Local authors serve up summer reading
We’re now going through the warm days of July and many of us are still confined to our homes and local destinations. Perhaps this is the summer to finally tackle the book you’ve always wanted to read. My favorite way to survive this pandemic is to find a comfortable chair in the shade -- or better yet on a f loat in a lake or pool -- and lose myself in a good book. Below are some suggestions of books by a few of our local authors; many of the books can be found in our area bookstores.
“All Welcome Here” by James Preller (Feiwel & Friends)
Delmar author James Preller has written a beautifully illustrated book capturing all the excitement, challenges and anxieties of the first day at kindergarten. The 40-page book, which is colorfully illustrated by Caldecott honoree Mary Grandpre, is written in lively haiku pairs. It’s a very upbeat story that should calm some children who are nervous about entering kindergarten this fall. The book celebrates the diversity found in public school classrooms throughout our country, and it is perfect for children from preschool through grade 2.
“Anxiety….i’m So Done with You: A Teen’s Guide to Ditching Toxic Stress and Hardwiring Your Brain for Happiness” by Jodi Aman (Skyhorse Publishing)
Psychotherapist Jodi Aman knows what it’s like to suffer from severe anxiety, and in her new book she creates some practical activities to help teenagers break out of the debilitating effects of depression. The author, who lives in Rochester, has conducted some workshops in the Capital District, and her book focuses on many of the stresses
young people face today such as political conflicts, environmental concerns along with social pressures brought about by social media. This workbook will show young people there is a way to rid yourself of anxiety and the need to be perfect. As she writes in her book, “Happiness is there for all of us when we can learn some self-acceptance.”
“When You Stand For Me I’m Alive: A Story Told by the American Flag” by Elizabeth Lupo Tesoriero (Camelot Press)
This colorful 40-page children’s book is an informative read on the history of the flag, the symbolism of the stars and stripes and the significance of why we say the Pledge of Allegiance to honor it. Tesoriero was inspired to write this by her grandfather, who was one of the oldest World War II veterans in Albany County when he died at the age of 96. This is an important book for all early elementary classrooms to have, and it’s beautifully illustrated by Stephanie Swick. A portion of the proceeds of this book will be donated to Wreaths Across America, a national organization that makes wreaths and places them on the graves of every veteran; the local branch will
“Looking Back, Looking Beyond” by Paul O’brien (Market Block Books)
This is Paul O’brien’s third book of nonfiction essays. Like his two other books, O’brien often reflects on the more-than-40 years he spent as an English teacher at Notre Dame Bishop Gibbons High School. This collection also is a reflective look at the journey we take in our lives and the mentors and guides we find along the way who lead us to a clear path. O’brien’s books are always filled with humor and wisdom, and I enjoyed his discussion of the importance of art and literature in our lives
“Save Our Ship” by Barbara Ungar (Ashland Poetry Press)
Barbara Ungar, a professor at The College of Saint Rose, is a contemporary poet who knows how to take some of our ordinary familial struggles and turn them into art. Her poems will make you laugh, startle you, shock you and allow you to see things in a different way. The title alludes to a recurring theme that we may often feel like we’re going down with the ship, but still we persevere. I also enjoyed the humor in many of her poems, and it’s a reminder that it’s very healthy to