Author and His ‘Time-Traveling’ Son Ask Young Americans to “Live a Life of Purpose”
Inspiring Photo-Book Delivers Authentic History with Moral Lessons for Today
Built-In 'Time Machine' Makes History Exciting for Kids, Parents, and Teachers
Author and photographer Michael S. Class has used advanced digital photography to place his twelve year-old son, Anthony, in the cockpit of the Spirit of St. Louis with Charles Lindbergh, on the moon with Neil Armstrong, and on Normandy beach on D-Day.
Father and son labored for nearly four years in their garage filled with props from an army surplus store; the garage walls were covered with blue bed sheets. The result: It looks like Anthony really did meet Thomas Edison, Jonas Salk, FDR, Lou Gehrig, Charles Lindbergh, and Audie Murphy. The Web site, www.MagicPictureFrame.com, displays some of the book’s amazing photographs.
"I wanted to capture the interest of today's kids," says Class, "by turning American history into a grand time travel adventure.” The book, Anthony and the Magic Picture Frame, is recommended for young adults, Grade 6 to Grade 12.
"The storyline is fictional, but the history is authentic," says Class. Authentic in every detail: even Anthony’s conversations with the people of the past are based on things they really said, all properly footnoted (261 quotes in all). Another 312 footnotes deliver fascinating historical facts and background stories about the events that Anthony witnesses.
Inspiration comes from what the heroes of America's past tell Anthony: "The purpose of life is to live a life of purpose, and doing the right thing always matters."
The book presents the moral lessons of American history, and prepares kids for the future. The chapter about Lindbergh’s flight is about perseverance. The story of Lou Gehrig is one of a virtuous life. The chapter about Thomas Edison is really about business. The story of Apollo 11 is about wonder, taking risks, and courage. The story of Dr. Jonas Salk and the cure for polio is really about dedicating one’s life to a higher purpose. Anthony’s observation of D-Day and the liberation of the death camps during the Holocaust is a testament to the reality of evil and the need to fight it.
While recounting his adventures, Anthony discusses the nature of good and evil, right and wrong, war and peace, what it means to be an American, honor and discipline, success and achievement, courage and destiny, marriage and family, God and purpose.
“I wanted to challenge young readers to think critically,” says Class, “and to see their modern world in the light of the lessons of the past.”
"Every kid should read this book," says Anthony, the time-traveler. "My favorite chapter is when I go back in time to meet my great-grandfather at Ellis Island. I am with him the day he becomes an American." Family photographs were used in Anthony's favorite chapter.
The author says the book includes a built-in ‘time machine’ that kids can use to see, hear, and experience the past. The book includes fun “to do” lists containing hundreds of books, movies, music, and places to visit that bring the past alive. This unique approach excites young adults about American history, and helps parents and teachers. Everything on the lists is content-rated. The author’s Web site includes a fun final exam.
"It can take a lifetime to experience everything this book has to offer," says Class. With recommendations for 461 books, 595 movies, 217 songs, and 155 places to visit, the book is sure to entertain and educate for many years to come.
Anthony and the Magic Picture Frame (hardcover, 225 pages, $35) is available at www.MagicPictureFrame.com, or by calling toll-free: 1-800-247-6553. The book is also available at select bookstores and on amazon.com.
