Dr. Philip DeLizio
I am a retired teacher turned Christian author who has devoted my writing to creating Faith-Based literature tailored for teens and young adults.
Throughout my teaching career, I had witnessed firsthand the essential role that reading plays in the development of young minds. In today's world, where issues such as bullying, peer pressure, and complex relationships can heavily burden our youth, I believe that literature has the power to inspire, comfort, and equip young people with the tools they need to navigate these challenges. My books directly address these critical issues, aiming to empower readers and foster a deeper understanding of faith and resilience.
Dr. Philip DeLizio, Ed.D. is a retired teacher turned award winning author. Upon his retirement, his focus became writing inspirational, Faith-Based books for teens and young adults based on his experiences in the classroom, hoping his words would be inspirational and uplifting for his readers. Even though he is retired, he still tutors students in math, after school and during the summer. He is also an Adjunct Professor at a local community college. He loves travelling and his morning coffee!
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Dr DeLizio's Books
Summer 2025- From Darkness to Light
Book Description
After the death of his beloved brother due to a car accident, sixteen-year-old Justin finds himself teetering on the edge of despair. As he struggles to make sense of his loss, his faith in God begins to waver. His friends offer him tempting distractions, but his girlfriend Anna is determined to help him cling to his faith.
With the support of their small-town church community, Justin finds comfort. However, when another tragedy strikes, doubts creep back into his heart. As he faces the ultimate test of his faith, Justin must decide whether to surrender to pain or renew his belief that God remains by his side through all things. With Anna by his side and others who have weathered their own storms, Justin faces his crisis of belief. In the climactic moment of choice, will Justin remember there are still reasons to Believe?
"From Darkness to Light" is a Faith-Based, inspirational fiction narrative that explores the power of faith, love, and hope in overcoming grief and doubt.
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EXCERPT: From Chapter 1
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Justin dragged himself from bed as sunlight poured through the window. Getting dressed held no enthusiasm, like most tasks lately. All he felt was hollowness.
The cold wood floors sent a shiver through Justin's feet as he wandered downstairs. It had been another restless night, haunted by memories of his brother. He replayed their last moments together, wishing he could change what happened. Grabbing a glass of water didn't help dull the ache in his heart. Justin sat on the edge of his bed, staring blankly ahead. Photos of happier times with Derek just made the pain feel fresh. How could he be gone? It didn't seem real.
Anna had arrived at Justin's house early because she wanted to make sure he was doing okay before church. It had been a tough time for him lately, and she knew that Sundays could be especially difficult. She had planned to meet him at church but then decided to come over to his house instead, hoping to catch him before he left for church. As she sat in the kitchen, waiting for Justin to come downstairs, she heard footsteps and then saw him walk into the room. He looked a bit disheveled from sleep, but as soon as he saw me, a smile spread across his face.
"Hey, Anna," he said, sounding surprised but happy to see her. "What are you doing here? I thought we were meeting at church."
She stood up and walked over to him and gave him a gentle hug. "I wanted to see how you were doing before church," she said. "I know Sundays can be tough for you, and I didn't want you to have to face it alone."
Justin's expression softened, and he looked at her with gratitude. "Thanks, Anna," he said. "That means a lot to me. I'm glad you're here."
As they hugged, Anna could feel the tension in his body begin to ease, and she knew that she had made the right decision to come over to his house early. She was happy to be there for him, to support him and help him through this challenging time.
Rekindled Faith
In the Award Winning "Rekindled Faith" by Philip DeLizio, two 14-year-old girls from diverse backgrounds, Olivia and Janice form an unlikely friendship. Olivia, from an affluent family, struggles to connect with her faith despite her privileged life. Janice, who has faced immense hardship after losing her parents, finds solace in her strong faith and works to support her grandmother. As their friendship blossoms, they face opposition from their peers and families, testing the strength of their bond. Through misunderstandings, personal crises, and societal pressures, Olivia and Janice must navigate their differences while staying true to their friendship. Their journey leads them to a deeper understanding of their faith and the power of forging true connections in the face of adversity. "Rekindled Faith" is a heartwarming story of hope, empathy, and the resilience of friendship, offering a powerful message about the impact of love, compassion, and forgiveness in overcoming societal divisions.
EXCERPT:
A Sunday Morning at ChurchThe sun shone through the windows of the Westside Community Church, casting beams of light across the wooden pews. Hymns of praise echo off the high ceiling as the congregation sings in acapella, harmonious union. There is a warm and welcoming atmosphere, with pews arranged in neat rows facing the altar. The altar itself is adorned with flowers and candles, creating a peaceful and sacred space.This is a place that encourages reflection and reverence. Olivia sat between her parents, tugging at the fancy dress her mother had picked out. She always found the sermons a bit dull, even if the message of faith and goodness was important. Gazing up, she wonders what Jesus would say to make faith feel truly alive. As the service neared its close, Olivia fidgeted with the hem of her skirt. She spied her little brother playing with toy figurines near the aisle and stifled a giggle.
