Watch These Book Trailer Videos and Choose a GREAT Book This Weekend!

Legend Of The White Wolf

Lost Island Smugglers

North Woods Poachers

Captain Jack's Treasure

When The Lights Go Out

Imagination!

When The Lights Go Out -

Alternate Version

Guys...Read A Book

Barney And The Runaway

And just for fun,

Soccer Cat

Captain Jack's Treasure now on Kindle

Captain Jack's Treasure, book 2 in the Sam Cooper Adventure series, now available on Kindle
http://www.amazon.com/Captain-Jacks-Treasure-ebook/dp/B007NV3BIM%3FSubscriptionId%3D1QZMGW0RRJC2PX87HDR2%26tag%3Dsalranexp-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3DB007NV3BIM

Amazon  Kindle page for more of my books
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=max+elliot+anderson

Humor Book Project

I'm looking for a publisher for my humor manuscript, The Sense of Humor. Here's a link with more info. Suggestions - leads would be appreciated.
http://thesneseofhumor.blogspot.com/

A Word-Of-Mouth Experiment

I’ve been involved in marketing for clients, through video production and TV commercials, most of my life. In recent years, there’s been a new emphasis as markets fragmented. It’s called word-of-mouth. Likely you’re very aware of its power.

So, I’d like to try an experiment. If you’re a parent, grandparent, teacher, librarian, or friend of children 8 – 13, or have them in your circle of friends, and you’d like to see them reading more, I would appreciate it if you’d choose the following and plug it into your social media sites like Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, your blog, newsletter or others.


If you'd also like to choose the email option, that, too, would be much appreciated.


For your Twitter, Facebook, and other social media sites please post the following: (Most sites will shorten the link so it fits the message)


Check out these adventures & mysteries for readers 8 – 13 by Max Elliot Anderson http://booksandboys.blogspot.com/2012/02/update-author-max-elliot-anderson-for.html  




For your email messages:


Subject line – Adventures & mysteries for kids!


I thought you'd like to know about adventure & mystery books for kids 8 – 13 by Max Elliot Anderson. More information is available at these sites:


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


Author Blog
http://booksandboys.blogspot.com/


Author Book Trailer Videos http://www.youtube.com/user/Maxbooks100




Any other efforts you choose to make, in order to spread this information as far and wide as possible will be appreciated. Feel free to suggest that others do the same. I’ll watch to see what happens, and will report it in a week or so on my blog at http://booksandboys.blogspot.com/

Word-Of-Mouth promotion has power!


Thank you!

Your Grandchildren and Reading

Is Your Grandchild A Struggling, Reluctant Reader - see Living Better at 50
http://www.livingbetterat50.com/grandchild-struggling-reluctant-reader/

Who's Really Teaching Our Children?

Who's Really Teaching Our Children? Read my article at Homeschooling Today online http://www.homeschoolingtoday.com/article/whos-really-teaching-our-children/




Max Elliot Anderson
My Youtube Videos http://www.youtube.com/user/Maxbooks100

8 Great Books for Your Kids

Character, friendship, honesty, greed, danger, excitement, mystery, action, adventure...and goosebumps.

See all the videos. At the last school I visited, the students cheered after each one!
http://www.youtube.com/user/Maxbooks100

African Wildlife Limited Edition Lithographs

By Artist Philip Lasz 1933 - 2001
It was my distinct honor to know and work with Philip Lasz for several years. Phil was a missionary in Kenya, with an immense talent for capturing African animals on canvas. Sadly, he lost his battle with cancer, but his love for the animals that God created, lives on in his work.

 

Artist Philip Lasz

I have a limited supply of his beautiful, Limited Edition, signed and numbered prints available for $199.95 each. These large, impressive works of art are perfect for the living room, den, or office. $10.00 Shipping & Handling per shipment. Selection of four: Peace Before the Storm, Elephant Herd on the Move, His Majesty and Greater Kudu.

Peace Before the Storm 34" × 21" $199.95


His Majesty 34" × 21" $199.95


Elephant Herd on the Move 34" × 21" $199.95


Greater Kudu 34" × 21" $199.95


Note:
If you go to http://www.maxbooks.9k.com/photo3.html 
you'll see 10 additional prints: 6 babies and 4 adults. These are unlimited, unsigned and un-numbered.

