Tag Archives: high school

September 26, 2025 · 7:00 am

Behind the Screen by Lamar Golden and Liana Golden (Book Spotlight)

What if your greatest creation became your biggest danger?

Karis Oren never wanted to be famous. As Lunaris, an anonymous voice on Vox, her art and words connect with millions searching for hope in the noise of social media. But when her account is hacked and her name dragged through the mud, Karis discovers a shadowy network operating in the dark corners of the internet. They’re not just after her—they want control over the entire platform.

With the help of her loyal friends and an unlikely ally, Karis fights to expose the truth, navigating betrayal, manipulation, and the relentless power of those who seek to silence her. But as the battle escalates, she realizes the stakes are higher than she imagined—and the shadows run deeper than she ever knew.

Behind the Screen is a gripping YA thriller about identity, courage, and the fight for authenticity in a digital world. Perfect for fans of One of Us Is Lying, The Social Dilemma, and A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder.

 

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Meet the Talented Team!

Lamar and Liana Golden are a dynamic father-daughter duo on a mission to captivate hearts, inspire minds, and leave a lasting legacy through the power of storytelling. With a shared passion for imagination and creativity, they weave tales that transport readers of all ages—from whimsical children’s stories that ignite wonder to gripping YA adventures and thought-provoking novels that linger in the soul.
 
For the Goldens, storytelling is more than a craft—it’s a family tradition. Lamar brings years of life experience, wisdom, and a knack for spinning unforgettable narratives, while Liana infuses their works with youthful energy, fresh perspectives, and a deep connection to the dreams and struggles of today’s readers. Together, they create a symphony of stories that resonate across generations.
 
Beyond their writing, Lamar and Liana share a zest for life’s simple joys. They’re adventurers at heart, often found savoring delicious food, laughing over spirited games, and seeking thrills at theme parks. These moments of connection fuel their creativity, reminding them of the importance of building a legacy of love, imagination, and goodness in the world.
 
Their dream is simple yet profound: to inspire readers everywhere, one story at a time, and to leave behind a world just a little brighter for having shared their journey. Join Lamar and Liana Golden as they open the door to extraordinary worlds and unforgettable adventures—you won’t want to miss a single tale.
 
You can contact us at lamar.golden1@gmail.com or via X (Formerly Twitter) @LNLGolden
 

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September 1, 2025 · 7:00 am

Luminous Ties by Lamar Golden and Liana Golden (Book Spotlight)

 

When Ellie Winters discovers Zyx, an alien stranded on Earth after a crash, her world changes forever. Known as a “nerd” and an outcast at her high school, Ellie has never felt like she belonged—until Zyx shows her she’s capable of far more than she imagines.

As they forge an unbreakable friendship, Zyx teaches Ellie to embrace her inner strength, blending advanced alien technology with a magic-like energy that unlocks her potential. But their growing bond is threatened when Zyx’s ship is discovered, drawing the attention of relentless government agents.

Now, Ellie must outwit forces far greater than herself to protect Zyx and the future he represents. In a climactic journey of courage and sacrifice, Ellie will discover that the brightest lights come from within—and the ties we form with others are what truly make us strong.

Luminous Ties is a thrilling and emotional YA sci-fi novel about resilience, friendship, and finding your voice, perfect for fans of Skyward by Brandon Sanderson and Defy the Stars by Claudia Gray.

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 Partial Sample of the…

Prologue

The vast night sky unfolded like an endless tapestry, its stars flickering with quiet majesty. To some, it was a symbol of wonder, a reminder of infinite possibilities. To others, it was an ocean of darkness, filled with unseen dangers and uncharted paths. For one traveler, it was both—a place of beauty and peril that demanded precision with every step, every choice.

The traveler’s ship moved gracefully through the asteroid belt, its sleek frame gleaming with an ethereal light. Advanced technology hummed softly within, guiding it through the labyrinth of celestial debris. But even the most advanced navigation systems could falter. A rogue asteroid, spinning unpredictably, veered suddenly into the ship’s trajectory. Alarms screamed to life, red lights flashing in a chaotic rhythm as the traveler scrambled to react.

A momentary miscalculation. A fatal turn.

The ship jolted violently, spinning out of control. Instruments sparked, systems failed, and the vast blue-and-green orb of a nearby planet loomed closer. The traveler gripped the controls, attempting to stabilize the descent, but gravity had taken over. The ship became a streak of fire against the sky, hurtling toward the planet with unstoppable force.

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

Meet the Talented Team!

Lamar and Liana Golden are a dynamic father-daughter duo on a mission to captivate hearts, inspire minds, and leave a lasting legacy through the power of storytelling. With a shared passion for imagination and creativity, they weave tales that transport readers of all ages—from whimsical children’s stories that ignite wonder to gripping YA adventures and thought-provoking novels that linger in the soul.
 
