The Alumni Library
The Okemos Alumni Association 501(c)(3) Non-profit corporation Tax ID 82-1246695
Copyright Disclaimer under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.
All books were written by Okemos Alumni, Teachers, staff or their friends, relatives or guests. Books are listed in order by Author. Availability will be noted as "<Click to Read/Download>" (the free eBook) or if the book can be "</Order>" (Purchased).
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~ Welcome to The Okemos Alumni Library ~ We'd like to list your book here. Please consider donating a copy of your book(s) to the OHS Library. |
Chris Cacagno class of 2001 writes under the name Christopher Tallon. From his website ChristopherTallon.com:
"Christopher Tallon is the author of Switchers and Sleepwalker Angel. He lives near Grand Rapids, Michigan, with his wife and kids. He’s an Iraq veteran and former middle school teacher. He has hosted A Podcast for Creative People since 2020."
V
ernor Vinge class of 1962
"...was an American science fiction author and professor. He taught mathematics and computer science at San Diego State University. He was the first wide-scale popularizer of the technological singularity concept and among the first authors to present a fictional "cyberspace".[3] He won the Hugo Award for his novels A Fire Upon the Deep (1992), A Deepness in the Sky (1999), and Rainbows End (2006), and novellas Fast Times at Fairmont High (2001) and The Cookie Monster (2004)."
"Vinge retired in 2000 from teaching at San Diego State University, in order to write full-time. He was Writer Guest of Honor at ConJosé, the 60th World Science Fiction Convention in 2002. Additionally, Vinge served on the Free Software Foundation's selection committee for their Award for the Advancement of Free Software for most of the years between 1999 and his death in 2024." Wikipedia
WHY THINGS DON'T WORK: It's Systemic..and... We Can Fix It
by Brock Hotaling class of 1965 and Harry Foundalis
Release date: February 3, 2024
"If anyone's interested, my book on the methodology...may be of interest to some in our class and also classes of 1964 and 1963 who impacted my systemic findings with some significance and can now be found in the dedications in my book. Should be gruel for some mirthful moments..." Brock Hotaling
"Why did we get almost everything wrong about Covd-19 policy, about passwords, about the Iraq War, about Xi Jinping, about low-fat diets, about the slave trade, and about the cause of violence in places like Congo, Ethiopia, the Middle East, and Afghanistan? This book dives into the only scientific method for determining true root causes of conflict and corrects the massive disinformation spread by politicians, modern media, and their celecbrity "experts".
"This book clearly explains the new science of Human Systemics for ordinary people and why it's the most critical toolset to reverse the current unconscionable loss of money and lives in pursuit of false agendas and the myths of elite superiority worldwide. SYSTEMIC: A word widely used, yet rarely uderstood until now." Amazon
The Resurrectionist: A Twisty Gothic Mystery of Dark Scottish History
by A. Rae Dunlap (Amanda Dunlap class of 2002)
Release date: December 24, 2024
"In the tradition of The Alienist and Anatomy: A Love Story, a decadently macabre, dark and twisty gothic debut set in 19th century Scotland – when real-life serial killers Burke and Hare terrorized the streets of Edinburgh – as a young medical student is lured into the illicit underworld of body snatching. Historical fiction, true crime, and dark academia intertwine in a harrowing tale of murder, greed, and the grisly origins of modern medicine for readers of Lydia Kang, ML Rio, Sarah Perry, and C.E. McGill." Amazon (Amazon Editors' Picks: Best Mystery, Thriller &* Suspense books of January 2025)
by Rebecca Stow class of 2010
Release date: October 19, 2021
"Are you a young adult with no clue what you want to be when you grow up? Have you found yourself in a string of unfulfilling jobs that make you question every decision you made to get to this point? Do you feel totally betrayed by everything you thought you knew to be true before you left college? If you answered "yes" to any of those questions, you've found the perfect book. Rebecca Stow has transformed her cathartic "diary of a grumpy millennial" into a collection of humorous reflections and insightful lessons that she learned the hard way. From being a fish out of water in college and applying for jobs, to interviewing, enduring annoying colleagues, establishing a healthier lifestyle, and dating, Rebecca shares how she has become unbothered by the struggles that used to define her—and more importantly, how you can, too." Amazon
