The Countdown

Well, here it is. I am in the final stages of finding out if the Menzuo ~ Solar Warriors series will be pushed out to the Mass Market. If have enjoyed this long year ride of editing and promoting my book series to big companies. It is now all in their hands as to if they feel that Menzuo will be able to reach children in the way that I believe that it can. I am leaving everything in God’s hands right now. My job is done and I am very proud of everything that I have done up to this point.

I would like to thank all of the people who have helped me out with this process. My Team Menzuo Illustrators, Kein Bailey and Carl Harrison, my contact in New York , C.C. Cowan, my inspiration, the children of Springfield, MA. To my wife Tami and my daughter Sydney, thank you for believing in me. It’s not easy living with someone who is so driven by his writing but you guys are great with the love and support that you give me every day.

Now, hopefully everything will play out well and I will be able to write back on my blog that we are a go to push Menzuo on the global level. I believe that I can change the world through my books and I hope that this company does as well. It’s not about making big money, it’s about changing the minds of our youth through education. Education is the key to success and if it has to start with my books, then so be it. Please pray for me everyone!!!

Keshawn Dodds

This is my second time meeting one of the greatest musician this world has known. I was introduced to Taj Mahal's music at the age of 16. My mother knew that before every football game that I had in high school, I would sit in the quiet locker room and relax by listening to jazz. Before one of the most important games of my high school career, my mother gave me a tape of Taj Mahal's music. From that moment on, I have been a big fan, and to find out that he is from Springfield, Mass made it even better.

Describe legendary musician Taj Mahal in a single word or phrase? Impossible. You could call him a singer, multi-instrumentalist, composer, producer, ethnomusicologist, two-time Grammy-winner, world-class musical collaborator, musicians' advocate, world traveler, fisherman, or cigar aficionado. These titles are all accurate, yet none convey the warmth, humor, and soulfulness of Taj and his music. Taj has been playing his own distinctive brand of music -- variously described as Afro-Caribbean blues, folk-world-blues, hula blues, folk-funk, and a host of other hyphenations -- for more than 40 years.

Caribbean, Hawaiian, African, Latin, and Cuban sounds and rhythms mix with folk, jazz, zydeco, gospel, rock, pop, soul, and R&B, all layered on top of a solid country blues foundation. What ties it all together is Taj's abiding interest in musical discovery, particularly in tracing many American musical forms back to their roots in Africa and Europe. Following his passion, Taj has spent time in the Caribbean, West Africa, Hawaii, Europe, the South Pacific, Australia, South America, and all over the continental U.S. His music reflects his global perspective, incorporating sounds from everywhere he's lived and traveled.A self-taught musician, Taj plays more than 20 instruments, including the National Steel and Dobro guitars. His remarkable voice ranges from gruff and gravelly to smooth and sultry.

Menzuo in the Calling of the Sun Prince

Discussion Guide & Teacher's Guide

Written By: Keshawn Dodds
Author of the
Menzuo ~ Solar Warriors Series

About the Guide

The following discussion guide is based on the first book of the Menzuo ~ Solar Warrior) series, Menzuo in the Calling of the Sun Prince. With this discussion guide, the reader can enjoy a more personal experience with the main character, Jammal Hall, aka as Menzuo. This guide features summaries of the plot, theme, conflicts, and characterizations throughout the book. There are also a number of questions to encourage conversations between readers. A brief Biography of the author is also included.

The Book

At the beginning of his spring break from school, Jammal Hall finds out that his time on Earth has been more important than he could have ever imagined. Many hidden secrets about his life are revealed. Jammal’s real birth name, information about his parents, and his true identity come to light. He also comes to find that Earth is in grave danger and that it is under attack by an evil Pirate Warrior named Morbid who is in search of the energy of all good and evil.

With the help from his protector Solar and his new trainer master Renzfly, Jammal quickly realizes that he does not have to face this battle alone. He must protect planet Earth and the energy of all good and evil, while trying to live a life as a normal kid. Video games, crushes and neighborhood bullies play a big role in helping to distract Jammal while he awaits his date of destiny which is his twelfth birthday.

Jammal must prepare himself for the most important test of his life, and it is not in the classroom. Jammal must succeed or the Dark Warrior will control the energy of all good and evil. His battle against Morbid will decide the fate of Earth and possibly the entire universe.

Summary of Each Chapter

Chapter 1 His Arrival

A new child arrives at an orphanage in Seattle, Washington and is quickly brought into the home. Unlike any other child, this one comes bearing great responsibilities and are revealed to Ms. Meeks. A meeting with King Zenshuo of planet Yardania explains the duties of Jammal Hall, aka Menzuo. Ms. Meeks also is visited by Jammal’s protector Solar and she is also given duties to watch over the young warrior. Before anything else could happen, Jammal is quickly adopted and ready to move in with his new family.

