Thursday, July 23, 2026

Help Kids Get Back Into Reading Before School Starts

August always seems to arrive faster than expected.

One day we're planning trips to the library and spending afternoons outside, and the next I'm buying notebooks, checking school supply lists, and realizing the first day of school isn't that far away. Even with the excitement of a new school year, I never want those last weeks of summer to disappear without a few more good books. 

little girl reading on a cozy blanket
The nice thing is you don't need a massive reading plan to revamp the kids' interest in books before school starts. A handful of great books, easy access to reading materials, and a few simple traditions can help make reading part of the transition from summer into fall.

 

Here's what's always worked in our house.

 

Choose Books They'll Want to Read

 

When reading starts to slow down, I don't add another reading challenge.

 

I look for another book.

 

A fresh story is often all it takes to get kids excited again. That might be a funny picture book, the next installment in a favorite series, an exciting mystery, or a graphic novel they've been wanting to read.

 

Finding those books can take longer than I'd like, so I started creating seasonal reading lists for our family. Eventually, I realized other parents might find them helpful, too.

 

For younger readers, I put together a Picture Books for the Last Weeks of Summer collection on Bookshop.org. Instead of focusing only on back-to-school stories, this list celebrates friendship, imagination, outdoor adventures, family time, and making the most of the final weeks of summer.

 

My Middle Grade Books For the Last Weeks of Summer collection is designed for independent readers who enjoy adventure, fantasy, mystery, historical fiction, realistic fiction, humor, and graphic novels. These are the books that make kids want to read one more chapter before calling it a night.

 

If you have a teen at home, I also created a Young Adult Books Parents and Teens Can Enjoy Together collection. Reading the same book gives you something to talk about beyond school schedules, and it's always interesting to hear how differently teens and adults experience the same story.

 

Whether you borrow books from the library or add a few new titles to your shelves, starting with books your child is genuinely excited about makes everything else easier.

 

Make Reading Easy to Pick Up

Forget the perfect reading nook. Kids couldn't care less about an Instagram-worthy reading space—they simply need books within easy reach and a few fun extras that make reading inviting.

Books are much more likely to be read when they're already within reach.

I keep our current book choices in a large basket that can be moved wherever we're spending the most time. Some weeks it's beside the couch. Other weeks it's on the porch or near the kitchen table. It isn't fancy, but everyone knows exactly where to find the next book.

A few favorite reading accessories stay with the basket, too:

  • A clip-on book light
  • Colorful bookmarks
  • Reading journals
  • A visual reading timer
  • A lap desk for reading anywhere

 

Over the years, friends have often asked where we found our favorite reading supplies and family literacy games. I've gathered many of our tried-and-true favorites into curated collections in my Amazon Storefront, including reading accessories, family reading games and word play favorites, and book basket and storage ideas. If you're getting ready for the new school year or simply want to make reading more fun at home, I hope these collections give you a few ideas.  Click below to explore my Amazon collections for book lovers!

Explore all of my Family Reading collections in my Amazon Storefront

Celebrate the Books They Read

Long after summer ends, the stories we read often become some of our favorite memories.

That's what inspired me to create the free Books That Made My Summer printable.

Instead of simply keeping track of titles or reading minutes, this fun reading memory page encourages kids to reflect on the books that made an impact. They can write about their favorite book and character, the funniest story they read, a new author they discovered, a book they'd recommend to friends, and even draw the cover of their favorite read. It's a wonderful keepsake to look back on long after summer vacation is over. Click below to download the FREE printable!

Get your FREE Summer Book Log Here!

 

Work Reading Into Everyday Life

 

Reading doesn't have to happen at the same time every day.

  • Keep a chapter book in the car.
  • Read outside after dinner.
  • Bring a picture book to the pool.
  • Visit the library several more times before school starts.
  • Pack a book for sports practice or dance lessons--especially if siblings are tagging along!

Those small pockets of time are often where the best reading memories happen.

 

Let Kids Share Their Favorite Books

 

One of my favorite questions isn't, "Did you finish your reading?"

