The Chestnut Challenge: The Nocturnals

The Chestnut Challenge: The Nocturnals

     In The Chestnut Challenge, Tobin, a sweet pangolin, Bismark, a loud-mouthed sugar glider, and Dawn, a serious fox, are playing a game of Chestnuts when Chandler, a conniving chinchilla, challenges Tobin for the title of Chestnut Champion. However, after a series of strange distractions occur, the Brigade begins to suspect that something is not quite right. Chandler is a competitive chinchilla...but could he also be a cheater?

     Readers will delight in an entertaining animal adventure while learning about playing games for fun and displaying good sportsmanship.

     This book came to us at just the right time. Two of our granddaughters, ages 7 and 6, have recently discovered the game of checkers. It's been interesting to watch them learn basic moves of offense as well as defense. And both of them will occasionally try to bend the rules. So the message against cheating is appropriate for their ages.

     They have also enjoyed learning about the animals in this story that come out to play after dark.

Includes bonus Nocturnals fun facts and animal glossary (Ages 6-8)

Themes include good sportsmanship, forgiveness, and friendship.

See this blog for middle grade adventures and mysteries https://middlegradeadventureandmystery.blogspot.com

Mothers Teachers and Librarians with struggling, middle grade readers

I also grew up as a struggling, reluctant reader. My life took a course of dramatic motion picture, video, and television commercial production. It is from that well of creative experience that my adventures and mysteries originate for young readers.
The following letter is from a middle school teacher who has used my adventures and mysteries in her classroom for the past few years. It most clearly reflects what I hear from mothers, teachers, and librarians who have trusted my books to interest their young children in reading.

Dear Teacher,

    My name is Sandra Stiles. I am a middle school Language Arts teacher in Bradenton, Florida. I have always had a passion for reading. That passion doesn’t always transfer to your own children. My daughter was a struggling reader. It took another teacher to introduce her to an author whose books she devoured.  

    I am here to tell you about that author who has my students reading and fighting over his books.  Max Elliot Anderson has been one of my favorite authors for several years. Not only do I love his books, but my students love them as well.  I have three classes of students who have a remedial reading class, then they come to me for Language Arts.  
     When I did my first book pass with my students I made sure to have one of Max’s books in each pile to introduce them to his books. Both boys and girls love his books. Almost all of his books are not only filled with adventure, but also mystery. 
     One of my lowest readers has made it a goal to read all of Max’s books I have on my shelves. He has read eight books so far. The really cool part is that he started talking to some of the girls in the class. Now he has them reading them, too.

     Max has two major series, “The Sam Cooper” series and “The Accidental Adventures” series.  Both of these have characters that all kids - boys and girls alike - will love. 
     I can’t say enough about his books.  I highly recommend them to classrooms everywhere.

Sandra Stiles

NBCT

ELA teacher/Dept. Chair

     With summer coming, reading won't necessarily be on the minds of middle grade students. You can recommend these books with confidence. And I hope Sandra's words will encourage you to add some of my books to your home, library, or classroom for next year.

Find most of my books here, on Amazon. If you see a title you like, but it isn't available, all of those are being republished by a new publisher and should be ready throughout 2019.
https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=max+elliot+anderson

You can reach the author at mander8813@aol.com

REVIEWS of 5 NEW picture books for young readers.

REVIEWS of 5 NEW picture books for young readers. Two are from Margaret Wise Brown, best known for Goodnight Moon, and 3 from National Geographic. https://booksforyoungreaders.blogspot.com

My Raccoon Battle Adventure

This spring I’ve been in a battle of wits with raccoons in my back yard. 

Years ago, one took up residence inside my brick fireplace chimney and had a litter of babies in there. When the babies were older, I got them out by lowering an old curtain so they could climb out. Then we capped the opening.

But this year was different. Now they were eating all the seeds we'd bought for the birds and threatened to tear up the wooden feeder with their sharp claws.

I tried several things to discourage them including only putting enough seeds out for the day. But every last seed was gone the next morning.

Then I decided to adapt a trash can lid as a barrier since the others I’d used, which were much smaller, didn’t stop the intruders. But night after night, they still found their way to the top of the feeder and emptied everything.

Finally, when I looked closer, I found mud on the pins that held each section of the pole together. The raccoons were using the pins as a sort of ladder. I removed those and used heavy tape to join the pole sections.

The next morning, here is what I saw…muddy paw prints all over the side of the lid. But, to my pleasant surprise, nothing was touched in the feeder. The seeds and the peanuts were still there. And it’s been that way, night after night, ever since.

So now the raccoons will have to raid other feeders in the neighborhood while I save money on the seeds intended for our cardinals, doves, bluejays, sparrows, and other birds.

