Harper instructor writes novel

Michael Bellito, speech instructor at Harper College, has published his second novel, based on memories of growing up in Arlington Heights.

“First Time Around” (Strategicpublishinggroup.com, $23) tells the story of John Belson, a confused and lonely eighth-grader looking for a good buddy and above all a girlfriend. Set in the early 1960s, Bellito says the book serves as a reminder that real-life miracles can happen.

His first novel “Ten Again,” was published in 2009.

Bellito is a former Hersey High School English and speech teacher who lives in Wheeling. He will read and sign copies of his book at the Arlington Heights Memorial Library at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 12.