REVIEWS:
Lucy Thomas - Click here for Lucy's remarks on Rekindled Faith silver-medallion-award.png
A Light on the Horizon
A LIGHT ON THE HORIZON is a heartwarming tale of faith, friendship, and resilience.In the small coastal town of Oceanview, Jenny Scott struggles to find her place after moving with her family. But when she meets Katie Miller, a new friendship begins to blossom. As the new school year starts, Jenny finds comfort in her deepening bond with Katie. However, not everyone is as welcoming, and Jenny becomes the target of bullying by a group of antagonistic students.With Katie by her side, Jenny summons the courage to confront her tormentors. Through their shared struggles, Jenny and Katie prove that true friendship can overcome any challenge of division.
EXCERPT:
Chapter 1: A New Beginning Jenny hugged her two best friends tightly, fighting back tears. "I'll miss you guys so much," she said sadly. After living next door to the twins for years, it was hard to imagine life without their daily adventures.
From climbing trees to making up dances in the backyard, Nia and Mia had been by her side through everything. But now it was time for the move to Oceanview, a small coastal town on the East Coast, far from her old house. As her father's job transferred them cross-country, all Jenny felt was dread about starting over somewhere new. Where would she find friends as close as the ones she was leaving behind? How could anywhere feel like home without Nia and Mia? Fighting the lump in her throat, Jenny took one last look at the neighborhood they'd all grown up in. From Mrs. Johnson's rose bushes to the tire swing in the big oak tree, so many memories were tied to each familiar sight. Now it was finally time to leave it all behind.
REVIEWS:
Trilogy Publishing:You have created characters that young people will deeply identify with, and you have placed them in a beautiful and interesting setting. Addressing bullying in a healthy way is definitely something our young people need to know how to do. Using faith and friendship to help heal hurt and right a wrong is the perfect way to approach this rampant problem. You tackle a big issue in a fun and entertaining way.
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Review by: Sarie Robertson - Reedsy
Must read: Five Stars
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New beginnings are scary. God, however, remains a reliable source. DeLizio presents a story of keeping the faith while adjusting to change.
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If you are looking for a book that provides a full-circle moment for the main character, then you may be in search of A Light on the Horizon. Philip DeLizio creates believable characters with whom readers can relate.
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Jenny is the main character of the story. She is forced to move across the country, which leads to her having to find new friends. Life is already difficult for teenagers. Adding the task of adjusting to a small town just seems like cruel and unusual punishment. All of this comes on top of Jenny being separated from her two best friends with whom she did life before her father uprooted the family for his new job. Where is God in all of these changes? Is there a light at the end of the tunnel? These are the questions Jenny grapples with while settling in and establishing community again.
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The theme of new beginnings is strong in DeLizio’s book. The author wastes no time in introducing the scene of Jenny leaving everything she knows for a new community. It is a breath of fresh air to come across a book where the author does not see the need to build up to the big move.
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Another aspect that comes from the main character is a sort of identity crisis. As a teenager who is evolving into the person she will be, Jenny comes to question a few things. The reader is present to witness the low moments that ultimately lead to the main character’s triumph.
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Speaking of full-circle moments, Jenny completes her journey of despair and exploration in the end. Her faith remains intact, which goes to show the reader that, regardless of the circumstances, God stands the test of time.
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A Light on the Horizon is an excellent choice for teens and young adults. The language of the book is clean so parents do not have to be concerned about what their child is absorbing.
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Reviewed by: Epic Page Reviews
A Tale of Friendship and Resilience -
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Philip DeLizio’s *A Light on the Horizon* is a touching story that beautifully explores the power of friendship in the face of adversity. Jenny Scott, struggling to adjust to her new life in Oceanview, finds an unexpected ally in Katie Miller. Their friendship becomes a beacon of hope for Jenny, offering her comfort and strength as she navigates the challenges of a new school and the harshness of bullying. For new authors, this book is an excellent example of how to portray the importance of supportive relationships in character development.
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• Overcoming Adversity with Faith -
Jenny’s journey in *A Light on the Horizon* is one of resilience and faith. Faced with bullying and the difficulties of fitting in, she learns to draw strength from her faith and her friendship with Katie. DeLizio captures the emotional struggles of a young girl trying to find her place, making Jenny’s story both relatable and inspiring. New authors can learn from how DeLizio intertwines themes of faith and resilience to create a narrative that is not only heartwarming but also deeply meaningful.
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• The Power of Setting in Storytelling -
The small coastal town of Oceanview plays a significant role in *A Light on the Horizon*. DeLizio’s vivid descriptions of the town create a strong sense of place, enhancing the reader’s connection to the story. The serene yet sometimes isolating environment mirrors Jenny’s feelings of uncertainty and her eventual journey towards belonging. For aspiring writers, this book showcases the importance of setting as a tool for enriching the narrative and deepening character experiences.
