Where In The World?

Today I’m sending a set of my books to a family that will be moving to China soon. The order reminded me of an email I received a few weeks ago, from Sri Lanka, from a young reader who had a copy of one of my books.

As any author will tell you, writing is such a solitary life. We get so wrapped up in our characters and their predicaments, that we sometimes forget the real world outside. Once I was talking with my older brother in California. As we ended the conversation I said, “I’d like to keep talking with you, but I left my characters on a raft, in the middle of the raging, Colorado river, so I’d better get back there and help them out.”

So it is always amazing to me when people find what we write to be interesting, entertaining, and enjoyable in their lives.

(Above is a picture of my quiet writing space.)

Even more amazing is to think that, not only are copies my books scattered across the country, they’re also finding their way into other countries. Makes me wonder how many. I know that my books are listed on Amazon in England, France, Germany, and Japan.

To anyone who has ever bought one of my books…thank you. And for those who are looking forward to more of them in the future, I hope to have some news for you about that in the next few months.

Max Elliot Anderson

PS. Authors - where are some of the places you've heard that your books have traveled?

A Fantasy Book For Boys - BRAN HAMBRIC: THE FARFIELD CURSE

Do you have a fantasy reader at your house? Then you need to know about a new book that will be released this fall,

Bran Hambric: The Farfield Curse

BRAN HAMBRIC: THE FARFIELD CURSE is the first in a series of books for children and young adults. Awake on the night of March 3, 2003, Kaleb Nation, then age fourteen, suddenly had the idea of a boy and a banker sitting on a rooftop, waiting for a burglar to come. From that image was born the story of Bran Hambric, a teen boy who was found in a bank vault when he was six years old with no memory of his past. The first novel would take most of Kaleb’s teenage years to write. In THE FARFIELD CURSE, Bran finds that he is at the center of a plot which started years before he was even born: the plot of a deadly curse his mother created that her former masters are now hunting for him to complete. The book is set for a planned release in Fall 2009.

See the video trailer here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugLsJ72yImY

ENTER to Win!!

Pre-Order Prize Giveaway-- (US ONLY) Any person who pre-orders Bran Hambric: The Farfield Curse, and sends their e-receipt or scanned receipt to mailto:sbpublicity@sourcebooks.com.com will be entered into a drawing to win one of the following prizes:- Personalized copy of The Farfield Curse (give your copy to a friend!)- Personalized early reader copy of Book 2- Personalized Bran Hambric poster- Half Moon Necklace- Signed CD of soundtrack- $25 gift certificate to local bookstore- Kaleb Nation event at local bookstore (fall 2010)One entry per book ordered (so as many entries as books ordered). Receipts must be dated prior to pub date – September 9, 2009 and bear the subject heading “Bran Hambric Pre-Order Competition.” Winners to be announced September 30, 2009

--------------------------------------------------

WIN a Bran Hambric Half Moon Necklace & exclusive Kaleb Nation event invite! Any person who links to the book’s pages on Amazon, Barnes&Noble and Borders on their social networking accounts (ex: facebook, myspace, twitter, youtube, blogs, etc), AND posts a short opinion of the book in those locations, will receive a Bran Hambric Half Moon Necklace and will be given a secret password to participate in a Blog TV event with Kaleb, where he will reveal secrets from the next book in the Bran Hambric series! Links and reviews must be posted and the link emailed to us at sbpublicity@sourcebooks.com before September 30th and include full name & mailing address in email. Please use the subject line “Bran Hambric Sneak Peak.”

News About Sue Clark

In an email this morning from my sister...

"We have been in contact with IMB personnel in Ghana who have been wonderful about visiting Susan twice a day in the hospital in Ghana. Sue is still very weak, is undergoing testing, but has been able to breathe on her own and keep up her oxygen levels. It will be a long haul to get back on her feet (still unable to navigate on her own). Thank you so much for all your prayers. Naoma"

This will be my last update, since we now know that the recovery process will take a long time. Thank you all.

Max

Twitter, Shoutlife & Facebook

Follow me on:

Twitter: http://twitter.com/marketpl

Shoutlife: http://shoutlife.com/profile_view.cfm?uid=44873

and

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/max.e.anderson?ref=profile

Email Update Sue Clark

My sister writes this morning,

"I just talked with the missionary who visited Susan this morning along with the Christian doctor (Southern Baptist missionary doctor) who was vacationing in Accra, Ghana and volunteered to step in to help the rather excellent hospital staff and learned Sue had a restful night (sedated), the ventilator has her oxygen levels up to normal, and as soon as they determine she can breathe on her own, the tube will be removed. We need to pray for healing of her lungs because the danger can come if bacteria escapes into her blood stream. Also that her lungs won't be scarred."

Further update on Sue

My siter just emailed, "I just talked with the person in Ghana who is checking on Sue and she has taken a bad turn. Oxygen levels going down and she has to be on a respirator to help her breathe. We had been hoping to talk with her, but she didn't feel strong enough to do that. More prayer, please."

Update on Susan Clark In Africa

Word this morning from Africa is that Susan is responding well to the antibiotics and treatments and is ...ah, wonderful words, "resting comfortably." They plan to arrange for her to call later today. This has been an awesome time of helplessly trusting our Heavenly Father. Thank you for all your prayers. So meaningful to feel the warm concern of believers who are asking for healing. Don't know yet how long she'll be kept in Ghana but will let you know. Naoma Clark

Prayer for my Niece in Africa

I have a niece, Susan Clark, who is a missionary in Niger, Africa. At this moment, she is being flown by bush plane, to be transferred to a medical evacuation aircraft, and flown to Ghana. From there they plan to take her either to Germany of France for treatment. She has a respiratory illness, described as pneumonia with acute respiratory distress syndrome. She's been serving all alone at her remote location in Niger, and we're unsure about the potential outcome just now. If you think to pray for her, I would appreciate it.

NEW INTERVIEW - Books For Boys

If you're interested, there is a new interview from the Examiner at:

http://www.examiner.com/x-14422-Grand-Rapids-Christian-Fiction-Examiner~y2009m8d1-In-touch-with-author-Max-Elliott-Anderson

Thank you much!

