Author D.G. Driver, on her Award-Winning Book

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME A WRITER? 

I wrote as a hobby when I was young and dabbled with my first novel in college just to see if I could do it. My real passion was performing, and I majored in Theater Arts. I really got hooked on writing after taking a class called “The Literature of Fairy Tales” my senior year in college. I was inspired to write my own original fairy tales and then was eventually hired to write an original fairy tale for a children’s theater company in Los Angeles. After that I started pursuing writing, particularly writing for children, as a career.

WAS THERE A TEACHER OR OTHER MENTOR WHO INFLUENCED YOUR WRITING?

I didn’t have a writing mentor. When I was first starting out, I read Zen and the Art of Writing by Ray Bradbury, and I followed a lot of his advice. I read (and continue to read) a lot of middle grade and young adult books to see what works and what doesn’t. I also have been a member of SCBWI since 1999 (Midsouth region since 2004) and learn so much from their conferences and workshops.

HOW DID YOU GET THE IDEA FOR YOUR AWARD WINNING BOOK? 

No One Needed to Know is based loosely on my personal experience of being the younger sister of a brother with Developmental Disabilities. He is four years older than me, and we always had lots of fun playing together when we were kids. When I hit about twelve-years-old, I lost interest in playing pretend, but my sixteen-year-old brother did not. That’s when I first really noticed how different he was from other boys his age. This book is based on that time in my life. I also was bullied (for different reasons) in sixth grade, and so was my brother throughout his life, so I used those experiences to create this story.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LINE FROM YOUR AWARD WINNING BOOK?

So, in this book, Heidi’s best friend Bobby has moved away. Since his departure, Heidi had gained a little popularity with the girls in her class, but when they find out about her brother, they tease and bully her relentlessly. Life has gotten hard for Heidi, and she writes to Bobby about it. He writes a sweet letter back to her. This line comes right after his letter.

“I hugged the letter to my chest after reading it several times, grateful that we made a pact to write real letters instead of emails. You can't hold and hug an email.”

It’s my favorite line because I have a love of real mail and handwritten notes. Another one of my books, Passing Notes, is about the art and importance of writing letters.

WHICH OF YOUR CHARACTERS FROM YOUR AWARD WINNING TITLE DO YOU BELIEVE ARE MOST LIKE YOU?

 As I mentioned above, this book draws from my real life. So in a lot of ways, Heidi is me at 11. That said, she is good at sports, and I was not. She is bad at spelling, and I am not. The way she handles her bullying was similar to mine, but the way she confronts it was not something I ever thought of back then.

WHAT MESSAGE DO YOU HOPE READERS WILL GLEAN FROM YOUR AWARD WINNING BOOK? 

Treat people kindly. There’s never a reason to bully, but you should especially not bully someone who has special needs. They are already having a tough time. Why would you want to make it tougher?

I do school presentations about anti-bullying and autism awareness (and I’m willing to travel).

TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE AS A WRITER: 

When I was younger, I was better about writing whenever and wherever. Now, I need more structured time. That said, I used to have a tutoring job in an after school program for gifted students in Los Angeles. I worked primarily with a group of 4th-grade boys. At the time I was writing a historical fiction middle grade novel about the California Gold Rush. When the boys were done with their work and had some free time to play and hang out with each other, I would get out my notebook and add to my novel. The boys liked giving me ideas to add to the story. I wound up using a lot of their names, but the funniest addition was when one of the boys insisted I add a monkey to my story. Well, I did it, and the monkey wound up being essential to helping my main character solve a puzzle in the mystery I’d created. (I haven’t thought of this book in a long time. It was published and went out of print back in 2008 when the publisher went out of business. Maybe it’s time to dust it off and put it out in the world again.)

IF YOU COULD BE COMPARED TO A WELL-KNOWN AUTHOR WHO WOULD YOU MOST WANT THIS TO BE AND WHY? 

Well, (blushing) a review from Kid’s Book Weekly compared my writing to Katherine Patterson and Paula Danziger. I’ll take that.

I was a huge fan of Judy Blume as a kid, and Louise Fitzhugh’s Harriet the Spy was my favorite book when I was in 6th grade. I feel like if you like those authors, and Wonder by A. J. Palacio, you’ll like No One Needed to Know.

