Marco Polo Blackberry
Marco Polo Blackberry
Overview
Ginger Heller introduces her first novel - "Marco Polo Blackberry"Published: Friday, March 19, 2010A story about a 12-year old boy who earns half a million dollars trading stocks and commodities on the Internet without his parents knowledge seems a stretch of the imagination. The fact that he finds a way to take those profits and help children around the world is pushing the probability envelope even further. But, the title character of Greenwich resident Ginger Heller's new book for young adults, "Marco Polo Blackberry," does just that."All big things in this world are done by people who are naïve and have no idea that it is obviously impossible," Heller says, using a quotation she came across to explain her title character's abilities.Heller actually feels the quotation also defines the unlikelyhood of her becoming an author. But, Heller has brought to her book her experience of teaching middle schoolers, and her 20 years of trading in the stock and commodity markets to write what she called the first book for young readers that deals with economics.Heller dedicates her book to her husband Donald, "a person of vision; wise, yet daring," who is chairman of the Town's Planning and Zoning Commission. The two have four children and eight grandchildren, aged 8 to 20, a sizeable number of readers for Marco Polo Blackberry.To learn more about her new book, Marco Polo Blackberry, the Citizen asked Heller a few questions.What inspired you to write Marco Polo Blackberry?I had the need to write something that captured both of my distinct careers: as a trader of stocks and commodities, and as a teacher of children. I still am -- both.How long did the writing take?As the Queen of Hearts in `Alice and Wonderland' advised, --¦just begin at the beginning and when you came to the end, stop." That's what I did.How did you come up with your main character's name, Marco Polo Blackberry?Marco Polo was a famous world adventurer and Blackberry just sounded like fun.What is the book's main story line?Marco Polo Blackberry deals with the problems of children in third world countries. It's a story that concerns the universal issues of war, poverty, and disease and the children who are caught up in these tragedies. But it's also the story of hope, as Marco and his friends learn of the plight of those who are less fortunate and come to their rescue.What are its major themes?I see two major themes. The first one was perhaps best expressed by the 6th grade teacher, Jeanne Fachner, when she told me that a major idea in the book was, "To what extent does each of us have a moral responsibility to help others?" Mrs. Fachner and I have initiated a seminar series for her 6th grade class at Eastern Middle School where we cover these issues using "Marco Polo Blackberry" as the vehicle. She has even placed the theme, in bold, in a prominent spot in the front of her class room.Can you give an example?Sure, as the book begins, Hakim, an African boy is confronted with just such a problem: "Immediately Hakim knew. The men were kidnappers. He had heard about these bands of thugs who were snatching young boys and forcing them to become part of the militia, to become one of the vicious child soldiers of the region. `Ah,' he gasped as he saw them. Hakim lay down and flattened his body against the earth. Then he started to crawl towards the jeep..."And the other major theme?Hope, and the very real possibility that each of us, like 12-year-old Marco, can make a difference, one small step at a time.Where did you get the idea of using the book in a seminar series in the schools?I've always believed stories teach by attraction rather than compulsion. Through a story one can reach a child's heart and then perhaps have the potential to open the student's mind to the variety of possibilities.The story is an international one, involving characters from different parts of the world. What made you think of the idea of having children from six different continents communicate with each other?Why not? I've traveled extensively and love to converse with people from all different countries, why wouldn't the kids?What have you learned from your extensive traveling?It's surprising the more one travels the more one realizes that all of us are really much more alike than different. I wanted the children who read my story to appreciate this.Is there anything else about Marco Polo Blackberry that you'd like us to know?Perhaps it's best to hear from Marco in his own words: "I used to think that when I grew up I'd work somehow with dogs, (I totally love dogs) so maybe I'd be a vet, or I'd be a banker and handle lots of money. But now I think I'd like to be a world leader `cause the folks that are doing the job at this time, certainly need some help, and Auntie M. always says, `Marco, you're such a good thinker!'" --Greenwich Citizen, March, 19, 2010Description
Condition Guidelines
Books - New and Used
The following guidelines apply to books:
- New: A brand-new copy with cover and original protective wrapping intact. Books with markings of any kind on the cover or pages, books marked as "Bargain" or "Remainder," or with any other labels attached, may not be listed as New condition.