Ordering information


Send check to:
Max Anderson
P.O. Box 4126
Rockford, IL 61110

Peace Before The Storm

His Majesty

Elephant Herd on the Move

Greater Kudu

Naperville, Illinois School Visit

Earlier this week I had the pleasure of an author visit at Calvary Christian School in Naperville, Ilinois.

We started with an assembly of around 100 students where several of my book trailer videos were shown on two large screens while the audio was piped through their great sound system. You can watch the same videos at http://www.youtube.com/user/Maxbooks100


Later I went to three different classrooms where writing workshops were conducted. Here’s the material that I cover in the classroom.
Reading Is The Foundation To Learning
 
Mark Twain once said, "The man who does not read good books has no advantage over the man who cannot read them."


It has also been said that a reluctant reader simply hasn’t found the right books yet.


I have come to realize how important reading is to the education process. It is foundational to learning, and is the key to future success in life. Yet I grew up as a reluctant reader.


Now I've joined the battle to help children develop a love for reading.


I'm available for a limited number of school visits in and around the Rockford, Illinois area, and will consider traveling to more distant locations. My program is unique and the responses have been very positive.

My presentation includes props that I use while writing. These are items that help me to visualize the scene better. I also use mood appropriate music and allow the students to stretch their imagination by listening to various pieces. Then I'll read an exciting chapter from one of my books.


For longer programs, I might read a chapter and then ask the students, "What happens next?" They will then write a few paragraphs to continue the story, as they see it. Then I'll read how the story really goes.


I like to stress the fact that each of us is unique. No one sees the world exactly the same as anyone else. Because of this there is lots of room for individual creativity. In literature, this is called voice as students have an opportunity to put down on paper the way they interpret the world around them.


Students also learn how I came to write my books, they see that these books are entertaining, fast-paced, with lots of humor and heart-pounding action. Each book is also educational, without the reader even realizing it.

Most of the books will soon be rated by AR.


If your school is interested in an author visit, please contact me at mander8813@aol.com for details.


After the workshops were finished, students came to a book table where they purchased autographed copies.

JM Cremp's Adventure Store for Boys now carries Max Elliot Anderson's adventure books for boys

JM Cremp's Adventure Store for Boys has begun with four of my adventure books for readers 8 - 13. You will find more information at these links for each title.

http://www.jmcremps.com/Barney-and-the-Runaway/productinfo/15649/



http://www.jmcremps.com/Captain-Jacks-Treasure/productinfo/15648/


http://www.jmcremps.com/Lost-Island-Smugglers/productinfo/15655/


http://www.jmcremps.com/North-Woods-Poachers/productinfo/15650/

Wolf books reach great numbers in Canada

Legend of the White Wolf reached #8 on Amazon.com - Canada earlier this week, and Terror at Wolf Lake reported similar numbers.

Legend of the White Wolf

ISBN: 9781936695690


Terror at Wolf Lake
ISBN: 9781936695966


For readers 8 - 13
Also available as eBooks


Video - Legend of the White Wolf http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovJdn3KI1q8&feature

Birth order and kids' reading performance

I have a new column this month about birth order and reading performance which you can read at:

http://christianfictiononlinemagazine.com/middle_anderson.html


Max

Two New Books Now Available

Always a great day when a new book arrives...even better when UPS brings two of them on the same day.

Legend of the White Wolf 

ISBN: 9781936695690

Terror at Wolf Lake

ISBN: 9781936695966

For readers 8 - 13

Also available as eBooks

Video - Legend of the White Wolf http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovJdn3KI1q8&feature

UPDATE - Author Max Elliot Anderson - for readers 8 - 13 .

This is an update on the work of Max Elliot Anderson, author of adventures & mysteries for young readers.

