Books for Boys - Children's Adventure & Mystery Author Max Elliot Anderson

Double Your Reading, Double Your Fun, With WOLF Number Two and WOLF Number One

2012-01-19T08:54:00.000-08:00

2 Wolf Books to be Released

February 1st

"Max Elliot Anderson brings a lifetime of dramatic film and video production to the pages of his action adventures and mysteries." Jerry B. Jenkins, Author

"Max's Adventures are like good, family movies . . . "

Bill Myers - Author

These two books will join 6 other titles already released.

(# 1) Legend of The White Wolf

The StoryISBN: 9781936695690

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 prove that his fantastic story is true and ends up getting a lot more than he bargained for. He soon finds himself stranded 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.

Reviews
“Legend of the White Wolf offers fast-paced adventure, clean content, delightful humor, and likeable characters. Trust and truth prevail in this well-told story.” - Reader Views

“Legend of the White Wolf should be included on every young boy’s bookshelf.” - Craig Hart

“Young readers of adventure stories will relish this. Adults who love and admire wolves will be charmed.” - Curled up with a Good Kid's Book

“Anderson knows how to spin a great story, and this reviewer again can envisage hundreds of young readers enjoying this tale as well as the other stories this author crafts so well!” - The Best Reviews

“I am thoroughly enjoying these books from Max Elliot Anderson, and I hope that the author keeps them coming.” - April Lowry

“It is easy to be pulled in to the story and to be engaged by his writing. Many readers will see themselves in the characters that grace the pages of this book. Another excellent book Mr. Anderson! Keep up the good work! We look forward to future releases!”         - Trisha Bleau

(# 2) Terror at Wolf Lake

                                    ISBN: 9781936695966
The Story

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 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.
“I enjoyed Terror At Wolf Lake because of the action and mystery. I felt scared when they were scared and felt good when they told the truth.” - Alex Kent

“Anderson’s books typically have a significant thrill quotient and this book does not fall short.” - Curled up with a Good Kid's Book

“I thoroughly enjoyed this book - and I'm a girl and haven't been a 'Tween' for, um, a number of years. I am still impressed. Max, keep writing!” - Peggy Phifer

“I highly recommend this work by Max Elliot Anderson. It offers adventure, excitement, fun, interesting descriptions of the outdoors and a valuable message too! Parents will enjoy this story right along with their kids!” - Reader Views

“Once again Max Elliot Anderson has penned a winner with Terror at Wolf Lake. I am eager to pass this excellent, sure-to-become-a-classic story of adventure on to my ten-year-old grandson.”             - Beverly J Scott

“This is a book for the keeper shelf. Your children will read it over and over. You might even want to save it for your grandchildren.”   - Laura V. Hilton

“A fine adventure story with something to teach about ethical living. Well worth the read!” - RebeccasiReads

Book Video - Legend of The White Wolf

Other Book Videos by Max Elliot Anderson http://www.youtube.com/user/Maxbooks100
Twitter - https://twitter.com/#!/MaxEAnderson
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/#!/max.e.anderson

Homeschooling Today reading article & a review of When The Lights Go Out

2012-01-11T07:11:00.000-08:00

This month, Homeschooling Today Magazine features two items related to my books for readers 8 - 13, especially boys.

1. The current issue of their printed magazine reviews my adventure - mystery, When The Lights Go Out.

Look for it there. This book was released in time for the 10th anniversary of 9/11, but 9/11 is only a minor backdrop for the story.

2. I have a new article, Getting Children Reading Again, on Homeschooling Today Magazine's online site at http://www.homeschoolingtoday.com/article/getting-children-reading-again
For the next couple of months, approximately every two weeks, a new article will be published featuring information about reading that will be of interest to parents and grandparents.

I am committed to producing materials that are useful to parents, grandparents, and families who are interested in teaching their children moral, character, ethical, and spiritual principles in a way that is never "preachy" as reviewers like to point out.

Book
http://www.amazon.com/When-Lights-Out-Elliot-Anderson/dp/1936695472%3FSubscriptionId%3D1QZMGW0RRJC2PX87HDR2%26tag%3Dsalranexp-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3D1936695472

Kindle
http://www.amazon.com/When-Lights-Go-Out-ebook/dp/B0060C31ZI%3FSubscriptionId%3D1QZMGW0RRJC2PX87HDR2%26tag%3Dsalranexp-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3DB0060C31ZI

Getting Children Reading Again

2012-01-10T13:40:00.000-08:00

I have a new article,
Getting Children Reading Again,
on Homeschooling Today Magazine's online site at http://www.homeschoolingtoday.com/article/getting-children-reading-again/

Legend Of The White Wolf

2012-01-04T19:23:00.000-08:00

On February 1, my next adventure / mystery will be released for readers 8 – 13, especially boys.

Legend Of The White Wolf

Willy The Wrong Way Rabbit

2012-01-04T08:00:00.000-08:00

Today marks a new writing chapter as my short stories begin appearing in Knowonder Magazine online. I’ve become a staff writer for this magazine and it is expected that two of my original short stories will appear each month.

Knowonder intends for these stories to be read aloud to your younger children. And older children will want to read them for themselves.

Willy The Wrong Way Rabbit

I hope you will enjoy the first story, Willy The Wrong Way Rabbit. Find that story at
http://www.knowonder.com/2012/01/04/willy-the-wrong-way-rabbit-short-bedtime-stories

You may also bookmark my profile on the Knowonder site where you can come back and find the titles of my new short stories as they are published in the magazine http://www.knowonder.com/max-elliot-anderson

After you’ve read a story, I hope you’ll leave a comment, and then return to the magazine often for my new stories and those of other writers.

And don’t forget to watch for information on my new adventure and mystery books that will be released this year.

New article - Technology, Kids, and Reading

2012-01-03T14:02:00.000-08:00

New article - Technology, Kids, and Reading

http://christianfictiononlinemagazine.com/middle_anderson.html

Let this be the year when your children become excited about reading.

2012-01-02T07:51:00.000-08:00

Will 2012 be the year when your children, especially boys, will become excited readers? I know from experience how difficult it can be for a boy to pick up a book, settle in, and read. That's because boys would much rather be "out there" doing things, not just reading about them. They want action, adventure, and excitement.

It was exactly with those ideas in mind, that I began writing books for readers 8 - 13, especially boys. Most chapters end in such a way as to nearly demand that the reader go on to the next chapter.

Parents, teachers, librarians, and grandparents have written to tell me of their positive experiences with my books and their young readers. That's probably because I bring a lot of the excitement and heart-pounding action and adventure, from years of film and video production, to my books. You can read more about that at http://www.maxbooks.9k.com/index_1.html

A possible way to get your boys interested is to give them the link to my Youtube videos http://www.youtube.com/user/Maxbooks100#p/u
This is where I've brought together my film production world, and my author world in one place.

You say your boy is more into electronic gadgets, video games, and computers? Well, several of my titles are also available on Kindle http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss/177-4347377-1879267?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=max+elliot+anderson&x=18&y=20

and Nook http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/max-elliot-anderson?keyword=max+elliot+anderson&store=ebook

There will be a number of exciting announcements this year concerning my books, new releases, short stories, and magazines. Why not subscribe to this blog? Scroll down to the bottom, left.

Titles

Lost Island Smugglers

Captain Jack’s Treasure

When The Lights Go Out

North Woods Poachers

Barney And The Runaway

Newspaper Caper

Terror At Wolf Lake- Late January 2012

Legend Of The White Wolf – February 1, 2012

Will 2012 be the year when your children, especially boys, become excited readers? I hope so, and I’ll continue writing new books just for them.

Ernie Haase & Signature Sound

2011-12-31T13:52:00.000-08:00

Ernie Haase & Signature Sound came to our church, First Evangelical Free Church in Rockford, IL for their Christmas concert earlier in December. If you get a chance to see them in the future, I highly recommend them!

Video on Publishers Weekly Blog

2011-12-29T07:13:00.000-08:00

When the Lights Go Out video is on a Publishers Weekly Blog! Scroll to the bottom of the link at:

http://blogs.publishersweekly.com/blogs/beyondherbook/

Did Your Child Receive a Kindle or Nook for Christmas?

2011-12-25T13:50:00.000-08:00

If your child received a Kindle or Nook this Christmas, and you're looking for e-books you can trust, please find the following titles, written from a Christian perspective, from author Max Elliot Anderson. These mysteries and adventures are written especially for young readers 8 – 13.

KINDLE

- Lost Island Smugglers
- North Woods Poachers
- When The Lights Go Out
- Barney And The Runaway
- Newspaper Caper
Link -
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss/182-9647255-0106915?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=max+elliot+anderson&x=12&y=16

NOOK

- When The Lights Go Out
- Newspaper Caper
- North Woods Poachers
- Lost Island Smugglers
Link -
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/max-elliot-anderson?keyword=max+elliot+anderson&store=ebook

A Preview Of The 1st Chapter from Lost Island Smugglers & Captain Jack's Treasure

2011-12-14T05:20:00.000-08:00

Now you can sample the first chapter from Lost Island Smugglers
and
Captain Jack's Treasure.

Follow this link: http://portyonderpress.com/MaxElliotAnderson.aspx

The make great gifts for young readers.
Video - Lost Island Smugglers http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUTyzOwEJLg&feature

Video - Captain Jack's Treasure http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khOJMw-faws&feature

Subscribe to this blog by going to the bottom of the current pages. Under Subscribe To Books for Boys, there is a pull down menu with several options.

Give A Gift Of Reading This Christmas

2011-12-12T08:00:00.000-08:00

Subscribe to this blog by going to the bottom of the current pages. Under Subscribe To Books for Boys, there is a pull down menu with several options.

This year, why not give a gift of reading to your children or grandchildren who are ages 8 - 13? Mysteries & adventures that teach great life's lessons by Max Elliot Anderson

Barney and the Runaway 0984559841

North Woods Poachers 1936695057

Newspaper Caper 193669526X

When the Lights go Out 1936695472

Captain Jack's Treasure 1935600141

Lost Island Smugglers 1935600028

Book trailer videos - http://www.youtube.com/user/Maxbooks100#p/u

Merry Christmas!

Books for kids...you can trust.

Nearly 60 pages of reviews - http://maxbookreviews.blogspot.com/

A true Christmas story for kids about giving

2011-12-03T05:50:00.000-08:00

A true story to download and read to your children this Christmas.
It never fails. Each Christmas, kids can hardly wait until it's time to open presents. Well, this story is something I'd encourage families to read around the tree this year, before the wrapping paper is ripped off of the packages at your house. It's a true story that happened when I was around seven or eight years old. The story is published at this link: http://www.christianfictiononlinemagazine.com/middle_anderson.html

I hope you enjoy it.

Max

Give Adventure Books To Kids This Christmas

2011-12-01T06:06:00.000-08:00

Make sure to sign up to follow this blog.

For Christmas this year, you have lots of choices for gifts to give to your children or grandchildren. I hope you'll consider one or more of my adventures & mysteries for readers 8 - 13. Parents, teachers, grandparents and others report that children have a difficult time puting these exciting books down.

Available Now

Lost Island Smugglers - 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. 1935600028

Captain Jack's Treasure - 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. 1935600141

Barney And The Runaway - Mike didn't like the way his parents were always telling him what to do. Along with his dog, Barney, he decides to pretend 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, that discipline = love, and that you don't appreciate what you have until its gone. 0984559841

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. 1936695057

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?
193669526X

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? 1936695472

Terror At Wolf Lake - Coming in late January, 2012.

Legend Of The White Wolf - Coming February 1, 2012

River Rampage - Coming soon. Book #3 in the Sam Cooper Adventure Series.

How To Get Your Books / US & Canada Only

You can order these books at your favorite bookstore.

They are available online from most sources.

You can also order directly from the author and have your books signed by sending a check for $10 for each title, and add a flat fee of $3 for shipping / handling, no matter the quantity of books you order.

Mail to:

Max Elliot Anderson
PO Box 4126
Rockford, IL 61110

Use Your Credit Card

If you'd like to use your credit card, we recommend the following.

Send 2 emails to mander8813@aol.com

Email # 1

. List the books you are ordering and the name(s) they are to be signed to.

. Include the first half of your credit card number

. Include the expiration date

. Include the mailing address and zip code where you receive your credit card bills. Books will be shipped to this address.