 

It's, "What did you think about that book?"

 

Kids love talking about stories they enjoyed. They tell you about funny characters, surprising endings, and books they think everyone else should read next.

 

Those conversations naturally lead to the next book without reading ever feeling like homework.

 

Follow Their Interests

 

The last few weeks of summer are also a great time to notice how your child's reading tastes are changing.

  • A child who loved picture books last year may be ready for early chapter books.
  • A middle grade reader might suddenly discover a favorite mystery series.
  • A teen may find an author they'll continue reading throughout high school.

Following those interests instead of worrying about reading levels helps keep books exciting long after summer ends.

 

Keep the Habit Going This Fall

 

The first day of school will be here soon enough.

 

Backpacks will replace beach bags, homework will return, and family schedules will fill up again. Before that happens, there's still time for one more library visit, one more family read-aloud, or one more afternoon spent reading outside.

 

Those moments don't have to end when summer does. A child who begins the school year excited about books is much more likely to keep reading for pleasure throughout the fall. A few great books, easy access to them, and conversations about what everyone's reading are often all it takes to keep that momentum going.

 

So before your slower summer days drift away into back to school chaos, borrow a stack of books from the library, fill a reading basket with stories your family can't wait to read, and enjoy these final weeks one chapter at a time. I have a feeling those are the books you'll be talking about long after school is back in session.

 

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Fantasy Adventure Series Spotlight: The Lesitha Veil Tales by CM Dawson

Bex Gartan is standing at the threshold of adulthood when the boundaries of her world begin to tear apart. In The Lesitha Veil Tales, forbidden crossings, inherited power, and rival visions of order pull one impulsive young woman into a conflict spread across multiple realities. The first two books move from the mystery of a weakening Veil to captivity inside a mechanical world, asking what happens when the person expected to restore stability may also be capable of unleashing chaos.

 

Every choice echoes across worlds.

Freedom or Chaos; Stability or Control?


The Edge of Oblivion

The Lesitha Veil Tales, Book 1

Author: CM Dawson

Genre: Epic SciFi Fantasy Adventure


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View The Edge of Oblivion on Goodreads


༺ ABOUT THE BOOK ༻

 

"We were younger than we realised and equally naïve."

 

Dive into The Edge of Oblivion — a coming-of-age fantasy of secret map-books, a dying storyteller’s last wish, and a crystal key that reveals tears in reality. Discover a richly imagined world, fast-paced adventure, and a hero who must choose between duty and destiny — buy now and step over the Veil.

 

The veil is weakening and shreds between the worlds are becoming more frequent. Darkness is spreading. A new Rysyn is sought to replace the Torsoma before it’s too late and the veil fails, releasing chaos across the facet worlds.

 

Bex Gartan has no desire to follow her father into the Grinders Guild – or die of stone lung like he did. A rebellious 17-year-old, just weeks before her Liberation Day, a brutal encounter shatters her world. In a shadowy alley, she faces a tragedy and finds her destiny.

 

Bex's determination to find the truth pulls her into a conflict that spans multiple worlds. She becomes the target of assassins, the pawn of questionable advisors, and now the unlikely successor to the leader of the Facet worlds. Bex must learn to temper her impulsive nature and trust her instincts if she’s to save her friends, and the Facet worlds.

 

Will she be the saviour they seek or the herald of chaos?


Dark Side of the Veil

The Lesitha Veil Tales, Book 2


View Dark Side of the Veil on Goodreads


༺ ABOUT THE BOOK ༻

 

When Bexlin Gartan is kidnapped into a world of metal and gears, the impulsive daughter of a storyteller must reclaim a stolen Lesitha Crystal and learn why her blood marks her as the next Rysyn—before a tyrant uses her power to shred the Veil and destroy everything.

 

Bex crossed the veil for adventure - now she may never return home, may never see her ma again or laugh with her friends. Stranded in a dark Facet, ruled by a tyrant set on seeking revenge and using her to fulfil his vengeance, she must decide whether she will become his pawn or fight to save all she loves.

