The Checker Players

“Intelligence and humor…. It has that rare substance.” — New York Times Book Review

Bright new hardcover edition just out!

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“A story that will delight young children.” – School Library Journal

“Barton’s sketches capture the humor in this elementary lesson that two can do better than one.” — Publisher’s Weekly

“Charm and sense.” — New York Magazine

What classroom teachers say:

“As teachers, we’ve found The Checker Players to be the perfect book for all ages. If ever a book promoted tolerance and fair play, this is it….”

Homeschoolers:

“It is never too early (or too late) to learn another lesson about friendship…. That is what The Checker Players is all about….” – The Old Schoolhouse Magazine

Nutty to Meet You! Dr. Peanut Book #1

“Peanuts don’t talk…or do they? A charming story of friendship from the perspective of one Dr. Peanut [who] encounters giants (human children) who…may turn him into a quick snack. But he is delightfully surprised…. [C]ute drawings.” –Reviewer’s Choice, Children’s Bookwatch, Midwest Book Review

“Plain pea-nutty fun.” — Old Schoolhouse Magazine

More reviews….

Take Me With You When You Go

“A magical book, a unique fairy tale of a brother and sister, trees sprouting overnight from seeds, and ‘talking’ marionettes. As a read-aloud or as a read-on-your-own book, this story is so unusual that it pulls you from one page to the next. [F]or ages 6-10, but older children who like odd fairy tales will enjoy it too. The brown-tint illustrations also contribute to the old-fashioned appeal of the story. I found myself looking ahead to see the next picture.” — Susan K. Marlow, The Old Schoolhouse Magazine

More reviews….

The Room

“A remarkable story of how the need to win can destroy a high school life. A fascinating read, cover to cover.” –Midwest Book Review

Pittsburgh’s Westinghouse High School Bulldogs were legendary. So was Coach Cesare, whose players’ astonishing record made him a guru to other coaches on how to turn young bodies to iron. Then there were the actual players, John Brewer among them, some highly talented, some simply courageous, all sworn to silence about the physical and mental price they paid for the team to win at any cost.

And there were the ex-players, most of them, standing on streetcorners, faking old handoffs with a bottle of wine.

What was really going on inside the Bulldogs’ private room? How many scars and concussions on the field would it take for someone to step up and speak the truth?

This is an inspiring, triumphant memoir of father and son that every young player, coach, and parent should read.