Wednesday, September 30, 2015

BOOK REVIEW: MANGA CLASSICS: Emma by Jane Austen, Po Tse, Crystle S Chan, Stacy King


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Just in time for the 200th anniversary, Manga Classics brings Jane Austen’s classic tale of youthful folly and romantic exuberance to a modern audience with this beautiful new manga adaptation of Emma.

When her former governess finds happiness as the bride of a local widower, the brilliant and beautiful Emma Woodhouse — one of Jane Austen's immortal creations — flatters herself that she alone has secured the marriage and that she possesses a special talent for bringing lovers together. The young heiress next busies herself with finding a suitable husband for her friend and protégé, Harriet Smith, setting off an entertaining sequence of comic mishaps and misunderstanding in this sparkling comedy of English-village romance. Beneath its wit, the novel is also the story of a young woman's progress toward self-understanding. The impulsive match-making of Emma Woodhouse delivers both humor and heartache through the gorgeous artwork of master artist Po Tse.

REVIEW BY: Arianna, age 12 years, 9 months

MAY CONTAIN SPOILER:

This book is a great twist on a wonderful classic!

My favorite character is Harriet because she is super kind. The only downside is how much she cares about other people's opinions. 

My favorite scene is when Emma and Mr. Knightley get married because everyone is finally happy and there is no more drama. 

I recommend this book to anyone who would like a creative take on a classic. 

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 11 and up.

BOOK REVIEW: Who's Afraid of the Ghost Train? by Frank Rodgers


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Robert has a big imagination. He imagines there are scary things everywhere. So when he goes on the ghost train, his friends are certain he'll get a real fright! But then Grandpa Jim lets him into a big secret, and guess who's afraid now?

REVIEW BY: Angelina, age 8 years, 11 months

MAY CONTAIN SPOILER:

I liked this book, it was really good. Do you know why it was so good? It was because I used my imagination! This book is about a little boy who imagines monsters, but then he goes on a train and isn't scared. 

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 8. 

BOOK REVIEW: Ivy in Bloom The Poetry of Spring from Great Poets and Writers of the Past by Vanita Oelschlager


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Ivy In Bloom captures the weariness of a young girl tired of a long winter. ""I stare out the window,"" she says on the first spread of brown and gray, ""looking for birds or flowers / or even warm showers / but I don't see any such thing."" But then Spring comes when ""March is out of breath snow melting to flowery waters and watery flowers spring rose from its wintry rest."" And Ivy's ""heart dances with daffodils."" As these words also dance across each spread, Ivy's world erupts into a riot of color. Ivy In Bloom introduces the poetry of Dickinson, Longfellow, Browning, Wordsworth, Frost and others. Excerpts from their writings, as seen through Ivy's eyes, will open up poetry as a way for children to express their own feelings about the changing of seasons. This book includes longer excerpts and brief bios of each author.

REVIEW BY: Angelina, age 8 years, 11 months

MAY CONTAIN SPOILER:

I loved this book because I love the weather and it talked about the weather a lot. I love the seasons too and it had beautiful poems about the four seasons. Ivy wanted it to hurry and be spring, but it wasn't spring yet. 

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 7. 

BOOK REVIEW: Coco and the Little Black Dress by Annemarie Van Haeringen


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"Hurry up! You may only go to bed when all the sheets are ironed."

Little Coco grew up in the orphanage and had to work hard for a living sewing and embroidering like an angel. Until her eighteenth birthday . . . Coco knew one thing for sure Coco. She would never, never be poor again.

A beautifully illustrated picture book biography of Coco Chanel. 

Coco Chanel (1883-1971) was a famous French fashion designer. Born into a poor family, strictly brought up in the orphanage, influenced by the style of wealthy suitors, she remained faithful throughout her life to the simplicity. A luxurious simplicity, which has produced memorable style icons like the little black dress and perfume Chanel No. 5.

REVIEW BY: Arianna, age 12 years, 9 months

MAY CONTAIN SPOILER:

This book is wonderful at summing up one of the greatest fashion designer's life. My favorite part is when all the ladies come to Coco for her designs. I love Coco's little black dress! 

