J.O. Salls, Author

Nov 16, 2010 by Vicki

FIRST YEAR, A Novel by J.O. Salls

Like his parents, J.O. Salls pursued a career in education. He taught English in Wisconsin and Minnesota high schools for 19 years. For another 19 years he taught in Hawaii in classrooms ranging from middle school through community college. His wife taught elementary school for 34 years. They continue to strongly support public education, its teachers and students.

His life-long association with schools brings genuine warmth, affection and a passion for public education to his writing, along with insights into how schools and their inhabitants cope and sometimes prosper between moments of despair and pure exhilaration.

A native of Minnesota, father of two, grandfather of 13, teacher of thousands, John lives with his wife Lila on the shores of Big Stone Lake in Ortonville, MN.

About the book:

Robert Baker’s first year of high school teaching in the fictional town of Blue Lake is the most difficult year of his life. Robert is lost in a whirlwind of challenges the school faces – escalating enrollment, an overwhelmed staff, a contentious school board and students in turmoil. First Year interweaves the story of Robert Baker’s battle for survival with those of his students and colleagues during a tumultuous school year in which lives are altered forever.