Enough With the Snow!

 

 

I'm not sure where else to pile any more snow we might get in northern Illinois. This is the most snow we've had since we first moved here about 35 years ago.

Ugh!

Enough!

 

 

Digital Natives – Understanding Today’s Young Readers

18 Months Old

Who are the digital natives? A digital native is someone who was born during or after the introduction of digital technologies and who has interacted with digital technology from an early age. In other words, to a digital native, smart phones, computers, and other digital devices have always existed in their world. I see this today with my own granddaughters who are 19 months and 15 months old. Very early in their lives, they were already reaching for the TV remote, a cell phone, or any other items that had buttons they could push.

Back in the 1980’s, I produced a promotional video program for Nylint Toys. The company was about to roll out several large, metal, toy trucks, called Sound Machines, onto the market. It was quite a new concept at the time. This video would be the company’s new product introduction to their retailers across the country. Each truck made real truck sounds. My son appeared in the video and played with several trucks as we shot the scenes. I remember how his eyes lit up at the sounds. He was so excited when he was allowed to keep one of the prototype trucks. Right then I knew things in the toy business were about to change in a very big way.

Middle grade children today have never known a time when their toys didn’t light up, make sounds, sing, or talk to them. Before learning to walk, they had already become familiar with smart phones and the many apps available just for kids.

Marc Prensky coined the term digital native in his work "Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants" published in 2001. In his article, he applies the term to a new group of students enrolling in educational establishments. More recently, a description of people who were "born digital", first appeared in a series of presentations given by Josh Spear beginning in May 2007.

Not long after, the debate began among authors, publishers, booksellers, and others concerning the death of printed books taken over by electronically delivered books. One only has to look at the magazine business to see that most of the old standards have either ceased publication, or they’ve gone digital. Many new start-up magazines are offered in a digital format only.

And a publisher like Barbour who recently announced Shiloh Run Studios which will publish original direct-to-digital serialized fiction. Expect to see a lot more publishers doing the same thing.

A recent news story reported, “Bexar County, Texas has opened a new library that has no books inside. Instead the library is outfitted with iPad stations and iMacs loaded with digital books available to check out, making it the first digital library in the country.

The library is called the BiblioTech. Patrons can check out eBooks, audiobooks, and software training databases, as well as eReaders. The library also hosts computer classes and patrons can use laptops, tablets, and desktops at the branch.”

To illustrate the digital point even further, this 1-year-old thinks her printed magazine is broken: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXV-yaFmQNk

I’m often asked to speak to elementary students in schools. One of the first times I did this, I remember telling the students I had grown up at a time when there were no microwave ovens, no cell phones, computers, or any of the other “necessities” kids depend on today. When I tell them it seemed like our family must have been the last one in the world to have a TV, and I had to go to friends’ houses just to watch one, sighs break out across the room from those digital natives. The sighs are quickly followed by comments like, “No microwave?” “No video games?” “I couldn’t live without a TV,” “I’d die,” or “How awful.”

Today I’m participating in a new serialized story concept with a publisher and will be creating serialized stories for middle grade readers. Each story will have a number of segments, most segments end with a cliffhanger, then the story will finally reach its exciting conclusion. Next, the same characters find themselves in a new adventure or mystery. The title for this series is, “The Accidental Adventures of Kurt Benson and his friends, Riley and Jordan.” And my first mystery is, “The Cat Burglars.” Here’s a sneak peek http://maxelliotandersonaccidentaladventures.blogspot.com

            Recent research concludes that readers, adult and children, want their reading material in shorter versions, especially if it’s to be read on an electronic device. Articles ask the question, “Are Smaller, Shorter Books More Appealing to Time-crunched Readers?” The answer from several sources seems to be yes. Even my printed books are shorter than most. The reason for this is I believe it gives young readers a sense of accomplishment when they reach “The End” on the final page. I’m not asking them to commit more time than necessary in order to enjoy reading. And with this new concept of delivering each new chapter, by subscription, for reading on digital devices, middle grade readers will have new options for their reading time.

I’s never been more important to get kids reading, no matter where they choose to find their information. And exciting stories, with cliffhanger chapter endings, delivered to their smart phones and other devices, are a great place to start attracting the digital natives all around us.

Bio for Max Elliot Anderson

Max Elliot Anderson grew up as a struggling reader.  After surveying the market, he sensed the need for action-adventures and mysteries for readers 8 – 13, especially boys.

Using his extensive experience in the production of dramatic motion pictures, videos, and television commercials, Mr. Anderson brings that same visual excitement and heart-pounding action to his stories. Most books have different characters, setting, and plot.

Ten books are published, ten more are under contract, with several additional manuscripts completed. Young readers have reported that reading one of his books is like actually being in an exciting movie.
 