BOOKS


Eight books have been published and a 9th title, River Rampage, is in production now. http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Max+elliot+anderson  

Barney and the Runaway

North Woods Poachers

Newspaper Caper

Lost Island Smugglers

When the Lights Go Out

Legend of the White Wolf

Terror at Wolf Lake

Captain Jack's Treasure

E-BOOKS


Several of these books are also available in e-books. http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=Max+elliot+anderson Also on Nook and others 


VIDEO BOOK TRAILERS


Several book trailer videos have been produced for the above titles on Youtube http://www.youtube.com/user/Maxbooks100


SHORT STORIES


I write short stories on the staff of Knowonder Magazine. Several have been written already and soon at least two, new stories will be published.
http://www.knowonder.com/max-elliot-anderson/


COLUMNS
I write a regular monthly column for Christian Fiction Online Magazine http://christianfictiononlinemagazine.com/middle_anderson.html  

And a second column For Homeschooling Today Magazine http://www.homeschoolingtoday.com/article/is-your-child-a-struggling-reluctant-reader/  


ANTHOLOGIES

Several stories have been published in anthologies including Chicken Soup for the Soul, Guideposts Books, Tyndale House Publishing, Darby Creek Publishing, and others.

REVIEWS
http://maxbookreviews.blogspot.com/  Over 60 pages


AUTHOR BOLG
http://booksandboys.blogspot.com


AUTHOR WEB SITE
http://www.maxbooks.9k.com/index_1.html


TWITTER @MaxEAnderson  

FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/max.e.anderson  


Contact at mander8813@aol.com

REVIEW: Homeschooling Today Magazine - When the Lights Go Out

Some dates burn deeply into our collective memory forever. I will never forget where I was and what I was doing on September 11, 2011. You probably know the same. Your children, quite possibly, were not yet born before 9/11, and you will have to explain that famous date to them at an appropriate time. They need your explanation of this shocking and tragic even in America.



Max Elliot Anderson has dedicated his latest adventure fiction, When the Lights Go Out (Comfort Publishing, 2012), to “the memory of 9/11 and the people who lost their lives that day, so we never forget.” Anderson has written numerous adventure books geared for eight-to thirteen-year-old boys.


Peyton Aldrich, the central character, is the son of a US Army colonel who specializes in intelligence. Colonel Aldrich’s top-secret work leaves young Peyton curious yet proud of his father who was recently stationed at a new army base in the middle of nowhere along with his family. The colonel has an important job protecting the country from terrorists. When Peyton and his friends accidentally discover a dangerous plot on the base, they determine to stop it. Will the terrorists catch them? What will happen if the evil plan succeeds? This fast-paced story lives up to Anderson’s previous books. It will hold young readers’ attention right up to the surprise ending.


When the Lights Go Out blog
http://max-whenlightsgoout.blogspot.com/  


Video When the Lights Go Out
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfSEkGN5q0U&feature


Marilyn Rockett is Editor in Chief of Homeschooling Today and a veteran homeschool mom of four grown sons, seven grandchildren, and one great-grandchild (so far).

REVIEW - Captain Jack's Treasure

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.

While this is technically for much older youth than my boys,my oldest definitely loved the adventure within this story (and the fact that a main character had the same name as he did - Tyler). Packed with action, very fast paced - exciting indeed for my son who is 6 - who could not wait for the next part. First time in a long time that we have read a book we both enjoyed; on the edge of our seats.

As a parent I loved that Anderson injects strong principles to live by in a way that children can understand.

Max Elliot Anderson describes the boys' adventures so realistically that the reader feels like he or she is right there participating. This novel, which is part of the "Sam Cooper Adventure" series is a terrific addition to the exciting books Anderson continues to write for young adults! Very nicely done, Mr. Anderson!

Book number 1 in this series is Lost Island Smugglers.

 

Book number 3, River Rampage will be out soon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

15 Amazing Effects of Prison Libraries

Prisons have long been at the center of much social, political, and even philosophical debate. What rights prisoners should have, what works to rehabilitate them, and how much taxpayer money should go into supporting prisons have been some of the key issues in both recent years and throughout history. Prison libraries touch on all three of those issues, and in many places, what reading material prisoners have access to and whether they’re permitted to read at all has been a hot-button topic, bringing up quite a bit of fervor on both sides. While some might think access to books should be a right, many people would disagree, or would point out that libraries can be costly and could be a burden on a system that’s already struggling with the costs of providing basic care for inmates.


Yet of all the liberties afforded to prisoners, access to a library, and the materials and classes it provides, can be one of the most useful in preparing them for life outside of prison. The majority of inmates in America’s prisons have low levels of education and some can barely read, write, or use a computer. These are all skills that are necessary to make it on the outside without returning to a life of crime, and prison libraries offer inmates the chance to learn all of these things and more. While prison libraries aren’t a panacea for what ails America’s prison system, they do offer some important benefits that are well worth considering. We’ve listed a few here that just might change how you think about prison libraries.




