New York, NY (BlackNews.com) – What does it mean to have an A-list smile? In recognition of October’s National Dental Hygiene Month, Award-winning New York celebrity dentist Dr. Catrise Lynette Austin reveals the magic behind the stars’ pearly whites in her new book, 5 Steps to the Hollywood A-List Smile: How the Stars Get That Perfect Smile — And How You Can, Too! (October 1st, 2009, Morgan James Publishing, Health/Fitness, ISBN# 9781600376443, $17.95). To put it more simply, Dr. Austin shows readers how to achieve their own unique A-list smile, which is not just about having a brighter smile, but also having more confidence and an overall brighter outlook on life.

5 Steps to the Hollywood A-List Smile brings together a winning mixture of consumer guide to modern dentistry and self-help guide to cultivating stellar self-confidence, drawing upon Dr. Austin’s expertise as Manhattan’s "celebrity dentist to the stars." In this compelling read, Austin cuts to the chase with a five-step system that takes readers from an assessment of their smile, choosing a dentist, to products and procedures on the market, to how to pay for these procedures at a fraction of the cost, finding low cost and even FREE dentistry, along with ways to care for their A-List smile. Throughout, Dr. Austin focuses on how to make the best choices for each individual reader, encouraging them to get the smile of their dreams so that they can quit worrying about their teeth and start living life to the fullest.

Advance praise for 5 Steps to the Hollywood A-List Smile:

"After reading 5 Steps to the Hollywood A-List Smile, you will have all of the fundamentals needed to deliver that WOW! factor with your smile. When you take the steps to enhance your smile, I guarantee that your new smile will give you an immeasurable boost in your confidence and make you feel like a superstar!"
– Ross Burton, Celebrity Makeup Artist

"5 Steps to the Hollywood A-List Smile will encourage anyone to take care of their dental health and to feel better about themselves for doing it. It’s a great inspiration towards self-love and creating a confidence within yourself."
– Common, Grammy award-winning rapper and actor

About Dr. Catrise Austin

Dr. Catrise Lynette Austin is a trailblazing expert in the field of dentistry, professional speaker, entrepreneur, and founder of VIP Smiles-a modern dental practice in New York City. America’s Next Top Model winner Eva Pigford; Former American Idol Judge Paula Abdul; Dancing With The Star’s dancer Karina Smirnoff; Apprentice Diva Omarosa; HBO’s Entourage Actor Rexx Lee; Songstress Toni Braxton; Radio and TV talk show host Wendy Williams; and Grammy Award-winning rappers Missy Elliot and Common have all placed their teeth in her capable hands. Austin is an award-winning dentist and columnist who has solidified her reputation in her field with TV appearances on The Discovery Health Channel and Good Morning America, among others. Dr. Austin is available for local and national interviews, as well as speaking engagements on dental health, HIV testing in the dental office, entrepreneurship, careers in dentistry, and improving your image with your smile.

Nationally Renowned Editors and Illustrators Collaborate to Inspire Hope and Faith in Youth

Grand Rapids, MI (BlackNews.com) – In uncertain times, keeping hope and faith alive in our young people is a top priority. This fall, Zonderkidz(TM), the leading publisher of children’s Bibles and Bible storybooks, will underscore efforts by families, clergy, schools and others seeking to encourage Black youth with the release of My Holy Bible for African-American Children (www.zondervan.com/africanamerican), a large print, New International Version (NIV) Bible featuring culturally significant artwork and inspiring book introductions.

Edited by Cheryl and Wade Hudson, the nationally acclaimed authors and publishers of Just Us Books, My Holy Bible for African-American Children connects the spiritual challenges and triumphs of today’s youth with the journeys of well-known Biblical heroes. Leading African-American illustrators such as Pat Cummings, Nancy Devard, Shane Evans, Cathy Ann Johnson, Anna Rich, Javaka Steptoe and Michele Wood also engage readers with more than 30 pages of spellbinding art.