I recommend this book to any reader who likes inspirational stories and fashion. 

I give this book 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 and up. 

This book's publishing date is today, September 30, 2015. 

Tuesday, September 29, 2015

BOOK REVIEW: Dream on, Amber by Emma Shevah


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My name is Ambra Alessandra Leola Kimiko Miyamoto.

I have no idea why my parents gave me all those hideous names but they must have wanted to ruin my life, and you know what? They did an amazing job.

As a half-Japanese, half-Italian girl with a ridiculous name, Amber's not feeling molto bene (very good) about making friends at her new school.

But the hardest thing about being Amber is that a part of her is missing. Her dad. He left when she was little and he isn't coming back. Not for her first day of middle-school and not for her sister's birthday. So Amber will have to dream up a way for the Miyamoto sisters to make it on their own...


REVIEW BY: Michaela, age 11 years, 3 months

MAY CONTAIN SPOILER:

I really enjoyed this book! Amber loves art, but is missing something (her dad). 

I liked the fact that Amber was able to overcome and get through everything with art. I, myself, am an artist and use art to express my feelings and help me out when I am sad, mad, etc. 

My favorite character is Amber because she is strong and helps everyone. My favorite part is Amber's sister's birthday party. 

I recommend this book to every tween girl that needs an enjoyable story about a girl that has grit and can preserve through anything. 

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 10 to 13. 

This book's publishing date is October 1, 2015. 

UPDATE

Hi everyone! 

Just wanted to write and let everyone know that we still have 3 giveaways going on right now at the following links:

Silly Willy Winston in the Adventures of Super Snout





Get those entries in! You will love these books and all three can be used in a classroom or homeschool environment as well. Also great for school libraries! 

Please stay tuned because new giveaways will be posted soon! 

BOOK REVIEW: Scissortown by Margaret Welwood, Illustrated by Coralie Rycroft


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How would a small town--well-ordered and supremely manicured--look after invasion by a horde of pink-slippered "Slicers and Dicers" who cause the townspeople to hide all their cutting implements? And then--how does life go on when nobody can cut anything at all? Although it is pure fantasy, "Scissortown" was written for another purpose besides entertainment--promotion of kindness and initiative in young children. 

REVIEW BY: Angelina, age 8 years, 11 months

MAY CONTAIN SPOILER:

I liked this book, it was pretty good. This book is about how everyone in a small town uses sharp things to get jobs done (like cutting hair, chopping vegetables, opening cans, etc.), but then a group called the "Slicers and Dicers" come and cut up or dice everything and the town is left in a mess! The townspeople decide to hide everything that is sharp so the "Dicers and Slicers" can't use them. They leave and then the townspeople forget where they hid everything! 

My favorite part was when the kids had long hair because I have very long hair and it reminded me of me! 

I give this book 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 8. 

BOOK REVIEW: When Santa Was a Baby by Linda Bailey


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From the moment they heard his booming voice, Santa’s parents knew their little one was special. After all, it’s not every child who is fond of the color red, is generous with his playthings and has an interest in chimneys. “Maybe he’ll be a firefighter,” said his mom. “Maybe he’ll be a scientist,” said his dad. When Santa Was a Baby is the adorably humorous portrait of a one-of-a-kind kid who grows up to fulfill his destiny — with the support of two very proud parents.

REVIEW BY: Angelina, age 8 years, 11 months

MAY CONTAIN SPOILER:

I loved this book! It was absolutely amazing! This book is about when Santa was a baby. He was so cute and adorable! Soon it was his birthday and he wanted things like horses except they were actually reindeers that he wanted. He loves reindeers and he knew what he wanted to be when he grew up. 

My favorite character is Santa because I LOVE Santa and the gifts he leaves for me at Christmas! I could really imagine Santa as a baby in this story. 

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 8. 

This book's publishing date is October 13, 2015. 

BOOK REVIEW: Out of the Blue A Book of Color Idioms and Silly Pictures by Vanita Oelschlager



BLURB:

Out of the Blue shows children the magic of idioms - words that separately have one meaning, but together take on something entirely different. Children are curious about words, especially phrases that make them laugh ("Tickled Pink"), sound silly ("Shrinking Violet") or trigger images that tickle a child's sense of the absurd ("A Red Letter Day"). Out of the Blue uses outlandish illustrations of what the words describe literally.

