H.D. Terech's suspense novella series gets us hyped for October reading.

H.D. Terech is a Maryland based author and attorney. Fatal Reunion (The Sarah Richland Series, Book 1) was released this past May. She stopped by to dish about her series.

Andrea: Please tell me about your literary background. Are you an avid reader? If so, which author creatively influenced you the most?

H.D. : Reading books has been a favorite past time since I was in elementary school. I read at least two books a week. The suspense, mystery genre has always been my favorite. As I've grown older, the romance mysteries are usually the type of book I have in hand. I like books that create a break from the reality of my criminal defense daytime job, the business of running a house, and the joys of two growing boys.  My biggest influence would have to be Mary Higgins Clark. I have a copy of each one. Her books are always entertaining. She is able to tell a good story, even after all these years. I enjoy many different authors. Since becoming an author, I attempt to find new authors in order to support them.


Andrea: How long did it take you to complete your book?

H.D. : I came up with the idea for the Sarah Richland Series seven years ago. Having two babies, my writing got stalled. I picked up writing again in February of 2013. I finished the book by the end of April. I was quite excited about my book, so I continued and wrote the second book in the series within two months to be published in August 2013.

Andrea: What genre is it? Please briefly share what it is about?

H.D. : The Sarah Richland Series is a suspense novella series that follows the main character, Sarah Richland, through her detective adventures. It is not the typical detective series as the twists will have the reader guessing what will happen next. Sarah Richland is somewhat of an introvert so the last thing she wants to do is attend her class reunion, but it may not be because of the obvious reasons.

Andrea: Will there be a sequel? Are you working on a new project?

H.D. : After Fatal Reunion, I published the second book in the Series: Fatal Betrayal. The second book picks up right where book one left off. The third installment of the series is in the works. While I try to balance my work as an attorney, wife, mother and writer, my writing is making slow progress.


Andrea: What feedback have you received so far?

H.D. : Majority of my readers so far have expressed their delight that my books are unpredictable. The character is very likable. Most readers comment that it is a fast paced book that is not the typical detective story.


I wrote Fatal Reunion (The Sarah Richland Series, Book 1) because I have read so many suspense/mystery books that I wanted to see if I could rise to the challenge of writing my own. Knowing what will happen at the end of a book half way through can be spoiling, so I wanted to write something that the reader will never see "it" coming.

Andrea: Where are your books available?


My books are available through any ebook retailer to include: Amazon, Smashwords, Apple ibooks, Barnes and Nobles' Nook store. It is also on Goodreads.com.


http://www.amazon.com/Fatal-Reunion-Richland-Series-ebook/dp/B00DOAGWTG/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1380213475&sr=8-2&keywords=fatal+terech


http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18398820-fatal-reunion?from_search=true





I hope that you enjoyed this express interview. Have you read our ezine this month? I invite you to click the link below.
Celebrity stories are waiting for you.

New York Times best-selling author, Omar Tyree's literary career & new series. An exclusive interview!

I am so excited to share a special interview in our 12th issue of Grove Street. Omar Tyree is a contemporary trailblazer. The publication  (Grove Street) was created in honor of writers like him. The interview is our longest, but if you take the time to read it, you will really understand how committed he has been to the writing craft, what it takes to be successful in the industry, and the changes that have taken place in publishing. Mr. Omar Tyree is also a literary consultant. Details about it are in the interview.

If you are a book lover, I want to also mention that his new series sounds fierce. I can really relate to the premise of it since I am from a multicultural family. I am going to purchase 'The Traveler' and get ready for the next one. I respect that Omar Tyree had a business mind at a very young age. His story could also inspire young people to know that they don't have to live up to stereotypes--especially young men of color.  I am so glad that Omar agreed to the interview. I learned so much about him that I never would've known. To readers and authors who stop by who like unique books and series, I encourage you to join me in sharing news about Omar Tyree's new project. In the interview, he explained how he set it up. I'm ready to travel!

Here is an excerpt from the interview:

Grove Street: Hello everyone that’s listening in or reading our publication. We have a very special guest today. I’ll let him tell you who he is.

Omar: This is Omar Tyree, New York Times best-selling author, journalist, poet, screenwriter, songwriter and entrepreneur. My website is omartyree.com.

