Books

White Trash
“White trash” can be found in any small, rural town in the U.S. But when Thia Franks returns to her home of Granby, Texas, the very place to which she had vowed she’d never return, Granby’s worst and best elements force the new single mother to face both her past and her destiny. At first, it seems that nothing has changed: Chester Kennedy’s goats continue to run rampant through the town, Officer Tina Wolfe stands accused of racial profiling the growing Hispanic community, Thia’s gun-wielding neighbor believes a squirrel has it in for her, and the town’s local newspaper owner prints only what she believes the citizens should know. But when a young black man – an upstanding and popular citizen of the small, east-central Texas town – is brutally murdered, everything changes. Everyone is being watched. Everyone is being judged. White Trash is a fast-paced, laugh-out-loud book that also serves as a bitter social commentary on American hypocrisies and prejudices. As Thia comes to terms with the murder and the small police department works the biggest who-dun-it in Granby history, a startling underworld of domestic abuse, gunrunning, drug use, illicit sex, and child molestation is revealed. While the murder is horrendous and some of the citizens of Granby are appalling, many stand up for what is right, and the total package is endearing. You’ll want to read White Trash more than once to capture all of the tale’s insights – as it neatly summarizes the reality of every American small town, peopled with neighbors you can’t get away from, you can’t stop talking about, and you may not want to leave.

White Tree
The residents of Granby, Texas believed they lived in a racially tolerant town – that is, until someone hung a noose in the “Whites Only” tree. But this is just the beginning … When Officers Wolfe and Fox begin their investigation, a series of unconnected events, a cheerleading scandal that unleashes overly protective parents, a march organized in protest against the arrest of a local black youth, and an underground dog-fighting ring is exposed. What’s next? As violence erupts in this remote small town national attention further outrages white residents when Granby is portrayed as a typical racist southwest bunch of rednecks. Meanwhile, there is growing unrest in the town’s Latino community after the murder of a Mexican immigrant is largely ignored. They are largely ignored, and they don’t like it! But when the Nation of Islam march the streets of Granby, all hell breaks loose. With the eyes of the nation on them, the black, white and Mexican residents of Granby all want to air their views. That is worrisome by itself. Within the now–edgy Granby Police Department, there is a combination of curiosity and concern about what their own loose cannon, Officer Tina Wolfe, will do or say next. Get ready to laugh out loud and cheer for the Fox, the Wolfe .. and the goat.

Damaged Goods
Everyone thought when and how Joanna Lucas decided to leave her husband was the most shocking thing they had ever seen, that is, until she moved. But when the outsider befriends a stripper-turned-Mormon, a one-legged woman who lost her appendage to a loose tiger and the outrageous Jeanie Archer, things really heat up. With such friends on her side, the underworld of polluting and big-dollar politics is finally exposed and that’s just the beginning.

She Cries
When Kali Jorgenson is left to raise her three daughters alone after her husband is killed in the war in Afghanistan, she moves to Horse Canyon, Utah with the intent of escaping unbearable memories. In her new life, Kali along with her in-laws, establish Rainwash Ranch - a working ranch for cattle drives for celebrities and CEOs. But this solitude is broken and unwanted worldwide attention suddenly intervenes when professional athlete, Jeremy Connors, signs up for the cattle drive from Utah to Colorado as a distraction from his recent indictment for rape and murder. Naturally, Connor's presence raises Kali's fears for herself and her daughters, but she soon learns that it is the fans and his team of lawyers who may prove to be the most dangerous to the Jorgensons.

Swingman
What A Difference A Decade Makes with Capt. Marshall Allen
A simple bike ride changed their lives! It was a bike ride that forever changed Captain Marshall Allen's life. Seven years later, a very similar bike ride would do the same for magazine editor Alexandra Allred. While many believed it was destiny that Alex would take a bike route that would lead her to tell Marshall's extraordinary story, it soon became clear that Marshall was also meant to help Alex. Marshall was a pioneer in the fire department, becoming the first black fire fighter in Salt Lake County. Alex was a pioneer in the sports world, becoming the first U.S. women's bobsled champion. But where Marshall was from very humble beginnings, once abused in the foster care system, Alex was the daughter of a U.S. Diplomat. They were worlds apart. Neither had any idea how much trouble was brewing ... This is the story of an unlikely friendship between a quadriplegic fire fighter and a former national athlete turned writer and how they changed local and national policies, took on the good 'ol boy network and the "Big Boys" at the US Capitol. Swingman: What a Difference A Decade Makes is a fast-paced, laugh-out-loud book that chronicles the last ten years of their lives, their faith (or once lack thereof) and their own personal fires. If you believe in miracles, if you believe you can fight city hall, if you believe in overcoming insurmountable obstacles, this is the book for you! Prepare to be inspired by the indomitable spirit of both Captain Marshall Allen and his friend Alexandra Allred.

Allie Goes to School
Dogs help children read better and even boost reading enjoyment but Allie already knew that! That is why she goes to school with her favorite teacher, Ms. Robin. While Allie loves to leap and twirl, occasionally chases skunks and grumbles at mischievous puppies, she is very serious about going to school. Allie knows how important it is to read and she helps children do it! Read her amazing story ... and please accept her apology for sometimes sneaking off with a lunch that does not belong to her. Even the best dog has a bad day. Allie can tell you -- dogs are a child's best friend!

How I Met the President
Have you ever heard about "Freedom of Speech?" It is a right that makes American very special ... but for one little boy, it was a history lesson come true. When Tommy Allred and his family traveled to Washington D.C. to talk to his U.S. Senator about air pollution, he got an even bigger lesson about American politics. "In America, we have the right to stand up and speak out!" And as Tommy can tell you ... you never know who might be listening! (Partial proceeds from this book are going to those environmental groups who have fought so hard for our earth and our future).

King Travis
Written by Alexandra Allred, illustrated by Kerri Allred but inspired by none other than King Travis himself. Today it is estimated that one in every 110 children is diagnosed with autism. An estimated 1.5 million individuals in the U.S. and tens of millions around the world are affected by autism. There are different levels to the severity of autism and it is still not certain what causes it but environmental factors and multiple genetic components have been linked to it. It is confusing. What isn't confusing is WHO has autism. They are just like you and me. They are funny and sweet, kind and curious. They are just like King Travis. This is the story of one remarkable boy, his family and how Travis became king. For any boy or girl with autism, Travis and his family would like for you to know that you ARE the most perfect person in the world!