Coal memoir

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Utah State University Press has published "Coal in Our Veins: A Personal Journey" by Erin Thomas.

A news release from the publisher says Thomas uses historical research, autobiography and journalism to intertwine the history of coal, her coal-miner ancestors and the societal and environmental impact of coal mining.

She reports on the Sago Mine collapse, the effects of mountaintop-removal mining and energy alternatives, especially wind power, in West Virginia and Pennsylvania.

The book can be ordered for $29.95 through USU Press. Visit USUPress.org or call 800-239-9974.

New children's book

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- West Virginian Scott Carpenter has a new children's book that is now available to buy from online booksellers.

"Little Pepper Muffin" is a 24-page soft-cover published by Tate Publishing and sells for $8.99.

The description on Amazon reads, "Pepper Muffin can't walk very well. She has a disease that makes her have to use braces on her legs and crutches on her arms. But she never lets that stop her from pursuing her dreams! Little Pepper Muffin and her father both join the competition to see who will bake the muffins for the mayor's annual Potato-and-Vegetable-Soup Dinner Extravaganza! Will Pepper Muffin's pepper muffins take the prize?"

Carpenter noted in an email that 50 percent of his profits will be going toward muscular dystrophy research.

Contact Carpenter at scottbc...@hotmail.com.