- Used - Good: All pages and cover are intact (including the dust cover, if applicable). Spine may show signs of wear. Pages may include limited notes and highlighting. May include "From the library of" labels. Shrink wrap, dust covers, or boxed set case may be missing. Item may be missing bundled media.
- Used - Acceptable: All pages and the cover are intact, but shrink wrap, dust covers, or boxed set case may be missing. Pages may include limited notes, highlighting, or minor water damage but the text is readable. Item may but the dust cover may be missing. Pages may include limited notes and highlighting, but the text cannot be obscured or unreadable.
Note: Some electronic material access codes are valid only for one user. For this reason, used books, including books listed in the Used – Like New condition, may not come with functional electronic material access codes.
Shipping & Delivery
Shipping Fees
- Stevens Books offers FREE SHIPPING everywhere in the United States for ALL non-book orders, and $3.99 for each book.
- Packages are shipped from Monday to Friday.
- No additional fees and charges.
Delivery Times
The usual time for processing an order is 24 hours (1 business day), but may vary depending on the availability of products ordered. This period excludes delivery times, which depend on your geographic location.
Estimated delivery times:
- Standard Shipping: 5-8 business days
- Expedited Shipping: 3-5 business days
Shipping method varies depending on what is being shipped.
Tracking
All orders are shipped with a tracking number. Once your order has left our warehouse, a confirmation e-mail with a tracking number will be sent to you. You will be able to track your package at all times.
Damaged Parcel
If your package has been delivered in a PO Box, please note that we are not responsible for any damage that may result (consequences of extreme temperatures, theft, etc.).
If you have any questions regarding shipping or want to know about the status of an order, please contact us or email to support@stevensbooks.com.
Returns & Refunds
You may return most items within 30 days of delivery for a full refund.
To be eligible for a return, your item must be unused and in the same condition that you received it. It must also be in the original packaging.
Several types of goods are exempt from being returned. Perishable goods such as food, flowers, newspapers or magazines cannot be returned. We also do not accept products that are intimate or sanitary goods, hazardous materials, or flammable liquids or gases.
Additional non-returnable items:
- Gift cards
- Downloadable software products
- Some health and personal care items
To complete your return, we require a tracking number, which shows the items which you already returned to us.
There are certain situations where only partial refunds are granted (if applicable)
- Book with obvious signs of use
- CD, DVD, VHS tape, software, video game, cassette tape, or vinyl record that has been opened
- Any item not in its original condition, is damaged or missing parts for reasons not due to our error
- Any item that is returned more than 30 days after delivery
Items returned to us as a result of our error will receive a full refund,some returns may be subject to a restocking fee of 7% of the total item price, please contact a customer care team member to see if your return is subject. Returns that arrived on time and were as described are subject to a restocking fee.
Items returned to us that were not the result of our error, including items returned to us due to an invalid or incomplete address, will be refunded the original item price less our standard restocking fees.
If the item is returned to us for any of the following reasons, a 15% restocking fee will be applied to your refund total and you will be asked to pay for return shipping:
- Item(s) no longer needed or wanted.
- Item(s) returned to us due to an invalid or incomplete address.
- Item(s) returned to us that were not a result of our error.
You should expect to receive your refund within four weeks of giving your package to the return shipper, however, in many cases you will receive a refund more quickly. This time period includes the transit time for us to receive your return from the shipper (5 to 10 business days), the time it takes us to process your return once we receive it (3 to 5 business days), and the time it takes your bank to process our refund request (5 to 10 business days).
If you need to return an item, please Contact Us with your order number and details about the product you would like to return. We will respond quickly with instructions for how to return items from your order.
Shipping Cost
We'll pay the return shipping costs if the return is a result of our error (you received an incorrect or defective item, etc.). In other cases, you will be responsible for paying for your own shipping costs for returning your item. Shipping costs are non-refundable. If you receive a refund, the cost of return shipping will be deducted from your refund.
Depending on where you live, the time it may take for your exchanged product to reach you, may vary.
If you are shipping an item over $75, you should consider using a trackable shipping service or purchasing shipping insurance. We don’t guarantee that we will receive your returned item.