Chapter 2 The Big Move

Steven and Krystal Hall are the proud parents of a new child. With everything falling into place, Steven reveals his plans of moving across the country to Springfield, Massachusetts to take a new job. With a baby in tow, the Hall family is now complete and Jammal couldn’t be in safer hands.

Chapter 3 A New Start for the Halls

As the Hall’s adjust to life with a child, they are also getting ready for their big move to Springfield. Just when things are going well, strange things start to occur. The Hall family’s plane ride to Massachusetts wasn’t as normal as they would expect but it kept Jammal entertained. As the family finally make it to their house in Springfield, they are quickly amazed by what they see. A new beginning for the Hall’s is in the process and they couldn’t be any happier.


Chapter 4 Adjusting in Springfield

As the Hall’s start to settle in, in Springfield, they meet two friendly neighborhood families, the O’Conner’s and Santiago families. Both families have baby boys as well. Within minutes of their first meetings, they all become good friends. All is well in the new city. Solar makes one last visit to Ms. Meeks to let her know of Menzuo’s safety but she will continue to keep a watchful eye over the young warrior.

Chapter 5 Meeting Solar

As the years went by, Jammal grew up to be a well respected kid in school and in the neighborhood. He has two close friends, Jeffery O’Conner and Michael Santiago. Ever since the first week that Jammal and his family moved to Springfield, Massachusetts, these three have been best friend. Life was as normal as it could be for him until one week before his twelfth birthday. A strange light starts to shine from the stone hanging from his necklace and catches his attention. As it did, a secret life about himself is slowly revealed. Later in the night, Jammal has his first meeting with Solar but because the meeting occurred while he slept, he thought that everything told to him was just a dream, but soon he will see otherwise.

Chapter 6 Truth from the Dream

The next day, questions were swirling around Jammal’s head and he needs answers. Questions of his birth place, who his parents are and if he truly is a warrior. After some questions were answered, Jammal starts to believe that his dream was a little more than just that.

Chapter 7 Super Speed

Still trying to act like everything is normal; certain powers are starting to show themselves. These little energy bursts are bringing a bit of danger around Jammal and his nerves are rattled. Now fully believing that his dream was real, Jammal calls out to Solar to start to explain who he really is and why things are happening to him.

Chapter 8 The Transformation

After everything was explained to him, Jammal was now ready to see who he really was. With Solar’s help, the transformation took place and Jammal changed into Menzuo for the first time. Now he must prove himself with his first test to see if he has what it takes to be a true warrior. Solar also introduces Menzuo to the stories of the Pirate Warriors and why they are trying to take over the universe.

Chapter 9 The Training Begins

Facing Whistler’s, a shrinking room with shooting arrows, and an increasing gravity room, Menzuo must try to focus and pass all tests to prove himself worthy.

Chapter 10 A New Hunger

After sleeping all day after passing a really tough test in his dream world, Jammal wakes up only to find himself more hungry than he had ever been. Devouring food within seconds, Jammal comes to find out that with all of this training, he has a new appetite to fulfill just to keep up his strength.


Chapter 11 Destiera’s Room of Truth

The next night, Jammal comes to find out that his new protector, Solar likes to play jokes. Jammal wasn’t all too excited about the joke but took it in stride. He also comes to find out that his duties on Earth are far more than he and Solar could have ever imagined. When they enter the room of truth, it is revealed to them that Menzuo is not only the protector of planet Earth but he is the new protector of the entire universe.

Chapter 12 Virtual Reality Tournament

As Jammal’s secret life is revealed to him, a good distraction in the real world comes at the right time. A new arcade has just opened in the neighborhood and will be holding a Virtual Reality tournament for the entire week. Jammal and his friends, Jeffery and Michael want to enter this tournament and that’s exactly what they will do during their spring vacation. Their team is called the Solar Warriors and they play just like warriors as they win their first match.

Chapter 13 Meeting Master Renzfly

With time ticking away, Jammal is introduced to his trainer, master Renzfly who will teach him the art of Thrust Power Strikes. Without hesitation, master Renzfly instructs Menzuo on how to channel his energy and his training for the protection of planet Earth is underway.

Chapter 14 Spoils of the Video Gamers

With the Virtual Reality tournament underway, Jammal and his team are doing all that they can to stay on top of their game. Battling teams who want to knock them off of their mountain is what they face in the second day, but Jammal will not let anyone spoil his fun.

Chapter 15 Daskara, the Holder of Universal Language

Jammal Hall, aka Menzuo finally get to meet his birth father king Zenshuo. With his upcoming birthday, his father gives him the gift of universal language. Now that he has this, Jammal can speak to any living and breathing life-form.

Chapter 16 Battling Bullies

Things get a little interesting when the Solar Warrior’s have to battle the neighborhood bullies in the Virtual Reality Tournament. More comedic than a real test of their videogame skills, the Solar Warrior’s barely had to work to beat the other team. So much for bugs and his bandits.

