My Diary from 1949

In March 1949, DanguolÄ— RudokaitÄ—-RaudonikienÄ—’s family were among the unfortunate ones who were exiled from Lithuania to the remote settlements of the Soviet Union. Her diary depicts the journey from their beloved homeland to an unfamiliar place in Eastern Siberia through the eyes of an 11-year-old girl. She writes about the horrifying journey on trains used for cattle. These trains did not have any windows. The conditions were gruesome and beyond unsanitary. They were often deprived of food and water for days at a time. DanguolÄ— portrays their journey with lots of emotions: happiness was replaced by fear, joy was replaced by sadness, and hope was replaced by despair. She continued writing her diary for a year, describing events, her feelings, and the life of people in Eastern Siberia. The epilogue is a short summation of the events from the ten years DanguolÄ— spent in Siberia (names, places, and events are authentic). 

My Father Called Me Bobby

"Not only a memoir, but a love letter to rich and memorable relationships that gives hope that there can be sweetness after loss, humor in remembrance, and stories to hold our joys past and present."

– Melissa Febos, author of Whip Smart, Abandon Me, and Girlhood.

My Father Called Me Bobby is an intriguing memoir detailing Bobby’s experiences growing up in an Italian family in the ’50s and exploring the sexual revolution a few decades later. The first-person narrative welcomes readers into his childhood and his initial experiences with God, faith, and religion, all tied in with the influences and antics of his Italian family. His initial decision to join the seminary and become a priest will not come as a surprise. Determined to be a priest, he spends almost four years in the seminary until the sexual revolution of the 60s turns his world upside down and he leaves the Church. He begins to experiment with his sexuality with women and then with men during one of the most infamous times in New York City. His descriptive writing style paints a vivid picture for his readers, allowing them to relive his experiences at his side, maintaining their attention page after page. His relationship with Beryl will warm the hearts of the readers and as events unfold, will shake them to their core. My Father Called Me Bobby will remind readers to live their lives to the fullest – full of love and passion and laughter – and is sure to leave readers enthralled until the very last page.

My Friend John

Meet John, a remarkable new student at The Huckleberry School. John’s life takes a heartwarming turn when he befriends a sweet little girl named Bella. Everything seems to be going smoothly for John, until a challenging situation resurfaces, shaking the foundations of his world.

In My Friend John, we are invited to witness a touching journey that explores not only the essence of friendship but also the profound qualities of kindness and leadership. This poignant tale serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience within us all and the transformative power of genuine connection.

“This is a book about acceptance, curiosity about others, and understanding. In this story of a boy named John, we see his classmate Bella tune into the humanity in his eyes, his sparkle, and then in his sadness. By telling the story through the burgeoning friendship between these two, the reader can feel what it is like to be vulnerable and shamed, to be cared about by another, and to be seen for all of who you are. My Friend John is a story of kindness, human connection, and overcoming one’s hurdles in the safe care of others, all parts of developing empathy.”

—Tovah P. Klein, Ph.D.; Bestselling author of Raising Resilience & How Toddlers Thrive

My Home Is Me

A whimsical journey of self-discovery as the reader learns that home is not just a place, but a feeling that comes from deep within. The notion of home transcends physical boundaries and is about a sense of wholeness and sanctuary within oneself. Join our main character as she shares the many homes she experiences with family and friends, ultimately unfolding into the real meaning of home.

Awaken your sense of wonder and creativity with the turn of each page in this simple but brilliant truth. With enchanting illustrations, this charming tale will inspire readers of all ages. A heartwarming story that reminds us that no matter where we are, our true home is within.

My Janitor's Name is Ben

Have you ever noticed that no matter how much of a mess you make at school, there is always someone special that cleans it up?

From glue to glitter, from lunch tables to trash cans, every school has a special person that makes sure your school is as clean as possible.

Have you ever noticed what they look like? Have you ever noticed what they do for school every day? Have you ever wondered why those carefully placed crumbs disappear overnight?

My Mameleh: A Memoir

It was late, dark and cold. The little band of travelers were huddled together on the bench of an old train hoping to escape the tightening Nazi noose. Suddenly, they heard the conductor’s loud voice, “Vos papiers, s'il vous plaît!” (Papers, please!). My mother’s identity card had been stamped not once, but twice with the word, “Juif.” She knew that her life and that of her friends now rested in the palms of a stranger, a government official whose job it was to hand them over to the Germans. 

