Monday, December 30, 2013

Then and Now


Are you old enough – like me – to remember those radio programs we used to listen to as kids on Saturday mornings?
Or the serialized programs that followed on TV? Remember how you could hardly wait until the next episode?
Well...get ready to share that same excitement and anticipation with your children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and other children in your family or circle of friends, they can read in a brand new way, on their electronic devices.
Just like it was with those programs, watch this blog for more details about an exciting development coming soon!

Don't touch that dial!
Amazon Author Page
http://www.amazon.com/Max-Elliot-Anderson/e/B002BLP3EE

Thursday, December 19, 2013

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Contracts Have Been Signed


Watch this blog for information on a brand new middle grade series. Details to follow soon!

Friday, December 13, 2013

True Life Survival - OR - Where Do Your Middle Grade Adventure and Mystery Stories Come From?


 
True Life Survival - OR - Where Do Your Middle Grade Adventure and Mystery Stories Come From? Read this amazing true story on Page 102 in Book Fun Magazine http://www.bookfunmagazine.com/i/219996

Thursday, December 05, 2013

Please Vote for This Blog

My blog is up for Blog of the Year at Book Fun Magazine! Look at the right margin, and down to the 3rd section - Books For Boys with Max Anderson and vote please. http://www.bookfun.org/
Thanks,

Max

Friday, November 29, 2013

Give Kids the Gift of Reading Enjoyment

Rockford, IL: Parents, grandparents, teachers, librarians and others have already discovered the action-adventures and mysteries by Max Elliot Anderson. Mr. Anderson has spent a lifetime in the productions of dramatic films for children, video programs, and hundreds of TV commercials.
Armed with this experience, he brings the same visual excitement and heart-pounding action and adventure to every book.

Readers who like a series will enjoy the
Sam Cooper Adventure Series.
There are also several stand-alone titles available. These include When the Lights Go Out, Terror at Wolf Lake, Legend of the White Wolf, Newspaper Caper, North Woods Poachers, Barney and the Runaway, and The Scarecrow.
What others are saying about books by Max Elliot Anderson:

* "Growing up I loved reading Hardy Boys (preferred them over Nancy Drew) and this reminded me of a contemporary version of Hardy Boys. There is definitely action, adventure and suspense for both boys and girls 8-12 years."

* "Some have said that Sam Cooper Adventures are like good family movies, and Anderson brings his award-winning film and video production experience to the written page in stories that will encourage boys to read."

* "If you have boys, especially boys that don't like to read, then you won't want to miss these books. They will be sure to be favorites for your sons (and daughters)."

* "I'd recommend these books to anyone wanting to encourage their reluctant readers, whether boys or girls, to read. Get yours and dive into the adventures today!"

* "I would happily take an Anderson book over much of what is palmed off as young people's literature today."

* "This is a book that will grab you and hold you until you read the last word."

* "Anderson has written books that middle school readers will gobble up in a night or two!"

* "My daughter said she loved the book and thinks the author writes very well. Overall, she said she would recommend this book to both boys and girls age eight and up."
So, this Christmas, give the gift of reading to your children, grandchildren, or other children in your family and circle of friends. These books are intended for young readers 8 and up.

Author Video
 
Amazon Author Page
 

Monday, November 18, 2013

Saturday, November 16, 2013

Take A Fresh Look At A Timeless Book

I know, we haven't even eaten our Thanksgiving turkeys yet, but Christmas isn't that far off. I'd like to call your attention to a unique book that might be of interest to you.

If you want a great gift for your pastor, a youth worker, ministry leader, missionary, Bible school or seminary student, or if you'd just like something worthwhile for your own study, here's an idea.

Where To Find It In The Bible

Over 4 million copies sold!
My father spent over 25 years assembling and arranging verses from the Bible under contemporary subjects. Now you can have this great resource right at your fingertips.
Locate specific Bible references to over 3,700 contemporary subjects with this Ultimate A to Z Resource. Where to Find it in the Bible
is a unique topical concordance that helps you find biblical passages that apply to traditional and 21st-century topics.

