.​Awards and Reviews​

​ Book and Journalism Awards

Mai Ya's Long Journey

• .1st place award for juvenile non-fiction -Council for Wisconsin Writers's, Inc.
• .1st place award for juvenile non-fiction - Midwest Independent Publisher's Association
• .Selected for inclusion in Cooperative Children's Book Center publication Choices ( University of Wisconsin)
• .Selected as  Book Bowl read for 5th grade readers - Madison Metropolitan School District

Gaylord Nelson, Champion for Our Earth

• .1st place for juvenile non-fiction - Next Generation Awards
• .Chosen for "Read on Wisconsin" state reading program

​Sterling North and the Story of Rascal

• .Gold award for non-fiction chapter book - Moonbeam Children's Book Award

Beyond Bail- Center for Investigative Journalism

•  2019 Gold Excellence in Journalism award for public service story -  Milwaukee Press Club

Service Award

• ​William T. Evjue Award - 2015 - For Support of Youth Journalism

Journalism Activities

• Volunteer at Simpson Street Free Press, helping young students with writing and academic skills.

---

​ 

​
​Reviews

​Mai Ya's Long Journey
Chippewa Valley Book Festival Authors in Schools Review
Eau Claire, WI
 October 31, 2016
Re: Mai Ya's Long Journey
Thanks so much for being part of our Authors in the Schools program.  As I expected, you got great reviews from all your schools.   Teachers said students found you fascinating, and were especially thrilled that Mai Ya came with you!  Others described their students as being intrigued and enthralled.
 
I’m sure you realize how motivating it is for students when a real, live author comes to talk to them.  You make a lasting impression and play a significant role in showing the power of story and in creating life-long readers.
 
Please know how much I appreciate your contribution to young readers, both in creating wonderful biographies and sharing the
stories in person.

Sterling North and His Friend Rascal

• New York Parenting Magazine - A Boy and His Raccoon

Terri Schlichenmeyer
"..an interesting supplement to the classic tale [Rascal]."

• Amazon

"Excellent background of a great man."
​
Jews in Wisconsin

• Plain Talk: "A Must Read About the Jewish Experience in Wisconsin"

by Dave Zweifel, Editor Emeritus
The Capital Times
July 11, 2016

• Isthmus - Who Knew There Were Jews in Wisconsin -

 Linda Falkenstien.
"Jews in Wisconsin will enlighten you about the history of one of the state's least visible groups."
May 26, 201

• The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - listed as top 100 books for your summer reading. - May, 2016
• Amazon -:" Jews in Wisconsin traces the migration of Jews from Germany and Eastern Europe, some driven from their homelands by persecution and others who came in search of expanded opportunities. Through detailed historical information and personal accounts, this book brings to life the trials and triumphs of Wisconsin Jews and the adjusted to life here ....."  ( further reviews from readers on Amazon)

Further comments

Dr. Tim Crain - Director of Seton Hill University's National Catholic Center for Holocaust Education ( NCCHE)
"The book is excellent and I enjoyed it immensely ...Your story is brilliant in describing the Jewish experience in the western frontier ( Wisconsin) as well as how it fits into the larger framework of the Jewish American experience.."

Laurie Schneider - great granddaughter of Alvin Garber
" I am so grateful for your research and the Wisconsin Historical Society for keeping these people, places, and stories alive."