. Include your phone number

Email # 2

. Include the second half of your credit card number

. List the CVV number – What’s a CVV number? http://www.cvvnumber.com

Some of these books are also available for your Kindle and Nook

Finally - We also have a few copies of
- Big Rig Rustlers
- Mountain Cabin Mystery

It Could Have Been SO Much Worse

2011-11-28T11:40:00.000-08:00

After the service at Moody Church, we had a wonderful after thanksgiving dinner in Chicago yesterday with our son, his wife, and extended family. Finally, it was time to return to Rockford for my wife, our daughter, and son-in-law. We drove my wife's car because it's better on gas. At around 7:30 PM, on I- 90, I noticed two trucks up ahead on the side of the road. As I signaled and moved away to the next lane, suddenly, with no warning, an entire re-tread from an 18 wheeler lay in the center of my lane.
I've heard many horror stories of people who swerved to avoid a collision like that, resulting in death or serious injuries, and with only about 2 seconds anyway, I chose to take it head on. What a sickening sound. The front of the car rose up, and the huge chunk of rubber rolled under the car and out the back.
Right away we smelled smoke, the fan belt came off, and the temp gauge shot up. But rather than to stop, and since we were so close to our daughter's house in Rockford, we kept driving and made it there.

Later this morning, before the tow truck arrived, I went over and took a few pictures. The damage was a lot less than I thought when we'd looked at it in the dark the night before. So we have another big thing to be thankful for. Then I just got a call with the estimate, and that part won't be as painful as it could have been either.

Christmas Campfire Companion

2011-11-25T15:59:00.000-08:00

Note From the Publisher: I've given this collection a PG or PG13 rating for some of the "cowboy language. "

My friend, and agent, Terry Burns, assembled an excellent group of writers, and Port Yonder Press has produced a great new book I wanted you to know about.

Christmas Campfire Companion

"Fourteen of America's top western writers publishing today have contributed delightful Christmas stories to this collection, fourteen saddle-hardened writers who reached down to give a glimpse of their sensitive side. Each story is a gift, and each a take on Christmas . . . a western Christmas. I'm honored to have a small part in it." Terry Burns

Livia Reasoner (Livia J. Washburn) has been writing award-winning, critically acclaimed Western, mystery, romance, and historical novels for more than twenty-five years.

Troy D. Smith has published eight books and more than fifty short stories and magazine articles and was a 2001 winner of the Spur Award, the western writer's equivalent of the academy award.

Frank Roderus is a well-published author of over 300 books, twice received the most prestigious award
a western writer can receive, the Spur Award.

Tim Champlin (pseudonym of John Michael Champlin) is the author of 30 historical novels over the past 30 years as well as 35 short stories and non-fiction articles.

Larry D. Sweazy won the WWA Spur award for Best Short Fiction in 2005, and was nominated for a Derringer award in 2007 and has published over 50 non-fiction articles and short stories.

Robert Vaughan sold his first book when he was 19 years old, and, under his own name and several pseudonyms, he has sold more than 400 books, including approximately 200 Westerns. He has hit the NY Times, Publishers’ Weekly, and USA Today bestseller lists numerous times, and is the recipient of the Spur Award (SURVIVAL, writing as K.C. McKenna).

Douglas Hirt won the Colorado Authors’ League Top Hand Award. His 1998 book, BRANDISH, and 1999 DEADWOOD, were finalists for the SPUR award given by the Western Writers of America.He is short story writer, and the author of thirty-two novels and one book of nonfiction.

Dusty Richards is the author of a hundred western novels under his name and pseudonyms. He’s won two Spur Awards, one for a novel called “The Horse Creek Incident” and the other a short story on Amazon.com, “The Comanche Moon.” He also received the Cowboy Hall of Fame and Western Heritage Center’s Wrangler award for his book, “The Sundown Chaser.”

Kerry Newcomb was born in Connecticut but had the good fortune to be raised in Texas. Newcomb is a New York Times bestselling author with over forty novels to his credit. He has been published in several countries.

Matthew P. Mayo’s short stories appear in a variety of anthologies, and have been finalists in both Western Writers of America Spur Awards and Western Fictioneers Peacemaker Awards. He also contributes to several popular series of Western and adventure novels and has a number of non-fiction books.

Robert J. Randisi is the author of more than 540 books in the Western, Private Eye, Men’s Adventure, and Horror genres under a number of pen names. As J.R. Roberts he is the creator and author of the long running series “The Gunsmith.” He also wrote and created the Tracker, Angel Eyes, Bounty Hunter, Mountain Jack Pike.

Rod Miller is author of Things a Cowboy Sees and Other Poems, published by Port Yonder Press. Other recent work includes a historical novel, The Assassination of Governor Boggs as besides poetry and fiction, he writes nonfiction, magazine articles, book reviews, and essays.

James Reasoner has been a professional writer for more than thirty years. In that time, he has authored several hundred novels and short stories in numerous genres. Best known for his Westerns, historical novels, and war novels, he is also the author of two mystery novels that have achieved cult followings, TEXAS WIND and DUST DEVILS. Writing under his own name and various pseudonyms, his novels have garnered praise from Publishers Weekly, Booklist, and the Los Angeles Times, as well as appearing on the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists.

"They even allowed me to hang out with them in this collection:"

Terry Burns writes Christian fiction with a western theme and has over 40 books in print, including 10 novels. He has a two-book set from Port Yonder Press, included in The Sagebrush Collection. These contain the best of his short stories and a Young Adult book, Beyond the Smoke, won the Will Rogers Medallion in 2009.

How long has it been since you read stories from such well know authors? Well, that's too long.

Find it on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Campfire-Companion-Robert-Randisi/dp/1935600087/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1322234201&sr=1-1

Too Late For Turkeys?

2011-11-23T06:26:00.000-08:00

No one would suggest that turkeys are the smartest birds in the world. But then, it wasn't too long ago that I realized they really can fly if they want to, so who knows? I'd found them on my roof one morning, and up in a tree in my back yard the next.

Then this bunch wandered into my yard again yesterday. On a good day, we might see more than 60 of them pass by in flocks of various numbers. But this rafter of birds ambled across the yard at a slower than usual pace. I warned them that Thanksgiving was today. Then the biggest of them all tried to remind me, through his gobbling, how close the founding fathers came to naming the turkey as our national bird. Whew, that was a close one.

Anyway, I warned them that it'd be a good idea if they headed into the woods and hid out for the day.

That's when two of them got all puffed up. I'm sure I heard a few vulgar turkey words before they turned around, walked across the road and into the woods like I told them. That's when I called out to them, "There's a reason why they call it Turkey Day, and it's not because you get an award!"

Life Lessons from Grandparents

2011-11-21T06:24:00.000-08:00

Life Lessons from Grandparents: A Trip Down Memory Lane (Volume 1)

This new book has just been released from Write Integrity Press.
Book Description

Grandparents, whether intentionally or not, have great influence over the lives of their grandchildren. Those who take the calling seriously are perhaps one of God’s greatest blessings here on earth. The stories featured within these pages reveal many of the lessons our grandparents have taught us. May their legacy continue to live on, and may their Life Lessons touch you as much as they’ve touched each one of us.

Recently I participated in a new book that has just been released, Life Lessons from Grandparents: A Trip Down Memory Lane. My story is called Owen and Hanna. It's about my grandparents who lived on a farm in the middle of Nebraska. These two remarkable people left lasting impressions on me.

VIDEO - https://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=2754615904196

AMAZON - http://www.amazon.com/Life-Lessons-Grandparents-Trip-Memory/dp/0983948542/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1321666868&sr=8-1

Max Elliot Anderson

Radio Interview

2011-11-19T07:46:00.000-08:00

Here's the link for a blog radio interview that was done recently about my books for readers 8 - 13, especially boys.

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/christian-devotions/2011/11/08/christian-devotions-speak-up-with-max-elliot-anderson

Barney and the Runaway is featured in this interview.

Special Christmas Book Announcement

2011-11-18T06:32:00.000-08:00

FROM: Chicken Soup for the Soul
Publishing, LLC

Dear Max

Your premium Christmas gift book is back in stock!

Last year, your Christmas story appeared in Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Gift of Christmas, which was sold exclusively at Walmart. We are happy to announce that Walmart will be carrying the book again this Christmas, although in a slightly different “finish,” not quite as fancy as last year. The list price of the book will be $17.95 this year instead of last year’s price of $19.95.

This book contains my story called No Christmas Presents. It's an amazing true story that happened in our family when I was just a small boy.

Over 25 Years in Who's Who

2011-11-16T12:52:00.000-08:00

The following recognition has been received for my inclusion in Who's Who in America for over 25 years.

Dear Max Elliot Anderson,

Your outstanding record of achievement has earned you the coveted distinction of being a member of the Marquis Who's Who family for an impressive 25 years.

Congratulations on your extraordinary tenure as a Marquis Who's Who listee and we wish you continued success for many years to come.

North Woods Poachers & Lost Island Smugglers available on NOOK

2011-11-14T06:29:00.000-08:00

North Woods Poachers & Lost Island Smugglers available on NOOK http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/max-elliot-anderson?store=ebook

Lost Island Smugglers - VIDEO

North Woods Poachers - VIDEO

Veterans Day 2011

2011-11-11T06:20:00.000-08:00

Sometimes it's hard to believe how fast time goes. This Veterans Day is one of those times. These pictures are from 1967 - 1968 when I served in the U.S. Army. I was drafted for two years of service. That's a term that not many think about today, but it meant that your local draft board, through Selective Service, could order you into the military.

My tour of duty sent me to Ft. Campbell, Kentucky, for basic training, Washington, and the balance took place in an armored battalion in Germany where I rode around on a tank for several months. I was fortunate not to have been sent to Vietnam, and have the utmost of respect for all who were sent there.

After returning to the states, I rejoined my father's film production and distribution company. And the first assignment was to shoot a film with Venture for Victory. http://17.taylor.edu/athletics/mbasketball/vv.shtml The basketball team we traveled with went to several countries in Asia. Would you believe that one of those countries was VIETNAM? I couldn't believe it. There I was, in a country I had trained to fight in, had feared I'd be sent there, and now, I was really there with nothing more to shoot with than a film camera. If I told you some of the things that happened to me, your hair would stand straight up.

Because of my profound respect for those who serve our country in the military, especially those who fight so the rest of us don't have to, I wrote a book for readers 8 - 13 that military families will love. When the Lights Go Out takes place on a military base where three boys, a secret weapon, and a terrorist plot collide. I hope you'll pick up a copy of this new book today.

In addition, I want to remind us all of the importance of this day...Veterans Day, 11/11/11.

Max Elliot Anderson

When the Lights Go Out video

Watch as a Book is Printed

2011-11-10T06:46:00.000-08:00

This video demonstrates how the Expresso Book Machine works. It's fun to see as a book is created while you watch.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q946sfGLxm4

Christian Fiction Online Magazine - has my column Why Do I Write for Kids?

2011-11-09T07:03:00.000-08:00

Christian Fiction Online Magazine - has my monthly column Why Do I Write for Kids? http://christianfictiononlinemagazine.com/middle_anderson.html

Connect With Me Online

2011-11-08T08:21:00.000-08:00

Hi,

If you're here after listening to the radio interview, you can contact me at Mander8813@aol.com

Connect with me on twitter @MaxEAnderson

Connect with me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/#!/max.e.anderson

My Youtube Videos http://www.youtube.com/user/Maxbooks100#p/u

Over 50 pages of reviews http://maxbookreviews.blogspot.com/

Author of Books for Boys that girls love reading, too.

And if you didn't hear the radio interview, here's a link http://www.blogtalkradio.com/christian-devotions/2011/11/08/christian-devotions-speak-up-with-max-elliot-anderson

Sometimes You CAN Judge a Book by its Cover.

2011-11-04T06:53:00.000-07:00

It's my pleasure to introduce a gifted and talented artist who produces the interior design and covers of the books at Comfort Publishing. His name is Reed Karriker, and Reed has been responsible for the artwork on three of my books now.

ARTIST INTERVIEW

You’ve been at Comfort Publishing for a short time. Could you talk about your work experience prior to that, and some of the projects you’ve been doing since joining Comfort?

Before joining Comfort Publishing, I worked for a travel publication called Where® magazine for 8 ½ years. I came in as a freelance artist to design vector-based maps for them, and after six months or so they hired me full-time to design ads for the magazines. Over the years I worked my way up the design food chain from Ad Designer to Associate Art Director to Art Director, eventually designing covers and editorial content exclusively. Since joining Comfort Publishing, I’ve had the opportunity to do the same sort of work, just in a different way and on a different scale. Designing book covers requires a different skill set in terms of marketability, which gives me an opportunity to tap into my creativity.

