Category: Middle Grade

This category contains any posts published in reference to books of middle grade genre.

Flipping Forward Twisting Backward by Alma Fullerton

Flipping Forward Twisting Backward by Alma Fullerton

Release: August 2, 2022
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Peachtree
Source: Rockstar Book Tours
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N, iBooks, Kobo, TBD, Bookshop.org

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A high-energy novel in verse starring a fifth grader who is almost as devoted to competitive gymnastics as she is to hiding her poor reading skills. What happens when Claire’s secret starts unraveling?

Claire is by far the best gymnast on her team, and she’s well on her way to qualifying for the state championships. The gym is where Claire shines. But at school, she’s known as a troublemaker. She seems to spend more time in the office than in class—which is fine with her since it enables her to hide the fact that she can’t read. She has never been able to make sense of the wobbling jumble of letters on a page. No one except her BFF knows.

But when a sympathetic principal wonders if Claire is acting out because she’s dyslexic, her mother balks. She’s afraid Claire will be labeled “stupid” and refuses testing. Claire has always assumed she’s dumb; she never imagined her reading problem could have a solution. Is she strong enough to take on both her reading challenges and her mother’s denial? Is it worth jeopardizing her spot in qualifiers?

Told in clear and poignant verse and featuring black and white illustrations, Claire’s struggle with something that seems to come easily to everyone else will resonate with readers and have them cheering her on.

About the Author:

Alma Fullerton couldn’t read until she was in the fourth grade. Today she works with students who have learning disabilities. She is the author of several middle-grade and young adult novels that garnered acclaim and awards in her native Canada. Alma is also the author/illustrator of several picture books. She is on faculty with the Highlights Foundation for teaching novel in verse writing and is an RA for SCBWI’s Canada East region.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Goodreads | Amazon

Flipping Forward Twisting Backward Review:

“Flipping Forward Twisting Backward” is a beautiful middle-grade novel because it focuses on how children suffer from learning disabilities, and I enjoyed how the author portrayed it.

What I liked about the story is how realistic the author portrayed Claire and her family. Claire is adorable, and you can see how smart and energetic she is at everything, except when it comes to reading. I could understand her frustration and be rooting for her to get her needed help.

The author also wrote about Claire’s family well, and it was interesting to see how each member reacted to Claire’s situation. As much as I got frustrated with Claire’s mother for not listening to her, I could understand why she acted that way. I liked the family dynamics, where Claire feels she cannot turn to her mother or father but has support from her sister Bethany. Bethany and Claire shared an incredible bond and were one of the highlights. The author also adds excellent references to famous people who also suffered from the same disabilities while growing up but went on to do great things. The story portrays not to get discouraged just because you perform differently from others.

Similarly, I also liked the gymnastics element of the tale and how the author discourages bullying. The author also writes the story in a poetic manner, which makes the story stand out and fun to read. Sarah Mensinga also drew the illustrations beautifully, and I loved Claire’s expressions with her family and gymnastics performance.

Overall, “Flipping Forward Twisting Backward” is a well-written middle-grade contemporary novel worth checking out.

Giveaway:

1 winner will receive a finished copy of FLIPPING FORWARD TWISTING BACKWARD, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Flipping Forward Twisting Backward by Alma Fullerton Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post, and make sure to enter the giveaway!

Book Tour Schedule

Week One:
hodophile_z-IG Review-7-25-2022
#BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog-Excerpt-7-25-2022
The Paperback Princess-Review/IG Post-7-26-2022
Kait Plus Books-Excerpt/IG Post-7-26-2022
One More Exclamation -Review/IG Post-7-27-2022
Two Chicks on Books-Excerpt-7-27-2022
Rajiv’s Reviews-Review/IG Post-7-28-2022
BookHounds YA -Excerpt/IG Post-7-28-2022
@just_another_mother_with_books-IG Review-7-29-2022
@jaimerockstarbooktours-IG Post-7-29-2022

Week Two:
Strange Brew Reviews-Excerpt-8-1-2022
Yabookscentral-Excerpt-8-1-2022
GryffindorBookishNerd -Review/IG Post-8-2-2022
celiamcmahonreads on insta-Review/IG Post-8-2-2022
Little Red Reads-Review/IG Post-8-3-2022
@enjoyingbooksagain-Review/IG Post-8-3-2022
Two Points of Interest-Review/IG Post-8-4-2022
Nerdophiles-Review/-8-4-2022
A Backwards Story -Review/IG Post-8-5-2022
The Momma Spot-Review/IG Post-8-5-2022

August 11, 2022
Alliana Girl of Dragons by Julie Abe

Alliana Girl of Dragons by Julie Abe

Release: August 2nd, 2022
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Little, Brown Books
Source: TBR and Beyond Tours
Find it at: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indigo | IndieBound

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Once upon a time, Alliana believed in dreams and fairy tales as sweet as spun-sugar clouds. Alliana wished on shooting stars, sure that someday she and her grandmother would be able to travel to the capital city to see the queen. Then her grandmother passed away—and those dreams disappeared in a disenchanted puff.

Now Alliana’s forced to attend to the whims of her wicked stepmother—with long days of cleaning her stepfamily’s inn as her skin burns raw or staying up until the crack of dawn to embroider her stepsister’s ball gowns. Until she meets two beings who change her life forever—the first is a young nightdragon who Alliana discovers she can magically talk to. And the second is Nela, a young witch.

