As far as I can tell, one of the best uses of social media is meeting someone who you connect with. That was the case with Cate Touryan, author of the award-winning debut novel, Turning Toward Eden. I met Cate on Author Media, Thomas Umstattd, Jr. social platform. It turned out that we were both… Continue reading Meet Cate Touryan: Insights from the Author of Turning Toward Eden
A rising junior and a rising fourth grader review Sandy Whiting's young middle-grade book, MEATBALL MAN HEAD DETECTIVE
REVIEW OF SHE'S STILL HERE by Caitlin AlexanderTwenty years ago, Ravendale Middle school caught fire and Jane Wright was lost forever. No one ever found out how the fire was started, leaving Jane’s ghost to wonder about the mystery of her death. Was it really an accident? Would she ever find the person who started… Continue reading SHE'S STILL HERE: A Book Review by Guest Blogger, Josie Murdock
In this blog post, I'm trying something new. Teen reviewer Mara Scudder and I both read Rebecca Wheeler's book, Whispering Through Water (Monarch Educational Services, 2023) and we each wanted to share our thoughts about it. Today you get a teen's and a senior's take on a book that is obviously for all ages!MARA'S REVIEWWhispering Through… Continue reading WHISPERING THROUGH WATER: Two Reviews of Rebecca Wheeler's Debut Young Adult Novel
REVIEWIn Daisy and the Missing Mona Lisa, by J.T. Allen, Daisy’s newest misadventure begins with an invitation from Felix, her aunt’s friend and a former spy, to visit his chateau in the Loire. During her stay, our heroine explores the historic town of Chinon in the daytime, dives into a Proust novel at night, encounters a… Continue reading Daisy and the Missing Mona Lisa: A Middle Grade Review by Guest Blogger, Lily Matarazzo and a Giveaway
REVIEWPerfect for any wannabe sleuth or basketball fan, No Clues, You Lose is an elementary school novel unlike any other. Josephine Jacobs, also known as Joey, is more than proud to be on her local wheelchair basketball team, the Rollin’ Hornets. After a rebranding, her team has ordered new uniforms to avoid risking disqualification from the upcoming tournament… Continue reading NO CLUES, YOU LOSE: A Review by Guest Blogger Elliott Kurta and a Giveaway
Today I'm bringing you another clean-read, young adult fantasy. The Button Girl, by Sally Apokedak is a well-plotted book with thorough world-building and memorable characters. Next week, Sally will answer questions I had about the book including how her Christian faith impacted the story and her publication journey.Like Ships, Secrets, & Survivors, each chapter is prefaced with a… Continue reading The Button Girl: A Review and Autographed Giveaway, Part I
Congratulations to Cathy Ogren who won Lulu and Rocky in Indianapolis from last week's blog.It is my honor to present Vijaya Bodach's new picture book, LITTLE THIEF! CHOTA CHOR! (Reycraft, 2020) Vijaya is an active member of SCBWI-Carolinas and a great supporter of all things literary. Last year I reviewed her YA book, BOUND. REVIEWTrue to "in media… Continue reading LITTLE THIEF! CHOTA CHOR! A Picture Book Review and Giveaway
Congratulations to Linda Townsend and Barbara Younger for winning copies of Run to the Light from last week's blog. Eileen Heyes, a North Carolina author and writing instructor, sent me these two companion books. Based on her father's stories about his life in the movies during the depression, these books will appeal to readers in… Continue reading Two O'Dwyer and Grady Books and One Giveaway
With the publication of TANGLED LINES (Seek, 2016), Bonnie Doerr completes her eco-mystery series that began with ISLAND STING (2010) and STAKEOUT (2012). All three middle grade books star "detectives" Kenzie Ryan and Angelo Sanchez figuring out an ecological crime that threatens their beloved Florida Keys. Since many of you tell me you appreciate it when I interweave book reviews… Continue reading Tangled Lines: A Review and an Autographed Giveaway!