What Longfellow Heard


What Longfellow Heard

Step into the world of America’s most beloved poet in this sweeping historical novel that illuminates not just the man, but the art, words, and struggles that defined his age.

Across twelve years of immersive research, Jon Nappa uncovered the inspiring and deeply moving story of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow—a story of brilliance and sorrow, triumph and loss, love and perseverance. What Longfellow Heard traces his life from the tender influences of childhood through his rise to international fame, set against the tumultuous backdrop of a nation increasingly divided.

Through intimate glimpses of Longfellow’s letters, journals, and friendships, readers are invited into the heart and mind of a man whose verses shaped generations. But this is not only the portrait of a poet—it is the journey of a human soul navigating grief, faith, family, and the search for meaning. As Longfellow listens to the rhythms of life around him—the whispers of the sea, the cadences of languages, the cries of a fractured country—he channels them into a poetic art that still echoes today.

Richly detailed and deeply moving, What Longfellow Heard is a novel for lovers of literature, history, and the creative spirit. It offers not only a window into Longfellow’s genius, but a mirror for our own times, reminding us that even in darkness, poetry and beauty can help light the way forward.

Quotes
“Nappa's first-person prose is earthy and rich, yet highly polished. The narrative voice is so authentic that the period-appropriate language does not distract from the book's liveliness or humor. Dialogue is a particular strength, as Nappa's fine ear brings animation and individuality to every character, including those with the smallest parts to play. The emotional depth of Nappa's work makes it feel original and enlightening. Pitch-perfect in its voice and deeply sympathetic to its title character, the novel is an engaging and vivid portrait of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's journey from childhood to immortality.”
The 2017 Booklife Prize, Publisher's Weekly
“Jon Nappa's Longfellow is remarkable. The book does an amazing job of humanizing Henry. It works brilliantly.”
Shaye Areheart, Publisher of the Shaye Areheart imprint of Crown Books
“Henry comes vibrantly to life in these pages, and the way Nappa massages in Longfellow's poetry and writing process is very deft.”
Richard Russo, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Empire Falls and many other best selling books
“Really good book, couldn't put it down.”
Nancy W., Verified Reader
“This book is brilliantly conceived and beautifully written. Nappa has seemingly captured the essence of Longfellow and allowed us to see deep into his soul. It felt as if Nappa became the poet himself. Prior to reading, I only had a modicum of knowledge of the great poet but now feel like I truly know him. This has inspired me to read Longfellow's great works. Great books are hard to put down, and this was hard to put down. A great read!”
Matt R., Verified Reader
“As a former teacher at Longfellow School, this book illuminated what we taught and learned about Henry. The first person point of view was fresh and his voice clearly came through. Well researched and authentic. Loved it!”
Susan F. Bean, Verified Reader
“I knew almost nothing of Longfellow before I read this book, and now I not only know about his life and works, but Longfellow as a person, a human. The book flows easily from page to page as Longfellow not only leads us along his life, but gives us his thoughts, feelings and insights. I highly recommend this wonderful book that tells us the life story of an incredible man and his world from the inside looking out.”
Joseph W., Verified Reader
“This book is fantastic. You feel that Jon Nappa is actually Longfellow. I highly recommend.”
Unnamed, Verified Reader
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  • 342 pages
  • Paperback
  • 6in × 9in
  • Black & White

Storm Warriors

For everyone whoever wanted to save anyone but was afraid


Storm Warriors
by Jon Nappa

The year is the mid-1800s. Off the treacherous Goodwin Sands near Ramsgate, England, the sea shows no mercy. Ships vanish overnight, dashed to pieces by storms, leaving crews and passengers at the mercy of the waves. But from the heart of tragedy rises a new breed of hero: the storm warriors — lifeboat men who dare impossible odds to save strangers in desperate need.

At the center of Jon Nappa’s powerful novel stands Lionel Lukin, a man haunted by personal loss yet determined to ensure others are spared the same fate. His vision for a new kind of lifeboat collides with the daily courage of ordinary seamen who risk everything to fight the sea’s fury. Inspired by true rescues recorded by Reverend John Gilmore in the 19th century, Storm Warriors blends historical fact and dramatic storytelling into a sweeping tale of endurance, mercy, and redemption.

Through blinding snow, howling gales, and crashing seas, readers experience the lifeboat launches, the harrowing rescues, and the unshakable faith that gave these men their name. More than an adventure, Storm Warriors asks timeless questions: What drives a person to risk their life for another? What does it take to turn tragedy into triumph?

