SOT’s 2018 Top 20 Back To School Gift Ideas

Updated on January 28, 2023

By Christopher Cussat

September is just around the corner, which means it’s time once again to gear up with the hottest new essentials for back-to-school.

Now that your kids and grandkids are leaving the nest, give your teens what they need to spruce up their new life in college. Whether your child is going into their freshman year or starting graduate school, we have a list of recommended school supplies for their dorm or apartment.

Also, just a special thank you to those of who also sent in your back-to-school gift ideas and suggestions for 2018. If you’re looking for a gift idea, our picks below feature a wide variety of gift ideas in categories such as home, fashion, beauty, family, technology, and fitness:

Help Your Executor Before You Leave: The Book You Didn’t Know You Needed by James Metz

New Book Highlights the Importance of Preparing for End of Life Before It’s Too Late

Author James Metz’s “Help Your Executor Before You Leave” Details Lists and Instructions to Ease the Overwhelming Prospect of Death

 James Metz was helping his executor prepare his personal affairs when he realized that he wanted to share the importance of what he had learned throughout the process: the seriousness of planning for when we leave this earth, now.

In “Help Your Executor Before You Leave: The Book You Didn’t Know You Needed” Metz outlines specific instructions and details lists to enable readers to help their executors while they are still living.

Covering topics such as preparing a box of vital legal and financial documents to choosing an executor and outlining letters to loved ones, the book focuses on how preparing these documents before they are needed can help alleviate some of the concerns at the end of life.

Metz understands that preparing for the end of life can be stressful on anyone, but the more we prepare in advance, the less stress there will be on us and our loved ones near the end of our lives and after we pass.

“Thinking about and dealing with death is a difficult subject for many. Some may neglect the process that with just a little pre-planning can make life down the road when things are in the thick of difficulty much easier,” Metz said. “In reality, death could happen to us at any time, so being prepared in case the worst does happen can help our loved ones move forward with assurance.”

In “Help Your Executor Before You Leave,” readers can learn today what small steps they can take to help prepare for the inevitable so their loved ones can be eased during a difficult time. 

“Help Your Executor Before You Leave: The Book You Didn’t Know You Needed”
By: James Metz
ISBN: 978-1-4808-5568-7 (sc); 978-1-4808-5570-0 (hc); 978-1-4808-5569-4 (e)
Available at the Archway Publishing Online Bookstore and Amazon


Screen Shot 2018 09 09 at 3.26.18 PMCrisp Green

CRISPY GREEN’S EYE-POPPING, NEW LOOK

The Makers of Crispy Fruit Freeze-Dried Snacks Launch Powerful New Brand and Packaging

The leading freeze-dried fruit snack in the nation just got a new look, designed to get your attention and better reflect its wholesome, single ingredient – 100% fruit!  The bold brand color palette and added “focus on fruit” was a collaborative design effort by Crispy Green’s brand and packaging design firms, Fastlane Communications, LLC and Foerstel Design, LLC.

The brand makeover includes a new logo, logo icon, typography and photography treatments, primary and secondary color palette and supporting messaging platform to support its active, healthy lifestyle positioning.

The new brand launch also includes a completely redesigned website (www.crispygreen.com). Consumers will now be able to zero in on the information they seek – quickly and easily. For example, they’ll be able to find a store in their area that sells Crispy Fruit and instantly discover which items are in stock through the state-of-the-art store locator.

Crispy Green’s new packaging will be rolling out in stores throughout June and beyond as it replenishes orders in over 5000 retail stores that currently carry Crispy Green today.  

All Crispy Fruit snacks are available in convenient, single-serving “grab & go” bags (MSRP: $1.49 each) or a “family” six-pack that includes six, single-serving bags (MSRP: $7.99). Each bag provides approximately one serving of fruit and 55 calories or less per bag. For more on Crispy Fruit and nutritional labeling information, visit www.crispygreen.com/products/apple.


Whatever It Takes
Life Lessons from Degrassi and Elsewhere in the World of Music and Television
by Stephen Stohn with Christopher Ward

FROM KD LANG TO DEGRASSI: WHATEVER IT TAKES IS
PART MEMOIR AND PART MANUAL FOR SELF-AWARENESS

Beverly Hills 90210Boy Meets WorldDegrassi… teen-focused soap operas became all the rage in the 90s and none is more associated with famous names than the Degrassi franchise, whose alums and guest stars included Drake, Nina Dobrev, Kevin Smith and Alannis Morrisette. And nobody has been more integral to both the success of and inspiration from the various incarnations of Degrassi than Executive Producer Stephen Stohn.

