Ruin Hunters and the Dead Man’s Myth: A series of epic adventures throughout ancient sites across the globe!
Written by Rob Beare
Protagonist River Ruins is a junior archaeologist embarking with his family on the greatest adventure of his twelve years. In this first adventure book of a new series, River and his family will sail their way through the Caribbean. Here they will find themselves with codes that need to be solved, fortresses that need to be conquered, and pirates who will fight them each step of the way.
The Ruin Hunter Family are in search of a statue, The Glowing Idol of the ancient Mixtec people. They will engage in a fierce battle with the Helions, who are just as determined to fight to the death for the idol statue and secure it for themselves.
The series promises to be a hit with middle-grade adventure and history lovers, especially boys who love Indiana Jones’ tales. Maps and illustrations enhance the read for reluctant readers. Recommended for readers ages nine through thirteen.
If you enjoyed reading this post, please subscribe by clicking on the word Follow or by hitting the orange RSS FEED button in the upper right-hand corner of this page.
One of the biggest hurdles, an author faces is building an online following. There are many theories on how to approach this. Obviously, one needs to understand the audience for which one writes, their needs, desires, and wants. Once that step has been accomplished, how do you reach that audience most effectively. What is your purpose? Is it to sell a product, offer a service, teach a skill, or extend a helping hand?
I recently read and reviewed this book. It has a unique approach suitable for anyone but certainly applicable for writers.
LET IT BE ME
Free: Build an Online Following that Liberates You for Life’s Adventures
Written by Linda Claire Puig
I have read many books that purport to give the answer to how to build an online following. This book is different.
It is written in conversational style rather than an instruction manual. While the author’s purpose is to allow you to live a lifestyle that will allow you the freedom to achieve the lifestyle you desire, Puig gives the tools that will allow the reader to discover how to do it.
Readers learn about the five different types of freedom, why it is important to use generosity in attracting and building that audience, and then how you can interact with your audience to help weather your own struggles while using your own strengths to help them overcome their own problems.
The author presents multiple avenues that can be used to achieve these ends, and also includes an extensive bibliography of resources to explore and enhance the reader’s knowledge base.
I recommend the book as an interesting addition to anyone interesting in taking that next step.
Many of us who want to build a following and have a sense of fulfillment and success struggle because we have no clear sense of purpose or direction. This book guides the reader to discover where he wants to go before spending time being frustrated in not knowing how to get there.
Aman is only two years old when his parents depart India for London. He is left in the care of his grandmother. Aman’s parents rarely visit.
Aman is a happy child who is extremely close to his grandmother. When he is eight years old, Aman learns that his parents will be returning to India permanently. Aman experiences conflicting emotions. Then he overhears a phone call that changes his life. A car accident has killed his father and his mother is hospitalized.
Aman’s grandmother goes off to London and leaves Aman in the care of her nephew. She decides not to tell him anything about the accident. She finally returns with Aman’s mother, but she has not made the recovery that Aman desired. The tale traces the boy’s anguish which impacts his health and his studies.
The author does a good job of portraying the characters’ emotions and cultural traditions. I believe the book could help children cope with similar feelings. This book could lead to productive discussions with middle-grade and teen readers.
If you enjoyed reading this post, please subscribe by clicking on the word Follow or by hitting the orange RSS FEED button in the upper right-hand corner of this page.
Publisher’s Synopsis: Hi! I am Great White Shark, and if you get this book, you’ll read all about ME–the greatest shark in the sea!
Not so fast! Greenland Shark here, and as the oldest shark in this book, that makes me the greatest.
Did someone say fast? I’m Mako Shark, and I’m the fastest shark in this book! Eat my bubbles!
Wow, I’m Hammerhead Shark. You don’t need my special eyes to see that there are lots of great sharks in this book. Sink your teeth into it now!
New York Times bestselling author Joan Holub makes a splash with bestselling illustrator Laurie Keller to deliver an entertaining undersea story that encourages self-acceptance and self-esteem, and is filled with humor and the greatest shark facts in the ocean!
