As VideoNuze readers know, the site is 100% focused on the online video and related industries. I respect that you are busy and read VideoNuze for business reasons, so I don't want to distract you with personal details. However, today I'm making an exception.

I’m excited to share news that is special to me: my 15 1/2 year-old daughter Abby has written her 4th book of fiction, “The Bell Sisters’ Discovery.” As with the prior 3 books, my wife Sarah and I have self-published it using Amazon's CreateSpace. Abby is selling the book for $10 and ALL of the proceeds are being donated to She’s the First, a non-profit that provides scholarships to girls in low-income countries.

Abby’s passion for writing dates back to her elementary school years, when she loved to create short stories. In 4th grade, one of them became her first self-published book, “Very Berry,” (all proceeds donated to Reading is Fundamental). Next came “Starring Eliza” in 6th grade (all proceeds donated to The Nature Conservancy). That was followed by “Beatrice’s Fortune” in 7th grade (all proceeds donated to Music & Youth Initiative). To date, Abby has raised nearly $6,000 for all of these wonderful organizations which Abby has found and identified with.

Each book is approximately 100-125 pages. They have become increasingly sophisticated as Abby’s writing has developed. “The Bell Sisters’ Discovery” is a compelling story of how 4 sisters, age 7 to 14, are inspired to overcome their respective personal challenges after discovering and reading the personal diary entries of a famous twentieth-century author.

Writing (and selling) the books has been an amazing growth experience for Abby, who more recently has also been publishing non-fiction online posts. Of course I’m a proud papa; her ability to do all this at a such a young age is terrific. This is her “thing,” just as other kids distinguish themselves in sports, art, music or other areas.

This holiday season, as you think about stocking stuffers, belated Hanukkah gifts and other inexpensive, but meaningful items for girls (and boys) ages 5-14, please consider “The Bell Sisters’ Discovery” and Abby’s other books. They are uplifting, original stories of girls learning to navigate life's ups and downs, while understanding the value of interpersonal relationships and how to make a difference in the world. Over the years we’ve have been told countless times that Abby’s books have helped spark young kids' interest in reading and writing plus initiated a variety of other personal “giving-back” projects.

If you have a daughter, granddaughter, niece, friend's child, or another girl (or boy!) who's special to you, I'm confident that any of Abby's books would be a cherished gift. And, in the spirit of the holiday season, your purchase(s) will help make the world a better place for all of us.

Click here to buy “The Bell Sisters’ Discovery” on Amazon, or visit Abby’s web site for more information.

Thank you, and wishing you all the best this holiday season.