Blog Archives
Empowering Teens
Money Skills For Teens lays out a clear and practical roadmap for teenagers, beginning with the basics and then moving into lessons on budgeting, saving, and spending wisely. Why was this an important book for you to write?
This book was deeply personal for me because it began as something I wanted to give my son when he turned thirteen this year—a guide that would help him grow into a confident, capable young adult. I realized that so many essential life skills, like managing money, building confidence, or handling emotions, aren’t taught in school. That’s when I decided Money Skills for Teens would be just the beginning. It’s the first book in my nine-book Teen Life Skills Mastery Series, which I’m creating to help teens develop the practical, emotional, and real-world skills they need to thrive. Each book in the series builds on the same goal: empowering teens to step into adulthood with confidence, independence, and a strong sense of self.
I appreciated that your book covers topics like peer pressure and emotional spending. How did you decide which topics related to teens were essential for you to share in this book?
I wanted this book to reflect what teens are truly experiencing today. It’s not just about earning or saving—it’s about the emotions, social pressures, and digital influences that shape their choices every day. I included topics like peer pressure and emotional spending because those are the areas where many teens struggle the most but rarely talk about. They’re learning to find their own identity in a world full of social media trends and constant comparison. I wanted to create a space where teens feel understood and supported, not judged. Future books in the series will explore other life challenges—like communication, home skills, mindset, and emotional wellness—so teens can grow stronger in every area, not just financially.
What is one piece of advice you wish someone had given you when you were younger and learning how to manage money?
I wish someone had told me that money is more about confidence than calculation. Managing it wisely isn’t just about numbers—it’s about how you think and feel about your choices. I used to believe financial knowledge was something adults figured out later, but the truth is, starting young gives you power and freedom. Every small step, like saving a few dollars or setting a goal, builds the foundation for independence. That’s the message I want teens to hear early—that learning to manage money isn’t just about having cash, it’s about building courage, discipline, and control over your future.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from Money Skills For Teens?
I hope every teen who finishes this book feels capable and proud of themselves. I want them to realize that money confidence is something they can build, no matter where they start. My biggest wish is that they walk away understanding that financial freedom begins with small, smart choices—and that every mistake is simply a lesson, not a failure. And beyond that, I hope this book inspires them to explore the rest of the Teen Life Skills Mastery Series—because money skills are just the first step toward mastering all the skills they’ll need to live independently, make good choices, and believe in their own potential.
Author Links: Amazon | GoodReads
Give your teen the one skill school rarely teaches—how to handle money with confidence.
Money Skills for Teensisn’t just another financial guide; it’s a heartfelt gift that prepares your teen for real-world success. With warmth, encouragement, and practical wisdom, it helps teens build independence, responsibility, and lasting confidence with money.
Money Mistakes Are Expensive—Confidence Is Free.
Does your teen run out of money too quickly?
Are they struggling to save for the things they want?
Do you wish someone could finally explain budgeting in a way that actually makes sense?
Money Skills for Teensis the go-to personal finance guide for teenagers who want to earn, save, and spend wisely. Written in a friendly, relatable voice, it turns confusing financial topics into real-world lessons that teens can actually enjoy learning.
Inside, your teen will discover how to:
✅ Budget, save, and spend without giving up the fun things they love
✅ Avoid scams and online shopping traps—protect their money in the digital world
✅ Tell the difference between wants and needs—and handle peer pressure around spending
✅ Start investing early—understand compound interest and lifelong wealth habits
✅ Find safe side hustles and jobs—even before they can drive
✅ Build healthy money habits that lead to lifelong confidence and freedom
Packed with simple lessons, real-life stories, and interactive exercises, this empowering guide helps teens practice smart habits and make informed choices—skills that will serve them for life.
Perfect for parents, teachers, homeschoolers, and mentors, Money Skills for Teensmakes the perfect graduation, holiday, or “just because” gift for any teen ready to take their first step toward independence.
Give the gift of financial confidence today—click “Buy Now” and help your teen start building a smarter, stronger future.
Bluebird & Songbird’s Engagement Day
This delightful children’s book tells the story of Bluebird and Songbird, two feathery friends celebrating their engagement in the middle of a rainy day. The forest becomes a stage for their love as their woodland companions, Harry the Hedgehog, Sally the Squirrel, Maurice the Magpie, and others, gather to help. Despite the grey skies and splashing puddles, the day brims with warmth and excitement. The story builds from the drizzle and gloom of the forest to a radiant, sunlit ending that feels earned and joyful.
