Limited Edition African Wildlife Art - Signed and Numbered

Note! Folds across images are from a scan of a printed brochure.

                                                                                                                             By Artist Philip Lasz

It was my distinct honor to know and work with Philip Lasz for several years. Phil was a missionary in Kenya, with an immense talent for capturing African animals on canvas. Sadly, he lost his battle with cancer, but his love for the animals that God created, lives on in his work. 

  

Peace Before the Storm (From edition of 1000 - Signed & Numbered in person by the artist.) 

  

(34" × 21")

Elephant Herd on the Move (From edition of 1000 - Signed & Numbered in person by the artist.) 
  
  

(34" × 21")

  
His Majesty (From edition of 1000 - Signed & Numbered in person by the artist.) 
  
  

(34" × 21")

  
Greater Kudu (From edition of 1000 - Signed & Numbered in person by the artist.) 
  
  

(34" × 21")

Signed & Numbered by the artist.

I still have a small supply of his beautiful, Limited Edition, signed and numbered lithographs are available for $199.95 each. These large (34" × 21") impressive works of art are perfect for the living room, den, or office. We'll pay shipping/handling.   
  
Send your check to: 
  
Max Anderson
P.O. Box 4126
Rockford, IL 61110

What has happened to kids’ imaginations?

What has happened to kids’ imaginations? Reading sparks #imagination in children. Watch “Imagine” for more information. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOAa_eu30Xc 

MOMS WITH A STRUGGLING-RELUCTANT READER.

MOMS WITH A STRUGGLING-RELUCTANT READER. What if you could find a book your child wanted to read? I grew up as a reluctant reader. Try one of my adventure-mysteries and see what happens at your house. Young readers say it’s like being in an exciting movie! https://middlegradeadventureandmystery.blogspot.com

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=max+elliot+anderson+books&crid=2CRST3R949XI&sprefix=max+elliot+anderson%2Caps%2C104&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_1_19 

Middle grade adventure/mystery - Troubles At Timber Ski Lodge is now published!

Middle grade adventure/mystery - Troubles At Timber Ski Lodge is now published!

Sibling rivalry and a neighborhood bully are only two of the troubles Eric faced. Eric Baxter is twelve-years-old. His little brother, Shawn, drives him crazy with every opportunity. The Baxter family moved to the lodge two years ago because Eric’s grandfather could no longer keep up with the place.
Unfortunately, it hadn’t snowed enough in those two years for the lodge to turn a profit, and there had never been extra money so the Baxters could buy the snow-making equipment that would have made all the difference.
It didn’t help matters to have Thunder Mountain Ski Lodge right next door. Vince Turner’s father owned the place, and the Turners were filthy rich. Vince reminded Eric of that fact almost every day.
One afternoon, the village authorities learned that a gold shipment had been robbed. The reports said that a small airplane had been stolen around the same time. It’s expected that the crooks might try to fly the stolen gold across the mountains.
What happens when the boys hear the drone of a small plane just as a fierce storm is moving in? And, will Eric be able to save Timber Ski Lodge before it’s too late?
An avalanche, sibling rivalry, and being chased by gold thieves only add to Eric’s troubles.

Order from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Troubles-at-Timber-Ski-Lodge/dp/1649499809/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3CPTVUIIV5560&keywords=troubles+at+timber+ski+lodge%2C+anderson&qid=1690327591&sprefix=troubles+at+timber+ski+lodge%2C+anderson%2Caps%2C97&sr=8-1 

My Middle Grade Readers Blog: https://middlegradeadventureandmystery.blogspot.com

Born in 1946, I grew up with #ADHD but nobody knew what it was back then.

Born in 1946, I grew up with #ADHD but nobody knew what it was back then. So I suffered through school and hated every minute of it. I followed a life of film and video production and, in recent years, have written the kinds of adventures and mysteries I would have enjoyed as a kid. Back then, I also hated to read. https://middlegradeadventureandmystery.blogspot.com

It's time to get kids reading again!

“According to the asseassment, the average reading scores for 13-year-olds declined by four points and nine points in mathematics compared to NAEP's previous assessment during the 2019-2020 school year.”