Pick it up today in most bookstores or order from your favorite online bookstore including CBD, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and more.
 
 

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

ARTICLE - How Can A Guy Like You Write For Kids?

Read my new article, "How Can A Guy Like You Write For Kids?" Find it on page 156 of the November issue of Book Fun Magazine. http://www.bookfunmagazine.com/i/203676
 

Monday, November 11, 2013

Crawling My Way Back…Slowly

Well, it’s been a tough last six months where I didn’t feel well but couldn’t figure out why. I knew one of my problems had been a kidney stone, and assumed it had passed through…it hadn’t.

On one particularly bad day, a trip to the emergency room resulted in three different kinds of antibiotics, but an incorrect diagnosis. I kept getting worse. Eventually my system closed down until I couldn’t eat anything; not even liquids. Periodically whatever went in eventually came back up and out. I’m thin already, on a 6’ 4” frame, but I lost about 15 bound in this process.

Finally I went to the doctor in one final act of desperation. I sat in his office at 1:30 and by 2:00 was admitted to the hospital. Several tests were run including scans of my abdomen. An 8mm stone was found stuck in the system, but there was another big surprise. A quite large abscess covered most of my abdominal area.

With around 25 scans, a surgeon guided a long needle through my back until it reached the mass. I had to be awake for this because if he were to hit my spine, I had to tell him if I felt a tingle anywhere. He did and I did. A tube was inserted into the abscess and attached to a pump outside my body. I won’t even begin to describe what came out over the next couple of days.

The next evening, a laser was guided to the kidney stone where it was smashed and removed. Now I’m back on a bunch of antibiotics but at least I’m home and getting stronger. I have to go back for a few more tests in the next three weeks or so, but right now, things are looking much more positive.

I’m not spending a lot of computer time just yet, so I won’t likely respond to emails. What time I do have is on catching up and doing a little promotion since I’ve been pretty much silent on that for such a long time.

I wanted to thank everyone who sent congratulations for a story sold, birthday greetings on Nov 3, and especially for those who have been praying for my recovery. It’s so true, isn’t it? We are fearfully and wonderfully made.

Monday, October 28, 2013

Sweetness...Sadness...and Illness

Photo: We had quite a gathering of the extended Anderson Family this weekend to say "farewell," "well done good and faithful servant," and "until we meet again" to our mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister-in-Christ, and friend Doris Ilene Jones Anderson (also known world wide as Mrs. A).

First the sadness. I, along with my 6 brothers and sisters, laid to rest the remains of our dear mother, Doris, Ilene, Jones, Anderson this past weekend. This picture shows the 7 of us along with our spouses, some of our children, and grandchildren. My mother was an exemplary Christian woman and a classy lady. So the occasion was sweet and sad at the same time. I’m standing 7th from the right side, a little in the background because of my height. My wife Claudia is standing 3rd from that same right side.

We drew together as one unit when it came to working through all the legal – financial issues. It was a beautiful thing, given some of the horror stories I have heard in other families over the years.

Some know that I’ve been very ill for the past month or so, and I’m not fully recovered today, but I’m on the mend. My focus was to get well enough to make the 4 hour drive to Indiana for the weekend and return home. It was a rough trip and an agonizing couple of days, and yet I made it. But because of the illness, I’ve been quite absent online. I hope to be back soon. What happened involved several things going bad at the same time, resulting in infection and a 7 day shutdown of a pretty important system along with other complications.

So, if you think to pray for me, that’d be much appreciated.

Wednesday, October 09, 2013

My Mom

Today is both sad and joyful at the same time. My mother went to be with the Lord last night. She would have been 95 in December. She raised 7 children and lived an exemplary Christian life. I had the privilege of visiting her for the last time just a couple of weeks ago. We will all miss her very much, but for the Christian, death is the beginning of an eternity with God for those who have a personal relationship through faith in Jesus Christ. "Well done thou good and faithful servant."
 