Reading this story made me smile more than once. There’s a gentle rhythm to the writing that sounds musical when read aloud, almost like a lullaby mixed with laughter. I loved how each animal had its own moment to shine, bringing a sense of community and celebration. The rhymes are simple but sincere, and the pacing keeps young readers hooked. What struck me most was how the author found beauty in the rain. The gloom never felt sad, just patient, waiting for sunshine. It’s a small but sweet reminder that happiness often grows from unexpected days.
The playfulness of it all works perfectly for younger readers. There’s a sincerity to the story that’s hard not to love. It doesn’t try too hard; it just feels genuine, like a story told by someone who remembers the wonder of being small.
Rayner Tapia’s Bluebird & Songbird’s Engagement Day is a charming read for children who adore animals, rhymes, and gentle lessons about love and friendship. Parents will enjoy reading it aloud, and kids will enjoy repeating the sounds and rhythms. It’s a cozy and heartwarming tale. I’d recommend it for ages four to eight, especially for families who love bedtime stories that leave everyone smiling.
Pages: 29
A Responsibility To Speak Out
Witness in the Dust tells the story of Haiti during its years of crisis, blending vivid storytelling with historical detail, as it follows ordinary families and aid workers as they fight to survive storms, floods, political collapse, and disease. Where did the idea for this novel come from, and how did it develop over time?
As an African American woman and a staunch advocate for justice, I am deeply aware of the challenges faced by people striving for a better life. I have lived through and observed the civil rights movement in the U.S. My observation of the events reveals that the pendulum of justice has swung significantly over the years. Historically, some policies have been more accepting of differences than others. Recently, however, Haiti has been specifically excluded for numerous reasons. The approach to foreign policy regarding Haiti has been harsh and inflexible. The way Haiti is treated exemplifies blatant discrimination at its highest level. I felt I had a responsibility to speak out.
The novel is set during a time when Haitians experienced the wrath of nature and the collapse of political order. Although the Haitian people are resilient, many sought better opportunities, such as those promised by the ideals of the U.S. Declaration of Independence. They were turned away at the border, thereby removing the possibility of asylum. Immigration policy fluctuated between temporary protective status and deportation under several administrations. The situation came to a head, and under the Trump administration, the promises of democracy for a nation of immigrants became null and void.
Celine, the main character of Witness in the Dust, decides to defy the odds and legally enter the U.S. Over time, she becomes eligible for U.S. citizenship, satisfying nearly all the requirements. Through her community groups and her church, she receives support from and contributes to the well-being of other immigrant communities along her journey. By the end of the novel, however, she becomes sharply aware of several contradictions in how people are treated. At one point, she struggles with whether to apply for naturalization. She begins a critical examination of the principles on which the nation was founded. That’s when Celine takes a step back to evaluate the democracy she has considered pledging allegiance to.
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?
I find that, although people are made in the spiritual image of God (Imago Dei), their human nature and actions lean toward greed, pride, lust, and other sins of the flesh.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The book explores themes of equality, justice, democracy, citizenship, and the unkept promises of sanctuary for people yearning to breathe free.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from Witness in the Dust?
I want readers to open their eyes and witness, under harsh lighting, the injustices of a lopsided immigration policy. I encourage readers to examine critically the premise on which America was built. I want them to understand that sometimes in America, “we the people” does not give consideration to- the “least of these.”
The Song of Hadariah
The Song of Hadariah follows Carrie Eisen, a seventeen-year-old caught between the ordinary pressures of finishing high school and the extraordinary call of magic. When she encounters a talking fox named Adom, her world is turned upside down. Alongside her two best friends, she’s drawn into Hadariah, a realm where music and spirit are one, and darkness has silenced its heart. Together, the girls set out to retrieve enchanted violin strings stolen by the demon king Asmodeus, hoping to restore harmony to a dying world. What starts as a whimsical fantasy quickly becomes a story about friendship, belief, and courage.