According to Marketing to the Mosaic, an October 2008 study conducted by the marketing strategy researchers Taylor and Welch, 96 percent of African-Americans polled indicated that they believed in God, with 95 percent reporting that they pray in a given week and 60 percent saying they read the Bible. These are rich traditions that Zonderkidz believes My Holy Bible for African-American Children can help families pass on to the next generation. "Our goal is to publish resources to help more African-American children explore God’s Word," said Annette Bourland, Zonderkidz Senior Vice President and Publisher. "And we believe that this one-of-its-kind full text Bible, both Old and New Testament, with its glorious illustrations, created just for the African-American community, emphasizes just how much God knows and loves them."

My Holy Bible for African-American Children (ISBN: 978-0-310-71964-9, $24.99, Hardcover, Print Caseside) will be available in October 2009 wherever books are sold in the NIV translation, the most-read, most-trusted Bible translation. It will be the first of a series of Bibles Zonderkidz will release that are focused on African-American youth. A King James Version (KJV) of My Holy Bible for African-American Children will be introduced in February 2010. This offering will be coupled with new NIV and KJV Bibles for African-American teens. The NIV and KJV Bibles for African-American Teens will be available with gender specific customized Italian Duotone(TM) covers in February 2010.

About the Contributing Editors

Married since 1972, Cheryl and Wade Hudson are cofounders of Just Us Books, an independent publishing company specializing in books and learning materials for children and young people. The company was founded in 1988, after a search for books that reflected the diversity of Black history, heritage and experiences proved disappointing. In response, the Hudsons published the AFRO BETS® A B C Book and followed up a year later with the release of a second title and their own publishing firm. Over the years, Just Us Books has published dozens of titles and received numerous prestigious awards, including the Publishers Marketing Association’s Ben Franklin Award for illustration given to Bright Eyes, Brown Skin in 1991 and From a Child’s Heart in 1994. In 2008, Just Us Books’ The Secret Olivia Told Me, was named a Coretta Scott King Honor Book for Illustration. The Hudsons have been honored for their contributions to literature with the Ida B. Wells Institutional Builders Award presented by the National Black Writers Conference. They have also become recognized leaders in the field of multicultural publishing. Both Hudsons are active in their church, where Wade Hudson serves as a deacon.

Zonderkidz(TM), a division of Zondervan, inspires young lives through imagination and innovation. As the leader in Christian children’s communications, it produces bestselling and award-winning Bibles, books, board books, graphic novels, audio, video, and digital products that awaken the hearts and touch the souls of kids under 16 and the people who love them, from family members to educators. Zonderkidz is the publisher of the NIrV (New International Reader’s Version) Bible translation, the 3rd-grade reading level edition of the NIV that is ideal for children and those who speak English as a second language. Visit Zonderkidz(TM) on the Internet at www.zonderkidz.com

Mosaic is the only print magazine dedicated to showcasing writers of African descent and the books that they produce. We are nationally distributed and available in many libraries and bookstores throughout the country. It’s published by the Literary Freedom Project. LFP is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt not-for-profit arts organization that supports the literary arts through education, creative thinking, and new media. LFP also develops literature-based lesson plans and workshops and hosts the Mosaic Literary Conference, an annual literature-education conference.

The current issue, which features writers Thomas Glave and Lawrence Hill, is the first to also feature a series of lesson plans and a reading list for secondary school educators to use in the classroom. The Literary Freedom Project develops literary arts lesson plans and workshops for educators based on the content of each issue of Mosaic. Each uses the work by writers of African descent as a connective tool to a variety of subjects: history, social studies, and English. Our goal is to increase self awareness while promoting reading and strengthening literacy.

