PRESS RELEASE
August 2009

A Life-Saving Resource for Children - New York City Dept. of Education Purchase Nearly 10,000 Anti-Gang Children's Books from African American Self-Publisher.

Ralph Burgess, Founder of Burgess Publishing and Media, Has Written a One of a Kind Book in Both English and Spanish That's Turning Educators' Heads Nationwide.

Clayton, NC - From the time his book was showcased on NBC's Today Show, July'06, sells have been soaring for the Newark, New Jersey-born self-publisher. With more than 30,000 books sold over the last year, Cool Calvin's No Bandanas for Me-Staying Gang-Free Anti-Gang Children's Book (see www.coolcalvin.com) can be found in more than 600 schools across the country.

In 2006 Burgess Publishing and Media entered into a distribution deal with Sussman Sales, a book distribution company that has been providing New York City schools with books covering all subjects ever since 1973. Sussman engineered the sell of 8,100 copies of the English version and 1,500 copies of the Spanish version of the book to the NYCDOE. "These are the type of deals you hope for as a publisher," said Burgess. "It feels great to know that decision makers have confidence in your material enough to make such a significant purchase."

Cool Calvin has quickly become a role model for children all over the country. The book has a third grade readability level and is marketed to grades 2 to 6. It also comes along with its own teacher's guide. It can be found in every major school district in the country, but large city school districts such as Chicago and Los Angeles have failed to embrace it like the Big Apple has.

"There are no two cities in the country where communities have been held hostage by gang activity more than Chicago and Los Angeles," said Burgess. "I hope a purchase like this will make educators take a deeper look at the huge educational advantages the book has to offer."

New Jersey's Secretary of State Nina M. Wells stated, "I like the fact that it's written from a peer to peer point of view. I like the fact that it addresses character education. We really have failed to teach core values. If those things were emphasized more, you wouldn't have a gang problem."

Louis Barnett, School Social Worker at Brehm Elementary School in Baltimore, MD stated, "Mr. Burgess, I was stopped in the hall by one of our Intervention teachers who shared how enthusiastically our students have been reading your books. She expressed amazement that she has actually had to ask students to put your book away, since that's all they want to read. She has noticed many of the 3rd through 5th graders reading No Bandanas for Me and her excitement was evident. Several of our parents applauded us for purchasing your book for our students since they recognize that gang activity is a growing problem in this community. I am pleased that your book is available to touch young lives. Thank you for writing your book and thank you for patiently working with our school so that we could make this worthwhile purchase. Have a great day!"

Mo, The Pallbearer (see www.mothepallbearer.com), is a young adult anti-gang book also written by Ralph Burgess and has also been embraced by educators nationwide. The book is catered to students in grades 7 to 10. Expect more books from Mr. Burgess to follow. For bulk purchases call 919-763-4467.

To read this press release online, visit these links:
Forbes magazine article
Black News article

BOOK SIGNING

McDonald's book signing, Fall '07 in East Orange, NJ