Just released: August 4, 2020
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Genre: Historical, WWII, Middle Grade
Hardback: 192
Rating: 4 Goodreads Website
First sentence(s): I'm the one who found her.
On the morning of the dedication of the new children's library in Belle Beach, Long Island, eleven-year-old Julie Sweet and her six-year-old sister, Martha, find a baby in a basket on the library steps. At the same time, twelve-year-old Bruno Ben-Eli is on his way to the train station to catch the 9:15 train into New York City. He is on an important errand for his brother, who is a soldier overseas in World War II. But when Bruno spies Julie, the same Julie who hasn't spoken to him for sixteen days, heading away from the library with a baby in her arms, he has to follow her. Holy everything, he thinks. Julie Sweet is a kidnapper.
Of course, the truth is much more complicated than the children know in this heartwarming and beautifully textured family story by award-winning author Amy Hest. Told in three distinct voices, each with a different take on events, the novel captures the moments and emotions of a life-changing summer -- a summer in which a baby gives a family hope and brings a community together.
My two-bits:
Captures a WWII experience in a summer snippet with children's perspective with love and loss presented in a gentle way.
The Summer We Found The Baby
by Amy Hest
Historical, WWII, Middle Grade | Goodreads
Release date: August 4, 2020
On the morning of the dedication of the new children's library in Belle Beach, Long Island, eleven-year-old Julie Sweet and her six-year-old sister, Martha, find a baby in a basket on the library steps. At the same time, twelve-year-old Bruno Ben-Eli is on his way to the train station to catch the 9:15 train into New York City. He is on an important errand for his brother, who is a soldier overseas in World War II. But when Bruno spies Julie, the same Julie who hasn't spoken to him for sixteen days, heading away from the library with a baby in her arms, he has to follow her. Holy everything, he thinks. Julie Sweet is a kidnapper.
Of course, the truth is much more complicated than the children know in this heartwarming and beautifully textured family story by award-winning author Amy Hest. Told in three distinct voices, each with a different take on events, the novel captures the moments and emotions of a life-changing summer -- a summer in which a baby gives a family hope and brings a community together.
Just released: June 4, 2019
Publisher: Penguin Random House
Genre: Middle Grade, Zombies
Hardback: 229
Rating: 5
series:
A Small Zombie Problem
book 2 - tba
First sentence(s):
Thunder rumbled and lightning flickered across the troupe of skeletons: a gruesome, silent circus of grim clowns and tumbling, hollow-eyed acrobats.
August DuPont has spent his whole life inside a dilapidated house with his aunt Hydrangea. His lonely existence ends abruptly with the arrival of an invitation to meet an aunt--and cousins--he didn't even know existed. When Aunt Orchid suggests that August attend school with his cousins, it's a dream come true. But August has scarcely begun to celebrate his reversal of fortune when he is confronted by a small problem on his way home. So begins an adventure filled with a wild child, a zombie, a fabled white alligator, and an unimaginable family secret.
My two-bits:
Wonderful start to a series of zombie cute. Instead of horror brain eating zombies, I encountered a low level slow paced zombie with a mystery.
With charming illustrations and an endearing protagonist this story pulled me in for an adventure which includes making friends, learning family history and dealing with zombies.
A Small Zombie Problem
by K.G. Campbell
-Middle Grade, Zombies | Goodreads
Release date: June 4, 2019
August DuPont has spent his whole life inside a dilapidated house with his aunt Hydrangea. His lonely existence ends abruptly with the arrival of an invitation to meet an aunt--and cousins--he didn't even know existed. When Aunt Orchid suggests that August attend school with his cousins, it's a dream come true. But August has scarcely begun to celebrate his reversal of fortune when he is confronted by a small problem on his way home. So begins an adventure filled with a wild child, a zombie, a fabled white alligator, and an unimaginable family secret.
First sentence(s):
For as long as I can remember, I've lived in a world that's full of superheroes.
An empowering new series from the cyclist who runs Shred-Girls.com is guaranteed to give readers an adrenaline rush--and the confidence girls gain from participating in sports!
It's time to ride and save the day!
Lindsay can't wait to spend her summer break reading comics and watching superhero movies--until she finds out she'll be moving in with her weird older cousin Phoebe instead. And Phoebe has big plans for Lindsay: a BMX class at her bike park with cool-girl Jen and perfectionist Ali.