1 Inmates who participate in prison education programs are less likely to end up back in prison


Perhaps one of the best ways libraries benefit prisoners is by helping make it less likely that they’ll end up back in prison again. Studies have shown that education helps to reduce rates of recidivism, and libraries can play a big part in that, with access to books, educational programs, and computer training. A study of inmates in 2003 found that participation in education programs while in prison helped reduce rates of re-arrest, re-conviction, and reincarceration by significant amounts, with only 21% of those who participated in education programs ending up back in prison versus 35% of non-participants.


2 Many library programs can also benefit inmates’ families


Prison libraries don’t just offer those who are incarcerated a chance to read; they also encourage inmates who are parents to share books with their children. For example, the Indiana State Library has a program called Read-to-Me which provides picture books and children’s readers to inmates. Inmates work with library staff and volunteers to learn to read a book of their choosing well enough to make a recording, which they can send to their children, grandchildren, or other relatives. Other programs all over the U.S. work to send out books to children of inmates or promote family literacy, helping change not only the lives of the inmates but of future generations as well.


3 Prison inmates who read newspapers and magazines, books, or letters and notes have higher average prose and document literacy than prison inmates who never read


The library provides access to a wide range of written materials that can help inmates improve their literacy skills or keep existing skills sharp. Those who used the library to read just about anything, from books to newspapers, regardless of the frequency with which they read, were found to have higher literacy levels than their counterparts who never took advantage of the library’s collections. This may be due to inmates with higher literacy levels being more inclined to take advantage of library resources, but others may use the library to improve poor literacy levels, as overall education and reading proficiency tend to be low among prison populations.


4 Prison inmates who use the prison library regularly have higher average literacy rates than prison inmates who don’t


Libraries are a place where people can go to expand their minds, prisoners included. A 2003 study on literacy behind bars found that prison inmates who used the library daily had higher average literacy when reading prose and documents than prison inmates who used the library less frequently, whether they went weekly, monthly, or never at all. While those who used the library daily had the biggest difference in language literacy levels, prison inmates who used the library at any rate had better literacy when it came to math than prison inmates who never used the library.


5 Libraries provide inmates with a productive way to spend their time


Even when prisoners are participating in work programs, getting exercise, or doing other activities, there’s a lot of downtime in prison. Libraries offer prisoners a chance to use that time to read, study, and hopefully, learn. A study found that in prisons with libraries, a good portion of inmates take advantage of materials. Of those who use the library, 43% were found to read newspapers and magazines daily and 50% read books daily.


6 Many studies report inmates feeling increased self-confidence and self-worth after gaining literacy skills


Not being able to read, or not being able to read well, is a source of shame for many adults, in prison or not. Prison libraries offer inmates a chance to get the resources they need to practice reading, and with the help of librarians, educators, and volunteers, many are able to make big strides in their reading abilities. A case study conducted in 1993 found that reading and writing while in prison, with the help of a tutor, helped inmates to better understand themselves, legitimize their voice, and feel more self-confident.


7 Prison libraries that offer inter-library loans give inmates access to virtually any book out there


Whether inmates want to learn about law or read the classics, many find that it’s easy to do through prison library book-loaning programs. Some communities treat prison libraries like any other library in their system, and allow prisoners to request and get just about any book (though some restrictions may be in effect, depending on the state and discretion of the librarian). Since many prison libraries can’t afford to build large collections of their own, this is a cost-effective way to improve the quality of the material inmates can read and offers a freedom of information that many see as a basic human right.




8 Libraries are also a place where inmates can learn computer skills


For better or worse, inmates in America’s prisons can’t make use of the Internet, which can be a big problem for many when they go to look for a job after release. While they can’t take advantage of the information and training the web has to offer, there are many other opportunities to use computers in prison libraries, and many inmates take full advantage. With access to CD-ROM training programs, inmates can learn how to use computer programs, navigate the web, or may even be able to take courses that can help them in finding work. In Maryland, inmates can check out a program called Discovering the Internet, which helps to bridge the digital divide many long-term inmates may have upon release. The program is not only popular with Maryland prisoners, but has been requested at prisons all over the U.S.


