Concrete Wings, by Beverly Gandara, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

Julian is a young boy growing up in Cuba during the rebellion and overthrow of the government by Castro. He comes from an extrinsic family which values wealth above all. When the political situation becomes dour and it looks as though his father’s wealth may be in jeopardy Julian is sent alone to New York City to retrieve smuggled family jewels. The boy soon learns that not everyone behaves like his dysfunctional parents. But years later when they are able to join him his life is once again overwhelmed by his self-absorbed family with all their obsessions and peculiarities.

Beverly Gandara’s Concrete Wings brings to light the oppression brought on by communism as well as the extreme hardships suffered by Cubans during this era.  Readers are introduced to the effects of Castro’s policies on the Cuban people as seen through the eyes of a teenage boy.  The world is full of strange and marvelous people and this story introduces the reader to several memorable ones.  This delightfully entertaining yet poignant tale will stay with readers long after the last page has been turned.  Recommended for home and school libraries, Concrete Wings 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

The Island, by Patricia Mahon, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

Is the art of formulating words becoming extinct?  Have texts, emoticons and e-mails smothered the act of communication? 

"You would think technology would make communication easier."
"That's the irony, Percy.  It's shut everything down!"
 . . . thus begins a snippet of dialogue in this thought-provoking novel about an app created to encourage people to put aside their digital distractions and engage in the art of story-telling.  The Island is a compelling tale within a tale which draws readers in with the turn of each page.  Employing the use of this interactive app, participants become immersed in a world created by people from around the globe who breathe life into an interchange of ideas which cohesively develop into a free-form story.

A compelling read that’s hard to put down, fantasy and reality merge to create a fascinating tale of adventure, love and hope. As the story develops we are drawn into Morgan and Percy's world and that of their app.  Author Patricia Mahon has crafted a particularly relevant novel with a powerful message which resonates with readers on many levels.  Well written and entirely unique, The Island 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

Tallas, by Cathrina Constantine, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

It’s the future, and due to a catastrophic event, the world has been afflicted by severe mutations of people, animals, and plant-life. Tallas is a confined township wherein mutants are forbidden to enter.  The town is controlled by mediators who control the welfare and resources of the community. Residents of Tallas are told the wilderness outside is dangerous and is filled with deadly mutant creatures. But one tenacious family risks everything to leave the security of Tallas in order to protect their son from the threat of a dreaded assignment. Risking everything, they escape their home in the middle of the night, heading into the unknown of the wilderness.  

Author Catherina Constantine is a gifted story teller.  She offers vivid descriptions of other-worldly creatures, deadly vegetation, and evil enemies that readers will love to hate.  Tallas is an exciting dystopian adventure with lots of unexpected plot twists which keep this book flowing at a fast pace.  With characters that are believable and well developed, especially the lovable and dynamic family which is the focus of this story, this book is sure to hook readers of all ages.  We look forward to the much-anticipated sequel to Tallas.  

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

Ghost Hand, by Ripley Patton, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

Ghost Hand is a paranormal work of fiction about Olivia, a seventeen year old girl with PSS (an affliction causing one’s flesh to be replaced by an ethereal energy).  She discovers her PSS hand has unusual powers. Under the guidance of other afflicted teenagers she learns to direct her hand’s energy.  But she soon discovers there are those who wish to harness her hand’s energy and will do so at any cost.

This highly engrossing book, the first in a trilogy, is well written and immediately commands the attention of its readers.  Elements of danger, excitement, and romance make this book an intriguing read that is not easily put down.

The character of Olivia is depicted as a strong and empowered young lady.  Teens will find this book to be quite relatable.  The author’s ability to depict vivid and extraordinarily tangible scenes helps awaken strong emotions in the reader.  The foundation has been solidly built to continue this trilogy with the reader left deliriously wanting  for more.

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

Grog Wars, by Anne Sweazy-Kulju, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

The wild west was wild but offered challenges to those brave enough for the adventure. Burke Kaufman, a young German who has been sent by his father to America to expand the family business, is one such man.  Burke’s father and another man, who has fallen on hard times financially, arrange for their son and daughter to marry.  After crossing the Atlantic by ship, they traverse the Oregon trail and finally reach Portland to open a brewery.  Grog Wars covers the trials and tribulations of this tenacious young man as he endures the rigors of travel in the 1800s, settles in a strange new town, and struggles to make his arranged marriage work.