Grove Street: Wonderful. There is so much that you’ve done. I read how you branded yourself so well, and you didn’t put yourself in a box. Tell us a about your business walk and how you prepared yourself. How did you start having that mindset—I guess going back to around 1992. Why did you start your publishing company and did you always know you were going to be a writer?

Omar: I actually wanted to be a football player as a teenager and a high schooler. I went to the University of Pittsburgh and had plans to walk on to the football team. At the time, I was on the track team for Pittsburgh. Once I got to the college level at the Big East Pittsburgh Panthers, I saw how many individual players and students were kind of being used and abused for their athletic skills. They were not getting the proper education, mainly because they were not taking advantage of the education and only thinking about playing sports. At that point, I became a more radical thinker, speaker and writer as a freshman. My test grades in reading and writing were sky high, and I ended up passing to the highest levels of English comprehension and writing, then I took creative writing. From that point on, I had friends who challenged me. ‘You’re so good at writing and speaking on different subjects, you should go ahead and write a book.’ At the time, I was about nineteen-years-old. I said...

Click here to continue reading.


http://issuu.com/bloggertime/docs/grove_street_issue_12_september_201

Get feedback from literary professionals at The Baltimore Book Festival this weekend.

Are you working on a manuscript, but you're not sure how it's going? A complimentary chance to obtain expert feedback about what you've been writing is on the way. For the less brave, you may gather your questions to ask. Having access to legitimate agents and editors is worth clicking the link for details. 

Click here.

Do you need hands-on help writing or marketing your book? We can assist you: www.surgemarketinggroup.com.

New Trent's must have power helper.

Authors and writers typically travel a lot. Whether we move about our town or someone else's, I think that most of us could recall a common experience of losing power on a device. Who doesn't use a cell phone, phablet, camera, Ipad, tablet or other battery draining device these days?

When I began covering stories, a new problem popped up. I wondered if there would be a press room to charge my devices during longer events, and how far it was from where the action was. All it takes is one second to miss the shot of the night. I have been there already. By the time I'd returned, the paparazzi welcome was finito.

If your devices also guzzle juice, I recommend a solution to consider. Tada!

Some of you may have heard of a nifty invention called a portable battery pack. Others may never have seen one. My techie cousin was the first person to introduce me to this sanity saver that I had never noticed. She bought this one for me, then I reviewed another type. It charges most devices quickly and efficiently. You can charge more than one device at one time with another model. It's not a bad back up plan for writers, authors, bloggers and anyone who stays in touch on the go tweeting, sharing life as it happens, or while traveling. As the weather gets cool, I also suggest considering keeping a portable pack charged for a weather related emergency.  If the power goes out, this gadget is one more thing to cushion the blow. Oh, and it doesn't make a bad gift for a Kindle lover either.

Whenever I leave my portable battery pack at home, during long stretches of chasing down a story, my tired feet or frazzled nerves usually don't thank me.

If you want to learn more about New Trent's power boosting devices, visit www.newtrent.com.

Poet's Pen Tuesday. Shining the spotlight on J. Joy “Sistah Joy” Matthews Alford. (DMV poetry events are also listed and begin this evening.)

J. Joy “Sistah Joy” Matthews Alford is a poet, author, literary activist and performer. If you are a poetry fan who is located in DC, Maryland, or some place nearby, I highly recommend connecting with Sistah Joy. I consider her the "go to" person for poetry. Sistah Joy also received the Poet Laureate Special Award 2002 in recognition of her contributions and those of her group, Collective Voices, to the city of Washington, DC and to its poetry community. You may also note that she
co-produces and hosts the award winning cable television program, Sojourn With Words on CTV, the local access cable TV channel for Prince George’s County, Maryland.  Sistah Joy currently serves as Poet-in-Residence at the community-based Annie’s Art Gallery in Camp Springs, Maryland. She has served as a Board member for C.A.A.P.A., Inc. (Coalition for African-Americans in the Performing Arts). She has performed on C-SPAN, performed at several venues in London, England, and in schools, museums, theaters, churches, libraries, conventions, book stores, galleries and community centers at public and private celebrations.

Andrea: It's a pleasure having you with us at The Nook this morning.  Please tell me about your writing credits.

Sistah Joy: I am the author of 3 books: Lord I’m Dancin’ As Fast As I Can (2000), From Pain to Empowerment – The Fabric of My Being (2009) and This Garden Called Life (2011). My poetry has also been included in several anthologies.  I edited and am a contributing poet in the anthology, Champions, Heroes and Icons – Ten Who Stood Tall for the Black Studies Center of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library in 2009.