In his recently released book, WHATEVER IT TAKES: Life Lessons from Degrassi and Elsewhere in the World of Music and Television, Stohn shares stories from the past 40 years of rock music and television, including his experiences shaping the careers of The Cowboy Junkies and k.d. lang along the way. He is also the co-writer (with longtime writing partner and co-author Christopher Ward) of Degrassi’s famous theme song, “Whatever It Takes.”

“Whatever It Takes”— both a mantra and the theme song to the Degrassi television franchise — is also the title of iconic powerhouse music and television producer Stephen Stohn‘s new memoir written with longtime collaborator and Juno award-winning songwriter Christopher Ward.

WHATEVER IT TAKES: Life Lessons from Degrassi and Elsewhere in the World of Music and Television is a star-studded, rock ’n’ roll trip through generations of Canadian show business from the small screen to the silver screen, from vinyl to platinum, and from dimly-lit performance clubs to sell-out stadium tours.

Inside, Stohn–who has been at the heart of the entertainment industry for more than forty years–gives readers a VIP Pass to the roller-coaster ride of a lifetime, sharing priceless experience and unique insights into how dreams are turned into reality. His stories are deftly woven into a philosophy of struggle and self-belief that shape his understanding of success. His is the story of an exploring mind, an adventurous pursuit of experience, crushing failures, and the willingness to see things in a different way.

Peppered with cameos by an array of superstar celebrities who started from the bottom and now grace the world’s stages, WHATEVER IT TAKES is part memoir and part workbook for those of us striving to reach for the heavens and be our best selves. In short, it is a Zen manual for self-awareness and personal growth disguised as a trip down memory lane from backstage to the backlot.


Audio-Technica

Graduate to Great Sound with Audio-Technica’s Best-In-Class Turntable, Wireless Sonic Sport® and Wireless Noise-Cancelling Solid Bass® Headphones

The Class of 2018 graduates have worked hard and deserve to be rewarded with a gift that lets them hear their favorite music at its best. Audio-Technica’s AT-LP1240-USB XP professional-quality DJ turntable, SonicSport ATH-SPORT70BT wireless in-ear headphones and Solid Bass ATH-WS990BT wireless noise-cancelling headphones make ideal gifts for grads who wants to enjoy great sound as they go on to college or start their careers.

The new AT-LP1240-USB XP (US$499.00) is a pro-quality turntable that’s rugged enough for DJ use, making it a dependable performer for home listening. Its sleek matte-black and silver design fits into any music system, and it comes with a pre-mounted AT-XP5 phono cartridge and a switchable phono pre-amp so it’s ready to use with a wide variety of powered speakers and A/V components. The AT-LP1240-USB XP also offers a USB output for converting LPs into digital music files.

The AT-LP1240-USB XP is designed to deliver exceptional music reproduction with features including 33-1/3, 45 or 78 RPM operation, a direct-drive motor for unwavering speed stability, a tonearm with adjustable tracking force and anti-skating, a cast aluminum platter and much more. It comes with a dust cover, cables and accessories.

Fitness-conscious grads can enjoy outstanding sound while exercising – or anywhere, with Audio-Technica’s new ATH-SPORT70BT Bluetooth® wireless in-ear headphones. Available in black and rose gold, the ATH-SPORT70BT (SRP: US$129.00) features a comfortable, secure ear hook design that fits perfectly and stays in place even during active use.

The headphones’ in-line mic and controls let wearers answer calls and control music playback, and the switchable ambient noise hear-through function gives users the choice of hearing the sounds around them for safer use outdoors. The headphones are IPX5 waterproof certified and washable and come with Comply™ foam eartips with SweatGuard™ technology (size M), and standard XS, S, M and L-sized eartips and a hard carrying case. The ATH-SPORT70BT’s battery provides six hours of continuous use and can be recharged using the supplied 1-foot USB cable.

Audio-Technica’s Solid Bass ATH-WS990BT wireless noise-cancelling over-ear headphones feature large-diameter 53 mm Deep Motion Drivers, aluminum enclosures and other refinements to dynamic, immersive music reproduction with powerful low frequencies and detailed midrange and treble. The ATH-WS990BT (US$249.00) utilizes aptX® technology for the best-possible audio performance over Bluetooth transmission. In addition, the headphones can reproduce Hi-Res Audio when used with the included audio cable.