Nela needs Alliana’s help navigating the mysterious abyss, filled with dangerous beasts, a place Alliana knows by heart. Alliana sees Nela’s request as a chance to break free of her stepmother’s shadow and to seize a chance at a life she’s barely dared to hope for—but there’s a risk. If caught, Alliana will be stuck working for her stepmother for the rest of her life. Can Alliana truly make wisps of dreams into her own, better-than-a-fairy-tale happily ever after?

Inspired by the Japanese Cinderella story and set in the same world as the Eva Evergreen series, this story can be read as a standalone.

About the Author:

Julie Abe is the author of the EVA EVERGREEN, SEMI-MAGICAL WITCH middle grade fantasy series; the middle grade fantasy ALLIANA, GIRL OF DRAGONS; and the young adult novel THE CHARMED LIST. She has lived in Silicon Valley, spent many humid summers in Japan, and currently basks in the sunshine of Southern California with never enough books or tea. Keep up with Julie’s latest books and adventures at instagram.com/julieabebooks or sign up for her newsletter at julieabebooks.com/newsletter.

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Facebook

Alliana Girl of Dragons Review:

It’s always fun to read a Cinderella retelling, and “Alliana, Girl of Dragons” did not disappoint with its fantasy twist of dragons and witches!

I have not read any of the “Eva Evergreen” books, but I had no trouble reading this as a standalone. Let’s face it, almost all of us have read or know the story of Cinderella, so you would know what to expect more or less in the plot. However, the book’s highlight is how the author wrote the characters. I was rooting for Alliana throughout the story and wanted her to be free from her evil Stepmother. Alliana is lovely in the lead, and I adored her protective bond with Kebo and her friendship with Nela.

Moreover, the author does a fantastic job of writing everyone’s emotions. You can see the love that Alliana has for her dad and Grandmother Mari. Similarly, you instantly dislike the Stepmother and Reizo for how harshly they treat Alliana. Likewise, Nela and Isao are adorable and make the story exciting with their presence.

Perhaps the only criticism I have of the story is how we didn’t get more details of the world and some other characters. For instance, I wish I knew more about Hayato and Taichi (and maybe I didn’t quite get the connection for not reading the Eva Evergreen Series). Similarly, I wished Kebo was more prominent as we hardly see him much.

Apart from that, “Alliana, Girl of Dragons” is a cute middle-grade book emphasizing how to stand up for yourself, not be afraid to do the right thing, and not let others intimidate you. I want to pick up the Eva Evergreen series and see how this story connects to the universe.

Book Tour Schedule

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Alliana Girl of Dragons by Julie Abe Blog Tour hosted by TBR and Beyond Tours

August 1st

morningstarlitpages-Review
following.fantasies-Journal Spread
read.cells-Top 5 Reasons to Read Alliana
thereadersgamebrooke-Review
thecaffinatedrareder-Blogger’s Choice
booknotes_athina-Blogger’s Choice
booksandpops4000-Blogger’s Choice

August 2nd

tbrandbeyond-Promotional Post
tinybooknest-Favorite Quotes
whisperingprose-Review
feliciareads11-Blogger’s Choice
zanjabeel_z-Blogger’s Choice
pluvioreads-Blogger’s Choice

August 3rd

jacleomik33-Review
mellasmusings-Review
quirkylitlover-Review
ninebookishlives-Blogger’s Choice
pages_and_procrastination-Blogger’s Choice
popthebutterfly-Blogger’s Choice

August 4th

luna_reads_-Journal Spread
pcreads-Review & Favorite Quotes
better_than_therapy_books-Review
foreverinastory-Blogger’s Choice
peireads-Blogger’s Choice

August 5th

dhirviepages-Review,
get.outside.and.read-Top 5 Reasons to Read Alliana,
kathreadsya-Review
eyerollingdemigod-Blogger’s Choice
balancing_books_and_beauties-Blogger’s Choice
rajivsreviews-Blogger’s Choice

August 6th

writingrosereads-Promotional Post
atrailofpages-Review
wild.legends-Review & Playlist
bookdragonstbr-Blogger’s Choice
quilltreefox-Blogger’s Choice
littlecornerreads-Blogger’s Choice

August 7th

mulberryreads-Review
theenchantedshelf-Review
brittmariereadshere-Review
anovelkingdom-Promotional Post
sheafandink-Blogger’s Choice
studioad_anjali-Blogger’s Choice
metaphorsandmisc-Blogger’s Choice

August 10, 2022
Dragon Legend by Katie Tsang, Kevin Tsang

Dragon Legend (Dragon Realm #2) by Katie Tsang, Kevin Tsang

Release: April 29th, 2021
Format: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
Publisher: Union Square Kids
Source: Rockstar Book Tours
Find it at Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N, iBooks, Kobo, TBD, Bookshop.org

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The second adventure in the ROARsome DRAGON REALM series for 9+ readers! Perfect for readers looking for edge-of-your-seat adventure.

Billy Chan and his friends are not having a very relaxing summer. Their friend, Dylan, has been kidnapped by the evil Dragon of Death and it’s up to them to travel through time, back to the dangerous Dragon Realm, in order to save him. Luckily they have their own dragons on their side, but they’ll need to collect eight magical pearls if they’re to amass enough power to destroy the Dragon of Death and her followers for good. So begins an epic quest that will take them to the depths of the Frozen Wasteland and the imperial palaces of Ancient China. But can good triumph evil…?