The late Dustin Ells Howes class of 1991 was an academic researcher from Louisiana State University, and author of the following two books:
Toward a Credible Pacifisnm: Violence and the Possibilities of Politics
by Dustin Ells Howes class of 1991
Release date: October 2009
"Advocates of pacifism usually stake their position on the moral superiority of nonviolence and have generally been reluctant or unwilling to concede that violence can be an effective means of conducting politics. In this compelling new work, which draws its examples from both everyday experience and the history of Western political thought, author Dustin Ells Howes presents a challenging argument that violence can be an effective and even just form of power in politics. Contrary to its proponents, however, Howes argues that violence is no more reliable than any other means of exercising power. Because of this there is almost always a more responsible alternative." Amazon
Freedom Without Violence: Resisting the Western Political Tradition
by Dustin Ells Howes class of 1991
Release date: February 2016
"Freedom Without Violence explores the long history of political practice and thought that connects freedom to violence in the West, from Athenian democracy and the Roman republic to the Age of Revolutions and the rise of totalitarianism. It is the first comprehensive examination of the idea that violence is necessary to obtain, defend, and exercise freedom. The book also brings to the fore the opposing theme of nonviolent freedom, which can be found both within the Western tradition and among critics of that tradition." Amazon
The Balloonatics : A Memoir by Craig Elliott
by Craig Elliott class of 1976
Release date: tbd
"Craig Elliott is a rare bird, a professional Hot Air Balloon Piot for 40 years. Somewhere along the road he took on the pilot nickname of "Capt. Sunshine." While this may seem a bit whimsical, one only needed to watch him in action as his enthusiasm for hot air ballooning radiated." Capt. Sunshine retired from ballooning in 2019 after 43 incredible years of wonderful adventures and excitement. This book will bring you along for the ride." theballoonatics.com
Hammer and Sleigh: The Rise of the Crimson North
by David G. Martin class of 2000
Release date: November 11, 2020
"A Charming Christmas Tale - Christmas has long been revered as a time of cheer, family, and celebration. The hard work of individuals is traditionally enjoyed further by giving gifts to loved ones. Where do these gifts really come from? It is rumored that in the blistering, eternal colds of Greenland’s far north, a city exists only to produce these gifts. Often embellished in fairytales and stories to the casual passerby, it is no wonder it has been placed on the tall bookshelf of legend for all to enjoy. But no one saw the change coming; there was no steady progression or even a warning sign. A sudden, spontaneous transition from a friendly, peaceful place to one of unrest and evil swept over the city’s white plains and consumed all in its path. The rest of the world would continue believing in the fairy tale of the jolly red Santa and his elves of the north. Never would the world imagine that they would be coming for blood." Amazon
Memories of a Barnyard Veterinarian
Richard G. Benne, DVM class of 1950
Release date: January 1, 2021
"My wife has been after me to write about some of the things that happened during our years of practive and our life in LaGrange, Indiana. I've never kept a diary, but this book contains some of the memories I would like to share with family and friends. I think these stories convey how much I enjoyed living in a rural area, working as a veterinarian, raising a family, and spending time with friends, colleagues, and clients (both human and animal). I hope you can see how hard work, a sense of humor and lots of luck carried us through the years."
Linda Curtiss Farquhar class of 1961 has been an avid reader since her early years. After raising her large combined family, and retiring as a professor at the College of Human Medicine at Michigan State University, she began writing novels under the penname Lyn Farrell. Please visit her website, LynFarrell.com to learn more about her many novels. Books are available on Amazon and other sites.
