International Impact Book Award Winner 2023
Firebird Book Award Winner 2023
The Adventures of Max and Friends: The Bully
by Dr. Nghi Dang
Discover a powerful story that inspires children to stand up to bullying!
Today is Max’s first day of 6th grade, and he’s been studying all summer to win the National Spelling Bee. But his excitement quickly grinds to a halt when he stumbles into Terrance – the school bully! Max tries to hide and avoid Terrance, but nothing seems to work so he listened to his brother’s advice and things become hairy…
Expertly written with an empowering message that inspires children ages 8-12 to stand up to bullying, this profound Middle-Grade book by Dr. Nghi Dang is a brilliant read that explores the real consequences of bullying from a medical perspective. With relatable characters and a memorable message, The Adventures of Max and Friends: First Day of school shares an important lesson about how children can best deal with bullies.
Book details:
Features a Memorable Story With an Important Message About The Real Impact of Bullying
Makes an Ideal Resource For Parents & Educators Who Want To Raise Awareness About The Harm Bullies Can Cause
Helps Children Find The Courage To Stand Up To Bullying and Avoid Becoming Victims
Promotes a Valuable Message of Kindness, Compassion, and Friendship
And More!
If you’re a parent or teacher who wants to equip children with vital tools for dealing with bullying, this insightful story provides a real and honest approach to navigating the social challenges of middle school.
The Adventures of Max and Friends: Learning Struggles
by Dr. Nghi Dang
Step into a heart-warming story about making friends and living with a learning disability.
Terrance is struggling to keep up in class. It seems like no matter how hard he studies; it doesn’t matter. Faced with being held back, Terrance was determined to prove to his father that he can succeed at school. He is forced to swallow his pride and ask for help from a classmate whom he had bullied.
As a fun and memorable story that shares an important message about determination, friendship, and overcoming pride, this beautiful middle-grade read explores what it’s like to struggle with a learning disability. Designed to foster greater tolerance and understanding in children, Dr. Nghi Dang provides a fresh and valuable perspective on the challenges of middle school, giving children ages 8-12 the emotional tools they need to thrive socially and academically.
Book details:
Shares a Heart-warming Story with a Positive Lesson About Friendship and Teamwork
Perfect For Both Boys and Girls Ages 8-12
Explores The Realities of Living with a Learning Disability
Promotes a Message of Kindness, Compassion, and Understanding Our Differences
And More!
As a great resource for parents and teachers who want to foster tolerant attitudes in children, The Adventures of Max and Friends: Making A New Friend is ideal for any child who is struggling with their schoolwork, has a learning disability or who knows a student with a learning disability.
The Adventures of Max and Friends: Resilience
by Dr. Nghi Dang
Inspire your child with an unforgettable message of hard work and determination!
Max has spent all year studying for the Regional Spelling Bee. He dreams of making his father proud and impressing his classmates. But when the big day arrives, disaster strikes! The stress and pressure threaten to be too much for him – unless he can learn a very important lesson about what it really takes to succeed.
Sharing a deeply authentic message about struggling under pressure and dealing with academic stress, this practical Middle Grade read seeks to inspire kids with a timeless message of courage, grit, and determination. As a memorable story for any child who is struggling with tests, exams or competitions, The Adventures of Max and Friends: Test Day reveals that no amount of talent or natural intelligence can make up for good old-fashioned hard work.
Book details:
Shares an Essential Message of Grit and Hard Work In The Face of Adversity
Helps Kids Push Through Failures and Find The Motivation To Keep Trying After Setbacks
Makes a Perfect Read For Both Boys and Girls Ages 8-12
Shows Us That Talent, Intelligence, and Natural Gifts Can’t Replace Hard Work
And Much More!
If you want to provide your child with vital guidance to help them manage academic pressures, this beautifully written story by Dr. Nghi Dang shows us that no failure is permanent if we’re willing to push forward and keep trying.
The Adventures of Max and Friends: Panic Attack
by Dr. Nghi Dang
Empower your child to deal with anxiety and panic attacks with this beautiful Middle-Grade story.
