With 2 of my own granddaughters now teenagers, this book becomes more important every day!

REVIEW:  Tracy’s Choices by Max Elliot Anderson is a powerful, sobering nonfiction account (sometimes described with semi-autobiographical or journal-like elements) that follows the real-life story of Tracy Eichman, the first person in Illinois convicted and imprisoned for knowingly attempting to transmit HIV/AIDS. 

The book traces Tracy’s path from a seemingly ordinary middle-class upbringing in Rockford, Illinois, through a series of increasingly destructive choices. It begins with early alcohol use, escalates to peer-pressured drug experimentation in high school (marijuana, pills, then harder substances like heroin and cocaine), leads to dropping out of school, street life as a prostitute to fund her addiction, involvement with a biker gang, repeated arrests, abuse, and eventually the devastating impact of AIDS. 

Anderson doesn’t sensationalize the story for shock value. Instead, he presents it straightforwardly and factually, interspersing details of Tracy’s experiences with broader information on the realities of addiction, risky behaviors, and their consequences. The narrative highlights how small, seemingly harmless decisions compound over time, leading to profound personal and physical destruction. It’s a stark warning rather than entertainment. 

A turning point comes through her arrest by Lt. Jim Mays, a Christian officer whose compassion and faith play a key role in Tracy’s conversion. She finds redemption, forgiveness, and purpose in her later years—reaching out to warn other young people—despite the irreversible toll of her earlier choices and health struggles. The Governor eventually grants her a pardon so she can return home, and the story underscores themes of grace, responsibility (“You are Responsible for You”), and the possibility of transformation even amid tragedy. 

Strengths

• Relevance and Impact: This is essential reading for teens and young adults. It directly confronts drugs, alcohol, promiscuity, and their life-altering (or life-ending) effects without preachiness. The Christian message of redemption emerges naturally from Tracy’s encounter with faith and community support.
• Honesty: Reviewers note it pulls no punches on the grim realities (addiction’s grip, health decline from AIDS, trauma) while keeping language and descriptions appropriate—clean, factual, and suitable for its target audience. 
• Purpose-Driven: Anderson, primarily known for clean middle-grade adventures and mysteries aimed at reluctant readers (especially boys), steps into heavier territory here to equip young people with foresight before critical life choices solidify. 

Overall Recommendation

4 out of 5 stars. Tracy’s Choices is a convicting, compassionate, and ultimately hopeful book. It’s not light reading, but that’s precisely its strength. In an era when some downplay the risks of substance use or casual sex, Tracy’s unfiltered story serves as a compelling cautionary tale. Parents, youth leaders, educators, and teens themselves would benefit from it. It drives home that while bad influences exist, personal responsibility and the offer of redemption remain central. Highly recommended for its intended audience as a tool for wise decision-making.

Amazon Link:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/0938447173 

Use AI to search for authors or books for your children

Have you used AI to search for authors or books for your children? My favorite is Grok, but there are several available. Even Google has an AI option connected to their normal search bar. Simply type in - Tell me about author Max Elliot Anderson - and see what happens.

Back Yard Surprise

Here’s a little nature story for your Monday afternoon. We have a tree in our back yard that surprises me every spring when it comes back to life. That’s because rodents are all the time going inside the trunk, which is all rotted out, and scratching more of it out. We had a wind storm and rain earlier, so I went out to pick up sticks from our other trees. I noticed a clump of leave in the trunk of this one, put my gloved hand in there, and something gray jumped a little, kind of like you would do if you were poked unexpectedly. Turns out there’s a squirrel nest in there, that grey blob is the mother, and soon, if not already, there will be a litter of babies in there, too.

That grey blob is the mother squirrel

Bird VS Window

It’s not unusual for a #bird to crash into our sliding door in the den, even though we have things on the glass to help them see it isn’t open. A few days ago, this little guy slammed into the door, bounced off, and lay motionless on the patio. I went out and picked him up, not knowing if he was alive or not. He was still struggling to breath and both eyes were closed. I took him inside and held him for several minutes. First he opened one eye, and later the second. When it was clear he was coming back around, I took him out and let him go. Others have hit that door and not been so lucky.

April is #NationalHumorMonth

April is NationalHumorMonth in the US. It’s an annual observance that runs the entire month of April, kicking off on April 1 (April Fools’ Day). It was founded in 1976 by humorist Larry Wilde to highlight the positive effects of laughter and #humor on health and well-being. 

