OUR BOOKS
Laureate Life Press books
are available for purchase on Amazon.com.
Just click on the books below.
2025
Hey, Jude!: A Memoir
by Judith Lifson
From her very earliest memories, Judith Lifson always wanted to know what was just around the corner. And she never let fear stand in her way.
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At age nine, with her three-year-old sister in tow, Judith navigated the Dallas public buses to meet their mother for lunch at a downtown restaurant. As a young teen, she traveled alone by rail 1,600 miles from Dallas to New York to visit her two grandmothers—switching trains in St. Louis and using subways in New York. As a college student in the 1950s, she saved up her allowance to become the first person in her family to ride on an airplane. She just had to know what was happening in this world.
With the heart of an explorer and an intellect to match, Judith never stopped experimenting with life. If something had wheels, she wanted to ride it. If neighbors spoke a language she couldn’t understand, she wanted to learn it. If people thought differently than she did, she wanted to hear about their ideas. Follow Judith from Dallas to Dubai, from Texas to Turkey, through a career in real estate, and on often hilarious and sometimes unanticipated adventures with her husband Kal and their five children.
Hey, Jude! is a memoir that will open your mind and heart as you accompany Judith Lifson on her inspiring journey.
2025
Beneath It All
by Louella Bee Jacobsen
The world is broken, and those in power want it to stay that way.
Carrie never asked to fight, but when the people she loves are torn from her, she finds herself in the center of a rebellion stitched together from scraps and desperation. With only a handful of allies, she must navigate ruined streets, shadowed tunnels, and the iron grip of a corrupt regime that will do anything to keep its control. Every mission risks lives. Every step draws blood. And every choice forces Carrie closer to a truth she may not survive.
This is a story of loss, defiance, and fragile hope: a rebellion built not on strength, but on the courage to keep going when the foundation of the world has crumbled.
If ever a teen defined the word “bibliophile,” it is Louella Bee Jacobsen, currently a senior at The Hockaday School in Dallas, Texas. From her early years she has been an avid reader, which led her to start a purpose project called Literateye in 2018, whose mission is to get more books into the hands of public-school children. (See Literateye.com.) When she isn’t reading or writing, you can find Louella in a bookstore learning more about history and art, two subjects that inspire her creative work. Beneath It All is her first novel.
2025
A Train Away
by Jackson Barnes
You will be on the edge of your seat following Alora as she ventures on an imaginative journey of self-discovery between the worlds of Bakewell and Arigon. With unfamiliar creatures and unforeseen threats, Alora must choose between staying in Arigon with her hospitable newfound friends or returning to the sadness in the world she once knew. Whatever her decision, Alora knows it’s only A Train Away!
Jackson Barnes, currently a senior at St. Mark’s School of Texas, has been passionate about writing fiction for many years. He loves bringing his imagination to life with colorful characters and storylines. When he’s not writing or playing video games, he can be found on the wrestling mat pinning his opponents. Jackson aspires to pursue the field of engineering but also to never stop developing his voice as a writer and sharing his stories with his readers.
2025
Future-Focused Wealth: How to Build Financial Freedom at Your Own Pace
by Melissa Cox CFP®
Do you dream of a future where money is a tool for freedom, not a source of stress?
Future-Focused Wealth takes a fresh approach to financial planning—one that prioritizes real-life goals over complicated jargon. Whether you’re navigating student loans, planning for retirement, growing your investments, or simply wanting to take control of your budget, this book provides the tools and strategies to help you build a secure financial future. With a mix of expert insight, personal stories, and easy-to-follow action steps, you’ll learn how to:
• Build a monthly budget, no matter your current income level.
• Plan financially for the specific costs of having children.
• Develop a college budget before your student ever tours a campus.
• Identify what you can and cannot plan for in retirement.
• Align your financial goals with your values, and pass on a significant legacy.
Your financial freedom starts now with Future-Focused Wealth!
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Melissa Cox is a Certified Financial Planner™ with over 20 years experience guiding individuals and families toward financial clarity and security. Having worked with clients at every stage of life—from young professionals just starting out to retirees planning their legacy—Melissa is passionate about making financial planning approachable, actionable, and empowering. With a relatable approach and a deep commitment to financial literacy, she breaks down complex financial concepts into practical steps anyone can follow. Through education and strategic planning, she empowers individuals to make informed decisions that align with their values and long-term goals, decisions that lead to freedom in future-focused wealth.