On Saturday, November 7, 2009 Mosaic will introduce the new lesson plans at the Mosaic Literary Conference at Hostos Community College. Now in its fifth year, the conference is an inspiring and unique grassroots effort planned, produced, and promoted in partnership with cultural organizations and educators. Its focus is simple–to educate, empower, and reconnect this generation of educators, parents, and students to the power of books and reading. Last year of 50 educators attended the conference. www.mosaicmagazine.org.

The conference invites some of the most innovative educators and literary artists to facilitate literature workshops to an audience of teachers and administrators.

The Mosaic Literary Conference is a widely anticipated, well-attended and established literary-education conference. Our workshops and lesson plans help educators incorporate books and reading into existing curricula to strengthen literacy and further explore course work that focuses on social studies–explorations of history, geography, economics, government, and civics.

Mosaic was launched by Ron Kavanaugh. A lifelong reader, he started Mosaic in 1998. He designs and publishes the magazine out of his apartment in the Bronx, New York. In 2004, to broaden the organization’s focus on literature-arts education he formed the Literary Freedom Project, a non-profit arts organization that supports the literary arts through education, creative thinking, and new media.

To request a copy of the latest issue email ron@mosaicmagazine.org. You can also preview the current issue at http://mosaicmagazine.org/25.html. Back issue downloads are available at http://mosaicmagazine.org/backissues.html. Visit www.mosaicmagazine.org for additional information on Mosaic.

New Book and 28-Day Challenge shows you how: Financial Future Hinges on Words of Faith

Atlanta, GA (February 9, 2009) – Though the world is in an economic crisis, Andre Butler has decided to “opt out” of this recession. President Barack Obama in his inauguration speech told America to choose hope over fear.   Butler agrees that having an attitude of hope and active faith is what this country needs to overcome its financial woes.

With a new book, NOT IN MY HOUSE: Take the 28-Day Challenge to Recession-Proof Your Future (HigherLife Development Services, Inc., $14.99, Feb. 12, 2009), Butler has declared no fear, no debt and no recession will affect him or anyone else who embraces this faith-filled message.

Butler, 32, who is known for his cutting-edge ministry, is the poster child of how to prosper in a declining economy. 

While others are scaling back, his ministry is expanding with new media projects, satellite churches and national conferences. Because of the message that is being shared by Butler , hundreds of written testimonies about financial blessings come in as a result and are included in this new inspiring book.

With over 95% of Believers in debt and the economy witnessing the worst job market, foreclosure and bankruptcy rates since the Great Depression, Butler ’s groundbreaking book is the watershed word needed to bail out individuals drowning in debt and suffering from fear caused by economic uncertainty.

Butler is mission-motivated and passionate about building up the hope, faith and expectations of Believers to not only survive these perilous times – but thrive in them.

“With unemployment rates rising and bankruptcies rippling the nation, people are in a state of panic. They are looking for hope and guidance. I want to show them, through the Word of God, the fail-proof methods that are tested over time that will empower them flourish financially –despite what is going on in the world’s economy,” said Butler.

“Having hope is just the beginning,” continued Butler . “Learning God’s Word, ways, having faith and activating that faith – consistently – is what will make individuals recession-proof.”

In his book, NOT IN MY HOUSE: Take the 28-Day Challenge to Recession-Proof Your Future (HigherLife Development Services, Inc., $14.99, Feb. 12, 2009), Butler shares with readers how to prosper in a declining economy by:

• Switching banking systems and relying on the one banker who will never fail you
• Teaching God’s money management principles
• Explaining how to create an environment for “super natural” debt cancellation
• Inspiring God ideas that will lead to multiple streams of income
• Illuminating the scriptures on finances that will lead to increase

Not only is Butler providing spiritual instruction, he is offering practical guidance by partnering with one of the nation’s premiere personal finance coaches; author, Lynnette Khalfani-Cox. She penned the New York Times best-seller, “Zero Debt” and will have free materials on the ministry’s website (www.NotInMyHouseBook.com).

