FAIRHOPE, Ala. — Authors Joseph and Hannah Salwen will be at Page & Palette, 32 S. Section St., on April 9, at 7 p.m., to sign their groundbreaking debut, “The Power of Half.”

In this powerful book, the Salwens tell the story of how their family decided it could make a difference — even if it’s just a small difference.

Drawing widespread praise and media attention, “The Power of Half” is the talk of the nation, featured on CBS’ “Sunday Morning” and ABC’s “The View,” and in upcoming issues of O — THE OPRAH MAGAZINE, People and The Christian Science Monitor.

It all started when 14-year-old Hannah Salwen, idealistic but troubled by a growing sense of injustice in the world, had a eureka moment when a homeless man in her neighborhood was juxtaposed against a glistening Mercedes coupe.

“You know, Dad,” she said, pointing, “If that man had a less nice car, that man there could have a meal.”

This glaring disparity led the Salwen family of four, caught up like so many other Americans in this age of consumption and waste, to follow Hannah’s urge to do something, to finally just do something.

And so they embarked on an incredible journey together from which there would be no turning back. They decided to sell their Atlanta mansion, downsize to a house half its size, and give half of their profits to a worthy charity.

At first it was an outlandish scheme. “What, are you crazy? No way!” Then it was a challenge. “We are totally doing this.”

Each week they met over dinner to discuss their plan. It would transport them across the globe and well out of their comfort zone.

Along the way they would inspire so many others wrestling with the same questions: Do I give enough? How much is enough? How can I make an impact in the world?

In the end the Salwens’ journey would bring them closer as a family, as they discovered, together, that half could be so much more.

Warm, funny, deeply moving and wholly uplifting, “The Power of Half” is the story of how one family slammed the door on the status quo and threw away the key.

“Mixing humor, inspiration, and self-reflection, “The Power of Half” will give you a whole new perspective on your life. You can’t help but recommit to the values you want to share with your children. And you’ll be reminded that your kids have much to teach you, too,” said Jeffrey Zaslow, coauthor (with Randy Pausch) of “The Last Lecture” and author of “The Girls From Ames.”

Joan was raised in Iowa, Kevin is from Brooklyn N.Y., Hannah was born in Washington, D.C. and Joseph has lived his whole life in Atlanta.

All of Hannah and Joseph’s grandparents were teachers, and Joan now teaches at the Atlanta Girls’ School.

Kevin spent 18 years writing and editing at The Wall Street Journal, then left to create his own company in 2000, and has been an entrepreneur ever since.

He is on the board of Atlanta Habitat for Humanity.

Joan enjoyed a first career at Accenture for nearly 20 years before her heart told her to go back for a master’s degree and build a second career as a teacher.

She has worked with organizations serving seniors and as a mentor with Big Brothers/Big Sisters.

Hannah is a 17-year-old junior who is a member of the varsity volleyball and swimming teams. She started volunteering in the 5th grade, working at Cafe 458, a restaurant that serves homeless people, and at the Atlanta Community Food Bank.

For more information, call (251) 928-5295.