WHAT BOOK INCIDENT HAS HAD THE GREATEST IMPACT ON YOUR LIFE? 

Two things come to mind. In 6th grade I stayed home sick from school one day. My boyfriend called me that afternoon to break up. The next day, I went to school ready for all the sympathy, and instead, I got hate. Apparently the day I was out everyone decided I wasn’t deserving of friendship anymore. I got mean notes passed to me and was bullied and picked on for the next two years. I lost all of my friends. To this day I’m still not clear why that happened.

The other thing that was the greatest impact was that I joined Musical Theater class in 8th grade. I met a bunch of Drama nerds, and we became best friends. We stayed like that all the way through high school, and I had an amazing, unforgettable high school experience.

Being bullied was a terrible experience, and I don’t wish it on anyone. It did, however, change my life, opening me up to the possibility of meeting better people, and it taught me to value real friendship.

HOW DID YOU GET PUBLISHED? 

With regard to No One Needed to Know, it was published once before, back in 2004 by a tiny press in Florida called Denlinger's Publishers, same publisher as that historical fiction book I mentioned before. It was titled Special back then. That publisher went out of business, and the rights reverted to me. In 2014, I learned that Schoolwide Inc. was looking for books to fill their Zing! digital subscription book service and were open to books that had been previously published. I did a major rewrite of my book, gave it a new title, and submitted it. It was accepted and went through several edits before they published it in December 2016. They only bought the ebook rights, however, so I took the book they’d professionally edited for me and published it in print through Create Space and Ingram Spark. If you prefer to read the ebook version, I have information about that on my website at or you can visit Schoolwide.

IF A CLOSE FRIEND OR LOVED ONE WANTED TO WRITE A BOOK, WHAT GREATEST PIECE OF ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE THEM? 

Take your time writing the best book you can. It isn’t a race. Also, really investigate your options with traditional publishing versus self-publishing. There are pros and cons to both, and decide what fits you better.

CAN YOU OFFER ANY ADVICE FOR WRITERS ON HOW BEST TO PROMOTE THEIR BOOK? 

I try my hardest, but I’m not the best at promotion. What’s helped me the most is joining groups of other hardworking authors with similar kinds of books. I pay attention to what they are doing and take advice. I also read, read, read everything that comes my way about what sells and what doesn’t.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST LITERARY ACCOMPLISHMENT? 

That’s a hard question to answer. I have several different kinds of published books, and each has had its journey. I’m very proud of the nonfiction work I did for Morgan Reynolds Publishers (writing as Donna Getzinger) because it was challenging work and all of those books got great reviews from the big presses like School Library Journal. Those credits also helped open a few doors for me as a writer. My YA environmental fantasy trilogy The Juniper Sawfeather novels concluded this year, and that was a long journey close to my heart. That said, No One Needed to Know is my most personal book to date, and I’m thrilled at the honors and reviews that it is receiving.

WHAT ARE YOUR GREATEST LITERARY ASPIRATIONS? 

What I dream of is to be the kind of children’s author in demand for school presentations, writing conferences, and book festivals. I’m an actress and a teacher, and I love getting up in front of people to talk about writing and my books. I’d like to see my books in libraries everywhere and have kids doing book reports on them. This is what keeps me writing.

TELL US SOMETHING PEOPLE MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU THAT THEY MIGHT FIND INTERESTING: Funny enough, I’m assuming most people reading this don’t know much about me at all. That said, I’ll share something super random. I have a freckle on the tip of my left ring finger. My daughter has one on the tip of her left ring toe. Weird, huh? We also like to celebrate each other’s half birthdays, because they are exactly six months apart from each other.

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU'D LIKE TO SHARE WITH OUR READERS? No One Needed to Know is about bullying and autism awareness. If you know a tween that suffers from bullying, or you know a school or class that might like a book to help them start the conversation to stop bullying and be kinder to those with special needs, please recommend this book.

WHAT (IF ANY) OTHER BOOKS HAVE YOU PUBLISHED?

