Ann Dallman
Books
Cady Whirlwind Thunder Mysteries
Book Three: Cady and the Search for Family
Cady's mother disappeared when Cady was only six. Now about to turn fourteen, Cady aches for her mother to be with her. In an attempt to curb her granddaughter's angry outbursts, Grandma Winnie takes Cady on a road trip throughout Wisconsin and Michigan. "We'll repeat the trip your mother took when she was your age and maybe you'll learn more about her," Grandma tells Cady. Adding to Cady's stress is the deadline for her essay entry in Barnesville's centennial celebration.
Through missing her mother and trying to find her, Cady is learning to see herself. Accompanying her on her adventures are her best friend, Irish; her "crush," John Ray Chicaug; and an ever-present blue jay.
PRAISE FOR CADY AND THE SEARCH FOR FAMILY:
“Although this book touched on serious topics like growing up without your mother, intercultural heritage, modern family relationship issues, and a girl’s coming of age drama, Dallman tackles all these and makes an entertaining mystery ride for readers. Overall, I enjoyed Cady and the Search for Family by Ann Dallman, a five-star ride for young and older readers. Great book for middle – junior high school libraries as it also includes a discussion guide at the end of the book!" - Susan Violante, Reader Views
Wisconsin Writers review may be found at: https://wiwrite.org/book-reviews/13544266
Book Two: Cady and the Birchbark Box
In Cady and the Birchbark Box, Cady Whirlwind Thunder solves the mystery behind a weathered journal found inside an old birchbark box. Why was the box buried behind a deserted garage? This is the question her friend and "crush," John Ray Chicaug, asks Cady after the two of them find it. And what meaning do the notes in the book have? Cady's grandma and her ever-present companion, a noisy blue jay, encourage her as she puts together the pieces and ultimately restores the reputation of a deceased elder. Cady does all this while navigating through another school year, earning a place on the school's soccer team and continuing to calm her temper and adjust to life with a new stepmother and baby brother.
PRAISE FOR CADY AND THE BIRCHBARK BOX:
Cady and the Birchbark Box is the winner of the Historical Society of Michigan State History Award.
"This well-crafted, beautiful novel immerses readers in the elegance of Native American culture as it delivers an emotional, intriguing mystery that readers from middle grade through adults will enjoy. Highly recommended!" -- Christine DeSmet, author of Fudge Shop Mystery Series
"Ann Dallman's writing is a teacher's dream come true. Cady is a character students can relate to and learn from. While Cady is learning about her Native American culture and traditions, readers become immersed in a culture they may not have knowledge of." -- Gina Zanon, 5th-grade teacher, Menominee, MI
Book One: Cady and the Bear Necklace
Cady, a 13-year-old girl of Native American heritage, is attending a reservation school for the first time in her life. One day Cady finds an eagle feather on the hallway floor and reports it to the principal. He cautions her that a mystery might soon appear in her life. Not long after Cady discovers an antique Indian beaded necklace hidden in her closet. Why has she found it? The elders tell her it is her task to find out why. Her new friends: Irish, John Ray, and a talking blue jay help to guide her as she balances between two worlds.
IN THE NEWS:
Eagle Herald, June 15, 2019: Local Author Publishes First Novel
UPPAA, September 9, 2019: Ann Dallman Release New Book about Young Native American Girl
April 2022: Cady and the Bear Necklace is featured in "Writing Children's Books for Dummies" (3rd edition)
Cady and the Bear Necklace is the winner of the 2020 New Mexico-Arizona Book Award: Multicultural Category, The Midwest Book Award, and the Historical Society of Michigan State History Award, and has also been honored as a finalist by the Next Generation Indie Book Award.
.png)
PRAISE FOR CADY AND THE BEAR NECKLACE:
"...a passionate look at Native American culture and how it affects a young girl as she grows from a child to a young woman." - 5-Star Review from Readers' Favorite (Read FULL REVIEW)
The Upper Peninsula Publishers and Authors Association presents Ann Dallman and her novel, Cady and the Bear Necklace.
Here's a short clip from Ann's interview on the award-winning Blackbird Writer podcast.
Find the full interview here.
Sam English: The Life, Work, and Times of an Artist
The book features more than 85 reproductions of this premiere artist’s poster prints. The book focuses on Sam’s art and artwork, spanning his 30-year career, as well as his work in the recovery movement.
AWARDS
-
Print Excellence and Knowledge (PEAK) Grand Award Winner
-
New Mexico Book of the Year 2010 Finalist
-
Eric Hoffer Award for Short Prose & Independent Books, First Runner-Up
-
National Indie Excellence Awards (NIEA)
-
da Vinci Eye Finalist