A writer sees images and words in his head. When you approach an art project for the first time, what are some of the elements that you see, or consider before you begin to paint or draw?

It is very similar for me as an artist. Often when I read a synopsis or cover description, an image of the cover will form in my mind. I consider several elements of the subject matter (central focus, location, mood/tone, plot points) and balance their importance with regard to the composition. I translate what I imagine to the computer/sketch pad and massage the image until it feels successful, as it pertains to the story.

Explain the different steps you took in producing the cover art for When the Lights Go Out.

In books, there is sometimes a key scene where the different parts of the story come together before the climax of the story. These scenes hold a tremendous level of anticipation when read, and similarly when created as an image. When the Lights Go Out had the perfect scene for this: the boys hiding in the bushes, waiting to surprise the bad guys as they attempt to escape. As a cover image, it needed to feel dangerous and almost a little scary, to enhance that anticipation. To do this, I chose the perspective of the boys, with the viewer peering over their shoulders from their hiding place, directly in the path of the oncoming truck. The details in the mid-ground (chain-link fence, army barracks) set the location of the abandoned army base. In order to draw the viewer into the illustration, I used visual cues (the sloping roofs of the barracks, forming a “v” and pulling the eye to the center) and areas of high contrast (orange explosion against the deep blue night sky, bright white lights of the headlights and helicopter spotlights) to create a strong, central focal point. I repeated the orange on the title to really make it stand out against the black and give the cover a nice balance of color. And there you have it.

What would you say was your biggest challenge in creating the artwork for this book cover?

The biggest challenge was pulling together the many different separate components (the boys, bushes, fence, gravel, truck, barracks, explosions, helicopters, sky) and reworking them as a composite image that appears as though it was originally one piece of art.

You've also done cover artwork for additional Comfort Publishing projects. Can you tell us more about those?

Like with When the Lights Go Out, I try to identify and extract that “key scene” for each of them. In the case with Legend of the White Wolf, an element of the story (the painting) provided me with excellent subject matter for the cover. In some cases, location can be the simplest and strongest of images, as with Terror at Wolf Lake.

Authors talk about facing writer’s block, where it seems impossible to go forward with a writing project at times. Does an artist ever experience this sort of creative block? And if so, how do they get past it? What experiences have you had with this?

Artists definitely get creatively “blocked” at times. The key to beating it for me is to remain flexible and don’t lock yourself into something that just isn’t working. For the cover of He Heard Hannah, I tried everything, from a siren to a heart monitor, to an ambulance, even a dispatcher’s headset. All of those things fit the subject matter of the story, but did not have the visual impact to grab a viewer. In the end, I used a portrait of the little girl in the story on the cover, and instantly I knew I’d found my cover image. Not only is she important to the story, her endearing smile is enough to get anyone to stop and take a second look at the book on a store shelf.

How do you know when you've found the best solution for an art project or assignment?

Sometimes there is an “ah ha” moment, when you just know you’ve got it. Most often, though, I collaborate with co-workers and my artist peers. It helps to have someone not directly involved with a creative project point out things you can’t see because you are working so closely with it. Their fresh perspective helps me iron out the things that don’t necessarily work well and tighten up the piece.

Could you tell us about your art training, background, experience, and some of your other work/projects?

I’ve always been an artist. Since I was able to pick up a crayon, I was drawing/coloring in my free time (and even sometimes when I probably shouldn’t have been). I pursued art in school. I eventually matriculated at Appalachian State University from 1997-2001 and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design. I wasn’t able to get a design job right off the bat, however. Walmart paid the bills for six months until I was able to find work at a print shop running a small, out-dated printing press. I was horrible at it! From there I worked with a staffing agency that places artists into part-time or freelance positions until I stumbled over a job in Charlotte, NC designing maps for Where® magazine. I spent 8 ½ years designing ads and editorial for magazines and travel books until I was able to find my new position as Art Director at Comfort Publishing. I guess the moral of the story is, you can’t always start off at the top; sometimes you have to work your way there. I try to be charitable with my natural ability as often as I can, so I provide design work for my wife’s elementary school when they need a poster or an award, and annually I paint faces and draw caricatures for Relay for Life.

Is there one piece of artwork you’ve done in the past that you are the most proud of, and why?

The first cover of my book-publishing career was a piece I did pro-bono for a struggling young writer. He needed a complete front-to-back cover design in a pinch and I agreed to do it for an artist credit. It was called The Descendant: Mary’s Song, and gave me a chance to really let me creative talent shine. I was very happy with the end result, as was the author. I’m a tactile guy, and being able to hold a book in my hand with my artwork on the cover was a big deal for me.

What are your hopes and dreams for your art in the future?

I’d like to explore animation and movies at some point. I love movies as much as I love books. The ability to escape reality, even for a short time, and find yourself in another world really feeds my creative spirit. I’d like to work with Art Directors and Set Designers to design and create the characters, places and things in the movies I have come to enjoy so much. Also, animation seems to best fit my skill set as an illustrator, and I’d like to try my hand at it to see what I could accomplish.

Many people want to know how they can break into the writing and publishing field. How would you advise young people who are interested in a career in art or illustration?

Stick to your interests and immerse yourself in them. As a boy, I loved to draw and read books. As I grew older, I read more books and magazines, and drew whenever I had a chance. I soon discovered comic books, where art is a significant part of what makes them successful, and absorbed the diverse styles and techniques I found in them. The more I experienced, the more I learned, and I incorporated much of it into my artwork. My personal training is just as important as my professional training, and I am constantly finding new things in books, magazines and movies to expand my creativity and imagination.

Please list the links where people can learn more about you and your work.

Please keep in mind these links are under construction, but I plan on updating them soon!

http://raider171.deviantart.com

http://www.karrikercreative.com

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

Nothing can take the place of experience. No job is too big or too small, too beyond you or too beneath you. Everything you do adds to your character, to who you are. I designed T-shirts in middle school, designed ads and logos in high school; I even applied my creativity to pricing signs I created while working at Walmart. Don’t miss an opportunity to grow as an artist.

And finally, you introduced my wife and me to a cherry-flavored, carbonated soft drink called Cheerwine. We’re hooked. We even brought back three cases to share with our kids, after our visit to your place in North Carolina. Is there a link where readers can find more information about Cheerwine? And could you also tell them what you know about this unique drink?

http://www.cheerwine.com/

I grew up drinking Cheerwine. It is made in Salisbury, NC, close to where I live. My grandfather told me it was served in a little soda shop there, and folks used to come from all over the county to get a taste. It’s best when served in a tall glass of ice, but even better when you chill it, pour it into a glass and add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a Cheerwine float. Definitely one of my favorite Southern sweet treats!

LOOK INSIDE feature is enabled

2011-11-03T09:21:00.000-07:00

The LOOK INSIDE feature is enabled on my 5 KINDLE editions. Sample a chapter at: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=max+elliot+anderson&x=15&y=19

Why Do I Write for Kids?

2011-11-02T05:39:00.000-07:00

Why Do I Write for Kids? My monthly column is up in Christian Fiction Online Magazine http://christianfictiononlinemagazine.com/middle_anderson.html

Anderson is successful in writing excellent books for boys!,

2011-10-29T13:41:00.000-07:00

From Amazon.com
5.0 out of 5 stars
Anderson is successful in writing excellent books for boys!, October 20, 2011

By K.A. Thomas "KitScatt" (USA) This review is from: When The Lights Go Out (Paperback)

As a 6th grade teacher, I am always on the look out for good books for my boys who are reluctant readers. They went nuts over this one. Exciting, quick-paced, with good lessons - Anderson has written a book that middle school boys will gobble up in a night or two! What's even better is he's written even more books, and now my boys are seeking them out. Parents and teachers, if you have a boy who doesn't enjoy reading, try this book out on him. It might ignite a new passion for the written word!

A great book to honor Vererans Day with

your students.

Just Released on KINDLE!

2011-10-28T09:15:00.000-07:00

Joining Lost Island Smugglers, Barney and The Runaway, and Newspaper Caper on KINDLE is now
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?

Now on KINDLE - Newspaper Caper

2011-10-26T10:02:00.000-07:00

Now on KINDLE - Newspaper Caper

http://www.amazon.com/Newspaper-Caper-ebook/dp/B005ZJFLNC/ref=sr_1_4?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1319647279&sr=1-4

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?

Also on Kindle, Barney and The Runaway

http://www.amazon.com/Barney-and-The-Runaway-ebook/dp/B004YDVGUM/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1319647908&sr=1-3

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.

And...Lost Island Smugglers

http://www.amazon.com/ISLAND-SMUGGLERS-Cooper-Adventure-ebook/dp/B004VT3HOC/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1319647908&sr=1-1

Sam Cooper had just moved to Harper’s Inlet where he met Tony and Tyler. While Tony’s father was away on a buying trip, the boys took one of the rental sailboats out for a 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. Lost Island Smugglers is a story with danger, excitement, and heart-pounding action.

Author Bill Myers reports, "Sam Cooper Adventures are like good, family movies . . . as an ordinary kid finds himself in exciting and extra-ordinary adventures!"

And author Jerry B. Jenkins adds, "Max Elliot Anderson brings a lifetime of dramatic film and video production to the pages of his action adventures and mysteries."

Young readers report that reading one of Anderson’s action-adventures or mysteries is like being in an exciting or scary movie. His Books for Boys blog http://booksandboys.blogspot.com often ranks in the top ten in Google searches.

The number of titles is growing for readers 8 - 13

2011-10-25T07:04:00.000-07:00

The number of titles is growing for readers 8 - 13. Order your copies today. He / She will thank you later. Birthday? Christmas? Reward? Gift?

I grew up hating to read and now write adventures & mysteries for readers 8 - 13, especially boys. Six of my books are published and two more are in production at two different publishers.

As you search for good books for boys, and girls, I wanted to make sure you had my information.

Thank you,

Max Elliot Anderson

My Youtube Videos http://www.youtube.com/user/Maxbooks100#p/u

Newspaper Caper 193669526X

North Woods Poachers 1936695057

Barney & The Runaway 0984559841

When The Lights Go Out 1936695472

Lost Island Smugglers #1 Sam Cooper Adventure Series 1935600028

Captain Jack’s Treasure #2 Sam Cooper Adventure Series 1935600141

Legend of the White Wolf - Coming February, 2012 1936695690 (Watch for the video soon!)

Terror at Wolf Lake coming soon

River Rampage coming soon

2 More Adventure Books Coming Soon!

2011-10-24T05:32:00.000-07:00

Two more adventure books are now in production

for readers 8 - 13.

Terror at Wolf Lake - comming soon

Eddy Thompson was known for one thing and one thing only. Eddy was a cheater. He cheated on anything , anytime, anywhere, until something happened at Wolf Lake. It wasn't the brutal cold. It wasn't when he fell through the ice. It wasn't when two scary bank robbers arrived at their remote cabin. What happened would change Eddy's life....forever.

Legend of The White Wolf - February 1, 2012 ISBN # 1936695693

Has something been stolen from your children & Grandchildren?

2011-10-15T07:57:00.000-07:00

When I tell kids that something has been stolen from them, and they don’t even know it, they’re surprised. What’s been stolen? It’s the use of their imagination.

Kids have so many distractions with TV, video games, computers, and all sorts of other electronic devices. There is now a generation Z. Those are the children who have grown up thinking the Internet has always been there.

But here’s the problem. Previous generations went outside to play, invent games, explore, and create they’re own fun. That’s not so true now.

Today, others tell our kids how things should look, sound, smell, taste, and they manipulate through music, graphics, and sound effects. I know because I devoted most of my life to the production of films, video programs, and television commercials.

This month of October marks ten years since I began writing adventures and mysteries for readers 8 – 13. I began this journey because of a concern about what was happening to our kids, and because many were not being motivated to read, especially boys.

We can do something about this. We’re the adults. Children in the age group of 8 – 13 still listen and respond to what adults tell them. They must learn that connections are made in the brain, while reading, that don’t happen any other way. They need to understand that reading will open a more successful path through their education and in life. But we don’t have to say it like that. All we need to do is make reading fun and attractive to them.

How?

For younger children, we can read to them, or listen while they read. They need to see us reading, too. With older children, it may be more difficult. Here, we have to begin setting limits by controlling the use of electronic devices and the time spent on them. In the case of e-readers, you can use a child’s electronic world to your advantage.

