An action adventure that is full of quirky characters, imagination, twists, and turns.
Eleven-year-old Bobby loves chocolate and will eat it until he gets sick. He has a pesky sister and a rather ordinary family.
Bog is the school bully who torments everyone. Bobby dreams of revenge. His plans go awry when Bog banishes Bobby to the sewer. Here the readers meet all sorts of disgusting creatures.
The book is illustrated with color images that correspond with the humor and fantastic wordplays. That makes the book appealing to reluctant readers. Unpredictable twists and turns keep the plot moving along quickly. This book should appeal to boys and girls whether beginning or middle-grade readers.
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Publisher’s Book Summary: Everyone in George’s family is so embarrassing. His mom can’t cook, his sister is constantly making kissy faces to her phone, and his brother’s wardrobe consists of nothing but costumes. To top it off, George’s dad is known for going outdoors in his underwear!
Will Family Night at school reveal all of their quirks?
Or will George want to hide under his desk to avoid them?
Kimber Morgan is a multi-award-winning children’s book author who lives in Charlotte, North Carolina. Kimber is a fun wife and imperfect mom of 3 crazy kiddos and two little lemon (problematic) dogs. She tries to live her strengths the best she can. Morgan is a homemade Halloween costume type of mom who lets her kids mix the play-doh. She bakes fun birthday cakes (cutely, but far from perfection) and loves a homemade valentine and a school project.
Writing children’s books is an extension of her creative strength. She strives to create picture books that are beautiful, engaging, humorous, and with themes of acceptance and kindness. She hopes you love reading her works. Kimber is available for author visits and wants to connect with you.
Jessica Kwan is the illustrator behind Bad Attitude Bunny Illustration, though her attitude is generally not that bad. She hails from San Francisco and is currently based in northern Sweden. She enjoys drawing characters with funny expressions and anything inspired by nature and animals. She is always looking for the next collaboration, but during her spare time, she likes to: travel, read, do crosswords, and pet the neighborhood cats. Some things she dislikes are sand, mosquitoes, and melted ice cream.
It is time for family night at school and George dreads it. Why? He thinks his family is weird and embarrassing. George has inherited the family’s preferred first name passed down from generation to generation and he hates it. His older sister is obsessed with her phone, his younger brother wears only costumes, his mother burns the food, and his father routinely goes outside in his underwear. What will they do to embarrass George at school? George does not want to find out.
Kwan’s illustrations are hilarious. They keep kids and adults in stitches. I laughed my way from page to page. Readers may be surprised at the ending. Are all families as weird as George’s family? A little weird may be a good thing.
Publisher: Chelshire, Inc. | ISBN-13: 9781950080434
Publisher’s Book Summary: Templeton Academy, the superhero high school, is finally open!
The prestigious academy is recruiting the best of the best to enroll in its student body. The school is as mysterious as it is exclusive. Grady Whill thinks there is nothing special about him to make the grade. However, his best friend, Aarush Patel has been selected and thinks Grady has the right stuff. Even school bully, Elwood Bledsoe is attending.
If Grady is fortunate enough to be picked, his guardian has forbidden him to attend. Will a family secret prevent Grady from becoming the superhero he was destined to be?
Carole P. Roman is the award-winning author of over fifty children’s books. Whether it’s pirates, princesses, spies, or discovering the world around us, her books have enchanted educators, parents, and her diverse audience of children of all ages.
Roman is the CEO of a global transportation company, as well as a practicing medium.
She also writes adult fiction under the name Brit Lunden and has created an anthology of the mythical town of Bulwark, Georgia with a group of indie authors.
Writing is her passion and one of her favorite pastimes. Roman reinvents herself frequently, and her family calls her the ‘mother of reinvention.’ She resides on Long Island, near her children and grandchildren.