Start your celebration with “The Sense of Humor” - Let Humor Fast Track You to Healthier, Happier Living

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1942513976 

“Shadow” by Max Elliot Anderson – A Heart-Pounding Boy-and-His-Dog Adventure That Delivers Thrills and Heart

Max Elliot Anderson has done it again with Shadow, a gripping middle-grade mystery and adventure that feels like a cinematic ride from start to finish. If you've ever loved classic tales like Old Yeller or Where the Red Fern Grows, but crave more action, suspense, and modern twists, this book is a perfect fit—especially for reluctant readers aged 8–13 (boys and girls alike).

The story centers on Bobby Taylor, a boy who's dreamed of having his own dog for as long as he can remember. When he spots a neglected, pitiful dog chained in the backyard of a rundown house on his way to school, he quietly "adopts" the animal in his heart, naming him Shadow. What starts as a simple act of kindness quickly spirals into something far more dangerous. Shadow isn't just any dog—he's tied to secrets, threats, and a web of mystery that pulls Bobby into high-stakes trouble involving danger, twists, and unexpected alliances.

Anderson's signature style shines here: fast-paced chapters, vivid "movie-like" scenes, and cliffhangers that make it nearly impossible to put down. The narrative moves briskly (around 200 pages), blending heartwarming moments of the boy-and-his-dog bond with genuine peril and clever plot turns. Young readers will root for Bobby's courage and resourcefulness while feeling the emotional pull of his connection to Shadow.

What I appreciated most:

• The authentic portrayal of a kid's longing for a pet and the lengths he'll go to protect one.
• Clean, wholesome excitement—no heavy language or mature themes, making it ideal for family reading or classroom use.
• A satisfying mix of adventure, mystery, and emotional depth that leaves you cheering by the end.

If you're looking for a book that hooks reluctant readers with nonstop action while sneaking in themes of loyalty, compassion, and bravery, Shadow delivers. Five stars from me—highly recommended for tweens, dog lovers, and anyone who enjoys a thrilling, feel-good story with real heart.

Whether you're a parent hunting for engaging reads or a young reader tired of slow plots, grab this one. Max Elliot Anderson continues to prove why his action-adventures stand out in the middle-grade world. 

Amazon: 

https://www.amazon.com/Shadow-Max-Elliot-Anderson/dp/1649494823/ref=sr_1_2?crid=LEMCZ65QH9J8&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.GH7n5LCsEL4p2nlKEhbzn9zL6W3syyZON8FFpqeU-wg.EEWyWjZmWYeGClJhqzOGpgnuG2oXeWIpQy7EqG5dsko&dib_tag=se&keywords=max+elliot+anderson,+shadow&qid=1770398697&sprefix=,aps,135&sr=8-2 

Have a struggling - reluctant reader, or just one who’d rather play video games than pick up a book?

If you have a struggling - reluctant reader, or just one who would rather play video games than prick up a book and read, what happened with this mother and her son might encourage you to try one of these adventures and mysteries.

One of the most rewarding aspects of publishing books for kids, is when I hear back from a reader, parent, or teacher. Here’s a classic from the parent of a reluctant boy reader. This mother recounted what happened when her son began reading one of my books.

She said, “I was sitting in the family room the other day when my very reluctant reader son came storming into the room. He had been reading your book, LEGEND OF THE WHITE WOLF. He walked up to where I was sitting, and slammed the book onto the coffee table. ‘I know what that guy is trying to do,’ he fumed.”

“Who?”

“The guy who wrote that book,” he pointed in defiance to the book on the table. “I know what he’s doing.”

“What?”

“He’s trying to get me to read the next chapter.”

“What do you mean?”

“’Well look.’ He picked up the book and turned to the end of the chapter he had just finished. ‘Listen.’”

“Then he read the cliffhanger ending to that chapter, slapped the book closed, and said, ‘See, he’s just trying to make me read the next chapter!’ Then he stomped off to his room and did exactly that.”

She went on to tell me that whatever I was doing, to please continue, because it was working with her boy.

My books are fast-paced. They have shorter sentences, and I don’t spend a lot of time on details. The books are filled with humor, suspense, and heart-pounding action. These are reasons why kids tell me that reading one of my books is like being in an exciting or scary movie.

This is a link to my Amazon Author page with lots of information about these books. https://www.amazon.com/stores/Max-Elliot-Anderson/author/B002BLP3EE?ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=14da8dff-d100-4000-afee-7baeeecfe764