Helping Young Refugees, Immigrants And Kids Who Have Been Bullied - Smart Tools For Life Announces Fundraising Campaign

Smart Tools for Life provides memorable and engaging books and music for young children that enhance their “smarts” for problem-solving, empathy, and compassion, and sink deeply - for life - into children's hearts and minds.

Every day 44,000 people become refugees due to climate change, war, etc. Half are children. Incredibly, many people don't care. When fear-mongering is rampant, and hatred of “the other” is being modeled from the highest levels of government, what are we teaching our kids?

Creating a compassionate point-of-view toward others and stimulating kind actions by children is a clear solution. One organization, Smart Tools for Life, has a unique and powerful way to implement that solution. Their new kids' book, 'Immigrant, Refugee, & Stranger -- The Barnyard Buddies Meet a Newcomer', inspires kindness toward newcomers, including the new kid in school, as well as immigrants, and refugees.

"Whether or not people are warmly welcomed in a new location or maligned and mistreated, fundamentally comes down to the attitude of each individual they encounter," stated Julie Penshorn, author of the new book. "These attitudes are formed as children learn and grow, and become laws when they are decision-makers. Hate and indifference have no place in our complicated world. Our work is to provide resources that change hearts, minds, and ultimately future governments, by educating children in empathy, compassion, and more today."

"Since attitudes of adults are difficult to change, we provide guidance for young kids, both residents, and those coming to our country. They learn to interact with others with kindness as a prerequisite, not an afterthought. This learning sinks deeply into their hearts and minds, and will influence their behaviors as culture-creating teens and adults."

Penshorn's new children’s book addresses the challenges that newcomers have when entering communities and classrooms. Readers are moved toward thoughtful and compassionate action. Embracing and accepting new people has complications. This story guides children to explore the questions around this topic. There are many opportunities for deep thinking and finding ‘compassion-smart’ solutions.

Thought-provoking questions are asked in the Parent and Educator Guide at the end of the book. The 'Conversation Starters' and 'Activities' provide several lesson-plans based on the conundrums provided by the story."

The Global Giving fundraising campaign will help accomplish all of these goals in a number of ways, including providing no-charge print books and ebooks, readings at libraries, classroom visits and a number of marketing/outreach programs. The Global Giving campaign is available at https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/compassion-smart-education-immigrants-refugees.

“This book is a great resource for families and teachers looking for materials that enhance decision-making. It supports teachers dealing with a new child in class, or perhaps immigrants, or refugees. We think these are critical discussions to have in today’s world,” said Rebecca Janke, M.Ed., the book’s content editor.

Penshorn's previous children's book about peace, 'I Can See Peace', won the Human Relations Peace Book Of The Year Award in 2018.

She encourages those seeking more ideas to visit her website: http://www.smarttoolsforlife.com. The Smart Tools for Life products include kids’ books and music, conflict resolution cubes to help children express their feelings, and wearables. There is also a free, downloadable coloring page for kids, based on the flagship children's book, 'The Barnyard Buddies Stop For Peace.'

Penshorn also makes her books and music available for corporate sponsorships and as fundraising tools for like-minded schools and preschools. She asks that anyone who would like to learn more contact her by email.

Julie is a the Director of the nonprofit, Growing Communities for Peace and champion of its Smart Tools for Life project. Penshorn co-authored a preK-3 curriculum on conflict resolution, complete with hands-on-learning tools, that is in use in over 13,000 locations. She now focuses her unique talents on children’s books and music and a blog-based approach to supporting peace literacy and building a culture of peace.

Penshorn is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below or by email at julie@smarttoolsforlife.com. Donations are being accepted at https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/compassion-smart-education-immigrants-refugees. More information about the books, music and other products, including a video about the campaign, is available on the Smart Tools for Life website at https://www.smarttoolsforlife.com.

About Smart Tools for Life:

Smart Tools for Life is an ongoing project of the nonprofit, Growing Communities for Peace. It provides memorable and engaging books and music for young children that enhance their “smarts” for problem-solving, empathy, and compassion, and sink deeply -- for life -- into children's hearts and minds. It makes it easy to bring social skills for peacemaking, peacekeeping, and peacebuilding, to young children, thereby encouraging more harmonious, sustainable relationships with others and the planet.

The organization’s materials are designed to develop peace literacy as they educate, entertain, and empower all those involved to strengthen families, classrooms, and neighborhoods. They also provide other teacher and parent education to support and maintain a culture of peace.