Andrea: What are some of the poetry emsembles that you have been a part of?

Sistah Joy: I am the founder of the socially-conscious poetry ensemble Collective Voices, which has performed locally and internationally for the past 17 years. I co-founded Sounds of Empowerment, a workshop-oriented poetry ensemble that addresses issues of support for women who seek to overcome issues such as abuse, abandonment and other marginalizing social and personal stigma. I also co-founded Lyrical Rhythmzz, a poetry and Jazz performance ensemble.

Andrea: Who are the Poets Empowered to Nurture Souls?

Sistah Joy: I am the President of The Ebenezer A.M.E. Church Poetry Ministry whose members are known as Anointed P.E.N.S. (Poets Empowered to Nurture Souls).

Andrea: I know that you have coordinated, produced and/or hosted literary events for private and public organizations. Are there any events that you know of that are being held this week?

Sistah Joy: Yes. There are a few poetry events taking place this week in DC and PG County:

9/17 - Performing at CAAPA's annual "Melody of Art" pre-Caucus reception at The Atlas Performing Arts Center with my group, Collective Voices.  CAAPA is the Coalition for African Americans in the Performing Arts)  This free event is a music, art and poetry showcase.   Location:  1333 H St., NE, DC. (7-10 PM)  Hor d'oeuvres served. Cash bar.  Valet parking available.

9/19 - Family-Friendly Poetry Open Mic Night at Annie's Art Gallery - 6-9 PM Featured poet:  Hoke "Bro Yao" Glover.  Teens and young adults expressly invited.  Youth organizations welcomed.  This free event is hosted monthly by Sistah Joy each 3rd Thursday.   5814 Allentown Way, Camp Springs, MD 20748.

9/20 - Education Celebration at Ebenezer AME Church - The Anointed P.E.N.S. (Poets Empowered to Nurture Souls) of the Ebenezer AME Church Poetry Ministry will present their 2013 Education Celebration featuring highly acclaimed poet, author and educator, Bomani Armah.  This is a free, open to the community poetry & praise Open Mic event.  All are welcome.  Poets, spoken word artists, musicians and vocalists are welcomed to perform.  Location:  7707 Allentown Road (3rd Floor), Fort Washington, MD 20744.  Time:  6-9 PM  Light refreshments served.  *Open Mic sign up list closes at 8:00 PM.   

Connect with Sistah Joy:

Sistah Joy's poetry samples are available on-line at www.Authorsden.com/Poetsistahjoy.

Information about her poetry activities are also available on Facebook at Sistah Joy Alford: http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=582158660.

Details about Sojourn With Words, the Award-winning Poetry Cable Show on CTV, may be found at  http://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/Sojournwithwords/  and at Sojourn with Words at  http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Sojourn-With-Words/260845050649872.

Information about Poetry Extravaganza, the literary tribute presented for the past 16 years honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is available on the Facebook  (Open Group) page at http://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/289903191058308/.

Book features are waiting for you in Grove Street Ezine. Have you read our latest issue?

http://issuu.com/bloggertime/docs/grove_street_august_2013

The Author’s Guide to Working with Book Bloggers. Marvelous Monday with Barb Drozdowich.

Barb Drozdowich joins us from British Columbia, Canada today. She is founder of The Book Blogger List, and the author of The Author’s Guide to Working with Book Bloggers. Her recent title was released on August 15, 2013. Grab your beverage of choice and enjoy this informative chat!

Synopsis of  The Author’s Guide to Working with Book Bloggers:

Do you feel out of your comfort zone when dealing with book bloggers? They are the New Gatekeepers to book publishing success – but how can you tap into that source of free promotions by putting your best foot forward?

The Author’s Guide to Working with Book Bloggers combines the advice of 215 blogging professionals collected in a survey covering all aspects of communication between authors and Review Blogs. Whether you are a new author, or have many titles under your belt, let us demystify the promotion of your book on a book blog.

You’ll learn about whom and where book bloggers are, and the following:

The Query,

The Review,

The Giveaway,

The Author Interview,

The Guest Post,

The Book Blurb Excerpt and Cover Reveals and more!

Andrea: Please share details about The Blogger List, such as the number of members, average of monthly visitors, when it was started, etc.