Author, Anne Sweazy Kulju’s novel, Grog Wars, is a real treat for historical fiction buffs. One minute the author has the reader laughing, the next minute anxious and fearful for the characters, when suddenly a touching event stirs the heart.  Her characters come-to-life with detailed descriptions and genuine personalities. With danger always around the corner and lots of twists and turns, this book is a highly engaging read. We hated to see the story end.  The author has a marvelous handle on subtle humor. Her characters are unique, believable and full of depth. Whimsy abounds within the pages as she introduces historic events and fictionalized accounts in a manner which keeps the interest level high.

Historical fiction buffs are sure to love this book which is highly recommended for a young adult / mature audience.

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

All the Skies I will not See earns the CLC Seal of Approval

David Medwin is not unlike many young people in that he wrestles with thoughts of confusion and self-doubt.  As he strives to live his life well while coming to terms with the contradiction of who he is and who he wishes to be, he allows indecision to dictate his life's journey.

Author Petra March is a truly gifted writer.  The way in which she has crafted this raw and genuine story exhibits rare talent.  Lovers of the written word will enjoy Petra's writing long before they fall in love with her message.  Exquisitely penned, brilliantly told, All the Skies I will not See packs a powerful punch in this short and touching novella which 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

The Violets are Mine earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

The Violets are Mine, a memoir by Lester Morris, is the story of a young boy growing up in England’s orphanages during World War II.  Morris’s retelling of the harrowing experiences he endured as a child is told with true grace and charm.

A heartfelt thank you to Les Morris for sharing his early childhood memories. His rich descriptions force the reader to pause and marvel at his genuine will to survive some horrific events which no child should ever be expected withstand. The message of endurance and hope resonate throughout his stories and remind us that good people exist in society and that a kindness extended is returned a thousand times more. 

The Violets are Mine 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 MELANIE SCHWAPP ON HER AWARD WINNING BOOK - DEW ANGELS

AUTHOR  MELANIE SCHWAPP ON HER AWARD WINNING BOOK  

 

DEW ANGELS

WHEN DID YOU FIRST KNOW YOU WANTED TO BE A WRITER AND WHY?: As a child, that was how I expressed myself. I learnt how to interpret and transfer emotion from within myself to paper, and as I got older, I developed an interest in observing human interactions. At school, writing assignments got me the highest grades, and by the time I attended college, it had become my passion.

AS A CHILD, WHAT DID YOU ASPIRE TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP? I wanted to be a Journalist and cover events all over the world

HOW DID YOU GET THE IDEA FOR YOUR AWARD WINNING TITLE?: I've always loved mornings - the freshness and quietness of the beginning of a new day. The glistening look of everything covered in dew gave me the idea of  Dew Angels.  Dew Angels actually took me seven years to complete, and when I was finished I couldn't understand why I felt so sad. One day I realized that it was because the characters had become such a large part of my life that I missed them terribly.

TELL US SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE AS A WRITER: When my children were young, my husband and I would read to them every night at bedtime. However, one summer we went to the UK for vacation, and at bedtime we realized that we'd forgotten to pack all of the children's favorite books. To appease them, I began to tell them stories relating to the myths of my country, Jamaica, using a girl called 'Lally-May' as the main character. Very soon, my husband also came to listen to the stories, and every day as we went sightseeing they would all ask me, 'What is Lally-May going to do tonight'. So 'Lally-May', the character of my first children's book, was born out of necessity on that vacation, and now has become a popular character for many young Jamaican children.

WHICH AUTHOR HAS MOST GREATLY INFLUENCED YOUR WRITING STYLE?: Chimamanda Ngozi Adiche; Toni Morrison

WHAT BOOK HAS HAD THE GREATEST IMPACT ON YOUR LIFE?: A Woman of Substance was one of the first novels I read when I graduated from my Nancy Drew series as a young girl. I couldn't believe that a book so big could have gripped me so much on every single page. That book began my love affair with novels.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST LITERARY ACCOMPLISHMENT?: I think completing my very first novel, Dew Angels, and them hearing from the very first reader just how much the book impacted her was one of the greatest accomplishments for me. Writing had always been such a personal experience, so presenting my book to the public and hearing that it really did have some validity meant the world to me.

