Patricia Gatto & John De Angelis, entertainers and authors of MILTON'S DILEMMA, will present a dramatic reading of their story along with guitar playing and original songs at the Wilkes-Barre, PA Barnes & Noble on Thursday, November 4, 2004 at 6:30pm.

MILTON'S DILEMMA is the tale of a lonely boy's journey to friendship and self-acceptance. When Milton vows to get back at the school bullies, he learns a valuable lesson courtesy of a magical gnome named Duffy McDoogle. This exciting yet thought-provoking tale will not only entertain your children, but also teach them a valuable lesson about the consequences of bullying.

As subtle as it may seem, bullying is a form of violence. Research shows that over 75% of today's youth will be exposed to at least some aspect of bullying before they reach high school. The act of bullying has lasting consequences not only for it's victim, but bystanders as well. At the very least, it damages the learning environment and threatens a child's number one concern at school – personal safety.

Gatto & De Angelis are advocates for children's rights, especially literacy and anti-bullying policies. They believe in fostering self-esteem and confidence in children through creative endeavors. They currently perform at schools, libraries, and community events in an effort to help children identify and cope with the negative and aggressive behavior of bullying. Their goal is to foster awareness and provide children with an understanding of their rights to a safe and healthy learning environment.

Inspired by John's personal childhood experience, this husband and wife writing team share their message with an animated reading from their book, original songs, visual aids, and practical advice. In addition, the program provides a platform for educators to build and enforce anti-bullying policies throughout the year as they encourage children to come forward and report incidents of bullying.

MILTON'S DILEMMA is listed on the US Department of Health and Human Services website, Stop Bullying Now as resource material and their book and presentation have received numerous 5-Star reviews and endorsements.

To find out more, contact Joyful Productions on the web at http://www.joyfulproductions.com, or call 570-857-0255. The authors/screenwriters are available for interviews and presentations, and are especially interested in participating in fundraisers for the benefit of children.

MILTON'S DILEMMA by Patricia Gatto & John De Angelis. Illustrated by Kenneth Vincent. Providence Publishing Company (Houston). ISBN 0-9651661-9-8. Hardcover, 0.38 x 9 x 7, 32 pages. Children's Picture Book, Ages 6-10. Cover Price $15.95. Publication Date July 2004.

# # #