Grandparents: You have a profound influence in the lives of your grandchildren. You probably remember reading the Hardy Boys or Nancy Drew when you were growing up. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have books like that today, with clean, moral, ethical content that also taught spiritual concepts but weren’t preachy? That’s exactly what has been written about my books by parents, teachers, and reviewers. They’ve compared my books to Tom Sawyer, The Hardy Boys, Huck Finn, Nancy Drew, Tom Swift, Scooby-Doo, Lemony Snicket, and adventure author Jack London.

Parents: You’re on the front lines of this battle. You know firsthand how hard it is to find something for your children to read that they will find exciting and interesting. You can set the limits between reading and all other activities. Some of those things can be used as rewards for time spent reading. And, in case you’re wondering, boys and girls report that reading one of my books is like being in an exciting or scary movie. And it’s a good scary, not dark or evil. They also appeal to avid as well as reluctant readers. Most parents, who buy one of my books, tend to get all of them. Here are some typical comments from just a few parents.

“We have just discovered your books and are SO glad we did. Our 11 year old son has thoroughly enjoyed his first of your titles "Lost Island Smugglers". Next up is "Newspaper Caper". Getting him to read was difficult and this is the first time he really wanted to read. Thanks for the quality content and exciting plot!”

“I have purchased two titles, Lost Island Smugglers and When the Lights Go Out, and my 10 year old son is doing something he only does with a handful of books. He is carrying the Lost Island Smugglers everywhere he goes. He finished a book from the library and asked if I had another book for him and that's when I told him I had ordered those two for him. He immediately started reading it and was reading it on the way home from church today INSTEAD of playing his DSi.”

“I can't believe it ....as the concerned mother of two struggling readers...who is also the daughter of a children's librarian ... I think I have purchased EVERY book recommended for reluctant readers HOWEVER, they have ALL fallen short UNTIL today. We were able to purchase Newspaper Caper...and we're hooked!!!”

Dads: It’s very important that you become involved in this process, too. Let your kids see that it's cool to read. And you might like to know that lots of parents are also reading these books. For some dads, it's the first time they ever read a book all the way through.

Teachers: You can see to it that my books are available in your library. Some teachers simply get them to add to the bookshelf in their classrooms. My books have shorter sentences, lots of dialog, humor, and heart-pounding action and adventure. You can also use them as part of your regular classroom reading program. Students will want their own copies. I know, because I hear from schools where this is already happening.

Bookstores: If we hope to have adult readers in the future, we have to begin developing them as children. If you already have a good middle grade reader section in your store, add these titles as well. Then make sure to direct parents to them. They’ll thank you for it.

Churches: You can add these books to your bookstore, library, or tutoring programs. Again, this is happening already in churches across the country. Use them as prizes when you have contests or when children reach certain goals.

We’re at a critical point in our culture. It’s vital that we make sure the next generation is a generation of readers. And besides, readers are the leaders others follow.

I grew up hating to read. Because of that I began to write the kinds of books I would have enjoyed as a child. I bring a lifetime of exciting film production onto the pages of my books. I did this to have a positive impact on the lives of children. I hope you’ll do the same by making my books available to as many children around you as possible. And please tell everyone you know about them. The futures of the children in your circle may depend on what you do.

My Youtube Videos

2011-10-13T07:46:00.000-07:00

Watch Youtube Videos for several of my books at:
http://www.youtube.com/user/Maxbooks100#p/u

More on the way soon.

Book Trailer Tuesday Today

2011-10-11T06:31:00.000-07:00

North Woods Poachers video is featured on Book Trailer Tuesday today at

http://sandraardoin.wordpress.com/

Contract Signed for Hannah & Owen

2011-10-10T06:38:00.000-07:00

Contract signed.

My story, Hannah & Owen, will be included in the book Life Lessons from Grandparents: A Trip Down Memory Lane later this year. More details later.

The message sent with the contract reads, "We are pleased to inform you that your story has been chosen for inclusion in Life Lessons from Grandparents: A Trip Down Memory Lane."

This is a picture of Hannah, my grandmother on my mother's side. Together with Owen Jones, they carved out a farm life in the sand hills of Nebraska.

Circus Crooks and Clowns

2011-10-07T07:20:00.000-07:00

Because of their discipline, Mike thought his parents didn't love him. So he and Barney PRETENDED to run away…big mistake.

They climbed into an empty boxcar, but Mike was so tired, he and his dog fell asleep. Another train connected with his car, the door slammed shut, and then…

This warm, exciting story will help children understand that discipline from their parents means love. It has a dog, a train, a circus, crooks, clowns, and more.

Pick up a copy, or get the Kindle, today. You’ll be glad you did - and so will your child.

8 Important Education Trends in Generation Z

2011-10-06T07:07:00.000-07:00

Bestcollegesonline.com recently shared an article with me that I think will interest you.
“8 Important Education Trends
in Generation Z”
was published on their blog.

Generation Z, also known as the Internet Generation and Digital Natives, represent the first one to grow up in a world where Internet access has always been available and plentiful. These hyper-connected and tech-savvy youngsters are changing how educators formulate lessons and interact with students. Many predict they could forever change how kids are taught at all levels by making technology an integral part of all classroom study. Whether you’re a teacher-in-training at a college or university, a parent seeking to better understand your child’s educational needs or just have an interest in the history of the generation soon filling American workplaces, you’ll find some of the most important educational trends to watch.

I was most interested as this information relates to the books for boys that I write.

8 Important Education Trends
in Generation Z

http://www.bestcollegesonline.com/blog/2011/08/16/8-important-education-trends-in-generation-z/

New Middle Grade Magazine Column

2011-10-05T05:22:00.000-07:00

October marks the start of a monthly column I write for Christian Fiction Online Magazine. You'll find it in the Middle Grade section.

NEWS - New Children's Fiction Column .

Children’s adventure and mystery author, Max Elliot Anderson, has begun a monthly column in the October issue of Christian Fiction Online Magazine. The column focuses on middle grade readers. http://christianfictiononlinemagazine.com/middle_anderson.html
“For as long as I can remember,” Anderson said, “ my life has included the production of dramatic films, video programs, and television commercials. Many of the films were produced to be rented to churches—long before video came along. Of these films, my favorite projects were those intended for younger viewers. We called them our kids films.”

It is out of this rich background experience that many of the books Anderson writes for kids today originates. So the column will recount many of his experiences related to the children’s projects, some of the locations around the world where they were shot, along with children who were involved in the stories. “In addition, I’ll add in my childhood experiences and characters that tend to find their way into the children’s fiction I write today,” Anderson said.

Anderson’s first installment encourages children to use their imagination. Max Elliot Anderson has published over a dozen books for boys. Girls enjoy reading them, too. His most recent titles include Barney and the Runaway, Lost Island Smugglers, When the Lights Go Out, Captain Jack’s Treasure, Legend of the White Wolf, and more. His blog, Books for Boys, often ranks #1 in Internet searches. http://booksandboys.blogspot.com

"Connections are made in the brain, while reading," Mr. Anderson concluded, "that don't happen any other way. Good reading habits lead to future success in school and in life."

Fabulous African wildlife art

2011-10-04T07:15:00.000-07:00

See fabulous African wildlife art limited editions by Philip Lasz (1933 - 2001) and open editions for Christmas this year.

The 4 pictured below are large 34" x 21" signed and numbered from a limited edition of just 1,000. Find information about these and more prints at:

http://www.maxbooks.9k.com/photo3.html

Tell Ten Today

2011-10-03T05:35:00.000-07:00

10
T T T What does that stand for?

Tell Ten Today.

Studies prove that one of the most effective forms of promotion and marketing for a product is one person telling another person about it. And that's what I'm asking you to do today. Could you Tell Ten Today about my adventures & mysteries for kids?

* This can be in a simple email to your family, associates, and circle of friends.

* It can be a post to your blog and / or web site.

* Include it in a newsletter or other article.

* You could post a message to your social media contacts including Twitter, Facebook, and others.

Here's the simple message:

Subject: Tell Ten Today

I'm Telling Ten Today. Find out more at http://booksandboys.blogspot.com/ and then Tell Ten Today.

We have to get our kids away from all their electronics and start them reading.

Would you Tell Ten Today?

Thank you,

Max Elliot Anderson

Turn That Thing Off!

2011-10-01T06:56:00.000-07:00

Fall is a perfect time to start boys on a regular reading program. Since you’re the parent, it’s up to you to give the TV, video games, and other electronic devices a rest. You can use those as incentives after reading goals for your boys have been met.

Here’s a short video to show them. It might be a good discussion starter since fire and a smashing TV will probably get their attention.

Studies prove that future academic success, and success in life, have direct correlations to reading. I grew up hating to read, so my books are designed to reach all readers; boys, girls, adults, avid, and even reluctant readers. Kids report that reading one of these books is like being in an exciting or scary movie…
...good scary, not dark.

Why let others decide for your children how they should think, react, or feel, based on the manipulation of films, TV shows, video games, music, sound effects and other influences?

Reading allows the reader to decide how things should sound, smell, taste, and feel - in their imagination -as they read the pages of an exciting book. And connections are made in the brain while reading, that just don’t happen any other way.

As you begin turning off the electronic gadgets, and it just seems too drastic to do all at once - do I see a tear streaming down a cheek? - you might consider weaning them off with two of my books that are also available on Kindle. Those titles are Barney and the Runaway and Lost Island Smugglers.

Tell them not to yell at you. They can write to me at mander8813@aol.com. I've heard all the excuses, and used most of them when I was growing up. The truth is, our boys need to read. Their futures depend on it.

My YouTube Videos http://www.youtube.com/user/Maxbooks100#p/u

NEW BOOK RELEASED: The One Year Devotional of Joy and Laughter

2011-09-29T08:19:00.000-07:00

It's my privilege to have three humorous devotionals included in the new book from Tyndale House Publishing, The One Year Devotional of Joy and Laughter compiled by Mary Hollingsworth

From the publisher:

Another devotional from the best-selling One Year line, The One Year Devotional of Joy and Laughter is specifically designed to brighten your day with laughter and joy. Joy is a special type of happiness. Each one of us needs to and should create habits in our lives that encourage us to look on the bright side of our circumstances and see the goodness in what God has given us. This devotional is a daily joy break—something all of us need.

From the Back Cover

Start off your day with a little joy! The One Year Devotional of Joy and Laughter is specifically designed to brighten your day with laughter and joy. Joy is a special type of happiness. It requires a deep appreciation of what God has given. Each one of us should create habits in our lives that encourage us to look on the bright side of our circumstances and see God’s goodness—whether it’s appreciating the dawn of a bright, beautiful spring day, savoring a warm cup of coffee, enjoying the company of good friends, or giggling with a toddler. Recognizing and celebrating God’s everyday wonders require a certain frame of mind. This devotional is designed to help you create that mind-set each and every day. Start today to build your own habit of a daily joy break.

My contributions:

The three devotionals I submitted are What Powdered Sugar Doughnuts? - Where's Donn? - and I See That Finger.

Other books on the way:

- At the present time, I have three more mysteries in production for readers 8 - 13. More on those at a later time.

- I've submitted a major manuscript to my agent on a project for adult readers.

- Additional submissions have been made (2) to Chicken Soup for the Soul, and one for a book about grandparents. My wife and I will become first-time grandparents around the first of the year.

Stay tuned to this blog for details and further information about releases.

Short video about author & my agent

2011-09-27T06:05:00.000-07:00

Notice! This blog is in the #1 position on Google today, when searching under books for boys!

REVIEW - Barney and the Runaway

2011-09-23T08:45:00.000-07:00

REVIEW - Barney and the Runaway http://ccbreview.blogspot.com/2011/09/barney-and-runaway.html

Barney and the Runaway on Book Trailer Tuesday

2011-09-20T08:46:00.000-07:00

Barney and the Runaway

on Book Trailer Tuesday at http://sandraardoin.wordpress.com

Torn from then pages of today's news

2011-09-20T06:25:00.000-07:00

Torn from then pages of today's news -
When the Lights Go Out. Special web page at
http://max-whenlightsgoout.blogspot.com

It’s International Talk Like A Pirate Day

2011-09-19T11:49:00.000-07:00

It’s International Talk Like A Pirate Day. Pick up Captain Jack's Treasure today!It’s International Talk Like A Pirate Day. Pick up Captain Jack's Treasure today!
http://treasurecaptainjack.blogspot.com/

Video for Captain Jack's Treasure http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khOJMw-faws&feature

And if you’d like more information about the day, go to http://www.talklikeapirate.com/piratehome.html

Find over 60 pages of reviews for my adventure & mystery books for kids 8 - 13

2011-09-19T06:31:00.000-07:00

Find over 60 pages of reviews for my adventure & mystery books for kids 8 - 13 at: http://maxbookreviews.blogspot.com

Do We Need More Good Books for Boys?

