Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1449741
Continued on page 55 School, Love, and Intergalactic War Lance Novak, Las Virgenes Educa- tors Association, teaches English at Agoura High School in Los Angeles County, often to at-risk students. Through his teaching and mentor- ing experiences, he writes fiction revolving around troubled outlier teens who struggle with the societal pressures of a seemingly apathetic, conformist world. Novak's third young adult novel publishes in April, the first in a science fiction/space opera series for middle and high schoolers. Miss Sophia Sanchez: Intergalactic Starfighter Pilot Extraordinaire is about a feisty sophomore who wants to fly an Excalibur starfighter in a famed squadron. But she has yet to fin- ish high school or pass her spaceflight exams, and is suspended from the spaceflight program for punching a rival. Then a myste- rious starship shows up with rumors of an invasion by lizard-like aliens, and soon she's starting to fall for dauntless crewman Tristan Crawford. Can Sophia save her people? On Amazon. St. Patrick's Day Prankster Each year during the month of March up until the Irish holiday, Lucky the Leprechaun comes to visit children at school and at home. Lucky creates magic by hiding toys, leaving messages and surprises, and even making messes while no one is looking. Lucky the Leprechaun on the Loose, by first grade teacher Maria Thompson, Walnut Creek Teachers Association, started as a tradition in her classroom. A little leprechaun figurine would intermittently move around the classroom, then on March 17 students would arrive to a "mess" (chairs tilted, confetti on the floor, etc.), with personalized messages and treats on their desks from Lucky. A fun read for children everywhere. On Amazon. Zombies vs. Vampires Solomon Petchers, a 25-year educator and Murrieta Educators Association member, is an award-winning young adult author who specializes in suspense and horror. His books Feasters: An Apocalyptic Tale and Feasters: The Circle, published in 2020 and 2021, tell the tale of three teenage vampires who are trying to survive in a postapocalyptic zombie world where the flesh- eating Feasters rule the streets. On Amazon. 56 cta.org CTA & You From Within Often educators' creativity spills over into a book, blog, app or other work. We're happy to showcase members' talents.