Contact:

Julie Penshorn
julie@smarttoolsforlife.com
https://www.smarttoolsforlife.com
http://www.growingcommunitiesforpeace.org

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Welcoming Middle Eastern Refugees Will Restore Confidence In US Says Frances Fuller, Triple Award Winning Author Of 'In Borrowed Houses'

Fuller spent many years in the Middle East. She puts a face on the Middle East many Americans have not yet seen. Her award-winning memoir, 'In Borrowed Houses', gives readers a penetrating glimpse of the Middle East from the inside

A recent article on the CNN Politics website by Ted Barrett entitled "Senate Democrats block Syrian refugee bill" reported that Democrats blocked a bill that would curb the flow of Middle Eastern refugees to the US.  In effect this decision by the US Senate was a vote to uphold President Obama's plan to accept refugees. Like the Senate, the American public is split into two camps on this issue. Frances Fuller, award winning author of 'In Borrowed Houses' believes this move will help improve relationships with the Middle East, as hospitality is an important cultural value throughout the region. In an Arab village the failure of one family to receive a stranger or offer water or shelter to one in need, brings shame on the whole community, while hospitality honors both the host and the guest.

"Right now a lot of people in the Middle East see the U.S. as responsible, directly or indirectly, for the chaos in their region. They see that we depose leaders for our own reasons.  They observe that we talk about democracy but try to impose our will on other nations. They know that we torture and humiliate prisoners of war like everybody else.  And if we now refuse to offer a home to desperate refugees, we have not only deserted our founding principles, which they know well, but we have dishonored ourselves in the world community.  This would be the final proof that we cannot be trusted. In fact, harsh words from our politicians on this subject are already creating a negative impression of who we are.

“By showing kindness now, making a way for displaced families to have a home and giving their children hope for the future, we will recover some of our lost image and begin creating a path to peace.”

Frances puts a face on the Middle East many Americans have not yet seen. Her award-winning memoir, 'In Borrowed Houses', gives readers a penetrating glimpse of the Middle East from the inside. Fuller spent many years as a Christian publisher in Lebanon during the Lebanon civil war. As the result of her time and experience there, Fuller wrote an award-winning book entitled 'In Borrowed Houses'.

Told in short episodes, Fuller’s book reveals the alienation, confusion and courage of civilians in the Lebanese civil war, introducing to the reader a variety of real people with whom the author interacts: editors, salesmen, neighbors, refugees, soldiers, missionaries, lawyers, shepherds, artists, students. With these people she works, studies, plays games, prays, laughs and cries, all to the accompaniment of gunfire. Together these small stories tell what war is like for civilians caught on a battlefield, and they create the impression of the Lebanese as a fun-loving, witty, patient and resilient people. Fuller's stories compose not a political history, but a historical document of a time and a place.

Critics have praised ‘In Borrowed Houses.’ A judge in the 22nd Annual Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards called 'In Borrowed Houses' “ . . a well written book full of compassion . . . a captivating story . . . ”. Another reviewer described the book as “Wise, honest, sensitive, funny, heart-wrenching . . .”. Colin Chapman, lecturer in Islamic Studies at the Near East School of Theology in Beirut said, “ . . . western Christians and Middle Eastern Christians need to read this story…full of remarkable perceptiveness and genuine hope.”

Frances Fuller is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below or by email at frances0516@att.net. Fuller's book is available at Amazon and other book retailers. A free ebook sample from 'In Borrowed Houses' is available at http://www.payhip.com/francesfuller. Frances Fuller also blogs on issues relating to the Middle East on her website at http://www.inborrowedhouseslebanon.com.

About Frances Fuller:

Frances Fuller spent thirty years in the violent Middle East and for twenty-four of those years was the director of a Christian publishing program with offices in Lebanon. While leading the development of spiritual books in the Arabic language, she survived long years of civil war and invasions.

Contact:

Frances Fuller
frances0516@att.net
http://www.inborrowedhouseslebanon.com

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The Refugee Crisis, Immigration And The Quest For Freedom - Author David Michael Palladino's 'Quest For Freedom' Gives Us A View From The Other Side

David Michael Palladino writes inspirational fiction for young readers. His works teach important ideals and values. He utilizes engaging works of fiction to accomplish that goal

The refugee situation the US faces today is a crisis of epic proportions, unlike anything seen before in the history of the world. All countries, including the USA, are facing problems that our forefathers could never have imagined. Immigration used to be a simple issue. This, however, is the age of terrorism and security is at the forefront of our collective consciousness. 

Refugees and immigration have become political issues. The US has found itself under tremendous pressure from all sides. The refugee issue has literally split Americans into two camps - those who see it as a duty to help those in need, while the other side believes that to offer asylum to anyone carries far too much risk.  In the past, the open door policy held by the US government served as a model of both democracy and freedom. No more. Now politicians running for office use the refugee crisis as a platform issue. Immigrants are seen by many to be a threat to the economy and American jobs. Politicians use both to play on the fears of American voters.

It wasn't always that way.

