adult, Book Reviews, civil rights, upper middle grade, young adult

Revisiting ‘The Color of Love’: A Jim Crow Memoir Review

INTRODUCTION It's not too often that I run a book review twice. And to be honest, my TBR shelf is long and so I rarely reread a book. But I was re-researching the Jim Crow period for a presentation at the North Carolina Social Studies conference and rememberedThe Color of Love by Gene Cheek. I… Continue reading Revisiting ‘The Color of Love’: A Jim Crow Memoir Review

Book Reviews, contemporary, guest blogger, mental health, upper middle grade

Emotional Growth and Self-Image in Louder Than Hunger Review

It's been awhile since today's guest student reviewer Brooke White has shared a review on my blog. That's because she has moved on to reviewing books for The Center for Children's Literature at the Bank Street College of Education. Yay Brooke! From time to time, I will republish her reviews here. INTRODUCTION The biographical fiction… Continue reading Emotional Growth and Self-Image in Louder Than Hunger Review

Book Reviews, middle grade, upper middle grade

Win a Copy of ‘Liberty Biscuit’! Book Review Inside

INTRODUCTION In a book-signing at Fred & June's after I received the North Carolina award for Young Adult Literature, I was startled when a woman came into the store, pointed at me and said, "I am looking for her!" That was a first for me. It turns out that the woman was Melanie Sue Bowles,… Continue reading Win a Copy of ‘Liberty Biscuit’! Book Review Inside

Book Reviews, fantasy, guest blogger, upper middle grade, young adult

Dust and Crown: Journey Bloomfield Gives this YA/Upper MG Novel a Thumbs-Up!

INTRODUCTION It's been a few months since we've heard from blogger and young writer, Journey Bloomfield. Here she is with her thoughts on Havelah Mclat's YA fantasy, Dust and Crown. REVIEW I used to read a lot of fairy stories when I was a child, and this was such a nostalgic read for me. The… Continue reading Dust and Crown: Journey Bloomfield Gives this YA/Upper MG Novel a Thumbs-Up!

Book Reviews, guest blogger, middle grade, upper middle grade, young adult

A Terrific Review of The Mysterious Virginia Hall by Guest Blogger, Isabelle Knight

INTRODUCTION Last week I featured a review of Isabelle Knight's new middle-grade fantasy, Enchantria: Guardian's Heir. Today, Isabelle returns as my guest blogger and ventures into new reading territory--nonfiction--and finds out she likes it! This review originally appeared on Isabelle's blog; she is kindly allowing me to republish it here. REVIEW This book review is… Continue reading A Terrific Review of The Mysterious Virginia Hall by Guest Blogger, Isabelle Knight

Author Interview, Book Reviews, fantasy, Giveaway, romance, upper middle grade, young adult

Heartsmith–A Dynamic Steampunk Fantasy, an Author Interview, and a Great Giveaway

I don't think I've every posted two reviews of the same book on my blog, but I'm making an exception this time. The first review of Heartsmith by Stephanie Cotta was by Kate Lundeen. Since then, I read it and wanted to share with all of you why I loved it. REVIEW I confess. I… Continue reading Heartsmith–A Dynamic Steampunk Fantasy, an Author Interview, and a Great Giveaway

cover reveal, historical ficiton, upper middle grade, young adult

YOU CAN SEE IT HERE FIRST!

Every author can't wait until they can reveal the cover of their forthcoming book. In the past, I have shared several of my friends covers: Linda Phillips' new cover for CRAZY, Stacey Bartlett's FREE SINGS THE SEA, and Vivian Elbee's I WANT MY BOOK BACK to name just three. NOW, IT'S MY TURN But first,… Continue reading YOU CAN SEE IT HERE FIRST!

Book Reviews, fantasy, Giveaway, Uncategorized, upper middle grade, young adult

HEARTSMITH: An Upper MG/YA Book Review by Kate Lundeen

Check out an older teen thriller from Monarch Books: Heartsmith by Stephanie Cotta. Be prepared to lose track of time with this mystery which is the first in a series. Review Aaren Lockett is a 16-year-old in search of a new start after life in an orphanage. He travels to the city of Rexanberg and plans to… Continue reading HEARTSMITH: An Upper MG/YA Book Review by Kate Lundeen

Book Reviews, contemporary, fantasy, guest blogger, romance, upper middle grade, young adult

BUTTERFLY INK: An UPPER MG/YA Book Review by Guest Blogger, Georgie Bartlett

Teen reviewer, Georgie Bartlett, gives a thumbs-up review to Lori Keating's, upper MG/YA novel, BUTTERFLY INK.