REVIEW BY: Angelina, age 8 years, 11 months

MAY CONTAIN SPOILER:

I liked this book because I love bright, vibrant colors and this book had a lot of color! I learned about color idioms too! 

My favorite picture/color in this book was the pink part because pink is my favorite color! 

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 3 to 6. 

Monday, September 28, 2015

BOOK REVIEW BLITZ: Magelica's Voyage Book 1 and Book 2 by Louise Courey Nadeau

BOOK 1and2 - GIFTPACK-_Page_1-2 copy

About the Books

Magelica's Voyage, Book 1

MAGELICA-ENGLISH-COVER

Title: Magelica's Voyage | Author: Louise Courey Nadeau | Publication Date: June 1, 2013 | Publisher: Magelica Inc. | Pages: 48 | Recommended Ages: 5 to 10 Summary: Who ever heard of a girl being hatched from an egg the colour of sapphires? Magelica doesn't know where she came from or who she really is. But when she's transported to the Isle of Dreams in a flying bathtub, she launches into an adventure of discovery, and learns that wonderful things can happen when she uses her imagination, believes, opens her heart and trusts in love. Come fly with her and discover for yourself the power of imagination, gratitude, believing in yourself, and love! In this special first voyage, fantasy, adventure, magical illustrations, empowering messages, and a wonderful cast of enchanting characters come together as Magelica takes young girls and the special people in their lives on a fun, inspiring voyage about making your life magical.
* Available in English / French / Spanish *

Amazon | Goodreads



The Rescue, (Magelica's Voyage, Book 2)

Magelica The Rescue


Title: The Rescue (Magelica's Voyage, Book 2) | Author: Louise Courey Nadeau | Publication Date: May 27, 2015 | Publisher: Magelica Inc. | Pages: 48 | Recommended Ages: 5 to 10 Summary: When Magelica dreams of the prince lost on a deserted island, she realizes that it could lead to his rescue. She returns to the Isle of Dreams to tell Queen Raya what she knows. Can they save Prince Will before it's too late? Will the power of laughter and love be enough?
* Available in English / French / Spanish *

Amazon | Goodreads

   

The Buzz About the Books

"Magelica's Voyage is an inspiring, magical tale of a world that I did not want to leave. The author's imagination takes off with vivid magical characters transformed into beautiful illustrations that your child will love... When you open this book you'll instantly discover that magic is indeed in the air." ~ 5 Star Review, StevieV, Amazon

"This is a wonderful, enchanting book! The story is so imaginative and the illustrations are beautiful! It is delightful to join Magelica on her adventure to the Isle of Dreams, and it is great to see such a positive, confident heroine." ~ 5 Star Review, Laurie J., Amazon

"Magelica is easy to love; a child who accepts herself as she is but who questions the very world around her, is someone many children will be able to relate to. Give this wonderful story a try- you won't be sorry you did." ~ 5 Star Review, Shelley V., Amazon

"Magelica's Voyage by Louise Courey Nadeau is a beautifully written enchanting tale filled with alluring adventure. The story is magnificently illustrated, from the winsome depiction of Magelica to the creative Isle of Dreams, the authors gifted imagination is prevalent on every page... I highly recommend picking up a copy.." ~ 5 Star Review, Stacie T., Amazon

"I recommend it to every kid between the age of 3 until 9 whether it is a girl or boy. The energy when reading it is indescribable. Both [books] are well made and I recommend it to every parent that cares about how their children should be raised!" ~ 5 Star Review, Hassan, Amazon

"The Rescue is a beautifully illustrated and beautifully written children’s story with an important message about being happy and staying positive, even in very difficult circumstances. Louise Courey Nadeau presents this gentle lesson in a light-hearted and brilliantly illustrated manner that draws in readers young and old." ~ Bil Howard, Reader's Favorite, 5 Star Review

"Magelica’s Voyage: The Rescue by Louise Courey Nadeau is a beautiful story that will teach kids valuable lessons pertaining to staying true to their heart." ~ 5 Star Review, Jeff, Amazon