Monday, October 07, 2013

(Part 3) Harv & Marv The Dumb Guy Detective Agency


Part 3 of the short story for kids, Harv & Marv, The Dumb Guy Detective Agency, can be found in Book Fun Magazine at http://www.bookfunmagazine.com/i/182496 starting on page 105. Part 1 and part 2 are in the August and September issues which you can find at the same link.

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Have you or your children read one of my books?


The truth is, there are lots, and lots, and LOTS of books out there. And I could use your help. If you haven’t done it yet, would you please take a few minutes to write a brief review of one or more of my middle grade reader adventure & mystery books and post them on popular sites like Amazon, Barnes and Noble, GoodReads, Library Thing, your Facebook page, and any other place you can think of?

This might not seem very important, but experts agree it makes a big difference. In order to help you get started, I’ve include a brief introduction to each book to refresh your memory. All you would need to do is write your own thoughts about the book, what you liked about it, why others should read it, and so on.

Thank you so much, and if you have any questions, just let me know at mander8813@aol.com.

Max Elliot Anderson
 
Sam Cooper Adventure Series

Lost Island Smugglers #1

Sam Cooper had just moved to Harper's Inlet when he met Tony. Tony's father owned a marina. Sam, Tony, and Tyler took scuba lessons together. Tony got them in for free. After they completed the course, the boys decided to try out their new skills in the real world...the ocean. The only problem was, no one had permission. While Tony's father was away on a buying trip, the boys took one of the rental sailboats out for their diving adventure. Everything went well until the biggest storm Tony had ever seen blew up from out of nowhere, and the boys found themselves stranded on Lost Island. But, if they thought the worst had happened, they were wrong. The boys discovered a secret hideout that was used by men in high powered speedboats. Sam and his friends knew the men were up to something, only they didn't know what. They had to find a way to stop them, but how? And, even if they did, the boys could never tell anyone about it. Join Sam Cooper, Tony, and Tyler on their scary scuba, ocean, island adventure.

Captain Jack’s Treasure #2

Sam Cooper lives right near the ocean, on the Treasure Coast of Florida. All he's heard about since he moved here are the fabulous treasures that have been found, and those still waiting to be discovered. Sam, Tony, and Tyler are convinced that they will be the ones to dig up the next great find. They meet a crusty sea captain named Jack who's fixing up an impossible looking old tub. What is Captain Jack's mysterious secret? And what is he really planning to do with that boat? This is the second book in the Sam Cooper Adventures.

River Rampage #3

Sam Cooper and his friends have the chance of a lifetime to go rafting down the mighty Colorado River. The rains have been heavy this season, making the raging river even more treacherous. The boys become separated from the main group, their rubber raft is going flat, and now they're on their own. They have their hands full with a crusty prospector, his gold mine, a gang of outlaw bikers, and a desperate river escape on their makeshift wooden raft. Think that's the worst that could happen? Well, it isn't.

Stand Alone Titles

When The Lights Go Out

Peyton Aldrich's father is an Army colonel, who specializes in Army intelligence. His work is always top secret, which means he can't even discuss it with his own son. Nevertheless, Peyton idolized his father, who believes that after what happened on 9/11, somebody had to help keep the country safe.

Now, Peyton, along with his family, find themselves stationed at a new army base, in the middle of nowhere. After his arrival, Peyton finds two friends, Gill and Dave. Together they decide to train like Rangers, and search for some kind of mission to accomplish on their own. Little did they know that a mission was about to put the boys right in the crosshairs of a dangerous terrorist plot, when a secret weapon would be delivered to the base on its way across the country.

Will the terrorists find out who is trying to expose their evil plan? Will the boys be able to stop them? And what will happen to Peyton's father when the general finds out what the boys did? When the Lights Go Out is a story for kids, and their parents, so we never forget 9/11.

Barney And The Runaway

Mike hated the way his parents were always telling him what to do. Along with his dog, Barney, he decides to teach them a lesson by pretending to run away for a few hours. The plan gets complicated when Mike and Barney hide in a railroad boxcar, fall asleep, and end up in Georgia with a circus in the middle of the night. After his experiences away from home, Mike learns the importance of family, and that you dont appreciate what you have until its gone.