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

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

My Youtube Videos http://www.youtube.com/user/Maxbooks100?feature=watch

 

Blog of the Year at Book Fun Magazine!

Voted Blog Of The Year

   For 2013 At

 

Book Fun Magazine!

 

http://www.bookfunmagazine.com

 

That's right!

This blog, Books for Boys, came in # 2 by voters

as one of the best blogs for 2013 at
Book Fun Magazine. 

Read an interview, conducted by best-selling author Bill Myers, for more details. You'll find it on page 137 of the February, 2014 issue here: http://www.bookfunmagazine.com/i/252706

Books you can trust for readers 8 and up.

The Sam Cooper Adventure Series

LOST ISLAND SMUGGLERS

Book #1 in the Sam Cooper Adventure Series

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. 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. 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!

CAPTAIN JACK’S TREASURE 

Book #2 in the Sam Cooper Adventure Series

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?

RIVER RAMPAGE

Book #3 in the Sam Cooper Adventure Series

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, turning 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.

Comfort Publishing Adventure Series

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. 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.

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 don’t appreciate what you have until its gone.

LEGEND OF

THE WHITE WOLF

Brian Fisher discovered a white wolf pup caught in a trap and set it free. Since then, Brian was convinced that he and the wolf shared a special bond. Stung by the disbelief of his family and friends, Brian sets out to prove that his fantastic story is true. He soon finds himself lost 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! 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.

 

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 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, 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. tow truck 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 fence at Eddy's cabin 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. 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.

 

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.

"Max Elliot Anderson brings a lifetime of dramatic film and video production to the pages of his action adventures and mysteries."        Jerry B. Jenkins, Author
"Sam Cooper Adventures are like good, family movies . . . as an ordinary kid finds himself in exciting and extra-ordinary adventures!"        Bill Myers - Author
60 pages of reviews

http://maxbookreviews.blogspot.com

My Youtube Videos  http://www.youtube.com/user/Maxbooks100?feature=watch

These exciting books are compared by readers and reviewers to Tom Sawyer, The Hardy Boys, Huck Finn, Nancy Drew, Tom Swift, Lemony Snicket, Jack London, and others. They can be ordered from any bookstore, are available at Amazon and Banres and Noble & others online, and are available as ebooks.

http://www.bookfunmagazine.com/i/252706

 

 

Big Announcement Coming Soon!

BIG

Announcement about this blog coming on Saturday! Watch for it!

 



Is reading all that important?

The following quote comes from Donnita Travis, executive Director of By The Hand Tutoring Clubs in Chicago, IL. I had the opportunity to speak about boys and reading at one of their clubs in the Cabrini Green housing projects in Chicago a few years ago.

"As you have heard us say, reading is the number one predictor for dropping out of school, yet we see far too many kids in upper grade school and beyond reading at a pre-K level. We are helping them make huge progress in the few hours we have them in the afternoon. But, imagine if we had them all day ---- not catching them up, but moving them forward academically." Donnita Travis http://bythehand.org/

By The Hand has just partnered with the Chicago Public Schools to open a new charter school. But no matter what the educational setting, reading is one of the most important skills we must teach our children, especially boys.

And remember, readers are the leaders others follow.

                        VIDEO

Amazon Author Page
http://www.amazon.com/Max-Elliot-Anderson/e/B002BLP3EE
Author Video
http://youtu.be/48nLqzNFBWg

If your boys aren't reading as much as you'd like

If your boys aren't reading as much as you'd like, try these action-adventures & mysteries on e-books http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_sabc?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&pageMinusResults=1&suo=1390339634627#/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=max%20elliot%20anderson&sprefix=max+e%2Cdigital-text&rh=i%3Adigital-text%2Ck%3Amax%20elliot%20anderson

VIDEO - Guys...Read A Book

 

Subscribe to Book Fun Magazine for free!

Subscribe to Book Fun Magazine for free! 260,000 readers and counting! http://www.bookfunmagazine.com/read/account_titles/169656

The February issue will include BIG news concerning this blog along with a feature interview and an article about a new project for middle grade readers!

Want to get kids - especially boys - interested in reading?

Want to get kids - especially boys - interested in reading? ARTICLE - "Books, Books, Everywhere Books" http://christianfictiononlinemagazine.com/middle_anderson.html

Mirror Madness!

A delightful video when my 18 month old granddaughter discovers a room full of mirrors. http://youtu.be/zIMJFK8ackA

Take a virtual trip with me to the jungles of New Guinea

Wanna take a virtual trip with me to the jungles of New Guinea on a film production project? Book Fun Magazine, page 76 http://www.bookfunmagazine.com/i/235344

 

 

Hello 2014

There are a number of publishing news items I'll be able to report here in the coming weeks and months. Some include traditional, printed books while another will be something completely new.

