Current Releases
Our goal at Ascend Books is to publish exciting media-driven books focusing on high profile events, celebrities, current events and organizations. Our titles celebrate organizations, celebrities, teams and their legacies, anniversaries, accomplishments, and passions. We also publish wonderfully illustrated, message driven children’s books written by national and regional celebrity authors and educators.
    

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Recent Releases:

Welcome to the Blue Heaven

Don't Bet Against the Goalkeeper

By Jimmy Nielsen  with Paolo Bandini

Major League Soccer's Goalkeeper of the Year for 2012, Jimmy Nielsen, has established himself as one of the best players in the league and a fan favorite in Kansas City, playing for Sporting Kansas City. Yet while supporters are familiar with his achievements on the field and larger-than-life personality off it, few are aware of the remarkable story that led him to the US Midwest.
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Inside the Park

Running the Base Path of Life

By Willie Wilson  with Kent Pulliam
16 page photo insert

Willie Wilson played baseball with the mentality of a football player — a grimace, on his face. Totally unprepared for the spotlight of being in the major leagues, Wilson experienced the highest of highs and the lowest of lows, sometimes unable to tell them apart. He helped lead the Kansas City Royals to their first World Series in only his second full season in the Major Leagues.
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Tigers vs Jayhawks

From the Civil War to the Battle for No. 1

By Mark Godich
16 page color photo insert section

Missouri and Kansas went from unranked at the start of the 2007 college football season to playing for No. 1 in the country on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, so no wonder Brent Musburger chose his words carefully as he addressed a national television audience moments before kickoff of the rivals’ historic meeting.


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Winning with Purpose

Raising Our Game and Lifting Our Teammates, On and Off the Court

By Satch Sullinger  with John Dauphin

Sports is filled with successful coaches, but Satch Sullinger’s story offers championship-level inspiration to players, parents and coaches who care about values and winning the right way, on and off the court. In an ego-soaked era where highlights and sound bites speak to a “me first” societal mentality, Sullinger’s message cuts through the din, to the core of what matters most: mastering the fundamentals of selflessness that allow us to raise our game, lift our teammates and rise to collective glory.
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At the Hang-Up

Seeking Your Purpose, Running the Race, Finishing Strong

By Ted Owens  with Jim Krause
and Jesse Tuel
16 page photo insert

This is the inspirational story of Ted Owens — still the coach with the most wins in the history of Allen Fieldhouse — from growing up as a boy on a cotton farm in Southwestern Oklahoma during the Great Depression to coaching at the highest levels of the college basketball world.
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Relentless

From Redshirt to the Rock of the Jayhawks

By Travis Releford  Matt Fulks

Every team has at least one. That one player who’s called on to make some- thing happen. Throughout his career on the University of Kansas basketball team, Travis Releford was that guy. So much so, in fact, that on Senior Night 2013, head coach Bill Self told the Allen Fieldhouse crowd that Releford was “the rock of our team.”
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Live an Extreme Life

Losing the Weight and Gaining My Purpose

By Bob Brenner  Reji Laberje
16 page color insert

Growing up in small-town Wisconsin, Bob Brenner fed his addictions to food and football, becoming the biggest guy in his family of six siblings and on the defensive lines of winning team after winning team. Bob's size was an asset that he wanted to continue growing.
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It's Awesome, Baby!

