The Ghost of the Charlotte Lighthouse is a 100-page novel for middle grade (4-6) students. It is a fictional account of the renovation of the real Charlotte Lighthouse in Rochester, New York, which sits on the bank of the Genesee River where it empties into Lake Ontario. Is the lighthouse haunted? Find out as you read about the misadventures of Janie Washburn, Derrick Davis, Lamar Green, Jeanetta Jones, and Reinaldo Santiago, 5 special students in Mrs. Levine’s 4th grade class at School #27 who call themselves the STARfish. Learn about what happened to Cuyler Cook, one of the faithful lightkeepers during a bad nor’easter, and what he left behind.

Theft at George Eastman House is a 100-page novel for middle grade (4-6) students. It is a mystery story about a fictional theft at a real place, George Eastman House in Rochester, NY. Theft at George Eastman House is a sequel to Ghost of theCharlotte Lighthouse with the same students, who call themselves the STARfish and their teacher, Mrs. Levine. It is the second book of a series of books all set in Rochester landmarks.

Who stole the valuable candlestick from George Eastman House? Lamar’s older brother Steven is accused, but is he really the thief? Join the STARfish as they explore George Eastman’s mansion, learn about photography, and solve a mystery.

What Stinks? An Adventure in Highland Park is the 3rd novel in my Rochester series for middle grade kids. Mrs. Levine and her class, including the STARfish are off on another field trip. Mayor Johnson has invited them to sing at the Lilac Festival in Highland Park. A well-planned field trip turns into disaster when an unexpected and unwanted visitor arrives. Meanwhile a feud between best friends Janie and Jeanetta spills over into the classroom, and class benefactress, Granny Rob uses some White Lilacs perfume to spark a nursing home romance.

It’s not fair! Kids shouldn’t have to see their teachers on summer vacation, but that’s what happens when Mrs. Levine and the STARfish all show up at Seabreeze Amusement Park on the same day. Lost at Seabreeze is the fourth novel in my kids’ series, which are all set in Rochester landmarks. When Reinaldo dares Derrick to ride the Whirlwind with Mrs. Levine, things spin out of control. Everyone’s world is turned just a little bit upside down as some things are lost and some things found on this tipsy-turvy day.

Mrs. Levine and the STARfish find themselves in trouble again. It’s the last day of August, and the kids of Rochester are bored. “Nothing ever happens in Rochester,” complains Derrick, who will soon change his mind when an unexpected storm blows into town creating a whirlwind of trouble and activity. Reinaldo and his family, who are caught at the Rochester Public Market, are forced to take refuge at the home of the class bully. Mrs. Levine and Steven are stranded underwater at the parking garage of the Rundel Library. But lightning strikes the worst at the Seneca Park Zoo where an old oak tree falls, trapping a zookeeper and scattering the penguins. Rescue comes from an unexpected source.

What do Loon Lake, Montezuma, and Paradox have in common? They’re all stops on this alphabetical trip through New York State, where geography, history, and whimsy meet in colorful collage to create a one of a kind journey. Learning should always be this much fun.

New York Blues

There are no buffalo in Buffalo.
Rye is not built of dark bread.
They don’t grow almonds in Almond,
the bass in Fishkill are not dead.

So, is there silver in Sterling?
Can Sugar Loaf really be sweet?
Are there no long pants in Shortsville?
Is Redfield the color of beets?

Do they speak only German in Germantown?
Is there really a monarch in Queens?
I guess when it comes to the state of New York,
nothing is just as it seems.