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Volleyball Children’s Book Author Julia Cook Named Finalist for AEP Award Bill Kauffman COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (March 27, 2008) – Julia Cook, author of the book entitled “My Mom Thinks She’s My Volleyball Coach…But She’s Not,” has been named a finalist for the 2008 Distinguished Achievement Award (DAA) in the Specialized Audience Instruction category. The DAA awards are presented by the Association of Educational Publishers. 
The 2007 published book, which gives 5 percent of its profits back to USA Volleyball, provides a humorous reminder for parents about sports etiquette relating to volleyball. “This book was so much fun to write!” Cook said. “I am thrilled that it is being considered for such a high honor!” Cook’s inspiration to write the book came from watching her daughter Courtney play for River City Volleyball Club and attending several club tournaments over the years. She took notice of the coach-parent relationships that were being displayed at these events and decided to write about the subject in the form of a children’s book that could also send a message to parents. “This book was inspired by my daughter, who plays club volleyball and reminds me frequently that I am not her coach,” Cook said. “While sitting at a USA Volleyball junior tournament, I had the opportunity to interview about 50 observing coaches. I asked them each two questions: ‘What do parents do that drives you crazy?’ and ‘What does a good volleyball parent look like?’ I was surprised by the fact that all of their answers were very similar. I was even more surprised and a bit embarrassed when I realized that some of the things that I was doing were mentioned. It’s hard to be a good parent!” In addition to online sales of the book through a portal on the USA Volleyball website, Cook has sold the publication at table stands at various USA Volleyball events. The book can be purchased online at by clicking here. “USA Volleyball is proud to be involved in the creation of this book and have our name associated with it,” USA Volleyball Secretary General Kerry Klostermann said. “A ‘must read’ for all parents and children that combines humor with poignant, on-target messages.” 
Courtney Cook, Julia Cook’s daughter, plays on River City 181, despite being sophomore at Fremont Bergan High School (Neb.). She attended the 2007 USA Volleyball Youth Holiday Camp at Pomona, Calif. “I love this book,” U.S. Women’s National Team Head Coach ‘Jenny’ Lang Ping said. “It’s great for all volleyball parents, including me. We need to make volleyball fun for our children, believe in the coaches, and always cheer for the team.” “Julia Cook has captured the heart and soul of what is happening with many of us as we watch our kids compete in the volleyball arena,” said Mick Haley, current University of Southern California women’s volleyball coach and 2000 U.S. Women’s Olympic Team head coach. “How better to show us what an impact we have on our kids through such a fun publication. A required reading for all of us who have kids playing youth sports.” Finalists for the DAA were chosen from over 850 entries. The AEP will present the winners at its 2008 Annual Awards Banquet & Gala held June 6 at the JW Marriott Hotel in Washington, D.C. The event is a black-tie banquet and is the hallmark for excellence in the education industry and honors the very best in educational publishing. AEP has presented the awards for the past 41 years. The Distinguished Achievement Awards (DAAs) honor the top products within the categories of curriculum, periodicals and professional development. The DAAs are evaluated on traits such as efficacy, usability and overall educational value and judged by an expert panel of educators, editors, designers, and technology specialists. Winners are chosen based upon a product's efficacy and fulfillment of its educational mission--in other words, how well it accomplishes what it sets out to do. About Association of Educational Publishers AEP Mission Statement |
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