whisked away to ancient Egypt where she experiences first-hand encounters with tomb raiders, evil spirits and even friends and foe of King Tut.

Sons of the Sphinx is an engaging work of fiction that incorporates many fascinating historical facts that are skillfully intertwined within the pages of a truly terrific read.  Sons of the Sphinx comes highly recommended and has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.


LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

A Secret in Time, by H.Y. Hanna, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

A Secret in Time, by H.Y. Hanna, is a captivating story told in the first "person" by Honey, a charismatic Great Dane prone to excessive drooling.  Honey accompanies her human to the Royal Dog Show where she meets another pooch that looks identical to her.  She is asked to step in as a replacement in the dog-show when her look-alike is poisoned.  But it would appear that the offense is no fluke, as this event coincides with a string of other unfortunate episodes.

Honey and her friends pool their efforts and talents to find out what's behind the mysterious accidents.  Could it be the Phantom Hound rumored to haunt the grounds where two champion show-dogs died years earlier?

Honey and her friends are determined to find answers.  They each utilize their own unique talents as, together, they investigate the situation.  These clever canines make use of a unique system of communication, including "pee-mail" which they use to carry out their plan to catch the culprit.  But can they unscramble the clues to help save the dogs in the Royal Dog Show before it's too late?

A Secret in Time is a frolicking adventure with loads of fun puppy puns and exciting antics all rolled into a thrilling mystery that's a great selection for young readers.



LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

My Name is Luke, by Jim Ruddle, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

My Name is Luke is a light-hearted adventure that takes place in New England near the turn of the 19th century.  Luke, a quick-witted young boy, has been raised by his grandparents since losing his folks at a young age.

One day, after nodding off on his grandfather's schooner, Luke is unwittingly kidnapped when two boat thieves set sail with him on board.  Luke quickly surmises the ineptness of his accidental captors who know little about sailing and are ill-prepared for their intended journey.  He soon realizes that if he is to survive it will be up to him to keep the boat, and all aboard, safe and sound.

Luke's idle meanderings are full of historical tidbits that help keep the story rolling along at a good clip.  Growing up during a pivotal time in history, with technology in its infancy, he ponders a good deal of things from how telegraphs work, to the source of electricity.

My Name is Luke serves up a healthy portion of wit wrapped up in a raucously good tale reminiscent of some of the classic literature greats. - This book comes highly recommended and has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.


LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

Cycle, by Jay Amberg, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

Uniquely told from a first person perspective, Cycle is a compilation of four different stories.  Narrated by a ring of Redwood trees, a Monarch butterfly, a mother wolf, and a whale, each respective story offers insight into the wonders of nature around us.  Each life-form is confronted by threats of harm while realizing its purpose in the grand scheme on this earth.

Author Jay Amberg's use of eloquent prose, combined with interesting facts and thought-provoking insight, help make this compelling book one that will appeal to many, especially those with an affinity for nature.


LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

The Cockroach Invasion earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

When a third grade classroom is unexpectedly overrun by cockroaches one day, chaos ensues.  But school and the children's education must go on.  So the next day when her classroom of excited students bombards her with questions about the cockroach invasion Ms. Matson, the teacher in classroom #8, decides to address the situation from an educational viewpoint.  Together, the class creates a list of seven questions they'd like to have answers to in regards to the cockroaches that invaded their classroom.  One by one, they work their way down the list of questions until finally, they have resolved the hows and whys of that fateful day when kajillians of cockroaches were found scurrying around their classroom.

Dr. Sherry L. Meinberg has created a compelling children's book that seamlessly combines fact with fiction in this intriguing read that will appeal to a broad audience.  The Cockroach Invasion has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval and is highly recommended for home, school and library bookshelves.

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

The Men Who Made the Yankees, by W. Nikola-Lisa, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

The Men Who Made the Yankees, by W. Nikola-Lisa, explores the birth of professional baseball as we now know it, from inception to the awkward growing pains of its proverbial adolescence.  Once an unruly sport, with players and officials known for excessive cheating, profanity and brawling, a tenacious group of men worked to revive a league that was hovering dangerously near the brink of extinction.  Nikola-Lisa, a life-long baseball enthusiast, introduces readers to fascinating trivia and little-known facts about a sport that has become an American tradition.

Baseball fans are sure to enjoy this book which provides a historical view of baseball along with a more in-depth look into the founders of the Yankees, some of their key players and the contributions they made to professional baseball.


LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

The Curse of the Scarab, by H.Y. Hanna, earns the CLC Seal of Approval

Honey, is a great big, lovable Great Dane with slobbery jowls.  When her owner goes away on a trip and invites a dog-sitter into the house, Honey is forced to share her home with a not-so-intelligent human and her Great Dane puppy, Bean.   Honey isn't too keen on the idea of sharing her home with a puppy that isn't even house-trained.  But eventually she warms to the adorable little pup that seems intent on eating everything in sight. So when puppies in the area begin mysteriously disappearing, followed by the disappearance of Bean, Honey is understandably distraught.

At the site of each puppy abduction, a black scarab beetle is left behind.  Could it be a clue?  Honey and her canine friends join forces to find out the mystery of the scarab in the hopes of rescuing the missing puppies.

Author H.Y.Hanna has conjured a delightful cast of characters, each with their own endearing personalities. With playful puns and creative twists on age-old clichès, Hanna artfully addresses such moral topics as prejudice and stereotypes, gossip and rumors all rolled up into an page-turning mystery.  

The Curse of the Scarab comes highly recommended and has earned the CLC Seal of Approval.




LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

Book about teen depression earns the CLC Seal of Approval

Kaylee has it all, she's popular, a cheerleader, and the homecoming queen at her school.  She's cheerful and outgoing until a major event occurs, turning her world upside down.  - Suddenly she begins to have severe panic attacks and suffers from extreme depression. Her family moves, hoping the new location will help.  But the panic attacks persist to the point that staff in the emergency room are beginning to know her by name.  As her situation worsens, she is institutionalized.

Kaylee resists her treatment and is resentful that she's been placed in a "nut-house".  But with time, she begins to heal.  Ultimately, she comes to realize that asking herself "What if?" is a pointless question that only causes her pain.

Kaylee, "The What If?" Game is a powerful novel addressing issues relevant with youth suffering from anxiety and depression.  Author Christine Dzidrums has approached a sensitive topic with insightful tenacity.  This book is sure to resonate with youth who are trying to cope with feelings of hopelessness.

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

The King, by Lorilyn Roberts, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

The King, by Lorilyn Roberts, is the highly engaging story of Daniel, a young boy who aspires to become a doctor.  His family is Jewish, but they do not practice their faith.  In fact, Daniel is not sure if he even believes in God.  When he unexpectedly finds himself transported in time to the days of Jesus, he is granted a front row seat to events that actually took place in the bible.  He meets John the Baptist, Pontius Pilate, and is witness to the spectacle of a mute whose speech is miraculously restored.

As a result of his wildly adventurous experiences, Daniel seeks discernment to unravel the mysteries of Jesus and his relevance to the Jewish faith as it applies to himself and others.

Author Lorilyn Roberts has skillfully incorporated fantasy, time travel, history and religion into a book that is entertaining, educational and inspirational.  The King is the second book in a series, but reads well as a stand-alone.  The religious components are such that they are not likely to be off-putting to those who might not otherwise appreciate that element.  But history and religion buffs are sure to appreciate the depth provided in this book which makes it all the more engaging to read.


LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

Protostar, by Braxton A Cosby, has earned the CLC Seal of Approval

Prince William, in order to restore honor to his family's name, is sent on a mission to earth to destroy a star-child.  William is joined by his endearing sidekick, IMPI, to find and take out the star-child along with any threat she may pose to his planet.

Enter Sydney, a sassy, outgoing teenager who lives with her grandmother.  Sydney has no idea she is a star-child, nor does she have any idea how to harness her star-powers, or even why she would do so.  Prince William makes the mistake of getting to know Sydney, and then it's too late... he can 't bring himself to end her life.  The problem is that in order to save Sydney, William must turn his back on his family, his people and his planet.

Add to the mix, the fact that William is not the only bounty-hunter sent to end Sydney's life and you've got a really intriguing story that encompasses action, adventure, romance, drama and a measure of science fiction that helps make this multi-faceted book a very engaging read.

Protostar is the first book in the Star-Crossed Saga by award winning author, Braxton Cosby.  Ending skillfully with a suspenseful cliffhanger, this book, with its well developed characters and many surprising twists will leave readers anxiously waiting for the next installment in the Star-Crossed Saga.



LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

Alchemy's Daughter, by Mary Osborne, Earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

In a world where too much learning is considered to be a pursuit of vanity, 17 year old Santina possesses an insatiable appetite for knowledge.  Santina is doubtful that her father will approve of a husband for her with whom she could possibly share a common bond.  So when she becomes infatuated with a young scholar who encourages her ambitions to improve her mind, she is hopeful that her father will see him as a suitable match for her.

As Santina searches for direction and meaning in her life, things take an unexpected turn when she develops an unlikely friendship with Trotula, the town's midwife, who many believe to be a witch.