2011-09-16T05:38:00.000-07:00

Max Elliot Anderson

P. O. Box 4126
Rockford, Illinois 61114
(815) 877-1514

(Note – You are welcome to use this article on your web site, blog, in a newsletter, in print, electronically, or in any way you choose. You may also use photographs from this blog or contact me at mander8813@aol.com if you need anything.)

Do We Need More Good Books for Boys?
By
Max Elliot Anderson

“We need more good books for boys.” That’s something I’ve heard for a number of years from parents, teachers, librarians, grandparents, publishing sources, and others. The first time I heard those words was back in 2001 when I set out to write for kids. After surveying the market, I chose to start writing action-adventures and mysteries for readers 8 – 13, especially boys. How did I arrive at this segment of readers?

I grew up hating to read. My father was the author of over 70 books during his lifetime, but I didn’t read any of them. I decided, instead, to follow a career of film and video production. Through this field I learned some valuable lessons. Much of my work included the production of dramatic films that were rented for children. This was back when schools and churches had their own 16mm motion picture projectors and movie screens. Video and online material has since replaced that antiquated system.

The most important thing I learned was that girls would watch a boy’s story while boys were not interested in films in which a girl was the main character. Fast forward to my market survey. What I found were plenty of books for girls, or about girls, but not so many for boys.

Using the same template I learned from the film business, I began writing books that I knew boys could relate to, because they were the kinds of stories I would have enjoyed as a boy. The good news is I found that girls enjoyed the stories just as much as boys did.

At a recent bookseller convention, in Atlanta, one of my publishers invited me to appear in their booth to sign copies of my latest adventure for kids. As each person approached, I said hello, asked about them, and then said, “I write adventures and mysteries for readers 8 – 13, especially boys.” Without exception, a look of surprise spread across each face, followed by some variation of, “Good! That’s what we need, more good books for boys.”

From a number of online sources I encounter the same cry.

Over the space of a few years, I did nothing but write story after story until thirty-six manuscripts were completed. In the beginning, I didn’t have a publisher. I didn’t have an agent. What I did have was the desire to create the kind of material that would have interested me when I was younger. And for those who have discovered my books, that plan seems to be working.

Parents of young readers, teachers, and the kids themselves, began to write back to tell me how much they enjoyed a particular book. But the greatest responses have been those where young readers said that reading one of my books is like being in an exciting or scary movie. Given my film background, that’s one of my favorite things to hear.

While it’s true that my books are slanted toward boys, that’s not to say that girls are excluded. In some of the stories, girls are also a part of the plots. I just felt it was important to address the growing problem of struggling or reluctant readers. In the vast majority of cases, those are boys.

But I discovered something else after a few of my books were published. Not only did boys appreciate them, and girls, I also started hearing from lots of adults. In some cases, a dad has picked up a copy and it turned out to be the first book he’d ever read from cover to cover. And avid readers enjoy them as much anybody else. Again, I attribute that to the fact that I bring the same excitement and heart-pounding action from my film production experience to the pages of these books. One reviewer even said it was like reading a movie script. I don’t know if that was intended to be positive or not, but the fact is, readers have a difficult time putting one of these books down until they finish.

My writing approach is a little different in a few key areas. I keep descriptions and details to a minimum. Readers won’t find large, intimidating blocks of words which ordinarily make it difficult to find your place at times. The stories are fast-paced, exciting, using shorter sentences, and lots of humor and dialog.

These books are published now.

Lost Island Smugglers – 1935600028 Book #1 in the Sam Cooper Adventure Series

Captain Jack’s Treasure – 1935600141 Book #2 in the Sam Cooper Adventure Series

Barney and the Runaway 0984559841

Newspaper Caper 193669526X

When the Lights Go Out 1936695472

North Woods Poachers 1936695057

These books are in production now.

River Rampage – Book #3 in the Sam Cooper Adventure Series – due out in late 2011

Legend of the White Wolf – due out in February, 2012

We know that reading has been on the decline primarily because of other distractions including video games, computers, television, smart phones, and other activities. Yet, we also know that there are processes that take place in the brain which can only happen while reading. When I speak in schools, I often begin by saying, “Something has been stolen from you, and you don’t even know it.” Students become wide-eyed as they try to figure out what it is. That’s when I tell them, “It’s your imagination.” This is because in the electronic world, everything is already packaged and presented so that kids don’t have to use an imagination.

We’re in real danger of losing the battle with many of our children. If you’re having difficulty in getting children in your family, school, or circle of friends interested in reading, try one of the books listed above. Maybe your kids will also say that it was like being in an exciting movie when they finish reading. And remember, readers are the leaders others follow.

Links

My Youtube Videos http://www.youtube.com/user/Maxbooks100#p/u

Books for Boys Blog
http://booksandboys.blogspot.com

Video - Guys...Read a Book
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgzkiTCeTEU&feature=mfu

We Need More Good Books for Boys

Six published books

Author Max Elliot Anderson

Biography - Max Elliot Anderson grew up as a struggling, reluctant reader. Using his extensive experience in the production of motion pictures, videos, and television commercials, he brings the same visual excitement and heart-pounding action to his adventure and mystery stories, written especially for boys. Both boys and girls have reported that reading one of his books is like being in an exciting movie.

New article tomorrow morning

2011-09-15T16:15:00.000-07:00

You're welcome to use the new article tomorrow, "We Need More Good Books for Boys." Details here in the morning.

Included in Who's Who in America for the past 5 years

2011-09-13T06:07:00.000-07:00

I received the following notification announcing my inclusion in Who's Who in America for five years straight.

Who's Who in America

----------------------------------------------------------
Your outstanding record of achievement has earned you a place in Who's Who in America for 5 years. Celebrate your historic milestone which recognizes your long-standing commitment to greatness and the lasting contributions you have made to your field.

Congratulations on your continued inclusion in Who's Who in America, and best wishes for your continued success.

Max Elliot Anderson
Author of Adventures & Mysteries for Young Readers

What about children after 9/11?

2011-09-12T06:41:00.000-07:00

Never forget.

How many times have we heard those words over the past few days? Still, many children know little or nothing about 9/11 or why it's important to them.
There is a new book for kids, When the Lights Go Out, for readers 8 - 13, that you might consider purchasing for your home, school, church, or public library.

Within an exciting, heart-pounding adventure / mystery, When the Lights Go Out, the father of the main character is able to tell his kids why he joined the army instead of going into business. He says, "After what happened on 9/11, somebody had to help keep the country safe." This opens a short discussion with his two children in which he recounts the events of that day.

There is a special web page for When the Lights Go Out with lots of information, a video, and a news release. You are welcome to lift any material that might help you in communicating with your circle of influence. http://max-whenlightsgoout.blogspot.com

Read chapter 1 here - http://www.knowonder.com/2011/09/11/kids-story-when-the-lights-go-out/

Order one or more copies of When the Lights Go Out today, while 9/11 is still fresh in your mind. Available in bookstores and online everywhere.

Never forget...When the Lights Go Out will help.

Other exciting adventures & mysteries include Lost Island Smugglers - Captain Jack's Treasure - Barney and the Runaway - Newspaper Caper - North Woods Poachers

Chapter 1 0f 9/11 book for kids

2011-09-11T14:46:00.000-07:00

Read chapter 1 of When the Lights Go Out http://www.knowonder.com/2011/09/11/kids-story-when-the-lights-go-out/

Article about 9/11, kids, and a NEW book

2011-09-09T09:48:00.000-07:00

Article about 9/11, kids, and a NEW book,

When The Lights Go Out
http://tinyurl.com/3nleqrp

5 Bo0ok Giveaway

2011-09-09T07:25:00.000-07:00

5 copies given away of When the Lights Go Out http://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/14282-when-the-lights-go-out

Adventure, mystery, , action, suspense, danger, excitement, courage, faith, character

2011-09-07T09:10:00.000-07:00

Adventure, mystery, action, suspense, danger, excitement, courage, faith, character...just a few of the elements you'll find in books for boys & girls by Max Elliot Anderson.

North Woods Poachers is Published!

2011-09-01T04:22:00.000-07:00

My latest mystery / adventure book, North Woods Poachers ISBN 1936695057, was released on September 1, by Comfort Publishing. Comfort has also published Barney and the Runaway, Newspaper Caper, When the Lights Go Out, and now, North Woods Poachers.

This story actually originated from two trips that I took to northern Saskatchewan, Canada. I shot a dramatic film production for children each time. I was struck by how remote the area was. The last 50 miles of the trip took place over loose, gravel roads. Many of the fishermen, who came to Dore Lake, did so by flying in on float planes and landing on the water.

Years later I thought it would be interesting to use this remote setting, from my memories of those two trips, as a location where international poachers would fly in, near dark in the evening, and leave again before the sun came up. The planes would go over to an abandoned fishing lodge, and the boys in the story, being boys, simply had to find out what was going on.

This video will give you a taste of the story:

Story Synopsis

It was that time again—the annual fishing trip. Every summer was the same. The two Washburn families packed up their identical over-sized pickup trucks and headed for Canada. Only this time Andy Washburn determined it was going to be different. He didn't quite know what, or how he was going to work it out, but he was not going to spend two weeks in a boat, fishing this year. There had to be something better they could do up there instead. Even if they had to include Sarah, Andy's nine-year-old sister, and Jessica, CJ's sister, they'd do it.

Andy and CJ, his cousin, both approaching their twelfth birthdays, tried to find ways to get out of all that fishing. CJ is a computer whiz, and tests new products for his father's company, so he brings this year’s newest games and gadgets along, and they sure come in handy.

After arriving at the lake, the boys made a deal with their dads. They'd fish for the first couple of days then the boys could go off and explore the area. This becomes even more exciting when two, identical, black float-planes landed on the lake, after dark, and disappeared into the cove around the bend from the Washburn's cabins. Then they took off again before sunrise the next morning.

The boys determined to find out what that was all about. When Andy remembered that, at the Canada/US border, they'd been stopped and searched, another vehicle had been found to have illegal turtles hidden in the spare-tire well. Andy was sure these planes were poachers landing and taking off in the dark.

When the four children set out on their mission, they have no idea what they're getting themselves into. They find an old forest watch tower which, of course, they have to climb. From there they can see into the lodge on the other side of the cove where the two strange float-planes had gone. They return to the tower the next day with a telescope that belongs to Andy's dad. What they see and discover turns into sudden danger for these four kids. They uncover the answer to the mysterious, black planes, but they also stir up some serious trouble when they discover that there is an international ring of wild animal poachers operating out of the old abandoned lodge.
North Woods Poachers ISBN 1936695057

NEWSRelease

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: 9/1/2011
Email: mander8813@aol.com
North Woods Poachers video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UrJF8x9gqBw&feature

Author Web Site: http://www.maxbooks.9k.com/

Books for Boys blog: http://booksandboys.blogspot.com/

Author Publishes Sixth Kids Adventure

Author Max Elliot Anderson has published his next children’s adventure, North Woods Poachers for readers 8 – 13. The book is his fourth title from Comfort Publishing in Concord, NC.

“This book is not part of a traditional series,” Anderson said. “Each book stands alone.” The other three titles are Barney and the Runaway, Newspaper Caper, and When the Lights Go Out. “I grew up hating to read,” Anderson continued, “so today I’m writing the kinds of books I would have enjoyed as a child.”

These books are joined by two titles in the Sam Cooper Adventure Series; Lost Island Smugglers and Captain Jack’s Treasure, from Port Yonder Press – SharksFinn.

North Woods Poachers ISBN 1936695057

It was that time again—the annual fishing trip. Every summer was the same. The two Washburn families packed up their identical over-sized pickup trucks and headed for Canada. Only this year Andy Washburn determined it was going to be different. He didn't quite know what, or how he was going to work it out, but he was not going to spend two weeks in a boat, fishing again this year. There had to be something better they could do up there instead. Even if they had to include Sarah, Andy's nine-year-old sister, and Jessica, CJ's sister, they'd do it.