Douglas Wolk class of 1987 (originally in the class of 1988)
From Wikipedia: Douglas Wolk is a Portland, Oregon-based author and critic. He has written about comics and popular music for publications including The New York Times, Rolling Stone, The Washington Post, The Nation, The New Republic, Salon.com, Pitchfork Media, Vanity Fair, and The Believer. Wolk was the managing editor of CMJ New Music Monthly from 1993 to 1997, and hosted a radio show on WFMU from 1999 to 2001. He has four published books. The most recent, All of the Marvels, tours the Marvel comics universe via his project of reading all 27,000 Marvel superhero comics.
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A Shepherd's Night Before Christmas
by class of 1973
Release date: December 10, 2020
"A Shepherd's Night before Christmas is what do you get when you take one our most beloved Christmas poems, mix it with the Nativity story. This book was inspired when the author's third grade daughter came home with the school assignment to rewrite Moore’s beloved, T'was The Night Before Christmas for a school project. As they worked on the project together, they imagined what happened that first Christmas night when a shepherd boy once beheld the One for whom Christmas is named. This story has become a favorite family tradition to share with our loved ones each Christmas and now we hope to share it with the world." Amazon
Allan Woodrow class of 1982 has written more than thirty books for children, including The Curse of the Werepenguin, The Revenge of the Werepenguin, Class Dismissed, The Pet War, Field Tripped, Unschooled, and The Rotten Adventures of Zachary Ruthless.
John Ramsey class of 1961 has written two books regarding the tragedies his family has endured. His eldest daugher died in a car accident in 1992, his young daughter, JonBenet, was found murdered in their basement in 1996, and his wife, Patsy, died in 2006 of ovarian cancer.
by John Ramsey class of 1961 and Patsy Ramsey
Release date: March 2000
"The parents of the tragically murdered JonBenet Ramsey present their side of the traumatic tale, honestly discussing the publicity whirlwind full of persecution and slander that has surrounded them since their loss and explaining how faith has helped them survive." Amazon
by John Ramsey class of 1961 and Marie Chapian
Release date: March 2012
"Like the biblical Job, John Ramsey had it all-wealthy, social position, a loving family. And like Job, Ramsey was destined for great affliction, as many of the most precious things in his life were cruelly taken from him.
"First came the death of his eldest daughter in a car accident in 1992. Then, four years later, his beloved six-year-old, JonBenét, was murdered; Ramsey was the one who discovered her body, concealed in the basement of his family's home. The case drew international media attention, and-compounding Ramsey's woe-suspicion unfairly focused on Ramsey and his wife, Patsy. Although they were ultimately cleared of any connection with the crime, Ramsey's sorrows did not end. In 2006, Patsy died, at 49, of ovarian cancer.
"In this remarkable book, Ramsey reveals how he was sustained by faith during the long period of spiritual darkness, and he offers hope and encouragement to others who suffer tragedy and injustice." Amazon
Echoe
by Kerry Byrnes class of 1963
Release date: 2021
"Echoes of Exotica" takes the reader on a time-travel voyage back to the mid-1950s to the birth of Exotica and the evolution of this musical genre over the following 65 years. On this journey you’ll meet eight musicians who contributed to the origin and/or evolution of Exotica, including Les Baxter, Martin Denny, Arthur Lyman, Lloyd Kandell, Robert Drasnin, Paul Conrad, Harold Chang, and Lopaka Colón.
"The book includes a ten-chapter mini-book on the life and career of Martin Denny, titled: "A Life on the 88s: Martin Denny and the Keys to Exotica" -- the most indepth biography available to date on the "father of Exotica." The penultimate chapter shares the author's memories of his "close encounters" with these Exotica musicians. The book is illustrated with many photos, advertisements from trade magazines (Billboard, Cash Box, and Variety), newspaper clippings (or transcripts), and links to Exotica-related audio and video files for you listening and viewing pleasure. "Echoes of Exotica" invites you to "Return to Exotica," sip a Mai Tai, and catch the "Exotic Sounds" wafting out nightly from the "Quiet Village" Paradise Lounge located on the beach of the tropical shores of Exotica. Aloha!"