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*A Light on the Horizon* is a heartwarming read that offers new authors valuable insights into crafting stories of friendship, faith, and resilience, with a strong sense of place that enhances the emotional impact of the narrative.
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Congratulations on your 5-star review!
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers’ Favorite
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A Light on the Horizon is a young adult drama by Philip Delizio. Jenny Scott isn't too happy when she has to leave her home, friends, and the neighborhood where she grew up since childhood because her family is moving to the East Coast. Now fourteen, Jenny arrives in the small town of Oceanview and soon realizes that everything is different here.
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At her new school, Jenny meets the kind-hearted Katie Miller. Jenny and Katie form a friendship, and Katie introduces Jenny to her friends in the youth group at the church they attend on Fridays. Jenny shares her love of writing stories with Katie. But not everyone is as friendly and bullies in Jenny's new school continue to make trouble. However, Jenny learns to practice empathy and compassion even with her tormentors.
A tale of faith, friendship, and community, A Light on the Horizon will delight readers of all ages. Author Philip Delizio has written a captivating coming-of-age story about a young teenager navigating a new school, bullies, and friends. It's a character-driven narrative. Jenny is a compelling protagonist young adult readers can relate to. She draws courage from her faith and support from her friends to stand up against her bullies.
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Yet, she never allows hate to corrupt her, and even against her tormentors, she chooses empathy and understanding to show them the error of their ways. I loved her friendship with Katie and their united stand against bullying. Overall, it's a heartwarming coming-of-age story. Although primarily targeted toward Christian readers, I think even non-Christians will find much to love about this book.
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Highly recommended!
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A Letter of Hope
A Letter of Hope is a heartwarming story of faith, friendship, and the transformative power of compassion.
In the inspirational fiction novel A Letter of Hope, fourteen-year-old Kim discovers her capacity for compassion when she sponsors Sarita, an impoverished child in Brazil. Through their exchange of letters, Kim learns of Sarita's daily struggles and is motivated by her Christian faith to fundraise within her community to support Sarita. With the love and backing of her family,Kim can provide Sarita with nourishment, medical care, and educational resources, transforming her life from one of destitution to hope.
When Kim finally travels to Brazil to meet Sarita in person, their emotional reunion is a testament to the power of compassion. Through her bond with Sarita, Kim gains a renewed sense of purpose and understanding of life's blessings, inspiring her to continue uplifting others as she has been uplifted.
EXCERPT:
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CHAPTER 1:A Call to Action
The sun hung low in the sky as Kim walked down the gravel road towards home. She reflected on her day at school, and the lessons she had learned, but her mind kept returning to the question that had been haunting her for months: What more could she do to help others? She had always been a devout Christian girl, attending church every Sunday with her parents and volunteering in various community programs.
But lately, she felt a need to expand her efforts beyond the familiar boundaries of her small town. As she passed fields of swaying wheat, Kim prayed for guidance. She poured her heart out, asking Him to show her how she could make a difference in the world and be of service to those in need.
Remembering Matthew 25:40 as she prayed, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” That verse resonated deeply with Kim and fueled her desire to help those who were suffering. In her prayer, Kim also asked for courage and strength to face the challenges that might come along the way.
She prayed for wisdom to discern the best way to extend a hand of love and support to someone who was in need. Above all, she prayed for God’s guidance to lead her on the path where she could bring hope and light into someone’s life.
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REVIEWS:
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Reviewed by Frank Mutuma for Readers' Favorite
Five Stars
In A Letter of Hope by Philip Delizio, Kim is a girl who feels called by God to do more. Not knowing where to start, she gets advice from her father, who refers her to Pastor Michael. The pastor is a compassionate individual. The pastor tells Kim of a program where one can sponsor a poor child to meet their basic needs.
After getting more information, Kim is ready to sponsor Sarita from Brazil. After brainstorming with the pastor, various ideas are discussed on how to raise funds for this girl, who has given Kim hope despite facing so many challenges. The first fundraiser was a success, and subsequent ones followed, not just to help Sarita but also her family and eventually something that could help the entire community. Will Kim ever meet Sarita?
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A Letter of Hope by Philip Delizio is wonderfully written and will get you thinking about the power of taking the initiative. Kim takes a step and does something great for someone in need. This thought-provoking work also got me thinking about the importance of living in a community with kind people who are ready to help each other.
The characters were well-developed, and Philip ensured various themes covered issues and messages that would resonate with many audiences. The seamless flow of the plot leaves no room for confusion and makes the book effective in passing on the intended message. The reader will also appreciate the excellent narration, which adds to the overall beauty of this work. I am looking forward to reading something else by this author.
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