Reading this book felt like stepping back into the kind of story I would’ve loved as a teenager. The writing is vivid and heartfelt, full of warmth and charm. Goldenberg’s voice has this nostalgic rhythm to it. It moves like a bedtime story told by someone who truly believes in the power of magic. Sometimes the pacing slows a little, especially in the early chapters, but once the girls enter Hadariah, the world blossoms with texture and wonder. I liked how the author blended Jewish folklore with classic fantasy elements; it made the story feel both familiar and fresh. The dialogue among the girls felt genuine too, full of the easy banter and affection that comes from years of friendship. Their bond grounded the magic, made it feel real.
There were moments when I wanted to see a little more from the story’s darker side. Asmodeus, for instance, comes across as more symbolic than menacing, and the conflict feels gentler than I expected. But the real struggle isn’t only against a demon, it’s about growing up and finding the courage to believe when the world makes it hard to do so. I loved how Carrie wrestled with doubt and faith, logic and wonder. It reminded me that magic isn’t always about spells or creatures, it’s about trust, bravery, and the invisible threads between people. And that hit home for me.
The Song of Hadariah is a lovely, thoughtful fantasy that captures the ache of adolescence and the pull of imagination. It’s ideal for readers who miss the sincerity of early young adult fantasy, those who grew up on Narnia, Inkheart, or His Dark Materials, and still look at the world hoping to find a hidden doorway somewhere.
Pages: 212 | ASIN : B0FR2MLTMR
The Tralls of Nindarry
The Tralls of Nindarry is a charming fantasy adventure set in Australia that blends the ordinary world of two children with a hidden realm of magical beings called Tralls. The story follows Gemayn and his sister Bella as they visit their grandparents at Mt. Ninderry, where a simple family trip turns into an epic quest filled with courage, loyalty, and discovery. Through encounters with creatures like Machins, Sky Maidens, and the mysterious Tralls, author Gayle Torrens crafts a story that moves between reality and imagination, teaching lessons about bravery, friendship, and the balance between humanity and nature.
I found Torrens’ writing to have a gentle rhythm, almost like a bedtime story told by someone who truly believes in the magic of storytelling. The world she builds feels familiar yet otherworldly, filled with small details that make it easy to picture, like the billabongs, gum trees, and the scent of the bush. Her use of Australian language and settings gives the fantasy an earthy, grounded charm. Sometimes the prose is simple, almost old-fashioned, but that works in its favor. It’s a book that doesn’t rush. It meanders, and you follow along willingly because it feels like being read to by a kind voice on a rainy afternoon. Still, there were moments when I wanted a bit more bite to the adventure. But then again, that’s part of its warmth. It’s never harsh or cynical, just gently wondrous.
Emotionally, the book struck me harder than I expected. Beneath the adventure lies a deep tenderness between family generations. Gemayn’s relationship with his grandfather hit close to home for me. It reminded me of sitting at my own grandparent’s table listening to stories that made the world seem bigger and smaller at the same time. Torrens writes with that same affection. There’s grief here too, hidden between the lines. The magic feels like a way of coping with loss, and that gives the fantasy real weight. It’s not just about creatures and battles, it’s about love, memory, and the legacy of storytelling itself. That realization stayed with me long after I finished the book.
I’d say The Tralls of Nindarry is perfect for readers who want a heartfelt escape, especially young readers or adults who still remember what it felt like to believe in hidden worlds. If you loved The Chronicles of Narnia or The Neverending Story, you’ll find the same quiet enchantment here.
Pages: 306 | ISBN : 1507739818
Mother Earth
Dorothy Phillips’s Mother Earth is a lyrical and tender meditation on our planet as a living, feeling being. Through a series of rhythmic, questioning verses, Phillips invites young readers to see Earth not just as home but as a mother, an artist, and a divine creation. Each page feels like a whispered prayer or a child’s innocent curiosity about the world. The poem asks if Earth sings, if she feels pain, if she heals, and if she loves us despite how we treat her. The language is simple yet full of reverence, and the illustrations match that tone, gentle, flowing, and almost sacred.
Reading this children’s book felt like pausing to breathe after a long day. The words have a quiet rhythm that wraps around you, and I found myself thinking about the world in a more personal way. I liked how the questions didn’t need answers. They worked like small mirrors, reflecting both wonder and guilt. Phillips doesn’t lecture or scold. She nudges. There’s honesty in her curiosity, and that makes the poem hit harder. It’s the kind of writing that stirs emotion without ever raising its voice.