After arriving at the lake, the boys made a deal with their dads. They'd fish for the first couple of days and then the boys could go off and explore the area. This becomes even more exciting when two, identical, black float-planes landed on the lake, after dark, and disappeared into the cove around the bend from the Washburn's cabins. Then they took off again before sunrise the next morning.

The boys decided to find out what that was all about. Andy was sure these planes were poachers landing and taking off in the dark. When the four children set out on their mission, they uncover the answer to the mysterious, black planes. But they also stir up some serious trouble when they discover that there is an international ring of wild animal poachers operating out of the old abandoned lodge.

Author Jerry B. Jenkins reports, "Max Elliot Anderson brings a lifetime of dramatic film and video production to the pages of his action adventures and mysteries."

And author Bill Myers adds, "Sam Cooper Adventures are like good, family movies . . . as an ordinary kid finds himself in exciting and extra-ordinary adventures!"

“All of my books are available to bookstores through Ingram, and online at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and others,” Mr. Anderson said.

Young readers report that reading one of Max Elliot Anderson’s action-adventures or mysteries is like being in an exciting or scary movie. His Books for Boys blog at http://booksandboys.blogspot.com often ranks in the top ten in Google searches. A short video about North Woods Poachers can be seen on Youtube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UrJF8x9gqBw&feature

Pictures are available by emailing mander8813@aol.com

What do you remember about 9/11?

2011-08-31T08:47:00.000-07:00

I can remember exactly what I was doing when the first plane hit. At first it was reported as just a small plane that went astray. Quickly it became much more than that.

Please tell me what you remember from that day and what followed.

In just a few days, our country will pause to remember on the 120th anniversary of 9/11.

My new book, When the Lights Go Out seeks to help kids understand what happened. Many of them today know little or noting about it, or why the events of 9/11 are so important. I may take some comments and spotlight them in my blog, so you are giving me the rights to do that when you comment.

Thank you.

Aso check out a special blog page for When the Lights Go Out
http://max-whenlightsgoout.blogspot.com/

Help kids understand 10th anniversary of 9/11 .

2011-08-31T05:55:00.000-07:00

I want to make sure you are aware of a new book, When The Lights Go Out. This is an adventure / mystery for readers 8 - 13 with a terrorist plot.
In the story, the father of the main character is able to tell his kids why he joined the army instead of going into business. He says, "After what happened on 9/11, somebody had to help keep the country safe." This opens a short discussion with his two children in which he briefly recounts the events of that day.

I found, while speaking in schools, that many children today know little or nothing about 9/11 or why it's important to them. When The Lights Go Out will help teachers, librarians, grandparents, and parents with this issue.

There is a special web page for When The Lights Go Out with lots of information, a video, and a news release. You are welcome to lift any material that might help you in communicating with your circle of influence.
http://max-whenlightsgoout.blogspot.com

Thank you

The Difference Between Face-to-Face and Online

2011-08-29T06:49:00.000-07:00

Earlier this year, I had an experience that caused me to stop, think, and wonder. That’s because for nearly 10 years, I’ve been chugging along, writing action-adventures and mysteries for kids between 8 – 13. What happened this summer was that one of my publishers invited me to a booksellers convention to sit in their booth and sign some of my books. This gave me an opportunity to talk to every person as I signed their book.

As each person approached the table, I said, “I write adventures and mysteries for readers eight to thirteen, especially boys, but girls enjoy reading them just as much.” When I said that, their eyes widened, their mouth opened, and, with a few variations, I heard the following. “Great! That’s exactly what we need right now…more good books for boys.”
I had read several articles online that said the same thing. Librarians, teachers, and parents seemed to be crying out for more good books for boys.

Part of what I do, as an author for children, is to speak in schools. In those settings, there is an almost immediate reaction, and several students want to buy one or more of my books. In other settings, outside of schools, when parents or grandparents hear me talk about my books, they want to buy them, too.

Then we come to the Internet. This blog is often #1 on Google when searching the subject Books For Boys. But the Internet is, by its very nature, an impersonal place where you can’t hear or see the person you’re “talking” to. And as I have been active in online promotion, it doesn’t have the same spark as a face-to-face conversation.
All I can say is this. Parents, teachers, and grandparents have a very positive reaction to my books. I can’t tell you how many have written to say what a difference one or more of my books has had on a child in their family or circle of friends. Kids tell me that reading one of my books is like being in an exciting movie.

I grew up hating to read. My entire life, since shooting my first film at the age of 16, has been involved in visual communication. The same heart-pounding action and adventure from my film experience finds its way onto the pages of my books.

So I invite you to try one for yourself. Feel free to leave a comment here, or to email me privately at mander8813@aol.com I respond to all questions and comments personally.

Thank you,
Max Elliot Anderson

These links will give you more information

My Youtube Videos http://www.youtube.com/user/Maxbooks100#p/u

When the Lights Go Out
http://max-whenlightsgoout.blogspot.com/

Author Web Site
http://www.maxbooks.9k.com/index_1.html

Barney and the Runaway 0984559841

When the Lights Go Out 1936695472

Newspaper Caper 193669526X

North Woods Poachers 1936695057

Lost Island Smugglers 1935600028

Captain Jack's Treasure 1935600141

New Book Release Announcement Coming September 1

2011-08-26T06:05:00.000-07:00

Watch this blog on Thursday, September 1, for the announcement of a new book that will be released on that day.

Reader's Digest

2011-08-22T13:33:00.001-07:00

I submitted my 150-word story - the "Reader's Digest Version" - to Reader's Digest and want your vote!

If I win, my story might be published and could win $25,000! Please click link to vote for me now! Plus, get a free excerpt of the new book, Life... The Reader's Digest Version, just for voting!

http://apps.facebook.com/yourlifecontest/node/1181

Here's where we are so far.

2011-08-17T16:46:00.000-07:00

This October will be 10 years since I began writing adventures & mysteries for readers 8 - 13. I began writing because 9/11 took away the video production budgets of most of my clients. Six of my books were published and then that publisher went bankrupt, unable to survive the economic downturn.

This left me to start out all over again.

On September 1, I will again have 6 books on the market from Comfort Publishing, and Port Yonder Press. In addition to these books in the picture, two more are in production. Comfort Publishing is working on Legend of the White Wolf, and Port Yonder Press is working on book #3 in the Sam Cooper adventure series, River Rampage.

I hope you'll find a place for When the Lights Go Out. In many ways, the book brings me full circle from what 9/11 did to my business. This book is timed for the 10th anniversary of 9/11 so kids can understand what happened and why it's important to them. But the story is much, much bigger than just that.

I appreciate all who have been faithfully purchasing my books. As my dad used to say, "May your tribe increase."

Thank you,

Max Elliot Anderson

Book News from Rockford for Readers 8 - 13

2011-08-09T15:25:00.000-07:00

These have been some of the busiest days I’ve ever experienced since beginning to write adventure and mystery books for boys about 10 years ago. In the space of 30 days, three new books will be published.

(1) NEWS FLASH! I wanted to make sure you get in on a very special deal. The publisher of my book, Barney and The Runaway is offering the e-book version of this exciting book for just $2.99 on Kindle. But it'sfor only this week. Grab your copy today while it's at this low, introductory price http://www.amazon.com/Barney-Runaway-Max-Elliot-Anderson/dp/0984559841/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1298500271&sr=1-10

(2) You probably know that on September 11, 2011, America will observe the 10th anniversary of 9/11. Many children who are 8 – 13 know little or nothing about what happened in 2001, or why it’s important to them today.

It’s very important to Vincent Forras, a fireman who was trapped for two hours in the rubble, after the towers fell in New York City. Find out more about his story at http://booksandboys.blogspot.com/2011/07/please-meet-vincent-forras-first.html
One reviewer ended her review with this statement, "The author delivers a well written story that will shock the daylights out of you once you read the ending."

(3) My book, When the Lights Go Out, includes some of the basic facts, but the story is much broader than that. There's a web page with much more information about this new book. It's my hope that schools across the country will purchase this book in bulk for their students, so we never forget what happened on 9/11. Ask me about that at mander8813@aol.com

* Midwest Book Review says, "When the Lights Go Out" is a fine read and very much recommended for modern thriller readers." http://www.amazon.com/When-Lights-Out-Elliot-Anderson/dp/1936695472/ref=sr_1_13?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1312034248&sr=1-13

When the Lights Go Out page
http://max-whenlightsgoout.blogspot.com

When the Lights Go Out video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfSEkGN5q0U&feature

(4) On August 15, Captain Jack's Treasure will be released. This is book # 2 in the Sam Cooper Adventure Series. This book has its own page and video. I’ve also included a link to a video for
Lost Island Smugglers which is book # 1 in the series.

Captain Jack's Treasure page http://treasurecaptainjack.blogspot.com/

Video for Captain Jack's Treasure http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khOJMw-faws&feature

Video - Lost Island Smugglers
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUTyzOwEJLg&feature

(5) Then on September 1,

North Woods Poachers will be released. It also has a brand new video.

Video - North Woods Poachers http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UrJF8x9gqBw&feature

(6) And on June 15, Newspaper Caper was released.

WHEW! I don't know about you, but I'm almost out of breath. But there are many more titles on the way. These are books sure to keep young readers turning the pages, especially boys. Next up, River Rampage which is book # 3 in the Sam Cooper adventure series, and Legend of the White Wolf.

When The Lights Go Out links added at the bottom of the 9/11 National Remembrance Flag page

2011-08-07T18:41:00.000-07:00

When The Lights Go Out links added at the bottom of the 9/11 National Remembrance Flag page http://www.911remembranceflag.com/links.phtml

NEW Web Page for Captain Jack's Treasure

2011-08-03T20:06:00.000-07:00

Check out the new blog page for

Captain Jack's Treasure at http://treasurecaptainjack.blogspot.com

When The Lights Go Out video featured

2011-08-02T06:05:00.000-07:00

When The Lights Go Out video featured on Trailer Tuesday at http://sandraardoin.wordpress.com A great Book For Boys.

GateHouse Media

2011-07-30T07:15:00.000-07:00

An article / interview went out to GateHouse Media's 500 affiliates. In addition to 97 online pickups so far, it should also appear in some of their print papers, but I won't have any way of tracking who, where, when, or how many. I noticed that my local paper posted it online this morning http://www.rrstar.com/specialsection/entertainment/x410263514/The-Readers-Writers-Film-producer-and-author-Max-Elliot-Anderson

The article Focuses on When The Lights Go Out which will be released on Monday and is timed for the 10th anniversary of 9/11.

A special blog page for this new release
http://max-whenlightsgoout.blogspot.com

Always Exciting When A Box Of New Books Shows Up

2011-07-28T10:12:00.000-07:00

One of my favoite people is our UPS driver. Any day a box of new books arrives is a good day. Today is a GOOD day! This book will be released on Monday, August 1. It's timed for the 10th anniversary of 9/11, so we never forget. Readers 8 and up, especially boys, will find this another exciting adventure that's hard to put down. Find additional details at
http://max-whenlightsgoout.blogspot.com It's a special blog page set up just for this book.

Please consider doing the following:

On your FaceBook send this:

On Monday, August 1, When The Lights Go Out will be published. Please forward this special information link to your family, friends, and contacts, so we never forget 9/11. Thank you!

http://max-whenlightsgoout.blogspot.com

And Tweet this:

August 1, When The Lights Go Out will be published. Forward this link so we never forget 9/11. http://max-whenlightsgoout.blogspot.com/

"When the Lights Go Out", by Max Elliot Anderson "... will set high standards for young readers"! Read the Review

2011-07-26T08:26:00.000-07:00

Christian Book Previews calls
"When the Lights Go Out", by Max Elliot Anderson, a "book that will set high standards for young readers"! Read the whole review!

http://www.christianbookpreviews.com/christian-book-detail.php?isbn=1936695472

Coming Monday, August 1

VIDEO - Barney And The Runaway featured on Christian Book Videos

2011-07-25T08:23:00.000-07:00

VIDEO - Barney And The Runaway featured on Christian Book Videos http://www.christianbookvideos.com/tag/max-elliot-anderson

Newspaper Caper Is Republished For A Whole New Audience

2011-07-24T09:00:00.000-07:00

Action-adventure-mystery, Newspaper Caper, has been republished. It's available everywhere in bookstores and online. Intended for readers 8 - 12, it is enjoyed by readers of all ages.

Following are lots of reviews for this exciting book. Pick one up for your young reader today!

