Hi everyone,
Welcome to Wanda Luthman’s Book Blog!
Today, I’m sharing with you not just another wonderful author, but a personal friend of mine, Judy McCluney, whom I’ve known for quite some time. We worked together for several years before both of us took different jobs, but we stayed in touch by meeting for lunch in the summer when I was off work. And guess what? The place we met not only had a delicious Chinese buffet but had been the location of Judy’s bookstore previously.
Then, a few years ago, we met again at a Book Fair! It’s always fun to met someone and become friends and then realize you have so much in common…not only our love of Psychology, but also our love of reading and writing! I’m so impressed with her books and I know you will be also.
Here’s Judy to tell us more about herself and the inspiration behind her latest book, Phoenix Revived
I’ve always loved Arizona, since I was a child in New York. Its striking rocks, canyons and deserts held my imagination even though I lived in Florida most of my life since age twelve. I finally visited Arizona many times from around 2002, when my son and his future wife went to school there.
Looking over Phoenix from a high point on South Mountain I saw the smoggy air that hung over the city. I learned that the rates of asthma were high there, which was sad considering that people long ago came there to breathe clean air. I also discovered that small farms grew crops in the city, even in some semi-industrial areas.
I thought of teens growing up in the working-class community of South Phoenix, of people who have been there for generations and of many new settlers and immigrants. I thought of teens who live there and the challenges they face where money is often tight, and where asthma rates are high. What kind of futures could talented young people there hope for and pursue?
I wanted to tell a story about several talented high school students and how they faced family, financial, health, and bias problems. I thought of the ancient myth of the city’s namesake, the legendary Phoenix bird, which rose from the ashes. This book brings these high school students, their families, friends, and community to life. I hope you enjoy reading Phoenix Revived.
Also, I’m excited to announce that Phoenix Revived has earned a 5-star review by the prestigious group, Reader’s Favorite!! See the review below
Reviewed by Jon Michael Miller for Readers’ Favorite In Phoenix Revived by Judy McCluney, classified as young adult reading, we meet a group of teens and parents living in South Phoenix where they must fight prejudice as regards immigration, and the environment as regards oil refineries. These are the big issues that add to the normal challenges of growing up. The protagonist is Sami, who has just moved to the area due to her dad having been transferred there in the Air Force. Sami is a breath of fresh air wherever she goes. She makes friends quickly, is full of energy, and cares about others. She is worried about her future because her parents will not be able to afford her college goal to become a veterinarian. She meets Robby on her first day at her new school, and they become an instant couple, together making a positive force as they fight some strong battles in their spheres.
“As an adult reading a young adult novel and as a lifelong teacher, Phoenix Revived is precisely the kind of book I wish youngsters were reading these days instead of books about monsters and dragons. The problems Sami, Robby, and their several friends must face are real ones—career blocks, discrimination, air pollution—yet these kids face them like young knights in shining armor. One of my favorite parts of this book is the song lyrics that pop up throughout. You see, Robbie (Sami’s other half) is an aspiring musician who faces some serious battles to reach his goal. I will buy this book for my grandkids, hoping they will adopt the enduring values of Sami, Robbie, and their compatriots at Kalima High. Phoenix Revived by Judy McCluney is exactly what young readers need these days“
Congratulations, Judy, on this wonderful review!
About my books How to Build a Human Being, and Snacks for Growing Strong:
Judy has loved sharing children’s books and writing most of her life. She read and created stories for her two children, recommended books to customers at her bookstore 30 years ago, and read stories to emotionally handicapped children. As a working single mother Judy looked for ways to stay healthy. She revised old recipes and tried new ones. She reviewed studies and positions by medical experts that underlined the importance of eating vegetables and fruit. She switched to a plant-based whole food diet and felt much better. Healthy eating became a passion.
One of Judy’s grandchildren was a picky eater, but a great builder with toy blocks. He inspired her to write a story that uses the idea of blocks to show how foods really are building blocks for growing a child’s body. She brought that story to life with real photos of food “blocks,” vivid pictures of a child wanting to grow strong, and hands-on food projects that children can make. As well as the story, Judy wrote a companion book of food activities. She continues to enjoy and to share healthy food facts and cooking in her home community in Cocoa, Florida. She is fortunate to have a husband who is great at making salads. She also gives thanks for her children and grandchildren who are great critics and tasters. She hopes everyone will be able to take part in making food that delights and benefits them. For more information Judy invites you to read her blog and other posts at her website http://www.judykidsfoodie.com.
Thank you, Judy, for sharing your writing journey with us and especially about your latest book, Phoenix Revived. I know it will be enjoyed by everyone who reads it.
Thank you, my blog followers, for stopping by today! I hope you pick up a copy today and share with your young reader friends and relatives
As always, likes, comments, and shares are appreciated
Stay safe, everyone
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