 

Separated from her friends, she convinces the strange mechanically augmented half-lifes to help her find them and to return home, but not before she tries to stop the demented ruler, Urbo'Krk. Uncertain who to trust or what the rising energy building within her means, she must learn to control her impetuous ways and calm her mind. Only then can she face the truth of her destiny - saviour or destroyer.

 

Will she bring stability or usher in chaos?

 

**On Sale for Only .99cents on Amazon & Kobo!**


༺ WHY READ THIS SERIES ༻

 

The central conflict is not simply a battle between one world and another. Bex is being shaped into a political and supernatural figure before she fully understands the institutions, advisers, and enemies attempting to define her. That tension gives the series a strong coming-of-age core: she must decide which parts of her rebellious nature are liabilities and which are necessary defenses against manipulation.

 

The Facet worlds also allow the story to change texture as Bex crosses the Veil. The first book builds its mystery around secret maps, inherited stories, fractured reality, and a dying storyteller’s final wish. The second places her inside a harsher world of machinery, augmentation, captivity, and authoritarian control. Each setting expands the mythology while forcing Bex to reconsider what freedom, stability, and responsibility mean.



༺ EXCERPT FROM THE EDGE OF OBLIVION ༻

 

Chapter 16 Excerpt:

 

Then there was the Great Xan Janal, who claimed to have gone over the Edge and slayed a mighty beast to save a village. He boasted that there were many worlds, all separated by the Veil. There were people of different races who spoke weird languages. Some were tall and fair with long, flowing, silver hair. Others were short, squat, covered in fur and grunted a lot. Those stories always made me laugh. My eyes blurred as tears welled up, thinking of him. Whether they were real or figments of his imagination, Xan had given his life to sharing his stories of adventure. And I wasn’t about to let him down.

 

As I crawled on, I wondered which world I would find on the other side of the Veil. Would it be a world of thick jungles, filled with loud, screaming creatures jumping from one towering tree to the next? Or would it be a crystalline world overflowing with unimaginable colours? I was hoping for the water world, for Muut’s sake, except for the whole swimming thing. That scared me.

 

I looked back again and then beyond Muut. I scanned the horizon and watched as the heat rippled off the scorched ground. The only things that stood as high as a man here were the boulders that dotted the landscape. There was no lush green foliage, and the rivers were more often dry more than filled with water. I dreamed of seeing the leaves of a plant that was as big as me. I fantasised about dipping my fingers into a cool running stream and carrying the refreshing water to my lips; skipping stones across its surface and seeing splashes instead of puffs of dust.

 

I didn’t know if Xan’s stories were real or made-up fantasies to impress the ladies. But what I knew was that I didn’t want to die without at least attempting to find out. I owed him that much. So I turned back and faced the Edge. I checked the straps that held my knives tucked against my wrists. I placed my right hand out in front of me and then my right knee, then my left hand, left knee. I slowly crawled to the Edge.

 

The fingers on my left hand reached it first. I stopped and looked at my hand. The tips of my fingers curved over an edge. My breath caught in my throat. I moved my right hand up to match my left and swallowed deeply as the tips of both hands were now bent joyously over the Edge of our world. I slowly lowered myself down to the rough ground and felt the sharp rocks poking me in my chest and belly.

 

Carefully, I pulled my body up to the Edge and peered over. The air coalesced into a swirling mist of obscurity, roiling and bulging, causing my vision to slide and refocus as I tried to peer through it.

 

I pulled myself up to the Edge, raising onto my elbows and stretching my neck as far as I could. The grey mist swirled around my head forming dewdrops on my cheeks. I blew into it, watching as it whirled madly away from me, quickly folding back in on itself. I extended my arm and felt a cool dampness cover me like a second skin. The further I extended it, the less I could see of it.

 

I pulled myself up and swivelled around to sit on the Edge with my legs now dangling freely. My feet disappeared into the swirling mist that roiled below me. Then I leaned out as far as I could and swished my arms back and forth, trying to clear a view through the grey wall.