Barb: The Book Blogger List was started in late January of this year. Word got about quickly, and continues to spread.  Book bloggers continue to sign up to the site on a daily basis. I now have well over 600 Book Bloggers listed. I wanted a site that sorts or arranges bloggers by genre. (When authors are looking for someone to promote their book, they look for bloggers who like to read what they write.) That’s what the Book Blogger List does. The site can be searched for a specific blogger, but all the listings are laid out categorized by genre.

Today it has 647 listings, but I also know that I have 9 queries in my inbox that need to be posted. The number will continue to increase!

The site has averaged between 8000 and 9000 hits per month since it’s inception with the number of daily hits varying widely. The lowest number of hits each day is usually about 150 with the highest daily figure being well over 1000. The average time spent on the site is 5:30, which shows that people are looking around while they are there. Our traffic comes from everywhere with US, UK and Canada sending us the majority of the traffic. Almost every country represented to some extent. Almost half of the traffic comes from search traffic, with the major search criteria being the word “blog” or “review” + a genre.

 Andrea: Wow! What inspired you to found The Blogger List and also write your book?

Barb: I work with authors on a daily basis. I tutor Wordpress and I help them put together their Author Platform. I’m the behind the scenes person. I don’t consider myself a writer, but a voracious reader. I find it really rewarding to help an author understand how all the various parts and pieces go together to form a functioning Author Platform.

When trying to teach authors how to use book bloggers as a source of promotion, I was frustrated with the existing databases of book bloggers. Finally, after many months of threatening, I started my own. I really didn’t expect to list more than 50 or so bloggers.

The number of book bloggers that have signed up and the number of hits are amazing to me! I am humbled by the attention my little site is getting.

The ideas for the book began before the site. I got into a discussion one day with a bunch of book bloggers on Twitter about the fact that authors needed some guidance to work with book bloggers. I was curious as to whether just experienced book bloggers were seeing what we were seeing, or if it was more widespread than that. I created a survey, posted it on my blog, and advertised it on Facebook and Twitter. I had 215 responses! Amazing! Again, I was thinking I would be lucky to hear from 50 bloggers. The information that I gathered from that survey as well a follow-up survey were pearls of wisdom. I realized that what I assumed would be an academic survey of book bloggers simply had to be turned into a book so that I could include everyone’s information.

I had a wonderful editor help me organize the information into chapters, and then a lot of help along the way. I had the participants of the survey serve as proof-readers and beta readers.

That was, as they say, that. The book has been published to Amazon, and I am working on uploading it to the other platforms. Since I’m a Canadian citizen, I needed US Tax credentials to apply to the other retailers.

Andrea: Can you briefly explain how your book is organized?

Barb: The Author’s Guide to Working With Book Bloggers is organized into a selection of chapters. I start with an introduction to book bloggers, where to find them and what to look at once you find some. I then progress through each type of common feature offered on book blogs. I’ve placed the raw survey results as well as the analysis in an appendix at the back of the book.

Andrea: Is the book intended for aspiring, new or seasoned authors?

Barb: The Author’s Guide to Working With Book Bloggers is intended for all authors. It is meant to serve as a primer for beginner authors - those authors with their first book in their hot little hand, and not a clue what to do to promote it. I can’t count the number of authors who think that a blog interview involves a personal appearance and wonder what to wear, or ask me why I ask them to send social media links as part of the promotion package.

Once an author has gotten their feet wet in the promotional pool, my book should serve as an idea generator. This author has a basic idea of how to promote their book, but need some ideas of how to take that promotion the next step.  Even authors who are multi-published, and experienced can use a review. I think that everyone can profit from looking at the topic of book promotion from a different set of eyes.

Andrea: Why do you feel bloggers are important to an author's success? Do bloggers influence book sales?

Barb: I think that many people feel that book bloggers are the new gatekeepers to an author’s success, not just me. There have been lots of articles written on the subject. Many of the larger Indie authors credit their success to book bloggers.

The publishing houses used to serve as gatekeeper to who would or would not be published.  Once they published a story, they did everything for it. They designed the cover graphic, edited it, formatted it, published it, and promoted it. With the introduction of Indie publishing, any one can create a wonderful story and publish it to Amazon. Getting it to sell is another matter. Most authors that I meet on a daily basis are wonderful storytellers. They are far more creative that I’ll ever be! In today’s international environment of book sales, the author has to perform all the functions that used to be performed by the publishing houses. Many of the ones that I meet are lucky to be able to use a word processing program, let alone blog, and maintain all their social media platforms. We no longer allow writers to just write. They have to be jacks of all trades.