“Only 14% of students reported reading for fun almost daily, a decrease of 3% lower than in 2020 and 13% lower than in 2012. The year 2023 recorded the lowest percentage of students who reported that they read for fun almost every day than all previous assessment years. In 1984, 35% of students reported reading for fun almost daily.” 

It’s time to get our kids reading again. Kids report reading one of these books is like “being” in an exciting movie. So turn off those electronic devices and find them a good book that will hold their attention and interest.Here’s a great place to start: https://middlegradeadventureandmystery.blogspot.com/ 

Troubles At Timber Ski Lodge soon to be republished.

 

                                                

Troubles At Timber Ski Lodge soon to be republished. 

Sibling rivalry and a neighborhood bully are only two of the troubles Eric faced. Eric Baxter is twelve-years-old. His little brother, Shawn, drives him crazy with every opportunity. The Baxter family moved to the lodge two years ago because Eric’s grandfather could no longer keep up with the place. Unfortunately, it hadn’t snowed enough in those two years for the lodge to turn a profit, and there had never been extra money so the Baxters could buy the snow-making equipment that would have made all the difference. It didn’t help matters to have Thunder Mountain Ski Lodge right next door. Vince Turner’s father owned the place, and the Turners were filthy rich. Vince reminded Eric of that fact almost every day. One afternoon, the village authorities learned that a gold shipment had been robbed. The reports said that a small airplane had been stolen around the same time. It’s expected that the crooks might try to fly the stolen gold across the mountains. What happens when the boys hear the drone of a small plane just as a fierce storm is moving in? And, will Eric be able to save Timber Ski Lodge before it’s too late? An avalanche, sibling rivalry, and being chased by gold thieves only add to Eric’s troubles.

Information about more books for readers 8 - 13 at: https://middlegradeadventureandmystery.blogspot.com/ 

Rat Rods

A few of the Rat Rods I used to make, back in high school, out of leftover parts from some of my model car kits  https://middlegradeadventureandmystery.blogspot.com/  

Takes me back to my childhood of reading Hardy Boys mysteries.

Sam Cooper, Tyler and Tony have already been stranded on an island and helped Captain Jack restore his boat. Of course boys never have enough adventure, so they were excited to be invited by Tony and his uncle to go on a river rafting trip. Even though safety precautions were taken, the rapids have their own dangers. After their raft is separated from the group, they manage to make land on a small beach. Sam and his friends decide to hike inland to try to find a way back to civilization. The three boys run into a gold prospector and a biker gang with claim jumping in mind. It’s going to take team work and ingenuity to survive.

The Sam Cooper Adventures by Max Elliot Anderson take me back to my childhood of reading Hardy Boys mysteries. Even as an adult I find it hard to put these books down. If you know an 8-12 year old looking for an exciting read, you’ve got to get them this series - Jenny Rose  

https://middlegradeadventureandmystery.blogspot.com/  

The birds decided to add their little touch to the arrangement by our front door this season.

The birds decided to add their little touch to the arrangement by our front door this season. 

March Madness - here's a middle grade book for that

Exciting book for middle grade kids during March Madness - “At The Buzzer!” 5 stars on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/At.../dp/1944430385/ref=sr_1_1...

March is National Reading Month

March is National Reading Month, a great time to reach out to struggling, reluctant readers with exciting adventures and mysteries sure to get them reading. Find yours here: https://middlegradeadventureandmystery.blogspot.com/ 

Exciting adventures and mysteries great for summer reading

Exciting adventures and mysteries, with cliffhanger chapter endings, that’ll keep middle grade readers coming back for more. Great for summer reading. 

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=max+elliot+anderson&crid=210FTZKVVK58E&sprefix=max+elliot+anderson%2Caps%2C75&ref=nb_sb_noss_1 

Looking for good, clean adventures or mysteries for a young reader?

Looking for good, clean adventures or mysteries for a young reader in your life? Let 2022 be the year you introduced them to books that kids say are like “being in” an exciting movie. https://www.amazon.com/s?k=max+elliot+anderson&crid=3NWDTJY9KM3RP&sprefix=max+elliot+anderson%2Caps%2C78&ref=nb_sb_noss_1 

Noah's Ark, Fact Or Fiction?

