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Local author makes top 10 list
| Article published on Monday, Aug. 3, 2009 |
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TREASURE ISLAND – "Project June Bug," a novel by award-winning Florida author Jackie Minniti, has garnered four Parent to Parent Life Buzz Awards, including “Top Ten Products of 2009”.
The prestigious Life Buzz Award (formerly known as the “Adding Wisdom Award”), given by internationally syndicated parenting and family columnist Jodie Lynn, celebrates innovative family-friendly products that entertain and teach and have created a "buzz" in their fields.
"Project June Bug," the story of a young high school teacher determined to make a difference in the life of a student with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), also garnered awards for Best Educational Book, Best Educational Product, and was named one of 2009’s Hot Products.
To qualify for the Life Buzz Award, a product is evaluated by award committees comprised of experts from across the United States who are involved with children on a daily basis. Following committee approval, the product is given to Family Testing Groups - real families - for testing, reviewing, and evaluating before final decisions are made.
Jodie Lynn, best-selling author and CEO of Parent to Parent, had this to say about Project June Bug: “Through the stellar talent and vision of the author, Jackie Minniti, the reader becomes inspired to stop, look and listen to the many insightful roles and capabilities of the teacher and the student, and most importantly, to take a step back and re-evaluate themselves. Minniti, who writes and speaks through years of experience in teaching, guiding and caring for ADHD students, marvelously opens the eyes and hearts of every individual who dares to follow her 'up' the off-beaten path into a world filled with the complexities of ADHD and everyone it touches...a must have!”
Project June Bug tells the story of Jenna Bianchi, an idealistic “Jersey Girl” who is just beginning her second year of teaching high school English. Life is good for Jenna. She has a job she loves. She has a pet parrot with attitude. And there’s a handsome math teacher who wants to be more than just friends. But everything changes when a defiant, disruptive tenth-grader walks into her classroom. With a smart mouth and a swagger to match, Michael Tayler is a problem for Jenna from the very first day. His school record screams troublemaker, and Jenna wonders if the new year is already doomed. But when she reads Michael’s first poetry assignment, she recognizes it for what is truly is: a cry for help. Michael’s presence sets into motion a chain of events that turns Jenna’s perfect world upside-down and threatens to destroy her career. Faced with a challenge unlike anything she’s ever known, Jenna commits to doing what no one has done for Michael Tayler before.
Nan Stewart, one of the judges who has personal experience with ADHD, said, “As an adult with ADHD, and currently managing challenges with two of my three kids, I instantly connected to Project June Bug by Jackie Minniti. It's an astounding book projecting validation of not only the parent/teacher relationship, but also personally helping me in becoming more aware of what my kids need in the way of better support and understanding…KUDOS to Jackie Minniti for enlightening me (and hundreds of others) on things we need to work on now and the potential difference we can make!”
Jackie Minniti, a former teacher and education writer for the Courier Post, is currently a columnist for The Island Reporter, a publication that serves the South Gulf Beaches in St. Petersburg. Her first novel, Project June Bug is also the recipient of an Eric Hoffer Book Award, a Royal Palm Literary Award, a Next Generation Indie Book Award, and a Cordon d’Or Award. When asked about this latest honor, Minniti said, “I was overwhelmed to hear that Project June Bug was honored with four Life Buzz Awards. It’s especially gratifying to be recognized by such a respected organization as Parent to Parent and to be included with winners like Smithsonian Channel HDTV, Twitter, Web of Trust, Baby Einstein, Preschool Prep – and Thomas the Tank Engine, my grandchildren’s favorite!”
What the reviewers are saying
“Competently written and clearly based on Minniti’s experience and passion for teaching…” - US Review of Books
“If you want a quick-to-read novel to put in your suitcase this vacation, grab Project June Bug. This is a book to squawk over. - Tampa Bay Woman
“You will laugh, cry, and cheer as you read about a system that is meant to help children but all too often falters. You will grow to love both teacher and student. Most importantly, you may learn a few things you did not previously know about ADHD.” - ADHD & LD Resource Blog
“An entertaining, informative tome for all audiences, especially teachers…Project June Bug has a light, sassy tone that tempers the serious subject. -NewsWeekly
“Project June Bug is an enjoyable book and one you will knock out in one sitting. Whether you are an educator or a parent, you will learn something new. Project June Bug is a recommended read for anyone interested in ADHD or the public education system. - South Jersey Mom
Project June Bug can be ordered from all major booksellers, directly from the publisher at 1-800-AUTHORS, or through the author’s Web site at www.jackieminniti.com.
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Article published on Monday, Aug. 3, 2009
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