The Great White Shark introduces himself as the greatest shark in this book. Not so fast, he has some serious competition. In this superbly illustrated picture book, readers learn about which sharks claim to be the biggest, smallest, oldest, fastest, sneakiest, smartest, and brightest shark of all. Does it really matter? Like all the sharks, each of us is unique and has some special quality to offer the world.
Holub has packed an amazing amount of information about sharks and their world in this forty-eight-page picture book. The layout features gorgeous, vibrant illustrations with easy-to-read text. In addition, there are detailed diagrams and charts that will provide a plethora of knowledge about the shark world. There is also a list of resources for older readers to continue their research about sharks.
I highly recommend this book for shark lovers of all ages from age four to ninety-four.
GIVEAWAY
Enter for a chance to win an I Am the Shark prize pack!
One (1) grand prize winner receives:
A hardcover copy of I Am the Shark, autographed by Joan Holub
A child-size shark print art/cooking apron
A $50 Target gift card
Two (2) winners receive:
A hardcover copy of I AM THE SHARK, autographed by Joan Holub
The giveaway begins March 26, 2021, at 12:01 A.M. MT and ends April 26, 2021, at 11:59 P.M. MT.
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE CHILDREN’S BOOK REVIEW AND EVA DIETRICH
ABOUT THE BOOK
Mesopo
Written by Eva Dietrich
Illustrated by Ingrid Kallick
Ages 9+ | 338 pages
Publisher: Independently published | ISBN-13: 978-1731518217
Publisher’s Synopsis: Twelve-year-old Ankido is on a quest to save his missing father through the magical realm of Mesopo.
Mesopo is the land where all fantasy originates, a land whose words and language are in peril. Can Ankido save his father and restore all these words in time?
It was a red velvet box, the size of a school book. Ankido lifted the lid, revealing an old-fashioned quill made out of a reed. It smelled remote and otherworldly. Ancient. And for a reason he couldn’t explain, everything felt all right for a moment.
He thought he caught a sound flowing out of the quill, a word maybe. He wasn’t sure and he shook his head. This was ridiculous. No, he surely must have been mistaken. But there! There was the sound again. This time Ankido was sure of it.
“Mesopo” … whispered in a way that slipped around the room like the warm breeze of the desert.
Eva Dietrich is the author of The Great Rainbow Hug (Le gros câlin arc-en-ciel, from Samir Editeur, 2011), recognized by La Revue Des Livres Pour Enfants in 2011 as their annual selection. Eva holds Masters’ Degrees in Children’s Literature from the University of Surrey, London, and Creative Writing from the Metropolitan University of Manchester, UK, and is the founder and director of Aladdin Books. She is equal parts Spanish and German, and currently resides in Madrid with her three kids, three dogs, two cats, three rabbits, and lots of hens.
Ankido Gulzar is a twelve-year-old boy of British-Iraqi descent. He loves to write so much that his grandmother, Habubti, calls him Word Boy.
One day his grandmother comes to report that Ankido’s father, an archaeologist who has been working in Iraq, is missing. She is going there to search for him. Before she leaves, Habubti, entrusts him with the book she has been working on. She warns him to guard it carefully and never let it get into the hands of his Aunt Geraldine. Habubti also gives him a velvet box with a quill pen that he can use to get in touch with her.
Ankido is left in the care of Geraldine and her husband. They treat him poorly, but Ankido loves his two female cousins dearly. When Geraldine demands Ankido give up his grandmother’s book, Ankido throws it into the fire. His aunt plots to place Ankido in a boarding school but before he arrives there, Ankido finds himself in a magical place called Mesopo.
Mesopo is a gateway to ancient Nineveh. It is a land of words. But these words are in danger of disappearing. Why is Ankido the only one who can save this civilization? What role does his aunt and grandmother play? What can his beloved cousins do to save him?