Legend Of The White Wolf

One day, Brian Fisher discovered a white wolf pup caught in a trap and set it free. Since then, Brian was convinced that he and the wolf shared a special bond. Stung by the disbelief of his family and friends, Brian sets out to confirm that his fantastic story is true and ends up getting a lot more than he bargained for. He soon finds himself caught out in a snowstorm and attacked by a mountain lion. When a group of lawless hunters begins killing off the wolf population, Brian is caught right in the middle!

Take an eleven-year-old boy, a mysterious white wolf, a dangerous band of illegal hunters, and all the excitement of the rugged outdoors near Yellowstone National Park. Put it all together in a book and you have an adventure story even the most reluctant of readers will pick up and enjoy.

Newspaper Caper

Tom Stevens was a super salesman. He and his friends delivered newspapers early every morning. Along their route, the boys often saw some pretty strange things. Then one day, they actually became the story in the papers they delivered.

Early in the morning, while it was still dark, the three boys stumbled across some suspicious activity. A tow truck begins to hook up an expensive car in someone's driveway along their paper route, but when the tow truck driver sees the boys, he drives off leaving the car behind. Tom reads in the paper the next morning about a string of car thefts around the area. He begins to see a connection between a local car repair shop and the thefts.

The boys' adventures begin as they take matters into their own hands and investigate the car thefts. They befriend an elderly widow whose car was stolen, and encounter vicious guard dogs and the thieves themselves at the chop-shop. But it's Tom who proves to be the one who carries this mystery to its dangerous conclusion. Will his investigating skills be enough to help him solve the crimes?

Terror At Wolf Lake

Eddy Thompson's hero is John Dillinger, one of the most dangerous bank robbers in American history. So it's no surprise that Eddy cheats on anything, anytime, anywhere. With school out for Christmas, Eddy's father invites Chet, Rusty, and their fathers to drive up to a cabin he owns on Wolf Lake, Michigan, for ice fishing, tobogganing, and winter fun. But something happens there that will change Eddy's life. One day, two real bank robbers toss their stolen cash over the Eddy's fence in hopes to come back for it later, as police sirens race toward them. Of course, Eddy wants to keep it, and that's when their troubles really begin. With so much danger closing in and with the help of his friends, Eddy realizes how wrong it is to cheat. But the terror doesn't end there and follows them all the way back home.

North Woods Poachers

The Washburn families have been coming to the same cabins, on the same lake, catching the same fish, for about as long as Andy can remember. And, he's sick of it. This summer would be different he decided. Only he never imagined how different. In the end, Andy learns the concepts of family tradition and the importance of justice.

The Scarecrow

Billy lived in a pitiful place in the city with his mother and younger sister, Becky. Finally, his mother could no longer take care of the children. One fateful day, a judge ordered that they had to be removed from the house. The children thought that would be okay until they learned that they wouldn’t be going to the same place together. Billy found himself on a remote farm with an aunt and uncle who never had children. He withdrew and didn’t speak at all for a long time. As his uncle gave him a tour of the farm, Billy was startled when he first saw the scarecrow. He wasn’t certain at first, but he was pretty sure the scarecrow whispered something to him. Later, in his mind, he and the scarecrow became best friends, and did everything together. This concerned Billy’s uncle who, in time, showed him he could have a friend who would stick closer than a brother.

 

 

Saturday, September 21, 2013

Kid's Adventure & Mystery Book Trailers

One of the best ways I know to hook young readers on books, written especially for them, is with an exciting book video trailer. My extensive background in film, video, and TV commercial production helps me in two distinct ways.

1. I bring that same visual excitement, heart-pounding action and adventure into every story I write for middle grade readers.