April is Nationa Humor Month. Make laughter and humor an important part of your life all year long

April is Nationa Humor Month. Make laughter and humor an important part of your life all year long…The Sense of Humor http://yourhumorsense.blogspot.com 

VIDEO TRAILER

Excellent article from Reader’s Digest - Why reading is so important

Excellent article from Reader’s Digest “This Is Why Reading Is So Important for Your Brain”

 https://www.rd.com/health/wellness/why-reading-is-important/?trkid=soc-rd-facebook 

Adventure and Mystery books for readers 8 - 12

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=max+elliot+anderson&ref=nb_sb_noss_1 

Middle Grade Adventure and Mystery Books ALERT

Notice
Several of my books are recently out of print since I recently lost a publisher. However, if you go to Amazon, trying to order one of my books, and it is listed as unavailable, this will be corrected soon. Stay tuned.

Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/s?k=max+elliot+anderson&ref=nb_sb_noss_1

Got kids 8 - 12 on Spring Break? Try one of these adventure-mystery books as another form of entertainment.

Got kids 8 - 12 on Spring Break? Try one of these adventure-mystery books as another form of entertainment. 

Not everything has to show up on an electronic device although these are available as e-books too. http://www.amazon.com/Max-Elliot-Anderson/e/B002BLP3EE

March Madness has begun! Get your young readers into the game with “At The Buzzer.”

March Madness has begun!  Get your young readers into the game with “At The Buzzer.”  

Synopsis_________________________________

At the Buzzer

Author: Max Elliot Anderson

Audience: Middle School; especially boys

Sam Cooper had rehearsed a thousand times, in the back yard, how he would win the big game, with a three point shot, and be a hero. Still, he wondered what would happen in a real game. Sam’s friends all played on the basketball team at school.

Sam was concerned about his best friend, Perry, for a couple of reasons, and he was going to do his best to help his friend.

On the way home from a survival church camp weekend, the boys’ van is nearly involved in a fatal accident with an eighteen-wheeler on a rain slick road. The boys have to confront life and death for the first time in their lives.

Later, while they practiced basketball at Sam’s house, Perry fell, resulting in a severe injury. Instantly his plans to use basketball as the ticket to his future were changed. Perry was the big man in the middle. Without him, the team had to change the way they played.

Would they be able to win the championship?

Would Chris take the final shot like he’d practiced his whole life?

Did it go in…or didn’t it? The answer will surprise you.

Sandra K. Stiles

5.0 out of 5 starsGreat Adventure

January 14, 2018

Format: Kindle Edition

This is the fifth book in the Sam Cooper Adventure. Sam Cooper and his friends are awaiting the beginning of the basketball season. Sam keeps having the same dream. They are on the basketball court. It comes down to him making the winning three point shot. The crowd screams. In reality the star of the team is his best friend Perry. Perry is the tallest person on their team. He plays center and Same plays point guard. Sam has been working on making three point shots from anywhere on the court. Sam has a bigger concern. Perry knows he is good. He believes he is so good that he shouldn't have to worry about homework. He is sure that with his talent, if he fails a class they will let him play anyway. He sees no use for education. He knows he is going to be a star and make millions. He doesn't need to learn anything else. Unfortunately his father feels the same way. But what happens when a freak accident takes him out of the game?
I could relate to this book so much. I taught at a school where the international students were semi-pro sports players. There were so many of them that were like Perry. This book is important for kids everywhere to read this book to see what decisions Perry makes. I absolutely love all of Max Anderson's books. They are full of important yet gentle lessons. This book isn't just for boys, girls will enjoy it as well. After all many girls today play sports and are just as passionate.

Jenny Rose

5.0 out of 5 starsFor the sports lovers

December 2, 2017

Format: Kindle Edition

Another exciting installment of the Same Cooper adventures. At the Buzzer follows Same and his friends on their school basketball team through a season. Some great truths are presented about the present and the future. Living in the moment is great, but how do you plan for the future?

Sports enthusiast boys and girls will enjoy experiencing basketball season with Sam and his friends. Not only is there a spiritual message, but the importance of school and education is also stressed. You just never know what can happen when you hanging out with Sam Cooper.

Get it today: 

https://www.amazon.com/At-Buzzer-Adventure-Episode-Adventures/dp/1944430385/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1550856435&sr=8-1&keywords=at+the+buzzer%2C+anderson

BIG Announcement Coming Soon To This Blog.

A BIG announcement is coming soon                to this blog. 

Watch for it around the middle of                   the second week in April!

It’s almost time for March Madness! Get your young readers into the game with “At The Buzzer.”

It’s almost time for March Madness! Get your young readers into the game with “At The Buzzer.” 