2024
The COVID Chronicles: A Journey of Faith and Hope
by Kimberly Lozada, EdD
On March 29, 2020, Kimberly Lozada, EdD noted that a friend of a friend had died of COVID-19. It was her first personal connection with COVID, but she knew it wouldn’t be her last. Months earlier, she had peeled the cellophane off a new hardcover journal, determined to document her life and that of her family during this new, unprecedented time. Like all of us, she had no way to anticipate the personal challenges she would face, nor the strength that would be required to fight for her health and her principles. Neither had she anticipated the growth in her faith that would support her on this path.
Dr. Lozada credits the act of journaling with helping her process the events of those often-harrowing years. With The COVID Chronicles, we, too, have the opportunity to better understand our own lives and the journey we all took together.
Kimberly Lozada, EdD is a passionate educational leader with thirty-eight years of experience transforming schools. Her diverse career spans traditional secondary school settings to an alternative campus for disciplinary placements, a non-traditional program for credit recovery, a newcomer campus for English language learners, and a charter school where high school students graduated with associate’s degrees. She also has served as a long-time mentor and field supervisor for student teachers. Dr. Lozada recently founded Monarch EdLeaders where she uses her professional expertise and personal passion to equip people so they can transform and soar through life’s challenges.
In her spare time, Dr. Lozada created and coordinates an adventure group called City Scouts, finds joy spending time with her children and grandchildren, and immerses herself in gardening and raising butterflies—a fitting metaphor for her transformative work.
2024
Circles of Civility: Hope for the Children
by Philip R. Einsohn
If we want to develop a more civil society—one in which we have a better opportunity to understand each other and build community—we will need an appropriate vocabulary. That is the goal of Circles of Civility: To create greater awareness of the importance of civility through civil discourse starting with young children and continuing through adulthood. But how do we get this crucial vocabulary into the hands of all children? Discover how this project helps them develop the vocabulary to become civil, caring people in a civil, caring society.
Philip R. Einsohn is president and CEO of Circles of Civility and president and CEO of Waterjet Works, a custom fabrication company in Dallas, Texas. As a waterjet design expert, his work can be found in the White House, Smithsonian Museums, DFW International Airport, and in hospitals and schools across the United States and Puerto Rico. His beliefs in the need for a civil society, as well as his experiences as a father and educator, led him to create the ever-evolving Circles of Civility project. Using waterjet technology, he creates puzzle shapes with specific keywords to engage people of all ages in conversations around civility.
2024
Halito, Gianna!
by Becky Villareal
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Gianna Saldaña has a mystery to solve.
With the help of a history teacher and the enthusiasm of a new friend, Gianna hopes to discover answers to the biggest mystery of her life. Follow along as she explores every avenue to find answers to the questions she has wondered about for as long as she can remember: Who is her father? Where did her ancestors come from? Join her as she develops new and exciting clues about her heritage and solves the mystery of her family lineage—a dramatic journey!
“Halito, Gianna! is like a Hallmark movie for 8–12 year-olds. It is straightforward, predictable, and with a happy ending that leaves the readers with a positive feeling about family. This story also teaches lessons about the importance and having an open-minded to learning new things in school and exploring your past through genealogy. The writing was crisp, the story was easy to follow, and the dialogue appropriate for this age group.”—LitPick Book Reviews
Becky Villareal has spent most of her life as an elementary school teacher and genealogist. She has combined her two passions incorporating them into her children’s book series. Becky has presented at national organizations and libraries throughout the United States utilizing her knowledge of children, writing, and family history research. Her goal is to share her excitement and inspire all children to learn more about their heritage.
2023
Bearing It: 12 Women Find Resilience: You Can Too
by Christine Nicolette-Gonzalez
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A sudden cancer diagnosis. An accidental fall from a ladder that kills a beloved husband. A lifelong, debilitating incurable illness. A knock on the door--a twenty-three-year-old son has committed suicide.
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To breathe on this planet is to endure suffering because inevitably each of us will hear words that will forever change our lives. This collection of unforgettable stories, told by a group of women who span four decades, will help you find the resilience to persevere. These stories will show you that whatever challenge you are facing or will inevitably face--none is too great to keep you from joy.