Lindsay's summer of learning awesome BMX tricks with new friends and a new bike turns out to be more epic than any comic book--and it's all leading up to a jumping competition.
But some of the biker boys don't think girls should be allowed to compete in BMX. Now it's up to Lindsay, Jen, and Ali to win the competition and prove that anyone can be great at BMX.
My two-bits:
I liked this inspiring positive girl power book in a sports setting. The superhero tie-in worked for the growth moment for the protagonist.
With budding friendships and a touch of romance, the element of fun and hard work also prevail.
Shred Girls:
Lindsay's Joyride
by Molly Hurford
illustrated by Violet Lemay
-Sports, Middle Grade | Goodreads
Release date: May 7, 2019
An empowering new series from the cyclist who runs Shred-Girls.com is guaranteed to give readers an adrenaline rush--and the confidence girls gain from participating in sports!
It's time to ride and save the day!
Lindsay can't wait to spend her summer break reading comics and watching superhero movies--until she finds out she'll be moving in with her weird older cousin Phoebe instead. And Phoebe has big plans for Lindsay: a BMX class at her bike park with cool-girl Jen and perfectionist Ali.
Lindsay's summer of learning awesome BMX tricks with new friends and a new bike turns out to be more epic than any comic book--and it's all leading up to a jumping competition.
But some of the biker boys don't think girls should be allowed to compete in BMX. Now it's up to Lindsay, Jen, and Ali to win the competition and prove that anyone can be great at BMX.
Published: 2017
Publisher: First Second
Genre: Middle Grade, Fantasy, Graphic Novel
Paperback: 176
Rating: 5
First sentence(s):
Priyanka! Watch out for that tree!
Priyanka Das has so many unanswered questions: Why did her mother abandon her home in India years ago? What was it like there? And most importantly, who is her father, and why did her mom leave him behind? But Pri’s mom avoids these questions―the topic of India is permanently closed.
For Pri, her mother's homeland can only exist in her imagination. That is, until she find a mysterious pashmina tucked away in a forgotten suitcase. When she wraps herself in it, she is transported to a place more vivid and colorful than any guidebook or Bollywood film. But is this the real India? And what is that shadow lurking in the background? To learn the truth, Pri must travel farther than she’s ever dared and find the family she never knew.
In this heartwarming graphic novel debut, Nidhi Chanani weaves a tale about the hardship and self-discovery that is born from juggling two cultures and two worlds.
PeekAbook:
My two-bits:
Loved this adventure that is told in mostly black/grey tinge and vibrant color panels when "traveling" via pashmina.
Themes covered include family history and relationships as well as and travel to India.
~*~
A Junior Library Guild Selection 2017
Amazon Top Twenty Children’s Book of the Year 2017
Amazon Best Book of the month December 2017
Chicago Public Library Best Book of 2017
Texas Maverick Graphic Novel 2017
Northern California Indie Bookseller Association Long-List Title
Just released: July 21, 2017
Publisher: Stories Untold Press
Genre: Fantasy, Middle Grade
Paperback: 314
Rating: 3
First sentence(s):
The village, well, it had a lot of secrets. And its secrets need to be kept safe. So, the town's name was like a key—those who knew the name could find the village. Let's call it The Town.
In Croswald, the only thing more powerful than dark magic is one secret...
For sixteen years Ivy Lovely has been hidden behind an enchanted boundary that separates the mundane from the magical. When Ivy crosses the border, her powers awaken. Curiosity leads her crashing through a series of adventures at the Halls of Ivy, a school where students learn to master their magical blood and the power of Croswald's mysterious gems. When Ivy's magic and her life is threatened by the Dark Queen, she scrambles to unearth her history and save Croswald before the truth is swept away forever.
My two-bits:
This first book in a series is an introduction into a magical world by way of a girl who finds out that she has a bit of magic in her - possibly more than expected (ahem). She learns about the possibilities of her abilities after being enrolled in a magic school.
Came across one fun creature called a "notical" which is a little itty-bitty that like to read.
The Wondrous World of Violet Barnaby
by Jenny Lundquist
-Middle Grade, Christmas
Release date: September 19, 2017 Amazon | Goodreads
Violet Barnaby searches for the joy in life after losing her mother in this sweet and funny follow-up to The Charming Life of Izzy Malone.