For the Goldens, storytelling is more than a craft—it’s a family tradition. Lamar brings years of life experience, wisdom, and a knack for spinning unforgettable narratives, while Liana infuses their works with youthful energy, fresh perspectives, and a deep connection to the dreams and struggles of today’s readers. Together, they create a symphony of stories that resonate across generations.
 
Beyond their writing, Lamar and Liana share a zest for life’s simple joys. They’re adventurers at heart, often found savoring delicious food, laughing over spirited games, and seeking thrills at theme parks. These moments of connection fuel their creativity, reminding them of the importance of building a legacy of love, imagination, and goodness in the world.
 
Their dream is simple yet profound: to inspire readers everywhere, one story at a time, and to leave behind a world just a little brighter for having shared their journey. Join Lamar and Liana Golden as they open the door to extraordinary worlds and unforgettable adventures—you won’t want to miss a single tale.
 
You can contact us at lamar.golden1@gmail.com or via X (Formerly Twitter) @LNLGolden
 

Reedsy Author Link

 

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February 14, 2025 · 7:00 am

❤️ Happy Valentine’s Day ❤️

Children’s Picture Book


Can you catch the magical Loveosaurus? The How to Catch Kids are on the chase again, this time to trap a dinosaur that escaped from the museum and wants to spread love and kindness. Blending exciting traps and STEAM concepts with hilarity and chaos to encourage reading, learning, and imagination, this charming adventure will delight young readers, families, and educators alike―and maybe inspire spreading some kindness too! This funny children’s picture book makes the perfect bedtime read-aloud and Valentine’s Day gift for kids ages 4-10!

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Reading age: ‎ 8 – 12 years


Can you solve the mysteries?

Join Hailey Haddie, the sharpest vampire detective on the block, as she embarks on a series of puzzling adventures that will keep you guessing—and giggling—right until the very end.

Someone tricked all of Peter’s party guests into drinking love potion…how did they do it?

Only YOU can figure it out.

The short mystery stories are filled with funny riddles, tricky puzzles, lovable characters, and a dash of Valentine’s Day magic that will captivate children, parents, and teachers alike.

What’s Inside the Book:

  • ✓ 15 Short Interactive Mysteries: Young readers can solve the mysteries alongside Hailey with clues hidden in every story, designed to challenge and entertain growing minds.
  • ✓ Valentine’s Day Spirit: Each enchanting tale explores themes of friendship, love, and the joy of giving.
  • ✓ Educational Fun: Bite-sized brain teaser reading games to develop comprehension and critical thinking skills while enjoying the thrill of solving mysteries.
  • ✓ Illustrations that Pop: Fun doodle style illustrations throughout bring Hailey’s detective world to life.

Perfect for young sleuths ages 8 to 12, this short stories collection blends humor, mystery, and Valentine’s Day into one delightful package.

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Teen and Young Adult

Roses are red
Violets are blue
Out of all of the boys
Why am I stuck with you


Finn

I didn’t mean to volunteer for the Valentine’s Day Planning Committee.
I was just reaching out to pass Shay Munroe her folder when Mrs. Darcy thought I’d raised my hand.
Seems I’m now on the Planning Committee…

 

Shay

I didn’t mean to volunteer for the Valentine’s Day Planning Committee.
I was about to swipe at Finn Davidson’s hand as he tapped me on the back.
But Mrs. Darcy took it as an affirmation.
Now I’m on the Planning Committee with the most obnoxious boy I’ve ever met!
Finn Davidson’s mantra could well be
Roses are red
Romance is dead

Valentine’s Day is supposed to be about romance and love and all things sweet
But its hard to work with someone who isn’t putting his heart into the project
And then I find there’s a reason for that…
Finn Davidson doesn’t have a heart…

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Rom-Com

When the ingredients for love turn into a recipe for disaster …

Lily’s world is turned upside-down when her ex-boyfriend Stephen walks into her bakery, hoping to buy Valentine’s cookies for his new girlfriend. To make matters worse, he wants Lily to decorate them with a heartfelt message of love.

Determined not to let him see her heartbroken, Lily tells him she’s met someone else and has never been happier. It’s a risky move, but luckily she knows just the man to help her.

What she doesn’t anticipate is ending up on a double date with Stephen and his new girlfriend. Nor does she expect her fake boyfriend to be concealing a secret of his own.

As Valentine’s Day approaches, Lily faces the challenge of creating the perfect cookies – and the even bigger challenge of untangling her own feelings. As the pressure mounts, she starts to wonder whether the recipe for happiness has been in front of her all along.

With a cast of charming characters, and a dash of sweet romance, A Sugarloaf Valentine is a delightful, heart-warming read that will have you falling in love with love all over again.

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May 4, 2023 · 7:00 am

Second Strike (The Secret Life of Anna Goode Book 2) by Nicole Nadeau (Book Review)

A genius sixteen-year-old. A terrorist’s twisted revenge. Can she stop a catastrophic cyberattack from bringing America to its knees?

