Middle grade adventure & mystery author interview on Write2Ignite

Max Elliot Anderson middle grade adventure & mystery author interview on Write2Ignite http://write2ignite.com/2013/09/28/max-elliott-anderson-author-of-books-reluctant-readers/

 

Have you or your children read one of my books?

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

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

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

Max Elliot Anderson

 

Sam Cooper Adventure Series

Lost Island Smugglers #1

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

Captain Jack’s Treasure #2

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

River Rampage #3

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

Stand Alone Titles

When The Lights Go Out

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

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

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

Barney And The Runaway

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

Legend Of The White Wolf

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

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

Newspaper Caper

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

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

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

Terror At Wolf Lake

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

North Woods Poachers

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

The Scarecrow

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

 

 

Kid's Adventure & Mystery Book Trailers

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

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

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

Take a look.

Barney And The Runaway

 

When The Lights Go Out

 

Lost Island Smugglers

 

 

Captain Jack's Treasure

 

River Rampage

 

North Woods Poachers

 

Legend Of The White Wolf

 

Find out why kids report reading one is like being in an exciting movie.To learn more about each book and place an order: Amazon Author Page http://www.amazon.com/Max-Elliot-Anderson/e/B002BLP3EE

 

 

International Talk Like a Pirate Day

Today is International Talk Like a Pirate Day. Kids... read Captain Jack's Treasure

http://www.amazon.com/Captain-Jacks-Treasure-Elliot-Anderson/dp/1935600141%3FSubscriptionId%3D1QZMGW0RRJC2PX87HDR2%26tag%3Dsalranexp-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3D1935600141

 

Video

 

And two more books in this Sam Cooper Adventure Series

 

 

 

 

Shorter Chapters for Kids

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

http://www.amazon.com/Max-Elliot-Anderson/e/B002BLP3EE

 

 

Video - "Imagine"

 

A Great Little Book for Kids Who Love Legos

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

Review

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

 

About the Author

Sean Kenney likes to prove you can build anything with LEGO bricks. He makes sculptures and models out of LEGO at his studio in New York City, and is recognized as one of the premier LEGO brick builders in the world. Sean is the creator of Cool Cars and Trucks, Cool Robots, Cool Cities, Cool Castles, and Amazing ABC.

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

 

 

Harv and Marv, The Dumb Guy Detectives Part 2

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

 

The Dumbest Kid in School

The Dumbest Kid in School

By

Max Elliot Anderson

 

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

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

Here's why.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Talking with kids about 9/11?

Talking with kids about 9/11?

When The Lights Go Out is available in print or eBook.

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

 

 

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

Now, Peyton, along with his family, find themselves stationed at a new army base, in the middle of nowhere. After his arrival, Peyton finds two friends, Gill and Dave. Together they decide to train like Rangers, and search for some kind of mission to accomplish on their own. Little did they know that a mission was about to put the boys right in the crosshairs of a dangerous terrorist plot, when a secret weapon would be delivered to the base on its way across the country. Will the terrorists find out who is trying to expose their evil plan? Will the boys be able to stop them? And what will happen to Peyton's father when the general finds out what the boys did? When the Lights Go Out is a story for kids, and their parents, so we never forget 9/11.



 

"The Dumbest Kid in School"

"The Dumbest Kid in School" - something every student, parent, grandparent, & teacher should read!" http://christianfictiononlinemagazine.com/middle_anderson.html

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

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