The ATH-WS990BT offers a moderate level of active noise cancellation (ANC) that provides a quieter sonic background. The ANC circuitry also includes a hear-through function lets listeners more easily hear important announcements (at train stations, airports and so on) and conversations. The headphones provide up to 30 hours of operation and can be recharged using the included USB cable. The ATH-WS990BT’s rotate-flat design and carrying pouch allow easy storage.

Click here for Audio-Technica’s AT-LP1240-USB XP, ATH-SPORT70BT and ATH-WS990BT product profiles!

Celebrating over 50 years of audio excellence, Audio-Technica is a recognized leader in the development and manufacture of high-quality personal and professional audio equipment. Founded in Japan in 1962 by Hideo Matsushita, the company made its name by manufacturing state-of-the-art phonograph cartridges and tonearms. Today, Audio-Technica is a worldwide group of companies devoted to creating high-performance microphones, headphones, wireless systems, mixers, turntables, phono cartridges and other electronic products.

A reputation for quality, durability, performance and value has made Audio-Technica products the first choice for many of today’s top musical artists and audio engineers, and for discerning listeners everywhere. Drawing from its audiophile heritage, Audio-Technica remains dedicated to providing music enthusiasts with great-sounding, innovative audio gear, including the award-winning QuietPoint  active noise-cancelling headphones, popular ATH-M50x monitor headphones, versatile USB microphones, and new Hi-Res Audio headphones and high-fidelity gaming headsets. Learn more at www.audio-technica.com.


The Handbook for Americans, Revised Edition is an essential reference guide for every American to the United States and its tradition of freedoms and responsibilities. Now, more than ever, Americans are faced with economic, environmental and philosophical challenges that require a strong response. When we ask ourselves, “What does it mean to be an American? What do we stand for?” we are in fact casting about for the resources and traditions to enable us to meet today’s challenges.

Great American Humor is a collection of over 1000 witty and funny quotes and one-liners from a wide selection of famous and not-so-famous Americans–writers, actors, comedians, politicians, personalities, and more. Among the hundreds of contributors included are Mark Twain, Bette Midler, Lewis Grizzard, Dave Barry, P.J. O’Rourke, Dorothy Parker, Phyllis Diller, Robert Frost, Milton Berle and many, many others.

Both books are distributed by Penguin Random House.


Never Forgotten Apparel

Ethical, American Made Fashion That Gives Back to Firefighters/Homeless Vets

Never Forgotten Apparel is a new fashion line  that  gives 20% of total sale to non-profits and 50% to individual homeless veterans and firefighters in need. Does that make their margins thin? Of course. But giving back is more important than bank accounts. 

Never Forgotten Apparel is based in Los Angeles and made (knitted, cut, sewn) in their headquarters (not outsourced to Asia)!

Learn more about Never Forgotten Apparel’s “Designed for Good” efforts:

  • The men’s line features graphic Ts, bomber jackets and hoodies here and each purchase gives 20% of sales to We Honor Veterans nonprofit and to the LA Fire Department Foundation (future orgs to come). 
  • #10ForThem Movement: Purchase a “Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way” t-shirt for $19.95, and $10 is donated to former Iron Man competitor Will Guimaraes of 58B Firehouse, an off duty LA firefighter with a rare disease similar to Leukemia called Aplastic Anemia (often caused by exposure to Benzene and burning plastic) not covered by his insurance . Read about him in this article here.
  • Founded by Iranian immigrant/refugee (now a U.S. citizen) Adam Khoda, who launched HOOKA STYLE at age 13, which was worn by Dr. Dre on his album Concrete Roots. Learn more from his bio here.

The Sad but True  Facts:

– Homeless veterans in the City of LA was up by 20% in 2017 where the count of unsheltered was 42,828 and sheltered homeless was 14,966 (source: Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority)

– On any given night, more than 107,000 Veterans are without shelter and lack basic healthcare. (We Honor Veterans)

– As of June 2017, 70% of America’s firefighters are volunteers and 85% of the nation’s fire departments are all or mostly volunteer. (National Fire Association (NFA)) 

– Nationwide, volunteer fire departments save municipalities, and taxpayers, $139.8 billion per year in firefighting costs, according to a 2014 report (NFA).


ThermAvant Burnout

Last year, you may have read about the University of Missouri aerospace engineer who developed the popular LEXO travel mug. The designers are back with a brand-new mug with improved cooling time, cleaner lid, a lifetime guarantee and a new name — and all made right here in the U.S. with U.S. and imported components.

ThermAvant International — founded by C.W. LaPierre Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Bill Ma — recently released another breakthrough product on the portable beverage market.

