Stand a Little Out of My Sun
by Angelyn Christy Voss
GENRE: Multicultural
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/04/2020
DESCRIPTION:
Twelve-year-old Sophie is the sole protector of her little brother, Niko, as they are caught in the middle of a cultural mismatch. Between her Greek family with their unleashed passions, a defeated mother and unscrupulous father, Sophie and Niko’s early years are perilous, yet rich. Their grandparents, Yiayia and Papou, are the stakes in the ground for the children.
Tom’s genius takes a sinister turn. He draws nine-year-old Niko into his shady car business. As Niko protects the fragile bond with his father, Sophie digs up clues, but it's too late. Tom steals money from the mob and a gun-wielding gangster gets revenge. A bullet passes through Tom and kills Niko.
Tom serves time in Joliet. Papou's wisdom gives the family a path to forgiveness, and Tom's life is changed.
He is released from prison. With FBI protection, he moves the family to Oregon.
After Sophie befriends a group of black students, a white man attacks her. Tom intervenes, and ultimate forgiveness ensues.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Angelyn’s early upbringing was on the East Side of Chicago within the folds of a colorful Greek American family. As a writer, teacher, mentor, and artist, she touches lives in many ways.
She received her BS and MS Degrees in Elementary Education from Oregon State University and Western Oregon University, respectively. She has taught English Language Learners, Reading, and Kindergarten throughout her career.
Angelyn belongs to Willamette Writers of Oregon, The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, and Human Dignity and Humiliation Studies – a global transdisciplinary network of educators, writers, artists, and others whose purpose is to promote mutual respect.
Angelyn has studied art at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago. She knows the joy of any artistic pursuit, whether it’s writing or painting is the realization that the adventures and learning never cease.
"Stand a Little Out of My Sun" has been inspired by Angelyn’s rich Greek background.
REVIEWS:
“The setting is so well realized in Angelyn Voss’s riveting novel that I now feel familiar with the East Side of Chicago during the 1950s. The reader is immediately drawn into the joys and tragedy of an amazing immigrant Greek family. The first generation, while clinging to their old ways, teaches a moving lesson of forgiveness and understanding.” –Margaret J. Anderson, author
“The author’s flowing prose awakens all the senses and immerses the reader in time and place making her characters come alive and win the reader's heart. –Nancy M.
–Featured in the June 2021 Edition of the Kirkus Review magazine as one of the top summer reads.
–WINNER of the 2021 National Indie Excellence Award, Category: General Fiction
–Chosen by BookTrib as one of 20 favorite books of 2022.
COMPARATIVE FILM/BOOK:
Belfast
CASTING:
Emma Watson as Sophie, Greta Scarano as Christina, Glen Powell as Tom
PRIMARY VENUES/LOCATIONS WITHIN THE BOOK:
Southeast Side of Chicago
BOOK EXCERPT:
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