 

I either leaned too far or whipped my arms too wildly, because I tumbled off the ledge into the mist. My heart leapt as I felt myself sliding down the edge of the world. Suddenly, I jerked to a stop when the rope tied to my ankle caught me tight. My breath gushed from my lungs and my heart pounded my ribs.

 

I heard Muut calling to me, his cries distant, muffled.

 

I hung for a moment, dangling upside down against the edge of the world. I released my fear as I pushed myself up away from the rough rock face. Curling my knees beneath me, I crouched for a moment, waiting to see if I would fall. Nothing happened. The cool mist swirled around me; my head swooned with the mesmerising movement.

 

I filled my lungs with the moist air and stood. Fully expecting to topple over, I stretched my arms wide to catch myself when I did. I stood there as rigid as a boulder with my arms spread, knees locked, breath held, eyes tightly closed.

 

Nothing.

 

I slowly opened my left eye, peeking, face scrunched tight, awaiting the imagined impact. Both eyes sprang open, and the air exploded out of my lungs. A breathtaking view assaulted my eyes.

 




༺ EXCERPT FROM DARK SIDE OF THE VEIL ༻

 

Chapter 13 Excerpt:

 

“Come,” the ‘naut commanded.

 

I turned my attention back to the wall where a trickle of moisture ran down a groove, around a rivet, and disappeared behind the bench.

 

The white-hot tearing of my scalp ripped a scream from my chest as the ‘naut yanked me to my feet by my braid. He held me, dangling in the air for a moment before releasing me. My hands went to my head and returned covered in blood.

 

“Come or be dragged.”

 

The warmth of the blood running down my back held me for a moment. Then Tar was at my side, gripping my elbow to guide me.

 

“Walk,” he commanded.

 

My legs felt like they were full of sand, but I made them move as he guided me out of the cell and we followed the ‘naut through the maze of passages. “Where are you taking me now?” I whispered.

 

Tar ignored my question, but I felt a tightening on my elbow.

 

“Why are you helping someone like him?”

 

Again, no response, but this time there was a tug on my elbow. “Okay, at least tell me where you’re taking me?”

 

The massive head of the ‘naut glanced back at us. “No speak. Walk.”

 

We rode up out of the cells in an open lift. The fresh air felt good against my sweaty face. I studied the bleak world of Vrellum as we rose and wondered if my friends were somewhere lost in the labyrinthine maze of metal gantries and yellow haze.

 

The platform stopped and the ‘naut led us out into brighter, well-lit passages. We were back in the fortress of Urbo’Krk. We weren’t led to the main assembly chamber. This time the ‘naut led me past the big wooden doors with the familiar motifs etched on them. Instead, I was taken to a smaller chamber. As we entered, a light came on above a large metal chair that sat in the centre of the room. There were straps on the arms and the footrest. I stopped short, making Tar bump into me.

 

The ‘naut pointed. “Sit.”

 

I threw my head back, catching Tar off guard and smashing his face, just missing his already flattened nose. My elbow connected with his ribs, and I heard a satisfying grunt. Turning to run, I wasn’t quick enough. The one-eyed Omaj blocked my exit, and the ‘naut grabbed my shoulder, pinching me, and I screamed at the crushing of my bones. He threw me into the chair, slamming my head against the upper backrest. I left a bloody imprint from his earlier threat of dragging me. I tried to get up but felt pressure on my chest. It forced me back into the chair.

 

“Enough.” Urbo’Krk stepped out of the shadows with Cog at his side. He’d removed his cape and the silver breastplate. He now wore a black vest that allowed him to display his mechanical arms. Beneath the close-fitting fabric, I could see that his neck and chest were flesh. There was a seam where the augmented arms attached to his shoulders. The join was smooth and had a natural appearance as if the black mesh were just another type of skin.

 

He leaned over me. His presence felt heavy. The pressure built on my chest, and I tried to take a deeper breath, but could only sip the air. I turned away and refused to acknowledge him.