Equal parts historical novel, maritime epic, and moral parable, Storm Warriors immerses readers in the forgotten world of the Goodwin Sands — where compassion battled chaos, and where men armed only with courage became legends.

Quotes
“An inspiring, courageous, action-packed story around a common-man hero.”
Anne Marie Gillen, executive producer, Fried Green Tomatoes
“Experience firsthand the struggle of characters who must overcome fear with faith as they turn trials into triumphs. I highly recommend this novel to readers of all ages.”
Bill Ewing, producer, End of the Spear
“It has been a long time since I have picked up a book that touches my heart so deeply that I am inspired to make changes in my own life. From the very beginning Jon Nappa captures your senses. So descriptive, I felt as if I were on the rocking ships and sharing an ale with the Storm Warriors at Cannon's! I went from crying to cheering as I read this book without being able to set it down. In my opinion, the greatest accomplishment in the writing of this book is the question you are led to ask yourself. It is the same question Lionel Lukin asked, "Must it be that only by suffering personal tragedy will a man at last be moved to answer the cries around him?" (pg. 226) As I set it down, tears in my eyes, I realized that I must personally be a Storm Warrior and reach out to people who need me. We can all make a difference! With highest recommendation, I urge you to pick up this book and become absorbed in it!”
Amanda Wilkinson, Verified Reader
“Nappa is a master storyteller. His extensive character development combines with remarkably natural dialogue to create a powerfully emotional page turner, which will keep you up late nights, and will have you contemplating the true meaning of heroism long after you turn the final page.”
Andrew Fiumano, Verified Reader
“If you love words and the power they have to bring life, then you will love this story. In this "microwave society" it is so nice to finally find an author who is willing to take his time and make every word count. I found myself questioning all the imaginary lines I've allowed to be placed around my life as I dove into the icy cold water with Lionel Lukin himself. Refreshing it has been to dream again!”
Paul Mendocino, Verified Reader
“Simply put this is 5 star winner. It was inspirational, convicting, hopeful, and encouraging! I would recommend this book to anyone of any age or gender.”
ReadersRock, Verified Reader
“Inspired by nineteenth-century heroics, this compelling story and vivid descriptions placed me in the center of an action-packed drama of conflict, loss, sacrificial love, and enduring courage. My senses were engaged while my mind pondered the making of a modern-day hero. In challenging, dangerous circumstances demanding personal sacrifice, how would I respond? A good book continues to echo its message within the heart long after the last page is read. Storm Warriors does!”
Jenni, Verified Reader
“Storm Warriors Rocks! Two words; impressed and touched. I just finished reading this and though it took a few minutes to get the tears to stop, I have to tell you I am impressed with the skills of the author. I was captivated from the beginning and looked forward with great anticipation each and every time I found the time to read more. The story of Lionel Lukin, his loss, his success, his miracle was deeply touching, and the story within the story of Arthur and Edward was equally touching. "...brought here on a coach of your own making does this night come the answer to the ache of your broken heart." Simply amazing work Mr. Nappa....amazing indeed.”
Michael Conner, Verified Reader
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  • 278 pages
  • Paperback
  • 6in × 9in
  • Black & White

Storm Survivors

Inspired by true events


Storm Survivors by Jon Nappa is a stirring historical novel inspired by the incredible true story of Sir William Hillary and the founding of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. Set in the 1800s, it follows the journey of a visionary who risks everything—wealth, safety, and reputation—in pursuit of a calling greater than himself. Against the backdrop of violent seas and shipwrecks, Nappa delivers a tale of sacrifice, endurance, and hope that explores what it truly means to succeed when every outward effort seems to fail. Both action-packed and deeply moving, Storm Survivors is a story of storms faced on the water and in the human heart, and of the courage it takes to see beyond despair to the possibility of redemption.

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  • 372 pages
  • Paperback
  • 6in × 9in
  • Black & White

The Logbooks of Admiral Jake

Featuring Matey and the Mighty Sailors


After a devastating pirate raid, young Matey and her brother Buck are thrust into the mysterious River of Dreams. Swept far from their home, they encounter wondrous allies and dangerous foes—among them grieving Flyers, enigmatic dwarves, a wise tree-being called Mister Willow, and a storyteller whose cryptic guidance hints at their destiny. Shadowing their journey is Admiral Ash, a double realm-roving pirate whose grip of fear and deceit spreads across the seas.