About the Author: Louise Courey Nadeau

Louise Courey Nadeau 
Louise Courey Nadeau[/caption] Passionate about empowering and inspiring children around the world, Louise Courey Nadeau, born and raised in Montreal, Canada, and mother of two girls and two boys created her first fairy tale Magelica's Voyage, with the second book in the series, The Rescue, launched June 2015. "Through life's trials and tribulations, I always believed I could. With the Magelica book series my goal is to take young girls and their parents and teachers on empowering adventures and to inspire and encourage them to believe that they are amazing just the way they are, and to discover the power of love, positivity, and believing in themselves. "Magelica's Voyage is inspired by my life, my family, and the special people and places I love", says Courey Nadeau. "All of the characters in the story, including Magelica are reflections of the person I am- the wacky part, the funny part, the philosopher, the teacher, the caretaker, the chosen mom, the giver, and of course the dreamer. What would Magelica do, I often ask, and I get the answer. When you fly with Magelica, the possibilities are endless and there is magic all around." To read her blogs and learn more about Louise Courey Nadeau please visit Magelica's Voyage website at Magelica.com. You can also follow Magelica on FB, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.

Book Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest

MDBR Book Promotion Services


REVIEW BY: Angelina, age 8 years, 11 months

Book 1: Magelica's Voyage 

I really liked this book! It was a sweet and wondrous fairy tale about love, believing in things and a new world on a sea turtle's back! 

Magelica has always wondered who she really is. Who are her parents? Where is she from? And other questions like that. When Magelica comes home from a thunderstorm she wants to take a bath, but soon she discovers her feather necklace is gone! Then she finds herself taking a wonderful adventure in her bathtub! Magelica's adventure involves love, an island on the back of a sad unmoving sea turtle and a new fairy! 

My favorite part of this book is when Magelica makes the turtle happy again by singing her favorite song. 

I love this book sooooooooo much from the story to the illustrations. I want to read it again and again! 

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 7 to 9. 

Book 2: Magelica's Voyage: The Rescue

The second book is such a lovely book about believing in yourself and being happy. 

When Magelica has a dream about a lost prince, Will, she goes back to the Isle of Dreams. Magelica needs to believe in herself. When Magelica rescues Price Will they feel instantly connected. 

I love this book because all of the amazing characters and the turtle's world. My favorite part of this book is everything. 

This book was great from start to finish and I highly recommend it to other little girls that need a little bit more confidence or that love stories like this! 

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 7 to 9. 

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Jenny Martin, author of Tracked


On Saturday, September 26, 2015, we had the chance to be a part of the media at the Texas Teen Book Festival where there were many great authors! We also were given our first chance to do some real live face to face interviews! 

Arianna interviewed Jenny Martin, the author of Tracked. You can find Arianna's review of Tracked here.

While not only getting to interview Jenny Martin, Arianna also got her copy of Tracked signed and was given a lot of great swag from Jenny. 

Okay, now on to the interview. 


Interview Conducted by: Arianna

1. Is there going to be a sequel to Tracked? If so, I would love to read and review it for you! 

There is a sequel to this book. It's called Marked and it's coming out May 17, 2016. The cover hasn't been released yet. 

2. How long did it take you to write Tracked

Well, when I first drafted Tracked it didn't take me long to do the first draft. It took a long time though to revise it and get it to where it is in the finished version. Maybe less than a year to draft it and then a little bit longer to revise it. 

3. Who is your favorite character in Tracked? Why?

You know, I think I love Bear because, I know he seems quiet and he doesn't say too much, but still waters run deep. I think he has a deep abiding sense of love and loyalty. The people that matter to him, he would die for them. He would do anything and I think that's a really admiral thing. 


4. What is your favorite scene in Tracked? Why?

Either the race at Sandridge, the big race. Also, I don't know if its my favorite, but the scene after that race with Bear. That was hard, like I cried. It was hard. 