DRAGON LEGEND is the second book in the DRAGON REALM series by Katie and Kevin Tsang, co-authors of SAM WU IS NOT AFRAID

About Katie Tsang and Kevin Tsang:

Katie Tsang and Kevin Tsang met while studying at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Kevin works as a healthcare technology consultant, and Katie writes YA as Katherine Webber. Together, they have also coauthored the Sam Wu Is Not Afraid chapter-book series. They currently live in London with their young daughter and can be found on Twitter @kwebberwrites and @kevtsang.

Website | Katie Twitter | Kevin Twitter | Katie Instagram | Kevin Instagram | Katie Goodreads | Kevin Goodreads | Katie Amazon | Kevin Amazon | Katie BookBub | Kevin BookBub

Dragon Legend Review:

“Dragon Legend” turned out to be an exciting continuation to “Dragon Mountain” and had me at the edge of my seat.

Firstly, I love how creative the authors get with the concept. The book mainly revolves around the group’s journey to find Dylan and later continues with their quest. The authors show us how vast the Dragon Realm is and make the story different from the first book while maintaining the characters’ charm. I loved Billy and Spark’s bond in this story!

The characters shine, and one person that particularly surprised me was JJ. JJ was prominent in this story, and I was surprised by how my feelings for him changed over the course. Moreover, I also enjoyed how the Dragon of Death appears in this tale, and the authors add elements of suspense, betrayal, and revenge to the fantasy adventure.

Again, the book is not short on the mystical creatures, like the flying pig, scorpions, and the snarky fish we encounter. Some of my favorite moments were when they dealt with the Dragon Egg or when something shocking happened to Charlotte. Similar to the first book, each chapter here compiles of adventure, and you won’t even notice the time going by. Moreover, the authors also added a time travel element to this story which I thought blended nicely.

And finally, the climax was terrific! I couldn’t put the book down the shocking cliffhangers, and all the action and adventure glued me to the pages. I cannot wait to read the third book to see how the story would continue because it went on a completely different tangent that I didn’t expect, but I liked it!

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive all 3 books in the DRAGON REALM series, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Dragon Legend (Dragon Realm #2) by Katie Tsang, Kevin Tsang Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

Book Tour Schedule

Week One:
YABooksCentral-Guest Post-4-4/-2022
Kait Plus Books-Guest Post/IG Post-4-5-2022
Rajiv’s Reviews-Review/IG Post-4-6-2022
Lifestyle of Me-Review-4-7-2022
The Momma Spot-Review/IG Post-4-8-2022

Week Two:
Celia’s Reads-Review/IG Post-4-11-2022
Two Points of Interest-Review-4-12-2022
The Bookwyrm’s Den-Review-4-13-2022
@coffeesipsandreads-Review-4-14-2022
Books a Plenty Book Reviews-Review-4-15-2022

April 17, 2022
Dragon Mountain by Katie Tsang, Kevin Tsang

Dragon Mountain (Dragon Realm #1) by Katie Tsang, Kevin Tsang

Release: July 27th, 2021
Format: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
Publisher: Union Square Kids
Source: Rockstar Book Tours
Find it at Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N, iBooks, Kobo, TBD, Bookshop.org

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Deep within the mountain, a great creature stirred in its sleep. Its eyes rolled back in its head, and its wings jerked wide open…

When 12-year-old Billy Chan finds out his parents are sending him to a summer camp in middle-of-nowhere China, he doesn’t know what to expect. There he meets fellow campers Dylan, Charlotte, and Ling-Fei, and together they stumble upon an age-old secret: there are four powerful warrior dragons hidden deep within the mountain behind the camp! They need the children’s help to set them free before terrible evil in the guise of the Dragon of Death is unleashed upon the earth. Billy and his friends must set off on a dangerous adventure that will take them to the heart of the Dragon Realm. But can they save the dragon and human worlds from destruction?

About Katie Tsang and Kevin Tsang:

Katie Tsang and Kevin Tsang met while studying at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Kevin works as a healthcare technology consultant, and Katie writes YA as Katherine Webber. Together, they have also coauthored the Sam Wu Is Not Afraid chapter-book series. They currently live in London with their young daughter and can be found on Twitter @kwebberwrites and @kevtsang.

Website | Katie Twitter | Kevin Twitter | Katie Instagram | Kevin Instagram | Katie Goodreads | Kevin Goodreads | Katie Amazon | Kevin Amazon | Katie BookBub | Kevin BookBub

Dragon Mountain Review:

“Dragon Mountain” was a great start to the “Dragon Realm” series! As soon as I started reading this book, the story transported me into Billy’s (and his friends’) World as they meet Dragons and have to go on a quest to save the World.

I loved the concept of the story and how the authors executed it. The authors fill each chapter with adventure and excitement that SO MUCH happens in the story. There is never a dull moment as the group encounter rock trolls, scary crabs, sinister tigers, and magical dragons! Moreover, I loved the mystical concept and the legend of the Dragons and the bond they form with them.

I loved Dylan more than Billy and wanted to have his special powers! The four dragons they connect with are also charming, and I adored Buttons and Spark. Billy also shines in the lead as he tries to save his friends. The team goes through many challenges in the story, as they encounter the evil nox-wings and Dimitrius.

Perhaps the only downside to the story is how I felt Charlotte and Ling-Fei were on the back burner. The plot focused mainly on Billy, and even Dylan got some prominence, but I wish Ling Fei also had an opportunity for more dialogues. Also, I felt some moments were a bit off, like how the Dragons didn’t have any names until they met the humans, but Dimitrius did?

Apart from that, I enjoyed this book a lot and felt it was a fantastic start to the series. The book also ends in a cliffhanger that makes you immediately pick up the next book and continue reading.

