DESCRIPTION

Ellen M. Shapiro explores thoroughly researched, well-documented WWII history and experiences, and her mother's mysterious recollection, through the eyes of a resourceful tween heroine, Anni Blum. We first meet Anni, at age twelve, in March 1939 as she boards a train with her seven-year-old sister, Rosie, to escape Vienna, her home until Hitler's armies invaded. Traveling alone, the two girls are headed for Dover, England, to help their distant cousins take care of the country house they will be staying in as the nation prepares for war. With their dark, curly hair pulled back tightly, the girls are dressed to blend in with the "Aryan" holiday travelers. Aside from their forged passports and real Domestic Worker Visas, Anni is traveling with her valuables: a German-English pocket dictionary, a copy of The Traveler's Phrase-book for Visitors to England, and balls of yarn, a crochet hook, and other precious supplies for her designs. "Crafty girl," says the conductor upon inspecting the contents of her knapsack. That offhand comment, given with a friendly wink, proves prescient. On top of loneliness, homesickness, and worries about what is happening back home, Anni grapples with navigating a new language and being misunderstood. At first, the local boys in the fictional English village of Tuppinshire tease her for speaking German and accuse her of being a Nazi spy. Her aunt Vivian scornfully treats her and Rosie like maids. And she yearns to return to school. To aggravate matters, Anni suffers flashbacks to painful moments in Vienna—from being forbidden to play in the neighborhood park to discovering that her favorite needlework shop was smashed and looted on Kristallnacht to watching in horror as the Nazis take her Papa away. She also relives her anger over being renamed "Sarah"—like all Jewish girls and women—to identify her as a Jew, and the comfort of bonding with other girls in the same "club." Yet gradually, over the years of blackouts and bombings, Anni and Rosie find their place among family, make new friends, forge boldly ahead, and use their talents and creativity to make an incredible difference for others.

GUEST BIO

Ellen Shapiro is a graphic designer and writer. A graduate of UCLA's College of Fine Arts, she has headed a graphic communications firm for over 20 years and taught at leading design schools, including the Designer as Author MFA program at New York's School of Visual Arts. A contributing editor for Print Magazine and writer for Printmag she has published hundreds of articles and posts and two nonfiction books about visual culture around the world. Inspired by her mother's memories of the Holocaust in Vienna and life in wartime England, The Secret Buttons is her first novel.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellen-m-shapiro-833a037/

DESCRIPTION:

Paula Marshall, author of Finding the Soul of Big Business, is the CEO of Bama Companies, a family-owned business founded in 1927. Her vision serves as a guiding light for Bama team members, inspiring the company to live out its mission: "People Helping People Be Successful."

Paula stepped into the role of CEO in 1984 and has led Bama through years of growth while staying true to its people-first roots. Today, Bama is a global organization that includes Bama Pie, Bama Foods, Bama Frozen Dough, Beijing Bama, and Bama Europa. Paula is known for blending strong business leadership with heart, focusing on servant leadership, meaningful work, and creating lasting impact for employees, customers, and communities.

GUEST BIO

As CEO of Bama Companies, Paula provides strategic direction and leadership across the organization. Her vision guides Bama team members and inspires the company to live out its mission, "People Helping People Be Successful." Paula took on the role of CEO in 1984, leading a company that has since grown to include Bama Pie, Bama Foods, Bama Frozen Dough, Beijing Bama, and Bama Europa.

Under her leadership, Bama has expanded its reach, offering a wide range of frozen desserts and baked goods to fast-food chains as well as casual and family dining restaurants. Paula earned her Bachelor of Science in business from Oklahoma City University in 1982 and later completed her PhD in commercial science there in 1993. She is the author of four books and believes that successful business leaders must embrace both entrepreneurship and strong management to truly thrive.

https://thepaulamarshall.com/story/

https://paulamarshallfoundation.org/

DESCRIPTION:

Jennifer Wren Tolo will speak on the themes of Healing Journeys where she will share powerful personal stories from navigating life-threatening health challenges with both her children and herself. She explores how self-awareness, advocacy, and education become essential tools for healing, especially when supporting children facing medical, educational, and mental health challenges.

She will unpack the hidden stressors that disconnect us from happiness, offering practical strategies to recognize, manage, and release them. Jennifer emphasizes the foundations of self-care, self-regulation, and resilience, showing why caring for ourselves is essential to effectively support others. She also introduces the Power of the P's—Presence, Perspective, and Purpose which guide audiences toward sustainable wellness, balance, and a more fulfilled, purpose-driven life.

GUEST BIO:

Jennifer Wren Tolo, known as The Soul Connector, is a former critical care nurse, award-winning health and wellness educator, renowned speaker, and transformational life coach. She empowers individuals to reclaim their health, happiness, and inner authority. After navigating life-threatening illnesses with two of her four sons, Jennifer developed her signature method, the ABC's of Stress Management, to help others leave survival mode and reconnect with the wisdom of their soul.

Jennifer is a bestselling author and an Adjunct Professor at Endicott College School of Nursing, where she teaches Holistic and Complementary Approaches to Health and Healing. She holds a Master's degree in Nursing and certifications as a Whole Health Educator and Patient Advocate, Personal Trainer, Reiki Master, and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction practitioner. She hosts the Simple Awakenings Podcast, was an executive contributor to BRAINZ Magazine, and has been featured on FOX and ABC News.

Website: https://jenniferwrentolo.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenniferwren.tolo/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenwrentolo/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-wren-tolo-rn-ma-44a5935a/