Blog Archives
Who’s Jerry? (The Seen and Not Heard Series)
![Who's Jerry? (The Seen and Not Heard Series) by [T. M. Jackson]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41ytlnRHTYL.jpg)
Who’s Jerry?, by T.M. Jackson is a heartwarming children’s story of little Imani’s experiences with her Schizophrenic mother. It shows her struggles of not understanding her mother’s behavior, and how it affected her. We get a look at Imani’s life at school and her many jumbled emotions. Then, as Imani learns about her mother’s mental illness, she begins to understand why her mother behaved in such a harsh and hurtful way. Finally, little Imani gets to spend time with her mom again, and do all the things they love.
T.M Jackson succeeded in writing about a sensitive topic like Schizophrenia without it being frightening or uncomfortable. The story was told from Imani’s perspective which allowed us to relate to her feelings and understand what she’s going through. The art all throughout the story was a great visualization of the character’s actions and emotions, it was definitely the strongest component of the book.
I am giving Who’s Jerry?, by T.M Jackson 5 out of 5 stars for its inspiring and heartfelt storyline accompanied by gorgeous artwork. The story is easy for children to understand and is a great tool for kids who may have family members with a mental illness. T.M Jackson was able to show that even if someone in your family has a mental illness, it’s not a bad thing and you can still have a great time together.
Pages: 36 | ASIN : B08N5F5PT7
Clean Your Plate! Thirteen Things Good Parents Say That Ruin Kids’ Lives
Preparing our children for their inevitable independence as self-sufficient adults is a full-time job that begins long before our kids ever realize the complexities that lie ahead of them. From managing money to teaching them how to treat others, parents have a never-ending list of skills on which to instruct children and numerous opportunities throughout each day to do so. Parenting never gets easier, but listening to and learning from others who are living the same struggles helps.
Clean Your Plate! 13 Things Good Parents Say that Ruin Kids’ Lives, by Liz Bayardelle, lays out the most commonly uttered phrases we, as parents, say to our children as they grow. Bayardelle provides sound advice for how to make some of life’s most challenging struggles go more smoothly. Many times, just stating the phrases we have been told by our parents is far from sufficient. The author gives readers wonderful how-tos in order to meet the changing needs of their children.
My own two children are grown, but I can say I would have greatly appreciated the advice on chore charts. I haven’t been as on top of chores over the years as I should have–of that I am well aware. Bayardelle’s common sense approach to the chore chart is an excellent take-away parents can put to immediate use.
I love the breakdown the author gives in each chapter. She doesn’t simply tell us the bit of advice; she analyzes the psychology behind why we say what we do to our children. In addition, Bayardelle explains what the research reveals our kids actually hear when we utter those famous words over and over. It’s a fantastic approach to parental reading. One of the most spot-on aspects of Bayardelle’s writing is the parenting-versus-reality tone she takes. Both the writing and scenarios are incredibly relatable and will be appreciated by readers in all stages of parenting.
I highly recommend Clean Your Plate! 13 Things Good Parents Say that Ruin Kids’ Lives, by Liz Bayardelle to any parent interested in stepping up their game or to anyone interested in understanding the science behind our kids’ reasoning–it’s a fascinating read, indeed. Peppered with humor any parent will appreciate, Bayardelle’s book is a must-have.
Pages: 160 | ISBN: 1950328791
The Future of Disruptive Technologies
![The Future of Disruptive Technologies: Impacts on Business, Workforce, and Societies by [Dr. Srikanth Gaddam]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/515wCikEzqL.jpg)
In The Future of Disruptive Technologies Dr. Srikanth Gaddam explores modern day problems, solutions and how technology affects each one of us. The book discusses tThe shapers of technology and how everyone should embrace the positives brought by technology while being cautious of the adverse effects. I enjoyed reading this thought-provoking book because the author used real stories and gave practical examples when explaining his points. Some of my favorite parts of the discussions were where he spoke about movers and shakers in the industry, and how their background did not necessarily shape their future and success.
In one chapter, the author goes into detail on how data privacy and the safety of internet users is paramount. I appreciate the author for giving facts and statistics as he expounded on this topic, as it enables the reader to get a clear picture of how things are in the world. Data and information are widely shared today thanks to swift online platforms. While this may appear as a blessing to many, the safety and privacy of any internet users may not be guaranteed given rogue characters and other malicious internet users online. While reading this chapter, I was made to understand why it is important to have at least the basic knowledge on formation security and how to protect the network that one uses.
A lot of things are made easy in the world thanks to technology. Reading Dr. Srikanth Gaddam illuminating book will open your eyes on big data, artificial intelligence and other things that have changed how the world operates today. I like Dr. Srikanth Gaddam’s writing because he explains every new term to readers who are not familiar with tech terminologies, before proceeding with the discussion. At no point does the user feel out of touch with the author’s text even when Dr. Gaddam uses heavy cyber jargon. The author made the book more interesting by including personal stories and experiences he has been through. I loved this about the author because the reader despite not relating with all, gets the impression that everyone goes through different challenges and learning stages in life.