Violet Barnaby is a having a blue Christmas. She’s still grieving the loss of her mother, and to make things worse, her dad has just married Melanie Harmer, a.k.a. the meanest teacher at Dandelion Hollow Middle School. But on the day Violet and her dad are packing up and moving into the new house they’ll share with Melanie and Melanie’s two children, Violet finds a letter her mother wrote to her before she died, asking Violet to enjoy Christmas, along with a Christmas Wish List—things her mom wants her to do during the holiday season. On the list are exactly the kinds of things Violet doesn’t want to do this year, like Be Someone’s Secret Santa; Give Someone the Gift of Your Time: Volunteer; and Bake Christmas Cookies.
Violet shows the letter to her friend Izzy’s Aunt Mildred, who calls a meeting of the Charm Girls, a club Izzy and Violet belong to along with their friends, Daisy and Sophia. Aunt Mildred decides she will give them each a charm to put on their bracelet if they do all of the tasks on the Christmas Wish List, which Violet is not too happy about. She’d rather forget about the list completely, but feels compelled to honor her mother’s wishes.
And when Izzy’s crush confides a big secret to Violet, Violet feels like she is stuck between her best friend and the boy who she just might have a crush on, too…
Praise for The Wondrous World of Violet Barnaby
“[an] emotionally perceptive novel of grief and recovery.” – Kirkus
You’ll fall in love with Violet and love every minute of living in her wondrous world! – Stephanie Faris
Author the author:
Jenny Lundquist was born and raised in Huntington Beach, California, where she spent her time unsuccessfully learning how to surf. When she was younger, she wanted to be either a rock star or a published author. After she taped herself singing and listened to it on playback she decided she’d better opt for the writing route. Jenny is the author of multiple YA and Middle Grade titles including Seeing Cinderella, The Charming Life of Izzy Malone, The Wondrous World of Violet Barnaby and the forthcoming The Carnival of Wishes and Dreams (2019).
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
The Crowns of Croswald
by D.E. Night
-Fantasy, Middle Grade
Release date: July 21, 2017 Amazon | Goodreads
In Croswald, the only thing more powerful than dark magic is one secret...
For sixteen years Ivy Lovely has been hidden behind an enchanted boundary that separates the mundane from the magical. When Ivy crosses the border, her powers awaken. Curiosity leads her crashing through a series of adventures at the Halls of Ivy, a school where students learn to master their magical blood and the power of Croswald’s mysterious gems. When Ivy’s magic—and her life—is threatened by the Dark Queen, she scrambles to unearth her history and save Croswald before the truth is swept away forever.
Excerpt:
Prologue
In Croswald, the only thing more powerful than dark magic is one secret...
For sixteen years Ivy Lovely has been hidden behind an enchanted boundary that separates the mundane from the magical. When Ivy crosses the border, her powers awaken. Curiosity leads her crashing through a series of adventures at the Halls of Ivy, a school where students learn to master their magical blood and the power of Croswald’s mysterious gems. When Ivy’s magic—and her life—is threatened by the Dark Queen, she scrambles to unearth her history and save Croswald before the truth is swept away forever.
Just released: November 24, 2015
Publisher: Quirk Books
Genre: Middle Grade, Paranormal, Steampunk, Witches
Hardback: 224 pages
Rating: 5
First sentence(s):
Warren the 13th tiptoed across the roof of the Warren Hotel, and the old slate tiles clattered like bones.
Meet Warren the 13th, a cursed 12-year-old Victorian bellhop who’s terribly unlucky . . . yet perpetually optimistic, hard-working, and curious. Orphan Warren’s pride and joy is his family’s hotel, but he’s been miserable ever since his evil Aunt Anaconda took over the management. Anaconda believes a mysterious treasure known as the All-Seeing Eye is hidden somewhere on the grounds, and she’ll do anything to find it. If Warren wants to preserve his family’s legacy, he’ll need to find the treasure first—if the hotel’s many strange and wacky guests don’t beat him to it! This middle-grade adventure features gorgeous two-color illustrations on every page and a lavish two-column Victorian design that will pull young readers into a spooky and delightful mystery.
