Author Sandra L. Rostirolla's, Cecilia, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

18-year-old Cecilia, along with her mother, and two brothers, live together in a utopian society formed after the Great War. Cecilia has never known the cruelties of humankind; but following a violent and senseless raid on her village, she is the only person miraculously spared from carnage or kidnapping. Against all odds, she determines to find and free her brothers who were taken as prisoners.  Emboldened by a fierce determination the spirited young woman sets off to the city of Vitus where her brothers are held captive.  

Soon after leaving the only home she's ever known she begins to doubt the sanity of her quest.  But before she has a chance to reconsider she is taken prisoner by Amalardh, an assassin sent to kill the person bearing the symbol which she wears around her neck. 

Author Sandra L. Rostirolla's Cecilia is a true literary gem.  Insightfully penned, with characters that are well-developed, and a plot that sizzles, this book 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 Heir, by Lynne Stringer, Earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

The Heir, by Lynne Stringer, is an intriguing work of fiction that is sure to keep young adult readers thoroughly engaged.  Well developed characters combined with an original and fascinating plot help make this book a real page-turner.  Part science-fiction, part romance, The Heir is the story of Sarah, a high-school student who is deeply infatuated with her best friend's boyfriend, Dan.  When tragedy strikes and her world is turned upside down, Dan is there to help make sense of it all.  Only, now Sarah can't shake the nagging sensation that there's something a bit "off" about Dan.

The Heir is part one in the Verindon series of books by Lynne Stringer.  With an ending that leaves readers craving more, the second book in this series is certain to fly off bookshelves as young adult fans anxiously await the sequel to The Heir.

The Heir comes highly recommended and has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.


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Hometown Heroines, by Betty Bolté, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

Hometown Heroines, by Betty Bolté, is a compilation of stories about young women and girls who helped shape the history of our country.

Some whimsical, and others quite dramatic, each short story is told vividly and with accurate detail.  Each chapter, chronicling a different historical event, is followed by interesting facts to further enhance the preceding story.  These facts include information about supporting literature, monuments, museums, relics and more. 

At a young age, Bolté determined to help bring history alive by finding ways to make historical facts more interesting.  She has done just that in her book, Hometown Heroines, which depicts the tenacity and bravery of young women whose stories are as inspiring as they are interesting. 

Hometown Heroines is recommended by Literary Classics and has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.


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I Like Pink, by Vivian Zabel, Earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

I Like Pink, by Vivian Zabel, is the story of a little girl who is on a quest for the perfect pink dress.  While shopping with her mother, she considers countless dresses that are all made from fabric in varying shades of pink.  At first she is bemused and a little frustrated with all the different colors.  But as the sales-clerk and her mother help her to understand that pink can come in many varying shades, she comes to realize and accept that she likes all kinds of pink. 

I Like Pink is a book with which many little girls will relate.  Expressive illustrations are a wonderful complement to this book, which will educate and entertain children who are fans of the color pink.

I Like Pink earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

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Love the Wounded, by Lynn Dove, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

Love the Wounded by Lynn Dove is the third book in the Wounded Trilogy, but the book is one that can easily be read as a stand-alone novel.  Love the Wounded is a powerful story of love, life and forgiveness in the lives of teens whose worlds are intertwined in ways they could never have imagined. 

Full of honest and raw emotions, Love the Wounded is a book which touches on a number of sensitive teen issues.  -- Author Lynn Dove has done a tremendous job bringing her characters to life as they work through struggles, heartache and healing.  As Christian fiction goes, this book has much to offer to young adults.

Love the Wounded comes highly recommended and has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval. 

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Ruth the Sleuth has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.

Ruth The Sleuth is the story of Ruth, a little girl who is so accustomed to foraging through the clutter in her room that she has become quite adept at finding things in the midst of her messiness.  When she loses her mother's oven mitt, she is given a deadline.  --By the time the chocolate chip cookies in the oven are done baking, the oven mitt must be returned.  No problem for Ruth because, as she says, she is "Ruth the Sleuth" and can find anything.

As Ruth searches for the oven mitt, she discovers other treasures that had been lost in the chaos of her room.  As the minutes tick away, it becomes clear to Ruth that being organized might have its advantages.  As her desire to play outside with her friend becomes more and more acute, she resolves to keep her room more tidy.

With a post script offering creative ideas to help encourage kids to be tidy, along with a recipe for chocolate chip cookies, this book has lots to offer for children, parents and educators.

Written by retired school-teacher, Carol Gordon Ekster, Ruth the Sleuth is an excellent book for school libraries, for reading in classroom settings, and for home reading shelves.

Ruth the Sleuth has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.