Overview
Ginger Heller introduces her first novel - "Marco Polo Blackberry"Published: Friday, March 19, 2010A story about a 12-year old boy who earns half a million dollars trading stocks and commodities on the Internet without his parents knowledge seems a stretch of the imagination. The fact that he finds a way to take those profits and help children around the world is pushing the probability envelope even further. But, the title character of Greenwich resident Ginger Heller's new book for young adults, "Marco Polo Blackberry," does just that."All big things in this world are done by people who are naïve and have no idea that it is obviously impossible," Heller says, using a quotation she came across to explain her title character's abilities.Heller actually feels the quotation also defines the unlikelyhood of her becoming an author. But, Heller has brought to her book her experience of teaching middle schoolers, and her 20 years of trading in the stock and commodity markets to write what she called the first book for young readers that deals with economics.Heller dedicates her book to her husband Donald, "a person of vision; wise, yet daring," who is chairman of the Town's Planning and Zoning Commission. The two have four children and eight grandchildren, aged 8 to 20, a sizeable number of readers for Marco Polo Blackberry.To learn more about her new book, Marco Polo Blackberry, the Citizen asked Heller a few questions.What inspired you to write Marco Polo Blackberry?I had the need to write something that captured both of my distinct careers: as a trader of stocks and commodities, and as a teacher of children. I still am -- both.How long did the writing take?As the Queen of Hearts in `Alice and Wonderland' advised, --¦just begin at the beginning and when you came to the end, stop." That's what I did.How did you come up with your main character's name, Marco Polo Blackberry?Marco Polo was a famous world adventurer and Blackberry just sounded like fun.What is the book's main story line?Marco Polo Blackberry deals with the problems of children in third world countries. It's a story that concerns the universal issues of war, poverty, and disease and the children who are caught up in these tragedies. But it's also the story of hope, as Marco and his friends learn of the plight of those who are less fortunate and come to their rescue.What are its major themes?I see two major themes. The first one was perhaps best expressed by the 6th grade teacher, Jeanne Fachner, when she told me that a major idea in the book was, "To what extent does each of us have a moral responsibility to help others?" Mrs. Fachner and I have initiated a seminar series for her 6th grade class at Eastern Middle School where we cover these issues using "Marco Polo Blackberry" as the vehicle. She has even placed the theme, in bold, in a prominent spot in the front of her class room.Can you give an example?Sure, as the book begins, Hakim, an African boy is confronted with just such a problem: "Immediately Hakim knew. The men were kidnappers. He had heard about these bands of thugs who were snatching young boys and forcing them to become part of the militia, to become one of the vicious child soldiers of the region. `Ah,' he gasped as he saw them. Hakim lay down and flattened his body against the earth. Then he started to crawl towards the jeep..."And the other major theme?Hope, and the very real possibility that each of us, like 12-year-old Marco, can make a difference, one small step at a time.Where did you get the idea of using the book in a seminar series in the schools?I've always believed stories teach by attraction rather than compulsion. Through a story one can reach a child's heart and then perhaps have the potential to open the student's mind to the variety of possibilities.The story is an international one, involving characters from different parts of the world. What made you think of the idea of having children from six different continents communicate with each other?Why not? I've traveled extensively and love to converse with people from all different countries, why wouldn't the kids?What have you learned from your extensive traveling?It's surprising the more one travels the more one realizes that all of us are really much more alike than different. I wanted the children who read my story to appreciate this.Is there anything else about Marco Polo Blackberry that you'd like us to know?Perhaps it's best to hear from Marco in his own words: "I used to think that when I grew up I'd work somehow with dogs, (I totally love dogs) so maybe I'd be a vet, or I'd be a banker and handle lots of money. But now I think I'd like to be a world leader `cause the folks that are doing the job at this time, certainly need some help, and Auntie M. always says, `Marco, you're such a good thinker!'" --Greenwich Citizen, March, 19, 2010Description
Condition Guidelines
Books - New and Used
The following guidelines apply to books:
- New: A brand-new copy with cover and original protective wrapping intact. Books with markings of any kind on the cover or pages, books marked as "Bargain" or "Remainder," or with any other labels attached, may not be listed as New condition.