PeekAbook:
My two-bits:
Loved the illustrations along with this story that has that gothic Edward Gorey feel to it.
It is playful with puzzle/riddle like sleuthing set in a hotel.
Just released: August 4, 2015
Publisher: SparkPress
Genre: Fantasy, Middle Grade
Hardback: 346 pages
Rating: 4
Legends of Orkney series:
The Red Sun
book 2 -tba
First sentence(s):
The setting sun cast a farewell glow across the green and fertile countryside. Basking in the radiance, Robert Barconian watched the day's end from a window in his new farmhouse on the outskirts of Skara Brae. At thirty-two, Robert had seen his fair share of sunsets, but they never grew old for him.
Zombie sighting: Sam spent the day puzzling over his strange encounter with Ms. Endera. It was like she had turned him into a brain-dead zombie with that fingernail trick.
-chapter 2, page 19
Sam Baron is about to get the shock of his life. First his substitute English teacher claims to have turned his old teacher into a lizard; then a strange dwarf named Rego arrives and claims Sam is from a magical realm called Orkney. When his friends are taken prisoner, it’s up to Sam to save them. Sam embarks on a journey to Orkney through a stonefire to find his friends―but when he arrives, he discovers that an ancient curse has turned the sun a poisonous red and threatens to destroy the land. With only a young witch girl to guide him, Sam must choose: save his friends, or stop the red sun from consuming the land? Drawing on Norse mythology, The Red Sun follows Sam’s journey to uncover the truth about his past―a journey during which he has to overcome the simmering anger inside of him, learn to channel his growing magical powers, and find a way to forgive the father who left him behind.
PeekAbook:
My two-bits:
Nice start to a new YA fantasy series with an ensemble cast with references to Norse mythology and Native American culture and folklore. There is some magic action and a couple revelation moments. But still, mysteries and questions presented that need to be addressed.
The part of the story that kept me curious was in regards to the development of the main character. Sam, the reluctant hero, is a character that is either loved or hated. It took me awhile to warm up to this character. At the midpoint of the book I did not yet know where I stood.
The other characters in the story were colorful including dwarves, witches and other strange creatures (as baddies).
About the author:
"Dear Readers: I wrote this book for my twelve-year-old son who challenged me to write something he would enjoy reading. The Red Sun is filled with exciting characters who struggle to find their true path. Sam learns so much about his past and how to overcome his anger, but will he continue to use his power for good or will he be drawn to the dark side? I hope you enjoy reading the Legends of Orkney series as much as I enjoyed writing them for you. Keep reading!" - Alane Adams
Alane Adams grew up in an old Quaker town called Whittier in Southern California. Adams attended Whittier High School and was active in every possible sport including basketball (proudly claiming the nickname Breakaway Adams!) and swimming and diving. For college, Alane attended the University of Southern California where she wanted to be an English major, but family convinced her to become an accountant to help run a family business. After spending the next few decades helping to build one of the largest recycling companies on the West Coast, Alane left the family business behind to pursue her writing career. Before launching into writing full-time, Alane began teaching full-time at a local university. Finally, the Legends of Orkney series was born when her then 12-year-old son challenged Alane to write a book he could read. She hasn't stopped writing since that day.
Alane's favorite books include any story involving folklore, fantasy and fairytales. When Alane is not writing or teaching, she is hanging out with her three boys, each who have grown up having adventures to rival those of her characters.
~*~
* added this to my Books On The Nightstand Bingo challenge (details) - square: Child on Cover
* added to my COYER challenge/scavenger hunt (details)
* review copy courtesy of BookSparks YA Summer Reading Challenge 2015 (details). @booksparks #ReadingIsBeautiful
A 2015 Newbery Honor Book Going to school and making new friends can be tough. But going to school and making new friends while wearing a bulky hearing aid strapped to your chest? That requires superpowers! In this funny, poignant graphic novel memoir, author/illustrator Cece Bell chronicles her hearing loss at a young age and her subsequent experiences with the Phonic Ear, a very powerful—and very awkward—hearing aid.
The Phonic Ear gives Cece the ability to hear—sometimes things she shouldn’t—but also isolates her from her classmates. She really just wants to fit in and find a true friend, someone who appreciates her as she is. After some trouble, she is finally able to harness the power of the Phonic Ear and become “El Deafo, Listener for All.” And more importantly, declare a place for herself in the world and find the friend she’s longed for.
