Brain Launch & Other Perfectly Awesome Stories

Brain Launch & Other Perfectly Awesome Stories is a collection of short fiction meant specifically for middle-grade readers. In each story, the reader learns about one quality that lifelong learners will apply through high school and beyond, and they are always exemplified in everyday situations. The qualities that these ten short stories focus on are: Inquirer, Knowledgeable, Risk-Taker, Communicator, Principled, Open-Minded, Thinker, Caring, Balanced, and Reflective. Based on the International Baccalaureate Learner Profile, the ten stories with their accompanying qualities will interest readers as entertaining fiction as well as showcase qualities seen in model students. Jerry Chris, Ed.D has taught English, Humanities, and Theory of Knowledge in Southern California, specializing in the extremes of the student ability spectrum-the gifted and talented (GATE) as well as the reluctant and disadvantaged learners. He has authored seven educational books and two novels. He served as International Baccalaureate Coordinator at Mission Viejo High School, from 1985 until 2008. In 1991 he became the first president of the California International Baccalaureate Organization (CIBO), the prototype for all the sub-regional groups in I.B. In 1998 he co-authored a senate bill which still provides funds for teacher training within the California I.B. organization. He also serves as an I.B. site visitor, evaluating I.B. school applicants, Theory of Knowledge workshop leader, training both new and experienced TOK teachers, TOK examiner, school exam inspector, and applicant school consultant. Among his many awards are three-time Mission Viejo teacher of the year, California-Orange Region (GATE) Teacher of the Year, Disney Creative Challenge County Teacher of the Year, and the Crystal Apple from NBC. At the 2004 annual California Gifted Conference, he was given the "Award of Recognition" for a career of dedication to Gifted education.