- Used - Good: All pages and cover are intact (including the dust cover, if applicable). Spine may show signs of wear. Pages may include limited notes and highlighting. May include "From the library of" labels. Shrink wrap, dust covers, or boxed set case may be missing. Item may be missing bundled media.
- Used - Acceptable: All pages and the cover are intact, but shrink wrap, dust covers, or boxed set case may be missing. Pages may include limited notes, highlighting, or minor water damage but the text is readable. Item may but the dust cover may be missing. Pages may include limited notes and highlighting, but the text cannot be obscured or unreadable.
Note: Some electronic material access codes are valid only for one user. For this reason, used books, including books listed in the Used – Like New condition, may not come with functional electronic material access codes.
Shipping & Delivery
Shipping Fees
- Stevens Books offers FREE SHIPPING everywhere in the United States for ALL non-book orders, and $3.99 for each book.
- Packages are shipped from Monday to Friday.
- No additional fees and charges.
Delivery Times
The usual time for processing an order is 24 hours (1 business day), but may vary depending on the availability of products ordered. This period excludes delivery times, which depend on your geographic location.
Estimated delivery times:
- Standard Shipping: 5-8 business days
- Expedited Shipping: 3-5 business days
Shipping method varies depending on what is being shipped.
Tracking
All orders are shipped with a tracking number. Once your order has left our warehouse, a confirmation e-mail with a tracking number will be sent to you. You will be able to track your package at all times.
Damaged Parcel
If your package has been delivered in a PO Box, please note that we are not responsible for any damage that may result (consequences of extreme temperatures, theft, etc.).
If you have any questions regarding shipping or want to know about the status of an order, please contact us or email to support@stevensbooks.com.
Returns & Refunds
You may return most items within 30 days of delivery for a full refund.
To be eligible for a return, your item must be unused and in the same condition that you received it. It must also be in the original packaging.
Several types of goods are exempt from being returned. Perishable goods such as food, flowers, newspapers or magazines cannot be returned. We also do not accept products that are intimate or sanitary goods, hazardous materials, or flammable liquids or gases.
Additional non-returnable items:
- Gift cards
- Downloadable software products
- Some health and personal care items
To complete your return, we require a tracking number, which shows the items which you already returned to us.
There are certain situations where only partial refunds are granted (if applicable)
- Book with obvious signs of use
- CD, DVD, VHS tape, software, video game, cassette tape, or vinyl record that has been opened
- Any item not in its original condition, is damaged or missing parts for reasons not due to our error
- Any item that is returned more than 30 days after delivery
Items returned to us as a result of our error will receive a full refund,some returns may be subject to a restocking fee of 7% of the total item price, please contact a customer care team member to see if your return is subject. Returns that arrived on time and were as described are subject to a restocking fee.
Items returned to us that were not the result of our error, including items returned to us due to an invalid or incomplete address, will be refunded the original item price less our standard restocking fees.
If the item is returned to us for any of the following reasons, a 15% restocking fee will be applied to your refund total and you will be asked to pay for return shipping:
- Item(s) no longer needed or wanted.
- Item(s) returned to us due to an invalid or incomplete address.
- Item(s) returned to us that were not a result of our error.
You should expect to receive your refund within four weeks of giving your package to the return shipper, however, in many cases you will receive a refund more quickly. This time period includes the transit time for us to receive your return from the shipper (5 to 10 business days), the time it takes us to process your return once we receive it (3 to 5 business days), and the time it takes your bank to process our refund request (5 to 10 business days).
If you need to return an item, please Contact Us with your order number and details about the product you would like to return. We will respond quickly with instructions for how to return items from your order.
Shipping Cost
We'll pay the return shipping costs if the return is a result of our error (you received an incorrect or defective item, etc.). In other cases, you will be responsible for paying for your own shipping costs for returning your item. Shipping costs are non-refundable. If you receive a refund, the cost of return shipping will be deducted from your refund.
Depending on where you live, the time it may take for your exchanged product to reach you, may vary.
If you are shipping an item over $75, you should consider using a trackable shipping service or purchasing shipping insurance. We don’t guarantee that we will receive your returned item.
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