User:SusanFinelli/sandbox

Dr. Susan Finelli-Genovese (writing as S. Finelli) is the author and illustrator of the series, Life Books. She is passionate about writing, illustrating, and educating students and readers with her series. She hopes to use her talents to share some of life’s lessons and inspire people around the globe.

Early Life
Susan grew up in Northeast Ohio, living in a bungalow with a family of ten; four sisters and three brothers. Her parents were a core source of inspiration for her to start writing and illustrating. Her father was a cartoonist for the US Coast Guard while in service, eventually moving on to be a dot etcher in the lithography trade. He taught Susan one-on-one how to draw and utilize art materials and encouraged her to pursue art as a profession. Her mother was a gifted poet and storyteller and shared her poems with the family. She taught life lessons to Susan through a character named "Princess Maria," which sparked Susan's interest in teaching life lessons with her books.

Professional Life
Susan worked as a educator in the North Royalton City School District for 15 years. She also has experience as a curriculum facilitator and was an active tech coach for Pre-K-12 teachers and administrators. Susan is currently an associate professor and the Associate Dean for the K-12 master's program at Baldwin Wallace University. She also serves as the chair of the MAED Ed Tech Advisory Committee as well as the advisor for the Tech Club at Baldwin Wallace.

Life Books Series
Life Books is a series for middle school students centered around analogies about different parts of life.

Life's Amusement Park
Welcome to the amusement park! You’ve been given free admission to a great adventure! Your ticket is your life. This pass allows you to visit any of the attractions. You may linger at the gate and observe only briefly. Eventually, you will enter. There is much to see and do during your visit. The rides you select depend on you. Stay on; come off; choose another. How long you spend at each attraction is your decision. Others will be at the park with you and offer their advice. Watch, listen, and learn, but ultimately, you will create your own experience. Choose wisely, for this is the ride of your life!

Life's Classroom
Life’s Classroom is like a backpack for life! It’s full page spread contains “big ideas” about love, faith, caring for the earth, diversity, attitude, health, and many more motivations that will lift your spirit and guide you through life! In addition to life lessons, colorful hand-drawn illustrations, and computer-generated graphics add to the inspirations on each page. This book is geared to young adults but its meaning will resonate with all ages.

Life's Ocean
You are the captain of your ship. As you set sail in the ocean of life, the sea may be calm or turbulent. Your skills as a sailor will depend on how well you are able to navigate the waters. Life’s ocean is filled both perils and pearls, and it is an adventure to ride the waves and unravel it ’s many mysteries. Realizing that you are part of vastness of the sea will keep you connected with all that exists. Know how very fortunate you are to be one of its many treasures!

Life's Garden
You are the gardener of your life! What you plant with your thoughts, words, and actions determines the kind of experiences that you will reap. Kernels of hope and hard work cultivate the achievement of your goals. Seeds of love and gratitude grow into unexpected blessings. You may need to pluck out a few weeds now and then and use your watering can in times of drought, but tending to your life is well worth what you will eventually harvest!

Personal Life
In Susan's free time, she enjoys cooking and has been a proud vegetarian for 30 years. She believes in a holistic approach to health and happiness. She deeply enjoys spending time with her husband, family, and the unconditional love of her Boxer, Cleo. More than ever, she realizes how precious our time on earth really is and found that being mindful of this every day is what makes life blessed.

Awards
Many of Susan's books have received the Mom's Choice Award :


 * Life's Amusement Park in 2010
 * Life's Classroom in 2014
 * Life's Ocean in 2016
 * Life's Garden in 2017

Life Books is honored to be recognized for excellence in family-friendly media!

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