The Juniper Sawfeather Novels: YA fantasy with environmental themes

Cry of the Sea

Whisper of the Woods

Echo of the Cliffs

Passing Notes: YA sweet romance novella

I have short stories in the anthologies Fantastic Creatures, Second Chance for Love, Kick Ass Girls of Fire and Ice YA Books, A Tall Ship, A Sail, and Plunder, Tomato Slices, and Winter Wonder – an anthology of children’s Christmas stories.

There’s more, and you can learn about it all, read excerpts, and find purchase links at my website. 

DO YOU HAVE ANY NEW BOOKS IN THE WORKS? I’m currently working on expanding my novella Passing Notes into a full-length book titled All the Love You Write. It will be a collection of three related stories about love letters. My hope is that my publisher Fire and Ice Young Adult Books will put out this new book next year. When I finish that book, I plan to work on another middle-grade novel about special needs to be a companion for No One Needed to Know. If you follow me at Facebook or on Twitter you can keep up with when I have new projects in the works.

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

Beverly Stowe McClure on her award-winning book

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME A WRITER?

My students. When I was teaching 5th grade my students read Newbery Winning and Honor books. Then they did book reports. They had so much fun, sometimes even dressing up as the characters in the books, that I started thinking how nice it would be to write my own book. So I did. Several, in fact.

WAS THERE A TEACHER OR OTHER MENTOR WHO INFLUENCED YOUR WRITING?

I guess my 5th grade students were my mentors, since they were my inspiration. They did not give me advice or encouragement. They had no idea I was learning to write a book. At the time, I was writing articles for children’s magazines based on science and art activities we did in the classroom. They knew about these. I did take two different writing courses. The first was on writing for children’s magazines, which was a great course. The second was writing novels. My instructor was great. Together she helped me learn the basics. I mailed her my different assignments and finished a whole book. It wasn’t published, but I learned a lot.

HOW DID YOU GET THE IDEA FOR YOUR AWARD WINNING BOOK?

A Family for Leona is loosely based on my mother’s life. She was an Orphan Train rider, from New York to Texas. I knew little about her life as a child. Her mother died when my mother was young. Six children were left. Times were different then. They were poor. Their father could not take care of his children, so a couple were adopted there in Brooklyn, a couple were in their teens and got jobs. My mother and the youngest girl were put on the train, along with other orphans and sent to different states. So, I took what I knew of my mother’s life and created the rest from what I knew about her foster family, hoping to show the love that foster parents can give a child, and the child can love them back.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LINE FROM YOUR AWARD WINNING BOOK?

“We now have three precious daughters.” (Leona’s foster mother says this.) It shows that family is family, whether you’re born into it, adopted, or a foster child. It’s the love that counts.

WHICH OF YOUR CHARACTERS FROM YOUR AWARD WINNING TITLE DO YOU BELIEVE ARE MOST LIKE YOU AND WHY?

I’d like to say Leona, but she’s independent, daring, outspoken, and does what she wants to. That’s not me. The oldest sister, Florence, is more like me. She thinks rationally, doesn’t get excited, and tries to help others.

WHAT MESSAGE DO YOU HOPE READERS WILL GLEAN FROM YOUR AWARD WINNING BOOK?

Love is what makes a family.

HOW DID YOU GET PUBLISHED?

I searched for an agent for a long time, but never found one. So I started sending my work to publishers that sounded good, and surprise, I was published. It took a while, but I now have fifteen books published.

IF A CLOSE FRIEND OR LOVED ONE WANTED TO WRITE A BOOK, WHAT GREATEST PIECE OF ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE THEM?

Do it. Never give up. And be patient.

CAN YOU OFFER ANY ADVICE FOR WRITERS ON HOW BEST TO PROMOTE THEIR BOOK?

Promotion is hard for me. I hate to sound pushy, but we have to let the world know about our books. I’m on Facebook and Twitter. I have two blogs. I read and review a lot of books for other authors to help promote their work.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST LITERARY ACCOMPLISHMENT?

Winning the Children’s Literary Awards for four of my books. That is awesome. I’ve also won some other awards: The Next Generation Indie Book Awards, The Eric Hoffer Award. Also, I think it’s great to hear a young reader say he/she really likes my story. That’s what it’s all about.

WHAT ARE YOUR GREATEST LITERARY ASPIRATIONS?