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive all 3 books in the DRAGON REALM series, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Dragon Mountain (Dragon Realm #1) by Katie Tsang, Kevin Tsang Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

Book Tour Schedule

Week One:
YABooksCentral-Guest Post-4-4/-2022
Kait Plus Books-Guest Post/IG Post-4-5-2022
Rajiv’s Reviews-Review/IG Post-4-6-2022
Lifestyle of Me-Review-4-7-2022
The Momma Spot-Review/IG Post-4-8-2022

Week Two:
Celia’s Reads-Review/IG Post-4-11-2022
Two Points of Interest-Review-4-12-2022
The Bookwyrm’s Den-Review-4-13-2022
@coffeesipsandreads-Review-4-14-2022
Books a Plenty Book Reviews-Review-4-15-2022

April 16, 2022
Ellen Outside the Lines by A.J. Sass

Ellen Outside the Lines by A.J. Sass

Release: March 22nd, 2022
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Source: TBR and Beyond Tours
Find it at: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indigo | IndieBound

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Rain Reign meets Ivy Aberdeen’s Letter to the World in this heartfelt novel about a neurodivergent thirteen-year-old navigating changing friendships, a school trip, and expanding horizons.

Thirteen-year-old Ellen Katz feels most comfortable when her life is well planned out and people fit neatly into her predefined categories. She attends temple with Abba and Mom every Friday and Saturday. Ellen only gets crushes on girls, never boys, and she knows she can always rely on her best-and-only friend, Laurel, to help navigate social situations at their private Georgia middle school.

Laurel has always made Ellen feel like being autistic is no big deal. But lately, Laurel has started making more friends and canceling more weekend plans with Ellen than she keeps. A school trip to Barcelona seems like the perfect place for Ellen to get their friendship back on track. Except it doesn’t. Toss in a new nonbinary classmate whose identity has Ellen questioning her very binary way of seeing the world, homesickness, a scavenger hunt-style team project that takes the students through Barcelona to learn about Spanish culture and this trip is anything but what Ellen planned.

Making new friends and letting go of old ones is never easy, but Ellen might just find a comfortable new place for herself if she can learn to embrace the fact that life doesn’t always stick to a planned itinerary.

About the Author:

A. J. Sass (he/they) is an author, editor, and competitive figure skater who is interested in how intersections of identity, neurodiversity, and allyship can impact story narratives. He is the author of Ana on the Edge, a Booklist Editors’ Choice 2020 and ALA 2021 Rainbow Book List Top 10 for Young Readers selection, and Ellen Outside the Lines (Little, Brown, 2022), the co-author of Camp QUILTBAG* with Nicole Melleby (Algonquin, 2023), as well as a contributor to the This Is Our Rainbow: 16 Stories of Her, Him, Them, and Us (Knopf) and Allies: Real Talk about Showing Up, Screwing Up, and Trying Again (DK US & UK) anthologies. He lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with his boyfriend and two cats who act like dogs.

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Facebook

Ellen Outside the Lines Review:

Click to view on Instagram

Firstly, I loved the various representations the author includes in the story. Ellen shines in the lead as the autistic girl trying to set things right on her trip to Barcelona. I loved how the author represented autism and the queer and non-binary characters in the book. It’s refreshing to see how contemporary middle-grade fiction is becoming with such dynamic characters. Ellen shares a beautiful bond with Isa, and I adored the scenes where they talk about destiny and patterns. Similarly, I also enjoyed the supporting characters like Andy and Gibbs and found they also brought a fresh perspective.

Moreover, I enjoyed the drama between the characters. My heart went out to Ellen as she found her friendship with Laurel shaky. What was supposed to bring them together turns out to put them apart, as Laurel joins another team and hangs out with Sophie-Anne. At times, I felt like I saw a piece of myself in the tale. It is never easy to realize your best friend is maturing and moving away from you. The author depicts their emotions perfectly.

Also, the author made the story enjoyable with the characters’ adventure when they go on the scavenger hunt. The scavenger hunt is exciting as you see if the team is going in the right direction or not. You see Ellen grow as a person as she makes mistakes and learns from them. The author narrates the entire tale so beautifully that you will feel your heart swell towards the end.

Overall, “Ellen Outside the Lines” is a beautiful contemporary middle-grade fiction that had a lot going on, and the author delivered it perfectly!

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Ellen Outside the Lines by A.J. Sass Blog Tour hosted by TBR and Beyond Tours.

Book Tour Schedule

March 21st
unconventional Quirky Bibliophile – Review & Mood Board
Kait Plus Books – Review & Mood Board

March 22nd
Sadie’s Spotlight – Promotional Post
Melancholic Blithe-Review, Mood Board
Rajiv’s Reviews-Review

March 23rd
Nine Bookish Lives – Promotional Post
The Bookwyrm’s Den – Review

March 24th
Djreadsbooks-Promotional Post
Not In Jersey-Review
Paiges of Novels-15 Reactions While Reading Ellen Outside the Lines

March 25th
Twirling Book Princess-Promotional Post
Jen Jen Reviews-Review

March 26th
Rampant Reading Reviews-Promotional Post
Boys’ Mom Reads!-Review
LellieReads-Review

March 27th
Stuck in Fiction-Promotional Post
the nutty bookworm reads alot-Review

March 26, 2022

The Boy Who Met a Whale by Nizrana Farook

Release: February 1, 2022
Format: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
Publisher: Peachtree Publishing Company
Source: Rockstar Book Tours
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Audible, B&N, iBooks (audiobook), Kobo (audiobook), TBD, Bookshop.org

A Sri Lankan fisherboy is swept up in a thrilling seafaring adventure, complete with a kidnapping, missing treasure, and a huge blue whale! From the author of The Girl Who Stole an Elephant.