5. What was your inspiration for Tracked?

Well, there are lots of inspirations! You know I grew up loving Star Wars and sci-fi. I loved it, loved it, loved it! Then I saw on TV a documentary on HBO called "Hot Coffee". It was about how corporations can sometimes control things behind the scenes or abuse/exploit things. Then I saw a Jason Statham movie called "Death Race 2000" with fast cars. So I think all together those were the inspirations. Also, Phee came to me almost like a full character. I was in this hard time when I was feeling really timid, really beating up on myself. I really didn't think I could do anything at all. Then all of a sudden there's this girl who's like "I can do anything, I can race through it, I can just slam in to anything and take care of it" and I think it was fun to do that. She is special to me. 

6. Who is your favorite book, character, or author in general? 

In general now as an adult, I really, really like two authors. I really like Neil Gaiman who wrote The Graveyard Book, Neverwhere, and The Ocean at the End of the Lane. I read anything he wrote and Coraline and Stardust. I also really love Victoria Schwab. She wrote The Near Witch. She wrote The Archived Series and she wrote two books for adults, Vicious and A Darker Shade of Magic. She has beautiful writing and I love her books. 

7. How long have you been writing?

You know, as a kid I wrote a lot of stories and bad poetry as a teen. Then I stopped, but then as an adult, once I became a librarian, I started writing in 2008. I wrote three books before Tracked and then Tracked was the one that was published. 

8. What is your favorite color? Food? 

I kinda have 2 [favorite colors]. I think my favorite color is red. I love red, but I tend to wear black a lot because its just easy and my go to color. I like green too, but red and black probably. 

I love sweet and salty things! Things like chocolate covered potato chips and pretzels, Carmel corn, anything that is sweet and salty. 

--Thank you so much Jenny Martin for allowing Arianna to have a face to face interview with you and we enjoyed meeting you! You are an amazing writer and Arianna cannot wait to read your next books! 

BOOK REVIEW: Tracked by Jenny Martin


BLURB:


The Fast and the Furious gets a futuristic twist in this action-packed debut!


On corporately controlled Castra, rally racing is a high-stakes game that seventeen-year-old Phoebe Van Zant knows all too well. Phee’s legendary racer father disappeared mysteriously, but that hasn't stopped her from speeding headlong into trouble. When she and her best friend, Bear, attract the attention of Charles Benroyal, they are blackmailed into racing for Benroyal Corp, a company that represents everything Phee detests. Worse, Phee risks losing Bear as she falls for Cash, her charming new teammate. But when she discovers that Benroyal is controlling more than a corporation, Phee realizes she has a much bigger role in Castra’s future than she could ever have imagined. It's up to Phee to take Benroyal down. But even with the help of her team, can a street-rat destroy an empire?


REVIEW BY: Arianna, age 12 years, 9 months

MAY CONTAIN SPOILER:

This book was magnificent! I absolutely loved it beyond description! 

My favorite character is Phee because she can do anything. She has a girl power that is unstoppable. 

My favorite scenes are the races because of the amazing detail and thought that went into the descriptions of these amazing scenes! 

I recommend this book to any reader who likes a good adventure, sneaky schemes and a wonderful heroine. 

Really, my review cannot give this book the justice that it deserves. Jenny Martin is absolutely incredible with this book. 

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 and up. 

Sunday, September 27, 2015

BOOK REVIEW: 44 Hours or Strike! by Anne Dublin


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The Toronto Dressmakers’ Strike of 1931 brings young sisters Sophie and Rose together in their fight for better working conditions, decent wages, and for their union. It’s a tough battle as distrust and resentment of immigrants is growing, with many people blaming their poverty and difficulties on these workers. Sophie and Rose are faced with unexpected — and sometimes violent — barriers, and they quickly find that a strike is more than just a march. 

Barely into the strike, Rose is imprisoned after a fight in a picket line, leaving fourteen-year-old Sophie to take care of their ailing mother at night and spend her days protesting in the freezing wind. Rose’s isolation in prison weakens her resolve for change. Will they be able to continue the fight for what they once so strongly believed in? 

In the midst of anti-Semitism and the Great Depression, Sophie, Rose, and their union come together to try to make a lasting change.


REVIEW BY: Angel, age 12 years, 10 months

MAY CONTAIN SPOILER:

This non-fiction book is a great story! It is very sad and nerve racking in some parts. 

