The National At-Risk Education Network

Crabapple —
A True Story of Hope & Miracles

Valentine's Special Gift Book!
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Crabapple is the inspiring true story of a Southern boy's 9th year in life, and what it took for him to rise above a dysfunctional family: namely a well-meaning mentor. Anyone who was ever 9 years old can relate to that year as one of Great Intentions, Big Plans, and a major battle with Invincibility. It will be a great gift book for the "guy who has everything" this holiday season.

What a beautiful story! It was sad, and sweet, and funny and so.....honest!
— Robyn Martino, School Principal

I was swept away with the story and constantly wanted to know what would happen next. A page-turner!
— Paige Byrne-Shortal, Author

I laughed and cried and loved it. Crabapple is engaging, honest, tear-inducing and endlessly insightful. All the latest neurological research into the immature cerebral cortex was brought to life through this spirited and touching tale.
— Selwyn Mills, PhD, author of The Odd Couple Syndrome, Existential Fortune Cookies from the Dark Side, and Prisoner of Romance

Crabapple is a magical true story honoring the 9th year of boyhood when boys, who believe themselves to be invincible, sit on the brink of realizing their mortality. It is a time of passion and serious dedication to whatever adventure is at hand. It is a time when boys believe they will be able to fly from a rooftop with the right formula of tablecloth, wind speed and a large umbrella. This book is intended to reawaken the reader's own memories of that thrilling year when all things were possible.

Crabapple is a story of hope and miracles because the protagonist, a 4th grade Southern boy from an abusive family, fortuitously encounters a mysterious woman who becomes his life-changing mentor. She not only bestows upon the boy the affirmation, affection and timely enlightening clues to life that he so desperately needs, but she also brings humor and dramatic insight to this story as her secret past is gradually revealed.

Crabapple is an autobiographical book that focuses on just one important year, the 9th — the critical time of a child's development when more gray matter begins covering the brain. This extra growth allows the child to start thinking abstractly, opening new doors of perception and feelings. Yet, the 9th year is a sacred year that has much to teach us all about vitality, enthusiasm, and boundary pushing — qualities none of us should ever have surrendered.

The Author

The author and central figure in Crabapple is a professor in the school of education at Marian College, near Milwaukee. He has published eight books and is a former psychotherapist. Dr. Dallmann-Jones' latest educational book on at-risk youth, Shadow Children, will be published for mass market release by RLD Publishers in early 2005.

In 1998 Dr. D-J published the book, Living A Stress Free Life, which sold out in the 20 major airports in the USA — twice! This book led to his being featured for 5 years on his own radio show, The Dr. Zest Hour, on K107 in the Fox Valley of Wisconsin. Dr. Dallmann-Jones is also the director of the National At-Risk Education Network.

A special thanks to Sue Galle for donating a $1000 worth of editing, typesetting, and book cover design for Crabapple. Sue, you are a champion for NAREN, and we thank you!

Ordering Crabapple

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