Razi, a local fisherboy, is watching turtle eggs hatch when he sees a boat bobbing into view. With a chill, he notices a small, still hand hanging over the side.

Inside is Zheng, who’s escaped a shipwreck and is full of tales of sea monsters and missing treasure. But the villains who are after Zheng are soon after Razi and his sister, Shifa, too. And so begins an exhilarating escapade in the shadow of the biggest sea monster of them all.

Author Nizrana Farook has crafted another briskly paced, action-packed quest that swells with empathetic heroes, missing treasure, and a great beast lurking beneath. Set against a vibrant, authentic landscape inspired by Sri Lanka, this delightful caper will thrill young fans of adventure and fantasy.

About the Author:

Nirzana Farook was born and raised in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and the beautiful landscapes of her home country find their way into the stories she writes. Moreover, she has a master’s degree in writing for young people and lives in Hertfordshire with her husband and two daughters.

Her debut, The Girl Who Stole An Elephant, was Waterstones Children’s book of the month for January 2020. The book was shortlisted for the Inaugural Joan Aiken Future Classics Prize.

The Boy Who Met a Whale Review:

I loved “The Girl Who Stole An Elephant” by the author, and “The Boy Who Met a Whale” did not disappoint!

The author does not disappoint in the adventure, and we dive right into excitement from the first page as Zheng escapes from the ship. I loved the main characters in the story, whether it be Zheng, Shifa, or Razi. Razi stole my heart because he faces difficulty moving forward with life after the incident with his father. Even Shifa was interesting because she annoyed me initially but grew on me as the story progressed.

Moreover, the author knows how to write adventure because the story had me on the edge of my seat. The author takes the story unpredictably as the group searches for the Dagger of Serendib. My favorite scene was their interactions with Maalu, and I thought the author wrote the scenes so breathtakingly. It was also adorable to see how Razi strikes a friendship with Zheng and the dynamics between Zheng and Shifa. Some other moments that stood out for me were the action with Cook and Marco and how they survived the storm on the island. I also loved the touch of how important the turtles play a part in the tale.

Perhaps the only downside to the tale is that the story lagged a bit in the middle, where I felt we were reading a cat and mouse game of how the children run from Marco and Cook. It would have been nice if the story added a few more surprises.

Apart from that, I adored this book and love reading the author’s works. Overall, “The Boy Who Met a Whale” is a beautiful middle-grade story that readers of any age would enjoy.

Giveaway Details:

3 winners will receive a finished copy of THE BOY WHO MET A WHALE, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on The Boy Who Met a Whale by Nizrana Farook Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

Book Tour Schedule

Week One:

1/31/2022	Kait Plus Books	Excerpt/IG Post
1/31/2022	YABooksCentral	Excerpt
2/1/2022	Rajiv’s Reviews	Review/IG Post
2/1/2022	Pick A Good Book	Excerpt/IG Post
2/2/2022	Nerdophiles	Review
2/2/2022	@coffeesipsandreads	Review/IG Post
2/3/2022	The Momma Spot	Review/IG Post
2/3/2022	#BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog	Excerpt
2/4/2022	BookHounds YA	Review
2/4/2022	Log Cabin Library	Excerpt

Week Two:

2/7/2022	@lexijava	Review/IG Post
2/7/2022	The Bookwyrm’s Den	Review/IG Post
2/8/2022	The Reading Wordsmith	Review/IG Post
2/8/2022	Lifestyle of Me	Review
2/9/2022	OneMoreExclamation	Review/IG Post
2/9/2022	Two Points of Interest	Review
2/10/2022	Locks, Hooks and Books	Review
2/10/2022	Bibliophile On Loose	Review
2/11/2022	@enjoyingbooksagain	Review/IG Post
2/11/2022	The Book View	Excerpt/IG Post

March 6, 2022

The Button Box by Bridget Hodder

The Button Box by Bridget Hodder

Release: April 1st 2022
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Kar-Ben Publishing
Source: Publisher
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N

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If a magical button and a mysterious cat could transport you to the past…would you save the future?

After Jewish fifth-grader Ava and her Muslim best friend Nadeem are called hateful names at school, Ava’s Granny Buena rummages in her closet and pulls out a glittering crystal button box. It’s packed with buttons that generations of Ava’s Sephardic ancestors have cherished. With the help of Granny’s mysterious cat Sheba, Ava and Nadeem discover that a button from the button box will take them back in time. Suddenly, they are in ancient Morocco, where Nadeem’s ancestor, Prince Abdur Rahman, is running for his life. Can Ava and Nadeem help the prince escape to Spain and fulfill his destiny, creating a legendary Golden Age for Muslims, Jews and Christians?

About the Author:

Bridget Hodder, a self-described dreamer and do-gooder, began her career as an Aztec archaeologist, translating ancient documents telling the stories of people from long ago. Then she realized she had her own tales to tell. She has a History degree from Mount Holyoke College, as well as M.A.s in Archaeology and Anthropology from UCLA and Vanderbilt University, where she chairs the Research & Education Advisory Board for the Vanderbilt University Graduate School.

