by Max Elliot Anderson
When The Lights Go Out…a book for children and adults, so we never forget 9/11.
On Sunday, September 11, people across the country will pause to observe the 10th anniversary of 9/11. It’s important that we tell our children about that day, especially kids who were very small, and those who weren’t born yet, so we never forget. I want to make sure teachers, parents, librarians, and grandparents are aware of a new book, When The Lights Go Out. This is an adventure / mystery for readers 8 - 13 with a terrorist plot.
Here’s a recent note from a parent. "My 12yo son has read this three times... My 10yo son was finally able to get it away from him to read it himself. He declared it the best book ever! :) Thank you!"
In the story, the father of the main character is able to tell his kids why he joined the army instead of going into business. He says, "After what happened on 9/11, somebody had to help keep the country safe." This opens a short discussion with his two children in which he briefly recounts the events of that day.
I found, while speaking in schools, that many children today know little or nothing about 9/11 or why it's important to them. On a recent national news program, I saw some man-on-the-street interviews of young people in their late teens and early twenties. A few could explain what took place on 9/11, but sadly, most had no idea. We can not allow this to continue.
When The Lights Go Out will help teachers, librarians, grandparents, and parents with this issue.
There is a special web page for When The Lights Go Out with lots of information, a video, and a news release. You are welcome to lift any material that might help you in communicating with your circle of influence. http://max-whenlightsgoout.blogspot.com
In this new book, Peyton Aldrich has just moved to a new army base with his parents and younger sister. He doesn’t understand why his father has been sent to such a rundown place in the middle of nowhere. After all, his father was a colonel, with top security clearance, who completed the elite Ranger school. And his training had also been in Army Intelligence. Yet, here they were.
Peyton was never permitted to ask his father anything about what he did in the army. Nor was he allowed to ever get in the way. There were many secrets that his dad couldn’t even tell his own family. Peyton idolized his father. One day he hoped to grow up to be just like him.
Peyton finds two friends. Gill is the son of the motor pool sergeant, and Dave’s father is the base chaplain. Together they decide to train like Rangers and search for some kind of mission they could do. Little did they know that a mission was about to put the boys right in the crosshairs of a dangerous terrorist plot when a secret weapon would be delivered to the base on its way across the country.
There was no way Peyton could tell his father what he knew. After all, it could cost him his job. Peyton, Gill, and Dave have to take matters into their own hands, and they do.
When the Lights go Out is a story for kids, and their parents, so we never forget 9/11.
My book is dedicated to the people who died on that day. The dedication reads, “To the memory of 9/11, and the people who lost their lives that day, so we never forget.”
When The Lights Go Out was released on August 1, by Comfort Publishing, located in Concord, NC.
We’ve done a good job of informing students about other historic events like D-Day and Pearl Harbor, but now it’s time we tell them about 9/11. This new book will help in that process.
Reviews and Comments
"Max Elliot Anderson brings a lifetime of dramatic film and video production to the pages of his action adventures and mysteries." Jerry B. Jenkins, Author
"Max’s Adventures are like good, family movies . . . as an ordinary kid finds himself in exciting and extra-ordinary adventures!" Bill Myers - Author
Midwest Book Review says, “When The Lights Go Out is a fine read and very much recommended for modern thriller readers."
Christian Book Previews calls When The Lights Go Out by Max Elliot Anderson, a "book that will set high standards for young readers"!
When The Lights Go Out balances a tense, adventure plot with solid character development for a story that will draw in elementary/tweens who enjoy a story of spies, espionage and mystery. Targeted for tween boys, but many girls will like this story as well. Carolyn R Scheidies
The end will surprise you and at the same time make you realize the threat is constant and one's alertness and preparation must be just as vigilant. Great job, Mr. Anderson!!! Crystal Book Reviews
Video Book Trailer: When the Lights Go Out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfSEkGN5q0U&feature
Biography
Max Elliot Anderson grew up as a reluctant reader. After surveying the market, he sensed the need for action-adventures and mysteries for readers 8 and up, especially boys.
Mr. Anderson was a producer of the nationally televised PBS special, Gospel at the Symphony that was nominated for an Emmy, and won a Grammy for the double album soundtrack. He won a best cinematographer award for the film, Pilgrim’s Progress, which was the first feature film in which Liam Neeson had a starring role. He has produced, directed, or shot over 500 national television commercials for True Value Hardware Stores. Mr. Anderson owns The Market Place, a client-based video production company for medical and industrial clients. His productions have taken him all over the world and across the United States.
Using his extensive experience in the production of motion pictures, videos, and television commercials, Mr. Anderson brings the same visual excitement and heart-pounding action to his stories. Each book has completely different characters, setting, and plot.
Six books are published, with an additional thirty-one manuscripts completed. Young readers have reported that reading one of Mr. Anderson’s books is like being in an exciting or scary movie.
Mr. Anderson is listed in WHO’S WHO in Finance and Industry, Entertainment, Advertising, The Midwest, Emerging Leaders in America, The World, and WHO’S WHO in America (1999 - present)
Contact Max / Visit his website:
http://max-whenlightsgoout.blogspot.com
Peg here: Max’s books may be primarily aimed at the “tweener” market, but I’m here to tell you that I, as a great-grandmother, have enjoyed every one of his books.
Do check this one out: When The Lights Go Out
Thank you for bringing this book to my attention. It sounds like a fascinating read. One that I'm going to have to purchase! :)
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