What an interesting middle-grade novel. An interesting combination of genres and themes, coming of age, fantasy, adventure, peer, family, and school relationships. Whill and his best friend, Aarush, long to gain admission to an elite new school Templeton Academy, but Whill’s guardian is opposed. The Middleton Middle Schools bully Elwood torments Aarush who is autistic, Whill is often in trouble because he sticks up for his friend.
Despite the odds, Whill, Aarush, and Elwood all gain entrance to Templeton. Upon arrival, the students realize this is no ordinary place. Whisked away to a mysterious location, with no outside contact and communication, they learn that they must uncover the meaning of a codex inscribed on an obelisk. Their classes include subjects like subconscious thinking. What will Whill and Aarush learn about their past and their hidden superpowers? Will they succeed in their quest? This first book ends at the completion of year one.
GIVEAWAY
Enter for a chance to win an awesome Dooney Press Gift Pack of books and more fun goodies!
One (1) grand prize winner receives:
– A signed copy of Grady Whill and the Templeton Code
– A waxed canvas backpack
Nine (9) winners receive:
– A signed copy of Grady Whill and the Templeton Code
Publisher’s Synopsis: Author J.T. Michaels brings a fantasy tale of an ancient war, a modern-day murder mystery, mystical creatures, and memorable characters in his masterfully written young adult novel, Jimmy Chartron and the Lost Keystone.
The Great War ended a century ago. Peace reigns across the eight countries. Epic tales of heroic men and women of those times are recounted in song and story. Yet, history seems to have forgotten a young battlefield healer, Tessa Marlise…
Sixteen-year-old Jimmy Chartron has just enrolled at the Navale Academy of Eagleon, his mind set on becoming an electrician. A chance magical encounter binds him to the trapped soul of Tessa Marlise. As Jimmy struggles to deal with this shocking development, murder and mystery unravel in the academy. Caught in the middle of everything, Jimmy realizes that a larger evil is afoot and that only two things can stop it: himself and the ghost in his head…
Author J.T. Michaels has always loved storytelling, no matter the medium. Being immersed in a different world, whether it’s through books or video games, has also been an obsession for him. Years after writing for his school magazine, he discovered he wanted to create his own worlds for readers, and his journey to fantasy writing began with Jimmy Chartron and the Lost Keystone, the first volume in his epic fantasy series.
J.T. gets inspiration for his books from everything around him, incorporating his friends as character ideas to make his stories as relatable and realistic as possible. He hopes his young readers come away from his stories having escaped from the real world for a bit and with a spark of magic that lasts long after the book is closed.
When he isn’t writing enchanting fantasy novels for teens, J.T. enjoys running and spending time outside in the sunshine and hunkering down in a bookstore or library on rainy days. He lives in British Columbia, Canada, where he likes to indulge in a great cup of coffee. Jimmy Chartron and the Lost Keystone is his debut novel, the first in a planned fantasy trilogy.
This young adult novel combines the most popular genres for this age group of readers. Fantasy, ghosts, a murder, coming-of-age struggles, and strong characters all rolled into a fast-moving adventure written with humor and great dialogue. The setting consists of a peaceful world left behind after a devastating war that wiped out civilization a century ago. Myths and stories tell the tales of former heroes. A battlefield healer named Tessie attaches her lost soul to Jimmy, the protagonist, who has just enrolled in school to become an electrician.
Jimmy struggles to deal with this dilemma but soon finds himself embroiled in a murder mystery at the school. Readers become immersed in his struggles, the murder mystery, and the lives of other colorful characters at the school. Michaels artfully reveals the successes and failures of the characters through skilled dialogue and humor.
This young adult novel is the first in a series and has much to offer to its targeted audience of readers thirteen and older but has widespread appeal for adults.
GIVEAWAY
Enter for a chance to win a Jimmy Chartron and the Lost Keystone prize pack!
