Introducing War Kids, a Young Adult Novel about Syria

Hayley Lawson is the author of War Kids, a young adult contemporary novel set in Syria which tells a story about the Syrian Civil war though the eyes of children. Today (March 27. 2014) is the official launch of Hayley's Kickstarter campaign to support the publication of War Kids.

Hayley was born in Lancaster, England. Growing up in a single parent household with five other siblings was hard and also character building. Diagnosed with dyslexia at an early age, she always believed if you work hard, you can do anything you want. If she didn't know how to do something, she would research until she did.

As a young child, Hayley found a passion for drawing and continued this into adulthood, graduating from the University of Central Lancashire, England with a BA (Hons) in fashion design. At age 27, Hayley and her husband packed up their belongings for a lifelong dream to move to California. Her American dream was complete with the birth of her daughter. Her love for traveling continued after the birth of her daughter traveling around America with the family, and the best-traveled dog.

A new job positioned opened up New York, and the family decide to relocate to Long Island, NY, which is where she currently resides. On August 21, 2013, Hayley was moved by the images of the Syrian conflict, and she embarked on a unlikely journey of writing her first novel.

She is currently working on the War Kids sequel, a comedy for adults, and a children's book she is co-writing with her daughter.

- Synopsis of War Kids -

When a fourteen-year-old Jada wakes up in a hospital, the last thing she thinks is that her life has completely changed forever. But when the very real civil war forces her to flee from every open space, she must use the firearm skills her father taught her to reunite with him and protect herself.

Armed with a single gun and a key to an unknown locker, Jada crosses Syria on a journey with a group of children called the Fearless Freedom Fighters. With the leader, Zak, they mount a plan to rescue their fathers while they try to cope with the merciless murders of their families. As Jada and Zak lead the group together, but with soldiers hot on their tail, they need to stay vigilant in the face of war.

To help fund the contemporary young adult novel War Kids - A Syrian Story, visit the Kickstarter Campaign page here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/warkids/war-kids-a-syrian-story.

Meet Dr. Hicham Riba, Author and Sustainable Living Enthusiast

Dr. Hicham Riba is a practicing dentist in the United States who graduated from New York University in 1994, and from Tishreen University in Syria in 1989. He is currently an Assistant Professor in the King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Dr. Riba has also been a realtor in the state of Illinois since 2007 and is certified in real estate investments from various real estate institutions in the United States. He is an avid sustainable living enthusiast and author of Innovative Approaches to Sustainable Design: The Riba Green City Model.

1. How did you first become interested in sustainable design?

I've always had an interest in architecture and design. Of course when you have children, if you weren't before, you become much more concerned about the environment. I became hyper-aware of the environmental messes my children would be forced to deal with in the future, not to mention their children, my grandchildren--everyone's.

2. What inspired you to write Innovative Approaches to Sustainable Design: The Riba Green City Model?

It was the war in Syria. Amidst the heartbreaking daily reports of loss of life and devastating destruction, somehow green ideas began to sprout in my mind. These ideas multiplied by the day, and soon I simply could not shake the hope for a new, green, thriving Syria. In time, the opportunity to rebuild would present itself. We needed to be prepared. Instead of consumers, I sincerely believe each one of us possesses the ability to become a producer utilizing the best technology available and shedding our dependence on fossil fuels.

3. Would you tell us a little bit about your "green city model"?

It's a practical guide to creating a completely sustainable and agricultural city. I thoroughly explore all aspects of renewable energy and how we can apply them in every area from the individual housing units to the blocks, neighborhoods, communities, and throughout the entire city.

4. What are some things you do in your own life to be mindful of the environment and live in a more sustainable way?

I recycle, buy local whenever I can, blog, talk to my kids about the environment, and try my best to be a good example, because that is what they'll remember above all else.

5. How do you combine your work as a dentist with your interest in sustainable design?

In the workplace we are paperless. Everything is digital. The office design is also very agronomic, and we use green companies whenever we have the opportunity.

Thanks, Dr. Riba!