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Articles by Phil Stamper
UPDATED LISTING FOR OVER 40 INDEPENDENT WRESTLING EVENTS IN LAS VEGAS WRESTLEMANIA 42 WEEK
UPDATED LISTING FOR OVER 40 INDEPENDENT WRESTLING EVENTS IN LAS VEGAS WRESTLEMANIA 42 WEEK By Phil Stamper on 2026-02-11 17:27:00 Here is an updated listing of all known independent wrestling events set for Las Vegas over Wrestlemania 42 week. Check these promotions' websites and social media for additional details on times, card, talent, etc.
Afterglow Book Review
age 14+ Queer friends face senior year in satisfying duology finale. Parents need to know that Afterglow is the final book in Phil Stamper's duology about four gay best friends. Sal, Gabe, Reese, and Heath are back together in their rural Ohio town navigating senior year -- college applications, community tensions, and new dynamics in their friend group. The boys alternate telling their stories via first-person narration and group texts.
Golden Boys Book Review
age 14+ Slow, sweet friendship story full of romance and queer joy. Parents need to know that Golden Boys by Phil Stamper is the first book in a planned duology about four gay best friends from rural Ohio. Sal, Gabriel, Reese, and Heath venture off to different gigs the summer before their senior year. Told in the alternating voices of the four teens, and via text messages, calls, and FaceTimes, the boys immerse themselves in new experiences while trying to stay close.
PWInsiderXTRA.com
COMPLETE LIST OF INDEPENDENT SHOWS FOR AUGUST By Phil Stamper on 8/14/2025 7:41 AM Thursday, 8/14 - 907 Pro Wrestling - Williwaw, 609 F ST, Anchorage, AK - 8:30 PM - facebook.com/907prowrestlingacademy Thursday, 8/14 - Rocky Mountain Pro - RMP Summit, 2170 West Yale Ave, Englewood, CO - 7 PM - facebook.com/TheRockyMtnPro Thursday, 8/14 - Ultimate Pro Wrestling - Weymouth Pavilion, Ocean Room, Esplanade, Weymouth, England, UK - 7 PM - facebook.com/ultimateprowrestling Thursday, 8/14 - New...
Book Recommendations Inspired by England Original
You may have heard that WD is hosting a writing tour and retreat in England this fall, so we’ve got England in mind. Here are some recommendations for books set in England to read for sheer enjoyment or with an eye toward analyzing them for your own writing. (Book descriptions courtesy of the publishers. WD uses affiliate links.) Mystery/thriller With literary giants like Arthur Conan Doyle and Agatha Christie, English authors have been writing twisty tales of puzzles and intrigue.
Upcoming Indy Wrestling Events - 7/17/24
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ELI OVER EASY by Phil Stamper Read by André Santana | Audiobook Review | AudioFile Magazine
In apprehensive tones, André Santana artfully conveys the concerns of tween Eli as he mourns the sudden loss of his mother, a professional chef, due to the pandemic. At the same time, he is adjusting to life in New York City after a move from Minnesota. When Eli stumbles upon an archive of cooking videos made by his mother, Santana taps into Eli's grief with a falling inflection and slight tremor.
6 Y.A. Novels That Showcase the Power of Teenage Friendship
Books|6 Y.A. Novels That Showcase the Power of Teenage Friendship https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/17/books/young-adult-friendship-books.html YA/NYT Phil Stamper, the author of “The Gravity of Us,” “Small Town Pride” and the Golden Boys series, recommends a few of his favorite Y.A. novels about friendship. Send any friend a story As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. Anyone can read what you share. Credit...Siobhan Gallagher Feb.
Phil Stamper discusses Afterglow
Warning message Mean Menu style requires jQuery library version 1.7 or higher, but you have opted to provide your own library. Please ensure you have the proper version of jQuery included. (note: this is not an error) Bestselling author Phil Stamper takes the Golden Boys from summer fun to senior year in the next installment of his charming duology. After a life-changing summer, these four friends are finally ready for senior year.
Afterglow by Phil Stamper, Hardcover
Bestselling author Phil Stamper takes the Golden Boys from summer fun to senior year in the next installment of his charming duology. After a life-changing summer, these four friends are finally ready for senior year. Gabriel is thrilled to create his school's first LGBTQ+ advocacy group, but his long-distance relationship is fading from summer love to something else. . .
