G. J. Amato

Gaetano Amato was an elementary school physical education teacher and subsequently the Director of Physical Education for the West Hartford CT Public Schools. In addition, he taught in the Teacher Preparation Program at Springfield College. His greatest love was teaching in the elementary school gymnasium classroom where he developed an outstanding movement education program for young children. As an outgrowth of his daily teaching, he wrote "Upside Right", a movement book for children, and "But Not Always", a humorous riddle book that seeks answers to the simple question, "What is a ball?" Both books are an easy read for young readers, contain many words from the Dolch Word List, and promote physical activity for children.

These child-centered books are a must read for parents as well as children. They serve as a positive tool in preventing childhood obesity by encouraging children to become more physically active, thereby spending less time in sedentary pursuits. In addition, they provide parents with an understanding of how to positively reinforce their child's natural desire to move. Besides that, both books are a "fun read" for all children.