SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Sunbury Press has released Marie Sontag's middle-grade historical novel The Bronze Dagger, the first volume in the Ancient Elements series. About the Book: Samsaluna, a physically handicapped boy on the verge of adolescence, leaves his broken and abusive home in the foothills of the Zagros Mountains in an attempt to find his uncle in the city of Susa, near ancient Babylon. Befriending a young baker’s son and an asu’s daughter, Sam soon finds himself on a journey to the lively city of Babylon. By becoming a healer’s apprentice, Sam not only learns a valued and respected skill—increasing his prospects and status—but also endears himself to the great asu, earning himself a second chance at being part of a family. But when Sam’s past won’t stay behind him and his well-intentioned lies come to light, he risks losing it all. Brokenhearted that he has brought about his own downfall and has been abandoned by his new friends, Sam is forced to come to terms with his deceptions. His newfound understanding of justice, according to the code set forth by the great ruler Hammurabi, and the unyielding compassion shown to him by the asu must come into play before Sam can defeat the demons of his past, right his wrongs, and establish himself as the worthy apprentice and son he always hoped to be. Surrounded by the changing times in ancient Mesopotamia, Sam learns to cope with the past and thrive in the present in this coming-of-age middle grade story. About the Author: Marie Sontag holds a PhD in Education, an MA in Instructional Technology, and a BA in Social Science. Having taught adults, high school and middle school students for over 15 years, Dr. Sontag knows how to capture and hold her students' and readers' attention. "Bringing the Past to Life" epitomizes the writing career of Dr. Dr. Sontag. Ancient Elements is her first fiction book series, starting with Book One, The Bronze Dagger. This middle grade fiction novel tells the story of 12-year-old Samsuluna (Sam), a young boy in Mesopotamia during the reign of Hammurabi in 1780 BC. The lies that Sam spins about the stolen jewels and the death of his father threaten to catch up with him. Will he ever learn how to trust his new friends, overcome his quest for revenge, or solve the mystery of the stolen jewels? The Bronze Dagger is an especially good read for 6th graders who study Ancient Civilizations, including Ancient Mesopotamia. Dr. Sontag shares in classrooms and assemblies about The Bronze Dagger accompanied by her authenticated artifact, a 3,000 year-old dagger that came from Sam's home area, the Zagros Mountains in present-day Iran. For more information, check her webpage at www.mariesontag.com or www.thebronzedagger.com. Dr. Sontag's second historical fiction series, Warsaw's Hope, will soon release Book One of that series,A Rising Hope, also published by Sunbury Press. This young adult novel tells the story of six teens who, through loss, find hope as they fight against the Germans when their Scout troops join forces with the Underground Army during the 1944 Warsaw Rising. Although not an historical fiction novel, Dr. Sontag's first book, When Love Is Not Perfect, still fits under the umbrella of her tagline, "Bringing the Past to Life". When Love Is Not Perfect is a nonfiction book written to help those suffering from the wounds of abuse. Through narratives of interviews with abuse survivors, psychiatrists and psychologists, and research on abuse recovery, the book helps readers discover a reparenting process that can help them heal from the damaging effects of abuse as they gain an understanding of the the loving nature of God. Written from a survivor's viewpoint, this book covers the emotional, social, and psychological aspects of recovery, as well as the spiritual dimension. Although now out of print, it is still available through Amazon.com. For a short time, all 12 chapters will be available for free in audio form. Donations gladly accepted. To listen or download the audio files, register at Podiobooks. (free site at http://podiobooks.com/title/when-love-is-not-perfect/). What Others Are Saying: Dr. Sontag captures the Ancient Mesopotamia culture in a captivating tale of a young boy's survival. Armed with his lucky dagger, Sam sets out on an adventure where he encounters numerous challenges and foibles leading him to a lesson in forgiveness. A great read! -- Dr. Donna Lewis, Educator: Assistant Superintendent A terrific book for kids who like adventure, and for parents who'd love their kids to learn a bit about history. Well-written, a lively main character who struggles with his failures and searches for hope.Here is a hero who is flawed but resourceful, and who can lead readers on an adventure involving bad guys, jewels, new friends, and making choices. A real winner! -- Karen Llewellyn., home-schooling mom The book pulls you into history through well-written narrative. By the end of the tale you come away with not only an interest in the characters and storyline, but more knowledge about the time of the Babylonians. -- Rick Crawford, former principal and author of Stink Bomb, and Ricky Robinson Braveheart More information and teacher resources available at www.thebronzedagger.com The Bronze Dagger Authored by Marie Sontag List Price: $9.99 5.5" x 8.5" (13.97 x 21.59 cm) Black & White on Cream paper 106 pages Sunbury Press, Inc. ISBN-13: 978-1620063491 ISBN-10: 1620063492 BISAC: Juvenile Fiction / Historical / Ancient Civilizations Also available on Nook & Kindle. For more information, please see: http://www.sunburypressstore.com/The-Bronze-Dagger-978162...