In addition, Butler is advocating readers to take the “28-Day Challenge” outlined in the book. This Challenge will begin at his church, Faith Christian Center in Smyrna , GA on Feb. 15 and includes Khalfani-Cox being the Sunday speaker and workshop leader on Sunday, March 8.  He recently spoke at Word of Faith in metro Detroit and sold out of all copies of the book!

Declaring war on debt and building up faith is what the 28-Day Challenge is intended to do. “I want the world to take notice that Believers are being blessed in the midst of a crisis. When they see us not only surviving – but thriving – they’ll be encouraged and inspired to follow God’s ways too.” 

Get the FREE downloads and excerpts at www.notinmyhousebook.com.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Andre Butler is a husband, father, author and an award-winning pastor with 13 years in ministry with 13 books. He is president of Andre Butler Ministries (www.AndreButler.TV) and senior pastor of the 4,000-member church, Faith Christian Center in Smyrna , GA and co-pastor of Word of Faith International Christian Center in Southfield , Michigan . A seasoned media guest, he has appeared on The Word Network, Christian Television Network, TCT and Atlanta Live. He is currently seen weekly on StreamingFaith.com and LightingSource.com which is streamed worldwide on the internet and inspires thousands more with his bi-monthly video email messages. In addition, Butler is also the creator the popular family-board game, The Prosperous Touch and travels the globe preaching the Word of faith.

NOT IN MY HOUSE
Take the 28 Day Challenge to Recession-Proof Your Future
By Andre Butler (HigherLife Development Services, Inc) * Release:  February 12, 2009 $14.99 * Trade Paperback Original, 182 pages
ISBN: 9-780-97932-273-0 * www.NotInMyHouseBook.com

“Our nation’s new president, Barack Obama, is the perfect example of what remarkable stuff crazy faith yields,” points out Smith. Among those who have earned a place in the Hall of Faith, the author includes:

• Moses
• Harriet Tubman
• David
• Nelson Mandela
• Gideon
• Mother Teresa
• Mary McLeod Bethune
• Chris Gardner

In a starred review, Publishers Weekly described Crazy Faith as “Feisty, enthusiastic and encouraging.” And ArmchairInterviews.com reviewer Diane A. Brown found “vivid details that will leave the reader in awe.”

The book features several powerful stories specifically about African Americans with crazy faith, making it an ideal resource for Black History Month. As a former news reporter and talk show host, Susan Williams Smith is also an ideal guest interview.

Crazy Faith: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Lives is the fourth book by Smith who is senior pastor of Advent United Church of Christ in Columbus, Ohio. Smith is also a member of the Board of Trustees for the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference and the Katrina National Justice Commission. She is a regular contributor to the Washington Post’s “On Faith” blog.

Rhoda McKinney-Jones, Communications Director for the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference, Inc., is the book’s editor. Iva E. Carruthers, General Secretary for the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference, Inc. contributed the foreword.

Crazy Faith: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Lives is published by Judson Press (www.judsonpress.com) and retails for $15.00. The book is available from the publisher, on Amazon.com, and through Christian bookstores and national chains nationwide.

To arrange an interview with the author or to request a review copy of the book, please contact Gale Tull at 610-768-2102 or via email at gtull@abc-usa.org.

Best-Selling Authors, Virginia DeBerry and Donna Grant, Commence ’09 Book Tour of “What Doesn’t Kill You” on January 31st

New York, NY (BlackNews.com) – In celebration of the release of WHAT DOESN’T KILL YOU, Best-Selling Literary Duo, Virginia DeBerry and Donna Grant, will visit 16 cities from January 31 through April 21 promoting their timely tale about losing your job, financial meltdown and dealing with despair. DeBerry and Grant will visit such cities as Chicago, New York, Atlanta, Nashville, Birmingham, Little Rock, Arkansas and Bowling Green, Kentucky. To view the entire list of tour cities, visit their website at www.deberryandgrant.com.

