Several books with a local connection have passed my way over the last couple of months.

Diana Turner-Forte's "Letters to Amelia" (Vantage, 2007, $9) uses a letter format to encourage young dancers in the pursuit of a career in that field. The author, who hold both a bachelor's and a master's degree in dance, is the founder and artistic director of Footprints Contemporary Ballet.

Pinebluff resident Dennis M. Johnson, a retired U.S. Army veteran, has written and illustrated a children's book directed at children whose parents are in the military. "How I Know My Dad Is a Soldier" (Authorhouse, 2007, $8) is filled with illustrations of the diverse families that populate the armed forces.

Lila Hopkins, who now lives in Fuquay-Varina, used to live in Southern Pines. Her first attempt at writing a book was telling the true story of Matthew Brown, a Pinecrest High School student, who was killed in an automobile accident. He became the first multi-organ transplant donor in the eastern United States. Although she was unsuccessful in placing that book, Hopkins did go on to write two award-winning juvenile books and two adult novels.

In "The Master Craftsman" (Ingalls Publishing Group, 2007), Hopkins revisits the topic of organ donation. Eric Walsh needs a kidney transplant. His son, Clay, has tested out to be a close match, but Eric is reluctant to accept a kidney from him. The book takes readers through all of the family relationships and ups and downs faced when a transplant is the only option.

Another recently published book with a local connection is "The Last of the Combat B-17 Drivers," by Col. Harold D. Weekley, USAF (Ret.) and Carthage resident, James B. Zazas (Flying Fortress International, $24.95).

The book is the story of Weekley's aviation career. Weekley is the last "First Pilot" (command-rated B-17 pilot from World War II to fly a B-17 as pilot-in-command into the current century.

The book deals with what combat was like during those days and with Weekley's experiences in France after he was shot down.

Weekley kept track of his fellow crew members and also includes updates of what those men did after their World War II service.

After Weekley retired from the Air Force, he spent over 20 years flying a B-17 in air shows.

There are lots of photographs and illustrations.

World War II and military buffs will enjoy this book.

Zazas, who has been intrigued with flying since he was a young man, served in the U.S. Air Force. He now pilots Boeing 757 and 767 aircraft for U.S. Air.

Zazas pilots vintage aircraft and also enjoys writing and several outdoor activities.

Whispering Pines resident Gabriel Roy recently penned and published "Steve: A Father's Diary," the story of his son's battle with cancer.

Roy transcribed the recordings of conversations with Steve and says his major goal with the book is to convince people to stop smoking.

Contact Faye Dasen at fdasen@thepilot.com or 693-2475.