Get kids started reading an exciting series this summer!

Yes, there's still lots of time to get kids started reading an exciting series this summer!

 Books #1 and #2 of the
Sam Cooper Adventure Series
have been re-released by Elk Lake Publishing.
These will be followed by #3 River Rampage, #4 This Property Is Condemned, #5 At The Buzzer, and #6 Ghosts In The Old Attic.

Book #1 - Lost Island Smugglers

Book #2 - Captain Jack's Treasure

Book #3- River Rampage

Book #4 - This Property Is Condemned

Book #5 - At The Buzzer

Book #6 - Ghosts In The Old Attic

 

Order Lost Island Smugglers NOW!

http://www.amazon.com/Lost-Island-Smugglers-Adventure-Adventures/dp/1942513259%3FSubscriptionId%3D1QZMGW0RRJC2PX87HDR2%26tag%3Dsalranexp-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3D1942513259

 

Order Captain Jack's Treasure NOW!

http://www.amazon.com/Captain-Jacks-Treasure-Adventure-Episode/dp/1942513267%3FSubscriptionId%3D1QZMGW0RRJC2PX87HDR2%26tag%3Dsalranexp-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3D1942513267

 

Others coming soon!

Good News For Middle Grade Readers

In July, I'll be featured on the cover of 
Book Fun Magazine - circulation 480,000 - 
with a feature article inside.

I'll post details when the issue is out.

Watch for it, and please send the information on to middle grade readers, your family members, teachers, librarians, and circle of friends.

Thank you!

Max

Adventures & Mysteries for Kids - What Keeps Me Writing?

Writing for middle grade readers is a solitary pursuit. In fact, ask any author and you’re likely to get a similar response. Long hours, alone in my writing room, are required to produce the action-adventures and mysteries I write for this age group. And, for the most part, an author rarely receives much feedback directly from his or her audience. So, you can imagine what a delight it is to hear from some of my readers.

In some cases, this takes place at a school visit where I have a chance to interact with middle grade students.

There have also been countless emails from happy teachers, parents, librarians, and others who have discovered my books for the children in their family, profession, or circle of friends.

But it’s receiving letters from reader that generate the best sense of connection. Middle grade students occasionally send letters describing their feelings about a particular book or a specific scene in that book. Some even take the time to draw pictures. Here are just a few examples.

 This is some of what they wrote:

“I loved your book!”

“These boys really liked the book and have grown as readers as a result.” – Teacher

“Did you ever write more books like this one? If so I would like to read them!”

“My favorite part was when the dad stopped the evil men.”

“I liked the book because it was interesting and full of adventure.

Throughout this summer, and into the beginning of the school year, several more of my middle grade adventures and mysteries are slated for release. Here are some of the titles:

Lost Island Smugglers

Captain Jack’s Treasure

River Rampage

This Property Is Condemned

At the Buzzer

Ghosts In The Old Attic

The Cat Burglars

Funny Money Mystery

The Secret Of Grandmother’s Grandfather Clock

Summer Camp Trouble

Danger Mountain

Shadow Of The Fat Man

Third House On The Left - Bullies

Midnight Shadows - Dangers of alcohol 
The House Next Door - Hydroponics & illegal drugs
Rail Yard Bandits - Stealing
The Secret Tunnel - Honor & the value of a good reputation
Forest Of Fear - Environment

Follow me on these sites, and please tell your friends and family about these exciting books for young readers.

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

Twitter https://twitter.com/MaxEAnderson

Contact at mander8813@aol.com

 

A Cure For Middle Grade Summer Reading Blues

Believe me when I tell you I grew up hating to read; not just in the summer, but all the time. There were several reasons for this, but the irony of the situation is my father authored over 70 books during his lifetime, and I didn’t read any of them as a child.

Today I write action-adventures and mysteries, for middle grade readers, I would have enjoyed as a kid. My entire professional life has been devoted to the production of dramatic films, video programs, and television commercials.

So, when it comes to writing for middle grade readers, I bring unique elements to each project.

At the present time, I have contracts for over twenty books with three publishers. Perhaps you’ll find one that’s just perfect for your middle grade reader. Hopefully you’ll discover several more here because these books work well with struggling, or reluctant as well as avid readers. And though they are slanted toward boys, I’ve found that girls have embraced them, too.

The Sam Cooper Adventure Series!

 http://www.amazon.com/Lost-Island-Smugglers-Cooper-Adventure/dp/1942513291/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1433000622&sr=1-2-fkmr0&keywords=max+elliot+anderson%2C+lost+island+smugglers

http://www.amazon.com/Captain-Jacks-Treasure-Adventure-Episode-ebook/dp/B00XA7915A/ref=sr_1_15?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1433000542&sr=1-15&keywords=max+elliot+anderson

There are 6 books in this series. Currently the available titles are Lost Island Smugglers and Captain Jack’s Treasure. The series includes the following titles:

Lost Island Smugglers

Captain Jack’s Treasure

River Rampage

This Property Is Condemned

Coming Soon!