Escape from Soviet Communism and the quest for freedom is the theme of 'Quest For Freedom' by David Michael Palladino. It is the story of the beautiful Romanian, Adriana Corderu and her quest to obtain freedom by escaping the Iron Curtain.

Palladino produces inspirational fiction for young readers. His works teach important ideals and values. As a former U.S. Army Ranger, former High School Phys-Ed & Health Teacher and Coach, and founder of “Palladino Martial Arts”, he understands the significance of instilling these all-important ideals and values in young people. He utilizes engaging works of fiction as the backdrop to accomplish that goal. This work will be especially appealing to parents, grandparents and educators. And it is  pertinent today in light of the world situation. While Americans often see only one side of the issue, that issue is much larger than many in the US imagine.

During the Cold War the world revolved around the conflict between the theologies of communism and democracy. The two main protagonists in this conflict were the United States in the West and the Soviet Union in the East. As Eastern Bloc leaders began to tighten restrictions in the lives of their people, commensurate with their increase in power, there began to emerge, in the East, a group of young people, hard and idealistic, adventurous and courageous. These would become the heroes of the movement of their time. These were the brave young souls who, with inspiration from President Reagan, began to break down the Iron Curtain.

"I wrote the book," Palladino stated, “out of deep concern for the state of the human spirit in America.  Adriana is the classic example of what the human spirit can accomplish when it is inspired to rise to victorious new heights.  When American’s grab onto Adriana’s story and their mood and demeanor begin to change, they will start to believe in their dreams again.  When that happens, American’s will start to fulfill their destiny and become everything they were created to be, then America’s ‘Spirit of Victory’ will be restored.”

'Quest for Freedom' has received rave reviews. One reviewer stated, "More native born Americans need to know this story and more importantly appreciate our country as she did." Another said, "The readers become engrossed immediately in Palladino's dynamic effervescent style."

David Palladino is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below or by email at inspirationalbookauthor@yahoo.com. 'Adriana Corderu, Quest for Freedom' is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Rosedog Books. More information including samples of the book are available at Palladino's website at http://www.inspirationalbookauthor.com.

Profile:

David Michael Palladino writes inspirational fiction for young readers. His background helps him in crafting messages that resonate with young readers and teaches them important ideals and values. He utilizes engaging works of fiction to help instill these values.

Contact:

David Michael Palladino
inspirationalbookauthor@yahoo.com
http://www.InspirationalBookAuthor.com

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Franklin Graham's Stance On Muslim Immigrants Is Wrong Says Award Winning Author Frances Fuller

Fuller spent many years in the Middle East. She puts a face on the Middle East many Americans have not yet seen. Her award-winning memoir, 'In Borrowed Houses', gives readers a penetrating glimpse of the Middle East from the inside

The Syrian refugee crisis has split the US into two camps. Frances Fuller, award-winning author of 'In Borrowed Houses' spent many years as a Christian publisher in Lebanon during the Lebanon civil war. She believes the position taken by Franklin Graham is wrong.

"Franklin Graham is wrong again," Fuller stated. "According to Sarah Eekhoff Zylstra in Christianity Today, Graham opposes opening the country’s doors to Syrian refugees, saying, ‘We cannot allow Muslim immigrants to come across our borders unchecked while we are fighting this war on terror.’

"Graham is wrong,” Fuller says, “because he is ignoring the facts.  Immigrants do not get here without passing through extensive interviewing, screening and security clearances.  They don’t even get to choose what country they will go to but must be referred by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. Then they must be cleared by six different government agencies including the Dept. of Homeland Security. The process, according to immigration lawyer Scott Hicks, is difficult to get through and 'most people languish in camps for months or years while their story is evaluated and checked'.

"This information is attested to by Matthew Soerens, US director of church mobilization for World Relief, which opposes the decisions of thirty-one US governors to ban Syrian refugees from their states. Soerens, also quoted by Zylstra, says that since the 1970s the US has received three million refugees and ‘No one from that program has attacked anyone.’  Refusing Syrian refugees will, in Soerens’ words, 'punish the victims of ISIS for the sins of ISIS.'

"Franklin Graham is wrong also because his attitude is unchristian. He is responding not to a great humanitarian need but to fear. To put security above compassion is selfish and not the way of Jesus. Graham is dangerous, because he is both influential and wrong."

Fuller spent many years in the Middle East. As the result of her time spent as a missionary, Fuller wrote an award-winning book entitled 'In Borrowed Houses'. Told in short episodes, Fuller’s book reveals the alienation, confusion and courage of civilians in the Lebanese civil war, introducing to the reader a variety of real people with whom the author interacts: editors, salesmen, neighbors, refugees, soldiers, missionaries, lawyers, shepherds, artists, students. With these people she works, studies, plays games, prays, laughs and cries, all to the accompaniment of gunfire. Together these small stories tell what war is like for civilians caught on a battlefield, and they create the impression of the Lebanese as a fun-loving, witty, patient and resilient people. They also compose, not a political history, but a historical document of a time and a place.