 

“Ah yes, you feel my strength.” He stood and pointed at Tar. His energy pushed against me, pressing me into the metal seat. Tar remained standing against the wall and motioned for Omaj to strap my wrists and ankles to the chair.

 

“I wish to examine you.” He spoke calmly as he turned and walked to a table that ran the length of one wall. “It isn’t every day a Rysyn passes through my world.”

 

My teeth felt like they might pop out as I spoke through my clenched jaw. “I’ve never heard of a Rysyn and don’t know why you think I’m one. I was only looking for the truth.”

 

I glared at Tar as I spoke my defiant words. His stoic face drew tight as he stared at me and shook his head. Cog had stepped further into the room and now sat at my side. His quizzically tilted head indicating his attention.

 

Urbo’Krk’s broad back hunched over the table now straightened as he slowly turned back to look at me. “I will learn what makes you a Rysyn,” his eyes flicked to Cog, “or I’ll make the cog suffer for your defiance.”

 

Cog tilted his head as he gazed from me to his master. I couldn’t be certain if he understood the threat that Urbo’Krk had made, but I also wouldn’t be the reason that he suffered any further abuse under this monster.

 

My jaw remained clenched as I slumped defeated into the chair. Tears welled in my eyes as Urbo’Krk came toward me carrying a mesh of wires.

 

“That’s better. Now sit still; this will hardly hurt.”

 




༺ WHO WILL LOVE IT ༻

 

The Lesitha Veil Tales will appeal to readers who like their fantasy built around dangerous thresholds, layered worlds, secret forms of power, and protagonists who must grow into roles they never requested. Bex’s combination of recklessness, loyalty, and distrust makes the series a natural fit for readers who prefer a heroine still learning how to distinguish instinct from impulse.

 

The blend of fantasy mythology, multiverse travel, mechanical augmentation, political manipulation, and fast-moving danger should also interest readers who enjoy stories positioned between epic fantasy and science fiction. Those drawn to coming-of-age adventures with substantial lore, shifting environments, and moral questions about control and freedom will find the series especially well matched to their tastes.

 


༺ ABOUT THE AUTHOR ༻

 

CM Dawson is an indie fantasy author and the founder of Crystal Path Publishing, writing multi-world adventure fiction from the rolling green hills of Wiltshire, England. Her debut series, The Lesitha Tales, follows Bex Gartan — a headstrong, impulsive 17-year-old who finds herself thrust into a power struggle that spans multiple worlds. Compared to Samantha Shannon, Brandon Sanderson, and Suzanne Collins, the series blends fast-paced action, vivid world-building, and a fierce coming-of-age heart. She crafts immersive multiverse fantasy filled with emotional stakes, dark magic, and lore rich worldbuilding. 

 

The first two books — The Edge of Oblivion and Dark Side of the Veil — are available now. A space opera trilogy, a short story collection, and a dystopian novel are all in development. When she is not writing, she can be found gardening, editing the local parish magazine, playing skittles, or being bossed around by her two English Bulldogs, Sage and Bubba.


༺ CONNECT WITH THE AUTHOR ༻

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༺ BUY THE BOOKS ༻

 

The Edge of Oblivion

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Bookshop.org 

Direct from Author

Barnes & Noble

Kobo

BookBub

 

Dark Side of the Veil

Amazon

Bookshop.org 

Direct from Author

Barnes & Noble

Kobo

BookBub


༺ ENTER THE GIVEAWAY ༻

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

Enter The Lesitha Veil Tales Giveaway Here


༺ LAST WORD ༻

 

The most compelling question running through these books concerns the difference between being chosen and being controlled. Bex’s emerging identity as a Rysyn gives other people a reason to advise, pursue, imprison, and threaten her, but it does not automatically give her the judgment needed to use that power. Her struggle is therefore as much about claiming the right to define herself as it is about protecting the Veil.

 

With its secret map-books, fractured realities, crystal power, mechanical half-lifes, and competing visions for the Facet worlds, The Lesitha Veil Tales offers a large-scale adventure anchored by a heroine whose mistakes carry consequences. Readers can begin with The Edge of Oblivion and continue directly into Dark Side of the Veil as Bex moves from chasing the truth to confronting what that truth demands of her.