I just want to keep writing and hope someone reads my books. Winning more contests would be nice too.

TELL US SOMETHING PEOPLE MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU THAT THEY MIGHT FIND INTERESTING:

When I was a child, I hated to read. I read only when required to in school, never at home. For book reports, I used the jacket cover, as if the teacher couldn’t tell. In spite of my lack of reading skills, I went to university, graduated with a degree in education and became a teacher. Yeah, who would have thought it? The best step I ever took.

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

Just that I thank all the great authors that have inspired me to do my best and all of the great readers who read what I write. You’re all awesome. Thank you.

WHAT OTHER BOOKS HAVE YOU PUBLISHED?

Under a Purple Moon

Princess Breeze 

I Live in a Doghouse

DO YOU HAVE ANY NEW BOOKS IN THE WORKS?

I’m working on four different ideas now.

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

Author Spotlight, Ann Dwan on her award winning books

WHEN DID YOU FIRST KNOW YOU WANTED TO BE A WRITER AND WHY?

I caught the writing bug when I was battling breast cancer for the second time. Most of my time was spent going to doctors appointments and I needed something positive to focus on. I started writing about what I knew best; which was my children. I soon realized that this was something I enjoyed and it helped me take my mind off my health issues.

​

AS A CHILD, WHAT DID YOU ASPIRE TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP?

I had always wanted to become a teacher; however that didn’t happen. Instead I spent most of my working career in the medical field.

​

HOW DID YOU GET THE IDEA FOR YOUR AWARD WINNING TITLE?

My children’s book series Ali and Buddy was inspired by my own children. My two children Eric and Alicia, who are now adults, are the main characters in my books.

​

TELL US SOMETHING RANDOM/INTERESTING/FUNNY ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE AS A WRITER:

It’s really fun to see the children’s reactions when they learn that Ali and Buddy are not fictional characters; and that they are my own children. Often times Eric and Alicia have joined me at book signing events and the children are so excited to actually get to meet the “real” Ali and Buddy. They get to meet story book characters and that really excites young readers. They have even asked to have Ali and Buddy sign their books!

​

WHICH AUTHOR HAS MOST GREATLY INFLUENCED YOUR WRITING STYLE? Chris Van Allsburg, I would have to say has influenced me and my writing. Like him I didn’t set out to write children’s books. I’m inspired by a child’s endless imagination. Chris Van Allsburg's writing takes the reader on an adventure. I hope children reading my books will want to follow many adventures with Ali and Buddy.

​

WHAT BOOK HAS HAD THE GREATEST IMPACT ON YOUR LIFE?

The Anthology of Children’s Literature (Fourth Revised Edition); my family had this book when I was a child and to this day I still have the book. I remember my parents reading this book to us and now I read it to my grandchildren. This book has a wonderful collection of some of the best in children’s literature.

​

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST LITERARY ACCOMPLISHMENT?

I’m relatively new to the world of children’s literature. I would have to say my greatest accomplishment so far was to be awarded the Children’s Literary Classics Seal of Approval. Then being selected as 2015 award finalist. Then ultimately my books were chosen for the Gold & Silver in their category; General/Preschool.

​

DO YOU HAVE ANY NEW BOOKS IN THE WORKS?

Yes, my next book in the Ali and Buddy Children’s Book Series will be titled “Baby take a Bow”.

​

The manuscript for this book is almost ready to be sent to my publisher. I look forward to releasing this title in 2016. It will be available through Tate Publishing. I’m also working on another book which will focus mainly on Buddy. I hope to continue adding additional adventures of Ali and Buddy to this series.

​

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

Literary Classics 2015 Book Awards Announced!

Literary Classics Announces Youth Media Top Book Award Recipients

Literary Classics announced its 2015 selection of top books for children and young adults today.  Award recipients were selected from entries received from around the globe.  The Literary Classics selection committee is proud to recognize the following titles in children’s and young adult literature which exemplify the criteria set forth by the Literary Classics Awards committee.