Fawzia Gilani was born and raised in England where she became a teacher. She is the author of many children’s books, including A Treasury of Eid Tales, and is currently working on an Islamic fairy tale series. Also she serves as an international educational consultant with a PhD in children’s literature and character development. She is a Global Representative for the International Positive Education Network and works for the Abu Dhabi Education Council. Besides, she spends her time in the United Arab Emirates, Ohio, and England with her daughter and husband. She looks forward to the day when world conflict is no more.

Harshad Marathe is an illustrator and storyteller. A graduate of the M.F.A. Illustration as Visual Essay Program at the School of Visual Arts in New York City, he has illustrated many books. He has backpacked all over the world on a shoestring budget, taking in many diverse experiences. He lives in India.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Website2

The Button Box Review:

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“The Button Box” is a delightful middle-grade novel that touches on fantasy, time travel, and historical aspects, and I learned a lot from it.

Firstly, I appreciate the author adding so many rich details about Jewish culture and the Arabic Languages. I had no idea about Sephardic Jew or the Kufic language until I read this book. It’s always a pleasure to learn while reading a compelling story, and I learned some words like Bismillah and Sabtah.

Secondly, I adored the characters, Ava and her cousin Nadeen go on a beautiful journey when they go through their Grandma Buena’s button box. Ava is adorable in the lead, and I enjoyed how she adapted to the situation. The author beautifully adds a touch of mystery with the humming button, and I loved the time travel aspect as Ava and Nadeem get transported into another era. The story takes full swing when Ava meets Ester and their friendship over their journey.

Thirdly, I enjoyed how the author depicted the historical landmarks and events in the story. It was fun to see Ava’s reaction when she first sees the Jewish Quarter, so she learns the significance of Saffron or how their prayers have not changed over the years. I also liked how the author immersed the mystery of Abdur Rahman as the prince in the story and provided a backdrop of him in real life. Moreover, we also learned about the Jewish culture in Spain, and I loved how the author brought everything together.

Overall, “The Button Box” is a beautiful, breezy, fun, and effective middle-grade novel that a reader of any age would enjoy and learn.

March 6, 2022
Solimar: The Sword of the Monarchs by Pam Muñoz Ryan

Solimar: The Sword of the Monarchs by Pam Muñoz Ryan

Release: February 15, 2022
Format: Hardcover, eBook, Audiobook
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Source: Rockstar Book Tours
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audible, B&N, iBooks, Kobo, TBD, Bookshop.org

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Middle grade fans of Pam Muñoz Ryan’s Esperanza Rising, will find a new Mexican heroine to love in Solimar and a fresh, magical story!

On the brink of her 15th Birthday, and her official coronation, Solimar visits the oyamel forest to sit among the monarch butterflies. There, the sun pierces through a sword shaped crevice in a boulder, which shines on her and sends the butterflies humming and swirling around her.

After the magical frenzy, she realizes she’s been given a gift and a burden. She can predict the near future. She has also become a protector of the young and weak butterflies. This alone would be a huge responsibility, but tragedy strikes when a neighboring king invades while her father and brother and many others are away. The remaining villagers are taken hostage all except Solimar.

Can this princess to be save her family, the kingdom, and the future of the monarch butterflies from a greedy and dangerous king?

Written for ages 8 to 12 by the Newbery Honor Medal winner of the highly acclaimed novel Echo.

About the Author:

Pam Muñoz Ryan is a New York Times best selling author and U.S. nominee for the international Hans Christian Andersen Award. She has written over forty books, including Riding Freedom, Paint the Wind, The Dreamer, and Echo, a Newbery Honor book and the recipient of the Kirkus Prize.

Other honors include the PEN USA Award, the América’s Award, the Boston Globe Horn Book Honor. She was born and raised in Bakersfield, California, but now lives near San Diego with her family. Many of her stories reflect her half-Mexican heritage.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

Solimar: The Sword of the Monarchs Review:

“Solimar: The Sword of the Monarchs” is a delightful middle-grade fantasy with a strong protagonist and magical storyline, and I could not put it down.

Firstly, let me commend how the author wrote the main character. I loved Solimar in the lead and thought she was a strong protagonist. Solimar goes through a lot in the story, from finding out her new powers of the rebozo to her adventures to save her family and friends. She tackles her experiences positively, and I enjoyed how the author depicted her. Moreover, I loved her interactions with the other characters, whether her darling Abuela, her friendship with María, her bond with Campeon, or her adventure with Bento. The author makes each side character stand out because of how well they bond with Solimar. Similarly, the author also adds interesting fantasy characters like Lázaro and Zarita, who are adorable.

Secondly, I loved the world-building of the story. I am not sure the author based the story on Mexican folklore, but the concept of magical monarchs, enchanted butterflies, and talking dolls blended beautifully. Many moments stood out for me, like when Solimar first meets Doña Flor, or the exciting moments when she goes with Bento through the caves and labyrinth of caverns. The author adds humor, mystery, charm, excitement, and good values to the tale that makes you feel like reading a classic middle-grade fantasy novel that would never get outdated.

On a side note, I hope the author writes a sequel relating to Campeón’s story, as he was a complex character with his dreams and aspirations. Also, I thought the cover of this book was gorgeous!

Overall, I loved everything about “Solimar: The Sword of the Monarchs.” It is one of my favorite middle-grade reads from this year.

Giveaway details:

3 winners will receive a finished copy of SOLIMAR: THE SWORD OF THE MONARCHS, US Only.