Meet Burnout, the temperature-regulating travel mug guaranteed to quickly cool hot beverages such as coffee or tea to a drinkable zone of 140 degrees Fahrenheit within minutes and keep it there for hours — a quickness and longevity unmatched by competitors.

The key improvements for Burnout are faster cooling times, a new lid that limits residue buildup on the lip, and assembly of the mugs has moved from China to the U.S. But the biggest improvement is the lifetime guarantee and the individual serialization of each mug. which utilizes serial numbers unique to the mug to allow ThermAvant to track any burnout mug and provide the best service.

The name invokes exactly what the mug is intended to do — take the burn out of the user’s first sip. The Burnout mug utilizes Ma’s phase-change material (PCM) called HeatZorb, which is vacuum sealed between multiple layers of stainless steel. It is the same technology that is used in the LEXO further refined and perfected in the Burnout.

The material is charged at ThermAvant’s headquarters in Columbia, Mo., and is in a solid state in the mug. The heat of the beverage turns HeatZorb into a liquid, allowing it to absorb the extra heat and store it for release throughout the day, keeping the beverage warm for hours on end.

To read more about the mug and the engineer behind it, please visit the website here.


AROUSED: The History of Hormones and How They Control Just About Everything by Dr. Randi Hutter Epstein

In AROUSED [W. W. Norton & Company], Randi Hutter Epstein, MD takes readers on a fascinating tour of the unique history and science behind one of medicine’s most important discoveries—hormones—and our quest to understand and control them. Chapter by chapter, topic by topic, with curiosity and wit, she explores the field of endocrinology’s most unusual and important scientific discoveries, beginning with the nineteenth-century medical practitioners who started researching the chemical-secreting glands in our bodies.

In her book, Dr. Epstein discusses the:

  • greatest medical advancements to emerge from hormone research: the ability to accurately measure hormones.  For most of medical history, doctors couldn’t actually measure them; treatments were based on educated guesses
  • compelling details of the false “cures” that were peddled 
  • dangerous missteps that were made along the way
  • lifesaving discoveries made by talented and dedicated medical professionals—many of them women
  • famous Leopold and Loeb murder trial that played off the 1920s notion that criminality could be linked to hormones
  • “pioneering” use of vasectomies as a male rejuvenation treatment
  • use of human growth hormone to “cure” shortness
  • tragic realization, decades after they are first used, that hormones gleaned from the body aren’t necessarily safer than those made in a lab

Randi Hutter Epstein, MD, MPH, the author of Get Me Out, is an adjunct professor at Columbia University, a lecturer at Yale University, and a writer-in-residence at Yale School of Medicine.


Medical Marijuana, Inc. and Peak Health

Are you interested in trying CBD but don’t want to consume cannabis (marijuana)? 

Medical Marijuana, Inc. has partnered with Peak Health to sell the first non-cannabis cannabidiol (CBD) extracted from Humulus Kriya, a unique form of the hops parent plant. 

This CBD was first discovered in a remote area of India by Dr. Bomi Joseph who spent over a decade looking for a non-cannabis option. Many plants have CBD in them, such as the pepper plant, but with most, the amount of CBD in them is so low it’s barely traceable. With this variety of the Humulus plant, not only is it high in CBD, but it also has strong bioavailability, meaning that the CBD is more effective at traveling to the receptors in your brain needed to feel the therapeutic benefits than hemp or marijuana-derived CBD.

This is also different from the hops plant used to make beer, Humulus Lupulus, which does not contain CBD in any significant concentration.

The product, known to its manufacturers as ImmunAG™ will be sold by Medical Marijuana, Inc. and its subsidiary HempMeds as “Real Scientific Humulus Oil” RSHO- K.


Aura and Ooma Home Security

Aura is a smart home monitoring system that offers users a full view into their home without the use of invasive cameras. The technology uses WiFi Motion to monitor the disruption of wireless signals caused by movement, and alerts homeowners to when and where motion occurs via mobile app. The starter kit comes with two Aura beacons ($199) that simply plug into the wall and sync with your smartphone. Users can also purchase up to 3 additional beacons for expanded coverage ($99 each).

Ooma, Inc. is a smart communications platform offering a home security solution that delivers a full range of wireless security sensors and will soon be releasing a smart video camera. The system is a highly affordable and easy DIY solution for customers, giving them all the tools necessary to protect their own homes. Ooma Home Security’s unique features include remote 911, which can be used to automatically transmit your home address to emergency responders, and instant alerts available 24/7 via the Ooma Home Security mobile app.