Dragons, demons, myths, and magic are woven into the plot. Middle-grade readers are treated to well-defined, strong characters who must use their strengths and conquer their weaknesses. A few fantastic illustrations assist the reader to visualize this magical land and its alluring inhabitants. Our words are powerful, and they must be protected.
GIVEAWAY
Enter for a chance to win a copy of Mesopo and a feather dip quill pen writing set!
One (1) grand prize winner receives:
A paperback copy of Mesopo
A digital copy of Mesopo
A Feather Dip Quill Pen Writing Ink Set
Two (2) winners receive:
A choice of:
A paperback copy of Mesopo
A digital copy of Mesopo
The giveaway begins April 1, 2021, at 12:01 A.M. MT and ends April 30, 2021, at 11:59 P.M. MT.
Food Network Magazine The Big, Fun Kids Baking Book Free 14-Recipe Sampler!
Provided by Food Network Magazine
This recipe sampler is the perfect way to entice budding young chefs into the kitchen. They are the types of foods that children are interested in eating so they will be attracted to baking them. Muffins, brownies, cakes, and cupcakes are definitely favorites among this age group. Perfect choice for middle-grade readers who can read and follow these recipes independently or to use as a family project to involve all the members of a family working together.
If you enjoyed reading this post, please subscribe by clicking on the word Follow or by hitting the orange RSS FEED button in the upper right-hand corner of this page.
This middle-grade novel provides a fascinating glimpse into one family’s growth and evolution. The narrator is one of four sisters who describes her coming of age within a family that matures along with her.
Valene loves to write. The reader is treated to her reminiscences through her journal. It describes the struggles of a family who are fiercely devoted to each other yet defined by distinct differences. Valene loves horses and dreams of owning one Her family needs to make many sacrifices before they can buy their own farm. The word someday always seems far off. That is why Valene thinks it is the perfect name for their farm.
Readers learn what life is like growing up on a farm. How does one feed and care for animals, and live without conveniences like central heat and running water? Merrell’s drawings help readers visualize what a 50s washing machine and iron look like. She describes the stringing of lines for telephones, and the Sears Wish Book Catalog.
Many of the trials and tribulations of growing up have not changed. Teasing, bullying, and jockeying for power among siblings are still present. Merrell brings her characters to life. Today’s youth learn a lot about the past and how to appreciate modern conveniences, while getting a good flavor of living on a 1950s Montana farm.
If you enjoyed reading this post, please subscribe by clicking on the word Follow or by hitting the orange RSS FEED button in the upper right-hand corner of this page.
The Boy Who Painted the World: A Middle Grade Novel
Written by Melody J. Bremen
While the subtitle of this book indicates a middle grade novel, this book can be enjoyed by adults as well. It tells the story of Indigo, a ten-year-old boy who is abandoned by his mother. He finds a friend with Jade, an older teen, who tries to take care of him until fate intervenes. They are separated and Indigo is forced to fend for himself. Indigo has a passion for painting. It fuels his desire to survive. He is resilient and resourceful. While Indigo is wary of trusting others, he gradually learns to reach out and experience a connection to others.
Bremen does a marvelous job of painting her characters and developing them for her readers. Each page reveals a different layer. This book is addictive, once opened the reader will have difficulty putting it aside. Readers cannot wait to discover what will happen to Indigo and his newly found friends and enemies.
This is a powerful story about resilience, homelessness, and adoption. These issues are addressed within a moving novel that encourages deep thought and discussion. Highly recommended for readers aged ten and older.
If you enjoyed reading this post, please subscribe by clicking on the word Follow or by hitting the RSS FEED button in the upper right-hand corner of this page.
The Big Adventures of a Little Tree: Tree Finds Friendship
Written by Nadja Springer
Illustrated by Tilia Rand-Bell
A little tree possesses an overwhelming urge to travel and see the world. But how can he move? His roots are deep and entrenched in the soil.
