Understanding Autism Through The Eyes Of A Sibling

Lori DeMonia knows what it's like when an autistic child is bullied. She relates an ugly exchange she witnessed while waiting for her daughter Leah to exit the school bus, and she feels empathy for the parents of the autistic Bay Village teenager who was recently the target of an ice bucket challenge prank.

Lori has written Leah's Voice, the story of an autistic child and her sibling, told from the sibling's point of view.  It is meant to show how understanding can be taught by example.  Leah DeMonia, now 13, contributed illustrations to the book,

Leah's voice has won a prestigious award from the Autism Society of America. The book is available at bookstores and online, and is put out by Halo Publishing, founded by Cleveland-area native Lisa Umina.

Barber Writes About a Later-In-Life Start to Career

Elizabeth Manuel is a barber.  She writes about her career in a profession dominated by men in her memoir, Beautiful, Beautiful,The Haircut's Not Bad Either.  And in this interview, she explains the book's title.

Elizabeth now owns her own barber shop, and works alongside her daughter, who has also taken up cutting hair as a career.

Learning to Treat Insomnia With a "Novel" Approach

Dr. Jose Colon treats sleep disorders without drugs, but with behavior modification.  And he gets his point across in the short novel, The Sleep Diet.  He explains the idea behind this method of conveying his approach, and he talks about  The Magic Ice Cream Palace, a children's book he has written to help young ones develop healthy sleep practices.

Dr. Colons books are published by Halo Publishing, the international publisher begun by Northeast Ohio native Lisa Umina.  Several Halo authors have been featured on the 11th Hour, including Denise Zarrella of 19 Action News, who writes about her daughter Gianna, and JJ DiGeronimo, founder of purposefulwoman.com.

The Stain: A Timely Book to Read During Lent

In his first novel, author Ed Devos develops a protagonist who, as the book cover suggests, stands at the foot of the cross of Christ.  The Centurion responsible at the beginning of The Stain: Crisis in Conscience for beheading John the Baptist exclaims at the end of the book, "Surely he was the Son of God."

The author applies his extensive military knowledge and his familiarity with the Bible to create a compelling story that shows how one reluctant Roman soldier becomes one of the first Christians.

Lisa Umina-Halo Publishing International's Angel

Lisa Umina and Jim McIntyre-Photo credit: AM 1420 WHK

 

Lisa Umina has helped dozens of people publish their first books through her company, Halo Publishing International.  The Nordonia High School graduate gained her skills after she self-published her first book, Milo and the Halo.  Since then, her journey has taken her to Mexico City, where her company is now based.

Lisa came back home for Thanksgiving (and the annual Turkey Trot,) and stopped by the AM 1420 studios to talk with Jim about publishing the books of authors like Lori Demonia, JJ DiGeronimo, and 19 Action News reporter Denise Zarella, whose book Not Even the Sky is the Limit was inspired by her daughter, and highlights the abilities of children and adults with Down Syndrome.

Teaching Children How to Treat Kids With Autism

Lori Demonia has two daughters.  One of them has autism.  Leah was diagnosed when the family lived in Cleveland.  Lori talks about their journey with Leah and her sister, and how she fought to get Leah into a regular classroom, not a "special" one for autistic children.

Leah is an artist who has won several grants for her work. Her mom Lori is now writing a follow-up to Leah's Voice.

Cleveland Memories Fill a Shopping Cart Filled With Love

Laurel Salupo grew up  on the South Side, a neighborhood now known as Tremont, with her twin brother and younger sister.  Their mother inspired her and her husband Nick to a write this biography, a love letter to her mom.  It is filled with Cleveland memories.

Solon Siblings Write Book To Encourage Confidence, Leadership in Children

Sydnie, Sean and Shelbie Singleton are siblings from Solon who write about virtues like patience, kindness and peace in the illustrated book, Thinkie Winks- On the Move.  They were joined by mom, Gia Singleton in this interview with Jim McIntyre.

Gianna Zarrella-God's Gift To Denise And Tony Zarrella

Denise Zarrella has assembled a book, inspired by her daughter Gianna, titled Not Even the Sky is the Limit. The 19 Action News reporter talks about the journey with her husband, 19 Action News sports reporter Tony Zarrella, and the gift that is Gianna.

Gianna Zarrella-God's Gift To Denise And Tony Part II

Part Two of Jim's interview with Denise Zarrella of 19 Action News and Gianna's mommy.