Nutrition What Every Parent Needs to Know

It may be Halloween but that doesn't mean your nutritional radar has to go kaput.  Nutrition (2nd edition) offers "Expert Guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics" and is one of the most comprehensive guides to good health - you can't go wrong with this one!

It Includes:

• What's Best for My Newborn
• Expanding Your Baby's Diet
• The Toddler Years
• Nutrition During the School Years
• The Adolescent Years
• Is My Child Overweight?
• Is My Child Too Thin?  Too Small?  Too Tall?
• Nutrition Basics
• Spitting Up, Gagging, Vomiting, Diarrhea and Constipation
• Eating Disorders
• What Do I Do About Outside Influences
• Can I Cut My Child's Risk Of...?
• Food Safety
• Food Additives
• Alternative Diets and Supplements
• Is My Child Allergic?

In addition, Nutrition also provides Appendixes.  It includes:

• What Caregivers Need to Know: A Checklist
• Food-Medication Interactions
• Standard Growth Chart
• Body Mass Index Charts
• Food Substitutions
• Choking/CPR
• Dietary References Intake
• The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension Diet)
• Health and Nutrition Resources

Nutrition is sure to be every parents (new and seasoned) go-to book.  It should be in every household with children.

Check out Nutrition: What Every Parent Needs to Know at; Amazon, and on HealthyChildren

13 to Life - Destiny and Deception

Coming this February the exciting fourth installment of the 13 to Life Series: Destiny and Deception by Shannon Delany. 

Werewolves have always been the source of a good horror novel, however Delany has made her werewolves more human, in fact after the thrilling and sometimes nail-biting adventures of the Rusakova pack (Russian-American) in the 13 to Life series, the cure has been found - or has it?

Destiny and Deception is filled with more twists and more adventure.  Delany has not only woven a can't-put-it-down tale, she has added in more mystery and more shocking surprises.  You've got to check this one out!

If you've never read any of the 13 to Life, you're in for a rare treat.  And since Destiny and Deception isn't available until February, you  have plenty of time to catch up on all the action - these books would make a great Christmas present for the teen on your list!

Check out Shannon Delany's web site for more information on the 13 to Life series, Amazon or St. Martins Press/Macmillan

*Note ~ cover shown is not upcoming book*

Halloween Candy's Sweet Deception: Sugar Lurks in Unexpected

Most parents take great care to monitor their children’s sugar intake, but Halloween is the one time of year when the rules of dental care are often broken. The endless candy from trick-or-treating can wreak havoc on teeth, so when a dentist tells parents their children’s teeth show signs of decay it obviously comes as an unpleasant surprise.

Tooth decay is caused by frequent exposure to foods containing carbohydrates (starches and sugars), which mixes with the mouth’s natural bacteria to form a mild acid that erodes tooth enamel. Common culprits are soda pop, candy, ice cream, milk, and cakes. Therefore, Halloween candy is public enemy #1 when it comes to teeth.


ChicagoHealers.com Practitioner, Dr. Raymond Hatland, DDS, provides some tips to help prevent teeth from the harmful effects of sugar this Halloween:

• Be a label snob. Read food labels carefully to identify sugars, which also come in the form of corn syrup, molasses, dextrose, fructose, glucose, sucrose and honey. Even an innocent breath mint can be made of pure sugar that can cause cavities.
• Wash it down. When eating Halloween candy, make sure to finish it off with a big glass of water, which will clean sugar residue off the teeth.
• Avoid sticky situations. When satisfying your candy cravings keep in mind that sticky sweets like toffee or hard candy that linger in your mouth compound the effects of sugar by offering a sustained food source for bacteria. Remember that it’s not necessarily the amount of sugar that can cause decay, but how long the candy stays in the mouth, which is why hard candies like suckers or sticky treats such as caramels and jujubes are poor choices from a dental perspective.
• Chocolate lovers rejoice. If trying to rationalize a chocolate craving, remember that popping a piece of solid chocolate in your mouth is better than choosing one filled with a gooey center, as the candy filling may stick to the teeth and provide a longer lasting food source for the natural bacteria to feed from in the mouth.
• Mind your whole body. Halloween comes but once a year, but even several days of excess sugar can wreak havoc not just on your teeth, but elsewhere in the body too. Too much sweet stuff can cause blood sugar to spike and cause an energy crash later on. Look after your dental and general health by regularly reading all the ingredients in all packaged foods before you buy them and seeking out low-sugar alternatives.