2. I use those production skills in producing my video book trailers.

Take a look.
Barney And The Runaway
 
When The Lights Go Out
 
Lost Island Smugglers
 
 
Captain Jack's Treasure
 
River Rampage
 
North Woods Poachers
 
Legend Of The White Wolf
 
Find out why kids report reading one is like being in an exciting movie.To learn more about each book and place an order: Amazon Author Page http://www.amazon.com/Max-Elliot-Anderson/e/B002BLP3EE
 
 

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Shorter Chapters for Kids

Because my books are for middle grade readers, I keep chapters short. This gives young readers a sense of accomplishment as they finish each chapter, plus it keeps them reading. And most chapters end with some sort of cliffhanger.
 
 
Video - "Imagine"
 

Monday, September 16, 2013

A Great Little Book for Kids Who Love Legos


Creativity knows no bounds! LEGO artist Sean Kenney reuses the same thirty-five LEGO bricks to create a variety of images in all categories: vehicles, spaceships, home accessories, animals, nature, robots, and many other subjects. This new LEGO offering is sure to spark imagination and encourage kids to think outside the box, which is the message that Sean strongly promotes about creativity, imagination, and building with LEGO.

Review

Praise for Cool Cars and Trucks:
“Children who love cars, trucks, and LEGO blocks will find plenty to enjoy in this colorful book. . . . This visually engaging book will attract little ones interested mainly in looking at cars and trucks, as well as older kids, who may actually follow the directions and build some of the projects.” —
Booklist
Praise for Cool Robots:
“The photos will inspire young builders. . . . This is just the type of challenge that enthusiasts are likely to enjoy. . . . For LEGO enthusiasts, future engineers, and reluctant readers, this is a colorful and inspiring book.” —School Library Journal
“It’s fun (and potentially inspiring) to see what can be created with a little imagination, an inclination for building things, and an unlimited supply of interlocking plastic blocks and widgets.” —Booklist
Praise for Cool City:
“Students will likely be fascinated with the details.” —School Library Journal
Praise for Amazing ABC:
“Sure to delight.” —Publishers Weekly
Praise for Cool Castles:
“Clean page design enhances the clear color photos that provide inspiration for children’s own medieval constructions and imaginative play.” —Booklist
 
About the Author
Sean Kenney likes to prove you can build anything with LEGO bricks. He makes sculptures and models out of LEGO at his studio in New York City, and is recognized as one of the premier LEGO brick builders in the world. Sean is the creator of Cool Cars and Trucks, Cool Robots, Cool Cities, Cool Castles, and Amazing ABC.

Amazon Link
http://www.amazon.com/Cool-Creations-Pieces-Sean-Kenney/dp/0805096922/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1379339177&sr=1-1&keywords=cool+creations+in+35+pieces
 
 

Saturday, September 14, 2013

Harv and Marv, The Dumb Guy Detectives Part 2

Check out part 2 of Harv and Marv, The Dumb Guy Detectives found in Book Fun Magazine's September issue on page 80. http://www.bookfunmagazine.com/i/162945 Part 1 is in the August issue, and part 3 will be in October. Let's get kids reading again!
 

Thursday, September 12, 2013

The Dumbest Kid in School


The Dumbest Kid in School

By

Max Elliot Anderson

 


So, you’ve started a new school year. And if it’s anything like last year, you’ll simply fall farther and farther behind others in your class unless you’ve already discovered a most amazing secret.

Recently I heard a speaker who talked about the negative effects of television viewing on children. My own father used to call our TV the “idiot box.” But this speaker went a step further by calling it, “…hellevision.”

Here's why.

 He said that the average child in America today, watches between 5 and 7 hours of TV every...single...day! That number continues to increase.

If most adults tried to do that, just for a couple of days, they'd be shocked at some of the content. And when they realized what their children were watching, hour after hour, they’d do something about it. These same children spend only minutes a day interacting with their parents. The balance of their time is spent on video games, computers, cell phones, homework, and if they have the time...reading.

 I’ve set out to try to change that, by writing the kinds of action-adventures and mysteries that readers, 8 and up, would enjoy. Even though I sometimes speak of them as books for boys, they are still equally enjoyed by girls. Many report that reading one is like being in an exciting movie.