One (1) grand prize winner receives:
The Comfy Couch Reader Prize Pack
– Two Alice in Wonderland throw covers
– A side lamp with a unique horse stencil design
-A signed copy of Jimmy Chartron and the Lost Keystone
One (1) grand prize winner receives:
The Books and Beverage Lover Prize Pack
– A Jimmy Chartron mug
-A Magic Mug with 3 Reveal Characters
-A signed copy of Jimmy Chartron and the Lost Keystone
Three (3) winners receive:
A signed paperback copy of Jimmy Chartron and the Lost Keystone
Publisher’s Synopsis: Creative and artistic 2nd-grade teacher, Mr. Wilson, wants to teach his students about kindness. Mr. Wilson creates The Kindness Machine, a special machine that shows the students exactly what they can do to bring kindness to their classroom and into their hearts! Instead of telling his students to “be kind,” which is something children hear from a very early age, they learn exactly what they can do in their own lives by pressing the special buttons. In the end, Mr. Wilson teaches his students that they each have their own Kindness Machine within them to help make kind decisions for others and themselves.
This creative, innovative, and fun teaching method will direct kids to be kind to one another in their classroom and beyond. The book includes discussion questions to help the reader consider not only kindness towards others but also kindness towards themselves, a lesson that is not always taught.
The Kindness Machine is a practical and innovative tool for teaching emotional literacy, kindness, and acceptance of self and others.
Available in hardcover, paperback, and as an ebook.
Christina Dankert is a second-grade teacher. She has a passion for literacy and believes that we can change the world by reading to the children in our lives. This is her debut picture book. She lives in Sylvania, Ohio, with her husband, Chad, and their two children. She has dreamed of collaborating with her husband to merge their two professions of educator and artist into one meaningful product. The Kindness Machine allowed that dream to come true.
What a wonderful message for elementary school children! This multicultural book portrays a diverse second-grade class with a wonderful role model as a teacher.
Mr. Wilson is a popular teacher with a penchant for invention. One day he brings one of them to class. He hides the invention under a bedsheet. The children are excited and curious. What could it be?
Mr. Wilson asks the class to identify their superpowers. When they claim not to have any, Mr. Wilson shows them how his invention is the kindness machine that will reveal each student’s superpower.
Can this be true? One by one the students step up to the machine and learn how each possesses a unique superpower that can help them to spread kindness.
The author includes wonderful illustrations and discussion questions to use before, during, and after the reading, making this picture book a valuable teaching tool.
GIVEAWAY
Enter for a chance to win a classroom set of The Kindness Machine or one of five individual copies!
One (1) winner receives:
A classroom set (30 copies) of The Kindness Machine will be sent directly to the winners’ school of choice, along with autographed bookplates personalized for each student and the teacher.
Five (5) winners receive:
A copy of The Kindness Machine, with bookplates autographed by author Christina Dankert
Publisher’s Synopsis:When a young girl learns she is the Last Heir of the legendary pirate Davy Jones, she is whisked away to begin life aboard an enchanted schoolship for Pirate Heirs where danger and excitement awaits.
Contemporary kids who happen to be Heirs of the most villainous and celebrated pirates in history. Superstitions, mysteries, curses, secrets, strange ocean creatures, undead pirates, and seafaring legends will thrill middle-grade readers in this rollicking, globe-trotting adventure.
Avalina Jones, the Last Heir of the infamous pirate Davy Jones, has never heard of Sea Magic, flying dinghies, Pirate Heir schoolships, phantom islands, undead pirates, or creatures called Half Ones. And she has never understood her strange connection to water. But when a beautiful woman arrives in a swirling waterspout, Avalina’s life explodes with more adventures than she can possibly imagine. She takes her rightful place aboard a giant Pirate Heir schoolship teeming with Heirs of the world’s most nefarious pirates.
Raised as a Landlubber, Avalina quickly realizes bizarre and danger are normal aboard Pirate Heir schoolships-food fights back, school supplies giggle or explode in your face. And not everyone can be trusted.
When Avalina is accused of a terrible crime, she must prove her innocence or risk being banished from the schoolship forever-and this in the middle of a crucial Treasure Hunt!