If possible, rinse your mouth with water and brush your teeth thoroughly after exposure to sugars. If you can’t do that right away, keep a supply of sugar free gum with xylitol on hand to help cleanse your mouth. This way you can enjoy Halloween without the scary cavities.


About ChicagoHealers.com Chicago Healers (http://www.chicagohealers.com/) is the nation’s pioneer prescreened integrative health care network, offering a comprehensive understanding of each practitioner’s services, approach, and philosophy. Our holistic health experts teach and advocate natural and empowered health and life choices through their practices, the media, educational events, and our website. With close to 200 practitioners and over 300 treatment services, Chicago Healers has provided nearly 400 free educational events for Chicagoans and has been featured in 300+ TV news programs and print publications. For more information, visit http://www.chicagohealers.com/.

Think Safety First During 'Spooktacular' Halloween Family Festivities

By: Paul van Gorkom

Halloween is the second largest commercial holiday in the United States. There are fun and frightening activities to partake in this fall season, but keep in mind the following safety tips so festivities remain a treat for all.

Have a Safe Scare at a Haunted House

Haunted houses may be required to abide by fire and safety codes and may be subject to inspections before the general public is allowed to attend. Some may also be required to have a sprinkler system, early warning smoke or heat detectors, emergency lights, easy access doors, and other safety features. But regulations may not be the same in all areas and you are responsible for your own safety. To stay safe while visiting a haunted house:

• Take a flashlight with you. Even though the safety lighting might be fine for others, it may not be great for you.
• If you are going with small children, attach a glow stick to their clothing so they can be easily found in the dark.
• If there are stairs in the haunted house, be sure to use handrails and walk, do not run, up or down the stairs.
• If visiting a haunted house in a group, have a meeting place in case you get split up.
• Know where the exits are before entering the haunted house. Some attractions will provide you a map of the house so you are aware of where you are going when inside.
• Keep an adult in the front and rear of your group going through the haunted house to help monitor young children so they do not stray.

Don’t Get Lost in the Corn Maze

Corn mazes are large fields of corn stalks, anywhere from a small field to more than 20 acres in size. They can be great fun if they are completed safely.

• Equip your group with flashlights and cell phones and try to stick together.
• Some mazes provide young children and groups with colored flags to wave in the air if they get lost. There are also mazes that have call boxes that will turn on a light to alert an attendant that you are lost or need assistance.
• Teach young children to not go outside of the maze’s path. There may be a busy road or another unknown property beyond the corn stalks.
• Wear appropriate clothing and shoes as you will be outside. If the path is not wide, corn stalks may scratch your arms. Remember that rain can create muddy, slippery surfaces. Fallen corn stalks may also be a tripping hazard, so watch your step.
• Avoid smoking while in the maze as dry corn stalk could easily catch fire.

Hold on During the Hayride

Hayrides, whether haunted or not, can be a very enjoyable experience for any age. Sitting atop a truck, wagon or sleigh decorated with hay or straw is a great family tradition. Be sure to follow all signage at the hayride along with these tips:

• Be cautious when loading and unloading from the hayride. Make sure the hayride is at a complete stop before getting onboard or off. If there are steps, they could be slippery because of the hay or straw.
• Be careful when finding a place to sit. Your foot could easily slip between bales if you walk on them.
• Make sure everyone in your group is sitting at all times during the hayride and all arms and legs are kept inside the wagon.
• Hold on to small children and railings as bumps in the path could easily bounce you and them off of your seat.
• If the hayride is horse-drawn, be careful around the horse and do not approach it if the hayride operator states not to. If it is a tractor pulling the wagon, do not touch it as there are many handles and buttons that could accidently be pushed. The tractor could also be hot from running for a long period.
• Do not walk in the hayride path. Stay in a safe, well-lit area when you are not riding.

Always remember to wear proper attire and footwear and plan for weather restrictions . Enjoy fall festivities by planning in advance and being safety-conscious.

# # #

About the author: Paul van Gorkom is the Vice President of Operations at AlliedBarton Security Services. AlliedBarton is the industry’s premier provider of highly trained security personnel to many industries including higher education, commercial real estate, healthcare, residential communities, chemical/petrochemical, government, manufacturing and distribution, financial institutions, and shopping centers.