HAVE YOU PUBLISHED ANY OTHER BOOKS?: Yes,  LALLY-MAY'S FARM SUSS

CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE PROCESS OF BECOMING PUBLISHED AND ANY TIPS YOU MIGHT OFFER FOR OTHER ASPIRING AUTHORS?: In Jamaica, it is very difficult to get a publisher as a first time author, so I eventually had to self-publish. However, my recommendation to authors is to write your heart out, and then get the best editor you can find to help to 'pare' your material into an effective piece. Even in self-publishing, I find that a great editor helps to direct you where you may sometimes get carried away with your own emotion by giving you objective advice and very constructive criticism.

CAN YOU OFFER ANY ADVICE FOR WRITERS ON HOW BEST TO PROMOTE THEIR BOOK? Readings and readings and more readings. Talk shows, radio shows, cable shows, school readings, library readings ... I think getting out into the public as much as possible and putting a face and personality to your work begins conversation that stimulates lots of interest. People are very curious about the process of creativity, so when you present yourself as a personable character, I find that the public wants to delve a little more 'behind the scenes' and want to see exactly what you've written. They may or may not like your book, but it is still a positive thing that conversation about your work is being generated.

DO YOU HAVE ANY NEW BOOKS IN THE WORKS?: I am working on another novel which I'm hoping will not take me as long as Dew Angels took to complete.  I am not quite sure yet - hopefully this time around I will be able to use a publishing house so we will see what happens



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

Night of Pan, by Gail Strickland, earns the CLC Seal of Approval

Thaleia is a young girl who was betrothed to Brygos, a considerably older brute of a man, when she was just five years old.  Night of Pan begins when Thaleia is fifteen years of age.  The  day has come for her to be married, but feeling she can't possibly marry Brygos, she flees her village.  As she takes flight through the woods she has a face-to face encounter with the god Pan, who persuades her to stay in Delphi, where she is needed by her people.

As the story progresses, Thaleia comes to learn who she is and what her role is as the Oracle of Delphi.  But realizing her potential and fulfilling her destiny will not be easy when an imposter Oracle is already established. Saving Delphi seems nearly impossible when she must prove that she is the true Oracle and find a way to defeat the power-hungry priest, Diokles, who is determined to stop Thaleia at all costs. 

Night of Pan is a suspenseful and intriguing book that will appeal to a broad audience, especially those interested in Greek mythology.  Author Gail Strickland has skillfully woven mythology and history into an engaging coming of age novel that is sure to connect with young readers on many levels.

Night of Pan has received 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

Glimpse, by Steven Whibley, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

Glimpse is a rare gem of a book. From the first page, the reader is drawn into the world of Dean Curse, a young man who, inexplicably, begins to have horrific visions. Whibley has created a cast of characters that are both genuine and likable, and he has woven a tale that keeps the reader engaged right up to the cliff-hanger of an ending which taunts the reader with what will surely be a riveting continuation to the Dean Curse Chronicles.

Steven Whibley has made quite a first impression with this, his debut novel. We look forward to reading more of his work and following the progression of this budding author's writing career.

Glimpse 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

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

Author Spotlight - Lumen Award Winning Title: Eagle of Delight, by Dr. Jean A. Lukesh

 

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WRITING?

I’ve been writing all my life, or for as long as I can remember.

　

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BEGIN WRITING?

I grew up with lots of books, and I have always loved stories and reading. It just seemed natural to me to write some of my own stories in my head and then tell them to my friends or to transfer them to paper. When listeners or readers wanted to hear more, I was hooked on writing.

　

WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND YOUR AWARD WINNING TITLE?

I have always loved the Old West, horses, and Native American culture and history. The young Otoe Indian woman in my book, and the Plains Indian chiefs who traveled with her, once lived not far from where I now live--but they lived more than a hundred years before I was born. They made history and then were almost forgotten. I was intrigued by their story, their journey, and their lives, and wanted to try to recreate it all in my mind and on paper, so that others would know and remember what they did--and what an amazing young woman she was.