Critics have praised  ‘In Borrowed Houses.’ A judge in the 22nd Annual Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards called 'In Borrowed Houses' “…a well written book full of compassion…a captivating story…”. Another reviewer described the book as “Wise, honest, sensitive, funny, heart-wrenching…”. Colin Chapman, lecturer in Islamic Studies at the Near East School of Theology in Beirut said, “….western Christians and Middle Eastern Christians need to read this story…full of remarkable perceptiveness and genuine hope.”

Frances Fuller is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below or by email at frances0516@att.net. Fuller's book is available at Amazon and other book retailers. A free ebook sample from 'In Borrowed Houses' is available at http://www.payhip.com/francesfuller. Frances Fuller also blogs on issues relating to the Middle East on her website at http://www.inborrowedhouseslebanon.com.

About Frances Fuller:

Frances Fuller spent thirty years in the violent Middle East and for twenty-four of those years was the director of a Christian publishing program with offices in Lebanon. While leading the development of spiritual books in the Arabic language, she survived long years of civil war and invasions.

Contact:

Frances Fuller
frances0516@att.net
http://www.inborrowedhouseslebanon.com

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Frances Fuller, Author Of Book About Lebanon, 'In Borrowed Houses', Issues Open Letter To Barack Obama About Middle East Refugees

Frances Fuller's award-winning memoir, 'In Borrowed Houses', gives readers a penetrating glimpse of the Middle East from the inside. She puts a face on the Middle East many Americans have not yet seen

Frances Fuller, award winning author of 'In Borrowed Houses', has issued an open letter to President Obama regarding the refugee crisis in the Middle East.

A recent article on The Washington Post website detailed Pope Francis' call to Europe's Catholics. He requested that every sanctuary, monastery, parish and community take in at least one refugee family. The Vatican will be taking in two families.

On their website, US News and World Report reported that France will welcome 24,000 refugees. In the same story it was reported that German Chancellor Angela Merkel said all European countries should work to accommodate refugees. What about the US? Frances Fuller's letter to President Obama asks two questions that are in the minds of many Americans.

"What’s the plan, Mr.President?  What is the USA going to do about that tidal wave of people from the Middle East looking for a place to be?"

"We owe the refugees a home, because we did a lot to create the chaos from which they are fleeing. We know it.  And now that our hearts are broken by images of dead children and weeping fathers and women lying down on railroad tracks in hopes of stopping a train, we have to do something kind and constructive or we will die of guilt and shame."

"We have empty bedrooms and full pantries, but we can’t offer them to Syrians or Iraqis unless they can get here and unless our immigration department will give them visas.  So send airplanes to get them.  Open the doors. Step up and speak up, like Pope Francis and Angela Merkel."

"We are sick of war, Mr. President.  Give us a plan for building the world.  Then get in front and see us follow."

Told in short episodes, Fuller’s book reveals the alienation, confusion and courage of civilians in the Lebanese civil war, introducing to the reader a variety of real people with whom the author interacts: editors, salesmen, neighbors, refugees, soldiers, missionaries, lawyers, shepherds, artists, students. With these people she works, studies, plays games, prays, laughs and cries, all to the accompaniment of gunfire. Together these small stories tell what war is like for civilians caught on a battlefield, and they create the impression of the Lebanese as a fun-loving, witty, patient and resilient people. They also compose, not a political history, but a historical document of a time and a place.

Critics have praised  ‘In Borrowed Houses.’ A judge in the 22nd Annual Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards called 'In Borrowed Houses' “…a well written book full of compassion…a captivating story…”. Another reviewer described the book as “Wise, honest, sensitive, funny, heart-wrenching…”. Colin Chapman, lecturer in Islamic Studies at the Near East School of Theology in Beirut said, “….western Christians and Middle Eastern Christians need to read this story…full of remarkable perceptiveness and genuine hope.”

Frances Fuller is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below or by email at frances0516@att.net. Fuller's book is available at Amazon and other book retailers. A free ebook sample from 'In Borrowed Houses' is available at http://www.payhip.com/francesfuller. More information is available at her website at http://www.inborrowedhouseslebanon.com.

About Frances Fuller:

Frances Fuller spent thirty years in the violent Middle East and for twenty-four of those years was the director of a Christian publishing program with offices in Lebanon. While leading the development of spiritual books in the Arabic language, she survived long years of civil war and invasions.

Contact:

Frances Fuller
frances0516@att.net
http://www.inborrowedhouseslebanon.com

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