Nickelodeon's Danny Phantom - Season 1

High school is tough for even the most confident of kids, but imagine having to go through these years with ghost-hunting-scientific parents and your own special ability to change into a ghost!  Thanks to a freak accident in his parent's lab, Danny is left with an alter ego and a tonne of adventures.

Danny Fenton aka Danny Phantom is set to keep your cartoon loving kids glued to the television with 20 spooky, action-packed episodes.  Danny isn't alone in his quest for ghosts either, his best friends Tucker and Sam join him for all the hilarity. 

Danny Phantom hit the cartoon scene in 2004 and has only gained in popularity.  Kids haven't experienced this cool dude yet?  Check out Nickelodeon's Danny Phantom and other DVD's at; Shout Kids Factory

Nickelodeon's CatDog Season 1

What could be funnier than exact opposites stuck together - literally?  Nickelodeon's CatDog is a fun, hilarious and fast paced animation of Cat - proper and somewhat sophisticated and Dog - typical car chasing, bumbling pooch - joined together for life.  Their adventures include dealing with Winslow their devious neighbour and the Greaser dogs that are too funny for words.

CatDog was made famous in the late 90's but will still capture the attention of your kids and entertain them for hours.  CatDog doesn't need the 3D effects to be awesome - the writing is superb!  Show your kids that cartoons can still be great even without out all the mega-digital production, grab a copy of CatDog Season 1 Part 1 today.

CatDog and other cool DVD's are available through Shout Kids Factory at; http://www.shoutfactory.com/

Nickelodeon's Real Monsters Season One

Everyone thinks monsters just know how to be scary - they're monsters!  However, there's actually a school these young wanna-be-creepy's have to attend.  But when Ickis, Oblina, and Krumm have to face off against Simon, a monster-hunter, will the lessons and secret that The Gromble (headmaster at scary school) taught them pay off?  Find out in AAAHH!!! Real Monsters Season 1.

This classic 90's animated adventure is sure to be a hit with your kids.  The monsters are fun and funny and are still learning like real-life kids are.  The adventure, thrills and laughs are sure to be hours of entertainment even after Halloween is long gone.

Check out AAAHH!! Real Monsters Season 1 and other titles at; http://www.shoutfactory.com/

Shout Factory - Halloween Spook-tacular

Are you tired of all the gory, real-imaging DVD's that are put out around Halloween?  Bring your little ones back to a time when cartoons weren't in 3D and the ghosts were actually cute, not scary.

Shout Factory brings you Casper The Friendly Ghost the complete collection from 1945-1963.  This set has over seven hours of "spooky" cartooning fun.  Plus, it includes a never seen before Casper adventure, commentaries, interviews, a 20-page book and comic book cover gallery.

Delight you children this Halloween with Casper, Wendy the friendly witch, his cousin Spooky and the antagonizing trio of ghosts.  This collection is sure to bring hours and hours of fun, not nightmares.

Check out Casper the Friendly Ghost and other DVD's at Shout Factory

When We Walked Above the Clouds

When we picture a Green Beret our vision most likely includes a fit soldier in uniform wearing his signature beret at the precise tilt.  As much as this vision is true, we lack the insight to really know what goes on in the hearts and minds of these brave individuals.  When we Walked Above the Clouds by H. Lee Barnes is one soldier's memoir of the sometimes terrifying and always grueling tale of serving in the Vietnam war.

Coming from a broken and abusive home life, young Barnes does the unthinkable and voluntarily enlists for duty in the escalating and unpredictable Vietnam war in the mid-sixties.  Barnes takes to his duties like a duck to water and in doing so learns some tough lessons.  From egos and stupidity of the higher-ups, to watching friends die in battle, Barnes pulls no punches in his memoir of those stressful days.

I wasn't even born yet when Barnes goes through this life altering experience, so I know little of that war and the men who served in it.  However, When We Walked Above the Clouds is a fascinating and eye-opening read.  I was compelled to find out what happens next and how it will all turn out for Barnes.  I was never much interested in "war tales" but I'm glad I found this memoir.  Barnes wasn't only a great soldier, he's a fantastic writer - you don't need to like war stories to find When We Walked Above the Clouds a must read!

Check out, When We Walked Above the Clouds and other H. Lee Barnes books at; http://www.hleebarnes.net/ or on University of Nebraska Press  Amazon'ers click here

The Bridge: Between "Cell Block A..."

Your child has been arrested and put in prison falsely accused of murder, where do you turn for help?