This is one of the many miraculous escapes found throughout this book. It is a story of survival, not just from the Holocaust, but from old world poverty, broken love and a tenuous peace in order to finally achieve the “American Dream.” 

My Two Ancestors

Pauline stands at the crossroads of two remarkable lineages, tracing her heritage back to the rich soils of Africa and the vast landscapes of North America. Her story is a vibrant tapestry woven from the histories of Native and African Americans, celebrating their unique confluence and shared legacy in America. We are the sum total of our ancestors, their experiences shaping our interests, beliefs, and identities.

With a deep appreciation for her cultural roots, both the joys and the struggles, Pauline embraces the full spectrum of her heritage. These dual lineages, with their distinct and interconnected histories, have taught her invaluable lessons about resilience, identity, and the complexity of the human spirit. In Pauline’s journey of self-discovery, she mirrors the multicultural essence of America itself: diverse, complex, and enriched by the convergence of different worlds.

Nancy and the Christmas Story

Nancy experienced culture shock when she moved to a new city. The belief that Santa Claus existed confused her. And the reason people thought they celebrated Christmas was entirely different from what she knew.

However, her discovery of the difference between Santa Claus and Jesus Christ saved the world. 

Never Take No for an Answer

Embarking on a new business venture can be a daunting and unpredictable journey, much like rolling the dice in a game of chance. In 1967, two bold young men, Les Marino and Kenny Anderson, fearlessly stepped into the world of Heavy Construction, boldly declaring that they would one day become the largest contracting firm in the world. Oblivious to the challenges that lay ahead, they hung their shingle on the door of a modest one-room office in Cambridge, Massachusetts, unaware that their audacious prediction might actually come true in the not-too-distant future. The path to success was far from a smooth highway; instead, it resembled a treacherous, winding trail through a dark and perilous jungle. Armed with perseverance, dedication, hard work, and humility, Les and Kenny navigated the obstacles, eventually finding their way to the proverbial yellow brick road and the success they had envisioned.

This book takes you on a captivating journey, detailing the trials, tribulations, and triumphs that shaped their remarkable story. Join them on this thrilling ride, but be sure to fasten your seatbelt securely, as the road ahead is filled with unexpected twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Discover how two determined individuals transformed their dream into reality, and learn valuable lessons that can be applied to your own entrepreneurial endeavors.

No Good Deed

YOU WANT THE BEST WHEN THE WORST IS OUT TO GET YOU

Help. That’s what Matt Pearson, his wife Dana, and the rest of their team at the Pearson Group do every day: protecting the life of strangers at the risk of their own.

Guillaume De LaCroix helps as well. His company helps sick people get better; his foundation helps women in need. He has it all. Success at work, the respect of his community, and a beautiful family. But when someone launches a terror campaign against him and his loved ones, he turns to the Pearson Group for protection and to discover who is behind these attacks.

As the case evolves and suspects come and go, discovering who is behind the threats leads the Pearson Group down a path far worse than they ever could have imagined. Matt, Dana, and the team must tread carefully to avoid becoming the next target.

A powerful, contemporary novel with engaging characters and intertwined story lines, No Good Deed carries the reader through the dark side of human nature and back.

Not Anymore

What would it take for a Grandpa to get upset with his adorable five-year-old granddaughter? Would waking him from a much-needed nap do it? How about accidentally breaking a valuable antique?

Not Anymore follows Becky and her Grandpa through a day in their life, describing the ups and downs of a mischievous but loving child who adores her Gramps, who adoringly and unconditionally loves her back.

Nowhere to Call Home

In many cities and small communities across Canada, the individuals and families that experience homelessness are often invisible to the greater community around them. People may walk by or see someone that is homeless, yet they feel a disconnection. They see homelessness as an experience that happens to "other people" not something that could ever affect them. However, Leah's work bridges the gap between "us" and "them" by bringing humanity to all the faces of these individuals. Leah does a wonderful job of highlighting the heart and the struggle that everyone can relate to. People that experience homelessness have families, they have favorite foods, pets, jobs, goals, and dreams along with their struggles. Leah's photographs capture the story of homelessness with all of its rich complexity in an image and through conversation. * Gail Hoekstra, Executive Director; and Carlin Dykstra, Housing Stability Support Worker, Welcome In Drop-In Centre