The Future of Disruptive Technologies is a great read for both tech aficionados and people that are least bothered by digital trends and technology in general. The author gets one thinking about the different types of technology and how societies across the world work. The book is wonderfully written with a friendly tone and using an easily readable format. I recommend this book to all readers that want to learn more about technology, the impact it has in the world and how it affects small communities and individuals on a personal level. The content in the book is evergreen and educative. This book will enable readers to change their perspective on things and help them make better decisions in the respective industries that they work in.
Pages: 173 | ASIN: B08NXWHKF9
Voyage To Bravery
Sam is tired of the hospital and tired of treatments. Wishing for the life he considers normal, Sam tries to reacclimate himself to his life at home and away from the life to which he has grown accustomed in the hospital. When Sam’s mother brings him home, he is greeted by a most wonderful display of love and support. Even the amazing show of generosity by a local running group isn’t enough to fully lift Sam’s spirits. He yearns to feel normal and he wants, more than anything, to know his purpose. Will he recognize it when it presents itself to him?
Voyage to Bravery, written by Jeremiah Shelton and illustrated by Sarah Hameed, is the beautifully woven tale of Sam, a young boy seeking his purpose in life. When he decides to follow the signs he is being given and push himself to overcome his feelings of despair, things begin to turn around for Sam and in a big way.
As I read, I couldn’t help but think what a wonderful companion book Shelton has written. Each year, my third graders complete a unit study on Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes. Sam’s story is a fantastic paired reading for Sadako’s story. There are some great parallels between Sadako’s real-life experience and Sam’s. The focus on strength, bravery, and power is an important one for readers of all ages.
I am giving Voyage to Bravery, written by Jeremiah Shelton and illustrated by Sarah Hameed, an enthusiastic 5 out of 5 stars. Hameed’s intricate and breathtaking illustrations are beyond stunning and pull readers even further into Sam’s adventure. I intend to use the story of Sam and his fantastic voyage in a theme unit on strength of character with my students. I highly recommend Shelton’s work–a definite must-read for young readers.
Pages: 72 | ISBN: 1649531060
www.VoyageToBravery.com
Harrison Waits
Harrison Waits follows a boy who is waiting. Who is he waiting for? You’ll have to wait and see. This book will help children understand the sometimes nebulous idea of waiting. What are you supposed to do while you wait? Just sit there? No way! Author Missy Hagen, teaches children how taking up different activities can help the time go by.
Harrison Waits is quite simply the cutest book I have read in quite some time. Each page has a cute picture, illustrated in a soft color scheme, that is reminiscent of the classic cartoons in newspapers. I know that I have told my young child plenty of times to ‘wait’, and I just expected them to know what I was talking about. This book gives parents and care givers the perfect opportunity, and resource, to talk about the idea of waiting. It also helps give children the tools they’ll need to wait, by showing them different activates they could be doing while waiting.
Author Missy Hagen has written a wonderfully charming book, with rhymes and cute images, that will keep children’s attention and educate them as well. This is perfect for parents or teachers that are caring for young children that find themselves waiting.
Pages: 30 | ISBN: 0988904888
The Power of We Begins With Me
Peernovation helps readers build high performing teams with a system that is easy to follow and understand. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I’ve been studying high-performing peer advisory groups for more than a decade, and it’s clearer to me now more than ever that teams have a great deal to learn from what these groups do so well. During a time in our history when we need to focus on cooperation and collaboration, I felt it was important to write this book.
You are a thought leader on peer advantage and Peernovation. How has your professional experience helped you write this book?
I’ve led my own small companies and subsidiaries, worked with senior-level executive cohorts in academic settings, played a leadership role at Vistage (which assembles and facilitates peer advisory groups for senior-level executives in 20 countries), and facilitated more than 160 workshops with CEOs and business leaders throughout North America and the UK – a healthy combination of personal experiences, academic study, and practical fieldwork.
What is a common misconception you feel people have about teams?
Most people don’t necessarily understand how powerful they are to make their team better. I listen to people who complain about their team as if they don’t recognize that they are part of the team they are dissing.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your book?
A central tenet of Peernovation is that the power of we begins with me. Whether you are the leader of your team or a leader in your team, you are not just there to fill a spot – you are there to make a difference!
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | LinkedIn
Leo Bottary follows up on his two earlier books about leveraging the power of peers in business and in life. With its roots in CEO and executive peer groups, the team-building framework presented in these pages is designed for leaders who want to coach engaged, adaptable, and higher-performing teams. Peernovation embraces lessons from more than a decade of academic research, fieldwork, and personal experiences throughout North America and the United Kingdom. Whether you’re a team leader or team member, learn how to:
select the right people for your team
create psychological safety and inspire greater productivity
build a positive culture of accountability
become a better team leader
foster a robust learning-achieving cycle
If you believe “the power of we begins with me” and that meeting future challenges will require building the best teams possible, then Peernovation is for you.