Most of us would answer a good lawyer, but when Jackie Carpenter's worst nightmare became a reality she turned to the hand of Christ and Psalm 91.

The Bridge: Between "Cell Block A" and a Miracle is:  Psalm 91 by Jackie Carpenter is based on the true story of Jason Veitch, a man who was given terrible advice from a law enforcement officer then suffered the consequences.  However, Jackie's faith in God and His words in Psalm 91 kept her going, not only holding up herself, but her son as well.

Jackie proclaims not to be a writer, but her eloquent and heart felt story of her and her family's trials and tribulations throughout Jason's 3 month incarceration dictates otherwise.  I found myself living Jackie's fears and was uplifted by her strong and never waivering faith - this book is a must read!

For more information on Jackie Carpenter and both her books, check out her web site at; http://bridgetoamiracle.com/

The Medium Next Door - A Review

"I see dead people..."

This famous line from the very popular movie, The Sixth Sense, has been quoted over and over, but for Maureen Hancock communing with the dead isn't a joke, it's a way of life. 

In The Medium Next Door, Maureen shares her life story which includes some of her own tragedies as well as her ability to hear and respond to the dead.  This unique talent of Maureen's has helped many grieving people obtain peace, she has solved mysteries, assisted the dying and has landed her her very own television show. 

What makes Maureen different from all the other "ghostbusters"?  "I enjoy making people smile," Maureen says.  "I think what differentiates me from other spirit mediums is that I believe our loved ones in spirit enjoy coming through with a celebration and not reliving another wake."  In addition Maureen likes to "jump in with humour and help the person left behind know that it's okay to continue living, laughing and celebrating these great memories."

Even if you're skeptical about "ghosts" and an afterlife, Maureen's candor and readings are chillingly accurate - I found myself wishing she had a message from beyond for me!  She also looks like an ordinary mom (no layers of flowing scarves and dangling jewelry).  Her humor throughout the book is a wonderful change for a subject that could otherwise be morose. 

I will admit I had my doubts about Maureen's authenticity when I first picked up her book, however, the more I read the more I believed she truly does have a wonderful gift and the fact that she uses it for good (lots of time for free) is just more convincing.

For more information on The Medium Next Door, please visit; http://maureenhancock.com/, HCI Books or Amazon  

Local ghost whisperer: The medium next door: MyFoxBOSTON.com

Dragonella - A Review

When Claire travels with the flying Sky Dragons she is magically transformed into an older version of herself.  Her mission?  To give Wisdom Pearls to all the children in different lands - with this pearl they will understand their words and actions have an effect.

Dragonella by Janai Lowenstein is a magical journey that entertains little ones and throws a subtle lesson in as well.  As Dragonella visits exotic, make-believe lands (I really liked the ice cream children) she spreads her love and kindness, helping all the different children realize being happy and sharing is so much better than being rude.

The illustrations by Du Ling brings Dragonella and her dragon friends to life.  The magical lands are inviting and playful, drawing your child into the story.

For more information on this book and other helpful suggestions, please visit Janai Lowenstein's web site at; http://www.childstress.org/

Superkid Saves the Day - a Review

Superkid Saves the Day in more ways than one.  Superkid helps children sort out their emotions in eleven different stories.  From feelings of anger, jealousy, eating healthy and listening to others, Superkid will guide your youngster and educate them in a fun and loving way.

In addition, Superkid teaches how to breathe deeply to gain more control of your emotions and also to calm tense moments - a lesson that is sure to last a lifetime!

Author Janai Lowenstein has written about common situations that children may have already experienced and can relate to.  Superkid Saves the Day is also an interactive read (asking pointed questions throughout) so parents and/or teachers can open up a path to deep, meaningful discussions.

The illustrations by Yan Jiang are bright and simply adorable - you're kids will love them!

Check out Superkid Saves the Day at; http://www.childstress.org/

Superkid Camp - A Review

I remember spending my childhood carefree, having fun and just being a kid.  However, times have changed and so has the world.  Kids these days are faced with so many troubles it hardly seems fair. 

So what's a parent to do to help combat feelings of grief and unhappiness in our children?  Superkid Camp by Janai Lowenstein is a great place to start.

Superkid wears a cape and teaches children to love themselves and to make good choices.  At Superkid Camp children from all walks of life and cultures learn about each other through the use of the camp "Talking Stick." 

