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Hi! Deb Gonzales here. I’m a children’s author, career educator, and marketing strategist who has spent years crafting resources that connect people with literature in meaningful ways. As the founder of Guides by Deb, I’ve created over 400+ standards-aligned educator guides for some of the finest books in the business. And as the founder of Pin Lit Marketing, I now help book creators harness the power of Pinterest to expand their reach and keep their books discoverable for years to come.

My expertise in education, curriculum development, and book marketing strategy makes me uniquely qualified to help authors, illustrators, and publishers boost book visibility—whether through standards-aligned guides or Pinterest strategy. With an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from the Vermont College of Fine Arts, I understand the literary world from both the creative and business sides.

If you’re looking for high-quality, affordable, project-specific supplemental materials or a marketing strategy that keeps your books discoverable, let’s talk!

Stop by Deb's Author Website

Stop by Deb's Author Website

Strong as Sandow: How Eugen Sandow Became the Strongest Man on Earth

Strong as Sandow: How Eugen Sandow Became the Strongest Man on Earth

Debbie Gonzales
Picture Book, Press Release, Special Projects

Guides by Deb – Keeping your books in the hearts of young readers and in the hands of those who care for them.

Strong as Sandow: How Eugen Sandow Changed the Way We Think About Strength

Written and Illustrated by: Don Tate
Published by: Charlesbridge
ISBN: 978-158089628

Synopsis:

From weakling to world icon, Strong as Sandow tells the remarkable true story of Eugen Sandow, the man who made fitness a way of life. Little Friedrich Müller longed to be strong like ancient heroes—but his body refused to cooperate. Through perseverance and training, he transformed himself into Eugen Sandow, whose dedication to strength and health inspired a worldwide fitness movement.

Author-illustrator Don Tate celebrates Sandow’s incredible transformation and the birth of modern exercise culture, showing young readers that real strength starts with discipline, resilience, and belief in oneself.

Key Teaching Value:

Encourages discussions around growth mindset, body positivity, and personal goal-setting—linking historical biography with social-emotional learning. Students explore how perseverance and passion lead to transformation, both physical and personal.

Educator Guide Content Summary:

The guide invites readers to connect Eugen Sandow’s story to lessons in health, literacy, and history. Activities emphasize vocabulary development, sequencing, and writing about personal strengths. Discussion prompts explore discipline, determination, and cultural attitudes toward health and wellness.

Aligned with CCSS and SEL standards, the guide inspires reflection on how effort and persistence build confidence and lifelong wellness habits—making it an ideal resource for cross-curricular teaching in classrooms and libraries.

Discover more educator guides and teaching tools at guidesbydeb.com and find author marketing support at pinlitmarketing.com.

Click here for Press Release Guide


Blacksmith's Song

Blacksmith's Song

It Jes' Happened: When Bill Traylor Started to Draw

It Jes' Happened: When Bill Traylor Started to Draw