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"The twelve women who have bravely shared their poignant and compelling stories represent the best of us; their voices deserve to be recognized. I could not move from one chapter to the next without taking time to be still and reflect upon the magnitude of life experiences filling the pages. This book is a treasure trove of wisdom that comes from both the sorrows and joys of life." --Diane K. Anderson, PHD, Vice President for Student Affairs, Western Michigan University
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"This book is a fount of hope. While reading this book, I felt my spirit strengthen and love envelop me. I heard a still, small voice encourage me to take life head on and live every day to its fullest. This primer for life deserves to be on every nightstand." --Arnie Holtberg, former headmaster and author of Game On!
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2023
Game On!: One Boy’s Odyssey
by Arnie Holtberg
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Game On!: One Boy’s Odyssey follows Karl Bergen through middle school along the path to manhood. As the Bergen family embarks on its journey in search of the American Dream, Karl finds that growing up in post-World War II America is both exciting and challenging. No two days are the same, and in spite of the strengths he exhibits, he “strikes out” from time to time. Helpful, caring adults provide the guidance and support Karl needs. His odyssey unfolds in what seems like a never-ending journey filled with colorful characters, great adventures, and daunting obstacles. He is fortunate to find lifelong values and teammates along the way.
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"Arnie Holtberg does a masterful job weaving important lessons learned during grammar and middle school into a story you’ll find hard to put down! I couldn’t recommend this book any higher." —Jason Garrett, Sports broadcaster; Former head coach, Dallas Cowboys
"Holtberg’s message is that there’s no single thing that’s special about being a middle schooler—it’s everything. We look forward to the next magical moment life may bring." —Yolanda Bruce Brooks, PsyD, Founder and principal, Sports Life Transitions
Arnie Holtberg served as the Headmaster, Dean of Students and as teacher of Social Studies in numerous U.S. private and public schools, as well as the principal of the Hong Kong International School where approximately 40 nations were represented at all times. He served as Head of School of St. Mark’s School of Texas from 1993-2014, making him the longest-tenured head in the school’s history. During his time at St. Mark’s, Arnie led two multi-million-dollar fundraising campaigns geared towards campus improvement, resource endowment for financial aid, and faculty support. Hailing from Chelmsford, Massachusetts, Arnie is a graduate of Princeton University and holds his Master of Arts in Religion degree in Pastoral Care, Counseling, and Theology from Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. Arnie was also a proud member of the 1970 College Baseball All-American Team as a pitcher while at Princeton.
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2022
They Call Us Strange
by Youngju Julia Paek
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They Call Us Strange is a story about the changes in the social culture of the Hana School in Daum City. With this book, the author seeks to remind readers, both young and old, that they should make celebrating their uniqueness a priority. Through her words and illustrations, the author aims to promote a world that appreciates diversity and provides equal opportunities for all races.
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Youngju Julia Paek is a high school student, writer, and illustrator who lives in Dallas, Texas. She is an activist and an upstander, someone who speaks up for what's right for social justice, human rights, and education.
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Paek was fortunate to visit eighteen countries during two trips around the world that lasted six months. These travels played a major role in her development as a global citizen with a passion to explore and experience diverse cultures. Her travels also taught her that the extent to which we can help others depends on how deeply we understand the lives and suffering of those we encounter.
2021
Hope Beyond Darkness: 12 Fathers Share Their Stories of Loss and Journeys Through Grief
by Hisashi Nikaidoh, MD and Janis Leibs Dworkis
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For men experiencing grief, and for those who love them.
In this poignant collection, twelve fathers open their hearts to share their personal stories of the loss we cannot comprehend—the death of a child. As these men describe with unflinching honesty the most difficult journey of their lives, moving through grief toward healing, we discover what is most important in our own lives, too.
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It’s no big surprise that I thought it was my job to fix everything. That’s what men do. So, I kept my feelings tightly in check while I tried to fix everything for everyone else. —Jesse Roark, father of Clayton
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No one knows what to do when a man collapses in tears. If a mother falls apart in grief, we understand; she has just lost a child! But when a man cries, people turn away in discomfort. —Alan Burks, father of Peter
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Grief is a process, and it involves work. It’s not just a question of waiting for time to “heal all wounds.” Some wounds require specialized care and attention, and grief is one of them. —Jim Johnson, father of Matt
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Hisashi Nikaidoh MD is an internationally known pediatric cardiothoracic surgeon. Currently at Cook Children’s Heart Center in Fort Worth, Texas, Dr. Nikaidoh is the developer of the innovative surgical procedure that carries his name. His loss of his son, Dr. Hitoshi Nikaidoh, in 2003 was the impetus for this book.