Lowenstein cleverly weaves fun and heart lessons through her diverse characters which are not only interesting, their educational - I particularly enjoyed learning about Saada from Africa!

In addition, Lowenstein has added in questions to engage your child and help them (and yourself) understand their feelings and where they're at emotional.  This is also a great way to open up a dialogue for those quiet souls or in a small classroom setting.

The illustrations by Yan Jiang are the perfect accompaniment to the story.  Her cute little characters bring each page alive and will draw your youngster into the story.

Check out Superkid Camp and other Lowenstein titles at; http://www.childstress.org/

Chippy Chipmunk Babies in the Garden - A Review

They are one of the cutest and friendliest of all wild rodents - the chipmunk.  If your child has never had the pleasure of observing one of these playful and curious animals then, Chippy Chipmunk Babies in the Garden, by Kathy M. Miller is a must have.

Bring your child on a wonderful adventure with Chippy and Mama Lily's babies (Rachel, Rosalie, Roosevelt and Benjamin) as they emerge from their burrow to discover the big world in their garden home.

Miller's not only spun a delightful story that will please child and adult alike, but her photographs of Chippy's family are fabulous - she has caught action shots of chipmunks playing and exploring that would rival any National Geographic!

In addition, Miller also weaves facts about all of Chippy's garden friends and foes throughout and at the back of the book.

Babies in the Garden is pure delight!

Chippy Chipmunk Babies in the Garden is the second in the series with Chippy Chipmunk Parties in the Garden being the first.

Check out both books and other neat stuff at; http://www.chippychipmunk.com/.
Books are also available at Amazon  and Barnes & Noble

About the Author;

Kathy Miller is a teacher, professional cellist, award-winning nature photographer, and writer. Her first book, Chippy Chipmunk Parties in the Garden has won 15 national awards, including Learning® Magazine's 2011 Teacher's Choice Award for Children's Books and the 2010 Benjamin Franklin / Bill Fisher Award for Best First Book.

Positivity Practices

We all get down at times.  Here are 5 expert tips on how to stay optimistic and calm when the going gets tough - even during times of career/financial strife and family/relationship turmoil - from work/life balance expert Sheri Riley, founder of GLUE, Inc. and creator of the Exponential Living program.

1. Reflect on Positive Past Events

Cultivating and maintaining a peaceful, calm and optimistic life must be a goal of paramount importance. Distractions and life’s distresses both small and large, most definitely including those work, financial and relationship-related, will pull you away from this goal each and every time you allow it. Your thoughts are the training ground and spring board for your overall disposition and perspective on life. Many accomplished people never pause to revel in or acknowledge their past successes. They are constantly striving for what’s next. While not entirely a bad thing, when your desire to achieve and earn becomes bigger than your desire to BE, your existence will be likened to a hamster running in an endless circle, never at peace and never at a point of rest.

2. Have a Giving Heart and Spirit

Most know that giving back to society and those in need is one of the most meaningful activities we can engage in - making us feel happy and optimistic about life. In fact, many very successful people also believe that giving is directly tied to their luck and success up ahead. Having a giving heart and spirit not only creates more opportunities for you to provide for others, but doing so allows more opportunities for your continued success to manifest in your life, and others: what impacts one impacts us all. Achievement, earnings and accomplishments come from the work of our hands and minds, but true success and fulfillment comes from giving of the heart. Not just donating your time through charitable work or financial donations, but also allocating precious time to family and friends. Being present and accessible to loved ones is the ultimate gift for others…and yourself.

3. Happy is a Choice; Contentment and Joy are Lifestyles

One of the definitions of the word overwhelmed is “to give too much of a thing.” When you truly desire to live a life that is fulfilled in all areas, you are destined to have more to do than you have the time, energy, and ability or help to accomplish or complete. The feeling of being overwhelmed is when you have what you need and are overflowing with what you want. When you have so much success, opportunity, potential, clients, projects, options, prosperity that you can’t “handle” or manage everything, your reaction is that you are overwhelmed. So what about those times when you’re overwhelmed with challenges, struggles, health issues, and other life concerns? Know the plan for your life is perfect and the struggles are never to defeat you but to make you stronger and uncover your true power. Surrender and find peace living in the overflow, joy and abundance of being overwhelmed.