Waterpik’s Sidekick

The Sidekick from Waterpik has turned out to be an important item for a growing number of folks who need, or want to water floss when they are traveling. It’s as powerful as the standard Waterpik water flossers, but its genius design allows the unit to fold up into a compact little case. It’s simply adorable!

New Waterpik® Sidekick™ Water Flosser is Scene Stealer of Oral Care; Proven Performance for Anytime, Anywhere Water Flossing

Screen Shot 2018 09 09 at 3.41.46 PM

The all-new Waterpik® Sidekick™ Water Flosser grabs the spotlight, offering all the oral health benefits of a full-sized device in an ultra-compact, collapsible package created for portability. Perfect for healthy people who have things to do and places to be, Sidekick™ tags along on vacation, travels to the office or school, stores in small spaces, and adds a little fun to oral health care routines.

Trend-seekers and gadget lovers will find appeal in the collapsible design, but there’s nothing gimmicky about the functionality of this Water Flosser. Transforming from a cube-like shape into what looks like a scaled down unit, Sidekick™ offers full-sized performance and water capacity for 60 seconds of flossing at a turn.

Developed by the engineers at Waterpik®, Sidekick™ assembles in a snap and disassembles just as quickly for storage in a drawer, handbag, or briefcase. Sidekick™ also tucks inside an included, zip-up, water-resistant travel pouch to catch drips.

There is nothing else like Sidekick™ in the marketplace. Sidekick may well become standard travel gear, just like a toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, and shaver! 

Screen Shot 2018 09 09 at 3.43.48 PM

Size-conscious Sidekick™ weighs just over a pound and comes in three contemporary color combinations: white with chrome accents, white with rose gold accents, and black with copper accents. Other features include:

  • 5×7 inch (ish) portability
  • 5 pressure settings with sliding pressure control
  • Swivel handled flossing stylus with tip
  • 60 seconds of water capacity
  • Dual-function water reservoir that flips for travel and tidy storage
  • Water-resistant, zippered travel case in charcoal fabric
  • Global voltage compatible for domestic events or world tours

Powered by the same patented Waterpik® technology in full-sized, countertop units, the Sidekick™ Water Flosser is more than a pretty face. Sidekick™ removes harmful plaque and bacteria between teeth, in hard-to-reach areas of the mouth, and below the gumline.

The Waterpik® Water Flosser is widely recommended by dentists and dental hygienists. Proven effective by more than 70 clinical research studies, the Waterpik® Water Flosser: 

  • Removes up to 99.9% of plaque from treated areas.
  • Is up to 50% more effective for improving gum health vs. string floss
  • Helps prevent tooth decay and future dental work

Adoring fans can purchase the Waterpik® Sidekick™ Water Flosser for $129.99 at Amazon.com and Waterpik.com.

And for the best water flossing experience, users will be able to download the new “Waterpik® 14 Day Challenge” app.  They’ll receive how-to-use information and inspiration to help create a healthy habit for life. Water Pik can also be found on Facebook and Twitter.


Robert Rose Inc. Publishing FALL 2018 Releases

THE COMPLETE INDIAN INSTANT POT® COOKBOOK 130 Traditional and Modern Recipes Gone are the days when preparing Indian food just seemed too intimidating or for weekends only. Cooking Indian food has never been this approachable, fast or easy! Gorgeous photography with delectable and accessible recipesChandra Ram, Chicago

BEST OF BRIDGE WEEKDAY SUPPERS: All-New Easy Everyday Recipes The Best of Bridge ladies (established in 1975 with a group of 8 female friends) are back with another bestseller and 175 simple recipes with gourmet results for every night of the week. Best of Bridge

5-INGREDIENT INSTANT POT® COOKBOOK: 150 Easy, Quick & Delicious Recipes Dinner is about to get even easier now that you can cook mouthwatering meals in your Instant Pot® with five ingredients or less. Marilyn Haugen, Wisconsin

WHEN A CHILD HAS DIABETES With its friendly, approachable style, this comprehensive and supportive guide will help parents and children learn the hands-on skills needed for at-home diabetes care so they can all live happy, healthy lives. Hospital For Sick Children, Denis Daneman, Shaun Barrett, Jennifer Harrington, Toronto 

150 BEST TOASTER OVEN RECIPES A collection of recipes that is as versatile as your toaster oven itself. Perfect for college, university, elders, singles, camping, RV-ing, etc. Linda Stephen, Ontario 

