Amazon Category:  Young Adult/Teen Publisher: Infinity Publishing ISBN-10:  0741429527 Type: Fiction Pages: 137 Copyright: January 2006 Price: $12.00 (eBook) WINNER OF A Shelf Unbound Magazine 2019 BEST NOTABLE BEST INDIE AWARD, "Kaurlin's Disciples" starts in the turbulent summer of 1969. Propelled by another failed attempt at confronting her badgering, domineering father, Madelyn Judson runs from her parents' lakeside cottage in tears. She's a seventeen-year-old high school senior who is indecisive about her future and incapable of standing up to her demanding and demeaning father. That is until she stops to catch her breath and meets young dynamic high school English teacher, Mark Kaurlin. She struggles to resist the unrequited 'crush' she develops on him and to reach a stronger belief in herself as she becomes one of the Kaurlin's student 'disciples'. Kaurlin's own struggle becomes his battle against the school administrators, led by Madelyn's own father, the mayor, who are bent on firing him because of his rebellious ways.         Excerpt "Madelyn," Mark said, pacing to the middle of the living room. "We both have to second guess our fathers' points of view, just like the civil rights marchers and anti-war protestors are second-guessing the status quo that they are challenging. Just because they're authorities doesn't mean they're always right. Just because it's the way we think doesn't mean it's the way we should keep thinking."

A New Teacher, A New LIfe
by Alyssa Feller, reviewer for YABooksCentral.com.

"Kaurlin's Disciples": A story about discovering your true self...both young and old will root for Madelyn (the protagonist) as she searches for her place in life.

The late 1960s: a time of chaos, discovery, hope and fear. The country rages with the Vietnam War, Civil Rights Movement, and the Beatles. With the landing of a man on the moon, the whole world feels like it is expanding infinitely. Life is a different story for Madelyn Judson. Daughter of Bradshaw’s prominent mayor, she has spent her entire life under her father’s ruling thumb. Disgusted with her submission and inability to do anything to stand up to her father, Madelyn’s life is full of painful emotions and turmoil. Unable to decide her direction in life, Madelyn is about to give up hope… that is until she meets Mark Kaurlin. Kaurlin is the newest English teacher at Bradshaw High. Fresh out of college and full of new ideas, he helps Madelyn discover a self-confidence she never knew she had. Quickly developing a crush on the charismatic teacher, Madelyn is surprised when Kaurlin quickly rebuffs her feelings for him. Although she no longer has a crush on the teacher, she still feels drawn to him. As the school year wears on, Kaurlin has more and more of an effect on his new students. He soon develops a group of student followers, or “disciples,” not only including Madelyn, but the daughter of the most influential person in the school district. As more and more tension build between Kaurlin and the school administration over this new group, Madelyn must summon her strength to save not only her confidence, but Mr. Kaurlin’s job. With an interesting plot and a unique writing style, Kaurlin’s Disciples is more than enough to keep readers entertained. END $e




Four Stars
Reviewed by novelist/playwright, Joyce K. Walsh (3/8/2006)

"Kaurlin's Disciples" captures the dramatic tension of 1960s’America between the younger generation’s idealism and the entrenched generation’s status quo. Using the familiar setting of a classroom to explore these themes, author DeCicco’s story evokes all the emotions of a teenage woman caught between her first love—a rebellious teacher—and the repressive authority of the school superintendent, the mayor, and even her own father. Through this conflict, Madelyn’s journey towards womanhood and independence is portrayed with insight and genuine feeling.

Allbook.com Review
Is Mark Kaurlin a teacher, mentor, or rebellious activist?
This is the question the school board is asking itself. Unorthodox in his methods, yet effective, he has attracted a group of students who have gravitated to this new teacher much to the chagrin of their parents and school board trustees. The first of these 'disciples', Madelyn is a confused teen facing issues that face many of us during these hormone-controlled years. Her father overwhelms her and she is unable to speak her mind. Not only is he on the school board, but he is also the Mayor of the town they live in. His position further complicates her relationship with the new teacher while she tries to decide where her life is going and what profession she wants to pursue. Katie lives with her alcoholic father and sees no light at the end of her tunnel. Mark shows her the way out. Richie Caron is creative, imaginative and has a huge crush on Madelyn. His cousin Alden is egotistical and looking for a cause. This strange group of characters find themselves together in Mark Kaurlin's after-school Rap Sessions. A rock band is formed and a school dramatic production is planned. Will the girls' father intervene and have Kaurlin fired? Will Madelyn follow her heart? Author Michael J. DeCicco shows a depth of understanding of the teen psyche. The characters are believable, show realistic concerns and emotions, and young readers will easily identify with them. Although the story is set in the tumultous 1960's, the life lessons learned in the book still apply in today's modern world.
Recommended for young and older teens. -- Reviewer Shirley Roe, Allbooks Review.