Aided by the grieving warrior Gunther and guided by the enigmatic Captain Jake, Matey and Buck are drawn into a mysterious struggle that tests loyalty, courage, and faith. They uncover the living logbooks of Admiral Jake, a legacy that records and even shapes unfolding events as they occur. Through battles, trials, and moments of wonder, Matey grows into her calling, ultimately leading to an unexpected destiny.

The novel blends high-stakes adventure with deep themes of sacrifice, legacy, and awakening power with a unique twist on the universal questions regarding purpose and quest.

Quotes
“This YA novel opens with a bang. Whether a dialogue exchange, or a description of the lively historical period, Nappa makes it clear he did his homework, and his prowess with language is in full display in this genuinely fun YA novel. Nappa's characters are as developed as his worldbuilding. From the Admiral to Matey, Buck and Gunther, the people that live in this world of adventure are as rich in agency as they are detailed in their motivations. ”
The 2020 Booklife Prize, Publisher's Weekly
“An exciting book in which new realities are created, shifted, and realigned. In the fantasy world of The Logbooks of Admiral Jake, disparate realms meet in a classic case of good versus evil on the high seas and beyond.”
Clarion Foreword Reviews
“Every so often, a debut comes along that doesn't just introduce a new world--it makes you feel like you're living in it. From the moment readers step into Nappa's Kingdom of Dreams, they'll sense the breath of myth and epic. The villain, Admiral Ash, is not your typical swashbuckler tyrant--he is despair incarnate, a dual-realm rover who haunts dreams, poisons thoughts, and aims to tear holes between the physical and spiritual dimensions. And the themes are not preached, they are felt. Nappa's prose leans poetic, often elevating the narrative to the level of parable. His dialogue hums with theatrical cadence--all distinct, all credible. This is not a book for readers seeking fast thrills or thin fantasy. The Logbooks of Admiral Jake demands attention, rewards introspection, and offers something rare in the genre: a genuine sense of spiritual mystery and moral mythos. It will appeal to thoughtful teens, fantasy fans hungry for meaning, and adults who remember what it was like to believe there are secrets out there worth discovering.”
E. V. Marlowe, The Young Mythographer Reader
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  • 406 pages
  • Paperback
  • 6in × 9in
  • Black & White

Did you ever Wannabe?

Book 1


Embark on an 88-page whimsical journey of imagination with Did You Ever Wannabe?—a delightful picture book featuring 4-books-in-one—that invites children to dream of becoming extraordinary things. From drifting as a puffy white cloud to swimming the sea as a fish, from shining as the Man in the Moon to buzzing as a family of bumblebees, each playful poem sparks curiosity, creativity, and wonder.

Written by award-winning author Jon Nappa and beautifully illustrated by Thai Son, this charming collection celebrates the joy of childhood daydreams. Perfect for family read-alouds or quiet bedtime reflection, it’s a heartwarming reminder that the power of imagination can take us anywhere.

A celebration of creativity and the magic of “what if,” Did You Ever Wannabe? is a treasure for children and the young at heart. Inspired by the Wannabe Songs from The Art, Song, and Story Palace YouTube Kid's Channel.

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  • 88 pages
  • Paperback
  • 7.4in × 9.7in
  • Colour

Seaweed McTweed

Everyone Needs a Friend


Seaweed McTweed
Written by Jon Nappa · Illustrated by Jason Hendrickson

Seaweed McTweed isn’t your usual sea monster. With warts on his neck and a fearsome look, he’s judged by his appearance—shunned by sea creatures and mocked by other monsters who think he’s “too soft.” But deep inside, Seaweed has a big heart. He doesn’t want to sink ships or scare fish—he only wants to be kind and to find a true friend.

This beautifully illustrated picture book is a touching tale about being misunderstood, staying true to yourself, and discovering the power of friendship. Children will be drawn to Seaweed’s struggles and triumphs, while parents and teachers will appreciate its timeless lesson: don’t judge by appearances—look deeper to see the heart within.

As featured on the Art, Song & Story Palace YouTube Kid’s Channel, Seaweed McTweed is a memorable story of empathy, courage, and belonging that will resonate with young readers and families alike.

Quotes
“Seaweed McTweed is a powerful picture book about the anxiety of not fitting in, and about the power of friendship to save the day. Seaweed's misunderstood perspective is centered, and the fact that he's so empathetic helps to make him memorable. Every interaction that he has with other sea creatures drives home the notion that no one should be judged by their outsides.”
Foreword Clarion Reviews
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  • 32 pages
  • Paperback
  • 8.5in × 11in
  • Colour