In partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Emerald Lake Books

ABOUT THE BOOK

Greta Grace: A Greta Grace Gibson Story About Bullying and Self-Esteem

Written by Joanna Quinn

Ages 9+ | 190 Pages

Publisher: Emerald Lake Books | ISBN-13: 9781945847448

Publisher’s Synopsis: What’s worse than being invisible? Being noticed by the school bully.

Greta Grace likes her life. She isn’t the most popular girl in school-some days she even feels invisible-but she gets good grades and stays out of trouble.

She has a best friend in Samantha and a grandmotherly neighbor who is never too busy for a chat. Her mom can be a bit overprotective, but Greta Grace doesn’t blame her. Being a single parent probably isn’t the easiest job in the world.

When her longtime crush finally starts noticing her, Greta Grace thinks her life might even be perfect.

But when a merciless bully takes aim at Greta Grace, her carefree existence suddenly ends.

Who ever knew that school could be so hard?

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3A14a0j

Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/2078/9781945847448

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Joanna O’Reilly Quinn can usually be found learning something new to teach teens. As a former middle school teacher, founder of Super Empowered One, and life coach, it is no surprise that her middle-grade fiction book, Greta Grace, weaves some teachable moments into her character’s very relatable experiences. Think, middle school… Ahhh!Through her company, Super Empowered One, Joanna teaches kids how to access their confidence, happiness and power, so they can live their best life. Joanna loves writing, the ocean, a good run, and living in Fairfield, Connecticut, with her husband and two kids. Visit her at superempoweredone.com to learn more about her coaching services and Greta Grace.

If you’re interested in having Joanna conduct a program for your group or come speak to your students, you can contact her at emeraldlakebooks.com/quinn and superempoweredone.com/.

MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK:

GROWING PAINS

Greta Grace

Written by Joanna Quinn

Greta Grace is a middle-school student who considers her everyday life an ordinary one. She is an excellent student who tries to stay under the radar. Greta is the daughter of a loving, single mom. She has a special relationship with Mrs. McGee, an elderly next-door neighbor. Her best friend is Samantha; she has a crush on Charlie, who doesn’t seem to notice her.

Greta’s world is turned upside down when Mrs. McGee becomes ill, Casey decides to bully her, and Samantha becomes distant. The only bright spot occurs when Charlie strikes up a relationship with her. But emotions and peer relationships are constantly shifting.  Will Greta Grace learn how to handle her feelings and cope with the bullying?

Quinn does an excellent job of creating empathetic, believable characters for her middle-grade readers. I found the discussion question guide particularly useful. Parents, teachers, and guidance counselors will welcome the guide as an excellent way to discuss sensitive issues with middle-grade students.

GIVEAWAY

Enter for a chance to win a copy of Greta Grace, along with a 1-hr coaching session for a parent on how to raise a super-empowered teen.

One (1) grand prize winner receives:

A copy of Greta Grace

A 1-hr parenting coaching session with Joanna Quinn

Four (4) winners receive:

A copy of Greta Grace

The giveaway begins September 20, 2021, at 12:01 A.M. MT and ends October 20, 2021, at 11:59 P.M. MT.

Click on the link below to enter the giveaway:

https://gleam.io/4Pvl7/greta-grace-giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

Monday, September 20, 2021The Children’s Book ReviewA book review ofGreta Grace: A Greta Grace Gibson Story About Bullying and Self-Esteem

Tuesday, September 21, 2021Over Coffee ConversationAn interview withJoanna Quinn

Wednesday, September 22, 2021Life Is What It’s CalledA book review ofGreta Grace: A Greta Grace Gibson Story About Bullying and Self-Esteem

Thursday, September 23, 2021A Dream Within a DreamA book review ofGreta Grace: A Greta Grace Gibson Story About Bullying and Self-Esteem

Friday, September 24, 2021The Momma SpotA book review ofGreta Grace: A Greta Grace Gibson Story About Bullying and Self-Esteem

Sunday, September 26, 2021Barbara Ann Mojica’s BlogA book review ofGreta Grace: A Greta Grace Gibson Story About Bullying and Self-Esteem

Monday, September 27, 2021The Fairview ReviewA book review ofGreta Grace: A Greta Grace Gibson Story About Bullying and Self-Esteem

Tuesday, September 28, 2021icefairy’s Treasure ChestA book review ofGreta Grace: A Greta Grace Gibson Story About Bullying and Self-Esteem

Wednesday, September 29, 2021Book Bug CAA book review ofGreta Grace: A Greta Grace Gibson Story About Bullying and Self-Esteem

Thursday, September 30, 2021Rajiv’s ReviewsA book review ofGreta Grace: A Greta Grace Gibson Story About Bullying and Self-Esteem

Monday, October 4, 2021Lisa’s ReadingA book review ofGreta Grace: A Greta Grace Gibson Story About Bullying and Self-Esteem

Tuesday, October 5, 2021Satisfaction for Insatiable ReadersA book review ofGreta Grace: A Greta Grace Gibson Story About Bullying and Self-Esteem

Wednesday, October 6, 2021Periodical GazetteAn interview and book review ofGreta Grace: A Greta Grace Gibson Story About Bullying and Self-Esteem

Thursday, October 7, 2021Glass of Wine, Glass of MilkAn interview and book review ofGreta Grace: A Greta Grace Gibson Story About Bullying and Self-Esteem

In partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Thomas Tosi

ABOUT THE BOOK

Six Thousand Doughnuts

Written by Thomas Tosi

Illustrated by Meaghan Tosi

Ages 8-12 | 284 Pages

Publisher: Dooney Press | ISBN-13 : 978-1954782013

Publisher’s Synopsis: Why would anyone need six thousand doughnuts?