Synopsis_________________________________

At the Buzzer

Author: Max Elliot Anderson

Audience: Middle School; especially boys

Sam Cooper had rehearsed a thousand times, in the back yard, how he would win the big game, with a three point shot, and be a hero. Still, he wondered what would happen in a real game. Sam’s friends all played on the basketball team at school.

Sam was concerned about his best friend, Perry, for a couple of reasons, and he was going to do his best to help his friend.

On the way home from a survival church camp weekend, the boys’ van is nearly involved in a fatal accident with an eighteen-wheeler on a rain slick road. The boys have to confront life and death for the first time in their lives.

Later, while they practiced basketball at Sam’s house, Perry fell, resulting in a severe injury. Instantly his plans to use basketball as the ticket to his future were changed. Perry was the big man in the middle. Without him, the team had to change the way they played.

Would they be able to win the championship?

Would Chris take the final shot like he’d practiced his whole life?

Did it go in…or didn’t it? The answer will surprise you.

Sandra K. Stiles

5.0 out of 5 starsGreat Adventure

January 14, 2018

Format: Kindle Edition

This is the fifth book in the Sam Cooper Adventure. Sam Cooper and his friends are awaiting the beginning of the basketball season. Sam keeps having the same dream. They are on the basketball court. It comes down to him making the winning three point shot. The crowd screams. In reality the star of the team is his best friend Perry. Perry is the tallest person on their team. He plays center and Same plays point guard. Sam has been working on making three point shots from anywhere on the court. Sam has a bigger concern. Perry knows he is good. He believes he is so good that he shouldn't have to worry about homework. He is sure that with his talent, if he fails a class they will let him play anyway. He sees no use for education. He knows he is going to be a star and make millions. He doesn't need to learn anything else. Unfortunately his father feels the same way. But what happens when a freak accident takes him out of the game?
I could relate to this book so much. I taught at a school where the international students were semi-pro sports players. There were so many of them that were like Perry. This book is important for kids everywhere to read this book to see what decisions Perry makes. I absolutely love all of Max Anderson's books. They are full of important yet gentle lessons. This book isn't just for boys, girls will enjoy it as well. After all many girls today play sports and are just as passionate.

Jenny Rose

5.0 out of 5 starsFor the sports lovers

December 2, 2017

Format: Kindle Edition

Another exciting installment of the Same Cooper adventures. At the Buzzer follows Same and his friends on their school basketball team through a season. Some great truths are presented about the present and the future. Living in the moment is great, but how do you plan for the future?

Sports enthusiast boys and girls will enjoy experiencing basketball season with Sam and his friends. Not only is there a spiritual message, but the importance of school and education is also stressed. You just never know what can happen when you hanging out with Sam Cooper.

Get it today: 

https://www.amazon.com/At-Buzzer-Adventure-Episode-Adventures/dp/1944430385/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1550856435&sr=8-1&keywords=at+the+buzzer%2C+anderson

Is It Cold Enough For You Yet?

Our part of the country is in the grip of the Polar Vortex just now, so I'd like to suggest a middle grade adventure - mystery that fits in perfectly - Troubles At Timber Ski Lodge.

Synopsis_________________________________

Troubles at Timber Ski Lodge

Author: Max Elliot Anderson

Audience: 8 – 12; especially boys

Sibling rivalry and a neighborhood bully are only two of the troubles Eric faced. Eric Baxter is twelve-years-old. His little brother, Shawn, drives him crazy with every opportunity. The Baxter family moved to the lodge two years ago because Eric’s grandfather could no longer keep up with the place.

Unfortunately, it hadn’t snowed enough in those two years for the lodge to turn a profit, and there had never been extra money so the Baxters could buy the snow-making equipment that would have made all the difference.

It didn’t help matters to have Thunder Mountain Ski Lodge right next door. Vince Turner’s father owned the place, and the Turners were filthy rich. Vince reminded Eric of that fact almost every day.

One afternoon, the village authorities learned that a gold shipment had been robbed. The reports said that a small airplane had been stolen around the same time. It’s expected that the crooks might try to fly the stolen gold across the mountains.

What happens when the boys hear the drone of a small plane just as a fierce storm is moving in? And, will Eric be able to save Timber Ski Lodge before it’s too late?

An avalanche, sibling rivalry, and being chased by gold thieves only add to Eric’s troubles.

Find order information on these and other adventures & mysteries from max Elliot Anderson at - https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=max+elliot+Anderson 

Middle Grade Adventure and Mystery Books This Christmas

Do you sometimes have trouble encouraging your children, especially your boys, to read books? Here’s something that might help.

That's because I grew up hating to read and chose a career in dramatic film production along with TV commercials and video programs. This helps me bring that same humor, action, adventure, and mystery to the middle grade books I write. Kids say reading one is like being in an exciting movie.

So get them to put down their electronic devices and try out one of these books. I believe you'll see a difference.

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