Chapter 17 All Coming Together

As Jammal enters his training with master Renzfly, he quickly realizes that the hidden energy within him and with the help from Solar that things are becoming more routine. He is more focused during his training and is picking up new moves faster than any previous warrior. To the surprise of master Renzfly, Menzuo is starting to show why he is the chosen one.

Chapter 18 Solar’s Story

During the day, Jammal is still keeping himself distracted with the Virtual Reality Tournament all the while a crush on a girl from his school starts to show itself. Jeffery and Michael quickly pick up on this and do not hesitate to tease their best friend about it. This is just the distraction that Solar was hoping that Jammal would have to keep the Dark Warrior at bay. Later that night, Solar told Jammal the story of his older brother and his battle against Morbid. Unfortunately, he was unsuccessful and lost his life during the battle. Now with Morbid’s focus on Menzuo, he his ready to take revenge for his brother.

Chapter 19 Menzuo’s Test

This is the final test for Menzuo. He must succeed or the end of all humanity will perish. He must face four different tasks and successfully complete them. As he enters each room, he must execute all that he has learned within the week’s time leading up to his battle and he does not fail to impress Solar and master Renzfly. Successful during each task, Menzuo is now focused and ready to face the Dark Warrior.

Chapter 20 The Tournament’s Final Day

During the Virtual Reality Tournaments final day, Jammal gets a special message from Barkley the dog. Also he finds out that his favorite rapper of all time is performing right before that beginning of the finals and that he has a huge secret of his own. Now with the format of the final’s being one on one battle’s Jammal quickly finds out that he will have to face his crush, Jessica in the final game. As things start to pick up in the final game, the entire planet Earth is at a stand still. The Dark Warrior is calling out for Menzuo and a portal has opened up above his head. Ready for his battle, Jammal quickly transforms into his power suit and is ready for action.

Chapter 21 The Battle

As the eerie cold feeling of the Dark Warrior circles Menzuo, he tries his best to stay focused. An intense battle erupts within seconds and Menzuo finds himself hanging with every punch and kick thrown by Morbid. As they back away for a second to measure each other up, something distracts Menzuo and gives Morbid the upper hand. As Menzuo falls from the sky, he is visited by Ms. Meeks and she reminds him of how he needs to stay focused and outsmart the Dark Warrior. Now ready, Menzuo returns to battle ready to finish him off.

Chapter 22 Morbid’s Demise

Just when Morbid thought that he had won the battle, Menzuo returns to finish the war. Now much more focused, Menzuo and Solar bait Morbid into thinking that he can absorb Menzuo’s energy. As he tries, Menzuo quickly destroys him from the inside out. As things move back to normal, Menzuo comes to that Solar was once his older brother, prince Kenshuo. Now with a stronger bond, Menzuo feels better to have not just a friend by his side but his brother. What could be better?

Chapter 23 Photo Finish

As Jammal returns to the Virtual Reality Tournament, all life on Earth is safe. Jammal must now try and turn his focus back on to winning the tournament, but Jessica has other plans in mind. As they both close in on their flags, they both realize that their will not be one champion. Ending in a tie, the Solar Warrior’s and Blade Runner’s are hoisted onto the shoulders of a cheering crowd. Jammal has saved the world from evil and is a videogame hero. It was the perfect beginning of his twelfth birthday.