SMALL TOWN PRIDE
Vikas Adam youthfully embodies Jake, a middle-school kid who has just come out to his family as being gay. When Jake's dad, in a friendly, even tone, shows his support by hoisting up an oversized pride flag outside their home, the small neighborhood's response is mixed. When Jake begins to ponder hosting a local pride parade, the bright timbre of his best friend, Jenna, is effervescent as she enthusiastically supports his cause, despite the obstacles they will face bringing the idea to life.
Phil Stamper on his warm-hearted queer coming-of-age YA novel, Golden Boys
Filled with heart and sunshine, Phil Stamper’s newest YA novel, Golden Boys, is an example of the coming-of-age narrative at its finest. Following four friends for the duration of one summer, Golden Boys is a book about love, self discovery and the realities of sitting on the cusp of adulthood, whilst also being a tender celebration of male friendship and found family.
If You Still Recognise Me by Cynthia So
Cynthia So Press Reviews 'An epic fandom, a scavenger hunt for a lost love and an ode to cultural inheritance - this is a wonderfully heartfelt and joyously queer romance.' - Lauren James, author of The Loneliest Girl in the Universe 'If You Still Recognise Me is a poignant, perfectly formed debut about queer love, fandom and family.'- Lex Croucher, author of Reputation 'A beautiful and intricately layered tale of friendship, fandom and finding yourself - I absolutely adored it.' - Sophie...
MCW Pro Wrestling LIVE on FITE Sunday with Hardy Boys vs. Mike Bennett & Matt Taven and more!
MCWProWrestling.com – MCW Pro Wrestling goes LIVE on FITE.TV for the first time, this Sunday, May 15 at 6:30 p.m. featuring AEW (TBS, TNT), IMPACT Wrestling (AXS TV), international, and former WWE wrestling talent. Coming live from the Benfield Sports Center, 1031 Benfield Blvd in Millersville, MD, featuring: Matt Hardy & Jeff Hardy vs. Mike Bennett & Matt Taven (Hear from The Hardy Boys at bit.ly/hardysmcw.) MCW Heavyweight champion Ken Dixon vs. Moses vs. Brian Johnson vs.
Upcoming Indy Wrestling Events
** Send your event to Phil Stamper at [email protected], Twitter.com/TrustInPhil, or Facebook.com/TrustInPhil ** Check sites before you travel for sudden COVID or weather impacts.
New Releases for May 2022!
May brings a bounty of new middle grade books, fiction and nonfiction, covering many different perspectives and cross-cultural voices. Here is just a sampling of what’s new this month. Set in the shadows of the Spanish Inquisition, this is the coming-of-age story of José Alfaro, a young refugee who forms a powerful bond with the mysterious Pirate Captain Toledano.
Room Service Please by Alicia Cahalane Lewis
Buy from our bookstore and 25% of the cover price will be given to a school of your choice to buy more books. By Alicia Cahalane Lewis (author) "This was an enjoyable read." View All Editions £14.99 £13.49 We can order this from the publisher. Usually dispatched within 15 working days Add To Wishlist Write A Review LoveReading Says About LoveReading Says LoveReading Says Available in Paperback and on Kindle from Amazon.
Small Town Pride
In a heartfelt middle grade debut, Stamper (Golden Boys) traces a gay 13-year-old’s arc toward authenticity and queer community in Midwestern America. After Jake Moore comes out to his parents, his father installs a large pride flag in the family’s front yard, spurring uncomfortable reactions from more conservative members of their rural Ohio village—led by Jake’s neighbor mayor, who actively silences discourse around the topic.
As Far As You'll Take Me|Paperback
Brilliant, vital, and best of all: brave. As Far As You'll Take Me swells with big-hearted emotion, bold dynamics, and genuine wit.
Small Town Pride|Hardcover
English 0063118785 From acclaimed author Phil Stamper (The Gravity of Us and As Far as You’ll Take Me) comes a poignant coming-of-age, contemporary middle grade debut novel about finding your place, using your voice, and the true meaning of pride. Perfect for fans of Rick by Alex Gino and The Best at It by Maulik Pancholy. Jake is just starting to enjoy life as his school’s first openly gay kid.
Golden Boys by Phil Stamper, Hardcover
12/20/2021 Friends since preschool, Gabriel, Heath, Reese, and Sal are all gay and implied white in small-town Ohio. The summer before senior year, they’ll be apart for the first time. While Gabriel helps an environmental group in Boston, Sal’s interning with a senator in Washington, D.C., the distance placing their friends-with-benefits arrangement on hold. And while Heath makes money working for his long-estranged aunt in Daytona Beach, Reese studies graphic design in Paris.