Parents, if you doubt the positive effect you will see, in your own home, by turning off the TV and giving children interesting or exciting books to read, let me relate a true story in an attempt to change your mind. And if there is a TV in your child’s bedroom today, I hope you’ll be encouraged to remove it.

 A couple of years ago, I had the opportunity to speak to a group of children in the Cabrini Green housing project in Chicago. These kids need all the help they can get, in order to break out of the cycle of poverty all around. I told them about this same story.

“Gifted Hands” is the true story of a child who felt he was the dumbest student in his fifth grade class. Through the demands of his single, working mother, who didn’t know how to read herself, he discovered the value of the library and learned to read. To his surprise, he found that he enjoyed learning

Benjamin Carson, M.D., started life on the mean streets of Detroit. His mother knew he had it in him to get out of the Detroit ghetto where they lived. She believed he could make something of himself. His mother demanded that Ben and his older brother turn off the TV and begin bringing home books from the library. Their TV viewing was cut to one hour per week. Can you imagine? Even though she could not read herself, Ben’s mother required her sons to read their books and write book reports which they had to read to her out loud.

But Ben's beginnings were certainly not easy. Signs of determination showed as young as the age of 10. He started out as the "class dummy" in school, frequently getting every single question on his math tests wrong. But then, through hard work and a lot of reading from the local library, he expanded his knowledge in every subject. Soon, "good" wasn't good enough. Ben was driven to be the best. In fact, he was so driven that he won a full scholarship to Yale University.

Ben Carson should be regarded as a role model for kids today. Those not on the right path to a successful future could especially benefit; as a story like this could assist in a serious straightening out of priorities.

He is an inspiration to all because the life he began with wasn't as easy as many other families who have attended good colleges for generations. Ben, and his older brother Curtis, were the first in the family to ever attend college. Curtis went to the University of Michigan, and Ben enrolled at Yale University.

In the last chapter, Dr. Carson gives recommendations to students on ways to live and to achieve. Students might like to read his book, “Gifted Hands,” and write a book report.

Parents, you can also look for the feature film, “Gifted Hands,” on DVD wherever you get your videos. I would encourage you to rent it, sit down and watch it together on a family video night. You might even go a step further by watching it first. Then write out a few questions. Turning off the TV in your own home, and requiring more reading, could be the difference in your child’s success or failure in the future. This video mightalso  help get that message across: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgzkiTCeTEU

Expect a lot of yelling at first. But in the long run, it'll be worth the struggle. Next time, turn it off...and turn your kids on to reading!
 

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Talking with kids about 9/11?

Talking with kids about 9/11?

When The Lights Go Out is available in print or eBook.
 
 
Peyton Aldrich's father is an Army colonel, who specializes in Army intelligence. His work is always top secret, which means he can't even discuss it with his own son. Nevertheless, Peyton idolized his father, who believes that after what happened on 9/11, somebody had to help keep the country safe.
Now, Peyton, along with his family, find themselves stationed at a new army base, in the middle of nowhere. After his arrival, Peyton finds two friends, Gill and Dave. Together they decide to train like Rangers, and search for some kind of mission to accomplish on their own. Little did they know that a mission was about to put the boys right in the crosshairs of a dangerous terrorist plot, when a secret weapon would be delivered to the base on its way across the country. Will the terrorists find out who is trying to expose their evil plan? Will the boys be able to stop them? And what will happen to Peyton's father when the general finds out what the boys did? When the Lights Go Out is a story for kids, and their parents, so we never forget 9/11.

 

Friday, September 06, 2013

Tuesday, September 03, 2013

FREE For Kids! - Harv & Marv Dumb Guy Detective Agency

FREE For Kids! - Harv & Marv Dumb Guy Detective Agency (Part 2). Forward the link to others with kids - Book Fun Magazine, September issue, Page 80 http://www.bookfunmagazine.com/i/162945

Saturday, August 31, 2013

Any kids in your life?

These middle grade action-adventures and mysteries will help keep them interested in reading!