This picture book doesn’t try to be grand or complex. It just feels sincere. The rhyme and rhythm flow like a lullaby, and that simplicity gives it power. It reminded me of how faith and nature often meet quietly, in the space between awe and gratitude. The book contains stunningly vibrant and colorful illustrations that immediately capture the eye. The clean, bold art style uses a rich, saturated palette to beautifully render each image. The pages are a visual feast that sparks curiosity and wonder in young readers.
I’d recommend Mother Earth to young readers or families who love poetry that feels spiritual but accessible. It’s perfect for children learning to see the planet with care, and for adults who have forgotten to. This is not a children’s book to race through. It’s one to read slowly, maybe out loud, maybe under a tree. It leaves you with a sense of calm and a nudge to look at the world with softer eyes.
YOU Yoga: Finding Your Inner Shine
YOU Yoga takes readers on a wonderful journey into mindfulness and self-discovery. It follows the rhythm of yoga as a way for children to connect with their hearts and find their inner light. The story moves through gentle rhymes that guide readers to breathe, stretch, and listen within. Each page feels like a warm reminder that calm and peace live inside us, waiting to be found through stillness and love.
I really liked how simple and soothing the language is. It doesn’t try too hard, and that’s what makes it work. The words flow like a lullaby, and there’s a kind of cozy calm that permeates the book. The imagery feels familiar yet magical. It’s like being told that everything you need is already there, you just have to notice it. That message hit home.
The illustrations by Yulia Potts make everything come alive. They glow with color and warmth. The charming watercolor illustrations perfectly capture each moment with whimsy that is suitable for a young audience. The story feels more like an experience than a traditional narrative. It’s not about a plot, it’s about a feeling. And that feeling is peace.
I’d recommend YOU Yoga for parents who want to introduce mindfulness and self-love to their kids in a gentle way. It’s a perfect picture book for bedtime, classrooms, or yoga sessions with little ones. Adults might even find themselves taking a deep breath while reading it. It’s not just a children’s book, it’s a reminder for all of us to slow down, breathe, and shine a little brighter.
Pages: 26 | ISBN:979-8-89138-690-7
SWITCH and Blue Eagle: A Superhero Sidekick Novel
Switch and Blue Eagle tells the story of Jack Dufraine, a teenage sidekick known as Switch, and his father David, the legendary superhero Blue Eagle. Together, they protect Herald City from villains like Blizz Kid, Queen Venus, and the eerie Poster Boy. Beneath the flashy battles and high-speed heroics lies a story about legacy, pressure, and the uneasy relationship between generations. Jack struggles to live up to his father’s impossible expectations while questioning the morality of their world, a world that seems to see justice in black and white. The novel blends comic-book action with genuine emotional conflict, making it more than a simple superhero tale.
Author Joseph Safdia’s writing is clear and visual, almost cinematic, and I could picture every fight scene as if it were on a big screen. But what really grabbed me wasn’t the action. It was Jack’s internal struggle. He wants to be a hero in his own way, to think rather than just punch. His dad, though, is stuck in an older mindset, all muscle and certainty. That tension hit home for me. It reminded me of those times when your elders just don’t get what the world feels like now. Safdia captures that gap perfectly. Still, the dialogue sometimes felt a bit heavy, almost like it came from a comic book bubble. It worked in places, but I wanted a bit more subtlety.
What stuck with me most were the small human moments. Jasper, one of the criminals, trying to save his family from the mob, it made me rethink the idea of “villains.” Safdia doesn’t just show the shiny side of heroism. He looks at the cracks in it. The book asks what makes someone good or bad, and whether society even gives people the same chances to choose. Those questions stayed with me. Sometimes leans into comic-style melodrama, but it’s sincere, and that sincerity carries it.
I’d recommend Switch and Blue Eagle to readers who love superhero stories but want something deeper than capes and catchphrases. It’s for those who like action that also makes you think, and who appreciate a bit of heart beneath the heroics. Teen readers will see themselves in Jack’s doubts, and adults might see a bit of their own reflection in Blue Eagle’s rigid worldview. It’s an entertaining, heartfelt story that mixes the thrill of superpowers with the pain of growing up.
Pages: 351 | ASIN: B0FS2718R1
LITERARY TITAN 