PeekAbook:
My two-bits:
Loved it. The graphic novel form and wonderful illustrations made this serious story and topic cute. But, not cute-sy.
Learning how to make true friends during the school years along with coping with a disability are described and handled well in this tale.
And like the title and cover art hints at, thoughts on superhero beings and what makes a superhero and touched upon again with that nice blend of humor and seriousness.
Bone series:
Rose (Bone, #0)
Bone, Vol. 1: Out from Boneville (Bone, #1)
Bone, Vol. 2: The Great Cow Race (Bone, #2)
Bone, Vol. 3: Eyes of the Storm (Bone, #3)
Bone, Vol. 4: The Dragonslayer (Bone, #4)
Bone, Vol. 5: Rock Jaw, Master of the Eastern Border (Bone, #5)
Bone, Vol. 6: Old Man's Cave (Bone, #6)
Bone, Vol. 7: Ghost Circles (Bone, #7)
Bone, Vol. 8: Treasure Hunters (Bone, #8)
Bone, Vol. 9: Crown of Horns (Bone #9)
The hit comic book mini-series Rose now comes to you in a single handsome package with a brand-new cover! Released over a yearlong period to rave reviews (and an Eisner nomination for best painter), the Bone prequel by Jeff Smith and Charles Vess can now be read as it was originally intended - as one massive epic. In the old days, when BONE'S Gran'ma Ben was a teenager, a terrifying dragon laid siege to the small towns of the Northern Valley. Unknown to Princess Rose (young Gran'ma Ben), the strange dragon is actually the minion of the Ancient Enemy called the Lord of the Locust. Unable to defeat the monster, Rose seeks the advice of her advisor, who tells the young princess how to destroy the dragon - - - but at a terrible cost.
My two-bits:
Good intro to the series in regards to its historical background.
The story is in keeping with a fairy tale and folktale vibe - with dragons. The illustrations are wonderfully colored - although I may be a bit biased as I love Charles Vess artwork.
~*~
AND, check out the 4th Annual Banned Books Week Giveaway Hop, September 21st to 27th, here
~*~
* added this to my Bookish Bingo challenge - A Middle Grade Novel
Just released: May 2014
Publisher: First Second
Genre: Graphic Novel, MG
Paperback: 320 pages
Rating: 4
Every summer, Rose goes with her mom and dad to a lake house in Awago Beach. It's their getaway, their refuge. Rosie's friend Windy is always there, too, like the little sister she never had. But this summer is different. Rose's mom and dad won't stop fighting, and when Rose and Windy seek a distraction from the drama, they find themselves with a whole new set of problems. One of the local teens - just a couple of years older than Rose and Windy - is caught up in something bad... Something life threatening.
It's a summer of secrets, and sorrow, and growing up, and it's a good thing Rose and Windy have each other.
This One Summer is a tremendously exciting new teen graphic novel from two creators with true literary clout. Cousins Mariko and Jillian Tamaki, the team behind Skim, have collaborated on this gorgeous, heartbreaking, and ultimately hopeful story about a girl on the cusp of childhood - a story of renewal and revelation.
My two-bits:
Perfect read for the summer - or if you are feeling summer-ish.
The illustrations in this graphic novel are tinted in blue which matches the sentimental nostalgic mood of the story - which is not of the warm fuzzy-feeling kind.
The story portrays the innocence and fun times of two tweens who have spent time family vacation times together. One particular summer exposes some horrors of reality in more ways than one.
However, overall a sweet read and loved the visuals.
Just released: May 6, 2014
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Genre: Middle Grade, Illness
Hardback: 220 pages
Rating: 4.5
As befits a future President of the United States of America, Maggie Mayfield has decided to write a memoir of the past year of her life. And what a banner year it’s been! During this period she’s Student of the Month on a regular basis, an official shareholder of Coca-Cola stock, and defending Science Fair champion.
Most importantly, though, this is the year Maggie has to pull up her bootstraps (the family motto) and finally learn why her cool-dude dad is in a wheelchair, no matter how scary that is.
Author Megan Jean Sovern, herself the daughter of a dad with multiple sclerosis, writes with the funny grace and assured prose of a new literary star.