Max

Captain Nobody

What a fun book!

Growing up in the shadow of his football-star brother, Chris, Newt Newman never felt particularly special or even noticed in his own family. When Newt’s brother is knocked into a coma during the biggest football game of the season, he is lost again in the whirlwind of concern about his sibling. With his parents otherwise focused on his older brother, Newt’s two best friends decide that celebrating Halloween is the best prescription to get his mind off the accident. By chance, they turn some of his brother’s old clothes into Newt’s best costume ever and an unexpected new identity—Captain Nobody, defender of the little guy.

When Newt dons this makeshift outfit—a tribute to his brother—he begins to feel confident and empowered. Newt decides to wear his costume past Halloween which leads his new alter ego into a series of events fostering his newfound hero status. But will Captain Nobody be able to save the one person Newt cares about most?

With CAPTAIN NOBODY, Dean Pitchford has assembled a lovable and quirky cast of characters with a perfect blend of adventure, humor and family drama. The book is for anyone who's ever felt like the "little guy" and will ultimately be inspired by an unlikely champion. CAPTAIN NOBODY is an ideal summer read for young boys in the middle-grade set.

About Dean Pitchford
Dean Pitchford, author of The Big One-Oh, starred on Broadway in Pippin and Godspell before turning to songwriting and screenwriting. His multi-million-selling songs include the Oscar-winning “Fame,” “Footloose,” “Holding Out for a Hero” and “After All.” He has been nominated for four Academy Awards, five Grammys and two Tony Awards. His stage musical adaptations of Footloose played over 700 performances on Broadway and is now being produced around the world. Pitchford, who was born in Honolulu currently lives in Los Angeles.

Readers will enjoy watching this Everyboy protagonist cast off his customary timidity…
(as) he seems to magically grow into the heroic role.
--Booklist

“…a cliffhanger! This novel will speak to those kids who feel left out…
the humor and compassion are sure to appeal to reluctant readers.”
--Kirkus Review

“Captain Nobody is truly somebody you will love spending time with.”
--Henry Winkler, author of the Hank Zipzer series

From the Oscar-winning songwriter of Fame, Footloose and author of The Big One-Oh (2007) comes Dean Pitchford’s, CAPTAIN NOBODY (Putnam; July 9, 2009; $16.99/Ages 8-12, 978-0-399-25034-7, Picture Book, Hardcover Fiction), the super-sized adventure about an overlooked, shy boy who finds the courage to help others during the most challenging time in his young life.

Summer Reading Books for Boys Special!

There is still plenty of time for summer reading.

Recently I’ve read a number of articles, online and in print, talking about beating summer boredom. Well, my action-adventures & mysteries can help you do that for your children.
Kids tell me that reading one of my books is like being in an exciting or scary movie. And the books are equally enjoyed by boys and girls.

So here’s the deal. You may purchase one or all of my books for only $8 each (regular $10.95 ea) if you mail your order between right now, and August 31, 2009. The books have larger print, lots of white space, and they’re filled with exciting stories, dialog, humor, and heart-pounding action & adventure.

I have the following titles available right now:

NEWSPAPER CAPER
NORTH WOODS POACHERS
MOUNTAIN CABIN MYSTERY
BIG RIG RUSTLERS
SECRET OF ABBOTT'S CAVE
LEGEND OF THE WHITE WOLF

These books have been compared by readers and reviewers to Tom Sawyer, The Hardy Boys, Huck Finn, Nancy Drew, Harry Potter, Tom Swift, Star Wars, Scooby-Doo, Lemony Snicket, and adventure author Jack London.

NEWSPAPER CAPER 0-9729256-4-3 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. Readers will like the humor, attack dogs, car thieves, and the chop shop Tom and the others uncover. This story reminds us of how important friendship is. It also teaches God isn't just for emergencies. He wants to guide our lives every day.


NORTH WOODS POACHERS 0-9729256-8-6
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. The story is filled with excitement, danger, humor, and drama. In the end, Andy learns the concepts of family tradition, that God loves justice while He hates injustice, and it is important to follow the rules. Readers will enjoy the gigantic, jet-powered floatplane, computers, home made radio transmitter, and naturally, no one will ever forget Big Wally. He’s a fish of course.

MOUNTAIN CABIN MYSTERY 0-9729256-3-5
Scott and his friends had dreamed and prepared for their first wilderness camping adventure. When they become separated from their group in a mountain fog, trouble begins. There was that bear, the decrepit suspension bridge over a bottomless gorge, the sheer cliff in the dark, those terrorists in the remote cabin, the Army, the helicopter ride, and…
This story reminds us what happens if one of God's lambs is lost.

BIG-RIG RUSTLERS 0-9752880-1-6
Todd and Amanda live with their parents in a Midwestern city. The family doesn’t go to church. The children are invited to visit their uncle, aunt, and cousin Drew, on their Wyoming ranch over spring break. Todd learns, in a unique way, why stealing is wrong. He decides to choose a new path for his life because of his uncle’s Christian example. A band of high-tech cattle rustlers are caught, revealing that Todd was also wrong about Travis, a shadowy character.
Read about the round up, rattlesnake, and rustlers.

THE SECRET OF ABBOTT'S CAVE 0-9752880-0-8
A detective, a police scanner, and a cave offered possibilities for danger and excitement. Who are the real heroes in America? Randy and his friends pooled their resources to go cave exploring, discovered the hidden loot from a bank robbery, and learned they weren't heroes at all.

LEGEND OF THE WHITE WOLF 0-9752880-3-2
They didn’t call him a liar; they just couldn’t believe his story. Brian Fisher was determined to prove it was true even though it involved the risk to his own safety. His rescue of a wolf pup from a steel trap results in a mysterious relationship with surprising results. The story is set in the lower elevations near Yellowstone

Send your check, for $8 for each book you order. Include $5 shipping & handling for one book, or all 6.


TO: Max Elliot Anderson P.O. Box 4126 Rockford, IL 61110
(815) 877-1514
Mander8813@aol.com

These reviews may help you choose the best titles for your children http://maxbookreviews.blogspot.com/

Written especially for readers 8 - 13...enjoyed by all ages. And I'll sign all copies.

