Doug Wilhelm

This is the story of an insurgency in higher education - an adventure in giving people of all backgrounds, especially those without many advantages, the chance to change their lives.It's a history of Vermonters who refused to be told "no" - who developed a community college unlike any other, challenging the higher-ed establishment as they invited adults to learn and earn a degree at any stage in life, no matter their circumstances, supporting them all along the way.Rich with personal stories, profiles, humor and humanity, this acount of the creation, growth and survival of the Community College of Vermont is an inspiring tribute, as veteran Vermont editor Emerson Lynn writes in his Introduction, to "the power of people who refused to give up."And as today's colleges and universities struggle with pressures to somehow become more affordable, flexible and accessible at different stages of life, Kind of a Miracle offers ideas, examples and hard-earned lessons. Because, in the end, this just might be a story of creating the college of tomorrow.

How do we shift to a clean energy economy, help communities adapt to climate change, and help responsible and local journalism survive?Supported by an activist family foundation and often working closely with it, Vermont nonprofits have played vital roles in making positive progress on these and other complex challenges. The stories in Catalysts for Change tell what these partnerships have achieved, and how. Highly readable, informative, and inspiring, Catalysts for Change begins with Claire Malcolm's jarring experience as a newly trained nurse witnessing unsafe childbirth practices among the poor in China, where she lived and worked for nearly half a century. Widowed and living in Vermont later in life, Claire created the Lintilhac Foundation to help bring nurse-midwifery back into the American healthcare system, in Vermont's largest hospital. Over the decades since Claire's passing in 1984, the foundation, run by her daughter-in-law and son, has expanded its focus to support and work closely with nonprofits in maternal and child health, responsible journalism, water quality, land conservation, and clean energy.The Lintilhac Foundation's story is a rewarding one-both for everyone who cares about Vermont and for philanthropies across the country that are seeking new models for how they can play a more engaged role in their communities.

Notable Social Studies Trade Book, awarded by National Council for the Social Studies and The Children's Book Council Gold Medal, Young Adult Fiction, Independent Press AwardsSilver Medal, Teen Fiction, Benjamin Franklin Awards, Independent Book Publishers AssociationYA Fiction Book Award, Independent Book Publishers of New EnglandIndie Editors Choice, Kirkus Reviews An American kid, in a place he doesn't understand. This multicultural thriller for YA and adult readers is about three families across two cultures. It's about the power of music, the impacts of extremism, an ancient true story - and taking the risk, even when it's big, of thinking for yourself. Luke blames his parents' divorce on his dad's obsession with finishing a book about a lost civilization in a dangerous part of Asia. But his father wants his son to understand, so during a school holiday he brings Luke to Peshawar, the legendary frontier city in northwest Pakistan. Luke refuses to learn anything about his dad's project; instead he's drawn into the strange, intriguing Old City, where a violent new extremism is on the rise. He's dazzled by a rebellious girl, Danisha, but they can't ever be seen together. He's recruited by her brother to assist the jihadis - but he also bonds with Yusuf, an Afghan refugee who knows what could happen. Then there are the musicians Luke befriends, and a warmhearted Sufi teacher who opens his eyes. This is an adventure book that's about something. Once you start reading, it will grip you till the end.

"A boisterous, slapstick adventure that will entertain budding readers."-Kirkus Reviews "Great characters, funny events, and big dollops of history and geography. Well done!"-R. A. Montgomery, co-creator of the Choose Your Own Adventure series "I LOVE this book! I could use this in so many ways as a teacher."-Professor Lynn Gatto, Warner School of Education, University of Rochester "Treasure Town will be treasured by every reader who loves action, humor, and a rollicking good tale."-Ellen Miles, author of The Puppy Place series What happens when some directionally challenged, gold-hungry bumblers join up with a trio of smart and imaginative kids? Chaos! Diverse characters in a familiar town setting provide this mystery adventure just enough details to keep middle readers enthralled-and reading! Created by talented author/illustrator siblings to help kids transition into chapter books, Treasure Town is filled with hilarious characters, narrative illustrations, short chapters and loads of fun! From his acclaimed, bestselling novel The Revealers to his many books in the Choose Your Own Adventure series, author Doug Wilhelm embraces his imagination and the challenges faced by young readers. A world traveler, musician, and former journalist, Wilhelm is a frequent visitor to classrooms and authors the popular blog, Reading Matters. A professional artist, Sarah-Lee Terrat was an original member of the Ben & Jerry's design team. When not working on murals and illustrations, she designs silly toys. Collaborating with her big brother Doug, is always an adventure!

The Curse of the Pirate Mist by Doug Wilhelm takes YOU on a daring and dangerous adventure with your uncle in South America. 9-12 year old readers will search for a sunken World War II vessel rumored to contain three TRILLION dollars' worth of treasure, face down powerful and wealthy crooks, and investigate a mysterious purple mist that blankets the high seas. Choose Your Own Adventure Curse of the Pirate Mist is an interactive adventure book in which YOU decide what happens next. Your uncle writes bestselling books about high-stakes adventures and you are his travel buddy. His latest tip has taken you to South America in search of treasure. Do you trust the smooth-talking CEO who smiles just a little too much? Or do you team up with your uncle's friend Lacey, a "treasure enthusiast"? What explanation can you find for the weird purple mist that's been attacking boat crews?

Throwing light on a dark problem Parkland Middle School is a place the students call Darkland, because no one in it does much to stop the daily harassment of kids by other kids. Three bullied seventh graders use their smarts to get the better of their tormentors by starting an unofficial e-mail forum at school in which they publicize their experiences. Unexpectedly, lots of other kids come forward to confess their similar troubles, and it becomes clear that the problem at their school is bigger than anyone knew. The school principal wants to clamp down on the operation, which she does when the trio, in their zealousness for revenge, libel a fellow student in what turns out to have been a setup. Now a new plan of attack is needed . . . This suspenseful story of computer-era underground rebellion offers fresh perspectives on some of the most enduring themes in fiction for young readers. The Revealers is a 2004 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year.