Stairway to Reading
- Grades 2 through 12
“Stairway to Reading” is a motivational, inspirational and educational program for young and middle readers (grades 2 through 8) created by inspirational author G. Mark LaFrancis, who is passionate about helping youngsters gain confidence and courage to both read and write. The project includes a book series, and writing and reading programs for schools and libraries. His work has won the hearts of young readers, teachers and parents. G. Mark LaFrancis takes pride in writing clean-language novels with positive characters and inspiring themes. Each novel comes with “Words to the Wise,” vocabulary-builder words, and suggested teaching projects.
Stairway to Reading - Giving Youngsters the Confidence to Read.
The Stairway to Reading ™ project includes inspiring, clean-language books for young and middle readers (“In Search of a Hero,” “A Dance from the Heart and Other Stories,” “Happy Birthday, D.J.,” “My Aunt Helen,” and “The Hunt.” A sixth, “Choir Boy,” a spiritual suspense novel is due out soon.
Speaking programs for schools and libraries:
“Storytelling: From Page to Front Porch: A Writing/Reading Program for Schoolchildren” Grades 2-6: A lively, humorous, interactive writing/reading program for boys and girls presented in their classroom. (Endorsed by the Mississippi Humanities Council)
“The Power of Words” Grades 7-12: A lively, engaging, interactive writing and discussion program focusing on the use of words to convey emotion, humor, and drama.
Rates, availability and brochures are available at insipiringauthor@hotmail.com

Youth Book
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In Search of a Hero
Ages 7-10
ISBN 0-9716704-0-4
Pages: 36, Paperback
Excellent for early readers
Price: $5.50 (free shipping)
Schools and Libraries, please contact stairwaytolearning@hotmail.com
“Words to the Wise” (listed at the front of the book) contains such vocabulary-builder words as: symphony, feat, vicinity and squandered.
“In Search of a Hero” is an inspiring story about a boy, Greg, who wants to become a hero just like Firefighter Joe Garrison, who saves the life of a baby girl. What Greg discovers is that being a hero isn't as easy as he thinks.
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Youth Book
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The Hunt
Ages 10-13
ISBN 0-9716704-4-7
Pages: 104, Paperback
Excellent for middle readers
Price: $6.50 (free shipping)
Schools and Libraries, please contact stairwaytolearning@hotmail.com
“Words to the Wise” (listed at the front of the book) contains such vocabulary-builder words as: whimsical, sarcasm, bravado.
“The Hunt” is a riveting, outdoors tale of four young friends who go hunting for a prize buck. What they really encounter is a struggle to survive.
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Youth Book
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A Dance from the Heart and Other Stories
Ages 8-11
ISBN 0-9716704-1-2
Pages: 80, Paperback
Excellent for early middle readers
Price: $6.50 (free shipping)
Schools and Libraries, please contact stairwaytolearning@hotmail.com
“Words to the Wise” (listed at the front of the book) contains such vocabulary-builder words as: auditions, pediatric, flourish
“A Dance from the Heart and Other Stories” is a collection of eleven short stories about children who help and inspire one another at Christmas. The stories span a wide range of emotions and challenges. Ages 8-11. Paperback. $6.50/each. Free shipping.
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Youth Book
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My Aunt Helen
“My Aunt Helen” is a compelling, fast-paced novel about a girl, Laura Lee, who grows up in the children's home wishing for a family. Her journey, though, is embroiled in life-threatening challenges and trials. Ages 9-12. Paperback. $6.50/each.
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Youth Book
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Happy Birthday D.J.
Ages 9-13
ISBN 0-9716704-2-0
Pages: 80, Paperback
Excellent for middle readers
Price: $6.50 (free shipping)
Schools and Libraries, please contact stairwaytolearning@hotmail.com
"Words to the Wise: A section of vocabulary-builder words at the front of the book. (Sample: exuberance, acrid, intravenous)"
"Happy Birthday, D.J." is a spellbinding novel about a handsome, athletic boy, D.J. Johnson, who is injured in a tragic fire. What's worse, he loses his memory about who he is, where he is, why he is. His hometown of Vidalia, La., rallies to help him rediscover hiself. This novel is bound to warm even the coldest heart.
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Adult |
Adult Books by G. Mark LaFrancis |

Adult Book
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In Their Boots
“In Their Boots: Poems Inspired by Soldiers and Their Loved Ones” Book One: Soldiers is a captivating, powerful, inspiring look into the hearts and souls of soldiers from Iraq and Afghanistan. This book has been called a “masterpiece” by readers and reviewers. Paperback. $12/each
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