Noah’s Ark, fact or fiction? This Ken Anderson Film - though several years old now - contains helpful information. Enjoy “Noah’s Ark And The Genesis Flood.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-wMEA5ZPgA

A Boy - A Dog - A Circus...What could go wrong? Barney And The Runaway

Barney and the Runaway has been re-released. 

Barney and the Runaway

Author: Max Elliot Anderson

Audience: 8 – 12; especially boys

Words: 25000

Synopsis_________________________________

Barney and the Runaway tells the story of Michael Ellis, who has recently told his parents to start calling him Mike from now on. He especially hated the way they were always telling him what to do. Mike decides to teach his parents a lesson by pretending to run away for a day with his dog Barney. 

The plan gets a bit more complicated than planned 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. Fortunately for the runaways, Big Bob the Clown takes Mike and Barney to safety in his wagon. Mike decides that living and performing with the circus might be a good idea until Big Bob opens Mike’s eyes to his unfortunate past. 

Mike’s encounter with this grown up runaway, in the circus, helps him to understand that his parents truly love him. Then Mike and Barney save the circus. Through it all, Mike learns the importance of family.

Parents often punish their children, but only because they love and want what is best for them, not because they don’t care. Even though the life of a circus performer with a circus family may appear fun, if given a choice, most would agree that living in a warm home with loving, caring parents is the preferred choice. As the saying goes, “You don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone.” After Mike overhears some unsettling news and both he and Barney are involved in a scary and dangerous crime, Mike learns his lesson before it’s too late.

Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/Barney-Runaway-Max-Elliot-Anderson/dp/1649493517/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=barney+and+the+runaway&qid=1629382437&sr=8-1 

Dedicated To The Memory of 9/11, And The People Who Lost Their Lives That Day, So We Never Forget.

Dedicated To The Memory of 9/11, And The People Who Lost Their Lives That Day, So We Never Forget.

The 20th anniversary of 9/11 is upon us. And with it comes mounting chaos. This book will help give perspective to young readers, helping them understand the things that really matter in life.

Synopsis_________________________________

When the Lights go Out

Author: Max Elliot Anderson

Audience: 8 – 12; especially boys

Words: About 36,500 

Peyton Aldrich has just moved to a new army base with his parents and younger sister. He doesn’t understand why his father has been sent to such a rundown place in the middle of nowhere. After all, his father was a colonel, with top security clearance, who completed the elite Ranger school. And his training had been in Army Intelligence. Yet, here they were.

Peyton was never allowed to ask his father anything about what he did in the army. Nor was he allowed to ever get in the way. There were many secrets that his dad couldn’t even tell his own family.

Peyton idolized his father. One day, he hoped to grow up to be just like him. His father had told him that the army may not be for everyone, but after what happened on 9/11, somebody had to help keep the country safe.

Peyton finds two friends. Gill is the son of the base’s motor pool sergeant, and Dave’s father is the base chaplain. Together they decide to train like Rangers, and search for some kind of mission they could do. 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.

There was no way Peyton could tell his father what he knew. After all, it could cost him his job. Peyton, Gill, and Dave have to take matters into their own hands, and they do.

Will the terrorists find out who is trying to expose their evil plan? Will the boys be able to stop them? And what will happen to Peyton’s father when the general finds out what the boys did?

“When the Lights go Out.” A story for kids, and their parents, so we never forget 9/11.

Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/When-Lights-Out-Elliot-Anderson/dp/1649491980/ref=sr_1_6?crid=1B99VHQILOWKH&dchild=1&keywords=when+the+lights+go+out+book&qid=1629384862&sprefix=When+the+lights+go+out%2Caps%2C175&sr=8-6 

The Story Of A Teacher, Students, a Classroom, with Adventure & Mystery Books For Readers 8 - 12

Most people, who know my story, know I grew up absolutely hating to read. This in spite of the fact that my father was a prolific author. Some of his books were for kids, but I didn’t read them.