 

IS THIS YOUR FIRST BOOK? No, I have written and published several other books, as well as some magazine and newspaper articles. I write the "Nebraska Trivia Quiz" for Nebraska Life Magazine. I sometimes mentor and/or edit other authors and their books, and some of those have won book awards.

　

WHAT OTHER BOOKS HAVE YOU PUBLISHED?

My books include the following:

•The Nebraska Adventure (Gibbs Smith Co., 2005), a 4th grade Nebraska studies textbook (national, state, and humanities award-winning book)

•Lucky Ears: The True Story of Ben Kuroki, World War II Hero (Noteworthy Americans series, Field Mouse Productions, 2010) (2-time national/international award-winning book)

•Sky Rider: The Story of Evelyn Sharp, World War II WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilot) (Noteworthy Americans series, Field Mouse Productions, 2011)

•Wolves in Blue: Stories of the North Brothers and Their Pawnee Scouts (Noteworthy Americans series, Field Mouse Productions, 2011) (2-time national/international award-winning book)

•Doorstep Orphan: Eugene Field and a Trilogy of His Best Loved Poems (Field Mouse Productions, 2012) (2-time national/international award-winning book)

•Do You Know a Hero? (Field Mouse Productions, 2012)

•My Favorite Dog and Cat Story (Field Mouse Productions, 2013)

DO YOU HAVE ANY NEW BOOKS IN THE WORKS?

I am currently working on another biography of one of the Native Americans who traveled with Eagle of Delight. He was a Pawnee chief who also had an amazing impact on history--and he lived not more than 15 miles from my home (as the crow flies) but more than a hundred years before I was born. I started his book about 40 years ago and am just getting back to it. I hope to have it out and available from Field Mouse Productions in 2014.

　

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF:

I was a school librarian and teacher for 30 years before retiring a few years ago so that I could continue to write my own books. I have a doctorate in education, and my children’s books have educational value. My historical nonfiction books, my small press, and I have now won 10 national/international book awards and numerous other honors.

TELL US SOMETHING FUN THAT OUR READERS MIGHT FIND FASCINATING ABOUT YOU:

*I have six horses, including 3 black Arabians; one is a grand-daughter and one is a great-grandson of Cass Ole, the primary black stallion featured in two of the Walter Farley Black Stallion movies.

*I spent a lot of my early years reading tombstones in the huge old cemetery where my beloved grandfather worked. Those epitaphs, names, and dates intrigued me and made me wonder and daydream about the lives and deaths of the people beneath the stones. That was part of my great fascination with history and words.

WHAT DO YOU MOST ENJOY DOING IN YOUR SPARE TIME?

When I have time, I really enjoy reading, writing, or trailriding my horses across country, also visiting historical sites and cemeteries.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE?

I still love westerns (in addition to many other kinds of shows/movies). My favorite movies are Jeremiah Johnson and The Magnificent Seven.

HAS YOUR BOOK RECEIVED ANY OTHER AWARDS?

Yes, my book has also received a 2013 MOONBEAM Young Adult Multicultural Nonfiction Gold Medal.

WHAT CHALLENGES DO YOU FACE AS AN AUTHOR? 

In this digital age, there are so many different publishing avenues open that almost anyone can get published (quickly and relatively inexpensively), but there are so many books out that it is very hard to get your book noticed and purchased. Authors also need to spend a significant amount of time marketing their own books, and that takes up a lot of writing time.

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR OTHER ASPIRING AUTHORS?

Yes, write, write, write, let it get cold, read it aloud, and then write and edit some more. Repeat those steps until the book is the best it can be. The more you write, the more you perfect your craft. Also read (and sometimes research), a lot, in between writing!

　

CAN YOU OFFER ANY TIPS ON GETTING PUBLISHED?

Yes, join writing groups that can help you achieve your goals, but don’t allow people or organizations to drain away your writing time or your desire to be a writer. Look for mentors who are willing to help you learn; listen to them, but also decide your own way to go. Give back by paying it forward, to help younger or less experienced writers whenever you can.

　

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE WITH OUR READERS?