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I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Solimar: The Sword of the Monarchs by Pam Muñoz Ryan Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

Book Tour Schedule

Week One:
BookHounds YA -Excerpt-2-1-2022
#BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog-Excerpt-2-2-2022
Mythical Books-Excerpt-2-3-2022
Two Chicks on Books-Excerpt-2-4-2022
YABooksCentral-Excerpt-2-5-2022

Week Two:
@enjoyingbooksagain-Review/IG Post-2-6-2022
Nerdophiles -Review-2-7-2022
For the Love of KidLit-Excerpt-2-8-2022
Rajiv’s Reviews-Review/IG Post-2-9-2022
@emmreadsbooks-Review/IG Post-2-10-2022
The Reading Wordsmith-Review/IG Post-2-11-2022
TLC Book Nook -Review/IG Post-2-12-2022

Week Three:
Lifestyle of Me-Review-2-13-2022
Books a Plenty Book Reviews-Review-2-14-2022
Karen Dee’s Book Reviews -IG Spotlight-2-15-2022
A Court of Coffee and Books-Review/IG Post-2-16-2022
onemused-IG Spotlight-2-17-2022
Two Points of Interest-Review-2-18-2022
The Bookwyrm’s Den-Review-2-19-2022

Week Four:
@coffeesipsandreads-Review/IG Post-2-20-2022
More Books Please blog-Review/IG Post-2-21-2022
The Momma Spot-Review-2-22-2022
A Backwards Story -Review/IG Post-2-23-2022
Kait Plus Books-Review/IG Post-2-24-2022
@jypsylynn -Review/IG Post-2-25-2022
brittreadsalattebooks-Review/IG Post-2-26-2022

Week Five:
History from a Woman’s Perspective -Review-2-27-2022
@fictionologyst-Review/IG Post-2-28-2022

February 19, 2022
BFF: A Story About Bullycide by Lindsey G. P. Bell

BFF: A Story About Bullycide by Lindsey G. P. Bell

Release: July 23rd 2020
Format: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
Publisher: Lindsey G. P. Bell
Source: Rockstar Book Tours
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N, Kobo, TBD, Bookshop.org

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Thirteen-year-old Abby and her father have just moved from a leaky old sailboat in California to an inherited mansion in South Carolina, and Abby does not fit in. This is the story of the summer adventures she shares with new best friend, Hollis, and two boys from their class rescuing an injured heron.

But when school begins, Abby is shocked to learn that Hollis is a bullied outcast…who, pushed to the limit, takes her own life—a phenomenon known as bullycide. BFF attempts to portray that being targeted doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with you, suicide is NOT the answer, and if you’re struggling, tell as many people as necessary until you get help. You are interesting and worth it.

About the Author:

Lindsey G. P. Bell’s life has been as exciting and full of adventure as one of her books. Born to a father named Peter and a mother called Wendy, she was very nearly named Tinker Bell. It was the first of many bullets she would go on to dodge.

Ms. Bell attended Pepperdine University and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts.

While working in wildlife rescue, a friend introduced her to the now-late Grizzly Man, Timothy Treadwell. Tim and Ms. Bell began dating, and he invited her to join him camping with the wild brown bears, foxes, weasels, wolves and moose in the remote Alaskan wilderness. There, her love of seaplanes and all things natural shone. She was blessed to swim with wild bears, have mother bears (sows) nurse their cubs nearby (they purr!), and play something akin to Capture the Flag with red foxes. After spending portions of two summers in the wilderness with Tim, she embarked on three solo expeditions whereupon she’d spend her nights copiously journaling the day’s adventures. This led to penning her first children’s book.

Ms. Bell went on to earn her pilot’s license and sea-plane rating, and soon realized her true love lay in flying aerobatics (spins, loops, rolls…).

After dabbling in weathercasting, acting, and improv, Ms. Bell began poking the stand-up comedy bear. Though she enjoys writing the material more than performing it, she can still occasionally be found around Los Angeles at open mics.

In addition to BFF: A Story About Bullycide, she’s completed drafts of seven children’s books, a novella, and three non-fiction volumes detailing her Alaska expeditions.

Website | Facebook | Goodreads

BFF: A Story About Bullycide Review:

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“BFF: A Story About Bullycide” is a touching, middle-grade realistic fiction that touches on bullying and suicide, and it made me cry.

Let me start by saying I loved the story’s theme. As someone bullied in school, I could relate to Abby and Hollis. Abby and Hollis share a wonderful friendship, and I loved how they got to know each other. The author touches on many subjects, like autism and bullying, which I felt blended well. Stick is another memorable character, and I thought it was interesting how Abby initially reacted to her.

Moreover, I loved how the author depicted the natural beauty of where Abby moves in and the scenes where they try to capture a Heron. Even Abby’s relationship with her father was beautiful, and I liked how he added a touch of humor to the tale. The author wrote the dynamics and emotions with all the characters realistically that made you emotionally connect with them.

However, the only concern I had with the tale is how it ended. While I appreciate how realistically the author depicted the story, it would have been nice to see people like Lexie get their comeuppance. Also, at times, I felt that the story shifted tangent. In the beginning, the plot focuses more on Abby and her dad adjusting to the new house, with a possible mystery of the footprints, alligators, and the woman in the train car. However, the story shifts focus in the latter half to only Hollis and Abby.

Apart from that, “BFF: A Story About Bullycide” is a tale I feel teens should read because it would help them understand how bullying could harm someone and be more empathetic towards people.

