Julia Gressel-Murray’s New Book, “My Name Is Malia: My Story of Growing Up with a Brother with Special Needs,” is a Moving Testament to the Powerful Bond Between Siblings
San Leandro, CA, February 21, 2023 –(CarryOnHarry.com)– Julia Gressel-Murray, a wife, mother, and entrepreneur who uses her writing as a teaching tool, has completed her new book, “My Name Is Malia My Story of Growing Up with a Brother with Special Needs”: a heartfelt children’s story about overcoming and embracing differences.
“Being a parent and watching your children interact with each other is priceless,” says author Julia Gressel-Murray. “As a mother watching Malia protect and comfort her brother over the years demonstrates the strength of the sibling bond. Although Tommie had his own learning challenges with hydrocephalus, it was clear his sister was his voice and driving force whenever he needed it.”
Published by Covenant Books of Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, Julia Gressel-Murray’s new book is told from the point-of-view of Malia, a ten-year-old girl who’s younger brother, Tommie, has a condition called hydrocephalus. This causes him to process things a little differently, and he also sometimes has seizures. Malia’s mom tells her that God designed Tommie in a special way for a reason and that he needs a lot of attention. Being a big sister to a brother with special needs is hard work, but Malia is up for the job!
Tommie loves to play with his plastic dinosaurs and can name their different species. He can also list all fifty states in alphabetical order. Malia thinks that this is what makes him so special. She is happy to combine her Barbies with his dinosaurs so that she can include him in playtime. She watches out for Tommie in daycare and lets her mom spend extra time with him. Malia has learned that being the sibling of someone with special needs takes a good bit of love and patience, and she has a lot to go around! This inspiring true story is sure to warm the hearts of readers, young and old alike.
Readers can purchase “My Name Is Malia My Story of Growing Up with a Brother with Special Needs” at bookstores everywhere, or online at the Apple iTunes store, Amazon, or Barnes and Noble.
Covenant books is an international Christian owned and operated publishing house based in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina. Covenant Books specializes in all genres of work which appeal to the Christian market. For additional information or media inquiries, contact Covenant Books at 843-507-8373.
Author Denise A. Powis’s New Book, “Just be Yourself and No One Else!” Follows Three Punctuation Marks Who Try to Change Who They Are But Simply Cause Confusion
Copenhagen, NY, October 07, 2025 –(CarryOnHarry.com)– Denise A. Powis, a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who enjoys painting, inventing, writing, and gardening, has completed her new book, “Just Be Yourself and No One Else!”: a heartfelt story that follows three punctuation marks who discover the importance of being true to themselves and what they do best.
In 2005, author Denise Powis received a bachelor of science degree from Empire State College, and she has worked for many years in the helping professions as a certified nursing assistant, home health aide, and substitute teacher for special education classes. At the present time, she teaches a Bible study/support group for women. In 1979, she won a 17 Islands National sailboat race.
In “Just Be Yourself and No One Else!”, readers are introduced to a period, an exclamation point, and a question mark who all long for a change of pace and decide to switch places one day. However, they soon discover they are not well suited for performing their new roles, and decide that they were made perfect for their original purpose.
Published by Hawes & Jenkins Publishing, Denise A. Powis’s engaging tale will delight readers of all ages as they discover the importance of accepting one’s self and being true to who they really are. With colorful artwork and a powerful life lesson, “Just Be Yourself and No One Else!” will help boost confidence amongst young readers, leaving a lasting impression long after the final page.
Readers who wish to experience this riveting work can purchase “Just Be Yourself and No One Else!” at bookstores everywhere, or online at the Apple iTunes Store, Amazon, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble.
For additional information or media inquiries, contact Hawes & Jenkins at 888-430-7450.
The release of Magical Musical Memories aligns with research indicating music’s capacity to reduce stress and rekindle recollection among people living with dementia. It also echoes widely shared experiences—from football legend Sir Alex Ferguson to the family of singer Tony Christie—of music’s unique ability to unlock the past.
Inside the Community Spirit
“From the songs that we danced to at our first school dance, to the albums that became the soundtrack of our lives, each memory is a testament to the moments that have defined us,” said Helen Davies-Parsons, Chief Executive of Dormy Care Communities. “Music can transport us back to a specific time and place. Through these recollections, memories will now live on.”
How to Buy the Book—and Support Local Charities
The coffee-table style book is priced at £15. Copies can be purchased by contacting any of the five homes directly; card payments can be taken over the phone and books can be posted. A portion of every sale will be donated to local charities.