All books qualify for Accelerated Reader points.

Series Or Not A Series?

I’m looking for responses to the following questions concerning book series. Please feel free to choose any or all that you’d like to answer.

1. Do you and/or your children prefer a series, or do you consider books individually, regardless of their being part of a larger series?

2. When you read a book, and the story is complete, are you satisfied with this, or are you looking for additional installments?

3. With films, it’s often true that the second and third films are not as good as the first. Do you find this true, or do you prefer seeing film I, II, and III just as much?

4. Can you name any book series where the characters are not repeated in books subsequent to book # 1.

5. When choosing a series, are you attracted mostly to the author, because of other books you’ve read by that author, or are you attracted to the book itself?

6. As a child, and being a reluctant reader, I thought is was a bit silly for the same group of kids, in the same neighborhood, to essentially save the world every Saturday morning. In other words, I couldn’t accept that so many fantastic things would possibly ever happen to the same characters over and over again. What is your opinion?

7. When you read a traditional series, with the same characters, do you feel that each subsequent book is as good as, or better than the one that preceded it? Why or why not?

8. In a traditional series, do you like the fact that, before you read book # 4, for example, you have to first read the previous three?

9. What are you looking for in a book series?

10. Do you have any additional thoughts?

Thank you for your responses.

If you prefer to email your answers, send them to mander8813@aol.com

The Kids Book Connection

Today I'd like to direct your attention to The Kids Book Connection …where readers and children's authors connect. There you'll Meet Dr. Hal Lanse, Author of Read Well, Think Well

It's a great interview about children's literacy.

http://thekidsbookconnection.wordpress.com/2009/07/21/meet-dr-hal-lanse-author-of-read-well-think-well/#comment-24

Enjoy,

Max Elliot Anderson

Featured on blog about books for boys

Click here to see where my books for boys are featured on the Hook Kids on Reading blog http://hookkidsonreading.blogspot.com/

Max

They're Giving My Books Away

Click on the link below, comment on that blog, and you could win one of my books

WordVessel AUTHOR INTERVIEW Max Anderson& Book Giveaway

The Dillinger connections

This is by no means an endorsement of the outlaw, John Dillinger, nor the new film, Public Enemies, which was recently released. But I have a couple of connections to the Dillinger story that you may find interesting.

(Warsaw, Indiana newspaper - April 1934)

In this picture you’ll notice one of my action-adventures, Terror at Wolf Lake (out of print at the moment, but due for a second printing). The main character in the book, Eddy Thompson, is described this way:

“Eddy was known by his friends and his enemies for one thing. Eddy Cheated…and not just sometimes. He cheated on anything, anytime, anywhere.” Eddy lived in Crown Point, Indiana. The town is famous as the place where the FBI brought one of the worst gangsters in American history for trial. His name was John Dillinger. Eddy liked the idea that this criminal also grew up in Indiana.

“Best thing to ever come out of this state,” he liked to say. In fact, Dillinger was his hero.

This attitude ultimately changes as Eddy learns the difference between right and wrong.

I have a second connection to the Dillinger story because I grew up in the town of Warsaw, Indiana, located between Ft. Wayne and South Bend, on US 30. And Warsaw is also the county seat with the courthouse and jail. On the night of April 12, 1934, the police officer on duty was going door-to-door; rattling door handles to make sure they were locked.

Dillinger and his gang overpowered the officer, took him to the jail, and forced him to unlock the doors and then they knocked him out. The gang stole guns and bullet-proof vests from the small county jail in Warsaw that night.

Make no mistake; Dillinger was a very bad man. He and his gang were responsible for the deaths of many people. And I don’t glorify the man in any way in my book. He became public enemy # 1 by the FBI. Since this summer marks the 75th anniversary of Dillinger’s violent death in a Chicago alley, I wanted to make the connections to Terror at Wolf Lake, my hometown of Warsaw, Indiana, and and draw attention to the difference between right and wrong.

All of my action-adventures & mysteries deal with character issues, especially for tween boys.

Find reviews at
http://maxbookreviews.blogspot.com/2005/11/latest-book-reviews-for-max-elliot.html

Watch this blog for information when Terror at Wolf Lake is available again.

Authors Share Tips on How to Hook Boys on Books

Excellent article in Education Week about boys and reading:

http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2009/07/02/36reading.h28.html?tkn=QUWFsFmH3ihGtly4cbyNOcmlVXzU28zki9oX

Why Boys Fail: Saving Our Sons from an Educational System That's Leaving Them Behind

Here's a heads up on a new book that will interest you. The following is taken from Amazon.com.

Book Description

The signs and statistics are undeniable: boys are falling behind in school. Contrary to conventional wisdom, the biggest culprits are not video games, pop culture, or female-dominated schools biased toward girls. The real problem is that boys have been thrust into a bewildering new school environment that demands high-level reading and writing skills long before they are capable of handling them.

Lacking the ability to compete, boys fall farther and farther behind. Eventually, the problem gets pushed into college, where close to 60% of the graduates are women. In a time when even cops, construction foremen, and machine operators need post-high school degrees, that’s a problem.
Why Boys Fail takes a hard look at how this ominous reality came to be, how it has worsened in recent years, and why attempts to resolve it often devolve into finger-pointing and polarizing politics.

But the book also shares some good news. Amidst the alarming proof of failure among boys—around the world—there are also inspiring case studies of schools where something is going right. Each has come up with realistic ways to make sure that every student—male and female—has the tools to succeed in school and later in life. Educators and parents alike will take heart in these promising developments, and heed the book’s call to action—not only to demand solutions but also to help create them for their own students and children.

School Library Journal & Books For Boys

I saw this article today on School Library Journal.

It's an open letter to publishers from a librarian.

Read paragraph 5. More boy books:

http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6666670.html?talk_back_header_id=6607030#talkback

After reading it, I sent the following comment:

Diantha,

Thank you for your Open Letter to Publishers. What caught my eye was the paragraph about the need for more books for boys. That’s because, as a boy, I grew up hating to read. And this was in the home of a father who published more than 70 books.