Centered: Autism, Basketball, and One Athlete's Dreams
by
"They don't know me. They don't know what I'm capable of." Diagnosed with pervasive developmental disorder, a form of autism, as a toddler, Anthony Ianni wasn't expected to succeed in school or participate in sports, but he had other ideas. As a child, Ianni told anybody who would listen, including head coach Tom Izzo, that he would one day play for the Michigan State Spartans.
"Centered: Autism, Basketball, and One Athlete's Dreams is the firsthand account of a young man's social, academic, and athletic struggles and his determination to reach his goals. In this remarkable memoir, Ianni reflects on his experiences with both basketball and the autism spectrum. Centered, an inspirational sports story in the vein of Rudy, reveals Ianni to be unflinching in his honesty, generous in his gratitude, and gracious in his compassion." Amazon
The Sweetness of Freedom: Stories of Immigrants
by
"The Sweetness of Freedom presents an eclectic grouping of late nineteenth- and twentieth-century immigrants' narratives and the personal artifacts, historical documents, and photographs these travelers brought on their journeys to Michigan. Most of the oral histories in this volume are based on interviews conducted with the immigrants themselves. Steve Ostrander was historian at the Michigan Historical Museum in Lansing for 31 years and is currently a member of the band Stringville." Amazon
by Deborah Lincoln class of 1968.
Release date: April 20, 2021
"The business of coal dramatically transforms life in the bucolic Pennsylvania valley Harry Robinson’s family has called home for generations. Ambitious industrialists reap huge windfalls and Europe’s laborers flock to America’s shores to seek their fortunes. Cultures mix and clash and all too often erupt. When Harry meets Niamh, the newly arrived bride of an Irish miner, he begins to realize the extent of the prejudices that stalk the local immigrants. As he undertakes the job of tutoring her younger brother, a bond begins to grow between Harry and Niamh, and he finds himself falling in love for the first time. When Niamh shows up one day bloodied and bruised, Harry is determined to take her away, despite her religious scruples and the disapproval of his family. Still, he tells himself that love is all that matters. But a disaster in the mine changes everything, offering Harry hope and Niamh heartbreak. And both young lovers must ask themselves: Is love enough? " Amazon
The Uncomfortable History of Christianity
by Andrew Linnell class of 1968.
- Publisher: Threefold Publishing (December 13, 2020)
- "This book details the dramatic changes to Christian theology from Early Christianity into the Renaissance. Once, Art, Science, and Religion were one. But, by the time of the Renaissance, they had split apart. When Christianity began, the door to experiencing the spiritual world had shut. Materialism ruled. Even dreams no longer provided sound spiritual guidance. The mystery centers themselves, were no longer able to bring students to full initiation. When we look at the Golden Age of Greece, before Rome and Christianity had entered the stage of history, we find that humanity believed that they were guided by inspirations attained through their ancient mystery centers. Such centers were found everywhere in the ancient world. This book traces this history, through the time when Christianity essentially became the religion of the Roman Empire to well after Rome fell and when the Church drifted deep into corruption. We explore the multiple Christianities and the brutality that many faced who had not become part of the Orthodox and later the Roman Catholic Church. It is indeed an uncomfortable history for what is called Christianity." Amazon
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by John O. Grettenberger class of 1955
* Princess Di & Presidents
* Champions & Movie Stars
* Heads of State & Heads of Industry
* Flying Concords to Birthday Parties!
* The Amazing Story of Hometown Hero...The Legend…The Autobiography
Al
umni Authors and Teacher Authors - Their Books on display
by OHS Librarian Sandy Fields
Several Alumni Authors visited the High School 2017-2018.
Their books are on display outside of the OHS Library.
* Several Teachers at the High School are Authors and Editors
* The Okemos High School Librarian is Mrs. Sandy Fields
* Donate your books to the OHS Library and list them on the OAA Website!
Elizabeth Ann Atkins class of 1985
Catherine Atkins Greenspan class of 1986
Historical books below are from the desk of our OAA Historian,
~ Sherrie Paty Barber class of 1966 ~
~~~~~
by Sherrie Paty Barber class of 1966
Copyright©2018 by Okemos High School Alumni Association, Inc.