Janis Leibs Dworkis has published numerous books as a coauthor and ghostwriter. She previously collaborated with Dr. Nikaidoh on Healing Hearts, A leading pediatric heart surgeon learns about the journey from grief to life from these inspiring mothers of his lost patients.
2022
Conquering Fear: One Teen's Guide to Overcoming Anxiety
by Carter Weinstein
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Carter Weinstein wrote Conquering Fear: One Teen’s Guide to Overcoming Anxiety while a senior in high school to provide a first-hand perspective of hope to fellow teens and young adults with acute anxiety—the challenge Carter has faced his whole life. In this short, helpful guide, he shares the candid ups and downs of his personal journey, how he got the help he needed, and six pivotal tips that have helped him manage his symptoms and achieve his goals. Living with anxiety is not an easy road. But through Conquering Fear, Carter wants other young people to know that with hard work and support, it is possible to lead your best life!
"As a father of three teens, I know that kids today have a lot on their plates. Just like in business, if they want to set themselves up for success in life, they need to work hard, stay focused, and believe in themselves. Conquering Fear is an excellent resource to help teens and young adults address anxiety, build confidence, and live their best lives.”
Mark Cuban, Dallas Mavericks Owner and Shark Tank Lead.
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Carter Weinstein is currently a freshman at Georgetown University in Washington DC where he studies business. A summer research intern for Shark Tank, Carter is an analyst with Georgetown Student Capital Partners and a marketing analyst with Georgetown Disruptive Tech. He is an avid soccer player and sports fanatic who loves working out, volunteering in his community, and spending time with family, friends, and Fortnite™ foes.
2021
Living the 6B Life: My Story as a Global Surgeon in Africa and Beyond
by Donald E. Meier, MD
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In 1982, surgeon Don Meier moved with his wife and three children from Dallas, Texas to serve at a Baptist mission hospital in the Nigerian savannah. With a strong faith, a sharp sense of humor, and the willingness to operate by flashlight when necessary, Dr. Meier accomplished his goal of providing top-quality care while helping to educate a new generation of physicians. The family made lifelong friends during more than a dozen years in Nigeria as they learned to make do with the constant heat and spotty electricity, and to appreciate a culture so very different than their own. From the humorous to the heartbreaking, Living the 6B Life is infused with love and open-hearted dedication.
In addition to his years in Nigeria, Dr. Meier provided surgical care in eleven countries over the course of his working life. He was recognized for his service multiple times by both local and national colleagues, receiving numerous awards including the American Pediatric Surgical Association Saving Lives Award for Humanitarian Service and the American College of Surgeons Surgical Humanitarian Award.
The net proceeds from the sale of this book will be donated to two global healthcare nonprofits.
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​Donald E Meier, MD has had a lifetime habit of journaling. In 2016, as part of his recovery from a major health event, he began to pen the highlights of his life based on those journals. For four years, with limited physical abilities, he wrote the
story of his life as a global surgeon who was motivated by faith. His personal mission was to always provide the highest quality care possible, while simultaneously training the next generation of surgeons.
2020
My Mother’s Curse: A Journey Beyond Childhood Trauma
by Christine Nicolette-Gonzalez
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Someday you are going to write about this, Christine,
and what a story it will be.
—Charles S. Nicolette
For fifty-seven years, she mostly kept it a secret. As a child, Christine quickly learned that no one should ever know about her mother’s mental illness and obscene behavior. But now Christine does what her beloved daddy had told her that she would someday do—she tells the story of her traumatic childhood.
In this captivating memoir, filled with original poetry, letters, and journal entries that span her life, Christine shares the details of the horror she endured as a child, the way it impacted her adult life, and how she finally got the help she needed to build the life she had always dreamed of living. In the process, she hopes that her journey will help others who have faced childhood trauma learn how they, too, can move beyond it.
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As a nationally-acclaimed English educator, Christine Nicolette-Gonzalez has been working for more than 40 years helping kids write their essays and finding the right fit and financial resources for their college educations. In 2014, she founded the non-profit Spreading the Warmth, an organization whose volunteers have distributed handmade scarves as acts of love to more than 6,000 people. My Mother's Curse is her first book.