Books by Mark Weston

Kirkus Star Junior Library Guild Gold Selection Mark Weston's high-interest story and Rebecca Evans's colorful graphics make scientific discovery the coolest thing this side of Jupiter.

Characters: 1 male (Optional Ensemble up to 15Running time 50 minutes.Frontiersman, scout, James P. Beckwourth is credited with discovering the most accessible route into northern California in the 1800's, known today as the "Beckwourth Pass." Named a chief of the Crow Nation, Jim Beckwourth's many feats and accomplishments have gone largely unsung in American history. Who among us grew up reading about the "black Daniel Boone?" A wonderful immersion into the life and character of one of America's best, told with wit, honesty, and great story-telling style. By making obscure but important history come alive, this play is a good vehicle for school touring or a way to introduce history in a novel way to classes. By the co-author of the very popular Winning Monologues From The Beginnings Workshop as seen on the Bravo television network.

101 Winning Monologues for Young Performers Including 101 valuable acting hints! Acting teacher Mark Weston has written a companion to his most successful Winning Monologues from the Beginnings Workshop. After observing his acting students over many years struggling with books that offered speeches and recitations in lieu of monologues, Mr. Weston wrote his true and original monologues for young performers. He is pleased to acknowledge that many young performers have benefitted. For t

As an acorn depends upon time and proper planting ot become an oak, so to, Bernie, the once young pup had with the influence of the aged and learned Saint Bernard, Wolf, became a responsible and knowing, mature canine.Bernie's desire was to finally overcome his beloved Marion's reluctance and fear of bringing another mixed-breed dog into the world. Since, under duress and due to circumstances beyond her control, Marion had given birth to Alfred.The demure and attractive springer spaniel had suffered the indignity of witnessing her own son being considered a 'mutt,' and shunned by mankind and pedigrees.No matter how Bernie assured her of his devotion and Marion's proven love for him, nothing could overcome her own anxieties. So what could become the impetus for Marion to finally accept Bernie's proposal of uniting and having a family of their own? After witnessing the love and the joining together of the poodles, Alyce and Walter, and their masters, Matty and David, Marion, realized that Bernie meant more to her, than living with the distressing memories of the past.

Bernie found happiness in the house he shared with Marion and her pup, Alfred.The home was given to the Fallons by the grateful Matty Hatton, for finding and returning her poodle, Alyce. But there was a problem that had to be resolved. Alfred being a mixed-breed, was shunned by insensitive humans and pedigrees who considered him below their status.No matter how caring and perceptive Bernie was, the problem continued until the now deceased Saint Bernard, Wolf, visited him in a dream. The scholarly old canine explained that until the rebellious Alfred was reunited with his paternal father, Bruno, his future would suffer.Matty's senior reporter, David, who also was her suitor, suggested that in order to increase her newspaper's circulation, they should have the canines revisit Carson's Island and run a column on where and how Alyce, Bernie and Marion survived.However, they were unaware that Marion's former owner, Mike Warren, had planned to kidnap and hold her for ransom.The visit became the answer to Alfred's problem, when he finally meets Bruno on the island. However, the German shepherd was no longer the villainous canine, but maimed and helpless. Bruno instructs his offspring to avoid becoming what he once was. During the visit, Alyce becomes lost in the island's forest and is found and held captive by Mike Warren. The dogs and humans search for and find where Alyce was being held. The villainous abductor tries to escape but is cornered and held by Bruno and his son.As the group prepares to return home, Alfred explains to his mother, that his father shouldn't be left alone. Alfred remains on the island to care for Bruno.Although Marion is teary-eyed, Bernie comforts her with the belief, that unless her son discovers his heritage, he would never be whole.

How many years must a person regret and pay for their mistakes? The likes of President Richard Nixon and Bill Clinton . . . are among them. In 1919, Charlie Fader also slipped when as a young pitching phenom, he joined seven others to throw the World Series. One Strike You're Out! picks up Charlie's life, 50 years later. He is now a 70 year old recluse, working as a janitor in an old laundry. He meets a blind teen-ager at the laundry, and a bond is set. Ty, a baseball fan, has acquired a photographic memory on everything he hears, including box scores and plays, read to him from newspapers and what he heard on the radio. In mid-season, the local team, the Isles, are in last place and heading deeper into the cellar. Charlie and Ty figure batting and pitching orders as a diversion, and realize that if the Isles had them, they would be in first place and heading for the World Series. Since the Isle's uniforms are cleaned at the laundry, Charlie and Ty decide to plant line-ups in the manager's back pocket. The Isles win the pennant. A leading sportswriter is brought in on the secret and hires a private detective to find out where the notes came from. Ty and Charlie are discovered, and the latter is finally forgiven for his youthful digression. Everyone loves a 'Rocky' . . . and it's a wonderful life story. One Strike You're Out! is another.

Tucked away in a remote part of Africa, Sierra Leone, Guinea-Bissau and Burkina Faso, three of the worlds poorest countries, are in the throes of great upheaval. Globalisation has shown their people that a more comfortable life is possible, but as they strive to attain it, climate change, the population boom, the tyrants of the old guard and the firm grip of tradition block their way.The clash between old and new is explosive. Civil wars erupt without warning, with drugged up rebels fighting over blood diamonds, gold or a humble bowl of rice. Al Qaeda has set up camp in Burkina Faso. Colombian drug gangs have overrun Guinea-Bissau. Christian and Muslim fanatics battle for African souls, preparing their converts for Armageddon.In The Ringtone and the Drum, Mark Weston dives into this maelstrom. In an often-unsettling adventure, he travels around the three countries and immerses himself in local life. Combining the remarkable stories of those he meets with his deep knowledge of Africas development, the book sheds new light on a neglected corner of the globe.