Golden Boys
National bestselling author Phil Stamper crafts the perfect summer friendship story, starring four queer boys with big hearts and even bigger dreams. It's the summer before senior year. Gabriel, Reese, Sal, and Heath are best friends, bonded in their small, rural town by their queerness, their good grades, and their big dreams. But they have plans for the summer, each about to embark on a new adventure. Gabriel is volunteering at an environmental nonprofit in Boston.
Upcoming Indy Wrestling Events (12/9-12/15)
** Send your event to Phil Stamper at [email protected], Twitter.com/TrustInPhil, or Facebook.com/TrustInPhil1, where you can watch Phil Stamper’s Indy Wrestling Party every Thursday at 10 p.m. (Eastern)! 12/09/2021 8:00 PM – CanAm Wrestling – Okotoks Centennial Center, 204 Community Way #4, Okotoks, Alberta – facebook.com/CanAmWrestling 12/09/2021 3:30 PM – Professional Championship Wrestling (PCW) – South Eastern Entertainment Centre, 6/1845 Ferntree Gully Rd, Ferntree Gully VIC 3156,...
Todd Wellman
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The Five Stages of Andrew Brawley
A heartbreaking yet uplifting story about a boy who has lost everything but finds new hope drawing in the shadows of a hospital. Andrew Brawley was supposed to die that night, just like the rest of his family. Now he lives in the hospital, serving food in the cafeteria, hanging out with the nurses, sleeping in a forgotten supply closet. Drew blends in to near invisibility, hiding from his past, his guilt, and those who are trying to find him.
10/30 PRO WRESTLING REVOLVER 'TALES FROM THE RING' RESULTS FROM CLIVE IOWA
10/30 PRO WRESTLING REVOLVER 'TALES FROM THE RING' RESULTS FROM CLIVE IOWA By Phil Stamper on 2021-11-02 07:47:00 ProWrestlingRevolver.com - Wrestling Revolver debuted on FITE.TV with a return to the Horizon Events Center in Clive, Iowa this past Saturday, October 30! - To name a brand new Revolver Remix champion, Ace Austin pinned Alex Zayne.
PWInsiderXTRA.com
COMPLETE DETAILS ON ALL UPCOMING INDEPENDENT EVENTS By Phil Stamper on 9/30/2021 7:57 AM ** Send your event to Phil Stamper at stamper@wrestlereality.com, Twitter.com/TrustInPhil, or Facebook.com/TrustInPhil1, where you can watch Phil Stamper's Indy Wrestling Party every Thursday at 10 p.m. (Eastern)! SEMINAR: 10/01/2021 7:00 PM - Aussie Open (Dunkzilla Davis, Kyle Fletcher) - Portsmouth School of Wrestling, ?, UK - twitter.com/RevProUK SEMINAR: 10/01/2021 9:30 PM - Bob Evans - 190 N...
Unexpected Encounters / Well, That Was Unexpected
Join authors Darcie Little Badger (A Snake Falls to Earth), Loan Le (A Pho Love Story), and Elizabeth Lim (Six Crimson Cranes) as they discuss the strange and unexpected but somehow fated encounters that shape and define the people we are and the people we become. Moderated by acclaimed author Phil Stamper (As Far As You’ll Take Me). Events at St. Francis College require pre-registration as part of the College’s Covid Safety Protocols:
Golden Boys
Description National bestselling author Phil Stamper crafts the perfect summer friendship story, starring four queer boys with big hearts and even bigger dreams. It's the summer before senior year. Gabriel, Reese, Sal, and Heath are best friends, bonded in their small, rural town by their queerness, their good grades, and their big dreams. But they have plans for the summer, each about to embark on a new adventure. Gabriel is interning at an environmental nonprofit in Boston.
THE GRAVITY OF US AFTER THE LAUNCH by Phil Stamper Read by Michael Crouch
One year after an abrupt move to Texas for a life-changing NASA mission, 18-year-old social media reporter Cal Lewis is back on his home turf in New York City, playing tour guide for his boyfriend, Leon. Narrator Michael Crouch wears Cal's signature edgy tenor like a comfortable jacket. As portrayed by Crouch, Leon, starstruck by the sights and sounds of the Big Apple, maintains a warm, rich tone.
