Two New Books by Cape Neddick Author and Educator Frank Wallace |
Frank Wallace has been writing about children for over 30 years. His latest book, Raspberries and Children: A Celebration of Teaching, was published in June of 2011 His reflections on children, their schools and their teachers have been published in the United States and abroad and broadcast on public radio. Wallace lives and gardens by the sea in York Maine,. His first adventure novel, The Starlight Medallions. comes out of his work as a retired educator, helping young writers tell their stories. In 2010 he was named Public Sector Volunteer of The Year in a ceremony at the state house. |
An Adventure that Spans Time and the Sea
Sim Spotswood decides not to keep his after school appointment with Dr. McCreedy to get his teeth straightened. Instead he wanders to the clam flats where Lost River meets the sea and where a Viking ship, unearthed from the silt of a thousand years, sits like the skeleton of a dragon in its cofferdam. Sim discovers buried in the sand, a small medallion the size of a silver dollar. That he should be the one to find it is no accident. At least Dr. Asneath Plever of the Smithsonian doesn't think so. Nor does Winifred Hazel Chit, the Witch of thunderhead Cliff who has waited one hundred and eleven years for Sim to undertake the adventure that now unfolds. Reviews from Amazon.com 5.0 out of 5 stars Like Rick Riordan's "Percy Jackson and the Olympians" series or the Harry Potter novels, Frank Wallace's "Starlight Medallions" captures the joy and magic of discovery through the eyes of its young protagonists while reminding readers of all ages that one can never be too old for a great adventure. Full of endearing characters and rich with fascinating history, the book makes the reader feel like part of the loyal band of friends at the story's center as they seek to uncover the mystery and unlock the power of the ancient medallions. 5.0 out of 5 stars Terrence Jackson (Recife, Brazil) The Starlight Medallions, by Frank Wallace, is a great story with a New England flair, written for school children but resonating with adults. Four children and a Basset Hound named Walter get caught up in an adventure involving Vikings, witches, pirates, caves, and an ominous character named "Splitface." An entire town gets caught up in and transformed by the action. Wallace writes with rhythm and grace. Every chapter leaves the reader hungry for what comes next. Right up there with Philip Pullman and Jonathan Strouds' best.
Available in hardback, softback and Kindle edition at
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I want to shout to the world that this is an important book- it should be required reading in every teacher education institution and its message, I believe, has the power to renew teachers long in the profession.
Praise for Raspberries and Children Thank you so much for sharing your book with us. It is beautifully written and communicates all the ideas that one would wish a teacher to have. I hope my one-year-old son is lucky enough to have a teacher who listens to him the way you listen to children and that his parents remember that Giving can be, and often is, giving up ourselves and watching, listening. I read this book avidly, both as a parent who wants to do right by her child and as a former teacher. There is so much here that creates a bridge between what we want for our children and what it means to act in a way that supports their growth. Margaret LaRaia *** I'm stunned by your book... it is the most unique and inspiring book about education I've ever read. Your book arrived late yesterday afternoon while I was out; I opened the package about 9 pm and I've been immersed in your book ever since. I'll need some time to figure out what I can do...it seems far too glorious for Scholastic's Theory & Practice (my line), but, on the other hand, I'll die happy if I'm the fortunate publisher who has a hand in sharing your book with a wide-ranging audience. I've flagged dozens of pages -- your lucid, lyrical language captures the spirit of children, teaching, and learning in ways that I find miraculous. Lois Bridges, Phd. *** Frank Wallace tells stories. Through his inquiring mind, open heart, keen ear and exquisite writing, Wallace shares watershed moments in the lives of boys and girls, mothers and fathers, teachers and school leaders. Like the late, great Studs Terkel, who recorded the oral histories of ordinary Americans through war, depression and hard work, with their dreams and dignity intact, Wallace weaves a lifetime of stories into a magic carpet that thrills, inspires, and touches soul. What a ride. J. Cowperthwaite, Dean, Retired *** I stayed up far too late last night, not able to stop reading, and find myself this morning re-reading and thumbing through the manuscript searching for the words I want to read again. I want to shout to the world that this is an important book- it should be required reading in every teacher education institution and its message, I believe, has the power to renew teachers long in the profession. Maryann Minard, Phd Available in hardback, softback and Kindle edition at |