Avalina races to unlock the secrets of the ship, and makes a dangerous discovery that threatens everyone aboard. With the help of her new friends Charlie, Pippa, and Bummy, Avalina draws closer to the truth, unaware that a deeper, darker fate awaits.
Author Lori Adams expertly delivers a story that is timeless, bringing together elements of sea lore, magic, and adventure. The first book in a seven-book series, Avalina Jones and the Eye of the Storm, is a romping tale for middle graders who are searching for the next enduring fantasy classic.
LORI ADAMS is the author of the Avalina Jones series for middle-grade readers (Avalina Jones and the Eye of the Storm (#1)as well as two young adult series: The Kate March Mysteries: Speak Easy (#1) set in Hollywood during the Roaring Twenties, and the Soulkeepers Series: Forbidden, Awaken, and Unforgiven, a paranormal fantasy set in the quintessential but fictitious town of Haven Hurst, Connecticut and first published through Random House.
Lori was born and raised in Oklahoma but moved to Southern California where she lives with her family. She loves traipsing along SoCal’s wonderful beaches, watching Angel’s baseball, Cowboys’ football. Aside from writing, Lori loves reading and watching Classic Hollywood Movies.
Avalina has lived in an orphanage from the age of four. Soon after her tenth birthday, Avalina develops strange powers like breathing underwater. A mysterious, beautiful woman appears to her in a swirling waterspout and turns her life upside down.
This creature swoops her up in a magical dinghy to a phantom pirate ship. Avalina learns that she is the last surviving heir of Davy Jones. This ship is a school for pirate heirs divided into four houses that compete to decipher a pirate map and retrieve its treasure.
Avalina must prove that she is not guilty of an awful crime. There are thrills, adventures, secrets, and legends along the way. Through it all, Avalina is not afraid to stand up for rights, fight the bullies, and work hard. Middle-grade readers will love the wonderfully descriptive language of Sea Magic, ghost pirates, fantasy sea creatures, and strange places. Highly recommended for adventure seekers and fantasy lovers, especially those in the eight to twelve age range.
GIVEAWAY
Enter for a chance to win an Avalina Jones and the Eye of the Storm prize pack!
One (1) grand prize winner receives:
An autographed copy of Avalina Jones: And the Eye of the Storm
An Avalina Jones quote tote
A Hands-Off Me Gigglin’ Grog mug
An Avalina Jones fridge magnet
An Avalina Jones bookmark
Two (2) winners receive:
An autographed copy of Avalina Jones: And the Eye of the Storm
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.
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.
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.
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
JULIA JONES – My Worst Day Ever! – Book 1: Diary Book for Girls aged 9 – 12 (Julia Jones’ Diary)
Written by Katrina Kahler
Julia and Millie are best friends in seventh grade. Their very cool teacher, Mrs. Sheldon, is supervising the school musical. Millie and Julia have landed lead roles and Julia’s dancing experience gives her a prominent role in the choreography.
Enter Sara, a brand new classmate. While pretending to be friendly to everyone, including Julia, she is soon bullying her way into control. Whether it’s wearing the best clothes, buying the most expensive gifts, or flirting with Blake, Julia’s secret crush, Sara appears determined to show Julia in a bad light. Things go from bad to worse as a series of “coincidences” lead up to embarrassment and failure for Julia.
This book contains little more than 100 pages and moves quickly. It will appeal to reluctant readers and middle-school students as well as early teens. It’s the first book of the series and ends in a cliff-hanger.
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Virtual Blog Tour and Giveaway in partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Next Pivot Point
ABOUT THE BOOK
Little Allies: A Children’s Story about Inclusion, Diversity, and Becoming an Ally
Written by Julie Kratz
Illustrated by Edwards Maiello
Ages 5-10 | 74 Pages
Publisher: Next Pivot Point | ISBN-13: 978-1736515907
Publisher’s Synopsis: As Ally navigates through her school day, she watches her classmates face bullying and discrimination. Ally realizes that they all want the same thing – to be accepted as they are. Ally learns an important lesson, brought to light by her teacher, that our differences make each of us unique and special, and that we can be an ally to others to help them navigate through life.