4. Tap Your Inner Courage

Stepping out of your fears and into your greatness requires great courage. Sometimes we are so busy with the work of life that we don’t sit still and take the time to listen to our heart. Being courageous means not allowing life to steal, kill, or destroy your dreams, hopes, aspirations, and plans but living in the now, the moment, the presence of your power to receive life, and the fullness of all life has to offer and even more abundantly. It takes courage to be honest with yourself, acknowledge your personal truth, and be present in your quest to live that truth. Living in the fullness and joy of who you are - and want to be – takes true grit.

5. Live Exponentially

Exponential Living is achieved through excellence in your Personal, Spiritual, and Emotional health, and balance in all aspects of your life – with yourself and others. It is achieved by building and maintaining spirituality; loving and caring for yourself (hobbies, exercise, “me” time); spending quality time with and appreciating yourself and your family; recognizing your success; and living in your own truth. When living exponentially you are comfortable with who you are, separate from what you do. It’s when you live in a state of true contentment, being present with yourself and others while also pursuing and maintaining excellence in all aspects of your life.

About the Expert:

Sheri Riley is the founder and Chief Partnership Strategist of GLUE, Inc. and creator of the Exponential Living program (http://www.exponentialliving.com/) - a ground-breaking initiative that helps individuals create balance among life's key areas in ways that promote a higher standard of excellence.

The Problem Was Me

How To End Negative Self-Talk And Take Life To A Whole New Level

Are you being bombarded with your own negativity and self doubt?  I think we all have times when the "voice" in our head tries to sabotage every thing we attempt to do, whether it be stopping addictive behaviour or embarking on a new career, this voice can be a shouting presence that convinces us we are a failure.

If this is you don't give up, The Problem Was Me by Thomas Gagliano, is a wonderful self-help book that will squash that irritating inner voice once and for all.  Gagliano writes this book in an easy to follow, yet effective manner.  From the beginning of discussing "Damaged Goods" to "Forgiveness and Spirituality" this book dives into the core problems and offers sound solutions for the release of negative self-talk.

Another one of the great things about, The Proble Was Me, is Gagliano writes from the heart and from his own personal experience - he can relate and help you too!

Check out Thomas Gagliano's web site at; http://thomasgagliano.com/ or pop on over to Amazon and Barnes & Noble to purchase a copy today.

Don't waste another second listening to your inner voice telling you you're a failure, grab a copy of The Problem Was Me and begin the journey to a happier life.

You Never Know - A Review

What would it be like to be a mega-million?  It's one thing if it comes from hard work, but what if you became rich in the blink of an eye?   I'm sure we've all fantasized about winning the lottery, but when it happens to Tobias Hillyer the unexpected drastically changes his life.

Tobias has worked hard all his life, but when his parents are killed in a car accident duty calls and Tobias puts aside his dreams of being an anthropologist to step into the role of parent with his mentally handicapped brother.  He feels the strain as he watches his best friend, Martin, climb the success ladder.  Will Tobias ever know what true success feels like?  Find out in, You Never Know by Lilian Duval, the story of an Accidental Lottery Winner.

This book is a powerful and memorable look at how money may change everything financially, but it shouldn't change who you truly are deep inside.  Duvals's characters are true-to-life, as she puts them through their paces.  I loved the underlying message of You Never Know and hope that if I suddenly came into money I'd handle it half as well as Tobias does.

Check out Lilian Duval's web site at; http://www.lilianduval.com/

You Never Know is also available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and through special order at your local bookstores.

The Lost Fountain - A Review

When a child is born with a serious condition it not only affects his parents, but his siblings as well. 

When Noah's mother was giving birth to his baby brother he is overcome by jealousy and wishes his brother dead.  However, when his little brother is diagnosed with Progeria (a disease that rapidly ages its victims) Noah is struck with guilt and an overwhelming drive to help his brother.  But where can a twelve year old turn to find a cure for an incurable disease?  Find out in, The Lost Fountain by Peter Andrew Sacco.

This book takes a unlikely trio of boys on the adventure of a lifetime; to find the mythical Fountain of Youth.  Sacco's characters are real-to-life and draws the reader into their world of mystery, suspense and adventure - think "Indiana Jones meets Harry Potter."

I loved this book (and I'm not just saying that because Sacco is a fellow Canadian).  The Fountain of Youth is engaging and will have your tween reading under the covers with a flashlight late into the night. 

Move over Indiana and Harry Potter there's a new hero in town!

Check out, The Lost Fountain on Peter Sacco's web site and on Amazon