Rose is a 16 year old Jewish girl and her sister Sophie is 14. Since their father died, they both had to get jobs making fancy clothes for low wages with extremely long work hours. When the Jewish union goes on strike for 44 hours to get 15% more on their wages, Rose gets put in jail and Sophie has to try to stay strong. Nothing is going right, but they need to keep going because Rose, Sophie and their mother want everything to go back to normal before Passover. 

In this powerful non-fiction novel you experience determination, love and strength of the marvelous characters. 

My favorite part is when Sophie and Jake touch hands. My favorite character is a tie between Rose and Jake because they show great strength and I admire them for that. 

I recommend this book to all non-fiction lovers!

I would love for you to comment on this book because of the effects that it had on me. Please and thank you! 

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 11 and up. 

This book's publishing date is October 6, 2015. 

BOOK REVIEW: House Arrest by K.A. Holt


BLURB:

Timothy is on probation. It's a strange word—something that happens to other kids, to delinquents, not to kids like him. And yet, he is under house arrest for the next year. He must check in weekly with a probation officer and a therapist, and keep a journal for an entire year. And mostly, he has to stay out of trouble. But when he must take drastic measures to help his struggling family, staying out of trouble proves more difficult than Timothy ever thought it would be. By turns touching and funny, and always original, House Arrest is a middlegrade novel in verse about one boy's path to redemption as he navigates life with a sick brother, a grieving mother, and one tough probation officer.

REVIEW BY: Arianna, age 12 years, 9 months

MAY CONTAIN SPOILER:

Wow! This book left me speechless. It was absolutely wonderful and I love how realistic it is! The story is amazing! 

It shows how a modern day 12-13 year old boy might be feeling and thinking in the situation Timothy has found himself in. 

My favorite character is Timothy's mother "Annie" because she takes care of her family at all costs. She always finds a way of making things work. She never gives up and she never says she can't do it. 

My favorite scene is the carnival because everyone is happy and having a great time. 

I recommend this wonderful book to any reader who enjoys a good story. 

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 and up. 

This book's publishing date is October 6, 2015. 

BOOK REVIEW: Quanta by Lola Dodge


BLURB:


Just because Quanta can see the future doesn’t mean she can change it. She’s spent most of her life imprisoned, feeding her captors information to keep herself alive, but she’s finally reached the endgame and her death creeps closer by the moment.

The son of two senators, Altair Orpheus leads a life of privilege that provides the perfect cover for his side job: working with the rebel Shadow Ravens to undermine the ruling Seligo government. Everything is running like clockwork until he crosses paths with Quanta. As he watches her deftly maneuver through life in a perverse prison, his plastic heart melts. A jailbreak would be suicide, but Tair is willing to sacrifice everything to give her a chance at happiness.

Now Quanta senses a terrifying new future brewing. She and Tair are bound together, but every image of them kissing, snuggling, and acting knee-weakeningly happy is balanced by a much darker possibility. They’ll be picture perfect together, but only until time rips them apart. How can she follow her heart when she’s seen how their love plays out?


REVIEW BY: Michaela, age 11 years, 3 months

MAY CONTAIN SPOILER:

This book was okay for me, not really the best I've read because they go back in to the past too many times for my liking. 

However, my favorite character is Quanta because her life is so hard, but she still remains strong. My favorite part is when they finally break out. 

Now don't get me wrong, this book was good and I recommend it for anyone that likes fantasies and going into the past. 

I give this book 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 11 to 16. 

This book's publishing date is October 13, 2015. 

BOOK REVIEW: Nostromo the Dwarf by Sam Carr


BLURB:

A young father gets lost in the mountains and meets a mysterious stranger and his dog. Nostromo the Dwarf is a rough man with good manners, a bad temper, and the ability to talk to animals. He tells the young father the wondrous tale of his perilous trip to the mountains in the colonial past, of a ghost and storms and deserted islands and abandoned riches and creating a new life in the New World. But where is he from and why is he here?

REVIEW BY: Arianna, age 12 years, 9 months

MAY CONTAIN SPOILER:

This book was great because it took me on a wonderful journey! I really like all of the characters and couldn't pick just one favorite. My favorite scene in the book is when Nostromo helps Minerva because it is super sweet and makes me feel happy when I read about his good deed. 