 



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Children's Book Blitz: The Foopy Song! by G.D. Griffiths

The funniest ideas in children’s books often work because they make a real part of everyday life easier to understand. The Foopy Song connects food, energy, movement, and digestion through a rhythm children can repeat, sing, and laugh about. Its proudly silly refrain gives families a playful way to talk about why bodies need food—and why what happens afterward is perfectly normal.

 


Children’s Picture Book

Author: G.D. Griffiths

Publisher: Independently Published

Publication Date: June 5, 2026


 

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Should you purchase an item via our links--we may receive slight compensation from an
affiliate partner.   
 
༺ ABOUT THE BOOK ༻

 

Food goes in and poop comes out-it's the circle of happy!

 

Mealtimes can be a struggle, but The Foopy Song is here to turn every bite into a celebration. Follow the rhythmic logic of the "Foopy" cycle: from the very first munch to the final wiggle! 

 

This catchy, cheerful and joyful book helps children understand that eating isn't just about sitting still-it's the fuel that lets them play, laugh, and poop their way to a happy day. By showing kids how food leads to energy and energy leads to play, it turns the daily routine into a delightful, rhythmic experience. 

 

BECAUSE!

 

Eat. Poop. Play. Repeat!

 

With a bouncy rhythm parents can sing or read, it's the ultimate guide to why we eat, how we feel, and why a little "poop" is a very big deal.


༺ WHY READ THIS BOOK ༻

 

The book’s memorable “Foopy” cycle turns a basic lesson about the body into an idea young children can repeat in their own words. Rather than separating nutrition, energy, play, and digestion into abstract explanations, G.D. Griffiths links them through a single comic rhythm: eating provides fuel, fuel makes activity possible, and digestion is part of the same healthy process.

 

That direct approach may be especially useful during difficult meals. The subject children are most likely to giggle about becomes the reason they listen, while the repetition gives adults an easy refrain to carry beyond storytime. The book is designed to be read or sung aloud, making participation part of the lesson instead of asking children to sit quietly through it.


༺ WHO WILL LOVE IT ༻

 

The Foopy Song is suited to families with toddlers, preschoolers, and early elementary-age children who respond well to rhyme, repetition, movement, and bathroom humor. Adults dealing with mealtime resistance may appreciate having a lighthearted conversation starter that explains what food does without turning dinner into a lecture.

 

It also belongs naturally in lively read-aloud settings. Parents, grandparents, early-years educators, and children’s librarians can invite young listeners to repeat the refrain, add gestures, or sing the lines together. Children already fascinated by how their bodies work will find the subject familiar, funny, and easy to remember.


༺ ABOUT THE AUTHOR ༻

G.D.'s storytelling spark was ignited in the hallowed land of Wales, where his childhood was spent exploring the sea until the legendary midnight summer twilight. His journey led him through academia, earning degrees in Computer Science and Operations Management, culminating in a PhD focused on Virtual Reality.

 

​While pursuing his studies in Nottingham, he met his wife. Together, their spirit of adventure took them first to New Zealand, where G.D. worked in the video game industry and taught Scuba Diving. A seemingly simple job inquiry brought them to California, a place they planned to "try for one year," and where they still reside almost fourteen years later in Redondo Beach.

 

​The family, which welcomed their son in 2012, is completed by Rhea, their quirky German Shepherd. Rhea became the key inspiration for G.D.'s first book, ABC's With Rhea, A doggy journey through the alphabet. Having observed that children learn best through stories, G.D. wrote this book to craft a specific, relatable world for each letter, encouraging children to connect deeply with the subject.

 

He has recently published his second book, Olly's Journey, and is already hard at work weaving new tales and adventures for his readers.

 

G.D.'s mission is to empower children to pursue their own creative writing journey.