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Noisy Bug Sing-Along earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

Ever notice the lovely sounds made by Crickets, Cicadas and other insects?  Well author John Himmelman has written an engaging book for children which teaches youngsters about the busy world of insects and the melodious sounds made by our friends, the bugs.  Fabulous illustrations and graphics, paired with a fun and interesting topic, make the Noisy Bug Sing-Along book a terrific read for youngsters.

An excellent selection for classrooms, libraries and home bookshelves, the Noisy Bug Sing-Along book is likely to become a favorite for young readers.  Complete with sound-wave illustrations and interesting insect factoids, this book is an excellent resource for educating children in a way that is sure to keep them engaged and entertained.

Noisy Bug Sing-Along, by John Himmelman, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

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Wildflower Ranch earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

Wildflower Ranch, by Stefani Carmichael, is the story of Alyssa, a young girl whose little brother is autistic.  Alyssa and her brother Ethan have a very special bond; she knows when and what he must eat, and what needs to be done to keep from triggering emotional upsets that can be traumatic for her brother.   Most importantly, she knows what makes him happy.  When Alyssa's mother disappears, she does her best to take care of Ethan by herself, fearing that if they are taken into protective custody, they might be separated.

For a while, Alyssa manages to take care of her brother on her own.  But ultimately she must accept her limitations and take help from others.  As she learns to have a little faith, she comes to realize that it is okay to lean on others for support. 

Wildflower Ranch is a great book for young readers and includes elements of drama and adventure in a story with a powerful message of hope and faith. This book comes highly recommended and has earned our Seal of Approval

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Author Spotlight - PHC Marchesi

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WRITING?
Ever since I can remember, I've made up stories. I always seemed to be daydreaming, inventing exciting places and adventures for myself. Often I'd run entire adventures in my head while doing something else! Once I was able to write, I began putting together home-made picture books of short stories with my own illustrations. The drawing habit eventually died off, and I focused more and more on writing as I composed several short stories as a teen. Eventually, the stories got so big I began to consider writing novels instead of short stories.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BEGIN WRITING?
As a kid, I remember writing little picture books that I illustrated and put together myself. I also remember writing for different occasions: for example, one of the earliest things I wrote was a eulogy on the death of a beloved pet fish. I didn’t know it was a eulogy back then, of course. All I knew was that I had to write something, because it was the only way I could deal with the situation. As I grew up and continued writing, I found that I preferred writing fantasy/sci-fi – especially since I spent a great deal of time daydreaming about different worlds. I always had so much imagination that the need to get it all onto paper was enormous - in a way, it was a huge relief not to have it all in my head.  I learned to put my feelings, experiences, and life observations within the alien worlds I created.

WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND YOUR AWARD WINNING TITLE?
My own life. When I was a teen, I moved from Brazil to Austria. I still remember, as if it were yesterday, the excitement I felt at the prospect of having a great adventure (that's how I thought about moving to a different country, where the language, culture, and climate were all different from what I was used to). I incorporated those memories into my novel, where thirteen-year-old Shelby and his twin sister Shauna go on an incredible adventure to a parallel dimension. All of my characters, in some way or other, exhibit behavior I've either observed through the years, or have experienced myself.

Before I moved to Vienna, I lived in Rio de Janeiro. Its amazing flora and fauna became the inspiration for Valmorax, the capital city of Miriax. Valmorax is a highly advanced city within the jungle – technology and nature blend in its organic architecture – and has many exotic creatures and plants. The international school environment also influenced my writing, since some of the customs and manners on Miriax are a blend of the many cultures and languages I was exposed to growing up.

IS THIS YOUR FIRST BOOK?
Yes. I’ve also published articles about literature, and have written the book and lyrics for several musicals, the latest of which is North and South, the Musical (http://www.northandsouththemusical.com).

TELL US  ABOUT YOUR NEXT BOOK:
I'm currently working on the sequel to Shelby and Shauna Kitt and the Dimensional Holes. Writing a series has its own challenges, such as the balance between old and new elements and settings, but I’m excited to tackle these challenges and continue the coming-of-age journey of Shelby and Shauna. The most thrilling part of all is imagining incredible new places for them to visit on their new adventure. The novel will be available in May, and readers can purchase it online through the usual channels (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, etc.).

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF:
I have a P.h.D. in English, and teach British literature at Northern Arizona University.  I love teaching undergraduates and discussing literature!

TELL US SOMETHING INTERESTING THAT OUR READERS MIGHT FIND FASCINATING ABOUT YOU:
I was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and lived there for several years until my family moved to Vienna, Austria. I attended the International School in Vienna, learned English and German (in addition to Portuguese, which was my native language), and met kids from all over the world. I also got the chance to travel to several countries, and experience different cultures. Eventually I came to the United States for college, and then graduate school.