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive a $10 Amazon GC, International

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I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the BFF: A Story About Bullycide by Lindsey G. P. Bell Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

Book Tour Schedule

Week One:
Rockstar Book Tours-Kickoff Post-1-31-2022
Two Chicks on Books-Excerpt-1-31-2022
YABooksCentral-Guest Post-2-1-2022
@meetcuteromancebooks-Excerpt/IG Post-2-1-2022
Mythical Books-Guest Post/IG Post-2-2-2022
Log Cabin Library-Excerpt -2-2-2022
BookHounds-Guest Post/IG Post-2-3-2022
The Momma Spot-Excerpt-2-3-2022
Rajiv’s Reviews-Review/IG Post-2-4-2022
@jaimerockstarbooktour-IG Post-2-4-2022

Week Two:
More Books Please blog-Review/IG Post-2-7-2022
Thoughts on Books-Review/IG Post-2-7-2022
@coffeesipsandreads-Review/IG Post-2-8-2022
#BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog-Review/IG Post-2-8-2022
Coffee and Wander Book Reviews-Review/IG Post-2-9-2022
Wottaread-Excerpt-2-9-2022
@enjoyingbooksagain-Review/IG Post-2-10-2022
Prison Wife Reviews-Review/IG Post-2-10-2022
Fire and Ice-Review-2-11-2022
Jaime’s Book World-Excerpt-2-11-2022

February 6, 2022
Black Panther The Young Prince: Spellbound by Ronald L. Smith

Black Panther The Young Prince: Spellbound
by Ronald L. Smith

Release: September 28th 2021
Format: Hardcover, eBook, Audiobook
Publisher: Marvel Press
Source: Rockstar Book Tours
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audible, B&N, iBooks, Kobo, TBD, Bookshop.org

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The second book in the hit Young Prince series from Ronald L. Smith, recipient of the 2016 Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Author Award.

In the sequel to the hit middle grade novel, The Young Prince, T’Challa is heading back to America to visit his friends Sheila and Zeke, who are staying with Sheila’s grandma in Alabama over their summer break. T’Challa is excited to see his friends, but his fun summer vacation quickly turns into a nightmare. The small town has fallen under the sway of a charismatic politician named Achebe who is there to retrieve a spell book full of dark magic. When strange events start to take place, T’Challa begins to think that it’s no coincidence that Achebe arrived in Beaumont at the same time he did.

Will T’Challa figure out his role in Achebe’s sinister plot and break the spell he has over the town?

About the Author:

Ronald L. Smith is an award-winning writer of children’s literature including the middle grade novels Black Panther: The Young Prince, The Mesmerist, The Owls Have Come To Take Us Away, and Gloomstown, a Junior Library Guild Selection. His first novel, Hoodoo, earned him the 2016 Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Author Award and the ILA Award for Intermediate Fiction from The International Literacy Association. Before he became a full-time writer, he worked in advertising and wrote TV commercials for big corporations. He is much happier writing books for young people.

Website |Twitter | Instagram | Tumblr | Goodreads

Black Panther The Young Prince: Spellbound Review:

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A room without books is like a body without a soul. This quote is one of my favorites by Cicero and surprisingly plays an integral part in this gripping story.

This book, in my opinion, is the perfect middle-grade adventure mystery that would capture the attention of the younger audience. I have not seen any movies or read any books with the Black Panther before, but that did not stop me from enjoying the story.

The author did a fantastic job portraying the emotions that T’Challa, Prince of Wakanda, goes through. He is not scared to do what is right and protect his friends along the way. I loved the author’s touch of humor as to the new things T’Challa experiences, like the arcade.

Similarly, I loved the bond he shared with Zeke and Sheila and thought they made a fabulous group in their adventure. I liked how they all worked together and researched about Bob. Even the supporting characters like Miss Rose and Mika were lovely additions.

Moreover, the author builds the adventure nicely around Bob the Acrobat and Achebe. As the story progresses, we realize how sinister the villains are. There are magic books, spells, hypnosis, strange dreams, and so much more. I felt my inner child grip the pages to find out what happened next. Some of the memorable moments in the story were when the statue of General Clifford Beaumont comes down or when T’Challa gets strange dreams. The story builds up to an exciting climax where T’Challa needs to make an important decision.

Overall, “Black Panther The Young Prince” is a beautiful book to read, even if you are unfamiliar with the famous Marvel character.

Giveaway Details:

3 winners will win a finished copy of BLACK PANTHER THE YOUNG PRINCE: SPELLBOUND, US Only.

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I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on thBlack Panther The Young Prince: Spellbound
by Ronald L. Smith Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

Book Tour Schedule

Week One:
YA Books Central-Excerpt-1-31-2022
Kait Plus Books-Excerpt-1-31-2022
BookHounds YA-Excerpt-2-1-2022
Books and Ladders-Excerpt-2-1-2022
karendeeandabc-Spotlight-2-3-2022
#BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog-Review-2-3-2022
Rajiv’s Reviews-Review-2-3-2022
More Books Please blog -Review-2-3-2022
Review Thick & Thin-Review-2-4-2022
Locks, Hooks and Books-Review-2-4-2022

Week Two:
Nay’s Pink Bookshelf-Review-2-7-2022
booksaremagictoo-Review-2-7-2022
The Momma Spot-Review-2-8-2022
Lifestyle of Me-Review-2-8-2022
Cocoa With Books-Review-2-9-2022
Midnightbooklover-Review-2-9-2022
@fictitious.fox-Review-2-10-2022
Sometimes Leelynn Reads-Review-2-10-2022
Two Points of Interest-Review-2-11-2022
laura’s bookish corner -Review-2-11-2022

February 3, 2022