After surveying the market in 2001, I began writing action-adventures & mysteries especially for boys 8 – 13. I decided to write the kinds of books I would have enjoyed as a child. Even with an agent, we’re having a tough time attracting publishers, in spite of the fact that young readers, their parents, teachers, and librarians have been extremely positive.

So I hope your letter will help to spark interest because I’ve written 35 manuscripts for boys. Seven are published by a small publisher, but I believe there is a vast market if they can get into the mainstream.

My background is in the production of dramatic films for kids, and my blog, Books for Boys, is #1 on Google http://booksandboys.blogspot.com/ So I know there is an interest and a need for more books for boys. Kids tell me that reading one of my books is like being in an exciting movie.
Here’s a typical email comment I receive, “Hi, I'm the mom of a 13 year old boy who has a hard time finding books he likes. While browsing the bookstores, I have found so many books that sound like they are right up his alley. The only problem is that almost all the protagonists are girls! How are we supposed to turn our boys on to reading when the main characters are girls? It is well known that girls will read books with boys as main characters, but not the other way around. (Not that I think that's right, just that it is the way it is.)”

Max Elliot Anderson

Author

What are your thoughts about this?

My Books are distributed by Baker & Taylor

Tutoring / Mentoring

I’m noticing the subjects of tutoring and/or mentoring coming up more frequently in recent weeks. This might be a little like buying a blue car and you start seeing blue cars everywhere. In other words, I might notice this because my books are being used increasingly in these settings.

I know of organizations that are beginning to look at the potential for helping struggling readers with tutoring clubs or mentoring. I’m in contact with a national ministry that reaches over a million kids each year. They’re exploring the possibilities of using my books to tutor kids because they’ve noticed a need.

Prison ministries are also taking a look at my books since most prisoners have reading issues.

My publisher has extensive workbooks available (as shown above) for each of my 7 books, along with reading activity packs. There is great interest in these tools since my action-adventure & mystery books for boys already demonstrate that they keep readers interested with their fast pace, humor, and cliffhanger chapter endings.

What’s your experience with using books for mentoring or tutoring? I’d be very interested to know what you’re doing or what you've observed.

Max Elliot Anderson

Have You Heard of Horrid Henry?

As authors of books for children, we set out to create books our young readers will enjoy. We hope our books will be “keepers” to be read again and again. Recently I received another email telling me that my action-adventures and mysteries have had this effect on an eleven year-old boy.

In our family, it was the “Mr. Men and Little Miss” books that our children wanted my wife and me to read over and over again, and we did. Even though our children are 30 and 28 now, I highly recommend these books to parents today.

Now I have the opportunity to introduce you to another set of books that I think will be “keepers.” I’m talking about the “Horrid Henry” books by Francesca Simon. I would first suggest these as books for boys 5 – 8. Each book contains four short chapters. Girls will enjoy the books just as much as boys.

The series has been successful in England, and is now being published in the US. In addition to “Horrid Henry,” the titles include “Horrid Henry Tricks the Tooth Fairy,” “Horrid Henry and the Mega-Mean Time Machine,” and “Horrid Henry’s Stink Bomb.”

Parents might be concerned that Henry will give kids ideas of ways to get into trouble, but there are always consequences for the things that Henry does. Other characters, in addition to Horrid Henry, include his brother, Perfect Peter, Moody Margaret, Spotless Sam, Goody-Goody Gordon, Tidy Ted, and Soar Susan.

The Horrid Henry books deal with real life situations. Young readers may recognize their own parents, teachers, siblings, friends…even themselves, in the characters. But it’s the humor that will have kids coming back for more.

My first concern, as an author, is for struggling or reluctant readers, since I grew up hating to read. Horrid Henry may be just the cure for children who think they aren’t interested in reading.

Published by Sourcebooks’ Jabberwocky

Max Elliot Anderson
Author
Books for Boys

MAKE SURE TO JOIN ME ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER

50 Pages Of Books For Boys Reviews

It can be difficult to decide on what books to buy for the boys or girls in your family and circle of friends.

Since I grew up hating to read, I made it my mission to write action-adventures & mysteries that I would have liked as a child.

But how do you decide where to spend your dollars, on material for your kids to read, in these difficult times? It’s a challenge.

So I’m posting the link to a blog that has more than 50 pages of reviews for my books. I hope they help you in making your decision on good summer reading material for the young readers in your life.

My first aim is to write books for boys, however, girls like them too. And kids tell me that reading one of my books is like being in an exciting movie.

The reviews can be found at http://maxbookreviews.blogspot.com

My books can be purchased on Amazon. They can also be ordered from any Barnes & Noble, or other stores, since they are distributed by Baker & Taylor.

Signed copies can be ordered directly from me. You can email for details at mander8813@aol.com

Thanks,

Max Elliot Anderson

Terror At Wolf Lake going into second printing

Terror At Wolf Lake is going into a second printing.

At a recent meeting with my publisher, I learned that my book, Terror at Wolf Lake, will soon be scheduled for a second printing. That will be followed by a second printing of Newspaper Caper.

Once these books are available again, I’ll post information on this blog.

There are longer-range plans to release Reckless Runaway and Third House on the Left.

Even longer range plans call for the publishing of three more new books for boys titles in the future.

Coaching Students & Books For Boys

PARADE Magazine had an interesting article over the weekend, “Coaching Students To Stay In School.”

http://www.parade.com/news/2009/06/coaching-students-to-stay-in-school.html

The article makes a point of the importance of mentoring students to stay in school and graduate. This fits in very well with the efforts my publisher is making in the areas of mentoring students, and mentoring prisoners.

The author of this article is Peg Tyre. Peg is also the author of an excellent book, “The Trouble With Boys." You can find it on Amazon at:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0307381285/ref=s9_simz_gw_s0_p14_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=13PMPP291T24T906RS1S&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846

Mentoring with Books for Boys...and Girls

There is another application for the use of my action-adventures & mysteries, written especially for boys.

Mentoring.

“It’s the most effective thing we have done in 11 years of ministry.” – Youth pastors, Matt and Trish Price.