Myra has always been an expert speller, and everyone expects her to ace the National Spelling Bee! But when the pressure mounts, Myra finds herself at the nurse’s office with dizziness and shortness of breath. Can Myra solve the mystery of her sudden medical condition? Or will she have to give up her dream of winning the National Spelling Bee?
Showcasing a heartfelt story that provides children ages 8-12 with a constructive way to work through feelings of anxiety, this delightful Middle-Grade book by Dr. Nghi Dang seeks to help kids spot the symptoms of panic attacks, identify when they’re feeling anxious, and practice constructive, medically verified techniques for calming their emotions.
Book details:
Shares an Important Message Through a Fun Story and Relatable Characters
Perfect For Boys and Girls Ages 8-12
Helps Children Spot The Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety and Panic Attacks
Provides Practical Advice and Guidance To Help Kids Work Through Feelings of Panic or Worry
Makes a Great Resource For Parents and Educators Who Want To Provide Kids With Tools For Managing Their Emotions
And Much More!
If your child struggles with anxiety or excessive worrying, this wonderful book gently reassures kids that feeling anxious is nothing to be ashamed of – and that with the right tools, they can manage their emotions and find success!
The Adventures of Max and Friends: D’s of Depression
by Dr. Nghi Dang
Help your child recognize depression and develop the emotional tools to manage their feelings.
Being the new kid is never easy. When Rosa moves into a brand-new city, she struggles to fit in and make new friends. But she also worries about her parents, who are separated. Myra secretly hopes her parents will get back together – but when her dad brings his date along to meet her, she finds her life turning upside down...
Specially designed with deeply authentic advice and emotional guidance, this lovely Middle Grade read explores how children can identify the signs of depression, work through feelings of sadness and worry, and adapt to new situations. Drawing on the perspective of Dr. Nghi Dang, this book reveals practical treatment methods and coping strategies to help children of all ages adjust to difficult circumstances and navigate the many challenges of adolescence.
Book details:
Beautifully Written With Relatable Characters and an Important Moral Lesson
Perfect For Boys and Girls Ages 8-12 Who Are Struggling With a New School Or Family Issues
Imparts a Valuable Message About Depression, Anxiety, and Coping With New Experiences
Provides a Medically Sound Overview of The Signs and Symptoms of Depression
Makes a Great Book For Parents, Caregivers, and Teachers Who Want To Equip Children With Tools For Emotional Stability
And Much More!
If you want to foster a greater degree of emotional awareness in your child, this book introduces children to the concept of depression, reminding them that no matter what emotions they’re feeling, they’re not alone.
The Adventures of Max and Friends: Change
by Dr. Nghi Dang
Encourage your child to tackle racism with this deeply inspiring story about making friends and fighting discrimination.
Tyler the dog loves making new friends! But his father doesn’t like him playing with different animals. Their constant fighting drives a massive rift in their relationship – and when Tyler’s dad catches him in the park with his friends, Tyler prepares for a final showdown... only for his father to say something that he never expected.
Featuring a powerful message about the dangers of racism and discrimination, this thoughtful Middle Grade story helps children fight racial prejudice, embrace tolerance, and make friends with people from all walks of life. Through an imaginative story and larger-than-life characters, kids will be encouraged to see the world through a different lens, understand the root causes of prejudice, and work to create a more open, welcoming society for everyone.
Book details:
· Explores Challenging Topics With an Engaging Story and Loveable Characters
· Great For Boys and Girls Ages 8-12
· Teaches Kids an Important Message About Ending Discrimination and Accepting People For Their Differences
· Ideal For Parents, Caregivers, and Teachers Who Want To Foster Tolerance and Inclusivity In Children
· And Much More!
Perfect for anyone who wants to tackle difficult conversations with children about racism, the sixth book in The Adventures of Max and Friends is an unforgettable read that challenges and inspires kids of all ages to accept their differences, fight against racial or ethnic prejudices, and make friends with people from all cultures!
