Sunny's Story : How to Save a Young Life

Sunny's Story is a compelling story for children, teenagers, parents, grandparents, and teachers written by Ginger Katz. Sunny's Story tells of joyful times and sad times, and of how a dog's best friend was needlessly lost. It is narrated through the eyes, ears and mind of Sunny, the family beagle. It is the ups and downs of life with his young master, beginning with their meeting at an animal shelter, and ending with a futile effort to ward off disaster. Ginger Katz has brought new life to her message of empowering youth to be drug free. The family dog and narrator, Sunny, is a keen and intelligent observer of damage done by drug use to his master, Ian. He tells a heart warming, but tragic story that will make readers, young and old, think twice about choices being made every day. but particularly about the dangers of drug use. The book is for both young and old and the story of love, compassion, caring and understanding is universal.Ginger has transformed a personal tragedy into a beacon of hope. Parents and their children need to talk openly and honestly about all of life's challenges. The Courage to Speak Foundation has told the story of how to save young lives in over 850 presentations given across the country to over a half million people. Dr. Deborah Prothrow-Stith, Professor of Practice and Associate Dean, Harvard School of Public Health, commented on the Sunny's Story: "This book is an important and unique addition to the list of preventive tools so necessary for children in today's world. Sunny's Story masterfully opens a dialogue and introduces complex issues to a young audience. Teachers, parents and children will benefit from the dialogue." Robert. B. Charles, former Assistant Secretary of State, under Colin Powell, for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement, said: "Through the voice of the family dog and in a tender and thoughtful way, Sunny's Story brings to light one of the most challenging issues facing children, parents and educators today." David Hay, Brookside Elementary School Principal, said: "Educators and parents need to be as strong in voice as Sunny is in the story. This story has to be told and it will save lives." Dr. Lynn Moore, West Rocks Middle School Principal, added: "The book about Sunny will be an asset to our language arts and health curriculum. It will be required reading for my school." Calvina Fay, Executive Director of Drug Free America Foundation, Inc., said: "Sunny's Story begins as any child's storybook. Tragically, its ending reflects real life as it is experienced by far too many families. It's unique approach in helping children consider the consequences of their actions and impacts upon their families is very powerful. Sunny's Story would be a valuable read for all youngsters and their parents!" Kileen Doyle, grandmother of three grandchildren, said: "I've decided to give Sunny's Story as a special gift to my grandchildren and all of my friend's children." Pat Vigilo, Ponus Ridge Middle School Health Class Teacher comments on the Sunny's Story: "A heartfelt story on how one's decisions effects family and relationships" Salvatore J. Corda, Ph.D Superintendent of Schools, Norwalk Public Schools said: "Ian's story, told through the eyes of his dog, Sunny, will help children understand how even "good kids" can fall prey to the lure of drugs. Ian's tragically lost life is still doing good by the commitment of his parents to help young people and their parents understand that the danger never stops and having the courage to face the hard issues is the only way to keep our children safe."

The following are the Biographies of both authors: Ginger Katz is a nationally renowned advocate and public speaker for drug prevention, awareness and education. She is the founder of the Courage to Speak Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and has developed curricula for elementary through high schools. Sunny's Story, her first book, is targeted to 8 to 13 year-olds, their parents and teachers.In the last 10 years, Ginger has touched over a half-million parents, students and officials in communities across the country with her story. She is a regular speaker in schools, colleges, law enforcement and other government agencies as well as community, private and medical organizations. Ginger Katz has presented to the National Association of Secondary School Principals, the National Association of Independent Schools, the National Association of Drug Court Professionals and the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA), as well as 850 school audiences.An avid sportswoman and athlete, Ginger Katz lives with her husband Larry, daughter Candi and their beagle, Abby, in Norwalk, CT.SECOND AUTHOR Marci Alborghetti's first book, an illustrated story titled The Miracle of the Myrrh, was published in 2000 by Winslow House. Since then she has had eight books published:Compassion/AIDS, a series of essays; Freedom from Fear, Overcoming Anxiety through Faith; A Season in the South, a novel, When Lightning Strikes Twice, a nonfiction collection of stories; and Twelve Strong Women of God and The Jesus Women, two volumes of short fiction.Her most recent works, How to Pray When You Think You Can't, and One God, Three Faiths: What the Descendants of Abraham Have in Common, will be published in 2007.Marci has also written hundreds of articles, which have appeared in a number of prominent magazines, newspapers and journals on ethics, business, diversity and religion. She conducts writing workshops and writes for businesses and non-profit organizations.Marci and her husband, Charles Duffy, live in Connecticut and in Northern California.