9 Inmates can use the library to take an active role in their own legal matters


While it might be a stereotype that many prisoners spend hours in the library looking through law books and legal publications to wheedle their way out of jail, it’s not entirely unfounded nor a bad thing. Giving inmates a chance to learn about the law can help ensure that they’re being treated fairly and justly, which, sadly, may not always be the case if inmates are low-income or lack the education to understand the process that landed them in jail in the first place. Some inmates have even earned law degrees while in prison, and a select few have gone on to use their knowledge to successfully get their convictions overturned, neither of which they would have been able to accomplish without the help of a prison library.


10 Prison libraries can help improve inmates’ mental well-being.


While prison is a punishment, our constitution has mandated that it shouldn’t be one that’s cruel or unusual. The confinement, the threat of violence, the loneliness, the lack of purpose; these factors can all take a toll on the mental health of prisoners, but books can help. Prisoners can read to learn or as a pleasurable escape from the often monotonous and sometimes violent reality that surrounds them. Books can provide inspiration, guidance, and perspective in a way that few other things can, and for many inmates that may make all the difference when it comes to quality of life. In many prisons, even inmates who are sentenced to solitary confinement are allowed a few books to read in order to pass the time.


11 Libraries act as gateways to learning for many inmates


A study of prison education and library programs concluded that reading was not only a source of pleasure for inmates but also a “gateway to learning, information, inspiration, and relaxation.” With numerous studies drawing direct correlations between education and reduced rates of recidivism, anything that gets prisoners to be more open to the idea of learning is a good thing. Librarians who work in prisons often work hard to create collections that cater to the needs and interests of their particular population, and it’s not all just for fun. Books may start off as a source of escape for many in a figurative sense, but may lead to learning that can literally help them escape from a life of crime and future imprisonment. One inmate was quoted as saying, “My library has helped me find the courage and strength, not only to overcome my incarceration but also to strive for a more honest and productive future.”


12 Many inmates who read little on the outside become hooked on books in prison


Whether you’re young, old, or in between, there is no bad time to develop a love of reading. Many prison librarians report that some of their most reading-crazed patrons actually read little to nothing when they were free, but with little else to do, turn to books as a source of entertainment, education, and escape. You only need to read through a few of the entries on this prison book program blog to see how important libraries are to prisoners, even those who never thought they’d spend so much of their day reading. Many will take their acquired love of books, and the writing skills they’ve gained along the way, with them into life outside of prison.


13 Reading can help inmates make connections with the outside world


A prison library offers inmates several ways to stay connected to life on the outside, which can help give them a sense of stability and normalcy. Aside from the bars on the windows, prison libraries function identically to those outside and allow prisoners to make choices of their own accord, something that is virtually non-existent in many other aspects of their daily lives. Former prisoners, like Mark Knudsen, report that libraries enabled them to pursue their educational and recreational interests, make connections with the outside world through literature, and achieve “astonishing growth in learning and developing skills.” Libraries not only provide a sense of continuity with the outside world but can also help inmates stay in touch with modern life outside the prison walls and gain new understandings about human interactions, society, and themselves.


14 Libraries don’t rehabilitate all prisoners, but some do take away amazing lessons


In the book Reading is My Window: Books and the Art of Reading in Women’s Prisons, readers can hear from a wide range of women in prison on the role books and the libraries that provide them play in their lives. Some complain about the lack of good resources and proliferation of trashy romance novels while others feel that reading in prison has made a major difference in their lives and helped them to grow as people and perhaps even prepare themselves a bit for life outside of prison. While prison libraries may not be able to change all prisoners from career criminals into upstanding citizens, they do offer opportunities and open doors that many prisoners wouldn’t have access to otherwise.


15 There are many stories of people who turned their lives around through reading and writing in prison


While all of us hope we never end up in jail, for some, it may be the best thing that’s ever happened to them. Prison can be the wake-up call that finally gets their life on track. One famous example is Malcolm Little, better known as Malcolm X, who ended up in jail at the age of 26 after a tumultuous and troubled youth. Little only had an eighth-grade education when he entered prison and could barely read and write, a fact which frustrated him greatly. Instead of giving up, he got a dictionary and forced himself to learn the words, eventually going on to read many of the books in Norfolk Prison’s well-stocked library. While many may disagree with the politics of Malcolm X, it’s undeniable the impact having access to a library made on his life, turning him from a troubled youth into a leader in the African-American community.