A list of the 2015 recipients follows:

TOP HONORS BOOK AWARDS

Enchanted Page
Pitter and Patter
written by Martha Sullivan
illustrated by Cathy Morrison
Dawn Publications

Eloquent Quill Book Award
Charley
by Donna Marie Seim
Illustrated by Susan Spellman
Peter A. Randall Publishing

Lumen Award
Hope is Here!
by Cristina Kessler
Illustrated by Marcos Castillo
Little Bell Caribbean

Words on Wings
Knights of Nevertheless
by R.A. McClure
Self Published

YOUNG AUTHOR AWARD (written by an author under 21 years of age):
Outdancing the Universe
Lauren Gilmore
Hell Press

BEST IN CATEGORY
Best Illustrator  -  Christmas Nevermore, by Marc Cadieux and Herve Bastien, illustrated by Christina Zakhozhay - SRF
Best First Picture Book  -  Penny the Palomino Quarter Horse, written by Gary Scogin, illustrated by Alex Ray - Sarah Book Publishing
Best First Chapter Book  -  Naji and the Mystery of the Dig, Vahid Imani - Stormtop Publishing
Best First Novel  -  Bristol Bay Summer, Annie Boochever - Alaska Northwest Books
Best Picture Book Series  -  I Feel..., written and illustrated by D.J. Corchin - PhazelFOZ Company, LLC
Best Chapter Book Series - Tales of Mr. Snuggywhiskers, C.F. Crawford - Lauco Press

PRESCHOOL/EARLY READER
Picture Book Preschool - Gold,  Sheila and the Magnificent Tail, by Jeremy Shapiro, illustrated by MaryDeaton Heldman - IngramSpark
Picture Book Preschool - Silver, Odie’s Best Friend, Kristen Mott, illustrated Lowell Hildebrandt - Author House
General Preschool - Gold, Wishing Away, by Ann Dwan - Tate Publishing
General Preschool - Silver, Can We Keep Him?,  by Ann Dwan - Tate Publishing
Picture Book Early Reader - Gold, Pancakes with Papa, by Dena Albergo Jayson, illustrated by Rainer M. Osinger - Feme Press
Picture Book Early Reader - Silver, We Are Whoooo We Are, by Melinda Chambers, illustrated by Sue Ann Maxwell Spiker - Headline Books
General Early Reader - Gold, Birds of a Feather, by Karen Chacek - TechStudios, LLC
General Early Reader - Silver, Two Hoots and a Holler, by Karen Chacek - TechStudios, LLC
Health / Self Esteem Early Reader - Gold, A Filly for Laura, Ashley Hotter - Tate Publishing
Health / Self Esteem Early Reader - Silver, Her Pink Hair, written and illustrated by Jill Dana - Guardian Angel Publishing

PRETEEN / TWEEN
Chapter Preteen  -  Gold, Naji and the Mystery of the Dig, by Vahid Imani - Stormtop Publishing
Chapter Preteen - Silver, Sir Princess Petra’s Talent, by Diane Mae Robinson -  Tate Publishing
General Preteen  -  Gold, The 11th Year of Christopher Arthur McDaniels, by Marc Kuhn - Create Space
General Preteen - Silver, I Live in a Doghouse, by Beverly Stowe McClure - Muse It Up Publishing
Fantasy Preteen  -  Gold, The Hunter Awakens, by J.R. Roper - Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly Publishing
Fantasy Preteen - Silver, The Gift of Sunderland, by J.E. Rogers, illustrated by Guy Atherfold - Arcadia Publishing Group, LLC
Mystery Preteen  -  Gold, Fiona Frost, Shillingstone Witch, by Dr. Bon Blossman - Create Space
Mystery Preteen  -   Silver, Search for the Stone of Excalibur, by Fiona Ingram, Biblio Publishing
Fiction Preteen  -  Gold, Star of the Team, by Beverly Stowe McClure - 4RV Publishing
Fiction Preteen  -  Silver, The Castle Blues Quake, by Linda Covella - Beau Coup Publishing

