The Potato Chip Champ Giveaway

Spotlight on Award-Winning Maria Dismondy

I  JUST LOVE HER STORIES!

Maria was born and raised in a suburb of Detroit. Maria grew up with two moms, two dads an older sister and plenty of grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles to love and appreciate her.

Inspiration for The Potato Chip Champ came from experiences in her own life. Maria has witnessed children struggle with wanting it all. She was inspired by stories of children who have barely anything and give away what they do have. After years of researching bullying, Maria has found that what the world needs is an increase in EMPATHY. The Potato Chip Champ teaches empathy and contentment in a silly story with witty characters. Maria writes stories that children need to hear.

Maria went to Michigan State University and graduated with a degree in Elementary Education. She earned her degree with a second major in Early Childhood and a minor in English. Maria studied abroad in Thailand for her master’s degree in Curriculum and Research.

Maria is a woman who wears many hats. Her favorite hat is, by far, being the mother of two little ladies. Next up (maybe even tied with being a mother) is being a wife to her best friend. Before becoming a published writer, Maria taught elementary school. She also teaches fitness classes. Maria loves photography and scrapbooking and tries to squeeze in taking classes on both in any free time she has. Reading is one of her favorite past times. She reads everything from young adult fiction to cookbooks to romance novels.

In 2007, Maria and her good friend Meg started a Non-Profit Organization called Making Spirits Bright. Together, they strive to make a difference in their local community.  You can find out more about them on their facebook page.

Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun, Maria’s first book, made her an award-winning author winning both an Eric Hoffer Award and a Gold Mom’s Choice Award. It was based off of Maria’s childhood experiences of being teased and bullied for her big hair and funny concoctions she ate for lunch. Maria co-authored The Juice Box Bully with Bob Sornson in 2010 and her third book, Pink Tiara Cookies for Three came out last January.

You can follow Maria on facebook or twitter. She has a blog called Be The Difference and writes about her experiences as a mother and gives advice and ideas to be used when parenting, teaching or dealing with character education.

You can purchase her books on her website at www.mariadismondy.com or on amazon or barnesandnoble.com

Maria is currently hosting this blog tour. You can find the schedule on her website under events. Would you like to win an autographed copy of The Potato Chip Champ? 
You can earn up to 3 entries. I'll pick a winner on Monday the 21st at 8:00 a.m. central time. 

1. Leave a comment with your favorite chip.
2. Follow Maria on FB! Leave a comment saying you do!
3. Follow Maria on Twitter. Leave a comment saying you do!

Maria on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/mariadismondy

Maria on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/mariadismondy

Maria's Blog: Be The Difference: http://www.mariadismondy.com/blog