It was much later in life when I realized why I hadn’t enjoyed reading as a child. That’s when I began writing the kinds of adventures and mysteries I would have enjoyed back then. Action, adventure, dialog, and humor that was short on details and descriptions.

Being honest, it’s been a slow process finding my way into the market for my books. But what I have found is, once teachers, parents, librarians, and kids discover my books, they’re hooked to put it mildly. Let me illustrate.

At the beginning of this year, our son moved out of Chicago and into one of the suburbs. This meant his 9 year-old daughter would have to be the new kid in a new school. Earlier in the summer, she had come across some of my books, on her dad’s bookshelf, and began reading them all on her own. 

When she got to school, she told her teacher that her grandfather wrote books for kids. When her teacher expressed interest, I sent seven of my books for the classroom bookshelf.

My granddaughter FaceTimed us this past week to report on what had happened. 

“All the books disappeared right away,” she said, “and everyone loves them. They’ve even said they want to read every one.”

Of course, this made my day, my week, and more. But it got me thinking how amazing it would be if more teachers across the country would give these books a try in their classrooms. Here’s another example of a teacher’s experiences with my middle grade adventures and mysteries. She writes an open letter to fellow teachers.

Dear Teacher,

   My name is Sandra Stiles. I am a middle school Language Arts teacher in Bradenton, Florida. I have always had a passion for reading. That passion doesn’t always transfer to your own children. My daughter was a struggling reader. It took another teacher to introduce her to an author whose books she devoured.  

    I am here to tell you about that author who has my students reading and fighting over his books.  Max Elliot Anderson has been one of my favorite authors for several years. Not only do I love his books, but my students love them as well.  I have three classes of students who have a remedial reading class, then they come to me for Language Arts.  

     When I did my first book pass with my students I made sure to have one of Max’s books in each pile to introduce them to his books. Both boys and girls love his books. Almost all of his books are not only filled with adventure, but also mystery. 

     One of my lowest readers has made it a goal to read all of Max’s books I have on my shelves. He has read eight books so far. The really cool part is that he started talking to some of the girls in the class. Now he has them reading them, too.

     Max has two major series, “The Sam Cooper” series and “The Accidental Adventures” series.  Both of these have characters that all kids - boys and girls alike - will love. There are also several standalone titles.

     I can’t say enough about his books.  I highly recommend them to classrooms everywhere.

Sandra Stiles

NBCT

ELA teacher/Dept. Chair

My books are readily available on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=max+elliot+anderson&ref=nb_sb_noss_1

I hope you’ll give them a try soon, and see the excitement that happens in your own classroom.

Thank you,

Max Elliot Anderson  

Speaking to students at an author school visit.

Max Elliot Anderson

Middle Grade Adventure & Mystery Author

https://middlegradeadventureandmystery.blogspot.com

A Positive Book For Your 8 - 13 Reader Especially At Halloween

Here’s an exciting mystery - adventure for your young reader at Halloween, “Ghosts in the Old Attic” is written from a Christian perspective when the rest of the world focuses on the dark side of witches, ghosts, and evil.

Synopsis_________________________________

Ghosts in the Old Attic

Author: Max Elliot Anderson

Audience: 8 – 12; especially boys

Words: 31,000

Sam Cooper is about to get the surprise of his life. His parents plan to leave Harper’s Inlet, Florida,  and move to Louisiana, where they will open a bed and breakfast.

When the family arrives, Sam’s cousins have some pretty wild-eyed stories to tell about a “haunted” mansion nearby. He and his cousins begin exploring the creepy place. Where were those noises coming from and the strange lights at night? There is also a rumor that the reason this place is “haunted” is because there is buried pirate treasure hidden someplace. 

As the cousins are investigating, Sam’s parents have been looking for an available property they can afford.

Sam was in for another surprise when he found out about the rundown mansion his parents finally chose to buy. Who is trying to discourage them from moving in and why?

Will the family be able to open the bed and breakfast before it’s too late, or will they lose all their money?

This book is written for readers 8 - 13, especially boys. 

Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars

Excellent read explaining "ghosts" in a realistic setting!