Little Allies is a touching tale that reminds us of the importance of accepting each other, celebrating our differences, and working to become an ally. The colorful pictures show Ally’s willingness to stand by her friends, even when she doesn’t know how else to help. Adults in the story are also important allies, helping kids navigate challenges, learn ways to support, and cherish their uniqueness.
The bonus material at the end of the book will spark discussion at home or in the classroom.100% of online book sale proceeds will be donated to a nonprofit or organization focused on children’s diversity and inclusion development or providing equitable access to opportunities for all children.
Julie Kratz is a highly acclaimed TEDx speaker and inclusive leadership trainer who led teams and produced results in corporate America. After experiencing many career “pivot points” of her own, she started her own speaking business, focused on helping leaders be more inclusive. Promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace, Julie is a frequent keynote speaker, podcast host, and executive coach. She holds an MBA from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University, is a Certified Master Coach, and is a certified unconscious bias trainer.
Kratz has provided an interesting approach to handling discussions of diversity among elementary age and middle-school students. Through the eyes of the protagonist, Ally, each day of the week at school reveals a different character experiencing a challenge. Readers meet members of Ally’s fourth grade class who face opposition from fellow classmates. They represent different religious, cultures, special needs, gender, racial and family groupings. Ally stands up as a child willing to protect and empathize with these fellow students.
This book allows young readers to visualize and understand these situations. The discussion guide and glossary of terms to know provide valuable reference points. They can be used by adults such as teachers, counselors, and parents to encourage further discussion. It is my hope that the facilitators will not interject politics into the issues but use this framework to promote unity and healing.
GIVEAWAY
Enter for a chance to win a Little Allies ART-Stravaganza prize pack!
One (1) Grand Prize Winner Receives:
A copy of Little Allies, autographed by Julie Kratz
A $50 Target gift card
An ART-stravangza kit for your budding artist including:
A Sketchbook
Skin Tone Colored Pencils
Crayola Multi-Ethnic Skin Tone Washable Tempera Paints
Paint Brushes
Crayola Skin Tone Multicultural Crayons
Crayola Skin Tone Multicultural Markers
Two Winners Receive:
A copy of Little Allies, autographed by Julie Kratz
A Little Allies Slap Bracelet
A Little Allies Sticker
The giveaway begins May 17, 2021, at 12:01 A.M. MT and ends June 17, 2021, at 11:59 P.M. MT
Monday, May 17, 2021The Children’s Book ReviewA book review ofLittle Allies: A Children’s Story about Inclusion, Diversity, and Becoming an Ally
Tuesday, May 18, 2021The Fairview ReviewA book review ofLittle Allies: A Children’s Story about Inclusion, Diversity, and Becoming an Ally
Wednesday, May 19, 2021Shooting Stars MagazineA book review ofLittle Allies: A Children’s Story about Inclusion, Diversity, and Becoming an Ally
Thursday, May 20, 2021Lisa’s ReadingA guest post by authorJulie Kratz
Sunday, May 23, 2021Barbara Ann Mojica’s BlogA book review ofLittle Allies: A Children’s Story about Inclusion, Diversity, and Becoming an Ally
Monday, May 24, 2021Satisfaction for Insatiable ReadersA book review ofLittle Allies: A Children’s Story about Inclusion, Diversity, and Becoming an Ally
Tuesday, May 25, 2021J.R.s Book ReviewsA book review ofLittle Allies: A Children’s Story about Inclusion, Diversity, and Becoming an Ally
Tuesday, June 1, 2021Mommy RamblingsA book review ofLittle Allies: A Children’s Story about Inclusion, Diversity, and Becoming an Ally
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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October 9, 2022
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