Anna Goode can’t wait to put her brilliant mind to work. Officially part of the CIA’s undercover unit of talented teenagers, the gifted inventor splits her time between tinkering and espionage instruction. And now she’s been tasked to protect a US congressional delegation from a cunning enemy’s destabilizing hack.

Slipping into London under the guise of innocent spring-breakers to expose the hacker, Anna’s laser-focused hunt gets derailed when she’s ambushed and tased. Suspecting a traitorous mole could destroy their mission, the whip-smart teen rallies her fellow young operatives for a counter-attack… only to discover another danger threatening to be far worse.

Can Anna and her team foil a devastating plot before they’re stopped in their tracks?

Second Strike is the pulse-pounding sequel in the Secret Life of Anna Goode YA spy thriller series. If you like heroines who think outside the box, non-stop action, and tight-knit friendship groups, then you’ll love Nicole Nadeau’s overseas adventure.

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(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique)

 

Many components of Second Strike (Book 2 in The Secret Life of Anna Goode series) are plausible. Cyberattacks are occurring, and the magnitude of their destructive powers will only increase. The Russian cyberattack plot in the story is our country’s worst financial nightmare. Let’s hope it stays in the world of fiction! 

While the CIA may not have high schoolers actively in the field, they still have their eye on potential agents. But for the sake of fiction, let’s say they do. Anna and Jake are again front and center to stop Alexei Komarov and his son Ivan from carrying out their dastardly plan. This time, they are not the only teen on the scene. Who joins them on their mission will only be unveiled as you read the story. However, I can disclose is their hacking skills are much needed to take down Russia’s hired hacker. 

Anna, her teen comrades, and the CIA face many heated battles. Lives are in jeopardy. Lives are lost. I wouldn’t say either side came off as the ultimate winner or loser. 

Gunfire, explosion, kidnapping, hand-to-hand combat, foot chases, and much more make this an action-packed read that will leave you thirsty for more. Good news, with the ending chapters, you can expect the Russians to return with a vengeance. Hopefully, we will find out who the mole is in the next book. I have my suspicions, as will every other reader. 

Another thing I’m looking forward to in book three is seeing what Anna cooks up next. Her mascara/tranq spy gadget was ingenious. 

Second Strike has no explicit language or scenes. It does have male-on-female fight scenes, where both sexes get in some shots. 

This book is a perfect read for teens and adults. 

 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤❤1/2

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Meet the Author 

Nicole Nadeau grew up in Springboro, Ohio, with her older sister, Paige and younger brother Mark. She also has a dog, Lola and a rescue cat named Penny. 

An avid reader since grade school, she read every action and adventure book she could get her hands on. Eventually, her love of reading developed into a love of writing. She started working on her own book while she was in high school. 

Nicole has a neuromuscular disease called Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) which creates challenges in her daily life. She refuses to let SMA stop her from doing what she loves. Like the lead character in her book, she is determined and overcomes any obstacles that stand in her way. 

She is already busy planning the next book in the Secret Life of Anna Goode series and has plans for many more books in the future.

 
 

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September 10, 2021 · 7:00 am

Lead Like a Pro: Effective Leadership Styles for Athletic Coaches by Dr. Matthew Raidbard (Book Spotlight)

Lead Like a Pro by Dr. Matthew Raidbard

 
Athletic coaches are asked to wear more and more hats with each passing season, and in many cases, they are not receiving the support or training necessary to help them succeed in their ever-expanding roles. Drawing on over a decade spent as a college basketball coach and original research conducted on what leadership styles and behaviors help athletic coaches be successful, Lead Like a Pro provides coaches with the resources to transform their leadership practice and reach their full potential.

​Whether you are a volunteer coaching your child’s team, a part-time high school coach who’s also a teacher, or a full-time college or professional coach, this book will teach you new ways to enhance your leadership style and become a better coach for your athletes and team. All coaches should be constantly working on improving their leadership abilities, but not all coaches have the time or opportunity to attend leadership conferences, training sessions, or classes. Lead Like a Pro provides insight into different leadership techniques, and teaches coaches how to evaluate their current practices so they can develop a strong leadership style that fits their personal values and beliefs.

 
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Meet the Author:
Dr. Matthew Raidbard
After obtaining his Bachelor of Arts in history and classical studies from Indiana University, Dr. Matthew Raidbard decided to pursue his dream of being a college basketball coach. His first college basketball coaching job was at Western New Mexico University, where he also completed his Master of Arts degree in Educational Leadership. In 2018, Dr. Raidbard conducted a study on how college basketball coaches perceived themselves as leaders, finding that many coaches were unsuccessful because they lacked the necessary tools and training to be effective leaders. His findings inspired him to write this book and dedicate himself to helping coaches at all levels improve their leadership abilities so that they can be the best and most effective leaders for the athletes they are entrusted to coach.
 
 

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