༺ CONNECT WITH THE AUTHOR ༻

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༺ BUY THE BOOK ༻

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༺ LAST WORD ༻

 

The Foopy Song understands that a child’s laughter can be the beginning of a useful conversation. Its eat-poop-play-repeat structure makes the body’s everyday cycle concrete, while the sing-along delivery gives families room to be noisy, active, and amused.

 

For households where another bite can become a negotiation, that playful change of perspective may be the book’s most practical idea.



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Wednesday, July 22, 2026

Biography Spotlight: Room 13 - A Fighter Pilot's Story by Kenneth Gilmore

Military memoirs offer a unique window into history, especially when they come from those who experienced it firsthand. In ROOM 13: A Fighter Pilot's Story, retired U.S. Air Force Colonel Kenneth Gilmore shares his journey from college football coach to fighter pilot during the Vietnam and Laos conflict. Drawing on his own experiences flying combat missions, this memoir explores the realities of aerial warfare, the split-second decisions that determined survival, and the lessons that remained long after the missions ended. 



History / War / Biography

Date Published: April 13, 2026

Publisher: MindStir Media

 


༺ ABOUT THE BOOK ༻

 
What happens when training ends—and real combat begins?
 
In ROOM 13: A Fighter Pilot’s Story, Colonel Kenneth Gilmore delivers a gripping, firsthand account of life as a fighter pilot during the Vietnam/Laos conflict, where survival was never guaranteed—and every mission could be your last.

This powerful military memoir traces Gilmore’s extraordinary journey from a college football coach to an elite U.S. Air Force fighter pilot, flying some of the most iconic aircraft of the era, including the F-102, F-101, A-1 Skyraider, and F-106.

But nothing could prepare him for the brutal reality of war.

 

 220 Combat Missions. One Life-Changing Experience.
 
Assigned to fly the A-1 Skyraider—an aircraft with one of the highest loss rates of the Vietnam War—Gilmore quickly learned that traditional training fell short in the face of enemy fire.
 

After being shot down during mission 130, he survived hours on the ground before rescue—an experience that would forever shape his life, leadership, and understanding of war.


The Seven Rules That Meant Survival
 
In the chaos of combat, Gilmore and a fellow pilot developed seven essential rules for survival—lessons forged under extreme pressure and life-or-death conditions.
 

These principles became the foundation of his leadership when he later returned to command and mentor fellow fighter pilots as an Operations Officer.


A Story of Courage, Leadership, and Sacrifice
 
Over the course of his career, Gilmore flew 220 combat missions and earned numerous honors, including three Distinguished Flying Crosses for heroism. His rapid rise through the ranks to Colonel reflects both his skill and leadership—but also came at a cost, pulling him away from the cockpit he loved.
 
 
༺ WHY READ THIS BOOK ༻

 

A firsthand account carries a perspective that history books alone cannot provide. ROOM 13 combines personal experience with military history, giving readers an inside look at combat aviation during the Vietnam War through the eyes of a decorated fighter pilot. Alongside stories of dangerous missions and survival under extraordinary circumstances, Kenneth Gilmore reflects on the leadership principles and hard-earned lessons that shaped both his military career and his life beyond the cockpit. 

 



༺ WHO WILL LOVE IT ༻

 

ROOM 13 will appeal to readers who enjoy military history, aviation, and true stories of courage under pressure. Veterans, history enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the Vietnam War will appreciate Gilmore's firsthand perspective, while readers drawn to biographies and leadership memoirs will find valuable insights into resilience, decision-making, and service. Those with an interest in military aircraft and the experiences of fighter pilots will also discover plenty to keep them engaged.

 

༺ ABOUT THE AUTHOR ༻


Colonel Kenneth Gilmore (USAF Ret.) is a decorated Vietnam War fighter pilot and author of ROOM 13: A Fighter Pilot’s Story. With over 220 combat missions in the A-1 Skyraider and three Distinguished Flying Crosses for heroism, his experiences in air combat shaped both his military career and  his life. Today, he shares his story to honor fellow pilots and educate future generations about the realities of war.
 