In their sixth novel, DeBerry and Grant’s funny take on a serious subject is a great antidote for all who are currently dealing with today’s economic roller coaster. As we begin 2009, it is impossible to avoid the news of home foreclosures, lay-offs, even the wealthy losing their life savings. These are all experiences DeBerry and Grant drew from when creating the protagonist in WHAT DOESN’T KILL YOU, Thomasina “Tee” Hodges, a forty-something, together sista who loses it all in the blink of an eye. Publishers Weekly called WHAT DOESN’T KILL YOU, “the anti-pity party; snappy, fun and inspiring.”

“Tee’s trip from denial, to anger to acceptance and ultimately to reinvestment in her life is one we know intimately,” state DeBerry and Grant. “Both directly and indirectly, we lived through what Tee experiences and it wasn’t pretty. We learned that having a sense of humor and faith is what keeps you going.”

Beginning February 1, DeBerry and Grant can also be seen as a part of the 2009 Black History Month campaign launched by The Kroger Company in over 1500 Kroger and King Scoopers grocery stores across the country and on their website at www.kroger.com. In addition, this year, the literary duo is lending their name to Sweet Unity Coffee, called by The New York Times, “the Cabernet of Coffees.” Founded by Dave Robinson, son of the baseball great, Jackie Robinson, DeBerry and Grant are helping to support African farmers build and sustain a strong economic environment for themselves and their families.

“Our collaboration with Sweet Unity Coffee just makes perfect sense,” explains DeBerry and Grant. “Reading our books with a great cup of java or tea and knowing that you are helping others at the same time is a win-win for us and our readers.”

DeBerry and Grant want to continue hearing from persons who have “been broke” by submitting your story to “Your Best Broke Story” on their website, www.deberryandgrant.com. Also, many of the bookstores on their tour are still running “Your Best Broke Story” contest. (For participating bookstores, visit the “Tour” section on www.deberryandgrant.com.) Either funny or serious, DeBerry and Grant want to know how you survived your personal economic crisis. Recent winners of the contest are Stephanie Carter of Michigan who took home the first place prize and Carolyn Cooke of Georgia, who came in second place. To read their “best broke” stories, visit the twomindsfull.blogspot.com blog and myspace.com/twomindsfull

WHAT DOESN’T KILL YOU {Touchstone / Simon & Schuster Hardcover} / Price $24.95 / ISBN: 1-4165-6420-9} is a poignant story of today as well as an inspiration for women to reassess their financial status and personal priorities. WHAT DOESN’T KILL YOU is available at booksellers nationwide and from online outlets. The audio book version of the novel, read by the authors, is also available. For author interviews, to set up author appearances, or to review a copy of WHAT DOESN’T KILL YOU, contact Tyrha Lindsey of L.A.I. Communications a 908-672-6024 or e-mail at Tyrha.Lindsey@laicommunications.com.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

VIRGINIA DEBERRY and DONNA GRANT
VIRGINIA DEBERRY was formerly the Vice-President of BB/LW, an agency for plus size and petite models as well as a spokeswoman for Hanes hosiery. She currently lives in New Jersey. DONNA GRANT, a Brooklyn native, currently lives in the borough with her husband. Before becoming a novelist, she spent more than a decade as a plus-sized model. DeBerry and Grant have co-authored six novels including–Tryin’ to Sleep in the Bed You Made (Merit Award/Fiction, Black Caucus of the American Library Association), Far From the Tree (New York Times Bestseller), Better Than I Know Myself (Open Book Award, Essence Bestseller, Best African American Fiction 2004 Borders and Waldenbooks) and Gotta Keep on Tryin’–turning a 25-year friendship into the most successful and enduring writing collaboration in fiction.

NOVELS BY DEBERRY AND GRANT
What Doesn’t Kill You (2009)
Gotta Keep On Tryin’ (2008)
Better Than I Know Myself (2004)
Far From the Tree (2000)
Tryin’ To Sleep in the Bed You Made (1997)
Exposures (1990)