 

Well, ever heard the phrase,

"Everything old is new again?" That one will be quite exciting. I'm just waiting for the signed contracts before revealing details.

So, as they said in the past, "Stay tuned - or - Don't touch that dial."

If you'd like to be added to my           e-mailing list, just let me know that at mander8813@aol.com

Get a PREVIEW OF COMING ATTRACTIONS at   http://maxelliotandersonaccidentaladventures.blogspot.com/

 

 

Then and Now

Are you old enough – like me – to remember those radio programs we used to listen to as kids on Saturday mornings?
Or the serialized programs that followed on TV? Remember how you could hardly wait until the next episode?

Well...get ready to share that same excitement and anticipation with your children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and other children in your family or circle of friends, they can read in a brand new way, on their electronic devices.
Just like it was with those programs, watch this blog for more details about an exciting development coming soon!

Don't touch that dial!
Amazon Author Page
http://www.amazon.com/Max-Elliot-Anderson/e/B002BLP3EE

Did your middle grader get an e-reader this Christmas?

Did your middle grader get an e-reader this Christmas? Then load it up with these adventure and mystery
e-books. Several only $2.99. http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=max%20elliot%20anderson

 

VIDEO



Contracts Have Been Signed

Watch this blog for information on a brand new middle grade series. Details to follow soon!

True Life Survival - OR - Where Do Your Middle Grade Adventure and Mystery Stories Come From?

 

True Life Survival - OR - Where Do Your Middle Grade Adventure and Mystery Stories Come From? Read this amazing true story on Page 102 in Book Fun Magazine http://www.bookfunmagazine.com/i/219996

An interview you might like

An interview you might like, but the giveaway has already ended http://wfbcmediacenter.wordpress.com/2013/12/01/interview-with-max-elliot-anderson-and-book-giveaway/

Article: High School Seniors Lag in Math and Reading

Find my new article at: http://christianfictiononlinemagazine.com/middle_anderson.html

 

Please Vote for This Blog

My blog is up for Blog of the Year at Book Fun Magazine! Look at the right margin, and down to the 3rd section - Books For Boys with Max Anderson and vote please. http://www.bookfun.org/

Thanks,

Max

Middle Grade Author Interview

Interested in 10 middle grade adventure and mystery books for boys? Find the author interview at: http://www.sherrardsebookresellers.com/WordPress/author-interview-10-questions-with-max-elliott-anderson/

Give Kids the Gift of Reading Enjoyment

Rockford, IL: Parents, grandparents, teachers, librarians and others have already discovered the action-adventures and mysteries by Max Elliot Anderson. Mr. Anderson has spent a lifetime in the productions of dramatic films for children, video programs, and hundreds of TV commercials.

Armed with this experience, he brings the same visual excitement and heart-pounding action and adventure to every book.

Readers who like a series will enjoy the
Sam Cooper Adventure Series.

There are also several stand-alone titles available. These include When the Lights Go Out, Terror at Wolf Lake, Legend of the White Wolf, Newspaper Caper, North Woods Poachers, Barney and the Runaway, and The Scarecrow.

What others are saying about books by Max Elliot Anderson:

* "Growing up I loved reading Hardy Boys (preferred them over Nancy Drew) and this reminded me of a contemporary version of Hardy Boys. There is definitely action, adventure and suspense for both boys and girls 8-12 years."

* "Some have said that Sam Cooper Adventures are like good family movies, and Anderson brings his award-winning film and video production experience to the written page in stories that will encourage boys to read."

* "If you have boys, especially boys that don't like to read, then you won't want to miss these books. They will be sure to be favorites for your sons (and daughters)."

* "I'd recommend these books to anyone wanting to encourage their reluctant readers, whether boys or girls, to read. Get yours and dive into the adventures today!"

* "I would happily take an Anderson book over much of what is palmed off as young people's literature today."

* "This is a book that will grab you and hold you until you read the last word."

* "Anderson has written books that middle school readers will gobble up in a night or two!"

* "My daughter said she loved the book and thinks the author writes very well. Overall, she said she would recommend this book to both boys and girls age eight and up."

So, this Christmas, give the gift of reading to your children, grandchildren, or other children in your family and circle of friends. These books are intended for young readers 8 and up.

Author Video

 

Amazon Author Page

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

 

Sticks and Stones

Article - Sticks and Stones. If words can hurt, how can they also be positive and help? http://christianfictiononlinemagazine.com/middle_anderson.html

 

 

Take A Fresh Look At A Timeless Book

I know, we haven't even eaten our Thanksgiving turkeys yet, but Christmas isn't that far off. I'd like to call your attention to a unique book that might be of interest to you.