YOUNG ADULT
General Young Adult  -  Gold, Old Earth, by Gary Grossman - Diversion Books
General Young Adult - Silver, Grog Wars, by Anne Sweazy-Kulju - Tate Publishing
Fantasy Fiction Young Adult  -  Gold, Oathtaker, by Patricia Reding - Create Space
Fantasy Fiction Young Adult - Silver, The Universe Builders, by Steve Lebel - Argon Press
Science Fiction Young Adult   -  Gold, The Clay Lion, by Amalie Jan - Bermlord Publishing
Science Fiction Young Adult - Silver, Breeder, by K.B. Hoyle - Writer’s Coffee Shop
Fiction Young Adult   -   Gold, Knights of Nevertheless, by Rachel M. Hough - Self Published
Fiction Young Adult  -  Silver, Strays, by Jennifer Caloyeras - Ashland Creek Press
Historic Fiction Young Adult- Gold, Shadow of the Hawk, by K.S. Jones - Astraea Press
Historic Fiction Young Adult- Silver, The Crimson Emperor, by Wim Baren - Self Published
Poetry Young Adult  -  Gold, Outdancing the Universe, by Lauren Gilmore - Hell Press
Poetry Young Adult  -  Silver, Kinyamaswa, by Andreas Morgner - Apprentice House Press

SPECIAL INTEREST
Biography Preteen - Gold, Evelyn and the War Effort, by Evelyn Rothstein, illustrated by Elizabeth Uhlig - Marble House Editions
Biography Young Adult - Gold, The Violets are Mine, by Lester Morris - Javelina Books
Cultural Issues - Preteen - Gold, Naji and the Mystery of the Dig, by Vahid Imani - Stormtop Publishing
Cultural Issues Young Adult - Gold, Yakimali’s Gift, by Linda Covella - Clean Reads / Astraea Press
Educational  -  Gold, Tame Your Manners, by Loretta Neff - Elegant Way Publishing
Environmental Issues  -  Gold, Christmas Nevermore, by Marc Cadieux and Herve Bastien, illustrated by Christina Zakhozhay - SRF
Faith Based Picture Book  -  Gold, Adoptive Father, written & illustrated by Kayleen West - Etrinity Publishing
Faith Based Young Adult - Gold, The Castle, by Lorilyn Roberts - CreateSpace
Female Audience  - Gold, A Time to Love in Tehran, by C.G. Fewston - Black Rose Writing
Health / Self Esteem - Gold, Strays, by Jennifer Caloyeras - Ashland Creek Press
Holiday Picture Book -  Gold, Ten Little Tricksters, by Penelope Anne Cole - Guardian Angel Publishing
Holiday Book - Gold, Christmas Nevermore, by Marc Cadieux and Herve Bastien, illustrated by Christina Zakhozhay - SRF
Horror - Gold, Unreal City, by A.R. Meyering - Innisfree Press
Inspirational / Visionary - Picture Book  -  Gold, A Story of Becoming, Ayne Cates Sullivan, Ph.D., illustrated by Belle Crow DuCray - Infinite Light Publishing
Inspirational / Visionary  Preteen  -  Gold, Mystical Rules for my Magical Daughter, by D.J. Corchin - PhazelFOZ, LLC
Inspirational / Visionary Young Adult  -  Gold, Ripples Through Time, by Ryan Jordan - LC Publishing
Interactive Book - Gold, Sherlock and Me, by Jeff Nathan, illustrated by Liz Ball - Chucklebooks Publishing
Male Audience  -  Gold, My Big Tow, by Kyle Chirgwin, illustrated by Joshua Otero - TT Publications
Rhyme Book - Gold, Little Bird Lost, by Kate Larkinson, photos by Steve Larkinson - Create Space

The 2015 Literary Classics book award recipients will be recognized during an awards presentation to be held on April 2, 2016 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.  A complete list, including links to Literary Classics' reviews of all award winning books, may be found at clcawards.org.

Literary Classics, an organization dedicated to furthering excellence in literature, takes great pride in its role to help promote classic literature which appeals to youth, while educating and encouraging positive values in the impressionable young minds of future generations.  Judging is based upon the criteria set forth by Literary Classics’ highly selective awards committee which honors books promoting character, vision, creativity and learning, through content which possesses key elements found in well-crafted literature.

The Literary Classics judging committee is comprised of experts with backgrounds in publishing, writing, editing, design, illustration, and book reviewing.   To learn more about Literary Classics, visit their website at www.literaryclassicsawards.com. 


