University of Wisconsin-La Crosse instructor Patrick T. Randolph and his wife, Gamze, have published a book that's getting recognition by Amazon.com.

Randolph, who teaches in the UW-L English as a Second Language Institute, and his wife have published an anthology of poetry: "Empty Shoes: Poems on the Hungry and the Homeless." On Oct. 19, it hit No. 4 on Amazon's new hot releases.

The idea behind the project came when Randolph asked his wife how a poet could make a small difference. She suggested writing something that would be fun, raise social awareness, showcase poets and help people in need.

The book includes 80 poets, 151 poems and 30 photographs. For the past two years Randolph has worked one-on-one with 79 poets from three foreign countries and 28 states. Three local writers also are featured in the anthology: Dave Dolle, Andy Davis and David Hart.

The poets also include Ellen Kort, who served as Wisconsin's first Poet Laureate; Linda Aschbrenner, publisher of the first 100 issues of Free Verse magazine; Pushcart prize nominees Sharmagne Leland-St. John and Ellaraine Lockie; Jeri McCormick, past president of the Wisconsin Fellowship of Poets (WFOP); and current WFOP president Lester Smith.

This is Randolph's fourth book and his second book of poems. His first book of poetry, "Father's Philosophy," was a collection of his original poems written from 1999-2006. It has been a best seller for Popcorn Press. "Father's Philosophy" soon will be released in its second edition.

"Empty Shoes: Poems on the Hungry and the Homeless" is available at http://www.popcornpress.com, and Amazon.com. All profits from the book will go to nationwide programs devoted to helping the hungry and homeless.