If you want a great gift for your pastor, a youth worker, ministry leader, missionary, Bible school or seminary student, or if you'd just like something worthwhile for your own study, here's an idea.

Where To Find It In The Bible

Over 4 million copies sold!

My father spent over 25 years assembling and arranging verses from the Bible under contemporary subjects. Now you can have this great resource right at your fingertips.

Locate specific Bible references to over 3,700 contemporary subjects with this Ultimate A to Z Resource. Where to Find it in the Bible
is a unique topical concordance that helps you find biblical passages that apply to traditional and 21st-century topics.

Pick it up today in most bookstores or order from your favorite online bookstore including CBD, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and more.

 

 

ARTICLE - How Can A Guy Like You Write For Kids?

Read my new article, "How Can A Guy Like You Write For Kids?" Find it on page 156 of the November issue of Book Fun Magazine. http://www.bookfunmagazine.com/i/203676

 

Crawling My Way Back…Slowly

Well, it’s been a tough last six months where I didn’t feel well but couldn’t figure out why. I knew one of my problems had been a kidney stone, and assumed it had passed through…it hadn’t.

On one particularly bad day, a trip to the emergency room resulted in three different kinds of antibiotics, but an incorrect diagnosis. I kept getting worse. Eventually my system closed down until I couldn’t eat anything; not even liquids. Periodically whatever went in eventually came back up and out. I’m thin already, on a 6’ 4” frame, but I lost about 15 bound in this process.

Finally I went to the doctor in one final act of desperation. I sat in his office at 1:30 and by 2:00 was admitted to the hospital. Several tests were run including scans of my abdomen. An 8mm stone was found stuck in the system, but there was another big surprise. A quite large abscess covered most of my abdominal area.

With around 25 scans, a surgeon guided a long needle through my back until it reached the mass. I had to be awake for this because if he were to hit my spine, I had to tell him if I felt a tingle anywhere. He did and I did. A tube was inserted into the abscess and attached to a pump outside my body. I won’t even begin to describe what came out over the next couple of days.

The next evening, a laser was guided to the kidney stone where it was smashed and removed. Now I’m back on a bunch of antibiotics but at least I’m home and getting stronger. I have to go back for a few more tests in the next three weeks or so, but right now, things are looking much more positive.

I’m not spending a lot of computer time just yet, so I won’t likely respond to emails. What time I do have is on catching up and doing a little promotion since I’ve been pretty much silent on that for such a long time.

I wanted to thank everyone who sent congratulations for a story sold, birthday greetings on Nov 3, and especially for those who have been praying for my recovery. It’s so true, isn’t it? We are fearfully and wonderfully made.

Sweetness...Sadness...and Illness

First the sadness. I, along with my 6 brothers and sisters, laid to rest the remains of our dear mother, Doris, Ilene, Jones, Anderson this past weekend. This picture shows the 7 of us along with our spouses, some of our children, and grandchildren. My mother was an exemplary Christian woman and a classy lady. So the occasion was sweet and sad at the same time. I’m standing 7th from the right side, a little in the background because of my height. My wife Claudia is standing 3^rd from that same right side.

We drew together as one unit when it came to working through all the legal – financial issues. It was a beautiful thing, given some of the horror stories I have heard in other families over the years.

Some know that I’ve been very ill for the past month or so, and I’m not fully recovered today, but I’m on the mend. My focus was to get well enough to make the 4 hour drive to Indiana for the weekend and return home. It was a rough trip and an agonizing couple of days, and yet I made it. But because of the illness, I’ve been quite absent online. I hope to be back soon. What happened involved several things going bad at the same time, resulting in infection and a 7 day shutdown of a pretty important system along with other complications.

So, if you think to pray for me, that’d be much appreciated.

Article - Interesting Middle Graders in Reading

Article - Interesting Middle Graders in Reading - http://christianfictiononlinemagazine.com/middle_anderson.html

 

 

My Mom

Today is both sad and joyful at the same time. My mother went to be with the Lord last night. She would have been 95 in December. She raised 7 children and lived an exemplary Christian life. I had the privilege of visiting her for the last time just a couple of weeks ago. We will all miss her very much, but for the Christian, death is the beginning of an eternity with God for those who have a personal relationship through faith in Jesus Christ. "Well done thou good and faithful servant."

 

(Part 3) Harv & Marv The Dumb Guy Detective Agency

Part 3 of the short story for kids, Harv & Marv, The Dumb Guy Detective Agency, can be found in Book Fun Magazine at http://www.bookfunmagazine.com/i/182496 starting on page 105. Part 1 and part 2 are in the August and September issues which you can find at the same link.