All rights reserved. Published by Okemos Alumni Association
Read all about the Grettenberger/Benjamin boardroom fight! "STRONG WORDS HURLED...conflagration...fracas!" Meridian Twp Board of Public Instruction, Nov. 6, 1919
<Click the book to Read//Download>
"...ours (pupils) have to walk as far as two miles through all kinds of weather...contracted with Mrs. Dormer ($400 a year) to transport seven children, the three and a half miles between their homes and the schools...(by) team and wagon!"
The contentious beginnings of Okemos Consolidated School..."Before the conflagration was extinguished, Dormer and William Grettenberger ceased to be members of the board.."!
~~~~~
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A Circle of Friends: Thirteen Okemos graduates from the 1890s
Okemos, Michigan 1951
by Sherrie Paty Barber class of 1966
All rights reserved. Published by Okemos Alumni Association
Inspired by a 1951 newspaper notice of a gathering, Sherrie, links biographies of 3rd generation families to the pioneers of Okemos.
<Click the Book to Read/Download>
** The Okemos Alumni Association would like to print this book for all the area libraries. Please send a donation if you would like to help. Rod Ellis '65
~~~~~
by Sherrie Paty Barber class of 1966
All rights reserved. Published by Okemos Alumni Association
"...was made chief...not by heritage, but by virture of his judgement, bravery and qualities of leadership."
-The Complete story-
<Click the Book to Read/Download>
~ The Okemos Alumni Association would like to print this book for all the area libraries. Please send a donation if you would like to help. Rod Ellis '65
~~~~~
by Sherrie Paty Barber class of 1966
-
Copyright©2020 by Okemos High School Alumni Association, Inc.
All rights reserved. Published by Okemos Alumni Association
"The Freeman Bray and Joseph Kilbourne families were among the first arrivals to permanently settle during the late 1830's in the tiny central Michigan settlement of what soon would be called Hamilton, Michigan. The following chronology will follow these families through 8 successive generations of Okemos residents, students and teachers. The lineage of Okemos pioneers portrays tough, independent farmers and entrepreneurs. The adventurer Kilbourne first staked out the settlement site for Bray and family…and the legacy began."
~ The Okemos Alumni Association would like to print this book for all the area libraries. Please send a donation if you would like to help. Rod Ellis '65
~~~~~
The 
Bath School Explosion of 1927
by Sherrie Paty Barber class of 1966
All rights reserved. Published by Okemos Alumni Association
Known as the "deadliest act of school violence in U.S. history". "The blast was planned and set off by a crazed farmer who had worked out a scheme to destroy the entire community. His name was Andrew P. Kehoe.The tragedy took 46 lives and injured 58 others. There were 38 children among the victims along with the school superintendent and two teachers."
"Miss Hazel Weatherby, 22, of Howard City, a teacher in the Bath school went to her tragic death Wednesday morning trying to save the lives of two of her pupils, it was shown when her body..."the happy voices of little children were turned to screams of pain and death when a terrific explosion destroyed a large portion of the Bath Consolidated school".
