Falls graduate writes children’s book

Giles is the daughter of Jerry and Teri Carlson, and the sister of Jeff Carlson, all of the Falls. Giles’ grandparents are Alton and Carole Valtinson.

Giles will be in the Falls on July 7 at City Drug to sign copies of the book for which she received a NABE Pinnacle Book Award for Achievement in Children’s Literature. The signing is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

She is also the author of “Reflections on Life’s Lessons,” a collection of poetry which was dedicated to the memory of her friend, the late Heather Ness of the Falls. Giles now lives with her husband and son Aidan Andrew in Lake Jackson, Texas.

Giles began writing poems at the age of 12, she told The Journal, adding that much of what she writes emanates from the growing years in Borderland. She noted that encouragement and praise from her family, as well as a local seventh-grade teacher promoted her desire to write.

Now a teacher herself, Giles began writing for children just two years ago. The author said her book, “How High Can You Fly?” teaches kids that being different is special.

“A lot of my students throughout the past nine years have suffered under the hands of bullies,” Giles said. “... knowing first-hand how difficult other kids’ actions can make things, it was important for me to find a way to let kids know that we are all different for special reasons.

“I also want my son to grow up respecting the differences and uniqueness of everyone around him,” Giles added. “I want him, and others, to be able to cherish the rainbow (different ethnicities, different abilities, etc.) of people around him.”

Giles said the inspirations for poetry she has written came from the deep bonds she feels with family members. “Their love for me, and for one another, provides me with the tools needed to write that ‘unforgettable’ poem.

“My students and my son also inspire me to continue writing, and to take it to another level by inspiring young kids to strive for their dreams.”

Giles has won the International Society of Poetry Editor’s Choice Awards in 2002, 2004, 2005, and 2007; and Best Poems and Poets of 2007. The author says she has been published in several poetry anthologies since 1994.

She received a bachelor’s degree from Bemidji State University in 2000 and a masters degree in mathematics in 2009. She is currently working on completing her principal certification.

Giles is also working on her second childrens' book.

NABE, the North American Book dealers Exchange, originator of the Pinnacle Book Achievement Awards, helps publishers market and promote their books. AuthorHouse is a book publisher for emerging, self-published authors.

If you go

WHAT: Book signing of children’s book, “How High Can You Fly” by Christina (Carlson) Giles

WHEN: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday

WHERE: City Drug in the Falls