Reposted with permission from http://www.bestcollegesonline.com/blog/2012/02/06/15-amazing-effects-of-prison-libraries/

Remember Your Hardy Boys & Nancy Drew?

Why do I ask this question? For a couple of reasons.

The Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew books are some of the most popular books of all time. Even though they were first published decades ago, you can still find new copies published today.

Parents and grandparents often tell me that they wish there were more books like these available again today, with modern stories, characters, and settings. Many have even said that my action-adventures and mysteries remind them of these two classic series. Six titles are also available as e-books.


That surprises me since I grew up as a struggling, reluctant reader. Because of this, I didn't read books from either series. My background comes from dramatic films production, video productions, and television commercials over more than forty years.


If you’re looking for exciting books for your children, grandchildren, and students, with chapters that end in cliffhangers, try one of my books. People who do, often come back for more.


Thank you,


Max Elliot Anderson


Author of action-adventures & mysteries for readers 8 – 13.

Barney and the Runaway  - ISBN: 9780984559848
North Woods Poachers  - ISBN: 9781936695058
Newspaper Caper - ISBN: 9781936695263
When the Lights Go Out - ISBN: 9781936695478
Legend of the White Wolf - ISBN: 9781936695690
Terror at Wolf Lake - ISBN: 9781936695966
Lost Island Smugglers - book #1 Sam Cooper Adventure Series ISBN: 9781935600022
Captain Jack's Treasure - book #2 Sam Cooper Adventure Series
ISBN: 9781935600145
 
Video book trailers on Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/user/Maxbooks100

6 Kid's Adventures & Mysteries Now Available As E-books

These 6 adventures & mysteries for readers 8 - 13 are avaiable in print and now as e-books.


Sam Cooper had just moved to Harper’s Inlet where he met Tony and Tyler. While Tony’s father was away on a buying trip, the boys took one of the rental sailboats out for a 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 happend they were wrong!
 
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. Now, Peyton, along with his family, find themselves stationed at a new army base, in the middle of nowhere. 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.

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.


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. Naturally, no one will ever forget about Big Wally. He’s a fish of course.


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 decides to find out why.

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!

Put it all together in a book and you have an adventure story even the most reluctant of readers will pick up and enjoy.

Author Bill Myers says, "Sam Cooper Adventures are like good, family movies . . . as an ordinary kid finds himself in exciting and extra-ordinary adventures!"

And author Jerry B. Jenkins adds, "Max Elliot Anderson brings a lifetime of dramatic film and video production to the pages of his action adventures and mysteries."

Young readers report that reading one of Anderson’s action-adventures or mysteries is like being in an exciting or scary movie.

Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=max+elliot+anderson


Nook - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/max-elliot-anderson?keyword=max+elliot+anderson&store=ebook

Just put up a new short Youtube video

Just put up a new short Youtube video for When The Lights Go Out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1iErM4XIf9g&context=C30891e1ADOEgsToPDskKY0AQZI3lXZLyXT_qMA_02

 

Here's the Video

 

Here's the Book

 

Reviews

 

(1) As a 6th grade teacher, I am always on the look out for good books for my boys who are reluctant readers. They went nuts over this one. Exciting, quick-paced, with good lessons - Anderson has written a book that middle school boys will gobble up in a night or two! What's even better is he's written even more books, and now my boys are seeking them out. Parents and teachers, if you have a boy who doesn't enjoy reading, try this book out on him. It might ignite a new passion for the written word!

(2) When The Lights Go Out (Paperback)

Peyton wants to be an Army Ranger, just like his Dad. After 9-11 he feels everyone needs to be alert and fight terrorism. He may get himself into big trouble because of this goal...

Comfort Publishing and the author sent me a copy of this book for review (thank you). Mr. Anderson specializes in writing books for boys who are reluctant readers (as he was earlier in life). He makes his books interesting, full of action and some danger, and there is always an underlying message in his words for the young ones who read them.