BIG CALLUX has BIG announcement about Camp Leapfrog SUNDAY!
BIG CALLUX has BIG announcement about Camp Leapfrog SUNDAY! BIG CALLUX made a BIG announcement with HEAVYWEIGHTS coming to Camp Leapfrog THIS Sunday, May 16 at 8 p.m. to facebook.com/independentwrestling …AND IT’S BIG FREE! Already announced: BIG CALLUX vs. Max The Impaler Weenie Weights Atomicos Increibles (each teach divided and forced to fight each other): Mane Event (Jay Lyon and Midas) vs. World Famous CB and Ryan Nova vs. The Runway (Tyler Klein and Calvin Couture) vs.
Weekly Round-Pop: The Vamps, Phil Stamper, Taylor Swift, and more
Here’s everything that happened last week: Meet Blanks, The Musician Behind The YouTube One-Hour Song Challenge Photo: Jantina Talsma In case you missed it, last week we introduced you to Blanks, aka Simon de Wit. With over 1.27 million subscribers on YouTube, Blanks is most notable for his one-hour song challenge where he re-makes a song with the help of his followers. On top of that, Blanks has also had his own tour and was the supporting act for MAX.
Phil Stamper on anxiety, male body image issues within YA and Britney Spears
This post is sponsored by Bloomsbury UK. We’ve been delving into Phil Stamper’s LGBTQIA+ contemporary ‘As Far As You’ll Take Me‘ all month. His second YA novel is packed with quirky London references, tackles important subjects and follows the journey of finding yourself. We had the chance to find out more about the title from Phil himself, read more in our exclusive interview below.
Camp Leapfrog #CampersChoice YOU PICK THE MATCHES!
Book Camp Leapfrog YOUR WAY for #CampersChoice on Saturday, March 20 at 6 p.m. with a Facebook LIVE event on facebook.com/independentwrestling.
As Far As You'll Take Me
Review by Kelly M, Media Last updated on 17 Apr 2021 My Recommendation As Far As You'll Take Me is a fantastic read. It tackles experiences and mental health issues that many will relate to in an open and sensitive way. It could potentially trigger readers as it doesn't shy away from the topics it discusses. The characters are very relatable and the description of London will likely make you want to go and visit. An enjoyable read that many readers will relate to. Buy this Book on
As Far as You'll Take Me by Phil Stamper
From the break-out author of The Gravity of Us comes a heartfelt coming-of-age story about finding your chosen people. Perfect for fans of Becky Albertalli Marty arrives in London with nothing but his oboe and some savings from his summer job, but he's excited to start his new life--where he's no longer the closeted, shy kid who slips under the radar and is free to explore his sexuality without his parents' disapproval.
As Far As You'll Take Me By Phil Stamper
“Marty,” a voice says in front of me. “Hoped I’d find you out here.” Pierce’s eyes glow in the pub’s soft outdoor lighting. Passersby keep up their chatter, but it all gets muted when my gaze meets his. He holds my oboe case out to me, his expression unreadable. “You left this inside. Shane said he’d take it back, but I figured I could catch you.” There’s room on the bench next to me, and he takes a seat.
Camp Leapfrog #Lovefrog Results
Camp Leapfrog brought wrestling love this past Sunday with #Lovefrog, exclusively on IWTV.live! In a tadpole match, “Philly” Mike Swanson made his point of hating luchadores in his defeat of Saber Dorado. Trying to send a message of using your social media wisely and with research, Francis Wright took issue with Joey Ibanez. Ibanez transformed into Kamen MK to defeat Francis Wright. The Boar (with Erica Leigh) pinned Violence.
Bibliophile | Young love blooms in 'As Far As You'll Take Me' - OUTInPerth | LGBTQIA+ News and Culture
As Far As You’ll Take Me by Phil Stamper Bloomsbury Marty is almost 18 and he is sick of living a lie. He has graduated early from high school, earned money working at a ‘shit diner’ and has a one-way ticket to London. Away from his small Kentucky town and his bible-thumping parents who think he is attending a three month music program, he is free to explore his sexuality rather than being the shy kid who slips under the radar.
AS FAR AS YOULL TAKE ME by Phil Stamper Read by Michael Crouch Phil Stamper
An audiobook narrated by Michael Crouch is always a treat, and this one is no exception. Marty arrives in London with his oboe and his dreams, looking for a fresh start and a place where he can be openly gay away from his conservative hometown. He soon makes new friends and even falls in love, but he also has to deal with anxiety, unhealthy relationships, and the challenges of being away from home.