THE CHEESECAKE BIBLE, SECOND EDITION: 300 Sweet & Savory Recipes for Cakes and More  This is the ideal guide for beginners and seasoned bakers alike, ensuring that they make the very best cheesecakes. George Geary, California

THE FONDUE BIBLE, SECOND EDITION: The 200 Best Recipes This updated edition offers 10 new recipes in an entire section devoted to throwing fondue parties. Ilana Simon, Winnipeg

CROHN’S & COLITIS, THIRD EDITION: Understanding & Managing IBD A valuable tool for improving quality of life for anyone diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease. Dr A Hillary Stein, Toronto

Robert Rose Inc. / www.robertrose.ca
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Robert Rose books are available in US, UK, Australia & Canada and are distributed by Firefly Books.


Orbit B-hyve’s Hose Faucet Timer

The smart Orbit B-hyve Hose Faucet Timer (starting at $69) allows consumers to automate, manage and optimize the entire watering process all from their phones or using the device¹s smarts. Whether that is potted plants, container gardens and lawns, B-hyve Hose Faucet makes it easy to control. It is the first and only smart, EPA WaterSense-certified faucet timer on the market, saving water while maintaining a lush landscape managed from anywhere with a cellular or internet connection.

Working similar to the hose faucet timer, the Orbit B-Hyve (starting at $99) is for homeowners with an in-ground sprinkling system. It can be controlled with a smartphone, Amazon Alexa or on the controller itself. It is truly a plug-and-play that is easy to install and leave alone.

About Orbit

Orbit’s mission is to bring smart technology to homeowners, landscape professionals and farmers across the globe. The company serves markets spanning six continents and 40 countries, and for decades has been a worldwide leader in designing and building innovative watering products. For more information, visit www.orbitonline.com.


Pidge Takes the Stage by Michelle Staubach Grimes

Michelle Staubach Grimes is daughter of Roger Staubach, the legendary Heisman Trophy winner, two-time Super Bowl champion, and member of the National Football League Hall of Fame. She grew up in a household where she saw firsthand how hard work and sacrifice needs to be made to achieve success — or even stardom.

Pidge Takes the Stage is the second book in Michelle’s illustrated series, and focuses on themes of friendship, perseverance, and hard work. Michelle learned about the importance of a good work ethic from her dad who would tirelessly practice fundamentals, even many years into an illustrious career. “It takes talent to succeed, but you also need a real drive and a willingness to work at things,” she says.

Michelle, who wrote and created the series, joined forces with illustrator Bill DeOre, who enjoyed a 34-year career as a nationally syndicated editorial and sports cartoonist for the Dallas Morning News.

Michelle’s new book addresses:

  • Many of the lessons that her dad and family taught her in what it really takes to succeed in life.
  • Why it’s okay to fail while pursuing a dream.
  • The challenges of growing up as a middle child (like she did).
  • How parents can make each of their children feel loved and special.

About Michelle Staubach Grimes:

Michelle Staubach Grimes began journaling years ago and enrolled in the SMU Creative Writing Continuing Ed Program in 2012 to hone her writing skills. She fell in love with creative writing and studied “story” through that program. Where is Pidge? debuted in March of 2015. Michelle is thrilled to now be releasing her second book, Pidge Takes the Stage. She lives in Dallas, Texas with her husband, three children, and two dogs.


Made For Me by Zack Bush

Zack Bush is first and foremost a relatively new dad.  Second, he is the author of the recently released and best selling children’s picture book entitled Made For Me.

Made For Me is the little book that could…hitting the Publisher’s Weekly Top 10 National Bestseller’s List.  But most important is the audience response – it has been a huge hit with parents and is truly resonating with families, particularly dads.

For more info and to order a copy, see the link to the Amazon review page below:

https://www.amazon.com/Made-Me-Zack-Bush/dp/1945547693/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1530229191&sr=8-1&keywords=made+for+me+zack+bush#customerReviews

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Christopher holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in English from Duquesne University and has been acting and writing for over 20 years. His articles have appeared in many publications including Advantage, American Builders Quarterly, Anchorage Daily News, Canadian Builders Quarterly, Canadian Executive Quarterly, Chartiers Valley Magazine, Cranberry Magazine, Energy International Quarterly, Focus Magazine, Green Business Quarterly, Hispanic Executive Quarterly, Northern Connection Magazine, North Hills Monthly Magazine, Observer-Reporter, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Profile, Recovery Solutions, Standard-Speaker, The Strip Magazine, and Western Pennsylvania Healthcare News.