75 Years of Memories and a Lifetime of Opinions on the Game I Love

By Dick Vitale  Dick Weiss
Joan Williamson

It’s hard to believe, but Dick Vitale, ESPN’s perennially youthful basketball analyst, is 75.
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Building the Perfect Star

Changing the Trajectory of Sports and the People In Them

By Dr. Bob Ward  Mac Engel
Foreword by Randy White
16-page photo insert

Today, it is inconceivable for a professional or even small college sports team to go without a coach designated to enhancing conditioning, strength training, and overall performance. But someone had to be first.
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From the Guys Who Were There

The Kansas City Royals

By Bill Althaus
16-page photo insert

For 365 days, the Kansas City Royals have lived with the specter of the 2014 World Series hanging over their heads.
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Just Let 'Em Play

Guiding Parents, Coaches, and Athletes through Youth Sports

By Dr. Andrew Jacobs  Jeff Montgomery
Peter D. Malone with Matt Fulks

The stories seem more prevalent today than ever: coaches and parents pushing kids to the point of “burnout” before high school, parents fighting with referees and umpires, coaches berating kids in front of teammates and parents, and even kids using performance-enhancing drugs.
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Finding My Father's Voice

A Baseball Love Story

By Leigh Ann Walker  with Chuck Carlson
Foreword by Pat Hughes
Soft cover with 16-page photo insert

A father's presence or absence in their children's lives, especially their daughters, impacts them on multiple levels. Finding My Father's Voice addresses what this loss meant to a daughter who fell in love with a father that she never knew.
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Mayor Sly and the Magic Bow Tie

A Kansas City Adventure

By Aja James and Audrey Masoner  with Sly James
Illustrated by Rob Peters
Full color illustrations, hard cover with color dust jacket

What would you do if you could travel back in time in your favorite city?

Kansas City is a gem in the Heart of America! And to understand why it’s such a great city, one should learn about the events and people behind its rich and remarkable history. So, what about a time travel adventure to explore Kansas City’s history as it happened? And who better to be our guide on this fascinating journey than Kansas City’s Mayor Sly James. Presenting the wonderfully illustrated adventure, Mayor Sly and the Magic Bow Tie for your bookshelves!
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Kansas City Chiefs ABCs and 1-2-3s

Second Edition

By Rob Peters

KC Wolf, mascot for the Kansas City Chiefs, guides the child reader through the book, teaching letters, colors, and numbers while also sharing interesting facts and terms related to the Chiefs, Kansas City, and football in general. For example: “A” is for Arrowhead, the legendary home of the Chiefs; “B” is for Barbecue, a favorite food among Kansas Citians and something for which the city is known; “Q” is for Quarterback, a key position on any football team.
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Puppies on Parade

Let’s Learn the States

By Julie Snodgrass  Meagan Martucci

Kids are invited to come along and join in the fun in this educational children’s book. We’ll travel the country and meet some cute puppy friends along the way. You’ll find puppies of all kinds while learning interesting facts about each state. What a great way to learn about our amazing country! There is so much to learn about all of your American neighbors. Along the way a friendly dog introduces rhyming facts for each state.
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Hermit

A Novel

By Gene Bicknell

From Author and Community Advocate O. Gene Bicknell comes this story of triumph over isolation. HERMIT is the fictional tale of Sgt. Jackson Eagle, U.S. Special Forces Ranger and his struggle dealing with the punishing aspects of his isolation, and victory over it. He discovers heartbreak, adventure and the value of self-reliance. He also learns that we all need relationships with each other for encouragement, refreshment, and growth. He realizes that there is strength in numbers, and we should show compassion to anyone who falls and has no one to help them get back up.
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Baby Jay’s Jayhawk Journey

The Ultimate KU Story About What It Means To Be A Jayhawk

By Written and Illustrated by Jacob Hood


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The Best in the Land

The Story of Brutus Buckeye

By Paul Keels

The Best in the Land by “Voice of the Buckeyes” Paul Keels, tells the story of Brutus Buckeye, from nut to beloved mascot. Young Brutus dreams of one day playing football for his favorite team, The Ohio State Buckeyes. He works hard, but when his chance arrives, it’s not as a player. As Brutus finds new ways of helping his friends to victory week after week, he learns there’s more than one way to be part of a team.
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Banner Year

The Championship Season of the 2021-22 Kansas Jayhawks

By Brian Hanni

“Banner Year” is the only KU-officially licensed chronicle of the Kansas Jayhawks‘ historic run to the 2022 NCAA Men’s Basketball National Championship. It covers the entire 2021-22 season in unique ways no non-licensed book can. This limited-edition KU collector’s item includes a foreword from Hall of Fame Coach Bill Self ...
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Game Maker

A Creative Kid Becomes the Father of Basketball

By Brian Hanni

Game Maker’s inspirational message is based on historical insights that Author Brian Hanni learned while interviewing Jim Naismith, the grandson of the Father of Basketball.
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Take the Crown!

