The Lions’ Dens

The Supreme Court has spoken, and the “moral arc of justice” has finally bent towards marriage equality. Undeterred and still bitter over the Court’s decision, Governor Richard Baine imposes a reactionary social and economic agenda in order to formulate a bid for his party’s nomination for the White House. When the ripples of his austerity program begin to have negative consequences, Donald Ross and his family begin mobilizing the progressive faith community in a passionate witness to civil action. Meanwhile, Daniel Shelby, the openly gay son of the state’s most prominent socially conservative minister, launches his own campaign to live his own life with dignity and pride. Throughout this sequel to “Donald’s Cross,” new characters will be introduced, questions will be answered, and greater insight into Donnie’s psyche will emerge.

The Supreme Court has spoken, and the “moral arc of justice” has finally bent towards marriage equality. Undeterred and still bitter over the Court’s decision, Governor Richard Baine imposes a reactionary social and economic agenda in order to formulate a bid for his party’s nomination for the White House. When the ripples of his austerity program begin to have negative consequences, Donald Ross and his family begin mobilizing the progressive faith community in a passionate witness to civil action. Meanwhile, Daniel Shelby, the openly gay son of the state’s most prominent socially conservative minister, launches his own campaign to live his own life with dignity and pride. Throughout this sequel to “Donald’s Cross,” new characters will be introduced, questions will be answered, and greater insight into Donnie’s psyche will emerge.

Dr. Joseph Emerson is a career educator. His research interests include the politics of education reform, adolescent political socialization, and the role of religious faith in cultivating personal leadership capacities. His previously published work includes a doctoral dissertation on educational interest groups, a policy paper on reframing school board governance, and a critical review of the literature on teachers’ unions. He has served as a peer reviewer for educational research journal. A portion of his dissertation's second chapter is currently being used as a template by to professors of educational leadership in lobbying members of the United States Congress. His first novel, “Donald’s Cross” received the highest award from “Readers’ Favorite” and was profiled on Binding Ink, a national anti-bullying organization. His short story, “The Unlikely Hero,” about a teenage pacifist superhero, received third place from “Writer’s Digest” magazine. He currently teaches Intro/AP Psychology in Newport News, Virginia.