Books with author T. Marie Alexander

The hilarious story of two brothers, a truckload of batteries, and a brilliant plan to bring light--and new business opportunities--to Ghana At age 47, Whit Alexander, the American co-founder of the Cranium board game, decided to start a new business selling affordable goods and services to low-income villagers in Ghana, West Africa. His brother Max, a journalist, came along to tell the story. Neither of them could have anticipated just how much of an adventure they’d find there. In Ghana, Whit's initial goal is to market a high quality rechargeable AA battery that off-grid villagers could use to power their flashlights and radios, as well as to charge their cell phones. If successful, he planned to grow a larger for-profit business based on those batteries--creating a trusted African brand that would provide life-enhancing products, services, and jobs, without relying on charity. Ghana, however, presents extraordinary challenges, and the brothers wage daily battles against deadly insects, insane driving conditions, unspeakable food, voodoo priests, corrupt officials, counterfeiters, and ethnic rivalries on their way to success. From signing up customers who earn a few dollars a month at most to training employees with no Western-style work experience, the brothers quickly learn that starting a business in Africa requires single-minded focus, a sense of humor, and a lot of patience. Along the way, Whit and Max relive their own childhood, bickering across the African bush and learning a great deal about Africans as well as themselves. Irreverent, hilarious, and ultimately inspiring, Bright Lights, No City challenges accepted notions of charity, shows the power of broadening your horizons, and suggests that there is hope and opportunity in Africa. Praise for Bright Lights, No City: "An affectionate, good-humored and finally inspiring account of one American's determination to make good things happen."--Kate Braestrup, New York Times bestselling author of Here If You Need Me "My boss, Bill Gates, coined the phrase 'creative capitalism' to encourage the use of market forces to address the needs of the poor. But my friend, Whit Alexander, moved creative capitalism from ideas to bold practice. Bright Lights, No City will scratch your travel bug, tickle your business brain, and touch your heart."--Patty Stonesifer, former CEO of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation "I thoroughly enjoyed this adventure, which helps to prove that what much of the developing world needs is a hand up, not a hand out." --John Wood, founder of Room to Read and author of Leaving Microsoft to Change the World "I loved, loved, loved Bright Lights, No City. A tour de force! Bravo. It's perceptive, informative, thoughtful, engaging, funny."--Carey Winfrey, editor emeritus, Smithsonian magazine and former Africa correspondent, New York Times "Max Alexander has woven a compassionate and oft-times hilarious tale of the Brothers Alexander's attempt to save the world, one rechargeable battery at a time. If you have any interest in a great story or helping the other 4 billion, read this book, now."--W. Hodding Carter, author of Westward Whoa and A Viking Voyage "A lyrically written universal testimony to the humanity that binds all people together on this fragile planet, Bright Lights, No City is a deeply moving and funny, can't-put-it-down book." --Frank Schaeffer, author of Crazy for God "This book is filled with the passion and relentless pursuit that it takes to make dreams come to life, and reminds you that it takes compassion, luck, and humor to make history. A must read for every entrepreneur." --Richard Tait, Co-Founder, Cranium; CEO, Galazo

***Debut Novella by 11-Year-Old L.T. Alexander*** Nightmares are experienced by both children and adults. We cannot do anything about them, we don't control them. Eliza White has been having nightmares for as long as she can remember, but not your everyday sort. Every single nightmare is set in a magical and dangerous land called Estelle. Estelle is a place with dragons and fey people, myth and peril. When Eliza is given a mission, and news that could very well change her life, she is whisked away into this magical place. The mission is urgent, but will Eliza live to complete it?

In the Minecraft world of Sinharia, Herobrine is lost between the future of his race and the future of the world. After losing the war to the Endermen, King Njeri is determined to get revenge. This turns out to be his greatest mistake. A failed mission that carried Herobrine through the mountains of Prishur, the plains of Carmatosur, and the Forests of Raintaria has led him straight into the hands of the Endermen. The Endermen will not rest until Sinharia is ridded of all Mortals.

A favorite classic returns—with fabulous full-color art!Anthony is tired of being bullied. So Blackboard Bear is a good friend to have when the other children don’t want to play fair. He knows how to teach them a lesson and how to make Anthony feel much, much better.First published more than thirty years ago, the popular Blackboard Bear books were instantly celebrated for their spare, consummate portrayal of universal childhood experiences. Now Martha Alexander has created charmingly detailed full-color illustrations from her original three-color artwork—readying this delightful classic about friendship for a whole new generation of young fans.

***Debut Novella by 11-Year-Old L.T. Alexander***Nightmares are experienced by both children and adults. We cannot do anything about them, we don't control them. Eliza White has been having nightmares for as long as she can remember, but not your everyday sort. Every single nightmare is set in a magical and dangerous land called Estelle. Estelle is a place with dragons and fey people, myth and peril. When Eliza is given a mission, and news that could very well change her life, she is whisked away into this magical place. The mission is urgent, but will Eliza live to complete it?

The grieving process: Ty Alexander of Gorgeous in Grey is one of the top bloggers today. She has a tremendous personal connection with her readers. This is never more apparent than when she speaks about her mother. The pain of loss is universal. Yet, we all grieve differently. For Alexander, the grieving process is one that she lives with day-to-day. Learning from her pain, Alexander connects with her readers on a deeply emotional level in her debut book, Things I Wish I Knew before My Mom Died: Coping with Loss Every Day. From grief counseling to sharing insightful true stories, Alexander offers comfort, reassurance, and hope in the face of sorrow. Coping with loss: In her early twenties reality smacked Ty in the face. She was ill equipped to deal with the emotional and intellectual rollercoaster of dealing with her mom's illness. Through her own trial and error, she found a way to be a caregiver, patient advocate, researcher, and a grieving daughter. She wrote Things I Wish I Knew before My Mom Died: Coping with Loss Every Day to help others find the ''best'' way to cope and move on, however one personally decides what that means. Mourning and remembrance: In the chapters of this soul-touching book, mourners will find meaning and wisdom in grieving and the love that will always remain. Each chapter is a study and lesson in coping with loss: Chapter 1: We've been duped, everyone dies! -- Chapter 2: The truth about my moderately dysfunctional family -- Chapter 3: The Art Of Losing -- Chapter 4: The how of grieving -- Chapter 5: How to be obsessively grateful -- Chapter 6: Dear Mama

With a spare narrative and inviting watercolors, Martha Alexander tells a charming new tale of a boy and his beloved Blackboard Bear - who has some creative ideas about sharing.Share? Why? But you’re mine! When the other children want to play with Anthony’s bear, Anthony doesn’t have to think twice about his response: NO, NO, NO. Anthony won’t be bullied into sharing his friend. But could Blackboard Bear himself have the perfect solution to Anthony’s problem?