18 Core Principles to Grow Your Business and Improve Your Life

By Miles Schnaer

Miles Schnaer is the owner of the Crown Organization, a multi-brand auto dealership based in Lawrence, Kansas. With a long history of success in the sales and service of major car brands, he has won numerous industry awards and twice been named the Time Magazine “Dealer of the Year” for both Kansas and Illinois. In 2017, Schnaer was inducted into the Lawrence
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Are You a Baseball Guy?

By Steve Physioc  Rex Hudler

Being a “Baseball Guy” is more than just learning a game. Baseball Guys come in all sizes and shapes and ages – and it’s not just for guys! It is learning that kindness, hard work, respect, positivity, and teamwork are qualities of players and winners – and these traits are important not only on the baseball diamond but wherever you are.
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Cy’s Perfect Day

The Iowa State Way

By John Walters

Cy’s Perfect Day tells the story of Cy enjoying the company of friends before Cyclone football games. All is well when the Cyclones win. But Cy is concerned, after a loss, about how his friends will react.
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Between The Lies

By Marv Levy

The Los Angeles Leopards and the Portland Pioneers are on a collision course toward the Super Bowl Championship. One team is led by a take-no-prisoners head coach; the other by a cerebral, slow-and-steady coach who has been thrust into the spotlight because of a tragedy. A tense showdown is about to unfold before the world’s football fans.
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Lombardi’s Left Side

By Herb Adderley & Dave Robinson  with Royce Boyles

Winning was not the only thing. Something more important than winning football games occurred during the Lombardi Dynasty. Vince Lombardi’s Green Bay Packers ushered the National Football League to the forefront of American sports popularity during a racially explosive time, proving that teamwork transcended the color barrier.
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Getting a W in the Game of Life

Using my T.E.A.M. Model to Motivate, Elevate, and Be Great

By Dick Vitale  with Reji Laberje

It’s tip-off time and time to get that W, a WIN, in the most important game of all... the game of life! Dick Vitale has been in our homes for more than 30 years calling College Basketball on ESPN. Now, invite him in to share the incredible legacies lived and lessons learned that have resulted in a formula for success he’s willing to share with today’s young men and women.
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One Man’s Dream: My Town, My Team, My Time

By Frank White  with Bill Althaus

When the Kansas City Royals appeared in the 1985 World Series, manager Dick Howser had to make a difficult, and controversial, call. Because the series started in the National League city of St. Louis, there would be no designated hitter, which meant that Hal McRae would be relegated to the role of a reserve player coming off the bench.
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Blood, Sweat, & Bears: Putting a “Dent” in the Game I Love

By Richard Dent  with Fred Mitchell

Bears’ overwhelming defense during their Super Bowl run, and a 2011 inductee into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, was an 8th-round draft pick out of tiny Tennessee State in 1983. The tall and skinny rookie would become a 4-time Pro Bowl selection who also played for the San Francisco 49ers, Indianapolis Colts, and Philadelphia Eagles. Dent wound up his brilliant 15-year career with 137.5 sacks, eight interceptions, 13 fumble recoveries, and two touchdowns.
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The Shame of Me

One Man’s Journey to Depression and Back

By Ryan Lefebvre  with Jeffrey Flanagan

Kansas City Royals’ broadcaster Ryan Lefebvre seems to have it all – a dream sports job of announcing Major League Baseball, a huge house on a lake, plenty of expensive toys, good looks, and the admiration of friends and fans. But depression is seldom deterred by such superficial trappings. And depression’s grip on Ryan was so strong and so unyielding that he nearly ended his life.
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The 300 Club

Have We Seen the Last of Baseball’s 300-Game Winners?

