Visual Symphony
Alison Peoples, a member of Santa Rosa Teachers Association, has a new book titled Symphonies for the Deaf. Peoples wrote the book to share her love of Beethoven’s music with the deaf or hard of hearing. While reflecting on how Beethoven was not able to hear many of his end pieces due to deafness later in life, Peoples thought about how he could likely feel and see them in his mind. In this work of fiction without illustrations, Peoples lets the deaf or hard of hearing experience all of Beethoven’s nine symphonies by exploring images, scenes and colors of his music, brought to life by her imaginative descriptions.
Mind Over Might
United Teachers Los Angeles member and middle school teacher Evan Baughfman has published his fourth book, Try Not to Die: In a Dark Fairy Tale. Baughfman and co-author Mark Tullius tell an action-packed, interactive story for young adults — who choose their own adventure. The plot: King Dorian sends his twin sons on a quest to determine his successor. Keaton is a skilled warrior; Barnaby is a bookworm. To make things fair, Barnaby receives a talking sword and a book of knowledge but must prove himself worthy. Both brothers face dangers in the Wild Woods and must decide how far they are willing to go to become the next ruler of Vallorum.
Life’s Curveballs
Fifth-grade teacher and San Ramon Valley Education Association member Lisa Freels has published a third novel in her Playa Vista Elementary Series called Fifth Grade Resolutions. Rising fifth grader Penny has been having a less than stellar summer. She is worried about her mother’s health, her father’s absence and her friendships. As she navigates the challenges of growing up, Penny wonders if things will improve. A story for young readers about coping with life’s uncertainties. Freels has also written a novella, Fourth Grade Realizations, that is free to read at her website.
Surviving Our Monsters
Bridey Thelen-Heidel, South Tahoe
Education Assn. member and high
school English teacher, has a new memoir. Bright Eyes: Surviving Our
Monsters and Learning to Live Without Them tells of growing up with her mom, who is addicted to dangerous men who park their Harleys in the house and kick holes in all their doors. Bridey gets used to stuffing her life into black trash bags and changing schools every time her mom moves in with a new monster or runs away from one. She earns her way into a fancy private college, where she tries to forget who she is — until her mom calls with a threat that brings her to her knees. A story about a brave, resilient girl who survives to create her own happily ever after.
