What People Are Saying
"It was great seeing you in the office and learning about your project "A BOOK by ME". It is a pleasure to endorse this project.
I started to read the materials and stories, and I could not put them down. It was so powerful to read both the student's interpretation, as well as the direct stories from the survivors themselves. I have many times researched and studied the Holocaust, but these stories bring the experience to life.
I think it's the utmost importance to enjoin our students to ensure they have a captivating interest and inherited memory of this atrocity. The only way to move forward in a positive way is to understand what is behind.
I understate the obvious when I echo my grandfather's words "We can never allow this to happen again."
Mary Jean Eisenhower
CEO People to People International
Granddaughter of President Dwight D. Eisenhower
“A BOOK by ME (ABBM) is one of the most important projects I have ever been involved with. Students researching and writing/illustrating stories about Holocaust survivors, Righteous Gentiles and Heroes for other students have made a significant and positive impact in our local schools as well as our entire community. Any support you can provide to help further this important mission will be much appreciated.”
Allan G. Ross
Executive Director
Jewish Federation of the Quad Cities
“My husband, Al, was a person who did not always show his emotions and he was a very proud man. I believe it is because he had been homeless and on his own since he was twelve years old. He was not used to sharing his feelings. I knew him and his family for over fifty years and until he had a stroke, I never knew he was a Pearl Harbor survivor. There are a lot of heroes that would rather forget about what they went through and witnessed, but unfortunately, they can't.
Although he would get emotional when he was interviewed by Gracie Ryckaert and Kenzie Reimers, I could see telling them his memory of that horrible day was important to him. After the final review of the book, Al held the final copy in his hands. He had this certain look and smile on his face that I could tell he was very pleased and proud. I am so grateful that he was able to see his finished book.
I just wish Al knew that his book would be in so many schools for future children to read. Then again, maybe he does.”
Sharon Taylor
Davenport, Iowa
November 30, 2020
To Whom It May Concern,
I want to encourage your organization to host Deb Bowen as a presenter for your organization. She did an excellent job in presenting to Geneseo Il. Rotary. She has a passion and a drive for what she does which can be matched by very few. I believe Deb and her organization, “A Book by Me”, will provide your community and organization with an example of how we can truly unite and come together in a very different and complex world. She champions a true and authentic cause which I believe our society at all levels need to embrace. Her website is www.understandingworks.org
Please reach out to me with any questions you may have. I hope your club and community can see the value and perspective Deb can bring to your organization.
Thank you for your time,
Thomas M. Taylor (309) 507-6443
President-Geneseo Il. Rotary Club
Marion Blumenthal Lazan, Author of Four Perfect Pebbles
Jewish Survivor Marion Blumenthal Lazan and
Deb Bowen talk about the A BOOK by ME vision
Student Quotes
 |  Kenzie, Al & Gracie |  |
|---|---|---|
 |  Megan, Henry & Kassidy |  |
 |  Jose, Sam & Jett |  |
 |  Virgil & Hailee |  |
 |  Trinity, Dorothy & Sydney |  |
 |  Imi, John & Alyssa |  |
 |  Jeremiah, Joe & Tessa |  |
 |  Reed with Rockridge class |  |
 |  Maddy, Henry & Kylee |  |
 |  Ella, Eva & Eva's daughter |  |
 |  Rhyse,Joe & Ashton |  |
“Writing and illustrating this book has been an experience like no other. I wish that many young authors and illustrators would take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to document a veteran’s story with A BOOK by ME. I know it will enrich their lives as much as it has mine.”
Elise Blinn
Children of the American Revolution – NSSAR
Author - Jewish Jammer
"I have a higher respect for our veterans as they experience so much more than they let on. It has opened my eyes and I want to help more veterans tell their stories. Stand for those who stood for me.”
Jacob Shadinger
Children of the American Revolution – NSSAR
Author - To the Desert and Back
“Doris is a fearless woman. She has survived the darkest times in world history, and she inspires me to become an independent person with a humble heart.”
Amen Gabre, Ethiopia
Author - Run
“All of us were thrilled that Dad's story would be preserved and told to others. He finally got the honor he was due. Now others outside the family can read about what an extraordinary man he was and learn about history too. Thank you for honoring him.”
Jeanne Gardner
Daughter of WWII Veteran Ralph Smith – The Art Protector
"As a member of Children of the American Revolution, I'm very interested in history, the American Revolution, and my ancestors. This project gave me an opportunity to research and learn about one of my great-grandfathers, Alexander McCurdy, and his role in the Revolutionary War. I'm very proud of his contribution to the freedoms we now have because of him and other soldiers. It also increased my research, organization and writing skills."
Asher Ciaccio
Children of the American Revolution – NSSAR
Author - Wounded at Yorktown
NOTE: Students in NSSAR are now writing and illustrating books for this project. Deb Bowen, Creator of A BOOK by ME, is a proud member of National Society Daughters of American Revolution (DAR) and she hopes one day her grandchildren can do what Asher has done and write about their ancestors who fought in the Revolutionary War.
The DAR has a long and proud history of serving America’s veterans. Public Law 106–380 calls upon the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress to collect and preserve audio/video oral histories, letters, diaries, maps, photographs, and home movies of America’s war veterans and those who served in support of them.