"The author, Lea Schizas, really captured the heart of high school boys in her book, “Bubba and Giganto: Against All Odds.” Through her "hip" dialog I could understand their fears and hopes to fit in. Because bullying is such a big problem in schools, it's important that through this book kids can start to understand some of the root causes. More importantly..." Read the whole review:

Review by Kathy Stemke

Newest review:

This story is also exceptionally moving at times while highlighting the benefits of true friendship. The issue of bullying the author focuses on in this book is a common problem prevalent in most schools nowadays and should be dealt somehow by both parents and teachers. Therefore, this book should be read by families and educators as it might help them understand kids better. Lea tries to analyze the characters inner feelings by offering readers a close look into their behavior. This is an interesting read that caters to all the family.

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Bubba & Giganto:

Odds Against Them

by Lea Schizas

      I hate my name, Bubba, because
it gives bullies an excuse to start on
me, especially when I start to a new
school. So what do I do the first day I
step off the bus? Bump into the
biggest kid there.
       However, instead of slugging
me, Giganto, as I call David,
becomes my friend. Are we ever
different: quiet, non-confrontational
Giganto and tough with a temper me.
But David has a secret -- a
dangerous secret.
       Bullying Giganto seems the
norm at school, until I step in. After
a few exchanges of words between
the bullies and me and a soccer
challenge, Giganto's deadly secret
will be revealed.


      The book can be ordered from the
4RV Store.  

Articles on bullying

Stories by: William Koonce, Eric Keith, Marcia Berneger, and Charles Mossop

REVIEW:

 In Romania, in the heart of the Carpathian   Mountains, lies a huge castle. Once, the castle  belonged to a powerful noble family--and memories of their deeds and hatred for the church linger on. Some say the castle is haunted. Others doubt any sort of haunt, but the castle has been unlucky for centuries. When a group of Americans receive invitations to visit the castle on a day trip, though, it seems like simply a fun adventure. Until, that is, some of those legends of the past begin to take on a very real, if sometimes incomplete, life.

 Authors William Koonce, Eric Keith, Marcia Berneger, and Charles Mossop (under the direction of editor Lea Schizas) combine to deliver the story of the fateful visit to the castle of the one-time ruler, Lord Erdley. Each tells a different part of the story, from the viewpoints of various individuals on the tour, and each sheds a different light onto the fateful events that created those legends--and that continue to linger to affect the present day.

 In 'Arminius' William Koonce tells of an assassin tasked to make a kill while in Romania. The castle of Lord Erdley seems like the perfect spot--secluded, and in a country that most of the world ignores. But plenty of pitfalls await both the assassin and his intended victim.

 In 'The Mark,' Eric Keith tells of the frightful mark that the original Lord Erdely carries--and of a forgotten use of the castle in the relatively recent past--as a mental hospital. How could the ancient curse have changed mental patients, and what does this mean to the visitors?

 In 'A Mother's Love,' Marcia Berneger shows us a mother and daugher on vacation as the mother attempts to deal with an inheritance back in Romania. At first, the castle seems a pleasant diversion, a chance to defuse the ongoing conflict between mother and teenage daughter. But when teen Samantha becomes fascinated by the castle, her mother fears that something dangerous might be happening.

 In 'Lord Erdely's Curse' by Charles Mossop, the tragic events of centuries earlier seem doomed to play themselves out again--to the destruction of several of the castle's visitors. When storms cuts communications with the rest of the world, the howl of a wolf can be frightening indeed.

 The four authors combine to sustain a strong mood of danger, adventure, and unknown possibilities. Editor Lea Schizas ensures both quality writing and a compelling world where magic touches ordinary people, and where nothing is quite what it seems. Fans of contemporary fantasy will definitely want to grab this one.

Four Stars

The mystery continues with four more spine-tingling stories by: Carol A. Cole, Kristin Johnson, Kevin R. Tipple, Christina Barber, Seana Graham, Donna Amato

     I Don't Want A Haircut

by Lea Schizas

COMING SOON