Jeff is a popular athlete who hangs with the cool kids. Reed is a brainy overachiever who is a social outcast. <p/>
The Adventures of Jeff and Reed is a four-story anthology that
explores the many anxieties, insecurities, and thrills tweens experience as they transition from elementary to middle school. <p/> The anthology begins with
The Pirate and the Ink Blot, where readers meet Jeff Kirkland and Reed Williams. Jeff is a popular athlete who is forced to wear a vision-correcting eye patch. The stares from strangers and the hurtful taunts from friends leave him feeling isolated and miserable. Reed can relate. A social outcast, he often is made fun of because of his appearance: the flaming red hair, the freckles, and the facial birthmark his classmates mockingly call the "ink blot." When Jeff and Reed are paired together in a class assignment, it's the beginning of a friendship journey that will challenge, surprise, and reward them in the most unexpected ways. <p/> Their bond continues to grow and evolve in story two,
Reed's Rant. Reed learns his father will be sent abroad for work, and the impending separation haunts him. Reed doesn't know what he'll do without his biggest supporter and best friend. He tries to suppress all his fears and anxieties, but they spill out in one explosive episode at school. Jeff can see his buddy is hurting, but has no clue what to do. He hopes his dad, who's never failed him before, can provide the answer. <p/>
As Jeff and Reed grapple with life's uncertainties, they say goodbye to the comfort and familiarity of elementary school. In
Middle Ground One and
Middle Ground Two, the boys step into the strange, messy, and marvelous world of middle school. But are they prepared for what's to come - the higher expectations, the shifting social hierarchies, and the secret crushes? <p/>
The Adventures of Jeff and Reed is
an entertaining and revealing look at the power of courage, the price of fear, the importance of self-respect, the rewards of perseverance, and the value of true friendship.
Wendy Falk is defined by passion for building strong, healthy relationships and teaching skills to support resilience in her students. Born in Oshkosh, WI, Falk has always "had a flair for writing", and an active imagination to match. Today she uses her voice as a tool to advocate for the needs of her students. <p/> A veteran educator, Falk has taught every grade between kindergarten and graduate level college courses. She has served as a secondary level English and Journalism teacher and a school counselor at each level of education. Falk has served as a university adjunct instructor for more than a decade, and volunteers her time in activities with Special Olympics of Wisconsin. Today Falk continues to serve students as a Counselor Lead for K-12 School Counselors in her current school district in Wisconsin, as well as carrying a caseload of students in her own building. Falk and her husband, Chris, have three grown children. She enjoys reading, writing, singing and dancing, trying new recipes and watching cheesy movies. <p/>
Jen Kennedy, a Nebraska native, is all about straight talking, problem solving and getting things finished. Beginning her career in criminal justice, Kennedy eventually made her way to academia as a K-12 School Social Worker. With a Masters of Social Work from the University of Illinois, Kennedy's wide array of career experiences built as her family moved across the midwest, finally settling in Wisconsin. In recent years, Kennedy has broadened her experience to include efforts in special education and initial program development for social work. Kennedy has embraced a leadership role in the classroom by joining Lakeland University as an adjunct instructor in the Masters of Counseling program. <p/> Kennedy and her husband, Chris, are the proud parents of two grown children. The Kennedy's are loud and proud supporters of collegiate sports (Go Huskers!) and active members in their community.