WHAT DO YOU MOST ENJOY DOING IN YOUR SPARE TIME?
Going for walks, reading, hanging out with my pets and my family, and having tea.

WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE TV SHOW/MOVIE?
To be honest, I’ve watched very little television recently. Between teaching and writing, I’ve had almost no time to sit in front of the TV and watch something from beginning to end. As a child, ET and the Star Wars trilogy were my favorite movies, and I was completely hooked on sci-fi shows such as Star Trek, Battlestar Galactica, and Buck Rogers. Later it was Babylon 5 and Star Trek:Voyager, which I still enjoy to this day.

WHAT CHALLENGES DO YOU FACE AS AN AUTHOR?
The hardest challenge is finding time to write with a full-time teaching job. Another significant challenge is learning the odds and ends of publicity/marketing, and carving out additional time to promote my writing and make it visible to the public.

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR OTHER ASPIRING AUTHORS?
The most important thing is to write your first draft. Don't agonize over whether it will be perfect. Since you have a story to tell, do it! It’s really that simple. From your first draft you can begin to polish and fix things. It's amazing how much a story develops from the first draft. If you worry too much about making the first draft perfect, however, chances are you'll stifle your story (or yourself) by demanding that everything fit perfectly on the first try. It's a draft - that's all it is. From there the fun begins.

CAN YOU OFFER ANY TIPS ON GETTING PUBLISHED?
Persistence. Persistence. And then more persistence.

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU'D LIKE TO SHARE WITH OUR READERS?
My novel is family-friendly and can be enjoyed by a wide age group. It follows thirteen-year-old brother-and-sister twins whose lives change drastically when a planet from a different dimension (Miriax) recruits them to seal a dimensional hole that allows evil aliens to travel to Earth. From that moment on, Shelby and Shauna Kitt find out that the universe is full of life-draining Klodians, space ghosts, cities in jungles, books that choose their readers, walls that spit, and tea houses serving lilac tea with mushrooms. Shelby and Shauna also discover certain special powers they have, and realize that those alone aren’t enough to defeat evil and turn them into heroes.

In spite of all the evil Shelby and Shauna Kitt have to face, the mood of the novel is joyful and optimistic. I wanted to empower young readers and highlight the value of friendship, teamwork, creativity, courage, and compassion. These are, I think, essential qualities for individual and global success in the 21st century.

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Woody's World earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

Woody is a fun-loving twelve year old boy who can usually be found stirring up trouble with his best friend, Henry.  Each time Woody is caught doing something he shouldn't he receives a healthy lecture from his father on the topic of respect.

When Woody's father's business is forced to shut down as a result of the stock market crash of 1929, his world is quickly turned upside down.  As a boy who once lived quite comfortably, he soon learns the value of money as his father leaves town to find work, leaving him in charge to help put food on the table. As the boy learns to look beyond himself and put the needs of others first, he comes to learn about honor, respect and true friendship.

Author E. Renee Heiss has created a timeless classic in this heartwarming tale which is historically significant and a genuinely terrific read.  With engaging characters and exciting outcomes, Woody's World is sure to enthrall young readers with each turn of the page.

Woody's World comes highly recommended and has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.


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The 2012 Literary Classics Children's Book Awards have been announced

 

Literary Classics Announces Youth Media Top Book Winners

SOUTH DAKOTA - Literary Classics announced its 2012 selection of top books for children and young adults today.  Award recipients were selected from entries received throughout the world.  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 2012 recipients follows:

Best First Picture Book, PreSchool, A Box Story by Kenneth Kit Lamug

Best First Picture Book, Early Reader, Terple Always Dream Bigger by Richie Frieman

Best Illustrator, Bella & Harry, Let's Visit Athens, Illustrated by Kristine Lucco

Best Series, The Bella & Harry Book Series by Lisa Manzione

Best First Chapter Book, Shelby & Shauna Kitt and the Dimensional Holes by PHC Marchesi

Gold - Picture Book, Preschooler,  Fantastic Flight by Barbara Bockman

Silver - Picture Book, Preschooler, Sh Sh Sh Let the Baby Sleep by Kathy Stemke

Gold - Picture Book, Early Reader, Bella & Harry Let's Visit London by Lisa Manzione, Illustrated by Kristine Lucco

Silver - Picture Book, Early Reader, Bella & Harry Let's Visit Cairo by Lisa Manzione, Illustrated by Kristine Lucco

Gold - Educational, Early Reader, The Great Divide, Suzanne Slade

Silver - Educational, Early Reader, Animal Animalogies by Marianne Berkes

Gold - Environmental Issues, Early Reader, Sea Turtle Summer by Nancy Stewart

Silver - Environmental Issues, Early Reader, One Pelican at a Time by Nancy Stewart

