David Gaslin

For the last ten years of his career, David was a high school reading teacher. His job was to bring the juniors and seniors assigned to him, usually reading two to four years beneath grade level, as close to grade level as possible in order to pass Florida state mandated tests. These were all students that had fallen behind, never caught up, and didn't like to read. If they couldn't pass the state mandated tests, they would be unable to receive their diplomas .David's personal three ways of helping them to pass the tests AND earn their diplomas were:

1. Starting out with lower reading levels and gradually increasing those levels

2. Offering them a wide range and length of reading materials and

3. Getting them to believe in themselves.

He wanted them to become interested in finding out "what happens next". He wanted to teach them to enjoy reading and, with the help of his fellow teachers, he was able to do just that. In his last year of teaching, 92 % of his students earned their diplomas. The reward of seeing those students, who had come so far and achieved so much, walk across the stage and receive their diplomas is something David will always remember and cherish. His students inspired him to write these stories about always believing in yourself and trying your hardest no matter what.

The four children pictured on the back covers of my books are my grandchildren. When I wrote my first book, "The Little Tree That Changed Everything", I actually wrote it for them. A friend loved it and thought I should get it published. That is how this journey began!

Once it was set up for publication, I thought it would be a "hoot" to have their pictures on the book instead of mine. When the book was published, they immediately thought they were famous! Now when I don't include it, I get four sad faces...so now you know."

I sincerely hope you enjoy my books