Max Elliot Anderson

NEWSPAPER CAPER

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Reviewed by Messy Mom

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Newspaper Caper by Max Elliot Anderson

Tom Stevens is a twelve-year-old ambitious salesman in Rock Island, Illinois. He recruits his two best friends to assist him with not one but three newspaper routes in order to help them train for football tryouts in the fall and to save up money to buy a car to distribute more papers. All this during summer vacation. Ambitious. Salesman. Yep.

In the wee hours of the morning before sunrise, the three boys stumble across some suspicious activity. A tow truck begins to hook up an expensive car in someone’s driveway along the paper route. But when the tow truck driver sees the boys, he drives off in the truck, leaving the car behind. Later, Tom reads of a string of car thefts around the area in the papers the boys prepare to deliver. He begins to see a connection between the local car repair shop and the thefts. Developing his detective skills, Tom and his friends piece clues together. Where are the cars going? Why don’t the cops see the clues the way Tom does?

This is a fun, easy read for kids ages 8-12. Though Christian, the message is subtle and not heavy at all. There is excitement, adventure, with a few twists and turns for added fun. I will definitely recommend Newspaper Caper by Max Elliot Anderson to my daughter, nephew, and my friends with kids in the age group.

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Newspaper Caper, written by Max Anderson, is one of the better books I have read. It held my attention with its exciting plot, well-developed characters, and a feeling that what happens in the book could actually happen to someone in real life. I would recommend it to readers between the ages of 9-14. Newspaper Caper is the second installment of the Tweener Press Adventure Series. This story revolves around a twelve-year-old boy named Tom and his two friends, Matt and Jimmy. Tom has convinced Matt and Jimmy that they will become the most physically fit try-outs for their school football team if they help him with his paper route every morning. One day, while delivering papers, they see a strange sight: a man trying to open a car when the key won't work. When the man sees the boys, he runs to a tow truck and drives off. The next day, while rolling papers, Tom notices a headline about car thefts. The mystery unfolds from this point. With its humor, mystery, and the reminder that God is always with you, this book makes me want to read the other books in the Adventure Series.

Reviewed By: Aaron Garrett - Eclectic Homeschool Online

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Read all about it! NewspaperCaper hits the stands! The headlines should scream. This book is a must read! It begins: "Anybody who knew Tom Stevens was sure of one thing. The boy was going places." The author isn't lying. This book features a strong-willed protagonist in a thrilling mystery that is going places from word one. It is one of the better kid's adventure novels I have read in years with a non-stop, relentlessly driving pace. Every chapter ends with a cliffhanger, just like the good old days, but this is a smooth, intelligent story, and not the herky-jerky schlock we're sadly used to in the adventure genre. The lead player, Tom, is one of the most memorable characters I have ever read in this genre. He's a real go-geter and is in trouble up to his eyes, but he never flinches and plows straight ahead. The action does not let up and builds to an amazing finale brought about byTom's brilliant strategies and breathless, daring work. In fact this is the best story of its type I have read since The Gold Ogre by Kenneth Robeson, a novel of the Doc Savage series of the 1930s-40s pulp era, that also featured a group of juvenile protagonists.Newspaper Caper is the first in a new series of kids adventures by Max Eliot Anderson. The series is Tweener Adventures, billed as Christian but not overtly so in the text, and this premier book is a smashing success. It features streetwise, take-charge kids and is written for those sometimes disenfranchised, always aching-for-adventure kids scattered about Suburbia like so much collateral damage of the modern age. This series is a refreshing take on the Hardy Boys-esque mysteries, fully modern and unique in that each novel is a stand alone tale without the same characters or locations being repeated. I'm not quite sure how that will play out over the coming years, if there will ever be any recurrent themes, characters, or storylines, but regardless of the direction it takes, Mr. Anderson has set himself a very high bar for the rest of the series.I recommend this book for all school age readers looking for some adventure to spice up their life. They'll learn a lot from these kids, who run their own businesses, live up to their responsibilities, and aren't afraid to reach for and grab their own dreams. That regardless of anything else, is a great lesson to take to heart. There is one thing I greatly appreciated in these books. Mr. Anderson doesn't preach. He doesn't ram rod the moral and destroy the story along the way. He doesn't write down to kids. These are fresh, alive, and honest characters that leap off the page in an exciting world. Kids can truly relate to their lives, respect their choices, and simply sit back and enjoy the thrill ride.

Thomas Fortenberry's Bookshelf – Midwest Book Review

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admin@readerviews.comhttp://www.readerviews.com/

Newspaper Caper (Tweener Press Adventure Series)By Max Elliot AndersonTweener Press Reviewed by Kelli Glesige for Reader Views Tom Stevens and his best friends Jimmy Wilson and Matt Woodbridge are 12 year oldboys who live in Rock Island, IL near the Mississippi River. It is summer, and the boyswant to earn some money, so Tom, a master salesman, talks his friends into taking onthree paper routes in the neighborhood which means the boys must awaken each day at4:30 A.M. in order to get the papers wrapped and delivered on time. He tells his friendsthis will get them in shape for trying out and playing football in the fall; all three boys’dream. A daily reward for the boys is their delivery at Big Bob’s Doughnut Shop whereBob generously treats the boys to orange juice and a doughnut each day. What a rewardfor a 12 year old boy!All goes well for the boys, besides the occasional dog chasing after them, until they beginto see some odd things happening in the early morning hours. A truck bearing the words SMITTY’S TOWING acts very odd and leaves quickly when the driver sees the boyshave noticed him, and he quickly drives away without towing the intended car. Soonafter, the boys learn of unexplained car thefts occurring around town.Jimmy’s uncle owns P.J.’s Auto Repair, so the boys begin hanging around and askingquestions, trying to learn all they can about why the mysterious truck acted as it did,thinking someone at the repair shop might have some knowledge about Smitty’s Towing.They boys learn about chop shops and what happens to cars after they are stolen and howreselling car parts is a very lucrative business. The boys are surprised to learn thatsometimes a car thief will make a deal with the car owner so that when the car shell isfound, the original owner can turn this loss into their insurance company and get paid fortheir loss. They learn the insurance company comes out the loser in this situation, but inreality, we ultimately all pay with higher rates. Deceit hurts everyone.Exciting times ensue for the three boys, and they see some strange things going onaround town; such as one person gets out and deposits his trash in a container, then alongcomes another person who takes the trash out and drives off with it! They encountervicious guard dogs, and they come up with some quite ingenious ways to subdue theanimals. The boys also learn of some resources available at the library that are helpful intheir quest to unravel the puzzle. While investigating some leads, Tom meets a little oldlady on a park bench near the library whom he learns has had her car, a last gift from hernow deceased husband, stolen. He promises the little old lady he will do all he can tohelp her find her car again, for she now must take a bus or walk everywhere she goes, buteven more importantly, for sentimental reasons. The license plate bearing the title“PRINCESS” is especially meaningful to the little lady. The boys get in several veryprecarious circumstances and the story is exciting! The plot will keep you passionatelyturning pages!This story is a great book for all 12 year olds, and I believe even those who find itdifficult to become engrossed in a book will find results here. Another item I liked aboutthe book was that the boys are aptly rewarded by the city for doing their civic duty. Ifound that in itself a good message to kids. Max Elliot Anderson offers a book with goodvalues, a healthy lesson, plus the bonus of a great and exciting story. It is a page turnerthat will keep you and your child fascinated!

*******************
The Newspaper Caperby Max Elliot Anderson

ages 9-12

136 pages

Paperback

Twelve-year-old Tom Stevens is not your everyday pre-teen. As Max Elliot Anderson describes his protagonist, Tom is a preternaturally talented salesman. “When he was only four, Tom was the first boy on his street to set up a lemonade stand … in January!” Tom runs a thriving newspaper delivery business with the help of his often reluctant friends, Jimmy Wilson and Matt Woodridge. Jimmy and Matt’s reluctance stems from the need to be up at four in the morning to put the papers together and roll them up prior to delivery.One morning, Tom spies a tow truck that is about to hook up an expensive looking car. When the men in the tow truck see the boys on their bicycles, they quickly flee the scene, ignoring the car. In addition to being an astute salesman, Tom has a keen sense of observation and an eye for the unusual. When he reads about the spate of car robberies in his town, Tom puts two and two together and enlists his friends to solve the mystery.Max Elliot Anderson grew up a reluctant reader, even though he came from a family where reading was the norm. As an adult, Anderson realized that his apathy to the written word was because most books were poorly written with a dearth of action. He set out to write books that crackled with action and were page turners. The current book is a fine testament to Anderson’s quest. While the mystery is not complicated, there are ample chases and twists and turns to keep the reader engrossed. The characters are plausible both in their motivations and in their actions. Anderson keeps the descriptions sparse and focuses on the action. Readers who are making the transition to longer chapter books will find this book an enjoyable experience.

Ram Subramanian/ for curled up with a good kid's book

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For middle school kids comes the new Tweener Press Adventure Series beginning with Max Elliot Anderson’s "Newspaper Caper." This series targets boys, specifically those boys who are heavy into the Harry Potter books. Their goal is to keep'em reading and to provide more uplifting material than the progressively darker Potter books.

Anderson's action-packed tale of three 12-year-olds who uncover a car-thieving ring while working their paper route is just the ticket. This demographic will love the fast pace,and the cliff-hanging chapter endings.

This is Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn if they lived in modern American suburbia. The next title promises more of the same: "Terror at Wolf Lake." Book Reviews by Heather Hunt

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Heartland Review of Newspaper Caper

Reviewer: Bob Spear from Leavenworth, KS USA

Newspaper Caper is a wonderful mid-grade mystery adventure book for reluctant readers. Tom Stevens is a nine-year-old businessman who has talked he two best friends into working for him on his morning newspaper route. They witness, try to solve, and become enmeshed in a car theft ring.

This book teaches the work ethic, honesty and many positive values, while not preaching. The action is fast, and young people will quickly get pulled into the story. We feel this author is providing a much-needed resource for those readers who would rather not read if they don't have to. We rated it five hearts.

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12-yr old Tom Stevens is a paper boy. A born leader and 'business man,' Tom parleys everything he touches into a money-making enterprise. "When he was only four, Tom was the first boy on his street to set up a lemonade stand -- in January. And, even though snow already covered the ground, people still stopped and bought some. He could just as easily sell hot chocolate on the most sweltering day of the summer if he wanted to."

Thus Max Anderson introduces us to Tom. With his two best friends Jimmy and Matt, Tom runs one of the largest newspaper routes in his home town. But Tom isn't your ordinary kid. His is an inquisitive mind and when he spots something not quite right, he is determined to get to the bottom of it.

That early in the morning, the boys often saw some pretty strange things: customers locked outside their house while retrieving the paper just delivered, not necessarily ready to meet the world - like a lady in curlers and green stuff on her face. But the boys instinctively adopted a rule of silence about what they saw on their daily route.

However, one morning, during their summer vacation, while it is still dark, the boys notice a tow-truck backing up to the car parked in the driveway of one of their customers. A man gets out of the truck and approaches the car, while in the cab sits another man. Tom gets a glimpse of him. He wears a light blue shirt with a nametag on the front and a patch on the sleeve. The man had dark hair. Though his face was hidden, Tom saw the name on his shirt -- "Jake."

But the man outside the truck sees the boys and instead of hooking up the car to tow it away he quickly runs back to the truck, jumps in and drives away with squealing tires and a trail of blue smoke. "That's strange," thought Tom. And the investigation is on.

Max says he really hated to read, and everything he tried to read failed to hold his interest. He wanted "music, action, and moving pictures…not just a bunch of words." So, he set out to write a book that he would like. NEWSPAPER CAPER is the start of an adventure series he developed will hold the interest of …'Tweeners' - ages 8-13, especially boys."

I loved this book - and I'm a girl! And I'm definitely not a Tweener. Yet this book captivated me from the first page. I think Max has done exactly what he set out to do - and beyond. I'd give this book SIX stars, if there were such a thing. Max, you're on the right track, and I wish you all the best!

Peggy Phifer

*****************************

Tom, Jimmy and Matt have a joint newspaper route, and the boys are up early every morning delivering the papers on their bikes. The boys read about a series of auto thefts in their neighborhood, and one morning they see a couple of men acting very suspiciously. They are pretty sure that the men are stealing a car. Tom sees the name Jake embroidered on one guy's pocket.

The same Jake turns out to be a mechanic at a relative's garage, and he acts very secretive when the boys are around.