Big family…little house… Fifth-grader Abe Mitchell is fed up with sharing. All he wants is something to call his own. And he just might get it when he finds a loophole in the fine print of a doughnut shop coupon. Abe thinks it entitles him to a fresh-baked mountain of crullers, dunkers, and chocolate-frosteds. But cashing in means war with Marlene Paczki, the daughter of the doughnut shop owner and Abe’s new crush.

PURCHASE LINKS

https://amzn.to/3fdV47n

https://bookshop.org/a/2078/9781954782013

MY REVIEW OF THE BOOK

TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING

Six Thousand Doughnuts

Written by Thomas Tosi

Illustrated by Meghan Tosi

Abe Mitchell is tired of sharing. He lives in an attic space with his two older twin brothers. His sisters must also share. When his cousin Celia temporarily moves it, he is unhappy to learn that he and his brothers will now be sharing the attic with his sisters as well!

One day Abe is sharing a doughnut with his two sisters when he notices a coupon on his father’s coffee cup. He has won a free doughnut, one that he will not have to share. Abe’s dad refuses to return to the shop, so he decides to return another day.

Now Abe is a clever fifth grader. He notices the fine print that says prize may be exchanged for 1/20 of a cent. Abe quickly calculates that would be the equivalent of six thousand doughnuts. When Abe returns to the store to collect his prize, the owner demurs informing Abe that is just legal jargon. To make matters worse, Marlene Paczki, the owner’s daughter starts a food fight that nearly destroys the shop. Add to that, the fact that Abe develops a crush on Marlene, his problems continue to mount.

Read the rest of this hilarious, coming of age middle-grade novel to find out what happens to Abe, his family, and the doughnut shop. The black and white illustrations enhance this fun read and make it a perfect choice for a reluctant reader.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Thomas Tosi is a writer/filmmaker who, together with his wife, Heidi, has produced an award-winning children’s website, educational multimedia games, and dramatic films which have aired on national television, PBS affiliate stations, and screened in numerous film festivals. He was born and raised in New Hampshire, where he and Heidi still reside. He takes pride in the fact that they now live in a solar-powered home where they grow and can organic vegetables.

For more information visit thomastosi.com.

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR

Meaghan Tosi, after being born on April Fools’ Day in New Hampshire, has collected a BFA from Laguna College of Art and Design. She illustrated this book and the graphic novel Squashed alongside author Thomas Tosi. She has also self-published DWEEDY: The Imagined Adventures of My Deceased Cat. She now lives in Portland, Oregon, for the art, coffee shops, vegan food, and the constantly lingering smell of rain.

GIVEAWAY

Enter for a chance to win a hardcover Six Thousand Doughnuts prize pack!

One (1) grand prize winner receives:

• A hardcover copy of Six Thousand Doughnuts, autographed by Thomas Tosi
• A high-quality ceramic Six Thousand Doughnuts diner mug featuring the Sweetly Crisp doughnuts logo.

Three (3) grand winners receive:

• A hardcover copy of Six Thousand Doughnuts, autographed by Thomas Tosi

The giveaway begins May 19, 2021, at 12:01 A.M. MT and ends June 19, 2021, at 11:59 P.M. MT.

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/3d5cb282229/?

TOUR SCHEDULE

Wednesday, May 19, 2021The Children’s Book ReviewA book review ofSix Thousand Doughnuts

Thursday, May 20, 2021Lisa’s ReadingA book review ofSix Thousand Doughnuts

Friday, May 21, 2021Life Is What It’s CalledA book review ofSix Thousand Doughnuts

Monday, May 24, 2021Shooting Stars MagA book review ofSix Thousand Doughnuts

Tuesday, May 25, 2021Crafty Moms ShareA book review ofSix Thousand Doughnuts

Wednesday, May 26, 2021icefairy’s Treasure ChestA book review ofSix Thousand Doughnuts

Friday, May 28, 2021Satisfaction for Insatiable ReadersA book review ofSix Thousand Doughnuts

Monday, May 31, 2021A Dream Within A DreamA book review ofSix Thousand Doughnuts

Tuesday, June 1, 2021Lille Punkin’A book review ofSix Thousand Doughnuts

Wednesday, June 2, 2021J.R.s Book ReviewsA book review ofSix Thousand Doughnuts

Thursday, June 3, 2021Barbara Ann Mojica’s BlogA book review ofSix Thousand Doughnuts

Friday, June 4, 2021The Fairview ReviewA book review ofSix Thousand Doughnuts

Monday, June 6, 2021Glass of Wine, Glass of MilkA book review ofSix Thousand Doughnuts

Sophie Washington: Things You Didn’t Know About Sophie

Written and Illustrated by Tanya Duncan Ellis

This is Book Three of the Sophie Washington book series. In this tale, Sophie is about to turn eleven. She is excited because she has a crush on Toby, a new boy in school who has recently moved from Cleveland. Of course she wants desperately for him to notice her. Her other big concern is talking her parents into getting her a cell phone for her birthday. Sophie tells her friend that she is getting an Apple phone, but her parents have not agreed yet. In an effort to impress her friends, she might just jeopardize her fondest wish.