Discussion on Each Chapters

1. What city and state was Jammal aka Menzuo, sent to in the beginning of the book? Ch.1

2. What is his real father’s name and where is he from? Ch. 1

3. Who are the two people adopting Jammal and where are they moving? Ch. 2

4. What happened on the plane ride with all of the passengers? Ch. 3

5. Who are the two families to first meet the Hall’s in Springfield? Ch. 4

6. What is Jammal’s protector’s name? Ch. 5

7. What does Solar say that Jammal’s given birth name is? Ch. 5

8. What does Solar tell Jammal in his dream about his Earth parents? Ch. 5

9. What is the reaction of Jammal’s parent’s when he asked them about him being adopted? Ch. 6

10. What happens to Jammal in the park when he is playing with Barkley and his friends? Ch. 7

11. What does Jammal’s power suit look like? Ch. 8

12. What are the three tests that Menzuo must complete before he can begin his training? Ch. 9

13. What does a Whistler look like? Ch. 9

14. What does Jammal do at the dinner table after passing his first big test to become a warrior? Ch. 10

15. What joke did Solar pull on Jammal? Ch. 11

16. What did Menzuo and Solar learn in the room of truth? Ch. 11

17. What type of tournament did Jammal, Jeffery and Michael enter at the arcades? Ch. 12

18. What did Jammal name the team that he entered into the tournament? Ch. 12

19. What is Menzuo’s master’s name? Ch. 13

20. What art of fighting will Menzuo learn? Ch. 13

21. What is the first move that master Renzfly tries to teach Menzuo? Ch. 13

22. What happens in the match against the overly confident team during the Virtual Reality Tournament? Ch. 14

23. Why was Jammal distracted during the tournament? Ch. 14

24. What gift did king Zenshuo give to Menzuo for his birthday? Ch. 15

25. What is the neighborhood bullies names? Ch. 16

26. What happens during their tournament match against the Solar Warriors? Ch. 16

27. What did master Renzfly do to make Menzuo focus? Ch. 17

28. What happened to Menzuo’s older brother in his battle against Morbid? Ch. 18

29. What tests did Menzuo have to complete in order to be ready for his battle against Morbid? Ch. 19

30. What rap star performed during the Virtual Reality Tournaments final day? Ch. 20

31. Who did Jammal have to face in the final game of the tournament? Ch. 20

32. What did Morbid learn about Solar during his battle against Menzuo? Ch. 21

33. Who visited Menzuo when he lay unconscious during his battle against Morbid? Ch. 21

34. How did Menzuo defeat Morbid? Ch. 22

35. Who did he save after his battle against Morbid? Ch. 22

36. Who won the final match of the Virtual Reality Tournament? Ch. 23

Compare the Two

Menzuo has to face a Pirate Warrior known as Morbid. Earth and the energy of all good and evil are in grave danger. With only a short amount of time to get ready for his upcoming battle, Menzuo must train hard.

Knowing that Menzuo is a protector and Morbid is an evil enemy, there is one thing that joins them together, they are both warriors. Find which qualities listed below that describes these two characters. Hold a discussion on each one.

Brave Cowardly

Selfless Selfish

Evil Honest

Protector Villain

Feared Respected

Good Evil

Savior Destroyer

Merciful Unmerciful

Confident Unsure

Writing Assignments

Many readers of all ages enjoy the Menzuo books. That means Keshawn Dodds must be writing in a way that appeals to lots of people—from children to adults. What do you enjoy most about his book(s)? Consider the following elements as you discuss your answer. (Write a detailed paper that you can discuss with your teacher and classmates.)

Ø Gripping plots.

Ø Vivid characters.

Ø Cliff-hangers for chapter endings.

Ø Descriptive language such as similes and metaphors.

Ø Important themes such as making friends, facing difficult problems, and surviving tough situations.

Ø Being able to explore space in a Science Fiction / Fantasy adventure.

The Teacher's Guide

This teacher’s guide is developed to help all teachers who are reading the, Menzuo in the Calling of the Sun Prince book with their class. This guide will help the teachers to incorporate the book into various subject areas such as Language Arts (English), Math, Science and Social Studies. The Menzuo Teacher’s Guide is developed to give in-depth information on how a science fiction book can make learning fun in every subject.

Language Arts (English) - Teacher's Strategies

Ø Group Reading – The teacher can hold group readings to enhance fluency.

Ø End of Chapter Questions – To keep the student’s attention, the teacher’s can develop questions for the students to answer orally or written at the end of each chapter. By doing this, it will help the students recall the information that they have read. (Can use questions from the Discussion Guide as well)

Ø Menzuo Vocabulary Wall – The teacher and the students can work together and pull words from the book to create a vocabulary wall. By doing this, it will help to enhance the students use of their vocabulary.

Ø Menzuo Group Discussion – The teacher can lead a round table discussion about what the student’s liked and disliked about the book. Getting the students to interact with the teacher and each other about the book helps to build their oral speaking skills.

Ø Menzuo Book Report – After all of the students have completed the book, the teacher can assign the students to complete a two page book report. With writing prompts leading up to the completion of the book, the students will have an easier time completing the book report using their organizational writing skills.

Ø Write a Letter to Menzuo – The teacher can have each student write a letter to Jammal Hall / Menzuo. This can be a fun activity for the students to learn correct letter writing skills. Giving the students an opportunity to ask Jammal Hall / Menzuo specific questions that they may have about the book lets the teacher know that their students understood what they have read.

Ø Create Your Own Superhero – After reading Menzuo in the Calling of the Sun Prince, the teacher can have each student try to create their own superhero. The students can give their superhero a name, powers and other special abilities. By doing this activity, the students will use their creative imagination in a very fun way.

Ø Menzuo Quiz – After reading the book, the teacher can give the students a quiz (Located in the Discussion Guide) which can be open or closed book. Testing the student’s knowledge of what they have read will help them to develop their test taking skill.

Ø Menzuo Trivia Game – The teacher can create a fun trivia game using information from the book. This can be done in teams so that the students can interact with each other to get the answers.

Ø Menzuo Crossword Puzzle – The teacher can create a Menzuo crossword puzzle using various words that the students have chosen from their Menzuo vocabulary word wall.