Sherrie retells the horrific story that froze the nation. Her gripping account is retold through eye witness' and survivors of that holocaust. As we have learned through her hundreds of biographies and obituaries on the Okemos Alumni website, Sherrie is the consummate biographer and historian. This book is a must read for every Okemos connected person and their children and grandchildren...Thankyou, Sherrie, for this most important document. <click the book to Read/Download>
~ The Okemos Alumni Association would like to print this book for all the area libraries. Please send a donation if you would like to help. Rod Ellis '65
<<Click Name to read the Parney Bassett story>>
Gia
nts in Their Realms: Close Encounters of the Celebrity Kind
by Kerry Byrnes class of 1963
"Kerry is a world traveler who worked in Agricultural Development over the past 40+ years in 37 countries of the developing world. Along the way Kerry encountered a lot of interesting people: world leaders, sports figures, writers, thinkers, entertainers, and celebrities...from the famous to the infamous, among others. Kerry reflects on those encounters and their impact, large or small, on his professional and personal life. I found this voluminous memoir interesting in the people I was not familiar with, intriguing with the familiar figures, and fascinating with the characters I thought I knew! I recommend you download the book and read about familiar personalities first (order is not important). The more vignettes you read, the greater insight you will have to Kerry's personality of (dry) humor, intelligence, and integrity..."Rod Ellis '65
CLICK EACH VOLUME TO READ/DOWNLOAD: Vol. 1 Vol. 2 Vol. 3 Vol. 4 Vol. 5 Vol. 6
On Assignment with Kerry: Memorable Moments from 40+ Years of Travel to the Developing World
by Kerry Byrnes, Class of 1963
"When I started this project, my goal was not to reach an audience looking for a travel guide to the Third World. Nor did I set out to suggest places that you, as a tourist, might want to see or things you might enjoy doing in the Third World. That was not my goal. Rather I sought to reach an audience that would find it interesting to read personal anecdotes about things I saw or did, or that happened to me, during the 40+ years I traveled to and carried out short-term assignments in the developing countries." KJB
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by Kerry Byrnes, Class of 1963
"If you grew up between 1958 and 1970, this will really take you back. If before '58 or after '70, I'm guessing you will have no idea what Kerry is talking about! Kerry grew up in the golden age of technology and innovation...Hi-Fi (not Wi-Fi!), quality sound was everything...cool. Launching (anything) into space was unbelievable and landing on the moon, much less launching "apps" from a smart phone...far out! A few years after the moon, we started hearing about computers that worked with disks instead of punch cards. Well, get ready for one of those "I had one of those" moments followed by "hey, what ever happened to my..." moments. A fun read. From one gadget guy to another, thanks for the ride, Kerry!" (Rod Ellis '65)
Kerry Byrnes (in town) Class of 1963 "His latest book is about the Okemos basketball players that played varsity basketball at Michigan State. Doing research, he interviewed Kristen Rasmussen, class of 1996 and former WNBA player. Kristen is also the new womens basketball coach at Okemos! Rod Ellis was taking pictures when Kristen's daughter, Aria offered to save me the effort by drawing a perfect picture of 
mommie, complete with tiara. 
Then next day, we were off to interview Gus Ganakas, MSU basketball coach about two Okemos players, Joe Shackelton and Greg Lott. Gus' daughter Gail took this picture so that I could stand next to possibly the most gratious and humble ledgendary coach I have ever met!"
Click Here to Read "The Chieftain Fourteen"!
A
History of Okemos Methodist/Community Church
by Dr. David S. Evans with Lyle Blackledge class of 1950
"A wonderful history of the church, congregation and area with added material by Ruth Stillman, Thelma Lamb and Mary Roney. This historical project was underwritten by the Breckenfeld family as a dedication to their parents, Helen and Dr. I.J. (Breck) Breckenfeld."
by Amy Huntley Okemos english teacher
Release date: September 16, 2009
"Madison Stanton doesn't know where she is or how she got there. But she does know this—she is dead. And alone, in a vast, dark space. The only company she has in this place are luminescent objects that turn out to be all the things Maddy lost while she was alive. And soon she discovers that with these artifacts, she can reexperience—and sometimes even change —moments from her life. Her first kiss. A trip to Disney World. Her sister's wedding. A disastrous sleepover. In reliving these moments, Maddy learns illuminating and sometimes frightening truths about her life—and death.
"This is a haunting and ultimately hopeful novel about the beauty of even the most insignificant moments—and the strength of true love even beyond death." Amazon
From the same author:
Christmas Lites VI - Release date: December 11, 2016
Christmas Lites VII - Release date: December 22, 2017
by Amy (Huxtable) Cousino, DVM class of 1971
"HOW TO COOK FOR YOUR PET is a cookbook written for all pet owners who love their pets. You can cook simple easy meals for your pet using these well-written recipes. Only basic cooking skills are needed. Kids 12 and up can make these meals with the supervision of an adult. All recipes are nutritionally sound for pets, not complex recipes more suited for human tastes. Many foods commonly eaten by people are unsafe for pets to eat. These recipes contain only foods safe for feeding pets. This cookbook has detailed information about foods unsafe for pets, so that the home cook can avoid them.