The curriculum includes a chapter book, and for each chapter there are comprehension and life value discussion questions, vocabulary development, and three fun activity pages and puzzles. The chapter books are fast paced, action packed, and values promoting. It’s not a class with assignments. It’s mentoring.

For more information, contact:

Dr. Marvin G. Baker

President

Tweener Ministries

P.O. Box 1284

Warsaw, IN 46581-1284

574-269-6100
info@tweenerministries.org

Prison Literacy & Books for Boys

Since I began writing books for boys, I’ve read articles indicating that most prison inmates grew up as struggling or reluctant readers, or they can’t read at all. Obviously there are many reasons for their reading troubles, but I was struck with the statistics because I also grew up as a reluctant reader.

Following is from a report about prison literacy by Kenneth W. Mentor, J.D., Ph.D.

“Illiteracy is perhaps the greatest common denominator in correctional facilities. Data collected from the National Adult Literacy Survey (NALS) show that literacy levels among inmates is considerably lower than for the general population. For example, of the 5 levels measured by the NALS, 70% of inmates scored at the lowest two levels of literacy (below 4th grade). Other research suggests that 75% of inmates are illiterate (at the 12th grade level) and 19% are completely illiterate. Forty percent are functionally illiterate. In real world terms, this means that the individual would be unable to write a letter explaining a billing error. In comparison, the national illiteracy rate for adult Americans stands at 4%, with 21% functionally illiterate.

“A related concern is that prisoners have a higher proportion of learning disabilities than the general population. Estimates of learning disability are as high as 75-90% for juvenile offenders. Low literacy levels and high rates of learning disabilities have contributed to high dropout rates. Nationwide, over 70% of all people entering state correctional facilities have not completed high school, with 46% having had some high school education and 16.4% having had no high school education at all. Since there is a strong link between low levels of education and high rates of criminal activity, it is logical to assume that high dropout rates will lead to higher crime rates.”
http://kenmentor.com/papers/literacy.htm

Fortunately I’m a reluctant reader who didn’t become a prisoner, but I’m very excited about a development by my publisher. They have developed extensive workbook materials that are now being used in prisons. My action-adventures & mysteries teach character, personal responsibility, moral and spiritual principles. And the books are written in such a way that the reader is nearly forced to move on to the next chapter.

If you have a struggling reader, I urge you to get a few of my books and try them out.

If you’re in a position to do it, I hope you’ll share this information with people who work in prison ministry.

There are also opportunities to use my books, and the workbooks, through a mentoring program which is also available.

Remember, readers are the leaders others follow.

Max Elliot Anderson

Workbooks From Books for Boys

At a recent meeting with my publisher, I was presented with a copy of a companion workbook for one of my action-adventures & mysteries, written especially for boys. Now homeschoolers or teachers in the classroom can combine these exciting stories, that boys and girls love to read, with solid teaching materials.

The study guides have been developed by Dr. Marvin G. Baker, an expert in child education.

Each guide has a teaching section that covers one chapter from my published books. The section contains study questions for each chapter (with answers for the teacher), vocabulary, word-clue matches, a find-the-word puzzle, and a crossword puzzle.

Not only are the stories in each book engaging to young readers, you can take them to the next level with teaching materials that will enhance the learning experience, increasing comprehension. Most chapters end with a cliffhanger, nearly forcing the reader to want to continue reading.

Workbooks have been developed for NEWSPAPER CAPER, TERROR AT WOLF LAKE, NORTH WOODS POACHERS, MOUNTAIN CABIN MYSTERY, BIG RIG RUSTLERS, SECRET OF ABBOTT'S CAVE, & LEGEND OF THE WHITE WOLF.

I encourage you to explore these excellent learning tools. If you’d like the contact information for my publisher, for more information, email me at mander8813@aol.com

Now you can have exciting, heart-pounding stories, with teaching material that works…a perfect combination.

Memorial Day Weekend

In 1968 and ’69, it was my privilege to serve my country in the U.S. Army. I know that many of the young men I trained with in basic training went directly into the Vietnam War. Many gave their lives in that conflict. Even though I was drafted for only two years, I was proud to serve.

I hope everyone has a safe Memorial Day, and that we all pay tribute to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

You and I are the fortunate ones who now enjoy our freedom, because of those who gave their lives throughout the history of The United States of America.

BellaOnline Writes About Max Elliot Anderson

The Children's Books Site, at BellaOnline, has written an excellent article about the books by
Max Elliot Anderson. It’s written by Taisha Turner, Children's Books Editor.

Find the story at http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art35020.asp

Workers cutting down dead trees

Today we’re having some trees removed from our yard, and I thought that the boys who read this blog might enjoy seeing a few pictures of the work.

The men dress in bright orange so they don’t blend into the trees while they’re up in the branches.

They wear hard hats in case part of a tree might fall on their heads.

They use noisy chainsaws.

The job requires big trucks and heavy equipment. One of the machines eats up the branches and spits them into the back of the truck.

The men wear safety glasses to protect their eyes, and cover their ears to protect their hearing.

There is so much noise out there today that our cat is still hiding in the basement.

Hot Issues, Cool Choices: Facing Bullies, Peer Pressure, Popularity, and Put-downs by Sandra McLeod Humphrey

Hot Issues, Cool Choices: Facing Bullies, Peer Pressure, Popularity, and Put-downs by Sandra McLeod Humphrey.

Though some of the stories in this book are a cry for help, the author tells them in a way that is compelling and a call for action.

It is clear to even the casual observer that civility in our culture is in decline. So it stands to reason that this will find its way down to our children and be reflected in their behavior.

My daughter teaches second grade in a public school in Florida, where discipline and respect are some of the most critical issues she faces in the classroom. In her view, what happens at home is what is played out in the classroom as behavioral problems. Aggression and bullying rank near the top. So a book like Hot Issues, Cool Choices, is a welcome tool for teachers and adults who are on the front lines.

This book is a Best Books Award Winner from USA Book News, and received the Mom’s Choice Award from The Just for Mom Foundation. It covers the subjects of peer pressure, bullying, harassment, respect, aggression, humiliation, and more. Be sure to check out the other reviews and endorsements you can find on Amazon.com.