Book selling is a relationship activity. We buy books based on recommendation most of the time. On my book blog, I can recommend a book to hundreds of people every day, from probably 50 different countries. An author can visit a book blog from their home, in their jammies, and talk books with someone from India, or Japan, for no charge. No plane ticket purchased. Some of the larger book blogs have thousands of hits each day. Visiting a book blog is much more cost effective than hopping in a car, or on a plane and attending a book signing. When done well, the networking potential on book blogs is huge.

Andrea: Do book bloggers influence sales?

Barb: I think so. I think that in today’s world of the Internet, a recommendation from a popular book blogger is worth a lot in terms of sales. It’s like referring a book to your next door neighbor, except your next door neighbor may live in another country, and on a a book blog, you can talk to 150 neighbors at once.

Andrea: Are blog tours worth the time?

Barb: It’s interesting that you ask about blog tours. I’m just finishing up a book on Blog tours. I think when done well, Blog tours can be an incredible networking experience. Again, sitting at home, an author can network with readers from many different countries. Do I think authors understand how to use blog tours to their advantage? No. Blog tours are about networking, not sales. They are the Internet equivalent of Book Signings or Meet and Greets. You are visiting blogs to schmooze – to make an impression – to make relationships that will eventually result in sales.

Andrea: Where can your book be purchased?


Barb: The Author’s Guide to Working with Book Bloggers can currently be purchased at Amazon - http://amzn.to/1dgtm3V

I’m working on making it available on Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and iTunes

Barb's contact/social media information:

Bakerview Consulting (Business Site) http://bakerviewconsulting.com

Barb Drozdowich (Author Site) http://barbdrozdowich.com

Sugarbeat’s Books (Book Blog) http://sugarbeatsbooks.com

Facebook (Author blog) https://www.facebook.com/BarbDrozdowichAuthor

Facebook (Bakerview Consulting) https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bakerview-Consulting/576090425782155

Facebook (Sugarbeat’s Books) https://www.facebook.com/SugarbeatsBooks

Twitter http://twitter.com/sugarbeatbc

Google+ https://plus.google.com/110824499539694941768

Pinterest http://pinterest.com/sugarbeatsbooks

LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/in/barbdrozdowich

Goodreads http://goodreads.com/BarbDrozdowich

Shelfari http://shelfari.com/BarbDrozdowich

Amazon Author Page http://amazon.com/author/barbdrozdowich

It was a truly pleasure chatting with Barb. My book review will be forthcoming. I can say that her book is well organized and properly researched. It is an excellent reference tool.

RADIO HOST OF GET ‘N' THE KNOW, SAUNDRA E. HARRIS.

 Saundra E. Harris is a multi-talented writer and radio personality. GET 'N' THE KNOW (GITK) with Saundra is her newest endeavor. The Maryland-based author stopped by the blog to share how she built a platform on radio, while discovering a new talent, during her literary journey. Saundra is the author of The Party and The After Party.

Andrea: Please tell us who you are and what you do?

Saundra: I am an author, relationship advice columnist for the Baltimore Examiner and a featured internet radio show host on Blog Talk Radio. I guess you can say, I do it all, or figure out how to get it done.

Andrea: Do you feel that writing helped to groom you for hosting your radio show?

Saundra: Writing helped me to understand myself and it opened me up to showing me that I loved the idea of sharing my thoughts and ideas, while engaging with others by sharing information.

Andrea: I know that this isn't your first radio show. Why did you decide to launch Get'N'The Know? When did you do it?

Saundra: My first show, SITUATIONS WITH SASSY, aired on Blog Talk Radio from 2007 until 2012, when I went on hiatus and decided to revamp or rather rebrand myself. I started GITK in January of 2013.


Andrea: What kind of topics do you cover?

Saundra: Situations with Sassy focused solely on relationships, whereas Get 'N' The Know focuses on everything from finances, health, wellness, relationships, fashion, and beauty. I wanted to help women, so the majority of my topics deal with everything that is important to women--family, finances, fashion, faith.

Andrea: What is your goal for your new show?

Saundra: The motto of the show is 'sharing what women want to know but are too afraid to ask.' I ultimately wish to monetize the show with sponsors and advertising and move it from Blog Talk Radio to mainstream. An independent station in Arizona has shown interest. However, the catch is to bring my ads/sponsors with me.