"The recent pet food recall gives us an urgent reason to home cook our pet's food. Many thousands of pets have died or have been sickened by commercially made pet foods. Now you, the pet owner, can control the quality and wholesomeness of your pet's food. Home made real foods prepared with care at home are more nutritious & digestible, not toxic, and taste better." Amazon
Janet Kalush Moore class of 1961
by Debbie Lincoln class of 1969
Release Date: October 1, 2014
* WINNER: Chanticleer 2013 Laramie Awards, Best in Category
* WILLA Silver Award: Women Writing the West, 2015 Willa Award for Historical Fiction
"I published my first novel (thank you, Mrs. Filkin!) on October 1 of last year. AGNES CANON’S WAR is the story of Agnes Canon and Jabez Robinson, my, great great grandparents, and their lives from crumbling about them in turbulent, pre-civil war Missouri. Published by Blank Slate Press of St. Louis and available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and the Capitol Area District Library (Ingham County) (thanks to Sky Tribell) and the Minneapolis Library (thanks to John Whitmore). If you’re interested in the Civil War and/or historical fiction, give it a try." Debbie
The Dance of the Elves and From the Forest to the Sea
by Andrew Linnell class of 1968
"Delightful childrens books that emerged from Andrew's creative imagination as a response to an "on demand" bedtime story while camping with his three year-old son. From the courageous elf finding the many wonders of nature, to adventure off the ocean beach, "this story intends to stimulate a child's interest and love for Nature and Her elemantal beings."
Katie Silvensky class of 2003 The Countdown Conspiracy
Katie, a scientist with the Museum of Science in Boston, shared her path to becoming a writer 
with OHS students in a special writers’ workshop on 9/28/17. She also visited with students at both Kinawa and Hiawatha (where she attended elementary school) and did a community outreach event at Schuler Books in Okemos. Pictured here is Katie with her book (right), along with OHS English teacher Amy Huntley, whom the author credits with challenging her to improve her writing.
by Betty (Liz Price) Reinertsen class of 1957
Published: August 2007
...a wonderful history of Chief Okemos, Okemos High School and the Class of 1957.
Images of America: Meridian Township
by Jane Rose, Meridian Township Historian
<Click here to Order the book>
<Click the Book to view the Okemos section>
Annotation and highlights by William "Bill" Breckenfeld '65
How Okemos Began: A Short History 
by Ruth Stillman, Okemos Historian
Published: 1956, Revised and re-issued in 1972 and 1980
Courtesy of the Capital Area Distric Library
Mark White Class of 1965
"Mark White is a real-life medical detective whose career has been spent investigating and controlling disease outbreaks in the US and internationally. This engaging book gives a personal and professional account of the trials, tribulations, successes, and failures of his varied undertakings in different countries."
Adventures of a Disease Detective
by Mark White class of 1965 and Zoe White
Release date: April 1, 2023
"When Mark White quit his job as head bubonic plague epidemiologist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, he moved to New York and fell in love with a beautiful Filipina nursing supervisor. They found themselves traveling the world training teams to fight epidemics and natural disasters, including Ebola virus, cholera, typhoid, malaria, AIDS, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions. They supervised evacuees from a giant volcanic eruption and earthquakes. Along the way, they lived through six military coups, a murder plot, and a near-fatal electrocution. Eventually, Mark returned to CDC to become Director of the Division of International Health. Adventures of a Disease Detective is his story." Amazon
Reviewed in the Lansing State Journal
by Mark White class of 1965 and Zoe White
Release date: April 15, 2024
"In a small town in New Mexico, babies given water from a spring sometimes turn blue and sicken. The obvious solution is to close the spring, but it is owned by the town mayor, who refuses. A weather lady, a lifestyle coach, and a detective named Doghouse Riley investigate and crack the case." Amazon