By Dan Schlossberg
Foreword by Wayne Hagin

Coming in April: Since the beginning of Major League Baseball in 1876, only two dozen pitchers have won 300 games. And because of new philosophies about pitch counts, the role of relief pitchers, shrinking strike zones, and fi ve-man rotations, there’s a good chance that the 300 Club has admitted its last member.
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The Curse

Cubs Win! Cubs Win! ... or do They?

By Andy Van Slyke  with Rob Rains

Could this finally be the Cubs’ season? The team is in first place and playing well as the All-Star break approaches.
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The Guy on the Wall

Shaping Game Day from the Colts to Covid

By Bob Leffler

Bob Leffler details his journey from teacher to sales director for the Baltimore Colts and the ultimate founding of his flourishing ad agency. He shares his front-row seat for events affecting pro and college sports, including the Colts’ ill-fated decision to draft John Elway and their “Midnight Ride” to Indianapolis.
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Dickie V’s ABCs and 1-2-3s

A Great Start for Young Superstars

By Dick Vitale  Illustrated by Craig Lueck

Do you know a young superstar who’s old enough to begin learning their alphabet and numbers? A budding basketball fan who’s ready to take on the world of reading and hoops?
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Many Happy Returns

The Story of Henry Bloch, America’s Tax Man

By Tom Bloch  Introduction by Henry Bloch
16-page color insert

Does the very thought of preparing your own taxes give you a headache? Get to know the man who is responsible for helping more than 20 million taxpayers with this dreaded annual burden.
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Sullen Sally

By Jim “Mr. Stinky Feet” Cosgrove

Sally woke up feeling blah, so she swallowed her smile, but her best friend Josie was there to help Sally through the day and help turn that frown upside down. The story reminds readers that nobody is expected to feel happy all the time. It provides an opportunity for adults and children to talk about feelings and the meaning of true friendship.
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Unhitch the Wagon

The Story of Boomer and Sooner

By Toby Rowland

Two ponies on the Oklahoma prairie have a dream to become the ponies chosen to pull the Sooner Schooner at a football game at the University of Oklahoma. Through hard work and perseverance, the ponies achieve their dream. An officially licensed book of The University of Oklahoma..
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Trust Your Next Shot Legacy Edition

A Guide to a Life of Joy

By Meadowlark Lemon & Cynthia Lemon

A newsreel of the Harlem Globetrotters captured Meadowlark Lemon’s heart when he was 11 years old, giving him a dream to play for the team. Though he had no money for a basketball, he was determined. His first hoop was made out of a coat hanger and an onion sack nailed to a tree in Wilmington, NC. His ball was a Carnation Milk can. It was a humble beginning for a legendary career that would change the face of basketball forever.
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Hark! It’s Harold the Angel

By Jim “Mr. Stinky Feet” Cosgrove

Harold is an angel who thinks he can’t sing very well, but with a little help and encouragement, he finds his voice in time to proclaim to the world the news of Jesus’s birth.

It’s an unconventional aspect of the Christmas story and a read-along companion to the song by Jim “Mr. Stinky Feet” Cosgrove. This book tells the overlooked story of one of history’s most infamous angels. Hark! It’s Harold the Angel encourages readers to discover their own talents and reminds them that a little practice can boost their confidence to do great things. The rhythm and rhymes encourage a read along and sing along with adults.