At the Buzzer

Ghosts In The Old Attic

Coming Soon!

Next is another 6 book series, from Elk Lake Publishing, called The Accidental Adventures of Kurt Benson And His Friends, Riley and Jordan. This series includes:

The Cat Burglars

Coming Soon!

Funny Money Mystery

The Secret Of Grandmother’s

Grandfather Clock

Coming Soon!

Summer Camp Trouble

Danger Mountain

Shadow Of The Fat Man

NOTE: This series will begin releasing in mid-summer

Mark these sites and check back often
Elk Lake Publishing: http://www.elklakepublishing.com/
Their FaceBook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ElkLakePublishing?fref=ts

For educators of elementary school students, especially those who struggle to get into a book. In association with Chestnut Publishing, in Toronto, Canada, another series of 6 books is in the works. Each includes reading comprehension questions and learning activities developed by a noted educational professional. A collection of short stories will also be included in the books to be published. These are all stand-alone stories. The titles include:

Third House On The Left - Bullies

Midnight Shadows - Dangers of alcohol

The House Next Door - Hydroponics & illegal drugs

Rail Yard Bandits - Stealing

The Secret Tunnel - Honor & the value of a good reputation

Forest Of Fear - Environment

Tree Fort, Pigtails, Pollywogs, And More        (A delightful collection of short stories for kids)

Mark this site and check back regularly

Chestnut Publishing: https://www.facebook.com/ElkLakePublishing?fref=ts

I hope you’ll check out these books and the links provided. The first two series, Sam Cooper, and the Accidental Adventures, will be widely distributed through traditional book stores by Ingram, so I’d appreciate it if you would print out this entire post and take it to book store managers in your area.

You are also welcome to forward this post to family, teachers, and your circle of friends.

Thank you!

Max Elliot Anderson

Abby Is Here!

We have a new granddaughter, Abigail (Abby), was born here in Rockford, IL, to daughter Sarah and here husband, Michael.

Release Announcement – Captain Jack’s Treasure

Late last year, the publisher of my
Sam Cooper Adventure Series informed me they would no longer be publishing books.

That’s the bad news.

The good news is the series is being picked up by Elk Lake Publishing.

Captain Jack’s Treasure is book #2 in the Sam Cooper Adventure Series for middle grade readers - 6 books will be released in this series.

Synopsis_________________________________

Captain Jack’s Treasure

            Sam Cooper lives right near the ocean, on the Treasure Coast of Florida. All he’s ever heard about since he moved here were the fabulous treasures that have been found, and those still waiting to be discovered.

          For his birthday, he received the gift of his dreams. It’s the latest, top-of-the-line, metal detector. Along with his friends, Tony, and Tyler, all are convinced that they will be the ones to dig up the next great find.

          They meet a crusty sea captain named Jack. He’s fixing up an impossible looking old tub. The boys believe it’s going to be used to search for treasure at sea. They get permission from their parents to help with the restoration job in the hopes that Captain Jack will share his wealth.

          When Sam’s father nearly dies, from a heart attack, the true values of life take on new importance and meaning.

          What is Captain Jack’s mysterious secret? And what is he really planning to do with that boat?

          Readers will gain a new appreciation for family, they will learn about the dangers of greed, and oh the stories Captain Jack can tell.

Available in print and eBook http://www.amazon.com/Captain-Jacks-Treasure-Adventure-Episode/dp/1942513267%3FSubscriptionId%3D1QZMGW0RRJC2PX87HDR2%26tag%3Dsalranexp-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3D1942513267

Lost Island Smugglers released by Elk Lake Publishing

Release Announcement – Lost Island Smugglers

Late last year, the publisher of my Sam Cooper Adventure Series, informed me they would no longer be publishing books.

That’s the bad news.

The good news is, Elk Lake Publishing has picked up the series and now released the first book.

Lost Island Smugglers is book #1 in the Sam Cooper Adventure Series for middle grade readers - 6 books will be released in this series.

Synopsis_________________________________

Lost Island Smugglers

          Sam Cooper had only recently moved to Florida when he met Tony at his new church. Tony’s father owned a marina.

          Sam, Tony, and Tyler took scuba lessons together. Tony got them in for free. After they completed the course, the boys decided to try out their new skills in the real world…the ocean. The only problem was, none of them had permission.

          While Tony’s father was away on a buying trip, the boys took one of the rental sailboats out for their diving adventure. Everything went well until the biggest storm Tony had ever seen, blew up from out of nowhere. Their boat was smashed to splinters and the boys found themselves stranded on Lost Island.

