New Releases by Carl Sommer

Three boys grow up in the same drug-infested, gang-ruled, poverty-stricken neighborhood. Nelson becomes a successful doctor, his best friend Jesse, an award-winning architectural engineer, but Nelsons brother Alvin ends up in jail. In this riveting tale, Nelson relates the story of their childhood, and how, with the love and guidance of his grandparents, they come upon valuable lessons on how against all odds to become successful. Featuring accounts from Benjamin Franklin, George Washington Carver, Helen Keller, and Abraham Lincoln, the boys are inspired by some of Americas greatest heroes. Although Alvin chooses differently, Nelson and Jesse are two friends who Dare to Dream! Virtues: Courage / Responsibility / Self-Discipline

Even though Randy is much loved at home, he has a serious problemeverything he has is old! His rich neighbor Mike, who often teases Randy, has a new bike, new toys, and never does chores. Randy, however, rides an old bike, has old toys, and has to do all kinds of work around the house. Though Randy is often reminded that things dont bring happiness, he desperately wishes he could be rich so he could buy everything new. To Randys great delight, his wish comes true. Everything he touches turns into gold, even his beloved dog. As he holds his lifeless gold dog, he realizes hes the most miserable kid in the world. Remembering he has one more wish, he uses it to return things as they were before. His wish comes true, and he becomes the richest poor kid. Virtues: Appreciation / Cheerfulness / Trust

Spike the rebel is a mean-spirited bully in his neighborhood and school. All the kids are afraid of him, except Mary. She warns him that one day his meanness will come back to haunt him. Spike on a family camping trip, steals a canoe, rows past a caution sign, and ends up being thrown over the waterfalls. He survives, but the incident only makes him meaner. Next, he steals a kids BB gun and shoots a protected eagle. Even worse, when the park ranger comes, he plants the evidence so the other kid gets blamed. While riding his bike one day, Spike hits one of his self-made bike traps. He breaks his leg and bleeds badly. Debbie, a girl he laughed at for falling off her bike in one of his traps, comes with her mother and rescues him. This incident transforms Spike. He finally discovers hes much happier having friends and helping others. Virtues: Tolerance / Friendship / Cooperation

Christopher has great dreams of becoming an inventor, but he dislikes anything requiring work. When Christophers friend and mentor, Dr. Finkle, invents a time remote, he thinks his dreams have come true. He gets the time remote and zips past all the things he doesnt like. Who needs to eat right and do homework? Lets just eat dessert and play! The time remote sends him quickly through a life of avoiding problems, right into old age. Christopher finally realizes the misery of an easy life. It is only when he, as an old man, discovers a secret button on the remote that he gets a second chance to live his life smarter and wiser with an appreciation for all there is, including the tough stuff! Virtues: Diligence / Self-Discipline / Responsibility