The boy's adventures as they take matters into their own hands and investigate the car thefts are hair rising. They befriend an elderly widow whose car is stolen, and encounter vicious, boy-eating watch dogs and the thieves themselves at the chop-shop used by the crooks.

This story contains Christian concepts...God is very much a part of the boys' lives.

The characters are very well drawn and realistic. The plot is exciting and the suspense builds to a surprise ending. This thrilling story is written with the 8 to 14 year old reluctant reader in mind, and the kids just won't be able to put it down. Myshelf.com

**********************

Tom Stevens is a born salesman who entices his friends to become entrepreneurs. Disciplining themselves to become the best football players means they have to rise early everyday in order to deliver local newspapers.

Their delivery route has its challenges which Anderson has the characters handle with robust and often hilarious responses. The plot begins to race along as they discover they may have accidentally become witnesses to a very well- planned car theft pattern that is causing grief to numerous people.

Realistically, Tom Stevens, Jimmy Wilson, and Matt Woodridge keep delivering their papers while discovering increasing evidence that proves the thieves might just be a little closer to their world than they previously expected.

It is Tom, however, who proves the most capable at carrying this mystery to its danger-fraught conclusion. His investigative skills are quite convincing and the reader will be mentally urging him forward as he comes closer to solving the crimes. His trust in God is contagious as he comes frightfully closer to having to do more than just watch an unfolding drama.

In a world fraught with apathy and resignation, Max Anderson presents another Tweener Press Adventure that is sure to delight young readers who are looking for real excitement and hope that defies all injustice.

Neat job, Mr. Anderson!

Reviewed by Viviane Crystal

New Book Countdown

2011-07-21T05:01:00.000-07:00

When
The Lights

Go Out

Is
Out
As Of
August 1

When the Lights Go Out Blog
http://max-whenlightsgoout.blogspot.com/

When the Lights Go Out Video

New Video - Lost Island Smugglers

2011-07-19T06:08:00.000-07:00

I have a new book trailer video for
Lost Island Smugglers

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUTyzOwEJLg&feature

Once you're at the link, there are several other trailers for my action-adventure & mystery books for boys...and girls like reading them too.

Atlanta Booksellers Convention

2011-07-15T07:09:00.000-07:00

On Monday, July 11, I left my house at around 4:00 A,M., to drive to Chicago for my flight to Atlanta and the International Christian Retail Show (ICRS). We experienced a full ground stop while a storm with 70 mph winds, and torrential rain, blew through. The power went off in our terminal, the air went off, people movers stopped, and the place went dark. Eventually we were able to depart.

My hotel room was on the 40th floor of the Westin. That's the view out my window.

I had been invited to ICRS by Comfort Publishing, publisher of several of my books for boys 8 – 13. They had an attractive booth in and end location.

Comfort Publishing produced a nice poster for my signing, and ran an ad in the daily show paper.

ICRS is probably the largest trade show for Christian bookstores and the products they sell. Book publishers exhibited there along with gift companies, music and film companies, and many others.

I was there to sign copies of my new book, When the Lights Go Out. This is an action-adventure, with a terrorist plot, that will also make sure that kids never forget what happened on 9/11. It will be released on August 1, in time for the 10th anniversary of 9/11.

We ran out of that book, so I signed additional copies of Barney and the Runaway, Newspaper Caper, and North Woods Poachers.

Each time I signed a book, and said, “My books are for readers 8 – 13, especially boys,” the person’s face brightened, their eyebrows went up, and they said, “We really need more books for boys!” It’s my hope that they will carry that thought back home and spread the word that they found a source for that need.

I met several old friends and lots of new ones.

Tucked inside each signed book was a bookmark I'd printed with the covers of several of my books, along with contact information.

Then, when I returned home, I had to deal with the clean up from 80 mph winds which were part of that same storm system that had held up my flight. My neighborhood just got back full electric power late last night.

When the Lights Go Out - Blog
http://max-whenlightsgoout.blogspot.com/

Video for Captain Jack's Treasure http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khOJMw-faws&feature

VideoWhen the Lights Go Out
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfSEkGN5q0U&feature

Video - Barney and the Runaway http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-0l7ZU94Ieo&feature=mfu

Video - North Woods Poachers
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UrJF8x9gqBw&feature

School is Where the Home Is

2011-07-13T18:25:00.000-07:00

I’m happy to introduce you to Anita Mellott and her new book, School Is Where the Home Is.

This is a devotional book for parents and contains 180 devotions.

But here’s the fun part. I first met Anita many, many years ago in Bangalore, India. I had travelled there to help my father shoot a kid’s film for the children of India. That film was called
Mark of the Red Hand.

The person who had set up all of the logistics for us in India, and even had a staring role, was Anita’s father, George Ninan. Anita’s family and ours became lifelong friends, although I haven’t seen her since she was just a little girl.

Earlier this week I attended the International Christian Retail Show (ICRS) in Atlanta, to sign copies of my new book, When the Lights Go Out.

Anita came to my signing, totally surprised me, and it was great to get reacquainted with her after so many years. Later in the day, I went to her signing in the Judson Press booth at ICRS.

Reviews

“The devotions found in School Is Where the Home Is are exactly what my homeschool days need! Anita opens the door to her home and heart to share soul-stirring wisdom for how God can transform your homeschool journey into all that the Lord longs for it to beÂ—both for you and your children. Whether you’re new to homeschooling or a veteran, these devotions will lighten your load, brighten your mood, and heighten your awareness that God is with you every step of the way.” --Amy Wallace, author of the Defenders of Hope series and homeschool mom of three, navigating high school, middle school, and elementary school with a smile—most days

“With clarity and sincerity, Anita Mellot leads the reader through a series of short readings and reflections which become more than just a time of devotion, but spark powerful and relevant thoughts on how we can be the best parent we can. Her heart as a mother, her dedication as a wife, and her years of experience combine in humility and insight. Not your typical collection of daily devotions, School Is Where the Home Is offers any parent a simple contemplation on the things that really matter.” --Andrew Pudewa, Institute for Excellence in Writing

“In Anita Mellott’s book, we get a glimpse of God’s provision, wisdom, encouragement, and love all wrapped up in a daily devotional that is sure to encourage the heart of every homeschool mom who reads it. Anita encourages readers to listen for God’s gentle whisper and to see the Lord in every aspect of homeschooling––from child training to math lessons. You’ll be blessed and encouraged in your homeschool journey by the wisdom that is found in the pages of this unique book.” --Heidi St. John, thebusyhomeschoolmom mom and FirstClassHomeschool.org

“Like all good books of encouragement, Anita’s draws out spiritual lessons from the everyday events that arise in the process of homeschooling. We all can identify with these stories. Accordingly, we can all benefit from the spiritual insights and encouragements she draws out of each episode. The lessons are written with a light touch but are able to connect each of us with that which is truly profound.” --from the foreword by Dr. Michael Farris, Chairman, Homeschool Legal Defense Association

“In Anita Mellott’s book, we get a glimpse of God’s provision, wisdom, encouragement, and love all wrapped up in a daily devotional that is sure to encourage the heart of every homeschool mom who reads it. Anita encourages readers to listen for God’s gentle whisper and to see the Lord in every aspect of homeschooling––from child training to math lessons. You’ll be blessed and encouraged in your homeschool journey by the wisdom that is found in the pages of this unique book.” --Heidi St. John, thebusyhomeschoolmom and FirstClassHomeschool.org

***********

So, if you’re a homeschooing parent, especially a mom, I think you’ll find this book to be helpful, encouraging, and useful in the special work you do to teach your children – Max Elliot Anderson, author of adventures and mysteries for readers 8 – 13, especially boys.

This book was given to me by the author at a trade show at no cost.

Please meet Vincent Forras, First Responder, Survivor of 9/11

2011-07-09T08:11:00.000-07:00

Please meet Vincent Forras, First Responder, Survivor of 9/11

Vincent - 2nd from the left

As the roll out has begun on my book, When the Lights Go Out, I’ve reached out to the 9/11 families and organizations connected with that terrible event. It is critically important that we teach the next generations about what happened on that day, and why it’s also important that we never forget.

Vinny is co-founder of an organization called the Gear Up Foundation. You can learn more about it at http://www.gearupfoundation.org/

But you should also know that he is a survivor of the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center towers. He wrote to me, “For me the lights really did go out when I was buried beneath the rubble for nearly two hours in total darkness.” And he’s committed to keeping the memory of those who died on that day, alive.

I believe there is an effort to cover over 9/11. Students don’t know much about it and it isn’t an important part of the curriculum. There may be pockets of areas where this isn’t true, but I’m not aware of those.

On a recent national news program, I saw some man-on-the-street interviews of young people in their late teens and early twenties. A few could explain what took place on 9/11, but sadly, most had no idea.

We can NOT allow this to continue. So I hope you’ll take a look at Vinny’s foundation. http://www.gearupfoundation.org If nothing else, drop him a note and tell him how much you appreciate his service. Vinny, and many others like him, rushed into those towers while everyone else ran away. His email address is vforras@gearupfoundation.org

Please tell as many people as possible about

When the Lights Go Out. I'll be signing copies at ICRS in Atlanta.

Here are a couple of links you can use.

When the Lights Go Out blog
http://max-whenlightsgoout.blogspot.com

Video When the Lights Go Out
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfSEkGN5q0U&feature

Then spend a few minutes at his web site. You’ll be glad you did.

Max Elliot Anderson

Contact Gear Up.

Gear Up Foundation

P.O. Box 911

South Salem, NY 10590

Phone: (631) 869-5607

Toll Free: (800) 601-3493

My video work at the 2011 US Open for Table Tennis

2011-07-05T05:30:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, I had the opportunity to run a video camera at the 2011 US Open for Table Tennis. We had three cameras and the video images were switched live for a live streaming video program on the Internet.

Can you remember the last time you stood in one place, in a ridged position, for over 6 hours? That’s what it took to shoot this program.

The US Open is the premier event for Table Tennis in the United States. Over 800 athletes from 15 countries were expected at this year’s event hosted by the city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Here is a list of Countries that Athletes represented at the US Open

Barbados, Belarus, Brazil, Canada, China, China (Hong Kong), Croatia, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Ireland, Israel, Jamaica, Japan, Mexico, Norway, Pakistan, Philippines, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Singapore, South Korea, United States, Ukraine & Venezuela

Ping Pong Diplomacy

Milwaukee was the first stop of the national celebration of the 40th Anniversary of Ping Pong Diplomacy.

In 1971, a series of table tennis matches between the People’s Republic of China and the USA helped lay the groundwork for the eventual establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

To celebrate the 40th Anniversary of this widely acknowledged diplomatic breakthrough known as Ping Pong Diplomacy (PPD), USA Table Tennis participated with Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett and the metro Milwaukee business community to welcome a 14- member Chinese delegation to stage a PPD Exhibition on Friday, July 1.

The Chinese delegation was led by distinguished members of the Chinese Table Tennis Association, the Chinese Olympic Committee and members of the original 1971 PPD delegation. Exhibition matches showcased original ’71 players from both nations along with matches featuring current elite players and junior elite players from both nations.

Guests were invited to gather at 6 pm for a viewing of “The Emperor’s Private Paradise,” a unique collection of more than 90 art treasures on loan from Beijing’s Forbidden City. There was a lead- in table tennis exhibition featuring Milwaukee’s own and Las Vegas headliner and prominent television personality, Frank Caliendo, at 6:30 pm. Multi-medalist Olympian Bonnie Blair and former NFL quarterback and Olympian Randy Dean addressed the audience. A formal dinner followed and the evening concluding with the feature table tennis matches including US Open participant and comedian Frank Caliendo.

Here’s a link if you’re interested in more information about the event http://usopenmilwaukee.com

Books for boys videos

2011-07-02T09:09:00.000-07:00

Here are some short videos about books for boys that you might enjoy over this long, 4th of July weekend.

Captain Jack's Treasure

Guys...read a book!

NEWS! I received a notice that the Malaysia Star newspaper gave a mention to my video, Guys...read a book. http://thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story.asp?file=/2011/7/3/lifefocus/8983357&sec=lifefocus

When the Lights Go Out

Barney and the Runaway

Various Books Video Trailer

And this one, of our cat, Aubie, is just for fun.

New video for Captain Jack's Treasure

2011-07-01T07:12:00.000-07:00

Here's a new video for Captain Jack's Treasure which releases on August 15

Share this link with others

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khOJMw-faws&feature