༺ CONNECT WITH THE AUTHOR ༻


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༺ BUY THE BOOK ༻


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༺ LAST WORD ༻

 

Stories like ROOM 13 help preserve the experiences of those who served while offering readers a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by military aviators during the Vietnam War. Kenneth Gilmore's memoir is both a personal account and a historical record, making it a worthwhile addition for anyone interested in aviation, military history, or the human side of combat. If this sounds like your kind of nonfiction, be sure to explore the book and learn more about the remarkable career behind its pages.


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Motorcycle Club Romance Teaser: Rogue by Harley Wylde

Harley Wylde returns to the Reckless Kings MC series with Rogue, an upcoming motorcycle club romance that pairs danger, devotion, and a heroine determined to take control of her own future. Centered on a runaway bride and the biker who refuses to let her face her enemies alone, this latest installment promises the blend of suspense, emotional depth, and protective romance that has become a hallmark of the series. If MC romance is your favorite escape, this is a release you'll want to keep on your radar.

 


(Reckless Kings MC 10)


MC Romance

Date Published: July 24, 2026

Publisher: Changeling Press




༺ ABOUT THE BOOK ༻


She ran from a monster. I became her shield -- and everyone else’s nightmare.
 

Lennox -- I was supposed to marry a man chosen by my family. Smile for the cameras. Say the vows. Do what I was told. The wedding wasn’t about love. It was a business deal, and I was the price being paid. 

 

So I ran. Terrified. Still wearing my wedding dress. I didn’t have a plan. I didn’t have anywhere to go. Then a biker named Rogue stopped beside the road and changed everything. 

 

Rogue -- I’ve spent years handling problems for the Reckless Kings MC. Quietly. Permanently. Picking up a runaway bride wasn’t part of the plan. Neither was getting married. One look at the bruises she tried to hide and the fear she couldn’t quite mask, and I knew one thing for certain. She wasn’t going back. 

 

Now her wealthy family, powerful ex-fiancé, and anyone else stupid enough to come after her will have to deal with me first. The longer Lennox stays under my protection, the harder it becomes to remember this started as a way to keep her safe. She deserves freedom, a future, and the chance to choose her own path. What she doesn’t realize is that I’ve already made my choice. She’s mine. And nobody is taking her away.

 

༺ WHY READ THIS BOOK ༻

 

Freedom, trust, and second chances drive the emotional heart of Rogue. Harley Wylde pairs the gritty world of the Reckless Kings MC with a romance that grows out of protection, loyalty, and the determination to leave the past behind. As danger closes in on Lennox, Rogue's unwavering commitment to keeping her safe raises the stakes and deepens their connection, making this a fast-paced story filled with suspense, chemistry, and plenty of emotional payoff. 

 

༺ WHO WILL LOVE THIS? ༻

 

༺ ABOUT THE AUTHOR ༻

Harley Wylde is an accomplished author known for her captivating MC Romances. With an unwavering commitment to sensual storytelling, Wylde immerses her readers in an exciting world of fierce men and irresistible women. Her works exude passion, danger, and gritty realism, while still managing to end on a satisfying note each time. 

 

When not crafting her tales, Wylde spends her time brainstorming new plotlines, indulging in a hot cup of Starbucks, or delving into a good book. She has a particular affinity for supernatural horror literature and movies. Visit Wylde's website to learn more about her works and upcoming events, and don't forget to sign up for her newsletter to receive exclusive discounts and other exciting perks. 

 

༺ CONNECT WITH THE AUTHOR AND PUBLISHER ༻

 

Author on Facebook, Instagram, & TikTok: @harleywylde

 

Publisher on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok: @changelingpress

 

༺ PREORDER THE BOOK ༻

 

Amazon


༺ THE LAST WORD ༻

 

Harley Wylde continues to deliver the blend of action, emotion, and sizzling romance that MC romance readers love. With compelling characters, dangerous enemies, and a hero willing to risk everything for the woman under his protection, Rogue promises an exciting journey from the very first page. Be sure to check out the excerpt, learn more about the book, and add this upcoming release to your reading list.

 

RABT Book Tours & PR


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