Mary Elizabeth Bakers Books on Books.by

About The Book

"Norman and His Neighborhood Stars" is a heartwarming children's book that follows the journey of a 9-year-old boy named Norman. Despite being bullied at school because of his red hair and freckles, Norman finds comfort and strength in the loving friendships he develops with his neighbors. Each neighbor represents a different aspect of kindness and resilience:

1. Mr. Chen: An Asian Pediatrician who shares healing stories and wise advice, teaching Norman the importance of caring for others.

2. Mr. Wilson: An African American Police Officer who emphasizes the significance of kindness and respect in their community.

3. Ms. Baker: A retired school teacher who cares for her invalid sister, teaching Norman about bravery and compassion.

4. Mrs. Smith: A Teacher for Special Education children who shows Norman the value of understanding and accepting differences.

Norman's visits to his neighbors become a source of inspiration and hope, helping him believe in his own uniqueness. He shares the stories he hears with his family, strengthening their bonds. As Norman's confidence grows, he becomes a beacon of kindness at school, slowly changing the atmosphere and encouraging his classmates to treat each other with respect.

The book beautifully illustrates the transformative power of genuine friendships, the importance of embracing diversity, and the resilience that can be found within a caring community. Through Norman's experiences, readers are reminded that acts of kindness, understanding, and love have the ability to shine brightly, illuminating even the darkest corners of our lives.

Author, Songwriter, Marine Corps Veteran, Mother and Grandmother

Mary Elizabeth Baker is a Marine Corps Veteran, author, and motivational speaker with more than 30 years of leadership experience in the mortgage and finance industry. A former upper-level sales executive, she led, trained, and mentored hundreds of professionals, helping them take command of their careers, finances, and personal responsibility. Her no-excuses approach to leadership was forged during eight years of service in U.S. Marine Corps aviation, where discipline, accountability, and resilience were not optional—they were survival skills. That foundation shaped her career in corporate leadership, where she became known not just for managing teams, but for transforming them. Mary specialized in developing mental toughness, instilling personal accountability, and teaching individuals how to build real financial stability in a results-driven world. As a sought-after motivational speaker and sales trainer, Mary has coached professionals across multiple industries, challenging them to abandon victimhood, break free from limiting beliefs, and adopt the habits required for long-term success. Her work emphasizes self-discipline, responsibility, and leadership—principles she believes are essential not only in business, but in life, relationships, and family. Now retired from the corporate world, Mary devotes her time to writing and speaking, using her lived experience to confront cultural myths and restore truth, balance, and accountability. Her books span self-improvement, financial literacy, cultural commentary, and fiction, all united by a common thread: the belief that strong individuals build strong families—and strong families build strong societies. Mary lives by the principles that shaped her life and career: discipline, resilience, accountability, faith, and an unwavering commitment to personal responsibility.

Norman and the Neighborhood Stars

About The Book

Mary Elizabeth Bakers Books

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