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

Tales of Mr. Snuggywhiskers - The Autumn Tales, by C.F. Crawford, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

When Hallie finds herself mysteriously shrunken and poised in front of a very small door hidden in a tree in her yard, she starts to doubt the plausibility of her unlikely situation.  But then, embracing the moment in her own magical story, she decides to explore what lies on the other side of the door. Thus begins the adventures of Hallie and her sister Cory as they enter the world of Mr. Snuggywhiskers, a talking mouse who wears a three piece suit and a tie.

C.F. Crawford, has penned an imaginative and engaging tale in which civilized mice engage in celebrations and enjoy travel as much as any human might.  Young readers will thrill in the adventures of Hallie and her sister as they discover an entirely unknown world hidden right in their own backyard.

Tales of Mr. Snuggywhiskers - The Autumn Tales, 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

Naji and the Mystery of the Dig earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

Naji and the Mystery of the Dig is the highly engaging tale of a day in the life of  Naji, an eight year old girl growing up in Persia during the 1940s.  One morning Naji is awakened by the sound of men working out in her family's courtyard.  As she soon learns, it has been over thirty years since their family built its first septic tank and now it is time for a new one.  The men are working on its replacement as they dig a hole deep in the earth using pick axes and shovels.

Naji has an overwhelming sense that something is lurking below the surface of the dig.  Her childlike curiosity nearly consumes her with a need to peer down inside.  As the day progresses the hole becomes deeper and deeper as she tries to persuade her family to allow her to peek into the mysterious hole.  A sense of urgency overwhelms her as she realizes she must persuade her father to let her have a look soon before the opening is covered back up.  The longer Naji must wait to satisfy her curiosity, the more her imagination fuels the wildly creative scenarios she has conjured up in her mind.

As Naji's story progresses, readers are introduced to Naji's world, a place steeped in a rich and colorful history filled with lovely customs and traditions.  Unfamiliar words and phrases are highlighted in italics indicating that a definition has been provided at the back of the book.  Each definition goes into detail offering an interesting bit of background which further enhances the interest and educational value of this enticing book.

Author Vahid Imani has crafted a book which is sure to hold the interest of young readers while offering a rare and enchanting glimpse into the fascinating culture of Persia in the 1940s.  This book comes highly recommended for classrooms and school and home libraries.  Naji and the Mystery of the Dig 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

Seal of Approval Recipient, Precious Bones by Mika Ashley-Hollinger

Occasionally we come across a book which transports us to another time or place as it feeds the mind and nurtures the soul; Precious Bones is one of those joyously rare literary finds.   

Precious Bones is the entrancing story of Bones, a ten year old girl growing up in the swamplands of Florida in the 1940s.  In this, her debut novel, Author Mika Ashley-Hollinger has conjured up a vividly colorful cast of characters that nearly saunter off the pages of her book to take up residence in the hearts of its readers.

Bones is a bright girl who isn't afraid of much.  But when her daddy is put in jail on charges of murder, she's afraid it will take a miracle to set him free.  With wide-eyed curiosity and wiser-than-her-years introspection, she resolves to get answers and find her own miracles. 

Growing up in a small town, steeped in culture and folklore, she is embraced by a community which nurtures her inquisitive nature. Bones and her best-friend do a little sleuthing of their own as they search for evidence that will absolve her father of any wrong-doing.  Along the way she learns that sometimes one must search beneath the surface of things to find real truth . . . and that things aren't always as they seem.

Precious Bones is a book that will intrigue and delight readers of all ages and is sure to become a timeless classic.  This book has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval and is highly recommended for home and school libraries.



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

Author Spotlight - Tracy Helixon on her award winning book

Author, Tracy Schuldt Helixon, on her award winning book: Little Isaac’s Big Adventure

E-Book: http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/little-isaac.htm 

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WRITING?

I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember! In fact, when I was five years old, my parents found me writing all over my baby brother. When they asked what I was doing, I told them he thought he was a piece of paper. My household had no shortage of creativity and imagination!

I’ve been a full-time writing teacher at Western Technical College in Wisconsin for the past fourteen years. About five years ago, I decided to become more serious and purposeful about my freelance writing. I joined the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and started attending conferences. I’ve learned so much since that time!

