Classmates Randy Agness, ’84, and Gwen Toma, ’84, have collaborated on a new children’s book series titled “Lake Girl Chronicles.”
These delightful stories are narrated through the voice of a young girl who shares her experiences growing up by Lake Ontario in New York during the 1960s.
The series is inspired by their mutual friend and fellow SBU graduate, the late Deborah Maier, ’84, and reflects their similar childhood experiences.
Maier studied journalism and Spanish with Toma and grew up near Agness in a suburb of Rochester and reconnected with him shortly before her passing in 2021.
Toma’s bold and colorful illustrations, combined with a sweet narrative, invite readers into a child’s life at the lake during a simpler time. Charming and spirited, “Lake Girl Chronicles” is told through a child’s voice from her diary.
The first book, “Lake Girl Chronicles: Every Girl’s Story,” was released in February 2024 and is dedicated to Maier. The second book, “Lake Girl Chronicles: Making Friends,” is scheduled for release this fall.
In its first year, “Every Girl’s Story” received a five-star rating and recommendation from Sarah Gelman of Amazon Book Club. It was also voted a Top 5 Finalist for “Children’s Book of the Year” at the Manila International Book Fair in the Philippines, which is recognized as one of the top six book fairs globally.
Recent Comments