The Koolura Series: YA Fantasy at It’s Best
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The Koolura Series: YA Fantasy at It’s Best

ByMichael Thal

      Twenty-four years ago author Michael Thal began what would become The Koolura Series. His prime motivation at the time was to get his daughter Channie excited about reading. Then in the sixth grade, she promised to read the book upon its publication. Good for her word, even though she was twenty-eight years…

Two Picture Books on Deafness
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Two Picture Books on Deafness

ByMichael Thal

Deafness is an invisible disability leaving its victims isolated within a hearing environment where oral language dominates the social, political, and entertainment worlds. Compared with the general population, there are few people touched by deafness, so the majority has no idea of its emotional impact and social effect on its victims. Myron Uhlberg knows better….

Koolura and the Mayans Wins Gold at the eLit Book Awards
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Koolura and the Mayans Wins Gold at the eLit Book Awards

ByMichael Thal

On April 16, 2018 the 9thAnnual eLit Book Awards announced its winners for 2018. There were 65 award categories including Historical Fiction, True Crime, and Autobiography/Memoir. Each category awarded three prizes—Gold, Silver, and Bronze. In the Juvenile/Young Adult Fiction category, Koolura and the Mayans won the Gold Prize! The eLit Book Awards is a global awards…

Pop’s 5 Favorite 2017 YA Books
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Pop’s 5 Favorite 2017 YA Books

ByMichael Thal

During 2017 Pop read and reviewed 32 YA books. Here are his five favorites with the #1 posted last. #5 Collide  The last day of spring break Anna (aka Annabelle) and younger brother Eric have the opportunity to go out for dinner with their parents. Eric wants Italian and Anna craves sushi. Mom tosses a…

A Loss for Words: The Story of Deafness in a Family
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A Loss for Words: The Story of Deafness in a Family

ByMichael Thal

Author Lou Ann Walker’s primary language is American Sign Language (ASL). Born to Deaf parents, it was her job to be the ears and voice for her family. Raised in Indiana during the early 1950s-60s, Walker eloquently writes about a loving family faced by an ignorant public to the problems inherent in deafness. Over twenty-three…

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Flying to the Fire: A YA Thriller

ByMichael Thal

Flying to the Fire is the second book in Elyse Salpeter’s Flying Series. The central character, Danny Anderson, a thirteen-year old deaf child with special gifts, has the unique talent of communicating with the souls of the dead. In the first book in the series, Flying to the Light, Danny is six when a crazy corrupt…

5 YA Books Critics Have Enjoyed
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5 YA Books Critics Have Enjoyed

ByMichael Thal

During these long summer days, it’s always nice to get out of the heat, sit down by the AC, sip ice-cold lemonade, and read a book. Below are five books by award-winning writer, Michael Thal. Goodbye Tchaikovsky Paperback: $9.99 IBook: $9.99 A violin virtuoso is plunged into a deaf world, necessitating him to adapt to…

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YA Fantasy About Life After Death

ByMichael Thal

Michael is a 17-year-old high school student whose only worries are tests, girls, and playing with his 6-year-old deaf brother, Danny. All of that changes when his parents are kidnapped and he and Danny must run for their lives when they are accused of being spies and murderers. Thus begins Elyse Salpeter’s riveting YA novel,…

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New Year’s Resolution: Read More…And Here’s Why

ByMichael Thal

What are you reading? It’s a simple question that could elicit a complex response and an exchange of ideas. It’s a question that can cut through all the tedious niceties and get right to the issue—the depth of your mind and that of your friend. This is our time of year for resolutions. “I’ll lose…