Zombie sighting: Dad answered before Clyde could. "You're a zombie Buddy Holly, right?"
-chapter 6, page 60
My two-bits:
Told from the perspective of a tween, this is a very touching story of a family and their experience with Multiple Sclerosis.
The main character, Maggie, keeps the story light and fun. She is an exceptionally smart girl with a spunky attitude.
Warning: a box of tissues may come in handy for sad moments
~*~
Praise for book:
“The Meaning of Maggie does for middle-grade fiction what John Green’s The Fault in Our Stars did for teen literature: Both portray coping with serious illness as one aspect of a complex character, not as the single issue that defines them.”–BookPage
“Smart, sensitive, sad and funny.”–Kirkus Reviews, starred review
“Readers will appreciate Maggie’s humor and rejoice in her growth. This is a remarkable story of a working-class family pulling together in the face of a serious illness.”–School Library Journal, starred review
“Maggie is a firecracker character, one who sparkles with wit, cynicism, love, and potential. Her voice will charm and captivate readers.”–Shelf Awarness for Readers, starred review
The Meaning of Maggie
by Megan Jean Sovern
Just released: May 6, 2016 Amazon | Goodreads
As befits a future President of the United States of America, Maggie Mayfield has decided to write a memoir of the past year of her life. And what a banner year it’s been! During this period she’s Student of the Month on a regular basis, an official shareholder of Coca-Cola stock, and defending Science Fair champion.
Most importantly, though, this is the year Maggie has to pull up her bootstraps (the family motto) and finally learn why her cool-dude dad is in a wheelchair, no matter how scary that is.
Author Megan Jean Sovern, herself the daughter of a dad with multiple sclerosis, writes with the funny grace and assured prose of a new literary star.
A portion of the proceeds of the sale of this book will be donated to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
PeekAbook:
Guest post:
The Meaning of Clyde in The Meaning of Maggie
by Megan Jean Sovern
Even though he’s a minor character, I most love Clyde in The Meaning of Maggie. I love him because we really only get to know Maggie’s version of him. His true intentions are a mystery just like the rest of him.
He wore black and white Converse sneakers filthy with grass stains and in black marker he’d written “Neil Young” on the bottom of his right sole. Weird. Mismatched socks led to skinny legs that led to cutoff corduroy shorts that led to a skeleton T-shirt that led to hazel eyes looking right at me. Oh dear.
I wanted to give Maggie an obtainable crush. Not someone she admired from afar, but someone she could really connect with. And you always wonder if maybe he feels the same way about her. Or maybe you hope that after he grows up a little, dates the wrong hot girls, plays in a few successful bands then gives it all up to become a historical scholar, that he will look back and realize that Maggie Mayfield was probably his one and only. And Maggie hopes for the same, which is why she sticks close to her mantra: Career first. Love second.
Clyde was inspired by a number of cool dudes. A little Pony Boy from The Outsiders. A little Jordan Catalano from My So Called Life. And a lot of this cool and brooding boy named Ted who I may have married. And in many ways, his good heart was a gift from my sister Rayna. When she had her first son Ty, she said, “I just want to raise a boy who is nice to girls.” And I loved that so much. What an honorable and simple wish for a boy. And I think Clyde lives up to it. Especially in the scene where he signs Maggie’s yearbook.
As soon as he disappeared around the corner, I searched for the page he signed in my yearbook. I couldn’t find his signature anywhere. I went page by page and finally found it where I least expected it. On the same page in the same square where my picture was supposed to be, Clyde had sketched a portrait of me. And I was wearing a tricorn hat just like George Washington’s. Next to it he had written, “Stay cool Maggie Mayfield. Peace. Clyde.”
Let’s keep our fingers crossed for a Clyde spinoff novella where we get to see the great man this boy is destined to become.
--~ Giveaway ~--
WIN a copy of The Meaning of Maggie and a set of buttons.
* guest post and giveaway courtesy of book tour - check out the other stops below for more details on this book and goodies sponsored by Chronicle Books.