The tree has an idea. He recruits the birds of the forest to help him. Slowly, he advances forward. When he comes upon a group of children, he has the opportunity to create deep friendships. Seasons come and go. Will the little tree be able to sustain his dreams?
I like the ideas and concepts that are conveyed through the simple words and illustrations. Having read the kindle version, the size of font was small even when enlarged. That is a drawback for beginning readers who want to read the electronic version.
This book affords the opportunity to explore many topics such as immigration, nature, environment, and mindfulness. That is why I would recommend it for readers of all ages.
If you enjoyed reading this book, please subscribe by clicking on the word Follow or by hitting the orange RSS FEED button in the upper right-hand corner of this page.
MCBD 2021 is Honored to be Supported by these Media Partners!
Check out MCBD’s Multicultural Books for Kids Pinterest Board!
MCBD 2021 Twitter Party Questions and PRIZES!
Join us on Friday, Jan 29, 2021, at 9 pm EST for the 8th annual Multicultural Children’s Book Day Twitter Party! REGISTER HERE.
This hour includes multicultural book discussions, addressing timely issues, diverse book recommendations, & reading ideas.
*** US and Global participants welcome. **
The Multicultural Children’s Book Day Twitter Party 2021 will be giving away a 5-8 diverse book bundle every five minutes!
We also have some bonus prizes and prizes specifically for our non-USA participants. Scroll down to see all of the amazing book bundles and prizes.
Hashtag: Don’t forget to connect with us on social media and be sure and look for/use our official hashtag #ReadYourWorld.
This year, our 1/29/21 Party will occur at 9:00-10:00 p.m. ET and we promise it will be INSANELY fun and fast-paced! Be sure and follow Multicultural Children’s Book Day on Twitterso you can join the party. Follow the hashtag #ReadYourWorld to join the conversation, connect with like-minded parts, authors, publishers, educators, organizations, and librarians.
GO HERE to view the 2021 MCBD TWITTER PARTY Questions!
GO HERE to view the 2021 MCBD TWITTER PARTY Prizes!
Not sure how to participate in a Twitter Party? Check out this great article from MCBD’s Project Manager HERE.
I am proud to be a participating author reviewer for the eighth year since the inauguration of Multicultural Children’s Book Day.
Here is my review for MCBD 2021:
FINDING HER WAY
Farah Rocks: New Beginnings
Written by Susan Muaddi Darraj
Illustrated by Ruaida Mannaa
This is the second book in the Farah Rocks series. Farah’s last name roughly translates to rocks in English and that is why she refers to herself as Farah Rocks. For those who are unfamiliar with this middle-grade book series, Farah is a gifted student from an Orthodox Christian Arab family. This year she is scheduled to begin attending a middle school called Magnet Academy. While she is apprehensive, her best friend, Allie has also been selected.
Right before school opens, a tragedy occurs. A fire destroys most of their home. When Farah discovers it might have been her fault, she keeps silent. Like a “rock in her stomach,” her feelings of guilt and remorse never leave her. Will she be able to come to terms with her guilt and stop lying to her parents?
Farah is a strong female character who is not afraid of trying new things, like setting up a creative writing club, even though the school is strongly math and science based. She is tender and loving toward her younger brother, Samir, who is speech impaired. The author deftly describes Arab culture and includes a glossary to explain Arabic vocabulary as well as some advanced English concepts.
Readers receive a bonus. The author shares seven writing prompts that will nurture the talents of budding poets, writers, and journalists. There are a few nicely done black and white illustrations. Length of the book is less than one hundred and fifty pages making it a good choice for reluctant readers as well. I would highly recommend this multicultural book to be used as a read aloud and discussion text about cultural diversity.
If you enjoyed reading this post, please subscribe by clicking on the word Follow or by hitting the RSS FEED button in the upper right-hand corner of this page.
June 13, 2021
bamauthor
Barbara Ann Mojica's BLOG 
You must be logged in to post a comment.