Math - Teacher's Strategies

Ø Menzuo Math Sentences – The teacher can create some fun math sentences using examples from Menzuo (Solar Warriors) Legend of the Blue Diamond. (Example: Menzuo can fly very, very fast. He can travel 500 yards in 2 seconds. How long will it take for Menzuo to travel 65,000 yards?)

Ø Measuring Distance in Space – Because Menzuo is the Universal Protector, he will have to travel into outer space throughout his adventures. The students can research on the internet the distance between Earth and its neighboring planets. (Example: Find the distance between Earth and Mars)

Ø Menzuo Bar Graph – The teacher can have the students create a Bar graph of various events that take place in the book. (Example: How many times does Menzuo train in his sleep ~ How many games does Jammal play in the Virtual Reality rooms ~ How many different people does Jammal meet in the book that are good or bad)

Ø Students Create Menzuo Word Math Problems – The teacher can have each student create their own math problem using Menzuo as the focal point. The students can then have other students try to answer their math problems.

Ø Menzuo Math Problems – The teacher can use Menzuo as a focal point to teach fractions, money word problem, addition, subtraction, multiplication and also division.

Science - Teacher's Strategies

Ø Teaching space with Jammal, aka, Menzuo – Because Menzuo is from another planet, the teacher can use Menzuo in the Calling of the Sun Prince as an introduction to teaching a lesson on space.

Ø Introducing NASA to the Class – Space travel is exciting. The Teacher can teach students how astronauts train to go into space and how they use their space suits to survive out there (Interactive lesson). Teachers can use snow gloves to simulate how astronauts use their hands in space.

Ø Introducing Weightlessness – The teacher can teach the students how astronauts feel to be in space by simulating weightlessness using water and many different objects to teach buoyancy.

Ø Teaching Flight using Menzuo – Using the book is a great way to introduce a lesson on flying. Menzuo can fly and so can many different animals and objects. Have the student’s research to find out how many different animals and objects can fly.

Ø Teaching Heat with Menzuo – Menzuo is known as the Sun Prince. The sun is a very hot object that helps to keep the planet warm. Have the students find out more information about the sun and many other objects the keep us warm.

Social Studies - Teacher's Strategies

Ø History of Springfield, MA – Jammal Hall / Menzuo lives in Springfield, MA. The teacher can help the students research the History of Springfield. There are many great places and great moments that have taken place in Springfield that have a significant amount of historic value. (Example: The Basketball Hall of Fame; The Indian Motorcycle Building. etc.)

Ø History of NASA – Because NASA deals with space travel and so does Jammal Hall aka, Menzuo, this can be a great way for students to learn what exactly NASA does with space exploration.

Ø MENZUO TIME LINE – The teacher can have the students create a time line of events that take place throughout the book. Dating from his birth all the way up to his battle against Morbid on his twelfth birthday.

Ø History of Video Games – Just like many kids, Jammal Hall / Menzuo loves playing video games, especially virtual reality games. The students can research on the computer about how video games were created and how the development of the games has improved over the years.

Ø History of Science Fiction Books – Have the students research the history of science fiction books and how the genre was created. This will help them to understand how people’s imaginations have helped to shape our world.

From this guide, teacher's, students and the regular Menzuo fan can gain a better understanding of the book and each of it's chapters. Keep an eye out for the Discussion Guide for Menzuo S.W. (Solar Warriors) ~ Legend of the Blue Diamond.

The Keshawn Dodds
R.E.F.O.R.M.
Reconnecting Education For Our Readjusted Minds

Mission Statement

The mission of the R.E.F.O.R.M. Program is to change the lives of several youth that live in the city of Springfield, Massachusetts. The goal of this program is to help our youth to understand the importance of their education through the guidance of author, Keshawn Dodds’, Menzuo ~ Solar Warriors book series. These books will be used as a tool to help educate the youth and to spark their love for reading and education.

This program will also provide the youth with real world experiences. They will be partnered with their own tutor from one of the local colleges. Each student will also have the opportunity to experience life outside of the city of Springfield, Massachusetts with several educational trips and tours that will run throughout the year.

R.E.F.O.R.M. Program Format

10 – 15 inner city students (Boy's & Girl's) will be chosen to participate in this program.

The ages of the students will range from 9 years old – 15 years old.

The student will come from several schools located in the Springfield Public Schools System.

Each student will be paired with a tutor that will come from one of the local colleges.

The youth will meet with their tutors once a week to go over all school work.

Each student, parent and tutor will be given books from author, Keshawn Dodds’ Menzuo ~ Solar Warriors series to read.

There will be two (2) monthly meetings / Workshops with author Keshawn Dodds. The following items will be discussed:

- Chapter discussions about author Keshawn Dodds’ books,
- Issues pertaining to parent involvement in their child’s education,
- Specific goals for each student through each grade level,
- Things that parents and students should be focusing on to become better students,
- Discussions about MCAS Preparation at each grade level
- Discussions about life outside of Springfield, MA. How people live in other states,

Weekly reports will be kept on each student about their progress in school and will be turned in to the R.E.F.O.R.M. Program Director.