Peyton is new to the base, but it doesn't take him long to find a couple of new friends. He wants to practice to be a Ranger, and he talks them into working out on the course with him. It's good exercise and all is going well until they decide to go on a mission, like all Rangers do. That's when they find out that terrorists are planning to steal something from the secured Army base.

Peyton waits too long to tell his father and the boys suddenly find themselves on their own...

The story is busy, the boys have lessons to learn about the Rangers and life in general, and the reader will keep going to see what is going to happen next. Why not pick up a copy of this book for your young reader?

Happy reading.

 

(3) AN ACTION PACKED ADVENTURE FOR YOUNG ADULTS! WHEN THE LIGHTS GO OUT BY MAX ELLIOT ANDERSON..., August 17, 2011

WHEN THE LIGHTS GO OUT by Max Elliot Anderson is an interesting young adult fiction.For ages 12 and up. It is written with depth and details.The characters are interesting and engaging. Peyton Akdrich's father is an Army colonel who specializes in Army Intelligence. He moves his family to a new Army base,Peyton and his friends,Gill and Dave,decide to train like Rangers.They are looking for a mission of their own to train for. What they find is danger, in the sight of dangerous terrorist,adventure and a mission of their own. This is a fast paced story for young adults,especially boys but girls will also enjoy this story of adventure,action,finding a mission and staying alive. A must read. This book was received for the purpose of review from the publisher and author.Details can be found at Comfort Publishing and My Book Addiction Reviews.

(4)  Peyton Aldrich's father is an Army colonel, specializing in Army intelligence. His work is top-secret, so he can't even discuss it with his own family. Nevertheless, Peyton idolizes his father and someday wants to be a Ranger, just like his dad.

When Peyton was out wandering around, he met two other boys his age and they agree to pretend to be Rangers in training. Since Peyton knows a little about it, he becomes the leader. But then they overhear some top-secret plans--and they may be forced to go on high alert to save the base, and Peyton's dad's job.

WHEN THE LIGHTS GO OUT is the latest in Max Elliot Anderson's books for reluctant readers and it's just as exciting as the first. This particular book is commemorating the 10th anniversary of 9-1-1, when terrorists attacked America, killing thousands of people. Children need to remember this event, and remember that they can be instrumental in protecting America from this happening again.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book - and all of Mr. Anderson's books, as has my son. Thanks to Mr. Anderson, my son went from being a very reluctant reader, but when he read the first book he was hooked, and has read every one of his books to date. He still reads Mr. Anderson's books, even though he's now in college. (He also reads Ted Dekker, so that says something about the excitement level of these books!)

If you are looking for a book for your reluctant reader then WHEN THE LIGHTS GO OUT or any of Mr. Anderson's books will be excellent to pick up. Highly recommended.

(5) What do you do when you suspect your dad's job is in jeopardy? What can you do to help prevent terrorists from carrying a possible deadly mission?

Max Elliot Anderson's newly released When the Lights Go Out is an intriguing tale of captivating suspense designed especially for boys ages 8-12.

The main character, Peyton Aldrich, idolizes his father, who believes that after what happened on 9/11 , somebody has to help keep the country safe.

Peyton decides to train as a ranger just like his dad. He befriends two boys, Gill and Dave. Together they venture out to become rangers. Thus begins an adventure of a lifetime for the three boys.

The three boys overhear what they are sure is a terrorist plot to deliver secret weapons to the base where Aldrich's father works.

What will happen? Will Aldrich tell his dad about what he heard? Or will he take matters into his own hands?

Aldrich and his friends react just like typical teenagers; they decide to keep what they know a secret . They are convinced with their plan of action they will expose what the terrorists are planning to do.

As I read the book, I kept thinking about the safety of the three boys. Are they going to get killed? The author does a tremendous job keeping the reader in total suspense.

What resonates well with the story is the underlying message of how well Aldrich respects his father. In our world today, that is a lost art. Too many dads or even moms do not fulfill their responsibility to be involved in the life of their children; consequently children do not have a good role model that they can look up to.

Aldrich's respect and love for his dad is what compells him to try to take on the terrorists on his own. His decision, in my opinion is based not on being defiant, but on his desire to help his dad. This is commendable.

The author delivers a well written story that will shock the daylights out of you once you read the ending.