Feeling Good is Good for the Brain
Your Brain Kids Edition educates readers on brain health and nutrition with fun imagery. Why was this an important book for you to write?
This book is important for me to write because I train many seniors and stroke survivors in my line of work. I personally have seen my father extremely ill at his age. I feel that the earliest in life we understand that eating well and exercise is not just for the way we look and our body health it is our brain health.
What were some key ideas you wanted to share in this book?
The brain is the engine to the body. When we are treated kindly it makes us feel good. Feeling good is good for the brain. Being kind to others and not bullying, is healthy for others brain health. So, I encourage kids and adults to eat well, hydrate for overall brain and body health as well as being kind to themselves and others for mental and emotional care. This book is the children’s version of my adult book The Engine to Your Body, a Fitness Trainer’s Guide to Brain Health. I woke up one morning and thought, making a Kid’s edition of this book would be a great idea to help kids understand this at a younger age. Plus, it can help it be fun to learn about the brain. And with covid and home schooling I thought parents would like it as they help kids with homework and reading.
The art in this book is colorful and cute. What was the art collaboration like on this project?
The little girl in the book is the young kid version of my logo I use for my business. I thought if I could get an illustrator to make the kids version of my logo that is a cartoon type character of me it could be cute. So, I use Fiveer for my muscle illustrations and formatting my books before publishing. I ask a person there that re does logos if he could make a little girl and a teenage girl version of my logo. Then I would ask him now can you make her in the garden with my dog as a puppy. I sent him a picture of my dog, and so he did. All the pages are me having an idea or finding a pic I like and asking him to make it in our version of things with my girl in it. And since I wear hearing aids, I wanted a girl who had to wear hearing aids playing on a swing and jump roping to show that kids with hearing g aids can play just like other kids. Wearing hearing aids when you have a hearing loss is good brain care.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I have four books in my series of books on Stroke Recovery, a book on spine care, a book on fall prevention and my two books on the brain. My next book is on Hearing loss. I have severe hearing loss and wear hearing aids.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Website
NOT Too Tired To Care
![NOT Too Tired to Care: Learn Evidence-Based Mindfulness Practices to Support Well-Being, Improve Patient Care, and Address the Unique Challenges of These Times by [Angela Thomas Jones, Dr. Arthur Hengerer, Roger Carroll, Michael Meit, Frances Feltner, Megan Heffernan, Dr. Sally Garhart, Elizabeth Ropp, Diane Fontneau, Lara Cooley]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51pc1uj3PQL.jpg)
The demands on public service workers are only increasing, and the pressure involved in all of these jobs is building by the day. Human Resource offices are inundated with contacts from employees who are on the verge of giving up–in more ways than one. How can we help them? What can be done to save them and their broken spirits?
Angela Thomas Jones’s book, Not Too Tired to Care, takes a close look at the growing concern surrounding burnout and how it affects workers across careers. Considering the intensive demands currently placed on our nation’s healthcare workers, Jones’s work is both timely and much-needed. It is not enough to say that we should do more to address the well-being and mental health of our essential workers–we should act on it. Jones delves into how burnout began to manifest itself among workers and offers a great many resources as well as strategies to combat this rising problem.
I found the pacing of Jones’s work to be refreshing. Not all nonfiction books are written in a format that makes for an easy read, but Jones takes care of her readers. She includes breaks in some of the heaviest parts and provides readers with the opportunity to note valuable resources throughout the reading. Jones leaves no stone unturned. From facts to reflection breaks to tips, she covers all the bases and creates a flow in the reading that is well-matched with the subject matter.
The personal stories peppered throughout the text draw readers into the book and give faces and names to the cold hard facts and figures supplied by the author. Jones’s work reads as much like a personal narrative as it does a self-help book. These touching and relatable scenarios give voices to the thousands of men and women suffering on a daily basis, heading for complete burnout. Jones has managed to explain the phenomenon known as “burnout” in a way which instantly draws empathy and coaxes a reaction from readers. Kindness is key, and Jones knows this. Making others aware of the plight of public service workers, especially in the time of Covid19, is a key first step in changing the course of their lives.
I am giving Angela Thomas Jones’s book, Not Too Tired to Care, 5 out of 5 stars. As a teacher and sister to a nurse, I can appreciate the work that has gone into this book. Jones has done her homework. From cover to cover, she provides readers with facts and strategies, all designed to improve the plight of our public service workers. I recommend Jones’s heartfelt work to anyone who works in or has loved ones in the medical field. Jones’s insight is truly invaluable.
Pages: 214 | ASIN: B08NY21F1W
LITERARY TITAN 