Books published by publisher Outskirts Press, Inc.

A Holistic Analysis on Immigration and Its Archeological, Sociological, Psychological, Economical and Political Contexts. . . People migrate to the USA from all over the world in search of the “American Dream.” For some, this dream translates to a life of freedom, financial progress, or safety from personal, political or religious persecution or war. However, the reality in many cases is better expressed as a nightmare than a dream, and even for those who achieve their goals, the immigration process is always permeated by variable doses of pain, suffering, and loss for the first-generation immigrant. We Are All in This Together brings a unique and distinct new perspective on the issues of immigration today. It focuses on the issues, conflicts, conquests, and losses of immigrants of various origins, taking into consideration their ethnological differences with the American culture. This compassionate, well-formulated book will raise awareness and promote a broader and deeper reflection on the reality of the migratory phenomenon in America and in the world.

When Rosie showed up as a stray on Max’s doorstep one morning, Max knew they would be best friends for life. What he didn’t know was that his new dog had a very special gift. A Special Gift is perfect for 6-10 year olds looking for an exciting story with age-appropriate content. This book stresses the importance of open communication, appreciation of diversity and selfless friendship. More about the plot A Special Gift is set in rural Kansas. It features Max, a young boy in the second grade, his parents and his diverse group of friends. It also centers on Max’s adopted dog, who Max finds outside his door on a cold rainy day. He soon begins to form a special bond with his new dog, Rosie. Max first learns Rosie is special while playing basketball in his driveway; Rosie could dribble the ball with her paw! Max even trains Rosie to shoot the ball at a lowered basket, flinging the ball with her front legs. We soon learn, however, that this is not Rosie’s most important “special gift.” Rather, she has a mysterious ability to warn children about dangerous situations. Rosie first uses this ability to warn Max that he was about to get hit by a car while chasing the basketball into the street. When Max tries to tell his parents that Rosie must have warned him, they do not believe him. Will anyone believe him? This is the first of many times that Rosie will showcase her special gift. As Max and Rosie help more people, more questions arise about Max’s ability to detect danger. Will others ever come to understand that it is Rosie’s gift, not Max’s? A great first chapter book Read this book to learn more about the adventures of Max and Rosie. We have specifically designed our story to be interesting and engaging, yet simple enough for early readers to enjoy. With concise chapters and a captivating plot, it will be hard to put this book down! Will Max ever get anyone to believe in the powers of his incredible best friend? A note from the author: My greatest joy is creating with my grandchildren. In 2010, I proposed to my two grandchildren, Josie and Nathan, that we write a children's book on the topic of their choosing. We saw a need for early learners to have more enjoyable reading materials to develop a lifetime love of books. We set out to author a concise story kids would never want to stop reading! After many brainstorming sessions, we began writing this book about a unique dog who communicates with humans, but only under very special circumstances. I was excited to see my grandchildren as enthusiastic about this endeavor as when we had started our greeting cards company. During that time, they learned the processes of a functioning business. While writing this book together, we learned so much about the many puzzle pieces required to write, illustrate, and publish this book for you! Each step along the way was borne out of a passion for and the love of fostering the imaginations of little ones learning to read. Although I wrote their ideas on paper, the creativity and endless revisions were definitely a team effort. This book would not exist without Nathan’s and Josie’s ideas, energy, perseverance and commitment to the project. After 10 years of hard work and dedication, our book is now ready for young readers. I hope all who read this will learn about the importance of friendship, diversity and communication. Most of all, I hope it motivates you to create something special with those you love the most. - Bob

Garwood Groundhog is restless and curious. He yearns to see the world outside while he and his family normally hibernate. Garwood has heard from his mother that stars fall from the sky and form snow. He knew that rather than sleeping this winter, he needed to see these earth-bound stars. Garwood sneaks away from his home while Mom and Dad are asleep. He meets up with his mouse friend, Dickory Dock, who promises to guide Garwood through the winter wonderland and introduce him to his frosty friends. It does not take very long for Garwood to realize that perhaps he should have remained true to his groundhog heritage and hibernated with his family. Will Garwood continue his adventure in the snow? Or will he sleep the winter away? Garwood Groundhog's Winter Adventure holds the key to this adventurous creature's ultimate decision.

The knowledge of Merlin and the powers he had were lost to most of the world, specifically the existence of his sword. Forged by Merlin himself and infused with power, it could magnify the abilities of whoever wields it.A single line of his descendants had passed down the sword from generation to generation. With the sword came the knowledge of how to use it, via the ancient family book.The book contained the family's cumulative knowledge of wizardry. Stories of courage and valor, along with others of darkness and evil were recorded within the book, all meant to prepare those that would wield the sword for the conflicts they would face.Nothing could prepare his descendants for the arrival of the most powerful wizard since the days of Camelot. He had moved across the land quickly and efficiently to enslave all he did not destroy. Whether their knowledge and training will be enough to keep themselves, and their people, free will depend on the reluctantly selected wielder of the sword of Merlin.

