Alumni Bookshelf

Ancestry and heritage are important for our children and the purpose of this children’s book is to provide both in an inviting and mind provoking way. Rømmegrøt is known throughout the United States and Scandinavia as an old traditional food of our Scandinavian forefathers. The book provides a Rømmegrøt recipe with an engaging story about a young girl’s first cooking instructions to make this rich traditional dessert, Rømmegrøt. Follow her path to becoming a “Real Norwegian”. The story is presented in both English and Norwegian, allowing both children and adults the opportunity to learn the Norwegian language. Enjoy the story, learn Norwegian and try a totally different kind of pudding—Rømmegrøt! And always remember—Real Norwegians Eat Rømmegrøt!

Ancestry and heritage are important for our children and the purpose of this children’s book is to provide both in an inviting and mind provoking way. Lutefisk is known throughout the United States and Scandinavia as an old traditional food of our Scandinavian forefathers. The book provides a Lutefisk recipe with an enticing and humorous story about a young boy’s first acquaintance with this strange type of Cod fish. Follow his path to becoming a “Real Norwegian”. The story is presented in both English and Norwegian, allowing both children and adults the opportunity to learn the Norwegian language. Enjoy the story, learn Norwegian and try a totally different kind of fish—Lutefisk! And always remember—Real Norwegians Eat Lutefisk!

As Lillian builds a sandwich, she thinks about how each layer helps her pray.

Jaheem learns the importance of honoring his cultural roots. He is introduced to Kwanzaa as a family tradition. African American families gather together to celebrate their culture and heritage.

Ol’ Reliable is a bilingual illustrated story for all age groups! Parents will take delight in reading this engaging story aloud to their children who will love that friendly, helpful red car through his transformation from ruin. Older children will appreciate that three young men had the moxie and skills to restore Ol’ Reliable back to usefulness. The oldest “kids” will enjoy the glance into yesteryear, recalling family stories of days gone by and seeing this Model T rescued from the grove and given a new lease on life. And everyone will cheer the heroic team effort at the end! To purchase a copy, email: gallorojo@netins.net

Love and courage conquer fear. Splash/Chapoteo is a bilingual children’s story book about a little duck who is very afraid of water. He however confronts his fear when love and courage move him into action in a moment of great need. This bilingual children’s book with large delightful illustrations is suited for both home and classroom use.  Who does not have a fear, especially when we are children? Generally, we all are afraid of something. Parents can equip their children to help them handle their fears in a loving way, but we all must eventually face our fears. To purchase a copy, email: gallorojo@netins.net

Florecita is a young spiny cactus who is unhappy and lonely, because she is not like the other desert plants near by. She learns, however, to celebrate who she is by showing kindness to those in need. Children often judge themselve harshly as they view themselves as different from other children, in looks, ability, and friendships. This bilingual children’s book with large delightful illustrations, teaches the reader/listener to resist comparing themselves with others and to find true value in showing love and kindness. To purchase a copy, email: gallorojo@netins.net

A simple chapter book written in English with setting in Seoul, South Korea. Sixth grade students at Seoul Foreign School attempt to solve the mystery of who is robbing homes of school families. It all happens on the school campus and under the watchful eye of Yazdee the Magpie bird. Interest: 8 to 12 year olds.

“Drop the Puck, It’s Hockey Season,” an early reader chapter book released Memorial Day 2015 tells the tale of two brothers, Blaine and Cullen. On and off the ice, they have deep love for the game and each other! Cullen is the all-star team captain and his brother Blaine is the team manager. Not just another children’s book about hockey, it is a new children’s book that is modernizing children’s literature. In our book Blaine, who has Down syndrome, is clearly the “unsung hero” of the team. Blaine’s leadership and unselfish actions speak louder than any textual words. Young readers are able to learn respect and a better understanding for the challenges individuals with special needs face on a daily basis. The brothers join Rylee and Rosee, America’s favorite referees, in game day adventures that will have elementary school aged readers laughing out loud, fist bumping the pages and cheering for more stories.

“The Official Adventures Series” continues with Blaine and Cullen joining their neighbor and Pee Wee teammate, Luke, as they celebrate the Minnesota State High School Hockey Tournament with a blizzard of fun along with traditional hockey hair and handshakes. “Drop the Puck, Shoot for the Cup” will be released in October 2015. Referees Rylee and Rosee return with a storyline focus that deepens advocacy for special needs and education with a heart-warming tale of the dangers of checking from behind injuries with a former player being wheel chair bound. The story brings in two girl characters, Avery and Paisley, who make the boy’s team, and help the Pee Wees win a state championship. The young hockey friends create more fun than you can shake a hockey stick at as they build a snow sculpture resembling “Mount Rushmore”. They declare their version, “Mount State of Hockey” with the likenesses of Minnesota superstar hockey players T.J. Oshie, Zach Parise and Coach Herb Brooks!