Each of Maria’s books has a great lesson. They are perfect for establishing a classroom community at the beginning of the year. Of course, they’re great at any time of the year too!
(I love finding athletes or celebrities who are also authors to help kids understand the value of writing!)

has played for the Detroit Lions and Tennessee Titans. Tulloch was
drafted in the 4th round of the NFL draft out of North Carolina State
University. He launched the Stephen Tulloch Foundation in 2009 and has
helped thousands of people through his community outreach and generous
giving. Tulloch was named as one of the top 100 players in the NFL in
2012 & 2013, has been selected as a team captain of the Detroit lions by
his teammates and has been awarded multiple awards nationally and locally for
his efforts off the field including the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award,
The Robert Porche Man of the Year Award, the Grid Iron Great Award along with
the NFLPA PULSE award and being a finalist for the Byron “Whizzer” White Award
which recognizes the top foundations in the NFL. Stephen was born and
raised in Miami where he still resides in the off-season with his dogs, Nash
& Mia.
Maria Dismondy is an
award-winning author, specializing in books about challenges children face. A
topic close to her heart, Maria’s own childhood experience inspired her first
book, Spaghetti in a Hotdog Bun. Six books later, Maria’s commitment to
empowering children with courage and confidence has reached new heights,
touching the hearts and hands of children the world over. Maria’s latest book, The
Little Linebacker, drives home the important message that hard work and
dedication can pay off. Dreams really can come true! As a sought-after speaker,
Maria spreads her message by presenting at schools and conferences across the
country. She holds degrees in education and child development. Maria lives in
southeastern Michigan with her husband, Dave, and their three book-loving
children.

UK. After graduating from Goldsmiths College, London University, with a higher
diploma in art and design she went on to become creative manager within a busy
design studio and then art editor at a large greeting card publisher. Whilst her two children were small she
designed greeting cards, giftwrap, calendars, plush toys and packaging on a
freelance basis. Her introduction into the world of children’s books started
with illustrating, designing and co-publishing her own licensed character
activity books. She wrote and illustrated her first picture book in 2009. To date she has illustrated many books
including picture, board and educational books.
From an early age she has had a passion for illustration and can’t
imagine doing anything else.
Thanks for sharing! I will for sure check it out.
Jamie
Teaching Tidbits and More with Jamie