In honor of National Book Lovers Day on Aug. 9, here are some books by local authors to check out.
Hailey and Todd Stultz hold a copy of their “Sign Language ABC Book,” which they officially published earlier this year.
COURTESY/HAILEY STULTZ
The Derby couple published their book earlier this year, designed as a resource for children to build a base understanding of American Sign Language (ASL).
Article originally published July 23, 2025.
Derby Historical Society President Butch Ewing is shown in one of the city rooms at the museum, displaying the book he recently wrote about Derby’s history and the tale of “two different cities.”
KELLY BRECKUNITCH/INFORMER
Published in July 2025, “Derby Kansas…two different cities” was the culmination of years of work by current Derby Historical Society President Butch Ewing, digging into the city’s past to tell an accurate story. Books are available for $15 at the museum (710 E. Market).
Article originally published July 16, 2025.
Retired Col. Phil Heseltine added author to his long list of achievements. His book “Certamus Volare,” shares stories of his a 30-year career in the United States Air Force.
CODY FRIESEN/INFORMER
Heseltine self-published “Certamus Volare,” Latin for “We struggle to fly,” on May 5. What started off as a collection of stories he wanted his daughters to have turned into a 325-page autobiography.
Article originally published May 28, 2025.
Ben Seymore is shown with a copy of his mother’s memoir. After finally publishing the book, he is also working to have her story turned into a movie or documentary.
KELLY BRECKUNITCH/INFORMER
When his 71-year-old mom passed in December of 2014, Benjamin Seymore found himself with a unique challenge – to publish his mother’s book. Since then, Ben has been organizing the manuscript and researching to fill any historical gaps.
In September of 2024, Sophie (Chang Chien) Seymore’s life story was published with the title, “Fake Son, Real Daughter.” It tells the story of a 9-year-old girl forced to leave southwest China. She became a refugee. She was without her family, and no one knew she was a girl.
Article originally published on November 13, 2024.
Brandon Clark (left), Kevin Chase (middle) and Dave Gordon officially launched the book “Culture Champion” last year. The book shares lessons on how to build and maintain a championship-caliber culture.
FILE
The book shares lessons on how to build and maintain a championship-caliber culture, based on Kevin Chase and Brandon Clark’s experience coaching the Panther football program. The two paired up with established author Dave Gordon to tell the story.
Article originally published on October 2, 2024.
Ginger Baerg’s second book in her My Patchwork Family series is titled “Lavender’s Story.”
COURTESY
Ginger Baerg, who is currently the principal of El Paso Elementary School, has published two children’s books as part of a series. The stories are inspired by Baerg’s own family, having fostered six children (adopting two) with her husband, Dustin.
Article originally published on August 23, 2023.