Since my focus is on writing action-adventure & mystery books for boys, that feature character-building issues, and since aggression and bullying are more related to boys’ behavior, I highly recommend this book as a tool for you to use as you interact with the boys in your life.

Max Elliot Anderson

Guest Blogger about Books for Boys

Today I'm a guest blogger about books for boys at http://bloggingboutboys.blogspot.com

The site is called "Blogging 'Bout Boys"

I hope you'll take a look, and possibly leave a comment.

Thank you,

Max

National Book Week & Books For Boys

National Children’s Book Week is May 11 – 17. While many will participate in this celebration because of their love of books, I’d like to remind teachers, librarians, and parents to be on the lookout for reluctant readers, especially boys.

As I child, I did a pretty good job of covering up how much I despised reading. Because of this background, I understand the reluctant reader particularly well, and now write action-adventures & mysteries that can reach these children. The following quote, from the mother of two sons, spotlights how my books reach out to and, in many cases, change reluctant boy readers into avid readers.

“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 one of your books ... and we're hooked!!! Any way to convince you that we need you to write faster?? I can't thank you enough for your efforts.”

This year, use the National Children’s Book Week to reach out to a reluctant reader. You’ll change his or her life forever.

Max Elliot Anderson

The following history of Children's book week comes from their official web site at http://www.bookweekonline.com/

"A great nation is a reading nation."

In a small library on a November afternoon in 1921, a stiff-lipped lady was busy with her scissors, shearing off the bottom third of Jessie Willcox Smith's poster for Children's Book Week. A poster showing books scattered in joyous abandon on the floor was more than she could bear to display!

Our attitude toward children and their enjoyment of books has undergone considerable change since that day. The creation and growth of Children's Book Week has both resulted from and influenced this transformation.

Since 1919, Children's Book Week has been celebrated nationally in schools, libraries, bookstores, clubs, private homes-any place where there are children and books. Educators, librarians, booksellers, and families have celebrated children's books and the love of reading with storytelling, parties, author and illustrator appearances, and other book related events.

It all began with the idea that children's books can change lives. In 1913, Franklin K. Matthiews, the librarian of the Boy Scouts of America, began touring the country to promote higher standards in children's books. He proposed creating a Children's Book Week, which would be supported by all interested groups: publishers, booksellers, and librarians.

Mathiews enlisted two important allies: Frederic G. Melcher, the visionary editor of Publishers Weekly (the publishing industry trade journal), and Anne Carroll Moore, the Superintendent of Children's Works at the New York Public Library and a major figure in the library world. With the help of Melcher and Moore, in 1916 the American Booksellers Association and the American Library Association cooperated with the Boy Scouts in sponsoring a Good Book Week.

At the 1919 ABA convention, the Association committed to the organization of an annual Children's Book Week. A few months later, the official approval of the American Library Association was also secured during its first Children's Librarians session.

In 1944, the newly-established Children's Book Council assumed responsibility for administering Children's Book Week. In 2008, Children’s Book Week moved from November to May. At that time, responsibility for Children’s Book Week, including planning official events and creating original materials, was transferred to Every Child a Reader, the philanthropic arm of the children’s publishing industry.

The need for Children’s Book Week today is as essential as it was in 1919, and the task remains the realization of Frederic Melcher’s fundamental declaration: “A great nation is a reading nation.”

Pitch and Promote Like a Pro

(Special notice for writers who visit my blog)

Disclaimer – Terry Burns of Hartline is my agent.

Recently I finished reading Pitch and Promote Like a Pro, by Terry W. Burns. I can’t possibly over recommend it, especially for new writers. The wisdom and insights contained in this eBook will save you years of mistakes and rejection. Terry pulls back the publishing curtain revealing why most manuscripts and proposals are not acceptable to editors.

Terry shows you how to insure that your manuscript makes it into the 15% – 20% that are actually considered for publishing.

I strongly encourage any serious, unpublished writer to purchase this eBook. You can do that at http://www.terryburns.net/

Max Elliot Anderson

Boys, Dirt, Gardens, and Fun

Is your family planning a garden this year? We haven’t had one for some time, but this spring I’ve prepared a small plot for tomatoes, summer squash, cucumbers, and green peppers. The seeds were planted indoors in April. If you’re too late for that, you can always buy a few plants at the greenhouse.

As I prepared the ground, I thought back to the endless hours I spent as a boy, crawling around in the dirt and playing in my back yard.

What boy do you know who doesn’t enjoy digging around in the dirt with his hands? They don’t even need an excuse, but if you give them one, all the better. Boys can get into the gardening process with you, and then take personal pride in seeing the vegetables appear a few weeks later.

Of course, it helps if the like vegetables too.

If you haven’t started a garden yet, I hope you’ll give it a try. And you can save money in the process.

So, what are your garden plans this summer?

Swine Flu Alert

My Father’s Writing Chair

Doesn’t look like much, does it?

But in this chair, my father wrote motion picture scripts, scores of books, radio dramas, filmstrip scripts, magazine articles, and many other writing projects.

He was a pioneer, really, in the production and distribution of Christian films, starting ministries including Gospel Films, Ken Anderson Films, International films, and InterComm.

I, on the other hand, grew up as a reluctant reader. Once I fully understood why this had been, and at the age of 55, I felt directed to begin writing action-adventures and mysteries that I would have enjoyed as a child. My focus was on reluctant reader boys, but I knew, from my own film production and video background, that a good story is a good story. It’ll be enjoyed by everyone, and that’s what I’ve seen with my books.

We lost him, at the age of 88, three years ago last month.

So what’s the significance of his old chair?

I hadn’t thought much about it for a while until I spent endless hours, sitting in it from this past Tuesday night, through Sunday night. That’s because a publisher has shown interest in one of my unpublished manuscripts. The problems were that my story took place in South Carolina and a background character was Blackbeard the pirate.

Why is that a problem you ask.

This publisher wanted the story set in Louisiana, and that meant I had to find a new pirate. The most famous of those, in the New Orleans area, was Jean Lafitte. Thus the need for all those hours, sitting in my father’s old writing chair, in order to complete the revision.

