Book One of the Alicia Connected series is the Winner of the Purple Dragonfly Book Award - STEM Category in 2021. What happens when Alicia gets her first tablet for her birthday? Nothing but fun, right?! Not exactly. Getting a new tablet brings a brand-new world of interesting things right into Alicia’s hands. But not everything with this new technology can be as exciting as an evening in TullyTown. In this first book of the Alicia Connected series, Alicia has finally entered a new world of technology where she can enjoy the games and apps that she has only seen her friends use. Until now. But using technology can bring a set of challenges that are new to both Alicia and her parents. Understanding how to use it properly can be tricky. Will Alicia know how to share in the fun with her friends while being safe? Both her and her parents will face the excitement and challenges together as she jumps headfirst into using her new tablet. Parents looking to teach kids about these choices and their consequences will find The Big Gift the perfect place to make their point. The story embraces the perspectives of adults and preteens alike, providing a realistic growth experience that clearly explains the promises and pitfalls of online interactions. This warm, realistic story deserves a place on the reading lists of any child enthusiastic about embracing online interactions and environments, and parents who want to impart basic safe computing habits to a young explorer. - Midwest Book Review The Big Gift, written by Derek Fisher, is an informative book for older children about using technology safely. The main character, Alicia, dreams of getting a tablet for her birthday. All her friends have one, and she is eager to join in on the fun with them. Her birthday gets closer and closer, and she continues to drop hints with her parents. Her birthday finally arrives, and Alicia can't wait to open her presents. She shakes each one with excitement until finally, she reaches the last one. Alicia's excitement increases as this particular present feels heavy. Could it be the tablet she's been desperately wishing for? Find out in The Big Gift! Author Derek Fisher has created a perfect example of how parents and children can work together to keep safe online, without all the tantrums and commotion that usually come with kids and their social media. It does this by inspiring positive communication between the parent and child, as most children/teens want their privacy and tend to shut out adults who are only trying to keep them safe from the dark side of the internet. The content is cleverly told through the relatable story of a young girl called Alicia who begs and pleads for a tablet for her birthday. Not only is The Big Gift educational, but it is also entertaining. It will surely attract young readers from the very first page. I was pleased to read The Big Gift and recommend it to any parents or teachers who teach online safety. Good job, Derek Fisher! Reviewed by Amy Louise Hill for Readers' Favorite Derek Fisher has worked in the security field for nearly a decade. His passion has been to take complex security topics and make them simple and easy to consume. As he raises his own daughter as a digital native, he has seen the opportunity to take his understanding of the security field and provide his insight to both parents and children through this book. Alicia has finally entered a new world of technology when her parents give her a tablet for her birthday. She has seen the many uses of this technology through her friends as they access apps and games that Alicia has yet to experience. Until now. But using such technology can bring a set of challenges that are new to both Alicia and her parents. Understanding the different apps and games and how to use them properly can be tricky. Will Alicia know how to use it in a way that is fun and allows her to connect with her friends while being safe? Will she be able to avoid some of the more problematic interactions while using this technology? Both her and her parents learn how to provide a safe and fun environment for Alicia as she jumps headfirst into using technology! Derek Fisher has several decades of experience designing systems in both hardware and software, and holds a graduate degree in cybersecurity from Boston University. He continues to work professionally as a leader, university instructor, and conference speaker in the security space where he provides his insight to multiple fields and disciplines.