The Adventures of Max and Friends: Digital Friend or Foe
by Dr. Nghi Dang
Teach your children about the importance of online safety with this essential Middle-Grade story for our digitized world.
When Tyler meets a boy named Jacob in an online game, the pair soon become best friends – even if they’ve never met in person. Tyler’s school friends are worried about him sharing so much personal information online, but Tyler ignores their concerns. But when he agrees to meet up with Jacob at the mall, he’s shocked to discover Jacob’s true identity...
Written as a cautionary tale about the value of staying safe online, this thoughtful Middle-Grade story explores the potential dangers of the digital world and gently reminds kids not to give out personal information. With an engaging narrative and plenty of helpful tips & tricks to stay safe when playing online games or browsing the web, the seventh book in The Adventures of Max and Friends shares an important message for our increasingly interconnected world.
Book details:
· Beautifully Written With a Memorable Story That Captures Children’s Imagination While Imparting a Sound Moral Lesson
· Perfect For Boys and Girls Ages 8-12 Who Spend a Lot of Time Online
· Breaks Down The Importance of Digital Safety In a Way That Kids Can Easily Understand
· Shows The Possible Dangers of Giving Out Personal Information and Talking To Strangers
· Includes Practical Tips & Tricks For Keeping Safe When On The Web
· And Much More!
Great as a resource and teaching tool for parents and caregivers who want to raise socially conscious children, this imaginative read breaks down the complexities of staying safe and starts essential discussions in a way that will stick with children as they grow up.
The Adventures of Max and Friends: Last Summer with Nana
by Dr. Nghi Dang
Help your child overcome grief and cope with the passing of a loved one with this beautiful children’s story.
The school year is coming to a close, and it’s time for Max and his brother to visit their grandmother. But they quickly realize their grandma is very sick... and when she passes, Max finds himself caught in a whirlwind of emotions that he doesn’t know how to deal with. Can he work through his feelings and find a way to face his grief?
Imbued with a heartfelt lesson about dealing with the death of a loved one, this beautiful Middle-Grade book seeks to help children ages 6-8 come to terms with the often turbulent and painful emotions involved with the passing of a family member. Readers will love joining Max as he works through his overwhelming feelings and discovers valuable advice on accepting loss and change.
Book details:
· Captures Children’s Imaginations With a Powerful Story and Strong Themes
· Great For Both Boys and Girls Ages 6-8 Who Are Struggling With Grief or Fear of Change
· Shares Coping Strategies For Dealing With Strong Emotions and The Grieving Process
· Makes an Ideal Teaching Resource at Home or In The Classroom
· Helps Kids Who Have an Ill, Aging, or Recently Deceased Family Member
· And Much More...
If you want to spark essential conversations about grief and death, or if you want to prepare your child for the passing of a loved one, the eighth book in The Adventures of Max and Friends is a wonderful read that gives children a safe and comfortable place to explore their deepest emotions.
Winner of Firebird Book Award Series 2023:
In this series, we follow Max as he navigates the 6th grade. He had envisioned the sixth grade to be a great year. But instead, Max finds himself roughed up by his bully and questioning his own identity when he faces multiple setbacks. As the year progressed, Max witnessed his friends overcome their own struggles each growing stronger as a result. In each story, we see that each character faces their own unique challenges from a very different perspective.
The topics covered will range from dealing with bullying, understanding learning disabilities, bouncing back from failure, battling anxiety and depression, standing up to discrimination, learning about cyber predators, and coping with the loss of a loved one.
Brief Synopsis
About
Nghi
I was born in Vietnam but grew up in Southern California. Our family moved to the states when I was 7 years old. As an immigrant, I shared the same struggles as many other immigrants with adjusting to a new norm and dealing with bullying, discrimination, and constantly having to self-validate while fighting off depression. Having been in practice for over 10 years as a Family Physician, I have realized that my struggles are shared by many of my patients. As the pandemic progressed, I have seen more and more visits related to mental health in the clinic for both adults and children. I was motivated to do something to help educate children and help start a dialogue between parents and children about mental health. I figured the best way to help educate is through storytelling.