Gold - Non Fiction Preteen, Clara's Great War by Evelyn Rothstein

Gold - General Preteen, the Casting by Joyce Shor Johnson

Silver - General Preteen, Return to Finkleton by KC Hilton

Gold - Fiction Preteen, the Reinvention of Moxie Roosevelt by Elizabeth Cody Kimmel

Silver - Fiction Preteen, Walking Through Walls by Karen Cioffi

Gold - Fantasy Preteen, Shelby & Shauna Kitt and the Dimensional Holes by PHC Marchesi

Silver - Fantasy Preteen, Shield Maiden by Richard Denning

Gold - Science Fiction Preteen, Shelby & Shauna Kitt and the Dimensional Holes by PHC Marchesi

Silver - Science Fiction - Preteen, The Crystal Ship by CJ Carter-Stephenson

Gold - Mystery Preteen, the Stone Child by Dan Poblocki

Gold - General Young Adult, Runaway Twins by Pete Palamountain

Silver - General Young Adult, Young, Funny & Unbalanced by David Smithyman

Gold - Fiction Young Adult, Caves, Cannons & Crinolines by Beverly Stowe McClure

Silver - Fiction Young Adult, Young Knights of the Round Table The King's Ransom by Cheryl Carpinello

Gold - Non-Fiction Young Adult, Black & White by Larry Dane Brimner

Gold - Fantasy Fiction Young Adult, Griffin Rising by Darby Karchut

Silver - Fantasy Fiction Young Adult, Drawn by Marie Lamba

Gold - Science Fiction Young Adult, the Limit by Kristen Landon

Silver - Science Fiction Young Adult, the Orphan Ship by Sterling R. Walker

Gold - Mystery Young Adult, Stalked by Kristiana Gregory

Cultural Issues, Clara's Great War by Evelyn Rothstein

Holiday, Santa & The Little Teddy Bear by Peter John Lucking

Self Esteem, Beautiful Wild Rose Girl by B. Magnolia

Female Audience, My Sister is my Best Friend by Nicole Weaver

Mature Issues, In Memory of Dad by Maranda Russell

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 consists 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.

 




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Young Knights of the Round Table: The King's Ransom earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.

When youngsters, Gavin, Bryan and Philip join forces to clear the name of a friend who has been wrongly accused of murder and robbery, the three boys overcome numerous obstacles, including their own fears, to put matters straight.  

This medieval story takes place in the fabled land of King Arthur and his royal knights.  True to the legends of King Arthur, The King's Ransom sets the stage for grand adventure and includes many of the core elements present in other Arthurian tales, including honor, loyalty and friendship.  Cheryl Carpinello's knowledge of medieval history is apparent in this timeless classic which is rich in historical realism and is as enlightening as it is entertaining. 

Carpinello's telling of this heroic tale is sure to introduce young and even reluctant readers to the joy of reading.  Young Knights of the Round Table: The King's Ransom is a literary treasure and earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.

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Shelby & Shauna Kitt and the Dimensional Holes is our latest and greatest book recommendation. When twins, Shelby and Shauna, are approached by the vice consul of planet Miriax, he asks for their assistance in closing the holes which have appeared between Miriax, Earth and the planet Klodius.  These three planets all co-exist in parallel dimensions and are dependent upon each other for their energy.  The vice consul explains that, in particular, Shelby and Shauna have been singled out from everyone on planet earth because of their positive energy.

Because these two middle-schoolers have the most highly concentrated positive energy of anyone on earth, their energy can be channeled to help close the holes between their dimensions.  But, if the holes are not closed soon, the planets will be destroyed.

They, along with a team of others (mostly teenagers) are recruited to help with the mission.  The twins are soon immersed in adventure in a world where inanimate objects rarely exist.  People on Miriax interact with everything from library books, to modes of transportation, which all possess life-like qualities.  From Lendox, the loveable vice consul, to Loola, the Mirian travel vessel, all of Marchesi's characters are full of life and energy . . . some positive, and some not-so-positive.  And woven beneath this entertaining plot lies a foundation of positive messages about life, love, kindness, forgiveness and acceptance.

Author, P.H.C. Marchesi has created an engaging fantasy thriller which is sure to entice and enthrall young readers.  In this classic tale of good vs. evil,  Dimensional Holes is filled with whimsical moments and edge-of your seat thrills.  This book will keep you guessing up until the end.  With every twist and turn of the plot, you will become further engrossed in this tale which is wildly imaginative and extraordinarily crafted.

After reading this book, one can't help but want to spend a little time visiting the fanciful planet of Miriax.  Thankfully, there is a sequel already in the works; and we look forward to visiting Miriax again soon with Marchesi's next book in the Kitt Twins' fantasy series.

Shelby & Shauna Kitt and the Dimensional Holes  comes highly recommended and has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.




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