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Special Edition Autographed Collector's Books:

Lombardi's Left Side
By Herb Adderly, Dave Robinson, and Royce Boyles

Lombardi's Left Side is available in an autographed, leather bound, collector's edition. This edition is numbered and guaranteed not exceed 500 copies. Each copy is personally autographed by Green Bay Packers Hall of Famers Herb Adderley and Dave Robinson as well as co-author Royce Boyles, on a specially designed vellum page one, which is exclusive to this special edition. Each copy comes complete with a Publisher's Certificate of Authenticity and a special walnut display easel. Each copy is truly one-of-a-kind and will be a treasured display piece in your library or memorabilia collection. Only Available for a limited time and on a first-come-first-served basis.

The collector's edition of this book is close to being sold out. Please email mgore@ascendbooks.com to see if a book might be available.

One Man's Dream My Town, My Team, My Time
By Frank Wright, with Bill Althaus

One Man's Dream My Town, My Team, My Time by Frank White with Bill Althaus is available in an autographed, leather bound, collector's edition. This edition is numbered and guaranteed not exceed 500 copies. Each copy is personally autographed by Hall of Fame second baseman and eight time Gold Glove recipient Frank White, on a specially designed vellum page one, which is exclusive to this special edition. Each copy comes complete with a Publisher's Certificate of Authenticity and a special walnut display easel. Each copy is truly one-of-a-kind and will be a treasured display piece in your library or collection.

The collector's edition of this book is close to being sold out. Please email mgore@ascendbooks.com to see if a book might be available.




Attention Media: Special Interview Requests with Ascend Books Authors

Interview and media copy requests should be made by calling (913) 948-7635 or email mgore@ascendbooks.com.

Please provide your affiliation, email address, mailing address and daytime phone number.

Are You a Baseball Guy?

Being a "Baseball Guy" is more than just learning a game. Baseball Guys come in all sizes and shapes and ages - and it's not just for guys!


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Baby Jay’s Jayhawk Journey

A fun, easy-to-read story that is told entirely through rhyme about what it means to be a Jayhawk, for Jayhawks of all generations.


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Game Maker

Game Maker’s inspirational message is based on historical insights that Author Brian Hanni learned while interviewing Jim Naismith, the grandson of the Father of Basketball.


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Cy’s Perfect Day

Cy’s Perfect Day tells the story of Cy enjoying the company of friends before Cyclone football games. All is well when the Cyclones win. But Cy is concerned, after a loss, about how his friends will react.


Read More About It

The Best in the Land

The Story of Brutus Buckeye

Paul Keels tells the story of Brutus Buckeye, from nut to beloved mascot. Young Brutus dreams of one day playing football for his favorite team, The Ohio State Buckeyes.


Read More About It

"Voice Of The Sooners" Releasing Children's Book

He's the "Voice of the Sooners," and now 'OU's Play-By-Play man' Toby Rowland is coming out with a new children's book. It's called "Unhitch the Wagon."

Watch Here on News on 6

Mutt's Dream


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Guardian of the Golden Gate Bridge



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Angie Pickman's cut-paper art animation. See more in Merry Menagerie!



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Mayor Sly and the Magic Bow Tie featured on KCL!



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Just Let 'Em Play

Just Let 'Em Play authors Dr. Andrew Jacobs and Pete Malone with the Rally Volleyball Association of Frisco, Texas, at the ASICS Show-Me National Qualifier in Kansas City!

It's a Sunny Life!

It's A Sunny Life Testimonial #2 from Weather2020 on Vimeo.


To purchase your copy of Building the Perfect Star by Bob Ward, foreword by NFL Hall of Famer Randy White, click HERE to go to Barnes&Noble.com
Kansas City Chiefs ABCs


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Dick Vitale discusses his new book:
It's Awesome, Baby!


Art Stewart: "The Art of Scouting"

Interview with Travis Releford on "Relentless"

New Book Looks At Mizzou, KU Rivalry

Tigers vs. Jayhawks

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Royals Hall of Famer Willie Wilson's new book, 'Inside the Park'



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Kansas City Royals Legend
Frank White
on Reading, Libraries, and Superheroes



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