Gemma Literacy

06/26/2025

06/26/2025

🎉 We’re giving away a free copy of our newest HiLo book to two literacy nonprofits – just be one of the first to comment below!

KIDNAPPED by Elisabeth Felten is a powerful new release about Sam, a young man with cerebral palsy who lives independently with the support of his group home, wheelchair, and iPad.

When his estranged brother seizes control of Sam’s trust—and his life—Sam is moved 700 miles away and left without a voice. Can he find his way home?

Don’t miss your chance to bring this moving story to your readers!

06/24/2025

✨ Gemma HiLo books are hitting the stage!

Earlier this month, THE MUSEUM OF ODDITIES was brought to life by Theatre for Dessert. 🎭

Author Susan Thompson and Gemma ED Trish O’Hare were thrilled to attend the show and meet Director Elisa May, along with the incredibly talented cast who brought The Two-Wheeled Detective to life on stage. 🕵️‍♀️

Are your students exploring Gemma books in creative ways? We’d love to see it! Send us a message so we can highlight your story. 💬

Port Washington Public Library

06/19/2025

Looking for an on-ramp to HiLo reading?

SnapReads! are short, serial excerpts adapted from 3 of our most popular titles: AMERICAN LION, YANKEE DOODLE, and THE BEAR SUIT.

Each story is broken into 5 simple installments, written at roughly a first-grade reading level – perfect for new or emerging adult readers who need a little extra support before jumping into the full book.

Whether used in class read-alouds, small groups, or individual practice, SnapReads! build vocabulary, fluency, and confidence – one step at a time.

📥 Download a free SnapRead! today at https://bit.ly/SnapReads.

And watch for NEW SnapReads! Soon!

06/17/2025

This baseball season, step into the stories of players who made it to the majors – if only for a moment.⚾

ONE SEASON IN THE SUN by Joe Schuster is a compelling collection of real-life tales about men who reached the MLB, only to quickly return to the minors or leave the game altogether.

They may not be household names, but for a few unforgettable weeks, they stood shoulder to shoulder with the greats.

📚 Share this fascinating slice of sports history with your adult learners. Find it at https://bit.ly/3SaYawX.

06/12/2025

According to ProLiteracy’s latest fact sheet, 59 million adults in the U.S. have literacy skills at or below Level 1. 📚

That means they can only understand very short, simple sentences – and they’re 4 times more likely to live in poverty as a result.

Literacy isn’t just about reading – though that alone is life-changing. It’s about access, opportunity, and dignity.

💬 What is your organization doing to support adult learners? We’d love to hear from you – drop a comment below or send us a message!

06/10/2025

June is Audiobook Appreciation Month and a great time to explore Gemma’s 6 inaugural audiobooks - free of charge!

Pairing a book with its audiobook helps emerging readers engage with the story in two ways 📖 + 🎧—and makes reading even more fun.

Head to https://bit.ly/3P20uEV to download Gemma’s audiobooks and bring your existing HiLo collection to life!

06/05/2025

As UNESCO reminds us—and we proudly affirm—literacy is a human right. 📚✨

The power of literacy is unparalleled. It emboldens adults with the confidence to:

💼 Find better-paying jobs
🏥 Advocate for better healthcare
💬 Communicate more effectively
📖 Enjoy reading
🤝 Participate in their communities
🎓 Pursue lifelong learning

Join us in championing adult literacy. Share this post to help spread the message. 💙

06/03/2025

We’re delighted to highlight Alice Savage, a talented teacher, playwright, and author whose work resonates with emerging adult readers.

In just two years, Alice has published four Gemma HiLo books as part of The Yellow House Stories series:

📕 THE YELLOW HOUSE ON SUMMER STREET
📗 MONA
📘 ELI’S COMING
📙 WAREHOUSE 54

With a Master of Arts in teaching and a multicultural background, Alice brings empathy, humor, and insight to stories that explore what happens when people navigate unfamiliar cultures. Her books are especially impactful for ESOL and adult literacy students who recognize themselves in her characters.

We’re proud to call Alice a Gemma author—and grateful for her dedication to creating stories that appeal to adults on the path to English language literacy.

Learn more about The Yellow House Stories at https://bit.ly/3U9npju.

05/29/2025

🎧✨Exciting News! ✨📚

We are thrilled to announce the release of a new audiobook to accompany THE CHILDREN’S MENU, read by the author Greta Gorsuch! 🎧

Audiobook/book pairs are a powerful combination for emerging readers. They help readers engage with the content in two modalities while enhancing language comprehension and fluency. Plus, they make reading even more engaging and fun!

So introduce your adult literacy or ESOL students to Henry, a student at Circletown Elementary. He is a peculiar boy who only eats milk and white bread, but his world is about to change when his new babysitter, top athlete Corey Turnbridge, lets him tag along to her side job at Jet Café. Henry meets Maru-sensei, tries new tastes and helps create THE CHILDREN’S MENU.

Grab your copy of the book and audiobook at www.gemmamedia.org.

05/28/2025

We cannot wait to see THE MUSEUM OF ODDITIES come to life!

https://bit.ly/3ZyXGoe

05/27/2025

Meet Gemma’s newest HiLo author, Elisabeth Felten! ✨📚

Her debut Gemma HiLo book KIDNAPPED follows Sam, a young man with cerebral palsy whose life is upended when his troubled brother abuses legal power to take control of his future.

Elisabeth is an associate professor of business at DeSales University and the founder of a post-secondary program for adults with intellectual disabilities and autism. Her interest in writing books for adults with low literacy began when she couldn't find appropriate books for her students and summer book club.

Now pursuing an MFA in creative writing, Elisabeth brings compassion and insight to the page. 💙✍️

We’re delighted to welcome her to the Gemma family and grateful for her commitment to making reading accessible—and enjoyable—for all adults.

Welcome, Elisabeth!