I have a certificate in publishing from Denver University Publishing Institute. It was a great and most worthwhile course that has helped me immensely with my own writing, editing, and publishing. During that course, I worked closely with New York publishers and university publishers. I still do some edit work for various small presses closer to my home, but seldom make any money at it. Most of my time is spent writing my own books

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Reviews & Awards http://literaryclassicsreviews.com

Book Review - Living with Your Past Selves

Taliesin Weaver is no ordinary young man.  In fact, you could hardly call him a young man at all given the many former lives he has lived.  As memories of his past lives suddenly begin revealing themselves in snippets of memories, he struggles to keep his reincarnations a secret.  But his best friend can't help but notice some very peculiar changes in Tal's demeanor. 
Living with Your Past Selves, a debut novel by Bill Hiatt, is one of those books that stays with you long after you've turned the last page.  The characters are honest and genuine and the events that unfold within this riveting novel incorporate a rare combination of sci-fi with time travel and a little Arthurian legend thrown in for good measure.  Hiatt weaves loads of action and adventure with just the right blend of humor to make this captivating read a grand success.

Living with Your Past Selves is a Literary Classics Seal of Approval Recipient and is also a 2013 Literary Classcs Silver Award recipient.

 

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Reviews & Awards http://literaryclassicsreviews.com

Windjamming to China earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

Imagine visiting with your grandfather as he shares the most incredible tales of voyaging at sea aboard the Vigilant, a wind-driven vessel.  Well you need not imagine.  You can live vicariously through Gustav Tjgaard as he shares his memoirs of a time long since forgotten by most in Windjamming to China.  As one reads Tjgaard's gripping memoir it seems you can nearly hear his audible voice as it resonates from the pages of this gripping  autobiographical novel.   His memories of sailing the North Pacific in the 1930s are interspersed with commentary on various details within the story as they emerge within a beautifully penned narrative.  Drifting from regaling his personal experiences as a young sailor, to knot tying, to his thoughts on chess and women and then back again, the author skillfully weaves a tale that is both fascinating and enlightening.  To read Windjamming to China is to catch a glimpse into the mind of a man whose thoughts are rich in memories, steeped in history and intertwined with wisdom and experience.

Windjamming to China comes highly recommended and has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.


LITERARY CLASSICS Book Reviews & Awards http://literaryclassicsreviews.com

The School of Ministry by Braxton A. Cosby earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

Ziv is a genuinely likeable young man who has struggled his whole life to find a sense of belonging.  Having been tossed in and out of foster homes following the murder of his parents at the tender age of six, he has known his share of insecurities.  When Ziv shows up at his best friend Stephanie's house with flowers, determined to profess his love for her, he discovers her home has been vandalized and that she is missing.  Then just as quickly, he is kidnapped by members of a secret society who promise to help him find Stephanie on one condition; he must join them in fighting the forces of evil which plague the world. 

This action-packed supernatural thriller is a highly engaging read.  With many plot twists and creative spins, readers will be intrigued and entertained by this compelling novel.  

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Reviews & Awards http://literaryclassicsreviews.com

Stalked, by Kristiana Gregory, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

Author Kristiana Gregory has spun an elaborate tale in her most recent book, Stalked.  This story of a fifteen year old Danish immigrant has readers quickly immersed in suspense as our young heroine is forced to fend for herself in a country where everything, including the language, is foreign to her.  

During her ocean voyage to America, young Rikke encounters a man whose intentions are clearly dishonorable.  She manages to escape his attempts to force her into becoming his traveling companion, only to face immeasurable set-backs in her plans to ultimately be re-united with her father who waits for her in Wisconsin. 

Ms. Gregory has painted a fascinating picture portraying the tenacity of early 20th century immigrants in the Americas. The characters and their stories come alive through interesting details and the thoughtful reflections of young Rikke as she corresponds with distant friends and loved ones.

This book is sure to capture and enthrall the imagination of young readers while igniting interest in the history of the early 1900's.

Stalked earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval, a designation reserved for those books which uphold the rigorous criteria set forth by the Children's Literary Classics review committee, a team comprised of individuals with backgrounds in publishing, editing, writing, illustration and graphic design.

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Reviews & Awards http://literaryclassicsreviews.com