          But, if they thought the worst had happened, they were wrong. The boys discovered a secret hideout that was used by drug runners in high powered speedboats.

          Sam and his friends had to find a way to stop them, but how? And, even if they could, what were they going to tell their parents when they got home?

Available in print and eBook.
http://www.amazon.com/Lost-Island-Smugglers-Adventure-Adventures/dp/1942513259%3FSubscriptionId%3D1QZMGW0RRJC2PX87HDR2%26tag%3Dsalranexp-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3D1942513259

BLOG OF THE MONTH at Book Fun Magazine

This site was just voted BLOG OF THE MONTH at Book Fun Magazine.

Find out more about this excellent magazine, and read an article about my books at http://bookfunmagazine.com/

Special Announcement from Chestnut Publishing Group

Chestnut Publishing Group

April 30 at 9:41am · 

Chestnut Publishing is very excited to announce that we will soon be publishing Max Elliot Andersons' short stories for children which will be co-authored by Larry Swartz. Max's short stories collection titled "Tree Forts, Pigtails, Pollywogs and More” contains seventeen short stories that young readers are sure to love. Larry Swartz, who is an instructor in literacy as well as dramatic arts at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto will provide Response Activities that connect to current curriculum outcomes for each of Max's titles. A Discussion Guide as well as suggested reading, writing, talk, arts, media and technology activities are designed to help students reveal and build understanding of Max Anderson's books.
As well, we will be soon publishing 6 stand-alone books of Max Elliot Andersons’ titled “Forest of Fear”, “Midnight Shadows”, “Rail Yard Bandits”, “The House Next Door”, “The Secret Tunnel”, and “The Third House on the Left”.

We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Book Fund for our publishing activities.

Like and / or follow Chestnut Publishing on Facebook at 

https://www.facebook.com/chestnutpublishing?fref=ts

Middle Grade Book Trailers

One of the many elements provided to help promote my middle grade action adventures & mysteries, I've produced a number of video book trailers.

Catch all the excitement and see what young readers are talking about.

The Accidental Adventures - Coming July 2015

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHjJX7IYlqw

River Rampage

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mxoWP4QmVJQ

Legend of The White Wolf

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovJdn3KI1q8

Lost Island Smugglers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUTyzOwEJLg

North Woods Poachers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UrJF8x9gqBw

Captain Jack's Treasure

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khOJMw-faws

When The Lights Go Out

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfSEkGN5q0U

Barney And The Runaway

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-0l7ZU94Ieo

Imagine!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOAa_eu30Xc

Comments always welcome.
Max

Back to Writing Again

I’m almost fully recovered from hernia surgery. I knew I had one obvious spot but my surgeon thought the other side might need fixing, too. We had agreed on laparoscopic surgery in order not to have another big opening like I had for a burst appendix in October.

Surgery was on Monday, March 30, and it took 3 ½ hours. That’s because, once inside, there were four hernia patches that needed repair. So I got worked over pretty well. And with all the smaller incisions, to make openings for the robot’s several instrument and camera needs, I look more like the loser in a knife fight.

The surgery was out-patient and went well. I did have pain for several days, but it was manageable. Couldn’t sit at the computer very long, so work had to stop.

Then, on April 8, I had my surgeon follow up office visit. He said I was progressing well and cleared me to get back to all normal activity by today.

Since we had such powerful storms in Northern Illinois a couple of days ago, I went out yesterday to clear lots of broken, downed branches.

And I’[m able to return to looking after our granddaughter Olivia a few days each week

Today It's back to work on book #5 in the Sam Cooper Adventure Series. Six books are planned and those will start coming out in July from Elk Lake Publishing. New covers, details, and other information will follow on this blog as the projects develop.

A Special Message To Parents, Grandparents, Teachers, or Anyone Who Cares About Children

In 2001, I made a conscious decision to write adventures & mysteries for children. My target was middle grade readers. Why? It’s that stage in life when they are still kids while, at the same time, they can’t wait to be all grown up.

The down side to this age is it also is a time when children, especially boys, begin falling away from reading in favor of video games, TV, videos, computers, and other electronic devices. So how could my books make a difference at this critical time of development?

I grew up hating to read. We didn’t have much in the way of electronics back then, but I’d rather be doing almost anything besides reading as a child. I guess that’s part of the reason why I followed a life of audiovisual production including TV commercials, corporate videos, dramatic and documentary films, music videos, video concerts, and many more. How does this impact me as a potential author for kids?

The books I write tend to be crammed with humor, action, adventure, mystery, lots of dialog, and not much in the way of boring details or descriptions. Many adults have responded by telling me my books were the key in turning children in their care from struggling, reluctant readers into avid readers. Why has this been?

My style of writing brings the same visual elements and heart-pounding action and adventure from my film and video projects onto the pages of my books. But it hasn’t come easily.