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BEGIN WRITING?

When I was a child, my siblings, cousins, and I would write and perform plays for our family. My parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles always encouraged us. The process of creating the plays was so much fun, and the encouragement we received when we performed them fueled the fire.

I truly believe that the imagination and creativity they fostered carries far beyond writing and helps me in countless areas of my life—both personally and professionally. As an adult, writing helps me to tap into that creativity and energizes just about everything that I do.

WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND YOUR AWARD WINNING TITLE?

When my second son was a toddler, he used to ask me when it would be his turn to be the big brother and my oldest son’s turn to be the little brother. I realized that like so many children, he became frustrated when he couldn’t do all the things his older sibling could do. That concept helped to drive Little Isaac’s Big Adventure. And, in the book, my younger son DID get to be the big brother because I named the big brother character after him.

IS THIS YOUR FIRST BOOK?

Yes, and working with Guardian Angel Publishing has been wonderful. I’m grateful to be part of such a supportive group of writers and illustrators. The publisher, Lynda Burch, is amazing. I’m still in awe of what she accomplishes to support her writers and illustrators.

WHAT (IF ANY) OTHER BOOKS HAVE YOU PUBLISHED? 
(PLEASE PROVIDE LINKS TO PURCHASE IF APPLICABLE)

I have short stories in three of Knowonder’s collections of short stories for children. 

DO YOU HAVE ANY NEW BOOKS IN THE WORKS?

Yes! I’m thrilled to share that my next picture book, Caleb’s Light, will be published by Guardian Angel Publishing sometime in 2014 or 2015.

Caleb’s Light is a story close to my heart. It was inspired by a visit to Eagle Bluff Lighthouse in Door County, Wisconsin. It’s a picture book about a forgotten time, when families lived in lighthouses to keep the light shining, rescue lost ships, and help sailors find their way. Everything changed when the lights became automated. Caleb’s Light is the story of a life-long friendship between a young boy and the lighthouse where he grew up.

The book will be available at Guardian Angel Publishing’s website, on my author website, and at Amazon and Barnes and Noble’s websites.

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF:

I live in Wisconsin with my husband, Chris, and our three children. We love to read together, play together, and go on family adventures. I’ve also been an English teacher at Western Technical College in Wisconsin for fourteen years; currently, I’m chair of the Communication Skills Department. I feel blessed that almost every day, I get to do the things I love—read, write, and spend time with family, friends, colleagues, and students who inspire me.

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

I have kissed the Blarney Stone (after all, every writer can use the gift of gab!) and climbed the stairs of William Butler Yeats’s tower. When I was in college, I lived in Ireland for four months and met my relatives who still live there. Every year on St. Patrick’s Day, my family celebrates with homemade Irish soda bread and Irish stew.

WHAT DO YOU MOST ENJOY DOING IN YOUR SPARE TIME?

I like to run, read, write, play board games, and watch movies—sometimes on my own, and sometimes with friends and family.

WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE TV SHOW/MOVIE?

I have lots of favorites! The movie It’s a Wonderful Life and the TV series Little House on the Prairie are two at the top of my list.

WHAT CHALLENGES DO YOU FACE AS AN AUTHOR?

My biggest challenge is making time to write. I’m blessed to have many good things happening in my life, and they all take time! I’m learning to be more purposeful about setting aside time for writing.

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR OTHER ASPIRING AUTHORS?

Read. Be open to feedback, and don’t be afraid to revise. You can always go back to the original if the changes don’t help your story, but you might uncover something wonderful in the process. Join a professional organization where you can learn from other writers and nurture the creative process.

CAN YOU OFFER ANY TIPS ON GETTING PUBLISHED?

First, enjoy the process! Never lose sight of the art of writing. The process of writing is like air for me. Getting published is a bonus.

Find a good critique group, and consider setting your work aside before sending it to a publisher. Then, you can look at it with fresh eyes and make it even better before you submit it.

If you are interested in a publisher, study what else the company has published to see if your story would be a good fit.

And remember--enjoy the process!

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

To Young Readers:  If you like to write, keep writing! You can bring ideas and perspectives to your story that nobody else in the world can bring. Have fun telling the story that only you can tell!


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