It was as I neared completion of the project, on Sunday night, that I was struck, in a powerful way, with thoughts of my father’s creativity. I wondered how he would have handled a project such as this. And I was reassured that the task would have been completed.

Like I said, the chair isn’t much to look at. It took a few screws to repair the broken back. Vinyl on the corners of the armrests has come apart. I often catch my sweaters on it in the winter. The chair pad cover has worn thin, partially revealing a sponge rubber pad, and I wonder how long the base will hold up, since it lists to one side now.

But one thing is for sure, I have no plans to retire that chair any time soon, because now…it’s my writing chair.

Max Elliot Anderson

The Sneaky Book for Boys - REVIEW

The Sneaky Book for Boys, by Cy Tymony, joins his other books using the sneaky theme.

A few years ago, a television series captured the imagination of boys of all ages. We couldn’t wait to see what ordinary objects MacGyver would put together in order to get himself out of the jam of the week.

Fathers and sons were captivated recently by another book, The Dangerous Book for Boys.” When it first came out, I visualized fathers and sons heading into the back yard to try out some of its suggestions.

The Sneaky Book for Boys is just such a book. Some of the projects are more complex than others, but it’s easy to imagine boys, all over the country, going to the garage or basement to try out some of the ideas. Projects might be helpful for science classes and school projects.

I’ve always enjoyed watching “magic” tricks, and Cy's book has an entire section devoted to those too.

The book is divided into:

Sneaky Tricks

Sneaky Science Projects

Sneaky Resourcefulness

Sneaky Animals and Humans

If you buy this book for one of the boys in your family, or circle of friends, they’ll never again have an excuse to say those dreaded words, “I’m bored.” Might be a great idea for this summer.

You can find additional information about Cy’s other books at http://www.sneakyuses.com/

Max Elliot Anderson
Author
Action-Adventures & Mysteries especially for boys

What does Susan Boyle have to do with writers?

What does Susan Boyle have to do with writers?

Plenty!

In case you missed the first video, here’s a link to one of the most uplifting, inspiring, and amazing experiences you could imagine.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKPOW88qFtY&feature=rec-HM-r2 But this is only part of the story.

Susan explains to Simon that she just hasn’t been given the right chance yet, and maybe now, things will change. Boy, have they ever. And originally, I thought that was the story.

Now a second song has emerged, from 1999, and Susan’s voice was even better then. Here’s the link to that song. In this one, she sings, “Cry Me A River.”
http://new.music.yahoo.com/blogs/videogaga/16130/susan-boyle-hype-revitalizes-10-year-old-cover/

So what can writers learn from this?

Never give up!

No matter how long it takes, no matter how many people tell you, “No,” just keep at it. If you have the talent, eventually you’ll get that chance, like Susan was looking for. Ten years ago she demonstrated that she could sing, yet nothing happened.

It doesn’t matter how young or old you are, it’s the people who believe in themselves and keep moving toward their goals who will prevail. This applies for other fields in addition to writing.

Focus on your goals and never give up. Susan didn’t give up, and look at her sail now. As I’ve said before, the right material, in the right house, with the right editor, and the right time, cannot be stopped.

Max Elliot Anderson

News Release - Children's Author's Books For Boys Blog Reached The Top Position On Google

Here is a link to one of several news releases about this blog reaching # 1 on Google when people are searching for Books For Boys.
http://www.1888pressrelease.com/children-s-author-s-blog-reached-the-top-position-on-google-pr-112709.html

Thank you for visiting.

Max Elliot Anderson
Author
Books for Boys

National Library Week & Books For Boys

Remember that National Library Week is this week and runs through Saturday, April 18.
National Library Week was first sponsored in 1958. It’s a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across the country.

This would be a great opportunity to visit your library and thank the children’s librarians, personally, for the work they do, especially if they devote space for books for boys.

Max Elliot Anderson
Author of:

Newspaper Caper, Terror at Wolf Lake, North Woods Poachers, Mountain Cabin Mystery, Big Rig Rustlers, Secret of Abbot's Cave, Lay Ups and Long Shots, and Legend of the White Wolf. Which are compared by readers and reviewers to Tom Sawyer, The Hardy Boys, Huck Finn, Nancy Drew, Tom Swift, Scooby-Doo, Lemony Snicket, and adventure author Jack London.

Winner of a Book for Boys!

And The Winner Is...

This turned out to be a very interesting contest. Rather than a lot of fall-down funny stories, they tended to be humor you could see in your head. That’s my favorite kind of humor. And choosing a winner is always difficult in these situations.

Ultimately I went with the one submitted by Linda Groves Worden. Since this blog is specifically aimed at boys, and those who love them, her story is so typical of the attitudes boys would have toward their sports, and any girl who might try to invade their territory.

I hope you like it too. Then see some of the others below.

The Half Court Shot

I attended high school in the early 1960’s. There were no inter-mural nor intra-mural sports for girls at that time in my school district. But that didn’t stop me from wishing I could be on a team. I especially loved basketball. I practiced as much as I could which really wasn’t very much since we had PE class only three times a week and we did not have a basketball hoop at home. But I made certain I used every PE moment I had to practice what I loved and what I became somewhat good at. My height, which didn’t win me any points with the opposite sex for dating, did help my game of basketball.

One day I happened by the school gym during the guy’s basketball team practice. We had a pretty good team and I loved attending school games. All the guys knew me and when they saw me, they started begging me to come join their practice so they could prove how superior they were to me! I’m sure I had been boasting to them that if allowed, I could really help the team bring home big wins!!! As they continued to beg, I decided to walk out onto the floor and show them how to “sink” a shot from the middle of the court. They eagerly stepped back, passed a ball to me and taunted my bravado. I caught the ball, making sure I included as much drama as my personality allowed, dribbled a few times and took aim – the shot was PERFECT!!! The swish could be heard by everyone in the gym because no one’s heart was beating nor was anyone even breathing! It was a moment I’ve never forgotten and never repeated – only because I’ve never tried, however!!