The first publisher released 6 of my books. Not long after, the company went bankrupt. Suddenly I found myself starting out all over again. A second publisher experienced the bankruptcy of their distribution company, virtually stopping this publisher in its tracks. A third publisher, just this year, decided to stop publishing altogether, returning rights to the books they had published back to the authors.

Today, I have contracts for a number of books. Several of these will be released starting this coming July. Others are slated for publishing by an education publisher, including instructional materials, for use in the classroom. Most of my books will be readily available in print and as       e-books.

Please return to this blog to keep up with developments. Soon I’ll begin revealing the covers for a number of the books scheduled for release in the coming months.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me directly at mander8813@aol.com

Thank you,

Max Elliot Anderson

Amazon Author Page http://www.amazon.com/Max-Elliot-Anderson/e/B002BLP3EE
My Youtube Videos http://www.youtube.com/user/Maxbooks100?feature=watch

Vote for This Blog as Blog of The Month

Vote for This Blog as Blog of The Month

This blog has been nominated for Blog of The Month at the popular Book Fun Magazine. Please take a minute to vote for it now. See the voting boxes on the Home page, lower right hand column of  http://www.bookfun.org where you see this picture.

Thank you!

Status of Projects

New covers are being developed for the Sam Cooper Adventure Series and a 4th title will soon be released with the original three books at Elk Lake Publishing.

Work continues on covers and the book interiors for the first four books in the Accidental Adventure Series.

Plans call for six books in each series.

Editing on all the new books is ongoing at the publisher now along with additional writing here for these two exciting action and adventure books for middle grade readers.

I hope to share the new covers on this blog soon.

NEWS! A 6 Book Contract Signed

NEWS!  NEWS!  NEWS!

6 Book Contract Signed

A contract has been signed to publish six books at Elk lake Publishing. The publisher will re-release the first three books in the Sam Cooper Adventure Series:

1. Lost Island Smugglers

2. Captain Jack's Treasure

                &

3. River Rampage

This is being done because the original publisher has decided to cease operating in publishing. Under the Elk Lake banner, each book will get a new look on its cover.

Then, three more books are planned for the series. The manuscript has already been delivered for book #4. Books #5 and #6 have not been determined yet.

4. This Property is Condemned

5. Coming Soon

6. Coming Soon

In addition, we are developing another series at Elk Lake Publishing. This one is called The Accidental Adventures of Kurt Benson and His Friends, Riley and Jordan. Three manuscripts have been delivered to the publisher so far.

1. Funny Money Mystery

2. The Cat Burglars

3. The Secret of Grandmother's Grandfather Clock.

Three more books are planned for this series. And the manuscript is nearly ready for book #4. Books #5 and #6 have not been determined yet.

4. Summer Camp Troubles

5. Coming Soon

6. Coming Soon

Here's a video for The Accidental Adventures series.

Be sure to check back for future developments.

Thank you!



Max Elliot Anderson

Author of middle grade action-adventrues and mysteries.

Imagine VIDEO

Update on the Sam Cooper Adventure Series

The publisher for the Sam Cooper Adventure Series has decided to close up shop. Our original agreement called for six books.

Three were published: Lost Island Smugglers, Captain Jack’s Treasure, and River Rampage. A manuscript for the fourth book in the series, This Property is Condemned, was submitted but not published.

I’m happy to report that a new publisher is planning to re-publish the first three books and then complete the six book series. Expect a more formal announcement on that soon.

Book Trailers for this Series

Lost Island Smuggglers

Captain Jack's Treausre

River Rampage

This Property is Condemned Info

This Property is Condemned

Is it true what they say about the old Remmington Mansion? Did someobody really die in the basement of that scary place?
This Property is Condemned
will be the 4th book in the Sam Cooper Adventure Series.

In this story, Sam, Tony, and Tyler discover a house that's falling apart. Local developers have sinister plans to tear the place down.

But wait a minute. Didn't the boys just see a curtain move in one of the front windows? All they've ever heard is the place is abandoned; maybe even haunted.

Sam and his friends decide to find out the truth.
This Property is Condemned
Get ready for the next Sam Cooper Adventure / Mystery, coming soon from children's author Max Elliot Anderson.

Why not read the first 3 books now, so you'll be ready when book #4 is published?

Book # 1 - Lost Island Smugglers
Book # 2 - Captain Jack's Treasure
Book # 3 - River Rampage
Coming Soon! Book # 4 - This Property is Condemned

Sam Cooper Adventures VIDEOS

Video - Captain Jack's Treasure http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khOJMw-faws&feature
Video - Lost Island Smugglershttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUTyzOwEJLg&feature



Video - River Rampage - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mxoWP4QmVJQ&feature=plcp
Video - Imagine - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOAa_eu30Xc&feature=plcp