Just released: September 2013
Publisher: Bancroft Press
Genre: Fantasy, Steampunk (a bit), Middle Grade
Hardback: 465 pages
Rating: 3.5
The Young Inventors Guild series:
The Atomic Weight of Secrets or The Arrival of the Mysterious Men in Black
The Ravens of Solemano or The Order of the Mysterious Men in Black
book 3 - tba
It has been mere days since the brilliant children of the Young Inventors Guild escaped from the clutches of the horrible Komar Romak.
They've escaped with their lovely and caring schoolteacher, Miss Brett; with their long-absent parents; and with their bizarre captors, protectors, or both--the mysterious men in black. And now they travel by train, destined for parts unknown.
But a note torn from the hand of a dead man in a New York tunnel guarantees that safety is an illusion. When the children's world is blown apart, life will never be the same again.
Soon, the children--Jasper and little Lucy Modest, from London, England; Wallace Banneker, from New York, United States; Noah Canto-Sagas, from Toronto, Canada; and Faye Vigyanveta, from Delhi, India--find themselves in the ancient Italian village of Solemano, deep in a mystery that spans centuries. As they inch toward the truth of the men in black and the secrets they keep, one terrible fact remains:
Komar Romak is still out there. He's still after them, for reasons they can't even begin to imagine.
And he knows exactly where they are . . .
From the rolling plains of America to the wide-open waters of the Atlantic, through the Strait of Gibraltar to a remarkable village in the hills of Abruzzo, Italy, The Ravens of Solemano or The Order of the Mysterious Men in Black, the second book of Eden Unger Bowditch's Young Inventors Guild trilogy, is an adventure like no other, as the children draw ever closer to the answers to the mysteries that surround them.
My two-bits:
In-a-word(s):
You will experience some traveling, good eating and inventing in this second tale to this trilogy.
I found this to story to be slow-paced as the kids continue to bond while trying to remain safe from the baddie, Komar Romak.
However, the interesting draw to read book two was discovering the mystery behind the mysterious men in black as well as things about their past.
~*~
* if you would like to read my arc copy, leave me a comment with your email address by Dec 22, 2013
~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~
Tales from Lovecraft Middle School series
Professor Gargoyle
The Slither Sisters
Teacher's Pest
Substitute Creature
book 5 - tba
When a giant nor’easter dumps a blanket of snow on the village of Dunwich, Massachussetts, Robert Arthur and his friends find themselves marooned inside Lovecraft Middle School.
The kids have no choice but to spend the night—while snacking on cafeteria food, sleeping on classroom floors, and facing off against a mysterious substitute teacher who may have a sinister secret.
The latest adventure in the Lovecraft Middle School series features more adventures, more outrageous monsters, and another terrifying lenticular cover!
My two-bits:
In-a-word(s): awful perfume
Not your usual middle grade school substitute.
The mysteries of this school continues to be revealed in a fun not-too-scary way. Love how the friends and friendship of the main characters are progressing.
--~ Book Giveaway courtesy of publisher ~--
WIN a copy of this book!
Open to US only.
Offer ends: October 6, 2013
TO DO: (2-parts)
1. ADD this book to your Goodreads Want To Read list.
OR
Tweet about this giveaway.
2. TELL me what you did in comments.
AND, leave your email (if I don't already have it)
Tales from Lovecraft Middle School series:
Professor Gargoyle
The Slither Sisters
Teacher's Pest
Substitute Creature - coming September 2013
DON'T BE FOOLED by his friendly smile, his perfect manners, or his shiny red apple. Student council president Howard Mergler is actually a sinister bug-monster in disguise—and he's summoning swarms of roaches, wasps, fleas, and head lice into the corridors of Lovecraft Middle School! Twelve-year-old Robert Arthur is the only student who can stop him--but he'll need help from his best friends: the school bully, the school ghost, and an extremely courageous two-headed rat.
This third novel in the Lovecraft Middle School series begins right where Professor Gargoyle and The Slither Sisters ended—with more action, more adventure, and more outrageous monsters!
Zombie sighting: "So you're not a zombie."
-page 107, chapter 13
My two-bits:
In-a-word(s): night of the critters
Still enjoying this series with this latest addition. I like the friendship development and learning more about what is "behind" Lovecraft Middle School.
I am drawn to this series because of the combination of the awesome morphing cover (see it in action here), illustrations on the inside and short quick storyline.
PeekAbook:
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* review copy courtesy of publisher
* so tell me, is this a series you might be interested in reading?