That magic moment was the closest I’ve ever been to being worshipped!!! All the guys, of course, begged me to try again as they were certain that one shot was a fluke – a mere accident!!! But I walked off the court with my head in the clouds and my feet barely touching the floor. Somehow I knew it would spoil the moment forever if I tried to repeat what had just happened. It became a highlight of my high school years which has always brought a chuckle when I have relived it in my mind and at class reunions. Those guys still wish I could have joined their team.

Linda Groves Worden


Here are some others I liked too.

That’s Using Your Head

When I was in high school, oh so many years ago, our Church had a young mens softball team that played against other area church teams. Our team was very good, compiling a 104-11 record over the course of four years. Most of our games were played Saturdays at either noon or 1 p.m., and often on into the season it was very hot especially when the sun was shining brightly in central Mississippi. One particular afternoon a batter hit a high fly ball into center field. The center-fielder, a very fast runner, ran to a spot in the field while looking up. Suddenly his hands shot out beside him, his shoulders shrugging. He'd lost the ball in the sun and could not longer see it. The ball hit him directly on top of his head and bounced into his glove stretched out to his side scoring our team the out. The joke for the rest of the year was that he was a player who really "used his head" in the outfield.

As a side note, he threw up a few innings later. We thought at the time that it was simply because of the heat, but realize now that he probably had a concussion of some sort. Thankfully, he was okay.

Roland Mann


The Baby Sister

My baby sister was right-handed, just like almost everyone else in my family. She ate with her right hand. She held a cup with her right hand. She pulled my hair with her right hand. So when it came time to play with her, we put a ball in her right hand. We were surprised at how seriously uncoordinated little Katie-bug was! You really never knew what direction that ball would fly, but you could guess it wouldn’t be forward or straight.

One day, Katie looked at the ball in her right hand. She looked at her left hand. She looked back at the ball, and then transferred it to her left hand. She threw it… straight to my dad. Dad put the ball back in her right hand, and again she threw with her left hand. The ball went dead straight. Little Katie-bug was ambidextrous (at least selectively ambidextrous)!

In third grade, my baby sister joined basketball. When it was time to teach the little tikes how to shoot a basket, the coaches asked, “Which hand do you use to write your name?” My sister answered, “My right.” So she was grouped with the majority of the kids in the right-handers group. Now, no third-grader is skilled at basketball, but Katie was, quite possibly, the worst shot. I’m fairly certain she almost knocked a few kids over. Katie asked if she could join the two lefty kids on the other side of the gym. The coach said no. Katie lined up another shot, this time using her left hand as the dominant hand. The coach corrected her before she could shoot and switched her back over to the right hand. After her third set of attempts, the coach suggested that Katie join the other group of kids. Katie crossed the gym, put the ball in her left hand, and made the shot.

When it was time to play volleyball in sixth grade, Katie told the coach she was left handed. She was quite successful.

Danielle Migler


That Had to Hurt

Well, a few years ago my husband was playing a one on one basketball game with his friend. It was quite a challenge for both of them because they had been playing basketball with each other for so long that they always knew each others next move. At one point, the friend's elbow came up at full force under my husband's chin. Ouch! He bit the end of his tongue in HALF!! Did he keep playing? Of course! The competitive spirit between the two of them wouldn't allow him to stop until the game was over.

A few days later my husband, weak from not being able to eat, got a package in the mail from a family member. What was it? It was a big, bloody, gooey, stinky from not being refrigerated cow tongue!!

Janet

New Interview about Books For Boys

There is a new interview at:

http://jackwregan.blogspot.com/2009/04/max-elliot-anderson-interview.html

1940's Squirt Sign Cleaned Up A Little

This Blog reached # 1 on Google this week. Thank you!

A few days ago, I reported on a painted, advertising sign that dates back to the 1940’s. It appeared after a demolition crew tore down the building next to it, uncovering this treasure that had been well preserved.

I contacted the people at Squirt who showed an interest in it. And I noticed that sellers on Ebay are offering smaller advertising items with this same character’s logo.

Someone did a little cleaning of the sign so it looks better now. I’d love to see it taken down, board-by-board, and relocated in a museum someplace because it’s a really cool piece of advertising history.

Max Elliot Anderson

WIN a copy of Lay Ups and Long Shots

SPECIAL NOTE: This site hit # 1 on Google today, 4/7/2009

WIN this book!


A new book, LAY-UPS and LONG SHOTS, has recently been released by Darby Creek Publishing. The book is going into its second printing. It contains my short story, BIG FOOT, which shares the pages with fellow children’s authors Joseph Bruchac, Terry Trueman, David Lubar, Dorian Cirrone, CS Perryess, Jamie McEwan, and Peggy Duffy.

This is a beautiful hardcover book. When the dust jacket is removed, a laminated cover, with the same artwork, is revealed.

The inside flap promo copy for my story reads, “Max Elliot Anderson puts his best foot forward with a story about the new kid in town with an unusual ability.”

The back cover copy also reads, “Sometimes in life, success is a long shot – other times it’s as easy as a lay-up. Nine contemporary children’s authors bring their A game to the pages of Lay-Ups and Long Shots – an action-filled anthology that depicts the obstacles and hurdles that all athletes must overcome to achieve success in a sport. With tales of basketball, football, soccer, running, surfing, BMX racing, and even Ping-Pong, you are sure to find a short story that will inspire the athlete within.”

If you have a sports junkie in your family, classroom, or circle of friends, LAY-UPS and LONHG SHOTS is sure to pull them in…even reluctant readers.

How to enter:

Send me the funniest sports story – from any sport - you’ve heard, seen, or had happen to you or your family member or friends. Email your story – it can be as short as a paragraph – to me at Maxbooks1@aol.com by Friday, April 10, at 5:00 PM Central time.

I’ll go through them and select the winner. I’ll sign the book. I’ll also contact the winner for a mailing address and who the book should be signed to. I may post some of the best here later.

Have fun.

Max

Did You Know?

There is a short video called, “Did You Know?” at this link http://www.metacafe.com/watch/2041910/2008_latest_edition_did_you_know_3_0_from_meeting_in_rome_th/

It’s instructive to parents, teachers, and authors. The video shows how fast technology and information are moving. I think it makes an excellent case for why education in America, reading, and books for boys are critically important.

Max Elliot Anderson