This series is popular with late elementary school and middle-grade readers. Sophie is a character with which many of her readers empathize. Her mistakes and hijinks move the story along. She is funny, genuine, and contemporary. I recommend the series to students ages seven through thirteen.

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Check out learning opportunities for the entire family at http://www.LittleMissHISTORY.com

Moon-Force 1

Written by Janelle M. Adams

Mesa White is enjoying a normal teenage life on planet earth until she receives an unexpected visit and learns she is princess from a far-away world called Satellite. Ethan informs her that she is the only one who can save them from the evil, Mirwilla. Mesa will be their savior when she employs her special powers,

Mesa wants to help, but she is confused and perplexed. What are these powers and how can they be useful in saving the planet? Can she trust this boy named Ethan?

The book contains a lot of magic, fantasy, and adventure. There are twists and turns that will entertain young readers. The artwork is well-done and appealing. I would suggest using a bit less dialogue and more active voice. This is book one in a series, so I am eager to follow the progress of this young writer.

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Check out learning opportunities for the entire family at http://www.LittleMissHISTORY.com

Max’s Revenge

Written by Sally Gould

This is the first book in a series of books revolving on the main character, Max. Max always seems to get the short end of the stick. His older brother, Charlie, is perceived to be perfect. In the first story, the siblings are invited to the wedding of their Uncle Dan. But before the vows are exchanged, Charlie lures Max into a trap that ends with his falling out of a tree and disrupting the wedding. Things further deteriorate at the wedding reception, when Charlie attracts the flower girl, Lucy, who Max adores. Charlie becomes a partner in crime with the bartender and Sophie’s three brothers who conspire to booby trap the marriage getaway car. To make matters worse, Max’s evil Aunt schemes to get Max into trouble. Of course, Max finds devious ways to get his revenge.

The second story centers around Charlie and Max’s visit to their Nana’s house. A social worker has persuaded the boys’ parents to take a much-needed break. While at Nana’s house, the boys discover that the evil Aunt is trying to get Nana to sell her house. The boys get their revenge on their Aunt and try to prevent the sale. They plan several pranks to thwart the sale, but they discover Nana secretly wants to move. How will they undo the damage? The hilarious result will be that Max has to eat dog food stew.

Children in grades three to six will find themselves empathizing with poor Max. Perhaps they have a relative like Max’s evil Aunt. The comedy is spot on and the dialogue appears genuine and age appropriate. Length of the stories is not too long so the book will appeal to reluctant readers. Perfect choice for a summer read.

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Pi

Written by Lori Ann Stephens

Illustrated by Trevor Yokochi

Pierre Francois is a fifth-grade student who lives in Texas. As you may have guessed from the name, Pierre’s father is French. To his chagrin, Pierre spends his Christmas holiday in France with his grandparents. He tells his readers that he hates fifth grade because the boys are annoying and the girls are mean.

Readers follow Pierre’s troubles in school, his attempt to impress his friends by winning the spelling bee, his first crush on Cynthia, the new girl in school, and his disastrous camping adventure with school buddies. The book has a few simple illustrations. It is a pretty easy read, and I would categorize it as an early chapter book or a good choice for reluctant readers. Especially recommended for readers in grades three through six. Lots of humor and plenty of situations that they will find familiar.

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Alien Kid

Written by Kristen Otte

 

Charlie Baker is the new sixth grader in Silver Lake Middle School. Middle school is a difficult period in any child’s life, but for Charlie, things are especially tough. Charlie and his family tell everyone that they have just moved to upstate New York from Cleveland, but they are aliens from Jupiter’s moon, Europa. A revolution led to a militaristic faction gaining control. Charlie’s family had to flee in order to survive. The family struggles to blend in on Earth, but their ability to read minds is both a blessing and a curse.

Charlie is bullied by Caden and Jordan. He falls in love with a fellow student named Maya, to whom he reveals his secret. But Maya wants Charlie to use his gift to help others. Charlie is having enough problems trying to understand the culture and the language. He says things like “hot spaghetti” and “oh pug” leaving his fellow sixth-graders mystified. The book focuses on middle-grade issues like bullying, peer-school relationships, and first love. This tale will appeal to students struggling to fit into a new school or neighborhood. The characters are believable and realistic.

Recommended especially for readers in fourth through seventh grades, but the story is well-written and appealing for any age.

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