One American Dreamer: An Authorized Biographical Novel by Alice C. Bateman and Donald R. Tietz (Authorhouse Publishing, Bloomington, IN, 2005)

“A biographical novel based on the life of a country boy from Iowa who grows up to be a successful entrepreneur.” —from the book’s description

Someone to Remember by Richard Thoreson  (West Press, Tucson, AZ, 1997)

“An ex-Marine pilot has been haunted by for two decades by the unknown fate of a crewman. Knight is determined to solve the puzzle of the disappearance.” —from the back cover

Annie’s Faith by Thomas Kolp (iUniverse, Inc. Publishing, 2003)

“A spiritual journey of adventure, teachings, coincidence, farewells, and reunions takes Annie around the world…. In her final year of life, Annie experiences a lifetime of learning, truth, friendship, and love.”  —from the back cover

A Grammar of the English Language by Jack R. Celoni (T.R.J. Publications, 1996)

“This grammar book reveals the power and the beauty of language.  The reader can find clarity gleaned from the unique insights of a master teacher.”  —from the back cover

Uphill All the Way by James Sloter (Morris Publishing, 2002)

“This is a real life story about two people who were special to me—my parents—and about our family during our growing up years…. Part of it has to do with the difficult times during which we lived—the Great Depression and World War II….”  —from the back cover

Prisoner of War My Freedom by Delbert Berninghaus  (Lakes Printing Co., Spirit Lake, IA, 1992)

“The story of ex-Prisoner of War [in Germany]…as revealed to his family and thereby bringing to completion his escape and final freedom from the nightmares of [World War II.]” —from the title page

Doin’ Time by Rick Nielson and Ron Kuntz (Cross Training Publishing, 1996)

“Join Rick and Ron on an incredible journey through America’s prison system as they reflect on their years of active involvement with the Bill Glass Weekends of Champions—an effective prison outreach that provides inmates a window of hope while they’re Doin’ Time.” —from the back cover

Prairie Heritage by Joanne Walker (Donning Company, 1995)

“Celebrating 150 years of Life in Iowa.” —from the back cover

The Life Of a Fabric-aholic written and illustrated by Sandy Gervais (Midlife Printing, Algona, 1995)

The celebrated fabric designer has penned this comic tale of her addiction to fabric.

 Taste and See of Sicily by A.C. (Tony) Accurso  (Anthony C. Accurso Publishing, Bancroft, 2002)

A record of the many incidents and humorous happenings of the author’s life while growing up as an Italian American.

Dreams of Aces by Col. Harold E. Fischer, USAF-Ret., with Penny Wilson (Great Impressions, 2001)

As an only child growing up on an Iowa farm, Fischer dreamed of flying. His hero’s were the aces of the First World War, and he dreamed of becoming an ace. The Second World War ended before he could pursue that dream. But when the dark clouds of conflict loomed over Korea, he got his chance. This is his story. —from Military Officer Magazine

How to Love Your Children by Clifford R. Isaacson (Upper Des Moines Counseling Center, Inc., 1992)

The third book in the series that looks at ways in which to love your children.

The Birth Order Challenge by Clifford E. Isaacson  (Upper Des Moines Counseling Center Inc., 1991)

“This book presents knowledge gained from counseling thousands of people over a twenty-year period.  Birth order reveals the motivation behind behavior that makes change possible.” —from the back cover

Understanding Yourself Through Birth Order, by Clifford R. Isaacson (Upper Des Moines Counseling Center, Inc., 1988)

The author directs the Upper Des Moines Counseling Center Inc., of Algona, Iowa, which he helped found in 1986.  As the title suggests, this book offers suggestions for understanding yourself and others by studying birth order.

Look At It This Way: Reframing Life’s Experiences by Clifford R. Isaacson  (Upper Des Moines Counseling Center, Inc., 1996)

The fourth book in the series.

Iowa Trivia by Janice Beck Stock, Alan Beck and Ken Beck (Rutledge Hill Press, 2001)

The questions and answers in this book range from the obvious to the obscure. They’re divided into six fun categories that enable the book to be used with trivia board games: geography, entertainment, history, art/literature, sports/leisure, and science/nature.” —from the book’s description

Early Algona: Eda's Cradle By Florence Call Cowles (Des Moines Register and Tribune Company, 1929)
 

This story of Algona’s pioneers from 1854-1874 is a fascinating look at the town just as it was founded.  The writer says in her forward, “A sincere attempt has been made to paint a true picture of those happy yet difficult days.”

Woman’s Best Friend: Women Writers on the Dogs in Their Lives edited by Megan  McMorris (Seal Press, 2006)

Shelby, a border collie who lives on farm north of Algona, is celebrated and compared to New York dogs in one of this book’s essays written by Sarah Shey.

Thin Slices of Prairie by Joanne Walker (Foothills Publishing, 2001) walk country backroads spring, summer, autumn, winter gathering haiku            —from the book

Lines by Lenora by Lenora Bebo Kiley (Tribune Publishing, Buffalo Center, 1994)

Monthly meditations

Sky All Around by Sarah Shey, illustrated by Dustin Kelly (Trafford Publishing, 2005)

At once realistic and lyrical, the book explores Algona, Iowa, a farming community, by highlighting well-known landmarks through evocative watercolor and rhyme.

Blue Lake Days by Sarah Shey, illustrated by Sara Fletcher (Trafford Publishing, 2006)

Based on Iowa’s Lake Okoboji, this book is a passport to summertime.  The lively tale and imaginative illustrations depict a little girl’s adventures during her vacation to a lake.

GARY KELLEY was born and raised in Algona, Iowa.  He graduated from the University of Northern Iowa in 1968 and, in 1995, received from there an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters.  A freelance illustrator, he has won awards in New York, Los Angeles, Tokyo, Bologna, and Paris. His medium: pastel and oil.

The Stolen Smile by J. Patrick Lewis, illustrated by Gary Kelley (Creative Editions, 2004)

Based on true events, this book recounts the 1911 theft of history's most famous portrait, Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa.  The proud thief narrates the tale.

 T is for Toscana written and illustrated by Gary Kelley (Creative Editions, 2003)

This alphabet book pays homage to Tuscany.

Tallchief: America’s Prima Ballerina by Maria Tallchief (Osage) with Rosemary Wells, illustrated by Gary Kelley (Viking, 1999)

This picture book looks at the early life of one of America's most amazing ballet dancers.

 Boshblobberbosh by J. Patrick Lewis, illustrated by Gary Kelley (Creative Editions,1998)

This picture book serves as an introduction to Edward Lear, the king of nonsense.

William Shakespeare’s Macbeth by Bruce Coville, illustrated by Gary Kelley (Dial Books, 1997)

This book is Bruce Coville's retelling of Macbeth.

The Red Heels by Robert D. San Souci, illustrated by Gary Kelley (Dial Books, 1996)

Something wonderful takes place when a cobbler mends a pair of red heeled shoes for a young lady.

The Christmas of the Reddle Moon by J. Patrick Lewis, illustrated by Gary Kelley (Dial Books, 1994)

In a Christmas Eve snowstorm on an English heath, two lost children meet a magical woman, who asks St. Nick to take them home.

Rip Van Winkle by Washington Irving, illustrated by Gary Kelley (Creative Editions, 1994)

This picture book tells the famous American tale.