"It's okay to be a little scared. But if you wake up every morning and tell God you need Him to help you in your day...He will." What a great theme that runs through Ghosts In The Old Attic (A Sam Cooper Adventure Book 6) by Max Elliot Anderson. This is such a great book for all ages, although I would think middle school kids would related to the adventures of Sam and his cousins.

I particularly liked that the "ghosts" kept the adventure moving, while Dad helped explain that there is a dark side to life which people battle with and accept, but if you dig deep enough you'll always find that God has the real answer you are looking for.

I did jump into this series, but it is a stand alone story, fast paced with easy to like characters with a realistic setting. An excellent read!

GHOSTS IN THE OLD ATTIC is the sixth book in Mr. Anderson's tween boys series, but it stands alone. I read all the books in it except two. Mr. Anderson was the author that helped my youngest son to enjoy reading and even though he writes mainly for reluctant boy readers, girls enjoy his books and my reluctant reader youngest daughter is engaged by his books.

GHOSTS IN THE OLD ATTIC  I figured there was a mystery in there somewhere and there was. I liked the ending, and didn't find the book particularly scary (though a tween might). There are a lot of ghost stories included (which definitely appeal to tween boys) and of course a possible buried treasure ... sure things that will appeal to the reluctant male tween reader on your list.

Another of Max Elliot Anderson's spooky stories, again starring Sam Cooper. I'm thinking kids in their teens will love this. Shoot, I'm in my backwards teens, and I loved it!

Poor Sam! His folks have decided to uproot him from all his friends in Harper's Inlet and drag him all the way to Louisiana. They want to open a bed and breakfast.

As if that wasn't bad enough, they'll probably choose one of those old (aka, historic) mansions with a dozen pirate stories attached to it, along with stories of ghosts and treasure. Sam likes ghost stories in movies and books, but definitely NOT in real life!

His cousins live where they're moving, and Scooter and Shelley introduce him to ... yep, you guessed it ... a haunted house. Which of course they have to explore. After one hair-raising experience, you'd think they'd stay away, but no. Scooter is just all the more fascinated, and Sam doesn't want to be labeled as a scaredy-cat.

Sam Cooper’s parents are moving the family to Louisiana. They want to open and bed and breakfast. Until they can find the perfect house, they are staying with his cousins Scooter and Shelley. Louisiana is known for its ghosts and pirates. Sam’s cousin loves telling Sam many stories. He even takes him to what he deems a haunted house. When Sam hears strange noises and sees strange sights he can’t explain he’s ready to leave. Scooter wants to go back. As luck would have it, Sam’s parents find a house they can afford with the charm they want. Yep, you guessed it. It is the old historic mansion that Sam’s cousin believes is haunted. If it isn’t haunted, then why would someone be trying to keep them out of the house? Loved all the twists and turns in this book. The twist at the end was wonderful. I have read several of the Sam Cooper series and have several on my school shelves. I highly recommend not only these books, but all of this author’s books. It is always a pleasure to read and review them.

5.0 out of 5 stars

Might be my fave so far!

This could be the most exciting one yet. Sam has to say goodbye to his friends in Harper’s Inlet, Florida to move to Louisiana. He gets to meet his Aunt, Uncle and cousins for the first time. His cousin Scooter is fascinated by ghost stories and Baton Rouge, Louisiana has plenty. But there are also tale of pirates—the most famous being Jean Lafitte.

When Sam’s parents decide to buy an old mansion nearby and renovate it into a Bed and Breakfast, the building inspectors tell them they are better off bull dozing the place and starting over.

I think this could be the best Sam Cooper Adventure so far. If you know a middle school boy or girl with questions about ghosts—this is the book to read.

Not just for kids

Reviewed in the United States on November 16, 2017

Not just for kids

I really enjoyed reading the book. The writing was age appropriate, filled with humor, and had a good message. I highly recommend this book for middle school age boys. Kids who like pirate stories and ghost stories will especially enjoy the book. Also, some interesting historical elements.

https://www.amazon.com/Ghosts-Old-Attic-Cooper-Adventure/dp/1944430997/ref=sr_1_11?dchild=1&keywords=max+elliot+anderson&qid=1600690630&sr=8-11