Educational trips to museums and historic sites throughout the New England area will run during the school year.

For one week in the summer, the students, along with their parent/guardian will have the opportunity to experience life outside of Springfield, MA. They will have the opportunity to:

- Learn about life on a farm by working on an actual farm for one (1) week
- Learn how to camp in the wilderness for one (1) week

- Explore several different hiking trails throughout New England
- Explore Different Wildlife by visiting Zoo’s
- Visit Major Cities throughout the United States (Sites to be chosen)

All parents will be highly involved in all aspects of this program and will have the opportunity to explore these different activities with their children

Each student must report their experiences with the program. This will allow the program Director to adjust and develop the R.E.F.O.R.M. program to best serve the students and their parents.

The opportunity to build and run the R.E.F.O.R.M. Program is a long standing dream of author, Keshawn Dodds. He firmly believes in the power of education and this is his way of building the future leaders of our country.

If not now, then when?
If not you, then who?
Someone must take charge and stop the fall of our youth. Education is too precious and far too important. We must “make” them understand that this is the key to their future and the way to a better life. The R.E.F.O.R.M. Program provides an opportunity for our youth to succeed. It is time that they see the light and we must be the ones to guide them towards it.

Below, you will find a Synopsis of each book that I have created for the Menzuo ~ Solar Warriors Series. Two out of the seven books have been published and I am looking to move forward with a huge project in the near future. Here is what might catch your eyes:

Book #1
Menzuo in the Calling of the Sun Prince
PublishAmerica - March, 2004

At the beginning of his spring break from school, Jammal Hall finds out that his time on Earth has been more important than he could have ever imagined. Many hidden secrets about his life are revealed. Jammal’s real birth name, information about his parents, and his true identity come to light. He also comes to find that Earth is in grave danger and that it is under attack by an evil Pirate Warrior named Morbid who is in search of the energy of all good and evil.

With the help from his protector Solar and his new trainer master Renzfly, Jammal quickly realizes that he does not have to face this battle alone. He must protect planet Earth and the energy of all good and evil, while trying to live a life as a normal kid. Vidoegames, crushes and neighborhood bullies play a big role in helping to distract Jammal while he awaits his date of destiny which is his twelfth birthday.

Jammal must prepare himself for the most important test of his life, and it is not in the classroom. Jammal must succeed or the Dark Warrior will control the energy of all good and evil. His battle against Morbid will decide the fate of Earth and possibly the entire universe.

Book #2
Menzuo S.W. (Solar Warriors) Legend of the Blue Diamond
iUniverse – December 2005

When Jammal, a.k.a. Menzuo—the hero of the thrilling first book of the Menzuo S.W. (Solar Warriors) series—found out that he was adopted and from another planet, his true destiny as the new universal protector was revealed. With his guardian, Solar, and trainer, Master Renzfly, Jammal quickly gained the knowledge of the Yardanian combat style and important information about the structure of the universe. In his first mission, Menzuo saved the Earth from one very dangerous Pirate Warrior named Morbid.
Now Menzuo is ready to continue his preparation to become the true universal protector. As he trains with Solar by his side, under Master Renzfly’s watchful eye, a mysterious messenger from the outer realm interrupts his progress and begs for Menzuo’s help to save planet Bralose.
Unexpected changes occur as Menzuo finds that he’s not prepared to battle Hydrosion. This realization brings the dawn of a group called the Solar Warriors. But how will Menzuo gain the confidence and strength needed to defeat the Pirate Warrior Hydrosion? Only time will tell as Menzuo does his best to protect his universe.

Book #3
Menzuo S.W. Judgment Set Upon Earth

Our universal protector Menzuo, now has a team of allies who strongly believe in his mission. This new team of Solar Warriors, formed by Allucio (Michael Santiago), Dezmurose (Jeffery O’Connor), Princess Amiata, Nuncio, King Scoop, Wyler and Master Renzfly, have dedicated themselves to help Menzuo protect the universe. After Menzuo won a hard fought battle against Pirate Warrior Hydrosion, the people of planet Bralose are now safe from a mutated life of slavery. Because of his selflessness, our young warrior comes to find that planet Earth has now been overtaken by one of the strongest of all Pirate Warriors, queen Eaizah.

Pirate Warrior Hydrosion’s reign of terror over planet Bralose was just the distraction that queen Eaizah needed to begin her takeover of Earth. With no one to protect the planet, she does what a Pirate does best, destroy everything in sight. Gearing up for the battle of their lives, prince Menzuo and the Solar Warriors must stay focused if they are to have any chance at saving the planet along with defeating queen Eaizah.