Camp Leapfrog brings #LoveFrog to IWTV on Feb 14
Camp Leapfrog returns to IWTV.live with #LoveFrog on Sunday, February 14 at 8 p.m., sponsored by WrestleTea by Sam Leterna. Already announced: Still Life with Apricots and Pears vs. Effy Oreo Speedwagon (Joshua Wavra, Xavier Faraday) vs. Crushcakes (The Crusher, Pancakes) vs. Trajan Horn and Ron Voyage vs. The Goons (Eel O’Neal, Myles Millennium) Pop Flyers (Boomer Hatfield, Molly McCoy) vs. The Runway (Tyler Klein, Calvin Couture) Twitch Luke Disangro vs. Hot Dog Starkes vs. Max Zero vs. CC Boost vs.
Results for Camp Leapfrog - Leapfrog Live: 1/17/1985
The campers from your favorite campground hopped into the DeLorean and went retro this past weekend when Camp Leapfrog presented Leapfrog Live: 1/17/1985! Watch the event for FREE: facebook.com/independentwrestling/videos/439664120721779 Your officials for the evening are Kris Levin and Adam Gault. On commentary, “Sensational” Sam Leterna and “The Daddy of the Galaxy” Trajan Horn. 1. The Midnight Wonderboys (Matt Makowski & Travis Huckabee) def. Mane Event (Midas Black & Jay Lyon) 2.
PWInsiderXTRA.com
COMPLETE LISTING OF ALL UPCOMING INDEPENDENT EVENTS By Phil Stamper on 1/6/2021 10:17 AM * Events are alphabetized by state/province/country. This listing is created by wrestlingcalendar.com. ** Send your event to Phil Stamper at stamper@wrestlereality.com, Twitter.com/PSPhenom, or Facebook.com/psphenom. ** COVID-19 may cause events to suddenly cancel, change venues, require face masks, etc.
JOIN IN: #Sleepfrog this Thursday on IWTV!
Everyone is invited to the premiere of Camp Leapfrog’s first live event, Sam Leterna’s Slumber Party, on IWTV this Thursday, 12/10, at 8 pm EST! Hang out with all of your wrestling pals like Big Callux, Trajan Horn, Ron Voyage, ABBS, “KidRef” Kris Levin, and our hostess with the mostess, Sam Leterna! Play spin the bottle, truth or dare, get a manicure, and of course, watch some wrestling! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook @CampLeapfrog. #SleepFrog
Review: Rebel Rose by Emma Theriault
Emma Theriualt’s novel is an interesting new twist on the tale of Beauty and the Beast. Following the tale of Belle after her marriage to Prince Lio (Beast) and their struggles to keep the princedom of Aveyon safe on the brink of the French Revolution. Rebel Rose is not your typical retelling. In Theriault’s tale, Belle is haunted by magic, and Lio by nightmares. This gives a darker, more grown-up feel to the overall story, as well as the tension in France with the impending revolution.
Review: A Curse of Roses by Diana Pinguicha
A Curse of Roses is a brilliant, spell-binding sapphic story that feels like a treasured fairytale for the modern age. I was initially drawn to A Curse of Roses because of its stunning cover, enticing synopsis, and the unique concept at the heart of the book. Luckily, all of these elements played out perfectly and the beauty of the cover precisely matches the beautiful content hidden inside. A definite highlight of the book is our wonderful protagonist, Yzabel.
As Far as You'll Take Me
As Far as You'll Take Me By Phil Stamper. Feb. 2021. 352p. Bloomsbury, $17.99 (9781547600175). Grades 9-12. REVIEW. First published December 1, 2020 (Booklist). Seventeen-year-old Marty, who is out only to his Bible-thumping parents and two best friends, is desperate to leave his small hometown of Avery, Kentucky. So he lies to his parents, telling them that he’s been accepted to study at London’s Knightsbridge Academy of Music.
Bloomsbury - Holiday Sale 2020
Take advantage of our discount on thousands of titles in our Holiday sale, with up to 30% off print books and 40% off ebooks! Browse and shop by category below and find everything, from the latest Academic and Non-Fiction titles, to bestsellers in Children's and top Fiction. You're sure to find something for everyone on your list...
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