I recommend this book for any readers who love adventures. 

I give this book 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 10 and up. 

This book's publishing date is November 11, 2015. 

Friday, September 25, 2015

CHILDREN'S BOOK GIVEAWAY: 10 Autographed Copies of Silly Willy Winston in the Adventures of Super Snout Have No Fear by Donna M. Maguire


This giveaway is awesome! 10 winners, yes I said 10, will receive an autographed copy of Silly Willy Winston in the Adventures of Super Snout Have No Fear by Donna M. Maguire. Winners will receive their book directly from Ms. Maguire!

Angelina reviewed this amazing book here.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

BOOK REVIEW: Flipping the Scales by Pete Tarsi


BLURB:

Meredith and Marina’s lives have been flipped upside down. 


When the translucent skirt that straight-A-student Meredith finds hidden on the beach gets wet, it transforms her legs into a mermaid tail. Despite the evidence in front of her, she insists that becoming a mythical creature isn’t scientifically possible. 

Marina is allowed to experience one day per moon cycle among the humans. After hiding her tail on the beach that morning, she takes her first timid steps on land. When she returns at sunset to find it missing, she is left stranded and alone. 

For the first time in her life, Meredith doesn’t have all the answers. As she searches for a way to return to normal before the next full moon, she makes waves among the school of mermaids. Meanwhile, Marina uncovers information about her past, and for the first time in her life, she must stand on her own two feet and take the lead on her own adventure. 

As Meredith senses her human side slipping away, a forbidden way to change back entices her. But it comes with a consequence: Marina wouldn’t be able to return to the ocean.


REVIEW BY: Arianna, age 12 years, 9 months

MAY CONTAIN SPOILER:

This book was extremely touching! I like how the characters never give up, they persevere through the journey. 

My favorite character is Hailey because she does all she can to help her friends. When everyone else lost hope, she held her head high and fixed the problems. She has an amazingly pure heart that I love! 

I have to say, my favorite part is when Marina finds out her mother is on the mainland because it makes me fill with warmth. I feel like I am sitting in front of a fireplace wrapped in a cozy blanket. I am super happy because one day Marina might find her parents. 

I recommend this book for readers who like amazing fantasies, magnificent examples of true friendship, and unforgettable journeys. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did! 

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 11 and up. 

Thursday, September 24, 2015

BOOK REVIEW: A Riddle in Ruby by Kent Davis



BLURB:

Ruby is a thief-in-training and a keeper of secrets—even secrets she herself doesn’t know. In a whirlwind of action and humor, she careens through an alternate colonial America, both hunting for answers and being hunted. The first book in a witty and fast-paced fantasy-adventure trilogy for fans of Jonathan Stroud, Septimus Heap, and The Very Nearly Honorable League of Pirates.

Ruby Teach, daughter of a smuggler and pirate, has been learning how to swindle and steal and pick the most complex locks for as long as she can remember. But a collision with aristocratic young Lord Athen sends her spinning into chaos. Little has she known that her whole life has been spent in hiding from nefarious secret societies and the Royal Navy . . . who are both now on her tail. In this debut middle grade adventure, Kent Davis weaves a rip-roaring tale through an alternate colonial Philadelphia, a world where alchemy—that peculiar mix of magic and science—has fueled the Industrial Revolution. With this highly original setting, a cast of fully rounded characters and rapid-fire, funny dialogue, A Riddle in Ruby will call to mind fantasy greats like Diana Wynne Jones and Terry Pratchett. The first in a trilogy.

REVIEW BY: Michaela, age 11 years, 3 months

MAY CONTAIN SPOILER:

I LOVE this book!!! If you like fake pirates, impostors and people who turn in to objects, then you will also love this book! 

My favorite part is when Ruby meets Lord Athen because she is scared that he will find out that she was dressed up as a boy and trying to rob him and he cut her under the eye.  

My favorite character is Ruby because she is strong and doesn't give up easily and that reminds me of myself. 

This book has a cliffhanger in every single chapter! 

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 10-12.  

This book's publishing date was September 22, 2015.