Book #4
Menzuo S.W. A Warriors Destiny

With the stalling tactics of King Eojtaf and Ambassador Naos, our heroin, prince Menzuo and the Solar Warriors were able to successfully defeat queen Eaizah and her Pirate Drones to save planet Earth. With keeping his promise to master Budokane, Menzuo must travel back to Legerdemain to train with him. He must learn to harness all of his new found energy and to become one with the energy from the Blue Diamond. With Solar, now alive and with his old body, the two warriors must face the death world with confidence. If they survive, they will have a chance to save the universe, but if they fail…

Meanwhile, trouble has come to light within the universe with the release of the Banor’s. The poisoned warriors of Yardania and hundreds of other life forms were exiled in a black hole thousands of years ago, with just enough evil energy reviving his body, lord Fetid created a tear in the outer realm of the universe and allowed the Banor’s to re-enter the real and infect and destroy all living warriors.

With Menzuo occupied, the team of Solar Warriors must fight this battle on their own, and with planet Excervo getting stronger each and every day, it is not known how strong our warriors will be when facing such an unknown evil.

With information coming from an unlikely source, one of our warriors must make a decision that will initiate the fate of the universe. Are they up for the challenge without Menzuo by their side? Only time will tell.

Book #5
Menzuo S.W. Friend or Foe

Six years later, at the age of eighteen, Menzuo re-entered the universe just one year before lord Fetid’s true return. He finds nothing in his known universe to be like it was when he left. Because of the past events, the people of Earth now know all of the inner workings of the evil that lurks throughout the universe. The loss of ambassador Naos and mother Earth Anisa, bring about new protectors of the blue planet. With princess Amiata’s sacrifice of her life, it has left her in a coma, leaving her to rest in the warrior’s chamber until her soul rejoins with her body. Along with his new findings, the prince received the startling news of his baby brother, prince Denshuo’s kidnapping by the hands of lord Fetid. This lends Menzuo to question his decision to leave the universe to train with master Budokane. With everything falling apart around him, he cannot see himself as a true leader.

Unable to clear his mind of the thoughts of all that has taken place Menzuo fleas to a planet to rethink his position in life. While on this planet our young warrior is met and befriends another warrior who claims to have no recollection of his past. His trust in this warrior leads to a very interesting outcome in which Menzuo would never expect in his wildest dreams. What will happen with our prince and with his new found friend or foe?

Book #6
Menzuo S.W. The Universal War Begins

With Menzuo sacrificing his life to save his younger brother who is now known as Pirate Warrior Denshuo, he is lost in the black hole that once held the Banor’s. The universe is left vulnerable as lord Fetid makes his return in full form. Now more powerful than ever and with no one to match his strength, he is destined to take over the universe and possess the energy of all good and evil. Aware that their fate of losing this war is immanent, the Solar Warriors gear themselves up to face their destiny. Without their noble leader, they must think strategically as they try their best to defeat lord Fetid and his band of released Pirate Warriors.

As the lord of planet Excervo closes in on obtaining the energy of all good and evil, a sacrifice from an unlikely source may just save the universe. Will prince Menzuo ever return to face lord Fetid or will the efforts of the Solar Warriors be for not?

Book #7
Menzuo S.W. The lost Archives of Master Budokane

For thousands of years, there were stories of the first universal protector. Upon his destruction during the first universal war, his archives were never registered into the Warriors Guild. As the Naleezar was the protector of the Blue Diamond, it was also the protector of the one and only copy of master Budokane’s story. All but night time stories that were told to children, now all will know the true story of our once loved protector and most feared enemy. The archives are now released and all will finally find out the true story of how our universe survived extinction.

Working on my Master's Thesis

Trying to help our youth understand the value of their education when they are mostly fighting an uphill battle in innercity schools is one hard thing to do. As I am completing my Master's in Education, I decided to concentrate my thesis on a very disturbing topic, "The retention and graduation rate of Hispanic and African American Male Students located in the Springfield, MA and Holyoke Public Schools."

The purpose of my thesis is to study four public high schools, two located in Springfield, MA and two located in Holyoke, MA that are experiencing similar problems with retention in their educational system. I will try to compare some of the intervention programs that are implemented to help increase the retention of 16 year old African American and Hispanic male students. After researching neighboring cities, the schools that I will be gathering data from are Springfield Central and Commerce High School, located in Springfield, Massachusetts, and Dean Tech and Holyoke High School, located in Holyoke, Massachusetts. I plan to gather information from these high schools and from the programs that they have been implemented that address the retention for this particular group of students.

Data below will show that the four schools have either experienced an increase or either a decrease in their graduation rates in 2007 – 2008. Below are the results from the previous school year:

SPRINGFIELD, MA
Central High School 78.2% Graduation Rate 3.4% Increase since 2007
Commerce High School 43.5% Graduation Rate 6.6% Decrease since 2007

HOLYOKE, MA
Holyoke High School 64.0% Graduation Rate 4.5% Increase since 2007
Dean Technical High 32.7% Graduation Rate 13.4% Decrease since 2007

I will try to prove that the focus should be placed on the existing programs that have helped with increasing the retention in the high school that have shown improvement in these two cities.