Additionally, I offer those who do not wish to host a show weekly, an opportunity to purchase radio time as a host, for a nominal fee. They get the entire hour. I would log in and control the switchboard and open up the phone lines for individuals.

Andrea: I know that you're very honest about your opinions. Do you think a host should ever be concerned about what their listeners may think about what they say?

Saundra: Absolutely! I try to be conscious of what I say and how I say it, especially since I am trying to rebrand myself, the show, and the image. I preface a statement. Then, I summarize the statement I just made, because I know how easy people can become offended.

Andrea: Do books play a major role in your new venture?

Saundra: Yes. The majority of guest have either written a book or are in the process of writing a book, but that is not a prerequisite for being a guest.

Andrea: I know that you're very committed to your radio program. What are two things that you have learned from running your own show? Have you found the experience to be difficult?

Saundra: Get 'N' The Know with Saundra is a FEATURED show on Blog Talk Radio, meaning that I am guaranteed at least 5k impressions of my show per week, which increases downloads. The show is doing well. I notice that some topics engage more listeners than others, which is recognized in downloads. The show averages over 1k per show.

I am extremely committed to my show. In fact, I have to plan my activities around the show. I am doing this because I love it, and I believe if I am doing what I love the opportunities and success will come. The most difficult experience is having a guest cancel at the last minute, and then I don't have a back up. When I first started I was literally talking to myself for one hour, and that was daunting. Now, I do my research not only on the guest, but on the topic. If a guest is a no show, I can talk on the subject with a comfortable amount of knowledge for the listeners.

Andrea: Do you get feedback from listeners? If so, what are they saying?

Saundra: The feedback that I have gotten has been positive, but that is mostly via Twitter and Facebook, not so much via Blog Talk Radio talk radio or my website.

Andrea: Can listeners listen in from any location, and also on both devices and computers?

Saundra: The show is accessible online via blog talk radio, my blog -www.situationswithsassy.blogspot.com, or iTunes. Blog Talk Radio has archived all of my shows from the beginning and they can be downloaded for free. We have listeners in Canada, Europe, the South Pacific, New Zealand, Australia, and Figi! We have an interactive chat room as well as a call in line for listeners to call in and share their thoughts and/or opinions.

Andrea: Where can readers keep up with show details, you, and what time and day does the show air?

Saundra: The show airs on Saturdays at 1pm eastern, 12pm central, 11am mountain, and 10am pacific time. The show's website is www.blogtalkradio.com/getintheknow. The number to call in is 917.889.2273.

Listeners can keep up with the show via the website http://getntheknow.webs.com , my Twitter pages @sassyscribe @shemediagroup, and on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/GetNTheKnow.

Additional comments:

I am always seeking show topics and subject matter experts. Inquiries regarding being a guest, co-host, advertiser and/or sponsor can be emailed to getintheknowshow@gmail.com.

Andrea: Thanks for stopping by, Saundra. I appreciate that you're keeping us informed. I wish you continued success.

Book review of Shelia Lipsey's teen novel, House of Cars.

Sheliae E. Lipsey presents a true-to-life tale of homeless youth in America. House of Cars gets a 5 star high five from The Nook. 

 Nyl doesn't want his peers to know that his house is the family vehicle, nor does his stressed out single father who is seeking stable employment. When tragedy struck the Person family, Nyl and his little sister were left in the hands of a dad doing his absolute best. However, Nyl wants to be normal like the other students at Fairley High, although living wherever he can sets him a part. He feels different because of his difficult life away from school and the basketball team. Peer pressure turns up the stress of the scenario, when a popular girl in Nyl's school takes notice of him. Sierra is the "it" girl who brings more shame Nyl's way. When she does, the real mess begins. Ms. Lipsey uses dialogue that is appropriate for younger readers. She also incorporates lessons about tolerance, sensitivity and hardship without being preachy. Nyl's entire family is easy to fall in love with. They are relatable people who often go unnoticed until we are reminded that teens and students can be homeless, too. I loved this story and the potential lessons contained within the pages. I recommend it for youth of all ages, parents, educators, social workers, librarians--anyone, really. The ending is satisfying and thought-provoking. Excellent job. This book is a worthy read. I highly recommend purchasing one or more copies. 

      

   

The book is available via Amazon, Barnes  & Noble and other retailers.