Author Mary Osborne's adept portrayal of a spirited and intelligent young girl growing up in Italy during the middle ages is an alluring tale that provides an intriguing blend of history, romance, and adventure.  Alchemy's Daughter  is a story with timeless appeal which speaks to young readers on many levels pertaining to the choices one must make when embarking upon the threshold of adulthood.


LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

The Mysterious Mandolin Earns the CLC Seal of Approval

The Mysterious Mandolin, by Aneta Cruz,  is the enchanting tale of Rosalynn, a beautiful young orphan girl raised by her stepmother Dethdemona who is an evil witch.   Dethdemona, intent upon seeking revenge for her sister's death, devises a plan involving Rosalynn and the king.  With all the elements of classic storytelling, Cruz has crafted a hauntingly beautiful tale in which intrigue and suspense abound.

This book comes highly recommended and has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.


LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

Author Spotlight - Braxton Cosby

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WRITING?

Going on about four years now, as a serious novelist that is. I’ve been writing for over twenty years with my educational background and blogging.

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WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BEGIN WRITING?

A calling from God. He told me to write my first novel Protostar and I stepped out on faith that what I was hearing was actually God and not some voice of my own imagination. Now, with The School of Ministry out and the re-boot of Protostar coming next year from Winter Goose Publications, I love it.

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WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND YOUR AWARD WINNING TITLE?

I wanted to give people a new hero. One that had as many flaws and insecurities as most people, but somehow finds the strength to step outside his frail identity and discover a new, bold, powerful one. Ultimately, the book is about the power of Choice. With ‘To Choose, Is Fate’ being the tag line.

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IS THIS YOUR FIRST BOOK?

No, Protostar was my first published novel by a small press company in Atlanta, GA. I was able to get quite a good buzz about the book but I wanted a chance to make a bigger splash with it. Shine it up a bit and shop it around to other publishers. Winter Goose loved the story so much that they decided to re-boot it and the sequel will follow. It’s already done and awaiting a proper edit.

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WHAT (IF ANY) OTHER BOOKS HAVE YOU PUBLISHED?

Protostar: Book 1 of The Star-Crossed Saga.

The new edition is coming out next year.

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DO YOU HAVE ANY NEW BOOKS IN THE WORKS?

I am working on the sequel to The School of Ministry and a couple of novellas that push both S.O.M. and The Star-Crossed Saga along.  The next story arc of The School of Ministry is a bit of a secret right now. I will tell you this though: there is the introduction of Angels and Nephillim.

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TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF:

I’m a physical therapist by trade and I’m happily married with three lovely daughters. I’m fascinated by outer space and I am a huge Washington Redskins fan.

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TELL US SOMETHING OUR READERS MIGHT FIND FASCINATING ABOUT YOU:

I consider myself a Born-Again Christian and I value the importance of a spiritual connection with God rather than joining with religious practices. Also, my Uncle s the legendary comedian Bill Cosby.

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WHAT DO YOU MOST ENJOY DOING IN YOUR SPARE TIME?

I really don’t have much spare time. But, when I get pockets of time to myself, I love to read and watch a good movie. Huge Sci-Fi buff over here! I love anything and everything imaginative.

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WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE TV SHOW/MOVIE?

I thought the Man of Steel was incredible this year. And my wife and I love to watch the Vampire Diaries.

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HAS YOUR BOOK RECEIVED ANY OTHER AWARDS? 

Yes. It won the Gold Medal Award for Readers’ Favorite Young Adult: General category.

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WHAT CHALLENGES DO YOU FACE AS AN AUTHOR?

Getting my work out to the world. I love my story. My books resonate with those who read them. But there is the incredible challenge of getting the masses to know they exist. I am beginning to find a groove now with getting them noticed and hopefully, it will continue to pick up steam.

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DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR OTHER ASPIRING AUTHORS?

Yes. Find a vision, write it down. Pray on it, believe in it, and make it real. Don’t use excuses about why you never got started. Pick up the pen, keyboard, whatever and get it done. Make a story that you love first, and then shop it around.

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CAN YOU OFFER ANY TIPS ON GETTING PUBLISHED?

Don’t be afraid to pay for a professional editing service of your work. It will pay huge dividends in the end if done properly. As a writer, you just can’t catch every mistake. You need someone to look at it and tell you what parts stink and need to be taken out. Stripping that manuscript down and putting out the best product is essential.

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IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU'D LIKE TO SHARE WITH OUR READERS? Please come over to my website and learn about me @ www.braxtoncosby.com. There, you will find out about me and all the projects I am working on. You’ll also find links to my book websites.

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org