My Big Cousin Mike

Did you ever have an iconic big brother, big sister, older cousin, or neighbourhood hero that everyone admired and wanted to be around? Someone who shielded you from bullies, wild animals, or even your own self-doubt? Someone who bolstered your confidence and made you feel like you belonged? If so, then you had your very own Big Cousin Mike. This series is a tribute to those remarkable individuals. It’s a heartfelt thank you for including us in your adventures, sporting trials, and games. Thank you for believing in us when we doubted ourselves and our abilities. Thank you for standing up for us against bullies, animals, and adults who may not have understood the right way to discipline.

These unsung heroes have helped many of us navigate the turbulent waters of childhood and adolescence. My Big Cousin Mike offers a nostalgic chance to reminisce about those times in our lives when we either had our own Mike or were the Mike to someone else. If you know someone who was there for you in the ways described, either in your youth or even now, take a moment to remember, acknowledge, and appreciate them. And if you were, or still are, that unsung hero, this series honors you. You are personally thanked here, and know that this series is in honor of you.

My Crazy Cucumber Plants

When cucumber plants defy all logic and grow past trees, towering over buildings, and even piercing the clouds, the town is in for a surprise!

Can Joe the fireman devise a plan to tame these unruly vines?

And will Derek, returning from vacation, even recognize his backyard?

Dive into My Crazy Cucumber Plants for a verdant adventure like no other!

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 Friend, Thomas Carl

Thomas Carl was a cat waiting in an animal shelter for a new friend.

I had moved to a new city and was lonely and afraid. I was looking for a new friend as well.

This charming and entertaining tail tells how Thomas Carl and I became best friends, and how Thomas Carl helped me say goodbye to that loneliness and fear. It proves that friendship and acceptance can come from anywhere…

…even a cat!

This story will inspire young readers to think more about the importance of friendship and giving everyone a chance. It also reminds us that, no matter our size, we can all have a positive impact on others.  

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 Journey Through Hip-Hop

In My Journey Through Hip-Hop, experience the pulsating beats and soulful rhythms of the genre’s history through the lens of a Chicago native. This debut collection chronicles hip-hop’s evolution, from the groundbreaking beats of DJ Kool Herc to the lyrical genius of J. Cole. Seamlessly weaving album titles, song references, and lyrical snippets, this anthology paints a rich tapestry that both celebrates and demystifies one of music’s most dynamic genres. More than just a retelling, each poem dances to the rhythm of hip-hop, blurring the lines between lyrical cadence and poetic structure. Dive in for an immersive experience that educates and resonates, but be warned — this journey comes with its own parental advisory.

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 Mistakes and You

She grew up with a desire for her words to be read, unconcerned about whether others could relate to what she had to say.

She yearned to pour out her soul, even if it meant her cup would overflow.

She sought acceptance despite her flaws and mistakes.

Her words were written in the hope that others would understand the reasons behind her tears, which gave birth to rivers and lakes.

This book is for those who do understand.

Here is My Mistake and You.

My Observations II

These observations were made during the author’s twenty-five years with Recovery Acres Society, a special care facility for people with drug and alcohol problems. This includes fifteen years as a board member – including six years as board chair – and ten years as executive director. During that time, the facility was able to help hundreds of men, women, and families recover from addictions. It was a real privilege for the author to be a part of the facility and a privilege for him to share these observations with you.

My Pink

Have you ever had something special that you really just couldn’t go without?

Share in the adventures of a little girl and her security blanket and the fear of letting go of things we hold dear.

It’s not always easy, but it’s an important part of growing up!