The types of data that collected will be:

The percentage of dropouts over the past three years at each public high school,

The average of dropouts for African American and Hispanic male students in each grade level, 9th – 12th at each public high school,

The percentage of 16 year old African American and Hispanic male students dropping out compared to other races,

What programs are offered in these two cities that address these at risk students,

The number of students who participate in the existing programs,

The number of 16 year old African American and Hispanic males that participate in these programs,

The retention of the students in these programs through the year,

The amount of students who reach graduation because of these programs and,

Speak to drop outs and get the reasons why they students drop out of school

I will also conduct interviews with the principals’ at these public high schools, along with several counselors, and students. The information gathered will help me and others to understand the effectiveness and or the ineffectiveness of the programs that are targeting 16 year old African American and Hispanic male students.

Journey of the Menzuo ~ Solar Warriors Series

Okay...I'm trying my best to sit patiently as I wait for word about my first book, Menzuo in the Calling of the Sun Prince. The book has been submitted to a publishing company for review and if it is accepted, my life will be changed forever.

My life would change, not because of the money that the book might bring but for the mission that I have set for myself since I wrote the book.

The book “Menzuo in the Calling of the Sun Prince” was created in 1996 at the Baystate Children’s Hospital in Springfield, Massachusetts. My best friend, Marcus McDowell, was diagnosed with cancer in January of that same year. While Marcus was in the hospital, I visited him daily and on many occasions. I often slept in his hospital room just to make him feel a little better about fighting his battle.

During the time that I spent in the hospital with Marcus, we kept ourselves occupied with one of our favorite pastimes, writing and drawing. Marcus imagined several characters while I created stories about them. One particular character that we created stood out the most, that special one was Menzuo. With several characters and stories written, we had no clue of what to do with them. Unfortunately before something was figured out, Marcus passed away. In just eleven months of his diagnosis, his battle ended.

Two months after his passing and while dealing with a personal battle of depression because of such a great loss, I met with his parents. During this meeting Douglas Skinner, Marcus’ father, gave me some of his son’s artwork. He told me he knew that I would find a way to use them. Still, I had no idea that each of these characters would become a part of what is now my Menzuo ~ Solar Warriors series.

With my first story, I wanted to honor Marcus because I missed him so much. I wanted him to live on. An idea came to mind and I created a character that would help Menzuo throughout his life as the universal protector. That character would always be with Menzuo in each story.

Many people have read my first book and they have quickly fallen in love with each of my characters. They have also learned about the impact that Marcus McDowell has had on my life.

In Menzuo in the Calling of the Sun Prince, the reader’s quickly come to see that the main character, Jammal Hall a.k.a. Menzuo, is Keshawn and Solar, is Marcus. This tribute of bringing Solar into the story was a way for me to always stay connected to such a great friend.

Now, as I move forward to reaching my goal to become a motivational speaker and strong advocate for eduacation, I have been honored with the opportunity to work with and inspire some great minds who have joined me on this journey. When the first book came about, I was approached by some good friends who wanted to take the book to another level. They wanted to enhance the artwork that Marcus did and bring the characters to life in each story. So, I first hooked up with my good friend Kein Bailey who created the Artwork for my second book, Menzuo S.W. (Solar Warriors) Legend of the Blue Diamond. His work is phenominal and it has been an honor to be with a person who can see my vision.

In the past couple of years, I was introduced to another artist who shares my same passion (It's funny how God brings people into your life). I was introduced to Carl Harrison and from the second that we spoke, we were on the same wavelength. As he sat in my office, he asked me to describe one of my characters. It took me about 15 seconds to explain what Menzuo looks like and his super powers. In that same time, Carl created a sketch on my character. I was blown away. It didn't take me long to know that we were meant to work together as well.

If you want to see what Carl Harrison is doing now, just go to houseofcarl.blogspot.com. You can view a 3 second clip of an animated Menzuo on his blog.

From this point on, I have two phenominal artist who share my same vision to help educate our youth and also to bring the Menzuo ~ Solar Warriors series to the next level. With us three working together, we have created "Team Menzuo" and the journey is a very long and hopefully prosperous one.

As an advocate for education, I have used my two published books to read to students in schools, libraries and community centers in many different cities. I also have the opportunity to inspire the youth the get involved with their creative side by showing off my artists artwork.

These opportunities that I have been given to reach out to young children have completely changed my life. The best thing that I get to do is to tell the story about my best friend Marcus. My story proves to people that they can overcome any adversity in life and that they can still strive for greatness. The key is to believe and to always reach for the stars.