Ever feel you're different from other people? For police officer Tessa Holly, it’s not a feeling; it’s a fact. She can change her body any way she chooses. She will never grow sick or old. Born a descendant of Ireland’s magical Tuatha dé Danann (Clan of Danu), Tessa expects to follow her clan’s Rules in all things—friendships, career, even marriage. But when her brother and a human girl are seized by enemies bent on stealing Danann longevity, the Rules don't help. To rescue the captives, Tessa must rely on a man no one trusts as her guide through cairns, castles and cathedrals of Ireland and Britain in search of her people’s greatest treasures. Along the way, she discovers a power greater than all others. If she uses it, she could save—or destroy—her people.

The Halloween the Town Will Never Forget!The Galvin family has the least normal household in the sleepy beach community of Marston since Uncle Bob came to stay after their mom died. The family's secrets are hard to keep hidden from the people in town who whisper about strange happenings at their house. Life becomes very interesting for Bobby Galvin as his unusual uncle embarks on a quest to prove an ancient legend about nearby Gunners Cove, rumored for centuries to be the place pirates hid their fortunes.A secret mission and an exciting search lead Bobby and his uncle to an astonishing discovery one Halloween night as they learn the true meaning of The Legend of Gunners Cove.

Arnie Esterer, the father of vinifera in OhioArnie Esterer and Tim Hubbard were taking a big gamble back in 1968 when they started their vineyard and winery. With guidance from Dr. Konstantin Frank, Arnie and Tim built a winery that has led the way for the next generation of European-style vinifera growers and winemakers in Ohio. Markko Vineyard did not happen overnight. It was years of trials and errors, successes and failures and much collaboration and learning. This is the story of one remarkable man, Arnie Esterer, and his passion to produce only the best vinifera wines in the Conneaut Creek region of the Lake Erie appellation where the critics said it could not be done. Clifford Annis captures the untold story of Arnie Esterer, the “father of vinifera in Ohio” and Markko Vineyard in Arnie’s own words.

A Greek South African woman living in New York, USA, Tina Thomson really is a citizen of the world. As a mother, well-travelled businesswoman, public speaker and executive coach, Tina is a natural storyteller. And what a story she has! From escaping an abusive marriage, whistleblowing and death threats to great personal and professional triumphs, Tina’s faith and resilience shine through. Her purpose has never wavered: to love, empower and evoke excellence in others. Her inspiration? Nicholas, her miracle son. “Tina, I raise my glass to you. This is a masterpiece and maybe one day we can see it on the silver screen. Thank you for giving us the permission to recognize the good souls that help us, call out the bad souls that block us, and use every asshole as a steppingstone to a brilliant tomorrow.” - Simon T. Bailey, CEO of Simon T. Bailey International. Cover: Artist – Nicolette Louverdis *** Designer – Holly Dunn hollydunndesign.com. www.tinasbook.com. www.tina-thomson.com.

Join Sir Gawain on his journey to seek the green chapel and battle the green knight who dwells there. Accepting the challenge of a Christmas game on behalf of his uncle, King Arthur, the young knight, Sir Gawain, leaves his home of Camelot and travels afar, finding board at a stately castle. Received by a hospitable Host, Sir Gawain finds refuge along with many tests and challenges along the way. His final challenge awaits at the green chapel, where he is to receive a deathly blow of the ax from the green knight. The greatest challenge of all is young Sir Gawain staying honest to himself.Jane England received an F in the children’s literature course. The only failing grade of her entire academic career was on a mid-term paper she wrote about the anonymous fourteenth-century poem “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.” Her professor at the time disagreed that the well-studied piece of British literature was also a work of children’s literature. Many great works of children’s literature demonstrate Joseph Campbell’s thesis of the mythical journey of the hero depicting the psychological and spiritual maturation necessary for human existence. “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” satisfies all the elements of Joseph Campbell’s thesis of the hero’s journey: the call to adventure, supernatural aid, crossing the threshold from the known to the unknown, beginning of transformation, aid from a helper, challenges and temptations, the revelation and the abyss, rebirth and transformation, atonement, and return to the known.Albeit, the anonymous fourteenth-century poem “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” as written did not lend itself easily to be read by children. Ultimately the mutually agreed upon decision was to rewrite a portion of the fourteenth-century work into the text of children’s literature following the structure of the hero’s journey and proving that the tale of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight can be children’s literature. Challenge accepted.On and off for many years beyond college, Jane continued rewriting the entire poem into a simplified form to appeal to children.

2014 MIDWEST BOOK AWARD GOLD MEDAL for CHILDREN'S FICTIONListed among 2014 BEST BOOKS FOR GIRLS by A MIGHTY GIRL.ODIN’S PROMISE is a historical novel for middle-grade readers, a story of the first year of German occupation of Norway in World War II as seen through the eyes of a young girl.Eleven-year-old Mari grew up tucked safely under the wings of her parents, grandma, and her older siblings. After Hitler’s troops invade Norway in Spring 1940, she is forced to grow beyond her “little girl” nickname to deal with harsh new realities. At her side for support and protection is Odin, her faithful elkhound.As the year progresses, Mari, her family, and her neighbors are drawn into the Norwegian underground resistance movement.“Readers will cheer for Mari as she discovers her inner strength – and the courage to help celebrate Norway’s spirit of resistance.” — Kathleen Ernst, author of American Girl’s Caroline Abbott series and Chloe Ellefson Mystery series. “Beautifully written, emotionally taut novel of one girl’s coming of age during war time.” — Gayle Rosengren